Well it's about time you guys found my stories dammit.
So to get this story straight to the point. This timeline is essentially when the invasion plan failed so they had relocated at the Western Temple. Some minor changes might occur such as conversations they had and so on. That's about some the changes in this fanfic. Anyway, quick things to point out if haven't noticed.
Text Like this = Someone thinking to themselves
"Text Like this" = A conversation (for those of you who don't know.)
TEXT LIKE THIS = A full on shouting match
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender. That goes to the creators of the story Bryan and Mike.
Ch. 1: Departure
Aang and the rest of the gang were settling to the only place they could escape after the invasion plan on the fire nation failed: the Western Temple. Once they reached their destination they set up so they can plan a counterattack to save everyone and conquer the fire nation. Sokka thought long and hard on a new plan, but the Avatar wasn't cooperating at all.
"Hey Aang get over here we need a plan to save everyone." Sokka said.
"Yeah Aang I don't want to waste any time in trying to save everyone." Katara replied.
Aang tried listening, but there was only one problem. He didn't have a firebending teacher. Without one he really couldn't stand a chance against the fire lord. It's either that or surrendering, but he wasn't choosing the latter of the two.
"And exactly how do you guys want me to be a part of this plan when we can't even defeat the fire lord in my state." Aang asked.
"That's what I'm trying to figure out Aang." Sokka said.
"Well unless Aang can somehow miraculously learn fire bending by himself we can't really do any planning really." Katara pointed out.
"We could wait until the next eclipse." Toph sarcastically said.
"Be serious here Toph. Warriors' lives are at stake." Sokka said.
"Well we really can't plan anything with an empty stomach." Aang said
So team Avatar decided to set up camp, make dinner, and afterward just call it a day. Naturally, someone was forced to pitch in and get firewood to keep the fire from dying out and for cooking dinner.
"Well, guys whose turn is it to collect the wood for our fire?" Katara asked.
"I did it last time," Sokka said.
"Yeah now it's your turn Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Yeah I'll go and get the wood," Aang said in a melancholic tone. "I'll be right back guys." Aang said as walked into the woods. No one noticed Aang's tone except for Toph, but she brushed it off seeing as how Aang is always in high spirits.
"Well, guys I guess we better get some food to cook." Katara said in a motherly tone. Everyone dispersed to go collect some plants, fruits, and animals so Katara can cook them and make dinner for the team.
While Aang was walking through the woods he was taking his time picking up wood as he was having an internal battle with himself. What am I supposed to do? All these people are relying on me to save the world as the Avatar. It's too much. It's just too much. I couldn't save my people from the fire nation. If I can't save them how am I supposed to save the rest of the world from the fire nation? Aang thought to himself as he was on his knees on the verge of tears. No! This isn't the time for me to have self-doubts. I have to give this last battle everything I have or else there won't be a place to call home. Anyway, I have to get back with the wood otherwise, they aren't going to be able to start a fire and just starve. Aang thought as he ran back into the wood.
"Hey, guys I'm back with the wood." Aang said as he was forcing a smile.
"Well, it's about time Twinkle Toes. My stomach was starting to speak to me." Toph said as she was rubbing her stomach in hunger.
"Yeah what took you so long Aang. I thought you would've collected the wood a lot faster than the team collecting food." Sokka said in a surprising tone.
"Well, a black cat crossed my path so I had to take a long way around to avoid it." Aang said as he smiled.
"Twinkle Toes that has got to be the worst excuse I've ever heard and that's coming from me." Toph said in disbelief.
Sokka smiled at the comment made by Toph. "Wow if Toph is complaining about it that means you suck at lying Aang."
"Alright I get it jeez." Aang said.
"Alright that's enough from you three. Now settle down or you won't get anything to eat." Katara said with an edge to her voice. All three of them got quiet with sweat dripping as they all feared Katara to an extent.
"Good, now that's more like it. Okay, Aang bring the wood so I can get dinner ready." Katara said as she did a full 180 with her voice
"Okay, since we don't have a firebender we're gonna have to this the hard way." Sokka said.
"Looks like it Snoozles." Toph said.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group was setting up their tents so they could eat dinner and then just go to sleep.
"Man your cooking just can't beat sis." Sokka said in a joyful manner.
"It was good I guess Sugar Queen." Toph said.
"You guys don't have to compliment me. I enjoy cooking for you guys." Katara said as she smiled. "Alright, guys I think it's time to call it a day." Katara called out to the rest of the gang as some were already going trying to go to sleep.
"Looks like Snoozles beat you to the punch Sugar Queen." Toph called to Katara as she was poking Sokka with a stick.
"Man Snoozles is really out of it." as Toph was about to wake him up with her earth bending.
"Leave him alone Toph." Katara said as she moved Toph out of the way. "Anyway, I'm just gonna finish some things so Sokka and I can get some rest after a long day." Katara said with a very tired tone. Aang was the only one who wasn't setting up or going to sleep.
"Twinkle Toes you're not going to sleep?" Toph said as she noticed that Aang wasn't setting up.
