OK. I don't own any of these characters or places. And a Merry Christmas to everyone! There were a few seconds of silence after the girl passed out. Zuko groggily lifted himself off the floor, as did his Uncle and the Doctor. They both stared at each other in silence, then the Doctor got up and gingerly took one of her limp, outstretched hands and checked the pulse.
"She's just unconscious."
"What did she do?" A confused Prince Zuko asked. He rubbed the back of his head, where it had crashed with the wall. He knelt next to the still form of the girl.
The old man, Iroh, groaned as he stiffly stood to his feet.
"I do not know. It was not earth bending for certain. Nor was it air or water bending as far as I can tell." He peered down and parted the curtain of blond hair that covered the girl's face. "I have never seen such strange colored hair." Then he seemed to remember why the girl was unconscious, and turned angrily to Zuko. "You should have given her more time to recover. She was obviously confused, and not feeling well and it was apparent she had never heard of the Avatar." Zuko looked away ashamed. "But that's enough for now. We will let the Doctor finish up here and if you are still up for it, you can question her later, after she has been given time to recover."
The Doctor and Iroh gingerly lifted the girl off the ground and set her back down on the soft padding of the bed, then the uncle and nephew left the Doctor to his work.
Turning the girl over onto her side, the Doctor unwound the bandages wrapped around her head and checked to see if he needed to clean the injury from her fall on the ice earlier. A line formed across his brow as he peered at where the cut was, moving her hair aside for a clearer look. He couldn't believe it. There had been a large gash and swollen area beneath her hair where the ice had cut her head, but it was no longer there! All that was left was a thin line like a scar. Very confused, he threw the bandages in a pile to be boiled and cleaned later and turned the girl back over to rest on her back. Grabbing a blanket, he covered her up to her chin and left her to recover on her own in the dark room of the Fire Nation ship.
"… Ooh. My … head!" I groaned and clutched my head, this time more around the temples since the aching in the back of my head seemed to have gone away. Opening my eyes, I sat up slowly and saw I was still in the same room as before. The bandages on my head were gone, and I couldn't feel any bump or sign of injury.
I hope I haven't been here too long; I really have to get back to Grandpa's! Good Lord I have no idea how long I've been out.
I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, this time without almost passing out, and found my bag at the foot of the bed on the floor. Glancing in the mirror again, I could tell I wasn't as dead looking but my makeup definitely needed re-doing. And I could probably use a change of clothes.
Going over to the door, I listened for anyone approaching and found a latch on the inside I assumed was the lock. Sliding it into place, I jiggled the door to see if it would open and was relieved to discover I could change in safety here. Digging through my bag, pulled out my makeup bag, deodorant spray, a blue shirt with a vintage stencil of ivy and a woman's face profile, and a tan blazer in case it got cold. You never know! Living in Texas has trained me to expect the weirdest weather conditions.
I listened at the door one more time before I quickly took off my shirt, sprayed on some deodorant, slipped on the T-shirt and jacket, ran my fingers through my hair, then cleaned off the eyeliner that made me look gothic and neatly reapplied it. Stuffing my old shirt, makeup, and spray back in my bag, I decided to leave it there while I looked around for whoever was in charge of the ship. I suddenly remembered what happened last before I passed out. I couldn't remember exactly what happened, I was too flustered but I seem to recall a…
… A pale sphere? Ok I'm definitely going crazy here. Realization suddenly hit me. Wherever here is… Oh God, help me get home! I don't know where I am or how I got here.
I slumped dejectedly against the door for a moment before I composed myself, telling myself to be strong. In the silence my stomach voiced a very loud complaint, and I suddenly realized I had no idea how long it had been since I'd eaten. It felt like only a few hours but then again, I'd been unconscious. Taking a deep breath, I unlocked the door and stepped cautiously into a narrow, metal corridor.
My word, is everything on this ship metal? Someone needs a design team.
I smiled to myself, picturing the Extreme Home Makeover team discussing design changes. I decided to head left, and walked slowly down the hall until I smelled the delicious scent of food. My stomach grumbled loudly to me again.
Oohh... I had no idea my stomach could hurt this badly all because of food! Just follow your nose… hah: "if ever in doubt, always follow your nose." Quotables of Gandalf. Ok I'm such a nerd. Stop talking to myself.
I did just that though: followed my nose. I eventually heard the noise of loud talking and clanking bowls and realized that being on a ship meant there would be lots of men. But I quickly drowned that fear with reason.
I've taken Tae Kwon Do. I can protect myself. And I have a little common sense… avoid men in trying situations if at all possible.
The roar of voices came from a side hall to my right and I continued to follow, this time sound was my guide. Halfway down the hall I found some very wide doors that led to a very large room with many low tables and lots of eating men. I felt like I'd just walked into the men's restroom or something. The whole room went silent as everyone turned to look at me.
"Ah, wonderful of you to be awake! Please, come join us!" I heard the elderly man from before and turned to find him seated, or kneeling, at a table in the far corner of the room. Beside him sat some other older men, and the boy.
Oh no. Not him! Sigh But there's no one else to sit with that I feel even remotely safe around so… here goes.
