I stepped out the door and turned left. I walked down the long hallway until I came to a set of double doors. I opened them up and stepped outside into the bright sunlight. I ended up back in the courtyard, but no one was around. I was going to check the beach when I heard a loud groan. I froze and looked around. There, sitting on the far side of the yard was this giant furry beast.
It had six legs and an arrow on its white fluffy head. It looked like a fuzzy, white, beaver-tailed, bison. I would have freaked if it weren't so…cute! It had an arrow on his head just like Aang, so I figured this creature must belong to him.
I cautiously stepped down the stairs and inched towards the animal. He yawned and I noticed his teeth weren't sharp. I was relieved he was a vegetarian, and won't try to eat me. I was so close now I could feel his breath on me. The animal looked at me with these big adorable eyes, and gave me a whiff.
I stood completely still; I didn't want to freak it out. The animal gave another groan and pushed his nose up against me. I nearly fell over, but planted my feet firmly on the ground. I reached out and patted his nose. Suddenly a giant tongue came out and licked me. It was gross, but I took it as a form of endearment and rewarded it with a kiss on the nose. I used waterbending to get most of the slime off me.
These new abilities really come in handy…
"Well you're just a big softy aren't you?" He answered with another groan and I laughed. I had always loved animals, and this fluff-ball was extra hard to resist! I gave him another peck on the nose when I heard a voice behind me.
"Looks like Appa likes you. That'll earn you big points with Twinkle Toes." It was that snarky voice again. I turned around and saw Toph with her black hair covering her eyes, and one hand on her hip. I smiled and tried to mimic her sarcastic tone.
"Twinkle Toes? Do you give all your friends such lovely nicknames?" Toph laughed.
"It's how I show affection. Aang is Twinkle Toes, Katara is Sugar Queen, and Zuko is Sparky. I'm still working on Sokka and Suki's; I just need the right inspiration." We both laughed and I stepped closer to her.
I want to ask if she's blind, but I don't want to be rude…
"Hey Toph, um, do you mind if I ask a personal question?" She seemed to know where this conversation was going and answered right away.
"Yes I'm blind, but I can still see. I use earthbending to feel the vibrations around me. It's basically seeing with my feet."
"Wow, that's really amazing! This stuff is all so new to me, I don't even know if I can earthbend."
"I'd help you out, but Aang and Zuko are about to start firebending practice."
I thought about that for a moment. I figured I should ask to join in, after all Zuko said himself that firebending could be dangerous if I didn't know how to use it properly. As I was thinking, I noticed Aang and Zuko climbing the hill from the beach. My breath caught in my throat when I saw them step out into the yard. Both guys were only wearing shorts, and I used all my force to pry my eyes off Zuko's excellently toned chest. I silently prayed that Toph couldn't feel my heart beating so fast. I guess she noticed because she called out to the guys before I could make another move.
"Hey Sparky! You mind if Maggie here joins in the lesson?" I felt so flustered. I didn't want to intrude or anything, I mean, Aang had to save the world in like three days. I was afraid to be a distraction. Luckily neither boy looked put out. If anything, Zuko looked slightly curious, while Aang looked ecstatic.
"Of course you can!" Aang was full of such a carefree energy; I didn't know how to respond. Zuko cut in before I could say anything back.
"Well, how much fighting experience do you have in general? Aang and I are pretty advanced in that department, and I don't want you to hurt yourself."
This better not just be because I'm a girl or something stupid like that…
"I have some experience. I took a couple of fighting classes, and I learned a lot." I bluffed, but only because I didn't want to seem weak to them.
"I should mention I can tell when someone's lying. They give off certain vibrations." Toph interjected and I blushed deeply.
"Ok fine. I took like six classes, but I think I learned a good amount." They all seemed to accept that answer and Zuko stepped forward.
"We should see where you're at, so I know where to start." He turned and said, "Aang I need you to do hog-squats until we're done. Got it?" Aang groaned dramatically but complied. Zuko gestured for me to follow him. We stood in the middle of the yard, and we were about three or four feet apart. We faced each other and Zuko spoke.
"Hit me."
"What if I hurt you or something?"
