Chaos Theory 10

"Do you know when it started?" Gemma said, "did you feel any different the day before? Did you take any…special medication? How'd you know you could airbend at all?"

The two Beifongs were enjoying dinner with their extended family. Tenzin, Pema, and their four children were all in attendance, but Gemma, much like her cousins, struggled to turn their attention away from their Uncle Bumi, who'd developed air bending seemingly overnight.

"Gemma," Lin said softly, a smile on her face, "this is dinner with family, not an interrogation or academy paper. You can dissect Bumi later, literally for all I care, but give him some peace here."

"Oh, I'm not offended at all," Bumi said, never one to turn away attention, "how I discovered it was truly amazing. In fact, it reminds me of the time I was on patrol in the South Pole…"

"How did you discover that you could bend?" Gemma asked, for the seventh time. Each time before, Bumi's explanation had dove-tailed into some other story about a past adventure, but Gemma wasn't about to give up anytime soon.

"He was fighting off Red Lotus ninjas!" Meelo offered.

"Through complete self-awareness!" Bumi said.

"You did something stupid, didn't you?" Lin said.

"Lin, you know the answer to that," Pema said, with a hint of humor.

"You're right," Lin said, "he was stubbornly doing something that could have could have been accomplished by a bender in several seconds, wasn't he?"

"Correct," Pema smiled.

"It was an act of genius, I assure you," Bumi said.

Lin turned her attention to Tenzin, who was fairly subdued, something that baffled Lin.

Up until the birth of his children, he'd been the last Airbender, the last of the Air nomads, an entire society and culture. Now, the bending of his people had returned overnight, and yet, Tenzin didn't even have that soft smile that Lin had come to expect of him even in harsher times.

"When did this all start?" Lin asked.

"After the 'Night of Vaatu'," Tenzin said, "it's believed the harmonic convergence released a wave of energy, and restored air bending to the world."

"I see," Lin said, and realized why Tenzin was so subdued, so hesitant about the possible return of his people.

The return of air bending to the world was because of the Red Lotus, somehow, and because of that Lin had little doubt her former lover was beating himself up even now, now that he had an entire people to lead, to teach, to further spread his culture.

The Red Lotus' kidnapping of the Avatar had been one of the final nails in their relationship. Tenzin refused to forgive himself for failing, for not doing enough to save the young Avatar. Lin had pointed out, time and again, that in the end Tenzin was a civilian, with no combat experience outside of a few odd fights, and that none of what happened was his fault.

But Tenzin refused to hear anything of it. And the harder Lin tried to persuade him otherwise, the harder Tenzin pulled away, intent on punishing himself for failing to live up to the legacy of his father. And now that the Red Lotus could be responsible for the return of air bending itself?

It was no doubt a double blow to his self confidence.

"That's only a theory though," Jinora said quickly, a look of distain on her face, "it's not as if anyone trustworthy has all the facts as to what happened that night."

Lin studied the young air bender for a moment. She had a scowl on her face that she was struggling to hide, and her tone sounded as if she wanted to say more, but couldn't. Lin didn't know what exactly to make of it, but it raised her cop instincts.

She knew when someone was holding back information.

"Spirits," Lin said, filing away the thought for later, "I read a report about air bending vandals just this morning, but I thought it was just Meelo."

"That was actually Taki and a few other gentlemen," Tenzin said, "apparently, adults who are new to air bending have a difficult time controlling it, at first. They literally didn't know what they were doing."

"What made you think it could possibly be Meelo causing all that havoc?" Pema said.

Lin raised her glass to her lips and smiled, "Because I've met him."

"Hey!" Meelo stood up, indignant, "I resemble that remark!...wait…"

"No, you got it right the first time," Jinora said.

"But isn't this amazing?" Ikki said, "maybe Uncle Bumi can play capture hide tag with us now!"

"He's on my team," Gemma said, "I'm tired of being completely outnumbered. United Forces against air brats, I'd take those odds any day."

