avatar_state | IC INBOX \ House Details (Deerington)

[ Mako—an exhausted mess, a shell of himself who’s barely slept—takes a long, long time to draft this text. He erases at least five versions before landing on what he finally sends. ]

Someone is going around killing people. Be careful where you go, and don’t go anywhere without Naga. Raleigh and I are figuring out who and why.

He got Wu.

[She's never felt quite like this before. Like she's been hit by a thunderbolt and all her insides made into ice. She's just numb for a long time, processing. Sorrow, anger, panic for Mako - all of them fight for dominance in her, and ultimately it's a jumble.]

Oh, Spirits, Mako, I'm so sorry.

I'll be careful. Where did it happen? I'll see if Naga can pick up a scent.

[And then she'll break whoever did it into little tiny pieces, screaming on the way down. A very non-Avatar thought, but she can't help it.]

[ Mako sends her a picture of a map.

On it is marked a small red x up near the Grady Hotel, in the woods. ]

Don’t do anything reckless, Korra. The person who did this killed him by touching him.

It was just like Amon.

We saw his ghost. Watched it happen. That’s normal for here. It’s gone now, we took care of it.

Text me if you find him, don’t put yourself in danger.

[You know the worst possible thing to say to dissuade her? 'It was just like Amon.' Within a minute of reading that, she's already saddling Naga.]

I'll be fine. You just take care of yourself. I'll let you know if I find something.

[If she has to. If she can't just finish it herself.]

I’m serious if anything happens to you too

Look

Kristoff and Anna are gone too. Their baskets are gone. The dream is falling apart and this guy could be anywhere

Promise me you won’t do anything stupid

I'll be fine, Mako.

I won't do anything 'stupid.'

[ Mako knows there is nothing he can say here. Nothing that will get Korra to do anything but whatever Korra is going to do. He can’t expect anything less: it’s who she is.

So he will just organize supplies, get as much stockpiled as possible, and try not to think about Wu’s body hitting the ground over and over. ]

Write me to let me know you’re safe, please.

I'll keep in touch. And again, the moment either of us here's anything...

I’ll let you know.

Hi Korra!

Uh, I'm back.

[ He knows that she knows what happened, Mako told him. He told him that Korra helped to search for him, knows what he did find. ]

Do you think you could come over? My arm is still broken. I thought it would get fixed, but it, uh, wasn't. I, if your bending is stable, could you help me fix it?

Wu! Oh, Spirits, I'm so sorry it happened...and...just...how?! I'm getting ready to go now.

[She doesn't hold off, after all. The sounds of her hurriedly starting to get ready can be heard.]

Uh-- wrong time, wrong place, I think. I, the person, Sam. I don't know him very well. I know him less well than I thought I did.

[ He hasn't really had that much time to think about it, being dead and all. ]

Thank you.

I meant...the other part, I just...[There is the sound of exasperation. She may be crying, just a little.]

I'm sorry. I should have been there to help, that's my job. I won't let you down again.

Korra--

[ He guesses there's nothing like dying to understand how people really feel about you. Between Korra crying and Mako admitting his feelings, it's been an emotional game, on top of coming back from the dead.

He takes a shaky breath. Other people crying makes him cry. ]

No, it's, it's not your fault. You couldn't have been there. Mako said the same thing, but it's really not. It was random. It could have happened to anyone who was there, not just me.

[She hadn't meant for you to hear that, Wu, and still tries to hide the snuffle.]

But you're ok? Other than the arm?

[Clearly steadying herself. And not admitting to anything.]

And the flu, but, yes. It's the arm. The, um. Everything else was healed.

[ It would be hard to be alive if the whole burning-from-the-inside thing hadn't been healed ]

I'm okay. Mako's here, he's been helping.

I can be here in maybe twenty minutes.

Thank you, Korra. I'll see you soon.

[ When Korra shows up at the safe house, Wu is still bundled up in bed with Fritter next to him on the bed. The doors are unlocked, which maybe Wu should think through, but despite being killed by another Sleeper, he still trusts most of them. ]

[Well, a Naga standing guard can help with that, at least for now. She looks...a bit weary, all things said and done. It's been a rough few days. She takes note of Fritter. That's a question for the future.]

Hey. How are you feeling?

Uh, oh! I'm... okay.

[ He's not okay. But they had painkillers stocked up, so he's on a bunch of those. One arm is limp at his side. ]

I don't know how I'm supposed to feel after dying, but I'm alive! And that's great!

[She nodded at that, reaching into the pack she was carrying for a bottle of water. She wasn't entirely sure he was telling the truth, but...]

I've got some fresh water with me. I can try with the arm...I'm not the best at this, so I can't really do anything about sickness and things.

I'm resigned to the sickness.

[ He laughs a little, weakly, and gestures to his left arm with his head. ]

You know, bending sure is handy. Always wished I had it! You and Mako and Bolin and everyone, you're so, so powerful! No matter where you are, you have this phenomenal weapon or tool or resource at your disposal.

[She puts on a face at that, moving to sit with her legs under her, uncorking a canteen of water.]

Uh-huh, he says, completely understating how cool my girlfriend is. [The tone is meant to be humorous.]

Because brains and courage count for a lot, you know.

Thinking bending is cool doesn't mean I don't think non-benders are cool! Asami is aces, and so are a lot of the people I've met here! Raleigh's teaching me how to fight, and I think he could take even you on!

[ Talking distracts him from the pain, even if he takes her words a little too seriously. ]

And there are so many smart people here! Did you know that Shiro lives in space?

[She'll take that benefit, moving her arms in a gentle pattern, drawing water out and draping it, slowly over his arm.]

I don't even know what or who a Shiro is.

Oh, Shiro's great! You should meet him. Really smart guy, sharp. He teaches astromomy, astrology, cosmology? Space stuff at the elementary school.

[ He looks away. Not that water bending an injury is really invasive, but he doesn't want to think about. ]

Oh, ok.

[She doesn't know what to say about that. She knows precious little about any of it, and her curiosity is weighed against her feelings of ignorance. As she moves her hands, the water encasing his arm begins to glow.]

Oof. Katara made this look so easy.

[ Wu decides not keep jabbering, letting Korra concentrate. He thought, hey, she's the Avatar! She can probably heal pretty well. Maybe being the Avatar doesn't make her infallible. ]

Ah, well. It'll be better than it is now, no, um, no matter what.

[She used to think she should be. But the worst part of that was...people expected you to be infallible. And were deeply disappointed when it turned out to be otherwise.]

[She keeps the healing energy flowing, pushing those thoughts out of her head for now. And concentrating on the moment.]

[ At least Wu isn't disappointed. More humbled, seeing how his perception was wrong.

He lets her work in silence, breathing deeply. Even the pain killers couldn't stop the pain of a broken arm, but the healing is already working, easing the pain radiating from the break ]

[She does her best to maintain her focus, the water glowing as it does its work. She breathes in and out, moving her hands as if over a loom. Katara, she knows, would be done by now. But Katara's the greatest waterbender in memory and then some.]

[But she can do this. She knows she can do this.]

[ She can! Wu gives her the time and space to do it, just focusing on his breathing. He closes his eyes, feeling the water move around his arm.

He lets out a sigh ]

I think it's working.

[She lets her arms move, breathing deeply, her movements growing bit by bit, piece by piece.]

It is. Hold very still.

[ He holds painfully still. He doesn't want to mess this up, not after the last few hours of pain. At least that's eased a little. He glances at her, then away, then at her again, nearly vibrating with how hard he's trying to stay still ]

[She ignores that. He must have been some toddler.]

[Finally, she sighs, relaxing a bit, the water, draining away from his arm.]

Try that, how does it feel?

[ He's always had too much energy, it's true. It got him into a lot of trouble in the palace.

He looks down at the arm, and dares to move it. He hisses. It still hurts a little, but so much less. He can move it without being in searing pain, at least ]

Better! A lot better! Thank you!

[ To prove it, he throws both arms around her in a hug, even if he hugs tighter with the good arm ]

Ack!

[It catches her by surprise, and with a short laugh she pushes him back towards the bed.]

Hey, you're still sick. You get back to resting so it can get even better.

[ Wu goes easily. He's still dizzy and tired, but at least in a lot less pain. He smiles, dazed, and drops back into the pillows ]

Yes, yes, I'll rest. An excuse to lay around in bed? Yes, please!

[ Joking aside, his smile softens ]

Thank you, Korra.

[She put some of the water onto a cloth, laying that across his forehead.]

You're welcome, Wu.

Um.

[Sorry, that wasn't supposed to be part of the message; he's just trying to... figure out how to say this. It takes him a moment, as he gnaws at the slowly healing wound on his lip. Eventually:]

Hi, I'm... Sam Winchester. I was the one who — [He can practically hear Dean in his head, saying sharply, "It wasn't you." So he breathes out softly and corrects it, so that Lucifer at least gets a modicum of blame-] I was the one whose body was used to kill Wu. When you tracked us, you did something to the person possessing me. Limited some of his power... and I think it's because of you that I was able to get back control, so I just...

