In light of Kya's lack of screen time and the events of 409...

Past OCxKya mentioned, but mainly Kyalin

"So...how's Kya?"

The only acknowledgement Opal received from her aunt was a grunt.

"Can we not discuss this right now?" The metalbender growled as she shifted uncomfortably at her perch.

Below, the earth flew past as they made good time, the sky bison lowing occasionally. Really, the serenity of the night sky and the brilliance of the stars should have had a calming effect on Lin.

"He's asleep, it's not like he can hear us." Opal ventured tentatively as she stole a quick glance at Bolin's curled form.

"It's not that I don't want to talk about it around him." Lin snapped. Opal flinched at her sharp tone, and the metalbender looked away, her emerald gaze scanned the night sky as she tried vainly to rein in her temper. She ran her hand through her silver locks before she replied. "I just...don't like talking about it."

"Oh, I see. I get it, you need some space." Opal said quietly. The airbender sought to readjust the reins, attempting to hide her downcast expression.

Lin could feel the guilt already lining itself at the pit of her stomach. She tried again. "Look kid, I might not show it that often but I do love you and I-"

"I know." Opal interjected softly, the corners of her mouth slowly turning skyward. "Really, it's okay." Lin cautiously returned the smile and she inwardly let out a sigh of relief.

Silence persisted not long after, and Lin took the time to truly inspect the scenery below, the clouds above, and the mountains that stood guard over valleys, somber as sentinels.

This could be the last time she could really experience the peace that existed in nature. Yet despite that thought, Lin's mind wandered. Ventured back to thoughts about her sister. About Republic City. About her. She'd been reluctant about answering her niece's query because she was genuinely unsure of how Kya was.

After the incident with Zaheer, Kya moving back to the Southern Water Tribe, and Rahiro returning, Lin had found herself once again out of touch.

Just the thought of the prickly firebender made Lin bristle. Rahiro, with her charming smile and razor sharp tongue. Although Lin was glad that the formerly missing captain of the Fire Nation Army was finally back, she couldn't help wondering if Kya had resumed her relationship with the soldier.

Such insecurities had plagued Lin ever since she had last seen the waterbender. Sure, they've been in a relationship for almost five years now, but the distance was beginning to be a pain in the arse for the both of them. And now the news that Rahiro, champion of the Fire Nation and the half-niece of Fire Lord Zuko, had returned just made things a hundred times more difficult.

Her worries were not a surprise. Once upon a time, Rahiro and Kya had been engaged to be wed. When Lin was only 13, she had heard stories, gossip really, about the two of them. A relatively rapid courtship, Lin had heard her mother talking to aunt Mai and aunt Katara about it. Even last week, Katara had regaled her grandchildren with this tale of two lovers.

Katara had sat in front of Ikki, Meelo, and Rohan, her eyes wistful as she spun the tale out like a thread of yarn one day during a visit to Air Temple Island.

"Rahiro was 21, a newly promoted captain with ingenuity and undeniable charm. A favorite for the tastes of both men and women. However, this young captain had shown no interest in any sort of relationship, save the friendship she shared with her half-cousin Izumi. Meeting Kya had been different though. The 16 year old was pretty, intelligent, and sensible. Finding themselves instantly enamored by the other, the two fell passionately in love.

After seeking the approval of Kya's father, Rahiro proposed a week into the courtship, and the two were shortly engaged. It seemed to be the perfect ending for a whirlwind romance.

However, disaster struck. Four days after the proposal, Rahiro was sent on a rescue mission to find missing White Lotus members. The young captain set off with Sokka and five benders. It was meant to be a short mission.

Two weeks later, only Sokka and a firebender returned, their comrades missing in action.

And thus was the end of Kya and Rahiro's relationship. A union of fire and water dissolved but now reignited."

Lin, who had been in the next room, frowned. What had Katara meant by reignited? She had not taken it seriously, until Tenzin had talked to her the day after.

"So how are things with Kya?" Tenzin queried as he looked over the bay.

"Fine. Going steady." Lin replied as she surveyed the calm push and pull of the ocean.

Tenzin seemed uncomfortable, pursing his lip. Lin rolled her eyes.

"What? Just spit it out."

"Spit what out?" The airbender feigned, although the glare Lin sent his way did its work. "I'm just concerned, with Rahiro coming back. Do you and Kya intend on staying together despite her return?"

"Why wouldn't we?" Lin snapped.

"Well, they were engaged Lin." Tenzin said, his jaw clenched awkwardly.

"That was almost forty years ago." Lin grunted. Of all people to discuss this with her, it was Tenzin. The Spirits must have had a sense of humor. But he was right. Rahiro might have been missing for four decades, but she was technically still engaged to Kya. Maybe she didn't like the reminder.

"I know what I'm up against Tenzin, and I know what to do." She stated as calmly as she could before she turned and walked towards the docks.