A gentle chill tingled along Kuvira's backside, as she leaned against the balcony railing overlooking the city below. Zaofu. So familiar to her, yet somehow foreign at the same time. Nine years since she had actually lived here without being a prisoner. Nine years since she had set out on her campaign to reunite the Earth Kingdom. Nine years since she had made the biggest mistake of her life by leaving. Now, here she was. Returned as a free woman, absolved of her crimes.
A bittersweet reunion. Suyin's funeral was a mere day away, a moment she had been both looking forward to and dreading for some time. On one hand, she would be able to properly say goodbye. On the other hand... she would be saying goodbye. Strange. Suyin had died more than seven months ago. Kuvira should have come to terms with that by now. Should have been ready for this moment. Why, then, did she want to crawl into a hole and disappear? Her stomach knotted. Spirits, should she speak at the funeral? She had so much she wanted to say, so much Su had meant to her. Would people even want to hear it?
Her thoughts drifted, as another chill traveled along her spine. A cool night perhaps, but still she remained on the balcony. After arriving in Zaofu, she and Korra had set themselves up in one of the smaller hotels of the residential district. No sense in making a big deal by being escorted to the Beifong estate, or strolling into one of the more expensive, high profile hotels. Thus far, they had managed to lay low. For the most part. Several people had recognized them on the way here and pointed them out, but at least they had been able to get away before any commotion erupted. That wasn't something she wanted to deal with right now.
As she stood watching the city life below, Korra stepped out onto the balcony next to her. "So, how's it feel to be back in Zaofu?"
"Like a dream," she replied, with a distant smile. "The last time I was here was as a prisoner. Before that, a conqueror. It's been so long since I've been here as a normal citizen."
"And maybe next time as a leader?"
Kuvira bowed her head and huffed out a deep sigh. "I don't know. I've thought about Toph's offer a lot over the past week, but I still have no idea if I should accept. I've wronged so many people here. Should I really be put in charge now? Would that be fair? What would the rest of the world think of me becoming a world leader so soon after I got out of prison?"
"Well, I don't know that it matters too much what the rest of the world thinks about it," Korra said, resting a comforting hand on Kuvira's arm. "You were pardoned. Any mistakes you made, any crimes you committed, those are in the past. They shouldn't dictate what you're able to do in the future. You're a smart woman who cares a lot about her people, and who has plenty of leadership experience. What wouldn't be fair is putting someone unqualified in charge. You're more than qualified."
"I suppose."
"Besides," Korra added, "if Azula can become a world leader and declare herself Dragon Empress, I'm pretty sure no one would bat an eye if you stepped up to lead your home city, especially when you were asked to do it."
"That's true," Kuvira said, with a soft laugh. She eased a deep breath, leaning lower over the railing with a frown. "And spirits know the world is going to need people familiar with Azula when it comes time to oppose her."
"Exactly. You said you wanted to help the world, right? This could be your way of doing it."
"Maybe." Kuvira stared down at the streets a moment longer, before looking up at her girlfriend. "What would that mean for us? I'd have to move here to Zaofu. You're in Republic City. That's a long way away."
"Kuvira, there's no rule that says I have to live in Republic City," Korra insisted, with a raised eyebrow. "That's just where it's always been most convenient."
Kuvira blinked, lifting her brow. "Wait, are you saying you'd move to Zaofu? With me?"
"I can't think of a reason why not to, can you?"
"Well, I... I mean..."
Korra took Kuvira's hand in her own and gave a firm squeeze. "I love you, Kuvira. So much. I want to do whatever it takes to make this work between us. If that means moving to Zaofu, I'll move to Zaofu."
"Korra... Thank you." She returned the squeeze and leaned closer against Korra, shoulder to shoulder. "Still, I'm not sure about it."
"Well, you keep thinking. In the meantime, how about you show me around?" Korra glanced down at the city. "I want to see what Zaofu's nightlife is like. You must know some good date spots, right?"
Kuvira grinned. "Yeah, I can think of a few."
An hour later, they found themselves standing outside of Shu's Bar, otherwise known as the Dancing Emerald. There wasn't a single person in Zaofu who didn't know about it. Not only was it the most high profile bar in the entire city, but it was also something else a little more alternative—a dance club. Not the kind of dancing Zaofu was famous for. One wouldn't find any exotic and choreographed recitals within these walls. No, this was the place to go when people wanted to let everything out and forget their troubles.
Korra stared up at the building with a quizzical expression, watching the colors flashing from the windows and listening to the electronic music pulsing from within the walls. She cocked her head to the side, confused. "What is this place, exactly?"
