The hands of the clock kept moving excruciatingly slow for former Earth Empire Lieutenant Colonel Thran. It was quarter past 9 and results kept on trickling from every town and village across the Northeastern Province and the only thing left to conclude the first ever provincial elections was to announce the victor for the governor's seat. Participation for the landmark event had been a massive success and for Thran and her team, it was the conclusion of a period filled by endless campaigning and traveling for months but the evening was proving to be more nerve wrecking that they could have anticipated. Thran's political adversary, investor Lai Bing had managed to amass a substantial following and countered Thran's grassroots approach by sinking a small fortune into his candidature, relying on advertising to bolster his image. By the time the polls stations were opened in the morning, it appeared that both candidates were heading for a contentious election because according to the latest unofficial survey, the contest had them in a tie.
"Thran, you are going to wear out the carpet if you keep pacing like that" warned Bataar. As agreed, both Bataar and Kuvira were present as part of the official electoral oversight team to ensure the election's transparency. For the past weeks, the ex-leaders of the Earth Empire had traveled to every corner of the province observing the registrations and the selection of local electoral officials for the big event that was currently going underway. That morning, as soon as they witnessed the casting of the first ballots spearheaded by both Thran and Lai Bing, the duo considered their mission a success. It was now up to the people of the Northeastern province to do the rest and prove the process had been indeed an orderly and fair one.
"With all due respect my dear Bataar, shut up! Can't you see I'm a nervous wreck? I can't believe that weasel Lai Bing might actually get away with the election!" the former officer growled between clenched teeth as she turned sharply on her heels from one corner of the large hall to the other. Bataar let out a sigh and proceeded to check on the latest input of ballots counted. Their numbers put Thran at a slight advantage, good enough to keep everyone in a tense yet hopeful mood.
"This isn't over yet Thran. It is true that Lai Bing's pocket turned out to be deeper than we could have expected but your reputation and image skyrocketed after the Yulin village incident" calmly reminded Kuvira. "Here, have some tea" the former commander offered.
"Don't you have something stronger? I can't believe that this would unnerve me so much. Me, a veteran of the Ba Sing Se campaign" the colonel scoffed.
"I have but I'm keeping it for after the ballots count concludes. We need you sober and levelheaded right now Thran. This should be over at any minute now and you need to be ready for your address when the winner is proclaimed."
"Yeah, no pressure. This is making me miss the days we would the fight hordes of marauders sabotaging the Maglev tracks near Omashu."
"Jeez, you're really stressed out if you're missing that!" exclaimed Bataar. "That was a close one" he added as his mind journeyed back to one of the many perilous moments they encountered and managed to survive on their path towards progress across the nation.
Kuvira was serving both Bataar and Thran steaming cups of chamomile tea when she saw one of Counselor Asakawa's aides rushing in with the corner of her eye.
"It's everything okay?" queried the metalbender as she moved to receive the newcomer. The hall Thran's committee designated as their electoral war room, which was just moments ago a beehive of activity and animated chattering, sunk into a deep silence. Thran inhaled deeply as she straightened her shoulders and walked towards the aide, her heartbeat thundering loudly in her ears.
"Candidate Thran, ma'am…this comes from the Regional Electoral Bureau" the man extended an envelope with the seal of the Earth Kingdom to the former warlord.
"Is this…?"
"Yes ma'am. There are still few ballots to account for but the tendency has remained steady for the last hours so the officials feel confident enough to call out the victor."
Thran seemed to be holding her breath as she hastily opened the envelope, her hands evidencing her nerves with a slight tremble. Her campaign manager and staffers stood in expectant silence, the only sound perceived was of the envelope being ripped open. She brought out a document and her eyes opened wide like saucers as her jaw dropped. A loud scream escaped her mouth startling everyone in the room.
"Spirits, I can't believe it! We made it! We won!" exclaimed Thran as she engulfed the bewildered aide in a bear hug. Cheers and hurrahs erupted from every person in the war room including Bataar and Kuvira. Asakawa was now entering the room moving with difficulty as each member of Thran's team amassed almost simultaneously to congratulate their leader.
"Congratulations, this is major triumph to our cause" Asakawa said loudly over the cheers as he huddled with the former Earth Empire commanders as they watched the scene unfold from a distance.
"It is a victory for Thran and her people first and foremost. I'm just glad we've been able to bring some good out of the ashes of the empire" replied Kuvira unable to contain her elation. Of all the negotiations they had brokered during the past months, this one had certainly been the most important because it involved a governor election in a region that for years after the fall of the Empire had been considered a for all intents and purposes a lost cause. Along with the governorship, her former subordinates had also launched their candidacies for town leaders and mayors with successful elections replicating through the province. The only that was left to decide was the governorship until now.
