Fandom when the world needed them most || rp thread || closed !

[sunshineysoul]

MOOD: shad

OUTFIT: training outfit that i'm too lazy to link

LOCATION: the courtyard outside the avatar estate

basics

MENTIONS: n/a


INT: n/a

tags

TL;DR sad riku hours

tl;dr

avatar riku

it had been one of the hardest days for riku to get out of bed. it was the day that the white lotus were coming, bringing her "teachers" to teach her the elements. the leader of the white lotus had been in frequent contact with riku and her parents after her grandfather's death. it was a strange shift of tone, talking to the white lotus.

in the past, the white lotus were just her grandpa's friends, they all teased her and loved making her laugh, and she loved when they would come around. she would help her dad make food for everyone, and she loved being able to show off whatever new earthbending tricks she learned since their last visit. but now, it was ten times worse. she knew the only reason they came around before was because her grandfather was the avatar. but now her grandfather was gone, but they were still here.

but today it wasn't just the leader, it was the heads of the white lotus, coming and making sure riku got a proper introduction to training in the other elements. the plan was that the white lotus plus her other teachers were going to live at their house for the next few months, while riku trained and began the journey of mastering the elements.

however, and this should be no surprise, riku didn't want that. she didn't want to start mastering the elements. she didn't want to be the avatar, she wanted her GRANDFATHER to be the avatar. but there was nothing she could do anymore. the sun was starting to rise, and if she knew the leader of the white lotus (spoiler alert, she does), then they were going to be there any minute, with the other trainers to follow throughout the day.

so, with a big sigh and a few grunts, riku rustled herself out of her bed, haphazardly throwing the covers off her and swinging her feet off the side to hit the floor. her eyes were still only half opened as she wandered through the dark and towards her dresser to pick out clothes to wear. she pulled out a sleeveless turtle neck and some baggy pants, her typical outfit for training, and threw it on. she didn't even bother with her hair as she stepped out of her room and made her way to the courtyard.

both her parents were there, already talking.

"riri," her father's face softened as he saw her, immediately giving her a hug. "i know today is going to be hard, but we're right here if you need anything. anything at ALL." he emphasized his words as he gave her final squeeze before letting her go. her mom was next, coming over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"today will be hard, but you will overcome it. and sooner than you realize, this will be a distant memory that helped you become a strong and kind avatar, just like your grandfather." riku's mom gave her shoulder a squeeze, not going in for a hug since riku's mom had never been one for physical intimacy. riku let out a sigh as she nodded at both of them.

"do you know if the white lotus are on their way? or are they coming a time that's later than after the ass crack of dawn?" her eyebrow lifting in a quizzical sense, which earned a smirk from her mom and a chuckle from her father.

"they're on their way, as well as your teachers for the elements, i don't believe they're all going to arrive together though, so we have time to enjoy the sunrise before they get here," she gestured for riku and her husband, jhong, to follow further into the court yard. she gently formed some seats for them out of rock as they sat together, as a family, enjoying the calm before the storm.

code by valen t.

 

[peachiepalette]

aiza chosam

• aaaaaa
• aaaa

• .
• 
  

  incoming message!

  
  
  

  
  

  Mood Send help. Get me out!
  
  Location The courtyard - Outside the Avatar Estate
  
  
  
  tag

  
  

  sunshineysoul
  
  
  
  outfit

  
  
  
  

”But I don’t want it to be me.” Joru was the only person he could still act like a child in front of, and ohhhh boy, did he. No one would have guessed that ever-stoic Aiza Chosam had thrown a whole tantrum the night before they had to leave to make it to Riku’s home. In his defense, he was having a breakdown of sorts. ”Why do I have to go?! Pick someone she doesn’t bully or obsess over!”

His arguments fell on deaf ears, and in the end, Aiza was told to pack his bags and be ready to leave at dawn, with the others.

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” — Randy Pausch​

​

​

It was beyond him as to why all the head members of the White Lotus, plus him, had to be shoved into a helicopter. For such an important event, Aiza considered the possibility of how obvious a flying object would be, especially one with a propeller that made a significant amount of noise, but much like normal, no one paid his griping any mind. Even so, he had offered to drive, claiming that this was far too ridiculous for an esteemed group. But now, on their way to the Avatar Estate, Aiza found himself being flown in with the others.

A new day was on them, he should be grateful. Dread clouded his mind at the thought of their arrival as his almond-colored irises met the upcoming sunrise on the horizon. With a squint, his gaze traveled over the high ranked members of the White Lotus, the group that he had been affiliated with since he was a teenager. At least he was facing this with them, and they hadn’t sent him completely headfirst into the whole thing on his own. He was thankful for that, at the very least.

