A/N: I almost never feel like writing character death angst but here we are. I'm feeling extra angsty so you all must suffer as well

Opal was babbling about some town she had gone to visit with some of the other airbenders and Lin was doing her best to actually pay attention. They had started their monthly lunch tradition 3 months ago. They were both busy but Opal wanted to spend more time with her aunt and Lin had to admit she actually liked the idea of being more present in her family's lives. And she had a definite soft spot for her niece.

She had even forgone her police armor and was wearing a casual outfit for their afternoon together. Lin had arrived at their usual city bench first and waved to Opal as she saw her approach. She had a puzzled look on her face that quickly changed to pure glee as she rushed towards her.

"Aunt Lin! I almost didn't recognize you!"

Lin stood, letting herself be crushed by Opal's tight hug. She gave her a quick squeeze back, never willing to admit she actually liked the young girl's warm embraces.

"Alright, we better get going. I've got a meeting this afternoon and need time to change beforehand. Should we get the usual?"

"Yes! And then maybe we can sit in the park."

Lin smiled, motioning with her head for Opal to follow her across the street. They came up to a small food cart, delicious smells making both of their mouth's water as they approached. They always ordered the same thing and Lin quickly rattled off a list of more than food than two people should be able to eat in one sitting.

"Opal, why don't you go across the street and get us some drinks to go with all this food. Here."

She passed her a few coins and watched her practically skip away. Lin was counting out coins for their food when she heard it. She was barely aware of Opal calling something to her, the airbender paused in the middle of the street as she looked to Lin. But Lin could only focus on the out of control Satomobile barreling towards her niece, too quick for the young girl to even realize she was in danger.

Time moved in slow motion as Lin's eyes widened in fear.

There wasn't enough time.

Her brain often worked in microseconds. Analyzing her options quicker than most people could blink. The answer was instant and unmistakable.

There wasn't enough time.

Lin didn't even register she was moving until she was in the street. The coins she was exchanging with the street vendor hadn't even finished hitting the ground when she made contact with Opal, shoving her as hard as she could. She had started to turn to the car that was barreling towards them, preparing to manipulate the metal into stopping. But there wasn't enough time.

Everything went black as the car collided with her, the impact thundering in her ears like the sound a boulder makes when it's dropped back to the earth.

"AUNT LIN!"

Lin tried to open her eyes but the world was a blur. She tried moving but a sharp pain in her chest made her stop. Breathing was hard and she could taste blood in her mouth. Too much blood.

Opal was there then. Lin cried out as she turned her over, her head cradled in the young girl's lap.

"O..pal."

It was bad. She could feel it. She hadn't worn her armor today. And humans were so soft. Breathing was difficult and there was a pressure building in her. She was bleeding internally way too quickly.

She wouldn't be walking away from this one.

She always thought she'd go down fighting. Some criminal who got lucky or during one of the many battles that had plagued her life. She never thought the fearsome Lin Beifong would be done in by crossing the street. She let out a short laugh that came out with a sickening gurgle.

Opal was talking to her but there was fluid in her ears and she was having a hard time focusing on her.

"Aunt Lin, please hold on. It's okay. You're going to be okay. Someone, please help!"

There were others around and Lin was aware of someone stroking her face. She tried focusing again and Opal's face came into view. Her beautiful niece was okay. Tears streamed down her dark face but she was okay. And that was all that really mattered. Dying for someone you love wasn't so bad.

"Opal…"

"Shh, Aunt Lin. Don't try to talk. Help is coming."

Help may be coming but it would be too late.

"Opal… tell your mom I love her. And… I forgive her."

She coughed again. The pain was getting duller now.

"You're going to be okay."

"T..there's a book. Blue spine with gold writing. There's letters… for if I d-"

"You're not going to die… I'm not done annoying you yet. Please…"

Lin closed her eyes for a moment, a smile on her mouth. She had always made a good show of pretending the kids in her life annoyed her. Most of her life she had insisted that she hated children. But now… She opened her eyes one more time, looking to the sky before she met Opal's eyes.

"It's not your fault… love…you…"

Her vision blurred and a familiar voice seemed to call to her. She didn't fight it as she let out a ragged breath and closed her eyes once more.