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(Revised 1.28.20)
Another knock came before Clara, still sleepy managed to say, "Yes?" A huge yawn followed.
Through the door came the man from last night. He smiled at her, a cart of food with him.
"Good morning m' lady. Breakfast?"
"Oh! Yes please!" Clara was excited to taste more of this world's strange but delicious foods! In her haste to get out of all the blankets, her left foot got caught.
"Ahhh!" Clara would have face-planted but like yesterday when she had almost fallen to her death, she brought both her hands to her chest and shut her eyes. Clara had broken her right arm once from sticking her arms out to catch herself from falling down some stairs. That painful experience made her never want to break anything ever again!
But she didn't hit the ground. Her new 'ability' stopped that from happening. As nice as it was to not hit the ground, the man saw it all happen. Clara made herself float upright before placing her feet on the ground. Looking to him, she saw him frozen in place by the table where the food was half set up. He looked like he had stepped towards her like he had tried to catch her despite the distance between the bed and table. His eyes were wide, he was more than a little surprised by what he had just seen.
Tense now, she watched as he slowly unfroze. It would have been funny if she was watching him look at someone else like that. He finally composed himself, turning back to the table to finish setting up her breakfast.
"I'm sorry," her voice was a whisper but she could tell he heard, "I didn't mean to surprise you."
Or let anyone see that happen...
"It's alright m' lady," he was still setting things out. "I just didn't..." He trailed off. Clara took a couple of steps forward, hungry but stayed back, and waited for him to continue.
The man finally paused and turned to face her, "I just didn't know there were any airbenders besides the Avatar left."
Clara opened her mouth to tell him he was mistaken but closed it.
Maybe it's better if he just thinks that...
Her silence must have been a good enough answer for him because he finished his set up of her breakfast. Bidding her farewell and safe travels he left the room.
Clara didn't really think she would be able to eat now.
Is it really okay for this stranger to know...? What if he goes around telling everyone and the Dai Li find out and-
Shaking her head she sat down to eat, trying to distract herself with the new flavors. It helped a little but now her stomach felt like she would throw up the food.
You'll be leaving soon with Aang, you'll be far away until the battle with Azula... You'll be okay.
Thinking of how she'll be gone from this place made her feel a bit better and the nausea slowly goes away.
She got dressed back into her world kimono pajamas before putting the nightgown in her backpack. Slinging it over her shoulders Clara headed out of the room. Clara was a little worried about finding her way around the big palace but bumped into the GAang as they were making their way outside.
"Morning Clara!" Aang said smiling wide. She returned the smile and heading with them out. Walking down the long stairway, Clara froze when she saw Appa.
She couldn't believe her eyes! She knew Appa was big from seeing the show so many times but to see him in real life...!
The group notice Clara had stopped and both Aang and Katara smiled.
"That's Appa, my flying bison! Don't be afraid, he won't eat you."
"Not unless we tell him to," Sokka said smirking. He earned a swat on the head from Katara.
"Sokka's lying, don't mind him," she smiled at Clara who was still staring at Appa.
Breathing in deeply she continued with them down to the large creature. Clara knew Appa was a good guy, very loyal to Aang and everyone else he considered a friend and knew she shouldn't be intimidated by him... He was just so BIG!
"Wow..." Clara slowly walked up to the sky bison but jumped when he made a sound. She'd heard it before on the show but it was surreal to hear him in person. He looked down at her and she stiffened when he moved closer to her. Sniffing a little Clara nearly screamed before he licked up the right side of her body.
Grooossss!
She had seen Appa do this to many characters in the series but experiencing Appa's big wet, really wet lick of approval was not that fun. Not ever liking dog licks, this was way worse!
The group laughed a little as Clara tried to wipe herself in an attempt to be free of bison spit but she eventually gave up.
At least he didn't get my hair... not a lot of it anyway...
"Here, let us help," Katara opened her water container and bended the water to wash the spit off of Clara.
"Careful of my bag!" she did not want water in there.
Next, Aang pushed a gust of air over her, drying her entirely.
I guess that will be my last shower for a while now...
"Thank you," Clara ran her hand through her hair to comb it slightly before giving up. It didn't feel like it looked messy but she could tell that she definitely had tangles. She'd have to use her brush that was inside her bag later.
Looking back to the stairs, Clara watched as the Earth King made his way down the steps. She also saw as Aang turned to Katara.
"Katara...?" Aang stepped towards her, "I need to tell you something."
Clara grinned, knowing what was going to happen as Aang continued. She tried to make it seem like she was still admiring Appa as she eavesdropped.
"I've been wanting to say it for a long time." Aang looked away a little before his skin reddened.
Oh my gosh! This is so adorable seeing Aang blush in real life! His cheeks actually turn pink! Just like in the show!
"What is it Aang?" Katara asked smiling.
"Katara... I-" Sokka butted in right at the worst moment! Clara inwardly groaned remembering all this.
"ALRIGGHHHT! Who's ready to get going on our little trip!?" Clara's eyebrows shot up in horror.
That's not what Sokka says! He says, who's ready to get going on our little men only man trip! Wait...
Clara told herself to breathe.
It's alright... It's 'cause you're going too, that's why he didn't say it like he did in the show... no big deal... I hope.
Trying to make herself calm she realized that the Earth King was talking to them. Sokka began climbing up Appa and it occurred to her that she would be riding on Appa... with no saddle for a bit. A guard then came by and informed the King that three Kyoshi warriors were there. Hearing this Sokka freaked a bit and fell off Appa. Clara couldn't help but giggle at his reaction. After watching more scenes from the end of episode 18, Clara bit her lip wondering if she should do something that would change the story, just a bit.
If I warn the Earth King about the Kyoshi warriors... Things could be better actually!
The GAang was hugging their goodbyes as Clara watched and smiled. Quickly she ran up to stop the Earth King.
"Your majesty!" King Kuei stopped and turned back to Clara. He was such a kind man, just like in the show and Clara couldn't help but want to help him.
"When the Kyoshi warriors get here, please," she whispered and looked into his eyes openly showing her distress, "Please don't tell them about the invasion on the day of Black Sun. The fewer people that know the better. We don't want anyone to know who might tell someone... If the Fire Nation was to find out the plan..." King Kuei's eyes widened a bit, understanding what she was implicating. He gave a small nod. Clara smiled shyly before going back over to the GAang.
With some help from Aang, Clara got on Appa. She wished she could just use her new skill but again, too many people were looking.
"Just hold onto Appa's fur, I'll make sure to keep him level so you don't fall off," Aang said before they took off. Clara gripped tightly as the bison flew into the sky.
"Even if she fell off she could technically just fly back on," Sokka said casually, leaning back to look up at the clouds as they pass. Eyes wide, Clara felt as all of her tension melted away. She lifted her head from Appa's fur and tried sitting up straight. The view was incredible. She laughed as she realized she was enjoying herself. She normally didn't get to with all the worrying she did. Breathing in she hoped that this newfound feeling of self-assurance would remain with her.