savedtheworld | Book 9: Refreshed Air [Action/Video]

[Action]

[This morning, Aang did not wake up in his bed. No, he woke up some ways outside of the village, with an old friend. It took soe time for Aang and Suki to come to grips, but eventually the facts became clear. Suki had come back to Luceti without memories. At the same time, Aang had spent an overnight trip home. He lived out several days at home, where he saw the Yu Dao conflict through to its end and founded the air acolytes.

And now he was back. In Luceti. He knew who Ikki was again. One of the first things he did upon realizing what happened was scribbling a journal message for everyone at home - assuring them he was still around. It might be hard to tell he was gone if anyone was awake that early. After all, he didn't have many possessions, and his room was shared with Roku who was keeping a more irregular sleeping schedule during the draft. The only visible evidence would be the absence of the prayer beads which he had given to Ikki.

So Aang spent most of the morning helping Suki to adjust, hoping that her memories of her previous stay would be awakened. He wasn't really so familiar to people returning without memories. But eventually they parted ways so that Suki could be reunited with Sokka. Once he saw that only a night had passed during his absence, he had guessed that he might have been the only one to go home. The others might still be there. The same as he left them. So he headed to House 56 to check in with everyone next and give the physical proof of his presence. He came fully clothed in his air nomad robes, wielding a set of prayer beads that were notably missing a Fire Nation emblem.

Once all the bases are touched, Aang tries to go about his daily schedule as usual, probably being late for school and skipping out on the Welcome Center to instead explore the forest. Now that he remembers, he looks around carefully for any sign of Moro's presence.]

[Video]

[And this video message is recorded before dinner, when he stops back at the house between forest treks.]

Hey, everyone. It's me, Aang. This place is really weird sometimes. I used to think when people went home, they stayed home, at least for a long time. But sometimes people have been gone for just a few weeks, and me... I was just gone for one night. I doubt anyone noticed, but I'm still sorry if I worried anyone. And my friend Suki came back too. Really unpredictable, right?

Still, some of you might be pleased to know that at home, only a few days passed, but things are really turning out for the better. Things are even more at peace, and I feel more connected with my people than ever. I hope everyone's having a great autumn, while it lasts.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

In a way, at least a little. I mean, I was only home for almost a week, but a lot of important things happened. And some events at home that were stressing me when I first got here, they're settled now.

Good. I'm glad you don't have all that hanging over your head anymore. Being here indefinitely is already a lot to handle, without worrying about what's happening at home. If they hadn't taken me when they did, if it had been earlier, I would have been stressed, too.

[He nods.]

Yeah. I that's one less thing to worry about here. I'm glad you're already from a less stressful time. Does that mean things are... okay in your world? [After accidentally stepping on Masaomi's toes once, he's been more careful about not assuming things are always peachy-keen in others' worlds.]

[Rydia smiles reassuringly and nods.]

They are now. It took a lot of effort, but we managed to keep our world safe. And I know trouble will come again, in the future, but we will overcome that, too.

That's good. I'm glad. And knowing the future can make things really weird sometimes, but it's also good to know when good will prevail against future problems. [But he smiles, reflecting on her worlds.] We're all just a bunch of adventures, aren't we?

[She chuckles at that.]

I guess so! And the good thing about coming from such exciting times is that at least we have epic stories to share. I'm grateful for the peaceful times, too, no doubt.

Yeah, definitely. I always like to tell stories from my adventures. And it's a real relief to know about all the times of peace. Especially with... the way things are here, in this world.

[Rydia nods, a slight wince at that as she can't help but think about the draft. But she's all for avoiding that topic.]

Well, I'm always eager to hear more stories whenever you're up for telling them. I'll compensate with some fall dessert goodness!

Of course! I'll try to have them ready for next time I see you at the Center! And man, that sounds like it'll be some reward!

...oh, right, I should stop by the Center.

[Sheepish. She's been pretty absent from everywhere ever since returning from the draft.]

I'll have to do that soon. Will that be incentive enough? Or do you have favorites I should know about?

No rush! [A bit of concern.] Whenever you feel like visiting.

Heh! I would love almost any snack! ...But I have always loved egg custard tart the most.

Egg custard tart?

[She tilts her head, thoughtful.]

I haven't made that before, but it's time for something new. And it's a change from pumpkin treats. Thanks for the idea, Aang.

No problem! As long as you're open to it. Make sure you make enough for yourself, too! [He wouldn't mind some pumpkin treats, too.] You'll love it.

What about Appa? He should have a special treat, too.

[Something more special than plain apples, anyway.]

He does really like melons, too! Maybe you could try to find some kind of sweet treat you can make from one!

Melons, huh? I think I saw a melon sorbet recipe, though that would seem more appropriate to warmer weather. Still, if you think he might like it...?

It still sounds good! I'm sure Appa won't mind as long it's tasty.

Well, then, I'll have to give it a try!

Thanks, Rydia. But don't try too hard. We're probably the easiest taste testers you could hope for!