Book I, Entr’acte: Tales of Langshizi, Chapter II

Edited by: Bieverdog AO3: GalavantingGoose

Book I, Imbalance

Entr'acte: Tales of Langshizi

Music: LOK Credits & Good Ol' Days (LOK OST)

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-1uUvygBB8&t=1272s)

(https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlejc_qetMpgBKmB3mAplLr0eYDQqum_c)

Chapter II:

The Tale of Toph

She was sitting in the shade of a tree overlooking the city, nursing a headache. Her senses were driving her crazy, for being near the city was like being near an anthill. She felt thousands of footsteps everywhere; and not only that, but she also had to deal with the bustle of people. At least, there was something she liked about her old house: when she wanted to rest, she just stayed at home. It was so big that she almost didn't feel what was outside of it. Although Gaoling was a city too, at least it wasn't as big as Langshizi. It impressed and scared her a little how fast those cities had grown, and she wondered if they would keep growing. At this rate, in a hundred years, they would engulf the whole coast. She couldn't even imagine the hell it would be to live in a city like that. She would definitely prefer to spend her time in the countryside relaxing, training…

Yep... that would be the life. Toph plucked a blade of grass and put it in her mouth while she molded her space bracelet. She made it into a ball, then flattened it, and stretched it back and forth. She thought it was a pity she had discovered her ability so recently. If only she had discovered it before... She wondered if anyone had ever been able to do it before. Maybe… Eh. Probably in some dusty scroll tucked away in The Library. A pity they had buried it; maybe they would've found the answer there. But she didn't care. For her, it was great anyway; it had even come in handy to intimidate some stubborn Skull Heads.

But she missed those old times when she put her skills to the test in the arena. Every year, new challengers with different skills and abilities. What a beating she had given them. Watching that fight in Yu Dao had revived her spirits again. She hated having to be in a city; but at least this way, she could indulge herself. She still had many years of fighting left; and who knows? Maybe she would carve her name into history: Toph Beifong, the greatest earthbender in history. Hmm. Needs more pizazz.

But all the glory and money it would bring her mattered little; her drive was more of a conviction, her way of showing the world what she was capable of. But, most importantly, it was to prove to herself that she was the best, not to mention that she had discovered a new form of bending. What she still didn't know–still had trouble understanding– was if she was the only one capable of doing it. After all, she had observed that the most powerful benders usually mastered some other type of bending in their elements: the firebenders with lightning, the waterbenders could heal and... well that strange thing that Katara and that old woman did. Maybe she could show other earthbenders, master earthbenders, how to learn as well–

She felt a tingle in the bracelet, as if someone had pulled on it a touch. She thought maybe she had imagined, but it happened again. She stood up puzzled. As she began to walk, she could hear the screams of a girl nearby. Hurried footsteps, two more following her closely. She walked towards them, curious. Maybe other earthbenders?

They had cornered the girl, and Toph could feel her pressing against a rock, holding it for cover. The other two stood next to her.

"Hey, mudhead, lost something?"

"Give it back!"

"Or what?"

"Yeah, don't play with fire, peasant."

Just as they were about to head back, she decided to step in. "Why don't you guys mess with someone your own size?" She could sense they held a piece of metal in their hands.

The boys stood tall and laughed. "This is none of your business, dirt girl. Turn around unless you want to get burnt."

She smiled, turning her feet slightly; it was just enough to tilt the rocks under them. Caught by surprise, they fell into a muddy pit. She could feel the earth all around them and sank them both up to their waist. They struggled against it to no avail. She took back their ill-gotten prize: a headpiece.

"Later… mudheads." She walked back to the girl, whose heart was still beating fast. Definitely still scared. She extended her hand in her direction, helping her to stand up again, and gave back the headpiece.

"Thanks… They always pick on me." As the girl took her hand, she felt the sensation again: the bracelet, a small pull now stronger. It was her.

"Don't sweat it."

"I'm Lancao."

"I can tell you're an earthbender. You could have taken those guys out by yourself."

"Am I?" She sounded nervous. "We… We don't practice earthbending here, it usually is frowned upon."

"Langshizi is under new management; and boy are you lucky to have found me."

" You… don't seem to be from around here."

"Oh, don't tell me, was it the clothes that gave it away?"

"Why come all the way out here? We're just a smogy factory town."

"Oh, there's smog? Haven't noticed."

"How can you not notice? It's everywhe– Oh, you're blind."

