Bolin was happy as a bird when the train pulled into Republic City. This was his home. He exitedly chatted with Varrick the whole ride. He couldn't wait to see Mako and the rest of their family, Asami, Korra, Lin, Tenzin and everyone else. He ovheard Kuvira tell Baatar Jr that Su would also be there for the coronation. Bolin secretly hoped that, however unlikely, she brought Wei with her.
Kuvira had organised rooms for her closest companions in the Four Elements, a grand hotel, the most prestigious one in the city, actually. Back when he was living on the streets, Bolin couldn't even imagine standing in its lobby and now he had a whole room to himself.
He followed Kuvira through the elegant glass doors and cheered -Hello Republic Cit-ay!- he announced, to no one in particular, a giddy feeling in his chest -Bolin ... is back!-The softly lit lobby was filled with many different people, but Bolin immediately zeroed in on two nearly identical black and blue blobs of gloom. Not exactly the twins he wanted to see. -And ... Eska is also here.- he mumbled, less exitedly, as his ex-fiancée aproached him, her brother not far behind.
-I see you have replaced me with a new girlfriend.- Eska stated bluntly, giving Kuvira a once over. -Well done, she seems very threatening.- Oh, well this was an awkward misunderstanding.
-Oh no, no, that's Kuvira, she's kind of my boss.- he explained, but Eska seemed unfazed.
-Boss, girlfriend.- she said in that monotone voice of hers. - Same thing.-
An employee of the hotel scurried towards them, giving the twins a little bow. -I'm afraid there's been a mistake, Your Eminence.- he spoke softly to Eska. -We have you and your brother booked in the same room, with only one bed.-
As usual, Eska was apathetic, simply clarifying.-It's no mistake. Desna sleeps in the tub.- Spirits, he was so glad he didn't marry her. Eska and Desna walked off somwhere and he breathed a sigh of relief.
As he was being handed his room key he heard a familiar voice call his name. He turned to see Mako briskly walking towards him. Joy filled his heart to once again see his big brother, after all these months.
He gave his the firebender a playful jab on the shoulder that was quickly reciprocated. Mako pulled him into a hug and Bolin realised how much he missed this. How much he missed his family. Mako pulled back, and kept him an arm's length away from him.
-Look at you! My little brother got all ... important.- Mako chuckled and Bolin joined him.
-I know, right?- oh, how he'd missed bantering with his big brother.-I see myself in the mirror sometimes and I think I'm in trouble before I realize: it's only me.-
Mako's russet eyes narrowed, regarding him curiously. -So, what's it like working for Kuvira? From what I've heard, she's pretty harsh.- Bolin worried this could quickly turn into an argument, as most of his conversations about Kuvira seemed to recently.
-No! I...- he opposed hurriedly.- I mean, she can be tough, sure, but we're turning around the Earth Kingdom like you wouldn't believe! You remember how bad Grandma's neighborhood in Ba Sing Se was? All that's completely changed, I mean, we are really ... helping people. - he slowed down when Mako didn't yell at him like Opal would. He just looked at his little brother sadly.
Bolin felt like when they were young and he had spent their hard earned money on something trivial, like candy. He decided to change the subject. -But what have you been up to? Fighting crime?- he asked, playfully jabbing Mako in the chest -Busting triads? Chasing the ladies, Mako-style?-
Mako's face fell. -Well, I've been working for Wu.- they both looked towards the future heir to the throne, who was fixing his hair in the reflection of a window. To Bolin, the guy seemed likethe complete opposite of Kuvira. Mako groaned. -And, uhhh ...Yeah.-
The older hung his head. Well, this topic was a bust. Bolin tried again. - So, have you seen Korra yet?- Mako gave him a worried look and Bolin's hairs stood on the back of his neck.
-No. She was supposed to come in with Tonraq, but he said she left the South Pole months ago.- Mako murmured. He seemed composed, but Bolin knew his brother to know when he was stressed about something. -No one knows where she is.-
Aaaand now Bolin was worried too. He asked Mako about the specifics of the Avatar's disappearance, and they talked shortly about Asami, untill Mako had to leave to talk to Wu.
Bolin went upstairs to put away his luggage. The room was small, but luxurious, at least in Bolin's humble opinion. He decided he would unpack later and went downstairs, hoping to catch Mako before him and prince Wu turned in for the night.
