Chapter Eight – At War with the Outcasts
Part of learning to bend the elements was learning about the history of bending and the benders who made history. Once her students mastered the basics, Rosiepuff spent some training days outlining historical events and regaling tales of famous benders. To her amusement, the students dismissed the tales of benders if they were not part of her family. She couldn't tell if this fascination with the Golden Rose Clan was because of the students' admiration for the clan or their love for her.
One day, Rosiepuff brought up a subject nobody really expected.
"Today is about bender discrimination." Rosiepuff said. "It's possible origins, how it comes about, and the result of it."
"Wait, were there other people like Titan and his army?" Suki asked.
"Yes." Rosiepuff said. "It's a minor problem these days, but it happens nonetheless. You need to be prepared for it. Now listen closely." She made sure her students were attentive. "There are some in this country who believe that benders have their abilities because they are gifts from the gods, or maybe benders are nothing more than spirits or demons from the Spirit Realm. Many historians speculate that the origins of prejudice against benders rest with a man named Cortez. Who knows him?"
"I do!" Poppy raised her hand eagerly. "Cortez was a warrior and a man of religion. He was exiled from his home and came to our peninsula country for refuge. He founded a church and erected a small school for training students. He welcomed everyone as long as they didn't bend the elements."
"Very good." Rosiepuff nodded. "At first, Cortez openly questioned benders about their abilities and how they got them. He seemed skeptical about the idea that the ability could just be unlocked, and the thought of being born with these powers sent him into a frenzy where he locked himself in his room for three days to pray. Being a deeply religious man, you can guess where his train of thought led. After all, if you only ever heard of 'magical' powers from the myths you read constantly, it is possible to think that benders were trolls with mystical talents. However, Cortez took a dangerous turn with his flawed reasoning. He saw benders as demons. Based on his religious upbringing, demons are horrible, foul creatures who needed to be expunged from the Mortal Realm."
"Seems like flawed logic." Cooper pointed out.
"We know that now." Rosiepuff said. "During Cortez's time, there was a lot of confusion and division of views. Cortez began to outwardly condemn benders. He started fights with them, insulted them publicly, and framed them for petty crimes. If he ever heard of a worse crime that happened, Cortez would spread rumors that it was a bender who did it. There were trolls on both sides of the argument. Cortez's students and followers, especially, agreed with him and condemned benders. Others dismissed his claims and stood in support of the benders who were being attacked. The hate and bigotry festered and escalated until Cortez formally declared war."
"Didn't he do that in the first place?" Branch asked.
"No, I mean he literally declared war." Rosiepuff explained. "Cortez sent out a message all throughout the country. He wanted to challenge the benders to a great battle to determine supremacy. He warned the benders that, once they lose, he will move on to wipe out every bender in the country. Out of fear for their safety and the safety of other benders, my ancestors gathered an army of their own, made of benders and non-benders alike, all allies who wished to stop Cortez's attacks. I'll spare you the details of the brutal and bloody battle that ensued. I read the journals of the warriors who fought in that war, and it made me nauseous. The gist is this: the war lasted five years, there were heavy casualties on both sides, and Cortez was finally defeated in a one-on-one fight with a bender from the Troll Tree. However, despite the war ending, the damage was done. While intolerance against benders decreased, it still exists to this day. You all understand why any discrimination is wrong, right?"
"Yes." The students said.
"So why are we learning this?" Smidge asked.
"You learn it so you know what it looks like if it happens." Rosiepuff said. "Also, you must know how to respond to it. Which of the Five Laws applies to such a situation?"
"'Misusing my bending reflects badly on myself and other benders. I will bend with honor.'" Suki and Poppy said simultaneously. They high-fived in triumph.
"Very good." Rosiepuff nodded. "Violence cannot be your first instinct when you witness any kind of prejudice. I, for one, like to go with the 'kill them with kindness' route. Be firm, but not angry. Do not give bigots a way to seemingly validate their views."
Her students nodded in understanding. "Well this is a bit of a downer." Cooper pouted.
"Can't you tell us a more uplifting story?" Smidge requested. "Tell us something else about your family! I love stories about the Golden Rose Clan!"
