Kyoshi and Rangi were gradually making their way through highly dense woodlands. Since they started their journey, they'd gone wherever the wind took them. So the next stop was anywhere! However, they had no genuine destination in mind. Consequently, they took their time exploring and enjoying each other company: nothing but the fresh air and miles of wilderness.

"So we've climbed a mountain, traversed a crystal cavern, and spent a few nights in some hot springs. What else do you believe is going to transpire?" Rangi inquired as she set up their campsite.

"Honestly? I couldn't care less what happens next as long as I'm free from being the Avatar. Even if its only a few weeks. It's exhausting being the world's savior and having no life of your own. Since you suddenly belong to the world and not yourself. So do you even know where we are?"

"Well," the sensual Fire Nation dame stood up. She glanced at her map before double-checking the celestial bodies above them. "If my calculations are accurate? Then according to the map, we're currently in the Lerosuton Forest. It functions as a natural boundary line between two sizable providences."

"Which one are we closer to?" the imposing Avatar inquired. Her girlfriend consulted her map again. Finally, after examining it a few moments, she declared, "We nearest to the Shukfuku Providence, which a Lady Windmere oversees. However, the closest village is still half a day away from our current position."

"Well, let's go into town tomorrow. We need to replenish a few of our supplies." Rangi raised a single eyebrow at her girlfriend's suggestion. "I thought the point of this adventure was to avoid civilization. But, if we go into town, it will spread like wildfire that you are in the vicinity."

"We don't have much of a choice, Rangi. We do need supplies. I, for one, do not wish to go another night without bathing properly. We've been out of soap for more then a week!"

"Okay, you've made a fair point. I could use some oils for my hair myself. Let's hope no one identifies you without your makeup on."

"Good, let's finish making camp. Then have some dinner and sleep." Shortly after dinner, the couple fell asleep under the starry heavens. The only sounds they detected were crickets' symphony and the cat owls' hooting.

Shortly after midnight, Rangi awoke to an unfamiliar sound. She sought to identify the unnatural sound. Yet her mind drew a blank. Finally, glancing back at her lover, she took a deep breath and went to investigate.

She hiked a short distance into the woodlands. Unexpectedly she came upon a sight that made her blood run cold. A child laid half-dead on the forest floor. The child was extremely wasted, as if she were a corpse. Rangi believed for several moments she was undoubtedly one. Then, abruptly she heard the child's shallow breaths.

"Oh, Agni!" she cried in anguish. She quickly scooped up the sickly child using subtle bending to warm her up. Then she promptly dashed back to Kyoshi, who woke up with a start.

"Oh, my spirits! What in the world?!" shrieked the Avatar witnessing the half-dead child. "We need to get her medical attention now!" she stated firmly.

"How? I told you the nearest village is half a day's journey from here!" Ragni shouted in frustration. She had evidently forgotten for a moment who her girlfriend was.

"Never underestimate the strength of the Avatar State, Rangi," as she took the little girl from her lover. Then, invoking the zenith of her power, she assembled the means for them to get to the village quickly.

It took half the time to get there, where their dramatic entrance proved a great way to wake up a slumbering village. Kyoshi ignored everyone gawking at her. Instead, she demanded a healer immediately. A small clan came rushing forward to take the child from the Avatar.

The child's emaciated features made it impossible to tell her age or nation. The only thing identifiable on the child was an obsidian trinket. However, even more alarming, there were clear-cut signs this child had been harshly abused as she had fresh whip marks on her back.

The village leader offered his residence up to the lovers. By the fierce looks in their eyes, they'd not be leaving any time soon. Thanking the man for his hospitality, even though they'd been, he offered them a lavish bedroom to sleep in? Neither young woman felt like resting. How could anyone rest after witnessing a child in such a state?

The following day the village leader's wife prepared Kyoshi and Rangi breakfast which they took in their room. The older lady could see for herself they wouldn't budge until they knew the fate of that child.

"I'm sorry that we've no updates on the child. The finest healers in the village are working on her as we speak. However, I doubt she'll live. I've prayed to Oma and Shu. Yet I don't believe we shall be blessed with a miracle."

"Any idea how she got into such a state?" demanded Rangi as she ate her rice. Her bronze eyes carefully studied the wrinkled face before her. She'd learned enough from her mother to get a good read on people.

