Chapter X

And if the roof will be torn down by the wind, the land still won't drown.

Our tethers, Guru Laghima

Kuvira sat patiently, looking at the avatar, who moved back and forth within the narrow clutches of her room. It was somewhat interesting to see her move around like that, thinking constantly. Analyzing things constantly. It was almost unlike her. To think about things. To consider things. After all, she knew her from a different side.

"So what now, avatar Korra?"

The Great Uniter spoken, and it was enough to wake her up from her share of thoughts. As she gazed at her, she let out yet another warm smile, trying to derail both her thoughts, and the thoughts of the one which looked at her.

"Well. That was just the start. Now it will be my part to call whom I wish."

"And whom you will choose, I wonder?"

"That's easy."

The woman looked at the avatar and pondered. Amongst many people gathered, only a few were sensible enough to be brought upon their cause. And only a few could mean something. After the speeches held and arguments tossed around however, she already know that her fate was sealed.

"Suyin?" Kuvira cringed. "That's not a great idea, avatar."

"Nah, not only Su." Korra came and sat right next to her. "Lin as well. I can ask whomever I want, why not both of them, you know?"

"And what will that accomplish, avatar Korra?"

"Su hates you. Lin does not care for much, she does care about fairness in things however. Trust me on this." A small notion passed through her mind. Like a hoarse hiss, lingering and painful. "We will play on their past disagreements."

"Hmh…" The woman pondered. "I am here because I trust your judgment, avatar Korra." She nodded. "I will not oppose, I just find it strange." Her eyes closed, as she took a deep breath. "Even though you are trying to obtain impossible. I thank you however for your words before. They were somewhat encouraging."

"Don't mention it." The avatar tried to lighten up the atmosphere. "You know, talking to you feels like I'm being interrogated at times." She paused, still smiling. "Great Uniter Kuvira."
"I'm not very well known for my abilities to connect with others, avat… Korra."

Indeed, she was hardly good with expressing anything more than her crave for obedience. Formalities were just another way to cover the need of getting personal with someone. It always worked. Even towards those which she loved.

"So, what you will do after all of this is over?"

"After…" She had to admit that this question was a weird one. The one which she hardly thought about. "What exactly?"

"Oh, you know. The trial will end eventually… in spite what some would like. Then what? Thought about your part in the world? Maybe stay a while with us? Catch some good air at the air temple, eh? Heh?" She waited for some kind of reaction. Non was given. "Bolin would die from laughter…"

"You are confident." Kuvira rolled her eyes slightly. "Freedom is not something I will easily obtain. Nor a thing that I deserve, I think."

"Maybe, maybe not." She placed her arm over her shoulders. "But it's boring just to sit and think about your end. You never focus on things which you like?"

"I destroyed most things which I 'liked'…" The hand placed on her felt strange, out of place. She needed distance, not closure. "…avatar Korra."

"Well. Um. Yeah, but still…"

"Listen Korra, I appreciate what you do." She sighted. "I asked you because you are just, you seek balance, you seek peace – all the things which I do not fully understand. But my actions are my own, and my alone. Despite what you said during the trial, for which once again – I am thankful, you are not responsible. It's me and me alone." A grin appeared, if only briefly. "Kuvira. Kuvira. Kuvira!"

"Still…" She should know better. It's not a child. It's one of the greatest minds, albeit taking the wrong road. She should realize that her motives would be clear for her almost instantly. "Still, I do feel like that, alright? And I will make all I can to undo my own mistake."

"I prefer you as the avatar. Not as the girl with guilt written all over herself." She sighted. "It wasn't your hand aimed at my fiancé, Korra."

"But…"

"It wasn't you who tore down Zaofu. Who almost killed Suyin. Who almost killed… you." There was no regret within her voice. Just stating the obvious, albeit dryly. "That was me, and only me. If you would be around, would I do the same? I don't know. But I did. All what matters."

"You may look at it like that. I don't. Many tried to kill me. Non succeed, so far at least. I will make sure you will see the end of it."

"Maybe, maybe not. Remember whom you try to defend, avatar Korra."

That was clearly not the road they wished to proceed upon. Hence, silence occurred once again, as it seemed to be common amongst them at times. Kuvira finally decided to derail the topic on more pressing issues. The ones connected to her own well-being.

"You seem sure of yourself. What if your next witness will fail?"

