Chapter ten. I'm still not going to apologize for the how long this one took. i do have a few other stories in the works and I've been focusing on those as well.

I still have a fanpage on facebook so you'll be able to keep track of what's going on. it's under community pages for this site and you're more than welcome to like me.

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

X

Sunlight streamed into the windows of Miakoda's bedroom and stirred me into wakefulness. I squeezed my eyes shut tight; waiting for the boys to jump on me, but it didn't happen. Despite my initial annoyance with it, I felt a pang of sorrow constricting in my chest. I missed Komanchi terribly.

I sighed and opened my eyes; noticing that I wasn't alone. Miakoda was next to me and the ghosts of last night's tears on her caramel skin reminded me that I had fallen asleep with her once she had cried herself out. Like me, Koda didn't cry much. But I decided losing her cousin warranted a few tears.

I sat up, disturbing her and she stretched before getting out of bed. She paused in the process of picking up her tunic to look at me; wiping salty residue off her face.

"Thanks, Toph. I needed that." she said.

I nodded. "No problem." I said, getting out of bed and shedding my night gown in favor of the green and gold tunic and trousers.

As I brushed out my long, black hair, I stared at my reflection and noticed that I also had tears on my face. Miakoda hadn't said anything about that, knowing how we Earthbenders felt about crying. As I wiped them off, I couldn't help but smile. Today was my last day of school. After today, I would not have to endure any more boring classes. The thought made me giddy as I twisted my hair up into a bun and slipped my headband on to hold it in place. I looked over at Miakoda and watched as she beaded the ends of her hair and pulled the collection of braids into a ponytail. Her kindly features were solemn and I realized this was the first time Miakoda will be going to school without her younger cousin.

Damn whoever it was that killed Komanchi! I thought, vehemently. Who kills a seven-year-old kid, anyway?

I took Miakoda by the hand. "Come on, Koda. Breakfast is probably ready."

She nodded and we went downstairs to the dining room. Surprisingly enough, we had a guest—the Water Tribe Lotus Member from the North. His dark, weathered features suddenly turned to us as we entered. I paused in the doorway.

"W-what are you doing here?" I asked. Oh, Mom would be so proud . . . NOT!

"I am here to begin arrangements for your transference." said the councilman. "Your room is finished and we would like to move you as soon as possible.

I was immediately suspicious. This guy was talking like I was a parcel, not a person. I had no problem with Water Tribesmen, but I didn't really care for this guy.

"Did something happen to change your mind?" I asked, taking a seat.

"The body of a female Earthbender was discovered in an alley outside The Golden Badgermole. The restaurant's staff identified her as Shard and we have reason to believe she had gone to your school." said the Lotus member.

I paused with my spoon of porridge halfway to my mouth. I looked over at Miakoda who was equally as shocked.

"Shard? Shard is dead?" Miakoda asked. "How? When?"

"Restaurant staff said she left last night with a man in a black field cloak. They found her this morning in a cocoon. Only injury sustained was a cut down her chest."

I swallowed. This sounded too close to Komanchi's own death. Next to me, Miakoda was white as a sheet, except for a sickly green in her cheeks.

I put my spoon down. "The sicko psycho cut her heart out, didn't he?" I asked.

The councilman nodded. At his confirmation, I was no longer hungry.

"And you want to move me because of this . . . why?" I asked.

The councilman stood up, flat-palmed the table, and leaned forward. "Because, Avatar Toph, the girl was from your school district and was killed in your town. It's time to move you."

I shared gazes with him. I didn't like this guy, not because of his Water Tribe roots, but because of his mannerism. The word "ass" crossed my mind and that did little to explain my feelings for him. Before I could say anything naughty, Yorie picked up the breakfast things.

"I thought we would have Toph for a few more days, Councilor." she said, sweetly.

The Lotus member eyeballed her. Yorie wasn't the kind of person one wanted to get on the bad side of. She seemed sweet and innocent, but she was a tough council member and an even tougher mother. This guy didn't know Yorie.

"The Order is uneasy about Toph's current location. We had her quarters finished early this morning. I was sent to oversee the Avatar's relocation." he said. "The Avatar simply isn't safe here."

Lutok sighed, then stood up. "Look, councilor . . ."

"Kokoum." the councilor said.

"Kokoum, we were expecting for Grand Lotus Roku to come for Toph." Lutok said.

"The Grand Lotus is busy overseeing the rest of the operation. There's a few things we have to clear up so the Avatar's training can begin, but at least we'll be able to keep her safe."

