A/N: Thank you everyone for being patient, or not. This story was hard for me. It didn't go the way I wanted, but I'm happy with it. And this last chapter was truly hard. I hit quite a few bumps, but it's done and I'm content. Let me know what you think and don't forget to review!
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar.
Chapter 21
Toph smiled as she heard the men move about the ship as it got ready to dock. They would be on land within an hour, and she could finally leave the cursed ship and water. Kuzon shifted in her arms, and she bounced him on her knee for a bit until he settled, laughing as he cuddled his stuffed dragon toy. Toph heard Zuko talking with Aang in the background about matters of state and ignored them, focusing more in on the feel of the wind on her face and the vibrations of the other children walking around the deck under the supervision of their mothers.
Her thoughts turned to the past two weeks. Since the volcano and Zuko's kiss, she had kept her distance from the Fire Lord, just being close enough to protect him, his son, and be in on the arrangements to see his sister. Toph still didn't like that Zuko was taking his son to see Azula. But, with the letter in Azula's handwriting found on Long Feng, she knew it was necessary. They all needed to find out if there were any more threats to Kuzon and Zuko, and the former princess was the next logical step, especially since she had ordered Long Feng killed. The blind earthbender wondered how Azula had known it was Long Feng, or if she even knew who the head of the renegades was at all before she ordered the kill. And how had Azula ordered the kill? Toph just sighed, knowing she would have to wait to find out and let Kuzon down to play with the other kids as they moved her way.
She noticed Zuko turning to the children and knew he was happy that Kuzon was safe before he turned back to talk with Aang. He had given her space since he had kissed her, letting her figure herself out, being a willing ear if she needed to talk, but she often felt as if they were worlds apart. Toph noticed that Zuko wanted to be closer than he could be, but was making himself stay away. Sometimes, she wanted to yell at him, and when she got depressed, wished that she could cry on his shoulder, being as close as they used to, but she made herself stay away from him and avoided him whenever she could. Too much had happened in too short of a time, and she was still confused about her own feelings. Kuzon started crying and crawling towards Kalaya and Toph was startled out of her thoughts as the other children took up the call, starting to cry and making their way to their mothers.
"I'll take them both below to feed them," Kalaya said as she picked up Kuzon while Katara picked up Katiana.
Toph just nodded to the healer and turned her face into the wind. Both waterbenders had said they would be there if she needed to talk, and had then given her space to sort herself out as they all cared for the children and Toph was grateful that they weren't prying. Though Katara knew what had happened in the volcano between Toph and Zuko, she didn't pry. Toph smiled as she remembered feeling Katara getting agitated whenever she changed the subject abruptly when the topic of Zuko came up while the women talked, and knew Katara wanted to pry. It was just Katara's nature, but Toph was glad the waterbender was controlling herself. Toph noticed the men stop talking and Zuko walked up to lean against the banister next to her, though he left a foot between them. She turned her face away from him, still avoiding him and he sighed slightly. She almost smiled since the sigh was so low, only she would be able to hear it.
"We'll be on land soon," Zuko said.
"I know," Toph replied.
"Can you feel it?" he asked in an interested tone.
"What?" she asked, turning to him in confusion.
"The bedrock as we get closer to shore. Can you feel it come closer? Is that how you know?"
Toph let a smirk pull at the corner of her mouth. She turned towards the deck and all the men scurrying around, getting ready to dock the ship before turning back to Zuko.
"No, but I hear very well," she replied and heard him mutter under his breath as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Figures," he finally growled after glancing over his shoulder. They were both silent for a while and Toph's thoughts drifted back to her confused feelings and Wan Lo. It had been nearly two weeks since he had died and her heart ached every time she thought of him. The memories she had of him holding her, kissing her, pleading with her and then dying swarmed in and took her by surprise. She barely noticed the tears that started to roll down her face.
"Hey, you ok?" Zuko asked quietly.
"Will it always feel like this?" Toph asked. Zuko remained silent and Toph continued as she wiped the tears away hastily. "This ache as if my heart has been torn out?"
The Fire Lord sighed. "No, it will get easier," he said in a somber tone. "But it will always be there. I'm sorry Toph. All I can say is I understand and that it will get easier."
She nodded and the tears became more intense. She barely noticed Zuko placing a comforting hand on her shoulder and then she was suddenly hugging him, crying and sobbing into his chest. Toph needed a comfort and at that moment, she didn't care who it was. Her best friend was the best person for the job, even if she was still mad at him on some level. She didn't know how long she stood there, but she knew Zuko was shocked by her move and slowly relaxed as he tried to comfort her. He was speaking in a low, comforting tone, and, as if out of a daze, she started listening to him.
"…I'm sorry. It will always hurt, but there's someone else who needs you too. Kuzon needs you. I…I need you. I'll always be there for you, Toph."
Toph sniffed and buried her face in his robe as her tears started to lessen and she just listened to Zuko's voice as she enjoyed the heat he gave off and the steady rhythm of his heart beat.
"I understand. Toph, you're my best friend, and you'll always be my friend, no matter what. Don't shut me out anymore, please. I loved Mai, I will always love her and I ache for her every day. But I need you, to be at my side, as my friend. I need your strength, your stubbornness, and you know Kuzon adores you. It'll be ok, somehow, but don't give up. I hate seeing you like this, being apart from you."
"I know," Toph sighed and she let a smile tug at her mouth as she felt Zuko freeze, his every muscle tensing.
"Toph…what I said…"
"It was the truth, I felt it," Toph said as she drew back from him so he could see her face. He relaxed slightly, but was still tense as if waiting for something and Toph's smile widened. The Fire Lord was silent for a bit before he took a deep breath and stood straight.
"I'm still your friend," he told her in a serious tone. "First and foremost. I did…I made a stupid mistake, and I'm sorry for it. Please, don't let our friendship disappear because of my stupidity. Let me be there for you as you were there for me."
Toph waited, seeming to think about it and felt Zuko's pulse speed up as he grew nervous because of her silence, but he started to relax when she spoke. "You always did make stupid moves occasionally, like that speech when you joined us, and burning my feet."
"And going to the boiling rock with Sokka with no plan, and a million other things," Zuko said in a lighter tone before he laughed harshly. "You know, destiny is a funny thing, that's what Uncle always said and it's so true."
She gave him a confused look, and he sighed, going to the banister again to stare towards where Toph was sure the shore was.
"You gonna explain?" Toph asked, joining him at the banister as he remained silent.
Zuko sighed and Toph felt him turn and then his breath was on her face for a second before he turned away again. "I guess I have to. I almost lost my true father trying to gain favor with the father who never cared for me. I chased and tormented the Avatar and then joined him when it was almost too late. I lost…I lost my wife, only to find another I cared for about as much as I loved her."
Toph's breath caught as emotion lined his voice at the end, and she knew he loved her, but then sorrow was in his tone when he spoke again.
"And I did something incredibly stupid and hurt my best friend when I should have been there to support her."
Toph felt tears start rolling down her cheeks again and leaned sideways into Zuko as she wiped them away.
"I know," she sighed. "You promise you'll always be my friend first?"
He turned towards her and Toph turned to face him. "Yes, Toph. I promise. You won't avoid me now, will you?"
Toph smiled and felt Zuko relax. "Yeah, Sparky," she said before she drew back and then punched his stomach, hard. Her smile turned into a mischievous smirk as she heard his breath exit hastily and he doubled over. "I forgive you, and I needed you at my height to do this," she said as she bent in and kissed his cheek. "I'm gonna get ready, but remember your promise." With that, Toph walked past Zuko and the astonished guards and Avatar who had stopped to watch her and hurried into the ship to her room.
