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.]

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Y-yeah. Most of the things we know about the future... she told us about. [They eventually managed to get her to stop spilling spoilers.] But I think some of the other people from the future knew of him as a councilman, too.

You have more people from your future? I don't think I've ever heard about anyone from the same world that far apart -- at least, not so far as to have descendants. But maybe I just haven't been talking to the right people.

I guess you haven't. There have been a lot around, and all of them who're still here live with us. There's Korra, and Bolin and Asami. A guy named Tahno was here too. And... Tenzin and Jinora and Lin were here too... for a little bit.

That's...a lot of people. I guess I haven't been paying attention. ...Are they all from different times?

They're all from the same time. Some of them were just separated by... either a few weeks or a few months. I mean - Korra's the next Avatar. And Jinora is Ikki's sister, and Tenzin - he's their dad. [He's not sure if it's for the better or worse that he didn't get to know him well yet.]

[She doesn't entirely get the Avatar connection -- she knows that Aang is the Avatar, but she doesn't know anything about living in Korra's head. But the family one? That she can figure out.]

Oh. So...they weren't around for very long, were they?

No. It was less than a month. [He says very quietly. He's trying to remember what Jinora's smile looked like.]

[She's not sure what to say at first, feeling a little guilty for having brought him to think about other people he's lost in Luceti when Sokka's just disappeared. After a moment, she replies almost as quietly.]

You'll see them again, too, when you return home. Only it'll take a little longer than with Sokka.

[She has no idea he's not going to live to see his grandchildren and the thought that he mightn't never occurs to her.]

[Yeahhh. Her words don't entirely comfort her. He knows he'll definitely get to meet Tenzin and his siblings someday.

But he hurts at the idea of never meeting Jinora or her siblings, and getting to have fun with them in a place where they'll all remember it.]

...Thanks, Fenimore. You're a good friend.

[He doesn't want to take that out on Fenimore. He really does appreciate the sentiment she's trying to go for, after all.]

[For a moment, she gets the feeling like she's said something wrong, but eventually she dismisses it. The topic itself is a heavy one. That might be where the feeling is coming from.]

You're the one letting us know about Sokka, and about...what he's up to now. This much should be just expected.

Though...if you need anything.... Though you probably have a lot of people offering company by this point.

[He knows that company is something that he should want, that should be able to help him. But he's too afraid of being around others, so he doesn't want to accept these offers.]

I do. But - but that doesn't make your offer any less nice. And it doesn't make me any less thankful. I... I think I'm okay right now. Unless... you think you'd like company, yourself.

Honestly...I'd rather deal with this on my own. It's not that I don't appreciate getting to talk to you, and to hear what's waiting for him. But...I don't think I'm going to be good company for a while, anyway.

[Technically, whether she's good company isn't the point when it comes to whether she wants company, but what she really wants to do is sulk, and she doesn't want to admit it or pet anyone see.]

I see. I don't think it matters at all what kinds of company people'd be. But if you prefer doing this on your own... I'll respect that, Fenimore.

Well, I think it would matter for you, at least, when you're already having a hard time with it. But...yeah, I'd rather handle it alone.

[She sighs.]

Besides, I live with Grune. If I show the least sign of being upset, she'll probably be all over me.

Well, thanks for being considerate.

You're right. Grune is really friendly. I'm sure she can give you all the comfort you need.

More than I need, if she's let to. But she means well, and that's...nice on its own.

[...]

Are the other people you're living with...I guess they won't be okay. I don't know why I'm asking this. But...are they holding up?

[He actually hesitates for a moment. As some faces come to mind.

Not really Zuko, Iroh, Mai, Bolin, or Asami. He felt like they'd be fine.

But he remembers Ikki's reaction and Suki's. And especially Katara's.

He responds quietly.]

It's... hard to say right now.

Everyone - everyone's taking it different.

[She grimaces. That hesitation says a lot. But what else should she have expected? If she'd been in that position...]

I guess that was a stupid question, this soon after he left. ...Sorry.

It's okay, Fenimore. You were trying to be considerate. But my friends... they're some of the strongest people I know. Even if they're not okay now... I know they will be. So... you don't have to feel bad about it, Fenimore.

Book 16: Drained [Voice/Action]

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