Lutok stood up and straightened out his councilman's outer robe with a sweep of his hands, then hooked his thumbs into his wide belt. "Lotus Kokoum, I understand your fears completely. We, too, are concerned for Toph's safety. However, we have to wonder why the rush to move the Avatar? How do we know the killer is planning on targeting her next?"

"We don't. But the Order is not taking that chance." Kokoum turned to me. "Avatar, I'm going to have to ask that you pack your things. I'm to take you to the compound's location."

"What about school?" I asked. "Today was supposed to be my last day."

"Change of plans. Yesterday was your last day." Kokoum said. He jerked his head up the stairs. "Go pack your things."

I swallowed as I looked around at the faces around the table. I considered them a part of my family and I was going to miss them all.

"Avatar?" Kokoum said, harshly. His tone earned himself a glare from Lutok.

"Okay." I said.

I headed upstairs to the room I shared with Miakoda and grabbed my bag. I emptied out the closet of everything Earth Kingdom. Then, I changed out my school robes and into my rumble clothes. I switched the golden headband out for a green and gold one with white puffballs to hold my hair back.

As I adjusted my wristbands, movement in the doorway caught my attention. Miakoda leaned against the door; staring impassively at me.

"I wish you could stay longer." she said. The corners of her mouth turned down and the right side twitched.

I looked away. "I know. So do I." I admitted, softly.

I pretended to pick at a loose thread on my overtunic so I didn't have to look at her. I really didn't want to leave. This place had become my home away from home. Water Tribefolk became my family outside of family. I had only been here a week, but I loathed to leave it.

Miakoda entered the room and put her hands on my shoulders. "Toph, it's okay to say it. We won't think less of you if you want to express yourself."

I looked her in the eye. Miakoda knew me too well. We've been best friends since we were little kids back when Mom wanted me to associate myself with children of important persons. However, there was those few years that Miakoda disappeared to the North and South Poles to study bending. But, when she came back, it was like she never left. We hung out again, despite how Mom felt about her.

I swallowed. "It's not like you're never going to see me again." I pointed out.

"That's most likely true." she said, nodding.

"I got permission from the Order to let my friends and brothers come visit. And, to let me leave the compound from time to time." I said.

Miakoda frowned. "I hope that word 'friend' includes me."

I gave her a love tap to the shoulder. "Of course it does. Why wouldn't it?"

Koda shrugged. "No reason, I guess."

I glanced at the clock. "You'd better hurry up or you'll be late for class."

Koda shook her head and shrugged out of her school robes. "I'm coming with you."

"You are not!" I exclaimed as she hauled out her regular clothes. "What will your teacher say about you skipping?"

"It's alright, Toph. I'm caught up with my schoolwork anyway. Besides, Master Katara would understand if I skipped out."

I couldn't say for sure if that was true. I only knew Katara in passing. She seemed nice and she was a Lotus. Now that I thought about it, she was probably helping with my transportation so Miakoda probably wasn't going to have class today.

I rolled my eyes and decided not to argue with Miakoda. I was stubborn, but she was more-so.

I grabbed my dufflebag and slung it across my shoulders. Then, with Miakoda at my side, I went downstairs. Koda's family was waiting at the foot of the stairs. A troop of Metalbenders and Kokoum waited at the door. I recognized Boar as one of them. I smiled at him and he nodded in return.

Yorie gathered me in her arms and hugged me tightly. I hugged her back and she kissed me on the top of the head. Then, she leaned back and cupped my face in her hands.

"You know you're welcome back here, right?" she asked.

"She's right." Lutok said. "If you need to get away from all this, our door is always open to you."

"Thank you. I'll remember that." I said.

"Avatar Toph, are you ready?" Kokoum asked.

"Is Ichiru?" I asked. "I'm not leaving without him."

"We moved your kangorse to the stables at the compound. The Acolytes have already tended to him." Kokoum said, officiously.

I met Boar's eyes and he nodded. I now had confirmation that Ichiru was safe . . and who handled him. Ichiru trusted Boar and Boar knew how to handle Ichiru. And, after Brisinger had him, Ichiru was nervous around other people. Especially ones he'd never met.

"I'm ready." I said.

Sokka and Cherokee grabbed me around the middle.

"Don't go." Cherokee said.

I tugged on his wolf-tail like I had seen Koda and Yorie do. I was going to miss the boys entirely.

"I'll be back. And you'll be able to see me." I promised.

"Really?" Sokka asked.

I gave them each a tight squeeze. "really."

They finally let me go and Miakoda stepped up to my shoulder; facing her parents.

"I'm going to see Toph off, okay?"

