Riddles and Reasons
Riddles and Reasons
Chapter 3:
Encounter
"So what's your name?" asked the young, slightly dark skinned boy holding out a hand to the small girl. She was small even for an nine year old, and couldn't seem more out of place in the Lower City. With the exception of her pale skin that was not uncommon for those who lived in the lower levels of Taris, everything else about her screamed nobility. She wore flowing white robes with elegant flower designs. Her raven, black hair was neatly held by a gold ribbon into a bun, and she had twin bangs that hung in front of her face. The most notable feature about her, however, was her soft, green eyes. The girl was blind.
"It's Toph." She replied in a soft yet still firm tone of voice. "And I didn't need your help thank you very much." The girl tried to stand on her own, but she lost balance on her twisted ankle, crying out, and started to fall. Luckily the young boy caught her in his arms. This made her blush slightly, something he missed trying to steady her. He has a strange scent, sort of like rain, but at the same time it's also a bit cool like ice, she thought.
"Looks to me like you did, and still do, especially since you're…"
Suddenly the girl's face became irritated and her eyes narrowed. "BLIND?! Is that what you think, that I'm some helpless little girl who can't take care of herself?! Well I have some news for you, I CAN! If I couldn't take care of myself do you think I'd be down here all alone?!"
The girl's attitude and sharp tongue caught the boy completely off guard and nearly made him drop her from shock. He couldn't believe such sweet looking girl could pack such a harsh sting.
"Hey watch it ponytail!"
"Uh, sorry, but that's not what I was going to say. I was actually going to say that you're ankle was twisted and…HEY!! How'd you know I have a ponytail?"
This time Toph tried her best to look him in the face, although she only managed to bring her eyes to his chin. "I may be blind, but I'm not clueless dummy."
"Ah, so you see through the Force right? I've heard of that, it's called Force Sight or something like that, so you're a Miraluka then?"
It was now the Toph's turn to be surprised. Her eyes widened with something other than anger. "How do you know about that? And what's a Miraluka anyways?"
The young boy raised his left eyebrow in a bit of confused surprise. "So you're not a Miraluka, but you do see through the Force?"
"Yeah I do, and you still haven't answered my questions."
"Oh, sorry." Just then he realized that he was still holding her. His ears grew hot and he quickly led her further out the alley they were in to a corner of a building where its base made a suitable seat for Toph. "Well, my dad used to tell me a lot of stuff about the galaxy before he…before he set off to fight the Mandalorians." His voice grew shaky if only for second, but it was enough for Toph to catch. She decided to let him continue before she asked him about it though. "He told me about a planet where all the people were blind, but that it was okay because they could see things in a very special way. They could see the life in all things around them, sort of like echoes and vibrations in the Force is what he said." His mouth suddenly formed into a small grin. "And as for the Force, well, can't you tell? Its something we have in common."
For the first time since they met, the young girl actually let a smile form on her face. "I thought you felt a little funny. And your dad sounds like he's a smart guy." She suddenly felt the boy's heart rate spike for a bit when she mentioned his dad. "Is your dad still fighting in the war?"
"…Yes, but I've been getting less and less messages for him now that he's so far out." The boy's head dropped slightly.
Despite being only to make out faint outlines and certain physical traits of people through the Force, the girl could tell talking about his father make him uncomfortable. She decided to change the subject. "Uhm, thanks for the help with those guys back there." She turned to the side so he wouldn't see the embarrassed look on her face.
"Oh it was nothing." He said as he put his left hand to the back of his head and smiled. "I just though I should get them out of here before you really hurt them." They both laughed at this. "That was really cool. The way you sent those two flying into the wall was awesome. I can barely lift one of my friends for a few seconds, but you're really something else."
A self gratifying grin formed on her face. "Well, I do use the Force more than you after all. It's not as easy as it seems to have to focus all the time to see where you're going, but it pays off as you just saw."
"Yeah, if those Vulkars hadn't ganged up on you four to one you would've probably sent them screaming like little girls." They both laughed again.
"You know, you weren't so bad yourself. It was pretty smart how you used their own swoop bikes to chase them off and then have them run after them."
