TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

[avalonmods]

{ QUICK NAV } Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary ⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️ A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival KERPLUNK, SPLASH! Regardless of what you were in the middle of, you and your familiar have been magically pulled into the world of Avalon just above the Bay's chilly waters. After a brief plunge into the Bay, the rush of water filling your ears and soaking up into every creak and crevice of your body, you may need to cough to clear your airways when you rise above the surface. It's paralyzingly cold for a few seconds before you're approached by the Lady of the Lake beneath the water's surface. She puts a vial of a vibrant, glowing red Everwarm* potion to your character's lips. The icy water doesn't feel so icy once consumed and you'll be able to move your limbs enough to swim to shore on your own. She can't stick around to explain, she's got to get this to all the new arrivals! Many of which you'll see plopping in around you. If you can't swim, a handful of helpful ice turtles will scoop you up from beneath and drop you off at the shore. It's a fast process, as they no longer have to collect possessions and pets from drowning in the waters, so they're only needing to go around hitting the ice that keeps forming on the surface with their shells to keep the surface open for the falling arrivals. If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. If anyone with Animal Magic asks the turtles, they will give the full spiel, but very slowly, and they like to get off topic and gossip about other turtles you've never heard of. The shores themselves are littered with new arrivals complaining their way up a staircase carved into the walls of the White Cliffs. There is no railing, so be careful, but if you do fall, be prepared for a mysterious sand hand to reach out of the side of the cliffs to catch you. The hand will pat you atop the head twice before retreating back into the wall. This is the Cliff Beast; despite the name, he is quite friendly. B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot Once everyone is wrangled up to the top of the White Cliffs, the handsome owner of the Rent-a-Ride, Archimedes, will distribute smart phones, a pair of earbuds, and a winter cloak** and tell them to "Check the Shit Box." The "Shit Box" refers to wardrobe more formally known as the Wardrobe of Finding, a hammerspace-like wardrobe that opens to each person's items and pets when the person touches the handle. It was recently enchanted by Merlin to prevent people from having to fish their waterlogged possessions and pets out of the water with them. From there, Archimedes directs everyone to settle in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and gives them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: The rest of the universe is frozen in time and your character has been brought here by a familiar that was able to bond with them. They'll have to learn magic to help save their own world from destruction, but first they've got to get them to Camelot. It is here that you have the first opportunity to decide who they will be in their new home. You'll have about an hour to wander around here, meet and greet, and pet the horses before it's time to go. These carriages use fae technology that combats weight, so your character will be able to get in regardless of whether they're light as a feather or weigh two tons. The carts have air conditioning when it's hot, heating when it's cold, and a mystical shield to protect from bugs. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console with nip bottles. Characters can use their smartphones to connect to Camelot's internet service, avalononline (AOL), to chat with other characters, watch dumb videos, learn about the world, contact Camelot Support (they'll answer any questions they can for you, from how to use a smart phone to where to find quests and resources to learn more about your magic). Be careful if you decide to use your phones while in the caravan-- if you don't use those earbuds and start forcing everyone to listen to your nonsense, Archimedes may make you walk. C ⦿ The Red Spring The journey from the White Cliffs to the City of Camelot is a long one, and the first evening you arrive you'll end up spending at the Red Spring, a booming resort town. Because of the volume of new arrivals and vacationers, inn rooms are assigned two-to-a-room. The rooms have two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and a few free movies. For the month of February: there are complimentary chocolates placed on the pillows that make you feel warm and fuzzy when you eat them, all the rooms have been temporarily redecorated after hearing about Valentine's Day after an announcement about an upcoming Valentine's concert to be held by the off-worlders. They wanted to celebrate love too, and help the newcomers feel welcome! Unfortunately, this means that the two-person bedrooms only have one bed this month... maybe you can get a roll-away? If you don't want to relax in the room, try taking a dip in the spring for another chance to meet your fellow travelers. The waters have restorative properties that help horses and travelers recover quickly when drunk. It is known to relieve stress, improve energy levels, and mildly accelerate healing. It may be a little chilly when