A tall young woman stepped off the train as it rolled to a stopped. She pulled the brim of her Stetson down to shield her pale green eyes as she strode towards the baggage car. Her dark brown duster stirred from the light breeze and her silver spurs gave a crisp ring with each step. She fished her tag out of the front pocket of her denim pants, and handed it to the baggage handler.

The man studied the ticket and handed it back to her. "Beifong eh?" He asked as his eyes scanned various tags on the bags in the train car. "You one of them Beifongs from Zaofu? I hear they're all Pinkerton Detectives, every single one of them a dead eye." He smiled as his eyes lit upon the bag he was searching for. He lifted the knapsack and handed it to the woman.

"You know where I can find the Post Office here?" Her voice was brusque and sharp as she swung the bag over one shoulder. Her movements caused her duster to gap open, revealing a shining silver handled Colt revolver.

The man smiled as he eyed first the weapon, then the woman. "You are one of them Pinkerton Beifongs!" He jumped lightly down from the train car. "You here to take care of them nasty savages? Hear they been causing lots of trouble up yonder."

The woman ignored the man, and simply asked her question again. This time her annoyance was laced in every word. "Where is the Post Office?"

A scowl briefly crossed the man's face. "You're a rude bitch ain't'cha?" He smiled smugly at the way the woman tensed, her eyes narrowing in a threat.

"McAllister!" A voice boomed from nearby. "I suggest you apologize to Detective Beifong now. I'd hate to have to explain to your wife how she was made a widow."

The man paled and swallowed hard as the newcomer stepped forward. "Yes sir, Sheriff Harvey sir." He turned toward the woman, bowed his head and spoke, "My apologies ma'am. I was kicked in the head by a horse at a young age, often times causes me to speak without thinking."

"That'll do McAllister. Off with you." The tall man turned toward the woman. "Detective Lin Beifong, it's nice of you to answer my telegraph. I'm Dennis Harvey, Sheriff of Sweetwater." He extended his hand in greeting. "I've already sent one of my deputies to collect your gear from the Post Office. There's a horse ready for you as soon as you're ready to ride out."

A small smile graced the woman's lips as she accepted his hand. "I like efficiency Sheriff."

He gave her a curt nod as he gestured to the end of the platform. "You can drop your bag at the hotel if you like. It's on the way to the jailhouse."

"I'd rather go straight to the jailhouse if that's all right." She stated as she fell into step beside him. "Tell me what's going on. Your message just said you were having trouble with the local Natives."

"Well yes and no on that Detective." He spoke quietly as they walked, as to not be overheard by passersby. "You see; we don't really have a problem with the Natives. I mean there are a few exceptions, such as Mr. McAllister back there. For the most part they keep to themselves, and have been great helping us townsfolk out." He flicked the front brim of his hat with his index finger, pushing it up. "There's always a few in town, trading, selling, what not. But we ain't seen hide nor hair of any of them for almost three weeks. Camps been deserted, but they've left their lodgings. Everything's still there, like they all just up and left."

"And this warrants my involvement how?" Lin peered at him from the corner of her eye.

"We found a lot of blood. No bodies, just blood. Had three of my best men go out and try to find tracks." He shook his head forlornly.

"And? Did they find anything?"

Sheriff Harvey stopped and looked pointedly at her. "They didn't come back."

"I see." She had no other words. The man had lost three of his brothers in arms, she knew that pain herself.

"Haven't sent anyone out since, can't afford to lose anyone else." A small frown crossed his face, and he cleared his throat before speaking again. "My office is just up ahead. I'll take you there as soon as you're ready."

"If it's all the same to you Sheriff, I'd rather ride out on my own. I work better that way." She eyed the two horses out front tied to the hitching post. She walked to the gelding her saddle sat upon, and started checking the straps.

"Detective I insist on going with you. I won't be held accountable for you goin' missin'." The sheriff spoke sternly.

Lin left off checking the straps and secured her knapsack to the back of the saddle. "Sheriff, with all due respect," she turned to address him, "when I ride out, I don't know when I'll be coming back. That's why I pack light, and keep essentials with me. I don't know what I'll find, or where it'll take me. Your people need you here." With understanding reflecting in his eyes, she turned and pulled herself into the saddle. Sitting tall she gave a pull on the reigns and a click of her tongue to get the horse to turn.

