Alright guys here's the fourth chapter of my ATLA story. I know what I said about my fanfic, but whatever I'm still sticking to it. 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 4: Tying Loose Ends
After eating and cleaning up after their mess Zuko started Aang's firebending practice. Toph just sat behind them wondering what techniques the firebender was going to show him.
Zuko looked at Aang "So from my understanding you've essentially grasped earthbending right?" Zuko asked.
"THAT'S RIGHT SPARKY. WERE YOU NOT LISTENING AS TO WHEN I WAS SPEAKING?" Toph shouted to Zuko.
"WOULD YOU QUIT CALLING ME THAT." Zuko said.
Toph smirked. "Never happening." Toph said,
"Anyway seeing as how you just finished with your training with Toph we can move on to firebending." Zuko said.
"Can't firebending just come naturally to me?" Aang asked.
"Well unless you were born in the Fire Nation that is." Zuko replied.
"Yeah, I figured as much." Aang said with his hope being shot down.
"Well then, Toph what exactly did you do to train him?" Zuko asked. Toph walked over to Zuko. "You know the basics: Balance, strength, agility, and so forth." Toph said.
Zuko put his hand on his chin pondering. "Very well. Aang we're gonna work on everything that Toph worked on you." Zuko said.
"Wouldn't that be a waste of my time?" Aang asked.
Toph picked up a rock and threw it at Aang.
Aang rubbed the pain away. "What was that for Toph?" Aang asked
"After training with me for so long I wouldn't expect a question like that from you." Toph said.
"So? That doesn't mean you have to hit me." Aang said
"Well it's because you're very narrow minded. By the way, there's no so thing as a waste of time in training." Toph said.
"But I already did this with you Toph." Aang said.
Zuko decided to cut in between their petty squabble. "Look Aang did you ever think that just because I'm training you on the same things Toph focused on, that maybe the drills are different?" Zuko asked.
"Well yeah I guess you're right." Aang said.
"Well then Aang, I will not have any more time wasted. We're running on a thin line of time as it is so I'm gonna have to go through the broad topic of firebending. Oh and by the way my training isn't anything like Toph's. It's a lot worse." Zuko said.
Yeah right Sparky. Toph chuckled inwardly.
If only you knew how she trained me. Aang thought to himself.
XXXXXXXX
"So what are we exactly doing Zuko?" Aang asked.
"Fire punches, kicks, and squats." Zuko said.
That's it? Aang thought to himself.
Zuko could read Aang's mind. "That's only your warm up." Zuko said
"This is going to be my whole day isn't it?" Aang asked.
Toph cut in. "Well your firebending is garbage so it's probably gonna be longer than that."
"No one asked for your opinion Toph." Aang said.
"Well she's not lying Aang." Zuko said.
Aang put his head in shame. "At least pretend you have some faith in me." Aang said.
"We need to get started already Aang." Zuko said.
"Alright so exactly how many punches am I supposed to do?" Aang asked.
"For starters 200 punches." Zuko said.
"200? Oh ok well whatever." Aang said.
"Don't complain Twinkle Toes. It's not like it's the end of the world." Toph said.
"Easy for you to say Toph." Aang mumbled.
"What was that Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Nothing nothing at all Toph." Aang said.
"That better be the case Aang." Toph said
Aang flinched a little as he heard she put a heavy emphasis on his name..
"Alright you want me to punch with one hand or both?" Aang asked.
"Both." Zuko said.
"Well then, let's finish my training." Aang said as he started punching away.
XXXXXXXX
"I think that's enough for today." Zuko said.
Aang was dead on the floor. Barely able to move.
That training was a lot harder than I thought. Aang said to himself.
"Well it seems you're getting a little better." Zuko said.
"Well I aim to please. Although I really can't move my body at all" Aang smiled
"Does that mean you didn't try as hard with my training/" Toph asked feigning hurt.
"Well I really didn't get as much rest, so I'm a little tired from your training." Aang explained.
"I don't want your explanation Twinkle Toes as long as you're giving it your all I don't care." Toph said.
"So what now Zuko?" Aang asked.
"I mean you really can't do anything. You're just a talking corpse essentially." Zuko said.
"So does that mean we're done?" Aang asked.
"For now." Zuko said.
"Ok then, for now I need a break." Toph said.
"You weren't doing anything at all." Aang said.
"Yes I was." Toph said.
Zuko cut in. "Well before you start bickering I'm gonna go see Katara." Zuko said.
Toph started crackling her hands. "Yeah you go do that Sparky because in a little bit we're gonna have to find a new Avatar." Toph said.
"QUIT CALLING ME THAT." Zuko shouted as he was leaving.