"No I'm not tired." Aang replied.
"You're going to need your energy so try to get some shut eye Aang." Katara said.
"I'm just going to go and sit by the lake and relax a little." Aang said.
"Alright Aang, but don't take too long." Katara said in a motherly tone.
"Yeah don't worry Katara I won't be too long." Aang said as he walked down to the lake hiding his emotions from the rest of the group.
XXXXXXXX
Toph was getting bored and wanting to mess with someone. Much to her dismay everyone was asleep. Even Appa and Momo were knocked out. Toph sat there playing with rocks until she was fed up and stood up. Katara was about to go to sleep when she noticed that Aang wasn't back from his little trip.
"Hey, Toph has Aang showed up yet?" Katara asked.
"No Twinkles hasn't shown up yet. Knowing him he's probably worked up over something." Toph said.
"I'm gonna go check on him." Katara said.
"Calm down Sugar Queen. He'll be back in a bit. No need to worry about him." Toph said.
Katara went back to her sack. "I guess you're right Toph. I mean what's the worst that can happen to him?" Katara said.
"Well looks like you're tired Sugar Queen. Get some sleep, I'll wait up for Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Thanks Toph. Anyway goodnight." Katara mumbled as she was fast asleep.
"Great that was all talk, but what am I supposed to do during the meantime?" Toph asked herself.
She thought of multiple things to do while her team was asleep the only problem was that whatever she planned on doing it was gonna wake up the rest of the group. She wasn't against her own idea, but she'd rather not get nagged on by everyone, especially Katara. So after a few minutes of pondering she finally found an answer to her problem.
"Well, whatever I'm gonna go find Twinkle Toes as least he can entertain me for a bit." Toph said with a smirk growing on her face.
XXXXXXXX
As Toph walked along a trail she tried finding Aang so she could surprise him. Where could that Twinkle Toes be? Toph thought as she was getting tired of trying to find the Air bender. She kept walking at least another five minutes before she found Aang by the lake. Aha! I finally found you Twinkle Toes. Toph trying to surprise Aang stopped midway feeling something wasn't right. She felt through her feet a bit of sadness coming from none other than Aang. I wonder what his deal is.
Without turning his head he knew Toph was behind him and called out to her. "You gonna stand there all night Toph?"
Startling Toph out of her trance. "How did you know it was me Twinkle Toes?" asked a very surprised Toph.
"Let's just call it a hunch." he replied.
"What are you doing out this far from camp Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked as she was trying to think of something to say.
"Well, I did say I was heading to the lake." Aang replied.
"So what are you doing Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Oh, nothing much." Aang replied.
"Doesn't look like nothing much. Twinkle Toes your face looks like a dog that has just been abandoned." Toph said.
"Is it that bad?" Aang said with a feeling of dignity going down the drain.
"Yeah it does Twinkle Toes. So what's wrong with you?" Toph said.
"Nothing's wrong with me." Aang said.
Did he forget that I know when he's lying? Toph walked towards Aang just to get him to spill already.
"OWW! What was that for Toph?!" Aang was rubbing his shoulder that was just greeted by Toph's fist.
"That's for forgetting that I know when you're lying to me." Toph said as a grin was growing on her face.
"Yeah but that doesn't mean that you have to hit me!" Aang shouted at Toph.
"But that's how I show affection to others." Toph said as she smiled at Aang.
"If that's how you show emotion to others I can only imagine the amount of bruises you would give when you get a boyfriend." Aang said as he pointed out.
"Boyfriend?! I don't have the time to waste on a boy." Toph shouted at Aang.
"Sure you don't." Aang said as he was teasing Toph. "
Twinkle Toes you better watch it." Toph said with an edge in her voice.
"Y-yes ma'am." Aang said in fear.
"Good. Anyway, so what's bothering you Twinkle Toes. You better tell me before I have to beat it out of you." Toph said as she turned her head towards Aang.
"Alright alright you don't have to resort to violence Toph. Well anyway, the fate of the world rests on my shoulders. If I don't beat Ozai this whole world is screwed. If I do beat him that means that everyone in the team gets to go home. I'm just not ready for everyone to leave home. I know it seems selfish of me, but you guys are the closest thing that I have to a real family." Aang said in a very depressing tone.
Toph didn't know what to say because she felt the exact same way, of course, she'd never say that out loud. For the first time, she actually felt accepted and not treated differently because of her lack of sight. She actually felt free from any restrictions that had previously held her back.
"Look Twinkle Toes I know for a fact that you're gonna beat the crap out of Ozai. Also just because they're leaving back home doesn't mean that they're going to forget us. After all, we're all a part of team Avatar." Toph said with a smirk. "Anyway since you don't want to stay all by yourself I'll stick to your side. So now you don't have to worry about ever being alone Twinkle Toes!" Toph said.
"Wait you mean you'd stay with me Toph? Aang said with his eyes wide open. "Aren't you going to go home with your parents Toph?" Aang still not understanding with what Toph had just blurted out.
