Chapter Text
The three of them stood transfixed, their eyes locked onto the enigmatic figure before them. Aang found himself seated on the ground, having stumbled unceremoniously from Sokka’s barrel rush. His wide eyes remained fixed on the woman with intense curiosity.
Sokka, on the other hand, stood frozen, his eyes threatening to pop out of their sockets. His parted lips revealed his utter astonishment, and a vivid blush crept up his cheeks, turning them a charming shade of pink. Growing up in the Southern Water Tribe, where heavy layers of clothing were the norm to combat the harsh arctic conditions, Sokka had never been confronted with such a display of a woman's bare skin in his entire life.
Meanwhile, the young woman who had captured their attention gracefully assessed each of them in turn. Despite the unabashed attention directed her way, she displayed no hint of discomfort or embarrassment, radiating a quiet confidence that only added to her enigmatic allure.
Katara, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over her, sought to gauge the reactions of her companions. She briefly glanced down at Aang, hoping to glean some understanding from his expression. His wide-eyed curiosity provided seemed to indicate that Aang felt no sense of danger eminating from the strange woman. Turning her gaze to Sokka, her expression dulled for a moment as she caught sight of his gawking expression. In the blink of an eye, her expression transformed into one of indignant fury. With a swift motion, her palm met the back of Sokka's head in a resounding slap, reverberating through the air. The force of her strike sent him stumbling a few steps forward, his hand instinctively reaching to soothe the spot where her palm had made contact. Rydia let out a small gasp at the unexpected turn of events, slightly clutching at her whip in reflex, but said nothing. Sokka spun around, facing Katara with a mixture of surprise and irritation etched upon his features.
"Hey, what was that for?" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with a touch of pain. Rubbing his throbbing head, he met Katara's narrowed eyes, unimpressed by his behavior.
"To keep you from drooling, you disgusting creep!" she snapped, her voice laced with stern admonishment. The offense she felt burned within her, fueling her sharp retort. Sokka opened his mouth to protest, his face contorting with a mix of indignation and confusion, but before he could utter a word, another voice interjected, capturing their attention.
"Uh, hi!" Aang finally chimed in, his voice lifting with a touch of cheerfulness as he gathered himself up from the ground. Swiftly brushing off the dirt from his clothes, he waved his hand in a half-circle, a gesture of greeting and invitation. The siblings exchanged a silent glance, a wordless agreement passing between them to set aside their disagreement, at least temporarily, given the unfolding circumstances.
Seizing the opportunity to introduce themselves, the Avatar stepped forward, taking the lead. "I'm Aang. This is Katara, and that's Sokka," he said, extending his arm in a sweeping motion to indicate each of his companions.
However, Sokka's reaction was swift and almost startling in its speed. Like a coiled spring, he darted between Aang and the newcomer, his abrupt movement signaling a sudden change in demeanor. The Avatar's introduction seemed to jolt Sokka out of his previously infatuated, and then offended, state. Suspicion crept into his features, his eyes widening as he loomed over the young Avatar.
"Don't give her our names!" Sokka urgently whispered, leaning closer to Aang, his hand cupping his mouth to shield his words from Rydia's view. With an insistent gesture, his other hand pointed directly in her direction. Lowering his voice to a comically loud whisper, he continued, "She could be Fire Nation!"
His words carried an air of apprehension and caution, revealing the depth of his ingrained distrust. However, Sokka's attempts at secrecy had failed, evident by the scrunch of confusion on Rydia's face as she overheard his accusation.
"Fire Nation?" Rydia echoed, her voice tinged with genuine curiosity. With a fluid motion, she lowered her whip, allowing it to find its place on a demure metal hook at her hipbone. The soft thunk of metal against leather filled the air as it securely settled into position. Sokka, fueled by suspicion, whirled around and strode purposefully toward her, his index finger pointing accusingly in her direction.
"Playing the 'beautiful but dumb' card won't work on us, lady. We're not about to believe that anyone doesn't know about the Fire Nation," Sokka retorted, his tone laced with skepticism. But instead of responding defensively, Rydia beamed at him, her face radiating an unexpected joy.
