Chapter 10

That evening, Toph sat alone on a ledge, facing the sunset while sipping on a pink liquid in a tall glass used for sundaes. At that time, Obi-wan arrived, Toph placed her hand on the ground as he arrived. Toph: "Oh, it's only you, Obi-wan." Obi-wan: "Hello, Toph, you don't mind if I sit near you, do you?" Toph: "Nah. Pull up a ledge."

Obi-wan walked up to Toph and sat down next to her. He looked at her several times, trying to think of something to say. Obi-wan: "So, um…what's on your mind, this evening?"

Toph shrugged her shoulders. Toph: "A bunch of stuff." Obi-wan: "Like what?" Toph: "Nothing really important. It's just…this is all brand new to me. Meeting a lot of different people, going around new places, it's a lot to take in, especially for someone like me who can't see anything." Obi-wan: "Ah, I see, that's completely understandable."

They sat for a few moments and said nothing. Toph took a sip of her drink. Obi-wan: "You know, Toph, we have some things in common with each other." Toph: "We do?"

Obi-wan nodded. Obi-wan: "Much like you were, I was born in a wealthy family." Toph: "Huh, you don't say." Obi-wan: "Yes, it's true. However, I was not secluded from the rest of the world like you were, in fact, when I was very little, I was taken from my home to Coruscant after my skills with the Force were discovered. Here, I was trained to become a Jedi." Toph: "You're lucky; I wish I was taken some place where I could be able to hone my skills to their fullest. My parents never allowed me to leave. They even kept the fact that they had a daughter from the world as a means to "protect" me." Obi-wan: "Huh, you don't say. You know what? I hardly remember my family back at home. Although, I do have vague memories of playing with my younger brother Owen. I have occasionally visited my family back at home, but not often." Toph: "Hmm, too bad. I don't have any idea what that's like. Ever since I was young, I was always sick of being locked away from the rest of the world. I always hated how my parents kept me away from all of that because I'm blind. They even hired a private tutor to teach me basic Earthbending, being that's how they always saw me." Obi-wan: "But you went beyond your parents' boundaries and became a very extraordinary Earthbender." Toph: "Yes, and that second rate hack they hired couldn't even teach a toddler how to Earthbend."

Obi-wan chuckled a little. Obi-wan: "I see, so who did teach you to Earthbend?" Toph: "Well, when I was really young, I ran away from home. I know it seems wrong, but if you were in my position, you would probably do the same…or probably not, but anyway, I ran and hid in this cave. There, I met a couple of Badgermoles." Obi-wan: "Badgermoles? You don't mean the first ever Earthbending teachers, do you?" Toph: "Yes, the very same. The thing is they were blind, so we understood each other. After they took me in, they taught me how to Earthbend, as a means of living, not for fighting." Obi-wan: "Hmm, I see, and it's because these Badgermoles are blind, they depend on their Earthbending senses to determine their surroundings." Toph: "Exactly, it's from them that I learned how to feel things out with Earthbending." Obi-wan: "So, you've learned Earthbending directly from its true source. Is that why your bending is so incredibly powerful?" Toph: "Yes, that's exactly it! It was through my Earthbending senses that I also invented a new Earthbending technique known as Metalbending, by feeling the vibrations inside the metal that allowed me to feel out the small fragments of earth inside the metal." Obi-wan: "Yes, you already told us about that."

Toph chuckled a little. Toph: "You know something else? I'm the only one who knows how to carry it out, I haven't even taught the Avatar." Obi-wan: "Really? Especially not Aang? Well…some way, I can understand that…you know, I don't speak of my home very often, but you, you're special, Toph. Not because you're blind, but because you're strong; one of the strongest people I have ever known. Everyone has something that holds them back, but not you, you always keep going; not even your blindness holds you back. I admire you for that." Toph: "Hmm, I like you, Obi-wan, you're a good person and a great listener. It's been a lot of fun talking to you." Obi-wan: "I appreciate that, Toph. You're a lot of fun to be around, too."