"Look Twinkle Toes we both know that I wouldn't last a day with my parents so I'm just going to stick to your side." Toph said with confidence.
"Umm… yeah, why not?" Aang was stumbling over his own words.
"Let's get back to camp Twinkle Toes. I'm kind of tired of just sitting by the water." Toph said with a very annoyed tone.
"Hey, you're the one that followed me here. No one asked you to follow me." Aang said with a grin on his face.
"You're so annoying sometimes you know that Twinkle Toes?" Toph said very annoyingly.
"You mean like when I'm right." Aang said as he laughed at Toph.
"You're just asking to get pummeled right Twinkle Toes?" Toph said as she was starting to get annoyed.
"I thought you were getting sleepy, but if you wanted to spar, then why didn't you just ask?" Aang said as he looked at Toph.
"Yeah, I just lost all of my drowsiness now that I have to teach you why you shouldn't annoy me!" Toph said as she was getting ready to pummel Aang. "Alright, then Twinkle Toes you know the rules. Earthbending only you got that?" Toph said as a smirk showed on her face.
"Rules? Since when did the almighty earthbender start listening to rules? Much less apply them." Aang said as he was clearly mocking her.
"Since I was planning on beating the living crap out of you. That's when." Toph said as she was losing her cool.
"Before we start this sparring match can we move to a different place because I don't want us to wake up anyone and destroy this place" Aang said as he was pleading to the blind earthbender.
"Whatever it doesn't matter to me because I'm still gonna pummel you to the ground Twinkle Toes." Toph said as she was starting to feel a little impatient.
"Alright follow me Toph." Aang said as he ran to another area with Toph following him.
XXXXXXXX
After five minutes of running, they finally made it to an area that was nothing but rocks and boulders.
"Finally! We made it to our destination." Aang said with a big smile on his face.
"Hey, Twinkle Toes how about making this sparring match more interesting?" Toph asked.
"Interesting how? Aang asked.
"The loser of the match has to do anything that the winner asks for a day." Toph said.
"You mean…. Anything?" Aang asked as his enthusiasm was slowly beginning to increase.
"Absolutely anything that is told by the winner." Toph assured him with a single nod.
Should I actually agree on this little wager of hers? Aang thought to himself. I can probably beat her with my normal earthbending. That's the problem. I'm not fighting against any normal earthbender. I'm dealing with one if not the greatest earthbender in the world. Aang was beginning to second guess this wager made by Toph. I might as well give it my all even if this is a sparring match.
"Alright, Toph you're on" Aang regaining his confidence as he started to grow a smirk on his face. Toph was able to sense it since she felt a different vibration coming from Aang.
What's his game? A minute ago I felt his pulse increase and I thought he gonna chicken out, but now he grew calmer in an instant. Toph thought to herself. Well if Twinkle Toes thinks that he can beat me he's got another thing coming. I mean I am the world's greatest earthbender. Not to mention world's first metalbender. Toph was getting ready in her fighting stance.
"Alright, Twinkle Toes I'm gonna make this quick and win our little wager." Toph couldn't wait to make Aang into her personal slave.
Aang was the first to make a move as he raised his hand summoning rocks as big as his body. He sent them towards Toph as she punched through all of them.
"Is that all you got Twinkle Toes?" Toph said as she was expecting more of a fight.
Aang summoned three more boulders. He sent two of the boulders towards Toph. He knew that she would try to stop and destroy the boulders that were heading her way. Aang sent the third boulder over Toph's head so she wouldn't have noticed. Much to his dismay, she knew exactly what his plan was from the very get go.
"Not bad Twinkle Toes, but I think you forgot who you're dealing with." Toph said as she was already planning of defeating Aang.
Toph raised her hand as she summoned two boulders. One was a very large boulder while she hid the second behind the much larger boulder and sent it towards Aang. She knew Aang would try to dodge the first one out of instinct since he's an Airbender, so he wouldn't have time to dodge the other one and then he'd get hit by the second boulder. As if on cue, Aang dodged the large boulder, but things didn't go as accurate as Toph had expected. Once the second boulder was about to hit Aang he summoned an earth wall and stopped the second boulder. To say Aang was surprised was an understatement; he panicked and summoned that wall relying solely on instinct.
Well well looks like it's gonna take more than that to defeat Twinkle Toes. Toph thought to herself. Well, he is my pupil so I did train him right.
Once again Toph summoned four boulders. She launched the first one towards Aang and missed. She then launched the remaining three at the same time hoping that Aang would lose his footing. Surely enough Aang destroyed two of the three boulders with him trying to evade the final boulder, but barely managing to stay upright. Toph then slammed her foot, summoning stalagmites. Aang still somehow able to evade all those stalagmites and after evading them he ran towards Toph with the intent of ending their match. Toph smirked as she used on of the boulders that she threw at Aang earlier.
I knew he was gonna forget the boulders that I sent at him earlier. A smart person is supposed to keep a watch of their surroundings. Toph thought as she was about to end the match.