"Well, I do have my moments." He crossed his arms and made a very arrogant expression on his face. The boys face suddenly lit up. "Hey could you teach me how to do that too. It'd be awesome to be able to see things the way you do."
Toph smiled and two pink spots formed on her snowy cheeks. "You really think it'd be cool to see the way I do?"
"Of course, it'd be the best thing ever."
"Well okay then, but I'll warn you I'm a very strict teacher." She pouted her lips as she brought her hands to her hips.
The boy couldn't hold in his laughter. Toph's voice and appearance didn't in anyway match her maturity and courage. Still, he thought this made her all the more fun to be with. "Well, we better get going. Those guys are dumb, but they'll eventually find they're way back here with friends."
"Yeah, no sense in making fools of them twice in one day." She responded to him with another of her mischievous smiles.
"I know just the place, the orphanage I stay at down here. It's not too pretty, but its warm and I'm sure my friends would love to meet you too."
"Sounds fun, lets go!" She tired to stand, but forgot about her ankle and he had to catch her again.
"How's about I give you a piggyback ride back to the orphanage? I think it'll be easier that way." Right then the boy was lucky Toph couldn't see him clearly enough to know he was blushing slightly.
Toph looked down to hide her own blush. "Uh, yeah, whatever."
"Oh, just one more thing." He asked her as he helped her onto his back and she wrapped her arms around his neck for support. "What exactly were you doing down here anyways? You weren't running away from home were you? Cause if you were there are a lot of better places than down here, trust me on that."
"Well, I sort of was. I just had to get away from my parents, they're just so, so pigheaded. They don't want me to try anything by myself or even leave the house." Her expression grew sad. "Its like they're ashamed of me for being blind. They just don't get me."
"That sucks." The boy commented as he carried her out of the alley and through the streets of the Lower City. "But I'm kind of glad they are 'pigheaded,' otherwise I wouldn't have made a new friend today."
Once again Toph smiled as she blushed. Then suddenly she realized something. "Oh, I never got to ask you, but, what's your name?" She felt him turn his head slightly to try and look at her while he answered.
"It's Sokka."
Toph stirred in her sleep and finally awoke to the sound of the captain informing the passengers on his ship that they had just arrived at their destination. "All passengers, we've just arrived on Nar Shaddaa. Please make your way out of ship through the boarding ramps. Watch your step and your backs folks, good luck."
Well that was a pleasant wake up call. She was resting against a plasteel container with her arms crossed and her conical hat covering her eyes. Slowly she stretched and got up while she yawned and scratched her behind in a less than ladylike fashion. Damn captain! Couldn't he have waited a little bit longer before he opened his big mouth through that mike! I was having good dream too! She thought this to herself as she made her way off the refugee ship with her knapsack and a grumpy look on her face.
Besides her conical hat, Toph also wore a long brown cloak that concealed most of her body. Under that she had on a sleeveless, brownish yellow vest that wasn't too different from the casual Jedi robe. Underneath it she had on a green tank top that was only slightly visible under her vest. She also had some slightly baggy, green and yellow pants on, for max flexibility in combat, and some thin light footwear that were little more than wrappings. Toph was never one for tradition and regulations, even the Jedi's, so these were her normal garbs. Under her hat her hair was still arranged in the bun she had since child hood, the only difference now was that she had more bangs of hair coming down over her face.
Good dreams were few and far between for her. Even though the war against the Sith had ended these were still dark times and they didn't leave much opportunity for peaceful dreams, particularly for Jedi such as herself. It was nice to remember simpler times, like when she made her first real friend back home on Taris. She remembered him well even though she hadn't seen him for over nine years, since the day she joined the Jedi Order at age nine. Sometimes she would worry about him because she wasn't sure if he had made it off of Taris before Malak destroyed it. Toph had made peace with the death of her parents, and that was hard enough for her. To know that he had also died, however, would be far too cruel.
Nah, he was too clever to get caught on Taris. Besides he was probably long gone by the time the Sith got there, he always said he was going to go off world and see the rest of the galaxy.
