So just one day I was talking with my friend MusicPlayer89, and after we went around discussing fic ideas I had a pairing pop up in my brain. My first attempt at an Iroh II/Kuvira, so I hope you all enjoy what I have cooked up, and of course partial credit goes to MusicPlayer98 for their help.
Kuvira's life takes a different turn after forming a small friendship with General Iroh. After giving up her power, and leaving the EK to start anew, she finds herself immersed in a whole new culture, and soon enough finds herself in a new life. It never stays quiet for long though, so what's everyone going to think when they find out she's dating the FN crown prince?
I don't own Legend of Korra, it all goes to Nickelodeon.
Enjoy!
Three years of fixing a broken kingdom, damaged by poverty and ruin because of the Red Lotus and the Earth Queen, three years of absolute hell protecting the nation she loved. Long, difficult, painful hours and days combined into saving her people from total destruction, and even now after three years she still felt there were things to be done. The kingdom was standing again, taken out of the medieval era and into a modern one with technology, better thriving than it had in the last century; and despite all the hard work something still felt incomplete.
"Kuvira…" she turned at the call of her name, seeing Bataar standing in the doorway to the main bedroom. They had taken the presidential suite in the Four Elements Hotel, had that pompous, wimp of a prince Wu moved out and the staff was more than willing to let them stay.
"Yes Bataar?" she stood to greet him, and he came over to hug her.
"Are you alright? You've been quiet since we ate dinner." Kuvira had been staring out the large, balcony window gazing over the city. It was beautiful at night, a great view to have and surprisingly quiet this late in the evening.
"Just thinking, nothing major."
"Thinking about tomorrow?" she nodded. "Is he coming tonight?"
"He should be here soon."
"Good, you look like you need him right now." she smirked.
"I've missed him; it's been a trying few weeks."
"A trying few years I'd say, it's one hell of a job we've had to do." Kuvira walked over to the couch, picked up her mildly warm cup of tea and sipped it.
"Yeah."
"Yeah? That's all you have to say?" Kuvira sighed and put down her cup. She ran a hand through her loose hair, having undone it from her military bun moments before Bataar walked in.
"I don't know, I just…have a lot on my mind." he sat beside her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Feel like three years alone is not enough for this nation to stay strong."
"I know, I feel the same way. We've done more than I thought we could pull off, but hey, the kingdom is in one piece again and the people are happy."
"They won't be happy when Wu takes the throne, he doesn't care about them." she all but snarled. Bataar took the chance to hug her to him, and it did help a little.
"Hey, wait until he gets here ok? Don't make any rash decisions." she relaxed when his hand started rubbing her back. Kuvira stayed quiet for several minutes, until a knock was heard at the door to the suite; she felt her nerves calm a minute, and Bataar kissed her forehead before getting up to let their guest inside.
"Good evening." the man bowed and Bataar bowed back.
"Good evening to you too General, you weren't followed?" he shook his head. "Come on in, quickly." Bataar moved aside to let him through, did a quick check of the halls and closed the door. Kuvira stood to greet him, and he pulled her into a hug.
"Iroh…" she hugged back and kissed his cheek.
"I'll leave you two alone; I'll be in my room if you need me." Bataar grabbed a book off the coffee table, and his own cup of tea before disappearing into the hallway. When they heard his door shut, the two benders pulled apart before Kuvira led Iroh to the couch.
"You seem tired, everything ok?"
"A little, do you want some tea? I'd have to reheat it but…" Iroh put up a hand, took an empty cup, poured the tea, and then lit his pinky finger with a small flame. "Show off." he smirked at her.
"Great Uncle Iroh used to do the same thing, when he and my grandfather were refugees in Ba Sing Se years ago he almost gave them away. All because his tea was too cold, Zuko never let him live it down."
"From what you've told me he was a rather laid back man."
"He was, but he had his moments. Are you worried about tomorrow?" Kuvira set her cup down.
"I'm not sure, I mean…I know I promised to give up my power when Prince Wu became of age, but I at the same time I don't want all my hard work, my soldiers', my brother's hard work to be destroyed. These last three years were awful; this nation has barely recovered from the damage left by not just the queen but the Red Lotus too."
"You saved this nation Kuvira, you took on a heavy task no one else could."
"Or would." Kuvira thought bitterly, remembering how Suyin Beifong, her mentor and once friend, turned away Raiko and Tenzin when they came to her for aid in the chaos of Ba Sing Se.
