Family Ties

by K.Beifong

Khari Beifong is the oldest child of Lin and Tenzin. As the only earthbending child of her siblings she is always treated different until the day she decided to take destiny into her own hands. Khari leaves home to find her own path as a Beifong. She discovers that being different isn't such a bad thing. One day showing her parents being different isn't so bad. Some Cannon Included

3. Public Eye

Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Korra or Avatar the Last Airbender. I only own my own characters and ideas

Chapter Three: Public Eye

Two years later

A seven-year-old Khari was standing in her father's office. She knew she had to stand her ground on the issue of her attire for the gala. Khari wanted to wear a traditional Earth Kingdom outfit while Tenzin and Lin wanted her to wear the traditional Air Nation robes. Tenzin's argument was that Khari was the daughter of the person who represents the Air nation on the council as well as the granddaughter of Avatar Aang. Khari also pointed out that there were multiple people in their family not going in Air Nation robes. Toph was going in an Earth Kingdom outfit, Lin in her uniform, Katara and Kya were both going in traditional Water Tribe outfits, and Bumi was going in his United Forces uniform. Khari begged her parents to let her wear a traditional Earth Kingdom outfit. Tenzin sighed and finally agreed to let her wear what she wanted. Khari ran out of the study in excitement to tell Toph that she was allowed to wear a traditional Earth Kingdom outfit. When Khari found Toph she was speaking with Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Suki about the arrival of Lord Zuko and his family. Khari turned to leave the adults talk, but stopped when she heard her name. Khari turned around to see her Gran Gran motion for her to come towards the group. Khari was hesitant due to the fact she was taught to leave adults alone when they spoke of important matters. When she got to the group Sokka was the first to speak.

"Khari, as you know Lord Zuko and his family will be arriving tonight for the gala in a couple days. As you know that means Prince Iroh will also be here. I know you two tend to hang together when he visits but please stay out of trouble. Iroh does not need to be getting into some of the trouble you do. Sometimes it is harder to get the prince of the Fire Nation out of trouble than the daughter of a councilman and the chief of police. Let's keep the troublesome type behavior to a minimum," Sokka advised.

"What's that supposed to mean? Are you saying I'm a bad influence? Are you saying I'm a bad kid?" Khari inquired.

"Khari, what Sokka is trying to say is whenever you are around Iroh, you two seem to get into trouble. Take last year for example. Our families wanted to meet to enjoy ourselves and we told you guys to occupy yourselves until dinner was finished. You both not only snuck off the island but you got in trouble in the city again. Let's not forget Iroh tried to use his title of prince of the Fire Nation to get out of trouble. You had to pull him away and duck your head. Then you both tried to fight some triads like you were a bunch of skilled hot shot benders," Katara pointed out.

"Oh yea. That was a ton of fun. Especially when the triads found out who we were. I mean the prince of the Fire Nation is a serious prize. Then if you tack on the daughter of the councilman and the police chief who happens to be a Beifong that is another prize. Look I promise I will at least try to behave. I can't speak for Prince Iroh," Khari said.

Aang smiled at the young girl as she gave him a mischievous grin. After Khari had told them about what she thought was good news she ran to the docks. She knew Lord Zuko and his family would arrive at the island that night but she always loved the docks. Unlike her mother and grandmother, she loved the water. Khari pulled a chunk of earth out of the ground and started to pull small pieces out. She started to skip the smaller pieces across the water for a few hours. She had eventually lost track of the time and finally was draw back in when she saw the Fire Nation Royal barge. Khari stood and patiently waited for the ship to dock. When it was docked and the Royal Family had finally got off of the ship Khari bowed at the group.

"Fire Lord Izumi. Lady Mai. Lord Zuko. Prince Iroh. It is always an honor to have you not only in Republic City, but on Air Temple Island. Please let me help you with your things," Khari offered as she grabbed the a few bags.

