Maintaining the Balance

Since he had expected her to be more aggressive, Kahn was pleasantly surprised when Ethuza seemed to focus on her studies. She would greet him if their paths crossed, but, for the most part, she let him go about his business as usual.
After the Princess's arrival, the only real change to Kahn's life was Jinora being in a perpetually bad mood. She was usually a sterling student who paid close attention and rarely slacked in her training. Ever since Ethuza's arrival, she had been pouty, mopey, and generally unfocused.
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Though it should have been one of the foundational pillars of all Bending Arts, Airbenders had always regarded meditation and spiritual reflection as the most crucial aspects of their training. Because of this, Air Temple Island had numerous meditation pavilions, the most prominent of which was located atop a cliff overlooking Yue Bay and the adjoining Mo Ce Sea.
Since Kahn had forbidden them from starting their physical training before they were eight years old, Jinora and Ikki would spend an average of five hours a day meditating and focusing on the wind. It was a form of training intended to promote discipline, patience, and, most importantly, a general awareness of the flow of Chi in the environment.
Seeing Jinora slouching slightly while her three-year-old sister maintained a straight back, Kahn broke the two-and-a-half-hour silence by asking, "If you're unable to clear them from your mind, voice your thoughts aloud. Air is the element of freedom and expression. Compartmentalizing, especially negative emotions, is no different from poisoning oneself."
Hearing Kahn's words, Jinora's shoulders slumped even farther before she opened her eyes and asked, "Do I have to?"
Shaking his head, Kahn answered, "Even if you shout them to the open sea with no one else is around, it's enough. However, it's a lot healthier to share your grievances with people you trust. Bottling things up and only sharing once you've been backed into a corner or broken down will leave you feeling regretful and foolish."
Nodding her head in affirmation, Jinora lowered her eyes to the ground in front of Kahn as she tentatively explained, "I...I'm upset with my parents. I don't like that they allowed the Princess to come and stay on the island."
"Hmm..."
Resisting the urge to say, "Obviously," Kahn paused for a moment before asking, "Do the teachings of the Air Nomads shun people because of their political affiliation, status, or origin?"
Confused by Kahn's question, Jinora stared at him with her mouth agape before ultimately shaking her head and answering, "No..."
"Then you're not upset because they allowed her to come and stay on the island. You're upset because of something more...personal..."
Though he knew why Jinora was upset, Kahn knew it was important she voiced it herself. If he said it, it would sound like an accusation, and, as a result, she would deny it and feel attacked. He didn't want to compromise the trust they had built over the past few years, so Kahn could only coax the answer out of her.
Furrowing her brows, Jinora felt a mixture of guilt, shame, and uncertainty wash over her like a cold wind. She was the most aware of the reason she was upset, but she just couldn't say it. She wanted to, but the words kept getting stuck in her throat.
"You're focusing too much on your emotions. Close your eyes, relax your body, and breathe. Focus on the air entering your lungs, coursing through your body, and filling you with life. It's not as though I'm expecting you to answer right this instant. You've already made extraordinary progress in your training. Even if you need a few days, weeks, or even months, I have no intention of pressing the issue if you're unwilling to talk about it."
Demonstrating his point, Kahn straightened his back before linking his hands together and focusing on his breathing. He had already done what he could by broaching the subject and forcing it to the surface. From this moment onward, it was up to Jinora whether or not she wanted to follow his advice or keep brooding over the path of another.
Seeing Kahn resume his meditation, Jinora felt even guiltier than before. She also felt a little hurt, but understanding Kahn wasn't at fault for how she chose to feel, she did her best not to shift the blame to him. Instead, she cast a glance toward her sister, who, despite the conversation from before, at least pretended to be in a deep state of meditation.
Exhaling a sigh, Jinora brought her hands together and tried to focus on her breathing. Her mind was even more chaotic than before, but she felt obligated to at least try and enter a meditative state. Kahn had invested a lot of time and energy into her training, and she didn't want to disappoint him...
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Though Kahn had never even hinted at being interested in a relationship, Jinora wasn't the only girl suffering as a result of lovesickness.
Far to the South of Republic City, Korra could be seen flexing in front of a mirror with a vexed, clearly anxious look on her face.
