Alright guys here's the third chapter of my ATLA story. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
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 3: Home
"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.
2 Days Later.
After that event Aang and Toph trained the next day non-stop. The following day Toph decided to take their training a little more calm. Toph sat up and felt Aang's vibrations. She scratched her head.
So he's awake already? Why is he training so early?
Aang was practicing on his balance. He stood up on one foot on top of a rock.
Man I've only been doing this for 15 minutes and it's still not enough. FOCUS AANG FOCUS. DON'T LET ANYTHING DISTRACT YOU. Aang mentally screamed at himself.
Toph stood up and walked over to Aang.
'HEY WATCHA DOING THERE TWINKLE TOES?" Toph shouted.
Aang lost complete focus and his balance as well leading him to eat dirt.
"WHAT DO YOU WANT TOPH? THE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING AND I HAVE TO EAT DIRT?" Aang shouted.
Toph put her hands on her ears."Well isn't someone sensitive this early in the morning. Wait don't tell me Twinkle Toes.. It's that time of the month for you?" Toph teased Aang.
"Um? What are you talking about Toph?" Aang asked.
Toph face palmed. "Never mind Twinkle Toes just forget it."
Aang walked over to Toph.
"So Toph what are we going to be doing today for my training?" Aang asked.
"Eh I'm too tired and I think we've gone through every training exercise that'll help you out. As far as I know I think we're done with your training. We're just gonna do a few small exercises " Toph shrugged.
"Wait so we're not doing anything today?" Aang asked.
"Hold your heinie Twinkle Toes. I never said that we're not doing anything. I said we're doing a FEW training exercises. I didn't say we're not doing anything." Toph said.
"That's pretty much a walk in the park Toph." Aang said.
"Oh someone's getting a little cocky. Just because you can keep up with my training exercises doesn't mean squat. As far as I can tell you're just a rookie." Toph said.
"Toph just let me have this. You know I have an extremely fragile ego." Aang moped. "Awww… Does the poor Avatar need a tissue because I poked fun at your extremely fragile ego?" Toph said.
"Forget it Toph." Aang said.
"You know, Sugar Queen and the rest have been gone for a while. Don't ya think Twinkle Toes?" Toph said.
"Now that you mention it, I've noticed that as well. It's been like what three of four days since they left?" Aang asked.
"Something like that. Anyway I'm getting hungry let's split our chores. You do what you do and pick up some wood, meanwhile I'll go get us some food." Toph said.
"I already picked up some wood Toph. Now what?" Aang pointed out.
Toph started walking. "I don't know. You do what you want to do." Toph shrugged.
"How about I go join you?" Aang asked.
"Why would you want to do that Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
Aang started scratching his head. "Well because it's more fun when we do this together. Plus who knows I might even cook for you after all you've done for me these past few days." Aang smiled.
Toph turned around avoiding Aang's gaze as her cheeks turned slightly red. "Yeah sure whatever Twinkle Toes."
Why am I acting like this it's only Twinkle Toes. Toph thought to herself.
Aang walked next to Toph."So where are we heading to Toph?" Aang asked.
"Well for starters let's find us some bushes for some berries." Toph said.
Aang was overjoyed and sprinted into the woods. "ALRIGHT LET'S GET GOING." Aang shouted.
Toph chased after him. "HEY WAIT THAT'S MY LINE TWINKLE TOES." Toph shouted.
XXXXXXXX
Toph finally caught up to Aang, but only because Aang tripped on a rock.
Aang kept rubbing his head. "So now what Toph?" Aang asked.
"Hold on Twinkle Toes. Let me catch my breath." Toph was somewhat wheezing.
"Oh sorry for that." Aang said. "How were you able to run that far without breaking a sweat?" Toph asked.
"Oh because I used my air bending for a bit." Aang said sheepishly.
That explains as to why I couldn't feel his footsteps for a while. "Well whatever there's some bushes right there." Toph pointed.
Aang walked over to the bush. "Wait hold on. Toph you're missing your eyesight so how do you know which plants are good to eat and which are poisonous?" Aang asked.
"Eh that's pretty easy if you touch a plant for a bit and you get a reaction it more than likely poisonous. You don't always need eyesight for most of these simple things." Toph said.
Aang grabbed some berries from the bush Toph pointed at.
"Could've fooled me. I would've grabbed any type of berry and eat it whole." Aang said.
"Guess you're lucky that I'm here huh Twinkle Toes. Otherwise we'd have to find a new Avatar." Toph said.
Aang walked towards Toph and held up a berry. "I guess you could say that I'm BERRY lucky huh?" Aang said.
Toph facepalmed.. "Twinkles you have got to stop hanging around Snoozles ." Toph said.
Aang was patting Toph's shoulder. "Oh come on lighten up Toph." Aang said.
Toph moved Aang's hand. "Oh I can lighten up Twinkle Toes. But when you say something like that I don't care who you are I will evade you as much as I can." Toph said.
"Jeez someone sounds so uptight. Anyway now that I got these berries what's next?" Aang asked.
"Well just a few other plants that should be around here since someone doesn't eat meat." Toph said.
"Hey what can I say. I'm a man of nature." Aang said.
Toph walked away from him. "Anyway we should keep gathering otherwise we're both gonna starve." Toph said.
"Yeah you're right can't start my exercise with an empty stomach." Aang said.
Toph started walking away. "Alright follow me Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Wait up then Toph." Aang said.
Toph stuck out tongue at Aang. "Sorry it makes more fun when you're following me." Toph said with a smile.
Aang started following Toph.
This girl is something else. Aang thought to himself.
