Mun is not entirely sure...

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

 No need to rush these things, when you have lived as long as I have time becomes almost meaningless. 

But yet, as much as I prefer my home in the spirit world, the mortal plane is just as pleasant.

So many opportunities, so many faces to add to my collection...

Comments

[markofthebrave]

[Just this face right now.

Seriously, mun, why are you even making me tag this?]

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

(Hope you can keep that face frozen for a looooong time because Koh is eyeing it.)

Welcome, human. Not often a mortal seeks my presence.

Perhaps you're looking for a spirit like the last one. Or maybe you seek something else, you mortals are so inquisitive, so expressive.

[markofthebrave]

[Frankly, Katara doesn't see her face changing any time soon, she is so, so dubious.]

I'm... not exactly sure what I'm doing here. Exactly. In fact, if you could point out the exit, I think I'll just be on my way...

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

[Oh neat another face change. The spirit circles Katara, it's insect legs scuttling along the ground.]

You poor creature. I find places for lost souls like yourself.

[markofthebrave]

Um. What just happened to your face?

[And has anyone ever talked to you about a manicure?]

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

(He tried to schedule, but they were all busy with uncle Iroh.)

It's one of my many faces, all a part of my collection...

[savedtheworld]

Get away from her.

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

(You certainly came at a good time. The creature whips back by the avatar, reverting to his default face.)

Ah, the Avatar. Welcome back. I told you we would meet again.

[savedtheworld]

I was starting to hope that was a lie. You sure took your time.

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

Time does not have the same qualities in the spirit world. Be it in this lifetime or another, our paths would meet again.

[savedtheworld]

What do you want? ...Aside from the usual.

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

New worlds. If my mundane wishes to summon me, I might as well make the best of it, use it to my advantage.

...you would know of advantages, Avatar.

[savedtheworld]

...What do you mean about advantages?

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

When the moon and ocean spirits entered the mortal world, they used the protection of the humans to their advantage, just as you used your powers to your advantage as well as to your fellow humans.

It's a matter of finding a niche, making yourself invaluable.

[savedtheworld]

But the spirits and me use our "advantages" for good things. Balance and peace. You're only bothering that balance and taking things away from people.

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

These faces find peace as they become a part of me. It's in the nature of the universe to take as well as to give.

[savedtheworld]

That's not peace. Not real peace.

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

And would you know? The Avatar is an mediator, not a peacekeeper. The last time you thought so, well...

(Lazy Kurk, this is totally your fault.)

[savedtheworld]

[Dammit Kuruk, can't you do anything right?]

They're all my duties, as along as I choose to uphold them. And that's... not me. Not anymore.

[markofthebrave]

Aang, what's going on?

[savedtheworld]

Be careful, Katara. Don't change your expression at all, no matter what. [Don't even blink.] He's Koh the Face Stealer. ...I met him when I entered the Spirit World at the North Pole. If you show any emotion... he'll take your face for his collection.

[markofthebrave]

[Gulp.]

...didn't anybody ever tell him about bottle caps?

[This anachronism brought to you buy THE MUN BEING UNABLE TO RESIST.]

[savedtheworld]

I guess they're not evil enough.

...Just be careful, okay? One of his... victims... was Avatar Kurk's fiancee.

[markofthebrave]

[While Katara misses the implication of affection, the implication of closeness is loud and clear.

GULP.]

So, um... any way out of this?

[savedtheworld]

He can only look at one of us at a time. I can keep him talking, and you can try slowly backing away. I'm used to dealing with him.

[markofthebrave]

[Instinctive response is instinctive.]

No way. I'm not leaving you here.

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

(Did someone mention Kurk? Cause this would be the perfect opportunity to take on the face of your fiance. Because if the implications are right...this is far too rich.)

Beautiful how through all these past lives the cycle repeats itself. The fiance of your past self came to me and your friend seeks me once more.

[markofthebrave]

[...she was beautiful

And the fact that something so beautiful was on this... horrific thing's body made Katara cringe.]

The only thing I'm seeking is a way out of here. What kind of horrible monster are you?! You're a spirit? What purpose do you serve?

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

It's in human nature to misunderstand the workings of spirits. My work is beyond human comprehension.

[markofthebrave]

Funny, because all the other spirits I've met? Seemed to have pretty distinct roles.

[Yeeeah, she's going there.]

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

(Haha no, you're just begging to get your face stolen. Koh's face frowns a bit.)

I am far older than most spirits, child. They would not know of my ways.

[markofthebrave]

...right.

[That sounds like a big fat excuse to her. But you know what? She's not going to make Aang go through the trauma of watching her face get ripped away today, so she's just going to. Stop talking now.]

[savedtheworld]

C'mon, Katara. I don't want to risk both of us against him, and I know I can keep him busy.

Unless... we take turns talking to him while backing away?

[markofthebrave]

[...]

I can do taking turns.

[She wants to smile at him, but, well. Face.]

[savedtheworld]

We can do this, Katara. Just keep your mind calm.

[markofthebrave]

How am I going to keep my mind calm when there's a creepy face-stealing spirit trying to steal my face?

Why is there even a face-stealing spirit?

[savedtheworld]

I don't know! I just know that if he has any purpose, it's not a good one.

You just... can't let him get to you. Just remember. As long as you don't feel anything, he can't do anything you at all.

[markofthebrave]

[...did you seriously just tell Katara not to feel anything?

...well, she starts backing towards the door, at least.]

[savedtheworld]

[He can tell how hard this is for Katara. It probably would have been easier for just Aang to distract Koh.

He makes prudent steps backwards, but is making sure he doesn't get out before Katara.]

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

[Yes, yes, he'll just turn back and...rear a different face before the two expressionless guests.]

Do make sure you come back soon you two.

[arach_nerd]

I think they'd be worth more if you didn't remove them from their package.

[Hey, look. Expressionless full-faced mask. Whatcha gonna do about that one?]

[givemeyourfaaaaace]

(Make his life harder, why don't you?)

I keep them closer than they'll ever be.