I wanted to thank you. And say how sorry I am, that I hurt you and the people you care about.

You don't — have to respond or anything. I'm not obligated to hear anything but you cursing my name, or warning me for a round two, or anything like that. I just... I needed to tell you that.

[She listens to the message several times, debating what she feels about it, what it means. And if she believes it.]

[But what would be the point of lying? It's an elaborate way to get a second shot. Finally, she replies.]

I'm...Korra. Look, I don't know if I'm being crazy, or...just really stupid, but...I believe you. I think.

And if it's true, you didn't do the hurting. I think I have a simple way to prove it, too.

[He doesn't say it aloud, but god... there's such a relief in hearing those words. I believe you. He's not so sure he deserves that, but it really does... mean something, that he can move forward with even that. Sighing softly, he nods.]

Thank you. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't, but it... means a lot.

... You have a way to prove it?

My polar bear dog, Naga. She's better at smelling things than I am...better instincts. If you can pass her smell test...then I'm sure.

[It takes a while for her to say it.]

Have...have you contacted the others?

Edited 2021-04-17 03:41 (UTC)

[Never before has he been nervous at the thought of a 'polar bear dog' and its uncanny nose, before.

New things every day, huh?

But at the question, he winces quietly to himself.]

More like they contacted me. But we've... reached an understanding. But... once I complete the spell to remove the being that's inside me, I'm supposed to let them know. Keep them updated on its progress.

...If that's a thing, then I'll be fine with it. But I'd like some more details. About why it happened.

And how to prevent it in the future.

[After a short, nervous silence, he ultimately sighs and relents.]

Right. Um.

It's kind of a long story, but... the short of it is that I was born to be the vessel of a very powerful archangel. His name's Lucifer, and... uh. If you can think of the most evil being from home you can, I'm sure that's a close enough comparison.

His goals are to wipe out humanity and take control over pretty much everything. He loves the Earth itself, but he hates — well, the people on it. He was locked away for a really long time by God for turning people into demons, but... we had, um... we'd been tricked into letting him free.

[Sam holds the blame, in his warped opinion, but... he's since at least admitted begrudgingly that it's not all of his fault. Angels and demons, you know? They're master manipulators. It was gonna happen one way or another.]

I was born for the sole purpose of being his body while he walked the planet... He basically... I don't know how to put it. Spiritually and mentally tortured me? Sounds like an excuse, but — I eventually... decided to accept a bet he offered me, and I lost. Big time.

That's how he ended up with my body. With me along for the ride.

When we got to Deerington, though... I don't know. Whatever was limiting the powers of people here, it worked on him. For a long time, I had been the one in full control. Fighting him a lot, making sure he couldn't return, but... I was in control.

[Obviously, things changed.]

[A comparison to Vaatu springs to mind, and it explains the cold arrogance of the being she'd faced.]

And then?

[It's not a lot, but he hasn't got a lot to give at this point. It's on him to allay her fears.]

[He bites his lip, gnawing at the old wound left there by Raleigh's sharp fist.]

... The layers in Deerington broke. Something — fluctuated. Once the power dampening failed, he was able to get a lot of his original powers back for a window of time. [A pause.] I'm sure you felt it. The power he had, when you did what you did to him.

Eventually... After... After he'd killed a few Sleepers and Wastes, I, uh. I managed to kill us. Special gun that takes out almost anything, even if they're impervious to regular bullets. Woke up a week later, back in the driver's seat.

Sick as a dog, but... back in control.

[She had, and she was very, very familiar with that sort of power.]

I did. I'm glad you're...back.

I, uh...

Thanks. Thank you. For saying that, after everything.

Are you okay? I saw... what he did to you.

[It looked pretty rough, is all.]

I've been hurt worse.

[Said in a way that clearly indicates she's not keen to talk about it. But it's also not a lie.]

I know that feeling.

[Said with all of the relatability in the fucking world, Korra.

He wishes the hurting would stop for a second, so he could recharge his batteries.]

... Alright. As long as you've got people to take care of you.

I do.

...What about you?

[Forgive the pause, as he blinks his surprise off-screen.]

Me?

People. To take care of you.

[He seems a bit slower on the uptake, but that's understandable after everything.]

Edited 2021-04-21 00:46 (UTC)

I — Yeah. Yeah, I do.

[He sounds a little stunned by the realization, honestly.

He hasn't had people to take care of him in... years?

Feels like a lifetime ago, after being in the dark so long.]

I have people.

[There is a slight relaxation.]

Good. That's good.

[It's clear from his face that he is haunted about something. Something actually scared him]

Can we talk?

Edited 2021-04-20 18:10 (UTC)

[Well that is in every way not good.]

Yeah, of course.

[Ten fingers through his hair] Blimey. I don't know how to talk about this.

[Then a deep breath. In a confident voice]

Very few things actually scare me.

[A pause.]

I met Romana. In her true form. Her god form. I could feel her anguish. She said her world is gone.

[Ten doesn't have to say it. It's clear on his face. And - might confirm why The Doctor is so lonely.]

[She frowns.]

Wait, hang on, I mean...who's Romana?

[She can see it scares him, and doesn't question that - she's felt fear herself, after all.]

Right, sorry.

She's the first that got pulled into this world. She help build F.E.A.R and the blessing baskets. She also tried to stop Mother Superior from putting Sodder into a coma. She sacrificed herself to connect the layers.

[The Doctor still can't help but think of his Romana when saying that name.]

So...what is she now?

[A face full of sympathy, and potential dread - do they have yet another foe here, now?]

An immortal deer god. Twisted and blinded with loss and rage.

[Then a loud exhale]

That's why she frightens me. She's lost everything.

[A moment of silence. Korra will see in The Doctor's eyes that he knows that feeling.]

All that pent-up rage and pain.

[Ten pulls on his cheeks and chin. Then speaks in a worn voice]

A long time ago, one of my faces was part of a war. A never-ending war.

I lost everything. My family. My friends. My home.

I'm not even sure how long aftterwards I was roaming time and space. Not wanting to have anyone to travel with me. Not wanting to have more grief. That big-ear face pushed so many away. Told them no. That I was fine. Even the ones that found me soon after having regenerated and nursed me back to health.

[A short pause]

I could have been like Romana's spirit form. Quite easily.

[An exhale]

I've had moments here that have pushed me. Trying to get me back in that direction.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

[She's quiet a long moment.]

But you're not, and you really need to remember that. But...is there anything we can do for her?

[There's a deep and heavy sigh. He really wants someone to hug him right now. But he won't ask. He's shook. And it takes a lot to shake him. But he has times when he's afraid he can regress backwards. That he's not healed from all the blood and fighting. Ten's voice is low and in a whisper. Korra can see the fear in his eyes.]

But I could be... I commanded The Ents here to kill the orcs. Months ago. Seeing my friend get slaughtered by them. I snapped.

I'm not human. And seeing her like that. With her humanity gone.

[Ten's eyes twitch. Korra might see that his brown eyes now seem to look like those below in space. The Doctor is remembering Cassandra. The first time as Nine. Nine didn't care. His voice is filled with caution]

I could be like her so much if I'm not careful.

I don't know. She wouldn't talk. Too much pain to talk. To reason with.

[He hates that she had to burn]

I want to help. I don't want to kill. No more. No more.

[She sighs, nodding.]

Then don't. Be yourself, not the...person this place wants to make us into. People of...our power. We have to strive all the harder.

Because killing is easy, all it takes is...thoughtlessness. Taking the easy path.

And we lean on each other.

[Ten sighs and ruffles his hair]

Myself is complicated. Because - I wasn't always a pacifist. That's not what Time Lords are. They're very logical with their calculations, usually. And that's how I was. For a long time. If I had to take a lives to save the universe... I have. If I had to die to save the universe, I also have.

[The Doctor can hear that Dalek saying; You would make a good Dalek]

And you're right. It is an easy path. It's a survival instinct. Doesn't take understanding or forgiveness.

You've walked in time more than any of us - you're...also facing larger stakes than I can even imagine. I'm not surprised.

But that's the key, it's...not when you can. About making a choice. About not using a weapon when it's in your hand.

[Ten is thinking about that one time in paricular. There's a worn face on Ten. Those brown eyes are clearly not human. Ten gives Korra a firm head nod]

Thanks for being understanding.

[Luz cleared her throat, trying again and again to sound normal. Sound put together. It was taking some difficulty, but right now she needed something more than being by herself]

Hi Korra. Would you mind if I came over?

[And her answer comes without hesitation.]

Of course! Need a ride over? I can come with Naga.

Yes. Actually, that would be perfect.

[If there was one thing Luz would be fine, it was not moving around too much].

Ok, give me...fifteen minutes? You're still at the same place?

No. I'm at Prospero's. House 101.

OK. I'll be there soon!

