Avatar - Conquering the Elements-Chapter 108. The Face

Yo. The Library of Wan Shi Tong.

Over the following week, I experimented extensively with the life energy crystals. First, it's worth noting that they didn't dissipate or lose their capacity, even in the human world, which I had secretly feared. Most likely, they had already "adapted" to this protective state, and the change in environment didn't affect them.

Beyond being excellent "batteries" for my life energy source, they also serve as a great way to stay alive, even with fatal injuries. All it takes is to draw energy from the crystal, and it rushes to fill the energy loss caused by the wounds. Empirically, a long, bleeding cut will close and be forgotten in half a second. And this is without even letting my own energy act, which would speed up healing even more.

This led to another brilliant idea. I have many loved ones, some far from my bodies. Anything could happen to them, so why not give them a spare life? Thus, I began creating jewelry for my girls, students, parents, and closest allies. The list grew quite long. At one point, I thought I wouldn't have enough crystals. But why would they need massive energy reserves when even a tiny crystal, with just a bit more than their reserves, would suffice for healing any wound? Besides, an "overdose" of life has its downsides. I've already experienced it...

I was curious to see what would happen if I constantly pumped myself with energy beyond the norm. It started with simple over-excitability, minor pains near my life energy source, and a slight increase in heart rate. Despite some discomfort, I felt compelled to keep moving. Later, my heart rate soared, as if it might burst from my chest. I constantly felt short of breath, unable to get enough air. I decided not to risk it further and released all the excess energy. Green swirls seeped out, involuntarily reminding me of opening the eight gates.

- "I only drew a little, but what if I accidentally absorbed a hundred times my reserves?" I thought. Death would be certain.

Dividing one crystal into smaller pieces worked, but even they were too powerful. They contained too much energy. Making them even smaller wasn't possible, and I lost two crystals in the process. Wrapping my hands in my chi, I carefully split a crystal in half, remembering to "seal" the exposed edges with my energy to prevent dissipation. Soon, I realized that by "venting" the energy, I could stop it from dispersing when it reached the right parameters for the person it was intended for.

Over time, I'd already measured the energy levels in my loved ones' bodies, so I immediately began crafting jewelry, shaping the crystals into more beautiful forms.

All that remained was to teach them to draw energy in case of need. I think Mom, Kaya, Katara, and Yui will learn this easily, as they're already trained to add energy to water for healing. Plus, the Healing Huts now offer advanced courses in controlling pure life energy. Suyuki and Shizuka shouldn't have issues either. They have a basic understanding thanks to Avatar Kyoshi's exercise regimen. The others will find it a bit harder, but they should manage—some will grasp it quickly, while others may take months.

I know there are several books on these crystals, but I decided to look into them later. I wanted to figure it all out myself first, or I'd lose half the interest.

- "Can I create such a crystal myself?" The question popped into my head and wouldn't leave. After quickly finishing the crystals, I tried crafting my own.

Soon, I learned it was possible. Pressing my palms together, I concentrated energy between them, directing it all to a single point. During the process, a problem arose: the energy was held by my power, but if I stopped controlling it, it would quickly dissipate. So, about thirty percent of the energy went into creating a replicated "protective shell," like the one natural crystals have.

- So small... I muttered, looking at the tiny green orb that could easily be lost.

The energy inside it had my "flavor," making it unsuitable for others but easily absorbed by me. I still can't make it "anonymous." Maybe I lack control or understanding of some processes. But it's a great way to boost my energy, as I can fully deplete my source in a minute. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to keep a few... dozen of these stones handy.

Later, I'll review the books on this topic and record my ideas to test them later. For now, I should check on Driya.

*

Northern Water Tribe. Yuki.

The capital was buzzing with festive energy. Conversations about the upcoming event were everywhere. Most were positive, though a few weren't thrilled about the union between the young chief and a woman older than him, with grown children of her own.

- He's so grown up, the mother couldn't stop saying, as if she were the one getting married...

