Author's Note
There is a self inflicted death towards the end. So just a heads up.
Asami
Despite my protest, my Father talked me into helping Suyin. If our plan goes well, maybe my Father will be able to reason with The Great Uniter.
Kuvira's guards let us back through the building and they handcuff Suyin with plastic this time.
"Thank you, for your service. You and your daughter may leave now." One of the guards instructs.
"Young man, Kuvira gave me orders to bring her, personally." My Father replies.
"Well we got it from here, Sir."
"Alright, I would hate to see you get fired for not believing me. Let's go Sami." My Father and I slowly start walking towards the exit, in hopes of the guard stopping us.
"Wait!" the guard calls out.
My Father and I both turn back around.
"I guess, you could come with us."
As we walk through the tunnel. I can hear screaming coming from under us. I look at my Father but he continues to look straight. I'm sure he hears the sounds as well.
We get to a dead end and the guard slams his foot down, sending us to another level, almost like an elevator.
"Impress?" one of the guards asks, in attempt of flirting.
My Father wraps his arms around me.
"I am definitely impressed. I might have to build a torture machine that functions like this." My Father replies, making the gentleman clear his throat.
We get off on what seems to be the third floor and a female guard joins us.
"You don't know how much trouble you caused." the new guard tells Suyin.
The female guard throws a fire punch, lighting the lanterns in the tunnel.
"You're a Firebender?" I ask, the woman.
"Yes, what did you think? Kuvira doesn't just hire Earthbenders. She's very diverse when it comes to Benders."
"That's impressive. Do you think she would take Non-Benders for her team?"
"Asami, no! This job is far too dangerous." My Father adds, going along with the plan, which is to get Kuvira to hire me, so it can buy my Father time to save Su.
"No, Father stop babying me! I can make my own decisions. Just stay out of my life!"
My outburst causes the woman to chuckle.
"Rebellious teen, I see. I think The Great Uniter might have a place for you."
We get to a metal door and the other guard bends it open.
"There you go Natalie." The Earth/Metal Bender tells his colleague.
"Thanks, Nate. I got it here." She replies, pushing Su inside.
My Father and I walk inside next and I see crystals everywhere, which means we're inside the Catacombs.
"Great Uniter, I have your prison as well as guests here."
Kuvira looks up from her map, not unimpressed.
"I said you two could leave once you brought her back." she states.
My Father steps forward.
"I'm aware but I wanted to make sure she got to you." he says bowing.
This makes the Bender smirk bringing her attention on to her guard.
"Sounds like he didn't trust your judgement, Natalie. Are you going to let a Non-Bender question your abilities?" Kuvira asks.
The guard unexpectedly hits my Father to the side of the head.
"How dare you question me! I'm apart of the strongest movement ever!" Natalie yells.
I rush to my Father's aid and see that he's bleeding.
"I'm okay Asami." He says, sitting up.
Kuvira moves from her desk and glares at her guard.
"Why did you hit him?" she asks, making the Firebender blush.
"I'm sorry, I was just trying to…." Kuvira gets in her face.
"Trying to get even? What he said had nothing to do with you. It's what, I said that caused you to take offense. That's my point! You all use what other say to justify your actions. If you weren't offended before, why let others persuade you to be? Go get the Healer!" she orders, sending the guard running.
Kuvira takes off her jacket and kneels down beside my Father as she tries to stop the bleeding. Being this close to her, I dont see how this woman could be responsible for Korra's harm. Yes, I saw what she did with her own eyes, but The Great Uniter's actions right now, shows me she's more than a killer.
"He should be fine, but I'm worried about the bruise on his head. The Healer is coming soon. Asami, you're free to go. I'll let your Father go, as soon as he's clear." Kuvira says, exhausted.
"No, I'm not leaving without my Father!You hurt Korra all because of your bad blood with Suyin! Why, put all these people at risks for something she done?"
The Great Uniter's smirk makes me furious.
"It's all about cause and effect little one. This woman here, didn't start all of this and I didn't either. This cycle has been going on for years! There is no way to point out the exact time or moment where all of this went south. I can however address what I know. Which is how I'm painted as the bad guy. While Suyin here, is painted as the victim. "
"You don't need to explain yourself. I know why you're doing this. But why hurt Korra? She's a Bender just like you!"
"The Avatar had a choice to walk away but she betrayed me. If you aren't with me, you're against me."
"If that's the case, why is Su still alive?" I ask frustrated!
"Because I want her to see this!"
Kuvira raises her hand Mr. Beifong comes from under the ground and he's badly beaten.
"Baatar!" Suyin yells.
The healer enters the room along with Natalie.
"Please, tend to Mr. Sato and Natalie go get the children. I want them to hear and see what their parents truly are. "
"That's unnecessary, they don't need to hear what their Mother done." I suggest, which I realize was bad idea. Especially seeing the look on The Great Uniter's face.
I feel rocks wrap around my wrists.
