I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, because this is where Lin shows up for the first time to help Korra in assisting her protect Kuvira. We also get a visit from the White Lotus, since they were mentioned last chapter on Korra finding a mate.
I don't own LoK.
Enjoy!
Three days Kuvira had been in the hospital and with each passing day Korra's alpha senses were growing more and more impatient. The smell of Kuvira's growing heat was powerful, but thankfully Kya had moved her to a private room where the walls and air filters were thick and powerful enough to hide the scent. Plus only select few were allowed in, and that included Kya, a beta healer, Korra, and Asami; no one else had access, thank goodness for private wards.
Korra had been by Kuvira's bedside all three days, never leaving accept to wash and eat at the insistence of Asami. Whenever she left Asami would stay, but never any longer than two hours since Asami had a company to run. Korra's friends were kept in the dark minus Mako and Bolin, so she would have some explaining to do later. Now she was here, going late into the afternoon on the third day, sitting by the bed of her intended mate waiting for her to wake. Most of the tubes had been removed, but the casts still remained as was the IV. Kuvira was still pale, but she looked a bit healthier.
"How's she doing?" Korra looked behind her to see Asami coming in with a to-go bag from Kwong's.
"She's doing better, but no movement yet." Korra had Kuvira's hand in hers, giving it a gentle rub to in some way let the woman know she was here.
"Here, you should eat something." Asami handed her a container of noodles and some hot tea, which Korra appreciated.
"Thanks, you're the best." Asami laughed and took out her own food.
"I know."
"Do you have anything going on today?" the CEO shook her head.
"I moved my afternoon meeting to tomorrow morning, and I've finished up the plans for the latest models so I'm good until then." Asami took one good look at Kuvira, and her face fell slightly. "She looks so pitiful like this."
"She does, I want to get her out of here but until Kya gives the ok she's gotta remain in this bed." Korra sighed. "I just wish I could do more."
"You're already doing a lot for her, you're giving her the treatment she needs and…you're going to make her your mate."
"Only to save her life and I know she's not going to like this."
"Regardless Korra, it'll work out; there are plenty of other couples out there who've mated for similar purposes and they make it work. Remember the story of your parents?" Korra chuckled lightly, her parents were both alpha and omega, their marriage had been arranged by their families. Tonraq, a prince at the time, and firstborn, was given the choice to choose his omega mate. Senna, a woman from a middle-class family but friends of royalty, had been pressured into marrying higher up than her status. She was an only child, and her parents pressured her into accepting proposals from alphas of high quality.
Needless to say, Tonraq chose Senna at a ball held by his father, chief of the Northern Water tribe; Senna had been reluctant, but her omega aura called him and she had to accept. He treated her well, but she hated the idea of a forced marriage and after a year she allowed him into her heart. Korra was born a year later, and the family had been happy right up to the moment it was discovered Korra was the avatar. An arranged marriage grew into a happy one, thank the spirits.
"I can't be certain it'll be like theirs, but I can try. I'm going to have to claim her soon, and when I do, it can't be here."
"That's why I called up Chief Beifong." Korra's head snapped towards Asami. "She can help us arrange safe transportation back to the temple, and Kya can be moved to her homecare. We'll still have to wait if it's safe to move her, but it'll help."
"Are you sure about that?"
"I'm sure, I know Chief Beifong isn't one to offer police protection for just anyone, but for the avatar she makes several exceptions."
"As if she hasn't already." Korra mumbled.
"Took the words right out of my mouth avatar." both women jumped when they heard said police chief's voice at the door. "Afternoon girls."
"Hello Chief, good to see you again." Korra smiled. "I just wish it were under better circumstances."
"Me too, and don't worry Kya already briefed me on the situation." Lin looked at Kuvira. "So this is her…"
"Kuvira." Korra corrected her.
"Right, sorry." Lin rubbed her eyes. "I've just gotten back from working a double, forgive me if my manners are a little…off."
"It's fine chief, I'm glad you could stop by."
"Kya's going to be here in a few minutes, she'll determine if we can move Kuvira."
"Move her?" Asami looked at the older woman.
"Tonight, the sooner the better but it's up to Kya. I heard they had to flush the suppressants out?" Korra nodded. "That could go one way or another, which is why I hope we get the clear. Once she's in the temple she'll be safe."
"I hope so." Korra's hand moved up to smooth some of Kuvira's hair. Kuvira stirred a bit, but didn't wake up, Korra could almost smile.
"I've told Mako and Bolin, they're waiting for my word. Also, Tenzin called me today." Korra looked up.
"Why?"
"The White Lotus is coming to see you tomorrow, and I don't need to tell you what it's about." Korra groaned. "If this goes through, then you shouldn't worry."
"It's not that, Katara warned me some time back that the White Lotus will try and 'deter' me if the mate I choose is unsuitable for me. They tried that with her and Aang, but they stayed together."
