The Future Industries airship cruised swift and steady across a serene darkening sky. A full moon was rising behind a distant mountain range splashing the imposing peaks with a faint silver glow. Bataar stood at the helm of the airship, his face the picture of confident concentration, hands maneuvering with light yet precise touch over the control panel's many buttons and levers. Asami glanced at the bespectacled man attentively, pride and delight shimmering in her bright green eyes as she jotted down some notes on the flight log. Before taking her scheduled break from piloting duties which she now shared with the Zaofu engineer, she tousled his hair as she placed a hot cup of coffee on the panel's cupholder she had installed after realizing how indispensable the jolt of caffeine was for days' long treks.
"Here" Asami said as she presented Bataar the flight log. "I recorded the last hour instrument readings and the weather forecast for tonight. Are you sure you don't want me to stick around for a little longer. I'm used to doing this all by myself."
"I'll be okay" Bataar replied while taking the notebook from her elegant hands. "I didn't go through all the trouble to learn how to fly just to have you lose sleep."
Asami directed an amiable glance at him. "I know, force of habit. To be honest, I'm really glad to have someone mechanically inclined in my life again. After Kuvira and you stabilize the Earth Kingdom again, we'll start your biplane lessons."
"Do you think we could combine the lessons with some builds? I have some new plane designs I've been itching to discuss with you."
"Really? I haven't built a plane in a while so this should be fun. Now, drink your coffee before it gets cold" the magnate observed.
Smiling, he accepted the cup she put in his left hand and before she could walk away, he circled her waist with his right arm and planted a lingering kiss to her lips. When they separated, Asami chuckled as she pushed back silken long tresses of hair from her face, enjoying the weight of his hand over the small of her back before finally allowing herself to escape his grasp.
Korra watched the scene unfolding amused. A happy Asami patted her shoulder on her way to her stateroom and Korra replied with a bright smile. Seeing her best friend in such high spirits made the Avatar feel pleased and hopeful for Asami and for herself. Despite the romantic breakup they endured and the tensions that followed it, they had not only managed to salvage their friendship, it came out strengthened and now they counted as each other's most enthusiastic supporters on their new romantic endeavors. The fact they had found love with each other's' exes gave the whole situation a surreal quality but neither party could deny that they all felt much happier and comfortable around each other now that everything had been said and done. Bataar and Kuvira's friendship was on the mend too which allowed them to successfully work together again and the effort of their collaboration was already bearing fruit for the benefit of the Earth Kingdom. Everything was coming together nicely. Too nicely Korra admitted to herself and deep inside, she feared that something would soon brew to break the lucky streak.
After bidding goodnight to Bataar, Korra found herself at the ship's galley relaxing with a soothing cup of tea. The trip to the Foggy Swamp had been fortunately an uneventful one, devoid of shenanigans or drama, something for which the Avatar was immensely grateful. She had slept for most of the journey, having sacrificed most of her night's sleep to watch over Kuvira in her room. The memory made her lips curve into a mischievous grin. Despite the lack of rest, she didn't regret the decision in the least, remembering how pleasant the last minutes before her departure had been, delighting in making the metalbender unravel under her touch before she could properly wake up. Such a pity that her huge suite was being wasted with her spending most of the time alone in it with the torturing knowledge that Kuvira was so close and yet so far.
"Good evening Korra, such a coincidence to have found you here. Am I interrupting something?" Suyin's bright voice startled Korra back to the present.
"Not really, just enjoying some quiet time before going to sleep" replied Korra. The Avatar recalled that Su had been bestowing inquisitive glances towards her during their journey, as if probing for something.
"Good" Suyin retorted sitting down facing Korra at the opposite side of the counter.
"Korra, I've been wanting to talk to you for a while. You are my guest and I would like to believe that we are friends after all the things we've shared and we've gone through."
"Of course we are friends Su" the Avatar exclaimed as she extended her arm placing a reassuring hand over Suyin's shoulder.
"I'm glad to hear that. Well, as a friend I wanted to be honest with you. I've been hearing and seeing some things that are worrying me and I would like you to be honest with me about something." Suyin's amiable tone morphed into a more serious one. Korra suddenly tensed. She had a hunch of what Su might want to address.
