avalaughs | TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

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TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

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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

obtain a small can of magic dust from a sprite's wings

sudden repeated visions of 15 seconds of a potential future based on every choice your character could make

B ⦿ Ingredient Two: Deez Nuts

retrieving baskets full of these tiny nuts

the Bear Fir, who won't hesitate to come for you

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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

There's no reason. No.

[ There's a metallic note in his voice, but he sounds almost tired. If there's no reason to capture him, then there's also no reason to change sides and teach him firebending, and if there's no reason to fight beside each other, and they're not already friends... is there a reason to become friends? Is he just forcing another one-sided friendship that's yet to pass with someone who doesn't remember having any reason to trust him, at all, let alone become buddies? Is he just chasing another legend now, a memory of his own making now that it's not shared? This is a unique pain and he wonders how many other people have ever had to feel this particular conflicted feeling. Probably very few. He sighs, shaking his head and turning back to look at Aang again at last. ]

...Look. We're not at home anymore. There's a lot to learn. There's a whole welcome wagon over there—

[ He gestures vaguely at the throngs of people they'd just made so swiftly to evade, still some strange weariness and heat at once in his tone. ]

...They'll explain everything better than I can. Go get your stuff and clear your head. Meet me at the final carriage in a half hour.

[ It's a lot to process, and frankly, Zuko's not up to task on how to explain their cosmic kidnapping. He wants to continue; he knows it's the right thing to do. He can't just... walk away. He may be tempted to lean into his hurt feelings, but with every minute that passes, he knows he needs to be there for Aang — to be a good friend. Because whether Aang knows it or not, they are. Or were. Or can be. But only if Zuko gets his head on straight, and gives Aang a moment to do the same. Otherwise, this wishy-washy brat will just keep frustrating the poor lost Avatar with his cryptic and undefined hurt feelings. Aang already knows Zuko's good for that shit, probably; if this is really their new chance, then Zuko's gotta bring something new to the table, just like last time — something trustworthy. So giving Aang the power to make this call to meet him or not, to trust him or not, is the better call for Zuko to make, himself. They need parity if they're gonna wipe the slate clean. Aang's baffled expression against Zuko's bitterness won't gain them that. Zuko will wait for him to get debriefed by Archimedes and retrieve his belongings and maybe it'll give them time for Aang to clear his head — and time to clear Zuko's own head, too. ]

A welcome wagon?

[Aang just figured people were heading that direction for some reason. Just in general in exploring as they seemed to arrive as well alongside him or that there was something over that way anyway. He just hadn't been aware it was a literal welcome wagon? He glances over in the direction Zuko indicates, curious. He's oblivious on Zuko's inner debates with himself on whether or how to deal with Aang's presence here in Aang not remembering nearly as much of what happened back home.]

Okay. At the last carriage then?

Yeah. See you then... Aang.

[ His tone is somehow soft and bitter at once, looking the young monk dead-on when he says his name. Zuko turns away and walks back toward the crowds on his own, but back toward the cliffs instead of forward, a different direction than Aang. Zuko needs time to clear his own head, too. And he came here searching for Uncle, not Aang; Aang is a bittersweet bonus. But if he's given himself a half hour to kill, he's gonna continue his search. No time to waste, and a huge crowd could hide anyone.

Later on, Aang can find him where he'd promised, propped up against the carriage with his arms crossed and eyes downcast. He's scanning the passerby for Aang intermittently, but in reality, he's taking a brief moment to meditate on his own before Aang arrives. It's going to be a difficult conversation for Zuko, and he doesn't want to lash out. He... probably will anyway. But at least he's trying to be mindful beforehand. ]

[It's almost strange. Given he only really recalls the other calling him 'the Avatar'. Not by his name. It isn't like Zuko is the only one but a lot of people saw him as that status, that expectation on him of being the Avatar first before seeing him as Aang. The goofball kid that just wanted to go penguin sledding after waking up from being frozen for a hundred years. He blinks after Zuko before heading to follow everyone else and find this welcoming committee or whatever it was. In reuniting with Aapa and finding his things. His glider. It at least makes him feel a lot more comfortable with just having those back, when Zuko does find him again.]

Ah, there you are! Aapa, remember. He's....it's okay.

[He reminds the flying bison that glares at the prince warily. Aapa snorts, but keeps an eye on Zuko regardless even as Aang tries to placate him, giving the bison a pet on the nose.]