Zuko raised an eyebrow at Khari, thinking about how she had changed since the last time he had seen her. When they arrived at the temple everyone greeted them as Khari took the bags to the rooms. Khari stopped for a moment on her way back the living room. She looked around before she shrugged and continued to walk to the living room. Khari sat on the ground next to Katara , placing her head on Katara's lap. Katara pulled Khari's bun out and slowly started to run her fingers through Khari's hair. Lin looked over at the two and watched as Khari was quietly listening to Zuko tell the group of the family's travels to Republic City. Khari was trying to stay awake but it soon became very difficult. Aang nudge Katara and pointed down to a sleeping Khari. Everyone smiled at the young girl as Tenzin picked her up and slowly walked her to her room. After Tenzin finally placed Khari in bed he stood there for a moment and thought about how much she had grown over the years. She had caused so much trouble but he knew he was going to always have one troublemaker since he married a Beifong. He kissed the top of her head and quietly walked out of the room. Everyone stayed up for a few more hours to catch up before they all separated for the night. A little after midnight Iroh sat up and bed before he decided he was going to wake Khari. When Iroh got into Khari's room he started to shake her a bit until she finally woke. She sat up and started to rub her eyes. She squinted to see who was sitting on her bed and soon discovered Iroh. He placed a finger over his lips to show Khari that they needed to be quiet.

"Khari, let's take a stroll around Republic City. I want to get off the island for a bit and get some fresh air," Iroh stated.

"Iroh. We need to stay on the island. We need to stay out of trouble. I'm still in trouble from the last time we left the island and caused all those problems and that was last year," Khari informed the prince.

"C'mon K, don't be such a stich in the mud. You were never this boring. I'll tell you my punishment if you tell me yours. Seriously K, it couldn't have been that bad," Iroh pushed.

"My parents had Grandma Toph train me. Well that's what they called it anyway. I was blindfolded. Two days in a row then a day of rest and a chance for Gran Gran to heal any wounds I had. I was tossed around like a doll the whole time. I had one of my arms broken at the beginning of the first week. At the end of the same week I had a few broke ribs. Before I fought Grandma Toph at the beginning of the second week Gran Gran talked with mom and dad about how I shouldn't fight anymore. Daddy stood there in silence as mom said it will teach me discipline. At the beginning of the second week I sprained my ankle trying to get out of some metal cables. The last day I required stiches and was knocked unconscious. After I woke up, I didn't talk to them for a month. I didn't even talk to Grandpa Aang or Gran Gran. They could have stopped it. Grandma Toph didn't even do anything. She continued to do what my parents asked. Now it's your turn to share," Khari shared.

"Well, when we got home my mother told me to go stand with one leg out along with both arms. When she returned she placed three books on each hand. I was told if I lowered them an inch another book would be added. I was to stand there until someone told me it was okay to move. I stood there for two days. I wasn't even allowed to move to go to the bathroom. I was told if I wasn't worried about bringing shame to the family by acting a fool in public, I shouldn't be ashamed of urinating on myself. Anything I wanted to do was canceled. I was kept in the palace for over a month to do vigorous training. Please let's just only walk around the city," Iroh replied.

Khari gave Iroh a sleepy smile before she climbed out of bed. Khari grabbed her cables before the two moved quickly but quietly through the temple. They soon got to the docks and looked over the bay. They wondered how they would get to the city without drawing any attention. Khari looked at the royal barge before she pulled Iroh on the ship. Khari started to run for the front of the ship before she jumped into the water. When she came up for air Iroh had finally jumped in, splashing her. The two quickly swam to Avatar Aang Memorial Island so they could rest. Once rested they started to swim for the city. The two decided they would need to find another way back to the island. Iroh nudged Khari before he started to pull her down one of the side streets. It didn't take long before they got into an elite part of the city. Khari always loved coming to the elite part of the city because she thought it was so beautiful. She loved looking at all the shops and lights. She knew that on occasion when she did come here there would be problems. Iroh and Khari eventually went to part of the city where it was more working class but not the no one was really poor in the area. As they strolled through the city and laughed Khari thought about how they might actually be able to get away with what they were doing. The two weren't paying attention and soon ran into someone but when they looked up to apologize, they realized they ran into members of the Triple Threat Triads. The leader of the group smiled down at the children as he and the few gang members got closer.

