Tokka Week Four - Boomerang

Sokka paced in front of his new prospective soldier.  A set of green eyes looked up at him with reverence and awe.

"Today," he began, "I am going to introduce you to the single most important weapon you will ever learn to use.  It's more important than a sword, more versatile than bending, and, most importantly, will always come back to you."  He unsheathed his weapon and held it at arm's length.

"This is your boomerang."

The soldier grinned at him.  "You are right to be enamoured of it."  He tilted the weapon to allow the light to catch it at all angles.  "No other weapon in the world can match the versatility of the boomerang.  You throw it, and it will come back to you – after knocking a few bad guys' heads around, naturally."  The soldier giggled; Sokka chose to ignore it.  "You can use it in short range combat as well.  The sharpened edges are excellent for use as a blade, and the ends can be used as a blunt object."  He pointed to each part of the weapon as he explained it.

He faced his recruit.  "Most importantly – you must never, ever, ever take your boomerang for granted.  It is entirely possible that it will one day save your life.  Save the life of someone you love..."  His voice trailed off as old memories resurfaced – memories of Fire Nation soldiers, of crashing airships, thick smoke, broken limbs, and a life hanging by no more than a sweaty hand.

Sokka clutched his boomerang as his thoughts returned to the present.  "This boomerang," he explained, "is very special to me.  My father gave it to me when I was very young.  It saved my life more times than I care to count.  The last time it saved me, I thought I'd lost it forever."  A small smile played on his lips.  "A very resourceful earthbender found it buried in mud and who knows what else, and gave it back to me."  

He took a deep breath and allowed himself one last look at Boomerang.  "And now, I want you to have it."

The soldier reached out with unabashed eagerness.  Sokka pulled back a few inches, unsure if this was really what he wanted to do.  With a heavy sigh, he released his weapon to a new pair of hands.

"Just do me one favour, okay?  Don't tell your mother I gave that to you.  I'd never hear the end of it."

His daughter looked at him and babbled incoherently.  "Happy Birthday, Kah Li," he whispered, and placed a kiss on her forehead.

Kah Li hugged Boomerang tight to her chest.  She was only two years old, but there was no denying that she was her father's daughter.