[Open] Missing Memories

[Neela Ning Rui]

Neela was on Kyoshi Island, her face shadowed by a hood as she walked through the small village of her birth. Her father’s birth had affected them all in different ways. Her mother silently stared at his clothes as she spread them across the bed in the morning and her brother played in the dirt all by himself, avoiding meeting his friends. When it came to Neela she couldn’t sit still. The metalbender officer that had come that night to let them know her father had been killed on duty had looked so stern but his eyes had been weeping silent frustration. Lieutenant Hu was no stranger to Neela, he had been her father’s partner and had even trained with her on occasion. She had seen in his eyes that he blamed himself for the tragedy. They had been screaming “It was my job to have his back and I failed him.” As much as Neela wanted not to blame him, as much as she had wished to console his anguish, she had been suffocated by her own.

Rage and sadness had flooded her system, sent her hurling rocks into the dark. She had chased after them to drown in shadows, wandering all night, worrying her grieving mother where she should have shared the pain. Even now, as she crossed into the little market of Kyoshi and picked an apple from a stand, she was not beside her family, but alone, off on a whim to chase a feeling. She didn’t know why she had come to her first home, only that she had needed to be here, as if searching for some distant trace of her father. Neela was locked on a scent from the past and she was going to follow it.

Thinking rationally, there was nothing here to be found. She could barely remember their old house, having been 5 when they had moved to Republic City and she recognized none of the people. Halfway through coming here she had almost reconsidered and redirected towards the Northern Water Tribe. The person she had once felt closest to was there. Neela’s eyes were sparkly of unshed tears and frustration as her grip tightened on the apple. That same person was probably married by now, maybe he’d even had his first child, while she was here, still a child herself. Biting back the moisture in her eyes she started walking away, completely forgetting that she was holding the apple she’d taken from the stand.

“Hey you!” The vendor called loudly. “Where’d you think you’re going with that?” She turned around, slightly confused, teary eyed and generally wordless. The cloak she had on was rather battered, even torn near the hem, having endured her sitting through a storm on the ship that had brought her to the island. There couldn’t have been a better unintentional portrayal of a poor girl unsure how to better beg to keep the apple.

[Zhi Jiang]

The island was absolutely beautiful. The trees, the people, the water, and even the villages were all so appealing to the eye. The one thing that definitely stood out to the duo was the smell of the cuisine. Neither could deny that the smell was mouthwatering, and Argo's eager and impatient swimming showed just how hungry he was.


The fishing boat they had tagged along on had gotten the better of them after a day or two. In fact, they had no idea where it had taken them, and were undoubtedly lost as they jumped ship. As Zhi felt Argo's big hooves hit the sandy shore he felt rather bad for this whole predicament. The animal could have easily drowned if his pal wasn't a water bender,


The shaky legs of the buffalo yak was enough to make Zhi dismount and stroke his neck," Easy, Argo. At least we finally made it to land, hm?" The boy smirked tiredly before leading the animal further inland. Immediately he was confused about where they were, and pulled out his map to investigate. The trust he had in Argo was enormous, but Argo's loyalty was no match for his stomach at the moment." I can't even find this place...," Zhi grumbled and turned as he scratched his head, and only took a moment to realize Argo had wandered off.


Argo had heard the familiar sound of an irritated vendor. Where that sound was only meant one thing to him, and that was that there was something to be eaten in that direction. Of course, the animal could have just sniffed about until he found something, but his attention was more focused on what he can hear and smell. The large animal approached the hooded figure from behind, and inhaled deeply over her shoulder. The animal was well aware his horns were large, and angled his head just so he could snatch the apple from her crunching it away easily to the sound of Zhi's call.

" Argo....Argo!" He ran to his mount and saw the look of the shop owner, grimacing as he realized what might have happened," Great...Wait...I can...I'm sorry." The boy sighed and took Argo by his halter just as he licked at the girls face and bellowed excitedly." Argo...I'm sorry, sir, he hasn't eaten today...I will pay for it, or well...I will pay for hers too...how many did he eat?"

Zhi was a wanderer, and his clothes expressed as much. The assortment and mixture of different cultures was evident, but none were as prominent as his water tribe hair clasp, sash like belt, and boots.

[Neela Ning Rui]

Before Neela could form some words of hasty apology for having taken the apple without paying by accident of aloofness, something slurped the fruit from her hand, making her turn around hastily and yelp in surprise. A buffalo yak towered before her, what she could only assume was his owner coming in pursuit after it. The merchant was momentarily speechless at the turn of events but continued looking harshly in Neela’s direction, his arms crossed.

