Hello everyone! Sorry for the long update time, I have been so busy with summer shit and work and I had my birthday and everything. Been crazy.

Thank you for all the reviews! I don't think people have been able to see the story on the actual like general ATLA fanfic stories, so I've been working on that as well. We'll see if this is showing up or not.

PanicAtTheEpicness: Of course I remember you! How could I forget my best friend? Haha. And you'll see.. You shall see! And One Direction? Seriously? Hahahaha

The 13th Heart: So, basically, you want me to explain the entire story to you. Yeah. That's not how I roll :P The way I write, I have many things that are left for the reader to find out at a later period. So it's good you have those questions. They were meant to be asked. So my answer to them is: You'll find out.

The Hunger Games: I LOVE RUE. I'm actually wearing a hunger games shirt right now... Omg.

Guest: Sorry D:

reillyisme: Thank you! And thanks for reading the top lmao

Katara raised an eyebrow to Toph, "What are you doing?"

"Cleaning." She said simply.

Katara stared at her new traveling companion as she picked and her toes, slightly disgusted. She didn't want to know why Toph thought of this as a social acceptable thing to do, but decided to ignore it. After tying the reins of the ostrich horses a bit tighter to the tree they set up camp next to Katara sat back down in front of the fire, Toph directly across from her.

Katara looked up to the canopy above them. She could just see twinkling lights through a small opening in the branches above them. Even though she could only see a small part of it, Katara smiled as she lay down on the grass, knowing that a full sky was above them, glimmering with a billion stars that watched over them.

"Ahhhh…" Toph sighed, finally lying down as well, "That's the stuff."

"You're pretty disgusting." Katara retorted.

"You should try it some time. I live for the sweeeet picking sensation."

Katara crinkled her nose, ignoring the request.

"It's been about a week since you first set off with me." Katara said, changing the subject, "How far do you think we've gotten?"

"Meh. Not very far. Like I said, Omashu isn't exactly go a few miles and turn at the next rock. For all we know, we might be traveling in the wrong direction."

"Maybe we should stop for directions."

"Whatever, I'm fine with anything. I'm just glad to be moving around."

Katara was glad for Toph's simple nature. It was easy to get along with her. Most of the time, they sat in a comfortable silence, not having much to say to one another. Both of them were just glad to not be alone anymore, Katara realized. This pleased Katara, but at the same time, disappointed her. She wanted to get to know Toph, to become her friend. Maybe they could just travel around together forever, not really doing much, ignoring the world. The idea excited Katara: ignoring the world. In fact, she wanted nothing to do with the universe. Not after what she had been through. To be wandering forever, never really getting involved with anything, seemed… comfortable. Easy. Peaceful.

Katara wanted to be peaceful…

"Hey, Toph."

"Yeah?"

Katara bit her lip. What was she going to say? She should have thought of something to ask before she had spoken up.

"Uhm… So… Do you, uh… Know anyone? In Omashu?"

"Nope."

Katara wanted to slap herself. Of course she didn't know anybody in Omashu, Toph had said she had never been there before. The conversation was getting nowhere; Katara began to panic, raking her brain for something to talk about.

"Well… Maybe we will! When we, you know… Get to Omashu…"

"Are you looking for something in Omashu, Katara?" Toph asked, slightly confused.

"Oh, no… No, not really…"

Silence.

"Katara, you taught yourself everything you know about bending, right?" Toph said

"Yeah, why?"

"Well, I mean, you're pretty good, right?"

"I think I am."

"Well, I know I'm good. One of the best, actually. But that's because I learned from someone else. I saw other earthbenders, fought other earthbenders, and was taught by them too."

"Yeah? So?"

"Well, you've only learned by using it to help you survive out here."

Katara grew confused, "Does that not make me a good waterbender?" she asked, slightly panicked.

"No, it's just that you've only mastered one side of waterbending. You can use water to your advantage and everything, sure. But you've never fought with it."

Katara bit her lip, "Uh… Yeah, never." She lied.

"Exactly." Toph said, rolling over on her stomach to face her, "So maybe you should?"

"I should what? Fight someone?"

"Learn from someone."

Katara rolled over as well, looking to Toph through the fire, "There are no waterbending masters in the Earth Kingdom, Toph."

"So," Toph said slowly, "Let's go to the North Pole."

Katara's eyes widened, "But Toph, that's literally on the other side of the world… And we're riding on ostrich horses. Besides, how will we even get through the water after the land ends? It's not like we can just fly over."

"We can figure that out along the way. Come on, it's not like you've got anything better to do."

