#finding peace

[serenityquest]

[just-a-lil-turtle-with-knives]

Working on a 2k3/Last Ronin crossover. :D

[thetimewehave]

I need to remind myself this life isn’t a sprint. There’s no shortcut to everything I’ve ever wanted: contentment, love, and stability. I have so much time to find it all.

[alien-ally]

So I'd changed schools this year (junior in highschool), and just a few days ago i overheard a couple of my classmates talking about the lbtqia+ community and asked them if they knew what the 'a' in the acronym stood for, the first answer was asexual, to which i proceeded to tell em it stood for aromantic, agender and some other a-specs, from how they were so eager to learn i went 'wanna know a fun fact?' and came out to them as aroace (later greyapl as well). They told me that now that they know, it kind of made sense lolol. And today in the break while i was reading my book they came up to me asked how their favorite aroace was doing :/ and what my fav flag was

Today again, in the bus i asked another one of my classmates if she knew what the 'a' in the acronym stood for, first answer was agender, i was totally blown away, went woahhhh and proceeded to say what else it stood for. Then. . . she said at one point she thought she was aro. At that point i was enchanted, I Am Aromantic! i told her. we talked about it for a bit, when i discovered and identified with the terms etc. until my stop came. I told her how important that conversation was for me cause I'd never spoken about it to people irl, much less even meet people who knew the terms. She said she was touched. I said, no I am touched.

If those two interactions dint light up my entire car ride (yeah someone has to pick me from the bus stop, school bus sucks ); back home, rest of the day, coming weekend, next week and possibly this entire month. One of them is bi and another bi questioning (the one who questioned being aro). For once, perhaps the first time, to be myself, even if i wasn't trying to be anything else, to have people know, perceive me for what i am, i dint know what sort of weight it had on my shoulders until it was lifted away. Awesome people exist, just met some the past couple weeks and now will always remember these encounters as my first major coming out (i had already to my friends but this one felt different). I was overcome with so much elation, relief, happiness, joy, satisfaction, bliss, peace i wanted to scream it out. So here it is, it's not that hopeless after all

[seasofjupiterx]

And then finally

It didn’t hurt anymore

[paisholotus]

𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭 & 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚

Narrative

It was night time, and Toph was preparing for bed. She wished she could get out of the prison her parents had kept her in. I mean, many people would kill to live the life she lives. But it's just not her life. Her parents treat her like she's a walking porcelain doll only because she is blind. 

 

She only feels like herself when she's earthbending. She is the greatest earth bender there is, and she will confidently argue and establish her point. 

 

Toph had three teachers. The first two were the first earth benders in history: badger moles. The third was Cara, her dearest friend and the second greatest earth bender after Toph. 

 

Toph was grateful to Cara because she not only taught her but was also her best friend. Her only friend at that. Toph's parents prohibited her from making friends due to "safety concerns." They didn't want anything to happen to Toph, which was understandable, but they hovered so much that Toph couldn't do or experience much on her own. 

 

Cara visited Toph almost every night. Ever since she was practically a baby. 

 

Toph snuck into the garden and sat on the grass, simply listening to the breeze. She picked up on some foot steps, and earth bent a boulder at the intruder, only for them to catch it with their hands. 

 

Toph smiled, her back still turned away from the person, and rose. 

 

"Now, Toph, that's no way to greet house guests." Cara remarked, throwing down the boulder and walking towards Toph. 

 

Toph laughed and hugged Cara. "it's my way of greeting people." They giggled as they moved back and forth in the hug. Cara is likely the only person Toph would hug like this.   Definitely the only person, given that Toph does not hug people. 

 

They sat on the grass and talked for hours as usual, until Cara grabbed Toph's hands with a serious expression on her face. Toph always knew when something was awry, especially with Cara. 

 

"What's wrong, Ra?" Toph asked, concerned. 

 

"Do you remember when I told you my reason for being born?" Cara asked Toph. 

 

Toph nodded, patiently waiting for her to continue. 

