An Echo of Legends: An ATLA Mystery Story (on hiatus)

Chapter 17: Toph

Oftentimes, Toph Beifong wondered why she had ever become Republic city's chief of police. And this was certainly one of those times. She was sitting in her apartment with Chihiro, whom Kya had insisted they find after the encounter at the warehouse, and the girl seemed terrified of her. 

Toph's position came out of circumstance, as the city of Cranefish Town slowly grew. Toph came to like the town, and began spending more time there than at her metalbending academy. She helped with earthen fire industries, became a part of the city council, and resolved minor squabbles and disagreements. But as the city grew, so did the crime. Toph stepped up as interim police chief, until a permanent institution could be established. Well, once fire stations, school systems, and other centers of life in Cranefish town were put in effect, a replacement couldn't be found, so Toph stayed on her position for a little longer. Weeks turned into months, and eventually, the city council gave up on their search. They asked her to take the job, permanently, and a bit foolishly, Toph agreed. There were things she enjoyed about the job, sure, but there were a few qualities she had that were ill-suited for it. Such as-

"I don't really care about... laws, very much," she said to Chihiro. Even without seeing her expression, Toph could tell she was confused.

"Lin said that too, But you're-"

"The police chief, yes, I know," Toph said with a smile, "But you don't need to worry about anything. First of all, do you have any relatives that you know of?" Chihiro frowned. 

"I think so, but they're outside the city, and I'm not sure whether they would take me in or not."

"We'll work on that," Toph said, "In the meantime, I want to make sure you're safe. You're welcome to continue staying where you were before, but just know that Air Temple Island is getting fixed up. Parts of it are still under repair, but Kya and Tenzin are going back, and you are welcome to stay there with them."

"You should do it," came a voice from the hallway. Toph turned to see a face peeking around the corner. 

"Kya this is a private conversation," she said.

"Right, sorry." 

"I'll think about it," Chihiro said quietly, and a bit nervously. Toph offered for her to stay for dinner, but she declined and left, promising to call the next day. 

~~~

Well, Chihiro did call, only to say that she was still thinking about what she was going to do. Su went with Suki and Kya to the Island, while Tenzin and Lin had asked to stay with Toph and Sokka. They were driving in Toph's car, the emblem of the Republic City police painted on it. Toph hadn't asked for the city's money to be spent on police cars, especially since she couldn't drive them herself, although she supposed that since automobiles were becoming more common, it was only practical. 

"Remember, wear gloves at all times, don't breathe in any toxic chemicals," Sokka instructed, keeping his eyes on the road, "This should be pretty quick. We'll just check out the samples of the explosives used on the island, and then then we can go home." Both Tenzin and Lin seemed excited to be going to the lab, although Toph was not. That was another thing she didn't like about her job, the busy work. Collecting data and evidence, filing papers. Toph sighed. 

At least Lin wouldn't hurt herself in this setting. She was a lot like her, Lin was, stubborn, tough, but she was more of a rule follower. Lin would make a great police chief, and Toph knew that was her goal, but was it just to impress her? Maybe. Lin had referenced 'following in Toph's footsteps' before. She shook her head as Sokka parked outside of the lab. It was a newer building made mostly of glass, with a pagoda style roof. The four of them walked inside, and were greeted by an eager lab assistant who led them down a long hallway. Lin and Tenzin were chattering eagerly, pointing to different doors, hypothesizing about where they led. Toph gave them a small smile. 

"We've run some tests on the substance that caused the explosion," the lab assistant said, showing them into a large, open room. There were a few other scientists milling around, looking at data samples. 

"What did you find?" Sokka asked. 

"The substance is a type of blasting powder that is reactive to heat," said Chen, an older scientist who Toph knew well.

"But there was another device at the site of the blast," she said, hoping for him to clarify.

"Here is what we think happened. A small explosion was remotely detonated using the device that you saw in your initial investigation. This explosion triggered the blasting powder, causing the massive attack that occurred on the island."

"That would make sense," Sokka mused.

"One more thing," the lab assistant cut in nervously, "This type of blasting powder, it's causes flames to be more intense, and it also has an effect on the appearance of the explosion."

"And that would be..."

"The flames, it turns them blue." 

~~~

"I don't see how this changes anything," Toph said as she paced the floor of the apartment. 

"It changes everything!" Sokka argued back, "The flames were blue in order to cause more damage, not to send any kind of message."

"That still doesn't change the fact that we saw the kemurikage at that warehouse, who are very well known to be Azula's allies," Suki, who had returned with Kya and Su, added. 

"I'm just looking at the facts right now," Sokka sighed, "And the facts are that this wasn't what we thought it was. We don't even know where Azula is. We can't be one hundred percent sure that it was her, especially with this new knowledge."

"That's fair," Suki said, "We should wait to hear back from Aang and everyone else before we do anything drastic."

"I hate to admit it, but you're right," Toph said, "Let's lay low, for awhile, until the kemurikage show themselves again." 

It was late. The kids were dozing on the couch. Toph picked up Su and carried her to her room, while Suki gently woke Kya and Tenzin. She and Sokka left the apartment, and Toph slumped into an armchair, exhausted. She glanced at Lin, her expression calm and peaceful as she slept. 

Please don't try to be me, Lin, Toph thought, before closing her eyes. 

~~~

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