"Well…" Korra grinned. There was something menacing within her expression. "Not only Asami can plan ahead. Su and Lin shall be my distraction. Then Asami will make her move. A strong move no doubt, I know her, she's like that." The things within her mind weren't necessary the things she wished Kuvira to know, therefore she hardly held long on those thoughts. "And then I shall make my move. A bold one, some could say. I've sent Mako and Bolin for someone who will shift things around."

"A gamble, I presume?"

"Yes." She stretched her hands. "They wanted a show? Let's do a little build up and then give them a show."

"Are you trusting your avatar instincts on that?"

"No." She paused. "I'm trusting that the one that wished to give freedom, will give it to you as well. And he owes you this much, he started it after all."

###

Lin sighted loudly, as she tapped her fingers over the wooden board. She hardly expected a visitor in this time. Especially one like that - especially someone like him.

"So, why are you here Tenzin?"

"No reason."

"I know your 'no reasons'. They never tend to end well for me." Her voice sharpened. "Don't play your games with me out of all people."

His facial expression seemed unchanged, as his frame sat down on the closest chair, uninvited. At first, he seemed to stare blankly at the nearest wall, then eventually, he switched his attention to her.

"Perhaps there is something to that." He shrugged. "They wish you to be the next one to stand where Opal stand. You and Su apparently."

"They want to have their little show? Fine. But that's non of my business."

"I understand."

"Just that? You won't try to convince me? It's your pupil on the line after all."

"Of course it's not." He stated calmly. "Since within our rites and trials, you will come only when you wish to come."

She rose her eyebrows, as she sat down right before him, facing his presence directly. There was something within her eyes, as if she wished to mock him by the way she acted.

"Your rites were always somewhat liberal, right?"

"What?"

"Nothing."

She realized that this would lead to nowhere. After all, he was Tenzin. And much came with that name alone. With that person alone. And there was much she could forgive for that person alone.

"I need… to talk to you." She sighted. "Before I'll decide if I'll go out there. I need my mind clear."

"Of course. The trial won't resume until the judge states it to resume."

He smiled vaguely. Smiled with compassion. She never liked that kind of smiles placed towards her, no, for compassion was never a thing she aimed for.

"I feel like I made everything I could to become at peace with myself. I've made my bond with Su. I've met up with my mother. Talked to her even, which by itself is quite the achievement."

"That's great to hear." Tenzin nodded. "It's good that your life begins to resemble what you wish it would resemble."

"Perhaps. But one thing remains."

"And that is?"

"You."

That made him curious. It was obvious to what she was referring to. It was obvious that sooner or later, they should talk, hence they never did after all those years. It was strange however that the time she picked was just now.

"We never ended on something that would resemble civilized parting."

The air bending master took a deep breath, as he never

"Why bring that up now?"

"Why not?" She stood up decisively. "During the last five years it's hard to tell how many times you nearly died. Your wife wasn't the only one worrying." She paused almost instantly. "Time passes by Tenzin. And we slowly do as well."

"Our choice was… well thought. I wished to pass my father's legacy. You wished to… pursue different path." Before she could even say a thing, she followed almost instantly. "I do not hold that against you. We have our own paths, and cannot force one over another."

"But I keep telling to myself, what if I agreed. To have your…"

"You did not, and I would never force that on you."

She knew that, obviously. But perhaps if he was more decisive at times, then it could work. Now that she thought about it, he was the last one that stood between her and her career. The only one for which she could sacrifice some of her time on the streets. And he refused.

"Still, a different question boggled my mind. It's just for my knowledge, for me to selfishly keep." She gulped. "Should your choice differ, if you'd knew that Harmonic Convergence will come, hat the air benders will"

"That's an odd question."
"Answer me Tenzin."

The smile never let go of his face. But it was clear that it cost him much to keep it that way. He never expected their conversation to go in those directions. And perhaps he should, he knew Lin – she was always full of various surprises, especially when they had the opportunity to work together.

"I need to know why you need the answer."

"Why?"

"So I can be sure that giving you it will be a thing I should do."

"I need it

Those words hardly explained a thing. A curious approach – more deceiving. A weird pick for Lin, but it worked somehow. But he too was keen on his own sentences.

"If I knew…" He thought, as words and thoughts were his primary weapon. Especially answers which were of dual nature. "…things could differ, yes."

