Hello hello!
This chapter hated me, but liked me at the same time. I always get an idea in my head, start to write it, and then it takes an unexpected turn and goes out of control.
Sorry for the shabbiness. I should've worked a little harder. I'll try my hardest for this last chapter.
Thanks for all the reviews and such, I really do appreciate it all!
DISCLAIMER - I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender, and give all rights to the amazing people who do.
The next day was pretty much a relaxed day – due to Zuko's insistence. Toph spent time with each of her friends, goofing around, laughing, and etching the image of everyone into her brain for all eternity.
The lieutenant earthbound into a room in the Western Air Temple (those peaceful nomads didn't build a dungeon) and everyone kept taking quick peeks at him. Toph was already planning her revenge on him. Teach him to call me little girl, she thought.
When sundown finally hit, Katara suggested they go somewhere.
"Nooooo," Zuko moaned, lying face down on his sleeping mat. "No going anywhere. No doing anything. No fighting. No social interaction. No talking. No breathing."
"Sounds like my kind of day," Mai grumbled, using the prostrate Zuko as a backrest.
Aang was airbending Momo in a little tornado. Sokka and Suki were making out. Toph had stolen Sokka's boomerang, and was patiently waiting for him to realize it was gone and begin to freak out.
"Where to?" Aang asked, shooting Momo on top of Appa.
"To sleep," Zuko mumbled, his voice muffled. "For all eternity. And beyond. And into the next galaxy after that. And after that. And after that…"
"Well," Katara said quietly. "I was thinking we should go to the crystal caves again. All of us."
Suki looked up. "That sounds like a great idea."
Zuko didn't sounds pleased. "Not…moving…"
Mai jabbed his side. "Get up. You haven't done anything all day. We're going."
Sokka suddenly jumped to his feet. "Where's my boomerang?!"
Toph edged her way towards Appa, the fugitive boomerang concealed inside her clothes. She hadn't messed with Sokka for a couple days. She couldn't even crack a blind joke on him now that she could see. If she didn't mess with that goof sooner or later, he was going to start thinking she didn't like him. Couldn't have that happening around here.
Aang followed Toph's lead. "I want to see them again. Besides, there's something I want to show you guys." He pointed at Zuko." On your feet, lazylord Zuko. We're going on another trip."
PAGE BREAK
Rainbows had always sounded boring and sappy to Toph, but they turned out to be really amazing.
They landed Appa near this cave that was in between two massive waterfalls. The water spilled over the rocky Cliffside and into a beautiful lake below. Crystals were lined the cave and on the rocks. According to Katara the Water Master, sunlight reflected through the crystals with the water and created myriad blasts of rainbows all around them. Or something along those lines. Toph lost interest when she started to ramble.
They all stood in the caves, examining the rays of rainbows all around them. They were beautiful. All of the brightest colors Toph had learned – red, orange, yellow, green blue, and purple. The sun was setting in the sky, so they lit up like an awesome light show. Toph was enthralled. It was by far the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.
"Hey Zuko," Aang said, admiring the beauty. "Want to make this look even more beautiful?" He pointed to the lines of torches on the sides of the caves.
Zuko seemed to understand. Together, the firebenders lit up the torches inside the cave. Toph watched in amazement as the colors seemed to change in tone. The rainbows began to mix and swirl. The colors spun around, twirling around in the air, creating balls and streams and several other weird shapes.
Everyone was amazed, and began to smile and laugh at the sight. Toph laughed along too, reaching her hand out, trying to touch all of the colors.
"Do rainbows always do this?" Toph asked with a laugh.
"No," Aang said, smiling as he watched the colors. "Rainbows are usually just one ray hanging in the sky, but caves are magic. I came here once a long time ago, before I froze in the iceberg. I was visiting the Western Air Temple and went for a stroll with some of my friends. We found this place, and thought the rainbows were amazing. We lit the torches with our spark rocks, and then the colors started to swirl, like they were dancing. Turns out the fire ignites the magic, and you get your very own color show."
The seven of them had formed a circle, watching the lights from inside the cave. Toph couldn't tear her eyes from the sight, as well as everyone else. Sokka and Suki were holding hands. Mai and Zuko were actually smiling – the punk rock couple from the fire nation. Katara was enjoying the sights, while Aang appeared to be in deep thought.