"You were joking right Toph?' Aang asked.
"Who knows maybe I was." Toph said.
"Thanks for reassuring me." Aang said sarcastically.
"Well that's my specialty." Toph said.
"So what are you going to do now?" Aang asked.
"Eh, I guess I'll just wait right here with you." Toph said.
Aang smiled at Toph. "Well I'm not going anywhere Toph." Aang said.
"Yeah I know, but I'm gonna move you over to that tree." Toph said pointing at the tree next to them.
"What for Toph?" Aang asked.
"Well you're probably going to need a nap Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang smiled at Toph. "You're right about that." Aang said.
Toph started carry Aang. "Come on then let's get you over there." Toph said.
"Easy there Toph. I still can't feel much of anything." Aang said.
"So you won't feel it when I drop you?" Toph asked.
"Don't even think about it Toph." Aang warned.
"Relax Twinkle Toes. I won't do anything." Toph smiled. Toph finally got to the tree and put Aang down nice and easy.
"Well thanks Toph." Aang smiled.
"Don't mention it. Now get some rest Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
Aang yawned. "Yeah you're right. I'll see you in a hour or so." Aang said.
Once Aang fell asleep Toph decided to get some food to make for when the Avatar would wake up he wouldn't be starving. Just as Toph was leaving Katara decided to stop her.
"Hey Toph!" Katara shouted.
Toph turned around. "Hey Sugar Queen." Toph said.
"Where are you going Toph?" Katara asked.
"I'm just going to grab a few things while Twinkle Toes is taking his nap." Toph said.
"Would you like any help Toph?" Katara asked.
"Probably not, but thanks for asking Sugar Queen." Toph said.
"Well ok then Toph. Just be careful." Katara said.
"Relax Sugar Queen. I'm just getting some things not fighting the fire army." Toph said.
XXXXXXXX
Aang stirred from his 'beauty' nap and saw the moon high up in the sky. He looked for Toph and saw that Toph was serving food.
"So looks like you've finally woken up Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Looks like it Toph." Aang smiled.
"Ya hungry Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Very much actually." Aang said.
Toph handed Aang a plate full of food.
"Here you go Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Thanks Toph. How long have you been here?" Aang asked.
"I just got here actually." Toph said.
"So I'm guessing you made this food?" Aang asked.
"Pretty much. Now eat up before it goes cold." Toph said.
"Alright alright no need to be in a rush." Aang said.
Aang started eating and kept small talk with Toph so it won't get to awkward and boring. Just as Aang was finishing his food Sokka was walking towards them.
"Hey Aang can you help me collect some things?" Sokka asked.
"Did Suki send you to these errands?" Toph asked.
"Yeah she did." Sokka said dejected.
"Thought as much." Toph said.
"So can you help me out buddy?" Sokka asked.
"Uh sure why not?" Aang said.
"Great I owe you buddy." Sokka smiled.
"Toph what are you going to be doing?" Aang asked.
"I'm probably gonna work on my earthbending." Toph said.
"Well then see ya later Toph." Aang said.
"See ya Twinkles." Toph said.
XXXXXXXX
"So what exactly are we getting?" Aang asked.
"Just the essential needs to survive." Sokka said.
"So wood? Right?" Aang asked.
"Yeah pretty much buddy." Sokka sighed.
"Well then let's get finding Sokka." Aang said.
Aang and Sokka started picking up wood seeing if it's good enough to last for a while. During that time they had small talks of different matters.
"So I hear you've been doing lot's of training lately." Sokka said.
"I guess. I mean honestly something this extreme shouldn't be considered training. I have a feeling this is a game between Toph and Zuko to see who can break the Avatar quicker." Aang said.
"Well Aang don't overdo it because then we wouldn't have someone to defeat the firelord." Sokka said.
"Hey Sokka?" Aang asked.
"What's up Aang?" Sokka asked.
"How long was I out after my training?" Aang asked.
"I'm pretty sure it was about 6 to 7 hours maybe." Sokka said.
"What else happened after I was out?" Aang asked.
"Well if you must know Toph stayed by your side almost the entirety of your nap." Sokka said.
Aang put grabbed his chin remembering as to the conversation he had with Toph when he first woke up from his nap.
"Thanks Toph. How long have you been here?" Aang asked.
"I just got here actually." Toph said.
So she was lying to me? I'm going to ask her if she was lying to me Aang thought to himself.
"Aang." Sokka called out to him
"Hmm? Did you say something Sokka?" Aang asked.
"I've been calling you for the 5th time. What's wrong with you?" Sokka asked worriedly.
"Oh nothing's wrong. I was just thinking about something." Aang clarified.
