My beloved daughter

Lin groaned sleepily. She felt tired and since she had nothing to do, she could just continue sleeping. The woman turned her head, since her knotted hair made feel it unwell. She then groaned agonized as the wounded side of her face touched the floor. A dull pain flooded through her face. She blinked and rose. Somehow if felt awkward to be in a man's flat – even if it was Lee. It wasn´t as if they had slept with each other, but people would think they had and so she was a cheap slut. People still got close to Lin´s self-esteem. She always had tried to be perfect, but she never had been successful. It all had been expected since she was her mother's daughter! She glanced around to find out if her friend was somewhere. Gleaming sunrays fell through the roof. The missing tiles made the air bearable and provided light. Since Lee was absent she would not have to feel ashamed about running around in her bindings and panties. Panties - another recent invention that by far surpassed the annoying loincloths that led to nothing but sore – places.

It was not that she would mind if he saw her like that, but if he drew wrong conclusions – like men did all the time – things would get complicated and stressful. Even if she looked like a triad bitch she mustn´t adopt the filthy language of her mother. Her heart thudded with a piercing ache. Her mother was on airtemple island and hopefully – no most likely - she was worried sick about her. Lin hat to admit that to herself. And she had dared to sleep until the sun had climbed in the heavens. She felt guilty until she realized that it might be good for her mother to take some of her own medicine. She had disappeared to nowhere without any explanation! Seeking enlightenment – what a shallow phrase for running away from grief! She had worried herself sick, Lin unconsciously wrapped her hands around her torso. She wanted to say that it wasn't her fault her mother had lost herself but there always was this nagging voice that told her otherwise! Had you cared more, had you not spent all your time with Tenzin… She grit her teeth as the old wounds opened again. Why – just why was it all so difficult! Why could she not just screw this old bitch who wouldn´t even tell her who her spirits damned father was! A man named Kanto – didn´t work out! THAT WAS ALL SHE GOT AFTER FOURTY YEARS OF ASKING AND PESTERING! SU YIN did know! Her sister even had visited her father but she – she hadn´t been allowed the same.

Her mother had always yelled at her in fury, whenever she brought up the topic! Not even uncle Sokka had helped her and sometimes Lin had wondered if her father was somebody close to her family. Somebody for whom it would have been very shameful to acknowledge her – what other reason could there be? "Why." She sighed while tears of jealousy burned in her whole eye. "Stop whimpering and get to work Miss Bei Fong." She scolded herself and unwrapped the gaze from her head. The freshly formed scar tissue still was very sensitive, even the slight breeze that found her way through the roof made her feel – on edge. Lin stared at the black eyepatch she had bought from a healer. It was very soft. She gulped dryly. She could not avoid looking in a mirror forever and most likely it would be the best if she did so without anybody around. Lee still didn´t know what was wrong with her head. He had inquired but she was ashamed – she had been weak this….was her punishment. Somehow it felt better to believe that than than…no – no she wouldn´t. The woman tried to forget the memories of sheer terror and fear that went with the scar she had received. She entered the bathroom, while her chest was almost shattered by the pounding of her heart. How bad would it be? She threw her shoulders back and straightened herself. As she stared into the mirror she barely suppressed a shriek of terror. She was – disgusting – nobody would ever again look at her without feeling queasy! Her empty eye socket glared at her like a bottomless pit, the remains of torn eyelids somehow stitched up and grown together in a reddish mass. Lin grabbed the tiny mirror and threw it through the bathroom. Without noticing it she had placed a hand over the right side of her face. No – she couldn´t visit her mother, she couldn´t visit anybody!

They would see her like that and – her mother would be furious! She would ask her how a Bei Fong could be so pathetic! To let her eye being clawed out by a mere riot officer. And Tenzin, Tenzin would pity her – tell her it wasn´t her fault, that he was sorry for not being able to help! Yeah – after you ditched me for a teenaged acolyte girl you´re sorry for me – the cynical voice in her head poked her chest like another glowing needle. She stifled a sob that tried to crawl out of her stomach. Her hands were trembling, so she didn´t dare to wash her eyesocket. Instead she placed the eyepatch over it. But still – she knew what was beneath the black velvet! Lin picked up the mirror, it was the cheapest of the cheap. Fractures had erupted from the edge that had hit the wall. "Damn – Lee`ll be angry. FUCK!" she growled while staring at the mirror. The stupid thing seemed to mock her. She should buy Lee a new one, since he surely didn´t have the money to simply replace the mirror. Money, Lin had to get herself a job, but she had no idea what she could do for a living. She was a cop and since she had grown up in the Bei Fong household she hadn´t learnt how to throw a household in the first place. There were no "women jobs" she could take up without being kicked out immediately. But she also had no idea of technology, nor could she go into the security business without instantly being recognized. Why didn´t she pay more attention to aunt Kataras lessons? Most likely she would have to do things a law-abiding citizen should not do, but being a burglar was something she could live with. Being a whore – no she wouldn´t disgrace herself like that. And Eating from Lees table wasn´t something she could do forever, even if he would state the opposite with much vigor. Somehow that made her feel a tad better. Maybe she also was overthinking things. While Lin was sitting on Lee´s futon and wondered about the cleanliness of the flat the door flew open.

