Chapter 3:Back to the South Pole – Toph's Parents

I couldn't sleep very well. My back hurt more than usual on that night. Although Katara was doing everything she could, the wound was very deep…and burned. It had healed a bit, but now the results were far slower. I had already given the thought that the wound could never heal. I could even die because of it. If didn't get better until the end of the next year… Until I was 14… I didn't know what would happen to me.

Being 14 had an important meaning for me. I had mastered Airbending by age 12, but the usual was by 14. On 15 we were adults. And by 16… I should have been told I was the Avatar on that age. And was on that age that we decided if we wanted to marry or to stay monks for the rest of our lives. I already knew the answer to that. But if my wound won't heal, I would not be able to perform bending as a real master. I would be close, but just. Oh well, I had to get ready for the day. Today it was Toph's day.

I dressed up with my Airbender master clothes, like Gyatso had, and also the ones I wore ate Zuko's coronation. That day, wouldn't be any breakfast, because we had to worry up. Toph destroyed her tent as usual, and she was very different from what she usually dressed. She wasn't wearing any fancy dress, but new battle clothes, ones that I had never seem. She was very beautiful.

Next it was Sokka and Suki that went out. They were with the clothes that we wore back in Ba Sin Se, also not fancy, but more pleasant than the battle ones.

At last, the one I wanted to see more. The graceful water bender went out the tent, and I was stunned. Both in surprise and memories. She was wearing the beautiful green dress, also from Ba Sin Se. That dress would show her beautiful shapes, and it was the perfect color to match her dark skin… And her blue eyes. I realized I was staring at her. She noticed it, and shyly smiled. Sokka was looking from her to me and back to her. I quickly looked away.

Let's go then? – Suki said, a bit uncomfortable. I just could imagine what was going on on Sokka's mind.

Yes… let's go – Sokka's voice was a little… hard. I hoped he wasn't thinking what I thought he was.

Come on guys, I want to get a life's punishment! – Everyone turned to look to Toph. And then all of us laughed. That was something unexpected.

After that comment, that saved us, we all got on Appa. After Toph had grabbed the side of the saddle as always, I told Appa to ascend. We flew for a few hours, until we got to Toph's city. She was really nervous, and the tension was visible.

Katara was next to Toph, both of them in silence. The breeze was making the water bender's dress float around her almost like a cloud. Her hair was also floating… I could be amazed by her grace and beauty every day, always with the same surprise.

Sokka was polishing his sword, a new one he had made with his master a week after Zuko's coronation. Luckily, the space earth we'd found was still on the same place, for he could made a new space sword. His boomerang had been found by an earth kingdom warrior who was guarding the air battle ships. Sokka had nearly got insane of happiness when he found out his lost boomerang had been found. It had been given to him by his father, Hakoda, who was now sailing back home along with his people. Pakku had also traveled back with them. I was hoping to learn some more Waterbending with him.

The hours passed by, and I was drifting away in thoughts. It was only when Toph told me we where near that I snapped out of it. Appa landed near the town, just close enough to walk the last few meters. But on the last moment, Toph said she wanted to land on the gardens.

Don't you think they will think it's an enemy? Or it's rude?

Hey, I want to make a good entrance.

Ah…are you really sure? That won't be a good entrance that will be a crash entrance! – Said Sokka.

Let's rock the place! – Toph was excited – I don't want to pretend being someone I'm not.

Ok. If you say so.

That would be a trouble. But after all, it was her house; she had the right to decide what she wanted to do. We flew towards her house, and Appa flew over the wall. The guards were already running inside the house; to warn her parents, I thought. Others were running on our direction. Among us all, we were somehow scared, somehow excited. Appa finally landed, on a place where there were no trees at all. I came down, and the others did the same, but by sliding down by Appa's tail. We all stood together, waiting. Then the guards saw Toph, and immediately bowed to her.

Toph was very still, hearing who was coming. She gasped, and a second later, her father and her mother walked through the door.

