Hey friends! I'm seaux flattered by the feedback I've received on what is essentially me vomiting my Baavira feelings onto the internet. ALL my guest reviewers get shoutouts for their lovely feedback, because I can't thank y'all personally. Onward!


"Iroh, it's been too long."

General Iroh stood, a smile quickly spreading over his face as he turned to see who had spoken. "How've you been, Keisai?" he asked, clasping hands with the man and exchanging a quick clap on the back. "I didn't think you were free for another week."

"I wrapped up the case a bit earlier than I'd planned," Keisai said, hooking his thumbs on the belt loops of his trousers. He stood nearly at Iroh's height, his black hair ruffled from the evening breeze. His eyes were almond-shaped and hooded, but they flickered with a spark of alertness and mischief that made him instantly recognizable, lending his face a boyish appearance despite his age. Broad-shouldered and with an easy posture, he was the very image of a former military man who was all too happy to be free of the strict order the profession required.

"You know, I told you where we were meeting in my wire," Iroh said, his tone exasperated even as he smiled. Despite the nature of venue they had chosen, Keisai was underdressed, his attire decidedly casual. He had opted for short trousers and casual shoes, his collar standing upright and the first two buttons undone.

"I've been in court for days on end," he replied, "and I'm through dressing business-professional unless I need to. I'm surprised you aren't still in the United Republic," he added. "I'd expect Raiko to be in need of your services, what with the damages caused by Kuvira's army."

"The people of Republic City know better than to resort to looting with Lin Beifong as the chief of police," Iroh said, smiling. "She's got everything under control, but I'll be called in if they need reinforcements. You never did get to meet her, did you? She used to date Aang's son, Tenzin." He paused. "Are we going to get drinks or not?"

"Perhaps I'll have that honor soon enough," Keisai winked. "And I thought you'd never ask."

The bar wasn't overtly crowded for the evening, and the sleek interior of rosewood and gold inlay made it easy to forget the world outside. Iroh had picked one of the more exclusive venues in the Fire Nation capital, and the plush upholstery combined with top-shelf liquor gave the bar an air of decadence that straddled the line between luxurious and distasteful. They ordered, and the two men talked quietly of their days in the navy and briefed one another on the recent goings-on in their lives, the background noise of the bar a pleasantly dull murmur. "Are you allowed to tell me the outcome of your last case?" Iroh asked. "What was it about?"

"Tax fraud for an official I'm not allowed to name," Keisai said, heaving a theatrical sigh. "Messy, but far from intellectually stimulating. More boring than anything else. I thought I would lose my mind if I had to read another law brief-"

"That does come with the profession," Iroh said, raising a brow. "So you'll have some time off then, won't you?"

"Hardly," his friend replied. "I'm off to Republic City for an unspecified amount of time." He knocked back his firewhiskey, frowning at the glass. "That was terrible. Another," he said, beckoning to the bartender.

"Wait, so you've already taken on a new case?" Iroh demanded, snatching the new glass away from Keisai's reach.

"I don't know if I'm going to take it just yet," he said, drumming his fingers on the table. "I need to get a little more information first. But it's going to be interesting as hell, and it would take something pretty convincing to make me pass this one up."

"International human rights?" Iroh guessed. "No? All right... a court martial hearing for something-?"

"Come on, man," Keisai said, flicking Iroh on the wrist and taking back his drink with a smirk. "What recent event promises to be the most high-profile hearing for the year?"

Iroh frowned. "You're taking Kuvira's case?"

"Close," Keisai said. "Suyin Beifong contacted me. She wants me as her son's defense lawyer. Apparently my reputation precedes me."

"Which reputation?" Iroh teased. "There's so much I could tell her, starting with the time you passed out on a run during plebe year-"

"Laugh all you want," Keisai said, lighting Iroh's drink on fire. "Even if the case looks hopeless, I'm taking it. This could be the sort of high-profile case that will make me a household name, at least in the legal world."

"And if you lose?"

"You're missing the point," Keisai said. "Either way, I make bank. If I lose, I still get my name out as the man who represented Baatar Junior, P.O.W. and Earth Empire war criminal in his trial. If I win... let's just say I'll have the luxury of being choosy with my future offers."

