The night was peaceful and calm. Two days after their respective graduation ceremonies, Yanis and Taavi were in deep sleep in their respective rooms. It was the sleep both teenagers craved and deserved after a school year of midnight candles and little sleep. The only sound that was audible was the ticking of the clock, the teens' calm breathing, and a strange tap on the window.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Taavi and Yanis remained asleep consumed in the inviting atmosphere of slumber land. The tapping persisted, prompting Taavi to shift in her position to cover her head with a pillow.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Still nothing. Both teenagers refused to care, denying curiosity to win and to check what made the tapping noise. Still, the tapping persisted, and this time it came with a voice.

"Taavi."

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

"Taaavvvvviiii!" the voice persisted in a hushed yell.

The one being called cracked open a sleepy eye and raised her head, scanning her room and searching where the voice came from. A glance at her alarm clock noted that it was 3 in the morning. Taavi scanned the room back nervously. Even at eighteen, scary stories about this hour still bothered her. Maybe it was a dream?

She rested her head back on her pillow and drifted off.

Then it began again.

"Taavi," it said. Opening her eyes, Taavi was sure it wasn't a dream this time. She lifted her head and scanned her room once again. And there by her window, a silhouette stood.

"Aah!" Taavi jerked back immediately, missing the edge of her bed. With a loud thud, she dropped on the floor. "Ahh-ha-ouch!" Taavi got up, and grabbed her metal ruler from her table and slowly approached the window. With every step she took, her grip on the 12-inch metal ruler tightened. "Who is it?" Her voice sounded higher, fear explicitly obvious.

She stopped to listen and then, "Boo!"

"Oh fuck!"

Outside her window, Sheba was holding a flame on her hand to give her face an eerie look. For a split second, Taavi's mind debated whether she should shout or not. She kept quiet, eyes wide and ruler ready to strike.

The flame on Sheba's hand died and the Princess broke down laughing. Taavi approached the window and tossed her ruler aside. With a look of annoyance she slid open her window and Sheba entered her room without waiting for Taavi's invitation.

"You should have seen your face," Sheba snickered. "HA! HA! HA!"

"What are you doing here?!"

Another thud sounded and Taavi once again jumped in surprise to see Yanis standing in her doorway. "Damn it, Yanis!"

Yanis rubbed his face and strode towards her bed. He picked a pillow and with a powerful swing, he threw the pillow on Taavi's face.

"Ouch! What was that for?"

"Hmm… THREE AM!"

Taavi got the pillow and threw it back at Yanis. "It's not my fault. Sheba scared me."

"Then throw it to her," Yanis suggested. He turned to the Fire princess who was having the time of her life watching Yanis and Taavi argue. "Go home, Sheby."

Sheba raised a questioning brow, "Did you just order me, your princess, to return back to the palace?" She folded her arms and challenged the young man. "I could have you punished, you know. And don't call me 'Sheby,' you jerk."

"Pfft! Whatever." Yanis picked Taavi's alarm clock and showed it to Sheba. "Do you know what this is? It's a clock and it tells time. Learn how to use."

"Do you want to be punished, peasant?"

"Have me punished, yeah right."

"I can do it," Sheba insisted. "I have the power."

"Power schmower," Yanis dismissed heading back to the door. "Just go home, Princess Sheba. Good night!"

Sheba gave Yanis once last glare and chided with gritted teeth, "Sweet dreams, skid mark."

Taavi got up and stood between the glaring teenagers. "Alright, both of you just stop. Yanis, go back to your room, and Sheba, what is up with you showing up here at this time?"

"We have to leave," Sheba stated, voice serious and stern causing Yanis and Taavi to give her confused looks. Sheba could be adventurous, but it wasn't the best of times to display it. Taavi moved back to her bed sat down.

"What?" Taavi asked, bewildered.

Sheba glanced at Yanis and then back at Taavi. "Look, I stole a blimp."

"You stole a blimp?" It was Yanis's turn to sound confused.

Sheba nodded far too enthusiastic that Taavi was bothered by it.

"Hold on," Taavi said while trying to search for something sane in Sheba's eyes. "What?"

"I said, I stole a blimp," she answered in annoyance, "Now let's go."

Taavi refused to get up and stopped Sheba in her tracks. "Wha-why did you do that?"

"Because she's crazy," Yanis answered. "Do you even know how to fly those things?"

Sheba took a step back, acting insulted at the question. For someone like Yanis, Sheba found him annoying and a little proud. "Uh, I got it here, didn't I?"

Taavi's eyes shot wide, "What do you mean 'you got it here'?" Taavi rushed to the window and peeked outside. True enough, a blimp was hovering above their apartment. "Are you out of your mind? Your mother will kill you! She will literally kill you dead"

"That's why we have to go," Sheba insisted and climbed out of the window. "Are you with me or not?"

"Where are we going?"

"Republic City, of course."

Yanis laughed at the answer and approached the window. He gave Sheba a sarcastic look and shut the princess out. He waved his hand and bid the princess goodbye. Sheba was shocked at the gesture and banged on the pane mouthing, "Open up."

