Lost and Confused

Toph had been with the gaang for weeks and yet she never felt completely welcomed. I guess this was partly why. Not only did Sokka practically say he didn't care about her, it was also obvious that all Katara and Aang cared about was each other. And at this point, Twinkle Toes didn't even need her as an Earthbending teacher anymore. He had mastered the element already. Now all he needed was fire, which Zuko and Iroh were now here for. 'So what the heck am I still doing around here anyways?' thought Toph. She would have been kidnapped today if it weren't for the two Firebenders and the gaang probably wouldn't have even noticed.

"Toph, are you okay?" asked Aang looking at the suddenly pale Earthbender.

"Just peachy," Toph said sarcastically. She then made herself an earth-tent deciding it would be best to leave when they were all asleep so nobody could find her.

"It's been a long day, she probably just needs some sleep," said Katara.

Aang and Sokka nodded their heads in agreement and went to find Iroh and Zuko to have some tea.

Later that night, Toph quietly exited her tent, gathered her belongings, and made way to leave the gaang. Unfortunately, she was stranded on a floating Air Temple so she couldn't exactly 'leave'. However, the Temple was pretty huge and she could find a good enough hiding spot to last her until the final battle against the Fire Lord. After that she could be free of them forever. 'It's not like they care where I go or what I do anyways. The only reason they chased after me the last time was because Twinkle Toes needed an Earthbending teacher…Psh I was so stupid,' Toph said mentally.

After walking around for most of the night, Toph was able to find the perfect hiding place. It was an old, un-used basement behind the Western Air Temple, which was nearly a mile away from the original campsite. Although she sighed contently at finding this, her heart sank a little bit. She truly felt like her 'friends' no longer cared. There wasn't one single reason that proved otherwise. She set out her sleeping bag and tried to fall asleep, alone in the dark…

The next morning the gaang woke up to a wonderful breakfast made by Iroh. They were all getting ready to sit down and eat when Katara walked worriedly over to Aang and her brother.

"Where's Toph?"

The two of them looked around. "I thought she was still asleep?" asked Sokka.

"No," she shook her head. "I just checked and her tent wasn't there."

"Do you think somebody took her?" asked Zuko walking in on their conversation.

Sokka glared at him, "Hmm, I don't know. Why don't you tell us?"

"He didn't do anything Sokka," said Katara trying to get rid of the tension. "All of her belongings were gone as well."

"So she ran away?" asked Aang. "She wouldn't have done that," he looked over to see Iroh and Zuko coming towards them. Iroh had a look a disappointment on his face. Aang looked back to Katara and Sokka, "Would she?"

"I am afraid she could have," said Iroh as he finally reached the gaang.

"But why?" asked Sokka.

"Are you really that?-"

Iroh raised a hand, "Now, now nephew. There is no reason for hostility."

"I know, but it's just obvious."

"What do you mean it's obvious? What's obvious?" asked Sokka.

"Ugh, look-"

"Nephew, why don't I tell them?" Iroh interrupted.

Zuko nodded his head. Even though he had come to his senses about things, he still had a very short temper.

"Do you recall telling us about Katara? What you had said about her and Suki last night during tea? You know, after you received the news?"

Sokka looked away; her memory was still a sore spot for him right now.

"You mean about me being the only girl he hadn't lost yet?" asked Katara.

"To be more specific, the only girl he cared about in any way that still remained alive."

"So, what does that have to do with Toph disappearing?" Sokka asked.

"Oh, Agni…can't I just tell them already?" said a very irritated Zuko.

"Please, do," said Katara. "I need to know what's going on here."

"Obviously your concern over Toph is affecting your ability to comprehend what I'm trying to tell you," said Iroh.

"Look, you said Katara was the only girl that you care about that hasn't died on you, right?"

Sokka nodded his head.

"Well is Toph not a girl?"

"Of course she is, where are you?-"

"Oh, no…" interrupted Aang.

"We have to find her," said Katara.

Then Sokka finally caught on to the gravity of his words, "Right, but where do we start? This place is huge."

"I've only been here a few times, but I know my way around a little," Aang said.

"Good. And I know Toph pretty well, she'd want to be somewhere we absolutely wouldn't be able to find her," said Katara.

"But that could be anywhere," said Zuko.

"Why don't we all simply split up and meet back here in an hour?" advised Iroh.

The gaang nodded their heads at one another and set off to find their friend.