'...In my place, in my place
Were lines that I couldn't change
I was lost, oh yeah
I was lost, I was lost
Crossed lines I shouldn't have crossed
I was lost, oh yeah...'
"Because you're their father..."
He sat there, stupefied at what she had just said.
The words repeated in his mind.
'Because you're their father...'
His anger was at a breaking point but he took in several deep breaths. His body and mind were experiencing so many emotions at once that the ones that he emitted the most were his anger and disbelief.
They had stayed silent until he opened his mouth and exclaimed "How could you not tell me?"
Lin snorted.
"You were already married. You were happily married with your dear Pema,"
"That didn't give you the right to not tell me,"
"Oh cut the crap Tenzin, you had already been locking lips with her way before you were two timing behind her back. You may have had me at one point but don't think you can waltz right back into my life as if nothing had happened prior. No, you come to me a day before your wedding with Pema, seeking out whatever on earth you were seeking,"
He watched her awestruck. Watching how her anger was speaking for her.
"So don't come telling me how could you? When firstly, you were the one who was falling into Pema's little game... So let me ask you, how could you?"
He watched her heavy breathing and the way she cringed but didn't show the pain.
He had no words, for she was telling the truth.
"You're right, I have no right. However, you were the one who didn't want to form a family, I was the last air bender on this planet, I needed to re-populate..."
"You didn't need to. You wanted to. You felt an obligation to. I didn't want to form a family because... I couldn't..."
He furrowed his brows in confusion.
"You couldn't as in..."
"I wasn't able to at the time..."
He stayed silent. For if he said something else he would face a wrath that quite frankly he didn't need to face.
He dragged a hand across his face; he sighed a defeated sigh.
"Anything else you'd like to share?" He asked, unsure if he should even ask.
"No," she said flatly.
"What I would like is for you to leave and I would like to speak with my children..."
"Lin, stop being difficult, this... This is a matter that can't be pushed aside." He exclaimed.
"I'm not pushing it aside, I'm pushing you aside," She hissed through gritted teeth, "now leave, you've overstayed, go home... To your lovely family... Not a word of this to anyone... My private life is my business,"
"It isn't only yours... It has become mine as well. "He stated.
Lin scoffed.
"According to me no. Goodbye, Tenzin,"
He pinched the bridge of his nose but didn't disagree with her decision.
"Very well, may we speak of this some other time? Perhaps after you're out of the hospital? "He asked defeated.
Lin stayed silent and resilient as ever.
He sighed.
He stood up and turned towards the door.
"Fine but I don't want you pulling what you did...don't think that I forgot about that..."
He swallowed hard.
"It won't."
...
As he stepped out he looked at the two teenagers. He was seeing the similarities.
"Your mother is..."
"We know sir... Umm... My name is Jie and this is my sister Mo Li."
He looked from the boy to the girl.
"Jie, let's just go see mom. I want to get this over with... No point in idling around seems like he needs to get home."
He looked at Mo Li.
'She has my eyes... Lin's personality is sure in her though. Straight to the point...'
"Mo Li..."
"Fine, you can stay out here. I'm going in." She hissed.
'Very much like Lin...'
"Uh... It was nice meeting you..."
He watched as how she stepped aside and rested her hand on the doorknob.
"Let's go Jie,"
"Nice meeting you sir,"
Just like that they disappeared behind the door. Facing their mother's wrath. Perhaps she had a different approach to them then how she was to him and many others.
He'd have to come clean about this to Pema and the children. Hopefully, Lin wouldn't be too upset at this.
He sighed; it was already late. He needed to get home. He had behaved ridiculous earlier in the day. Why had he kissed Lin? Was it because of Korra's words?
This was all too confusing for him. They had both wanted different things in life... He had tried to redeem himself but it was insufficient when you had lingering feelings in the air and bringing up old times wasn't a helpful resolution to both of them.
He would have to do a lot of thinking and meditation and prepare himself, he only hoped that this wouldn't turn out for the worst.
'...(Yeah)
How long must you wait for it?
(Yeah)
How long must you pay for it?
(Yeah)
How long must you wait for it?
Oh for it...'
Tenzin was still surprised at knowing that Lin actually resigned her position. Not only was he surprised about that there was the issue of 'their' children. He had already spoken to Pema and the children.
The children were euphoric, although they did have questions that he did not know how to answer. Then there was Pema's sweet smile that twitched at the corners of her mouth.
"Why did she tell you all of sudden?" Pema asked curiously.
"The children were already there. I spoke with them briefly but they didn't tell me much. Of course Lin didn't tell me much either, as stubborn as she is but she told me the truth." He explained rationally.
"Wait, you met them already? Are they staying here? To me, Lin could have gone on without telling you the truth... Well, at least we know now. Are they air benders?"
He sat there pondering, pursing his lips.