"The Dancing Emerald," Kuvira said, with a growing smirk at Korra's bewilderment. "I used to come here all the time when I was younger. Best drinks in all of Zaofu."
"You know I'm not much of a drinker, right?"
"What's the matter, Avatar? Afraid of a little fun? Or maybe you just can't dance."
"Oh you did not insult my dancing ability," Korra shot back, with a playful frown. "You know I can dance!"
"Not this kind of dancing."
"Is that a challenge?"
Kuvira's smirk widened. "Maybe it is."
Korra grabbed Kuvira's hand and yanked her towards the entrance. "Let's do this."
Two main areas composed the interior of the club. The bar sat on one side, complete with a wrap-around counter and a lounge area with tables and chairs. Several bartenders worked with haste to serve the crowd of people at the counter, while dozens more customers sat around drinking in the lounge.
On the other side of the club, a densely packed crowd filled the open dance floor, moving and gyrating to the beat of the music in ways that most the rest of the world probably hadn't even imagined before. Most wore traditional Zaofu green as part of their attire, although clothing here appeared far more revealing than the full flowing robes normally seen around the city. A mass of colored crystals hung from the ceiling high above, bent into the shape of a hollow sphere. Within the sphere, a bright light flickered with rapid pulses. Every so often, the crystals shifted their positions to release a different pattern of flashing colors, controlled by a pair of earthbenders perched atop a catwalk near the ceiling.
A live band provided music, stationed atop a stage next to the dance floor. They utilized strange metal instruments with tubes and strings to create a rapid pulsing beat, several of which were plugged into large speakers on either side of the stage, practically shaking the building with their volume. The dancers out on the floor were lost to the rhythm, smiling and shouting as they moved in pace with the music.
Korra stared, wide-eyed in awe. "I've never seen anything like this before!" She had to shout to be heard over the music. "There are so many colors! And the music is so loud! And intense!"
"I know! It's great, isn't it?" Kuvira grinned as she looked around the club. A surge of excitement welled within her. She hadn't been here in so long, so many years. As the Great Uniter, she wouldn't have let herself be caught dead in a place like this. Now, she could actually enjoy herself again. "Come on, follow me!"
Kuvira pulled her girlfriend onto the dance floor. No one would notice them in a place like this. Not with the music and the dancing and the shouting. Here, they could be like everyone else. Kuvira sucked in a deep breath, allowing the music to pulse through her, fill her, guide her. She fell into rhythm with the beat, arms lifting into the air. Back and forth, she twisted and gyrated her body, legs dancing, arms waving. She let her eyes close, her mind wander, and she too was lost to it all.
Korra attempted to mimic everyone else, but remained stiff and rigid in her movements. "What kind of dancing is this?"
"The kind that doesn't require you to memorize a routine!" she replied, with a wide grin. "Just loosen up, and let yourself go!"
Kuvira swayed faster, her laughter drowned beneath the music's pulsing beat. Such a different kind of dancing than she normally practiced. Su had always called it mindless. Every time Kuvira had returned home from one of her outings, Su had been there to scold her. Worth it, every time. After long, rigorous days of practice in Suyin's dance troupe, going through routine after routine, memorizing every last motion down to the letter, she could come here to the Dancing Emerald and be free. Free from worry, free from rules, and free from life.
She had been a much younger woman then.
Korra loosened up before long, flowing and grinding in tandem with Kuvira. They moved together, close to each other, body pressed against body. The music pumped faster, spurred them on. Kuvira wrapped her hands against Korra's hips and pulled her closer. They lost themselves in those moments. The crowd disappeared. The club disappeared. There was only the music. Only each other.
Several songs later, they slowed to a stop catch their breath. Korra breathed deep and leaned forward, sweat beading across her brow. "Wow, okay, that is really intense. And hot."
Kuvira smirked, tightening her hold on Korra's hips. "You really are."
Korra returned a grin, raising her eyebrow. "I meant because there's so many people in here."
"Also true. Now come on, let's get a drink." Kuvira took her girlfriend by the hand and led her through the crowd towards the bar. When they arrived at the counter, she waved down one of the bartenders. "Two emerald ice picks."
"What's an emerald ice pick?" Korra asked.
"The most amazing thing you'll ever drink."
"Oh really? Well, I'll be the judge of that."
As they waited for their drinks, a shrill voice called out from across the bar. "Hey! Spirits, is that—It is! Kuvira!"
"Huh?" Kuvira turned, noticing a young woman wearing a pair of green trousers and matching vest, with a neat bob cut framing her face. "Sinn?"
