The Path to Forgiveness

"Toph, we've been so worried about you," said Katara trying to pull her into a hug.

"Yeah, yeah…whatever," said Toph, annoyed.

Katara stepped back and grabbed Aang's hand. "Toph, despite what Sokka said, we all care about you. You are a part of our family and you know that. Please, don't leave," begged Aang. He was really being sincere, as was Katara. Watery eyes filled with fear proved nothing less. Even Toph could feel their grief and honesty.

"Look, I'll be there when you go to face the Fire Lord Twinkle Toes. In the meantime, you all have each other. It's all you've ever needed in the past; it's all you need now."

"That's not true," said Katara. "Ever since you joined us, you've been like a sister to me. I shared all of my secrets with you, and you shared all of yours with me. Even the one about, you know who, remember?" Katara was trying to get Toph to reason with them. To remember all of the good times they had shared together.

"Yeah, so I was someone to vent to, big deal. Go share your secrets with Sparky now."

"Toph, would you knock it off?" said Zuko. "How can you be so cold towards the people who love you? To the people you know you love?"

"I don't know! Maybe the same way you were able to turn your back on your family and join the Avatar to kill your own father!" shouted Toph accusingly. "You're nothing more than a hypocrite!"

Zuko took a big step back as if the wind had been knocked out of him. "You know that's different…My father is a monster. I'm doing the right thing by turning against him." Iroh placed a reassuring hand on his nephew's shoulder.

"And I'm doing the right thing by getting myself away from the people who have been continually using me," stated the Earthbender.

"Toph, you are being too stubborn. You know what is right. Why do you refuse to accept that these people love and care about you? I even care about you."

She felt the vibrations of Iroh's truth, but still asked, "You do?"

"Of course," said Iroh. "I would not have helped you in the past and I would not be standing here today if I didn't."

"I thought you were just being nice."

"That's true, but there is a difference between being nice, and caring. Being nice would be offering you a cup of tea. Caring is actually doing something to make a better difference in your life."

Toph smiled, "Well thanks…"

"There is nothing to thank me for."

The Earthbender turned to where she knew Katara and Aang were. "I'm really sorry guys; I don't know what I was thinking. I was acting stupid." The two benders walked up to Toph and pulled her into a tight hug.

"It's okay," said Katara. "We all are at times." The three pulled away, smiles smeared across all of their faces.

"Even Sokka says stupid things sometimes," said Aang looking into the Earthbender's eyes trying to get her to see the bigger picture.

"Well, a lot of times," said Katara jokingly. "But we always forgive him for it, just as we forgave you."

Aang squeezed Katara's hand and used his free hand to place it on Toph's shoulder. "It's what family does," said the Airbender.

Toph nodded her head, "Just give me a few minutes to think okay?"

Katara nodded her head and walked closer to Toph, "When do you think you'll finally come out with that secret?" Katara whispered into her ear. The Earthbender pushed her playfully away.

"I'll see you later Sugar Queen," said Toph. Katara laughed as she left the room.

It was then Aang's turn to walk over to her. "So, everything's okay now right?"

"Yes, Twinkle Toes. Now go play kissy face with your girlfriend," she laughed.

Even though Toph couldn't see, Aang smiled and rolled his eyes. "Alright, see you later." He followed Katara out of the room.

Toph then turned to where she knew Zuko was, "Look, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

Zuko shook his head, "No it's okay. You were just really stressed out. I know what that's like."

"Probably better than anyone," said Iroh being somewhat serious.

They all laughed, "Well thanks for your guys' help. It means a lot."

"Anytime, Princess," said Zuko ruffling her hair.

Toph tripped him as he was making his way out, "Watch it, Sparky."

Iroh laughed and helped his nephew up. "We'll see you soon, Toph."

The Earthbender nodded her head as they left then made her way out to find Sokka.