[Oh gosh she was glad for Korra. At least being around her she didn't have to think about her own things, she could, well, do whatever, maybe even pretend the last few days weren't what they were.

Luz put her hands around her stomach and ran to the bathroom a moment, remembering a few things from the fifteenth. Oops].

[She's there only a few minutes later than promised, riding astride Naga. It makes an impressive sight, really. Though probably a little less if you've been one of the people Naga has decided to lick and cuddle up to, on occasion.]

[But, just in case, she does a very wary circuit of the home before coming to a stop in front of the door.]

[Just in case.]

[Luz answers the door, in pajamas of all things, looking tired but better than she had the past few days. Sadly this isn't saying much since she still looks pretty downtrodden, but brightens when she sees Korra. Because of course she does].

Hey, you came.

[She arches an eyebrow.]

Of course I did. You asked.

[She thumbs over her shoulder at Naga, who is gently wagging.]

Ready to go?

Yeah, but you didn't have to, you know?

[She smiled, then hopped up on Naga].

Yes, please.

Maybe. [She swung up behind Luz, taking the reins.]

But even then I'd have wanted to, so. Yip, yip!

[And Naga was up on her feet and off at a gentle lope.]

Thanks.

[Luz had a question to ask, but for right now she'd just ride with Korra. It was honestly good to just get out of house and feel less apprehensive].

Fun!

[And, since she was as always concerned for Luz' mental health, she'd make it worth her time, too, ultimately encouraging Naga into a full run for the last portion of the journey, like a fast, furry battle tank.]

Best part? It never stops being fun.

Really wish I could take you up in the sky with me when I'm on Eda's staff, but there's not any room. You're too buff.

[Which, as far as Luz was concerned, was not a bad thing].

Where are we going?

[She laughed at that.]

Well, if I'm gonna have a problem, that's a good one, at least...and you said you wanted to come over, and I just got the place fixed up after the drop, so! That's where we're headed.

[Poor Luz had forgotten already].

Oh, right, the earthquakes and stuff. You didn't have to deal with any of those crazy worms, did you?

[That brought out a nod.]

Oh, yeah, lots of them. Toasted them good, too. I mean, others like Vira-Lorr helped, too, which made it even easier. But yeah, I went through them like nothing.

[She's pretty proud about that part, actually.]

Felt pretty good to, y'know, actually help by thinning out their numbers.

I'm not surprised! I met one by accident though. Pretty freaky stuff.

Oh, Vira helped? I should have known she would.

Yeah. Well. They weren't the only things that needed thinning numbers.

[She is aware, and that's possibly a big hint.]

So people are saying. Wish I'd known at the time.

[Brings her mood down quite a bit, but it also reminds her why she's doing this tonight. And she's quiet for a long while, as they approach the house, and Naga slows her pace.]

Good girl, Naga. Thank you.

[Oh, did she know? Maybe they hadn't gone after them. It was possible they'd only targeted young, seemingly defenseless kids.

Which only revolted Luz even more].

You're great Naga.

[Luz nuzzled Naga a moment, just to show she was grateful for the ride].

[More that she'd heard things, in passing. Once again, happening frustratingly elsewhere.]

[She stretched a little as they approached her house, sighing.]

So have you eaten? Do you need anything else? I've got some of that popping corn, I think? Found it last time I went scrounging.

[She knows there's something on Luz's mind. But it's Korra. She can't not try to care for someone.]

[She could understand that. Some things went unseen, she knew that happened even on her end. Unfortunately, Luz did not happen to skip that part].

I haven't eaten yet, no. I don't think I ought to though. I don't think it would be a good idea.

[Not with what she had to talk about].

[She reaches out a hand to gently lay on Luz's shoulder, sensing at least some of it.]

Ok.

[It's all that needs saying as she opens the door, letting her enter first, followed by herself, with Naga bringing up the rear, immediately moving to a soft pile of blankets, turning two circles, and making herself comfortable.]

Ah. Nice.

[Which normally would have sounded way more enthusiastic, with Luz doing her usual grinning and making up stories, but now she was unfolding a kurigami onesie that Usagi had lent her, looking up at Korra].

I wanted to ask you something, and its a strange thing, but it stuck out before, and its relevant to me now. What happened when you were...tortured?

[She's barely shut the door before that lands like a bomb. She's immediately down on her knees, hands on Luz's shoulders, looking her over for telltale signs.]

Why...did...what happened? Are you ok?

[It's ninety percent concern for someone who she cares about - but also, she needs...just a little bit of time before she can answer that.]

[She's cleaned up, but if you look you can see bruises around her neck and arms, and there are more but those are covered since, obviously, Luz is not about to advertise she'd been in a situation where she got more than her fair share of cuts].

A little while ago, I got all tangled up with this rope. Like, once you touched it it wouldn't let you go, got tighter as you got desperate. I got cut out, but I wondered if it belonged to someone. Turns out it did: a bunch of these mountain guys in caves who come out to hunt.

They hunt Sleepers. They...they eat them.

[She immediately gathered Luz up in a close - but careful - hug. She'd encountered the rope thing twice, and just thought it was magical.]

Oh, Luz, I'm...I'm so sorry.

[And she just keeps her close.]

They didn't, obviously, but I sure felt like I was going to be gone for what seemed like hours. They took their time and. And they liked me being in pain.

[She turned away here, trying to hide her face because she knew she'd give herself away. When Korra approached Luz leaned into the hug, taking a big breath. She was going to hate, HATE this part, but it was something she needed to ask].

How...I mean...how did you deal with your tormentors? The ones that poisoned you?

[She sighed, deeply, standing up and gently resting a hand on Luz's head for a moment. Then she made her way to her couch and flopped heavily onto it, eyes focused on the middle distance. She hated having to even think about Zaheer and his Red Lotus.]

I wanted to kill all of them. [She finally says, reticence clear in her voice.] The one was already dead...she died trying to kill my friends, and I thought they'd killed my father, so...yeah.

They...put this metallic poison into me. It was meant to force out the Avatar State, so they could kill me in it an end the Avatar forever, not just having me reincarnate, as was usual. And the more I fought it, the more it hurt...this liquid metal in my blood.

Honestly, I might have killed the man who did it, but the poison and the fight that followed left me in a wheelchair and...pretty badly traumatized. It took me three years to recover. More, really.

My friends defeated the others. To this day I don't know what I would have done, if I could have done it.

[Okay, it helped to hear Korra FELT like killing them, knowing that this feeling in her stomach was lessening but not gone, still sinking her in, enough that Luz would wonder if anyone would ever look at her the same way. But Luz also knew this was making her crazy: how could it not]?

That sounds awful. They were going to just sit and watch you die? Just so they could destroy the chance that someone could help others with their exposure to the elements? That's...unthinkable.

You were lucky you had your friends. You'd probably be too weak to fight them.

Would you have felt bad about killing them?

[She patted the spot next to her, languidly.]

I don't like people dying. It's not what the Avatar is supposed to be about. My uncle...died when I defeated him. Corrupt though he was, bonded to the god of chaos as he was...I still wish I didn't have to do what I did.

[She leans her head back, closing her eyes.]

He's still alive. The man who tortured me. We even...came to a peace, sort of. But just thinking about it always gets me, even years later.

[Her head lolled to face Luz.]

I wish I could tell you better than that. It hurts, no matter what.

[So she still hadn't killed. Luz stared at Korra a moment, giving the older girl a sad smile].

That's good. I mean, that you never had to do it. You're the avatar, people look up to you. An avatar ideally would be free from doing something to end a life.

[Luz stared at her hands a moment, then it was less staring, but that Luz fixed her eyes to that spot. She needed to say what she was going to say without having a panic attack or swallow a stammer].

When they had me in the cave, I'm not sure how long it was. But there were times where I was just tortured, cut and tasted and mocked and hit. They saw me at my worst, and they laughed, savoring the time until they'd finally use all of my fear and pain and finish the job.

Margot came though. She came for me and attacked them, and I helped her avoid getting hurt. She got me out, but I didn't go home. I knew they were still down there, plotting another abduction and torture and feasting. I couldn't let it happen.

So I didn't.

[Not with her own two hands. She hadn't strangled the life out of her Uncle - but she'd killed him, all the same, when she'd defeated the chaos god Vaatu. And people kept dying around her.]

[But she groaned, knowing what was coming as the story unfolded.]

You killed them.

I mean, I had help, but yeah. We had to combine all of our efforts to take them out. I'll admit I should have gone home as soon as I was freed, but all I could see in my mind was them torturing me in that cave, and seeing them do that to someone else.

But another part of me? I hated them more than I ever hated anyone. So we went after them and I made sure they wouldn't ever try to hunt us again.

I never felt like that about people, not even the Emperor back on the Isles. I'm scared of myself, being that way. I feel like I tricked myself into doing this, and if that's possible, what else would I do?

[It makes her so weary to hear it. There's so much she needs to say, so much to explain - and isn't it awful it's left to bumbling Korra, who had enough trouble keeping her own emotions in balance, let alone helping anyone else sitting at a dangerous crossroads.]

