Okay, so happy to see that there are already followers even after just the first chapter :) Anyway, I wanted to get this out right away, so here's chapter 2!

It was two years after Katara was taken in by the Bei Fongs that they began to see the child's talent. They realized her bending ability one day after a servant tripped and spilt a pitcher of water. While the pitcher fell and shattered, Katara reflexively stopped the water from reaching the ground and splashing everyone. She gathered the water together in a loose ball and stared at it, amazed. She had never done anything like that before. Her parents stared at the girl as it dawned on them as well. Katara was clearly a waterbend, and most likely a very talented one based on the manifestation of her gift.

That day, they decided that Katara must learn to use and control her bending. They of course, would watch and make sure nothing dangerous happened to their daughter. It dawned on them that Toph would never have these kinds of experiences, being blind she probably couldn't bend. Toph was much more fragile because of her disability, but perhaps they could start her on breathing exercises and whatnot so that she could study with her sister and not feel left out.

Within the next week Katara and Toph were enrolled at the local bending school, and although it didn't have a waterbending instructor, there was no reason the girls couldn't start on the basics of bending. The bending teachers even were able to help Katara with some waterbending by supplying scrolls and helping her with forms, though it was harder for them to grasp since the elements have very different styles.

Katara excelled at waterbending, like she did in most things and studied with Toph until the Bei Fongs felt that Toph was unable to keep up with her, due to her younger age and her disability. By the time Katara was ten they began to search for a master to teach Katara. Toph remained on breathing exercises and basic forms, watching Katara advance and leave her behind.

Katara loved Toph as her little sister and wanted to help her. One evening, Katara and Toph went into the garden to play and practice their bending.

"Tara, can I ask you something?" Toph asked timidly during their walk.

"Of course Toph! What's up?" Katara could sense the uneasiness in Toph's demeanor. Toph wasn't ever timid around Katara, and if their parents didn't baby her so much she would probably be a much better earthbender.

Toph turned to Katara and asked suddenly "WillyouhelpmeshowmomanddadIcanbend?"

"Huh?"

"I mean, will you help me show Mom and dad I can do more with my bending. I want to show them that I can do advanced stuff, like you, and that I should get a master too."

"Toph, you're already a great bender."

"And how would you know?" Toph asked bitterly.

Katara sighed, "I've seen you practice late at night, when you think everyone's asleep. You could bend master Yu under a rock without any problems if they would let you try. I just wish they could see how great you are. You don't need their approval, just be the bender you and I know you are."

Toph stopped walking. Katara saw the tears forming in her eyes. "I wish they saw me like you do 'Tara. I wish they stopped seeing me as so fragile. I'm not a helpless little girl! I can bend! I'm good at it!"

Katara's heart went into her throat. She put her arms around Toph, hating to see her baby sister cry. "One day, one day Toph, they'll see. But for now, just keep practicing and don't let them get to you."

Toph dried her eyes and turned towards Katara. How was she so wise for her years, Toph thought. She was only ten, but Katara always knew what to say, especially how to make Toph feel better. Although Toph was sometime jealous of her sister, she never once resented her parents decision to take in Katara. She was her sister and she loved her.

"Come on," Katara said with a smile, "Let's go in. I'm tired."

Toph grabbed Katara's hand and they went inside for the night. Both girls slept soundly that night just knowing that the other was nearby.

Katara spent every summer after that in the North pole, training under a man called Master Pakku. He didn't usually take on girls as students, but with persistence from the Bei Fongs and Katara's own determination, he decided to teach the headstrong girl. And he never regretted the decision. Katara worked harder than any of his male students, and on top of that, she learned healing from Yugoda after his lessons with her. She was talented and determined. By the time she was fifteen, he began to wonder if she would surpass even him before she was grown.

The Bei Fongs were extremely proud of Katara, and often spoke of their daughter with pride. With Toph, they spoke of her because of her obedience and humility.

Whenever Katara was gone for the summers, she and Toph wrote each other every day. Toph wrote of her practices with earthbending, and how alone she felt without her sister to confide in her growth with. Katara did the best she could to comfort her sister, but the distance made it difficult. One summer, Toph ran away. Katara's parents wrote to her, frantic with worry. A week later, Toph came home, safe and sound. Her parents could detect a difference in their daughter, but couldn't quite place it, and so ignored it. The gap between Toph and her parents only grew wider.

Toph later wrote to Katara about her adventure. She had gone into some caves and been taught by the blind badgermoles. The badgermoles understood her in a way that her parents never could.

Katara was proud of Toph for doing something for herself. Perhaps Toph was finally ready to show her parents what she could, and Katara would be right there beside her every step of the way.

A/N for those of you waiting for Zutara, I promise it's coming! I just really want to establish the relationship between Toph and Katara and with their family first. Don't kill me, I'm sorry, but this has to come first. :) Anyway, you know I love reviews!