Chapter 12: Visions, Partings, and a Blind Girl

The group had a rather interesting time in a swamp. Harry was pretty thankful for the drying charm at the moment. He felt it was the only way his clothes would ever be dry again. He found the Swampbenders… interesting… to say the least. They reminded him of how southerners in the USA were said to be, but far less classy.

They did at least apologize to Aang for trying to eat both Appa and Momo. They probably only did so because Huu vouched for them after the Gaang beat him in a fight and cleared up a misunderstanding. They thought he was responsible for downing them earlier. The swamp people were rather friendly after that. Harry guessed they got a taste of that Southern Hospitality movies said country folk in the USA showed people.

The trip detour was still an experience since each of them had a vision.

Sokka talked about how his was of Princess Yue. She was blaming him for what happened. He said it was nothing and kept that claim around the others. Silently, he felt it was his own guilt, which still lingered over what happened with Yue.

Katara saw a vision of her mom. She was happy at first, but when it turned out to be a tree stump, she broke down crying. She knew she missed her mom, but she didn't think it would be this hard seeing a mere vision of her. It brought up so many memories, both good and bad, for her.

Aang saw something completely unrelated to his past. He saw a young girl about his age. She was wearing a very pretty Earth Kingdom nobility dress. She had a flying boar floating around her. She laughed and tried to catch it while remaining seated. Once Aang approached, she vanished and reappeared further ahead. Aang chased her and tried to get her attention.

[-] [-] [-]

Harry saw his parents. It reminded him of the mirror of Erised. He stood there thinking they would just disappear. Instead, they talked to him.

"Well?" his father asked.

Harry's eyes widened and his mouth hung open.

"Catching flies, son? There are a lot in this swamp. Some might catch you instead though. This is a strange world," the vision of James said.

"I think he's just speechless. I can't really blame him," the vision of his mother said.

Harry closed his mouth. He then sighed and sat down. He was not going to let this get his hopes up. This was bound to be something bad. "So… What's the deal then?" he asked after a moment.

"No deal. You're each seeing a vision of some kind. You should count yourself lucky. You get to see my handsome mug," James said grinning.

Harry shook his head at that. He gave a slight smile, but he was still waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"I thought death would have you over the whole arrogance thing," Lily said unimpressed.

"You know you've come to like it," James said smirking.

Harry shook his head. He liked seeing his parents, but he wasn't sure what to make of this. He really hoped they didn't just appear in front of him to flirt with each other. They had the afterlife for that.

"Not when we're gifted a short amount of time to see our son," Lily said.

James nodded. He turned to Harry and said, "Harry. My baby boy… Well, not so much a baby anymore. Not even really a teen… A young man."

"I suppose being in a completely new world in the middle of war does that to you," Harry said.

"You're really brave, Harry. We always knew you would be. You've surpassed what we ever dreamed you could be," Lily said with a gentle smile.

Harry almost faltered in his neutral expression.

"You've already had to do so much… You will be doing much more. That's before even returning home," James said in awe.

He gave a smile to Harry. He walked over and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. It was little more than a warm sensation, but that was mind-blowing enough. His mother did the same.

Harry couldn't remain neutral after that. He sniffed back tears. "You two aren't disappointed in me?" he asked pleadingly.

"Never," James said.

"Why would you think that?" Lily asked.

"I've changed. I've changed a lot. I don't regret those changes. It's just…." Harry faltered as he looked away.

"You're in a war, son. Some ways its a worse war than we were in. I'd say you saw more gritty action in that one battle than I ever did," James said with a smile.

"The fact it bothers you is proof you aren't what you deep down fear, Harry. You won't take it back, even if you don't like it. We know it bothers you, even if you hide it from the others," Lily said in soothing voice.

"I talked to Sokka and he said Katara would understand, but I can't ever tell Aang. He'd be disappointed in me. He'd be even more disappointed in himself. He can be so wise at times, but he's still only 12," Harry said choking a little.

"He'll understand in time, Harry. He'll realize you may have killed, but you've also saved lives. You did what you could to not go too far, but like your father said. You're in a terrible war. You were on the frontlines and it seems you want to return to them," Lily said. Her voice was a mix of love, pride in him, and worry.

"You don't blame me?" Harry asked them.

"I'm even more proud of you, Harry. My son… Going through such tough times and choosing to do so. Not for himself. But to help others. You would have made a great Hufflepuff, and I don't mean that as an insult. I've realized how foolish we were to tease them," James said.

Harry smiled to that. "The hat actually said I could be in any of the four houses. It said I would have done well in Slytherin, but I didn't want to put up with more Dracos," he said.