"Yes, why would a child be alone in the woods? Surely no responsible parent would've let their child wander off," Kyoshi stated protectively. However, internally she remembered how her own parents had abandoned her. Yet in her heart? She knew this child hadn't been forsaken by her parents. She didn't know how she knew that, but she did."

The gray-haired lady seemed hesitant to answer the women's questions. "I've no answers to your questions. However, I'll keep you updated." After the elderly woman left, Rangi set down her rice bowl. "She's hiding something. She knows then she's letting on."

"Yes, its unmistakable that the village has more then a clue of what's going on. However, I think we both agree we're not leaving until that child recovers."

"Do you think we should take her with us?" Rangi questioned cautiously. Kyoshi gave her lover a peculiar look. Rangi wrung her hands before answering, "I know you, Kyoshi. You'll never let anyone else suffer through the childhood you had. Besides, we both already know we won't leave her behind."

"No, I'll not subject any child to what happened to me because my parents deserted me. Still, its best we pray to the spirits that she'll live."

"We might get a little more information if we stick around. So let's see what we can do around the village. Sooner or later, someone will let something slip."

For the next three days, the two women worked tirelessly to help the struggling village get back on its feet. It remained painfully obvious something had recently occurred. Finally, on the fourth day, the village leader agreed to fill them in on the providence's current dilemma.

"Our land continuously been quite prosperous, and the people quite content. The Windemere family has always made sure we live comfortable lives. However, a few months back, our domain became under siege."

"What do you mean by that?" demanded Kyoshi coldly. The old man quivered for a moment before confessing. "For the past few months, bloodthirsty men have been plundering the land. They were slaughtering people by the dozens!

Yet, they don't kill everyone. Over a hundred people have been reported missing. They're not among the dead. What's worse is several were children as no child's body ever been recovered."

"Do you have any indication who these men are? Or what's happening to the children?" demanded the firebender urgently. Both she and Kyoshi weren't holding back their emotional arousal from what happened.

The elder shook his head. "We've no idea whatsoever. Lady Windemere's health is also declining as residents continue to suffer. Some inhabitants believe it has to do with our neighboring providence. However, we have no evidence to confirm it."

"So, are you suggesting this is one of the abducted children?" Kyoshi asked to which the elder nodded.

"Yes, I'm afraid she's likely been one of the stolen children. How she escaped and made it this far, I've no idea. The surrounding land is quite treacherous. Plus, the woods are overflowing with lethal predators. So, I can only assume the spirits brought her to you. However, I don't believe they can save her life."

Kyoshi's green eyes narrowed. "I refuse to let Obsidiana die! I won't permit it! Even if I must drag her soul back from the Spirit World myself!"

"Obsidiana?" the elder and Rangi asked, confused. Kyoshi gave them both a fierce expression before replying. "She was wearing an obsidian pendant. I cannot imagine any other name to call her by. Until she's recovered enough to tell us what her name is."

It was a fortnight before the child regained consciousness. However, as soon as she woke, Kyoshi and Rangi were there. For the first time, Kyoshi showed a motherly side of herself. It genuinely astonished Rangi how maternal the tough-minded Avatar could be. Still, children tended to break the shells of even the most hardened people.

The girl's hair had been washed and cut short. She had glossy ebony hair with sad grayish eyes. They'd given her light-colored green and pink apparel to wear, even given her some shoes because she'd been found barefoot.

Kyoshi started gently asking Obsidiana if she could tell them anything. The child shook her head and made hand gestures that indicated she couldn't speak. The healers hadn't found a physical reason for the child to be mute. So their best guess? She'd been rendered speechless from whatever hell she'd been through.

Every time anyone except Kyoshi or Rangi came around? Obsidiana filched before hiding behind the Avatar. Kyoshi was reasonably confident this girl didn't understand she was the Avatar.

However, Obsidiana seemed to find comfort in her. She even seemed to indicate she adored her new name. The villagers had provided paper and ink. However, it became evident that Obsidiana hadn't been taught to read or write yet. However, she did have outstanding skills in art.

So she drew a few illustrations. However, no one could figure out what she meant by them. She seemed understandably disheartened that she couldn't get them to understand her.

Kyoshi and Rangi didn't just spend their time with Obsidiana. They had also attempted to figure out who'd been behind the invasions. They knew they'd had to figure it out, or more children could perish if they hadn't passed already. One thing was for sure. They'd both sworn that no one would ever harm their newly adopted daughter.

Know It

If you think you can? You might. If you know, you can? Then you will.