The Blind Bandit

by frivolousthoughts838

Incredibly over-protective parents, blessed with a daughter, devastated to find out she's blind. This is the story of Toph Beifong, learning and fighting for freedom from her guardians. She finds ways to fend for herself, while also realizing that her parents treat her only with good intent. All during the 100 year war, this is what happened before Aang and friends found her.

Prologue:

The wealthy man arrived, in his polished suit and nose held high, slowly opening the thick mustard-coloured curtains, hesitant to see his wife's condition after giving birth. "It's a girl!" the nurse whispered merrily, as Lao Beifong stepped in and rushed to his wife, embracing her with emotion that couldn't possibly be described in words. Poppy Beifong lay in the cot, pale and sweaty, sobbing tears of relief and joy, yet smiling crookedly. In her weak arms rested a fragile baby girl, wrapped in mounds of cloth. Lao held his arms out, and Poppy carefully placed the baby in his trembling arms. "She's... beautiful" he breathed. The nurse then cleared her throat, cutting off the couple's moment of happiness. She motioned for them to give her the baby, it was time to wake her from her short slumber and make sure she was healthy and whole. Gently patting the baby's cheeks, the nurse quickly got her whining and crying, just like a healthy infant should. The Beifongs began to sigh and smile in relief, but were shortly interrupted by the look of despair and shock in the nurse's expression, as she stared into the baby girl's now wide open, brilliant grey-green eyes. "Her eyes... I'm incredibly sorry Poppy... your daughter... she is blind" the nurse stuttered, her voice cracking, as she stood awkwardly, unsure what else to say. "No..." Poppy moaned, as she buried her faced in her arms and cloth, breaking into quiet sobs. Lao Beifong sat, frowning at the ground; a single tear ran down his cheek. He wiped it away, breathing deeply. "Don't worry dear. I will do everything and anything in my power to keep our daughter safe from the world. Safe from the war.", he assured her, gazing out the window, as If he could almost see the terrifying attackers in the distance, coming to destroy all peace in their orderly town. Poppy rose from her cot, shivering and staggering. She picked up her precious daughter from the nurse and clutched her tight against her chest. "I… I just can't believe it" she murmured. "My little Toph Beifong is blind."