A/N: I've edited the lot of this chapter in accordance with the new episodes of The Legend of Korra. If Su really is a Tokka child, then I'm guessing this is more or less what happened during Yakone's trial. I know I've neglected this story, so bear with me when I say I'm a little rusty when it comes to writing.
The whole courtroom was a herd of wobbling figures. All of which have just regained consciousness from Yakone's blood bending.
A police officer was waking up the whole council to make sure everyone was alright.
"Councilman Sokka? Councilman Sokka? Sir? Are you alright? Sir?" he was gently nudging Sokka's shoulder.
The Councilman groaned in reply and slowly shook his head dizzily. A pain shot right through his brain and he clutched the back of his head, grunting.
Officer Wu Lee steadied Sokka by the shoulders. "Do you need to go to a healer?"
"No, no. I'm fine. What happened?" he was scanning the room but his vision was blurry and a little fuzzy.
"Yakone knocked us all out, Sir. But Avatar Aang handled it and took his bending away. We've already immobilized him and are taking him to headquarters, Sir." he straightened his back and took a normal stance, eyes ahead.
It took a moment for Sokka to take in the words and remember what happened. His eyes bulged wide as the memory played before his eyes.
"Toph! Toph! Where's Toph?" he suddenly remembered he was in the presence of many people who have turned their attention to the screaming Councilman; he tried to keep his calm despite the obvious frantic worry and the hole that was growing in his chest. He needed to keep a level head if he was going to be a good example to the other people in the room. "Officer, where's the Chief? Chief Beifong."
The sad look in his eyes told Sokka that something wasn't right. He scanned the room and saw that a group of people were surrounding a particular person. There were many healers performing their magic water, as he liked to call it.
The press were keeping a good distance but some taking some pictures. Everyone there had worrisome looks on their faces.
It took him a second to notice who the person they were crowding was. Toph. Her body lay limp and unconscious on the hard floor.
Sokka wasted no time in making his way toward her. He tripped down a stair; people were offering to help him, but he declined, never taking his eyes off Toph. He scrambled to a vacant space beside her, holding her neck up and putting a heap of cloth under her head.
"Oh, Toph." he murmured, shaking his head. "Shee Men, what's wrong with the Chief?" his voice was low and full of anxiety.
"It seems that she was the first one to be knocked out by Yakone, Sir. His grip on her was quite strong. Everyone's all conscious except her." he observed, trying to bend the water on different parts of her body.
"Her heartbeat?"
"She's alive. But—" he was hesitant, he didn't want to be the one to bring the news.
"But what?" he was insistent, his eyes stern.
"But—her heartbeat is becoming rapidly slow. We don't know if—"
"Toph," announced Aang from behind them. The Avatar shooed away all of the reporters to see what all the commotion was about.
"Aang," Sokka sighed, looking at his brother in law, but turning his gaze back to Toph. Everyone else started backing away and the closest person was Toph's right hand officer, Zhen, who was a few feet away. "Aang, get my sister. Get Katara." he was trying to hold back the tears.
"But Sokka—" Aang was trying to reason with him.
"Aang, get Katara." he demanded, with the same tone and pace as before.
"Sokka—" he motioned to put a hand on his friend's shoulder but stopped midair.
"Now." his tone was deadpanned.
Aang just nodded and hurried toward Air Temple Island where Katara was looking after the kids.
Everyone else kept silent and made sure they kept a safe distance between the Councilman and the Chief. A lot of them had their heads down. Some officers had small tears running through their cheaks, and Zhen had turn away to hide the droplets of water.
Sokka never left his gaze on Toph. He was nudging her chin with his bent finger. "Chief? Chief? Come on, get up." he didn't want to accept the fact that she was slowly slipping away. "Come on, Chief. Chief? Chief Beifong? Come on, get up." it was like he was trying to get a child out of bed. When she didn't move, he held her by her shoulders, giving her a disbelieving shake. "Toph? Toph? Come on, don't do this. This isn't funny!" he shook her harder, choking up sobs.
This heartbreaking act made the other people in the courtroom silently cry as well.
"Toph! Come on! Don't do this! This isn't a joke! It isn't funny!" he put her down gently and wiped the waterfall of tears from his face. In a gentler and sweeter tone, he said, holding her hand, "Toph? Toph? You don't want your officers to see you're a lily liver, now do you?" he tried to joke, just like when they were kids. "You don't want to ruin your reputation, now do you?"
