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

Chapter Eighteen: Trauma

Khari stared at her sketches that she had continued to draw over the last few days. She noticed one thing about all of them. They all had to do with what Yun had done to her. She didn't understand why she was still so focused on what had happened to her. She thought she would be over it by now. She noticed it was starting to affect her being bending and skills as a whole. She sighed as she thought about what she could do. She grabbed a handful of sketches and walked out of her room. She watched as the guards walked around the estate. She thought she would have adjusted to having guards around her all the time but she hasn't. When she finally left the estate, she was met with a sunny, warm day. She held on to her sketches tight as she walked toward Jia's home. When Khari got there, she stood there for some time, wondering what difference this would make. She slowly raised her hand, soon putting it back down. She put it back up and quickly knocked on the door. A few minutes later the door opened and Jia stood there with a concerned look on her face.

"Can you help me with this? With these? I want it all to stop. You have to have something or know some way to make it stop. I can't take it anymore. It's driving me crazy and it is just too much. Please, you are the only option I have left," Khari pleaded.

"Let's go get your Aunt Suyin I have a few ideas," Jia smiled.

Khari tried to return the smile as she showed the sketches to Jia. The two started to search for Suyin around the estate and training areas. They had finally found her sitting in her office looking over paperwork. Jia asked Khari to sit on one of Suyin's couches while she spoke with her aunt. Khari nodded as she sat and Jia went to talk to Suyin. Khari stared at her sketches, occasionally glancing up to see Jia and her Aunt Suyin whispering. She smiled, giving them a small wave. The two women smiled as they stood. Khari stood and waited for them to tell her what was going on. She started to follow the two women out of the room, confused on what was happening. She continued to follow them as they strolled through Zaofu. When they got to the edge of Zaofu Khari froze. She quickly looked over at the two women before she took a step back. Jia placed a hand on Khari's shoulder before she looked beyond Zaofu. Khari didn't understand why looking beyond the city bothered her. Then the thought hit her. It wasn't looking beyond it but going to the spot where it happened. The three walked towards the spot but Khari stopped again. When they finally arrived at the area where Khari walked over to the boulder that she had been tossed against. Khari stared at her dried-on blood as she thought about that night. Jia and Suyin could tell something was changing with Khari while she stared at the boulder. Khari touched the boulder and flashed back to that night. She soon fell to the ground and screamed.

"Stop!" Khari shouted.

Jia and Suyin both ran to Khari who was breathing heavily. When they reached her without looking up Khari punched the ground, sending both women back. When Khari looked up, she saw that both women were laying on the ground. Khari's head shot up when she saw a small movement to the side. She froze for a moment before she started to collapse the earth around her. The earth under Suyin and Jia started to collapse, making the two act quickly. The ground under Jia collapsed too quickly and she started to fall until Suyin wrapped her cables around her. After Suyin pulled Jia up the two stared at Khari as she stayed where she was. Khari soon stood, turning to face the two women. She started to walk towards them in silence, bending a piece of earth up so she could walk on it. She avoided eye contact with the women. She was supposed to be getting better or trying to get better. She soon felt someone grab her wrist, making her pause a bit. She needed her space but she didn't know how to tell them. She pulled away and continued to walk towards the estate. When she got to the estate, she ignored everyone. She started to feel a sharp pain in her hand, making her open and close it several times. When Khari finally rounded the corner, she saw a beaten version of herself. She held her breath for a moment, waiting for something to happen.

"It's your fault. The whole thing. You should blame yourself," the image told her.

"What?"

"Isn't it obvious? The beating and poisoning were your fault. You're weak. Any other Beifong would have been able to handle the situation. You couldn't because you are a coward and you're weak. You'll always be weak."

"N-no. That isn't true. I'm not weak. None of this was my fault. I-I… this is his fault."

"You can't blame others. This whole thing was your fault. People have gotten hurt because of you. You're weak. You always need someone to protect you. Do it, say it, the whole thing is your fault!"

Khari stumbled back soon falling to the ground. When she looked up the figure was gone. Maybe it was right and everything was her fault. She started to stand and look around. When she didn't see the figure, she made her way for her bedroom. She quickly entered the room, slamming the door behind her. She started to breathe heavily as she thought about what had just happened. She jumped when she heard a knock at the door. She slowly opened the door, peaking her head out to see her aunt and uncle standing there with a smile. She pulled the door open a bit more, holding onto the door as the three stood there in silence. She soon let the two enter her room but she hesitated to look at them. When she finally did, she could tell that they were concerned. She sat on her bed and sighed. She didn't know how she was supposed to ask them if the whole thing was her fault. She looked up when she heard someone clear their throat.

