savedtheworld | Book 16: Drained [Voice/Action]

[Voice]

[It had been easy enough to assume that Sokka had still been kidnapped - that he'd be back any day. It was worrying, but there was still the assurance of his eventual return. Except that eventually, his room was checked. And found empty. There wasn't even a sign of Foo Foo Cuddlypoops. It was hard to believe - when Aang had first gotten to Luceti, he had gotten used to Sokka being the man with the answers. And also a beard. He was like a big figure of the town. And now he was gone. Katara wasn't in a state to announce it herself, so Aang eventually did it. Making it quick and to the point.]

Hi everyone. This is Aang. I'm sorry to tell you all this, but Sokka has gone back home. I know we're all gonna miss him. I already do. But at least at home... the last time I saw him there, he was happy.

[Action]

[Aang spends some time over by the statue of Sokka's head located House 56, studying the image of his best friend. He tries to meditate and tries to imagine the inspiring words that Sokka would usually say. Because he's still afraid of being around other people. And right now, the people dear to him may need him more than ever.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Thank you, Souji. I honestly don't know a lot about his future, but my present is at least already a year ahead of his time. So know he'll be happy then. Even if he can't remember it, I'm sure that he will miss you in some way.

As long as he finds happiness, whether he remembers me or not is irrelevant. It might be better that he forgets, perhaps.

But you will see him again some day - and grow to old men together as friends, yes?

I wouldn't say that. It's always better to remember a good friend. But you're right. His happiness is the most important.

[And that's a large comfort of him going home: that he won't be remembering any of the horrible things he endured while in Luceti. Especially everything related to his death.

But speaking of death, the second part of the message gives him pause - as it makes him very sad. He knows a lot about the future, after all. He knows that he himself will only live to 66 - which could be considered to be old, but not really what Souji has in mind. He doesn't know how long Sokka will live... but it has sounded like he'd be gone by Korra's time]

I'll see him again someday. And we're going to have a lot of time together as friends.

Then I hope you can treasure that time together when you have it - even if you never remember my saying so. You and your friends, Sokka-kun especially, I always saw such hope for a better future in you. I still do.

[A hope he knows his world doesn't have, not for the foreseeable future. Himura Kenshin has told him as much - they changed the world, he and his friends died, and everything was still as awful as it was before.]

For however much time you have, I hope it is wonderful.

Thank you, Souji. Your words are honestly very touching.nNo matter what happens, I know I'm going to treasure all the time I have with Sokka, whenever that time comes. And I know we're going to work together to make a brighter future.

I am glad to hear it.

But if it isn't too much to ask - how are you and the others faring? I realise I was only his teacher for a short time, but if there is something you need, I am here.

We're doing our best to cope. To be honest, it hit some of us really hard. [Especially Katara.] He was here the longest out of us, and he was like a leader to us. So it leaves a very big empty space, in his room and in our hearts.

I'm glad for your support, Okita. You really are a good friend. I'm just not sure what needs to be done right now. Maybe we could use some of our friends around, or maybe we could use some space. I don't know for sure, and I don't want to ask anything of anyone when I'm not sure.

[Souji remembers. He remembers watching Sokka when he first came, as he grew older, his friends disappearing and reappearing, changing bit by bit... He remembers and can only imagine how difficult it can be for his friends now, with their anchor gone from them so suddenly.]

I understand.

Just Aang-kun...? Don't think you can't ask, just because you're not sure. If there is anything you think of, anything at all, just leave me a message.

I will, Okita. Don't worry. I won't be afraid to ask you for help. And if you need me, I'll help you too.

Thank you, Aang-kun. For now, take care of your friends and family. That is most important as you well know.

Thank you, Okita. I'll do that. And I hope that you can feel okay, too.

[Aang's concern almost makes his heart break. He's learned to be okay when people went home, over the years and the relentless number of heartbreaks, he's just learned to go numb when he hears of another one. But he can't tell that to a boy who is made for giving hope to the world.

It isn't right to put that on him.]

Thank you - I'll be fine.

Book 16: Drained [Voice/Action]

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