A/N: Some foreshadowing. I found a quote online that... I just had to use it, so I don't own that, I don't own LoK, and I don't own Dark Paradise. - Diana
P.s: This is the quote that I used; 'We tell lies when we are afraid... afraid of what we don't know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us. But every time we tell a lie, the thing that we fear grows stronger.'- Tad Williams.
'All my friends tell me I should move on, I'm lying in the ocean singing your song, Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ahhh, That's how you sang it...'
Lin awoke in a sore state. She was unaware of how she was. All she remembered was the day prior she had spent the rest of the evening with Jung. 'Oh spirits... Jung...'
She quickly looked to her side. Empty.
Lin bit her lower lip intently. What had she and Jung done? She sat in her bed. Processing the events, then it hit her. She had poured herself into this man, and he did the same. He had tried to comfort her and she caved into the intoxication of lust. They both had promised to never speak of it again or were it too never to do so again? The real question now was where was he? He had left her naked in her own bed alone. She tried to recollect more information; he had mentioned something about gathering information about somebody that was on the loose or something.
"You better not get yourself into trouble Jung, I swear I'm not doing diddly-squat for you. You'll need to get your own help." She said aloud.
As she swung her legs over her bed and started to dress herself for work.
'Jeez, the least he could've done was write a note. Noo, he screws me and leaves without a word...'
Resting on the dresser was a note from Jung.
Dear Lin,
By the time you read this, either I have left or I am still here. Doubt that I'll be still here. Don't worry, I left to go finish about my business. No, I won't get in trouble with the law; I find no need for it to go to such extremities. Have a nice day. Remember to keep your promise and I'll keep mine.
Sincerely,
Kei Jung
'I spoke too soon, he isn't a jerk after all, hmm, I should let those closest to him know that he's a softy. Ha, that'll be the end of his reign of being the mysterious type.'
She looked at the note once again. Somehow she felt that she wouldn't be seeing Jung anytime soon. After their lust filled night, they wouldn't be so open to each other, unless they wanted to. She shook her head. She was already late enough, well, she was the chief of police, why was she even worrying.
It was only 9'o'clock in the morning. She was supposed to be in a bit earlier then that. How she enjoyed the essence of the morning. Yeah right, she was just like her mother. If she could she'd keep herself wrapped under her covers until late afternoon. That was so very tempting to Lin. As she stepped out of her home and onto the busy street. She started wondering on whom could Jung possibly be looking for. Obviously it had to be a criminal, clearly it had to be. For him to say that it was someone on the loose then by all means Lin had the right to assume it was a criminal. Then again, he had also mentioned he didn't want to involve any one else.
'What are you up to Ostrich Horse, you're known for being the reserved quiet jerk at times but you're as soft as a platypus-bear.'
Lin tried to stifle her laugh. She needed to keep her cool-calm demeanour in check. People would suspect something was going on with her and that quite frankly she didn't need more noses in her private life. She continued en route. Something caught her attention; it was those reddish-yellow robes that flowed slightly past her. With a clearing of his throat just to disturb her.
"Good morning, Lin" Tenzin greeted.
Lin only looked at him long and hard, not responding to him. She was also trying her best not to seem to pleased at all. She turned her body towards the left and left Tenzin without a response.
She felt utterly guilty now.
'You shouldn't be feeling guilty, he has no need to find out such things from you. He's married, you're single, enough said.' Lin told her self as she finally arrived to the police station.
'Loving you forever can't be wrong, Even though you're not here, I won't move on, Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ahhh,That's how we played it...'
Lin's trips to Gaoling were shorter by each month and within those months she rarely saw the trio that adorn themselves across from her training spot with her children.
'I wonder what's going on with those three.'
"Earth to mom, Helloooo." Mo Li said as she waved a hand in front of her face.
Lin pouted. "Hello to you too Mo Li." Lin said sarcastically to her daughter.
"Jeez, mom, you've been distracted for this whole training session. Is it because our lovely friends aren't around?" Mo Li questioned.
Again Lin pouted.
"No, I'm just thinking, that's all. Now where's your brother?"
"Uh... Hmm, good question."
