A long, thin line of sunshine streamed in through a gap in the curtains, falling across Kuvira's face and waking her. She went to roll over, not quite ready to get up just yet, and found she couldn't. Nayuh was pressed up against her back and her arm was wrapped around Kuvira's waist, loosely hugging her. Nayuh stirred slightly at the movement, but Kuvira could tell she wasn't awake yet.
What soon became apparent though, the longer Kuvira lay there, was that the airship wasn't moving anymore. Interesting, since the Captain hadn't mentioned when they'd be stopping for fuel, but Kuvira supposed it must've happened sometime overnight.
Nayuh's grip on her waist suddenly tightened and Kuvira heard her draw in a deep breath, a sure sign she was waking up. She reached down and gently grabbed Nayuh's hand, bringing it up to her lips and kissing it. Nayuh hummed sleepily at the contact and shifted against Kuvira's back, trying to get as close as she could.
Kuvira hugged Nayuh's arm to her, content to lay like that for a little while longer. She was warm, she was comfortable, and while she didn't think she could go back to sleep, she also didn't want to move. For whatever reason, the events of the previous afternoon and evening had left her feeling even closer to Nayuh. Deeper in love, even, if that was possible. So much so, she'd nearly brought out the betrothal necklace while they were stargazing up on the deck, and proposed right then and there.
But she'd held back, for reasons she still couldn't pinpoint. Maybe it was because it wasn't their anniversary just yet (although, it was in a few days). Or maybe it was because she still hadn't quite worked out how she was going to do it yet, although she did have a very good idea.
Korra had mentioned that her and Asami's house had a beautiful rock garden, where Korra liked to meditate. Korra had said it would be a perfect setting–it overlooked Republic City in the distance, and at night, with the spirit portal glowing along with the city lights, it was apparently very romantic.
Kuvira had immediately liked that idea, if only because it reminded her of the rock garden at the Beifong Manor. And since she couldn't do it there, and she couldn't take Nayuh to any of the more romantic spots in Republic City, proposing in the rock garden at the Sato estate seemed like the best option.
Nayuh stirred against her again, and this time Kuvira could tell she was awake. She rolled over to find her girlfriend's beautiful face staring back at her with a sleepy smile.
"Good morning," Kuvira said softly, before giving Nayuh a kiss.
"Good morning," Nayuh replied. "How'd you sleep?"
"Wonderfully," Kuvira answered. "Not surprising though, given how comfortable this bed is. What about you?"
"Same. I'm glad we decided not to stay up on the deck."
Kuvira chuckled. They'd stayed up there until decently late, and Kuvira had thrown out the idea of just spending the night up there, but Nayuh hadn't wanted to. She'd presented such a solid argument against it, that Kuvira couldn't do anything but acquiesce to her wishes. And given how soundly she'd slept, she was glad she had.
Nayuh's face suddenly pulled into a confused frown. "Is it just me, or are we not moving anymore?"
"Not just you," Kuvira replied. "I think we've stopped for fuel finally. I remember doing that a couple of times, the last time I was on this."
Nayuh nodded, then gave Kuvira another kiss. "Well, let's get up and see where we're at. If it's a town, I'd love to maybe do some sightseeing if we have enough time."
Given that Nayuh hadn't been farther north than Kyoshi Island (and the fact that Kuvira could hear the subtle excitement in her voice) she didn't have the heart to tell her that they'd likely stopped in the Earth Republic. Which meant that if she decided to go off the airship, Kuvira couldn't join her.
Instead, she nodded. "Okay, we'll get dressed and see if we can find Captain Sim. He'll know where we are and how long we're going to be here."
Thirty minutes later, they were wandering through the corridors of the airship, searching for Sim. They finally found him in the galley, in the middle of his breakfast. He looked up and smiled as they walked in. They returned it, then busied themselves with getting their own breakfast.
"Have we stopped for fuel?" Kuvira finally asked him as she took a seat.
