What was happening? 'Where am I?', Mei thought, reaching out into empty space. He was staring up at the sky, breathing heavily. He looked at his hands, rolling onto his stomach, looking around wildly. "How did I...?", he spoke aloud, rising to his feet. A sharp pain pierced his mind, and he slumped forward, howling in agony, "Oh...God... What happened to me...?" Memories flashed before him, and he swiped at the air, attempting to bat them way. He leaned his head back slowly, massaging his temples. When did all of this happen? Why can't he remember how he got there? He took a step forward, finding that walking came as naturally as it had years ago. But not only that, he felt physically stronger, how long had been caught by that spirit?
How long has he failed all those who were depending on him to be there? He took another step forward, stretching as he moved, finding that his body ached all over. Another memory flashed before him, the sharp pains of tattooing equipment across his arms, down his back, his chest. He was still dressed in that damn uniform. General Mei Fong. He pulled his sleeves back, intricate flames, he removed his coat and accompanying undershirts, flames down his chest and on his shoulders. He looked down at his hands again, taking off his gloves, the flames wove their way down to his fingertips. How?
He turned around, finding himself facing an old man and younger woman, his granddaughter, maybe. "Excuse me...", he said, swallowing, "But can you tell me what year it is?" The words left the young girl's mouth and Mei visibly recoiled, flinched when he heard those words. Neither the man nor the woman understood why. He didn't even put his shirt or coat back on, merely grabbed them and started walking. He still had his sword, the dagger, the flask, all of his equipment. But he'd been missing for twelve years. He'd lost twelve years of his life. As he walked, he asked many a question of those he passed. Zulera was still ok, Tarek was Fire Lord, whispers of an enemy seeking to eliminate the Avatar existed. The world was in chaos.
