Lin reunites with the remaining family members. Then Lin and Katara have a moment.
A/N: We are back after a weeks hiatus. I hope everyone is doing well! Slightly longer chapter for you all
Same day; Winter 147 AG
Katara
Katara and the rest of the family watched the reunited Beifong family disappear from sight as they ascended the side of the cliff.
She was in shock. Lin had returned. Their Linny was alive. Had been held captive all these years, forced to do who knows what with that pathetic excuse of a man.
"Did that just happen?" Sokka's stunned voice came from beside her. "Was that really…" His voice cut out with emotion.
Katara turned to Aang, noticing that everyone else had as well.
Aang offered them a watery smile. "It is really Lin. Our girl has returned to us."
Sokka didn't wait for any further words and took off quickly towards the stairs. Katara went to stop him, to give Lin time to adjust, but it was Zuko that put a hand on her shoulder.
"Let him be. As much as Aang and I are also father figures to Lin, Sokka truly sees her as his daughter. He needs to be with his family."
Katara nodded, brushing the tears that had started falling from her cheeks. "Why don't we all head back up and get out of the cold?"
The others nodded, and started heading up. Baatar trailed quietly behind the group, as he didn't want to intrude too much on what was obviously a family matter. The only ones left at the bottom were Aang and Katara.
Aang cupped his wife's cheek. "Are you okay?"
"No. Especially when we know enough about what that man did to our baby. She was 16 Aang! A child! And she was right under our nose the whole time? How many trips have we taken up there in the last 10 years and we missed her?"
"I know, sweetie." He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.
Katara swallowed her sobs back, refusing to cry right in that moment. She needed to stay strong for her friend and their family right now. She could wait till tonight. So with a final squeeze, she pulled back from her husband's arms.
Aang was about to place a kiss on Katara's forehead when she stuck her finger in his face, eyes fiery as she glared at him.
"Don't you ever pull a stunt like that again, Aang. I don't care if you are the Avatar. I swear to Raava that you will be the last one."
This caused Aang to swallow reflexively and nod. "O-of course, sweetie. I just didn't know how to say it, and this was such a precarious situation. I'm sorry."
"I'll forgive you this time. You brought our girl home. But I swear…" She let the open threat hover in the air for a moment, letting it sink in. Then she grabbed his hand as her face set to a determined look. "Let's go. I'm sure Linny will be wanting some home cooked meals. Do you think she would want…?"
Aang wore a fond, crooked smile as he allowed his wife to pull him up the many steps, while listening to her deliberate on which dishes she would make for Lin.
Sokka
Sokka slid open the doorway of the living room. There on the couch, with her head on her mother's lap, was his first baby. It stole his breath away, watching her chest rise and fall. She was here. She was alive.
Lin may not be his daughter by blood, but she had always been his. When she was very young, she would squeal whenever she saw him; wanting to be in no one else's arms - except Toph, but even then she would sometimes scream at her mama for removing her from his arms. He had moved in to help Toph with Lin when the girl was barely a year old, as Toph needed the help once back at work; that was just after he and Suki had called it quits for the last time, and he no longer wanted to live in what had been their shared apartment, so it had been a win-win situation in his eyes.
He had lived with them for the next couple years. His relationship with the two Beifong's had grown stronger, and in turn he fell for one of his oldest friends. They hit a rocky patch when Lin was 3, and Sokka had moved out. It was one of the hardest things, not seeing Lin daily anymore. The girl clung to him whenever she saw him. He had made it a point to still see Lin every week, no matter what the status of his relationship with her mother. Toph had never stood in the way of that. He knew now that Toph had just been scared, but she loved how much he loved her daughter.
Suyin came along during one of their on again times. Toph instantly broke it off with him once more, refusing to admit that the baby was his. But he knew, and so did their whole family. It took Lin's abduction to bring them together finally. Sokka had not left her side since that day that the living nightmare had begun.
He had been just as devastated as Toph when they discovered the scene of the struggle in that alley-way. He had held it in as he tried to be strong for the one person he never thought he would ever see crumble. And crumble she had, once months had passed and there were no further clues, other than that damned photo, the letter, and Lin's meteorite bracelet. Until that moment Sokka could count the amount of times he had seen the earthbender cry on both hands; but she fell apart then, and he was there to catch her.
Sokka didn't take his eyes off Lin as he finally started moving into the room. His long strides had brought him across the room in no time, and he knelt in front Toph. He places his hand on her knee, not wanting to disturb their sleeping girl, who looked so at peace in that moment. He just sat there, memorizing her older features. Her hair was done in a way that was reminiscent of the way his younger sister had worn her hair in their youth; she still wore the traditional hair loopies in a nod to their own mother.
He noticed that the freckles Lin used to have had faded and her skin had become slightly paler from lack of sun. But it was the purple marks on her cheek and neck that made him want to punch his fist through the wall. Actually, on second thought, he would much rather rip off that so-called man's di-
"Sokka?"
He looked up into Toph's sightless, pale green eyes.
"Yeah, Toph, I'm here."
"Lin…" Her voice caught in her throat.
"She's right here. Our girl is home, she's alive." He reached up with his free hand to cup her cheek, wiping gently the tears that escaped, his own falling uncaringly down his face. Toph nuzzled her cheek into his palm, as she didn't want to remove her hands from Lin. Sokka understood completely, wanting to touch Lin to make sure she was real too, but did not want to wake her up.
After a few moments, Sokka stood. He stretched a moment, before settling onto the arm of the couch beside his girls. Toph leant into his side as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He took a moment to glance around the room, marveling at the sight of the children speaking quietly with Suyin, Poppy, and Kya. Here these precious little things sat before him, who were a part of his Linny. He couldn't believe that she had four children.
The thought of what happened to her in order to have those children suddenly flashed through his mind, and it took everything in him to control the intense urge to hit something. He swallowed down the intense hatred for those men and took some calming breaths. He would focus on that later. Maybe he would be able to convince Toph to let him get some time alone with them. Knowing Toph as he did, he was sure they would be having a private 'conversation' with them anyways, with Katara on standby.
Sokka trailed his eyes once more over the children, giving them a warm smile, before finally resting his eyes on Lin once more. A sense of peace fell over him, despite the simmering hatred he pushed to the back of his mind. His family was whole once more. His baby was home.
An hour passed before Aang stuck his head in the room and softly announced that dinner was ready. Sokka watched the three women encourage the children to come with them, though all of them cast looks back at Lin as if they were all hesitant to leave her. Soon enough, it was just Toph, Sokka, and Lin in the room.
"Should we wake her?" He asked softly.
"Probably." Toph muttered back, but she didn't move to wake Lin.
Sokka got up from his spot after a couple more minutes and then knelt in front of Lin. He reached out a slightly shaking hand to the top of her head as his thumb gently rubbed her forehead. He was suddenly affronted with memories of the countless times he had done this exact move to wake her up all those years ago. His eyes got misty and he cleared his throat slightly before softly speaking, "Lin, it's time to wake up. Come on my little dumpling."
He watched her nose scrunch up a little, before her eyes fluttered open. It took a moment, but her eyes finally cleared and then met his eyes.
"Da-" She caught herself and then instead said, "Uncle Sokka?"
"Hey sweetie. You sure are a sight for sore eyes." He smiled so widely at her, his cheeks hurt. But seeing her bright eyes when he thought he would never see them again, made the ache disappear and the corners of his eyes crinkle with joy.
Lin pushed herself up and then looked between Toph and Sokka. Sokka could tell she had a slight look of disbelief on her face. "That wasn't a dream? I'm really here?"
"No badgermole, we're right here." Toph answered softly, tenderly.
Lin let out a choked sob, before throwing herself into Sokka's arms. He was glad he was firmly knelt on the ground, or they would have been sprawled on the floor. He held her close, whispering soft reassurance into her ear. "It's okay dumpling, I've got you."
Eventually Lin pulled back and leaned into her mothers side once more, Toph's arm holding her close. Sokka reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. He gently lifted it to her cheeks and gently blotted her face.
"I'm sorry…" Lin said so softly, looking away. Her one hand clasped protectively over her belly.
"You have nothing to be sorry about, Linny. Everyone is going to be an emotional mess right now. Tears are expected; from everyone - but especially you." Sokka replied gently.
Lin nodded. She glanced up at him and gave him a small, but warm smile. Sokka noticed the moment she realized the children were gone though, and wanted to head off her panic. "Hey, hey, the kiddos are all okay. They went with Kya, your sister, and grandmother to get some dinner."
Lin took a shuddered deep breath, and Sokka could tell that she was trying hard to be okay. "O-Okay. They must b-be hungry." It was almost as if her body could tell what she was talking about, as right then her own stomach growled. Sokka smirked as Lin blushed.
"I think you and the little bean are hungry too. Why don't I go get you a plate?"
Lin was quiet for a moment, but then she shook her head. "I'll go eat with everyone."
Sokka didn't miss the concerned shock that flitted across Toph's face. "Are you sure, badgermole? No one will think differently of you if you want to wait."
Lin pursed her lips before she replied. "I'm sure. I want to see everyone. I know it will be… difficult, b-but I want to see them." Toph placed her free hand on Lin's cheek, causing the young woman to stare up into her mother's sightless gaze. "I'll b-be okay, Mama. Just for a little bit." She reassured, demurely.
After a moment, Toph gave a small nod. "If you are sure, badgermole. But if you change your mind, you let one of us or Kya know, and we will take you out of the room."
Lin gave a gentle smile, before nodding once herself. "Okay, Mama."
Sokka helped them both up, drawing them both into a tight hug. Then they each took one side of Lin's and guided her down the hall to the noisy dining room.
The room went quiet as soon as they walked in. Aang and Bumi gave Lin reassuring smiles, while Zuko was the first to stand and approach. He stopped a metre away and they could see the tears in his eyes.
"May I hug you, Lin?" He asked gently, not wanting to overwhelm her.
Sokka felt Lin freeze up with everyone's eyes on her. But when Zuko asked her, she met his eyes before slowly nodding. Sokka gently guided her into Zuko's arms and pulled Toph into his side, knowing that letting Lin out of her arms would be difficult, even if she was right in front of them.
Zuko
Pulling Lin into his arms, he held her in a solid, but gentle hug. He didn't want to overwhelm her, but couldn't stop the tears that flowed down his cheeks. "Oh my jasmine petal. I have missed you so much." He whispered into her ear.
Lin sniffled into his shoulder, burrowing her face into the softness of his robes. "I m-missed you t-too. So much."
He held her slightly shaking form to him more firmly, running his hand up and down her back soothingly. Eventually she pulled back and offered him a shy smile. Her eyes were ringed red from all the crying, but Zuko knew that everyone but the children were suffering the same fate. He leant forward and placed a kiss on her forehead. He pulled back to see that her smile had widened.
A hand on his back had him turn to look at his wife. He gave Lin a questioning look, and she gave a small nod of approval. He then moved out of the way so that Lin could exchange hugs with her Aunts' Mai, Suki, and Ty Lee.
When Lin pulled away from Ty Lee, Izumi stepped forward hesitatingly. The three older women moved back to their seats, allowing Lin to see the Fire Princess.
"Linny, you're home." Izumi said with a bright smile.
Zuko watched Lin return the smile and then stepped forward to pull his daughter into a hug. He smiled at the two embracing. Izumi had always doted on Lin like an older sister, and it had been devastating not only to experience losing his niece, but to see Izumi go through the pain of losing her sister.
Izumi started crying, as did Lin and the two were a blubbering mess of tears and happy murmurs of their reunion. The older of the two pulled back and cupped the earthbenders face. "Welcome home."
Lin smiled at the taller firebender. "Glad to finally be home." She responded quietly.
"And your little munchkins are adorable."
Lin's smile brightened at the mention of her children, which did shock Zuko slightly. It wasn't hard to put together what had happened to her, and for her to love her children wholeheartedly, well it warmed the old firebenders heart considerably. Lin always had been devoted to her family, and her children were very much hers it seemed.
Zuko couldn't wait to get to know Lin's children and to relearn who she was as a person now.
Katara
Katara watched from the doorway as Lin and Izumi embraced.
She pulled out a tissue and dabbed once more at her eyes as more tears escaped as she took in the heartwarming scene.
Eventually Katara shoved the tissue back into her sleeve and made her presence known. Izumi stepped aside with a final squeeze of Lin's arm, before Katara pulled Lin into her arms. She had one hand on the back of Lin's head and one resting on her back, holding her tightly.
"Not a day has gone by where I haven't missed you, sweet girl." Katara whispered, sniffling back tears once more.
Lin let out a small sob, practically falling into Katara's embrace.
"Shh, it's okay. Let it out, Linny." She continued to hold Lin in her motherly embrace. "I've got you, you're home. You're safe. Your children are safe. Your mom and all of us are going to ensure that he will never be able to touch you or your babies ever again."
