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[well.
it happens sometime after the ball concludes and all the evening has turned to embers. soo-won disappears briefly, but then he will go back to collect hilda and zuko both, leading them to the music room in the castle and moving to shut the doors behind him. there sits a tray of tea - floral-scented, but there is a distinct lemon taste to it this time.
soo-won's expression was carefully neutral before this, even capable of managing a faint smile here and there, but once the doors click shut, he closes his eyes and there is no denying the sadness in his eyes.]
.... I've been selected to handle the splintering nova issue come tomorrow for Goat.
Hilda, you needn't accompany me if it is no longer convenient for you to do so.
Zuko, I've decided to tell you as well, because I do not want to put Hilda in a position where she has to keep it from you.
[a beat]
.... and because -
[there is a longer beat of silence, as though he himself is struggling to get the words out. to acknowledge them as an irrefutable truth, and something that he must do.
does he seem - a bit pale?
eventually, he pushes through.]
The target is Yona.
it happens sometime after the ball concludes and all the evening has turned to embers. soo-won disappears briefly, but then he will go back to collect hilda and zuko both, leading them to the music room in the castle and moving to shut the doors behind him. there sits a tray of tea - floral-scented, but there is a distinct lemon taste to it this time.
soo-won's expression was carefully neutral before this, even capable of managing a faint smile here and there, but once the doors click shut, he closes his eyes and there is no denying the sadness in his eyes.]
.... I've been selected to handle the splintering nova issue come tomorrow for Goat.
Hilda, you needn't accompany me if it is no longer convenient for you to do so.
Zuko, I've decided to tell you as well, because I do not want to put Hilda in a position where she has to keep it from you.
[a beat]
.... and because -
[there is a longer beat of silence, as though he himself is struggling to get the words out. to acknowledge them as an irrefutable truth, and something that he must do.
does he seem - a bit pale?
eventually, he pushes through.]
The target is Yona.
[ going from the ball to this is certainly a shift in mood—hilda's still in her formalwear, though she knows how wednesday nights go. zuko being here isn't as surprising as expected, either. what a mess they've gotten themselves into. ]
Well, I'll be out that night anyway...
[ she tries to sound casual about it, like it's no big deal that hey, she'll be out killing—may as well swing by and help won kill someone he cares about!
this is the worst. she intertwines her fingers, frowning. ]
Are you going to be okay?
Well, I'll be out that night anyway...
[ she tries to sound casual about it, like it's no big deal that hey, she'll be out killing—may as well swing by and help won kill someone he cares about!
this is the worst. she intertwines her fingers, frowning. ]
Are you going to be okay?
[ zuko's still in his formalwear too -- crown prince attire, which just makes him angrier at everything! ]
[ he does listen to soo-won patiently despite all of this, nodding along, waiting -- until he says his target's name ]
[ and, well. it's one of the few names he can't quite accept! ]
[ he surges forward, dramatically trying to shove soo-won against a wall or the nearest wall-like surface ]
Don't lie to me! She can't--- she can't splinter!
[ he does listen to soo-won patiently despite all of this, nodding along, waiting -- until he says his target's name ]
[ and, well. it's one of the few names he can't quite accept! ]
[ he surges forward, dramatically trying to shove soo-won against a wall or the nearest wall-like surface ]
Don't lie to me! She can't--- she can't splinter!
[soo-won is about to respond to hilda -
when he suddenly finds himself thrown against the wall, blinking in surprise at zuko before feeling something cement for him.
if you're anything like him, I know how this will end.]
.... as long as you don't think this reason enough to reveal me at trial and throw off what I've planned, you can think what you like of me.
[you can think that he's lying, or that he's being cruel. that this is some sort of trap or roundabout revenge, given his history with yona. he would deserve it.
but he'll look past zuko to hilda.]
I'll be fine.
when he suddenly finds himself thrown against the wall, blinking in surprise at zuko before feeling something cement for him.
if you're anything like him, I know how this will end.]
.... as long as you don't think this reason enough to reveal me at trial and throw off what I've planned, you can think what you like of me.
[you can think that he's lying, or that he's being cruel. that this is some sort of trap or roundabout revenge, given his history with yona. he would deserve it.
but he'll look past zuko to hilda.]
I'll be fine.
[ hilda winces a little when zuko grabs at him, though she doesn't intercept him just yet. they both seem close to yona—she can't imagine how hard it is when the splintering victim is someone they're close to. it was bad enough with claude.
their circumstances are cruel; she puts a hand gently on zuko's elbow, appeasing. ]
...It's not going to be any easier for him than it is for you, Zuko.
