The clouds were gone, and Lukas could see the land down below. Light had breached the morning, glinting in his eyes. His hands were shaky and he fumbled, but he finally got hold of the strap of the elytra.

Greens of the land and trees and the blue of the lake were blurry; they were getting closer. He pulled with no hesitation, and was drawn upwards with a jolt, the winds catching the wings of the elytra and letting him glide gracefully. He was able to see clearer, and he quickly aimed for the array of small buildings on the side of the lake.

He pulled one of the straps, and he changed direction, concentrating hard on the spot he was aiming for. Thank Notch he was prepared. Putting his panic aside, he leaned forward, readying himself for the strip of land by the lake.

The air rushed past his body, his clothes flapping distractedly as his hair was pushed out of his face. Closer, closer...

The impact of the land stung his knees as he struggled to keep his balance. He stumbled, taking a few steps forward as his arms flailed. His feet dug into the dirt with each heavy step, until finally, he was able to grab a nearby tree trunk, grabbing it in order to steady himself.

Breathing with silent relief, he smiled tightly and folded the elytra back in its place. He made it.

The sky was a bright blend of orange, pink, yellow, and blue. The sun rising signifying a bright morning to come. Lukas took a moment, adjusting his pack and fixing his winded hair, making his appearance the least bit approachable.

The sounds of animals in the distance and their steps rustling on the ground caught his attention, and he perked up, eyes scanning over his surroundings. Again, the many wooden huts and miniature buildings edged his curiosity, and he began his way inside.

He walked slowly, admiring what the people of Sky City had built. Of course, it wasn't anything too fancy. But for people who were banned from building most of their entire lives, this seemed hopeful.

Even after the whole destruction of their city, they were able to get right back on their feet.

He scoffed at himself. If only he could do the same.

Rows of plentiful crops enveloped fresh water helping them grow in between the houses. From wheat to sugar canes by the lake shore, food seemed to be thriving. Animals herded in fences and made noises when he passed by, scrunching up into groups to get a look at their new company. The houses seemed to be smaller at first, but they slowly got bigger as he headed on. They were made of a variety of wood, mainly oak and spruce, some even ranging to two stories tall.

And just as he was getting used to the emptiness, something shuffled behind him. He recoiled, swerving around to face the source of the sound.

Someone who he had almost forgotten, his former friend dressed in a pair of dirtied suspenders, throwing him a disturbed, forced smile.

"Well, look who it is."

*

Aiden definitely had his better days. Today was not one of them.

He'd woken up extra early because it was his turn to harvest the crops, before the sun actually rose and he had to place torches around so he could actually see what he was doing. That meant getting up two hours before Maya and Gil, who were sleeping comfortably and warm in their beds, as he forced himself awake into the chilly morning.

It's not like he wanted to wake up earlier, but it's either that or Isa found him out and gave him a scolding and extra work to do. Reginald usually kept on watch as he did his duties. But this morning, Reggie was fast asleep on a nearby wooden bench, completely knocked out. He could tell by the snores and heavy breathing.

Aiden did his work anyway. Once he'd wake up, he'd check how many crops have been harvested, so there wasn't any excuse. So he took a stone hoe from a nearby chest, rolling his shoulders in the worn out suspenders, and got to work. He harvested the wheat and planted the seeds, got some more water and expanded some of the crops. Wash, rinse, repeat.

He didn't get a break until the light of the sun breached the horizon. Morning.

Aiden grabbed a nearby bucket and filled it with drinkable water, and immediately chugged the contents down his throat. Refreshing, and soothing. He coughed, wiping his mouth on his sleeve and taking a seat on a wooden block.

At that moment, he felt as if the day could be fine. That was until he saw something plummet down from the sky. Correction, someone.

He jolted up from his seat and squinted, bringing his hand up to his face to shade his view from the sun. It didn't help. The light only blinded him more as it outlined the figure and its movements. He couldn't even see who the person was, but he knew right away.

Bile rose up in his throat as he saw the person spread their elytra, gliding safely to shore.

Of course, of course Jesse had to come back. Rub this all in his face. Shine in the spotlight and bathe in all the glory as he worked pitifully, digging his tools into the ground, sweat clinging to his hair and clothes. The citizens would praise her, Isa and Reginald offering her thanks and anything else they could. He'd have to look her in the eye. He'd feel it. All that shame.

Why was she even back anyway?

He thought about waking Reggie, or getting back to work for a moment, but decided to just wait-er, extend his break.

So he placed his tools back in the chest, going over what he'd say once they'd come face to face. But he didn't have to think very far.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught someone staring at one of the nearby crops. And believe him, it wasn't Jesse. It was a male, first of all. And second, Aiden recognized him on sight.

Long time no see, ocelot.