No Avatar or princess this time. Hope you enjoy it regardless.

"Something bothering you Prince Zuko?"

The prince in question continued to stare out over the horizon. Deep breaths. Don't let him get to you, he told himself.

"Nothing at all admiral." He didn't even turn about to address the admiral. If he had to endure his smug grin one more time…

"Are you sure? You've been awfully quiet this whole trip. Surely you aren't bothered by this little assignment you've been granted?"

"Not at all. I'm carrying out my father's will. Nothing could make me happier."

"Spoken like a loyal son. If only you spoke like that more, perhaps you wouldn't have been banished."

This time Zuko did turn, fire alight in his eyes and palms. But of course, his uncle had to intervene and prevent his righteous justice.

"My nephew appreciates your concern admiral. He is simply having a little down time to himself is all."

"Well I sure hope he enjoys it while it lasts. We're coming close to the area where ruffians have sabotaged our operations. I need you to do your best to put them in their place."

"I'll give it my best. And then some."

"Wonderful! That's all I ask! Well I have some things to take care of. I'll give you some time to prepare yourself. Maybe take some calming tea."

"I don't need any calming tea!"

"Hush nephew. Thank you, admiral. To your own."

Zhao nodded with his trademark smirk and wandered off. If he was going to be stuck on this ridiculous goose chase, he might as well make this brat's life miserable.

"Are you all right nephew? I know the admiral can be unpleasant."

"Unpleasant? He's a total asshole! I can't believe father trusts someone like him to lead a militia!"

"I agree. He lacks honor and discipline. But he is in charge here, like it or not. We have to put up with him for the moment."

"Fine. Let's just get this over with. And then we can get back to finding that girl!"

"Zuko, is the girl really worth it?"

"Why not? She's a waterbender! And clearly a powerful one at that! And she's from the southern tribe which I'm pretty sure they said had no more benders!"

"True, but I hardly think she's worth the effort you seem to want to put in."

"And what would you have me do instead? Sit around on a boat drinking tea and growing lazy? Gah! No wonder you couldn't conquer Ba Sing Se!"

He stormed off, oblivious to the pain he had caused his uncle.

…

"Shoot! Hold still you stupid water! This is ridiculous! Come on!"

"Having fun splashing?"

"Shut up Sokka! This is not splashing! This is training!"

"Right, and how's that training going? Besides getting our supplies wet?"

"I… Fine. I'll go over there! Happy?"

"Very happy. Thank you!"

"Hey, Sokka. Why do you give her hell like that?"

"Oh, it may look one-sided to you earthbender. But believe me, it's a two-way street."

"Sure, I imagine that. But what do you have against bending? It's an expression of ourselves. An art form… You're not jealous, are you?"

"Jealous? The hell are you implying? I just don't think it's the most important thing to focus on."

"Really? My father and almost my whole village was imprisoned on a metal ship because of the threat they posed. You don't think it's important?"

"It's only important because a bunch of benders made it important! Because they wanted power and bending makes it easier to get! That's the source of all problems!"

Haru didn't respond but instead got up. "All the same, I'm going to go check on her."

"Sure, go ahead. Do what you want. Hey Suki can you pass me the map? I want another look at where the nearest port is."

He didn't notice her look of disapproval as she handed it over.

"You ok, Katara?"

"Huh? Yeah. Sure. Fine. Nothing wrong."

"You sure? I may not have a sibling, but I have friends who-"

"No, Sokka's just being… Sokka. I can't even get past the basics of water. What good am I going to be out there?"

"You'll get there. It just takes time."

"I've had time! Nothing but time! And I still can't get it! Meanwhile, look at all you've accomplished in that same amount of time!"

"Perhaps, but I had a father who also knew how to Earthbend, before he was captured. You haven't had anyone to teach you all your life."

"True. I don't know any other waterbenders. It sure would help if I did. That way I wasn't so useless!"

"Oh, come on! You are not useless! You helped free our people! We wouldn't be here without your assistance!"

"It was mostly Sokka's idea. And the Kyoshi warriors provided the muscle. I did what I could, but it sure wasn't the deciding factor."

"I think you could be. You've got heart Katara. And after all you've endured, you still haven't given up. That makes you great in my eyes. I think someday you'll see it too."