Once there, she quickly packed up the few things that were still left out, and just to be on the safe side, pulled out the small dagger that Zuko had given her. It was one of Mai's and the Fire Lord had given one to all their friends. Smiling, Toph placed the dagger in a fold of her dress and then picked up the emerald necklace Zuko had given her. Placing it on, it felt right, and as much as she loved the emerald, she told herself that it was merely there as a reassurance. Toph wasn't going to go to Azula empty handed and she needed every advantage she could to deal with the former princess, just in case. Once everything was ready, Toph started to make her way out to the deck again, but stopped as she felt Ursa pacing nervously. The woman had the door open, and had been a great comfort and help to the blind earthbender the past two weeks and Toph wanted to help the lady out.
"Anything wrong?" Toph asked, moving to stand in the doorway.
"No, no, I'm fine," Ursa said, though Toph could tell it was a lie. Toph merely raised an eyebrow at the lady and heard Ursa sigh when the lady turned towards her.
"You really expect me to believe that feeble lie?" Toph asked.
Ursa just laughed lightly. "I keep forgetting how forward you are. It is…refreshing."
Toph smiled. "After so many years in a cell with no information, I understand. What's bothering you?"
Ursa turned and picked up something, fabric by the sound of it and then placed it into a bag, remaining silent the entire time. The village had been extremely helpful, providing them all rooms and Ursa with several sets of new clothes, though no one seemed to have a clue who had killed Long Feng. And Toph had been there to question every villager and captured renegade, but no leads had come. Only the letter from Azula.
"Do you think Azula will remember me?" Ursa asked quietly. "Will she forgive me?"
"Of course she'll remember you, you're her mother," Toph replied, perplexed. "Sparky sure remembered you. And what's there to forgive? You're a wonderful person."
"I wasn't always," Ursa sighed. "And I did discipline her often. She was such an odd child."
Toph laughed and snorted. "Odd, yeah, there's a description for Platypus." She knew Ursa turned to her, completely confused and Toph grinned. "During the day of black sun, I boasted I could feel lies. Well, she gave a huge one and I couldn't tell. About being a two hundred foot purple platypus bear, or something like that. It stuck," Toph shrugged and smiled when she felt Ursa relax slightly. "You're her mother, and though I'm sure there are things you two need to work out, you'll get through it. You and Sparky are strong and stubborn."
"And what about your own dilemma?" Ursa asked. "Have you talked to Zuko yet?"
Toph smiled. "Yeah, I forgave him, and punched him so that he wouldn't forget who he was dealing with."
The lady laughed and Toph's smile broadened. "He always spoke from his heart and did everything with all his heart. I'm glad you two made up. It's been so stiff whenever you two have been together, and it's not a large ship."
"Yeah, well, he still has to give me space, but he promised he would be my friend first, no matter…the other stuff," Toph said, waving the end off. She knew Zuko loved her, but she still needed time to sort herself out. She still loved Wan Lo, and missed him, and her heart started to ache as she thought of him. She was surprised when Ursa suddenly hugged her.
"It will be all right," the lady told her. "Just take it a day at a time."
Toph nodded and drew back, smiling. "I know. I need to get topside, we'll be on land soon and I am determined to be the first one off. Are you better now?"
"Yes, though…do you think Zuko will allow me to see…Ozai? It's been years, but he was still my husband."
Toph just shrugged. "I don't know, ask him."
She felt Ursa nod and then turned to get up to the deck a she felt the ship slow. She waited as patiently as she could as she heard the men get the ship ready for docking and several men on land help with the lines and gangplank, but as soon as Toph felt the metal plank touching both land and ship, she hurried off, almost running until her feet hit solid ground. She heard Aang and Kalaya laughing and even Zuko chuckling as she fell onto her back on the ground, just sinking into it, but just smiled as she also heard some of the men on both land and ship question what a lady was doing acting like a child. She didn't care and it had been over a week since she had been on land. Feeling Zuko approaching her with his son and several guards around him, Toph sighed and sat up, knowing they had little time to do what needed to be done.
"All right," she sighed. "Seth, Kaluk, Payan and Li, you guys know what you need to do. The rest head out and we'll meet you there with the big Fuzzball."
Zuko held his hand out and Toph took it, using the Fire Lord to pull her upright as Seth took his small group to a set of ostrich horses waiting for them to take them to the palace to round up the renegades there while the rest of the guards got onto komodo rhinos to meet up with the Fire Lord and his companions at the prison. Toph went to Appa, stroking the flying bison as Zuko, Kalaya, Katara, Aang and Ursa got on with the children. Once the last was on, Toph grudgingly bent a pillar up so that she could get onto Appa. She hated having to spend time in the air after spending so much time on water, but knew it was necessary. They needed to see Azula and round up the renegades at the palace before either group had a clue they were back. The trip was supposed to last for another two weeks after the attack, and then take two weeks to get back to the capitol, but Zuko had set the course for the capitol as soon as the captured renegades had been questioned. Toph sighed as she scanned through the details in her mind. No new information had come out of those men and women and she had only gotten a few names out of Long Feng about the spies in the palace. Kuzon crawled into her lap and Toph cuddled the little baby as she waited for Appa to land.
XXXXX
Zuko watched Toph holding his son as Appa flew straight towards the prison. She truly was beautiful, and one of a kind. As Appa hit an air current and shifted so that he could fly better, the Fire Lord almost smirked as Toph frowned and moved one hand to hold onto the railing of the saddle discreetly. He knew she hated being away from her element, and though they were off the ship, they were now airborne and Toph was still blind. Kuzon started making sounds, looking towards his father with golden eyes and Zuko smiled at him as the others talked amongst themselves. But most of the conversation was guarded. Aang and Katara sent worried glances his way occasionally, and his mother seemed distant, but Zuko knew everyone was ready to face Azula. The last time the Avatar had seen Azula was just after the comet, when Azula was tried and sent to the prison in the insanity ward. Katara had tried to approach the princess to see if she could heal her, but Azula had just spewed fire in the waterbender's direction, glaring at Katara since Katara had been the one to defeat her. Zuko just sighed again. His sister had come so far in the past five years, but there were still retreats back into insanity. He hoped that today would be one of Azula's better days.
Appa started spiraling downward and Zuko noticed they had arrived. His guards were waiting and Feng, a middle aged earthbender, was talking to the warden. The guards instantly drew into a circle around Appa as the bison landed and Toph handed Kuzon to Ursa before jumping down first and creating a series of steps up to the saddle. Zuko refused the steps and just jumped down next to Toph as the warden approached him and bowed before him.
"Fire Lord, it is an honor to have you back…" the man started, but Zuko held up his hand, stopping him.
"Is everything prepared?" Zuko asked, looking at Feng.
The guard merely nodded while the warden bowed again. "Yes, your majesty. She has not been told, but the way is clear."
"Lead on," Zuko said as he noticed Aang bending the steps away as all the women watched him. The warden nodded, bowing his head before leading the way into the prison. Several guards fell in behind the warden while most created a circle around Zuko and his companions while five others remained with Appa and the rhinos. Zuko glanced to his right and saw Toph holding his son, smiling at the baby as she walked easily beside him while his mother was behind them and then Kalaya, Katara and Aang with the other two children behind Ursa.
"Only my mother, Toph and I will go in to see Azula," Zuko said over his shoulder and caught Katara frowning. He almost smiled at that, knowing Katara still wanted to give the princess a healing session, but continued on. "Azula wants to see Kuzon, and Toph will be enough protection. Aang, if you feel anything going on that may endanger Kuzon, get him out."