At least. I think I have a better idea on this place now? Sort of. These things are still weird.

[He says, giving a shrug and holding up the phone. He has. No clue what it is or what to do with it? Having been clearly more distracted in meeting others and reuniting with Aapa during the time period before he was supposed to be meeting Zuko again.]

[ Zuko stands straight as the Avatar approaches, eyes falling on Aapa when the bison growls at him. He’s much… smaller, here. That’s surreal in itself. Zuko pouts, furrowing his brow at the sight of the beast, but turns his gaze back to Aang. He still sounds a little terse, a little tense, but he’s feeling more relaxed after a breather by himself. He moves to get into the carriage as he speaks, gesturing for Aang to follow him as he climbs in. There’s no one else in, thankfully, and Zuko sighs in relief softly as he falls into his seat, spread out comfortably. He might as well get comfortable right away; it probably won’t last long, he figures. But for now, he’s glad to explain Avalon-y world-hopping-y technological shit. That’s far less personal and distressing than, y’know, Aang forgetting Zuko’s transformation and their entire friendship. But still happy to help. Yup. ]

Yeah… It’s magic. No ink, no paper. There’s a lot of technology like that that’s really different from home.

[ He pauses, glancing at Aang with an awkward look as the other boy takes his seat. He clears his throat and casts his gaze away uncomfortably, trying to make his voice sound friendly, but it just sounds forced. ]

I’ve, uh… been here a while. A month. A-And, um, somewhere else kinda like this, too — another weird advanced world. For like half a year. So if you have questions— well, I know you must have lots of questions, but I mean, not just right now, but in general, um— yeah, I can answer them. Some. Probably.

[ Archimedes was much better at welcomes than Zuko, clearly. The fire prince had clearly made the right call about sending Aang on his way for a while. But he’s also obviously trying to be friendly and helpful even if it’s coming off awkwardly. How else should it come off? ]

Somewhere else? I mean. I still have a lot of questions. I got the basics but.

[There's still a lot he wants to know. Like. Do they still have penguin sledding? And what exactly of these types of magic he has here. What he has to work on. But that might just be something he has to figure for himself. Not necessarily something Zuko would know and could help with necessarily. The idea of Zuko and help being in the same sentence is still something that kind of confuses him but. Zuko really does seem to be trying here.

Aang follows, gesturing for Aapa to do the same. He might be confused as to why and how Aapa is smaller here but he's really just glad to have his best friend around here with him anyway. Along with Momo, now he'd met up with Sokka.]

Ask me anything, then. I'll do my best to answer.

[ He sounds terse, looks serious. Zuko crosses his arms over his chest, and glances to the side, not comfortable looking Aang straight on with all this on his mind now. This is a different Aang, after all; not his friend. But someone who could be... ...with tremendous effort, again. It's disheartening, but he's working through it. ]

Anything is......a lot, but. These phone things. I could use them to talk to you or Katara or whoever if we weren't together in person, right? I think that's what they said or something like that.....

Also. How do I figure what I can do here? You were like, airbending before.

[Aang just stops there before going on a rant on a million questions running through his head. He's kind of figured some basics at least but he's still piecing things together yet. It's kind of weird being with Zuko like this? But he does prefer it to the fighting. Probably over time it would be less? Awkward?]

The phones, yeah... You can talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime, either their face or only their voice or just writing... You can also search for information. Encyclopedias. Calendars. Even music. They're magic, they do everything. I'm still learning new things to do with the phone and the internet, too, even after over half a year...

[ Zuko's not exactly tech savvy. He did not take to these things intuitively. It took him at least a month to get over the idea that there's no paper or ink involved. ]

As to your magic... I don't know. It— just happened for me. I only figured it out when I got, um— emotional. As soon as I arrived, I could feel my bending was gone, so I tried firebending forms on the shores, and only air came out. And, uh— I, um, got in a fight. With an old friend of mine, someone I met in that other world. He didn't remember me, though. And so when I got angry, I was able to conjure fire; but only that one time so far. Sokka's magic seems to be enhanced by his emotions, too. We're both having problems with it. Specifically with our flames being tied to rage. My friend Hikaru, too. Basically, we're, um— essentially Avatars... but I haven't figured out earth or water yet. But that doesn't guarantee you're an Avatar here — you could have other powers, like Katara is a healer now, no waterbending. I guess you just have to... try different things. There are many kinds of magic here. There are training grounds at the inn. I go almost every day. At dawn.

