The trip to the Fire Nation is not without its troubles.
"I finally got through to Uncle Zuko. He is already at Ember Island, as is Izumi. They are using the Island as their base as it is closer than Capital City. They are setting up your old room at the beach house with two small cots for the boys." Kya said as she entered Lin and Bumi's room to do another check-up in the late morning after the wedding.
Lin just nodded, and laid back, raising her shirt as they went through the drill.
Kya bent glowing water over the younger woman's lower abdomen. She smiled as it seemed the teas, herbs, and the suggested new modern medication were working well in conjunction with her healing sessions. "I'm happy to say that everything we've been doing has helped considerably. Keep up with the regime for now. But I think you and the boys will be able to head out in the morning. Nira has offered to go with you to help with the boys, and she knows enough to help if you need it with the pregnancy as you know. I will probably escort you over on an air bison, but head right back to help here after making sure you are settled."
Lin felt a bubble of hope in her chest, but she quickly buried the feeling. She couldn't afford to hope right now.
"Hey, you doing okay? You've been awfully quiet." Kya asked, startling Lin from her thoughts.
Lin looked up to see Kya's teal blue eyes peering down at her. "I'm fine."
"Lin… it's okay to be scared."
Lin looked away from Kya's empathetic gaze, jaw clenching.
Kya decided to let Lin be, not wanting to push her right now. She finished up the session and then bent the water back into the bowl. "Well I will leave you to relax for a bit before lunch. Just holler if you need anything." She fixed Lin's shirt and pulled the light summer blanket back up, before patting the younger woman's hand.
She turned to leave with the bowl of water when a quiet voice stopped her.
"I can't do this Kya…"
Kya set the bowl on the dresser near the door, and paused for a moment to collect herself before turning around. She noticed the tears in Lin's eyes as she stared up at the ceiling.
"Lin, it's okay to change your mind. It - uh, isn't too late if this is what you truly want." She approached the bed and took a heavy seat on the edge of the bed, her hand covering Lin's.
Lin shook her head, glancing quickly at Kya before looking away again. Kya held back a wince at the pained look in her dear friend's eyes.
"Lin? What do you mean then?" She asked, gently. Lin's eyes clenched shut, a tear running down her cheeks. She waited patiently as Lin took a moment to collect her thoughts.
"I-I can't do this Kya. Hope. It's… I-" Lin stopped talking, words caught in her throat.
And just like that, Kya understood exactly what Lin was really trying to say. She decided to not say anything and moved to lay beside Lin, pulling her into her arms. She felt her heart break at the small sobs coming from the younger woman. It had been a long time since she had witnessed Lin break down - probably over 40 years ago. While Lin had opened herself up again the last few years, she was sure the only ones who have seen her like this in those years have been Bumi and maybe her mother Katara and Suyin. So even though seeing Lin like this was heart wrenching, it did warm her to know Lin trusted her enough again to see her like this.
Kya continued to hold Lin as her sobs dissipated. She was waiting to see if Lin would speak more without being prompted. After a little while more of silence, Kya was about to ask Lin if she wanted to talk about things, when Lin began to speak softly.
"It's just a lot Kya. I finally am at a place in my life where I am truly happy. More than anything, I would love that this child will make it and our family will be complete… But I can't help this feeling of dread hanging over me that something will happen. If I allow myself to let hope in, I run the risk of being destroyed if - if…" Lin trailed off, unable to voice the words.
Kya tightened her hold on her younger friend. "I promise you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that this child has the best chance. But don't bottle up your feelings about this. It will help to talk about them." She rubbed a hand soothingly over Lin's back. "We're all here no matter what happens. You have a good support system, don't forget that."
Lin nodded, but stayed quiet, letting herself calm down. She was grateful for Kya's quiet understanding. She did trust that the master healer would do everything in her power to help her baby and herself. She cleared her throat slightly, needing to say one last thing before they ended the emotionally charged conversation. "I want you to promise me that if it comes down to me or the baby, you will save the baby if you are able."
