Unbeknownst to the Korra's team, Beatrice seemed to tug at Subaru's sleeve slightly, trying to get his attention, which he immediately noticed.
"What's wrong, Beako?" Subaru asked.
"Those people, they have the witch scent, I suppose," Beatrice said. "Especially the short haired one, very pungent, just like you."
Subaru looked surprised to hear that, but then he quickly composed himself.
"Ah? What do you mean, Beako? Are you saying I smell or something?"
"Subaru, take this seriously, I suppose," Beako urged, her frustration evident. "They could be members of the Witch Cult, in fact."
Subaru's gaze lingered on the group for a moment, his expression unreadable. Beatrice watched him closely, her frustration palpable as she waited for his response. After a tense silence, Subaru finally spoke, his voice calm but resolute.
"Beako, trust me," he said, meeting her eyes. "They're not associated with the Witch Cult."
Beatrice hesitated, searching Subaru's face for any sign of deception. Finding none, she sighed, though the unease still lingered in her eyes.
"Alright, Subaru," she conceded, her tone softer now. "But let's stay cautious."
Subaru nodded in agreement, his gaze returning to the group. Despite his assurances, a nagging feeling of doubt lingered in the back of his mind. As they continued their journey, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their newfound companions than met the eye.
After a considerable amount of time, the group could finally see the towering high walls in the distance. During that period, a discussion was taking place in the carriage beside them.
On Korra's side, she now appeared astonished by the scenery before her.
"Wow. That city wall is no smaller Ba Sing Se wall's," Korra remarked. "It seems impossible that we didn't know about a city like this."
Jinora nodded, "Yes, that's why I think we are in a different world."
Previously, Korra and Jinora had discussed their situation, and one possibility that emerged was that they were in a different world.
They were familiar with this concept, as both had previously visited the spirit world, which is a different realm. However, there was still one question that remained unanswered.
"But this isn't the spirit world, and it's not our world either," said Korra. "That's why this is really confusing."
"Too many confusing things, Korra," Ikki replied. "Look at Meelo, his head can't handle listening to it all."
Looking at Meelo, it seemed as if his head was burning from listening to Korra and Jinora's discussion. His eyes narrowed, trying to digest the information entering his head.
Korra sighed. "What do we do now? We were supposed to be in Zaofu, sorting out the issues there!"
"Calm down, Korra," Jinora said. "We will find a way out if we stay together and think this through calmly."
"Calm? How can I stay calm!" Korra, who had been sitting, now stood up. "There's a problem I need to resolve, and now I find myself in a place I don't even know!"
"Even though I'm embarrassed to say this because I ran away, I'm still the Avatar!" Korra continued. "I ran away to recover from my condition! But, but, once I recovered, I couldn't fix anything!"
"Oi, oi, Why ya suddenly freakin' out, huh?"
Garfiel's voice made Korra look to the side. The people in the carriage were watching her. With raised eyebrows, they all looked her way.
"Korra, sit down. Calm yourself," said Ikki, with a sympathetic gaze.
Korra, realizing her position, quickly sat back down. She took a deep breath and bowed her head, feeling regretful.
"Everything will be okay, Korra," Jinora reassured.
"That's right, Korra. Just be optimistic!" Meelo chimed in, trying to cheer her up.
Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo clearly empathized with what Korra was feeling. Their plans to resolve the ongoing issues were now delayed. Who knows what was happening now.
As the group approached the gate, Korra remained silent. Jinora, on the other hand, felt sorry for Korra. Yet, she also listened to the conversation happening in the carriage beside them.
"Pristella is particularly strict on littering since it has to preserve its landscape. There will be a simple border check once we enter the gates, please don't get weirdly assertive and reject the binding paperwork they give you," Otto said.
This discussion caught Jinora's attention. She didn't want to join in the conversation for fear it would be considered rude.
"Is it written on paper that makes you geass yourself?" asked Subaru. "Like it does something to your od once you sign, and the second you break the terms your gate stops working or something."
"Eek, that'd be sooo scary… there shouldn't be anything that forceful. The paperwork is just a statement that you won't do anything bad. But it means your conscience will be keeping a close eye on you," Emilia explained.
Emilia's explanation didn't sound very clear to Jinora because, unlike Subaru or Otto who spoke quite loudly, Emilia spoke softly.
