The Next Generation : Chapter 1
By: Juria
Notes: Any characters you do not recognize in this story probably belong to me, unless you've never seen Avatar. Also, I just wanted to change one little thing, Mia is 4 instead of six, and you'll see why later on. Other than that, I'm done, so enjoy!
Intro: We open up on Kiyoshi Island, during a week-long vacation, about 7 months into Toph's pregnancy, which, given that it's her, everyone can barely tell unless they feel her stomach. Also, Katara is 5 months pregnate with her and Aang's second child. The children have all gone off to play, leaveing Toph and Zuko to make their big announcement, regarding their child's name, and everyone else to freak.
Sokka's jaw hit the floor as soon as the name of Toph and Zuko's soon-to-be-born child. Calmly walking over to Zuko, he got his old friend in a playful headlock, and dragged him out of earshot of Toph, Aang and Jet following, while Longshot just gave a simple nod to Smellerbee, then left to keep a watchful eye on the kids, as well as play a few rounds of Pai Sho with Iroh.
As soon as Sokka was far enough away from the ladies, he released Zuko, then took a deep breath. "Have you guys fallen off the Bison's saddle?!" he shouted. Zuko straightened up and rolled his eyes. "What's the big deal? He's my son, and I wanted him to have that name." he stated bluntly. "What does Toph think of this?" Aang asked.
Zuko chuckled. "She actually agreed to it. It started out as a joke, but she replied "Ok", and that's all the more there is to it." he said, this time with a bit of firmness in his tone. Now, it was Jet's turn to ask. "Yeah, and how can we be so sure he won't turn out like his namesake?" he asked in a blunt tone, Zuko getting stares from everyone else. He calmly shook his head. "Trust me, I'll make sure of it."
And with that, the subject was dropped by all, all but Sokka, who had to be stopped with a menacing glare from Zuko, and then Aang had to break up the in-coming sword fight.
Sokka looked to the sky and rolled his eyes. "I can't believe I'm gonna be called "Uncle Sokka" by a kid named Ozai."
Meanwhile...
Katara had managed to calm girl in the room down, more specifically, Mai and Toph. "Come on, we're all friends here. Why should it matter what Toph names her son? Zuko is a good man, and a good father, and we all know it." she said sternly, sitting next to Toph. Ty Lee gently took Toph's hand. "Besides, we all know that this child is not going to turn out like his namesake, his parents will make sure of it, won't you?" she asked.
Toph smiled. "I could tell you were unsure. It's fine, we'll make sure he doesn't turn out to be anything like Firelord Ozai." Mai shook her head. "And how can you be so certain?" Toph glared at her with her sightless eyes, and even though Mai hid it well, Toph could tell she was intemidated. "Because, unlike Sozin, Zuko is going to give his son a normal life." she stated. "Yeah, and Sozin was human once too." Mai said.
Toph started to stand up, but Katara did before her. Everyone could feel the tension between the two women. "Oh yeah, and just what makes you the expert on parenting, Mai?" Katara snapped. Mai's eyes turned into the all-too-familiar glimmer, the one that she used to give before she would throw her daggers at you. As if on instinct, both ladies began to ready themselves, Katara making water appear from the air, while Mai fiddled with her hidden weapons.
Then, all at once, the two girls stopped, smiled at eachother, then started laughing. Smellerbee and Ty Lee shared a confused glance, while Toph just grinned, like she had seen this coming. "I'm sorry." the two girls stated at the same time, then chucking to themselves before sitting back down. Mai sighed and shook her head at Toph. "Well, looks like I lose this round. If you guys wanna go ahead and name your kid Ozai, be my guest, just keep him in line." she said bluntly, before she began filing her nails with a small dagger.
Smellerbee looked at Katara like a lost kitten. "Um, what the hell just happened?" she asked, while Ty Lee scratched her head. Toph chuckled. "They just realized how stupid they were acting." she said with a grin.
And with that, the rest of the day went off without a hitch, aside from the ocassional argument of bedtime between mothers and children, which was quickly stopped with a small sample of Toph, Zuko, Aang, and Katara's powers, which calminated in one very nice sculpture. "Now, if you kids ever want to see that again, go to bed now." Toph said with a blunt grin, listening as they all left, all except the oldest, Sokka's son.
Sokka calmly walked over to his son. "Saito, it's time to go to sleep. Or at least come in, before your mother has both of our heads." The young boy said nothing, but stared calmly at the stars. "So, uh, what are ya starin' at?" his father asked, scooting beside him and staring up at the stars as well. "I'm waiting." Saito said.
Sokka gave his son a bewildered look. "Waiting for what?" Saito suddenly stood up, and bowed to the ocean. "I was waiting for the moon spirit to finish talking to me." he said, before turning around, and walking on his hands back to their home. Sokka sighed deeply, then bowed to the ocean as well. "Thanks for the chat, Yue." he said, before he started walking back, swearing that he'd heard a voice say "You're welcome."
TBC...