"I'm so going to be United Forces when I grow up!" Meelo pounded his chest, "I'll be as cool as Uncle Bumi and Gemma! I bet I'll get to fight bad guys like the Rough Rhinos and the Lightning Twins!"

Gemma shared a glance with Bumi.

"It's not as fun as it sounds, Meelo," Gemma said, "trust me."

"Hey Gemma, I heard you were in a fight!" Meelo said, "who'd you beat up? I bet there were dozens, right?"

Lin felt a pit for him her stomach, as she observed both Tenzin's and Gemma's reaction. Tenzin, a member of the council, knew exactly what incident Meelo was referring to. As for Gemma, she could see the fork in her hand beginning to tremble.

"Meelo!" Jinora slapped her brother upside the head, "that's work. No one wants to talk about work at dinner."

"Not unless it's to complain," Lin added, "that, dear, is a sacred right."

"It's good you're here, Lin," Tenzin said, "there are some important matters we need to discuss later."

Lin saw Bumi give her a knowing look, and sighed.

"Well, lets save it for later then," Lin said, "I'd like to keep my appetite now."

Later , after dinner

"Alright you two," Pema watched as first Meelo and Ikki finished removed the dinner plates from the table, and then washed them while she and Tenzin dried and stacked them, brother and sister working in perfect harmony. The two couldn't have been acting more suspicious of they tried, "what do you want?"

"What makes you say we want anything?" Ikki said innocently.

"We wanna play hide tag with Gemma!" Meelo shouted.

Ikki and Meelo looked at one another.

"Dope!"

"Suck up!"

"Enough you two," Pema stepped between them.

"Gemma's probably had a long day, you should give her some space," Tenzin said, his tone hopeful.

"I'm sure she'd love to play," Pema shot Tenzin a withering look, and then smiled warmly at her children, "she's meditating with Jinora. But she's got to be at work tomorrow, so ask Acolyte Tam if he'd be willing to clean up first, and just make sure to ask Gemma politely."

Pema watched her children run off screaming in delight. She kept a good natured, motherly smiled on her face until they were out of sight.

"Pema…"

"You, Lin and Bumi have business to discuss, don't you?" Pema said, "I'll go collect Lin, you can gather Bumi. I assume you'll be meeting in the old study, yes?"

"Yes."

"Then we'll see you there."

oooOOoo

Jinora and Gemma sat across one another, legs crossed in a lotus position.

"Can you feel my heartbeat?" Jinora had Gemma's wrists in her hands.

"I'm a Beifong," Gemma smiled, "what are we trying here?"

"It's an experiment," Jinora said, "a meditative exercise, trying to sync our heartbeats and hopefully reach a deeper inner peace. A few of the acolytes are earth benders, and I think this could help them."

Gemma didn't question it, not at first. As a general rule, she was always up for experimenting with her bending, or helping some experiment with theirs. She knew of a few Air Acolytes who were earth benders, so she believed Jinora easily enough.

That was, until, Jinora asked her a question in a voice that reminded Gemma of Tenzin. Polite, completely respectful while already knowing the answer.

"How have you been sleeping lately?"

Gemma felt her heart spike, and realized instantly that Jinora could feel the same.

"I…"

"Gemma!" Meelo all but tackled the young earth bender, and broke her hold on Jinora.

"Want to play hide tag?" Ikki said, "umm, please?"

"Meelo, Ikki, we were meditating," Jinora growled. She could feel a vein on her head throbbing, "peacefully."

Gemma breathed a sigh of relief, "It's alright, we can pick this up later. Two flags, just let me find my belt!"

oooOOoo

Elsewhere

Lin removed her armor with her bending, and set it on a headless mannequin in the far corner. She and Gemma had stayed over at Air Temple Island so many times now, that one of the many 'guest rooms' had been converted into a room just for the two of them. If Lin was being honest with herself, it stung just a little bit, that it was same mannequin that had once adorned her and Tenzin's room on this very island.

But only a little bit. That wound had since healed, by both time and necessity.

Wearing only her tank-top, she began rummaging through the shirts and sweaters she'd left from last time, when Pema knocked on the door, and let herself in.

