Exiting the canyons, the two successfully escaped the conflict. Yang slowed to a speed where Blake wasn't scared for her life. She eased up.
"Really not a fan of motors huh?" Yang teased.
"It's so fast and loud. I don't know how you handle it."
"You know me, I live for the thrill. So how are you feeling?"
"I can't move my leg, but otherwise I'm just a little sore." Blake cinched in pain as they rode over a small bump.
"We need to tend your wounds. Do you know a place around here?"
Blake thought about it. "Actually this might be a stretch, but local legends tell of a spring along this canyon with healing properties."
"What a unique island you have. Well mystical or not, any water will be of great use."
Blake was losing colour, growing paler than usual. The canyon rocks morphed into the land where plant life sprouted from the stone surfaces. The greenery thickened as they proceeded. Blake's ears twitched.
"Yang slow down."
"What is it?"
"I think I hear. . . water."
They rolled along quietly. A small stream came into view.
"Look at that," Yang said surprised.
Upstream, a gorgeous spring pond settled: small waterfall, natural flower beds, even lotus pads floating on the moonlit water. Yang stopped by a tree and carried Blake off the bike. They moved slowly, taking in the scenery and the honeydew-like scents. Yang rested Blake on a mossy rock by the water. She carefully tore Blake's legging to fully expose the wound.
"As much as I doubted it before, I really want this magic water to work," Yang said, realizing the severity of the gash. She cupped her hands and dipped them into the spring water, then hovered carefully over Blake's leg and dripped the liquid from her thigh down. Blake cringed in pain, sucking air into her mouth.
"Sorry. Just hang in there," Yang spoke softly. She ripped a piece of her undershirt and dampened it to form a makeshift bandage. With a delicate grip, she dressed the wound. The yellow cloth fit snug around Blake's leg. She breathed out as a small stain of blood soaked through.
"So, does it feel like it's magically healing?" Yang asked.
"I don't know. It just kind of hurts."
"Hey, I'm doing my best here." Yang crossed her arms.
"No, I mean. . . This is better than before. Thank you." Blake sat up, eyes level with Yang who knelt close. "So, what are you doing here Yang?"
"Well, I was passing through Mistral when I discovered a certain rebel uprising. I had my suspicions you were involved, so I took a little detour." Yang looked up to find Blake staring into her eyes. They held a gaze for a moment before both shifting away awkwardly.
"I mean I did other stuff too. I took down a black market trading post, gave Bumblebee some wicked mods, and it seems I was needed in that crazy battle, so I say the trip was well worth it."
"You're insane," Blake laughed. "I never expected to see any of you so soon. Sorry if I seem lost, it's just difficult to process everything. I'm glad you're here though."
"Me too." Yang looked at the moon reflected on the pond. "This place is beautiful. It's hard to believe the water isn't magical."
Blake cupped some water and drank it by licking the surface over and over. "Wow, this tastes almost sweet! Here try some." She extended her hand towards Yang.
"I'm supposed to be taking care of you right now," Yang blushed a little.
"Your hands are dirty, just take it."
Yang leaned forward and sipped from Blake's palm. She blushed a lot. "Mmm, that is good. Maybe we could save some for a special tea."
"Well if it is a magical spring, you might be upsetting a spirit or something if you did that."
"Hah, it would be far worse upsetting me." Yang pounded her fists together.
Blake looked at Yang's metal arm closely for the first time. "So, the arm. Is that. . . working out for you?"
"Oh, this? It definitely has its perks. I can whoop butt even better than before!" Yang rushed her response.
"I. . . Yang, I'm— "
"Blake, I don't blame you at all. It was completely my fault. I rushed in like a fool, but I've learned from my mistakes. If anything I was more hurt that you left without a word."
Blake looked down. "It was selfish, I know that now. I started to miss everyone right away, but I was so stubborn. Now I'm involved with something I can't leave unattended." She put her arms over her ears and shook her head.
"Don't strain yourself so much. Take your own advice, and take a break every now and then."
"I guess I haven't changed at all." Blake looked at her leg. "The rebel force is important to me though. I'm so committed, but even then, I don't know what comes next for us."
Yang placed a hand on Blake's leg. "We'll figure it out." Their eyes met.
"Yeah. I think so."