Out of nowhere Aang felt the boulder behind him and did a backflip in order to dodge the boulder in time and it headed towards Toph, but she was smarter than that to lose a match. She punched right through the boulder, but as she destroyed the boulder Aang was right in front of her.
Looks like I win our little bet Toph. Aang thought as Toph raised her hands in surrender. That is until Toph smirked and pointed upwards towards Aang. He looked up and saw a massive boulder above his head feeling a sense of déjà vu.
When did she—? Aang thought to himself as he was looking at Toph.
"It was when I sent that first boulder in which I 'missed' and that other one you dodged in time. Honestly, Twinkle Toes do you think I would actually let my guard down without having a plan?" Toph said in disbelief. "Anyway, Twinkle Toes I won our bet." Toph said with a smirk on her face.
XXXXXXXX
Aang and Toph were heading back to the campsite. Both were surprised as to how all that loud commotion they had made during their match hadn't woken up anyone.
"Wow I thought that fight would've at least made these guys open an eye or something." Aang said. "It's because I wasn't showing my full power Twinkle Toes." Toph said with a smirk.
"I think it's time for us go to sleep—" Toph said midway through her sentence as she passed out.
"Watch out Toph!" Aang shouted as he caught Toph right on time before she landed face first towards the ground.
"Come on Toph what's wrong?" Aang asked Then he heard soft breathing coming from the blind earthbender.
Yeah she sure wasn't showing her full power. I mean she just passed out from our little match. Well, we both must've gone a little overboard. Anyway, I better help her get to bed. Aang thought to himself as he was carrying Toph to bed. I should probably put her on Appa since it feels cold out tonight. Aang thought while putting Toph on Appa and wrapping her in a blanket. Well, I better get some shut eye as well if I want to restore my energy. Aang thought as he was letting go of Toph until he felt some pair of hands grabbing onto him.
"Stay with me." Toph mumbled.
I wonder who's she thinking about. Aang thought to himself.
"Aang don't let me go." Toph mumbled again.
Wait did she just say my name. Aang thought to himself in disbelief. Toph kept holding tightly onto Aang.
Might as well just sleep with Toph or else I'm not going to get any sleep. Aang thought as he gave up on getting Toph to let him go.
I'm going to have to wake up a little early to move away from Toph otherwise she's going to kill me if she sees us like this. Aang groaned. Just the thought was troubling enough. Once he was closing his eyes he felt Toph snuggling closer.
"Much better." Toph mumbled with a smile on her face.
You're a weird person you know that Toph. Aang thought as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
XXXXXXXX
Toph stretched her arms as she had woken up from the best sleep she'd had in a long time. That is until she looked to her side and saw Aang next to her. She panicked and fell off of Appa landing face first.
What the heck happened last night! Toph thought as she was rubbing her head trying to remember what happened after their sparring match.
She tried, but nothing came to mind. Aang woke up and felt warm inside. Then he panicked as he looked around noticing that Toph is nowhere near him.
Aw man! Guess I didn't wake up as early as expected. Great now how do I explain this to Toph. Aang thought as he was looking for her.
He looked over his shoulder and noticed that Toph had fallen off of Appa.
Oh, there she is. Aang was looking at Toph.
"Hey good morning Toph." Aang said as he was walking towards Toph.
"Hey, Twinkle Toes." Toph said. Aang looked around and noticed that everyone was still asleep.
What time is it? Aang thought. He looked up towards the sky and noticed that it was the crack of dawn.
"Toph how come you're up so early? It's not like you to wake up so early." Aang questioned.
"I could ask the same thing to you Twinkle Toes." Toph retorted. Aang was blushing how was he suppose to reply to Toph.
"Oh, I just have to go water the plants." Aang responded as he couldn't think of a better response.
"Since when were you so eager to water some plants?" Toph told Aang.
"Well since today as a matter of fact. Anyway, you haven't responded as to why you're up early."Aang said as he was heading to some trees.
"I just fell off of Appa alright." Toph said.
"Why didn't you just say that instead of getting us two into this argument?" Aang questioned Toph.
"Look whatever Twinkle Toes. Anyway, don't you have to go gardening or something?" Toph said as she was getting annoyed.
"Gardening? What are you talking about Toph?" Aang asked very confusedly.
"Watering the plants. You said you had to go water the plants." Toph replied.
"Oh r-r-right. Water the plants how could I forget." Aang said as he was stammering.
"Anyway, I'll be right back." Aang waved off as he went to some trees.
"Yeah, whatever Twinkle Toes." Toph replied with a cranky tone.
I hope Toph knew that I meant that I had to go pee. Aang thought to himself
XXXXXXXX
Once Aang returned he saw Toph lifting a boulder and was about to slam it down trying to get everyone to wake up.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing Toph?" Aang questioned.
"I'm trying to give them a good wake up call." Toph smiled at Aang.
"How about we just go and collect some firewood while the rest of the group is still asleep?" Aang said.