Without thinking straight, she rose, with a flick of her wrist the rooftiles smashed aside some parts of Lee´s wardrobe. While Lin was ready to strike a huge young man stomped into the room. The tiles shot at him. "Whoa….aaaaaaaahhhhh!" he yelled as two of the clay tiles shattered on the wall next to the doorframe, while a third forcefully struck his forearms. He tumbled backwards and fell. "Go-aAAHH!" another man yelled, while thundering onto the floor. Lin Heard muffled complaints and the groaning of the intruders. She snatched her trusty cable, set on giving them a trashing. She stormed into the doorway. She had already coiled the metal whip and was ready to "Strike like thunder" as she recognized the flushed and painfully twisted face. At once the cable clattered to the floor. "Spirits Ma Ko!" in the heat of the moment she forgot to address him with his surname. "Argh." He rubbed his forearms while getting back on his feet Like an old man "I-I´m so sorry. Are you hurt!" she flushed a crimson pink. Such things weren´t allowed to happen! She wasn´t some hysteric damsel in distress – she had to be better at such things. What if Ma ko had a broken forearm!?

They should definitely visit a healer, but Lin wouldn´t even be able to pay him! Gods the universe was hating her! She should just have stayed in bed! Before she knew it the hulking young man was leaning onto her with, at least, a quarter of his weight. "You-re alive! I´m fine Chief…I´m fine!" he mumbled in a gruffy tone. "Yes, squash another decently sized person to death! You and your absurdly sturdy frame are a danger to public safety, Mr. Chouw!" A well-known voice rambled. "Don´t worry about me, I´m just spread out like a papan-bread…." Lee griped, while watching them. Lin felt uncomfortable in the young man´s embrace. He wasn´t Tenzin, or Lee – or her mother! The woman squirmed, while her ribs still made themselves known. Ma Ko wasn´t her son, so he wasn´t supposed to hug her like that! "Yeah Yeah…. go cuddle your girlfriend. I´m too old for this!" She wiggled herself free like an eel. Even if she tried to sound like the snarky Chief of police she had been for many years, her voice was warm. Ma Ko obviously had acted on a rash impulse, because he seemed to feel embarrassed as well. He started at the ceiling, as always when she had to reprimand him for something. "E-Erm…Yes…I – just forgot who you are. I apologize Chief." He responded with a polite bow. Lin frowned, actually it hadn´t felt that bad when Ma Ko treated her like an ordinary friend. Still Lin looked quite angry and Ma Ko just gawked at her like a retard! "What?" she snapped, while placing her hands on the hips. "Wellll…." Ma Ko trailed off and stared at her. "Is – Is that a piercing?" he asked dumbfounded and pointed at her mouth. Lin wanted to grab his nicely starched collar and scream at him. Do you think I like looking like a rundown triad bitch!

Can´t you just be decent and ignore these heinous tattoos and metal pieces in my face, of course she didn´t. "Ha-Ha." She stated with a sarcastic laugh. "Very observative of you Chouw, this can´t be a piercing – of course it's a concealed dagger." Lee blurted while Ma Ko flinched. "Of course, Lee." She sighed. "And what has happened with your face! You´re wearing an eyepatch - like a pirate!" Ma Ko wasn´t bothering about being inappropriate. Damn little streetrat! Lin unconsciously shielded the right side of her face again, while she hastily tried to wiggle herself out of this unavoidable question "Chouw – OUT! NOW – Before I ferget you´re no run o the mill thug! Just how can ja be so friggin impolite!" She was startled that Lee was yelling. He was so angry Lin actually expected him to unleash a whirlwind.

Ma Ko actually took a step back at the small man's fuming, while Lin was close to smiling. It looked cute, since Lee was so much smaller than the tall firebender – like a rabit fireferret trying to chew out a Reindeerdog. Well – If Lee had heard that he most likely would ramble on with even more vigor, with the exception that she would be the target of his ire! "Hey, cool down - I´m just concerned Mr. Lee!" Ma Ko shot back after catching himself. "Chief Bei Fong may have been my boss, but she´s more than that, you know!" Ma Ko stated while Lins eye bulged. Lee exhaled. "And so you just walk all over her feels, cause it´s definitely a logical conclusion that LINNY, a girl that loves peach colored Yukatas would get inked and pierces like a hard tribal chick half her age! Since that´s fashionable – that woman even loves the idiotic haircut she wore for decades!" Lee blurted seething. Lin frowned. "My name is LIN! And my haircut was FEMININE and timeless!" she responded pouty, but her protest went off unheard. Ma Ko looked as if seeing a pink tigerdillo. "YUKATAS?" he obviously was disturbed by the thought that she could wear something different than an iron armour. "Since it seems you´ve got to collect yourself you should do so outside." Lee eagerly shoved the hesitating young man into the staircase, slammed the door shut and bolted it.