you get out though, so make sure you don't slip rushing back indoors when you get out! The springs are also home to a large training grounds just outside town limits, where there are teachers who will teach basic magic safety and help you discover what kind of magic you have together with other new arrivals. Try target practice, obstacle courses, meditation circles, and other ways to try to figure out just what you can do... if you didn't already have an accidental discovery on the ride there. As the snows give way to rain and the cold persists across Avalon, it may seem as if some of the local businesses are suddenly short-staffed. A favorite spot might have shorter hours, longer wait times. Whatever it is, it seems that there are fewer Avalonians as the days go on. It is not long before there are signs posted outside local businesses and every clinic, there is an illness striking the populace and adventurers seem to be immune. While the healers can cure this malady, they are short on supplies and some of them are not easy to obtain. All are urged to take up a task and gather these ingredients. Anyone who does obtain one or more of the required ingredients will be given a Fairy-blessed Tincture of Wellbeing from one of the faeries who stayed behind after the tournament. It is said to bring healing no matter where you are when you sprinkle it on the ground in front of you. (Note: The tincture will teleport the nearest healing mage to your location. This information is not included with the tincture... surprise!) A ⦿ Ingredient One: A Can of Sprite Sprites can be found in and around Avalon, and thankfully so. The first task is to obtain a small can of magic dust from a sprite's wings. Now an adventurer may think to capture and take this by force, but be wary: sprites always travel in packs and will be so inclined to curse any would-be attackers dance till they drop, literally. Sprites are mischievous sorts with a wry sense of humor and can be quite fond a flower which grows near the Red Springs called the Cinnabar Paper Bush. Bring them a bouquet and beg for their cooperation, but be cautious of breathing in the flower's pollen-- the sprites will not warn your character that it's a potent ingredient in probability spells, so breathing it in may cause sudden repeated visions of 15 seconds of a potential future based on every choice your character could make in a particular situation. Getting out of the pollen's effects takes a full day of going through visions of parallel possibilities if there's no one to help you, and the sprites will be long gone by then. You'll need another adventurer to use their magic to get you out of this or prevent the pollen from spreading... good luck. B ⦿ Ingredient Two: Deez Nuts Within the Brocéliande there grows a certain tree. Even in winter, this tree produces tiny star shaped nuts that when ground into a powder are a key ingredient in many healing tinctures. However, the nuts are coveted by the wildlife for they taste quite sweet when eaten straight from the tree. Adventurers are tasked with entering the woods and retrieving baskets full of these tiny nuts. A warning was given to not go unarmed, those animals can be very protective of their food supply and they are rumored to be coveted by the Bear Fir, who won't hesitate to come for you. A warning to the wise: do not eat them yourself. They can be quite tempting. A tiny call will induce the desire to devour all of them, burrowing deep within your conscious. Not only would an adventurer fail their task but they would fall gravely ill for a period of two days. With these obstacles in mind, it may be best to team up and go at this task together to make sure everyone comes out alive and well. C ⦿ Ingredient Three: Wait, isn't that a Pokémon? The hills to the south-east of the Red Spring are home to the elusive Hill Trolls, who never leave their hills, but like to engage with any traveler who does come through. Most try to avoid them as they are extremely rude in every way. However, for this particular remedy, there is special bluegrass known as poliwag grass, so named because the seer who discovered this unique grass had seen the creatures it is named for in an alternate world and found them endearing. The catch? Only the Hill Trolls know now wherein the hills the small patches of this grass can be found. Adventurers are tasked with entering the hills, engaging the Trolls, and requesting a guide to the grass. Avalonians will advise doing anything the troll asks of you, it’s the only way to appease them and get the prize. Characters will be set about various household and yard chores by the Hill Trolls, who will lead them to believe that this grass will take several days journey to reach and they simply can not leave their home and yard in such a state when on a long trip like that. Make sure to complete all your tasks, though, try not to be too angry when once their yard and home are spotless the Hill Troll produces a satchel of poliwag grass straight from their cupboard. They didn’t say you had to go on the trip with them and they will need to replenish their supply after, so they're not apologizing for anything. A video is sent to everyone's devices, a strong magic spell making certain that it opens. Morganna's face appears. Morganna, after all, is to be listened to when she speaks. She seems to be looking at her nails as the recording starts, not looking at her captive audience.

