Haru meets baby Airi, and cuteness ensues.

The Krew and the Beifong's make their way back to Republic City from the events in Gaoling/Zaofu.

A/N: This takes place after most of the 2nd and 3rd parts of Ruins of the Empire. Only the end of the 3rd part hasn't happened yet, which is the rest of Kuvira's trial.


Lin was sitting in her quiet hospital room. It was just past dinner time now, and Bumi had left a couple hours ago to have dinner on Air Temple Island with Haru. He would be bringing him to meet Airi any minute now.

She looked down at the tiny human swaddled in a blanket in her arms; a tiny knit hat perched on her head to keep it warm. Airi, shortly after their first visit with her this morning, was deemed perfectly healthy thanks to the spirit water. She was allowed to be moved from the NICU to Lin's room, so that mother and child could be together. They would be here for another few days just to make sure their tests still came back clean, before they would be released home.

Lin had thought Haru was tiny when born, but compared to his sister, he now seemed huge. She had been so nervous to be left alone with such a tiny infant, but hadn't wanted to show that to Bumi who had already been hesitant to leave them and go to the Island. It had taken both her and Kya to convince him they would be fine.

She ran a finger gently across the reddish-pink cheek, careful not to wake the sleeping baby.

Shortly after Airi was brought to their now shared room, Healer Aala had come and walked Lin through pumping milk to put in a special bottle so that Airi could nurse. Unfortunately, one thing Katara's spirit water couldn't fix was how tiny Airi was. Due to her size she couldn't take too much milk at once, and the special nipple on the bottle helped make sure it didn't come out too fast. Lin had held her for the first meal, watching as her daughter struggled at first to latch onto the bottle and drink, before she eventually caught on. She learned that the nurse Mira and the day nurse from the day before were waterbenders, and had been bending small amounts of formula into Airi's stomach over the past couple days.

Lin had watched in awe as he had held their small daughter in his large arms and fed her her second meal. It had brought him to tears, as he never got to have this moment with Haru. Lin also understood why he had loved watching her feed Haru when he was a baby. The love shown in that simple act, made her heart skip a beat.

Lin was roused from her thoughts as the door opened. In the doorway was Bumi with Haru holding one of his hands, and Kya behind them.

"Mama!"

"Shhhh… Haru, remember when I said we need to use our inside voices?" Bumi said quietly.

"Oops." Haru said, while still pulling on his Daddy's hand to make him move closer to the bed. "Mama." He said softer, his free hand reaching to her.

"Hey little badgermole." Lin said softly with a smile on her face.

Bumi scooped Haru up into his arms, before he sat himself beside Lin on the bed while holding Haru. "Haru, this is your little sister."

Haru peered over to the baby in his mother's arms. He quirked his head to the side, as if trying to make sense of her.

"So small." He said, a small frown marring his face.

"Yes, she is very small. She was born a little early. But Gran Gran used special water to make sure she is okay." Bumi said quietly. "We just have to be super gentle with her, okay?"

Haru's frown left, and he nodded his head eagerly. "Yes, Daddy."

"Do you want to know her name?" Lin asked.

He nodded eagerly again.

"Her name is Airi. She is very happy to meet you."

"'Ri! She's pretty, Mama!" He said, happily. Bumi reminded him to use his quiet voice again.

"Why don't you turn in Daddy's arms, and Daddy can help you hold her?" Lin asked, smiling at her son's enthusiasm.

Haru nodded and turned around so his back was to Bumi's chest. Bumi helped him to move his arms into position, before Lin gently placed Airi into his arms supported by Bumi's.

Lin heard the click of a camera, but ignored it in favour of watching the three people she holds most dear. She felt tears flow down her face, not bothering to wipe them away. She almost let out a sob at seeing Haru lean over and place a kiss on Airi's forehead, her heart filling with so much joy at the love he was showing for his sister.

After a little while, Haru squirmed, so Bumi lifted Airi away and Haru slid off his Daddy's lap and snuggled into Lin's awaiting arms.

Lin kissed him and held him close, relishing in the feel of him in her arms after so long without him - even though she was unconscious most of that time. "I love you, little badgermole."

"Love you too, Mama." He said softly, as he snuggled into her chest.

Lin looked over and saw Bumi holding Airi against his own chest. Their eyes met over their children's heads. They both knew they still needed to talk about what happened a couple days ago, but at this moment they were just living in the moment and enjoying their first moments together as a family of four. All that were missing were three older children, who would be in for quite a shock when they returned.


Late evening night before.

"You sure you don't want to come back with us to Republic City Mom?" Suyin asked as the airship lowered near the ancient banyan-grove tree in the middle of the swamp.

"Nah. I've had enough excitement this past week that I am looking forward to some peace and quiet." Toph responded, stretching.

"You'll come visit soon though, right?" Opal asked, approaching her grandmother.

"Can't get rid of me that easily." Toph said, lightly punching Opal's uninjured shoulder affectionately. "Plus your Aunt's popping out another kid soon, so ya know, gotta visit soon anyways."

Everyone crowded around, bidding Toph goodbye, much to the old earthbenders' chagrin. The only ones who stayed back were Kuvira, Asami, and Mako. Toph was quick to extricate herself from her grandchildren and Bolin, and walked quickly down the metal gangway. She stepped onto a patch of grass between giant roots and offered a half-hearted wave behind her, not bothering to turn around to do so. She couldn't see anyways, so she didn't see the point.

Toph sighed in pleasure at the feeling of the grass and dirt between her toes after being too long without this past week. She could hear the gangway screech slightly as it was retracting. She decided to check up on how things were since it had been a week, so she placed her hand on the giant root in front of her.

What she saw made her unseeing eyes widen and her heart to clench in fear. She quickly reached her hand above her and concentrated on the metal gangway that was almost fully retracted. The airship jolted as she stopped the movement and held it in place, before she bent the earth under her to catapult herself up. She mentally sighed in relief when she successfully landed on the metal platform, and marched quickly to the reopening door.

"Mom? What-"

"I'm coming with you." Toph said, stomping over to one of the metal benches on the Zaofu airship. Asami's damaged airship was being transported back to Zaofu where it would be repaired, as it was much closer than towing it all the way back to Republic City.

Suyin frowned at her mother in confusion. "Okay… Any particular reason you changed your mind?"

"Lin's in the hospital. Unconscious." Toph said as she slumped slightly where she sat, leaning against the wall with her legs sprawled in front of her and her arms crossed.

Mako stood from where he had been seated between Bolin and Wu. "What… Is she okay? Is the baby okay?" He asked frantically as he approached the elder war hero.

Toph's face flashed quickly with uncertainty, before being hidden again under a mask of indifference. "They are both alive."

Asami stood from where she had been seated on Korra's lap. "I'll go radio Air Temple Island and see if we can get any more information. We should be in the city by this time tomorrow night."

She quickly left to head to where the Zaofu pilot was at the helm in the front portion of the gondola. Korra quickly went after her, putting her hand on the small of Asami's back, not wanting to be separated after the events of the last few days.

Su glanced at her husband and saw the concern she felt reflected in his eyes. She then sat beside her mother and placed a hand on her shoulder. "What did you see Mom?"

Toph sighed. "Something must have happened. I only saw that Lin was unconscious… and that the baby was born." She heard Su suck in a breath of surprise. Toph swallowed past the bitter feeling filling her throat. "She was so tiny Su… Too tiny." One hot tear escaped Toph's eye, trailing down her right cheek.

Suyin grabbed her mothers hand, not having any words, but needing to offer her mother comfort, while receiving it in return. She felt Baatar stand beside her and his arm fall around her shoulders.

Opal held Bolin's hand tighter, both of them pale with worry. Mako swayed slightly, but Wu grabbed his arm and guided him back to his seat. Bolin quickly grabbed his brother's hand once he was seated again, scared for his little sister. Wing, Wei, and Huan stood together, silent and pale themselves. They just watched everyone else, and attempted to digest the information. Kuvira felt awkward from her spot, not knowing if she should do or say anything; deciding on keeping quiet and out of the way.

Everyone looked up as Asami shakily walked back over, clutching Korra's hand.

"I spoke with Pema. She said Lin gave birth yesterday around 4:30. Apparently she was downtown when a building started collapsing. She saved a little boy by shielding them, but it caused her to go into early labour. Pema said, right now they are stable, but critical. Lin lost.." Asami sniffled, wiping away some tears. "She lost a lot of blood. But Kya is with them at the hospital. Tenzin has already been in contact and is on his way up with Gr- Katara. Pema is expecting them to arrive sometime in the next few hours as Oogi is fast."

"Spirits." Su whispered in shock.

"What about Haru and Bumi?" Bolin asked quietly. "They're okay, right?"

Asami nodded, wiping more tears away with the handkerchief Korra had handed her. "Haru is on the Island. He is pretty confused and upset with not knowing where his parents are. Bumi hasn't left the hospital, only moving between the two rooms."

The room was silent as everyone sent silent prayers to the spirits that the two would both be okay.


The Zaofu airship docked on Air Temple Island around 24 hours after the events at the banyan-grove tree. They had called ahead a few hours ago so that President Moon knew that they would be landing there instead of the Police Airfield. They were met as they disembarked by Pema, Tenzin, and Katara, as well as Chief Saikhan and some White Lotus guards.

Kuvira just gave everyone a small wave and walked over to the guards, holding her arms out to receive the platinum cuffs.

"Sugar Queen, give me the facts." Toph said, as she quickly strode over to her old friend.

Katara placed a hand on her old friend's shoulder. "I used spirit water on them both early this morning. Lin woke a few hours after. They are both doing well. We have a granddaughter, who is as beautiful and strong as her mother." She smiled.

Toph nodded, before embracing Katara. Katara hid her surprise at her friend initiating a hug, deciding to just hug the slightly shorter woman to her.

"Bumi took Haru to go see Lin and meet his new sister. Kya called to say that they had all fallen asleep last time she checked on them and she decided to leave them since Lin has a private room." Tenzin said, as he gave Suyin a hug.

"Thank spirits." Was all Su could say.

"Why don't we all head to the dining room, I made sure to keep some dinner warm for you all, and I have rooms ready. Bumi has asked that only a few people visit while they are in the hospital, but they will be home by the end of the week hopefully." Pema said.

They all followed tiredly after her and shuffled into seats in the dining hall.

"Did they finish the new nursery?" Su asked, sipping on her tea after dinner.

Asami answered. "No, we were going to tackle that when we returned. Most of Haru's old furniture moved with him to his room as the bed was able to be converted to a toddler bed, and now a twin bed. I think the only furniture left is the change table and the bassinet."

"They'll need some new clothes too. She is very tiny and I know Lin got rid of many of Haru's baby clothes, only keeping sentimental ones." Pema added.

Su nodded, a plan formulating in her head. "Asami, do you remember where they bought Haru's nursery furniture? It was such a darling store."

"Yes, of course."

"Good. You and Korra can go tomorrow and pick out a new set. Either one that matches Haru's so that the changing table can be reused, or get a new set if they don't have anything matching. Pick up bedding and decorations for the walls too." Su said. "Tenzin, Baatar, Huan I want you to clean out the current room and paint the walls."

Huan nodded. "Perhaps a sage green wall, with white and soft pink accents? Maybe a few other soft pastels."

"I'm sure Lin and Bumi would love that, Huan." Katara said with a smile.

"Okay, the rest of us can get clothes, blankets, and other necessities." Suyin said. She was thankful to have something to keep her busy.

"And what do you want me to do?" Toph grumped slightly, knowing she was no use in helping with any of the prep Su had been planning.

"I figured you would want to be with Lin at the hospital, or with Haru." Su said with a shrug. "But if you have anything you wanted to do or a suggestion, let us know." She said sincerely.

Toph nodded. "I don't know about all of you, but I'm beat. Where do you have me this time, Twinkle Toes Jr?"

Tenzin held back his eye roll, barely. "We made Bumi and Lin's bed up with fresh sheets, so you can sleep in there."

"Oh joy." Toph replied with a shudder of disgust. But she stood anyway, at least they were fresh sheets.

"I'm heading to bed too, I'll go with you Toph." Katara said, standing slowly.

Toph placed her hand on Katara's arm and let the older woman guide her upstairs. When they were just outside the bedroom, Katara spoke up.

"Suyin's Sokka was showing tonight. I forgot how much she enjoys planning things out just like him." Her voice held a tone of amusement, as well as a pinch of wistfulness.

Toph frowned. "Sokka?"

"Toph, please, I've always known. So did we all for that matter. Does Su?"

"Look sweetness, I don't want to talk about it. I have enough on my mind right now, than to bring up the past." Toph huffed.

Katara patted her friend's hand. "Of course. Here, we are at their room. Do you need nightclothes? I always keep spares here."

"I don't suppose you will give me much of a choice."

Katara chuckled lightly. "I'll be right back."

Toph entered the room, and managed to remember the distance the bed was from the door as she was able to get seated on the edge without stubbing a toe.

A few moments later she looked up at the shuffling from the doorway.

"Here you go, it's just a simple nightgown."

Toph held the nightgown between her hands, fidgeting with the soft material. Finally she voiced her questions. "Are they really okay? You don't need to sugar coat it, I can handle it."

Katara smiled softly, not that Toph could see it, and sat beside her oldest friend. She reached over and placed her hand over Toph's to stop her from fidgeting further. "They really will be okay. They are only keeping them for another few days for observation, just to make sure. But even before using the spirit water, they would both have been fine. It just would have taken a lot longer to recover, and our granddaughter would have had to stay much longer in the NICU."

Toph swallowed and nodded. "What is she like?"

"She is very cute. Actually I see many of your features in her, although time will tell. She is tiny, easily fitting in both of Bumi's hands with room to spare. But she is a fighter. Already had most of the staff wrapped around her little finger. Didn't help that the nurses thought it was adorable how devoted Bumi was to her and Lin while they both were critical."

Toph let a little smirk grace her face.

"You know, I still can't believe we share grandchildren." Toph said. "I mean, sure at one point we thought Lin and Tenzin would pop out a few, but to be new grandmothers at this age…"

Katara chuckled. "I know what you mean. I only wish that they had found each other sooner, and they could have avoided years of being alone. But I wouldn't change our grandbabies for the world. At least Haru isn't quite as energetic as his cousins, so far anyway. He is much more like Jinora in that aspect. But Rohan is an influence on him, and Bumi of course."

"Do you know her name yet?"

"No, Bumi did say at dinner that they had a name, but they wanted to wait to introduce Haru and the older kids to her before letting everyone know the name. Though Kya assured me earlier that it is a very fitting and adorable name."

"As long as they have a name, I can wait till tomorrow to find out." Toph said. "Anyone tell hotstuff?"

"We called after Bumi left with Haru. Zuko and Izumi will for sure be here tomorrow at some point. Raijin and Ursa are most likely coming too, but Iroh was recently redeployed out to sea again."

"Good, good." Toph yawned. "I guess I should hit the hay now, before your son has us all waking up at daybreak again."

"He did unfortunately take after Aang too much in that department." Katara agreed. She pulled Toph into a tight hug. "It is good to see you again after so long, Toph. Let's promise not to let so much time pass again."

"Yeah, yeah I promise." Toph said, but she clung to Katara just as tightly. It really had been too long.


Lin watched as Bumi helped Haru hold Airi and helped him hold the bottle to feed his sister. She sniffed back a new set of tears at witnessing such a tender moment.

When Airi was done feeding, Lin took her and gently burped her. She then changed her cloth diaper and re-swaddled her, before cuddling her tiny daughter to her chest.

"Why don't we go get Mama some tea?" Bumi asked Haru.

"Okay! Mama stay here. We be right back." Haru said, kissing his mother's cheek and his sisters before hopping onto his father's back, propelled a little with airbending.

Lin watched them leave in amusement, before leaning back against the pillows of her inclined bed. She took this quiet moment alone with her daughter to caress her cheek and watch her drift off into sleep, memorizing her tiny features.

The door opened, bringing her attention from Airi. Instead of Bumi and Haru, it was her mother, Su, Mako, Asami, and Bolin.

"Mom? Su? What are you doing here? Weren't you kids with Korra?" She frowned at them.

"The issue in Gaoling is resolved. We went to drop Mom off at the swamp and she saw through the vines that you were hurt. We arrived late last night. I'm so glad you are alright, and that this little one is too." Su said, tears in her eyes.

"Well you might as well all come in then. Bumi and Haru will be back any moment." Lin was a little reluctant to part with her daughter at the moment, so she continued to hold her.

Asami and Bolin took seats on the end of her bed. Mako stood behind them, anxiously shifting from foot to foot. Su took one of the chairs she pulled up to the bed and Toph stood next to Lin at the head of the bed.

Lin looked up at her mother and was startled at the concerned look in her clouded eyes. It was still hard to get used to seeing these more tender and open expressions on her mother's face.

"So, we're fine, as I'm sure Katara told you."

"We're so relieved that you are. But when I first called Pema to see if Toph's vision was true, I have to say I was not prepared for that." Asami said, with tears in her eyes. "I'm not ready to lose more family."

Lin shifted Airi in her arms, before gesturing to Asami to come closer to her. Asami moved so that she was sitting beside Lin, tucked under her free arm. "We're not going anywhere, Asami." Lin said softly, running a soothing hand down Asami's hair and back.

Mako had just taken Asami's previous spot at the foot of the bed when the door opened again.

"Mama, we bring tea!" Haru exclaimed quietly. But when he caught sight of Mako, he forgot his inside voice. "Mako, you home!" He called out, running to his big brother.

"Hey, little guy. You taking good care of Mama?" The firebender asked, as he picked the boy up.

"Uh huh, and sissy. She's so tiny."

Bumi looked at the occupants in the room with surprise. "Oh, sorry, if I knew you were coming, I would have brought more tea." He said, entering the room and closing the door behind him so as to not disturb other patients on the unit. He set Lin's cup down on a side table. "Have you introduced her yet, love?"

"Hadn't fully gotten there yet. Go ahead, I'm sure they are eager to hear her name." Lin replied.

"Our little miracle's name is Airi." Bumi said, gazing down at his three girls with love in his eyes. He knew Asami had been upset, but seeing her brighten up with a bright smile as she leaned into Lin's side and peered down at her tiny new sister in awe, Bumi was filled with happiness that it seemed the rift between Lin and Asami had finally been completely healed.

Toph reached over and ran a calloused finger softly over the sleeping infants features, trying to memorize them. "She's perfect, Lin."

"Thank you, Mom." Lin said, holding back another round of tears.