Aang caught up to Toph and both were walking together. Aang kept looking at his surroundings. Not that he's seen anything new, but it seemed nicer when he was with someone other than himself.
Who was this special someone he was talking about? It's driving me crazy. I was interested in Katara, but I feel like she might end up with Zuko. My conscious said it was Toph, but that's impossible. She has feelings for Sokka. Not that she'll say it out loud. Yeah no way it's Toph she's the girl who's in love with my best friend. Aang hopelessly thought to himself.
"AHA. THERE'S OUR FOOD TWINKLE TOES." Toph shouted.
That little outburst snapped Aang back into reality.
"Uh did you say something Toph?" Aang asked.
Toph pointed at some more plants. "I found us some more food Twinkle Toes." Toph said with a smile.
"All we have to do is just grab it right?" Aang asked.
"Yeah that's pretty much it Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang got to work and started picking up all the plants that Toph pointed at.
"Hey wait a minute why am I the one that's doing all the hard work?" Aang asked.
"Because I'm the one that's doing the cooking. Besides you're the one that wanted to help Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"You have a point." Aang groaned.
Toph walked over to a tree and decided to sit down. "Well I think we have everything. Let's just take a small break. What do ya say Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
Aang walked over and sat down next down to Toph. "You're the one who wanted for us to hurry up because you're going to starve." Aang said.
"Yeah, but I'm tired." Toph complained.
"Toph you woke up like thirty minutes ago." Aang said.
"Just five minutes." Toph said.
"I guess... Well it does look nice today." Aang mumbled.
"Well it does feel nice out today doesn't it Twinkle Toes?" Toph said.
"Yup you're right about that Toph." Aang said.
"Hey Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"What is it Toph?" Aang asked.
"Tell me about your biggest fear." Toph said.
Aang looked at her. "Why do you want to know?" Aang asked.
"Well since you trust me with your life. I might as well know what your biggest fear is." Toph said.
My biggest fear. Should I tell her. I guess she's right I can trust her. If I can't trust her then who can I trust. Aang thought to himself.
"Fine I'll tell you, but you can't tell anyone alright?" Aang said.
"Ooh being rejected huh?" Toph interrupted.
"Toph I'm serious." Aang said.
"Alright I won't tell anyone. I promise." Toph said.
"Well alright then. My biggest fear is hurting the people I care about in my Avatar state while in my quest of trying to destroy the fire lord and not being able to uphold my responsibilities as the Avatar." Aang said.
Toph sat there immobile. Seconds turned to minutes as there was an empty silence in the air. Until finally Toph spoke up. "So that's your biggest fear huh?" Toph asked.
Aang looked at her.
"Now you have to tell me all of your fears Toph." Aang said.
"How about you guess them." Toph said.
Aang thought about all his moments he shared with Toph to try to figure out Toph's fears. "Aha I got it." Aang said.
"Well spill it. I want to hear what you have to say." Toph said.
"Well ok if I get it wrong then promise not to get angry." Aang said.
"I won't. Just spill already." Toph said.
"Well personal hygiene." Aang responded.
Toph was lucky Aang was sitting next to her because she straight up punched him in his shoulder in one swift motion.
"GET SERIOUS YOU AIRHEAD." Toph said.
Aang rubbed his shoulder in pain. "I don't know if that was for showing affection or showing anger." Aang groaned.
"Well it's your fault." Toph said.
"Yeah, but was that really necessary?" Aang asked.
"Eh that's not important." Toph shrugged it off.
"I DISAGREE." Aang shouted.
"Anyway get serious Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Alright alright. So after going through every moment that you and I have shared I think one of your fears is losing control of a situation. I also know you're persistent on being independent, but come on we both know that you have to depend on others. Finally I think that your biggest fear is solitude and not having friends. I can see why you give us nicknames." Aang said.
"Why's that?" Toph asked.
"You don't want to get too attached to anyone of us because you think you might lose us." Aang said.
Toph looked up and sighed out loud. "Well I guess I'm not the only one who can read their friends like an open book." Toph said.
"You know what's funny Toph." Aang said.
"What?" Toph said.
"You said you can read me like a book, but ironically you can't see much less read a book." Aang smiled.
Toph punched him once more in his shoulder.
"What was that for?" Aang asked.
"You asked for it Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Well how about we head back Toph?" Aang asked.
"Yeah let's go Twinkle Toes." Toph said. She stood up, but tumbled back down. Aang just stared at her.
"Umm… you alright there Toph?" Aang asked.
Toph looked at Aang. "Well it seems that my legs have fallen asleep. It feels like a pins and needles sensation." Toph chuckled.
"Well that pretty much happens when you cut off your blood supply. Anyway it's probably going to take a while for that sensation to leave. So I'm going to give you a piggy back ride." Aang said.
Toph started to blush. "No way am I letting you pick me up." Toph protested.
Aang picked up Toph. "I don't want to hear Toph. Just be a good little girl and obey." Aang smiled.
Toph gave up and lost the argument. "Fine whatever Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Since your arms aren't asleep you carry the food I've gathered." Aang said.
"Sure fine by me." Toph said. Aang started walking back to where they left their things as he had Toph carried in his back. He noticed that Toph was unusually quiet up there. For a summer morning that was supposed to be hot it seemed fresh. As if they were in the beginning days of spring. As Aang was carrying Toph she leaned her head on Aang's back.
I can hear his soft breathing. It's so warm and nice up here. I wonder what's he thinking of? Toph thought to herself as she was starting to take a nap.
Aang kept walking and a lot of things were going through his head.
