Summary: Sorry for the wait on this one. College has been busy, but I write when I can. I also want to let all my readers know that my other stories are being worked on. Also, Mixed Emotions is not dead. I had a major writer's block, and then when I overcame it and was close to finishing, the word document somehow disappeared.

We're getting close here, folks. But remember, I am going to continue this story through book 3 and afterward for as long as I can. Anyhow, on with the story.

Chapter 11: Katara Alone Part 2:

Katara had travelled for the rest of the day and was now camping a couple hour's walk from the ferry to Ba Sing Se, as Lin instructed. After struggling to hold back tears as she left her new friends, or possibly family, Katara had an enjoyable trek. She had time to think about everything. At this point, Katara figured she wouldn't be able to find Aang on her own, no matter how hard she tried. She had limited supplies, little time, and no information on his whereabouts, except Bumi promised to send him to Ba Sing Se. This trip originally had a dual purpose: finding Aang and sorting out her feelings. The former now seemed far-fetched, but the latter was a success. Her conversation with Lin had helped her realize her true feelings for the airbender, and playing with Kan had lightened her mood and showed her all the joy still left in this war-ravaged world.

She loved Aang. Katara knew that. And although all the evidence pointed to Aang at least having a crush on her, Katara had her doubts. She longed for the day she would reunite with him again, but she didn't know what she would do when she saw him. She just didn't know. A hug, a kiss...She pushed the last word out of her thoughts. That was too forward, no matter how badly she wanted to. For now, it was time to focus on meeting Sokka and Toph in Ba Sing Se.

Katara decided to turn in for the night. Clear, happy thoughts filled her mind as she dosed off to sleep, awaiting the next day's travel.

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Katara awoke early, eager to get to the ferry and on her way. She packed up her belongings and headed for the ferry.

She was told by Lin that the ferry was hidden away in the mountain so the Fire Nation could not find it. Although, the ferry could be very expensive and that is why Lin gave Katara the money she did. And although Katara had had come to the conclusion that searching for Aang on her own would not only be difficult, but extremely dangerous; she had decided that she would wait until the last ferry to leave, just in case Aang would use the ferry to get to Ba Sing Se.

Katara continued on the path to the ferry for another half an hour before finally arriving at the entrance. She was astonished at the sight. An enormous underground compound, obviously created by earthbenders, protected this gateway to safety. Katara saw thousands of refugees and hundreds of guards.

Katara headed for one of the ticket lines and bought a ticket for the last ferry, which would leave in a few hours. After buying her ticket, Katara found a nearby bench to wait, and even look for Aang in case he was there. Katara found herself to hate all of Aang's fans, for she kept seeing stupid Avatar impersonators that got her hopes up. Everytime she spotted one, her heart would flutter before the shattering reality would hit. They weren't him.

She was shaken from her thoughts by a eerily deep voice."What's a pretty little lady doing all by herself?" Katara turned to see an eighteen year old boy with long black hair and brown eyes. He was looking her over.

"Thanks for the compliment, but the rest is none of your business." Katara snapped back and looked away from him.

The boy slid next to her on the bench, snuggling close. "I just want a good conversation."

"I will give you ten seconds to leave or you'll regret it." Katara snapped again, reaching for the cap of her water skin. The boy attempted to wrap his arms around her, but that was a mistake. He was met by a water-whip to the face and was knocked back. Katara stood over him. "I. Warned. You."

The boy jumped to his feet after he regained his composure and lunged for Katara, but before he, or Katara could strike a blow, the man was grabbed by the arm. Both he, and Katara looked at the one her intervened. They saw a teenage girl with short auburn hair and slightly pale skin.

"That is enough!" The girl commanded.

"And what are you going to do."

The girl smirked. "This." She then proceeded to pin his arm behind his back and oinned him to the ground, causing him to yell in pain. "Now leave." The boy stood up and ran away, fearful of the two, very strong girls.

"Sorry about that, Katara." The girl apologized.

"Do I know you?" Katara asked, tilting her head.

"Oh, sorry. You probably don't recognize me without the face paint."

"Suki?"

"That's me." Suki replied and was greeted by a hug.

"It's so good to see you again." Katara pulled away. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask the same of you."

Katara sighed, "It's...it's a long story."

"I've got time. I'm one of the guards here, and other than the incident we just had, I haven't had anything to do in two days."

"Are the other warriors here?"

"Yes. After you guys came through, the warriors and I decided we help with the war." Suki smiled with her reply.

"So you became guards?"