"King Wu should be making his entrance at any moment to personally congratulate Governor elect Thran in her victory" reminded Asakawa as he wiped the sweat of his balding head.
And just as in queue, a squad of uniformed Earth Kingdom soldiers marched towards the room in orderly fashion. The soldiers formed in two separate columns facing each other allowing for the unencumbered entry of a team of capital bureaucrats and aids. Finally, with a self-assured stride and a picture perfect smile, the Earth Kingdom sovereign made his way inside followed by a gaggle of photographers and journalists, the flashes of their cameras illuminating in an almost blinding fashion the hall. From a discreet distance, a young dark-haired man followed the monarch closely with alert golden colored eyes. Bataar and Kuvira waved at his direction and detective Mako offered a subtle nod in return.
"Thran my friend, or should I address you now as Governor Thran?" Wu said in with singsong voice as he approached the tall woman. "I'm so glad to have the privilege of officially congratulating you in this triumph for you, the province and the kingdom."
Thran bowed deeply before Wu. "Your majesty, the privilege is mine to serve the Northeastern Province and the Earth Kingdom as her duly elected governor."
"Enough with the formalities. This deserves a hug!" the young king retorted enthusiastically as he brought his arms around the surprised ex officer eliciting amused chuckles from the crowd.
"Tha...thank you your majesty" Thran stammered as photographers swarmed the king and the new governor capturing the visages of a smiling king and a bemused governor elect.
"Don't worry, you should get used to the cameras and king Wu soon!" Kuvira couldn't help but shout. Thran's eyebrows twitched as she was taken by the arm by an excited Wu to a larger hall with a podium so they could hold the much awaited first press conference for the newly elected regional leader.
Hours later, once the press conferences and the speeches were over, celebrations burst all over the province. The campaign team treated their VIP guests and their supporters to a fireworks show and later to a night of music and dancing. King Wu was all songs and smiles and Governor Thran was busy indulging herself by whisking Bataar away to the dance floor while his girlfriend was still pending to make an appearance. Even Mako found himself clumsily making attempts at dancing at the behest of Wu and the firebender had little option but to surrender to the monarch's request. After a few impromptu lessons with Kuvira, Mako was able to avoid tripping on his feet for the rest of the evening.
Kuvira now found herself seeking for a momentary respite from the hubbub and merriment as she walked through the lush gardens that surrounded the governor's mansion. The cool breeze of the night felt refreshing against her face. The full moon bathed the polished flagstone pathways with its pale light. A sense of accomplishment made her smile inwardly as she looked back to their first meeting with Thran. As she listened to the sounds of music and celebration coming from the manse, she acknowledged this was indeed a milestone but that there was still plenty of work to be done. The Earth Kingdom wasn't lacking for naysayers and detractors that opposed Wu's cause but but months after she was given a most daunting challenge, the future was finally looking promising. Reports of disturbances had diminished to a trickle. The mood of anxiety and distrust that had gripped the nation was giving way to hope. Amidst the reverie, Asakawa had managed to inform that the investigation on the faulty intel behind the Yulin village incident yielded surprising results and an urgent meeting had already been scheduled upon their return to Zaofu.
The United Republic Forces had also achieved major victories against the illegal weapons dealers and most of the stolen armament was seized back and returned to the Earth Kingdom army. Her mind took her back to the surveillance crew at Blackstone Isle and Kuvira took advantage of the momentary solitude to savor the news she had recently received from Sammi and the others. After an uptick in pirate activity that had the station working overtime for weeks, a large joint operation between General Iroh's forces and Chief Tonraq's navy succeeded in disabling a major piracy hub operating at the edge of the Southern Water Tribe territorial waters. At last her former station colleagues would get a respite and a much needed break and she couldn't be happier about it. As she watched the constellations shimmer against the midnight sky, Kuvira recognized there were moments she missed the stark, pristine beauty of the South Pole with its breathtaking Southern Lights, the celestial vault filled to the brim with glittering stars as far as her eyes could see. The metalbender even missed the haunting silence that allowed her opportunities for deep introspection. It was during these moments of contemplation that she had been able to find purpose to her new reality, and in doing so, she was finding herself again.
As Kuvira directed her steps back towards the governor's mansion, the sight of a descending airship with the Future Industries logo made her heart skip a beat. With a smile she changed directions, walking briskly towards the landing zone as the craft deftly landed and instants later, the ramp lowered allowing for the passengers to make their way out.
"It was about time you two made it" Kuvira greeted the woman elegantly garbed in formal Southern Water tribe attire exiting the airship. Walking beside her was the airship's pilot also stylishly dressed in a crimson gown. The duo of newcomers made for such a stunning sight that the crew that received the airship couldn't help but gawk at them.
"Hello gorgeous" the Avatar replied with a wide smile. "Better late than never isn't what they say?" Korra offered her hand and Kuvira accepted it.
"Yes but Asami needs to hurry if she wants a dance with Bataar before he collapses in exhaustion. The source of Thran's stamina has been always a mystery to us and tonight she's been exceptionally energized with the victory. I tried to rescue him but to no avail. She knows me too well" the metalbender explained with a crooked grin.
"Really?" Asami's eyebrows arched in alert. "Guess I'd better get going then. I'll see you inside!" the magnate exclaimed as she resolutely strode towards the manse.
"Congratulations" Korra said once Asami was out of sight as she interlocked her arm with Kuvira's. "From what I've been hearing, the election went on without a hitch."
"Thank you. Everything went on as planned and Wu and his staff seem to be quite satisfied with the results. How about your mission?"
"It was amazing! The airbenders deserve all the credit on this. I just provided the intimidating presence. Two warehouses stacked from front to end with stolen equipment seized and returned to the Earth Kingdom. You should have seen Bumi. He was the one who suspected the warehouses were hidden underground and with a little persuasion we obtained the locations to more. I wish you could had come with us but you already had more pressing issues to attend."
"As much fun as your mission sounds, I wouldn't have missed this for anything in the world" the former leader replied sincerely.
"I know" Korra flashed a tender smile and placed a soft kiss upon the metalbender's forehead.
"So the rumors are true?" a male voice coming from behind startled them. When they turned around, they noticed a man with a notepad and a pen against his lower lip glancing at them with curiosity.
"It depends on what the rumors say" countered Korra with a smirk.
"Well played Avatar Korra" the newspaperman replied. "It has been said that the Avatar has struck a special friendship with her former enemy, succeeding in turning a ruthless tyrant into a champion of democracy. Is that true?"
Korra and Kuvira briefly exchanged glances before Korra finally answered.
"I believe that you can see for yourself what Kuvira and Bataar have done for their country after the surrender of the Empire. If it was my doing or not is irrelevant. What is not is that this province has elected their leader democratically for the first time in history and I think you should pay more attention to that."
"One more question, off the record" the reporter pressed on.
"Go on"
"Are you two really…you know, dating?"
Korra simply threw an arm over Kuvira's shoulders as the metalbender winked at the newspaperman. "I think this should answer your question for now. Now if you excuse us, I have a governor elect to congratulate on her big night."
The reporter nodded and tipped the brim of his hat. The pair let out a chuckle and turned around to continue on their intended way.
"These are times of change indeed" the reporter mused to himself as he watched in amusement how the Avatar and the former Great Uniter gave him a last glance and soon were lost amidst the throng of revelers.
-oOo-
Kuvira lifted an arm to shield her eyes from the bothersome brightness that had awoken her for a deep slumber. She was about to move when she sensed a familiar weight over her. It took her a moment to gather her bearings as she scanned her surroundings and saw familiar faces scattered all across the hall occupying every couch and chair available. Korra was resting comfortably over her lap and Kuvira realized they had laid claim to a chaise lounge. The metalbender lifted an eyebrow questioningly when she noticed Bataar and Asami completely knocked out over large chair, their long limbs entangled in an indescribable way. Even Asakawa fell victim to exhaustion and a long night of partying and now the government official was snoring rather noticeably slumped over a chair. The newly elected provincial governor herself had somehow managed to fit her large frame over a sofa except her left arm, which was left dangling at the edge.
The former commander chuckled inwardly. It seemed the celebration had extended into the wee hours of the morning but a back spasm and the bright light had managed to stir her from sleep. Much to her chagrin, she realized she now had the unenviable duty of waking everybody up before the king's aides or worse, the press, arrived just to find the governor, the head of Future Industries, the Avatar and the heir to the Beifong family all unceremoniously passed out.
"Korra…" Kuvira took an instant to glance at Korra's sleeping visage. Her hair was in complete disarray and a trickle of saliva escaped the corner of her mouth, just enough to make her look cute. "Korra wake up. We don't have much time."
"Urmm…just five more minutes mom…" Korra's arms fluttered in front of her.
"No can do darling. I'll need your help to wake everybody up."
Korra opened an eye and saw Kuvira grinning at her as she threaded her hair.
"It must have been on hell of a party. I'm not even sure how I made it here" the Avatar croaked as she sat up.
"Don't ask me, I don't know either but judging by the light, I'm pretty sure Thran's going to receive visitors soon and we have to make sure she's halfway awake to handle them."
Korra let out a long yawn and stretched her limbs. "I hate it when you're right. Let's see…should I go with some cold wind or ice water to reach this crowd in one fell swoop?" queried the Avatar as she cracked her knuckles.
"How about a combination of the two?" proposed Kuvira.
"Hmmm, sounds like a plan." Korra stood up and smoothed the wrinkles of her formal dress. "One icy wind coming up!" She closed her eyes for an instant and a cool gust began forming inside the room, extending until it covered every corner. Droplets of icy mist like water spread towards the sleeping revelers and one by one they began waking up with teeth chattering and damp hair and clothes. A second gust served to dry their clothes almost instantly as everyone began to stand up with faces reflecting a mixture of confusion and exhaustion.
"Did we really fell asleep here?" asked a bewildered Askawa as he rubbed his temple.
"Congratulations counselor. You just survived one of Thran's legendary parties" replied Bataar as he recovered his glasses from Asami's face.
"I think we'll need the blackest coffee we can find if we pretend to fly the airship back home today" commented Asami as she attempted to smooth her long mane.
"That's why we installed the autopiloting device dear" gently reminded Bataar.
"You're right. I almost forgot about that" Asami replied as she glanced around the room for her shoes.
"It has been a long time since we've partied like this, eh Kuvira?" the colonel stated with a smirk. She seemed primed and alert and no one would have suspected that just minutes ago she had been out cold.
"Very long but you need to make yourself presentable because Wu should be dropping by soon before he returns to Ba Sing Se."
Thran slapped her forehead loudly. "Spirits, I almost forgot! We agreed to have lunch before he left! Thanks Avatar Korra. You just saved my first official social activity as governor and with the king no less!"
"Thank Kuvira and her light sleep. I would have slept through the whole day if it hadn't been for her" Korra replied with a sheepish grin.
"Commander, I owe you one."
"Nonsense. Now go and get a shower and some caffeine in your system. We'll meet you at lunch."
Thran smiled as she departed the room in a hurry.
"I think we should do the same" offered Asakawa weakly. Apparently the counselor was nursing a hangover making his face look redder than usual. "I believe the king might take the chance to make an important announcement regarding you two" he added as he pointed at Bataar and Kuvira. The former commanders exchanged hopeful glances in unison. Could it be that commutation to their sentences was mere hours away?
"I'm going to get me some painkillers and coffee, that is, if I remember where my room is…" Asakawa mumbled. The two couples exchanged amused glances as they saw Asakawa stumble before making a valiant attempt at recovering his dignified posture and instants later he was walking slowly but surely towards his room.
"Well, guess it has been decided then. See you all at lunch" announced Korra.
Moments later, Kuvira was putting away her carefully folded Zaofu robe as she finished packing her things. Korra's everyday outfit was laying over the bed alongside hers and steam came from the bathroom.
"I think you need to hurry up if we want to make it on time. It wouldn't be good for your image if the Avatar skipped a social activity with the Earth King himself." Kuvira stood with arms crossed in front of the shower, tapping her foot impatiently.
"I told you there's plenty space for both of us here" Korra remarked as she washed the lather from her hair.
Kuvira sighed exasperated and relented as she removed the towel she was wearing and stepped inside. "Alright but no funny games. We don't have a lot of time."
Korra lifted her palms as her lips curved into an innocent smile. Kuvira replied with a suspicious stare as she joined her under the water.
"Do you realize it has been months since we last saw each other right?" Korra whispered as she leaned against the tiled wall.
"I'm very much aware of the fact my dear Avatar and that's why I opted not to join you but you had to take the longest of showers precisely today."
"Why commander? Where you afraid I would do something like this?" Suddenly, Kuvira felt herself being pushed forward by a stream of water, making her collide with a smirking Korra. The metalbender sighed as she sensed the Avatar strong arms surrounding her.
"Yep, not that I disapprove of the notion. Quite the contrary in fact" Kuvira's frame was already melding to Korra's, her hands latching securely to her firm shoulders.
"I'm really glad to hear that. I promise we will be there on time but at least allow me to properly kiss you. With all the commingling with VIP guests and the after-hours partying, I never got to have a moment of privacy with you."
"I know…the downside of being a public figure" muttered Kuvira as she brushed the tip of her nose with Korra's. For a moment the metalbender wished they could be back at the South Pole were even in her "incarceration" she had felt with more freedom to spend time with Korra whenever she stopped at the island.
"Yeah, it sucks…" Korra lamented as she sunk her fingers over Kuvira's damp hair and brought their lips together for a hungry kiss. A bolt of electricity ran down the metalbender's spine as her hands roamed in their own accord over the Avatar's dark skin. The yearning of months was condensed in a passionate and scorching kiss that left them both starving for air.
"Once we make it to the airship nobody better knock at my door…" warned the Avatar as she ran her lips down Kuvira's neck.
"I seriously doubt Asami or Bataar or even Asakawa will bother us" Kuvira pointed out as she kissed her cheek before trailing back to Korra's mouth.
"Can we turn off the radio?"
"No, I'm afraid we can't…" the metalbender chuckled as she pushed aside wet locks of hair from Korra's temple.
"It was worth asking, wasn't it?"
"Very much" Kuvira placed her palms over her cheeks and kissed her deeply before stepping backwards into the water not without first allowing her gaze to run appreciatively over Korra's figure.
"Now Avatar Korra, you'd better get dressed while I finish my shower."
-oOo-
Even with the short notice, Thran's people managed to orchestrate a lunch worthy of the sovereign of the Earth Kingdom. A cold shower, copious amounts of caffeine and a fresh change of clothes disguised well the fact that the governor had barely got three hours straight of shut eye. Wu himself seemed more exhausted than his subordinate and Mako had confided to Asami and Korra that he had almost stayed behind for the after-hours revelries hadn't been for the police officer's steadfast insistence that he returned to his quarters to get some rest after a long day of travel. In reality, Mako wasn't looking forward to having to put up again with drunk Wu shenanigans so he devised a convenient way out of that predicament. Newspapers were distributed among the guests at the table and Korra watched in amusement the pictures that featured the firebender dancing with Kuvira and Bataar being rescued by Asami from Thran's clutches. Even without knowing well the former colonel, the Avatar decided she wished to join her next celebration because they seemed to be everything but dull events.
"My friends" King Wu exclaimed as he hit his glass with a spoon. "I take this opportunity to make an important announcement concerning two of the individuals who aided my government in bringing stability back to the country and in spreading my message of political reformation to my subjects. After evaluating the actions of both Bataar and Kuvira following the fall of the Earth Empire, my government has decided to recommend to substantially reduce the remainder of their sentences and that the remaining time should be served under parole so they can continue serving the people as they have so far. Oversight for Bataar's terms will continue to be administered by Zaofu's authorities while Kuvira's custody will be retained by the United Republic. Republic City's Chief of Police Lin Beifong will again serve as her parole officer."
"You can't escape Lin's vigilance yet eh?" snickered Korra. The metalbender glared at her as response but her annoyance lasted mere seconds. Reduced sentences meant that freedom was finally a notion she could actually conceive as a reality for her future and not just an elusive illusion. At the other side of the table she saw Bataar drying incipient tears as Asami hugged him tightly and she smiled brightly. Under the table she felt Korra's hand clasping hers.
"I'm sorry" she whispered apologetically. "The joke was force of habit but you can't imagine how happy I am for you."
"I think I can" the metalbender lifted their joined hands and placed a soft kiss over Korra's.
Thran rose as she lifted her glass. "Majesty, I think this deserves a toast. To the beginning of a new era for our province and our deepest gratitude to the team that facilitated that we could all be gathered here today. Kuvira, Bataar, you too Asakawa, my friends…thank you."
Hours later, an airship took flight leaving the Northeastern Province behind, the metal city of Zaofu as its next destination and Kuvira found herself overwhelmed with an unexpected, almost alien emotion for the very first time in years: a sense of facing a future uncertain yet rife with endless possibilities. She was no longer the captain of the guard of a metal city. She was no longer the Great Uniter or the leader of a formidable army. Soon she would no longer be a paroled convict anymore. Whatever she chose to be it would up to her to decide. And she allowed herself to be swept away by passion in Korra's arms, Kuvira welcomed the future unknown with a grateful heart.
This chapter ends with a high note and our fearless heroine's tale is nearing its conclusion. It's a bittersweet feeling because on one hand we've followed Kuvira from her lowest moment to new triumphs but it also means we'll say goodbye (at least for now) to this universe. One more chapter left and after that, I'll probably not publish as much. Reason: I've been privileged enough to be selected to work alongside a group of amazing writers and artists for the Kuvira Fanzine. If you want to know more about the zine, please check my profile for the links or feel free to message me for more info. If you have enjoyed this, please feel free to leave a comment and add the story to your favorites. ^_^
Until the next one!