Van. Somewhere in the outlying seas of Mo Se, between the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation.
The merchant's ship had already sailed away, carrying the bodies of the fallen and some of Elder Jiang's chi blockers. We were left with a captured frigate—a smaller vessel, but superior in speed and maneuverability. In my past life, I never understood much about ships, but the section on the Fire Nation I'd read provided detailed knowledge. If I remember correctly, our acquaintance's ship was a cruiser.
Over the years of the industrial revolution, driven by the need for more powerful ships, many different types and sizes emerged. The largest are considered battleships, twice the size of cruisers, capable of carrying up to a thousand soldiers. Typically, high-ranking officials from the military or administration travel on them: admirals, generals, the royal family, and some officials.
Next are cruisers, the main combat unit of the Fire Nation's fleet. Their large crew and powerful armament make even a single ship a formidable force at sea. Usually, they carry three to five trebuchets and a ballista. At the stern is a massive tower housing the captain's bridge.
Frigates are used for special operations, employed by the Southern Raiders. Their low draft allows them to approach the shore unobstructed, launching lightning-fast attacks on coastal settlements—as we saw with the Southern Water Tribe.
Boats are small steam-powered vessels, mandatory on every cruiser and battleship, and can be operated by a single person.
Wooden boats are built on captured territories in the Earth Kingdom. Due to the lack of metallurgical facilities, they're clad in wood instead of steel plates.
Transport ferries are used to carry people and cargo. There are also numerous barge ships, which have no armament.
"So, what's the issue?" I returned to our previous conversation as soon as I boarded the ship.
"Sometimes I regret my family is so large," he said wearily. "One of my nephews lives on Island Forty-Five—some small islands here don't have names, just numbers. He says that during the full moon, some villagers started disappearing. It began about six months ago."
"I told him to inform the village elder, who'd then send a request to the capital. Honestly, it's not the job of a patriarch from a respected and ancient lineage to run around with such minor matters. A month ago, on the full moon, some officials arrived, looked around, and left without finding anything. Now, I think I'll investigate myself. Maybe the spirits are 'playing around,'" he finished thoughtfully.
Full moon, missing people—I think I know who's behind this.
"Let me handle this," I requested. "Something similar happened in a village in the Earth Kingdom. If I'm not mistaken, the kidnapped villagers are still alive. Hopefully, she hasn't shown her face. Maybe we can transport her to the Northern Water Tribe without issues."
Despite the years and virtual lives I've lived, I still have a soft spot for the Water Tribe people. It's where I took my first steps and where my new parents in this world appeared—parents I accepted wholeheartedly. I hope that over time, I'll learn to accept other nations too. Adolescent idealism is behind me, and the Fire Nation people aren't enemies by definition. Every nation has its scoundrels…
"Go ahead, then. Call for help if needed. I'll rest a bit—age is catching up," he said, though in battle, he was as lively as ever. "It's a blue moon tonight, so be careful," he warned me.
Oh, so there are two full moons this month. Our arrival at the island went unnoticed—the villagers had already retreated into their homes, and it was late. The village was in the island's center, nestled among low mountains and surrounded by ancient trees.
"Eerie," I commented on the empty village, where curious eyes peeked at me from behind windows.
"The two-story building on the village outskirts," I said aloud, "is where Hama should live. It's like an inn, whose owner 'mysteriously' disappeared."
"Maybe I can convince her to sail to the North Pole. Why not? Dreaming is allowed…"
The house came into view. Gathering my thoughts, I knocked on the door.
"Coming, coming," a voice called from inside, accompanied by creaking floorboards.
The door opened to reveal a gray-haired grandmother, looking slightly surprised.
"Why aren't you home, dear? It's dangerous here during the full moon. Some spirit roams around, stealing people," she asked with concern.
"Good evening, grandmother," I bowed respectfully. "I'm not from around here. I arrived by ship," I gestured toward the dock. "Sleeping on the waves is unbearable, and I heard there's an inn here. Can I stay the night?"
"Ho-ho-ho, of course! Come in, come in," she welcomed me, or pretended to. "Few people come here. There used to be a mine, but the ore ran out thirty years ago. That's when people started moving away," she began sharing stories as we slowly walked through the house.
"I just prepared dinner. Wash your hands, and let's eat," she offered as we entered the kitchen. "The washroom is straight down the hall and to the left."
A wave of nostalgia hit me, reminding me of my grandmother, who always said before meals, "Go wash your hands, twice! And use the household soap!" I usually heard the last part as I ran to the bathroom.
This time, there were no local delicacies, and I could comfortably enjoy a bowl of fish soup with seaweed.
"Mmm, delicious!" I exclaimed after finishing the generous portion.
"Have some more," she refilled my bowl. "There's a whole pot left. Eat up."
You're spoiling me, old lady, or is this a cunning plan? Fatten me up, then drag my weakly resisting body to those caves. Alright, enough jokes. I need to understand what's behind her mask and if it's safe to bring her to others…
"I'm still not used to Fire Nation dishes," I shook my head, sipping herbal tea.
"Where are you from?" Hama asked, slightly intrigued.
