Avatar The Last Airbender Fan Fiction ❯ The War of the Elements ❯ Crossing the serpent pass ( Chapter 5 )

Chapter 5 Crossing the Serpents Pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar The Last Air Bender

 

 

 

 

Miles away from the serpent pass

 

 

 

Night fell on the mountain path the Avatar gang have already camp to spend the night, since they were near the beach Aang, Katara and Sokka went fishing to gather food. Everybody was enjoying the food however the group were still being hostile towards Zuko especially Katara they still didn't trusted him at least both water tribe siblings were keeping their distance from the fire nation prince. Aang and Toph along with Teo and his father were normal it seems they didn't saw Zuko as an enemy anymore, as for Sora since he never Zuko as an enemy before he was just being his normal self cheery and social whilw Appa was eating a large amount of fish that Aang catch for only him and Momo was eating too.

 

“Delicious” Sora said while eating another fish

 

“It's a good thing Katara help us with her water bending she make fishing a piece of cake” Aang said while smiling at Katara

 

“What about me I catch fish too you know?” Sokka said

 

“Really the great fisherman Sokka with his amazing fishing skills you only caught one fish and it was puny” Katara said in a sarcastic tone

 

The group laugh at Katara's comment while Sokka fumed

 

“Hey at least I catch one fish I try really hard you know” Sokka said

 

“Yeah that's what matters doing the best you can” Sora said happy while finishing his fish

 

“Hey Sora?” Toph said getting the attention of the light bender and the rest of the group” what were those things back at the dessert?”

 

“They are dark benders right Sora?” Aang said

 

“Well they were dark benders” Sora said

 

“What do you mean they were?” Katara said

 

“Those things are called heartless when a dark bender losses himself in his own dark bending he losses his heart and becomes a heartless a dark creature that only hungers for hearts to devoured and turn more people into heartless” Sora said

 

The group were shock at the revelation Zuko who was also listening was also shock

 

“So if the darkness takes over them they turn into heartless the darkness in our hearts” Zuko said

 

“That's right Zuko when the darkness in our hearts over power us we are devoured by the darkness and we become heartless” Sora said

 

“Wait a minute so dark benders aren't they only ones that can be turn into heartless?” Sokka said

 

Sora nodded” yeah we can also becomes heartless”

 

The group were more shock

 

“Sora what did you meant by the darkness in our hearts?” Toph ask in curiosity

 

“It means that there's darkness in all of us it doesn't matter if you are a water bender or a fire bender we all have darkness in all of us humans and animals, but at the same time we all have light in all of us in our hearts and its reflected by the actions and deeds we make” Sora said

 

“And let me guess the good deeds is reflected by the light and the bad deeds are reflected by the darkness” Aang said

 

“Yeah the light and the darkness is increased by the deeds, actions and choices that we make” Sora said

 

“So the darkness is going to take over Zuko?” Sokka said

 

Zuko gave him a sour looked while the group sweat dropped

 

“That was a mean comment Sokka” Toph said

 

“Yeah Sokka being bad is one thing but being misunderstood is another” Aang said

 

“I agree Zuko is a good person I can sense the light in him is very strong” Sora said

 

Zuko gave a small smile but he made sure no one else saw it

 

“So we all have darkness and light inside of us?” Teo said

 

“Such fascinating revelation no one ever knew of such thing” Teo's father said

 

“Yeah and the fact that any of us can be turn into heartless” Sokka said with a smug look on his face

 

“That wont happen as long you guys don't give in to the darkness in you're hearts” Sora said

 

“We should rest tomorrow we are going to cross the serpents pass” Katara said

 

Aang nodded” al right”

 

The group went to their sleeping spots Aang was next to Katara how convenient while Sokka was next to Appa using the flying bison as a giant pillow Toph made her earth tent near the fire, Zuko was sleeping a few feet from the fire it seems he was being a little distant from the group Teo and his father were sleeping next to Appa Momo was sleeping next to Aang and finally Sora was sleeping near the fire near Toph's earth tent.

