Beneath the Oasis
Chapter One
Taiyo-chan
Disclaimer. I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or anything associated with it. This is just a fan fiction written for my Taangian health. Besides, would Mike and Bryan seriously choose "Taiyo-chan" for a pseudonym? :P
Author's Note: This is actually a year old but I figured I'd post what I have so far and hope that'll inspire me to come out of the writer's block and finish this as my own Taang/Kummi theory fic. Again, it's a test fic.
Seventeen-year-old Toph Bei Fong lied on her back in Appa's saddle. The cold, arctic wind blew in her pale face, causing her to tuck parts of her bangs behind her ears. The inconsistent wind patterns proved the move futile; she resorted to lifting her furry hood over her head. It was annoying to say the least that for days she had been on the sky bison's back. Exactly how many days she had been traveling in the cold with Aang and, later on, Katara, she lost count. Needless to say, the heiress was bored beyond comprehension.
She felt her "big sister" rest a gloved hand on her shoulder. "Hang in there, Toph. We're almost there."
Toph scoffed mockingly. "Riight, Sweetness. You said that a couple of hours ago, I'm sure." She folded her arms and tilted her head back with pale jade green eyes closed. What the heck was I thinking?
It was as if Katara had read her mind.
"What changed your mind to come with us this time? Not that I'm not glad that you came."
Toph hummed.
Several weeks ago. Bei Fong Estate
Out in the backyard of the estate, Toph sat on the bridge's side. She wore a frown on her face as she folded her arms in defiance. "I've said no to coming to you guys' winter rendezvous, Twinkle Toes. What makes you think I'll change my mind this time?"
She heard her best friend sigh. Whether it was out of frustration or resignation she cared not.
"I have to pick up Katara and-"
"Which you could've done before coming here," Toph interrupted sternly.
"But it's been a little awkward," Aang explained. "I don't think I can ride with her alone without feeling tense."
"Wait…what about Sokka?"
"He's already there," Aang answered tiredly. "Katara stayed behind to help with some local affairs. Now that she's done, she needs me to come get her."
Toph unfolded her arms and leaned forward, making sure to grasp the edge of the bridge so she wouldn't fall into the pond. "Oh, I see. You just need me to give her company so she won't notice that you're still not over the break up."
She felt Aang cringe at the accusation.
"She was my first love," Aang protested. He then muttered, "She'd be troubled if she knew and I don't want to trouble her."
Toph tightened her grip on the edge. His heartbeat screamed sincerity. If he was telling her something he couldn't tell Katara, and as such couldn't tell Sokka, it was purely out of confidence. He was asking her this favor as a friend. Toph let out a heavy sigh. "Fine…I'll go with you to the North Pole so you can have your peace of mind."
His heart rate increased, voice regaining the cheerfulness she knew from him as a preteen. "You mean it?"
"I don't waste my breath-HEY!"
Suddenly she was in danger of falling into the pond; Aang wasn't aware of the strength of his bone-crushing hug. "Thanks a lot, Toph! I definitely owe you one!"
"Yeah, yeah, let me go!" Toph screeched. "Before you make us topple into the pond!"
Aang looked over her shoulder and chuckled. "Sorry." He let her go and took a few steps back.
"You're not getting off easy," Toph warned.
Despite her inability to see people's expressions, she could tell whatever cheerful expression Aang possessed did not fade away. "I know."
From there, Toph began listing off what she expected of him in return for this; the monk nodded his head to each one. Not lightly but sincerely.
Present
The only thing Toph could do was shrug. "I felt like seeing you guys so, why not?"
She felt Katara ruffle her hair. "Well, despite the tundra, hopefully you'll be able to enjoy something over there."
Toph smirked. "Yeah." She paused in response to light weight resting on her shoulder and a sticky tongue licking her nearly numb cheeks. She reached her hand out to scratch the creature's huge ears. "Hey, Momo."
She heard Katara giggle. "You know, you were always Momo's favorite."
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A few more hours had passed at the least; Toph was flat out agitated. "And you said we were almost there…."
Just when Katara was about to defend herself, they turned to hear the Avatar chuckling. That was something they both hadn't heard for days.
"We're almost there, Toph," he assured her.
Toph growled at him.
"Seriously!" he continued. "The palace is within our view."
"Oh." Toph relaxed against the saddle. "Finally."
She heard Katara let out a relieved sigh.
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Long time no see, my child. I've been waiting.