T-Toph? Is that you? – Her mother asked. Her father was in shock. Tears appeared on Toph's eyes. Then she nodded.

Yes, Mom, it is me.

Her parents ran to her and she did the same. When they meet each other they hugged. Toph was crying, so as her mother. We all were touched by the moment. We had done the right thing. After the hug, Toph looked up at her parents and asked:

Why aren't you yelling at me? Aren't you angry? – She was really confused, tears still falling from her chin.

I'm so happy to see you – her father looked proud – I heard of what you have done on the battle against the Fire Lord. We were so worried! But now, I can see that you can look after yourself. I'm sorry for misjudge you Toph.

Let's get inside, so we all can talk clearly – her mother looked like she was shining from the inside – You too, come with us.

Toph's parents didn't let go of their daughter until they were on the big living room. The four of us sat around the room, and Toph went right to our side. Then, her parents talked:

We are very happy to see our daughter again. And also we have to thank to all of you. Avatar Aang, I am forgetting my manners. Forgive me for my lack of education.

Oh, no, please, don't be worried about me! – I didn't like a single bit that everyone treated me like if I was somehow superior. Being the Avatar was never my wish, and I wasn't going to be fancy because of it. – I think it is more important to talk with Toph. After all, you must be missing her very much.

Indeed we do miss her. And after Master Yu and Xin Fu came back without her, we almost lost all hope.

What? You didn't tell us that! – Sokka was shocked – so that was why we caught you outside the walls of Ba Sin Se.

Yeah… I kind of forgotten to tell you that. Don't mind, as you see, you end up knowing.

Yes, indeed Toph, we heard that you imprisoned the two in a metal box. I just keep getting surprised with you. – Sokka tried to hide a laugh, but everyone noticed it. – As I was saying, some weeks later we heard of you, about the invasion to the Fire Nation on the day of the eclipse. I was severely worried, but also proud. Then we knew the invasion failed, and became horrified with the idea of you and your friends becoming imprisoned… or dead. Also, some time before we had heard that the Avatar was dead. These were some hard times for us to live in. And I don't even imagine what you all went through. And finally some weeks ago we knew the Fire Lord had been defeated. And that our daughter had been a massive help in defeating the flying armada.

She was a great help – said Sokka, agreeing – Without Toph, we couldn't have beating the battle airships. Only with her metal bending was possible to do that.

That's true. If Toph hadn't been there, I and Sokka wouldn't be able to defeat any ship at all. – Sukki stated.

After that, we keep telling our journey stories, and Toph's parents did the same thing. They told us what we already knew, but seen from the outside world. The despair when Ba Sin Se was taken, and when everyone thought I was dead. I couldn't help to feel a shivering after hearing that. I still blamed myself for having failed on that day. Then the news of the invasion and it's failure. Finally the plans about a new attack. Toph's parents had received her letter by that time. They were very happy by knowing their daughter was alive, well, and fighting. They finally understood she was not the fragile little blind girl they thought she was. Although, the letter was several weeks late, for Hawky had to fly all over the Fire Nation, and half of the Earth Kingdom to get to their house. On this part, Sokka asked about his hawk.

Oh, that's right. He's a good hawk, that's true. He has behaved in a very nice way. Congratulations – Then he made out a sign to a servant and he brought Hawky.

Hawky! You're all right! – The hawk flew to his owner's hand. Sokka was very, very excited.

I didn't send him back; because I was afraid he got caught on the way back to the heart of the Fire Nation.

Thank you very much for have taken care of my hawk.

Then we all realized it was almost night fall. The hours flew by us like they didn't exist. Sokka suggested that we all needed to eat. We had, during the day, but hadn't eaten a real meal since the day before, so everyone thought it was a good idea. During dinner we also chatted about our experiences on the last year; Toph was happy, but I could see she was determined to keep traveling with us; this had been a need, to see her parents, but only to explain herself, since she had fled home. I only had known about this two weeks before, when Sokka told a joke about her running away. I was completely astonished; how could I been so blind about her running away? Of course her father would allow Toph to do something like running away and traveling the world with some kids, although I was the Avatar. That didn't mean very much, though.