She remained unmoving, with slowing breaths every minute.
"Oh, look, there's Lin and Su." he lied. He bent down so that his mouth was near her ear. Only so she could hear, he murmured, "Su. Our child, Toph, our child. She's the one thing we did right with our lives. You don't want to see her cry, do you? You don't want to make her sad, right?" he breathed deeply. "Su, she's us, Toph. She's a combination of everything I am, everything you are. We made her. We're her parents. We can't just back down from that responsibility, right? Everything we've done to protect her? To protect Lin? Keeping me, as her father, as secret? Would you want to throw away everything just because of some damn asshole? You're stronger than that, Toph." he tried to keep going despite all the crying. It was the two of them at that moment. "I know you are."
They were atop that Fire Nation airship again, struggling for their lives. Only this time, he was beside her, holding her hand and never wanting to let go.
"You don't want to her to grow up alone, do you? Without a mom? And without a dad too? What would I say? What would I do? Come on, Toph, she needs you. Don't leave her." he let all his feelings fall down with his tears.
He cupped his face with both his hands and cried into Toph's metal uniform. He inhaled in her scent—of earth and metal. Only she smelled like this, and he was determined to remember it until the end.
After a while, he whispered, setting aside everything else to make sure she heard him—she needed to know— and pleading with all his strength, "I need you. Don't leave. Don't leave me."
The whole courtroom was in tears. This was just too much—too sad, too beautiful. The women were crying into their husband's jackets, the press and the council members hiding their face and wiping away the tears, and the Police Force, not bothering to shield away, cried harder in front of everyone. One even decided to go away because it was just too much for him to handle, he didn't bother ask for permission.
The Force knew the Chief all too well. She was a part of their family—their mother, their leader, their role model, the perfect person to look up to. She was the one who made them what they are. She took hours just giving them one-on-one, making sure each one learned how to metalbend and lived up to their full potential. She was the one who made sure they were safe and okay at all times. And when it was too dangerous, if she could do it by herself, she wouldn't risk any of her officers to do the job for her. They cared for each other as a family. Without her, they would never be the same again.
Everyone made sure to give the pair some space. They knew Toph and Sokka so well. They were the best of friends for more than 28 years. The dynamic duo. The inseparable team. The Chief and Councilman. The Meathead and Blind Bandit. They have gone through so much together. It was rare when one would find them not by each other's side. They would joke around and tease each other, give nicknames and such. They wouldn't mind nor would get offended because that's just how they are.
In the end, they would just laugh their butts off. They would insult other people together and do pranks at least once a year when both of them have their day off. When they would fight, it would never last longer than a day. They would both make up by insulting each other once again and laugh at their jokes.
Every person alive knew how important they were to one another. One wouldn't function or work well without the other. They were best friends from the start and until the end. They would protect and make sure nothing bad would happen to their half. They were the Yin and Yang. Two halves, which, put together, would make a perfect whole. Just seeing the other one in pain, would sent dagger through the other's back.
Their friendship was priceless. It was a friendship like no other. It only existed between the two. It was a friendship between a Water Tribe Warrior and an Earthbender that would last forever—last lifetimes.
All this and none of them even knew how much farther their bond for each other went. They had an undying love for each other which only the two of them would understand. Through the years, their feelings for one another grew deep and strong.
After a certain incident, neither of them could contain what they were feeling anymore; the truth was revealed that night. And as the wise men say, the truth set them free.
But, there were countless things going against their love. It was as if the world was telling them that it was not meant to be. Though despite the forces countering them, they knew they wasted too much time already hiding their feelings and retaining them in a box.
To let things fall into place in their own accord, Toph and Sokka kept their relationship a secret, telling only those closest and most trustworthy to them. This decision proved to be a good one when an unexpected gift came and they were opposed by more forces. They struggled, with an affliction greater than themselves. Sacrifices had to be made and so far, they made no regrets making them. There was a reason for each action they did and they hoped it wasn't all for nothing.
And now, the courtroom audience was having front row seats in seeing that long found friendship, and unknown romance, be broken before their eyes.
Katara was taking too long, and Toph's breaths were becoming slower and fainter by the second. Sokka knew it was almost time.
With bloodshot eyes, and tear stained clothes, Sokka brought his face up. He looked at Toph's magnificent pale face.
He thought to himeself, Will I still be able to see this face when I wake up every morning? When I bring the kids home? When I go to work? Will I still be able to see that smile? I'd give anything to be with her every second of my life.