"You´re really overdoing it Lee." She suddenly responded feeling quite exposed, while her pulse sped up slightly. It had been a long time anybody had been close to consider that much about her feelings, and today two people had done so! Ma Ko was hammering against the door. "I´m sorry Chief? Ok – I won´t ask silly questions anymore, you´ve proven your point Mr. Lee!" he protested. Lee just rolled his eyes. "The vigor of youth." He muttered under his breath. "I´m just kicking in the door!" her officer threatened, which warmed her heart even more. "Just a moment eager beaver!" Lee responded, while Ma Kos cringing could be felt on the other side of the door. Being able to see with your feet was an amazing gift sometimes. Most of the time it was just gross! "So. You´ve let out all the frustration you built up because we´re going to visit airtemple island?" Lin asked in a more silent tone. "And I´m NOT a LINNY – got that!" she glowered. Lee actually smiled a quite embarrassed smile. "At least you´ll get peachy Yukatas from Chouw." he responded sheepishly. Yukatas - as if she could wear something peach colored at her age! Lin snorted. "Wonderful!" her voice dripped with sarcasm as she expertly rolled her remaining eye. "Well – Ma Ko has asked some questions I avoided." Lee´s voice sounded raspy, Lin hated when men´s voices got raspy because they either were lecherous or close to crying – she wasn´t really comfortable in both situations. Especially not with Lee whom she couldn´t discard like a pai cho tile! Naturally he would talk about her eye, it was inevitable!

"I understand you don´t want to talk about what happened Lin. And if you can´t I´ll accept that – for now." Lee was wringing his hands clumsily. "But what´s behind this piece of velvet!" his face showed that he already knew – so why, why did he had to hurt her with the disgusting look he soon would display. It was bad enough she found herself ugly, she really did not need to add some memories of the people close to her recoiling from her scarred visage! "It´s obvious isn´t it" he voice was very small and her mouth close to twitching uncontrollably. "I – I -brought shame to the name!" she babbled while she barely avoided to start sobbing like a weak little kid. Lee was standing right in front of her, his eyes were sad. Then he breathed in deeply and waited. Lin Bei Fong didn´t move. "You want me to?..." he pointed at her eyepatch. With a sudden ferocity she yanked the velvet away. Much to her surprise Lee didn´t look away. He looked at her face, while fury simmered in his eyes. His breath was heaving as he undoubtedly wanted to curse the man who did this to her. Before her many years of service something like that would have made her knees wobble like jelly. She would have turned into a sighing and flushing heap of happiness!

However, Lin wasn´t like that anymore, she had learned the hard way that being weak and womanly wouldn´t bring her an ounce of respect and acknowledgement in society. Naturally she didn´t recollect these philosophical musings, she just snapped "You´re not going after that man for me! I´ll get this bastard myself!"

How humiliating would it be if she had to rely on Lee to get her revenge! She was a BEI FONG and a Bei Fong did things herself! "Keep that face. It suits you better than you might think." Lee responded earnest, while blinking astonished. Lin gulped hard, for a moment she felt as if she was talking to uncle Zuko. "What´d you know about that!" she responded bitterly. Lee seemed small, almost timid as he responded with a barely audible voice. "You know…grey eyes were meant ta be the seven step shadow´s mark in Ba Sing Se, don´t cha." He looked away. "It – hurt a lot – when I – was a kid." He squeezed out while gently tapping her shoulder. Lin was shocked, she never had thought about the time Lee and Yumi had lived in Shangyang. The sole name of the township had made her feel unwell. To actually grow up there, while looking different from anybody else… Of course that could only have ended in bullying and worse. Most likely the people hat spit at him, to ward off the evil. And because it was "fun" to pick on a little defenseless boy! To imagine that happening to little Lee, her sight was clouded and she had to wipe her eye. Lin wanted to hug her friend. She had barely placed an arm around his shoulder as Chouw struck the door. "Are you playing me for a fool? I´m not just going back to work and let you wallow in self chosen poverty! A-At least us help – you´ve…argh damn it" he protested while striking the door even harder. "Asami ´ll flail me alive if I do so!" he added. "Yeah, yeah – just don´t destroy the door." Lee responded and let Chow back in. The young officer just frowned at Lee. He was captain now – Lin noticed that this was the same rank she had cladded at his age. Of course, this only had been due to her being a Bei Fong and not due to merits!

Somehow it made her proud to see how far the young man had walked. "Congratulations Captain." She responded while hiding herself behind a smile. She threw the classical Bei Fong Punch that also had been expected from her. Ma Ko flinched. "So – may I drive you to Sato Manison? We can take Asamis boat from there…". Ma Ko responded. Just now Lin noticed that he wore a tar staring Jacket, high leather boots and the long knife of a fisherman tugged in his orange sash. Lee obviously was not taking the initiative, he was not eager to accompany her. But since she had spent the last two days with pestering him, in every minute he spent at home. He had grudgingly agreed. He knew she was right! Her mother wouldn´t be angry at him – she never had been really angry with Lee, not even when he simply didn´t return from his vacation! With her these things were different! She could never do anything right and just on very few occasions her mother had been at least satisified with her accomplishments! "Yes. That´d be nice." She responded. "Undercover?" she stated the obvious. Ma Ko sighed. "Yes, somebody has to clean up the harbor district. It´s big stuff going on there and… we´ll talk about this later." He interrupted.