"I look horrendous..."
Deflating like a balloon, Korra took a seat on a nearby bench in order to hang her head and sulk. She used to love her muscles, but ever since she had started her period a few months prior, she had been feeling gloomy and depressed as her body rapidly developed feminine characteristics.
Korra knew she was a girl, obviously, but the notion of being beautiful had never even crossed her mind until relatively recently. Now that she had a better understanding of the relations between men and women, a lot had changed in a very short period, both physically and mentally.
Though she was initially enthusiastic about her breasts developing from buds into proper mammaries, Korra couldn't shake the feeling they didn't suit her. Before she started puberty, she had worked hard to develop her abs, thighs, back, and shoulder muscles. Now that her waist had slimmed and certain parts of her body had begun to balloon, Korra felt like she was becoming a hideous monster. She had attempted to combat it by starving herself, but her mother, Katara, and pretty much everyone else prevented her from doing so.
"At this rate, I doubt Kahn will even want to look at me..."
Reaching up to caress the pale, icy-blue jade pendant dangling from her choker, something her parents had flipped out over, Korra felt a sudden and intense urge to just tear it away. She ultimately chose not to, but that did little to counteract feelings of pain, shame, and guilt that threatened to consume her whenever she recalled the circumstances of its creation.
Back when Korra had forced Kahn to carve the pendant for her, she hadn't fully understood its significance. She just wanted something to remember him by, so she had him carve a necklace for her after observing how her mother would often caress her own while gazing to the North.
Shortly after Kahn's departure, Korra learned the true significance of the necklace when her mother caught her trying it on. The incident ended up causing quite a stir, so much so that her father had immediately traveled from the North Pole just to discuss the matter directly.
At first, Korra thought she had done something wrong by making Kahn carve the necklace for her. She tried to take all of the blame, and, for a time, she seriously considered just throwing it into the ocean. It was the assurance of Katara and Toph that Kahn understood the significance of the necklace that compelled her to keep and eventually wear it.
Before his departure, Korra had never even considered that she might 'like like' Kahn. He was her best friend and someone she had learned to rely on due to his vast, seemingly endless knowledge. She liked him, sure, but the notion they could be something 'more' than friends had never registered for her back then.
With Katara and Toph reassuring her that Kahn understood what she had practically forced him into, Korra gradually became more conscious of the boy that had accompanied her during her childhood. She started viewing the time they spent together in a different light and, over time, gradually became embarrassed by her past self's actions.
In Korra's memory, Kahn was inhumanly patient and tolerant. There were occasions when he came across as a jerk, but more often than not, it was because of something she had said or done. Even then, Kahn would never hold grudges. Her past self had done things like creating pitfalls under his futon, drawing on his face during meditation, and even breaking down the walls of his room, but Kahn never got truly upset with her. He just endured everything her younger self threw at him and even offered advice on how to better conceal her traps.
Recalling the time when Kahn had attempted to teach her calligraphy so she could better draw on his face, a soft chuckle emanated from Korra's throat. She was still feeling a little frustrated about the recent changes in her body, but reminiscing about the times she spent with Kahn had, once again, made her feel better...
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While Kahn was accompanying Jinora and Ikki in the meditation pavilion, Ethuza kept a close eye on him through an expensive telescope she had purchased before moving to Air Temple Island. Its intended application was stargazing, but Ethuza had repurposed it into a spying tool to keep tabs on the boy she liked.
"Oh, Kahn...even when you're just sitting and doing nothing, you are the light that illuminates the darkness in my heart. If only I could be there at your side and feel your warmth against my skin..."
Imagining such a scene within her mind, a shudder ran through Ethuza's body that compelled her to adjust her position atop the branch she was perched. Lying prone against a tree branch for several hours was harder than she had anticipated, but it was nothing compared to the discomfort she felt not being able to see and spend time with Kahn.
Fortunately for Ethuza, the life of an Air Acolyte was remarkably leisurely. Kahn also lived an abnormally structured lifestyle, so much so that it was possible to surmise when and where he was located so long as you had a basic grasp of his schedule. The only time he deviated from his routine in the slightest was when someone interrupted or asked him for help.
