•||• 1st Rain [ video - un: hopeful ]

[sifukatara]

[ The young woman that appears on the screen (filming from a park, it seems) seems pretty calm (and probably 4-5 years older than she did last time she appeared here). It's been a few days since some of the new arrivals turned up, so she may be late to the party, but there's a reason. Katara has some practice at this, and she's ready with her questions. She looks a little bit tired, but she's smiling politely. ]

Hello to anyone watching this right now. My name is Katara, and I'm one of the new arrivals. I just have a few questions I'd like to ask.

[ She pauses, consideringly, then frowns and brings a hand to her chin thoughtfully. ]

Some of them are going to sound pretty strange, so please bear with me, but... Here goes... My first question is: Have I been here before?

[ It doesn't appear that she's joking in the slightest, looking calmly into the camera. ]

My next question is: Are there any... strange catches about living here? Or- maybe useful things I should know that might not have already been recently addressed? Anything weird about the moons-- [ And here she waves a hand Jazz Hands style for emphasis. ] --or any taboos to avoid angering the locals or gods? ARE there gods here?

[ She looks surprisingly calm for someone asking all these questions, though her expressions do shift accordingly because let's be honest, even she knows how absurd this would sound if none of the above weirdness applies. Her smile turns a bit apologetic then. ]

Anyway, sorry. Thanks in advance!

(ooc: Feel free to have characters come across Katara from where she's filming in the park, too!)

Comments

video; un: fireprince 1/2

[rediscovering]

Katara! You're here!

[ Have a familiar face! He's shocked and ecstatic to see her at once, but... her questions leave some questions of his own tickling his mind. Something's off. ]

[rediscovering]

[ Her reaction is very mild for something as intense as being spirited away. So he composes himself, eyes narrowing, face going sterner — though, really, that's just as familiar... ]

...To answer your questions: Yes, you were here before... You and Aang disappeared a couple months ago. Sokka disappeared a couple months before that. And Azula and Uncle disappeared months before that. But before that... you were actually here for a fairly long time... We all had been.

[ But... the implication is that Zuko's now the only one, since he doesn't offer any other names. But he does continue. ]

As for the rest: There are no strange moonblessings or gods, exactly, but there are still many strange and unpredictable things that happen here, sometimes dangerous.

[ Zuko, for what it's worth, though, also speaks rather oddly nonchalantly about all this... But there's still obvious energy about him, an urgency in his voice, being so eager and surprised to see her again. ]

Where are you? I can find you.

1/2

[sifukatara]

[ She should be surprised that Zuko was the first to answer, "should be" being the key words. She should be surprised that he's even here, but in truth, she'd seen his name in the network list and was still wrestling with just what to say when reaching out to him. It wasn't going to stop her, she'd been in the middle of typing out (and deleting) the words, but he's responding with such urgency and enthusiasm that that's what catches her off guard more than anything.

Well... that and the mention of moonblessings specifically, since she'd been intentionally vague.

His expression shifting back into something more familiar just before that is familiar, though there's a twinge that comes with it. Questions. What does he remember? What places does he remember? How many of them? ]

Zuko...!

2/2

[sifukatara]

[ In the time it took for that to happen Katara sits up straight in her seat on the bench. The look in her eyes cycle through a few different emotions in very rapid succession. Katara had always been a terrible liar (though a surprisingly decent actress), and she couldn't do much to disguise the conflict in her gaze while she tried to process what his response meant. In the end though, it doesn't matter. Zuko is a friend, and he's probably had a rough time of it, and even despite how messy things had been between them, she's still glad to see him again.

The others had all come and gone- including her? -and not very different from her own situation, he was the last one remaining.

How had their roles gotten so reversed?

She smiles, tellingly bittersweet, and decides that this is better talked about in person. ]

I'm in the park near the center of the city. That's probably for the best. I don't remember this place, so I'd probably just get lost trying to find you.

video -> action;

[rediscovering]

I'm on my way.