"Otherwise we´re standing here until nightfall." He explained. Lin was already marveling about what daisys he had picked. Asides from the fire nation opium traders, the moonshine importers from the kingdoms and some tax evading southerners the harbor district was just known for prostitution and violence amongst sailors! Nothing a captain of organized crime had to deal with personally. They headed down the stairs, Lee trudging behind them. The poor guy doubtlessly was feeling quite insecure. Ma Ko led them to his motorbike, which already was being inspected closely. The teenagers at once stepped back as the tall man came close. "What the fuck am I payin bald Aang for? You bloody streetrats do yer gods damned job an protect the hood! Don´t grope my guests' motorcycles!" Lee griped. "The hell do ya want gramps!" one boy huffed himself up and played with a wooden club. One of his pals simply tore it out of his hands. "Excuse us Mr. Lee. Toad-toe Wan is new in the hood." He smiled politely. Most likely Lee had given some of these kids a proper trashing. Her friend still had to be a quite formidable airbender, even if he had bulked up quite a bit – not in an unattractive way, though.

"Eh showin off in front of yer hoe. Huh?" the kid muttered. While Lee controlled his anger, Ma Ko did not. He spun and delivered a thundering roundhousekick to the brat's face and. Lee went through push the leaves and let out a broad, two handed air blast that sent the rest of the little gang staggering backwards. It was an enormous amount of control he displayed, something a lot of self-proclaimed "Masters" could not do. "Do we have to make problems again?" he addressed Ma Ko in an annoyed tone. The Toad-boy was out cold, barely rolling around on the floor. "You bastards shut yer good fer nothing mouths or I´ll scorch yer pretty faces!" Ma Ko growled. Lee looked quite pissed as well.

"Just get the hell out of here!" Lee patted the bicycle. Lin wordlessly unwound the cable from her waist. "Boys – lets ride to the docks." She responded frowning. "Yeah – that´d be wise. Cause otherwise even yer one month surplus will not save you from serious trouble!" one of the boys responded pointing in Lee´s direction. Her friend frowned. He nevertheless did not respond a single word, since he knew that the boy was right! You couldn´t beat up triad soldiers without getting problems, at least if it happened multiple times. Ma ko just revved up the engine, Lee seated himself behind Chouw, while she seated herself on the fuel tank. Then they drove out. As soon as they entered the hectic traffic of the metropolis Lin was rueful about her choice of seat. Even though she felt like an outlaw on the run she wasn´t feeling comfy since the cars were roaring and honking everywhere. Some people even waved at them, the former Chief of police das clamping her hands deeply into the deformed metal and prayed to ousen the steelbreaker. Ma Ko tried to drive slowly but the traffic of republic city had formed itself into a maelstrom that did not know the word slow anymore. The sporadic traffic regulation officials were helpless against the glinting avalanches that moved across the steadily deteriorating streets. Gravel embedded Cobblestones embedded weren´t made for thousands of cars. Lin frowned as she bounced up and down whenever they hit a bump in the road. When they finally had crossed the governmental district, she wanted to spit over her left shoulder and make seven times seven triangles. The ride had been a silent one, if one could ignore Ma Ko and Lee cursing like the street rats they were! Lin cleared her throat, it seemed the air was getting worse every year, but what could they do? Nobody had proven that the cars were at fault, even if everybody knew!

As they followed the coastal road the view turned enjoyable and Lin remembered why she had loved riding a bicycle with Tenzin. It was so much smoother than walking, there was a breeze in your face and the coast to one side. She wondered when she had felt something like that for the last time. It must have been many years ago, before she was anything but a lowly officer! That was Ma Ko suddenly hit the brakes and she almost sailed of her makeshift seat. "Heavens!" she yipped as the Tank indented itself under her recoiling weight. Being a metalbender was always detrimental to one's machinery, that was one of the reasons why Lin never had used one of the countless gas driven gadgets Bumi had tried to sell her on his vacations. Bumi…it was strange but she wasn´t tearing up. It somehow felt as if Bumi wasn´t well - gone, forgotten, she had no idea. They finally had arrived at Sato Manison, where Asamis Butler was awaiting them. It seemed the old man was especially pleased with Ma ko, while the young man seemed to cringe inwardly. Ma Ko was not happy, or polite, since he didn´t even greet the elderly man. Well – Lin didn´t greet him as well. She had not forgotten that this stupid, hypocritical idiot hat handed her Asamis… swirled nonsense of a self-accusation! She had committed high-treason without a bad conscience. Still – if that old fart even cared half as much about Asami as he said he wouldn´t have delivered this letter to anyone! But hells servants were even more obnoxious than noblewomen or her little sister. Lee was the only one bowing politely while holding himself as if sato mansion was his summer home. Lin sighed inwardly. Such a beautiful garden would never again be her own! Sitting there and painting must be pure joy – with the ever-changing light under the huge cherry-bean trees, the gurgling fountains and crystal-clear ponds. Lee was ignoring them, he eyed the expensive terra-kotta pottery with furrowed eyebrows.