"There are national laws that must be upheld, but the Mayor and Lord who manage the city have rather extensive authority there. There are many things about Pristella that simply differ from national law. The paperwork will surely mention what they are, so please refrain from mocking it and actually read it," Otto explained.
"How about you read it and tell us what it said when you're done, Brotto?" Garfiel replied.
"You'll never mature with that attitude. It's necessary for you to learn how to at least skim paperwork, what with your social position. You can't just stockpile bizarre trivia from the books you like," Otto replied with a sympathetic look.
"It ain't bizarre trivia, it's a man's lust for the dramatic. Yeh, Captain?"
"Got it right," Subaru responded.
Jinora now understood what awaited them at the gate. She then shifted her attention to her siblings, Ikki and Meelo.
"It seems there will be a check and paperwork to fill out before entering the city," Jinora explained. "Let's act politely, okay?"
"No need to say that," Meelo replied, with a confident smile. "I'm a gentleman from the start"
Jinora and Ikki exchanged glances, their eyebrows raised high.
"What?" Ikki noticed their expressions.
"I really~ doubt that," Ikki said, arms crossed.
"Don't under-"
Before Ikki could finish his comment, the animal pulling the carriage roared. Its sound startled everyone, including the air bison, which suddenly soared upwards for a moment.
The roar signaled that the gates of Pristella were now directly in front of them.
As they crossed the threshold of the gate, the scrutiny of the border commenced. To gain entry into the city, one simply needed to peruse the document, sign their name, and secure the sanction from the guard.
The document delineated the conditions requisite for their admittance, as well as the statutes they were obligated to observe upon their ingress.
Emilia, Subaru, and Beatrice had already completed it. The guard panicked a bit when Emilia introduced herself, which made Korra's group look at each other.
On the other hand, Otto was held up behind thanks to Garfiel and team Korra.
"I told you to practice more, Garfiel!" Garfiel just grumbled under his breath, clearly not too keen on the idea of paperwork.
"And you guys, I didn't expect you to be illiterate," Otto said to Korra's team. "You two even tried to write gibberish."
Previously, Korra and the team had been given documents. However, none of the four could read the sentences written. Ikki and Meelo slyly tried to just write and sign without reading, but the guard questioned their strange writing.
Eventually, the guard read the contents of the document to the four of them and asked each to state their names so he could help fill it out for them. They just needed to sign.
"Well, the characters are different from what we know," said Korra, who now dared to speak again.
"Huh? Where are you guys even from? The characters in all places are the same," Otto explained. "Don't make excuses that made no sense."
That was clearly surprising, and further strengthened Jinora's previous theory about them being in a different world.
After that issue was resolved, the six of them followed Subaru and the others who had already walked ahead. Korra and her friends themselves walked behind Garfiel and Otto.
"Hey guys, what held you up?" asked Subaru, noticing their arrival.
"It wasn't me, it was them," replied Otto. "Turns out Garfiel can't read or write properly, even though I've told him to practice countless times, but still no progress."
"You can't write, Garfiel?" Subaru asked again.
"I can. It's just, eh, puttin' it how you would, yer'd call it avant-garde or, eh, whatever," Garfiel replied.
Subaru looked towards Korra and her friends. He didn't ask them any questions, but instead walked up to Korra.
"Korra, can I have a moment of your time?"
"Huh?" Korra was a bit surprised by the request. "Sure."
"Well, since you're all here, it seems safe to just discuss this here," Subaru's tone, previously joking, became serious. "But, get off from the air bison first and we'll move away a bit."
Korra's and the team followed Subaru instruction. They walk away a bit, making a distance between them and the carriage.
"I just want to make sure. If you don't understand, just laugh. But, are you... not from this world?"
Subaru's question instantly silenced them. The reality was indeed that, but how could someone so easily know that Korra and her friends were not from this world?
"I'm not sure," Korra replied. "But everything here is different from the world I know. So... maybe yes?"
"I thought so. Because you guys don't know anything and talk about things that don't make sense."
"What else can I do? I'm confused."
"Yeah, yeah, I know how it feels. Besides, I'm not originally from this world either."
Surprised? Definitely. Korra didn't expect that the person in front of her was someone with the same case as hers.
"But, from what I've heard and observed, it seems you're not even from the same world as me."
A collective "huh" came from the mouths of Korra, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo.