Unawares to her, from the moment she stepped off the refugee ship she had been targeted. Fortunately for her those that were coming after her only took her at face value, a young girl whose beauty would fetch them a high price in the galactic slave market. Too bad for them, they couldn't of made a worse choice.
Normally Toph's keen senses and Force affinity would have spotted the eight men following her, but her thoughts of the past were distracting her and the crowds of people didn't help either. In fact she failed to notice them until they were dangerously close.
Hmm, this should be fun. She suddenly moved out of the crowded Nar Shaddaa walkways and moved into an empty alley. They followed her in.
"So what's a pretty young thing like you doing all alone on Nar Shaddaa?" One of the eight said overconfidently as he approached her, probably the leader of the group. His slight hiss and clicking toe claws gave him away as a Trandoshan. The laughter of his friends also revealed them to be Trandoshans. They slowly surrounded her.
Toph decided to have some fun and play the part of the helpless damsel. It would, after all, make their beating all the more enjoyable for her. "I…I don't want any trouble." She said in a soft, girlish voice that was completely made up. "Please don't hurt me," continued Toph as she tried her best to suppress a smile underneath bangs.
"Oh there's no need to worry." The leader of the group replied. "No sense in damaging the goods. Isn't that right boys?" He laughed coldly.
All of a sudden two of the eight came up and grabbed Toph's arms from behind. Toph was ready for them though. As soon as they grabbed her she elbowed them both in the chest and in a swift fluent movement brought her closed fists up into their faces, hitting them hard. Then she grabbed them by their chest garments and sent the flying into two more of the group in front of her.
This quickly wiped the grins off the thug's faces. Now they were alert and even a bit frightened, everyone except their leader that is. "Don't just stand there gaping you fools! Take her!" The three Trandoshans who weren't on the floor drew shock sticks to try and paralyze her, but she was too good for them. One of them charged at her directly, but she merely blocked his thrust arm with her own left arm, sidestepped him, and brought him down with a well placed blow to his right kidney. The other two were a bit smarter and double teamed her. This time around she took the offensive and charged them before they could prepare their own attack. In one quick move she rammed a fist into each of their chests, and with added power from the Force, sent flying a good 12ft before they hit he alley floor.
"So you want some of this too, big mouth?" Toph challenged the leader of the group.
"Hmm, I was hoping for a simple score tonight. Slaves have been getting a bit harder to come by after all. But, I suppose I could vent some steam." The Trandoshan dropped the dark brown coat he had on to reveal a streamlined, red and black armor adorned with a black sun outlined in red. He pulled out two curved daggers from the sheaths he had on his back and dropped into a low battle position with both his arms extended wide and one of his legs bent while the other was extended behind him.
Even though the armor's sleek design was wasted on Toph, she could tell that it was durable enough to make it difficult for her to actually harm him without revealing she was a Jedi. More than the armor, however, was his stance and cool demeanor. She could tell he was a seasoned fighter.
The Trandoshan made the first move and made a quick lunge for Toph in a cross slash. She countered by jumping to the side, just out of range of his wide slash, and then she came up behind him. He was ready for this and dropped on down on all fours and sent a double kick her way while using his arms to launch himself and add force to the kick. Toph was caught off guard, but her quick reflexes got her to bring her arms up and stop the kick from reaching her chest. The force of the blow still knocked her back and nearly broke her stance, but it she wouldn't relent so easy. Seeing an opportunity the Trandoshan once again took the offensive and quickly came back to his feet and launched himself at Toph once again. This time around she was better prepared for the attack and moved to intercept it. She caught both his arms before he could unleash his cross slash, fell backwards still holding him, and along with a well placed kick, used his own momentum to throw him over herself. He wasn't expecting this and he lost his footing upon his landing. Now Toph was on the offensive and charged him with punch after punch. Unfortunately for him, the Trandoshan was completely helpless and could barely dodge her, let alone counter-attack. Finally Toph connected her right fist into his chest and she left an impressive dent in the alloy that protected it. The punch was a huge shock to his system and it made him drop his daggers as he fell back onto his knees.
"So, still think you can damage the 'goods' lizard face?" Toph was standing over him with her arms on her hips.
"Grrr..." Knowing he had been bested by a teenage girl infuriated him, and he wasn't about to let her get away with humiliating him. "It's not over yet girl." His face suddenly changed from a grimace to an evil smile.
Although Toph was blind, she could feel the change in both his tone of voice and his morale. Just then she heard the unmistakable sound of blasters being unsheathed from their holsters. Four of the seven Trandoshans she had just fought were back on their feet with blasters drawn. Damn! I got careless! Guess I'm going to have to blow my cover a bit early then. She immediately fell into her battle stance once again and slowly began reaching for something in the back of her belt.
The leader of the group also drew his blaster and aimed it right at Toph as well. "I had hoped to make a profit off you, but I guess I'll have to settle for a target dummy." His voice was harsh and full of vengeance.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you Trax."
All the thugs, including their leader Trax, flinched at the sound of the voice. They all looked out to the end of the alley that they had entered from mere minutes ago. At the mouth of the alley stood a handsome looking young man of about 21 looking back at all of them. He was wearing a black long sleeved coat that came down to his ankles and had a sheathed sword hanging over his left shoulder. Additionally, he also wore black boots and his semi-long, dark brown hair came down over the sides and back of his head just a little bit under his ears. Perhaps his most distinctive feature was his piercing blue eyes that seemed to have paralyzed the thugs.
All these striking features, however, were wasted on Toph who could only see what was beyond the superficial. What she did notice about him was that his aura was the most unusual she had ever felt on anyone, or anything for that matter. It was warm, which meant that he had a stronger affinity to the light side, but at the same time it also seemed partial and incomplete. Who is this guy? The Force surrounding him is so subtle he can't be a Force sensitive, but it's more like it has been repressed or something. It isn't natural!
"Stay out of this Wolf! This doesn't concern you!" Trax had finally recovered his voice and stood back up. Now he seemed a bit more on edge though.
Toph noticed this and immediately understood that this so called "Wolf" was someone to be reckoned with. Well, at least he's on my side for the now. Maybe I won't have to break loose after all. She slowly began to move her hands forward from the back of her belt, not bringing out whatever she had reached for in the first place.
"Doesn't concern me?" The man named Wolf began to leisurely walking forward as if it was the most natural thing for him to head into a deadly fray. He stooped a few feet from Trax, never once removing his eyes from Trax's. "If I remember correctly, I had an arrangement with the Red Eclipse. What was it now?" He began to fake being in deep thought. "Oh yes, now I remember! No refugees are to be taken as slaves by the Red Eclipse from either the Refugee Sector or the docks so long as I continue to bring in the merchandise. Isn't that about right Trax?"
"Hmph! Yeah that was the deal, but we're not on the docks or the Refugee Sector are we?"
Trax may have tried to put on a tough act, but Toph could tell from his heartbeat that he wasn't anywhere as confident as he seemed.
Wolf chuckled a bit. "Well, that may be true, but it also counts if you chase them out of the docks. And isn't that exactly what you did to this young lady?" He pointed towards Toph.
Toph crossed her arms in agitation. He thinks they chased me here! What a cocky bastard! If I wasn't undercover I'd show him as well as these lizards just who it is they're dealing with!
"That's beside the point!" Trax was obviously angry now. "She just made a mockery of me and my men and I don't mean to let her have her laughs without letting her now what happens when you mess the Red Ecli…" The Trandoshan never got to finish his sentence.
Faster than either Trax or any of his thugs had seen Wolf drew his sword and in one swift movement brought it down on Trax's neck and then quickly back into its sheath. Trax wasn't dead, but he was bleeding. Had the cut been any deeper it would have certainly of killed Trax right there and then.
"Let me make this clear." Wolf's tone had gone from light and easy going to strict and angry, something that was matched by his eyes that were now fixed on Trax's. "You violated the deal that your bosses made with me, so that means you're no longer under their protection and won't be avenged if I decide to end you right here and now. You can continue to harass this girl if you like, but you'll die if you do." He suddenly let his tone become light once again and he smiled. "So what's it going to be Trax? Are you going to die a meaningless death in an alley like some common thug, or are you going to be smart and take what pride you have left and leave."
