Disclaimer: Avatar the Last Airbender is created by Michael DiMartino & Brian Konzieko and owned by Nickelodeon.

Rewrite of "The Runaway" originally written by Joshua Hamilton.

Toph and Katara trained Aang, who was blindfolded. The girls ended up fighting each other, while Sokka announced his sneak attack to Aang, who used earthbending to knock him out. Zuko watched as Sokka failed. The girls continued to fight.

"Is training over?" Aang asked.

Toph bent the mud off and said, "What do you say we go have some fun while Katara gets cleaned up?"

Aang and Sokka nodded and went with Toph to scam a scammer.

Katara returned to camp after she cleaned up.

Zuko returned from collecting firewood.

"How long do you think they'll be gone?" Zuko asked.

"I don't know. They went to get supplies. Where were you when Sokka was training with Master Piandao?"

"I went to work on my firebending. Fire can be dangerous, but that won't be a problem now," said Zuko as he frowned.

"What do you mean? You didn't have any trouble getting into that temple or opening the door to Sozin's last testament," Katara replied.

"I guess I'm still confused," said Zuko. "I know my uncle said I made the right choice, but I still wonder. It's not like the Avatar accepts me."

"I'm sure that's not true," said Katara. "Aang just needs time to adjust that's all. You did chase us for a long time."

Before they could continue talking, Toph, Sokka, and Aang returned with many supplies and gold.

"Where did you get the money to buy all this stuff?" Katara asked after she was startled.

"Toph got us the money. She scammed one of those guys in town who moves the shells around all sneaky-like," Aang replied.

"She used earthbending to win the game. Classic!" Sokka added.

"AH, so she cheated," said Katara.

"Hey, I only cheated because he was cheating. I cheated a cheater. What's wrong with that?" Toph said defensively.

"I just don't think we should make a habit of it," Katara replied concerned.

"Why? Because you hate fun?" Toph countered.

Zuko snickered. "I doubt it. I mean she stole from pirates."

"They had a waterbending scroll. It was one time. And where do you think they got it?" Katara responded defensively.

"How is that any different?" Toph asked.

"Well, she nearly got captured because of it," Zuko replied.

"But you aren't after us anymore," Sokka pointed out.

"That's not the point! The point is we don't want to draw unnecessary attention," said Katara.

Aang raised his headband and promised not to let the scams get out of hand.

Aang did not keep his promise and he, Toph, and Sokka continued to pull scams.

Toph came back from scamming with Aang.

"Guys, I think these scams have gone far enough. If you keep doing them, something bad is gonna happen," said Katara.

"Could you stop being such a sourpuss and lighten up for once?" Toph asked.

"Oh, I'm sorry. You think I should be more like you? Like some wild child?" Katara replied.

"Yeah, maybe, then you'd see how great we have it. Look at us, we're traveling around the world, making easy money, having fun, with no parents telling us what to do," Toph replied.

"Ah, I see. You're acting like this because of your parents," Katara caught on.

"Whatever," said Toph dismissively.

"They were controlling, so you ran away and now you act like your parents don't exist. You act like you hate them, but you don't. You just feel guilty," said Katara.

"I do hate them!" Toph replied.

"I don't think so. I think you miss them, but you don't want to deal with it so you act like a crazy person," Katara said.

"Look, I ran away to help Aang," said Toph.

"You know what? It doesn't matter. These scams put us all at risk," said Katara.

Zuko and Sokka were, as Sokka called it swordbending.

Zuko was helping Sokka train with his sword.

Aang watched as Zuko and Sokka finished.

"What's going on?" Sokka asked.

"Toph and Katara had another fight about scams," said Aang.

"Well, I'm off to spend some money," said Sokka.

Sokka went and bought a messenger hawk named Hawky.

On his way back, he discovered a wanted poster of Toph. He took the poster with him.

"Toph, I was in town, when I found something you're not going to like," said Sokka as he unfurled the wanted poster.