How am I supposed to help Toph? I wonder how I can convince her to trust that we won't abandon her? I might as ask her when we get back. Aang reassured himself.
He heard soft breathing and noticed that Toph fell asleep.
She seems calmer and more likeable. Unlike when she's awake. Aang thought to himself. He stopped midway and realized something important.
How is she able to carry the food in her sleep? Aang looked behind him and noticed she had it nice and tightly gripped on her elbow.
She has a lot of strength. I'll give her that much. Aang thought to himself.
Before he knew it he made it back. He walked over to a tree and gently put her against the sunlight and under the shade of the summer breeze. Aang looked at her as she sighed in her slumber.
This girl is something else. She just woke up and now she's taking a nap this early. We did train pretty hard yesterday. Aang rubbed his arms as he remembered all the pain Toph made him feel. "Anyway I'll put in the wood and get this fire started so Toph can just wake up and start cooking. If I decided to cook I'd probably poison the food and start a fire." Aang sighed.
"Might as well get some training in as well." Aang picked up the wood and moved it to there was less grass and used his firebending to turn on the fire. After he was done with that he decided to start his training.
"Let's see what should I start with? I can lift a boulder up the mountain? No that's going to take me a while and with an empty stomach I won't get very far. I could train in the water? No with Toph asleep there's no point in that. AHA." Aang shouted.
He then saw Toph moving. "Oh crap I forgot about her." Aang chuckled.
"I can do that little training exercise that I did atop of the mountain. All I have to do is focus." Aang said. Aang sat on top of a rock and began meditating.
AVATAR. His conscious called out to Aang.
What do you want now? Aang asked.
Have you made your choice? His conscious asked.
What choice? Aang asked.
Man I can't believe how dense you are. I'm a part of you and I even see as to why your partner gets annoyed of you. His conscious said.
Hey what's that supposed to mean? Aang asked.
Listen. Would you sacrifice the person that you love to save the rest of the world? Or would you sacrifice the rest of the world to save the person you love? His conscious asked.
Why do you keep asking me this question? I told already I just don't know. Aang said with sorrow.
I keep bringing this question up because you're the Avatar. His conscious said.
Yeah so? Aang asked.
As the Avatar you have to make some choices in order to save others. His conscious said.
Seems like a lot of trouble. Aang said.
Listen. About that girl you're hanging out with. His conscious said.
Are you talking about Toph?. Aang said.
Toph? Yeah her. Anyway describe her to me. His conscious said.
What do you mean describe her? Aang asked.
What kind of girl is she? Be honest and don't try to lie. His conscious said.
Aang sat there thinking all of the moments he shared with the blind earthbender.
Well she's not your typical girl I can tell you that. She doesn't care about her appearance, she's persistent on being independent even though she cares about her friends. She doesn't take her life for granted Despite all of her flaws she always makes me happy. Aang said.
Okay Avatar let's say hypothetically this Toph girl gets killed. What will you do? His conscious asked..
I don't know as to what I might do to that person. I'm afraid I might lose it and kill that person. I know it's against my morals, but I'm sick and tired of losing the people that I love. Aang said. What's that going to solve Avatar? If you kill this person it's not going to bring her back to life now is it? His conscious said.
So what are you saying? That I should let this person go and sit around doing nothing. Aang said.
I said no such thing. Killing isn't going to get you anywhere. This person must be severely punished and face the consequences. If you kill, you're stooping to their level and it's just going to be a never ending cycle of pain and misery. His conscious said.
So why are you telling me all of this? Aang asked.
Because I don't want you to steer off the path of good. Besides do you think this Toph girl would like to see you full of pain and misery rather than joy and prosperity? His conscious asked.
You do have a point. Aang said.
Anyways I know your love with her. His conscious teased.
I'm not in love with her. My feelings towards Toph aren't love. No what I feel is gratitude. Aang smiled.
Gratitude? Would you care to explain? His conscious asked.
Well she's made me into a better person. I don't know how, but somehow she has. Besides she likes my best friend. Aang said.
Well who know maybe her feelings have changed? His conscious asked.
Yeah who knows? Aang shrugged.
Not to alarm you or anything, but I sense your friend is already awake. You might as well just go to her side. His conscious said.
Wait but I just started my training. Aang said.
Avatar time is different here than from your time. I think you've been here for about an hour. His conscious said.
Man time flies by in here. Aang pointed out.
Anyway I'll be seeing you later young Avatar. His conscious said.
Yeah I'll be seeing you later as well. Aang said.
He slowly opened his eyes and noted that it was almost afternoon. He looked straightforward and noticed that Toph was finishing off her cooking.
Toph looked up. "Hey Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Hey Toph. You look relaxed." Aang pointed out.
"Well after that nap I felt like a new person." Toph said.
"Well that's good to hear." Aang said.
"Anyway what were you doing Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Well since you were asleep and clearly I can't cook I decided to get a little training done." Aang said.
"It seemed like you were asleep to me." Toph smirked.
"Well I wasn't. Anyway how come you didn't let me help you cook?" Aang asked.
"Well you were "busy" so I didn't want to disturb you. Besides I had nothing else to do so I decided to finish cooking." Toph said.
"I think you mean start cooking." Aang said.
Toph stuck out her tongue."Shut up no one asked for your opinion." Toph said.
"So much for being a new person." Aang said.
They both stood in silence with nothing making it awkward for the both of them. The only thing that can be heard is the fire. Both of them trying to rack something from their brains to start a conversation and end the silence.
Finally, Aang spoke up. "So um Toph. Do you have anything that you need help with?"