Lin sighed. She used her seismic sense to find him. Once she pinpointed where Jie was, she and Mo Li devised a plan to scare the boy.
After deliberating who'd go where, they winked and trotted to their positions. They both perfectly knew where Jie was. There he was crouching behind a bush.
Lin had done the gesture of on the count of three. As her she did so, and finally made it to one, she let Mo Li do all the work. Encasing Jie in a cage of earth.
"What the... Jeez, can you two stop that. Honestly, I have to be adopted, tell me I'm adopted." Jie said as his mini heart attack stopped after realizing that it was his sister and mother.
"I only wish." Lin told him.
"But I wouldn't change you for the world." She added with a wink.
Mo Li giggled only to stop.
"Did you guys hear that?" Her daughter asked.
As all three listened carefully. A soft but sweet voice rang through the air the melody that whoever was singing sent shivers in all three of them.
'I'm the sun to your morning and you the moon to my night, let the stars, shine bright, and the heavens will arise, let the night sky fall, may our lives shine as strong as the sun and may our lives be as calm as the moon. For I am your sun and you my moon, forever, we will rise and fall. '
As the final note was sung, the words stuck like glue. Who was this mysterious singer?
"HEY, that was really good!" Mo Li yelled.
By yelling, it caused some of the inhabitants to scatter about and made the leaves in the trees to rustle and fall.
"Thanks, Mo Li, except next time don't yell, and don't spy on me Jie." The sweet and familiar voice said.
"I wasn't spying I was hiding... Two completely different things," Jie said defiantly.
Lin looked around; she didn't see the young princess. When she turned around her face was inches away from the young girls.
"Spirits! What are you doing?" Lin exclaimed as she placed a hand towards her chest.
Rui giggled. "Sorry. I'm just, y'know hanging around in a tree branch."
Soon enough Lin's children were at her side.
"Can you not hang yourself like that you could get hurt..." Jie said.
Rui only looked at him with an arched eyebrow, her brown hair loosely dangling.
"Mm, sure, let me just readjust myself."
Rui swung herself up and gripped the branch with her hands to push her body down; she dangled from the branch, only to lightly let go of the branch and land perfectly on the ground.
"Happy? Don't even answer. It's nice seeing you guys." Rui said with a genuine smile.
All three were gawking at her flexibility and coordination.
"Are you part monkey or something?" Mo Li asked.
Rui shook her head.
"Perhaps in a past life, I do a lot of things on my spare time. I'm not just the princess; I like doing things too."
"Yeah but... Don't you have to follow the rules or I don't know what you royals do." Jie stated.
Rui bit her lower lip. It looked as though as if she was holding a laugh.
Rui cleared her throat.
"Well, you, your sister and mother and I, were all humans aren't we? We may not share the same wealth or status but we're very much a like. Even if it isn't visible to many. Plus the rules that you speak of... I've broken too many, and this is that I'm only eleven." Rui said with a slight chuckle.
Lin was taken aback. Such a young girl and she already has her feet firmly placed with her ideals and views. If only others were to see what she saw, to treat one another as an equal not from what they have and do.
Jie and Mo Li looked at each other questioningly.
Lin clicked her tongue.
"I'm not one to intrude but where's your normal company?" Lin asked the girl.
"Jung and Takim? They're at Ba Sing Se. Jung's taking care of business down there, with his dojo and stuff. Takim's just helping out, while I'm here for a few days and then I head out." She explained.
Lin nodded.
"Wait you're leaving?" Mo Li asked.
"M-hmm, I need to according to someone at the palace that I have to get to know my own kingdom. I must witness the people, the atmosphere. Blah blah... I don't mind. I like meeting new people; it's just... It takes away from my little training sessions and my time to actually have fun. That's why I climb trees... Not all the time, I'm cooped up reading books in the palace." She told the three honestly and then sighed.
"It doesn't help when my own pet just decides to wander off... Speaking of which... Where'd he go?"
Rui shrugged.
"He'll pop up eventually. Aren't you guys training right now, I mean weren't?" She asked.
"We were, until our mom decided to space out." Jie and Mo Li said in unison.
Lin scowled.
"I was thinking... Not spacing out."
"Sure..." They said in unison.
