As her eyes fluttered open, a sharp jolt of agony shot through her left shoulder, rendering any attempt to shift position almost unbearable. The simple act of sitting up proved to be an ardyour task, as she grappled with the excruciating pain, inching her way toward the edge of the unfamiliar bed.
Her surroundings slowly came into focus, and it dawned upon her that she was far from the comfort and familiarity of her own home. She found herself disoriented and unaware of her surroundings until her eyesight gradually returned. Suddenly, a young girl burst through the door, calling out a name with excitement, "Sky!" The little girl's voice echoed through the room, filling it with energy.
Right behind her, a taller girl emerged, cautioning the little one to be careful as she approached. In her hands, she carried a tray filled with steaming cups of what appeared to be tea and a delectable spread of food. Sky uttered a perplexed "Uh-i-hi?" as she struggled to comprehend the bewildering circumstances surrounding her.
She couldn't help but question her own identity, as the revelation that her name was Sky came as a shock. How long had she been known as Sky? This revelation brought forth a wave of confusion and uncertainty that consumed her thoughts.
As a sudden knock echoed through the room, every person's attention was instantly drawn towards the door. Leaning nonchalantly against the sturdy frame stood a man who caught everyone's gaze. His bald head glistened under the soft glow of the room's lights, while his attire consisting of vibrant red and yellow robes matched those of the two other children present in the room. Without realizing it, she managed to blurt out the word "pain". She confesses that her head is throbbing and that everything seems jumbled and perplexing.
Ikki spoke in a gentle tone as he presented your beloved peppermint tea. Sky gently touched her head and immediately felt the presence of bandages tightly wrapped around it. As she continued to explore, she realized that her arms were also heavily bandaged. The discomfort of her left shoulder, secured in a sling, made her question when this sudden shift in dominance occurred, leaving her reliant on her right hand.
The man suggested to the girls that it would be a good idea to give the sky some time to recuperate. As he rose from the bed, he lovingly kissed Sky's forehead before exiting the room. However, the two girls voiced their dissatisfaction with the idea before reluctantly joining the man outside, thus leaving poor Sky feeling isolated and abandoned once again in the room. Sky gently placed her hand on her forehead, savoring the lingering warmth of the affectionate kiss planted on her head.
The sound of her youngest child's voice could be heard pleading with their father from behind the closed door. Why was it that she couldn't recollect her own identity? Why did everything seem so perplexing? And why was her body covered in bruises? Who were the individuals in the room with her? This place did not resemble a hospital, and who or what was a katana? Numerous questions raced through her mind, but they only served to exhaust her further.
She wearily placed her legs back onto the bed and reclined, resting her head on the pillow as she closed her eyes. However, discomfort from her position compelled her to open her eyes, and she was on the verge of screaming. In an instant, a hand covered her mouth, causing her heart to race as she struggled to remain calm. "Sorry, do I know you-" she started to ask before Mason laughed. "It's not funny, Mason," Jason said quickly, then Mason wiped away his tears. "You're right, it's not funny," he said, letting out a little laugh. "But you have to admit that the battle was massive. You should have seen Councilman Tenzin's face when he found you!" he exclaimed. The woman shook her head in disbelief as she listened to the ongoing bickering between Mason and Jason.
She couldn't help but interrupt, seeking clarification, "Wait, what? I'm sorry, did you say a battle? Like an actual war?" Her voice was filled with shock and confusion as she struggled to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
Mason couldn't contain his laughter, finding her reaction amusing, but Jason quickly nudged him in the stomach, causing him to grunt in discomfort. "Yes, it's true," Jason confirmed, his eyes scanning the bandages that adorned her body. "I wanted to witness it myself, but I never expected it to be so intense. It started as a minor scuffle, but then out of nowhere..." Before Jason could finish his sentence, Meelo suddenly burst into the room, displaying his incredible airbending skills.