"Lin-"
Lin grabbed Kya's hand, holding it tight as she looked up into her teal blue eyes. "No. Promise me."
Kya took in her friend's serious expression and felt a small knot form in her belly. But she knew there was no way around this. "I promise Lin. But I will do everything to make sure you both will be fine."
Lin saw the sincerity reflected in the older woman's eyes before she nodded and laid back down. They continued to draw comfort in each other's embrace.
The two ended up falling into a light sleep, only woken an hour later by Bumi.
Bumi smirked down at the two as they woke, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. "Should I be worried that not even 24 hours after being married you're in bed with my sister?"
"Can't blame her for going after the hottest sibling can you?" Kya teased her brother back. This caused Lin to blush, which made both siblings laugh.
"You wound me, sister." Bumi said dramatically, his hand over his heart. "What did I ever do to you?"
"Maybe I'm just better to sleep with?"
Lin groaned, head falling back on the pillow beneath her. "Will you both knock it off?"
"It's okay Linny, I know I'm the best sibling. You did marry me after all." Bumi said, leaning over and placing a kiss on Lin's flushed cheek.
Lin looked up at her husband - she wasn't sure when she would get used to that. But if the siblings wanted to subjugate her to this, she wouldn't let them win. She almost brought up Tenzin, but shuddered internally, wanting to keep those thoughts and feelings locked away where they have been for a long time. Instead she teased, slightly self-deprecating, "so what does it say about you both if I'm the best you have ever had?"
"That we all saw the amazing woman you are." Kya said, placing a kiss on the stunned younger woman's scarred cheek before rolling off her side of the bed. "Though, I hate to break it to you, but you have moved to my number two spot."
"Wait, Kya do you have a girlfriend?" Lin asked, looking up at her friend. Bumi also was staring at Kya, wanting more details.
Kya just let a knowing grin take over. "I don't kiss and tell. See you at lunch." As she was leaving the room she heard Bumi call out that she most certainly did kiss and tell, but she just laughed as she left.
Bumi looked down at his wife in amusement. "Sister's." He winked at her before sitting beside her. "Don't think I didn't take note of your self-deprecation, Linny. You will always be the best thing to happen to me, and now I get to call you my wife. I really do like the sound of that."
Lin used his hand to help her sit up, before placing one hand on the back of his neck and the other on his cheek. "I do too, husband."
Bumi leant over and gave Lin a kiss. After a few moments he pulled back, not wanting to go further as Lin hadn't been cleared for intimacy yet, and he knew they would both suffer if they continued.
"Shall we go down for lunch?"
Lin played with the hair at the nape of his neck. "Before we go down, I just want to make sure you are caught up. Kya has cleared me for travel tomorrow. I'll be travelling to Ember Island with the boys in the morning."
Bumi paused, but then nodded his head, giving her an attempt at a smile, but she could see the sadness in his eyes. "I'm glad you and the boys will be safe. I wish this whole thing with Kuvira wasn't happening. I want to be with you…"
Lin rubbed her thumb across his cheekbone with the hand that still cupped his face. "I know love. We also know that they need everyone's help to protect the city. I wish I could help."
"I promise everything will be okay. Korra's back, and look at all these airbenders. The world is balancing out, and one dictator is not going to destroy that." Bumi said.
Lin smiled a small smile for his benefit, but internally she knew that there was no way he could really promise that.
The next morning after breakfast, found Lin and Bumi standing next to Bumi's air bison, Mochi. She was still a fairly young air bison - only a couple years old, but she loved Bumi and was already very protective of Haru. Lin couldn't help but love the silly beast, who was the perfect match for her husband. Mochi reminded her a lot of Appa, which made her heart both ache and grow warm at the same time.
Haru was in Bumi's arms, leaning forward to offer an apple to Mochi, who took it gently from his hands with her tongue. Haru giggled at the ticklish feeling, causing Lin to smile at the scene.
Tenzin and Pema arrived soon after, Pema clutching Rohan's hand in hers. It was obvious the parents were hesitant to be separated from their own young son. Lin gave them a small, reassuring smile, but she knew they could see the understanding, sadness reflected in her face as well.
Nira reached over the side of Mochi's saddle, accepting Rohan's bag that Tenzin passed up to her.
Kya was the next to arrive, with her own bag slung over her shoulder. Lin frowned at the sight of the bigger bag, as she was sure Kya had said she was only escorting them to the Island. The silver haired waterbender tossed her bag up to Nira and then climbed up into Mochi's saddle herself. Lin left her and Nira to sort over their supplies and what not.
She then noticed Su and her family approaching, with Tenzin's older children and her own older kids with Korra tagging along.
Asami reached her first, pulling her into a hug. Lin held her back tightly. "You be safe okay?" She knew Asami could hold her own against benders, but she did have to admit she held a sliver more worry for her than the boys who could rely on their bending if tools failed - not that she would ever tell her that.
"I will Mom." Lin felt her breath catch. Asami had made it clear that she would not call Lin Mom, which Lin had always understood and until this moment, never cared about. But, she had to admit, hearing it caused tears to come to her eyes. "You take care of yourself and the boys. They need you right now."
They pulled back and Lin cupped Asami's face, giving her a small smile. "I will. I'm sure the boys will keep me busy." She patted the girl's cheek. "You make sure to keep these three in line." She nodded towards the rest of Team Avatar 2.0.
Asami smiled back at her. "It will be an effort for sure."
Bolin was next to hug her. She could tell he was restraining from hugging her too tightly, as they all knew that she still wasn't well, hence why she was leaving with the boys. Lin heard a small sniffle and pulled back to place a kiss to his forehead. "You better be safe too, son, okay?"
His eyes widened at being referred to as her son, before he smiled brilliantly. It seemed that the walls that had been built between them over the last year were quickly crumbling. "Only if you are too, Mom." He kissed her cheek, and hugged her again, before moving so that Mako could get his hug in too.
Mako wrapped his arms around Lin. "I promise to keep an eye on them Mom. And Dad too. We'll miss you like crazy."
"Thank you. Don't do anything stupid okay? That's an order detective."
Mako grinned at her and gave her a mock salute. "Yes Chief." He placed a kiss on her forehead before she could pull his head down to do it to him.
She huffed at him, but her expression was warm. Lin squeezed his arm as he moved to go to Haru. She looked up and saw Korra standing there awkwardly, so Lin decided to approach her. "You take care of yourself Avatar. Try not to destroy my city while you're at it."
"He-heh no promises on that," Korra said as she gave Lin a cheeky smile.
Lin narrowed her eyes at the younger girl, before she gave Korra a punch to the shoulder - just a light one. "Watch it." She saw Korra's face drop slightly, suddenly unsure of herself. Lin placed a hand on the same shoulder she punched, in reassurance. "You'll be fine. Just remember that you aren't alone in fighting Kuvira and her army. Keep safe, kid."
Korra smiled slightly at Lin, before surging forward and giving the former Chief a hug herself. "I wish you were staying Beifong. But of everyone, I know not to push yourself when you need to heal. Take care of yourself." Lin awkwardly patted the young benders back, before pulling back.
No sooner had she let go of Korra, when she was mobbed by Tenzin's children. Lin gave them each a hug as well, before then being accosted by Opal and her twin brothers. She sighed to herself as the hugs seemed never ending. If she wasn't so fond of them all, she would be wishing for the time back when everyone was scared to approach her. 'I've gone soft.' She thought as she patted the twins backs, before tucking a strand of Opal's hair behind her ears. 'But I'm learning.'
She looked at all her nieces and nephews, Huan approaching but not crowding like his siblings or Tenzin's children which she appreciated. They shared a small smile with each other, before Lin turned to look at the group of kids. "You all take care of yourselves okay? Trust each other, and have each other's backs."
"Yes Aunt Lin!" came the echoed response. Lin just gave a crooked grin, before looking up and catching Su's amused expression. "Now be gone with you all. I will see you when this is all done." They all scampered off, leaving Lin with Su who had stepped closer.
"That's the real reason you retired right? You have your own little army of nieces and nephews." Su teased.
"Not my fault they listen to me." Lin shrugged. "I'll keep it in mind next time you do something stupid, though." She gave her younger sister a wry smile.
"I resent that!" Su said, giving Lin's arm a gentle slap. But then she clasped the same spot, her expression growing serious. "You take care of yourself and the boys Lin. Don't stress too much. It's not good for th-"
"Yes, I know Su." Lin interrupted, quickly glancing to see if anyone had been overhearing their conversation. "You stay safe too. I-" Lin paused, trying to get the words out. "I don't want to think about you not being in my life again."
Su got choked up too. "Lin, stop. I'm not planning on going anywhere, okay? Let's not even entertain the notion." Lin then found her arms full of a sniffling Suyin. She just hugged her younger sister closer, taking a moment to relish the moment.
"What's with all the snivelling? Don't we have an air bison to catch?" A voice came from behind Su, causing Lin to tense a little. Su pulled away and turned towards the voice.
She looked up to see her mother standing there, one arm crossed over her chest. Her opposite hand was busy fingering earwax from her ear. Lin and Su both grimaced at the sight; they had both been away from their mother for so long, they had forgotten some of her tendencies - though it seems living in the swamp just made them worse.
"What do you mean we?" Lin said, brow furrowing and her own arms crossing over her chest.
"I thought you were Chief, Lin. I'm obviously going with you. I ain't stickin' around and fighting. It's better to leave it to the kids. I'm too old for this shi-"
"Mother, there are young children here." Su reminded her mother, who just waved her off after flicking the earwax from her finger.
"Whatever. Are we leaving or not?"
Lin closed her eyes, her jaw tightening. She knew there was no telling her mother no. She was already wary of the long bison ride, and now a sense of dread filled her further.
"I'll get her settled." Su said, patting Lin's arm. Lin watched as Su followed their mother over to Mochi.
She sighed and rubbed her hand across her temple, hoping to alleviate the oncoming headache.
"Love?"
She looked up and saw Bumi. She stumbled a little in her steps towards him, but he easily caught up to her and pulled her into his arms. Lin grasped him tightly, suddenly very aware of their impending separation.
"It'll be okay, love. Please just focus on yourself and the boys. I'll be fine."
"You better. If anything were to happen… I'll bring you back from the spirit world, and kill you myself. Understood?" Lin said, clutching his collar, attempting for her voice to sound strong and threatening.
Bumi just gave her a half smile and cupped her cheek. "I wouldn't expect anything else." He pulled her in for a kiss.
They broke apart when there was a cough behind them. Lin narrowed her eyes at Tenzin who was looking away awkwardly. "What?"
"I- uh just wanted to wish you a safe journey Lin. And thank you, for keeping Rohan safe. Pema and I are grateful for you." Tenzin locked eyes with Lin. Lin saw the young boy from her youth in front of her, when they were best friends taking on the world together - before they let feelings come between them.
Lin left Bumi's arms and went to Tenzin, before wrapping her arms around him. "I will always protect your family, they are mine too. Always have been."
"As I will always protect yours. It's been nice to have my friend back these past few years." Tenzin replied.
Lin pulled back and punched his shoulder, harder than she had hit Korra - he could take it, she knew from experience. "Be safe Airhead. Don't get caught in your head. Kuvira is dangerous, don't trust anything she says."
Tenzin grimaced, and rubbed his now sore shoulder. But his eyes reflected fondness for the memories of times past. "You too Rocky."
Lin narrowed her eyes at the old nickname and punched Tenzin's other shoulder. She was her mothers daughter, as much as she tried to separate herself from her. She gave him a smirk before turning back to find Bumi grinning at them. He held out his hand and she clasped it in hers. They walked together over to where Haru was with the older kids.
