Chapter nine. i'm not going to apologize for the length of time this one took. i worked on it off and on in between working on segments of my cyberchase fanfict with my friend and co-author, kawaii stella. i was almost done with it and just this morning i finally finished with it. it was going to be longer but i decided that what follows should be in a chapter all to itself. If it sounds a little disjointed, that's because i was up until 1am writing it.

Warning, this chapter may change your mind on how you feel about Shard. Or not.

Also, I have a fanpage on Facebook now. Tari J Deiter. You'll get updates on chapters like exerpts, quotes, pictures, and the whole shebang. Also, you'll have the insider scoop on some future stories I'm brewing up. It's under community pages for .

Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: Legend of Korra and anything that appears. However, if you haven't heard of it, it's mine.


IX

In the days following Komanchi's funeral, a lot changed. Not just in the townhouse but also the town surrounding the house. Visitors arrived nearly on a daily basis to drop off covered dishes which Yorie accepted without complaint. The servants were sent to their houses, but we were never without any options of what to eat.

The house was glum and dark. It was easy to see that Komanchi's death tore a hole through the Water Tribe family's lives. Lotek moved into the townhouse and Sokka started bedding down in Cherokee's room. Even without the minimal staff, it was starting to feel a little crowded. I actually considered taking Grandma Lin up on her offer.

During the funeral, Grandma Lin had interrogated—there was no other way to put it—my parents as to the reasons why I was living with Water Tribe folk. I was surprised she hadn't known the story prior to this, but I suppose I could understand why no one told her: Grandma Lin was a scary lady. She attempted to force her son, my dad, into taking me back and was greatly appalled and hurt when they refused. Grandma offered me a place in their house for a time and I seriously considered it. The trouble was bringing it up with Yorie. . . . And Lutok.

Grandma and Grandpa had nothing against Water Tribe folk, but they were under the impression that family belonged together. The day after the funeral, I brought it up with Yorie and Lutok, only too ready to dash upstairs and start packing my bags. Much to my surprise, both council members looked flabbergasted that I even suggested it.

"Of course we don't want you to leave, Toph!" Yorie said. "You're as much a part of this family now as you are to theirs! We wouldn't dream of dismissing you just because something happened!"

"A-are you sure?" I asked. "I don't want to overstay my welcome. And I'll be staying with my grandparents nearby."

"You're not overstaying your welcome, Toph. You're always welcome here." Lutok said.

Yorie enveloped me in her arms; hugging me in a way Mom never had and I discovered I liked it. I felt safe and secure in Yorie's arms and I had the unshakable desire to call her "mom". Her braids swept forward as she bent her head over me, creating a curtain around me, and she kissed me on the top of the head. This all but startled me. Familial displays of affection weren't practiced in the Bei Fong manor house. Grandma and Grandpa used to spoil me this when when I was younger and I realized with a jolt that I missed it.

I buried my face into the hollow of Yorie's throat and shut my eyes; absorbing her warmth. I was only too willing to draw this out for as long as possible.

"We promised Grand Lotus Roku that we would take care of you until he came for you. And we plan to do just that." Yorie said, giving me a squeeze.

I looked up into her face and saw that she meant it. I was grateful. My parents would never be this kind and I didn't bring up my relocation again with them.

But living with a grieving family was difficult. I often found myself hiding in the shed just so I could cry without anyone but Ichiru seeing me. Normally, I wouldn't have cried at all, but there were few dry faces to be found in that house, especially Lotek and Sokka's. Cherokee was only a little bit older than Sokka but he was close to Komanchi. And Miakoda took it especially hard since she was the one who discovered her little cousin's pitiful little body by the creek. But while Miakoda cried little even in my presence, she expressed her guilt and grief in other ways. Including her bending.