"Show me you have mastered your forms, and I will tell you about my cousin Pyra." Rosiepuff said. The students hurriedly got into formation. They performed their techniques as Rosiepuff ordered. When they finished, Rosiepuff had them meditate with their elements while she told the story. "When I was a child, I had an aunt and uncle who went to Sunrise City to visit some friends. They returned angrier than I had ever seen. I eavesdropped on their conversation with my grandparents. Apparently, their friends told them about another family they knew who had a daughter. This little girl was born a fire-bender; but her parents feared her power. A bender in a family full of non-benders was certainly strange. Nobody knew how to handle it."
"Is it possible for two non-benders to produce a bender child like that?" Branch asked.
Rosiepuff paused. "Not really. Usually, you need at least one bender parent."
"Oh." Branch said when the implication dawned on him.
"Because her parents didn't know how to handle her powers, they forced the child to conceal her abilities, and they punished her when she slipped up." Rosiepuff continued. "Despite my aunt and uncle speaking with them, the girl's parents continued their mistreatment of their daughter. My aunt and uncle requested my grandparents' help in saving the daughter from that neglectful and abusive environment. I, too, secretly went to my grandparents and pleaded for them to save that little girl. They went with my aunt and uncle to Sunrise City. It took a few months with a bunch of boring procedure and legal matters. In hindsight, there might have been some good cop/bad cop work from my grandparents, and a small amount of bribery. When they returned home, I had a new cousin. I was assigned as her tutor, and we worked together to help her master her fire-bending. She was renamed Pyra, and she became one of my closest relatives, like a sister to me."
"Your grandparents are legendary!" Branch breathed.
Rosiepuff grinned. "Yeah. They were pretty awesome." She cleared her throat. "Back to meditating. Then you can spar to finish the day." She walked off, leaving Peppy to oversee the remainder of their training. Symphony followed her.
"You're okay, right?" Symphony asked.
"Yes, I'm fine." Rosiepuff said. "It's always going to hurt a little to think about someone you loved and lost. It just hurts less nowadays. I've been meaning to talk to you, Symphony. Are you doing okay?"
"Of course." Symphony said.
"Really?" Rosiepuff raised an eyebrow. "Because you've been quiet and skittish ever since the fire. You won't even go near the restaurant anymore, and it was rebuilt a week ago."
"What good am I for redecorating and stuff?" Symphony shrugged.
"Fuzzbert and Moxie are taking care of redecorating, with my creative direction." Rosiepuff said. "But you follow Branch everywhere; and when he came down to help me evaluate the restaurant to see what else needed to be fixed, you refused to enter the restaurant as though it were haunted." Rosiepuff paused, watched Symphony's reaction, and her jaw dropped. "Oh my gosh, that's why you're freaking out!"
"What?" Symphony shrugged.
Rosiepuff pinched the bridge of her nose. "Symphony, I told you a hundred times, what Titan did to you—"
"I should've protected you!" Symphony snapped. "I should've been able to fight back! I should've grown up really big and just bit his stupid head off! But I couldn't. I don't know how to be a real dragon. I'm a puny, tiny, worthless excuse for a dragon and I—"
Rosiepuff grabbed the little dragon and pulled her into a tight hug. "Symphony, I'm sorry we couldn't teach you all the things about dragons. I'm sorry you had to learn it on your own. But that does not make you pathetic."
Symphony sighed. "Titan will be back. I'm sure of it."
"It's been a month." Rosiepuff said. "Maybe that technique I used sent him crawling back to the Spirit Realm. If he does come back, I'll be ready for him."
"You mean 'we.' Because your students will be there, too." Symphony corrected.
"No. Not this time." Rosiepuff said. "I know I shouldn't be hiding my problems from them, but Titan is different. He is after me and me alone. As long as he thinks I'm the last Golden Rose, there's no need to put everyone else in danger."
Symphony sighed. "If you say so."
Suki, Cooper, and Smidge went through various experiments to unlock their element. Rosiepuff told them that, beyond meditating with the objects she gave them, they had to immerse themselves in an element and try to connect with it on an emotional level. Cooper took a mud bath. Smidge made a fire on a hot day and sat as close as she dared to the flames. Suki went for a swim, constantly going below the water and feeling the currents. Nothing worked yet.
One day, Suki pulled her two companions into the higher branches of the Troll Tree on a particularly breezy day.
