"I don't remember scheduling an appointment," Toph pressed her ear into the door, straining to hear the conversation going on the other side. Although she had an acute sense of hearing, the voice tended to speak at a low volume. She heard a male sigh, "Do you have any idea who she is?"

"She's a first year at Phoenix High. Toph Beifong," a female voice answered. A girl known only as Smellerbee: her code name. All members of this group had to shed their birth name and be given a new one by their leader Jet. Toph wondered if Seishoki still held a grudge against her. The pause before he spoke confirmed her suspicions. "Let us see what she wants."

Toph returned to her previous position, leaning on the wall, before Smellerbee led her to see Jet. As they walked across the room, Toph occasionally stepped on an empty bag of chips, a hazard that nearly cause the blind girl to slip. However, earthbenders mastered strong stances, an art that continued to work in her favor.

"Why take the risk? The mighty Toph Beifong left herself as helpless as a newborn in the hands of her foes. At least you could have brought a friend with you. It is very unlike you to do something like this," Seishoki crossed his legs, watching her intently.

"You're right, Jet. I wouldn?t normally do this. Which is exactly why I didn't," she said plainly. Jet raised an eyebrow. "You remember Aang," Toph continued, "don't you? Well, as a matter of fact, he's standing above us listening to our conversation right now."

Smellerbee stuttered, "I swear, Jet. I thought she was alone." His eyes narrowed at her before visibly calming.

He returned to Toph, "What's your deal? I know that you have not forgotten about my rivalry with Ryishi."

"Who said anything about Ryishi? This is between you and me. You see, I have a proposition for you. I know you need Katara." He opened his mouth to deny it, but Toph continued. ?I can help you; if only you do a favor for me."

He sat in silence, taking in every word. He smiled, "You would sell out your friend? And for what??"

She stood in front of him, grinning smugly. He just didn't get it, did he? "Jet, I have found my future. The thought of finally escaping this giant cage is ranked higher than all of my relationships."

He chuckled, "I see we have much more in common than I had thought. I am convinced. You have yourself a deal."

From above, Aang watched with a solemn expression. Where did it all go wrong? He was losing a friend.

Well, I'm happy to hear that. Thanks for reading, and I hope you continue

WinterSun

Night had fallen. Light flurries were gently descending from the sky. It was the ideal time for the deal they were about to make. Toph and Aang each wore dark, hooded capes that fell to their ankles. They moved with the stealth of a ninja and with the swiftness of an eel-hound, sneaking out of their living quarters without a sound. Aang showing caution towards the person Toph wanted to see. Neither of them spoke a word, feeling that he would be alerted of their arrival and hide before they reached him.

They ran for what seemed to be an hour to Aang (he had no knowledge of the time, since he had forgotten to bring a watch) and was tempted to ask Toph whether or not they were close. He found his question answered when Toph held him by the arm.

"I don't see anything," he muttered. Toph directed his view upwards. Even before his head had reached the correct tilt, he gasped in complete awe. As he would later try to explain this place to Sokka he found that it was close to impossible to even attempt to. Above them was a network system of tree-houses set high in the trees. The wooden structures connected to each other by vine or rope bridges. It appeared to be deserted, though Aang had sensed that it was full of people. Toph began making her way through the brush that lay underneath the canopy of the "colony", as Aang began to call it.

As they made their way through the dark, Aang could not help but feel frightened. He envied Toph's ability to sense what was around her, despite it being pitch black. The birds' callings did not help with his attempt at bravery either. He did not notice when his friend had paused, and he ended up nearly falling over her small form. He was dismissed by her without a word. A large tree (large would be an understatement, for the base of the tree was about the same width as the length of a sixteen-wheeler) seemed to be at the center of the colony.