As the helicopter grounded - not discreetly with the way it moved the trees and its propellers whirred noisily - Aiza inhaled and wasn’t sure he would ever exhale. The bubble in his chest told him to hold the breath until he passed out, his gut feeling telling him that something would go dreadfully wrong. Problematic situations always seemed to have a way of finding him.

All of the members filed out and onto the ground safely from the helicopter, Aiza in tow behind them all, taking his sweet time to dismount from the contraption that had flown him here. It was almost like a game: if Riku had been watching to see if he would make an appearance, he would keep her waiting with baited breath until he finally hopped down with a huff of his own. It would be no surprise to him if he either got pelted with rocks or if she were to throw her arms around him – Aiza often struggled to pick up on her range of emotions and found her to be flighty and confusing in her treatment of him. Now, he didn’t hate Riku… he just didn’t particularly like her either. While the new-found Avatar had always been rather clear with her intentions toward Aiza, he had been positively stagnant, unadvancing, non-receiving, distasteful of the affection. Half of it was his own stunted growth in being comfortable receiving any form of affection, but the other half was entirely that he was sure Riku was not the person for him (if there were a person out there at all).

But now he was here, the first before the masters of the elements, preparing himself to see the new Avatar herself. With that, the White Lotus member followed the others ahead of him, watching with baited breath as his mentors greeted Riku’s family, cheeky grins on their faces. It was only when he hadn't said anything and had only offered a head-dipped bow to her parents and Joru sent him a hefty-weighted glare that Aiza made a move.

Breathe. Let out a breath. Say something. Anything. Be... nice.

”Riku. Good to see you.”

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[Noivian]

M

e

r

a

THE AIRBENDER

mood

awkward, but playing it cool

location

the courtyard outside the avatar estate

oufit

sweater with short jean overalls and a cap

tag

sunshineysoul (mentioned), peachiepalette (mentioned)

There had been much debate at the air temple of how exactly Mera was to arrive at the Avatar Estate. A portion of the elders wanted to deliver her on the back of an air bison, as was tradition. Another, much louder, portion claimed there wasn't enough time to travel that far on an animal, and requested she take a plane. In the end, there was an agreement reached - they'd fly her to the air port on the back of a bison, and see her off from there. After the plane ride in, she'd spend the night at a hotel and be driven in the next morning. As if touching down in the parking lot on the back of a giant bison wasn't enough to bring attention to her, they were all garbed in their temple attire as well. At least Mera had gotten to keep the large duffle bag of clothes and other belongings she'd arrived with, and now hefted the thing onto her shoulder as she dismounted, bending a pocket of air at her feet to cushion the landing slightly. She did her best to ignore the stares as the elders walked her to the front desk and collected her ticket, as well as checked the bag. They left soon after, waving goodbye and trusting that she'd make it to the gate on her own. It would have been a foolish move, had they not handed her the ticket a few moments before. Mera wasn't about to turn down a free plane ride and hotel to boot. Where they came up with the money for all this, was beyond her. Maybe the White Lotus paid for it? Thankfully, she'd managed to stash a change of clothes in a small travel bag she'd convinced the elders to allow her, and the moment she was no longer in line of sight of them, she made a beeline for the restrooms to change.

The plane ride was uneventful, the hotel stay even more so. The next morning, Mera was up well before the sunrise. It was an unfortunate habit she'd picked up living at the temple, but for the purposes of today, it served her well. Typically, when one was up this morning, they were expected to go to a morning meditation. Mera had her own routine, however, which included staring at the ceiling until she felt like getting out of bed. Pressing the heels of her palms into her eyes, she grumbled to herself and rolled onto her side, bumping her elbow on the nightstand and wincing, causing her to cradle the injured joint. It was never funny to hit your funny bone. As she did this, though, she spied her phone charging on the nightstand, where she'd left it before going to bed. Right! All that time in the temple, she'd not really been able to use it for lack of cell reception. This revelation caused her to push into an upright position, crossing her legs and unplugging the phone, clicking it on. The boot screen took so long to fade, leaving her on the lock screen and the image she'd set as a screensaver - it was a picture of her and Luca sitting on a tiled rooftop, legs swinging off the edge, an amber hue tinting their faces. She remembered this day. It was the last day she'd spent with the caravan before going to the air temple. They'd been at a cozy little town in a cove, the beach had been pristine and the water was nice and warm. A twisting feeling curled her stomach into knots, Mera didn't know where the caravan was now, if they'd even be awake or not. Initially she had meant to text someone, her mom or Luca or anyone from the caravan. But now she simply turned off the screen and set the phone face down on the nightstand. Maybe later. Maybe once she'd been settled again.