"Well if you say so buddy." Sokka said.
"Don't worry Sokka. Besides, there's other things you need to worry about." Aang said.
Sokka looked at Aang with a puzzled look.
"Like what exactly?" Sokka asked.
"Suki." Aang said.
"You're not wrong about that. Let's get this job done." Sokka chuckled.
"Alright, but you owe me one Sokka." Aang said.
"Jeez you're starting to sound like Toph. She's really starting to rub on you Aang." Sokka said.
"What does that mean?" Aang asked.
"Oh nothing at all. Anyway, I feel like we've collected enough. Let's get going Aang." Sokka said.
"Alright then lead the way Sokka." Aang said.
XXXXXXXX
"Alright we're back Suki." Sokka said.
Suki ran up to Aang and Sokka. "You guys sure did take a while." Suki said.
"Well finding good wood sure took us a while to find." Sokka said.
"You can say that again." Aang mumbled.
Suki pointed over near Appa. "Well, Sokka you can put the wood over there." Suki said.
Aang and Sokka both struggled enough carrying the wood from the forest, but walking a few more steps was a nightmare to them.
"Well who knew being a man came with its disadvantages." Sokka said.
"Well look at the bright side Sokka." Aang said.
"And what's that buddy?" Sokka asked.
"At least you're not the Avatar." Aang smiled.
"Well it must be tough on you huh?" Sokka asked.
"Well I've gotten used to it. Plus it's not all that bad." Aang said.
"What do you mean by that?' Sokka asked.
"If I wasn't the Avatar I wouldn't be able to have met you guys, I wouldn't be able to go on awesome adventures, and travel different nations." Aang smiled.
"Well at least I can rest a little easier knowing it's not a burden on you." Sokka said.
"You know Sokka I really enjoyed that talk. Thanks." Aang said.
Sokka patted Aang on his shoulder. "Hey if you need anything I'll be there to help you. After all, you're like a little brother to me. So naturally it's a big brother's job to help his little brother even if it means giving up his life." Sokka said.
Suki was eavesdropping and heard the entire conversation. She smiled knowing that her boyfriend would be an excellent father figure, but blushing after thinking of her having children with Sokka.
Sokka looked up and saw that Toph was sneaking up behind Aang and decided to clear his throat to get Aang's attention.
"Well Aang I would love to talk, but a certain earthbender is eager to speak to you." Sokka said.
Aang turned around, receiving a mud pie by a certain earthbender.
"Hey, Twinkle Toes." Toph casually said.
"Why am I not surprised?" Aang asked
"Because you're used to it." Toph said.
"Anyway it looks like you're ankle is all better." Aang said.
"Well after resting it's gotten a lot better." Toph sighed,
"At least I won't have to carry you anymore." Aang said.
"Admit it Twinkle Toes. You liked carrying me around." Toph smirked.
"HA. Fat chance Toph. I only did because you needed help" Aang said.
"Whatever floats your boat Twinkles." Toph smirked.
'So is there something you need Toph?" Aang asked.
"I'm bored." Toph sighed.
"So what does exactly have to do with me?" Aang asked.
"Entertain me." Toph said.
"No." Aang replied.
"Fine, then let's go do something." Toph said.
"Well what do you want to do?" Aang asked.
"I dunno." Toph said.
"Let's just go walking around and figure out what we're gonna do." Aang suggested.
"Might as well Twinkles." Toph said.
"Wait before we leave I need to see if Sokka needs any more help." Aang said.
"Well I'll wait right here I guess." Toph said.
"Thanks. I'll be right back." Aang said.
Aang ran towards Sokka, but noticed he was nowhere to be seen. Then he heard a sneeze behind Appa and he knew it was Sokka..
"What are you doing back there Sokka?" Aang asked.
"Just looking for something. Are you in need of my services Aang?" Sokka asked.
"No not really I just wanted to know if you needed help with anything else." Aang said.
"Well not really." Sokka said.
"Oh ok then I'll be off with Toph." Aang said.
"You go do that." Sokka said.
Aang ran back to Toph, who was sitting down waiting for Aang to show up.
"Sorry it took so long." Aang said.
"Eh it wasn't that long. By the way what's Snoozles doing?" Toph asked.
"He's looking for something." Aang said.
"Probably his dignity." Toph said.
"That's harsh." Aang chuckled.
"Anyway let's get going Twinkles." Toph said.
"You're not going to stop calling me that are you?" Aang asked.
"Not a chance." Toph said.
XXXXXXXX
"What's there to do Twinkles?" Toph said.
"Beats me. I'm just following you." Aang said.
"What to do? What to do?" Toph thought aloud.