James laughed to that. Lily smiled to Harry in happiness.

James then spoke, "That would have been something. I bet you would have finally dragged the whole Den of Snakes away from their stupid blood purity crap."

"I may do that yet," Harry said with a small smirk as his father chuckled again.

Lily's spirit hugged her son. Harry felt himself encompassed in warmth and love. "You can do anything you put your mind to, Harry. I know it," she encouraged him.

"After this trip… Hell. Old No Nose Junior better watch his scaly arse," James said.

"James Fleamont Potter," Lily said in warning.

"Oops. She said my full name. Guess I'm in trouble," James said winking at Harry. Harry couldn't help but chuckle.

"I do hope you never get your father's foul mouth," Lily said.

"I'll try not to," Harry said with only a hint of a far too innocent smile.

"Words your mother disapproves of aside… It is true. You'll be more than his equal after this, but make sure you don't let that get to your head. Arrogance when facing an opponent is more likely to be your downfall," James said.

Harry nodded to that.

"Well… it is about time we go," James said with a sigh.

"Will I get to see you two again?" Harry asked.

"Hopefully not until after you're an old man with so many rambunctious grandkids, he doesn't know what to do with them," James said winking at his son again.

"We'll see about that. I can't really speak for kids my children would have," Harry said.

"Make sure you never lose who you are, Harry. We will always love you though. And… try not to take after your father's less than admirable traits. I hope you find yourself a lovely girl when the time comes," Lily said in farewell.

"I doubt he'll take after the bad in me. We both know he's best of both of us. We'll be waiting for you Harry, don't hurry on to see us again though. Also… make sure to kick Remus in the bum when he gets all sulking again. Keep Sirius on a leash when needed," James said in parting as father and son chuckled.

"It seems he has your sense of humor," Lily said smiling to James.

"Farewell, son. We love you," his parents said together as they disappeared.

Soon after that, Harry and the others discovered they were drawn close together in the swamp by their visions.

[-] [-] [-]

Zuko sat while looking to his uncle in their makeshift hideout. His uncle was looking over several items. Zuko could tell his uncle was quietly judging him. They were both on the run, but still his uncle didn't seem to take their situation seriously.

"Do you like your tea pot? Do you like your nice things again? You can eat real food now," Zuko said in a huff. His uncle had no right to judge him on this.

"The tea pot is nice, but the best tea will taste the same whether served in the finest of porcelain or the lowliest of tin," Iroh said.

He motioned to the things around them. "These things are nice and fit for royalty, but we are not such anymore, Zuko. I know we've hit hard times, but there is nothing to be ashamed of in poverty. Wealth does not give you real honor," Iroh said.

"There is no honor for me without the Avatar," Zuko said.

"Zuko…" Iroh started seriously. "Finding the Avatar will not solve our problems. Not anymore," Iroh said.

Zuko sighed and looked away. He knew that was true, but it felt like that was all he had left. "There is no hope left then," Zuko said.

Iroh placed a hand on Zuko's shoulder. "No. Do not give in. Never give in! Travelling down the road of despair will only rob you of the honor and dignity you have left. You start to give in to the lowest of instincts. In the darkest of times, we create our own hope. We must hold on to it even tighter! It is far more precious. Far stronger. Far more fragile than ever before. That is how we discover the true depths of our inner strength," he said.

Zuko looked to his uncle for a moment in thought. He got up and left their hideout. He needed some air. He needed some time alone.

He didn't get his uncle. How could his uncle talk about dignity? He danced and sang while being mocked and forced to avoid swords for a mere gold coin. He even called the man kind afterwards. Zuko dealt with that man later, but it still irked him the man did that to his uncle. Zuko cared more for his uncle's dignity than the man himself it felt.

Zuko pounded a fist into a nearby tree. His uncle was right about these being their darkest times yet. As part of the Fire Nation, even if exiled, Zuko never really understood just how much the war was affecting people. He never realized true desperation until now either. The world seemed intent on throwing it all in his face without care.

The first taste of reality came shortly after they escaped Azula. His uncle… His uncle wasn't taking it seriously even then. He was rummaging around, not for food as they needed, but damnable tea leaves! He decided to make his own. His uncle ended up making a tea out of a poisonous plant and got sick.

It was hard finding someone to help them. They were no longer The Exiled Prince and his Legendary Uncle with unlimited resources. They barely had two coopers to rub together.

They did eventually find help. That was when he got a second taste of reality. The young healer, Song, who helped them out of the kindness of her heart, told him about how the Fire Nation raided her home village. She talked about how the men were all taken away, even if they weren't benders. She left out details about what happened to the young women, but it was obvious. Song even showed him the burn scar on her leg after commenting about his own.