We spent the night at her house, but slept only during a small part of the night. The Bei Fong's were talking about everything we could not know, for we were on the war front. That was amazing. The Bei Fongs' revealed themselves to be more comprehensive that I thought. It must have been the oppression, and the lack of communication that made them believe their daughter was only a helpless blind girl.

After I left the living room, Katara stood up and went to the small bridge outside. I knew she would watch the full moon. That was something she does without thinking. The moon power just dragged her. Or even better pulled her, like the moon spirit. I changed my mind, and instead of going to bed, I followed her. I walked toward the water bender silently, so I wouldn't disturb her. She noticed my presence, but stood still, staring the moon. I looked at too, thinking in Yue, and her sacrifice for the world. We stayed like this for several minutes, until Katara turned towards me and said:

Well I guess I can give you my present.

Your present? – I had no idea where she was getting.

Yes. Your birthday present.

Oh! You don't need t-

Yes I do. And after thinking about it for a while I came up with something. I hope you like it. I realized, that I never said how much you mean to me… And even if we are together now… There is still one loose string.

What is it? – I was starting to get nervous. I guessed she wouldn't say something very bad, but also that didn't look like it was going to be good.

I love you – and then she leaned to me, her eyelids closing, and I did the same. That was a very passionate kiss, definitely the best birthday present I had on my whole life.

When we broke apart, she was slightly blushed, and with a sweet look on her eyes. I guess I looked the same way. She broke the ice.

So… Did you like your gift? – Katara was acting shy, like if I would get angry for that unexpected gift.

I… I have no words. It was amazing. The best birthday gift I ever had. – The water bender looked doubtful – Really. I mean it. What reminds me…

This time it was me who leaned forward, grabbing her by the waist, and closing all the space between the both. She put her arms around my neck, coming closer, if that was possible.

I love you too, do you know that? – I whispered to her. She chuckle.

I know. You gave the first step. Remember? Back at the invasion?

Of course I remembered. On that day I didn't knew if I was coming back from the fight, back to her, to my love, so I had kissed her. If I was going to die, I would at least say goodbye to her. But that didn't happen. So here I was now. Enjoying some happiness.

We stayed like that an instant. I was looking into her eyes, thinking how I never would grow up tired of them. She was looking into mine. Then, we kissed again. This time the kiss was sweet, soft, enjoying ourselves. Finally we got back to the house. The others were already sleeping, but when I was covering myself, I looked towards Sokka's bed, and saw him looking at me and frowning before quickly looking away. I knew it must have been pretty obvious that we were out alone. Our relationship was getting harder to hide. It looked to me like Sokka was understanding what was going on. And he didn't seem to like it a single bit. I petted Momo, before I fell asleep. That night I didn't dream at all, so tired I was.

On the next morning I wake up early, besides my tiredness on the previous night. Momo was already getting out of the room to get something to eat. Sokka was dressing, and seemed like he was thinking hard about something.

Good morning Sokka.

'Morning.

Is something wrong? – This was it. He was telling me I was a dead man.

Yes. It is. First you come where in the middle of the night. You wake me up, and I couldn't get any more sleep.

But I heard you snore the rest of the night.

Ok, maybe I could have slept a bit after you came where. Oh, and I'm angry with other thing… - This was it, not before, now it was – Can't anyone on the group have noticed a very important thing? Yesterday, we didn't eat any meat! This is outrageous! I can't believe it. And-

He stopped looking at me. I was laughing. Laughing at his face, at his need of meat, and mostly at relieve. We were safe by now. I just could hope, he didn't found out very soon.

What? What is so funny?

Nothing – I tried to control my laughing – I just… Thought the same thing. After all, Momo was kind of impatient yesterday. During the day he sneaked to the kitchen. And I thought you may have had the same idea.

I almost got there. Almost. Well, we better be going. Breakfast is almost on the table!