The animal’s raspy tongue leapt at her and Neela reeled back from the buffalo breath and saliva, her hood falling down from her head and messy hair standing on end like a ruffled cat’s. “Just the one,” the merchant motioned to Neela’s general direction. “She was leavin’ without pain’.” At that, the earthbender regained her speech and turned to face him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, I was…” She clenched one of her fists, looking to the side. “It just slipped my mind.”

“Yeah right,” the merchant retorted, frown still on his face. “If I had a yuan for every time a thief had taken somethin’ by accident, I woulda been rich by now.” Neela frowned right back. “Look. It was just an apple, I’ll pay for it,” she rummaged through her pocket, but her yuan purse was not there. Blinking, she thrust her hand into her other pocket as well, then started fingering herself all over but found nothing. She really did feel like a beggar now. Embarrassed, she looked up minimally.

“Actually… I think I lost my money in the storm.” And by that she meant the storm on the ship she had come here on the previous night. “Right you did you little thief. Whaddaya take me for? Stupid?” The merchant gestured to Zhi. “Your bison thing ate it, so I’ll be content if you paid me instead, lad.” He extended an expectant palm to the young man. “That’ll be 5 yuans.”

Neela bit her lip as the charge fell on the other, feeling both guilty and relieved for it. After quickly rubbing her eyes, still slightly red from almost crying, she watched him from the corner of a light green eye, unsure if she needed to apologize or not since his buffalo yak had eaten the apple anyway.

[Zhi Jiang]

This was absolutely wonderful. They weren't on land but fifteen minutes and already Argo was costing him money and grief. The water bender sighed heavily and rubbed his neck tugging the reins when the buffoon tried to sniff at the girl. Before he knew it he would be in debt, he just knew it. Still, the damage was done, and now all that needed to be done was make this merchant happy.

" Oh...well then," Zhi became quiet as the merchant and the girl talked back and forth. The Buffalo Yak grumbled and rubbed his head on Zhi, making the boy stagger a little, but giving him a view of the girl whom his stead had robbed from.

For a moment Zhi looked at her with a curious expression, but he soon found himself answering to the man about the apple and payment." Yes...wait five-?!" He bit his lip clearing his throat and nodding as he dug in his many pockets. This gave Argo the most prime opportunity to step away from the group and quietly go to the stands.

" Lets see...one...a pebble...three...ah here we go... Five," Zhi glanced fleetingly Argo who was leaning near the stand. The sneaky critter was stealing on his own, but Zhi dared not bring attention to him for fear of getting in trouble again. In all honesty, Zhi had enough money to buy supplies and a meal from one of these shops if he wanted to, but he was afraid to get mugged. After all, what if this girl was a thief? The passed few years on the move had taught him to be wary of everyone.

Like clockwork, the moment Zhi handed over the money, Argo made his way nonchalantly away form the stand and over to a little girl who was staring at him in awe. The beast sniffed her and then licked her, groaning happily as he listened to her giggle.

Once the shop owner was satisfied he would look to the girl, but would seem obviously out of place and at a loss for words." I...uh...I'm sorry. If Argo scared you."

[Neela Ning Rui]

The young man was surprised by the price and the merchant raised an eyebrow. “What’re ya so shocked for, boy? You won’t find better apples than these in the whole market.” The gruff middle aged man took the money and then waved his hand at both Zhi and Neela. “Now buy somethin’ or be gone. Yer crowding my stall.”

Neela had already taken to the side, trying to get over the embarrassment of losing her money. How had that happened? Longingly, she stared in the shore’s direction. It had been a bad idea to come here. She didn’t have the privacy of her thoughts for long, the young man’s voice breaking through to tell her something. Distractedly, she looked back to him and focused, her eyes searching his face as if what he had said hadn’t made much sense, then snapped out of it and waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, don’t worry about it. I was lucky your buffalo yak ate that apple when he did anyway. I can’t believe I lost my money.”

Irritably, she crossed her arms and kicked her foot on the ground, having it shake perhaps a little more than it should have considering the little force applied. “Great. Now I’m stranded on Kyoshi Island.” She cupped her face in her hands. “I told Fuki I would be back in Republic City in a few days.” There was no way she would make it back that quickly if she couldn’t pay her way back on the next ship. Her stomach let slip a small growl, just to point out there were other issues she needed to consider as well. “And I’ve no idea why I’m telling this to a random stranger.” Clearly, she was on the brink of losing her mind.