"Lin? Tenzi and Bumi should be ready for you in the study," Pema said. She took a look at Lin's back, criss-crossed in scars, and took in a sharp breath.

"Triple Threat Triads and Red Monsoon," Lin said, answering the unspoken question, "they've gotten a little bolder of late. They're not deep, just pot shots."

"I'd heard, but…," Pema couldn't think of a polite way to say it, so she just said it, "how do you have so many more scars than Gemma?"

Lin shrugged, "Luck. And vastly different tactical situations. In general, if someone gets the drop on me, they instinctively know they'll be dealing with pissed off officers no matter what happens. Almost every criminal in a fight has their foot half way out the door before they even attack. That works to my advantage. If someone gets the drop on Gemma, well…"

The statement lingered in the air. While both women knew what Lin was alluding to, but saying it aloud made it too real, too uncomfortable for casual conversation.

"Besides, Gemma has enough scars," Lin said.

"Those look uncomfortable," Pema observed, "would you like me to help put some lotion on them?"

"I'd appreciate that," Lin lifted up her top, as Pema picked up the bottle of lotion she always kept in this room for Gemma.

"It's a little old, but should still be good," Pema said. She dabbed a small amount on her hands, and when she went to spread it on Lin's back, the older woman nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Spirits that's freezing!"

"The mighty police chief of Republic City can't handle a little cold?" Pema chuckled, "good thing we don't have an audience, you'd never live it down."

"If we had an audience, they wouldn't be looking at that," Lin said, "hell, if Tenzin came in right now, the airhead would either have a heart attack, or think he was already dead and gone to the spirit world."

Lin smiled with satisfaction as she caught Pema's reaction in the reflection of the room's window. Pema was blissfully silent after that, until the scars were covered.

"Thank you," Lin decided on a loose fitting sweater for the remainder of the evening, "Pema, may I ask you a personal question?"

"Sullen," Pema replied, without hesitation.

"The stupid airhead," Lin muttered.

"Don't say that," Pema said, "you know how he's always tried to live up to his father's legacy. Even on his good days, he refuses to forgive himself for not saving the Avatar, and now that the return of air bending might have happened because of that failure, well…"

"Tenzin doesn't know what to think, only that he's to blame," Lin said.

Pema nodded, "That's the extent of it."

"I thought as much," Lin sighed, "alright, lets go see what Tenzin and the Bearded Blimp want to discuss."

oooOOoo

"Watch out world, here I come!" Meelo shouted as he leapt from the bushes.

According to the rules of the game, Gemma only had a limited space she could hide in, but experience had taught Meelo that that limited space wasn't a handicap to the earth bender.

He checked the trees, listening for any tell tale signs of earth bending, before his eyes settled on the spinning gates.

"It's the perfect cover, the ultimate in concealment," Meelo said, "except now!"

Meelo sent a gust of wind through the gates, and they lived up to their name. Meelo watched carefully, expecting to see a certain earth bender come tumbling out.

When that failed to happen, he turned around and looked for other places Gemma could be hiding. And when he looked away, Gemma silently danced out of the gates, came up behind Meelo as silent as the wind he controlled, and tore free the flags from his belt.

"Beifong one, airbrats zero!" Gemma declared, as she stuffed her stolen prizes in her belt.

"Nooo!" Meelo wailed dramatically, "I'm dead! Dead! Goodbye cruel world!"

Gemma looked at Meelo in annoyance.

"You're not protesting underpants again, are you?"

"That was the one time!" Meelo huffed.

"Good," Rock encased Meelo's feet, and Gemma yanked Meelo's pants down, exposing his tightie-whiteys to the world, "that'll teach you not to underestimate Beifongs, and to give away my position!"

"Hey!" Gemma turned her head, and saw Ikki barreling towards her on an air scooter, "no one embarrasses my brother like that except me!"

"Catch me if you can!" Gemma willed a column of earth from the ground, pitching her into the air like a spring. The earth bender tucked, concentrated and when she hit the earth, she parted it like water, and the only sign of where she'd gone was a crack in the ground that sped away from Ikki.