[ are either of them going to be okay? ]
their circumstances are cruel; she puts a hand gently on zuko's elbow, appeasing. ]
...It's not going to be any easier for him than it is for you, Zuko.
[ are either of them going to be okay? ]
[ he glares soo-won down, as if trying to force him to admit that it's a lie, and that yona will be fine -- but whatever he searches for in soo-won's face, he doesn't find it. ]
[ it makes him angrier, actually, that soo-won seems so... unaffected. ]
How can you just---
[ then hilda's words hit him, it all does. he's known soo-won for weeks now-- he's seen the way he is in memories, the way he puts duties above all else. ]
[ the anger cracks. what's left is--- wow, he's actually tearing up a little? not just for yona, but for soo-won himself? ]
[ he's got soo-won dramatically pinned, but his grip loosens and leans forward a little, voice thick. ]
It doesn't have to be you.
[ it makes him angrier, actually, that soo-won seems so... unaffected. ]
How can you just---
[ then hilda's words hit him, it all does. he's known soo-won for weeks now-- he's seen the way he is in memories, the way he puts duties above all else. ]
[ the anger cracks. what's left is--- wow, he's actually tearing up a little? not just for yona, but for soo-won himself? ]
[ he's got soo-won dramatically pinned, but his grip loosens and leans forward a little, voice thick. ]
It doesn't have to be you.
[ . . . it's a little odd.
soo-won has known since he was young that he has a duty to the greater whole of people. it doesn't matter who's kind to him, who loves him, or who he is kind to, or who he loves. he cannot put those two matters in the same box, or else he will be unable to help anyone. it's not a life he would recommend to others - but it is the role he's always felt like he ought to play.
yet hilda cutting to the heart of the matter - acknowledging that this isn't going to be easy for him, no matter how determined he is - and zuko tearing up... for him?
it aches a bit.
he thinks he loves these people, too. it would be nice, if they didn't get caught up with him, but it feels too late for that.]
... it does. Most of the Goats are gone. To bring them back, it has to be me.
[logically.]
And because Yona is so loved, and because she loves so many.... I don't want her trust in anyone else to break, even for a moment. [for her to be scared, to lose faith in them] So it is for the better, if it is me.
[because she barely trusts him in the first place - and if he betrayed her once, he can do it again.
he rests one hand on zuko's shoulder, before turning to hilda.]
I know of one other besides you who will be out. Take care not to cross paths with them, if it's even possible. I know that we didn't but....
[ . . . .
he doesn't want anything to happen to her.]
soo-won has known since he was young that he has a duty to the greater whole of people. it doesn't matter who's kind to him, who loves him, or who he is kind to, or who he loves. he cannot put those two matters in the same box, or else he will be unable to help anyone. it's not a life he would recommend to others - but it is the role he's always felt like he ought to play.
yet hilda cutting to the heart of the matter - acknowledging that this isn't going to be easy for him, no matter how determined he is - and zuko tearing up... for him?
it aches a bit.
he thinks he loves these people, too. it would be nice, if they didn't get caught up with him, but it feels too late for that.]
... it does. Most of the Goats are gone. To bring them back, it has to be me.
[logically.]
And because Yona is so loved, and because she loves so many.... I don't want her trust in anyone else to break, even for a moment. [for her to be scared, to lose faith in them] So it is for the better, if it is me.
[because she barely trusts him in the first place - and if he betrayed her once, he can do it again.
he rests one hand on zuko's shoulder, before turning to hilda.]
I know of one other besides you who will be out. Take care not to cross paths with them, if it's even possible. I know that we didn't but....
[ . . . .
he doesn't want anything to happen to her.]
[ it doesn't have to be you.
she doesn't bother saying it with him—it didn't have to be any of them. but here they are, already long-resolved to this. there are plenty of reasons they're good options (maybe the best, or the only options), but seeing this, seeing how it affects the people she's come to care for...
it does hurt. it's unfair. she wants to be done with this, and this is just one more step towards the end of things. she lets out a deep breath. ]
I doubt we'll run into each other. But once I'm finished, I'll come find you. [ ... ] I can't just leave you to screw this up, after all.