"Got an idea?" she asked him. He grinned.
Aang stepped in the middle of the seven friends. He waterbended some water from his pouch, and dispersed them into the air, suspending them in tiny little droplets. He turned his hand in a circle, and created spinning air marbles. He shot them up into the water, and they swayed together in sync. There was a slight rumble, and the crystals from the cave flew out of wall, up into the light show, too. Aang blew a breath of fire, and began to control all of the elements together: air, water, earth, and fire. They all watched in amazement at the sight. Stunning colors. Beautiful elements. Light, dark, colors, elements, life – all of it began to dance in harmony, offsetting and meriting the parts of each other.
It was the most beautiful thing Toph had ever seen.
Everyone was smiling, with Toph's smile being the biggest. She looked at all of her friends, the friends she'd made over the past year, and come know and love throughout their entire journey.
Katara. Her best girlfriend. They fought together like brothers, but loved each other like sisters. Her memories began to shimmer. When they had pulled that scam, and they were sitting in that wooden cage. Making up after that stupid fight, and hugging like they'd known each other their enire life. Katara teaching her who and what things were. Colors. Light. Dark. Her aura. Her beautiful aura. Katara was beautiful, inside and out, kind, patient, and loyal more than anything. She'd been Toph's friend for who she was, and that meant more to Toph than being able to see.
Sokka. That goofball Sokka. She remembered how it felt during the final battle. Holding on to Sokka's hands, her fingers beginning to slip. The water sloshing below her. The enemies beginning to advance. Feeling the flames of a fire, and the sound of Aang screaming in the distance as he battle Ozai. It looks like this is the end, she heard Sokka said.
Slipping on the cliff a few days ago. Looking up into his eyes. Knowing that no matter what Sokka did, she would never lose his friendship. He cared for her. And he still cares for her.
Zuko. She remembered when she'd sensed those little fire nation feet at the Western Air Temple. Hearing his story. Doubting, but knowing he wasn't lying. His change, from an angry jerk constantly trying to kill him, to joining their side in the end.
Sitting by the fire next to him as he explained his story. Understanding his past, and coming to know who and what had shaped the fire lord next to her today. When he'd given himself up to the lieutenant for her. Zuko trusted her, enough to explain his past. And he cared for her enough to give himself up. Although he always has self-confliction, he always tries to do what's best for the people he loves.
Mai and Suki. Suki had never underestimated or doubted her. Everyone else had doubted Toph, until they'd seen her fight. Suki wasn't like that. She seemed to know how she was and what she could do, and never doubted her. She was accepted, no matter who or what she was. And although she barely knew Mai, she knew Mai was a fighter, and had some sort of personality beneath her amazing gloominess.
Aang. Her first friend. Although he had only doubted her slightly at first, he didn't underestimate her. He cared for her. Just like Katara, Sokka, and the others. She was more to him than just a butt-kicker, even if she was awesome that. He was a true, genuine, loyal friend, and would go at all costs to keep it that way.
These were her friends. These were the people she loved. These were the people she would run to during trouble.
This was her family.
When Aang finished his show, the seven of them formed an unspoken group hug. They weren't just friends. They were family. Forever.
Slowly, the seven of them exited the cave, and began to head towards Appa.
Toph had experienced a lot of things with being able to see. She had been able to explore new heights, see her friends, and comprehend things in a different way.
But not only that, Toph had grown closer to her family. Yes, she was able to see them – which was pretty cool. But being able to see had also helped Toph understand her friends more. She learned their past. Discussed their future. Strengthened their connection. She'd uncovered an unbreakable bond with each of them, a bond that could never be broken.
Perhaps Toph learned to see her family in more ways than just one.
PAGE BREAK
When Sokka was on the edge of tears, Toph gave it up.
It was the next day – her last day of sight – and her goofy little friend was going bonkers with the absence of his boomerang. He was going on a rampage, tearing his bed and belongings apart, searching desperately for his weapon that was still sealed beneath Toph's clothes.
"It was by my pack," Sokka moaned, shoving his face into Appa's fur. "I swear it was there…"
The seven friends had spent the most of the day talking. They had reminisced about things of the past. They discussed the present – the uprisings, Toph's school, what's going on in Kyoshi Island. They also talked about the future – where everyone hoped to be, what their plans were, and what they wanted to be doing.