"Aww, beautiful? Well, thank you for the compliment!" Her head tilted slightly, a serene smile crossing her lips as if she found humor in Sokka's brashness. Sokka faltered, momentarily taken aback by her response, his dumbfounded mind struggling to catch up with his impulsive words. Meanwhile, Rydia's laughter filled the air, carrying a musical quality that mirrored her carefree spirit. She leaned slightly forward and swung her arms behind her, linking her hands together behind her back
"Well, wherever that is, I can assure you that I'm not from there. Let's just say I'm…not exactly from around here," she explained cryptically, her words carrying a hint of mystery that piqued everyone's curiosity.
"Where are you from?" Aang interjected, his brows furrowing with perplexity as he tried to make sense of Rydia's enigmatic response.
"I came from the Feymarch. It seems the portal led me straight to this volcano," Rydia replied, her hand gesturing toward the still-smoking Mt. Makapu, as if tracing the path of her otherworldly arrival.
"The Feymarch?" Katara repeated, her voice laced with both confusion and curiosity, yearning for further explanation.
Before Rydia could respond, Sokka burst into the conversation with a burst of incredulity, unable to let the extraordinary circumstances pass by without comment. His voice reverberated through the air, filled with disbelief.
"Are we seriously going to ignore the fact that she rode a giant, fire-horned demon down a river of lava?" Sokka exclaimed, his disbelief palpable.
In the midst of Sokka's outburst, Rydia turned her attention back to him, her expression maintaining its unwavering pleasantness despite the bewildering turn of events. Her voice remained calm and serene as she addressed his astonishment.
"Oh, you mean Ifrit?" Rydia inquired, her tone brimming with infectious cheerfulness, as if finding amusement in Sokka's profound astonishment.
"It has a name?!" Sokka exclaimed, his voice betraying a mix of surprise and bewilderment. A small giggle escaped Rydia's lips as she continued to find amusement in Sokka's reactions.
"Of course! They all do," she responded, her tone exuding an air of certainty.
Sokka's eyes widened even further, his confusion mingling with a touch of alarm. He struggled to comprehend the concept as he blurted out, "You have more of those...monsters?"
Rydia's expression hardened slightly, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly as she corrected him, her voice assuming a more authoritative and informative tone.
"They're not monsters. They're eidolons," she stated firmly, her words carrying a sense of reverence for these otherworldly beings.
"Eye-doh'lens?" Aang chimed in, tilting his head curiously to the side, his eyes reflecting his intrigue.
Rydia's gentle smile returned to her face as she patiently took a moment to explain. "They’re powerful creatures that can be called upon to help protect or fight if a summoner’s in danger. As a summoner, I have the ability to call upon them."
Sokka, once again unable to contain his skepticism, rudely interrupted. "Why should we even care about all this?" His irritation dripped from his words, displaying his dismissive attitude. "She's probably just making up all this nonsense."
If Rydia had heard Sokka's retort, she chose to ignore it, her mind drifting as she pondered something intriguing. Tilting her head slightly to the side, she let out a soft, contemplative hum, lost in her own thoughts.
"Hmm…" she mused, crossing her arms in front of her chest, "I suppose eidolons don't exist in this realm then, but Alexan—" However, before she could finish her sentence, Sokka forcefully cut her off once more, his impatience getting the better of him.
"Enough with the made-up mumbo jumbo!" Sokka snapped, his tone filled with skepticism and mockery. He swiftly returned to Katara and Aang, leaning in closer to them, engaging in a hushed conversation while casting uncertain glances back and forth between his companions.
"This girl is obviously nuts. The heat must have melted her brain or something," Sokka remarked dismissively, his dismissive attitude seeping into his words.
Rydia, her patience waning, drawled, "You do know I can hear you, right?" However, Sokka paid her no heed, continuing his tirade undeterred.
"We don't have time to help some crazy monster lady find a castle," he continued, his dismissive attitude unwavering.
"Still hear you!"
Aang, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Sokka's shoulder, attempting to defuse the tension.
