AUTHOR'S NOTES— Enter the cryptic Suki, age 25. Also note that the Kyoshi Warriors are in their early-late 20s, and there are much more of them. In other words, they're an actual threat and a fighting force, instead of a few Mary Sue teenagers.

AVATAR: THE LAST FIREBENDER

BOOK 1: WATER

CHAPTER 4-2: THE WARRIORS OF KYOSHI, PART 2

Kyoshi Island; late afternoon

Zuko came back to consciousness only to find himself tied to a large tree, next to Toph, who was next to Aang. Toph appeared to still be asleep or unconscious, but Aang was speaking with the Kyoshi Warriors. They apparently knew he was the Avatar, and seemed pleased by his presence if anything.

"Avatar Kyoshi smiles upon you, Avatar," one of the warriors stated, and with a swift, fell move, Aang's bonds were cut. At once he turned around and asked them to free Zuko, explaining that he was his friend.

"That appeal can be granted," a Kyoshi Warrior nodded, and his bonds too were cut. This woman appeared to be the leader of their clan.

"So tell me," she continued, "who's this Earth Kingdom vagabond you've got with you? Is she your friend too?"

Aang shrugged. He was honest by nature, and he was not sure how much he exactly trusted Toph just yet. Nevertheless, he explained that she too was traveling with him.

"Name's Suki," the woman nodded as she sliced Toph's bonds as well. Needless to say, this woke Toph up with a start. "Welcome to Kyoshi Island. Don't wander too far, or you might get eaten.

"Hold it," Toph exclaimed, "You're Chuck's owner?"

"Chuck?"

"That huge dragon-eel thing that tried to eat me; I christened him 'Chuck'—short for Chuck the Magic Dragon."

"Then yes, I am his owner," Suki lied, "so watch your step, earthbender."

"Or what," Toph challenged, ignoring Zuko and Aang's gestures to try and get her to shut up, "are you going to put makeup all over my face too?"

"You were told that it was not a wise idea to insult the Kyoshi Warriors," Suki warned, and six Kyoshi Warriors stepped up, "especially if you cannot prove your own worth against them."

"I'll take on the whole lot of you," Toph leered, drawing her swords, "this game's mine."

Zuko smacked his face with the palm of his hand, and then Toph started swinging her blades as metal clashed with metal. Toph used no bending, but at least two of the Kyoshi Warriors were earthbenders. Toph's speed served her well in combat, her nimbleness from not being encumbered in heavy gear giving her extra speed, but the Kyoshi Warriors' armor gave them an edge on defense. Toph's skill with her dual swords showed through her movements and skill at blocking incoming attacks, but a teenager surrounded by six adults was bound to cave eventually. Soon enough, Toph was overwhelmed with the forces that were attacking her, and she was knocked unconscious. Suki and the others smirked.

"Sorry you had to see that," she confessed to Aang, "but she made the challenge. She's not dead or anything. She'll be back around in a couple hours or so."

Aang and Zuko both said nothing, but Zuko raised an eyebrow towards Suki.

"What do you want with her?" he asked curiously,

"We were just going to help her get well faster," Suki replied, "and teach her a thing or two about humility. In the meantime though, make yourselves at home. Welcome to Kyoshi Island."

Kyoshi Island, Evening

Toph woke up to find herself wearing what she deducted was a Kyoshi Warrior's outfit. She groggily glanced around and stood up.

"Damn it," she swore, "they got me." She then called out. Incidentally, Suki was the one to answer her call.

"What's the big idea," she asked, referring to her change of attire,

"Well," Suki explained, "you would actually make a very good Kyoshi Warrior. The fact that you held your ground against six of us means you definitely have what it takes—and we generally are not very open to outsiders, especially from the Fire Nation."

"Wait," Toph exclaimed, "What makes think—" but then she realized that they had probably seen her Fire Nation insignia tattoos on her arm and leg.

"So what sort of grudges do you hold against a nation living in shambles," Toph asked,

"Nothing at all," Suki replied, "but supporters of the Fire Nation, as well as followers of the Water Tribes are an enemy to the Air Warrior confederation. Air is the element of freedom. Just be glad you are not a Firebender—they were the first targets."

"Whose side are you on," Toph narrowed her eyes,

"I'm on the side that gives me the most benefits, as well as the side that keeps this island safe." Suki replied, "And so if you stick around here, you'll be able to share in the safety and hospitality that this island offersp—including the secrets of the Kyoshi Warriors. I am not your enemy, Toph. The only reason I and my warriors challenged you in the first place was because of your arrogance."

Toph did not have a reply for this. She remained silent, and then turned to Suki.

"So," she closed her eyes, "if I stay here, you're going to teach me the ways of the Kyoshis, and if I leave, I get fed to Chuck the Magic Dragon?"

Suki laughed, "I can't make that choice," she answered, "but I also can't make your decisions for you, Toph. "Chuck" isn't going to eat you if you try and leave. Just remember my offer though—it still stands."

"What about my friends," Toph asked,

"What about them?" Suki laughed, "it's not like you're joined at the hip are you?"

Toph remained silent for a moment and then stood up, offering her hand to Suki.

"I'll take your offer," she declared.

"Perfect," Suki smirked, "you've definitely got potential, Toph."

Suki's lessons taught Toph many lessons in speed, power, and counterattacking, which were more effective in the dark of the evening sky. Suki even went over the moves that were used to take Toph down initially, and how to block them. Toph was appreciative of the lessons, though she wondered what had happened to her other clothes—all she had seen in the room she had woken up in was her bag of other belongings.

It was well past midnight when they finally stopped. By this time, Toph had forgotten all about Aang and Zuko, but that was mostly because her mind was dwelling on different issues and concerns. For one, this seemed almost like a setup. Toph was unsure whether the Kyoshi Warriors were hostile or not, as they were very enigmatic about their words, apart from their pride. They were hospitable, albeit cocky so far, but who was to say that they would always remain that way? Or perhaps was she just being paranoid?