Alright, what's done is done, and the main thing is I enjoyed it all.
After last night, many villagers were still catching up on sleep. Only children or the occasional Kyoshi Warrior were running around the settlement. When they saw me, they started whispering among themselves, glancing at me with amusement. Well, at least someone's having fun. I flashed them a smile, which triggered another round of giggles.
I should apologize to Shizuka for my behavior and gauge her reaction to what happened. Though… if she were truly mad at me, she would've left me at her doorstep instead of putting me to bed and undressing me first.
After knocking on her door, I heard light, quick footsteps. The door opened to reveal a still-sleepy Suyuki, whom I just wanted to hug—she was so cute rubbing her eyes. She seemed to notice something on my face, taking a step back instinctively.
- *Sweet yawn* Good morning, Uncle Yuki, she said, piercing my heart with her words. How did I become an uncle so soon?! Wait, isn't it normal for kids to call anyone older than them "uncle" or "aunt"?
- Just call me Yuki. I'm not much older than you, I replied, trying to show her words didn't bother me—or that I didn't care.
- Uh-huh, she mumbled, clearly more concerned with shaking off sleep. Sit in the kitchen for now. I'll quickly wash up, she continued, letting me inside.
- No need for formalities, I insisted, following her into the kitchen as she muttered something in response.
Leaving me alone, Suyuki shuffled off like a zombie. The kitchen looked… cozy. On the wall were height markings, with children's drawings above them. One caught my eye: a family sketch. A small girl figure held hands with an older figure, while on the other side, there were traces of erasure. So, Suyuki thought about her father? Or wished he were there?
A few minutes later, a refreshed Suyuki returned. Learning I'd already eaten, she started brewing tea.
- Last night was fun. It's a shame we weren't allowed to stay with the adults until the end, she chirped, skillfully pouring fragrant green tea. – I couldn't sleep without Mom, so I sat on the porch waiting for her, she continued, her face clouding. – Sometimes, when she's on night patrol, I get scared something might happen to her. So, I've gotten used to falling asleep late, which Mom often scolds me for, she added with a mischievous smile. Shizuka's probably just symbolically chiding her.
- A growing body needs a healthy sleep schedule. Don't neglect it, I joked. – I hope you're not too upset about my chi blocking test results? I asked, watching her reaction. Maybe I shouldn't have brought it up again.
- Don't worry. I'll be strong even without bending! Kyoshi once said the most important thing is to be strong in spirit! Suyuki declared firmly. – Soon, I'll be strong enough, and Mom won't need to fight anymore, she added. Nice words, but no parent wants their child in danger…
- Strange. Mom didn't even mention I wasn't in bed last night, Suyuki mused. – She looked so happy. Did you do something fun without the kids? she asked suspiciously.
My mind flashed to intimate moments with Shizuka, rated eighteen plus. Clearly, that's why she was happy, but Suyuki's too young to know that.
- We… uh… told each other funny stories. Shizuka laughed the loudest, so maybe that's why she's so cheerful, I improvised, though Suyuki looked skeptical.
- What are you two talking about? Shizuka asked, arriving just in time. Your daughter's too distrusting. At her age, I would've believed it!
Oh, I'd rather keep chatting with Suyuki. For a whole hour, Shizuka ignored my attempts at a private conversation, acting like nothing had happened. I tried every nonverbal cue to get her attention. Just as I was about to give up, she sent Suyuki outside to play.
- Shizuka, nice weather today, huh? As soon as things got serious, my words deserted me. Well, small talk's a courtesy among colonizers, and I plan to colonize every beauty in this world. How could they manage without me? Focus, thoughts! Now's not the time for such twists!
- It's just per-fect, she sang. – Stop trying so hard. Honestly, I didn't mind your actions last night. It was my first conscious, intimate contact with another man, she confessed, blushing. Then, in a softer voice, she explained how Suyuki was conceived and that she wasn't herself at the time.
I thought it was my bending touch, but here we have an untouched mom. Does it bother me? Not at all.
- So, you're ready for a relationship? I promise to show you even more, I said, reeling her in.
- No—no?! Well, partially no, she stammered, seeing my expression. – Give me time to figure myself out. From what I understand, you won't stop at just one, right? And you won't push others away for someone's sake? she asked with a bittersweet smile. Seeing something in my face, she continued, – You don't have to answer. I already know, so please give me time, okay?
