A short time after Yoaru had left the princess to go meet Ty Lee.
Another flash of light in the sea arose and vanished in mere moments, and a couple of seconds later, the princess's sweat-drenched hair was ruffled by the force of the shockwave. Her training had already lasted over an hour, and the results were not particularly satisfying. Berkut silently watched her all this time, rarely demonstrating his perfect mastery of explosion bending. Deciding to take a short break, she caught her breath, leaning on the railing and gazing into the distance.
— Azula—the princess heard her friend's familiar voice.
— Mai? Were you also drawn by the sounds of the explosions?—the girl immediately guessed, turning to face her approaching childhood friend.
— Partially. I came to tell you that Yoaru has been spending time with Ty Lee for almost half an hour now. It concerns me. Who knows what he might do to our frivolous friend?—the girl calmly voiced her concern for her friend, standing next to her.
— I know, Lee has wanted to talk to him for a long time—Azula's answer made her friend raise an eyebrow in slight surprise.
— And how do you feel about this?
— And how should I feel about it?—Azula countered, beginning to suspect something was amiss between her childhood friend and the familiar spirit.
— Hmm. I hope you know who you're trusting, but forget I said anything. I just came to inform you. And one last thing, what was that thunderous sound? Lightning sounds different—the girl spoke in a calm, emotionless tone.
— It's a subtype of firebending that I'm learning—the princess explained, not taking her eyes off her friend. Her golden eyes pierced the girl, as if seeing right through her.
*Yoaru dislikes her. Interesting. And when did he manage to ruin his relationship with Mai?*—thoughts flashed through Azula's mind a moment after analyzing her friend's behavior. She knew Yoaru had gone to Ty Lee and even guessed why they had locked the door. It would be strange if someone discovered her friend talking to thin air.
— Clear. In that case, I won't bother you. I'll return to my cabin and occupy myself with boring reading or throwing daggers at the wall—Mai left the deck, and soon the princess returned to her training.
— Yoaru… Don't tell anyone about him—Azula told the mercenary, returning to her training. The man had clearly heard the girls' conversation but was in no hurry to ask questions.
His reputation preceded him by far. Berkut was known not only as the best mercenary in the Fire Nation, who always saw a job through to the end, but also as a man who knew how to keep secrets. Nodding briefly, he took the new information into account, without dwelling on trivialities like the absence of a person with that name on the princess's imperial ship.
A whole day still lay ahead, which Azula decided to dedicate to her self-improvement. Continuing to train until she was drenched in sweat, she honed the technique to the cherished ideal. Berkut did not react to her improved bending skills at all. Yoaru had initially studied the technique, and then she did. Soon, the princess was able to approach the spirit's results, learning to create an explosion at any point along the beam. But this did not stop her from further training. This was the only way to achieve perfection: by shedding rivers of sweat and blood in training, hammering the skills into her reflexes so that they could be replicated in any state and situation, without thinking about extraneous things.
Another hour later, when her muscles were simply burning with flame, trembling from the strain and further effort would do more harm than good, Azula decided to end the training, having finally pushed herself to the maximum. Berkut was sent to attend to his own business, while the girl decided to perform breathing exercises to restore her strength.
Evening was approaching, but night was still far off. The princess decided to engage in another type of training, for which she needed Yoaru. In her search for him, she first decided to visit the cabin of her friend from the circus. Moving along the ship's stairs and corridors, the girl quickly found herself in front of Ty Lee's closed cabin door.
No one was visible through the small porthole in the door, but the door could only be locked from the inside, so Azula was sure that someone was present in the cabin. But when she listened, she heard nothing. The habit, developed in childhood, provided no information. Raising her fist, the princess began to act.
Knock-knock-knock.
After knocking on the room, the princess immediately heard a light squeak of the bed and some rustling. Then there were sounds of quick steps, as if someone was frantically pacing the room in a panic. After that, everything quieted down, and only a quiet rustling with a slight creak reached the princess's keen hearing.
*I wonder what she was doing in there that's taking her so long to open the door*—a thought flashed through the princess's mind before she knocked again.
Knock-knock-knock.
— I'm coming, I'm coming, I'll open it now—a muffled reply was heard. Although the metal walls effectively deadened sounds, Azula was able to recognize her friend's agitated voice.
Soon the door opened, and her sweaty friend appeared in the doorway. Ty Lee was dressed in only a sleeping robe; her face was red, her hair was loose, and drops of sweat ran down her forehead. However, much more than the acrobat's appearance, the princess was interested in the smell of alcohol that struck her nose.
— Azula! What a pleasant surprise, hee-hee. Come in, don't stand in the doorway—the acrobat let the princess inside.
Azula quickly scanned her friend's room, wincing at the not-so-pleasant smell. Her everyday pink clothes lay on the shelf like crumpled rags, as if they had just been hastily thrown there. A pair of shoes lay on the floor, which the girl had forgotten to put away after putting on slippers. The bed sheets were heavily wrinkled, as if someone had been bouncing on them quite vigorously. And finally, the windows were wide open, letting fresh air into the room.
