Chapter 1

Toph yawned as she lay on the cushioned chair, one foot firmly on the ground. It had been a long day. She had travelled all the way from Ba Sing Se where she had been living since they had defeated Fire Lord Ozai and saved the world from living in a fiery hell under the Phoenix King. Since that day, she had gone back to her parents’ home, in the hopes of being reunited with them, after running away with the avatar. To her surprise, they had both welcomed her back with loving arms and with new-found respect for their blind daughter. But who wouldn’t after she had helped save the world? Three years had passed and everyone had changed so much. And now they were all back together again.

Toph yawned again. It was so warm here in the Fire Lord’s palace that she just wanted to fall asleep. Instead, she took a “look” around at her companions. Sokka was also lounging on one of the long chairs, barely paying attention to what was going on. He had grown much taller in three years, towering over them all. Other than that, he hadn’t really changed much. He still had his water tribe clothes, as was mentioned in a remark from Iroh before, and was still with Suki.
The Kyoshi warrior was currently laying on her boyfriend, her head resting on his chest. They had been living on Kyoshi Island for the past three years and had become inseparable. Suki had grown too, into a confident and caring young woman. Toph had heard Sokka describe her as a “beautiful rose, sitting next to a fresh pickled herring”, although this wasn’t odd, as Sokka referred to food almost all the time.  

Next to them was Aang, who, aside from herself, had probably changed the most. The bold monk was much taller, at the age of 15, and more mature and sensible, although he still loved to have fun. Three years as the Avatar had taught Aang a lot. But he was still a kid-at-heart. Taller and more muscled that he was, Aang sat leisurely with Momo on his shoulder and his arm over Katara’s shoulders. Katara had also changed a lot. She was still taller than Aang, and had also grown wiser. But Toph could tell something was troubling her. She made a mental note to ask about it later.

This was the first time they had all met in a year. After they defeated the fire nation they had all vowed to remain close friends, getting together regularly, even though they all lived so far apart for each other. But it had gotten harder over time to catch up. By the second year, they only had time for birthdays and the odd meeting, and last year, only Aang had been to see them all. But now they were all back together again, in-time for Zuko’s 19th birthday.

But the Fire Lord was missing, currently in a meeting with his generals. And so there they all were, laying about in his outside lounge, being waited on by servants.

Thinking of change once more, Toph recalled the aspect of herself which had changed. For one, she was also taller, but still the shortest of the group. But she didn’t care about that. She was still tougher than all of them.
And after getting sick of cutting her hair all the time, she simply let is grow, but tying it back in a rough bun to keep it from brushing her face and distracting her when she was bending, much to her mothers’ protests. Speaking of her mother, she had felt to awkward to approach her with some things, and had to turn to Katara and Suki at times, especially when it came to extra undergarments and new clothes, especially shirts. But she knew she was still pretty much the same; tough, blunt and able to tell a lie a mile away. She felt she was static and unchanging, just like earth, despite Aang’s protests that Earth wasn’t static and was changing all the time. But then, what did Aang know? Sure he was the Avatar, but he was still an optimistic monk.

Suddenly, she felt footsteps from far away, heading in their direction. It was Lord Hot-Head himself, Zuko.
“Zuko’s coming.” she the told the others.
And moments later, Fire Lord Zuko stepped into the sun lounge and collapsed on an empty chair.
“Hey, it’s the Fire Lord himself.” Sokka remarked.
Everyone looked up and greeted their host.
“Sorry I wasn’t there to greet you all. That meeting went longer than I expected.” he apologised.
“That’s OK Zuko, we understand. You must be so busy now, negotiating with the earth kingdom over trade routes.” Katara replied.
“Yeah, you’d think it would be simple, but every time I suggest a route, it turns out to be right through an impenetrable forest, or a river, or farm land. We really need to update our maps before we continue.” Zuko complained.
“Well, forget about that now. It’s your birthday next week. You should be excited.” Suki added.
Zuko smiled. It was great they could all be there for his birthday. Unlike last year when Katara and Aang were busy dealing with an oil spill in the South Pole. Apparently, one of his Fire nation ships had hit an iceberg while delivering oil to the water tribes for the new heating systems, the ones the fire nation had given plans to as part of their huge apology for invading them. It didn’t make up for the years of murder or strife, but it was a start. But now they were all together again.

“So, Zuko, what’s first? Are we having a big party?” Aang asked.
“Yeah, there’s going to be a huge party next week on my actual birthday, and it’s been made a public holiday for the kingdom, with street parties and other festivities for the people. I felt that since everyone’s been working so hard, they deserve a break.” Zuko replied.

“Awesome, I love a party,” said Sokka, “Always such good food.”
Suki rolled her eyes. It was always about the food.

“But until then, it’s just us, hanging out like old times I guess. We can do whatever. I’ve postponed the rest of my meetings until after my birthday, so I get to spend all my time with you guys.”

“Oh joy.” Toph said sarcastically.
The group laughed. Even Zuko smiled. It was just like old times.

“Hey, I heard that a new beauty spa opened a few weeks ago in the city,” Suki interrupted, “You wanna go check it out Katara? Toph?”

“Sure, I’d love a massage.” replied Katara.

Toph groaned. “Do I have to?”

“Yes. It’ll be an all girls day. Is that alright with you guys?” Katara asked.

“Sure” was the general response.

“I can have someone accompany you there, if you want. I hear it’s kinda of hard to find.” Offered Zuko.

“Sure, that would be great.” Katara replied. This was going to be so fun.