"Follow the train tracks two miles till it crosses the river. You'll want to go five miles upriver. There's a nice flat stretch before you reach the back of the canyon. The tribe set up there. Canyon at their back, river on one side, well defended on the other two open sides."

Lin tipped her hat in thanks as she eased her horse into a walk. She went a very short distance before turning in the saddle. "Sheriff," she yelled, "if I'm not back in a week, write my mother." With that she turned back around and nudged her horse into a trot.

She took her time making the ride. Enjoying the feel of being back in a saddle, after spending so long cooped up on the train. The train ride from Zaofu to Sweetwater had nearly driven her nuts, yet what had taken a few hours by rail, would have taken several days on horseback. She pulled her hat down to shield her eyes against the sun that gleamed off the sparkling clear water of the river.

In the distance, well away from the Water Tribe's location, she spotted a group of buzzards circling. Pulling a map from her duster pocket she noted the location, before continuing on her way. As she rode in to the camp, she noticed all the items lying about, as if they had been forgotten. Dark smears stained the dirt, the lack of rain preserving the blood stains.

Lin Beifong stood in the middle of the camp, her horse hobbled nearby. She had spent hours combing the camp, only managing to see a small portion of it. So, as the sun began to sink she admitted this was a head scratcher. She'd worked cases similar, most usually they resulted in a family being driven out by rustlers or a gang. Yet this, this was different. She was missing something.

As she bedded down for the night, her hunger beat back by a hunk of dried meat and hardtack, she made plans to widen her search. The general plan being to take her time and work outward in the direction of where she had spotted the buzzards. Deep down she already knew what she would find, but she always hoped for the day that she'd be wrong.

It was near dawn on the second day when a sound roused her from her sleep. She came awake instantly, body buzzing with adrenaline. Yet she didn't move, she didn't crack her eyes, she just listened. The soft crunch of gravel and dirt being trod upon reached her ears. She moved her fingers slowly, wrapping them around the grip of her Colt. In one fluid motion, she tossed the blanket aside, pulled her gun, and rolled to her feet. She blinked as she was greeted with nothing but the faint pink glow of the rising sun.

Lin turned a slow circle, eyes searching for any movement, anything out of place. She made a full circle, twice, before she eased her gun down. "You're too young to be losing it now Beifong." She chuckled to herself as she holstered her weapon. Since she was now awake, she went ahead and set about preparing a small breakfast. She took a swig from her canteen as she fished in her knapsack for her supply of hard biscuits, and jerky.

Pulling a hunk of jerky free she stuck it between her teeth as she shoved the hard biscuit in her pocket. She bit a hunk of meat off and shoved what was left in her pocket as well. As she chewed she tied her knapsack back up, and looked at her surroundings. Her hands stilled as her eyes paused over a small object on the ground. Swallowing the jerky, she stepped closer and knelt down for a closer look.

She picked the small object up and turned it over in her hand, raising it to her nose she sniffed. A scowl crossed her face as she stood quickly and crossed to her bag. She dug through her supplies and found two biscuits, and a small portion of her jerky missing. If she hadn't spied the small piece of hardtack on the ground, she'd probably have never noticed. Someone was lurking around, and they were hungry.

She gathered her belongings and secured everything to her horse. In a last-minute decision, she pulled a biscuit and a hunk of jerky from her pack and placed it on a flat rock nearby. She gave it one final look as she swung herself up into the saddle and started towards the area she would be searching.

The ride proved to be farther than she had previously gauged, but she made it. The buzzards circled overhead as she dismounted her horse. She dropped his reigns to the ground, knowing he wouldn't go far as he fed on the nearby shrubs. She pulled her Henry Repeater from its scabbard on the side of her saddle. Carrying it in a two-handed grip she started up the steep incline in front of her.

She reached the precipice and gazed down into the small bowl-shaped valley. She paled at the sight before her. Bodies heaped on top of bodies. The bloated and torn remains of men, and women. She dropped to one knee as she stared at the ground. She rested her Repeater against her knee, dug the handkerchief out of her pocket and tied it around her nose and mouth.

Carefully she picked her way down the sloped side, each step sent pebbles scattering down into the valley below. She made her way to the first section of bodies. Though badly decomposed and picked over by the scavenging animals, she managed to find a few bodies towards the bottom that were in "decent" shape. Using the barrel of her gun she moved part of an arm aside and stared at the tribal markings that adorned it. She noted the remnants of clothing, and jewelry, these were the members of the tribe she was looking for.