"Hey, you proved yourself within a few months and stabilized the city. You and Bataar rebuilt those homes and gave this nation a new start into the future. Electricity, running water, fresh food, and no upper, middle, or lower rings separating the people from each other; that's all you and your supporters."
"Well you helped too; you risked a lot just by speaking with me." Iroh smiled. "Honestly I assumed you would refuse, politely but still."
"Because I work in the United Forces, and my loyalty is to Republic City."
"Instead you agreed to meet with me late at night, brought several of your closest comrades, and offered to help sneak supplies over for my soldiers and whatever else for the citizens."
"President Raiko said nothing about 'volunteers' sending aid, my mother may be a ruler of her own nation but even she wouldn't turn away from helping another if asked."
"Does Raiko know she was helping?" he shook his head.
"He doesn't, as far as he's concerned everything built and given until this point was all you. I have put myself at risk, many times, but it was completely worth it." Kuvira felt the blush coming.
"It's almost impossible to believe that after that night you and I ended up becoming friends, and then a year later you ask me to be your girlfriend."
"And I wasn't sure if you'd accept, yet here we are." he leaned against the couch, putting a hand on her leg. "Now, what is it that troubling you? Don't say nothing, I can tell when it comes to you." Kuvira sighed and looked down at her hands.
"Tomorrow Prince Wu is going to become king, and I'm to return power to him…but I feel like I'm abandoning my people. I know they're happier and stronger now, but what's going to happen once that royal wimp slips up?"
"The other world leaders won't let that happen, from what I've heard he's going to be under watch and supervision by Raiko and perhaps Master Tenzin." Kuvira rolled her eyes.
"Of course Raiko, no doubt he's just giving Wu what he wants so he'll have him in his pocket."
"I wouldn't put it past him, he's looking to strengthen ties with all nations but Wu is the easiest right now. If he forms an alliance with the Earth Kingdom it'll give him more power, but only as long as Wu grants it."
"That's what I'm afraid of, Wu is too easily influenced he can't tell the difference between an enemy and an ally. If the people are unhappy with him they could revolt."
"I wouldn't say 'revolt' is the right word, but I think if Wu sees how much difficulty comes with being a king it might wake him up. That's what happened to my grandfather after he became fire lord, and he was only sixteen at the time."
"But he had the help of Avatar Aang, Katara, Sokka, and even Toph Beifong. Avatar Korra is still recovering from her ordeal, I know it's not her fault but still I wish she could've been here for this." Iroh rubbed her leg.
"Aang wasn't always around to help, and even Great Uncle Iroh couldn't always be there for Zuko. I remember a story he told me, when things became so awful after he began his duties that he actually went to his father Ozai for advice." that was a bit shocking.
"Why would he go to a man who treated him horribly and scarred him for life?"
"He was desperate at the time, and it was when he was trying to mend fences with Earth King Kuei. He tried hard to show he could be a true leader, but it was more difficult than he realized. Even with Aang's support, he couldn't always go running around for help, he had to manage a lot on his own." Kuvira sighed.
"Wu is nothing like Lord Zuko, he cares more about the perks of being king rather than the responsibilities. Iroh, I don't think I can do this…" he stared at her.
"What do you mean?"
"You and Bataar have both been telling me that I've done enough, that no matter what these people will always be grateful for everything given and not just me. My soldiers have done so much too, but…three years doesn't feel like enough time for me to just step aside."
"You knew this was coming, believe me I'm not overly fond of Prince Wu either but if this title is what wakes him up to how difficult a kingship is to have, then he needs it."
"He's unsuitable…"
"I agree, but…maybe if given the chance he can grow." Kuvira wanted to argue more, but she was exhausted. She knew Iroh was right, but she still didn't like the idea of handing the throne over to Wu. "I mean look at you, you were once an orphan on the streets, and then Suyin Beifong took you in. She trained you, she taught you how to fight, to metal bend, and you went from a little girl to captain of the guard and now, you're a hero to the Earth Kingdom."
"Too bad she'll never acknowledge it." Kuvira growled. "Sorry, I don't want to get into a rant about this." Iroh reached over and grabbed her hand, and kissed her knuckles.
"Kuvira, you've done your job. You've done so much, what you need now is a break…and thankfully I've got some leave saved up, and it's been approved by President Raiko just this morning." Kuvira looked at him.
"How long?"
"A month, maybe more…but you know by the time we arrive in my homeland it'll be just a week before the Dragon Festival, and it's one of the highlights of the year in the Fire Nation." Kuvira remembered Iroh telling her stories about the Dragon Festival when he was a kid, a festival started by Zuko to honor and remind the Fire Nation of the history of fire bending, plus it was also on the same day Lord Zuko's dragon familiar, Druk, had been given to him by the masters themselves later into his adulthood.
