Tokka: 5 Years After the War (Avatar: TLAB-LoK WA 2017)

Toph: 17

Zuko slammed his fist down on the table, making Toph flinch. She squeezed Sokka's hand before standing up to face the young Firelord.

"Zuko, you need to calm down. I'm sure we'll figure something out. We just need time."

"We don't have time! Ozai is going to destroy the world! We need to think of something now," he threw his hands in the air for emphasis.

About four hours ago, the gAang had received a peculiar message addressed to the Avatar on a burnt piece of paper.

To the Avatar concerning the importance of the world.

It is my pleasure to inform you of my escape from your wretched prison. I assure you, all will be fine... If you hand over the world to its rightful owner. That, of course, is me, The Phoenix King, and I hope you will understand this predicament. The fate of the world rests in your hands, airbender. If you do not meet me at our rendezvous point outside of the Firenation to resign from your position as Avatar by midnight the nations will be set ablaze by my firery wrath. You don't want your precious peace to die, do you?

The Phoenix King

It was true. They didn't have time to form a plan. The sun had just set, and by the look of things, they only had about three hours to think of something.

"Alright! Calm down," Katara placed a motherly hand on Zuko's shoulder.

Aang sighed," I guess I'll just have to turn myself in. It's the only way."

"No, you can't!" Toph heard the waterbender's chair scrap the floor.

"It's okay, Katara. I can do this."

Toph sucked in a breath," No. No, Aang."

"Guys."

The group ignored Sokka, continuing to argue about the plan.

"I'll be fine."

"It's not happening."

"Guys!" Sokka yelled. They turned their heads to look at him. Toph returned to her seat, giving him her full attention.

"Guys," he breathed, excited, "I have an idea."
::::::

They had an hour before midnight. Appa was saddled and ready to leave, but Toph wasn't. She was terrified, although she wasn't going to admit that out loud.

The gAang stood shoulder to shoulder on the threshold of the Firenation palace. Awaiting the arrival of Zuko, who was changing into his battle gear, Sokka squeezed her hand. She squeezed back, reviling in the feel of his calloused skin against hers. She rubbed her thumb on the back of his hand, and, from what she could feel, his shoulders relaxed a bit. That made her heart fly, knowing she had that effect on him.

Zuko came stumbling down the stairs, struggling to latch his belt together. He tripped on the bottom step, caught himself, and resumed his advance towards his four old friends. They laughed, procrastinating the flight to the rondevous point. Hopefully the plan would go as it should.

"Ready?" Toph asked.

"Ready," the team replied without enthusiasm.

They took their places on the sky bison, hers right next to Sokka. She held his hand the whole ride to the rendezvous point, dreading the moment she'd have to step off. Katara's water pouch was filled, Aang had his staff, Zuko was suited up in his best armor, Sokka had his boomerang and a sword, and Toph was warmed up to bend. They were ready, but none of them were looking forward to the fight. They landed a couple miles off, aiming to walk the rest of the way. Appa was just too big. He would give away their position to Ozai.

Once they reached solid ground, the team split up. Toph and Katara going right, Zuko and Sokka heading left. Aang would continue his trek to the rendezvous point alone. Before parting ways, Toph wrapped her arms around Sokka, pressing her head into his chest and breathing in his salty scent. He smelled like the Arctic Ocean.

"I love you," she whispered, gaining courage.

He seemed surprised and at a loss for words. Afraid he hadn't been ready for her confession of love, she pulled away. Suddenly, his lips were on hers, creating the feeling of the North Pole again. She kissed him like there was no tomorrow; like they wouldn't see each other again. When finally they broke apart, gasping, she put her forehead on his.

"I love you so much it hurts. Every time I see you... I just want to be with you." He said breathlessly. She smiled up at him. He looked sadly down at her.

"We have to leave," Katara stated gently, placing her hand on Toph's shoulder. She untangled herself from Sokka and said her last goodbye before walking away with Katara.

The forest floor beneath her feet reminded her of what was to come and what was at risk, but it also gave her a sense of clarity. She could see for miles around her. Everything was laid out perfectly. Aang, Zuko, Sokka, Katara, trees, but nothing else. Where was Ozai?