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Avatar Kyoshi remained incredibly anxious to return home. It'd taken her approximately six weeks to work out the crisis in the Southern Isles. She couldn't wait to get home to her five-year-old daughter, Obsidiana. She likewise knew her soulmate, Rangi, would be awaiting her. She'd gotten a letter via messenger hawk two days ago. It informed her that Rangi would be arriving home the same day as herself. Thanks to the heartwarming words of Avatar Yangchen, Kyoshi felt more confident in her capability to balance her Avatar obligations while simultaneously her responsibilities as a parent.
However, neither of the young mothers was prepared for what awaited them back at the mansion. The lovers greeted each other with a passionate kiss. Then went inside only to discover Rangi's mother, Hei Ran, looking fearful. Something wasn't right. Kyoshi spoke first. "Hei Ran, is something amiss? You look incredibly panicked," Kyoshi didn't like the nervous expression the elderly firebender wore.
"It's my unfortunate duty to report to both of you your daughter is unwell. I strongly suspect its Fire Fever," she replied gravely, which caused both young mothers to gasp in shock.
"Obsidiana's sick?!" Kyoshi exclaimed in alarm.
Rangi eyed her mother intensely, "How is it conceivable Obsidiana caught Fire Fever? That's only found in the Fire Nation!" she proclaimed loudly.
Her soulmate looked between them with her face getting paler then her makeup. "Could someone please explain to me what exactly Fire Fever is? Moreover, why do you think that's what she has?" Kyoshi interjected urgently. The young woman stood, undoubtedly starting to have a panic attack due to the news.
Hei Ran took a deep breath before calmly explaining. "Fire Fever is a virus ordinarily found within the Fire Nation. It's similar to influenza. Fire Fever causes high fevers, loss of voice, body aches, and difficulty breathing. Plus, excessive sweating while also feeling unbelievably cold. It's also expected to have delusions periodically, which are ordinarily harmless. However, a unique part of the condition is how it impacts benders.
When a bender catches the Fever, they're temporarily stripped of their bending during the duration of the infection. Then its recommended to wait two weeks to allow your chi to recuperate before bending again. Doing it too soon could impair your bending permanently. I've witnessed it multiple times throughout my life."
"So how do you know your granddaughter's caught it? Moreover, how would she catch it if its only found in the Fire Nation?" questioned the anxious Avatar. She wanted answers now. Judging by Kyoshi's emotional state, if they didn't get them immediately, she might accidently enter the Avatar State!
"Well, there was an outbreak of it shortly after the Camilla and Peony War. It comes in waves. Some strains are worse then others," Rangi explained as she gave it some thought. Then, she took a deep calming breath before voicing her thoughts aloud. "It's generally a childhood aliment that you typically only get once. However, it's feasible she caught it from either my mother or me. We've both already had it, but it doesn't mean the germs weren't attached to us."
"My thoughts exactly, Rangi," her mother replied quickly. She hung her head guilty before adding, "A few passengers on the ferry also seemed to exhibit early symptoms when I traveled here."
"Alright, now that we've figured out how she caught it. Now can someone tell me how we treat it?" Kyoshi demanded angrily. The Fire Nation women were a bit taken aback by Kyoshi's words. However, it was expected that this was the first time she'd dealt with a sick child. So that was characteristic of any parent.
Hei Ran gave her a reassuring smile."Like most infections, Kyoshi, getting enough rest and staying hydrated is essential. We also have to make sure to give her an increase in vitamins. To help with her breathing problems, we must do our best to keep the room cool so she can breathe more easily. Also, herbalists can temporarily brew some medicine to alleviate symptoms."
Hearing that helped calm Kyoshi down some. Next, she turned to her soulmate, "Rangi could you go to the village herbalist to get the proper medicine? Then, your mother and I will figure out how to keep the air in Obsidiana's room cool. I hope this Fever doesn't last too long."
Her soulmate nodded, then headed off on her mission. Kyoshi took a deep breath before entering her daughter's room. The intimating woman was caught off guard by what she witnessed. Her daughter's skin was even paler then when she'd been enslaved. She looked intensely uncomfortable. Her pained expression gradually began to replicate itself on her mother's features. This wasn't good. Hei Ran came in with some tea and tried to coax her granddaughter into drinking it.
She didn't want to. So finally, Kyoshi stepped in and got her to swallow the tea. She then utilized her waterbending to gradually decrease the temperature in the room by freezing the water molecules in the air. She kept dropping it until she saw her daughter breathe easier. "I'll have to redo this about every hour or so. But at least she can breathe better."
"Yes, can you hand me that cold compress? We need to keep the Fever from getting any higher." Kyoshi quickly made the cold compress and then handed it to Hei Ran. She watched the doting grandmother wipe her granddaughter's forehead. Then she placed it on the crown of her head. Obsidiana's whimpering subsided for the moment.
"How long does this Fever last?" Kyoshi demanded to know.
Hei Ran looked glum. "Normally, it's only two weeks. However, some strains are more harmful then others. So it can occasionally be as long as a month."
This alarmed the Avatar, who asked, "Anyone die from this fever?" she demanded to know. Again it looked like she might inadvertently set off the Avatar State, given her mental state.
"Again depends on the individual. Most individuals can get over it. That is, if they're healthy, to begin with. Those with preexisting health problems or older have a harder time fighting it."
"That doesn't answer my question, Hei Ran."
"I'm simply saying it depends on the individual. But, yes, some have perished. Except those were the ones who either weren't in the best of health or were elderly. Children seldom die unless they have got a preexisting condition.
Yes, we should worry a little bit, given Obsidiana's history. However, I'm confident that she'll pull through. It's likely taking longer due to her recent health problems. Also, given she's not native to the Fire Nation. We gain natural immunity from the Fever after having it."
Unexpectedly Rangi burst in. "I've got the medicine! The herbalist promised she'd have more in a few days. She needs to go gather some herbs first."
"Okay, let's help her take medicine then," Kyoshi replied as she helped prop up her daughter. Eventually, they managed to get her to ingest the medicine. Afterward, they let her sleep for an hour. Then Kyoshi repeated, decreasing the temperature. This became a pattern for the next month. It wasn't easy caring for a sick child.
Kyoshi consulted Avatar Yangchen again, as she'd mentioned she'd dealt with several maladies. It also helped calm her nerves. But ultimately, Obsidiana recovered. That month would have a lasting impact on Avatar Kyoshi, but she felt better knowing she'd survived her child's first sickness.