"Yes, no they are not. Lin is... difficult, and I am not sure. Although... I didn't ask..."
"Well, bender or not, I know that you'll love them as much as you do with ours... Do they know?"
"I don't know... I don't know" he mumbled.
"Oh... Tenzin dear, don't you worry now. You'll figure something out... this is all very surprising... I just realized... the children have older siblings. And, we're expecting another one soon,"
"Yes..." He mumbled again lost in thought but gave Pema a brief smile.
'...I was scared, I was scared
Tired and under prepared
But I'll wait for it
If you go, if you go
And leave me down here on my own
Then I'll wait for you...'
He greeted Korra and Asami. Welcoming Asami to the island. He was still rather confused on what Korra said she might do to Ikki.
"Beifong's replacement, Saikhan, is going to be inducted as the new Chief of Police later. I think we should both be there." He told Korra.
Korra nodded and they made their way.
...
Watching Saikhan at the podium and giving his speech only sickened Tenzin more than it needed to. The disappointment in knowing that the position of chief of police was being given to Saikhan, someone else to fall into Tarrlock's little game.
"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. 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." Saikhan said in a sturdy voice.
Both he and Korra look at each other in surprise.
"The police department will lend any and all available resources to the councilman and his task force;" Saikhan slams his fist into the podium adding in a more serious tone, "Until we quell this insurgency."
The flashing of bulbs constantly going off, and the murmurings leaving a hum in the room.
"What is that weasel snake Tarrlok up to now?" Korra asked as they looked in disdain and the crowd slowly disappearing.
He shook his head, walking towards Tarrlock.
"Tarrlok, I don't know what you did to get Chief Saikhan in your pocket but I highly doubt it was legal." He said in an accusatory tone.
"Oh, Tenzin," Tarrlock said as he turned to face him.
"Always the conspiracy theorist. Did you ever consider Saikhan simply recognizes my talents and wants what is best for this city?"
Tenzin grunts in disgust.
'What talent? You have some snake like tactics and this is that I am not speaking out of jealousy or out of the mere competition with this... This... Ludicrous belief of yours.'
"Well, Avatar Korra. Long time, no see. Now that your little pro-bending distractions are over, I look forward to your return to my task force." Tarrlock said flatly.
"Ha!" Korra folds her arms and adding, "Forget it! There's no way I'm rejoining your vanity project."
"That is unfortunate to hear, but I'm sure you'll come to your senses as you have in the past,"
"Don't hold your breath, bub,"Korra Points at Tarrlock," You know, Tenzin's been right about you all along"
Tenzin didn't flinch at Korra's mention of him.
"You played me," Korra points into the distance, "you played Beifong" again Korra points back to Tarrlock, "and now you're playing the new Chief too."
Korra swiped her hand back to her side continuing, "Well, I got news for you," pointing at Tarrlock, "You need me but I don't need you. I'm the Avatar.
"You're not, in fact, the Avatar. You are merely a half-baked Avatar in training, which reminds me, how is your air bending going?" Tarrlock said scornfully.
'How dare he, as if it were that simple to teach an element.' Tenzin told himself.
"Made any significant progress with that? I didn't think so," Tarrlock turns away somewhat angrily, "If you will not be part of my task force, then you had best stay out of my way."
Tenzin placed his hand on Korra's shoulder.
After their confrontation with Tarrlock they left very quietly. Atop of Oogi, he could feel in the air that Korra was upset that Tarrlock would even dare belittle her.
"I don't understand what's wrong with me. I've memorized nearly all of the practice forms, but I still can't produce a single measly puff of air! I'm a failure." Korra said frustratingly.
He gripped on to the reins a little too tight before saying; "No you're not. You just need to work through this air-bending block."
"Amazing advice. I'll get right on that,"
"I wasn't finished yet. You see Aang not only had his bending teachers, but also his past lives to call upon for guidance. Have you ever made contact with your past lives?" He asked curiously.
"No, of course I haven't. Didn't you get the memo from the White Lotus? I'm a spiritual failure, too" Korra said.
"You may have made a connection without realizing it. Perhaps something you mistook as a dream?" He asked again.
"Maybe, I had a few weird hallucinations, but I hardly even remember them,"
He turned towards Korra, "and did you see any previous Avatars in these visions?"
"I saw Aang. It seemed like he was in trouble. What do you think it means?"
"Hmm, I don't know," he began to stroke his beard, "but I urge you to meditate on these visions. I believe Aang's spirit must be trying to tell you something."
'...(Yeah)
How long must you wait for it?
(Yeah)
How long must you pay for it?
(Yeah)
How long must you wait for it?
Oh for it...'
Here he was again. Making way to check on Lin, to think that he would come and check on her. He actually had more questions that would go unanswered for the time being.
He saw the two children that he had met the night prior.