"Wait, wait. What do you mean by that?" Korra asked.
"Do you know Tokyo? New York?" Korra and her friends exchanged looks before shrugging. "Exactly. I don't know Zaofu, let alone the term 'Avatar' that you mentioned in your rant earlier. That's why I dared to say you're from a different world than mine."
"So, how long have you been here?" Jinora now asked.
"A year... I think? Didn't really pay attention to that," Subaru seemed unsure of his answer.
That response struck Korra and her friends like a bolt from the blue.
"What…" Korra couldn't believe it. "Haven't you tried to go back?"
That question made Subaru step back a bit. "W-well, even if there is a way, I haven't found it yet."
This revelation was more shocking than before. It made them realize that they were likely to be stuck in this world for a considerable amount of time.
Korra felt her legs weaken, but she tried to stand firm. Jinora and Ikki felt similarly. Unlike the three of them, Meelo appeared and felt excited.
"Oi, don't just stand there gawking," said Subaru, panicking. "What's important is, I can help you guys in quite a few ways, so you don't need to worry."
Suddenly, Subaru seemed to remember something. "Oh, yes, Korra. Have you ever di—"
Time seemed to stop for Korra. It was hard for her to breathe, and she also felt something reaching for her. Until…
"Korra!" Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo exclaimed simultaneously.
Korra fell to her knees. Her chest hurt and her breathing was heavy. She took deep breaths, trying to dispel the pain and the fear enveloping her. Her eyes looked around, seeing her friends and Subaru watching her.
Korra noticed that Subaru was bending over, clutching his chest, and he also appeared to be try to controlling his breathing.
"Subaru!"
Beatrice suddenly approached Subaru and forcefully pulled his arm. At the same time, she pointed her other hand towards Korra and her friends.
"What did you do to Subaru, I suppose?!" Beatrice's gaze was filled with hatred directed at Korra.
This clearly caught the attention of Emilia's group and also the gatekeepers who were still there.
"Beatrice, what's wrong?" Emilia was confused and surprised.
"Beako!" Subaru, now recovered, quickly moved in front of Beatrice. "I'm okay! See?"
"Then why did I feel you're hurt, in fact?!"
"It was a mistake. I'm fine, Beako! Just calm down, calm down!" Subaru bluffed. "They didn't do anything."
Korra and the others were clearly shocked by this. Had Beatrice actually directed her hand to attack them, causing Subaru's panic?
Subaru turned and walked towards Korra, who was still on the ground. He extended his hand, then helped her stand up.
"Huh, I didn't expect your grip to be this strong," said Subaru. "Anyway, sorry about that. I thought nothing would happen if I talked about it."
"What do you mean?" Korra looked confused, trying to shake off her fear.
"Don't give up, alright? Oh yeah, after this gate, you can't follow me and Emilia anymore. We're heading to a meeting. So..."
Subaru reached into his jacket and pulled out a pouch. "Take this."
Korra hesitantly accepted the pouch. "What is this?"
"Money, it's not much. But at least it can help you guys buy food and pay for lodging. Because, you can't follow me and Emilia after this. But, don't worry, you can meet me tomorrow!" Subaru explained.
"But I ca-"
"Nope, nope," Subaru formed an 'X' with his arms. "Do you know how hard it was for me without money when I first came here?"
Korra glanced at the pouch, then back at Subaru. "Okay. Thanks, I guess."
"Thanks, Subaru," said Ikki.
"Thank you!" exclaimed Meelo.
"Thank you for your kindness," said Jinora.
"Alright, let's head back," said Subaru.
Subaru walked over to Beatrice. "What are you doing, I suppose? Why give them money, in fact?"
"Isn't it a good thing?" Subaru took Beatrice's hand and began to walk.
"You're too kind, I suppose."
Subaru just chuckled at that. He and Beatrice returned to where Emilia and the others were, while Korra and her group followed behind.
"What happened to you before, Korra?" asked Ikki.
"I don't know," Korra shook her head. "Clearly, he was trying to tell something."
As they reached near Emilia, Korra was met with a raised eyebrow from Emilia. Her gaze then shifted to Subaru.
"What was that all about?" asked Emilia, curious. "Why did Beatrice shout like that?"
"Nothing, just a mistake," explained Subaru.
"Is that so? Then why did Korra suddenly fall?"
Before Subaru could answer Emilia's question, Korra answered first.
