8 Years in the Future
Chapter 1: Letters from a King and Queen
Part 3: Dear Toph
"No, no, no. Your stance is all wrong. You look like some twinkly-toed air bender. And I should know." Toph was standing with her hands on her hips overseeing a group of teenage earthbending students. One particular pupil was now experiencing what past students had named "The Wrath of Toph."
She had grown tall and slender, but gave one the impression that she was a huskier person. She was abrupt, and ungraceful, much to her parent's disapproval. Her laugh was loud and unlady-like, and she still loved hanging out at wrestling matches. Her facial features had matured over the years, leaving her a soft nose and lips, but intense narrow eyes. She never wore make-up, and she never wore dresses.
She was without a doubt, the toughest teacher in the entire Earth Kingdom. And yet, she was also the best. She was so good in fact, that everyone and their kid brother wanted to attend her academy.
She stomped on the ground and a column made of earth shot up.
"Did you watch how I did that or was it too fast for you?"
"Um…"
Toph sighed. She felt footsteps approaching behind her.
"Lady Toph?"
"Shun, how many times do I have to tell you I don't want you to call me that?"
"My apologies, Lady- I mean Toph. I hope I'm not interrupting your class, but a letter came for you just now."
"What does the seal look like?"
Shun flipped the letter over. "Um, it appears to be a hand with an olive branch."
Quickly, Toph turned to her students.
"Everyone, sparring partners. I'll be back in ten minutes." The students quickly scrambled with their partners and ran to the sparring field. Toph grabbed the one student she'd been humiliating earlier, by the shoulder. He turned back, terrified.
"Yes, Sifu Toph?"
"You did good today, Gero. Just keep practicing."
His face brightened immensely. To be complimented by the master….he was speechless.
"Thank you Sifu Toph."
"Now hurry and find a partner, before you end up sparring with yourself again."
"Yes master, whatever you say." He hurried away.
Toph turned back toward her assistant Shun.
"Please read it to me."
"Yes, of course, Toph."
Shun opened the parchment to reveal the invitation and a letter.
"There's an invitation to the Annual Diplomat's Ball next month. And there's a letter. It reads:
Dear Toph,
Well, seeing as you told me to get to the point in my last letter, I will. Get ready for the Ball. Now. Come prepared.
Have you been in contact with Aang? I haven't been able to reach him. Last time I did, he was near the eastern edges of the earth kingdom. I miss him, and I hope he's doing all right. Please tell him we need him.
I look forward to seeing you soon Toph.
Love,
Katara
Shun stopped. "I didn't realize you were acquainted with the fire lord's wife."
"Yeah, we go back a long way. Shun, send an rsvp to the sugar queen-"
"Sugar Queen?"
"I said Fire Queen. Send it, and then start getting my affairs in order for the trip. I'll probably be gone at least three weeks."
"Three weeks for a Ball?"
"Sure, the Fire Lord's a dancing pansy."
Shun raised an eyebrow at this, but bowed and went off to start preparations for Toph's departure.
Toph knew the Ball was more a cover-up than anything else. It was time to stop the rebels. She smiled. Finally, some real action.