 

An hour later Sora was trying to sleep but he couldn't he twist and turn over and over again but he just couldn't fell asleep, with a soft grunt he got up and saw that the whole group was sleeping he sighed they were so lucky that they don't have trouble sleeping. He left the camp fire and went a little further, he arrived at a beach he smile looking at the beautiful moon that and the way its light was shinning the water he felt so relaxed he didn't realize that he wasn't someone was behind him.

 

“Can't sleep huh?”

 

Sora jump back with a startle and look behind him to see the blind earth bender Toph who had a smirk on her face.

 

“Toph you startle me”

 

Toph smirk again” yeah I know it was fun, so why are you here?”

 

“You said it yourself I can't sleep I have a problem with sleeping I need a lot of time to finally sleep so I guess I came here to get some fresh air and finally slept from the relaxation”

 

“What are you an old man or something that you have to feel relaxed to sleep?”

 

Sora frown at her comment” ha ha very funny I just need time before I can finally sleep” he then blink” hey what about you Toph you can't sleep either?” he smirk at her

 

“I couldn't sleep because a certain light bender kept twisting and turning in his sleep and I could felt the vibrations all the way from my tent you were very loud to me” Toph said while smirking

 

Sora blush from embarrassment” sorry I didn't mean it”

 

“Its okay I can't see but my hearing is more accurate than anyone and my touch is more accurate I can feel the vibrations from the earth so yeah I could feel the noises you were making”

 

“Oh I see that's pretty impressive what about know what do you feel now?” Sora said curious

 

“Well right now I can feel the gentle breeze its great and since there's no sand here the earth is very warm and soft it feels nice”

 

“Really I can't feel the earth being that soft its a little rough” Sora said while taking off his boot and feeling the ground with his bare feet

 

Toph chuckle” well if you have my ability you could feel the earth like I do”

 

“You have a great gift Toph you can feel and hear things no one else can't” Sora said with a smile

 

“Yeah I know, although I wish I could see the world with my own eyes” Toph said in a whisper

 

“What did you say Toph?”

 

“Its nothing” Toph said as she stood there feeling the breeze of the night sky

 

Sora continue to look at the beautiful scenery before, suddenly he felt a powerful source of darkness he remain calm he took a glance at Toph and notice that she had an alarm look on her face but she was quiet and calm.

 

(This powerful darkness no doubt it's a dark bender) Sora thought

 

“Sora?” Toph said in a whisper but loud enough for him to listen

 

“What is it?” Sora whisper back

 

“We are being watch”

 

Sora nodded slowly” yeah I know I think it's a dark bender”

 

Toph gasp a little” so whoever it is he came here to fight us right?”

 

“I don't think so, its dark bender al right but if he wanted to fight us he would have done it already I think he's here to spy on us”

 

“So we have to keep an eye on him?” Toph said

 

Sora chuckle at the way Toph said the comment since she was blind suddenly both teens were surprised.

 

“He's gone” Toph said surprised

 

“Yeah I can't sense the darkness anymore he must have left, Toph we should get back and rest we have to be on our guard from now since the dark nation is after us we might end up fighting the heartless again”

 

Toph nodded and smile the two left the beach and return to the camp fire where the gang were still sleeping.

 

“I hope you can finally get some sleep Sora”

 

“Don't worry I will count sheep's until I felt asleep” he sighed” even if I have to count a thousand”

 

Toph giggle and gave him her usual friendly soft punch on his arm making Sora rub his arm she return bank to her earth tent, Sora return to his sleeping spot and began counting some sheep's finally after getting to over a hundred he finally drifted to sleep.