It was a brief moment afterwards when Aang realized that Toph was no longer right in front of him. She stood at the base of the tree and made a low call (much similar to the ones he had been hearing, Aang noted.) It was answered with a companion one. He was unable to tell where the answer had come from and was afraid of an ambush, as a result, he automatically found himself with his hands on the shoulders of his friend, using her as a shield. The unknown whistler continued to exchange a variety of calls with Toph until? "From which squad did you say you were from again?" it was difficult for Aang to distinguish the voice as either male or female. It was vaguely familiar, though, and he suspected that it belonged to a schoolmate of his.

Aang could feel Toph tense at the question, "I didn't say. I'm a new recruit who has yet to be assigned to a team. Our meeting was scheduled for tonight." Aang could still feel her uneasiness as she spoke. Her muscles were stiff as they silently waited for the reply. As his normally controlled friend stood there as stiff as a statue, you can only imagine how poor Aang felt. He believed that even his breathing was loud enough to blow their cover. The silence dragged on, and the freshman's face began to turn blue. He was finally able to breathe peacefully when a lone rope fell from the top of the tree.

Toph inwardly smirked. This was too easy. She explained to Aang that she needed him to maneuver his way through the trees and keep a watch on her back. "I cannot sense vibrations from wood very well, so I need you to back me up in case things don't go very well."

Azula squirmed in her seat, waiting to see what the freshman would say. His throat ran dry. Toph was expecting him to come up with a lie; however that drew a line that was against his nature. The eldest teen waited patiently for the reply. Everyone was watching him, Aang realized. He also realized that he did not enjoy working under pressure at all. The growing tension wished to suffocate him (at least, in his mind.)

The passing seconds soon became minutes of unbroken silence. The boy found that he could no longer speak (as a result of his constricted airway) and made a loud gasping sound. The golden-brown eyes of the Firebenders widened in surprise. This was all too much for Aang to bear. He wanted to disappear; be taken off the face of the world forever. He rocked dizzily; he slumped, before finally collapsing in a theatrical fashion.

Toph's eyes widened at the loud thud. "?Aang?" there was a hint of worry in her voice. Without an answer, she addressed Zuko, "What did you do to him?!" He let her down on the dirt floor, before going to work undoing Azula's bonds. He gave Aang no more than a brief glance, rolling his eyes when Toph discovered that he was only asleep. The blindfold was the last to be removed. On the inside, Azula rejoiced at her rescue, but a sudden show of affection towards her brother would wary him of her state of mind. So instead, she spat, "It took you long enough."

He led her by the hand, "Time to go home, 'Zula." She nodded and trailed a bit behind him. She was behind enough to hear the blind girl say, "Until next time?" Azula would have to be prepared for this 'next time'. She had never said it to herself, but she was growing out of practice and needed training.

"By the way," began her brother after they had exited the tunnels. "Where did you find the money to rent a limousine?"

Azula brightened, "Oh yeah? You wouldn't believe it! While I was snooping around the house, I discovered a box of money! Uncle must have strategically placed it there just for me! Wasn't that lovely of him?"

Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose; it was taking all his energy to not bonk his sister on the head. "It would have been, if it weren't my money you blew off." He buckled his helmet onto his head and revved up his bike. Azula stood beside him, a puzzled look on her face.

"You're angry with me, aren't you?"

The boy did not send a glance at her, "You could say that."

"Does this mean I'm walking home?" Azula stared beyond the motorbike, imagining the long trek she would have to make through an unknown city.

"Well, it's not going to get me my money back (which you'll have to do anyways), but if you want to get to know the city, it's fine with me."

Azula grudgingly climbed on the bike behind her brother, pondering over the possible punishments he had in mind. "How do you expect me to come up with all that money?" she whined.

"I don't know... It's not like people find a way to make money and support themselves, because that wouldn't make much sense. I mean, Uncle gives me money for helping him in the shop, so perhaps he would do the same for you," Zuko nonchalantly answered.

"Perhaps..." she mused, placing the helmet on her head. "Hey! You're being sarcastic with me, aren't you?"

"Catching on, now, Azula?"

Arc 3: The Shattering Truth of it All
Chapter 13: Welcome to the Freak Show [Reprise]
[Part IV]

"I'm going to go and keep watch. Make sure that she doesn't try anything funny, got it?" Toph instructed as she earthbended a tunnel and jumped in. Azula could not help but smirk at the opening.

