Work Text:
The storyteller, Kelsey, waited anxiously for a portal to open. A week ago, Alanna, the White Spirit of Life, invited her to her home, Keaparabeau. She finally had found the time to go. It would be nice to get out of her apartment and a heatwave for a while. It was very dull being stuck inside. More so since she never had anyone to hang out with or talk to. She could only take to her mother so much before she got pissed. And then her aunt had all but cut her out of her life as well.
Happily, the portal opened as Kelsey walked happily through. She instantly changed into the Spirit of Storytelling. She now wore a colorful, beautiful kimono, had enormous butterfly wings, and felt lighter and happier. Her beautiful wings took her to Alanna's tea room. The low table held a single white candle among a bouquet of white lilies. It really was a cozy place to have tea. However, Alanna promised she wouldn't serve tea as she knew Kelsey didn't drink it.
Kelsey took a seat on a plush pillow and waited. The butterfly-winged, white-haired noblewoman happily flutters over. "Greetings, Storyteller. I'm thrilled you could make it for today's tea. However, I've made you some fruit juice instead. Why don't we have something to drink and eat first before we start talking?"
"Sounds good to me. I'm just happy there isn't a heatwave in the Spirit World!" chuckled Kelsey.
"Keaparabeau is kept between spring and summer. But I never make the temperature unreasonable. I allow it to rain when I sleep, but not if I want to go outside during the day. So please enjoy these sweet cakes I've baked." The two ate silently while enjoying strange but beautiful music filling Alanna's palace. Finally, they felt it was time to talk. Alanna asked Kelsey to explain everything that happened in the last week.
"I've had quite a bit on my mind, My Lady. I spent the entire weekend thinking about victim blaming. I've seen too much of it in the real world. It disgusts me beyond measure how whenever people try to speak online about their abusive situations? All people do is scream that their stories are fake. Or that they should've done something differently. It pisses me off because its just not easy to escape an abusive relationship. Nor should anyone blame the victim of any abuse.
The blame should be assigned to the one who did the transgression. And NO ONE has the right to tell you what you should've done. Look, my stepbrother attempted to harm me sexually. I was too young and not mentally mature enough to understand what was happening till he started getting a bit more physical.
I finally cracked at work. But even telling the police did no good because my dad and stepmom bullied me into taking back my statement. Again, my whole family is abusive in every sense of the word. And while I've cut ties with many of them, it is still impossible to cut them out altogether."
"It pains me when my counterpart Anto encourages that wicked behavior. Yet, I assign the blame where it belongs. To him and whoever committed the atrocity. No one but Ozai is to blame for what he did to Zuko and Ursa in one reality."
"True enough. Just like Azula alone is to blame for her cruelty and lack of remorse. Also, you can only push someone so far till they snap and attack back. If all you're going to do is abuse someone for years, then don't be surprised if they attack you back. Or worse, they might take it too far and kill you. I feel sympathy for those who are pushed to that point. That they've been abused so much they snap and well? Again, people really need to think about their words and actions."
"I've tried for centuries to get my children to listen to the words of truth. To teach forgiveness, love, and empathy. However, it doesn't always happen."
"In my country? There are far too many disgusted demons who don't give a damn about anyone but themselves and their selfish goals. That they care more about power then people. We've grown adults acting like children! It is beyond disgusting!
Still, everyone needs to take accountability for their own actions and words. Also, I strongly feel you should pass some mental exams before being given a position of authority. We could've avoided one of the most horrific days in history if someone had realized the so-called leader of the country was nothing more then a sociopath!"
"Let's get off politics before we become too enraged. I know other things are on your mind."
"Like how I'm worried about my sister's mental state? So many of her stories deal with child abandonment, kidnapping, torture, and attempted murder. Hell! One of her stories could be compared to online predatory grooming of their victim. I might not always like my twin sister. But I'm very concerned with her constantly writing these themes. It worries me about what is going on in her mind."
"I'm happy you've not written your sister off completely. But from what you just described, I'd be concerned. That is a red flag if you constantly write such evil behavior."
"Yes, to me, it is. Speaking of stories? I barely finished writing the birthday stories for this month. September is so overbooked with birthday and holiday stories that I'll post them far ahead of the date when I write. I need to finish my original story, Scooby Doo, and collab stories. I also need to start working on my Harry Potter one.
Alanna reached over to place her hand on Kelsey's forehead. A soothing sensation flooded her body, making her calm down. "What did you do?"
"I used some of my positive energy to negate the negative building up inside you. You'll be able to finish all of them in time. Along with anything else you've planned. As they say? Take it one day at a time."
"I suppose you're right about that. Mind if I take a nap in one of your guest rooms before I return to my world?"
"Not a problem. I need a nap myself. Follow me," as the pair fluttered out of the tea room towards the sleeping chambers.