Notes: Hey guys! I know what you're thinking. "This guy needs to write more." Well, you're not wrong. Motivation and inspiration comes in waves. Here is Chapter 7. Enjoy folks!
*Disclaimer* I do not own any of the Avatar series original characters. All existing rights belong to the creators. Any new characters are creations of my own.
Book 5: Omens
Chapter 7: A Chance At Redemption
The sound of the tsungi horn woke Mako from his sleep. He stood and stretched his limbs, checked the wrappings on his left arm and grabbed his bag. The young firebender was on his way to visit a certain someone in the Fire Nation. When she had left Republic City a few days past, she left him a letter, inviting him to visit her and meet her parents. Bolin would call him crazy that he was falling so hard for a girl he just met, but to Mako, it all felt certain. Besides, Bolin didn't have any room to talk. For the first time in years he felt he could be himself, relax, and not have to be on his guard. She was genuinely interested in him and admired his dedication to his brother. The next thing he knew, Mako was on a ship sailing west.
Those eyes...
Mako mentally slapped himself. "I'm in deep now." He whispered to himself, a faint smile on his lips.
Opening the door to the deck, he was greeted by the looming monolith of Caldera. The dormant volcano had been inactive for as long as history remembered and the people of the Fire Nation had built a city inside the crater's walls, the Royal Palace in the center. Well, time to find her. He followed the stream of people in front of him down to the ramp.
"Oomph!" Mako stepped off of the ship onto the dock just in time to nearly be tackled. "Haha, it's good to see you too."
The young woman smiled radiantly at him, her amber eyes making his heart skip a beat. Her jet black hair was loose around her shoulders, contrasting her pale skin perfectly and wearing quite an elegant dress, the way it hugged her curves not escaping him. Her parents must be wealthy. Mako returned her smile, placing a chaste kiss on her forehead.
"I've missed you Mako! How have you been?" She asked, her voice was music to his ears. Her arms were wrapped loosely around his neck.
He couldn't contain his smile. "I don't know, I think I missed you more. Other than that, I've been fine. Chief Beifong was kind enough to let me come visit for a few days."
"Well it was very nice of Chief Beifong to let you visit."
Mako frowned at her emphasis of Lin's name. "Wait, did you have anything to do with that?"
She smiled wryly at him and pecked him on the cheek. "I dunno."
The Fire Nation woman took his arm and the two began to walk toward the port city proper. "I'm so glad you got to visit. And..." She placed a finger on her chin for emphasis. "...I'm surprised you decided to meet my family, considering we only just met two weeks ago."
"If I'm honest, I am surprised as well." She regarded him curiously as if to say, 'elaborate'. "Hmm well, I can't say I've exactly had luck with the ladies before, but there's just something about you." He replied honestly. The two of them walked in comfortable silence through the Royal Plaza, it's massive stone walls offering an entrance to the city ahead. Mako had never actually been to the Fire Nation before, being in Capital City was exciting. She had told him that her family lived here, but based on her outfit, he assumed they must live in Caldera.
"More people know about you and Avatar Korra thank you think." She whispered playfully.
Mako rubbed his neck nervously. "Yeah, her and Asami both...I kinda screwed up with both of them."
She stopped abruptly and turned toward him. "You dated Asami Sato too?!" She asked, gaping at him.
"Azalea..." Mako groaned.
Her laughter stopped him, leaving him scowling. "You seem to have trouble keeping a famous woman around! Don't worry, I'm sure we'll change that." She grinned mischeviously and whistled to a nearby carriage driver, waving him over.
"What do you mean famous?" He called after her as she skipped ahead. Azalea turned and shrugged, batting her eyes at him as the carriage rolled up.
You've gotta be kidding me.
Mako followed her up to the carriage and the driver was by their side shortly, opening the door. "Where to my lady?"
Azalea dipped her head in acknowledgement. "Hello Li. I would like to go to my residence if you please." The driver bowed once, taking Mako's bag and shut the door as soon as he and Azalea were seated. Within seconds they were rumbling towards the base of the mountain.
Mako scowled at his girlfriend the seat opposite him, who had a very smug expression. "What's so funny?" he asked, adjusting the wrappings on his left arm. Azalea giggled and watched him a moment, choosing not to answer.