The unexpected entrance only added to the chaos and tension in the room. As Sky opened her mouth to speak, her eyes locked instantly with the boys. However, before she could say anything, she entered the room and called out to Meelo, leading him away. Sky quickly turned her gaze back to the boys, only to find that they had vanished into thin air. It felt as though she was losing her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion and disbelief. As she sat up fully, she winced in pain and slowly removed the covers from her body.
She struggled to maintain her balance as she made her way towards the nearby mirror, using a dresser drawer for support. Upon seeing her reflection, she was shocked to discover that her appearance had changed. Her brown hair, pale skin, and wrong eye color were all unfamiliar to her. She also noticed some bruising peeking out from beneath the bandages, which only added to her confusion and discomfort. Just then, she heard a familiar voice and turned around to find Mason and Jason sitting on the bed.
Ready to question their sudden disappearance, she began to ask where they went, but Jason chuckled and explained that only she could see them. Jason approached her, causing her to instinctively back up against the dresser. He gently brushed some strands of hair away from her face and spoke reassuringly, emphasizing how special she was and urging her not to forget it. Mason nodded in agreement, promising to help her regain her lost memories and ensuring that Valtor would never harm her again. She asked, "Valtor?" as she reached out to touch her head, wincing in agony.
Jason walked over to the tea that was placed on the bedside table and grabbed the cup. With a hint of humor in his voice, he expressed his hope that he wouldn't have to go through the process of training her all over again.
She accepted the cup from him and inhaled the strong scent of peppermint, finding it both soothing and rejuvenating. Curiously, Mason questioned whether peppermint typically can keep a person awake and attentive. Jason responded on behalf of Sky, stating that the level of heat of the beverage varied depending on the individual's body. As Sky delicately took a sip, she noticed that it was warm, yet not excessively scalding to the point of causing any discomfort or harm to her tongue. ''It is nice"
Jason, with a serious expression on his face, pleaded with Sky to make an effort to recall something. She inquired, her voice softening as she gently lowered the cup, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Did you tell your father before the attack—" he asked, hoping for an answer. "I'm sorry I didn't..." she said as she watched Jason pace back and forth. "I'm sorry, I don't know if I did what you asked me to do," she said as Mason sighed.
Mason gently shook his head in disbelief, his voice filled with a hint of caution as he offered his advice. "No matter what happens, just go along with their game and respond with simple yes or no answers," he recommended, his hand resting reassuringly on her shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll return tomorrow. Try to get some rest," he concluded, his words conveying a sense of comfort and support, as he turned and made his way towards the window.
Sky observed the departure of the two young boys through the window, carefully tracking their movements until they were out of sight. She then shut her eyes momentarily, taking a brief respite, and upon reopening them, she was startled to find the window void of any evidence that the boys had ever been there. It was as if their presence had been completely erased, leaving no trace behind. After replacing the cup with the tray, she gingerly settled back down, cringing from the discomfort she felt.
Despite her efforts to recollect any memories before her injuries, nothing resurfaced, leaving her feeling disappointed. A lot was happening that she couldn't fully comprehend. She was aware of having three siblings and a father, and she assumed there must also be a mother and possibly some pets in the picture. However, there was something that troubled her. Certain things just seemed ordinary and routine, like the serving of tea, the sudden entrance of the kids, the gentle kiss on the forehead, and the overall sense of tranquility that seemed to permeate everyone'sdemeanor.
The names Jason and Mason still felt hazy and indistinct to her, especially considering the possibility that what they claimed might be true. Perhaps she was merely experiencing hallucinations, however, a fragment of her being also held the belief that this was not just a figment of her imagination, but rather a genuine reality. It was as if this existence, this physical form, and even her cognitive faculties belonged to her. Everything within this perplexing realm seemed destined to align and coalesce into a comprehensible narrative at any given moment. Even though lying down did not affect her, she couldn't help but glance at the window through which the two males had exited.
This made her question the truth of their claim that no one else could see them, as she clearly could. They treated her as if she held some special significance, almost as if she were a savior or a saint. It seemed as though they expected her to fulfill a certain purpose, and their disappointment was evident when she struggled to recall any significant details. Furthermore, their insistence that she relay a message to her father only added to her confusion. What was the intended message that they wanted her father to understand and what significance did this body she assumed have in conveying that message?