The Avatar nodded and smiled at his wife and daughter. Toph frowned slightly next to Zuko, but remained silent and soon they had arrived at the door leading to Azula's cell. Zuko took a deep breath outside of it, and stopped for a moment as he had always done. He needed calm to speak with his sister, and he noticed the heavy metal door meant to keep her strong fire in also kept her from knowing who was outside her door. Zuko knocked on the door and a slit opened, revealing a prison guard whose brown eyes became surprised to be looking on the Fire Lord and an ensemble of people. He quickly opened the door and Zuko walked in, flanked by Toph and followed by his mother.
"Leave us," Zuko told the guard and the man bowed, quickly leaving the room, and shutting the door behind him. Zuko walked towards his sister from the shadows and held up a hand when Toph moved to follow him. She frowned, but nodded and kept back as Azula sat up from her simple bed and wearily opened her eyes, straining to see who had entered her room. Zuko knew from experience that the little bit of light that came in through a grated skylight landed on the bed only, keeping the rest of the small room in shadows. The room was cut in half by the strongest metal ever crafted that served as a wall between Azula and any visitors or her guards. After a few attempts to take her own life early on, Zuko had ordered a guard or two to stand watch all the time with the former princess, and a simple table and set of chairs were in the corner on Zuko's side.
"Who's there?" Azula asked, shielding her eyes against the light falling on her.
Zuko stepped forward and saw his sister's eyes widen in slight surprise before her characteristic smirk formed on her mouth.
"Why, hello ZuZu. Didn't expect a visit this soon," she said smugly, though Zuko noticed that the smugness she had shown as a teenager wasn't fully there. Five years of prison had changed her, even slightly.
"Really?" he asked her. "Why then do you not seem completely surprised to see me?"
"You're early, or late," Azula sighed, turning her gaze down to her fingernails and frowning at them before placing her hand on her knee. "Whatever, it doesn't matter. One day blends into the next. I just know you're not on time."
"And you know why," Zuko stated, reminding himself to keep himself in check. As much as he wanted information, he knew he had to be patient with Azula. She was still smug and had her ways, even if they had deteriorated due to her madness and imprisonment.
She looked up at him and smiled. "Ah, so you got my little note. Who was it? A former general, a disgruntled soldier? I really must know."
Zuko's frown grew. "It was Long Feng. You remember him?"
Azula's smile disappeared and she scowled before she shrugged as if she didn't care. "Doesn't matter. What did he want?"
"To control my son. Now it's my turn, how did you do it?"
Azula sighed and brought her fingernails up for inspection again, cleaning some dirt out from under one of her nails. "I have my ways. Now, is he here? Can I see my nephew?"
She set her hand down again and Zuko thought she actually looked interested. She wanted to see Kuzon, badly. He didn't know why, but he knew he had to show her his son.
"Yes," he replied and Toph stepped forward to stand next to Zuko, still holding Kuzon. Zuko watched his sister and saw her eyes light up as the little boy gazed at Azula in fascination. She gazed at the baby in the same way and a genuine smile tugged at her mouth as Kuzon wriggled and then laughed.
"He truly is a son of Agni," Azula sighed happily before her eyes darted up to the person carrying Kuzon. "I've heard of you, you're the one who thinks she'll take my friend's place," Azula said, frowning.
Zuko noticed Toph frowning, and was about to intervene, but Toph spoke up.
"No, I'm not, and she was my friend too. I'm here as a friend of Zuko's and as his son's protector. And if you do anything that will hurt either one of them, I will tear you limb from limb," Toph stated and Zuko was surprised at the venom in her tone, but Azula merely laughed.
"Well said, little earthbender. No wonder Zuzu likes you so much," Azula stated and Toph seemed to relax. "And I wouldn't dream of hurting my nephew, he'll be a fine Fire Lord someday. I would hurt my dearest brother, but only if I could do it myself," Azula stated, turning to smirk at Zuko again. The Fire Lord merely frowned at his sister, but another voice spoke up.
"That's no way to speak to your brother," Ursa said sharply. Azula frowned and looked into the shadows, squinting her eyes to see the person who spoke.
"Who's there? How dare you speak that way to me! Who are you?!"
Ursa stepped into the light on the other side of Toph and Zuko watched his sister reel back in shock, though she tried to cover it up quickly. Zuko glanced at his mother and saw sorrow in her eyes and on her face as she watched her daughter trying to comprehend what she was seeing.
"No, it's just another illusion," Azula was saying, holding her head in her hands and shaking her head side to side. "You're not real, it's just a dream."
"Azula," Ursa said softly, "I am real."
Azula started shaking her head more fervently, and Ursa moved to step towards the former princess, but Toph caught her arm.
"She's still my daughter," Ursa told Toph. "Hand me Kuzon, I promise no harm will come to him. But…she needs to see."
Zuko watched as his sister started falling into hysterics as the two women almost had a staring contest before Toph handed her charge to his grandmother. Ursa smiled and took Kuzon before stepping closer to Azula, keeping Kuzon out of reach of the former princess and kneeling outside the bars that separated mother and daughter.
"Azula, look at me," Ursa said gently before her tone became sterner. "Look!"
Azula stopped shaking her head and stared at her mother holding the baby prince.
"I'm holding Kuzon, I'm here," Ursa continued in a gentle tone. "Your nephew is here, before you, since you asked to see him. I was imprisoned by the renegades, and met Toph and my grandson there when they were captured."
Azula merely continued to stare, but shifted off the bed and closer to the bars, almost as if in a hypnotic state. Her eyes were glassy, but focused on Kuzon as the little boy continued to laugh and gurgle before her eyes shifted up to Ursa's face.
"It's not a dream?" Azula asked, almost innocently.
Ursa shook her head and continued to smile at Azula and Azula reached towards the baby, but stopped short, seeming to recognize that she wouldn't be able to touch her nephew. She started frowning as she drew her hand back.
"Where were you? What happened? Why didn't you come?!" Azula started asking and then shouting.
Ursa merely sighed and glanced back at Toph. The earthbender moved forward and took Kuzon from his grandmother.
"I was captured and imprisoned, many years ago. All I knew is that you both were safe, your brother and you. I'm sorry, Azula, I still love you, I'll always love y…"
"No, I'm a monster," Azula muttered, interrupting her mother and turning her back to the group.
Ursa turned back to look at Zuko and he saw the pain on his mother's face. He knew she still cared about Azula, much more than he could, but as he glanced at Kuzon, he thought he understood in a way.
"We'll visit again soon," he told his mother and Azula. "She does this when she doesn't want to talk anymore."
Ursa sighed and nodded, but as she rose, she leaned forward, reached though the bars and touched Azula's shoulder gently.
"Every person still has a mother, no matter who they are," Ursa told her daughter quietly and then she rose and left, followed by Toph. The earthbender glanced back at Zuko as he continued to watch his sister.
"I need to tell her something before I go," he told Toph. "Trust me, I'll be out shortly."
Toph frowned, but nodded and followed Ursa out, closing the door behind her, but keeping it open a crack. Zuko smiled at that, but focused on his sister once more. She still had her back to him, but was touching the spot their mother had touched gently, as if she was cherishing that slight touch.
"Some information for you," Zuko stated and noticed Azula's head came up slightly, and he knew she was listening. "Mom was captured six years ago, before I found the Avatar. Before the end of the war. Some one else was pulling the strings then and the only person I can think of that would want her location kept secret is the one who told me she was still alive." He watched as Azula seemed to take the information in, though she kept her back to him and he pressed on. "In fact, he's not too far from you. He told me she was still alive and that she had been banished for saving my life when I told him I was joining the Avatar on the day of black sun. I know you know who it is. I'll see you later."
Zuko turned to go and as he reached for the door, Azula's voice came to him, almost a whisper it was so low.