 

 

 

Fire nation territory somewhere in a forest)

 

 

 

Riku and the fire nation group have arrived in a forest a few miles where the prison fortress was located, they have started a fire camp and they were taking a break before setting out to their next destination. Iroh have made some of his tea which Tai Lynn and Mai were enjoying, Riku was deep in thought while Azula wasn't a happy camper she was cursing under her breath and she wanted to free herself from Riku's technique. Ignoring Azula happy mood Iroh decided to give some tea to Riku who was still deep in thought he offer him a cup of tea snapping him from his train of thought.

 

“Here tea can help you think and also calms the soul”

 

Riku smile while taking the cup of tea” thanks” he took a sip of the hot beverage and smile” this is very good”

 

Iroh smile” why of course what would you expect it's the best tea in the nations”

 

“Ill say I really like your tea Iroh” Tai Lynn said taking another sip from her tea

 

Mai just nodded while taking a sip from her own tea

 

“Im glad that you all like it there's plenty of it so feel free to take more” Iroh said

 

“I will have seconds” Riku said

 

“Just finish your first cup then you can have some more” Iroh said with a smile

 

Azula growl she couldn't take it anymore she snorted” oh please this is ridiculous drinking tea what's next uncle eat cookies”

 

Tai Lynn smile” really Iroh you have cookies I want some”

 

Iroh and Mai sweat dropped at her comment while Riku sighed

 

(I forgot that the rotten apple of the group is here) Riku thought

 

“Now Azula Im certain if you take some of my tea you will like it” Iroh said while pouring some tea in another cup he offer her the cup

 

Azula sneered she wasn't going to take the cup but suddenly she grab it she gasp and saw Riku controlling her hand.

 

“Looks like you have forgotten that I control your movements now drink the tea” Riku said

 

Azula protested at first but she couldn't with the dark bender controlling her movements she was helpless she open her mouth and took a sip of the tea, Mai and Tai Lynn were watching eagerly at they see their friend and companion tasting the tea. Azula for a little she actually change her expression and a slight smile was form around her lips which everyone didn't notice except for Riku she then stood quiet while looking at the tea cup Riku smirk while Iroh look eager waiting to hear his niece response of his tea.

 

“Its good isn't it Azula?” Iroh said in a hopefult tone

 

Azula snorted” no its not good it taste bad”

 

Iroh was shock” no….that can't be my tea is the best”

 

“She's lying Iroh she like it” Riku aid

 

Azula glare at him while Iroh smile

 

“So you do like it Im glad, you know Im glad that I will be spending some time with you Azula you do need to control that temper of yours I will teach you how to control it” Iroh said

 

Azula growl” don't start with me uncle you can drop the act now”

 

Iroh was confused” what do you mean?”

 

“Come on you're taking the role of fatherly figure with me because you failed miserably with Zuko”

 

Iroh was angry hearing that comment Riku could sense the darkness in him growing Mai was a little scare the same with Tai Lynn.

 

(This is not good) Riku thought

 

(This is going to get ugly) Mai thought

 

Azula gave an evil grin seeing that her comment made a reaction on the formal fire general” that's right uncle you're still feeling guilty about cousin you couldn't save him and you feel like you weren't good enough for a father to him and that's why you took Zuko like he was you're son the same goes to me cousin was so pathetic” suddenly Iroh garb her wrist he tighten his hold over her making Azula groan in pain

 

Mai and Tai Lynn were shock at the sight they have never seen Iroh so angry before

 

“Iroh please stop right now” Riku said trying to calm the formal general down

 

Iroh glare at his niece like he was ready to kill her” listen to me Azula and listen to me good you can insult me all that you want but you NEVER speak ill of my son he was an honorable soldier who love the fire nation more than anyone I taught him to believe in the benefit of the fire nation as a nation who brings peace and prosperity if he was still alive today to see who low the fire nation have become he would have been devastated”

 

Iroh was still upset he left the camp fire leaving a shocking Mai and Tai Lynn Riku was quiet.

