八

[anatural]

[video]
[Korra looks almost pathetically hopeful.]

I've heard there's a lot of new people this weekend. If anybody sees Bolin around, could you let me know?

[A small, shuddering breath]

Tenzin, Master Katara... if you're here...

[There's too much in her heart to get out into words.]

It'd be great to see you too.

Comments

[anatural]

I guess.

Where are you?

[lawbender]

No street I recognize. There's a big fountain nearby.

[anatural]

Don't move. I'll be right there.

[And she's off and running.]

[lawbender]

[ Lin is people-watching. There's certainly plenty to see. She's giving the eyebrow to the stranger-looking people, and although she wouldn't admit it, she's definitely on the lookout for a familiar Water Tribe girl. ]

[anatural]

[The Avatar isn't hard to find; she comes riding up on Naga.]

Chief!

[lawbender]

[ There's a hint of relief in Lin's eyes. She pats Naga. ]

You don't look the worse for wear.

[anatural]

Ehehe... [She slides off of Naga and wonders if she should mention her death. How would she even bring it up? The Chief doesn't know anything about this place. Probably better to just not mention it.

But it's been so long since she's seen anyone else from home, she can't resist tackling the older woman in a hug. The cold skin and lack of heartbeat will be hard to miss.]

I'm so happy to see you.

[lawbender]

[ Lin stiffens in Korra's embrace. She doesn't understand why all of her alarm bells are going off until she really listens to Korra's heartbeat... or rather, lack of it. She's not even sure how to react to this and pushes Korra back a bit, firmly, holding her by the shoulders so she can look into Korra's face. ]

What's wrong with you?

[anatural]

[Korra's face falls. She should've known that Lin would notice. She's Toph Bei Fong's daughter.]

It's kind of a long story. But I'm fine. Really.

[lawbender]

I'd like the story.

[anatural]

[Why is no one ever put off by the long story line?! She sighs.]

Okay, it's not really a long story. I died, but you don't actually die when you die here. Basically I just don't have a heartbeat and never feel warm, but other than that, I'm a-okay!

[SMIIIIILE]

[lawbender]

[ What. ]

So you've broken the Avatar cycle?

[anatural]

[Korra looks like Lin just punched her in the gut. Thanks a lot.]

I-I don't know. I don't understand how this place works.

[lawbender]

[ Lin might look briefly chastened. She'd spoken before thinking. She hadn't meant to hurt Korra so badly; she was just shocked by the realization. ]

I don't think I understand anything about it at all.

[anatural]

It's kind of crazy. But you get used to it. Sorta.

[Enough painful stuff.]

Are you hungry? We should go get some food.

[lawbender]

[ Hungry? Lin hadn't realized she was until Korra mentioned it. ]

All right.

[ Although it's hard to walk through these streets without just stopping to stare sometimes. ]

[anatural]

Oh, we should go to the Jasmine Dragon! Did you know that General Iroh used to be here? Firelord Zuko's uncle.

[lawbender]

[ Lin looks confused. ] But he's been dead for years.

[anatural]

Time works differently here.

[lawbender]

How is that even possible?

[anatural]

You're asking me?

[Chief. Remember who you're talking to here.]

[lawbender]

[ Oh, right. Lin just rolls her eyes. ]

You don't know anything more than I do about how one comes here, I see.

[anatural]

It's not like anybody else understands it either.

[petulant]

[lawbender]

No one else seems to mind. [ Lin seems a bit surprised by all of the people around here just going about their business, not minding that they were kidnapped by persons unknown. ]