Sokka the 22nd - [Written]

[markofthewise]

[Time to do some pen pushing! Sokka is back at the smithy, on the couch, working through several filters, as well as adjusting the work schedule after discovering that Winry had apparently been kidnapped by the Malnosso. Just another thing to do.]

[Filtered 50% to Longshot]

We should talk.

[Filtered 100% to Caesar Silverberg, Lilly Pendragon, Jacques, and Viki.]

I have a few questions I'd like to ask you.

[Filtered 100% against all known villains]

(if you're on this list, as the B3, Major, Lesser, or Personal, you're out!)

Attention White Lotus members! If you recall, Toph announced the formation of the group about a month ago to try and put together a loosely affiliated group of members who could be called upon in times of trouble. All of you should already have the tiles that Toph gave you. If you could just answer back with your name so we know who is in the group, that would be great.

[And added as an afterthought, since he has the filter open still]

To anyone who is Winry's friend, she was taken by the Malnosso from the smithy an hour ago.

Comments

[Private]

[markofthebrave]

[Relief. She should have asked you about this like, a week ago.]

That's true - they do seem to have to be touching it. I guess I can ask Zuko too.

You're pretty smart, sometimes, you know?

[Private]

[markofthewise]

Hey, the looks weren't the only thing I got in the family.

[Private]

[markofthebrave]

Ha, ha. Very funny.

[Private]

[markofthewise]

Anyway, it's a good thing the only ones who know how to redirect are the good guys.

[Private]

[markofthebrave]

Yeah. [Zuko. A good guy. Still taking some getting used to, there.]

Well, maybe no one will show up, anyway. That would be good, right? [Wants Aang back. Wants him back so badly.]

[Private]

[markofthewise]

[Sokka is listing of all the people who have been in Luceti before. With the exception of Aang, all of them seem to be in Luceti right now. All except for Azula. If it happened once, what were the chances it wouldn't happen again. Not good.]

That would be for the best. Hey, maybe one of us will get lucky and go home too.

[Private]

[markofthebrave]

[Ouch. That hurt. If she woke up one morning and Sokka was just... gone...]

Yeah. ...though it would be better if we could all go back at the same time.

But hey, if you get there first - hug Gran Gran for me.

[Private]

[markofthewise]

If any of us are going home, I'll be the last one to go. At least, if I have anything to say about it. [An empty promise. Oh well.]

[Private]

[markofthebrave]

Right. [Silly older brothers.]

We'll go home together, Sokka. All of us.

[Private]

[markofthewise]

Of course. It's just... I'll be the one right behind. And I'll probably look back dramatically at Luceti, say something cool, and take the final step home.

[Private]

[markofthebrave]

Right. Because it always happens just like that.

[Private]

[markofthewise]

Well. It should.

[Private]

[markofthebrave]

[Some time later...]

Hey, Sokka? ...I just finished talking with Sanji. We need to talk.

[Private]

[markofthewise]

This isn't about my cooking is it? I'm getting better!

[Private]

[markofthebrave]

Yeah, with all your 'practice' -

When are you coming home?

[Private]

[markofthewise]

Is it that important?

[Private]

[markofthebrave]

Yeah. [Or maybe tell him now and let him cool off on the way home? Or would he just go straight to Sanji and start yelling. No. Better get him home first.]

It's about Nami.

[Private]

[markofthewise]

... right.

I'll pack up and be there soon.

[Private]

[markofthebrave]

OK.

[And so Katara decides to wait on the porch. Because this is probably going to involve shouting and Zuko is asleep.]

[Action]

[markofthewise]

[And Sokka will arrive in about ten minutes, walking briskly but not quite running. He's in no hurry, obviously. Although Katara is waiting outside, so it must be urgent. He'll give her a nod before sitting.]

... so. Nami.

[Action]

[markofthebrave]

[Katara shifts to look at him better.]

They're leading a rescue team to go and get her back from Aku. It looks like there will be three groups - healers, who'll stay behind, a group to attack Aku and distract him, and a few people who will actually be looking for her. Sanji asked me to go with him to get Nami.

[The 'I said yes' should be obvious.]

[Action]

[markofthewise]

[He should be upset about this 'asked me' and not 'asked us', but... He'll deal with that when he talks to Sanji. His expression is serious and he nods.]

So when do we leave?

[Action]

[markofthebrave]

[Hesitation.] He wanted me to go with him because my bending can distract him. He knows that I can't hurt him. He just wants me to buy them time.

[But... if even hearing all that, Sokka still wants to go... she'll back him. And if he gets hurt, she'll kill him.] And he didn't say.

[Action]

[markofthewise]

[Sokka nods at that. It's pretty clear he doesn't look pleased by this at all, but he knew this was coming. He was planning to be a part of this from the beginning. He just though the situation here would be reversed.]

I can do distraction too.

[Action]

[markofthebrave]

[Katara nods.] I know.

[She looks away from Sokka, her gaze shadowed. When she speaks, her voice is low.] I hate that there's nothing I can do to hurt him.