She smiled a little. "Thanks for that. But it would help if I had some water to back up my threats."

"In time. Until then, you're gonna have to look for another way to help."

She pursed her lips. How could she do that?

"Ahoy! Land ho!"

Upon reaching land, the siblings, warriors and Haru paused a moment to address Tyro and the other former prisoners.

"We'll send you a letter when the tribe is safely through."

"Are you sure you want to do this Haru? We just broke out of prison! Do you really want to risk getting captured again?"

"People need our help getting through Firebender occupied territory. We must help them. Besides we're always taking the risk of more prison time, aren't we?"

"Well, true. But there are ways to minimize that risk. There are safer ways to go."

"I know. But I can't sit on the sidelines. I've done that for too long. We'll finish up here and see you at the rendezvous. We'll be fine, I swear."

"That's what I promised before they took me. If something happened to you I- I couldn't look at your mother again."

"You will look at mother again. Both of us will."

His father nodded with tears in his eyes and hugged him tightly.

"Make the earth move for you my son. Remember who you are. Don't let them tell you otherwise."

…

"Where the heck are they? They promised to be here half an hour ago!"

"Chill Sokka. Things happen. Problems arise. Give them a little more time."

"You did not just tell me to chill. That would be like if I told you to solidify!"

Haru looked at Katara. She just shrugged.

"All I'm saying is, you just need a little more patience. Good things come to those who wait, you know?"

It was Sokka's turn to look confused.

"What? The reason we got your dad out was because you didn't wait! You got tired of waiting and went to get him out yourself!"

"Aye, but I wouldn't have done it without you guys or your plan. And I wouldn't have understood it without waiting. So, it benefitted all of us in the end!"

Sokka turned to Katara. She shrugged again but then smiled off in another direction.

"Hey, I think that's them! Welcome!"

A large caravan of people in surprisingly attuned armor strode out of the trees, all carrying various bags and... sniffing the ground.

"Uh, what the heck? Am I the only one seeing that? What are they doing? Seeking worms?"

"Sokka! Hush! Hi there! You must be the group who asked for passage! Shall we first- Excuse me! What are you doing?"

One of the men had actually walked up to the waterbender and begun sniffing her up and down.

"Hey, get off her you creep! What's your deal? What's wrong with you?"

"Ho there, partner! Maybe I can explain!"

A man with a ninja-like mask stepped forward to pull the strange man off he smiled at the siblings but then frowned.

"Hey! Where'd you go? I can't see you!"

The kids just stared. Nobody knew how to respond.

"Come on guys! Where are you? Don't leave us hanging! We need you!"

Suki moved forward to assist the man.

"Sir, are you ok?"

"Ah, there you are! There you go! Now- Hey, you disappeared again! The heck? Come on!"

The children were truly baffled. Katara even stepped back a little bit.

"There! That's it! I see you moving! That's- Oh no damn it! You have to keep moving! Where are you? I can't see! Move again! Come on!"

"Like this?"

"Yes! There you go! Dang! You stopped moving! Well that's fine! As long as I know you're nearby! I guess we'll have to make do with you. Name's Doggo! And this here with me is the doggie tribe! We're all so grateful to have you guiding us through this nasty terrain!"

"Wait, doggie tribe? Seriously?"

"Sokka!"

"No seriously! Remember the note? This is not the tribe that sent it!"

"But then who-"

"Hey, back away from our guides, you mangy mutts!"

"Oh cripes! It's those creepy crawlies! Stay back fiends, wherever you are!"

Another large group moved out of the trees. Leading them was a ragged woman pulling a cart on which was an assortment of food. Sokka's mouth was already watering.

"Hey, that looks pretty good! Mind if we ease that load off?"

"30."

"30?"

"That's the cost. 30 for donuts. 50 for cider."

50? For cider? The hell outta here!"

"Err anyway," Haru quickly stepped in between. "You must be the spider tribe? We got your letter."

"Holy crap!" Doggo jumped up in the air. "Where did you come from? And now where did you go? You stopped moving again!"

Sokka rubbed his temples. What was going on?"

"Correct! We're the spider tribe! Thank you for receiving our message. Name's Muffet, and this is…" She trailed off as soon as her eyes laid upon the so-called dogs.