Well, Asami´s house wasn´t suited to bring the young lady on Lee´s good side. Lin wondered if that even was possible, after her subordinates drove her old friend from his home. "W…Well Chief, may I offer you some tea?" Ma Ko asked quite nervous. "Oh… thank you very" Lee chimed in with much gusto. "NO!" Lin growled fierce, the airhead would not wiggle himself out of visiting air temple island with some cheap tricks like staying for tea, inviting himself for supper and feigning a stomachache afterwards! Lee gulped heavily, while ma kos eyes widened for a split second. "Have you already seen my um.. mother." She sounded awkward even in her own ears. Ma Ko ignored the weak assed tone and simply responded with a nod. Lin´s heart was racing in her chest. "AND?" she asked, while fearing the worst. "Well…she´s a very old woman." Ma ko responded diplomatic. "She´s rather silent and when she speaks she´s as salty as a pickled raddish. The only one who can speak more than a few words with her without making her spew obscenities is Me Lo" He admitted truthfully. Her mother – silent? Lin was shocked. Maybe she really was dying! Why had she not decided to get up earlier, her bad conscience responded. Lee just frowned deviant. "That´s common when you´re too old to get laid." He grumbled. "You´d know." Chouw deadpanned. Her friend was taken aback for a second. "Because I think women should pay ME for such services!" He stated triumphantly and huffed his, quite impressive, chest. The life in the countryside definitely had changed Lee as much as the work as a police official had changed herself. He obviously had lost the last remnants of embarrassment. Back in the old days Lee was as disturbed by dirty jokes as she was. They shared the same reason – a mother who always was the target of said jokes. "Haven´t we chitchatted enough?" Lin quirked an eyebrow even if she was feeling quite vulnerable.

Without a doubt she still looked pretty grim! "Well, shouldn´t we bring some kind of present, since we´re not invited. I mean – it´s Tenzin house!" Lee mumbled while nudging Chouw with the elbow. "Oh – that´s a really good idea. Tan surely has some packaged presents ready!" He beamed and disappeared into the house, obviously in an excellent mood. "Lee – what the hell are you pissing your pants for! It´s just my mother!" Lin hissed silently. It wasn´t necessary to show the whole town she had a quarrel. "You promised me to go, now man up and do what you´ve said!" her green eye was blazing. Lee obviously was short of yelling at her, but like hell she cared. He was the one who whined about this whole broken promise thing the most! But she could easier convince Tenzin that meat was delicious than make Lee believe that her mother would laugh at his pathetic behavior! Well – Lin actually didn´t know if her mother would laugh. They had almost become strangers during the last decades. That actually did hurt her but well – that was how things were. Twenty years were a long time and solitude in a swamp didn´t work wonders for your social skills…

Maybe it wasn´t a good idea to go to airtemple island at all. No – it´s too late to be a prissy and back down, she steeled herself. Be a Bei Fong and get things done! She definitely could go to airtemple island without Lee! Lin frowned at nothing in particular. "I´m… you don´t want to understand." Lee sighed while dropping his shoulders. If she hadn´t been on edge herself she definitely would have tried to comfort the man who looked like a soaked coonie. The two admired the garden and avoided further words until Ma ko cheerfully bashed the door open. "here´s the present.." he broke off while noticing the grave mood. He gulped and cleared his throath, obviously unsure about what to do. Lin took the initiative, since Lee most likely was just waiting for an elephant- rat hole to hide himself. Not on my watch! Lin thought. "Thank you Chouw." Even if she sounded quite gruff she felt thankful, it was really sweet of the boy to be so considerate. "But we should get the move on, otherwise my mother might take a nap. It´s lunchtime and nobody wants to disturb a napping Toph Bei Fong – believe me guys!" she responded determined. Actually, the naps were the only times she had been allowed to cuddle her mother, somehow Lin felt guilty about lying so frankly. Ma Ko just went along, while trying to look as neutral and polite as possible.