"Yeah why not? Anyway it's my turn to collect wood for our fire. Sugar Queen would be nagging that I'm not helping the team or the rest of the group did it now it's your turn." Toph said as she sighed in defeat.
"Well then let's get going before they wake up." Aang said.
"Lead the way O' great Avatar." Toph said with sarcasm.
Toph and Aang were in the woods grabbing pieces of wood. Well it was Aang who was collecting the majority of the wood.
"Hey Toph aren't you the one that's supposed to be collecting the wood? So why am I the one that's carrying the majority of the wood?" Aang asked with a confused look.
"Hey at least I'm collecting wood, aren't I? It's the work that counts right?" Toph said with a smile on her face.
"Plus did you forget?" Toph asked.
"Um...forget about what exactly Toph?" Aang asked very confusedly.
"Ugh. Is your head just full of air?! You have to do whatever I say until I feel like it. So now you're my personal slave Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Aw monkey feathers. I had totally forgotten about our bet! Man I regret making that bet with you Toph!" Aang said as he forced a laugh.
"Um. Hey Toph can I ask you a totally different question?" Aang asked.
"Sure what is it Twinkle Toes?" Toph said.
"How do you know I'm gonna beat Ozai?" Aang said with a crack in his voice.
"Are you still on about that? Look Twinkle Toes I know it's putting a lot of pressure on you, but you also have to realize that this isn't just about you. It's about fighting for the people who fear evil. I know it seems easy for me to tell you to stay positive. It's all just a load of crap. Picture it like this: you see yourself beating the living crap out of Ozai and you will beat the living crap out of him. Your bending teachers and I wouldn't have wasted our time teaching you all elements needed if we knew you couldn't beat Ozai. Everyone who wants to get rid of Ozai and end this war believes in you. I especially believe in you Remember Twinkle Toes I'm gonna stick to your side until the very end no matter what." Toph said as she was smirking at Aang. .
"Anyway, we should probably get back to the rest of the group Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Yeah it's about time we head back. The sun's already coming out." Aang said.
"Yeah Snoozles wakes up really hungry. If we don't hurry someone is gonna be grumpy. Not that I'm complaining, but then Sugar Queen is gonna get on my case." Toph said as she was following Aang.
"You know I actually thought that we'd be the last to wake up from the rest of the group" Aang said.
"Well I guess miracles happen Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
XXXXXXXX
Aang and Toph both rushed to the rest of the team before they woke up, but by the time they reached the camp they were already waking up.
"Eh looks like we were a little late Toph." Aang said.
"It's not that big of a deal I mean they're barely waking up Twinkle Toes." Toph replied.
"What were you doing up so early?" Sokka asked as he was yawning.
"Well if you must know Snoozles, we were both busy getting some business done. Isn't that right Twinkle Toes?" Toph said as she turned towards Aang.
"Yeah we were actually busy doing some things." Aang said as he smiled at the rest of the group.
"Wow Aang I never knew you were like that." Sokka said with a grin.
"Um what do you mean by you never knew I was like that?" Aang asked as he was confused
"Ah Aang you can pretend to be innocent, but I know what you were up to." Sokka said as he was trying not to smile.
"Anyway I believe it's your turn to collect the wood for our fire Toph." Katara said.
"What do you think we were doing Sugar Queen?" Toph replied.
"Wait you actually collected the wood for the fire without being asked?" Katara said in shock.
"Yeah I did Sugar Queen. It was either doing it on my own free will or you nagging me until I would give in. Besides I had Twinkle Toes helping me out. Right Twinkle Toes?" Toph said with an edge to her voice.
Helping her out? I practically carried the majority of the wood. Aang thought to himself.
"Yeah I helped Toph with the wood." Aang said as he forced a smile.
"Anyway, Twinkle Toes only carried so much while I'm the one that did the majority of the work." Toph said as she was trying to push Aang's buttons.
Is Toph trying to make me lose my head on purpose? Aang thought to himself.
"Well it was your turn to collect the wood Toph, so I don't see what you're complaining about. In fact, you should be thanking Aang." Katara said as she was acting all motherly again.
If only she knew that Twinkle Toes was my personal servant. Toph thought as she was trying hard not to smile.
"Anyway, now that we have the wood we can have breakfast." Katara said.
XXXXXXXX
"Man Sugar Queen you sure know how to cook up a good meal." Toph said as she was rubbing her belly.
"Why Toph are you actually giving me a compliment?" Katara said as she feigned being in shock.
"Take it how you want Sugar Queen. Man whoever marries you is gonna be one lucky guy. Better not mess it up Sugar Queen." Toph said as she was trying to get a reaction from her.
"Toph!" Katara called her as she was madly blushing. Toph felt Katara's muscles stiffen by her comment.
"Anyway, Aang I believe we should continue your training seeing as we don't have much time before we start our attack on the fire nation." Sokka cut in as to change the subject.
"Yeah that sounds like a plan." Aang replied.
Just as they were speaking of fire nation Zuko showed up.
"Hey guys.' Zuko said.
Everyone guarded up planning to attack the fire prince.