"Well, well, well! Look what the cat dragged in! Or rather, what chased the cat out, am I right?"

"Ha ha ha! Hilarious! Am I right?"

No one followed Sokka's example.

"Where are you arachnid? Have you stopped moving? Thank the spirits! It means I don't have to see your ugly mug!"

"Hey! Watch if it you, sexist pig!" Suki had to place a hand on Katara's shoulder to keep her from freezing the man.

"Still can't see anything that doesn't move dunderhead? How your filth has lived this long is a mystery to me."

"Wow, wow. Hold on." Haru looked back and forth between the bickering tribes.

"I don't need to see you move to know your plans! You intend to steal our protectors, away don't you? Haven't you stolen enough?"

"They're our protectors, you filthy liar! We sent the letter! They're here for us! You can go piss on a tree!"

"Ok, ok! Calm down all of you!" Katara stepped forward with hands covered in ice, ready to break up the fighting. Someone beat her to it though.

"Quite agree! Let love and compassion dictate the day! Wouldn't you say Dogamy?"

"Of course, Dogaressa! You know me all too well!"

"Oh darling! Kiss me!"

"No! Kiss me!"

Everyone stared at the two lovebirds. This day had officially ventured into the territory of the insane. Fortunately, Suki was there to be the voice of reason.

"It is true, we only came for one tribe. But we recognize these are dangerous times. I'm sure my friends would have no problem with escorting all of you through the danger zone."

"Wait. What? Suki, can we talk?"

"Yes! Let's talk about this! Who wants to travel with these donut-selling pigs? We certainly don't!"

"And the spiders would never be caught dead trusting our lives to these damn dirty dogs!"

"Suki, I know you mean well. But let's think about this for a second. It's going to be hard enough sneaking one tribe through, but two? Especially two that want to murder each other?"

"No! We can't abandon people in danger!"

"Katara, I know you've got heart. And I admire that. But let's be realistic about this! I don't think it's possible."

"Sokka has a point." Haru looked between the tribes' angry faces. "But I don't think we have much choice. Leaving anyone behind might be a death sentence. We're here to help people. No matter what they think of each other."

"Yeah, but how are we gonna do that? I mean one of them can't even see someone who's not moving! And another's got that big frigging cart!"

"Me and my warriors can scout ahead. Maybe even take out some of the more serious opposition."

"I can also sense them through the earth. And I can use my bending to help move the cart."

"Wait, you can sense things through the earth? How does that work?"

"What gives Sokka? I thought you considered bending a waste of time."

"I never said that! I just said… Oh never mind. If we're going to lead them through, we should go now. Any longer and I really think one of them is going to kill the other."

Turning back to the crowd, Haru raised his hands for silence.

"All right. So, we didn't plan on having you all here. But we're here to help everyone who needs it. We're all going through together. So, get your supplies ready and let's move out."

"Move out with them? So, they get a chance to string us up in their webs?"

"Oh, don't worry. I'm sure you'd much rather be sniffing a tree! Don't let us stop you! We'll just be on our way."

"Hey! How dare you? Show yourself! Where are you?"

"I'm right in front of you moron! See, guides? How can you trust them?"

"She's got a point."

"Sokka!"

"Oh, and donuts."

"Not helping!"

"Stop! All of you! Can't you see Greater dog is upset?"

Everyone followed the hands of the two lovebirds as they pointed to a very large man in imposing armor. He wore a helmet in the shape of a dog. Despite his large countenance, he huddled to the ground whimpering.

Everyone, except Doggo who of course couldn't see the stationary man, looked in the direction the so-called Greater dog was facing. Off in the distance, columns of smoke were rising.

"Fire Nation." Haru's mouth thinned. "I'm all too familiar with that sign."

"So are we." Katara's hand clenched, before turning to the tribes.

"You see? That's the sign of the real enemy. And they're coming for all of us. We can't stay here bickering. If you care about the lives of you and your family, please come with us."

The leaders of the tribes remained silent for a moment then turned to each other. Well Muffet did. Doggo still didn't know where she was.

"We can settle this later, I suppose. When we can't smell smoke anymore."