She came closer, placing hands over his shoulders. Her gray hair felt down loosely, as her eyes were fixated on him. They were still young, they still had a spark within them, a spark that could lit the Republic City on fire, should it wish to do so.

"You can look at me in many ways. But I am a woman still Tenzin, despite the past and despite how I act."

He changed as well. The once young air bender, now with his share of burdens, gazed at her seemingly indifferent. But within his eyes, she could see what she saw before. The fact that he had his share of life. The fact that he had his family, his bindings – that hardly mattered for her.

"And I like to know I could… even if I did not…"

She was of Beifong after all, and for Beifong, those kind of attachments were hardly made permanent. That was the case with her mother, as she was uncertain if she and Su had even the same father. That was the case with her sister, as no one truly knows how many there were before Bataar. That was the case with her, despite there was always only one. But one that she wished to be near. And things awaken after numerous years, are the strongest strove.

"Tenzin…"

Her hands ventured over his nape, taking a strong grip, like rocks tangling around it, in an attempt to either caress him, or choke him. It was never clear with this one. She was vicious when she needed to. She was decisive when she needed to.

"If we could… Just like before." Her fingernails seemed to dip into his skin. Such a delight, despite the fact that it's lost it's softness long time ago. "You know I won't ask again, you know I won't need to."

And as her lips moved closer, as she herself placed closer towards him, so close that the air bender could feel the warmth of her breath, he stopped her, placing his index finger over her mouth.

"No." He slowly stood up, still smiling. There was nothing nice about that smile however. Nothing pleasing. It was empty. Dry. "Another day. Another life." And as he was near the door, he simply added. "Should you wish to come, we will begin soon. If not, no one will hold it against you."

The last words were obvious. They were not about the trial. They were directed at her, as much as he could force himself to direct them at her. She gulped, as she preferred the open battle, rather than a word play.

"I don't hold it against you."

"I do." The smile finally faded from his face. "I hold it against myself every day. But we live with our choices."

"And die with them?"

"All the same."

###

If you wish you can come, buy some wine, stay at night

She seemed to wait at him, paying close attention to his moves. There was something about him that agitated her. It wasn't the fact that he became the last air bender once again not so long ago. No, that was just thrilling. It wasting the fact that he had the position settled by his father. No, that was boring. It was him alone whom was agitating. He seemed to hesitate with numerous things, while at some, he was so hateful. So encouraging.

"Hello air bender."

"Hello metal charmer."

"Finally some spare time, right?"

"When the avatar is born, times are usually troubling." The man sighted. "I'll gladly catch some breath."

"The Red Lotus poisoned the air enough, huh?"

They smiled towards one another. She had the most perfect smile. The narrow shaped face, somewhat sharp, somewhat rough, yet beautiful in it's own design. Her whole being could be described like that actually. Rough yet beautiful.

I won't hug you after, turn around, say goodbye

She came closer, as her fingers tangled around his. He was the only person in the world towards whom she could allow herself to do that. She knew he won't tell a thing. She knew he won't jest about her soft side, as she never dared to jest about his less philosophical side. What mattered was that she finally found someone whom she understood. And who understood her. A feat not easily obtained, after all – even her own mother was a mystery to her, as she was a mystery for her mother.

"And you?"

He asked. His voice was deep, thoughtful. Calm, yet it brought something more than just deep and rough tone. Hearing him was like listening to music. A refined, dulcet tune.

"Like my mother always said, there's always crime." She shrugged indifferently. "You can prevent, but never stop it full."

"Sounds somewhat wise." He smiled. "But lecturing usually was my part. Let's go. The day is not over yet."

"Well." She rose her eyebrow playfully. "The day is not over till I say it's over."

If you wish you can come, tear your shirt, stay there till dawn

The streets of Republic City never had so much life within them. The lights, like numerous fireflies agitated by the very notion of existence. She heard numerous tales about the spirits and their world. Were there something like that? Perhaps. And perhaps that's why he was talking so much about it. Boring lectures, numerous words, yet she sipped all of them as much as she could. Nothing else mattered after all. His hands were surprisingly sturdy for what seemed to be locked within this fragile form. Who would have thought that something which worshiped the air will be like that. And at the same time, within his somewhat relaxed face she could see tension. Something troubled him greatly, for whatever reason that was.

