*Roku. The outskirts near the city of Gaoling, capital of the province of the same name.*
Breathing in the fresh scent of the forest, I stopped at the entrance of a cave where, according to local tales, a whole pack of molebadgers lived. Before getting down to business, I decided to focus on learning from the world's first known earthbending masters. I don't think I'll discover anything groundbreaking, but at my level, even small improvements are worthwhile.
"I'm here to visit," I called out before stepping inside, sending a small pulse of earthbending as a greeting.
Next, I had to rely on my seismicsense, as even my enhanced vision was useless in the pitch-black darkness. After ten to fifteen seconds, I detected approaching shapes.
"Hello," I smiled at the massive creatures, who curiously began circling and sniffing me. The smallest one started nudging my bag with its wet nose.
"You're quite the curious one, aren't you?" I patted its—or her—head, pulling a small nut from my bag.
"No, no, no, this isn't the whole gift," I said, stopping it from eating the nut. It was specially crafted by Dria, and I wouldn't hesitate to call it a masterpiece.
Using earthbending, I expanded a part of the cave.
"I think this will do," I muttered. Under their puzzled gazes—I could feel their attention clearly, despite their blindness—I buried the nut. That was the easy part.
"No, wait, don't dig it up yet!" I had to quickly stop the most energetic one. "It's almost ready!"
Before my visit, I'd thoroughly researched these incredible creatures. I knew they didn't just eat animals like wolf-bats but also enjoyed various berries, mushrooms, herbs, and nuts.
All this time, the nut absorbed the chi around it, rapidly accelerating its growth. Within a minute, an unfamiliar tree stood before us, its branches already laden with ripe berries and nuts far larger than nature intended. Yes, Dria had once again combined the seemingly incompatible.
"Yes, this is for you," I said, pointing to the tree.
The molebadgers had been sending pulses through the ground the whole time. Only now did I realize that this was how they communicated.
After they feasted—and during the meal, another two dozen molebadgers joined—some began licking and hugging me.
"Alright, alright, that's enough," I laughed, pushing the joyful cubs away from my face, which was already soaked from their affection.
All day, I felt like a wildlife observer allowed to be part of their family. I made the most of it. By then, I'd begun to understand their language, which resembled Morse code.
But it wasn't just their language I picked up on. Every use of their bending, no matter how minor, gave me small insights into mastering earthbending. I noticed that any muscle contraction helped them control the earth. Take a typical human earthbender: for one move, they'd make a whole grasping motion with their hand, which takes a lot of time.
This isn't very useful for me, since I bend more mentally, with movements mostly for show. But later—maybe in two or three years—I plan to write four books on all four elements, with explanations and illustrations for ordinary benders. I want to gather all the most essential and useful knowledge.
"We'll meet again," I called to the entire pack of molebadgers as they saw me off, stamping my foot on the ground to send a farewell they'd understand.
My earthbending skill is sufficient; I just need to accumulate enough chi to reach the next level.
These past few weeks have been hectic, crafting the legend of Wan. Every person, no matter where they live, leaves some trace that reveals their story.
While traveling through the provinces, I managed to stop by a female monastery for new spirits and deliver necessary plants to a herbalist in Taku. I got stuck there for a couple more days because some people—likely from the Fire Nation—were lurking nearby, waiting for me to leave. Pretending to depart, I secretly watched them, wanting to understand their intentions and whether they'd harm the old woman.
"Help us improve this recipe," a nondescript man pleaded with the herbalist for the umpteenth time that day. He was clearly determined, willing to spend the whole day asking in various ways. But like everyone, even calm people lose their nerves. Every three hours, he'd walk a good distance into the ruins of the city, unleash a torrent of firebending, and curse his superiors, their stupid orders, and idiotic tasks. He even mentioned his little son waiting at home. Some expressions were new even to me—it was enlightening…
"Oh," the old woman genuinely surprised, "This is the recipe I've been searching for the past two years," though they'd shown it to her at least twenty times, and she was genuinely surprised each time. Dementia is a terrible thing!
For several days, I watched these free comedic performances, also managing to examine the recipe. Judging by its composition, this herbal mixture would excellently help, so to speak, keep one's mind "in check," shielding it from external influences… hmm…
Who has the resources to send several well-trained specialists to a forgotten city to visit an unknown herbalist? Only royalty could pull that off. Azulon is out; by the end of his life, he only began to understand the mess his country was in. Iroh is traveling somewhere and never meddled much in politics. That leaves Ozai, who surely knows something about the Fire Sages, given he's already seeking solutions.