She walked around the pile of bodies, breathing through her mouth, not the smell was anything she couldn't handle. She stopped when she came to five bodies heaped to the side. These five dressed completely different, and in much better condition. Two still had a shiny Deputy badge displayed proudly on their chest. The others had a small red pin fastened to the front of theirs. With gloved hands, she reached down and tugged at a pin, it came away with a piece of fabric attached. She studied it carefully before shoving it in her pocket.

Next, she gently removed the badges from the two deputies, noting that someone had already relieved them of their weapons. Pocketing the badges, she turned, eyed the sun, and decided to make her way back to the Water Tribe camp before sunset. Once on her horse she rode around the outside of the naturally formed bowl. On a few instances, she'd dismount and study the ground. Picking up a few bullet casings, and noting boot imprints.

She'd made it three quarters of the way around when she met her next marker of interest. Twelve crosses adorning twelve small graves. She dismounted and made her way to the graves, each one decorated with a toy. A cloth doll had been placed on one, a horse carved from wood lay on another. She bowed her head in a moment of silence, then pulled her map from her pocket and marked the location of the graves. She made the ride back to camp in a somber mood.

Back in camp she dismounted and took the time to take care of her horse. She removed the saddle and blanket, giving him a good rub down. She checked his hooves, and patted his chest when he nuzzled at her. "Good boy." She said with a slight smile.

Slinging her canteen and knapsack over her shoulder she made the short walk to the river's edge. In the cool clean water, she gave herself a quick wash. Nothing to really do any real cleaning, but enough to wipe the dust and sweat away, leaving her feeling a little refreshed. She pulled a clean set of clothes on, and belted her holster back in place. Taking her time, she gathered her discarded clothing and crammed it to the bottom of her knapsack.

Turning to head back to camp she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. Quick as a flash she drew her Colt and fired from her hip. The shot rang out and she stepped towards the carcass. Making sure there wasn't another one nearby she holstered her pistol and picked the rattlesnake up by the tail. Grinning at the prospect of fresh meat she pulled the knife from her boot and sat to cleaning it.

The fire crackled and danced in the night, the smell of roasting meat hung in the air. Lin rested on her bedroll, her back against her saddle, and her legs stretched out in front of her. She crossed her legs and bounced one foot as she chewed thoughtfully at the snake meat. She smiled to herself as she heard the horse whicker in the night.

"You won't find anything there," she called into the darkness. She took another bite of the meat and dug a hard biscuit out of her knapsack. She tossed it, watching it land at the edge of the firelight. For ten minutes the biscuit lay untouched, all the while Lin ate the fresh meat slowly. Giving a heavy sigh she turned her head and reached for her canteen. When she turned back, the biscuit was gone.

She took a long pull of cold water to hide her smile. "I have more." She took another bite of snake meat. "Tell you what, you step into the light, and I give you the rest of this snake." She held up the stick that the rest of the snake was skewered with. Lin watched the shadows move as someone edged forward. "I won't hurt you. I'm here to help." She stretched forward, reaching as far as she could towards the far shadows.

Lin watched as first the tips of small fingers came into the light, then a small hand, and a thin arm. A line creased her forehead as a small child, a girl, stepped into the firelight. She shuffled forward on bare feet and Lin felt a pang in her chest. She looked the girl over, noting the haggard appearance, and the various scrapes and bruises on her legs and arms. Dirt covered her face, yet Lin noted that her cyan eyes shined brightly in the firelight.

"Do you have a name?" Lin asked as the girl stepped forward, coming a little farther into the light. "Can you tell me your name sweetie?" Lin mimicked the tone she'd heard mother's use before, the sweet cooing that seemed to put their offspring at ease. The little girl paid her no mind, so intent on the food in front of her she didn't notice that Lin was keeping it just out of reach. Lin lured the girl closer, ready to lunge forward.

Suddenly she shot forward, wrapping her arm around the girl's waist. She didn't see the girl's hand shoot forward, or the claws that stuck from between her tiny fingers. Lin felt a blinding pain radiate from her cheek, she clamped her mouth closed and bit back the sound that bubbled in her throat. She got both arms around the girl, and squeezed her tight.

The girl kicked and struggled, but soon she had exhausted what little strength she had. Lin kept one arm wrapped around her tightly and picked up the discarded stick of meat. She eased herself and the girl down onto her bedroll. Her cheek stung, but her first priority was the girl.

