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Chapter Six: Famous Last Words
"Grumpy, Blade, good to see you. You don't mind if I stick around for awhile, do you?"
Zuko gaped in surprise while Mai's face broke into a wide smile.
"Toph," she stated. "We didn't forget something, did we?"
"Nope," the earthbender replied. "You could say that my visit is unexpected."
The pretty young woman tapped one bare foot nervously and blew the heavy weight of bangs off her forehead. Her simple green traveling clothes were wrinkled and dirty looking. She looked agitated
"Hello, Toph," Ursa said gently. "It's good to see you again. I'll take the children and you three can talk."
"Yeah, we need to talk," Toph agreed. "Hey kiddos," she said to the twins as they passed by. "I'll come see you two later."
"Okay," they replied happily enough, eager to go to the nursery and get reacquainted with all their toys.
"Let's go to the sitting room over there," Zuko gestured.
He shut and locked the door, assuring their privacy and took a seat beside Mai on the comfortable sofa. Toph sat across from them. She seemed unsure of herself and at a loss about where to begin. Her friends waited patiently.
"Okay, first of all, you're having one baby, Mai. Second, congratulations again. Zuko, you're the man."
She flashed that Toph grin and slammed her right fist into the palm of her left hand. Flushing, Zuko ran a hand through his hair. Mai looked pleased with the news.
"Second, there miiight be someone following me, someone who's not very happy."
"What does that mean, exactly?" Zuko asked, immediately worried for the safety of his family.
"I ran away again," Toph replied. "My parents never seem to stop giving me reasons to."
"Toph," Mai interjected, "start at the beginning. What happened with your parents?"
"Okay," she assented and took a deep breath. "Everything was fine, I thought, well, not fine but tolerable, with my mother and father. I've been staying in Gaoling with them for the past few weeks. About a week ago, my mother mentioned some stupid dinner with other rich people that I wanted to avoid. It's not like you can be yourself at one of those things."
Mai nodded with complete understanding. She could remember countless similar situations.
"She was really pushy about it, insisting that I attend and act like a perfect little lady."
"Did you?" Zuko asked breathlessly, obviously engrossed by Toph's tale.
"I did. I even took a bath, wore some silky, fancy feeling robe and let my mother fix my hair and make up my face. I suppose it was guilt. My mother used that tone of voice, you know the one, it makes you feel like you're three years old and naughty and should do whatever mother says."
Mai nodded again, a wry smile on her face.
"So there were three guests, a couple about my parents' age and their son, who's twenty one. They're big shots in Shenyang, that's a city not far from Gaoling. Apparently, my parents have known them for years, since before I was born. And they made some kind of deal all those years ago."
Zuko and Mai both had an idea where the story was going and had moved closer to the edge of the sofa. Mai reached for Zuko's hand and squeezed hard.
"Um, well, my parents promised them me for their son just after I was born. The Lins, that's their name, accepted my blindness. Of course, what's a little blindness when your son will inherit the bulk of the Bei Fong Empire as soon as the wedding ceremony is complete?"
Mai and Zuko gasped.
"What about you? Shouldn't you inherit everything?"
"No, I'm just a helpless invalid, incapable of doing anything except sitting quietly while the able people take care of me and business and everything else. My parents thought in their warped way, that they were assuring my future, making certain that I would be taken care of after they're gone."
"But, everything's different now. You're not helpless. You're the most powerful earthbender in the world. You're independent and smart and strong. Can't these Lin people see that?"
"Hell, Zuko, my own parents still can't see it. They think of my time with Aang and the rest of you as a phase. And they figure that they were very generous to allow me a few more years of freedom. I was supposed to marry this guy at eighteen. Now it's twenty. According to my mother, after twenty you're an old maid."
"Obviously, you're not going to marry him. What are the Lins going to do about it?" Mai asked.
"There's a contract, Mai, an actual document witnessed by sages and signed by both parties. He marries me and gets everything, everything but what my parents need to live very comfortably. His only obligation is to make sure I'm looked after. My only obligation is to produce children."