"Eh, you do what they tell you." Suki shrugged. "But, let's talk about why you're here alone."

Katara sat down on the bench she was previously sitting on, as did Suki, and proceeded to tell her everything. She told her of becoming separated from Aang, to going out on her own to search for him and figure out exactly what he means to her. Suki took it all in, but Katara didn't exactly go into great detail because of all the other times she had to explain.

"Are you sure Aang is coming to Ba Sing Se?"

Katara sighed. "Not entirely. We figured he would head to Omashu if he escaped from the Fire Nation soldiers, which he is pretty good at." Katara chuckled. "But we had to flee from Omashu, and as we were leaving, King Bumi assured us that he would send Aang this way."

Suki took everything in and then asked something she hoped wouldn't be too much. "And...if he doesn't get here?"

Katara turned to look Suki in the eyes. A burning determination pierced into Suki's eyes. "Then I won't stop until I find him."

Suki nodded, taking in the determination set forward and wondered exactly what was driving Katara so much. "So, how exactly do you feel about Aang?"

"Well...I think I love him, more than a friend or family. He has made such a difference in my life. He's such an amazing person, and it took all this to make me realize my actual feelings for him."

Suki nodded. "I think it goes back even farther." She smirked.

Katara raised an eyebrow in confused fascination "What do you mean?"

Suki's grin grew wider. "What about what happened with those fan-girls?"

"Ugh, you don't need to remind me." Katara cringed at the reminder.

"So, I take it I'm right." Suki chuckled, crossing her arms and leaning back into the bench.

Katara blushed slightly; she had thought about what happened on Kyoshi before, and if she had feelings back then."Maybe. I don't know what happened there."

"A bunch of girls fell for Aang and you were jealous." Katara looked at her incredulously."Hey, the writing was on the wall that you felt something for him."

Katara gave a nervous chuckle and brushed her hair back. "I guess so."

"I like what you've done with your hair." Suki quickly changed the subject after noticing Katara's hair, which was now let out with smaller hair loops along her hairline.

"Thanks." Katara replied, a little taken back by the quick change of subject. She was wrong.

"Aang will like it." Suki stated in a sing-song voice.

"Can we get of the 'Aang' subject please?" Katara emphasized. She loved him, that much was true, but she didn't want to obsess over him.

Suki laughed. "Sorry. Couldn't help myself. So, how's Sokka doing?"

"Good, I guess, he's been really worried about me lately, and now with me running off, I doubt it's gotten better."

"So is he on his way to Ba Sing Se then?" Suki asked.

"He actually should be there by now. He took Appa with Toph; I told them I'd meet them there."

"Toph?" Suki raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, she's Aang's earthbending teacher." Katara looked at Suki. Shou couldn't believe she forget Toph. Who could forget about Toph?

"She?" Suki was now even more curious.

"Yeah, she." Katara replied, a little suspicious of Suki.

"So Sokka's traveling alone, with a girl?" Suki asked, slightly irritated.

"Yes. What's wrong with tha-" Katara's eyes grew wide in shock. "No way." She gasped.

"What?" Suki moved away from Katara slightly.

"You and Sokka." She pointed at Suki before smiling.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Suki crossed her arms, crossed her legs and looked away.

"The writing's on the wall, Suki." Katara sang.

Suki stuck her tongue out at Katara. "Fine, I like him."

"I think it's more than that." Katara pressed

Suki looked away defiantly again. "I...kind of kissed him on the cheek."

"That explains why he was all blushy when he got on Appa." Katara looked off in the distance in thought.

"I'm glad I did that to him. He's got such an ego."

"Tell me about it."

After a long moment of silence, and thought, Suki spoke up. "Hey, would you mind if I tagged along with you on the ferry to Ba Sing Se? There's not much going on here, and I have a feeling you could use the company."

"I'd like that. Thank you." Suki nodded and Katara smiled. "I'm sure my brother would like it too."

"Oh shut up!" Suki playfully spat.

"Ok, fine."

"But if you and Aang become a couple," Katara blushed fiercly as Suki smiled. "I want every detail when we see each other again."

Katara shook her head in tired disbelief at Suki's insistence with Aang. "My ferry leaves in about half an hour, so we probably should get on."

"Sounds like a plan. Let me go get my stuff and let the girls know where I'm going." Suki informed Katara as she walked away.

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Katara waited by the ferry dock for about ten minutes before Suki came up. Suki had packed her Kyoshi Warrior uniform and fans. Suki informed Katara that she could go as long as she "acted" as a "guard" onboard the ferry. Katara chuckled at Suki's sarcasm. The two girls well knew that Suki would not do that. At any rate, they boarded the ferry and awaited it to cast off.