She placed her canteen between her knees and screwed the lid off. Slowly she lifted the canteen to the girl's lips and titled it up. The girl took a few small sips before turning her head to the side. Lin set the canteen aside and held the stick up instead. The girl stared hungrily at the roasted meat as Lin brought it closer to her mouth. She tore into it like an animal, hardly bothering to chew before swallowing a chunk and snapping at another.

"Whoa, whoa. Easy!" Lin cried as she moved the meat away, the girl straining her neck towards it. "You have to chew. See chew." Lin mimed chewing for several seconds before placing the food back near the girl's mouth. The girl opened her mouth and this time took a smaller bite and chewed before swallowing. "Good girl," Lin whispered.

After all the meat was gone, and the girl had had her fill of water, Lin started to dress her visible wounds. She really needed a bath first, but something was better than nothing. She hummed softly as she cleaned the scrapes and applied an ointment to them, being extra careful to not scare or hurt the girl worse in the process. "There we go, you'll heal much faster now," she whispered quietly. Lin looked down into the little girl's face, and found her eyes closed tight.

She watched her for a few moments, making sure she had fallen asleep. Lin did her best to try and clean her cheek, but without any way to see it, she couldn't do much. Taking a dab of ointment, she smeared it over the deep cuts. "Better than nothing." She eased herself back against the saddle and adjusted the girl on her chest. It wasn't long and Lin found herself falling into a light sleep.

Lin startled awake when a horse whickered. She clutched the girl to her chest with one arm and reached for her pistol with the other.

"Detective Beifong?"

Lin eased the hammer of her Colt back down when she recognized the voice of Sheriff Dennis Harvey. "Over here Sheriff." She waved when he rode around the corner of a lodge.

"You found a survivor?" He stared wide eyed as he slipped from the saddle.

"More like she found me."

"What happened to you?" He asked as he secured his horse near Lin's.

Lin jerked her head in the direction of the weapon the girl had used. "Caught me by surprise when I grabbed her."

Harvey stepped and picked the weapon up, giving a low whistle of appreciation as he turned it over. "Bear claws, rigged up in a similar fashion as brass knuckles, though I reckon these would cause more damage." He shoved the weapon into his pocket.

"I thought I told you to give me a week?" Lin growled out as she shifted to make herself comfy.

Harvey nodded as he set down across from her. "That you did, but it didn't sit well with me that you'd come out here by yourself."

Lin gave a curt nod of her head. "I was going to head back this morning anyway. Now that you're here though," she pulled the map from her pocket, "circled area is where the tribe has been heaped together, and two of your men. The cross is where twelve graves have been dug, each one only large enough for a small child." Lin looked down at the girl in her arms. "If I had to guess, I'd say she buried the ones she could carry and drag out of that valley."

Harvey looked at the girl, and back at the map. "We need to dispose of the bodies."

"Burn them." Lin caught the look on his face and continued. "They've been out here in the sun and the animals have been at them, no one is going to have the stomach to bury each one. Burn them and be done with it."

"You're right. That would be the best." Harvey pulled his knapsack open and started removing food. "I'm assuming you haven't eaten yet."

Lin shook her head and reached for her canteen. With it in hand she turned to wake the girl only to find cyan eyes staring up at her. "Nice to see you awake." She offered what she hoped was a reassuring smile, then winced at the pain in her cheek. She held the canteen up to the girl's mouth and let her drink.

"We need to get her to the doctor in town. You need to be looked at too." Harvey handed a large slice of cheese and a biscuit to Lin.

"Thank you." Lin nodded her appreciation as she eased her grip on the girl.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Harvey asked as he eyed the girl warily.

Lin held the food out to her, and watched as she licked her lips in anticipation. "There's more, but you have to stay."

"Detective, she isn't going to know what you're saying. Only a few of the tribesmen spoke English, and if she wasn't part of the Chief's family, she won't know." Harvey began slicing an apple he'd pulled from his bag into fourths.

Lin thought for a moment, and taking a chance gave the sign for stay. The girl blinked a few times and then a grin split her face. Suddenly her hands started flying. "Whoa, whoa. Slow down. Uh." Lin gave a sign and the girl stopped and waited.

"What was that?" Harvey asked as he stared at first Lin and then the girl.

"Sign language. She knows sign language." Lin smiled and started signing, speaking as she did so Harvey would know what was being communicated. "What is your name?"

The girl gave a sign and smiled proudly. Lin shook her head and signed in return. "I don't know how to say that. Is there something else you were called?"