 

“Azula that wasn't nice” Tai Lynn said

 

“You shouldn't have said that” Mai said

 

Azula snorted” whatever”

 

Riku then got up and left the camp fire follow by Azula, suddenly he raise his hand and Azula was now in a cage made from darkness.

 

“HEY what are you doing I can't escape so what's with the cage?” Azula snarl

 

Riku then release his shadow biding technique on Azula” that's why I have to talk to Iroh alone” he then left camp fire

 

Azula turn to her two companions” what are you two waiting for get me out of here?”

 

“Azula we couldn't break free from the dark ropes what makes you think that we can get you out from a dark cage?” Mai said as she took another sip from her cup

 

“Yeah I think Riku is the only one who can break you free” Tai Lynn said

 

Azula growl in anger she was going to be in the cage for who knows how long she tighten her fist as she stood in the dark cage and waited for the dark bender to return.

 

(You will pay dearly for this Riku) Azula thought

 

Riku saw Iroh near tree no doubt he was upset because of Azula's cold comment

 

“You okay?”

 

“Im fine I don't pay attention to what Azula says the only thing I regret is that I couldn't stop my son from going into battle against the earth kingdom even if he didn't like the way my brother was taking action by invading the nations but he still fought for the fire nation for his kingdom it was a mistake to die for a war that should have never happen”

 

“I understand I hate war I never saw a positive thing in going to war with the light nation there's nothing good about war only bad things death suffering pain everything that resides in the darkness I hated it”

 

“If you hate war so much as you claim then why are you fighting in this war?”

 

“Because I want to end this war once and for all, to me this is a war to end all wars and I will fight with everything I had but even someone like myself has my limits I can't do this on my own I need a group to fight back”

 

Iroh chuckle” like the Avatar?”

 

“Yes the people who want to fight for their homes and to bring peace to the nations that's the people I need together we can do it”

 

Iroh smirk” you know you don't like a dark bender to me?”

 

Riku smirk back” Im not that kind of dark bender”

 

“Riku you remind me of my son he was always goodwill and always fighting for the right cause until the war started when my brother Sozin assumed position as the new fire Lord my son didn't like the way he was ruling the fire nation he had a bad feeling about it…..and he was right in the end he die like an honorable soldier dying for the fire nation but not the fire nation he envisioned as I taught him”

 

“Then lets work together to end the war and build a new world I will be honored Iroh if you continue to travel with me”

 

“Of course I'm already involved in this so count me in”

 

“Glad to have you”

 

“We shouldn't be in fire nation territory for too long my brother is not wasting time”

 

“Right well leave for the northern air temple first thing in the morning”

 

The two got back to the camp fire and saw Azula shooting a powerful lighting bolt at the dark cage Riku created while Mai and Tai Lynn were a few feet from the cage.

 

Riku smirk seeing Azula fighting to break from the cage he got closer and used his shadow binding technique on her once again he the dispelled the dark cage.

 

“About time you got here” Azula hiss

 

“Why Azula don't tell me you have missed me?” Riku said with a grin

 

“Not in the least I am so looking forward to the day when I finally get free and kill you” Azula said while glaring at him

 

“Until that time enjoy your self with dreaming about that” Riku said in a sarcastic tone

 

“Lets get some rest tomorrow we go to the northern air temple” Iroh said

 

“So were going to fight more of the fire nation?” Mai said

 

Riku nodded while lying on the ground” yes well continue our journey until we reach and clear out all of the four temples”

 

The rest nodded and got on the ground Azula grumble something before she went sleep, Riku saw Iroh looking at Azula.

 

“What's wrong?”