"Absitively posolutely. Now, why here? Well, I've been working with the Avatar for a while, and I've been looking for a place to settle down and get back into fighting–"

"The– Wait, you fight?"

"Yep. The Blind Bandit."

"Really? I thought that was made up."

"Well, you thought wrong. Now, as I was saying, work, blah, blah, blah. But I'm curious about something…" She bent her bracelet into a sphere, then back onto her wrist. The girl's eyes bulged. "A few minutes ago, I'm minding my own business and mulling this stuff over, and I get a tingle and come across you. As far as I know, you're the only other person I know who's done that, and I want to see if you've got the stuff." She bowed loosely. "Toph Beifong, greatest earthbender in the world, your new sifu, and your worst nightmare."

"But… Wait, I haven't signed up for anything, and you're calling yourself my sifu!"

"Yes, I am. Would you rather get your butt kicked by firebenders?"

"On… second thought…"

"Ok, sweet! Now, first things first: how could you move this?" She took her bracelet and placed it in her palm.

"But– This… this should be impossible. Even if– I can't do this!" The girl tried to give it back.

"I swear I could feel it. Just try… like you did before."

"I don't know what I did, but I'm sure I can't bend that. I mean, I can barely even earthbend."

"Well, let's get down to fixing that then. Once I show you a few moves, you try again."

Toph cracked her knuckles. Poor thing doesn't know what's coming. She started with the basics: firm posture, feet apart, hands to the waist. At least, she did it much better than Twinkletoes. It was clear that she had practiced before, just maybe never in public. It reminded her of her when she was little, the only difference was that the badgermoles were her teachers.

She gave herself the pleasure of being rough; and apparently, she received it well. At least, she was reassured that she could at least defend herself now. A pity she couldn't train her any longer, for she had a good time instructing her art. It felt almost natural, and she thought she was making a difference; she cared about that.

The girl had been battered by Toph's training, but now she was able to bend small rocks confidently. She sounded unsure when Toph suggested she try bending her bracelet again. Toph gave her no choice. As the girl focused, she couldn't feel anything; still, her self-acclaimed sifu insisted she keep trying. She now felt the sound of footsteps running towards them.

"Lancao, what do you think you are doing?!" The newcomer put himself in between Toph and her new student.

"Hey, dad! This is Toph. She's–"

The man was gesticulating wildly. "What did I tell you? No earthbending; you know it. Do you want to be sent away from home?"

Toph smiled in his direction confidently. "There's no need to be worried, old man; Fire Nation's leaving you alone now."

"That's none of your business. Stay away from her."

"Dad…" She could feel the man pull her away by the hand, almost dragging her along. Confused by his hostility, she gruffed and even considered stopping him; but she sighed and turned around. At least, she could enjoy the rest of her day in solitude. She went back to the shade of the tree, this time laying on the grass, silent as time passed. The sound of soft steps brushing against the grass made her sit.

"Hum… Excuse me; sorry to bother you. My daughter said I'd find you around here. I'm Lancao's mother. I'm really sorry about my husband's behavior. My Lanlan told me you helped her. Why don't you come by tomorrow for dinner; we'll make it up to you."

The next day, Lancao met her by the tree, and she showed her how she had practiced her movements in secret. She was proud that her student had remained defiant. The girl showed promise; so, without delay, she led her to her house, a rather small tenement not far away. She could tell it was made of stone but couldn't feel the roof. As she walked in, she could smell smoky meat; it watered her mouth. The family welcomed her warmly, but not the father; he still seemed on edge.

She found her way to the table. The food was simple, but she wouldn't say no to a meal.

"It's good to have you here, Lancao doesn't have many friends."

"Mom!"

Her mother ignored the complaint. "So, Toph, what brought your family to Langshizi?"

"I'm actually here with my friends. We're helping around."

The woman sounded intrigued. "Oh, you seem so young. It's not common around here to see people from out East. Well, now that the war is over, there sure are a lot of travelers, but not this far out of town. And what are you doing with your friends here, exactly?"

"We're giving a hand to the Fire Lord." Lancao's parents remained silent for a moment, so she continued. "Yeah, with that Harmony Restoration thingy. It's pretty neat. This will all be back to the Earth Kingdom soon."

Her smile slipped into a wistful frown. "I see… so, you must be one of the Avatar's friends..."

"Yeah, actually–" She could feel the heartbeat of the man rising higher, his breath quickening.