[ her words don't have any real barbs. but then her eyes dart briefly to zuko. had he told soo-won...? it's becoming clear to her that thursday night is going to get messy. ]
she doesn't bother saying it with him—it didn't have to be any of them. but here they are, already long-resolved to this. there are plenty of reasons they're good options (maybe the best, or the only options), but seeing this, seeing how it affects the people she's come to care for...
it does hurt. it's unfair. she wants to be done with this, and this is just one more step towards the end of things. she lets out a deep breath. ]
I doubt we'll run into each other. But once I'm finished, I'll come find you. [ ... ] I can't just leave you to screw this up, after all.
[ her words don't have any real barbs. but then her eyes dart briefly to zuko. had he told soo-won...? it's becoming clear to her that thursday night is going to get messy. ]
It isn't for the better. [ his voice is pretty thick, with anger, and regret, and everything. ] I want to be there... but I have my own duties to attend to.
[ hm. ]
[ normally his temper might flare at hilda's comment, even with no barb, but this is beyond just snapping. ]
Once I'm finished.... I at least want to see her.
[ hm. ]
[ normally his temper might flare at hilda's comment, even with no barb, but this is beyond just snapping. ]
Once I'm finished.... I at least want to see her.
[ . . . . . . . to soo-won's credit he seems to pick up on the situation rather quickly. when zuko says that he has his own duties to attend to, he pauses.]
.... Fiora?
[though he won't ask more than that, instead just seeking confirmation. a glance to hilda.]
And yours is....?
[if only so that he is prepared for what is to come. he breathes in, and out, before looking to zuko and answering his other request.]
.... do as you like. Should time permit, we will arrange for that if we can.
[but he will make no promises, not when their survival hinges on their ability to pull this off.]
.... Fiora?
[though he won't ask more than that, instead just seeking confirmation. a glance to hilda.]
And yours is....?
[if only so that he is prepared for what is to come. he breathes in, and out, before looking to zuko and answering his other request.]
.... do as you like. Should time permit, we will arrange for that if we can.
[but he will make no promises, not when their survival hinges on their ability to pull this off.]
[it's a terrible night.
soo-won has no particular desire to wait or delay what needs to be done but - well, zuko had said that he wanted to see yona. what he sees won't be a pretty sight by any means. her body is broken, beaten, bruised, and bloody. they stand at the forest by the stream, watching the horizon for the first sign of sunrise, and soo-won...
well, he doesn't say anything in particular to either of them. he would rather be exacting and ruthless in this moment, holding onto certainty and sharpness.
yet in the moments before zuko approaches, he will walk a few steps past hilda and say quietly:]
.... thank you.
For being here.
[for him.]
soo-won has no particular desire to wait or delay what needs to be done but - well, zuko had said that he wanted to see yona. what he sees won't be a pretty sight by any means. her body is broken, beaten, bruised, and bloody. they stand at the forest by the stream, watching the horizon for the first sign of sunrise, and soo-won...
well, he doesn't say anything in particular to either of them. he would rather be exacting and ruthless in this moment, holding onto certainty and sharpness.
yet in the moments before zuko approaches, he will walk a few steps past hilda and say quietly:]
.... thank you.
For being here.
[for him.]
[ it's been a long day, and zuko almost doesn't want to be here. but somehow, it would be worse if he wasn't here. if he looked away. he stares at yona's body momentarily, then back to soo-won. ]
[ he doesn't say anything in response to the thanks, but he does put his hand on soo-won's shoulder. ]
[ his voice is hoarse. ]
Did she suffer?
[ he doesn't say anything in response to the thanks, but he does put his hand on soo-won's shoulder. ]
[ his voice is hoarse. ]
Did she suffer?
[ from start to finish, today has sucked. it's been a grueling several hours—and has it only been hours?—but they're all through with what they set out to do, and now it's just about wrapping up and pretending none of this ever happened.
hilda looks more shaken than usual, and she wonders how much of it is the curse and how much is her own nerves. she tries for something quippy—you owe me one, don't get used to it—but after a moment just shakes her head before reaching out and squeezing his hand. ]
...Yeah. Of course.
[ she's here. and so is zuko. she gives him a weak wave as he approaches, spiritless, but she leaves actually answering him to soo-won. they were all closer to yona than she was. ]
hilda looks more shaken than usual, and she wonders how much of it is the curse and how much is her own nerves. she tries for something quippy—you owe me one, don't get used to it—but after a moment just shakes her head before reaching out and squeezing his hand. ]
...Yeah. Of course.
