Kya shifted on the cold stone floor, shackles clanking loudly with her every subtle movement. She was cold, tired, starving, and so dehydrated, she could barely move now. The wounds she had received before being captured had now become infected, making her limbs tingle with a numbness that demanded attention, but none would be received. It must have been at least three days since she had been locked up in this tiny room, not even large enough for her to stretch her legs. There were no windows, no lights, just complete darkness and silence, and Kya had accepted her death as she knew it would be quickly approaching.
But that darkness and silence had suddenly ended when the door to the room quickly opened, screeching the whole way as a bright light streamed into the room, blinding Kya as she closed her eyes to avoid the pain. She curled in on herself, afraid of what this person would do to harm her, maybe they'd finally kill her.
Kya flinched away when she felt a strong hand grip her shaking shoulder. The hand quickly pulled away, afraid of harming the woman that laid before them. "Kya..." a raspy voice spoke as they began fearing the worst, "We're gonna need a stretcher here!" the voice sternly called to someone outside the room.
The voice rang in Kya's ears, and then it registered in her mind, "Lin?" a weak voice questioned as eyes opened searching for said woman, only to be blinded again.
"Don't open your eyes, you could damage them, they aren't used to seeing so much light," Lin whispered as she carefully grabbed Kya's hand and ran Kya's fingertips over the twin scar's down her face.
"Lin..." Kya whispered again, tears would have come with the wave of relief she felt if it weren't for her weakened state. "Thank you," she choked "I thought I was going to die in here."
"I'd never allow that to happen." Lin gave Kya's hand a quick squeeze but she didn't release it, and dropped a kiss to Kya's forehead. "You're safe now, I've got you. We are going to take you back to Air Temple Island where your mother is already waiting for you so she can heal you," Lin hushed, soothingly rubbing her callused thumb across Kya's knuckles.
"Water..." Kya mumbled, "Please..."
"Of course," Lin quickly exited the room but returned moments later with a bottle of water before opening it and helping Kya drink from it.
"Let's get you out of these shackles and onto a stretcher," Lin said as she carefully grabbed each shackle, and gently pried each of them open with metalbending to avoid further hurting Kya.
"Please don't go, please stay with me," Kya cried "Please don't leave me alone."
Lin took Kya's hands in her own, lacing her fingers with Kya's, "I won't leave your side, I promise. You're free now, you have nothing to worry about."
Moments later, a stretcher made its way in the doorway and Lin carefully placed Kya on it, cringing every time the woman whimpered.
Lin made sure Kya was secure on the stretcher before tying a piece of fabric around Kya's head, placing it over her eyes, "Just a precaution," Lin said, worry creeping in her voice, as she held Kya's hand again, "Now let's get you to home and to your mom."