"I honestly can't believe you haven't pieced it together yet."
"What exactly?" he asked, frowning.
Azalea stood from her seat and crossed the carriage and sat next to Mako. "You haven't asked who my family is? Do you really not know who I am?" she asked, frowning.
Mako, for all of his detective training, could not for the life of him figure out what she meant. "Not a clue."
Her reaction was the quite the opposite. She actually seemed delighted that he didn't know, and it was confusing him to no end. Azalea was grinning ear to ear, her amber eyes seemed to glow at his answer. She let out a happy sigh and hugged him close suddenly. "You are such a catch, Mako."
"You're quite the catch yourself." Mako pulled away for a moment and tipped her chin, locking their eyes. "So are you going to tell me then?"
She turned quite serious for a moment, her expression seemed...pained. Azalea turned to the window, the mountainside looming before them as the carriage began the ascent to the summit. "I am a princess. Fire Princess Azalea."
"No way."
Her lips curled slightly at his reaction, but the smile vanished as soon as it appeared. "Yes way, unfortunately." She sighed heavily, leaning back. "I may have nearly everything a girl could want, but I'm never satisfied." Azalea met Mako's eyes. "Because my brother, Iroh, is a general in the United Forces, he is barred from being the heir to the throne. Naturally, that means it is my burden now."
A princess...Bolin is never going to let me hear the end of this.
"I'm sorry, if you think I deceived you in any way, Mako." She glanced between her hands and his eyes nervously.
"Why would I be upset? I'm dating a princess." The carriage rolled onward, the slope now becoming more steep. Mako took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I can't say I know exactly what you're going through, but I'm here for you, if you need me."
She smiled at him, the light catching her face at just the right angle. "Thank you Mako. It's just...hard sometimes. I'm expected to be the next leader of the Fire Nation, but I don't want that. I don't want to be a leader. I never asked for any of it."
"I never wanted to be one either." Mako murmured, looking at the end of his scarf. "But a lot of people in the department look up to me. Leadership isn't always something you can escape Azalea, sometimes duty takes precedence over what you desire. The trick is balancing it, and trying to find joy in what you do."
The princess seemed to take his words to heart. "It's sort of like Avatar Korra." She said, a statement.
Mako laughed, reminiscing. "Exactly like Korra. I think you two would get along great, I'd be happy to introduce you to her."
She laid her head on his shoulder, the scent of fire lilies in her hair. "I'd like that." The carriage rolled on.
"You know...it's kind of funny." Mako laughed to himself.
"What is?"
"I met Asami in much the same way. I had no idea who she was until she told me. Guess I'm just the guy who meets famous people on accident."
Azalea sat up suddenly and drew the curtain closed. Slowly, she eased herself onto his lap, straddling his waist and wrapped her arms around his neck, her lips inches from his. "I'd like to think it's fate."
Suyin, Asami and the Avatar had made the journey to Zaofu in record time. The matriarch decided it was best if she left her airship behind at the Southern Air Temple, the additional metal they were expecting was to be delivered early it seemed, brought about by unforeseen circumstances. Bolin, at Korra's suggestion, and Suyin's reluctance,no doubt because Opal was there as well, decided to stay and assist with additional repairs. He gave them all a heartfelt goodbye and they were soon back over the water, heading north.
Now, the grand ideal that was Zaofu was gleaming below them, the afternoon sun rebounding off of the metallic structures and open domes. Korra leaned over the console at Asami's side, who was calmly steering the craft, to gaze at the many gauges, dials, lights and meters that were constantly in motion in front of the CEO's ivory face.
"How the heck do you make sense of any of this?" Korra asked. She tapped a tanned finger on the glass covering a dial next do a blinking green light, her eyebrows raised. "Wind speed..." she murmured. Korra glanced at the gauge directly above it. "Huh, what's this thing?" Korra's hand slipped as she looked toward Asami, knocking a lever back a few notches.
"Korra don't touch that!" Asami admonished, quickly moving it back into place. She breathed a sigh of relief.
"Sorry! My hand slipped."
Asami smiled, her heart melting once again gazing at those blue eyes. "It's fine, but had I not pushed it back, we would be in the ground by now."
Korra chuckled nervously. "Well I ought to make sure not to do that." She leaned out of the window watching a few men below fastening the massive cables to anchor the airship to the platform, not unlike the system they used a week prior at the temple.