"Can I see Mom more?" she asked.
Zuko turned to look at his sister and saw that she still had her back to him, though her head was turned so she could hear his answer.
"Yes, I'll make sure she visits more than I do, if that's what you both want. Kuzon too," he replied and saw a hint of a nod come from his sister. Knowing that his mother would feel better about that, he left the room, motioning for the guard to re-enter. He saw Aang and Katara studying him discreetly while Ursa held Kuzon, distracting the baby as Kalaya held her sleeping son and Toph was frowning at him.
"Later," he muttered to Toph. "Now, I want to face the renegades and see if Seth needs backup."
Toph sighed. "All right. Though I trust him, he may be over his head in this. He still can't tell lies. Fong, we're leaving."
The guards instantly looked more alert and then proceeded to head out. Zuko noticed his mother looking at him and turned to her.
"You can visit her more, I think she'd like that," he told Ursa and she nodded, smiling slightly.
"There's no chance I can see my former husband today, is there?"
"No, not today," Zuko replied, looking towards the door as the warden opened it and sunlight streamed in. "We need to get back to the palace and finish this."
Ursa sighed, but nodded as the group hurried onto Appa and the guards got onto the rhinos and started heading towards the city and palace. Zuko was looking forward to ending the threats and the renegades, once and for all.
XXXXX
Toph waited as they flew to the palace. She had heard every word spoken between Zuko and his sister, and part of her wondered what he was up to. But another part, a larger part, was just tired of all the drama. She didn't care if Azula went after Ozai, as long as Kuzon and Zuko were safe. And though she had her doubts, Toph believed Azula when the former princess had said she wouldn't hurt Kuzon and would only personally hurt Zuko. The Azula Toph had faced in the prison was far different than the princess she had faced five years before. This Azula was broken, and though Toph could hear the smugness that Zuko could, she could also hear and feel the uncertainty in Azula's voice and demeanor. The former princess was bluffing most of the time. Azula had ordered the kill, how, Toph didn't know. But it was done and Kuzon was safe. She was brought out of her thoughts as Appa landed and she immediately jumped down. Feeling everything under control and Seth hurrying towards them, she made steps for the other women as Seth approached them.
"What's the status report?" Zuko asked after Seth had bowed his head to the Fire Lord.
"Four took their own lives when they saw us closing in on them, but we have two in custody. Lord Kino and Admiral Nagatase. They are being questioned currently, but no others have been found."
Zuko nodded and Toph felt him turn towards her. "Do you want to question them?"
"No," Toph replied. "They're doing a great job and I'm tired. You can help if you want to, but I'm gonna rest for a bit. Seth, let me know if you need help."
Seth nodded and Toph started walking to her room with Kuzon, feeling Kalaya and Katara follow her. She knew the women were worried about her, but she pressed on as Zuko spoke more with Seth, though by his vibrations, he was worried about her as well for he kept turning as if he was looking at her as she walked away. Upon reaching her room, Toph sighed. Everything was the same as it had been when she left, though her servant was absent. Toph smirked a little as Kuzon struggled to get down. Ming probably hadn't even been notified that the group was back. She let Kuzon down who immediately stood with the bed's help and started making his way around it as the waterbenders came in behind Toph.
"I don't want to hear anything," Toph stated as she felt Katara stop in her doorway. "I'm just tired."
She felt Kalaya nod as five of the guards approached the room and Toph instantly started feeling trapped. She needed to get away from everyone, but as long as she was with Kuzon, she wouldn't be alone.
"Kalaya, can you watch him? I'm going to take a walk," Toph asked and as Kalaya nodded, she strode out of her room, brushing past Katara who caught her arm.
"Toph, are you sure…"
"I need some time alone," Toph stated, not even looking towards the waterbender and Katara's touch left and Toph hurried out into the gardens. Once there, she slowed her pace and walked around sedately, just enjoying the peace and quiet of the gardens as well as the smells of the flowers blooming and fruit coming into season. Walking around absently, she soon found herself at the bench where Wan Lo had taken her after her big fight with Zuko's mother in law, Jasmine. Toph remembered the night in detail and smiled at how Wan Lo had made her feel better after her temper had burst as she sat on the bench, running her hand over the smooth marble. Her thoughts then turned to so many other times spent with Wan Lo in that same garden, talking, walking, or just kissing when they had a moment to themselves and tears came to her eyes again as she thought about not being able to feel his touch again, or have him hold her, or talk to her ever again. She barely noticed someone approaching her, and turned away when she did notice him.
"Katara said you would be here," Zuko said in a low tone. "I thought we were past this."
Toph felt a small smile try to tug at her mouth, though her tears continued to fall as she tried to stop them. "It's not that, I…I just hate being weak, this crying all the time."
"It's only natural," Zuko said in a somber tone as he continued to approach her. "You heard me after Mai died. And had several wet shoulders because of it."
Toph's smile grew as a smile came into his tone at the end, but her tears continued to fall.
"Yeah, but it was only, what? Three times, maybe four? I'm crying every day! I hate this!" She hastily wiped the tears away, rubbing at her eyes, but they continued to water, though the flow had lessened.
Zuko had reached her and he placed a hand on her shoulder, turning her to face him. "I cried more than that, I just didn't let you hear it," he said softly. "I thought it was weakness too, but with you there, it was easier. Don't hold it in, Toph. You didn't let me hold it in, and I won't let you."
She nodded and rose, hugging him, letting the tears fall into his robe, letting her friend hold her as her pain let itself out. Toph didn't know how long she held onto Zuko, just crying, but she slowly became aware that the entire front of his robes was soaked, and all he did was hold her. No words were spoken this time, and none were needed. They both understood the pain and loss, and they would help each other get through them. Feeling drained, but also feeling better, Toph extracted herself from Zuko and smiled up at him as she wiped the last of the wetness off of her face.
"You're going to have to change," she said with a smirk, but it faltered when she felt a wave of heat coming off Zuko.
"No need, that's one of the benefits of being a firebender," he replied with a smirk in his tone and Toph found herself laughing lightly. "Though you might want to stay out here a little longer so your face isn't as red."
Toph's smirk fell into a frown and she crossed her arms in front of her. "Well, I can tell them it's all your fault. Your heat made me hot and sweaty."
"Hah! Like anyone would believe that," Zuko replied with a smirk in his tone before he sat on the bench. Toph sighed and sat next to him.
"They would, everyone knows your temper," she retorted.
"And they all know yours as well, as well as the reason you might cry. But there's a reason I came out here."
Toph turned sober, though she had enjoyed the slight jesting they shared. "What?" she asked.
"A letter came, from Wan Lo's oldest sister. She's in Tatsu and the sisters are going to have an Earth Kingdom burial ceremony for him. They want you to be there."
Toph frowned and turned away from Zuko again. She didn't know if she could face Wan Lo's sisters, especially on the land Wan Lo had loved so much and go through that pain again. The pain of saying goodbye with people who cared for him. And Wan Lo had died for her, to save Zuko and set things right. Would his sisters claim that she had killed him? Cecilia had been depressed the entire time Toph had stayed at the village after Wan Lo's death and then had left two days before Zuko and his group, saying she was going home. Toph hadn't talked to her much, being as depressed as the young woman over the loss of Wan Lo.
"You don't have to," Zuko said, startling her out of her thoughts. "But it might be good to get away. And I'm sure they would like to meet you. You could use some time to yourself."
"Thought you didn't want me avoiding you," Toph said with a small smirk. "And now, you're sending me away."
Zuko laughed lightly. "You just seem…different. I know going back into my room helped me. This could help you. And don't worry about looking after Kuzon. Aang said he and Katara will stick around for a while to watch Kuzon until you get back."
