A/n: This fic is a companion to a drawing I did of Toph and Sokka in battle. It makes a wonderful illustration for this fic. You can see the image at my devart account, Winnie-Beatles. But for now, read on, and enjoy!

Flames flickered everywhere, large, bright, and menacing. Rising like long, curved sets of hungry fangs from the jaw of the earth. There was nowhere left to run, forward was fire, so was the right and the left. The wildfire blazed on, destroying everything in its path. Sokka paced unsteadily backward, shield up and sword ready to swipe any falling, burning fragments of wood, metal, or earth.

His back made harsh contact with something, or someone. The thing gasped slightly in shock.

Sokka could tell by the voice it was Toph.

"Toph, what are you doing here?" Sokka asked urgently.

"I was trying to find you. This whole place is going to burn down." Toph replied.

The uncontrolled fire roared loudly and grew to a terrifying size. It surrounded Toph and Sokka, who were standing back-to-back. Smoke ascended into the air in large clouds.

"Sokka," Toph said in a fearful tone, "There's too much fire, I can't see."

"It's okay, we'll get out of this," Sokka assured her, "I've got an idea."

There was a vast sea of fire in all directions, bright and hot, flooding both of their senses with it. "Toph, make a huge earth tent to fit both of us."

Using both her arms and stomping, walls of solid earth rose from the ground, forming a circle around her and Sokka. All of the walls met at a point far over their heads.

"Good, now, instead of going through the fire, let's tunnel under it." Sokka told her.

"Which direction?"

Sokka changed the direction Toph was facing using her shoulders, "This way."

With a few movements of her hand and wrist, a hole appeared in front of them, "Let's go!" Toph said, dragging Sokka behind her. They landed on their feet at the bottom and at the beginning of the tunnel. "Here, follow me," Toph grabbed Sokka's hand, remembering that he couldn't see in the dark underground. With one hand, Toph led Sokka while she used the other to bend the earth around them into a continuing tunnel. After a few minutes, Toph stopped, "This should be far enough." She made a large gap in the earth above them.

Big pieces of burning debris flew down at them. Sokka saw it, but he could tell that Toph couldn't.

"Get down!" he warned her as he ran over to her. Sokka wrapped his left arm around Toph's middle, using his shield to protect them both. The debris hit and slid off Sokka's shield and fell to the ground. When he was sure the coast was clear, Sokka lowered his shield, but still held Toph, just in case. He moved back into the tunnel and leaned against the wall, breathing rapidly. He could feel Toph's chest rising and falling quickly and her arms clinging tightly to him. Her eyes were open wide in panic.

"Toph, are you alright? You didn't get burned, did you?" Sokka asked, concerned.

Still holding on, Toph responded, "No, I don't think I did. I'll be fine." Her tight hold on him relaxed a bit, but she didn't let go. Neither did Sokka.

"Well that's good," Sokka sighed, still trying to catch his breath.

Toph piped up again, "You know, we make a good team. You can't bend, I can and I can't 'see' but you can. It's a perfect balance."

Sokka thought about this for a second, then he smiled, "Yeah, I suppose we do," he let go of her and patted her shoulder warmly, "So, shall we go on and beat up some fire nation soldiers, partner?"

Toph grinned, "Sounds like a plan!"

With that, Sokka withdrew his sword, and he and Toph jumped out of the tunnel together, ready to fight side-by-side and watch each other's back. They made the perfect duo.

A/n: Well, there you go, another Tokka fics for you guys, because I love you and appreciate your comments. Now it's winter break for me, so if I get some inspiration, I'll be able to write some more. But I won't post them until you all tell me how you like this one, so review please!