He and his uncle were desperate though. Once his uncle recovered and they had a meal, Zuko sneaked them both out and stole the ostrich horse the family owned. Iroh asked him why he was doing it. Zuko mentioned they needed it more than the family. The two of them were on the run. The family weren't and had a home. Mentally, Zuko gave the excuse it was partly for the family's own good.

He wasn't completely stupid, no matter how much his sister would disagree, he knew there would be bounty hunters coming for them soon enough. In the worst-case scenario, his own sister might hear about them in the area look into it. Azula wouldn't take the village's men away. She would burn it to the ground, people and all, for harboring known traitors to the Fire Nation.

That's what he told himself at least.

That still wasn't enough for the universe though. It gave him more lessons in reality.

Zuko thought he had been the most desperate ever as he chased Aang, and they confronted each other at the North Pole. A few days on the run proved how little he knew of such matters. He had never suffered true hunger until now. He never realized how painful it was as it gnawed at his stomach. He had never dreamed or thought of having to steal just for food.

What made the situation worse, is how skilled and good at it he was.

He could get all he needed with ease. He wouldn't even have to use his fire bending and give himself away. He didn't have to dance in a humiliating way while some man with swords chuckled darkly for a single coin in the middle of a city.

Zuko narrowed his eyes in thought. Why had he resorted to stealing so much? He was good at it, but he didn't enjoy it. He seriously only took what he needed at first.

Zuko's eyes widened. He figured something out. It was something he didn't like. He had only started taking more than what was needed to get his uncle to stop acting so foolish. He hated seeing his uncle like this. It infuriated him even more because the man had no problem acting this way.

Frankly… his uncle seemed to enjoy it. He seemed contented and didn't care to improve their lot in any manner. Was it because his uncle was old? He seemed to want for little anymore, but it felt like he was just shrugging his shoulders and going along with it. Zuko didn't want to spend the rest of his days roaming the streets and hoping for donations from passing strangers.

The scared prince sighed. He needed to part company with his uncle. He needed to figure out things for himself. He couldn't just stay here sipping tea in a cave. He felt saddened by this realization. Uncle said they needed to find their own inner strength. Zuko couldn't do that by his uncle's side.

[-] [-] [-]

Iroh was looking over their supplies as a way to get his mind off of things. He was worried for his nephew. He hated seeing Zuko like this. The young man needed to realize he already regained his own honor over ten fold during their trip together. He needed to stop relying on a father who cared only how useful his children were to him.

Iroh paused for a moment. He frowned. He realized his niece needed to do the same. He always found Azula too challenging for him. She was too gifted, too talented, and too confident. Ozai always preferred Azula. He was constantly sculpting her into being the perfect tool for the Fire Nation.

Azula didn't see it though. Azula just saw her father kept her around while he shooed Zuko away. Instead of realizing that meant her father was in the wrong, she saw it as a victory over her older brother. Iroh could hardly believe there was a time when the two actually got along well. He was too busy with the foolish war to take care of the important things in life. Family.

He had to lose his own family to realize that. He lost his wife a couple of years after the birth of their son, Lu Ten. It was during his infamous siege of Ba Sing Se he received news Lu Ten died on the frontlines. Iroh realized then the actual cost of war and how neither side was spared. It was the same for a citizen of the Earth Kingdom to lose family as it was for a citizen of the Fire Nation. War always insisted on taking a heavy cost from everyone.

"Uncle," Zuko said quietly from the entrance to their cave.

Iroh was still in worry as he continued looking away from his nephew and let him speak.

"I've thought a lot about what you've said," Zuko said.

Iroh couldn't help but brighten hearing that and turned around to realize he had brightened to soon judging by Zuko's face.

"We can no longer travel together, Uncle. I need to find my own way," Zuko said.

The two were quiet as Zuko packed his backpack. He was leaving when Iroh called to him, "Wait!"

Zuko looked to his uncle.

Iroh handed him the reins to the ostrich horse. Zuko mounted it and looked to his uncle one last time. He left quickly as his uncle looked to the ground heartbroken. Iroh understood his nephew, but he didn't like it. He had to hold on tight to the hope Zuko would find himself and return an even better man than he already was.

[-] [-] [-]

"So…" Ty Lee said as she sat next to Azula in a position only she could find comfortable or even accomplish. "What's our first stop?" she asked.

"We'll be meeting with War Minister Qin. He has a new prototype of a possible mobile command base for the frontlines. He wants us to test it as a way to show his support in our mission," Azula explained.