Iroh frowned. "You originally went into law for humanitarian reasons," he said. "And international military tribunals. Doing it for the money seems out of character, Keisai."

"It's not for the money, my friend," he said with a knowing smile. "It's for the experience. I do care about my clients, but I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't also do it for the love of the game."

o0o

"Are you sure you don't want to join us, Junior?" Su asked, fastening one of her earrings as she spoke. "Varrick invited the whole family, you know."

"You don't need to if you don't want to, son," his father said, sitting next to him. "I imagine a wedding is the last thing you'd want to be going to."

Baatar turned his attention to his hands, gripping his left in his right. "Yes... I doubt I'd be able to contribute to the celebrations."

"Maybe it'd take your mind off things," Su pressed, resting her arm along his shoulders. "We've seen so little of you, lately... you're always working."

"It keeps me occupied," he said, shrugging her off. "Besides, I doubt Varrick meant for the invitation to be extended to me... the last time I spoke to him properly, I coerced him into working on a spirit vine weapon that proved to be a terrible mistake."

"We'll give him your congratulations," his father said, standing. "Don't feel like you have to go."

Baatar looked at him with a combination of guilt and respect. "Thanks, Dad."

"Don't overwork yourself, sweetie," Su said, kissing his cheek as she stood. "And if you ever need to talk, don't hesitate to ask."

"Have fun at the wedding, Mom." He watched as the door swung closed behind them, and he fell back onto the bed, his arms spread out. The desk and chair were littered with blueprints and stacks of papers, and a plethora of straightedges and architecture pencils overflowed from a small steel case. Baatar screwed his eyes shut, removing his glasses and tossing them onto the nightstand. His apartment in the city was comfortable and spacious enough for a solitary inhabitant. Opal visited him whenever they both were free, lending his life a semblance of normalcy. His parents' return for Varrick and Zhu Li's nuptials meant constant visits, whether he was ready or not, however, and he wasn't sure if the suffocation or the feelings of guilt that accompanied their presence was worse. The twins seemed the most eager to put his time away behind them, eager to roughhouse with him at any given opportunity. Huan remained distant, but it had only been a few weeks; it was to be expected.

His days were monotonous, but comfortingly consistent. Kuvira had converted him into an early riser, a habit that remained even without her nudging him awake at the crack of dawn. He stuck to their old routine of a quick run followed by an hour of weights, giving him time to read for an hour over breakfast before he took the public transport downtown to work on the expansion and rebuilding of the city. Asami Sato was pleasant enough to work with, keeping things as comfortable and professional as he could hope for. Varrick spent most of his time in the Varrick Industries labs, but their paths crossed on occasion. "You were right," Baatar had said the first time he had a moment to speak with the businessman. "My reading tells me that wolf bats do indeed build nests."

"Of course I was right!" Varick said. "By the way, if that colossus hadn't been pointing its spirit laser at me, I'd have appreciated the craftsmanship," he added. "Looks like you figured out how to use the vines as a power source faster than I'd predicted."

The kindness wasn't meant to sting, but it did all the same. Baatar spent his evenings at the jail, taking advantage of the free hour in Lin's schedule. He told himself it was so he could develop a relationship with his aunt, the only member of his family he could see with regularity without feeling frustrated. Lin was quick to insult, her tongue barbed to a fault more often than not, but he appreciated her honesty and that she gave him space. Still, he saw the similarities to his mother in the little things; the way she pinched the bridge of her nose when annoyed, the way she drummed her fingers on the table in impatience, and the way her eyes crinkled during the rare moments when she laughed aloud all reminded him of Su. Lin wasn't the only reason for his repeated visits to the jail. To get to her office, he had to walk past the hall of wooden cells. He had been through so many times that he knew just by the number of steps he had taken when he was at her door. Why he did it, he couldn't say. Each time he passed her, he told himself that he would stop and talk to her, but his feet carried him on as if by their own volition. He wondered if Kuvira was watching him every time he passed, wishing for some verbal cue prompting him to speak with her. The week after Varrick's wedding, however, left him confused. Her cell was empty, and he hurried over to Lin's office.

