*Roku. Gaoling. Beifong Estate.*
"Still not sleeping?" I sat down beside Toff on the open veranda, inhaling the pleasant scents of the wilderness.
"I can't get enough of this world's flowers," she replied, gazing at the tiny stars in the sky. "I never thought I'd have this chance," she continued softly. "Thank you," she said, resting her head on my shoulder.
"You deserve it," I pulled her closer, facing no objections to such boldness.
We sat in cozy silence, listening to the chirping of nocturnal insects.
"You're already asleep..." I whispered, picking Toff up to carry her to her room. The nights were already quite chilly; it wasn't safe for her to sleep outside.
During our stay at the Beifong Estate, I'd tended to Toff's health and her parents'. After all, I needed healthy, vibrant allies.
We were also actively strategizing the gradual conquest of the Earth Kingdom. To start, we decided to mark every product made by the Beifongs with the symbol of their house—a flying boar—so people would know who provided their essentials. This would be especially useful in Ba Sing Se, where we were sending free aid to its poorer citizens.
At a general assembly attended by Toff's father's trusted advisors, it was decided to promote Lao to the forefront. He was at the peak of his popularity, known throughout the Earth Kingdom, with an excellent reputation and charitable deeds celebrated in all provinces. My candidacy paled in comparison; I was better known as a master earthbender and a fighter for justice. Still, I needed more exposure, so I'd accompany Lao everywhere.
From Yuki's example, I knew how much of a hassle all this paperwork was, and I hoped no one noticed my sheer relief. The Earth Kingdom was nearly five tis the size of the Northern Water Tribe, and its population was far greater. It would be easier to defeat the Fire Nation single-handedly than to implent reforms or projects here...
Poor Lao... I wonder if he realizes what kind of burden he's taking on. Though, I've never t a more patriotic person; he'd probably enjoy it. As Poppy confided to her friend, Lao's eyes had been glowing lately, and he'd beco tireless in bed... I didn't an to eavesdrop, but my body reacted faster. If there's whispering, there are secrets, and secrets are information—information is a weapon.
Next month, we're scheduled to tour nearly the entire Earth Kingdom, further promoting and solidifying Lao's position. It could even be called a pre-election campaign. But, as it turns out, Toff's desire to see the world played a bigger role.
Along the way, we'll visit settlents: fortresses, bases, villages, cities, ports, and simply beautiful, interesting places. A whole caravan has been assembled, loaded with tons of supplies. There's everything from various canned goods for Earth Kingdom warriors to dicines, with simple clothes and toys thrown in. Crude manipulations, but highly effective.
Tomorrow, we begin our journey. Despite my demonstrated power, Lao brought many of his own people, leaving so at the estate to protect his wife. Poppy wanted to join us but gets motion sickness in carriages and admitted she couldn't endure such a long journey. Still, every day, another carriage of "essential items" for Toff was added to our caravan...
Soldiers serving under General Zhao, Toff's father, had already arrived at the estate. Upon learning of our plan, he decided to ensure his only daughter's safety.
General Zhao is a mber of the Council of Five, a group of five high-ranking Earth Kingdom generals responsible for all military operations. It also includes General How, who oversees Ba Sing Se's defense and heads the Council of Five. Lao says he's competent but, for so reason, takes no action against Long Feng and doesn't recognize his authority. The head of the Dai Li hasn't found a way to control him, as he consistently demonstrates his commitnt to protecting his citizens.
General Sang, Long Feng's man, heads the defense of the capital's outer wall. Fourth is General Fong, who commands a garrison on the western coast. He rose from the ranks and is deeply respected by ordinary soldiers.
General Tazim, responsible for protecting the borders between the Fire Nation colonies and the Earth Kingdom, is a direct descendant of a friend of the Beifong family's founder, also raised in an orphanage.
This uneven distribution of power is striking: the capital has two generals, while the remaining fifty-nine provinces are overseen by three. I still don't understand what they're doing when their walls have been besieged by the Fire Nation multiple tis.
The next morning, well-rested and content, I was ready to depart. A long line of carriages drew the attention of city dwellers. Lao's people were double-checking the carriages' fastenings and cargo, pretending to be busy to avoid appearing idle to their superiors.
"Don't wander far from your father. Don't eat wild berries or fruits. Stick to your sleep schedule..." Poppy continued giving her daughter instructions, occasionally wiping her teary eyes with a handkerchief.
"I know, Mom, you wrote a whole notebook," Toff interrupted, waving a thick notebook in frustration. "I'm not a child anymore; I'll figure it out sohow," she said, crossing her arms over her budding chest.
"Oh, my girl has grown up so much," Toff seed surprised her words triggered another wave of tears and sniffles.
One way or another, everything ends eventually. We set off slightly later than planned, but no one dared interrupt the mother-daughter farewell. If even Lao sat quietly, the rest should stay quieter than water, lower than grass.
Toff's carriage was exceptionally comfortable, like a local presidential vehicle. Its tal structure ensured complete safety from sudden attacks, and its interior would impress even royalty. It even had a toilet—what more could one want for happiness?
The main purpose of this mobile ho was protection, so there were no windows. But Lao, the caring father, quickly solved this by adding a small hatch in the roof, allowing Toff to watch the passing scenery.
