Book 16: Drained [Voice/Action]

[savedtheworld]

[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.]

Comments

[action]

[wise_maiden]

... All you can do is support one another, and try not to fall to complete despair.

[action]

[savedtheworld]

[He closes his eyes as he takes it in and nods before he opens his eyes again.]

You're right, Raine. [For some reason, he remembers the desert. He remembers Katara holding them all together while they were falling to grief and anger and cactus juice. He remembers Katara holding him down and keeping him from falling to such a complete despair. He knows he has to at least try to do the same for her.]

Sometimes... that's the best you can try. Thank you.

[He starts to move towards Noise.]

[action]

[wise_maiden]

[Noishe stands still, wagging his tail with a soft 'wuffing' sound. Raine stays put, not wanting to accidentally startle Aang again.]

Sometimes you just have to cut the part about thinking too much about it out of the way. I know you'll all endure, Aang.

[action]

[savedtheworld]

I appreciate your faith. That does make sense. [Thinking too much could lead to darker thoughts - like what if Sokka was actually taken to another enclosure, or some other worse possibility? He can just think lightly of Sokka being able to be home and finally seeing his father again. And having a vaguely happy future.

He glances towards Raine before looking back towards Noishe with a soft smile.]

Raine... Pretend this is you.

[And he goes to give Noishe a soft hug.]

[action]

[wise_maiden]

... Thank you, Aang. And you too, Noishe.

[And when he finishes, she'll move to 'return' the hug, as the protozoan makes a sound of contentment at receiving two hugs. Even if they both weren't quite meant for him alone.]

[action]

[savedtheworld]

[He does step back from Noishe and he watches as Raine gives the hug, with a warm smile.]

Thank you, Raine. You're... you're a big help. And Noise, too.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

Well, I try anyway. Will you be all right, or would you like Noishe to hang around for a while longer? I know you must have a lot of others to talk to today.

[action]

[savedtheworld]

[He ponders for a moment.]

I'll be alright, Raine. I still have... Appa and Momo, and everyone to talk to. So you and Noishe, you can move on if you want to.

[action]

[wise_maiden]

If you're sure about that. I don't mind waiting around, you know.