"Yes, that would not be wise." Asami's tone seemed a bit edgy, but Korra didn't say anything. She figured now that they were about to see Kuvira again, not to mention she would be free from prison, Asami's demeanor was shifting.
Asami glanced outside the window and back to her readings for just a few more minutes before finally stepping away and setting the airship to idle. "Korra-" she sighed, placing the last lever in the correct position. "-sorry, just a little stressed out right now." Korra didn't reply, only pulling her close and wrapping her arms around her. Asami melted into the embrace the tension slowly beginning to fade, allowing herself one moment of peace.
"Maybe this will help?" Korra murmured, Asami humming in agreement. The tension in her shoulders began to edge off with the feeling of Korra's body pressed against her.
They had been together nearly a month now, but Asami found it increasingly difficult to keep her urges in check. Sleeping in the same bed with her did not help matters, and her thoughts began to linger on her. The two of them hadn't been physically intimate, and Asami's thoughts often found themselves trained on Korra. Stop it Asami, it isn't proper. They parted after a moment, both of their hearts sinking a little.
Korra frowned. "I don't like doing that."
"Doing what?" Asami asked, tucking a strand of Korra's hair behind her ear.
Korra blushed at the small gesture and shrugged. "Not hugging you."
Asami burst into laughter. It was such an innocent explanation, so matter of fact and adorable that she couldn't help her heart swell. "You're so cute."
The Avatar's cheeks flushed. "Thanks, you're pretty snazzy yourself." She grabbed Asami's hand, attempting to lead her from the room."You know...once we figure all of this out, you and I should get some away time." Asami's chuckle caused her to stop walking. "What?" Korra asked, her classic frown appearing.
Asami green eyes flashed in admiration. "While I adore you, and spending every moment possible with you, we did just get back from vacation four weeks ago." Korra shrugged and pretended to pout. Asami grinned at her playfully and pulled her close by the pelt on her waist, giving in. "Fine, how about a few minutes?"
"A-Asami!" Korra whispered. "Suyin is right down those stairs!"
"And Suyin can wait a bit." Asami purred, pressing her lips to Korra's.
The Avatar couldn't help but lean in, the taste intoxicating. She began to lose herself quickly there, in that special place. Asami deepened the kiss, parting for just a moment to catch her breath. Korra's heart began to beat so quickly she was finding it difficult to keep up, torn between gasping for air, or continuing to kiss the wonderful woman in her arms. Asami slipped a hand to the small of Korra's back, the other cupping her face, and began to trail kisses down her tanned neck. Korra wasn't anticipating this and stiffened at her bold advance and Asami broke away abruptly, leaving her panting.
"W-what...was that?" Korra asked, her chest heaving with every labored breath.
Asami looked flustered, slightly embarrassed, her own cheeks betraying her. "I-I'm sorry Korra...I got a little carried away." She turned and looked out of the window, trying to compose herself. Oh good job Asami, you've stepped over a line coming onto her like that!
"That's okay...I mean...I liked it, I don't have a problem with it, you know...doing that-" Korra trailed off, wringing her hands nervously. She stared at Asami a moment, the most composed person she knew looked embarrassed. Asami Sato is embarrassed. "Look at you! You're flustered!" Korra joked, her hands on her hips.
Asami sighed, smiling at her. "Well, you kind of make it hard for me to think straight!" Korra's cheeks reddened further, but returned her smile. "I'm glad you aren't upset."
Korra nodded sheepishly. "But...uh-"
"Korra, you can tell me if I went too far." Asami's tone was serious, her jade eyes conveying a measure of concern.
"Well it's just...maybe there is a time and place for everything. It's not that I don't want to..."
Asami went scarlet at what she thought Korra was implying. "Don't want to..."
The Avatar was mortified, her azure eyes telegraphing her retreat. "No, no! I didn't mean! Ugh!" She groaned, throwing her hands up in the air and crossing them again. Asami raises an eyebrow. "You know what I mean!" Korra yelled, turning from her girlfriend.
Asami giggled. "Okay, I get it. We'll chill out." Asami placed a hand on her shoulder. "Trust me, okay?" Korra nodded, giving her a crooked grin.
"I always do."
"Good." She straightened out Korra's pelt and adjusted her own collar. "Maybe we should head down and see if Su is ready?" Asami asked, trying to get them back on track.
The Avatar's expression seemed to dim. Asami didn't blame her, this wasn't exactly an easygoing situation. Korra nodded once and took the lead heading down. "Well, time to do this I guess."
A tense silence fell between them as they descended the stairs, each of them fully aware of the other's feelings on the matter. I guess every relationship has its sore spots. The topic of Kuvira had been discussed frequently on the trip back, but always stopped short when the question of what to do with the dictator surfaced. The answer to that question, Asami hoped, would be peaceful.
The two of them entered the cargo hold. Suyin was sitting on a crate near the ramp leading down to the platform, the city was just outside. Korra and Asami shared a knowing look before heading over to her. The matriarch looked up as they approached, giving them a small smile, but disappearing quickly as her gaze returned to the ramp.
"Su?"
"When I first saw Kuvira on my doorstep all of those years ago, I never imagined things would turn out this way." Suyin's voice was heavy, a layer of grief only thinly masked by her usual stoicism. Korra and Asami stayed silent. "She was little..." Suyin smiled, glancing at the two of them. "...her dark hair, it's always been so beautiful, was pretty short then actually, a bit like yours Korra." The matriarch shifted on the crate and adjusted her bangles absentmindedly.
"Her first few weeks were rough, she constantly had nightmares, screaming for her parents. They never came to get her. I eventually had to tell her that I was her mother now." Suyin smiled fondly at the memory. "She warmed up to that. Kuvira eventually grew to be an amazing earthbender, and an even better metalbender. I taught her everything I knew."
Korra stole a glance at Asami, her pale face not seeming to reflect any emotion, but her jade eyes seemed to have softened.
Suyin continued. "When Kuvira announced her intention to leave Zaofu and stabilize the Earth Kingdom, it broke my heart. It seemed like my family was split in two. I never wanted it to come to that. She had implored that I reconsider my decision to stay out of it all, I was looking out for my city's interests. Kuvira left anyway, and took my son with her." She sighed heavily, looking at Korra directly. "If I had chosen to do the job, maybe things could have-"
"No." It was Asami's voice. Korra looked to her, surprised. "Don't blame yourself for another's actions Suyin, please."
"I try not to. Spirits know I do."
"I think we may-"
"I know. I just wanted a moment." She stood and faced the city, the ramp not yet lowered. "A moment to remember her as she was, in the hope that you might help her be that person again, Korra."
Asami bristled at the comment. Korra sighed inwardly, but appreciative that Suyin thought highly of her. "I hope to."
Suyin turned to Asami and nodded. The CEO walked to the panel beside the door and pulled a lever. The ramp began to lower slowly, the loud hum of the crowd outside drowned out. The scene in front of them sent off alarm bells in Korra's head. Before them was a narrow walkway, roped off from Zaofu's citizens, guards watching the perimeter. The people grew silent at seeing Avatar Korra, the guards growing visibly tense. And there was Kuvira, ringed by an escort of guards.
"This doesn't look good." Korra whispered.
Suyin regarded the crowd outside the airship solemnly. "You two wait here. I'll handle this."
Light, pink, penetrated Jinora's closed lids, attempting to wake her. A crescendo of falling stone greeted her ears, the howl of the wind close behind. Her arms felt numbed, immobile. Her legs seemed unresponsive to her plea to move. Jinora calmed her mind and managed to open her chestnut eyes, slowly, adjusting to the light around her. She was lying on her stomach, her robes still wrapped about her, torn in several places. Through her limited vision she could see the landscape was broken. Massive amounts of stone littered the ground, shards of luminous crystals covered everything in view. Spirits...what happened?
The master airbender looked curiously at her hand, and tried to move her fingers. One by one, her thumb and each digit thereafter, responded to her call to action. Pleased with her progress, she gave herself a moment of rest and shifted her head to the other side, and repeated the same exercise. It continued like this for several minutes. After her hands were fully under her control she moved on to her arms. They proved to be more difficult, but soon she was propped up on one elbow and scooting over to a nearby rock wall.
