Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender or any character from the series.
Summary: This is about what I think might have happened after Book 3 ended.
Avatar – Book 4Chapter 1: The Earth King Returns
A man wearing ragged clothes and riding a bear approaches the outer walls of Ba Sing Se.
"Halt." A guard commands. "Who are you?"
"I am the Earth King." The man replies. "Let me in."
The guard laughs. "Do you really expect me to believe it? Look at your rags."
"Well, I needed a disguise while in hiding from the Fire Nation." The Earth King explains.
"How convenient." The guard comments. "And which kind of animal is that?"
"Oh, this my pet bear Bosco." The Earth King replies.
"Really?" The guard asks, now really curious. "I've never seen this kind of bear before. Is he a mixture of bear with which kind of animal?"
"None." The Earth King replies. "It's just a bear."
While the guard reacts the same way the Gaang reacted the same way they heard about Bosco, this comment catches the attention of one of the guards who met the Earth King when the Gaang unmasked Long Feng. "What's happening?"
"This man claims to be our missing Earth King." The first guard replies. "Isn't that ridiculous?"
The other guard looks at the Earth King and recognizes him. "You idiot! This is the Earth King!"
A few days later, at the Jasmine Dragon, Iroh is welcoming the Gaang.
"Welcome back, my young friends." The former Dragon of the West greets his friends.
"It's good to see you again." Toph comments.
"It's true the the Earth King is back?" Katara asks.
"Yes." Iroh answers. "And it's good you all came here. I have something very important to tell you."
"Really?" Aang asks.
"He's having a party tonight to celebrate his return and we're invited." Iroh explains.
"Food." Sokka exclaims in reply.
"Sokka, is that all you can think about?" Katara asks, annoyed.
"Sugar Queen, you know that's not truth." Toph replies.
"Thank you." Sokka says.
"Snoozles also thinks about his boomerang and the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors." Toph adds.
"Talking about this, I recall the Kyoshi Warriors were also invited." Iroh adds.
"Suki." Sokka exclaims.
"Hey, Snoozles." Toph says. "Your boomerang was also invited."
"Boom..." Sokka stops as realization clicks in. "Hey."
"So, which adventures did you live since last time you visited me?" Iroh asks out of curiosity.
"The usual." Aang replies. "Stopping rebels who want to restart the war, looking for other Airbenders," Aang hesitates before continuing. "and still trying to find Zuko's Mother."
"Oh, if at least I could be there to offer her help from the White Lotus." Iroh comments.
"Wait a minute." Toph asks. "If the Earth King royalty is throwing a party, that means..."
"Yes, Toph." Iroh replies. "Your parents are coming."
"I was thinking about Sparky." Toph explains.
"Oh, yeah." Iroh says. "The Fire Lord was in doubt about coming himself or sending Lady Mai to represent him but he decided to come by himself."
"Where's Zuko?" Aang asks.
"He's at the palace." Iroh explains. "And the Earth King said he'd like to have a word with Lady Toph before the party starts.
At night, everyone is celebrating. Zuko is sitting with the Gaang when Iroh brings their tea.
"Iroh, shouldn't you be enjoying the party rather than serving tea?" Katara asks.
"Young ones, I'm satisfied with my simple life." Iroh explains.
"That's Uncle Iroh for you." Zuko comments.
"Attention everyone." The Earth King announces. "We are here not only to celebrate my return but also to homage our war heroes. Please welcome the Avatar." Aang stands up and everyone applauds him. "Fire Lord Zuko, Lady Katara, Warrior Sokka, Lady Suki and, last but not the least, my new royal advisor, Lady Toph Bei Fong."
Everyone applauds except for Toph's parents.
"Which kind of sick joke is that?" Lord Bei Fong asks. "My daughter is blind, weak and frail. She can't be helpful to you."
"Stop." Toph yells. "What else will I have to do to make you guys understand? I might be blind but I'm not weak, frail or defenseless."
"Toph dear." Lady Bei Fong replies. "This is not the proper way for a lady to behave."
"I'm not the kind of lady you want me to be." Toph replies. "I'm a warrior. And the world's greatest Earthbender."
"True." An old man replies. "She's even better than me."
"And who are you?" Lord Bei Fong asks.
"I am King Bumi of Omashu." The old man replies.
"With Lady Toph's skills, she can not only train a new Dai Li but also sense where their loyalties are." The Earth King explains.
Not wanting to argue with the Earth King and the King of Omashu, Toph's parents decide to accept the fact that she's not weak.
"Zuko, how's Mai?" Ty Lee asks.
"She's doing fine." Zuko replies. "She would have come but somebody needed to stay back in the Fire Nation to keep things under control."
"Well, tell her I said hi." Ty Lee says.
Meanwhile, Sokka and Suki are talking to each other. Actually, Sokka isn't talking much since his mouth is too busy with the food.
"Sokka, do you think it's time we settle down?" Suki asks.
"What?" Sokka manages to ask between one munch sound and another.
"Sokka, you love me. I love you." Suki explains. "We've already discussed this subject."
Sokka then shows a box. "Suki, I wanted to wait until the end of this party to show this but now I think I'd better not to wait anymore." He opens the box and shows the betrothal necklace inside it.
"Sokka, what a beautiful shell." She comments as she sees the carving at the necklace.
"It's a fan." Sokka replies, a little sad. "Like yours."
"Oh." Suki says. "But, won't your Father mind that you are proposing to a girl who doesn't follow the role the Water Tribes expect from a woman?" She mockingly asks
"No, we're quite open-minded about that." Sokka humbly replies.
Meanwhile, one of the palace maids approaches the Fire Lord.
"Would you like some tea, milord?" She asks.
"Oh, yes, I'd" Zuko was answering when he notices something familiar about her.
Updates will be sporadic. I hope you like my Book 4. Please review. I hope I don't have to tell who Zuko has found.