Chapter Fourteen

Sounds like Tough

"Toph?"

"No, it's Firelord Ozai." the earthbender stated sarcastically. "Yes, you dunderheads, its me, the greatest earthbender in the world." Toph grinned, her hands on her hips. The blind earthbender had grown a lot. She was about my height. Her raven black hair had grown lower, but she still kept it up in a bun. Toph—well, was Toph. She hadn't changed that much.

I sprang to my feet, rushing over to the earthbender. "I haven't seen you in...forever!" I exclaimed happily. I opened my arms for a hug, but Toph sidestepped away.

"Gross, don't give me no hug when you just had your hands all over Twinkletoes!" she mockingly gagged, "Cooties!" this caused me to giggle, rolling my eyes.

Pinning a piece of hair out of my face, I studied her. "So, how have you been, Toph?"

"Perfect. Training the talentless lillylivers that call themselves earthbenders. Ha! But it's great bossing people around." she snorted, her lips curving into a smirk.

I laughed. "That's good. You've always had a thing for bossing people around." I pointed out playfully. Aang grinned, nodding in agreement.

"Uh-huh. That's right, Sparkles." Toph punched Aang in the arm, making him bit his lip in surprise, "You and Vinca are getting jumped, huh? 'bout time, heh, considering you two are all touchy-touchy." she teased heartily.

Aand and I blushed similar shades of red. "Y-Yeah..." was all my fiancé managed to stutter, ducking to hide his shyness.

Toph's lifeless, faint green eyes flickered between Aang and I, a sly snicker threatening to arise, before her orbs settled once again on Aang. With her hands on her hips, she plainly asked—or rather, demanded, "Sparring match. Now."

Aang blinked, letting this request process, "Wha—? Uh, m-maybe lat—,"

"Twinkletoes, I haven't had a worthy opponent since last month when we sparred—not saying you're better than me, so don't you dare get that idea!—but my toes are itchin' for a good match. Plus—when was the last time you sparred? Bet you're no better than those damn lilylivers back at the school." she provoked.

My fiance seemed defeated, his shoulders slumping. Rubbing the back of his neck, he finally gave in with a quiet sigh, "Okay."

Toph, obviously satisfied, dragged Aang by his arm away, yet before doing so, she turned around and said: "Don't worry, Vinca, I won't wear him out too much. I know you two have a busy night." she winked, laughing loudly as she towed him along.

I stood there blushing heavily, mentally cursing Toph yet being overjoyed that she was here.

"Ow." Aang drew in a sharp breath, flinching away from my gentle touch. He and Toph had been sparring or about two hours straight, much to his dismay. He was awfully sore and tired looking.

I pulled my hand away, my eyes resting on the large, painful looking bruise on his arm. It was a dark purple, surrounded by blacks and blues. I frowned, "Aang, that looks horrible. What happened?"

He adverted his eyes, "It was just a rock." he shrugged nonchalantly.

"Ouch. It looks like it hurt." I replied.

Aang only shrugged again, "No big deal. Nothing compared to what she could've done." he chuckled warmly.

I laughed, "True, true." A smile tugged on my lips. "I'm happy she's here."

"Me too," he then added, "That is, until she made me spart for two hours without mercy." Aang shuddered.

I smiled, "It's Toph, what'd you expect?" I crossed my arms absently, "Soon, everyone will be here. Sokka, Katara..." The whole gang!

"Team Avatar reunited!" he joked, then turned serious, "There's one bad thing, though."

My smile faltered, "What?"

"Toph promised me another spar at the reception," he seemed mournful and solemn, "Spirits, help me..."

I only laughed.

AN:The world's greatest earthbender has arrived! She hasn't changed much, hm? ;)