"Surely there's a way to break the contract or make some sort of settlement. They don't honestly think they can make you do this. We won't let them," Zuko said forcefully.
"Thanks, Zuko," Toph replied, jumping off the chair and throwing her arms around the Fire Lord in an uncharacteristic display of emotion.
He was taken aback and patted her awkwardly.
"There's more," Toph sighed. "Dinner was a disaster. I went kind of crazy when they told me everything. Let's just say I went on a bender, ha, ha. I'm pretty sure the Lins think I'm insane. There were metal projectiles flying everywhere. I probably hurt someone. While they were all screaming and ducking under tables, I ran outside. The son, Fu, followed me. I was so upset I didn't feel him approach. He grabbed my arm and demanded that I control myself, grow up, and marry him like a good girl. He actually said that I'm his, like a piece of property. I bended again…..only his head was sticking out of the garden when I left. He cursed me and swore that he would find me, no matter where I went."
"Agni, Toph, he better not show up here. He'll rue the day," Zuko hissed.
Mai reached into her sleeves and felt the reassuring presence of metal. She could show this Fu character a thing or two as well.
"What about the contract? Can they put me in jail for breaking it? Can they put my parents in jail? Geez, they never even saw fit to tell me about any of this until the other night. Did they think surprising me would make me agree? I really, really hate them right now," Toph growled.
"I don't know. I need to talk to some people. And Fire Nation law is different from Earth Kingdom law. We need some help. I don't want to start some sort of international incident. The Fire Nation doesn't need that. The way the rest of the world sees us is finally changing and I won't jeopardize that."
"I'm sorry guys," the nineteen year old whispered. "I shouldn't have dragged you into it. My first thought was to come here to you."
"You're our friend, Toph. We're glad that you came to us," Mai said reassuringly. "Don't worry. We'll get it all straightened out."
"Stay for as long as you like. You always add a little excitement to our lives," Zuko added, looking over at Mai raising his one eyebrow.
"Thanks," Toph replied sincerely. "Damn, I should have stayed in Ba Sing Se. I shouldn't have gone home. I had a job there, working with the Dai Li*. I was happy enough. Eh, my parents would have sent people after me anyway."
"Toph, it's okay. Zuko can put you to work here," Mai said, giving her husband a nudge.
"Uh, yeah, I'll think of something," Zuko shrugged.
"As long as it isn't babysitting," the earthbender grinned. "not for more than a few hours at a time anyway."
The trio sat quietly for a few minutes, processing all that was said. Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose, and scrunched his eyes shut. The situation could get messy and he was not looking forward to any trouble that might arise. But he was also not willing to throw Toph to the monkeywolves.
"You know," he said, coming out of his reverie, "arranged marriages are not unusual. My mother's marriage to Ozai was arranged."
"And we all know how well that turned out," Toph replied smartly.
"I know, I know, I'm going somewhere with this. I mean there are a lot of arranged marriages, but I don't think it is standard practice to use a contract. It's more a way of bringing different families together or assuring that the 'proper' bloodlines get mixed together. But I don't think anyone's forced. My mother was allowed to spend time with Ozai and they ended up liking each other and didn't fight things. I'm sure that if they had hated each other the marriage would have been called off. I'll ask her about it.'
"My parents had an arranged marriage too," Mai added. "But I don't think it's as common a thing as it used to be."
"Sure, whatever works but don't I have a say in how I spend the rest of my life? This guy, Fu, is a jerk. I can't believe that my parents actually thought I would just go along with their plans." Toph's voice got angrier and louder as she went on. "They really can't see me at all. They have no idea who I am or else they just choose to ignore what's right in front of them. Ugh! I hate this whole situation."
"Maybe they'll just forget about everything," Zuko offered hopefully.
"That's too easy, Zuko," Mai replied. "We need to make a first move of some kind."
"Hmmm," Zuko thought. "We should send a polite letter to your parents, explaining where you are and how you feel. You're in the Fire Nation now and under our protection, that kind of thing. If they want to travel here to talk, so be it."
"That's not a bad idea," Mai nodded. "Your position has to count for something."