Toph frowned and crossed her arms over her chest again. "No reading my mind," she stated, causing Zuko to laugh again.
"Then you're going?"
"Yeah," Toph sighed. "Tell them to send my bags from the ship to Tatsu. I'm gonna go."
"When?"
"Now," Toph said and smiled up at Zuko. "It'll be best." She punched his arm and heard him mutter under his breath. "Just be safe, or I'll beat you up."
"You too," Zuko said with a smile and surprised her by drawing her in for a hug and then he seemed to tense and freeze. Toph turned her face up to him and moved away from him to leave a foot between them.
"I'll see you later," she said with a smirk and tinge of irony to which Zuko just chuckled.
"Yeah, and don't terrorize the servants. They're not mine."
"Oh, I won't." Toph turned to leave and turned back to the Fire Lord. "Zuko…be careful."
"I will, Toph. You have my word," he said in a sober tone and Toph nodded before she hurried out of the gardens and palace to earthbend towards Wan Lo's home.
XXXXX
When she arrived, it was night, and a slight chill had entered the air, but Toph knew it was Tatsu. The earth smelled and felt rich and warm and she could smell some of the hybrid roses Wan Lo had introduced to her. She felt footsteps hurrying her way and stopped, smiling as she felt servants and Wan Lo's youngest sister, Cecilia hurry her way. She also felt another woman coming with Cecilia. Taller, with more confident footsteps, much like Wan Lo's.
"Lady Toph, we didn't expect you so soon," the unfamiliar woman stated. "But when we saw the massive earthbending, we knew it must be you."
Toph smiled and nodded, knowing she was facing Wan Lo's eldest sister.
"I am Tachia, you've met my sister, and it's an honor to finally meet you," the woman said, bowing her head to Toph. Toph did the same and was surprised as the woman stepped up to her and pulled her into a hug. She stepped away quickly, leaving the hug familiar and laughed lightly at Toph's confused look. "We're not too formal unless we have to be, and you're family. Welcome to Tatsu."
"Thank you," Toph replied. "I know you would both love to talk all night, but I've had a long day. Would you mind if I retired early?"
"Not at all," Tachia replied before turning to her sister. "Cece, why don't you show her to the main guest room. The one facing the western hill."
Cecilia nodded and turned, leaving Toph to follow the young woman. Toph was surprised as Cecilia led her on in silence, but knew it probably had to do with Wan Lo. Both women had mourned him and had not talked much in the small village near the volcano. Cecilia had left by another boat to head to Tatsu after receiving a letter from her family. Toph wondered if the young woman blamed herself, or even Toph for Wan Lo's death and meant to bring it up before she went to sleep.
"Here it is," Cecilia said suddenly, stopping in front of a door and Toph was amazed again at how young the girl sounded, though they were about the same age. "It has a great view too, but I know you won't mind that. I'm sorry, I have to go."
"Cecilia," Toph said and the girl stopped. "Don't blame yourself for his death. He chose to save Zuko and I tried…I tried to save him."
The girl turned back towards her as Toph thought about Wan Lo dying and then the girl was hugging her and Toph could feel tears falling onto her shoulder.
"I know," the girl said. "And he wanted it to be this way. Good night, Toph. I'll be by in the morning."
Toph nodded and the girl left, though Toph could hear her still crying slightly. She wanted to cry as well, but she was just too drained from all the emotion she had gone through that day. Opening the door, Toph felt the bed and walked to it, collapsing onto it and into a deep sleep. She woke to a gentle knocking and felt rested for the first time in weeks. As she got up, Toph was surprised to find herself on the floor, and that she could feel Cecilia on the other side of the door. Getting up and brushing herself off, she called, "Come in."
"Your clothes arrived," Cecilia stated as she opened the door and seemed to stop and stare. "And I think you'll need them," she said with a light laugh. "Do you want me to call a servant to help you?"
"No," Toph said with a smile. "Just one to draw up a bath."
"Ok, then breakfast will be waiting in the main hall when you're done." Toph nodded and Cecilia set the bag she had been holding down and walked out. Soon a servant came and had dawn a bath and Toph sent the servant away and just enjoyed the hot bath, thinking about Wan Lo's family. They had welcomed her with open arms, though Cecilia was a little standoffish the night before. But Toph thought that could be due to the girl still mourning. She was still crying over Wan Lo herself, and Cecilia had seen her brother for a short time and then had come to find out he had died. As the water started cooling, Toph knew she had to face the sisters and got out, drying quickly and pulling a simple dress on, one she knew would be suitable for both conversing and a funeral if it was today. She made her way out and quickly found Cecilia and Tachia's vibrations in a large room on the ground floor. Both sisters stopped when she entered and Toph was surprised that they were the only ones there besides a few servants hurrying around and placing food on the table.
"Is there anyone else coming?" Toph asked as she approached the chair between the two sisters.
"No," Tachia stated. "Most of our family is Fire Nation, and think that the hero's pyre was good enough. But, we are half Earth Kingdom, and Wan Lo wanted to be buried here. Please thank the Fire Lord for us for having our brother's ashes gathered so we could bury him here."
Toph nodded and sat when the sisters did. "When will the ceremony be?" Toph asked quietly.
"At noon," Tachia replied, holding back tears by the sound of it before she straightened up and then her tone was happier. "But until then, we can get to know each other better, and learn what our brother had been up to before…before he passed. Mother and Father told me to come, that they were too old to make the trip, but they wanted you to know they would like to meet you some day. That you are part of the family. So, what trouble did our brother get you in?"
Toph smiled. "I think it was more the other way around, but I'm honored. Thank you, and I'd love to meet your parents some day." Both sisters nodded and they started talking about Wan Lo and what they knew of him, sharing stories about the times they knew him and enjoying the companionship. All too soon the time came for the funeral and when Cecilia was about to run to her room to 'put on proper mourning clothes', Tachia stopped her.
"He'd want you to celebrate his life, not mourn him, Cece. You know this, it'll be fine."
Cecilia nodded and Toph followed the sisters out and found an earth sage waiting with a stone jar in his hands waiting for them. Toph could smell a faint whiff of charcoal coming from the jar and knew it was time. The sage started a prayer as he walked towards where Toph felt a huge oak tree and the women followed silently. Toph was surprised as tears started flowing down her cheeks, but knew she wasn't the only one as the sage started talking about Wan Lo's life. The old man had known the young firebender as a child and spoke of his talent for growing things and his love for the earth and then went into the prayer of returning the dead to the earth. The sage then opened a hole in the ground at the root of the massive tree and held out the jar. Tachia stepped forward, taking her brother's ashes and kneeled to place them in the grave. Cecilia and Toph remained silent, crying slightly as Tachia stood again and the sage covered the urn with earth.
"May the earth take you back and may you look upon the living with pride, knowing their love for you," the sage said, ending the ceremony. He bowed to the grave and then walked away, leaving the women alone.
"He wanted to be buried here, he always loved the tree like this at home," Tachia said in a low tone.
"It was borne from this one, wasn't it?" Cecilia asked.
"Yes, and he always liked Tatsu, ever since he got here."
"He called it his home," Toph stated and felt both women turn towards her. "He said it was his true home and knew it from the moment he arrived."