Uncrossing her legs and tossing them off the side of the bed, Mera stood and stretched. Time to get ready to go. It was still dark outside, but it wouldn't be dark fore long. Picking out an outfit from the duffle bag, she tossed it onto the bed and stepped into the shower, powering through her usual wash routine for fear of missing the ride to the estate. Half an hour after waking up, Mera was once again out the door. She met the driver out front the hotel and quickly piled into the car, and just like that she was on the way to a new place. Mera had no doubt she'd get tired of the new place within a month or two, no singular place can stay unexplored for too long. But she chose to not think about it, and instead turned her attention to the scenery moving outside. City turned to countryside, and the sun began to peek over the horizon. At some point, a helicopter passed overhead, and not long after, the car pulled up outside the estate. Mera was helped out of the car, given her duffle, and left to her own devices as the car she'd come in pulled away.

Finally, she was here. Finally, she'd get to do something interesting. Excitement whirled through her, and mixed with a sudden rising anxiety. What if she wasn't good enough? What if she was sent back to the temple? No, no, Mera had to remind herself, it'll be fine. They wouldn't have brought you all the way here if they didn't think you'd do a good job. She promptly squashed the internal conversation before the other her could bring up the idea that they had sent her just to get her out of the temple, make her no longer their problem. So, slinging her duffle bag over her shoulder, Mera shoved her hands into her pockets and meandered her way over, following the sound of voices until she came to a courtyard. There were a bunch of people standing around, none of which she really recognized, though she had a pretty solid guess which of them was Riku. If and when eyes turned to her, Mera picked a hand out of her pocket and offered a nonchalant wave, as if she were always meant to be there, and didn't immediately feel like a fish out of water. "'Sup?"

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[PlusUltra]

Chantal, Ghost of the earthen roads
Mood: Resolute yet Curious
Outfit: Worn Leather Jacket with moon decal, purple shirt with a cartoonish cat skeleton in lightning and "Shock" text, torn denim jeans, sturdy brown boots
Location: Outside Avatar Estate, Courtyard
Mentioned: Noivian peachiepalette sunshineysoul

---

---

---

The tireless past few months appeared to finally be winding down for Chantal, though despite having a safe spot to rest for the past few days the weariness continued. Many of her would-be hunters had backed off from what she heard, but there was always the chance of one foolish or brave enough to continue, becoming complacent was only inviting that.

Drawing herself up from her sleeping mat she would spend a long while sitting in simple thought, propping her arm up on a leg, Chantal slowly traced the black inked text running across her hand.

"Baraya, Baraya, Agrabaraya"

Simple words that meant nothing, yet everything to her had become a mantra to collect herself, focus, calm and more.

Today was to be the day she would begin to fulfil her obligation to the White Lotus. In exchange for the protection and rest the shield of their name provided, she was to instruct their precious charge in bending. Some would think they had made a poor choice, and she wondered if there would be objections to her intended methods, they were certainly not anywhere close to conventional...but that may have been exactly why they had chosen her. Though the fact remained she knew nothing of this new girl, and she was under no illusions there would be challenges and complications ahead of her regardless.

Without further ceremony, Chantal would rise from her mat, give a slow stretch and begin to head out, further pondering would be redundant after all when she was about to find out herself first-hand.

---

Chantal's arrival at the estate was far more lowkey than her fellow bending instructors, forgoing an expensive vehicle or exotic mount for her own two feet, not that she had access to any of that regardless. The soft sounds of boots in the dirt were all that announced her arrival, no additional retinue only single slow meticulous steps to a set steady rhythm gradually growing closer to the group.

It would be very easy to mistake her for just another stranger on the street, but she had long since learned that if you walk into a place with enough confidence people will justify your being there themselves. She cast her eyes across those present, trying to pick out those of importance from the rest before coming to a stop with a casual stance nearby.

Cold blue eyes would eventually land upon Riku in a stare unblinking as if looking through her for several moments before finally speaking.

"Riku, I see" tilting her head ever so slightly she gave several more moments of pause before gesturing to herself "Chantal. You should be able to ascertain the rest simply enough"

---

---

---

 

[Goldie.]

ain shee

• aaaaaa
• aaaa

• .
• 
  

  incoming message!

  
  
  

  
  

  Mood pissed that she has to be here.
  
  Location the courtyard, eventually
  
  
  
  tag

  
  

  @ here
  
  
  
  outfit

  
  
  
  

Silence sat heavy in the air. Each noise amplified over the dull hum of the engine. Ain was sat in the back of an all-black SUV. The windows were tinted, likely far beyond the legal limit, as if she were a celebrity they were trying to hide. Ha, as if. Inside of the vehicle was four people. Supporting her celebrity theory, Ain was being personally escorted by some of the White Lotus’s finest. None of which showed much of an interest in interacting with her. Fortunately for all of them, she was fine with that.

“We’re nearly there,” a voice from the front of the car shattered the silence, “behave.” Ain clenched her teeth, scowling at the eyes reflected back to her by the rearview mirror. In the few days prior to this meeting, she hadn’t earned herself much trust. Despite making a ‘deal’ with the White Lotus, Ain had had her reservations. These reservations were revealed by her escape attempt…s. Escape attempts. While the White Lotus didn’t necessarily stop her, they were quick to remind her that if not here: prison. Sometimes she wondered which she would prefer. Either way, who was he to tell her what to do? Like she was some little kid? Fuck that.

The driver glanced briefly into the rearview mirror. His expression quickly changed from passive to pissed.

“Bitch.”

Ain’s lips twitched mockingly as she licked her middle finger.



—————————————



Just as the car door began to swing open, Ain was shoving her way out. Fresh air hit her face and instantly she felt so much more at peace. After spending an uncomfortable five days with these stiffs in a stuffy ‘low-key’ apartment, she could not get enough of all the space.

“Alright, this way.” An attempted nudge was met by an aggressive push from Ain before she began following reluctantly. They treated her as if she were a ticking time bomb. One in front, one to the side, and one behind. Each of the three were at least four feet away. They made long strides, passing a small variety of other vehicles on their way to.. somewhere. Ain knew she was headed to meet the infamous Avatar. There is no doubt these vehicles carried people in similar situations as she. Ain couldn’t help but scoff at the ridiculousness of it all. All here to meet and serve the all-powerful, amazing Avatar. What a joke.

Ain wasn’t left with much time to dwell on who was here or why before they reached their destination. Walls fell out as the group entered a courtyard. Already there were too many people, and benders, for her liking. Dark eyes scanned each person in the courtyard while once-delicate fingers tugged on a pair of leather arm guards. The man who had previously been guiding fell back to walk beside Ain. Clearly not having taken the previous hints, he shouldered her forward. She glared daringly back at the men following her before striding forward to the group. With a sharp inhale, an air of false confidence befell Ain. There was no way in hell she was going to appear anything less than completely and utterly poised. A skill she hadn’t learned from her life as a fighter, but rather from the one before.

It was nearly impossible to tell who was who. Ain had stopped near the edge of what was now becoming a semi-circle, her hands resting on the strap around her torso. If not for the obvious shape of the circle, Ain may not have so quickly realized who in fact was Riku, the Avatar. The girl looked average. There was no neon sign that screamed ‘I’m the avatar.’ The only sign that made it so painfully obvious was the fact that she and two others stood right infant of the forming arc. Ain’s lips fell open as she sucked her teeth. She took a moment to take in the full picture. A mother and father stood with the girl as they received introductions. They seemed happy, a kind of happy Ain had never seen in anyone, particularly these last few years. Considering where they all were, smack dab in the middle of butt-fuck nowhere, it might make sense. Ain let her nearly emotionless gaze sit on Riku before she noticed her. Ain gave nothing more than two lifted brows as she sized her up and down.

Fuck.

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[sunshineysoul]

MOOD: nervous but excited!

OUTFIT: idk

LOCATION: the courtyard of the Avatar Estate

basics

MENTIONS: people


INT: n/a

tags

TL;DR sheijun's homesick, but he's still an entertainer.

tl;dr

sheijun

Sheijun and his circus family were revving up for their final show of their tour. They had spent the last three months touring around the Earth Kingdom, performing their shows and dazzling any and all who came to see "The Travelling Spirits". It was right before their final show that a member of the White Lotus came backstage. He was led back by Jun-Lee, her face looked like it was glowing brighter than the sun itself.

Everyone would call Jun-Lee the mother figure of Sheijun, and while a lot of them would consider themselves to be correct, Sheijun and Jun-Lee didn't see it that way. Well, Jun-Lee might've viewed Juju as a son, but he was never able to bring himself to call her mom, or even say she was his mother figure. When he arrived at the circus, just a few days old, Jun-Lee was the first one to step up and take him under her wing. And yet somehow, even though Jun-Lee was all he ever knew, Sheijun somehow never called her mom.

Regardless of titles, no one had ever been more proud of Sheijun's growth than Jun-Lee. Being a waterbender, she was able to help Sheijun a little bit with his bending, and her water background helped him more than he realized. Thanks to hours of practice and training with Jun-Lee, his bending style became a lot more fluid than the other firebenders at the circus. By the time he was 10 years old, Sheijun had begun to outshine the other firebenders, and he remembered the beaming smile on Jun-Lee's face when he got his first standing ovation. He remembered her beaming smile when he debuted his very own move "the fire lick". That beaming smile was one that Sheijun was very familiar with.

It was the same look on her face as she approached him with a member of the White Lotus.

"Sheijun, this gentleman would like to speak with you," She tried to lure him further into the business side of the tent, but Sheijun had a devious smirk on his face.

"Sorry Jun-Lee, fans have to wait till after the show." He sent the older gentleman a wink as he ran on stage for his final performance.

~~
Sheijun was ecstatic. He kept his word, as soon as the show was done he met with the White Lotus member and Jun-Lee. It was there where Sheijun was told that he was being selected as the new Avatar's firebending teacher. Truth be told, he wasn't up to speed with the whole Avatar news, which lead to him making a fool of himself when he asked "You mean that old guy doesn't know how to firebend?"

It earned him a head smack from Jun-Lee.

But as the White Lotus member began to catch him up to speed, Sheijun's standard happy-go-lucky personality began to smother out. The more he heard about how the new Avatar lost her grandfather, and how the whole world was blaming her for it, he felt heartbroken for her. All of his own life, he had been in the public eye in a good way. He was adored, crowds cheered his name. Even on the off-chance that he made a mistake in front of everyone, people still cheered for him. But imagining Riku's state, imagining all his adoring fans being melded into thousands of people who hated him? It sent shivers down his spine.

He knew he had to accept the job. There was no way he was going to let this young girl go through all this without being able to laugh at some tragedy. Plus, he thought it'd be kinda cool if he could teach the avatar his fire lick trick.

So he accepted, and he was told that the next morning that the White Lotus member and himself would head on the bullet train that led out to the station closest to where the Avatar lived... Which apparently was out in the literal middle of nowhere. Sheijun couldn't imagine living in one place, forever. His whole life all he ever did was travel, see the world and never settle down. It felt like it was just in his nature at that point, to not be in one place for too long, to always move around and always explore.

Shit... how long was this training stuff going to take place?

~~

It had only been a day and Sheijun already missed Jun-Lee. He never knew what it was like to be without her. He was learning so much about himself, when he heard about how sheltered the Avatar's life had been, he was convinced they were polar opposites. But the more he thought about it, maybe they weren't so different. They both lived one way and only knew the world to be a certain way for as long as they had been alive. The Avatar was used to living with just her family, out in the middle of nowhere, and staying in one place. Sheijun was used to constantly moving from big city to big city, always meeting new people, and Jun-Lee by his side.

Until now.

Now both of their lives were turned upside down. The only difference was that Sheijun chose this change. The Avatar didn't.

The closest train station to the Avatar Residence was about three hours away, so once they got to the station, there was another member of the White Lotus waiting in a sleek, black SUV, ready for the trek up to the estate. Sheijun really only had one bag of belongings, due to being in the circus they moved around a lot, there wasn't a lot of room to have a lot of belongings. It was the essentials, a couple of clothes, toiletries, and a single stuffed animal of a turtle duck, he had had it since his fifth birthday; Jun-Lee gave it to him.

He missed Jun-Lee. Sure, he could text her or call her, but he didn't want her to be disappointed with how scared he was of this new endevor. All he had ever done in the past was make her proud, and she made it known on a regular basis. He couldn't start letting her down now. This would be over before any of them realized & then Sheijun would return to the circus, and "The Traveling Spirits" would go back to their normal line-up with Sheijun as one of the big ticket acts.

However, to help ease his inevitable homesickness, Jun-Lee gave him her signature necklace. She had told him many stories of how it was from her late fiancee, how they were going to get married and run their own circus. Jun-Lee never ran out of loving things to say about her fiancee, Sage. She was from the air nation, but they somehow fell in love & Sage was even willing to make Jun-Lee a traditional betrothal necklace. However, within a few months of them getting married, Sage fell ill. Before the doctors could truly find out what was wrong with her, she died. Jun-Lee never had a chance to live out her life with her lover, it led her to never take off that necklace.

But when she met Sheijun as a baby, she couldn't help but imagine the long talks she and Sage had about raising a baby boy. They never dreamed of having another girl, it was always about a baby boy. And just two years after Sage's passing, Raava seemingly blessed her with a baby boy. As she raised and cared for the boy, she felt him becoming a part of her heart, the same way that Sage was a part of her heart previously. When he agreed to leave the circus for a while, going to help train the Avatar, she tried to ignore the pain in her chest. So she did the only thing she knew to do; She gave him her betrothal necklace.

It definitely put Sheijun at ease when they finally pulled up to the Avatar Estate. He felt himself reach for the charm around his neck just before the doors opened for him to step out. He grabbed his one bag and followed the White Lotus members that led him into the home. They indicated a corner for him to leave his bag before they led him to the courtyard, where everyone else was gathered. They slid back the glass door that led to the courtyard, and Sheijun being his true self, just had to make his presence known.