[ she's here. and so is zuko. she gives him a weak wave as he approaches, spiritless, but she leaves actually answering him to soo-won. they were all closer to yona than she was. ]
Edited 2020-11-06 03:55 (UTC)
[ . . . . . .
it's comfort that he doesn't deserve. still, when hilda reaches out for his hand, he'll take hers in return and give it a gentle squeeze. then he turns to zuko, and doesn't flinch away from the hand at his shoulder.
soo-won's words are - careful. neutral. like giving a report. like he's taken all his emotions and put them away in one box, as they presently serve no purpose for him.]
With her nova splintering... her memories must've become - scattered. It sounded as though... she reverted back to the moment that she realized that I had killed her father. So she became afraid.
[and she ran from him, and he had to pursue her like the villain she'd always thought him to be.]
It was not as quick or painless as I would have liked - but I wrote to Sharon that she ought to take care of her on the other side. I hope that will be the case.
Are the two of you alright? No major injuries?
it's comfort that he doesn't deserve. still, when hilda reaches out for his hand, he'll take hers in return and give it a gentle squeeze. then he turns to zuko, and doesn't flinch away from the hand at his shoulder.
soo-won's words are - careful. neutral. like giving a report. like he's taken all his emotions and put them away in one box, as they presently serve no purpose for him.]
With her nova splintering... her memories must've become - scattered. It sounded as though... she reverted back to the moment that she realized that I had killed her father. So she became afraid.
[and she ran from him, and he had to pursue her like the villain she'd always thought him to be.]
It was not as quick or painless as I would have liked - but I wrote to Sharon that she ought to take care of her on the other side. I hope that will be the case.
Are the two of you alright? No major injuries?
[ hilda doesn't look surprised by zuko's admission, but she'll let him answer for himself. ]
Elsa.
[ she shoots an apologetic look towards zuko for that, but of the targets available... their other options aren't better. she doesn't look thrilled about it, but is anyone excited for what they have to do? ]
I'll meet up with you after, Won. And— [ she lets out a breath. would she offer to take this burden off his hands for him, if she could? she's not that kind. but this is just so—cruel. ] I'll help you, if you need it.
Elsa.
[ she shoots an apologetic look towards zuko for that, but of the targets available... their other options aren't better. she doesn't look thrilled about it, but is anyone excited for what they have to do? ]
I'll meet up with you after, Won. And— [ she lets out a breath. would she offer to take this burden off his hands for him, if she could? she's not that kind. but this is just so—cruel. ] I'll help you, if you need it.
[ zuko might have been angrier earlier in the week, but it's draining him, so he just look... tired and sad. there's just no helping this situation. ]
[ with his free hand, he scrubs at his face, then -- tentatively, reaches out for hilda's, while the hand on soo-won's shoulder slips down to his arm. ]
[ he squeezes his eyes shut, for a moment. ]
They'll... take good care of her. Until we get her back.
[ again, more for his own sake than anything. ]
Fiora got me with her daggers. But it's fine. I'm already injured.
[ that's not fine??? ]
[ with his free hand, he scrubs at his face, then -- tentatively, reaches out for hilda's, while the hand on soo-won's shoulder slips down to his arm. ]
[ he squeezes his eyes shut, for a moment. ]
They'll... take good care of her. Until we get her back.
[ again, more for his own sake than anything. ]
Fiora got me with her daggers. But it's fine. I'm already injured.
[ that's not fine??? ]
[ . . . . . he'd rather they didn't - not when hilda is already taking something into her own hands, and yona is also important to zuko. important enough that he would act aggressively with soo-won over it.
so he just sighs and shakes his head. his hand comes up to rest against temple, eyes shutting as he can't help but feel tension beginning to build behind his forehead.]
.... I won't stop you, from finding either us.
[because he will not be opposed to additional hands, to making sure that his evidence is as removed as possible.]
But you needn't feel obligated to help. Not when you have your own burdens.
I should be able to help you both come Saturday, at least.
[even if he can't promise anything on the night of - not when he won't be sure of his own state]
so he just sighs and shakes his head. his hand comes up to rest against temple, eyes shutting as he can't help but feel tension beginning to build behind his forehead.]
.... I won't stop you, from finding either us.
[because he will not be opposed to additional hands, to making sure that his evidence is as removed as possible.]
But you needn't feel obligated to help. Not when you have your own burdens.
I should be able to help you both come Saturday, at least.
[even if he can't promise anything on the night of - not when he won't be sure of his own state]
[ Soo-won's rendition of events is carefully controlled, but she isn't fooled. Not when she'd been there. Those feelings are there, just buried.
They all had to do the same. They all had to make it through this weekend. She gives both their hands a squeeze, wishing she knew how to help otherwise.
