The Blind Bandit

"It's pricey, yes, but I really do like it." Sokka pointed out.Azira let out a sigh and leaned against the post of the store. "Then get it if that's what you want""She's right" Katara added. "You deserve something nice."

Was it the truth or was it Katara's way of trying to speed up Sokka's shopping trip? No one would ever know."But..it's just so expensive-" Sokka started.

"That's it, I'm solving the problem preemptively" Azira said, grabbing Sokka by the scruff of his collar and dragging him away. "You're not getting it".

"But Az--

"Don't, 'but Az' me. If I left you there, you would've been debating over getting it the next thirty minutes." Azira stated lightly.

"Hey! A couple!" A guy hurried up to them, a flyer in hand. "You two, like Earthbending? Want to see a good show?"

"We're not a couple." Both Sokka and Azira insisted at the same time.The man just tilted his head at them in confusion before blinking and continuing his pitch. "Either way, you should check out the Earthbending Academy."

Azira just stared warily at the man as Sokka took the flyer. "If I wanted to see a show, l'd find the nearest underground fight club, thanks." Azira said in distaste.

Sokka's gaze immediately shot to hers."You've been to one?" He questioned.

"Oh please, Zuko and you are the same age. He may be a prince, but even he likes watching fights sometimes." Azira said pointedly.

At the mention of her former boss/friend, Sokka soured. "Right, of course."

~~~~~~~~~

It didn't take long for Aang to decide that the Earthbending Academy wasn't exactly his style. The teacher just didn't fit for him and working with a bunch of younger kids didn't exactly aim to help Aang in his goals.

"I don't think this one's gonna work." Aang murmured, a glum facial expression crossing his face.

"Aww cheer up, little guy. I'Il find you a mean Earthbending teacher that'll whip you into shape in no time." Azira teased.

Just then, a group of students excitedly passed by. "The Boulder is gonna win back the belt at Earth Rumble 6!""No way man, he'd have to fight his way through the best Earthbenders in the world to even get a shot at the champ!"

The other one argued.Aang's eyes glimmered with excitement and Azira sat back smugly. "See? Go ask them where it is." She encouraged.

He hurried towards the boys, only to return seconds later. "l don't think they're going to tell me anything.

"Oh they'll tell you" Immediately Katara and Sokka had a hand on either one of Azira's arms."Let's not get arrested, okay?" Katara hissed.

"Oh it's just intimidation. I wouldn't hurt them, Much." Azira retorted defensively. "C'mon Tara, I'l teach you something new."

Katara let out a weary sigh, then followed after Azira. Cornering the two boys was easy. Encasing them in ice was even easier. Getting the answer? Piece of cake.

Azira was very proud to say that when Katara returned to Sokka and Aang, she too had a smug grin on her face. "Were going to Earth Rumble 6!" Katara exclaimed.

"How'd you get them to tell you?" Aang questioned. "Feminine charm." Azira deadpanned.

~~~~~~~

Azira had to admit, she found some enjoyment in watching the tournament take place. A bunch of big strong men that were fighting each other illegally, it was all very fun to see.But the best part? Watching a little blind girl completely demolish the Boulder, who was the best bender so far.

The harder part was figuring out just who exactly the Blind Bandit was and where they lived. Considering that the girl had completely disappeared after the match and Aang illegally beating her, Azira didn't blame her.

"Where do you think we should look?" Aang questioned, looking to Azira.

Azira let out a deep sigh. "lf it were me, l'd check out all of the Earthbending Academies. She's too good to not be

formally trained."

In no time at all, the group had gathered at the Academy that Aang had been expelled from. At the sight of Azira and Katara, both boys paled considerably. "Can we help you with something?"

Azira flashed a glowing and briliant smile. "I'm so glad you asked. Aang, dear?

Aang just grinned and stepped forward. "l had a vision and there was a pet flying boar. Do you know anyone who owns one of those?" He questioned.

One of the boys straightened up, a pensive look on his face. "Well, the flying boar is the symbol of the Beifong Family. They're the richest people in town. Probably the whole world."Oh I've heard of them!" Azira exclaimed, mind flickering to a few business deals that Iroh had run back when they were on the hunt for Aang.