"Yes," Sim answered, "we have. It won't be too long of a stop though. We should be airborne again in another couple of hours."
Kuvira nodded. "So, would that give us enough time to go into town and look around? Neither one of us has been this far north before." A small lie, but a necessary one.
"Absolutely," Sim warmly replied, giving them another smile. It was obvious by the look on his face that he was surprised by Kuvira's admission that neither one of them had ever left the South. "You'll have plenty of time. We've stopped in the city of Gaoling, in the Earth Republic, and they have a very nice shopping district that isn't too far from the airfield. I highly recommend heading there."
Kuvira smiled at him, even though happy was the very last thing she was feeling at the moment. "Perfect. We'll definitely do that. Thank you."
She turned back to Nayuh, who was also smiling, but hers was completely genuine. They ate in silence, and while Kuvira tried extremely hard to keep her emotions off her face, she knew she was failing miserably. There was no way Nayuh didn't notice, but fortunately, she waited until Sim had left the room to say anything.
"You don't seem too thrilled about going out," she remarked, as Kuvira continued to push the porridge around her bowl without really eating much of it.
Kuvira sighed. "Because I'm not. Not only is Gaoling in the Earth Republic, it's also the province right next to Zaofu. And, well…let's just say I have a history here. I'm not sure it's smart to show my face."
Nayuh studied her for a few long moments, before nodding. "Alright. We don't have to go then."
Internally, Kuvira winced at how short and clipped her words were. Disappointed would be an understatement and she knew that her refusal to leave the ship wasn't fair to Nayuh. "You should still go though. Gaoling is a nice city and Sim is right: the shopping district is very nice as well."
"I'm not going without you," Nayuh replied. "That's pointless. Especially if you know the area and the city. I get why you want to be cautious, but I also think you're being a little ridiculous. You're not 'Kuvira the Great Uniter' anymore. You're just 'Vira of the Southern Water Tribe.' I wish you'd start thinking of yourself that way, considering that literally everyone else does. To include Korra and Asami."
"I'm just trying to be safe," Kuvira grumbled. "If anyone recognizes me, they'll lock me up and throw away the key."
"Then we'll just have to make sure that no one recognizes you," Nayuh replied, her tone making it plainly clear that Kuvira could either suck it up and go with her, or risk spending an unknown amount of time back in the polar bear dog house.
"Okay…and how are we going to do that?"
"Well, first you need to stop acting guilty," Nayuh answered. "Just act like you normally do whenever we're out in public at home. This is no different. And honestly Vee…it's been years since your face has been seen in this country. Even if someone did think they recognized you, they'll just pass it off as a coincidence.
"Kuvira has been dead for years, remember? They have absolutely no reason to believe you'd suddenly surface, alive and well, in a random city and dressed like you're from the Southern Water Tribe. You're overthinking this and worrying about nothing."
Kuvira wanted to keep arguing but knew that if she did, Nayuh would just come back with another set of reasons she couldn't counter. And after the amazing afternoon and evening they had yesterday, she really didn't want to go back into the polar bear dog house. Especially since she just got out of it.
"Fine," Kuvira said with a heavy sigh, "you win. But if this goes badly, then don't be surprised when I say, 'I told you so'."
Nayuh rolled her eyes and got up from the table to rinse her bowl out. "You'd think that after two years together you'd have learned by now to trust me." When she was finished she turned back around and leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. "You should also know by now that I would never let anything happen to you. Ever."
Kuvira didn't say anything and got up to rinse her bowl out as well. "I do trust you," she said. "I'm just terrified of my mistakes pulling us apart…permanently."
"They haven't yet," Nayuh said, laying a gentle hand on her arm and turning Kuvira to her. "So please, for me…stop worrying. Can you do that? I know this is technically a work trip, but it might be our only shot at going somewhere other than Kyoshi Island and I want to make the most of it.