Who was she?
Just a mere two hours had elapsed since she roused from her slumber and dealt with the tumultuous events that had unfolded. Now, she found herself fixated on the wall that stood before her bed, adorned with exquisite artwork. The composition seemed to be sketched with a pencil, showcasing its intricate beauty.
As she gazed upon it, a sense of familiarity washed over her, yet she struggled to fully grasp its significance. The artwork depicted a young girl positioned atop a majestic snow-covered mountain, surrounded by an array of trees. Two additional figures stood alongside the girl, perched on the pinnacle of the mountain.
The piece resonated deeply with her, but she yearned to unravel its true meaning and unravel the enigma it presented. As the sound of a gentle knock resonated through the room, a woman gracefully entered, capturing everyone's attention. With a warm smile, she acknowledged Sky's gaze fixated on her painting. "Ah, I see you have been engrossed in your masterpiece," the woman remarked, drawing closer to the bed where Sky was seated. Startled by the sudden interaction, Sky responded hastily, recalling one of the boys' advice. "Yes," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of uncertainty.
Eager to engage in conversation, the woman inquired further, "What other elements are you contemplating adding to your artwork?" Sky paused for a moment, her mind racing to come up with a suitable response." Perhaps some vibrant flowers or splashes of color," she suggested, her imagination conjuring up various possibilities. At that moment, she realized that this painting was a reflection of her creative expression, a manifestation of her unique perspective on the world.
Sky began to open her mouth, preparing to speak, but her attention was quickly diverted towards the woman's attire. It appeared to be identical to that of the other individuals present. Just as she was about to inquire about this peculiar coincidence, she couldn't help but notice the woman's longing gaze fixated on the tray of food before them.
Realizing that her lack of hunger may have inadvertently offended her, Sky quickly apologized, her voice barely above a whisper, expressing her gratitude for the enjoyable cup of tea she had just consumed. So, Katara was Sky's grandmother, and Tenzin was her father. This meant that the woman who had just left the room was her mother.
It was valuable information that would help Sky piece together the puzzle of her family history and, hopefully, put an end to constantly disappointing those around her, as she seemed to be doing at the moment. A few minutes elapsed before she decided to rise from her bed, taking caution due to the lingering pain. The tea she had consumed earlier seemed to have provided relief, possibly containing some undisclosed medication.
With the night breeze starting to blow, she made her way towards the window. Ensuring it was tightly shut, she proceeded to draw the curtains closed before turning her attention to her closet. Opening the door revealed a full-length mirror, allowing her to observe her reflection more clearly. She noticed she was dressed in a white gown, adorned with numerous bandages, which she hadn't realized were so plentiful. The bruises on her face remained unchanged from a few hours ago, indicating that the medicine she had taken was likely meant to alleviate any swelling.
She felt a deep sense of gratitude for still being alive, and while a part of her was relieved, another part was overcome with fear. The thought of never regaining her memories haunted her, leaving her unsettled and anxious. It became increasingly apparent that the boys she encountered were intent on concealing her memory loss from others, but she couldn't help but wonder if it would be more beneficial to let people know.
Perhaps if others were aware of her condition, she could receive additional support and guidance to navigate through this bewildering situation. As she took a deep breath, a heavy sigh escaped her lips, indicating a sense of weariness. Observing her appearance, it was evident that her hair, although tied up, possessed a considerable length that was not immediately apparent due to her chosen hairstyle.
The subtle presence of well-defined muscles on her body hinted at a regular fitness routine, serving as a clue about her lifestyle. While this information alone was not enough to draw definitive conclusions, it brought her a sense of satisfaction, knowing that she had some initial knowledge to build upon. Estimating her age proved to be a challenging task; although she seemed to be around 15 years old, her height could potentially alter this perception.