— Ty Lee, I'm waiting for an explanation!—Azula demanded sternly, addressing the girl who had sat on the bed and was trying her best to look like an innocent victim: blinking her eyes, looking away, and smiling foolishly.
— Hello to you too. Again. And explanations… what explanations?—Lee replied in a cheerful tone, trying not to look her interlocutor in the eye.
— I smell alcohol. Were you drinking on my ship?
— Well… yes, you see, I wanted to train in my cabin. You know, to train my flexibility. Don't get the wrong idea, I only did it for training, to warm up my muscles—the girl began to justify herself, actively gesturing with her hands.
— Your hands are wet.
— I was careless with the sake bottle and spilled it. It happens—Lee replied in an even more agitated tone, blushing and trying to wipe her wet palms on her clothes.
— You must remember that I know all the poses and possible muscle training routines? There is no such training that would require alcohol—sniffing, Azula added: — And quite expensive alcohol at that. I recognize the scent; the highest-ranking army officials drank sake like this at meetings. Where did you get it?
— Our circus has been to many places, I bought some once. And then I forgot about it; the bottle was lying among my things for a long time. Then with the move, I found it and decided to try a little. I only tried a tiny bit; more than half is left in the bottle. Should I show you?
— No, I believe you. However. The air smells of more than just alcohol. You were doing something for a long time before opening the door. You were likely undressed, your clothes suggest that. Lee, what were you doing in the room all by yourself?—Azula pressed her friend, not taking her eyes off her.
— Well…—the acrobat blushed even harder, looking away, — people don't usually talk about that in polite society.
— We are friends, and friends can share everything with each other. Does our friendship mean nothing to you?—the princess knew perfectly well how to press to get what she wanted. Just a little more, and Lee would give in.
— I… it's kind of embarrassing to talk about that—the girl continued to fidget, but Azula insisted, and after a few more phrases, Ty Lee conceded. Alcohol gives courage, dulling other foolish feelings like shyness and timidity.
— Can I whisper it in your ear?
— Of course.
Ty Lee leaned towards the princess's ear, beginning to whisper what she had been doing there. With every word, Azula's cheeks began to turn redder. When her friend recounted in full detail what she had been doing all alone, the princess's face was intensely focused. However, her still-red cheeks and ears spoke of great embarrassment. She had caught her closest friend in such an indecency as self-gratification.
Finishing her story, Ty Lee drew back, smiling as she watched the changes on Azula's face, as if observing the work of her own hands.
— Ahem, ahem—Zula recovered, clearing her throat. — I was looking for Yoaru, do you know where he is?
— No, he left about half an hour ago, said he was attending to his spiritual matters—Lee replied easily.
— I see. Then I'll go to my cabin; he usually spends time there—Azula replied thoughtfully, as if in a trance, getting up from the bed and heading for the exit.
— Come over if you need anything—the acrobat replied to the princess's retreating back.
The door to the room closed. The sounds of Azula's quiet footsteps faded away. After several minutes of silence, Ty Lee's quiet voice spoke: — She's gone. You can come out—with those words, the sought-after human ghost flew out of the girl's back.
— Do you think she understood everything?—the acrobat asked the appearing spirit, who was simply radiating joy.
— Yes. I think she understood. The question is how much she understood—Yoaru replied thoughtfully, pondering what had just happened.
— We did such things, I'm so embarrassed. Now no one will marry me! You have to take responsibility!—the circus performer spoke in a playful tone, taking a more seductive pose in front of her interlocutor: crossing one leg over the other.
— Lee, not now—one serious look from the spirit immediately calmed her.
— Fine. I think you should hurry and talk to her. She won't reach her cabin right away; you can be there before she arrives. If you use your ability to walk through walls—the girl voiced her thoughts, wanting to help her… friend? Or maybe a lover? The girl hadn't decided yet.
— Hmm…—Yoaru looked thoughtfully at his interlocutor, — I suppose I will.
— And Yoaru, let's repeat this sometime. I enjoyed our time together too—Lee said with a smile as a farewell.
— Absolutely, Lee. You are the best girl in the world—with those words, Yoaru flew through the ceiling, leaving the girl alone.
The smile on the acrobat's lips widened. Grabbing a pillow, she buried her face in it, falling onto the bed.
— E-e-e-e…—happily squeaking into the pillow and frantically kicking her legs against the soft mattress, Ty Lee barely contained the overwhelming happiness.
***
This was the best thing that had happened to me in all my time as a spirit, or perhaps in my entire life. The emotions received from Ty Lee would warm me for a long time. The girl was very flexible, very positive, a little shy and timid, but this only added a special charm to her. At the same time, Ty Lee behaved quite confidently; I think this was all a consequence of the slight intoxication. She was a virgin, and she continues to consider herself one. In fact, that was true: the girl did not lie down with a man, nor did she let him into herself in the conventional sense; the entire process took place exclusively with the help of the girl's own fingers. And the absence of the hymen is easily explained by gymnastics training. Azula is also without one, but I know that the princess herself is innocent. Ahem… if such a girl as Azula can be innocent in principle.