"Sure, Miakoda." Lutok said, though it looked like he disapproved of her skipping school to come with me.

If he did, he said nothing as we stepped into the carriage bound to take us to the compound.

-A-

"Another failure." Sidious said, washing his face and hands after meditating. He looked back at Maul now lingering in the doorway. "You continue to displease me, Maul. Has the Crimson Dragon lost his edge?"

Maul stayed on his knees. No reason to look his master in the eye. Though he quivered with rage at the thought of being ridiculed, he said nothing.

"That Earthbender was, indeed, strong. But not strong enough to suffice for Bael's liking. Next time, choose better hosts." Sidious snapped.

"An Airbender next time, Lord?" Maul asked.

Sidious paused. Air Nomads were versatile. Surely one of them could accept Bael's blessing?

"Yes. An Airbender. But wait for a time. I need to rest. Summoning Bael this last time has exhausted me. I will tell you when to leave." Sidious sat back in his circle. "Dismissed."

-A-

The compound wasn't what I expected. It used to be a factory, manufacturing parts for dirigibles and the like. The place looked like it had been empty for years. However, the White Lotus was still in the process of revamping it for my safety.

Two Lotus guards were waiting for me when we stepped out of the carriage, their faces stern beneath the crested caps that showed their positions as guards. They looked at us once, then opened the doors to let us pass. Roku was waiting with a contingent of other Lotuses to greet us.

"Avatar Toph." Roku said, holding out his hands in greeting. "And young Miakoda. I'm suspecting you've come to see that your friend arrives safely?"

"Tha'ts right." Miakoda said as Kokoum brushed past us to stand on Bolin's left. "Toph's my best friend. I just wanted to make sure she's handed over to the right people."

"Very noble of you." Roku said. "Quite acceptable."

"Not that I approve of her choosing her friend's safety of her studies." Katara said, roughly.

Miakoda said nothing and Roku waved Katara down.

"It's quite alright, Katara. Miakoda will probably learn something." He pointed to my bag and an Acolyte took it from me, then Roku put a hand on my shoulders. "Welcome, Avatar Toph. From this day forward, your training to become the Avatar begins."

"'Kay." I said. "Where do we start?"

Roku pointed to a small room off the large entrance room—I realized this was probably where the physical training took place. The room Roku brought us to was a library. He reached up and took a book off the shelf and opened it on a desk. Taking that as my cue, I sat down.

"Many years ago, while the dragons were still rulers of the world, humankind existed as one sect. In those days, only the animals could control the elements. The dragons controlled fire. The air bison controlled air. The badgermoles controlled earth. But, there was one creature that was not an animal, but was a Spirit. The Moon Spirit which controlled water.

"Humans could not control the elements. In those days, there was no concept of bender and non-bender. Only humans. It is said that the Spirits pitied mankind and gave some of us power over the elements. However, to protect the delicate balance, some were not permitted this gift. The ones who could control the elements were called benders. The ones who lived without the gift were called non-benders.

"The benders dearly loved their gift from the Spirits and many lorded it over those who didn't have it. Benders only married benders to keep their lines pure. Chaos reigned supreme. The Spirits, angry that the humans were using these gifts for horrible purposes, wanted to punish the mortals by taking this great power away. Except, one Spirit had a different solution."

Roku smiled at me. "Any guess what that Spirit decided? Or what he was?"

I shook my head and Miakoda gasped. "He was the first Avatar Spirit, wasn't he?" she asked.

Roku smiled at her and his golden eyes twinkled. "Indeed he was. But, the Avatar isn't just one Spirit. It is many Spirits and the number grows each time a new Avatar is born, because the old one's Spirit is gathered into the fold.

"How many Avatars were there?" I asked.

"We cannot say. The first Avatar came about before recorded history. And his successors also existed before recorded history. We only know who the eldest Avatar is due to records and even he isn't the oldest." Roku answered.

"Okay." I said. "What exactly do you want me to learn from all of this anyway?"

"Only this, you come from a long line of Powerful beings, Avatar Toph. And, since Avatar Aang's time, it is the purpose of the Order of the White Lotus to guide the Avatar in learning how to master the elements." said Bolin.

I leaned back in the stiff, wooden chair and stared at the book in front of me. "If I come from as long a line as you say I do, wouldn't it be easier for me to be able to use all the elements right away instead of learning it over and over every generation?"

Katara put a hand on my shoulder. "It would be easier, yes. However, each Avatar is different. None of them can learn control the same way their predecessor did."

