The United Republic Forces airship slowly initiated its descent towards its destination. From a distance, the immaculate platinum structures that distinguished the city of Zaofu reflected the orange sunbeams of the setting sun serving as welcoming gleaming beacons to its visitors. It was quite a spectacle to behold the metal city from above, the open petal shaped panels that doubled as both landmarks and protection clearly distinguishable from the neighboring buildings they intended to shield. There was a time when the city was bereft of its iconic panels after falling under the military occupation of a dictatorial regime, albeit briefly. In an ironic twist of fate, the iconic platinum domes were stripped as bounty and incorporated into a gigantic war machine conceived and built by none other than the eldest son of the ruling metal clan. Observing from a window the approach to terra firma with rising trepidation was the terrifying weapon's strategic mastermind herself, her green gaze now scanning the familiar sights of the city she both once protected and conquered.
Before the imminent arrival triggered in the former captain a jolt of anxiety, Kuvira had enjoyed a long and exhausting yet pleasant journey. The day before had begun with the small party that included herself, Lin Beifong, Bumi, Chief Tonraq and a small security retinue departing Harbor City towards the Southern Spirit Portal. There, the metalbenders and the general joined Tenzin and his daughter Jinora and Oogi on the second leg of the trip that would take them to Republic City where an airship was being readied for their final destination: Zaofu. As they bid their goodbyes to their Southern hosts, Kuvira was thoroughly stunned when she approached the always intimidating Chief Tonraq with an extended hand and was instead unexpectedly replied with an embrace.
"My daughter is not here but I'm pretty sure this is what she would have done. Have a safe trip and Senna and I wish you the best of luck in your new mission."
Kuvira stammered as she returned the hug awkwardly, still somewhat unsettled by the gesture of affection. "Thank- thank you Chief." She was dwarfed by his large frame and despite her jests with Korra of the danger an overzealous father like Tonraq could represent to the metalbender, she did not feel threatened but instead at ease. "Please give my sincerest thanks to your wife for your hospitality" she added smiling. Tonraq nodded and waved goodbye as he returned back to his palace with his tribesmen behind.
During the next leg of their journey through the portals, the book that Kuvira had packed anticipating a scarcity of enrapturing conversation from Tenzin and Lin as warned by Korra never made it out. The wondrous landscapes of the Spirit World, the exhilarating Sky Bison ride and the warm conversation she shared with Jinora made the trip feel shorter than it actually was. Tenzin's daughter was one of the most spiritually attuned persons aside from the Avatar herself and therefore, she was perfectly suited as a guide for travel between the portals. The young airbender master displayed an unquenchable curiosity and wisdom well beyond her years that kept Kuvira completely engaged and receptive to the myriad questions and observations the girl had from the spirit world to Kuvira's experiences after her rendition.
"I know I did a lot of bad things trying to do something good. I'm aware that doesn't exonerate me but I'm sorry and I really hope I'll be able to convey my regret through my actions" Kuvira stated as she beheld again the pillar of pure light that rose to the skies from where she had once exited as a defeated leader.
"What you are doing now takes a lot of courage. I believe people will see that and they might become more willing to give you a second chance, like Korra did" observed Jinora as she greeted the spirits that welcomed her back.
The enthusiasm of the trip started to wear down the instant she beheld the outline of the city from afar. The courage and confidence that seemed so entrenched just minutes ago suddenly seemed faltering as the airship came to land beside the sleek Future Industries air vessel.
Kuvira grimaced as she became keenly aware of all the people that she had wronged in one way or another that were expecting her arrival. Her heart pounded loudly inside her chest. Cold sweat began gathering over her pulsing temples.
"Kuvira, it's time" Lin's long strides reached the corner where Kuvira had been huddling for the past minutes. Her arms were wrapped around her legs, her chin rested over her knees almost hiding her face. It was a far cry from the haughty silhouette she would present during her unification years. The only token remaining from the Great Uniter days was the dark hair pulled up in a bun.
"I can't do this Lin. This is a mistake. I shouldn't have come here" Kuvira uttered tremulously. There was an almost haunted look in the younger metalbender's emerald eyes.
Chief Lin Beifong's memory snapped back years ago when it had been her who had refused to leave Asami Sato's airship when their travels searching for the new airbenders had taken Team Avatar to this autonomous corner of the Earth Kingdom. Back then, she hadn't been particularly eager to engage in a family reunion either.