"Do we have any leads on Zuko and your uncle yet?" Mai asked.

"Not yet. It is only a matter of time though. Besides… the Avatar is still a priority target," Azula said.

"Do you think he'll still go after Baldy?" Ty Lee asked.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he did eventually, even if just in desperation. He probably still believes finding the Avatar alone is enough to allow him back without worry. We can't have that," Azula said.

"Why not?" Mai asked while not showing how curious she was. Zuko was one of the few topics she actually genuinely cared about deeply.

"It would ruin one of my plans," Azula said without elaborating further.

Mai had no idea what Azula was planning. She hadn't even said which plan it was. Azula always had multiple plans. It was a big part of the reason she was always so capable. Mai hated how she just knew Azula got a kick out of tempting them with her secrets.

Mai chose to look at Ty Lee as a way to show she was bored of that topic. Ty Lee's braids were in a much different style today. Mai looked back to Azula. She noticed her hair seemed better taken care of then usual when away from the palace, even if the princess always strived for her Beautiful Perfection.

It seemed the two quickly slipped back into old habits. That was one thing Mai found interesting in a way. Ty Lee liked letting Azula play with her braids and come up with crazier designs. In return, Azula let Ty Lee brush and comb her hair. Ty Lee loved doing that and Azula admitted Ty Lee was adequate in that job. More importantly, her attentions were similar to a wonderful scalp massage. Azula cared more for that than her hair being tended to.

It was honestly a bit twisted when Mai thought about it, but the truth was Azula and Ty Lee did get along very well. The two were a pretty good match for each other as friends. Azula loved controlling those around her to an extent and getting them to do what she wanted. Ty Lee loved getting attention and Azula for one reason or another provided plenty of that.

Ty Lee was Ty Lee around Azula and no one else was Ty Lee. Ty Lee was not part of her family's matched set with their seven identical daughters. She wasn't a daughter that could be cycled out if she disappointed her politically hungry father.

That still didn't mean the two were a healthy match for each other. Azula had often taken advantage of Ty Lee's hunger for attention. Ty Lee rarely, if ever, stood up against Azula.

Azula shoved Ty Lee when they were younger and the princess was jealous of Ty Lee's abilities. She then called acrobatics stupid. Ty Lee only gave a weak laugh and a strained smile as she said, "You're probably right."

At the same time, Azula could be protective of Ty Lee. Ty Lee was being picked on at their school one time. Ty Lee started growing in certain ways sooner than other girls. They were also annoyed how Ty Lee was really good at acrobatics, which showed off her features. One day when it got close to going too far, Azula scared the girls off in Azula fashion. Needless to say, those girls and no others dared make fun of Ty Lee again.

Mai also knew there wasn't anything behind the girls' behavior. It was not something Azula set up beforehand just to further impress Ty Lee. The Fire Nation Princess was genuinely furious that time. Still, Mai wasn't sure if it was out of friendship or general possessiveness. Azula had both when it came to Ty Lee, and even Mai, herself, to a lesser scale.

More than once, Mai wondered if that was the reason Aula used to pick on both her and Zuko together when they were younger. Azula tried to say she was merely supporting her friend in her crush, even if it was with Zuko. Mai didn't really buy that. She supposed maybe Azula could think that, but it didn't seem accurate to her. Mai instead thought it was Azula's way of trying to separate them so Zuko wouldn't "steal" her friend.

Mai let out a yawn. "I hoped this mission wouldn't take so long to be less boring. I'll be in my quarters," she said.

"I'll let you know if you're needed for anything," Azula said as Mai left.

"Do you think she's upset you won't mention your plans for the Avatar to her?" Ty Lee asked.

"Why, I have no idea what you mean. All Mai has to do is ask kindly and I will tell her," Azula said with amusement in her voice.

Ty Lee giggled to that. "Oh Azula… You know she'll never do that," she said.

"That's exactly the point of our game," Azula said with a smirk. "I love teasing her and she loves coming up with new ways to prove how bored and disinterested she is with such topics. She'll also find different ways to fish for information." Ty Lee giggled again to that.

[-] [-] [-]

"So… are you satisfied now, Aang?" Harry asked dryly as they landed in the Earth Kingdom city of Gaoling.

Aang nodded and smiled. "I have cleared my past life's name," he said.

"After a farce of a trial and the corrupt mayor begged you to save his hide…" Sokka listed.

"But now their Avatar Day is a good celebration," Aang argued back.

"You do realize we will probably never see that city again, or run into anyone from there. It is pretty obvious they never leave their little town," Harry said.

"I still cleared Kyoishi's name," Aang said.