"It sounds like you're on her side. You can stay."
Korra
We get to the building and I can feel that there are thousands of people under us.
"Korra you're bleeding!" Jinora states.
"I KNOW! I'm fine trust me."
"You aren't fine! You're putting your body under too much stress. You have been up for too long!" She replies.
I understand her concern for me but I have everything under control. We have come too far to throw everything away now. Everyone back at the train is fighting for me, I'm not giving up.
I bend the door down and we all rush inside.
"The Catacombs are on the third level." Opal explains.
I slam my foot to the ground, allowing us to go through the earth's surface.
"You been here before?" Jinora asks.
"Yes. Kuvira took me here once."
"Aren't the Crystal Catacombs off limits to guests? " Jinora asks.
"That's Kuvira for you, never following the rules. I no longer have a place in my heart for this monster. She took my family away, I will never forgive her for that. My family has done nothing but love and accept her and she took all that away from me."
We get to the second level and we hear yelling.
"Wait here, I'll go see what's going on." I bend an opening for me and step out.
I creep through the tunnel and the vision of shadows against the wall, causes me to hide.
"Let me go, or I will do a three pointer on your face!" Wei yells.
"Sureeee." The guard replies.
I know him. He's one of Opal's brothers from the ball. I turn around and head back to the area I left Jinora and Opal. I place my hand through the rock and bend them out.
"What's wrong?" Opal asks.
"I think I just saw one of your brothers." Opal tries to hop out but I stop her.
"They just went underground again. We should at least check the third floor."
Asami
Wei is the last one to enter the room and just like the others, he has a metal brace wrapped around his neck. Everyone has tape around their mouth except Suyin. Who's hanging against the wall.
Kuvira gets up from out of her chair and walks around the Brothers who make up the Beifong family.
"You were right, Suyin they did grow up!"
"Don't you dare touch them!" she yells.
"You're very aggressive. If I'm calm, you should be calm." She replies.
She walks over to Jr. who looks just like his Father even without glasses on and takes the tape off his mouth.
"Why did you bring my brothers into this? My betrayal to you has nothing to do with them!" he cries.
Kuvira kneels down and wraps her arms around her ex fiancée, as he cries into her shoulder.
she lifts his head up so they're starring at one another.
"You may have betrayed me, but I didn't do all of this because of you."
she pulls him into a kiss and right before it deepens, she pulls away and places the tape back on.
"I did all of this because of her!" she says, pointing to her ex-lover.
She walks over to Huan and takes his tape off next.
"What do you see when you look at me? I want your honest answer."
Huan studies the Great Uniter.
"I see a woman with perfect eye brows." He replies.
"No, what do you really see? Use your artist mind and dig deep. " she asks again.
Huan takes another look and I watch the interaction as well as everyone else.
"I see nothing!" he says in disbelief.
Kuvira puts the tape over his mouth and smiles.
"The Artist is correct once again! I feel nothing at this point. I took over a city, I killed the Prince of the Earth Kingdom, I brought Benders of all sort together. I attacked the Avatar! Amon is dead and I have full control over the Earth Kingdom and Republic City. Yet, I feel nothing! Have I not accomplished anything?"
"You don't have control. My Husband is still alive!" Su shouts.
"Are you saying? I didn't follow our plan?" she asks confused.
The Great Uniter walks over to Su and lifts up her chin.
"You didn't follow the plan. You were the one who strayed from the path. You were the one, who screwed me over and over again. Did you really think begging me back in that van, would win me over? Did you think, you had the upper hand?"
She lets her go and walks over to Wing this time.
"Do you know why I left?" Kuvira asks Wing.
"You and my Father hated each other." He answers.
"Yes, but do you know why he hated me?" she asks.
"Because you were a Bender."
"No, It was because I was better than him. I had everything that he ever wanted. The control, the power, and most importantly his wife."
"KUVIRA STOP TALKING NOW!" Su yells.
"No, we're all adults here! I think it's time they all learn about the secrets of their parents. "
"They have nothing to do with what happened between us."
I agree with Suyin even though, I don't like what she did. Her children shouldn't have to find out like this.
"You made them apart of this the moment you brought me into your home!" Kuvira stress.
Kuvira
I didn't want to do this. But she gave me no choice. It's been five years and I still feel the same broken feeling inside of me. I still feel like she has control over me!
I think about all those nights where Jr. would lay beside me and I would slip out of bed. Debating whether or not I wanted to fly to Republic City just to apology.
Apology for not being enough for to Su.
Then in other nights, I would be so filled with alcohol I would want to visit her again but this time instead of apologizing, I would tell her family about the affair.
Yet, I could never act on my impulse. Also I couldn't allow Baatar to see me at my weakest. I knew that's what he wanted from me.
It was no competition when it came to him and me. The only thing that kept Baatar and her together was her love for her children and he knew it. Now everyone is going to know it.
I pull a chair into the middle of the floor, so it's facing the traitor.