"Indeed. I've got donuts to sell! Spiders! Let's move!"

"I hope we aren't making a mistake."

Katara turned surprised. "What do you mean Haru?"

"I don't know. But something tells me it would be better to turn back."

She placed her hand on his hand, not noticing his body's response.

"That's absurd. They need us. Why would you get that feeling?"

He shrugged.

"Heck if I know."

"We'll go on ahead and scout for the best route. See you soon Sokka."

"Yeah sure. Just be careful. Come on big guy. Let's move."

The man called Greater dog turned away from the smoke at the sound of his name.

"You hear me? Let's move. It's time to go!"

The man leaned in close. His eyes wide. His ears seemingly flapping.

"What gives. What's your deal?"

"He wants you to pet him."

Sokka turned to the lovebirds. "Excuse me?"

"Why do you think we call him Greater dog. He's like a dog! Only bigger."

"Kind of like you darling."

"Oh, hush you."

Sokka clasped his head in his hands.

"Is it too much to ask for a normal day?"

…

"Nice one Suki! These macho soldiers never saw you coming!"

"Yeah, I think that's more due to luck. If they spent as much time surveying their surroundings as they did chatting about their families, they might prove affective soldiers."

"I know! How did they conquer so much of the world like that? Noobs!"

"You keep an eye out here. I'm going back to let the others know it's ok to come."

"Is that all you're going to tell them?"

"Yeah, why? What else would I say?"

The warriors stared at her.

"What? What do you want?"

"Maybe come clean?"

"Come clean about what?"

"Your secret, maybe?"

Suki stared at them for a time. Eventually she turned and walked back down the path.

"Why doesn't she just tell them? I don't get it."

"Leave her. Her life's hard enough without the attention."

"It sure would get a weight off her shoulders."

"And add another one. She's made her choice. Let her live with it."

Truth be told, Suki was still struggling with that choice. She didn't really know why she didn't tell. Maybe she was afraid of really confronting the truth. Admitting it to herself.

"Hey warrior princess! How's it looking?"

"Pretty good. We caught a couple of guards off guard."

"Ha ha ha! Guards off guard! Priceless!"

"How are things back here?"

"Wish I could say the same. These people would love to kill each other just as much as the Fire Nation."

"Really? That bad?"

"Can you stop moving? I'd really like to not see you anymore."

"It's mutually exclusive you know! If only my senses and companionship were as bad as yours!"

"Listen web lady. Talk all the crap about me you want, but don't say anything about my friends, got it?"

"I'll say whatever I want!"

"Wow." Suki looked at Sokka with astonishment. "And they call us the children?"

"I know. With this commotion, it's a wonder the whole valley isn't onto us. Even Katara is getting annoyed. And that's saying something."

"And how about you?"

As if on cue, the Greater dog saddled up behind them with puppy dog eyes.

"I'm gonna need to write a biography. I'll make millions!"

"Oh, can I be co-author? I'd like some of that?"

"Yeah, sure. Damn it! You are not a dog! Go bother someone else!"

The man whimpered and sulked away.

"A little harsh don't you think, Sokka?"

"Harsh? He's not a dog! Why should I treat him like one? God! I need some food! If only that old crone Muffet would let me have some! We're saving her life! Why can't I at least get something out of that?"

"Yeah people are weird."

Further ahead, the path split into two roads. The warriors had already taken out another group of soldiers posted ahead.

"Hey, Suki. This area looks pretty clear. We think it might be a good place to rest."

"That might be for the best. We've still got another day of walking ahead."

Katara turned to let them know. The tribes weren't happy and bickering quickly started up.

"No way, I'm sleeping next to these poodles! They might pee in my crate!"

"And we don't want to wake up with webs in our faces! Thank you very much!"

"Fine. We'll divide the camps up. One tribe can sleep over there. The other over here. Sound good?"

"Thank you young waterbender! You are most wise! Hey everyone's moving! I can see you all again!"

"Stupid Doggo. How you've lived this long is a mystery."

"Same for you spider queen!"

The children looked at each other with dismay.

That is how the water tribe siblings found themselves sitting with the spiders while Suki and Haru found themselves with the dog tribe. Sokka was very insistent that he not be with the dogs.