[The silence stretches on, her eyes focused into the long distance.]

I hate Deerington. What it does to people. You should be running around at home, having girl crushes and figuring out who you're going to be. Not in a place that doesn't give you any choice.

I killed so many of those worms, you know? Without...any remorse, because they were mindless and would hurt others. And I've never had to think like that before, but Deerington makes it that way.

[There is a long pause.]

Me, I can take it because I've had the choice before and made the other one - but that was there. And you...you're at a crossroads, Luz.

Your whole life depends on what happens next, right now.

[This is how Kuvira began, wasn't it? Wanting to do the right thing, and choosing what seemed the only choice. A clean sweep, to purify the world and Make. Her people. Safe. And then it ended, as it always did, in war, prison camps, dead civilians, and Korra holding the woman she loved as she cried over the death of the father she'd never find closure with, for all his misdeeds and strange courage.]

I'm sorry you're stuck with me to tell you this.

I don't...hate Deerington. I hate the bad things in it. I hate seeing my friends die, or something evil coming and making it so I have to have small existential crises when I go to sleep. And you're right Korra. I should be at the Isles dealing with my feelings there than being here, without Eda and the friends that I made.

Oh yes, those worms. I fought them too. That was rough. But that's different from those mountain guys. The worms were literally going after prey to eat and that was it. The mountain men reveled in the misery this caused. If it weren't for Margot...they would have me watch them eat bits of my body until I died.

[Saying this, Luz found herself trembling, and she took a moment to close her eyes, swallowing a sob].

I don't like what I did. I'll still hear their yells and smell their burning flesh, even while they were making me hurt. But in that moment all I could think about is what they did to me, what they could do to other people. I couldn't let them go and do it all again.

[Luz looked at the staff, Eda's staff, then hugged it].

But I don't know if I could do that again.

Korra. I asked because I needed to know how you coped. I wouldn't have asked anyone else first.

It is a bad thing. The only good here is what people have made within it.

They were terrible. And they had to be stopped. I don't...I don't think you had any other choice.

[She paused. This was not what she was good at. She wasn't as sure about what she was good at anymore.]

Of course you could do it again. Because it gets easier. It's why I've...why I've tried so hard. Because I killed my Uncle, even if I didn't...I had to do it. He couldn't be stopped otherwise, bound to the god of chaos Vaatu as he was - but I knew what would happen.

And I've seen it happen for others, making that choice once - and then...it all ended in trying to destroy a whole city, just to realize a vision, with the most terrible weapon ever devised. Each step on the way was just a choice, each time getting easier.

[She leaned forward, face looking far more tired than a woman of twenty-one ought to. Or usually did.]

You have to guard against that, now. Whatever comes, and whatever you become. As for coping...it never goes away. Not fully. I was a wreck, Luz. Bits of the poison lingered in my body and I...I had no idea what to do and I just...retreated.

It took me three years to come to terms with my torture. To be able to pull that last poison out of myself? To look my torturer in the eye without...rage and pain? That took longer still.

But...I made mistakes. I didn't...talk about it. In the end, I wrote to Asami. She...Spirits, she got me back to being me and I'll love her forever for that. Just...talking about my feelings, as they happened, day by day.

I don't know what meaning that has to you. I don't know what meaning any of what I say will have. Heh...you're free to run out of here and never talk to me again. But you can't let yourself run from this, and it will be very tempting to do it.

I know.

[Luz said this, quiet, looking at her hands again. She would have never believed she was capable of killing men like her who thought and reasoned, but this was different. It was like fighting less skilled Darth Maul's, only the price of loss would have been her limbs, slowly, savoring her pain and the taste of her flesh. Thinking about it made Luz feel sick, but moving past that there was no doubt she had to make sure they didn't do that to other people.

But what else could she excuse death for]?

I don't want to give people my visions, Korra, or impose my stuff on them because I think its the best way. I want to help people. If people are injured, or need to be lifted up, I try to give them a smile and cheer them on. Somebody here told me its one of my greatest powers, and I believe that.

I asked because you'd be able to give my advice about this. I don't feel right, with what I did and what they did to me, but I know I didn't have a choice. I wanted to talk to you so you could help me, and you have.

I know. But the road isn't easy to see with the first steps. Take it from someone who's seen too many people walk that path.

[She stood up with a sigh, moving towards a closet. Kuvira had started out wanting to help people, too. It always started there.]

It's...hold onto that. Because you're always a joy to have around.

[She got down some blankets, and pillows.]

It will take a long while before it feels...better. Right...I don't know about that. If you can convince your inner self that so much of this place is a dream, then...maybe. But it's never become fully right for me again. I've made my peace with it, but every now and again, I wake up and feel that ache in my limbs, like it's still there.

[She pauses, heading towards the spare room, looking over her shoulder.]

But it can, and will, get better.

[Though she doesn't feel anything she has done will help.]

It's dangerous to go back, I've got a spare bed you can use. Naga can keep you company. I'll make you some tea.

If I tell you anything of use tonight, it's that tea is the foundation of things getting better.

You don't understand.

I've seen this kind of thing in media, but also with some of the people here. They make bad choices, and then it becomes a hole they just dig themselves in deeper and deeper. I don't think I'm better than them, but because they were able to tell me their stories, I can understand how the choices they made wound up making things more complicated for them later.

I try. It feels a little harder these days. Way harder than I've ever been used to.

Yeah. I get that. Like now, I even talk about what happened, or think about it and I get this panicked feeling like I'm back there, at their mercy, a mess and them laughing about it. Then I think of how I was after, when I went back to make sure they didn't come out to hunt people again.

It's scary. They're both scary.

[She sighed, then smiled]. Thank you. I don't know if it would be a good idea to go back in my PJs at nightm even if I CAN fly.

[She listens, and just nods, gently.]

You're aware of it, which is important. Trust me, start with the tea - and after that...write it down. To someone. Doesn't have to be someone here.

[She opened up the guest room and it was...well, rustic, really - but there was a nice fireplace, stacked with wood. She placed the blankets on the bed, leaning down to ignite the fire with a gentle gust of firebending.]

You can stay as long as you like, you know that, right? Because there'll be no monsters tonight. They wouldn't dare.

[And if Luz turns around, Naga is already wedging herself through the door, which makes Korra smile.]

And it appears that goes double, now that Naga's made her decision.

I think I will start with the tea. Writing too, in a little bit. I might even draw a little bit. That might help.

[Rustic. Luz liked rustic actually: she'd made do with less (Eda's attic) so this was still nice. Plus, it was always great to see Korra firebend].

I'll maybe stay two days. I won't stay longer, Margot's still getting used to our new place.

[She smiled]. I was never worried. Not with you two here.

Stay as long as you want. Margot's welcome, too. Heck, I can help fortify where you live, if you want. Anyways. Settle in, I'll bring you some tea.

[And she'll make quick enough work of it in the kitchen, picking the blend she herself has been using to help her sleep around this place. She leaves it to steep for a moment, filling a tray with some grapes and crackers. She might not be hungry this moment, but she might need them later.]

If the Doctor would go for that, I'd say heck yes! But he's a traditionalist, in a way. It's hard to really say WHAT he is, because he's unlike anyone I've ever met before.

[Him being a time traveling alien wouldn't even come close to doing him justice].

Have you met Margot yet, Korra?

['He's tired', she wants to reply, 'he's tired of losing people.' But she doesn't. That's his business to reveal, maybe, in the fullness of time.]

Well, before too long I think we'll all be closer anyway.

[She sets the tea an the plate down on a nearby table, sitting on the corner of the bed.]

Maybe - I've met a lot of people. But I don't remember the name off-hand.

I think so too. Got to make sure I help with preparations.

[Despite everything that had happened, Luz still wanted to try and help, even if she was definitely shaken now. Luz took the tea, then laughed].

Well, most people recognize her before the name. She's the one that's a wolf wearing a uniform.

Then I don't know her, unfortunately. But I'd like to.

[She stood up, with a sigh.]

Ok. If you need me, I'm in the next room. Bathroom's just down the hall - and you've already got a fuzzy bodyguard in here hogging half the room.

I think I should let you sleep. We can talk more, whenever you like. But tea...and rest. They'll help, to start.

You both might get along! She's one of the closest people in this place I know, and I'd do anything for her!

[She nodded]. Ok Korra. I'll be sure to take advantage of the tea and the rest. I am feeling a little worn down.

[Luz paused, then got up and hugged Korra fiercely].

Thank you, I really, really needed this.

[She smiled, hugging her back.]

Any time, Luz. Anytime you need.

[Luz had to admit to herself that she felt a bit safer with Korra around. She wondered if there would ever be a time she'd be able to return the favor for her older friend.

Time would tell. In any case, Luz smiled and tapped her staff, and her pajamas were replaced with a penguin Kurigami, with feet and everything.

You know, it has been days since I've had a sound sleep.

