Part 2 of the Final Chapter - posted on same day, so read Chapter 47 first
Airi's first birthday and the start of the next leg of their journey.
A/N: I just want to give you all a HUGE THANK YOU for reading this fic, and embarking on this journey with me.
Three weeks later
Lin woke up with a gasp, sitting up in a rush to try and catch her breath. Her skin felt clammy from the nightmare. It had been a while since she last had one.
"Linny? You okay?" Bumi asked, sleep still noticeable in his voice, but he was already sitting up and placing a hand on her back. "Bad dream?"
Lin swallowed and nodded. "Just… just a mix of memories and things I know didn't happen." She ran a hand over her face, and noticed for the first time that her cheeks were wet from tears. "I know Chen said they would still happen, but it's been a couple months…" She shrugged. "I'm sorry I woke you."
"I'm sure it has a lot to do with the date too." He said softly. "And never worry about waking me up for this." He reminded her, as he had every time she apologized for her nightmares. "I haven't been sleeping well myself, the last few nights." He admitted.
Bumi guided Lin back so that they were laying back down, with Lin resting her head on his shoulder and curled into his side. His arm came up around her and hugged her close, while his other hand clasped her's where it had come to rest on his chest.
"I can't believe our baby is a year old." Bumi said as they laid there.
"I can't either." Lin replied, tracing his hand, noticing that despite the age starting to show that they were still as strong as they had ever been. Just as he was her rock when everything turned to sand.
Bumi grinned. "She certainly is starting to develop a little personality."
"Hmm." Lin hummed in agreement. "As much as I can't wait to hear her first words, a part of me is hesitant that it will soon come back to haunt us. She is already such a vocal child. I fear Mom has been a bad influence." As she said this though, she couldn't help the proud smile that graced her face.
"A true Beifong daughter." Bumi said, an amused lilt in his voice. "And growing as beautiful as her Mama every day."
"You already got some last night, no need to lay the flattery on so heavy." Lin teased as she poked his chest.
Bumi let out a soft chuckle. "I was being truthful… but if it led to that, I wouldn't complain." He placed a kiss on the top of her head.
"Sorry, it's late enough in the morning, I do not want a repeat of the other week." Lin said, still feeling a pang of embarrassment at the remembrance of being caught by their mothers and uncle. Not to mention narrowly avoiding having Haru walk in on them.
Bumi glanced at the clock and realized it was almost 6:00 in the morning. "Why don't we go have a shower, and then we can get started on some of the food. What time is everyone coming over again?"
"Pema and the girls are coming to help us set up around 10, others will start arriving around 11." Lin answered as she got up.
Following their shower, they headed downstairs to get started on both breakfast and the rest of the food for the party. Bumi got started on prepping the fruits and vegetables while Lin set about getting breakfast started.
Soon they were joined by Katara who had been staying in her room at their house since Bolin and Opal's wedding. Bumi handed her a cup of tea and the three talked quietly as the two continued preparing the food.
A soft whine echoed down the stairs, alerting them that the youngest of the house was now awake. Lin wiped her hands on the towel she had over her shoulder and set it on the counter. "I'll go get her." She didn't wait for a response and headed upstairs.
Lin entered the nursery and smiled at the sight of Airi standing up in her crib, grinning brightly as soon as she saw her mother.
"Good morning, my little badgermole. Did you have a good sleep?" Lin asked as she leant over and picked up the green-eyed baby.
Airi smiled again, before leaning into Lin's shoulder sleepily.
"Still waking up? Why don't we get you changed and go downstairs where Daddy and Gran-Gran are."
Lin deftly changed Airi's diaper and then redressed her, leaving her still in her pajamas. Airi quickly snuggled back into her mothers arms, thumb in her mouth as Lin headed into the hallway. A rustle from behind Haru's door had Lin stopping there and helping him get ready before the three made their way downstairs.
"There she is, our birthday girl!" Bumi said with a wide smile as he bent down to kiss Airi's head.
"She's still a little sleepy." Lin said as she smoothed back the girl's fine black hair. Her hair seemed to finally be growing more now, enough that soon they would need to clip her hair back to keep it out of her eyes. Bumi thought it was great that they were growing their hair out at the same time, his being not that much longer than hers since his tattoo ceremony.
"What's this about a birthday?" Toph said as she sleepily walked into the kitchen, her hair a mess and rubbing her behind.
"It's Ri's birthday Gramma!" Haru said, with a sleepy laugh.
"You sure?" Toph asked, amusement in her clouded eyes. She moved her hand to rub her chin. "Coulda sworn it wasn't till next week."
"No, it's today!" Haru said. "Right Mama?"
"Yes, love, your Grandma is just teasing you." Lin answered.
Haru let go of her hand and grabbed one of Toph's. "Silly Gramma." He chided her in his child's voice. He then dragged her towards the table so they could sit and have breakfast.
Katara brought the boy in for a hug once he was close enough, planting a kiss to his cheek. "Good morning, Haru."
Haru dropped Toph's hand and wrapped his small arms around Katara. "Morning Gran-Gran."
"I see how it is… Sugar Queen gets all the love from the grandkids…" Toph pretended to pout as she took the chair beside her old friend.
"What can I say, I have a better way with children." Katara teased her friend.
Haru let go of Katara and immediately hugged Toph, almost causing her to topple off the chair and take him with her. "I love you too, Gramma!"
"Alright badgermole." Toph said, patting his back fondly after she had corrected their position. "Love you too, kid."
Meanwhile, Lin went to place Airi in her high chair but she buried herself further into her mothers neck and tightened her hold on her shirt. Lin gave up and took a seat opposite their mothers. Bumi gave her a wink, before he dished up breakfast and brought it over.
All throughout breakfast, though Airi was more awake she clung to Lin, refusing to be put down or even go to Bumi. Lin double checked that the little girl didn't have a fever or anything, but she was cool to the touch and otherwise was interacting. Airi did allow to be shifted in order to sit on Lin's lap and happily munched on slices of moon peaches.
"She doesn't seem sick, but do you think you could check her over after breakfast, Mother?" Lin asked Katara. "I'd rather know for certain before the whole family descends on the house."
"Of course."
After breakfast, Lin and Katara went upstairs to the bathroom, and Airi finally allowed Lin to put her down. But knowing the girls love for bubble baths, it wasn't much of a surprise to the mother, who huffed a little. Airi giggled and splashed the water as Katara bent the water around her a glowing blue as she checked over her youngest grandchild.
"She is perfectly healthy. Her gum seems a little irritated so she will be cutting a new tooth soon. The only other thing I can detect is her chi seems to be stronger than it has been previously." Katara said as she bent the water to tickle the girl, before sitting on the edge of the tub. "I may be wrong, but I have a feeling she is going through a shift where her body is preparing her to receive her bending."
Lin hid her surprise by setting about and washing Airi's hair as the girl played with the bubbles. "Can you tell what bending?"
"No, and I may be wrong. Bumi when he was young seemed to go through a shift in his chi, but nothing ever came of it until Harmonic Convergence." Katara answered.
Lin shrugged. "Well bending or no bending, she'll find what will make her happy and we will support her no matter what."
Katara placed a hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "I never had any doubt in that. You and Bumi are amazing parents, despite the hardships we passed onto you both. I know Toph and I are both very proud of who you have become."
Lin swallowed, unsure how to respond. Airi decided at that moment that she wanted their attention back on her and splashed water at them both. Lin spluttered at the facefull of water, while Katara just laughed and bent the water off them both and back into the tub.
"I think you are all clean now." Lin said, pulling the drain and then wrapping the squirming baby into a warm towel. "Shall we get you dressed?" She asked, bouncing the girl on her hip.
Airi grinned up at her with her three front teeth. Lin could now see the irritated gum beside her lone upper tooth. Lin took the small blessing that so far other than being clingy, Airi didn't seem to be too bothered yet.
Katara headed off to rest a little in her room before the party and Lin took Airi to her nursery.
"Alright little badgermole, let's get you dressed and ready for your big day." Lin dressed Airi in a sweet little green dress. On their way out of the room, Lin grabbed the sling as she had a feeling Airi would continue to be clingy and she needed both of her hands today.
Sure enough, Airi screeched when Lin tried to set her down in her playpen and refused to go to either Bumi or Toph. So Lin had Bumi help her wrap the girl to her chest, and then set about finishing up the food prep.
The party was in full swing later. Their backyard was set up with blankets, pillows, and some low chairs for the elders of their family. The whole extended family was in attendance; which still seemed to be a large number of people.
Lin and Bumi were seated with Airi and Haru was helping open her presents - which weren't many as they were leaving for their trip soon. So there were some clothes that she would grow into, a few books, and a few small toys. Once presents were done, everyone broke into smaller groups to just enjoy one of the last nice autumn days before the days got cooler.
Bumi was dragged off to play the junior version of airball with the kids and Tenzin, while Lin sat on one of the chairs with their mothers, and Zuko, with Kya, Nira, Izumi, and Su were seated on some cushions. Airi had finally allowed someone else to take her, but only her Aunt Nira. Lin was just relieved to finally have her arms back, even if for just a little bit. Don't get her wrong, she loved toting Airi around and knew that it would only be a matter of time before she would be up and running, no longer wanting to be still in her mothers arms - but sometimes when it was all day, it was nice to have a break.
