Disclaimer: I do Not own Avatar the last Air-bender or it's associated properties.

Once the Gaang had made it out of the desert they were able to find a small river with a waterfall that they chose to camp out at for a couple days.

Currently the Gaang was enjoying themselves in the water after being in the desert for so long.

Aang and Dijin were swimming while Toph just had her feet in the water and Katara was getting ready to dive off the cliffside.

Sokka on the other hand was sitting on a rock looking over the maps they got from the library.

Before Katara jumped Dijin swam over to Toph and asked "Hey, Toph, why aren't you swimming?"

Toph just kicked her feet in the water saying "When you can't see where you're going it's kinda hard to learn how to swim."

Dijin sweat dropped at the statement realizing his mistake before smirking and saying "Well, how about I teach you since you've been teaching me how to Earth-bend like you."

Toph smiled at Dijin and said "Thanks for the offer and it sounds fun and all but-"

She was cut off by Katara who suddenly shouted "Water-bending Bomb!" as she then jumped from the cliffside and landed in the water creating a huge splash the hit both Sokka and Toph covering them in Water.

Dijin just looked at Toph awkwardly as her wet hair covered her face and she spit out some water before finishing her earlier comment saying "I think I'll pass."

Dijin just chuckled a little at her while Sokka spoke up saying sarcastically "Sure, 5000-year-old maps from the spirit library. Just splash water all over them."

Katara walked up to her brother saying "Sorry, Sokka." she then waved her hands back and forth bending the water out of the maps before everyone gathered around Sokka as Aang asked him "So, did you figure out what route we should take?"

Sokka pointed at the map while saying "Ok, we just got out of the desert, so we must be around here." he then pointed at another place on the map saying "And we need to go to Ba Sing Se, which is here." he finally pointed to their destination saying "It looks like the only passage connecting the south to the north is this sliver of land called the Serpent's Pass."

Toph after hearing the not so friendly name spoke up saying "You sure that's the best way to go?"

Sokka replied "It's the only way to go. I mean it's not like we have Appa to fly us there."

Dijin instantly punched Sokka in the shoulder saying "Shut up, you dick!"

Sokka rubbed his shoulder before everyone looked at Aang expecting a reaction out of him.

Aang just sighed at their expectant faces and he couldn't blame them especially with how he acted in the Desert.

Aang then looked at Dijin with a straight face and said "Dijin, it's ok. I know I was upset about losing Appa before, but I just wanna focus on getting to Ba Sing Se. And telling the Earth King about the Solar Eclipse." He then looked at Dijin seriously before saying "And I don't deserve your sympathy especially after what I did to you." Aang then walked away to get dressed.

Dijin looked at Aang solemnly before looking at his hands showing that he had two large scars in the middle of his hands.

Katara then spoke to him as he walked away saying "Ok Aang, just let me know if you need anything."

Sokka not liking the tension in the air stood up saying "Alright everyone, time to pack up cause it's off to Ba Sing Se we go. No more distractions."

Suddenly though, a family of traveling refugees showed up with the patriarch shouting at the Gaang saying "Hello there, fellow refugees!"

The Gaang quickly got dressed after noticing them and spoke to family while also getting a look at them.

The patriarch of the family looked to be about in his mid-thirties, he had black hair that went to the back of his neck and was done up in a small top-knot, he had a black goatee on his chin, he wore a green short sleeve shirt that went to his waist, he wore a pair of green loose-fitting pants, on his back was a travel pack with some pots and pans, and for shoes he had on simple sandals.

The matriarch looked to be a few years younger than her husband and she was pregnant, she had long black hair that went to her lower back, she was wearing a green head wrap with some flowers on it, she wore a green and white Tang dress that went to her ankles, and like her husband she wore simple sandals on her feet.

The third member of the family appeared to be their teenage daughter, she had black hair that was done up in twin pigtails, she wore a green crop top shirt but paired it with a yellow skirt that went to her shins and an orange sash as to not show her mid-drift, and like her parents she wore simple sandals.

Aang looked at the family saying "So, are you guys headed to Ba Sing Se too?"

The Patriarch spoke again saying "Sure are. We're trying to get there before my wife, Ying has her baby."

Katara smiled at the family saying "Great. We can travel through the Serpent's Pass together."

The family instantly got looks of horror as Ying said "The Serpent's Pass? Only the truly desperate take that deadly route."

Toph just had her eyes closed with a twitching eyebrow as she said irritably "Deadly route?" She then punched Sokka in the back making him fall over as she said "Great pick, Sokka!"

Sokka just picked himself up while saying "Why is everyone hitting me today!" Sokka then started to rub his back while saying "And honestly, we are desperate."

Ying's husband spoke up saying "You should come with us to Full Moon Bay. Ferries take refugees across the lake. It's the fastest way to Ba Sing Se."

Ying spoke next saying "It's also hidden. So, the Fire Nation can't find it."

Dijin then spoke up saying "Hmm. Deadly pass full of untold danger or a simple ferry ride? What do you guys think?"

Toph spoke up saying sarcastically "I don't know the deadly pass seems like it wouldn't be boring." The group than laughed while Sokka just frowned at everyone making fun of him.

xxLine Breakxx

Once they packed up, Ying and her family led the Gaang to Full Moon Bay where they were soon let inside by some Earth Kingdom Soldiers.