Toph turned her head towards his direction.
"No, nothing at the moment Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"So what exercises are we going to be doing today?" Aang asked.
"Well first things first. How are you feeling? Tired or what?" Toph asked.
"Well for now I'm just hungry. Other than that I'm pretty fit." Aang said joyously.
Toph smiled at him."Well since you're so fit you're gonna carry a boulder up the mountain again this time 20 laps." Toph said.
"HA. Is that all? I can do this in less than an hour." Aang said.
Toph exhaled "Don't waste your breath Twinkle Toes. It takes you an hour to only do about half the mountain". Toph said.
He smiled at Toph. "But you forgot about something." Aang pointed out.
"And what would that be?" Toph asked.
"I've been training for a while so I've gotten used to it." Aang said.
"Oh you're right about that Twinkle Toes."
Aang walked next to Toph. "So are you almost done there Toph?" Aang asked.
Toph smirked. "No not yet. Why? Do you want some of my delicious cooking? Toph asked. Aang turned away. "Obviously. Why else do you think I would ask Toph?" Aang said.
"Oh just because." Toph said.
"Hey Toph." Aang said.
"What is it Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked. Aang looked back at Toph.
"Don't you ever miss your old life?" Aang asked.
"What do you mean Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"I mean don't you miss your old lifestyle?" Aang asked.
"No not really. Why?" Toph asked.
"Well because you pretty much had everything Toph." Aang said.
Toph stuck out her index finger. "All but one thing Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"And what would that be?" Aang asked.
"Freedom. I didn't have any freedom at all. I was always under surveillance all day, every day." Toph said.
Aang had a sudden flashback to when they first went to the earth nation.
"Ah that explains a lot." Aang said.
"What explains a lot." Toph said.
"Well you remember when we first met." Aang said.
"You mean when you cheated and used airbending instead of earthbending." Toph said.
"Yeah that. Remember what I was telling you before you stormed off?" Aang said.
"Yeah, you said that you had a vision." Toph said.
"Exactly. Well when Sokka, Katara, and I were looking for my earthbending teacher I had a vision about this girl and we went asking some people and we came to find out it was your family. The thing is when we asked about a girl in the Bei Fong's they said that they didn't have any children. That is until I 'wrestled' you." Aang said.
"So that's how much they guarded me? So others outside my family didn't know that I existed? They believed that my parents didn't have any children?" Toph asked.
"Probably. I'm pretty sure they did all that to protect you Toph." Aang said.
"If they let me have a little freedom I wouldn't have cared about their protection." Toph said. Aang shrugged. "Can't say I blame them Toph." Aang said.
"What do you mean you can't blame them Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
Aang looked away and put a hand on his chin pondering. "Well if I had something so precious to me I'd do anything to protect them no matter the cause." Aang said.
Toph smirked at Aang. He turned and looked at Toph.
"What why are you smirking Toph?" Aang said. Toph kept smirking at Aang.
"So you're saying I'm precious Twinkle Toes? Toph said.
Aang stammered. "N-not at all Toph." Aang said.
Toph really loved teasing Aang since he was such an easy target. Toph stood up and walked to the food and tasted it.
"FOOD'S READY TWINKLE TOES." Toph shouted.
Aang stood up and walked over to Toph.
"Quit shouting. I'm not that far away Toph." Aang said.
"Well I needed to grab your attention somehow." Toph said.
Aang mimicked Toph. "Oh how about? Aang the food's ready could you please come over here?" Aang said.
"That's boring and why are you making me sound like that?" Toph asked.
"Well that's because that's what you sound like in my head." Aang said.
Toph grinned at Aang. "So now you're thinking about me Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Ah shut up shut up Toph." Aang said.
Toph dropped and started laughing on the ground.
Aang stopped and looked at Toph. "What's so funny Toph?" Aang asked.
Toph rubbed the tears of her eyes. "You're just an easy target Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Great so now I'm basically your plaything." Aang said.
"Essentially." Toph replied.
"Great to know where I stand Toph." Aang said.
"At least you're not my training dummy." Toph said.
"Yeah that's true." Aang said.
"Anyway let's eat Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Can't argue with you there Toph." Aang walked over to a nearby tree and decided to down while Toph was serving food.
Once Toph was done serving food she grabbed both plates and walked over to Aang. "Here you go Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang stretched out his arm and grabbed the plate. "Thanks Toph." Aang smiled.
"Let's get eating I don't want you to slack off." Toph said.
"Right right. I've already got the hang of it." Aang replied.
"Whatever Twinkle Toes."
XXXXXXXX
Toph and Aang went to the river and were walking side by side talking about what Aang's next exercise is.
"So why are we back here Toph?" Aang asked.
"Well I want for you to work on your balance." Toph said.
"Ok? So what does this have to do with being in the lake?" Aang asked.
Toph spun her index finger around. "Well look at your surroundings." Toph said.
Aang looked around and figured why Toph picked out this place.
"Is it because the area isn't balanced at all?" Aang asked.
"That's correct. Now I want you to stand on one foot until I say stop." Toph said.
Aang looked at the ground in disappointment. Knowing Toph I'm going to be here for a while. Aang thought.
"So is that going to be it Toph?" Aang asked.
Toph grinned. "After I tell you to stop I want you to switch legs." Toph said.
"This is going to be a pain in the butt." Aang muttered.
Toph looked at him. "Did you say something Twinkle Toes?" Toph said with an edge to her voice.
"No, not at all Toph." Aang said.
"That better be the case." Toph said.
"So where do you want me to stand Toph?" Aang asked.