Both sisters nodded and stepped back and Toph sank into a horse stance, feeling a chunk of marble below her. She quickly brought it up, shaping it as she brought it up and set it above Wan Lo's urn. Both sisters seemed to have frozen in shock, for Toph had made a perfect likeness of Wan Lo sitting, examining a rose. With both sisters still frozen, Toph turned and walked away, heading away from the grave to hide her tears. She walked until she could feel a strong breeze on her face and sat, knowing she was on the hill her room looked out onto and that it faced the ocean. The smell of the sea was on the breeze, as well as the crops below her and the moist earth turned up by tilling to her right. She sat and thought about Wan Lo, not caring about the tears that continued to fall, as long as no one saw them. Afternoon started to fade into evening and Toph felt the sun on her face when Cecilia approached her. The earthbender turned her face away from Wan Lo's sister, but the girl didn't seem to notice and sat next to Toph, staring out into nothingness.
"He said this was his favorite spot to sit and think," Cecilia said softly.
"Feels like a good one," Toph stated, hoping the girl would leave her alone, but in a small way, hoping she wouldn't.
Cecilia was silent for a while, and both women just sat in silence, one enjoying the scenery, the other the feels and smells.
"He never wanted to do it, you know," Cecilia said suddenly. "Choose between you and me. He said they threatened to kill everyone unless he helped. It was the only way to save some."
"He still chose," Toph said, hearing some anger enter her tone and immediately felt guilty. "And then he threw himself into the lightning to 'set things right'. How could he have been so stupid?! Didn't he know I would want him alive?!"
"He acted on impulse a lot. Mom said it was the firebender in him," Cecilia said with a hint of a laugh. "But he still saved a lot of lives. Most notably the Fire Lord. He believed in the Fire Lord and that what he's doing is right. Don't blame him, I don't."
Toph sighed. "I know, and I don't. I just miss him. But he saw me going through the loss of Mai and helping Zuko through it. Didn't he know what losing him would do to me?"
Cecilia remained silent as the sun set and then stood. "Toph, I need your help."
Toph turned to the girl and raised an eyebrow in question.
"Come on, I'll explain it on the way to the house."
Toph shrugged and stood, following Cecilia to the house, waiting. As they started walking down the hill, Cecilia started speaking.
"Wan Lo told me that if anything happened to him, I was to inherit Tatsu. I'm not nearly as good at growing things as he is, but I'm better than Tachia. She's more business and runs our home. He told me to take care of Tatsu and then he gave me a key. Not just any key, but the key to his vault. Where he keeps his most prized possessions and the genealogies and notes for his plants and hybrids. But, he also said there was something in there for you. I can't go in there alone, and I know you might need someone there for you as well. Will you be there with me?"
Toph nodded. "When?"
"I don't know. When do you think we should? We could do it tomorrow…"
"No, now," Toph stated and walked past Cecilia when the girl stopped in surprise. "We need to do this now while we're still thinking about it. Trust me on this, Cecilia."
The girl nodded and laughed awkwardly. "My friends and family call me Cece. And you're family now. Cecilia is so…formal."
Cecilia giggled at the last and Toph found herself laughing as well. "Well, you've definitely got a bit of Greenie in you. He never liked being so formal either, just had to be."
"He told me about your nicknames. And he loved that name, said it spoke volumes about how much you cared for him."
Toph blushed slightly and nodded. "I loved him, I just didn't realize how much I did until I lost him."
"We all did," Cecilia said somberly.
Toph merely nodded and they walked the rest of the way in silence, Cecilia leading once they got into the house. Toph felt the metal vault behind the wall before they reached it and waited as Cecilia hesitantly pulled a key out of a pocket and exposed the vault with a moving wall and then opened the vault. Toph waited as patiently as she could as Cecilia ruffled through papers and exclaimed over the ingenuity to combine a few plants before the girl stopped suddenly.
"Here it is," Cecilia said in a serious tone as Toph heard paper rustling. "It's a letter. Can I read it to you?"
Toph nodded and waited as more paper rustled and Cecilia started hesitantly, tears in her voice before it became stronger.
"To my dearest Toph. If you're being read this, then I didn't make it out. If I did, I'm burning this as soon as I get home. I'm sorry. Sorry doesn't seem to cover it, for what I'm about to do. All I can say is that I pray one day you understand and that everyone else is all right. You know I've been searching for my sister for some time, to know she's all right, and received a note. She is, for the moment, but I need to help her. I can't come to you or the Fire Lord, they'll kill her. I know they have some contacts higher up, and why they need me, I'm not sure.
"But I'm doing what I'm doing to save her, and you. I hope you're all right and can forgive me one day. If you're being read this, I know you must be hurting. I never intended to cause you such pain, and I would do anything in the world to keep you from such pain, but I also know how strong you really are. I saw you support the Fire Lord through the loss of his wife, your friend. And yet you still had the strength to care for his son, control politicians and find time to love me. And I do love you, so much it makes my heart hurt to even think about doing this, but I must, for all our sakes. If the Fire Lord and you are as crafty as I know you are, everything will turn out ok. And then this letter will be unnecessary.
"Beyond that, if I die, and you have survived, I ask only one thing. Live, Toph. Live and move on. I pray that some day you can find another to love as much as I love you. I know the Fire Lord loves you, whether as a friend or more, I'm not sure. I've been catching him look at you in an odd way lately. But he and your friends love you and you adore Kuzon. You'll be a great mother someday and though I pray it's our children, I know that is unlikely if you have this letter in your hands. But don't follow me. Live your life, for you are the most amazing, courageous person I know. Your love for life is the reason I fell in love with you. Don't let that die along with me. Live and love, my dear Blind Bandit. I love you. Love, your Greenie, Wan Lo."
Toph stood in shock once Cecilia was done and the girl put the letter in her hand, squeezing it as she did so.
"It's a lot for anyone to handle. If you need anyone to talk to, you have us," the girl said and Toph nodded.
"Thanks, I'm…I'm going to my room." With that, Toph turned and hurried to the room she had and stopped once she closed the door. She didn't know what to do. The day had been emotional, as every day had been before that since his death, but Wan Lo wanted something of her. To move on. To love another. Toph knew she couldn't stay in her room with all the thoughts turning around inside her and hurried out, soon finding herself on the hillside again, thinking about Wan Lo, and Zuko. Wan Lo loved her, and Zuko loved her. She laughed to herself at how Wan Lo had seen it in Zuko long before she had known, and maybe before Zuko had known as well. She cared for Zuko, and though it felt as if she were betraying Wan Lo, he himself had told her to move on, to love another. She continued to think about the two important men in her life as time passed, though she was oblivious to it.
A hand on her shoulder startled her awake and Toph felt the dawn light on her backside and felt Tachia behind her.
"Have you been out here all night?" Tachia asked with a wry tone.
Toph merely shrugged and sat up straighter stretching. "Just thinking," she muttered, shaking herself as she felt dew on her arms and head.
Tachia just nodded ad sat next to her. "Cece was right. You do love him, and miss him terribly. We all do, but you're taking it hard."
"This gave me a lot more to think about," Toph said, holding the letter out. Tachia nodded and though Toph expected the woman to take it, she didn't.
"Cece told me about it. Wan Lo was like that, and he did love you. He'd want you to move on, to live. But that's not all you're struggling with, is it?"
Toph frowned as a wry tone entered Tachia's voice. "Are you sure you're not an earthbender?"
Tachia just laughed. "Nope, firebender. Just good at reading faces, especially with Cece being so unusually depressed. You two are really alike. What else is bothering you?"
"I'm not sure I should be talking about this with anyone. The rumors are bad enough as it is," Toph sighed. "And the one person I usually go to with problems like this is the problem."
"Sometimes a stranger is better than close friends. You love the Fire Lord, don't you," Tachia stated.
"I'm not sure. I do care for him, but it's different than how I love Wan Lo. And I know he loves me, differently than he loved Mai. I know I have a duty to him and his son, I'm just not sure I can take it further than we already are. He's already gone too fast and apologized for it."