"Mr. Gyago," she called. Aang stuttered.

"That is your name, right? Aang Gyago, first-year student, vegetarian and non-bender. Arrived a couple of weeks after school began, and is known around the campus as the 'New Kid', am I right?" He was appalled. How could she possibly know his lat name without ever meeting before? He dumbly nodded.

"You do realize that I cannot perceive any movement from you due to this blindfold," she said as-a-matter-of-factly.

Duh! Aang blushed at his stupidity. "Yes, that is my name. Now what do you want?" he tried his best to sound as stern and in-control as his friend, but his voice did not quite reach the level of toughness that he wanted.

"Answers. I want to know how a couple of first-years like you and Miss Beifong found out who I am."

"Your ties to Katara's family showed us."

"Who?"

"The girl who hugged you."

"Ah, her? Now what was it about her?"

"It's a bit hard to explain. First her grandmother told us a story, and then Toph came up with the plan."

"What was the story about?" Azula tried to sound interested in what he was saying as she blew smoke from her nostrils-an attempt to set off the sprinkler system.

"Yours and Zuko's mom." Now she was interested.

"Mother??" Azula's last memory of her mother was when she was six years old. She never had a big place in her daughter's heart, as Zuko was her favorite child. Because of this, Azula never thought much about her mother. (Or truly cared, for that matter?) However the mere mention about the woman had caught her severely off-guard.

"Surprised? Well, we know all about your little secret." Azula found herself in an uncomfortable position. Were they aware of her and her brother's status as the Royal Children? Was this now a hostage situation?

"W-what secret? I have no idea what you are talking about." She faltered in her voice.

"Don't play dumb with me. That you and Zuko are-" Aang was cut off as Toph was carried inside by Zuko.

"Toph! I thought we weren't going to capture Zuko!" exclaimed Aang in distress.

"Does it look like I captured Sparky?" Toph inquired dryly. This was very true. The most probable scenario would be that Toph had been captured by Zuko himself.

"Now, would you mind telling me why is my sister playing hostage with you?" Asked the brother, Toph still slung over his shoulder.

"If you think I'm going to tell you?" began Toph.

Zuko cut her off, "Excuse me, but I believe I was speaking to Aang."

-MadTay

Invidia

-Sunni

"Ah, so you're Sparky's little sis, as I've heard?" Azula nodded and Toph grinned as she took note of that. They had just passed the grand hall, and had already entered one of the many hallways of the school. The three students were the all alone in the long hall. She nudged Aang's side and repeated, "She's Zuko's sister."

The boy cocked his head, not understanding. After a brief moment's thought, he said, voice booming "Oh! Then that means?" The earthbender stepped on his foot. Azula raised an eyebrow. What were these two hiding?

"Is this person supposed to be here?" The firebender referred to Aang.

"I-I'm her friend!" stuttered Aang in defense.

Azula did not see why he got so upset. You could never be too sure about a person's affiliations. She waited for a conformation from Toph (who replied, "Eh, he's more of a sidekick.")

"Since President Katara probably bailed before she could properly show him around the school, Aang is tagging along as well," Toph explained to Azula.

----

As Aang had discovered, Katara had really left out a large portion of the buildings. He had no idea that the school had an indoor swimming complex-much less an entire room dedicated to various rocks found in the Earth Kingdom.

"Wow! This school even has an all-day echo room!" exclaimed Aang. Toph and Azula immediately covered their ears as his echo rang throughout the room.

"That is the reason why you won't find too many students in here," Toph commented.

Further into the tour, a bored Azula asked Toph "Is this tour going to involve anything interesting?"

"Just you wait, Princess. We're almost to the good part," she winked in Aang's direction.

The firebender had not yet finished her sigh before she found herself encased in earth.