 

“I don't know what could have happened to Azula to change so much I remember she used to be such a nice person when she was little I wonder what could have happened to make her change so much?” Iroh said

 

“Some people change for the better other change for the worst” Riku said

 

“Perhaps but there might be a reason for someone to change a lot”

 

“Don't think too much about it get some rest”

 

Iroh nodded and lie near the fire

 

Riku look at Azula before lying on the ground and falling asleep

 

(Azula change that will never happened) Riku thought

 

 

 

At the serpents pass

 

 

 

The gang were now standing in front of the serpents pass they have already crossed it once and it was enough it was close they ended up fighting a giant sea serpent but in the end they were able to cross the pass. The group looked at the other side of the pass where they needed to go in order to go to Ba Sing Say since they couldn't use a boat. Sokka look both ways of the ocean checking for any sing of the sea serpent he didn't wanted to be caught in surprise like last time.

 

“I hope that giant serpent decided to take a vacation far away from here” Sokka said

 

“I doubt it” Katara said

 

“I really don't want to cross it again” Toph said

 

“But Toph you were the one who suggested that we should cross the serpents pass” Aang said

 

“I know and I regret saying it I hate water Im completely hopeless when I in it”

 

“Well be al right right Aang?” Sora said

 

Aang nodded” right” he went to Appa” al right Appa I know you are tired but I need you to carry Teo and his father”

 

The flying bison made an approval growl Teo and his father got on his back

 

“Be careful you guys” Teo said

 

“Come back to us safe” Teo's father said

 

Appa ascended into the air and crossed the ocean reaching the other side of the pass now it was up to the group to make it safe into the other side.

 

“Al right Katara you know what to do Zuko, Sora we are going to keep our guard up if the sea serpent appears Sokka help Toph” Aang said

 

The group nodded and just like the first time Katara led the way she created an ice path to cross the pass the group started walking the icy path. Zuko took his broadswords ready for anything that might show up, Sora was also keeping his guard up and so far he hasn't sense anything yet the same went with Aang he knew it was too good to be true for the serpent not showing up Sokka was holding Toph's hand guiding her since she could only see by touching the earth. And just when the group was half way in the path a loud growl was heard getting the attention of everyone, they saw it on the right side of the ocean a giant serpent appeared but this time the serpent look different it didn't have the same colors as before it was colored dark black with a purple line reaching from its head to its tail it had bright yellow eyes.

 

“Great the serpent it still here why can't I be right for once” Sokka whined

 

Sora gasp while looking at the serpent (such powerful darkness it….can't be IT IS)” guys that serpent is a heartless”

 

“WHAT” Katara shouted shocked

 

“Great what else is going to happen?” Sokka said

 

Things got worse because from the left side of the ocean another heartless serpent appeared the whole group glare at Sokka even Toph.

 

Sokka sighed” next time I will keep my mouth shut”

 

“Katara keep going well handle them” Aang said

 

Katara nodded in worry and continue in making the ice path, Zuko and Sora took on the serpent on the right side while Aang took on the serpent in the left side. Zuko blast a fire wave from his broadswords but the serpent dodge it and fire a dark being straight at him he was caught off guard, but suddenly a barrier made of light hit it blocking the attack.

 

Zuko saw Sora with his sword in hand creating the light barrier

 

“Thanks” Zuko said

 

“No problem just make sure not to get hit by those dark beings” Sora said

 

Aang fire a strong gust of air making the serpent flew off a few feet away he then use his water bending skills to create a water cyclone covering the serpent he then froze the cyclone turning the serpent into an ice sculpture.

 

“That will hold it for a while”

 

Sora then fire a light being at the serpent but it counter with a dark being the two stood there firing their attacks holding down who will be able to hold on and survive that is until Zuko forge the fire trough his broadswords turning the swords into two huge fire whips he lunge them at the serpent burning the dark creature. The serpent have a cry of pain but it was still alive, Aang reunited went to the two and decided to join the fight by now Katara has finally reached the other side and finish the ice path.

 

“Sokka hurry up and get Toph out of there” Katara said

 

Sokka nodded and began to walk with Toph the serpent threw another dark being hitting the ice path Sokka lose his grip and Toph fell on the water.