”"As infamous as Arthur and Merlin are, there are many magics they are unfamiliar with. They live in the realm of basic magics, the ones you all have touched and trifled with. But there are skills you will need in the future that require something a little stronger. Now if you came to me seeking spells, I would ask a fair price, dears... but it is my universe you are all saving too, so I will offer you a taste." She finally looks directly into the screen. Despite that it's just a recording, it looks as if she's looking directly into your soul. She sees you even without you responding. Her lips curl up in a little smile, friendly and yet mischievious. "Magic is stronger when more than one person performs it. Where you would be able to toss fire, you could create a fire tornado or rip the earth until it spits the fires of hell up as lava. To perform this kind of magic, you must be entirely in sync with your partners. Of one mind, of one movement. Open the attachment and it will place a memory of how to perform Synchronic Magic with a partner into your mind. It will still take practice, of course. Baby steps."

Magic-infused technology is a hell of a thing-- those who listen after the video ends and open up the attachment will find themselves rapidly flooded with what amounts to an instructional video and a visual sample of witches moving exactly in sync. After a little finger painting on each other's face and collar bones and some deep meditation while performing the spell, the caster of the spell will have complete control over the movements of the person the spell is cast upon. For the duration of the spell, the person who the spell was cast upon will mentally reside in the caster's head outside of their body. Their body will do anything the caster's does. For this particular version of the spell to work, it requires the consent of the person it's being cast upon, though there are other forms of the spell that do not that are not. With that knowledge, get practicing. A ⦿ We Succeed Together When a goddess gives instructions to learn something, you learn it, and so some of the locals have set up meditation tents at one of Camelot City's parks. The tents are filled with incense, steam, and have a spell cast on them to provide relaxing sounds-- babbling brook, yoga music, rain on the ocean, a crackling fireplace, the cries of your enemies, the relaxing sound of change falling from your favorite plinko machine... It will respond to your emotions and find the sound that's most relaxing to you to help you clear your mind. If you trust the person you're with, the spell will go smoothly and you'll be able to perform the much simpler practice spell provided in the tent: a shadow dance. Follow the dance steps around the circle on the floor of the tent; shadows will begin dancing along the walls of the tent outside of their light source. Your shadows will be able to separate from your feet and travel without you once the dance is completed. It will return after completing whatever task you need from it. If you need some help developing your trust in the other person, try playing a game of twenty questions or partaking in some of the sparkling ginger shots in front of you-- they've got a heated kick to them that's sure to warm you up and make you fire out a secret to the person you're sharing the tent with. B ⦿ We Fail Apart If you aren't perfectly in sync with your partner to cast Synchronic Magic, all kinds of things can go wrong. People who do not trust each other may end up accidentally sealing the tents shut and trapping themselves inside until they tell each other a secret they've told no one else, thus forcing them to trust each other. People believe the exact opposite at their core could end up temporarily body swapping with their partner until they wipe off the body paint and break the spell. And of course, even if you're completely on the same page and the person controlling both bodies has two left feet, a mistake in the shadow dance could cause the shadows to enter your eyes, turning both of your vision to complete darkness until you've been in sunlight for about 15 minutes straight. I hope you weren't practicing at night. C ⦿ Loss and Gain After performing the Synchronic Magic, magicians of all kinds are going to feel a little strange. It's a magic outside of their field of expertise used to perform further magics, after all, and they've shared their essence with another person to perform it. There's a chance that characters are going to feel very alone after being separated from the synchronic magic. Alone, tired, and wanting to feel connected again even if you're normally the lone wolf type. Synchronic magic makes you feel connected to others in a way that's hard to do otherwise, and without it it leaves a sense of loss and disconnect. It's not a side-effect that was discussed ahead of time, but the citizens of Camelot have prepared for it for anyone who wishes to stick around after their spellcasting. After the magic is done, at the center of the tented area, everyone is invited to gather around a huge, prismatic bonfire taking place in the center of the park that the tents had been set up in. The bonfire is filled with flames of all colors, like a prism reflecting light and warmth, and acts as a beacon for casters' shadows to find their owners and reconnect with them. It also is enchanted to encourage affectionate feelings. This may inspire people to be more... touch-friendly than normal, wanting to hug and hold onto or simple be shoulder-to-shoulder with the people around them. These feelings can easily be fought even if they're present, but fulfilling them will help to eliminate the sense of loss from the synchronic spell ending. At the end of the night, little rainbow fireflies will begin to fly away from the flames, having been hatched within them, and fly off into the night as the flames turn to embers, and then to charcoal. It is said that if you catch a rainbow firefly, you can make a wish on it, and when let go they will take those wishes to the heavens with them. Some wishes may actually be granted, so if your character has a wish, submit it here. MOD NOTES: • All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, but this post should have top-levels by potential new characters only. Current characters may reply to any threads, but should not top-level comment on this post. • If your application is accepted, you may accept TDM threads as game canon as long as both players consent. Characters may begin threading as soon as their journal is accepted to the communities. • If nothing here tickles your fancy, try one of this month's Quests for your TDM prompt. • The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM, but contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. All other prompts will change monthly. (This month, please check updated method of inventory collection at the Rent-a-Ride and the "February Special" rooms at the Red Spring.) • The Shadow Dance Ritual is a form of advanced dark magic; this means that yes, after significant practice, a dark magic user may be able to do this on their own with only their own shadow. Even if your character isn't a dark mage, they can do a ritual to perform out-of-discipline magic. More information on rituals and how to unlock them will come in the future! • Please comment with wishes regardless of new/current member status if you want to participate! :) • Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ. *This Everwarm does not count toward your potion collection for those who wish to take up potion brewing. You must obtain Everwarm from the Elphame Trader's to count. **Jackets come in a variety of neutral colors, enchanted with a fit-adjustment spell that will adjust to your character's size.