Rui only smiled.
As the four decided to walk along the path, Lin looked at the young princess. Observing her very closely. For such a young girl, she was mentally mature. Not only was she intelligent but she was rather pretty. Her long brown hair was at her elbows and her eyes were always those swirls of green and grey within them. Never had Lin actually spoken to the girl in a lengthy conversation. If she had it probably would have been an interesting conversation.
"Rui..." Lin softly said.
"Yes?"
"How long are you going to be going around the earth kingdom?"
"At least five years,"
"Oh, so that means..."
"Yeah, that means, I'm rarely going to be seen by you three. Not just me, maybe Jung, maybe Takim..."
Lin looked at the girl. The girl didn't show any sign of emotion on her face. It slightly reminded Lin of herself.
"There's always the paper or you could write letters to all of us."
Rui nodded.
"I know... It's not the same though. The only reason why they are making me go around is so that I foresee the wealthy families lives. If they'll have success or failure,"
Lin pursed her lips. She had completely forgotten that the young girl was a priestess. Yet, seemingly, most priestess only saw the future to those who would do great in their lives or that would do something in history. Seemingly they placed the title on the girl. Rather than placing a title of psychic or seer, Maybe she was a seer.
"Miss Beifong... I have a question, now you don't need to answer it; I don't expect you too. But... Do you and Jung have feelings for each other or is it just a mutual relationship?" Rui bluntly asked still staring straight ahead at Jie and Mo Li, who were arguing with each other.
Lin felt the colour in her cheeks appear and she cleared her throat.
"Umm... It's mutual. Nothing serious..."
The young girl turned her head and tilted it to the side.
Lin avoided eye contact with the young girl. Not that she was looking at her in the first place.
"I see... Well... Doesn't seem like it though. I don't need to know. It's not my place to put myself in your private life. Let's just say, Mo Li has a slight attraction towards Jung. Not in the sense of be my boyfriend, since he's around your age. More of father figure. Jie on the other hand, well, he's the over protective son."
Lin looked at the girl this time then at her children.
"I never really speak of their father much... And I'm not surprised. Not at all, Say... Could you do me a favour?"
"Depends..."
Lin slowed her pace and her eyes still fixed on her children.
"Could you look into my future and whatever you see... Do not hesitate in telling me."
The young girl stopped.
"Miss Beifong, whatever I see, could be images and thoughts that you conjure out of your own mind. I... If I see something that I do not think you should know, I'll forewarn you. That is all." Rui said with concern in her voice as she extended her hand out.
"I'll try not to think about my own wants... " Lin sarcastically replied and took the young girls hand in her own.
"Close your eyes too..." Rui ordered.
Lin sighed and closed her eyes. It only took Lin a few seconds to clear her mind of everything. Of her old dreams, the new ones, and what she lived through. It felt as though it was taking forever. When she finally felt the young girl let go of her hand.
"Well?" Lin asked as she opened her eyes.
Rui swallowed hard and looked away.
"Rui? Spit it out, is it bad, good... bad?" She asked the girl desperately wanting some source of information.
"... All I can say is... Whatever happens to you or to anyone else... It's best you say the truth before it's too late. It lies within your decisions and what you believe is right and wrong..." Rui bit her lower lip intently.
Not looking directly into Lin's eyes but after much Rui looked into Lin's emerald eyes peering into them, while her swirls of green-grey fought each other for dominance. Out of the corner of the young girl's eye, she saw her Black Panther. It approached with caution. Lin's eyes watched the majestic beast. Its fur coat gleaming as it shook it's body and sat a few feet away from the two. It's eyes intent on both. Swaying it's tail, waiting. Waiting for its owner.
Rui looked at her pet and back at Lin.
Lin was still thinking, absorbing the young girl's words. Watching the majestic beast in front of her, watching it's tail sway.
"Just, speak the truth, you don't have to speak it all, just the one major one that you've not said to one important person that belonged in your life. Seemingly, I met that person. I believe I am done now. And Miss Beifong, Your secret is safe with me. Just... . I think I'll catch up with your children now. Might as well, introduce my pet to them. I'll leave you to think for a while." Rui softly said as she was about to walk she stopped and turned back to Lin and gave her a hug and walked towards her pet to scratch it's ear and continue her path with her pet following along.