[She started for a second at the use of magic, still not used to that, but relaxed when she saw, well, the result.]

Well, let's hope it is deep and long, then. Also, those are adorable

[Hey, Luz was lucky enough to have learned a little more than what she'd gained in the Boiling Isles].

Yeah.

Oh, well. If I have to have a fitful sleep, it's only fair that its cute.

[And you could see the least serious part of Luz here, making an overexaggerated pose].

[She smiles a bit, shaking her head.]

Well put.

[Luz nodded, happy to feel a little of her old self creeping back.

Maybe you should get one yourself. I'm sure that Asami wouldn't mind!

[She grinned a bit at that, turning a bit of a redder shade.]

Oh, we haven't even gotten to sleepwear yet.

[And ye spirits, it's Asami...she can only imagine the luxurious and scintillating garments she might have and oh no she's not sleeping well tonight again.]

But...probably not. Eventually.

Huh?

Well, she's not here, so you can pretty much wear whatever you want, right?

[Says the pure cinnamon roll].

True. [Said very carefully to not so much as smudge that cinnamon frosting.]

Maybe. I dunno. It's been so busy I haven't gotten to try much...new.

[Luz is beaming with such innocent intentions right now].

Well you can here! It's not like anyone is going to judge you, right?

[She can't help but laugh, shaking her head.]

I promise, if I get a moment's breather here, I'll try for adorable pyjamas, ok?

And that I'll get to see them? That's the fun part!

Actually, I should get more, even if they aren't specifically made to fight lack of sleep.

[She was at least starting to feel a little more like herself now].

If I do, we'll do a proper sleepover. I've never gotten to do one. Get a few of the girls together, maybe.

We should definitely do that!

Which girls would you invite?

[She looks thoughtful at that.]

Hmm. My friend Charlotte. You, obviously. Via-Lorr. Rei. Both of them. Ruby.

Huh. This is more female friends than I've ever had before. That's...weirdly good.

Charlotte? Don't think I've heard of her. But Vira lives with me now, and I know Ruby!

[She had to save her recently]!

Oh! Well, good! And we can get Margot and Ruby's girlfriend too!

[She laughs.]

You know what? This needs to happen. Just some time off from everything. I can bring one of Bolin's movers, and people can bring theirs.

Yeah, that'd be cool!

Wait, "movers?"

Yeah, you know!

[She mimicked turning the crank on an old-style movie camera]

I...I don't...what is...

[Then it slowly dawned on Luz]

OH! You're talking about movies, aren't you?

[Oh, different word, ok! She brightens]

Yes, pictures that move! Y'know, all black and white and stuff. It'd be fun!

[Luz chuckled].

"Black and white?!" Korra, we have color now!

Oh my gosh, high definition is going to blow your mind.

[She blinked a few times.]

They can do them in colour now? Wow!

Korra, you have no idea.

[She smiles.]

Oh, I'm getting that impression.

Boy, wait until you see how much technology has advanced from your world! It's both amazing and a bit scary, honestly.

[She smiles gently.]

In some ways it's been great, others not - still, that'd be a great way to explore it.

That can be said about a lot of things, actually!

But I'm sure that you can introduce me to some things I've never experienced before!

We'll see, I guess.

[She smiles, affectionately.]

Because now you're stuck with me. It's too late now, nope. Adorable pyjamas and all, you're Team Avatar. Lifetime membership.

[Luz hot up and hugged Korra fiercely. Look, a lot has happened, and as far as showing weakness and being vulnerable, Luz was only barely making it work. With Korra she didn't have to].

Thank you. I really, really needed this.

[She smiled and hugged her back.]

Hey, I know. And you can get it anytime you need.

I know, and thanks. I'll try not to abuse it!

[She gave her another squeeze]

You won't, I'm sure.

Hey Korra,
How you holding up with all this fog going around?

Ugh.

I can work around it, but it's not exactly pleasant. And it's driving Naga crazy. You?

Honestly about the same, most of the people I live with are combat trained so outside of getting lost we're mostly okay.

The robot eye actually helps out a whole lot.

Zwei and the chickens aren't big fans of all the weird noises going on.

Edited 2021-05-06 22:57 (UTC)

Wait, woah, hang on - you have a robot eye?

Like...[She imitates robot movements.] Those things in Bolin's Movers? Specifically in Nuktuk Versus the Platinum Monster? It was part of this bigger serial about Nuktuk fighting off a trio of evil scientists with bending powers, and it was really...

[She paused, her fan side showing.]

Sorry, robot eye?

Yeah! This thing isn't for show!

[She pokes at her metal sort of eye patch on her face. And the shutters on the red lens open and close almost like eyelids.

She gets a little swept up in Korra's story though.]

Yeah- A little. I uh- Well I got attacked back in January and lost my old one in a big old mess.

Some friends helped me build this one to replace it.

But if you're into robots I have a friend I from home I need to tell you about!

[There's a pause before she adds in.]

But you've gotta tell me more about these Movers. Does Nutuk end up beating the platinum monster? What about the sceintiest!? Does he always run around in that outfit. Doesn't it get cold?

[She grins, flexing an arm]

This is about as much as we wear sometimes, in the Southern Water Tribe - we shrug off the cold like nothing doing.

And you better believe he does, he...hey, wait, have you ever seen one of his Movers? He's got them here with him, and I've seen saying we need to have a night watching them...

[Snap. That girl looked strong.]

Oh-That's cool! We have a place kind of like that back at home-Mantle and Atlas, but even they wear jackets a lot of the time.

I haven't seen any of them! I just found out that he was actually here and not just his statue.

I'd be down for a mover night! Oh! They must be like the movies we have back in my world-and other worlds! That makes sense and it's super clever!

I'll bring the popcorn!

Oh, yeah, I had that explained to me. Apparently you even do yours in colour!

[That part really enthuses her, quite frankly.]

They do! Glad to hear you're hip to all the new things going on.

But are yours all in black and white? That's amazing~! Those are freakin' classics back where I'm from.

We might have to swap between the two. Get the full experience!

[She looks very confused at that.]/small>

...I have both hips?

But ok! I can definitely do that!

Oh no- It's like an expression. Like you get it-I think.

Oooooh, ok. Sorry, the slang from other worlds is...hard. Idioms and stuff, you know?

When I saw the word 'hot dogs' as food here, lemme tell you, I had some questions.

How are you holding up, Korra?

[She's a bit surprised - and relieved - to get the text.]

Had to take some time off to heal up - too many knocking-arounds - so I'm a bit better.

And, somehow, Asami is here.

Are you okay? Do you need anything?

I'm glad to hear about Asami, though worried for her. I know she means a lot to you.

We're ok for food and security, for now. Moved into the manor, house was too damaged.

And I am too. But she's the smartest people I know, and a brilliant fighter. And she'll make friends who'll watch her back almost as closely as I will.

How have you been?

I've been as well as one can be. Physically fine. Mentally fine. Just worn down.

Everything seems to be falling apart. But, I did what I think is right.

You might be happy to know I didn't decide to kill Mother Superior.

And thanks to Mako, you may be happy to know I opted to let Cynthia go.

Which was hard, but there was no choice there, when I saw her.

It's what she wanted. I think that's the best we could have done.

I didn't let Mother Superior awaken though. I just left her egg alone because I want her to remain in limbo. I don't want to think of what she'd do if she woke up.

I'm so sorry for what happened to her. What was done to her.

I understand.

I am too. It's wrong.

This whole world is wrong.

How are you handling it all? I know you wanted to stay as pacifistic as you could.

Asami's here now, so I'm sticking closer to the manor, until she's settled.

I needed the time to heal anyways. And I'm having to accept I can't be the difference to any of this - and I was just grinding myself down by trying.

As you can imagine, I don't like it.

You are, and you can't let yourself fall into that trap.

We all need a break from time to time. You and I are no exception.

I'll ask again, is there anything you need, or a place you want to patrol that you can't?

No, I'm fine for now.

Can always do with more wisdom, though.

And we've got a pretty good gym here at the manor if you want to work some frustrations out.

Spirits know I have.

I.

Sure, why not.

Send me the address.

[She does so.]

Honestly, you're welcome anytime. It's pretty much open door around here. I'm not even trying to keep track of who is staying over, visiting, or who the strange clothes in the laundry room belong to. :P

I appreciate it.
I want to stick close to my own home, for sentimental reasons. But I'll certainly visit.

I'll be by shortly.

Understood!

[And maybe...a half hour later. KNOCK KNOCK]

[She's down to answer it, already in workout gear, a towel around her neck and another one in her hand.]

Pretty fast.

[She looks past her shoulder, only half-kidding with her next remark.]

Nothing chasing you, I hope?

No, I flew. I did have to kill an ogre on the way here though.

[you know, just normal senshi things.]

I don't smell do I?

Wait, an actual ogre?

[And she makes an experimental sniff]

Maybe a little, like, smoke-y? But to be fair, that could be anything around here.

