Alright guys here's the second chapter of my ATLA story. I know it took me longer to update this chapter. If you read the end of this chapter I'll explain as to why it took me so long to update.
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.
Chapter 2: Twilight
Toph was the first to wake up, which was a surprise since she's not known for waking up so early. She felt warm and comfortable. She moved her head to and noticed that she was cuddling with Aang.
"Why does this keep HAPPENING?!" Toph shouted as she was really getting annoyed at the fact that she always wakes up in Aang's arms.
"I wonder which one of us is the one that starts snuggling." Toph said as was trying to go back to sleep. However, Toph's brain had other plans.
"Well, I'm already awake, might as well get my day started." Toph said as she was moving away from Aang. Even though he was asleep he wouldn't let go of Toph as he was snuggling closer to her.
"Let go Twinkle Toes." Toph said as she was blushing by Aang's actions.
Aang smiled. "You're so comfy." Aang mumbled while snuggling with Toph.
"I'm gonna kick your butt when you wake up Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang kept smiling as he still wouldn't let go.
Toph smirked. "Just wait until you find out what you do to me in my sleep."
As Toph was finally released from her comfortable hug she stood up and heard a loud noise and turned her head and saw it was Aang responsible for that noise
Well looks like Twinkle Toes is still asleep from yesterday's training. Toph thought to herself as she heard Aang snoring in his deep slumber.
Guess Twinkle Toes and I are still alone. Well we better hurry with his training or Katara's just gonna get on my case. Toph thought with a slight feeling of dread.
She was beginning to feel a little peckish, but was procrastinating on making food because of her laziness. Then she felt a small vibration. "I better cook some breakfast or else I'm gonna starve to death." Toph said as she heard her stomach rumble.
She was going down the mountain until she felt Aang's vibrations from atop the mountain.
Well, looks like someone's about to wake up. Toph thought as she picked up the pace.
Well I guess I can make the same thing I made last night for dinner. Then again, I can always try to make something else for the both of us. Oh,whatever Twinkle Toes isn't a picky eater. So I'll make him a salad that'll make him recover a lot quicker. Toph thought to herself.
"I wonder if we have enough time to make Twinkle Toe's earthbending strong. I mean, I won't be able to save the little princess." Toph said in a bit of worry.
"Ah what am I worrying about? Twinkle Toes can withstand anything. He has the perseverance and guts to never give up. As far as I can tell those are the key components that make a great and powerful earthbender." Toph said with a smile.
Plus you can't fail Twinkle Toes because I'm putting my faith in you. Toph thought.
I wonder what the rest of the team is doing? Toph thought to herself. She then noticed she had picked up enough supplies for the both of them.
"Well time to head back."
XXXXXXXX
Once Toph reached to the top of the mountain she set down the supplies and started a fire.
"Well now that I have this fire under control I have to get this food ready or my stomach is gonna eat itself." Toph said as her stomach was loudly growling.
"Well I should make a stew. Then, I'll make a salad for Twinkle Toes so he can regain his energy." Toph said with confidence.
"Let's see what training can I teach him so he can master earthbending a lot quicker than the pace he's at right now. I could take one of his senses and make him rely on taking a hit and destroying earth rather than him jump and evade an attack like an airbender. Yeah I think maybe that'll work." Toph said as she kept pondering at different training methods to improve his skills. "Wait! I got it! I know the perfect training for Twinkle Toes!" Toph shouted in certainty.
She then heard Aang starting to move.
"Oh right. You're still 'resting' your eyes." Toph said quietly.
On normal circumstances Toph couldn't care less if someone was asleep while she was doing her own thing, but these aren't normal circumstances since she has to help the only thing that can save them from destruction.
"Get ready for your training Twinkle Toes because this is going to be fun. Well for me at least." Toph smirked as she hoped Aang could master this training exercise at the drop of a hat. Toph remembered she felt a warm liquid coming from Aang's back and arms until she realized it was his own blood.
Wait could his injuries be holding him back right now? The amount of blood I felt yesterday wasn't a little bit in fact the blood must've been all over his body. Hmm... How hard did he push himself yesterday? Toph stood up and walked over to Aang and ran her hand over his body. Toph smirked as she was surprised to feel the amount of cuts and blisters she felt over his back and hands.