Yeah. I have to feed Appa. Let's go.

On the way out, we encountered Sukki. When he saw her, Sokka's frown disappeared. They smiled at each other, and before Sukki could say good morning, Sokka grabbed her like I'd grabbed Katara last night and kissed her.

Good morning Sukki – he told her, his hands still on her waist.

I would have told you that, if you didn't attacked me first. – She was sweet – Beating a Kyoshi warrior. You should be proud.

I had a good teacher.

Guys. I'm still here. – They looked at me, and Sukki noticed me for the first time.

Oh, that's right. Sorry Aang – Sukki blushed.

You don't have to be sorry. Actually I have to go feed Appa.

I finally went outside. Toph was there, along with Katara. They both were petting Appa. It was good seeing the both getting along. When she saw me, she threw a wide smile at me. I threw another.

Good morning! Sleep well?

Hi Aang. Yeah, I couldn't imagine how I would miss my bed! – Toph was really lighthearted, and amused.

This was a nice place to stay. I really liked your parents – Katara spoke first to me and then to Toph. She was probably continuing her previous conversation.

Yeah, they are good folks. And I understand that they want my safety. But, by the spirits, it feels good to be free!

While they were talking, I fed Appa some hay, and looked around.

The garden was just like it was one year ago. Except for the bushes that we destroyed. Those were much better now. Katara and Toph keep talking, but suddenly I notice Toph's face became closed, and she had a frown. Just a moment later, Sokka came toward us with Sukki by his side. He was hugging her. I stared on the earth bender's direction again, but this time she had a rather calm expression; still her smile was quite fake.

Hey, do you guys like to be hungry? – Sokka was amused – Breakfast is served. I thought you had a lot of manners. Don't you know that is rude to keep the host waiting?

Your right Sokka – Katara was teasing her brother – You really have manners. I mean, if food gets in the middle. But do you want me to remind you that yesterday you pretty much ate all of the food during the day? And at dinner?

I-I thought you people don't wanted to eat. So-

So you took the leadership – Now it was Toph's turn – didn't you Captain Boomerang?

Yeah, I did, and I'm doing it again. – Sokka went inside with Sukki besides him.

The rest of us followed them. We stayed on Toph's house for two more days. She had already told her parents she wasn't going to stay, but instead she would keep traveling with us. The Bei Fongs didn't like very much the idea of losing their daughter again, but this time they understood that she had friends and wanted to keep them.

On our last day at their house, I could tell Katara was once again sad. She had been better for a while, but this day she was really sensitive, having even yelled at anyone that asked her if she was ok. I tried to speak with her after lunch. Katara was on the small bridge, looking absent.

Katara?

Yes Aang? – She sounded rather calm.

Are you alright? This morning you were yelling at everyone.

I-I just… I don't really know what's going on with me. – She was still looking away – Sometimes I just feel like if I am going to cry any moment without having a real reason… And other times everyone seems to get on my nerves. This is really confusing.

Does that have anything to do with something you were told?

No, not at all. Like I said, I'm just… Weird. Don't worry – Now she was looking into my eyes, and I could see she was telling the truth – I feel fine, I'm sure this will pass. But thanks for your concern. And I'm sorry. I know I'm being mean to everyone.

All of us know you're not like that. You don't need to apologize.

Toph is really glad isn't she?

She had surprised me with the change of topics.

Yes she is. We did the right thing by bringing her here. Now we have to know if Sukki wants to get back to Kyoshi Island, or if she is coming with us to the South Pole.

Your right. I always knew Toph wanted to come here. After all they are her parents. But I can also say that I'm really glad that she is coming with us. I think Sukki wanted to come with us to the South Pole and then go back to Kyoshi Island. But I'm not sure. Anyway, we can talk about it on the way back home.

Let's go inside. We have to help the others packing things.

Ok, let's go.

Katara walked in front of me, for the bridge was for one person to pass at each time. She had a new dress, this one dark blue, matching her eyes. I was looking at the contrast between her chocolate hair and the blue dress, when I saw something that made my heart skip a beat.