Trax contemplated this for a moment as he held his hand to his fresh wound. "Tsh, have it your way. But don't think for a second that this ends here Wolf! Next time neither of you will be so lucky!" With that said, Trax and his thugs carried out their wounded and left the two alone.
Just who is this guy? Wondered Toph as she collected her pack.
The young man called Wolf looked back at her with a smile on his face. "Sorry for the dramatics, but it looked like you could have used some help." He held out his hand to her. "By the way, you can call me Wolf, everyone else already does. What's your name Ms.?"
Toph was already furious enough from the man's arrogant manner, but to call her Ms.! That was crossing the line! She brought her arms to her sides, marched right up to his face and laid it all down for him. "Listen here bub, I didn't ask for your help and I didn't need it! So don't go treating me like some damsel in distress! I can take care of myself thank you very much!" After she made her feelings clear she walked around him and started walking back out of the alley.
Wolf merely crossed his arms as she walked around him. He was a bit surprised at how fierce this seemingly frail girl could be with her words as well as her fists, but he didn't break his smile. "Sorry, I meant no offense Ms., but I just figured you'd like to keep your lightsabers and your identity kept secret."
This stopped Toph cold in her tracks and turned to face him. She had a perplexed look on her face. "How did…?"
"How did I know you were a Jedi?" Wolf finished for her. "Well, you pick up a few things traveling the galaxy. For starters," he pointed at her legs forgetting the gesture was wasted on her, "your fighting stance is a bit wide. I've seen it used by Jedi wielding dual light sabers. Of course, your upper body stance is rather unusual." He quickly corrected himself when he sensed she might take offense to his comment. "Uh, I mean to say that it's unique, but not too different from other stances I've seen used. I'm guessing you modified an original form."
Toph's expression softened a bit. "Well yes, actually I did, but that's beside the point. Even if you did recognize my stance that alone wouldn't have been enough for you to know I was a Jedi."
"You're right, it wasn't, but after I saw that punch you laid on Trax I knew there you were using the Force to add some extra power to your attacks." Wolf chuckled a bit. "Honestly, though, I'm surprised Trax didn't figure it out himself. Normally he's not as dumb as he looks. I guess you really shook him up."
At this Toph couldn't help but laugh. "Well, I do have that impression on most guys." However, she quickly composed herself and became serious once again. 'Okay, now I know how you knew I was a Jedi, but I still want to know why you decided to help me keep my identity a secret." She let her pack fall to the floor and readied herself to fall back into her combat stance. "Are you after the bounty on Jedi? Is that it?"
Wolf raised his hands in a form of surrender. "Whoa, whoa, take it easy. If that was the case I'd of let you tire yourself out sending Trax and his thugs to the infirmary, although I doubt it would've helped me much." He laughed.
Toph wasn't ready to trust him just yet, but she relaxed herself a bit. "Then enlighten me on why then."
He crossed his arms and responded in a casual tone. "Well, to be honest, I couldn't let Trax brake the contract. I have to maintain my street cred, its invaluable in my line of work. Also, let's just say I owe the Jedi a few. Besides I have a feeling you owing me a favor will come in handy in the near future."
Toph's expression became sour again. "I don't owe you anything Mr.! And for that matter what is your line of work?" She pointed accusingly at him. "Are you some slaver or gang member!?"
"Hey! I find that offensive!" Wolf's expression also became stern now. "I'm no slaver, and I never will be! And secondly, I'm no simpleton thug!" His expression softened a bit as he scratched his chin in reflection. "Although I do admit I don't always make an honest living."
"Well then, just what are you?" Toph continued, her expression also relaxing a bit. She could tell by his heartbeat that he was being completely honest with her, maybe to a fault even.
He looked right into her eyes, even though he knew she couldn't see him, he responded. "I'm a mercenary. I'm jack of all trades and freelance as whatever the job pays me to, bounty hunter, hired hand, spy, bodyguard, scout, and whatever else they client wants as long as it doesn't cross certain lines. Even I have my dignity and honor after all." He said this with a smug look on his face.
Toph laughed extra loud to annoy him. Dignity, honor? This guy is a real piece of work!
"Hey!"
