It's been far too long, but I'm finally back! Read and review :)
The force from Akari's liftoff was enough to knock Kuvira to the ground. Of course, it didn't take much, but it was still frustrating.
Kya learned from an irate Suyin that Kuvira had been "traipsing around the grounds as if she owned the place." While the healer doubted that was even remotely true, it also meant that she could up her time in physical therapy with the young metalbender. As such, Kuvira was now in the midst of her second session, though it was disrupted by the departure of the Fire Lord's dragon.
"Seriously?" she groaned as Kya hastened to help her up off the ground. "I almost got through walking a whole lap around these gardens without tripping over myself."
"I know, I know," the waterbender soothed. "You'll get it soon enough. Come, let's try that again."
The young woman grunted in response and clutched the metal railings Kya had set up, her focus solely on not tripping over her feet. When she was a child, she had fast-tracked into Suyin's top dance class because of her natural grace. Now, her feet felt like lead. Straining, she pushed one foot in front of another until she reached the end of the railings. She settled herself to the ground, chest heaving from exertion.
"That's not bad at all. My legs would have been cooked noodles half an hour ago if I were in your shoes."
Kuvira's head snapped towards Kya, only to find the woman warmly smiling at Lin Beifong, who stood in the healing hut with her hands on her hips. "Lin, how lovely to see you," the waterbender greeted, reaching out for a hug.
"You as well," Lin responded, lingering in Kya's embrace for a few beats longer than Kuvira expected. Afterward, she turned again to Kuvira. "How much longer before Kya releases you from her torture?"
"Ha ha," Kya responded. "I was actually going to let her go for the night. I know she can push herself further, but I also want her to be able to move tomorrow."
"Oh perfect, so then I've come at the right time," the police chief responded, sitting down on a nearby chair. Kya immediately got the hint and began packing up.
"I'll see you later for tea, Lin?" Kya asked as she slung her bag over her shoulder. Was it just Kuvira, or was the waterbender being a little flirtatious?
"Wouldn't miss it." With a flash of her smile the waterbender was gone, leaving Kuvira alone with Lin. Lin waited for the woman's reverberations to fade before speaking to the younger woman.
"So, how has the rest of your day been? Other than waking up, of course."
"Can't complain, really. I had my first physical therapy session with Kya, then I had a nice, long bath, then Bataar showed me around the gardens."
"Oh, he did? What did he show you?"
"The pygmy-dragonkoi pond and the flowers growing on the trellises. We were going to go into the mini walled garden when we ran into Fire Lord Izu-" Kuvira started, catching herself. The way the leader had cornered them, her plans had to remain secret.
"Where you all talked about the future of the Earth Kingdom, finding an advisor and maintaining your place as its primary head of state," Lin finished, interlacing her fingers.
"Yes," the young woman responded, not meeting Lin's gaze. That alone piqued the police chief's interest; it wasn't like Kuvira to be bashful.
"Does that not appeal to you? Frankly, I can't imagine you wanting Su taking over. Wasn't her inaction what spurred you to start your campaign?"
"Yes, but-"
"So you're warming up to the idea of Wu regaining his throne? Need I remind you that you renamed the Earth Kingdom the Earth Empire on the day of his coronation to prevent him from undoing your hard work, which would have immediately dissolved?"
"I remember, but-"
"So what is it, then?" Lin asked, her pale green eyes boring into Kuvira's fern-colored ones. "What could possibly prevent you from accepting Izumi's offer and mine, to help you strengthen your claim?"
"You-"
"Yes, me, I'm in on it too. There, I confess it. The real question is, what do you want to do?"
"I don't know if I want the power!" Kuvira exclaimed, hugging her knees to her chest.
Lin raised an eyebrow. She didn't need to use her seismic sense to know that the young woman in front of her was lying. "You graduated secondary school two years early so that you could join Su's cadre of Metal Clan guards. By the time you were 21, you had worked yourself up to Captain. Spurred on by my sister's refusal to act in the aftermath of Hou-Ting's assassination, you single-handedly convinced most of the Guard and many of Zaofu's wealthiest citizens to join you on your mission to stabilize Ba Sing Se, which you successfully did in the span of two weeks. You say you don't want power, but your past actions indicate otherwise."
Kuvira sighed. "I can't be trusted."
The confession took the breath out of the police chief's chest. "And why not?"
The young women barked out a harsh laugh. "Let's count this out, shall we? I conquered the Earth Kingdom, I made my countrymen suffer for what I thought was a glorious cause, I imprisoned ethnically foreign citizens and dissidents, I challenged your sister and attacked your daughter in Zaofu, I ordered the spirit cannon that nearly killed her to be built-do I really need to keep going?"
"All of these 'mistakes,' if you want to call them that, happened when you were acting alone. There is a reason Korra works best in a group," Lin noted with a hint of amusement. Becoming serious once again, she continued on. "You have courage and strength and now fear of your own influence over people. That is commendable. Under Izumi's proposal, I will personally see that you don't lose your sense of self again. You know what it is like to be exploited for your bending, you lived it when you served as Suyin's captain of the guard. I am not as blind to emotion as I may seem, Kuvira. I saw how she treated you. I know you won't treat your army in such a way ever again after the recent string of events."