Sokka brushed the bangs off Toph's face and looked for her meteor bracelet.
Zhen had a inner feeling he knew where this was going so he sent out his officers to evacuate everyone else in the courtroom. Only the Force was to be left.
Even the press submitted to the orders, it was too much of a moment to fight just to get a good picture.
Sokka was going to do something that might send a scandal throughout the whole city, but he didn't care. He could just bury it under the files later. Besides, almost everyone occupying that courtroom had fled.
He carefully pulled up the sleeve of her Police Uniform, and with a little help from Zhen, he was able to remove the whole upper sleeve.
There, the black contrasting the pale white of her skin, was the meteor bracelet Sokka gave to her 28 years ago, when they were still kids in the Fire Nation. When he first met Master Piandao and made his first sword—his lost Space Sword. And even though he knew it would be there, he still couldn't believe she kept it after all these years.
There, in the middle of the armlet, was a circle carved with the Water Tribe and Earth Kingdom symbols woven together. They had made this up themselves on the Night of Truth. It meant to symbolize that whatever happens between them, in their hearts, they would always be with each other.
Sokka gently unlocked the bracelet. He opened Toph's hand and placed it on her palm. Then, he place his hand above hers, crushing the bracelet between their grasp. And with a stronger grip with every word, he said, tears falling down his eyes and unto the Space Earth, "We'll always be together, Toph, no matter what. I promised everything I said to you. I will not give up on them. Toph, I love you." he shed a final tear and leaned in and kissed her lips, cupping the side of her face with his free hand.
There were gasps all around, but it only ended in the shedding of more tears. A heartless member of the press was able to sneak a pic from a far, only for his camera to be broken to shreds by a metal cable. Had he no soul?
The sudden contact with Sokka and the energy he gave her through her meteor bracelet, made Toph regain consciousness once Sokka broke the kiss. He was about to stand up and leave when Toph suddenly gripped his hand, hard.
"Sokka?" she muttered, trying to sit up.
"Toph!" Sokka quickly shot back down and pulled a her into a deep hug, but still making sure she wasn't hurt.
After taking in each other, Toph pulled away, just enough for Sokka to see her face. She cupped the side of his face with her hand, and Sokka put his hand over hers, kissing her knuckles.
"Councilman," she joked with a chuckle.
"Chief," he replied, with a chuckle as well.
They shared a long gaze and smile.
"Miss me already, Snoozles?" she raised her tired eyebrows up and down.
Unable to control himself, he hugged her again, burying his face in her disheveled hair that was once in a bun, and saying so that only she could hear, "You have no idea."
Toph wasted no time in returning the embrace, wiping her tears with his shirt.
The whole Force went into loud cheers, hoots, and claps. They was so happy that this wasn't the end. They knew it couldn't end this way. The two war heroes definitely deserved a better ending.
He pulled away and said, "I love you, Toph."
She wanted to ask him about the Force knowing, but didn't want to ruin the moment. "I love you too, Sokka."
She kissed him and he returned he it. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he steadied her by holding the sides of her waist. The kiss went deeper and more passionate, they mouths moving in sync like they had so many times before. After each moment, it became harder and more needy—they almost lost each other again this time.
After eternity, Toph realized they were in the presence of her officers and broke the kiss gently. She quickly punched his arm and he rubbed it gently, a smile still on his face.
Clearing her throat and staring daggers at her metalbenders, "Not a word." she gestured to her and Sokka then to her lips, making a zipping sound. "Got it?"
"Yes, Chief!" they agreed all together, giving their fellow officers knowing and smirking glances, all of which Toph couldn't see. Sokka noticed this, moved his fingers horizontally, pointed to Toph and made a gesture of choking himself. The squad got the memo and stood their grounds once again.
"Now beat it and make sure Yakone doesn't escape!" she demanded; they followed obediently.
As they carried through with their duties, some stopped by to pat her back or giving her a high five. Zhen just hugged her quickly, whispering, "Finally." He gave her a wink, tilting his head toward Sokka. She just pushed him away and told him to do his job.
Noticing this, Sokka asked, "What was that all about?"
Toph punched him and said, "None of your business, Meathead. Now help me get up."
He offered to carry her but she just put her arm around his shoulder.
"Careful," he said.
"I'm fine!" she said, a smile on the corner of her mouth.