She could understand quite well that Chouw wanted nothing to do with their family problems. It had to be awkward for him, playing chauffeur for his former boss. Well, even if he did not just consider her his former boss he respected her – it wasn´t right that she showed him a not so respectable side of herself, wasn´t it? Lee just frowned annoyed and followed with balled fists. She noticed he was staring straight ahead. Yumi had told her he always did that when he felt insecure. Lin fidgeted with her wide trousers. Hopefully she was spared the embarrassment of meeting Tenzin, or the children in her current state! Me Lo definitely would make some indecent comments about things he, hopefully, knew nothing about! Tenzin would scold his son and most likely talk her into wearing hilarious looking orange robes. She wasn´t a nun, so the orange cloth wasn´t making her dignified at all. How Tenzin could wear it so casually was something she never would understand. To her it would have been as heavy as her iron armor. Strangely she didn´t miss the weight anymore, her body seemed to have adapted to civilian clothes again, maybe that was good. In the meantime the silence had stretched so long nobody dared to say a word. They had reached the wooden quay where the boat was towed. It was a modern, state of the art speedboat, made from beautifully polished bamali wood. Lin never had…driven… a boat! However, she had always loved to skip about the waves as if she was a jumping pebble. These new sato motor driven boats should make this possible without employing a waterbender. She really looked forward to see if the rumors were true. Some of her former colleagues had owned such boats, but of course they never had invited her for a cruise. The went on board and Ma Ko again fumbled around with some levers and a crank. Suddenly the boat vibrated as the cylinders woke to life with a thundering roar that surpassed every sportscar with a working exhaust pipe! Lee seated himself on one of the white seats, most likely they were clad with Tigerdillo leather. It had the same velvet like touch Lin remembered from her childhood. The boat accelerated very fast, it´s prow parting the small waves of the shivering sea with smacking sounds.

Lee was cramping the chromed railing while Lin leaned herself back comfortably. If she hadn´t been on the way to her mother she might even have enjoyed the ride. The distance towards airtemple island was bridged in a flash. Since the howling engine of the speedboat was something rare and exotic the white lotus guardsmen had sprung into action. Lin wrinkled her brows. This so-called secret society was a bunch of pious children suppressing mongrels! She had heard that they took Korra away from her parents until aunt Katara – most likely due to sheer luck – came behind the devious plans. Furthermore, Lin had never forgotten that the so called "protectors of the Avatar" mostly had been busy running and hiding themselves like rabbiroos as the stonecircles invaded the island. This horrible night, which still gave her nightmares occasionally, had led to the decision that she had to become an officer, that she had to become strong – like her mother. The woman frowned as Ma Ko steered the boat towards the pier and a muscular, green eyed man with a grizzled beard took up the rope. His colleagues were leaning on their spears, eying her warily. It seemed that they did not recognize her, but since Chouw was with them nobody was pointing the glinting speartips at them. Not that Lin was even slightly impressed by the expertly crafted weaponry. "Greetings Mr. Chouw, I guess you and your – acquaintances want to speak Master Tenzin?" Lin wondered. Tenzin never had been one to communicate with suspicious looking people, especially not at home!

"Um.. actually I´m just the chauffeur. Mr. Lee and his friend are expected by Chief Bei Fong." He responded before Lin could interject. That sneaky fireferret had wiggled himself out of the affair masterfully. Lee frowned and jumped out of the boat with much more grace than Lin remembered. It seemed her friend had lost his aversion against boats – and water in general – during the last twenty years. She followed. Some of the guardsmen were eying her intensely, but it seemed they did not look through her disguise. "Excuse me Madam." A roughly forty year old man asked her. "Have we met somewhere? You seem familiar somehow." He responded. Lin started at the man, they had met – she was sure, even if she could not place a name on his face. "Yes, we have." She responded. As soon as the guards heard her voice their eyes widened in shock. "Chief Bei Fong!" "the Mother of faces be blessed!" and similar cheers erupted. Lin was not feeling half as exuberant as the guards.

She wondered – nobody had said a word about her hard-tribal attire! Even Lee looked a tad less annoyed. He remained on the quay until she gestured him to follow. Like an obedient child he heeded her command. Lin frowned. Even as they had stepped a few hundred paces no walls were torn to pieces, no dirt fountains erupted and not even a single boulder was hurled at her from behind a blossoming rhododendron! A silent worry crept into Lins heart, while she strode through Tenzins garden. "look – the Sousanoo temple still has the same dangling brass bells." Lee tried to cheer her up. "Of course it has. This is Tenzins island. I doubt he even bought new linen for the beds!" she remarked snidely. The stress slowly was getting to her. "I guess mother is crouching somewhere behind these bushes and laughs at us." She tried to ensure herself with a hollow voice. She stamped her foot on the ground but Chief Bei Fong wasn´t somewhere close by. Lin stomped again, this time she tried harder. She tried to silence her worries by imagining herself to be as smooth, cool and solid as a polished rock. She could feel the people in the large house and amongst them, was her mother. She was sitting on the floor in the lotus position, obviously meditating.

"She´s meditating!" her voice was shocked and Lee´s face mirrored her thoughts quite adequately. What had happened to Chief Bei Fong! The guards weren´t half as surprised as Lin expected. "Yes – your mother often talks to the spirits. She´s blessed with enlightenment." The younger lotus guard responded. Lin gulped down a snidely remark about her mother being a quirky old hag for most of her days – she knew how to behave after all. "Well- then let´s not keep her waiting." Her voice was grim, even though she felt her knees turning wobbly. She was afraid and ashamed that her mother had to see her like this. Nevertheless, she simply couldn´t have stayed at Lees place. Also, there was a sore place in her chest that hoped, begged for her mother's embrace. Of course, Lin would never admit that to anyone. They approached the house, while even the alkolytes did not stare at them.