"Be careful up there!" Peppy warned. "There will be no breaking of necks from falling."
"Yes, Master." The trio chorused as they climbed.
"You really think this will help?" Smidge asked Suki.
"Well, we need to connect to the element." Suki said. "I think a windstorm is a great time to connect with the air."
Cooper gripped a branch with all four legs. "Provided we don't fall." They stopped halfway up to the highest branches, and they stood there bracing against the wind. Cooper wrapped his legs around the tree branch, shaking a little. Smidge fought against the push of the wind.
However, Suki did not feel any unease. She shut her eyes, planted her feet on the branch bark, and let the wind pass over and around her body. She swayed a little, noting how the breeze brushed against her skin like a cotton blanket. The wind combed through her hair. She felt so serene and at peace.
That is, until she realized she was falling backwards.
"I got her!" Branch called when the other warriors saw Suki falling.
Rosiepuff stopped him. "Just wait."
Suki headed straight for the unforgiving roof of the training hall, and she felt an odd mix of fear and exhilaration with the wind in her face. She stretched her hands towards the roof. When she was only a few feet away, a gust of wind shot from her palms and cushioned her fall. She plopped onto the roof, panting and wondering what on earth had happened. Cooper and Smidge arrived to help her climb down to the others.
"What did you do?" Poppy breathed.
"Suki just found her element." Rosiepuff announced with a smile. "She's an air-bender."
Suki stared at her hands. She took an air-bender's stance and performed a firm side kick. Another gust of wind shot from her food. She gasped happily. "I'm an air-bender! I'm an air-bender! That's so cool!" Her comrades-in-arms gathered around her in a hug, cheering for her.
Cooper and Smidge worked hard to find their element. When they weren't doing that, they were incorporating the techniques Rosiepuff taught in their kung fu. Smidge found that the firm and strong stances in earth-bending complemented her physical strength. The warriors often practiced in the field behind the Troll Tree. There, Rosiepuff said, they could "better connect with the elements around us."
"Have I missed the party?"
The warriors paused and turned to the voice. Two centaur trolls walked towards them, and Rosiepuff, Branch, and Symphony recognized them.
"Delta Dawn!" Rosiepuff hurried over to them. "I'm so glad you made it!"
"Happy to be here." Delta Dawn bowed to her.
"Hey, none of that. Honorary Golden Rose members get a hug." Rosiepuff said.
"Okay!" Delta Dawn practically squealed happily. She hugged Rosiepuff tightly.
Rockwell chuckled. "We were happy to get your letter. You're sure Delta can stay for a while?"
"It would be a pleasure to have her." Rosiepuff said.
"Um, quick question." Delta Dawn piped up. "Did your letter say you lived in a treehouse?"
"The Troll Tree Palace is in a tree, yes." Branch said.
"That might be a problem." Delta Dawn said.
"She can't see with earth-bending when there's no earth." Rockwell explained. "To be frank, I'm not real sure about her being up there."
"How about she stays in my house as my guest?" Rosiepuff offered. "It was finally rebuilt and refurbished after that fire."
"What fire?" Delta Dawn asked in shock. "Who burnt down your house? Do I need to kick their—"
"Easy there, feisty one." Rosiepuff laughed. "It's fine."
"Hey, Sifu Rosiepuff?" Poppy piped up as the Troll Tree warriors gathered behind her. "Who's this?"
"Oh, of course. Everyone, this is Delta Dawn and her father, Rockwell." Rosiepuff introduced. "Delta Dawn, Rockwell, these are the warriors of Troll Valley. Each of you say your names for Delta Dawn." Everyone did so. "Thank you. I invited Delta Dawn to stay with us for a while and show you bending techniques."
"How can you bend when you're blind?" Peppy asked.
"I see with earth-bending." Delta Dawn explained simply. "I'll be sure to explain more when we actually begin the lesson."
"Let's get you settled in. Follow me." Rosiepuff led the centaur trolls into the village.
"A blind bender?" Suki said in confusion.
"Just you wait. This is going to be awesome." Branch said.
When the trio returned, Delta Dawn took over and began her lecture.