She put her first foot forward, then the other. But she lost balance and fell down. Sokka was swift enough and caught her. He chuckled and remarked, "Yeah, Chief, you can walk just fine."
She tried rolling her eyes. "Hey, Sokka, am I doing this right?"
"Alright, come on."
"Wha—" she squeaked as Sokka pulled her up and into his arms. She was thankful she sent her officers away earlier. "Put me down!"
She tried getting down but Sokka was too strong. "Not a chance, Toph."
"You'll know they'll be questions." she warned.
"And I don't care." he breathed calmly.
She sighed happily, knowing she had lost this fight. "Fine, I've been missing the royal treatment anyway. Who says Zuko gets to have all the fun?"
He chuckled at this and made their way through the back door, careful not to run into any reporters.
Toph relaxed herself and snuggled her head into his chest. "Just like when my feet got burned, huh?" she joked.
"Ha! Oh, yeah. When Zuko first joined us right?" he exclaimed, remembering.
"Yup. And who was the one who said we could trust him?"
"You?" he wasn't sure where this was going.
"Correct. And who was right?"
"You." he tickled her a bit.
"And who is always right?"
"You, Chief." he chuckled.
"Very good, Councilman!" she wiggled in place and Sokka had to keep his grip to keep her from slipping.
Their laughters were cut short by a voice.
"Toph!" Katara was running towards them, with Aang not far behind, holding a water pouch. "Oh, are you okay? I heard what happened!" she was scanning Toph all over and didn't notice she was being carried by her brother.
"Stop your chattering, Katara. I'm fine."
"Are you sure? We need to get you to the Island, quick!" she gestured Aang to get Appa.
Aang nodded but stopped midway. "I'm fine Sugar Queen. Did you really think anyone could hurt me? A Beifong? Toph Beifong? The greatest earthbender of all time? The one who invented metalbending? The Chief of Police?"
Sokka chuckled and Katara noticed her brother for the first time but didn't bother to acknowledge him. She wasn't surprised he was the one carrying her around.
"No, Toph. You got really hurt back there. You need to to be healed." his voice was stern, yet full of concern.
"Okay, fine. Just make sure no ones comes to asks questions later. My head is in a spin and I'd really like some cactus juice now." she replied.
Sokka chuckled and said, "Don't worry, I have something very special planned for you tonight." He winked at Katara, who winked back.
"Oh do you now, Councilman?" she asked, intrigued.
"Yes, I do. And I assure you there won't be any distractions." he winked at Aang this time.
"Which reminds me," Toph turned her focus on Katara, "how are the kids doing, Sugar Queen?"
Katara was taken aback at the sudden resurrection of her old nickname but chuckled. "They're doing fine, actually. Though I've noticed that Lin and Tenzin are getting closer." she mixed humor in her voice as she nudged her friend by the arm.
"Oh, don't get your panties in a bunch. I'm already related to you thanks to this Dunderhead right here."
"Hey!" Sokka protested, halting to a stop from where they were walking to Appa.
Toph held her arms in a surrendering position and gestured for him to keep moving. "Toph Beifong speaks what she wants to speak. And she speaks the truth," she sighed. "All I know is, there's a long journey ahead of us. And this time, it'll be harder than defeating the Phoenix King of Getting His Butt Whooped!"
The gaang laughed at the reminiscence of the old nickname. The war times were good times, so it felt. After all, nothing they've faced before could compare to what lay ahead of them.
What new obstacles would they have to face to get to the end of the road? That is, if the get to the end of the road.
A/N: I haven't proofread everything so if you spot an error, I'd appreciate if you'd alert me so I can correct it. I know that it's quite different from what I had before, so please tell me which version you prefer. I'd continue either one, really, it depends on the publics demands. I don't know if I should just leave it like this or continue, though I am aware that I left a prodigious amount of questions in the text. The updated version of the second chapter of the story will come as soon as it can, so inform me beforehand if you'd like to have the former story plot line rather than the new one.
It seems that only today I've noticed that Laikkuseia has followed and favorited my story! I'm so grateful to know that such an amazing artist, and not to mention, hard-core Tokka shipper has read my story! I didn't even know people still view my works. Also, I'm proud to mention that we're both Filipinos! #ProudPinoyRightHere I love her work and I'm excited to see more of it. If you have time, please visit her blog!
So thank you to anyone who has read this. Please criticize my work as it helps me improve my writing. I appreciate it!