 

"Well, we've all heard of the Avatar's return; you're aware of my duty to protect and help him. Do you recall when I told you that when you grew up, you would play an important role in overthrowing the Fire Nation?" Cara asked. 

 

Toph's forehead wrinkled as she remembered Cara saying that, but she didn't take it seriously. 

 

"Well, the time has come. The Avatar will soon arrive to you, and you will take what I have taught you and teach him." She said, sternly.

 

Toph sat there, astonished and perplexed. She slowly moved her hands back, but Cara quickly grabbed them and held them to her chest, over her heart. 

 

"What are you talking about, Cara!? I can't teach the Avatar! I can't even leave my house without a guard attached to every footstep. How am I going to help the Avatar overthrow the Fire Nation?" She replied as hot tears streamed down her face. 

 

Cara held Toph in her arms as she comforted her. She waited until she calmed down and held her cheeks, giving her a soft smile. 

 

"Toph, do you know how strong you are? Do you know how capable you are? You are literally the smartest person I know. I know you can do this; you've been taught by the greatest along with me. You are the greatest earth bender there is. I know this might seem impossible, but nothing is impossible when you have faith and courage. I believe in you, and the spirits believe in you. You, my strong warrior, can do this." She finished, grabbing Toph's hands and pulling her to her feet. Cara confidently crossed her arms, holding a smirk on her face. 

 

"Now is the Blind Bandit going to help me or not?" Cara asked. 

 

Toph smiled and wiped her eyes, putting her hand on her hip and sticking out the other.  

 

"You've got yourself a deal." Toph said, as they shook on it. They bowed to each other and gave each other a hug, laughing. 

 

Cara kissed Toph's cheek, laying her head in the crook of Toph's neck. "I love you, Tophy." 

 

Toph slightly blushed and held Cara tighter, "I love you too, Ra." 

[soulinkpoetry]

With the right person ( be it a partner or a friend) it’s “ I get you” , “ me too” “ I’m glad you’re in my life”.

A breath of fresh air!

With the wrong ones there’ll always be drama.

.

.

[downfalldestiny]

Finding peace in the small moments 🌅 !.

[serenityquest]

[naeemajusthasthoughts]

A lesson

Lesson learnt

The core of its crux

Lesson being the only one

And nothing but doubt has came about

Lesson learnt

A consuming weight upon shoulders

A crushing course seeking its wonders

A dull thump of emotions has finally came to utters

Lesson learnt

Or so it has spoken

A broken heart and tears of crystals

Cold stone and wilderness walls of entrapment

Seeking nothing but utter justice

But lesson learnt

And all its wonders

Crumble to nothing but dust

Floating above all its alters

Leaving the heart in its own justice

Though the thought never really was there

But a small blustering light makes its way

Only for it to be shut out

By a lesson only ever being learnt.

[taweetie]

losing people, finding peace.

if I gotta choose between you or me

…it’s me.

[reelovesbuckybarnes]

My newest selfie ❤☺.

[paisholotus]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐

A/N: This mf long. Hope y'all enjoy, tho 🩵

Narrative

four massive fireballs arcing over the Water City walls and into the city. It is daylight, and the battle for the survival of the Northern Water Tribe has begun in earnest. The four fireballs land at various points within the city and explode. Back to the sanctuary, where Appa and the others are, the black and white fish circling each other in the sanctuary pond. Katara sits sadly in front of it, with tears in her eyes, Aang has been taken by Prince Zuko.

Above the waterfall, the Moon Warriors are perched on their polar bears on the frigid tundra, keeping an eye on Katara, Sokka, and Yue. They get on the flying bison and soar above them to find Aang. Lilia, Yanna's third command, motions for three Warriors to go protect them while the rest guard the oasis. 

- Time Skip-

Yanna and her mother rushed to save women and children. Many Moon Warriors are fighting with the Northern tribe, taking down soldiers on rhinos and catapulting fireballs against the wall. The women gasped as they watched the Warriors take down the soldiers, Yanna covered a woman holding a small child. She covered her face and told them to stay put and take cover.

