Author Disclaimer: I don't own a thing belonging to "Avatar: the Last Airbender."
Author's notes: And the game of misunderstandings continues.
To all who read this, feel free to drop a few words of suggestions, any concerns or thoughts.
"Tumbling Boulder: The Toph Files"
Chapter nine "Separations"
"So, Suki…."
Suki grimaced as she unfastened her heavy warrior's robes. Her belly felt softer but was still flatish after the birth and she sincerely hoped no one noticed. She went to the sinks to wipe her make-up off.
"Yes, Ming?"
The protégé she had left in charge during the past year was already waiting in the steaming hot bath. "Do you ever want to talk about it?"
Suki grimaced openly and turned her naked back. She made sure her face was clean then stalked to the bath and sank a leg in and sat in too quickly. The steaming hot water surged over her limbs, too hot too soon, and Suki hissed. She grew used to the heat and sat back against the edge, letting her head lean back.
"Lord Zuko put you up to this?" Suki mumbled. Ming cast confused eyes to her.
"He's worried too, but really, Suki, if you want to talk about it, we're all here. I know you relied on Tsung and Ying most, but they're on Ember Island now near Ty Lee. Please…."
Suki tried to exude patience. Ming was a younger woman of the Kyoshi Warriors, sent to service with them in the Fire Nation capital from home a couple of short years ago. She'd missed most of the War itself. And really, it wasn't her fault she had been too young to have seen it all. Suki sighed.
"You all act like something happened to me."
Aloofness didn't work. "Didn't it, Suki?"
Toph's smile filled Suki's mind's eye. She closed her eyes and leaned her brow against her folded arms.
"Just leave it be."
"Fine, rest up, Suki. Zuko may give you all the time you need but I could use your help."
Suki nodded, trying not to think about her baby's sweet scrunched up face. She needed to send a letter. At least let Toph know she was still open to her and a life together. Yes, that's what she'd do….
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
The messenger boy held the envelope up to his eyes, squinting. His vision had been getting steadily worse over the past two years and he could barely make out the characters on the parcels he was hired to deliver. He'd gotten complaints and his boss was ready to turn him out on his ear. But he couldn't stop working, and his family couldn't afford the new spectacles that were made available in the growing city.
They were new, and far too expensive for everyone.
The boy stuck his tongue in the corner of his mouth as he focused with the envelope right in front of his nose. He walked down the hall, stopped and tried the read the characters above the door of the apartment. He wasn't a hundred percent this was the right address, but he was certain the characters matched.
Almost certain. The boy propped the envelope against the apartment door and went on his way, bag of envelopes in hand.
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
Toph grumbled as the sitter she'd hired fussed about her living room, carrying Lin in one arm and tidying up. She was pulling on her long officer's coat over her uniform and she focused on Lin's swirling chi signature as the sitter's more developed one moved about the room. Lin had been crying softly, but she was quieting now. Toph was torn. At least the baby seemed fine and would do okay when she left. But in her first week back, Toph was loath to leave her. Suki's baby was her heart and she wanted to stay home with her.
But Aang had asked about her position and Toph admitted she was needed. Katara had given her reports of blood benders cited on the outskirts of the budding city and that was alarming enough. They didn't know if Hama had ever taught anyone else that deadly art throughout her long life, but she'd had years to do so during the course of the War which was troubling to think of. They all knew Katara would never teach it to anyone, so it had to have been followers of Hama from her prison days. So Toph had put on her badge and uniform and led her metalbenders through the alleys of the outskirts to bust heads and search for clues.
And she was due to the police station in twenty minutes. Toph growled as she listened to the tok-toking of the large grandfather clock she'd bought to keep track for her. She beckoned to the sitter and leaned to nuzzle the tuft of hair on Lin's head. Lin burbled, swiped at her face with a soft fist, and giggled. Toph kissed her brow and straightened. She knew the sitter was surprised at the gesture of affection from the erstwhile stoic bender and felt a flash of interest from her chi. Toph locked hers down in response. No, no one else would do when Suki was gone.
"I'll be back at lunch," she informed her charge. The sitter chirped a cheery goodbye and Toph left. As she stalked out of the apartment building, she reflected that she should be happy. She had a child, and hopefully an earthbending heir. Her parents were pleased with the fact she was here. But Suki's shadow cast wide over their child and herself and Tophi woke alone and angry in the middle of the night. Once she'd woken shifted and aching and reached for a woman that wasn't there. And then was angry she wasn't there.
What was she going to do? Well, Toph had a beat to walk and metalbenders to lead. But her past partner….she wished she could shake off Suki's stranglehold on her heart.
Would that she could just forget her…..
Toph stalked into the police station, hearing the greetings called out to her. She nodded and moved to her office, bare feet picking out the path easily.
"Chief, we've got early reports in," one of her officers knocked at her office door. Toph sighed.