The group had then split up and dispersed throughout the Western Air Temple. They all knew what was coming. Toph and Aang were going to cross over. Toph would get her bending back, but she would never be able to see again.
Sokka lifted his head from Appa's fur. "Boomeranggg," he wailed.
Having seen enough, Toph took out the boomerang from her clothes. She threw the weapon at an angle. Toph waited patiently. She laughed as the boomerang flew back and smacked Sokka in the back the head, sending him on his butt.
Sokka was rising to his feet, ready to rejoice and accuse at the same moment, when Aang slipped into the main hall.
"Toph," the Avatar said. "The sun's going down. It's…it's time."
All of team Avatar gathered together at the main hall. They hugged Toph individually, and then embraced together in a big group hug.
"I'll be back," Toph said. "Good as new."
The Gaang said their goodbyes, and then took place at a careful distance, as if watching a play. Toph sat down in front of Aang. They both crossed their legs.
"Take my hands," Aang directed.
Toph held Aang's hands in hers. She looked into his eyes. Simultaneously, they closed them. A minute passed. Two. Toph didn't feel anything. She was going to open her eyes and ask Aang what was wrong, but when she opened her eyes, they weren't there anymore.
They were in the spirit world.
Aang stood and offered her a hand. "Come on," he said.
The spirit world looked…weird. They were in some sort of jungle, and everything looked…blurred. Toph followed Aang, taking step after step, stair after stair, and path after path. She had no idea where they were going, but Aang seemed to understand. She followed him, forcing each step after another, traversing towards their destination.
At last, they arrived.
The Cave of Two Lovers. The home of Oma and Shu. The place where it all started.
Toph was about to ask if the rock was going to come from the ground again, but that didn't happen. Oma and Shu materialized in front of them, straight up from the ground, the spirits of the first earthbenders. Aang and Toph did a bow.
"I see you have made use with the time you were given," the spirit of Oma said.
Shu nodded in agreement. "We have made use with your earthbending as well, Toph Beifong. We have learned much. We have connected with the earth. We have become wiser, and more experienced."
Toph bowed again. "Thank-you, masters," she said.
"We are prepared to offer you another deal."
Toph lifted her head. "What?"
Oma swished her hand in a spirit-like motion. "Toph, you have learned much from your seven days of sight. We have learned much from our seven days with your earthbending. It has been wonderful, and I can tell it is the same for you."
"What are you saying?"
"It could be this way," Shu said. "Forever."
For a quick, horrible second, Toph hesitated.
She'd never been ashamed for being blind. She loved the way she was – the blind, keen, sneaky earthbender. But for the first time in her life, she had been able to see. The world. Her friends. Her life. It was so…wonderful.
Toph looked at her Aang. She had already made her decision. Her mind was set. There was no turning back
But, she wanted to know what Aang had to say. Her friend bit his lip.
"Toph," the Avatar said. "I know the fact that you can see for the first time is wonderful. You've admitted that. And as cool as it would be for you to have your sight…" Aang rubbed the back of his head. "It's not you, Toph. You have a unique ability. You can do things that no one else can. You've learned to accomplish something that we've always admired and enjoyed. It's your way of life, and it's…it's amazing." Aang cleared his throat. "The decision is up to you, but…I just thought I'd let you know that we love you for who you are."
Toph grinned and punched Aang in the arm. "Thanks for the speech, Twinkletoes. But my mind has been set since day one. I'm getting my bending back."
Aang grinned. The two of them turned to the spirits, who looked disappointed, yet awed at the same time.
"So it shall be," Oma said with a sigh. "As spirits, we shall keep our word, and uphold our end of the deal."
The two spirits spoke together, like they had done seven days ago. "Seven days of sight," they said. "In exchange for seven days without earthbending. This has been decreed. This has been done. Seven days have passed. The deal has been fulfilled. And all shall return to normal."
Aang prepared for the magic this time. He sat down and covered his face and his eyes, feeling the explosion of magic erupt around him. He waited a solid five minutes until it was over, and then opened his eyes.