With one last, hopeful look over her shoulder, Katara walked up the ramp up to the ferry. Katara was disappointed that she didn't see Aang, but was hopeful that, soon, she would see him again. And if not, she would search the world for as long as it takes to find him.

The two girls sat near the bow of the ferry that carried them across the vast expanse of water and to the great city of Ba Sing Se. Katara and Suki began to eat the meals provided to them by the ship's crew. They ate in peace for a brief period before that peace was shattered by an all too familiar and cocky voice.

"Well, what have we here?" The voice rang. Katara turned around to see the rugged teenager and his two companions. Her eyes flared in anger at the sight. As she clenched her fists, the whole boat shuttered, frightening everybody, including Suki, who had never seen this side of Katara. Katara motioned her arm in a powerful, bring water from below over the railing and at the boy. He didn't have a chance to react as he found himself frozen to the main cabin of the ferry. She walked close to him as his friends backed away. Water encircled Katara's right arm as she held it in position for another attack.

"What are you doing here?!" Katar yelled, causing everyone within sight to look at the commotion.

"I could ask the same." He replied.

"Shut up! I'm the one asking the questions!" Katara shoved his head into the wall.

"We're starting over. I'm starting over." The boy pleaded.

"And why should I believe you?!" Katara asked, disgusted with the boy in front of him.

"Because I've changed, Katara." He pleaded once more.

"I will never believe you after you betrayed us, Jet."

"He really is trying to change, Katara." Smellerbee pleaded.

Katara felt an arm on her shoulder. It was Suki. "Katara, I don't know what he did to you, but give him a chance to explain."

"Please, Katara." Jet pleaded once more. Katara replied by half looking up at him with a death glare before walking away. As she did so, Katara pushed her arms down, turning all the ice that encased Jet to water as he collapsed onto the deck.

Katara leaned on the railing, looking forward of the bow. "Now, explain yourself before I throw you off this boat." She growled.

"I know what I did before was wrong, but I've changed." Jet continued to plead his case.

"And how am I supposed to believe that?!"

"I don't expect you too, but I'm willing to try."

"Why? So you can betray me again." Jet didn't have an answer for that. All he could do was open and close his mouth like an idiot as he tried to say something. "I trusted you. You had me sold. I stood by you when Sokka said you were lying." Katara grunted in frustration. "You used your 'charm' to get me. But I will never let that happen again."

"Katara I-I'm sorry. After what you said to me when you left, I realized I needed to change. Longshot and Smellerbee came along to help me, so I wouldn't go back to what I was."

"It's true, Katara."

Katara walked up to Jet, jabbing her finger into his chest. "I can't deny that you are being honest, but I will never forget what you did. You betrayed me. You hurt Aang. And you tried to kill my brother. So, if you would so kindly get out of my sight and never show your face to me again, I would be delighted."

"But, Katara."

Katara turned back and leaned on the railing. "No. Just leave. I have enough problems as it is right now."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't...feel sorry for me."Katara sighed. "Just leave, and once we're off this boat, I don't want to see you ever again." Katara slouched and looked down at the crystal blue below her.

"Okay. Goodbye, Katara." Jet sighed and began to walk towards the stern with Longshot and Smellerbee before stopping and looking over his shoulder in Katara's direction. "And Katara. I'm sorry about Aang." Katara perked up when he said that. How does he... Katara turned around to ask, but Jet was already out of sight, and she did not want to chase after him.

"Are you okay, Katara?" Asked Suki.

"I'll be fine." Katara turned back to the railing.

"Who was that?"

"Someone I used to think was a hero."

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The sun was setting over the sea as the ferry approached the dock. Golden rays illuminated the water as Katara and Suki prepared to depart the ship. Katara and Suki had not said much to each other since the confrontation with Jet. Suki felt awkward about the whole situation, partly due to the fact that there was history she didn't know and that Katara was acting a little uncomfortable afterwards.

After the ferry had docked, the crew helped secure the ramp for the passengers to depart. Katara was grateful she hadn't seen Jet again as her and Suki walked down the ramp. The encounter brought up too many emotions. Anger. Betrayal. Sadness. And a broken heart. Though at the time Katara thought her feelings for the freedom fighter were the first sign of love, she came to realize it was a stupid crush on a person who was too good to be true. He didn't care about her: Not how she felt, or liked. He would never be there for her when she needed it the most. Aang, on the other hand, would. He always was, from the very beginning.

