Many things could be said about Toph Beifong. One could say that she was rude and crass, or that she showed a surprising lack of manners for someone of her social status. One could say that she was ruthless in a fight, making it clear that, for all that the Fire Nation mocked the Earth King's forces, earthbending could be devastating when used well. One could say that she had her moments of softness, and even that said moments could evolve into and reveal deep, lasting friendships. One could definitely say that when it came to her friends, she would take no prisoners.

One could not, however, say that she was one for tactfully keeping her trap shut.

"So, are you on our side now?" Zuko leaped about a foot in the air and let out a brief shout of surprise. He couldn't help but marvel at her ability to move silently. Unfortunately, his shock got in the way of his communication.

"W-wha… Wait, what?"

She crossed her arms and slowly reiterated, "Are. You. On. Our. Side. Now?"

"I, um, um… I-"

"'Cause if you're not, doesn't that mean that you still have to catch Twinkletoes? And if so, why haven't you yet?"

"It's not that simple!"

"Really? 'Cause it seems pretty simple to me." She waited for him to answer, but only got silence in reply. She shrugged. "Well, whenever you make up your mind, make sure to let us know." She turned to walk away, then turned back to throw a parting remark over her shoulder. "And Sparky, make sure it's the right decision, 'cause I'd hate to have to kick your butt."

With that, she wandered off to find Aang for some earthbending practice.

…

Iroh was calmly watching a family of turtleducks playing in a pool where the river widened. There was a mother and five young ones, one of whom in particular reminded him a little of his nephew. It had a particularly high call, which it made often while chasing and being chased by its siblings. Suddenly, the ducks lifted their heads, and at a call from the mother, they quickly swam off into the reeds at the opposite bank. Only then did the old firebender hear footsteps. He turned just in time to see his nephew rush into the clearing.

Zuko grabbed his shoulders. "I need help, advice, anything! What do I do? Should we leave, or is that what they suspect? Where's Azula? Wha-"

"Zuko, calm down," Iroh said firmly, gripping Zuko's arms and removing them from his shoulders. "What is going on?"

"One of them, the earthbender, asked me whose side I'm on! What do I do?"

"I think that that depends on what your answer is."

"We're on the side of the Fire Nation."

"Are we? As I recall, your sister wants to arrest us."

"Yes, well… That's not the point! It's our job to capture the Avatar. It's the only way to-"-restore your honor," they finished in unison as Iroh tried not to roll his eyes. "If that is the case, then this shouldn't trouble you."

"Well, I… They're of use to us for the time being. It would be a tactical error to attack them now."

"Spoken like your father. If you know that we aren't going to attack them, at least for now, why not tell them so?"

"Because they want to know whose side we're on."

"Then tell them that we still aren't on their side."

"But-"

"Zuko, a stone thrown into the water will always sink to the bottom. Once it is thrown, its path is determined."

"Um, okay." Zuko walked off. It wasn't until his uncle was out of sight that he dared to mutter, "I'm just not sure what side we're on."