"I don't like that we encountered bounty hunters. It makes sense, but I never thought it would happen," Katara said ending their argument. The others gave solemn nods to her.

After their discussion, the group went shopping for supplies at one of the local stores. Harry was again surprised it was Sokka who was the shopaholic. Harry also realized the reason he and Katara usually got supplies is because Sokka couldn't make up his mind on anything when shopping.

When Harry finally dragged Sokka out of the shop, after Sokka decided for the fifteenth time he did deserve a new bag, they saw Aang looking at a flyer. "What's it say?" Harry asked.

Aang grinned as he showed the flyer. "It's for an Earthbending School! Master Yu gives out lessons to anyone who wants them. The first lesson is free!" Aang said.

"We decided we should go. Master Yu could be the teacher for Aang," Katara said smiling.

Harry nodded. "Just keep your hopes tempered. Usually when it comes to things like this, the lesson is just enough to get you hungry for more," Harry said.

"Maybe. But we won't know until we go," Aang said.

A few minutes after the most disappointing lesson ever, Aang was sighing outside the school's gate. Not only was the demonstration painful as the older students launched rocks at the new ones, but Master Yu asked if he was ready to pay for more lessons. It was even more obvious how corrupt the man was when he smiled greedily and mentioned how if Aang paid a year in advance he would up him to the next belt.

"Yeah… I don't think Master Yu is the teacher for you," Harry said as he placed a hand on Aang's shoulder and the boy sighed deeper.

"I didn't even learn where that cool Earth Rumble VI thing was from those guys," Aang said with a huff.

"I did," Katara said smiling.

"How?" Sokka asked.

"They just needed a little persuasion," Katara smiled innocently.

Harry had a hunch this persuasion involved sharp ice spikes or something. Katara was pretty protective of Aang, even if he was the Avatar. It didn't matter too much. They were going to Earth Rumble VI! Harry was excited for it too.

[-] [-] [-]

"Wonder why no one wants the front seats," Aang said.

Just then a giant boulder crashed into the stands on their left. "I think that's why," Sokka said.

Once the group moved to a slightly better position, the host of the show made his introduction.

"This is just going to be a bunch of guys throwing rocks at each other… Isn't it?" Katara sighed.

"That's what I paid for!" Sokka said cheerfully.

As the match got started, it was actually pretty cool Harry thought. He was grinning widely and cheering at the end of matches, but was containing himself. Sokka on the other hand was instantly a huge fan and really getting into it. Oddly enough, Katara and Aang were watching while calmly debating which of the participants would make for a good instructor.

Aang was crossing each of them off in turn. Katara was a little frustrated and kind of bored. Sokka was probably moments away from ripping off his tunic, dying his hair in The Boulder's banner colors and painting himself. He was having both man crush and celebrity crush at the same time.

Harry was actually looking to his friend in awe. Not even Ron had gone this far with Krum. At least not yet…

"And now!" the MC, a man called Xin Fu, started after the last prelim match. "The moment you've all been waiting for!" he shouted to the audience as they roared and Sokka was twirling his outer tunic above his head. "The Boulder versus your champion! The Blindddd Bandittttt!"

The Boulder was in one corner and a girl Aang recognized from his vision stood in the other. "She can't really be blind… can she?" Katara asked in worry.

Aang was at the edge of his seat now. "I think she is!" he said.

"Is she the girl you saw in the swamp?" Harry asked. Aang nodded.

"I think she is…" Sokka started. He stood up and turned a thumb down before shouting, "Going down! Boulder! Boulder! Boulder!" A few other people joined his chant.

On the stage, the two stared each other down. Well… The Boulder stared. The girl's expression could count as staring, but her glazed over sea foam green eyes made it obvious she was in fact blind.

"The Boulder feels conflicted about fighting a young blind girl," the large man said with a face that showed as much.

"Awww… Are you being a little scaredy rock? Boulder? HA! More like The Pebble. Bitch Ass!" the blind girl said with a smirk.

"The Boulder is over his conflicted state of mind! I'm gonna bury you in a Rock-alanch!" he shouted while striking a pose.

"Ha! Are you so tired from that little measly warm up all you can do is talk big? Maybe I should call you The Gossip Stone," the Blind Bandit said as she laughed at him.

"Bury her! No one can beat The Boulder!" Sokka shouted as several people cheered with him.

A moment later The Boulder was forced into a very painful but perfect split.

"Ooow!" The Boulder let out in a pathetic cry of pain.

The audience was stunned for a moment. "Vengeance!" Sokka shouted.

Next, The Boulder was thrown from the ring with three rock pillars.