That was strange. What also was strange was the fact that a group of merchants was sitting on the green lawns while talking with the alkolytes. "Ah – some of Tenzins little birds are back in the perch." Lee chimed. "What?" Lin asked disturbed. "Ten Ten is spying on the Ling clan. He´s really good at politics I guess." Lee reported dryly. Lin opened her mouth to reply anything. She remained silent. It was startling – the Tenzin she knew, would never have thought of something so – dishonest. While Lin passed by a slim young girl spotted the group. "Uncle Bei Lung, do we have new visitors for daddy?" It was Ikki, Lin tried to turn her head away but miserably failed. As soon as she locked her eye with the girl Ikki trembled, then a theatrically sobbing teenager barreled towards Lin. Ikki would have stumbled past her if she had not intervened. Maybe the poor thing would have hurt herself. As her thin arms wrapped themselves around Lins back she was blushing furiously, while her sight turned blurry. "Shush Ikki. E-Everything is fine." She stuttered while holding the girls as if she was a glowing coal rather than a human being.

Tenzins younger daughter always was on the hysterical side of humanity, so she sobbed even more vigorous as Lin ruffled her hair insecurely. The other people of course also rose form their seats and came near. They, of course, were noisy. Lin had no idea what she should tell these guys, since Ikki muttered a loudly visible "I´m so happy you´re back auntie Lin." Ikki continued sobbing. "Who´s that woman?" One man asked "I didn´t know that Master Tenzin had such a – modern – sister!" "Really, she totally does look earth nation!" another person blabbered. Lin wanted to shout at these indecent nosy bastards, but she simply couldn´t. "Actually she´s just a childhood friend of Master Tenzin. Miss Lin Lei Shong spent quite the time in the mountains of wuji shije. I´m her personal assistant during her stay in Republic city." Lee lied as smoothly as a gurgling spring. Lin managed to nod into the interested faces. "Are you an antopoto…things?" A woman in traditional earthkingdom garb asked. "An Antrophologist? Yes, indeed." Lin responded with a high voice she usually reserved for talking to small children. "Ikki just stared at Lin, who wrapped an arm around her, she really didn´t need to make a scene and unveil that she was Lin Bei Fong.

"Yes, um do you need me miss Lei Shong?" Lee asked. "I do!" she snapped and he sighed at the assembled peoples. "Well, I´m sorry but I have duties to attend to." He responded sounding battered. He followed Lin and Ikki who still was sniffling. Her nose was snot clogged, while glistening tears were adorning her cheeks. Lin had to stifle a dreamy sigh. She would be very happy to have a sweet little daughter like Ikki. Then she remembered Toza and Ikki in the waves – suddenly her desire to have a teenaged daughter was much smaller! The girl sneezed into a handkerchief Lee had decently dragged out of his sleeves. Even if Lin thought he was dressed like an old man without any kind of fashion sense, she had to admit that his huge sleeves were practical! "Where have you been auntie? And why do you look so strange?" Ikki asked startled. Lin sighed. "I´ve been to bad places Ikki and I look like this because I have to." She gulped. It wasn´t right to dull a bright childs mood like this. "But I – I really want to see my mother!" she responded honest. Ikki held her hand, the girl's fingers were almost as big as her own – it was shocking!

Ikki frowned. "Your mother is a difficult person." She responded. Well, that was a huge understatement! "Just because she is worried about you she has no right to beat up Toza!" Ikki growled. Lee just scratched his head, while Lin was embarrassed. That did sound a lot like stressed out Toph Bei Fong and as far as she knew Ikki´s hotheaded boyfriend definitely would bring out her mother's ugly side. "Well I hope she´ll get better and leave soon! She could return to the family estate with you." The girl added brightly. "Well – I don´t think she´ll return..." Lin responded silently. Ikki of course asked her about the house and why her mother would not want to return there but Lin had other things on her mind. She simply strode straight towards the guest wing, not caring that she trampled a few flowers on her way. Lee followed with a stony face, he actually looked scary. Lin could feel her mother's presence in the next room as she finally came to a halt. Ikki stood next to her, waiting for her to open the door. Lee also stood there until he threw back his shoulders and muttered a hurt "Just get this shit over with!" His voice was raspy and he opened the door with a determined motion, while stomping into the room.

Her mother was shaken out of her meditation. She flinched tried to unwrap her legs and spit out a string of courses. "Ya gods damned sickeningly sweet air monkeys don´t get it – right? I JUST WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE!" she blurted with a volume a lot of people weren´t capable of in their prime! Lin automatically took a step back. "Yes Ma am!" she responded as if she was speaking to a superior. In the meanwhile, the old woman had placed her feet on the ground and saw. Suddenly her jaw slacked and her chest started heaving. The hunched over woman stumbled as if she suddenly had lost her footing. Lin reacted without thought and caught her mother, while sinking to her knees. "Fall slow…" the earthy musk that her mother quenched whatever she wanted to say. She pressed the tiny, bony body into her chest without caring about the older womans hilarious stinginess about cuddly daughters. While Lin felt as if mount shije was rumbling off her shoulders her mother started shivering uncontrollably, as if she had been thrown into icy, cold water. "I-I couldn´t see you." Her mother mumbled, her voice sounding even older and manlier than Lin remembered. There was a heavy knot in Lins chest, twisting and turning around. But she bit her Lip, her mother was crying so she had to be strong. Toph Bei Fong was old – she had the right to be weak, hadn´t she? Lee wasn´t watching them, he had turned his back to them and was pinching his nose.

