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Inside Avatar Kyoshi's sprawling mansion, little Obsidiana played with her new kitten, Hope. Her mothers had taken her to get a pet two weeks ago. She took great pleasure in playing with the energetic kitten.
The little girl had located a ball of colorful yarn for Hope to play with. The tiny goldish-red fuzzball seemed to rejoice in screwing around with her latest toy. A slight grin tugged at the six-year-old's lips. Out of over a dozen animals, Hope had called to her.
That they're meant to be, the little girl couldn't describe it any other way. Other then they're meant for each other. The child started yanking the yarn around her bedroom. Hope's hunting instincts kicked in. She was pursuing the ball and attacking her prey.
Before long, Hope lost interest in the yarn ball. Therefore, she jumped into her friend's lap. She rubbed her head against the girl showering the child with plenty of affection. Obsidiana giggled joyfully from all the love her kitty gave her. "I love you, Hope!" she whispered to her precious pet.
Her purring seemed to confirm she did love her as well. This went on for a while until her grandmother came in. Hei Ran reminded her granddaughter that it was time for her afternoon nap. The child didn't want to take a nap. However, her grandmother insisted.
Her mothers and grandmother had worked out a strict routine for Obsidiana. Admittedly the routine had benefited them tremendously regarding Obsidiana's rehabilitation. Her family had done quite a lot to support her on her long road to recovery. Between the routine and getting her a pet? Her mothers, Avatar Kyoshi, and Rangi, had been instructing the girl in self-defense. Her grandmother pitched in as well.
The small clan strived toward their goal that Obsidiana would eventually recover from her trauma. Or get to a point she didn't struggle as much. In addition, her family desired her to have human companions and communicate more.
The little girl didn't want to let her family down. However, she still had trust issues. Also, there were still many triggers for her, leading to frequent panic attacks. Obsidiana secretly dreamed she could trust and make friends one day. However, she wasn't at that point yet.
Finally, the little girl allowed her grandmother to tuck her in for her nap. Her grandmother had made sure to bring in fresh blossoms that morning. In addition, her mommy, Kyoshi, had ensured her bedroom was spacious with lots of natural light to combat her trauma. They also kept fresh flowers and bonsai trees in her room. Hei Ran quietly sang a short lullaby till her granddaughter closed her eyes.
Once the proud Fire Nation woman departed, Hope began to behave oddly. The feline seemed to have been waiting for the elderly lady to leave them alone. The pussycat did a quick survey to confirm they were alone. She inched closer to the little girl. Unexpectedly an otherworldly glow engulfed the kitten's body. The luminous kitten started to switch forms.
Once the bright light had died away, Hope wasn't there. Or at least a kitten wasn't. Instead, a stunning adolescent female with cat-like features dressed in an elaborate kimono had taken her place. First, the cat girl caressed the sleeping child's hair. Then she surprisingly spoke! "Oh, my precious Obsidiana. I wonder why the Almighty Mother commanded me to become your spirit guide/guardian. Perhaps, the Almighty Mother desired to alleviate your family's burden.
I've made a vow never to leave your side. I'll watch over and protect you when your family cannot. Then, I'll divulge myself to the Avatar when the time is right. I'm confident she'll be shocked Alanna sent her daughter a guardian.
However, given Alanna's connection to your mother? I shouldn't be shocked. Rest now, and I'll ensure your dreams are safe and happy." The cat spirit started to purr as she conjured something sparkly in her right hand. She then sprinkled the sparkles over the sleeping child. As a result, a luminous greenish aura enveloped the child.
Obsidiana seemed to sleep more peacefully. The young spirit then purred happily. "Rest well, my precious. I'll wait for you to awaken from the happy dreams I've granted you. For now, I must resume my other form. I pray the day comes soon so I can appropriately explain things to your family. Particularly Kyoshi."
With that, the cat spirit returned to her other form. She then snuggled close to the little girl. Whatever destiny Alanna had foreseen for the child, one thing remained clear. Hope wouldn't abandon her responsibility to the girl.