"What just happened?" Sokka asked in shock.

"She waited and listened!" Aang said excitedly.

"Winner! And still champion…. The Blinnddd Banditttt!" the MC shouted.

The fickle audience cheered with all of their might for her victory. Well… Sokka didn't. He still looked confused.

"Now. The bonus round! Who dares challenge the Blinndddd Bandittt? To make it interesting, I will give the challenger a sack of gold coins if they win," he said.

The man was about to say no one was brave enough, but then Aang shouted, "I will!"

"Yes… Aang… Buddy! Avenge The Boulder!" Sokka said, but Aang ignored him.

"Do people really want to see two girls fight?" The Blind Bandit asked with a smirk as people in the audience laughed.

"Actually, I just wanted to talk," Aang said.

"Booo! No talkie! We want action. Booo!" Sokka said.

Katara slapped him on the arm. "Don't Boo Aang," she said sternly. Sokka managed to look a little sheepish for a moment.

Aang took a step. The girl grinned. She then stomped the ground and sent a shock wave which launched him into the air. She figured that was enough to win. Which is why she was annoyed and shocked, when Aang recovered with Airbender ease. He landed gracefully on the ground behind her.

"Someone is light on their feet. Do they call you the Fancy Dancer?" she mocked him.

Aang grinned and said, "I am a pretty good dancer."

The girl had to pause for a moment. She hadn't expected him to be happy with such a name. She shook her head and launched him again with another pillar. This time she couldn't place him afterwards.

Aang landed very lightly and said, "Please wait!"

"Gotcha!" The girl said as she sent a rock chunk at him.

Aang panicked and used his Airbending to knock away the rock and accidentally send the Blind Bandit out of the ring harshly. He ran to the edge just as she stormed out. Aang ran after her to try and talk to her. "Please! I need an Earthbending teacher and I think it's supposed to be you," he pleaded.

"Whoever you are… Just leave me alone already!" the girl shouted as she left and slammed the rock doors shut behind her. She was really pissed off, but more than that, embarrassed at her loss. It wasn't even a good match. It was also the first time she lost.

Aang sighed dejectedly as she left. Sokka, for all his earlier booing of Aang, didn't have qualms with collecting Aang's money and taking the belt. "That was really good, Aang," he said.

"She's angry at me…" Aang said with a frown. Katara placed a hand on his shoulder to comfort him.

[-] [-] [-]

The next day the group searched for the blind bandits' home. It took a little verbal persuasion from Katara to get the same guys from yesterday to talk. The group soon learned no one knew who the Blind Bandit was. No one had even seen her outside of the ring.

"What about a boar with wings?" Aang asked after deciding that would be a better approach.

"That would be Bei Fong family. They're the richest people in the whole town. Maybe even the world," the first guy answered.

The second guy was in thought for a moment before he said, "They don't have a daughter. If they did… Everyone would know."

After that, it took the four some time to find the Bei Fong estate. It had high walls, so that made things difficult. "How do we get inside?" Sokka asked.

Harry nodded to a nearby gate. "But the guards," Katara said.

"I've got it," Harry said with a grin as he pulled out his wand. While Aang wasted time on that farce of a trail, Harry managed to finally learn another advanced spell.

A moment later, the four walked through the gate without being stopped. They dashed to the side once inside though. "You can turn us invisible?" Sokka asked. Just then he was suddenly visible again.

"It doesn't last long…" Harry said with a chuckle. He still needed to work on it some.

Suddenly the four of them were tossed into the air before crashing back down. Harry managed to recover thanks to his reflexes from speeding on a broom all of these years. He was the first one to do so.

"What do you want, Twinkle Toes?" a familiar voice asked.

"How did you know it was me?" Aang asked curiously.

"Why would you answer to Twinkle Toes? Fancy Dancer is more manly, and that's not manly at all," Sokka grumbled.

"So… does the bag still match your belt, Sokka?" Katara asked with a roll of her eyes.

"How did you find me?" the girl asked while ignoring the others. She did notice the third boy seemed to be pretty light on his feet as well.

Aang was about to give the full story, but instead settled for, "I'm the Avatar and I was told to look for someone like you to teach me Earthbending. I need to master it to defeat Fire Lord Ozai," he said.

"Not my problem, Bub. Now leave before I call the guards," she warned.

"We all have to help to take down the Jerk Lord," Sokka started.

The girl almost chuckled to that. Instead, she took a deep breath and was about to scream.

"Silencio," Harry said easily as he used his wand.

She screamed with all of her might, but nothing could be heard. She blinked and then narrowed her eyes at the boy who she knew did whatever this was.

