Okay. Explanation.

I have always and forever will love the kummi-taang theory. I don't care what Kataangers say; I know that it is true.

I am going to start AND complete a story. This is a practice of self-perseverance and discipline. If there is a lack of updates that goes over three weeks, I encourage you to nag, screech, earth, fire, air, water or word bend at me. This WILL be done.

What about Shattered Stones?...I am a horrible person. That story is discontinued. For now.

Edit: I SHALL BE EDITING THE FIRST FEW CHAPTERS UNTIL THEY MEET THE JUST-NOW-CREATED STANDARDS I HAVE SET FOR MYSELF. I SHALL STILL UPDATE.

Chapter One;

So You Want My Face?

Toph Bei Fong did not like to be limited. She thrived on possibilities and challenges, fed off the impossible. She could not be tied down or bound to any man, person or place. Never the gentle one, she commanded attention rather then earned it. Her mouth and heart were too big for her small stature. It was all of these reasons and more that sent suitors running for the hills.

At 16 years of age, Toph was considered a beauty. A late bloomer, perhaps, but many people said it was well worth the wait. With long midnight locks that cascaded down her back, a pale face with delicate features not unlike a china dolls, and a small, thin body, she was sought after by many suitors. Though all were rejected, and chances were slim, they kept coming like buzzard-wasps to a rare panda lily.

Too stuffy, too uptight, no fun. She had an unlimited supply of excuses for rejecting every one. Just not right.

This story truly starts on a Spring afternoon, out in the walled backyard of the Bei Fong residence. Tree's were weighed heavily with bright, blooming flowers, their sweet scent filling the crisp air. The grass was a lush green, flawless, every blade the same length. Small insects fluttered around perfectly cut shrubs, and the sky was a crystalclear blue.

In the middle of this seemingly perfect yard was Toph Bei Fong. The young heiress was picking her toes next to a clear, sweetpond. The first time is for cleaning, she remembered saying once, the second time is for the sweet picking sensation.

She grinned at the memory. Her time with her 'family' had been the highlight of her life.

Even if the world had been engulfed by war at the time.

She lay back, and smiled as the soft sunshine warmed her face. Her bun made a comfortable cushion, and she was wearing pants; something her parents had finally agreed to.

When she heard the rustling in the water of the pond next to her, she blew it off as turtle-ducks. They weren't uncommon in the Earth Kingdom. Kinda cute, Toph thought, remembering the soft feathers under her calloused hands. But after she heard the voice, she knew it was more then innocent animals.

"You look so relaxed."

She tensed instantly and sprang to her feet, a menacing growl set on her pretty features, hiding the fact that she hadn't seenn the intruder coming. But no one would ever know that.

"Who's there?" She called in a brash, confident voice. Adrenaline pumped through her body; it was the perfect day for a fight.

"Oh, no one. And everyone. Depends really."

"On what?"

"On everything. And nothing."

She hissed impatiently and dug her toes into the ground.

"Look," she called, "You wanna fight? Let's fight. You wanna talk? Go bug someone else. By the sounds of it, it should be a shrink."

The voice laughed. "Ummi, you've grown so impatient. You were impatient, even as a waterbender, but as an earthbender, you're even a bit arrogant. Maybe someone should teach you a lesson."

"Maybe someone should," agreed Toph, spitting on the gorund before continuing, "but I'd just kick their butt, and they could learn a lesson from me."

"You have no idea who you're talking to, do you Ummi?"

"No. And obviously, neither do you."

"Oh really?"

"Yes really," Toph challenged, "or you would show a little more respect for Toph Bei Fong."

"Toph Bei Fong? Is that what this life is called?"

"Yes! I mean... my name's not Ummi! Look, you wanna fight or not?"

"No," the voice hissed, "there won't be a fight at all."

The blind girl snorted. "What? Too wussy to take on a little blind girl?"

"Oh, I say there won't be a fight at all because you don't stand a chance."

"Who? Me? Why don't we find out? What about it, Creepy?" She slid back her left foot and put her flat hands either side of her, a standard earthbending position. "Ready to rumble?"

"If you insist."

She wasn't sure of what happened next. Something long, slimy and inhumanly fast wound itself around her legs. Stomping her right foot into the ground, she attempted to hit the thing, but it was too fast. There was a splash as she was pulled down into the pond. The only resistance was from her hair, which had gotten tangled in a tree; otherwise, she was helpless.

Then, her ebony hair was released, and she was pulled down, down, down...

Down into oblivion.

"Avatar Aang, a letter has arrived."

The messenger rode a tired, sweating ostrich horse. He himself was puffed and red-faced, twitching around like he had been in the saddle for hours without a break. Which he had.

He handed the rolled up parchment to the young man. It was sealed with the flying boar.

"Katara," he called over his shoulder to his girlfriend. "Come look at this! It's news from Toph!"

The Avatar hadn't seen his Sifu for almost half a year now; not since her 16Th birthday party. He didn't receive letters from her often, because he was travelling a lot of the time, and they didn't sound right; mostly because the scholar had tried to make Ms. Bei Fong sound a little more like a lady.

"Avatar," the messanger huffed, "I urge you to read quickly. The Master and Mistress say it is urgent and encourage you to take action as soon as possible."

Aang frowned, and broke the seal. The parchment rustled as it was unrolled, revealing shaky writing. Someone had done this in a hurry. Aang scanned the letter, wondering what was so horrible that it could make the Bei Fongs be so brash. He finished reading, and his fingers tightened around the parchment, crumpling the smooth material.

"What does Toph have to whine about now?" Katara said playfully, coming up behind her lover. She noted Aang's worried look and his white-knuckled clench, she put a hand on his shoulder and asked "Aang? What is it? What's wrong?"

Aang took a deep breath, cleared his throat and started to read.

"Avatar Aang," he read shakily. "We are sorry to inconvenience you so, but this matter is of the utmost urgency. We beg for your help in..." Aang hesitated, licked his lips and kept reading. "In locating our daughter."

He turned to face Kataras fearful expression.

"Toph," he said, "Toph's gone missing."