After they were let in the two groups separated since Ying's husband had gotten his family tickets beforehand while the Gaang had to go purchase some.

As the group walked to go stand in line, they noticed the whole harbor was filled with refugees from all over the Four Nations.

Katara looked at the families in sadness before saying "I can't believe how many people lives have been uprooted by the Fire Nation."

Dijin responded to her saying "They're all looking for a bit of life—Safe behind the walls of Ba Sing Se." He then looked down sadly before saying "Omashu used to be the same way."

Katara placed a comforting hand on her friends' arm before they finally took their place in line.

After waiting for a few minutes, the Gaang just had one person to stand behind before they got their tickets. And the person in front of them happened to be a familiar Cabbage merchant.

The ticket clerk seemed to be a grumpy elderly lady and the Gaang overheard what she was saying to the cabbage merchant as they waited.

The ticket clerk glared at the merchant before saying "I told you already, No vegetables on the ferry! One Cabbage slug could destroy the whole eco system of Ba Sing Se!" She then pointed at some guards who had a Platypus bear on a leash shouting "Security!"

The Cabbage man looked at where she was pointing in fear due to his Cabbage Cart being there.

The guards without question unleashed the platypus bear and it instantly destroyed the merchant's cart and vegetables making him fall to his knees and scream "NO! MY CABBAGES!"

The guards then escorted him away while Dijin raised an eyebrow at the man and spoke to the group saying "Does anyone else wonder why we keep seeing that guy?"

The group just shrugged their shoulders not really caring before the Ticket Clerk shouted "Next!" so the group walked up to the Ticket Counter to get their tickets.

Aang walked up to the counter and said "Um, Five tickets for the ferry to Ba Sing Se, please."

The woman just grumpily replied "Passports?"

Aang gained an awkward look as he said "Uh, No one told us we needed to have passports."

Sokka walked up and put his hand on Aang's shoulder saying "Don't you know who this is? He's the Avatar."

The Clerk just laughed and said "I see about 50 Avatar's a day, and by the way that's not a very convincing costume." she then pointed to her left showing a huge group of people dressed up to look like Aang only they dressed very poorly.

The woman glared at Aang before pointing at Momo saying "Besides, no animals allowed. Do I need to call security?"

The group quickly looked at the platypus bear who was still chomping down on the Cabbage merchant's cart.

Aang put his hands up in the surrender motion saying "That won't be necessary."

However, Toph suddenly walked up to the Ticket Clerk saying "I'll take care of this."

Toph then reached into her dress and pulled out a slip of paper and placed on the counter while saying "My name is Toph Bei Fong, and I need five tickets."

The clerk's eyes widened in astonishment seeing the paper before saying "The Golden seal of the Flying Boar." she quickly bowed her head saying "It is my pleasure to help anyone from the Bei Fong family."

Toph just kept a straight face saying "It is your pleasure." she pointed at herself then the others saying "As you can see, I am blind and these four imbeciles are my valets."

The clerk looked at Momo before saying "But the animal-"

Toph cut her off saying "Is my seeing eye Lemur."

The woman seemed unsure before she schooled her features and said "Well, normally it's only one ticket per passport." she then held up Toph's seal and said "But this document is so official, I guess it's worth five tickets." The clerk pulled out Five tickets and stamped them all to make them official and handed them to Toph.

Toph grabbed the tickets saying "Thank you very much."

Toph handed everyone a ticket as they walked away while Sokka said "All right! We scammed that lady good!"

Suddenly though, Sokka was yanked backwards by a female guard.

The others quickly stopped and turned around to find out what was happening as the guard made Sokka face her as she glared at him and held out her hand saying "Tickets and Passports, please."

Sokka confused asked "Is there a problem?"

The female guard increased her glare saying "Yeah, I got a problem with you." she pointed a finger at his chest saying "I've seen your type before. Probably sarcastic, think your hilarious. And let me guess, you're traveling with the Avatar."

Sokka after hearing the girl talk, started to realize she sounded familiar so he asked "Do I know you?"

The guard seemed to be angry as she said "You mean you don't remember? Maybe you'll remember this." the guard then leaned in close to Sokka and kissed him on the cheek.

Sokka instantly brightened up after receiving the kiss and he through his arms up saying "Suki!" he then hugged the now identified guard.

Suki returned the hug and said with a smile "Sokka, it's so good to see you!"

Suki stepped back and looked behind Sokka noticing the rest of the Gaang and said "And everyone else is here too." she then saw Toph and Dijin while saying "and I see you guys made some new friends as well."

Suki looked at the group before saying "Follow me, I know a place where we can catch up."

She then walked away towards an empty guard tower with the others following her.

xxLine Breakxx

Meanwhile on one of the many ferries that departed Full Moon Bay a certain pair of Fire-benders were on their way to Bang Sing Se to start over away from the Fire Nation.

Zuko and Iroh were standing by one of the railings of the boat watching the water go by as Iroh spoke up saying "Who would've thought after all these years I'd return to the scene of my greatest military disgrace as a tourist?" Iroh turned towards his nephew with a goofy smile trying to make light of the situation.

Zuko just glared at their surroundings holding a bowl of rations he was given while saying "Look around. We're not tourists. We're refugees." Zuko tried eating his rations but he quickly spit them out realizing they were rotten.

He slammed the bowl down and growled out "I'm sick of eating rotten food, sleeping in the dirt. I'm tired of living like this."