"Don't worry Emilia, I'm fine. No reason, I just panic sometimes."
"Oh, you poor thing," said Emilia. "I hope it gets better."
"Yes, thank you,"
"Subaru, Subaru," Emilia shifted her focus. "They finished the bag check for the carriage already."
"Oh, is that so?" Emilia nodded. "Otto, take control again, please!"
"Alright."
Before getting back into the carriage, Subaru took a moment to pat the animal pulling it.
"Thank you, Patrasche."
Korra, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo then climbed back onto their air bison and slowly moved off.
They leave through the front gate and discover a river coursing between the outer gates and the city. They traverse the stone bridge spanning the river, the inner gates swing open, and Pristella unveils itself.
Korra, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo were instantly awestruck by the view presented before them. Not only them, Subaru and the others also had similar expressions.
The city has a circular layout, surrounded by concentric circular walls. Despite its vast size resembling that of a city, its configuration is similar to that of a sports arena. The outermost edge is the highest point, with the elevation gradually decreasing towards the center.
The city is tiered with dense rows of stone buildings exhibiting the most western-style architecture that Subaru has encountered so far.
Large canals cut through the town, with particularly massive waterways dividing the city into four equal segments.
"I've never seen a city as beautiful as this," said Korra.
"Amazing," said Ikki.
"How beautiful," said Jinora.
"How cool!" exclaimed Meelo.
No one could deny that fact.
"Yeah, this's stunnin'. So Otto wasn't just spoutin' bullcrap," said Garfiel, diverting attention.
"I've always wished to visit this place, connected as it is to the God of Merchants, Hoshin, but this is stupendous. It was worth visiting regardless of Hoshin," Otto looked emotional and fidgeted with his hand.
"Hoshin, that one merchant guy from ages ago who made crazy riches from a burnt wasteland," said Subaru.
"You're a little off, but overall correct. Four hundred years ago, Hoshin travelled the yet- untamed lands of Kararagi unaided, transformed it into an economic infrastructure using solely his own wits, and made a fortune. The man is a paragon," Otto's eyes blaze with passion as he tells the story of Hoshin.
"Anastasia calls herself Hoshin after him too."
"It's very bold of her. I doubt there is any way to more plainly state her enthusiasm and goals, but everyone alive is going to be sceptical. Though I do presently think she has achieved enough to warrant the name."
"If she's seriously doing something to warrant the name, then… well, snagging Lugnica's throne works. Just marching toward her goal."
On Korra's side, Korra whispered to Jinora, "Do you remember when we entered the gate, Emilia introduced herself as a candidate and showed that glowing jewelry? Now they're talking about the throne. Are they actually important people?"
"Maybe, Korra. Didn't Subaru tell us that we couldn't follow them anymore after entering the city? Maybe that's why."
"...That makes sense."
"So, Anastasia's waiting for us at the Seasylph Lodge," continued Subaru. "Dunno where it is, but considering who she is, doubt it's someplace cheap."
"Mm, right. I think she told the gate officers about the visit too, so it's going to be a nice place. I think Otto-kun investigated more into that…" said Emilia.
Otto nods. He jerks his chin, gesturing to the carriage. "I've supposed the route, so allow me to lead. We won't be able to rush since boats have higher priority than carriages in this town. Which I note because I suspect Natsuki-san still struggles with leisurely carriage rides."
"Oh yeah? If it was just Patrasche, I wouldn't even have to say anything, just stare at her in my trembling boots, and she'd have the carriage doing whatever I want. Right?"
Subaru confidently looks at Patrasche and gives her a wink. Patrasche turns her head away. It almost seems as though she just sighed in response to him. This amusing scene even made Korra and her friends chuckle.
"N' we're off!"
Garfiel declares from his freshly claimed spot atop the carriage roof. Otto gives a wry smile as he snaps the reins, setting the carriage in motion.
Their speed is exceptionally slow, so much so that even the uphill climbs don't fully account for the sluggish pace.
Even though the air bison could move faster than the carriage in front of them, Korra decided to follow the movement of the carriage beside them.
"There really aren't many carriages here, huh," said Subaru.
"There aren't," said Emilia. "And look how all the roads wide enough for carriages aren't straight, they're windy, because the canals have higher priority than streets."
