Chapter 10 - Whispers
A/N: Hey, everyone! Thank you so much for your reviews and all! :D I really appreciate them. Nothing much to comment at this moment, but I made rather minor edits to the previous chapter. A little heads up, this chapter is just to make the time skip smoother, and to (hopefully) tie up some stuff.
Disclaimer: I do not own A:TLA, although I wish I did.
"And thus, you are charged with treason, abduction and rioting. Any questions?"
"Yeah. You missed something out," Kazuya ignored her cold stare and gave a weak smile. "Electricity."
"Ha. Ha," Mai said, keeping the scroll. "That was hilarious. I wished Zuko actually agreed to sentence you to death. Instead, he decided that you would be instrumental in the progress of the Harmony Restoration Movement."
"Aw. You hurt my feelings."
"Sure, and you nearly killed Shinju with your actions."
Mai knew she had hit a nerve when the room suddenly fell silent. She was about to step out of the room, when she met the eyes of Shinju.
She muttered, "Think about it."
She nodded to Shinju, letting her in to the room before she shut the door. She knew it was rude... But she could not help...
She leant against the door, straining her ears.
"I'm sorry, Mom. I... They... They tricked me. I was their puppet. The information they fed me-"
"Shh," Shinju silenced him. "... I'm glad you're safe."
Mai tilted her head down, facing the floor. She turned away to leave the area, but not before she gave a small smile.
"Hey, Sunshine."
Said person nodded curtly in acknowledgement, before she settled down next to her.
"What happened?" Mai asked.
"What do you mean?"
"That was unlike you, not charging in to a battle. Don't you just love tournaments? It was the perfect chance for a brawl, but you weren't there."
Toph tilted her head up and gave a bitter smile. She would have wanted nothing more than to beat the living daylights out of Kazuya, for all that he has done to her parents… And to Zuko. She was not herself. She had been asking herself the same thing, after all of that. What's wrong?
Had Sparky's words affected me so much?
"Thank you for returning her here, Fire Lord Zuko."
"It's no problem at all, really," Zuko replied.
"I hope she did not cause you much trouble," the Bei Fongs bowed.
Toph looked displeased.
"Me? Cause him trouble?" She said indignantly. "More like he caused me trouble!"
"Hush!" Lady Bei Fong muttered to her daughter.
Zuko raised his hands in mock surrender, holding back a laugh. "She helped me a lot, actually. So, no. She didn't cause me any trouble."
"That is truly good to hear."
Lord Bei Fong stepped forward. "Is there anything we can offer you? As gratitude for taking care of our disobedient daughter?"
"No, it's nothing really..." He began.
Toph walked over to Zuko quickly. He gazed down at her curiously. She tugged his sleeve and he bent over slightly.
She whispered into his ear, "Get them to allow me to teach earthbending."
"That's not a favor," He replied, keeping his volume low. "And you can get permission for that without me!"
"It is!" She hissed. "Just shut up and do it!"
"... Fine!"
He turned to look at the two Bei Fongs, meeting their questioning look slightly uneasily.
"Toph wants to-" He glared at Toph who just elbowed him, which was of clearly no use considering that she was blind.
"I would like you to allow Toph to teach earthbending at… The bounty hunter's school."
"Who?" Master Bei Fong demanded, failing to control his outburst.
Toph smacked her forehead with her palm in exasperation. What? Zuko frowned.
"He means Master Yu's school. I want to be… Like an assistant teacher, you know?"
"Toph, we talked about this," Her father said dangerously. "Earthbending is too dangerous. We can't have you risking your safety."
"Wait," Zuko spoke out. "Did you just tell Toph, possibly the world's strongest Earthbender-"
" 'Is'," Toph cut in, getting another annoyed look from Zuko. "Not 'possibly'. 'Is'."
"… Yeah. Whatever. You're telling her, after saving the world, that she still can't fend for herself?"
The Bei Fongs appeared unsettled. Zuko knew he had spoke out of hand.
"I'm sorry, but I just felt the need to point that out."
He glanced at Toph who stared straight at her parents. They shifted a little as they discussed the matter quietly between themselves. Zuko reached out and patted her on the shoulder lightly.
"… Alright. Toph, you have our permission. But should you get hurt…" Master Bei Fong said, sounding reluctant.
Toph broke into a huge grin and hugged her parents. She walked back to him and punched him.
"Toph!" Her mother said in horror.
Zuko rubbed the sore spot slowly and gave them a smile. "It's okay. I'm used to it."
" 'Used to'… Toph! Do you have no respect for your superiors and elders?" Lady Bei Fong chided her.
Toph simply shrugged in response and walked off. Zuko watched her leave. Way of showing your affection, huh?
So how come they get a hug?
"And so, as much as this will result in great inconvenience to many of you here," Zuko paused. "I do hope to seek your understanding in this issue. For the rebuilding of our nation, and for the world's future, this step is extremely vital."