It was a particularly warm afternoon. Lutok convinced us that it would be a good idea for us to fall back into the routine of bending in the afternoons again. "Komanchi would want that" he told us and we agreed. So, we gathered outside on the lawn with Ichiru grazing nearby—my beloved kangorse was looking much better now that Miakoda had finished with her daily healing sessions with him. The boys were dressed in sleeveless tunics of purple, white, and blues, and long brown trousers, and leather boots. Miakoda dressed similarly except for a water skin at her hip and her many braids were pulled back into a ponytail to keep her view unobstructed. And I had dressed in my rumble clothes.

I sat on the sidelines and watched Miakdoa spar against Sokka and Cherokee. The effect was impressive to say the least. Despite the fact the boys had tag-teamed against Miakoda, she was holding her own against them . . . and she was winning. I took that opportunity to see how Waterbending worked. The technique was almost fluid, like a dance. I was amazed by how easy it seemed and I admired Miakoda's control. But it was, at the same time, eerily violent.

Due to their double-lineage, Miakoda and Cherokee studied Northern and Southern Water Tribe techniques. Miakoda was the first to learn them and she had been schooled in the arts in both poles when she was old enough to learn. When she came back in time to start Beginner's School, she was already considered a master and even taught Cherokee how to Waterbend using both techniques. Her loving patience at teaching her brother reminded me of how Boar used to guide me through the steps of Earthbending when I started.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts of that. Today, I wanted to figure out how to make my Earth-whip. The best way, I figured, was by watching how the others did theirs. I watched how Miakoda effortlessly shifted the water from liquid to solid, then back again. Sokka and Cherokee were quick to change it back and redirect it. The technique seemed easy enough.

"Okay guys. That's enough." Miakoda said. "It's time to involve Toph."

I hopped off the wall that surrounded the backyard and moved in next to Miakoda. "How do you wanna do this—battle of the sexes, four-way?"

"Can you handle a four-way?" Miakoda asked.

I thought about it. "Battle of the sexes it is." I said.

And what a fight it was, indeed. We drew a line in the ground (or, at least I did) to mark the territories. The rule was, nobody was allowed to cross that line. Then came the fight of the elements. Water and water vs water and earth. I wished we could have had Asherah and Zephir there so we had a wider range of bending possibilities. Aside from that, it was fun.

Once we were tired of the game, we moved as three against one; taking turns being the one. By the time we were done with that, it was suppertime.

"Hey, Koda." I said, pulling my friend aside. "Can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure, Toph." Miakoda said. "What?"

"I wanna make an Earth-whip. Could you help me figure out how to work that out?"

"Absolutely." She stretched. "Right when we're done with school tomorrow. I'm exhausted."

I nodded. I could understand that. I was just as tired.

We wasted no time going to bed when supper was done. But my sleep was disturbed by the sound of weeping. Wordlessly, I got out of bed and slid in next to Miakoda, letting her cry in my shoulder until we both fell asleep.

-A-

The Golden Badgermole was Shard's favorite Earth Kingdom restaurant. It was a place Earth Kingdom nationals could go and have a genuine Earth kingdom meal for a great low price. Family friendly, but also in possession of a bar where adults could drink and carouse to their heart's content. The restaurant was loud, and Shard liked it.

Shard always stopped at the Golden Badgermole when she was done at the gym. The staff knew Shard by name and were quick to give her what she wanted—which was usually the same platter—every time for a discount. She always sat at a table at the window in the corner. Her duffle bag of sweaty, smelly, clothes sat on the floor next to her with the strap over her knee so she wouldn't forget it. She smiled wolfishly at the plate of meat, potatoes, and veggies. A mug of root bear right behind the plate, and she dug in.

Shard liked to eat alone, not because she was antisocial, but because she liked to review the night at the gym and figure out how to perfect her technique. So, when someone sat across from her, she couldn't help but feel just a tad irritated.

"Step off. You're ruining my good mood." she said past her meal.