"Very well. Let's get going, then."
Tophi listened to the commotion rise around her as metalbenders got their things and spoke excitedly of the blood bender problem. She stood ramrod straight with her hands folded behind her waist.
"Let's go!" she called loudly.
"Right," her benders called in unison. Toph smiled to herself as they followed her outside.
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
Suki growled to herself. She'd spent the next few weeks, half alive, half there, as she patrolled with the Kyoshi Warriors through the Fire palace. Zuko and Mai had been kind and they'd had quiet visits throughout the nights. She'd sent one letter, then two. Then a third. Months now. And still no word.
True Toph would have had to have gotten someone to read them to her, but it had been long enough to wonder about the non-response. Toph must still be angry. She wasn't going to have someone help her write back, was she?
Suki set her mind and knocked on Zuko's study door. He set his scrolls aside and smiled to see her. "You're looking well today."
Suki brushed aside his compliment and crossed her arms. "My lord. You are traveling to Republic City I heard?"
Zuko nodded. "Day after tomorrow. Aang's raising another big council thing and I should be present. Are you coming with me?"
"I was going to demand I go," Suki admitted. Zuko nodded.
"Good. Your fire's back, I can see it."
Suki hoped that were so. All the main heads of council and the law enforcers would be there. Chief Toph was going to hear her whether she wanted to or not.
'Whether she loves me or not still….' Suki tried to banish that bad thought.
"I hope so," Suki answered Zuko. The Fire Lord nodded his consent.
"Well, let's make our preparations. Pick your warriors that will accompany us."
Suki bowed her head. "It shall be done."
Zuko flashed a smile that was more of her friend than the Fire Lord. "We'll get everything done. I promise you that, Suki."
Suki allowed a smile as a flash of warmth for him went through her heart. She didn't think her feelings would ever go away concerning Zuko, but at least it was healed over somewhat. Now the hurt from being away from Tophi was growing beside that healing ache. But at least Zuko's presence idnd't confuse and hurt anymore.
"We shall, Zuko. I look forward to it."
The two shook hands heartily and Zuko laughed as he settled back at his wide desk.
"Oh, leave me to all these documents," he laughed.
"Patrolling is sure easier than all those letters!" she teased. Zuko winked and picked up the nearest scroll to read.
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
Toph sighed. Her friends were fussing over Aang and Katara's kids, and hers as well. Lin was being juggled by Sokka who had really taken a shine to her. She had a feeling that would change once the truth of who had borne her came about.
"Really, kid? Now you behave?" Toph mumbled, teasing, as she listened to Lin babbling as Sokka bounced her. "Not so hard with her, Sokka!"
Sokka tutted her and burbled nonsense to the baby. "But she loves her Uncle Sokka doesn't she?"
"Get yer own kid, Sokka, and leave her alone," Toph retorted, but there was a smile on her face so Sokka just laughed. Then Aang said something that made Toph freeze.
"When is Zuko coming?"
There was a fluttering of paper and Katara sighed. "Day after tomorrow. I hope he brings Mai and Izumi."
Sokka hummed beside her. "I need a kid. All you have one."
At this, Toph took Lin from him and bounced her to her shoulder. She blew her bangs out of her face. Okay, it would be expected for the Fire Lord to report to such an important meeting. Then Sokka said something that made her heart freeze up.
"Are Suki or the Kyoshi Warriors coming?"
'Dammit, Sokka.'
Aang was remiss in his answer. "I would think so. Well, shall we get to it?"
"Fine." Toph patted Lin's back. She sighed as the councilmembers gathered close and the children were gathered up. They had a meeting to get through.
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
Suki cursed loudly in her head. She clutched Zuko's arm as he lifted the hatch of the metal ship, both of them soaked by the huge storm at sea instantly. Zuko sputtered and dropped the hatch, shutting away the elements from them. He sneezed.
"Well, we're still making good time!" he insisted at the look on Suki's face.
The Fire Nation had down-scaled their wartime machines to tote the nobility about. They WERE quicker than sea ships. But Suki didn't know if right then she could appreciate the transport's fast design. It hadn't put them out of the weather's line of sight.
And now this blasted storm. Suki wondered if it would develop into a full-on hurricane and push them all the way back to the Fire islands. Zuko clutched her arm as the ship rocked and they reeled against the wall.
"We ARE going to make it, right?" Suki couldn't keep the irritation out of her voice. Nothing. No response at all. That hurt more than anything so she knew she should make the first move. Besides, she missed her baby. Her breast milk had finally stopped but hiding it from Zuko, Fire Lady Mai and her Kyoshi Warriors had been an exercise in and of itself.
Zuko sneezed again and cupped a fireball in one palm. Instantly his chi relaxed. "I hope so. We're going to be late for sure…."