"Where is she?" he asked without thinking.

"Who?" Lin looked up from her desk, holding up a finger to silence him. "All right, I'll let him know. He's arriving today?" She paused as the person on the other line said something, and she scribbled it down. "Fine, Su. That's fine, I'll tell him." She hung up. "Your mother called. She's found a potential lawyer for your case, and he's reached the port. Don't screw this up, because he hasn't agreed to take it yet."

"Who is he?" Baatar frowned.

"His name is Keisai," she said. "He's a former armyman, but he specializes in international military law. He's done a few human rights cases too. He's still a young guy- he was in the navy with General Iroh- but his record is good and Su seems to think he'll be good for your situtation." She closed the folder that lay open on her desk. "I've been trying to organize your file to make it easier for you both to go over everything."

"Thank you," he said. "The name isn't familiar, but I'm curious to meet him. Why is he so eager to take the case?"

"I don't give a flying fadoodle why, but if I were you I'd call Su and thank her for doing your work for you," Lin said firmly. "She knows you're working yourself sick, and she wanted to help find you your legal counsel since she knew you'd be pressed for time."

Baatar nodded. "Yes, I'll call her. To be fair, every time we talk she acts as though nothing ever happened-"

"Su has her faults, but you can deal with them," Lin said, standing. "She dealt with enough of your crap for three years, you know. Now come on, we're getting dinner with your lawyer. His boat ought to have docked by now."

He stood, taking the file from her. "You're joining us?"

"I thought you'd appreciate a little support since your family's back in Zaofu," Lin said dismissively. "If you don't need it that's fine by me- going to bed early sounds perfect right now."

"No, I appreciate it, Aunt Lin," he said, trying to smile. "That's very.. considerate of you."

"Don't get used to it, kid," Lin said as she tossed her bag at his stomach with some violence, knocking the wind out of him.

Keisai didn't look like Baatar had imagined him. Instead of a gruff, grizzled ex-navy man, he beheld a young attorney who jounced his leg at the table like an impatient child and jumped from topic to topic with no warning. Keisai couldn't have been more than five years older than him, and Baatar frowned as he assessed the man his mother had chosen. Still, he spoke with authority, and it was evident that he had read the case file with particular care, asking him questions about the prison camps and the premeditated attack on the city with great specificity. Just as Baatar began to feel at ease, the lawyer made a face. "I'm not a fan of the scallops," he said, chewing thoughtfully. "They still have a briny taste..." he mused, scowling as he took another.

"If you don't like them, then why are you eating them?" Baatar asked pointedly.

"Excellent question," Keisai said. "Here's one for you. If I take your case, can you promise me your complete trust and honesty? I know that's a lot to ask, but I've read the file and I think there are far too many points that we can exploit to make you a free man again. The prosecution thinks they've got an easy case and that we've got our work cut out for us." He paused, stroking his chin. "And they're partially right. But I've read your file a umber of times, and I think you've got more of a chance than you realize."

Lin glanced at Baatar. "What would you say his odds are?"

"I never predict this early in the game," Keisai said, his dark eyes narrowing. "But if my suspicions are correct, they don't look awful. Even if everything goes to hell, he won't get more than five to ten years."

Baatar raised his eyebrows. "You seem confident."

"There is another thing," Keisai said. "You and Kuvira were engaged to be married, weren't you?"

Baatar stared at the centerpiece on the table, his hand tightening on the chopsticks as his jaw clenched.

"The reason I ask," Keisai said slowly, his gaze intent, "is because I want to know if there is a conflict of interest. Do you want her released too?"

It had been weeks, but it was still too soon for the question, and Baatar found himself thinking of her last words to him before she fired. "I'm not sure how I feel about her at the moment."

"Let me rephrase the question," Keisai said. "If you were testify, would it be with malicious intent? Or would you stick to factual testimony, knowing that it could aid in her release?"

Baatar's eyes narrowed. "Why are you so interested in Kuvira's case? Did my mother put you up to this?"

"She didn't say a word about her," Keisai replied. "But the cases are undeniably linked and representing both you and the Great Uniter would be the ultimate addition to my resume."

"We haven't discussed fees yet," Baatar pointed out. "It won't be an issue for me, but Kuvira-"

"I'm prepared to waive them if I have to," the lawyer said with a sly smile. "Your mother and I have worked out the terms of payment for your case, and I'll consider the publicity from Kuvira's as all the payment I'll need." He leaned back in his seat. "So it's decided then? Shall I call for the check?"

"Wait just a second," Lin said, her tone sharp. "What if Kuvira has a conflict of interest? If you read the file you'll know that she fired on him at will."

"Yes, that would nix my plans," Keisai said, frowning, "but I'm cautiously optimistic that she'll be fine. I listened to the audio record from the day of her invasion-"

"Then you'll know she's not the best at sticking to her word," Lin said skeptically.

"With all due respect, this case is between the client and myself," Keisai said smoothly. "If Baatar and Kuvira have no problems with me representing the both of them, then I'm afraid no amount of your disapproval will stop me."

Baatar raised his eyebrows, glancing at his aunt. If looks could kill, he would be in search of a new lawyer. "Whatever," Lin said with a dismissive gesture. "If you want to deal with this mess, that's on you. Listen kid, if you want my advice, drop it. She had no problems firing on you after she said she wouldn't, and I think she'd just as soon testify against you if it'll help her save her own skin."

Keisai raised a finger. "Actually, it would violate the legally binding agreement-"

"Aunt Lin, I don't think she'd do that," Baatar said slowly. "I know her... and somehow I doubt she'd agree to Keisai as her lawyer if she had intentions of throwing me under the bus."

"You didn't know her as well as you thought you did," Lin pointed out. She winced as soon as the words left her. "Sorry. Too soon?"

"Look, you both are getting worked up about nothing," Keisai said. "Why don't we visit her tomorrow and find out what she has to say? There's still a chance that she won't be on board." The check arrived.

"Where is she, by the way?" Baatar asked suddenly, his original question for Lin returning to him at last. "She wasn't in her usual cell."

"She was moved, obviously," Lin said, quirking a brow. "She's in one of the new wooden cells now, so she can be treated more easily in a prison more suited to her rank. The reconstruction is coming along nicely, so I guess I ought to thank you, even if you only visit me to walk past her door like a lovesick puppy."

A sly smile of delight slowly spread over Keisai's face. "Ah, so you haven't spoken to her yet."

Baatar frowned, feeling his face heat. "And how is that important?"

"Don't worry about it," he replied. "I'm going to give her my proposal tomorrow, and I strongly encourage you to join me." Keisai's smile broadened as Baatar started at his word choice. "It's going to be very... enlightening."

"Come by sometime in the morning," Lin said, standing. "I think we're all done here, gentlemen."

Lin reached for the check, but the lawyer snatched it off the table, paying the bill. "No, it's my treat. I'm looking forward to working with you, Baatar. Lin, it's been a pleasure," he added, brushing his lips to her hand. "Iroh's description was dead on."

Lin's scowl would have been comical if there weren't an array of stainless steel cutlery on the table, Baatar reflected, and he contained a chuckle as she flicked her wrist, causing a knife to prick Keisai. "I'll see you tomorrow, then," Baatar said, giving the man a firm handshake.

"And your fiancée," Keisai added. "I think a month is more than enough time away, don't you?"

His expression darkened. "We haven't discussed it, but somehow I doubt that we're still engaged."

"I see." Keisai picked up his briefcase, saluting them both. "Well, all the more reason to discuss it then. Have a good night," he added, exiting much in the same manner that he had entered, with an easy smile and a bounce to his step despite his day of traveling.

"That is who my mother chose?" Baatar said incredulously as Lin drove them back. "The man's crazy."

"And yet you still agreed to it," Lin said. "Care to explain that?"

"I said crazy, not stupid," Baatar replied. "No, I think his record speaks for itself... as does his desire to win the case. I just don't like his flippancy towards my... personal life."

"You can get over it," Lin retorted. "If your only concern is that he'll be insufferable to work with, then I'd say you've got it good. I'm sure it won't be too different from working with you."

Baatar scowled, his expression slowly dissipating as he saw that she was smiling. "Was that a joke?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Lin glanced at him. "I can stand by when you go to visit her if you need a... shoulder to cry on or something. Since Su isn't here, and all."

"That's very thoughtful of you," he said, eyes softening. "I think I'm ready, though. It pains me to say this, but Keisai is right. It's been long enough."

o0o

Kuvira had mixed feelings about her new cell. On the one hand, it was much cleaner and more spacious than the last, but on the other, the scent of freshly sanded wood irritated her nose and served as a constant reminder of her powerlessness. On top of that, it meant that she could no longer hear the sound of Baatar's gait every evening, or catch a glimpse of him as he passed her door. She had exchanged poor conditions for complete isolation, and she found herself wishing for the former more often than not. Reports in the news indicated that there were still ample loyalists to the Earth Empire, but that did little to dispel her feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Her supporters did little to bolster the original view of her empire, a powerful nation focused on the needs of the citizens. The majority were young idealogues who gave little attention to the finer details of what a revolution entailed. Perhaps it was fitting, she mused bitterly; they were not so different from her, three years ago.

Removed from human contact, save for the guards that brought her meals and supervised her handcuffed walks in the walled prison grounds, Kuvira considered writing letters. The avatar had visited her briefly before her vacation with the C.E.O of Future Industries, but apart from her, no one had stopped by. If she were to write, to whom? She doubted Baatar wanted to hear from her- he had had ample opportunity to speak with her and never had made a move to. Suyin was more likely to send the letters back unopened. The majority of her higher-ranking officers were absolved of guilt, as she had forbidden aggression unless entirely necessary, but she had little reason to write them and preferred to avoid causing suspicion. At least she had that to be proud of, she reflected. Despite the mountains of collateral damage she had caused, at least she hadn't condemned others to an undeserved fate. At this point, she had little to live for, and her days were spent reading the news and going over the events of the invasion, thinking of ways she could have handled everything differently. In the long run, perhaps it wouldn't have mattered. Even if Baatar had been in the colossus with her, the avatar's power was unparalleled, and she would have found a way to stop their campaign. She would have had to do things differently from the date of the coronation onward, if she had wanted a happier outcome. Wu was already giving interviews about his intentions of abdicating the throne not long after his ascension, opting for a democratic republic for the empire. Everything could have worked out so well, and her single-minded pursuit of reunification had blinded her to the other avenues to her goal.

A sudden knock at the door jolted her from her reverie, and she turned, hopeful. The guards weren't due for another hour, and avatar was still out of the city..

"You have visitors," one of the guards said, opening the door. A man of fire nation descent who vaguely reminded her of Varrick stepped in, briefcase in hand, but Kuvira only had eyes for the person behind him.

"Kuvira, my name is Keisai," he said, shaking her hand. His grip was surprisingly firm. "I have a proposition for you."

"I don't think we've met," she said, frowning. "What sort of proposition?"

Baatar had not spoken, instead standing behind Keisai with his arms crossed over his chest. Even as Keisai guided her to the table, talking animatedly as he pulled out a chair and opened a folder, she stole glances at Baatar from the corners of her eyes. His bandage had come off at last, leaving a rather raw-looking scar with little indentations from the newly removed sutures. "He's going to be representing me in the trial," he said without warning, "and he's interested in taking your case too."

Kuvira looked at him, her eyes large. "Did you put him up to this?"

"He is right here, you know," Keisai said in annoyance. "I've been intrigued by both of your cases, and I think there's a good chance that I can get you acquitted, or at least a minimal sentence." He talked excitedly, explaining key aspects of the case that he felt would be conducive to a victory in remarkable detail. Kuvira listened in silence, her eyes straying to Baatar more than once, trying to keep a politely neutral expression. The lawyer seemed more than well-versed in her case, but made no mention of why Baatar had accompanied him.

"I'm afraid I'm confused," she said when he paused for a moment. "Why did you bring.." She trailed off, feeling Baatar's eyes upon her.

"Suyin Beifong hired me for Baatar here, but I asked him if he'd be fine with me representing you as well," Keisai said matter-of-factly. "Now all I need to know is whether or not you have a conflict of interest. If your testimony is anything more than stating facts, or is even remotely geared to landing him in prison and hurting our chances of winning the case, then I won't be able to help you."

"Why would I do that?" she asked, incredulous. "I don't benefit from him being imprisoned-"

"Well, you didn't benefit from firing at me, either," Baatar cut in. "But you did it anyway, because you thought it would help you."

Kuvira felt stricken, turning her attention to the lawyer once more. "Believe me, I want nothing more than to get out of here. The monotony is driving me mad. But if it's at the cost of Baatar staying out, it isn't worth it. He has a family that was devastated enough by his absence... it would be cruel to cause them any more anguish."

"So..." Keisai frowned. "What you're saying is no, you have no conflict of interest, and you will have no problem signing these legally binding documents preventing you from going back on your word if I am to serve as the lawyer for the both of you?" He slid the papers across the table to her, prodding a pen towards her hand.

Kuvira read through the forms quickly, and paused, the pen hovering over the line. "I can't promise you your due."

"I'm prepared to waive my fees for you if I lose," he said gently. "Once I get you out, we can talk."

Kuvira's throat felt tight, and she lowered her gaze to the paper again, signing where indicated. "No expression of gratitude seems sufficient," she said stiffly. "Thank you."

"I'm excited to start working with you," Keisai said, standing. "I will see you soon, Great Uniter."

"Please," she said, voice low, "do not call me that again."

Keisai shrugged, and looked at Baatar expectantly. "Nothing?"

Baatar remained seated a moment longer before he too stood, glancing back at her before he followed Keisai to the door. "Don't go," Kuvira burst out, the panic in her voice sounding foreign even to her own ears.

The lawyer narrowed his eyes, gaze darting between the two of them. "Do you, uh, need a moment?" he asked, tone disarmingly light. "I'll just step outside then, take your time," he said, clapping Baatar on the arm. The door shut behind him, the platinum locks clicking with finality.

They stood facing one another, alone together for the first time since the morning of the invasion, and Kuvira found herself searching for something to say. Baatar broke the silence first, taking a step towards her. "Why?" The hurt in his voice was palpable, and it took all of her self control to hold back tears.

"I was thinking of the empire," she said, voice shaky. "I was thinking of the chance of wiping out the avatar, and a decisive victory for our country. I had dreaded that day, you know," she said. "Ever since we started dealing with resistance, I worried that someone would try to take you hostage to get to me-"

"That still isn't an excuse for firing," he said. "That isn't an excuse for lying to me, either. What else have you lied to me about? You know that I would have died for you, but I didn't expect you to pull the trigger."

Kuvira forced a smile. "Actually, you made it operable by metalbending... no need to pull anything." She could have been wrong, but she thought his eyes softened. "Everything I've told you was true," she said with finality. "I won't ask you to give me a second chance, but don't think I'll try to sabotage your release. I've caused you and your family enough grief."

Baatar nodded, stretching an arm towards her and then seeming to think better of it. "All right. I should go, Keisai's probably waiting.."

"Wait!" She took a step towards him, her arm out. "Will you visit me again?"

Baatar looked at her, his eyes inscrutable, but he took her outstretched hand in both of his own, giving it a gentle squeeze before he left in silence. She sat heavily on the cot, her mind a whirl and a dull buzzing in her ears, unsure what to think.

o0o

"How'd it go?" Keisai asked as they walked outside.

"Not badly," Baatar said slowly, "but then again I'm not sure what my expectations were."

"Will you be seeing her again the next time I go?" the lawyer asked. "Something tells me you will..."

"I don't know," Baatar growled. "Stay out of my personal life, you're not being payed to represent me in that arena."

Keisai paused, bracing his hand on Baatar's shoulder. "Did I ever tell you why I went into law after the navy?"

"Do enlighten me," Baatar said, raising an eyebrow.

"I do it for the love... of the game." And with those parting words, he turned the corner, leaving Baatar with much to think on.


A/N: OH SNAP. Fun fact- Keisai is heavily based on me. So...yeah.

Thanks again for all the wonderful support- I'm always curious to see how y'all interpret my scenes so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts in the reviews! Stay tuned and tell me your predictions for chapter 4... the drama continues!