*Bee*
I'd only managed to take out a couple more soldiers when I heard Appa land.
Something was wrong. Maybe it was all my years taking care of the Duke and the girls talking, but I knew it.
I wanted to go find out what it was, but I couldn't stop fighting. Not just because of the bloodlust. Because they needed me.
I kept glancing back. That was probably my problem.
I took down three more soldiers, than looked back. The Chief, Sokka, and Katara were sitting next to Appa. I could tell the Chief was in pain from the way he was trying to sit up. And couldn't.
And then I felt a sharp pain in my left side.
I spun around and sliced the soldier's throat open with my dagger.
And fell to my knees.
I shifted my armor and lifted up my shirt to look at the damage. The cut didn't look deep, but it was bleeding a lot. Too much.
I knew Katara would be busy with her dad. I wasn't sure if there were any other healers. But I couldn't fight like that.
Damn it. The most important day of my life and I couldn't fight.
I glanced around. Maybe one of the swampbenders could heal. Might as well try to find one, at least.
I staggered to my feet. I tried to block out the metallic smell of blood. I wished one of the others were there. If nothing else, they could run and get someone and I could sit down.
The swampbenders would be somewhere near the water. They had buckets on some of the trucks, but they'd need to refill.
I backtracked, avoiding the battle as much as possible and looking for Pipsqueak, the Duke, and/or Longshot. Anyone who'd care enough to help.
As luck would have it, I didn't see anyone. I'd managed to go at least a few hundred yards when I heard Sokka's voice.
"Listen up, everyone!" he yelled. I turned and saw him on Appa in the middle of the field. "I want the tanks in wedge formation! Warriors and benders in the middle! We're taking that tower, and heading for the royal palace!"
The tanks started moving.
I turned and started back. I was still just behind the last tanks when Sokka yelled, "Charge!"