"Don't worry, Katara. I'll be fine." It takes all I have to smile at her. My insides feel squishy and…jumbled. And my arms and legs don't feel like they're connected anymore. That rock Long Feng sent at me had come so fast, it must have hit me like the Ba Sing Se train. Then I was on my back, unable to move for all the burning numbness that's consuming me. I could swear there's a heavy rock sitting on my chest, making it nearly impossible to breathe, but nothing is on top of me.

Katara stands and walks away, resigned. The others follow. I know I'll never speak to them again, but if I could, we'd be friends again. That much is good.

Longshot arms his bow, fitting an arrow to the string while Smellerbee kneels by my side, crying.

I try to take a deep breath, but I feel smothered. Instead of air, pain stabs my side followed by a wave of lightheadedness.

"Jet, just hold on," Smellerbee says, rubbing my forehead with her hand. I can barely feel her other hand on my upper arm.

My thoughts are slipping away from me. "Tell me…," I try to gasp. Talking is already harder. "Tell me a story, Smellerbee."

She stops crying and I see confusion in her eyes. I never ask for favors. I never ask for comfort.

"A story?"

That weight on my chest is getting heavier. It's almost like the ground beneath me is pulling me down, even though there's nowhere to go.

I try to keep my eyes open. It won't be long now.

"Jet! Just stay with me." New tears are seeping out of her eyes.

"A funny story?" I ask.

She sniffs, rubs her nose, and looks to Longshot for guidance.

He gives her a look I don't understand, but it obviously speaks volumes to her because she nods and turns back to me.

"Remember that time when the Fire Nation's circus set up their tents on top of our camp?"

I smile as the memories come back. "That's…that's a good one."

"We were holed up in that tunnel for three days. Three days with The Duke in that small space. And the smell." She laughs and wipes her nose on her sleeve. "Well, you know. It's amazing the Fire Nation didn't accidentally blow us up with the fumes that came out of that place."

I would laugh, but I can barely breathe.

Longshot shifts his stance, an arrow already aimed at the door. The Dai Li are coming. Long Feng would have sent them. My gang knows too much about Ba Sing Se to be allowed to escape Lake Lougai. Smellerbee looks at Longshot, wide-eyed and worried.

I struggle to breathe. I have one more thing to say. "Smellerbee."

Her gaze snaps back to me.

"You," I whisper. "You have to remember this, you and Longshot."

Longshot spares me a glance, but he stays in battle mode and his attention returns to the doorway.

I can hear the rapid footsteps of the Dai Li echoing in the hall now.

"Remember. You're Freedom Fighters."

Smellerbee holds my hand as a tear slides down her face. "We will, Jet. We'll remember."

"Freedom Fighters," I whisper one more time, hoping to enforce how important it is.

"Freedom Fighters," Smellerbee says, squeezing my hand.

"Freedom Fighters," Longshot, who hardly ever speaks, echoes.

Then the weight on my chest lifts, no longer pinning me. I glance at the high dark ceiling in relief.

The Dai Li rush into the room and Longshot looses an arrow.

I try to encourage Smellerbee with a look, but she's gone.

Or I am.