"I think it has been quite some time since we have seen you missy. I think it's time we teach you where your place in this city really is," Zolt told Khari.

"My place is under Chief Beifong. It is also under Councilman Tenzin. Zolt, I for a fact know that the police force is waiting for you to screw up again so they can arrest you on a few charges. I dare you to attack me because my mother will slap cuffs on you before you could get the words, I'm innocent out of your mouth," Khari replied.

Zolt sent a fire blast at Khari and Iroh but Iroh jumped in front of Khari, trying to block the flame from hitting the two. Khari pulled her arms up along her side to her face which pulled the ground up and knocked the members of the Triple Threat Triad down. Khari started to push Iroh to run as the group started to pick themselves up. Khari looked back to see Shady Shin, Two Toed Ping, Viper, and Lightning Bolt Zolt were the group that were following her and Iroh. Khari never realized that she and Iroh had entered Agni Kai Triad territory until they almost ran into a few members of the triads. Khari pushed Iroh down a side street, but the triad members had seen the children and started to chase them. Two members of the triads shot fire blast at the two but Khari put a wall up. Khari continued to push Iroh to try and get him to the island safely. Khari cursed under her breath when she realized they would have to go through Terra Triad and Red Monsoon Triad territory. Khari looked back when she heard the roar of a car engine behind her. Khari made a ramp for the car but instead of letting the car fly in the air, she wrapped her metal cables around the satomobile and pulled it as hard as she could to the ground. She trapped the wheels in earth before she started to run again. When she caught up to Iroh she saw that the Terra Triad and Red Monsoon Triad were fighting over Iroh. Khari took her cables and grabbed a member from the Red Monsoon Triad, quickly throwing them into the Terra Triad. As the Triple Threat Triad and Agni Kai Triad got closer Khari started to panic. She punched the ground, making a wave go through to make everyone fall. Khari grabbed Iroh, quickly running off as the police airships started to show up. Khari assured Iroh it might be for the best if the two split up for a bit. The two agreed to split and started to run as fast as they could in different directions. Khari watched Iroh run straight towards the ritzy part of town while Khari turned to go towards City Hall. She didn't even know how long she had been running but she knew she was avoiding police satomobiles and airships. She started to run by a side street when she felt someone grab her arm and cover her mouth. She looked up to see Iroh looking around the corner quickly for any police satomobiles. When the coast was all clear he let go of Khari to make sure she was okay. Khari soon fell into Iroh but he caught her before she could fall to the ground. Iroh grabbed Khari and started to run for the docks. When they arrived at the docks Iroh placed Khari in a small wooden boat before he jumped in. He burned the rope that kept the boat docked before he used his bending to propel the boat towards the island. When they finally got to the island Iroh put Khari on the dock and push the boat so no one would suspect a thing. Iroh carried Khari to her room as quietly as possible. After Khari was in bed and covered, Iroh looked at her one more before he wiped the little bit of sweat off her face.

"Get some rest K. I hope I don't get you in any trouble. I'll see you in the morning," Iroh whispered before he slid the door closed.