Toph pointed by the edge of the lake. "The edge of the lake Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Why the edge of the lake and not somewhere else?" Aang asked.
"Because if you mess up you'll fall into the lake and it'll be hysterical." Toph said.
"Great I'm an entertainer now." Aang said.
"I don't wanna hear any complaining Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Yeah I know already." Aang said.
"Ok now get to where I was pointing." Toph said.
"Alright gotcha Toph." Aang said. He walked over to the edge of the lake and stood up with one foot.
"That's more like it Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"So I'll stop when you give the sign right?" Aang said.
"Yeah. Well unless I forget that is." Toph said.
"Well whatever." Aang said.
"Alright you can begin now Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Yeah I started awhile ago Toph." Aang said. Only five minutes in and Aang could feel the burn in his calf muscle. The sensation of just giving up was overwhelming him.
Come on if I can't do five minutes of standing on one leg I'm going to have push myself even harder. Aang thought.
Toph decided that she was bored of waiting so she started training on her earthbending as well. Not that she needed any more training, but she was bored.
XXXXXXXX
After a while Toph decided that Aang's exercises were done for the day. "Alright Twinkle Toes we've been at it for quite a few hours. Wanna do something else?" Toph asked. Aang walked from the edge of the lake. His calf muscles were burning as he couldn't walk straight. All those times Aang fell into the water made it a little better as he got to refresh himself a little bit.
"I can't feel my legs anymore." Aang said.
"Look on the bright side Twinkle Toes." Toph said. Aang looked at Toph in exhaustion.
"And what would that be?" Aang asked.
"At least your balance has increased by a long shot." Toph pointed out.
"Well I guess you're right Toph." Aang said.
"When am I not Twinkle Toes." Toph grinned.
"Of course you would say something like that." Aang said as he was used to Toph's witty retorts.
"So what do you want to do now Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Well after a few days I want to have a rematch to our previous fight." Aang said.
"Someone's getting a little confident." Toph said.
"Well that's one way we could waste our energy on." Aang said.
"Same stipulations right Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Pretty much Toph. So how about it Toph?" Aang asked.
"Hey if you're asking to get your butt kicked willingly then how could I refuse a sweet offer." Toph said.
"So that's a yes?" Aang asked.
"You better believe it Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"So where do you want to fight Toph?" Aang asked.
"Let's just settle things here." Toph said.
"Ok fine by me Toph." Aang replied.
"Alright let's get started Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang raised his hand and sat down. "Hold on before we start can we have a five minute break?" Aang asked.
"What's wrong? Just a while ago you were running your mouth about wanting to fight me and you can't even fight." Toph mocked.
"Well if I hadn't been on one foot each for an hour at least I would've been fine." Aang said. Toph sat down and waited for Aang.
"Fine I'll wait five minutes." Toph said.
"Thanks Toph." Aang said.
"Just wait Twinkle Toes after those five minutes I'm gonna pummel you." Toph said menacing. "Eh I've heard those words before." Aang smiled.
"It was after I destroyed you Twinkle Toes." Toph pointed out.
"If I remember correctly who was it that fainted right after our battle?" Aang mocked.
Toph stood up and walked over to Aang while cracking her fists.
"Ok now you're asking to get your butt whooped aren't you?" Toph asked.
Aang waved his hands in distress.
"Wait I was just joking Toph." Aang panicked.
Toph stopped midway through her tracks and decided to sit down.
"That better be the case Twinkle Toes." Toph said with an edge to her voice.
"Sometimes I can't tell if you're planning to kill me or if you're just trying to scare me." Aang said.
"Well I can't kill you. Sadly." Toph said.
"Wait what do you mean sadly?!" Aang panicked.
"Well if I had the option I could, but since you have to 'save' the world I can't do that." Toph air quoted.
"You're just messing with me right Toph?." Aang asked.
"Sure why not Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"We're going to have to reevaluate this friendship of ours Toph." Aang said.
Toph punched Aang in his shoulder.
"You really need show other ways of affection Toph." Aang said as he was rubbing his shoulder. "Lighten up Twinkle Toes. At least I'm showing affection right?" Toph said.
"Yeah you do have a point Toph." Aang said.
"It's been about five minutes. You ready Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
Aang stood up in a quick shot. "You better believe it Toph." Aang said.
Looks like Twinkle Toes has finally grown some confidence. Toph smiled.
Aang noticed this and looked at Toph.
"What's so funny Toph?" Aang asked.
"Oh nothing I just find it funny that you think you can beat me." Toph smirked.
"Oh then you're going to be dying of laughter when I beat you." Aang said.
"Alright this talking is boring." Toph said.
Aang and Toph both walked in opposite directions and turned to face one another after a few steps of walking.
"Same rules right Toph?" Aang asked.
"Pretty much Twinkle Toes." Toph replied.
Both of them stood in a fighting stance waiting for the mark. The wind blew and sent leaves flying. A single leaf dropped on the ground. As it dropped both started. Aang summoned a boulder and slammed it sending debris of rocks towards Toph. She sidestepped and punched majority out of the way. Toph then stomped on the ground summoning a pillar beneath Aang sending him out of the ground. Once Aang was in midair. Toph raised both hands and summoned an earth spear and an earth pole. She sent the spear towards Aang at full speed. Aang saw this waited and grabbed it by the butt of the spear and sent it right back to Toph. She smirked and put an earth wall in front of her. Aang saw the wall and realized that this was his opportunity. Once he landed he ran behind the wall and was about to punch Toph until he was hit with the pole Toph brought out earlier. Aang jumped back and summoned various boulders and punched them towards Toph. Once he sent them he ran behind the boulders so Toph wouldn't enough time to react. Toph punched, kicked, and head butted all of the boulders. Aang jumped in midair and was aiming at Toph with a jumping side kick. Toph side stepped out of the way barely managing to escape Aang's side kick. Once he landed Toph saw her opportunity and performed a tornado kick on Aang. He saw this and blocked the kick with his for forearms. Aang grabbed Toph's ankle and spun her in a circle releasing her making her crash in a tree. Aang ran towards Toph aiming to end their 'little' match. Toph waited for the right time and once she felt Aang close by she quickly performed a kip-up and axe kicked Aang making him lose all feeling on his left shoulder. Then she roundhouse kicked Aang in the face sending him a few meters back and didn't move a single muscle after that kick.