"Well, it sounds like a sheet of paper, but I guess you're referring to what's on it," said Toph.

"It's a wanted poster of you. They've nicknamed you 'the Runaway,'" Sokka replied.

"A wanted poster. That's so great. 'The Runaway.' I love my new nickname. Is there a picture of me? Does it look good?" Toph replied enthusiastically.

Sokka checked the likeness, then replied, "Well, yeah, it looks like you, but you're missing the point. Katara was right, these scams are drawing too much attention to us."

"Don't be such a worrywart like your sister. Think of it this way, you'll have plenty of money for the invasion," said Toph as she gave Sokka money.

"Well, I did have this design for armor for Appa," said Sokka. Toph gave him more money and took the wanted poster.

Katara, Zuko, and Aang approached the camp.

"Sokka, tell me you didn't buy a bird," said Katara.

"Not just a bird, a messenger bird! Now we can send messages all over the world, even to Gran Gran," Sokka replied.

"How does it work?" Aang asked.

"Hm, uh, I never thought of that. Hawky, Gran Gran, South Pole," said Sokka. He pointed south, but the bird shook it's head. "I think he gets it."

"Sokka, it doesn't work like that. The bird will have to be trained," Zuko stated.

"Oh," Sokka said. Momo and Hawky fought. "Hawky make nice! Bad Hawky!"

Later, Toph returned from town.

"Well, look who decided to join us. Where have been? Off scamming again?"

"Yes," replied Toph.

"And I suppose you don't think it's dangerous?"

"No," said Toph.

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

"Then what's this?" Katara pulled out the wanted poster.

"I don't know! I mean seriously, what's with you people I'm blind!" Toph said exasperated.

Zuko looked up and said, "It's a wanted poster of 'the Runaway.'"

"Is that what you're called now? Are you proud of this?" Katara confronted Toph.

"Where'd you get that?!" Toph demanded.

"It doesn't matter. The fact is-"

"You went through my stuff! You had no right!" Toph exclaimed.

"You're stuff was messy, and I-"

"That's a lie. You're lying Katara," Toph confronted Katara.

"Fine! It's a lie. But you've been acting so out of control and I could tell you were hiding something," said Katara. Toph knocked the poster out of Katara's hand and walked away. "Don't you walk away from me while I'm talking to you!"

"Oh, really, Mom? What are you going to do? Send me to my room?" Toph replied with attitude.

"I wish I could," Katara replied.

"Well, you can't because you're not my mom, and you're not their mom either," said Toph as she pointed to Sokka and Aang who were sitting on a log. Zuko was sitting across from them.

"I never said I was!" Katara exclaimed.

"No, but you certainly act like it," said Toph. "You think it's your job to boss us around, but it's not. You're just a regular kid like the rest of us, so stop acting like you can tell me what to do. I can do whatever I want!"

"I don't act that way," said Katara distressed. Then in a shrill anxious voice she asked, "Sokka, do I act motherly?"

Sokka became alarmed and decided not to enter this battle.

"Hey, I'm staying out of this. Zuko, let's go train," Sokka replied. Then he and Zuko left.

"What do you think Aang?"

Aang dug his eye nervously and replied, "Well, I..."

"Stop rubbing your eye and speak clearly when you talk!"

"Yes, ma'am," said Aang as if following orders.

Katara and Toph stormed off in different directions.

Aang decided it would be safer to talk to the guys.

"Hey, guys," said Aang.

"Are they still fighting?" Sokka asked, as he raised his sword while Zuko put up his swords.

"Not exactly. They aren't speaking. Any ideas on how to get them to be friends again?" Aang replied.

Zuko withdrew his swords so Sokka and Aang could talk.

"How about we test out my messenger hawk?" Sokka asked.

"Sure, but how will that help Katara and Toph make up?" Aang replied.