"Ah, you're right. Anyway, carriages have the Windbreaker Blessing, but do boats have anything? Like a Blessing of No Capsizing, or a Seabreeze Blessing, something."
"I don't think the boats themselves have blessings. But maybe the boatsmen have a Blessing of Lakes or Blessing of Ferrying."
"Though this knowledge isn't particularly widespread, water dragons have blessings, in fact. One that protects then from the effects of water, much like those of earth dragons, I suppose," explained Beatrice.
"Water dragons. Wouldn't mind seeing one. And just one."
"I'm sure there's bound to be some in this city, in fact."
Korra frowned when Beatrice used the term dragon, especially "water dragon." As someone born in the water tribe, she was curious about what they looked like. And, in her mind, Korra had already imagined it.
"Korra, may I speak with you for a moment?" Otto suddenly said.
"Sure, what is it?" asked Korra.
"Since our group came here for an important meeting, I doubt you and your friends can join us. You would probably be rejected there as well. So, it might be a good idea for you to start looking for a place to stay from here," Otto explained.
"Oh, you're right. It seems I should indeed start looking for a place to stay."
Korra shifted her attention to Emilia. "It looks like this is where our journey together ends. Thanks for the help, Emilia, Subaru."
"Oh, is that so?" said Emilia. "And we just met. If you're still here tomorrow, we can meet again."
"I think so."
"They'll still be here tomorrow, Emilia-tan. Come by the Seasylph Lodge tomorrow, okay?" said Subaru.
"I will for sure."
"See you, Korra," said Emilia.
The air bison slowed down and the carriage moved past them. They stopped right beside the road.
"So, where do we go now?" Milo asked, prompting Korra to turn and look towards him.
"Well, let's follow Subaru's advice for now" Korra suggested.
"He really is a good man, isn't he?" said Ikki. "I thought he was a bad guy because of his scary eyes."
"It's not nice to say things like that about someone who has helped us and given us money," Jinora replied.
"Ah, sorry, sorry."
Korra looked back at the pouch of coins. She still couldn't tell how valuable each coin was, but it shouldn't be much since Subaru said it was only enough to last about a day.
"So... Wan to eat?" Korra suggested.
"Of course, Korra," said Ikki, nodded by Milo.
"Yeah, come to think of it, we haven't really eaten anything, have we?" Jinora added.
"Uh huh," Korra nodded.
Korra, Jinora, Ikki, and Milo had been exploring the city of Pristella for some time, enjoying the views the city had to offer and also buying some food from the local vendors, with careful consideration of their expenses.
Now, the four of them were in the city park. The scenery here was beautiful, and they sat on park benches, along with their air bison, enjoying the food they had purchased earlier.
"This city is really beautiful!" exclaimed Ikki. "It's just as beautiful as Air Temple Island."
"For real!" chimed in Milo. "Republic City doesn't stand a chance."
Korra just smiled, then looked up at the clear sky for a while.
"What's wrong, Korra?" Jinora glanced at Korra, sensing her unease.
"It's nothing. I'm just thinking about what comes next. I mean, we can't even read and write the letters here. We also need to figure out a way to get back."
"Yeah, I'm confused too. It seems like even Subaru doesn't know the way. But at least we can ask him without looking strange."
"That's if he has the time, right? Emilia seems to be a very important person, the guards at the gate even seemed panicked when she introduced herself."
They both reminisced about that moment when Emilia introduced herself as a candidate.
"What kind of candidate was she referring to, I wonder?" Jinora mused.
"Who knows. If she's some kind of presidential candidate or something, I'd vote for her as a leader."
"If that's the case, she definitely deserves to be a leader."
"Yeah. But then, what does that make Subaru?"
"Hmmm," Jinora pondered for a moment. "He and Emilia seem very close, though. Maybe they are a couple?"
"That... make sense, I guess?" Korra mumbled. "I've never been good with stuff like that, though."
"That'll work out eventually, Korra," Ikki reassured her. "Maybe get back with Mako?"
"No," Korra immediately dismissed the idea.
Laughter erupted from Ikki and Milo, while Jinora just chuckled. At that moment, a faint singing voice was heard.
Their gaze collectively shifted towards the fountain. Standing there, surrounded by many people, was a young dark-skinned girl with blonde hair tied in twin tails, playing an instrument and singing.
