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[ Zuko eyes his finger curiously, glancing cautiously up to his eyes, before taking a step forward and reaching out as told, eyes drifting back to their hands as their fingertips meet... He's already thinking ahead, preparing himself mentally, spiritually, magically, to redirect the lightning if he needs to, waiting to feel how intense the shock may or may not be. It may not be big enough for him to worry about it reaching his heart, like lightningbending back home. But he's certainly expecting a shock. ]

[Get ready

for the weakest little zap ever. It feels like the snap of a rubber band and Gokudera draws his finger back, looking at it and then feeling even more nervous about roaring. What if it is lightning?! And he hurts someone?!]

We- uh... we should stop.

You have lightning power!

[ He's so animated about this, oh no, Zuko... But Zuko hasn't even managed lightning yet! Not that he's some expert Avatar with his magic types yet, but he'd hope at least his native elements would be available to him... He'd been having so much trouble with fire that he didn't even consider fully that he could do lightning independently. It's so ingrained in his mind that lightningbending (and bending-adjacent) powers are tip-top tier, Azula and Ozai-level stuff beyond his capacity, something he needed to learn to defend himself from rather than learn himself... He knows it's not the same, but it's such an impressive and rare feat in his culture that he can't help his amazement. ]

No, no! Don't stop! I can redirect lightning! Back home— Uncle taught me how... And here, I have siphoning magic now! I, uh— I don't know how to use it yet, but practice is practice! It's fine, keep going! I mean— try not to shoot me, but uh...

[ He readies his stance to redirect and defend himself just in case, a look of pure determination and excitement on his face. Crazy prince. ]

Do it again! Make lightning!

[Gokudera looks down at his hand, and he's frowning heavily. He has a bad feeling about this. If he's been altered by Amoi or Anchor and he's got implants that interact with his collar... his heart... what if this hurts him more? It's scary. Everything he's seen about lightning flames from his own world (at least with Lambo) presented themselves when under emotional distress. Roaring and letting his emotions get the best of him helped produce this, right? It's not so much rage and anger and destruction making fire, or a relentless focus of storm, pressures crashing around him, but it's internalized. He's been a metaphorical lightning rod for so many problems. If he has any reputation in Avalon at all, it's probably that he's regularly in some kind of distress.

but if Zuko knows how to redirect lightning... maybe he can help.]

Fine.

[He'll just... cross that bridge when he gets to it. Gokudera moves his arms, thinks about all the negativity that's been weighing on him and how it hurts and it's tiring, and he wants it all to stop. He wants to be able to focus on his happiness and for this all to just go away. Gokudera thrusts his arms out.]

Raau- Ahhhh!!

[Okay, so it could be louder, but there is lightning jumping out of his palms and there would be sparks coming from his mouth, too, but instead it's smoke, tears on his face and he stops almost as soon as he starts, falling to one knee, hand on the ground, and the other on his collar, at the back of his neck. His face is hidden as he tries to catch his breath. That was too raw and now his throat hurts and his body is remembering how he'd been beaten and tortured with electricity by the Millefiore. He's shaking, trying not to mentally process any of it.]

[ Zuko's eyes are wide with amazement as the lightning begins to emanate from the boy's palms, satisfied with the product of his roar finally, but as soon as he sees smoke, he knows something's wrong. He sees Gokudera's face shift and immediately alarms are going off in his mind before he's even registering what's happening. In his world, being able to bend lightning requires utmost mental calm and control, which is why it's so rare; there are so few cold-blooded killers out there. It's quite the opposite — one can't effectively bend lightning from being upset, one must be composed, impeccably so, which is what has always terrified him about Azula and their father. But this world doesn't follow those models and he forgets that sometimes because... well... his worldview can only stretch so far without stopping and thinking. And when does Zuko do that? He's impulsive and excitable and brash and believes entirely in his friend's power.