"Yeah, but they don't have a daughter--*

"Flying boar is good enough for me! Let's go!" Aang insisted, leading the way out of the Academy.Admittedly, it didn't take them long to find the Beifong Residence. The boys hadn't been kidding when they said that

the Beifongs were wealthy. Azira hadn't seen homes like that since she had been in the Fire Nation. And that was nearly three years ago.

With large sprawling grounds and a wall around the house, it was beautiful here. Azira turned her attention onto Aang. "Alright, what's the play? We need to get in there-"

"Knock on the door." Azra deadpanned, crossing her arms.

"What? No, we can just climb over the wall"."Righttt"Azira dragged out the word, raising her eyebrows. "Because breaking and entering always makes people amenable to helping us.

"Oh come on, Az!" Katara insisted."It's the best idea we have"."Or we could go to the front door, tell them you're the Avatar and would be honored to speak with them." Azira deadpanned.

"I think jumping the wall is still our best option" Sokka admitted. They all moved towards the wall and Azira didn't move an inch. "Az, aren't you coming?" Aang questioned, narrowing his gaze at her.

"Oh I'll get there, I'm sure. I'm just not going to do it your way" Azira took a seat on the ground, shoing them towards the house. "You go on and I"l be right here."

She watched as they climbed over the wall. Not even five seconds later, she could feel the Earth vibrating. Hmph, she had been right after all.

When the trio came crawling back to her, bottoms all sore, Azira just flashed a rare smug smile. "So my plan then?" She questioned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dinner with the Beifongs was an odd thing-but Azira remembered her customs training. Her gaze landed on Toph Beifong, the Blind Bandit, dressed in all white and sitting at the opposite end of the table.She seemed rather fragile, sitting there and having everything handed to her--but Azra knew that this was a lie concocted by Toph herself. Beneath the gentleness of Toph lay a sturdy and firm interior. She was steel, not porcelain or ivory.

"its too hot for her! Blow on it" Mr. Beifong insisted to the servant.

"Please, allow me." Aang smiled gratefully at Lao, then sent a small spin of air over to Tophs food.Azira couldn't help the proud smile. This kid was getting better and better at appealing to people. "Avatar Aang"

Poppy started. "It's an honor to have you visit us"."In your opinion, how much longer do you think the war will last?" Lao questioned.

"Well, l'd like to defeat the Fire Lord by the end of summer. But I can't do that without finding an Earthbending teacher first" Aang admitted.

"Well Master Yu is the finest teacher in the land. He's been teaching Toph since she was little." Lao gestured at the Earthbending teacher who had kicked Aang out.

"Then she must be a great earthbender!" Aang exclaimed. "Probably good enough to teach someone else-ow!" Aang rubbed at his foot, staring at Toph with annoyance.

"Toph is still learning the basics. And sadly, because of her blindness, I do not think she'll ever become a true master." Lao said sadly

"Oh l'm sure she's a better Earthbender than you think she is." Aang continued. Dinner was short-lived, with Aang and Toph at each other's throats. But still, the Beifong Family was generous. Azira had never been so happy to see a bed in a room.

Aang gave a shriek and Azira spun, nearly expecting a threat. Instead, she found Toph standing in the doorway.

"Relax. I'm sorry about dinner. Can we call a truce?" She questioned. A smile spread across Aang's features. "Now's your chance," Azira hissed quietly. "Go and be respectful." She insisted, then shoved Aang towards Toph.

"Hmph, and you say you have no sibling or mothering skills." Katara said pointedly, staring down Azira."I don't. I just know how to deal with the upper class." Azira said defensively.

~~~~~~~~~~~

After a kidnapping attempt, Toph exposing her Earthbending and extracurricular activities, they had been kicked out of the Beifong's place.

Now, sitting in the forest atop Appa, Azira was almost sad to be leaving the Beifong girl behind. She felt a sort of kinship, in the sense of hiding who she really was from others. And that was not an easy thing to deal with.

Then, just as they were leaving, Toph arrived. Azira beamed at the sight of her. Aang was finally going to learn

Earthbending.