Let It Grow II

I lived alone within walls of stone

Hoping that they could contain

The power trapped inside me

but the struggle was in vain

Inside I fought the creepers crawling in my soul

But there are some things you just can't control

Progressing through a literal underground railroad, the four Earth Kingdom runaways evaded detection. Cutting through various territories and undesired attention by sojourning underground.

They'd zigzag quite a bit to throw their pursuers off their trail. But, silently praying, no one conscripted a bounty hunter with a shirshu. Then there be no escape at all. They genuinely had no tangible destination in mind when they'd disappeared. So, for now, they're doing a bit of sightseeing. As they said? Next stop? Anywhere!

Don't feed the shoots. Just let them die

Keep it to yourself, and you'll get by

For no one else must ever know

But now they know!

Eventually, they reached the impassable Lerosuton Forest. By then, they're flat-out exhausted. They'd required several days to recuperate before following wherever the breeze was going from here.

The group came upon a captivating glen excellent for their campsite. Ela and Vale gradually lowered their cherished charges onto the vibrant turf. The children were incredibly sympathetic to the badger mole's predicament. After all, they'd previously carried them an estimated thousand miles!

If anyone warranted a long break, it was them. They weren't the only ones who required a significant break in their wanderings. Prince Daichi unquestionably hadn't been prepared for this type of excursion. The juvenile prince simultaneously felt alive and yet dead—either way, he need to rest a spell. Hence Toph accompanied him to some nearby hot springs while Suki and Brock set up camp.

The Kyoshi Warrior had the easiest time with roughing it. Back home, part of warrior education involved studying how to persevere in case of a disaster. However, the eye-catching teenager was quite satisfied her experiences were beneficial on their journey.

While setting up the fire-pit, Suki perceived Brock penning in a large journal. He called it "Brock Beifong's Field-guide to the Fantastic World Around You." Throughout their wanderings, Brock's true self had come out. Brock Beifong persisted as a young man of countless capabilities. An artisan, gemologist, biologist, to name a few of his expertise.

The young man remained determined to document everything around them. His thirst for knowledge never seemed thoroughly quenched. Roaming the wilds unquestionably was a dream come true for him. The teen currently occupied analyzing a whitebark pine. Transcribing it towered at 95 feet, moreover, being excellent for granivorous songbirds and small vertebrates.

"Hmm, I'd prefer to analyze the soil samples much more thoroughly. However, that's going to have to wait a bit. Quite fascinating observing how the variation in soil attributes to the diversity of flora and fauna within the various eco-systems," as he concluded his notes. Before heading back over to the campground, he applied seismic sense to explore what lay beneath them.

Smiling, he employed his Earthbending to dig up several fossils for further study. Then, jogging over to Suki, he exclaimed breathlessly. "You'll never believe what I found!" as he showed her the fossils. She scrutinized the specimens then handed them back to him. "Another item for your collection, I take it? Discover anything of consequence today?"

"Well, I've been investigating the various eco-systems we've encountered so far. I'm looking forward to closely analyzing the various soil samples I've discovered.

If we can uncover the mysteries of what inspires healthy growth? We could revolutionize how we can make the land most beneficial for us! I'm also looking forward to studying these fossils too. If we don't recognize our history, then how are we to progressing in life? I aspire to uncover why some species have survived and why others have gone extinct!"

"Any valuable treasures nearby?" which he nodded enthusiastically.

"I've discovered this particular region is rich with diamonds, sapphire, ruby, opal, peridot, agate, petrified wood, and quartz crystals! Comprehending the natural world after living in an overpopulated, corrupted, and bustling metropolis?

It's so amazing to witness the authentic paradise that is Mother Nature herself! You honestly can live out here! An abundant natural wonders! I'm hoping to obtain some lodestones shortly!"

"Wow, you sure hyped up! You might want to settle down some, Brock. Or you could give away our position."

"Okay, you're correct, Suki. So, consequently, how are the two 'lovebirds'?" glancing over to his cousin and the monarch. The two were immersed together in the hots springs. Unmistakably, Toph wasn't uncomfortable, given she couldn't see anything. So there wasn't any awkwardness on her part since she couldn't see anyone naked.

Suki likewise glimpsed over to the twosome. "I'm pretty sure neither like each other that way. On the other hand, though, I'll admit they seem to be getting along quite swimmingly."

"Well, at least they can be each other friend. My cousin has never been genuinely keen on romance. So I'm positive you're conscious of that."

"Yeah, Toph's never been one to lose her head over anyone. Although, she's not been out in the real world incredibly frequently. So, I presume the whole concept of romance is foreign to her."

"I don't consider our parents the most suitable example of healthy relationships. If you think about the only reliable example, there is how to be money-eyed braggarts."

"True enough. We'll give them ten more minutes. Then we will eat."

Let it grow, let it grow

Let the flowers bloom and thrive

Let it grow, let it grow

Let the forest come alive

Vines and trees growing wild and free

Sow the seeds of life

Nature was always a friend to me

"So how the water? Not too hot, is it?" Toph asked Daichi. Even in hot water, she still could feel the bottom of the spring. Therefore she'd still determine if he was lying.