Well Twinkle Toes looks like you're not all talk. I wonder... how much pain did you have to endure throughout your training yesterday? She then let go smelled her cooking and she knew her breakfast was ready for Aang and her.
Looks like the food is ready for the both of us Twinkle Toes. She went to go serve the food and was coming back when she felt Aang moving and mumbling non-stop in his sleep. Toph set the food down and stood there and just looked at Aang.
I wonder what Twinkle Toes is thinking about? Toph thought herself.
AVATAR! A voice busted through Aang's head and noticed that he couldn't move. He was asleep, but at the same time he felt like he was awake.
What?! Who is it? Aang thought in his sleep.
DO YOU ACTUALLY BELIEVE YOU CAN DEFEAT THE FIRELORD?! The voice bellowed at Aang.
Of course I can beat him! What makes you think I can't beat him?! Aang shouted at the voice coming through his head.
YOU CAN'T EVEN OPEN YOUR AVATAR STATE WITHOUT GETTING EMOTIONAL BRAT! The voice shouted once more at Aang.
Oh it's you Kuruk… Yeah so what of it?! Aang asked.
WHAT OF IT?! IF YOU CAN'T CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS YOU WILL LOSE CONTROL OF YOURSELF AND DESTROY EVERYTHING AND ANYONE WHO GETS IN YOUR WAY! Kuruk shouted.
I know I know, but I'm trying as hard as I can to master the Avatar state! Aang shouted to the voice within him.
IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE YOU'RE TRYING AT ALL TO ME! Kuruk wasn't being kind to Aang at all.
What do you know about it and why do you care! Aang said as he was losing his nerve.
You need to control yourself before you do something you might regret. Kuruk pointed out as he calmed his voice down.
Wait so you were just testing me? Aang said as he was calming down.
Yeah, you can say that. Kuruk replied.
So that's how you know what I have and haven't mastered? Aang asked.
Of course young one. Kuruk said.
Hey, total different question. If I can control my emotions I can master my Avatar state? Aang wondered.
Yes. Well, to a certain degree. So I want you to think of a single person who keeps you alive. Kuruk said.
Keeps me alive? What do you mean by that exactly? Aang asked in confusion.
Someone who makes you appreciate every day of your life. Someone you can't live without. Someone who no matter you'd give up anything so you can be with them for the rest of your life. Kuruk said with a smile on his face.
Hmm... I don't think I have anyone like that. Aang confessed to Kuruk.
Not yet at least, Avatar. Once you find that person protect them with your life. If you don't you will face a great amount of pain, suffering, and regret. I don't want to see another Avatar go through all of that again. Kuruk said with a hint of sorrow.
So how will I know who this person is? Aang asked.
It will be someone you can trust your life with and who will stay by your side no matter the cost. Kuruk said.
Oh, well then is that all you have for me? Aang asked.
Yes that is all young Avatar. Kuruk said.
Ok then? Aang felt awkward.
Yes well anyway it's time for you to wake up. Your companion is waiting for you. Farewell, Avatar. Kuruk said with a smile.
Wait! What? Does he mean Toph? Aang groaned at that last thought.
Aang woke with a start and hit his head with an object.
"OWWW! What hit me?" Aang shouted as he rubbed his head in pain. Toph stared at him with disbelief.
"I believe the locals call it a pan? I'm not sure I'll have to check back to you." Toph said.
"Oh, so that's what I hit with my head. Oh and by the way I really didn't need that smart retort Toph." Aang said.
"What can I say? It's my specialty Twinkle Toes." Toph said with a smile.
Aang looked at his surroundings and saw that it was barely the crack of dawn.
"Hey, Toph how come you're up so early? It's barely the crack of dawn." Aang asked.
"It's barely the crack of dawn? I thought it was like in the middle of the afternoon." Toph said in disbelief.
No wonder Twinkle Toes was still snoring in his beauty sleep. Toph thought to herself.
"Anyway, you don't have to answer Toph." Aang said with a smile.
"Well I wasn't going to answer it anyway Twinkle Toes!" Toph said very annoyed.
"So, do you want me to collect some wood for us Toph?" Aang asked as he was beginning to feel hungry.
"No need, I already got the wood for us Twinkle Toes." Toph said with a smile.
"Wait how come? I thought it was my turn to get it." Aang asked.
