savedtheworld | Book 13: Sunshine [Video/Action]

[It's another New Feather season, which normally means more busy times at the Welcome Center in setting up to greet the new arrivals. But today, Aang's preoccupied himself with something else: that it's been a whole year since Ikki first appeared here in Luceti, and he had seen the first fellow air nomad since he'd woken from the iceberg. He remembers that light she brought into his life. He knows that she might realize this, too - that aside from the few weeks in which she was briefly sent home, it's been a year since she's been seperated from her home. From her family that raised her and her baby brother who has just been born. So he's intent on making this day as special as possible. In the morning, when she wakes up, he's ready to give her the full royal princess treatment, and others around the house are encouraged to do so as well, even wearing clothes that look like those of a royal retainer.

That morning, he does find some time to himself to address the journals.]

[Video, Filtered from Ikki]

[Aang's wearing a servant-y get-up that looks something like this, with his arrow peeking out from the hat. There's mixed emotions on his face. He's sad at Ikki been trapped here and away from her family for so long - while having to endure all the stresses and traumas that come with Luceti life. But he's also sentimental and grateful for all the time he's been able to spend with Ikki and make her feel better - time that he knows he won't have at home.]

Hi, everyone. It's me, Aang. I just wanted to make sure you all knew that today... It's a very special day. Today it's been one year since Ikki got here in Luceti. Her family was only here for a little bit after she first got here, and she hasn't been able to see them here since then.

So, I just have a favor to ask you. If you see Ikki today, can you do what you can to help treat her like a princess? An Avatar princess! I want her to remember this day as... as a reminder and a celebration of all the good times she's had here and all the friends that she's made here. So that she doesn't have to associate it with... you know, with missing her family. I really want to thank everyone who's looked out for her in this time and made her smile. And I hope we can keep on making her smile for as long as she'll be here.

[Action]

[He does manage to spend some time in the day not entertaining Ikki after school. He spends about a half hour at the Welcome Center to try to greet new arrivals and such, and he also spends some time at the bakery, where he makes some treats for Ikki - while keeping in mind what to prepare for Katara's coming birthday. And he leaves some extra - cookies, cupcakes and the like - for anyone who stops by.]

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[Why you so precious, granddad?? When Minato's finished listening to what Aang had to say, he gives the other a wide smile. Even when Aang doesn't look like a year older than Naruto, his tone is filled with love for his granddaughter.]

You don't have to worry about it, Aang. Ikki's a good child, I'm sure no one will even dare be rude to her. [So yes, consider him treating Ikki like a speshul princess too.]

[This is someone he hasn't talked to, yet. But something about him looks oddly familiar... almost like an adult-seeming version of someone he's met.]

Hey, thanks! I don't think anyone would be mean to her, either. It's weird when I heard that she doesn't get along with people. But I hope everyone's even nice than ever to her today! She really deserves it.

[Minato only heard about Aang from Ikki and since he introduced himself in his post, well, he might as well address the young (but 100 years old) airbender.]

I'm certain she does. [Since Ikki's really a good girl. Real helpful too when they first arrived in Luceti!] Ah, by the way, I think this is the first time we've talked. My name's Minato. I heard about you from Ikki herself when we arrived a couple of months ago. She was very helpful to me and my family.

You did, huh? It's nice to meet you, Minato! I'm glad that she was helpful to you. Who's your family?

Likewise, Aang.

[There's a wider smile on his lips as he answers his question.] Ah, I have my wife, Kushina and my son, Naruto, here in Luceti. Have you met either of them?

Hey... I have met both of them! Kushina and Naruto! You do look a lot like him. That's... that's really great!

[A whole family here in one place - it's so crazy to imagine. And... kind of bittersweet, when the first example that comes to mind is wondering what it would be like if Katara and Sokka's parents were both here.

But he stays focuses on his enthusiasm.]

Ah, yes. I suppose it's our similar, blonde hair. [He sheepishly smiles at that.] Though, he takes a lot after his mother. [That loud demeanor and his love for ramen? Yup, all his Mom's.]

He does, huh? I guess they do kind of act alike! And they both had those Kipinn wings when I saw them, just not at the same time.

[Minato nods.] Most of the people who know him do say that he probably only got his hair from me and that's it. [Probably his techniques too, but really 90% of Naruto is Kushina in a nutshell.]

Really? I bet there's more to it than that! People get a lot from both their parents, don't they? [He speaks as someone unfamiliar with his own parents.]

Well, there are some other things if you get to know both Naruto and I more closely. [He's sure there are plenty of things he and his son are similar in.]

Then I'll get to know you both better so I can figure it out for myself! So you guys... you're a whole family and you're here? That's something that doesn't happen a lot here! I guess that's lucky. [The only one he was really aware of was the dearly-departed Hughes family.]

I won't be opposed to that.

[Getting to know them better, he means. At Aang's comment, Minato smiles even broader.]

I have been hearing the same thing ever since our arrival. Most say that there were families here but they didn't arrive at the same time just like we did. [It's really a blessing when Minato thinks about it.] I suppose we are indeed lucky.

How about you, Aang? Do you have anyone else here besides Ikki?

I do! Well... Ikki's the only person here who's related to me by blood. But I live with most of my friends from home, and... they're really like my family. They've been there for me for so long.

[Minato understands the feeling. Comrades and friends, bonds you create that's almost like family.]

Oh, I see. It's always good to have friends, too. How about your future children? Did you ever had the chance to meet them here?

Y-yeah. One of them.

[Tenzin. He frowns. But there's a warm glow in his heart.]

Ikki's dad... He was here for a little while. After she first got here. But... I didn't get to know him very well.

[He left with so much unknown. Am I gonna be a good dad?]

He was old. Older than you.

I see.

[There's a brief pause as he lets that sink in, then his smile turns a little empathetic.]

I'm sorry to know you didn't get to know him well before he left. This place would have been a good opportunity for that, if it doesn't take it away immediately that is. If given the chance, do you want him to return? [For you to get that opportunity again?]

I don't know. I... I want to get to know him. A lot. [He's my son] But... It wouldn't be right. Aside from the fact that this isn't a good place for anyone to be, it's... it's not the way we're supposed to meet. That's supposed to happen by itself, when we're all... home.

There is one reason I wish he'd be here, and.. that's what I feel above all. It's that... Ikki needs her dad. She hasn't seen him in a year. And we can only do so much... I just want her to be happy.

Edited 2013-07-16 05:03 (UTC)

[Supposed to happen by itself... But what if this is the only chance you have to be with your family?

Minato doesn't voice this out, though, and chooses to address what Aang just said.]

Would you rather Ikki be the one to go home, then?

[A pause. He winces slightly at the thought. Having Ikki here with him was such a blessing - someone who wasn't just a new member of his race but who was so alike him in her sense of fun and wonder. Someone who was family. Whose smile was always more than enough reason for him to keep smiling no matter how bad things would get.]

That's - that's what would be right... right?

Book 13: Sunshine [Video/Action]

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