[ And it literally looks like it, movement in the background of his video, like he wasted no time at all, already was getting his shoes on before she even responded. Up and at 'em, without hesitation.

And he'll find her exactly where she said he would, making quick time of the trip now that he lives closer in the city than the Team Avatar shared home had been. He arrives wearing modern plain clothes, black jacket, maroon pullover, grey trousers, black boots, with his hair done up in a tidy topknot. Different from back home... but still very much Zuko all the same.

Well, the anomaly being that he has Momo with him... and Momo makes his way to Katara first, shooting over to her through the air before Zuko can even catch up, chittering happily all the while as the lemur lands beside her on the bench. Zuko's fast to follow, though. ]

Katara!

[ As if Momo appearing was not giveaway enough that Zuko had arrived... But since when had Zuko and Momo been coolin' together on their own?! ]

video -> action;

[sifukatara]

I'll be here.

[ Wow, he really is excited to see her...! In all the time they'd been together between worlds-- well, this was a first. He might've been glad to see her before, but he'd never been this overt about it. It's genuinely touching, but something in her gut tugs uncomfortably that she tries to ignore for now.

Besides, she's excited to see him, too. It's been months since she saw a familiar face from her time period.

While she's waiting for him to show up (And a part of her is itching to go greet him, meet him halfway, but halfway from where, Katara?) she once again tries to compartmentalize. That's how Momo initially finds her, lost in thought until his familiar screeching catches her attention. Delighted for the first time in days, she greets him enthusiastically, with a "Momo!", and immediate ear scratches and rubbing. He was with her up until her last moments in Lunatia. Had he come along? She had no idea.

Looking up when she heard Zuko's footsteps stop all those thoughts, though (Well, except for that brief moment of wondering if Momo had stayed behind with the girls- is that how Zuko wound up with him? How long had they been together for them to be just hanging out like this?).

Her stomach still clenches and her heart still feels tight when she sees him, even though it's been a long time. All the drama and all the arguing- none of it matters for JUST a bit. She missed him, and the smile that splits her face and gets her eyes looking all glassy is genuine. Missing him and having unresolved feelings- those things can co-exist, yeah?

Sorry Momo, you're gonna have to give her a second. Katara stands up and brushes down her skirt (she's not wearing clothes from home either. Some cross between modern and what passed for fashion in Lunatia, though far less colorful than the more outrageous fashion trends). A tank top and denim cutoff jacket, and the aforementioned skirt, and comfortable-looking sneakers that seemed to be made for and used for running and practical use as well.

Even as she starts closer to him there's a very quick glance up and down, because of course there is. She's very clearly seeing for herself how healthy he looks. Has he been sleeping well? Eating well? Coping? ]

Zuko! I can't believe it, I didn't think I'd see you again before I made it back home...!

[ She'll address what he'd said about the others in a bit. Greetings first. ]

video; un: poison

[writtendestiny]

There are gods here.

[Poison answers this, then shrugs.]

But they're not from here. They got here the same way that we did. [She studies the young woman for a few moments as if trying to place if she's met her before. Maybe she has? But she's met so many people over the past few years that it's sometimes hard to remember which world she met them in, if she recalls their face at all.]

There are fae here, if you've heard of them. Fairies. Though I'm probably not the best person to explain them to you.

video;

[sifukatara]

Well that's--

[ She frowns, then shuts her eyes and furrows her brow a little more before giving a dismissive shake of her head. Come to think of it was it really so strange? Probably not. ]

Never mind. Honestly that's probably the most believable thing I'll hear today. Fae, though... I... don't think I've heard of them before, which is honestly kind of surprising? I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions at all, so don't worry about it.

[ With an understanding smile Katara seems to relax a bit more again. ]

So the gods that are here aren't natives? That's different.

[writtendestiny]

They're just the same as us. They're only gods in name, I guess. Their powers are gone, and they have the same kinds as the rest of us.