"They can't force you to leave your mate, if you claim Kuvira then there's nothing they can do. I suggest you tell them you've chosen someone, but they are ill and cannot be bothered at this time."
"Will that work?" Lin shrugged.
"It'll put them off for a bit, but you know how persistent they are." Korra nodded.
"So we just wait for Kya right now, is she still doing rounds?"
"She'll be done soon; in the meantime I suggest you figure out what you're going to do once Kuvira wakes up. If she goes into heat, you won't be able to resist it, but if you get lucky and the heat puts off until she recovers you'll have some time." Korra knew the latter was slim of a chance, but it was possible.
"Lin, there you are." Kya walked into the room with her medical kit and gave her mate a kiss on the cheek. Lin's face didn't change but her eyes lit up at the sweet gesture, typical Beifong. "You look tired."
"I am tired; I'm only here because you asked me, and Korra." Kya smiled.
"And we appreciate it; you should get home and rest for a few hours."
"I'll go after you examine your patient, so let me out of the way." Lin stepped out of the room and Asami followed after taking the remains of their lunch with her. Korra moved aside as Kya did her exam, watching her check every vital, every wound, bone, bandage, and skin all over. Kya may not be the healer her mother Katara was, but she was still a great one. Kya took about twenty minutes, but after she finished she gave Korra a slight smile.
"This is one tough omega Korra."
"What do you mean?" Korra wanted the full answer, not some cut and run response.
"Her bones are healing fine, pretty quick as you see in most earth benders; her vitals are clear, and the nutritious potions we've been feeding her are doing their work just fine. However, it's unclear as to when the heat will take effect. I can sense it's coming, but I can't determine when it'll come out."
"Can she be moved?"
"I would like to personally keep her here one more night, but based on how long she's been without a heat the risk is too much. So yes, I'm giving my official word as a healer to move her to a more secure location." Korra relaxed, she understood the risks as well but she needed to protect Kuvira.
"I'm going to stay until then." nightfall was only four hours away, but they'd have to move Kuvira to the back end of the hospital to avoid any eyes. If word got out about Korra having a possible mate it could mean good or bad consequences.
"I'll tell Lin, and we'll prep her."
"Can you send Asami in please?" Kya nodded and left after gathering her materials. Asami appeared in the room a few minutes later.
"I just heard, it's good news."
"Yeah, so I need to get ready. I'm going to stay with Kuvira until she's moved, and if you can…go out and buy some clothes and supplies for her. Not a lot, just some clothes she can wear around the temple, a couple of elegant gowns or suits, and maybe something in between styles not too dressy or casual. Some underwear too, I'd say she's the same size as me; and some sleepwear."
"You got it, earth colors?" Korra nodded. "I'll get right on it, you want the clothes taken to your room?"
"No, no put them in the room next to mine. I'll let Kya set everything up in there."
"Alright then, I'll see you later." Asami left in a hurry, and Korra took her place at Kuvira's side again.
'You cannot resist it for long, it has begun.'
'I know.'
'You must take her soon, she won't fight you.'
'I can't force her.'
'When the heat comes, you won't have to. Her aura calls us, her heart calls you.'
'I'll believe it when I see it.' Korra took Kuvira's hand in hers, and kissed her knuckles. 'I'm sorry that it has to be this way, but I promise I will make you happy no matter what.'
Some hours later:
Korra stood by as Kya and Lin quickly but carefully placed Kuvira on the gurney for transportation; Kuvira had been cleaned up and her bandages were redressed for the trip, all they had to do was get her to the unmarked, black van outside. Asami was on hold nearby, but she had Mako and Bolin waiting in different parts of the hospital, and would join them later. Thankfully most of the staff had left, and the nighttime staff was on call in the emergency ward.
"Let's go." Korra moved as they rolled Kuvira out, and followed close behind. They had to go down at least three floors without someone seeing, and Korra just hoped luck would be on their side tonight. Lin assured them security was low; the guard in charge owed her a favor so they had enough time.
They passed through some halls and down some elevators, no one in sight. They made it to the loading deck for the ambulances, and the van was waiting on them. Mako was in the driver's seat, so Kuvira was loaded in quickly. Korra sat in the back with Kya, and Lin took the passenger seat; Kuvira was on some simple sleeping drugs, she'd be knocked out for a while but she was stable and healthy enough. Granted she still showed no signs of waking, but Kya was sure she would soon.
"You ready officer?" Lin looked at Mako.
"Ready when you are. Bolin and Asami will meet us back at the temple." Lin nodded, and the van took off. The drive back was about twenty minutes, and that was with the backroads; but little to no traffic at night was good.
As soon as they reached the temple they went in through the back, and the van was parked out of sight. Taking Kuvira from the van and into the building was fast, and they had her up the stairs and into the room Korra had chosen for her. Bolin and Asami met them upstairs, but steered clear of the chief and the master healer. In no time flat Kuvira was in the bed, and Kya gave her one last checkup; she was cleared, and after a quick goodnight with promises of visiting soon Beifong and her two cops left. Kya followed after to be with her own mate, but Asami offered to stay the night which Korra politely declined.
"You have a meeting tomorrow remember, go home and rest."
"Are you sure? I can get someone over to keep guard if…" Korra stopped her there.
"Asami, you've done enough for me already. Go home; I'll call you tomorrow if anything changes." Asami knew better than to be stubborn with Korra, so she grabbed her bag and hugged her.
"The clothes are in the closet, if they don't fit her then let me know."
"Thanks." a quick kiss on the cheek and she left. Korra was proud to have Asami in her life, the girl had been through a lot in her past but she and Korra were the best of friends. Korra would bend backwards for her, and Asami would do the same.
"Mmm…" Korra's eyes snapped towards Kuvira, who stirred again but didn't wake.
'Her aura is making her wake, it won't be long.' Korra could pick up a faint scent, stronger than before. Yeah it wouldn't be long, and Korra could guess about a day before the full heat came out.
'I'll be ready.' Korra took a moment to quickly change out of her clothes and into her sleepwear. She carefully climbed in next to the unconscious woman, and got into a comfortable position; her arm went around her chest, and the other just under her head. Being this close to her, holding her felt good, and she was mindful of the injuries.
"Mm." Korra breathed in her scent, she smelled good. The earthy smell and a hint of flowers, probably lavender, it was rich and almost intoxicating. Kuvira relaxed in her hold, and she whined a little in her sleep. Korra leaned up to kiss her neck, and nipped the skin just enough to leave a red mark, a starter mark until the real one could be placed.
'I will protect you.' those were Korra's last thoughts as sleep overcame her.
The next day:
Korra had slept peacefully through the night, she couldn't remember the last time she'd woken up feeling so refreshed. Kuvira had slept fine too from what she could see, but still no signs of waking up; Korra had a servant stay in the room while she left to shower and dress for her meeting with the White Lotus. Asami had called and told her she'd stop by later, but Korra didn't like speaking with the White Lotus alone, not after the last time that almost erupted into a bending fight. Tenzin agreed to meet with her, he was good at being the mediator.
"My lady." a young maid found Korra coming out of her room. "Master Tenzin is here."
"Thanks." Korra quickly smoothed out her hair and went down to the throne room to greet her old mentor. Tenzin had been one of her confidantes once, but with his own busy schedule teaching the new generation of airbenders, plus his own four children, Korra had tried not to rely on him too much. The man was stern and serious, but caring in his own way.
"Avatar Korra." said man bowed as she entered the room, and she bowed back.
"Good to see you Tenzin." he smiled and embraced her. "I'm sorry to call you on such short notice."
"I'm glad to be of service, and the others will be fine without me for a while. You seem well rested, have a nice night?" Korra frowned slightly.
"In a way, yes and no." Tenzin didn't press; he knew she'd tell him later. "How's Pema?"
"She's a bit annoyed with Meelo's latest antics, but fine otherwise." Korra laughed.
"Avatar, the White Lotus has arrived." the same servant girl from before came in.
"Thank you Rae, send them in." the girl left, and moments later three members dressed in blue and white suits entered the room. It was the same three members who came to see Korra as a child, back when she was discovered to be the next avatar.
"Avatar Korra, you seem well." the old man in the middle spoke first.
"I am, but you're not here to check on my welfare so let's get this meeting over with." Korra sat on her large throne, and Tenzin stayed at the bottom of the steps.
"You know why we've come." the woman spoke up that time.
"And I'm tired of hearing it, so let me tell you that whatever little plan you have to help me find a mate is no longer necessary." their eyes narrowed at her.
"Avatar Korra you cannot keep putting this off, your inner alpha is going to be on the prowl for a mate it's best if you settle down soon. I understand your reluctance, we all do, but this is necessary…"
"Do you? Do you understand?" Tenzin held up his hands.
"Let's all just calm down, no need for us to fight." Korra didn't let her glare go, but she relaxed a little.
"Mr. Hung, you have told me repeatedly in the past, since I hit puberty, that I would need to find a mate as quickly as possible to quell my alpha urges. You have tried setting me up with other omegas in the past, and none of them called to me; you have all tried a lot, but your efforts have been unsuccessful. I have told you before that I will find my own mate, without your help yet you continue to try and interfere."
"We are only trying to do you a favor; you are still young and a bit…unprepared for your future."
"My future is my own choice, I appreciate your help but it's not needed, not anymore." that got their attention. "I have found my mate."
"Have you?" Tenzin was surprised.
"Yes, I would let you all meet her but she's currently ill and unable to have visitors."
"She? Your mate is a woman?" Korra nodded at Hung.
"She's an omega I met just a few days ago, as far as the circumstances in how I met her will wait for another day. Her aura calls to me, even now, but she's not well."
"Is she sick?" Korra shook her head.
"She's been wounded, and is unconscious but she'll be fine." Korra wouldn't let them know all the details just yet.
"What is her ethnicity?" Korra's eyes narrowed.
"She's from the Earth Kingdom, where exactly I don't know but she is a bender and she's strong. Her name is Kuvira, she's my age, and I'll introduce you to her another time." a moment of silence passed while the three members shared a look. Hung whispered something to the other two members, and then turned back to Korra.
"I suppose we'll have to wait then, but the moment she is well we will meet her." Hung bowed to Korra. "I'm sorry if we came on strong to you…" she stopped him with a hand up.
"It's done now, I'm sorry you wasted a trip."
"Not entirely wasted, but thank you." they obviously wanted more information, as did Tenzin, but the air master kept quiet with them.
"Thank you for stopping by, I will let you know." they left the room swiftly, and Korra let out a groan the minute the door shut behind them. "Tenzin…"
"You have found your mate? Truly?" Korra nodded. "I'm glad, but what's happened?"
"Long story short, she was given to me by the Earth Queen." Tenzin's eyes widened. "I know how it sounds, but I was reluctant to take her until…" Korra swallowed. "Until I realized I had to help her, and now my alpha senses are calling to her and her aura calls me."
"You said she was wounded."
"Long-term abuse at the hands of that royal bitch, and the Dai Li. I'll tell you the full story one day, but I need to check on her, and Kya is going to be stopping by later." Tenzin nodded in understanding, he wouldn't press.
"Do you want me to keep this quiet?"
"Would you please? I don't want this getting out just yet."
"You have my word, I'll see you later Korra."
"Thank you Tenzin." one quick hug and the man was gone. Korra quickly walked back up to Kuvira's room, and saw the young woman still hadn't moved. Her scent was a bit stronger, but not powerful. Korra walked over to her and smoothed her hair away from her face, and she noticed how much healthier Kuvira looked. Her skin was still pale, but she looked different somehow.
"Uugghhh…" Korra's hand lurched back when Kuvira moved. Her eyes slowly opened up, and Korra saw they still looked a bit dull like before. She blinked a few times before looking around, and when she spotted Korra she gasped.
"Whoa! Easy…easy Kuvira…it's ok." Kuvira breathed in an out heavily; she was scared and freaked out. Korra should've known this might happen.
"W-Where…where am I? What happened…?"
"Cool down ok? Take a few deep breaths for me." Kuvira did so. "Do you want some water?" she nodded. "Wait here." Korra left into the guest bathroom to get a glass of water. She brought it back and Kuvira drank it down carefully. "How do you feel?" Kuvira coughed a bit before answering.
"My ribs…they ache and my arm…" Kuvira looked down and moved the blanket, she saw her body bandaged up and realized she was in a bed, a comfortable one. "How did this happen?"
"What's the last thing you remember?" Korra helped Kuvira sit up a little, helping her to adjust with the pillows behind her.
"I-I…I came here, with the Dai Li…and I remember seeing you." the other woman took a moment to think. "You brought me to a room, and you let me bathe…" Korra nodded.
"That's right, and that was a mistake on me. You passed out in the tub, and I had to get you to the hospital. Kya, my friend, she healed you for the most part but you're going to be on bedrest for a bit; your body was in very bad shape." Korra paused, Kuvira might be awake but she was still weak. Giving her too much at once wouldn't be good.
"Where am I now?" green eyes searched the room. "This is too nice…to be a hospital." she coughed a little.
"You're back at the temple; Kya gave the clear you could be moved here for the rest of your treatment. This is your room, but if you don't like it I can find another…" Kuvira stared at her with shock.
"M-My room…but I thought…?"
"Did you think I would lock you up in the basement?" that was meant as a joke, but Kuvira wasn't laughing. "Kuvira, I know you've had it hard so far, but you're not a prisoner here. You are free to come and go as you wish, but for the time being I think you should stay in the temple."
"Why?"
"For one you need to recover from your injuries, I don't want you to get hurt. Two, it'll be for your protection, with me as the avatar it could make you a target, but we can talk about that later." Korra quickly adjusted the pillows behind Kuvira's head. "Is that ok?"
"Yes." Kuvira looked like she wanted to ask more questions, but she was still very tired.
"I'm going to phone Kya, I'll see if she can come and check you over some more and maybe get some food in you. I won't be gone long I promise, just rest." she held Kuvira's hand, and it helped the other woman relax a little. Korra wanted to kiss her right there, but she restrained herself and quickly left to find the phone.
'I'm going to need some serious help here.'
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Later!