[ The awkward cadence at the last bit is a subtle invitation to train together, but given the circumstances, Zuko doubts it'd go over well to just outright offer. How could Aang trust it's not a trap to attack him, under the guise of training? Zuko's trying to see from Aang's perspective, as much as it hurts to do so. But he knows it's a lot of information to process at once, plus the shock, plus the confusion, plus the extra confusion about their relationship, and he can't expect Aang to take it... well, well. ]

I kind of wish we had this sort of thing back home. It would've been useful at times.

[If he and the others got separated. Would have made it easier in Zuko's case in maybe getting in touch with them earlier with his turning point in wanting to join and help them? Possibly. Still, Aang glances to Zuko as he listens, his hands holding to his ankles as he sits cross-legged.]

Yeah. It's....weird. I dunno. I guess I'm just used to being the only one. Having all that expectation and responsibility because of it. Being the Avatar. It scared me so much I ran off and -- well. You know.

[Being frozen for a hundred years and all. Or at least. Aang probably figures Zuko knows something is up with that given he decidedly. Doesn't look or act that old.]

But it makes sense? The emotions, I mean. Like when I first went back to the air temple and found out what happened.....I lost control there.

[So he gets it? Kind of. He's still obviously going to be figuring the abilities here and all but still. There's some common ground in that much at least. Even if it is still kinda. Tentative and awkward and probably would be for a while as they figure things between them here yet.]

Training grounds to practice at? I guess I do need to. To practice and figure this out. How would it even work though, if I did have something else? Like Katara's healing or whatever? I'm not sure you could help with that?

[Aang has no idea on his abilities yet in having just arrived. Short of obviously figuring he can't just kinda airbend to glide his way out of this mess like when he was falling initially. He's also still more tentative in trusting Zuko but. He hadn't attacked yet? And he's had two chances now? And it probably wouldn't necessarily be just the two of them training?]

Yeah... I know, Aang.

[ There's a softness, a tenderness, as melancholy as it may be, in Zuko's voice that surely Aang has never heard. But Zuko does know; and he respects his friend. They're just... not friends. ]

I don't know how my own magic even works. If you don't have elemental magic— then, well... I probably can't help you with your magic, no...

[ And while he's a bit put out at first, a thought suddenly occurs to him, and he sits up straight, face open, like a lightbulb went off inside — whatever a lightbulb is, y'know. ]

Ah— Actually! Maybe you have light magic — it's protective magic! So that'd be suiting of an Avatar, right? And if you do, then I've already found a light magic master who's agreed to train you! I'm pretty sure he's the Avatar of his world, too, kind of — so maybe you'll have light magic here like him. We didn't know if you'd ever arrive here or not, it was kind of hypothetical, but— now you have!

[ Not only has Aang never heard a tenderness in Zuko's voice, however sad, he's also never heard any excitement, either. And Zuko was... talking about him behind his back before he even showed up? Arranging him lessons just on the off chance he could use it someday? The hell? Clearly this is an alternate universe, from where the poor confused young monk is sitting. Zuko'd even hypothetically been trying to help Aang already when he's not even here... Who is this new Zuko? This alone is surely disorienting in itself. ]

That's okay if you -- huh?

[Wait. Wait, what? Aang wasn't. Expecting that. Zuko being that soft? That thoughtful about him? Helping? Asking around for someone to help Aang out and they hadn't yet even figured exactly on what abilities he had here yet? And the way Zuko seems all excited? It's a reminder the other isn't really all that much older than him. Well. Technically Aang was frozen for a while but still. He's unsure what to make of it, exactly. Who is this and where is Zuko, really. Or at least. It's certainly disorienting on his point of view, still adjusting to this truce? whatever it is between them yet.]

You....I just got here? You were asking around about someone to help me already? Or, wait, before I got here?

No, no, before you got here! I have a friend, he's amazing— it's hard to explain, but in his future, he taught himself almost all the elements in his world just on instinct, except for the one opposite to his nature and the one based in harmony. But he just figured it all out on his own because no one knows about the Avatar and never told him he's an Avatar, or maybe he's the first Avatar, I don't know— but he's unique. You can't mention his bending or being the Avatar to him here, okay, but— he can teach you light magic if that's what you have. He's already agreed to help you if he can. I fought him when I first got here. He's good. He's smart. Trust me.