A few days had passed and Lin had been to her office at headquarters multiple times to fill out paperwork about the whole situation. Tenzin had gone to City Hall to discuss what would be done about the triads around the city. Bumi and Kya had arrived for the gala in the family's honor. Kimiko, Iroh's younger sister had started to push both Iroh and Khari for information on the incident in the city. Kimiko knew that even if the two had nothing to do with the incident that the fact she was nine she could pressure Khari into telling her anything. The twelve-year-old prince ran up to his sister and threatened to burn a hole in her favorite royal dress if she didn't leave Khari alone. Khari laughed as Kimiko ran screaming for Izumi. Later that night everyone began to get ready for the gala. Lin and Kya started to help Khari get her outfit on and do her hair. Khari's typical silky black wavy ponytail was put into a bun. Kya placed a light green dress on Khari that had a light-yellow sash. When Khari was finished getting ready for the evening, she strolled into the courtyard to see that a few people were waiting. She saw the Royal Family in the Fire Nation colors, and her Gran Gran was in a traditional Water Tribe outfit. Khari saw her Uncle Bumi trying to straighten his uniform to make it look nice so she ran over to help him with his medals. When everyone was ready the made their way for the ferry but Khari hesitated a bit. Khari thought about the questions the press might ask. She looked up when she felt someone tug on her arm to see Iroh pulling her towards the ferry. It was a short ferry ride to the city but Khari was still distracted the whole time which made the ride feel longer than it was. Khari soon felt a hand on her back, startling her a bit. Khari looked up with a smile on her face to find Lord Zuko by her side looking out at Yue Bay as the ferry approached the docks.

"You know Khari, you seem to make a lot of work for your mother. Iroh may not say it but I know that mess in the city a few nights ago was the both of you. When your grandfather and I established the United Republic we never imagined that our grandchildren would cause problems. I would recommend calming down for a bit. While you and Iroh may find it funny others may not find it as funny. I will keep what I know a secret but please promise to behave tonight," Zuko told Khari.

Khari nodded at the older man as the two walked off the ferry. When the group arrived to the building that the gala was being held, they were instantly met by flashing lights from the press. The press wanted as many pictures of the group as they could get. They wanted pictures of everyone from the gang to their grandchildren. Tenzin was interviewed about some important political matters. Iroh and Kimiko were asked about life in the Fire Nation and what it was like to be a royal. Everyone was about to walk in when a reporter yelled Khari's name. Everyone turned their heads, curious to see who had what question for Khari.

"Khari! Khari Beifong! I have a question for Khari! Khari, we already know about how the royal children feel about their lives but how do you feel about having the life you do?" the reporter queried Khari due to the fact everyone found it odd that things seemed too perfect for the family.

Khari stared at the reporter for a moment before she responded. "I... Well that's kinda hard to explain. I mean who could complain. I live on my own private island which is away from all the problems of the city. My mom and dad are both extremely respected people around the world. My grandparents are war heroes. I can't say we have a perfect life because not every day is perfect and no life is perfect but we have a happy one," Khari replied with a smile as reporters took more pictures.

"Khari! Khari, over here! Sources say that you and Prince Iroh were at the center of the gang war. We have already confirmed the triads were there as well as the Police Force. Can you tell us if our sources are correct?" another reporter shouted.

"I can't tell you who was at the gang war the other night. That would be a question for my mother. Prince Iroh and I were both on the island where it was safe. I hope that clarifies any questions you may have had for me," Khari responded as Toph snickered.

As they began to walk in Kya stopped Khari. "Khari, sweetheart why did you lie to the press? That is not something I would expect of you about that topic," Kya noted.

"Would it really have made a difference if I did tell the truth? Mom would still be at the station all the time. Dad would still give Mica all his attention. We still won't be able to mention Aunt Suyin for reasons I don't even know. Uncle Bumi will go back to the United Forces and you will go back to traveling. Grandma Toph will do whatever she feels like doing. The royal family will go back in a few days. Great Uncle Sokka and Great Aunt Suki will go to the Southern Water Tribe for their long yearly visit. Gran Gran has to focus on Grandpa Aang because he is well he isn't as young as he once was. I help but sometimes she tells me to just go train. I feel like I'm not important. Like a fixture that has been placed on the island so telling the truth won't do anything. It will just make things more..." Khari trailed off.

Lin pulled Khari to the side briefly before she went to mingile with the guest. "I know you are lying. My mother should work on not laughing when you lie. We will discuss this tomorrow," Lin said as she released Khari's arm.