Someone banged the table, and she almost flinched. The father snarled, "You have no idea of the damage you are causing!"

"What's wrong with you? We're helping!"

"Helping? You call separating our family helping?"

"Calm down..." The mother got up, trying to get near the man.

"No, Ren, this is crazy. Why do we have to suffer the consequences? They don't care about us.

Toph frowned. "So, you'd rather live under the yoke of the Fire Nation all your life?"

"You have no idea what you are talking about, girl. This is my family's home. I don't care what those kings in their palaces think or say; they can't take everything away from us just because they thought of it!"

"What are you on about? Have you forgotten about the war? Whose side are you on?"

The man stopped to breathe carefully. "You still don't get it. You and your friends aren't here to help. You're destroying whole families, and you think you're doing good? You know what... Go away; don't come back."

Toph stood up, stomping her way out. She couldn't believe the man's accusations. She could still hear them inside the house: the woman had burst into tears, and the man and Lancao were trying to comfort her, but she left. She strolled back home, mentally checking her seismic map. At least it wasn't that hard to locate it; she was the only one who had a giant flying bison in her backyard. She sensed her friends were inside, already sleeping. Trying not to wake anyone, she locked herself in her room.

She had had a long and strange day. In part, she was still interested in that girl, for she recognized that she had potential, but... Maybe she would not receive her very well if she went there again; and her father was problematic. That man resurfaced many memories of disappointment hidden behind polite smiles and saccharine corrections of "unladylike behavior." And why would he complain about their new freedom?

The next day was like all the rest. There was no one at their house when she left in the morning. She continued the routine of putting every inch of earth between her and the city. She considered stopping at the tree from the day before but continued. Maybe she could use some time to train–

"Toph… is that you?" Lancao's voice sounded nervous.

"Hey, are you back for some more lessons?"

"I would have liked to… No, I'm here to say goodbye. Wanted to thank you for teaching me."

"Is this about your father? You know I ca–"

"No, my mother and I are being sent to the Fire Nation, so…"

"What? But you are an earthbender, you are…"

"No, my father is the only Earth Kingdom citizen… He can't come with us, and… we cannot stay either."

"I… Didn't–"

"It's okay, here." She handed her the headpiece.

"I promise I'll continue my training, sifu."

The girl bowed to her before leaving as she remained there speechless, clutching the object.

***

Music: Two Flamingos (J.J. Ipsen)

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBuESq_j4Y0)

The Tale of the Gaang

A few days before the Fire Days, The Rose-lotus had become a happening place; after all, it had become the most famous noodle shop in the city, attracting customers from all corners of the city. And even though many had closed their doors because of the Harmony Restoration Movement, Ikai had stayed open… barely. If it weren't for the mayor, he would have lost his business a long time ago. He still had to decide what he would do when everyone finished leaving the city. Maybe he could recreate his recipe in the Fire Nation; start from scratch. He sighed, for he was too old for that; he didn't have the energy. He just wanted to spend his days chatting with his regular customers and cooking noodles. What else could there be in the life of a lonely old man?

As he finished another batch of noodles, he turned his gaze to his wife's shrine. With his fingers he lit the candles and incense before taking the dishes to his customers.

"Oh, I was starving, Ikai. Thank you!"

The cook smiled. "Don't mention it. Hey, shouldn't you be making rounds?"

"Pah! For who? Half the town is gone!"

"I don't know, because of that fugitive running around."

"That Niji guy is not my problem; leave 'im to the lieutenant."

"I see. How much longer do you have?"

"About a week until they send us to the mainland."

"Sparks, time flies."

"I'll be right back, Yuma." A woman sat waving him over for her order.

Ikai pulled out his note slate. "Good afternoon. Welcome to the Rose-lotus. What can I serve you?"

"Peach noodles, please. On the double." The woman flicked her hand, revealing a silver piece, and she slid it toward him.

"That's too much, miss..."

"Never mind, keep the change." Under her cowl, green eyes glimmered.

He bowed his thanks and returned to the kitchen, where the next batch was almost ready. He would just add a few peaches and be done. He left the coin next to his wife's shrine and headed back out with the steaming plate of noodles.

"Here you go. Enjoy."

"Now I can see why my aunt recommended this place. Thank you."

"You're welcome. I haven't seen you here before. Are you here for the festival?"

"Sort of. Too bad I came when all this has been going on."