Thanks to the excessive amount of free time she was provided, Ethuza was able to get a basic grasp of Kahn's entire schedule. She knew where he would be and what he would be doing at specific times throughout the day. Was this stalkery? Yes. However, for the sake of winning Kahn's love, Ethuza believed information and understanding would be key. Since Kahn was clearly uncomfortable with sharing directly, Ethuza had no choice but to observe and gather information discreetly.
"Hmm? What's this...?"
Adjusting the zoom and focus on her telescope, Ethuza was able to see a faint red blush developing across Kahn's eyelids. This further emphasized his exotic appeal, but before Ethuza could admire him fully, Kahn abruptly opened his eyes and gazed in her general direction.
"Eh...?"
While Air Temple Island wasn't the largest island in the world, it was still more than a kilometer across. Ethuza was currently on the opposite end of the island, so even if he were to look directly at her, Kahn shouldn't be able to see her. At least, that's what Ethuza was telling herself as Kahn narrowed his eyes in her direction...

Though he couldn't make out her features, Kahn could tell it was Ethuza observing him. Every person, especially Benders, had a unique signature to them. As the only female Firebender on the island, Ethuza's aura was impossible to mistake for another's.
("I can see why Jinora's so concerned...")
Shaking his head, Kahn alerted the Airbending siblings by rising to his feet and saying, "Lunchtime. Let's go."
Bouncing to her feet, Ikki exclaimed, "I want peanut butter and pickles~!" in an excited tone while Jinora, still struggling with her inner demons, just forced a smile as she propelled herself to her feet using Airbending.
Ruffling Ikki's hair, Kahn emulated a smile of his own as he said, "Contrary to what you might think, liking two things does not mean they mix well. I'll whip something up if you want, but you'll probably get a tummy ache and have to go to the bathroom a lot..."
Understanding that Kahn was telling her she would probably get diarrhea, Ikki shivered before saying, "Nevermind." Then, with the obvious intention of being carried, she raised her arms high and smiled.
Exhaling a sigh, Kahn commented, "Aren't you getting a little old for this?" before dutifully picking up the pampered four-year-old and supporting her with his left arm. He had been carrying her around ever since she was six days old, so it had become something of a habit to carry her if they were going to walk long distances.
Giggling in gratification, Ikki hugged Kahn's neck before playfully poking her tongue out at her older sister. Jinora's brow twitched in response, but, understanding that Ikki was just teasing her, she did her best not to let it bother her. Instead, she generated swirling air currents around her feet and legs, slowly ascending into the sky as she said, "I'll go on ahead and help mom get things ready."
Without waiting for a response, Jinora kicked her legs and zoomed away from the meditation pavilion like an unfettered Sparrow Hawk. She really enjoyed flying as it made her feel relaxed and free. It didn't matter if she was traveling three hundred meters or three kilometers. If she were given a choice to fly or walk, Jinora would fly everywhere.
Seeing her sister flit off towards their home, Ikki puffed out her cheeks, muttering, "Show off..." in a grumpy tone. Kahn found this rather amusing, the softest of chuckles emanating from his throat before he assured her, "So long as you continue to work hard, you'll be able to fly within the next couple of months. Walking on your own two feet would help quite a bit. As free and liberating as it appears, flight takes a fair amount of strength and stamina to maintain over great distances. You need to improve your core and leg muscles if you want to be able to fly as freely as Jinora."
As this wasn't the first time she heard Kahn say such a thing, Ikki pursed her lips before tightening her hold around his neck. She knew it was only a matter of time before she no longer had the option of being carried, so, as much as Ikki wanted to fly, she wasn't in a hurry to separate from her beloved 'big brother'.
Shaking his head, Kahn held Ikki in a Monkey Lemur hold before leaping into the air and generating vibrant, bluish-white flames from the soles of his feet. He couldn't use Flash Step while carrying another person, but he also didn't feel like walking down the snaking path leading down the cliff. Thus, as was often the case, he leaped down the cliff while doing his best not to mind Ikki screaming gleefully next to his extra-sensitive ears...