Jinora appraised the area in front of her, from where she was sitting, she could see the broken remains of the temple above, her responsibility. It pained her, to know she failed to protect everyone. She tore her gaze away from the carnage and glanced around her. I guess everything came down when I warned Kirei, and I was knocked unconscious. The cavern had been completely blown open, a massive hole now stood where she had entered the massive space and approached that...thing, whatever it was. The thought of it's energy probing her mind sent chills down her spine. One thing at a time Jinora, you need to get out of here first.
Her tattoos had stopped glowing and were finally back to their normal hue. Jinora breathed a sigh of relief, while the increase in power was euphoric, the pain accompanying it was not as invigorating. She hoped to never experience it again, but something told her not to hold her breath. Jinora's thoughts turned to her father and suddenly there were tears in her eyes. Tenzin probably thought she was gone and no doubt would want to come looking for her, but she knew that he would make the right decision and send someone else, their nation needed him. I can't be worrying about that right now, focus Jinora.
Just then a massive crack sounded above her.
"Oh no..." she whispered aloud.
A lone tower was falling for her fast, chunks of stone falling all around her. Jinora motioned to summon the air, but nothing was happening. Please don't fail me now. Jinora scanned about frantically, searching for any means of escape. A small crystal, the size of her hand was laying next to her. She snatched it up quickly, already feeling the energy pulsing within it and the pain soon after as her tattoos began to glow.
"Ah!" she yelped, her chi channels responding violently to the influx of energy. Jinora raised her glowing arms, ready to release the borrowed energy. "Spirits I hope this works..." She let her arms fall and summoned an enormous gust of air to push her out further into the open, toward the lake. She could see the tower crashing into the ground as she soared backwards. Realizing she was, in fact, falling at this point she quickly drew out her glider suit wings, thankfully undamaged, and aimed for the shore of the lake. Whistling through the air, she swore she saw something in the sky above her.
"JINORA!"
She turned her head upward as she was gliding on, Pepper's unmistakable form closing in on her, and a familiar boy sitting atop him. Kirei and her sky bison descended rapidly and lined themselves up beneath her. Jinora gently settled into Pepper's saddle, collapsing as she as she touched down, the Fire Nation boy at her side immediately. Her limbs felt as though they were aflame.
"You're alive..." Kirei whispered, holding her steady. He didn't notice the tears leaving his eyes until Jinora cupped his face, wiping them away. "I was so worried you didn't make it."
"Hey, I'm fine. You can't get rid of me that easily." She smiled softly at her own words. Kirei nodded and helped her to the side of the saddle so she could lay down. "We need to get to my father as soon as possible Kirei."
"Pepper is flying us there now. I need to assess your injuries, Master Jinora." Kirei sat silently as Pepper flew on, waiting for permission to check her over. Jinora hesitated, but consented, her modesty not as important as her health.
"Very well."
Kirei nodded and began to help her get out of her tattered robes, leaving her glider suit on underneath. He began to look over her face, occasionally their eyes meeting. A familiar feeling made its way to the front of his mind. "Master Jinora-"
"Kirei." She said sharply. "You don't need to be so formal with me. You can call me Jinora." She smiled wearily at him. "Alright? We've known each other over three years, after all."
He grinned briefly. She had always loved his smile, it was thin, but charming. "As you say, Jinora." He motioned to her face and shoulders. "May I?"
The master airbender zipped glider suit down past her chest bindings and slipped it down over her shoulders. She ignored Kirei's reddened cheeks as he examined her face and neck first. He pulled over a satchel and removed a small tin of salve, applying it to a few scrapes and cuts. "Other than this Kirei, I have no physical injuries."
His blush remained. "Understood."
She smirked inwardly at his response, but decided to let it be. Truth be told, she couldn't deny that she was quite fond of him, but Kai complicated matters. What am I doing? I just barely survived and now I'm thinking about romance? Jinora glanced at him again, taking in his features as he tended to her arms. Jet black hair, amber eyes, pale skin, not unlike Mako, and a finely chiseled frame. If she was honest with herself, she took notice of him the day Fire Lord Izumi escorted him to Air Temple Island.
The ordeal seemed only yesterday when they had first met, but something new came to her. It suddenly dawned on Jinora just then, how unusual it was for the Fire Lord herself to escort an airbender all the way to Air Temple Island. The entire procession was if it was a guard fit for the Royal Family. Izumi was there, obviously, but it just didn't add up...could he be? No, there's no way. I should make a point to ask him.