The girl thought for a moment and signed five letters. "K-O-R-R-A. Korra?" Lin asked with a curious look.

Korra nodded eagerly, a large smile on her face as she started to shove food into her mouth. After that she hardly moved from Lin's side. Korra shadowed the woman as she watched Lin pack and saddle her horse. Once Lin and Harvey had everything settled Harvey picked Korra up and handed her to Lin who sat in the saddle.

They rode in silence to the valley, changing course slightly to ride by the graves first. Korra sniffled at the sight, turned and buried her face in Lin's chest. "Shhh, shhh, shhh. It's okay." She pressed a kiss to dirty hair. "You buried them, you did such a good job."

"Amazing that she did this, and survived out here on her own." Harvey commented as they rode to the foot of the ridge.

"I'll stay here, with Korra." Lin turned her horse and rode a little distance away, Korra still clinging to her, now softly crying.

Sometime later Harvey emerged on top of the ridge, black smoke starting to billow behind him. He mounted his horse and together the three of them made their way back to town. As they entered town people stopped and stared, a flurry of whispers flew all over, and by the time they reached the doctor's office a small crowd had gathered.

Lin started to dismount when a young woman, no older than herself appeared at her side. "Here, hand the girl down." The woman reached up with waiting arms, and Lin was struck by how her appearance resembled that of Korra's. Lin eased the girl into waiting arms, then climbed down herself, watching as the woman disappeared into the building. Shortly after Lin dismounted and strode past Harvey, who was busy talking to a thin man in a suit, and followed quickly behind the woman. "If you could inform the doctor that he is needed, I'll wait with the girl."

The woman gave a snort and a shake of her head as she sat Korra easily down onto the waiting examination table. The woman shot her a look over her shoulder, grabbed a clean cloth and an amber bottle. "Here." She held the items out for Lin. "Clean your cheek." When Lin only continued to stare the woman added, "doctor's orders," using great emphasis on the one word.

Lin's lips all but disappeared as she stepped forward and took the offered items. "I apologize, I just assumed."

"You and everyone else that steps foot in here." The woman snapped, busying herself gathering supplies, moving fluidly from one shelf or cabinet to another. "Always assuming I'm nothing more than the nurse, or midwife." She stopped and gave Lin a once over. "I would of thought someone like you would have had a bit more of an open mind about women in a man's field."

That earned a grin from Lin, that quickly had her hissing in pain. "Do you have a name, or should I simply call you Doc?" Lin asked as she looked in a nearby mirror to inspect her cheek.

"Doc will do just fine." The woman replied with a huff, then in a softer tone added, "or you may call me Kya."

"Well Kya, it's nice to meet you. I'm,"

"I know who you are Detective Beifong. The women in your family have been an inspiration to me for many years." Kya offered a shy smile before turning her attention back to the waiting and frightened Korra. "What's your name sweetie?"

"Oh, she doesn't speak English, but her name is Korra." Lin offered as she studied the pair in the mirror.

"I wasn't aware speaking Ojibwa was among your skill set Detective." Kya fired back with a sharp look.

Lin pursed her lips as she turned around. "It's not Doc, but she understands sign language, which is in my skill set."

Kya couldn't help the slow, wicked grin that sprung to her lips. "I'd heard rumor you were good with your hands."

Lin gaped at the comment, color rising slightly in her cheeks, but before she could think of an appropriate response she was shocked by the next words that came from Kya's mouth.

In fluent and flawless Ojibwa, Kya asked Korra several questions. The words rolled so smoothly from her tongue and sounded so beautiful that all Lin could do was stare. What broke her trance was the elated squeal emitted from the small girl at the sound of someone speaking her language. Then Korra herself burst forth into a rush of words.

"What's she saying?" Lin asked stepping forward eagerly.

Kya turned from Korra to Lin and back again, gesturing with her hand towards Lin. Korra nodded and then looked down at her hands that were fisted in her lap. Kya turned back towards Lin a sad look on her face.

"Later, for now, I have work to do." She pointed to a chair in the corner. "Sit, and I'll be with you as soon as I've examined her."

Lin started to protest, but the look in Kya's eyes had her retreating to the chair. She sat down and watched as Kya started examining Korra, the entire time both speaking Ojibwa.

Sometime later Lin was woken by the feeling of a cool cloth being pressed to her cheek. She startled, reaching out with her hand, and wrapping her fingers around a dainty wrist.