He glanced at the three figures behind him. Toph was just giving her smug smile to… No one in particular. Mai nudged the person next to her. Kazuya lurched forward and stood slightly shakily next to him.
Kazuya looked over his shoulder and shot a glare at Mai before turning around.
"Uh… What he said," He said awkwardly, pointing at Zuko.
Zuko gave him a look, causing Kazuya to clear his throat.
"Erm… That is, I mean… It is indeed true. Despite my earlier actions, it has come to my realization that contrary to popu- my belief, change is indeed for the good, in this case."
"Yes. For everyone to coexist peacefully, we have to return to our home country."
"Sire!" Someone called out.
Zuko hid his frown quickly before he acknowledged the person.
"My family… What if my family… They are actually Earth Kingdom people? Then… My family will be torn apart…"
Ensuing silence. This was the reason Kazuya had rebelled, as Zuko had later found out. The crowd before him started their incessant chattering.
Kazuya cleared his throat once again. "Everyone, this was also the reason I… I was against this idea. However, Zuko here, is after all, the Fire Lord. I'm sure he'll be able to think of something that will be suitable for everyone."
Zuko's amber eyes met his grey ones. "Trust him."
She looked at the figure before her, his life vibrations hinting to her that he was enjoying this moment as much as she did. It came too soon. She knew it came too soon.
"Good bye, Toph."
She bit her lips in an attempt to stop the tears from flowing out. She looked in his direction and gave him a smile. It was this feeling all over again. She hated this feeling. She felt so weak… So helpless. But she could not help but think, When will I see him again?
He rubbed his shoulder again, probably already bruised from her frequent punching. He grinned as he saw her ears turn red.
"Bring the gang over for a visit sometime," He said, patting her on the head.
"Yeah yeah. Leave. Go on. See if I care," Toph said frostily.
Aw, what the heck. He frowned, before he walked forwards and hugged her. He was almost too afraid to hug her if he did not know she was Toph. She felt fragile in his arms.
"It's not like I'll miss you or anything…" She muttered.
He chuckled lightly, it alleviated the heavy feeling in his chest for a little moment. Truth is, he didn't like this. He didn't like this one bit.
Can't believe he'd say it, but…
I'll miss you.
"So, how about another spar session, Mai?" The brown-haired man suggested.
She contemplated, before nodding. She needed to get out of the house, fast. Kazuya's distraction was more than welcome.
Ever since that that trip to Earth Kingdom, and Zuko's return, the palace had gotten more and more boring. Especially without Toph, Zuko committed himself to his work more than ever. On certain days, she returned to her home. She started to babysit Tom-tom, which made life even more boring.
Some things never change.
They walked into the backyard of the palace. She glanced at the turtleducks gliding through the calm waters of the pond. She reached into her sleeve for her stilettos before taking aim.
"How's Shinju?"
"Brilliant. We've yet to find dad though," Kazuya frowned, dodging a thrown knife.
"Upright! Poise!"
Toph turned to give an annoyed look. The scroll balanced so carefully on her head was tipping over.
"I know what to do!" She snapped. "I was taught this when I was five!"
"Well, you show no signs of such knowledge. Poise!"
Toph spat on the floor in defiance, before tilting her chin a mite higher. She walked in a straight line, slowly and steadily, the scroll still balanced on her head. She was nervous though. Her parents made her wear shoes, checking them ever so often so she did not have a chance to rip out the soles. She couldn't see.
But she was nearly quite used to it.
She wasn't sure whether to be proud of herself.
"Sire! Yu Dao is scheduled to clear out by the end of this week!"
"Is that the final one?"
"Yes, sire!"
"Good," Zuko answered, not looking up from his documents.
It had taken him quite a bit of effort, but with Kazuya's help, he managed to convince the people in the Fire nation colonies to move back to their homeland. To make their transition easier, he negotiated the amount of time they needed before the big move. Also, he granted the wishes of some, on a case-by-case basis, who wished to remain in the Earth Kingdom.
It honestly was difficult to maintain the balance.
He would really have preferred if he had the help of Aang and the others. Sadly, he had difficulty tracking them. They were constantly on the move.
He pressed his forehead against the palm of his hand.
And I haven't seen Toph in ages.
"Hey, Lin. Where are you taking me?"
"Nowhere really. I just wanted to show you something," She answered with a giggle.
Toph raised an eyebrow in exasperation. Although, she had to admit, it was nice to step out of the house for no reason at all.
They soon reached their destination. They were outside Lin's dad's shop again. She still remembered the last time she visited the place. It was nearly a year ago.
How time flies.
"Lang?"
"Oh! T-Toph!" Lang addressed her before pulling Lin aside.
When he thought he was out of earshot, he hissed, "Why'd you bring her for?"
Lin shrugged. "Why not?"
Toph grinned to herself before she walked over to them. Lin grabbed Toph's arm and dragged her over to where Lang was previously standing.
