Chap 4- In the Fire Nation

A few weeks turned to several more before her friends were any closer to returning to the Fire Nation. Every so often, Toph received a letter from them. She never asked anyone to read them for her. Zuko offered once, but the way she figured it, if anything of important happened, they would have written to Hothead, too. So, she kept the letters locked away in what had become her room in the palace.

They were probably making Appa stop at every town and village along the way because why else would they be taking so long? But Toph took it in stride and kept herself busy, practicing her bending every day. Earth. Metal. Sand. Alternating, until she mastered each and every one. She couldn't wait for Aang to arrive so she could show him all the new moves she'd invented. She was sure he had not practiced his earthbending since they parted ways. How could he? There was only ice and snow where he was.

It was rare, but it happened that some days she found herself in a bit of a funk. Silly as she thought she was being, Toph missed her friends. More than she ever expected she would. Sometimes, before she even realized what was happening, she found herself wondering about one friend in particular.

Was he still moping around because of Sugar Queen? Or had he made peace with it and returned to being his usual and annoyingly cheery self? Was he taller? Still with baby skin? Still as warm?

But it meant nothing that she thought about him. She missed him is all, she rationalized. She missed them all, she was quick to add. Sugar Queen. Snoozles. Appa. Momo. Even Fangirl. How had they been? How had they changed?

Sometimes she even thought about that night in Ba Sing Se when she felt so bad for Twinkles, she was actually nice. Then, they fell asleep together… She didn't blush anymore when she thought about it. It wasn't a big deal, after all. It's not like they hadn't fallen asleep next to each other hundreds of times before, right? But, a treacherous little voice in the back of her head was quick to remind her, Sugar Queen and Snoozles had always been there, too. Besides, that night had been the first and only time she woke up in his arms…

Still, she didn't like thinking too much about it, so when she wasn't out gambling or causing general havoc, she took on the job of rebuilding parts of the city that had been destroyed during the invasion. The constant bending, working with her element, and having her body in continuous motion left her mind clear and by the time she got to bed, she was exhausted and feeling sane again.

Something else kept her preoccupied. Those stinking nobles following Sparky around. Toph had had enough of them. The ones that didn't try to ignore her presence were quite patronizing. She was sure one of them would try to pinch her cheeks one day and when that happened, she'd have to break their arm off.

But it wasn't all bad. She was amused to discover she possessed the ability to make friends easily and was rarely by herself. Outside the palace, she was surrounded by individuals the others wouldn't much approve of, men two or three times her size who were horrible cheats. Of course, Toph could always tell when they were trying to cheat her. No one ever tried it twice. But she didn't care because they were some of the few who didn't treat her any differently because she was blind or because she was friends with the Fire Lord.

And that - her relationship with Zuko - surprised her. Toph realized that when he offered his country as refuge, they hadn't really been friends - more like war buddies, acquaintances with a shared experience- but they'd grown close since then. Not sickeningly so, but enough that now she could truly call him a friend.

...

The first time Toph accompanied him was the day following their arrival. She'd lost count of how many times she'd gone with him since then.

"Any change?" she asked as he stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

Zuko didn't have to answer, his body was screaming the reply.

"No. No change. Azula's still... asleep."

Catatonic was more like it, but Toph didn't correct him this time. She didn't bother making empty promises either.

"The Princess will wake up."

"She's young and strong, she'll recover."

Sparky had heard it all before and Toph wasn't going to waste her breath or waste his time. She pushed herself away from the wall she'd been leaning against and led the way out. They walked in relative silence back to the palace. Toph wondered why he continued to torture himself. It never failed that he ended up more depressed after each visit. She told him a few times he was punishing himself for something that was not his fault, but he didn't seem to agree.

"I have a meeting," he said as they reached the front gate. "And tonight I'm having dinner at Mai's. You're welcome to join us."

"Thanks, but no thanks. Got plans."

"Where are you going?" Zuko asked.

She smiled at him. "Trust me, it's better if you don'tknow."

As he had a tendency to do whenever she did something he didn't approve of, he massaged the bridge of his nose. "Just...be careful," he said.

"You don't need to worry about me, I can take care of myself."

"I'm not worried about you," he explained. "I'm worried about everyone else."

Toph laughed, punched his arm, and left. When she got to her room, there was a letter waiting for her. She picked it up, tossed it inside the top drawer with all the others, and left the same way she'd entered. It was time to deal with the Imperial Firebenders, who were a joke by the way. At least Toph thought so, which is why she decided to reorganize them. Sure she wasn't a firebender herself, but simply put, she did not trust them. And since they were responsible for protecting the Fire Lord, she was going to make sure only the best and most trustworthy firebenders were allowed anywhere near him.