Toph was out cold. Oma and Shu floated in front of him, looking down.
"Thank-you Avatar," they said. "For bringing her here. Much more will come. Seek your advisor. And take care of Toph Beifong. She is too valuable a friend to lose."
Aang stood and bowed, and the spirits left into mist.
He picked up Toph and began to carry her back to their bodies. She was limp in his arms, unmoving, unspeaking. She probably wouldn't wake up until they left the spirit world, just like last time. Aang was almost to their destination when a voice spoke from the water.
"Aang," the voice said, its tone clear and cryptic.
Aang almost dropped Toph. He set her down gingerly, and then peered at the water on the edge of the path.
It was Roku!
His past life formed out of mist, standing before him. Roku had small scowl on his face, but he seemed to look pleased at the same time. Just like Oma and Shu?
"Where have you been?" Aang asked him. "I figured out how to take people into the spirit world. I wanted you to meet some people, but you weren't here."
"Your discovery is incredulous," Roku admitted. "Brining people into the spirit world is a magnificent feat, young Avatar. But you must be careful, Aang. You are the bridge between the mortal world and the spirit world. You keep the balance, and maintain the order. If spirits come into the mortal world, havoc can inflict. In return, bringing mortals into the spirit world is dangerous as well."
"Is that why you haven't spoken to me?" Aang questioned.
"Yes. You needed to figure out a few things on your own. But now that you can bring mortals into the spirit world easily, you must be warned. You were lucky nothing bad happened with the exchange between your friend and the first earthbenders. Mortals and spirits don't mix easily, Aang. Sometimes they will be killed, like what happened to the moon and the ocean spirit. That is a reason why you are here, Aang. You must always be able to keep balance, now that you have discovered this."
Aang shook his head. "I would never do anything to harm anyone. Or the spirit world. Or the mortal world. And especially my friends."
"I know." Roku smiled at his courage. "But still, take warning. You must be present at all times when you bring mortals into the spirit world. Because if something were to happen between spirits and mortals, like what happened with your friend…" Roku hesitated. "It could be catastrophic. The world could become unbalanced. Your friend could've gone insane, and Oma and Shu could've passed from existence. Great evil can come from something like this. But also…" his trailed his sentence, waiting for Aang to finish.
Aang thought for a hard moment. "Or something good could happen," he said. "Like Toph being able to see, and Oma and Shu learning her earthbending." Aang grinned. "And Iroh. Zuko told me his uncle Iroh travelled here once, and gained much wisdom on the spirits."
"Exactly so, Aang. Either good will come out of it, or bad. Promise me you will be careful when you do this."
Aang bowed to his past life. "I promise, Roku."
Roku smiled. "Thank-you, Aang. In return for your word I suppose I could do you some help…"
Roku waved his hand, and the world around Aang spun. Suddenly he was back at the platform they'd first arrived at, next to their bodies.
Aang set Toph down, and then slipped into his own body, back to the mortal world…
PAGE BREAK
When Toph opened her eyes, there was nothing.
She slowly blinked herself into consciousness, and her senses came back to her. Her earthbending had returned. Her sight was gone. She could sense Aang in front of her, and the rest of their friends off to her right. She could sense their anxiousness. They'd wanted to know if everything was okay.
Aang and Toph stood up together. Toph grinned at him, and then turned to her family.
"I've missed feeling you guys," she said, opening her arms for a hug. "Now hip-hop your little feet over here, team Avatar. It's time for another group hug."
The seven of them laughed, and then encircled together for another hug. Toph grinned. These were her friends. This was her family. And even though she couldn't see, Aang was right – Toph was unique. She saw the world in a way nobody else did. Being blind wasn't a disability – it was a difference.
It was who she was.
"Welcome back, Toph," Aang said, squeezing the family in even tighter. "Welcome back."
Mah. I could've had a better ending. Oh well, it's not completely over yet, I've got my favorite chapter coming up next, and hopefully I can get it to sound okay :D
I keep putting up hints to a possible sequel, although I'm not sure what it would be about. I like the idea of Aang taking people with him into the spirit world. Maybe I'll do little stories about each member of team Avatar going on their own journey, and uncovering things about themselves. Possibly. What do you guys think?
Thanks to all who are still reading, I really appreciate it!