Comments

[airbendings]

What am I doing? Getting away! You're still chasing me?

[Here? This wasn't home? What would Zuko chasing after him here prove? He couldn't just take Aang to his father and prove himself or whatever here, after all. Naturally it hasn't clicked for him that Zuko was simply wanting to say hi, to help him out. That, on Zuko's end, they had moved past all this. It just hasn't gotten to that point for Aang. Thus he keeps simply trying to flee, finding it easier to weave between everyone with his shorter size and all at least.

He makes it through the crowds to the top, glancing around in figuring what to do. Where to go from here. Where to hide or escape to at least.]

[rediscovering]

Wait, I said stop! Why are you— Ugh!

[ Zuko literally barges himself right between two people mid-conversation as he rounds the final few steps, both strangers looking after him aghast at the angry-looking boy pushing past. He's not so concerned with politely weaving, clearly, which gives no better indication that he doesn't mean to harm Aang. Once he's up the stairs and on good footing, though, the chase is really on. It takes him a moment, scanning the scene for the young monk, but his eyes quickly find him even behind some small pocket of people. He makes a beeline toward him, wasting no time, although not quite breaking into a run. If it comes to that, though, uh... He will sincerely chase him. What a dedicated friend Zuko is. ]

[airbendings]

I'm not stopping!

[Aang just isn't quite quick enough to entirely lose Zuko. What with how stubborn and determined his friend is. The fact Zuko has longer legs and Aang is reminded he is without his airbending as he attempts and fails in figuring using it yet again and trips as a result.

Great. Of course. Of course Zuko would find him here. Without his bending. Did that mean Zuko didn't have his fire bending? Aang isn't sure he wants to find out. It was bad enough to fall and end up somewhere unfamiliar and all. But to have Zuko all but immediately after him like this? He's definitely on edge. Wondering if the others were here too. If Zuko had caught them already too. But he isn't sure on asking. As if Zuko would tell him anyway.

He will scramble to try get back to his feet unless Zuko stops him though.]

[rediscovering]

I can see that...!

[ Zuko doesn't stop Aang from getting to his feet... in fact, he helps him get to his feet, from afar, in the most distressing way possible. Just before Aang hits the ground, Zuko casts an elemental spell to lay a thin cushion of air between the boy and the ground to break his fall, which may or may not have been quick enough to actually help. But it is enough to still have that swirling energy collected and connected there, and as Aang clumsily scrambles to his feet, Zuko airbends a small gust beneath him that helps push him back upwards. The fire prince still can't firebend, it's true, but he's not exactly helpless with airbending by this point, having trained diligently for a month already. This is not fair. Aang can't use his airbending but Zuko can...?! Nothing bodes well here. ]

But why not?

[airbendings]

[He braces himself for the impact. But it never comes? He feels the other supporting him, getting him back to his feet. And he isn't sure on the implications of that. Zuko knew fire bending. Not air. Implying.....? That he was an Avatar? Aang isn't sure what to make of that possibility? Not to mention he has no idea how that would be possible?

He blinks, eyes wide in surprise as that gust pushes him back up to his feet, almost stumbling again in his confusion and surprise. How had Zuko done that? Aang here could barely manage much if anything and he'd been mastering air bending since he could remember.]

Wh -- ? How'd you....?!