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After coming to terms with the fact Kahn had probably seen, or, at the very least, sensed her, Ethuza decided to wait along the path connecting the main house to the Men's Dormitory. There was a possibility that Kahn would fly over her, but Ethuza was pretty confident he would at least drop down to say hello if he noticed her waiting.
Fortunately for Ethuza, that was exactly how things progressed. Kahn was flying back to his room when he spotted her looking up at him from below. He could tell she was waiting for him, so he touched down a safe distance from her before walking over and saying, "Good afternoon, Princess."
With a wry smile developing across her face, Ethuza said, "Unless I return to the Fire Nation, I'm no longer a Princess. Please, just call me Ethuza."
Nodding his head, Kahn replied, "Okay, Ethuza." before asking, "Is there something you needed from me?"
Though there was still a chance Kahn hadn't noticed her, Ethuza decided to be forward, stating, "I've been watching you these past couple of days. I know it wasn't the right thing to do, but I couldn't think of any other way to learn more about you. I'm sorry if-"
Before Ethuza could finish her planned apology, Kahn shook his head and interrupted her, saying, "How you choose to spend your free time is up to you. You haven't directly interfered with my life or the girls' training, so I have nothing else to say on the matter. The only thing I'm curious about is your reason. Why are you so...enthusiastic in your pursuit of me? There is so much more to life than romance. Why spend so much time and effort on something that is ultimately just a compromise between two people?"
Not expecting Kahn to ask such questions, Ethuza found herself at a brief loss for words. When she did answer, she adopted a serious expression as she said, "Love, hate, and the will to survive are the most powerful human emotions. People may be able to achieve extraordinary things by devoting themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and self-mastery. However, when everything is said and done, it won't bring them happiness, only a vague sense of fulfillment. Fulfillment is an emotion that wanes with time. Love is an emotion whose memory alone can inspire people for the rest of their lives, even if they fell out of it."
Shocked by Ethuza's answer, Kahn absentmindedly remarked, "It would appear your time in the library wasn't without merit. You are wiser than I anticipated..."
Though she knew Kahn was trying to compliment her, Ethuza couldn't help turning her eyes up at him, a playful pout on her face as she teased, "And you're significantly less 'smooth' than anticipated. Aren't handsome guys supposed to be unruly beasts with silvery tongues? You're about as tame as a Cocogoat."
"..."
Not sure how to respond to Ethuza's playful barb, Kahn remained silent. Ethuza paid particular attention to this, numerous thoughts crossing her mind as she slowly pieced together the 'puzzle' that was Aldr Kahn.
("He's a lot more awkward than I expected...it's kind of cute...")
Thinking she might be able to benefit from Kahn's awkwardness, Ethuza hesitated for a moment before stepping toward him and spontaneously wrapping her arms around his firm yet surprisingly supple frame. Ethuza had half-expected hugging him to be like trying to hug a statue. Instead, Kahn had a fair amount of give, so much so that Ethuza felt like she could pull him into herself if she really wanted to...
Matching Ethuza's expectations, Kahn didn't attempt to break free from her hold. Instead, his brows furrowed as he asked, "What are you doing?" in an audibly annoyed yet equally inquisitive tone.
Releasing Kahn from her grasp, Ethuza revealed a somewhat sad smile as she answered, "Just confirming one of my suspicions. You don't really 'get' human emotions, do you...?"
"..."
Unsurprised by Kahn's silence, Ethuza reached up to give him a pat on the shoulder as she softly asserted, "Hey, it's not like you're the exception. If people understood each other, there would be a lot fewer problems in the world. At least you're trying."
Though she was tempted to bury her face into Kahn's chest or return the favor by pulling his face into hers, Ethuza just pat his shoulder a few times before retracting her hand and walking away. She now had a much better understanding of Kahn's character, but she would need to find someplace to cool her head if she wanted to make use of it. In her current state, with her heart and mind racing faster than an Eel Hound, the odds of her doing something incredibly foolish were equally high.
As much as she liked Kahn, Ethuza didn't want to take advantage of his naivete. A moment of gratification might be life-changing, but she would much rather receive it over the course of her lifetime. With how intelligent Kahn was, he was bound to appreciate patience and control over passion and indulgence.