"Well we're almost there." Katara was shaken from her thoughts by Suki's cheer.

Katara sighed."Yeah." Even though she was nearing the end of her journey and would get to see Sokka and Toph again, Katara would not be complete until Aang was back. Her plan was to search the city the next day for him, and the day after that, and the day after that. She wouldn't stop until she found him, or...he found her.

"I thought you'd be more excited."

"I am...it's just, it might be a long time before I get to see Aang again." Katara looked down solemnly.

"Don't worry. You two will be together in no time." Suki affirmed in a sing-song voice.

"You're not going to stop, are you?"

"Not until it's reality, no."

"Can you please not tell Sokka about my me and Aang. I don't want him involved."

"I understand."

"Thanks, Suki. Now, let's get into the city."

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After a short ride onto the train into Ba Sing Se, Katara and Suki arrived in the Middle Ring of Ba Sing Se. They exited the train and was greeted by a very creepy woman.

"Hello, I'm Joo Dee. Welcome to Ba Sing Se." Her smile never wavering.

"Uh...hello." Katara hesitated, feeling very weird about the woman in front of her.

"You must be Katara. We've been expecting you."

"You have?" Katara questioned.

"Yes. You're brother and friend arrived a few days ago. I was told to wait here until you arrived by my superiors." Joo Dee explained.

"How long have you been waiting here?" Suki asked. Given the fact that no one knew when they would arrive, She wondered how long Joo Dee had been there.

"Four days." Joo Dee replied, continuing her smile. Katara and Suki looked at each other, silently agreeing that this place was weird.

"Okay, can you take us there?" Katara asked.

"Of course. Follow me." Joo Dee walked off, leading the two girls to a carriage. Joo Dee opened the door for the two passengers and followed them inside. Joo Dee took a seat. "You're brother and friend are staying in the in the Upper Ring, where our politicians and upper class citizens live."

"Why are they staying there?"

"We know you are friends of the Avatar and understand the situation you are in. We want nothing but to provide the best for the Avatar and his friends. I am sure you will be very comfortable until the Avatar returns to you."

"Thank you for all this." Katara bowed.

"Oh, you're welcome." Joo Dee replied.

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"This is it. Enjoy your stay." Joo Dee bid farewell.

"Thank you." Both girls chimed in reply as they began to walk to the door of the house.

"Is it just me, or is she too nice and perfect?" Suki asked.

"Yeah, something is definitely off here." Katara expressed her thoughts.

"Well, I'm glad I don't have to stay too long." Suki stated as they approached the door. Katara knocked a little hesitantly. She didn't know if Sokka would be excited to see her again and play off her 'running away,' or if he would be furious with her. She was broken from her thoughts as the door creaked open.

Sokka's face appeared in the doorway, but before Katara could say anything, she was crushed by a hug.

"I'm so glad you're all right Katara?" Sokka pulled away and looked at Suki. "Who's your friend?" Katara broke out laughing, her face turning beat red as Toph approached the door.

"You've got to be kidding me?!" Suki questioned angrily.

"No, I'm not." Sokka replied.

"Then maybe this will remind you." Suki leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

Sokka blushed furiously. "Suki?!"

"Yeah, it's me ." She replied sternly. Katara was now coming down from her laughter. Toph punched her shoulder, a silent way of saying "good to see you again."

"Uh...sorry. I didn't recognize you without the face paint. Please, don't be mad at me."

"It's okay. Katara did the same thing."

"Okay. Glad I'm not the only one." Sokka sighed. " If it's okay, Katara, can you tell me what happened?"

"If it's all the same with you, I'd rather not. Suki can tell you about us, but It's been a long few days and I'd like to get some rest."

"I understand."

"Thanks, Sokka." Katara gave him a hug before walking inside. Toph followed to show her to her room.

Katara followed Toph to her room. "There's two bed's in here, so this is where we stay." Toph explained.

"Thanks, Toph."

"It's good to have you back, Sugar Queen."

Katara chuckled. "I almost forgot about the nicknames."

"Well, my job is to make sure you don't forget." Toph exclaimed poking her thumb into her chest as she left the room.

Katara dropped her bag at the door, not even bothering to put her stuff away for she was too exhausted. She slipped her shoes off and collapsed on the bed, falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.

A/N: I hoped you liked this chapter. There was a lot more dialogue then I had planned, but it was necessary for this chapter. It took a while to write with the amount of time I had.

Next Chapter: Arrival