"Well, it was your turn to get the wood as a matter of fact." Toph said.
"So do you want me to get us some food so you can cook it Toph?" Aang asked.
Toph then pointed at the two bowls next to Aang.
"I already beat you to it Twinkle Toes." Aang turned his head and noticed the two bowls next him and just by looking at food next to him made his stomach growl.
"So you already did everything?" Aang said in amazement.
"Pretty much." Toph said as she shrugged.
"Oh so what's left to do?" Aang questioned.
"Well for starters we're gonna dig into this food that I've made for us. Then, we're gonna get you back to training because we're running on a razor fine line of time as it is right now." Toph said. "Oh so that's why you made breakfast." Aang pointed out.
"Yeah basically. Now hurry up or the food gonna get cold." Toph warned Aang.
"Alright alright I'm going already quit nagging me." Aang said.
They both picked up their plates and started eating in silence enjoying the satisfaction of the meal created by Toph. Aang kept thinking about Kuruk. He also thought about protecting and trusting his life to his 'companion' and he wondered if should he ask Toph, to see if she can help him out with his little dilemma.
Toph kept looking at Aang as if something was on his face. Aang noticed and quickly continued eating.
What is he hiding from me? He's only like this when he's keeping a secret from someone. Toph thought.
She figured if she wanted answers she can't hide around the bushes. She's going to have to confront Aang head on.
"Is there something you're aren't telling me Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked with seriousness in her voice.
"Why do you ask Toph?" Aang asked with shaky voice.
"Because you're only like this when you're hiding something from us." Toph said. Aang sighed and put his food down turning his head towards Toph.
"Well I guess you can read me like a book huh Toph?" Aang said.
"Huh ya think Twinkle Toes? I haven't known you for that long and I can still read your little habits. Now are you gonna tell me what's bothering you?" Toph said that last part whilst raising her fist.
"Alright alright, jeez you need to act a little less violent Toph." Aang said.
"It's who I am Twinkle Toes." Toph said with a smile in her face.
"Alright listen Toph. Can I trust you with my life?" Aang asked with uncertainty.
Where is this coming from? Toph thought as she raised her eyebrows.
"Of course you can Twinkle Toes. If you have my back I have yours." Toph said with a smile. "How can you be so sure Toph?"Aang said as he gave her a look of worry.
"Well for one you're the Avatar. Second because you were my first friend and no matter what I'll always have your back. You can trust me." Toph said with a carefree smile.
Well that answers my question. Now I can calm down. Aang thought with relief.
"You almost done there Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Yeah I'm almost done with my food. Just give me some time."
XXXXXXXX
Aang and Toph cleaned up the mess they did during breakfast and were about to start training.
"So what comes next?" Aang asked.
"Well for starters we're gonna warm you up. I can't have you having a cramp during the middle of your training." Toph said.
Wait I have to feel how bruised up he is. Toph thought. She walked over to Aang and started feeling his arms and back.
"S-o-ooo w-what's with um.. y-y-oou touching me?" Aang stuttered as his face was turning different shades of red.
Wait something's not right here. Toph thought to herself.
"What happened to your bruises Twinkle Toes?" Toph said as she looked up at Aang with confusion.
"What do you mean Toph?" Aang asked.
"The bruises you had around your arms and back." Toph said.
"Eh who knows I heal pretty quickly."
"Well whatever we gotta get started already Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Yes ma'am." Aang said as he stood up straight.
"So what am I going to be doing Toph." Aang asked,
"Since you still need work on your earthbending we're gonna take one of your five senses away. Your sight." Toph said.
"Haven't I already done this before?" Aang said. Toph held up her hand.
"Hold your horses Twinkle Toes you didn't let me finish. Anyways, yes it's somewhat like your previous training, but there's something different about it." Toph said
Aang looked at her in confusion.
"So what's different about it Toph?" Aang asked
Toph turned towards Aang and pointed to him.
"You're not gonna move. You're gonna stay still."
Aang stared at her with his mouth agape.
"That's it I just have to stay still and not move. I thought you were about intense training Toph." Toph kept looking at Aang.
"You're gonna stay still because I want you to hear everything around you more carefully. If you're moving non-stop you can't really focus on you're hearing. It's basically like how I do it. You remember right?" Toph asked.
"Yeah I remember. You basically see with your feet." Aang replied.
