Sokka the 79th - [Action]

[markofthewise]

Over two months ago, Sokka died. His penalty was something incredibly intangible. It took from him his empathy, his ability to love, and so many other things. He didn't have a way of describing it, but he was empty. In truth, he wasn't sure he felt anything. There was nothing that truly touched him on the inside.

More than a week ago, Sokka left for a mission. A week and a half with the Depot where they instituted the kind of justice he could appreciate. He certainly felt no remorse when he shot a man for stealing water. When bandits attacked the depot, they rounded up most of them and then strung them up for their trouble. It was a simple morality and for a short while, things actually made sense. Not like the gray morality in Luceti, where people were stupid enough to think that sparing the lives of murderers and thieves meant anything.

And then he got his reward. Cashing in the bulk of mission points he'd accumulated for over a year, he was given what he really coveted the most. Power. And now he had it. As he walked into Luceti, he imagined that he could feel the difference. It was not quite so dramatic as what he had been given by the Rogue Malnosso, but he was content with the knowledge that he'd be keeping what he'd earned. There'd be no scientists taking it away from him this time.

It's mid-day when Sokka returns to town and he's still wearing the cowboy hat he took to the Depot with him. Maybe it doesn't exactly mesh with the Water Tribe clothes he's accustomed to, but he likes it. The hat makes him feel gritty and intimidating. He'll eventually get tired of hat hair, though. Just not today.

So today for his time spent back in Luceti, he heads home to greet whoever might be there. He checks in Foo Foo, the saber toothed moose lion he received from Christmas. It's getting quite big now, having reached the size of medium-sized dog. The tips of his antlers are even starting to become a bit more visible. Although the animal does seem quieter around Sokka, its at least obedient and follows him as he goes about Luceti. For today that includes the Smithy until evening, the Library for an hour, back at House 56 for dinner, and then out in the forest to try and teach Foo Foo to hunt.

The next morning, he makes sure that Okita Souji will meet him for their training session. Sokka is looking forward to seeing the results.

Comments

[tokennonbender]

"...Right." A pause. "Well, sure, that sounds interesting."

And not quite as creepy.

[markofthewise]

"Well, it's under the house." A pause. "Which you're probably living at now, aren't you?"

[tokennonbender]

"If you mean with Avatar Aang and Korra and everyone, yes. They let me have the empty room."

[markofthewise]

"Well, I'm part of that everyone. So, belated welcome to Avatar House. Assuming no one else beat me to that."

[tokennonbender]

She gave a little nod of her head. "Thank you, though most everyone has already gotten around to it, yes."

She glanced at his pile of diagrams again, and then back to where he was working earlier. "I suppose I should let you get back to your work?"

[markofthewise]

He paused as he considered asking her to stay, but the truth of it was he would have to go put a bunch of things away if she was going to stay. So instead he rolled up his notes and handed them to her.

"I have a few projects I want to finish up first. But why don't you work on this. If you figure it out, I can start making the parts."

[tokennonbender]

Asami took the rolled up papers and nodded, feeling them crinkle under her fingers in her excitement. She always watched things being invented, but really getting to figure it out...that was new.

"Of course. I'll get on it as soon as I can. Thank you, Sokka."

[markofthewise]

"Don't mention it. I'll see you later." A beat. "... which will probably be for dinner."

If Asami hadn't learned yet, she was bound to discover dinner was a big deal at the Avatar house. You did not skip dinner without a valid excuse beforehand. And everyone participated.

[tokennonbender]

She smiled. "Probably. I hadn't realized everyone eats together..." She'd been out on her first day, and exploring on her second, whoops.

[markofthewise]

"You're still new. You'll get off the hook for now. But don't try to make a habit of it if you know what's good for you."

[tokennonbender]

...Is it really that big a deal?

[The problem with an inventor father is if he had an idea, she might not see him for days, let alone at meals.]

[markofthewise]

He shrugged. "Like it or not, you're in a Water Tribe home. Family is a very, very big thing. Especially with my sister. And given she's the only one who really knows how to cook, it's generally a good idea to just go with it."

Whoops. I am half asleep.

[tokennonbender]

"I can cook," she said, then paused. "Well, a little bit. I watched the cooks sometime..."

She could sort of cook. Proxy cook?

"I guess I can see how it would matter, since people can just disappear...I'll try to be around for dinner."

[markofthewise]

He smirked. "Good thinking. I'll see you then."

[tokennonbender]

"Yes. Thanks, Sokka."

And with a wave, she turned and was gone. Asami Sato, Awaaaaaaaay.