Chapter 31: Coital Tension
The early morning sun bathed the Air Nomad Temple in golden light, casting long shadows across the courtyard where Yogan and Monk Nara began their training. It was the start of another day dedicated to honing his airbending abilities, yet today felt different. Yogan could sense an undercurrent of anticipation in the air, both for the training ahead and the burgeoning connection he felt with Nara.
Monk Nara, with her flowing robes catching the wind, looked every bit the wise mentor. Her presence was both calming and exhilarating, a dichotomy that Yogan found intoxicating. As she demonstrated a series of fluid movements, Yogan couldn't help but notice the grace with which she moved, her body effortlessly bending and swaying, mirroring the very essence of air itself.
"Yogan, focus!" Nara's voice broke through his reverie, sharp yet gentle, urging him back to the task at hand. "Today, we will work on your fundamentals—your stance, your breath, and your connection to the air around you."
Yogan nodded, shaking off the lingering thoughts of their late-night conversations beneath the stars, where they had openly discussed their thoughts on intimacy and their shared journey. He felt a blush creeping to his cheeks at the memory. The way she had looked at him that night, with a mix of warmth and understanding, had left a profound mark on his psyche. He had never expected to feel such a strong attraction to her—this woman who was not only his mentor but also a keeper of ancient knowledge, more than a decade his senior. The complexity of his feelings stirred a confusion within him.
"Let's start with your stance," Nara instructed, her tone firm yet encouraging. "You need to feel grounded yet flexible. Remember what I taught you about the importance of balance."
Yogan took his position, feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and arms relaxed at his sides. He inhaled deeply, feeling the air fill his lungs, and began to focus on the flow of energy around him. With every breath, he felt the warmth of the sun, the gentle caress of the wind, and the rhythmic pulse of the earth beneath him.
"Good," Nara said, watching him closely. "Now, imagine the air swirling around you, like a gentle breeze. Let it guide your movements."
As he began to shift his weight from one foot to the other, he imagined the air responding to his thoughts, a sensation that empowered him. He executed a series of movements, practicing the techniques she had drilled into him over the weeks. With every step, he felt himself becoming more attuned to the energy surrounding him.
Nara moved closer, adjusting his posture with a subtle touch of her hands on his shoulders. "Your center of gravity is too high," she said, her breath brushing against his ear. The warmth of her proximity sent a shiver down his spine, and he struggled to maintain his focus. "Lower your stance. Bend your knees slightly more."
He complied, her hands lingering a moment longer than necessary before she stepped back, her eyes appraising his efforts. There was an intensity in her gaze that made Yogan's heart race. The way she observed him—proud yet scrutinizing—made him acutely aware of the connection between them. It was more than just mentor and student; it felt electric, charged with unspoken desires.
"Now, let's incorporate your breath into the movements," she continued, her voice steady as she demonstrated a series of fluid motions, her body mimicking the very essence of air. "Feel the air enter and leave your body. Use it to guide your actions."
Yogan watched intently, captivated by the elegance of her form. He tried to replicate her movements, attempting to channel his focus through his breath. However, his mind wandered back to their earlier discussions about coitus, their playful banter that had hinted at something more. He recalled how she had laughed softly when he clumsily broached the subject, a sound that echoed in his mind even now.
"Yogan!" Nara's sharp call pulled him from his thoughts again. "Remember to keep your mind clear. The air is a reflection of your thoughts. If you're distracted, it will affect your bending."
He nodded, shaking his head as if to dislodge the weight of his conflicting feelings. "I'm sorry, Nara. I'll focus."
"Good," she said, her tone softening. "Let's try again. Breathe in deeply… and out. Flow with the rhythm of the air."
This time, Yogan focused, channeling all of his concentration into the movements, imagining the air swirling around him, becoming part of him. With each breath, he felt more connected to his surroundings, the invisible currents guiding him through the forms he had practiced tirelessly.