K-Katara? – My voice was already shaking.

Yes Aang? – How was she so calm? For sure-

Y-You're bleeding!

***

At first, I didn't understood what Aang said. I turned to him, really confused.

Katara! I have to get you inside! You must be wounded!

W-What? I… I feel fine, I don't –

Let's go!

Before I could understand what was going on, Aang had already grabbed me and ran inside. He only let go when we were on my room. Sokka was already asking what was going on.

I don't know what happened! I already told you.

You are just telling me that you and my sister were outside, and you saw she was wounded?

What is going on? – Sukki was behind Sokka. When my brother told her what happened, she looked puzzled, and then said:

You two – pointing at Aang and Sokka – just stay out there. I have to check on something.

Sukki closed the door and came to my side. I didn't understand what was going on yet.

Katara, tell me something – she looked attentive – how do you feel?

I-I don't understand, I feel fine… Except for my stomach. It has been hurting all day.

You have been sensitive, haven't you? Feeling like you are going to cry over nothing and all that yelling this morning?

Yes, but how do you know?

I think you are having your period, Katara.

My what? I really needed a rest. It was just me, or did the world gotten upside down?

When you became a grown up women you have your period. It may sound strange, but in time you will get used to it. You will bleed each month for a few days. During that time, you may feel like you have on the last days. But for now, you should really take a bath and change clothes.

That's too much information for one day. Oh – I felt my face turning red – what will I tell Aang? And Sokka? They want to know what is going on.

On that moment, the door opened and Toph came inside. She was wearing a dress – something that you don't see every day – and had an annoyed look on her eyes.

Can someone please tell me what's going on? If I have to hear Twinkle Toes and Snoozles getting all over me because of you problem Katara, I will do something to them! And believe me, they won't like!

Ah… Well Toph, it looks like I'm ok. Just a little thing that all women have. No disease, nothing. I'm fine.

So, why are you bleeding anyway? – She was beginning to sound more worried.

She's ok, Toph – Suki answered before I had the chance. – It's just that when girls grow up, they have their period.

Their what? – Her unseeing eyes were narrowed.

By age of thirteen or fourteen, girls become women, and have some time of the month were they have some bleeding. It's something natural. You don't need to worry.

Ok, I'm completely freaked out. I'm really trying to forget I heard that. And if I am freaked out, they – she pointed with her thumb to the door – will faint.

Oh, I will tell them something, but now I really need to take a shower and change clothes – I looked down at my dress. The blood stain was getting bigger.

Ok, I'm going outside, and wait for you. – Suki leaved the room.

Do you want some help? – I was surprised with Toph. But then I understood. Suki had leaved to give me some privacy. But Toph was blind. She could be around, and I wouldn't feel watched.

You know where my stuff is, don't you? – She nodded – Then please get me some clothes. Can be anything. Anyway we are leaving your parents house today. Don't you want to say goodbye?

I already talked with them this morning. My mother asked me to wear this dress. For her, she said. I am doing it, but it's only until we get out of here. I had to promise them that I would be back on my birthday.

When is your birthday? - I was already on the bathroom, and began to shower. I could hear Toph collecting some clothes out of my bags.

On the first day of spring – her voice came closer as she approached the bathroom – my parents used to say that I was their little flower – she blushed – I hate that. I'm not any flower. I can take care of myself.

I'm sure they meant your beauty – she blushed again, but this time, not of fury – I've told you once, you are really beautiful.

Even if I am, I don't care. It's not like I can see that.

She waved her hand in front of her eyes, reinforcing the fact that her pale jade eyes already told to anyone that was looking at her. I wondered, not for the first time, how her eyes would look if she wasn't blind. They would have been of a stunning dark green.

Anyway, how are things between you and Twinkle Toes? Did Sokka found out about you two?

Things are fine, thanks, and Sokka hasn't found out yet – I laughed to myself – I'm sure that when he does find out, everyone will know. And Aang will have to get on his glider to escape him.