"What are you doing here." Katara asked very irritated.
"Well I overheard your conversation and I can teach Aang some firebending." Zuko said.
"Why would we ever consider that?" Sokka asked.
"Well you need someone to teach Aang firebending and I'm the only one that can teach him that." Zuko said.
"Guys whether you like it or not, we're going to have to find you a firebending teacher. And I don't see a better candidate to do the job." Toph said.
"No way. I'd rather learn by myself." Aang said.
"And how are you gonna do that Aang? You barely know anything about firebending. Much less apply it." Zuko said.
"Don't worry we'll teach him." Katara spoke up.
"None of you are firebenders. Look I'm trying to help you guys. Why are you denying my offer?" Zuko asked.
"We trusted you once and you betrayed us." Sokka said.
"I know I've done a lot of mistakes in my past, but I've changed." Zuko said.
"Haven't heard that one before." Katara said.
"Please believe me." Zuko pleaded.
Aang walked up to him. He saw the regret in his eyes. He knew that he wasn't lying, but he's hurt his comrades too much for him to believe Zuko.
"I'm sorry Zuko. You've hurt my comrades way too much for me to believe you. I'm asking you to please leave." Aang said,
A Few Days Later.
After all the arguing the fire prince and Aang's group have had they finally decided to put their trust in the fire prince. Zuko and Aang finally managed to figure firebending to its full potential. Zuko finally finished teaching Aang the basics. However, Aang wasn't the only one in need of help. Sokka needed to rescue his dad and he needed the help of a certain fire prince.
"Well, I have to go help Sokka so I'll be seeing you later." Katara read off the letter Zuko left. "Seeing as you have a lot of energy to spare, Toph why don't you help Aang hone his earthbending." Katara said.
"Yeah alright whatever Sugar Queen." Toph said.
"Would you drop it with the nicknames Toph?!" Katara said as she was getting annoyed.
"Sorry no can do. Anyway, let's get going Twinkle Toes." Toph said as she wavered at Aang.
"Are we going to the same spot as last time?" Aang asked.
"Yeah we are." Toph said.
"We'll be seeing you guys later. Oh Sugar Queen I have one last thing to tell you." Toph said
"What is it Toph?" Katara asked.
"Well if we don't come back by the end of the day don't come looking for us." Toph said.
"You sure Toph?" Katara asked.
"Yeah don't worry Sugar Queen. Twinkle Toes is in good hands." Toph reassured.
"Well don't do anything dumb alright Toph." Katara said.
"I won't Sugar Queen. Anyway see ya later." Toph said
"Yeah see you guys later." Katara said
XXXXXXXX
"Alright Twinkle Toes let's get started with your training." Toph said in a commanding tone. "Yes ma'am!" Aang said as he saluted.
'That's more like it Twinkles." Toph said.
"So what are you train me on today?" Aang asked.
"Alright make a giant boulder Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Alright now what?" Aang said as he was catching his breath.
"You see that mountain I want you to carry up that mountain 10 times up and down." Toph said as she pointed at the mountain.
"Wait you actually want me to carry this gigantic boulder up a mountain?" Aang asked in shock.
"Yeah you got a problem like that Twinkle Toes?!" Toph questioned in anger.
"Well whatever helps me improve on my earthbending." Aang said as he started carrying the boulder.
"That's more like it Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang was walking up the mountain with Toph following every step of the way. Aang kept walking with the boulder on his back. Midway through the mountain, he stopped and held the boulder for a bit.
"What you're giving up already Twinkle Toes?!" Toph said as she noticed.
"No way in hell. I'm just getting started." Aang said as he forced a smile at Toph.
"Yeah that better be the case. I didn't train a quitter." Toph said as she smirked at Aang. He kept walking up the mountain, but was sweating and blood was starting to show on his hands.
I have to keep going no matter what. Aang thought to himself.
XXXXXXXX
Aang reached the top of the mountain in half an hour. Aang dropped the boulder to the side and fell on his back.
"Well it sure took you a while Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Well I mean I did have to carry a boulder up a mountain." Aang said as he was too tired to argue.
"Well you still have to finish the rest of the training Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Yeah I know Toph." Aang said as he was getting up on his feet again.
"Well I'll be waiting here for you Twinkle Toes." Toph said as she sat down on a rock.
"Heh, you won't have to wake that long Toph." Aang said as he gave Toph a face of determination.
"It took you an hour to get up here Twinkle Toes. It's gonna be at least a few hours to get done." Toph said.
"Well anyway I got to finish my training. So see ya later Toph." Aang said as he picked up the boulder.
"See ya later Twinkle Toes." Toph said as she wavered at Aang. He was walking down the mountain when he realized that there were some pillars in his way.
I'm guessing this must be Toph's doing. Aang thought. He went around them with a heavy amount of difficulty and kept at it until he reached the bottom of the mountain.
XXXXXXXX
12 hours later. Aang was on his last lap. Aang was having trouble with his body responding to his commands.