"Maybe we can take it easy?" Aang suggested.
"Don't you find that to be a bit boring?" Toph asked.
"Well, I mean we're going to start with another invasion. So we're going to need a lot of rest. Plus, it's almost midnight." Aang said.
"Fine then, let's just go the lake I guess." Toph said.
"I'm really starting to hate going to the lake." Aang groaned.
"Why's that Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Because of that training I had with you." Aang groaned.
"Oh, man up Twinkle Toes. It's not like I was torturing you." Toph said.
If only you knew Toph. Aang thought to himself.
"So the lake it is?" Aang asked.
"Sure why not? Although I still can't quite understand why you dislike going to the lake all of a sudden." Toph said.
"Because like I told you no more than five minutes ago, just being there brings bad memories of your 'training'." Aang said the last part in air quotations.
"Well it's for your own good." Toph said.
Aang realized that Toph had a good point. Had it not been for her training he'd probably still be a novice at earthbending.
Both kept walking in silence mainly due to a certain Avatar having his Sifu stuck in his thoughts for a bit. Seconds became minutes and the awkwardness growing in the silence was starting to annoy Toph. So naturally she was the one who had to break the silence.
"You're awfully quiet Twinkles. Is something bothering you?" Toph asked.
"Well I mean I do have to defeat the firelord in order to save the 4 nations." Aang remarked.
"You know Twinkle Toes you're not very good at being sarcastic." Toph said.
"Can't say that I didn't try." Aang said.
"So what's up Twinkles? I know there's something bothering you in that thick skull of yours." Toph said.
Might as well tell her. Aang thought to himself.
"Nothing's bothering me, it's just that I've been thinking about you." Aang said.
"Any particular reason?" Toph asked.
"Because you've been helping me out way too much and I don't know if I can repay you for it." Aang said.
"When the time comes you'll pay me back." Toph smirked.
"We really need to reevaluate our friendship." Aang said.
"Relax Twinkle Toes. I promise my favors won't be that bad." Toph said.
"I hope not Toph. Oh and by the way Toph thanks." Aang said.
"Well, I have to keep you alive in order for peace across the nations." Toph said.
"Can you just imagine a 12 year old saving the world?" Aang asked.
"Well after all our adventures we've had I can see that from happening." Toph said.
"You can?" Aang asked.
"Of course not. Did you forget that I'm BLIND?" Toph asked.
"I swear Toph." Aang groaned as he slapped his face at Toph's comment.
Toph started cracking up. "Oh lighten up Twinkle Toes." Toph said as she was patting Aang in the back.
After only a few more minutes they arrived to the lake . To Aang however, it felt like an eternity since the whole trip Toph was teasing him non stop. To say it was annoying is an understatement.
"Well we really can't do much of anything." Toph pointed out.
"So you essentially dragged us here for nothing?" Aang asked.
"Well you're the one who followed me to be exact." Toph pointed out.
"Well that's because you said you were bored." Aang said.
"That doesn't mean you had to follow me." Toph retorted.
Aang walked to lake mumbling something about blind, bossy annoying earthbenders. Clearly Aang had forgotten that Toph has good hearing as well and much to his dismay that didn't end up in a pretty situation.
XXXXXXXX
"Was that really necessary Toph." Aang said as he rubbed his head in pain clearly not happy with Toph's actions.
"Like I told you before it was an accident. The rock slipped from my hand and hit your head." Toph justified.
"Look I know that you're blind and all, but I know for a fact that you know the difference between a pebble and a boulder." Aang said.
"Well what can I say? Slippery fingers." Toph said.
"You know sometimes I begin to doubt that the person that's going to defeat me is not going to be the fire lord, but rather a blind earthbender." Aang said.
"Well of course I can kick your butt. Plus I've done that time and time again." Toph scoffed being offended.
"Yeah you don't need to remind me of that again." Aang said dejected.
"Well now that we're here at the river, now what?" Aang asked.
"You're exhausted, I'm kind of tired and you need your rest so for now we'll take it easy I guess." Toph said.
"Well how about we get in the water?" Aang asked.
"You already know how I feel about water Twinkle Toes." Toph said.
"Sooner or Later you're going to have to get used to being around water." Aang said.
"As long as I fight on land and not water I'll be fine." Toph said.
Aang stared at Toph. " You act as if you're never going to have a fight or deal with anything related to water." (A/N: Remember when Suki saved Toph? Yeah…. I'll leave it at that)
"Oh believe me Twinkle Toes I know exactly what I'm doing unlike a certain airbender." Toph smirked.
Aang gave her a confusing look clearly not understanding what Toph was insinuating.
