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]

[pendantry]

[A hug isn't going to solve anything. Aang's fear stepping in is saving him the grief of Raven's rejection. Even such touching words get a half-grunt and a shrug. Fine, he's here. For how long? There are no guarantees at all.]

[action]

[savedtheworld]

[After another moment more, he offers quietly.]

He's gonna be happy now. And - he'll be safe.

[action]

[pendantry]

I know better. Your world is no safer than mine.

[action]

[savedtheworld]

I don't know about your world, Raven, but I don't think that's right. Maybe you know about the war... but that's over now. The world's entering a new era of peace and balance. It's been a whole year without war. There was only one battle that almost started, but we stopped it without bloodshed. I don't know everything about the future... but I really think things are gonna be okay for us.

[action]

[pendantry]

[She's in no mood for a lecture, in Aang's gentle-offended voice especially. Raven turns her head and crosses her arms hard.

I want him back.

At least she manages not to say it out loud.]