"I'm enjoying...myself. I feel like...I'm getting...stronger every day." he spoke slowly, but his voice sounded mightier this time.

"Excellent. You'll only get sick staying indoors. Physical activity and being outdoors is the best medicine," she sighed contentedly.

"You've got a point, Toph."

"You actually said a whole sentence! That's an improvement!"

"I'm honestly feeling better...now that I'm genuinely experiencing...the world."

"Perhaps you should get out of your chair a little more. Try to become physically more powerful," Toph suggested, to which Daichi nodded.

"That would be a beneficial idea. But, I want to push...myself further. These hot springs are doing...wonders for me," he acknowledged.

The Earth King never speculated regarding the advantages of physical therapy. Nor how outdoors genuinely improve one's mind, body, and spirit. Similar to Toph's parents, he hadn't even attempted to see if his heir could push past his apparent limits.

The twosome lingered in the spring for ten more minutes before climbing out. Toph did support Daichi a little in getting back into his wheelchair. However, he succeeded in buckling himself into his chair. Toph did crank the motor, so it runs for six more hours.

Then the pair traveled back to the campsite. Dinner smelled heavenly as Suki grilled some trout she'd caught. She also made some yummy goulash to go with the meal. Overall, everyone was satisfied with her cooking.

The amber flames crackled while they drew closer for tonight's story. Every night since they'd escape, they each took turns telling a story around the fire. Tonight it was Suki's turn to tell a tale of long ago.

Smiling secretively, she reached into her shirt. Then withdrew a gorgeous pendant of obsidian. "It's time I told you the tale behind this little pedant. How it connects me to Avatar Kyoshi and how I'm a descendant," she reached over to get some peculiar powder. "Submitted for your approval tonight, I call this tale," throwing the powder into the fire to make it blaze more brilliant, "The Tale of Obsidiana."

"Long ago, Avatar Kyoshi and her girlfriend Rangi escaped their responsibilities for a spell. They traversed the wilds, happy for some downtime and cuddling.

They ultimately settle for the night in a foreboding, impassable forest. The only sounds they detected were the symphony of crickets and the hooting of the cat-owls. Then, in the middle of the night, Rangi awoke to an unfamiliar sound. Unable to identify it, she went to investigate. Simply not desiring to endanger her true love.

She hiked a short distance into the woodlands. Coming upon a sight that made her blood run cold. A child laid half-dead on the forest floor. The child was extremely pale, as if she were a corpse.

Rangi would've believed she was indeed one if she hadn't heard the shallow breaths the child took. But, instead, she scooped her up, immediately warming her with her bending. Then, rushing back to Kyoshi, awakening the Avatar from her slumber. The lovers worked together to stabilize the child immediately. Then set off to locate a healer.

The child's emaciated features made it impossible to tell her age or what nation she belonged to. The only thing identifiable on the child was an obsidian pendant. Therefore they decided to call her Obsidiana. They ultimately reached a settlement where they remained for two months as Obsidiana recovered.

When the child woke, she discovered she been robbed of her voice. Nor could she write to tell them anything, for the child was illiterate. So the women thought they'd leave the child in the community. However, every time they sought to leave, Obsidiana would follow. They had no choice but to take her with them. The two women were incredible mothers to the young girl.

Instructing her on how to read and write. Express herself through music. Furthermore, making indisputable, she knew how to defend herself. They also kept close tabs on her nutrition as the village healer discovered Obsidiana suffered from anemia.

Obsidiana never reacquired her ability to speak. However, she communicated herself quite well through her music and writing. She remained shy. However, she demonstrated her determination, dedication, and altruistic spirit time and time again.

Ultimately, she became a sister to Avatar Kyoshi's blood daughter Koko. The family had numerous joyous years together. Eventually, Obsidiana married and had children of her own. And it's from Obsidiana I'm descended and thus a descendant of Avatar Kyoshi." Suki concluded her tale.

They say the grass is greener on the other side.

And I'm finding life much sweeter now I don't have to hide

It's time to let go of the past

That life was never meant to last

Forget the rules that stunted me; I'm free

"Wow! That's such an astonishing story, Suki! Even better the fact it's true!" praised Brock, to which Suki smiled brightly. "Yes, it's quite genuine. Everyone on Kyoshi Island makes certain to maintain meticulous documents regarding our founder and her family. That includes keeping track of her family tree."

"It's extremely cool! By the way, did you know? Obsidian forms a shield against negativity. Providing a grounding cord from the base chakra to the center of the earth?

It absorbs negative energy from the environment. Plus blocks psychic attacks and negative spiritual influences. Obsidian brings clarity to the mind and clears confusion. Dissolves emotional blockages and ancient traumas. It promotes qualities of compassion and strength and aids digestion, and detoxifies.

Its also is truth-enhancing. A strongly protective stone, Obsidian draws out mental stress and tension. Finally, obsidian is a very historical gemstone that has been used as a good luck charm from ancient times.

This gemstone is good for people that can be influenced easily or people with a sensitive heart. Not only protecting the owner, but Obsidian also has a meaning and properties of returning your energy to the earth," he finished showing off his gemology knowledge.