"Are you talking about me Toph?" Aang asked.
"No way Twinkles. What could've given you that idea." Toph sarcastically said.
Aang was getting quite annoyed with Toph's sarcasm. Not only did he have to fight against the Fire Lord in a few days, but he has to also deal with a certain blind earthbender. Aang tried thinking of a way to mess with Toph. A lightbulb popped up into Aang's head with an idea. Smirking he took advantage of Toph's weakness and walk towards the water. Toph felt Aang's vibrations heading towards the lake and questioned as to what the bald Avatar was up to. Once Aang was in knee deep water he decided to surprise the blind earthbender.
"Hey Toph come check this out." Aang said.
Toph gave a confusing look. What are you up to Twinkles? Toph thought to herself. She went walking towards Aang's direction clearly not knowing what the Avatar had in store for her.
"Ok what do you want to show me Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
Aang smirked as he was gathering water. "This." was simply all the airbender said as he whirlpooled Toph with a heavy amount of water as she screeched in surprise.
Toph gave Aang an irritated look. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR AANG?" Toph screamed at him. Aang ignored the scream as he was on his knees laughing from the reaction the blind earthbender gave him.
"I just- you're reaction-" Aang wheezed for air as he couldn't finish his sentence.
Toph stood up and was heading towards Aang with a smile. "So you think this was funny huh Aang." The Avatar heard the menace behind those words. Sure that smile she gave could've fooled anyone, but he knew better and was expecting the worse.
"Look before you do anything that might lead to my misery I have to tell you something." Aang said in distress.
"What is it?" Toph asked.
"You're scream actually sound like a girl." Aang said as he was ready for a beating. Toph didn't feel like taking all her wrath on him so she just gave him a good roundhouse kick to the jaw.
Totally worth it. Aang thought to himself.
XXXXXXXX
Toph sat next to Aang as he was rubbing himself from that kick he received from Toph.
Even though I'm used to this why does it hurt more than last time? Aang thought to himself.
"How do you feel Twinkles?" Toph asked
"Well I should already be used to it." Aang sheepishly said as he was rubbing his jaw. Toph stood up from being next to Aang and walked near the edge of the lake putting her feet in the water. Aang looked toward her way and just looked at her glistening in the moonlight.
She looks so calm and different somehow. Aang thought to himself. Toph then turned her head around and looked at Aang.
"You know even though you splashed me with water and I can't see I still find this scenery calming." Toph thought outloud. The crickets were chirping and the silence in nature was calming as the water from the lake can be heard.
"Yeah sorry about that Toph." Aang sheepishly said.
"No don't be Twinkles. I pretty muched asked for it." Toph said as she turned away from Aang. The Avatar listened as she spoke and also picked up the sounds surrounding him and he felt pretty calm. They both enjoyed the silence surrounding them until Aang broke the silence.
"Yeah you're right Toph this scenery is pretty calming." Aang spoke up.
Toph looked afar beyond the lake. 'Hey, Twinkles. Promise me that you'll put a stop to this so we can keep having moments like these." Toph requested. Aang stood up from his position and walked towards Toph as he sat next to her.
"Hey you said it yourself you believed in me. So there's no way that I'm going down without a fight." Aang said as he gave her big smile. Even though she couldn't see his big smile she felt it and she returned a smile as well.
"Thanks for reassuring me Twinkles." Toph said as she yawned.
"Are you getting sleepy Toph?" Aang asked.
"That's usually why people yawn in the first place you airhead." Toph said as she put her head on Aang's shoulders..
"You still keep at it with your witty retorts even in your state." Aang said.
"Would you have me any other way?" Toph asked as she grinned. Aang decided to stand up as he was ready to pick up Toph so they can head back to base. As soon as he was about to stand up he felt a pair of hands grabbing his sleeve. He looked down and saw Toph grabbing him.
"Quit moving Twinkle Toes. How about we just stay here?" Toph asked.
"But we have nowhere to sleep on Toph." Aang pointed out. Toph sat straight up and looked at the Avatar.
"I could just make us an earth tent and we could sleep in them." Toph reasoned with Aang.
"But we need to head back to base to not keep the others worried. Besides haven't you had dinner." Aang asked.
"It'll be fine besides you're the Avatar and I'm the blind bandit so anyone stupid enough to mess with us is a dead person walking. Oh and to answer your last point I already ate when you were having your 'beauty' sleep." Toph said. Aang was also growing weary of the conversation and the long day he had.
"You know what at this point I don't care I'm also growing tired so make your earth tent." Aang said.
"Glad that you're seeing things my way." Toph grinned. She made the tent and Aang and her laid down.