"We wanted to show you this."
Toph's fingers ran over the texture. It was really smooth. The cloth was stretched over a thin but strong frame. It reminded her of the sky lanterns.
"These are kites," Lin announced excitedly.
"What do you do with them?"
"Fly them. You release them into the air and then just… Let them fly," She supplied.
"Certainly sounds interesting. Considering that I can't see anything like that."
Lin's figure became slightly hunched. Toph felt a pang of guilt for dampening her friend's feelings. She just couldn't help it, really.
"All right. I think I want to go and train a little more. You two go ahead."
The couple nodded slightly as they turned to the kite peddler. Toph walked off slowly, hearing their voices grow softer.
"So, uncle. Where's your family? You practically camp here."
"Haha… My family… I don't know either. Probably back where they belong."
"I'm sorry..." Lin murmured.
"So... How much for this kite?"
"So, when do you think he'll pop the question?" Kazuya grinned, tossing one of his explosives in her direction.
She swiped the explosive away quickly, allowing it to burst into flames upon its impact on the ground. He really had some talent when it came to these…
"Hey, answer me!"
Against her will, her cheeks begin to burn. She did not know. In fact, she was unsure. Really, really, unsure. Something made her doubt the only thing that she thought was absolute. Then again, since when were things as sharp and to-the-point as a knife blade?
She decided to respond to the question with a knife aimed at Kazuya's face.
"Firm! You have to be firm in your stances! You, lily liver, step forward!"
The boy timidly did as he was told, his heart palpitating erratically. He got into a stance. Well, actually, it was not much of a stance either. She gritted her teeth and took him down easily. They let out a collective gasp, their hearts beating faster.
She could not help but grin. It was so fun scaring them.
Although, on second thought, that meant that they were really wimps. She frowned.
"Alright! Get into your positions! Take your opponent down in 1 minute!" She ordered. "No overtime!"
"Tea, my dear Zuko?"
"Uncle!" He craned his neck up, his back aching. "Sure. Set it down on the table."
There was a moment of silence before he asked his uncle what was wrong.
"What table?"
He glanced down at his desk, realizing the most of it was already filled with scrolls and whatnots. He frowned a little, hurrying to tidy up his desk.
"You need to take a break from your work, Zuko," Uncle sipped his tea.
Zuko pressed his face against the back of his hand, quirking an eyebrow.
"And you need to take a break from… From whatever you're doing," He retorted weakly, failing to find a proper counter.
"From drinking tea?" Uncle chuckled gently. "I'm afraid not. It have found true love in its deep, never-ending recesses of calm…"
Zuko proceeded to roll his eyes, dipping his brush in ink before he began writing again.
Uncle sighed deeply, before he smiled.
"What do you think of a game of Pai Sho?"
"Here."
"Oh, thank you very much, young lady!" The old woman smiled at her, before walking away from the ship with her belongings.
"They look sad…" Kazuya commented offhandedly.
"Wow. I hadn't noticed the least," Mai replied. "Like you would not know. Just a year ago, weren't you the advocate of these people's… Interests?"
Kazuya frowned. "True… Then again, I did realize that…"
"You were wrong."
He looked away uncomfortably. "Yes and…That some of those people were just…"
"Using you."
"I guess it's just right that these people return to their homes. I mean, it was nice enough for-"
"Zuko to give them leeway."
"YES!" He cried out finally. "You're right! You're right! Argh! I hate you!"
Mai couldn't resist a smirk.
"The feeling's mutual."
"Hey, Zook!"
He frowned as he glanced up from his work. How were people able to come up with so many nicknames for him?
"Yes, Kazuya?" He answered tightly.
"Are you free? Cause… There's something I want to tell you about."
Zuko gestured to the stacks of paperwork he had to go through and gave him a "can't help it" look. The man raised an eyebrow then shrugged.
"Some other time then."
He turned to leave the room, leaving Zuko alone in his office again. Satisfied, he returned to his work.
"Dad! Mom! You can't be serious!" She stomped her foot in disbelief.
Her father crossed his arms. "Oh, we are very much so, young lady."
"You are of age and we need to make sure that you will lead a comfortable life in the future. It is reality that decrees that we cannot take care of you forever."
I don't need you to care for me! I can very well take care of myself!
"This is the only way. I'm sure you will come to understand our goodwill soon, Toph."
She gripped her sleeves. This cannot be happening…
A/N: So begins a rather commonly used plot for romance. ._. It's quite obvious, isn't it? :/ Anyhow, hope you enjoyed the chapter! Please do tell me what you think of it! Took some stuff from The Promise, again. (Although I'm not following the events the slightest. ... Okay. Just a little.)
If at any point in the story, you are confused with what is actually happening, feel free to drop me a PM or something. I'll edit the story to clarify, put it on A/N or message you. Yep. (I should have offered this from the beginning... I'm sorry. It never really occurred to me. )
Thanks, once again! :D