Suddenly a voice spoke up behind him saying "Aren't we all."

Zuko and Iroh turned around to find a certain individual that had run into the Gaang a few months back.

The Individual walked towards them saying "My names Jet, and these are my freedom fighters, Smellerbee and Long-shot" Jet motioned behind himself showing Long-shot and Smellerbee were with him.

Zuko just turned around and stared at the water saying "Hello."

Jet just smirked and walked up to Zuko and said "You say you're sick of living like a refugee? Then here's the deal." Jet started to talk quietly as he said "I hear the captain's eating like a king and we just get to feed off his scraps. Doesn't seem fair, does it?"

Iroh's stomach growled as he asked "What kind of king is he eating like?"

Jet just frowned and said "The Fat and happy kind." Jet looked at Zuko and asked "So, you wanna help us liberate some food?"

Iroh began to drool while Zuko stared at the bowl of scraps before he threw the bowl over the side and said "I'm in."

Jet smirked and started to go over his plan with Zuko.

xxLine Breakxx

Back with the Gaang, once they were gathered in the empty guard tower Katara spoke up saying to Suki "You look so different without your Warrior Make-up on and the outfit doesn't help either."

Suki just frowned and said "That crabby lady makes all the security guards wear these." Suki then gave Sokka a look over saying "Look at you sleeveless guy. Been working out?"

Sokka just started flexing and saying "Not really. Been doing a few chin ups when I can and..."

While Sokka was talking Dijin got a look at the warrior girl.

She had red hair that went to the back of her neck, she had blue eyes, she wore some light pink lipstick, her security outfit was a yellow and green long-sleeve shirt which kept her c-cup chest moderately hidden, she wore a pair forearm length leather gloves, she had green hakama pants, and she had on brown boots for shoes.

When Sokka finished talking Dijin walked forward and bowed his head saying "Hello, it's an honor to meet you. My name is Dijin I'm-"

Suki instantly brightened up and got close to Dijin saying excitedly "Wait! Your name is Dijin? As in the Commander who led the Battle of the North Pole?"

Dijin raised an eyebrow at the statement before saying "Yeah, but how did you know about that?"

Suki just gained stars in her eyes and said "Are you kidding? After that battle, word spread so fast about an Earth-bender who led the entire North pole to victory against the Fire Nation!"

Dijin started to rub his head awkwardly not used to the praise while Toph crossed her arms and smirked saying "Really, Hot Rocks? You actually led an army against the Fire Nation and won?"

Dijin put his hands up saying "Technically yes, but Aang is the one who turned the tide of the battle."

Suki shook her head saying "That may be true but you were the one who led the Water Tribe on the battle field against insurmountable odds." Suki sighed disappointedly before saying "If only I could have been there and seen you in action myself."

Sokka getting a little upset that Suki was paying so much attention to Dijin got between the two and spoke up saying "Anyway, are the other Kyoshi Warriors around?"

Suki smiled at him and said "Yeah. After you guys left Kyoshi Island, we wanted to find a way to help people. We ended up escorting some refugees and been here ever since."

This time it was Dijin's turn to get excited and said "Wait, you're a Kyoshi Warrior?"

Suki just placed her hands on her hips and smirked saying "I'm not just a Kyoshi Warrior, I'm the leader too."

Dijin eyes widened before he said "No way! Your combat skills must be amazing! We definitely have to spar some time."

Suki just laughed and said "Sure ok. But don't think I'm gonna take it easy on you."

Dijin smirked and said "I wouldn't have it any other way. I want to find out how Avatar Kyoshi's fighting style holds up to the stories."

The two then shared a laugh together but Toph suddenly frowned at hearing how friendly the two were getting and the unknown feeling she had came back to the surface.

Toph then got in between the two like Sokka and pointed at Dijin while saying "As fun as that sounds, Hot Rocks over here is training with me. So, that spar will have to wait a while."

Dijin raised an eyebrow at Toph's behavior before he shook it off while Suki said "No problem, I understand." Suki then looked at the group saying "So, why are you guys getting tickets for the ferry? Wouldn't you just fly on Appa?"

The groups mood instantly went down before Katara spoke saying "Appa is missing. We hope to find him in Ba Sing Se."

Suki gained a sorrowful look and said "I'm so sorry to hear that." she looked over at Aang and asked "Are you doing okay?"

Everyone looked at Aang expecting a reaction out of him again but he got frustrated at their looks as he said "I'm doing fine. Would everybody stop worrying about me."

Before anyone could say anything else, Ying suddenly shouted at them from down below saying "Avatar Aang, you have to help us!"

The group quickly looked down and saw Ying and her family but they were in a state of panic as Ying said "Someone took all of our belongings, our passports, our tickets. Everything is gone!" Ying began to sob while Aang gained a determined gaze as he said "I'll talk to the ticket clerk for you."

The Gaang quickly made their way down while Suki said she had to take care of some things as Aang made his way to the clerk.

Once Aang was at the ticket counter he quickly told the clerk what happened but she just had a frown as she shouted "No passports, no tickets!" she then stamped Aangs head which said "Denied"

Aang just pleaded with the woman saying "Please, Ying is pregnant, and all their belongings were stolen. You have to make an exception."

The woman just shouted "No exceptions! If I just gave away ticket's willy-nilly to anyone, there would be no more order. And you know what that means—no more civilization!"

Aang tried once again to reason with the clerk saying "What if we gave them our tickets?"