During the first hours of the journey, we periodically heard her amazed gasps and exclamations.
"Father, look over here!"
"Roku, you have to see this!" It was heartwarming to witness Toff's genuine emotions.
To make good use of our ti, I decided to teach Toff sothing new—sothing she could practice in the carriage, as we'd spend most of our ti there.
"Watch and listen, Toff," I tossed a small iron sphere into the air. "Earthbending is multifaceted; don't limit yourself. In the Si Wong Desert, earthbenders learned to control sand. In so provinces, people manipulate mud, but even that's not the limit..." For the next few seconds, under Lao and Toff's stunned gazes, I transford a piece of black tal into various shapes.
"I used to think talbending didn't exist and that the founder's records were exaggerated tales," Lao said, recovering. "You, Mr. Roku, are a man of many talents."
"Can this really be learned?" Toff asked.
"I'm certain of it," I replied. After all, in the future, an entire police force will control tal. "For now, focus on feeling the earth particles within the tal. Here," I pulled a small tal ingot from my bag. "Start with this; it should be easier."
"Don't strain so hard," I laughed, seeing Toff grip the ingot tightly. "Just ditate with it; don't tense up," I began speaking soothingly.
While Toff focused on mastering new heights in earthbending, Lao and I engaged in a leisurely conversation that led us to discuss one highly controversial figure.
"Have you t the leader of the Dai Li in person?"
"Yes, I spoke with him once," he nodded. "That man..." Lao paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully. "...has a very specific worldview that I find unacceptable."
"What specifically didn't you like?" I was curious to know how Lao perceived him.
"Well, I wouldn't have left the capital without good security," he smirked. "He constantly talks about safeguarding the Earth Kingdom's peaceful life but sohow doesn't see beyond Ba Sing Se. Long Feng is a charismatic leader, a skilled orator, and a decent manipulator, but he's not the person people need. For him, holding power is paramount, even if it harms society," Lao continued passionately. "I hope we can rid ourselves of this parasite as soon as possible."
"It's not a problem, but his ti hasn't co yet," I replied. First, we need to strengthen the other provinces. Long Feng has never left Ba Sing Se and probably never will; he seems to fear for his worthless life.
The first night passed without incident. The animals rested and regained their strength, the people prepared for sleep, and dinner was a simple juk—rice porridge cooked until the rice completely disintegrated into the liquid. Simple, but delicious.
Heading south, we bypassed a considerable territory, leaving Gaoling Province behind.
I suppose this had to happen eventually... Along the way, we encountered the first dying village.
At first, I didn't pay it much attention until a familiar figure from the cartoon erged...
"I'm honored to welco you," Haw, the Earth Kingdom soldier who, along with his gang, had terrorized the village before getting beaten by Zuko, bowed deeply.
From the start, sothing felt off. The villagers were too quiet, and so glared at Haw with hatred.
"Roku, that man is lying," Toff whispered, tugging my sleeve. Of course, he wouldn't be happy to see us...
"People! Wait!" A middle-aged man in worn clothes pushed through the crowd. Catching his breath, he continued, "My na is Hansu, and I ask you to relay my words to the high-ranking officers. Haw and his n are forcibly taking the last supplies from the villagers, and also..."
"He doesn't know what he's saying. Let's go to my house," Haw quickly interrupted, nodding to his n to signal Hansu.
"I want to hear Hansu out," Lao said calmly, and his warriors imdiately surrounded Haw and his subordinates. "The n beside are General Zhao's soldiers," yes, Poppy's father and Toff's father-in-law had sent his soldiers with the words, "You can never have too much protection..." "They're authorized to handle such matters," Lao finished. As soon as he spoke, Haw raised the earth around him, pushing Lao's n back.
But instantly, a massive boulder knocked him against the nearest house wall.
"Well done, Toff!" I clapped.
Seismic sense is incredible, perfect for an earthbender. Why didn't the more experienced earthbenders react, while Toff did? Their eyes only saw the movent, but Toff sensed Haw's vibrations when he used earthbending earlier, allowing her to catch him off guard quickly.
In the end, Hansu was right. Emboldened, the villagers began recounting Haw's group's atrocities. Taking food was only a small part of their cris. Exploiting the absence of benders and healthy n who'd gone to serve, they felt entitled to seize beautiful girls and won by force. Later, a warehouse was found where they stored the villagers' stolen belongings.
The stolen items were returned, and we left so of our supplies: rice, fruits, clothes, and other small items.
By the end of the stories, it was clear Toff wished she could go back in ti and launch a larger boulder to ensure Haw's death.
So of General Zhao's soldiers stayed behind to await higher-ups' decisions. Since the law is more lenient toward earthbenders, they might not be executed but sent to labor instead. But in my kingdom, such people have no place. Within a month, they'll suffer from various pains that will only intensify until they die.
I simply injected my life energy into them, setting it to slowly drain their life force. Most likely, they'll kill themselves before long'
"Toff, are you disappointed in people?" Lao asked, not dismissing her even when the villagers recounted so unsavory details. It shows the harsh realities of life; after all, tis are different here, and people mature much earlier.
"I'll never be disappointed in people," she replied confidently. "But today, I saw my first non-humans—creatures that only resemble people outwardly," she continued calmly.
Powerfully said!
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