----

Zuko immediately went alert, the sounds of the history lesson on the first earthbenders fading away, "I have a feeling that Azula is in trouble." After a moment's pause, his muscles relaxed as he chuckled, "Little Miss Perfect never gets herself into trouble."

----

"What is the meaning of this? I demand to be released this very moment!" Azula insisted.

Toph stood in front of the blindfolded girl, admiring her accomplishment and nodded in approval. Capturing Azula had gone much smoother than how she had originally thought. (Actually, she had planned to kidnap Zuko, but with the arrival of Azula?) Aang, however, was still a bit wary about this whole kidnapping plan. Not only did they forcefully capture someone, but they were also skipping classes. According to Toph, though, if everything went well, they would be far too wealthy to attend school. They had managed to sneak Azula inside the Beifong estate. ("Managed" being the key word here. Had they been caught, Toph would be in unspeakable trouble with her parents.)

"Think of it this way, sister of Zuko, although people will constantly stare at you through glass walls and marvel at a specimen of your peculiar species," her sentence trailed off as she tried to find a way to lightly explain it to the firebender, "you would be treated like royalty--being fed cuisine of the finest kind (to suit your *ahem* grotesque appetite.)"

She lost Azula at the phrase "sister of Zuko". How did her relationship to Zuko have to do with anything? She tried firebending herself free; however found that her bonds were made of steel. She snorted; obviously these kids knew exactly what they were doing. (If only she knew?) Then it hit her, from the way their voices seemed to echo off the walls, Azula deducted that the room they were in was fairly large and quite empty. This kidnapping plan had likely been in the works for a good couple of weeks for them to be able to have access to such a large room. (And a large room like this was even more likely to have a sprinkler system installed.) All she had to do now was to distract the two until she could execute her plan.

"So," she began, "you are friends of my brother?"

"To a certain extent, yes. I usually hang around Iroh, and since Sparky lives there as well? I guess you can call us friends," Toph answered. She did not appear to be on bad terms with Zuko, so what were this girl's motives? Azula wanted answers, and Azula always gets what she wants.

Arc 3: The Shattering Truth of it All
Chapter 13: Welcome to the Freak Show [Reprise]
[Part II]

Behind her, exited Zuko. The sight was very strange indeed as the elder was covered in soot, and was coughing because of it while his counterpart had not one stain on her persona. She referred to herself as Azula Ryishi, the sister of Zuko Ryishi. Azula was immediately greeted by Vice-President Ty Lee Taiso. The president and treasurer followed slowly behind. Katara was a bit puzzled as she looked at them curiously. "So you are both Ryishi?"

Azula cocked her head to the side, eyeing her with amber eyes, before nodding a bit hesitantly. The president appeared to have a realization, "Well, that's wonderful!" she embraced Azula tightly. "Now I have two Ryishis working for me. Perfect!" she declared.

Work? Azula did not come to school to work for some peasant. She looked over her shoulder towards her brother mouthing, "Do you know this person?" [Referring to Katara.] He pondered for a moment before shaking his head.

His sister nodded and looked at the girl hugging her with disgust. She mouthed back to Zuko, "Can I hit her?"

He shrugged in response, in a 'Sure, go knock yourself out' way. Her lips formed a crooked smile. She raised a thin hand, an electric blue flame sparking in her hand. Ty Lee noticed and nervously said to Katara, "President, she needs a proper tour of the school before she can serve as your lackey."

Katara pulled away, causing both Zuko and Azula to sigh. "That's right," she said in realization. "Toph!" she called to her blind friend. "Would you be so kind as to show Miss Ryishi around the school?"

Toph shrugged as she came over. "Don't ask me rhetorical questions, Sweetness. You're lucky we're friends."

She walked to Azula, extending her hand to shake, "Nice to meet you, Lady Sparks (nickname temporary.) The name's Toph. Toph Beifong."

