Avatar, The Storm Book 2: Blood Drifts

Chapter 5 Inner Turmoil

That night, Toril met Kivruk by the Firelight Fountain. She walked down the street towards him, pulling at her hair.

"Hey, Toril, are you alright?"

"Oh, yeah, my cousin's probably gonna die because of his own stupidity, so I'm doing just dandy." Toril retorted, clearly in a state.

"What, your cousin? Is there anything anyone can do?" Kivruk asked. Toril waved a hand through the air.

"Uncle says that right now it's just a waiting game. But I thought there'd be no point sitting around fretting when we can crack this mystery. I think I have a pretty good lead."

"Really?"

"Yeah, with any luck, we're gonna find the missing people. Tonight." Kivruk nodded and the pair sent off through the dark streets, Toril leading him to an area of the city that had practically been abandoned since the White Lotus had reconquered Ba Sing Se the day Sozin's Comet had returned.

"Hard to believe it's been over two weeks since this war has ended." Kivruk remarked quietly.

"The war hasn't exactly ended. Not completely. We're still dealing with the after effects." Toril admitted, not looking at him.

"Are you okay? I mean, I know the Firelord is fighting for his life at the moment, but is there something else on your mind." Toril's expression shifted slightly before returning to normal.

"You know, Kivruk, I never said my cousin was the Firelord."

"Oh, I just assumed, considering your attire is clearly high ranking and from the Fire Nation. Also, Firelord Zuko is friends with the Avatar, right?" Toril nodded.

"Despite everything Zuko has done to try and take Aang down, they still have this unbreakable bound. Stronger than any friendship I've seen." She shook her head, looking over at him. "What about you and Joro? How close are you two?"

"We're like brothers. We grew up together, here in Ba Sing Se." Toril nodded slowly.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Then answer me one thing, Kivruk: if you grew up together then how come when I asked, Joro's parents said they've never heard of you?" Kivruk stopped walking.

"What do you mean?"

"Earlier today, I went to go talk to Joro's parents. Nice couple. And when I asked about you, they had no idea who you were. So I'm wondering if you really want to help me." Toril stated, her voice calm. Kivruk turned away. He was silent for a moment before he spoke, his tone of voice very different from his originally kind persona. His voice sounded almost like a block of ice.

"You foolish girl. You couldn't just keep your mouth shut, could you?"