Okay for those of you who missed it, I reloaded the prologue with Chapter 1 which made it look like I didn't update a while back when I did. Sorry for anyone who missed that. You may want to go back and read Chapter 10 before preceeding. There are NO warning's in this chapter. The chapter title is sucky, sorry. Sorry it took so long for me to update, I have been extremely busy.

R&R and ENJOY!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own ATLA!

Chapter 11- Ray of Hope

Aang:

They had been traveling for several days; Sokka hadn't spoken to him much. Toph was there to lend an ear and advice when he asked for it. Infiltrating the prison hold wasn't easy, but they made it out with enough supplies to last two weeks or more if they were careful. Chilly air had been settling in, making him thankful that he was traveling with Appa and his friends.

Gaipan was their best place to start for recruiting Sokka thought, and since he had always been kind of their leader before Aang saw no reason to remove him from the position now. They flew when they could, and encountered very few people when they walked. Of course most people still believed him dead, so when they saw him they didn't recognize him. He discovered that the vision that most people held in their minds was a thirteen year old kid, not a grown man. Once again he left every village with a heavy heart and guilt as he saw first hand the devastation the Fire Nation still wreaked on the land.

It had been a long week and Aang was gathering firewood, while Toph and Sokka were setting up the camp. He had made a fire in the middle of camp and began cooking the fish that Sokka had caught. As usual the only conversation that took place was a few words between Sokka and Toph. Aang just listened as he always did; it was weird he had to admit not to have them arguing over every little thing these days. Very few things got either of them in an uproar anymore. It made camp a lot quieter, he wished Katara could have been there to hear the silence.

As his thoughts drifted to Katara he hadn't even noticed that Sokka had turned in for the night.

"I said what has your tongue twinkle toes?" Toph asked.

"Nothing, I was just thinking," he answered her.

Aang stared at Toph who was now up and moving around the campfire closer to him.

"Care to talk about it?" she said.

"Where did I go wrong Toph?" he asked abruptly. "Why can't I let go?"

"You mean Katara."

"Yes," he said throwing a stick into the dying fire. "Why didn't she love me, why can't she love me. Why can't she love me like…,"

"Aang," said Toph placing her hand on Aang's. "Katara does love you; she will never stop loving you."

"Why did she choose him then?" Aang said closing his eyes lowering his head.

"I don't have an answer Aang." Toph pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. "You know that there is always something she sees that we don't," she paused and then punched Aang slightly on the shoulder, "and I'm not just saying that because I'm blind."

Aang took a deep breath.

"I know, but why did she have to see it in him?"

"Let me ask you a question?"

Aang turned his head, his eyes staring straight into Toph's. They looked more tiered than he remembered.

"Did you ever tell Katara that you loved her Aang, I mean loved her loved her?"

Aang didn't answer. He thought he made it clear to Katara his feelings for her and for a time he thought she felt the same way.

"Would it make it any easier if it were anyone else? Or is it just that it is him?"

Aang knew it would be hard for him to accept who ever it was, but it being the Prince of the Fire Nation made it harder. He always hoped somewhere in the back of his mind she was doing it to gain an advantage over Zuko, or that maybe he was blackmailing her with something; anything but the fact that she actually liked, or even loved him. He probably could have even gotten to like Zuko better him self if it weren't for the fact he was trying to take what wasn't his; and he was even engaged. It also didn't help that Sokka and Toph were okay with him being around. They weren't best friends or anything, but Zuko and Sokka had more in common with all the weaponry that they both loved to show out with.

Iroh was always a pleasure and it never failed he always gave advice that made Aang feel like he should run and hide in a cave. Though he knew Iroh was right, just like Pathik and Roku, you control your own destiny; you can not control someone else's.

"I take it by your silence, that it makes it harder because it's him."

Aang nodded his head.

"Is that why you left Aang?" He heard the disappointment in her voice.

"It's so complicated."

"It's only as complicated as you make it."

Toph patted Aang's hand again then she joined Sokka in the earth tent. Aang laid his sleeping bag next to Appa and snuggled in close to the beast. Momo curled up at his head. Aang stared up at the night sky, the red hue still present. His mind wandered to the people he had seen in the villages, to the people who once again had suffered needlessly because of his shortcomings. Then he thought of Katara, he wandered where she was; he felt in his heart that she wasn't in any harm, or not in any immediate danger. He had had a few visions of her over the years, none clear but she seemed okay.

Aang had made up his mind that when they found her, and they would find her, he would tell her everything. And he would have to accept the consequences of his actions and non actions. Katara had saved him, brought him back from the dead, risked her life for his more times than he cared to remember, and best way he could repay her was to run and hide from her, cause her more pain and anguish.

Aang woke the next morning; the sun had come too soon. He had not slept well in days and he was beginning to feel it. Once they cleaned up camp they headed began traveling in the direction of Gaipan again. The sun was setting when they entered the edge of the forest. The day had been long as usual and Aang's thoughts were a million miles away. Sokka suggested they walk through the forest, if any of Jet's people were around they would find them first.

