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My vision was blurry, there were flashes of people — Nuns in orange-yellow robes. Then there was this great wave towering over me, over Se-Se. I could hear voices, of old women, calling somebody.
'Yangchen" they called.
But there was no time to dwell on it. I had people to save.
We could hear the gushing water coming towards us, and it was the moment of truth. All of Mesose's ideas, the dams and channels built by the Earth benders, it had ought to work. The water benders were struggling hard to redirect streams towards the channels and keep it from overflowing the dam. Mesose was somewhere nearby, instructing some earthbenders to dig another pit in front of the dam. Suddenly a sharp sound cut through the air.
It was the dam, the force of water must have been too powerful!
I slid down from the elevation and made my way towards the pit, and some benders followed suit. Stopping the water and healing the cracks was tedious work, but we could not give up now. It was almost under control. We just had to push a little harder.
BHAM! Another crack! I could see from my periphery, Mesose and the others rushing towards it.
The stickiness of water was eminent, as mist and dust sprayed everywhere. Despite our continuous efforts to keep Ha'an from flooding again, despite the gravity of the situation we were in, I couldn't help but worry over Se-Se's safety.
Suddenly a cry pierced through the air. That voice. Mesose!
I ran. Ran as fast as I could but it was too late. Water was quickly filling up the trench. A water grave. One we dug ourselves. I had to wade through the water.
I could barely see through the water, from my eyes and the river's torrential spray, but I saw Se-Se bobbing in the water. Perhaps he was okay! He was swimming, that mean he was alright. Right?
But his hands weren't moving. wasn't kicking the water. He was just…floating.
Realization dawned on me as I trudged forward
This can't be it. "Se-Se?" I called, trying to drag his limp body away from the pit, onto land.
"Mesose" "Mesose speak!" "MESOSE"
No this can't be it. I could hear cries and sobs. Was it me or somebody around me? I couldn't quite make out as my feet were lifted of the ground, fire, air, water and chunks of earth floating around me, the familiar presence of many beings embracing me. Whether I was leading them or being led, I wasn't sure.
"We'll leave you two alone" I heard a voice. An old woman.
Another voice.
"The level of risk can be determined by elevation, nearness to the source of water, vulnerability to rapid flows, and potential economic damage"
Was that Mesose? But the voice sounded different..
"Understanding previous measures taken to mitigate the damage from flooding is essential, for they might compile danger instead of reducing it"
Yes. Yes it was! I took a shuddering gasp of air and relaxed. “Half a year and that’s as far as you’ve gotten?” I smiled “You have to stop taking on so many projects at once, Se-Se.”
Se-Se continued, somewhat uncertainly "On the subject of silt deposits . . .’
It was as if life had returned to me. Everything was going to be fine. I had Se-Se.
I had Jetsun with me.