"It's getting a little cold don't you think Toph?" Aang asked.
"It's fine. Besides you're probably gonna end up hugging me while I'm asleep." Toph said.
"So you've noticed it too huh?" Aang pointed it out.
"I noticed a while ago while I was waking up." Toph said.
"It took you that long? I figured it out the first time we slept together." Aang said. Once Aang said that Toph started blushing at his statement.
"Don't make it sound like that.." Toph said.
"What do you mean Toph. I said that I like us sleeping together" Aang said. Toph didn't feel like carrying on with the conversation as she was feeling too tired to keep going.
"Oh nevermind. Goodnight Twinkles." Toph said.
"Yeah goodnight to you too Toph." Aang said as he yawned and fell into a deep slumber. Aang soon woke up in a dark place. He looked around and noticed that Toph wasn't sleeping next to him.
No need to get worked up Aang. His conscious said.
What do you want from me.? I'm tired and I have to fight the Fire Lord in a few days. Aang replied clearly annoyed at the moment.
You seem be handling all of this pressure with no sweat Aang. His conscious replied.
Is that what it looks like? To be perfectly honest I'm scared to death. Aang admitted.
Yeah I know. Did you forget I'm conscious, but still even when you seem scared you still manage to keep composure. His conscious pointed out. Aang thought about the words that Toph said to him and how he enjoyed her company to share moments as peaceful as those.
Well that's because I made a promise to someone. Aang said.
Toph huh? His conscious asked.
Yeah. Well I made her a promise so I'm going to stop the Fire Lord even it kills me. Aang said.
Do you think she'll agree with your statement? His conscious asked. Aang's eyebrows furrowed as he questioned what his conscious said.
What do you mean? Aang asked
I don't think Toph wants you to die. She said it herself she wants you to stop the Fire Lord so she you two can share peaceful moments like that together. His conscious said.
Maybe you're but I don't know. All I can tell you is that I AM keeping my promise. Aang reassured.
Who knows Aang we're just gonna have to wait and see. Get some rest. You're big day is coming and we'll see if you're truly ready. With that said his conscious faded and Aang fell back to sleep.
XXXXXXX
Aang soon woke up to a sneeze he heard. He looked around and saw that Toph was right next to him. She was stirring from her sleep and felt Aang staring at her as he was holding her while she was asleep just like she said he would..
"Are you done staring at me Twinkles." Toph asked. Aang blushed after her statement and let go of her.
"Well good morning to you to Toph." Aang said.
'Yeah yeah good morning.' Toph said. She unmade the earth tent as she ungrasped herself from Aang's hold.
"So now do we head back?" Aang asked.
"I guess we should since we need you to finish your firebending training with Sparky." Toph said.
"Well then let's get going then." Aang said. Toph started walking and Aang followed suit. Throughout their walk they had their normal conversation which would lead them into bickering with each other along the way. Aang would try calming Toph down , but it ultimately led to him getting a beating from Toph and soon after him moaning in pain. Once they arrived back Katara would shoot them down with questions as to why they didn't return last night.
"Well? Why didn't you guys come back last night?" Katara asked.
Toph yawned. "I don't see what the big deal is. I mean it's not like anyone would be stupid enough to attack someone like Twinkles and I." Toph said.
"That's not the point Toph. If something were to happen to either one of you we wouldn't be able to help you guys." Katara solemnly said.
'That's what I'm trying to-" Toph was cut off as she felt a hand on her shoulder. Aang looked at Toph trying to get her to be quiet.
"Look we messed up Katara. You're right we should've came back yesterday, but we were doing something, time flew by and we lost track of time." Aang said trying to reason with Katara.
"Oh alright then Aang I believe you." Katara smiled at Aang. Toph then felt something hit her stomach. This feeling was alien to her and she tried not to pay too much attention to it. She ten felt Zuko walking towards them in desperation
"Alright sorry to cut this conversation short, but Aang it's crucial that we continue with your firebending training. Remember we don't have that much time with you." Zuko said.
Aang gave Zuko a sheepishly smile. "Yeah I don't need a reminder." Aang said.
"Well then Aang get stretching because these coming days are going to be hell for you." Zuko said.
"Don't worry about me Zuko. If I can handle a training session with Toph and you, I'll be clearly fine." Aang smirked.
"If you say so Aang." Zuko said. With that Aang stretched with the basics so he won't pull a muscle or get a cramp along the way of his training session with Zuko. After about 20 minutes of warming up he decide it was time to start.
"Well then I think I'm ready Zuko." Aang said.
