star_kingdom | second flame ☀ video, filtered from Aang

[After getting a moogle to show him the different functions of the communicator, Zuko has learned about filters. So, when he makes this broadcast, he makes sure to hide it from Aang. He knows the monk won't approve of what he's about to say, but he's not about to just let it go unsaid. The goody-goody Airbender with his goody-goody ideals might let other people kick him around and forgive them, but Zuko is different. Not reacting is as good as letting them get away with it, in his eyes.]

I'm looking for someone. Maybe one of you can help me out. Tall guy, silver hair, thinks fighting is his idea of fun? He was at Destiny Islands a few days ago and attacked my friend. If you know where to find him, tell me.

[His hands curl into fists, and he sticks his face closer to the camera.]

If you're listening to this, you better hope I don't catch you. No one attacks my friends and gets away with it, got it?

[...Disregarding all the times Zuko has attacked Aang, anyway. After scowling at the camera for a few seconds longer, the teenager grabs the communicator and the feed ends.]

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[Katara always was quicker to render assistance. Still, Sokka would have enjoyed busting some heads.] I don't think it'll be too hard to distract him. How long will you two be gone?

Unless we get a decent lead, we might not be going anywhere. Searching through entire worlds on the off chance we might find them would be impossible. [Zuko's not that obsessively determined... Any more, anyway.]

[Sokka can see why it would be difficult. He rubs his chin thoughtfully.] We could always try to bait them? You know, with an actual trap instead of trying to taunt them out of their hiding place. [A small snicker here; Zuko announcing his intentions on the network probably won't get the guy to come forward.]

[Taunting usually works! And Zuko assumed it would, considering they used the network to lure out Aang.]

Bait them how? It doesn't look like they want to pick a fight, unless it's on their own terms.

You just have to make it look like it's on his terms. [He seems to consider this for a second and then...] Have you talked to Aang about this?

Why would I? He'd tell me to drop it, you know how he is.

Yeah, I do. [Which is why he mentioned it in the first place. Sokka knows the monk wouldn't be interested in revenge, but that didn't mean the issue needed to go unanswered.] So, what do you plan to do when and if you find this guy? Exactly how many lessons are you planning to teach him?

None, unless I have to. It's not like Aang was hurt. I just wanted to find out what kind of person we're dealing with and why.

[...And picking a fight seemed like the best way to do that. Zuko!logic at work here.]

Riiiight, so you're just going to talk. Sounds like you. [Skeptical Sokka is skeptical, but doesn't push the issue.] Anyway, take care of yourselves, okay? I'll keep Aang busy as long as I can.

Trust me, Sokka, I know what I'm doing. [He nods.] Even if it does come to a fight, I'll take care of Katara, don't worry.

[You read his mind, Zuko. Sokka smiles and nods.] Okay, well, don't be a stranger. I want to know details when you've got them, please.

I've learned a few things already, so I'll give you what I have. The most likely culprit is someone called Kadaj. He's got silver hair like Aang described... and he's crazy. He's obsessed with finding something he calls his 'mother', and he'll do anything to find her -- anything, even killing as many people as he can until he does. He has a brother called Loz; it's probably safe to assume they're working together.

The main problem is finding him. I don't know where he is now, or even if he was the one who attacked Aang for sure. But if he isn't stopped, a lot of people could get hurt.

[Sokka shoots Zuko an impressed look through the communicator as he scratches down the information somewhere off-screen. Or... at least he's pretending to. Of course, when he's done, he can't help but ask:] Something he calls a mother, Detective Zuko? Can you elaborate on that?

[Ignoring the 'Detective' thing.] That's the where it gets weird. The person who told me referred to it as some kind of 'entity', something that isn't even human or any known animal. Which leaves the question... If this thing is Kadaj's mother, what does that make him?

Well, "mother" is just a word -- there's no guarantee he was born of the mother he's referring, but it's probably good you wonder. Do you want me to ask around when I'm out job hunting? Assuming you don't run into him between now and then.

Go ahead. Chances are you could dig up some interesting stuff.

Uh, about the jobs thing -- I already got an offer. I took it, but it'll mean having to move to another world. What are you guys gonna do? [Which... is his way of asking if they want to come with him or not. He's pretty sure Katara would object to having the group separated, for one, but he doesn't mind going it alone if he has to.]

What? Really? [Sokka's not sure whether to smile or frown.] What is it?

Edited 2011-10-25 23:39 (UTC)

The IDPD. They're a police force, acting across the different worlds as peacekeepers. [He shrugs.] They were short-handed, and I figure it could give me some useful experience for when we get our home back, so I took the job. I've been assigned to Destiny Islands.

[Zuko the Peacekeeper? Sokka smiled, having decided it was an okay job for a guy like Zuko.] Is there a lot of trouble on Destiny Islands? I hope not, but you might hate it if it's quiet.

It won't be too quiet. The attack on Aang wasn't the first attack there, and it won't be the last. Besides, the department's... kind of understaffed. [Biggest understatement ever.] So, I might get called out to deal with problems on other worlds too.

Just don't be a stranger, okay? We're still a team and we still have a job to do! [Read: I'd miss you, dude, so don't go getting yourself killed.]

[He gives a slight smile.] Yeah, I won't forget. Helping you guys always comes first.

Awww, Zuko, you do care! [Hahaha, oh spirits, Zuko, I'm surprised you haven't killed him yet.]

[dskldjg killing him sounds tempting at times.] Why wouldn't I?! I have a duty to help the Avatar.

[Sokka sure knows how to turn your smile into a frown, Zuzu! He giggles.] Suuuuuure, we know that. Catch you later, Zuko!

[video]

restorehonour - 2011-11-04 19:05 (UTC) - Expand