"How long does the festival last again?"
"Three days, and it only takes place in the early evening to maybe two hours after sunset. You will love it there's games, contests, dancing, plays, my sister even performs in the troupe." Princess Ursa of the Fire Nation, a sweet and mild-tempered woman but a true spitfire if ever angered; she was beloved by her family and nation, and beautiful and talented as her own great grandmother.
"That's right, does she know about us?"
"I never keep secrets from her Kuvira, but don't worry she's kept it under wraps. She wants to meet you." Kuvira looked away, feeling a small blush coming up. "Hey, don't do that."
"Don't do what?"
"Don't make yourself feel silly, my sister will love you."
"How can you be sure? I'm not exactly the nicest of people…" Iroh frowned. "Oh spirits don't give me that look. You know how others are always saying…" he stopped her there.
"I don't care what others are saying about you Kuvira, because I know you. Bataar knows you, as does Huan…you're a stern, strict woman but you care about your people and you have their loyalty because you deserve it. You've worked hard fixing this realm, and they love you for it." Kuvira knew he was right, she had earned the loyalty and respect of the people, maybe even their love, but to hear some few say otherwise made her heart ache slightly.
"I love you." she looked into his eyes as she said it.
"And I love you." he kissed her cheek. "So, what's it gonna be Great Uniter?" Kuvira gave him a smirk, and then took his hand.
"I will meet you at the boat first thing after the coronation; think your mother will notice?"
"She will, but she won't say a word until she's back home. You'll get a chance to meet her, and my grandfather tomorrow."
"Good, now…" Kuvira drank down the last of her tea. "What do you say we take this somewhere more private?" his eyebrow rose at her, and he gave a smirk in return.
"You think you can keep quiet?" she answered him with a short, but heavy kiss to his lips. When she pulled back her hot breath grazed his cheek, and she moved to whisper in his ear.
"Why don't we find out?" she bit his ear lobe gently, and in a single second she was scooped into his arms and carried into the master suite.
The next day:
Kuvira took her spot on the stage, seated in a row with Chief Tonraq of the Northern Water Tribe along with the other world leaders for Wu's coronation ceremony. She looked around and spotted Iroh right in the back of the audience, and he sent a small smile her way. It took everything she had not to blush, after all despite her cool composure her body was still a little worn out from last night; and what a night it was.
Iroh had left the suite before sunrise so he could make it back to his own room unnoticed, and so Kuvira had woken up alone but with a note saying he would see her later. Bataar had woken her for breakfast, and she had been ready to get this day done and over with. Her supporters were watching with hard stares, all directed at the prince; his attitude was pissing them off, and her. Kuvira's mind was split between her people and her love, but her deep conscience said to follow her heart and her heart wanted to follow Iroh. He had become a trusting ally, then a great friend, and how he was her lover, and more.
'Ugh, how long is this supposed to take?' looking out the corner of her eye Kuvira spotted Suyin in the crowd. She came alone, which wasn't all that surprising since she was considered a world leader, but she stayed with the common folk. Bataar was on the other end, smiling at her with Bolin, Varrick and Zhu Li all giving her the same looks.
Kuvira would never understand why Su didn't take up the role of leadership when Raiko and Tenzin came to Zaofu years ago, but at the very least she could try and respect her former mentor's decision. She had done her part, but if the kingdom needed her to return she would have to jump at it, especially if Wu drove it to war over some petty squabbles. That wouldn't be too surprising at all.
"I thank you for that brief but moving speech and I thank all of you for coming out today on this grand occasion." Prince Wu started his own speech, Kuvira kept her face calm. "I'm grateful that all my fellow countrymen worked so hard to put their leader back on top, and one of them deserves some special recognition." He turned towards her. "Kuvira, rise!" When she stood the crowd applauded louder than they had for him and continued when she walked over.
'Pompous little wimp.' one of his servants came up with an emerald and gold trimmed box.
"For your dedication to the realm, I hereby present you with the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest honor." Kuvira bowed as he placed the medal around her neck, but she tuned out the last of his speech before she gave a light smile.
"Thank you King Wu, and if you don't mind I'd like to say a few words." he had slight annoyance in his eyes.
"Sure why not? We've got six hours to kill." she walked up to the microphone and looked over the crowd, once again spotting Iroh in the very back.