Seeing Ethuza walk away despite pheromones exuding from her body like a palpable aura, Kahn would be lying if he said he wasn't surprised. Given her stalkerish behavior, he half-expected her to try and take advantage of the situation by convincing him to accumulate 'experience' together.
"She may be a little outlandish, but she's still a pretty remarkable person. If Korra wasn't arriving in a few months, I might have considered saying yes...")
Though he didn't care much for looks, Kahn could tell whether someone was conventionally attractive or not. The Princess was far from the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on, but she wasn't lacking in appeal. If anything, her relatively normal appearance, especially in traditional attire, gave her an approachable, easily attainable vibe. She wasn't, but that was the impression she gave without makeup and royal garments...
After watching Ethuza for the better part of a minute, Kahn turned away and decided to walk the rest of the way to the men's dormitory. Ethuza's words had given him a lot to think about, so that's what he decided to do. Walking was considerably less intensive than flying around or using Flash Step. The scenery of Air Temple Island was also serene and beautiful, a stark contrast to the city visible just across the bay...
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After wrapping up her training for the day, Korra, once again, found herself standing half-naked and flexing in front of a mirror. She knew a single day's training wouldn't affect her physique much, but she couldn't help feeling as though her body was considerably more swollen in the afternoon than it had been in the morning.
Releasing the tension in her back and arms, Korra's exhaled a sigh before hanging her head and muttering, "I can't keep doing this..."
Plopping onto the ground, Korra began a series of stretching exercises intended to loosen up her joints and increase her flexibility. At this point, there was very little she could do about her 'ginormous' muscles, so she decided to at least ensure she didn't become a single lump. Fortunately, Air and Water Elemental Chi all but guaranteed flexibility, so, despite her 'massive' thighs, 'gigantic' butt, and 'bulging' back muscles, Korra could easily touch the back of her head with the soles of her feet. If she really pushed herself, she could almost take a seat.
"Five more months...five more months, and I'll finally be able to see your stupid face again..."
Motivated by her words, Korra linked her legs around her head before shifting her weight onto her palms and holding herself up. Then, similar to how Kahn would meditate on the tips of his fingers, Korra closed her eyes and focused on the circulation of her Chi. Soon after that, the faint, nearly indistinguishable trembling of her arms faded away. A few seconds later, even her breathing appeared to cease as a pale blue glow appeared from beneath her eyelids. At the same time, the vaguest outline of a luminous tattoo began to appear on her back...

"He declined our invitation."
Though he had been present when the messenger delivered the report, Izumi couldn't help reiterating it the moment she and her father, former Fire Lord Zuko, were alone.
As much as he wanted to allay his daughter's concerns, Zuko shook his head in response to her words, saying, "There is little we can do about it. Kahn is a very free-spirited young man. Trying to force his hand will have the opposite effect."
Exhaling a sigh, Izumi closed her eyes as she calmly replied, "I am well aware of that. The problem here is my daughter, Ehuza. Kahn is the first kindred spirit she has ever met. His exotic appearance, slim and muscular body, and boundless knowledge are an irresistible appeal for her. In her mind, Kahn may as well be her soulmate..."
Though she would have been worried if her daughter had chosen virtually anyone else, Izumi had approved of Kahn even before she met the young man. The knowledge the Order of the White Lotus had gleaned by simply observing his training with Korra was slowly revolutionizing how Bending was taught. He was also the literal Avatar of Fire, so people were bound to associate Kahn with the Fire Nation. To that end, they were practically forced to befriend or forge ties with him.
"I understand your concerns, Izumi. However, this isn't a matter where we have any say. The only people that can decide whether or not Ethuza and Kahn are in a relationship are the two of them. If Kahn refuses, Ethuza has little choice but to accept his decision."
"Little does not me no choice..."
Raising his brows, Zuko was about to ask what his daughter meant when Izumi readily explained, "Ethuza has requested permission to stay on Air Temple Island. She says she wants to research Air Nomad culture at the source..."
"..."
Since Ethuza had always been a very passive girl, Zuko couldn't help feeling a little surprised by his daughter's revelation. Similar to Tenzin, he reached up to caress his pointy white beard, an amused smile on his face as he mused, "It would appear our little Ethuza has chosen to fight for her future..."
