Chapter 12 - Search

A/N: Yep! It's been (almost?) a week since the last update so I'm keeping my promise about the regular updating thing... Thank you all very much for the reviews and adding this story on story alert, favoriting it and all. Thank you! :D

Disclaimer: I do not own A:TLA, although I wish I did.

"What are you doing?" Someone shrieked.

Mai looked to her right, to find Katara and the others surrounding Kazuya and Zuko. She had just dried herself off at the kitchen of Flaming Phoenix before she was to head for home. Then she found the group, save for Toph, all stuck in an alley.

Katara was ready to let loose a jet of water she had aimed at Kazuya.

She walked over to the group, who parted to let her through. Her eyes widened when she found Zuko bruised and beaten up. He seemed to be only half-conscious.

"Zuko…!"

Kazuya glanced at her and dropped Zuko, letting Katara rush towards him.

"What are you doing?" Mai questioned frostily.

"Just trying to beat some sense into him." He paused, "He betrayed you. He loves that earthbending squirt, Toph, doesn't he? That's why you didn't accept the proposal."

"How did you figure-"

"You really think I'm that dense, don't you?"

"Mai… Kazuya… What happened?" Aang walked over to them, regarding them worriedly. "Is there something we missed?"

"How did the proposal go?" Suki spoke up.

Mai took a deep breath before speaking, "I rejected him."

"… Lord Shan?" Toph whispered, as she entered the inn by the port. "He's here?"

She slowly backed away from the port. Are there any other inns by the port?

"Ah, Toph! Intending on returning home so early?"

Toph backed away quickly, slipping on her shoes. She hadn't expected him to stay in Fire Nation after sending her off. This was not exactly the best way they could have met…

"Yes, my lord," Toph said, choosing to adopt a formal tone. "I did not feel that an extended stay here was necessary."

"Indeed," The man agreed readily. "It's too late to travel back to the Earth Kingdom now, however. We shall set off at sunrise."

Toph nodded curtly, heading to the innkeeper to book a room. She followed the innkeeper upstairs relying solely on the man's footsteps. Once she entered her room, she took off her shoes quickly, scanning the area.

Safe. She thought, settling down on the bed. She slowed her breathing, trying to calm her palpitating heart.

"The one Zuko loves is you, not me."

"Quit pulling my leg, Sunshine…"

"I've seen how he looks at you. He's completely different around you. Toph, he loves you, I-"

"Mai, it can't be. You two have been childhood sweethearts since forever. I can't possibly…"

"Who says that can't change? It isn't set in stone."

I drew up a rock immediately. Then I was about to inscribe the words… When I remembered.

I couldn't.

Mai gave a dry laugh. "See? Even the World's Greatest Earthbender can't determine that."

She pulled out the pillow and buried her face in it. Today's events… It just replayed in her mind quickly. The voices of everyone resounded in her mind.

"I know you feel the same way."

It was true. She had a crush on him for a long time now. How could she say it? She could not. Zuko had a girlfriend. There was no way they could, in any way, have the happy ending she sometimes dreamt of. The way she felt his face, with the rumored scar and all… The way he would hold her hand in his, calluses speckling the otherwise smooth skin…

She dreamt of it all.

Toph clutched the pillows tightly. This was not happening… He could not really like her… If he did… Did she just cause them to break up?

It's time to wake up.

"G-Good morning, Lord Zuko!" A couple of chambermaids hastily greeted him.

He nodded and waved them off as he drifted out of his chambers. He could barely sleep, and probably looked a fright right now. Not that he bothered, really. Katara already healed most of the injuries he had sustained from yesterday, thankfully. He walked over to the yard, to find the turtle ducks already frolicking under the soon-to-brighten sky.

He sat next to the pond, watching them silently as they swam about. They seemed so carefree. Like they were when he was a child… With mother…

I need to find my mother...! I need to go now!

He stood up immediately, snapping out of his thoughts. He looked around, as if to recall where he was.

… I need to find her.

He ran for her chambers. He ducked through the hallways and stumbled through the doorways to burst into her room.

"Toph!" He yelled, breathless. "Get up! I don't care if it's not daybreak! You can never believe what I've found-"

He frowned as he waited for the girl to pummel him for the rude awakening.

It never came. A sense of foreboding swept over him. As if he knew this day would come. He flung open the covers.

The figure he saw was shaped out of pillows.

"TOPH!"

Mai heard the shout that came from one of the chambers. She frowned slightly as she stepped out of her own room. It has been barely a day since they have reunited and they have resumed their usual bickering already?

"Mai!" Zuko ran over to her.

She looked at him, a feeling of apprehension lingering as she recalled last night's events. He looked uncomfortable as well.

"What is it?" She asked clearly.

"She's gone. I can't find her baggage anywhere in her room and she's nowhere to be found."

"Who?"

"Toph."

Oh right. She thought, a bitter taste in her mouth. Who else can get you so flustered?

"I have no idea where she may have went…" She trailed off before a thought entered her mind. "Don't tell me…"

Zuko looked at her sharply. "What is it?"