The woman immediately said "No."

Aang tried to say "But-"

The clerk cut him off shouting "Next!" leaving no more room for argument.

Aang walked away from the ticket counter before looking at Ying and her family with a determined gaze as he said "Don't worry, you'll get to the city safely. I'll lead you through the Serpent's Pass."

The whole group looked at Aang shocked but realized that was the only option Ying's family had.

Dijin stepped forward saying "If that's the case, hand me everyone's tickets I'll see if I can sell them for some supplies."

Aang and the others did as Dijin said while he went off to try and get some supplies.

After a few minutes Dijin came back with a bag of food and a couple sleeping bags that he handed to Ying and her husband.

Once everyone was ready the group began to make their way out of Full Moon Bay and Sokka couldn't help but say "I can't believe we sold our tickets, and now we're going through the Serpent's Pass."

Toph spoke up next saying "I can't believe your still complaining about it."

Dijin added his two cents saying "Besides weren't you the one who said to go through the pass in the first place?"

Toph and Dijin shared a laugh while Sokka just grumbled.

Suddenly the group heard Suki's voice from behind them saying "I'm coming too."

The group turned around and saw Suki running towards them only she was wearing a completely different outfit.

She now was wearing white face paint that covered her whole face and neck, she had on black lipstick and eyeshadow, she had orange cat-eye make-up that covered the top part of her eyes, she had on an orange and gold headdress with two long tassels that covered her forehead, she wore a green and brown battle Kimono, she had a pair of battle fans clipped to her waist, she wore a pair of leather gloves, she had on a pair of dark green hakama pants, over her Kimono she wore black segmented armor that covered her stomach and chest and for shoes she wore brown boots.

Once Suki got close to the group Sokka looked at her worriedly saying "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

Suki looked a little upset by the question and walked up to Sokka saying "Sokka, I thought you'd want me to come."

Sokka tried to explain himself saying "I do. It's just-"

Suki was getting more upset so she snapped and said "Just what!?"

Sokka realizing he was just going to make the girl madder just replied "Nothing. I'm glad you're coming."

Suki just frowned at him and marched forward to walk with everyone else as Sokka walked from the back of the group.

xxLine Breakxx

After a long hike the large group made it to the Serpent's Pass.

As the group stared at the long stretch of land Sokka spoke up while looking at a large wooden gate saying "This is the Serpent's Pass? I thought it would be more wind-y. You know like a Serpent. Hm, guess they misnamed it."

Ying looked at the gate and saw people had written despairing words all over the structure as she said "Look at this writing. How awful."

Katara walked next her while Toph asked "What does it say?"

Katara read the writing with a frown as she said "it says: Abandon all hope."

Ying got upset as she went into her Husband arms and said "How can we abandon hope? That's all we have."

Aang looked at the writing and said "I don't know. The monks used to say that hope is a distraction. So maybe we do have to abandon it."

Dijin stepped forward saying "While I can understand that to a degree it also seems like a very negative way to views things, Aang."

Katara walked forward next saying "Dijin's right Aang, what are you even talking about?"

Aang simply replied "Hope isn't going to get us to Ba Sing Se, and it's not going to find Appa. We need to focus on what we're doing right now, and that's getting across this pass."

Katara looked down sadly as she said "Okay, if you say so." while Dijin just frowned at Aang's negativity.

The group then began the trek across the Serpent's Pass with Aang as their guide.

The Gaangs journey was a hard one since the first few miles of the pass was a small strip of earth that was only big enough for them to travel in a single file line.

While they walked Suki spoke up saying "The Fire Nation controls the western lake. Rumor has it they're working on something big on the other side and they don't want anyone finding out what it is."

As she said that a couple Fire Navy Ships went passed them and the group went unnoticed so far.

Suddenly as they were walking the ground under Ying's husband gave way making him scream in terror as he was about to fall.

Luckily Toph felt the earth move and quickly acted throwing her right fist to side which Earth-bended a small stone platform for Ying's husband to catch himself on.

He quickly got back onto the path while hugging his family saying "I'm okay."

Sadly however, when Toph saved Ying's husband it made a small rockslide happen which one of the Fire Navy ships spotted and they quickly got their trebuchets ready to fire.

Sokka seeing the ship take aim quickly shouted "They've spotted us! Let's go! Let's go!"

The ship then fired while Aang quickly acted by bracing himself against the Pass wall and Air-bent himself High into the air. Next, once the Flaming metal boulder was close, he used his staff to Air-bend a huge gust of wind that blew the boulder off course and into the ship that fired it. After that, explosions went off throughout the entire ship until it began to sink.

Sadly though, they were able to fire one more boulder that collided with the pass wall making a huge rockslide head towards Suki and Sokka.

Dijin seeing this quickly threw his fists to side Earth-bending an Earth-canopy that protected the two while making the rocks fall into the water.

Sokka quickly went to Suki's side and forcibly moved her away from the rubble saying "Suki, are you okay? You have to be more careful! Come on!" Sokka then quickly led her down the path completely ignoring Dijin.

Dijin just frowned before he sarcastically said "Thanks for saving me, Dijin." Dijin then shrugged his shoulders saying "No problem Sokka, always glad to help."

Toph then walked next to Dijin with a frown as she said "Want me to launch him in the water?"