His attention was immediately drawn in another direction though, seeing a familiar face, clad in green with that characteristic circlet atop her head. Suyin Beifong was here, talking to Baatar Jr with a frown on her face. Bolin wondered if he should just leave them be, but was perhaps a little to exited about the prospect of reuniting with the Beifong family. He slowly walked towards them, while Baatar Jr leant towards his mother, something akin to a sneer on his face. -You're going to have to get over your grudge with her.- he was saying, hands balled into fists at his sides.- I'm sure you've heard that we're engaged. She's going to be an official member of our family.-
Suyin sighed, smoothing out her robe, not meeting her eldest's eyes. -I'm just glad she'll be stepping down after tomorrow.- Surpring himself, Bolin was inclined to agree with her. Baatar Jr scoffed.
-You prefer to be ruled by that royal idiot?- he motioned his head towards Wu, who was talking to Kuvira, obviously and clumsily hitting on her. Bolin couldn't help but huff in distaste.
Turning his attention back to the Beifongs, he watched Su say something softly, Bolin wasn't able to catch it out. Baatar Jr growled and turned on his heel, storming away to join Kuvira.
Suyin leant against the wall, hands coming up to rub her temples. For a moment, she wasn't the matriarch of the Metal Clan, master metalbender and founder of Zaofu. For a moment, Bolin could only see a tired mother, who simply worried for her children. That moment was over as soon as Su looked up and noticed him. She gave a tight smile and waved him over, the gesture strangely breezy in contrast with her weary eyes. - Bolin.- she greeted him with a gentle hug and for the first time he realised that he was, in fact, taller than her. - It's good to see you. Opal told me about...- she hesitated. Bolin doubted Opal had anything positive to say about him after their last encounter. - about how you delivered supplies to the state of Yi. -
- Yeah..- he really wished he could put that day behind him. He changed the subject. - By the way, how is Opal doing?- he decided it would be best to start with asking about the Beifong he was actually dating and work his way to asking about Wei.
- She's alright. She worries about things too much. She doesn't... trust Kuvira. She insisted on staying in the Air Temples, so it's just me and Huan here.- Su said, starting to walk towards the stairs, beckoning Bolin to follow her. He chased her, trying to push the disappointment down into his gut.
- Huan's here?- Bolin asked disbelievingly. -I didn't really take him for the type to enjoy these sort of things...- To be honest, Bolin wasn't exactly the biggest fan of politics either.
Su smiled wryly.- He doesn't. He's here because an art exhibition that's featuring some of his sculptures requires his presence. Trust me, he's absolutely livid.-
Bolin chuckled as they reached the second floor. Su invited him into her room, that connected to Huan's. There were pieces of paper scattered on the floor of the artist's room, some bleeding into Su's. Some were blank, some had writing on them, some had sketches and drawings, many of the Beifong family. Bolin felt drawn to one in particular, cautiously picking it up.
It was a drawing of Wei. He was smiling broadly, sitting on one of the sofas in Su's office. Bolin hadn't seen him smile like that in almost a year. A strange feeling gripped his heart. He wondered if Huan would notice if one of his works went missing. Su looked over his shoulder and beamed.
- Most recently, Huan's been focusing on the family as his art subjects.- she smiled fondly, sitting down on her bed. - I'm sure you could find a picture of any one of us in that pile.- she smirked mischievously, in a way that reminded Bolin of Wei when they were sparring. - Including Opal.- she added teasingly.
Indeed, there were a couple lovely sketches of Opal, her big round eyes staring at him from the paper, reproachful in a way. Surrounding her were the likenesses of all the Beifongs; Baatar Sr's kindly face, Suyin's slender form, Lin, all sharp lines and angles, Wing playing power disc and Wei's lovely, bright eyes and slightly lopsided smile that made Bolin's heart lurch painfully in his chest.
There were even a few of Kuvira and Baatar Jr, many of them crossed out, scribbled over or more crumpled than the rest.
Bolin was surprised to find one or two of himself. He barely recognised his own features, soft and embarrassingly childlike. Like he was when he first arrived in Zaofu. Now, sometimes he didn't recognise himself in the mirror. He chuckled to himself. How melodramatic that sounded.
