001

[biteoffherhead]

[Voice]

[As always, Moro's use of the journal is extremely minimal. She has only one thing to say to any of you, as she is so kind as to warn you all in advance.]

I have returned. All who grievously harm this forest will die.

[Action]

[With that, Moro can be found in the forest, slowly and stiffly walking about to get herself familiar with the forest of Luceti once more. She sniffs at the bark of trees, scratches at some patches of dirt with her claws, and otherwise silently moves. She has no mark of the demon, as many of her victims from over a year ago have... she has nothing amiss about her other than the bleeding of her chest wound, which is simply dripping along the path she is walking.

She has not yet approached the village. All she has done is use her journal to address them, and she is currently carrying the paper book in her mouth.]

Comments

[savedtheworld]

[And there it is. He stops in his tracks with a light gasp as he beholds her. It's so eerie... she's right there by the statue.]

M- Moro?! Is that... really you?

[biteoffherhead]

I suppose you shall have to tell me if that was the intent.

[Yes, she's back, and yes, she knows that's what you were actually asking.]

It has been a very, very long time since I have seen such a thing.

[savedtheworld]

[It's hard for Aang to stay composed. He looks between her and the statue several times. Hesitantly takes some steps closer.]

You - you're... [He shakes his head.]

The statue is supposed to be of you. You've... seen things like it, before?

[biteoffherhead]

The concept is not foreign to me. But it is unusual to see an attempt at my likeness. I'm sure it looks very accurate to human eyes.

[savedtheworld]

Just to our eyes? Do you mean that... We messed up? [He tries to glance between them and compare. And overlook how weird this is: Moro's here. And alive. And herself.]

[biteoffherhead]

It doesn't smell like me.

[Which, really, is the sense that matters to her.]

The jaw seems so narrow. It should be broad enough to bite a human's arms off at the elbows when they flail them outward as they flee.

[Didn't you miss these gruesome descriptions of violence?]

[savedtheworld]

[Sure, he misses it so much that he's wincing out of nostalgia.]

Sorry. I - I can try to fix it if you want. I just don't know how to fix the smell...

[Action]

[biteoffherhead]

Do as you wish. I recognize the intent.

[She finally turns to Aang himself, inhaling deeply from her nose.]

I had nearly forgotten your scent. You are the boy that believes he must be the bridge between man and spirit.

[Action]

[savedtheworld]

That's right. [He nods.] I mean - that's the duty of the Avatar.

[Seeing Moro's face so clearly again... it's haunting in a way, relieving in another. She's alive again... but he still feels guilty.]

So you really do remember. You... you're really back, Moro.

[Action]

[biteoffherhead]

You seem pleased by this misfortune of mine.

[Action]

[savedtheworld]

I'm sorry. I don't mean any disrespect. It's just that... I missed you. And I'm glad to see you again. But I know it's still bad... that the natural order got messed with again. [Bummer.]

[Action]

[biteoffherhead]

Your fondness will leave you short-sighted.

[Action]

[savedtheworld]

[Classic Moro. Always a hoot!]

I try not to let that happen. Really, I do. [A lot of his career as the Avatar has been finding the balance between his optimism and his responsibility. And currently, he does feel comfortable with where he is regarding that.] I just can't help feeling fond things anyway.

[Action]

[biteoffherhead]

[She can sympathize with that, at least. She's the same way with her daughter...]

Never forget that you may need to forgo them to do what is right.

[/Enter sitcom laughtrack.]

[Action]

[savedtheworld]

I know, Moro. Trust me... I know.

[He looks towards Moro with a strained look. He felt like that was what he had accomplished within the role he had in putting Moro down last year. And looks towards her searchingly - wondering if she remembers that part. But afraid to ask...]

[Action]

[biteoffherhead]

[Moro doesn't know to catch that. She doesn't remember anything from that point, though she had heard about it. But it's not something she wants to bring up, either.]

Good. Maintain your resolve. That is the guidance that I can offer you.

[Action]

[savedtheworld]

Thank you, Moro. [He gives a formal bow.] I'll do my best to follow that guidance.

[Action]

[biteoffherhead]

[She huffs through her nose, a wry grin on her face. It wasn't easy to read.]

The forest appears well taken care of. Continue to pay that tribute.

[Action]

[savedtheworld]

[Moro's expression was hard to make out; but it definitely wasn't a frown. And he gives some eager nods.]

I will, Moro. I'll do my best, and I'll help others to do the same.

[Action]

[biteoffherhead]

[Good, that seems good enough for her. With no real farewell, she just wanders off with a wry smile. Well goodbye to you too, furball.]

[Action]

[savedtheworld]

[He still breathes a stammered farewell.]

Bye...!

[And he watches as Moro leaves, standing there for a moment. He reflects back on that day and all the pain associated with it. And how Moro didn't seem to know the full story. Moro being alive again helped to ease his conscience to an extent, but now he worried about whether or not Moro should be told the truth.

He spent some time standing there before moving along.]