A/N: Hi again, everyone. Here, it is, the 3rd chapter of Black Out...Cliffie, you ask? Hmm, I'll think about it...LOL! Sorry, but it is a mystery. Thanks to everyone for reading this! I appreciate it!! Enjoy(:

Disclaimer: I don't own A:TLA.

Inspiration: Hmm.. Once again, I'll write them down throughout the chapter, for I'm sure I'll have some odd inspiration. Haha. Okay here it is: For this beginning, the song Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson, really inspired me.

EnJoY:)

–

Was it her? No, could it be her?

"Toph?"she uttered again. More like a small cry of dumb hope...

CRASH!

Suddenly, a familiar smile popped up.

"Toph!" Her dumb hope had worked.

"Not for long," the silhouette uttered, the raspy voice crawling. Toph earthbent a humongous rock at him, trying to knock him out, probably. But with lightning speed, he dodged it miraculously. Toph didn't even look apprehensive, at all. She had a determined and unwavering expression on, only shooting glances at Katara once in a blue moon. Toph concentrated hard on flying rocks, hitting the target...but they weren't. The more that missed, the angrier and more determined Toph got. Suddenly, she shot him right in the half of the face that Katara could see.

"Toph!" Katara shouted, gleeful once again.

"Get up here, Water Baby," Toph demanded, pointing to a table that Katara could scoot over within the time the silhouette got up.

Quickly, Katara stepped over the 'body' that she realized now was indeed human...well, who didn't know that? But it was hard, more than abs, but strong. Stronger than...well, Aang.

Climbing onto the table, Toph lent Katara her hand, and together, they lifted up and Katara went onto the...roof, she now found, with Toph.

"Are you okay?" Toph breathed, shaking her arm and hands.

"Uhm, no, but are you?" Katara retorted. She clearly was not okay.

"I know, you're in some major shock, I can tell. You're really pale...and yeah, I guess I'm fine," she replied, letting her hand down on the roof.

"How did you aim so...impressively, ya know...being blind in all?" Katara asked.

"I felt the presence everywhere. No matter where I walked away from the house, it was a still presence that would never leave. I knew something was wrong. Usually when that happens, well power is in my name, right?" she joked. That's right: Toph was on a walk when Katara was in the shower.

"Oh! Since you were on your walk, you don't know where...the rest of the gaang is." Silence filled the air. Toph sighed.

"No."

The answer was expected, but still stung like a million bees.

"Maybe they're already out?" Katara suggested.

"Katara, get real. What are the chances of that? Really? If they're still in there, I don't know what much we can do," Toph snapped. Katara turned her glance down.

"Okay. I guess we need optimism. I'm sorry. I'm not used to this," Toph said, knuckled punching Katara. She nodded.

"What should we do?"

Silence...more and more of that utter silence...and then a light laugh filled the air, and Toph and Katara both knew the same thing. Whatever person or thing was inside, was now laughing in the front yard, running. Toward them.

"I thought you'd have known that," Toph said, the first time Katara ever heard utter helplessness in her voice.

–

A/N: I know, I think that one was a little depressing, too. Toph:Helpless. The words don't really go together at all. But think of the circumstances, then rethink. I guess here, it fits..

Next chapter up soon!

Thanks for reading!

Review, please!! (:

Regan.

Of Phantom x Phan.

:)