Yeah. Or something near enough to an ogre to be indistinguishable.

[She shrugs.]

I do naturally smell of woodsmoke, so I guess that's normal enough. As long as it isn't ogre.

[She stepped out of the way to let her in, shaking her head.]

This place just keeps getting weirder and weirder It'll be sea monsters next.

And a sea.

About that...

[Rei steps in, rubbing her temple.]

I've been getting visions of the sea for days now.

[Well that gives her pause. She closes the door behind her.]

And...how accurate have these visions been in the past...?

I'm gifted with prophecy, Korra. My visions rarely don't come true.

[And that's...not necessarily a comfort. she knows that.]

Though the sea isn't necessarily bad.

[It'd be nice if there was some variation, now and again. Or if the prophecy were about being invaded by adorable baby turtleducks! But it never seems to work that way.]

Anywhere else, I'd agree with you whole-heartedly.

[She led the way towards the gym, handing her a towel on the way.]

But..it's good to see you again.

You too.

[Rei takes it, following along without comment.]

So. you want me to spot you first?

[She nods, pushing open the door to what is really a cobbled-together gym. She flicks on a light switch.]

It's not exactly a Grade-A gym, but...it'll do.

[She starts to stretch out, a bit tenderly.]

A gym is a gym. We don't need much.

[Rei moves to do the same, rolling her shoulders, taking care to watch Korra.]

[What she might notice are the slowly healing marks of some deep, ugly bruises along her midsection and sides. The tentacles in the mist did their damage.]

True enough. I dunno, I feel like we should have a headquarters or something and...[She waves it away.]

It's like we're fighting a war against this place.

[Finally, she moves into position under the weights.]

[She does note them. And...wonder at the source. She'd had tentacle friends for weeks now.]

We are fighting a war with this place. We have been since we got here. It just isn't the traditional kind.

Hey Korra!!!!!

Can you check something for me and see if it's haunted???

Uh, sure. I'm not like...a haunting-detector, but I can try!

You can do spirit-bending, right? So you can tell if there's a spirit in something!

[ It makes sense! ]

I don't know about that HERE, but I'm definitely willing to try!

Great!!!!! Can you come over? Mako got these AMAZING chandeliers but he's pretty sure they're haunted and I don't know if I want ghosts in the Raccoon Room? That isn't really the atmosphere I'm going for.

Sure!

Though maybe in future Mako should avoid a "possibly haunted" discount? :P

...I don't know if he got a discount.

I hope he got a discount! We only have so many rocks!

[Humor. One day, Korra might actually master it. Maybe. In the distant future.]

I'm on my way. How's the work going, by the way? Need a hand? I'm not great at figuring out decorating, but I know how to use a hammer.

[ You know, it's hard over text. And Wu actually thinks about money, now! ]

It's going good!!! It's a really old building, I think every building here is suuuuper old, but it's looking really good. There are some walls that Raleigh said need some work, I bet he'd love some help on them!!

Thank you Korra!!!!!

It sounds like it's working out. I'd be happy to lend a hand.

Um. Where is it, exactly?

Edited 2021-10-03 22:03 (UTC)

Thanks, Korra!! Your spirit sleuthing will be much appreciated!!!

In Cellar Door, the third left, and its the townhouse with the green door.

Gotcha! On the way!

You have been invited for Ruby Rose's birthday party!

The party will be held at the house Ruby lives in over in the Gaze district. [ There's an address included, or just general directions, along with the time the party starts. ] Feel free to dress up or not - you know Ruby won't mind either way. You're also free to bring a present if you want to. If you want to bring one, but you're having trouble thinking of what to get her, you can ask me, I guess.

.. Or Oscar. Actually, ask Oscar.

[ Please don't make her talk to people. ]

Let's do our best to make it fun for Ruby. She's had a really crappy time around this time last year, and I know she would love to be surrounded by her friends.

( ooc: the log for the party can be found over here! )

So hey. Do you remember me joking that if I ever suddenly got ice powers, you'd be the first person I came to about them?

Ha ha, guess what.

You're kidding! When did this happen?

I wish, but noooope.

It happened yesterday. I woke up and something weird had happened to Fern- it freaked me out enough that I froze our bed.

Oh, wow, ok. Do you need me to come over there?

I'd appreciate it if you could.

...

Just to warn you I'm looking a little...weird. I'm having some problems but I'm trying to get control over it.

[He has no control over it at all.]

Varian, I guarantee you that I've seen worse.

I'll be there soon, text me the address.

I don't know. I'm looking pretty weird.

But thank you, it's in Cassandra, got a Lamp on the front lawn.

[He'll tack on an address though! ]

Trust me, I've seen weirder. I'll be right over.

I'm gonna hold you to that statement, Korra.

Thanks again. See you soon.

[Her movements are pretty quick. She at least knows where Varian is, and Naga is a great way to get there - she could use the lantern, but...well. Her level of trust for anything here that isn't a person she knows is at such a low level that she'd be apt to look both ways at a roundabout.]

[But she arrives quickly enough, dismounting and giving Naga a rub.]

Good girl.

[Varian steps outside as he hears Korra arrive. As promised, he definitely doesn't look great. His skin has been replaced with a strange rock all over, his hands clawed, his teeth sharp. He's teetering on the edge of... something.

Despite this, he raises a hand to greet her, offering a tired smile. ]

Uh...hey. Thanks for coming.

[She rears back a bit when she sees that, in surprise.]

Woah. That's...that's not water bending.

[Which is what she'd hoped it was.]

Ok, tell me everything...

[He winces a little, he knows he doesn't look...great and he doubts it's gonna get any easier watching people react to him. ]

It's not, this is...unrelated. It's corruption, I think.

[Which is a whole other mess. He starts inside, waving Korra to come inside.]

I um...something weird happened to Fern and it spooked me a whole lot. I kinda froze the bed? Like it just...shot out of my hand like a sheet of ice?

[Korra, who has been avoiding fighting and bloodshed, hasn't really encountered corruption much. She frowns.]

But it's...ice? I can...

[Help with that, if it's ice, but he's already moving and she's following. She's so behind the times, and it upsets her. She knows who Fern is - namely, someone she remembers not liking her much - but...]

Are they ok? Do they need healing?

Oh yeah, he's...fine. It was some weird... virus thing, I don't know. He's better now. Himself again.

[He wouldn't be surprised if Fern got under anyone's skin- he tends to be volatile at the best of times. Which is why the change had startled him enough he somehow got his ice powers out of his system. He sounds so goddamn exhausted- fraying at the edges. That was an entire mess and he doesn't even know where to start figuring out his feelings for that mess. So he's focusing on something he can work through- namely the whole ice thing. ]

A-anyway, yeah. Ice powers now.

[He leads her through the kitchen down into his basement lab- a pretty creepy place, but it's one of the few places in the house he's afforded any privacy. He's cleared one of his desks, hesitating for a moment.]

I'm uh...not good at controlling it at all yet, so sorry if I accidentally freeze you or...anything.

[She's pretty damn tough, he's sure she can handle it- but still. ]

[She's honestly not sure where to start with all this.]

Don't worry about it - if it's made out of water, I can bend it. And I mean all of it.

[Because she has ideas about that corruption, really. But it has to be up to him what she tries and how.]

[That does give him means to relax, a little. Korra is powerful, he knows that much- she's got this, even if he doesn't. ]

Okay. Uh... here we go, I guess.

[He puts his hand on the table and concentrates. He knows this power is slightly different to when he was accessing his fire powers. It's not white-hot anger here, it's something slower, creeping. He closes his eyes, lets out a sharp exhale, and a sheet of ice forms out from under his hand, quickly covering the table, icicles forming at the edges as if it had been in the tundra for weeks, not seconds.

He opens his eyes, frowning at it. ]

So yeah. That's... that's it.

[She leans in, watching it carefully, frowning.]

It's smooth, that's for sure. Like glass.

[She held her hand over it, sliding it gently across, liquidizing parts of it again, raising it up in a ball of liquid, which she peers at, closely.]

But you can't do anything with actual liquid water?

Is that a good thing? Being smooth?

[He watches her do her thing, eyebrows raised in wonder- he's watched Mako and Bolin bend now and it never stops being amazing to see. It never feels or looks like magic- it looks more natural to them. Like breathing. ]

I don't think so? I mean- I can try? What do I need to do?

Means something, I know that much.

[She thinks of how to explain it.] Water, ice - bending them, using them...they reflect the person doing it, their state of mind. Smooth is harder, sort of...there's a grace that calms with calm, with intelligence? It's hard to put in words.

No, no, it's ok - it just means we know it isn't bending, as people like me or Mako know it, at least.

[She looks over at him.]

So is...this...ice based, too?

Huh, I hade no idea - I'll...I'll take it. About time I had something marginally good with all these powers.

[Because oh boy is he having difficulties marrying himself with his powers, even months after getting here. At her question, he shakes his head.]

Nah this is...something else. It was just...coincidence that my ice powers showed up at the same time.