Additionally, the underdeveloped state of her chest suggested a younger age, possibly around 13 years old. Lacking any concrete evidence, she realized that determining her exact age would require relying on someone else's input, which could potentially take an indefinite amount of time, leading to a sense of uncertainty.
She found solace in the fact that the limited information she possessed about the body she now inhabited granted her a glimpse into her current existence, even though she lacked any recollection of her past or that of the girl whose body she now occupied. This knowledge provided her with a focal point during her recovery, as it seemed that everyone around her simply wanted her to remain confined to her room and rest.
However, with the anticipation of her grandmother's visit to offer healing, she couldn't help but hope that by tomorrow she would feel improved enough to at least venture outside her room and explore the rest of the house. The more she could discover about her surroundings, the more she might uncover about herself. Questions lingered in her mind, such as the identity of the enigmatic man named Valtor, briefly mentioned by the boys.
How did she come to know these boys in the first place? Who could she trust and who posed a threat to her? She had something she desired to experiment with at the moment. As she headed towards the door, intending to lock it, she discovered that it was a sliding door with no lock. Confused, she looked around the room, trying to recall any memories that might help her make sense of her situation. Unfortunately, she could only grasp fragments of memory, leaving her feeling even more perplexed.
Hoping that nobody would walk in on her, she returned to the full-length mirror. Suddenly, she winced in pain as she moved her left shoulder. "Ouch, that hurt," she exclaimed unintentionally. Trying to relax her shoulders, she reached out with her right hand to grab a piece of clothing from the closet.
This simple action made her ponder something deeper: how did she perform tasks without consciously thinking about them? It felt strange to her, almost as if her right hand wasn't meant to be her dominant hand.
However, she decided to put that concern aside for now and focus on more pressing matters. Running her hand across the different fabrics hanging in the closet, she noticed that most of them were in shades of yellow, orange, and brown. While there were various styles and textures, she couldn't help but notice that she had multiple pairs of the same shirt and pants.
Her shoes also seemed to be very similar, except for a few fancier options. Sweaters, jackets, and robes all followed a specific theme, and she found herself disappointed by the lack of color variety in her wardrobe.
She carefully took off her dress and managed to put on a pair of yellow pants and yellow shorts before there was a knock on the door. "Can these people leave me alone already?" was the first thought that came to her mind. "Come in." She said meekly before the door opened, her father noticing her struggling as he approached her. "I thought I heard movement," he said as he helped her place the orange piece on her shirt.
She looked in the mirror, almost as if this was the outfit she should always wear. "You didn't have to get dressed," he began to say, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Yeah, but I don't like being stuck in the room," she admitted. He let out a soft chuckle before making his way toward the door and opening it for her. "There are some friends who would like to see you," he informed her as Skywalked past her father. "That's great," she replied, her gaze drifting down the hallway.
Numerous doors were lined up, possibly leading to other bedrooms or rooms in general. Tenzin inquired if something was wrong, to which Sky shook her head and lied, "No, sorry, I just spaced out." He continued walking ahead, passing her, and opened a sliding door down the hall. She followed him into the room, which turned out to be a living room, or at least that's what she thought.
There were couches, pillows, and people... a small group, but still overwhelming for her. She spotted her siblings and her mother, who was holding a baby in her arms. Her father now stood next to his wife before her eyes landed on a group of people. There was a young girl who approached the person and gave them a warm hug, expressing her relief that they were alright. After stepping back, she examined them closely and chuckled, remarking that they seemed to be at least somewhat fine.
The girl herself let out a weak laugh, trying her best to blend in. Her father had informed her that these individuals were her friends, and the boys had advised her to act normally. However, she found herself in a dilemma as he didn't quite know how to act "normal" in this particular situation. Suddenly, a man approached them and greeted Sky, expressing his happiness that she was safe.
He had a peculiar red creature with him, which eagerly leaped onto her shoulder as soon as the man was near. Surprised, Sky exclaimed, "Oh!" and the man chuckled, mentioning that even the creature, named Pabu, was thrilled to see her. Once again, Sky let out an awkward laugh and began stroking Pabu's head, immediately noticing how much the creature enjoyed the attention. "I'm sorry, I'm still out of it," Skye half lied.