"Hey Muffet. Since we're doing you a big favor, mind if I get one or two of those donuts?"

"For free? This isn't a charity! We need money! If I gave handouts to everyone who did us a favor, we'd starve!"

"Sheesh! Cheapskates!"

"What was that?"

"He said, if you can't offer that, maybe you can explain something to us?"

"Katara, that is not what I said."

"Quiet you. Can you tell us why you have such animosity to the doggie tribe?"

"Oh, well. That's a bit of a sad story. Are you sure you want that? Life is sad enough as it is."

"We could pretend it's all roses and sunshine. How does that help anyone?"

The woman smiled. "Fair point. Pretty clever for a child. All right. The truth is we were once the same tribe. A peaceful tribe. Until the day of Sozin's comet."

"The day everything changed."

"Yes. The world was thrown off balance that day. And our tribe on that day was faced with a challenge. To hold back and survive, or charge into battle against the world's largest military who had just taken down an entire nation." She sighed.

"Our tribe is descended from those who elected to stay and protect our families. The dogs are descended form those who went to war. Well, those few who lived to tell the tale."

"Wow. You sure we can't have a donut?"

"Sokka! I'm sorry. That is a sad story."

"Does it make you think of us less?"

Katara paused. "I don't think it's for us to say. We weren't there. I'm sure your people did what they thought was best. Just as I'm sure the dogs did what they thought was best."

"Hmph. Their stunt doomed nearly all who went. It was a poorly thought out strategy. If they had waited, we could have come up with a real strategy to take back our lands. But since they cost us most of our people, we'll never know, will we? Some mistakes are too big to take back."

Katara thought on that statement. "Maybe. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't try."

…

"Ah, prince Zuko. Good to see you training."

"Just running through the basics again. Making sure I have them down."

"That's good. I find the basics have save d may life far more than any advanced techniques. Remember to use the breath."

"Yes. Yes. When are we getting off this ship?"

"Right now, actually!"

"Admiral Zhao. Slept well, I hope."

"As well as can be I suppose. Hope you did the same. Looks like we've got trouble."

"Trouble of what kind?"

"We have sentries posted back east to watch for anyone trying to sneak in from the coast. They have strict orders to send a messenger hawk with updates every day around this time. It hasn't come today."

"Well surely that's not a cause for total alarm. Maybe they're just a little late today."

"It is a cause for alarm. Whatever else you think about these soldiers, they never miss their deadline. They know the punishment for that. Something's up. I'm guessing maybe some of those ruffians I called you out here to help with."

"Does that mean we can go do something worth our time? Then let's go already! I want to but some heads in."

"Prince Zuko!"

"No, no general. That's the spirit. I would expect nothing less from the son of the Firelord."

…

"We're getting close. The safe zone is just on the other side of this valley."

"Finally! If that stuck up woman doesn't give me a free donut for this, I'm gonna… Do something."

"Don't get too cocky. There's no hiding spots in between here and there." Suki turned to Katara. "It might be prudent to wait until nightfall. All it takes is one lookout to have the entire area onto us."

"No! I may not be able to see you! Damn you, non-movement-based sight! But I can still hear you! You want us to stay here another moment with these cowardly insects?"

"For once we agree! I'm not leaving these donuts with these mutts a second longer than I need to! We go now!"

"Now brethren, let's be reasonable. Dogaressa and I think it would be more prudent to ensure do what is in our best interest for survival. We might have to stick together a little longer, but on the other hand-"

"No, no no! I don't care what you lovebirds say! I'm not sticking with these cowards anymore!"

"Cowards! We're survivors!"

"Survivors? More like scavengers!"

"Yeah, in case you're wondering what they mean about that… See a while back, these two were part of the same tribe and-"

"We know Sokka. We talked to the dogs. They fought. The spiders didn't. Heck of a mess."

"I don't know how we can get them to reconcile. After all this time."

"We don't need them to reconcile. We just need to get them through here."

"Haru! I expected Sokka to say something like that, but not you!"

"It's not that I don't want them to make up. But we don't have time for that. We need to focus on survival."

"So, we just rush across and hope no one incinerates us? Listen, I'm all for getting away from that Greater dog as soon as possible. But this sounds like suicide."

