Heyy guys : ) so I'm sorry this chapter was posted kinda late, I noticed how much people are liking the general idea of the story and that's honestly making me so happy! Thank you guys! Enjoy!
All she did was stare at the Lady who took her here. She found the woman to be very pretty, and she remembered seeing her face before on a poster Koroku once had… noting she might have had political power considering that he burned it while mocking her... She contemplated the woman's identity –knowing her name was in the back of her mind; but she somehow couldn't reach.
She hadn't known any of the people that had come to visit her when she was sent to the healer; only the man that she remembered only the slightest bit when she'd been saved from death's grip. She paused at the thought, not even noticing the clattering of her tiny teeth or the rattling of her small body. It seemed as if the woman before her noticed this, turning around to lock a gaze.
Sighing; the woman slowly stepped towards her; kneeling down to the small child that was currently sitting in a chair much too large for her.
"I know you are going through so much right now, but I promise you, it does get better."
She gave a soft smile after she spoke as she took the girl's small hand in her gloved ones, causing a small grin to appear on the child's face.
"From this point on, I will be your guardian. My name is-
"Great Uniter?" the small child asked with curiosity as she cocked her head.
It caused a small laugh to escape Kuvira's lips; wondering if the girl actually thought "Great Uniter" was her actual name. it had been so long since she'd bubbled into laughter genuinely.
"You were close, my people call me the Great Uniter, but my real name is Kuvira. I'm quite surprised you knew my nick-name, have you heard of me before?"
The young girl smiled, but then looked downward; as if guilt were written on her small forehead.
"Yes. Koroku don' like you… but thas okay."
The small girl leaned in closer as she waved her hand for Kuvira to lean in as well to apparently tell a secret.
"he a grumpy-pants - he don' like anyone anyway... 'specially me. So don' worry 'bout it."
The child leaned back again and smiled; grabbing her frog plush toy from the side of the chair and holding it in her arms. It was then that a guard came through the door into the healer's office where the two had their private chat.
"Great Uniter, I believe the air ship awaits."
She gave a nod before he exited the room; giving her the chance to look back at the child and smile.
"Would you like to see your new home? We have to travel on an airship for a day, but you need time to rest anyway."
The child jumped from where she sat, smiling as she took Kuvira's hand and ran out the door.
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It had to be at least two in the morning as she sat in silence in her own quarters. The child refused to be alone and ended up falling asleep in the conference room of the air ship; giving Kuvira the chance to pick her up and let the girl sleep in her own quarters tonight.
She sat in a chair not too far away from her bed where the child slept soundly; contemplating the severity of her decision as she stared at the sleeping girl restlessly. The room was dark and silent except for the young girl's heavy inhales and exhales –but for Kuvira, it was a different story.
Her thoughts were practically eating her alive; her mind in a state of panic as she analyzed the situation entirely.
Can I really be a good parent? What if I turn out to be like... My own parents?
Her face sunk at that moment; the pressure building up in her chest as memories clouded her thoughts.
No.
I CAN NOT leave this child. No matter the circumstance; I must be the support she needs.
She didn't even realize how heavily she was breathing; pent up anxiety seeping out of her through heavy, hitched breaths of panic.
What if I fail?
The question stuck to her tongue like duct tape; panic over taking her as she instinctively brings her knees to her chest and lowers her face onto them.
"What if she ends up... Hating me?"
She whispered to herself in the darkness; the flesh eating memories tearing at her self-worth and overall confidence as droplets slipped down her cheeks.
"I won't."
Kuvira's head shot up instantly to feel a tiny hand cup her cheek seconds afterwards; the small girl in front of her sternly.
"Kana won't leave Kuvira."
Never in her entire life had Kuvira experienced something so… heartfelt. At first she was completely shocked and worried about the child's well-being considering she woke her. Then she questioned whether or not this was some time of illusion or that her mind was playing tricks on her from the lack of sleep. But finally, she realized that the thoughts were finally gone. She softly placed her hand over the young girl's; gently removing it from her cheek as she smiled a melted smile for the first time in years.
"I promise to never leave you either Kanami."
The room felt less cold and empty, and both felt a warmth that truly came from the heart as the child wrapped her skinny arms around the woman's neck in an embrace. This took Kuvira by surprise at first; but knowing that this child was now her daughter she no longer could hold back from embracing her in return. Seeing herself in the child that appeared to care for her so.
"Kana pledge loyalty to you… you make kana feel wanted. Thanks You."
It was then that the woman caught her own breath; realizing exactly what she was doing for this child.. For this small girl that was practically a remake of herself.
She picked up the child; walking back over towards the bed and gently placing her on top of it before placing a kiss on her forehead.
"You are very welcome."
She was about to turn away when the child grabbed her hand; giving a tiny tug to cause Kuvira to turn and see that the girl scooched over.
"You wish for me to sleep beside you?"
It was then that the girl nodded; smiling as she looked at her bedside anf then at Kuvira.
The metal bender was hesitant at first; but then climbed atop the mattress; laying beside the young girl who was now moving closer to her.
She's the cuddly type I guess
She slid underneath Kuvira's arm; nuzzling against her in fetal position before looking up at the woman excitedly.
Kuvira chuckled to herself
"You need to get your rest Kanami"
"aren' you sleep too?"
Kuvira shook her head; trying her best to avoid the exhaustion that was taking control of her body.
"Nope. I need to stay up to make sure you sleep well."
The child nodded before her eyes fluttered shut
"Okay. Goo' nite Kuvira"
The woman couldn't help but notice how innocent she looked in her arms; her own eyes beginning to droop as she felt herself begin to doze off.
"Good night my daughter."