"Looks like I win once again Twinkle Toes." Toph smirked.
Aang stood up and staggered. "Not yet Toph." Aang said.
Toph face palmed as she felt him still trying to fight. He summoned three more boulders at her and punched them with his right arm. Toph punched through two of them and grabbed hold of the third one sending it back to Aang with three more boulders behind it. Aang punched through all of them and fell onto one knee. He was clearly exhausted. What surprised him was that Toph was exhausted as well. Toph used the last of her strength to run at Aang aiming with another axe kick to his right shoulder to finish him. Aang saw Toph coming at him and somehow got his second wind and ran at Toph. Once they met in the middle Toph was aiming for an axe kick and Aang blocked it with his forearms. Once Toph's foot landed on the ground both Aang and Toph did a roundhouse kick hitting shin with shin. Then both of them punched each other in the face with the same amount of force dazing them. Both fell on one knee and they looked at each other. "You wanna keep going Toph?" Aang asked.
"I was about to ask you the same thing Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"So is that a yes?" Aang asked.
"Yup" Toph said.
Both Toph and Aang tried to back up and summon boulders ,but both their bodies betrayed them and they fell face first to the ground.
"How about we go back to the campsite?" Aang asked.
"Actually let's not do that." Toph said.
"Why not?" Aang asked.
"We should probably head back to Sugar Queen."
"Oh ok. Then let's get going." Aang said.
Aang stood up and waited for Toph to follow him. Then he heard a little 'eep' come out of Toph. He turned around and saw that Toph was having a hard time standing up. She noticed that Aang was staring at her and she tried acting casually. Aang walked over to her and lightly kicked her ankle. Toph stood there feeling a shock going through her body and she couldn't hold it any longer and she screamed. Aang carried Toph as they were heading back.
"You know you could've told me you sprained your ankle." Aang lightly chuckled.
"And why would I tell you that Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"I don't know just because." Aang said.
Toph started blushing as she was hitting Aang in his back.
"Put me down Twinkle Toes it's embarrassing." Toph said.
Aang smiled at Toph "Sorry Toph no can do." Aang said.
"Why won't you put me down?" Toph asked.
"Well I can't just leave someone who's in need of my help." Aang said.
"And who said I was in need of your help?" Toph asked.
Aang shrugged. "Oh well since you don't need my help I'll just put you down." Aang said as he stopped and placed Toph on the ground.
"Well I'll meet you back with the rest of the group." Aang said.
Toph went to the nearest tree and tried standing up, but just like before she was getting nowhere. Aang started walking off until a rock hit the back of his head. He turned around and saw that Toph threw that rock at him.
"What do you want Toph?" Aang asked.
Toph turned her head away from Aang as she was blushing.
"I need your help." Toph mumbled.
"I couldn't quite catch that Toph. What did you say?" Aang teased Toph.
"I said I need your help." Toph still mumbled.
Aang put his hand around his ear teasing Toph even more.
"I'm sorry what was that?" Aang smirked. Toph felt her dignity going down the drain.
"I SAID I NEED YOUR HELP TWINKLE TOES." Toph shouted.
Aang smiled at Toph. "Well why didn't you say so Toph? You know that I like helping out those in need." Aang said.
"KEEP PUSHING ME TWINKLE TOES." Toph shouted.
Aang feigning innocence. "Well you have to forgive me Toph, but I couldn't quite hear as to what you were trying to tell me." Aang said.
"I'm so gonna kick your butt once I feel better." Toph threatened Aang.
"Well anyway let's get going." Aang said as he walked over to Toph and carried her on his shoulders.
"You're not opening your mouth about this little incident to anyone. Are we clear?" Toph said. "Clear as dirt." Aang said.
"That's more li- Hey wait a minute isn't dirt not clear?" Toph asked.
"Yeah I know." Aang smiled.
Toph started hitting Aang "So now you're messing with me?" Toph asked.
Aang was laughing. "I'm sorry I'll keep my mouth shut." Aang said.
"Yeah that better be the case Twinkles." Toph said.
Both of them kept arguing as Aang was carrying Toph and out of nowhere he stopped.
"Why'd you stop Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Well it feels like Sokka and Zuko are back.." Aang said.
"Well I can't really feel anything since you're carrying me." Toph said.
"But there's something different about it." Aang said.
"Wait what are you talking about?" Toph asked.
"I mean there's more people." Aang said.
"Well?" Toph asked.
"Let's go check it out Toph." Aang said.
Toph smirked. "You read my mind Twinkles." Toph said.
"Well then let's get going Toph. Oh and by the way hold on tight." Aang said.
"Wait wait Twin—" Toph said.
Aang decided to run instead of using his airbending which made Toph trip very uncomfortable. Once they made it back they saw heard a familiar voice.
"Where have you been Aang and why do you look like a mess?" That voice said.
