Avatar and the Legend of Aang (group)

The sun beat down on the desert, making the sand shimmer as if it were made of gold. The air was hot and dry, and each step felt heavier than the last. Appa walked slowly beside the group, raising small clouds of sand with each step. "Ugh... I hate the desert," Sokka complained, dragging his feet. "Everything is sand... in my shoes, in my clothes, I'm sure even in my thoughts!" Katara sighed as she shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand. —Stop complaining, Sokka. It doesn't help at all. Aang walked a little further ahead, stroking Appa's fur. —Don't worry, friend. We'll find a place with water. Appa let out a soft "gruoooh", as if he understood perfectly. Toph, who was behind, smiled slightly. —Just so you know… there’s a sandstorm coming. Everyone fell silent. "WHAT?" Sokka shouted, panicking. "And you're just saying that like it's nothing?" Toph shrugged. —I feel it through the earth. It's moving fast. Zuko, who was walking with his arms crossed, looked towards the horizon. —Then we should move faster. "Faster, he says!" Sokka replied. "I can't even feel my legs!" Aang turned around, determined. —Let's go up to Appa. It'll be safer. Without wasting any time, they all climbed on. Appa crouched down a little to help, and then, with a powerful leap, he soared into the air. The wind whipped at their faces as the storm began to form behind them. "Yip yip!" Aang shouted. Appa roared and accelerated, flying above the sand that was now spinning like a huge whirlpool. Katara clung to Aang. —That was close… Sokka looked down, nervous. —I definitely prefer this to walking… although… don't look down, don't look down! Toph, calm as always, lay down on Appa. —Let me know when we leave the desert. Zuko silently gazed at the horizon. For a moment, his expression softened. And so, amid jokes, complaints, and a bit of tension, the group carried on.