Heads or Tails
Book 1 – Arin's Tale
Oh gosh guys, I am so sorry this took so long. Even though I have an outline of this entire story, I could not figure out how to write this one. Now I know how it feels to get writers block. :( And if you may have heard from my other story, I had computer problems that ended up lasting for a couple months. So apologies again for the long wait and hopefully I can get some more out sooner. Thank you for reading and following this story. 3
Oh, and if you got a notification about an update or something, I had edited chapter 2. Needed to reread it while writing this one and noticed I had accidentally put Arin's eyes as green. Her eyes are blue. Again, sorry for the error. :/ Hope you enjoy this chapter!
I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender or Legend of Korra or any of the characters. Only the OC's.
Forgot to put this in the last chapter so here are the pronunciations in case you need them.
Arin: Ah – reen.
Nera: N – air – rah.
Noren: Nor – ren.
Chapter 3: Welcome to the Family
Opal's POV
Time: 188 A.G.
By the time we returned to Zaofu, the girls were already fast asleep, laying side by side in the bottom of the saddle. The whipping of their hair in their faces from the wind begins to calm as we descend into the city streets below.
When we land, the city was dark. Aside from the streetlights that lit our landing, every house and every building succumbed to the darkness. It was so quiet, peaceful. If it weren't for the cars on the sides of the streets, the dotted blinking lights of the fire-moths and the occasional meows from the alley cats along with a few grunts from Juicy who was tired from our short, late-night journey, you would almost think the city was abandoned. Just like the girls, the citizens of Zaofu were in a peaceful slumber.
It was late by the time we got back; in just a few hours it will be daytime, so luckily no one argued over questioning the girl anymore or filing any paperwork and sending search parties and so forth. That can be dealt with tomorrow. Right now, sleep was calling our names.
Out of the saddle and on the ground, mom commands everyone to go home and get to bed. Something that didn't need to be told twice. Everything else will be dealt with later after everyone got some shuteye. She gave the guards orders to switch shifts for the night so that some refreshed guards can protect the tower, both in and out. Two would stand guard outside the guest bedroom where Arin would be staying for the night. Another thing I agreed with. Who knows what might happen during the night? An attack on Zaofu? An attack on our house? An attempted kidnapping of our new houseguest? Anything could be possible.
After the guards and mother had left, it was time for our bunch to head home as well. Luckily Noren still has a bit of energy left to be able to walk on his own two feet back to his room, as Bolin's hands were full. Arin cradled in his arms; Nera's little arms wrapped around his neck, hanging from his back with her legs tucked between his arms. Though Bolin was tired himself, the bags under his bloodshot eyes made it noticeably clear, he still has the strength to carry them both to their beds.
The hallway of the tower, which was the largest building in Zaofu, was lined with green carpet. Neon stripes fill the edges, the walls on each side with wooden planks. The doors on each side leads to bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and so much more. This was just the first floor, which is already massive. The second and third are the exact same. It is nothing compared to the rest of the house: living room, dining area, playrooms and so much more; all on various levels.
The tower makes our rooms at the Air Temple look like an old fashion storage space since they tend to keep most of the older, more traditional style. I don't mind. Sometimes it's nice to stick to tradition.
When we arrive at Nera's bedroom, the guest room I had in mine was right across from hers, which makes things so much easier for us. I grab the snoozing little girl out of Bolin's arms while he takes Nera off his back and brings her to her room. With my hands full, one of the guards that walked with us for their shift opens the wooden door for me.
The guest room was small, but a nice size for a little girl her age anyway. Though the room was dark, the full moon fills enough light through the window to allow me to see the way to the bed. A small fuzzy rug lies in the middle of the room, and a vanity with a standup mirror next to the walk-in closet to the right. On the other side of the vanity was a door that led to the connected bathroom. On the left side, a twin-size bed full of pillows and sheets and a blanket. Even a stuffed platypus-bear laying in between the soft pillows. At the foot of the bed lays a trunk for storage. If the girl stays here longer than we think, it will come in handy for some toys. The room seems a little too much for a child, but it is enough for now until we decide what to do with her later.
I gently lay Arin into the bed and tuck her in. A small smile forms when she grabs the stuffed animal, still sound asleep. It was a nice sight to see her walls coming down ever so slowly. She was just a child who has gone through so much, lost so much in such little time. Now she is in a safe place, where she can be herself and won't have to worry of what is to come.
After checking several more times to see if she was alright, the door closes shut.
She'll be okay, she'll be okay.
With a sigh, I inform the guards to get me if she were to wake up through the night and if she needs anything. Bolin walks out of Nera's room and closes the door behind him with a sigh. His tired state finally starting to consume him. Exhaustion was beginning to overcome both of us.
I wrap my arms around Bolin and together we walk towards our own room, each step getting us closer to our bed. Closer to my mind wrapping up in thoughts, nightmares of what might have happened to that poor girl. But even my brain was too tired to think of the possibilities; for the moment my head hit the pillow, I too joined the citizens of Zaofu in slumber, the darkness ever so welcoming. And those last thoughts consume me before I lose consciousness, as a sort of reminder that she will be safe through the night.
She'll be okay, she'll be okay …
By the next day, once we awoke from our luckily peaceful slumber, we had slept through breakfast and were soon coming up to lunch. If it weren't for the events of last night, Bolin would be ranting his head off in panic about how he had missed the most important meal of the day; something that, as it should be obvious, doesn't happen very often. But due to the circumstances and still needing to check on the kids, he goes off to do that and relieve the guards of their position. They too will need to restore their energy.
As we separate our ways, him going to do his task, I join the kitchen staff in helping set the table as we were already running behind for the day. A large chestnut brown table with a shine to it, a green tablecloth brandishing the top, the edges of it poking over the sides on each end in a diamond shape.
Normally with just the four of us, it would look like it would be too big to be considered as a dining table. But there's always plenty of room for guests. It happens on some occasions whenever one of our nieces or nephews wants to join us, or even my mother if she decides to talk about anything else other than business. And since we have a guest with us, it will be a perfect fit.
Just as we finish setting the table, glass plates, empty cups, silverware sitting to the side protected by the napkins that was placed beneath them; the pitter-patter of feet could be heard, getting louder and louder. The closer they got, the more the dishes began to vibrate from the rumbling of the stampede. Nera and Noren come from around the corner, still in their green and orange pajamas. The stomping of their feet brings them ahead of their father and Arin, now clean of any dirt and dust and in some fresher clothes than the torn ragged ones from the night before, her wounds covered with bandages, stuck close to his side.
"Mom! Dad said we missed breakfast! Is that true?" Noren asks, the children's faces expressing their worries.
A chuckle escapes my lips. Just like their father, always thinking of food. "Yes. But don't worry your appetite away. Lunch will be served in just a few minutes." I pinch their cheeks and rub their heads.
Once they understood what was said, they gasp and cheer. "Yay!" They jump for joy at the thought of getting to eat lunch. And just like that, breakfast was ridden from their minds.
The group of four join me at the table, sitting on the green-cushioned, hardwood chairs; Nera and Noren sat on the side opposite of us. Bolin sat next to me, a tired smile gracing his face. The tiredness was wiped from his face however once the afternoon meal was placed on the table.
Steaming white rice sat next to a salad bowl and a platter of sliced fruits: oranges, apples, pears. Beef tips poured in gravy and grilled fish for Bolin and Nera, the only two meat-eaters in the household. I blame their earthbending DNA. A pitcher of water, juice, and a pot of coffee, something needed for the lack of energy we weren't able to grab through our adventurous night.
Along with the meal came a tray of cookies for the kids, something specifically requested to help relieve Arin of the stress that she endured from last night. From her wide eyes and open mouth, as if her mouth was watering as the smell of the cooked rice and beef tips reaches her nose. It was exactly what she needed. A big meal.
Nera and Noren share the same look, but unlike theirs, this was different. They get their joyful expressions from their big appetite, thanks to their dad. Arin on the other hand, has a tinge of sadness lingering in her eyes. My heart nearly broke from her longing look at the food. The thought did not cross my mind until now that she might not have had any food last night before we found her. It worries me even more that she might not have ever had this much food before.
So, when it came to fixing our plates, I make sure to give Arin an extra helping of rice and cookies.
The plates were filled, not a spec of space left, and blessings were said; everyone digs in. The chomping noises coming from Bolin and the two 'Bolin juniors' fill the quiet atmosphere of the room as they chew their food, luckily with their spoons. This time. The sound may be disgusting to most. To know that my kids have food on the table and are happy and healthy, was a delight to my ears.
With a sigh, I dig my spoon into the scoop of rice, and raise it to my mouth, the steam from the heat tickling my nose, tempting me to take a bite.
Yet … I wait.
Because out of the corner of my eye, on the other side of Bolin, a plate was left untouched. A very unusual thing in our house. Leaning a little further, I find Arin glancing down at her full plate, then to Noren, Arin, and Bolin. Back at her plate. Noren. Arin. Bolin; watching as they gobble down their food. And yet hers remains where it lies, the steam of the rice getting dimmer by the second. It was getting cold.
"Arin?"
The girl flinches as her name was called, and her eyes met mine. The other three at the table pause in their devourment as they too land their eyes on our guest. She looks at her plate again, then to Noren, Arin, Bolin, and now me. All eyes no longer on their own plates, now rest on hers, and herself.
She was caught, and from the way her hands began to tense, pressed against the table, it made her nervous. Whether from us, her fears from last night returning, or even from the food, I was not going to let her starve. Not again.
"Are you okay?"
"I – I'm fine."
Her hands grip the table again. I'm no earthbender, nor am I a human lie detector like my grandmother was, but even I can tell that she was lying. After everything from last night, most we don't even know about, she was definitely most absolutely not fine.
"Why don't you try and eat something, sweetie? A full belly ought to help."
Bolin gives me a questioning look from the use of 'sweetie.' To be honest, I wasn't so sure why I used it myself. It happened last night too. Maybe because I was hoping that it would comfort her. It always did when I was younger. Whenever I got sick, mom would bring me a bowl of soup. Every time I refused to eat it, she would kiss my forehead and comfort me with soothing words, including 'sweetie.' I would not smother the girl's face in kisses, especially since she does not know me that well and vice versa, nor am I the girl's mother wherever she may be, but I do care for the little one. She was far too young to be hurting this much. To be so scared, jumping over every little thing around her.
"Yeah! A full belly always makes me feel better!" Noren's eager comment causes all of us to laugh.
One more look at Arin, and I could tell she was somewhat sold. With a small grin matching mine, she slowly reaches down and grabs the shiny silverware. Holding it over her plate, she scoops the rice and beef tips together, and slowly brings it to her lips. The combo of food formed together makes the steam grow stronger, tempting her even more as she finally takes a bite. Her eyes widen more, her shaky nerves gone, and begins to devour more of the delicious food from her plate.
The scarfing continues from the other Beifong's, except from my bewildered husband. He gasps. "Combining both rice and beef tips? That's amazing, Arin! Why didn't I think of that?!" Bolin soon copies her, his eyes widening and humming at the taste. A laugh escapes from me, as I too return to emptying my plate, just like Arin was doing. The laugh, although came from my husband's goofy food personality, was also due to the infectious smile that was on Arin had as she ate. It was like she felt comfortable again. Happy. Safe.
Lunch resumed, and it was peaceful, it was quiet. It was nice. Like a normal lunch.
Almost.
We were a family eating lunch with a mysterious girl, who all we know about is her name. A mysterious girl from whom we still need answers. This might be bad timing for it, but I would rather ask her the questions instead of her being interrogated by my mother.
Su, the once kind soul to every living creature and the sweetest person you could meet, isn't who she once was. Although she still is sometimes, she can be tough and lawful. And when that leadership personality kicks in, she reminds me of Aunt Lin, her sister. No more second chances. No more relaxing or fun games, or jokes. Sometimes, only sometimes. Most of the time it's all about work. And when she is not in her office, she is searching for more clues and new ways to find Korra. Not once will she take a break to relax, and let go of all that stress.
Frankly, I can't blame mom for the change. A part of us all died after Korra's disappearance. Still, I don't want mom to go all 'bad cop' on her and pester Arin with a bunch of questions and cause her to be afraid or cry. She has been through enough. We all have.
"So, uh, Arin?" I ask, as I gently lay my spoon down, hoping that the smile on my face will help her open up and reveal her story. Big blue eyes met mine, as she gulps down her beef tips and rice; another serving already held up to her mouth, before her name was spoken. Arin lowers it back down to her plate.
"Arin, if you don't mind, I have a few questions to ask you. You don't have to answer them if you don't want to, okay?"
Though she may be young, the way her eyes seem to lower to the table, her mouth tightening as she bit her cheek. She knew this was going to happen eventually.
A nod in response gave me the sign to go ahead.
"So, Arin. How old are you?"
I figured it is better to start off easy, gentle, slow. Let her answer at the pace she wants to. My mother doesn't have that kind of patience. Not anymore.
"Six."
Younger than Nera and Noren. She began to draw circles in the gravy of beef tips left on her plate, eyes now avoiding mine. I believe her. She has no reason to lie. What's the point of lying about your age?
It started small, asking about her favorite color: green. Favorite food: as of now beef tips. Obviously. Favorite animal: she likes them all. Simple questions. Even bending, which turns out to be water. Odd. Other than her eyes, everything else about her screams earth. Though if her eyes are blue, there must be some water tribe lineage in her bloodline. Kind of like Hana. Then again, I am from a strong line of earth, and I'm an airbender. Whether she was a bender of water or earth, or not at all is for another time. Eventually, the barrier needs to be broken, and reality must come back into focus. It couldn't be simple forever.
"… Do you think you could tell us about what happened last night?"
The drawings in the gravy stop and she pulls her finger back, hands now back on the edge of the table as she stares down at the dismembered food. What was left of it. Gravy from her finger smears into the hardwood edges.
After a moment, she nods her head no. A sore subject still, that's okay. It will have to be brought up sooner or later. Later must be better. When she is ready, she will tell us. The truth never stays hidden forever. Then again, my grandmother kept her secret life hidden from her parents for nearly twelve years. Luckily, I don't have to worry about that. Since Arin has no relation to Toph, she did not inherit her stubbornness. Unless Toph had another secret child we didn't know about. I love my grandma, but I wouldn't be surprised.
"Okay, what about your parents? Do you know their names?" Bolin's voice, full of concern. I was too. But we needed to know. Her family needed to know she was safe. That she was okay. But she still refuses to answer, only strengthening her grip on the table's edge as she fought the tears forming in her eyes.
Did she not know their names? Or what they looked like? Where they lived or worked? Could she have some memory loss from the accident?
Or …
What if she was with them when whatever happened? What if they were in the accident too? And she was the only one who got away? Maybe, maybe they're not okay. Maybe she is the only survivor.
From the confused, torn look Arin has on her face, she was not so sure herself.
One last question. One last question, I promised myself and her. Because whether she likes it or not – whether I like it or not – we had to take her home. Or at least go there and investigate, make sure it was safe for her to return.
"Do you know where your home is?"
It was quiet as Arin remains in the same position, eye contact avoided, focusing on the white and shiny plate smeared with food instead. Her wavy dark brown hair covers the sides of her face, preventing me from seeing her. It was quiet as everyone watches her, waiting for an answer, waiting for movement, for a voice, anything.
"Honey, I know I told you that you didn't have to answer, but I'm going to need one for this."
I know this was hard, but she is the only one with answers. I wanted to comfort her, rub her back, give her a hug, wipe the tears away that I know she was fighting back. But after last night, flinching at every movement, terrified of everything around her. The last thing she would want is for someone to close that safe distance she claimed around herself, no matter how small it was getting as she let herself slowly warm up to us. This might just break it.
Her mouth trembles as she opens and closes her mouth several times, eyes shut, deciding on what to say, how to say it. Eventually, she figures out a way.
"I … I, don't have one."
It was quiet and weak. Barely audible through the large dining room, but it was there. And it was, according to the shocked and painful looks my family all had, mine most likely mirroring theirs. Echoing in the drums of my ears, bouncing around in my mind.
She – she doesn't have a home? She doesn't have a home? She doesn't have a home?! She had to have one! She had to have a bed, a toy chest, a table. A place where she knew she was safe. Parents. Arin's home had to be out there somewhere.
Unless … unless something happened to her home. Maybe it was destroyed. So many ways one's home could get taken away from them. It could have taken away everything from her. A place she could call home. Gone. Her home. Her belongings. Her family. Her parents. All right in front of her eyes if she could remember it.
If Arin's memory were truly gone, I'm not so sure if that would be a blessing or a curse. A blessing to not have to live through that terrible moment forever. Or a curse for not remembering your parents or everything you have in that last moment. From when they were alive. Ambushed. Fire. A flood. The more I thought about it, the more the thoughts kept getting worse and worse, the images more violent than the last, that I didn't realize my fist were shaking, clenched as they fought to hold in the anger and sadness fighting within until Bolin lays a calm hand over mine and won the battle.
As my eyes met his, I could see the tears wanting to fight their way through, just like I know mine was as well. The bags were gone from under his eyes, thanks to the rest we had, but the red swelling around his eyes were beginning to return.
This could not be easy for him, having gone through a similar thing when he was younger. Bolin told me his story, of what it was like when he was a kid. Losing his home, his parents, everything they owned, and having to live on the streets, despite all the emotions he was fighting at the time. The feeling of being lost and having nowhere to go and no idea of what you were going to do next. Where your next meal was or where you were going to sleep. The only difference was, he wasn't alone. He had someone, unlike Arin. He had his brother, Mako. Although Mako called most of the shots, being the oldest and most responsible, the two worked together to be able to survive the dangerous back alleys and streets of Republic City. They made a living together, and eventually found their own home, their own family. Asami, Lin, Tenzin and his kids, now adults. And Korra. If it weren't for his brother, Bolin might not have made it on his own, all alone. He would not have been here with us right now. With me and his family.
Just like Arin. And she had no one.
"What are you talking about? Of course you do, everyone has a home!" The sound of Nera's voice broke through the silent conversation of emotions, and all eyes were on her. Her emerald greens, full of confusion as she stared back at the ocean blues, sad, tired, defeated. Though Nera may be older than Arin, she was still too young to understand, having never been through anything the little one has. The only reason Arin did is because she was the unfortunate one who had to go through such a terrible journey.
"Nera." Her father's warning tone, one of worry and regret. Guilt. He never did tell them the story of how he grew up. How he and Mako had to raise themselves. He wanted to wait till they were older. At this rate, it might have to be sooner.
She blinks at him, the cluelessness never leaving her as she looks back at Arin. "If you don't have one, then you can stay with us! We have plenty of room!" She sounds determined. A fighter she was, but this was no battle for us to take right now. All eyes were wide now, as the seven-year-old said something that couldn't be taken back, not that she would. It was too late now, it was already out in the open, invisible but heard to all.
"Nera!"
It was from me this time, a harsh whisper. Instincts kicks in as my hand slammed on the table.
"Well, am I wrong, mom?"
No, no she was not. There was nothing wrong with it, it was completely innocent coming from her. She would never mean to hurt the girl's feelings and we would never force Arin to leave or pressure her into staying. But for a kid who just went through a nightmare barely twelve hours ago, it was too soon. And hearing that there was another door open when she just lost hers not too long ago, wounds still left unintended, not ready to be healed just yet. She wouldn't be ready … would we? One glance at Arin, and I could see so many emotions. Sadness, regret. And yet, joy, peace, and maybe a little bit of hope. Would Arin want this? Would we want this? We just met this girl last night. We saved her, and yet, we let her in … and she accepted it.
Before I could think any more of this, a sneeze abrupts, and beef tips and gravy flung up from the table. And all over Nera. The sloppy food pours down onto her head, soaking her wavy black hair in ooey-gooey gravy. The bowl lands on her head, making one final beef tip bop the tip of her nose. The rest slowly oozes, sliding down her face. Gravy and tips drop out of the bowl, as it was slowly lifted from her head.
That was going to be a disaster to wash out.
Where the bowl hid her confused gaze, now reveals an expression full of anger as she glares at her older brother.
Yes, almost another day in the Beifong family.
A sigh blows out as we look at the mess he made. Although it was a perfect shot at the spot where the bowl once laid, it still splattered a few drops of the other contents nearby all over the table, luckily missing us. Well, most of us. Nera wasn't so lucky and was the appointed target due to her comments. Normally when he does this, which is once every blue moon, he would have to clean the table and do the dishes. But since it has wiped Arin from her depressed state and filled her with laughter, as was his purpose, I might let it slide this time. With a reprimanding later on, of course. Bolin would probably agree as he stares at Arin with a grin and his arms crossed.
Another shout threw our attention back to our kids.
"You idiot! You did that on purpose!"
Noren looks at Nera a little sheepish, his guilty smile wide as he pointed at himself. "Heh-heh. Uh, whoops?" But even I can tell that on the inside he did not regret it one bit. If it put a smile on Arin's face, he would do it repeatedly, no matter how many times Nera would beat him into the ground like a pulp. Which she was so ready to do. Noren might be older, but Nera's earthbending blood made her just a little stronger. One rule that Grandma Toph made clear when we were growing up, was never, ever make a Beifong woman angry. That rule book might as well be tossed aside now.
Nera's anger continues to grow as her eyebrows arch, eyes filled with even more fury, fists clenched. The tilted bowl slides off her head and clatters onto the floor, gravy drips from her chin and onto her pajamas. Noren looks at the now still bowl, and back to his sister as he senses the anger radiating from her. He lets out a nervous chuckle once more, glancing side to side, from us, to his sister, us, then to his sister, till his eyes find the exit at the far end of the room. Quick, as an airbender always should be, he jumps from his seat and zooms away.
"Get back here, airhead! You're dead meat!"
Nera shot from her seat and chases after her brother, leaving a trail of gravy droplets and beef tips after her. The now giggling Arin held her stomach from the pains of laughter before she too hops from her seat and ran after them, presumably wanting to see the bending action that will go down.
As the echoes of the kids decrease as they ran further down the hall and further into the tower, it soon became quiet. Leaving just me and Bolin, and a messy dining room.
Yeah, pretty much the usual family meal.
Light laughter fills the room from the both of us, a grin cracking on our faces as we look at the now empty hallway.
"Do you think we should go after them?"
"Nope. Do you think we let them hang around Aunt Lin too much?"
"Yeah. Wonder if your mom and Lin were like that?"
"Oh, most definitely."
The sounds of our laughter mixed together fills the room once more. We both let out a sigh as the moments from earlier revisit our thoughts.
Bolin leans his head into his hands, already looking a little tired as the red realms remain. It is only in the afternoon, and all we did was eat. We barely did anything, yet it feels like we did so much. "So, what are we going to do now?" The grin was gone, and so was the lighter mood. He stares at me, trying to figure me out as my gaze left his and back to the empty hallway.
What are we going to do?
She has no home to go to, no parents that she claims. We talked, found out so much more about her, and had nothing to go by. Who knew who she really was before we found her, or if she was always timid and a bit shy, with a hidden energetic and fun-filled side. But from the moment we met, within only one night, we were somehow able to gain her trust, her friendship with the kids, her hope. We were able to help her out of trouble and bring her in. My gaze moves over to the empty chair, pushed back from the table where Arin once was, her laughter echoing in my head. She smiled, and she laughed. She was happy. Something that I did not think would be possible after witnessing her last night after every time she backed away from us or flinched at every movement. It all changed so quick within the past twelve hours. We did all that. We gave her food, clothes, a room to stay in and be safe. The kids really enjoy her company and really cares about her, and so did Bolin and I … we cared for her as one of our own. As one of our own kids. As anyone would or should. She is in a place where she could be happy, make memories, and get stronger. A place where she would not be alone. Where she would be safe. A place – a place she could call home.
"I know that look. You're doing 'the look' again. What are you thinking?" Bolin's voice breaks through to me and I see the curious gaze he gives me. He always says that whenever I have an idea, or if I figured something out, there's a glint in my eye. He jokes around and calls it a 'Beifong look' and that our kids will get it too. Claims that Aunt Lin and mom have that same look too whenever they think of something.
Speaking of moms …
I stand from my chair, the wood scraping softly against the thin-layered carpet, and head for the same direction that the kids went through. However, I have a different destination set in mind. I hear Bolin jump from his seat behind me as it rocks back and forth before it stabilizes.
"Wait!"
My feet stop in the hallway, no longer do my footsteps echo, until I turn to look back at him with one hand on the dinner table by his side. "Where are you going?" A smirk rises on my face, and I know that 'the look' Bolin always picks about, is shining bright.
"I have a mother to go talk to."
The walk to mom's office is short and simple. After having lived here for nearly twenty years of my life before moving to the Air Temples, it is hard to forget. Just a fast pace walk across the concrete sidewalks and paved street straight to her office that was located in the three-story building right across from the tower. Mom didn't want to be far from home in case of emergencies. A few waves here and there crossing the now bustling street full of busy and happy citizens of Zaofu, unaware of any events from last night; the polar opposite from the night before. A smile greeting them all, as expected from the daughter of the governor of Zaofu.
Although mom doesn't wear her title, nor expects anyone to call her by it, she prefers for Zaofu to remain in its peaceful state like it always has when she first created it. The only time the title is ever used is when there is an emergency, such as another Kuvira attack for example, which I highly doubt will happen considering she is now married to my brother, Bataar Jr., and runs this place alongside my mom. It's not said, and I am sure Kuvira is unaware of it herself, or at least expects it a little, but mom has been grooming her into being the next in charge of Zaofu. Su believes she could do it, and so can I. Kuvira isn't the same person she once was. Still tough and can be a little controlling sometimes, but she cares for everyone, especially her family: the Beifong's. Us. Besides, mom is sixty-two now, she can't run this land forever …
Enough thinking about that. I walk through the spinning doors of the building, the whirl of the door tossing my hair over my shoulders and head straight for the elevator located on the other side of the building. The first floor is for the police and security headquarters. The second is where mom and Kuvira's offices are designated. The music of the elevator hums in my ears as the electric moving box shimmies itself up to the second floor, the ding lets me know that I have arrived. As soon as the doors slide open, I rush out trying to get there as quick as I can, hoping that she was alone. With only the sounds of my feet echoing in the hallway and my hand knocking on her door.
"Come in."
No other voices on the other side. Good. There was no one else here. The door now open, I can see mom sat at her desk, straightening some papers stacked in front of her. Coffee sat next to it. Just from that and the bags under her eyes, it's easy to tell that she has had much less sleep than we have.
"Hey, mom."
Her office is a little plain compared to other Earth Kingdom political offices. I have seen a few pictures of Grandma Toph's office before she retired from being the chief of police and ran off into the spirit swamp. It kind of reminds me of hers. Wooden desk sat in the middle, a small green lamp sitting on the side, two cushioned rolling chairs sat in front of it. A large window taking most of the side wall, looking out over several blocks of the streets, businesses, and homes. Filing cabinets fill every corner of the room, and a coat rack and a couch next to the wall of the door.
Unlike Toph's, pictures of her family hung on every wall. Of us, Huan and his daughter, Wei and Wing side by side with Wei's son standing next to him and Wing's twin boys by him. Bataar Jr. and Kuvira with their two daughters. Dad and mom in a frame together, long before any of the kids were born. On another wall was of Mako and Lin with a smile, surprisingly. One even of Toph and mom's grandparents, some from when Toph was younger.
However, on the wall opposite of mom, even though I cannot see it from the doorway, I know it's there; I see it every time I leave. On the other side of the open door, hidden slightly by the coat hanger was a picture of Korra, from when she and mom first met. They had their backs against each other, arms crossed, both looking at the camera. Mom with a smile and Korra with her well-known large grin. She doesn't mention it, but sometimes I'll catch mom staring at it whenever I barge in. Who knows how long she will look at it for. Thinking about her, reliving her memories of her, wondering where she is.
"Oh, hey sweetie. Come on in, take a seat." She gives me a soft smile as I sit in one of the chairs, trying not to show how tired she really is. I would suggest for her to take a break, but she always insists that it's not needed, and that she has to catch up on paperwork. Every time.
"I called Kya first thing this morning at the Southern Air Temple, and she is on her way here now as we speak. She should arrive by tonight. She can heal the rest of Arin's wounds then."
"Good. The quicker, the better."
Mom lays the stack of papers down and leans back in her chair. "So, what brings you here? How's Arin this morning?"
"She's doing better. The guards reported no problems throughout the night so I'm assuming she had some rest. She even ate lunch with us, and, we got to talk some."
Su leans forward, her hands clasped together, interested. "Really? What did she say?"
"Actually, mom. That's what I want to talk to you about." I glance down at my feet and straighten myself up more in the chair, my eyes look directly back into hers. "I think she needs to stay here. In Zaofu."
"What?" Her eyes shot open wide as she too sat up straighter. That was not what she expected to hear.
Before she can talk more, I cut her off. This needed to be said. "Zaofu is a safe and secure place. It's a place for anyone who needs it, especially for kids like Arin. She loves it, she's happy and playful like last night didn't even exist. Zaofu can be her home. She can be happy here."
"I'm sure she would be happy back at her own home."
"She doesn't have one." Her eyebrows furrow into a frown, the smile that was there, long gone. She remains silent, she wants me to explain, wants an answer. "You should have seen her. Last night when we laid her down, she immediately snuggled up to the stuffed animals. She was so at peace when sleeping. This morning, she looked at her food as if she has never seen that much before. Scarfed it down like she hasn't had that much in a long time. And we finally got her to talk. We, we asked her a few questions. She claims to not know what happened last night, and she, and she - she –." My eyes water slightly as my voice began to quiver, mom's mouth slightly ajar in worry. "She said she doesn't have a home. Like it doesn't exist anymore. She wouldn't even speak about her parents. I … I think they might have been with her when the accident happened – whatever happened. I hate saying it, but – they might be gone!"
It was silent after that, the only thing heard was the honks of the cars from the street below and the few sniffles coming from me as I try to recover from the heartbreaking news that I had to reveal.
Mom looks down at her desk, trying to think of what to do as she took in all this information. "Did she say anything else?" I shook my head no, not trusting my own voice to sound calm. She let out a sigh as she rubs her forehead and looks back up at me. "Look, she seems like a sweet girl, and I can understand why you care about her so much. I do too. But as much as I wish she could stay in Zaofu, she can't. She needs to go back to her own home. To be with her family. We cannot keep a kid from her family."
"But her parents –."
"She has more family out there, somewhere," mom interjects, raising her hand to silence me. "I'll put out a report about a missing girl with her picture and any other information you have."
"And if we don't hear anything?"
Mom lets out another sigh, she stands up and leans over her desk. Her chair rattles a little as it scoots back from her force. "If nothing comes up within the next few weeks, then we will figure something else out. Okay? Chances are she will be taken to the orphanage until someone comes around. But she needs to go home. She needs her family – her own family. And they need her."
I let out a sigh of my own. I felt defeated.
There wasn't really anything I could do. Anything else would be considered illegal. As much as I had hoped Arin could stay here in Zaofu, mom still had to follow the law. She had to do what was right. Taking in Arin could be considered as kidnapping or being held hostage, being kept from her family. Maybe, she's right. Maybe it would make Arin happier to be back with her own family and her own home. If there is any left.
But the orphanage? It would be a lot better than the orphanage.
I couldn't stop imagining her in that place. Alone with a bunch of kids she barely knows, not like she did Nera or Noren. Waiting for someone who will adopt her and call her their daughter, or someone she could call family. Watching other kids get picked and her friends leave, never to see them again. Wondering if she will ever get accepted and if somebody cares for her, if there is any of her living family left. If any of them still wanted her.
I was hoping she could stay in the tower with my parents. But in the tower, it would be the same. The only difference would be, is she would be completely alone. Mom and dad would be there, but even then, they are barely home, especially mom. Our nieces and nephews can't come over all the time and my siblings and Kuvira wouldn't have time to take care of her. Same goes for my parents with their busy schedules; not to mention their age. There would be the housekeepers, but it's not the same as a loving parent. With us living in the Southern Air Temple, we only get to visit every so often. If she stays in the orphanage, she'd at least have other kids her age, somebody that would always be with her, and keep her mind busy from her haunted past.
At least we will be able to visit her whenever we come back, but it wouldn't feel the same as it did with her in the tower. The only thing is, would anybody claim her?
I slowly lift myself from the seat, giving my mom one last worried look as I head for the door. "Let me know if something comes up."
"If I hear anything, you will be the first to know. In the meantime, until someone comes forward, can she stay in the tower with you? I was going to arrange for her to temporarily stay at the orphanage until we received word from any living relatives, but they are full and can't take any more in right now. It would mean you would have to extend your stay longer."
I turn back in the doorway and give her a nod. We were supposed to return today. Although I do miss the peaceful and fun atmosphere of the Southern Air Temple, Arin was more important. If it meant she could stay with us while being in Zaofu for a little longer, then I was completely fine with it. She seems to have fun hanging with the kids and has taken a liking to Bolin, clinging to his side whenever he was around. I think she might be okay with this arrangement. I am.
"That's the plan," I tell her as I leave. As long as I'm here, she won't be going to no orphanage.
When I return to the tower, I head for the backyard. It was a neat grassy plain, that was a couple of acres big, with a gated-privacy fence surrounding it to keep away prying eyes and a firepit in the corner. A concrete patio by the back door with metal circular tables sitting on it. The tables have umbrellas poking out with chairs on each side and sunchairs scattered around.
I was surprised to find the rest of my family there. Nera stood next to Bolin as Arin stood facing them a few yards away in a fighting stance. Noren sat on a table, for some reason not using the chairs right next to him, as he too stares at the girl. Dirt smothered his cheeks and black hair. Nera must have gotten her revenge, the smug look that she gave him when she saw me proves it. But what was more surprising was Arin, as we all watch her stomp the ground, bends a rock nearly the size of her from the ground and sends it straight toward Bolin. Shock fills our faces, gasps seeping into the air.
Oh, just wait until mom hears about this.
The rock closes the distance between it and Bolin, just as it reaches him; he punches the rock and smashes it into pieces.
"That was awesome!" Noren shouts as he jumps high into the air with a twirl and floats back down.
"Yes! Another earthbender!" Nera cheers, jumping up and down as she pumps her fist into the air. Arin giggles in delight as she too began to jump around with Nera.
"I told you I could bend!" Arin laughs as they hop away.
Bolin looks toward me, his excited expression reminding me of his sixteen-year-old self again. His speech rambles together the quicker he spoke. "Did you see that?! That was amazing! She kept telling us that she was an earthbender and Noren didn't believe her, so she decided to show us and then she just lifted that rock out of the ground and moved it perfectly for her age and you got to see it and now –." Bolin coughed. With all his excitement, he forgot to breathe again.
"Calm down, dear." I stood by his side, patting his back with a huge grin.
"Oh, oooh I have so much to teach her. I can't wait!" Bolin smiles as we see Nera and Arin chuck rocks at each other, some dodging, some breaking. Even Noren joins in the fun by airbending a few pebbles at them. It was so great to see them all get along. To see them enjoy their bending and have fun with one another. To see the smile on their faces and on Bolin's. On mine. And I did not want it to go away. I did not want them to stop smiling or stop spending time with each other as they create this strong bond. So how was I supposed to tell them that this might all come to an end in a few weeks?
Su's POV
Three weeks later …
If someone who did not know the Beifong's well were to pass by, like anyone outside of Zaofu, they would just think this was any normal day, that absolutely nothing has changed within these past few weeks and they were just entertaining a young girl. But if you paid attention, like I have, as I currently watch from the doorway of the playroom, where my daughter and her family are spending as much time as they can with Arin, you could see the improvement that has happened between them. The bond growing with each and every single one of them.
The way Nera and Arin would bend together as if they were one, how her and Noren always seems to know what the other was thinking and pull pranks with their elements, earth and air. How they were constantly creating new games with one another, having the time of their lives. How Noren and Bolin knew how to make her laugh. Or whenever she is not with the kids, you will always find her by Bolin's side, teaching her new ways to bend, and creating new food combos. Even playing with her whenever she wants. Like right now, as her arms clung around his neck and legs around his back; my son-in-law making noises with his mouth and hands held straight out like a plane flying around the playroom of the tower, avoiding the many obstacles of toys, both soft-stuffed animals and hard blocks, action figures and dolls layering the floor. Noren and Nera chase after him, hoping to be able to catch a ride. Opal sat in the corner of the room on a miniature couch, a hand muffling her laughter from the chaos going on in the room.
Sometimes when I check on them during the evenings these past few weeks, I would find her and Arin on the balcony of the tower, watching the sunset over the mountains, its pink, orange, and red rays catching over the tips of the mountains and highlighting the forest in its magnificent colors. Each one always different than the last, especially when clouds were involved. None was ever the same according to those two. She even began to grow on me as sometimes I would join them. It might seem lame to most, but Arin enjoyed spending time with Opal, and it put a bright smile on the little girl's face. It was something that never left. It was seen on every family member that she was with.
In fact, I haven't seen the girl stop smiling since the night of the incident, something that also wasn't brought up during this time, as it was too hard to ever see that loveable smile disappear. Until now.
There wasn't much information to play off of anyways, with what little information we could get from the six-year-old. Not to mention what was reliable or not, being it coming from only one source: Arin. No other information was given, both from the girl and outside of Zaofu. But another incident that occurred a few weeks back when Kya was here left me suspicious.
She's no longer in Zaofu, having left to return home in the Southern Water Tribe, but when Kya arrived a couple weeks ago to heal Arin, the girl would scramble away, terrified of the glowing stream of water. The closer Kya got with the healing water wrapped around her hands, the further she would get, screaming at each step, eyes not leaving the bending of the healer. It took a lot of convincing, along with Opal holding her hand, eyes shut, but we got it done. The cool nice touch of the water flowed from Kya's hands onto Arin's wounds and gently sealed them back up and took away her pain. Once done, she clung to Opal as she gave the master waterbender a confused look, as if wondering if she were dangerous or not. Confused on if she were safe to be around. This reaction isn't normal, not for most waterbenders. Whatever caused this, it had to be because of that night.
After that incident, guards were sent to navigate the area, in search of any signs of a struggle or fight. Something that could have caused the girl to wound up where she is now. Nothing. They found nothing. The surrounding area was completely normal. Like the forest was left untouched and Arin just came out of nowhere. I would believe it too as crazy as the scenario is.
The only thing that did come up though was an abandoned farm located north on the outskirts of a small village, miles from our city. The farm was once called Bucky's Fields according to the burnt sign they found. The place destroyed by a raid of some sort. Ashes everywhere, fields burned and trampled, trees split and sliced in half, the fence broken where the animals had escaped in a hurry. Smoke rising from the remains of a barn. Puddles everywhere. A pond, once probably blue and clear now mucky and black. Cracks through every wall of the small farmhouse in the middle of it all, doors torn down, holes in the roof and walls as if it would fall apart any second. Broken windowsills barely hanging on.
And in one spot on the floor, lied a dried puddle of blood, and no body … if Arin was a part of that, there was no telling how she ended up where she is now. There was nothing that could trace it back to her, only theories. Maybe it was fate for her to not have to live through such a thing again. Fate that she ended up where she is, in a safe place with a family that cares for her. To make new memories instead of reliving the old. … somewhere she could call home.
Which is exactly why I am here.
My presence was finally noticed, the others grew silent and stop what they were doing, all eyes on my figure leaning in the doorframe watching their interactions.
A chuckle escapes from me as Bolin keeps his tongue stuck out from the plane noises. "Sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk to the two of you," I nod my head toward him and Opal, now standing from her seat.
Bolin set Arin gently back down and heads for the door with his wife. "It's okay kids, we'll be back in a few."
We stood in the hallway, the wooden door shuts behind us, leaving the kids to their own devices. I knew it would be okay to talk. Didn't need to worry about anyone eavesdropping, the kids and Arin would not want to risk angering Opal. Or me for that matter. After everything that went down with my ex-advisor, Aiwei and the Red Lotus, I had a time learning to trust people again. Especially the ones closest to me.
Over to the side of the hall was a small window connected to the playroom. We decide to go over and keep an eye on the kids. My instincts were correct, as they continue to play around on the other side, as if nothing was wrong. This time, however, Noren has taken Bolin's place unwillingly, as the two girls dragged him down to the floor, climbing on top of him as they giggle. With one small air shield though, Noren was able to force the girls off his back and make a run for it. It wasn't long until the two youngest stood from the ground and began to chase after him.
The scene, even just from the window while the kids paid no mind to us, it made our own smiles and laughter come up. That's another good thing about Arin's sudden appearance in our lives. She somehow is able to make everyone smile whoever she was around. Including me. It has been a while since I smiled this much. All of us in fact. I guess we were too focused on finding Korra.
… Korra.
No.
Can't go there. Not now. My focus was needed elsewhere, for my family. And for Arin. I shook my head from those miserable thoughts and decid to get straight to the point, before falling into something that is near impossible to get out of.
"Well? Anything?"
I look over to my daughter as she wraps her arms around Bolin's, the two of them looking at me with concern. I sigh, honestly wondering how they were going to react to the news. If someone did not lay claim, it would make them sad that there was no one left for Arin. If someone did, they would be sad to see her go. With high chances of never seeing her again.
"Nothing. No one has responded to the reports. It's been three weeks and we couldn't find anything. Not even in the woods." The concerned looks I receive from them kept me going. "The only thing I did find however was an abandoned farm on the outskirts of a nearby village. It's completely destroyed. But there are no traces as to whether Arin lived there or not. Everything is just, gone."
The two look at one another, still wrapped around one another. Even if they communicate silently, I could tell what they were saying, or thinking. Could Arin be connected?
"That poor girl."
"What are we going to do?"
Opal looks back down, a frown beginning to form as she thought more about it. "She obviously can't go back there. If she is from that farm and no one is claiming her, then she really has no one left."
"Not exactly."
Opal and Bolin look back up at me, confused by what I could mean. I did have more news, but it wasn't of someone coming for Arin. It was more of a request, one that Opal has been sort of hinting to me for a while now. She can stay here, just not here. I face back to the window as I talk.
"Opal, you were right. She is happy. But it's not the place that makes her happy. It's the people. You, and Bolin, and the kids. You make her happy. You seem to make her feel whole again." I turn back to them, her eye's wide as she steps forward, separating from Bolin. "If she were to stay here, she would have to go to the orphanage. She can't go out on her own. And there would be far too many procedures to go through. Her identity, location transfers, ancestry. All of that would have to change. Some she wouldn't even be able to pass unless we gave her a new identity. And I have a feeling she wouldn't want that." Not completely.
"But we don't have that information," she argues, hands raised. Bolin lays a hand on her shoulder, looking from me to her.
"I think I get where she's going with this. Opal, honey, you remember how I grew up after my parents' deaths. We lived on the streets for most of our childhood. Me and Mako were far too young for that, but we had each other. We didn't go to the orphanage because we didn't want to be separated. We didn't want to be alone. And we didn't want to lose our identities, because that was a big part of who we are. We could not lose the last thing we had of each other when there was nothing else left." Opal faces him now, he gestures to Arin with Nera as they continue to chase down Noren, now on his air-scooter to gain leverage. A team. Almost like a family. "Arin might be the same age we were, but she doesn't have anyone. She's all alone. If Arin goes out on her own, she will still have a part of herself, but she'll be all by herself. That is why she should stay here in Zaofu, and be in the orphanage, no matter how much it would suck, and a new identity, forced to try and forget about her past. But, she wouldn't be alone."
Opal sighs. "So, she doesn't have a choice."
They frown at me as I cover my mouth, muffling the sounds of laughter. I couldn't keep the silly giggles from escaping. Did they really not understand?
"Sorry. But there is another option. A much better one I believe that could make both sides happy." The two straighten up once more, eager to hear more of this other choice.
"She could go to the Southern Air Temple instead, with you." I point at her, and Opal's eyes immediately widen.
"With me?"
The Air Temples were known for taking people in, when they felt like there was nowhere else to go. If someone needed a new life, a life full of peace, wanting to be a part of their culture. If they saw someone in need, they were always eager to help, even accepting them as one of their own. And Opal, being an airbender herself, I see no one better than her to take in Arin than my own daughter. She already treats her as one of her own.
"Opal, I wasn't kidding when I said you all make her happy. It's not the place, it's the people. The ones who treat her as one of their own. And that is you four. She thinks of you almost as family just by the way she reacts. You practically are a family." I couldn't help but smile at Opal's shocked reaction. "In a way, she reminds me of Kuvira. Strong, determined, and incredibly stubborn, yet in need of loved ones. Kuvira was actually around Arin's age when we took her in and raised her."
"Let's just hope that she doesn't try to take over the Earth Kingdom when she gets older then," Bolin rubbed his chin, amusement filling his face.
"Ow!" The metal wire retracts back into my sleeve, Bolin rubs the back of his head. "You deserved that," Opal said, her arms crossed as she narrows her eyes at him.
"Anyways, what I'm saying is that just like how Kuvira felt like family to me and to the rest of us, Arin feels like family to all of you. It might have been for only a short amount of time, but she cares for all of you. Doesn't she?"
Opal looks back to the kids playing, the chaos still continuing in the room. The sound of their laughter intermingling with one another, sounds muffled through the glass window, but still heard loud and clear in our ears. The happiness from them was contagious, as it spreads to all of us, putting big hopeful smiles on our faces.
"So, what do you say?"
Her big green eyes meet mine. No longer do I see the concern and worry that was there once before. It was replaced with love and care, and a big scoop of hope. Opal turns to her husband, a questioning look on his face.
"What do you think, Bolin? You always said you wanted a bigger family." Bolin's face morphs into one of brightness as a big grin appears on his face.
"I still do." He quickly scoops her into a hug, nearly lifting her off the ground with joy, she giggles with glee.
"Ahem."
His muscles tense slightly as he looks back up at me. Opal, still wrapped around Bolin, lifts her face from his chest. "We still have to ask Arin. This isn't something we should force her into."
Bolin and Opal separate as he nods, his hand still on her back. "You're right. It's her choice. But wouldn't she still need a new identity?"
"Only her name."
Opal turns back to the window, looking at the kids, the worry returns. "Let's just hope she agrees."
The three of us head for the door, the sound of childish laughter getting louder the closer we get. As my hand grabs the doorknob, I just know things were about to change for both the Beifong family and for our little guest. For the better.
"I doubt she will."
And I was right about that. As soon as we returned to the disastrous-looking playroom, one I am glad I won't have to clean, we got the kids to settle down from the girls' battle against the flighty Noren and sat them down to talk. It was mainly for Arin, but Nera and Noren needed to know about the changes, and how they would feel about Arin being with them for good. Opal and Bolin knelt down and explained what was going on, on what could happen. What could be Arin's future.
I knew then that we made the right decision. The right choice. That Opal was right all along. She could be happy here, but not here here. With Opal and her family.
And it seems that Arin agrees. The more they talked to her about living with them and going to the Southern Air Temple; where she could have her own room, be with them and the other airbenders and air acolytes, and be safe, a smile so big lit up on her face, that I thought there couldn't possibly be one bigger than that. It was easy to tell that she was on board with the idea. Because she cares for them just as much as they care for her. As much as we care for her.
"So, what do you think, Arin? Wanna be part of the Beifong family? Of our family?" Bolin asks gently as he held out his arms, Opal wrapped around his shoulders, the both of them giving her teary and gentle smiles; the kids match their expressions. And soon enough, Arin's expression matches theirs and joins Bolin as she jumps into his arms so fast it makes him stumble.
Oomph! Bolin chuckles as he quickly grabs ahold of her and wraps his arms around her.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" she screams into his chest, a few sniffle noises escape.
Opal quickly joins the hug, silent tears of relief and happiness stream down her cheeks. Noren and Nera soon join in as Bolin made a little more room for them to join their family group hug.
"Yes! I always wanted a sister!" Nera's excited outburst makes us laugh as they continue to stay in that loveable position.
To see them, all together as one, bundled up on the floor as they hug their new family member, someone they cared for so much since the beginning, despite not raising her from birth. It didn't matter to them because they love her just as much as she did them. It was like a little piece of the puzzle they never knew they were missing. Like we never knew we needed. And soon enough as I watch the family matter, I caught myself sniffling as well, my vision begins to blur from the tears welling up in my eyes. My hands come up to my eyes as I rub the happy tears away into the white wraps around my hands and wrists. I felt something cling around my waist, and I look down to find smaller arms hugging me, the blue watery eyes of Arin looking back up at me.
"Thank you. Thank you so, so much."
My gaze looks back over to the others staring at me, big smiles still on their faces as they watch the little girl – their little girl – hug me. It felt strange. For someone who wasn't around me much since the time being; she was very loveable to others, not minding spreading her happiness, her love and care. Guess it was something I'm gonna have to get used to. I bend down and put my hand on her shoulder. Some of her dark hair falling over the other. Her eyes meet mine, now at her level. And that smile, that contagious smile, affected me.
"Well, Arin. Welcome to the family."
One week later …
The sky looks beautiful this morning. Not too many clouds, and not a hint of stormy grey in the ones that were out. Just the regular puffy whites scattered across the blue horizon. The sun shines bright as always when not hidden by the clouds.
Then there was the flying bison as he flew off and away from the city of Zaofu. Leaving just me and Bataar behind as we wave goodbye to Opal and the others, knowing it will be a while before we see them again.
During the week, the whole family got together to greet the newest Beifong. Everyone was there, like a Beifong family reunion; aside from Huan and Hana. And Lin who was still in Republic City trying to boss Mako, the chief of police, around. The boys and Kuvira brought their kids along too, to meet their newest cousin. And they got along great, just like Noren and Nera did when they first met. Everyone loves her. They accept her as one of our own. Even Kuvira, the tough person she tries to be, let her walls down for Arin as she grinned at her playing with her daughters.
A hint of remorse in the back of her mind. It could be because she was reminded of her own past too, hers and Arin's being similar as they both were taken into our family and away from the old. She never did comment on it, but you could still see it before she quickly hid it with a grin and continued to enjoy the company of Arin.
Time eventually flew by that week, and then, soon enough, it was time to say goodbye. They had packed their bags on Juicy early this morning, with it being a day's flight back to the Southern Air Temple. The rest of the family had came to say their goodbyes, especially to Arin, and climbed into the saddle. The kids were waving goodbye to us as Juicy flapped his tail with a grunt, the wind blowing in our faces from doing so, and leaped into the air.
That was just minutes ago. It was just me and Bataar now, the others already went back inside doing who knows what. I continue to wave and wave at them as the bison grew smaller, and smaller, and smaller, until they were just a speck in the blue distance.
Hands gently rubs my shoulders, and I knew it was Bataar. "Everything will be okay."
I sigh as I look back at my husband in his green and metallic robes and olive-green eyes shielded behind glasses. Everything about him is still the same from the past few decades, aside from his now fully grey hair.
"I know. But I can't help it. I'm worried about them. And Arin. There's something about her."
It's true. Ever since she joined us, there's been something behind her little energetic spirit of glee. Something I can't place. And it felt … familiar.
"It's probably nothing. Besides, she's a part of the family now so you're going to have to get used to it." Bataar flashes me a grin.
"I suppose you're right."
We look back up at the sky, the speck of our family now long gone, disappeared from our sight. They were gone. Arin, gone. A piece of our family left and heading back to their own home.
"Come on, let's head back inside." Bataar gently grabs my waist and leads me back to the tower.
Throughout the whole walk, my mind stays on Arin. I couldn't stop thinking about her. About how she was going to grow and get strong. She was going to be a talented earthbender for sure; she already is. How she was going to get along with the others in an unfamiliar environment. After all, we do not know if she has ever seen other airbenders, aside from Noren, and an air temple before. I thought about her personality, whether it was going to change or not the next time that we see her. That is what I feared most. Whether it was going to get destroyed by her past that was slowly trying to heal, or grow into something new, and something better.
And then I think about that smile. That incredibly infectious smile that seems to never go out and hopefully never will. And it makes me smile. One that I will try my absolute best to never let go of for a long, long time. As long as Wei and Wing don't destroy my office with their power disc again. I chuckle to myself at the thought of their terrified faces the last time I caught them. Those boys will never grow up. That girl is going to have a lot of interesting family members.
Yes, Arin Beifong, welcome to the family indeed. The Beifong family.