"Why did you take my case?" I ask her, taking a seat.
She doesn't say anything,which I find is very unfair, taking in fact all the things I did for her in the past.
Why does she have to be so stubborn?
I know telling her children about our relationship was harsh, but they were bound to find out sooner or later.
"Are you going to ignore me, all because I told everyone the truth?"I ask, trying to give her a chance. Yet, I still get no reply,which is very disappointing.
I get up from my seat and storm over to Wei. Dragging his body across the room and lifting him up, so he can sit in the chair facing his Mother.
"Okay, we're going to play a game. If you don't speak, I'm going to slowly tighten the metal around your son's neck. I'm all for sharing the fun, so you can stop the metal from get too tight. Oh wait... you aren't like me. You can't bend with your mind."
I see the hatred in her eyes and it brings me joy. Finally she can understand the same pain I went through all these years.
"WHY DID YOU TAKE MY CASE?" I ask.
She doesn't reply and this is upsetting. I raise my hand and the metal tightens causing Wei to fall out of his seat.
"I wanted a challenge. Please stop!" she yells out. But I don't stop, I continue to bend the brace.
"New rule, every time you lie, I tighten the metal."
I bring my attention back on to Wei, who's curled up into a ball at this point.
"SAVE YOUR SON! WHY DID YOU TAKE MY CASE?" I ask, growing very impatient.
I like Wei, I don't want him to die because of his Mother's foolish actions. I watch as Wei, nostrils enlarge as he tries to breathe.
"YOU FASCINATED ME!" she finally yells out, causing me to drop my arm.
It wasn't the answer, I was looking for, but it was close. I pull off Wei's tape, so he can get more air.
"Wei" Su yells, trying to get to her son but the rocks wrapped around her wrists limits her movement.
"You're making me look like the bad guy, Su! I need you to be honest! I need you to save your son. You have a lot of them. If Wei here, can't handle your lies, I have backups."
I place the tape back over his mouth and set Wei back in the chair.
"What fascinated you about me? I was just an orphan child, with no home training." I reply.
"You were smart, reckless, and very….."
"Vulnerable?" I ask.
"No." I raise my hand again ready to bend and she screams.
"YES! YOU WERE VULNERABLE!"
I see the tears in her eyes and I get up to wipe them away, like I used to do before.
"Please don't cry. Your children need to see how strong you're."
Seeing that Su finally takes me serious. I no longer have to use an example. I walk back over to Wei and drag him back over to his brothers.
I used to be so jealous of them. To have wonderful parents, who cared and nourished them liked they did, was amazing. Now, I actually feel sorry for them. Who would want two manipulators as parents?
I walk back over to the chair and turn it around so it's facing the Beifong children.
"I would like to read you all some lines from my favorite book." I dig into my pant's pocket to grab the object and take a seat.
I flip through the pages with the numerous dates on them, which can go all the way back to the first time she saw me.
This journal right here, was my motivation. Without this journal, I don't think I would have accomplished as much. I owe this journal my life,but most importantly, I owe the author for writing about it much more.
I clear my throat and begin to read.
"Today I met the Earth Kingdom's Bandit . She was just like I expected her to be. Quiet, distance, and untrustworthy. Traits that any child who was unwanted in foster care would have.
My research on such special individual payed off, because I knew exactly how to win her trust.
I attacked the guard who caused her harm. A rush swept through my body, the moment I laid hands on him. It reminded me of the power, I felt back in school. The power, I ever so missed and had to give up once I married. Now, I sit behind the scenes.
while men take control over things. Things, they aren't smart or capable of doing. If all goes well, it won't be long until, I show them my power. "
I look up from the journal, so I can see their face but they show no emotion. Maybe, these words can't affect them because they don't know the meaning behind them. I should probably read another page.
"That was just one of my favorites. Let me read another page. I say, flipping through the pages
"Kuvira, that was a long time ago." Su pleads, but I block her words out, and start again.
"I didn't think The Earth Kingdom Bandit would have grown attached to me so quickly. I expected a year, with her background and everything.
Today is a big day! I won my trial, which is no surprise. However, what was a bigger surprise was the shot my client took for me today.
Well it wasn't a shot. It was more like a pastry, but if it wasn't, I know she would have taken the same action.
I think my plan may be coming along sooner than I expected. When the time is right, I have plans for the Earth Kingdom Bandit! I just need to continue earning her trust, which I feel won't be long."
I shut the journal, no longer able to read anymore words this woman wrote about me. The worst part is, that's just the beginning. I could have read a more harsher page, but truthfully, It was too embarrassing to read. How would you feel if someone wrote a book about you but instead of talking about your life. They wrote about your every move, like you were some type of experiment.
Something like that would make you question everything. Wondering if the past you cherished ever so much was real or fake.
"There are thousands of entries like the two I just read. Everything this woman you call your Mother did was part of some plan for power. She used me to do her dirty work for her! I killed her competition and she taught me how to do so, without drawing any attention to myself!."