"Sokka, it sounds like she needs help to find this place she's searching for. Maybe we can help her? I mean, we can't just leave her stranded out here..."
"Oh, we absolutely can leave her here. We don't even know her! Are we just going to be picking up stragglers now? Appa can't hold all the Earth Nation's hitch hikers." Sokka interjected. Rydia mouthed "Earth Nation" and then "Appa" silently, her brow furrowing as if she was attempting to recall something from memory. Despite Sokka's interruption, Aang pressed the issue.
"And besides, I don't think people in the Fire Nation have green hair, do you?" Aang's words carried a calm and logical tone, his intent to reason with Sokka evident.
Sokka paused, his skepticism momentarily challenged by Aang's logical reasoning. Katara chimed in, her voice joining the conversation with an observation that resonated with the group.
"I've never seen anyone with green hair before, anywhere," she remarked, her gaze turning back to Rydia. As Katara's eyes scrutinized the vibrant hue of Rydia's hair, the young woman couldn't help but feel a twinge of self-consciousness. A nervous habit emerged as Rydia twirled a lock of her green hair between her fingers, a subtle indication of her sudden self-awareness.
“It’s a...a summoner thing…a rare summoner thing, actually.” Rydia informed Katara with a half-hearted chuckle, though sharing the information didn’t do much to quell her sudden bashfulness.
Meanwhile, Aang's curiosity continued to drive him forward, undeterred by the skepticism of his companions. His gaze focused intently on Rydia as he posed another question. "So, is Ee-furt one of your eidolons?"
"Yes, Ifrit's one of my eidolons," Rydia replied, deliberately enunciating the name to gently correct Aang's pronunciation. Adopting a contemplative stance, she crossed her arms, grasping one arm at the elbow while cradling her chin in her other hand. "Based on my difficulty leaving the Feymarch, I assume you all don't use magic in this realm either..."
Sokka's patience reached its limit, his frustration mounting. "Ohh-KAY, that's enough!" he jeered, crossing his arms in a dismissive gesture. "I've had it with the crazy lady and her crazy monsters, and now I've had extra it with the crazy magic talk. I nearly lost it with that Madame Wu and her mindless villagers. I'm not gonna sit here and listen to some crazy lady blab on about magic!"
Rydia, seemingly no longer amused by Sokka's outburst, placed her hands defiantly on her hips.
"Asura's mercy, you're loud... and really rude," she stated, her words carrying a sense of reprimand. Despite her composed demeanor, it was clear that she wouldn't tolerate being dismissed or insulted. She acknowledged the unfamiliarity and strangeness of their situation but refused to let that diminish the importance of her words.
Sokka found himself taken aback by Rydia's unexpected display of defiance. He had anticipated her to be intimidated or falsely placating, but instead, she stood her ground with unwavering resolve. His initial brashness melted away.
"Uhh...sorry," he mumbled, his apology partially sincere but mostly startled. Rydia paused for a moment to consider his apology before lowering her arms back to her sides.
"It's okay," Rydia responded, her expression softening. There was a gentle understanding in her eyes as she extended forgiveness. "But please, don't jump to conclusions or assume the worst of me just because you don't understand. I'm just a girl on a quest…like all of you, it seems."
Curiosity getting the better of him, Aang innocently questioned, "How do you know we're on a quest?"
Sokka, suddenly vigilant once more, hissed in a hushed tone, "Suspicious!"
Rydia pondered the question for a brief moment, her gaze drifting into the distance. "I don't know...perhaps it's just a feeling. Like, deja-vu," she replied, her voice tinged with a touch of mystery. It was evident that she possessed an intuition, an uncanny ability to sense the shared purpose that bound their group together.
Aang's features lit up with sudden realization, his eyes widening. "The villagers! I forgot we told them to stay away until we returned. We should go and let them know it's safe to come back," he exclaimed, his voice laced with a sense of urgency. He took a few animated steps backward in the direction of the town before stopping suddenly, turning back to face the others. With an inviting wave of his arm, he called out to Rydia, his smile radiant with warmth and kindness.