[ "Trust me." A tall order, Zuko, even if colored by this sudden enthusiasm about his two best friends meeting at long last... however, neither of them remember being best friends with him. Doubly heartbreaking. But surreal to imagine getting them together anyway after all this. All three boys involved here are disoriented for sure. ]

He -- really? That's amazing though! Usually it takes years for the Avatars back home.

[Aang would have taken his time too if he had a choice but. Well. Time was of the essence in his case in needing to deal with the Fire Lord and all, before the comet. He still even then had the ability to talk to the other previous Avatars to support him. Unlike this friend it seemed?

Though. Zuko asking him to trust him. That's new, still.]

Is the bending, the Avatar thing a....sore topic or something?

Usually...

[ But not for you.

But he can't say that, despite his wry, maybe slightly melancholy smile, just a hint. And perhaps a segue. ]

No, um— he can't know. In the other world where I first met him, he was older. Here, he's younger and doesn't know about his Avatar training yet — and even then, uh, he had— time traveled to get his powers, so he didn't even know how he got them because he got them in the future, but now he doesn't know that he gets them at all, so I— don't wanna fuck anything up for him...

[ Clearly also his language has been affected since whatever's happened in their time apart. Being away from his uncle, exposed to too much new media, and hanging out with, y'know, hitmen in the mafia, it's not exactly princely. But what he says also points to that he's probably taking a similar approach between him and Aang. He's not detailing what happens between them at home, in his past and Aang's future; he's staying focused in the present. ]

I know none of this makes sense and it's hard to believe on top of everything else, but— ...it's not all bad.

[ And that's saying something, even from Aang's time point, coming from Zuko. ]

Usually? I thought that was the case for the previous Avatars though.

[Perhaps some took longer or picked it up quicker than others. Depending on when they were around things might have been calmer, easier in finding a Master of the other elements. Unlike Aang. Still, he gives a nod at the explanation of Zuko's friend.]

Oh. So it hasn't happened for him yet. Okay. That makes sense. I'll be quiet.

[He. Might raise an eyebrow but. Well. Zuko's older. The language probably isn't that much a surprise so much as that he hasn't heard it more given how rage fuelled Zuko was back home in his dogged, persistent, desperate attempts to capture him. Aang does frown at that though.]

Not all bad? But....everyone back home's counting on me. It still feels, hm, wrong. I guess that's cause I still feel like I have to be working on Mastering the others. Before the comet.

[Even if it's already been dealt with on Zuko and the other's side, Aang's still kind of feeling in limbo almost in what he last recalls and how much he still knows he has to do yet back home.]

I know what you're feeling. I felt that fear. It tortured me for so long when I first was spirited away— my imagination incapacitated me... But from everything I've learned, it seems that our destinies are frozen, not truncated. We are not missing from home. When we return, it will be as if we never left, and we'll have no memory of this place. Like a side life, living in a daydream. Even less than a dream. That's what I've been told.

[ He's not sure how personal to get. But— perhaps a little more openness is due, all things considered. ]

...I was so afraid of the possibility that you and my father might defeat each other and in my absence that Azula would become Fire Lord. I fell ill for over a week with existential panic, fever dreams, dissociation, the thought of what might happen physically crippled me... But— we can't be afraid in two places at once. You have to focus on being here now. You'll drive yourself crazy wondering what else might happen, now that our understanding of time and space itself has just been blown wide open. So just do your best here and it'll save our world, so we can all go home and save it ourselves for real.

[ That's a powerful revelation. Does this mean Zuko's on their side now? It sounds like it. He doesn't want to ruin the future for Aang, so he won't give details, decidedly, but if he stays in the present, in outer space, in alternate realities, instead of spilling the beans with what happens at home, then somehow that feels like safer footing to start out on even if he can allude to some alliance Aang doesn't understand yet. It's a start. ]

They said that. We won't miss anything back home. It's still weird though. But I guess that's probably just me knowing there's a time limit and that I still have stuff to do back home. Maybe once I figure adjusting here and all I might relax more.

[But he does pause then with the other admitting the fear of Aang being defeated, that Azula would take over. It's odd to consider. Zuko is human too and of course has his own fears and everything. It's just that Aang hasn't seen as much evidence of that. Yet. That one time Zuko rescued him was probably more so he himself would get the credit for capturing the Avatar. At least, he figures. He's got no idea what Zuko had planned for him if Zuko hadn't passed out and all.]