The woman knew that her mother daughter time still was a sore spot for Lee. Most likely he was feeling jealous, also he most likely had watery eyes. Lin was searching for words, there were so many things she wanted to tell her mother. But it was as if her mind had been blown out of her head. "I´ll fetch a chair." Ikki observantly hurried out of the room. She was a sweet child, regardless of her mother wailing about her daughter behaving far too adult for her age. While Lin just bathed in her mother's presence Toph Bei Fong had regained her composure. she suddenly muttered an incomprehensible apology while unwrapping her arms from her daughter. Lin didn´t release her mother who frowned the content frown. Lin was still baffled about the haggard face her mother displayed. She also was smelling quite strongly. She was covered in dust and fat that clung to her like a second skin. Lin wrinkled her nose. "You really should take a bath." She complained. He mother started laughed a grumbling laugh. "You´re hilarious Miss clanky clank!" she barked. Lin was too happy to complain about her mothers teasing. Suddenly pain shot through her right cheek. "Oww." She flinched under her mother's touch. "W-What has happened to your face!" Toph Bei Fong was obviously shocked. "What are these metal beads! A-And what's with your cheek?" her voice rose in a protective timbre. Lin shuddered and tried to step away as the guilt and shame flooded into her.

"I- I´m so sorry!" she was kneeling on the floor before anybody could interfere. "I-I-I brought shame to the name. P-Please forgive this unfilial daughter mother!" the iron taste of blood filled her mouth as she suppressed any kind of emotion, nevertheless heavy tears were dripping out of her eye. Toph Bei Fong stood dumbfounded. "eh – what?" her voice was flat and emotionless. "Get up – Lin." She commanded. "Please forgive this shameful, pathetic child." Lin Bei Fong begged while trying to bow low. She felt the need to apologize, because she never, never had wanted to disappoint her mother! But she had disappointed her, she had destroyed the Bei Fong legacy. Her mother softly gripped her shoulders and prevented her from hitting her head on the floor. "Lin, please don´t be like that." Her mother´s voice was hoarse. "You´ll never be a shame to me." she added. "B-but I – I was weak. And I destroyed your legacy!" Lin accused herself with conviction. Somehow it felt good to let out some of the frustration and hurt she had locked up inside her chest. Her mothers' words made her heart leap into her throat. "pfft - shut up Linny – I´m just so relieved that you´re still alive! I – I prayed so much that you´ll be save..." her mother's voice broke as the groaning old woman also lowered herself onto the floor and tilted her daughters head upwards.

Those words were spoken gentle, nevertheless they thundered in Lin´s head as she shielded her face from her mother. She didn´t know what to say anymore, her mother had torn away her resolve and left her wide open. "I ´m sorry for what you´ve gone through Lin, I – I´ll be doing all I can to help. You´ve lost your job, your colleagues - everything you worked so hard for…" Toph Bei Fong still was able to blush in her golden years. "Um… ya know chrm.. that you´re my beloved daughter - I mean." She stuttered. Lee was sneezing in his handkerchief while still studying the wall of the room. Lin just squeezed her mother who muffled a groan as some of her vertebrae popped back in their natural positions.

"Thank you mommy, thank you I – I never wanted to disappoint you like this." She whimpered sniffling. "GODS DAMMIT! You´ve disappointed nobody you stupid dumbass!" Lee suddenly fumed. "Lee? Is that – you?" a shocked Toph bei Fong was short of fainting, she looked quite pale in her daughters embrace. "How the hell can I be seeing two spectres today – am I dead?" she was wondering with a serene expression settling on her ancient features. "No – I´m not." Lee responded in a raspy voice. "I´ve.. " Lee obnoxious approach of an apology was canceled by a genuinely puzzled old woman. "I- I mean, I thought you were dead! You and Yumi – since well, I couldn´t see you with the vines to begin with!" she paused " Seems the dragon veins are some unreliable liars as well!" she stated marveling. Then she eyed Lee closer. Her eyes widened. "You´ve really come a long way since we last met haven´t cha? You´re feeling like a totally different person, even more than Linny!" Lee gulped visibly. Lin tried to reassure him with a wobbly smile. Her friend hat changed a lot, however it was a miracle how her mother noticed that at the first glance. Well, most likely that was one of the secrets of the peerless earthbender. It seemed the people had called her mother the child of Oma an Shu for a reason.

Authors note: Dear readers, I know you are quite few, but that was to be expected since I´m a quite unreliable writer. Well, I finally did my . (with a quite excellent mark) so that´s a little present for those who stuck with this story despite all odds. I guess I now can start having a private life again, which means I´ll (hopefully) upload chapters more fequently. If you have any feedback, good or ill, feel free to PM me.

With best wishes InTheHood