16 - [voice] ....Why am I in the hospital again?

[forged_anew]

[Zuko's voice is weak and tired, but he's trying to sound casual anyway. He keeps it short, half because Muraki told him to and half because he can't breathe when his sentences get too long]

In the hospital now. Dr. Muraki's taking care of me.

Don't worry.

Comments

{ same filter; voice }

[refracted-green.livejournal.com]

......What are you talking about?

{ same filter; voice }

[freundlichertod.livejournal.com]

I'm at the hospital. If you will, I invite you to act on your threats.

[ chuckle ]

{ same filter; voice }

[refracted-green.livejournal.com]

...And why should I trust you?

{ same filter; voice }

[freundlichertod.livejournal.com]

You can choose not to. However, knowing you...

[ chuckles ]

I was able to see your work.

{ same filter; voice }

[refracted-green.livejournal.com]

What work? What are you talking about?

{ same filter; voice }

[freundlichertod.livejournal.com]

Your warning on the supposed danger I pose. It was hurtful.

[ and then he smiles and chuckles again. ]

Having written that, do you think I stand a chance if I did so much as touch a strand on that head of yours?

{ same filter; voice }

[refracted-green.livejournal.com]

...You wouldn't have, anyway. Tsuzuki would have known.

{ same filter; voice }

[freundlichertod.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't have seen it, or wouldn't have been able to hurt you?

[ pause ]

It returns to Tsuzuki-san, as usual. Accept your limits where they stand.

{ same filter; voice }

[refracted-green.livejournal.com]

I meant that you wouldn't have stood a chance.

{ same filter; voice }

[freundlichertod.livejournal.com]

I think not.

{ same filter; voice }

[refracted-green.livejournal.com]

Then you're contradicting yourself.

{ same filter; voice }

[freundlichertod.livejournal.com]

Don't mistake me, boy. I am quite confident in my abilities. But--

[ smile ]

You see, I've grown fond of the title "Doctor Muraki" again and the worship that comes with it.

{ same filter; voice }

[refracted-green.livejournal.com]

You want people to worship you. Shocking.

{ same filter; voice }

[freundlichertod.livejournal.com]

Just as you want people to remember your usually unremarkable existence.

{ same filter; voice }

[refracted-green.livejournal.com]

You found it remarkable enough to destroy.

{ same filter; voice }

[freundlichertod.livejournal.com]

Once was enough. I hadn't even realized you were one of my victims until you reappeared by Tsuzuki-san's side.

I have no use for easily broken things.

Re: { same filter; voice }

[refracted-green.livejournal.com]

[This noise? The frustrated, angry one? Isn't here.] Fine. Just wait.

{ same filter; voice }

[freundlichertod.livejournal.com]

Shall I prepare tea for Tsuzuki-san and you?

{ same filter; voice }

[refracted-green.livejournal.com]

Tsuzuki won't be coming.

{ same filter; voice }

[freundlichertod.livejournal.com]

I'll prepare an extra cup nevertheless.