Lin didn't know what to say or how to feel about what the young princess said and did.
Perhaps it was time to tell the truth to Tenzin. She shook her head. What was the point in telling him? He already had a family. It'd be as if she were trying to tear it apart maybe she wasn't. As her thoughts caught her in a web of many woven paths and decisions, she continued her walk, realizing that she had left the children alone. Alone with a Black Panther and a princess.
Lin let out a soft chuckle.
'And there's no remedy for memory, your face is like a melody It won't leave my head, Your soul is haunting me and telling me that everything is fine, But I wish I was dead...'
...
Lin was a slight scarlet colour. The nerve of Bumi, Like he knew anything. Kya was no help at all when they both cackled in laughter. Ever since everyone found out that she and Tenzin were dating the only thing that they would do is make jokes and pretend to predict their futures. She inhaled and exhaled. She felt someone's presence around her.
"Lin, don't pay mind to what my siblings are saying, they're just really happy that we finally became a couple." Tenzin said as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
Lin sighed.
"Well, they sure know how to tick me off, to the point where I want to bury them alive."
Tenzin chuckled.
"I'd rather you not. I believe my mother will be quite upset."
It was Lin's turn to chuckle.
"I suppose so... Do you really think will be together forever?" She spoke softly as she crossed her arms and looked out at Republic City.
Tenzin rested his chin on her shoulder and pulled her in, he placed a kiss on her cheek and whispered in her ear, his breath tingled her.
"Forever and ever, even in the afterlife, we will be together..."
...
That memory haunted Lin, how she hated remembering those words from him. It was all a lie. He lied about everything. Their companionship as lovers may have been lies but Lin knew very much that their friendship wasn't a lie. That was truly a melody that she wished would play over and over. Their friendship. They practically distanced themselves for at least 15 years... Quite frankly, she didn't want to know. Remembering it was too much, especially with her one major lie that she had not told him. She had lied for a reason; it was out of anger. Anger that accumulated into hate? No she did not hate, for that would be stooping to a low platform. Instead of falling to such emotions, she hid them, hid them in the city but expressed them to her children. The city wasn't in its best shape; the criminal rate was higher then ever. Not only that, there was also the issue of protester's wanting equality.
Lin clicked her tongue.
So many issues. To her astonishment, Tenzin would be stationed down at the South Pole, just to train the reincarnation.
Lin snorted.
'Good riddance. I've had enough of seeing him. With his stupid, "Hello, Lin." Pfft, if I speak to you it only will accumulate more guilt and more torture plots...'
An officer interrupted her little conversation in her head.
"Excuse me, Chief but um, there's this teenager, says she was just trying to help out a shop owner in the dragon flats district, she took out three, triple threat triads but caused a whole lot of damage and she resisted arrest. Witnesses say she was bending fire, earth, and water. Seems like she's the avatar."
Lin's face was stoic as can be; she let out a sigh.
"I'll handle it." She took the clipboard from her officer's possession and made her way to the interrogation room.
She quickly read over the girl's charges.
'Seems like she had some fun around my city, practically destroying it that is. Honestly, what's the girl doing here? If she's the avatar, shouldn't she be down in the South Pole, training with Tenzin and his happy go lucky family?'
Lin removed all emotion from her face and entered the interrogation room.
"Let's see multiple counts of destruction of private and city property, not to mention evading arrest..."
Lin slammed the clipboard on the table, and glared at the young avatar.
"You're in a whole mess of trouble, young lady."
The young avatar was startled by Lin's intimidation.
"But there were some thugs threatening a helpless shopkeeper, and I had it..."
"Can it!" Lin retorted aggressively she walked to the other side of the table calmly adding, " You should have called the police and stayed out of the way."
The young avatar had a pleading tone as she spoke. "But I couldn't just sit by and do nothing. It's my duty to help people... See I'm the Avatar." She was slightly smiling.
Lin placed the notebook on the table gently, crossing her arms; unimpressed.
"Oh, I am we'll aware of who you are," waving her fingers, leaning in to add in a softer tone,"And your Avatar title might impress some people, but not me."