Yanis ignored the princess and turned to Taavi who was just as confuse as she was before. "Your friend is crazy, and you need to get back to sleep. Now, Mom is on duty at the hospital and I am the man of the house. I'm stepping my foot down."

Taavi ignored his words and opened the window. At the sight of the opportunity, Sheba lunged at Yanis and slapped him on his right cheek. "You prick!" Turning to Taavi she said, "Well?"

"I don't think it's a good idea. You should return that blimp before someone discovers it's gone."

Sheba fell to the floor in defeat. She didn't actually expect Taavi to jump in to her absurd idea, but she thought Taavi would at the very least be supportive. "I just can't stand another day in that palace, okay? I thought you want to see your real mom?"

Flabbergasted at the princess's revelation, Yanis confronted Taavi, "Is this what it is? You're going to leave us to meet that Beifong lady?"

"Not today," Taavi reasoned. It was too much for her to handle. She backed away from them and sat back on her bed. She caught Sheba's discerning stare prompting her to look away. She can't just leave Tam and Yanis without saying a proper goodbye. Besides, Taavi couldn't help but think what would happen if she'd appear on Lin Beifong's doorstep. What would she say? How would she tell Lin that she's her daughter? She fell silent and looked at Yanis for answers for the questions in her head.

"Look, Tav," Sheba began, "this is our chance. You said you want to meet Lin Beifong, and I want to get to my brother's camp. This is it, Tav. Please don't turn your back on me now."

"I'm not turning my back on you, it's just that I can't leave without a proper permission from Mom. This is also felony. Do you understand? And do you really know how to fly that thing?"

"I have a user's manual."

"That's not enough!" Taavi didn't know what to do. If she'll go with Sheba, they might be spotted and stopped at the border. She paced around her room, contemplating on whether joining Sheba would be the best thing. If she'll say no, Sheba be in deep trouble and will be heartbroken. She's the only one Sheba considers a friend. She glanced at Yanis, who was also in deep thought.

Yanis shot her a look of resignation, "You really want to go, do you?"

"A little, but—

"Then go." Yanis's answer came as a surprise.

"Yanis…" Her brother waved a hand to dismiss whatever apology she was going to say. "Please don't hate me."

"Go," he said with finality. "I'll be the one to tell mom."

Taavi walked over and gave Yanis a tight hug, mumbling thanks to his ear. "You really are the best brother anyone could ask for."

Both ladies climbed out of the window and Sheba gave Yanis a small smile. "You aren't that much of an ass, Yanis." Sheba climbed up the rope ladder and Yanis saw this as an opportunity to bid Taavi a proper goodbye.

"Tav, keep your lights low when you cross the border, and turn off your radio signals 'cause they might pick it up."

"On it," Taavi replied and began to climb up.

"And Tav?"

She looked back down and dangled for a little longer, "Yes?"

"Don't get your hopes up with this Beifong lady, and just remember that whatever happens you will always matter to us."

"I'll remember that, Yanis. I love you."

"We love you more. Now, go before I change my mind." Yanis watched Taavi climb up the blimp and waited until the blimp moved forward. He shut the window and considered if letting Taavi go was a good idea. It was against his will and his logic, but considering Taavi's thoughts on the matter, his sister would jump at every opportunity there is when it comes to meeting her mother. He can't bear to see the look of dismay on her face again.

"Damn it. I'm so dead."

Shutting Taavi's door, he walked down the hall to his room, his mind composing what he'll say to his mother and to the Fire Lord.

She did not know anything about the Fire Nation blimp that was approaching the city, nor was she informed who was on it. She ordered a young captain to radio the blimp but no signal was picked up. As it was edging closer to the docks, Saikhan approached her and whispered that the blimp was stolen, and must be stopped. He also informed her that the Fire Lord herself will deal with the passengers on board.

"What do you mean this blimp was stolen?" Lin asked Saikhan. Knowing the Fire Nation's border security, Lin expected that a stolen blimp would have been stopped there, especially that the blimp has the Royal emblem. "Can you try to radio that blimp again?"

The communications personnel sent another signal and all he got was static. "Chief, I don't think that blimp has their radio signals on. Clearly that's how they got past border security."

"Impossible," Lin remarked, "the Fire Nation has—

"Hold on," the personnel said, raising the volume of his headphones. "I think I'm picking up something." He turned on the speakers and voices were heard.

"No, no, that button," a voice spoke.

"The red one," another voice sounded. "Look, it says here on the manual."

"Trust me, I know this," the first voice spoke.

"Trust you? You're the one who showed up with this thing in our apartment!"

Lin was getting a headache so she snatched the microphone from the communications personnel, "This is the Republic City Police Department." The voices died down. "We have been informed that this airship is stolen. I suggest you stop this airship and surrender, or my metalbenders will have to engage."

Silence met Lin's warning. She waited. "Hello? Can anybody hear me?"

"I hear you," a young lady's voice responded. "I, um…yeah, right… this, um—

"Please don't arrest us!" a high-pitched worried voice cut in.

"Dude, we were good."

Lin rubbed her temple. Clearly, this were stupid teenagers who were stupid enough to think that they could steal one of the Royal airships.

"Chief, they're approaching the rooftop," one of her metalbenders said. "What are your orders?"

"Engage," she said plainly. Turning her attention back to the passengers, she switched on the microphone and informed them of what's coming. "We are to engage. Stop the airship and surrender. We don't want anyone to get hurt."

"Wait, no," the first voice pleaded. "This…this is the Fire Nation princess."

"Excuse me?" Lin asked, making sure she heard it correctly. "Hello?" Silence ensued once again. Lin stood silent, waiting for the reply.

"Stay calm," the second voice said. "Nothing will happen. You're not in that much trouble."

"Really? You think so?" the one claiming to be the princess asked.

"I was talking to myself. You're going down!"

The entire room erupted in laughter to Lin's annoyance. "Does this seem funny to you?" she asked her officers and personnel. The laughter died down and Saikhan commented that these two teens must be their most immature criminals yet.

"Alright," Lin said with finality, "stop the airship. Now."

"We can't."

"Chief, General Iroh is on the phone and he needs to speak with you," another officer who just barged in the room.

"Saikhan, take over," Lin ordered. She followed the officer to her office and picked up the phone. Clearly, this blimp problem has gone way too far for the United Forces to be involved.

"This is Chief Beifong."

"Chief, please don't hurt my sister," a frantic General Iroh spoke up. Lin was taken aback at the plea of the general.

"Is it really the princess up there?"

"Yes," General Iroh confirmed. "Keep her in your custody. Apparently, she stole the airship with the help of her friend. I will be on my way, and please, don't let her get away."

Lin put down the receiver and went back to the communication room. The airship has been stopped and her metalbenders have entered it. Lin ordered them to bring the passengers in the interrogation room where she will be waiting.

She headed to the room and waited. Surely, she cannot press charges against the princess since she might have diplomatic immunity, but her companion will be put in to custody, unless she's a minor or be backed up by the Royal family. A skirmish outside the interrogation room caused Lin to stand up and put on her stern demeanor.

Saikhan entered with a young lady, about eighteen, sporting her hair in a top knot. Her sharp chin, and thin, almond eyes resembled those of Fire Lord Izumi's. She has seen her face before. Clearly, she wasn't lying about her identity. She sat across Lin, her hands bound with metal cuffs. Lin unlocked and waited for the princess's companion to walk in.

"You can't arrest me," the princess declared. "I have diplomatic immunity in all nations."

Lin scoffed at the princess's confidence and eyed her from head to foot. She could sense that the princess could not be easily fooled, it is apparent that the princess knows her rights and power.

"We are not arresting you," Lin stated. "But your companion—

"My companion will not be arrested as well," the princess said, this time with more vindication. "She's acting on my orders and my immunity extends to her."

"We'll see about that," Lin challenged her. "This is United Republic territory and we have sovereignty over your actions—

"Ha!" the princess laughed. "That's not what's written on the Yu Dao Convention sixty years ago. I know the international laws," she said proudly. Lin nodded in affirmation to her and sat down.

"Well done, Princess. Bring her in," Lin ordered the guard by the door. The guard led the princess's companion and sat her down beside the royalty. Lin scanned her face, noting familiarity. The girl looked down and hung her head.

"What's your name, kid?"

"Don't answer that," the princess ordered. "We have the right to remain silent, right?"

Lin leaned back, and eyed the other teenager. "I need to know her name."

Lin waited for the princess to retort, eyeing the other girl suspiciously. "Your name, kid. I need it," Lin spoke again. The girl slowly lifted her head and turned to face the princess. Lin could tell that the girl isn't all Fire Nation. Her skin was too porcelain to begin with, and her pointed nose was really familiar. Lin watched her turn her face, and was unsure of how to react when she got a clear look at her eyes.

Lin has seen them before in sepia tone. Round, almond, grey eyes were staring intently into Lin's green one, showing worry and fear. They didn't twinkle in joy, unlike the ones in the photograph in Lin's drawer. Her mouth opened and out came her voice, "My name is—"

Lin has heard that voice before, through the telephone. She couldn't believe that was how she'll hear that voice. And here she is, in front of her in her interrogation room.

"—Taavi," the girl finished. Lin stared, her mouth dry, and rose.

"I'll have Captain Saikhan lead you to your holding cell. You can wait there for General Iroh to collect the two of you," Lin said and avoided the other girl's wide-eyed stare. The Chief of Police headed for the door, and rested against the opposite wall, breath jagged and tears forming on the corner of her eyes. What she heard made her tears trickle down her cheek.

"I can't believe she'd do that to you," Princess Sheba said. "I'm sorry, Tav."

"It's…it's fine," Taavi replied. Her voice came as a whisper. "She's just my biological mother, not my mom."