"She ran away."

"What?" He demanded, "Why would she?"

"I didn't expect her to either… But it would be the only explanation…" Mai murmured to herself.

"Oy! Answer my question!" He grabbed her arm.

Mai turned to stare at him directly, her gaze hardening. He flinched ever so slightly.

"I told her about your feelings."

Toph woke up with a sneeze. She sniffed and rubbed her nose as she got up from her bed. The whirl of emotions that she fell asleep in was still present, tickling her mind.

I've got to get out of Fire Nation today.

She stepped out of her room to find Shan Luo waiting for her. She greeted him politely as the two headed downstairs for breakfast.

"Ah! Good morning, you two! We're serving congee with dough fritters today!"

A feeling of nostalgia swelled within her for no reason. She nodded as she received her bowl of congee from the innkeeper.

"Fine! Innkeeper! Can I please have a bowl of your delicious congee you just made?"

Toph whipped around, immediately placing her feet down on the floor of the inn. She felt her shoulders involuntarily droop in disappointment.

Of all times…

"What's wrong, Toph? Trouble?"

"No," She shook her head in response. "I just thought I heard… A friend."

"Come on! Step on it!" Zuko yelled.

His komodo rhino grunted in response, proceeding with the same sickeningly slow speed. Zuko growled in response, choosing to take it out on the animal some more.

"Put a lid on it, will you?" Kazuya's annoyed voice drifted over. "You've picked the fastest one available and you're still complaining."

Zuko glared at Kazuya, concentrating the full blast of his silent fury on the older man.

"Tch. You're still the kid I knew two years ago."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. Some Fire Lord you are. You're dumping your work on your uncle again."

Zuko felt as if a cold fist clenched over his heart, the pang of guilt still etched in his mind. He hasn't really been living up to anyone's expectations, has he?

"Don't fret, Zuko. I'll take care of it for now. Just remember to have a weekly round of Pai Sho with me when you safely return." Uncle Iroh's hearty chuckle reassured me.

Kazuya muttered, "I should have just blasted you to bits when I had the chance."

Zuko felt his clenched fist burst aflame instantly. Kazuya didn't even bat an eyelid as he snapped the reins of his own komodo rhino.

Keep your cool, Zuko… He thought to himself, taking a deep breath.

"I can't believe Mai made me go on this trip with you."

At that mention, Zuko felt as if someone had gutted him in the stomach.

"I told her about your feelings."

"… My feelings?" I quirked an eyebrow and folded my arms.

"You like her."

I was taken aback. I could feel a blush creeping up as I instinctively positioned my hand over my neck.

"… I suppose I do. I like the whole gang, in fact," I said coolly.

Mai massaged her temples slowly, an exasperated sigh issuing from her lips.

"This is why you don't understand the reason for me rejecting you yesterday night."

I looked away immediately. That was still a sore topic for me, definitely.

"I meant… That you, Zuko, love Toph Bei Fong."

He tightened his grip on the reins as he thought about it. It was not true. He had not thought about her that way. No, not Toph, of all people.

Oh, so why are you rushing to the port now?

Why did you have mixed feelings when Mai rejected the proposal?

Why?

"Toph! Back so quick?"

Toph nodded, feeling numb. Something… Somewhere was making her regret doing this, making her hope that someone will run over and tell her to turn around.

"I'll be in my room."

She dragged her feet back into her room, filling herself with the familiar scent once again. She walked over to her bed, sitting down on it as she kicked her legs a little, trying to make herself comfortable.

What would be my first course of plan?

The desire to prove to Mai - and herself - that she was wrong grew stronger. What Mai had said about Zuko and her, were wrong. The feelings she thought had for Zuko were wrong. They were both wrong.

And she had to prove it.

What do I do? Should I leave home? To somewhere no one can find me?

As she kicked, she felt something sharp and rough. Curious, she flicked her toes, sending the strange object ricocheting against the opposite wall.

She caught the object with her hand. She felt it slowly. It was just a rock she used to play with when she was bored.

A rock, huh… That's how I'm like.

No. That's how I was like.

Seems to me I'm learning from Twinkletoes. I'm running away from my problems. I should be like the rock. I'll face them head on. She thought decisively, clutching the rock in her hand tightly.

"Are we clear on this?"

"Crystal."

"Two years have passed, and it's as if nothing's changed. Do enjoy yourselves."

"... Let's get moving."

"Roger!"

"So… Gaoling, huh?"

"You should know this place well enough. After all, you blasted a part of it to smithereens."

"Zuko, my boy. You do exaggerate."

"Not my intention to," Zuko assured him dryly.

Zuko walked down the streets of Gaoling, the crowd shrinking as the sun began to set. He glanced around, hoping to see a familiar blind earthbender marching down the streets as well. He had already checked the Earthbending school in the vicinity.

She wasn't there.

Zuko growled in frustration. He didn't have much time. What if his mom manages to evade him again?

"Maybe you should try the squirt's house…"

He frowned. Right.