"Will you at least hear us out?" Harry asked.

She glared, but then nodded. Harry cancelled the spell.

"I'm still not doing it," she said while folding her arms.

"Please. I spoke to King Bumi and he told me I needed to find a Master Earthbender who waits and listens. Like you," Aang said.

The girl almost blushed for a moment at that praise to be compared to King Bumi. She was still too angry this boy cheated her out of the belt and a good match though. He also made her feel uncomfortable with her blindness for the first time she could remember in her life. She had never needed to rely on the other person speaking to find them.

It was… unnerving for her.

"There's also the fact that while it may not be your problem currently. It is only a matter of time before the adequately named Jerk Lord. Makes his way here. If Aang doesn't master Earthbending before the summer ends, Fire Nation Man will no longer be the gag character," Harry said.

The girl seemed a little troubled by that. She sighed anyways. "I'm not able to be anyone's teacher. No one even knows how good I am at Earthbending. I wouldn't be able to leave," she said.

She then turned stern and said, "Now go… Or I will make you go… You all saw me, so you know I can do it."

The others were about to say something else, but Aang stopped them. "It's obvious we aren't getting anywhere here. Let's leave," he said. The others followed him out after Harry reapplied their disillusionment.

The Blind Bandit was a mix of relieved and disappointed once they left. As annoying as Fancy Feet was, she'd never really had a chance to talk to kids her own age. She milled around the courtyard the rest of the day before heading inside her house.

"Toph! Honey!" her father started cheerfully.

"Yes, father?" she asked meekly.

"You'll never believe who arrived for dinner!" he said with a grin.

Toph then recognized the others in room. She frowned on the inside, but kept up her helpless daughter act. "Who father?" she asked.

"The Avatar! It turns out he and his friends heard of us! They even brought that Savior of Blood Moon the soldiers have been talking about," he said.

"Really?!" she asked in genuine shock. She didn't know who that could be.

"I actually prefer to be called Harry, sir," the boy who silenced her earlier said.

"Well. Harry it is then. We've heard plenty about you both obviously," Toph's dad said.

"What brings you to our town, Avatar Aang?" her mother asked.

"I'm actually looking for an Earthbending Master," Aang said.

"Master Yu is a great instructor. He's been teaching our dear Toph," Lord Bei Fong said.

"Then she must be a great Earthbender too," Aang said. He then gave out a little 'ow' as he felt something hit him under the table. Toph sent a mini-fissure his way in warning.

"Oh hoh… I'm afraid not. Toph does show potential, but she's still a beginner," Master Yu said.

After that, Aang and Toph briefly squabbled under the table as he tried to subtly hint Toph was the one he wanted instructing him. He was also trying to hint that she is a powerful Earthbender. Finally, Aang called out, "What's your problem?!"

"What's your problem?!" Toph shouted back as the table went flying and soup got on pretty much everyone. Harry managed to erect a quick Air shield to avoid the mess.

[-] [-] [-]

Aang was tending Appa when a familiar girl came to see him. He got into a ready stance and looked to her seriously. Toph raised her hands. "Look… I'm sorry about dinner. I just want to talk. So… relax," she said.

Aang nodded to her and relaxed.

He followed her around the estate's land. Aang stayed to the pathways and bridges. Toph was eager to walk in any fashion except for the overly easy way. They came to a stop on a bridge half way over a pond.

Aang leaned on the railing with his staff. Toph sat down on the railing. "I was born blind, but I've never really had a problem seeing in a way," she said.

"How?" Aang asked.

She hopped down and planted a foot on the ground. "I use earthbending. I send out these vibrations or pulses. I can see everything with them. You. That tree. My belt on Sokka," she said.

Aang chuckled. "It does match his bag," he said. She actually laughed to that.

"I can even see those ants," she said.

"That's amazing!" Aang said.

"My parents don't get it. They treat me like some fragile princess," Toph said with a sad sigh.

"Why do you stay here then?" Aang asked.

"They're still my parents. Where else would I go?" Toph asked with a shrug.

Aang had a small smile as he said, "You could come with us. I do need an Earthbending Master, and you're already one of the best I've seen. We've flown all around the world."

"That would be the life. You guys get go wherever you want. No one to say it's too dangerous," Toph said.

Aang was about to say something else, but she suddenly got serious. "Someone's coming. It's an ambush!" she cried out.

Before they could run, The Hippo came from underground and captured them in metal cages. "I believe you owe me some money. There is no way you two weren't in on it," Xin Fu said.

[-] [-] [-]

After getting a ransom note, the last thing the group expected when meeting at the arena was Toph shouting insults. Harry felt his dad would approve of them. Aang seemed worried sitting in an iron cage next to her.