The Fire Nation assault on the city below. A line of Fire Navy ships abuts the outer wall, which continues launching fireballs deep into the unoccupied portions of the city. The invaders have penetrated the outer wall with infantry and armor. The Water Tribe still holds one of the towers in the foreground, but it is clear the defenders are losing this battle.

A couple of Fire Nation war rhinoceros, each with small catapults on either side of its saddle. One after the other, the soldiers on the rhinoceros fire their catapults.

Yanna and her sister waterbends tall structures around the houses of women and children. She waterbends the snow up and pushes the soldiers back away from the second wall. The secondary wall still holds a thin moat of water in front of it. The defenders are few, however, and a deadly rain of fireballs spreading destruction deep inside the city, Fire Nation tanks, firing as they advance toward the secondary wall.

Yanna looks up into the black, smoke-filled sky, and then the sky turns red. Yanna's heart sunk as she gazed at the now-red moon. She stared at the Northern Waterbenders, who had lost their ability to bend. Something has happened to the moon spirit, and the fire balls then penetrate the second wall, forcing the benders to flee.

The Moon Warriors formed a defensive line in front of the second wall, and Yanna felt wrath wash over her. Yanna's eyes began to glow as she moved her hands, as did the Warriors in a circular motion. They carved a hole in the ice, causing a few soldiers to stumble through. The sky then darkened to grey, Yanna's eyes blazed with rage as she realized what had just occurred; the moon spirit had been destroyed.

As she lifts her hands and cries, "RISE!" Hot tears streaming down her face. When the ice begins to quiver and shatter, the Fire Benders cease firing.

Seconds pass before the serpent emerges from the ice, leans down, and Yanna leaps upon the serpent, raising her swords into the air, "FOR THE WATER TRIBE, ATTACK!" The Warriors charge the army on their polar bears, while Yanna swipes her swords, taking out soldiers, tanks, and catapults.

A glow spreads from behind the citadel to encompass the entire citadel area of the city. A huge, incandescent blue wave rushes under the footbridge as if some huge creatures were moving underneath it. Appa stands on the oasis, but he is dwarfed by the creature that rises from the pool, the citadel, and the city visible beyond it.

The blue, white veined creature is a huge fish like being. At its center is a blue white bubble, and there is Aang, who spreads his arms wide. A moment later, the Ocean Spirit, for this is truly he in communion with the Avatar, duplicates the motion. The Fire Nation soldiers who stand in front of the last wall, who back away in fear, start to run back to their ships. The Ocean Spirit towers over the citadel, its arms still spread wide, its blue spirit lighting the city like a beacon. The Spirit begins to move down into the city. Master Pakku and his waterbenders instantly bow to the floor in honor of their god. Across the canal, some Fire Nation soldiers raise their spears in defiance but are swept away by a wall of water sent by the Ocean Spirit. Aang inside the body of the Ocean Spirit, flailing his arms about, directing the power of the Ocean Spirit against the violators of the Moon Spirit and the Water Tribe City.

The Moon Spirit looks down at the Moon Warriors and motions for them to follow it to the ocean. Fire Nation tanks fire blasts of fire at the Ocean Spirit, but they are absorbed with no effect. The soldiers and tanks are washed away as if they were toys. The Ocean Spirit passes by the Water Tribe citizens who make obeisance to their lord. The Fire Nation army in full retreat, trying desperately to escape the vengeance of a living Spirit. The Ocean Spirit reaches the main canal in front of the third wall and melts into it.

The Moon Warriors and the Moon Spirit make it to the ocean. Yanna, on her serpent take down Fire Nation ships while the Moon Spirit pushes the rest of them back. The Moon Spirit looks at the pushed backed ships and dissipates back into the water. The Spirit lifts out the water and puts Aang back on the wall, causing him to fall to his knees. The Spirit then goes back into the water and spirals around, lifting Yanna into the air.

"YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CRIMES YOU COMMITTED TODAY! FIRE LORD OZAI WILL FALL TO HIS KNEES AND PAY FOR THE WORLD'S DESTRUCTION! LEAVE AND NEVER RETURN!" Yanna said assertively. The spirit placed Yanna back on the serpent and vanished back into the water.

 -Time Skip-

Yanna's pov

I watched the Northern Water Tribe and my Warriors starting to rebuild the structure of the city. I looked at Arnook and grabbed his hand. He looked down at me with sad eyes while i gave him a sympathetic smile. He looked back up to the Moon and said, "The Spirits gave me a vision when Yue was born. I saw... a beautiful, brave young woman... Become the Moon Spirit." He Closes his eyes and signs deeply, "I knew this day would come." He said, doeful

"You must be proud." I said. He smiled, and quietly said, "So proud. And sad."

I looked at Aang, Katara, and Sokka, hugging beside their bison. My heart wanted me to go talk to them, but I don't know what I would say. It's been years since I've spoken to them, I was a little girl the last time I spoke to them, I'm 18 now. I felt Arnook looking down at me, and he smiled, grabbing my hand. He turned back to the people and began to speak. "Great People Of The Water Tribe, we just fought the greatest fight our people have ever encountered, I would like to thank THE GREAT MOON AND OCEAN SPIRITS FOR GUIDING US AND FOR GIVING US STRENGTH TO WIN THIS BATTLE! But most importantly, I would like to thank the Avatar and thank the people who we thought were legends. PLEASE EVERYONE BOW BEFORE THE MOON WARRIORS WHO SHOWED INCREDIBLE STRENGTH AND POWER, MAY IMIQ CONTINUE TO BLESS US!"

I watched everyone bow before me before my Warriors. I felt joy and pride in my heart, that I had done my people proud, that I've done my father proud. Arnook nudged me to speak, and I walked down the steps in front of the people, and in front of Sokka and Katara.

"I am Yanna, the Moon Warriors' leader and the daughter of Tarak and Myra. I was chosen by our previous Avatar, Imiq. At a young age, I had no idea I had so much power and responsibility at the time. My father would often tell me that I was destined for greatness, but I never knew what he meant. Every day, we would train, and I had no idea he was preparing me for who I was meant to be.

The day the Fire Nation arrived at the South Pole was the darkest day of my life. It was the day I lost my father. I had to abandon my friends and fully isolate myself from the rest of the world in order to become powerful enough to protect both the south and north poles.

I've questioned whether I was giving my all mentally, physically, and emotionally. I felt like a failure every day, until one day I realized I couldn't feel sorry for myself anymore. My people were counting on me. Every day, I trained and fought hard. There were days when I stumbled, but I always got back up. Because that is what a leader does—they do not give up when things get difficult.

When life knocks you down, you get back up and keep pushing until you can't anymore, and even then, you try again." I felt tears brim my eyes as I raised my fist to my chest.

"I am proud to be a member of the Water Tribe, a Moon Warrior, and most importantly, I am proud of the Avatar for returning to us. And I'd want to thank my fellow brother and sister, Sokka and Katara, for bringing him to us. As long as there is air flowing through my lungs, there isn't a challenge or fight I'm not willing to face," I said, raising my fist in the air. "MAY THE GREAT SPIRITS KEEP SHINING ON US!"

Everyone raised their fists and chanted. I looked at Katara, who was crying, and Sokka, who was smiling slightly. I approached them while standing in front of them. My chest felt heavy as I opened my mouth to say something, but it wouldn't come out. Katara then grabbed my hands and pulled me into a hug, causing me to sob, then I felt Sokka wrap his arms around me and Katara, too. "I missed you, Yan." Katara said. I kissed her cheek and said, "I've missed you more, Tara."

[beljar]

Each of us has his own way of emerging from the underworld, mine is by writing. That's why the only way I can keep going, if at all, is by writing, not through rest and sleep. I am far more likely to achieve peace of mind through writing than the capacity to write through peace.

Franz Kafka, from Letters to Felice, 1967