"Fire Lord!" The captain of the ship swayed down the metal hallway toward them, moving with the rolling of the ocean easily. Zuko waited. "We're going to have to pull off at the island ahead. I recommend we wait out this storm."
Suki tried not to scream out loud as Zuko nodded. "I see. Well, make haste there, Captain."
The captain saluted. "Aye, Fire Lord!"
Zuko turned toward Suki, noticing her sagging gait and slumped shoulders. "I'm really sorry, Suki. It's just not safe to continue on as we are."
Suki tried to smile, but she couldn't make it genuine. Not enough to convince Zuko anyways. "Can't be helped, can it?"
"No, I guess not…" A violent wave rocked the ship and Zuko steadied Suki as she flew against his side. His firm hold made her face flare in a flush. A flash image of Toph putting her arms around her went through her mind and Suki blushed further. She really needed to reconcile with her as quickly as she could.
Zuko mistook her blush and rubbed his fist against the back of his neck. "I'm sorry, Suki, I was only trying to keep you from smearing against the wall…."
Suki gave a forceful laugh and brushed her fist against the shoulder of his robes. "Really, it's fine. I was thinking about something else…"
Zuko caught onto that and nodded. "Another…friend perhaps?"
Suki glowered and lowered her chin. "I hope still…"
"Well, just point them out to me, and I'll help straighten 'em for you," Zuko offered. He clenched a fist. Suki smiled.
'Oh, Zuko, I think you'll be surprised to find out who.'
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
Toph left the council chambers, her baby in her sling around her neck. Lin was dozing and Toph made her way to the streets outside to make her way home. Maybe some dumplings for dinner…she'd get back just in time to make Lin's formula for her meal and they could eat together. She almost walked directly into a massive swirl of chi that hadn't bothered to get out of her way. Tophi waited, blinking. She recognized the sweat off the man, but she waited to hear his voice to make sure.
"The Boulder is pleased to see the Blind Bandit again!"
Boulder. GREAT. Toph rocked Lin in the crook of one arm.
"It's Chief Beifong to you and everyone, Boulder."
A huff. "The Boulder will say hello to anyone he wishes! And to small child too!"
Toph sighed. "Really, man, do you WANT me to kick your butt one-handed in front of my kid?"
A flustered laugh and rushed words came next. "The Boulder wants no butt kicking! Good day, Chief Beifong!"
Toph snickered to herself as the large man stalked off. Yup, she still had it. Lin burbled against her chest as she walked along, picking through the crowds easily.
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
The small group of men and women left the sick room. One of the men was startled when some of the women began sniffling. It was just nature. No one could live forever, and Hama had outlived everyone she knew from her old life. She'd found them, waterbenders all, through the years and her travels around the world. And she'd trained them in the darker arts of blood-bending and they'd been grateful to her.
But now their erstwhile master was on her deathbed and the small group of benders didn't know what to do.
"Remember what Hama always said," one of the women said, wiping her eyes with a sleeve. She smiled fiercely through her tears. "Strike through apparent complacency. No one will see us coming."
One of the men, a dandy in fine clothing named Yakone, snickered. "Let them see waterbenders, and then the truth comes out. Oh, we will rule this city well."
"Is this everyone?" one of the women gave the group of benders a sharp look. A pot of tea was collected and taken to a dining table and everyone took a seat around it.
"No, some of us are missing."
"Really. Hama won't live through the night."
"And we need to finalize plans as it is…."
"The Avatar and his friends can't be the ones to rule it all."
"Their time should come to an end and soon…."
There was a hard knock at the door of the house and one of the men went to answer. He scoffed as the newcomer pushed in, handing her coat over to him,
"Changying. About time you showed," one of the men scoffed. The vivacious woman flounced in, hips rolling gently as she picked a way across the room. Most of the men, and some of the women too, stared at her curves in her tight dress that stopped at mid-thigh. Scandalous.
"Oh, you know me, the master calls, I come running," she grinned. One of the women frowned.
"Master Hama asked about you. She's not conscious any longer. You waited too long, girl. You're lucky she let you in with us, nonbender as you are."
Changying fingered a lock of her shoulder-length curled hair. She let the lock bob back with the movement. "Hey, you want the Avatar's inner circle entered? I can do that."
"How? They all rally around and marry each other. Good luck getting into their inner sanctum," one of the men scoffed. "Not even you can entice the Avatar from his wife, Changying."
"Who said anything about enticing the Avatar?" Changying took a seat at the table and held out a cigarette. Two men and one woman offered a light at once. "Someone else is open. And more than aching, I'd imagine."
"That blowhard Sokka from the Southern Water Tribe? Good luck, he's hung up on an old girlfriend."
Changying blew a puff of smoke and laughed. "Not that loser. No, I have someone else in mind…."
End for now
End notes: I like playing with the ned of one part of the show extending toward Korra :P Yakone and Hama, enjoy. Drop a review.
Pen 11/9/2019