Chapter 2- Sisterhood

The first sound Toph heard were Aang's footsteps going up the stairs. "I wonder why he didn't wake us up", Toph thought groggily, "we always get up together." As her mind awoke from slumber, she suddenly remembered- the War was over. They had taken time to relax at Iroh's tea shop, The Jasmine Dragon. "Knowing Twinkletoes, he went to meditate in the sunrise or something…"

Stifling a yawn, Toph stretched her arms, only to have it collide with something, or rather someone. "Ow!" she heard Katara say. Toph rolled over, to see Katara right next to her, rubbing her cheek. "Sorry…" "Quiet down", Katara whispered. "Sokka is still asleep." Toph snorted. "He sleeps like a rock, doesn't he Katara", Toph spoke quietly. "Anyways, sorry for hitting you Katara. I didn't realize you were so close to me." "Its ok", Katara replied, "I must have shifted in my sleep."

After sitting for a moment, both of them started giggling. "Wh-whats so funny", Katara asked. "I dunno- you started laughing, and it made me laugh", Toph replied. After laughing for several more moments, they sighed. "You know what Toph?" "Hmm?" "It's these little moments I'm going to miss", Katara said.

Toph hung her head. "… Everything is going to change", she spoke, barely audible. Katara noticed there were tears forming in Toph's eyes. She moved over and put her arms around Toph, embracing her in a tight hug. "Yes Toph, everything is going to change", Katara said in a motherly tone. "For the first time in a hundred years, there is peace. But, it won't last- unless we fight for it." At this, Toph grinned. "I'll track down anybody who threatens the peace, and put'em in place." Katara smiled this. "Maybe so Toph, but you have something to do first." Toph sighed at the remark.

"I know- I have to return to my parents. But, I don't wanna. I mean, after running away, and then escaping from those Earthbenders they sent after me, I don't think it'll be a warm welcome. I'm… afraid." Katara raised an eye at this. "Toph Bei Fong, the Blind Bandit, the greatest Earthbender in the world, afraid? Well, this is a development." "Ah, shut it Katara. I just…" "Don't know what to expect", Katara finished her sentence. "Yeah", was all Toph said.

"Well, whatever their reaction, I'll tell you something- they should be proud of you." Despite not being able to see, Toph turned to look at Katara's face. "They should be honored to have a daughter like you", Katara continued. "You trained the Avatar, discovered Metalbending, and helped end the War. I know I would be- no, I am proud of you, Toph." Toph wiped away her eyes, and returned Katara's hug, albeit in a rock-crushing manner.

"Thank you Katara", Toph said. "You're right- I shouldn't be afraid. In fact I"- "Toph"- "should"- "Toph…"- "be"- "TOPH!" "What, Katara?" "You're cr-crushing me", Katara squeaked. "Whoops", Toph said, releasing her hold on the Waterbender. Said Waterbender was gasping for breath. "Guess I overdid it, huh", Toph said sheepishly. "I'd… say… so." "That means I haven't lost my touch", Toph said triumphantly, punching the air. "Guess… not", Katara replied weakly, still gasping for breath.

They both looked at each other. "… Even when we go our separate ways, we'll still be friends. Right, Toph?" "Heck yeah", Toph said. Sokka snorted, and rolled over. Katara rolled her eyes. "We'll always be friends", Toph said, "How could we not be?" "Friends…" murmured Katara. "No Toph, not friends… sisters." Toph laughed. "Sounds good to me Katara. Just so long as I don't have to do any of that mushy-gushy stuff." At this, Katara laughed. "I promise Toph, no mushy-gushy stuff", Katara spoke, smiling. Sokka snorted again. "Ugh… c'mon Toph- lets wake this rock up." Toph grinned mischievously. "My pleasure", she said, walking over to Sokka, cracking her knuckles.

Ok everyone- I bet y'all were expecting for the story to jump right into the rest of the plot right after Chapter 1. I am sorry if I dissappointed. Don't worry- this chapter isn't just filler. This chapter, along with Chapter 1, is helping to set up the rest of the story. The relationships between the characters, and how these relationships develop, is very crucial to the story. These little snippets into the relationships between certain characters is helping to prepare the table for the feast to come.

Hopefully, I'll be able to constantly update. If not, please be patient! Thanks all, and read and review!