As I first opened my eyes, I was immediately blinded by an intense light, causing me to quickly close them again to shield myself from the glare. As my eyes slowly adjusted, I cautiously opened them once more and saw Yue, prompting me to smile warmly and swiftly run towards her, enveloping her in a tight embrace that drew laughter from her lips.
"I've missed you so much." I said quietly, holding onto her tightly, not wanting to let go as I felt the hot trail of tears streaming down my face.
She gently pulled away, her touch soft as she wiped away my tears. "I've missed you too." she replied, her voice filled with the same longing and affection.
"Look at you, finally out there experiencing the world." she commented, causing a small smile to form on my lips as I nodded and placed my hand gently upon hers that still rested on my cheek.
"Something we were supposed to be doing together." I responded, my voice choked with emotion before I succumbed to sobs, causing her to enfold me in a tender embrace.
"We're traveling together, Xai. You just don't know it yet." she responded, her words leaving me somewhat bewildered.
She then added, "Just think about my favorite animal." Upon hearing her words, I found myself looking at her with a perplexed expression.
"A panda? You want me to think about a panda?" I inquired, my confusion deepening.
As my eyes abruptly opened, a groan escaped my lips as I gradually adjusted to the sunlight. I slowly sat up, and as I straightened my position, I winced in pain, having momentarily forgotten my injury. It was no surprise; Azula had a habit of playing rough and cheating.
I directed my gaze downward, taking in the sight of my bandaged left shoulder. As I gingerly touched the wound, I heard Aang's cheerful voice, "You're awake." He hopped onto Appa's saddle and enveloped me in a tight hug, causing a smile to form on my face as I returned his embrace. After a moment, I gently unwrapped his arms from around me.
"My shoulder, Aang." I winced, prompting him to quickly step back. He assisted me in getting off Appa, and the rest of the group gathered around, hugging me warmly.
Sokka inquired, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm still in pain, but I'll be alright." I answered, my voice tinged with a hint of discomfort, as I took a sip from the container of water that Katara had given me.
"We thought you had died." Aang admitted, his voice laced with sadness.
Toph suddenly piped up, "But I didn't!" Her head lifted up, prompting a small chuckle to escape from me.
"I had some odd dreams about Yue." I shared, noticing Sokka sink into his seat.
"I'm sorry, Sokka." I began, but he immediately interjected, "No, it's alright." He then inquired, "How is she doing?"
The thought of her brought a smile to my lips, and I responded, "Great. She kept telling me about her favorite animal."
"Let's set up camp and you can tell us more, Xai." Katara responded making everyone nod their heads and I started with the simple task of making the fire since Katara didn't want me to do much.
My sleep was anything but peaceful. Frustrated by my inability to find comfort, I tossed and turned in Appa's saddle, desperately trying to decipher the meaning behind Yue's words. Eventually, I gave up on sleep and pushed myself from my sleeping bag. Resolved to clear my head, I decided to take a walk.
I was startled by the sound of a weary yet frightened whine, drawing me closer to investigate. As I followed the sound, I came upon a small panda bear, lying in a fetal position, its fur stained with blood.