"And who knows?" she added with a shrug. "Once it's all said and done and you see that you can integrate yourself into the world again, maybe we can start taking more trips to see Korra and Asami."
Kuvira sighed and took Nayuh's hands in hers, intertwining their fingers together. "What did I ever do to get so lucky that you chose me?"
"Showed up on my doorstep with one foot in the grave and then proceeded to make me fall madly in love with you," Nayuh answered. The words were meant to be humorous but her tone was full of love. "Honestly, I'm pretty sure neither one of us had a choice in the matter."
Kuvira chuckled. "No, I don't think we did." She leaned in and gave Nayuh a soft kiss. "Well, shall we head into town and see what kinds of things we can blow our money on?"
"Absolutely," Nayuh replied with a grin.
She knew Nayuh was most likely right, but even as she walked down the boarding ramp, Kuvira couldn't help but feel extremely anxious. Still, she held her head high and tried to act as normal as she could as they walked towards the city.
"So…are you ever going to tell me the history you have here?" Nayuh asked as they walked, and Kuvira was grateful she'd decided to bring it up when no one was around. "The way you made it sound, makes me think it's not a good history."
Kuvira shrugged slightly. "I guess some of it is good." She pointed to a spot off in the distance, past the city towards the mountains. "You see that open space over there, right at the foot of the mountains? Kind of goes back into them a bit?"
Nayuh peered in the direction she was pointing, then nodded. "There used to be a reeducation camp there," Kuvira continued. "That's also where I helped Korra take down Guan and end the Earth Empire for good."
"Well, that's good, right?" Nayuh said, hopeful.
Kuvira nodded. "That's about the only good thing, though. That camp, like all the others, ended up doing more harm than good. Of all the things I did while I was in charge, creating those stupid camps has to be the worst."
"That's all in the past now," Nayuh gently reminded her. "You're not that person anymore."
"I know," Kuvira said. She sighed. "That's not the only history I have with Gaoling though."
Nayuh turned and eyed her curiously. They were approaching the city and Kuvira knew she needed to get this out before they entered. This wasn't something she wanted anyone but Nayuh to hear. No one–not even Su, or Korra, or any of the other Beifongs–knew what she was about to tell Nayuh.
"Gaoling," she said, "is where I was born."
Nayuh grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop. "You were born here?" Kuvira nodded. "So that means…"
"There's a very good chance my biological parents are still here, yes," Kuvira finished for her. "I was eight when they left me, so it's not like I've forgotten the years I spent here, even though I very much want to."
"Have you ever thought about trying to find them again?" Nayuh asked.
Kuvira's eyes narrowed and she shook her head. "No. They made it plainly clear they didn't want anything to do with me. Part of me hoped they somehow ended up in the reeducation camp, but I made a point to avoid this city as much as I could, so I never bothered to check. Although, it would've been nice to look them in the eye as the Great Uniter and show them how well I'd done without them."
She angrily shook her head again. "But, I don't think they would've cared. They hated me and I hated them. Still do."
"Is this why you didn't want to come into the city with me?" Nayuh asked, in a small voice.
"Yeah," Kuvira admitted with a sigh, "and also in general, because of who I used to be."
Without warning, Nayuh threw her arms around Kuvira and pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm so sorry. If I had known, I wouldn't have pushed so hard. We can go back if you want. I don't need to see anything here. Having Korra show me around Republic City is enough."
Kuvira returned the hug, letting the warmth of Nayuh's embrace wash over her. It helped her to relax, to let go of the residual anger she always felt when memories of her life here would surface.
"No, it's okay," Kuvira finally said, pulling back so she could look at Nayuh, but she didn't let her go. "We can go in. Like you said, Kuvira has been dead for years now. I'm just Vira, traveling from the Southern Water Tribe with her beautiful girlfriend and doing some sightseeing along the way."
Kuvira smiled at her, but Nayuh returned it with a frown. "Are you sure?"
"One thousand percent," Kuvira replied. Then she dipped her head and gave Nayuh a kiss. "It might be fun to pick up a gift for Korra and Asami, if we can."
Nayuh's frown finally dissolved and she smirked slightly. "I highly doubt we'll find anything as fun or as inappropriate. But I guess it couldn't hurt to look." She tilted her head up and kissed Kuvira again. "I love you, Vee. So much."
"I love you, too," Kuvira happily replied. They finally broke apart and Kuvira took Nayuh's hand as they entered the city.
Despite knowing that there was a good chance her biological parents could be any one of the strangers they passed, Kuvira wasn't looking for them. She never did. She'd done her very best to erase them from her memory after her father had dropped her on Su's doorstep all those years ago. Even now, she could hardly recall what they looked like. Every time she thought of her family, images of Su and Bataar and Tonraq and Senna swam in her head.
They found the shopping district easily enough, and since it was nearing late morning, it was bustling. They took their time, stopping at the various stores and vendors, idly browsing. By the time they entered the third shop, Kuvira had relaxed enough to forget her initial worries about being recognized. As it turned out, Nayuh's assessment had been correct (as usual): no one gave a flying lemur's tail who she was. If anything, the only reason people even gave them a second glance was because it was obvious they weren't from the Earth Republic.
Which was perfect. Kuvira was able to lean into the fact that she was being regarded as a foreigner, even despite her green eyes. And while it was slightly weird to be back in her native country and be treated like she wasn't a native, she also didn't mind. It meant her transition to the South was officially and finally complete.
A fact that she couldn't help but point out to Nayuh as they meandered through one of the stores. "I hate to admit this, but you were right…no one cares who I am."
Nayuh turned and gave her the smuggest look Kuvira had ever seen from her. "I…told…you…so." She enunciated every single word, for extra emphasis.
Kuvira rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah…you did. But you know what this means, right?"
Nayuh cocked her head in question and Kuvira went on. "It means I'm actually from the South now. Maybe not an official member of the Tribe, but these people don't know that. For all they know, I am."
"And how does that make you feel?" Nayuh asked, a hint of caution in her voice.
"Incredible," Kuvira replied. "I still don't think I ever deserved a second chance, but I am so, so glad I got one. My life in the South and with you…it feels more right than anything else ever did." She tilted her head slightly, thinking. "Is this what they mean by getting older and wiser?"
Nayuh laughed and playfully nudged her. "I don't know about wiser, but you're definitely older."
"Hey now," Kuvira replied, a little defensively, "thirty is not old. And you're one to talk: you're going to be joining me here in a couple of months."
"But I'm not there yet," Nayuh smugly said, "and that's all that matters." Kuvira rolled her eyes again. Nayuh loved to rub it in that Kuvira was older than her, even if it was by less than a year.
"Oh!" Nayuh suddenly said, pointing to something. "Look Vee…they have little Kyoshi dolls!"
Nayuh let go of her hand and hurried over to the stand that was indeed packed full of stuffed Avatar Kyoshi dolls. They weren't unlike the one Opal had growing up, and Kuvira couldn't help but smile as she followed Nayuh. It wasn't a secret to anyone that Kyoshi was Nayuh's favorite Avatar, for obvious reasons.
"Do you want one?" Nayuh asked, already tucking one for herself under her arm.
"No, I'm good," Kuvira answered, chuckling a little. Despite Nayuh's best efforts, she hadn't quite been able to change Kuvira's mind about how terrifying the former Avatar was. "Should we get one for Korra, though?" She smirked and Nayuh laughed.
"Wouldn't that be like getting her a doll of herself?" Kuvira shrugged and Nayuh's face turned contemplative. "I mean, they did get us a weird gift. Gifting Korra a doll of one of her past lives could certainly be classified as weird, too."
"Let's get it," Kuvira said, picking up another one of the dolls. "If anything, she can always give it to her and Asami's firstborn, if and when they ever have kids."
"Sold," Nayuh said. They finished perusing the rest of the store, then paid for the dolls and walked back out into the warm sunshine. It was a huge change from the cold of the South, and Kuvira was already regretting putting on anything heavier than a tank top.
They were able to browse through two more shops before it was time to head back to the airship. Spending time in Gaoling had been fun (thanks to Nayuh), but Kuvira was ready to leave it behind. They slowly made their way out of the city and towards the airfield, enjoying the sunshine and each other's company.
"Do you really think Korra and Asami will have kids?" Nayuh asked as they walked.
Kuvira shrugged. "I honestly have no idea. I guess I just assumed they would, even though I have no idea how that would even work. I guess they could always adopt, too. But yeah…I can easily see both of them wanting to have them."
Nayuh chuckled. "Can you imagine Korra as a mom?"
"No," Kuvira replied, chuckling as well, "I can't. But I can definitely see Asami as one."
"Me, too," Nayuh agreed. It was quiet for another few minutes, and Kuvira decided not to ask why Nayuh had randomly decided to bring that topic up. She wasn't sure she wanted to have that conversation yet. Especially since they'd barely discussed getting married.
But, she wasn't going to have a choice. "Have you ever thought about it?" Nayuh asked. Even though Kuvira knew exactly what she was talking about, she still gave her a questioning look. "Having kids," Nayuh clarified.
Kuvira kept her eyes on the airship in the distance and didn't answer right away. Of course, she'd thought about it, especially with Bataar, but even back then she wasn't sure if it was something she'd wanted. Hindsight being what it is, she supposed that even if she hadn't dissolved that engagement the way she did, it probably would've fallen apart anyway, given that Bataar adamantly wanted them and she wasn't sure.
Now, with Nayuh asking (and not having any idea where Nayuh stood on the subject), Kuvira was reluctant to say how she truly felt, for fear that the precious life she'd built with Nayuh would crumble, due to a fundamental disagreement on something so important.
Unfortunately, the longer she stayed silent, the more Nayuh's inquisitive stare bore into her. Finally, she sighed. "Yes, I've thought about it. But…" She trailed off, unsure if she should or could finish what she needed to say.
"But…" Nayuh prompted.
"But…I'm not sure if it's something I want," Kuvira finished, in a small voice, unable to look Nayuh in the eye. Before Nayuh could ask why, Kuvira continued, figuring she owed it to Nayuh to explain her reasoning.
"I was a horrendous kid. And I'm not over-exaggerating. I was violent, moody, and constantly angry and I took it out on everyone near me. That's why my parents got rid of me. Not that that excuses abandoning an eight-year-old on a stranger's doorstep," she quickly added, seeing Nayuh open her mouth to make the same argument. "I'm just telling you why they did it."
She sighed. "I guess I'm just scared that my own kids, if I were to have any, would be the exact same way. And if they were, then I'm afraid of how I would react to that…if I would do the same thing my mother and father did to me, and abandon them."
Nayuh was quiet for a while. So long, that Kuvira finally looked over to try and gauge what she might be thinking. Which was useless, because Nayuh's face was completely impassive. Finally, she spoke up.
"That's completely fair. I can't blame you in the slightest for feeling that way. But, I will say that I don't think that you'd treat your kids the same way. Didn't you tell me the entire reason you stepped up to lead the Earth Kingdom was because you didn't want your people to feel abandoned, like you were?"
Kuvira nodded. "The entire world abandoned us when we needed them the most. Just like my own parents did to me. I couldn't stomach it. I had to do something."
"And that's exactly why I don't think you have anything to worry about. Plus," she added with a small smile, "you have me. I wouldn't ever let you do anything you'd regret. Like abandoning your own children. Because they'd be my kids too, remember?"
Kuvira smiled at her. "Very true. So, does this mean that you want them?"
Nayuh suddenly looked slightly uncomfortable, even though she was the one who initiated this entire conversation. "Uh…I don't know, honestly." Kuvira raised an eyebrow at her, hoping she would elaborate.
"I mean, yes, I have thought about it," Nayuh went on, "but it never really seemed like it'd ever be in the cards, you know? And, up until you, I hadn't ever been with anyone that I would even remotely consider having kids with. And, like you said…I'm not sure how it would even be possible. Biologically, that is."
Kuvira idly nodded, thinking. "It was always something I had to be aware of with Bataar, and I can't say I've been upset that I haven't had to worry about it with you. But, if we ever did decide we wanted them, I guess adoption would be our only option. And, now that I'm thinking about it, is that even possible in the South?"
"What, adoption?" Nayuh asked and Kuvira nodded. "Yeah, it is, although it's not as prevalent as I imagine it is in the Earth Republic or Republic City or even the Fire Nation. You know how insulated the Tribe is. We kind of just take care of our own and any kids that wind up parentless are usually taken in by another member of their extended family."
"Well then, I guess," Kuvira said slowly, taking Nayuh's hand in hers and bringing it up to her lips, kissing it lightly, "we'll just cross that bridge when we come to it."
"Sounds good to me," Nayuh replied, pulling Kuvira into an embrace and kissing her. Kuvira took a moment to indulge herself, happy that they'd finally gotten that out into the open. And it had gone far better than Kuvira had thought it might. It made her feel better that Nayuh wasn't one hundred percent one way or the other, just like she wasn't.
They made it back to the airship with a half-hour to spare, and, after stripping down to the bare minimum amount of clothing, headed up to the observation deck to relax and possibly do some sparring. The remainder of the day was spent up there, in the sun, as the airship continued on its journey north.
In fact, over the course of the next three days, Kuvira and Nayuh spent the majority of their time up on the deck, enjoying the warm sun. The only times they went inside were when they needed to eat and sleep, or when it would rain. Or when they decided they needed a little "fun" time in their quarters.
The gift got used a couple more times, and true to her word, Kuvira never pushed Nayuh into trying it. And given Nayuh's near-instant mastery of using it, Kuvira was more than happy to be on the receiving end. She had to give it to Korra and Asami. They certainly didn't need it, but it helped liven things up even more.
It was late evening and already dark by the time the Captain informed them that they would be on the ground in Republic City in thirty minutes. Kuvira and Nayuh made their way topside, to the observation deck, to take in the view as they approached.
And what a beautiful view it was. The spirit portal was the most visible feature, shooting its soft yellow light high into the sky. An unexpected knot formed in Kuvira's stomach as she gazed at it, remembering that if it hadn't been for her and that damn Spirit Weapon, the portal wouldn't even be there. She sent another silent thank you to Korra, for saving her life, and for turning an ugly situation into something truly breathtaking.
Beyond the portal and surrounding it, Republic City glowed against the dark silhouettes of the mountains that framed it. She heard Nayuh draw in a deep breath and looked over, seeing an awed look on her face.
"It's even more beautiful than I imagined," Nayuh breathed. She excitedly looked at Kuvira. "I can't believe we're really here."
Kuvira grinned at her. "Believe it. And you'll get to see and experience as much of it as you want while we're here."
Nayuh returned her grin, then tilted her head up for a kiss. "Thank you for bringing me. This is awesome."
"You're very welcome," Kuvira happily replied. "Just remember that, when you want to get mad at me and Asami for burying our heads in work."
Nayuh laughed. "I'll try, I promise."
As Sim had said, the airship finally settled onto the ground at the airfield thirty minutes later. Kuvira had no idea how close the Sato's residence was from where they were, but Korra had said it was on the outskirts, so it was clear they'd have to drive through part of the city to get there. Which meant that she'd at least get a small peek of it. Maybe, if Nayuh agrees, I can actually go out into it at some point. The other stops went so well that I think I'd be okay to do the same thing here.
She filed those thoughts away to the back of her mind as they grabbed their bags and disembarked. Sim was waiting for them at the bottom of the boarding ramp, as was a satomobile and its driver.
"I trust the journey was good for you both?" Sim asked as he shook Kuvira's hand, then Nayuh's.
"It was excellent," Kuvira replied. "You and your crew did an amazing job and I look forward to seeing you all again for the return trip."
Sim bowed slightly, in thanks. "It was our pleasure. Enjoy your time in Republic City. And, if you're both craving some good Southern Water Tribe cuisine while you're here, may I suggest Narook's. They serve the best seaweed noodles in the city. I highly recommend them."
"We will definitely do that," Nayuh excitedly said, "thank you." Sim bowed to her, and Kuvira and Nayuh made their way over to the waiting satomobile. It was a sleek, black color, and with no roof, they'd have a three hundred and sixty-degree view of the city as they rode through it.
The driver bowed to them both and introduced himself as Samir, before taking their bags and stowing them in the trunk. He then opened the door for them and Kuvira climbed into the backseat, with Nayuh following her.
And then they were off. Samir didn't seem too keen on conversation, which was fine by Kuvira. She and Nayuh spoke to each other in hushed, excited voices, pointing out different sights as they worked their way away from the airfield and towards the edge of the city. There was a lot to take in, and since Kuvira hadn't truly gotten a chance to see the city up close like this, she was in just as much awe as Nayuh.
They were nearing the outskirts and Kuvira could just make out the lights of a house in the distance, up on a hill. Neither her, nor Nayuh, or even Samir, who had his eyes on the road as he navigated through a busy intersection, saw the other satomobile coming. The only indication of its presence was the short gasp that Nayuh managed to get out, as she turned her head and saw the headlights bearing down on them.
Then, in the blink of an eye and with a deafening sound, Kuvira's life was literally turned upside down. The other satomobile plowed into them at full speed, hitting their own vehicle broadside and violently pushing it through the intersection. Time seemed to slow down as metal crunched and glass flew.
Kuvira suddenly found herself airborne and watched in horror as Nayuh followed her into the air as their vehicle was upended. She tried to reach for her, to grab her, but her hands clawed at nothing. The ground rushed up to meet her and she slammed into it, hard, feeling the crunch and instant pain of bones as they broke on impact. She pushed the pain aside and tried to focus on Nayuh as she skidded across the ground, finally coming to rest against the side of a building.
Nayuh hit the ground a split second behind her and much harder. Kuvira helplessly watched as her girlfriend's head bounced once, twice, off of the concrete, before she tumbled and rolled across the unforgiving ground. She finally came to a stop near Kuvira and didn't move.
For what felt like an eternity (but was probably less than a second) Kuvira stared at her. Then she looked back, saw the crumpled mess of the satomobile they'd just occupied tumbling towards them, and weakly put her hands up. The vehicle slowed under her bending, and she used what little was left of her strength to angle it away from both her and Nayuh.
When it finally came to a stop against the curb, only a few feet from her, she crumpled to the ground. The pain was intense and very reminiscent of how she'd felt at the end of her time under Lake Laogai. She wanted nothing more than to go to sleep, but she forced her eyes open, and, summoning what little strength she somehow still had, crawled over to Nayuh's motionless body.
Terror seized her as she rolled Nayuh over. Her face was covered in blood, and since she wasn't a healer, Kuvira had no idea how bad the extent of her injuries were. But, based on what she could tell, they were bad. She looked around, hoping that someone had seen the accident and would call for a healer.
A small crowd was starting to gather and a man pushed forward, rushing to Kuvira's side. She couldn't quite make out what he was saying, but she heard the words "medic" and "help" before the pain finally won out.
She managed to say, "help her" to the man, as she slowly collapsed to the ground next to Nayuh. The familiar darkness closed in and Kuvira gave into it, hoping against hope that the woman she loved would be alright.