"Was it my fault? All of it, was it my fault? When he beat me and when I got poisoned? I mean that had to be my fault, right? If I would have acted mature for once and stayed in Zaofu I wouldn't have given him the chance to almost kill me. Then when he poisoned us, did I really expect him to confess. I should have known it was a trap. So that makes it my fault, doesn't it?" Khari asked.

Khari looked up into their eyes and they could tell this was something that had been bothering her for some time. When they didn't answer her, Khari thought that meant she should blame herself. Suyin sat on the bed next to her and pulled her close. She began to run her hand through Khari's hair as she thought about how she should word things. Khari pulled away and made her way towards the bathroom. She stared at herself in the mirror, but the figure flashed across where her reflection was for a brief time. She jumped, falling back into the shower. She started to feel something warm by her hand, making her look at it. She soon saw the blood running from her hand. Suyin and Baatar both ran to see Khari bleeding in the shower. They reached down to help her but Khari jumped away from them. Khari didn't want to tell them so she pulled her hand close, wrapping it in some cloth. She quickly left the room to find Jia, leaving the two behind without saying a word. Khari felt the blood start to run through the cloth. When Khari found Jia, she was organizing her things. Khari knocked on the door, making Jia look up. Khari didn't say anything but she did hold her hand out to show Jia her injury. Jia pulled the cloth away so she could examine the wound further. Khari winced as Jia pushed around the wound a bit. Jia smiled at Khari before she went to go get some supplies to clean her hand. When Khari looked up from her hand she jumped, almost falling over. She saw Yun standing next to Jia, occasionally taking a glance at the young woman.

"She's going to kill you. It's in the family. Think about it. My family and the Beifongs. She is gaining your trust so she can find the perfect chance to kill one of you. Oh, Miss. Beifong that cut on your hand will be the least of your problems."

As Jia walked back over to her Khari stared at the spot where Yun's figure stood. She listened to him continue to tell her that Jia was going to kill her. She glanced down at the wound before Jia stuck a stich in her hand. She quickly pulled her hand back as Yun's figure got closer to her and whispered in her ear. Jia gave Khari a concerned look but she only smiled a bit before she gave Jia her hand again. Jia held onto her hand but Khari quickly pulled her hand back again. She grabbed a nearby bandage and started to wrap her hand and left. She heard Yun's voice laughing in her head as she ran down the hall. Jia ran to the door, looking out to see that Khari was already gone. Khari kept pressure on the wound, hoping that the bleeding would stop. Khari bumped into Shen Tao, leaving blood on his uniform. He looked down before he watched her continue down the hall. Khari started to feel a sharp pain in her hand, making her hold her hand tighter. Khari continued to run until she thought no one could find her. She sat on the ground, holding her hand close to her body. She soon started to hear Yun's voice and her own voice, making her cover her ears. At the Beifong Estate Jia rushed into Suyin's office. She informed Baatar and Suyin that Khari was having delusions and that she needed help. The three quickly soon started to search but Suyin knew they couldn't do it alone. She informed the guards they were all to assist in the search. In the distance Khari tried to tune out the things she was hearing but it was coming more difficult by the minute. She soon felt something brush against her arm, making her look up to see her Aunt Suyin with a concerned look on her face. Khari pulled her hands off of her ears and started to look around.

"Are... are they gone? Do you hear them?" Khari asked.

"Khari, I don't hear or see anything. What do you see and hear, sweetheart?" Suyin asked.

"Remember the best enemy is never seen nor heard. We're going to get you and no one will be able to save you," Yun laughed.

Khari started to frantically look around until she saw him standing there with a smile. She got up, backing away until she fell. Suyin took a step towards her but Khari started to crawl back away from her aunt. Jia and Baatar found the two but stayed slightly behind Suyin. Shen Tao and Ling soon found the group but they were standing behind Khari in the distance. She managed to get up but she soon felt cornered. The figures soon started to walk towards Khari, making her start to shake. Khari lifted her hands before she pulled her arms down close to her and back up again. The ground started to rise, knocking everyone back. They all looked up to see Khari sitting on the ground, whispering to make it stop. Suyin stood and slowly made her way for Khari. She sat down, placing her hands on Khari's arms. Khari looked up to see her aunt smiling at her.

"Sweetheart, none of it is real. I promise. It may seem real to you but it's not. Whatever you see or hear isn't really here. We can't see it or hear it. It's hurting you because it's in your head. Your Uncle Baatar and I won't let anything happen to you as long as you are in Zaofu. We will protect you. I promise you," Suyin smiled.

"Trust her. You trusted me, now trust her," Khari heard Aang's voice.

She smiled a bit before she reached out towards Suyin. Suyin helped her off the ground, but she looked back for a second. She saw the beaten figure of herself. She gave it one final look before she left with everyone. When they arrived at the Beifong Estate they found the chef had begun to prepare their meal. She looked down at her hand to see the dried blood around her wound. She stopped Jia, making her turn around. Khari held her still cut hand before she looked up with a smile. Jia gave Khari a small smile as she guided her to the medical area. Once they arrived Khari stared at her again before she sat down. Jia grabbed her hand, smiling at her before she stuck the first stich in. When she was done Jia wrapped her hand and told Khari to be more careful. She nodded, letting Jia know she understood. Khari made her way for way for her room. When she got there, she immediately grabbed one of her daggers and went to the bathroom. She started to unbraid her hair slowly. She pulled her hair back, cutting it. She watched as her hair fell to the ground. When she looked in the mirror she screamed as she dropped the dagger. Suyin and Baatar ran into the room to see what was wrong to see Khari on the floor, trying to pick up her hair. They both gave her a look as she tried to pick up all her hair. She looked up for a second to see the two standing there.

"I-I made a mistake. My hair can't be this short. I can't look like her. I just can't. I don't want a constant reminder staring back at me in the mirror every morning. I want my long hair back," Khari rambled.

Suyin gave her a small smile before she crouched down to her. She assured Khari that her hair would grow back and that she didn't have to worry about it being short forever. Khari pulled her hair forward a bit, playing with her now short hair. She sat on the floor for a while, never noticing that she was now alone. When she finally decided to get up, she walked out of her room. She took a deep breath as she smelled dinner through the halls. As she approached the dining area, she heard everyone chatting amongst each other but when she entered the Beifong children only stared at her. Suyin and Baatar stared between their children and Khari before they smiled at her. She smiled at them briefly before she made her way for her seat. She played with her food as the Beifong children talked about her and what she had done. Suyin cleared her throat to signal to the children they were to stop talking. They continued their conversations, making Khari slam her fork on the table. Everyone looked at her as she pushed herself away from the table. Suyin called after her when she started to leave the room. The Beifong children stayed silent as they received a look from their parents. Khari slammed her bedroom, soon walking over and throwing everything off her desk. She heard a knock at her door, making her pick up the closest item and threw it at the door. She wasn't going to talk to them at all. She started to get ready for bed, hoping no one in the family would bother her the rest of the night. As she slowly started to fall asleep, she swore she had seen her parents standing in her room but she knew that it was impossible. As the night went on, she started to mumble in her sleep until they turned into screams. Suyin and Baatar burst into her room to see her still asleep as she screamed. She was covered in sweat and clenched to her pillow. Suyin sat on the bed, trying to wake Khari. When Khari finally woke, she started to look around her room in a panic. Her eyes soon adjusted in the dark, letting her vision focus more on who was in her room. She started to move closer to her aunt, clinging to her. Suyin tried to soothe her as she tried to calm herself. Khari listened to Suyin's heartbeat as she tried to forget about her nightmare. She didn't want to ask but she didn't want to be alone. She felt the tears run down her cheeks, making her quickly wipe them away.

"He's dead. I was in prison, they kicked me off the island. Those monsters killed her, and I was beaten. I'm scared to close my eyes. I don't want to be alone tonight. Can I stay with you guys or can someone stay in here?" she asked.

"I'll stay with you tonight and Baatar can go back to our room in case one of the children would want to stay with us. It was just a dream. It will be alright. I'm right here. I won't let anything happen," Suyin responded as she got comfortable.

Baatar smiled at the two before he closed the door. Khari stared at her desk, still clinging to Suyin. As the night went on Khari continued to stare at the desk. She could tell her Aunt Suyin was becoming exhausted by the way she was rubbing her back. Right before Khari fell asleep, she heard screaming and crying. She sat up and sprinted for the door to see Opal standing in the hall, crying while her Uncle Baatar tried to calm her down. Khari hurried over to Opal, hoping maybe she could calm the young girl. When she was next to Opal the young girl pushed her away. Khari gave her a confused look. Opal started to stomp her feet and scream her feet again. Khari and Baatar glanced up at each other before they turned their attention back to Opal. They both tried to quiet her down so she wouldn't wake anyone in the estate but no matter hard they tried nothing worked. Khari tried to pick her up but Opal pushed away, screaming even louder. Khari was slowly losing her patience with the small child as she ran out of ideas to try and quiet her down. She smiled a bit, thinking of a time her Uncle Bumi got Mica to stop screaming and crying. She thought she would take some Uncle Bumi advice and see if it worked in her favor. Khari began to stomp her feet and scream a bit louder than Opal, making the small girl stop. Opal gave Khari a confused look as she held onto her stuffed badger mole. She soon stopped screaming and stomping her feet, to see Opal and her Uncle Baatar staring at her. Khari shrugged a bit before she pointed at Opal. Baatar did notice that Khari's unusual method did get Opal to stop crying and screaming.

"What is your problem? I mean seriously have you gone mad or are you just inconsiderate?" Khari asked.

"I want my Mommy. They're my Mommy and Daddy not yours. You have your own. I already have to share them with that stray dog, I don't want to share with you too. Just go away already. Go to your Mom and Dad. Go anywhere but here!" Opal yelled.

Khari froze for a moment as she realized who Opal was talking about. She didn't understand how Opal could call Kuvira a stray dog. She was supposed to be family to her. Khari was supposed to be family to her. Khari felt someone's hand on her back but she walked away from the whole situation. Khari kept telling herself Opal was only a child but it didn't make what she said hurt any less. She tried to stay calm but she kept flashing back to the night she got kicked off the island. Someone grabbed her whole body and pulled her back. She started to scream for them to let her go and that she wanted to be left alone. She started to cry as she tried to crouch down. When she turned around, she saw her Uncle Baatar giving her a warm smile. She didn't understand how he had such patience for the Beifong family drama. No matter the situation he always seemed so calm. She guessed having a house full of four children kinda meant you had to be calm most of the time. She watched her Aunt Suyin walk in their direction but she knew she would be doing exactly what Opal said she was doing. Taking their attention from their children. She knew Opal was probably right, that she should leave. She felt the two staring at her, making her sigh.

"I'm going to leave. I'm going to go to the Southern Water Tribe. I miss Gran Gran and Aunt Kya. I miss Uncle Bumi and Iroh. I know they miss me by the letters they send. I was supposed to meet Avatar Korra years ago. Three years ago, but I didn't. Uncle Sokka is there too. So many people I love. I'm so happy I got to spend time with you guys but I think it is time I leave," Khari said.

"Is this because of what Opal said?" Suyin asked.

"Yes and no. I never expected to spend this long here. In fact, I never expected to spend this long exploring. I thought I would be in the Southern Water Tribe by now. Plus, I don't know how many more Beifongs you want to put under this roof."

"I'd ask how you know but I already know how you know that. Khari, we will always have room for you in our home. How about you stay a little longer and if you still want to go, we will take you. Now let's go in and get some sleep."

"I was thinking I could stay somewhere else tonight. Maybe try to defuse any tension between me and any of the children. I'm sure I could find something to occupy myself the rest of the night."

Suyin smiled a bit before she nodded. The two kissed the top of her head before they walked into the estate. Khari began to look around before she made her way for the training area. She knew now was probably the best time to train. No one to distract her. When she got there, she closed her eyes slowly bringing her arms up. She began to move like her grandfather had shown her as a child. She soon moved her arm in a quick motion making the ground pop up in the distance. She heard someone groan, making her open her eyes. She shook her head as she sighed. All she wanted was some peace and quiet but here a guard must not have gotten the memo to leave her alone. She hurried over to help the guard off the ground and assured him that she was fine. He nodded as she dismissed him. She started to spin around, soon bringing her body close to the ground. She stuck her hand out against the ground, pushing herself up. When she landed, she did a few quick jabs which sent the earth near her up. She started to spin, soon pulling her arms and leg up. She tripped and fell to the ground but didn't look up. She started to think of her Grandpa Aang for a bit so she decided to stay on the ground. At first, she didn't understand why training had become difficult but she was slowly starting to realize why it had. She was training like her Grandpa Aang had taught her and she missed him. He made her the bender she was today. If it wasn't for him and her Grandma Toph she wouldn't be half the bender she is today. She laid on the ground, placing her hands and feet flat against the ground. When she closed her eyes, she smiled as she sensed the earth beneath her. Khari didn't even know she fell asleep outside until she felt rain drops on her face. She blinked a few times before she sat up. She slowly looked around, wondering what time it was. She knew it was at least late enough for the domes to be down because she was being rained on. She got up quickly and sprinted into the Beifong Estate. When she was finally in the estate she tried to squeeze as much water out of her hair as she could. She heard talking in the dining area which made her head in that direction. When she got there everyone but Junior and her Uncle Baatar were sitting there eating what looked like lunch. Everyone glanced up from their meal but went back to eating. The chef came in and asked if she was hungry but she shook her head. Her uncle ran into her before he ran to the table to show her aunt some blueprints. She didn't understand why they were ignoring her. Did she do something to make them mad. Kuvira glanced up from her meal to see the hurt look on Khari's face but none of the children spoke of what had happened the night before. Kuvira soon saw the tear drops falling from Khari's face, making her look at Suyin.

"Khari, are... are you okay?" Kuvira asked.

Suyin and Baatar looked up as Khari turned her back to the family. She didn't understand what she did wrong. She was the one who wanted to leave to prevent tension in the family. She wondered if it was because she told them it might be best for her to leave. She tried to open the door to her room but it wouldn't open. She screamed before she made her way back down the hall to see her aunt and uncle still in front of the blueprints. She stormed in the room in the dining room, staring the two down.

"Open my bedroom door. If you don't want me here fine but open the damn door so I can get my stuff!" she yelled.

Suyin looked down at the blueprints then back at Khari. Khari took the blueprints from the table and threw them on the floor. Suyin reached out for Khari but she pulled away. She shook her head as she started to walk away again. She got a brief glance at the blueprints, making her stop in her tracks. She bent down, picking it up. She stared at the blueprints for a while before she turned around. When she finally looked up at her aunt and uncle, they both gave her a half smile. She didn't understand why they would do this for her. Suyin could tell by the look on Khari's face that she was shocked. Suyin had written to Tenzin that morning, hoping that maybe she could get him and Lin to come see Khari. Khari tilted her head a bit as she watched her aunt get caught up in her thoughts. She knew there was something besides these blueprints that she was hiding from her.

Republic City

Tenzin was sitting at his desk signing papers, hoping the day would end soon. He felt like he was leaving the office later and later. He glanced up at the picture of his family he had on his desk. He needed to get out of this office and spend more time with them. Teach them the culture of the Air Nation. He soon turned his attention over to the picture of himself with Lin and Khari. He put the pen down and sighed as he picked the picture up. He wondered how she was doing. The last he had heard from her was when she wrote to him and Lin saying she was having fun traveling. He knew then she was in Zaofu but he wasn't going to tell Lin that. He thought he should put his paperwork on hold for a bit so he could write to her. He missed her and he was hoping she missed him too. His door opened, revealing Councilwoman Mala with a letter in her hand. She dropped the letter and left without a word. Tenzin raised an eyebrow before he grabbed the letter. When he opened it, he froze for a moment.

Dear Tenzin,

I know I'm probably the last person you or Lin would like to hear but I thought perhaps the two of you would like to see Khari. I'm inviting you both to my city to see her. She doesn't know so things might start a little bumpy but maybe it will be best for everyone. I'd love for you to meet my children. I'd also love to meet my nephews that Khari talks about. Tenzin she can't stay mad at me forever. Your daughter has been living with me so that has to mean something to you both. I try to protect her the best I can but she is a Beifong so that easier said than done. She is still taking a lot of stuff very hard. Being kicked off of the island, Aang's death, Suki's death. Tenzin, I just want you and Lin to consider it. Think about Khari. We don't have to talk or make up but she is your daughter and she is in my city. Please just come see her.

Suyin

He couldn't believe what he read. Suyin had invited him and the rest of the family to Zaofu. Suyin gives Lin too much credit if she thinks she had forgiven her, he told himself. She had children of her own. Maybe it was time that both families did meet. Tenzin missed Khari so much and he was handed the perfect opportunity. He just didn't know how he would get her to go to Zaofu. He thought maybe he wouldn't tell her and she would find out when they got there. He started to put his papers away and rushed out the door. Another councilmember tried to stop him but he told everyone he would be back in roughly three days. Mala raised an eyebrow as she watched Tenzin hurry out the door. The airbending master made his way for Police Headquarters to tell his wife they would be leaving to see Khari. As he walked into the building people nodded at him. When he opened Lin's office door, she was speaking with a few officers but she dismissed them when she saw Tenzin. She gave him a concerned look because he never came to see her unless he called first. She wondered what could be wrong.

"Lin, we're going to see Khari. I got a letter and it was recommended that we come see her. Let's go get the boys and we will go see her. People are really concerned about her," he smiled.

"Tenzin, I can't just drop everything. Where is she? Why won't you ever tell me when I ask?" Lin questioned.

"I-I can't tell you that. I'm sorry. I need you to trust me. Please Lin, we need to see her. I need to see her"

Lin stared at Tenzin for a moment before she stared at the picture of Khari she had on her desk. Khari hadn't been on the island for years now but Lin still kept her picture on her desk. It was the only thing she had left. She thought maybe Khari would let her get a new one for her desk or at least the temple. Lin looked up to see Tenzin staring at her. She nodded at him, giving him a brief smile before she opened the door to call her assistant Police Chief into her office. She informed him that she was leaving and that he was in charge until she returned. Lin and Tenzin both left and made their way for the island to tell the boys the news.

Zaofu

Khari watched as the earthbenders changed her walls to look like her pictures. Khari still had a feeling that her Aunt Suyin wasn't telling her. Khari left to go see what her aunt was doing to find her in her office. She walked in, gently closing the door. When she reached her aunt, she saw that there were pictures of her family on the desk. Khari sat down next to Suyin and waited for her to say something. Suyin looked up and Khari gave her a smile. Khari giggled a bit before she stood. She started to scan her Aunt Suyin's books before she grabbed one and made her way to the couch. She started to read, soon falling asleep. Suyin smiled at her before she covered her up for the night. Suyin left her desk light on in case Khari woke up in the middle of the night. Khari pulled the blanket up and slept until the following morning with no problems. The following morning Khari sat at the breakfast table and felt everyone staring at her. When she looked up everyone turned their attention to something else. She rolled her eyes and continued to eat her breakfast. When she was done, she informed everyone she would be training if they needed her. Khari started to train never knowing what was about to happen.

Not too far from Zaofu Tenzin, Lin, and the boys were on their way to see Khari. Tenzin had only told Lin they were going to see Khari. He knew if he mentioned going to Zaofu she never would agree. He looked back at his family and hoped this idea worked. He sighed before he looked ahead. He knew it wouldn't be long until they got there but he kept telling himself it felt like forever. He soon saw the city in the distance and he held his breath as he looked back again. When they got closer Lin stared at Zaofu for a moment before she looked up at Tenzin. Tenzin landed Oogie and hoped Lin wouldn't cause any problems. They were there for Khari and she should see it that way. When he turned around, he could see the displeased look on his wife's face. He told the boys to get off of Oogie and that they were going to see Khari. Lin growled as she tried to protest. He told her to get off the sky bison because he wanted to see his daughter and she was going with. When the two finally got off of Oogie they noticed they were being approached. Lin looked away as Suyin and Baatar approached them.

"Aren't you going to say hello to your own sister? Tenzin, thank you for coming to see her. I think she needs it. I don't know how much anyone has told you but Khari was attacked and poisoned in Zaofu. She isn't han-" Suyin was cut off by Lin.

"YOU LET MY DAUGHTER GET ATTACKED? WHY IS SHE EVEN HERE? WHY ARE WE HERE?" Lin started to shout.

"Lin, I know you and I have our differences but this is about Khari. I didn't let her get attacked. I have the person in custody. That is why I wanted those case files from you. She showed up and asked if she could visit for a while. Listen, you can still hate me after all of this but come see what you've been missing."

Lin stared at her sister who smiled her before she sighed. She agreed to go see Khari but she told both Suyin and Tenzin the family would not be staying long. No one liked the idea but they all agreed. Suyin and Baatar led the family through Zaofu, listening as Mica and Meelo make comments about the city. Lin mumbled under breath but continued to walk with everyone. When they found Khari, she was bending the metal plates but she didn't seem to notice them. Khari backed away from the plates a bit before she ran towards them. She stuck one of her feet on a plate and pushed herself towards the other plate. After Khari pushed herself off the second plate, she grabbed the top of the first plate and pushed herself into the air. She pulled her staff from her back, she expanded it and spun it around. When she landed on the ground, she stomped her foot sending pieces of earth up everywhere in every direction. She jumped on one before striking another with her staff. Tenzin tilted his head as he watched Khari move like his other children, like himself, like his father. He thought about how his father might have been right the whole time. Khari didn't have to be an airbender to move like one. Tenzin took a step forward but Lin grabbed his arm. He looked back at her and he could tell she was worried about going to see Khari. Lin walked away from everyone, trying to avoid anyone in the city. Tenzin and the boys took a final look at Khari before they looked at Suyin. The three walked away without saying another word. Suyin sighed as she watched Khari train. All Khari needed to do was look up Suyin told herself. Khari felt someone staring at her making her look up to see her Aunt Suyin and Uncle Baatar. She smiled and waved but soon stopped when she noticed her aunt's face. She started to run towards her to see what was wrong but Suyin only looked in Tenzin and Lin's direction. Khari gave her a final look before she started to quickly walk in the direction her aunt stared. She paused for a moment because she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her. She started to get closer but it was no mistake, she saw Oogi in front of her.

"Mom? Dad? What are you doing here? Why didn't you come say hello?" Khari asked.

"Tenzin, this was all a mistake. We should have just stayed in Republic City. I don't even know why we came to see her. Like I said coming here was a mistake. Tenzin, just take us home."

Khari felt like someone reached in her chest and grabbed her heart. It hurt to breathe and she soon felt the tears forming in her eyes. She didn't hear anything anyone was saying, she simply stood where she was. She soon felt someone's hand on her shoulder pulling her close but she collapsed to the ground. She clenched her fist on the ground as the tears ran down her checks. Tenzin tried to get off of Oogie but Suyin hit him with her cables. When Lin stood Suyin stood in front of Khari and demanded they leave Zaofu immediately. Tenzin took a final look at Khari before he told Oogi it was time to go. Suyin crouched down in front of Khari to see the tears streaming down her face. Khari felt her aunt pull her close but it didn't help. It wasn't the same. It wasn't what she wanted. She wanted her parents to hug her. She looked up to see Oogie leaving the city. She placed her head in Suyin's shoulder as she started tried to calm down a bit so she could tell her aunt what happened. After about ten minutes she thought she was finally calm enough to tell her what happened.

"Like usual they avoided my questions. Then she said it was a mistake to be here to see me. I'm their daughter. Do they think I'm a mistake?"

"Oh sweetheart, no they don't think that at all. Your mother is just extremely angry with me so she doesn't want to be in Zaofu. I'm sure if you were anywhere else, they would have stayed to see you a bit longer."

"They didn't even say anything to me. Not even hello. I just thought with everything going on they would be here for me... just this once."

"They are in their own way."

"Yea... I've heard that before. I'm going to go to my room. I just want to be left alone right now."

Khari hugged her Aunt Suyin before she stood and hugged her Uncle Baatar. She gave them both a half smile. She turned and started to walk towards her room but the tears started to form again. She didn't understand why they couldn't even say hello. She felt eyes on her so she knew her aunt and uncle were watching her. She turned and gave them a small wave, pretending she was okay. She just kept flashing back to nights on the island when things went wrong. Suyin and Baatar watched Khari for a while. Their concern grew by the minute but they gave Khari her space as she requested.

"Baatar, I think this is a time where I had the right intentions but it turned out so wrong. I never wanted Khari to get hurt and that is exactly what they did. I've seen that look before. She had it the first time we met her. My sister has hurt that girl and I put her through that hurt all over again. I thought with Khari being gone all that time Lin would have changed but she didn't. I don't know how to fix this."

"For right now I say we give her some space but we will do the best we can for her."

"I hope you are right."

(Author's Note: So, I wanted to say sorry for the long wait. Also, we are seeing more of everything Khari has been through in her life change her. I liked the idea of Tenzin and Lin coming to Zaofu but you always have to spice stuff up. I have some really interesting stuff I want to do for Khari and the story so I hope you are enjoying it so far. Let me know what you think. Reviews are always welcome and appreciated.)