Chapter 41: Calm Before the Storm
Morning sunlight filtered softly through the thin paper windows, casting a gentle glow over Yogan's chamber. He stirred, blinking against the light as his mind slowly awakened to the events of the previous night. Memories flooded back—the fierce battle, the chilling realization that Kezin was no true friend, and the weight of Yoan's injury. And then, there was Kuno's final look, a twisted reminder of betrayal.
Beside him, Kaiya lay with her head resting on his chest, her breathing steady, her expression peaceful in sleep. He found himself studying her face, taking in each detail, feeling a deep and fierce protectiveness. I'd do anything to keep her safe, he thought. She was part of his world, a grounding presence in the chaos that seemed to be growing around him. In that moment, he remembered his last conversation with Monk Nara, who had reminded him never to slack off in his training, to keep pushing forward no matter what.
Yogan knew it was time to rise. Carefully, he eased Kaiya's head from his chest, slipping out from under her without waking her. She shifted slightly but remained asleep, and he watched her for a moment longer before slipping on his robes. Stepping out the door, he pulled his sleeves over his wrists as he made his way through the hall, the morning light and quiet filling the temple with a sense of calm that felt almost surreal.
He found himself in the kitchen, where the scents of freshly steamed buns and roasted grains lingered. Yogan filled a plate with simple fare—a bowl of porridge, a few rice cakes, and some pickled vegetables. He took a seat in the corner, savoring the warmth of the food. The familiar, modest flavors settled him, a reminder of the life of discipline he'd chosen. He was halfway through the meal when a realization struck him with sudden, unexpected force: I slept with Kaiya.
His eyes widened, a surge of pride and excitement flooding him as the reality settled in. His mind buzzed with thoughts, his face breaking into a grin as he looked around to ensure no one else was there to witness his glee. I did it—I actually did it. A laugh nearly escaped him as he thought of telling Yoan, his best friend, about it—how he had "conquered" in a way his younger, more mischievous self had only dreamed of.
But just as quickly, his mind snapped back to the present. Yoan. His friend was still recovering with the great healer, and the weight of the previous night's events sobered him. A look of determination crossed Yogan's face as he cleared his plate. It was time to refocus—he would honor the bond he shared with Yoan and strengthen himself in preparation for what lay ahead.
After a few minutes, Yogan stepped into the training courtyard. He noticed several disciples like himself gathered in neat rows, each one focused as they followed a young master's instruction on bending techniques. The master, a skilled airbender named Zhao Tian, guided their movements with a calm but commanding presence.
Scanning the group, Yogan recognized Leina among the students, practicing her stances and forms. He realized these were all Renji's students, which struck him as odd. He approached Master Zhao, a respectful nod signaling his intention to speak.
"Is Master Renji not leading today's training?" Yogan asked, keeping his tone neutral.
Zhao Tian glanced at him, his expression composed. "Master Renji is… occupied. Great Elder Kaijo has sent him to the Stone Chamber for reflection, so his duties fall to me for now."
At this, Leina's eyes flicked toward Yogan, and she quickly approached, her expression a mix of confusion and frustration. "Where were you, Yogan, when Master Renji was being unfairly punished? He cares more for us than anyone else, and they're punishing him for it."
Yogan met her gaze calmly. "Renji's punishment was a result of his own actions. He knew the risks. I warned him that there would be consequences."
The gathered students exchanged murmurs, some looking surprised, others uncertain. Someone muttered, "Even his own brother won't help him…"
Yogan sighed, raising his voice slightly to address the students. "Renji may be older than you, but he's still a disciple like us. He may have earned his tattoos, but caring for his students doesn't justify disregarding the wisdom of our elders. Actions have consequences."
Leina frowned, her tone challenging. "And was he wrong for teaching us ways to defend ourselves? Is that really so terrible?"
Before Yogan could respond, Monk Tenzon entered the courtyard, flanked by several other masters who had earned their tattoos. Tenzon, one of the elder monks, carried a quiet authority that instantly commanded respect, and the murmurs of the students fell silent. He regarded Leina with a calm, understanding expression.
"Renji was not wrong in his desire to teach you to protect yourselves," Tenzon explained, his voice measured. "But the methods he chose to achieve that goal were misguided. The Air Nomads' pursuit of spiritual enlightenment is itself a form of change, a journey to understand ourselves and our place in the world. Change is not the problem—it is how we pursue it that matters."
Tenzon turned to Zhao Tian, giving him a slight nod. "We'll need your assistance in the town, Master Zhao. Lady Kiva and her earthbenders are expected soon, and we'll need someone to manage the preparations."
Zhao Tian inclined his head and addressed the students, dismissing them for the day's training. As the group dispersed, Yogan made his way to the center of the courtyard. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the morning's events settle within him, and assumed a meditative stance.
Slowly, he began moving through a series of motions Monk Nara had taught him—fluid, deliberate gestures designed to align his senses with the air currents around him. His movements flowed like water, his arms tracing wide arcs and gentle spirals, each motion connecting him more deeply with the wind. He could feel the subtle shifts in the air, the gentle resistance and pull as he bent it to his will, a practice as much about sensitivity as it was about strength. His body moved as if in a dance, attuned to the invisible currents, his mind clearing with each measured breath.
From a distance, Kezin watched him, his expression unreadable as he observed Yogan's practice. His gaze was focused, calculating, like a predator sizing up prey. He was so intent on his observation that he didn't turn when Kaiya approached, her footsteps soft but deliberate. She stopped beside him, following his gaze toward Yogan.
Without looking at her, Kezin spoke in a low voice. "Did you sleep with him?"
Kaiya didn't hesitate. "He was growing suspicious. I had to give him my virginity to keep my cover."
Kezin's gaze finally shifted, narrowing as he considered her response. "Was it really for the cover," he asked, his tone sharp, "or have you developed feelings for him?"
She bristled slightly, her chin lifting in defiance. "Are you questioning my loyalty?"
Kezin's stare remained cold, piercing. "I'm asking if you're loyal."
Kaiya met his gaze squarely. "I've been loyal to you for as long as I can remember, Kezin. You don't need to question my actions or my methods. I know how to handle Yogan." Her tone was firm, the edge of frustration clear. "Focus on Renji's situation. Leave Yogan to me."
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Kezin's mouth, though his eyes remained devoid of warmth. "I hope you're right. What happened with Renji last night has forced our plans ahead… We'll pull the final string by midday. By tomorrow, everything we've worked toward will be in place."
Kaiya nodded, but a subtle tension remained in her posture. She turned and walked away, leaving Kezin to watch Yogan, still moving through his forms in the courtyard, each motion calm and controlled. Kezin's gaze hardened, his mind churning with thoughts as he observed his unknowing adversary, every calculation falling into place with unnerving precision.
[A/N: Happy New Year to you all. I hope to you it is a very promising new year. So anyway here we are. The final stretch of the first volume. As you can imagine the second volume has been going on for a while now. If you enjoyed this chapter and want to see more, don't forget to drop a power stone! Your support helps this story reach more readers. You can now read more available on patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels]