Disclaimer: I do not own the Legend of Korra or Avatar the Last Airbender. I only own my own characters and ideas
Chapter Four: Avatar Aang
Three Years Later:
Khari stood in the dark room, only lit by a few candles. Khari stared at her grandfather as he lay on the bed sleeping. Aang had become very ill over the last two years. He had lost his appetite which made him slowly lose weight. When Khari walked closer to the bed, she saw her grandfather was asleep. She ran her hand across his face before she wiped the tears out of her eyes. She quickly blew out the candles and walked out of the room. Khari walked into the courtyard to see the lights of Republic City shining. Tenzin and Lin slowly made their way up the stairs, exhausted from their day at work. Khari sat on one of the benches, hoping one of her parents would sit with her but they both walked by, never noticing her on the bench. Khari sighed before she started to walk back towards her room but she stopped outside of her parent's room. She heard them talking about Aang and about how sick he was getting. Khari contemplated on opening the door but she knew that her parents would ask why she wasn't in bed. Khari slowly slid the door open and stood there, waiting for her parents to say something. The three stared at each other in silence until Tenzin cleared his throat.
"Khari, why aren't you in bed? What's wrong?" Tenzin wondered.
"He's gonna die, isn't he? That's why he only eats one meal a day and sleeps all the time. That's why he keeps calling me Aunt Kya and Aunt Suyin. He doesn't even call me by mom's name. It is only those two names. That's why when he does call me Khari, he tells me when I can metalbend I will make an amazing metalbender. That's why Gran Gran is crying all the time. That's why everyone is here again. That's why Uncle Bumi is on leave from the United Forces. Dad, we would be lost without Grandpa Aang," Khari wept.
Lin stiffened when she thought about Aang calling Khari, Suyin. Lin zoned out to the last time she saw Suyin, leaving Tenzin to deal with Khari. Tenzin tried to wipe the tears out of Khari's eyes but Khari continued to cry. She only wanted to be convinced that Aang was going to be okay. Tenzin tried to give Khari a reassuring smile but knew he was failing. He looked back at Lin before he picked Khari up and started to walk towards Aang's room. Tenzin opened the door and lit one of the candles so they could see. Aang managed to open his eyes a bit to look at Tenzin and Khari.
"Kya, why are you crying? Like your mother, tears don't suit that beautiful face of yours. Now please stop this and come sit next to me. Come tell me what is wrong Kya," Aang said.
Tenzin sat Khari on Aang's bed where she grabbed his hand. "Grandpa Aang, I'm not Aunt Kya. It's me, Khari. Your granddaughter. Tenzin and Lin's oldest daughter. The earthbender. The girl that gives everyone problems. The girl with the prettiest green eyes you've ever seen. Your greatest earthbender. Please Grandpa Aang, remember," Khari mumbled with a tear rolling down her cheek.
Khari felt a hand on her cheek, making her turn her head to see her grandfather's hand. She placed her hand on his as she began to cry harder. Lin and Katara came to the opening of the door to see Khari crying by Aang's side. Katara began to fear the worst until Tenzin told them what had happened. Khari closed her eyes, sensing Aang's heartbeat. Khari placed Aang's hand on the bed and quickly went to get herself a pillow and blanket. When she returned, she laid next to Aang's bed, only leaving enough space for someone to come check on Aang. When everyone had finally settled in for the night Khari stared at the ceiling of the room, waiting for something to happen. Khari would slam her foot on the ground every once and awhile to sense Aang's heartbeat. Aang started to chuckle at Khari when she slammed her foot on the ground again. Khari had been so concerned with making sure Aang's heart was still beating she never went to sleep but she knew everyone would soon be getting up themselves. After Khari had finished stretching, she went to get a teapot and two cups. Khari rubbed her eyes as she walked into the kitchen to grab everything. Khari was beginning to become impatient while she waited for the tea to heat. When it was finally ready, she walked back to the room, carefully sliding the door open. When Khari looked up to tell Aang she had brought him some tea she saw a light leave his mouth and disappear. Khari dropped everything in her hand but she never heard the dishes shatter. Khari stood there, just staring at Aang. Khari felt someone touch her but her eyes never left Aang. Kya pulled the hot tea away from Khari's feet before she pulled Khari in front of her. Khari began to whimper but it didn't take long before she started to sob. Kya pulled Khari close as Katara and Bumi arrived. Katara slowly made her way over to Aang with tears in her eyes. She placed her hand on his face to wipe the small tear that had formed in the corner of his eye away. Khari felt someone pulling her out of the room but she wanted to stay. She looked up to see Zuko trying to guide her out of the room.
"Khari, you don't want to be in here anymore. Let's go find Iroh or Kimiko. We can have tea together," Zuko tried to comfort Khari.
Khari looked at Zuko before she followed him to find Kimiko and Iroh. "Lord Zuko, where are my parents? Shouldn't they be with Grandpa Aang? Shouldn't I be with them?" Khari asked.
"Hmm? Oh, your parents left earlier this morning. They were both called to important matters at work. Your Uncle Bumi went to call them both back to the island. Sokka, Suki and Toph will be here soon too. Come, let's find something to relax you until then," Zuko responded.
Khari nodded as she continued to follow Zuko. The two went to the courtyard to sit on a bench but Khari saw her parents coming up the stairs. She started to run over to them but they both walked around her to go see Aang. Khari turned around to find she was now alone in the courtyard. She slowly trudged to a far part of the island where no one could bother her. When Khari felt like she was far enough from everyone she plopped on the ground. Khari felt so lost without Aang but she knew she would have to learn to live without him. Khari hugged her knees and started to cry again. Khari heard her name but she didn't move. She didn't want to talk to anyone. She sat there, trying to hide from whoever was calling her. Khari looked up when she felt a hand on her shoulder to see Iroh next to her, trying to hold back tears and giving her a small smile. Khari shifted the earth under Iroh, making him move back up a few feet. He was going to take a step towards Khari again but someone pulled him back. Iroh saw Kimiko shaking her head at him as she pulled on his arm again. Iroh pulled away from Kimiko as she called out for him to come back. Mica slowly walked over to Kimiko with tears in his eyes. Kimiko pulled the young boy close as he started to cry. Iroh crouched down next to Khari and she clung to him instantly, tears streaming down her face. Khari put her head on Iroh's shoulder and cried harder. The royal siblings looked at each other before they looked at the avatar's grandchildren. Iroh gently placed his hand on Khari's head as she continued to sob. When Khari felt like she couldn't cry anymore she pulled away from Iroh with red eyes. Khari soon stood and walked away from everyone, only to lock herself in her room for the remainder of the day. The next morning Kya tried to comfort Katara while Lin tried to coax Khari out of her room. Lin continued to knock on the door but Khari sat against her door listening to the knocking. Khari eventually slammed on the door making Lin back away from the door before she walked away. When Lin saw Tenzin, she shook her head but she stopped to hug him. Mica ran over to Tenzin, quickly using his airbending to propel himself up to Tenzin and Lin. Lin and Tenzin held onto Mica as he cried. Bumi stood outside the room that Aang was in but he only stared at the door. Bumi felt like he had let Aang down once again. Sokka walked over to Bumi, placing his hand on Bumi's shoulder. Bumi looked at his uncle's hand but his attention was soon turned back to the door. Everyone turned their head when they heard a crash down the hall. When they didn't see anything, they all began to run in the direction of the crash. They all stood outside of Khari's bedroom as they heard another crash. Everyone looked at each other, trying to decide who should try to talk to Khari. Toph walked up to the door, only gently touching the door. Toph looked back and Katara stepped up to the door. She knocked on the door and waited for an answer. When there was another crash from the room.
"Khari, please open the door. I know you hurt and we hurt too. Khari, please we are here for you but you have to let us help you. Don't isolate yourself. Please grieve with us. With me. Please, Aang wouldn't want you to do this to yourself. Open the door for me," Katara pleaded.
The door slowly slid open to reveal Khari with a tear stained face and a bloody hand. Katara looked at Khari but Khari only looked down at her bloody hand. Khari's tears started to drip onto her bloody hand, making the blood slightly more watery. Katara pulled Khari's hand up before she pulled water out of her water skin so she could heal Khari. When Katara was finished she pulled Khari close, making the young girl cling to her.
"It's not fair. Gran Gran It's just not fair. He wasn't supposed to die yet. I know he had to die eventually but he wasn't supposed to die now. He was supposed to help me become a better earthbender. Why did he have to go Gran Gran? He was going to make it so I learned not to live in anyone's shadow. He was going to teach me so much and now he isn't here to do it..." Khari trailed off.
Katara tried to smile but it was hard to fake one. Khari began to think about how she would never make her parents happy now. Khari only wanted to make them happy and impress them but every time she tried, she somehow failed. Aang had tried to convince her that Tenzin and Lin were proud of her that sometimes the stress of their jobs made them lash out at the ones they loved. Even on the days Aang had tried to teach Khari the airbending techniques she still thought that she wasn't good enough for her father. Khari soon pulled away from Katara, pushing through everyone. Khari wanted to be somewhere that she would always go when she was with Aang. Khari slowly made her way for the spinning gates as she thought about all the times she had tried to go through the gates. When she finally got to the spinning gates, she ran her hand on one of the gates before she spun it. She watched as the gate continued to spin but a hand soon grabbed the gate. Khari went to grab the person's hand so she could spin the gate but the person grabbed her hand. Khari felt a hand on her face pulling slightly and she saw Iroh giving her a sympathetic look. Everyone came to the gates to see Khari and Iroh inches from the gate. Tenzin stomped in Khari's direction before he yanked her away from the gate. Iroh grabbed Khari's arm, stopping Tenzin in his tracks. Iroh ripped the sleeve off of his outfit and tied it over Khari's eyes, then he nodded at Tenzin. When Tenzin raised his eyebrow Iroh strolled over to the spinning gates and spun one. Tenzin looked at Khari with the blindfold on her face before he stepped in front of her for a moment. Tenzin started to pull the air up around before he forced it through the gates. He stepped aside and looked down at Khari. Khari felt something telling her to go so she took a small step towards the gates. She took her first step in between the gates and she continued to weave through the gates without being knocked down. Once she reached the end, she pulled her foot out before the final two gates could hit her. Khari took the blindfold off as she turned around to see everyone's reactions through the gates that were slowly spinning. She could see the shocked look on her father's face before he stormed over to Khari.
"These gates are not toys! They are what airbenders will use to train. They are very old and you seem to think they are toys. I don't understand why you can't just stick with your metal and earth," Tenzin sighed.
"Airbenders?! What airbenders dad? Newsflash there are only two and that would be you and Mica. We won't have any more airbenders unless you and mom have more children or Mica has children. We already know I couldn't be lucky enough to give this family an airbender because I'm the outcast that can't even get her own parents to love her. I only know how to go through those gates because Grandpa Aang taught me because both you and mom never have time for me. I hate you and I hate him for leaving me with someone like you, who is so selfish you are only concerned with the Air Nation. He tried to help me get your attention. To make you proud, but you were always busy with Mica or your job. You have two children and I'm sorry one isn't an airbender. Maybe someone should knock some sense into you. Also, maybe bend down at the next council meeting so one of the council members can pull that stick out of your ass that you've had up there since you found out I was an earthbender," Khari snapped.
Tenzin started to grind his teeth but he quickly lost his patience with Khari. He quickly raised his hand before slapping Khari in the face. Everyone gasped as Khari held her face for a few moments. Khari didn't even bother to look at Tenzin, she only pushed past him. She felt her face start to burn but she continued to run from everyone. Khari soon found herself on the opposite side of the island. Khari couldn't believe that her father slapped her in the face. She couldn't believe the man that believed in nonviolence unless absolutely necessary hit her. Khari sat on the cold ground until it got dark. After she got up off the ground, she started to walk around the island but she avoided going into the temple for as long as she could. Khari had continued to walk around for a few hours before she finally trudged into the temple. Khari didn't know if she should stop in anyone's room briefly or if she should just go to bed. Khari looked at everyone's bedrooms doors but she continued to trudge towards her room. Once she was in her room, she looked back at the door before she put a wall up to prevent anyone from coming in. Khari sat in her room until the day of the funeral. She heard a knock at the door the morning of the funeral but she only stared at herself in the mirror as she thought about the inevitable. Khari soon wandered into the courtyard where everyone was waiting for her. Khari didn't look at anyone but she followed them to the ferry. Khari stood on the opposite side of the ferry the whole ride to the city to avoid talking to anyone. When they arrived at the city Khari stood on the ferry, only staring at everyone before the tears began to fall. Iroh walked over to Khari, looping his arm with her arm. He began to guide her off the ferry towards the building that Aang's funeral was being held. When they got to the funeral the press began to ask the family questions on how they were dealing with things, who would start the search for the next avatar, where they would search, and what the family's plan was not that Aang was gone. Khari didn't really want to answer those questions or be around when those questions were being answered. Khari looked up briefly to see a woman standing off in the distance, looking at the family and the building. Khari pulled away from Iroh to approach the woman. When Khari had approached the woman the first thing, she noticed were her green eyes. The woman looked shocked when Khari stood in front of her. Khari wiped the tears out of the woman's eyes as the woman placed her hand on Khari's face. The woman pulled away, putting her hood up and starting to walk away.
"Wait! Who are you?" Khari shouted.
"Someday you will find out, but not today. Maybe someday soon," the woman said before she took off.
Khari watched the woman run off with a curious look. Khari spun around when she heard her name to see her father waving for her to follow the group into the building. Khari looked in the direction the woman ran one more time before she started to run towards the building. When she entered the building, she saw people from all over the word but she didn't really care about any of that. She walked up the small simple casket that had been made for Aang in only a few days. Khari traced the element symbols along the side of the casket with her fingers lightly, avoiding looking at Aang for as long as she could. When she finally looked in the casket, she saw how the sickness had affected his body over the past year. Khari heard footsteps behind her but she didn't bother to turn around. Khari continued to stare forward, soon mentally leaving the funeral behind her. She was only drawn back when someone touched her. Khari saw Kimiko, Mica and Iroh standing beside her. Iroh looked behind Khari when he saw Hikarri. He walked over to her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder to push her in the opposite direction. Hikarri looked at Iroh before she looked at Khari. Iroh whispered in Hikarri's ear but she still didn't move. Iroh could tell by the look on Hikarri's face she had something to say. Iroh sighed before he removed his hand from her shoulder. Hikarri slowly walked over to Khari, stopping next to her to look at Aang. Khari never looked up at Hikarri but she could sense her next to her. Iroh watched the two girls carefully. Hikarri looked at Khari before she looked back at Aang. Iroh pinched his nose as he continued to watch the two girls. Hikarri sighed before she finally decided to speak.
"Listen freak, I know we don't get along but I'm really sorry about your grandfather. I could never imagine what you're going through. Your grandpa was pretty important to a lot of people. I only wanted to tell you I'm sorry. I still think you're a freak and don't like you," Hikarri mumbled, hoping no one had heard.
Kimiko looked back at Iroh, nodding to signal for her brother to come get Hikarri away from Khari. Iroh marched over to Hikarri, grabbing her arm as hard as he could. Hikarri looked at her arm, then Iroh before she was yanked away from Khari. Everyone was soon seated for the ceremony but Khari took the longest to reach her seat. Khari sat next to Mica and Iroh during the service. The service was conducted by one of the Air Acolytes from one of the air temples. Many people decided to speak from Aang's children, Sokka, Zuko, Toph, Suki, Katara, Lin, Izumi, councilmembers and other people Aang had helped. The acolyte had once again asked if anyone wanted to speak but Khari didn't say anything. Kya quietly got the acolyte's attention without anyone noticing before she pointed at Khari. The acolyte walked over to Khari, sticking his hand out as he smiled down at her. Khari looked up at the middle-aged man who was still smiling at her with his hand still in front of her. Khari placed her hand in the acolyte's hand before he guided her to the podium. Khari looked at the podium before she looked back at the acolyte who gave her another smile. Khari stood behind the podium but looked up when she realized she was going to need a boost. Lin smiled at Khari a bit as she shook her head before she slid her foot on the ground to raise a small portion under Khari. Khari steadied herself by holding onto the podium for a bit before she thought about what she should say. She didn't even know what to say. Khari had never planned on talking during the funeral for this exact reason. Khari looked at her parents for a moment but when she looked at her father, she saw her grandfather instead. She looked down at the podium but she knew that everyone was waiting for her to say something. Khari let a teardrop fall and hit the podium but she still didn't know what to say. The only thing she knew is she missed her Grandpa Aang. When she looked up everyone saw the tear stains on her cheeks. Khari looked at Katara and knew what she wanted to say.
"So, when I first got up here, I didn't know what I wanted to say because what is there really to say when someone dies. We all know that everyone is devastated, and that we are all trying to grieve so we shouldn't state that. My grandfather wasn't about that. He was about hope, because that is what the avatar's job is about. He was about making Mica and I happy. He taught me to metalbend by throwing coins at me. He taught me some techniques from each element because he said one day it could save me. He would sit with me someday and we would sing this one song and I'm going to share it with you but to my Gran Gran it will mean the world. He told me it was the first song that wasn't related to his culture. He told me it would be the last song he would sing to her before he dies. He would always sing this with me so one day I could sing it to the person I love. Gran Gran, Grandpa Aang and I know that he didn't get a chance to sing the song to you this year so he made me promise I would sing it to you if anything happened," Khari tried to comfort everyone.
Sokka wrapped his arm around Katara as Khari started to sing. Katara closed her eyes as Khari continued to sing the song. Katara had thought about all the times Aang had sung the very song Khari was singing to her. Katara flashed back to the first time Aang had sung the song to her. Tenzin looked over at Katara to see her with a small smile and tears coming from her eyes. Tenzin squeezed Lin's hand as he looked back up at Khari with a smile. Kimiko quickly ran her finger under Iroh's lip as she smiled.
"Looks liked your eyes aren't the only thing that are crying," Kimiko snickered.
"Oh, shut up. Funerals are exhausting," Iroh informed Kimiko.
"So, it has nothing to do with your girlfriend serenading everyone?" Kimiko teased.
"I hope you get sick and can't talk for six months. Every time you talk you annoy me. I have told you Khari and I aren't dating. We are only friends, that's it," Iroh responded.
"Khari is a product of we're only friends according to Kya and Bumi. Aang and Katara said the same thing and they have three children and have been married for a very long time. Grandma and Grandfather are another example. Iroh open your eyes for a second. You and Khari are not just friends," Kimiko explained.
Iroh looked over at Kimiko as Khari finished the song but brushed her off. Khari looked at Katara to see a small smile on her face. Everyone looked at Khari, amazed at her talent. Khari jumped off the small platform and sprinted over to Katara who had tears in her eyes. Khari wrapped her arms around Katara as the woman cried into her shoulder. Tenzin watched as Khari continued to comfort Katara. Khari soon pulled away from Katara so she could wipe the tears out of her eyes. Everyone soon got up and started to talk amongst each other. Khari stood by Aang as everyone talked about different things. Khari didn't really pay attention but one of the conversations between a few representatives caught her attention. Khari started to pay more attention to the conversation but tried to make it not so obvious she was paying attention. Khari heard representatives that could bend talk about how issues with nonbenders could worsen. The nonbending representatives started to talk about how benders work make life for nonbenders harder. People started to whisper about who would keep the peace now that Aang was gone. Khari felt hurt and angry that people were concerned about fighting rather than her grandfather's death. Khari started to silently cry before she turned around and shot a small wall up between the group. Khari crushed the wall and threw the small pieces at the representatives that were discussing the issues between benders and nonbenders. Everyone looked at Khari who was only staring forward with tears coming from her eyes. Tenzin grew angry at Khari for causing problems and not respecting Aang at his own funeral.
"Leave. Khari, just leave. I want you out of my sight. Go home Khari and make sure you take no detours. I said leave!" Tenzin shouted.
Khari stared at Tenzin for a moment before she looked at Lin for some kind of defense. Lin moved aside for Khari to leave. Khari refused to look at her parents as she started to sprint out of the building. Bumi tried to grab Khari but failed which made Kya reach out for her. Khari continued to sprint until she felt like she had to stop. Back at the funeral Iroh started to grind his teeth before he turned towards Tenzin. Tenzin looked at the young firebender started to march towards him. Kimiko darted over to Iroh to prevent Iroh from doing anything stupid but she could only hold him back. Iroh pointed at Tenzin as he thought about what he should say.
"You're supposed you be her father! You're supposed to love her! She tries so hard to make you happy and impress you but she is never good enough for you. I can't believe that you are Avatar Aang's son. I can't even look at you anymore. I'm going to do something you should do. Something you should have done Khari's whole life. I'm going to find her and make sure she is okay," Iroh fumed.
Iroh pushed Kimiko away and started to run out of the building. He stopped outside the building, looked both ways and took off in the direction that Khari went without knowing. Iroh started to shout Khari's name as he continued to run down the street. He eventually stopped when he heard sniffling on one of the side roads. Iroh rounded the corner to see Khari standing with her face in her hands, crying. Iroh Khari out of the side street, hugging her. After a couple of moments, the two heard someone clear their throat. The two looked up to see Lightning Bolt Zolt and a few triad members closing in. Iroh and Khari started to back away from the group slowly. Khari watched as the earthbenders pulled small pieces of earth out and began to spin them slowly. The waterbenders spun water and the firebenders lit a fire as they got closer. Iroh started to push Khari back a bit before he created two fire daggers. The triad members laughed at the two but Khari stood her ground. The waterbenders sent water spikes at the two. Iroh and Khari tried to smash as many spikes as they could but they got cut with a few spikes. Lightning Bolt Zolt made two fire lashes, sending them at both Iroh and Khari. Khari put a wall up but it was easily destroyed. Both kids got thrown against a wall but got back up. Khari and the earthbending triads started to throw chunks of earth at each other while Iroh tried to fight both the firebenders and waterbenders. Khari and Iroh were both fighting as hard as they could but they could tell they were losing. Khari and one of the earthbenders sent a chunk of earth at each other, making the two crash against the wall. As Khari tried to get up one of the earthbenders sent a spike in her direction but before she could defend herself it struck her in the left shoulder. Khari placed her hand on her shoulder around the spike as she looked at Iroh. Khari fell to her knees before she fell to the ground as she continued to hold her shoulder. Iroh saw a metal cable fly above his head, knocking a few triad members down. Iroh sent a few quick fire jabs, knocking a few more members down. A wave went through the ground, making the remaining triad members fall to the ground. When they finally got up, they started to flee as fast as they could. Iroh ran over to Khari along with the woman from the funeral. Khari whimpered as Iroh touched her shoulder. The woman used her earthbending to pull the spike out of Khari's shoulder, making her scream out. The woman put pressure on Khari's wound as the tears started to form in her eyes. The woman grabbed Iroh's hands, placing them on the wound so she could find something to wrap the wound. The woman looked at her sleeve, quickly ripping it off. She quickly wrapped Khari's shoulder before she made Iroh look at her.
"Get her back to the island as quickly as you possibly can. Make sure she gets to Katara and Kya. They are her best chance with that wound. Don't tell anyone you saw me. Now go," the woman pushed.
Iroh gave the woman a skeptical look before he picked Khari up off the ground. Khari was able to get another look at the woman before she fainted. Iroh ran towards the dock as fast as he could. When they arrived Iroh gently set Khari in a small boat before he jumped in and burned the rope holding it to the dock. Iroh propelled the boat forward using his bending. It didn't take long for them to reach the island but Khari was still unconscious. When they finally arrived at the island Iroh tried to be as gently as possible but he knew he had to be quick. As Iroh darted up the stairs he started to feel his shirt get wet so he looked down to see the ripped sleeve soaked in blood. He started to hear arguing amongst the adults about both his and Khari's whereabouts. The adults turned towards the stairs as they heard the footsteps to find an unconscious Khari and terrified Iroh. Kimiko gave Iroh a worried look when Iroh stared straight forward with an empty look on his face.
"Iroh! What happened? Why did you and Khari not come back to the island as soon she was sent home?" Lin pushed for answers as she stared at Khari.
"I... I don't know. It... It happened so fast. The Triple Threats surrounded us as we were coming back and then, we had to fight more triads Triple Threats than I would have ever imagined. There were just too many of them. Khari got knocked down and when she was trying to get up, they hit her shoulder. The triads and I fought for a while longer but they fled. I think once they realized what they did they knew they were screwed. Tenzin, Lin, I am so sorry..." Iroh trailed off.
"I don't know why you are apologizing. This is her fault. If she would have listened for once in her life she would have been at the funeral. She would have never been told to go home. She never would have had to fight the triads and gotten hurt. Khari needs to learn to listen and unfortunately, she got hurt so this will be a hard lesson for her. I thank you for being there to protect her," Tenzin explained, refusing to look at Khari.
Everyone looked at both Lin and Tenzin before they looked at Iroh and Khari. Kya hurried over to Iroh, grabbing Khari from him before she and Katara went into the healing room. Kimiko looked at Iroh's bawled fist before she looked at Tenzin. Iroh bolted across the courtyard and grabbed Tenzin by his robes so fast no one knew it was happening. No one dared to move as the prince held the councilman as tight as he could. Iroh began to back Tenzin against the wall, making Tenzin hold his breath for a minute before he finally exhaled. Izumi watched Iroh carefully over the rims of her glasses with a small smirk. Iroh punched Tenzin with his free hand, making him fall to the ground. When he looked up everyone saw the blood coming from his mouth. Sokka and Zuko looked at each other before they looked back at Tenzin. Bumi's jaw dropped as he continued to stare at Tenzin on the ground. Lin and Toph only stood there in silence, trying to avoid any more conflict. Mica and Kimiko exchanged looks before they gave Iroh a look. Izumi was trying to suppress a laugh so she cleared her throat. Mai and Suki looked at each other before they gave Izumi a look. Tenzin didn't move as Iroh took a step closer to him. When he looked up at Iroh, Tenzin could see how infuriated Iroh was with him.