Bumi quickly lifted the young boy in his arms, hugging him tightly. Haru giggled at his father and wrapped his tiny arms around his neck. Lin wrapped her arms around both of them, trying to hold back tears at the sight.
"Hey buddy, you look after Mama for Daddy, okay?"
Haru nodded, but it was obvious he didn't understand why his parents were acting differently.
"Lin?" She turned and saw Kya approaching. "It's time we head out."
Lin nodded slowly, before turning back to Bumi. She swallowed and tried to smile. "Come on Haru, say bye to Daddy. We'll see him soon." She said with one of her hands coming up to caress the curls on the back of his head.
"Bye Daddy!" Haru said, placing a sloppy kiss on his father's bearded cheek.
"Have a safe trip my loves. I will see you as soon as possible." Bumi kissed Haru's head, then gave Lin another kiss. "Take care of yourself." Bumi whispered, glancing down to her stomach then up again to meet her eyes.
Lin gave him a watery, sad smile. "I'll do my best. Take care of the kids okay? Don't let them do anything stupid."
"Yes, love."
They hugged one last time before Bumi handed Haru up to Nira, then wrapped his arms around Lin and airbent her up onto Mochi's saddle. With one final kiss, he hopped off, watching as Lin sat and pulled Haru and Rohan to her.
Bumi gave Kya a hug, before she went to get on Mochi to steer her.
"It'll be okay Bumi. I will make sure she stays healthy. Take care of yourself."
"Thank you Kya. Love ya."
"Love you too, old guy." Kya climbed onto Mochi's neck, grabbing the reins.
Bumi patted his companion's fuzzy head. "Keep them safe girl." Mochi gave his face a lick as if to say, "of course."
Haru and Rohan waved as they took off. Lin kept a tight grip on them so they didn't fall. Soon enough, the Island became a small dot in the distance, and the boys settled down, chatting with each other happily. Lin kept her eyes on the Island until she couldn't see it anymore, ignoring the roiling in her stomach.
After another 20 minutes though, the churning in her stomach could not be ignored. Lin turned to look at Nira, who met her eyes and nodded silently. She quickly grabbed the boys and settled them on the other side of the saddle with some toys, before turning back to look at the green-faced Lin.
Nira approached Lin, and noticed the panicked look on her face that came on suddenly. She quickly helped Lin lean over the saddle, just in time for Lin to lose her breakfast. Nira rubbed the older woman's back, as she used her other one to keep the earthbender upright.
"Everything okay back there?" Kya asked, peering over her shoulder.
"Just a bit of an upset stomach. I prepared some ginger tea in a flask just in case." Nira replied, still offering Lin comfort as another violently heave jerked her body.
"Alright, let me know if it doesn't ease up." Kya replied, before focusing forward again.
Toph frowned. "Is everything okay with her? Is it that injury no one will tell me about that is causing this?"
Nira glanced at the elder Beifong. "Yes, Master Toph, that is what is causing this." When Lin's heaving subsided and she let Nira lay her back so she was propped up on a cushion the acolyte had the forethought to bring, she glanced back at Toph. "Master Toph, would you please sit with her for a moment, while I search for the flask of tea? Just in case she needs to vomit again, I would prefer someone able to make sure she doesn't fall off."
Toph nodded shallowly, and reached her hand out. Nira clasped it, and guided her to sit next to Lin. She handed the founder of metalbending a soft cloth to dab at the sweat that had formed on the younger earthbenders forehead.
It was a good thing Lin was so focused on not heaving again, that she didn't notice the switch in her carer.
Toph just quietly sat there and found Lin's face, gently dabbing the sweat from her temples. She took a moment to gently caress her daughter's forehead, before moving the cloth back in place.
When Nira returned, Toph moved to let the acolyte take her spot. She decided to crawl in the direction she heard the boys playing in.
"Gramma, Mama sick?" Haru asked, concern in his little voice.