As if mesmerized by the girl, Korra's vision momentarily blurred. With a happy smile on her face, she was captivated by the performance. Her soul filled with joy, and she unconsciously stood up.
The same happened to Jinora, Ikki, and Milo. The three of them stood up and smiled, pleased with the music and song delivered by the girl.
As her performance reached its climax, enthusiastic applause broke out. Korra's joy peaked until she came back to herself.
"Wow! That is incredible!" Milo exclaimed. "Her voice is so beautiful!"
"True!" Ikki agreed. "I've never heard a song as beautiful as that."
Milo then ran to join the crowd still surrounding the girl, wanting to speak with her directly.
Korra and Jinora exchanged looks.
"Did you feel like you lost consciousness just now?" Jinora shook her head to Korra.
"Not really, just overwhelmed with happiness and joy."
"Huh? Really? I felt that too. Her performance must have been really good then."
Jinora nodded, and they both looked towards where the girl was. The crowd around her seemed to be greeting the girl, and she responded with a cheerful smile to everyone who greeted her.
"Want to go there?" asked Korra.
"Why not," replied Jinora.
They walked over. The crowd had thinned somewhat, and it seemed to be Milo and Ikli's turn to greet her.
"Hey, miss. Your singing was incredibly good!" Milo praised.
"True! Your voice is so beautiful!" added Ikki.
"Really? Thank you," the girl smiled, then giggled while extending her hand to them.
Ikki wanted to shake her hand first, but Milo cut in line. Clearly, this made Ikki frown, and she watched Milo with a sullen look as he took his turn to greet the girl.
"My name's Milo, by the way."
"Oh? I'm Liliana."
Lilia's smile as she introduced herself captivated Milo, his eyes wide as he stared straight at her. Korra, observing this, simply furrowed her brow.
"You must be tourists, right? Because people around here know me well."
"You could say that," replied Ikki.
"Right? So, are you enjoying the view of the city? It's beautiful, isn't it?" Meelo nodded excitedly
"By the way, do you know them?" Korra's gaze met with Liliana's.
"Yes, I'm with them. I'm Korra, and this is their older sister, Jinora."
"Nice to meet you."
For a moment, Korra observed Liliana from top to bottom.
"No offense, but isn't your outfit a bit revealing?"
"Huh? Really? It's just normal for me."
"Is that so?"
Liliana simply nodded, her arms crossed over her chest, while Korra tilted her head slightly with a questioning look, then glanced at Jinora.
"Oh, yes. Where are you from? How long do you plan to be here?"
"Um..." Clearly, that question couldn't be answered straightforwardly by Korra or anyone from the group. "Well, it's a bit complicated."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Liliana tilted her head.
"But we'll still be here tomorrow!"
"Really?! Yay!" Liliana jumped with joy. "Come back here tomorrow! I have another performance, and I hope you can make it!"
"I'll be here!" Milo was enthusiastic. "I wouldn't miss the performance of a beautiful girl with a golden voice!"
"Uhuu~ looks like Milo's fallen in love again~" teased Ikki.
"Shut up, Ikki!" Milo retorted.
"Hahahaha!" Liliana couldn't hold back her laughter. "You two are so funny!"
Liliana stepped away from the fountain. She then slung her musical instrument over her back.
"I need to go now. See ya!"
With a joyful radiance still beaming from her face, Liliana threw one last smile before she walked away, leaving the group in the midst of a dispersing crowd. Korra, Jinora, Ikki, and Milo exchanged looks, deeply impressed by their brief encounter with the talented girl.
Milo still appeared to be shadowed by admiration. "I need to learn to play an instrument if it means I can make people feel like that."
Ikki, still joking, patted Milo on the back. "Well, maybe you could start by practicing singing in the shower first, Milo."
Laughing together, the four of them felt lighter. Meeting Liliana, though brief, seemed to infuse them with new energy and made them more curious about the wonders that might be hidden in Pristella.
"By the way, it's getting late," said Korra, looking at the sky, "We should find a place to rest. It'd be confusing if it gets dark."
The three grandchildren of Avatar Aang nodded in agreement.
"And I want to see Liliana again tomorrow!" Milo added, not wanting to be left out. "Maybe she can teach us something too!"
With decisions not fully formed but filled with hope, they stood, glancing at the sky as it faded to the colors of twilight.
Now, they had a night to endure and plans to make. And with every challenge, they knew they would grow stronger—together.