Those training days were among the few she spent in the palace, but there were also days when she forced Sparky to make time for her because she was bored with everything else. And he did it without too much complaining. His mood had improved in the last weeks. However, not having a crazed sister trying to end his life or a power-hungry father trying to take over the world might have had something to do with it as well.

Toph was sure Mai deserved some of the credit. The gloomy girl had even attempted to be more social towards her. They had things in common, after all. Wealthy parents. Growing up as only child (Toph still was). Excelling in a fight. Well, it wasn't a whole lot in common, but it didn't matter because the niceties required for girls of their station were far too many and they both decided it was just too much of a hassle.

They did train on occasion, though. Neither girl held anything back. Those were the days Toph liked Mai best.

…

Katara was ready to scream and rip her hair loopies off. She had explained the key points four times already! Four times!

"I'm sorry, Katara," Bato said, "But if we all need to sign off on the treaty, we need to understand every point thoroughly."

There were various murmurs of agreement from around the room.

Her right eye twitched a little.

"Would you like me to try?" Aang asked her.

"No!" she yelled, then took a deep breath. These were her people, she had to get through to them. "I'll try one more time, okay."

"Better hurry, sis," Sokka whispered. "It's almost lunch time and most of these guys are starting to get that glazed look in their eye. They'll be wanting meat soon. Not that I can blame them."

Taking another deep breath, Katara began again. "All right, everyone, listen up."

…

Toph took another sip of her tea. Sparky was getting good. Almost as good as Iroh.

Finishing the last of her spicy dumplings, she wiped her mouth with her sleeve as she stood to leave. "Better not be late again tonight," she warned.

Wednesday nights had become fight night. Daytime would have been fine by Toph, but Zuko argued nighttime would even up the odds. They fought against each other, against soldiers or guards, or they teamed up from time to time to take on the Imperial Firebenders. It served a dual purpose. It was fun for her, obviously, but Zuko could see that it was also a way to improve the skills of everyone involved.

From the beginning, Fight Night had become the highlight of Toph's week. Besides the moments she stopped to pick her toes, of course. Zuko on the other hand, held back at first. He didn't want to burn her or anyone else again. But after many not so nice words from the small earthbender he had to — as she put it — step up. Now, despite his better judgment, he looked forward to Wednesday nights. Since becoming Fire Lord, it was probably the most pleasantly exhausting time he had during the entire week.

"If I can't make it, I'll send word," Zuko assured her.

Stopping to scratch her armpit before walking away, she answered, "You know where to find me."

"Don't remind me," he groaned. She would be in one of two places: out beyond the Palace walls practicing her bending, which he preferred, or in her favorite tavern in town, which she preferred. She wasn't allowed to drink — he had gone down to the establishment himself to make sure of it after a rather embarrassing situation involving Toph, a cup of cactus juice she snatched from an unsuspecting patron, and himself — but she seemed to like the music, the gambling, and the all around seedy trouble she found there. "Do me a favor, try not to demolish any buildings this week."

"Ain't making any promises," Toph grinned. "Besides, I don't know why you're complaining, I usually fix 'em."

"Days later."

Toph shrugged and left to take a nap. Maybe after, she'd wander the city again in order to find that vendor who still owed her money.

…

"If it's okay with you guys, I'm sleeping the whole way," Suki said, stifling a yawn.

"Maybe it would be better if we left first thing in the morning then?" Aang suggested out of politeness.

"Oh, no!" Sokka yelled, struggling to get on Appa's saddle, "I am not sharing a room with you another night. Last night was awful! Awful! You're nonstop talking about the Fire Nation? And leaving for the Fire Nation? And getting to the Fire Nation? I can't take it!"

Momo chirped.

"See, even Momo agrees with me!"

"I'm sorry guys. I just feel bad. We told Toph it would only take us a few weeks and we've been here three months."

"Come on, Aang, you know Toph will understand," Suki said. She grabbed a blanket to cover herself and Sokka. "She knows this treaty was important in getting everyone to start getting along."

"Yeah," Aang replied taking the reins, "I hope so."

…

Zuko stared at the blind girl sitting on the other side of his desk. Why did she have to be so stubborn?

"I don't see why this is a problem," he said.

"I don't see why this requires me to wear a dress," she replied.

He stood up.

"Out of all our friends, you know how these things go. When important people pay a visit, there are certain expectations."

"Yeah, I do know. And those expectations are part of the reason I left my parents' home. Or did you forget?"

Zuko took a deep breath. He didn't want to, but he knew he was going to have to play dirty.

"If things had been different," he said, trying to sound pitiful, "My uncle would have greeted the guests along with me…"

Toph shifted in her chair and placed both feet on the floor.