[rediscovering]

...Magic.

[ He says it with a certain thickness. He's not great at sarcasm cuz it's... always true... and he never smiles... But humor helps? Maybe? By now, Aang disarmed a little by his shock, Zuko manages to catch up with him, close enough to talk but still keeping a respectful distance because clearly that's what Aang wants... Distance... Zuko's so confused. He thinks it must just be Aang's reaction to being in this place. After all, he's not made it to the caravans yet to get his full explanation he deserves. He just... got chased by Zuko instead. Maybe Aang's just shellshocked? Timeline differences don't occur to Zuko yet. For now he's just as confused as Aang is. He wants to help...? ]

Did you lose all your bending?

[ An ominous question. From a friend, it's innocent. From an enemy...? Maybe not information to divulge. Could sound taunting. None of this is going well for the non-firebender... ]

[airbendings]

Magic? But that was -- you've never been an airbender.

[Magic. Sure there might be stories, fairytales told to kids. But it isn't like he actually believes that? He's not sure what to make of this, and obviously hasn't really had a run down of this place yet outside of falling and failing to use his air bending to save himself. And figuring he is separated somehow from Aapa and the others. Aang's eyes narrow at the question, pouting and crossing his arms as he glances to the other.

Because. Yeah, on his end that is a rather loaded question. Sure, Zuko might just be curious in wanting to help, to gauge Aang's situation here. But considering Aang last recalls the other continuing to try chase after him and capture him back home, well. It is no surprise he's hesitant on answering that.]

What would you care? If I did, it'd just make it easier for you, wouldn't it?

[Aang, alone, no friends to back him up and no Aapa or Momo. He's aware he's a rather vulnerable target. Not that it stops him pouting defiantly at the prince all the same.]

[rediscovering]

Make what easier for me? Trying to help you? You're making that hard enough as it is!

[ Zuko, don't snap at your friends. He's a ball of raw nerves lately. Something about this reaction is putting him on edge. Something's wrong. This feels familiar in the worst way; he's not about to try and fight his best friend who's quite possibly forgotten their best friendship. Something doesn't bode well, and it's starting to crawl under Zuko's skin unnervingly, boiling inside. ]

[airbendings]

Help?

[Why would Zuko want to help him? Aang is sure something has to be up. Besides the 'Zuko can airbend now' thing. Because. He doesn't recall the other helping Aang, just capturing him. Hence the Avatar's bewildered expression, unsure what to make of Zuko talking about helping him. After having been chasing him and all again since first spotting the boy. It's not hard to figure why this sets him on edge in response.]

But you're chasing me? Trying to capture me?

[At least. That's what Aang had assumed. What with Zuko running after and following through the crowds and all. What's Zuko's angle here?]

[rediscovering]

Capture you?! Why would I— unless you think I— ...or don't remember...

[ The firebender's eyes are wide, expression wild in confusion. But even if he can't even get the words fully out, his brain working faster than his mouth, the lightbulb comes on inside at last, and its horror knocks the winds from his sails. Zuko trails off, almost muttering the last part, realizing exactly what's happening. He has a strong hunch... He throws his gaze to the ground, turning his face to the left sharply, unmarred side toward Aang. He's scowling, face screwed up, but his tone is taut with forced composure. He can't look at him to ask this question. He already thinks he knows the answer; enough to wager a guess. ]

Aang... What's the last thing you remember happening before waking up here? Where were you? Tell me.

(Not necessarily the canon point I'd go with if I app. Throwing out something decently early.)

[airbendings]

Huh? Ah, well.... We had just met Toph? Why?

[So. Yeah. Early enough in their adventures in fleeing from Zuko and the Fire Nation in trying to make progress with figuring his learning to master the other elements of bending. Aang isn't sure why that would matter. It wasn't like Zuko hadn't followed them in generally always knowing what Aang was up to, more or less. He hasn't considered that the other might know, might remember more. Hasn't figured much if anything on this place and the situation just yet exactly. He doesn't get what is up with Zuko, how he can airbend now or why he seems so worked up, his face scrunched up like that.]