I wonder what the princess managed to figure out? It seems we are in for a difficult conversation. And I still haven't talked to her about her jealousy. Hmm, perhaps the girl is already starting to feel some special emotions towards me? With all this explosion bending and healing training, I completely forgot about the promised conversation. Better late than never? I think it's time to spoil my good mood. In any case, I don't regret what happened at all. To feel the taste of life like this… yes, how much I miss my own emotions, since others' are like a drug to me.
Ah? It seems Zula is approaching; I don't have long left to indulge in contemplation. I always recognize the sound of the princess's footsteps; they were getting closer. Soon the door opened, and we immediately met each other's gaze.
— Yoaru…
— Azula.
Meaningful silence. I understood everything from her gaze alone, not to mention her quietly hostile voice. She knew everything. It wouldn't work to deceive a girl like her, even if I knew her better than she knew herself. She stood silent, not knowing where to start, her feelings tearing her apart inside. We stood silent for a minute, then two. Well, I had to take control, otherwise she definitely wouldn't do anything.
— Let's skip the emotional outbursts and get straight to the point. What are you feeling?—I took the first step in our conversation.
— You were inside her—the princess replied dryly, her voice devoid of any emotion.
Yes, this is exactly how she talks when she doesn't know what to do or what emotions to feel. As I thought, the girl had processed all the facts on the way and got to the core of the matter. It wasn't difficult, considering Lee's nature and how quickly we found common ground, even from the first meeting.
— Does that anger you?
— Probably, yes. I'm angry.
— Is it jealousy?—I asked, already guessing what the matter was, but needing to be sure.
— Why would I be jealous? And of whom? You? Her? I don't understand… and that makes me even angrier—Azula replied in a tired voice, not demonstrating any emotions. In her understanding, they are still a weakness. Ozai's upbringing is not so easily erased from her.
— You thought a lot on your way to your cabin. Please, come here—I moved closer to the bare wall, beckoning the princess. — I want to check something.
However, Zula was in no hurry to comply with my request, piercing me with a puzzled, angry look. As if I were to blame for something. But I was not so simple either and easily withstood her pressure, feeling no guilt in anything.
— Come on, it won't take long, and it won't hurt you at all. On the contrary, it will help clarify the situation—I continued to persuade the girl, and showing reason and listening to my words, she slowly complied with my request.
— What next?—the princess inquired, standing next to the wall.
Without another word, I began to act. Making myself fully material, I smoothly touched the girl, causing her to first lean against the wall, and then to press against it completely. I was essentially pinning the girl to the wall; her hands reflexively rested on my chest in futile attempts to push me away. We were as close to each other as was physically possible. Our gazes connected, and neither wished to look away. She's not attacking, that's a good sign.
— What are you feeling?—I spoke calmly right into her lips, stoically enduring her frowning gaze in return. I was now stepping onto very thin ice, the very thin and very fragile ice of our relationship.
— Right now? I want to hit you.
— Maybe something else?
— Yes. There's something else. Strange feelings, longing, resentment, a desire for something more, and disappointment? I'm not sure what I'm feeling right now, or why I'm talking to you in such a humiliating position. I'm cold, move away.
— Well, then use your flame—I suggested with a sly smile.
— As you wish—the girl inhaled, and the next moment a small fountain of blue flame erupted from Azula's lips, passing harmlessly through me, only giving off a slight warmth.
— Feel better?—a faint smile crept onto my face.
— A little. And now, could you move away? You have surprising strength for a bodiless spirit—and to prove her point, she tried to move me again, but I had put too much effort into the materiality of my body. And I had plenty of strength in me. As it turned out, I was able to recharge almost as well from Ty Lee as I do from Azula.
— Alright. Now, I ask you to imagine that I have already realized my dream and become human. The question is, would you like to be my wife? My lover? My girlfriend? Someone who would undoubtedly be close to my heart?—I asked her in a serious tone.
— What?—she was surprised, losing control of her emotions for a moment, looking slightly bewildered. — I… I don't want to answer that question.
— If you don't want to, don't answer. I'm not rushing you. Just think about it. After all, jealousy doesn't arise out of nowhere. Analyze yourself, your feelings, and make a decision. That's all I want from you. Be honest with yourself—I told the girl, stepping back. Did I imagine it, or was she displeased by this action? She is so complicated.
— Don't worry, I'll think about it. And now I'd like to go and practice fire healing. I need your help.
What I definitely respect the princess for is her ability to control her emotions, separating the personal from the necessary. Soon I was inside her body again, and we began training. Azula always resorted to it, trying to distract herself from her emotions and the extraneous thoughts that kept popping into her head after everything that had happened that day. I even offered to help Ty Lee with her hangover, but the princess was not yet ready to meet with her friend. We had to rely on the maids. There was even a conversation between us about healing the mercenary, in order to gain his loyalty. However, I seriously doubted that with my skills I could help him regrow his arms and legs, and as for his voice, he manages perfectly well without it.
Evening was approaching, and this rather long day for me finally came to an end.