"No need to fear, folks, the party is finally here!"

code by valen t.

 

[peachiepalette]

junto dal

• aaaaaa
• aaaa

• .
• 
  

  incoming message!

  
  
  

  
  

  Mood I wanted to driv- Oooohhhh, people!
  
  Location Avatar Estate
  
  
  
  tag

  
  

  there's a lot of people to tag
  
  
  
  outfit

  
  
  
  

It hadn’t taken much convincing. Actually, it took practically nothing other than some people in some funny-looking traditional White Lotus robes (he didn’t know why they still wore those) to show up at his practical igloo in the North Pole. Okay, so they didn’t really go to his home, and he didn’t truly live in an igloo, but… Like something out of a movie, the White Lotus descended from their ship and crunched their way across the ice into a gathering of people who had formed to see what all the hoopla was about. It was so easy for them to make their way in and ask for a young man by the name of Junto Dal. As part of the nosey crowd of people, Junto heard his name once, and with the face of someone who seemed to be expecting to get into trouble, he tried to sneak his way out the back of the crowd. Had he done something so terrible that his tribe had called the White Lotus of all people? The peacekeepers of the nation? He had to get out of there before they spotted him and took him away to White-Lotus-Peaceful-Prison-for-the-Stupid-Hearted and he was just making his escape when–

”Here he is!”

The fabric at the front of his draping overcoat caught at his throat. He felt the neckline hit the bottom of his chin and the air in his lungs rushed out all at once as cold seeped in through the space at the back of his parka and down his neck. Was this it? Was that all the chance he got? With a slow, horrified turn, Junto cast a devastated look over his shoulder to see just who was selling him out to the White Lotus to find that it was none other than his childhood best friend. So much for comradery. Now that his escape attempt had been thwarted, the waterbender turned around fully, brushing out the front of his jacket to seem ever the presentable, responsible and dutiful water tribe citizen that he could possibly be.

“Junto? Nono, I am Juno. Junto must be out of town,” the accused spoke up with a wave of his hand as if he could brush off his seekers.

And well, I’ll spare you the details of how he quickly got shut down and his escape plan failed drastically (for some reason, they weren’t buying his attempts to show them to another person). To be honest, when the White Lotus comes knocking and tells you that you’re meant to train the newest Avatar in waterbending, and there’s a whole tribe standing around staring at you since they can’t be bothered to tell you in the privacy of your own home, it’s a little impossible to say ‘no.’ It wasn’t even until he was on the boat headed toward his new destiny that it occurred to him: When did the world get a new Avatar?

Perhaps he should’ve thought of that sooner – he was too far from home to swim.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───​

He wasn’t even allowed to drive his own car to the Avatar Estate! Did they think that he was going to run away? Sure, he’d tried to evade the White Lotus when they first tracked him down, but he’d come all the way here, made it without a peep (more or less) into the car on the way to the Estate, and he’d been in good spirits for the most part! While he hadn’t wanted to go initially for fear of getting in trouble, this was a new adventure, and ever since learning he wasn’t in trouble, he was just fine! So not letting him drive himself was just downright lame…

In the backseat, Junto crossed his arms and gave a slight look of disdain to the driver for the clear disrespect they were showing him. He could drive!!!

However, his sour mood was quickly diminished when they pulled up the winding road to the home of the Avatar, complete awe washing over his face. The Northern Water Tribe had plenty of complex buildings, though all made out of ice. This was a completely different scene laid out in front of him and he was quite excited to have traveled all this way. If this was where they were going to train, he would surely have no complaints! Eyes focusing on the group of people that was forming in a little semi circle, Junto found himself perking even more. Potential friends and people to bother all the same. This would surely be fun after all!

The car pulled to a stop and Junto stepped out, smooth-walking his way up to the group with his belongings slung over his shoulder in a duffel bag. He hadn’t brought much and the pose he was giving was totally casual, the coolest he could muster. As he came to a stop, the Waterbender tipped his head, throwing up a little rock-on sign with his hand. “Hellooooo fellow people!”

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.

 

[sunshineysoul]

MOOD: it's show time

OUTFIT: a casual outfit idk

LOCATION: the Avatar estate

basics

MENTIONS: everyone!


INT: again, everyone!

tags

TL;DR riku is just trying her best at this point

tl;dr

avatar riku

Riku felt like she didn't get nearly enough time to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet with her parents before she heard a helicopter approach from the horizon. Unfortunately, Riku was very familiar with the sound of the White Lotus' helicopter & she knew that's exactly who was in the sky, on their way to land at her home. She knew what that meant, anything having to do with the White Lotus now twisted her heart into knots, and not in a cute and pleasant way; in a chest tightening, i can't breathe, kind of way. But in their defense, that was Riku's reaction to anything that reminded her that her grandfather was no longer alive.

