Disclaimer: Avatar: The Last Airbender belongs to Viacom.

A/N: The basic idea of this AU was inspired by conversations on RPGnet.

The Last Earthbender features a 180° flip of the elements and character roles. I've seen similar concepts tried before, and I would like to offer my attempt, in the form of a 100 Theme Writing Challenge, as designed by Deviantart user darknessversuslight. With quite a lot of luck, I might be able to pull it off.

These oneshots will all take place in the Avatar: The Last Earthbender AU. They will vary in length. They will not be posted in order of prompt or chronologically, but will be arranged in chronological order after posting.

Also, I'm going to hand-wave the relative ages of Aang and the Airbenders compared to everyone else. I know it's illogical, but try to bear with it.

This series is dedicated to the chatbenders. Many of these ideas originated through discussions and RP with them.

The Last Earthbender

01. Introduction

Fire. Air. Water. Earth.

Uncle always tells us stories about the old days, a time of peace when the Avatar kept balance between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads. But that all changed when the Water Tribes attacked.

Only the Avatar could master all four elements. Only he could stop the ruthless hordes of waterbenders. But when the world needed him most, he vanished into nothing.

A hundred years have passed, and the world is growing cold. The Water Tribes are nearing victory in this war. Five years ago, my father and many of our greatest admirals journeyed to the Earth Islands to help fight against the Water Tribe, leaving my sister and I with Uncle. But we are of age now, and we're going to join him in the fight.

Some people believe that the Avatar was never reborn into the Earth Kingdom and that the cycle is broken, but I think that he might be out there. I think that somehow the Avatar will return, and save the world.

Fire. Air. Water. Earth.

A long time ago, the Four Nations got along, more or less. Well, I suppose there have always been wars and conflicts, but they were all relatively minor.

Now, everything is falling apart. The Water Tribe barbarians have drowned the world in brine, and the Avatar disappeared like a ne'er do well. And as much as it would be nice to have someone with that much power on our side, it looked like we in the Fire Nation would have to stand on our own.

At least, that's what I used to think. You see, after a hundred years of war had passed, my brother and I discovered the new Avatar, an Earthbender named Toph. And although her earthbending skills are great, her people skills… are sub-par.

But I have no doubt, that with her earthbending and the might of the Fire Nation, we will turn the tide of war once and for all. We will save the world.

Fire. Air. Water. Earth.

A hundred years ago, my people embraced their destiny and followed the rising seas. And with the power of the ocean and the blessing of the moon, we have triumphed again and again.

But there are troubling signs. The skies grow colder. The crops are failing. And people are dying. I need to stop this pain, and I need the Avatar to do it.

With the Avatar by my side, I will save the world. And no one is going to stop me.

Fire. Air (that's the best one!). Water. Earth.

So, a hundred years ago, everyone got along and we were all friends. But then, the Water Tribe did something weird to the moon, and now everything is like, under water. And we thought the Avatar was gonna help, but… he kinda disappeared.

But guess what! My new friends Zuko and Azula found the new Avatar! Her name is Toph, and she's such an amazing earthbender it's crazy. And now we're going on adventures all over the world, isn't that great?

Some people think that Toph won't be enough to help us… but I think that if anyone can save the world, it's her.

Fire. Air. Water. Earth.

It wasn't that long ago that we were in love. Fine, some things aren't meant to be. I get it.

But c'mere, let me tell you something. The world is screwed up. Majorly. The Avatar can't help. My sister can't help. Nothing can help. And there's nothing worth saving anyway.

That's why we need to start over. Feel her light? The world must be cleansed to be saved.

Fire. Air. Yadda yadda yadda.

Okay people, listen up! You know the story. Four elements, big flood, blah blah blah war.

Well, I'm Toph, I'm the Avatar, and if you all don't straighten up, I'm going to kick your butts so hard your grandkids will feel it!

You hear that, Water Tribe? I'm gonna save the whole freakin' world.