'Took you long enough Aang. Let's get show on the road then." Zuko said,
XXXXXXX
Aang and Zuko went training like crazy. (A/N: While this is happening try thinking of them doing this while hearing Eye of the Tiger, or You're the Best Around. :))) They spent the whole day working on controlling his firebending. They would continue this trend for a few days until the final day. On the final day of the battle Zuko told Aang to take the day off. Everyone around questioned that idea believing that Aang should spend every minute he can training before the battle.
"Look it doesn't make any sense I should still be training." Aang reasoned with Zuko.
"Listen Aang you're by far the only option we have and I don't want you to be exhausted before you face off against my uncle." Zuko said.
"Fine I understand I'm going to go relax then." Aang said as he walked off trying not to push himself as he was feeling quite sore from the previous days of hell that he spent with Zuko. Aang decided to spend time with himself and talk with the previous Avatars since he was having a bit of a dilemma since he figured out what he must do in order to defeat the Fire Lord. After he was given his day off by Zuko he spent hours trying to figure out how to defeat the Fire Lord without killing him. After a while he couldn't find a solution and decided to go talk to a certain someone to get his mind off of things. Once he found Toph he decided talking to her might help him.
"Hey Toph." Aang said.
'Hey yourself." Toph replied.
"That's harsh Toph." Aang said
"Well something's on your mind isn't it Twinkles." Toph said. Aang looked at her in a little bit of shock.
"Well yeah, but how did you know Toph?" Aang asked.
Toph smirked at his reply. 'Let's just call it a hunch. So what's up Twinkle Toes?" Toph asked.
"Oh nothing much just trying to get my mind off of some things." Aang admitted.
"Does it have to deal with your battle?" Toph asked.
"Well honestly yeah it does." Aang answered honestly.
"Then I don't want to hear about it." Toph said.
"Oh ok then? Let's go do something then Toph." Aang said.
"Well it's almost night time isn't it?" Toph asked. Aang looked around and failed to notice that the day was almost gone. Once he realized that he started to grow anxious just thinking of how little time he has left. Toph felt heavy vibrations coming off of him. She felt that his heartbeat was increasing rapidly even though he wasn't try to show it. All she could do was inwardly laugh at the situation.
This must be killing him huh? Toph thought to herself.
"Yeah I guess it is almost close to night time Toph." Aang answered back.
"Fine then let's go walking Toph said. It might help him relieve some stress. She thought to herself.
"Haven't we been doing that a lot lately?" Aang pointed out.
"Eh it doesn't matter it's better than sitting down all day." Toph said.
"Fine then let's do it." Aang said.
"Lead the way Twinkles." Toph laughed. Aang laughed as well feeling a little happier than how he was a few minutes ago.
"Fine then follow me Toph." Aang said. Both of them kept walking without a clear destination. After a few moments of walking and talking they somehow unconsciously ended up in the mountain were Aang first trained with Toph after they retreated from the Fire Nation towards the Western Temple.
"So what exactly are we doing here?" Toph asked. She felt the ground and recognized the place immediately. Aang looked around to see what Toph was talking about. As soon as he did he as well also recognized the place immediately.
"Honestly I don't know either." Aang replied. Toph walked to the edge of the mountain and stretched her arms.
"Well it does bring back some good memories." Toph said as she chuckled.
"Yeah those memories must've been good for you because none of those were good memories to me." Aang said. Toph walked towards Aang and patted Aang in his back.
"Oh quit being such a lump Twinkles." Toph said.
"Yeah yeah Toph. Anyway I know we just got here, but my stomach started speaking to me.' Aang said.
"Yeah I understand as well Twinkles. My stomach started speaking to me a while ago. Just wait here will ya." Toph said. Aang was about to ask what she was about to do, but saw that she made a hole under herself and vanished into the ground leaving Aang with his words stuck down his throat. Seeing as how he was left by himself he decided to sit and wait for Toph. He started meditating thinking about his usual problems as well as defeating the Fire Lord without killing him. Even with all possible solutions all of them required for him to take the life of the Fire Lord which was against his moral codes. He then felt his stomach grumbling again or so he thought. He felt the rumble getting larger making a little anxious until he saw a hole popping out from where Toph was standing at five minutes ago. Just like he thought he saw a tiny earthbender pop out of the hole with a basket on her arm. She held out the basket indicating for Aang to grab hold of the basket. After that he grabbed the basket and questioned as to what's in there.
"Eh Toph what's this." Aang asked. Toph raised her eyebrows.
"I think the locals call it a basket? Although I'm probably gonna have to check back with you." Toph replied.
'Yes I know it's a basket. But what I meant was what's in the basket? Aang asked.
"Isn't it obvious you airhead. There's food in there." Toph said.