Nodding her head in affirmation, a rare smile developed across Izumi's face as she affectionately muttered, "So it would appear."
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*tok* *tok* *tok*
After idling about in his room for much of the afternoon, Kahn was getting ready for his pre-dinner bath when a soft knock caught his attention.
"Again...?"
Since it was pretty rare for people to come and knock on his door, Kahn couldn't help feeling a little annoyed. At least he wasn't bare-chested this time around.
Pulling open the door, Kahn expected to find a junior Air Acolyte there to deliver a message. Instead, he found a petite and inordinately busty girl with a rounded face, large, olive-green eyes, and dark-brown hair bound into a ponytail.
Though she was surprised by the door opening so suddenly, an excited smile bloomed across the girl's face as she practically exclaimed, "Good evening, Kahn~!"
"..."
Resisting the urge to slam the door shut, Kahn emulated a forced smile as he replied, "Good evening to you as well, Princess Ethuza..."
Smiling even more radiantly, Ethuza's voice took on a sing-song quality as she said, "You remembered. It may not have been a rational thought, but I was afraid you might have forgotten me."
Shaking his head, Kahn managed to make Ethuza even happier by stating, "Impossible..." in his usual, flat tone.
Though his memory was far from perfect, Kahn could never forget the girl that had spontaneously proposed to him minutes after their first meeting. Even if he had, he would have surely been reminded by one of the dozens of letters she had sent since then, averaging between 2-3 a week.
Seeing Ethuza wearing the traditional brown, red, and golden attire of an Air Acolyte, Kahn didn't have to ask in order to grasp the situation. Ethuza, or, more accurately, her mother, had convinced Tenzin to allow her to stay on the island. Either that or she had genuinely become an Air Acolyte.
"What brings you to my room? While women aren't exactly prohibited from entering the Men's Dormitory, it is generally considered improper."
Adopting a half-lidded smile, Ethuza took a half-step towards Kahn, eyes turned up and hands linked behind her back as she playfully asked, "Oh? What's the worst that could happen~?"
"..."
Inhaling a deep, steadying breath, Kahn surprised Ethuza by grabbing her shoulders. Her heart began racing like a Jackelope, but before she could close her eyes and pucker her lips, Kahn shattered her delusions, stating, "I don't view you as a romantic interest. We hardly even know each other, so behaving like this is just going to make me even less inclined to speak with you."
Opening her mouth and eyes wide, Ethuza wanted to say something but found herself wholly unable to speak. She thought she had prepared for Kahn's rejection, but the indescribable pain in her chest made it apparent she wasn't.
Inhaling sharply to combat the sour feeling building in her nose, Ethuza forced a smile as she said, "I know. That's actually one of the reasons I came here. I know you don't like me...I just wanted you to know I'm not going to give up that easily. I believe there is real chemistry between us. You may not see it right now, but I'm certain I can prove it if you just gave me a chance..."
Since Kahn had only responded to three of her 49 letters, Ethuza would have to be a fool to believe he liked her. If she hadn't been a Princess, he might not have responded to even a single one. Thus, in an effort to show just how serious she was, she essentially begged her mother to allow her to become a noviciate, a trainee Air Acolyte/Nun.
Exhaling a subdued sigh, Kahn's expression softened as he explained, "I acknowledge your conviction, but I currently have no interest in romance. Even if I did, you aren't the first girl to choose me as a potential partner. I don't want to see you, or anyone else for that matter, fighting over me. For now, I just want to focus on my duties and responsibilities as the Avatar of Fire and Absolution. Fourteen is just too young to make decisions such as this..."
Contrary to Kahn's expectations, Ethuza seemed to be genuinely relieved by his words. Most of the tension drained from her body as she adopted a far more sincere smile and said, "That's a relief. I was afraid you found me ugly or annoying. If the only problem is that you're not ready to commit to a romantic relationship, I still have a chance."
Pumping her fists, Ethuza didn't wait for Kahn's response before breaking away from his hold and fleeing towards the exit. Tears were building in the corners of her eyes, but they did nothing to undermine the determination contained within.