"So, what is it that worries you?"
Suyin's eyebrows furrowed, her green glance hard. "Korra, is there something between Kuvira and you?" The tone of her voice was razor sharp.
Korra raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"What do you mean with 'something'? It's no secret that I would visit her in jail because I believed it could help in her rehabilitation. We've become friends. We talked about this when you went to Blackstone Isle."
"I remember our conversation perfectly. Friendship is one thing but from what I've gathered, evidence seems to point out to something else. Korra, I saw her coming out of your suite yesterday."
Korra couldn't avoid the surprised and mortified expression that materialized on her face. So that is what brought Su's interrogation. Sighing, Korra paused as she weighted her options. She was already weary of all the secrecy and although she was certain Kuvira would not approve of what she was about to do, Korra knew Suyin would not stop until she got the information she needed in one way or another. There was only one solution and Korra was ready to assume the consequences of making the call.
"If you saw her coming out of my suite it is because I invited her there" Korra stated firmly.
"I was told she arrived there before midnight. I saw her leave early in the morning. So you won't deny the fact that she stayed the night."
Korra stood up all of a sudden, determination etched on her face.
"We're lovers Su. Kuvira and I love each other. Is that what you wanted to hear? There, you're hearing it from me then" the Avatar asserted. Suyin let out an audible gasp, jaw dropping low and olive green eyes flashing in shock. Korra's bluntness took Suyin aback and the Avatar delighted in the satisfaction of seeing confusion and utter astonishment play in every quiver of her mouth and on the pulsing veins throbbing at her temples.
"Wow, I mean…you didn't even didn't try to deny it" Su shook her head as if struggling to assimilate what she had just heard. The Metal City Matriarch abandoned her chair to face Korra.
"Are you aware of what you are doing? Of what you are getting yourself into?" Her voice was shrill now.
"I am not a little girl. I know exactly what I'm doing and you have no idea how liberating this has been."
Su pressed two fingers at the juncture between her eyebrows. "I can't believe what I'm hearing…has she brainwashed you too?"
Korra glared at Suyin appalled. "The one who seems to be brainwashed is you Su. Haven't you looked around and noticed how others are treating Kuvira now?"
"What are you talking about?"
"You know quite well what I mean. Bataar, Lin, Opal, Bolin…even Asami. Kuvira has spoken with each and every one of them and has apologized. They all granted her the chance to talk and they've decided to turn the page to give her a new opportunity. They aren't stuck living in the past like you."
"You don't know her like I do" Su scowled.
"I think it is you who doesn't know her anymore. She's changed and she has been working hard to move away from her past and to make amends. She almost died at the South Pole trying to undo the damage that followed the fall of the empire. Her work at the island has allowed us to recover dangerous stolen weapons from bandits and pirates."
"Have you forgotten that she tried to kill me Korra?" the Metal City matriarch stared coldly at the Avatar, the words coming out through clenched teeth.
Korra countered with a stern glance. "And you tried to kill her too but Su, the war is over. It has been over for years now. Kuvira surrendered, she has repented, and she has been paying the price of her crimes since then. There's no point in refusing to move on."
"How could you forgive her so easily? She humiliated you!"
Korra inhaled deeply, closing her eyes for a few seconds. She was getting frustrated with Su's stubbornness.
"Kuvira did terrible things. I'm very much aware of that. She is very much aware of that. Bataar, your son did too, but both have repented and now they just want to work to fix their mess. They deserve a second chance just like everybody else. Just like you. This city, your family. It is all thanks to that second chance Toph gave you when she didn't punish you for your criminal acts."
"You can't compare what I did with what Kuvira did" the matriarch blurted indignantly. "I was young and stupid and Lin has to bear the marks of my stupidity for the rest of her life. But I didn't become a dictator and destroyed a city attempting to take it by force."
Korra shook her head. "Su listen. We can keep at this exchanging arguments for the rest of the night and we would still remain at the same place. The point is, you asked me something and I have answered truthfully as you wished. You might not approve of my decision but the fact is, I don't need your approval or anybody else's. You don't have to like it but there's nothing you can do to change my mind. I love Kuvira and she loves me back and that's all that matters."
"But what about your responsibility as Avatar? Are your going to be so irresponsible as to associate to a war criminal?"
"I know what's expected of me and whom I love won't change my commitment to my duties. Now if you excuse me, if this was all you wanted to discuss, I believe we are done for today. Good night Suyin."
"You're making a mistake Korra" warned Su ominously glaring at Korra on her way out.
Korra offered Su a last pensive glance before disappearing towards her room.
"No Su, it is you who is making a mistake and you're only punishing Kuvira and yourself with it."
-oOo-
Kuvira felt furious wind gusts buffeting her torso trying to hold her back. Out of sheer instinct, she flung herself to the side while erecting a protective barrier, shielding herself from the combination of swift attacks from Jinora and Kai. The metalbender quickly leapt to her feet and before she found herself pinned by wind attacks from opposite sides, an earthen column rose beneath her feet lifting her high. The advantage was quickly undermined when Kai gave chase and before she could raise another column to escape, the airbender sent an air volley that tripped her off her feet. Kuvira gasped, barely avoided falling by throwing a cable that wrapped tightly around the column. The impulse veered her around away from Kai but before she could land, Jinora appeared suddenly from her blind side and created an air bubble that captured the former captain, levitating her mere feet over the ground. Jinora grinned when the bubble vanished and Kuvira literally and unceremoniously fell on her butt. Kai landed beside her, unable to contain his guffaws at the sight while Jinora laughed prettily. Kuvira glared at the two young airbenders, barely containing the look of utter frustration that crept on her face until her exasperation morphed into laughter that erupted from her chest. From the sidelines captain Hong Li and Opal watched the sparring session amused and clapped, congratulating the young airbender master and the dark haired boy. The members of Kuvira's security detail also seemed to be very entertained with the display, struggling to keep their professional countenance. The snort that escaped from their leader evidenced the difficulty of the task at hand.
"You guys are really good, I'll give you that" Kuvira stated as she accepted Kai's extended hand on the way up.
"That's true" Jinora agreed "but you've been out of commission for a while. Besides, you're not used to battle airbenders, right?"
"No, I don't think most of us are. For a long time the only airbenders in existence were Avatar Aang and then Tenzin so we haven't had enough experience to come up with strategies against multiple airbenders. You guys now have a temporary edge over the rest us but don't rest on your laurels though. We are figuring you out." The metalbender smirked and Hong Li nodded in agreement.
"Don't worry, we still have plenty of time to plan counterattacks and defense against you. Besides, we do have air superiority and our numbers grow more every single day" added Kai cockily.
"Thanks for the practice. Next time I'll make sure I'm better prepared for whatever you guys have in store for me" replied the metalbender as she dusted herself off.
"We'll be ready too" Jinora countered.
"Well, guess practice session is over. The airship has just arrived" announced Opal as she noticed the silhouette of the Future Industries airship gently land over one of the elevated landing zones surrounding the Beifong complex. "Mom will be receiving us at her studio before we leave" she informed Jinora and Kai.
"That's my cue to disappear" chuckled Kuvira. "If I don't see you before you guys leave, safe travels and I hope we can repeat this. It was fun."
"Thank you" replied Jinora. "Next time we can have Opal and Bolin and the captain join so we can make teams. We'll be seeing soon and good luck in your mission" the young master waved goodbye as she joined Opal and Kai on their way towards the mansion followed by the captain of guards.
"Guess it's back to my room for me" muttered Kuvira in resignation as she led the Republic City security squad towards the opposite building complex.
Moments later, the metalbender was indulging in a warm shower when knocks from outside startled her. She thought she heard muffled voices so she grabbed a robe and put in on hastily as she exited the bathroom to find out what was going on. It wasn't lunch time yet and usually the duty guards would just announce themselves when the staff delivered her meal.
"Is there something wrong sergeant?" she addressed the soldier. He stared at her silently with a bemused expression as his eyes shifted to the side. There was somebody else at the door.
"Kuvira! I really need to talk to you!" Korra exclaimed as she practically shoved the guard aside and before she had a chance to react, Korra was already inside her room. Kuvira was sure she was sharing the sergeant's mystified expression and managed to only utter a silent "I'm sorry" to him as she closed the door before Korra airbended it forcefully.
"Korra, what's going on? Why didn't you cross through Lin's room? Did something happen to her?"
"Lin's fine. I came through your front door because I'm tired of this secrecy."
"Korra, we've talked about this…"
"Suyin knows."
"You know that you need to maintain…wait what? What did you just said?"
"I said that Suyin knows. I told her about us last night."
Kuvira stared at Korra positively panicked.
"Spirits, why did you do that?" the metalbender exclaimed as she placed both hands over Korra's shoulders. Color had drained from her face by the unexpected news.
"Because she saw you come out of my suite the morning after the banquet. Apparently, she had been keeping tighter surveillance over us than we thought."
"I shouldn't have asked you to invite me to your room. It was a mistake…" the metalbender muttered nervously, a hand soothing the opposite upper arm.
"No, the mistake has been worrying too much about the opinion of others instead of what makes us happy."
"But Korra…"
The Avatar closed in on Kuvira and placed a hand over her cheek. "I'm not ashamed of what I feel for you and I hope you are not ashamed of me."
"What? Never! Why would I be ashamed of you of all people? But I do worry about how the world would react if they found out about us."
"If they don't approve or can't accept it, it's their loss not mine but Kuvira, I'm fed up with this. You have proven that you've changed and that you are committed to do whatever it takes to fix your mistakes. You can't let the past govern how you live your life today."
"I've gotten used to live with the hate and the scorn and the suspicion of people but I won't tolerate that happening to you, not for my sake." The worried shadow in the green gaze and the earnestness in Kuvira's voice made Korra's heart beat faster.
"If Su could only see this, the Kuvira that I see. The one willing to protect me at all costs. If she could see this then she would understand why I've fallen in love with you."
"I don't think Su can see in any other way other than the Great Uniter. I'm afraid she will never change her mind about me. I've given up on her Korra." Kuvira's emerald gaze was clouded with pain.
"Don't say that! I believe she can change her opinion just like you've changed."
"I don't know…"
"Come with me!" Korra exclaimed as she clasped Kuvira's hand firmly. The Avatar was about to burst through the door when the metalbender stopped her dead on her tracks.
"Korra, I can't go anywhere dressed like this." The metalbender reminded Korra that she was only clad in a bathrobe.
The Avatar blushed and retreated quickly. A part of her wished to indulge in undressing further rather than dressing the former Zaofu captain but if her idea went on as she planned, she wouldn't have to sleep on her enormous suite alone anymore.
"Go get dressed quickly. Do you trust me?" Korra locked sapphire with emeralds, her lips curving in a hopeful smile.
"With my life" replied Kuvira without hesitation.
"Then hurry. We'll deal with this whole situation for once and for all."
-oOo-
Moments later, a grinning Korra irrupted abruptly the Beifong manor dining room. Heads snapped towards her direction with similar quizzical expressions dancing on their eyes.
"Korra dear, we were missing you. Lunch has already been served" stated Suyin as she gestured at the empty chair at the table. "Come, join us."
Korra scanned the table from side to side. All the family members were there including Lin who was lifting an elegant brow at her suspiciously. Asami, Bolin, Jinora and Kai were also there as well as Bataar Sr, Huan and the twins.
"I'm glad that everybody is here because I won't have to repeat myself. I just wanted to inform all of you of something. Well, some of you already know but I think it is about time I put a stop to the charade that has been going on for a while. I expect all of you to be cordial and respectful to what I'm about to announce."
Asami's eyes opened wide as she grabbed Bataar's hand tightly under the table. Chief Lin Beifong groaned audibly as she rolled her eyes. Suyin's lips tightened on a thin line glaring severely at Korra. Opal and Jinora exchanged enthusiastic glances. Bolin looked at everybody utterly confused. Korra stepped out of the room momentarily and when she returned, a visibly embarrassed Kuvira was at her side clutching Korra's hand as if she were holding on to a lifeline.
Beaming, Korra walked to the center of the room with the blushing metalbender on tow. After exchanging some words between them that were inaudible to the rest, Korra went to address the puzzled audience.
Triumphantly, Korra simply said:
"Everybody, please meet my girlfriend Kuvira."
Notes:
Beifong drama is on and it's so, so delicious! But the main showdown is yet to come so stay tuned!
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