“Uhhh,” she looked up from her hands, letting them drop limply to her sides. “Just pretend I’m not here and muttering nonsense,” she advised Zhi and stared at the ground, all anger evaporated as quickly as it had come, leaving her eyes vacant and posture withered. Why had she come here anyway? There were no dearly departed parental spirits to greet her. Even if she looked around, she could barely remember the village that had been her first home.

Warped by emptiness she didn’t care. It didn’t matter that she had lost her money, it wasn’t important that she was hungry. Nothing really mattered today.

[Zhi Jiang]

Zhi had little experience with talking to people for longer than a transaction or asking for directions. It had been so long since he had been in a conversational situation and he was surely going to sink if he didn't get out of here. The moment he handed over the money and apologized to her he was ready to leave, but of course Argo stopped any attempt of departure.

The buffalo yak used his horns and head to lift Zhi around and place him to where he would witness the whole rather insane looking scenario play out. The obvious thing was that she was distraught, but what could he do?" What?" He whispered to Argo," What am I supposed to do-Oo!" He was butted in the back by Argo, and the creature huffed as he stood closer to the girl and dropped his head lazily.

In order to recover himself, Zhi cleared his throat," I mean... oh.... Don't worry about it...really." He offered a lopsided smirk and ran a hand through his hair as he looked at the ground." Either way I would have eventually been over here. Argo has quite the appetite and we haven't really eaten today," He looked at her shrugging," So I probably would have spotted you."

He reached in his pocket and pulled out his map, looking for Kyoshi Island and then Republic City." Ah so that is where we are...Argo how did we get so off track..," A heavy sigh escaped him and he tucked his map back in his pocket," Look...We uh....need to rest up...Then head out...so..if you happen to need a ride..." What on earth had gotten into him? This was a stranger whom he had just heard rant and who looked like she had been through a hurricane. Well, her clothes looked that way at least.

Of course, it would be hypocritical if he judged her on her clothing. He was sure he looked like a rogue bandit. Besides, she was almost a foot shorter than him. What harm could she do." Do you know any good places to rest?"

[Neela Ning Rui]

The buffalo yak pushed him towards her and that made her straighten from her slouch, even in her vacancy blinking once. He reassured her no ill was being caused by her ramble and then said something that made her feel self-conscious. “Spotted me?” Lifting her hands, she combed her messy untied hair loopies with her fingers. “Why? Am I that noticeable?” Maybe it was the state of her dress, or the lack of makeup. Oh dear Avatar, she really must have looked like a fresh bum. But she didn’t smell. At least she still had that, but not for long if she didn’t start thinking of a way to earn some money quick.

He was looking at a map. She tilted her head when he said something about getting off track. Her eyes went wide when he offered a ride, but shrunk to normal quickly as she swallowed the immediate response she had wished to give. She took a moment to inspect him, her eyes flipping across various aspects of his clothing and general appearance, as if trying to decide if he was real or not. He sure didn’t strike her as any form of nobility, or distinct civility, but ruffled as she was by sitting through a storm, she really wasn’t one to criticize. “You’d give me a ride?” She came to stare at his buffalo yak. “But there’s an expanse of water between here and Republic City.” Surely he had meant that metaphorically and what he had meant was pay her ticket on the next ship.

“It’s not like I would just profit from your kindness for free or anything,” she quickly added, still fixing her hair. Her eyes were serious. “When we’d get back to the city I’d make sure to repay you.” There was a vow in her tone. Neela never left her debts unpaid and never took anything for free or for granted. She stared at the tall young man before her, in her shortness not at all intimidated. When he asked, she paused to consider, her eyes narrowing under the strain of hazy memories.

Neela had been but a small girl when she had last walked these streets. Although she was perfectly certain nothing had changed, she could remember nothing but the smell of the flowers that had grown in her old home’s garden. “Not really, but I’m sure I can find one for you. There should be a little inn just further into the village. Kyoshi Island is a popular enough vacation spot. Many people come to see the Unagi…” Without meaning to, she smiled a little at the thought of the sea serpent, but it quickly dulled from her face.