"My fellow world leaders, my faithful citizens, this has been a very difficult three years for all of us. After the attack of the Red Lotus the Earth Kingdom had descended into total chaos, and even before that the kingdom wasn't in the best of shape. These last few years I, along with some of my closest friends and comrades from Zaofu have worked day and night to make the earth nation strong once again. I came here with a few airships and little support from my home in Zaofu…" she glanced at Suyin. "But big or small, I was given the chance by the other world leaders after proving my worth in stabilizing Ba Sing Se to bring peace and stability back to the earth kingdom."
'In and out, in and out…' she mentally prepared herself for the next bit.
"This nation has had its own share of poor leaders, and even in these trying times all a leader can do is provide what's best for their people. I have given my all to the citizens of Ba Sing Se, and to the communities surrounding it, and I am grateful to their support of me and my soldiers." some parts of the audience were murmuring loudly. "However, the time has come for me to step down, and while I understand several of you may be disappointed in my decision, I feel like my time has come and gone." the crowd erupted at those words.
"Kuvira we love you!"
"Don't leave us to that wimp!"
"You are our leader not him!" Kuvira could feel Prince Wu getting tense behind her, now she had to bring out the big guns.
"Please I know this is difficult, and I understand that most of you deem Prince Wu, now King Wu, an unworthy leader; but in order for you to truly see him as a leader, you have to give him a chance. Take for example, the hundred year war during the time of Avatar Aang, when Lord Zuko took up the title of Fire Lord and became good friends with Aang. Both men, then boys, were once mortal enemies fighting for different reasons, but in the end they were able to overcome their differences, and became the best of friends before the war ended. Lord Zuko had many trials ahead of him, and not all of his subjects supported him in his reign, but through it all with and without the Avatar's help, he became one of the best leaders in fire nation history. It's thanks to him and the continued line of his own family, that the fire nation is still at peace." the crowd continued to object, but not as much. The story was a slight shocker, and Iroh winked at her from the back.
'Earth nation stubbornness.'
"You all may ask why I am using this brief tale as an example, and the answer is clear. If given the proper chance and time, King Wu can prove himself a good leader. I know that in these years past, he has not once shown himself to help in the restoration of our nation, but I think we can all try and see past that to let him be the king he's meant to be." she bit back the sarcasm, almost biting her own tongue. "One cannot become a good leader overnight, but given the right amount of time and guidance, one can better themselves into what's needed. Therefore, in my last request to you, my people and fellow world leaders, I ask that you allow King Wu to prove his worth, and give him whatever support you can as your new king. Thank you." she took a bow and stepped back, letting a now shocked King Wu step forward.
"I…T-Thank you Kuvira, for that moving speech; I must admit I'm shocked at your words. Though I stand by what I said, you have done so much for this nation with your own two hands and even if you're stepping down today, you shall always be welcome in Ba Sing Se."
"Thank you King Wu." with one last bow Kuvira went back to her chair and waited as the ceremony continued, with some of the other world leaders giving some small speeches of their own to welcome Wu's leadership. Almost two hours later the leaders left to go finish the celebration in the hotel, a small banquet in Wu's honor, but Kuvira wasn't going to stand around and wait for it to end.
"Kuvira…" the former captain turned around to see Fire Lord Izumi behind her, right as she was about to leave the large banquet area. She'd already said goodbye to Bataar, and he was on the other side of the room chatting with Varrick.
"Fire Lord Izumi." she gave a bow and the fire lord bowed back. "It's an honor to meet you."
"And to you as well, that was quite a speech you gave. I didn't know you were a woman for history." Kuvira smiled.
"I've always had an apt for history; it's what helped inspire me to who I am now. I trust your journey here was good?"
"It was thank you; my father and I were very honored by your tale." Izumi leaned in a bit closer. "Iroh has helped you greatly." Kuvira kept the blush down.
"He has." she whispered back. "I admit I have my doubts about King Wu, but I stand by what I said."
"I agree, but it's up to Wu on how his rule will continue. With any luck he can use his bodyguard as an advisor, granted the poor boy looks like he'd rather be anywhere but here." she was speaking of Mako, former detective of Republic City's Police Department, and Bolin's older brother. Kuvira hadn't met him personally, but Bolin thought a great deal of him.
"I feel for him, but it's his job now." Kuvira sighed.
"Might I enquire what your plans are after today?"
"I have decided to do some traveling; I need a little time to clear my head before I decide on anything else."
"Then I wish you the best, you have earned yourself a vacation after all this." Izumi held out her hand and Kuvira shook it. "He's waiting for you at the docks, there's a car out back." she whispered to Kuvira.