Dijin just sighed and said "No, I'm just venting." Dijin then frowned at Sokka's retreating form as he said "I just don't get why Sokka's acting like a mother hen when it comes to Suki."

Toph just shrugged her shoulders saying "Maybe it's a guy thing."

Toph then walked away while Dijin followed and the rest of the group made their way down the path and out of harm's way.

When the sun was setting the group decided it would be best to make camp so they found a small clearing on the Serpent's Pass to make up their tents and settle down for the evening.

Everyone was soon resting after the day's events, Ying's husband was massaging her feet since they were sore from her pregnancy and walking so much, Toph and Dijin were eating some of the rations they had, Katara was checking their supplies, and Suki was setting up her place to sleep while Sokka hovered over her like a mother hen again.

As Suki was setting up her place near the edge of the clearing Sokka grabbed her stuff while saying "Suki, you shouldn't sleep there. Who knows how stable that ledge is? It could give way at any moment."

Suki frowned while placing her hands on her hips saying "Sokka, I'm fine. Stop worrying!"

Sokka just placed Suki's stuff next to his own while saying "Your right, your right. Your perfectly capable of taking care of yourself."

Suki was getting ready to argue with him again until he shouted "Wait!" as he stood in front of her protectively before saying "Oh, never mind. I thought I saw a spider. But you're fine."

Suki again just frowned at him again before storming off to get away from Sokka's overprotective attitude.

Dijin watched the exchange with a raised eyebrow while speaking to Toph saying "Is it just me or has Sokka been acting a little nuts recently?"

Toph just took bite out of her food while shrugging her shoulders saying "Who knows? When it comes to Sokka I try not to think about it much."

Dijin just ate his own food while staring at the warrior curiously.

It wasn't Long after that until everyone settled down for the night and tried to get some sleep

However, before Dijin fell asleep he noticed Aang was staring at the moon and Katara went to stand next to him before saying "You know, it's ok to miss Appa." When Aang didn't reply she persisted saying "What's going on with you? In the desert, all you cared about was finding Appa. And now it's like you don't care about him at all."

Aang just looked away from her shamefully before saying "You saw what I did out there. I almost killed Dijin because I was so upset and now, he has the scars to prove it. I was so angry about losing Appa, I couldn't control myself. I hated feeling like that and I refuse to allow something like what I did to Dijin to happen to anyone again."

Katara looked at him concerned and said "But now you're not allowing yourself to feel anything. I know it sometimes hurts more to hope, and it hurts even more to care." Katara the grabbed Aang's shoulder and had him look at her as she said "But you have to promise me that you won't stop caring." she then held her arms open saying "Come here, you need a hug."

Aang just pulled away from her and bowed in respect saying "Thank you for your concern, Katara." Aang then just walked away from her as he went to try and sleep while she just kept looking at him in concern.

Dijin frowned at the whole display while thinking to himself "I didn't realize Aang was so upset about our fight. Sure, it almost ended really badly but that doesn't mean Aang should completely cut off his emotions."

Dijin then closed his eyes while thinking one final thought "By the time this journey is over we are going to have to talk." Dijin then went to sleep along with the others

xxLine Breakxx

Back on the ferry with Iroh and Zuko, the exiled prince just got done helping Jet and his crew steal enough food to feed all the refugees on the boat along with themselves.

While they sat together and ate Iroh looked at Smellerbee while saying "So, Smellerbee. That's an unusual name for a young man."

Smellerbee instantly gained a pissed off look before saying "Maybe it's because I'm not a man" she growled at Iroh before shouting "I'm a girl!" she then got up and walked away to go vent out her anger.

Iroh realizing his mistake tried shouting after her saying "Oh, now I see. It's a beautiful name for a lovely girl!"

Iroh realizing the girl wasn't listening put his food down before saying "Excuse me I need to fix this." Iroh then went after the young girl and found her looking over the boats railing.

When he was close enough, he spoke to her saying "I'm sorry if I offended you. I should have known better than to assume you were a boy."

Smellerbee just sighed and said "No, it's okay. To be honest I'm not mad at you I'm mad at someone else."

Iroh raised an eyebrow at the statement and said "If you don't mind my asking but who are you exactly mad at?"

Smellerbee just sighed again and said "You probably don't know him. He's an Earth-bender named Dijin."

Iroh's eyes widened at hearing his old student's name before he schooled his features and said "And what did he do that upset you so much?"

Smellerbee just growled before she said harshly "He sent Jet to a Fire Nation Prison! If it wasn't for me and Long-shot he would still be there going through who knows what!"

Iroh's eyes once again widened before they hardened since he knew Dijin wouldn't do such a thing without just cause.

He looked at the young girl seriously before asking "Can you tell me why this Dijin would do such a thing?"

Smellberbee looked away from Iroh a little awkwardly before saying "I'll admit this, Jet was a little extreme in the past even to the point he might have hurt some innocent people." She quickly turned towards Iroh and said "But he's not like that anymore! I swear!"

Iroh looked at the girl seriously before saying "Are you trying to convince me or yourself?"

Smellerbee's eyes widened before she looked back at the water saying "Jet once tried to wipe out an Earth-kingdom village that was run by the Fire nation. Yes, there were innocent people there but Jet told us that taking out the Fire Nation was necessary if we wanted this war to end no matter the cost."

Smellerbee blushed a tiny bit before saying "I thought Dijin was a great guy at first. He saved me from getting killed by some Fire-benders one time."