"Oh man, I can't believe it!" The woman named Sinn lunged forward and pulled Kuvira into a hug. "What on earth are you doing here? I mean, I heard about your pardon and everything, but I didn't think I'd see you again so soon."
"I... I'm here for Su's funeral," she replied, still frozen in surprise. She'd been so focused on Korra, she had never stopped to consider she might run into someone she knew.
"Oh, that's right." Sinn eased a quiet sigh, bowing her head. "That's tomorrow, isn't it? It's been so long."
"Yeah..." Kuvira uttered. "We'll all finally be able to say a proper goodbye."
Korra cleared her throat, and looked back and forth between the two women. "Sooo, Kuvira, who's your friend?"
"Oh, Korra, this is Sinn," Kuvira said. Sinn gave an energetic wave in greeting. "We used to be in Su's dance troupe together. Sinn, this is—"
"Avatar Korra!" Sinn exclaimed, with a grin. "As if I didn't know. But what are you two doing here? Together?" She stared suspiciously at the two of them, her brow steadily lifting higher. "Wait a minute! Are you two...?"
Kuvira cleared her throat, shifting awkwardly on her feet. "Well, yeah, pretty much."
"No way! Seriously? You're dating the Avatar?"
Korra gave a simple nod of confirmation. "That's about the gist of it, yeah."
"That's amazing! Wow..." Sinn flashed a smirk towards Kuvira. "I mean, congratulations, Kuvy. You too, Avatar. Watch out for this one, she's a handful."
Korra snickered, turning a curious glance towards Kuvira. "Kuvy?"
"Uh, yeah..." Kuvira blushed, heat lifting into her cheeks. "Just a nickname."
"I see." Korra stifled another laugh. "Kuvy. I like it."
Kuvira grumbled, looking back to her old friend with an immediate desire to change the subject. "So, Sinn, are you here by yourself, or...?"
"Oh, no I'm here with the old gang! They're right over there." Sinn glanced over her shoulder and pointed out a table near the far corner of the lounge area. A large group sat around the table chatting and drinking with each other. "There are a few new additions, too. You should come over and say hi!"
"Oh, no, not right now," Kuvira said, with a quick shake of her head. Running into Sinn was one thing. The last thing she needed right now was relive the awkward conversation with a larger group of people. "I still need some time to settle."
Sinn frowned, but didn't push the subject. "Alright, but I'm telling you, they'd all love to see you."
"I'll remember that, thanks."
"Oh, one more thing!" Sinn reached into the inner pocket of her vest and pulled out a folded newspaper. "Here, look at this."
Kuvira stared down at the paper. "Do you always carry around a newspaper with you?"
"Oh shush, just read the headline."
Kuvira uttered a quiet sigh and focused on the front page headline Sinn was pointing at: Interim Matriarch Toph Beifong Considering Kuvira Beifong As Her Successor. Her eyes flared, as she snatched the paper out of Sinn's grasp to study it closer. "What? How did they—?"
"Someone must have leaked the story," Korra muttered.
"Toph..." Kuvira grumbled, lowering her face into her palm. "I guess she really doesn't want to keep the position."
"Well, is it true?" Sinn asked. "Are you going to lead Zaofu?"
Kuvira sighed again. "I don't know, Sinn. I was asked, and I'm thinking about it. Nothing's decided."
"Well, for what it's worth, I think it would be a great idea."
Kuvira balked, staring back at her old friend. "You do?"
"Well yeah, of course," Sinn insisted. "You've always been a great leader, and this is your home. You grew up here. Plus, you were raised by Suyin. If there's anyone who can keep the spirit of Zaofu alive, it's you."
"But after everything I did..."
"Look, Kuvira." Sinn's expression drooped, shifting from her usual carefree tone to a more serious one. "You did some bad things. We all know that. We also know that wasn't the real you, not the one we grew up with. You took charge of a tough situation and had to make a lot of hard choices. Things got out of hand. We didn't know if we'd ever see the real you again, but hey, here you are. That's pretty amazing, right?"
Kuvira paused, letting her gaze fall back to the paper. "And when you say 'we'...?"
"Oh, lots of people. You grew up here, Kuvira, and Zaofu isn't that big. You were raised by the Beifongs, you were guard captain, you were the star of our dance recitals, and you were always in the paper. Everyone remembers you, how you used to be. How you really are. That's the kind of person we want leading us. Doesn't matter what mistakes you made in the past. This is the present." Sinn offered a bright smile, reaching a hand out to Kuvira's shoulder. "And you could be our future."
Kuvira uttered a small, almost unnoticeable chuckle. She nodded, breaking out with a smile of her own. "Thank you, Sinn. I needed to hear that."
"It's just the truth," Sinn said, with a simple shrug. "Anyway, I'll let you two get back to your date. Have fun."
When Sinn was gone, Korra turned to her girlfriend with a smile. "Do you really need anymore convincing?"
"It sounds unbelievable." Kuvira gazed around at the club, at all the people within. People of Zaofu. "To think they would actually want me to lead them. I still don't know if it's right."
"In the end, it has to come down to what you want," Korra said. "Is this something you could see yourself doing? Is this something you'd want?"
Kuvira watched the crowd a moment longer. Her smile grew. "More than anything."
"Then don't you think you already have your answer?"
Thousands of people attended Su's funeral, far more than could actually fit into the main city square. While the actual burial would only be attended by family and close friends, the ceremony beforehand would take place in the largest open forum within Zaofu, so as many people as possible could come to pay their respects. A newly erected statue of Suyin loomed above the far end of the plaza, a podium and microphone in front of its base. Next to the podium, an enormous photograph of Su had been posted, surrounded by a memorial of flowers. Hundreds of chairs spread out in front of the statue, each one occupied with a citizen in mourning. Beyond the chairs, an additional crowd stood shoulder-to-shoulder, packing the square tight.
The front few rows of seats had been reserved for those closest to Su. The Beifongs sat at the center, including Baatar Sr., Huan, Wing, Wei, Toph, Lin, and Kuvira. Even Baatar Jr., who sat at the far end next to his father, although he had made no attempt to speak with Kuvira. Hadn't even looked at her. Hardly unexpected. Nearly the entire Air Nation sat to one side of the Beifongs, with Tenzin and his family in the front row, including Bumi and Kya, and all the other airbenders spread out in seats behind them. Beyond them, Mako, Bolin, Varrick, and Zhu Li sat at the end of the row.
Most of the other world leaders and their associates sat on the other side of the Beifongs, including Korra, Tonraq, Senna, Eska and Desna, Asami, Zuko, Izumi, Iroh, and Katara. To no one's surprise, the new Dragon Empress Azula had failed to show up. Not even the new Fire Lord Yula had made an appearance. While neither of them had known Su, their presence would have been a show of respect and courtesy as fellow world leaders. Their absence delivered a show of the contrary.
Many took their time to say a few words about Suyin, and what she meant to them. Others couldn't bring themselves to take the podium, too drowned in grief to say anything. Opal struggled in particular, making it as far as uttering quiet sobs into the microphone before breaking down. With a little help and reassurance from Bolin, she managed to make it through her thoughts. Baatar Sr. had been a similar mess when he tried to speak about his wife. He made it through his words, but not without frequent pauses to settle the choked sobs bubbling in his throat.
One by one, those closest to Su took the microphone and said their part. Those who could manage, anyway. During the entire ordeal, Kuvira sat in somber silence, staring down at the ground with a flutter in her stomach. She would have to get up and speak soon. She had debated with herself all morning on whether or not she should say something. In the end, she knew she had to. Not that that made confronting her dread any easier. By the time her turn arrived, her gut had twisted into a knot so tight her body threatened to double over and vomit.
The next few moments passed in a haze. Before she could process what was happening, she stood at the front of the podium, thousands of eyes upon her. Some looked confused, others curious, several cautious. Thank the spirits most were still too lost in their grief to make any kind of fuss about seeing her there. Kuvira sucked in three deep breaths in attempt to settle her nerves. The fluttering only grew stronger. When she finally managed to lean forward and speak into the microphone, her voice cracked out of her throat, hoarse and quiet.
"I know many of you are probably surprised to see me here, but I wanted to say a few words." Kuvira cleared her throat, trying to settle her voice. "Su meant many things to many people. She touched a lot of lives, mine especially."
Kuvira took another deep breath. Still, her stomach churned. "After my parents abandoned me, I had nowhere to go, no one to help me. I was lost. Then, I met Su. I'd only heard about her in passing, listening to other people talk about her. I was a young kid. I didn't know what any of it meant, only that she was supposed to be an important and amazing woman. And so she was. I never imagined she'd take me in, give me a home, and a family. I wasn't lost anymore."
A quivering breath surged out her throat. Tears welled at the corners of her eyes, threatening to trickle free. She blinked them away. "She did make mistakes. Everyone does, but she was never less of a person because of them. She had a loving heart. She loved her family, her people, her city, and although I realized it too late, she loved me, too."
More tears, surging stronger than before. No blinking them away this time. They rolled free down her cheeks, and she wiped them away. "She always tried her best to do what she believed was right, to help those who needed to be helped. She believed in second chances. I know many of you who are here today because of those second chances. That's who she was. She was forgiving, even when she didn't have to be. Even towards people who maybe didn't deserve it."
Kuvira's voice drifted into strained silence. Cold, gnarled guilt coiled into her chest. She would never forget Su's kindness, never forget how she had forgiven Kuvira long before anyone else had. Even when she probably shouldn't have. In spite of all their past mistakes with each other, in spite of how screwed up everything had become between them, Su had still loved her. If only Kuvira had been able to thank her properly.
"Suyin Beifong was a remarkable woman, and she will be missed by all of us, but she won't be forgotten." Kuvira swallowed, and wiped another line of tears from her face. "The ideals and values she believed in will live on. We will keep them alive. We owe her that much."
Another pause lingered. All those eyes continued staring at her, expecting her to say something else. Every instinct in her gut told her to leave the podium and sit back down. She fought against those instincts. Not now. Not yet. There was still something else she needed to do.
"Before I finish, there is one more thing I'd like to say. This might not be the most appropriate moment for it, but I need to get it out before I change my mind. You've all probably heard the rumors and read the papers, about how your interim matriarch, Toph Beifong, has asked me to be her successor. To lead Zaofu. To lead you." She let the statement hang on the air. Those in attendance shifted in their seats, staring at her harder than ever. Confusion and intrigue had overtaken their grief, if only for a moment. "When she asked me, I wasn't sure if I should. I'm still not sure. I know I certainly haven't been the best example of a leader in the past, but in thinking about it, and in thinking about Su, and what she means, I realized that Zaofu does need a leader who will keep her memory alive and fulfill her legacy."
Kuvira gazed towards the seats in front of her, down at the old earthbender sitting in the front row. "Toph believes that someone is me. From what I've heard, so do many of you. Beyond that, more than anything, I want to live up to Su's ideals, and finally embrace everything she taught me. I want to help the world, and I want to help my city. That's why..."
Her voice caught in her throat before she could finish her sentence. Stupid. Now wasn't the time to choke. Deep breath, let it out, and make the announcement. When her nerves finally settled, she looked out at the Zaofu citizens before her and continued, "That is why I've decided to accept the offer, and become the head of the Metal Clan."
A quiet murmur rippled throughout the crowd. Not at all like she expected. She had anticipated an uproar, an outburst over the announcement. This reaction was far more reserved, far more passive. Far more accepting.
"I know I've made mistakes in the past as a leader," she said, "but I don't intend to repeat them. Instead, I will learn from them, and do everything I can to faithfully serve Zaofu and its people. I vow to uphold everything that Su taught me, everything she believed in. I promise to be the best leader I can possibly be. For Zaofu, for you..."
A shuddering sob burst from her throat. Her tears strengthened, surging down her cheeks in heavy, wet streaks. She didn't bother wiping them away this time. She stood straight, let her tears flow, and looked behind her, up at the statue of Suyin looming above her. "For Su."
Hours later, Kuvira stood in front of the platinum white monument that marked Suyin's grave. By now, everyone who had attended the burial had long since left. Only she and Korra remained. Her throat knotted as she read the inscription on the front of the monument. It all seemed so final now. So permanent.
"Well, that's it," she uttered. "Su's really gone, and I'll be leading Zaofu in her place."
"I think you made a smart decision," Korra said. "I know you'll do a great job."
Kuvira turned to her girlfriend. "Were you serious before? When you said you'd move here with me?"
"Of course I was." Korra smiled, reaching out to hold her arm around Kuvira. "As long as you have room for Naga, that is."
Kuvira smiled. "I'm sure we can figure something out."
"Ahem." The voice shifted their attention behind them. Toph stood there, hunched forward with her hands held behind her back. "So, how's it feel to be the new matriarch of Zaofu?"
"Doesn't really feel like anything yet," Kuvira said, with a shrug. "I'm guessing that will change when it actually starts."
"Please, it's already started. I'm heading back to my swamp first chance I get. You have any idea how impossible it is to get a decent nap around here?"
"Oh." Kuvira blinked. "Well, then I guess it'll hit me soon enough."
"I'm sure it will." Toph stepped in front of the grave with a deep, heavy sigh. She stared quietly, resting a palm flat against the monument. "You're doing a good thing here, you know. Zaofu will be lucky to have you."
Kuvira moved next to her, offering a gentle breath of her own. "Well, I certainly hope so. I'm going to do my best to make you and everyone proud. To make Su proud."
Toph smiled. "Kid, take it from me. You already have."