"This is good," Toph grinned, rubbing her hands together gleefully. "My parents will be angry at you but thrilled about getting an actual letter from the Fire Lord. They won't know what to do."
"Mai, will you help me? You're better at that sort of thing."
"We should do it now. Toph, you come too. I want you to hear it.'
They moved to Zuko's office and spent the next half hour composing the perfect letter. The Fire Lord sat behind the huge expanse of mahogany, writing materials spread out in front of him, brush poised above the paper. They all searched for the right words and the right tone.
"Let me read it over again before you send it," Mai demanded.
She stood behind Zuko and read over his shoulder, aloud so that Toph could hear.
Mr. and Mrs. Bei Fong,
Your daughter, Toph, is safe and staying here at the Fire Nation palace where she is always welcome. She came to my wife and me distraught and unsure how to proceed.
Toph told us of your marriage plans for her. She does not wish to marry Fu Lin and will not. There must be a peaceful solution to this situation that will please everyone. If you have any ideas, let me know and I will inform your daughter.
Sincerely,
Fire Lord Zuko
Zuko had taken his time and the characters were neat, clean and elegantly formed. Mai and Toph both approved of the content. Zuko applied the wax seal that signified his position. Once the wax cooled and hardened, he rolled up the letter and called for a servant. It was sent off by hawk a few minutes later.
"That's all we can do for now, Toph," Zuko remarked. "Are you hungry? Is your room all ready for you?"
"Thanks, Zuko," she said, giving him a punch on the shoulder. "Your people got my room ready for me as soon as I arrived. I could eat, though. Can we all have lunch together…I mean the twins and your Mom and us?"
"Of course, let's go see what they're up to."
Ryuhito and Miyako were pleased to spend some time with Toph. After lunch, she and Mai took them out to the garden where the earthbending master turned ordinary garden soil into amazingly intricate designs and shapes. Toph ate up the praise and attention that the toddlers lavished on her. Their eyes were wide with delight as they watched their 'aunt' manipulate the earth with stamps of her bare feet or punch like motions of her hands.
"Mommy, why do I have to wear shoes?" Miyako asked. "Toph doesn't."
"This I've gotta hear," Toph said to Mai with a wide smile.
"Thanks, Toph," Mai replied, voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Why, Mommy?"
"Toph sees things with her feet instead of her eyes. So, she needs her feet to touch the earth. If she wears shoes, she can't 'see' as well."
"Me with shoes is like you with a blindfold over your eyes," Toph added.
The earthbender approached Miyako and put her hands gently over a golden pair of eyes. Miyako squirmed. She didn't like the sensation.
"Do you understand now?" Toph asked.
"Yeah, but what's wrong with your eyes?"
Toph shrugged. "They just don't work….never did."
"Can I take my shoes off, Mommy?"
"Fine, take them off. But you're not making a habit of it."
The little girl slipped off her shoes eagerly, encouraging her brother to do the same. The pair trod through the soil, imitating some of Toph's moves and enjoying the feel of cool, damp soil between their toes.
"Feels good, doesn't it?" Toph asked them.
"Yeah," Miyako yelled in reply. "Me wanna be an earthbender too."
"Wouldn't the uppity snots in the council love that," Toph said with a snicker.
Mai laughed. "They would probably all drop dead from shock and shame….an earthbending heir to the Fire Nation throne; Oh, the horror."
"So, Mai, how are you feeling anyway? I haven't had a chance to ask."
"I feel really good, Toph. Zuko and I are doing well. The kids are a handful but a good handful."
"They are pretty cool," Toph agreed. "Has anything interesting happened?"
"Oh, we just got back from Ba Sing Se and when we were there, Iroh and Lan got married."
"That old bugger," Toph laughed. "Good for them."
"It was a spontaneous thing. I'm glad we were there to see it."
"What about Ursa? How's she?"
"Mmm, she's having a bit of a hard time right now. Her last visit with Azula was traumatic for her."
"Oh, what happened?" Toph asked with interest.
