tushanshu | VIDEO 001 -- Incredulity

[The video turns on, and Sokka looks at it with a moment's hesitation before actually speaking. He picked this up at the Visitor Center quickly, but that things like this could even exist still just were unthinkable. There's a bit of amusement playing at the corners of his lips and he stares on without speaking, followed by an eventual shake of the head. Disbelief is plastered all across his face.]

Okay, so let's set the record straight. I've been magically transported to some other world? That's... actually weirdly possible, even if that whole time-stopping thing doesn't sound right. I'll give them that one. Turtles that are the size of an entire city... I think I can wrap my head around. This emperor guy and that—

[There's a moment's hesitation, as if he were just about to actually voice Malicant's name aloud, but he thinks twice at the last minute.]

—other guy; I suppose that's fine too. Big metal city? I'm not sure the style fits me, but I know people who can bend metal, so okay. Weird spirit soul lantern things? [He pauses now, holding a finger to his chin.] I don't claim to be an expert at that spiritual stuff, but that's more than a little creepy if you ask me. But fine, I'll let that one go.

[But Sokka starts chuckling a little ruefully. Sure, all of these strange things are possible, but the probability is... well, he hasn't calculated it, but it can't be large. All of this story just sounds ridiculous to him.]

But a magical communication device that instantly conveys my thoughts across the entire city? That's where I draw the line. How can that possibly work? How can my picture get sent everywhere all at once? C'mon, that just violates every notion of common sense ever! It's ridiculous!

I mean, I guess if this thing were actually real, I should say something like [as he puts on a false air of sophistication for the introduction], "Hey everyone, I'm Sokka. Good to meet you!" But that's not going to happen, and I'm going to feel silly talking to myself. Yeah, this is going to be a dream, and I'm going to wake up any second. [Pause.] Aaaaaany second now. [Beat.] Juuuust wait for it. Right now... now... please, karma?

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[Unbeknownst to Sokka, Wan chose his words very wisely. Even Sokka wouldn't have been the happiest camper if he knew the true news.

[However, when Sokka flips on the video feed again, he's a little more somber than usual. Yeah, the way Wan put it, there's a definite sympathy for Zuko; they're friends after all. Sure, they're not necessarily the longest friends, but Sokka still trusts him. And besides, the fact that Zuko was poisoned was rather disconcerting.

[A wan smile comes to Sokka's face before he sighs.]

I'm at least glad someone's looking after him. I don't know how much you know about Zuko, but... well, he was an angry jerk for a long time, and it was only recently that he finally decided to switch sides and help Aang and the rest of us.

[He pauses for a moment before continuing.]

I don't know what happened, but take care of him. He deserves it.

[I mean, after all, his family certainly wasn't looking out for him. They were crazy. Well, except for maybe his uncle Iroh.]

And I'll make sure not to mention it to Aang until he tells me.

[Hopefully Aang tells him before he sees Katara though...]

Aang told me. Zuko, too. So I know.

[Wan flashed a brief, but sad, smile.]

Just try to be understanding if Aang brings anything about it up. For both of them. Whatever Aang says to you about it... please remember that Zuko wouldn't have done it if he'd been in control of himself. This poison is bad. Really, really bad.

[Normally that would be a very simple ask. But when he eventually finds out it would be Katara, those words will be much harder to follow. Perhaps it's good he hears them now.]

I'll try to remember that. Zuko promised us that he didn't want to use his firebending out of anger any longer, and I know he wouldn't break that promise easily.

[And Sokka likes to think that he's become good at judging character over the last year. He was one of the first to trust Zuko again, so he can only place his trust in that.]

Thank you. I should probably get back to Zuko now. He doesn't get much sleep because the poison keeps giving him nightmares. Making sure he gets enough rest while we try to heal what we can has been pretty exhausting, but... well, it's all we can do.

[Wan gave another smile.]

It was nice meeting you, Sokka. I hope we'll have a chance to talk again when things are better.

Yeah, you do that. I imagine Aang will be here any moment now anyway, so... good timing? [There's a cheeky smile.] And yeah, I imagine I'll get a chance to see you around at some point.

VIDEO 001 -- Incredulity

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