Khari walked into the building to see representatives from the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation. The former King of the Earth Kingdom and the current Queen, his daughter were also in attendance. Khari rolled her eyes at the woman as she continued to walk around. She saw officers everywhere as well as some guards that protected the world leaders. The council was in attendance. Khari saw people from the Water Tribes. When she saw the group of children she didn't typically get along with she started to look for Iroh. Being children of important people, these children always ended up at important events. Khari finally found Iroh talking with Kimiko and Izumi but Izumi told the three to go socialize with others. Khari grabbed her arm and looked down as she hesitated to move. Iroh looked over at her with a sympathetic look, knowing all too well that Khari didn't want to go socialize because people would talk about her appearance like usual. Iroh looped his arms with Khari's and started to walk around to mingle. Khari kept her head down but still answered the adults as they talked to her. Khari felt Iroh nudge her after a while to get her to look up. Khari smiled at him but the smile soon faded when she saw a group of girls that she typically didn't get along with walking in her direction. She tried to pull Iroh away but before they could get away the girls were standing behind them. Khari stood there and stared at the five girls in front of her. The group was made up of two girls from the Fire Nation, two girls from the Earth Kingdom, and the leader of the group was from the Northern Water Tribe. Khari stared into her piercing blue eyes before she took a step closer to Iroh. The girls laughed a bit and Khari stood even closer to Iroh.

"Hikarri, what do you guys want?" Iroh questioned the leader of the group.

"Iroh, relax. I just came to say hello to Khari Beifong or should I call you freak instead? Iroh, why do you hang out with her anyway?" Hikarri laughed but she was still curious.

"You know Hikarri, I don't believe the daughter of the Nothern Water Tribe Representative should be acting like this. It also tarnishes his name when you do. You are in the public eye as much as he is. You have to keep up appearances too. Iroh will tell you. We have done it our whole lives and it won't change for us but if you continue to tarnish your father's name and act a fool your time at all these parties and all the fancy things you go to may come to an end," Khari informed Hikarri before she turned her back.

"You freak! No wonder everyone always talks about you. You think you're better than everyone else but in reality, you aren't. I'll tell you why. It's because you're a bastard child and everyone here knows it. Even you and you won't admit it to the press. No wonder your so-called dad doesn't love you," Hikarri snapped at Khari.

Khari stiffed as she thought about the chance of her father not really being her father. Khari clenched her jaw as Hkiarri continued to mock her. Something eventually snapped inside of Khari which made her break her promise to Zuko. Khari turned around with a bawled fist, punching Hikarri in the face. Hikarri looked up at Khari from the ground as Iroh and Hikarri's friends stood there in silence. Hikarri jumped off the ground and slammed herself into Khari, making the two girls crash to the ground. Khari punched the ground which made a piece of earth shoot out, knocking Hikarri off of Khari and on to the ground. Everyone turned their attention to the fight between the two girls. Lin pinched her nose and sighed as Izumi looked at Iroh. Iroh looked at Khari then his family and friends then back at Khari. Both Hikarri and Khari were now standing and facing each other. When Hikarri tried to punch Khari, she spun back to avoid her fist before she spun again to kick Hikarri in the face. Before the girls could take another swing, they were both grabbed by the arm by both parents. Khari could see the blood coming from Hikarri's nose and she smiled a bit. She also took notice to the fact Hikarri's face was starting to bruise already. Khari heard someone clear their throat and she looked up to see her father with a displeased look on his face. Khari left with Lin and Tenzin to go back to the island because they figured it would be best to leave after the fight. The three walked back to the docks in silence but Khari felt her parents staring at her the whole time. When they finally arrived at the docks Khari slowly stepped on the ferry but she stopped to look back at her parents. She continued to walk onto the ferry but she stood on the opposite side of ferry to avoid Lin and Tenzin. When they finally arrived at the island slowly made her way towards her room until someone came to tell her what her punishment would be. Khari sat in her room for fifteen minutes before she started to cry. Khari thought about what Hikarri had said to her and how it maybe there was some truth to it. Another fifteen minutes had gone by and there was a knock at Khari's door. Khari opened the door to see her mother on the other side, still displeased. Khari started to follow Lin until they got to the rods that Mica practiced his airbending on. Lin pointed at one of the rods and Khari looked at her.

