IC INBOX \ House Details (Deerington)

[avatar_state]

Hi! You've reached Korra! Umm, I think this is recording? Maybe? If you can hear me you're supposed to...

[The sound of rustling paper, a note being picked up and read from.]

Leave a brief message after the beep. Wait, do I do the beep or does i-

BEEP

Comments

[avatar_state]

[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.

[endoftheverse]

[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?

[avatar_state]

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?

[endoftheverse]

[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.

[avatar_state]

...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.

[endoftheverse]

[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.]

[avatar_state]

[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.]

[endoftheverse]

[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.

[avatar_state]

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

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

[endoftheverse]

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.]

[avatar_state]

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.]

[endoftheverse]

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.

[avatar_state]

I do.

...What about you?

[endoftheverse]

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

Me?

[avatar_state]

People. To take care of you.

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

[endoftheverse]

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.

[avatar_state]

[There is a slight relaxation.]

Good. That's good.