[rediscovering]

[ That screwed up expression turns to an outright scowl, a glower, barely able to contain most of a snarl in frustration. He closes his eyes tightly, as if in pain, brows knotted so tensely it almost does hurt. Why is this happening to him? Why is any of this happening to him? He feels a crack in his core. What the fuck does this mean about his destiny? Does he even have a destiny anymore, if this is how horribly it can be warped and manipulated, amorphous, inconsequential? The boy has spent significantly more time pondering his place in the universe since he'd been spirited away than he had at home, and that's saying something. Learning Aang has forgotten their adventures at home, their friendship, hurts more than being forgotten by his new alien Avatar friend, because his story about being on another planet with Gokudera is probably more believable than how he and Aang came to be friends... but neither had forgotten; they just don't remember. It'd never happened for them. But having learned his lesson from his shocked, emotional reaction with Gokudera, where he just kept pushing the issue, Zuko's dropping it. He can't explain. They're not friends. Aang has no reason to trust him. And without the Fire Lord to fight against here, and no firebending he can teach Aang because he's lost his own flames... Aang really has no reason to befriend him. They're just... enemies. Ex-enemies. Returning to normalcy has never hurt so much. ]

...Nevermind, then. Sorry. You can go if you want. I won't follow you. I have no reason to.

[ Zuko's never sounded this... defeated? This is weird. All of this is weird. What's more, how's it gonna work that Zuko is still friends with Sokka and Toph and Katara but not with Aang?! Will they have scheduled hangout shifts, a rotation?! This dramatic lil firebitch is being cryptic and emotive and it's dripping in mystery and tension. Aang doesn't need all this extra drama on top of being spirited away, Zuko. But trying to explain would possibly start a real fight; he's no hot-headed bomber like Zuko's other friend who didn't remember him, and Zuko knows Aang is open to talking problems out instead of fighting more than anyone he knows, even Uncle, but no matter how he slices it... everything he has to say about how they became friends at home sounds crazy. He'd have no reason to believe him and every reason to be suspicious of whatever Zuko has to say about their alliance. In no realm of the universe is Zuko taken to be a trustworthy person, even to his most trusted friends, and it stings knowing it. ]

[airbendings]

Huh? What -- ?

[Since when did Zuko ever let him go? Aang seems rather bewildered with that response. Unsure what to make of it. Was Zuko for real? What was going on? In response to him just saying he remembered meeting Toph? Aang isn't sure if he should just immediately flee or press on Zuko for more explanation exactly. He isn't immediately moving, more remaining glancing very confusedly to Zuko, as if that would yield an explanation for this strange behaviour from the Fire Nation's Prince.]

[rediscovering]

What, would you rather hang out with me?

[ This heat and snideness is certainly familiar, at least, even if the rest of what Zuko's saying sounds bewildering. His sharp change in demeanor without explanation is just as bewildering, though. He's back to being angry ol' Zuko. Just... not trying to attack him. Just being a brat. But he's in deep pain encountering an Aang who's afraid of him, who wouldn't trust him, who'd been hurt by him... But not as hurt as he would be still; the worst was yet to come still. It hurt to know that. He can't bridge that gap of guilt. Not off the cuff, on the fly like this. He hadn't even freed Appa yet... He has no points in his favor. Well— except the Blue Spirit rescue. Zuko's mind drifts vaguely back to that moment shortly after: "Do you think we could have been friends?" It just breaks his heart even more, because he also remembers how hard it was to gain Aang's trust so much later on, so many mistakes later... "There's no way we can trust you; we'll never let you join us!" Zuko nearly died trying to stop the assassin; they could have died with the dragons; he had to sneak into and out of a high-security prison, and hunt down a murderer... all to gain his friends' trust. What could he possibly say to Aang right now that could convey anything but sheer insanity? It hurts. And with Zuko, even for all his progress, his hurt tends to just come out as... anger. ]

[airbendings]

Huh? I.....you.....want to hang out....?

[Aang isn't sure what to make of the suggestion. Even if it seems to be a joke, snide, the way Zuko says that. He assumes that the other isn't necessarily serious, but he's pretty sure the other hasn't made such a comment or joke back home. Given his focus on attempting to capture Aang. He has no idea what the other is going through, internally in figuring that guilt for things yet to come on Aang's end.

But at least Zuko wasn't immediately attacking him or anything. Wasn't immediately capturing him? That was something? So far?]

[rediscovering]

[ Zuko shakes his head, looking away, with a deep sigh that's more like a grumble. He knows jokes aren't his strong suit; and at Aang's timepoint, they were even less Zuko's strong suit... He doesn't know how to handle this situation. He's just Emotional™... ]

Look— Sokka and Katara and Toph are all here. I'm sure you'd rather hear crazy shit from them than me. If they explain instead, you'll probably believe them.