"I still have a lot of the same problems other blind folks have." Delta Dawn began. "However, earth-bending allows me to better 'see' where I'm going. I feel the vibrations in the earth. This is how I can tell exactly where everything is. I can see you, the tree, the village, and even those ants over there." Everyone looked, but couldn't see the ants in the grass. "This is also what helps me fight. What I'm going to teach you all is how to feel the vibrations in the ground. It's a helpful technique if someone's about to sneak up on you or your sight is compromised for whatever reason. Let me show you."
Rosiepuff and Delta Dawn stepped a short distance away for a proper spar. Rosiepuff even tied a scarf around her eyes. Delta Dawn threw the first strike, and Rosiepuff simply stepped aside to dodge it. She shot a fireball in return. Delta Dawn kicked up a rock column to defend herself. It was blind vs. blind, yet both opponents moved as though they could see each other clear as day. When the spar ended, neither had a scratch on them.
"That was cool!" Smidge said.
"And you'll teach us to do that? Sensing our opponent's movements?" Poppy clarified
"I think it's a great skill to have, and even non-benders can use it." Delta Dawn confirmed.
"In return, I'd be happy to show you some metal-bending techniques." Rosiepuff told Delta Dawn. The young centaur-troll bounced a little on her hooves in excitement.
Delta Dawn proved an excellent—if not hardcore—teacher. Hard and tough like the element she used, Delta Dawn was quick to knock someone on their tailbones if they did something she deemed stupid. However, the Troll Tree warriors devoured her lessons and did all they could to master the new skills. A few days after Rockwell returned home, Rosiepuff commenced her lessons the usual way, and then announced they were going for a stroll.
"Today's lesson is about finding your element wherever you are." Rosiepuff said as she led the group. "You may be able to create your element from nothing; but, generally, you use less energy by manipulating the element in your proximity. As we walk through the village, tell me where you see or feel your element. Poppy, you begin. From a water-bender's standpoint."
Poppy scanned the area. "Well, the obvious answers are the fountain and the creek. But there's also the hot water from the food carts around town. It's cloudy today, so I could use whatever rain falls, if it rains at all."
"Very good." Rosiepuff nodded. "Delta Dawn, our earth-bender. What do you think?"
"The entire road is open to us." Delta Dawn said. "It's all dirt and cobblestones. Also….." She stomped a little forcefully on the ground. "There are some stone parts of buildings. If I were metal-bending, there's lots to use, especially weapons."
"Me next!" Branch said. "Um…..those guys are cooking over there. I can use that fire. Any candles would be good, too. If there were a thunderstorm, could I use the lightning from the storm?"
"No. You could redirect a lightning strike, but lightning is not an element that is easily controlled. A bender who tries to hold onto lightning for too long will literally explode." Rosiepuff answered. "Suki, your turn."
"But air is everywhere." Suki protested in confusion. "I can use my element no matter where I am."
"Then look around and tell me what you could use to enhance your bending and make you stronger in battle." Rosiepuff instructed.
Suki analyzed the area. "What about the alleyways? Creating a tunnel effect and localizing my attacks?"
"Very good." Rosiepuff nodded. "Listen, you all have mastered techniques in kung fu and in bending. The one thing you cannot do is rely too heavily on one style of fighting. You can often apply techniques from one element to the others. Even if you can't bend an element, or your element is not available, you can use the styles of fighting a bender who learn. Keep an open mind."
"Yes, Sifu Rosiepuff." The students said simultaneously.
Rosiepuff giggled softly. She stepped closer to Peppy and whispered, "Is this always what it's like when you're a teacher?"
"For kung fu students? Sometimes. For these students? Absolutely." Peppy chuckled.
A troll suddenly ran up to them. He dressed rather fancily, which meant he was a visitor to the modest farming village of Troll Valley. Nobody dressed this nicely unless there was a party happening. "Hey! Are you the master of the Troll Tree I was told about?"
"I am Master Peppy, yes." Peppy said. "What seems to be the trouble?"
The troll huffed, sounded indignant and irritated. "My name is Aspen Heitz, from Sunrise City. I am only visiting some friends in town, and my eldest son wanted to meet you because he has the potential to be a great warrior and he wanted to ask you about how to enroll in your teachings. On the way here, we were attacked by vagabonds and my son was wounded. Your lousy doctor is trying to tell me that he will either die or never walk again if he lives."