"Jinora?"
She must have been staring. "Hmm?"
"What happened down there?"
Jinora pulled her glider suit back up and wrapped a new set of robes around herself that Kirei had in another pack. "Long story short, we're in trouble. But I think I've managed to delay it."
"It?" Kirei raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, it's definitely spiritual in nature. Whatever is going on, I need to visit Wan Shi Tong." Jinora's vision began to get hazy suddenly. "I-I'm sorry, but the rest will have to wait. I overexerted myself down there. My chi channels..."
"Of course. Here." He said, offering her a pack to rest her head on and a blanket. "Wake me if you need anything alright?" Jinora nodded that she understood and he returned to the reins. The journey to Air Temple Island would take time, but his main concern now was her safety.
"Kirei?" Jinora asked, almost a whisper. Her vision grew cloudy with sleep. He turned and looked back to her.
"Thank you, for coming back. I knew you would...all along."
"Always."
The massive platinum doors parted, the rays of sunlight blinding. The woman was shoved forcefully and fell immediately to her knees. A rough pair of hands hoisted her onto her feet once more, and again she was pushed ahead. Kuvira's eyes began to adjust now. The clear blue sky greeted her. The men behind her didn't speak about where they were taking her, but she could guess.
The pain in her leg had lessened of late, but it was still a chore to walk. She hadn't been able to exercise for nearly a week since the attack. Kuvira hobbled along anyway, determined not to show weakness. She could not. She would not. The two men marched her along quietly, the main dome was empty. The silence filling the air was deafening. It was as if the very air had stopped flowing. The only noise were their footsteps on the concrete grounds.
She was directed to take a left beyond the main courtyard. Down? Toward the airships? As they approached the gate for the monorail station, one of the men gripped her arm forcefully and shoved her into the iron bars. Kuvira grit her teeth in anger. One trickle of blood streamed down her face.
"That is for getting Ikat killed." The man whispered, his breath warm on her face.
"This one..." A swift fist to her gut doubled her over. "...is for betraying your city."
Kuvira fell to her knees only to catch a boot to the jaw. Her hands were bound and her feet shackled, she couldn't fight back. She tried to sit up only to get a kick in the ribs. Groaning, she rolled over and tried to cover her head as the blows came raining down on her. One by one, they connected. Kuvira rolled away and tried to stand. Another punch square in the gut, knocking the wind out of her.
"That's enough."
She heard the men scuffle away a short distance at the man's order. Kuvira looked up, the blood running down her face began to obscure her vision. A man in green robes took her hands and brought her to her feet, the sunlight glinting off his glasses
"Come."
He took the lead and the two men who took her from her cell followed behind. She could hear them whispering, but couldn't understand their words. As if it mattered. She was a dead woman. The beating she'd received and their disdain for her...it was all but certain. They were going to execute her. Suyin couldn't keep them away.
"No!" Kuvira screamed, jolting awake.
Her heart beat rapidly in her chest, sweat dripping from her face. It was but another night in a long string of nightmares. Unending, incessant. They plagued Kuvira, haunting her, not allowing a single hour's rest. Her skin was dangerously pale, she wouldn't eat. Couldn't really. Anything she tried to swallow tasted of ash. The ashes of Republic City. She could see it all clearly, the pink glow of the sky, buildings ablaze with her fury. And the screams...oh the screams.
She crawled up into the corner of her bed, slowly rocking back and forth, willing herself to stay awake. "Su said she would help...that the Avatar would come..." she whispered to herself. She had to, Kuvira had nothing else to hope for. She felt selfish and unworthy of her help, but she needed it all the same. It was maddening, this waiting, inaction. A woman of action, she had always been, and now she was one of the helpless. The tables have turned, how ironic.
The massive platinum door began to creak. Kuvira stood, brushed herself off and waited expectantly. Several men entered, taking positions around the room. No one moved for what seemed an eternity. Kuvira was beginning to panic, not knowing what was happening, and her nightmare still fresh in her mind.
"Well?" Kuvira asked, staring at what appeared to be the one in charge.
The man moved his head but an inch to address her. "We are under orders to permit you to leave your cell. Follow the men in the hall, we will bring up the rear."