"Exactly Twinkle Toes. I hear and feel the vibrations that are created by mobile things in nature. That's why I want us to focus on this training exercise because who knows if Ozai blinds you. If your sight is gone you're pretty much a sitting duck. Just in case we'll focus on your other two senses." Toph explained.
"Yeah that makes sense." Aang nodded in agreement.
"Oh by the way before I forget for each time I see you move you get a rock thrown at you by me." Toph grinned.
Aang looked at her. "So, I'm going to get thrown rocks at me for not doing what I'm supposed to do? Is that how this is going to work?" Aang asked
Toph raised her fist. "I believe people listen more with an iron fist!"
Aang just stared at her. "Yeah I figured you'd say something like that. Man, I feel bad for whoever you end up with." Aang mumbled that last part.
"What did you just mumble?" Toph said with an edge to her voice.
"Nothing nothing at all. I just said how excited I am to get my training started." Aang said while scratching the back of his head.
If I speak my thoughts out loud Toph's gonna kick my butt and make me her personal training dummy. Lucky for me she can't read or listen to my thoughts Aang thought to himself.
Toph walked to the edge of the mountain and turned towards Aang. She wiggled her finger signaling Aang to head towards her. She pointed at the edge of the mountain.
"This is where you're gonna sit. Remember if I throw so many rocks you're gonna fall and you might possibly die. With that said let's get started with part two of your training" Aang smiled nervously at Toph.
"Yeah let's go." He knew that this wasn't going to end well.
Toph looked at Aang "Sit down as if you were meditating, but don't meditate because you might head into the spirit world and that might turn out to be a mess." Aang looked at her with a confused look.
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." Toph then face palmed as she called herself an idiot.
"I forgot to tell you this Twinkle Toes. I'm gonna be moving around and you're gonna point to where I'm at. Get it wrong and you get a rock thrown at you." He just looked at her in disbelief.
"Is there anything else you're forgetting oh great master earthbender." Toph turned away.
'Tsk. No I'm not forgetting anything else now shut up."
So Aang sat at the edge of the mountain in a meditation position. He felt confident about his training at first.
Come on, Toph wouldn't give me a training exercise without something that'll give me a hard time or even worse a near death experience. Aang thought to himself. He felt a rock hit his chest. "You're not supposed to move Twinkle Toes." Toph said as she smirked.
She liked messing around with Aang. Especially, when she was training him. Aang on the other hand was at a disadvantage. He couldn't scream because that would make him move and thus, resulting in him falling off the mountain. So he had no other choice but to endure the pain. He tried emptying out his mind but he lost concentration right away. Toph threw another rock at his chest.
"Focus Twinkle Toes. Just be one with nature. I thought this would be easier for you seeing as how you're the Avatar and everything." Toph said. Aang tried again.
Be one with nature? What is she talking about? Toph kept feeling Aang's vibrations.
He's moving too much. How could I get him to understand to not move so much? Maybe some analogies might work.
"Hey Twinkle Toes don't think about moving. Creatures like us must learn to stay still. If you wanna improve on staying still just pretend you're dead." Aang couldn't say anything because that'll lead him to lose control.
She wants me to pretend to be dead. How will that work exactly? Aang thought.
Alright focus. You have to focus. Toph threw another rock, but this time in his arm.
At least he's not moving as much as before.
"You're slightly getting better Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Hey at least I'm improving a little. Aang thought in satisfaction.
Alright, if I can keep at it I can merge in with nature I can exponentiate my hearing and tactile senses. Toph kept feeling Aang's vibrations.
Even though he's improving it's sure gonna be a long time before he can grasp it.
XXXXXXXX
It was the middle of the afternoon and the sun wasn't being merciful. Toph and Aang were both getting burned by the sun. Both of them sweating like stuffed pigs. Toph's arm was getting tired from throwing rocks at Aang. Aang on the other hand was in so much pain.
His chest was red and anyone could notice the amount of blood that was pouring out of him.
Well, I think Twinkle Toes has mastered staying still and being one with nature. I never thought I'd see the day when I'd get tired of having fun with Twinkle Toes. Toph thought to herself in satisfaction. Aang finally felt one with nature. Normally he'd be screaming and aching in pain, but he couldn't feel any of that.
