Sorry for the late update, I guess I was just so overwhelmed with all the reviews I've been getting -.-
(Seriously, I'm not writing for free.. Well I am but still.)
Don't own it, never will.
Chapter Four.
"…She saved my life, I wouldn't be here today without Kuvira."
"And what were your first impressions of her?"
"Hmm. Well, she seemed kind, intelligent, certainly brave. Honestly I never would've imagined her doing the things she did."
"Thank you Chief Tonraq." Korra said, turning to face the rest of the courtroom. For nearly an hour she'd been questioning people who were greatly affected by Kuvira.
"I think you all get the point of what I'm trying to say here. Kuvira was never bad. She may have lost her way and done some awful things, but she herself was not and is not evil. She has so much potential to change the world in a positive way, and I don't want to see that potential wasted by her mistakes."
"Will that be all Avatar Korra?"
"Yes Mr. President."
"Very well. The council has advised me to reconsider my original sentencing. I intended to make an example out of you Kuvira, to ensure that no one would be foolish enough to follow in your footsteps. But in light of these testimonials and The Avatar's favor, I realize that execution may be too extreme."
Korra's satisfied smirk instantly dropped as her eyes widened in disbelief.
He was going to have her executed?! Even Princess Azula only got 10 years!
"...However I still feel we need to set a precedent should anything like this happen again. So, Kuvira, I hereby regretfully sentence you to life in prison-"
"WHAT!?" Korra all but screamed.
She was shocked to say the least, and absolutely livid.
I knew Raiko was a spiteful bastard but this is a new low, even for him. For spirits' sake even the people she hurt most at least wish they could forgive her!
Korra rounded on Raiko, ocean blue eyes burning with a rage she usually reserved for her most hated enemies. President Raiko seemed to shrink under her gaze, visibly terrified. But before she could even open her mouth, Kuvira stood.
"Korra, stop. It's okay."
...
"Listen to me Korra. If I'm to redeem myself then the first thing I have to do is take responsibility for my actions, and accept the consequences. If this is my punishment, then so be it."
Kuvira glanced over at Suyin again, and could almost see the gears turning in her head as she tried to decipher whether or not her once surrogate daughter was being sincere.
"But… T-this isn't right Kuvira! You don't deserve this. I can't just let them-"
"You can, and you will. It doesn't matter if it's right or wrong, it's what has to happen. Besides, what's left for me in the world? I have no home, no family... I have nothing left but the opportunity to find my redemption. And honestly, that's more than I thought I deserved just one hour ago. Thank you for helping me Korra."
...
Korra couldn't believe it. She promised, even if only to herself, that she would protect this woman. And now she could do nothing but sit back and watch as the rest of her life was thrown away.
"This court is now adjourned. Guards, you may return Kuvira to her prison. You'll be there temporarily until we can find a more... Suitable arrangement."
Korra watched helplessly as Kuvira was lead out of the courtroom. With each step The Great Uniter took, Korra felt her hope drain away more and more. This wasn't supposed to happen...
...
Asami looked on from the back of the courtroom as her father's killer was led away, a confused look on her face. She should've been feeling good about this, vindicated, outright happy even. But the sincerity in Kuvira's voice, coupled with the overwhelming despair that was clearly written on her best friend's face... She didn't know if Kuvira was genuine in her regret, but even Asami would agree this wasn't right. She stood as Kuvira passed by her and caught the older woman's eyes, fully intending to say something to her though she had no idea what. Kuvira stopped in her tracks and turned to face the young inventor.
"Ms. Sato... I'm sorry. I know you'll never forgive me, but I'm so, so sorry."
Asami inaudibly gasped as a tear rolled down Kuvira's cheek, all anger momentarily forgotten. She watched as Kuvira was then led through the courtroom door, disappearing out of sight.
Why would she apologize to me specifically?
...
That night Korra sat on the steps outside her home on Air Temple Island, head in her hands. All she could think about was how she had failed yet again. She had been so sure she could help Kuvira.
"A few good speeches, playing the 'I'm The Avatar' card, and boom, she's out with a slap on the wrist. I'm such an idiot."
"I have no home, No family... I have nothing..."
Kuvira's last words to her kept echoing in her mind. She stood, looking up at the full moon with determination in her eyes.
It isn't true; I just wish you could see it. You haven't lost everything Kuvira, you still have me. And I'm going to prove it.
...
Seriously, please review. It's the only way I know whether or not I'm wasting my time in writing this.