"We already said goodbye; I'm not staying here to get myself in a whole lot of mess because you want to do some snooping,"
"Mo Li, pleeeeeaseeee!"
"Don't you please me, you're gonna have to do a lot more than 'pleeeeeaseeee' besides, I am not facing the wrath of an infuriated mother, again,"
"You're not the least bit curious?"
"The feeling is mutual,"
He cleared his throat to address his presence.
Both shot their heads toward him.
"Perfect..." Mo Li said sarcastically.
"Mo Li..." Jie began.
"If you need me, I'll be outside don't take too long." Mo Li said walking right past Jie and Tenzin.
Jie muttered something incoherent that Tenzin couldn't distinguish very well.
"I'm assuming you two already know?" He asked incredulously.
"Yes sir... Umm, don't be affected by my sister... She's not that interested as I am. Although, I should be expressing the same emotions as she it's just... Surreal. Any who, the nurse is checking up on our mother, Uh... Nice meeting you... Your name was what again?"
He looked at the teenaged boy.
"It's Councilman Tenzin," he told Jie.
"Councilman, got it, I should get going before my sister gets even more upset then she already is. Hopefully we get to meet each other soon and in a more proper setting of events." Jie said as he bowed and ran off.
He watched him go. He sighed. He was hoping he could ask him his question but he guessed that Lin didn't want them to overstay. He lingered outside her room, waiting for when it was appropriate for him to enter. He had done so, so many times. Ensuring that he never found her on the brink of death and that she was well. He had always watched her from afar. That was the only thing he could do. Most of the information that came forth to him about Lin was rumours. Most of which he hoped were lies and not true.
Here he was, waiting. Wanting to know more or maybe it was the truth that he wanted. He wanted to make sure she was fine still breathing and walking on the same earth as he because if she wasn't he'd feel more guilty than he already did. It was like a plague. Needing-no wanting to know more of her than anything else. To see what she saw but he couldn't their ideals and views were different. That was why their relationship came to an end. He had moved on. She... What had she done?
'Lied... She's lived a lie because of you. She would have told you. Wouldn't she?'
He was musing to himself. Not realizing that the nurse that had been in Lin's room left. He adjusted his cape and wiped off imaginary dust.
The first thing that happened to him was not a warm greeting.
"Go home," Lin's voice was hoarse.
"I just thought I'd come and check on you, I didn't know that they were still here." He said truthfully.
"Yeah, well, they're going back to Gaoling and they're to stay put." Lin replied briskly.
He looked all around her, not daring himself to move from the doorway.
"Well then, if you don't want me here I'll leave, my question can wait then..."
As he turned to open the door, he heard her sigh.
"Tell me your question..." Lin abruptly said.
He turned his head to look at her. He noticed that she kept her gaze upon the ceiling and not directly at him.
He cleared his throat, "I-I just wanted to know if the children are benders or not..."
Significantly he noticed her grip on the sheets.
"They are,"
He nodded his head but realized that Lin wasn't looking at him.
"I won't ask more than what you can tell me. Although, I'm surprised that you haven't said much about Saikhan taking your position,"
"Hmm, don't remind me," She said coldly.
"How're you feeling Lin?" He asked remembering that was another reason why he had come to check on her.
Lin sighed, "I feel like I'm being enslaved here when I can be looking for my officers."
He inhaled and exhaled before he replied, "Lin, you're still planning on taking matters into your own hands?"
Lin had turned her head to face him.
"Why are you so far away?" She asked him avoiding the question.
"Lin..." He began seriously.
Lin sighed, "I am, what of it?"
"L-Lin, you can't! It's completely dangerous to do so, you just can't do this, it's reckless," He exclaimed.
"Tenzin, I'm very well aware of that... There isn't any-"
"Yes there is..."
He heard her sigh again; he approached her. Leaving the safety of the doorway and the space between them.
He sat on the edge of the cot.
"There is..." He mumbled reaching out for her hand.
It was perhaps the most touching moment in years that they had shared but he knew that Lin would pull away which she did do.
"Tenzin..." Lin began only to bite her lower lip to stop whatever it was that she wanted to say.
He looked at her curiously then it struck him, the events that occurred prior.
He cleared his throat.
"Well, I should, uh... Leave you be, get as much rest as possible," he told Lin.
As he got up, he fixed his attire. He felt her gaze. He quickly glanced at her.
"Get well, don't do anything... Reckless," he said to her seriously.
He saw the faintest trace of a smile appear on her face.
"Thank you, now go home to your family. They must be wondering where you are." Lin said softly.
"I was, get some rest Lin, rest, you deserve it."
'...Singing ooh, ooh
Please, please, please
Come back and sing to me, to me, me
Come on and sing it out now, now
Come on and sing it out to me, me
Come back and sing
In my place, in my place
Were lines that I couldn't change
I was lost oh yeah
Oh yeah...'