Kuvira glanced around hesitantly. The man nodded to her, assuring her that he meant no harm. She placed her fight foot forward, feeling the expanse of the room through her seismic sense. No threats. She began to walk to the door, stopping at the threshold. Her jacket hung on a platinum hook to her right. I guess it might be warranted. She slipped it on quickly and walked into the hall.
"Come. Stay close to us." The voice came from her left.
"Rikka?" Kuvira whispered. The two of them had been dancing partners when Kuvira first began to practice. Over the years, circumstances forced them to part ways. It seemed her friend had now found herself as the Captain of the Guard, the signature crest on her helmet.
Her face showed only one emotion, sadness. "Later. For now, come with us."
Her old friend took the lead of the guard and soon Kuvira was boxed in on all sides. They were soon outside. Kuvira noticed immediately that everyone seemed to be guarding her, not necessarily preventing her from leaving. Then she saw the crowd. A narrow walkway was roped off through the loading platform, guards lined the onlookers. Her jade eyes followed the line to it's end, an airship anchored there. Any markings identifying the vessel were hidden, but her hopes had risen.
The anger of the crowd surged when her escort began to weave through the mass of people.
"This is a travesty!"
"How is this justice?!"
"She's a killer! Eye for an eye!"
"Yes! Eye for an eye!"
Rikka looked to Kuvira over her shoulder, and then to her squad. "Quickly, this might get out of hand." At Rikka's command they began to move along at quick time, the captain with one hand on Kuvira's back, guiding her along. The roar of the crowd intensified at their movement.
"Coward!"
"She runs from us!"
"She deserves to hang!"
"Hang her! Hang her!"
"HANG HER!"
A low rumble followed by the piercing grind of metal sounded across the platform. The crowd grew silent as the loading ramp lowered from the airship, a solitary figure began to descend. The Avatar stood at the top of the ramp, nearly out of sight, but it wasn't lost on the people. As Kuvira's escort stopped short of the ramp, Rikka ordered her men to face the crowd, herself standing at Kuvira's left.
The matriarch stepped onto the platform, her metal bangles clanging together, a crescendo throughout the crowd, the silence deafening. She descended swiftly and upon reaching the bottom lifted her arms to address everyone.
"People of Zaofu! This woman-" Suyin pointed directly to Kuvira. "-has committed foul deeds! She was sentenced and subsequently imprisoned in our city. I understand your calls for justice, as many would see her executed. I will not see it done!" The crowed began to mutter their disagreement, but remained calm out of respect for the one speaking. "The Avatar has agreed to take Kuvira into her custody, there she will be bonded in servitude, and will work to reverse the damage she has caused the rest of her days."
Not one word was spoken. Suyin nodded to Rikka, a firm hand began to lead Kuvira up the ramp.
Atop, in the cargo hold, Korra and Asami looked on as the woman led Kuvira up the ramp. "This is going to change a lot of things. I hope I've made the right decision." The Avatar remarked, more to herself than anything.
The CEO didn't respond. Korra was trying, with difficulty to read her expression, but it was fruitless.
"I'm going to prep us for departure, let me know on the intercom when we're ready." Asami finally spoke, not stopping to hear Korra's reply as she left the cargo hold. The Avatar groaned inwardly, she knew it wasn't going to be this easy, but Asami's demeanor all but confirmed it.
The two women were now at the top of the ramp. Kuvira thanked the other woman, shared a few words and she soon began to return the way she came.
The dictator and the Avatar locked eyes, a chill ran down Korra's spine. When she had last seen her, it was confidence, fearlessness, and frightening determination she saw in Kuvira. But now, all that remained was her appearance, and even that had changed. She was gaunt, pale, her body had lost some of its muscle mass, but she still seemed capable enough. She is broken.
The other woman glanced around nervously, taking in her surroundings. Her eyes lingered on Korra a moment. Kuvira opened her mouth to speak, but she couldn't find any words. Only a tear.
Korra managed a small smile and held out her hand. "Hello, Kuvira."
Notes: The name for Izumi's daughter, Azalea, was inspired by my friend, WrittenVisions. Thank you all for reading and I'll hopefully have another chapter your way soon. Be sure to share/fav/follow/etc if you feel so inclined. See you all at the next one!