Toph looked at Aang. "I can only think of a voice that demanding Twinkle Toes." Toph said. "Yup Toph it's Katara." Aang said.
"Well care to explain as to what happened while you were gone?" Katara asked.
"I was just training him like I promised Sugar Queen." Toph replied.
Katara look behind Aang and didn't notice that Aang was carrying Toph.
"What happened to her Aang?" Katara said with an edge to her voice.
Aang knew he couldn't lie. Not because he couldn't, but because he didn't know how to lie. Toph knew this as well. So she thought of something to that benefited both of them.
"Wel—" Aang was in the middle of speaking when Toph put her index finger in his mouth. "Look nothing happened to me Sugar Queen. Twinkle Toes is just carrying me because he lost a match with me, so he has to whatever I have to say. Right Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked with a menacing look.
Aang received the memo really quickly. "Yeah I did. So now I'm her slave." Aang said.
Sokka walked up to Aang and patted him in his head. "Aang buddy of mine let me give you a bit of advice. You're the man so you have to show the female who's boss." Sokka turned around with his eyes closed. "You tell her this. LISTEN HERE WOMAN." Sokka pointed right at Suki. She walked towards Sokka and started to hug him.
"Now who are you talking to like that honey." Suki said cheerfully until she started cracking his back.
"I was giving Aang some advice about how to maintain a relationship. I told him he should always respect the female in the relationship." Sokka said as he started wheezing for air.
Suki let Sokka go and his back was cracking so much. Aang looked at him worried.
"You okay there Sokka?" Aang asked.
Sokka gave him a thumbs up. "Never been better buddy." Sokka said.
Zuko looked from afar as he se saw Sokka being manhandled by a woman.
"As much as I want to see this end we have to keep working on your fire training Aang." Zuko said. Aang's friendly face went serious really quickly.
"Yeah I know. Toph's been training me to the best of her abilities." Aang said.
Zuko turned around and looked at Toph. "Is this true Toph?" Zuko asked.
Toph locked eyes with him.
"Sure. I taught him the essentials. He has improved dramatically. Even after all of that beating he still wanted to train. If you ask me he has the heart of a true earthbender. This is just from my perspective. I have done everything I can to give him the advantage against the fire lord. The rest is up to you and how you train him." Toph said.
Zuko turned to look at Katara. "Very well then after we have our meal we'll let Aang rest and start his training." Zuko said.
Katara looked at Zuko. "Sure thing I'll get cooking right away." Katara said.
She was about to start until she stopped midway. "Oh and before I start could someone go and collect the wood?" Katara asked.
Aang raised his hand. "I'll go get some wood for us Katara." Aang smiled.
"Wait that means that I have to go with you doesn't it Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
Aang smiled. "Sure does Toph." Aang said.
"I don't want to go Twinkle Toes." Toph complained.
"Oh alright then how about you get off and walk away." Aang smirked at Toph.
Crap he's totally messing with me. Toph thought to herself.
"What's the holdup Aang?" Katara asked.
Aang turned around and look at Katara. "Oh nothing Katara it's just that Toph's telling me that she wants to help out." Aang said.
Katara raised an eyebrow. "Toph wanting to help out? You're kidding right?" Katara asked.
Aang looked at Toph with a smirk. "No she was insisting on helping. Right Toph?" Aang said. Toph looked at Katara sheepishly. "Yeah sure why not do something productive right?" Toph said.
Katara looked at her in shock. "Well whatever pleases you I guess." Katara said.
Aang started walking off with Toph on his back. "We'll be back in a bit guys." Aang said.
Sokka started rubbing his stomach in hunger. "Try not to take too long buddy." Sokka said.
Aang looked and smiled at Sokka. "Don't worry we'll be back in a jiffy." Aang said as he walked off.
XXXXXXXX
Aang and Toph are both having a little squabble as he's carrying her through the woods.
"Why did I have to come?" Toph groaned.
"Well because we can't get Katara on our case." Aang replied.
"You can put me down Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang started walking to the nearest tree, "Way ahead of you Toph." Aang said.
"So just wait here and don't move." Aang said.
"Like I'm gonna move with my condition." Toph said.
Aang stretched his body. "Well might as well get started." Aang said.
He started picking up pieces of wood and he kept putting them next to Toph. He kept this up until Toph called him up.
"Hey Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
Aang turned towards the earthbender. "Yeah what is it?" Aang asked.
"Well I think you've gathered enough wood, but how are you gonna carry all of it back?" Toph asked.
"Oh that's simple I'll just ditch you." Aang said.
Toph picked up a rock and threw at his face. Aang screamed in pain.
"WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!" Aang shouted.
"I'M BEING SERIOUS TWINKLE TOES." Toph responded in kind.
"I'll just make a sleigh, I'll tie it to my waist and just pull it." Aang explained.
Toph looked at him. "It's about time you put that head to good use." Toph said.
Aang scratched his head. "Is that a compliment?" Aang asked.
"Take it how you want Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"You know what Toph?" Aang asked.
"No, what?" Toph asked.
"I'm gonna put you in the sleigh and pull you with it." Aang answered.
"So you can move more easily right?." Toph asked.
"Yup. Pretty much." Aang said.
"Alright then let's get going Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang started pulling Toph and the pieces of wood.
"Alright alright I'm going." Aang said.
As Aang kept pulling Toph and the wood he was pondering over as to what Toph said about him to Zuko. This is actually a rarity. Aang has never heard Toph say something good about him. That's unless she's sarcastic. Aang kept wondering about it to the point where Toph could sense something from Aang.
