Tokka Week 2015

5. Behind Closed Doors

Heavy footsteps. Startled shouts and yelps. Metal objects clanging against each other as they fell to the ground. Toph loved the chaotic sound of everything under control.

She stepped through the threshold of the underground bunker she had just unearthed for her men, in time for a straggler to make a go for it right under her nose. Did he think that just because she was the only one between him and the exit that he could make it? A quick tap of her foot corrected him of this notion.

It didn't take long for the noise to subside.

"Chinu!" Toph barked. Presently her deputy appeared before her with a salute. "Report."

"It's exactly as you expected," he said, a bit of a smirk making it into his voice. "Place is crawling with contraband and stolen goods: swords of every shape and size, battle dress, blasting jelly and other explosives, the odd diadem or tome... Much of it originates from the Fire Nation, but there's also some high-end Earth Kingdom and Water Tribe items mixed in."

Toph nodded. "And the detainees?"

"We apprehended six, but we reckon there were another two that got away. Some of them were wanted for other reasons." He chuckled. "All in all, a good haul." He motioned to another officer. "Hey, bring that big shot over here."

"If you think I'll talk, you have another thing coming," a new voice growled, originating from a man who moved as uncooperatively as he could given that he was being pulled forward by two burly officers.

"No more than you," Toph said calmly. "But I don't need you to cozy up for a chat to find new leads. Even the fact that you're refusing to talk tells me something." The man grunted, and Toph smirked.

"You dunno nuthin'," the man spat as Toph began to pace across the room.

"Are you trying to imply there's a bigger network that'll catch us off guard?" Chinu asked drily while Toph rifled through some Fire Navy battle armor. "Forgive my confidence, but I think you're bluffing."

"I just say you better not assume nuthin'."

Toph caught her breath.

"Stubborn as you are," she said, picking up an object and slowly turning around to reveal a sword wrapped in straps of leather, "we have ways to retrieve information from your sort."

The man's heartbeat picked up, and Toph had to remind herself not to be too pleased at his expense.

"However," she said, drawing the sword and brandishing it before the man, "I for one think we've accomplished enough for today. Take them away."

And although she couldn't see it for herself, she imagined the nervous man lingering his attention on the expertly crafted sword as he was led away, little knowing the significance it held - from the white lotus engraved on its hilt, to the tip of its black blade.

Yes.

Enough had been accomplished that day, but there was still plenty of room for it to get better.