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

Yeah, I know. Sometimes it just takes a little reminder.

[He knows the feeling all too well.]

Leia went home recently as well, though she wasn't here as long as Sokka. But like with him, it's better she's at home. She didn't have to deal with experiments, and she gets to go home to Han. I imagine they'll both be happy.

And us? We will have to make do with what we have. Giving in to despair seems easy, and it is sad, but by the sounds of it, Sokka wouldn't want you to. What do you think?

Leia... Your sister? I didn't even know she was here. But I'm glad she was able to go back home soon. I bet you're right that they're happy. [He knows Luke must still miss her.]

I think you're right, Luke! I don't want to give in to despair. I want to find more hope. For... for me, and for my friends. Because... him being gone, it really is a good thing.

It was brief. But yes, she was.

[Luke can't help but smile weakly, even though Aang can't see it.]

Hope will find you, you know. I mean, look at Ikki. And look at yourself, really. From what I understand you bring hope to the people in your world. You certainly seem like someone that could. Children and heroes are two big sources of it.

I see. I... I hope that she's safe back home, then.

[Luke, another person separated from a close sibling. But he knows if must be different for him - he's already been living without her. While Sokka and Katara have been around each other for the majority of their time in Luceti... and for Katara's entire life before that.]

You're right. Thank you, Luke. Maybe hope... maybe it can still work. I know I'm gonna try to spread it. [Well, after he has a more solid feeling of it for himself.]

Of course, I know you will. Hope is infectious, you know. More catching than fear and sadness. All you really have to do is have it, and other people will see it and be inspired.

I guess you're right. Hope did work that way back home. It's... like a virus! ...A good kind!

[Luke laughs, remembering something a certain cloned Emperor had said about hope, an interesting parallel.]

That's maybe not the best metaphor, but it's definitely something like that.

Right, I guess it isn't! Maybe it's more like... planting a flower!

That's better. A much happier way of putting it, wouldn't you say?

Yes! It is. Thanks, Luke. I'm gonna make sure it grows to be a healthy and pretty flower, then.