I've got to keep going. I've got to keep going. I've got to keep going. I've got to... because I'm the Avatar and all these people relying on me to defeat Ozai. Aang thought to himself as he was internalizing his pain. He kept at it as he was almost there. He was on the verge of finishing he only had 20 feet to go. Aang fell onto his left knee and was starting to lose consciousness. He was already in tears He was sweating so hard that his outfit was drenched. His hand was full of blisters and it was gushing out blood from his fingers. Toph felt Aang's pulse drastically slowing down and rushed to Aang's side.
"Twinkle Toes you can stop now. Otherwise, you're gonna end up killing yourself!" Toph shouted as she was approaching Aang.
Aang kept quiet and kept going. Toph could feel Aang's emotions from the vibrations he was giving off.
Rage, regrets, and wishes. Toph thought to herself.
"You don't listen do ya? I told you to stop Aang." Toph said
"Sorry no can do Toph. There's no way in hell I'm going to give up. I'm gonna keep going, I'm gonna fight like there's no tomorrow. I've got too much on the line. If I can't finish this there's no way I can call myself the Avatar much less look at others who call me the Avatar. I can't ignore those that are relying on me. I ran away before and let my people get destroyed by the fire nation. I'm not going to run away again." Aang said as he felt himself slowly fading.
"Alright do what you have to do Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang kept walking up the mountain a trail of blood leading all the way to Aang. He was staggering all the way until he finally reached the top of the mountain.
"Alright I made it to the—" Aang stopped midway through his sentence as he passed out and landed on his back.
"Well looks like you're totally out of it." Toph said as she built an earth tent over Aang so he can get his energy.
Well I better go get some wood since I can't bring him back like this. Sugar Queen would literally kill me. I better hurry up so I can cook something for Twinkle Toes and I. Toph thought to herself as she starting making her way down the mountain.
XXXXXXXX
Toph was in the forest collecting wood and food Aang and herself.
Oh that's right I better collect some fruits for Twinkle Toes since he's a vegetarian. Toph thought to herself. She was in the middle of finishing up but decided to keep on collecting wood.
That Twinkle Toes what was he thinking continuing to keep on going even in his state. He even disobeyed my orders! That's a first for Twinkle Toes. I know I told him that he shouldn't give up on anything, but he took it to the extreme.
"Ugh. I better get out of here before I think of something else." Toph said as she was getting frustrated with herself.
XXXXXXXX
Toph reached back to the top of the mountain and noticed Aang was still recuperating.
Well I better get started with dinner otherwise I'm gonna starve and Twinkle Toes isn't gonna recover his energy. Toph thought to herself as she started the fire and started cooking dinner. She burned herself once or twice while cooking.
You see this is the kind of stupid things I have to put up with Twinkle Toes. You should've stopped when I told you to. Then, I wouldn't have gotten into this mess. Toph thought as she was getting annoyed with cooking dinner.
But you didn't give up. No matter what you didn't give up. You never cease to amaze me Twinkle Toes. I'm glad you were my first friend. Toph thought as she smiled to herself.
"Great now I have all these sides of myself that I never knew existed. Now that I've seen them to deal with them!" Toph said out loud.
Well I'm almost done with dinner, so I better wrap things up. Toph thought to herself.
10 minutes later Toph was finished cooking dinner.
Time to wake up Twinkle Toes. Toph thought. She went and made a bowl with her earthbending and filled it with water and threw it in Aang's face.
"Wake up Twinkle Toes!" Toph shouted as she finished dropping water on Aang's face.
"What?! What's going on Toph?!" Aang said as he shot up from his nap.
"Dinner's ready Twinkle Toes." Toph said as she held out a bowl of food for Aang.
"Wait you actually cooked dinner for me? Since when do you know how to cook Toph?" Aang asked.
"Well to answer your first question it's the least I can do since you worked your butt off and second, I'm pretty sure you forgot that I come from a well-known family so naturally, my parents wanted me to learn the essentials of becoming a promising wife." Toph said.
I don't have the time to waste on a boy. Aang was remembering how Toph doesn't want to waste her time on boys.
"I could've sworn you said that you don't have the time to waste on a boy." Aang said.
"Yeah I only did it to get my parents to stop nagging me, but either way it ended up working out for me." Toph said.
"How do you figure?" Aang asked in confusion.
"Well for starters I get to cook for myself whenever I want. Second, I can help anyone cook if needed." Toph said in satisfaction.
"Toph you expect me to believe your second point?" Aang said as he was trying to hold in his laughter.
"Yeah why shouldn't you believe me?!" Toph shouted at Aang.
"Well because I have never seen you offer help to anyone." Aang said.
"Shows what you know Twinkle Toes. I'll have you know that I help out a lot of people." Toph said.
"Is that so? Name one person that you actually offer to cook for." Aang said as he knew Toph couldn't think of a person. "
Well if you want to name one person I can think of, it's you." Toph said.
Monkey feathers I forgot that she made dinner for me without asking. Aang thought as he mentally slapped himself.
"Point proven Toph." Aang said as he admitted defeat.