Too much, though. He just encouraged Gokudera to do something dangerous without even considering that the bomber could electrocute himself, and now he's wrought with fear and guilt and worry. ]

Gokudera!!!

[ He bellows. When the boy falls to his knees, Zuko's right there, rushing over in a split second to hold him in his arms. Iroh's always told Zuko he doesn't think things through. He feels that distinctly right now, face painted with fear for his friend. ]

[Oddly enough, considering how often he smokes cigarettes, this smoke curling out of his mouth is scary. It tastes like iron, reminds him of when he set his heart on fire, the pain of having to forcefully separate himself. That same smoke came from his lungs when he was revived. His throat hurts. He feels arms around him, but does not seem to realize he's being touched.

He'd merely shocked his collar, but there is some part of him that wonders if there is something else, some implant or device in him that has conducted the electricity or amplified it. He's upset.

He shouldn't have roared. Gokudera coughs and keeps his eyes closed as he replies softly.]

I'm alright... just give... give me a minute...

[ Zuko's brow is quivering with worry, knotted so tight together it hurts, his eyes wide and panicked as he holds his friend up. He places a hand on his back when Gokudera coughs, swallowing hard. ]

I shouldn't have pressed you on— You told me to stop... I should've listened... I didn't think—!

Edited 2021-06-12 16:21 (UTC)

[Gokudera lets out a groan and opens his eyes, tipping his head to the side and looking at Zuko through his fringe.]

Zuko?

[This sucks and neither of them knew this would happen. Honestly, Gokudera's mad at himself. It probably wouldn't have been so bad if he would have his collar removed, if he were more focus and not so emotional. There's a lot of should and shouldn'ts going on.]

[ Gokudera may be mad at himself, but Zuko's far madder at his own self. He's trying to keep his own calm, but he can feel his breath quickening and his heart pounding in his chest. He can't help but think back to the moment he held Iroh in his arms after Azula electrocuted him, feeling that familiar fear, that literal shock, that he felt that day in the Earth Kingdom. But this time, it was entirely his fault, he feels. Zuko feels so stupid and brazen. He'd been gung-ho. Too eager to be impressed with his friend beyond good reason. Too eager to help his friend, so much it hurt him. When Gokudera opens his eyes to look at him and says his name, he feels relief, but not much. He unconsciously brushes the hair from Gokudera's eyes, his own still reading all the guilt and worry he's overwhelmed with. ]

Gokudera, can you stand...? Do you— Should we get a healer?!

[ His eyes scan the training grounds quickly, but return to his friend soon enough, casing the scene. Surely there's a medic around somewhere. ]

[Gokudera was going to tell him to shut up, but then there is a hand moving the hair out of his face and that's so close and he's flushing some and moves to stand.]

Yeah. No. I'm fine. Just startled myself. It uh went through my collar so... I'm fine.

[Honestly, he just feels rattled, even if it seems he's smoking without a cigarette. Gokudera gets up easily, places a hand on Zuko's shoulder.]

You were just trying to help me work through all my problems. It's not like you knew this would happen.

I shouldn't have assumed it'd be like bending lightning! I just— didn't think about it!

[ He feels somehow stricken when Gokudera places his hand on his shoulder, like this forgiveness came too easily. Zuko's placing a lot more symbolism about himself and his own tendencies on this problem, just as he did when he'd attacked Gokudera their first meeting, and that gentle hand on his shoulder just sears those feelings a little more. He abruptly bows deeply, stiffly, from the waist, eyes downcast beneath a furrowed brow. Absolutely unnecessarily formal out of nowhere, but feels like it conveys his remorse about egging the bomber on recklessly. And what all else that represents to him. ]

[Gokudera watches as his friend bows, then he rubs the back of his own neck before giving a soft groan. It doesn't make him feel any better to watch Zuko apologize so much.]

I did it to myself, Zuko. You only encouraged me. I'd have found this out one way or another... [That with his elemental magic, he has electricity and it is dangerous. Better he find out while in someone else's company than on his own and risk hurting himself further out of some wild need to grow stronger, prove himself, or try to feel better with some reckless self-harm.