"You were born with the ability to control the elements, Avatar Toph." Jinora said. "The task you now have is to unlock your ability to use them from this day forth."

"Great." I mumbled sarcastically under my breath. I sucked in a deep sigh. "Alright. When do I start?"

"Your training will begin tomorrow." Kokoum said.

"Oh good." I breathed.

"However, your training on the elements and their characteristics begins now." Kokoum continued.

"Damn." I grumbled.

Kokoum frowned. "Don't be so angry, Avatar." he said. "This is important. You must learn all the elements have to offer. As the Avatar, it's your job to do just that."

"Okay." I said, sullenly.

"Let's start with yours." Kokoum said.

He flipped a few pages over in the book until the Earth Kingdom symbol was visible on the header. Bolin took over from there.

"The powers of Earth are of foundation and strength. They are the elemental energies of the north. Earthbenders stand firm and strong. We are stubborn and hard to move. Our predecessor is the badgermole, the symbol of stability."

Bolin flipped the page back and the Water Tribe symbol was exposed. Katara read that one.

"The powers of Water are the waters of transformation. They are the environmental energies of the west. The Waterbenders are flexible and strong. We guard the seas and oceans and use its powers to change the world. Our predecessor is the moon, the symbol of tranquility."

Katara flipped the page back and the Air Nomad symbol appeared. Jinora read that one.

"The powers of Air are the winds of change. They are the elemental energies of the east. Airbenders are peaceful and calm. We use the winds to preserve life and protect all living things in the world. Our predecessor is the air bison, the symbol of gentleness."

As Jinora flipped the page back, I saw the final symbol of the Fire Nation. Roku read that one.

"The powers of fire are the flames of passion. They are the elemental energies of the south. Firebenders are industrious and fierce. We are the difference between life and destruction. Our predecessor is the dragon, the symbol of power."

"These are the things you can expect to find on your journey to control the elements." Kokoum said. "The first element you must learn—now that you've more or less mastered Earthbending—is . . ."

"Fire." I interrupted. I knew full well that Mom would have slapped me had she been here, but I didn't care. I was proud of myself for knowing what the next element was in the cycle.

Kokoum frowned and I was inwardly pleased that I was annoying him.

"Correct." he said.

I stood up and stretched. "So, who's teaching me?"

"In the past, Avatars have mentioned it was easier learning the elements from someone at least close to their own age. That way, a bridge of understanding is established between teacher and student and they are more like equals. Therefore, it has been decided that you should learn Firebending from a young Firebender."

Roku stopped and looked at the door. We all followed his gaze only to find a youngish-looking boy leaning against the jamb. He slouched there, avoiding eye contact with everyone as he pulled a long white stick out of the pocket of his trousers. He put the stick in his mouth and lit the other end with a tiny flame with issued from his finger before glancing up at me.

"Who's the loser?" he asked, his voice as bored as his expression. He jerked his cigarette at me.

"Who's the ass?" I asked, matching his tone perfectly.

"Ooh! Burn!" Miakoda said.

The boy glared at me and straightened up. It was then that I noticed what he was wearing. A sleeveless red and gold tunic underneath a beaten leather jacket and trousers tucked into leather boots. His body was long as though he had been stretched out and his clothes looked like they had been tailored to fit him, specifically. His hair was black, messy, and had the smallest hint of a curl; a wide streak of golden blonde stretched from his forehead to the nape of his neck. And his eyes were gold like honey only not anywhere near as sweet.

He let his beaten knapsack fall to the floor as he approached; tapping out the ashes at the end of his cigarette at Miakoda's feet as he stared her down. I was struck by his sheer size. Miakoda was only a tad taller than me, but this Firebender was a giant compared to her.

"I'd watch what you say, girlie." he said, puffing on his cig. "Otherwise, you'll get burned."

"I'm a Water Tribe Healer." Miakoda said, not blinking and I admired her courage. "Burning me won't do you much good."

"Duku." Roku barked. "Control yourself and keep a civil tongue in your head."

"Whatever you say, Pop." Duku said, shrugging as he leaned away from my Waterbender friend.

Roku stepped up behind me and rested his large hands on my shoulders. "This is Avatar Toph, Duku, and she is going to be your student."

Duku scrutenized me. "You mean Shorty McShortness? Ha! Nice job, Pop. You want me to touch a midget how to Firebend?"

"Duku, we've discussed this. You're the best in your class at Firebending. And, while you're still grounded, this will give you something to do." Roku scolded.

Duku snorted. "Fine. I can't wait to get started." he said.

Then, he turned on his heel and left, grabbing his knapsack on his way out.