"You hear him brothers! Let's move out!"

"What? I said suicide, you stupid dogs! Are you deaf and blind?"

"Come on spiders! Soon we'll be free of these tree sniffers! To Ba Sing Se we go!"

"No wait! Get back!"

"No more waiting! Earthbender, help me move my crate!"

"Wow! At least ask politely! Or at least give me some food!"

"No, Sokka. We're here to help. If they want to go now, then we help."

"But it's crazy! Make them listen to reason!"

"No, he's right Sokka. We'd better get moving."

"My warriors and I will comb the side hills. See if we can take out anyone else, waiting up top." Despite her firmness, she could not hide the concern in her voice.

"Suki, if you need some help-"

"No, you should stay with your sister. Besides, if something comes up, they could use a planner."

Sokka nodded, though he couldn't help feeling it was his lack of warrior skills that made her reject his assistance.

The caravan made its way through the valley and indeed heard the sounds of fire blasts up on the ridges above. But the Kyoshi Warriors, true to their word, kept them occupied.

"Those are quite some impressive women. Remind me how you met them?" Doggo looked at Katara.

"That's a rather strange tale. Long story short, my brother was being a sexist pig and they took pity on me for having to deal with him."

"Hey! That's not how it happened!"

"I might be generalizing. But that's the basics."

"Dang. Wish we had more people like you back then. You might have persuaded these coward's ancestors to get brave."

Haru stepped in at this.

"I understand the anger you feel. But I think it would be best to hear out their side of the story before jumping to conclusions."

"We have heard their side! And it's cowardice! How could they stand by and do nothing? With their help, we might have stood a chance against Sozin! We could have beaten him back before he had time to solidify his army! Now we'll never get that chance again!"

Muffet looked his way. But she didn't respond this time. She just continued on with the other spiders.

"Ah, see how the world has become Dogaressa? Even those on the same side can't see eye to eye!"

"You'll never have that problem with me Dogamy! I'll always see eye to eye with you!

"Oh darling! Kiss me!"

"No, you kiss me!"

The children just stared at each other.

…

"Hey guys! See we made it! And not a moment too soon!"

"Finally! Now we can get some food. Eh spider lady?"

"I told you, no! Not a single piece! It's for those who deserve it!"

"Oh, now that's not very nice. Good food should be shared with everyone. Especially someone who did you such a kindness."

"Quiet old man! How dar- Wait, who the hell?"

"Oh, don't mind general Iroh. It's just his way. Your business is with me, savages."

A whole battalion of Fire Nation soldiers had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. The man with side burns was unrecognizable to them. But the old man and the boy were both instantly familiar.

"Oh, look it's the ugly prince! What? Didn't torture us enough, before?"

"You called that torture? You don't know the meaning of the word! Allow me to show you!"

"You'll get your turn prince. After I've had mine." The man with sideburns stepped forward. "Now you have a decision to make. Surrender calmly and become my prisoners. Or resist and burn like the air nomads of old. Your call."

At this Doggo clenched his fists with trembling anger. The man with sideburns simply raised an eyebrow.

"Do you speak for this crew, err, sir? I have to admit, I'm a little disappointed. When most people address admiral Zhao, they at least take some effort to make themselves presentable."

"I am who I am, admiral. And just because I can't see you doesn't mean I can let what you said stand."

"You can't see me? I'm right in front of you?" Zhao looked around at his soldiers. "Blind and poor taste? You see men? This is why we're needed to save this world!"

Everyone laughed except the scarred prince who remained stoic and his fat uncle who looked about uncomfortably.

"Save this world? SAVE THIS WORLD?"

Doggo's sudden rage caught everyone by surprise. Even Muffet raised her eyebrow.

"I've heard that crap all my life. And I won't hear it anymore! If it's my time to die, I'll die like my ancestors! By the sword! They knew death was preferable to you!"

As he pulled out his sword, so too did the rest of the doggie tribe. Zhao's smirk faded.

"Wait, you all had swords? Why the hell did you need us for protection?"

"Sokka, I don't think this is the time for questions."

"Ha! You're going to take us on? You? Good. I could use the exercise."

"Admiral, if I may-"

"You may not, general. I am in command here."

"Wait, he's a general yet you're in command? How does that make sense?"