"Then take it slow, but follow my brother's advice. He always spoke of you as happy and light. I can see it in your face, but you've also been so sad since I've met you."
"Take it one day, one moment at a time," Toph muttered before she smiled. "The same advice I gave Zuko and he gave me. Thanks."
"Well, now that that's done, you want to come in and get something to eat before you leave?"
Toph laughed as a smile was in Tachia's tone. "Who says I'm leaving?"
"Your face," the woman said with a shrug. "If you're anything like my brother or sister, you'll face your problem as soon as you can and go back. But you need food first."
"All too true," Toph said with a wry smile before she got up and followed Tachia back to the main hall to have a last meal with the sisters before heading back to the palace.
XXXXX
Toph made her way back to the city at a more leisurely pace than she had left, and found herself at the palace as the sun started to dip towards the horizon. Feeling slightly nervous about facing Zuko right away, she decided to visit Kuzon first and felt Katara watching over the young prince, her own daughter and Hakul by herself.
"Toph, I didn't expect you back so soon," Katara stated, standing as Toph entered the room.
Toph smiled at her friend, feeling the shock of Katara as the waterbender suddenly jumped to a standing position.
"I've been gone three days, that's long enough," Toph said as she made her way to the bed where the three kids were.
"Yes, but…by the way you were acting, the way you took off…Zuko and us, well, we thought you'd be gone for a week at least," Katara stated, seeming to be puzzled by Toph's smile and good nature. Toph reached the bed and felt Kuzon's pulse speed up against his bracelet as he woke up and he seemed to get happy as he noticed Toph.
"Hey there, Little Sunshine," Toph told her charge gently as he lifted his arms towards her. She picked him up and he let out a content sigh before he muttered two syllables.
"Mama," Kuzon said before snuggling into the crook of Toph's shoulder.
Toph froze and felt Katara do so as well.
"What was that?" Toph asked in a low tone. "Little Sunshine, what did you say?" She held him out and he reached for her, getting agitated that he couldn't be where he wanted to be.
"Mama," he said again, getting a hold on her shoulder and pulling so that he could be close again.
"He's been talking more, but no words," Katara said in a whisper. "Kuzon, who am I?"
Toph felt the prince move his head to look at Katara and he gurgled happily before he said, "Ga-ga-Ka." Kuzon then turned back towards Toph and cuddled into her, sighing "Mama," one more time.
Toph still felt frozen, but exhilarated at the same time. Kuzon had called her 'Mama'. And even though she wasn't his mother, she knew she loved him like he was her own, as much as Katara loved Katiana or Kalaya loved Hakul. She started rubbing his back and noticed that he fell into a deep sleep quickly as she held him.
"He must have been watching us," Katara mused as she sat down, still in a state of shock. "Kalaya and I have been trying to get Katiana and Hakul to say that for a few days, but neither has. Hakul just says the first part. Kuzon hasn't been sleeping well since you left either. How could he have…?"
"I don't know, and I don't care," Toph said, feeling a grin on her face as she continued to hold Kuzon. "I just know I'm home."
Katara merely nodded as Toph held the sleeping prince, though Toph noticed that the waterbender got her resolve back quickly. "But why are you back so soon?"
Toph shrugged. "I got some good advice, and the funeral was yesterday. Wan Lo left one last thing for me, and I intend to do it."
"What?" Katara asked, completely confused. "What are you talking about? Does this have to do with what happened between you and Zuko?"
Toph sighed and turned toward her friend. "Yes. Wan Lo left a letter, explaining why he did what he did. He said…he said he wants me to move on, some day. I need to speak to Zuko. I feel him on the other side of the palace. Where's Aang?"
"Zuko's in a meeting and he got word this morning that some bison had been seen to the north. He told Aang and I that he's been having his people keep an eye out for bison, lemurs and airbenders, so that Aang and Appa aren't the last of their kind. Aang took off this morning to find them, but since I wasn't feeling well, I stayed behind."
"With another one on the way, I understand," Toph said with a wry smile before she started to set Kuzon back down on the bed. He held on tighter, though she could tell he was still asleep and she smiled. "No, Little Sunshine. I need to see your father, but I'll be back. I promise," she whispered to the baby and his grip relaxed and he let go when she set him on the bed. Toph sighed and smiled as she felt Kuzon shift towards Kataiana before she turned to Katara "All right, now to deal with Zuko."
"Don't give him too much trouble," Katara said with a wry tone and Toph smiled at her friend.
"Only a little," Toph replied and left the room to Katara's laughter. As she walked out of the room and towards Zuko, Toph's smile left. She wasn't sure what she would say to Zuko, she just knew she needed to talk to him as soon as she could. She did care about him, and wanted to be there for him, but she was also still grieving and now that they were back in the palace, the rumors would be more exaggerated. Turning into the hallway that led to the throne room, Toph frowned as she felt Chang turn into the hallway as well. The Earth Kingdom emissary seemed surprised to see her there for a second before he hurried up to walk beside her.
"A surprise to find you here, Lady Toph," the man said with a hint of contempt in his voice. "We had all heard about your loss and that you were in the country grieving."
Toph frowned at the man, but continued walking. "The funeral was yesterday, but I have duties to perform here. What do you want, Chang?"
She felt him adjust slightly, but they continued to walk. "I'm here to see the Fire Lord, on behalf of another."
Toph was puzzled by his tone. Chang almost seemed happy, though she couldn't figure out why. Whenever she had gone into a meeting with the man, he was always angry, agitated and frustrated. They stopped before the great doors as Toph felt Zuko and several others inside and she was slightly surprised to find no guards outside the door.
"What are you really here for, Chang?" she asked, turning to the man. "I need to speak with Zuko, alone."
"Then you shall, my lady," he said, inching closer to her and she could smell his stinky breath on her face. "I need to talk to the Fire Lord as well. About some issues that would benefit the Earth Kingdom." Toph wrinkled her nose and moved her head up so that she estimated she was meeting him eye to eye.
"The only things you ever wanted were things that couldn't be done," she remarked, refusing to back down from the man. She felt him shrug and he stepped to the side, towards the door. He moved like he was going to open the door as he spoke.
"The only things I ever wanted were for the benefit of my county," he said before moving faster than she had thought he could. Chang had moved behind her and grabbed one of her hands. She tried to punch backwards with her other hand and earthbend him away, but then a sharp object was placed at her throat and she stopped. "Unlike a traitor like yourself," he sneered before his tone changed to prideful. "Do you like it? It's bone," Chang whispered in her ear, making her shiver in disgust. "We had to think of something new for you, just in case you showed up." Toph tried to struggle out of his hold, but the sharp object came closer to her throat and she felt it scratch her slightly.
"No, my lady," he said, pressing more of the bone blade against her throat so she could feel the ragged edge on her skin. "No taking chances. I'm going to enjoy the look on his face when he sees the woman he cares for, the one who betrayed her people for him, look helpless before he dies."
Toph wanted to scream, trying to think of a way out of her predicament, and shifted her foot, trying to earthbend a notice to Zuko or Seth inside, but as she moved, she felt a commotion going on inside and Chang must have seen or felt her slight movement because the bone knife moved and Toph felt it scratch her throat more, close to her artery. Sounds of struggle came through the door as Toph felt two of the guards overtake the others and some of the advisors take out another guard and close in on Zuko.
"Shall we, my lady?" Chang asked and Toph scowled as she heard one of the advisors come to the door and open it.
Toph merely swallowed, waiting to find an opening as Chang guided her ahead of him and into the throne room. Zuko's stance moved from ready to fight to surprise, though he seemed to hide it well and Toph wondered if anyone else had noticed it. She found Seth held by Li, Kaluk held by Ton, an earthbending guard and Zuko surrounded by three of his five advisors, the other two watching. Tilon, a younger advisor was in the corner, huddling as if fearing for his life as Rikan, the eldest of the advisors and seemingly neutral until that point gazed upon Zuko in a confident stance. Zuko adjusted slightly, and Toph felt him start to move towards a form until Rikan spoke.