"Avenge me!" Meelo shouted, "avvvenge meee!"

"Ha!" Ikki said, as she raced after the crack, "no earth bender will ever outrace an air bender!"

The crack suddenly stopped, and Ikki skidded to a halt above it.

"I know you have to come up for air eventually!" Ikki said. She hovered at the end of the fissure Gemma had created, like a cat ready to pounce, "Come on, already!"

Gemma exploded out of the ground behind Ikki, and swiped her flags before she could even turn around.

"Doesn't matter how fast you are if you don't think two steps ahead," Gemma said.

"I agree."

Gemma felt a wind sweep past, and when she turned around, she discovered two flags missing from her belt.

Jinora landed silently, glider staff in one hand, flags in the other.

"Using your brother and sister as bait?" Gemma smiled, "that's not exactly playing fair."

"All's fair in hide tag, and I don't need them slowing me down," Jinora smiled, before she became a blur of movement.

oooOOoo

"Alright airhead," Lin pulled her chair out and sat down across from the sons of Aang, "what did you want to discuss? Council business, I assume?"

"Indeed," Tenzin turned to his wife, "Pema, if you'll excuse us?"

"Of course," Pema nodded politely, and turned to leave.

"Wait," Lin said, "Tenzin, is any of what we're going to discuss classified?"

"Well, strictly speaking, no," Tenzin said, "there'll be a press release in a few days, you know how Tarrlock is."

"Pema, you can stay," Lin said, "if you'd like."

"Lin, this is rather irregular…" Tenzin said.

"This is an informal meeting regarding public policy that's probably already been decided, the details of which will be splashed across the newspapers in the coming days," Lin said, "there's no security risk. You can stay, Pema, if you'd like. I insist."

"I…," Pema was a little taken back, to put it mildly, "let me check on Rohan. I'll be back in a moment."

"We'll wait," Lin said.

"Wow," Bumi said, the second Pema was out of earshot, "should we be worried that the real Lin is locked up somewhere, and we're dealing with the imposter?"

"I could bend you across the bay, if you'd like proof of my identity," Lin said, "I bet I could punt you over Aang's statue without breaking a sweat."

"It's her."

"Pema is a citizen of the United Republic," Lin said, "there's no reason why she shouldn't be informed about what's happening. That's the problem with dealing with these Red Lotus terrorists. Everyone wants them dealt with, but they want someone else to do it for them. Frankly, I wish I could arrest everyone who didn't vote."

"Yup," Bumi said, "it's definitely her."

"I'm back," Pema said nervously. She was carrying Rohan and had a bottle in one hand, "umm, is it okay if I feed him?"

"Go ahead," Lin said, with a slight smirk. Pema was obviously out of her depth, but Lin respected the fact that she was at least here, "okay, Tenzin. What did you want to discuss?"

"Have you been in contact with your sister recently?"

"No," Lin said, "we've been too busy lately. Has something happened?"

"Nothing bad," Tenzin said, "apparently, your nephews accidently managed to triple crop production. That's far more than Zaofu can distribute before it spoils, and they've asked us for help."

"I'm proud for Su and the twins, but what does this have to do with me?" Lin drummed her fingers on the table, and gave Tenzin her best 'Do not screw with me' look, the look she normally reserved for hardened criminals.

It was no less effective on air bending council members.

"We're going to send them a convoy of equipment, it should be ready inside of a week. The Council would like you to be part of the escort to Zaofu," said Tenzin.

"The Council?" Lin spat, "more like Tarrlock and his cronies. Damn it, Tenzin, if I've said it once I've said it a million times, my police force isn't an army, and I'm not a commander! It should be the United Forces providing an escort, not the police chief."

"Lin, it's not like that," Tenzin said.

"Is it?" Lin said, "I know my limits, Tenzin. On the street, at a crime scene and in a fight, I'm amazing. But I never trained for the battle field. The more my police force and the army mix, the more the lines blur, the worse you make both."