[ So that's to say there is some crazy shit to explain that he's not explaining. Thanks, Zuko. Always helpful, never melodramatic. ]

[airbendings]

Believe what crazy stuff from them?

[Zuko why are you like this? Aang is so confused. It's no wonder he has zero idea what to make of Zuko's behaviour and the things he is saying given their relationship last he recalls. Aang is just relieved that the other doesn't seem to be trying to capture him or fight or anything. Even if he is still unnerved with what was going on with the bending situation.]

Do you know where they are?

[rediscovering]

No. But they're probably around here. They come to the shores to look for people we know — you, mostly... I came to look for my uncle...

[ The shade. But at least for once, Zuko's not been looking for Aang; that's a relief for the younger boy to learn, surely. ]

[airbendings]

They are? Maybe. It isn't like I've gotten far to see if they're around somewhere looking for me.

[Aang isn't sure what to make of the others being here too. But it does make sense since he was just with them and all. That they would figure ending up here too. He's probably just missed them, at least initially, with having been chased by Zuko and all. But at least he knows they are around somewhere. That he should be able to find them and reunite with his friends.]

[rediscovering]

...Right.

[ Because he was chasing you. Right. Right. In an awkward beat, he turns a half inch away as if to start to abruptly leave, but then stays still to speak once more, tone more tentative. ]

You should know — Azula is here, too. But...

[ Oh man, he shouldn't make promises he can't keep. But if it came to Azula attacking Aang against Zuko's wishes... he wasn't going to make the same mistake he made at Ba Sing Se twice. ]

...I don't think she'll attack you, either. No one else here knows who you are, probably. You should be safe.

[airbendings]

Safe?

[He hasn't felt safe in a long time. Well, technically over a hundred years but most of that he was frozen and all but still. Aang isn't sure what to make of that. The idea of being here with those from the Fire Nation but being safe. It just seems so counter to his experience the whole time since he was unfrozen and all. His bewildered expression and the way he just remains there seeming to confirm how confused he was even as Zuko turns to leave.]

[rediscovering]

[ He doesn't make to go quite yet. The truth is, he doesn't want to. He's missed his friend. It's been over half a year since he's last seen Aang. He's heartbroken. And doubly so to leave him knowing he remembers nothing. But nevertheless — they're still friends in his heart. That can't change again. Not now. ]

Yeah. Safe. And if you ever need help... I'll do whatever I can.

[airbendings]

[Aang is unsure the word safe is accurate coming from the Fire Nation and all but. Well. Zuko hasn't attacked him yet at least? It's something? He's just still processing it all, on his end considering everything from his stand point here. He gives a nod, at least. To acknowledge that he's taken note of the offer at least?

Whether or not he might take Zuko up on said offer is another story, or at least right away, but still. It is a start? Maybe?

Sort of.]

If you say so.

[rediscovering]

[ That bothered him. He’d worked so hard to gain Aang’s trust — everyone’s trust. Had come to rely on it — as friends should! And he’d just lost his other best friend, no longer had his trust, either. Zuko’s hung out with Azula more than anyone else for a couple months on end now, and although he’s easily under her influence and she rubs off on him naturally, he still knows better than to trust her — and she’s been the person closest to him for so long now. His foundation of trust in life is shaky lately. Thank goodness for Sokka and Katara and Toph to keep him straight. But alleviating such stress is harder. “If you say so” grinds his gears. Even if he were the Zuko in that time period, Aang should be even more thankful and trusting because why would he offer to help him back then?! He’s not good at keeping his temper, still, as much as he’s changed. Which does nothing to help his case here, surely. He can’t walk away on that note, though. He’s too aggravated. ]

You once said you thought we could be friends. Well, now’s your chance...

[airbendings]

My chance? Our chance? I mean.....a lot's already happened between us. Maybe if things were different. If, wherever this is, there's no reason for you to try capture me anymore.

[Aang had wondered. If things were different how it might be between them. But that hadn't necessarily meant anything? Or at least. He hadn't been sure if it was possible, back home anyway. If this wasn't some trick, if Zuko was serious. Maybe this could be like another chance? Tentative as it might be given Aang's own differing memories in how much he recalls from back home.

He might be less sure with Azula, but that might come in time more.]