"Kuvira, would you believe me if I told you that I understand what you're feeling right now?"
Kuvira gave the eldest Beifong sibling an incredulous glance.
"When I came with Korra and the rest of the team, I didn't wanted to leave the ship. I didn't wanted for Suyin to know I was here."
"Is that true? You are not telling me this just to convince me to come out, aren't you?" An eyebrow rose in question.
"I think you know that I wouldn't lie about something like this. Truth is, I felt that I wasn't ready to deal with my past but I didn't have a choice. I had a job to do and that job put me squarely in the position of having to deal with my issues with my sister. Spirits know it wasn't easy. Twenty years of pent up resentment can really work a number on you. I wouldn't recommend following my example if you want to keep your mental health in check."
Kuvira remained pensive and silent as she peeked outside and saw that Suyin, Bataar Sr., Huan, Wei and Wing, Opal and Bolin were already outside waiting expectantly for them.
"The welcome committee is out there, the only thing's missing is the red carpet. Tell you what, let me go and greet Su while you get a few minutes to gather your bearings, okay?"
"Okay" mumbled Kuvira. The metalbender watched attentively as Lin approached her sister and family warmly. Suddenly, she realized the notable absentees in the group. She couldn't see the Future Industries magnate. Bataar Jr. wasn't there either which increased her level of worry and nervousness. She knew very little of what had become of his fate after his rendition and the last time she had seen him had been on her trial. Korra was conspicuously absent too she realized dismayed.
For the most part, the Beifong family reunion appeared to be a heartfelt one until Suyin and Lin appeared to argue heatedly over a disagreement. Kuvira fretted as she watched a frustrated Lin turn around abruptly and head speedily towards the airship. Suyin was also watching with hands crossed over her chest and lips pursed tightly.
"What's going on Lin?" queried Kuvira.
Lin let out a long exhale. "I see now why you were so hesitant to come down. Su pretends to put you in a cell but we had an agreement and she'd accepted the terms laid out by the United Republic. You have been paroled and you are not to be treated as an inmate while you are here. Even Opal reminded her of that but she's adamant that you are too much of a risk to honor that part of the agreement. I'm really glad Bumi stayed back because the least I would have needed would've been his out of place quips right now."
Kuvira stared at a frustrated Lin and then at Suyin. The Metal Clan matriarch seemed determined to get her way. An idea crossed her mind.
"Lin, order the soldiers to handcuff me" Kuvira said resolutely.
The Chief of Police arched an eyebrow. "You made all the way from Blackstone Isle unbound. Why would I handcuff you now?"
"If it gives Su peace of mind, so let it be. I want to get over with this." Kuvira's demeanor appeared to change, the apprehension was giving way to a more assertive stance. If Suyin still believed her to be a threat, then she was determined to look the part.
"Don't handcuff the kid yet Lin…let me talk to her" a gruff voice offered. Lin Beifong's head snapped and saw her elderly mother Toph coming up the airship's ramp.
"Mom?"
"Yeah, I dragged my old body here from the comfort of my swamp to see my eldest daughter and what do I get? Family drama. This is why I hate family reunions."
"I really glad to see you mom" Lin replied earnestly as she met the earthbending matriarch in a hug.
"Yeah, me too" Toph replied matter-of-factly. "So they put you in babysitting duties now?"
"I'm her parole officer" snapped Lin offended by the comment. Toph chuckled.
"Yeah, I know. Go and tell your sister that I'll have a chat with the danger to society here." Toph was pointing at Kuvira now, who in turn was completely befuddled by the unexpected presence of the living legend.
Lin nodded as she observed both women quizzically before walking down the ramp towards Suyin.
Minutes later Toph Beifong emerged from the airship and joined her family whom were all waiting expectantly. Even Pabu perched over Bolin's head seemed engrossed with the drama. An unbounded Kuvira stood at the side of the door with a confused expression unsure of what to do next.
"Why is she allowed to be without handcuffs Lin? And where are the soldiers? Aren't they supposed to be guarding her?" challenged Suyin at the sight of the deposed dictator walking down the ramp cautiously while taking in her surroundings.
"Su, she's only coming down" Lin replied exasperated.
"Calm down Suyin!" Toph exclaimed gruffly. "This one is no flight risk so there's no need for chains or shackles or jails. We had a nice, calm chat and she apologized humbly and politely for messing with my swamp and the spirit vines."
Suyin did not respond. Toph Beifong had the ability of truth seeing. If Kuvira had been lying, Toph would had already found her out.
"If you say so …It's is agreed then Lin. No handcuffs, but you have to keep her under your sight at all times" the Metal Clan matriarch replied reluctantly as she glanced at Kuvira.
"Don't be so dramatic Su. You heard mom, she's not going anywhere. We've just crossed half of the South Pole, trekked through Spirit Portals and had a short layover in Republic City. If she had wanted to escape, she would have done it already."
"Come on down kid. I'm missing my afternoon nap with all this bickering" gestured Toph.
Encouraged, Kuvira trotted the remaining length of the ramp. The fact that none other than the Beifong matriarch herself had vouched for her dissipated all the anxiety she had been feeling until now. The courage Jinora talked her about was returning. The feel and scent of soil under her shoes seemed to invigorate the earthbender. Despite the apprehension, she began approaching the group until she was at almost arm's length from her former teacher, Suyin.
"Hello Suyin, Bataar. It's been so long."
"Kuvira…" replied curtly Su, her green eyes assessing her coldly. Bataar nodded nervously at her side.
"You'd better cut her some slack" Toph offered as she placed a hand over Suyin's shoulder. "She should have the same opportunity as my grandson since they were in cahoots together in violently taking over the Earth Kingdom."
"Mom, don't compare her to my son" Suyin shot back offended.
"Your son did some pretty screwed up things too if you remember. He has apologized and so has she. Let her be. We have more urgent things to worry about now, like dinner."
Toph grabbed Opal's arm gently as she began pulling her away from the group and towards Suyin's imposing complex. A starstrucked Bolin followed close behind.
"Opal, can you find out if the chef prepared the stew that I really like?"
The airbender let out a tender smile. "Of course grandma. Bolin and I will get you a big bowl."
"Oh, lava boy's here too. Great!" Toph muttered with a scowl. His fanboyish antics annoyed her and she wondered yet again what her granddaughter saw in the young man.
"Toph called me lava boy!" he squealed so loud that Pabu hid beneath his jacket. Toph let out a sigh.
Kuvira chuckled as she observed the scene from afar. She had almost forgotten how much Bolin could brighten up any tense situation with his remarks. She had missed his spontaneity, his energy and disposition to help. Among all the people from her inner circle, the one who always had his heart in the right place had been him. If only she had been more receptive and less judgmental of his opinions, their initial noble efforts might had been salvageable and the military campaign that ended in disaster and destruction staved off.
Just days ago, after a successful joint venture to stop pirates from acquiring Earth Empire armament, Kuvira took the opportunity to make amends in person with her former subordinate. The former commander had not expected the young airbender to accept her request to talk but to her surprise, not only had he accepted but Opal came along with her boyfriend. Kuvira had made initial overtures to convey her apologies through letters from prison and since then, she maintained a cordial rapport through her epistles. However, communicating through letters was a thing and sitting down face to face was another thing altogether so the anxiety levels for all parties involved was considerable. The former captain suspected that the Avatar had once again mediated on her behalf with her foster sibling and her boyfriend so when they finally talked, she found them to be more receptive and open minded to what she had to say instead of being on the defensive as expected by her.
Chief Beifong came to the younger metalbender's side as she too watched her family retreating to their home.
"Guess we've survived round one. I highly suspect that we won't be meeting later today to discuss the situation that has brought you back. I'm pretty sure you noticed Korra's absent."
"I did and I agree with your assessment Lin. I'm too tired to think properly anyway." The former commander was grateful she was having the privilege of sleeping in a bed and not in a cot behind bars as Suyin might had preferred.
"My advice? Take advantage of the momentary respite and rest. I'm exhausted too with all this traveling and Su's drama just completely drained me. Thank the spirits that mom was in an unexpectedly merciful mood today. You should consider yourself extremely lucky."
"Indeed" retorted the metalbender still shocked by the turn of events.
"Come, let's get settled. This is just only the beginning."
As Kuvira followed Lim and the United Republic security detail assigned to them walking the familiar paths she had once patrolled as the Zaofu guard captain, one question lingered on her mind and weighted inside her heart:
"Where could Korra be?"