[Admittedly she doesn't know any of these gods personally, but when there are multiple ones of them around the news does eventually travel. The young woman shrugs, slanting her large violet eyes away from the camera for a moment.]

I can answer questions about the fae, if you want. I'll try to keep my personal opinions out of it.

[sifukatara]

[ What Poison is saying is chilling, considering what Katara has seen gods being capable of. ]

That's... unsettling. From what I've seen so far gods are already incredibly powerful. I don't know if I want to meet or see whatever or whoever is strong enough to strip them of their abilities.

[ She hesitates, wondering if the topic is an uncomfortable or touchy one for her. ]

Are you sure? I can always ask someone else if you'd rather not talk about it. But I also wouldn't mind hearing if you have any personal advice about dealing with or avoiding them. I meant it sincerely earlier when I said I'd welcome anything people think I might need to know.

[writtendestiny]

Whatever power anyone has outside of Avalon doesn't seem to matter once they get here.

[She isn't sure if her own has been lost to her since she started all of this because she only has the power over her own realm, or because of other things... It's funny how she doesn't miss it, though it would be very convenient to be able to simply write everyone back home.

But Poison shrugs, then shakes her head.]

I don't mind talking about it. I just don't like the fae very much, that's all. Some people have taken offence to that.

[As if it matters. She's hardly going to change her opinion because people who have never had any dealings with fae think she's wrong.]

When it comes to dealing with them, don't if you can help it. They'll try to trick you if they can. Don't give them any details about you, not even your real name, and never promise them anything.

[ video; ]

[kiss_it_better]

[If he thinks any of what was asked was strange at all it certainly doesn't show in his expression or voice. If anything, he answers as if he were just asked about the weather.]

I do not know about gods but it's best not to upset the fae, especially their queen. Mostly that just involves following their rules of etiquette. Though it seems it would also be unwise to give them your name or eat their food.

[ video; ]

[sifukatara]

[ Clearly this individual is either a kindred spirit or from a world (or world-view) where such shenanigans are the norm and not the exception. Or maybe it's something else entirely! Either way, Katara's glad for the perspective and the calm reply, lacking in any obvious judgement. ]

That's the second time I've heard someone mention the fae, so I'm guessing they're probably better avoided all together. Which means I doubt if we're that lucky? They don't keep an eye on the network here, right?

[ Best to watch her wording if so. In the meantime- ]

Do you know what happens if you do? Give them your name or eat their food, I mean. If it isn't too personal?

[kiss_it_better]

[All of which are reasonable assumptions. The truth was he was just a little strange.

He smiled a little, because yeah, she's got it pretty accurate in terms of them not being so lucky.]

Avoiding them entirely is a little impossible as they own most of the lands outside of Camelot. It's also not always wise. While they can be cryptic and hold different ways of thinking than many of us do, they're not bad. I'm not sure how much they pay attention to the network but it's public so anyone can see what's been said.

As far as I understand it, names have power to the fae. Giving up your name gives another power over you. Eating fairy food will bind you to the lands of Elphame. If you visit the Land of Maidens, be sure to bring along something to eat.

[sifukatara]

It sounds similar to some of the spirits back in my world, like the legend of No Face.

[ Which makes her skin prickle with goosebumps just to think about, that there are similar creatures residing here in this world. Still, this is better to know ahead of time than not. ]

I guess that makes sense in a strange way. Basically their priorities and perspective is just different from ours? I can see how that wouldn't by itself be a bad thing... And at least they sound a little better than the gods I had to deal with before.

[ Katara flashes him a brief but grateful smile and a nod to show she understands. ]

Bound, as in trapped or stuck? Or bound as in owing them a life debt or something?

video un:detective

[policedefective]

If you're wondering about being here before, then that makes you a lot more cautious or at least a smarter than most people.

[He can respect that and provide her with an answer.]