Toph came to a spot, leaning against the side of the saddle. "Your Mama will be fine. She is tough."
Haru crawled over and climbed on his grandmother's lap, suddenly tired. "Pwomise?"
"Yeah kiddo, I promise. She may get sick again while we're up here, but she'll feel better tomorrow."
"'Kay. I tired." He said with a yawn.
Toph ran her hands through his curly hair. "Go to sleep, badgermole. It'll be a little while yet before we are in the Fire Nation." Toph lifted her head slightly in the direction she hoped Rohan was in. "Rohan, do you want to come have a nap with us?" She held out a hand.
A moment later she felt a tiny one grasp it. "Yes, Auntie." He then curled up to her side.
The boys both fell asleep fairly quickly, but Toph couldn't. Not while she could hear Lin being sick periodically. She pretended she was sleeping though, it was the least she could do for Lin right now. She knew her daughter hated seeming weak in front of others. So she would let Lin think she was sleeping for now.
She did take note that Kya and Nira switched roles about an hour later. Kya tried to ease Lin's nausea with her bending. From what Toph could hear, it sounded like it helped.
Lin sighed with relief when Kya started her waterbending healing over her stomach. It was the first reprieve from the nausea she had had the whole trip, so around an hour and a half.
"I take it that it is helping?" Kya asked softly.
Lin just nodded, afraid to speak much as her throat was sore and she was unsure if speaking would undo the work Kya was doing. She relaxed back against the cushion and stared at the clouds they were passing - she had already found closing her eyes made her nausea worse right now.
After another 10 minutes, Kya drew the water back into her hip skeins. Lin instantly could tell she had stopped, as the nausea waved over her again instantly. She only had a moment to act and she quickly scrambled to lean over the edge of the saddle again. She heard Kya sigh behind her, before she felt the relief of the healing water settle over her again.
Slowly she got back into the reclined position and she glanced somewhat mortified up at Kya. "Sorry." She rasped out.
"Never mind it Lin. I think it's the flying that's causing this. We'll know once we land. Unfortunately we still have over an hour left in the trip. I can keep this up for a good portion as it isn't draining, but I will eventually have to switch with Nira again to guide Mochi the rest of the way."
Lin nodded in understanding.
"Drink some of that ginger tea Nira brought. You should be able to keep it down while I'm controlling the nausea. It will keep you hydrated at the very least." Kya said, motioning with her head to the thermal flask beside the earthbender.
When they arrived over an hour later, they were greeted by Zuko and Izumi themselves.
Both firebenders were shocked to see Lin so haggard and ill looking. The younger earthbender was so out of it, she didn't fight Kya's hold on her or argue about letting her mother bend an earthen platform for them to step onto.
As soon as the platform was flush with the rest of the ground around them, Lin pulled away from Kya and fell to her hands and knees, relishing in the feel of the earth beneath her. She quickly started to feel better, the earth seeming to lend her some energy. After a few moments, she glanced up to find everyone watching her with concerned looks.
"M'fine. The flying got to me. Earth helps." Lin replied, still keeping her speaking brief thanks to her sore throat while lifting a chunk of dirt with her hand.
Kya snorted in amusement. "Alright dirt girl, let's get you to bed. I'm sure you are exhausted."
Lin accepted the hand Kya held out for her after setting the dirt back in the hole. After flicking away the earth from her, Lin accepted the warm hugs from Zuko and Izumi.
"Thank you both for having us."
"Of course, Lin. You are family." Zuko replied, with a gentle smile.
"And we never pass up the chance to see the boys. They've grown so much." Izumi said, watching the boys run around with Nira - letting out all the pent up energy from the flight.
Lin leant on Kya, as true to Kya's words, she was exhausted after the flight. "I think you are right Kya, bed sounds good right now." Before anyone could tease her for admitting someone else was right, Lin's stomach growled. Lin looked down at her stomach in betrayal, before shrugging - too tired to care any more. "Scratch that. Food first, then bed."