It's not fine. ]
Elsa hit me with a curse...
[ she lets out a shaky sigh, like she's on the verge of tears before she settles. ]
Guess it couldn't be too easy for any of us.
They all had to do the same. They all had to make it through this weekend. She gives both their hands a squeeze, wishing she knew how to help otherwise.
It's not fine. ]
Elsa hit me with a curse...
[ she lets out a shaky sigh, like she's on the verge of tears before she settles. ]
Guess it couldn't be too easy for any of us.
[ . . . . suppose it isn't. soo-won glances briefly down to the hand at his arm, before his gaze flicks back up.]
... people ought to be waking soon. Let's dispose of... her remains, and then proceed back to the Blacksmith before anyone notices anything else.
I have a plan, but it will only succeed under certain conditions. So I need you both to follow my lead, come tomorrow.
... people ought to be waking soon. Let's dispose of... her remains, and then proceed back to the Blacksmith before anyone notices anything else.
I have a plan, but it will only succeed under certain conditions. So I need you both to follow my lead, come tomorrow.
[ if zuko wants to come along, she's not going to deny him. still, she doesn't envy either of them. she isn't so close to yona that this is a deep-seated betrayal—would she see it that way, from the two of them?
she doesn't know how she'd bear that. ]
I'll do what I can Saturday too.
[ she's tired of working, but the consequences of failing here are too much. not just for her—for two people she cares about.
she closes her eyes after a moment and let's out a deeply aggrieved sigh. ]
Ugh, this is the worst!
she doesn't know how she'd bear that. ]
I'll do what I can Saturday too.
[ she's tired of working, but the consequences of failing here are too much. not just for her—for two people she cares about.
she closes her eyes after a moment and let's out a deeply aggrieved sigh. ]
Ugh, this is the worst!
[ would yona have seen it as a betrayal from zuko? or would she have said, i understand, and i forgive you? either way, it's unbearable. if he wasn't already involved in a murder, he'd insist, but that's just not feasible. ]
[ but at least he can try to be there ]
Yeah, me too. It's not an obligation. We have to look out for each other. That's.... that's all we can do, after this.
[ the somber moment interrupted by hilda's outburst -- and zuko laughs without any humor, or any feeling. ]
No kidding.
[ but at least he can try to be there ]
Yeah, me too. It's not an obligation. We have to look out for each other. That's.... that's all we can do, after this.
[ the somber moment interrupted by hilda's outburst -- and zuko laughs without any humor, or any feeling. ]
No kidding.
[ she nods, carefully going over to poor yona's body. ordinarily, she wouldn't volunteer for this, but she's not heartless.
though on that note, ]
Um... yeah, I feel—really sad.
[ heartbroken, from elsa's RSVP. the cuckoo bird nearby reflects her sullenness, its head tucked under its wing. ]
I'll try to figure out a way to act my way out of it. Are you going to tell us what your grand scheme is, Won? [ she'll play along regardless, but. ]
though on that note, ]
Um... yeah, I feel—really sad.
[ heartbroken, from elsa's RSVP. the cuckoo bird nearby reflects her sullenness, its head tucked under its wing. ]
I'll try to figure out a way to act my way out of it. Are you going to tell us what your grand scheme is, Won? [ she'll play along regardless, but. ]
[ . . . . well. for one, he'll pick up the fish bowl containing a mosasaurus and hold it out to hilda, briefly:] On my signal.
[since they'll only have an hour for everything to go live, and in this situation, wasting as much time as possible will only work in their favor.
though as he goes over to yona's body, he turns to zuko.]
.... your partner wants to get caught. [and - even if it's brief, there's another flash of sadness.] Even if I'm sure you don't want to give them up.
However someone told me something that could... make everything more bearable.
Even the gloves that we chose and scattered today were for a reason, Hilda. Depending on how the evidence falls... there will be one person I will choose to pursue and convict by the end.
I think it will become increasingly clear who over time.... I just need you both to trust me.
[since they'll only have an hour for everything to go live, and in this situation, wasting as much time as possible will only work in their favor.
though as he goes over to yona's body, he turns to zuko.]
.... your partner wants to get caught. [and - even if it's brief, there's another flash of sadness.] Even if I'm sure you don't want to give them up.
However someone told me something that could... make everything more bearable.
Even the gloves that we chose and scattered today were for a reason, Hilda. Depending on how the evidence falls... there will be one person I will choose to pursue and convict by the end.
I think it will become increasingly clear who over time.... I just need you both to trust me.
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