Written for the Pro-bending Circuit | Toza's Gym, Sauna
Word count: 125
Characters: Zuko/Toph
They're standing off in the middle of a ghost town, it is sweltering hot and they're all sleep deprived. There's one heartbeat Toph doesn't recognize. It pounds next to the old man she'd met a little while ago - (Sharing tea with a fascinating stranger is one of life's true delights.) - what was he doing here?
The unknown guy's stance is tense, built like a firebender, and his heart roars like his entire life depended on this moment.
(He's trying to figure out who he is and he went away.)
Could that be…
(So where is your nephew?...Is he lost?
...Yes, a little bit.)
The old man gets hit by a bolt of fire and falls. The guy screams. That's all the answer she needs.