not from around here | Zuko X OC

| chapter forty five | •

I opened my eyes and stared at the sky, feeling the cold breeze tickle my face. I scrunched up my nose in annoyance at being woken up to being so cold, and ducked my head under the sleeping bag.
I fidgeted slightly, trying to warm myself up as much as I could, and curled into a ball.

It didn't last very long until my peace was interrupted.

It could only have been a few minutes until I felt something poke my back.
I tried to ignore it, but it happened again and then got repetitive.

I made a "hmmm!" noice of annoyance and wiggled to tell whatever was poking me to stop it.

"Saki, you have to get up. Remember we have to leave early today." I heard Sokka's loud and somehow very awake voice say as he poked me again.

"No, go without me." I responded.
"We need to stick to the schedule."

I pushed the sleeping bag off of me and threw a pillow at Sokka, hitting him in the face.
He glared at me as the pillow fell to the floor and I grinned, grabbing it and putting it back.

"I'll be ready, but I won't be happy." I murmured, starting to bring myself to my feet.

I could see Katara with Appa and I frowned, wondering why she was looking inside his mouth.

"What's the matter, Katara?" I heard Aang ask Katara, going over to her.

"I think Appa's sick." She said, gaining even more of my attention.
"What, Appa's sick? That's awful!" I heard Sokka shout and run over to Appa.

"Wow, Sokka, I didn't realize you cared so much." Toph said in surprise.

"He doesn't care, the schedule master just doesn't want to be off task." I told her before Sokka could say anything, going over myself to take a look at Appa.

"Saki's right!" Sokka admitted without a second thought.
"I might as well just throw our schedule away now." He continued in annoyance. The rest of us gave him the evil eye and he quickly changed his tune, rushing solicitously to Appa's side and hugging him.
"And I'm concerned because my big, furry friend doesn't feel well." He added.

"He must have gotten sick from being in the polluted water." Toph suggested.
"I know I would." I murmured.

"He doesn't look sick. You okay, buddy?" Aang pulled Appa's giant tongue out of his mouth and we all gasped in surprise.
"His tongue is purple! That can't be good. Katara, can you heal him?" Aang asked, sounding concerned.

"It looks like he needs some medicine. Maybe we can find the right herbs in town."

"Ugh, please no, I don't wanna go back to that crusty ass stank fest. How about I stay here and look after Appa?"
"To be honest, that's not a bad idea." Pointed out Sokka and I gave a thumbs up.

"Alright, Saki you can stay here, the rest of us will go down to the river town to find some more food and medicine."
Aang told us, ready to walk down. The others followed and I waved them goodbye.

As soon as they were out of sight, I flopped backwards onto Appa's soft and warm coat.

"You'll be better soon Appa, don't worry." I told him, patting his side gently as Momo came and flew down next to me.

"And you two can hang out with me!" I told them, patting Momo on the head. He chirped at me and I smiled.

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