"So you mean to tell me you cooked the food from the time you left to now?" Aang asked.
"Not exactly. I cooked the food while you were off training with Sparky. I noticed how hard you were training so I decided to cook you a meal since you were probably going to be tired after that hard training session. So think of it as a reward." Toph said.
"Gee I don't know what to say Toph." Aang said. Toph facepalmed at Aang and just smiled at his actions
"Then don't say anything Twinkles and just enjoy the food." Toph said.
"Didn't you anything for yourself Toph?" Aang asked. Noticing how Toph only brought food for him.
"No Sugar Queen had made some food before you wandered off/" Toph said.
"Speaking of which I wonder where Katara is at?" Aang asked. Toph put her hand in her chin pondering the question asked by Aang.
"Hmmm. If I remember clearly I felt her and Sparky washing Appa." Toph said.
"Now that you mention I notice her a lot with Zuko." Aang solemnly said. Clearly noticing how Katara is starting to act around Zuko. Toph felt weird vibrations coming from Aang and she deduced that he was feeling a little jealous over Zuko and Katara.
"Don't worry about it too much Twinkles." Toph said.
"Yeah I guess you're right." Aang said.
"Of course I'm right when am I never right. Now quit yapping and eat my food." Toph said. Aang did not oblige from her order and started eating her food. Now Toph would never admit, but she enjoyed it when Aang was munching over her food like a wild animal and without a care. She felt her pride grow when she would actually make something enjoyable that someone would like.
"So Toph you're awfully quiet over there. Is there something that you're thinking about?" Aang asked.
"No not really. I'm just trying to get you to eat my food that's all." Toph admitted
"Oh ok then/" Aang mumbled.
"So then what are we going to do after this Twinkles?" Toph asked.
"We should probably head back and start planning before the attack on the Fire Nation." Aang said.
"Yeah I guess so." Toph said. With that Aang kept eating while thinking of his dilemma. Even while stuffing his face with food he couldn't figure a solution. Once Aang was finished with his eating he decided it was time for him to get back to base with Toph. But before they could leave Toph decided to do something that was completely unlike her.
"Well let's go." Aang said.
"Hey before we head back there's something I need to tell you." Toph said.
"What's that Toph?" Aang asked.
"I know you're very anxious over the fight against the Fire Lord. I know that you don't want to kill him because it goes against everything you've been taught. But listen whatever you do tomorrow I'll fully support you no matter what. Besides you made me a promise that you'll stop him no matter what so we can keep sharing moment together like we did a few days ago." Toph said.
"I-" Aang started to speak but Toph wasn't finished.
"But before you start fighting the Fire Lord I don't want you to die on me." Toph requested.
"But Toph-" Aang tried saying
"No buts Aang. I want you to defeat him no matter what. Please Aang promise me." Toph said as she felt different. Aang walked towards her and wrapped his arms around her waist giving her a hug.
"I can't promise you that. But I can promise you that I'll try my hardest. Is that good enough Toph?" Aang asked.
"I guess. Just know Twinkle Toes I completely have faith in you." Toph said.
"Yeah I know Toph. I won't forget that." Aang said. With all that being said Aang and Toph walked back to base in complete silence. They soon saw everyone planning. They decide to join not because they wanted to, but because they were pretty much a vital part of the plan. After planning they all decide to get some sleep.
"So Twinkles are you going to go to sleep with me/" Toph teased.
"Who knows maybe I will." Aang said.
"Well then what are you waiting for?" Toph asked.
"Well for you to make the tent." Aang said. With that Toph made the tent and both of them were ready to head to sleep.
"Well the big day is tomorrow huh?" Toph asked.
"Yeah after a hundred years of fighting I'm going to be tying some loose ends." Aang said. Toph was already yawning and falling asleep while they were talking.
'Yeah you do that." Toph said
"Goodnight Toph." Aang said.
"Yeah goodnight yourself." Toph mumbled.
Aang fell asleep for a few hours until he noticed something that caught hold of his attention. He saw a bright light and he started walking towards it and saw that it was a lion turtle. (A/N: Remember when Aang went missing for a day? Yeah that's pretty much an episode. So I'll leave at that.)
A/N: 4:20 A.M. So I'm way overdue with this chapter but earlier through the year my health was deteriorating and I was essentially screwed, but I've been working myself back to shape. So as I said at the beginning of the chapter I'm sticking to my fanfic until the very end. That being said, this is my fourth chapter so I'm proud of myself to say the very least. I say this because I actually didn't think people would like my story and because I didn't procrastinate as much:)) So there's some references in this chapter and if you find them you get a cookie. Anyway, thanks again for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it very much:)))