"Hey, you're okay Lin, it's just me." Kya cooed.

Lin immediately released her wrist as she pushed herself up in the chair. "Sorry, you startled me."

Kya only nodded in understanding as she resumed inspecting Lin's cheek. "These need stitches. You're going to have scars. Had I been there when it happened I could have reduced those chances, but it's too late now."

Lin nodded and gave a half smirk. "Good thing I never counted much on looks."

Kya gave a small shake of her head as she straightened and walked across the room. Lin looked over at the empty examination table.

"Don't worry. She's upstairs in the guest room." Kya sat a stool down in front of Lin. "Sheriff Harvey carried her up after she fell asleep." Then she pulled a small table over beside her. She moved a few items around before she took her place on the stool top, her knee brushing along Lin's in the process.

"How did come by knowing Ojibwa?" Lin asked as she scooted forward to the edge of her seat.

Kya threaded the freshly sterilized needle. "My mother was from the Water Tribe. Same tribe as Korra. It's been over a decade since I've been there." She turned to face Lin, and reached up to gently grasp Lin's chin. "Lean forward, and turn your head."

Lin did as she was instructed, now close enough to smell the hints of wildflowers that clung to Kya. "Did she tell you anything about what happened?"

"A bit, yes." Kya picked up a small blue vial. "This is going to sting, but will help numb the area, though it's still going to hurt like hell." She waited for Lin to nod before she dabbed the liquid onto the afflicted area.

"That wasn't bad."

"Figures." Kya mumbled.

"What does?" Lin turned her head to study Kya.

"I'm always drawn to the cocky ones." Kya stated flatly, and before Lin could respond Kya reached up and pushed her chin the direction she needed to turn her head. With steady hands Kya pulled the skin together and readied the needle. "Here we go."

At the first push Lin felt a small sting and then an odd sensation as the thread was pulled through. The next one hurt just a tad more, but nothing really, simply annoying. The third and fourth had her gritting her teeth, and the fifth had her jumping.

She jolted in her seat, her hand flying out to steady herself at the sudden and sharp pain. She sucked a breath in through her teeth, a loud hiss escaping in the process.

"Are you okay?" Kya asked gently.

Lin took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. "I'm good." She answered as she licked her lips quickly. "Can you tell me what she said, or tell me anything. Just talk to me, and keep my mind off this."

"I can do that." Kya whispered as she started to hum. After a few seconds, she started singing.

Lin closed her eyes and focused on the sound of Kya's voice. Quite possibly the sweetest sound she'd ever heard. She had no idea what the words were, no idea what Kya was singing about, she only knew she was being drawn in. She hadn't realized she'd moved until she felt a gentle hand on her other cheek.

"Lin?"

"Hmm?" She asked as she opened her eyes, a small smile on her face. She found herself impossibly close to those light blue eyes. "Sorry, I didn't mean to."

Kya smiled softly. "Do you hear me complaining?" She laid her hand gently over Lin's, and Lin became aware that her hand rested on Kya's leg.

Lin's gaze dropped to Kya's lips and she angled her head as she leaned in. Their lips were so close, when suddenly a small cry came from the room upstairs. Both women jumped apart, and sprang for the stairs.

Lin was the first one up the stairs, pulling her gun from her holster as she sprinted down the hall. She slammed into the door and a quick once over of the room had the gun going back to her holster. She rushed to the bed, where Korra lay curled in on herself sobbing loudly.

Lin, never one for motherly instinct, did the first thing that came to her mind. She scooped Korra up and settled her against her chest. "Shhh, I'm here. It's okay." She was rocking Korra gently as Kya came through the door.

Kya sat down gently on the bed, rubbing at Korra's back as she spoke softly to the crying girl. "She says she had a nightmare, something about bad people with red flowers on their chest."

Lin nodded her head. "One of the bodies I found had a red flower pin on his chest. It looked like a red lotus."

"I'll fetch some water. See if you can get her to calm down." Kya rose and hurried down the stairs.

Lin gave a heavy sigh and did the only thing she could think of, she started telling Korra about her childhood. She knew Korra wouldn't understand what she was saying, but she hoped maybe the sound of her voice could ease the child.

As she was talking she felt two small fingers trace gently over her freshly stitched cheek, and a small voice say, "ingaagiizomaa."

"I'm sorry I don't understand." Lin said as she shook her head, but Korra only said it again before bringing her arms up and wrapping them around Lin's neck. That's how Kya found them. Lin speaking quietly and Korra snuggled as close as possible. When Lin spied the woman in the doorway she gave a small wave. "I think she fell back asleep." She said as she tried to gently move.