The new student noted the way the fourteen-year-old spoke. Her voice was nonchalant while she excluded making any eye contact. She did not appear to be nervous or with difficulty in speaking to people. In fact, she seemed to be the complete opposite of that. Her tone had shown to Azula that she may have had years in vocal training of proper speech (or that also could have come across as arrogance.) She also sounded like the entire situation was in her hands. The Fire Nation princess did not like being played with--she was the one who controlled others. This little girl would learn to not mess with Azula Tetsuru.

"Are you able to see me?" inquired Azula. Why ask a blind girl to show someone around?

Toph stared blankly through Azula's torso before saying, "If you mean see your face, then no; you are too tall for me to be able to see you."

Azula grew even angrier as Toph said that. Was she continuing to toy with her? "She's blind, but she can still 'see' where you are," Aang said, shying away when Azula turned to him.

"I can sense the vibrations in the ground. And I was only messing with you back there; you didn't have to blow up like that," Toph said apologetically.

"Good! Now you two are good and acquainted; have a nice day!" the president waved to them before leaving--Zuko in tow.

Arc 3: The Shattering Truth of it All
Chapter 13: Welcome to the Freak Show [Reprise]
[Part I]

Zuko's morning started with a scream. Sounds like Azula got a look outside. "Zuko! It's everywhere! We have to call Father so he could deploy the army to face the White Death!"

Zuko believed that he should tell Azula the truth before someone got hurt (most importantly: herself.) "Zula," he started. "You do realize that I was lying to you, don't you?"

She blinked, a light blush creeping up her cheeks. She pushed a stray strand of her hair back into place, a habit of hers. Zuko was not quite whether this was a conscious habit, or an automatic return to "calm, perfect Azula". After she had composed herself from her fanatic rambling, she said, "Well, of course I was aware of that the entire time. I was merely playing along with your little game to give you your desired satisfaction."

"Right," thought Zuko sarcastically.

"Now enough of that," she began once again. "I just found a sweet deal on a limo. I am making an entrance to Phoenix High in S-T-Y-L-E! Ba Sing Se, say 'Hello' to Azula Ryishi!"

"Where did she get enough money to rent a limousine?" thought Zuko. "Perhaps Father left her with enough cash to survive the winter." When he asked Azula this question, she just laughed. That did not make him feel any better. "Oh, brother, you can be quite the comedian when you wish to be. Of course Azula Tetsuru is the richest teen in the world, but Azula Ryishi is without a penny to her adopted name."

Zuko looked outside the window of the moving car, forgetting for a moment about his concern on where Azula got the money. He knew that despite how much his uncle loved having Azula around, he would never give her that much money. The only other way she could have gotten it was from. . . No! For the past two years he had been saving up his tea shop tips to install a hot tub in his bungalow. She couldn't possibly have found it. (He would have to check after school.) The thought went to the back of his mind as he decided to enjoy the trip. The vehicle was nice enough, the inside covered in beautiful leather. Zuko often found his hands rubbing over the interesting stitching, the texture calming him.

----

The students of Phoenix High got a surprise when a second limo (Toph's being the regular) pulled up in front of the school. Zuko Ryishi stepped out, adjusting his top hat. He appeared to them with a solemn expression, his golden eyes staring blankly at the crowd that had formed. "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you a creature so unbelievably vile that a warning is necessary for those with a weak constitution--actually I should warn all of you. Leave now if you know what's good for you. She will haunt your dreams for the rest of your life and steal your children in the dark of night. . . . Don't you dare look at me as if you don't know good and well that you are kids."

Behind him, the limousine opened and a gloved hand pulled Zuko back into the car.

"Hey, Toph," Aang was walking to the school building along with Toph and Katara. "It looks like we have another wealthy kid at the school now. Are you worried?"

Toph waved him off. Pfft. A threat? Oh please. "It's just some wannabe who wants people to actually think that they have money."

Ty Lee and Mai approached President Katara about the strange car. "We didn't receive a notification about a new student coming, which is strange on its own, but I've heard from a couple of students that Zuko was inside," the generally conserved girl seemed slightly worried about something. "Who would possibly convince Zuko to get into a limo? The only person with that much control over him is. . ." Mai's train of thought was cut short when a loud BOOM was heard from the limo.