What's with this warm feeling? I feel like my pain is being lifted off of my shoulders.? I guess this is another part with being one with nature. Toph walked towards Aang.
"So Twinkle Toes, now do you know what it feels like to be calm and focused?" Aang opened his eyes and smiled at Toph.
"Yeah I feel warm inside after doing all of this concentrating and focusing. So now that I've improved my two senses what comes next?" Toph smiled at Aang.
"Well, we're gonna see how good you are with understanding where everything is located. It's like our previous training. I'm gonna throw a rock at you and you're gonna try to deflect it back. Except this time you're not gonna have to put on a blindfold like last time." Aang remembered the time he had that kind of training with Toph. It wasn't the prettiest of results.
"So what happens if I don't sense what you throw at me?" Aang asked.
"We'll for one thing you'll be a disappointment. Second, your face won't look so pretty." Toph replied.
"But Toph you don't even know what I look like." Aang countered.
"Yeah so? You're still not gonna look good afterwards." Toph said.
"Hey Toph can I finally move off the edge of the mountain or else I'm going to fall off." Aang said.
"Almost Twinkle Toes. Just wait." Toph said.
While she walked away from Aang an idea popped into her head.
"Hey Twinkle Toes do you know how to make an Avatar fly?" Toph said.
"No... why Toph?" Aang asked in confusion.
"No reason just wondering." Toph said acting innocently.
Wait could she be doing what I she is? Aang thought to himself.
He was about to ask Toph, but it was too late. She knew where Aang's position was and she stomped her foot on the ground and a pillar popped up where Aang was sitting. Aang was launched into the air.
"TOPH YOU DAUGHTER OF A BAS-" Aang's voice drifted into the wind as he was sent off far away from where they were.
"Oh, Twinkle Toes how could you ever just leave in the middle of training after all I did for you." Toph said as she feigned being hurt by Aang's actions.
Time to go find the little airhead. Toph thought to herself as she smirked.
XXXXXXXX
After walking for what seemed like forever she finally found Aang stuck on a tree that was close to a lake. Toph put her hands up to her hips.
"How dare you just walk out of training like that. After all I did for you, and I find you asleep after ditching training?" She said while feigning anger. Aang kept dangling as he was struggling to get out of the tree.
Why why did she have to be my trainer? She's the embodiment of the devil herself. Aang thought as he was crying on the inside.
"What do you mean ditch training, Toph? I freakin' received a trip to the moon thanks to you. Ditching practice please if I had a choice I would've ditched long ago. But since I have to defeat a certain nation and a certain Fire Lord I don't have much of an option now do I?" Aang said as his composure was surely slipping.
Toph looked at him in shock. "If you don't want me here then why don't you say it already?" Toph said.
Aang kept struggling but finally fell off the tree and landed on his head.
"I didn't say that all." Aang said as he rubbed his head in pain.
"Then, what Twinkle Toes? DO YOU NEED ME HERE?" Toph said as she put her arms on her hips.
"OF COURSE I NEED YOU TOPH." Aang shouted back at Toph.
"THEN WHY DO YOU NEED ME HERE?" Toph said as she clearly lost her patience.
"WELL BECAUSE OF YOUR TRAINING… AND YOUR COOKING." Aang shouted.
"WHAT ABOUT MY COOKING?" Toph was ready to beat the living crap out of Aang.
"IT'S THE MOST DELICIOUS THING I'VE EATEN." Aang said as he rubbed his stomach.
"Is that right Twinkle Toes?" Toph said as she calmed down.
"Yeah your cooking is the best thing ever. It even beats Katara's cooking just don't tell her I said that." Aang smiled at Toph.
"Who knows? Maybe it'll slip out of my tongue." Toph stuck out her tongue at Aang.
"Yeah, I thought as much." Aang said sheepishly.
"Oh and Toph what's with giving me a trip to the moon?." Aang asked.
"Well now that you asked Twinkle Toes this is your new training spot." Toph said.
"Hold on if you knew that this was going to be my new training site. Then why didn't you just tell me where it was instead of receiving with that surprising trip to the moon?" Aang asked clearly annoyed by Toph's actions.
"Actually, I didn't plan ahead and this is your training spot for now." Toph shrugged it off.
"Wow, so you're winging it." Aang said.
Toph smiled. "Yup."
"Great excuse." Aang sarcastically noted.