"Come with us, Rydia!" Aang beckoned, his cheerful demeanor embracing her presence. Rydia felt a brief moment of surprise at the unexpected invitation, her eyes shifting between Aang and the rest of the group. But in no time, her curiosity took hold, and she quickly aligned her steps with his. With newfound focus, she fell into stride behind the Avatar. Aang's openness and acceptance had an infectious quality, and Rydia found herself drawn to him.
Katara, too, was taken aback by Aang's inclusion of Rydia. As she observed the two of them walking together, a connection seemed to form effortlessly. The genuine bond between them was palpable, and it intrigued Katara.
Suddenly, Sokka slithered up beside Katara, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. He leaned in close, his voice hushed, as if trying to keep his words from reaching anyone else's ears, despite Rydia already walking away from them.
"What is with that kid?" Sokka whispered through the corner of his mouth, his tone tinged with skepticism. Katara sighed, her gaze fixed on Aang and Rydia as they ventured ahead.
"Aang has a strong intuition," she explained calmly, her voice carrying a sense of trust in their young Avatar. "If he trusts her, we should do the same."" Sokka stammered, a mix of frustration and disbelief coloring his words as he struggled to articulate his concerns.
"But—" Sokka began, only to be cut off as Katara had already started moving, following the path that Aang and Rydia had taken. She walked with determined steps, her trust in their young friend unwavering. Sokka stood there for a brief moment, his frustration building before he let out an exasperated groan. Muttering to himself, he begrudgingly set off after the group, his footsteps echoing their collective journey.
Aang quickly made his way to the designated safe area. Aang moved purposefully amongst the villagers, ensuring that all of them were unharmed. Sokka and Katara worked diligently by his side, their confident strides matching Aang's determined pace. He, Sokka, and Katara then quickly got to work guiding the villagers back in the direction of their town.
Meanwhile, Rydia observed the bustling scene with a mix of curiosity and unease. The gazes of the villagers made it evident that they were taken aback by the unexpected presence of a newcomer, especially one with vibrant green hair and exotic attire. Observing their curious stares, she felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over her, causing her to lower her eyes to the ground. Anxious fingers twirled around one another, a nervous habit that intensified with each turned head and pointed finger directed in her direction.
Determined to shield herself from the prying eyes, Rydia unlooped the golden sash adorning her hip and draped it over her head and shoulders. The shimmering fabric formed a makeshift shawl, partially concealing her unique hair color from view. Though the cloth offered some solace, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of not quite fitting in with the familiar faces around her.
Amidst the efforts to guide the villagers back to their homes, Rydia noticed Aang's earnest attempts to catch her eye. She observed him crane his head and neck downward, even bending at the knees, all in an effort to establish a connection. And when their gazes finally met, Aang rewarded her with a warm smile, accompanied by a slight, questioning tilt of his head.
The simple gesture did not go unnoticed by Rydia, who found herself drawn to the genuine concern in Aang's eyes. It didn't take long for her to realize that he was checking in on her, ensuring her well-being amidst the unfamiliarity. Each time their glances met, a glimmer of comfort and appreciation sparkled in her own emerald eyes. Aang's thoughtfulness and attentiveness to the needs of others, even someone he had met not long ago, struck a chord within her. Rydia couldn't help but imagine ruffling Aang's non-existent hair affectionately, a sign of affection and camaraderie. Though his bald head prevented such a playful gesture, the sentiment remained strong in her heart. Her appreciation for Aang grew stronger with every exchanged smile, a silent affirmation that she had found a kindred spirit in the Avatar.
A deep, resonant roar reverberated through the air, causing Rydia's heart to skip a beat. Her wide eyes instinctively turned towards the source of the sound, where a spectacle of awe unfolded before her. A colossal creature, floating effortlessly through the sky, drew closer with each passing moment. The sheer magnitude of its presence left her breathless, prompting a hand to clutch at her chest in astonishment.
As the creature gracefully descended, its massive form touched the ground with a gentle thud. Rydia watched in fascination as it shook off remnants of its airborne journey, its every movement exuding power and grace. She lowered her shawl from atop her head, not wanting anything to shield her view of the creature in front of her. It was a sight she had never imagined witnessing in her wildest dreams.