Smellerbee then grit her teeth as she growled and said "But then he turned Jet over to the Fire Nation after he saved the town. He sent Jet away like it was nothing! He was our leader and even a father to some of us!"

She calmed down a little bit before saying "Sure, what Jet was planning to do wasn't noble at all but turning him over to the Fire Nation was just cruel!"

Smellerbee started to breath heavy she was so upset before Iroh looked at her with understanding eyes as he said "Yes, Jet was your leader and your family while Dijin took him away from you."

Smellerbee looked at Iroh surprised that he would agree before he said "But Dijin also did the right thing by saving that town."

Smellerbee growled and was about to argue but Iroh held his hand in the stop motion so she could let him speak as he said "I'm not saying either one of them was right in the long run. Jet was willing to sacrifice the very people he was trying to save while Dijin sent a young a man to a harsh fate. In the end both of them were doing what they felt was best when in reality they both ended up doing something they would regret."

Iroh then looked at Smellerbee with caring eyes and said "Do not hate either of them for their choices instead help them learn and grow from their mistakes. After all every failure is an opportunity to learn and eventually find your way."

Smellerbee looked at Iroh stunned never expecting such wise advice. She then smiled and said "You know, you're pretty smart for an old fat guy."

Iroh just laughed at the comment before rubbing his belly and saying "Well, thanks to your friend Jet, my fat belly is all full now." the two laughed together before walking over to join the others again.

Once the two sat down again Jet spoke up saying "From what I heard, people eat this kind of food every night in Ba Sing Se. I can't wait to set my eyes on that giant wall."

Iroh remembering the great city from his past replied to him saying "It is a magnificent sight."

Jet looked at Iroh asking "So, you've been there before?"

Iroh looked down sadly before saying "Once, when I was a different man."

Jet nodded his head before saying "I've done some things in my past I'm not proud of." Jet looked off at the water for second before saying "It took someone teaching me harsh lesson to realize what I was doing was wrong." Jet then looked at Iroh and Zuko saying "But that's why I'm going to Ba Sing Se—for a new beginning, a second chance."

Iroh smiled at the young man before saying "That's very noble of you. I believe people can change their lives if they want to. I believe in second chances."

Jet smiled at the wise man before they continued to eat and talk some more.

After eating, Zuko walked off to be alone and he was currently looking out at the water.

He wasn't alone for long as Jet walked next to him and said "You know, as soon as I saw your scar, I knew exactly who you were."

Zuko thinking Jet figured out who he was tensed up and got ready to draw his Dao swords that he had on him.

Luckily, he didn't have to fight as Jet said "You're an outcast like me." he then started to undo his shirt and armor before saying "And I have my own scars as well."

Zuko looked at him and his eyes widened at seeing a huge scar from a burn that went from the bottom of his neck to the left side of chest.

Jet put his shirt back on before saying "We outcasts need to stick together. We have to watch each other's backs, because no one else will."

Zuko looked back at the water as he said "I've realized lately that being on your own isn't always the best path."

Jet just nodded as the two stood together in a comfortable silence.

xxLine Breakxx

Back with the Gaang on the Serpent's Pass they had packed up camp before continuing on their journey and had been walking for a couple hours.

Sadly however, they came to a halt when they saw that the path ended and now there was a huge gap between them and the other side of the pass. Not only that but the only thing being between the gap was a huge body of water that was far too long to swim across.

Katara stepped forward with determined gaze before she looked at the group and said "Everyone single file!"

The group quickly complied while Katara stood up front and waved her arms to the side parting the water as she began to march forward with the group following her.

It wasn't long before they were all underwater with Katara bending a dome of water around them to keep from drowning.

As they walked Katara began to struggle a little bit so she looked at Aang while saying "Aang, I need help!"

Aang quickly complied by giving his staff to Dijin and then he started to wave his arms back and forth helping Katara keep the Water-dome intact.

While they were walking Momo, who was perched on Dijin's shoulder noticed all the fish and creatures swimming outside the dome.

Momo being the curious creature he was leapt outside the dome to go and try and catch some of the fish.

However, suddenly, when the group was about halfway to the other side of the pass a large shadow appeared next to the dome scaring Momo. The lemur quickly dived back into the dome climbing back on Dijin freaking out.

Dijin saw the large shadow and said "Guys are you seeing this?"

Katara looked at the shadow and said "What is that thing?"

They didn't have to wait long as a giant serpentine body crashed through the dome making water gather around them at a fast rate.

Ying's family screamed in terror before Toph and Dijin acted quickly by stomping their feet and raising their arms. Next, the ocean floor rose up taking the whole group to the surface.

Once they breached, Dijin handed Aang his staff back before a giant Sea Serpent came out of the water and roared at the group.

The creature had to be at least 100 feet long with sharp fangs filling a narrow mouth, it had a natural crown at the top of his head, and its whole body was colored a deep grey while its head was yellow.

After seeing the beast Sokka pointed at it while screaming "I think I just figured out why they call it the Serpent's Pass!"

Dijin just glared at Sokka shouting "You think!?"

The creature just roared again while Sokka turned towards Suki and said "Suki, you know about giant sea monsters. Make it go away!"

Suki got instantly pissed at Sokka and shouted him saying "Just because I live next to the Unagi doesn't mean I'm an expert!"