"What's bothering you Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
Aang stopped pulling. "Nothing's bothering me Toph." Aang said.
"How many times do I have to repeat myself? You can't lie to me Twinkle Toes. No matter how hard you try you just can't lie to me." Toph said.
Aang mentally slapped himself. I keep forgetting that tidbit of information. Aang thought to himself. Toph stared at him.
"You completely forgot didn't you?" Toph asked.
"Yeah." Aang said.
"Well you are an airhead. Anyway spit it out tell me what's bothering you?" Toph said.
"Well I'm thinking about you said about me to Zuko." Aang said.
"Is that what's been bothering you?" Toph asked.
"Well yeah. I mean it's rare to get a compliment from you of all people." Aang said. Toph patted the slay telling Aang to sit next to her.
"Well I was being honest Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang just sat there staring at her.
Toph smiled at him. "Plus, I think you forgot, but you're someone close to me. Remember I told you that I'm always gonna be by your side no matter what. So it's only natural to act like that." Toph said.
Aang sat there thinking as to what Toph said.
"Thanks Toph I really needed that talk." Aang said.
"Well what are friends for right?" Toph said.
Aang stood up and started pulling the sleigh.
"Well let's head back before we leave the rest of the gang starving." Aang said.
Toph smiled. "Yeah let's." Toph said.
XXXXXXXX
"We're back Sugar Queen." Toph said.
"What took you guys so long?" Katara asked.
"We couldn't find any good wood." Toph said.
Sokka was weeping on Appa. "You guys I'm starving." Sokka said.
"Well anyway at least you brought us the wood. So that's good." Katara said.
Aang started carrying the wood towards Katara. "Well I guess I'll put the wood here then?" Aang asked.
"Yeah that'll be fine thanks Aang." Katara said.
"How long will you take Sugar Queen?" Toph asked.
"Give or take 30 minutes." Katara said.
"Hey let's go do something Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang had nothing better to do since he was a little exhausted from Toph's rigorous training so he felt maybe just once he could kick back.
"Eh sure why not Toph." Aang said.
He started walking away until a rock hit his head and he had a pretty good idea as to who was responsible for hitting him..
"What did I do this time?" Aang said.
"You have to carry me remember?" Toph said.
"Oh how could I possibly forget." Aang sarcastically said.
"Much better Twinkle Toes you know how it's done. If I need a maid I'll just hire you instead. Toph smiled.
"Anyway let's get going Toph." Aang said.
As Aang was carrying Toph he was questioning as to where they were going.
"Hey Toph where are we going exactly?" Aang asked.
"Just keep walking. I'll tell you when to stop." Toph said.
Sokka was trying to hold in his laughter. "Try not to take too long guys." Sokka said.
Aang kept walking for a while now and wondered if he was getting anywhere.
XXXXXXXX
"So are we anywhere near?" Aang asked.
"Yeah you can stop here Twinkle Toes. Just put me down that log over there." Toph said.
"So why did we have to leave?" Aang asked.
"I just wanted to clear my mind. I would've gone by myself, but after my little incident I can't do that." Toph said.
Aang knew Toph too well even if it was for a short period of time.
"By clearing your mind you mean taking a nap don't you?" Aang asked.
Toph half-heartedly smiled at Aang. "You know me too well Twinkle Toes. I can commend you on that at least." Toph said.
"Well go ahead and take your nap. I won't go anywhere." Aang said.
"Well I'll take you up on your offer Twinkle Toes. You should take a nap as well. It might calm you down as well." Toph said.
Aang smiled at Toph."Nah I'm fine thanks Toph." Aang said.
"Well suit yourself." Toph said.
With that Toph took her nap. Aang looked around and noticed how beautiful his surroundings were. He'd been so worked up about stopping the Fire nation, more specifically the Fire Lord himself that he failed to notice the simplest thing around him.
Well I can't let something as beautiful as this be destroyed by some nation. Aang thought to himself.
He decided to sit next to Toph and meditate while he can have some peace and quiet. While that was his intention, after 5 minutes he started dozing off as well.
Well I think I'll take up Toph's offer. I mean a simple nap couldn't hurt either. Aang thought as he blacked out into his beauty nap.
XXXXXXXX
"Well that sure took a lot longer than expected." Katara said.
Sokka walked towards Katara. "What's taking so long sis? You're not the kind of person to miscalculate like that." Sokka said
"Well I guess this is a first." Katara said.
Aang was walking back with Toph on his back.
"HEY GUYS" Toph shouted.
"Hey Toph." Everyone said in unison.
"So did you guys finish with your business?" Suki asked.
"Yeah pretty much Aang said. Sokka was studying Aang.
"You look pretty relaxed there buddy." Sokka said.
"Well Toph helped me relieve some stress." Aang said.
Suki looked at Aang. "Well isn't that lovely of To— WAIT WHAT?" Suki asked.
Aang smiled."Yeah Toph helped me calm myself. I haven't felt this good in a long time." Aang said.
Suki and Sokka looked at each other and turned away from Aang whispering to each other. "Anyway let's just drop it. Are you finished Sugar Queen? Because I'm starving." Toph said. "As a matter of fact yes I am." Katara said.
Zuko walked over to the rest of the group. "Well let's eat and finish with Aang's training, so we can finally go home." Zuko said,
A/N: Weird way to finish the chapter right? Thanks again for reading chapter 3 of my series. Chapter 4 will be out real soon. I know I've got a lot to explain, but that can wait. So this is the edited version of the previous chapter so… yeah. Anyways thanks again. I appreciate you guys:))))