"I can't believe you could be such a hopeless cause for a parent. I can't believe you could be such shitty parents. Your daughter could have died today and your concern was her returning to the island or listening at the funeral. Your daughter witnessed what love felt like today. Someone showed her what it felt like to be loved and some compassion. Something you never show her. I don't know if Khari will even know how to take it because you have neglected her for seven years. She's built a wall because of you. You can't even see her hurt and that you are the reason she hurts the way she does. You're making it so she doesn't know what love is and how it feels to be loved. You're her father and Lin you're her mother but you don't act it. You act like she is some child that is here. Tenzin, she knows that you wanted her to be an airbender but sometimes things don't work out that way. Love her anyway before she decides she doesn't need you anymore," Iroh criticized the parents.
They both looked at him as he walked into the temple before they looked at each other. Lin walked over to Tenzin, helping him off the ground. The two felt everyone in the courtyard staring at them but they didn't say anything. Iroh stormed down the hall, trying to get to Khari to check on her. He finally arrived at the healing room but he hesitated because he knew the truth. Khari was starting to build a wall and blocking everyone out. He knew Aang's death would only build the wall faster. He finally grabbed the door and slid it open to see Katara and Kya finishing up with Khari. Katara looked up to see Iroh sliding the door shut so when she and Kya were finished, they focused on cleaning instead of whatever Iroh was doing. When Iroh finally stood next to Khari he saw that Khari had been wrapped from her mid-torso to a quarter of her left arm. He touched her face softly as the tears ran down his cheek. Katara gave the boy a small smile as she continued to clean the mess. No one had heard the door slide open but Tenzin had tried to come in, only stopping once he saw Iroh. Tenzin could see that the angered look Iroh had on his face earlier had been replaced with a much softer, caring look. Tenzin shut the door without being noticed by anyone in the room. Iroh's tears started to fall off of his cheek, hitting Khari's face. Katara and Kya looked at each other from the side of their eyes before they turned their attention to Iroh.
"You know Iroh, I've seen the same expression on your grandfather's face many times when he was trying to hide things. Khari got very hurt today and even if you aren't covering for her, you shouldn't hide anything. You know you can tell me anything. I can't promise I'll hide it but come and tell me what you know," Katara tried to convince Iroh.
"I... I can't. I promised her I wouldn't," Iroh mumbled.
"Iroh, this is no time to be keeping promises with Khari. Please, we just want to know what happened and how Khari ended up in her condition," Kya pleaded.
"I didn't promise Khari anything. Please don't tell anyone what I'm going to tell you. Well we weren't walking back quite yet but we were about to walk back. I found Khari crying in a side street so I tried to get her to stop but then the triads showed up like I said they did. We were fighting but Khari got hit and I didn't think I was going to win but then someone came to help me. This woman that I've never seen before. She helped me beat the triads and pulled the spike out of Khari's shoulder. She knew about the island, and the both of you. She didn't want anyone to know that she was here but she wouldn't say why. I didn't question it because I was focused on Khari," Iroh replied, still focused on Khari.
Kya quickly turned around to look for the cloth that was wrapped around Khari's shoulder when she was brought to the island. She began to scrub the blood out of it as quickly as she could, making Katara give her a confused look. Once Kya noticed that she could see some of the color of the cloth she wrung the water out and pulled it closer for examination. Kya gasped before she dropped the cloth of the ground. Both Iroh and Katara turned their attention to Kya as she picked the cloth up off the ground and began to run out of the room. When Kya arrived in the courtyard everyone looked up to see what news they would get about the young girl's condition. Kya sighed before she held the cloth up so it was in Tenzin and Lin's sight. Lin stood where she was for a moment in disbelief before she walked over, yanking the cloth from Kya's hand. Lin ran her hand over the cloth before a tear fell on the cloth. Lin clenched the cloth as she turned to Tenzin. Everyone saw the hurt on Lin's face but waited for her to say something.
"I'm going after her," Lin told Tenzin.
"You shall do no such thing. I will not let you get hurt because of our daughter's stupidity. She got hurt and Iroh lied about it. I won't have you get hurt too," Tenzin replied.
"That isn't the point Tenzin. Aang, Sokka, my mother, and I told her never to return to Republic City. She told us that she understood. Clearly, she doesn't understand the definition of never. She hurt our daughter. She almost killed our daughter. I'm not going to tell her to never return again. This time I'm going to arrest her," Lin explained.
"You can't go after her. She didn't do that to Khari. She saved Khari and I. Khari and I are in her debt. I don't know why you're mad at this woman but if she didn't show up you wouldn't have Khari and my mother wouldn't have me. Please, just let her go Lin. Please, think about Khari. Think about the family. We just lost Aang and now we almost lost Khari. Please, just leave this woman be," Iroh begged.