However, Korra only grunted and tightened her hold around her neck. Kya chuckled at the sight. "I don't think you're going anywhere anytime soon Detective." Kya handed her a glass of water. "See if she'll drink."

Lin jostled Korra lightly, and held the glass to her lips, but to no avail, Korra wouldn't drink. Lin shook her head as she handed it back to Kya. "She said something after you left, and I don't know what it means."

Kya spoke softly to Korra, and listened to the girl's mumbled response. "She's sorry for cutting you. She thought you were there to hurt her."

"How do I tell her it's okay or that I forgive her?" Lin asked as she looked down at the girl in her arms.

Kya smiled as she sat the glass of water aside and perched herself on the edge of the bed. "Indoodaapinaa, means 'I accept.'"

Lin tried a few times, saying it slowly as Kya nodded encouragingly. "in, dude, awe, pin, awe."

"Yes, very good. Now say it faster, and say it to her." Kya instructed.

Lin took a deep breath and spoke clearly. "Indoodaapinaa."

Korra gave a nod of her head, before laying it in the crook of Lin's shoulder. Kya chuckled at the sight. "She can rest now."

"Tomorrow I'll see about getting her some new clothes." Lin tucked a strand of hair back behind Korra's ear. "Can you tell me what she told you earlier?"

Kya gave a grim nod of her head and turned to sit with her back against the headboard beside Lin. "I can."

The next morning Lin awoke to a heavy weight on her chest, slowly she cracked her eyes. Korra still with her tiny arms wrapped tight around her neck, her eyes closed tight as she breathed steadily. The next thing Lin noticed was that Korra was not the only one using her as a pillow. Her eyes fell on the figure tangled around her. One tan arm thrown across her stomach and laying protectively on Korra's back. Kya's head moved steadily with each gentle rise and fall of Lin's chest.

Lin let out a sigh of mild annoyance, just loud enough that Kya stirred in her sleep. The woman stretched, pressing herself a little closer into Lin's side as she did so. She tilted her head up, a lazy smile on her lips. "Good morning Detective. Is that your pistol pressing into my side, or are you just happy to see me?" Her voice was raspy in the morning, a little deeper than the night before, and Lin could feel the blush rising in her cheeks.

Kya, still smiling, sat up and stretched again. "I do apologize. That wasn't how imagined sleeping with you the first time would go."

"Are you always this forward?" Lin hissed as she tried to sit more comfortably and not disturb Korra.

Kya considered her eyes. "Only when I see something I want." With that she stood and left.

After Korra was roused from sleep, she ate a hearty breakfast and was bathed. Her wounds redressed and herself dressed in clean clothes. It wasn't long after and she was curled up asleep again, this time not clinging to Lin. Lin used this chance to make use of the tin tub Kya had. Soaking in the heated water and cleaning herself thoroughly.

She spent the day talking with Sheriff Harvey, and pouring over maps. With the minimal number of clues they had there was really nothing more to go on. Nothing suggested the motives of the group, other than to just kill. Over the next few days Lin, Harvey, and a few volunteers would ride out and look around the camp again, never finding anything more.

"Sheriff I hate to say it, but I'm of no use to you anymore." Lin spoke one night as she leaned against the wall in his office.

Harvey held his head in his hands, and growled in frustration. "I know. I wish there was more to go on."

Lin nodded in understanding as she pushed her way off the wall and crossed to him. Placing her hand on his shoulder she gave a comforting squeeze. "I know Sheriff, but sometimes, we can't solve them all."

"Thank you." Harvey placed his hand over Lin's as he raised his head and offered a weak smile. "When will you head back to Zaofu?"

Lin shrugged as she eased her hip against the desk beside her, folding her arms across her chest as she did so. "I'm not sure. I'll stay a few more days at least. I'm reluctant to leave Korra, the kid has kind of grown on me."

"I've noticed, and you're good with her." Harvey smiled as he stood up and motioned towards the door. Together they made their way to the door and stepped out into the evening air.

"Is there a family that would take her in?" Lin asked as she slid her hands into the back pockets of her denim pants.

Harvey gave a heavy sigh. "Sadly, no." He pulled a cigar from his pocket and tapped it against his hand. "If she were white, I'd have family's climbing over each other to take her in, but the truth of the matter is, no one wants to raise an injun." He spat the last word as if just saying it left a bad taste in his mouth.