[She nods.]

Like, firebenders. Each one is different, and it has a lot to do with their personality and state of mind. But ice is subtle, too. People just look and are all 'oh, hey, it's just ice' but...it's not. The best waterbenders? Can make ice as clear as glass, or make walls so thick it can repel invasions.

So...you're gonna have to experiment with it. Outdoors, for preference. Keep a journal, maybe? Record your mood or thoughts and then the outcome.

I mean, your powers could just be completely different, but who knows!

Oh wow, that's...pretty impressive. So it can be used as a good defensive tool? Also...offensive, I guess. If you made it spikey?

[He's doing his best to get his head around all of this. It's a crazy new world. ]

That's...actually a really good idea! I can keep a log of everything, then I'll be able to determine what works best and how my powerset fits with...well, everything.

[Korra you gave him a science experiment to do, this will make his experience with his new powers so much better. ]

Oh, yeah, no problems there.

[She steps back, sliding into a stance, and with a raised arm the water jumps, forming into a sheet of ice in front of her. Then she steps into it, and it melts and then refreezes again, forming around her arm into a solid spike. Then, back again and it's a simple ball of water, held between her hands.]

There's even secret healing techniques to it, if you're Southern Water Tribe like me. Most don't know them. I was lucky, though. I learned my waterbending from the greatest waterbender in history.

But yeah, best way for you, I think. I'm more of a learn-by-doing sort, but - gotta recognize strengths, right?

[He steps back to watch her, expression rapt as he tries to take it all in, to understand how this all worked. It's pretty impressive to see what she can do- how she shapes the water like it's putty in her hands.]

Wow, really? How does that work? The healing, I mean- I guess water is a pretty big cornerstone of health so that probably helps...

[He nods in agreement.]

Oh definitely, I do way better if I can work everything out first. Scientific mind and...all that.

Honestly? Nobody exactly knows - but the thinking is that you can use it as a catalyst to redirect energy to where it needs to be, to accelerate healing.

A lot depends on the quality of the water, too - and it doesn't do much for internal injuries or illnesses.

Huh, I guess that makes some sort of sense. Your bending is a lot about moving energy, right? It tracks that you can shift it in other people to accelerate the healing process.

But that's really good all the same- probably something that comes in handy in your world- given how much unrest there is there.

[Don't you guys ever get chance to catch a breather? Wow. ]

[That's definitely the case - there's...there's a lot of it. She nodded, with a sigh.]

Yeah. At least the stakes here are less 'save the whole world,' but still.

I want to see about using it against corruption, but...that's not something you can try if you're not sure it won't...you know.

Backfire.

That's true. At least we know, largely, nothing here will really shape the world too much. Fewer concerns about hostile takeovers, too.

[He glances down at his rocky hands, nodding.]

Yeah, I um- it's definitely something you want to be sure at first. Don't want to make it worse.

[She nods]

I mean, I want to try at some point. I think I have to try. But it would need to be a volunteer.

Hah, well, if I get to the point where I'm desperate, I might call you up on that one.

[Except Fern will go and get himself killed like an idiot and whack him into full beast mode, so he'll never get the chance, but STILL.]

I think you're right. It's...important to try.

[She nodded, with a sigh.]

Yeah. I'll have to ask for volunteers. When I've thought it through. When I'm ready.

[He offers her a little smile. ]

Cool, let me know how it goes when you're ready. I...that's definitely something we need to keep on top of, I agree.

Edited 2021-12-30 21:35 (UTC)

[She nods.]

Ok. So tell me more. How the powers started, what they've done. Leave out no detail.

Okay. Um- they started this morning? The- the ice ones anyway, the fire ones have been here since I got here. Something weird had happened to Fern and it freaked me out? Like...I don't know, he was all candy? I think it was the shock of that which brought the ice powers out.

[He grimaces at his hands.]

The uh...corruption has been on and off since September. Things got pretty stressful and my skin changed.

[She nodded, thinking.]

Tell me more about the corruption? How it happened?

[Now that's a much more tricky subject, and Varian shifts uneasily.]

I guess that's been happening on and off since we got here? Last time it started to get bad, Maul got me to sleep and it solved the problem. But...I don't know if I went too far for that this time or if we have to mix up remedies a little for effectiveness. But it's been this bad for about a month and a half now.

[She frowns.]

Like...stable, or...?

I...guess it's stable...ish.

[That is a bare-faced lie and he knows it. ]

I keep...seeing things, I guess? Like- hallucinations? But I think I have a handle on them now.

[He does not have a handle on them at all.]

[And she's fairly certain they're lies, but what can she do about them? Varian has his own network of support and hasn't so far trusted her with those deeper, inner workings.]

[But she wouldn't be her if she didn't try.]

You sure? It's hard to get a handle on things that aren't there.

[She might find comfort in the fact he hasn't relied on his network either.

...Probably not, though, because it means he's pushing away all his support. ]

I mean...I guess? But I uh- I think I just have to work on ignoring them. I know they're not real. They'll...probably go away eventually, right?

[None whatsoever. She sighed, reaching out to put a hand on his shoulder.]

I wish it did. I really, really wish it did.

[Aw, Korra, that pulls a dry little chuckle out of him.]

Hah, thanks. Appreciate the vote of confidence.

It's the voice of experience, Varian.

[She manages a small, reassuring smile.]

The skin may be new here, but the substance? I've been there. You have to learn from this, whatever happens.

...Well, that is probably the better voice.

[And it's something he needs to learn, uncomfortable as it is.]

You're right. It's not going away, that's for sure. It's the only option I've got, really.

[She nods, managing a tight smile. She knows full well how hard that advice is to take.]

Then I'll wish you the best with it, Varian.

[Early Christmas morning wrapped up in a towel and nuzzled in a basket with sprigs of evergreen pines and dried orange slices will be a strawberry pie.

Attached is a card with elegant writing:]

Merry Christmas, Korra!
I hope you stay warm and safe!
Love,
Snow White

[Well ok. If she wasn't convinced before, she is now. Snow White is the real deal. And she smiles, quite a lot.]

Korra,

Double-checking something. Do you think I'm supposed to be a guy or a girl?

Also: what do you do if a guy who should be normal is being really weird at you. I can't get him to stop.

Umm.

What?

I'm guessing you remember me as a guy.

It's some side-effect this month, don't worry about it. My question about the annoying guy still stands.

Last I checked? Why, has that...changed? Is that a thing that happens here?

And ooooh boy that's a hard one. I'll let you know when I've figured it out. But weird HOW? Are they suddenly all awkward with you when they weren't before?

[ Rather than answering that first part with words, Mako sends a picture: a strangely-angled selfie of herself, hair messy and pulled back into a loose ponytail, looking sulkily at the camera. ]

Awkward's one word for it. He keeps trying to hold doors open for me. He called me 'the bearcat's pajamas'. Seriously.

[Her first reaction is a sudden burst of laughter, out of sheer surprise if nothing else. But then she shakes her head, reading over his...her words carefully.]

Ugh, I was hoping it wasn't Wu, but that really sounds like Wu. And I've gone so long without wanting to throw anything at him, too.

But hey, welcome to the world of being a woman, where suddenly if you have extra chest you can't do simple tasks and people talk down to you like you're the "little lady."

[There's a break between those and the last.]

Sorry about the bitter sarcasm. Being the Avatar was precisely zero insulation from some people.

It's Wu. Of course it's Wu! He thinks because I'm a girl that he has to try and hold my stuff and hold doors for me. Wu. Wu thinks that.

You'd think once you showed them how good you were at punching they'd've left you alone.

Uuuuuuuuuuuugh. Wonderful.

And remember Tarrlock? The answers there are "you'd think" and "but no."

So then what do I tell him to get him to stop? Since punching isn't an option.

I don't want to remember Tarrlok. What an asshole.

Best chance is to sit him down and explain it's not ok and insulting to you.

If that doesn't work, maybe throw him into the nearest pool? :P

I might skip right to the pool thing. It's so bad. People weren't like this very much at home. I think I scard them too much.

Well, either way, hopefully he gets the message. I'd rather he demonstrate a learning curve than just keep getting wet.

To the Lady Korra, I'd like to speak with you, if I may. Are you aware of the leviathan? - Paul Atreides

If it has anything to do with the unsettled dreams I've been having, then yes. But more details would be appreciated.

There's no good way to inform you of this [and he's tried more than one variation] so I'll be to the point. I believe I've seen you in my visions, in the path of the leviathan. There was a figure edged in blue, out in the storm, standing in the sea. Does that seem familiar to you?

If it's standing in the way of monsters who would harm people, that's my stock in trade.

In other words, sounds about right.

[Not that she's too happy about it. She's stayed out of conflict here - but she's sensed something in her dreams. It seems those quiet times are coming to an end.]

I've been hearing that more than I expected to. I am sorry. You're welcome to join us at the camp on the beach, if you'd like. It's not required. You should know that.

[He has decided he doesn't care for being a prophet.]