The young avatar was taken aback by Lin's reaction.
"All right, fine. Then I want to talk to whoever's in charge."
'Subject changer, aren't we, to bad you won't be able to worm yourself out...'
"You're talking to her. I'm Chief Beifong." Lin stated bluntly as she took a seat across from her.
The girl sat there gawking, as if she couldn't believe it.
"Wait, Beifong? Lin Beifong? You're Toph's daughter!" The girl said excitedly.
"What of it?" Lin asked seriously.
"Well then, why are you treating me like a criminal? Avatar Aang and your mother were friends. They saved the world together."
Again the tone of aggression was used in Lin's voice, "That's ancient history. And it's got diddly-squat to do with the mess you're in right now. You can't just waltz in here and dole out vigilante justice like you own the place."
The two just stared at each other. One of Lin's officers ruined their stare off by opening a peephole in the metal wall.
"Chief, Councilman Tenzin is here."
Both looked at him.
Lin sighed; annoyed as she stood up.
"Let him in."
She stood beside the table, putting her hands behind her back in a formal posture.
The wall in front of them slid aside to form a door. Entering through it was Tenzin.
'Aren't we all just a bunch of balls of sunshine.'
"Tenzin, sorry...I got a little sidetracked on my way to see you."
In front of Lin, Tenzin let out a deep breath; he arched an eyebrow at Lin, and smiled.
"Lin, you are looking radiant as usual."
'Suck up.' Lin told herself.
"Cut the garbage, Tenzin. Why is the Avatar in Republic City? I thought you were supposed to be moving down to the South Pole to train her." She said aggressively.
His face went serious.
"My relocation has been delayed." His gaze moved to the Avatar.
"The Avatar, on the other hand, will be heading back to the South Pole immediately, where she will stay put."
"But-"The Avatar began to protest.
Tenzin glared at her.
"If you would be so kind as to drop the charges against Korra, I will take full responsibility for today's regrettable events and cover all the damages." He smoothly said.
Lin stood there pondering over his suggestion; she glanced over her shoulder towards Korra, who was looking down at the table. Lin turned back, sighed, and nonchalantly raised her left hand, opening the cuffs that were binding the girl's hands on the table.
"Fine," she crossed her arms but adding in an aggressive whisper, "get her out of my city."
"Always a pleasure, Lin." He said calmly to her but changing his tone towards Korra.
"Let's go Korra."
The girl followed along rubbing her wrists; both eyed each other with discontent. Lin used her index finger and pinkie to her eyes to signify that she'd be watching her. Glaring at her.
Korra eyed her and mimicked her as well, picking up speed as she left the room.
Lin was bewildered by what happened, she sticks her nose up, with a dismayed expression, crossing her arms again, and grunting.
'Every time I close my eyes, it's like a dark paradise, No one compares to you, I'm scared that you won't be waiting on the other side, Every time I close my eyes, it's like a dark paradise, No one compares to you, I'm scared that you won't be waiting on the other side...'
"Who's he to just to say ' Lin, you're looking as radiant as usual.' Pfft, look at me, I'm Tenzin, let me waltz in here and compliment you as if we haven't had problems. Humph, garbage, all of it." Lin said aloud.
She huffed a loose strand of hair out of her face. She was scratching away on a paper in front of her. She placed her pen down. Staring off into the distance. She remembered the princess's words along time ago. How she should speak the truth. A gnawing sensation took over her. She pinched the bridge of her nose. She'd yet to tell him the truth. She'd kept it a secret for too long.
Lin sighed.
She hadn't seen the trio that had came to a liking to her, one a little more then the others.
What was her relationship with Jung? After there, umm, how would you phrase it? One night stand... No. Lin didn't know, not once did they talk about it maybe because they hadn't really spoken face to face? They only spoke over the phone. Just brief conversations, never opening up. Simple questions, simple answers in return. There was restraint on both ends. They did make a promise to never speak of it again and to her astonishment, he kept that promise.
'At least someone can keep a promise, unlike some people...'
Lin sat there, her desk was covered in papers (as it always was) a never-ending supply of papers.