He gets up and stretches, throat still burning, but he imagines that may be the case for a while. Looking down at Zuko, there is nothing but affection in his gaze. Gokudera offers his hand.]

Stop that, Zuko! You have nothing to be sorry over. Come on, there's training to do.

[ Zuko's surprised to hear Gokudera say "Come on, there's training to do," looking back at him with wide eyes as he stands straight up again slowly. He almost wants to call it into question, like "You really still want to train?!" but the fact of the matter is... so would Zuko, probably, in Gokudera's position. So it just makes him smile a lopsided smile, endeared knowing they share this, uh, certain intensity in their personalities. There are maybe other words for it — some might say reckless. Definitely gung-ho guys. But whatever that trait is that would make Gokudera still wanna train even while his throat is still burning from being electrocuted, Zuko fancies it's one of those "this is why we're friends" things. He just nods a single sharp, decisive nod at him, locking eyes. Even if so much has happened with Gokudera being "away," however bizarre it sounds, he's still very much himself, in this world, in that world, in some other world, there's something consistent about his character that Zuko just likes and standing here with his hand outstretched to Zuko after everything he'd just described he'd been through... ...Of course Zuko smiles back! ]

Yeah. We can keep training. Maybe we'll hold off on lightning magic, though, huh... [ Is that supposed to be a joke? ] You take the lead now. My way, uh— isn't working. [ Is that supposed to be a joke...?! They once joked about eating each other or something in Lunatia, it'a fine, it's fine... ]

For as much as that hurt, [And oh boy did it. Gokudera is very much not a fan of being electrocuted, but guesses it won't be the first or last time he'll suffer it] I do feel a bit better. Maybe I should just yell while I train?

[Even if all he does is throw dynamite.]

I'll set up some targets. You want to throw some dynamite with me?

[Blowing stuff up is fun. Throwing things that explode is even better.]

Edited 2021-06-21 03:14 (UTC)

Uh, yeah— [ Like that's a question! ] I've never done that.

[ Okay of course there's a part of him that's just naturally excited about this? He's still worried about Gokudera, but he seems to be taking it lightly, so Zuko figures he'll follow suit and gauge Gokudera's reaction to mimic him... because otherwise he's just gonna keep fixating on all his trauma surrounding lightning, between his sister almost killing his uncle and his father trying to kill him and his own redirection almost killing his father in turn, Gokudera electrocuting himself on Zuko's command... uh... stung... So if he just wants to blow it off and blow shit up, then that seems like the best idea. Follow his lead. Zuko doesn't smile to show it, but he'll be slowly relieved by this, he's sure.

He's also sure Gokudera has enough on his person to spare, so doesn't even bother asking about his supply. He knows it's not quite endless, but uh, he remembers those little packets Gokudera whipped out the day they met in Lunatia. He's sure there's plenty explosives for them both to play with... ]

Hey. There are a lot of people who never have and never will want to throw dynamite. Far too dangerous or whatever.

[Gokudera will make sure Zuko is safe, though. He's going to move on and easily settle into the familiar act of training with dynamite, but there's also the rush of throwing something that could potentially kill you if you don't time the throw carefully. It's distracting. Easy to not think about electrocution when there are explosives packed all over his body.

It would be safe to assume he has an endless supply. Gokudera can seemingly make dynamite appear. How? Where is he keeping it? It'll be a mystery he will take to his grave, more than likely.

He sets up one target, and decides that even if they blow it up, they can use the scorch marks as the next target and so on. Gokudera motions for Zuko to follow him a safe distance away before he's pulling out a stick and handing it to his friend.]