"Zuko went with her. She had been asking him for quite a while. It seems as though Azula is herself again, as in the way she was before the Boiling Rock. She was cruel and cold and in control and told them that she has no regrets, would do the same over again. Azula told Zuko that she only tolerated Ursa's visits in the hopes of hearing something useful. It was bad and Ursa was crushed. She really thought that Azula could change and be a part of our family. But Azula herself said that would never happen."
"Ah, crap, Azula really is a bitch."
"What's worse is she made subtle threats against us and our children. If she ever escapes, she would come after Zuko and I and the kids. I would kill her, Toph, I would kill her if she ever came near them. Or I would die trying."
"Could she escape?"
"It's an island. There's no way to get off except for the boat that comes weekly to bring supplies. It's too far away from the nearest island to swim. So, I would say no, but Azula has a way of getting what she wants. I worry about it, Toph."
"If she's better, why not put her in a regular prison?"
"Zuko's thought about that. He's not sure what to do."
"Well, I would have Aang remove her bending too and lock her up with Ozai. Those two deserve each other."
"He has to consider Ursa too."
"Yeah, I get it," Toph agreed.
"Toph, do you think this Fu guy will show up here?"
"He was really angry. But it's not like he can just walk in. We don't have to see him."
"It might be a good idea to talk to him if he comes. Maybe we can get through to him. Maybe we can find a way to make him not want you."
"Oh, man, I could gross him out so much."
"I'm almost hoping that he does come now," Mai said with a wicked grin.
Two days later
"You do this every month?" Toph asked Mai.
"Yes, it's important for good relations with the council members. And remember, Zuko invited that expert in Earth Kingdom law."
"You realize that you're living exactly the kind of life that your mother wanted you to, don't you?"
Mai snorted indelicately. "I suppose that I am. But I'm doing it my way with the man I love."
Mai sat at her dressing table. She was applying her makeup and putting up her hair. The Fire Lady already wore a simple red gown with a high waist that allowed lots of room for her pregnancy bump. Lastly, she put on her earrings, and slipped a bracelet over her wrist. She got up from her chair and moved to sit across from Toph. Little bits of flying dirt landed softly on the carpet. Mai watched neutrally as Toph went at her toes with a fervor most people reserved for, well, other things.
"This doesn't bother you, does it?" Toph asked.
Mai shrugged; a gesture she realized Toph couldn't see but would sense nevertheless.
"Good, because I would keep doing it anyway," the nineteen year old earthbender cackled.
"Are you sure that you won't come?" Mai asked. "I know how you love these official functions."
"I'll pass. I'd rather sit with the twins. We'll have a great time."
Zuko entered the room, looking handsome in his official robes. He bent down and gave Mai a kiss.
"You look gorgeous," he whispered, his warm breath sending sparks down her spine.
"You're such a romantic dork, Zuko," Toph observed, flicking a bigger clump of dirt at the Fire Lord and hitting him on the forehead.
"Hey," he declared with mock outrage. "What was that for?"
"No reason, I just felt like it," she laughed.
"Is your mom ready?" Mai asked her husband.
"She's ready," he replied. "Toph, Midori's leaving in a few minutes."
"Okay, guess I'll mosey next door. See you later," she said.
"Don't let them get away with too much," Mai called after her.
"Please, I can handle a pair of two year olds," she replied, giving a dismissive wave with her hand.
"Famous last words," Zuko whispered.
"I heard that," Toph shouted and shut the door behind her.
All the council members and their wives waited in the formal dining room for the Fire Lord and Fire Lady to arrive. Servants stood along the walls, blending in rather than standing out, and also waited. Once Mai and Zuko along with Ursa were seated, the rest sat as well. Zuko welcomed everyone and made a point of introducing the Fire Nation's foremost expert on Earth Kingdom law (most Earth Kingdom things in fact).
"I would like everyone to welcome Hideo Koga. He is a special guest of me and my wife and is something of an expert in all things to do with the Earth Kingdom."