"Sorry, but the thought of a merc with dignity and honor, well it doesn't really fit the job description." Toph continued to laugh as she held her knees for support. "Did a noble ever hirer you to pose as his daughter's date by any chance?" She asked him rhetorically.
The question made him blush slightly. "Well, there was this one time…but I was only doing it as part of my bodyguard duties!"
His response made Toph use all her willpower to keep from falling over in laughter. This guy is unbelievable! And here I thought he was some big time gang leader or Spice supplier!
Wolf tired his best to keep his cool, but this throbbing temple and red face made it obvious that she was working on his last nerve. Still, he kept his calm and didn't lash out at her in any way.
"Wow, you really are something else!" Toph had finally calmed down enough to form coherent sentences.
"Whatever. You know, I'm starting to regret helping you." His tone was, understandably, a bit annoyed.
"Come one you have to admit it's hilarious! I mean here I thought you were some big shot gang member or something, and it turns out you're a hired date for the unattractive daughters of rich nobles."
"I'll have you know she was actually really pretty." Suddenly Wolf's expression changed from an annoyed, angry look into a mischievous one. "Actually she was a whole lot prettier than you Ms. High and Mighty."
This struck a nerve in Toph who suddenly stopped laughing and hotly blew some of her bangs out of her face. "And what's that supposed to mean? Actually forget that. It's not like I actually care if I look pretty or not!" She turned with her arms crossed, but Wolf could clearly see some pink spots forming on her cheeks.
Now it was Wolf's turn to laugh loudly. "So you actually do have a soft, girly spot!"
Toph was seriously angry now. "Forget this! I'm out of here!" She picked up her pack once more and started marching out of the alley again.
"Hang on!" Wolf ran up to her before she got out and put a hand on her shoulder. This, however, was a bad move. Toph grabbed his wrist, twisted it, and flipped him over. Luckily, for him, he was no novice and landed on his feet while simultaneously catching her own wrist in his hand.
His reflexes surprised Toph. Hmph! Guess he's not such a pansy after all, but that won't help much. With her free arm she went for the arm that was holding her own, but he anticipated this. Her grip may have been firm on his captured wrist, but he managed to find enough strength to catch her other hand with his own captured one. They were deadlocked now in an awkward arm pretzel hold.
"Just here me out ok, no sense in either of us getting hurt." As Wolf said this, Toph tightened the grip on his hand, making him wince a little. "Ouch. Ok, well no sense in just me getting hurt then." He released his grip on her and she followed his actions and also let go.
"Listen, I know you don't trust, or probably even like me, but I think you could still use my help."
"How do you figure that?" She responded while putting her hands to her hips.
"Because from the looks of it, I'd say this was your first time on Nar Shaddaa, and I doubt I'd be the only one. The bottom line is that you don't know your way around and if you don't want to give away your identity too soon, I suggest you follow me." He began to walk back into the crowded streets.
Toph was a little hesitant at first, but he had a point. She had never been to Nar Shaddaa before, and from what happened with Trax and his thugs it was pretty obvious she had already made some powerful enemies. In the end she decided to go along with Wolf and followed him out into the streets and caught up beside him. They might have only just met, but Toph felt something strangely familiar about him, something she felt she could trust.
"Oh, by the way, my name's Toph."
Her name struck Wolf like a sweet musical note. Toph, why does that name sound familiar? Hmm, nah it's probably nothing. Wolf looked at her while he continued walking and smiled. "Well then Toph, a pleasure to meet you." He stopped and extended his hand to her once again. She took it in her own hand and shook it.
"The pleasure's all mine." She smiled back.
Ok, so I have chapters 1-5 ready, but I just need to make corrections. Basically, I'll be getting them out fast, but only for a while I'm afraid.
As the title states, this chapter is all about encounters. Namely, Toph and Sokka's first encounter and her encounter with Wolf (aka Sokka). Now this is where it's going to get a bit confusing again because the Sokka Toph new and the person she just met aren't the same person. I don't want to ruin it, but some of you might figure it out. If you want to give it a guess you can try though. Eventually it'll become clear as the story progresses, and don't worry it'll be long before the end. Still, the finale will paint the complete picture.
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar or Star Wars.
