Infected

36 - Family

Days passed, Republic City improved, people started coming back, and many started working together to rebuild the city. But even as the citizens came back, there were still people that left, many of which Tommy knew from Air Temple Island.

"So you just do what you want now," Ranboo asked as they sparred, both boys thankful that there was no longer a looming threat.

"Pretty much," Tommy blocked a blast of fire. "I do a few chores and they let me go where I want. What about you and Techno's little family?"

"Nah, he had to get back to the North, said he had some things to fix. Phil, Kristen, and Fundy went with him so Schlatt offered me a place to stay," Ranboo in turn dodged Tommy's water and air blasts.

"Let me guess, it's cause Tubbo still wants to stay here," Tommy laughed as he made earth pop up at Ranboo's feet, launching him in the air.

"That was a dirty trick!" Ranboo protested. "And Tubbo stays cause he's still training."

"A trick you taught me," Tommy helped him up, "always go for the base when fighting a firebender."

"Something I regret telling you now," Ranboo shook his head. "So this is it? Chores, Avatar training, as normal of a life you'll get?"

"Well, there is something I still need to do, but Clay has the house rigged with alarms, and he changed all the locks after I ran away," Tommy sighed, "So unless you know how to break into a rich guy's house there's not much more I can do in life."

"Sadly I don't, and I'm appalled you thought I would," Ranboo said, "Did you leave something there?"

"Yeah, something like that," Tommy said, "And I don't think Jack would want me to get myself arrested."

"No, I think that would be a bad impression," Ranboo said, "But, now don't kill me for this, have you tried checking up on Clay and asking him? He clearly was one of the infected, maybe he'll still be a jerk, but maybe he'll give you what you want. Or at least a key to the house."

"George told me he's in a coma," Tommy shook his head, "Even if he was awake, I can't face him."

"That's okay, no one's going to make you do what you don't want to, not anymore," Ranboo said.

"You don't know how much that means, coming from you," Tommy said, "I'm glad you stayed if that means anything."

"You know, coming from the person that was furious when he met me, it means alot." Ranboo chuckled.

"I was not furious, I was..." Tommy started, trying to find the right words. "Okay, maybe I was a little bit mad."

"It's alright you were a sheltered kid who didn't really know how to interact with people," Ranboo said.

"Wow, a bit harsh," Tommy said, raising an eyebrow. "And here I thought you had a bad memory."

"It's funny that you mention it, I remember the past few days clearly," Ranboo said, "Ever since you freed that spirit, my memory's been perfect. It's been great."

"You saw it," Tommy exclaimed.

"The stag with golden horns, yeah," Ranboo said.

"Pog," Tommy smiled, "It's really cool you've got your memory fixed. Hey, I'm supposed to go meet Grian and Scott and their friends for lunch soon, you want to come with me?"

"Yeah, that sounds fun," Ranboo said, something else had come to mind as well. "How are you dealing with the whole... Wilbur thing?"

"I'm fine," He said quickly, "I have other things to worry about... like training."