Lin pouted. By now she would've finished these papers, would've made someone file them. She was too distracted. Every bit of her memories were nipping her with guilt, fury, annoyance, pleasure, and the least bit content.
She glanced at the clock in her office. It read 11 o' clock. An hour left before midnight. Had she really been that out of it to not recognize the time? Not that it mattered. She barely slept. Not unless if she desired it. The maximum amount of sleep she'd get would be 2-4 hours of sleep and back to work. She did take time off. Not as much as she use too. Due to the severity of criminal activities and underground rings. Getting the right information and resources, placing the right people for the job too was a standard for her.
The grotesque of not sleeping worried her children. She assured them that she got plenty of sleep. So much that she felt like a newborn. With her sarcastic tone they never knew if she was lying or telling the truth, all they wanted was for her to be taking care of herself. Let's just say, she slightly was and wasn't.
Seemingly, she felt tired. She was giving in to her desire of sleep. Of course she wanted to since she was thinking about it. She never slept for long hours for two reasons, firstly she never had time too, secondly, she didn't want to dream. Whenever she closed her eyes, she would dream of Tenzin. Too many sweet and passion felt dreams. She'd take a light nap on those dreary days that would produce such dreams. She, Lin Beifong, feared those dreams. Why she could not explain? Sleep, was a word, a phrase, she greatly avoided.
She remembered she attended one of the meetings at city hall. Whenever she closed her eyes from all the boring speeches being said, his face would haunt her. It didn't help when Tarrlock would butt his nose in her business. How she wanted to strangle him, better yet she wanted to earth bend a pillar at him just so he would shut up. If Lin had the opportunity too, she would gladly do it. Better yet, she'd commemorate whoever had the guts to do it ahead of her.
Lin snorted.
'I'd pay whomever to do so. Might be enjoyable to the eyes too.'
Lin sighed, pushing herself up from her chair, whatever was left to be dealt with could wait. She needed to rest and it probably would be best to do so now.
'All my friends ask me why I stay strong, Tell 'em when you find true love, it lives on, Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ahhh, That's why I stay here, And there's no remedy for memory, your face is like a melody, It won't leave my head, Your soul is haunting me and telling me that everything is fine, But I wish I was dead...'
Too much of her astonishment, the avatar was staying.
'How typical of Tenzin. Letting her stay. He probably had sympathy for the girl, he probably felt guilt in not training the girl in her final element.'
Lin clenched her hand into a fist.
She could just imagine the ball of fun that she'll be having. Oh the joy of it all. From what she knew, the girl wasn't allowed to be in the city. For she would be on the island, no distractions for her. Sounded like a torment. A deserving one though. All damage the girl had done. Lin was quite thankful though. She had taken down three triple threat triads. It made it at least a bit easier for her.
What weren't so easy, were these little uprisings of protesters. Yes, they had the right to express themselves freely; however, something wasn't right with the way they were exhibiting their views.
It had been another stressful day at the station. How she hated paper work.
Lin rested her head against the desk. Lightly pounding against it. She stopped herself.
'Should I tell him now, no... He's busy with the Avatar... Maybe after, he's not so busy... Ugh, look at you, your just delaying it even more...'
Lin eyed the telephone that was on her messy desk. There was one person she knew that could give her a slight bit of advice and it killed her that she'd be asking him for advice. She quickly dialled the number and waited.
When she heard the click on the other end and that cool collective voice say, "Jung, speaking,"
"Took you long, enough."
On the other end she heard a snort and the crunch of an apple being bitten into.
"Well...look who decided...to give me a call. What might I be of assistance to you, Beifong?" He said through bits of his apple.
"Could it kill you to stop eating your apple first?"
"It depends on how important your question is?"
Lin sighed.
"Look, if you don't want to help then I won't even bother telling you... Understand, Jung?"
"Crystal clear, now, do tell me, I'm all ears."
"Say... If you were, you know, with someone for practically all your life and all of a sudden another person interferes in the relationship and you know you go your separate ways. Then you see each other months after and your ex-partner is married and you go to an event, everything's fine and what not, you say, 'hey, your ex won't show up, he/she isn't that stupid.' Noooo, he goes anyway, even though they should've gone on their honeymoon..."