I won't walk you after, the door – you just sawn

She almost pushed him within one of the smaller alleys, as his body was pressed next to the wall, with her pressing him from the other side.

"You seem tense. Let me take care of that."

She pulled him by the beard, as they lips met, tangling in a long, soothing dance. Hers, as always, were cold, smooth but cold. And he as usual, found some warmth within him for her. With each passing moments, his muscles seemed to let go of the tension he had, with each passing moment, he came to like it more and more, letting go of whatever was in his head, albeit temporary. And Lin was satisfied – she like to be the only one which mattered.

Not a whisper for you, someone else to hear

Eventually, their lips detached from one another, with only a longing look to follow their motion. Breath after breath. Gasp after gasp, they stared at one another, awaiting for another's motion. She was the first one to break the silence.

"I missed you."

"I…" He hesitated. She found it somewhat silly and cute. "…missed you too."

"Telling me that won't hurt you know." She chuckled mockingly. "I'm not made of stone, despite what some may think."

He let out an empty laughter. He acted somewhat weird, she had to admit. Still, they both had their lives beyond their little meetings. And perhaps the fact that they could never be close to one another when it mattered, happened to be the very case causing his shifts.

No affection for you, someone else to bare

There were numerous places within the Republic City. Refine ones. Pleasing, both for the body and for the mind. Lin was never the sort that would enjoy the luxury of a full blown mansion. A cheap motel was enough. A cheap motel was even better – no one would ever ask needless questions, you go in, go out, like everyone else. And what happens inside, always stays inside, should those who come in wish to keep it that way. They were just another pair of frames that entered this place. Another that will leave it at some point. As they entered, Lin was the first one whom decided to show her affection.

If you wish to care, do so, since I don't care

She tangled her fingers around within his beard, as her hand slowly moved through his nape, feeling each and every single bone of his spine, every single one of them. At this point, she already knew their shapes, like a played tune, smudging one after another. She knew every possible angle, every possible ditch, every inch of his skin. And despite that, she always craved for yet another expedition. For yet another chance feel him in whole. To tangle around his frame, to know it more, to know it in full.

Nothing there inside me, next to you, wake up I dare

With each movement, with each whisper, his minds drifted in different places. He became last of his kind. There was no one in this world like him. And thus, he needed to make sure that with him, the legacy won't be forgotten. That it won't just pass away once again. It was a hard thing to acknowledge, when the one he adored was so near. When the one he loved was swirling around. When he could feel the warmth of her body. When he knew that this body will never carry the burden which he needed to fulfill.

If you wish to care, tangle around my arm

"You seem to be someplace else."

"Wha? No… It's just…"

She forced her tongue to mangle with his, swirling in a passionate dance. That soothed his mind alright, but at the same time, the guilt that he felt was overwhelming him even more. The frustration. The inability. Feelings he wished to astray from. Feelings he knew he could never run from.

"I want nothing more, but for you to be with me now." She whispered, as her mouth finally detached from his. "Where you will go after, I don't care. But stay with me now."

If I'll go with another, don't tell me – I did you harm

Yes, Lin could take his mind in different places. And for a brief while, he forgot. With each wave of heat, he could almost believe that there was no legacy to hold dear. That there was no path that he should follow. 'Her frame is perfect.' That he was just himself, and nothing more. 'My fingers know you in full.' Yes, Lin could make him forget. She was one of a kind after all. Smooth skin, deep eyes, smooth hands, that always bared some stench of metal. 'Heat.' All the little things. Within those arms, next to this frame, he could forget. Beifong's daughter on the other hand, with each agitating move thought that he's hers. Obviously it was never how it worked, but that's what she hoped for. That's what she strove for. Amongst many others, Tenzin was meant to be hers. But as with each cleansing moment, as with each serenade played during the night, the day comes swiftly. And the troubles that were a burden yesterday, still remain in the same place.

Not a whisper for you, someone else to hear

She felt asleep. No cuddling. No closer affection. Non was needed, and she wasn't the sort that craved for that. His mind could not rest however. There were numerous things within, which kept him awake. Numerous things boggled his mind. It was so hard to step within his father's legacy, when the world had so much to offer. Numerous temptations to tangle within. And was it right to try and tame them? Probably not. He should know better than to attempt to tame the one he was with, when there was already another. But in the end, he was just what he was. The last air bender.

No affection for you, someone else to bare