All eyes were focused on the flashes of blue and orange that could be seen from outside. A fume of smoke began flowing out of the sunroof. "Firebenders," Aang muttered.

The side door opened, releasing more of the dark fumes. A girl, about sixteen, stepped out. Stares and murmurs were common among those who had stopped to see what was happening. She wore the school uniform, so you would think that there was nothing to stare at. However, the stares were for what she wore on her head. A top hat.

She ignored his little comment and replied; "By now you have realized my slight change in appearance, right?" she referred to her hair. As she said that, Zuko already figured out the story. It was the exact same thing that happened to him six years earlier. The top of his head had mysteriously began to grow in blue, unable to revert with any amount of washes or dyeing. In order to prevent any unwanted questions from being asked, he was sent to live with his uncle in Ba Sing Se. He quickly found that his troubles had only begun. Soon after, he had grown a large appetite--especially for meat. And a few weeks ago. . . he found out that he was a dragon! It wouldn't surprise him if his father had known what was happening the entire time, but if his mother was a dragon, why didn't she tell him or his sister? Why did such a large issue escape his childhood? His mother had always told him that he was special, but a dragon?! And this whole history with the Reibu family. Katara's grandmother never got to explain what the Keeper and the Guardian were. He already knew that he was the Guardian--there was no doubt about it, but who was the Keeper? He inwardly scoffed at himself. He wasn't even sure whether or not he even wanted to be the Guardian. Why should he care who the Keeper was? He had enough trouble on his hands with Jet and his double life as the Blue Spirit. If he even wanted to call it a double life. It only consisted of saving Katara and a baby from Jet, respectively.

"Zuzu!" Azula snapped. "You're the one who asked me a question. At least have the courtesy to appear to pay me some attention."

"Sorry, 'Zula, I was merely thinking of your face when you get to see snow," Zuko remarked.

His sister appeared to be a bit frightened, although her tone of voice said otherwise, "You're trying to scare me, aren't you! Always telling me of places where frozen water falls, burying entire towns under it. You called it the White Death, and claimed that foreigners called it snow. You managed to scare Mai and Ty Lee, but I am far too smart to fall for such childish nonsense!"

Iroh had heard the last bit of the conversation and as he handed Azula her cup, said, "You have never seen snow, Azula? Why it's your lucky day! The weather forecaster said that it would snow tomorrow."

Azula chocked on her tea. "You mean it's real?" Zuko resisted laughing at her face. Perhaps Azula's stay wouldn't be as bad as he thought it would be.

Arc 3: The Shattering Truth of it All
Chapter 12: The Ties That Bind
[Part VI]

It was midnight. The signal of the New Year. Iroh was overjoyed at Zuko's return, and was now celebrating the turn of the year with him. There was a light knock at the door, followed by singing: "I wish you a merry Christmas! I wish you a merry Christmas! I wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

Zuko never thought that such a good-natured song could possibly bring evil. He opened the door to bid the caroler. . .

"Happy New Year, Zuzu."

In a flash, Zuko slammed the door and quickly turned all the locks, the tumblers creating a symphony of "clicks". He grabbed his uncle and hid inside a closet. "Uncle," he loudly whispered. "There is a demon outside!"

Iroh went to the door, despite his nephew's protests. He peeked out the window to see who it was. "Zuko!" he exclaimed. "Your father never told me you had a twin!"

"Twin?" Zuko scoffed.

Iroh proceeded to open the door when his nephew stopped him, "Unless you want to endure severe, prolonged suffering, you do not want to open that door!"

"But Zuko," he pleaded. "You would leave her out in the cold?"

Zuko snorted, but before he realized it a raven-haired girl was in the room. She wore a burgundy designer coat, adjusting the wool hood now that she was indoors. "I am very much obliged at your chivalry, Uncle. At least some people haven't turned from their noble upbringing." Her gaze fell towards her brother, who rolled his eyes.