If anyone knew anything regarding gemstones, it's Brock. Therefore they didn't doubt what he said was accurate. Except Toph didn't genuinely care for the spiritual knowledge of minerals. She just likes chucking them at dumbasses for entertainment.

Let it grow, let it grow.

I am one with Mother Earth.

Let it grow, let it grow.

Time to show them what I'm worth

Make a home for the birds and bees

Sow the seeds of life...

Suddenly a beastly howl rang throughout the still peaceful evening. Everyone took their battle positions. "There two people coming towards us!" shouted Toph, then frowned. "Correction, one human and something that is most unquestionably not human."

Suddenly a monstrous 7-foot tall bipedal jet-black were-cat emerged! Accompanying it was Setsuna carrying an obsidian knife! Things were about to get extremely dangerous! Brock and Suki worked in tandem to try and take down Anto. Toph stood protectively in front of Daichi. Nothing would hurt him while she had breath in her body.

Anto's werecat form, like his other forms, remained remarkably enduring, powerful, and extremely difficult to eliminate. Let alone wound him. The obsidian knife he yielded to Setsuna was imbued with his sinister energy.

Thus making it all the more threatening. Setsuna's ferocity was beyond reasonable levels as the weapon in her hand had a mind of its own. Unfortunately, the noble lady had no idea how to wield the weapon. Consequently, the blade was semi-sentient. Able to take partial control of her body, making her lethal. Yet, Toph hadn't gotten to be the most renowned Earthbender in the world from doing nothing.

"How in the world does a weakling like you have this kind of capabilities?" snarled Setsuna as she slashed, again and again, trying to cut Toph's throat.

"I could ask you the same, Miss Tea Party! I didn't think a prissy girl like you even dare hold a butter knife! Let alone one made of obsidian!"

"You'll pay for your impudence, freak!"

"Toph! Watch out!" Daichi screamed as he backpedals some seeking to stay out of the fight. "Daichi!" she shrieked when she realized she left him open for an attack. Setsuna raced forward to cut his throat instead. When she abruptly was smashed into the terrain. To everyone's surprise, two people they'd never observed before showed up to fight. The two of them stood protectively in front of the prince. Daring anyone to try attacking him anew.

A wall of trees surrounds me, growing strong and tall

And up above me in the air, I hear the eagles call

The ground is covered with a carpet of green shoots

At last, I've found my home; I'm returning to my roots

"Don't mind us! Fight Anto! Furthermore, make certain that bitch doesn't get the Earth Shard!" snapped the female with fox-tail locks.

"Don't give him strength by letting your fear control you! He draws his strength from negativity! You don't give that to him. As a result, his abilities are decreased!" her brother shouted out.

"Duly noted! Thanks!" Brock yelled as he bent all the gemstones in the territory into projectiles to fire at Anto. The were-beast only got madder after a diamond arrow grazed his left shoulder. Snarling, he lunged at Brock's jugular. Only to be stopped by Suki's fans. "No, you don't, kitty!" Suki barked as she dueled him with her fans which Anto found laughable fighting with a girly accessory.

Meanwhile, Setsuna gotten up and again sought to stab Toph. Toph stood taken back by the girl's brutality. Yet wouldn't succumb to this Prissy Missy. Suddenly the blade left the girl's hand. Then, flying on its own accord, it zipped past the twins and hovered an inch from Daichi's heart. "Don't move! If any of you proceed to attack, then the Earth Kingdom will lose its prince!" threatened Setsuna murderously.

Everyone stopped what they're doing. Not even Toph attempted to resist as she knew Setsuna wasn't lying. "What do you want then?" she demanded bluntly.

"Those two already informed you what I desire. Now give me that headband, or the prince dies!"

Toph was stubborn as a rock. Yet, she wouldn't have someone's blood on her hands. Consequently, she snatched the headband off her head then threw it at Setsuna. Gleefully Setsuna shredded it until a shard of epidote tumbled into her hand.

It's an exceptional stone for releasing negativity and raising one's vibration energy. It is essential for those stuck in modes of depression, hopelessness, or other negative thinking patterns. Epidote can inject a sense of hopeful optimism into one's emotional body, helping to bring the mind into a higher vibration. Epidote is a heart chakra stone. This stone can be used to open, activate, cleanse, and balance the heart chakra.

Either way, the Earth Shard was now in possession of pure evil. Laughing, Setsuna and Anto vanished as if the ground was quicksand. Heading back to Anto's base. Toph cursed herself for what transpired. Even after Daichi and the twins stated she did the right thing. While Ela and Vale got everyone up to speed, they despaired if the final shard would soon fall into evil's hands.

Let it grow, let it grow.

Feel the breath of life within

Let it grow, let it grow

Let the floral age begin

Here I am, where I'm meant to be

Sow the seeds of life!

Nature was always a friend to me

Bravery is a muscle you can build

Fear is unnerving and rattles you into complacency. Do not allow it to. Instead, keep moving forward—one foot and then the next until you move beyond that scary place. The more you challenge fear, the bolder you become.