Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Author's Note: I hope you enjoy this chapter, though it is fairly short. Thanks for reading!
Chapter Two:
He was laughing now. Toph considered her mission a success.
"It's true! And the Badgermole just stood there like that woman was too intimidating for even him to pass by her!"
Zuko was clutching his side as he laughed, then he wiped at his eyes.
"That's terrible."
"I admire her." Toph grinned.
Zuko stopped laughing, admiring Toph's smiling face. "Toph…"
"What?"
"There must be some suitors chasing you at home." He let his voice sound teasing, guarding his curiosity.
She shook her head. "Very funny."
"I'm serious! Come on!"
"No one thinks of me that way. I mean, the tough blind girl is not any guy's type... Apparently. Not that I care." She added the last part suddenly, worried he might think she'd gone soft.
"That's ridiculous. Probably somebody is in love with you, but doesn't want to tell you."
Toph wrinkled her nose. "Any guys that would be interested, are not my type. Besides… I intimidate guys. Like I said, though, I don't care."
"You don't want to get married?"
"It's not that I don't want to. Maybe now isn't the time. You're older, anyway, why aren't you married?"
He didn't actually know the answer to that. Not exactly. Lately it had seemed as if every possible girl was measured to the standard of a tough, dark haired, earthbender.
"I don't have time to think about a wife." Was his excuse, but she did not appear to buy that. "Girls don't line up for a guy with…" He motioned to his face. It was another excuse. "A scar like mine."
"Don't give me that! I hear girls talk about you as soon as I step into the Fire Nation."
Zuko chuckled.
"Have your eye on anyone?"
Her eyes met his, though he knew she couldn't see him. He knew if he lied she would know.
"Yes."
"Who is she?"
"Why should I tell you?"
"I'm your best friend!"
Zuko chuckled.
She grinned. "Hey… How come you never come visit me?" Her voice was half playful, half serious. "You say we're best friends."
"I'm running a kingdom."
"That's no excuse!" She shrugged. "Think about it."
0000
It was later. Night was upon the Fire Nation and things were peaceful and silent. The young guard stood alert, proud of his position. He had felt it a great honor to have a guard position such as this. Especially as there had been a threat to the Fire Lord.
He watched the sleeping grounds of the castle, expecting to see nothing. That's when he saw the figure. He signaled the other guards, and then got closer.
The stranger was standing on the outer wall, still as a statue. A long, dark green cloak shaded the figure, and a hood fell over its eyes.
He climbed the ladder, silently as he could, yet when he reached the top of the wall, the face had turned toward him and the other guards. "State your name!" He said, in the most commanding voice he could.
"I am the Jade Dragon." Whispered a voice, as just the smallest flicker of a flame appeared in the hand of the figure.
"What is your business here?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" The figure sounded as if it almost wished to laugh. Then, the Jade Dragon stepped off the wall, and disappeared.