Murmured words of welcome were spoken. Koga, a pleasant looking man in his late forties, with slightly graying hair and kind brown eyes, thanked Zuko for his gracious words. He sat next to Ursa and appeared nervous. Zuko's mother spoke quietly to him and her words must have set the scholar at ease for he settled down and began chattering away to her animatedly. Ursa smiled and listened with interest. The servants ladled out the first course, a clear broth, and then retreated again, waiting for everyone to finish.
Mai's parents sat at the opposite end of the table from her and she was grateful. Small talk with them was not appealing. Instead, she exchanged words with Councilman Fumiko. He was Zuko's expert in industry and was far more easy going than the other councilmen. As she did at every formal dinner, Mai looked and listened, picking up subtle expressions or gestures, and filing away this knowledge for future consideration. It really was incredible just how much these people gave away without realizing it. Years of sitting quietly, having nothing to do but observe, had honed Mai's skills to a fine point. Later that evening, she and Zuko would go over anything she picked up.
By the time dessert and tea were finished, Ursa and Koga were already friends. His unassuming and respectful way of speaking had charmed the woman. Here was a man who loved knowledge but also shared it generously with others. He listened to her speak with genuine interest as well. Ursa could get used to that.
Everyone but Koga left for home. Zuko asked him to stay so that they could discuss the matter of Toph and her betrothal. They retreated to a quiet sitting room and both Mai and Zuko filled him in on the situation.
"What do you think?" Zuko asked.
Koga stroked his chin thoughtfully for a minute before answering.
"A contract witnessed by an Earth Sage, you say…their power, much like that of the Fire Sages in our culture, has been reduced during the past twenty five years or so. They have no legal jurisdiction any longer. Their position in Earth Kingdom society is more ceremonial than anything. That is a point in your friend's favor. And, the status of women is slowly changing as well. This marriage was arranged when Toph was an infant. She had absolutely no say in the matter whatsoever."
"Well, can she get out of it without causing some huge incident?" Mai prodded.
"Personally, I think the main point in her favor is this; the marriage was arranged as a protection of sorts for a girl child they thought was weak and vulnerable, one who would never be able to look after herself, much less a business empire. That child never existed. Toph is a master earthbender, a war hero, someone who works in conjunction with Earth Kingdom leaders, she trained the avatar and it's blatantly obvious that she needs no one's care. Under Earth Kingdom law, an arranged marriage made under assumptions or conditions that turn out to be wrong, may be voided. Think of the marriage as a transaction. Toph cannot be delivered as ordered. The Lin family will not get what they thought they would get, should Toph marry their son."
"That's great," Zuko said, sounding relieved. "What does Toph need to do?"
"My guess is that once we explain all this to the Lins, they will back down. If they don't, she will need to see an Earth Kingdom lawyer and he will present the case to a magistrate. Honestly, I wouldn't worry. Toph is fine staying here in the Fire Nation. Should the Lins come storming in to make a claim, we can, uh, subdue them."
While Zuko and Mai presided over their monthly dinner for the council, Toph had a bedtime snack with the twins.
"What do you eat for your snack?" she asked Ryuhito, who sat next to her on the carpet.
He was building a shaky tower of blocks and accidentally knocked them down when he turned to answer her. He kicked out with his foot, scattering the blocks across the room.
"You broke it," he shouted.
"Hey, you knocked them down, I didn't. Pick them up and try again. And don't pout. Your dad does enough of that," she smirked.
"You pick them up," he demanded.
"I will not. You want a tower, you get the blocks. You may be a prince, but you're not going to boss me around. Now, what do you usually have for a snack?"
Ryuhito scampered away to sulk behind the sofa. Miyako, seeing an opportunity to look good, sidled up to Toph and sat down beside her.
"Mango," she answered.
"Just mango?"
"Um, wadermelon or nuts," she added.
"Okay, I'll get someone to bring us some food," Toph sighed.
She rang for a servant and made her request. A few minutes later a tray was delivered.
"Hey, Princey, the food's here," she called to Ryuhito, who still crouched behind the sofa, tears in his gold eyes and a scowl on his face.
"Fine," Toph drawled. "Miyako and I will eat everything."
Toph made loud smacking noises as she ate. She licked the juice off her fingers and Miyako giggled.