After watching Ethuza's figure disappear around the corner, a genuinely exasperated expression marred Kahn's face as he shut his door, leaned against the wall, and allowed himself to slide down. Dealing with girls that had irrationally fallen in love with him was among the most tiring activities Kahn could imagine.
"If things are going to continue like this, maybe I should consider making my appearance less appealing..."
Though he understood the principles of physical attraction, Kahn hadn't anticipated that his appearance would cause as much trouble as it had. He had even caught Pema, a woman eighteen years his senior, stealing glances at him when he was helping out around the house. He knew she would never act on them, but just knowing the motherly woman viewed him in such a manner made Kahn feel a mixture of guilt, exasperation, and concern.
"I wonder if Rokr had to deal with this? I should try asking the next time I visit the Spirit World..."
Thinking of his fellow Templates, Kahn's mind briefly wandered to Akua. They had never met, but he had seen a picture of her on one of the fliers used to promote her concerts. She had a bit of a boyish look, but she was easily one of the most beautiful women Kahn had ever seen. She was also one of the most famous people in the world. If he was suffering this much while trying to stay low-key, Kahn imagined Akua's interpersonal relations were a literal nightmare...
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While Kahn was worrying about his burgeoning love life, Akua was lying face down on her bed, totally naked except for a white towel covering her bottom.
Sitting atop said towel, straddling Akua in little more than silken pajamas, was a girl around the same age as her. Her black hair, sharp features, and pale-green eyes had appeared in the dreams of countless men and young boys. Unfortunately for her would-be suitors, she currently only had eyes for the young woman she was massaging.
"Every time I see your body, I can't help feeling a little envious...I'll never understand how you're able to compact such powerful muscles into such a slender and beautiful frame..."
Running her fingers down the line of Akua's back, the raven-haired girl's thumbs briefly stopped near the 'dimples' of her best friend's lower back. She would have gone further, but Akua chimed in to say, "Ah, ah, hands above the waist, you damn spaghetti brat."
Clicking her tongue, the raven-haired girl continued massaging Akua in silence for a few moments before asking, "I heard the Fire Nation tried to book you to perform at Fire Lord Izumi's coronation. Are you sure it was such a good idea to turn them down? Your mother may be from the Nor-"
Interrupting before the girl could finish, Akua gave off a sullen impression as she said, "Asami...you know I don't like getting involved with anything political. If my father believes he can use me to curry favor with the Fire Nation, he can shove a Satomobile up his ass."
Though she didn't mind performing to maintain her public image, Akua rarely accepted invitations to perform at official events. She hated how the people of 'high society' created most of the issues they incessantly complained about. Thus, as someone who had immersed herself in the darkness of Republic City at a young age, Akua refused to contribute to the illusion of stability perpetuated by the political and business elite.
Exhaling a sigh, Asami kneaded the remarkably firm muscles of Akua's shoulders as she organized her thoughts. Their respective mothers had asked her to try and convince Akua to participate in the coronation, not for her father, but herself. Akua was one of the most influential people in Republic City despite being a mere fifteen years old. She might not care about politics, but her millions of fans did...
Hearing Asami sigh, Akua's face formed into a rather grumpy expression before she, too, exhaled a sigh. Then, catching Asami by surprise, Akua bucked her hips before rolling over faster than the raven-haired beauty could recover. By the time she did, Akua had firmly grabbed the latter's butt, firmly kneading it with her fingers as she asked, "What's this really about?"
Though a faint glow spread through her cheeks, Asami did her best to appear calm as she swallowed the knot in her throat and answered, "I'm worried about you. We'll both be turning sixteen pretty soon. If you're not going to be serious about your performing, I'm worried the public will turn against you..."
Rolling her eyes, Akua moved her hands from Asami's bottom to her waist as she said, "You worry too much, kitten. I keep telling you that things will sort themselves out in the next couple of years. Don't you trust me?"
Pulling Akua's hands from her waist, Asami entwined their fingers as she answered, "You know I do...it's just, no amount of trust can make me stop worrying about you..."
Adopting a mischievous grin, Akua pulled her hands over her head in a way that caused Asami to fall towards her as she said, "Then I guess I'll need to use other methods..."

Chapter 19: Chapter 19