Zuko chuckled a bit at that. I didn't even know he knew how to laugh. My blushing increased and I rushed forward. I jabbed my right fist forward, aiming for his jaw. His arm went up in a flash and knocked my arm away. Zuko grabbed my wrist and my arm was twisted behind my back. It didn't hurt, but I couldn't get out of his grasp. I held my breath when he leaned in close and spoke right next to my ear.
"Think before you strike. That was pretty pathetic." I could practically feel him smiling behind me. Zuko released my wrist and I turned to face him again. I was right, he was smirking and my blood started to boil. I took a deep breath to calm myself. I had an idea.
"I think I might be better on defense. You strike first." Zuko shrugged and pondered his first move. I was ready this time. Sure they knew about my six karate classes, but they didn't know about my seven years in gymnastics. I could definitely use that to my advantage. Sure Zuko was muscular, but he didn't seem very flexible.
Zuko lunged while I was distracted, and jabbed his fist forward. I was prepared, and dropped into a split. The look on his face was priceless. I used his surprise to my advantage and trapped his legs in-between mine. He tumbled to the ground with a loud oof. I tried to get up, but Zuko was faster. He shoulder checked me and we both tumbled back onto the ground. Before I could react he flipped me flipped me onto my back, straddled my waist, and grabbed my wrists. He held them above my head, and put on another smug grin.
His face was mere inches away from mine when he spoke in a low voice.
"That was a good first try, but you have a long way to go."
This guy thinks he's so hot! He's just trying to get me all flustered so I can't fight… Two can play at this game.
I brought my face closer to his and spoke in a sarcastic tone.
"Well thank you for trying to teach me Zuko." I thrust my hips up and rubbed against him for a second. Zuko's eyes widened and he took in a sharp breath. His grip on my wrists faltered, and I grabbed my opportunity. I pulled my legs to my chest and kicked upwards. Zuko went flying off me, and landed on his back behind me.
I could hear Toph laughing, and she could barely get her words out.
"Oh wow, she got you good Sparky! That was priceless." I sat up and looked over at Aang who was trying his best to stifle his laughter. I couldn't help but smile as I got off the ground. My hair fell in front of my eyes, and I realized my ribbon had fallen out. I saw Zuko get off the ground and face me. He looked irritated, but I could see a little blush on his cheeks.
"You cheated." He said in a childish tone. I folded my arms across my chest and spoke confidently.
"Whatever it takes to survive. Right?" Zuko sighed and smirked. He walked over to me and held out his hand.
"You dropped this when you fell." I took my ribbon from him, and used it to put my hair back up.
His hands were so warm…must be a firebender thing.
"Since I passed that little test, can I practice firebending now?" Zuko nodded and called Aang over. He started with the basics, such as making a flame, and fire punches and kicks. I screwed up a lot at first, but after about half an hour I got the general gist. Zuko also taught us some blocking moves, and then we spent fifteen minutes on these god-awful breathing exercises. Just before I lost my mind Katara appeared at the staircase with drinks.
"Who wants a nice cool glass of watermelon juice?" Aang nearly sprinted towards her, but Zuko got a hold of him first. His sounded irritated.
"Aang your lesson's not over yet!" Baldy let out a whine, and Suki tried to reason with him.
"You guys have been practicing for hours. It's ok to take a break once in a while."
Zuko grumbled out a "Fine." and released Aang. He rushed over to Katara and took one of the cups. Sokka suddenly spoke out.
"Suki's right, we've all been working too hard. Let's take a break. Beach party!" He yelled and everyone followed him down to the beach. I was totally shocked. This kid was supposed to defeat this evil fire lord guy in three days. Why didn't he seem worried in the slightest? I heard Zuko sigh, and followed him to the stairs. We sat down next to each other and rested for a moment before Zuko cut the silence.
"I really don't understand that kid. He should be using this time to practice, not screw around on the beach!" He exhaled and a little puff of fire came out.
"He does realize he only has three days left to prepare right?" Zuko nodded, then leaned back, using his elbows for support. He seemed to be deep in thought for a moment. He sat up suddenly and looked at me. His voice sounded mischievous.
"Want to help me teach him a lesson?"