I get up from my chair and unhook her from the wall. Dragging her body over to her husband. So they can stare at each other, so they can be together like the perfect married couple they're.
"I want to applaud you, Su. You knew by getting me to fall in love with you. I would fall into your trap. I'm going to go ahead and say it. I was fooled by you."
" You weren't fooled. My feelings for you were genuine! Falling in love with you, wasn't part of the plan. I stopped using you, the moment we first kissed."
I sit down in the middle of Republic City's new power couple. They're technically the First Lady and First Husband now! I need to appreciate such an honor.
"Even if what you said is true. Those words you put in that journal were real. My love for you were real. If you loved me like you said, why didn't you leave him?"
This time, I give her a chance to explain and I don't understand why I keep doing that! She doesn't deserve to explain but I know what it's like to be silence and to not have a voice. Sometimes you have to let others speak or they might pull a crazy stunt like this one.
"I couldn't just leave him! You knew how much was at stack!" she replies.
"If I knew about that journal, I would have saved you the trouble."
I grab Baatar by the ear and drag him over to Asami and Hiroshi. Who're sadly involved in this family feud. Actually they were always apart of this.
I liked Yasuko, she was the only person who spoke her mind. The Sato family deserves to hear the truth and luckily they're here to hear it.
I take the monster's tape off his mouth.
"What happened to Yasuko, Baatar?"
"She died."
I ball up my fist and hit him for such a foolish response.
"Tell them what really happened to her!"
He looks up at me and I turn his head around she he's starring at Hiroshi. Baatar spits out blood and looks in Hiroshi's eyes.
I reach over his face making him flinch. "Relax, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm just taking the brace off." I reassure.
With the piece of metal now in my hand. I start to change it into various of shapes. Baatar has yet to say anything and it's ridiculous.
"You married a coward, Su. I'll tell you all what happened."
Kuvira's Flashback
My mind is racing.
All the old thoughts that were once in my head, starts repeating. The same thoughts I got rid of when I started my new life.
I continue walking in the rain, trying to control my emotions. How dare she fire a gun at me!
I should have killed her right then and there. No one can make a fool out of me and get away with! I used to be The Earth Kingdom Bandit. I'm supposed to be practical, tough, and street-smart. Yet, this new life turned me soft.
I have done nothing but take care of her family and her! Who am I kidding? I enjoy doing that, those children are like siblings to me. I enjoy their company, I enjoy their home. A home I always wanted, back when I was an orphan.
Those children deserve a mother, not a drunk. That's why I need to get to the bottom of this. Su won't be at peace with herself, until I find the people who killed Yasuko. I was able to reach out to my old gang members and they were able to give me a name and the location of the person of interest's hang out spot.
I walk into the bar and everyone looks up at me.
I give a small smile, recognizing the bartender.
"Is that Mrs. Bandit herself?" he asks.
"The one and only!" I reply, making my way over to my old friend.
He walks away from the bar and gives me a big bear hug, lifting me up off the ground.
"Boulder, you gotten so big." I tease.
I owe this man my life. As a child, I would hide in this very bar when Equalists were looking for me. No one dared to walk into this bar, with my pal Boulder behind the counter.
"I been drinking a lot of milk lately." He replies, setting me down.
"What brings you to this part of town? Don't you live in that big mansion up in Republic City?" he asks.
He hands me a shot and I shoot it down.
"I don't live there, I work there. The mansion is just a perk of being a bodyguard. Anyway, I need a favor."
He refills my glass.
"Anything for you."
"I was wondering if you heard of someone named. Haru Mitch?" I ask.
"Yes, he's actually sitting over there by the piano."
I turn around and see nothing but a boy.
A boy, who looks around 10 years old.
"He's a kid." I reply, in disbelief.
"Yes, his brothers leave him here sometimes. But they haven't come back for him yet. I'm about to kick him out. Do you mind taking care of it?"
I finish my shot and nod, sliding 3 Yuans on to the table.
"It's on the house. You helped me many times, with my rent."
"Do you know how much I'm making? Just take the money."
"Thank You, K. You did a lot for this area. We miss you."
"I miss this." I say lowly.
I get up from the bar and approach the boy.
"Haru?" I ask.
The pre-teen looks up from his book and I notice that he's reading Go, Dog. Go, a kindergarten book. He should be reading something much more challenging for his age.
"Yes, Ma'am?" he says.
I take a seat at the piano beside him, playing with the keys.
"You have very good manners." I praise.
"Thank You." he turns to another page and his fingers stops at a word.
"It's hat." I tell him. He looks up at me embarrassed.
"I knew that, I just like reading this book because of the rhymes." He says, looking away.
There is no way this kid killed Yasuko, he can barely read or look someone in the eye without panicking.
"Do you have any brothers?" I ask, grabbing the book from his hand to scan the pages.
"Yes, but they haven't come back for me yet."
I close the book.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I always wanted a brother or a sister. Would you do anything for your brothers?" I ask.
He nods.
"Yeah, I been doing a lot for them lately."
I look up and see Boulder motioning his head towards the exit. I hear Haru's stomach growl and I get up.
"Hey, how about I take you to get something to eat?" he looks up at me with his little brown eyes.
"I can't leave, my brothers are coming back soon." I give him a warm smile.
"That man over there by the bar, has my number. He will let me know, when they comeback. I'm starved, I would love nice slice of pizza right now. How about you?"
The boy smiles.
"Alright, only because you're hungry."
"Let's go then." I say grabbing his hand.
I watch as the child goes through slices after slices. It takes me back to the times, where I would dig through restaurant trashcans for leftovers. Memories like those are the reasons I became the Earth Kingdom Bandit.
There were many others like me. People who had a much harder life, due to their status as Benders.
Non-benders would abandon their children, all because they were Benders. I can't remember anything about my parents, but I know that was the reason they left me.
From that moment on, I bound to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. Sure, I didn't have to kill as much people as I did, but it was the only thing I knew how to do.
Actions speak louder than words. Amon made the status that we were killers, I might as well play the part.
"Wow big appetite?" I tease, making the boy blush.
"I'm sorry, I love pizza, Ma'am. Thank you, for taking me here! My Brothers would be so jealous right now."
"You're very welcome! Tell me about your brothers."
"I have four brothers."
"Wow, what are their ages?" I ask.
"15,17,19, and 21."
The ages fit the description of the people who broke into the Sato Mansion. Maybe, Haru didn't act alone or maybe he didn't do it at all.
"Why do you think they left you?" I ask, taking a sip of my water.
"THEY DIDN'T LEAVE ME!" he yells.
"Woah, that's a lot of anger, for a kid with pizza in their system. What really caused you to lash out?" I ask.
He wipes his mouth.
"I did a bad thing?"
"Like what?"
"I can't say, I promised."
"Did you pinky promise?" I ask.
The Earthbender raises his eyebrow, unsure what I mean.
I grab his hand and hold up his pinky and let ours intertwine
"It's like a handshake but you use your pinky. It means trust, and it's not really a promise unless it's a pinky promise. Hints the name."
"Really?" he asks.
"Yes, trust me. I been around for a very long time. I'm as old as that book."
He laughs clenching it, to his chest.
"No, you look around my brothers age."
Smart kid, maybe math is his forte and not reading.
"What did they make you do?" I ask.
"Alright, but you have to pinky promise to tell no one." He says, holding up his pinky again.
"We already did." I tease.
"Oh, well…I guess you're right. My brothers made me got to this house and get someone to open the door."
I nod.
"Was it a big house?" I ask.
"Yep, it was huge like a library!" I try not to chuckle at this kid's take on big.
"I didn't know they were going to hurt anyone. The Man told us we were just going trash the place. Our family is poor and we needed the money."
"What man?" I ask.
"Um, he had a beard and glasses."
I try to think about who could match that description. There are so many people who fit that image.
"Do your remember his name?" I ask.
"It rhymes with Car." He says.
"Amon?" I whisper, causing him to shake his head,
"No, Amon has a mask. This man, had a face and tanned skin. He was rich, very rich. My brothers told me he is an artist."
Glasses, beard, rich, and an artist. Spirits, that sounds like anyone in Republic City. If I didn't know any better, I would think it was Huan. He's pretty talented with his craft. If only his Father was an artis… That's when I put them together.
"Baatar?" I ask.
"Yes! That's his name. He was very creepy looking. You can' tell anyone okay or we might have to give the money back."
I take out my wallet to leave a tip.
Su's husband ordered the killing of his wife's best friend, why? This news will break my boss's heart. How can I tell her this information? Even I'm having a hard time trying to wrap my head around all of this.
"I'm all done." The boy says, with a grin.
"Good job." I reply, trying to force a smile onto my face.
The rain stopped and I remember I can't take Haru back to Boulder's Bar. Where can I take him? I can't just leave him here in the streets alone. I know this neighborhood, it's not the safest place for a kid.
I look ahead and see a bookstore, which brings back memories.
"You need a new book." I tell him, getting an idea.
"But it's closed." He whines.
"Yes, but that doesn't mean you still can't go inside."
We get to the white building and I lift Haru over the fence. Then hop over it myself.
We approach the window and I metal-bend the clasp open.
"Isnt this illegal?" he asks.
"You're reading books about dogs driving cars. Don't talk to me about illegal."
I climb through the window, then help him inside.
"Wow, this place is amazing!" He says, with excitement scanning through the many shelves of books.
Haru is such a sweet kid. It's a shame that his brothers took advantage of him like they did. He picks up a book and sits in a bean bag chair.
"I'm going to come back for you tomorrow. Stay here, okay." He looks up and frowns.
"I can't stay here. How will my brothers find me?" he asks.
"I'll let them know you're here. You will see them again, I promise. Just hide out here for awhile."
He gets up from his chair and wraps his arms around me.
"Thank You, so much!" he says.
I slowly return the hug. There is only one person I let hug me like this and that's Opal.
That's why I can't tell anyone about Baatar's involvement. That will break their family, Opal deserves a happy life.
The End
"The next day, I called the police and they brought Haru in for questioning. Turns out he was still in the bookstore."
I look at Hiroshi who has tears in his eyes, as well as Su.
"Why Baatar?" Hiroshi finally makes out.
"I just wanted you to build Amon's weapons. He told me, if I could persuade you to, he would make me next in line to lead. I didn't think they would have killed her."
"But they did! I stood in court and gave the ok to kill those children. Children who were just falling your orders!" Hiro yells back.
I finally decide on the shape I want, out of the metal brace.
"Hiro It was supposed to be a spook. I'm so sor…." Before he could finish I slide the straight piece of metal across his neck, chopping off his head off.
I hear a loud scream, which causes me to turn around and I spot Opal who just enter the room.
"Aww Opal, why did you have to come here? I didn't want you to hear all of this or see this"
Opal tries to rush to her Mother but I pull her away. Holding her, as she tries to fight her way out of my embrace. She's hysterical and I don't blame her, she just witnessed the execution of her Father.
I wrap my arms around my little sister.
"Shhh…calm down! Everyone is okay! Your Mother wanted me to kill him! She wanted him dead, so she could lead Republic City!"
"YOU'RE LYING! MY MOTHER LOVES MY FATHER AND YOU KILLED HIM!"
I set Opal down into the chair and hand her the journal, which goes into details about how she hated her husband.
"How old is this?" she asks, scanning through the pages.
"Very old, I'm sure she was planning to make this into a book one day. I can see it now. President of Republic City and bestselling author. I bet colleges would even study her journal in the psychology department."
I leave my little sister alone, so she can continue reading and approach Su, who's starring at her decapitated husband's body.
I bring my hand down, bending the dead body underground. No one needs to see something that's no longer there.
"Su, he was a bad man! Don't mourn over his death. While you were away at college, he verbally attacked me everyday.
One day when I had enough,I threaten to expose Baatar about his involvement with the Triple Threats.
He was furious with me and he confronted me about our affair. He went as far to even say, that you didn't love me. Of course, I didn't believe him. Well….that was until he showed me the journal.
That's right, I knew about the journal even when you were in college. You knew me very well. You knew my weakness and strength. Everything you wrote in that journal was raw. You knew things about myself, that I didn't even notice.
You talked about these dark moments,where I would blank out or something like that. WHAT IN THE SPIRITS ARE DARK MOMENTS? I don't have dark moments, because my life always been one!
I wanted to put an end to my dark moments the day I got arrested!
Did you really think, I got caught on accident? I wanted to get caught, Su!
I knew, no lawyer would want to represent me and I knew I would get the death penalty and that's what I wanted! But you came out of the blue to take my case and what you did to me, was way worse than death!"
The Metalbender is still looking down at the spot where her husband once laid, so I walk over to her and turn her face so it's facing me. Just touching the side of her chin, is bittersweet.
"See his absents as a very long meeting." I whisper into her ears. I find my lips on hers and our kiss has no emotion to it.
It was as if, you were kissing an old relative at a funeral, as they're laying in the casket. The kiss was that dull. I wasn't expecting a spark or anything. I just wanted some type of feeling. I pull away from her and stand up again.
"You wrote in your journal, that you no longer felt the need to challenge yourself anymore. I dont blame you!
You already figured me out, so I was no longer an interest to you. That one part in your journal, was your break up to me.
I couldn't allow you to have an ending where I lost. So, I made a new challenge for you, one where I win. In order for everything to go as planned, I had to change myself completely.
I began showing more emotion and being affectionate openly. Especially with your son. Of course you didn't believe my act, because like the journal states, you knew me!
So I knew, the only way I could get you to believe my transformation was for me to leave, for a long period of time.
I was going to show you that you didn't know me and I would become a better leader than you. LOOK AT ME NOW! I did everything you wished you could do.
When I contacted you 3 months ago. I knew you would meet me, I mean who wouldn't? I was now in the public eye, something you always wanted.
In the woods you caught a glimpse of the new crafted Kuvira, the one you never wrote about. I wanted you to believe that those five years changed me!
Yet, it only took 1 day to change me after reading what you thought of me.
I wanted to kill you every time, I saw you. The countless nights, where I would lay beside you and watch you sleep. Mentally stopping my urge to wrap my hands around your neck,holding on until I could no longer hear you breathe, It was such a struggle.
But I knew that wasn't a part of the plan. I wanted to see the look on your face, when I told you my plan."
Opal closes the book and looks up at her Mother.
"Mother, why did you write this?"
Su is still starring down at that same damn spot! Her husband is gone! Why is she still invested into him?
Of course her Mother doesn't respond because she knows she lost her battle, so just like years before I come to Opal's rescue.
"I know, Opal. it's upsetting but what's even more upsetting is the fact I gave your Mother another chance.
When we met each other in the woods. I had a gun in my vest pocket and I was planning to kill her that very day. I was going to tell her everything, but I saw something in her that day, that made me change my mind.
The look she had in her eyes was the thing that saved her life because I saw a future for us again. I missed her so much and I wanted to be with her. Five years planning my revenge was still five years thinking about her.
So I asked her to get information on Amon and of course she declined but I knew her. I knew deep down, she would do anything for me.
When I saw her in the crowds in one of my rallies, I knew she wanted a future with me as well. I took her to dinner that very day and told her my plan on how I would get rid of Amon.
She told me her husband was next in line and she couldn't allow me to kill Amon. So I told her about how Baatar was involved in Yasuko's death and she was on my side. Your Mother was willing to kill not just Amon but your Father too.
Things were great. Su and I begin talking to each other more. I really enjoyed all those moments, up until I find out about her actions.
Of couple of days later, I got information from a friend that she told the White Lotus about my plan.
I didn't understand. Things were going so well between us. Why throw me under the bus like that? Then, I realized she wanted the power. She never saw a future with me it was just her.
You see? Amon's Ball was supposed to be pay back, but The Avatar had to try and save you, when in reality she should have saved me!"
I walk over to Opal who still starring down at the cover up the journal and hold the same piece of metal I killed her Father with, up against her throat.
and hold the same piece of metal, I killed her Father with up against her neck.
"I was willing to let it all go, Su. Our past, the journal, our love, everything! But you betrayed me once again! This is the Kuvira you know. I'm vulnerable and irrational right now and it's time for you to feel my pain!"
Korra
Jinora and I are standing behind some crystals, deciding what to do next. Jinora had to hold me back from running to Asami, the moment I saw her tied up in the room.
We tried to stop Opal, but it was too late and now she's in danger. We have to do something fast.
"Kuvira, I know you aren't going to hurt Opal." Su says softly.
"Exactly, you know! I didn't want her to come here. But I need to show you, that I'm not the old Kuvira!"
The metal slowly slides across her throat and she screams out in pain.
"We have to do something!" I plead to Jinora.
"Korra, we can't. We have to think. The moment you go out there, Kuvira, will kill you. Let them continue talking."
If I don't help now, Opal will no longer be able to talk. I step from behind the crystals with my hands up.
"Kuvira, please let Opal go."
The Great Uniter turns around and rolls her eyes.
"Here you go again, trying to be the hero ! Why are you here?"
"For everyone." I reply, trying to not make eye contact with Asami.
Kuvira drops Opal and I'm relived but it's short lived when she grabs a hold of Asami.
"This must be what you came here for. You can take her and leave if you want! This has nothing to do with her."
I walk toward the middle of the room, meeting them halfway.
"I need Hiroshi too!" I order.
"No, I can't give you him! He's far too talented. I need him to build weapons for me! Once he's done, I'll give him back. Take her or our deal is off."
"Fine!"
Kuvira, lets Asami go and she runs into my arms.
"Are you okay?" I ask, trying to keep my emotions under control.
"Yes, are you?"
I'm so glad she's alright and alive. I feel her hand trace over my back, causing her to pull away from me. She looks down at her blood stained hands in horror.
"You aren't okay Korra." I try to force a smile.
"It's just a scratch." I reply.
She helps me off the middle of the floor as Kuvira continues talking.
"Let me see!" She orders.
"See what?"
"Your back." I move away from her quickly.
"Woah, we have things to talk about first." I tease.
"Korra, this is not a game! Let me see." I grab her hand just before she can takes a look. I don't want her to worry. The only person that should be worrying here, is me. I see how hurt she looks and I want to take it all away.
"Asami, I'm fine." I try to reassure.
" Korra, I never felt so scarred in my life. Not even back in the alley, with those men. But right now, I am. I'm not just scarred for me, I'm scarred for you."
"Don't be scarred for me, I'm the Avatar. I'm trained for situations like this."
She doesn't even believe my act and I don't blame her. I feel so helpless in this situation right now. I'm afraid too!
I'm afraid to bend, because I might harm my past lives.
I'm afraid to talk to Kuvira again and most importantly I'm afraid to do the only job I was trained to do, which is be the Avatar.
"Korra we have to leave, you're in pain. I can see it in your eyes."
"Really? I thought the big gash in my back gave it away." she grabs my hand trying to pull me away.
"Come on, we have to get out of here, before she changes her mind."
"Asami, I have to save these people. Opal has a knife against her neck, go with Jinora she will get you out of here."
"No, I'm not leaving you." I pull her close, reminding me that she's here with me and bring her in for a kiss.
Her hand touches my cheek and now I believe what Iroh said was true. As much as I would like to use that confidence right now, I have a job to do. We pull apart and she looks up at me.
"Korra, was that real?"
"Just as real as our first one! " I say with a wink.
Asami
As much as I would like to take my time and think about the kiss. I need to help Korra and Opal.
"I have an idea." I tell the girl with the shaved head.
"What?"
I point up at the crystals.
"If you can bend one giant air blast maybe it can knock one of them down." I suggest.
"It would take a lot of air power to do that." she replies.
"With Korra's help. I'm sure you can do it."
"No, Korra can't bend. I haven't told her yet, but her chi level is fairly down. She probably has about one move left, before she crashes."
I watch as Korra sneaks her way back over to The Great Uniter. I need to bring her back.
Kuvira
"It's a shame your daughter will have to pay for your actions." I bring the metal back up to her neck.
" Kuvira It's me you want. If you should hurt anyone it should be me."
"Nothing hurts, you." I reply.
"You thinking I dont love you, does."
I drop Opal and storm over to the woman filled with lies.
"You don't love me!"
"Yes, I do. You proved your point. Everyone knows what I done. I'm so sorry, that I hurt you all these years. My intentions were well, when I told the White Lotus about your plan. I didn't want the power to ruin you, like it did me. You deserved a good life."
"I had a good life with you, but you ruined it. I just want you to feel, what I feel."
"I do feel, what you feel. You're hurt, tired, and broken and I felt all those things the moment you left our home. Seeing you like this, has the same effect on me."
I make the rocks around her wrist disappear.
"What do you want for me?" I ask, moving the metal away from Opal, causing her to run off.
I'm so engulfed with my emotions that I dont know whether to cry or yell. I look around at the people I took and none of them personally hurt me. They don't deserve to be here. I became the exact thing I hate, which is a bully.
Su was my biggest bully, she took away the only thing I ever wanted.
She slowly gets up and walks towards me.
"I want you to come home."
"So you want me to work for you again?"
"No, Vira I want you!"
That word 'want' was the thing that got me in trouble in the first place. I wanted revenge, a family, and control but what I really needed was closure. If I would have just left the Beifong family as soon as I read the journal, maybe I would be at peace with myself. I did all of this and I still feel empty inside.
"You want me Su, but you don't need me. You still have your sons and Opal."
she shakes her head. "No, I need you Kuvira, I won't let anyone hurt."
"That's not what I want. I'm sorry, Su" I grip the piece of metal through my body before she can stop me.
"Vira, No!"
Suyin
I catch her right before she hits the ground. I thought I had everything under control! Why did she do this?
I try to bend the metal out but there is too much blood.
Korra rushes to my side.
"Can you slow down the bleeding?" I ask.
she places her hand on stomach and nothing happens.
"ARE YOU DOING IT?" I yell.
"I don't think I can." she says lowly.
"What do you mean, you can't? Use water, air, something!" I plead.
I can't lose her like this! I reach over the blade about to pull it out but Korra pulls me away.
"No, it's too late!" I pull away from her.
"No, it's not. She's going to be fine!"
I grab a hold of Kuvira's hand and when I look to make eye contact with her. Her eyes are no longer searching. I bring her up to my chest and hold her. I love her and I didn't want her to die. I feel someone's hand on my shoulder. I was supported to protect her, that's all I was trying to do!
"I'm so sorry." I hear the Avatar say lowly.
I slowly place my love onto the ground and I'm furious.
This is all the Avatar's fault. She wanted Kuvira to die and choose not to save her life. I suddenly feel the the vibration of the earth. Something I never felt before. I look down at my foot and see rocks formed around it.
"YOU LET HER DIE!" the room starts to vibrate, as tears fall from my eyes.
"Su, stop this place is very fragile!"
"KUVIRA WAS FRAGILE!" I slam my foot to the ground and a giant crystal falls from the roof.
Korra
Everyone is knocked to the ground from the impact of the crystal and I hear Jinora calling out my name.
"Where are you?" I call out, trying to move through the cloud of dust.
"Help!" I follow the voice and see Jinora over someone.
"What's wron.." I look down and see Asami lying unconscious by the crystal. I rush to her side.
"What happened?"
"She was trying to get to you, then the crystal fell! I tried to stop it, with my bending but it came down to fast."
I check her pulse and she still has a minor one.
I perform CPR, trying to get her conscious again. I pinch the bridge of her nose , but still nothing. I'm just about to perform it again, when a shot goes through my back, causing me to lie down beside her.
"KORRA!" I try to get up, but my body won't let me.
"Jinora, I can't move. Check Asami's pulse." Jinora climbs over my body and checks her pulse.
"She still has it."
Good, so there is still a chance to save her. I can't allow her to die, when she still has a chance. Despite the pain, I clench my fist causing my arms to glow.
"Korra, you can't go into the Avatar State!"
Even though I know the consequences, I can't let her die. This is the only way, I know how to save her.