"Glad you see that as well Twinkle Toes." Toph smiled.
Aang looked around. "Wait you said that this was my new training site, but you didn't specify as to where exactly."
Toph pointed at the water."Right there Twinkle Toes."
Aang walked over to the water. "What am I learning to take a bath or something?" Aang sarcastically asked.
"Not exactly Twinkle Toes. You're basically doing what you did at the top of the mountain." Toph said.
"For what reason. If I already did it at the top of the mountain then why do it in a different location?" Aang pointed out.
Toph face palmed and walked towards Aang. She pointed at the water again. Aang turned around to see what Toph was pointing at. Just as he turned around Toph punched his head.
"WHY DON'T YOU WAIT UNTIL I FINISH YOU AIRHEAD?" Toph shouted.
"OWW… okay I'm sorry jeez. Do you always have to be like that Toph?" Aang asked.
"Well unless you don't listen. Anyway, to answer your question. The reason your training in water is simple. I want you in it because the water distorts you tactile and auditory senses. While you were on land you could pretty much see and hear anything with those two senses. But when you're inside the water you can't really get a sense of anything and if we can get you strengthen those two senses you're pretty much a powerhouse. Just like your teacher might I add." Toph grinned at that last part.
"But I'm not going to fight on water. I'm going up against the Fire Lord. I don't think he's stupid enough to get near water because of my waterbending." Aang pointed out.
"I'm not making you do this because you're gonna fight on water. Of course I know that the Fire Lord isn't going to get near water. Like I said before if you listened, which apparently you didn't, I'm making you do this because I'm trying to drastically improve your audible and tactile senses." Toph said.
"Ok... so you just want me to sit in the water that's it?" Aang asked.
"Not just that Twinkle Toes. I'm gonna throw various objects towards you. I want you to stop or destroy them. Well, that's your choice. Point is, I don't want you to try to dodge it. If you stop or destroy it that's great and if you don't... well that's great as well." Toph said.
"Wait, how is it great if I don't stop it?" Aang asked.
"Well, because you get hit and you'll probably learn your lesson." Toph smiled at Aang.
"Anyway, let's cut the chit-chat Twinkle Toes. Sit or stand in the water I don't care. Let's begin part three of your training."
Toph was at the edge of lake sensing Aang. "Alright Twinkle Toes I'm gonna wait a little and then I'm gonna throw objects at you." Toph said.
"Yeah, do what you have to do Toph." Aang said.
"I'm not doing this because of me. I'm waiting because it's gonna take you a while to focus." Toph said.
Aang sat in the water focusing.
Yeah, Toph's right. It's taking a little longer to get this right. Aang thought to himself.
Toph kept still looking down on the ground.
Let's see it took Twinkle Toes about five minutes to focus on the top of the mountain. Now that he mastered it on land it'll probably take about two to three minutes so he can actually focus. Toph pondered. She walked back and forth kicking a rock.
She finally got tired of waiting.
The two minutes should've passed already. Let's get started. Toph smirked at that last part.
She felt Aang, but barely he was so still that she couldn't feel his vibrations. She picked up a rock with her foot and threw it to her hand. She aimed at Aang and threw in one swift motion. Aang felt something.
Alright she threw it. If I can time it perfectly I can throw it back at her. She said to stop or destroy it, but if Toph doesn't follow the rules then why should I?
Aang smirked to himself. As Toph threw the rock he lost the location of the rock.
CRAP. WHERE DID IT GO? Aang started to panic. Just as he started to panic the rock made it to it's destination.
OWW. HOW DID I LET IT HIT ME? Aang inwardly scolded himself.
Meanwhile, Toph just face palmed as she took a mental image of what just happened between the Avatar and a mere rock.
Oh for crying out loud Twinkle Toes. You had one job, one job and you get defeated by a rock. This is gonna be the rest of my day isn't.
XXXXXXXX
Toph finally pleased with Aang's results decided to sit down.
"You can get out of the water now Twinkle Toes." Toph said. Aang on the other hand was aching all over his body. Blood soaking his face and chest. Toph had a few bruises from Aang throwing the rocks back at her.
"Well it took you awhile, but at least you've hit the tip of the iceberg Twinkle Toes." Toph said. Aang's mouth dropped. "WAIT WHAT? WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?"