This place seems to speak louder than usual.

And...it is. If the choice is between people getting hurt and stopping that thing? Then it is. Tell me where and when.

I'm not certain of the exact date, but the end of the month is when we're expecting it. As for where, you can find us on the Farther Shores, out past the boardwalk. We'll be difficult to miss.

[He attaches a map all the same.]

        
You're Invited

Join us on February 20th at the entrance of the Raccoon Room at sundown for Wu and Mako's bonding ceremony. Stay for the party.

—Mako & Wu

There was a round wooden table and chairs arrayed on the 'porch' of the stone house. She'd brought out a rather strong coffee, too - and quite a bit of it.

She sinks into one of the chairs, resting her arms on its arms. She was waiting for the food in the oven to finish - some fresh buns.

The thing of it was, she dreaded some of the conversation she was likely to have this morning. But on the other hand, it was her fellow Fire Ferrets - the people who'd been with her from the very beginning. She'd missed this. The simplicity of when it was just the team.

Ah, the good old days when all they had to worry about was rent and the impending championship. Back before chi blockers and separatists and assassins and civil wars and coups and wars and weapons of mass destruction. Before other worlds and monstrous dreams and new cities with so much of the unknown racing towards them at the speed of light.

He misses it, too.

Trench has a lot of good to offer, and Bolin has made a commitment to making this his home, but it doesn't mean he's forgotten. Their lives, like stars, seem to be drifting further and further apart into the universe.

There comes a chock on the door about five minutes before- what did they say- 9~? Korra said not to bring anything but he doesn't like showing up empty handed and his housemate is a prolific chef, so there's a basket of savory parcels in his hands. They're only small, a fine filo pastry with little bites of...he has no idea. But they sure smelled good last night when Hunk was making them. Packed with nutrients, apparently. Good to give someone who needs to recover their strength from a big battle.

Like Mako wasn't going to bring anything, anyway.

He feels wrong these days turning up without food in his hands: it's one of the only ways he has to really make sure everyone's alright, with corruption heavy in the air and the possibility of beasthood around the corner. Nothing Mako can do will ever stop those things, not really, so he brings rice and some pressed tofu he'd made, and a full jar of scallion sauce because he and Manabu had maybe gone a little hard on scavenging scallions from that wreck and Wu's getting tired of eating them (somehow).

It's a small feast, but Mako shows up just a step or two behind his brother, nudges his elbow into Bolin's side as they wait. He looks—

well. His hair is neat, but there's that new handprint, long-fingered and elegant, shadowing his jaw, and a few other tiny marks besides that he's sort of trying to hide with a high-collared jacket. He's also smiling, small and content.

"Look at you, showing up early."

She manages a thin smile, pushing herself up from the chair.

"Glad you both could make it."

For her part, she's looking...well, worn.

"And everything looks delicious," she said, before adding as a warning: "I'm not gonna be pretty digging into everything this morning, fair warning."

“When has that ever been a problem?” Bolin answers with a soft snort after elbowing his brother back.

Setting his offering down on the nearest surface, there’s a weird moment where he isn’t quite sure what to do with himself. Isn’t sure what the vibe of this is going to be. Korra looks pretty rough and he has some opinions about that but.. where do you start. Do you start at all?

“Can I get you anything?”

"Tea," Mako adds, a little dry, watching her closely as he toes off his shoes, "spirit water, hot compress? You look rough, Korra."

Easier not to hold back, and even now, he knows he doesn't really have to. Korra prefers it, he's pretty sure, when he doesn't. They've been through enough together over the years that he can just say what's on his mind and not worry (as much) about what she'll think.

Also, she looks like crap, and Mako's been worried for days now, ever since the alarms sounded.

And she knows it.

She passes a plate over to Bolin. "I've got some stuff preparing inside. If you could get that and load me up with stuff, I'd appreciate it. And yes, tea."

But she turned to Mako, wagging a finger at him.

"I'll have you know," she begins, with all the bluster and bravado of old, and then lets it slip away into a tired smile, "that I'm feeling twice as rough as I look." She sighed.

"So hurray, I know I can do my spirit form but...ooof, it takes a lot out of me. And there's something in the air, too. Like the next month is going to be extra tough for warmbloods like me."

Bolin stops, half way in the door. Tea and food, sure, sure, but hold up a second.

“W- wait, what? What do you mean bad month for warmbloods? I’m a warmblood, why would you say that?”

"Can you sense the changes before they happen?" Mako adds, his brows rising as he moves to follow Korra's instructions. "That's... handy. Could you always do that?"

She shakes her head. "It's not like...foreknowledge. It's like...feeling seasons changing, you know? It's like...feeling rain all over, you know? At least how it's affecting me. I usually bounce back after a good night's sleep, but haven't this time."

She shrugs. "It's like feeling fall turn into winter."

She leaned back into her chair, with a soft smile.

"I'm going to be pretty useless, I think."

Bo gives a little euuuuch noise but goes inside to get the stuff he'd been asked to retrieve, mentally crossing his fingers and toes that it's not going to be all warmbloods. They already have a hard enough time in this city as it is.

"Great," Mako murmurs. "Just what we needed after that attack—" he tugs open the oven, pulling out some of the heat with a wave of his hand, and tugs at the rack without using gloves. Firebender perks. They look good—excellent, really, so Mako tugs them all free, calling over his shoulder, "Korra, the buns are gold, they done? Bo, grab a plate for me."

He doesn't exactly mean to just take over in the kitchen but by the time he's finished, the buns are on the little table outside and all the things he'd brought are unpacked, and he's settling into a chair beside Korra, his eyes sharp. "Hey. I don't know if we're here to talk business, but, Korra— I didn't even know you could still get into your spirit form."

"Yeah, that's done!" she calls back, rubbing at her forehead. And she watches all of that unfold with a bit of a bemused look. When had he become so good at all this? Seems a lot had changed.

"A little of that, a little of just...missing seeing you when death and destruction aren't on the line," she replied. "And I couldn't," she replied, "not in Deerington, anyway. I tried the Avatar State once or twice but it always backfired. I mean, life would spring up - like a bush or some flowers - but yeah."

She shrugged.

"Here's a different story, turns out. I can tap into the spiritual energy, same as anywhere."

Now settled with all their snacks and tea, Bolin listens and considers Korra's words for a moment. There's a light bulb moment as he breaks off a pinch of bun to give to Pabu.

"Is that because this is a real world and the place before was a dream?"

Makes sense to him, anyway.

"Is that what you wanted to talk about?"

Not that they need a reason to hang out (besides wow she was just in a huge battle?) but Korra kinda sounded like she had one.

Edited 2022-03-26 04:50 (UTC)

Because they will listen. If there's one thing the brothers are good at, somehow, it's that. Sure, Mako will usually try to fix it—he's a solution-person, at the end of the day—but they're here, crowded around this little table in a strange city in a place Korra built to do exactly that.

"Yeah," Mako echoes quietly, reaching over to grab for the teapot, pour Korra some tea, "whatever is going on, you know you can talk to us. What's the energy like around here?"

She looks over at Bolin, surprised. Because she hadn't thought of that before.

"Huh, that could be it," she said. "It felt so real all the time it was hard to remember it was all part of someone else's dream."

Then she listens to Mako chime in, and she sighs, taking a diffident bite and chewing for a moment.

"I miss us," she said, finally. "Just...this, right? All Fire Ferrets together. And I know, I know, we've all got our own lives going and those drag us in different directions...but..."

She sighed.

"I miss Republic City," she said. "I miss not being in this awful place. If it weren't for you two...for Asami, and Wu, it'd be my perfect nightmare. I had to deal with a...huge, shapeshifting monstrosity the other day and it felt...wrong, not having you both there."

She points at Mako.

"And it's all wrong. All of it. Like Paul said - the people who fought the Leviathan were prophesied to be there. And I didn't question that. Since when don't I question something like that?"

It's a good question, and though Korra is asking Mako, Bolin gives it some thought. He doesn't want to say anything mean and upset her but she is right. Since when has Korra ever just gone along with something that, especially from someone she doesn't know. Who is this Paul guy, anyway?

"Felt kinda bad to not be there."

He folds his arms over his chest, more out of vulnerability than annoyance. It feels like they've conflicting in every point, here. Okay, maybe he's a little annoyed.

"This is our home now, Korra. Even if it's not something you want..I'm not sure you could go back if you tried. We just have to accept that this is what we've got and be okay with it. I have. Mako and Wu have. I mean, if anything, we have more opportunity to be together now than ever. You're the one who moved all the way out here."

IC INBOX \ House Details (Deerington)

text; un:mako; morning of march 22

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voice; un: wuwho; March 28th

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Voice Message | UN: s.winchester | Sometime around the 18th

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[Video untheDoctor] backdated to early April Private

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Re: [Video untheDoctor] backdated to early April Private implied genocide

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CW: implied genocide

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Re: CW: implied genocide; talk about genocide in link

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