I believe I have seen 'you' in passing. I suppose in regards to living here, the 'catch' is you should hone your skills and make sure you are prepared for fighting as it tends to happen when you least expect it.

video;

[sifukatara]

Let's just say that I've had my fair share of "practice" at this sort of thing.

[ Said with air quotes and everything. ]

Though usually I'm the one seeing familiar faces and not the other way around...

[ Is tacked on with a soft mumble.

But you can just ignore that, maybe?

She looks both intrigued and mildly unsettled to have that confirmed though, that she'd been here before, since she has no memory of it. What is it about these places that sometimes memories remain and other times they don't?

She's got a fair bit of practice with that, too. ]

And by skills, you mean...? Magic, right? So I'm guessing no one brought here gets to keep their own abilities that they might've been born with, or picked up along the way or elsewhere? It's magic or nothing?

Video; un: smoking_bomb

[bakudan_bambino]

Oh, you’re from the same place as Zuko.

[Gokudera looks very tired, a puffiness to his eyes. This… this is a good distraction.]

Yeah, you were here before. Healed me once, too… I never really got to know you while you were here, but I heard a lot about you.

[He seems relieved to be talking to her, though cautious. Gokudera hadn’t left a great impression on anyone that was close to Zuko. He’s… been trying to get better at that.]

My name’s Gokudera.

Video;

[sifukatara]

[ She can't hide it, the small strangled-down sound or the look of her surprise, but tired as he looks maybe he won't notice it. ]

Y-Yeah, I am. It's nice to meet you, Gokudera.

[ She feels like she should ask, or maybe say something. Probably nothing good would come of concealing the fact that she knows him from elsewhere, but she's not sure how he'll take it.

Well... nothing ventured, nothing gained. First things first, though. ]

... And are you feeling alright?

[bakudan_bambino]

[He notices, but he has no idea what to make of a reaction like that. Maybe she knew another Gokudera? Oh… he’s fucked if that’s the case. No other version of himself has been good news. The teen’s brow creases all the more and he gives a sigh.]

I’m…

[Damn, that’s a good question.]

Yeah. I mean no, but it can’t be helped. Are you feeling alright?

[He’s not so aggressive, but he is now a little more worried. What did another version of himself do?!

Let’s get that out of the way.]

Am I the first Gokudera you’ve met?

[sifukatara]

[ Her gut reaction is to ask if there's something she can help with, but before she can Gokudera has turned the question back around on her. This time there's an awkward look on her face, maybe a bit sheepish, and Katara answers with a sigh of her own. ]

No... you aren't. I'm fine, really. I was just surprised. I didn't think I'd meet anyone from there again.

[ She wants to say it's good to see him again but if he doesn't remember her then he probably isn't likely to take kindly to anything she'd have to say about their time togeter on Ophiuchus, especially that bit.

So, yeah, avoiding that. At least for now. ] I'm glad to know I was able to help you before. I'm sorry I can't remember.

[ She tries for a smile, friendly if a little guilty. Sure it's not her fault, but even so. ]

For what it's worth you also helped me out a few times, too.

text; un: username

[absentconstellation]

The gods have shown no interest in the happenings of this Realm.

There have, however, been instances of the full moon causing certain unpleasant transformations of late.

text;

[sifukatara]

That's more of a relief than anything else. They've always been trouble in my recent experiences.

But can you tell me a little more about the transformations? How do you mean, unpleasant...?

text;

[absentconstellation]

Gods do tend to complicate the lives of humans.

The transformations have been primarily canine in nature.

[ He really. Really. Doesn't want to go further into it than that. ]

[sifukatara]

IMMENSELY.

Are the people who turn violent...?

[ It sounds like something that happened before her time in Lunatia, but she'd heard about it. People turning into Cerberus creatures-- once she knew what a Cerberus actually was it hadn't taken a genius to figure out why people with a grudge turning into them was bad news. ]