"I see." Lin kicked at a rock, sending it scattering across the ground. "You have a good evening Sheriff."

Harvey pulled the unlit cigar from between his lips. "You too Detective."

Lin gave a final nod and walked the short distance to Kya's office, where she had been spending all her free time, and sleeping. She told herself it was because it was convenient since Korra would wake screaming from nightmares, and only the presence of Lin seemed to calm her back down. The fact that she got to spend so much time with the beautiful doctor was just a bonus. She stepped through the door and entered Kya's office. Immediately she heard footsteps running down the stairs, followed by a gleeful and accented, "Lin."

She smiled as Korra wrapped her tiny arms around Lin's leg. "Someone is feeling and looking much better."

Kya came through the door that connected her private quarters to her office. "She's been running around here all day, and has not stopped asking when you'd be back." Kya wiped her hands on the apron she wore, and gave Lin a once over. "I know that look."

Lin raised an eyebrow and looked at her curiously. "What look?"

"The look that says you're leaving." Kya gave tiny forced smile. "I've seen it enough to recognize it on your face now." She let the tail of her apron drop and walked closer to Lin and Korra. "When do you leave?"

"Day after tomorrow." She admitted, finally making her mind up. The words set like stones in her stomach. "I'm not needed here any longer."

Kya gave one hard nod of her head before she turned on her heel and headed back to the kitchen. "I have an old suitcase you can have to pack Korra's belongings in." She called through the doorway.

"Woah! Wait." Lin scooped Korra up in her arms, settled her on her hip and stormed into the kitchen. "What did you just say?"

Hands on hips Kya turned to face her. "I said, I have an old suitcase you can borrow to pack Korra's belongings in."

"No. No. She's staying here. She can't go with me." Lin protested, wild eyed as she looked first at the child on her hip and again at the woman in front of her. "I can't take care of her."

"First and foremost, that girl trusts no one more than you. She won't make it with anyone else, because no one else is going to look out for her the way you do." Kya took a breath and lowered her voice. "Secondly, she owes you. The Water Tribe are firm believers in repaying debts, and nothing is more important to pay back than a life debt. You saved her from starvation, from dying. She owes you her life."

"That's stupid. She owes me nothing." Lin sat Korra down on the ground and rested a hand on her shoulder.

Kya pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. "Lin, you don't understand. Our belief is that if we die, owing a life debt, we aren't granted peace. Her soul will wander this Earth for eternity. She'll never know peace, and never have a chance at rebirth."

"You people and your damned customs!" Lin threw her hands in the air and stalked to the nearest counter. "What does she have to do?" She mumbled under her breath.

"I'm sorry, what was that." Kya asked, trying to hide the small smile on her face.

Lin turned to face her. "What does she have to do pay this debt off?"

"Save your life." Kya said it so simply, as if there was nothing wrong with a very small eight-year-old child being expected to save the life of a cranky twenty-five-year-old woman.

When the day came Korra had a suitcase all her own, packed with newly bought clothes. She clutched Lin's hand as they bordered the train, waving goodbye to both Sheriff Harvey and Doctor Kya. Her life amongst the Beifong family was far from what would have been a normal life had she gone anywhere else. As luck would have it she quickly made friends with Lin's nieces and nephews, the children of Lin's younger sister Suyin.

Korra got along with all the children of Zaofu. She did well in the school she was enrolled in, learning to speak English, and teaching her closet friends, Suyin's daughters, Opal and Kuvira phrases in Ojibwa. She also received the same treatment as the Beifong children. She and the others spent hours learning to shoot. They worked with pistols, rifles, and shotguns. While she wasn't the best with a gun, she was the best with the knife, and the hatchet.

As she grew up Korra took on odd jobs here and there around Zaofu to earn money. Even though the Beifongs would have given her anything her heart desired, she felt compelled to work for her money. Years of working in the fields, handling a plow, and bucking hay left Korra fit and strong. She could easily take most of the men in arm wrestling contests, no one could best her in a knife throwing contest, and very few could match her speed with a pistol. But for all her talents with weapons, Korra was known best for her work with horses.

From the time Lin had first put her on a pony Korra felt a bond with horses. It was something that when she tried to explain the feeling to someone she was often left at a loss for words. For eleven years she worked with the horses in Zaofu, breaking wild Mustangs in a fraction of the time it'd take others.