With apparent randomness she started walking, waving for him to come along. “Let’s see if we can find the inn.” She had a walk that was far more confident than she felt. In this old home, where she had been called to by the echo of a ghost, she didn’t feel all that sure of herself at all. Curling her fingers over the metal whip on her belt, under the cloak, she took comfort in its presence. “My name is Neela by the way.” She cast her green gaze over her shoulder to glance at him.

[Zhi Jiang]

Zhi blushed a bit at how that came out. He hadn't meant to say anything bad, but obviously he had some room for improvement speech wise. He reassured her quickly," Just the old man didn't seem to want to leave you alone anytime soon, is all..." There that fixed it he hoped. He glanced at Argo, and the look on the animal's face was evidence of his enjoyment.

" Yes, well...I'm a water bender. I can at least get us to the mainland with some effort," he smiled softly at her then looked at the map again. They would definitely have to rest up before the trip. Otherwise he and Argo would pass out or worse. Zhi lifted his head from the map to see her seriousness, and he nodded slowly in response," We will worry about that when we come to it. If we come to it."

There was a possibility of something happening between here and Republic City, and Zhi didn't want to get her hopes up. After all, he wasn't doing this for money. Of course, money in his pocket meant food and shelter for he and his friend if they ever needed it.

The boy followed after her and scratched his head," What is an Unagi?" He genuinely asked out of curiosity. The boy had never seen one before, and since he liked learning new things he was eager to know. Before he could be answered she said her name. Perhaps he had spoken too softly? Who knew. Zhi nodded in response and smirked," I'm Zhi." He let his piercing blue depths meet hers before he looked ahead," But I go by both Zhi and Z. Whichever you prefer."

[Neela Ning Rui]

“Oh.” She stopped coming her hair, letting her hands rest by her sides. When he revealed he was a water bender her eyes lit up briefly. It had instantly reminded her of someone she had known and just as quickly added more depression to her disposition. Despite it, she associated it positively and managed a little smile that dropped from her face when he spoke next. “If?” Was he expecting trouble or something? Maybe he was a reckless sort and thought not to make it all the way to Republic City but wanted to try anyway, but who would think like that? No, it had to be something else. She could think of a few dangers as well.

As they walked she looked right and left, trying to grasp onto fleeting impressions. The smell of baked goods here, the color of that house there, they were all familiar, but the impressions her senses were getting were not full memories. “The Unagi’s a giant carnivorous eel that lives in the Kyoshi bay,” she motioned towards the sea vaguely. “It’s a wonder he didn’t have you for breakfast if you came through the water.” She paused to consider, tapping her lower lip briefly. “Actually, it’s a wonder you haven’t been eaten by anything in general if you normally travel through the sea.”

And for that it was a good idea to take a ship. There was a reason not even waterbenders just swam their way around. “Zhi it is then.” She gave him a little nod and continued walking, soon heading for a locale that seemed to have people coming and going to and from the open doors. Pausing before them she waved her hands to invite him inside like she was the door hostess. “After you, paying customer,” However, she didn’t intend to follow, looking to the side she rubbed the back of her head. “I’ll just be… out here. Talk to you in the morning?” Her stomach gave another little growl and she swallowed. Now all she needed to do was ignore her hunger and find a place to sleep for the night. A bush or something would do since she would be going full hobo for her stay here.

[Zhi Jiang]

Zhi and Argo could deal with a lot of things, but a giant carnivorous eel?! That was a bit much for him. Getting eaten was not something he wanted to happen anytime soon, scratch that, ever! How they had even gotten onto shore was a surprise, and the fact they hadn't been eaten? It was a bit unnerving to think about. Still, he simply nodded and seemed phased little by the definition of this creature," Ah. I see."

" I don't make it a practice to travel by sea, but sometimes we can't help it. Thanks for the heads up though," Zhi scratched his head and patted Argo who was walking alongside him. The closer they drew to the inn the more the creature slowed until he stood in a patch of grass grazing a few feet from them.

Zhi stopped when she wasn't right behind him. He had taken a few steps up so was looking even more down at her." Wait... you don't have to do that. How about we grab a bite to eat then focus on a room? It isn't even dark yet. Here, let me just grab some money," Zhi said in a kind voice.

He was chivalrous and kindhearted. He may be a little much but he didn't like the thought of sleeping inside without Argo anyway," Plus I don't even sleeping inside, if you want a room I can spot you that too, but I personally like sleeping outside as opposed to inside buildings. I always feel so, I don't know, trapped."