Sneakily, the little boy crawled out from behind the sofa. He snatched a piece of fruit and stuffed it into his mouth. Red juice dribbled down his chin. As he made a move to run away again, Toph reached out with her hand and grabbed the boy, dragging him into her lap and giving him a hug.
"Enough," she scolded. "Sit with us."
He sat and they enjoyed the rest of the fruit together. Toph took the children into the bathroom and helped them wash sticky hands and faces. They cleaned their teeth as best they could and then crawled into their beds exhausted.
"Story, pwease, Toph," Miyako begged.
"How about a Zuko story?" she asked with a laugh.
"Yay, Daddy story," both twins agreed excitedly.
Toph had them breathless with laughter in minutes and they were asleep shortly after her story ended.
"Piece of cake," she said, very pleased with herself.
Standing between their beds, Toph bent down, first giving Ryuhito a kiss on the forehead then Miyako. Finding the sofa, she flopped down and was snoring within minutes.
An urgent knock on the sitting room door interrupted the conversation about Toph's 'marriage'.
"Come in," Zuko snapped.
"Sorry to disturb you, my Lord, but a man named Fu Lin is at the front gates demanding to see you."
"Demanding? Really," Zuko replied. "Tell the guards to let him in and escort the 'gentleman' here."
"Yes, my Lord."
Zuko stood alert and ready for some kind of attack. Undoubtedly, Fu would be in a foul temper. Another knock on the door signaled the man's arrival.
"Enter," Zuko called.
The servant opened the door, standing aside for Fu Lin. He was an average man in every aspect; average looks, average height, and once he opened his mouth to speak, it was obvious average intelligence.
Licking his lips nervously, and wringing his hands like an old woman, Fu began his outburst.
"I know she's here. I'll look through this whole palace until I find her. She's mine and I want her."
"You're addressing the Fire Lord," Mai said coldly. "You will show him proper respect. And our friend, Toph, belongs to no one. Now start over."
Fu blinked rapidly and continued to lick his thin lips.
"Fire Lord, I wish to see my betrothed, Toph Bei Fong. I'm certain that she's here."
"She has no desire to see you or speak to you," Zuko replied. "It's too bad you came all this way for nothing. She will not marry you, ever. This man, Hideo Koga," Zuko continued, indicating the scholar, "knows a lot about Earth Kingdom law and customs. He's of the opinion that your claim has no merit. And we will prove it if necessary."
"No," Fu shrieked. "The Bei Fong fortune should be mine. It was promised to me and I want it."
The angry man made a lunge forward and all Zuko could think about was protecting Mai and the baby. He shouldn't have worried, though. Before he even moved, Mai had pinned Fu to the nearest wall, four blades holding him securely in place. His green eyes were wide with surprise.
"You're with child and you, you…"
"Doesn't make me helpless," Mai replied, looking at the man with disgust. "I suggest a night in prison, Zuko."
"I couldn't agree more," the Fire Lord replied with a smirk.
Guards were called and the man was dragged off shrieking about his property and the terrible affront he had suffered.
Mai and Zuko opened the nursery door quietly. Toph sat up as soon as she heard the creak.
"How were they?" Mai asked.
"Fine, fine, we had lots of fun, more than you did at your boring dinner, I'll bet."
The Fire Lord and Fire Lady exchanged a look, both of them trying hard to hold back laughter.
"What?" Toph asked. "Did I miss something?"
"You could say that," Mai replied.
"Fu showed up," Zuko began.
"Weasel, I knew he would."
"Well, he's spending the night in jail," Zuko continued. "He made a lunge for us but Mai took care of him."
Zuko's eyes sparkled and his voice was full of pride.
"Blade, you are awesome," Toph declared, giving the knife thrower a solid punch. "Can I go to the jail and give the creep a piece of my mind?"
"I suppose," Zuko replied hesitantly. "Just don't go crazy on him. I'll go with you if you want or a guard can accompany you."
"Can I steal him for awhile, Mai?"
"Sure. I'm going to get ready for bed," she replied.