"I trust Dr. Plum knows what she's talking about." Peppy said. "What would you like me to do about it?"
"I want you to save my son!" Aspen snapped. "The doctor doesn't know what she's talking about. A stab wound and a broken leg are easy to fix!"
"May I be of assistance?" Rosiepuff offered. "I have some healing knowledge."
"As long as you do better than she did." Aspen marched off, and the warriors followed him. This was one of those moments where the Troll Tree warriors all agreed that just because they were devoted to helping the innocents doesn't mean they liked to help jerks like this. Aspen led them to Dr. Plum's office. A young adult troll lay on one of the beds, pale and breathing funny. A female troll and a young girl sat next to the bed.
"I see you followed through with your threat." Dr. Plum said to Aspen. "Master Peppy, I apologize for wasting your time."
"Rosiepuff actually offered to come by and lend a hand." Peppy said.
Dr. Plum looked to the water-bender. "Rosiepuff, I'm not so sure that's a good idea."
"Let me take care of this." Rosiepuff assured. She stepped up to the bed and pulled the curtains around to give them privacy.
"Wait, I want to be in there!" Aspen demanded.
"Would you like me to save your son?" Rosiepuff asked.
Aspen sighed. "Yes."
"Then wait here." Rosiepuff said.
"Fine. Just do your work, woman!" Aspen snapped.
"Listen, you—" Branch shut his mouth at his grandmother's pointed look. He gritted his teeth and bit back his anger.
Rosiepuff shut the curtains and approached the bed. She bowed a little to the female troll already there. "His mother, I assume?"
The female troll wiped her eyes on her sleeve. "My name is Blossom. This is my daughter, Priscilla. This is my son, Archer."
"What lovely names." Rosiepuff said sincerely.
Blossom sighed. "My husband insisted on naming our son and allowed me to name our daughter. He's convinced Archer will be a great warrior. We were attacked on the way here. Archer was stabbed in the ribs, and his leg is dislocated at the knee and broken. He was only trying to protect us, but the doctor said he might—"
"Not to worry." Rosiepuff assured. "I can fix this." She found a vase of flowers on a table next to Archer's bed. She pulled the water from inside the vase.
Little Priscilla gasped and whispered, "Mommy, she does water magic!"
Blossom looked towards Aspen, still blocked by the curtain. "My husband won't like that."
"Then it will be our little secret." Rosiepuff winked at Priscilla, who mimicked zipping her lips. Rosiepuff started at the stab wound to Archer's ribs. She placed her water-covered hands over the bloody gauze. The water glowed softly. Rosiepuff used one hand to keep the water on the wound, and she used her free hand to do a little blood-bending. She pulled the blood from Archer's lungs and discretely deposited it in the flower vase.
Archer coughed harshly, taking deep breaths. His eyes fluttered open. He saw Rosiepuff first, and then he looked to his mother and sister. "Mama….."
Blossom burst into happy tears, kissing Archer's head a dozen times. "My boy, my baby. You're okay."
Rosiepuff moved to Archer's twisted leg. "Well, there is a significant break below the knee. That can be fixed. First, we need to reset that dislocated knee. Hold still, Archer. This might hurt."
"But not a lot, right?" Archer asked.
"No, not really." Rosiepuff wrapped Archer's leg in the water. "Look, a bunny."
"Bunny?" Archer asked hopefully. In a quick movement, his knee went back to where it belonged, and Archer let out a small shout. He ground his teeth and breathed deeply. "That didn't hurt. Not at all."
"Of course not." Rosiepuff mused as she healed the bones in his leg. "I've done what I can. Do not move or walk for at least a week. After that, you can gradually build yourself up back to your normal movements."
"Thank you." Blossom said. "A thousand times, thank you so much."
"My pleasure." Rosiepuff stood and walked from the curtained area. "Dr. Plum, I'm no doctor, but I think all he needs is some stitches, good bandages, and a splint on his leg. He'll be fine. Also, you might need to clean that vase of flowers."
"That's more like it!" Aspen said smugly. "Now there's a woman who knows what she's doing!"
Dr. Plum grumbled to herself as she fetched her supplies. Rosiepuff briskly walked from the office, and the warriors scrambled after her.
"Is he really going to be okay?" Delta Dawn asked.