"Thank you Fire Lord Izumi, I appreciate your kind words." Kuvira gave one more bow before she took her leave, but someone else stopped her in the lobby.
"Kuvira." Suyin's voice made Kuvira's veins tense up, but she quickly pushed it down before turning to face her former leader.
"Hello Suyin." both women stared into the other's eyes, neither backing down.
"Your speech was very moving, I'm a bit surprised."
"Because I hold the same beliefs as you?" the matriarch nodded. "Well, what's done is done. I will return should the nation require me to, but for now I'm taking a break." Su's eyebrows rose slightly.
"You've never really been one to take breaks, from anything." Kuvira glared slightly.
"A lot has happened in these last few years, things change, people too. Wherever I go hopefully I can find a little peace of mind."
"You're leaving?"
"Yes, you made it quite clear I'm no longer welcome in Zaofu and Bataar is going to start his own life in Republic City." Su wanted to retort at the mention of her eldest son, but didn't. "It was his choice; I only wish him the best." Su pursed her lips, but kept calm.
"Where will you go?" Kuvira stared at her.
"I don't see how that's your concern, since you were so eager to cast me out before all of this." the woman sighed, not noticing the slight hurt in Su's eyes. "As I said what's done is done, now if you'll excuse me I have a ride waiting. Goodbye Su." she didn't let Su speak as she walked away, this had been a good day so far and she wasn't going to let her ruin it.
Kuvira took the long corridor that led to the back of the hotel; thankfully none of the staff was around right now. When she exited the building the car was there, and the driver bowed to her.
"Ms. Kuvira I presume?"
"Yes." he stepped aside to let her into the back; there was a bag with a note on top of it.
Change of clothes to make you more comfortable and less noticeable, enjoy the ride.
Kuvira laughed at the note, of course she'd planned to change before getting to the boat, and Iroh had given her an outfit. She pulled out what seemed to be standard fire nation clothes, a pair of black leggings, a long, sleeveless red dress shirt with a gold tie for her waist, red boots, black fingerless gloves, and some hair ties. Thankfully she didn't have to wear the top knot, but she would try for him.
"We'll be at the docks in about twenty minutes miss." Kuvira heard the driver call from behind the curtain.
"Thanks, take your time." but not too much time. Kuvira changed in no time, keeping her metal bracelets under the gloves, but her hair refused to cooperate in a usual fire nation style. In the end she settled on her normal long braid, but she wove the ties through so it stuck out a little more, looked like she'd given herself red highlights. The drive was mostly quiet, thankfully with everyone surrounding the ceremony the traffic was light, but Kuvira knew they were close when she could smell the ocean air.
"We're here miss." Kuvira heard the driver as he parked the car, and let her out. When he got a look at her new appearance he was a bit stunned. "You…look lovely miss." charming guy, too old though.
"Thank you, enjoy the rest of your day." he tipped his hat at her. Kuvira spotted her boyfriend at the furthest dock, right next to a fire nation ship. She all but ran to him, and he grabbed her in a hug; they shared a brief kiss and he escorted her on deck with very few onboard for now.
"One heck of a ceremony eh?" Kuvira leaned into his arm.
"You liked my story?"
"How could I not?" Kuvira sighed. "Your men will miss you."
"They were given a brief tale too, but they'll be alright." she wasn't entirely sure, but she trusted her soldiers would live and move on from today. Several of them, including a few commanders and one lieutenant, had voiced their disdain over her leaving but she eventually got them to see reason. No doubt they would try and form an alliance with King Wu, as protectors of the nation, but of course Raiko would help out in his own plans to form a 'friendship' with Wu.
"Let's get you down below, you look tired." Kuvira gave him a look, but the look he gave her suggested they move quickly before anyone suspected her on the ship. His most trusted comrades knew of their relationship, but if word got out too soon they'd both be in jeopardy.
"Ok." she didn't fuss or anything when he took her to his personal quarters, but despite that Kuvira dreaded being stuck at sea for the next few days or more, one kiss from him was all she needed knowing she'd made the right choice.
I admit, this was a bit hard to write. I had hoped to capture some of Kuvira and Iroh's personalities better so I hope I'm on the ball for the most part. I know in good faith Kuvira wouldn't just give up power for love, unless she had been given a good reason or if she knew from the get-go that 'Absolute power corrupts absolutely'.
Next chapter Kuvira and Iroh arrive in the Fire Nation, and Kuvira gets to meet more of Iroh's family. Izumi and Zuko might arrive sometime later, haven't decided on that just yet.
Please leave a comment, they're much appreciated!
Later!