The father took it all in stride, deciding to stay out of the way while the women created chaos in the Palace, where the ceremony would take place.

I couldn't shake a sense of unease. My intuition, now more refined, kept sending clear signals of impending danger. I didn't know where the trouble would come from. Plenty of people dislike me... Maybe the Fire Sages wanted to stir up trouble, or perhaps a spirit would break through the barrier. I considered postponing the wedding, but looking into Kaya's happy eyes—she'd been glowing with love since morning—I changed my mind.

I decided to warn Wan Shi Tong about my feelings and cleared Yo, Wan, and Roku's schedules so they could join me instantly if needed.

- "Sometimes I think life would be calmer without such advanced intuition..." It's the anticipation of danger that's most irritating. But I'm grateful for the ability itself.

Two hours later, the Palace's main hall was filled with people. All my distant relatives, family friends, and respected figures of the nation were present.

- May this union be as eternal as the seas and oceans! Great spirits Tui and La, I ask you to protect these two lovers! My father solemnly declared, standing between me and Kaya.

Today, she looked especially "sunny"—I can't think of a better word to describe the aura around her. Her eyes showed no uncertainty; they met mine with almost visible beams of love.

- I declare Kaya of the Southern Water Tribe and Yuki of the Northern Water Tribe husband and wife! In that moment, I forgot about dangers and the heavy future. Only Kaya existed for me.

Our kiss felt eternal; neither of us wanted to end it or cheapen it. It was a simple touch of lips that conveyed everything in our hearts. After the kiss, I gently placed a pendant around her neck, a symbol that this woman already had a beloved.

- Mom looks so happy! Katara whispered.

- "Someday, I'll be in Aunt Kaya's place!" Yui thought, clenching her fists.

An hour passed, and people began approaching our table to congratulate the newlyweds. Kaya knew me well enough to notice my tense state.

- Lord Wan, Lady Kaya, a young servant bowed. Her name was Tsumi, I think. She'd worked at the Palace for a long time; I'd seen her since I was a child. – I have no worthy gift for you... she began, her voice shifting. – But I'm ready to take something from you! It sounded like dozens of voices speaking at once.

The servant's body began to melt like wax. From her body emerged giant cockroach legs. One. Two. Ten. Soon, a massive centipede with Tsumi's face stood where the girl had been. A strange, terrifying smile froze on her lips. My senses revealed even more... Before me stood one of the strongest ancient spirits I'd ever seen.

- Everyone stay calm! Don't show your emotions to the Face Thief, I tried to say evenly. But some already started screaming. Thankfully, his face was turned toward me. In that moment, I released nearly all my life energy to forcibly suppress the crowd's emotions, spending half my reserves.

- "Yui, get out of here quickly! Even masters could die here!" My sister didn't ask questions and began leading people away.

- Koch, I don't think you were invited to the wedding, I said, looking at the spirit's ever-changing face.

- "Just yesterday, Yo read a book about spirits with a section on Koch, the Face Thief." Talk of the devil, and she appears, huh?

- My apologies, he tilted his head, eyeing me and Kaya, who stood her ground. – I just thought it was time to add faces from the Southern Water Tribe to my collection... The last one was Avatar Kuruk's wife. Ah, yes, I remember—it was the day before their wedding! He turned to Kaya.

- Kuruk was so sad... Poor, poor Avatar, Ummi's face—Kuruk's wife—said with genuine sorrow.

Shielding Kaya, I began furiously circulating water and life energy, ready to attack at any moment. From what I know, he's not entirely a dark spirit. He has his twisted principles. He took the face of Avatar Kuruk's innocent wife because Kuruk had neglected his Avatar duties. The key is not to show strong emotions around him. But if you've done something he considers wrong, expect punishment, no matter how well you control your emotions...

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- It's good to be back in the human world, he clicked his numerous legs, inhaling air through a mandrill's face. – Especially when you're no longer bound by restrictions!

A faint red-black smoke began to rise from his body. Sensing the familiar "aroma" of Vaatu's energy, I grimaced. So, the slim chance of a peaceful outcome just plummeted.