"It can't be that bad," Pema said, "both are institutions designed to protect…"

"And how they and we do it are very different," Lin said, "my officers are trained to protect and serve, with lethal force being a last resort. With soldiers, it's their first resort. The night of Vaatu, Gemma and I were ambushed…"

"I heard about that," Bumi said, "Uncle Zhu, right? Shame what happened to him. Met him around when I started serving."

"That's correct," Lin said, "we were ambushed by five men. Gemma killed them all."

"I'm certain she was only defending herself," Pema's hand swept to her husband's leg just before he could fidget, and pressed down. Tenzin got the silent message.

"She was," Lin said, "but now I have five dead bodies and no leads. I have to work twice as hard to get half the information."

"Lin, please, you're getting off point," Tenzin said, "this isn't about turning your police force into an army, it's about getting Zaofu the equipment it needs to stave off a famine, and to build a solid relationship with Zaofu."

"If you really wanted to do that," Lin said, "if you want to make our entire family happy, you'd stop the re-upping enlistments!"

"I've argued against it every time the matter is brought to a vote, you know that!" Tenzin snapped.

"How hard, Tenzin, how hard? Because three days!" Lin snapped, "three days she was back before they shipped her off to Omashu! It was supposed to be three months!"

"It was an emergency," Tenzin defended,

"They're all emergencies!" Lin said, "and it's not just Gemma! You keep taking my metal benders who signed up for the reserves years ago!"

"And we're trying to ease the burden on your police force. That was why we introduced the police rotation to the reserves!"

"Yes, you take my cops and give me soldiers," Lin said, "like I've said, that isn't better, Tenzin. I'd rather the Council honor the commitments to the reserves, like the reserves have honored theirs. How is Gemma supposed to start her own life when she could be whisked away to put out the latest bush fire?"

"It's not that bad," Bumi said, "military life isn't all terror, all the time, Lin."

"You're career military," Lin said, "Gemma isn't. She's supposed to be reserve. She's supposed to be starting her own life now!"

"Lin, we're getting off base," Tenzin said, "are you going to agree to escort the convoy or not?"

"Under two conditions," Lin said, "first, I want a team of military trained metal benders along with me."

"I thought you didn't want them on your force?" Pema said.

"I don't want soldiers on my police force," Lin said, "they belong on a battle field. And if this turns into a battle, I can't think of anyone I'd want on my side more."

"I have to agree there," Bumi said, "I've seen metal benders in action. No better friend, no worse enemy indeed. And don't get me started on the Hami clan…"

Lin scowled, but kept her opinion on the desert clan to herself, "Second, I want to know, what did you get out of this?"

"Excuse me?" Tenzin said.

"I don't care for politics, but I know how they're played, and I know you," Lin said, "I was a detective, remember? You asked for this informal meeting because you didn't want to make this request in front of the Council yourself, something I've specifically asked you not to do."

"Why can't Tenzin make a request in front of the Council?" Pema huffed.

"Because when I disagree with him, the other members of the Council treat it like an ex-lovers quarrel," Lin said.

"And you've always so reasonable," Pema said softly.

Lin gritted her teeth, and ignored the comment, "It undermines my authority. So if you're asking, you must be getting something out of it."

"See…well…Lin, it's like this, see…"

"Just spit it out, airhead," Lin's eyes drifted to Bumi, and she remembered his comments at the dock, "…wait one second, Bumi?"

"Bumi what?" said Tenzin.

"Bumi's leading a taskforce to recruit air benders, isn't he?" Lin said.

"How'd you know that?" Bumi said.

"Because at the docks, you introduced yourself as taskforce commander," Lin deadpanned, "not only was I a detective, I have common sense."

Lin looked at her former lover, "Tenzin, why? Why aren't you out there, recruiting new air benders?"

"Hey, I'm the son of Aang too!" Bumi defended.

Lin turned to Bumi, "And you've spent your entire life defining yourself outside of that. Hell, you only got a B on that air bending report in school because I threatened you!"

"Hey, I'm perfectly qualified to recruit some new air benders," Bumi said, "I'm a new air bender myself!"

