"What are you doing here? You should be home, resting!"
I jerked awake at the healer's exclamation, and blinked owlishly at the bright light from the window. "What time is it?" I slurred.
"Eight in the morning- you should get home...eat some food, change your clothes," the healer listed as she looked Lin over, "Has she woken up?"
"No."
"I would have been surprised if she had," the healer said in turn, "Go home- I don't want to see you for at least an hour."
I grumbled incoherently, but did as the healer instructed. I got into Lin's car and drove silently back to her home. I entered the penthouse, and looked around aimlessly. I could not understand why Lin could live with such rich adventures, and yet no pictures or reminders decorated her sanctuary. I hesitantly made my way down the hall and into Lin's bedroom. I searched the chest of drawers, and withdrew a set of soft linen pyjamas. I tucked them away in my satchel, and then retrieved a book from my room. I hastily changed my clothes, brushed my teeth, and ran a comb through my hair before I set off back to the hospital.
The healer threw her hands up in exasperation, but said nothing as she stalked out of the room when she saw me. I glanced at Lin as I made my way over to the radio; I tuned in to the news station- desperate for a respite from the sterile stillness.
'Republic City is at war! Following another defeat at the hands of the Equalists, Lin Beifong resigns as Chief of Police! We transmit live to Lieutenant Saikhan's inductions as the new Chief of Police...' Shiro Shinobi announced.
'It was an honour serving under Chief Beifong for so many years, and I wish her a speedy recovery. It is with great humility that I take her place as the new Chief of Police.'
I scoffed at Saikhan's choice of words, "Right. Great humility- you were dogging after the position."
'Republic City is facing a threat like none the world has ever seen, but there is one man who's been effective against Amon's revolution- Councilman Tarrlok. That is why for all matters involving the Equalists, I will report directly to him. The police department will lend any and all available resources to the councilman and his task force until we quell this insurgency!'
"What?!"
I took the defensive and placed myself between Lin and the door. I prepared to bend, but stopped when I saw that it was Bolin and the woman who had healed me. "Bolin?" I exclaimed softly.
"I told you- no bending!" the healer seethed before Bolin could respond, "Couldn't listen for twelve hours!"
"Don't be mad at Kailyn- it was my fault," Bolin protested politely, "I shouldn't have startled her." He entered the room quickly, and glancedover at Lin. "How's she doin'?"
"Not well," I sighed, "Bolin, what are you doing here?"
"I came to make sure you were all right- those mecha tanks did a number on everyone," he mumbled, and blushed faintly.
"Oh."
The bulge in Bolin's coat pocket began to squirm, and I laughed when I saw a fire ferret's head emerge. "This," Bolin chuckled, "Is Pabu."
"Well, hello there," I greeted Pabu warmly, and clicked my tongue against my teeth while I held out my hand. Pabu cocked his head as he regarded me before he sprang out of Bolin's pocket and then scurried up my arm. I grinned broadly when the fire ferret butted his head against my chin. "Aren't you an amiable fellow," I mused fondly.
"Woah- he's never taken to anyone like that!"
I smiled and continued to pet Pabu, who chirped happily at the attention. "How is Asami doing?" I asked faintly.
"Pretty shaken up- she wanted to come see you, but Tenzin advised against it."
"I wish things could have turned out differently," I mused wistfully.
"Asami says your dad was an amazing guy."
"He was..."
"You must be a lot like him- the airbender kids told me you are a powerful bender."
"The children are prone to exaggerate," I belied, cheeks blazing.
"Nonsense!" Bolin dismissed, "Korra told me you bested some of the White Lotus sentries!"
"A stroke of luck." I made my way to Lin's bedside and idly scratched Pabu's ear. "I would like to be alone right now, Bolin, I am very tired."
"Oh," Bolin gushed, "Right! I'll just...take care, Kailyn." Pabu scampered down from his perch around my shoulders, and returned to his hiding place in Bolin's coat.
"Thank you for stopping by, Bolin," I called out softly before I returned my attention to the still unconscious Lin. I ran my thumb across her calloused knuckles as I took hold of her hand.
I stared at her relaxed face, hoping the intensity of my gaze would rouse her from her coma-like slumber. But nothing happened- not that I really expected anything to. A few healers came in several hours later to change her bandages and perform another healing treatment. Before I was passively ushered from the room, I saw the multiple burns that had charred her flesh. I struggled to keep the bile that rose dangerously in my throat down, but ended up vomiting what little food I had left in my system from the morning before. I blushed in mortification, and leaned heavily against the wall. I slid down into a crouch on the balls of my feet and wrung my clammy, trembling hands. Lin could have died. She could have sacrificed herself in my stead.
I struggled to compose myself- I had to regain control. I raked my hands through my now wild hair, and took shuddering breaths in an attempt to calm my racing heart. I felt hot and cold- the stark contrasts raged war against the other beneath the fragile surface of my skin.
"Poor dear," a healer passing by sighed, and swiftly cleared away the acrid-smelling mess on the floor beside me. The woman gave me a sympathetic smile, and gently patted my uninjured shoulder before she trotted off. Thankfully, the rest of the corridor was void of anyone else- so I took the opportunity to collect myself.