Lin hesitated for a moment but she nodded which made Iroh smile. Everyone soon turned their attention to the opening of the temple where Khari was standing, holding her shoulder. Everyone watched as Khari tried to keep her eyes open. Khari stumbled as she took her first step. Kimiko stared at her for a moment before she helped her to a bench. Iroh walked over and crouched down in front of Khari.
"Khari, do you remember anything at all?" he questioned her.
"I remember some things but most of it is really confusing. I don't know how I got hurt exactly but I know we were fighting. I remember... her," Khari answered.
"Khari, do you know who her is? Did she tell you her name? Have you met before? Do you know anything about her? Did she say how she knew about you?" Lin stressed as she wanted answers.
Khari shook her head, slightly overwhelmed by the questions. Khari wanted to know the answers to all of those questions herself. She felt a hand on her back that she soon found was her Aunt Kya's to lead her to her room. Khari was sitting on her bed but was soon interrupted by Tenzin. Kya kissed the top of Khari's head before she walked out of the room, slowly shutting the door behind her. Tenzin sat next to Khari on the bed but the two sat there in silence. Tenzin wrapped his arms around Khari, pulling her in close and placing his chin on her head. Tenzin tried his hardest to not think about what could have happened to Khari. He pushed her back a bit to see the cuts on her face before he cleared his throat. When Khari looked up, she could see the seriousness written all over her father's face. She sighed before she looked down at the ground. She already knew that she was in some form of trouble.
"Khari, after today I have determined you need some form of structure outside the temple. Something to occupy your time until your mother or I get home. Now that my mother and Kya will be moving to Southern Water Tribe and Uncle Sokka will be finishing up another year at City Hall before he and Suki leave no one will be on the island to watch you at all times. Toph has also decided to leave now that my father has left so, we had to decide what to do with you and these behaviors. You will help me and anyone else at City Hall that requires assistance. You will also help your mother and the officers at headquarters to an extent, meaning only the things your mother approves of and nothing more. You start the day after the royal family leaves. You will do this until I say otherwise. If you get in trouble while Iroh is here again I will take training with your mother away," Tenzin calmly explained.
Khari nodded without looking up to show how upset she was. She didn't think her punishment was fair. She didn't even understand why she was being punished, but she knew it was for the best to stay silent. She heard her door slide open and close but still chose to look at the ground. Khari heard the door slide open and close once again but she still didn't dare to look up to see who entered or exited her room. She closed her eyes when she heard footsteps move closer to her. Khari heard the door slide open again but this time it never shut. Khari soon felt someone wrap their arms around her and she held her breath for a minute before she wrapped her arms around the person.
"Your parents may not care that you're hurt but I do. I'll always care. I'm happy you're alright because I don't know what I would have done if something happened to you. How I would have felt if you weren't okay. I'm sorry I didn't protect you Khari," Iroh whispered in her ear.
"It wasn't your job to protect me. I know you care if I'm okay and I'm happy you didn't get hurt. I don't think I'd hear the end of it if the heir to the throne got hurt. I promise I'll always protect you," Khari whispered back.
"Hey Mica, I'm happy Khari is okay. I still can't believe Tenzin and Lin though. Punishing her for getting hurt? I think that is a little crazy. Mica, if all of those people are going to leave and leave the three of you alone with Khari someone has to show her love. You have to show her love because your parents won't. She won't stay here if you don't. They will push her away," Kimiko told Mica.
"I do love Khari. My parents love Khari, but they show it different than most parents. My parents want Khari to be like them. Like everyone in the family, except well you know who. They are all important people that made a difference and they want that for us. Khari would make my mother so happy if she followed her footsteps and I'm already following in my father's footsteps. They love her. I promise you they love her," Mica responded.
"Have any of you thought maybe Khari doesn't want to do any of that? Maybe Khari wants to be like Kya, or even Bumi. If Khari following in Lin's footsteps is what it will take for you three to love her then this family doesn't deserve her. Mica you are starting to think like Tenzin and that is a problem. You are treating her as if she is some disease but the thing is I think Khari will make a name for herself one day without any of you. I can't wait for the day she tells you she doesn't need you anymore," Kimiko snapped.
(Author's Note: Yes, unfortunately I had to kill Aang. I had to take one of Khari's biggest supporters. Also, I wanted everyone to see what the royal siblings' thoughts are about Khari's family situation. We also have the mystery woman that you guys met this chapter... well I'll let you guys keep guessing why things are the way they are. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and continue to enjoy.)