Lin turned to Tenzin, "Tenz, please. I respect Bumi, despite his best efforts, but he shouldn't be the one spearheading this. For years you were the only air bender, and you're the head of the Air Nation, for Spirits' sake!"

"The Council thinks, and I agree," Tenzin said, "that it would be safer if this was overseen by the military. Bumi's perfectly qualified to handle this, and we'll stay in radio contact."

"Tenzin, please reconsider," Lin said, "I'm sure Bumi is qualified…"

"That's probably the nicest thing you've ever said to me," Bumi said, "'Bumi is qualified', I'm really touched, Lin."

"…but he's also military," Lin said, "the people he's recruiting might fear he's recruiting them for an army, and the Red Lotus fanatics might target them to prevent the same. You need to reconsider, Tenzin, please!"

"I agree with the Council's decision," Tenzin sighed, "and I trust my brother."

Lin wanted to say that it wasn't about trust, it was about the fact that he was the head of the Air Nation. That there was no one in the world more qualified to help these new air benders come into their new abilities than him.

But she recognized that tone, that slump in his shoulders. Tenzin, when he made up his mind, didn't always dig in his heels. Instead he'd just resign himself, allowing any arguments to just roll off his shoulders.

"…fine," Lin said. She knew when a fight was lost, "so I'll be overseeing an equipment convoy. Anything else? Any progress regarding…the assault on my officer?"

Bumi and Pema both suddenly felt as if they were intruding.

"Tarrlock will be ready to announce the Council's decision soon," said Tenzin, "you'll know the second I do."

"I better," Lin stood up, "it looks like this will be a long week, so unless you have anymore more to add, I'm going to turn in."

"That's everything," Tenzin said.

"I need to go find our little terrors," Pema said. She followed after Lin, and when they were down the hall, Lin turned to the younger woman.

"Pema," Lin only barely had to force the words from her mouth, "thank you."

"For what?"

"For staying," Lin said, "especially after what I said about Gemma."

"I didn't hear any reason to leave," Pema said, "goodnight, Lin."

"Goodnight, Pema."

Pema left Lin, and made her way outside. The night was warm enough, so she didn't mind strolling the island, as she listened for her children.

"…get up, maggot!" Meelo shouted

"Come on, Jinora!" Ikki said, "just two more!"

Pema found her children, and Gemma, in the woods. Gemma and Jinora were leaning back to back, covered in sweat. Gemma had two flags on her belt, Jinora had five, and the final flag was in both their hands, in Gemma's left and Jinora's right. Neither wanted to give up, but neither had the strength to continue.

"Alright, lets call it a draw," Pema said.

"Aww, mom, we were just about to win!" Ikki said.

"You'll just have to settle for a draw," Pema said.

"No! There is no second place in war!" Meelo shouted, "up and at them, soldier!"

"Meelo," Pema said sternly, "that's enough. Go wash up and get ready for bed. Now."

"Aww," Meelo pouted.

Gemma and Jinora climbed to their feet, and brushed themselves off.

"I don't know how you keep up with them," Gemma said.

"Gemma, can I have a piggy-back?" Jinora leapt on the older girl before she could answer, and Gemma found herself thankful for her endurance training.

"Lots of patience," Pema smiled.

"You are such a baby," Ikki said, her nose in the air.

Jinora rested her head on Gemma's shoulder, and softly said, "You never answered my question."

"I'm doing fine," Gemma said, hoping she sounded convincing.

"Anything you'd like to talk about, I'd be willing to listen," Jinora said, "any time you want to talk, please remember that."

"I will."

"Also…" Jinora slid off of Gemma, and swiped two flags. With a boost of air bending, she leapt over Gemma, and landed besides her siblings, "airbrats for the win!"

The three took off towards the Air Temple, laughing in victory.

"That one is too smart," Gemma said.

"I'd like to think she got it from both of us," Pema said. She looked down at her son, "hopefully this one will take after his big sister."

Gemma glanced at Rohan, "Could I hold him?"