Toph just laughed. She was probably thinking on Aang running from Sokka. That would be something funny.

After I was done with the cloth changing I got out of the room. Aang ran on the same instance to my side and Sokka just stand with Suki by his side. By the looks on their faces, she had already told them. My brother was looking at me like if he didn't know me.

How are you? – Aang was rather calm, but looked still scared.

I guess Suki by now spoke with you – the three of them nodded – So, you know I'm ok. We can leave like we had planned.

Are you sure that you can travel? – Aang asked.

Of course, it's not like I am sick or something. Let's go!

With this, I got back to the room, and gathered my things; Suki and Toph did the same. Toph's parents had been very kind; they provided us supplies to an entire month, enough to get to the Southern Water Tribe. If everything went well, we should be there by the beginning of the winter; Suki would stay with us until the spring, and then get back to Kyoshi Island. After all, she wasn't at her home in a very long time. Sokka wanted to go with her, but that would be hard, since our Tribe needed him. But in time things would be settled.

Toph would be with us. Aang and I wanted to stay during all winter in the Southern Water Tribe. I wanted to speak with Pakku about the Spirit Oasis. Maybe on Spring I could convince Aang to go there, and let me heal his scar. Toph wouldn't be happy with changing from a Pole to another. Oh well. For now, we had to go.

When we got outside, Aang and Sokka were already loading things into Appa's saddle. Momo was flying around, chasing one bug. We helped loading the rest of the things, and then went to say goodbye to the Bei Fongs.

Toph was relieved as we flew away from Gaolin. Although she had enjoyed to see her parents, it was clear that she wanted to keep her life of freedom.

I was feeling relieved by knowing what had been wrong with me; Suki had told me that I was going to stay like this for a couple more days. I could handle that. By speaking in Suki, she and Sokka were lying on the back of the saddle, on their usual place. Toph was grabbing the side of the saddle, "looking away". I went to Appa's head, and sat by Aang's side.

How are you?

I think I should be asking that question – he looked into my eyes, and I could see he was still worried.

I'm fine. It's something natural, it won't harm me.

I really hope so. I didn't knew that you girls had something like that.

We are special – I laughed - but really, don't be worried, we have things much more important to worry about.

Like what?

Like getting to the South Pole. I am really looking forward to see Gran Gran and Pakku. I miss home.

You know… Now, I see the South Pole like my own home. Since the Air Nomads are gone…

Of course it is your home. We are all a big family. You, me Sokka, Suki and Toph.

Hey! What are you saying about me?

Nothing, just saying you belong to the family Toph!

That's better! You know I could kick you butts of, if you were saying that you would be throwing me out of Appa!

That would be very pretty – know Sokka was speaking – but you have no earth to bend.

Yes I do – she took her meteorite bracelet out of her arm – thanks to you, I have this little weapon.

When she said that, Suki quickly looked at the bracelet, and then at Toph. Finally, he looked up at Sokka. He was blushing.

When I was making my sword, I thought Toph would like to bend meteorite.

Of course you did.

After that, she shut up. Sokka was quite embarrassed, and Toph had a very satisfied look on her face. I tried not to take any conclusions.

We flew by the Earth kingdom, and stopped only at night. Luckily, we were near a little creek, so I could take a bath right after we arrived. I really needed that. After dinner, a quiet environment surrounded us. We were at peace, just listening to the night sounds.

On the next week, everything went just fine. We were happy, had plenty of food (Sokka loved that, and the weather was nice. By the end of the week we were getting near the Earth Kingdom's end. After we crossed the last piece of land, we would have to fly without stopping until the South Pole. But that was still a couple of weeks away. For now, we kept visiting Earth Kingdom cities; Toph and Sokka had had some serious problems in several of them. They had got in so many troubles that we had to run. Just like on the old times. On the other hand, they had to listen to my, Aang's and Suki's yells; they would just stare at us with puppy eyes and tell us that it was the last time. Yeah right.