Chapter 8: Preparations

Aang was awoken by a loud thumping on their door. "Master Aang and Lady Toph, Lord Zuko and your friends are waiting in the dining hall, Lord Zuko wishes you to hurry." Aang looked down and saw Toph still wrapped around his ankles. He nudge her with his nose, "It's time to get up honey."

Toph yawned, sat up and stretched. "Is it really time to go see Zuko?" Aang sat up and rub her shoulder, "Yep, so get dressed and we will get going."

"What do you mean get dressed?" Toph started to feel her body and realized her bindings were still off. She panicked and Aang handed them to her. She retied her bindings and found her shirt on the bed. "So do you want to go?" she asked.

"One sec," Aang quickly ho his clothes on and grabbed Toph's hand, "I'll lead."

Aang and Toph left their room and headed for the dining hall. "Aang was Mai what Zuko wanted to talk about last night?" asked Toph.

"No I asked him about that. He wanted to ask me about Katara?"

"Why about that?"

"He wanted to know my feelings on it. And I told him the truth. I said I would be happy for them, because I'm happy myself."

Toph started to blush, "I love you Aang."

"I love you too Toph," he leaned down and gave her a kiss.

They entered the dining hall to see everyone already seated. They sat next Sokka who was already stuffing his face with all sorts of food.

"Thank you for joining us, we were about to discuss the plans for the wedding," said Zuko. "The wedding is tomorrow and all of the basics are done."

"Then what are we here to talk about?" asked Toph

Katara chuckled, "Zuko just wanted an excuse to catch up."

"Then why didn't he just say that?" Aang asked.

"Because he doesn't think is Fire Lord like," Katara snickered.

Everyone started laughing. Zuko became a little red in his face. He quickly tried to change the subject. "So Aang what have you've been doing all these years?"

Aang sighed, "I've been at the Western Air Temple training. I've mastered all but one element, earth." Toph had a angry look on her face. She slapped Aang in the back of the head, "What the hell do you mean you haven't mastered earth bending yet?"

Aang started to rub the back of his head. "I learned how to train with my past lives, so Roku, Kuruk and Yangchen taught me all I needed to know about fire, water and air." Aang sighed. "Buy Kyoshi could not teach me, she knew that there was a better teacher. She was just like Bumi, they knew I needed a real master which they weren't. I need you Toph."

Toph blushed. "So I guess that proves we are meant to be. I'll be your teacher and your wife."

"My wi….."

Just like always before he could finish his words Toph was kissing him. "I want to be Mrs. Twinkletoes. Can I?" Aang didn't hesitate for a minute, "Aren't I that's supposed to ask for marriage?"

"Yeah but I wear the pants in this relationship, so its technically my job," Toph laughed. Aang blushed a little. "I guess your right, and yes, you will be Mrs. Twinletoes."

Aang leaned over and gave Toph a passionate kiss. Everyone started cheering. "That's great news Aang," said Zuko. "So in light of these events, Aang, Toph, would you like to have your wedding with ours tomorrow?"

"Well…..I……uh," Aang started to stumble with his words.

"We'd love too," said Toph with a big smile.

"Are you sure Toph?" asked Aang.

"Of course, this way we don't have to gather everyone all over again. And I think it's a sweet gesture of Zuko."

Katara started to giggle. "So now we have weddings tomorrow? Geesh, why didn't me and Suki wait till now?" sighed Sokka. "And all of our friends are going to be here anyways. So no need to send more invitations," said Zuko.

"I can help you with your wedding dress tonight Toph, if you'd like?" asked Katara.

"That would be nice, thank you Katara."

"I guess me Sokka will have to look into what Aang will wear," said Zuko.

"Sounds like a plan to….." Toph stopped mid sentence. "Something is happening outside."

Just as Toph said this a guard came running into the hall. "Lord Zuko, the palace is under siege!"

"What!? Who could have attacked us without us knowing?" asked Zuko enraged.

"it's the Fueled Rage sir. D is leading them."

Zuko's face filled with anger. "Aang are you with me?"

Aang nodded. "Toph I want you to go with Katara and Sokka and go wait with the royal guard, Zuko and I will handle this." Toph nodded and they headed out of the dining hall. Aang and Zuko headed for the main door of the palace but as soon as they got there is was blown down.

The smoke cleared and Zuko's entire body seized with fear at what he saw. The man he saw was not D.

The figure laughed. "Good to see you, son."

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