The earth bender held up a flag and, with a wry grin, and said, "I'll trade you a flag I swiped off Jinora."

"Hardly a fair trade, but I'll take it," Pema smiled. She carefully transferred her son into Gemma's arms. Rohan giggled softly, and began reaching for Gemma's face.

Gemma cooed at the youngest air bender, as Rohan giggled.

"He's perfect," Gemma said.

"Until he needs a diaper change or is hungry," Pema said, "wait until you have your own, you'll see."

Regret and anxiety twisted in Gemma's gut. She couldn't see children in her future.

"I wish I'd been here," Gemma said.

"I do too," Pema said, "but you're here now, that's what's important."

The two made their way to the Air Temple, and came upon Bumi standing on the porch. He had a bottle of sake, and two cups.

"Ladies!" Bumi said, "how are you this fine evening?"

"Tired," Gemma said. She handed Rohan to Pema, "I think I'm going to turn in for the night."

"Care to join me for a drink, first?" Bumi offered a cup to Gemma.

"I'm too young," Gemma said softly, "maybe in another few months."

"You're old enough, trust me," Bumi said.

"Perhaps later," Gemma said, "goodnight, Pema, Uncle Bumi."

"Good night, ladies," Bumi threw back the cup.

Pema made her way to the master bedroom, and she'd just finished putting Rohan in his crib, when Tenzin entered.

"The children are down for the night," Tenzin reported.

"Good," Pema said, trying to keep her voice neutral

"Dear, is something wrong?"

Pema sighed.

"As much as it pains me to say, Lin's right."

"Pema, we've discussed this, Bumi is perfectly capable…"

"Bumi isn't you," Pema said, "this new Air Nation will look to you to lead them, yet you're pawning off the responsibility of gathering them on your brother, a man who barely knows his own family history!"

"Bumi can handle it," Tenzin said, "and with more air benders in the world now, there could be people looking to steal our techniques. It's important that I'm here, now, to protect our children."

Pema sighed. She didn't believe that their children were in any real danger, but nor did she have the strength to deal with Tenzin's guilt slash fear complex, not tonight.

"Is that why you're angry with me?" Tenzin said.

"It's not the only reason," Pema said, "what were you thinking, trying to keep Ikki and Meelo from playing with Gemma? I know that tone."

"I was just…being careful," Tenzin said, "you've seen how Meelo idolizes her and Bumi."

"He's a little boy, of course he idolizes them!" Pema said, "that's no reason to keep him away from family."

"And what if he grows up and wants to join the United Forces," Tenzin said, "what then?"

"Then I'd be terrified," Pema said, "and I would do everything in my power to convince him otherwise. But one thing I won't do is shun members of this family. Especially not your brother, or the little girl who mediated with me when I was pregnant, just so she could listen to my children's heartbeat!"

"It's just…you heard Lin," Tenzin said.

"That she killed several men?" Pema said, "Tenzin, for spirit's sake, I'm a house wife, not a house plant. I've never thrown a punch, but that doesn't make me an idiot. I know why Bumi carries a different knife every time we see him, why he always pours two glasses of sake but only ever drinks one, and I knew Gemma killed people long before today. She's an elite soldier, everyone in Republic City knows that!"

"Pema…"

"I'm not naïve," Pema said, "for goodness' sake, I knew Lin was deputy chief when I confessed to you!"

Pema paused to reflect.

"Although I suppose, I should have seen the arrest for soliciting coming."

"I just want to keep our children safe," Tenzin said.

"Then trust your family," Pema wrapped her arms around her husband to comfort him, "I trust Bumi, Gemma and even Lin with their lives. But we can't teach them to shun the very same people who're making the sacrifice to keep us all safe. It doesn't matter if they're an uncle or cousin or even some stranger on the street."

"I know," Tenzin said, "I'm sorry, it won't happen again."

"I know," Pema said, "because if it does, I'll sic Lin on you."

Tenzin chuckled despite himself.

"If you do that, best be prepared to be a widow."

Pema rested her head against her husband's chest and smiled, "You'd have a lovely service, I promise."

End Chapter.