Toph put her fingers in her ears. "Jeez settle down Twinkle Toes. It'll be enough to beat the fire lord." Toph said.
"Oh well in that case are we done with my training for today?" Aang asked.
"Yeah we're done with training for today." Toph replied. Aang looked and saw the moon.
"Toph, I'm pretty sure it's around midnight. Why couldn't we have ended my training much earlier?" Toph put her hands around waist.
"Because you needed that time to train. Honestly, if this wasn't important I would've hit the sack awhile ago." Toph said.
"So what now Toph? Aang asked.
"Well first we can wash up." Toph said.
"Wait?! Both of us at the same time?!" Aang said as his face was turning different shades of red.
"Yeah sure why not?" Toph said.
It was physically impossible, but somehow Aang's face got redder. "Are you serious?"
"OF COURSE NOT YOU IDIOT." Toph said as her face turned red as well.
"Yeah of course what kind of idiot would think of that?" Aang just continued to ramble.
"Anyway Twinkle Toes who's taking a bath first." Toph asked.
"You should take it first since you trained me Toph. I'll go get the wood so I can a fire started. I'll meet you back at the mountain. Sound like a plan?" Aang said.
"Do we have to go back there? I'd rather just camp out around here." Toph complained.
"Fine whatever. Point is you take bath and I get wood. Sound good?" Aang asked.
"Yeah sure. Now get out of here… that is unless you want to see me naked?' Toph teased.
"And I'm gone." Aang left running.
"Yeah see ya later Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Toph laughed loudly. "Oh man, it's so much fun making him look like that."
XXXXXXXX
Aang was in the middle of picking up wood when he received some company.
AVATAR! Kuruk shouted.
What do you want Kuruk I'm in the middle of something. Aang said.
Tell me Avatar have you found that special someone already? Kuruk asked.
No, not yet. Aang replied.
Avatar let me ask you something. His conscious said.
What is it? Aang said.
When you find this special person you're going to protect them right? Kuruk said.
Right? That depends if I find this person. Anyway what's your point? Aang asked.
The person you love or the rest of the world? Kuruk asked.
Wait what do you mean by that? Aang asked.
If a situation came to in which you were given a choice. To sacrifice the person you love and have the rest of the world destroyed. Or save the world and sacrifice the person you love. Which is it? Kuruk asked.
I don't know. I don't know at all. Aang said.
Maybe not yet. Think it through you Avatar. Kuruk said.
With that he left his thoughts. Aang dropped the wood and stood there thinking.
The person I love or the rest of the world? Aang thought to himself.
He stood there for a while until he remembered that he was keeping Toph waiting.
Better head back. Aang thought as he picked up the wood
XXXXXXXX
Aang was walking back and noticed that Toph wasn't in the lake.
"I wonder where Toph's at?" Aang said.
"I'm right over here Twinkle Toes." Toph waved her hand.
"Oh sorry I didn't see you there." Aang walked over to where Toph was.
"You took longer than 10 minutes Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Oh sorry Toph. I got lost on the path of life." Aang rubbed his head.
"Path of life huh? You really need to work on your excuses Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Anyway what are you over here Toph?" Aang asked
"Well while you were taking your sweet time doing whatever I decided to go get us some food." Toph said.
"Man have I told you that you're the best Toph." Aang said overjoyed
"You could stand to mention it more." Toph smirked.
"Man, I must've taken a while if that's the case." Aang said.
"Yeah, you did. Now bring that wood over here and start the fire so I can get this cooking over with." Toph said.
"Why are you in such a rush Toph?" Aang asked.
"Well because I'm pretty sure it's past midnight." Toph said.
"Wait how do you know Toph?" Aang asked as he was amazed as to how Toph figured out the time.
"Well for one I can hear the crickets off in the distance and also we're not far from the ocean if you couldn't tell. So, the waves are moving restlessly and they only move like that when the moon is high up above us." Toph said.
"Toph you mean to tell me you did all that in 20 minutes?" Aang asked.
"Hey when as an earthbender I can pretty much do anything." Toph said.
"Anything except for curing your distaste for flying on top of Appa." Aang laughed.
"Is that so Aang? I guess you want to be left starving to death." Toph put a lot of emphasis on Aang's name.
He flinched when she said his name. Normally she'd call him that when she was serious or when she was losing her cool. Albeit, being the latter of the two.
