Toph sat quietly, hiding in the schoolyard. The day before Aang had explained to them about the school he was going to, and she had followed him silently, curious. She had never been to school before, her parents to fearful and protective. But sitting here, listening and 'watching', she didn't see anything wrong with it. All the kids seemed happy and at ease, with all their friends. In fact, she was just a little bit jealous.

"Oh, hi, Kuzon. I really liked that crazy dance you were doing." Toph raised a brow as she listened to the girl who had walked up to Aang. "Thanks, On Ji. I could show it to you again, if you'd like." She felt someone aiming for him then, and reacted without thought.

"Wha-? Hey! Someone help!" The attacker yelled, after she had incased his feet in earth. But she payed no mind, jumping up, and trying to be stealthy, walked over to her friend. "Hey Kuzon." Toph said, giving a big, fake smile. Aang seemed surprised at first, but then quickly pulled off a look of expectancy.

"Oh, hey, uh, Toph." He said, waving with a shy smile. Toph then turned to the other girl. "And you are…?" She prompted, tilting her head to the side and crossing her arms. On Ji's heat sped up a little bit but she composed herself after a few seconds. "Oh, I'm On Ji. Are you Kuzon's little sister?" She asked, confused. Toph was about to protest when Aang grabbed her hand.

"Yeah! My parents adopted her from the Earth Kingdom." On Ji nodded in sympathy. "Must be tough for her, huh?" Toph sighed. I'm right here! She wanted to shout, but did nothing of the sort.

Aang nodded, squeezing Toph's hand harder. "But she'll turn out fine. C'mon, Toph, we need to go find the headm-" He was cut off when a fireball was thrown their way.

"I'm out! Now, as I was going to say before." Toph felt an older boy, maybe around Katara's age, walk over to them. He didn't seem to notice Toph as he leaned down to Aang's level, looking him in the eyes.

"Now, what were you going to show my On Ji?' He said through gritted teeth, and Aang let go of Toph's hand. "Oh, just a few dance moves is all." He said nonchalantly, shrugging. Toph crossed her arms, 'watching' carefully. "Yeah? Well no one shows myOn Ji anything. Got it?" He said, and Aang swallowed.

"Uhh, okay, sure. I got it." He agreed. But before he could do anything, the older boy tried to jump at Aang. This was met with a fist to his face from the silent Toph, pushing him out of the way.

"Hey! Just what are you trying to do to my brother? She asked angrily, and he looked up in shock. "You're a little girl; stay out of this." Toph rolled her eyes, crouching down to the boy. She felt his heart start to race, and smirked.

"Leave. Him. Alone." She said carefully and slowly, and the boy nodded. "Y-yes! Okay, I will." Toph smiled, patting him on the head. "Good." She said standing up and returning to Aang's side.

"Picking fights with my top student? We need to have a conference to discuss your punishment. Bring your parents to my office after school." Aang stuttered for a reply at the unexpected company of his head master. "His hand moved up to rub the back of his neck, and Toph bowed to her elder. "Yes sir, we will." She said, and then smacked the back of Aang's head. "C'mon, Twinkletoes, we've got to go home." She said.

"Thanks Toph." He whispered once they were out of earshot. Toph smiled.

"No problem, Twinkletoes." She punched his arm, and he smiled, rubbing it.