You.....want to save it? You want me to win? Against your dad.....?

It doesn't matter. I'm saying I want to save our world — its whole existence. It's our planet... I still want to return someday. So until then, we have to work hard here with our magic to make sure we have a home to go back to, whatever our choices may be once we're there again. It's just as much home for me and as it is for you, isn't it?

[ It's a fair point. Whatever side they're on, it's still their only world. He could mention Sozin's Comet. Being yanked from the very morning of, no closure, no clue what happens in the war. But he doesn't want to give away too much... ]

Well, yeah. It's our home. I just -- you seemed so keen on capturing me and bringing me back to the Fire Nation and all. That you didn't seem to care about what would happen if you did.

[That he didn't care about doing so would prevent Aang from mastering the other elements to be able to defend against the Fire Lord and stop his attempt to take over completely. All that had mattered to Zuko back then, from Aang's point of view, was that he captures Aang and regains his honor and gets to go back home to the Fire Nation. The consequences of doing so didn't seem to matter. That he hadn't thought that far ahead about it. That he hadn't cared what would happen to Aang as a result.]

But you're right. We just have to do our best. Figure things out here as best we can. Help however we can, whatever that ends up looking like.

[ The monk's words hurt more than he knows, and Zuko can't keep himself from glaring away from him with a vague scowl. In many regards, Aang's not wrong. Zuko's dogged pursuit of him was all but entirely self-serving. But Zuko's also someone extremely passionate, who does things with strong belief and conviction behind his power, whether he's aligning himself well or not. He'd certainly thought ahead while trying to capture the Avatar — about how this would bring pride and power and safety to his country. Like anyone else in the Fire Nation, if not far more so than anyone else in the Fire Nation, being the Fire Lord's son and crown prince, Zuko was of course indoctrinated in the legitimacy of the war, the need to conquest further, that their culture was the most advanced and thus justified their colonization over the Earth Kingdom. He'd been lied to. But he was proud to be Fire Prince at some point in his life — even if by now, it seemed a very, very long time ago...

He sighed, glancing back to the other boy with a short silence. He won't comment on the first remark. ]

...The more you use your magic, the more you can help. Just practice hard. Just like at home.

Hm. I guess. I can do that much. I can try.

[He purses his lips, before glancing down and resting his chin in his palm as he considers what Zuko's said thus far. It's....a lot. Already, to get used to. Let alone everything he himself still doesn't recall that the others all did, apparently. He's not sure if he likes having that gap of knowledge, of memories between them. But he isn't sure he should press about it, least of all with Zuko.

But if he just has to practice. That's nothing new. He just has to figure things, here.]

[ Zuko knows it's a lot. Zuko feels a lot, too. He looks away, arms crossed over his chest, voice gravelly and gruff. The more his emotions stir, indeed, the more familiar Zuko may seem to the airbender despite the time gap. It felt wrong to act buddy buddy when they weren't buddies. He's still hurting, frankly. It's hard for him to mask his emotions. He's still determined to help, because they are buddies, but until they actually are, he's the same bad guy that had probably tried to hurt Aang like not very long ago... He doesn't mask his guilt or shame well, either. Even though all his ever-complex emotions seem to be funneled into what tends to look like anger... ]

What else do you want to ask?

I dunno. I'm still kinda figuring this all out yet. Really, I'm just glad Sokka and the rest are here. And Appa!

[Even if Appa is smaller and won't necessarily be flying them all around everywhere as a result. He still at least has his bison buddy. And Momo. Which is clearly the important thing, that he isn't alone. He wouldn't have taken well to showing up and not finding the flying bison.]

But if I think of anything else there's these things?

[The phones. Which he is still figuring out but they seem important.]

[ It hurts so much to be excluded by Aang again. Of course he's not glad Zuko's here. But Zuko takes care not to show it too obviously, and merely nods, closing his eyes. ]

Yeah. My username is "fireprince." Text me or call me for anything...

[ He pauses, glancing back up to the Avatar before him, a soft steeliness in his voice. ]

Like I said— I want to help you.

TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 4

hope this is an ok segue!

Works for me

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i love that icon, wow, so cute and pretty coloring

So many are so old but I did find some from dw that worked at least!

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