Sokka desperate for a solution grabbed Momo and held him up to the serpent saying "Oh great and powerful sea serpent, please accept this humble and tasty offering."

Dijin quickly slapped Sokka upside the head and grabbed Momo shouting "Knock it off Sokka, this is serious!"

The creature chose then to try and attack but Aang quickly swung his staff Air-bending a gust of wind that blew the serpent back a little.

Aang looked at the group and said "I'll distract it. Katara, get everyone across." Aang then took off with his glider while Katara quickly made a path to the other side of the pass out of ice.

Once the path was made the group quickly made their way to the other side.

When Katara thought everyone was safe she quickly made an Ice-wave board and began to surf on the water towards the creature to try and help Aang.

While Aang led the beast on a chase Katara was surfing the water and Waving her arms upwards while bending her wrists creating Ice on the creature to try and stop it.

Sadly, due to the serpent's size it instantly broke the ice and continued its assault.

Meanwhile over with the group everyone had made it to the other side until Dijin noticed someone was missing.

Dijin looked back at the earth platform he and Toph had made and saw the blind girl was still there.

Dijin's eyes widened before he ran to the edge and shouted "Toph, come on! It's too dangerous to stay there!"

Toph timidly put her foot on the ice and when she noticed she couldn't see anything she quickly shouted "Uh, no thanks. I'm gonna stay right here on this nice piece of earth where I can see!"

However, the serpent chose then crash right next to Toph almost flattening her.

Toph screamed in terror before shouting "Okay, I'm coming!" Toph then slowly made her way across the ice while Dijin shouted "Just keep moving! Follow the sound of my voice!"

Toph just looked scared as she shouted "I'm trying!" Sadly though, the serpent crashed onto the Ice path completely shattering it sending Toph into the water as she screamed in fright.

Toph began to flail around in the water shouting "Help! I can't swim!"

Dijin after seeing Toph in trouble felt some unknown feeling rise up inside of him as he shouted "I'm coming, Toph!" as he dived into the water before anyone could stop him.

Dijin swam as if his life depended on it and just when he was about to reach Toph she sank under the water.

Dijin quickly dived under the water and grabbed her before he got them to the surface as quick as he could.

Once they breached Toph coughed a little before she threw her arms around Dijin and said "Oh, Dijin you saved me!" she then leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek but due to her blindness she missed her mark and ended up kissing Dijin full on the lips.

Dijin's eyes widened at the sudden kiss and after a few seconds Toph pulled back with a massive blush across her face before she said "I just kissed you full on the mouth, didn't I?"

Dijin just had a huge blush as well before saying awkwardly "Yeah."

Toph blush increased as she said "Yeah, you can just let me drown now."

Dijin smirked before saying "Sorry, not gonna happen." he then turned around and placed Toph's arms around his shoulders as he said "Now, hang on. I gotta get us to shore." Dijin then began to swim as fast as could towards the group while Toph just continued to blush in embarrassment the whole way.

Back with Aang and Katara, Aang was using a combination of Air-bending and Water-bending to run across the water at a fast pace in a circle creating a large whirlpool that trapped the large serpent.

The serpent roared in distress before the whirlpool launched it into the side of rocky pass.

The creature began to swim away after that realizing its prey was too difficult to kill.

After that Aang opened his glider and flew to go grab Katara then flew back to the group while everyone cheered for their victory.

After dealing with the sea serpent the group only had to walk for another hour before they reached the end of the pass and Sokka shouted while pointing saying "Look, there's the wall!"

The group looked at where Sokka was pointing and sure enough the outer wall of Ba Sing Se was in the distance.

Sokka had a look of relief before saying "Now it's nothing but smooth sailing to Ba Sing Se."

But suddenly Ying gasped as she held her pregnant belly and said "Oh, no!"

Sokka confused asked "What's wrong?"

Ying just held her belly and said worriedly "The baby's coming!"

Sokka started to freak out and said hysterically "What? Now? Can't you hold it in?"

Katara glared at her brother and said "Dijin, can you slap my brother for me."

Dijin complied by smacking Sokka upside the head while saying "With pleasure."

Katara knelt next to Ying and said "Now, let's calm down. I've helped Gran-Gran deliver babies all the time back home."

Sokka just continued to freak out while saying "This isn't the same as delivering an arctic seal! This is a real human thing!"

Katara just frowned at her brother and said "It's called a baby and I helped Gran-Gran deliver those too."

Katara then instantly took charge of the situation and started giving orders saying "Aang, get some rags. Sokka, water. Toph, I need you to make an Earth-tent—a big one."

Toph quickly complied and stood in front of the family before stomping her foot and raising her hands creating a large earth-tent next to the wall of the pass.

Katara then went inside to help Ying while saying "Suki, you come with me." Suki followed Katara as everyone else either stayed out of the way or did the job Katara told them to do.

Soon Ying's screams of excursion began to come out the tent as she began to give birth to her child.

Katara was between Ying's legs as she helped motivate the mother to be saying "You're doing great, Ying." She looked back towards the tent's entrance screaming "Sokka, where's that water?"

Katara turned her attention back to Ying as she said "Now get ready to push. One, two, three, Push!"

Just then Sokka walked in with the water and after seeing Ying's privates with a baby coming out, he instantly passed out from shock.

Luckily it wasn't long after that until everyone heard the sound of a newborn crying and Katara shouting "It's a girl!"

When Ying and the baby were calm, everyone was waiting outside to get the okay to come inside the tent.

