Chapter 21. The Attack [FIXED]
Time marched on, and mastering new elements, healing the sick, conquering bloodbending, and visiting the South Pole had all become a pleasant routine.
Less than six months had passed when my earthbending reached an intermediate level. Along with that, I refined the techniques I'd already mastered, adding the creation of stone shields and armor.
I managed to find the necessary points of contact in bloodbending that control movement. Now, I can command a dozen rats. Trying to deepen my understanding of this ability, I achieved the ability to assign different movements to each rat. It seems I've found the key—or at least a basic understanding—of manipulating blood. The rats no longer offered quick progress, so I ventured into the tundra to try controlling larger animals, which wasn't too difficult. It just required a bit more energy, but the principles were similar. Now, I need to find test subjects—er, I mean, scoundrels—to experiment with bloodbending on.
The entire Northern Water Tribe experienced a baby boom. When injuries are no longer a concern, your perspective on life shifts. It seems there's been a reevaluation of values. Now, it's common to see women walking around with rounded bellies or carrying their infants in slings. It's time to consider expanding the city's borders and establishing our own farms for fish and livestock. The city—and all nearby tribes—still rely on nature for sustenance, which isn't bad, but with the recent surge in births, we risk disrupting the ecosystem for food.
Apparently, this issue is already under control, heh. Still, I should probably pay more attention during meetings instead of dozing off with my eyes open. Wouldn't want to miss something truly significant.
Yue has become determined to be the first female waterbender master in the Northern Water Tribe. Given her progress in mastering the art, there's no doubt she'll succeed. I think I'll manage to lift the ban on women practicing waterbending before this momentous event. The process is already underway; a document outlining all the details is being drafted. It's already clear that no one will send them to the frontlines. Maybe later, they'll allow it for waterbending masters, but for now, it's only about training the female population in waterbending on a voluntary basis. After all, there's no harm in our city's fairer half being ready to defend our children if needed.
*
During my next visit to the South Pole, the first thing that caught my eye was the completely destroyed old village. Even from a distance, I could see the smoldering remains of the tents.
"F*ck," I muttered. I knew this would happen eventually, but I still hoped to avoid breaking the canon. Every time, I asked myself, "What if?" What if Sokka and Katara hadn't been here? The Avatar might never have appeared. In my attempt to preserve the timeline I needed, I'd endangered those close to me. By now, I could easily transport up to two large animals through portals, but not seeing an immediate threat, I'd decided to wait. I should have moved the entire tribe north immediately.