As the helicopter landed and the family waited for the White Lotus to appear, Riku's mother stepped behind her a placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Deep breaths, Riri. Your grandfather is with you." Her mother's words stayed between the two of them, as her father went to meet the White Lotus in the distance.

A few moments later Joru emerged with her father, the two laughing and talking, as the rest of the White Lotus trailed behind. Their arrival seemed to open the floodgates for everyone else to arrive. They were far out, but Riku could see all the other vehicles that were on their way to her home. But did she really see them? No, it was Raava. Apparently this Avatar spirit came with some heightened senses for Riku.

The first person Riku greeted was Joru. He pulled her into a hug, which she tried to avoid but was unsuccessful. Behind him were the other members of the White Lotus, who all offered a bow of respect. Riku returned their bows as her parents formally welcomed them. Off to the side, on his own like always, was Aiza. As the Lotus cycled through, Aiza drew closer & with every step, Riku felt like she was going to explode.

Aiza and Riku were a complicated story. Her, having always had a childhood crush & not being very subtle at all. Aiza, on the other hand, was also not subtle with how much he wasn't interested. Yet they grew up together, Aiza being the youngest White Lotus recruit they had ever let in. Riku had heard her family whisper with Joru about the boy, something about a fire? He didn't have a family? Riku never heard the full story.

The spirits must have been laughing at Riku right then and there, as Aiza walked towards her. What was she supposed to say to him? Her normal, happy, energetic self was nowhere to be found; truth be told she felt a lot more like Aiza in that moment, angsty and quiet.

"Riku, good to see you."

She wasn't sure what she expected, she was actually surprised Aiza said anything at all. Even if she wanted to, she didn't have time to respond. As Aiza came so did the other "teachers".

The White Lotus had filled Riku in on the situation. She wasn't getting formal and traditional teachers like her grandfather did; The last thing the Lotus wanted to do was to alert the public as to where Riku was. With the news breaking that the previous Avatar's granddaughter was the NEW Avatar? Riku was, once again, shoved into the news. People were bashing her name, left and right, saying her and her family had cheated Raava and were somehow working with the popular genetics company to continue cheating the spirits. With all the negative attention that was already on the Avatar's family, the Lotus knew they couldn't bring the best benders of each element. That would give away Riku's location & further put her life at risk.

Their solution? Find a bunch of rag-tag benders that were moderately good at their element and bring them to Riku. Of course, those were Riku's words not the Lotus', the Lotus had said they were looking at benders around her age, that weren't well known but just as experienced in their element. The Lotus called them unofficial masters, Riku called them amateurs.

The first teacher that Riku saw was a smaller young woman in stature. She wasn't tiny, maybe just a few inches shorter than Riku, but the energy around her told Riku that she was a bit timid, didn't know exactly what she was supposed to do there. Her hair was curly and short, her clothes screamed airbender with how loose and freeing they appeared.

The next teacher that arrived was much taller than Riku or the airbender. Her hair was almost a ghostly white, pulled back into a ponytail; the white color of her hair only made her piercing green eyes stand out more. With the color of her eyes and how she carried herself, Riku knew another earthbender when she saw one. She introduced herself as "Chantal".

Compared to Chantal, every other teacher would look small, which is exactly how Riku internally described the next teacher. Although, this teacher was not alone, she was followed in by some body guard-esque looking people. They were tall and work rock hard expressions on their face, while Riku saw the young woman saw a stern look of calm on her face. She may have been dragged there by body guards, but Riku sensed that she wasn't going to let anyone make a fool of her.

Just when she expected all her teachers to be women, a man made his presence known. He had come from the house, and he was probably the most giddy person there that morning. He was a little taller, not quite as tall as Chantal, and his hair was short and blonde. If she was guessing with her earthly eyes alone, she would've guessed he was a waterbender. But there was something in the back of her head telling her that his boldness was fire nation.

Now the next young man that came to the group was definitely the waterbender, her avatar senses were really coming in handy. He was fresh out of the vehicle that drove up & he seemed almost as giddy as the blonde boy.

There was a bit of an awkward silence as everyone stood in the courtyard, waiting for something to happen. They were waiting for Riku. She didn't know what do to. Her eyes glanced to Aiza for just a moment, expecting some form of comfort before turning to her parents. Her father motioned to the group, encouraging her to say something. So Riku took a deep breath, asked for Raava's help, and turned back to the group.