"Shut your mouth peasant! If you don't want to be destroyed along with these brutes, I suggest you raise your hands in surrender now!"

Just as the kids were seriously considering surrender, a massive blast of some kind of goop landed on the admiral, covering him, the general and the scarred prince.

"What in blazes? Who threw that?"

"Your friendly neighborhood freedom fighters, admiral! Ready to kick butt as you requested!"

From out of nowhere, a small group of seeming bandits swung from above and onto the remaining soldiers.

"These must be the ruffians who've been messing up our supply lines! Arrest them! Quick!"

The soldiers moved to counter but were knocked off guard by the dog tribe and surprisingly the spider tribe who rushed forward to knock them off their feet.

"You, helping us?" Doggo looked at Muffet with surprise. "You don't think this will actually impress me, do you?"

"You think I care what you think? I'm just not letting these savages touch my goods! Now my pet, attack!"

"Holy crap! They have a giant spider! Frigging heck! Has that been with us this whole time?"

"Fight back! Get them! General Iroh! Do something?"

"I'm afraid I'm stuck admiral. Prince Zuko. Now perhaps is a good time to practice the negative Jing."

If he could, Zuko would have slapped his head against his hands.

One of the soldiers knocked to the ground by Haru pulled out a horn and blew into it. A great echo shot out from within into the sky.

"Crap! They're calling for reinforcements! Come on everyone! Let's scram!"

"Sokka! Let's go! What are you doing?"

"One second." Sokka stared at Zuko up close.

"What are you looking at peasant?"

Without warning, Sokka knocked him on the head with his boomerang sending him falling back ward into the goop.

"That's for the water tribe, prince dork!"

"Ha! Prince dork, all right! Some help you proved to be! Wait until your father hears of this!"

Zuko's eyes widened with worry, until his uncle intervened.

"Might I remind you admiral, that you too fell for their trap? Do you really want the Fire Lord to hear of that?"

Zhao's grinning face quickly fell, and for Zuko that silence was the best sound he heard all day.

…

"So, it took you all this time, but your tribe finally grew a backbone."

"We always had it. We were just waiting for the right moment. For a time when we stood a chance."

"And you think that time is now?"

Muffet shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe not. But either way I was getting tired of that guy's smug grin."

Doggo didn't return the smile.

"So, what now? We just pretend like the last century didn't happen?"

"No, of course not." Katara intervened and stood between the two tribes. "But maybe it's a chance to start over. In this world, you need all the help you can get."

Doggo and Muffet stared at the girl for a time before turning back to each other. Doggo smirked a little.

"Fine. I guess we could use the extra hand. Don't think this means all is forgiven though. We've got a lot of trust to build before that happens."

"Same here. You've also got to work on that doggie breath."

"Don't push it spider lady. So, could you move a little or something? I can't shake your hand otherwise."

Muffet complied and upon shaking the man's hand turned to the other people.

"From here on, we march to Ba Sing Se together! As one tribe once more!"

"Tee hee! Just like us Dogamy! Isn't that weird?"

"You know it Dogaressa! You naughty boy, you!"

"Oh you!"

The leaders turned to the children.

"We owe you an unpayable debt. We will forever be grateful. If there's anything we can do-"

"How about some cider?"

"Except that!"

"No need." Katara extended her hand. "Seeing people to safety is reward enough."

The tribes began moving on. Except of course for the Greater dog who continued to stare at Sokka with pleading eyes.

"Gah! Fine! Here!"

Sokka rubbed the man's head causing him to lick him in excitement.

"Bleh! Enough! Enough! Get moving! Geez! Bunch of weirdos!"

"Sokka!"

"Well, they are! I mean I'm glad to see them safe but honestly! What the heck!?"

"Eh, I've seen weirder."

The leader of the ruffians who had helped them earlier stepped out of the shade of the trees.

"Yeah, like who? Like you?"

The man looked to Katara. "This your brother?"

"Yes. I'm sorry for his attitude. Thank you for saving our lives."

"Quite convenient that you should show up at just that time." Haru shook the boy's hand. "Who might we thank for this rescue?"

"Name's Jet." The boy smirked. "And while you're out here, you can consider me your best friend."