"Don't worry, Mako, Bolin and I will come over from time to time to check on you." Mako, the young boy, affirmed Korra's correctness and urged Bolin to quickly remove Pabu from her presence to prevent the mischievous little creature from tearing off any of Korra's healing bandages. Just as she was caught up in her thoughts, Korra approached her, asking if they could have a conversation.
Sky agreed, and the two of them made their way to an outdoor deck area. Despite her initial willingness, a sudden wave of fear washed over Sky. What if Korra knew her deepest secret? What if Korra turned out to be an imposter who didn't even know her own true identity, and would expose Sky for who she was? As she watched Bolin call for his creature, Pabu, Sky couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity towards the unique-looking creature.
She found herself smiling as she imagined playing with Pabu once she felt better. However, her busy day continued to unfold, and she realized there were still many tasks she needed to accomplish.
Korra abruptly halted in her tracks, narrowly avoiding a collision with the person standing before her. With a slight stumble, she managed to regain her balance before uttering a hasty and apologetic response, "Oh, uh..." Collecting herself, Korra turned her attention towards the individual and expressed remorse, "I deeply regret not heeding your father's advice and refraining from whisking you away from the safety of the island." The words tumbled out of her mouth in a rushed manner, reflecting her sincere regret and acknowledgment of her misjudgment.
Sky expressed immediate interest, but quickly became confused. "If we had known that the pro circuit would be under attack-"Cora began "But you didn't," Sora quickly interrupted. She knew what to say at that moment, and she said, "Nobody knew about the pro area tournament," she said, struggling to find her words. "None of us expected to be attacked," she said candidly. "My injury is not your fault," she said.
"If Valtor did it, it's his fault, okay?" she said before realizing that he probably said something he shouldn't have said. "Who's Valtor?" Korra asked confused, Skye ignored her, "Uh, random nickname," she said, quickly recovering from her mistake."It's not your fault, okay?" she said. Korra nodded in agreement, her expression filled with remorse.
"I understand, but as the Avatar, it was my duty to ensure your safety," she admitted, her voice tinged with disappointment. Recalling Tenzin's words of guidance, she admitted her failure to fulfill her responsibility. "Tenzin had entrusted me with the task of protecting you, and I failed to do so," she confessed, her tone heavy with regret.
Sky pondered to herself about the notion of being the Avatar, before a smile formed on her face and she nodded in agreement. She expressed her gratitude towards Korra for allowing her to enjoy herself despite his objections, placing her right hand gently on the shoulders of the female. Tenzin approached the group, asking if everything was alright.
Korra reassured him that everything was fine, but quickly added that they would see him the following day. Without wasting any time, Korra swiftly walked past Tenzin and hurriedly retreated into the room. As the sun began to set and darkness settled in, the passage of time seemed to accelerate within the confines of the "living room" space in the house.
The woman, who had been graciously hosting a gathering, allowed the comings and goings of various individuals, while simultaneously observing the children's playful antics both indoors and outdoors. Time flew by as they engaged in a spirited game of chase, their energy gradually waning until they found themselves on the verge of slumber, barely managing to stay awake on the comfortable couch.
However, just as the woman was starting to succumb to exhaustion herself, she was abruptly awoken from her drowsiness by the gentle shake of her friend, Tenzin. Overwhelmed by the whirlwind of activities and emotions, she instinctively realized that it was high time to retreat to her private sanctuary, seeking solace and much-needed rest.
After rising from her seat, she took her time walking back to her room while tightly gripping a small blanket. Unaware of her actions, she entered her room without bothering to remove her clothes and simply collapsed onto her bed, emitting a muffled groan into her pillow as the pain in her body instantly struck her.
Choosing to lay on her uninjured side, she shut her eyes tightly. There is an extensive amount of knowledge and skills that I still need to acquire and grasp to grow and develop as an individual. As she allowed herself to succumb to slumber, her mind pondered silently within.