"I'm going to send a note to Katara and say it's form Toph who wants to apologize. Then everyone will be friends again," said Sokka.

"Your genius never ceases to amaze me," said Aang.

"There's a problem with that. Toph can't write," said Zuko.

"I can't believe we forgot Toph can't write," said Aang.

"Yeah, we're idiots," said Sokka.

"So what's plan B?"

"I'll go talk to Toph," said Sokka.

Sokka went to the cliff side where Toph was.

Katara was bathing in the water below.

"So let me guess, you brought me out here to tell me your sister's not as annoying as I make her out to be," said Toph.

"Nah, she's pretty much a pain," said Sokka. Katara scowled. "She's always got to be right about everything, and she gets all bossy and involved and in your business."

"Yeah, I don't know how you deal with it," Toph replied.

"In a way, I rely on it," said Sokka.

"I don't understand," said Toph confused.

"When our mom died, that was the hardest time in my life. Our family was such a mess, but Katara had so much strength. She stepped up and took on so much responsibility. She helped fill the void that was left by our mom," Sokka explained.

"I guess I never thought about that," said Toph.

"I'm gonna tell you something crazy. I never told anyone this before, but honestly, I'm not sure I can remember what my mother looked like. It really seems like, my whole life, Katara's been the one looking out for me. She's always been the one that's there, and now, when I try to remember my mom, Katara's is the only face I can picture," said Sokka.

Katara was overcome with emotion, and she cried.

"The truth is, sometimes Katara does act motherly, but that's not always a bad thing. She's compassionate and kind, and she actually cares about the real me. That's more than my own mom," said Toph. Katara lowered her head feeling guilt and shame. "Don't ever tell her I said any of this." Toph punched Sokka on the shoulder.

"Hey, my lips are sealed," Sokka replied.

Katara returned to camp to find Zuko was alone.

"Where's Aang?"

"He went practice his bending. The others aren't back yet," said Zuko.

"I want to pull a scam with Toph," said Katara.

Zuko raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Well, Toph hasn't been caught yet. So I don't see why it wouldn't work. Plus you, Aang, and Sokka can help us if we need it," Katara replied. "Have you told the others?"

"Told the others?"

"About your bending problem," said Katara.

"Oh..."

The sun set, and everyone else arrived before Zuko could reply.

"Hi, Toph, um, I want to..."

"Katara, stop. You don't need to apologize. I was being stupid. These scams are out of control, and I'm done with them," said Toph.

"Actually I wasn't going to apologize. I was going to ask to pull a scam with you," Katara replied slyly.

Aang and Sokka gaped in astonishment.

"What? You want to pull a scam?" Toph asked making sure she heard right.

"Not just any scam...the ultimate scam!" Aang and Sokka collapsed. "What do you say, Toph? Just me and you... one last go. You in?"

"You know I am! Now what's this idea of yours?" Toph replied.

"The plan is simple. This wanted poster says you're worth a lot of money. Ten times more than you've made in all your scams. So I'm going to turn you in and collect the reward. Then you can metalbend yourself out and we're on our way," Katara explained.

The next day in the Fire Fountain Village, Toph was captured in a net.

"How could you do this to me? You betrayed me!" Toph exclaimed.

"You brought this on yourself. I had no choice," Katara replied.

The Mayor walked up to Katara while Toph was dragged away.

"You did the right thing turning in 'The Runaway,'" the Mayor said to Katara.

"The right thing is it's own reward," said Katara sanctimoniously.

"Well, I'm happy to hear you say that," said the Mayor.

"But...I still want the actual reward," said Katara disconcerted.

"Right this way," said the Mayor.

Toph was dragged past a metal cell and put in a wooden one.

"What kind of cell is this?" Toph asked alarmed.

"A wooden one," said the Lady Officer.

In the Mayor's office, the Mayor opened the money box, when the door creaked.

The Mayor pointed to Katara and said, "That's her that's the girl you're looking for."