"Don't try anything, my Lord, or the lady dies," the old advisor said and Toph was curious about his tone. It had the threat in it, but Rikan also seemed tired. She wondered if the old man was being forced to do this and it was confirmed when he spoke again. "We don't wish to do this, but your actions have forced his hand and he sent his top assassin to deal with us and thus you."
"What are you talking about?" Zuko asked. "We ended the renegades, took out their leader. Or is the man who claimed to be my father the one who was behind this from the beginning?"
Rikan shook his head wearily, and Toph knew that what Zuko had suspected was true. Ozai was behind this. She kept her focus on everyone in the room and was surprised as a woman came hurrying towards them. And not just any woman, but Ming, her servant. She almost called out a warning to her until Toph noticed that Ming was walking with a determined, almost empowered stride and when she entered, Rikan bowed his head humbly.
"Didn't think about me, did you, my lady," Ming said as she turned to Toph, but the earthbender just glared at the woman. "Doesn't matter. I have orders and that means the deaths of those responsible for the fall of the Phoenix King and the true Fire Lord, so that another will rise up and bring glory to our country once more."
"Another?" Zuko asked in contempt. "Who else is there? Azula's gone insane and Ozai is powerless."
"Your son, my Lord," Ming answered easily. "The children will be spared and raised to bring the world into order again."
"It is in order, you idiot," Toph sneered. "We have a hundred years of war and hatred to turn around. It can't be done in one day."
She felt Ming turn towards her and Chang moved the bone knife closer to Toph's throat, so that she could feel the serrated edge start to dig into her throat.
"Children," Zuko said quietly before he started to lunge towards Ming, but the men facing him merely moved as if to fire at him and he settled down. "You sent Aang to his death! It's a trap!"
"Of course," Ming stated. "A new Avatar will be born and will be found and raised the right way. His daughter will be an airbender. It's a shame his wife didn't go, but if she cooperates, then it won't be necessary to have her follow her husband."
"She's pregnant," Zuko stated and Ming seemed slightly surprised, but stood her ground in silence.
"So what about me?" Toph asked. "And Ursa and Iroh and all the others."
"The former princess and general will come in to raise their grandson and nephew, passing on the wisdom they have, but the advisors will control the country and teach him the proper way of thought. You, I'm afraid you'll have to die. You've shown too much audacity for the Phoenix King to spare your life."
"All this talk about regaining your glory," Chang sneered from behind Toph. "You'll keep your promise to pay the Earth Kingdom and be at peace, right?"
"Of course," Ming stated. "After you do your job."
She made a motion and Toph felt Chang start to move, pulling the knife to her left, but Zuko seemed to become frantic.
"No, kill me first, I'm the one you want to kill," he said, his tone becoming more agitated. "I'm the Fire Lord, the one you've been after. Kill me first!"
Toph was surprised by the conviction in his voice, the pleading she heard and she knew he couldn't watch her die, but she wasn't going to go down without a fight and after feeling Wan Lo die, she couldn't bear to feel Zuko die.
"Very well," Ming stated and pulled out something from a pocket, probably a bone knife by the sound of it. "You shall be first, my Lord. Know that it is an honor for me to do this."
Toph felt an opening as Chang stopped and quickly shifted her feet, earthbending underneath Seth and Kaluk's captors as well as Chang, disturbing the ground beneath them slightly to catch them off balance as Ming strode towards Zuko. Seth and Kaluk took the advantage and Seth sent a wave of marble towards Ming, but it was stopped short by Ton before Kaluk took out the guard and the advisors facing Zuko seemed to not know what to do, but fired on the Fire Lord. Zuko blocked the fire and sent some at Ming, but it was blocked by his advisors as Ming continued to approach him. During all this, Toph brought her free hand up to grab Chang's hand on his knife and pushed it away as she twisted her other hand out of his grip and elbowed him in the gut before running for Ming. She knew she had to stop the woman from killing Zuko, any way possible and as time seemed to slow, she knew that what Wan Lo had done was the right thing, to die for his Fire Lord, his friend, for the beliefs that Zuko had. Toph also had another reason and she knew that earthbending wasn't going to be fast enough, the same as when Wan Lo had died. Knowing this, she ran straight for Ming as Zuko watched the woman approach him and start to thrust towards him with her knife. Toph moved her hand and brought up a shield of earth, trying to estimate where the knife was and knew she had miscalculated when she felt the knife enter her side. Everything seemed to stop as the knife stopped once it was in her and Ming even seemed surprised until Toph felt intense heat next to her ear before the smell of flesh burning came to her and Ming collapsed the same time Toph did. The room seemed to heat up as Toph felt Zuko catch her and she could feel her strength draining as her blood poured out of her side.
XXXXX
Zuko watched as Ming approached him slowly. He knew that there was little chance he could get out of this, but if Toph could survive and the fact that his son would be spared gave him the courage to act as if he was ready to die. As he thought about it, he knew he would die, for Toph and his son. They meant so much more to him than his own life. The servant girl, Ming, had surprised him and he wondered why the girl had not taken the initiative before. But that was the past and now he watched her walk with determined steps towards him with a bone dagger. A commotion sounded and out of the corner of his eye, Zuko saw Seth, Kaluk and Toph turn on their captors. Ming's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she continued to walk towards him, now a mere five feet away. Zuko knew this was an opening and took it, firing at his turncoat advisors and Ming, but the men actually blocked his fire and fired back to which he had to block and Ming continued to draw closer. He saw her draw back her dagger as he was forced to block fire again when Toph suddenly was between him and Ming and the white of the dagger flashed forward. Toph stopped suddenly, almost halting to a stop and Ming looked startled before drawing back the dagger covered in blood. Zuko just reacted and punched out at Ming over Toph's shoulder, hitting her square in the face with a fireball and caught Toph as the earthbender fell and he heard Ming scream once as the assassin fell away from them. He saw Toph struggling to breathe and yet smile, but blood was pouring out of her side, staining her green dress a deep red and pooling on the floor.
"No, you can't leave me Toph," Zuko whispered to her and he heard the anguish in his own tone. "Not now. Not after I lost Mai."
Somehow, she smiled up at him and raised a hand, bringing it to his cheek and placing it on his scar. He barely noticed Ming squirm more before falling still as some of the advisors and guards backed away from him and ran.
"It'll be alright," she said weakly and Zuko shook his head, feeling his emotions take over. It felt just as bad as when Mai had died, when his mother had left, when Toph and Kuzon had been captured, and yet worse. He felt the room start to heat up, and knew he was causing it, but didn't care as he held Toph who was dying in his arms.
"No," he replied, feeling tears falling down his face and evaporating from the heat of the room. "I love you, Toph. I can't do this again."
Toph just smiled at him and he noticed faintly that a fireball had engulfed the room around them, and that most of the people had fled, though a pair of turncoat advisors were trapped in the corner, but he didn't care about them.
"Live, Zuko," Toph said in a faint voice. "I love you, too."
Suddenly, her hand fell from his face and her eyes rolled back before she closed her eyes and slumped to the floor and Zuko felt his anguish and desperation take over and the heat around them intensified. Deep down inside, he knew he couldn't live without Toph, and poured his grief into the fire, willing the heat to become greater, to consume them both, knowing his son would be safe and raised by his uncle and mother.
A/N: Don't worry, there's an epilogue. I would like some people to review first before I give it to you. Thanks.