 

“OH NO TOPH” Sokka shouted

 

Sora saw what happened and gasp in shock

 

Toph was slowly sinking in the water she was now at the mercy of the sea she could feel that the oxygen was now abandoning this it she was about to die this time. Suddenly she heard a water splash and without realizing it someone took her hand she felt someone grabbing her and taking her back to the surface. Toph was relief that someone saved her but she wasn't going to make the same mistake twice because last time she thought that it was Sokka the one who saved her and she ended up giving him a kiss or so she thought because the person who saved her was Suki and she was really embarrassed about that.

 

“Are you okay Toph?”

 

Toph was really surprised she thought that this time it was Sokka who saved her but she recognize the voice immediately it was Sora she didn't know why but she felt more happy than usual knowing that it was him who saved her without thinking about it she lean closer to him and give him a soft kiss on his cheek.

 

“Thanks Sora”

 

Sora was thankful that Toph was blind because his face was red he felt happy and warm, he try to forget the reason why he felt like that and continue to swim until reaching the other side of the pass.

 

Sora brought Toph to the other side of the pass Katara and Sokka join in along with Teo his father Appa and Momo. Back on the ice path Aang and Zuko were fighting the giant serpent who was just firing dark beings at them the two benders were dodging and attacking.

 

“There's no end to this” Zuko said

 

“Well have to combine elements” Aang said

 

“I hope some of my training will help you”

 

“Don't worry Im ready”

 

The two benders got into a fighting stance as the giant serpent was heading their way at full speed both of them fire a fire ball combine it turn into a giant fire ball it hit the serpent burning it it slowly it turn into darkness and vanish.

 

“We did it” Aang said with a smile

 

Zuko nodded” looks like your improving in your fire bending skills”

 

“Thanks to you”

 

Back at the other side Sora saw that the other serpent that Aang froze was beginning to break free he took his sword and raise high in the air his whole body was glowing bright white Katara, Sokka Teo and his father gasp seeing the light bender in action Toph could feel the strength coming from Sora.

 

“LIGHT cast your judgment on my foe HOLY LANCE”

 

From his sword Sora released five spikes of light four of the spikes pierce the serpent in a x form shape and the fifth stab it in at the top of the head the serpent turn into darkness and vanish from sight it was over.

 

“I guess its over” Sora said

 

“Wow that was amazing” Sokka said in awe

 

“Ill say” Katara said

 

Aang and Zuko join up with the rest

 

“You guys okay?” Aang said

 

“We are fine Aang” Katara said

 

“We finally made it across lets go we still have ways to go before reaching Ba Sin Say” Aang said

 

The group nodded and began to walk from the pass

 

Toph sighed in relief” its good to be back on the earth”

 

“Im glad that you're okay Toph” Sora said

 

“Thanks to you and Sora…..about that kiss I..”

 

“Its al right Toph you were scare and you're relief that I save you so I don't complain about the kiss”

 

Toph nodded while blushing a little, while the group were walking Katara notice the blush in Toph's cheek and she couldn't help but smirk, the group continue to walk as they were heading to their next destination Ba Sin Say.

 

Back at the serpents pass the hooded stranger appeared again he was staring at the other side where the gang have left.

 

“The Avatar is strong and with Sora helping him killing the Avatar is going to be more complicated than I have expected” he raise his hand and suddenly from the darkness a mysterious dark winged creature appeared” the Avatar is heading to Ba Sin Say killed him don't let anything get in your way”

 

The creature vanish the stranger made a black portal appeared

 

“You will die Avatar” he then entered the portal and vanish

 

 

 

To be continued

 

 

 

The fifth chapter is done I have already started working on chapter six so it won't take me as long as this one so to the people who are reading if you haven't figure it out Toph is going to be pair with Sora now if you guys can guess the rest of the pairings anyway please send me your comments and your reviews farewell.

 

PS: Holy Lance is a light spell from the RPG Tales of Symphonia if you guys have played the game.