It's been quite some time since the war ended, but memories of our journey together still linger in my mind. Amongst all the chaos and battles we faced, one particular bond stands out to me - my relationship with Zuko.
From the moment he joined our group, there was tension in the air. Aang, Katara and Sokka were quick to dismiss him, blinded by their past experiences with him. But not me. I saw something different in Zuko; a desire for redemption and a willingness to change.
I remember that night when I visited his campsite alone. The fear in his eyes as he accidentally burned my feet still makes me chuckle to this day. Despite the pain, I knew then that there was more to Zuko than meets the eye.
As time went on, I found myself giving him advice on firebending techniques when he struggled. It felt strange yet fulfilling to help someone who had once been our enemy.
When Aang disappeared before Sozin's Comet arrived, I insisted on joining Zuko during our search for him. It was my turn for a "life-changing trip" with him after all! Although he seemed preoccupied with finding Aang at first, I took it as an opportunity to open up about my own struggles and life-story.
Zuko may have brushed off my attempts at sharing myself with him back then but looking back now... maybe it wasn't meant to be then or perhaps fate had other plans for us both.
Even after everything we went through together – battles fought side by side against powerful foes like Combustion Man – Toph Beifong remains friends with Prince Zuko till this day.