The figure didn't move. As she raised her head to yell at him again, she noticed his face. Half-hidden in the voluminous hood of his field cloak. His skin was marked with red and black tattoos, and his golden eyes declared his Fire Nation lineage. Shard didn't like Fire Nation folk and she especially hated Firebenders. His presence set her on edge. Her green eyes narrowed to slits.

"Are you deaf? I said 'step off'!"

The Firebender ignored her question and request as though she hadn't said anything at all. His black lips parted over unusually straight teeth.

"You're an Earthbender." he said.

"No! Did you figure that out on your own?" Shard snapped, throwing down her fork.

"Lucky guess, I suppose." the Firebender said, smiling. "Are you any good?"

"None of your business." Shard said.

The Firebender must have taken that as a no. He leaned forward. "You can change that, you know. If you're not certain about your skills, I know someone who can help."

Shard's knife paused in the middle of cutting her sirloin into manageable pieces. In her own opinion, Shard was a master of Earthbending. Her family were proudly descended from Earth-Rumble Six competitors "The Boulder" and "The Hippo" who assisted Avatar Aang's armada that attempted to invade the Fire Nation during the Solar Eclipse. Flint and Shard, both, tried to live up to it.

One of the things Shard wanted most of all was the title of Avatar. She prayed to the Spirits that she would get it. Flint wanted it, too, she was sure. And then both of them were dismissed in favor of that Bei Fong girl, Toph, who—no doubt—paid off the White Lotus to name her as such. How despicable!

She cut the sirloin and nibbled into a piece as she contemplated this.

"Who?" she finally asked.

"My master is a student of the arts. He knows a great deal about bending styles and he is always willing to share his knowledge to anyone who asks of him. Interested?"

"A little." Shard admitted. She took another bit and spoke around the piece. "When can I meet him?"

"Now, if you'd like." the Firebender said.

Shard had never been what one would consider patient. She mulled over his proposal before shoveling her food down and chasing it with her root beer. After slipping a few yuans into the tip jar and paying for her meal, Shard followed the mysterious Firebender down the street to the edge of the district. As they walked, Shard noticed that the Firebender was holding himself stiffly in the upper-torso as though he hurt.

"What's wrong?" she asked, merely out of curiosity and was by no means really interested in his health.

"An old wound." he answered, simply.

"What's your name?"

"Maul."

An unusual name! Shard thought.

"Yours?"

"Shard."

"After that, silence as they wove through the remnants of a ruined city. Shard had not been aware the ruins were here, though she was certain one of the Earth Kingdom colonies had been here at one time; at least before the "Phoenix King" had brought the Fire Nation army to this place and razed it to the ground. Earth Kingdom citizens had not returned here. Not since that day. And Shard suddenly felt eerily uneasy about her presence in this place.

"This is a bad place." Shard told Maul. "Why are we here?"

"My master lives here." Maul answered. "He lives apart from others because none can understand him. Except for those who seek his council."

"And . . . what's your role in this?"

"I am merely a humble messenger. I seek out those who are deserving to hear my master's words and I return with those who are willing to heed his advice."

Shard noted the tone of reverence in Maul's voice but there was the underlying edge of fear there as well. She trembled. A feared and respected individual who has studied bending? What can this mean?

Maul strode passed the handful of people gathered outside the only tower still erect. Shard was stunned to see that many were Fire Nation, a couple Water Tribe folk, and a few Earth Kingdom Nationals. One Fire National was a young boy with golden eyes. The adults of the same origin were clustered protectively around him; watching Shard's guide with revulsion and suspicion.

"This way." Maul said, tearing Shard's attention away from the pitying looks of the emerald Earthbender gazes.

She looked at him, noting how he gestured up the stairs with a gloved hand. Shard swallowed. Earthbenders were not fans of heights.

"Must we?" she asked.

"My master comes down for no one." Maul replied.

Arrogance, much? Shard wondered.

Maul frowned, his tattooed features odd, now. "If you do not wish to receive council, you are more than welcome to go on your way." he said. His tone was even. Shard realized he was leaving it up to her.