"Oh, yes." Rosiepuff reassured. "I was mostly worried about the stab wound. He was bleeding internally. I healed him enough that he'll live. However, I couldn't exactly make him fully better. Let this be a lesson for him."
"That kid's dad is mean." Delta Dawn said.
"But the boy did nothing wrong. Made a rash decision? Perhaps. But he deserved some help." Rosiepuff said. "Who wants lunch? I think we should get some lunch."
"Hey!"
"Now what does he want?" Symphony groaned.
Aspen stomped towards them, his eyes set in a furious glare. "How dare you?! How dare you corrupt my son with your demon ways?!"
Peppy stepped between Aspen and Rosiepuff. "Is there a problem, sir?"
"She's a water-bender!" Aspen shouted.
"And?" Peppy asked.
"And you allowed her to touch my son with that demon magic?!"
"I wouldn't call it 'demon magic.' I don't understand. Is your son still in danger?"
"You should have told me she was a damn bender!" Aspen shouted. "Scum like her are nothing but—"
"Hey, she just saved your son's life!" Branch snapped. "Show a little respect and gratitude!"
"All you did was create more work!" Aspen said. "I have to find someone to exorcise any evil spirits from him and she could've put a curse on him for all I know!"
"I did no such thing." Rosiepuff was oddly calm.
"Aspen!" Blossom caught up with her husband, and she yanked him back. "For gods' sakes, she saved Archer's life! You should be grateful!"
"I will not have this conversation with you." Aspen said.
"Be warned, Aspen Heitz." Peppy said in a firm tone. "Do not let your poor decisions ruin your children's futures."
Aspen growled to himself as he marched off. Blossom rolled her eyes and approached Rosiepuff. "I apologize for my ill-tempered bigot of a husband. I want you to have this, as thanks." She held out a handful of gold coins.
Rosiepuff folded Blossom's fingers over the money. "I cannot accept that. I am happy to help. A long life to you and your children." She turned and walked away before Blossom could protest. Delta Dawn cantered after her.
Blossom sighed. She turned to Poppy and handed her the money. "Please make sure she gets this. If not for saving my son's life, then for my husband's abhorrent behavior." She bowed to the masters and returned to her family. The Troll Tree warriors tracked Rosiepuff down to Rosie's Place. Rosiepuff and Delta Dawn already sat at one of the larger tables, drinking tea. The rest of the warriors joined them. Branch noticed Rosiepuff stared at the table with a relaxed gaze. However, her fists clenched and the tea in her cup boiled like a pot on a hot stove.
"She insisted you have this." Poppy said, holding out the money from Blossom.
"Give it to Delta." Rosiepuff said without looking at it. "She can pass it on to a bender in Hana Rosa who runs a school."
"Everyone, tell Sifu Golden Rose that she's the best and that guy was a total jerk." Delta Dawn said.
"Yeah, he doesn't know what he's talking about." Cooper agreed. "You're the best!"
"Okay, okay. Stop trying to make me feel better." Rosiepuff requested. "I'm fine. That isn't the first time I had to deal with such a thing. In fact, that was the….." She counted on her fingers. "Fifth time."
"You shouldn't have to deal with that." Suki said. She created a tiny twister to cool off Rosiepuff's tea.
Rosiepuff took a sip of her tea. "If you reacted in anger every time someone said something mean, would you still be the good guys?"
"We're 'good' because we devote our lives to protecting people." Poppy said.
"Well, does that mean your entire life must be a fight?" Rosiepuff asked.
"No….." the students mumbled.
Rosiepuff sighed and refilled her teacup. "You have to pick and choose your battles. Some things are just not worth your time. Some people can't change their minds and are stuck in their ways; and I believe they should be pitied, not hated. It's hard to let things go. I get it. But you have to let the senseless hate and anger wash over you and then allow yourself to move on."
"And you know because you've had to do it before." Branch guessed.
"That's right." Rosiepuff nodded. "It might make me mad, but I don't dwell on it anymore. I went in there to save a young man's life if I could. I did, so I am happy. So, I'm having dessert after lunch."
That caused laughter and giggles amongst the table. Finally relaxed, everyone grabbed a menu and chatted with an excited Moxie when she came to ask Rosiepuff some questions.