"…Because the rest of my family either can't or wouldn't want to be there at my side."

Toph stood up.

"You know, that was pretty low," she said. Zuko groaned. "I mean, bringing up your uncle was bad, but the other stuff?" She shook her head as she walked towards the door. "That was just sad."

Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose. "I know," he agreed, sounding deflated.

Toph knew he was being honest now. "Actually," she grinned, "I'm impressed you were willing to sink to that level."

When he looked over at her, she was smiling.

"So, you'll do it?" he asked, hope once again in his voice.

"Not a chance," she laughed and walked out of his office.

…

"We're almost there, buddy. I can see the palace from here."

Appa growled in acknowledgment and Momo jumped up on Aang's shoulder.

"Aang?"

The Avatar turned to see Sokka wiping sleep from his eyes.

"Are those guards trying to flag us down?"

Grey eyes looked down where a group of guards near the stables waved a large flag with a picture of Appa on it.

"Uh, I think they are."

"Guess we should go there first?" Suki suggested.

"Yeah," Aang sighed, guiding Appa away from the palace and towards the stables. He'd waited months to see his friends, what was a few more minutes? He'd missed them. A lot. Toph especially. Often, he found himself wishing she'd been with them at the South Pole.

Spending so much time with Katara, seeing her every day, it was hard. Really, really hard. Especially because he knew nothing would ever happen between them. Making matters worse, Katara seemed to overcompensate for not feeling the same way he did by being extra nice. It only made him more miserable.

Sokka noticed and thankfully stepped in. He kept Aang away from Katara as much as was possible in the small village. The only problem with that, however, was that Sokka also wanted to spend time with Suki and of course Suki wanted to spend time with Sokka, but neither wanted to make Aang feel left out. So, they included him in practically everything they did, which led to some awkward moments for the airbender. Though they tried not to make Aang feel like a third wheel, it never failed that he did. How couldn't he when he knew he was getting in the way of their happiness?

If Toph had been there, they could have gone off and done their own thing. Something fun. Something that would make him laugh instead of remind him of all he couldn't have. So when the treated talks finally ended, Aang may have been less than subtle in his desire to leave for the Fire Nation. Haru's impending arrival only made him want to get out of the South Pole quicker.

"Wow, is all that for us?" Suki asked.

"I'd say it's for Aang," Sokka replied, "But you're right, wow. Even the Earth Kings' welcome wasn't like this."

There was a large crowd of people waiting outside the palace gates. A red carpet had been laid out from the gate all the way up the steps. Every type of elaborate decoration Aang had ever seen, even some he'd never laid eyes on, were on display below in a sea of red and yellow. It looked so festive.

"Look at that," Suki pointed.

Aang smiled as he patted Appa's fur. "Looks like the new Fire Lord built you your own stable, buddy."

Soon, they landed near the stables where palanquins were waiting for them.

…

Toph had eventually changed her mind, but only after some serious begging by Sparky. He stilled owed her for burning her feet, but this was bigger. Pretty soon she'd be able to cash in one lump sum and end up the new Fire Lord if she wanted. That would come later, though, now she was standing next to him as he waited for his important guests. The nobles of his court stood close behind them and the Fire Sages off to the side.

"Who's coming again?" she asked. The material of the dress was irritating her skin and she scratched her forearm.

"Stop fidgeting," Zuko ordered.

"Hey, you try wearing this! It's itchy!" she snapped. "Besides, you said nothing about proper behavior!"

"Proper behavior is included in 'acting like a lady'!"

"Whatever. If your guests don't arrive soon, I'm leaving."

…

Aang saw her the moment he stepped out of the palanquin and onto the red carpet. She looked so different. Not at all like the Sifu he remembered, but rather the heiress she was born to be. Her raven hair was pulled back away from her face and the dress she wore was a beautiful crimson and gold. It looked something like the gowns various Fire Nation noblewomen wore the day of Zuko's coronation.

Sokka and Suki stood alongside him as they climbed the carpeted stairs. Aang glanced at them and they seemed in as much awe of everything as he was. But unlike him, they didn't seem nervous at all. Aang wasn't sure why, but he was. It was silly. He was being silly. After taking in a deep breath, he felt better.

Why was he so worried anyway? It was only two of his closest friends waiting for him at the top of the stairs. Two of his friends who he hadn't seen in months. One who was probably too busy to miss him and the other who probably felt abandoned by his long absence. The nervousness returned and Aang groaned to himself as he climbed more stairs.

…

Music began to play and Toph wished whoever was coming up the stairs would hurry it up already. She was about to ask Zuko if his guests forgot how to walk when she sensed those footsteps...

They could only belong to one person.