"I can jump and it does not hurt." The four year old Tenzin bragged.
"Lin can jump higher" Three year old toddler challenged.
So they got in to an adorable bickering about whose better at jumping. Toph and Katara 'watched' them while they chatted about week's happenings. It had been three years since Lin was born and Toph was doing great as the chief of Police. Her reputation flew across the united Republic of Nations as someone not you mess with and a great leader who lived in solitude. Citizens respected her as much as they respected the Avatar.
Toph visited the Air temple island once or twice a week, with Lin. Or else Katara would sent Aang or go herself to the Police head quarters and make such big fuzz about Toph not visiting. The worry Katara felt about Toph, when she learned that Ohev had walked out, had never left her.
Tenzin and Lin played their way to the cliff side of the temple arguing all the way. Neither Katara nor Toph thought they were going to prove their points. 15 minutes later Katara saw two tiny figures at the top of the highest cliff, which was far away from the main part of the temple, where Katara and Toph sat talking.
"TENZIN!" she shouted standing up. Katara had a feeling that something bad is going to happen. Toph got to her feet as well. "You don't think they are gonna-" She didn't get to finish her say. Katara's shout was not heard by Tenzin or Lin. They were too far. Tenzin jumped off the cliff and landed safely on his toes, thanks to his air bending. "HA! Told ya!" he yelled happily as Lin pouted from the top of the high cliff. "Lin can do better." She said preparing to jump.
Katara ran frantically towards the cliff side, shouting "someone, stop her!" Toph was earth-riding to the cliff side but it was too late. Lin jumped. The three year old jumped off the highest cliff just to prove that she's better than her friend. The rushing air terrified her and she shrieked. Toph abruptly stopped. No terrified shriek escaped her lips. She stood there, mouth slightly agape and posture frozen, as she heard what could be the final shriek of her only child.
Katara saw a man flew up, gleaming blue fire shooting from his feet. He caught Lin in the mid air and landed gracefully on earth. Relief washed over Katara as she let out the breath she held. "Thanks spirits!" she whispered falling on her knees. As the man walked towards them, Lin safely scooped up and Tenzin holding his hand, Katara recognized him to be Commander Zen of the Order of the white Lotus.
He bowed to both Katara and Toph. "You got one daring kid, chief" Zen said as he turned to Toph. "Lin jumped from his arms to Toph and flung her tiny arms around Toph's neck. "Mommy, Lin jumped!" She said. Toph's hands automatically flew around Lin and she hugged her tight. Zen noticed how shaken their esteemed chief of Police was. Her knuckles were white and her usually pale face was paler than imaginable. Her hands trembled slightly as she tightened her grip around Lin's tiny figure. Zen placed a gentle hand on Toph's shoulder and spoke in a calming tone. "She's safe now chief Bei-Fong." Toph gave him a curt bow, unable to speak. Zen returned the bow and walked towards Katara and handed Tenzin to her. "The Chief is very much shaken. Take good care of her Master Katara" He told her as Katara thanked him gratefully. Katara watched the fire-bender walk back to the podium down the cliff where he assumed his duty. From the corner of her eyes Katara saw Toph standing where she was. As if she was a statue. She sent Tenzin back to the temple with one of the Air acolytes and walked towards Toph.
"Come on. Let's get her inside." She said guiding Toph back to the house. Toph didn't speak. She let Katara guide her while she clung to Lin as if her life depended on her.
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Katara made some ginger root tea as Toph sat still hugging Lin. Lin had fallen asleep on Toph's shoulder. Katara walked to her and sat placing the steaming tea cups on the table. She got Lin from Toph and put her to bed. Toph sighed and took her tea, avoiding Katara's gaze. She took a sip keeping her head bowed. "Toph" Katara said trying to get Toph to talk about what happened. But Toph didn't answer. She was terrified by the mere memory. She was terrified by the fact that she couldn't protect Lin on her own. The very feeling she endured at the day Ohev left was creeping up her veins once again. Insecurity.
Katara saw right through her. She stood up as her motherly instinct took over. "Lian. Make a room for Chief Bei-Fong and Lin. They are staying here tonight." She told an acolyte as she sat down beside Toph. "I will talk to Tenzin, and make sure this doesn't happen ever again."
"I can't stay Katara. I have to go to work tomorrow." Toph said in a small voice. Katara didn't say anything. She picked up the phone and made a call. "This is councilwoman Katara. Chief Bei-Fong will not report to work tomorrow. Put the Second-In-Command in charge for tomorrow."
Toph tried to stop Katara but she held Toph's wrist. "You are in no condition to work Toph. You need to recover from the shock." She said hanging up the phone.
"I'm fine!" Toph lied. Katara took a good look at Toph's still pale knuckles, chalk white face and trembling hands before she said, "Yeah, right!" Then she put an arm around the shaking earth-bender and pulled her in to a sisterly hug. Toph did not protest. She stayed in Katara's comforting hug, marveling on the fact that she can't protect Lin forever. At least not alone!