Chapter 40.3- And so the Dragons Danced

-

In the end, the day of Black Sun came like any other. The sun rose from the East, and seemed like it would set in the west. The birds chirped and sang from rooftop to rooftop, and the food still tasted like absolute arse.

“One would wonder if the Earth Kingdom has never heard of spice before” I said, making the last spoonful I could shove down before pushing the plate away.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, this is delicious” Toph leaned over and dragged my plate towards her with one hand even as she tore through her meal with the other.

“I have to agree with Natsu on this one”, Toji said, also pushing his plate away.

“Are you going to finish that?” She asked him, pointing at the plate, except that her spoon was pointed a few feet away, still he got the message

“Knock yourself out” He replied and she wasted no time in reaching out and grabbing the bowl of broth and bringing it towards her.

“Yeah, just have fun with that, we’ll be in the office” I said as Toji and I got up.

“Is everything in order?” I asked as we walked.

“Yup. The firebenders have been briefed to not panic and not draw attention to themselves if they find themselves unable to bend at anytime during the day”

“Good. And you made sure to not mention the eclipse or link it in any way?”

“I’m not stupid.”

“Never said you were. I’m sorry, this is just a lot for me.”

“No one is going to attack us. No one would dare”

“That’s oddly confident of you”

“You have the dai li, the Fire Nation Army, and then both Toph and I here with you. You are as safe as can be.”

“We both know it’s not my safety I care about. Losing Ba Sing Se would lose us everything”

“Then it’s a good thing we’ll be losing nothing today. Let’s get to the office so you can bury your head in more dusty scrolls” I chuckled at his words. Someone, most likely Toji, had authorized an expedition into the shipwrecked remains of my fleet and been able to rescue a substantial amount of scrolls and tomes. I had thought them lost, so their sudden appearance yesterday had thrown me for a loop, but I was oh so grateful for their retrieval. For one, there was the chance that they’d help me figure out combustion bending finally.

“Thank you Toji”

“You’ve never needed to. Don’t start now” He just replied.

“Too late. I already did” I said, walking ahead of him to get to the office.