Chapter 24

Raoh was sitting by a food stall in a new set of clothes. Same style, dark colours, and black hats. Fong was barely able to eat after the loss he suffered. 

"So… what are you going to do? Going back to the base." Raoh asked. 

Fong furrowed his eyebrows and said. "No, I can't do that. Not just because I lost to a little girl. Besides, I need to find a doctor, and my wounds will be treated in a few days." 

"Don't misunderstand me," Raoh said. "I'm not concerned about your health. I'm concerned that you will stall us…" 

"You know, that delivered more emotional damage to me than the physical one." Fong just closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He then turned to Zuko. "What do you think?" 

"It would be best if we had you… but if you are going to stall us, it's better for you to hide and treat your wounds." Zuko said. 

"Guess I have no choice." Fong lowered his head, picked up his bow, and started drinking the soup. 

"I'll give you a couple of days. If your condition doesn't get better, I'll send you on your way." Raoh said. 

"Don't worry. It's not the first time I get beaten like this." Fong said. "Okay, maybe it's the first time, by a little girl." 

"There is only one thing little here, and it's your gut…" said a feminine voice that came behind them. 

Turning their heads, they saw the Blind Bandit, wearing some cloak. She pushed it back revealing her face with her hair untied. It seems she changed her look before coming. 

"So, you decided to come?" Raoh asked. 

"You said you are up for a fun adventure…" Toph picked up a chair, sat on it, and placed her feet on the table. 

Zuko turned his face and cringed. 

"Don't make that expression, big boy," Toph said to Zuko. 

Zuko narrowed his eyebrows. "I didn't even show it to you… besides, you are blind, how can you see it?" 

"I can see far better than everyone," Toph said with a relaxed tone as she picked up a bottle that was next to Raoh. 

"Be careful, it has alcohol," Raoh said. 

Toph smiled. "I'm not a weak little girl…" she then drank it in one go. 

Raoh shrugged his shoulders. Not everyone has his metabolism, so… she may get a little dizzy.

"So, what I'm signing up for." She asked. 

"Just an adventure to the South, to awaken the Avatar, and save the world." Toph dropped the bottle, and Roah prevented it from falling using his feet. With one movement, he sent the bottle flipping in the air before landing on the table. 

"You're kidding, right?" 

"No. Actually, we are." Zuko said. "I'm the Banished Prince of the Fire Nation, Zuko, you may have heard about me." 

Zuko decided to expose his identity, just to assure that they are honest. 

"You are making fun of me because I am blind." 

Zuko let a sigh, put his finger on her palm, and in the next second, Toph took her hand back in a swift subconscious movement; 

"Hey, that's hot," Toph said. "You almost burned me… hold on… you used Fire Bending." 

"Well, he is the prince indeed. And I am, if you heard about me, The Ripper." Raoh said. "We are on a journey to the south pole, and we are gathering the best benders to teach the avatar on our way. We can use a woman like you, Toph." 

Toph crossed her arms and stared blandly between her feet. "Hmm… only The Ripper sounds fun here… so, you think I am the best Earth Bender." 

"We didn't know you, he is the one to recommend you," Zuko said. 

"Yes. I've seen you fight before, and I knew then, that you are the best." Raoh said. 

"And you seem to be the strongest Non-Bender so far," Toph said as if flirting back. 

"So, what are you saying?" Raoh said. 

"I need to know your name… I can't call you the Ripper all the time." 

"I'm Raoh… just Raoh." He introduced himself. 

"No last name, Orphan?" Toph said, somehow teasing. "Poor thing." 

"You can say." Raoh sighed. He has to get used to how she says things. 

"I'm Toph Beifong." She smiled and said. 

The other two introduced themselves. 

"So, you are joining us…" Raoh asked.

"Okay. I'll have you know this." Toph said. "I'm not joining any rebellion or anything. But If I am doing this, it will be because I had enough from my home, and I want to live my life." 

"Sounds like a good deal." 

"But sorry… I have one problem." 

"What?" Zuko interrupted. 

Toph pointed to Fong. "He will slow us like this. Let's just take him to my family's doctor, and then leave in the next couple of days. No offence, Funny Beard guy."

Fong clenched his teeth and didn't say anything. He forced a smile and said. "I'll be glad for that." 

"Toph," Zuko called. 

"What?" 

"You know that our identities are secret, and must remain so." 

"Yeah, I know," Toph said. "Now, order me some food. Your treat"

"Hah?" Zuko raised his eyebrow. 

"Come on… where are your manners? I'm your new member, treat me well."   Toph said as she raised her head. 

"Just order whatever you want." Zuko rolled his eyes.