Aang's face lit up with delight upon seeing Appa’s return, his smile radiating warmth and affection. He approached the creature with an unmistakable bond, a connection that transcended words. Rydia couldn't tear her eyes away from the scene, captivated by the genuine affection shared between the young Avatar and the awe-inspiring creature.
Her voice filled with wonder and curiosity, Rydia couldn't help but voice her observations. "Is that...it looks like an eidolon?" Her voice quivered with a mix of awe and confusion, her mind grappling to comprehend the incredible sight before her.
Aang's smile widened, his eyes reflecting the pride of a true companion. "That's not an eidolon. That's Appa," he declared with unwavering certainty, his voice filled with deep affection and reverence for the creature.
"Appa?" Rydia repeated, her gaze still transfixed on the majestic bison.
Aang nodded, his eyes shining with love and admiration. "Yeah, he's my flying bison," he shared, his voice tinged with pride. As if responding to the mention of his name, Appa lowered his head, his eyes fixed expectantly on Aang. Without hesitation, Aang's hands reached out to caress Appa's forehead with utmost tenderness, their connection palpable even from a distance.
The awe in Rydia's voice was unmistakable as she spoke, her words carrying a deep reverence. "He's amazing."
Sokka, always quick with a sarcastic retort, couldn't resist the opportunity to play down the significance of the moment. "It's just a flying bison, Rydia. Nothing special," he quipped.
Katara quickly turned her head toward Sokka and shot him a reproachful glare. After a few seconds, she turned her attention back to Rydia, offering a warm smile of camaraderie and understanding.
"Never mind my brother," Katara reassured Rydia, her voice filled with genuine kindness. "Appa is more than just a flying bison. He's an integral part of Aang's journey, and their bond runs deep. You'll come to see just how extraordinary he is."
Rydia's heart skipped a beat as she stood before the majestic presence of Appa, his massive form leaving her in awe. The sky bison's towering figure, adorned with shaggy fur and formidable horns, seemed to command the very essence of the surrounding space. She couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence and excitement pulsating through her veins.
Aang, sensing her fascination, encouraged her to come closer. His outstretched arm served as an inviting guide, urging her to step into the extraordinary realm that Appa occupied. With cautious steps, Rydia approached, her eyes locked on the enchanting creature before her.
Appa, ever gentle and patient, stood unmoving as Rydia neared, his large eyes reflecting kindness and trust. Aang gracefully moved aside, allowing the connection between Rydia and Appa to take shape.
Tentatively, Rydia reached out her hand, her fingers trembling with a mix of anticipation and wonder. As her fingertips made contact with Appa's velvety fur, a surge of emotion coursed through her. It was soft to the touch, like clouds beneath her fingertips.
"He's so soft," Rydia whispered with a smile, her voice filled with awe and admiration. The realization of her proximity to this magnificent being left her breathless. Her hand continued its exploration, gingerly scratching along the fur of Appa's chin, eliciting a low rumble of contentment from the gentle giant.
As if in response to Rydia's affectionate touch, Appa's long tongue emerged, playfully showering her face with a slobbery lick. At first taken aback, Rydia's surprise quickly transformed into infectious laughter. With a giggle escaping her lips, she attempted to wipe the remnants of Appa's affectionate slobber from her clothes. Rydia then began to hear Aang’s laughter.
"He likes you," Aang said with a grin.
"He does?" Rydia's voice was barely above a whisper. It carried a hopeful tone, and her eyes sparkled.
"Yeah, when Appa licks you, it means he likes you," Aang explained.
Rydia's eyes widened with wonder as she stroked Appa's fur, feeling his warm breath on her face.
"He's wonderful,” Rydia said, looking up at Aang with admiration. "I've never seen anything like him before."
Aang smiled at her, touched by her genuine reaction. "He's more than just an animal," he said. "He's my friend and companion. We've been through a lot together."
Rydia nodded, feeling a sense of kinship to the bond that Aang and Appa shared. She continued to pet Appa, feeling a deep sense of peace and contentment wash over her.