"From the Fire Nation colonies in the Earth Kingdom," I shared willingly. "Now, it's hard to tell who's from the Fire Nation and who's native. These territories are becoming the new centers of the world. Earthbenders and Firebenders working together have achieved far more than separately."
"So, they don't mistreat civilians at all?" she steered me toward the topic.
"It happens, of course. But these are isolated incidents, seriously condemned by local society. After all, generations have lived off the same land. Mostly, it's newcomers from the islands who still think anyone not from the Fire Nation is an enemy."
"Interesting," she said. "What else can you tell me? I've only been in small villages like this. I've never seen the world…" she finished with a faint note of sadness.
I continued with colorful descriptions of the mainland's nature, its people, and their traditions—anything that came to mind. I even shared a secret: once, I spoke with someone from the Water Tribe.
"I've always wanted to hear about the Water Tribes," she said more insistently. "Tell me what you know about them."
"The Southern Water Tribe is no more," I said calmly, closely watching her reaction. Hama's pupils dilated, and her hands clenched tightly under the table. She held herself together well, and it was clear that revenge was her driving force.
"What happened to them?" she asked softly after a few seconds, taking a sip of water.
"History is silent," I shrugged. "But—" I pretended to look around, then leaned closer, "I have some information, but I hope it doesn't leave this table."
"No one will know. I can keep secrets," she declared solemnly.
"Good," I continued in my usual tone. "I have an acquaintance who's in a high position—" I tilted my head back, pointing to the ceiling, "He says all the Southern Raiders were killed," I ran my finger across my neck, seeing a malicious joy in Hama's eyes. "Not a single one left! But strangely, many personal belongings were missing from the locals' homes. It's as if they left on their own," I finished mysteriously.
"I won't name the person from the Water Tribe, but they told me the Northern Water Tribe took in their southern brothers and sisters."
"Good," Hama said with satisfaction, seemingly forgetting who she was talking to.
"I agree! I hate it when innocent people are harmed!" I said with righteous anger, almost standing up. "What do you think? Should innocent people suffer?"
Oops, I think I pushed too hard. Hama suddenly raised her hand, sending icy shards at me. I dove through the open window like a fish, not wanting to leave the inn's true owner in a ruined house—if they're still alive.
"How did you find me?! I won't return to prison! The Fire Nation will pay for everything!" she roared like a wounded beast, attacking me with various waterbending techniques, most unlike anything I'd seen in the North. Her style was distinct—was this the famous Southern style? She's the only one in the world who masters it…
"I come in peace! Just release the captives, and I'll help you return home!" The conversation was going off the rails. Where did I miscalculate?
"I know Kanna! Remember her? She came to you from the North Pole!" I played my trump card.
"You even dug into my past?! What else do you know about me?!" she was getting annoying…
Dodging her attacks, I decided to wait until she tired herself out. By then, her emotions would calm, and we could talk again. For the last five minutes, Hama furiously destroyed a picturesque meadow, inadvertently flattening beautiful flowers. The full moon had just begun casting its pale light over the earth.
"You'll spend the rest of your life in a dungeon!" Hama shouted with madness in her eyes. "Why?! Why won't you obey me?!" She couldn't control me, no matter how hard she tried.
Maybe it's not a good idea to bring her to normal people… But since I've started, I'll see it through.
"Can't you manipulate my blood?" I stepped closer to Hama, who froze at the question. "It only happens in three cases," I explained. "First, when a spirit resists. Second, when the opponent has far more life energy, which interacts closely with blood. Third, with other waterbenders."
"Where from?" she asked, lost, falling to her knees. "Where did you learn all this?"
'I was born in the Northern Water Tribe. It's hard to believe now, but I think we'll have time to talk about it. Tell me, what do you want?" I asked, looking into her eyes. "Do you want to keep tormenting innocent people? Or will you return home, where your friend still remembers you, where your children and great-grandchildren are, where your friends from the Southern Water Tribe would want you by their side…"
"Prove it! Prove to me you're from the Water Tribe!" she gripped my arm tightly.
What a headache. Good thing Yuki's finished his important tasks, so I can call him here. The next second, Yuki appeared beside me. Hama stared at him greedily, her eyes darting from detail to detail.
"It's good to be out in the air," I stretched. "Yuki, I'll wear out my pants sitting behind documents."
"Hello, I'm Yuki, Chief of the Northern Water Tribe," he introduced himself. "Hmm, what should I show you?" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I've got it!"
In the next moment, Yuki pointed at a nearby tree, which quickly withered. In my hand appeared a water sphere. Then, using bloodbending, I lifted Hama.
"So? What's your decision?" I asked her.
"I want to go home," she whispered.
"You two figure it out. I'll go free the captives," I said, mostly to Hama, and began walking toward the mountain. From here, I could sense the signatures of the people.
We're lucky she's not as hardened here…
The small adventure ended on a positive note. I brought the living but slightly emaciated people back to the settlement. Some captives had seen Hama's face. We managed to blame it all on a mischievous spirit that likes to take the form of an old woman and kidnap people.
Meanwhile, Yuki waited for the new resident of the North Pole while she gathered her few belongings.
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