Toph was glad to be on the ground, flying wasn't her cup of tea. She felt the ground to see if she could feel anyone around. They all were more alert as they walked further into the forest. Toph stopped and then pointed in the direction ahead of them, Sokka took out his boomerang and Aang tightened his grip on his staff.

Toph moved forward very slowly, then suddenly she stomped the ground and moved her hands swiftly, producing four watchmen from behind a thicket of trees and rocks. All of which were groaning in discomfort when Toph sent them piling one on top of the other.

The three of them closed in on them, Sokka with his boomerang ready to attack. Aang with his staff directed at their heads and Toph in her bending stance.

"Who are you?" Sokka demanded.

"Come now Sokka, don't tell me you have forgotten us that quickly," a voice said from the trees above.

Aang looked up and to his surprise he saw Jet standing high on a tree branch.

"The one and only." Jet slid down on a rope to the ground where they were.

"I thought you were-," Sokka started.

"-dead," replied Jet. "Pretty damn near was."

Aang was as shocked as Sokka to see Jet alive. He felt for sure that he was near death when they left him beneath Lake Laogai. He did notice that he had a very bad limp as he walked toward them. And as usual Smellerbee and Longshot weren't far behind him.

"Don't let him fool you Sokka; Long Feng nearly did kill him." Smellerbee placed her hand on Jet's shoulder.

Aang's eyes widened when he got a full glimpse of Smellerbee; like Toph she was no longer a little girl. She still sported the very short hair and red paint on her face, just a taller more shapely body.

"Where's Katara?" he asked.

"We don't know," Toph answered moving closer to Sokka.

Jet didn't respond he only chewed on the piece of grass between his teeth.

"Why don't you all come back to camp, and we can catch up there," said Smellerbee. "You look hungry and tired." She turned and motioned for them to follow her.

Aang moved forward first, walking past Jet, with Appa by his side and Momo on his shoulder. Sokka was hesitant to move.

"Are you coming Sokka?" Jet asked him.

Aang looked over his shoulder; Toph put her hand on Sokka's arm.

"Come on Sokka," she said.

Hesitantly Sokka moved forward and followed Jet with Toph by his side. They weren't very far from the camp; Aang couldn't believe his eyes when he saw all the people. This was more than a camp this was a small village, looked to be a couple of hundred people living there.

"Meet the new Freedom Fighter's," Jet said as he stood on the edge of the camp.

Appa moaned with appreciation at all the attention he was getting from the children. Momo was dancing around and eating the Lychee nuts that were being tossed his way.

"Most of these people are refugees," Smellerbee said. "We have some deserters from the Fire Nation army."

"Make your selves at home," Jet said as a little boy ran past them chasing a group of young girls. "We have food and healers if you need them."

"Thanks Jet," said Toph still holding to Sokka's arm.

"You guys can stay with me," Jet said, moving in the direction of one of the larger huts in the camp.

"I think I will just stay outside with Appa," Aang said, patting the large fury beast on the head. Momo jumped on to Toph as she and Sokka followed Jet. Aang couldn't help but stare at the people around the camp, women, children, soldiers. Slowly he and Appa walked further into camp. Appa found him a nice soft bed of hay to lie in underneath a huge tree. Aang groomed him and fed him, his full attention focused on his longtime friend.

"Hello Avatar Aang."

Aang turned around.

"Ying?" said Aang, and glanced down at the small child that was holding the woman's hand.

"I wanted Hope to meet you."

"Nice to meet you Avatar Aang," said the little girl. Her long hair hung in braids over her shoulders and her big brown eyes stared up at Aang as she curtsied.

Aang knelt down in front of the little girl.

"It's nice to meet you too." Aang took her small hand in his and kissed the back of it.

"My mom and dad have told me all about how you helped them through the Serpent's Pass, and how your friend the water bender helped my mom have me. She says if it weren't for you and your friends that I might not be here today."

Aang listened to the little girl talk. He felt a smile on his lips, as he only had just thought about that very moment only days ago.

"I just wanted to thank you for helping my mommy and daddy Avatar Aang." Hope bowed again to him.

"You're quite welcome, but your mom is right I didn't do it alone, I had a lot of help from some very special people." Aang was still holding her hand in his.

"Run along and play now Hope," Ying said to her daughter.

Aang and Ying watched as Hope made her way back to a group of her little friends.

"Where are your friends Avatar Aang?" Ying asked him quietly. "I would love for Katara to see what she helped bring into the world."

"I'm sure she would like that," Aang said turning his attention back to Ying.

"Your friend Suki, the Kyoshi Warrior that helped us also is here in this village," said Ying.

"She is?" Aang looked back Ying.

"Why don't you come and join us for dinner Avatar Aang, we would be honored." Ying curtsied to him and then walked back in the direction of their hut.