She knew she should leave—the air was very eerie here—but, she wanted to learn how to perfect her bending. She hiked her duffle bag high upon her shoulders and followed Maul upstairs. The climb was mentally painful for Shard. Earthbenders liked to be close to the ground where they belonged. Heights were more Air Nomad territory and Earth Kingdom Nationals were quite happy to leave it that way. As they made their way up to the top of the citadel, Shard felt more and more uneasy about this, but her curiosity was much too strong for her to back out now. She wanted to see this guru and ask him what she could do to make her bending better.

Finally, they reached the top floor of the citadel—Shard hadn't realized there were buildings this tall in the old Earth Kingdom colonies and she decided that the Firebenders had probably built it when they inhabited the colonies. Maul swept back a black curtain and gestured to Shard that she enter.

"Do not speak unless spoken to." Maul whispered. "And do not look him in the eye."

"Why not?" Shard was immediately angered. Who did this bastard think he was?

"'Tis disrespectful." Maul said.

A most unsatisfying answer. Shard decided. "Are you coming?" she asked.

"No. The wisdom he will impart on you cannot be heard by the ears of others." Maul said.

Shard frowned but went in anyway. The room was painted black with symbols written in red on the walls. An altar was flush with one wall and was roughly hewn with ornate symbols like the ones on the wall and a table was situated only feet from the altar. In the middle of the room was a circle surrounded by smaller circles and each one had a flickering candle. Symbols marked the four cardinal points and a man was seated on a cushion at the very center of the larger circle facing north.

He was robed in a yellow and orange habit and a cowl was drawn over his head. The habit was girded with a rope and a double-bladed dagger was sheathed at his side.

As Shard shuffled into the room, the man stiffened on his cushion and his head came up.

"State your name." he said, his voice raised goosebumps on Shard's arms.

"Shard." she answered.

"Have you come to be blessed by Bael?"

Bael? Who the hell is Bael? Your apprentice said you would bestow secrets of Earthbending upon me." Shard said.

"Did he now?" the man sounded amused and Shard was immediately annoyed.

"Will you?" she said.

The man rose out of his lotus position and faced her. Shard caught a glimpse of his ruby eyes and white skin before remembering Maul's warning and adverted her gaze. The man remained silent while regarding her. Then, he folded his hands inside the wide sleeves of his habit and spoke.

"Bending is a gift granted to us because the Spirits pitied mankind. To learn bending one must accept that this gift is one that can be used by any who possess it. To obtain knowledge on how to temper this gift, one must also accept that knowledge can be used and misused. Do you accept this?"

"I do." Shard said. What is this—an induction ceremony? she thought, scornfully.

"You seem willing enough." the man said. "But I cannot teach just anyone, for not everyone is open-minded enough to accept. I am a mere mortal, after all. Only my own master, Bael, is truly able to determine if you are suitable to learn this path."

"What must I do?" Shard asked.

"You must be blessed by Bael. Only through his blessing can you truly become a student of Lord Sidious."

"Very well. When can I learn this?"

"You may receive the blessing now."

Shard thought about her family. It was late and school as tomorrow. But, if she could learn the secret to Earthbending, maybe there would be no need for her to learn from a school. She let her duffle bag drop to the floor.

"Bless me." she said.

She heard the albino smile. "then come. Lay upon your back on the table. We shall begin."

Shard did as she was bidden. The table was uncomfortable beneath her back and there was nothing beneath her head. The stranger—she guessed his name was Lord Sidious—moved around her and lit candles located at the four points on the table; chanting as he did so.

Shard closed her eyes and listened. He was speaking in a strange language and he believed it was his way of calling upon Bael to bless her. She waited anxious to fell something. A presence to suggest his coming. Anything.

She barely heard the hiss the dagger as it cleared the sheath over his chanting. And, as she opened her eyes, the dagger came down.