"Don't tell me. This city has seen better times; I'm sorry to see it in this state. Are you from some other colony? Excuse me, I didn't mean to insinuate."

She smiled. "No, it's all right. I'm from Hong Sha."

"Ah, I heard about the governor. A pity."

"Yes, better times will come; don't lose hope yet..." She looked straight at him as she said it, sounding so convinced. The striking beauty of the woman had stunned him. It took him a moment to hear he was being called for.

"Ikai, another one please!"

"Oh… Right away."

He went straight to the kitchen to fetch another order of his famous komodo chicken noodles. Five minutes later, he strolled out with his platter, but the mysterious woman had already left. He went to Yuma to take his order.

"This is delicious. I don't know where I'd find a place in the capital where they serve me like this."

"Yes..." He stared at the woman's empty plate.

"I tell you: they don't appreciate you enough. The Fire Lord himself should put you in business there."

"Well, too bad he has never tried my noodles."

More customers were coming into the store: a group of children, foreigners perhaps? Two in blue clothes, a barefoot girl, and another in an orange hood. Maybe they were from a traveling circus.

The boy in blue was smiling strainedly. "Come on, Toph; this place looks nice."

"Yes, a sight to behold."

"I just handed that one to you, didn't I?…"

"Yup."

The girl in green squinted an eye. "Anyway, why didn't we go to the Cranky Komodo rhino? I heard the–"

Blue-boy waved it off. "No, no, no. That place is old news, you know. Doesn't have the spark it used to before. Checked it out; totally not worth going."

The boy in yellow threw up a finger. "Then we could go to–"

"Aang, no offense, pal; but I want to have meat. Toph as well, right? And how about you, Katara? I know you miss it."

"It's not that bad…"

"You are a terrible liar, Sweetness. Didn't even have to check your heartbeat for that one."

Ikai strolled out to meet them. "Hello, kids. Welcome. What can I get you?"

The yellow boy bowed enthusiastically. "Flameo, hotman. What's on the menu?"

He raised an eyebrow, slightly amused at the child's archaic slang. Definitely a foreigner.

"This is the best noodle shop in town. Just tell me what you'd like, and I'll make it for you."

The boy smiled. "Anything without meat will do."

The older boy leaned forward with his hands on the table. "Oh, I want one with all the types of meat that you have mixed together."

The younger girl slammed the table. "Make it double."

The other girl smiled politely. "I'll have the house specialty."

"Looks like she made the best choice out of you three. I'll be right back."

He went to the back to do the dishes. Those strange children had caught his attention; and he wondered what brought them to the city. Having finished the orders, he went outside to see that they were sitting together.

"There. All settled. So, are you guys here for the festival?"

The boy–was that a tattoo–scratched his head. "Uh…"

The boy in blue gave a thumbs-up."Yeah, actually."

"I knew it. You look like performers; so, what is it you do?"

The boy (was it Soko?) pointed at himself, smiling smugly. "Well obviously, I am the lead performer. The funny guy with the nun robe is our clown…"

"Hey!"

"...she is our strongwoman…" The little girl flexed her near-nonexistent muscles.

"...and she– Katara, what did you do?"

"I dance."

"She… dances."

"Oh, I see… So, are you guys performing tonight?"

Soko seemed to stop for a split second, but the smile returned. "Well, no. We're scheduled for the last day of the festival; so, we're preparing and doing our stuff…"

"Sounds great. I'd do it a bit earlier if I were you; this city is getting smaller by the day."

He began to pick up empty plates from the tables while the boys devoured the food. There was nothing that gave him more pleasure than people enjoying his cooking. In fact, the boy in blue didn't take long to finish and was already calling him back for another one.

"This is actually really good. Can I have another bowl?"

"Of course."

Toph was playing with her food, she had barely started it, she had been thinking about something maybe. He was about to ask her if everything was all right, but she sighed. "Guys, I just wanted to tell you something. Most of you have been busy so... I've been thinking about it for some time. I finally made up my mind: I'm going to Yu Dao."

Aang almost dropped his chopsticks. "What? Why?"

"I'm done with this, Twinkletoes. I was not cut out for this kind of work, plus I already did my fair share in saving the world, so..."

He felt a lump in his throat. "But… We still need you."

Toph punched him. "You guys will be just fine. Turns out I did a pretty good job teaching you; you don't need more brawn now. And I still have a long way ahead. I want to teach others like I taught you."

Sokka smiled, putting his arms around Aang and Katara. "For me, it's fine. I can handle these two while you're gone."