Toph smiled, before long, she punched Obi-wan in the arm. Obi-wan: "Ow! What in blazes did you do that for!?" Toph: "It's how I show affection, when I do that, it means I really like someone."

Obi-wan rubbed on his arm. Obi-wan: "Well, if this is what you do to the people you like, then I don't want to know how you do treat people you don't like." Toph: "Yeah, good point."

They both faced each other and laughed. Toph then took another sip of her drink. Toph: "By the way, these milkshake things rock. I've had 5 of these things and I still can't get enough." Obi-wan: "I'm…glad to hear it, Toph. I'm grateful that each of you have found ways to adjust to our world." Toph: "You know what? I think I'm going to like it here, knowing that people like you occupy this world. As long as I stick close to you, I know everything will turn out all right."

Obi-wan smiled then he looked out and watched the sunset alongside her.

Later on, Aang stood with Katara and Zuko in front of a window and stared out at the city. Ahsoka then joined them. She looked at Aang and noticed something about him. Ahsoka: "You looked troubled. Are you OK, Aang?" Aang: "This place is so different. It's very different from the world I'm use to, how the monks of my temple raised me." Katara: "Not to mention that this place makes Ba Sing Se look so…small, or the fact that this place is completely made of metal." Ahsoka: "What are the cities are there of your world?" Katara: "I guess, depending on the location, I'd say, some of them are the kind that are made of rock or other natural things. We had some building that were made of metal, of course, but none as advance as this." Zuko: "Our most advanced engineers didn't come close to being as efficient as this." Ahsoka: "I take it you guys came from a simple place." Katara: "Yes, we relied on the elements of our world for many things." Ahsoka: "Sounds fascinating." Katara: "Most of the buildings of the Earth Kingdom were constructed by Earthbenders. In the North Pole, the entire city is sculptured from ice by Waterbenders." Ahsoka: "An entire city constructed from ice? I'm not sure how anyone would thrive in such an environment." Katara: "Well, environments that have a lot of ice are perfect for Waterbenders because there's always lots of water to bend." Ahsoka: "So areas containing lots of water and ice are perfect environments for Waterbenders, while many rocky terrains are perfect for Earthbenders." Katara: "Exactly, the Earth Kingdom capital of Ba Sing Se was built in one. The entire city was constructed by Earthbenders. It is surrounded by a huge wall to protect it from invaders. It takes more than 10 Earthbenders just to open and close them." Ahsoka: "Whoa! That sounds like a lot was put into that 1 city. It must be huge!" Katara: "It's the biggest city of our world. Although, this whole planet pretty much tops that." Ahsoka: "I know but your Earth Kingdom city sounds really amazing." Katara: "It is a pretty amazing place." Ahsoka: "So, what sort of environments do Air Nomads find best?" Aang: "We set up our homes on mountains tops in secluded areas. My people have always detached themselves from the world and lived freely. We never resort to any type of strife or conflict, we always lived in peace and that was how we liked it. We would sometimes wander away from our homes and travel the world, looking for fun and adventure. That was the life I always wanted. I never wanted to be the Avatar."

Ahsoka walked up to Aang and embraced him closely. Ahsoka: "I'm so sorry, Aang, for everything you had to endure. I may have some idea with what you're going through." Aang: "You do?"

Ahsoka let go of Aang and stood up in front of him. Ahsoka: "I was taken from my home when I was really young by Master Plo Koon, shortly after my abilities were discovered. Although, it was normal for someone like myself to be pulled away at such a young age." Aang: "Not for me. I was never supposed to learn of my identity until I was a bit older. My childhood was taken away from me way too quickly." Ahsoka: "I know, Aang, I know."

Anakin stepped into the room. Anakin: "It's time to go." Aang: "Go? Where?" Anakin: "We're leaving Coruscant. We're going to show you kids what life is like in outer space."

Aang became startled, then looked down. Anakin became concerned with Aang. Anakin: "Is there anything wrong, Aang?" Aang: "It's just…no, it's nothing. Let's go."

Aang walked out of the room. Katara and Zuko followed. Ahsoka walked up towards Anakin and shrugged her shoulders before leaving. Anakin followed.