"Wait, Lin, this kind of sounds like..."
"Let me finish..."
"All right... Continue."
"So they don't go, no big deal, so on that night of the event, you go all decent looking, and well, you decide to hide for a bit thinking that you're alone... No, your ex who's married, just has to stalk you, so both of you compliment each other blah blah, let's get to the serious issue... You two pour out your love for each other..."
It was silent on the other end.
"So then, you get all emotional and leave the scene of the crime bump into his wife/husband, burn all of the possessions he/she had given you, vow that you'll never ever let him/her near you again. Three months after that you find out you're pregnant, you decide to leave with out letting him/her know that you are... Do you think you should've told him/her that you were pregnant that very day or would you have waited 15 years or sometime within those years?"
Lin felt as though she was out of breath. Again the other end was silent.
"Well, like I was trying to say earlier. Sounds like your life. Since we cannot go back in time, you can't tell this person long ago... Now, you've had plenty of opportunities to tell the poor sap, about his children, yet, why have you not told him? He has a right you know? Just like your children do too."
It was Lin's turn to stay quiet. Slightly hating Jung for being right.
"So, what would you do?"
"Tell him; see what he says if he wants to meet them you can't deny him that since you neglected that years ago. He may hate you or maybe not, if you're looking for more with him... Well..."
"I'm not..."
"Then tell the man. Nothing more to be said about it."
Lin sighed again.
"Lin, I may not be the wisest of them all but tell him, sometimes things happen and we can't avoid our fate. Fate, destiny, love, dreams all those things are inevitable. We tell lies when we are afraid... afraid of what we don't know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us. But every time we tell a lie, the thing that we fear grows stronger. Lin, the best advice I can give you, is that you tell the truth."
His words wrung like a bell in her head.
"I know... I appreciate your help with umm, my problem."
"Don't mention it. Anything else you might need help with?" He asked her.
"Not really, have a nice evening."
"I'll right then, you too."
-Click-
Lin sighed for what felt like the fifth time for her.
'Every time I close my eyes, it's like a dark paradise, No one compares to you, I'm scared that you won't be waiting on the other side, Every time I close my eyes, it's like a dark paradise, No one compares to you But there's no you, except in my dreams tonight, Oh-oh-oh-oh-hah-hah-hah-hah. I don't want to wake up from this tonight ,Oh-oh-oh-oh-hah-hah-hah-hah. I don't want to wake up from this tonight...'
Oh boy, was Tenzin going to be upset at the young Avatar. Who in their right minds disobeys him? Who? The girl had run off to join the fire ferrets.
Lin snorted.
'Just as long as she doesn't destroy my city.'
She started to massage her temples.
Not only that, there was a big threat to the city. A man by the name of "Amon", earlier in the day the council members had a meeting, they were creating a special task force to ensure that they take down equalist rioters. It didn't help to know that Amon had somehow disturbed the airwaves to get his message out.
His message still wrung around the room.
"Good evening, my fellow Equalists. This is your leader, Amon. As you have heard, the Republic Council has voted to make me public enemy number one, proving once again that the bending oppressors of this city will stop at nothing to quash our revolution. But we cannot be stopped. Our numbers grow stronger by the day. You no longer have to live in fear. The time has come for benders to experience fear."
Lin couldn't believe his words, if he wanted a fight, she'd give him that and anyone else one too. She had the weight of Amon to add on to her list. She already imagined the restless days and nights that were to come. Sacrifices had to made and her sacrifice for now was not telling Tenzin the truth... Not yet that is.
'There's no relief, I see you in my sleep, And everybody's rushing me, but I can feel you touching me, There's no release, I feel you in my dreams, Telling me I'm fine, Every time I close my eyes, it's like a dark paradise No one compares to you, I'm scared that you won't be waiting on the other side, Every time I close my eyes, it's like a dark paradise. No one compares to you, But there's no you, except in my dreams tonight, Oh-oh-oh-oh hah-hah-hah-hah, I don't want to wake up from this tonight Oh-oh-oh-oh-hah-hah-hah-hah, I don't want to wake up from this tonight...'