"Get up there! One foot on the rod the other foot is be placed straight out. I want both arms out. Clearly fighting my mother taught you nothing so we will see if holding three chunks of earth for a few hours, may days teaches you anything. Now get up on the rod Khari!" Lin demanded.

Khari looked at the rod before she looked at Lin. Khari jumped on the rod and did as Lin told her. Khari soon felt the weight of the chunks of earth she had to hold up. After Lin walked away Khari let a tear roll down her cheek but she didn't dare to cry. Two hours later everyone had returned to the island to see Khari standing on the rod with the chunks of earth on her foot and hands. Iroh looked at Khari with a sympathetic look as she stared straight ahead. Khari eventually lost her balance and fell to the ground with the chunks of earth smashing into her. Khari propped herself up for a bit before Lin and Tenzin came running out to see her on the ground. Khari looked at her parents and tried to get up on the rod again but she fell before Lin could place the chunks of earth on her hands or foot. Lin stood next to Khari and looked down at her which only made Khari look at the ground.

"Get back on that rod Khari! I swear if you don't I will find a punishment far worse than this," Lin barked.

"No. I'm not getting up there until you tell me the truth. He's not my father, is he? I'm a bastard child like everyone says?" Khari finally accused Lin.

"How dare you! I have had enough of your disobedience. I will answer no such question to an insolent child. Now I am your mother and you will do as I say. Now I said get back up on that rod," Lin snapped.

Khari stood for a few moments before she started to walk away. Tenzin walked in front of her, trying to keep her in the small area. Khari tried to push pass Tenzin but he grabbed her arm. Khari looked at his hand before she turned her arm to release it. Tenzin went to grab Khari's arm again but Khari turned to kick his arm. Aang's eyes widened when Khari hit Tenzin but he still stood where he was. Tenzin tried to grab Khari again but she stomped the ground, making a wall appear between the two. Lin looked at Khari for a moment before she sent her cables for her. The cables wrapped around Khari's wrist, making Khari snap her head in Lin's direction. When Lin pulled Khari towards her Khari waited for the perfect opportunity to attack. When Khari finally got close enough, she unwrapped the cables and shot her hand down quickly towards the ground in Lin's direction. The ground popped up in front of Lin, knocking her to the ground. Tenzin tried to grab Khari again but she ducked and grabbed his robes, throwing him off guard. Khari let go of Tenzin when she felt someone grab her by the back of the dress. She tried to get away but the person tightened their grip on her dress. Khari let go of Tenzin to try and grab the person but she saw her mother's hand. Khari lowered her head, disappointed in the fact her parents would always avoid any of her questions but quick to punish her. Khari felt the tears start to roll down her cheek but Tenzin pulled her chin up. Khari looked into his grayish blue eyes as she waited for further instruction. Tenzin's eyes started to water because he didn't know where he had gone wrong. Khari noticed the glistened look in her father's eyes which made her lower her head, because she knew she disappointed her parents yet again.

"Khari, please... just. Please, go to your room until your mother and I come for you. I can't take any more of your behavior tonight. Please for one night listen to what we say and don't disobey us in any way. I can't take this disrespect anymore. You are the oldest and you are to set the example for Mica and any siblings that may follow but you are failing to do so. To be quite frank you have done nothing but disappoint us with your behavior in public and at home. You are a Beifong, the daughter of a councilman, and the daughter of the Chief of Police. I want you to start acting like it," Tenzin said sternly.