Soon enough, they were in a small shuttle leaving Coruscant. The shuttle they were in was enough to seat all 9 of them: the Jedi; Ahsoka, Anakin and Obi-wan, the Benders; Katara, Toph, Zuko and Aang, and their warrior friends, Sokka and Suki. As they flew further into space, the Benders and Sokka and Suki sat in awe as they stared out the window and looked into the starry void. Katara stood up and moved up closer to the front. She smiled as she stared out of the front window. Katara: "Wow! This is beautiful! You guys must see stuff like this all the time!" Anakin: "Yes, it's part of our daily lives." Aang: "This is so strange! I've never even thought about life in space."

Ahsoka looked back at him. Ahsoka: "Aang?" Sokka: "He does have point. We don't really think much about space, though we would sometimes look up at the night sky and think of what could be up there; the kind of things that make us feel so insignificant. You know, like we're ants." Ahsoka: "Yeah, I see your point." Sokka: "But still, it is pretty amazing. The closest we've ever gotten to anything about outer space involved mainly Avatar stuff." Anakin: "Avatar stuff?"

Suddenly, everyone felt a major ruckus. Katara: "What was that!?"

Anakin looked up and saw an entire fleet of ships right in front of them, constantly shooting at them. Anakin: "Dang! We're caught in the middle of a Separatist fleet!" Sokka: "The Separatists!? You mean as in your enemies!? Those Separatist!?" Anakin: "Well, what were you expecting, Sokka!?" Katara: "Where did they all come from!?" Anakin: "I don't know! I guess they took us by surprise!" Obi-wan: "I don't think we'll be getting out of this!" Anakin: "You're right! Our ship is badly damaged! It looks like we have no other choice. We'll have to introduce our new friends to some of our enemies."

Anakin pulled the shuttle closer to one of the Separatist fleet ship and docked inside. Anakin, Obi-wan and Ahsoka stood up and faced the Benders. Anakin: "Let's go!"

Everyone but Sokka stood up. But Sokka crouched down behind his seat. Sokka: "Um…I think I should stay here, where it's nice and safe."

Aggravated, Anakin walked up to Sokka, grabbed him by the shirt and dragged him out. Anakin: "Come on!"

Everyone stepped out of the shuttle. Soon enough, they were all surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of Battle Droids. Droid: "Halt! Intruders!"

All the droids aimed their blasters towards them. Droid: "Don't move, or we'll blast you all right where you stand." Sokka: "What are these things?" Anakin: "Battle droids. They're programmed to fight only for the Separatists."

Toph then burst into laughter. Toph: "You've got to be kidding me! These whiny little things are Battle Droids?"

She continued laughing. Droid: "I'm warning you! Don't do anything…"

Just then, Toph unleashed her Earthbending and send them off flying in different directions. Droid: "Intruders in Sector B! Send in reinforcements immediately. They are extremely powerful, I repeat, they are extremely powerful!" Other Droid: "Who are these kids!?" Droid: "I don't know; I've never seen them before!" Toph: "If those things are our enemies, then I don't think we have anything to worry about." Obi-wan: "There are far more powerful foes than just those droids, Toph!" Ahsoka: "Yeah. Those are just your typical, run of the mill battle droids, they're not very bright, but they can pose as a great threat in numbers." Anakin: "We're in dangerous grounds, so stay close to us and we'll get out of here alive." Katara: "Don't worry about us!"

Katara pulled out her Keyblade. Katara: "We have Kingdom Hearts on our side."

She put it away. Katara: "As long as we have that, nothing here can even scratch us."

They soon ran out.

As they ran deeper into the ship, they encountered more droids approaching them. Aang and Toph held back the droids with the use of their bending abilities, successfully overpowering them and bringing them down. Toph: "Oh, come on! Is that the best they've got?" Anakin: "Not even close!" Katara: "Where should we go next?" Obi-wan: "The only place we can go is forward. It's too late to turn back now." Voice: "Going somewhere?"