Before you light it. Look at how long the fuse is, [Gokudera pinches the cord coming off the stick.] It is longer than usual because this is actual dynamite. The fuse on my smoke bombs are shorter, since they don't cause much damage at all. But this one is a safety fuse. For every centimeter, there is two seconds. This length will take... one minute as it is roughly thirty centimeters. Always treat the dynamite as if it has less time so that your distance will keep you safe. When you are ready, light the fuse and throw it at your target. If you don't throw it far enough, we'll have to move back, okay?

[There, something intense for Zuko to focus on, and Gokudera will be watching him with avid interest.]

[ Zuko watches on as Gokudera sets up their target, glancing around the training grounds to case the scene, but he then listens to his explanation with rapt attention. There definitely is a certain rush he's feeling already, just holding the stick in his hands. He considers using his fire magic to light it, but... doesn't trust himself... after burning down the meditation tent with Hikaru by accident when he felt confident he had control of his fire. So he whips out one of the ~~fidget~~ lighters he always has on him (yes, he's still doing that here...!) but hesitates before lighting the fuse. There is a strange excitement he can't place, an adrenaline junkie without even realizing it. But he trusts Gokudera to know what he's talking about... and to know how this rush feels.

So swallowing the barest hint of a smile, more of a twitch than a smile (because he shouldn't be smiling about this, should he!?), he goes ahead and flicks the flame on and lights the fuse. He holds it in his hand for just two seconds to admire the sparks and process what he's just done... and then hurls the thing as far as he can toward the target Gokudera set up. It lands fairly close to it, but Zuko still takes a few broad steps back preemptively as soon as he throws it, anyway. Then looks to Gokudera with an odd, exhilarated, expectant look, but says nothing, bracing himself for the explosion. ]

[Gokudera smiles, eager to do something so familiar, and to share it with a friend. This definitely helps take the focus off of everything else they were doing, and he always looks forward to blowing something up, even if it's only the dynamite itself and nothing else sustains damage. Zuko could miss the target entirely and it would still be wildly entertaining.

As soon as the fuse is lit, Gokudera's counting down in his head. It's thrown with plenty of time to spare, and he doesn't move, just waits and gives Zuko a nod before looking forward and waiting. He's always eager for the bomb to go off.

And when it does, there's more noise and shockwave than heat or fire. That all seems fairly small. Gokudera likes to make some of his bombs so that they fling enemies, and if they get burned or scorched, that's just their problem with being too close. The shock that cuts through the air makes the ground rumble slightly and leaves a fine cloud of smoke that will soon vanish. He takes out another, lifts it to his cigarette and watches the fuse, then throws it. It explodes just as it's falling at the top of the target, knocking it over and sending another thunderous 'boom' in the air.]

Want another? [He has to yell, but it should sound like a normal volume to Zuko. Ears ringing, he kind of... has to raise his voice.]

[ The first loud boom draws Zuko's hands to his ears, ever sensitive, but it's... exhilarating? Watching Gokudera's explode in midair practically brings stars to his eyes. Why is this fun? Like... somewhat wanton destruction that is at the same time harmless? Something cathartic in that... This is better than roaring. And things that go boom are just kinda thrilling, who knows why. Controlled chaos. Zuko lowers his hands when Gokudera turns to speak to him, and nods enthusiastically, face bright although still stern and smileless despite his excitement. He matches Gokudera's volume, yelling back as he reaches out an open hand to accept another, lighter at the ready in his other hand. ]

Yeah!

[ They could easily do this for several more sticks and Zuko will probably hear ringing in his ears for a while by the end of it... But it'd be worth it. And it'd be worth it if only because, ironically it's safer than Zuko's advice to Gokudera on how to assuage his feelings, and because it might help Gokudera let off some steam. He's happy to be here for that. But... the dynamite is pretty cool, he can't deny he likes it. Probably mostly because of Gokudera, though; whichever Gokudera he's talking to, after all the versions he's met now, in a sense, there's still a throughstring... it's still the same person he's had fun with all this time. Just another weird bonding moment in their ever-changing, ever-complicated friendship. ]

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wanna wrap up here?