While they waited Toph smirked at Sokka saying "So, you going to see the baby or are you gonna pass out like a bitch again?"

Sokka ignored the insult while saying "No, no. I'm good now."

Katara came out then saying "Okay. You guys can come see her."

Toph, Dijin, and Sokka went to see the baby while Aang stayed put but Katara put a hand on his shoulder while saying "Aang, you have to come see this."

Aang reluctantly got up and went inside the tent but his eyes widened in astonishment at the scene in front of him.

Ying looked completely exhausted but she had the brightest smile he had ever seen and in her arms was her newborn daughter.

The young babe was cooing happily in her mother's arms while the group stared at the baby in wonder.

Toph spoke up saying "she definitely sounds healthy."

Sokka spoke next saying "She looks so squishy looking."

Dijin smiled at the baby while saying "This is what life is all about. Bringing the next generation into the world."

Ying's husband spoke next saying "What should we name her?"

Ying smiled at her baby saying "I want our daughter's name to be unique. I want it to mean something."

Aang after hearing everyone and seeing the happy family had tears of happiness leave his eyes before he wiped his face and approached the family saying "I've been going through a really hard time lately. But you've made me... hopeful again."

After hearing Aang speak Ying smiled and said "I know what I want to name our baby now—Hope."

Ying's husband smiled at her and said "That's a perfect name. Hope."

After that Aang left the tent and Dijin quickly followed while saying "Aang, hold up a second."

Aang turned towards Dijin outside the tent while The Lava-bender spoke saying "Look, I want you to know I don't have any ill feeling towards you after what happened."

Aang looked away a little ashamed but Dijin grabbed his shoulder to make him look back as he said "Yes, what happened was unfortunate but we were all scared and frustrated while tensions were high."

Aang just looked at him upset while saying "That doesn't excuse what I almost did."

Dijin nodded his head saying "No, it doesn't but listen." he paused a second to find the right words before saying "Iroh once told me that every failure is an opportunity for us to grow and find our way."

Dijin looked at Aang seriously as he said "Aang, I want you to know this. No matter what happens and no matter how far you may fall, I will always be there to bring you back to the light."

Aang looked at Dijin with wide eyes before he gritted his teeth as tears left his eyes and he quickly hugged Dijin while crying and saying "I'm so sorry, Dijin! I didn't mean to hurt you! I was just so angry!"

Dijin just hugged Aang back and said "It's all right, Aang. Like I said, I'll always be at your side no matter what happens."

Aang just pulled away and wiped his eyes saying "Thank you, Dijin and I swear I will prove myself worthy of your friendship."

Dijin just smiled at him saying "You already are worthy."

Aang just smiled back before they heard Katara clear her throat saying "Sorry to interrupt the bromance but can I talk to Aang now?"

The two laughed awkwardly before Dijin walked away saying "Sure, have at him."

Katara looked at Aang caringly before saying "Are you feeling better now?"

Aang looked at Katara saying "This whole time I thought I was trying to be strong. But in reality, I was just running away from my feelings. Seeing this family together, so full of happiness and love, it's reminded me how I feel about Appa, about my friends, and more importantly how I feel about you."

Katara just had tears of happiness as she listened to Aang before she quickly hugged him and gave him a small kiss on the cheek.

Once they separated the rest of the Gaang joined them.

Aang looked at all his friends before saying "I'm heading out to look for Appa. I promise, I'll find him as fast as I can. I just really need to do this."

The group just gave him understanding looks while Sokka placed a hand on his shoulder saying "See you in the big city."

Toph gave him a friendly punch in the shoulder saying "Say hi to that big fuzzball for me."

Dijin smiled at him while saying "You'll find him, Aang. I know it."

Aang looked at all his friends before saying "Thanks, guys."

Aang then opened his glider and quickly took to the air while the Gaang waved goodbye.

After Aang left, the group started to pack up and get ready to head to Ba Sing Se.

While Sokka was packing his bag, Suki walked up to him saying "Sokka, it's been really great seeing you again."

Sokka quickly stood up saying "Whoa, hold on. Why does it sound like your saying goodbye?"

Suki smiled at him while saying "I came along because I wanted to make sure you got through the Serpent's Pass safely. But now I need to get back to the other Kyoshi Warriors."

Sokka looked at her shocked before saying "Wait, so you came along to protect me?"

Suki just ignored the comment before saying with a blush "Look, about last night. I'm sorry if I pushed things. We were talking and saying things. I just got caught up in the moment and before I knew it I-"

Sokka cut her off by moving forward and kissing her full on the lips surprising her.

Sokka pulled away after a few seconds saying "You talk too much."

Suki's response was just to move forward and kiss Sokka again while wrapping her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss.

Katara, Dijin, and Toph smiled at the display before Toph and Dijin looked at each other and gained awkward blushes remembering the incident in the water.

After Suki and Sokka finished saying goodbye the group finished packing up and started to head towards the outer wall of Ba Sing Se.

xxLine Breakxx

Back with Aang, he had been flying for a few minutes and was coming close to the wall but when he was almost there his eyes widened in absolute shock.

This was due to the fact that on the ground below just a few miles away from the wall of Ba Sing Se was a giant mechanical drill with the Fire Nation symbol proudly on display while a large escort of Tanks protected it.

Aang looked at the drill and tanks while only having one thing to say "Oh, no."