"When do you leave again, Lin?" Izumi asked, adjusting her glasses. The firelord was dressed in relaxed day wear, not wearing her usual robes or even her headpiece; the perks of it being a private event and their property being so private.
Lin swallowed her sip of tea. "In a couple days, hopefully. We are planning to start in Gaoling as there are some things that need addressing for the estate, and then we are going to head to the Southern Air Temple."
"Should've demoed the estate when I had the chance." Toph grumbled.
"Oh but the gardens are so beautiful there, Mom. Plus the building is so old, it's practically a historical landmark for the area." Su said, as she looked up from where she had been playing with Airi.
Toph huffed. "Exactly, it's so old, it would fall so quickly. Heck even Fire Pants here could just sneeze on it and it would poof into flames."
Lin rolled her eyes in amusement with the others.
They were distracted when an angry screech came from the birthday girl. They turned to see that Airi had thrown her toy outside of reach from everyone. The little girls frown was full Beifong and had most of them pursing their lips to avoid showing their amusement. Airi clambered off Nira's lap and did a half crawl, half drag to the edge of the blanket before she lost her balance and ended up on her front. She let out another angry babble. Before Lin could get up to retrieve the toy, Airi slammed her hand onto the grass just past the blanket. They all watched in shock as the toy moved quickly towards her as if summoned. Airi squealed happily and grasped the toy before sitting up and shoving it into her mouth to chew on.
"Mom, tell me that wasn't you playing a prank." Lin said in shock.
Instead of answering her, Toph got up and picked up Airi, and lifted her into the air. "The next Greatest Earthbender has shown herself!" Airi squealed again at being in the air, and yanked on a strand of her grandmother's hair. "Ease up badgermole. Grandma is going to teach you everything you need to know."
Lin sank back in the chair in shock, hand covering her mouth. Bumi and the others came over to see what the commotion was about. Only when Bumi's hand touched her shoulder did Lin look away from Airi and into his blue eyes. "She's an earthbender." She said softly, but a smile was quickly forming on her face.
"She's an earthbender?" He asked, wonder filling his wide eyes.
Lin nodded, a tear slipping down her face. He pulled her up and they stole her from her mother to plant kisses on the tiny girl's face. Airi also seemed to be in a better mood and allowed her father to hold her and swing her around, the air filling with giggles.
"Well I guess we know what that excess chi energy was I felt this morning. I'm sure she feels much better now." Katara said, with an excited smile on her face. Airi would be her only grandchild that wasn't an airbender, and while she wished one of them could have been a waterbender, she was just happy that they were all healthy.
"Take that Twinkle Toes, the Beifong genes are strong in this one!" Toph exclaimed, pointing towards Korra. Korra just shrugged with a grin, knowing she couldn't connect to her past lives anymore, so let Toph have her moment of glee.
"You'll have your hands full with Airi. I don't remember any of us showing our bending at such a young age." Izumi said.
Zuko stroked his beard with a contemplative look. "I believe Lin was the youngest of all the kids at a year-and-a-half. My sister on the other hand started firebending very early too, and she was a prodigy." He shrugged.
"Hear that, my granddaughter is going to be a prodigy!" Toph managed to get Airi back into her arms and took her away from the group and sat her on the ground. She then took the stuffed toy from Airi and tossed it a little bit away from them. "Okay badgermole, show us what you did again."
Airi frowned and her bottom lip stuck out in a little pout as she saw that her toy was out of her reach again. She smacked the ground again like she had last time and sure enough the earth beneath her toy moved to bring the toy back to her. She toothily grinned when Lin, Bumi, and Toph cheered her on.
The next little while was spent having her earthbend her toy back to her, before she climbed into her daddy's lap and promptly fell asleep.
That night, Lin and Bumi stood watching their daughter sleep.
"I can't believe she is an earthbender." Lin said, softly.
Bumi placed a kiss on her head. "She is a mini you, and I couldn't be more thrilled."
Lin smiled up at him, before glancing back at their new toddler. "Something tells me she is going to be a handful with her bending so early. You sure you still want to go on our trip?"
"With the two of us together, we can get through it. Plus we're only doing our trips a couple months at a time. So if we think it is too much after we get back, we can postpone the next trip." Bumi replied.
"I agree." She took his hand in hers. "I can't wait to start our adventure."
"Oh love, our adventure started over 5 years ago." He tenderly kissed her lips before making sure Airi was tucked in. He then guided Lin out and they headed to bed.
Two days later
They had finished packing their bags onto Mochi's saddle. Haru and Airi had been taken by their siblings for their goodbyes, while Lin was pulled into a tight hug by Su.
"You'll radio when you get there right?"
Lin rolled her eyes. "Yes Su. We will radio Air Temple Island when we arrive in Gaoling. We'll probably make it there before you get back to Zaofu."
"Just be careful. Gaoling has settled down in the last year, but the Earth Kingdom is still not perfect."
"I know, and we will. I've already had contractors fixing up the estate over the last year. But if it will make you feel better, you can visit in a couple weeks."
"It would be nice to see the old house again."
Bumi joined them. "Alright we are all loaded up."
"We should say goodbye to the kids." Lin said with a nod as she managed to pull free of her sister's arms.
Lin and Bumi approached the group. Mako had Haru on his back, and Airi was on Opal's hip as the group talked. "Now I am trusting the six of you will not cause too much chaos while we are gone." Lin said with a smirk.
Korra looked Lin dead in the eyes. "I make no promises," before cracking a smile.
Lin gave her a fond punch to the arm before pulling her into a small hug. Asami was next, who promised to keep Korra in line as much as possible. Lin then hugged Mako, somewhat awkwardly while Haru was still clinging onto his back.
"Will Ursa be joining us on our next family dinner when we get back?" She asked as she pulled back.
Mako blushed brightly. "Uh… We're not officially together yet. But, she is moving to the City soon to help with the historical archives here."
Lin patted his cheek. "She's a good girl. I trust that you both will respect each other."
"Of course. We've been talking a lot over the last year."
Lin smiled and nodded. "Good. I'll expect to see her then." She enjoyed his flustered look, before moving onto Bolin. She pulled him into her arms. "Take care of yourself and Opal."
"Have a good trip, Mom. Stay safe." He said, placing a kiss to her cheek.
Finally Lin came to Opal and Airi. "Can't she stay with me, Aunt Lin?" Opal asked, a mock pout on her face. "My favourite snuggle buddy can't leave me."
Lin gave her niece a tender smile. "Sorry, kid, but Airi is coming with me. You'll see her when we get back, I promise. Maybe we can even sneak in some radio calls too."
"Fine, but she's mine when you get back, for a whole day." Opal teased, but Lin could tell she was serious.
"Consider it done. Mako can take Haru and Bumi and I will be kid free for a day." Lin glanced over her shoulder at her husband. "Hear that Bumi? We'll get a whole day to ourselves when we get back."
Opal just chuckled and hugged her aunt, Airi babbling happily into the hug.
Once the goodbyes were made, Lin and Bumi took their children into their arms. Last stop were their mothers who were staying in their house while they were gone.
"Please don't destroy the house while we're gone." Lin said to them, while giving her mother a hug. It was meant more for her mother, but the two old friends together could create havoc when they wanted too.
"You take the fun out of everything, Linny." Toph quipped. "I'll make sure Sweetness here is on her best behaviour."
"Yes, because my behaviour is the one they are worried about." Katara retorted dryly. She then turned to her son and pulled him down so that she could kiss his cheeks. "You take care, my boy. Keep your family safe and make sure to call at least once a week."
"Yes, Mom." He responded, giving her a big hug.
After their goodbyes, Lin and Bumi got Haru and Airi settled onto the saddle, before Bumi headed to sit at Mochi's reigns. Soon enough they were in the air, waving down below to their family as they headed off towards Gaoling.
A few hours passed and both kids went down for a nap, Bumi was content to let Mochi fly on her own for a little while. He airbent himself back into the saddle and pulled Lin into his arms as they both gaze down at the world passing below them.
"I'm so glad we are finally going to travel the world like we once talked about." Bumi said into her ear.
"I'm sorry it took over 5 years to get to this point."
"I'm not." He tilted her head toward their children tucked up under their blankets. "We got them instead." He shrugged. "Our adventure maybe didn't start how we expected, but I wouldn't change a minute of it."
Lin looked over their children for a moment longer before turning back to Bumi. She placed a hand on his cheek. "Thank you for giving this all to me. For showing me how to love and be loved."
"Always, Linny." He pulled her in and kissed her. They only held it for a moment before pulling apart and just enjoying the feel of each other's arms as they watched the trees below pass by. The next leg of their adventure was just beginning.
A/N: Well here we are, the end, or shall I say the start of their next chapter.
I hope you are all happy that Airi is indeed an Earthbender! I think she is going to be a little spitfire, but in a nicer way than her grandmother, taking the best qualities of her parents and grandparents with a little Beifong temper sprinkled in.
I hope you have all enjoyed this fic! I will be back soon with more Lin fics, I just want to have them mostly done before posting so I can keep up with a consistent schedule.
But if you want to see more in this AU, I will probably post a few one-shots here and there
Also kinda considering doing an AU of this Universe, but one where Lin decided to fuck it all and go on that adventure with Bumi after getting her bending back. So it would start off the same as The Start of Something New, but it would branch off fairly quickly. Would mean no Haru or Airi, or any of the other deeper relationships - except between Lin and Bumi. Let me know if that may be something you would like too