They stepped out into the hallway and shut the door. Shinji, the nighttime guard for the children, paced the corridor vigilantly. Mai gave Zuko a quick kiss before the pair headed off.
"So," Toph began as she and Zuko walked along the moonlit path toward the capitol's prison. "Another baby, huh?"
"Yep, another baby; it was Mai's idea."
"You two are really happy. That makes me happy," the earthbending master stated. "And the twins are a riot. I love them."
"They're pretty great," Zuko agreed.
"Mai told me about the visit with Azula. I guess there really is no changing some people."
"It's sad, especially for my mother. But she's done all she can. She can't blame herself."
"Have you heard from Aang and Katara?"
"Not recently. Last time we talked was on Kyoshi, after Suki had the baby."
"Right, same here; I wonder when they're getting married."
"Don't know, soon enough probably. Hey, I've been thinking, Toph. If you want to stay here for some time, I could really use you as a trainer for the Fire Nation troops. They've never trained with an earthbender before. It would be really good for them. I know you would be tough and they would learn a lot. It's always possible that earthbenders could attack. The Earth Kingdom is a huge nation with a huge population. My troops should be prepared for anything."
"You would let me do that?" Toph asked with surprise.
"Well, yeah, I suggested it, didn't I? I would be honored if you said 'yes'."
"Yes," Toph answered with a wide grin. "I love you, Zuko."
Flustered, the Fire Lord wasn't sure how to respond.
He muttered "We're here," a few minutes later.
The pair entered the stone prison. Guards bowed respectfully and pointed the way to the overnight cell. It was on the main floor and close to the entranceway. Toph could hear Fu fuming inside the damp square area of rough stone. He grabbed hold of the bars and began to shake them as soon as he saw Toph and Zuko.
"Let me out!" he yelled. "This is an outrage. I'm an Earth Kingdom noble. I have rights."
"You gave up those rights when you made a move on my friends," Toph sneered. "You don't lunge at the Fire Lord and Fire Lady without some consequences, you idiot. I think an attack like that voids the betrothal agreement. You're not supposed to be a criminal. And one more thing; I am not your property."
Fu backed away from the bars, intimidated by the power emanating from the small form. He looked between Toph and Zuko, suddenly very subdued.
"Oh, and for the record," Toph continued, a huge grin on her face, "I'm not a virgin. Why don't you chew on that?"
Zuko looked aghast. He was certain that the entire prison population had heard Toph's declaration. The earthbender didn't care who heard what. She spat on flagstone path outside Fu's cell, turned and began walking out of the prison and back down the path toward the capitol city.
"That felt good," she stated. "Let's go home."
Mai was still awake by the time Zuko made it back.
"Well?" she asked.
"Toph's crazy," Zuko replied. "But crazy in a good way."
The Fire Lord slipped out of his bulky robes and put on a pair of light silk sleeping pants. Approaching the bed, he bent over Mai and kissed her mouth.
"I like watching you pin people down," he said.
Zuko kissed her again, running his hands through her loose, silky hair.
"Tell me more," Mai requested but her husband had other things on his mind.
"Later," he replied.
His kisses were filled with both love and an intense need that transmitted itself to Mai. She ran her hands over his toned chest and arms, paying special attention to the starburst shaped scar that was a reminder of how close he came to death on the day of the comet.
"Later," she agreed.
*I see the Dai Li being maintained as a force for good in Ba Sing Se. Toph would be an excellent trainer, someone to keep them on their toes and drive them to their full potential.
A/N: Toph's going to stay with Mai and Zuko until after the baby's born. She's too fun not to keep around and now she's got a few good reasons to stay.
I don't think it's unreasonable to put Fu in jail for a night to cool down. He made himself look like a fool and ruined things for himself. Toph didn't have to do anything.
Besides, I wanted to give Mai a chance to use her amazing skills. We all know that Zuko admires them.
And Ursa has a new friend. I think a kind man would be wonderful for her. She needs to see that there are good men out there. She knows that, but needs to experience one for herself.
I would love Toph as a babysitter. She would be fun but wouldn't tolerate any crap.
Thanks for reading everyone!
Alabaster