"If that is what you want Toph, I support your decision." Katara sounded serious, but her words came out softly.

Already defeated, with his eyes downcast, he muttered, "...I thought we were a team…"

"We are. Whenever you need me to kick some butts and save the world again, I'll be there." Toph punched her palm. "But this… I won't–" The shopkeeper returned with another plate for Sokka, who was already drooling over it.

''Sorry, couldn't help overhearing your conversation. You don't have to feel sad. That's life. Many times, the people we love will take very different paths to ours, and that's okay. At the end of the day, we will always find a way to meet again sooner or later. For now, cherish the time you have with your friends. That's my honest advice." He smiled as he set the plate down in front of Sokka, moving to talk to another customer.

Aang was paralyzed, for his worst fear had come true. He was not imagining it. First, Zuko; today, it would be Toph; tomorrow… Sokka? Piece by piece, the group would be breaking down until only he and Katara were left. He couldn't help but feel early onset nostalgia imagining it. Katara took his hand. When they finished, they strolled back to the house, and they helped Toph pack her scant belongings.

"Come on! Cheer up, Twinkletoes; it won't be the last time you see me."

"I know... We'll miss you so much."

"I'll miss our training. When you can, come visit. I'll try to write to you guys often; no promises, though. Gotta find someone to do that for me first."

Aang smiled weakly. "...Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Yes. At this point, I don't think you'll change my mind."

"Shall we take you there?"

"No thanks. No offense, but I don't have a good time flying. Just come with me to the docks. The dockmaster here sure has a boat to take me there."

Sokka brought one of the sail charts from his work to show the group. "Yeah, no. As you can see, Yu Dao is landlocked, Toph; but there sure are some boats that can take you close. Then if you look here, there is a road that goes all the way t– " He stopped as Toph had already crossed her arms, facing his direction. "I swear I haven't forgotten this time. I just wanted to make my point. Anyways, you take a ship to Hong Sha then take the road to Yu Dao. Easy as pie."

Katara pointed to another town on the map. "But there is another place closer to here."

He waved a hand dismissively. "Yes, I know; but there's not much traffic going there. The main hub is around this city; the others are supplied locally."

Katara smiled at her brother in surprise. "Look at you. Someone had fun at work."

"Of course, I did; I take my job seriously... Most of the time."

The group prepared to leave once more. Aang gave his best effort not to criticize Toph's decision but decided it wouldn't be the best. Maybe she would come back on her own just like she did last time. She just had to treat herself to some alone time for a while, and she would be back just like that. As they walked, he was convinced of it, and his worries faded. Once at the port, they said their goodbyes, group hugging. Toph gave each of them her affectionate slugging.They waved at her as she boarded a small boat and watched as it sailed off into the horizon.

Aang stared at the receding sails. "Will she come back?"

"Yes..." Katara hugged him, and he continued to stare at the ship.

Sokka groaned. "Come on, don't get all mushy in front of me."

She laughed. "Especially in front of you."

Will she?

***

It had already been two weeks since she left. How they missed her. Luckily, their work was almost complete; and soon, they would be on to the next colony to dismantle. Much had happened. The mayor, an elderly man, passed away a few days after Toph's departure, complicating their stay. And so, they had to wait for his eldest son to take over, who was much more expedient with the paperwork and disinterested in staying in a dying colony for much longer. Now on the last day of the festival, the only thing left for them to do was to relax. In a week, Langshizi would cease to exist. Who knew what would happen? Maybe the Earth Kingdom would keep the name.

They watched the fireworks peppering the sky. Katara murmured, "It feels a little sad," her eyes glimmering with the colored lights.

Aang nodded softly. "I know right?"

Her eyes were now focused on the city before them. "A few months ago, this city was packed with people. I can only imagine what a spectacle the festival would have been if they were here."

Sokka lay on the ground staring at the fireworks, his hands behind his head. "Meh. To me, the only good Fire Nation colony is a non-existent colony."

They spent the rest of the evening in silence until no more fireworks could be seen lighting the night sky. They made their way back to the house, the streets eerily empty and the city now a ghost town, with only a few sparsely lit lamps guiding their way.

A group of soldiers stood at their door, and one ran up to them. "Are you the Avatar?" Aang nodded. "A message from the Fire Lord." The soldier handed him a sealed scroll.

As he scanned the message, his eyes bulged, and he stood there speechless.