Katara turned around confused and saw Combustion Man looming over her.

Meanwhile, Aang was pacing.

"Do you think this scam of theirs should be taking this long?" Aang questioned.

"I was just wondering the same thing," said Sokka.

"We'd better check it out," said Zuko.

Sokka admonished Hawky and Momo. "You two behave. Appa's in charge."

Katara was placed in the cell with Toph.

"Wait, it's a trap!" Toph exclaimed.

"Really? No kidding. Is that why we're sitting in a wooden cage? Gee, how'd you figure that out?" Katara replied sarcastically.

"Not for us, Katara. We're the bait, he wants Aang," Toph explained.

"I can't believe I was so stupid. See, this is exactly why I'm against these scams. I knew this would happen," said Katara.

"But...this was your idea," said Toph.

"I know. I just wanted to show you I'm not so motherly and I can have fun too," Katara replied.

"You don't mother Zuko. And you are fun. If nothing else, you're fun to argue with," said Toph.

"I don't mother Zuko because it doesn't seem like he needs it. And I know your relationship with your parents is complicated, and I shouldn't have said what I said."

"It's okay. I was really mad when you said it because; well, because maybe it's true. I try not to think about it, but I probably really hurt them when I left," said Toph as she cried. Katara comforted Toph while she sobbed.

"Where do you think they might be?" Sokka asked.

"Where do you think anyone is?" Aang asked.

"I don't know. Jail maybe," Zuko replied.

Combustion Man appeared on a rooftop above them and as he drew breath to firebend, Aang and Zuko heard him. They managed to dodge the blast, as well as protect Sokka from it.

"Who was that?" Sokka asked.

"Let's not stick around and find out," Aang replied.

They ran while Combustion Man shot fire blasts at them.

"What are we going to do?" Katara asked.

"I don't know. I wish Zuko was here, or we had some bendables," said Toph.

"Well, he's not here. What about your meteor bracelet?" Katara replied.

"I left it back at camp. I was afraid they'd take it," Toph replied.

Katara wiped the sweat from her forehead, and got an idea. She started running in place.

"Um, Katara, are you okay?" Toph asked concerned.

"Just fine," Katara replied.

"What are you doing?"

"Making my own water!" Katara continued to bend the sweat and had enoug to bend against the wooden cell.

"You're a genius! A sweaty, stinky genius!" Toph exclaimed.

In the town square, Aang, Sokka, and Zuko frantically avoid Combustion Man's assaults.

"This guy is too good. He shoots fire from his brain," said Sokka.

"We should split up. He can't chase us all," said Aang.

Aang and Zuko ran along different roofs. Combustion Man spotted Zuko first and shot at him, then he shot at Aang. The blast sent Aang over the statue of Ozai, while Zuko landed on his feet. Combustion Man walked over to deliver the final blow to Aang when Katara encased his head in ice. He stumbled away and Katara appeared.

"Let's get out of here," said Toph.

The gang fled, after Combustion Man shattered the ice muzzle. Toph used earthbending as he tried to fire at them. He destroyed the rock and broke it into pieces. One of the pieces flew up and hit the third eye tatoo and knocked him to the ground. It blocked his chi temporarily. His ignition exploded before it could reach it's target. The gang ran away.

"I got the perfect name for that guy! Combustion Man! Also, I think he was after Zuko," said Sokka.

"That's great Sokka. Let's go before Combustion Man catches us!" Toph replied.

They escaped on Appa and landed a safe distance away and made camp.

"Well, I'm exhausted Hawky. How about you?" Sokka asked. Then he said affectionately, "Yeah, you're such a lazy little bird."

"Katara, I need your help," said Toph.

"What is it Toph?"

"I want to send a letter to my parents," said Toph.

"I'll be happy to help," said Katara.

Toph slipped the letter into Hawky's dispatch tube, and the bird took off.

"Where'd Hawky go?" Sokka asked.

To Be Continued...