Katara began to play with her hair, staring into the fire. She had never thought of it before, going to the North Pole. Would she be able to? After all, it's not like the Southern Water Tribe and the Northern Water Tribe had much contact with one another…

"I guess we can…" Katara said slowly, "We'll just… Aim North I suppose."

Toph rolled back over onto her back, folding her arms under her head, "Cool. Maybe we could practice on the way, so you're all warmed up and kicking for training."

Katara smiled over to Toph, "Why are you thinking so much about me?"

Toph shrugged, "You don't seem to be thinking enough about yourself."

"What do you mean?"

"Just a vibe I've been getting."

Katara frowned, rolling back onto her back. She looked back up through the small opening in the forest to the sky, staring up at the shining stars. What did Toph mean by that? Who else would Katara be thinking of besides herself? She had been alone for almost her entire life.

The rest of the night passed in silence. Katara couldn't settle her mind long enough to fall asleep; there was far too much to think about now. The North Pole? Learning from a master? It was so exciting, and terrifying, that the more she thought of it, the more the idea grew on her. Suddenly, it was all Katara wanted to do. Why had she not thought of it before?

As the dawn approached, Katara already had the camp packed up and ready. By the time Toph rose from her slumber, all of the supplies were reattached to the ostrich horses, the campfire had been put out, and a small breakfast of berries and nuts lay out for Toph. The tiny earthbender slowly rose from the ground, groaning and yawning as she cracked her bones and stretched her muscles. After smacking her lips a few times, she spoke up.

"You're up early." She stated bluntly, falling back down on her rear end and grabbing her measly meal, "What's the rush all of a sudden?"

Katara shrugged, a foolish grin plastered on her face, "For the first time since I can remember, I'm going somewhere. Not just wandering around, wondering what's going to happen to me. I have a plan, and a destination, and a reason for going somewhere." She said excitedly, giving the ropes holding up the blankets a good tug to reassure herself they would not come tumbling down throughout the day, "It's so… I don't know. Thrilling."

"You need to get out more if planning stuff gets you this excited."

Katara ignored her, refusing to let Toph's sarcasm bring her down. Nothing could upset Katara today; it was the first step in a plan, a plan that she knew would change her life forever. Today marked the day of the rest of Katara's life. It sent shivers up her spine thinking about the things she would learn, the people she would meet, and the things she would encounter.

"Ready to go?" she said, turning to face a still half asleep Toph. Toph blew a piece of ragged hair from her face, shrugged, threw the rest of her breakfast in her mouth, and jumped up. They set off just as the world began to wake, the sun just starting to warm the lands with its glaring gaze. Katara felt as if it was wishing them good luck on their journey as it peeked over the forest filled horizon.

A few hours later, the pair came across a small village. It almost reminded Katara of the one she had stopped at for lunch the day she had run into Toph. It was far from any sort of proper civilization, but was self sustaining enough so that it rarely needed any outside assistance. It was a perfect place to stop at to resupply.

Or, as Katara liked to put it, borrowing without intention of ever returning or repaying.

"While we're here," Katara said quietly as the two of them walked through the streets, ostrich horses and gear at a safe distance from the town, "I want some new clothes."

"I think they look fine on you!" Toph said with a smile, her blind eyes glimmering with humor.

Katara raised an eyebrow at her, "It's not how they look. They're torn up and ragged. I look like a poor homeless child."

"But you are a poor homeless child, Katara."

"No. I'm just a traveler."

"A homeless traveler."

"Okay, okay, whatever! I just want something different to wear."

The two of them continued on down the worn down streets. The market was full of life, people buzzing around, selling, buying, yelling, bargaining, and making a general ruckus. Katara grinned. This was the perfect time to make a few sneaky slips; the busy market was the perfect cover.

"Okay. You get some food, I'll get the clothes. We'll both see if we can get anything else of use. Meet back at the camp in one hour." Katara murmured under her breathe so only Toph could hear her. Toph gave a quick nod, and strolled off whistling to herself.

After a bit of searching, Katara managed to find a stand selling clothes. After a quick glance at the options available, she deemed that only a pair of deep red flowing pants and a small thin strapped black top were in stealing position. As she walked past the stand, making sure not to go to fast, Katara began to play with the necklaces at the jewelers stand nearby. As she browsed, Katara made sure to keep an eye on the clothes seller, taking note of when she should grab her future clothes and take off.

Just as the woman began to speak with a potential customer, Katara dropped the pair of earrings she had been examining. She briskly walked past the stand, slipping the clothes under her arm, and began fast walking away. After turning the corner without hearing a loud yell, Katara let out a sigh of relief. She unfolded her prize, getting a better look at them. She frowned.