"Honestly, you shouldn't make assumptions about people Twinkle Toes." Toph said as she sighed.
"So this isn't some kind of joke. This isn't poisoned?" Aang asked.
"Think carefully Twinkle Toes if I wanted to get rid of you I wouldn't do it in such a quiet manner." Toph said as she gave a sly grin at Aang.
"At least I know you won't kill me without announcing yourself." Aang said with a smile.
"Anyway eat up or my hard work is gonna go to waste." Toph said.
"Yeah you're right Toph. I have to get my energy back so I can keep training tomorrow." Aang said as he smiled at Toph.
"That's right. That's what I like to hear from my student." Toph said with pride.
"Hey Toph can I ask you a question?" Aang asked.
"You already did Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Well except that one." Aang said as he was trying to keep calm from Toph's smart mouth.
"What is it? You're not doubting yourself again are you?" Toph asked.
"That's not it." Aang said.
"So then what is it Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"How come I had to do that training exercise?" Aang said with curiosity.
"Well because for one: you improve in physical strength and two: so you could grasp and understand what it's like to be an earthbender." Toph said.
"You expect me to believe that you carried boulders up mountains to master earthbending?" Aang asked with suspicion.
"There are various types of training methods, but I feel like this training exercise is better suited for you." Toph said with a smile.
Yeah right she just probably wants me to suffer. Aang thought to himself.
"Well anyway, I'm starving already." Aang said as he picked up the bowl but put it down immediately before he might drop it.
"What is it? Is it my cooking?" Toph asked with an edge in her voice.
"No, it's not that. I bet your cooking is really good it's just my arms and hands are still in pain from all the training. Sorry." Aang said.
"Ughhh….. Why do you have to make this more difficult than what it is Twinkle Toes?" Toph said as she was clearly getting mad.
"Hey it's not my fault you gave me that training." Aang said.
"Oh so now it's my fault that I have to train you so harshly because your earthbending sucks!" Toph said as she was blowing a fuse.
"Yeah yeah at least now my earthbending is drastically improving because of you. So thanks." Aang said as he smiled at Toph.
"Yeah whatever Twinkle Toes." Toph said as she was blushing.
Ughhh.. I know I'm gonna regret this. Toph thought to herself.
"Alright Twinkle Toes I'm only going to do this once. So I'm going to feed you your food." Toph said.
"I don't want to sound rude or anything, but I don't want you to waste your time on me. I'll do it myself." Aang said as he smiled at Toph.
"No way Twinkle Toes you have to do what I say remember?" Toph said at Aang.
"Well at least let me try first ok?" Aang asked.
"Alright then." Toph replied. Aang was trying relentlessly to pick up his plate but just like the time before he was successful.
I'm not getting anywhere so I might as well let her do what she wants. Aang thought to himself.
"Fine Toph do what you want." Aang said.
"Alright Twinkle Toes open your mouth and say 'Ah'." Toph said.
XXXXXXXX
Once they finished dinner they decided to clean up and then get ready for bed.
"Toph I'm going to leave the fire on so we won't freeze." Aang said as he looked at Toph.
"Whatever works for you Twinkle Toes. Alright so we're gonna share a tent since the rest of the group hasn't arrived yet." Toph said.
"Yeah yeah whatever makes you happy Toph." Aang replied as he was getting sleepy.
"This isn't making me happy in the slightest Twinkle Toes. The only reason I'm doing this is because it's cold right now and I don't want my pupil to get sick." Toph said.
"Well then, let's go to sleep already." Aang said. Once they went inside the tent Toph fell asleep immediately. She didn't even do much of anything how did she fall asleep so fast? Aang thought to himself.
"Thanks for cooking and feeding dinner to me Toph." Aang whispered at Toph.
"What are friends for Twinkle Toes?" Toph mumbled at Aang. He was a little surprised because he thought Toph was asleep. Well better get some sleep. Aang thought until he felt Toph's body getting closer to him.
What is it with her and getting close to me? Aang thought.
"Please Aang don't leave me behind." Toph said in her sleep.
"Don't worry Toph I'll never leave your side. I'll stick to your side until the day I die." Aang whispered in Toph's ear.
"Thank you, Aang." Toph said as she grew a small smile on her face as she cuddled closer to Aang.
She's very weird in her sleep. Better not tell her that or she'll kill me.Aang soon drifted off to sleep as well.
A/N: First, this is the edited version of the first chapter. I noticed there were some mess ups and I finally got to fix them. Second, I know I'm late to all of this. Give or take 10 years. But, to be honest with you I have never seen or much less heard of ATLA until last week. So naturally, I binge watched the show and it only took me about less than half a week to do so. One ship that I happened to like was TAANG. I don't know why, but it caught my attention. Oh and by the way there might be some references said by some of the characters. If you figure them out you get a cookie. Anyway I'll update every ten days or so. If you happen to have stumbled on this story please let me know what was good and not so good about this chapter or story in general. I'll accept any type of criticism. Thanks again for actually reading this.