Now I know that my last one shot thing didn't work out so I'm trying a new approach. I have no limits on how many of these I'm doing and I already have several that are finished. These are different oneshots that can be anything and be any or no pairings. Just as they are different lengths. Some are long and some short. This first one is one of the older of the ones I've written but it's my favorite as well. I hope you guys enjoy this little thing because for me it's basically to get plot bunnies off of my chest. They are basically all what if's, you know like what if Toph decided to plead Zuko's case in the western air temple before they sent him away. And that's actually this one so without further ado I don't own ATLA and now I give you... Toph's Plea.
Katara glared at Zuko darkly "Go now" she hissed.
Zuko looked up, tears mixing with the water from her attack. He closed his eyes before going to move. He didn't get far for as soon as he stood earth encased his feet, causing him to fall "Stop" Toph said roughly.
She easily trapped a startled fire prince while Katara, Sokka, and Aang tensed. Toph snorted, turning to Aang "And why can't we let him stay?" she asked harshly.
Aang's eyes narrowed "Are you crazy?" Sokka asked.
Toph sighed "And why would I be crazy?" she asked.
Katara motioned to where Zuko remained tense, fear shining in his eyes "Why would you even want to believe him! He's a liar!" she shouted.
Zuko flinched and Toph smirked "I beg to differ. He was being completely honest" she said slyly.
Aang shot her a look "You couldn't tell with Azula" he said icily.
Toph smirked "Yeah which is why his heart beat is all over the place, especially when he's terrified for his life" she said, motioning towards Zuko who was forced to watch helplessly.
Sokka gaped at her "How could you defend him?" he asked incredulously.
Toph ignored him, turning to Aang "You said it yourself. Roku was as much fire nation as anyone. If anything his story proves that anyone is capable of turning good and that they all deserve a second chance, even the fire nation and fire lord. You claim that the fire lord would deserve a second chance when he has done nothing but cause chaos and destruction but when his son comes to your doorstep asking for forgiveness and even going as far as to offering to teach you fire bending when no one else would do as much. We can't think of a single person to do the job and he shows up. You're the avatar Aang. Your supposed to help those in need. Something tells me he gave up a lot to be with you and you are turning down his only hope left.
Think about it, he's probably wanted in the Fire Nation, he's definitely wanted in the earth kingdom and water tribe because people like you take one look at his scar and one look at what he can do and you see a killer, a threat. But you know what? Think of what he sees when he sees us. Yes he attacked you but you've attacked him as well. Katara you helped that Fire Nation fishing town and don't think I didn't hear about when you cared for that Fire Nation baby.
And Sokka, you trained with a Fire Nation swords master. And you flirted with Ty lee plenty of times. And Aang, when you went to that Fire Nation school you said yourself that you felt normal then. Every nation has their demons, look at Hama! Or Long Feng! But they also have the good in them and Zuko is good, whether you want to believe it or not I am and either you guys accept him into the group or I leave with him" she said.
Everyone stared at her in shock before turning to Zuko who looked away from them. Aang's gaze hardened before softening. Timidly he approached Zuko, clenching his fist. Instantly the earth holding him to the ground vanished and fearfully Zuko got to his feet, backing away at the angry stares…all but Aang's.
Aang sighed, holding out his hand "Toph's right you know. It was stupid of me. I would have offered the fire lord a chance if he'd have done that but not you. I'm the avatar and it's not my duty to turn people away who ask for my help. So if you'll accept my offer…will you please teach me fire bending?" he asked.
Zuko's eyes widened in shock before he smiled weakly, hesitantly grabbing Aang's hand for a hand shake. Then Zuko smiled warmly "And you asked a long time ago if we could have been friends one hundred years ago. I think we could have" he responded.
Aang smiled brightly before the smile turned into a sly one "Then it's settled. Welcome to the group…Sifu Hotman" he said. Zuko's eyes widened in shock and Toph began laughing. But it was good…everything, was good.