Aang petted Appa for a moment longer.

"I'll be back in a little while buddy."

The large beast groaned and nudged him with his nose. Aang walked along in the direction that Ying had gone. Aang saw Jet pass by with his arm around a very pregnant woman leading her to the hut that Sokka and Toph went to. Outside Ying and Than's hut were a group of small girls, Hope in the middle of them telling them that she had met the Avatar, and how handsome he was. Again Aang smiled.

He knocked on the door to the hut, and it was immediately opened by Than.

"Please do come in Avatar Aang." Than opened the door wide, bowing his head to Aang.

"I am glad you decided to join us. Than please call Hope in for dinner." Ying was placing steaming bowls of food on a low table. It smelled wonderful, and Aang was tired of dry nuts and fruit. "I know you don't eat meat, Avatar Aang, so I made you some soup and rice, there are also some fruit pies."

"Thank you," Aang said as he made his way to the low table. "Everything smells great."

Just then Hope entered in the hut, her mother instructed her to wash for dinner and then join them at the table. Ying had his soup and pies in front of him before he could serve himself. Aang placed his hands together in silence before he heartily ate the food before him.

Ying was silent while Hope and Than talked his ears off. He tried to be honest in answering all the questions they had for him. He was thankful when Ying called for the meal to be over with and for Hope to help her clear the table. Aang got to his feet and patted his stomach.

"Thank you again for such a tasty meal." He placed his fist in his hand and bowed to Ying.

"It is the least we can do." Ying mimicked him.

"I need to get going and check back in on Appa." Aang thanked them again and headed back to his large furry friend. When he made it back to his bison, he was already in good hands.

"He is such a gentle soul."

"Hello Suki," Aang said joining the woman in petting his bison.

"It's good to see you Aang." Suki stopped petting Appa and hugged him tightly.

"It's good to be seen again." He hugged her back.

"Where is everyone else, I came as soon as Smellerbee told me you were in the village." Suki stepped back studying Aang.

"Sokka and Toph are with Jet, in that hut over there," he said pointing to Jet's hut.

"Where's Katara?" she asked with worry.

"We don't know, they got separated in Ba Sing Se a very long time ago, and we have only recently found each other again." Aang sat down in front of Appa.

"What happened Aang?" Suki said joining him.

"It's a long story."

Suki nodded, as if to say she had the time to listen.

"It started when we were taking refuge at the Makapu Village," he started.

Aang didn't tell her all the details, but enough to make her understand the basics of what had happened. He didn't feel that it was right to go telling her that he left them behind because he couldn't handle Zuko's presence around Katara.

"That's awful, Sokka has been in a prison camp all this time, and you don't know where Katara is?" Suki's eyes were filled with tears as she stood. She excused herself from Aang's company and headed in the direction of Jet's hut.

Aang watched her walk across the village to Jet's hut. His attention was averted by Longshot and Smellerbee, who was walking in his direction. He had always wandered about Smellerbee, was it her real name or a name that Jet had given her she joined his freedom fighters. Longshot, a man of few words, Aang used to wish Sokka would take a lesson or two from him, but now he would be grateful if Sokka was speaking to him at all.

"Aang," she said in her raspy voice. "Longshot and I would like to go with you."

Aang looked up with wide eyes.

"You can't leave these people behind; they need your protection against the Fire Nation."

"They will be fine; the Fire Nation doesn't come round here much." She squatted down on one knee in front of Aang. "I thought you might also like to know that Prince Zuko is looking for you."

"Zuko? Looking for me? Why?"

From the corner of his eye, Aang saw Suki walking quickly back across the camp, soon followed by a very anxious looking Sokka.

"Seems that his sister got news of the breakout of Sokka, seems they think that Appa means that you must have been somewhere nearby. Word is she told him he had the most experience in chasing after you, so he should be the one to chase after you again."

"How do you know all this?"

"One of his soldiers that were traveling with him has been a spy for us in Ba Sing Se for a long time. It also seems that his companions are his uncle and young woman who fit the description of Katara."

Aang rose to his feet.

"What? Are you sure?" Aang stared at Smellerbee then Longshot as if to gain confidence in Smellerbee's information. Longshot simply nodded his head.

"From what we gather, they are headed to Omashu, unless of course they find you first."

"Is Katara his prisoner?" Aang asked anxiously.

"Our informant didn't mention anyone being a prisoner."

"I have to tell Sokka and Toph, we need to leave immediately," Aang said.

"I thought you would say that, but you should wait until morning. You all need a good night's rest and supplies. And hopefully we will have more information on Zuko's direction."

Aang didn't want to wait until morning, but he knew Smellerbee was right. He closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh.

"You're right," he said nodding his head. "We all could use a good night's rest, and some supplies."

"Good, then let us watch after you tonight, you get some rest Aang."

"Thanks Smellerbee," Aang said solemnly. "For everything."

With a pulled grin on her face she answered, "Our pleasure Avatar."