They were a bit different than Katara had assumed. The black shirt would only be going down to just above her belly button, and the straps on it were barely thicker than two of her fingers. The deep red pants would be tight around her waist, and go down to a bit below her knee. Katara sighed. It was not what she was hoping for, but at least they were better than her brown, murky, holey, disgusting attire that she had on now. After slipping into an abandoned street, Katara hid behind a small house, changed, and abandoned the old clothes in a nearby barrel.

Shaking her head at her new appearance, Katara began to look around for other items of use, trying to ignore the small glances that she was getting from young boys. Katara grew frustrated, unable to concentrate knowing that at almost all times, someone was looking at her. How was she supposed to steal something with all of the attention directed towards her exposed stomach? She looked down at it, wondering what was so great about it. It was toned and hardened over time, as well as her arms and calves. Looking into a barrel of water, she saw a thin face looking back at her, hair down with her classic loopies attached near the back of her head with a few pieces of string.

Katara saw nothing worth staring over. It was embarrassing and slightly creepy. She unconsciously tugged at the ends of the shirt, willing it to be longer as she progressed through the market. However, she was unable to grab anything else due to a few boys walking up to her and attempting to make small talk.

Defeated, Katara walked back to the campsite empty handed.

As she approached, Katara gasped as she found Toph leaning back upon a massive pile of fruit, bread, and salted meat. Toph was lazily chewing on a bit of straw, hands thrown behind her head, not a care in the world.

"You took awhile. Didn't you get anything?" Toph asked.

Katara sighed, "No. Just these new clothes… But now that I'm wearing them, suddenly people began to stare at me and talk to me for no reason. I don't understand."

"You must look hot then."

"What?"

"You probably look good in the new clothes, I said."

Katara was mortified, "I-I… What? No, that's a mistake."

Toph shrugged, standing up and stretching, "Well, help me pack all of this away before the bugs get to it. We should just ride right through the village, it's the easiest way around it from what I can tell." She said, wiggling her toes at the last few words.

Katara nodded, helping Toph pack the supplies away. Along with the enormous amount of food Toph had gotten, she had also managed to "borrow" some rope, a few torches, regular pieces of cloth, an extra knife, a few more water skins, and even an extra bag, just because they would need it for the additional things.

A bit of yelling came from within the village as they approached it on their ostrich horses.

"Huh, I wonder what's going on…" Katara said wearily.

"They probably realized how much we got from them." Toph said with a smug look on her face, "Come on, don't be a sissy."

Katara bit her lip, but urged her ostrich horse on. As they rode in, the streets were deserted.

"Toph…" Katara said, knowing Toph couldn't see anything from atop the mount, "Nobody is outside anymore…"

Toph shrugged, but Katara could see a bit of worry making it's way onto Toph's face. Katara's eyes darted around, searching for danger. But they continued on, steadily making their way through the town, faces hiding behind windows and doors, frightened eyes peeking around corners at them.

"Toph, I-" but Katara got cut off as a yell came from a street opposite to them.

"You! Over there! Stop!" came a rough voice. Katara looked over to see a group of fire nation soldiers, two atop komodo rhinos. Katara's eyes widened as they began to march over, "What are you doing out? We said, everyone inside!" the man continued.

Panic filled Katara's thoughts. She went into overdrive. Grabbing the reins to Toph's ostrich horses, she sent the two of them zooming off through the town, leaving the soldier yelling behind them.

"What are you doing, Katara?" Toph yelled, clinging to the animal for her life, "We weren't in trouble! We just had to explain to them!"

Katara ignored her, fear taking the place of common sense. Her breaths came out in short gasps, the only thought on her mind was to escape the danger. To run, to hide. To flee, to avoid. She wanted nothing to do with whatever was happening to the village. She wanted nothing to do with the soldiers that were now pursuing them. She wanted nothing to do with the inevitable doom that would await them if they were caught, for she was sure that it would only lead to a fire nation prison.

Glancing behind her, Katara saw the two men on the komodo rhinos in pursuit. She gasped, turning back around, turning off of the rode that lead out of the town and into the forest. Katara weaved them through the thick woods, praying that the soldiers would not follow them.

She was wrong.

Not far behind them, Katara's heart sank as she heard the smashing and breaking of trees as the rhinos soldiers continued their pursuit.

"They're mad!" Toph yelled over the wind and destruction of trees, still clinging for her life.

The forest ended, and broke off into a large, open field stretching for miles. Looking behind her, Katara saw the rhinos break free from the forest, growing closer and closer.

"Here, take the reins!" Katara shouted, throwing the pair of ropes at Toph.