Katara felt Lin cling to her tighter, and just continued to hold her. She had always had the closest relationship with Lin out of the three girls that weren't her own. Though she did see them all as much her children as the others saw hers as there's. But Lin had been special. Perhaps it was because Katara was the first one to hold Lin after helping Toph deliver her right here on Air Temple Island. Or maybe it was just that she saw her the most, as Lin would often be dropped off while Toph worked nights or through the day before Lin was in school. Not that she didn't have similar encounters while Su was young, but once she had started school, it was only a couple years later when Lin was old enough to care for her after school; Toph had decided this was better for her girls than the tiring trip to the Island to pick the girls up at the end of the day, despite Katara's protestations.
Her little Lin had been such an inquisitive child, but not in the way that her own children were. She was quiet and took in the world around her, before she would make pointed remarks that reminded the older waterbender so much of Toph. She also had inherited the Beifong temper, and she had shaken the Island a few times when upset, before she had training to control the tremors. But despite the temper, Lin had always wanted to play with Bumi, Kya, or Tenzin, often commandeering the rules for the games they played. The four were known around the Island for coming up with such creative adventures, many times based on their parents' journeys when they were young. But as much as Lin loved playing, she also loved curling up with Katara after helping to prepare a snack, and read for the afternoon.
Katara was drawn from her memories when Lin began to pull back. The older woman was about to offer her a smile when she caught sight of Lin's throat. Instantly a flash of a different sort of memory flashed before her eyes, one that was only 6 years in the past. Katara could feel her face draining.
She swallowed past the sudden bile in her throat as she reached a shaking hand to finger the pendent on Lin's betrothal necklace. "No… Please tell me that I…" She couldn't even finish her question. She already knew the answer. How many people went around with ivory betrothal necklaces? The answer was one. Just one person.
"Auntie?" Lin asked softly, causing Katara to look up into understanding green eyes. Eyes that she should have recognized all those years ago.
"I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I should have… I should have…" Katara cut off, unable to speak. A moment later she continued. "This is all my fault. I-" she abruptly stopped and backed away, not feeling deserving of even being near Lin. Once far enough back, she darted from the room, not stopping despite the call of her name.
Lin
Lin watched with understanding eyes, feeling a pang of sympathy for her aunt. She recognized that self-loathing that swiftly descended into Katara's eyes.
When Katara dashed away, Lin took a deep breath and then followed behind, at a slower pace. She also ignored the others calling after her and brushed off their offers to follow. She had a good idea where Katara would go. Alas, she did find her aunt in the greenhouse, collapsed on the ground sobbing.
Lin knew she couldn't handle being on the ground for a second time that day, so instead she placed her hand on Katara's back.
Instantly Katara sat up and glanced up to meet Lin's eyes.
Lin offered a small, but warm smile. "It's okay, Auntie. I don't blame you for not recognizing me. My hus- he threatened me and I couldn't let on that I knew you."
"I thought… I thought my mind was playing tricks on me once again. I used to see your face in every young woman with black hair and green eyes. I just assumed it was that once again. I-I was protecting my heart, when I should have been protecting you. Please forgive me."
"Auntie, you didn't know. I can't forgive you, if there is nothing to forgive." Lin tugged gently on Katara's arm, prompting the older woman to stand. Lin then drew her into a hug. "I love you Auntie. I never stopped. Please… Please forgive yourself."
Lin felt Katara wrap her arms tightly around her, and it was Katara's turn to break down into sobs.
"It's okay Auntie, I'm here. I'm here." Lin whispered in soft reassurance.
After a few minutes, Katara had calmed down and pulled back. She cupped Lin's face and placed kisses all over her face. Lin could remember a time when she would grumble half-heartedly when her aunt would do this, but now she allowed herself to feel the love her aunt was giving her.
"I don't deserve to have such a forgiving niece." Katara said softly. "I love you so much, sweetie."
"I love you too, Auntie." At that moment, Lin's stomach decided to make its hunger known. Lin blushed brightly at that as Katara chuckled.
"Come, come." Katara ushered as she wiped her tears with the tissue pulled once more from her sleeve. "Let's get you and baby fed. I'm sure we caused quite a scene already."
Lin leant into the warmth of her aunt as she guided them back to the main house and towards the dining room.
Today had been difficult, and Lin knew that it would continue to be difficult before it would get better. But she couldn't help the small smile on her face. She was home, surrounded by her family. Her nightmare was finally over.