The Metalbender prided herself on being a strong woman. She was well put together, stubborn and for the most part, unmoving. Yet, she was sitting at her desk, hands trembling and sweating beneath her armor.

Pema stood before her, the baby in her arms. "I was just wondering if you have heard from Tenzin and Jinora."

Lin was trying her best to remain composed, so she extended an arm, offering the woman a seat across from her. The less nervous she seemed, the less suspicious that Pema would be. "I haven't heard from them, no," Lin replied. "But Lord Zuko did contact me. I'm afraid that Zaheer has gotten out of prison…and he is an Airbender."

Pema's eyes were wide. "Sprits, no!"

Lin leaned back in her seat. "We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe, I promise."

The wife of her lover looked terrified, and Lin felt a rush of guilt over take her. Pema had come to her for help and had no idea of what Lin had done to her. She had bedded her husband, made love to him, and she knew nothing of it. Biting her lip, Lin tried not to let on about her nerves. "Do you think Korra is safe out there?"

"Honestly, no," Lin replied, sighing. "But we are going out to track them down so I can go out to warn her. It'll be alright."

Pema nodded. "Lin, I know that you and I aren't exactly friends, but can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Keep Tenzin safe for me?"

Lin felt her stomach knot. How could Pema be so dense? "I promise I will do everything I can."

"Thank you." Pema stood from the seat she had taken to. She turned to leave but then looked back at Lin. "I never said thank you, you know…"

"Thank you?"

"For saving my life, my family and I. You didn't have to do that."

"I know."

Pema smiled slightly. "Did Tenzin tell you what Meelo said afterwards?" Lin shook her head. "He said 'that lady is my hero'. And Lin, you were our hero. So, thank you. I know things aren't ideal between us and that it's a bit of an awkward situation, but you have done quite a lot for me despite all that. Thank you." With that, the young woman was gone.

Lin waited until Pema left. She waited until Pema left to grab her stack of papers and throw them across the desk. "Damn it!" she shouted. "Damn it. Damn it. Damn it."

Her hair was coming out of its restraints, and she sighed. Pema was too damn nice. How could a woman be that sweet and ignorant? Lin had been with this poor woman's husband and for the first time in all these years, Pema decided then to be nice to her.

It was as if the guilt couldn't be any worse than at that moment. Lin sunk back down into her chair, clenching her hands into fists until they turned white.