"No I was just kidding Toph. Come on we're good buddies I thought you would've laughed or share a few chuckles." Aang said.
"Well whatever Twinkle Toes give me a bit time and the food will be ready." Toph said.
"You're not going to poison my food are you Toph? Aang worryingly asked.
"That all depends on my mood Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Wait I've heard about this from Sokka. Females go through some little swings during some time of the month. I better be nice or who knows if I wake up tomorrow. Aang thought to himself as little droplets of sweat rolled off of his face.
"Hey Twinkle Toes." Toph called out.
"What is it Toph?" Aang asked.
"Why don't you go on ahead and wash yourself off and by the time you come back I should be done cooking for us." Toph said.
"Yeah that sounds good Toph. I'll be right back." Aang waved at Toph.
"Yeah whatever Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
XXXXXXXX
Aang felt like a new person after all of that. He walked back to camp and noticed that Toph was putting the food on a earth bowl she made.
"You sure took your sweet time Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"It only took me like 15 minutes Toph." Aang said.
Toph walked over to him and handed his bowl.
"Here's your food Twinkle Toes. Eat it or it's gonna get cold." Toph said.
"Thanks for the food Toph." Aang said.
"Hey what are friends for." Toph said.
"So Toph is this training enough to beat the Fire Lord?" Aang asked.
"Of course it is. To be perfectly honest with you, I believe that you can defeat the Fire Lord with minimum Earth bending skills. I think your willpower can get you through fight alone. Since you need an earthbending teacher I came along. I wanted to tag along not because of that, but because I wanted to be free. I'd rather teach you earthbending than to live back home." Toph said.
"Well who knew I'd get some compliments from you Toph." Aang said.
"Take it how you want Twinkle Toes." Toph said while eating.
"Well that makes me a little better I guess," Aang said.
"You do your part in beating the Fire Lord and we'll do our part to stop the Fire Nation Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Hey Toph total different question." Aang said.
"What is it Twinkle Toes?" Toph said.
"Have you noticed that one of us wakes with the other in their arms? Aang asked.
"Yeah so?" Toph said.
How is she not acting different from all this. Aang thought to himself.
"Does it bother you Toph?" Aang asked.
"Who knows apparently this happens while we're asleep so I really don't care." Toph said.
"Oh ok well that makes sense." Aang said.
"Yeah it does. Now let's clean up and get some sleep Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Yeah we should. I'm getting tired." Aang said.
Toph destroyed her earth bowls and got tent ready in seconds.
"Tent's ready Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Yeah coming. Should I leave the fire on Toph?" Aang asked.
"Leave it. It's gonna get cold anyway." Toph said.
Aang left the fire on and went inside the tent and got next to Toph.
"See ya in the morning Toph." Aang said.
"Yeah you too Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Five minutes into his sleep Toph poked him.
"Hey Twinkle Toes are you awake?" Toph asked.
Aang sat up. "I am now. What's up Toph?" Aang asked.
"The sky." Toph replied.
"Goodnight Toph." Aang said.
"No wait Twinkle Toes I was just kidding. I can't get some sleep." Toph said.
"Well I guess I'll tell you a story." Aang said.
"Yeah whatever works Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Alright Toph. Once upon a time there was this boy who was alone and he had his own pet. He abandoned his tribe because of certain problem. He walked for what seem forever. Until he met this girl. But she wasn't any ordinary girl. She was the type of girl that drove him mad and he couldn't stand there. Then one day she got lost. The boy looked all over for her for hours. People just told him that he should just stop. He was wasting his time. He kept calling out to her. Then she heard him calling her and she followed his voice and finally found her way again." Aang said.
"What happens next?" Toph said.
"That's up to you to decide." Aang said.
Up to me to decide huh? Toph thought as she fell asleep.
"Goodnight Toph." Aang smiled.
He himself was falling asleep with one final thought.
The one I love or the rest of the world. Aang thought to himself as he drifted off to sleep
A/N: Okay so this is the edited version of the second chapter. I'm stuck in a crossroad of editing this so yeah…. Oh and by the way there's some references of other shows/anime if you can find them you get a cookie:))) If you happen to have stumbled on this story please let me know what was good and not so good about this chapter. I'll accept any type of criticism. Thanks again for actually reading this. I appreciate everything guys