"Thank you all for coming," She spoke up, further bringing the attention to herself. "I know this wasn't everyone's first choice of vacation, but I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you." She took a moment to give a general bow to everyone before continuing. "My name is Riku, which you all might have already gathered. These are my parents, and we're looking forward to hosting you in our home as we begin on this journey together." She motioned to her parents, eyes silently begging her father to take over the formal pleasantries. He caught on and stepped up.

"Just as my daughter said, we are thrilled to have you all here! Today will be a day of getting to know each other, exploring the estate, and of course some wonderful food! If you all head inside, we've put together your rooms with your names on the doors, AND my mother in law has been in the kitchen, cooking up an amazing breakfast for everyone. Welcome to our home!" Riku's father, Jhong, was always good at entertaining. He waved everyone to the door and led everyone inside.

While everyone was free to roam the estate and interact with each other, Riku found herself wanting to stay outside just a little bit longer. Maybe conversation with someone would help pull her out of her funk and get her in gear for the training that was to start the next day.

code by valen t.

 

[PlusUltra]

Chantal, Ghost of the Earthen roads
Mood: Disappointed
Outfit: Worn Leather Jacket with moon decal, purple shirt with a cartoonish cat skeleton in lightning and "Shock" text, torn denim jeans, sturdy brown boots
Location: Outside Avatar Estate, Courtyard
Mentioned: sunshineysoul

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Chantal herself remained silent as more arrivals came to the ever-growing courtyard gathering, standing motionless as a statue with arms crossed. Only the faint movement of an eye even signify any acknowledgement of the newcomers, before her gaze returned to Riku herself fully once more. Even after Riku's father finished his introduction she had yet to look away for what seemed like several more minutes, making no move to head inside for a refreshment or inspect her room instead seeming to peer through them with firm eyes.

After what seemed like an eternity she spoke once more, just as blunt and direct as the first time with her words just as concise "You held neither certain purpose nor authority. If you're going to find a road to walk through all this you're going to need both, less you just continue to let another make one for you".

With her words spoken, she began to move past them, given how light she was travelling it was not like it would take her long to unpack, though securing her room itself was another matter. As for the offer of food? that would suffice and give her time to study the others she was about to work with more closely while the lost avatar tried to at least find some composure within the familiarity of her family's courtyard.

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[Noivian]

M

e

r

a

THE AIRBENDER

mood

trying to be supportive!!

location

the courtyard outside the avatar estate

oufit

sweater with short jean overalls and a cap

tags

sunshineysoul , PlusUltra (mentioned)

Mera's greeting garnered her nothing but silence, causing the airbender to shift foot to foot awkwardly. Well, then. That didn't go as smoothly as she'd hoped. She turned as the next two women approached, one with white hair who had an air of confidence about her, and another accompanied by a guard of some sort. Just who were these people that had been selected to be teachers? Was this some celebrity that Mera hadn't heard of, or worse - a criminal? And Mera was expected to be okay with that? No, no, she reeled herself back in. It'll be okay. They wouldn't have brought her here if she really were that bad of a person. The White Lotus wouldn't just bring a dangerous criminal near a new Avatar. Mera took deep breaths to steady herself, forcing a beaming smile. The next teacher to join the group was a louder man, his voice almost making Mera jump in surprise. He seemed really excited for this whole situation, and that excitement had rubbed off on her just enough to turn her forced smile into a genuine one. Yes, this will be okay. The final teacher to arrive seemed to be of the same mindset, and Mera offered the two men a happy wave in greetings.

An awkward silence followed. Mera could see Riku struggling for her footing metaphorically, looking around for help briefly. Public speaking was always difficult, even if 'public' just meant a few people you didn't know all that well, so Mera could sympathize. She gave a small speech well enough, and then her father took over the rest of the welcome. Now Mera found herself at a crossroads - on one hand, she could explore the estate a little, perhaps maybe some of the surrounding areas a bit, finally scratch that wanderlust itch she'd been having since the temple, or she could potentially socialize, maybe take up a conversation with Riku. The airbender couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the new Avatar, if not maybe a bit of pity too. Someone other than her family needed to throw her a lifeline. Before Mera could act, though, the white-haired lady - Chantal - was speaking.

"You held neither certain purpose nor authority. If you're going to find a road to walk through all this you're going to need both, less you just continue to let another make one for you."

Yikes, talk about scathing. Mera pursed her lips, watched Chantal walk off, and gave a small grimace. Seems like they had the 'tough love' aspect of it all under control. Maybe it was time for something softer. Mera made the short walk from the semi-circle to Riku. "Hey," she began. "That was a bit harsh of her, huh? I promise you we're not all like that." Pulling her hand out of her pocket again, Mera offered it to shake. "My name's Mera, and I'll be your airbending teacher. It's nice to meet you!"

/* ------ credit -- do not remove ------ */

© weldherwings.