I'm glad I once spent enough time learning to prepare tinctures and medicines. So one day, the Fire Nation people found the recipe supplemented, written in the herbalist's handwriting. I still need Ozai and his conflict with the Fire Sages faction, so let him remain more reasonable for now.
The true goal of my journey is the capital of Gaoling Province. I want to determine if it's worth dealing with the Flying Boar family. Their reputation is too good, almost like a beautiful facade. Over so many generations, power and wealth should have corrupted them, but I still hope for the best.
The Beifong estate was located a short distance from the city. In a picturesque setting lay the vast, refined territory of one of the Earth Kingdom's wealthiest families.
After knocking on the massive gates, I waited for the gatekeeper, who didn't keep me waiting long.
"Who are you? Who are you here to see?" the man who opened the door asked with some assertiveness. He towered over me, his forehead nearly reaching six feet. And he reminds me of someone…
"Idiot! How were you taught to speak to guests?" another man who followed him gave him a symbolic smack on the head.
That's it! I remember! The tall one is The Boulder, and the one who approached is The Hippo. The ones Toph competed against in the show. But what the hell are they doing here?!
"Apologies, dear guest, uh…, how should I address you?" The Boulder started anew, "For your effort, you get a plus!"
"Roku," I simply extended my hand for a handshake, showing that formalities weren't needed. "Mr. Lao, through mutual friends, invited me to stay. I hope the offer still stands."
"Give us a moment," The Hippo bowed, placing his hand on The Boulder's head, lowering it…
I know eavesdropping is wrong, but it's a sin not to use all my abilities.
"Sir, there's someone named Roku at the door claiming you invited him to stay," I heard the start of the conversation. After describing my appearance, Lao asked to bring me to the table quickly; they were having a family dinner.
"Great! Now we'll see whose earthbending is stronger: the famous Roku or the greatest earthbender, Toph Beifong!" a new, younger, female voice chimed in.
"Ladies don't speak like that, Toph!" a more mature voice replied, "Tell her, Lao!"
"Yes, yes, yes, young lady, you can't speak like that," he said, seemingly sternly, then continued quieter, "Keep it up, daughter, you've got the true Beifong spirit."
"I can hear everything, dear."
"The Boulder, call Xin Fu and his guys. Roku's reputation is spotless, but backup never hurts," he added, amusingly, as I don't fully trust them, and they don't fully trust me.
Xin Fu, another character from "The Blind Bandit," was the organizer and judge of the Earthbending Tournament. This is getting more and more interesting.
"Please follow me," The Hippo appeared. I should probably learn their real names…
Escorting me to the largest estate, they opened the door to the dining room. At the sturdy table sat a blind girl of about eleven or twelve, meaning Toph in this universe is around the same age as my little sister, or maybe even older. At the head sat Lao Beifong, who, though resembling his animated counterpart, exuded a more masculine aura. His benevolent appearance was marred by the piercing eyes of someone who'd seen far too much in his lifetime. To his right sat Poppy Beifong, who didn't much differ from a typical aristocrat.
"Thank you for your invitation, and apologies for the sudden visit," I bowed lightly, acknowledging my fault.
"Nonsense!" he exclaimed, rising and bowing in return, "You're always a welcome guest in our home!" he continued, smiling warmly.
Next, they invited me to dine with them. Though not very hungry, I didn't refuse their hospitality. The attention from the Beifong fighters, who didn't take their eyes off me, was a bit unnerving.
The conversation remained neutral: we discussed the weather, the state of some provinces, prices of certain goods, and I gifted the spirits from the monastery. Once, while Lao and Poppy were distracted, Toph whispered to me.
"Pss, I heard you're good at earthbending. Let's spar sometime," she said quietly, glancing furtively at her talking parents.
"Deal," I gave her a thumbs-up, clearly encouraging her, as she began fidgeting eagerly in her seat.
Here, Toph doesn't hide her "combative" nature, and it seems her parents don't forbid her from training more seriously.
"Lao, I'd like to speak with you about more serious matters. I hope that's possible?" I'd seen enough; I don't think so many people would speak highly of a bad person. So, I'll trust my intuition, which, along with my growing powers, already helps me determine a person's essence. "Not for all ears," I added.
"Toph, Poppy, please prepare my favorite tea. When dear ones brew it, it becomes especially delicious," he tactfully asked them to leave for a moment.
Without asking questions, they quickly departed. That's what respect looks like! Only one hidden earthbender remained near us.
"Do you trust him?" I asked, glancing toward the ceiling, showing I sensed the hidden person.
"The rumors about your abilities were never exaggerated, Mr. Roku," he complimented me, "and yes, this person deserves trust."
Good, I hope they won't kick me out immediately as I speak about the great struggle between Light and Darkness and the impending problems awaiting our world…