With reverence toward the Spirits, Zuko carefully climbed onto the back of the Nike.
He sat stiffly, looking as if any unnecessary movement might offend the deity beneath him.
"Remember to act carefully," Iroh reminded Kahn before parting.
"Especially now that you are being watched. You absolutely cannot reveal any flaws."
"I understand."
Kahn nodded seriously, then added, "Uncle Iroh, take care of yourself too."
"Mhm."
Iroh patted his shoulder—between men, many words weren't necessary.
Kahn gave the Nike a nod. With a startled gasp from Zuko, the Nike spread Its wings and soared upward, soon disappearing into the clouds.
Only when they were out of sight did Iroh lower his gaze, place his straw hat back on, and head off.
He would be very busy in the days to come.
The first flight mesmerized Zuko.
He leaned left and right, staring at the clouds drifting beneath them, the expanse of blue overhead, the sunlight glowing warmly, and the scattered patches of land visible through cracks in the cloud sea.
But, eventually, even the sky became monotonous, and boredom crept in.
Suddenly, Zuko remembered something.
"Uh… Kahn? Are you… still there?"
"I am. What's wrong?"
"I want to ask about someone. More accurately—ask about how someone is doing."
Zuko scratched his cheek, embarrassed. "Uh… how is Mai now?"
"…?"
Even though Zuko couldn't see him, he could feel Kahn's deadpan stare.
He even seemed to hear a faint, disdainful "Tsk."
But since the question was out, Zuko no longer felt shy.
Missing his girlfriend—what was wrong with that?
Seeing his face, Kahn muttered, "Well, at least his skin has gotten thicker."
"…She's doing fine," Kahn finally responded.
"She's gone with us on several missions. Azula also invited her for this plan. And although she never says it outright… it's obvious she's been waiting for you."
As he said that last part, even Kahn felt a toothache from how sweet it sounded.
Predictably, Zuko's expression melted into something disgustingly soft.
"Really?"
He exhaled lightly, drifting into a rosy little daydream.
"I feel so sorry for her… making her wait so long. I wonder how she looks now…"
WDNMD.
You two are sandwiching me—
A noble single dog—
Right in the middle.
Is that really necessary?!
You're even openly flaunting your affection in front of me?!
Kahn turned away, casting Zuko a contemptuous side-eye with his noble single eye—then quickly looked elsewhere, unwilling to reveal the sting of envy underneath.
Being single was great and all… but after two lifetimes, he did want to experience the treacherous battlefield known as love.
Young people needed hardship—he agreed with that.
He wanted to experience love's "hardships."
Shame that in his previous life, romance fell like rain and he dodged every drop.
And in this life, every girl who confessed was at an age where three years in prison was the minimum sentence.
Couldn't provoke.
Absolutely couldn't provoke.
"Oh, right, Kahn—"
"Shut up. I don't want to hear you talk right now."
"?"
Zuko shut his mouth politely. He didn't know why Kahn's mood suddenly tanked, but he had adapted to this kind of volatility.
Azula used to have mood swings all the time; Kahn's were practically mild in comparison.
Thinking back, Zuko realized the question he originally wanted to ask wasn't very appropriate anyway.
Best to wait.
In Its physical form, the Nike' speed was much slower.
Without constant cloud cover, they sometimes had to travel on foot. Compared to Kahn's spirit-flight, it was many times more time-consuming.
Since his physical body needed food, Kahn returned to the Imperial Capital first.
The Nike and Zuko were not directionally challenged, and as long as they avoided detection, there was little to worry about.
When Kahn's physical body opened its eyes, Azula—who had been waiting nearby—immediately asked:
"How is it?"
"Still on the way. Traveling in daylight is troublesome. Night will be easier. They should arrive before dawn."
Kahn then lifted the pineapple sitting on top of his head.
"…And what is this supposed to mean?"
"Doesn't it look funny?" Azula smirked.
Before he could retort, she stood, stretched, and waved.
"Come on. I'll treat you to a meal."
"…I want barbecue. The most expensive kind!"
Kahn declared fiercely—as if declaring he had not bent to her whims.
Azula simply waved dismissively.
"Yes, yes. Let's go."
Rich.
Fortunately, with Azula beside him, those monitoring Kahn kept their distance. They didn't dare to get too close, which preserved Kahn's rare good mood.
After eating until full, Kahn and Azula planned the operation.
Since Kahn was under surveillance, he couldn't move personally.
So the responsibility of welcoming Zuko fell to Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee.
Members of the White Lotus would also provide support.
Whenever Kahn traveled to the Eastern Air Temple, he always flew out from the same secluded spot outside the Imperial City. The Nike knew it well.
So Kahn arranged for them to rendezvous there.
He would use Heavenly Eye Vision to observe their arrival, then notify Azula and the others via Sound Transmission. He would also provide visual cover.
The White Lotus would assist within the city.
Zuko would stay in one of their hidden strongholds.
Even though Ozai likely never imagined Zuko would return to the Capital under such circumstances, they refused to relax.
A single mistake could ruin everything.
Strategically despise the enemy.
Tactically respect them.
Only then could they win.
Late into the night, a figure appeared in Kahn's Heavenly Eye Vision.
He instantly straightened.
"Zuko has arrived. Begin the operation."
His voice echoed simultaneously into the minds of the three girls waiting in the shadows.
The instant they received the command, they moved—
and among them, Mai was the fastest.
...
Author's Note:
The full completed version of Avatar: Rebirth of the Strongest Firebender — Part 1 (ATLA) is now available on Patreon!
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Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
Warning: This chapter contains EXTREMELY explicit adult content.
In this merged Avatar world with zero inhibitions, all your favorite benders drown in raw, filthy, non-stop lust — gangbangs, elemental bending sex, incest, breeding, and extreme kinks.
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