Kuvira looked away, feeling tears in her eyes. Were pregnancy hormones supposed to kick in already, or was it the fact that Lin Beifong just stripped her of her armor? "I told you before, Chief Beifong, you don't need to be kind to me on account of what I have done for you. Saving Chen is not a good enough reason to believe in me and my abilities. You owe me nothing in return."
"You saved my daughter, true, but that's not why I'm coming to you," Lin said, calmly staring down the young woman. "I care about the Earth Kingdom too; the blood, sweat, and tears of my ancestors have helped make it what it is today. I want what is best for my homeland and that of my daughter, and the best is standing right in front of me. You CAN help the Earth Kingdom."
"How many people know about this grand scheme that you and the Fire Lord are planning?"
"Only those that need to know, for the time being."
So definitely not Suyin. She would never go along with something like this willingly. "That doesn't answer my question," the young woman responded, arching an eyebrow.
"As an advisor, I must warn you against filling your head with extraneous information that can cloud your judgment."
"And who said I would be willing to accept you as my advisor? I haven't even agreed to anything!"
"This is true," Lin conceded with a rare smile. "But if the past has shown me anything, it's that you're restless. I wouldn't be surprised if we talked again later about this same subject."
"Mama, Akari's back," Chen said, materializing in the doorway. Kuvira studied the girl intently; she was smiling, yes, but she seemed much more serious. Perhaps Tenzin's side was finally showing more prominently. Also, how long had she and Lin been speaking, exactly, if the dragon had already brought Raiko back from Republic City? The city was hours away...
"Is Izumi restraining her?" Lin asked casually.
"On the contrary, I think she might be baby-talking her-though the President is too preoccupied with himself and his 'near-death experience' to even notice," Chen smiled mischievously. Kuvira allowed herself a small smile. It seemed Chen had some Beifong in her yet.
"I'll be in in a minute to watch with you, my love," the chief said, flashing a smile towards her daughter. Chen smiled back, bowed slightly to Kuvira, and disappeared from the frame.
Kuvira waited until Chen's footsteps faded before talking again. "She seems more serious. What happened while I was gone?"
Lin's face grew serious. "Your conversation in the Spirit World happened. Before you ask she hasn't told me what you two discussed, but it still bothers her, even if she won't admit it." She walked over and gently placed a hand on Kuvira's shoulder. "Give her time. She will come around-she needs to see for herself that you're willing to change. She is the kindest person I know, but if crossed she can definitely hold a grudge-a Beifong trait if I've ever seen one."
Kuvira sighed. She knew Su and Lin were grudgeholders, but she had hoped that the teen would be different. Then again, it was naïve of her to assume Chen would be happy with her immediately, considering past events. "If you say so."
"I know so. Now come, you should greet Raiko and the rest of the world leaders now that everyone's here. We're not meeting officially until tomorrow morning, but formalities never hurt."
"You don't seem like one for small talk, Chief."
Lin snorted. "I hate it with every fiber of my being-I prefer a straightforward approach. But it is essential in diplomacy. Also in motherhood too."
The blood in Kuvira's veins turned to ice. "What?"
A knowing smile played on the police chief's lips. "I use seismic sense as much as I use my own eyesight. I can detect even the most minute of heartbeats. As small as those two are, I can tell they'll be strong just like their mother."
The young metalbender paled. "They?"
"We should hurry," Lin said sternly, changing her face back to the stoic chief of police and brusquely walking away, inhibiting any further discussion on the topic of motherhood. Kuvira quickly followed, her mind turning over the new piece of information over and over again.
She was going to be a mother. A mother to twins. How in the Four Nations was she supposed to go through niceties after that?
The next day dawned clear and bright, the perfect setting for a meeting between world leaders. Wanting to take advantage of the sun before going to the meeting, Korra decided to take breakfast outside with Mako, Opal, Bolin, and Asami. She laid her legs on Asami's lap as she lazily ate her apple.
"So, do you think you'll figure out why everyone's been acting so strangely?" Bolin asked.
"I hope so, though I've stayed here for almost three weeks now and I'm still no closer to understanding the Fire Lord," Korra sighed, reaching for a red bean bun.
"To be honest, that lady scares me," Bolin mumbled with a mouth full of apple, and his head in Opal's lap. "And I thought I was afraid of Chief Beifong. No offense, Opal."
"None taken. My aunt comes off rather...strongly."
"Do not feel bad, the Fire Lord scares everybody," Eska said appearing, ruining the serene mood.
Bolin shrieked and sat up, nearly choking on his apple, startling Opal.
"It is a rather admirable trait," Desna added flatly.
"Eska, Desna," Korra said, acknowledging her cousins' presence. "Don't you guys have business to tend to or something?"
"We would, but your generous father has offered to cover for us. He knows we find such business so dreadfully tedious and boring," Desna responded.
"Why would my father take on more work for you?" Korra asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Because he thought we might take the opportunity to bond with you, dear cousin," Desna explained. Korra barely bit back a snotty response. Though her father and uncle were never on good terms, Tonraq had tried in vain over the years to get the cousins to bond; his ideas hardly worked, much to his chagrin.
"Personally, I find tormenting peasants far more fun. Don't you agree, my feeble, little turtle duck?" Eska asked, taking a step towards Bolin.
"Feeble turtle-duck?" Opal asked, raising an eyebrow. "Where did that come from?"
"It is a term of endearment for one's almost husband," Eska droned. "We would be blissfully wed if our dear cousin Korra hadn't ruined the wedding."
Opal's eyes widened and she spun towards her boyfriend. "Almost-husband? I thought you were joking about that!"
"No, there was a betrothal necklace and everything," Mako piped up, finishing his berries. "I think it even had a skull on it."
Just as Opal was about to speak, Tonraq called from the main house. "Eska, Desna, Korra, wrap it up! The meeting is about to begin."
"We are coming," Desna called back.
The Chieftains of the Northern Tribe both eyed the Krew blankly. "Good day. Come, cousin, we should meet your father."
The three moved to join the other world leaders in the conference room. Korra was greeted by a clasp on the shoulder by Chief Beifong, and directed to her seat in the middle of the oval table, across from Prince Wu, Izumi, and the twins, and next to her father and Tenzin. Raiko was next to the prince and glowering at Kuvira across the table. Kuvira, slowly gaining her color back, was dressed in a traditional Gaoling dress with a white skirt, white diaphanous sleeves, and jade bodice tied with darker green ribbons. Her hair was braided loosely and tied off with a darker green ribbon—a far cry from the severe uniform she had worn like a second skin. Once everyone was situated, Lin closed the doors as Izumi banged the gavel to signal the start of the meeting.
"All rise," she commanded.
The others rose immediately, even Lin.
"We are here today at the behest of the Great Uniter, Kuvira, to discuss the future of the Earth Empire. May this be a productive conversation."
Everyone nodded and sat down except for Kuvira, who remained standing.
"Thank you all for coming," the young woman said, giving a curt nod to a displeased Raiko. "Before we begin, I would like to apologize for the strife I have caused. I wanted nothing more than to bring the Earth Kingdom into the modern era, but I have done it at a terrible, terrible cost. I exploited the lives of my countrymen, I ate up resources that should have rightfully belonged to the people, I overstepped my boundaries, and I created a weapon that defiled the purest of energy sources. I truly am very sorry for what I have done, and am willing to work with you all to better the future of the Earth Kingdom."
"And that sentiment is well appreciated," Izumi nodded as the metalbender sat down. "We appreciate you calling us all here today, and look forward to working with you as well."
"I'm sorry, working with Kuvira?" Raiko said, arching an eyebrow. Izumi frowned but said nothing. "I thought this meeting was convened so that we would never have to work with her again and discuss how best to proceed with the transition of power in a way that would minimize disturbance to the now… unified... nation."
Korra did not miss the look that passed between Izumi, Lin, and Tenzin. Just as the Fire Lord was clearing her throat to speak, Wu jumped in. "Ooh, are we already jumping into discussing grand plans? I have an idea! Alright, so get this, I was in my political science lecture at university, and we discussed the different types of government. You know, like the ecclesiocracy of the Air Nomads, the tribaldom of the Water Tribes, and the monarchy like the Earth Kingdom. At the end of the lecture, they started talking about the concept of democracy-"
"You go to Republic City University, correct? Who was the professor?" Izumi interrupted, her golden eyes flashing at the sound of opportunity.
"Professor Yaojing-
"-Li of the Fire Nation. Large, robust man with a sweaty left brow?" After seeing Wu's nervous nod, she chuckled. "I knew him well back in my day-he was a political advisor of my father's and a former tutor of mine. My father appreciated his rather extreme take on politics-perhaps you haven't heard, but he is an ardent advocate for absolute democracy. In theory, a good idea, but it is a chaotic system. Implementing it in the Earth Kingdom, noted for its large and diverse population, would be absolutely disastrous."
"But why? Why is absolute democracy such a terrible idea?" Wu asked innocently. Korra gazed curiously at the other world leaders as they tensed up. The Fire Lord took a deep breath and began speaking.
"Let us imagine a scenario, Prince Wu. Professor Li is very fond of those, no?"
The monarch hesitantly nodded.
"Right. Let's say that we call an election. In the United Republic of Nations, for example, you only have one day to vote. So first, we have to assume that everyone is able to vote on that one day and that everyone DOES vote on that one day. Then, once everyone votes, you come to a decision: do you count the votes in the home state, or do you send them to Ba Sing Se to be counted? If you count them in the home state, you are trusting that the people counting ballots can be trusted to accurately report the results as opposed to lying about them to support their preferred candidates. If you send them to Ba Sing Se, you have to assume that all votes will be received. That's not even counting the time it takes for some votes to get to Ba Sing Se. Kuvira, how long would it take for votes from a southern state to reach the walled city?"
"Depends on the state," Kuvira said crisply. Feeling Lin's eyes on the back of her head, she reflexively softened. It would not do her well to revert to the Great Uniter. "Gaoling to Ba Sing Se would take four to six days. If we're talking the island states, that could take half a day to a day to cross from the island to the continent, and then anywhere from five to seven days."
"So already you would have a lag between when votes are cast and when votes are counted. Assuming everything goes well, it would take a week for all votes to be received in Ba Sing Se, and then you would still have to count them. With a nation of your size, that could take weeks or even months! And then what is your government supposed to do in the meantime? They can't pass legislation-it could be undone by the incoming victors. It's not like you could appoint anyone, because again, this is an absolute democracy, and so everyone is voting on every political position. Spirits, I'm forgetting the biggest assumption of all: that every voter is educated on the positions that the candidates take, and is voting according to whether or not they believe in the candidate to achieve their proposed goals. Do you see now why an absolute democracy for your nation isn't feasible?"
Wu silently nodded, eyes wide. Izumi would have felt bad for him, if not for the fact that he had known about his ascendancy for years. What in the flameo had he been doing while he was supposed to be preparing to rule his people?
"Then how about we make a Republic like the URN-" Raiko suggested.
"Which, even when peaceful, is still rife with crime and insurrection despite your chief of police's great efforts," Izumi said pointedly. "Need I remind you that your position only exists because the prior council members regularly succumbed to bribery, selfishly voting not for what was right but for whatever would fill their pockets with more yuans? Nor should we forget the fact that that Tarrlok used bloodbending to keep his secretary quiet about his illegal coercion of the other council members to approve the formation of a task force, thus exploiting the police department for his own popularity. If I recall, the police department hemorrhaged quite a bit of money that year-or have you already forgotten?"
Raiko crossed his arms in a huff. He knew very well his position only existed because of what came before it, and how tenuous a hold he had on the country even now. This "Earth Empire" nonsense was only loosening his grip-the wrong step and he could kiss goodbye to another term of the presidency.
"That is what I thought," Izumi said, clasping her hands. "Now let us get to the meeting itself: we are to discuss the future of the Earth Kingdom. Kuvira has made it clear that she is stepping down as the Great Uniter of the Earth Empire, and as such, we need to prepare for what comes next."
"I think we can all agree that spirit energy can never be harnessed again," Tonraq said, trying to steer the conversation back to a productive topic. "Unless we have any dissenting opinions?"
"I have a question," Raiko said. Korra felt Tonraq and Tenzin tense on either side of her. "Why did you explore the use of spirit energy?"
"Most of the Earth Kingdom uses coal or wood to power their houses. I was interested in exploring a cleaner energy option that didn't eat up resources," Kuvira explained.
"Did it power things cleanly?"
"Better than even Bataar could have imagined," the young woman said. "A single forearm-length section has the capability of powering a large town for a year, according to the preliminary research."
Raiko's eyes flashed with interest. Korra shook her head. "President Raiko, I'm going to stop you right there. The spirit vines should not be harvested at all. To do so is to upset the very delicate balance between spirits and man, and I cannot allow that to happen!"
"Avatar Korra, do you realize how much energy Republic City alone needs to operate? Something like this-"
"Should not be touched, Raiko," Tenzin warned. "If the past couple weeks have shown us anything, it's that spirit energy is powerful and unpredictable! It should not be tampered with, period!"
"My question is, how did explorations into cleaner energy turn into a weapon of mass destruction?" Tonraq asked.
"My army might be among the most trained now, but I didn't want to sacrifice any of my men for my cause," Kuvira answered honestly. "I thought that if I had a weapon that could obliterate the opposition more efficiently, my men could walk away unharmed. I never thought about the aftermath, not until I was subject to it. It is a miracle that I am alive, along with Chen Beifong. I agree with the Avatar and Master Tenzin, spirit energy should not ever be tampered with again."
Raiko crossed his arms but said nothing in response. It was easy for them to say not to use spirit energy-but they weren't the ones in charge of a country with over 10 million people.
"Motion to vote on spirit energy?" Izumi said, making a mental note to put spies in place to ensure Raiko didn't begin experimentation on the Spirit Wilds.
"We second the motion to vote," Desna and Eska replied monotonously.
"Excellent," the Fire Lord said, clasping her hands. "All those in favor?...Any against?... There will be no further experimentation on spirit vine energy."
Korra and Tenzin looked at each other, their faces relieved. Lin, sitting by the door, breathed her own sigh of relief. Thank the Spirits no one else would have to suffer as Chen and Kuvira did.
"Perhaps we should proceed to the next order of business," Desna droned.
"I agree, brother. I think it is time to discuss the future leadership of the Earth Kingdom," Eska said.
"I propose Kuvira remain in place as the sovereign of the nation WITH an advisory council of representatives chosen by us," Izumi suggested.
Everyone gaped at the Fire Lord. Lin pretended to yawn to hide her smirk. Izumi was not one for beating around the bush.
"But-Fire Lord Izumi-what if I don't want-" Kuvira stammered.
"You relinquished the authority to have any say this decision when you called this meeting in the first place to decide the fate of your nation." Izumi reminded the young woman.
"But-"
"I agree with the Fire Lord," Tonraq interjected. "Kuvira has seen first-hand the challenges the people of the Earth Kingdom face daily, and while she has added to some of those challenges, she has also solved most others."
Korra caught Kuvira's panicked stare. Something was happening, and it was clear that she wanted no part in it.
Why did she get the feeling that this is what Izumi was concerned about?
"The people will know what they are getting from Kuvira. Someone positively terrifying, a trait I fully embrace in a good leader, and well as a steadfast, strong woman who will swiftly deal with bandits and traitors to her nation," Eska voiced. "Her mishaps with this…spirit weapon will serve as a deterrent to any who think of rising up. In terms of the officials in the advisory council, I think those members should be elected by the people of the Earth Kingdom instead of being specially chosen by us. It would give the Earth Kingdom citizens the belief that they actually have influence in the operation of their nation while it is rebuilding."
"Wait, I'm confused. If democracy isn't feasible, then shouldn't the throne return to me?" Wu asked.
Izumi narrowed her eyes. "Not 20 minutes earlier you were willing to give up your duty to your people in the name of democracy. What exactly has changed?"
"I want a say in how my nation progresses! Is that too much to ask for?"
"No, but rather odd that now's the time you decide to speak up for your people," Izumi said, an eyebrow raised. She knew that Wu was going to do something unpredictable-figures that 'unpredictable' would be actually caring about his constituents.
"This is absolutely ludicrous," Raiko bellowed. "Surely you realize the absurdity of giving the power back to the callous woman who abused the privilege we granted her the first time!"
"Need I remind you, President Raiko, that it was because of you that the Earth Kingdom became an Empire," Izumi said, staring down the man across from her. "Had we sent in political advisors as had been planned, we wouldn't be in this situation!"
"Master Tenzin, what do you think?" Eska and Desna asked.
Tenzin drew a breath and sighed. "My father always told me that in everyone, there exists the capacity for great good and great evil. He had faith that everyone, even Fire Lord Ozai," he nodded to Izumi, "Was capable of change. If the other world leaders are in agreement, I am willing to give Kuvira a second chance so long as she complies to having a council ruling by her side."
"Wait, wait, wait!" Korra said, gazing in shock at the world leaders around the table. "I don't understand-don't you all think this moving WAY too quickly?"
"What I don't understand is why we're sitting here making platitudes to a war criminal who drove the Earth Kingdom into the ground!" Raiko rumbled. "What we should be talking about right now is punishment, not when she's going to move into the throne room! There should be an international trial, jail time, something!"
"International trials only occur if the accused has committed crimes across borders. Last I checked, Kuvira was solidly in the Earth Kingdom the entire time," Izumi stated.
"She used a weapon of mass destruction!"
"A weapon that employed technology you were all too interested in co-opting for your own nation," Desna observed.
"What matters at this moment is that Kuvira is taken care of, and at this rate, I'm beginning to think the only thing that will take care of her is having Korra remove her bending!"
The room was deathly silent. Kuvira stared at the table in front of her, clasping her hands on her lap, not protesting.
"You did not just propose what I think you just proposed," Korra growled, clenching her fists.
"I don't understand your hesitation, Avatar Korra. Avatar Aang removed the yakuza criminal Yakone's waterbending after he bloodbent dozens of victims. Kuvira has tyrannized an entire nation!"
"He only did so because the Avatar spirit took over and had him take away Yakone's bending-up until then, Aang searched for any other possible solution!"
"So you're just going to let Kuvira walk away unscathed?"
"Unscathed?" Lin repeated in disbelief. "President Raiko, Kuvira risked her life to save my daughter. She threw herself in front of the haywire weapon that SHE created. Her back was nearly melted and her spirit trapped in the spirit world for hours, and even then it took her over two weeks before she fully returned to our world. I assure you, she did not come through unscathed."
"What I do and do not do is none of your business! I am not some political puppet you can dust off and use to your liking! " Korra barked, the air around her heating up in response to her anger. Tonraq gently put a hand on her shoulder to ease her. "You may not understand because you're a nonbender, but having your bending taken away is-is worse than dying! It's one of the worst things that's ever happened to me, and considering what's happened in the past three years that's saying something."
"Oh really?" Raiko asked, unmoved by the Avatar's answer. "What is it like, exactly?"
"Like being dead while alive," Lin said, standing up from her position by the door and walking slowly towards him. Raiko swore under his breath. He forgot that the esteemed Chief of Police had temporarily had her bending taken away. "As an earthbender I can feel the vibration of even the tiniest insect stepping on a blade of grass. Bending is as integral to my being as breathing. Without it, the world became dark and silent. I felt blind though my eyes were open. I felt asleep though I was awake. I felt numb no matter what I touched-it was like I didn't have a body. By the second day, I didn't care if I never could be chief of police again. I didn't care if I could no longer protect anybody. I was just desperate to feel something, but no matter what I did to try to fill the void, it remained empty!" The police chief stood over the president. "You will not have Korra take her bending away. It's a gross injustice and grave abuse of the power the citizens of the United Republic have invested in you. Am I clear?"
Raiko gave the chief of police a curt nod.
"Why don't we break for recess?" Izumi said, standing up from the table. Lin and Korra stalked out, the others following.
Blindfold on. Stomp now, think later. How could Raiko even suggest her taking someone's bending away? It wasn't like arresting a thief!
Korra angrily practiced using seismic sense, every forceful step revealing more about the environment than her eyes could process. Izumi, Lin, and Tenzin were arguing in a parlor; her father and cousins were sitting outside making what could only be awkward small talk; Kuvira was walking with Bataar in the gardens, her hand tightly holding his; Wu was sitting alone underneath the shade of a willow tree.
Wu was…Wu was an interesting character. The 20-year-old heir to the Earth Kingdom, she had heard Mako bemoan many a forced spa excursion and shopping trip—which was hysterical, really, since he was supposed to be attending lectures at Republic City University half the time. He struck her as a well-meaning if completely oblivious world leader. Not unlike herself, really, when she first arrived in Republic City. With a huff, she ripped off her blindfold and joined him under the shady willow tree.
"Hey, Avatar," Prince Wu sighed.
"Hi Wu," Korra greeted. He sighed and said nothing. "So," she said after a few moments of silence, "meeting with the world leaders is truly something else, isn't it?"
"I guess. No one seems to like me, especially the Fire Lord."
"Fire Lord Izumi has been raised to put her nation before everything else. You, on the other hand, tried giving up the Earth Kingdom within the first ten minutes of the meeting in the name of absolute democracy. That won't sit well with her."
"I guess not," Wu mumbled.
"Hey, can I ask you something?"
"Why not, Avatar?"
"Why were you so eager to give up the Earth Kingdom? Do you not want to be king?"
"No, no I do!" Wu said, vigorously nodding his head. "It's just—I'm not ready to be king."
Korra furrowed her brow in confusion. "I don't understand—haven't you been preparing to ascend to the throne your entire life?"
"Not exactly. My grandmother died WAY before I was born, so my great-aunt put all of her efforts in cultivating my father's talents so that he would continue her policies. But it didn't work out—he died when I was still a baby. After that I was raised in the palace, and as long as I didn't disturb my great-aunt I could do whatever I wanted. Besides, I wasn't supposed to start learning the ropes until this year. I don't know about the Water Tribes, but in the Earth Kingdom you're not considered an adult until you're 20. And my great-aunt died when I was only 17, so—"
"So you definitely weren't learning anything from the Grand Secretariat," Korra mused. "But you go to Republic City University—haven't you been preparing there?"
"Well, yeah, but—"
"Forgive me, but I don't understand. You say you've been preparing, so what gives? Why are you so hesitant?"
"Because I don't think it's possible for me to be a good king! I've read about my country's history, and I know I'll bear the same fate!" Wu blurted out. "I know I don't look it, Avatar, but I study the past as a history major, and I pay attention to what's happening now. My great-aunt may have plunged states into poverty for her own personal gain, but my great-grandfather didn't even know about the Hundred Year War until Aang was on his doorstep because the Dai Li used him as a puppet! The Dai Li wouldn't even exist if it weren't for my umpteenth great-grandfather terrorizing his citizens!"
Korra stared at the prince beside her in shock. "Wait, what happened to the prince who skipped class to sit in fancy mud?"
"First off, it's a clay mineral bath and it's very good for detoxifying your pores. Second off, why can't I like nice things? I'm not some heathen, after all!"
Korra chuckled. "That you're not, Prince Wu."
"I know this is going to sound terrible, but in a morbid way, I'm kind of glad my great-aunt died. If she hadn't, I never would have learned about how she really ruled, or about my nation's past—I didn't learn anything until I went to college, really. Knowing what my country's been through, I want to help them—I just know me ascending to the throne isn't it, as much as I want it to be. That's why I suggested an absolute democracy—if anyone would know how they want to be ruled, it would be my people. I guess Kuvira taking over wouldn't be a terrible idea either."
"Do you think Kuvira taking over permanently is a better option?"
"She knows our nation better than I ever have. She's seen every state, she's talked to the people—even as the Great Uniter she was a formidable leader. I just wish there were some middle ground. I mean, I guess I could keep going to school, but-"
Korra's ears perked up. "What about more school?"
"Yeah, there's an international law program at my school. I would study the nations' law systems, complete two different apprenticeships-it takes a while, but I don't know if it's a good idea, what with the state of the Earth Kingdom and-"
Korra cut Wu off with a bonecrushing hug. "You want a middle path, and you have a middle path! I have to go, but just hang tight, yeah?"
Wu nodded dumbly. Korra rushed off, a plan already forming in her mind.
"What were you THINKING?" Tenzin huffed, his arms crossed while he paced back-and-forth in an unused parlor.
"I was thinking that we were going by the plan that we discussed multiple times," Izumi responded, rolling her eyes at her worrywart of a brother-in-law. "Unless I forgot anything, Lin?"
"Let's see, you got the other world leaders to agree never to use spirit energy, you put forth the proposal to put Kuvira in charge of the Earth Kingdom-no, I think we're good."
"This is never going to work," Tenzin said, his voice rising from anxiety. "This is never going to pass."
"Tenzin, Tonraq and the other Water Tribe Chieftains have already voiced their approval for the plan," the Fire Lord said. "It's going to be seconded as soon as everyone walks back in the door."
"Oh yeah? What about Raiko?"
"Raiko's only pissed that he can't take all the glory for modernizing the Earth Kingdom AND that he can't use the most illicit source of energy to power his nation," Lin noted. "If it didn't affect him so personally, he would be trying to lead the way and take credit for all of Izumi's hard work."
"And Prince Wu? You don't think he's going to want his nation back?"
Izumi arched her eyebrow. "He tried giving up his throne within the first ten minutes of the meeting. I don't think we have anything to worry about."
"Hey guys, how's it going?"
The three adults swiveled to find Korra leaning in the doorway, her face unamused. She walked in, her eyes on the chief.
"Chief Beifong, you like me, right? Or at least respect me to some extent?"
Lin's brows furrowed. Korra hadn't been that formal with her in years. "Of course I do, kid, why?"
"That's what I thought too because the idea of you three going behind my back to make plans to stabilize the Earth Kingdom wouldn't happen, right?" Korra arched an eyebrow, surveying everyone's reactions. Lin sighed, Izumi stared stonily back, and Tenzin nervously rubbed his head. "Tui and La, you all actually did. What the actual fuck? Fire Lord Izumi, we've never crossed paths so that I understand, but you two? Tenzin, you're my airbending master, you opened up your home to me! And Lin, you've always tried to keep me in the loop!"
"I am sorry Korra, but excluding you in the preliminary process was necessary to minimize the chaos that your sometimes reckless ambition creates," Lin responded, reaching out to comfort the young woman but deciding against it. "We didn't want you to jump to conclusions before understanding the scope of the situation. We couldn't have you running off to your friends with incomplete information asking for advice when the fates of whole nations are at stake."
Izumi crossed her arms. Despite her father's involvement in the Avatar's newest life, she had never met Korra. Based on what she saw, the young woman was nothing like her predecessor; brash, stubborn, and not prone to thinking things through, she was more like a younger version of Zuko, if anything. Not ideal, but she could work with that. "Korra, you must understand that stabilizing the Earth Kingdom is not something that one person can do alone, especially someone as young, inexperienced, and naive as you or Kuvira and certainly not Wu. We didn't make our decision lightly, and that is with decades of experience working in high-stakes situations."
"But-"
"It's not personal," Tenzin replied, trying to reassure the Avatar. "It's just that the world has changed so much while you've been recovering—there's so many things that have happened—"
"Oh spirits," Lin muttered as the air around them heated up.
"You think I don't know that? You don't think I've realized how far the world has fallen out of balance? Spirits, did you think I wanted to be stuck in the South Pole, far away from almost everyone I loved while my body was one bad fall from completely giving out?"
"Are you completely healed now?" Izumi asked, genuinely concerned.
"I'm fine, thank you," Korra said stiffly. The Fire Lord frowned but didn't press the Avatar; she would ask Lin later what had happened. "The point is, I want to help the world just as badly as you all do. I can't do that if you all keep me out of the loop of whatever you're planning! And Tenzin, if you say 'it really wasn't personal' one more time I'll scream. It became personal the minute the chief asked me to help save her family, and it sure as shit became personal when I ventured into the Spirit World to bring Chen and Kuvira back!"
Lin crossed her arms, Tenzin tightened his jaw, and Izumi arched an eyebrow. Korra took a deep breath; maybe she went a little too far. "I may not have a vote in there, but I need to make sure that whatever is passed inside that room works outside of it. I can't do that unless you tell me exactly what you've planned."
Izumi looked at Lin. The earthbender gestured for the Fire Lord to speak. "Tenzin, Lin, and I have planned for Kuvira to continue running the Earth Kingdom with a group of advisors elected by the people of the Earth Kingdom. That way, she's held accountable for all of her future actions."
Korra blinked. "That's it?"
"What do you mean that's it?" Izumi asked, her golden eyes flashing.
"Wha-no, no, no, I think that's a good idea!" Korra said, furiously nodding her approval. "Kuvira knows the Earth Kingdom better than anyone at this point, and she'd be the perfect person to lead until Prince Wu is ready to ascend to the throne!"
Tenzin groaned and Lin stiffed. Korra took a deep breath so as to not set something near her on fire. "You all are planning on putting Kuvira on the throne permanently? What the FUCK!"
"Language, Korra," Lin murmured, sending her a warning glance.
"Wu will never be ready to ascend the throne," Izumi stated, her eyes narrowing. "I've had sources trailing him ever since Hou-Ting's unfortunate demise. He even expressed at Varrick's wedding that he was prioritizing his 'singing career' over his country!"
"He's scared, Fire Lord Izumi!" Korra blurted out before covering her mouth. Blushing, she quickly bowed in apology to the world leader before continuing. "He didn't grow up shadowing Hou-Ting. In fact, she kept him as far away from her throne room as possible, so much so that he didn't know anything about his ancestors' history until he started at Republic City University two years ago! What he learned scared him so much that he tried distancing himself even further from the throne. Now that we are where we are, he wants to help. Spirits, he wants Kuvira to take over until he finishes his education!"
Lin scoffed. "Kid, that's in two years. Kuvira can't undo the damage she committed in that amount of time. Shit, I'm not even sure you could."
"Then he is a coward, and cowards aren't fit to be rulers. Rulers must know when to take initiative and find out shit for themselves. They don't wait until it's convenient for them to start leading their people."
"I understand, Fire Lord Izumi, but what if I told you he'd be done in 10 years and not two?"
Izumi stopped walking and leaned against the doorframe. "I'm sorry, is he planning on continuously failing his course of study?
"Not even close. Apparently, he has decent marks and is considering undertaking a law degree once he finishes his studies. There's a program through his university that specializes in international law and makes you study the legal systems of the Water Tribes, Fire Nations, and Earth Kingdom before you graduate. It's rough, since you're studying the legal codes of three different nations and then have to apprentice after you graduate in two of your choice, but Wu's seriously considering doing it so that he can better understand the legal and political climate."
Lin put her hands on her hips. "Are you telling me that the kid who almost missed his philosophy final last year because he extended his spa retreat wants to undertake one of the most rigorous graduate programs in the world?"
"It still isn't enough," Izumi insisted. "Studying the right decision to make is one thing, but actually doing so is another entirely."
"Maybe so," Korra mused. "But it will buy you all ten more years to fully stabilize the Earth Kingdom with Kuvira."
"I do like this plan," Tenzin said cautiously. "But you're assuming that Wu is going to pass all his classes."
Korra smirked in response. Lin did a double take. "You can't be serious!"
"What, I'm just helping out any way I can!" Korra said innocently.
Izumi looked up and prayed for patience. If this is how Aang was like as a youth, it was a miracle her father hadn't throttled him. "You're not going to help him by taking his classes and exams for him and allowing him to get the credit and graduate. That is the equivalent of all of us breaking our backs for the Earth Kingdom only for Raiko to prop Wu up on a pedestal after all the work is finished."
The Avatar balked. "Absolutely not!"
"Then how is-"
"Korra's betting on him taking longer than 10 years, Izumi," Lin clarified, crossing her arms in interest.
"After I talked to Prince Wu, I ran his law school idea by Mako, since he knows Republic City University better than the person who's actually attending. As it turns out, the degree takes five years to complete, but it's the two apprenticeships that take longer."
"Why does Mako know this?" Tenzin muttered.
"Because he has to sit in class with Prince Wu, so he overhears every conversation. Anyways, the apprenticeships take longer because the nations set the terms, not the student. So if he decides to apprentice in the Fire Nation-"
"Then he could be stationed there for a very, very long time," Izumi finished with a newfound respect for the Avatar.
Tenzin massaged his temples. "I don't understand, I thought you were coming here to argue for Prince Wu."
"I am. I'm coming here to argue for both, actually. I do honestly think that with Kuvira at the helm, she will stabilize the Earth Kingdom and bring it into a new golden age. I also think that with sufficient time, Wu could also become a respected leader. But we all need time, and this is the best way to get it."
"Putting a end-date on Kuvira's reign would assuage Raiko," Tenzin noted. "Kuvira too."
"Shit, we still have to deal with Raiko," Lin muttered.
"Mama Lin, I may be young and 'inexperienced', but I know a weasel-snake when I see one. He's just like Tahno playing a probending game. For him, the ends justify the means. He wants glory at any cost, and the plan as you all have it would steal his thunder."
"How, exactly?"
"Raiko's been propping up Wu, right? You three are propping up Kuvira, unarguably the best leader, without any input from him. He's not going to like that, not in the slightest."
"True, but he won't do anything," Lin mused. "He can't risk ruining his image in advance of the elections."
"No, but he could work passive-aggressively," Izumi noted, her bright eyes flashing with new ideas. "Think about it-he's the only nation bordering the Earth Kingdom, so he's in a unique position to act out."
Tenzin crossed his arms. "Izumi, the Northern Air Temple is in the Earth Kingdom."
"Yes, but you and your people swore an oath of non-aggression-you're a null variable in this equation, and that gives him license to do what he pleases. Raiko knows he can't act outright at first, so he'd have to use back-door methods. It would start small, something that isn't right but that can't be protested-say, promoting someone of Fire Nation descent to a lucrative post over a more qualified candidate of Earth Kingdom descent. After a while, he would be bolder. He'd raise tariffs for Earth Kingdom imports, or be especially stringent on immigration paperwork for incoming citizens. It would culminate in something major-maybe a planned riot in some remote Earth Kingdom territory. He'd declare the need to send humanitarian help, dispatch my son's garrison so that I can't call him on his ruse, and he gets all the credit."
"And you think your modified plan can circumvent all of that, Korra?" Lin said, worried for her old charge.
"Let me tell you a story from my pro-bending days. One week Mako had to pull double shifts at the power plant for five days straight, so he couldn't make any of our practices. The only time he could make, in fact, was the time slot that Tahno and his Wolfbats used. As rookies, we couldn't just ask Tahno if he could switch with us-we'd be laughed out of the gym! So we talked up the benefits of our time slot, claimed that it left us extra time to do whatever we wanted, and within a few days Tahno was begging for our slot." Korra paused for a moment. "You have to make him think that this is his idea. Especially the part about electing representatives-there are few things Raiko hates more than being unable to control everything, but if you can make him see that it's a good thing then most of your worries are gone. You'll only have to worry about Kuvira and Bataar's sentencing, but that's nothing compared to this."
"Ah yes, about that-"
Korra groaned. "Did you all ACTUALLY think any of this through? I mean-
"Korra-" Izumi tried interjecting.
"Kuvira started an extensive prison system and excommunicated people who weren't ethnically Earth Kingdom-"
"Korra-"
"And Bataar built a WEAPON out of spirit vines, for the love of Raava-"
"KORRA!" Izumi yelled, finally silencing the Avatar. "They'll be under house arrest here at the Beifong estate, only to leave under extenuating circumstances. Even then, they'll be accompanied by a cadre of White Lotus officers. Now that there's an end-date to Kuvira heading the Earth Kingdom, that's how long they'll be under watch."
"Oh," the Avatar said, reddening. "You might have wanted to start with that."
Izumi's eyes glinted mischievously. "But where is the fun in that?"
"You all have got to be kidding me," Korra grumbled as the adults chuckled.
Izumi's lips quirked into a smile. "It has been a pleasure working with you, Avatar. I'll call the others in, and I'll see you at the meeting."
After Izumi left, Tenzin clasped Korra's shoulder. "I'm so proud of you, Korra. I don't know how you did it, but you've found a middle way."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Lin said, warmly smiling at the young woman. The three left the parlor and headed back to the conference room, the trio cautiously optimistic for the future.