"Toph…" Her father's voice dangerously low.

She twiddled her toes a little, contemplating spitting on the floor to prove her point. Then she shook head. No, it'll just make me look… Immature.

"Yes, I'm serious about this, Father."

"Lord Shan, kindly take your leave now. We do not wish for you to witness a family dispute…" She heard her mother usher him out.

"I'm completely serious about this," She adopted the same tone her father had used on her.

"The trip to Fire Nation has muddled your mind! We should have never allowed you to-"

"It has not muddled my mind! In fact, it cleared the doubts I had!" She raised her voice.

Her father supported his forehead with his palm, sighing deeply.

"I've had a long day, Toph…" He said wearily. "We'll talk about this later. To your room now, Toph."

She scowled, but she nodded obediently. Her father was wracked with worries. It was even obvious in his heartbeat.

She stalked off to her room, venting her anger on the ground below, letting it tremble as she walked. She picked up the pebble and rolled it around in her palm. With a grunt, she flung it out of the window.

She heard a bird's cry a split second later. Then, a thump on the yard just outside her room. It was a messenger hawk, or at least, seemed to be.

Could it be…?

Toph hurried to the yard and picked up the injured bird. Its relatively small heart wasn't beating regularly. Probably from shock from something… Blood was gathering at particular area, swelling up… Toph noted as she held it. Maybe the small rock she threw hit it…?

She felt its wing, where the swelling was located. She probably had to get it treated. Then, she heard a rustling of paper. She groped around the hawk's feet, finally locating the piece of paper attached to it.

She opened it up, and then frowned. It's probably not for me. If it was, then the sender's an idiot.

"Toph? What are you doing out here? … Is that a messenger hawk?"

"Hey, Lin… Could you read something for me?"

"Do you think she'll come?"

"For the hundredth time, yes," Kazuya sighed in exasperation. "That is, if you expect her to be able to find someone to read the letter for her. The squirt's blind, after all."

Zuko groaned as he heard the comment, racking his brains for other alternatives. He could just head straight into the estate and get her…

However, they had met some difficulties earlier on.

"No appointment, no meeting. Sorry, sir."

"What if I told you I am the Fire Lord?"

The guard examined me from head to toe. I glanced uneasily at Kazuya, who shrugged. The Bei Fongs have already changed their guards, after two short years. Then again, they were kidnapped. They had to take safety precautions, I suppose…

"Well, your scar looks very real. But, nice try, kiddo."

My eyebrow rose a notch higher, my face heating up.

" 'Nice try'?" I scowled. "I AM THE FIRE LORD!"

Zuko chastised himself. How could he have forgotten to bring his seal of proof?

"It should be time, Zuko," Kazuya said as he gazed at the dark sky.

"How could you tell?" Zuko questioned as he began to head towards the rendezvous point.

"The moon," He said shortly. "Come on, I'm curious to see what lover's spot you've picked, really."

Zuko nodded obediently before the words sunk in. "W-Wait. What did you just call the rendezvous point?"

"Oh, nothing at all, lover boy. Now hurry up before I change my mind and drag you back to Mai."

Zuko regarded the man oddly as he picked up his pace.

"… Signed, Dynamo," Lin finished. "Who's 'Dynamo'?"

Toph frowned. "… Someone…"

Why would he be here?

"This is so exciting! We haven't had one of these in years!"

The group looked at each other expectantly while she gave a muffled groan.

"So this is the meeting point…"

"What about it?"

"Well, I figured… That it'd be more… Romantic."

"Shut your trap. Toph's just a… A very good friend of mine. So I thought to search for my mother with her."

"Spirits, you're completely dense." Kazuya said incredulously. "If that was the case, why not Mai, then?"

"I… She just rejected me!"

"You, for one thing, didn't put up much of a resistance in response to that."

Kazuya rolled his eyes and interrupted Zuko before he had a chance to speak. "Don't tell me you were shocked. You're making way too many excuses. Besides-"

Someone interrupted his speech, addressing Zuko directly. "Excuse me, could you kindly shift to your left? I'm keeping my stall early today."

Zuko turned to see the kite seller looking at him. He nodded quickly as he stepped away.

"Besides what?" He looked towards the brown-haired firebender.

Kazuya remained silent, ignoring Zuko. He scowled, wondering why the conversation was suddenly cut short. Then again, he did not want to continue it. Something about the questions that were fired at him by Mai and Kazuya told him…

Agni… Don't tell me I…

A/N: *sigh* Yes. I'm assuming he's really that dense/stubborn. (Didn't seem to be the case for him and Mai, but then again...)
Oh, my apologies for not including Iroh much in the fic... I've been trying to think of scenarios in which he appears and all, but... He's stuck with the paperwork. *headdesks*
Well, I hope this chapter turned out alright. The conclusion's coming soon! :D ('Cause this is filler / Filler night~)
Erm... As usual, if there's any problem with the fic or there's something you wish to advise me on (for example, storywriting, format, OC characterization, etc) , please do. :D PM me, submit a review, anything.