"Here's your money," Sokka said. He placed the sack of coins on the ground.

Xin Fu used earthbending to retrieve them and looked over the contents. He nodded and signaled for Toph's release. He did not release Aang though.

"What about Aang?" Katara asked as Harry listed options.

"I think the Fire Nation will pay a hefty amount for the Avatar," he said while smirking.

"Double crosser!" Toph shouted. She was too worked up and angry these jokers messed up the first conversation she had with someone she could almost call a friend.

"Let him go! Or I'll take you all down," Toph said. She narrowed her blind eyes as she said, "I've done it time and time again."

All of the Earth Rumble VI participants and the Master of Ceremonies got into action. Though, they probably should have known better. They knew how good the Blind Bandit was, and she had never broken a sweat against any of them. This time she was pissed off as well.

Toph commenced with the ass kicking as she would call it. Her parents and Master Yu were flabbergasted the whole time as she easily countered everything thrown at her.

"I've never seen her do anything like this before," Master Yu said in awe.

One by one the contestants were thrown out of the ring and knocked out. It was all done by a little blind girl in a dress as well.

"She's the greatest Earthbender I've ever seen!" Master Yu said.

"That's why I want her to teach me," Aang said from next to him.

"When?" Master Yu couldn't help but ask.

"The first knock out," Aang said as he watched in awe.

"Seriously!" Sokka whispered. "Magic is the best!" he said to Harry. He had been struggling with trying to break the lock on Aang's cage. Harry came over and with a flick of his wand the lock clicked open and fell to ground.

After once again decimating the whole of the Earth Rumble participants, Toph was back at her family's estate. She was feeling a little nervous as she looked to her dad.

"Dad, I know it's hard for you to see me this way. But I'm not the obedient and helpless girl you think I am. I love fighting! I love rough housing and trading verbal jabs with people. I love Earthbending. And I'm really really good at it. I know I kept it secret from you, but I didn't know what to do. You've kept me secret from the whole world," Toph said.

She then sighed. "I know you were doing it to protect me. I appreciate that. But I'm twelve years old now, Dad. You don't need to protect me anymore. You don't need to worry about me anymore," she said pleadingly.

"I hope you don't change the way you feel about me," Toph said sounding worried. She did care for her parents. She loved them, but they were suffocating her now. She needed to see more of the world. Maybe make some friends.

"Of course, it won't change the way I feel about you. But I've realized something…" her dad said lowly.

"What?" Toph asked. She wanted to hope, but this didn't seem like a hopeful answer.

"We've allowed you too much freedom! From now on you will be cared for and guarded twenty-four/seven," her dad said.

[-] [-] [-]

With that, Aang and the others were asked to leave and told they were no longer welcome.

As they were getting ready to leave, Aang heard someone running their way. He looked and was surprised to see Toph panting. She was wearing her Blind Bandit outfit. "Toph?" Aang asked. He couldn't hide how happy he was to see her.

"My dad changed his mind!" she said. "He said it would be an honor to have his daughter train the Avatar!"

Aang smiled and nodded to Appa's saddle. "Let's get going then. Wouldn't want your dad to get anymore sudden changes of his mind," he said grinning to her.

She grinned back and hopped onboard.

"So… How long until we find out he's sent a search party for her?" Harry asked.

"How about… After we're long gone," Sokka answered.

"Sounds good to me," Harry said grinning as they too climbed on board.

"By the way, Sokka," Toph started. "I need my belt back," she said holding her hands out expectantly.

Sokka frowned for a moment before holding it out and dropping it. "Ow! That's my foot!" Toph said with a frown as the heavy belt landed on it.

"Sorry…" Sokka said sheepishly.

Katara immediately began healing Toph's foot. "Woah… It feels better already," Toph said impressed.

"I can heal, but try not to make a habit of getting hurt. I much prefer using my waterbending to send idiots flying backwards instead or encasing them in ice for interrogations," she said.

She wasn't sure why she was saying it that way. She had a feeling Toph would react best to that. She kind of wanted to really get along with the only other girl in their group.

"I think I'm going to like this group," Toph said grinning as they flew off into the night.

"Welcome to the team," Harry said to her.

"You better not silence me again like that," Toph warned him causally.

"Only if you snore," Harry promised while grinning.

Toph chuckled to his answer. She was surer than ever this was the best choice.

A/N: And now Toph has joined the team! I will be making her a bit more foul mouthed here. This isn't a kid's show on day time television. I also feel it fits her character.

I would like to hear what people thought of Harry's swamp vision.