- …Okay, I said. It's a yellow light—not a go, but not a stop either.
- But I won't mind signs of affection. Let's pretend we're lovestruck teenagers: I'm still torn, and you'll pursue me! Shizuka said excitedly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
People are so multifaceted. The closer you get, the more you realize you've only seen the tip of the iceberg. Shizuka seemed like a straightforward warrior, but now she's showing me her desire to experience every stage of a relationship.
- Then get ready to call me "dear" soon, I smiled, agreeing to this romantic game.
We flirted for another hour, and it was refreshing. I learned so much more about her, and now her stunning body feels like a bonus to her personality.
*
Shizuka had duties she wouldn't shirk, so we parted briefly. Before leaving, she handed me the key to Kyoshi's Avatar Temple. She'd received it yesterday and was only asked to be careful. Otherwise, I could explore her things.
The temple stood in a picturesque spot, slightly removed from the village. The grass around it was evenly trimmed, and strategically placed stones complemented the scene. Two bonsai-like trees added to the sanctity.
As expected, the temple was spotless. Kyoshi's armor was on shelves, and her bust stood in the center. No scrolls or books were visible.
Scanning the place with my spirit senses, I was momentarily "blinded" by the radiance of her battle form. Her clothing was infused with energy from all four elements, and I sensed her residual spirit, though faint. Now it's clear how Aang summoned her spirit during the trial. Past Avatars can assist their successors for a while, even in the Spirit World. Roku spoke to Aang more than once. It'd be overwhelming if all past Avatars remained in the Spirit World. Thankfully, they fade over time. I doubt they all had Aang's kindness.
- Is that it? I asked the empty air, disappointed. – This can't be all.
Movies always show the protagonist tapping surfaces to find hidden compartments. The floor's fine. This wall's normal too. Tapping like a woodpecker, I checked every inch.
- Head! Who's the mastermind here? I cheered, hearing a difference in one area.
Carefully moving a wooden panel, I found a small recess with a notebook inside. My treasure!
Opening the yellowed pages with trembling hands, I devoured every word.
- Well, that was enlightening, I muttered, returning the book.
It was written by Rangi, Kyoshi's childhood friend and firebending teacher. Pink love is valid, especially for a reincarnated female character. A moment of silence for those who, even in a female body, love only women.
The book detailed Kyoshi's early life. Abandoned by her parents in Yokoya's port, she was left with a villager in a poor farming and fishing community. Her parents were part of the Flying Opera bandit group. They thought Yokoya would keep her safe, but she ended up on the streets, scavenging for survival at five. All she had were her mother's fans and a diary about the "daofei," as the bandits called themselves.
Back then, the Earth Kingdom was in chaos: poverty, famine, a weak king. Entire settlements turned to banditry, and the daofei developed their traditions.
Eventually, Air Nomad Kelsang and Earthbender Jianzhu arrived seeking the new Avatar, bringing past Avatars' toys. When told she could choose three, Kyoshi, distrusting their kindness, only took Kuruk's clay turtle, not finishing the test.
Kelsang, pitying her, took her as a servant for the falsely identified Avatar, Yun. There, she met Rangi, Yun's bodyguard and firebending master. Kyoshi struggled with earthbending, so she neglected training. Over time, Yun, Kyoshi, and Rangi bonded, forming the Avatar's team. Jianzhu gave her heavy armored kimono to make her imposing, compensating for her weak bending.
As her earthbending talent emerged, the masters questioned their choice, as Yun still hadn't mastered a second element.
Yun's death by Father Glowworm, summoned by Jianzhu to identify the true Avatar. Kyoshi's first Avatar State after Kelsang's death at Jianzhu's hands. Kyoshi and Rangi's flight to criminal provinces seeking the Flying Opera. Training in elements, thoughts of revenge against Jianzhu, confessing feelings for Rangi, becoming a couple. Resolving the Earth Kingdom's issues, revealing herself as the new Avatar.
Reading her adventures, I felt a bit inadequate. So many events, and that's just her youth. The book's only half-filled, leaving Kyoshi's life after defeating Chin a mystery. It's a masterpiece. Rangi should've written adventure books, not taught firebending! I'll leave the book; they wouldn't have hidden it otherwise. I'll tell Shizuka; it's her ancestor's legacy, after all.