- "I should act first," I thought. If a fight's inevitable, strike first. Especially since everyone except the masters had already left the Palace.

- Run to the shelter with the others, I whispered to Kaya, who stood behind me. In the next instant, my body, enhanced by neutral and life energies, rammed Koch, creating a massive hole in the Palace. Gripping him tightly, I dragged him to the square in front of the Palace. There'd be more space.

- Kaya's face will be mine, as will those of all your loved ones, he laughed, not even trying to attack me. Other masters bombarded his massive body with their techniques, which did little damage and seemed to amuse the ancient spirit. – Nothing personal, but to protect my mind from his energy's influence, I must drive you into complete despair or simply kill you! he suddenly said calmly.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't move him. It seemed they were just letting me "play"...

- "I'm no match for an ancient spirit!" Should I have called Wan Shi Tong right away? Before I could decide, I felt a polite "knock" in my head. Pausing for a second, I watched with relief as water from the channels approached my body.

- I didn't expect you to intervene, Koch said, launching his body at me. It was like teleportation! Thankfully, a water whip pulled me aside, avoiding the attack.

- "Tui and La—as long as I'm alive, no one will bother you!" I promised them. But they immediately reminded me that I only created problems for them, never solved them...

A river of higher-order water energy flowed into me. My channels screamed in pain, and my source was pushed to its limits. This was just a fraction of the two ancient spirits' power. Now I understood why Aang, in the episode where Zhao attacked the North Pole, transformed into a massive water creature. My body and channels weren't ready for such a load; the best option was to manipulate this energy outside my body.

Soon, a massive water figure stood beside the insect. The power overflowed me, so I didn't hesitate, unleashing a storm of rapid strikes. The blows came close but didn't land; he was too skilled with his many legs. But I began to keep up with his movements.

Dodging another strike, he quickly crawled up my body, clearly aiming for my head, where my real body was. Bad move... From all sides, massive water whips grew, squeezing him.

Releasing Vaatu's energy, he freed himself from the binds. Soon, he'd reach my head! I'd have to temporarily abandon my waterbending. The energy outside my body was more "diluted," making the figure so large. Concentrating more energy within my body, I shrunk my size several times, becoming just slightly larger than the Face Thief.

Speed, attack, and reaction improved instantly, but time was running out. The longer I stayed in this state, the worse the consequences would be after the fight, possibly even losing my waterbending.

Exchanging blows with Koch, I analyzed his strengths and weaknesses. His phenomenal disguise was a clear advantage. Even the spirits of the Moon and Ocean didn't know we had an uninvited guest—until he revealed himself. Maybe, in human form, he could pass between worlds? His energy quality and physical attributes were excellent. But he never used any elements or ranged attacks, meaning he's purely "physical" and stealthy. This somewhat balances his major advantages...

Gritting my teeth, I increased my concentration of the ancient spirits' energy, inflicting more wounds that even Vaatu's energy couldn't regenerate.

- "Now!" Koch made a mistake, and I capitalized. Getting close, I sliced off several of his legs with a water sword, causing a piercing shriek. Not stopping, I continued slicing his body. The sword got stuck in the middle, preventing me from splitting him in two. As I raised the sword for another strike, I briefly found myself in the air...

- We'll meet again, Yuki, Koch said, now in Tsumi's body. In that instant, his body vanished from all my senses.

- "Brilliant! So he really can move freely between worlds," I stopped absorbing the spirits' energy and rubbed my shoulder, where a black mark remained from Koch's last attack.

- Ssss, the wound hissed under my life energy. Vaatu's residual energy wouldn't leave me, and healing might take weeks.

My waterbending source went on a well-deserved rest, asking not to be disturbed for a month. My channels were also on unpaid leave.

- "I got off easy," I thought, "I should thank Tui and La."

Soon, I saw my family running toward me, all unharmed. My body and mind finally relaxed. We'll think about the future tomorrow; for now, I just want to rest.