Everyone stared at the two for a moment to see what would happen but Khari only stared at the ground. Tenzin cleared his throat, making Khari nod to show she understood what he had said. Khari started to walk into the temple with her head still hung low, only looking back one time. When she saw the disappointed looks on everyone's faces, she felt more ashamed than she had ever felt in her life. When Khari finally got to her room she sat on the bed with a small mirror, looking at herself. Khari was so focused on the image of herself that she never heard the door slide open. Khari wiped away the tear that started to fall as Zuko cleared his throat. When Khari looked up she saw Lord Zuko, Lady Mai, Her great Uncle Sokka and grandparents.

"Khari, you broke your promise," Zuko informed Khari.

"Do you think it's true? That's why Hikarri and I fought you know. She claims the public thinks I'm a bastard child. That Mom cheated. She said that Dad couldn't love me because I'm not really his. I guess I finally cracked when someone told me something I didn't want to hear. The public always pushed too. Being in the public eye is something a freak like me shouldn't have to go through. I mean think about how he has the perfect son then there is me. I don't bend air or look like him at all. I look like a Water Tribe girl. I don't blame him if he doesn't love me," Khari admitted, looking in the mirror again.

"No, I don't. Khari, you will learn in life people like to talk about anything they can. Right now, it happens to be you and the fact you look like a girl from the Water Tribe. I want you to know that both your parents love you no matter what," Zuko replied.

"That's easy for you to say. Well what about you Grandma Toph? Do you think your eldest daughter could create a bastard child?" Khari asked Toph, tilting the mirror slightly.

"I don't and accuse her again I will make sure you are picking yourself up from the ground. I don't care what this Hikarri claims. Your parents love you. Both of them. Khari, you are beautiful just like your mother," Toph replied.

"You're don't even know what I look like. You're blind, so for all you I could have three eyes and a chopped off ear. I am a girl that can't even fit in with her own family. I look like I'm from the Water Tribe. I have green eyes, a small nose, big ears, black hair. And a smile I hate but everyone else loves. Then to top it all off there is this stupid scar on my arm. I'm a freak okay. I just want to fit in," Khari cried, almost smashing the mirror in the process.

"Wear that scar with honor. Scars always tell a story. It reminds us of what has happened and how we have grown since we got them. You are not a freak Khari. You may look different than us but that is what makes you unique. Trust me one day your uniqueness will prove to be valuable," Lin reassured Khari as she walked into the room with Tenzin.

"K, I want you to know I only think you're a freak sometimes. Not for the same reason you think you're a freak. I want you to know I'll stand by you no matter what. Unless you start dating some annoying representative's kid then you're own. Date a good kid. I'll protect you. Public eye or not," Iroh told Khari as he walked in the room.

"Yea, because you sure had my back at the gala tonight. It's okay prince I trust you. Oh, that reminds me. I wanted to thank you for at least trying to keep me out of trouble," Khari said.

Before Iroh could respond Khari had her arms wrapped around him. He was a bit thrown off but he soon wrapped his arms around her. When the two pulled back Khari smiled at Iroh one more time before she sat on her bed with a book. Iroh looked back at Khari to see the smile on her face as she read. Iroh slid the door closed and bumped into Aang. Iroh stared up at the avatar, thankful for all he has done for his grandfather.

"It appears that you have captured the attention of a young earthbender. Remember Prince Iroh she is a Beifong. You promised to protect her so I would keep that promise or she will end you. She doesn't care if both of you are in the public eye. You're one of her best friends, and she trust you. She trusts you like I trust your grandfather," Aang explained.

(Author Note: So I wanted everyone to see the relationship between Iroh and Khari. I wanted their friendship to continue like their parents. I also wanted Iroh to get in a bit of trouble and I figured a gang war would be a good way. So I wanted someone to approach Khari about the way she looks but I figured let's accuse her of being a bastard child... maybe she is maybe she isn't. We all know we get that one character we hate and Hikarri happens to be that character. As you saw we also met Kimiko, which is Iroh's kid sister. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter. I hope you have enjoyed the story so far.)