Aang watched as Rydia showed Appa affection, and he felt a warmth in his chest. He had grown up with Appa and had always taken his presence for granted, but seeing the creature through Rydia's eyes made him appreciate him even more.
"I'm glad you like him," Aang said, smiling at Rydia. She returned his gaze, her expression turning comically stern.
"I love him," she decreed emphatically, moving to hug as much of Appa's head as her comparatively small frame could manage. “I love everything about him.”
In that moment a familiar figure swooped in to join the group. Momo, ever nimble and mischievous, gracefully glided onto Aang's shoulder. His wide, green eyes scanned the newcomer with curiosity. Rydia's face lit up at Momo's arrival and she began to coo, captivated by his adorable presence. Slowly, she extended her hand towards the tiny creature, offering a gentle invitation. It was evident that Rydia's affection extended to all living creatures.
Momo hesitated for a fleeting moment, assessing the sincerity in Rydia's gesture. Without hesitation, he leaned his head towards her outstretched hand, inviting her touch. Rydia obliged, showering him with tender scratches behind his ear. Momo let out a soft purr, reveling in the affection bestowed upon him. In a playful scurry, he made his way from Aang's shoulder to Rydia's forearm, seeking a more convenient position for further cuddles. Rydia happily adjusted her posture, her fingers skillfully navigating under Momo's chin, eliciting a contented response from the lemur.
Feeling the connection growing stronger between Rydia and their beloved companions, she declared with determination, "I'm going to need you to tell me everything there is to know about Appa and this little guy." Her nose playfully scrunched as she gazed at Momo, a mix of curiosity and adoration in her eyes.
Aang, ever eager to share his knowledge and experiences, beamed with enthusiasm. "That’s Momo, my flying lemur" he informed Rydia, a sense of pride evident in his voice.
Sokka, interrupting their tender moment, interjected dismissively, "Tell her on the way, Aang. We've got to get back to the village and return Aunt Wu's stupid book." With a confident leap, he effortlessly landed on Appa's saddle, his gaze fixed ahead. Rydia's eyes widened even further, a mixture of awe and anticipation written across her face. Her mouth formed a perfect "O" of surprise before she turned towards Aang, her hopeful expression radiating with excitement.
"Is Appa going to fly us back there?" she asked Aang, her voice filled with a thinly veiled plea.
Sokka, unable to resist his sarcastic wit, retorted, "No, we were just going to watch Appa fly while we walk behind him." Before he could revel in his wit, a sharp pinch on his ear brought him to an abrupt halt and caused him to let out a sharp yipe. Katara, her patience wearing thin, had swiftly grabbed Sokka's ear and forcefully pulled his head down to her level.
"Sokka, could you stop being such a jerk?" she hissed, her eyes narrowing with a mixture of annoyance and concern.
Rydia, seemingly unfazed by Sokka flailing his arms, maintained her hopeful gaze towards Aang. Responding to her unspoken desire, Aang chuckled mischievously. With a flick of his wrist, he playfully bent a gust of wind to gently lift Rydia up into the air, eliciting a surprised yelp from her. Her initial shock quickly transformed into infectious laughter as Aang's gust gracefully lowered her onto the soft cushions of the saddle. Aang then guided himself onto the saddle with his own gust, taking his place at the front.
Rydia wasted no time, eagerly scuttling towards the front of the saddle to secure the best vantage point. Her heart raced with excitement as she gripped the saddle's sides, her body leaning forward to peer over Appa's broad shoulder.
Aang, sensing Rydia's anticipation, leaned forward and asked with a gleam in his eyes,
"Are you ready for your first sky bison ride?" Aang inquired, his voice filled with anticipation. He wanted Rydia's first experience on Appa to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Rydia's response was immediate, brimming with unbridled enthusiasm. "I don't think I've ever been more ready in my entire life," Her eyes shined with exhilaration as she tightened her grip on the saddle's sides, ready to embark.
Aang's grin widened, captivated by Rydia's infectious spirit. Taking hold of the reins, he gave them a firm shake. Then, he gave the sky bison its command.
“Appa, yip yip!”