"Excellent," Nara praised, her expression brightening as she watched him flow seamlessly into a sequence of movements. "You're beginning to understand the importance of unity with the air. This is essential for mastering airbending."
A wave of pride surged through Yogan at her acknowledgment. The tension between them felt palpable, a shared acknowledgment of his growth. Yet, he also felt the weight of the emotions stirring within him, the unexpected attraction he had for his mentor. He found himself stealing glances at her, trying to reconcile the powerful connection they shared with the complexity of their relationship.
As they continued their training, Yogan felt a growing sense of confidence. Nara guided him through more intricate forms, her instructions flowing seamlessly from her lips as they moved together in the courtyard. The way she explained the movements, with such passion and dedication, made him feel as if they were part of something greater—a legacy of the Air Nomads that transcended time.
"Let's try something new," Nara suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We'll work on the air scooter technique today. It requires a strong sense of balance and control."
Yogan felt a thrill of anticipation. The air scooter was a technique he had long admired, the way it allowed airbenders to glide effortlessly over the ground. He had seen the older students practicing it, their laughter ringing through the air as they soared.
Nara demonstrated the technique first, her body seemingly floating above the ground as she gracefully maneuvered on the swirling currents. "Feel the air beneath you," she instructed, her voice guiding him. "Use it to lift you. Trust in your abilities."
Yogan watched intently, studying the way she harnessed the air around her. The ease with which she glided left him in awe. It was as if she were dancing with the wind, and he felt an overwhelming desire to join her, to share that moment. The thought sent a rush of heat through his cheeks, and he quickly looked away, focusing on the task at hand.
"Now it's your turn," Nara said, a hint of encouragement in her tone. "You can do this, Yogan."
He stepped forward, determined to prove himself. Taking a deep breath, he summoned the air around him, channeling it into the soles of his feet. With a gentle push, he tried to lift himself off the ground.
At first, he faltered, his feet barely rising an inch before he stumbled back down, frustration creeping in. But Nara's steady gaze held him firm. "Breathe. Let the air carry you."
Taking her advice to heart, he steadied his breath, grounding himself in the moment. He visualized the air swirling beneath him, a cushion waiting to embrace him. With renewed determination, he focused once more, feeling the currents beneath his feet.
This time, when he pushed off, he felt a surge of energy propel him upward. He lifted off the ground, a gasp escaping his lips as he hovered for a brief moment. He had done it! But before he could revel in the triumph, he lost his balance and tumbled, landing softly on the ground.
"Very close," Nara said, rushing to his side, her hands gently helping him back to his feet. "You felt it, didn't you? The air supporting you?"
Yogan nodded, excitement bubbling within him. "I did! It was amazing!"
"Good. Now let's refine it." She stepped back, her expression earnest. "Try again. Focus on the connection."
With her encouragement fueling him, Yogan attempted the air scooter once more, this time channeling everything he had learned. He felt the air swirl around him, lifting him higher as he concentrated on his balance. He managed to stay aloft a little longer, gliding in a circle before he landed softly on the ground, heart racing with exhilaration.
"Wonderful!" Nara exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "You're truly improving, Yogan."
He beamed at her praise, the thrill of accomplishment intertwining with the warmth of her smile. Yet, amidst the celebration, he felt a familiar tension rising within him. The way she looked at him, so proud and encouraging, only intensified the attraction he had been grappling with.
"Do you think… do you think I could earn my tattoo soon?" he asked, his voice wavering slightly as he tried to keep the conversation light despite the heavy undercurrents.
Nara's expression shifted momentarily, her gaze searching his. "If you continue to show this level of dedication and progress, I believe you will be ready for your airbender tattoo soon. You've earned it through hard work, Yogan."
A sense of elation surged through him at her words. The tattoo symbolized more than just mastery of airbending; it was a rite of passage, a mark of his identity as an airbender. He felt the weight of her approval, a deep-seated desire to live up to her expectations.
"Thank you, Nara," he said, his heart swelling with gratitude. "
[A/N: Read 10-15 chapters ahead on available patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels]