Chapter 24 tournament
A/N: And now what so many have been waiting for. Major plot point I've been thinking about for years! And finally, here it is. Please, Read & Review!
Zuko was amazed at how many people were in the convention center for the tournament. It felt like fifty schools with at least 20 people each were there. He knew that wasn't true. Jun had informed him it was only 19 groups with nearly all having the same amount of people as Avatar High. And, not even half the competitors were even there yet! But the place; it was huge and there were stands around some of the rings. Toph held his hand as they followed Jun towards where he could see a glimpse of green. She had told him she needed to hold onto part of him when they entered until she could get her bearings as new places with lots of people could overwhelm her senses until she adapted. He was actually kind of glad she had insisted. The crowd and space was overwhelming to him as well. How was he actually going to figure out where anything was? Could he even be an assistant coach here?
"Zuko! Toph!," Sokka yelled out and waved them over where he was standing near one of the rings. "Glad you're here early. Didn't think Toph could wake up before the sun was high."
"Ha ha," Toph replied dryly before smirking and punching Sokka's arm with her free hand once they were close enough. "I can wake up early when it's necessary. I just don't like to."
Zuko let a small smile onto his face as Sokka rubbed his arm, who was still smiling at Toph. "C'mon", the blue eyed senior stated. "This way." They followed Sokka to a green pop up canopy set against the wall where they found Mr. Jeong, Angie, Katara and Aang. Zuko glanced around, surprised more weren't there. Angie must have noticed and smiled at him.
"I just got a text from Smellerbee. She and everyone but Hide just got to the entrance and are checking in now."
Zuko nodded to her and looked around. They were situated against one of the walls of the convention center, in the middle of 4 other groups, 3 of which had green as one of their colors. The closest entrance was over 200 feet away and was a fire exit. It appeared locked from the outside and the type of door which would sound an alarm if opened. Next to that was a security guard and a booth where judges and scorekeepers had set up a base. Adults were talking, drinking coffee and organizing paperwork.
Toph squeezed his hand slightly before letting go and helping Katara find a spot for their bags. Zuko continued to study the space. More spaces had been prepared for groups between their group and the sparring rings, outlined with tape, but the other groups hadn't set up yet. One area just had a pile of bags. The sparring rings were in the middle of the convention space. Each was about thirty feet wide and then had benches around them and then small stands. There was a large, central ring, set up on a small stage with the largest stands set around it, and 10 other rings set around that in a half circle. Zuko saw Bato and Danny in the crowd, surveying the area as he was doing. He knew his group was farthest from the main entrance where people checked in, but there were 2 other smaller entrances/exits besides 4 fire exits he could make out signs for. Zuko also noticed a sign for a food court and the restrooms on the opposite side from the fire exit and judges booth.
"I hope this meets your guardian's approval," Mr. Jeong stated as he walked up towards Zuko with a small smile. Zuko glanced at Jun who had just finished surveying the area as he had and saw her nod. The scarred teen just let a small smile out.
"Thank you, Mr. Jeong," Zuko said softly.
Jeong just nodded in reply. "My student's safety is my highest priority. Now, I must show you where you'll be assisting me and what you need to do. Jun, may I leave you here to watch over the others while I show Mr. Roku around?"
"Of course," Jun replied easily before taking a sip of her mug.
Zuko let the teacher lead him to the judges booth where he saw the agent Sue and also Cho from the mountain party. Cho greeted him warmly and stated he was glad to see him and sad that he couldn't see him spar that weekend. Zuko was glad to find out he wasn't the only student assistant coach who hadn't done this before as 2 other instructors brought their assistants to the booth to introduce them as other 2 students seemed to be about Zuko's age, and one was in the same predicament that Zuko was. He saw the cast on her right ankle as she noticed the cast on his wrist and they gave each other small smiles and shrugs. They all seemed to understand they wished they could be sparring, but couldn't at that moment.
Zuko and the other assistants received the paperwork they needed, a map, and a schedule for the next 2 days. Sunday's schedule had not been set yet as they would have to await the outcome of Friday and most of Saturday's spars. Zuko glanced over the map and found the rings had been numbered and who was required to be at which ring at what time. Once done, the instructors took their assistants back to their groups. Zuko felt better as he and Mr. Jeong discussed the schedule for that morning.
"Focus on one spar at a time, but be prepared for the next 2," Mr. Jeong advised. "And make sure everyone rests and eats and drinks between rounds."
Zuko simply nodded as he continued to study the schedule. Toph was his first match, the second to start that day, followed by Shoji, an hour break, then Katara, and then Sokka. Aang wouldn't participate until just before lunch and then the order was similar after lunch break with the last 2 matches for each contestant.
He and Mr. Jeong arrived back at their area to see everyone had arrived, Hide having just arrived and trying to find a spot to set his bag as Jet and Katara were eyeing him.
"Ah, I'm glad everyone was able to make it on time," Mr. Jeong said with a smile. "Angie, will you stow Hide's belongings and we'll do a quick tour. Ms. Ling here," he gestured to Jun," will watch our area for us as my guest."
Toph slid her hand into Zuko's before they followed the group as Mr. Jeong showed everyone the rings and where the food court and restrooms were.
"You ok?" she asked him.
Zuko just smiled at his girlfriend. "Yeah, this may not be as bad as I thought."
Toph just laughed and held onto him as they toured the convention area. Zuko saw other familiar faces in the crowd, mostly agents, but also saw a couple police officers he had seen before and Captain Piandao's face. When they got back to their area, Jasmine and Ursa were there with a couple other parents and breakfast and snacks for the teens. All too soon, the tournament began and Zuko had to work.
Toph's first opponent was a large senior with scraggly hair who laughed at a little blind girl being his opponent. Apparently his nickname was 'Hippo' by what his friends were shouting. Zuko could only smirk as Toph beat him in 3 and Katara won, and Shoji had a tie with another freshman. Aang won as well, though Zuko was concerned at one point as Aang's opponent studied Northern Shaolin and almost had the goofy sophomore out of the ring at one point. But then Aang had done a redirection and had moved around his opponent and used the guy's own momentum to push him out of the ring. Getting the paperwork submitted wasn't as hard as Zuko thought it might be and encouraging Shoji was easy. The freshman obviously was trying hard and a good student. He was just uncertain and needed some motivation.
When Zuko, Aang and Toph joined the rest of the group for lunch after Aang's match, they found that nearly everyone else had won. Hide was the only one who had lost a match for their group and seemed afternoon moved even more smoothly as all of Zuko's charges won their matches and everyone cheered everyone else on. Zuko went with Mr. Jeong to submit their final paperwork from their last matches.
"Wow, you've got quite a team," Cho remarked as he glanced through the paperwork Zuko handed him. "I'm glad you and Toph made it and I can't wait to ref her tomorrow.I heard she beat all her opponents in 3 moves or less, and didn't even make the first move."
Zuko smiled. He knew Toph was amazing and glad others appreciated it, as long as it wasn't in a romantic way.
"Anything else I need to do?" Zuko asked Cho.
"No. That's it for today. Come by tomorrow at lunch for Sunday's schedule. On Sunday, each match will be the best out of 3. Hey, maybe we can exchange numbers and hang out after the tournament. I'm going to college nearby. In case you or your friends have any questions regarding college or other tournaments."
"Yeah, that sounds good."
"Great! Here, text me your number when you get a moment," Cho said as he wrote a number on an extra sheet and handed it to Zuko. "Make sure you all get rest tonight. Tomorrow will be longer."
Zuko nodded and left with Mr. Jeong. Everyone but Angie, Toph and Jun had already left by the time they returned to their area. As they walked out, followed and surrounded by several agents and other groups of students, Zuko let himself smile a little. The day had been good and actually a little seemed to be having a blast and had cheered everyone on, even Hide in his final match, which he lost. But the junior had seemed more humble and less cocky as the day wore on and had even started cheering others in their group as the day continued. Jun quickly ushered them into a car Danny pulled up front, one of many picking up students from the tournament and only let a sigh out once they were driving and on the freeway heading home.
"Good job you two," Jun said to them as Zuko and Toph just relaxed in the back seat, holding hands. "Tomorrow will be harder."
"Yeah, but more fun," Toph replied, laughing. "Those big boys won't underestimate me tomorrow. I may actually get a challenge."
"Don't get cocky," Zuko teased. "You may actually lose."
Jun laughed at that as Toph mocked a shocked face. "Me? Lose? Never!" Toph cried, but couldn't hold in her laugh which broke the dramatic affet she was going for.
She squeezed Zuko's hand. "Maybe to you, one day. But I don't plan on losing this weekend."
"I know," he replied softly. "Just be careful."
Toph just smiled and nodded. Zuko glanced at Jun and saw her expression turn serious in the rear view mirror as they passed a light on the freeway. She met his eyes before the light faded and smiled at him.
"Zuko, how many agents did you spot?"
"Ten, not including you or Sue, and four police and Captain Piandao was there until lunch."
"There were 5 police," Toph remarked before yawning. "One of the security guards near the fire exit was an officer. I heard him talking with Sue for a moment while on my way back after lunch."
"Danny? Were those numbers close?"
"Missed two, but those were senior detectives in the crowd, acting like supporters for other schools."
"Good eyes, and ears, you two."
Zuko heard Jun's tone change. Was that pride and a smile in her tone? He mentally shrugged. He was tired, and it seemed Toph would fall asleep next to him as she cuddled more into his side.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
The next morning, Zuko woke early, as was normal for him. What wasn't normal was that he seemed to be more on edge. He quietly made his way to the front room which was thankfully empty and started his forms as his uncle had taught him. Though he felt better as he continued the forms, he couldn't quite shake the feeling he had woken up with. While completing the final circuit, he felt eyes on him. Zuko spun with a kick before ending, facing Bato who had a cup of coffee in his hand.
"Morning," Bato said with a smile as their eyes met.
"Morning," Zuko sighed as he stood straight, breathing deeply. Bato tossed him a small towel before nodding his head towards the kitchen. Zuko snatched the towel out of the air and followed the agent while wiping the sweat off his brow. Bato placed a mug of what looked and smelled like tea on the kitchen table as Zuko entered the room.
Zuko arched his lone eyebrow at the FBI agent before sinking into the chair and picking up the mug. Tea wasn't great, but his uncle's brew was better than coffee.
"Didn't mean to disturb you, but you looked like you needed to work something out. Anything wrong?"
Zuko frowned as he looked into the tea. Was something wrong? Yesterday had gone smoothly, the day had been great. Toph had fun and, maybe, he had a little fun too. But...he had a feeling something wasn't right.
Bato sat down across from Zuko and took a sip of his coffee as he watched the scarred teen. "I'll share something with you that saved my life many times," the agent stated after a minute of silence. "Something I was taught and have lived by. Trust your instincts, but don't let them control you."
Zuko's eyes darted up to Bato from the cup. "Huh?"
Bato's smile just grew. "You have a feeling, don't you. That something isn't right. I can see it on your face, and I feel the same way. Especially after what happened Thursday morning. Trust it. But don't let it control you. Think things through. Make a plan. Saved my life during the car accident. If I had just rushed in as I wanted to, I wouldn't be alive, or at least wouldn't have made it out with just this little scar."
Zuko's eyes moved to the burn scar showing at Bato's wrist as the agent rubbed his arm. He had seen Bato working out and sparring with the other agents. He knew the extent of that scar, and that it was almost as deep and larger than his own.
Zuko took a sip of the tea as he processed Bato's words. "I guess. Nothing has felt right since…" Zuko felt his free hand drift up to his own scar and quickly placed his hand back on the table."I guess we'll see what happens."
"Try not to worry so much though. It's good to be prepared, but one can worry too much."
Zuko just nodded and continued to sip his tea as he heard others awaken in the house. Knowing he had to get ready, he placed his mug into the sink before leaving a still smiling Bato with a nod as he headed to the shower.
XXXXXXXXX
Toph sighed in comfort as she cuddled into Zuko's side as they drove to the convention center. A couple weeks of early mornings still did not mean she enjoyed them. But, her own personal heater and a giant thermos of his uncle's marvelous tea and she could be reasonable this early. She was excited about what the day would bring. Her opponents had underestimated her the day before and she knew that she wouldn't be as underestimated this day. But… there was something off. Zuko and Jun seemed a little more tense than normal. She figured it was because the worst father in the world had made his presence known on Thanksgiving and Friday had gone smoothly.
Although she was aware of her surroundings, it was hard since the convention center was still so new and so big and there were just more people than she was used to. She hated feeling like she was truly blind. For once, though, no one had made her feel like she was blind.
The car stopped and she sighed again, this time almost in dread. They had reached their destination. She and Zuko waited until Jun gave the ok to exit and Toph smiled slightly in her large sweatshirt as her boyfriend took her hand once they were out before they hurried in. A cold chill had come back after a brief warm up in temperature just after veteran's day. She was glad she had insisted that Zuko show her around the convention center. They both knew how independent she was but she was glad that he held her hand in such a way that it seemed just like a boyfriend and girlfriend holding hands, not someone leading a blind person.
She heard people cleaning the large stands and someone unrolling the mat of the central stage as she and Zuko followed Jun to their school's area. She noted where the other matts were as people either unrolled them or moved around them and quickly got her bearings. She could smell the food court as they started cooking the breakfast entrees. Taking a last swig of tea, she and Zuko set their bags down next to Angies'.
"Anyone else here?" she heard Zuko ask Angie.
"Just the judges," Angie said between yawns. "Grandpa wanted to make sure we were here first since apparently some schools were trying to sneak other spots yesterday morning."
Toph heard her boyfriend nod as she heard more people entering the convention center and their area.
"Toph, want to come with me to the judges booth?" Zuko asked.
"Yeah," Toph replied with a smile. She had heard from Zuko that Cho from the mountain party was there and they had even exchanged knew that was a big step for her boyfriend and was glad he had managed to make at least an acquaintance on good terms from their experience in the mountains. Surprisingly, but not in a bad way, Zuko still hadn't let her hand go and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze before leading her to the judges booth close by. Toph heard and felt a slight breeze as they neared it and knew they were near a door.
"Cho, you remember my girlfriend, Toph," Zuko stated as they stopped just in front of the booth.
"Toph!,"Cho cried out with what must have been a huge grin because his tone was so happy. "So good to see you here. I'm excited about today. I get to be your ref for your last match. I've heard you've beaten some pretty big guys up."
Toph just grinned. This guy was all right. "Yep," she replied. "Just a shame you don't get to see Sunshine here on the mat. I can't wait to pound some more guys today."
Cho just laughed and Toph was glad to feel that Zuko didn't tense next to her at the mention of him sparring. "Yeah, that would be a real treat to see you both. Maybe the next tournament in February. Don't underestimate the people today though. All your opponents have the same record as you do so far.I think you're even facing some ladies."
"She'll win," Zuko stated confidently.
Cho just chuckled and Toph heard some of the older judges sitting behind him chuckle as well as they drank their coffee. She recognized the laugh of one, the judge to her first match. He had been amazed at how swiftly she had beaten the first big guy to face her.
"I'm supposed to be neutral, "Cho stated, "but I'm looking forward to today. The second day is always the best. People are more relaxed and so get to have more fun with it. Here's the schedule. Have a great day you two!"
Toph thought it strange that she felt Zuko's hand clench a little when Cho stated people were more relaxed, but then he was back to how he had been.
"C'mon," he stated as they turned around. "I think I see our moms."
Toph just nodded, hearing her mother speaking with Katara as they approached their area. Most of the team had arrived and several parents were passing out food and drink. Toph relaxed and just listened as mostly everyone chatted around her. Zuko left her side at one point to discuss the order of matches with Mr. Jeong and she thought she heard him mention that something was off.
Toph figured he would tell her once they could talk. She was having a great time just hanging out with everyone and eventually Zuko sat down next to her again as they ate their breakfast. Once she was sure they weren't being listened in on, she turned to her boyfriend.
"Everything ok?" she asked quietly.
"Just a feeling," Zuko responded quietly. "Stay sharp out there, but focus on your matches."
Toph just grinned at him and kissed his cheek, hearing some girls from the school next to them sigh with "Awwww"s.
Soon enough the matches started. Toph was first and was pleasantly surprised to be facing a girl just a year older than blind girl waited, and then the other girl started moving forward in an unusual way. Toph smiled. The girl knew Bagua, just like Aang. Toph punched out and waited for the redirection. When it happened, she stuck her leg back and tripped the girl. The girl rolled away just as Toph struck where she had been. Toph waited again and the girl came back. A kick went high over Toph's head as she ducked and rolled and then she kicked the other girl's back, making her stumble out of the ring.
"Toph of Avatar High wins!" the judge cried out. Toph smiled at the other girl as they bowed to each other.
"Nice moves there," Toph told her as they came out of the bow. "I have a friend who does Bagua. Watch the next match. It could help for next time."
"Thanks," the other girl replied with a smile in her tone, even as she rubbed the area Toph had kicked. "Hope you can beat your next opponent. Chen is from my school and studies Northern Shaolin."
"Sounds like fun,"Toph replied with a grin as they stopped next to Zuko and Aang. "My boyfriend here does too."
"All right Aang. Your turn," Zuko said to Aang before turning to Toph and her opponent. "You were quite good. Yangchen, right?"
Toph heard her opponent nod. "Maybe I'll win the next one," she replied with a soft tone.
Toph heard Zuko's clothes shift as if he was tensing up for a moment, but then he shifted his head back towards the mat as Aang faced off with a guy about Sokka's build by the sound of the footsteps.
Toph jeered and teased Aang on as he re-directed around the guy multiple times, back to back, and then he simply stepped out of the way as the guy seemed to get angry and charge at Aang and ran out of the ring.
"Aang of Avatar High wins!" cried the judge as the guy finally stopped to come back to do the bow."
"Wow," Yangchen muttered and Toph smiled. "Thanks. Toph...right?" Toph nodded. "It will be a pleasure to face you again in the future. Good luck."
"Same to you," Toph replied with a grin.
"Good job, Aang," Zuko stated as Aang jumped off the mat to them. "Get something to eat and rest. Your next match isn't until before lunch.
"Thanks Zuko!" Aang chirped happily. "I want to try that cabbage guy's place in the food court. See you later!"
Toph just grinned as Aang left them and then turned with Zuko to head back to their school's area. "Who's next?"
"Sokka, then Katara 3 matches later then you again. You sure you don't want to be the coach?"
Toph just smiled and reached for his hand as she heard more people coming their way. She loved that she heard a tease in his question.
"Nope, you're just too good at it. And, I prefer to kick ass on the mat."
She grinned more as he took her hand in his and gently pulled her closer as they came upon a group passing them towards the center stage.
"And you do it so well," Zuko whispered as he squeezed her hand with a grin in his tone. Toph blushed a little at the praise. She was sure if they weren't in a crowded hall, he would have kissed her. She would have to make sure they did, once they were out of the flow of traffic. Once back at their schools' area, she promptly pulled her boyfriend down for a kiss before shooing him off to submit hers and Aang's paperwork.
The rest of the morning moved easily. Chen, Yangchen's classmate, was a pushover. All suave and charm- no strength. He could have been better if he hadn't been trying to flex for the girls in the crowd. Toph knew she had one more match and had found out it was against another girl. She was looking forward to it. Katara and Aang won their matches, as did most of their team. Sokka actually lost his second match. "That's what you get for feeling like you're better," she had heard Zuko criticize quietly to Sokka once they were back in their school area. "Next time, don't get ahead of yourself. You're a strategist. Look for an opening."
Toph was quite impressed with her boyfriend as the day wore on and more matches occured. He gave little pieces of advice or constructive criticism to their team and congratulated the opponents and their coaches who fought well. Toph even met another assistant coach who was a senior with a broken ankle.
"Car accident last month," she sighed as she tapped her cast with a crutch. "You?"
"Fight," was all Zuko replied with.
"Next time then. Hopefully we see each other on the mat instead of the sidelines," she said with a smile in her tone. Toph heard them shake hands and Zuko nod.
"This is fun," Toph replied as they walked to her last match. It was still early, only about 2, and she was going to be fighting on the main stage. She was all grins. This would be different, but it was going to be fun. "Anything you can tell me about my next opponent?"
"Probably not more than you already know," Zuko replied with a smile in his tone. "I saw you listening in to Cho and I when I handed in your last results. She studies Tai Chi, and is a senior. Think about Katara. I think I spotted her once heading back from Sokka's last match. She looks good."
"What's her name?"
"I think it was Elsa."
Toph just nodded. Katara could be a competent and difficult opponent when she chose to be. This was going to be a good match. She waited next to Zuko as the match before hers commenced. A guy she had beaten easily the day before was fighting Yangchen. Toph cheered her former opponent on as she heard Yangchen use a move Aang used often against the big guy, causing the guy to fall on his face. He swept out with a kick and Toph held her breath, thinking it would actually hit Yangchen, but the girl jumped over the kick and moved away.
Toph cheered again as Yangchen punched into the guy's back and landed a solid strike. The guy turned and charged Yangchen, only to barely miss her before stumbling to stop. Toph grinned as she heard cheers and defeated sighs surrounding her. The guy had stepped out of the ring.
"Yangchen of Magnolia High wins!" Cho cried from the ring.
After the bow, Yangchen must have spotted Toph as she jumped softly down to her. "Please tell Aang thank you for me. He was a great inspiration. And good luck against Elsa. I've seen her beat several Hung Gar practitioners yesterday."
"Thanks! Great job up there." Toph replied before cracking her knuckles. This was going to be a great match. Yangchen just nodded before heading to her teammates who were yelling out praise.
"Be careful," Zuko told her in a quiet tone. "I know you'll be great."
Toph just nodded and walked up onto the stage. She heard her mother and Ursa in the stands as well as most of their team as they cheered her. Hide, Angie and Mr. Jeong were the only ones absent as Angie was competing in her last match just then.
Toph heard soft footsteps from the other side of the stage and could hear the clothing rustle from the other girl. From the way the other girl moved, it was clear she was tall and slender. Maybe just an inch or two shy of Zuko's height and about Katara's weight. The girl moved with a fluid grace that Toph's friend didn't have quite yet. Something that came from maturity and an expensive upbringing. Toph grinned even more. This was going to be an interesting match. Maybe she had found someone like herself. It was a hope.
"Fight fair and honorably, ladies," Cho stated as the two approached each other and bowed. Toph wondered for a moment what expression the other girl wore and would have to ask Zuko about it later.
As they rose, both sank into their respective stances. Toph was in a classic horse stance and heard the other girl move into a stance Katara used often. Then...they both waited. Time froze as they waited on the other, but Toph was patient. She wanted to know more of her opponent, and the best way to do that was let the other strike first. Finally, the other girl did, jumping and spinning before trying to strike at Toph. Toph sidestepped and punched out where the girls side should have landed, but the older girl had already turned away, sweeping a leg out to try and trip Toph. Toph stepped back, close to the edge before turning to kick towards the girl's head. Well, it would have hit her head if she had been Katara's height. The other girl blocked before trying to strike Toph. Toph blocked it before kicking straight at her opponent. A grunt and impact told her she had made contact. Toph grinned again as they stepped away and they circled each other within the ring. They both stopped, ready for another bout when Toph started hearing cries coming from the main doors.
"Shut them!" "Call 911" "Away from the doors! Go!"
She knew the other girl had noticed whatever was going on as well when her posture changed. The girl was the one facing the front doors of the convention center.
"Lets pause…" Cho started to say before they heard and felt a boom.
Toph stayed on her feet, but heard several others falter, including her opponent. Then, chaos ensued. Screams started, people started running, people were falling and Toph was blind. Among the chaos of sound erupting, she was truly blind. She didn't know what to do. The sound was almost deafening and was throwing off her sense of direction.
A hand grabbed hers gently and she recognized it quickly, feeling the heat and scars as she had held it so often, it was almost as familiar as her own hand.
"I'm here," Zuko said in her ear. She thought it might be a shout coming from him with all the other noise deafening her, but she heard him and focused on her boyfriend. Letting out a deep breath, she hadn't realized how fast she had been breathing, almost coming close to a panicked breathing pattern.
"Everyone calm down!" a loud voice started through a megaphone. Toph was surprised to find Mr. Jeong's voice and the chaotic noise around her lessened. "Teachers, collect your students. Make sure all are accounted for. Security will guide you to a safe exit. Police and fire are on their way. Don't run, you'll hurt someone else. Parents, meet your children once outside. We must ensure all children are out safely before dispersing."
Toph heard and felt Zuko turning around as the chaos became slightly more controlled. More teachers and several judges were following Mr. Jeong's lead and directing their students or parents towards the fire exits. The doors hadn't been opened yet because the alarms hadn't sounded.
"Get down," Toph heard Danny say as he grabbed both their free hands and pulled them off the stage. "Here," he said, thrusting something towards Zuko. Toph stumbled a bit from the height but knew Danny and Zuko were keeping her upright and close to the stage, away from the moving crowd.
"My mom…" Zuko started.
"Safe, with Bato. He's escorting both of your moms out. We'll stay back and move with a different group and then to Ben's car here. Jeong and Jun know. The detectives outside are making sure the exits are clear before we let groups through."
Toph only then became aware of a man standing next to Danny as people rushed by them, occasionally pushing their group into the stage. The man was about Danny's age and build, and carried himself like an agent, or a cop, and he was maintaining a barrier between himself and Toph so she wouldn't be squashed when people pushed past. She thought she also smelled leather and maybe gun oil like she had on the other agents, but it was hard to be sure with everything else going on around her. Zuko let her hand go momentarily and Ben handed her something. It was an oversized sweatshirt and she pulled it on quickly. When Zuko took her hand back in his, it felt like he had a sweatshirt on as well.
"Pull the hood up when we leave. Don't want you recognized," Danny stated once the couple were holding hands again.
Toph just felt Zuko tense and nodded. They all knew who was behind this and why.
"Ok, this way," Danny stated and led the way as another group passed them. Zuko followed Danny, guiding Toph and Toph heard Ben behind her. They stopped behind the group. And Toph heard the students ahead of her muttering, many on the verge of panic.
"Calm down!" she heard the teacher of the group say. "Stay in pairs. Yangchen, lead the way to the bus when it's time. Everyone stays in sight of Chen, Yangchen or myself. No rushing off and no running! If you see someone down, help them!"
"Ok, they're opening. Be ready," Danny stated. "Stay with the group as if you're a part of them. Ben's car is a silver toyota near their bus."
Toph almost heard something from Danny's ear before the alarms sounded as the fire doors opened.
"Go in an orderly fashion!" a judge now shouted through the megaphone. "No running and no trampling others!"
Toph heard many people stream towards the exits as well as the alarms blaring and knew their group was heading towards the exit closest to the judges booth. Yelling was still going on and some cries of distress as friends and family called out to each other, but it was almost drowned out by the alarms.
She almost shrugged off the hand that landed on her shoulder and restrained herself as she felt Ben behind her. "Ok, let's go. Move," he said behind her and they were in motion.
"Hoods up," Danny yelled back at them, and Toph almost didn't hear him, but grabbed the large hood with her free hand and pulled it up over her head. She thought she heard Ben doing something similar behind her but wasn't sure. The only real thing she could count on was Zuko's hand in hers pulling her along and Ben's hand occasionally on her shoulder, guiding her around people as they exited the building quickly.
A wave of cold air hit them as they stepped outside and the sound lessened. The ring of alarms was still going on in her ears as she heard it become background noise. She heard the students ahead of her and Yangchen guiding her teammates to the bus.
"To the right," Ben stated behind her and then Zuko was pulling her to the right as she heard a 'beep' from a car. Ben's hand left her and she could hear a car door opening.
Zuko pulled her after him into a back seat and then the car door slammed behind her before she heard the passenger door open in front of her.
"What happened?!" Zuko yelled once the car was winced, but knew they were probably all a little deaf from the alarms sounding.
"We're getting out of here first," Danny yelled back as Ben started driving forward. Toph heard sirens coming towards them and from the other side of the convention center and then they were past the sirens, on an open road.
As soon as it sounded like they were on the freeway, Danny breathed a sigh of relief but that only seemed to make Zuko tense more next to Toph. Danny's phone rang and he answered. "Yeah, we're clear. On the freeway. Ben's Toyota, heading home. I see Piandao and 2 other detective cars around us. The others? ...Copy."
The phone call ended and Toph heard Zuko let out a low growl.
"What. Happened," the scarred teen gritted out.
"Small bombs at the main entrances," Ben stated and Toph was surprised how young he sounded. Maybe it sounded like he was usually smiling, though he was very serious right then. "A male about mid to late 40s, in a delivery uniform left the boxes, right arm was not being used well, at an odd angle. Dark hair. Security guard called out as the second box was left and the male ran and the box started to smoke. Security was smart and ran back in, locked the doors, and called for help."
"Our people inside heard and quickly radioed the guys outside," Danny continued. "The suspect left quickly. I don't think he figured on that quick of a response."
Zuko was silent for a while but Toph could feel his hand trembling, still holding hers. She knew what he wanted to ask, so she did. "Our moms? Are they ok?"
"Yeah," Danny sighed. "Bato and Sue escorted them out to a different exit. They're in Iroh's car, heading back home a different way."
She felt Zuko let out a breath. "Anyone hurt?" he asked after another minute of silence.
"Unclear at this point," Ben stated. "But it sounds like no major injuries thanks to the quick thinking of the teachers and judges."
Toph just held her boyfriend's hand as they drove home. The drive was almost an hour, but thankfully, they kept the radio off. She was sure the news would be all over the radio and her father may never let her out again.
She knew as soon as they turned onto the freeway off ramp that they were near her home. The turns were familiar. They pulled into her driveway and Danny opened the door for them.
"Thanks Bengie. Coffee tomorrow?"
"If we survive the briefing Danny," Ben sighed.
"Take care and be safe, Bengie."
"You too," Ben replied before Danny tapped the roof as Toph closed the door behind her. She heard her front door open and pulled Zuko into her house. He seemed numb to everything around him and followed her. He only stopped once they crossed the threshold and, for the first time since he had to pull his hand away to put the sweatshirt on when they left, let Toph go.
"Mom," he whispered as he rushed ahead of Toph and Toph heard him hugging his mother as she heard her own mother come to envelope her in a hug.
Toph let her mother hold onto her as she held onto her mom. She had hated being blind, and the noise; it had been awful! She had been truly blind, all of her senses dead except for the feeling of Zuko's hand in hers as they left the convention center.
"We're ok," she finally heard her mom saying to her. "It's all right."
Toph hugged her mom, glad they were safe. They were ok. Would it be like this until that maniac was caught? Did her father know? What would he do with this? Toph felt herself start to get scared. She was scared about how truly blind she had been, scared that her father would truly imprison her, but then she became angry. How dare this man, this monster, do something this deranged just to try to hurt someone who had just stood up for the ones he loved! Her mother must have felt the change as she let Toph go and stepped back, but still kept her hands on her daughter's shoulders.
"Toph, we're ok. I already spoke to your father. He's just glad we're ok. He knows it could have been worse. We don't know it was...that man."
"Yes, we do," Jun stated as she came in from the garage. "Sorry, Jaz, but it was him. Security and traffic cams caught a better look. A couple detectives chased him, trying to catch him. No one was hurt, but it was Ozai. From all accounts, he was surprised by the quick response. There were a couple stolen cars in the lot near a couple of exits. We had you exit near where we had already found one yesterday and was being watched by detectives and SWAT."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Zuko could only hold onto his mother, seeing his uncle follow Jun in. He was glad she was ok, that everyone else was safe as well. He also felt his rage boiling within him. He felt his instincts warring within him again. Should he run or fight? Could he fight? This felt more like running. He glanced back at Toph after Jun finished speaking and saw her bristling. She was going through the same emotions that he was. They both wanted to fight, but were running. Toph had been in danger. Their mothers had been in danger. A couple hundred people had been in danger because of him.
What could he do though that he wasn't doing already? He was the bait, wasn't he? An idea popped into his head. He knew no one would like it, but it was an option.
He heard Jun's phone ring and she turned away from them to answer it.
"Yes, Sir. No, we didn't catch him. I know Sir, but...Sir. We have leads. We almost...I know it's all over the news. No one was hurt…"
Zuko let his mother go and stalked over to Jun, moving around the agent so he was facing her. He held out his hand. Jun gave him a quizzical look.
"Give me the phone," was all he said.
She shook her head, still trying to talk to her boss. "Sir….no, Sir. Just a moment. Zuko wants to speak to you."
She handed the phone to him, giving him an odd look he ignored. Zuko took a deep breath before bringing the phone to his ear. An older male voice sounded.
"Zuko Agni, I presume."
"Yes, Sir," Zuko replied.
"Do you know how much i have to clean up…." the man started, obviously angry, but Zuko cut him off.
"I know and I don't care," Zuko stated firmly. That seemed to shut the man up. Jun's eyes widened at that statement. "That...man, has been terrorizing me and most of my family my entire life. He's killed people, good people, who were only trying to protect others. To protect me. I will NOT let him ruin anyone else's life. If you can think of a way that would only put me at danger, then let's do that. Until then, I trust Jun and her team...and only Jun and her team with the lives of those I care most about. Because of their hard work, no one was hurt or killed today. There was no massacre, and those I care for are still safe."
Zuko heard his anger and felt it coursing through his veins as he all but yelled at Jun's boss, probably a director in the FBI, but he didn't care. The other end of the line went silent for a minute and Zuko knew all eyes in the room were on him. For once, he didn't care.
"Would you place yourself as bait to keep others safe?" the man finally asked.
Zuko took a deep breath. "In a heartbeat," he said. "I have an idea. Some of the agents run every morning. I'll join them. It'll become routine. We'll go the same route, same time, every day. Hopefully, that can draw him out. Away from others."
"Very well," the man stated, "hand the phone back to Jun. And Zuko...look me up if you want to be part of this team after college."
Zuko handed the phone back to Jun and she almost snatched it and turned away again.
"Sir? Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir. Good evening, Director Wan."
She closed the call and Zuko waited. One breath, two, five before she sighed and turned to grin at him. "Well, tie me up, but you are something else, kid."
"Don't…" Zuko started, his anger still on the forefront, but Jun just started laughing. She was all grins and had a mischievous glint in her dark eyes.
"I don't think the Director has had anyone talk to him like that in a long time, except maybe his wife. You got yourself a date with Bato and the pups. Every morning, 5am. They run 5 miles. Can you do that?"
Zuko let out a breath he wasn't aware he was holding. "I think so," he sighed. He suddenly felt weak. He needed to sit, or he would collapse. Thankfully his uncle had pulled a chair close to him and sat him down in it before he really could collapse. Zuko looked over at Toph. She was still looking angry, but had seemed to calm a little. He didn't think his adrenaline had held on that long, but now that it was over, he needed to sit.
"What about us?" Toph asked finally, anger in her tone.
Jun smiled softly as she looked over at her little cousin. "Things continue. Again at school and around the house. No excursions unless necessary. After what happened this weekend, no more walks in public spaces without prior set up." Jun shot a glance at Zuko and he knew she wasn't just talking about what happened that day.
Jun sighed and pulled a chair for herself. "Unfortunately the rest of the tournament has been cancelled. Piandoa is calling it a terrorist attack that was averted due to quick thinking security. No mention of...well, Ozai. I need to meet with my team and then with Piandoa and his men. Will you two be ok here for the rest of the day?"
Before Toph could answer, Zuko gave a quick "Yes, but I think we need to blow off some steam. Toph, dojo?"
Toph eagerly nodded and followed him. Once inside the room where they had first sparred, she grabbed onto him, hugging him tightly. Zuko hugged her back, glad she was ok, that their families were ok. Then he was punched, hard. In the stomach. He doubled over and saw her still looking angry.
"No low blows. Spar," he breathed out once he could talk. Toph simply nodded and they sparred, neither talking, neither wanting to. They eventually ended up on their backs, exhausted, and laying head to head. Zuko felt many spots that would probably bruise in the morning. Though he had held back enough to not hurt his girlfriend and be cautious of his cast, she had not. He rolled up onto his elbow as he got his breath back and saw a tear leaking out of Toph's eye.
"Hey, it's ok," he said, reaching out to stroke her face.
She just shook her head and then was up and hugging him again. "No, it's not," Toph finally stated. "I...I was blind. Really blind. I can't….I dont' want to be that way again. Ever."
Zuko sighed and held onto his girlfriend. He cared for her so much. Was this love? This ache, this longing, this feeling? He wanted to protect her, to make sure she was always safe. But he cared for and respected her independence
"I don't want it to happen again either. That's why...I have to be the bait. I...I only stayed calm because of you. I wanted to rush out there, to find him. To fight him. To stop him. I also wanted to run away from everything. I can't let him ruin any more lives. Not yours, or my mom or my uncles'."
"Or yours," Toph started with a small smile in her tone. "Don't leave me, ok?"
Zuko just chuckled as she turned her face up towards him. How was he so lucky that this strong, beautiful girl was holding onto him? "Not willingly," he replied, meeting her in a kiss.
"Better not," she said with a giggle once they finally broke apart for air. "I'll hunt you down if you do." Her only reply was more kisses.
