Osore (Complete)

Distress

"Clear out your office today, Ms. Beifong. I have no use for a Chief of Police that can't even hold onto her own bending."

Lin couldn't even speak as President Raiko pushed her out his office door. She unceremoniously landed on the ground and could hear laughter around her as she watched the President shake hands with Saikhan before pinning her police chief badge to his chest.

She looked around as they all laughed at her. She wanted nothing more but to burrow herself beneath the ground but her bending was gone and even the earth seemed to mock her now as she struggled to get up.

Then Jinora was there. She reached a hand for Lin, pulling her to her feet.

"Lin, you need to listen to me. There's a spir-"

The airbender disappeared as her scenery changed again and she found herself walking through the metal gates of Zaofu.

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Jinora let out a groan of frustration as she snapped back to the small room in her home. It was just her and Kya now and she watched as her Aunt dabbed at Lin's brow.

"This spirit is definitely strong but I think the bigger problem is that Lin is completely lost in her own fears."

"Lin is good at many things. Talking about her own fears and insecurities is not one of them."

There was a quiet knock on the door before Pema poked her head in.

"I'm sorry to interrupt but Suyin is here and she brought Korra with her."

Kya squeezed Lin's hand tightly before kissing her on the forehead. She didn't like to leave Lin alone and Pema offered to sit with her so Jinora could get some rest and Kya could talk with Su. Kya nodded to her sister-in-law, a new found appreciation for the woman's willingness to help Lin. There was once a time when she thought Pema would be glad to see Lin suffering but it seemed as if time did heal some wounds.

"Kya? What happened? Is Lin okay?"

Su approached the waterbender and hugged her in greeting. Korra was talking with Mako and Bolin while Opal chatted quietly with Jinora.

"We think there's a Fear Spirit attacking her mind. Or rather, feeding off her I guess. We don't know much just that Lin seems to be living out some kind of nightmare fueled by her own worst fears."

"Can I see her?"

"Yeah, I wanna see her too. Maybe I can help."

Korra came over to them and Kya could feel her own lack of sleep catching up with her as she looked to them all. Before she could piece together a response, Jinora joined their little group.

"I think the outside world has an effect on what Lin sees. The first time I tried to get through to her Mako and Bolin came in and her vision changed immediately. Whenever it changes I lose any progress I made."

Jinora looked as exhausted as Kya felt. She wasn't too keen on introducing new characters to play out Lin's inner fears but she was also desperate for something to snap her out of her own mind. And maybe Korra could make some connection only an Avatar was capable of.

"Jinora, you should get some rest. Su, Korra I'll bring you in to see her but if there's any sign of distress you have to leave."

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Lin walked absentmindedly through her sister's house. She was feeling more rundown then she had ever felt and her mind turned into such a haze anytime she tried to make sense of what was happening. There was a voice in her head that just kept telling her that she was getting what she deserved, that she was foolish for ever thinking she could be truly happy.

She could hear laughter coming from the main sitting room and she eagerly pushed open the door. The laughter immediately stopped and Lin felt a fresh pang of insecurity as she looked at Su, Bataar, her twin nephews, and Korra.

"Sorry for stopping by unannounced, but I didn't start attacking you or destroy your house this time..."

She smiled, rubbing her hand across the back of her neck. Su gave Korra a look before turning her back on Lin, not even acknowledging she was there. Lin walked to her but Korra stood in her way, a cold look on her face.

"What are you doing here, Chief? Oh wait, sorry... former chief."

Lin's face fell as she looked to the floor.

"Su, please. You're all I have left and I'm just so..."

Scared. She didn't say it out loud but she realized for the first time that she was afraid. She had lost Kya and Mako and Tenzin wouldn't speak to her. She just needed someone, anyone to make her feel less alone. Su still wouldn't look at her as she silently grabbed her husband's arm and led her family out of the room, leaving only Korra and Lin.

"Su, wait! Please!"

"She doesn't want anything to do with you. Did you really expect her to forgive you for staying away for so long? You couldn't get over yourself for 30 years and now you want to be a part of her family?"

"I-I...-"

"Save it. You lose everyone who cares about you. Why should you deserve another chance? You're better off just being alone with your bitter self."

For every step Korra took toward her Lin took one backwards, the Avatar's words cutting through her like a knife. But she was right. Everything she said was true. She wasn't paying attention as she made it to the entryway, stumbling over her feet as she tripped down the stairs.

Korra's eyes glowed as she lifted her hands. Lin instinctively covered her face but before the Avatar landed a blow Lin felt herself being lifted into the air. She looked up to see Opal, a strong hold of Lin as she flew her glider up higher and higher.

"Opal?"

"Aunt Lin?"

Opal's mouth didn't move but Lin could hear her voice clearly. There was a moment of relief in Lin's chest as she smiled at the young airbender.

"I'm so happy to see you."

"Who are you?"

"What? Opal? It's me. Aunt Lin?"

Opal cocked her head to the side as she stared at Lin as if she had never seen her before.

"I don't have an aunt."

Before Lin could say another word Opal let go of her and she plummeted towards the ground.