They turned around and spotted Asajj Ventress standing in front of them, holding both her Lightsabers out. Sokka: "AH! BALD, UGLY LADY!" Anakin: "Bald, ugly lady is right!" Obi-wan: "Ventress!" Ventress: "It's been a while, hasn't it, Masters Jedi?" Anakin: "I'd say a little too soon!" Obi-wan: "Same here!" Ahsoka: "How's it going, witch? Anything changed since our last encounter or just the same old, same old boring stuff?" Ventress: "I never share any valuable information with my enemies, but I see that you have made some new friends since we've last met." Katara: "What's it to you!?" Ventress: "Just wanted to know who I'm dealing with. Such a shame; you kids look no older than Skywalker's filthy pet. Some of you don't even look like real fighters, at all."

Aang blew Ventress back with his Airbending. As she got back up and approached them, Zuko shot out a fireball from his fist. Zuko: "Don't come any closer if you value your life! I will burn you alive!" Ventress: "So, you do know a few tricks, guess you kids are worth something, after all." Toph: "What is that suppose to mean!?" Ventress: "It means that I may have an interesting fight on my hands."

Suki pulled out her Keyblade. Suki: "Come and get some, you hag!"

As Ventress ran towards them, Ahsoka blocked her advances with her Lightsaber. Ahsoka: "Go! I'll handle her! Sokka, Suki, you're with me!"

Suki ran towards Ahsoka. Sokka: "What!? But I don't want to fight the scary, bald lady!"

Anakin ran over to him and shoved him towards them. Sokka stood paralyzed in fear. Katara: "Be careful, Ahsoka; I don't want anything to happen to my brother!"

Anakin and Obi-wan ran off with the Benders while Ahsoka, Suki and Sokka stood in front of Ventress, holding their weapons out. Sokka trembled in fear as he held his Keyblade in front of him. Ventress: "This is going to be fun." Ahsoka: "I couldn't agree more."

The 2 sides soon commenced their dispute.

Meanwhile, Anakin, Obi-wan and the Benders ran through the hallways. At that time, they were being watched by 2 familiar figures. Voice: "Ah, the Jedi have arrived and they have brought some new friends." Robotic Voice: "Shall I proceed to apprehend them?" Voice: "Make it so, and be sure to give them the usual greeting." Robotic Voice: "With pleasure."

They continued running until they reached the end of the hallway followed by other hallways leading to the left and the right. Katara: "Which way should we go?"

Obi-wan pondered for a minute. Obi-wan: "Perhaps we should split up and take both directions." Aang: "OK, which sides are we taking?" Toph: "Wait a minute!" Anakin: "What is it, Toph?"

Toph crouched down and placed her hand on the floor. Toph: "I feel something! Battle droids, coming our way!"

She stood up. Anakin: "What? You can't be serious!" Toph: "I wish I wasn't, but the vibrations are never deceiving." Obi-wan: "Which direction are they coming from?"

Toph turned towards the first hallway and pointed in that direction. Toph: "There!"

Everyone else did the same and spotted hundreds of battle droids heading towards their direction from a distance. Zuko walked back and stood in front of the droid army. He then pulled out his Keyblades and shot fire out of it. Aang walked back and stood by Zuko's side, blowing out a funnel of wind towards the droids. Zuko looked back at the others. Zuko: "Go! We'll handle them!" Obi-wan: "Right! Anakin, you take the left hallway! I'll take the right with Toph!" Anakin: "Got it! Katara, you're with me!" Katara: "Right!"

Obi-wan and Toph ran off towards the right. Katara: "Be careful, Aang! We still don't know much about these battle droids." Aang: "Don't worry about us, Katara! We'll catch up with you later." Katara: "OK. Let's go, Anakin."

Katara ran off with Anakin towards the left hallway. Zuko and Aang continued fighting off the droids. As Aang continued Airbending, Zuko shot fire out of his fist through the funnel he was creating like a flamethrower, Aang then focused his funnel, moving it back and forth, wiping out each droid in a row. Zuko: "OK, that should be enough. Let's try to catch up with Obi-wan and Toph!" Aang: "Yes!"

Aang and Zuko ran through the right hallway.