"Yeah, let the blind girl steer the horses!" Toph yelled, keeping them in as straight of a line as she could manage.

Katara flipped in her saddle so she was sitting backwards, facing the rhinos approaching them. She bended the water out of the water skins, keeping it floating around her as she waited for an attack that would surely come now that they left the forest.

As she waited, she got a better look at the soldiers. One of them wore the usual fire nation soldier helmet. However, the other one did not. From a distance, Katara could just make out that he was bald except for a long pony tail near the back of his skull, and had a terrible scar across his left eye, consuming that part of his face.

Suddenly, the man with the scar began to shoot. He punched the air repeatedly, throwing fireballs at Katara. She easily deflected them with the water, putting them out before they had the chance to even get her warm. Katara grinned, seeing the fury that this caused the man with the scar when he realized she was a waterbender. He yelled something to his companion, and suddenly the air was filled with fire.

Katara frantically deflected the incoming heat wave, but soon the water had all but evaporated from the heat. She threw her hands out, bending the water from the long grass around them, instantly killing the plants. Katara formed a sheet of ice on the ground behind them, and watched as the rhinos struggled to find their footing as they slid across it. The man with the helmet's rhino came crashing down, leaving him behind as the man with the scar's rhino managed to keep up, although now a considerable distance away.

Katara drew more water from the wildlife around her, ignoring the black splotches in the vast green around them. After deflecting another burst of fire, she lashed out at him, and they began their duel again.

"Stop playing around!" Toph screamed, "Just finish him off!"

"It's a bit harder than it sounds, Toph!" Katara yelled back, slashing out and around and back again, each time missing the man as he swerved or ducked or deflected it with a burst of flames, "He just won't give up!"

"Then we need to face him off! I'll pull the ostrich horses to a stop, and we can take him together!"

"No!" Katara screamed, panicked at the idea of stopping the escape. But it was to late. Toph wheeled the mounts around, charging directly past the rhino and back towards where they had came from. After a short moment, Toph wheeled them to a stop, and the two jumped to the ground and they watched the man's rhino try to turn around as well. It was not as agile as their ostrich horses, and it took him a good moment to bring it back to face the two girls.

Slowing to a stop, the man jumped down, hands at the ready for the fight. Katara noticed that he was not even much older than the two of them, a teenager. His face was filled with anger and stress; his one eyebrow pointed downward, a large frown plastered across his face.

Katara and Toph took the defensive, "What do you want with us?" Katara called out.

"Why are you running away? You obviously have something to hide!" the boy called back, "What are you? Thieves? Murderers? Or perhaps the Avatar?" he said, raising his eyebrow to Katara.

"You're insane!" Katara yelled to him, "Leave us alone! We've done nothing wrong!"

"Nothing besides interrupting my men with their mission!" the boy yelled back, "Besides, where do two little girls get all of those things?" he said, nodding towards the bulging sacks upon the ostrich horses, "I doubt you have the money for all of that. Surrender or I will arrest you by force!"

"I like the second option better!" Toph yelled, slamming a foot into the ground, bending a large rock to float in the air in front of her. Katara also assumed the ready stance, bending the water around her to swirl around her frame, ready for anything.

"Very well." The boy said. He took a deep breath, jumped to the air, and they began.

It was an intense fight, Katara had to admit it. She had not fought for the longest time, and she was quite rusty. However, as they spun and shot at one another, Toph made it clear that she was not lying about her abilities.

The boy began to struggle. As the duel began to turn in their favor, the boy grew more desperate, his attacks coming faster and more random. However, suddenly, he began to laugh, slowing down.

"Are you still going to fight now?" he called, shooting through a large boulder Toph had sent at him. Katara and Toph looked behind them, seeing at least twenty men and three more komodo rhinos charging towards them.

"This is why I didn't want to stop, Toph! Now look! We're doomed!" Katara hissed, tumbling out of the way of a fireball and shooting out several ice spikes at the fire nation boy, which he kicked down with a flaming side kick.

Toph frowned, "Eh. We'll be fine. I think." She said, raising her arms in the air.

Katara followed, lifting her hands as she glared at the boy as he approached them, pulling out rope from within his armor. He grabbed her hands, swung her around, and bound them as tight as they would go. Katara winced, but bit her lip, not allowing the yelp to escape.

"Not so tough now, are we, little waterbender?" The boy hissed into her ear.

And then, suddenly, everything went black.

Sorry if the ending is a bit rushed. I wanted to finish it really badly, and its like 1:47 in the morning here and I JUST finished this chapter. I just didn't want to wait any longer. I hope you liked it! Tell me what you want to see in the future, and I'll consider it!

Review!