"Why, thank you, Azula. Although I believe that we haven't met before," the tea shop owner said warily. The princess cocked her head to the side, removing the coat that had shielded her from the cold. Zuko noted that the top of her hair had turned red since the last time he saw her and briefly widened his eyes in surprise. "You don't recall?" she inquired.

Zuko cut in nonchalantly, "She was the small girl who kicked you in the leg and called you 'Old Fatso'." Iroh sighed, remembering the incident. Zuko had hoped this would cause his uncle to send her away, but to his dismay, Iroh welcomed her into the house with open arms.

Arc 3: The Shattering Truth of it All
Chapter 12: The Ties That Bind
[Part V]

"Ryishi--" Katara began to calm her friend down, but he was already outside. She quickly followed after him, screaming his name at the top of her lungs. She failed to make it in time, but only saw the red of his motorcycle lights zooming off into the night. The smell of smoke filled her nostrils as she realized how late she was. "Sokka!" She shouted, storming back into the house. She raised her hand high above her head to smack him. Instead, she scoffed and said, "You know what? You're not even worth it." Katara left the room, going upstairs to her bedroom. They could hear her heavy steps as she climbed.

Aang looked up at Sokka, "Sokka, I know you don't like Zuko very much, but you went too far." Toph merely nodded; although she had wanted Zuko to punch Sokka in the face, she knew why he didn't. It would cause the tension between him and the Reibu family to strain even more.

Kanna took her grandson firmly by the shoulder and led him to the kitchen. "Sokka, you had no right to say what you did."

"I believe I had all the right, Gran-Gran. How could you let that woman's son into your own house when she took away your daughter!"

She placed a hand to her forehead, taking a step back, "It-it's too soon. . . I can't tell you now."

Katara walked in, her hand lightly on the door frame, "Tell him what?"

----

Aang, Toph, and Suki were left alone in the den. They had not said anything for a long time, still going over what had just happened. The young boy attempted to break the silence, "Wow... dragons." Suki nodded a bit apprehensively. "For reals..." she scoffed. "Dragons can't possibly be real," She sputtered quickly.

Toph stretched her legs and leaned back, "Why are you so nervous, Suki?"

The girl blinked. "Nervous? Who says I'm nervous?"

"You were anxious the entire time the story was being told. Do you know something we don't?"

Suki did not say anything, now remembering the girl's talent for distinguishing lies. Toph shrugged, "Silence can say even more than words can ever muster. You've just confirmed to me that dragons are real."

Aang was confused, "What? They really exist?"

"No, they don't," Suki answered, but immediately regretted it.

Toph raised a hand and smirked, "You're lying. Aang, you and I are going dragon-hunting." The boy blinked, still puzzled at what the girl meant.

"You're not going to find out anything," the teen sighed.

"Watch me."

----

Kanna felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't hide this from her grandchildren any longer. They had to know. "It was your mother's choice," she began solemnly.

"After the Avatar, it is the duty of the Keepers and the Guardians to keep the balance of the world. The original thought was that the Avatar cycle was broken when the Air Avatar never appeared; however, he had been put into an eternal sleep. A state of suspended animation. He could not be freed without someone taking his place. Ursa begged Kya not to do it, but. . ."

"No," Sokka said just above a whisper.

Kanna continued, "It was for the sake of the world."

It was then Sokka realized how stupid he had been for talking out of turn like that. He had to swallow his pride. He would have to admit that he was wrong.

"So what about Ursa?" asked Katara. "What happened to her?"

"That, my dear, I do not know. But with the both of them gone. There is the need for a new Keeper and Guardian. When they choose to accept their destiny, I will always be here to assist them in any way I can." Katara knew who she was referring to. Because of Sokka, Zuko had left prematurely. She hoped dearly that wherever he was, he was pulling himself together.

----

Iroh heard a knock at his door. Strange. It was almost 10:00. Who would come and visit so late? He lowered the flame of the tea he was brewing and slowly opened his door, the cold winter air streaming into the room.

"Hey, uncle. I'm back."

Beaky

Smellershot <3