- Huan says that one day he wants to paint a family portrait. - Suyin's voice drew him out of his thoughts. He sat next to her. She seemed so frail, slouched, sitting on her bed, staring at the scattered pictures of her family. She looked at the sketch of Wei Bolin still held in his hand. - He misses you, you know.- she laughed mirthlessly. Bolin looked at her in confusion. - Wei. He misses you.- she repeated and Bolin's head swam. - You should see how he gets when your involvement with Kuvira gets brought up at the dinner table. Him and Opal bicker about that a whole lot.- she shook her head, looking down at the pictures, a longing in her eyes. Bolin felt his throat dry up. He wanted to ask about Wei. He wanted to change the subject... He wasn't sure what he wanted.
The door opened violently and Huan stormed in, jewellery jingling and robes rustling. He paused when he saw Bolin and Su. - Mom... What's he doing here?- he all but spat, glaring at the lavabender. Suyin smiled, putting a hand on Bolin's shoulder.
- Ah, I invited your sister's boyfriend over for tea and talk.- she casually said. Huan folded his arms and glowered. His mother frowned -What's wrong, sweetie? - the artist hesitated, shooting Bolin another dirty look, just in case.
He groaned, before giving in. - Bumped into Junior on the way up.-
Bolin winced. He didn't want to imagine the words that could have been said. Baatar Jr could be... tricky. Beside him, Su sighed, lips forming into a tight line. As Huan plopped down into an armchair facing them she comfortingly patted his knee. - I know it's difficult seeing them again, but we should put our best foot forward.- Su said gently, lacing her fingers with her son's -After all, tomorrow this whole ordeal is over and we can finally get back to a semblance of normalcy.- she smiled, and Huan relaxed.
- Yeah. Can't wait for the whole military thing to die off. I mean, the uniforms alone are dogshit, no offence. - Huan glanced at Bolin, who muttered a 'none taken' -Look at those shoulder pads. Can't be comfortable. - he tutted. Bolin was inclined to agree. They were heavy and he remembered how Kuvira had used them to threaten those who refused to fulfill her orders. He swallowed.
- I'm sure you could design better. - Bolin stated and Huan chuckled.
- I could, but I wouldn't. The last thing I want is for my art to be used to subjugate others.- he went off on a small tangent about the meaning of his art that Bolin regretfully didn't understand much of. As Huan became more animated and Su listened to her son patiently, a proud expression on her face, Bolin found his eyes being drawn back to the drawing of Wei he still held in his hands.
The more he looked at it, the more life of its own it seemed to have. The fabric that flowed down Wei's toned body, and bunched around his hips as he sat cross-legged on the plush sofa. The relaxed, almost serene look on his face. Those lazily hooded eyes along with that crooked, devil-may-care grin made Bolin yearn for something he'd never even experienced. Huan caught him staring and sighed, languid in a way.
- Wei doesn't smile like that anymore. I don't think any of us do, truly.- he muttered, bitterly almost.
- Huan...- Su started, her voice a warning and plea at the same time. Her son quietened down. An awkward silence fell upon the three of them.
Bolin cleared his throat. -So, how is life in Zaofu right now?- he asked.
Su perked up - We've been having a spot of bad weather...- she began teling him all the latest stories from Zaofu, Huan piping in every now and then.
The three of them talked an hour or two, before Bolin excused himself to bed. Huan saw him take the picture of Wei with him, but graciously didn't say anything. When he got to his room, Bolin carefully slipped it into the same pocket of his bag he had put Wei's necklace. He only unpacked his pyjamas and toiletries, using them before falling into a surprisingly fitful sleep.
The coronation was surprisingly brief and lacklustre, Bolin decided. Most of the crowd seemed to agree with him, barely anyone cheering for the freshly made monarch. The people livened up when Kuvira was asked on stage.
- For your service to the realm, I would like to present you with the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom,- King Wu announced, putting the ribbon around Kuvira's neck - our nation's highest honor, which was somehow not stolen, unlike the royal pinky rings.-
-Thank you.- Kuvira spoke, calm and collected as always, even when the eyes of the world were upon her. - And if you don't mind, I would like to say a few words.-
-Why not?- the young king stepped backwards. He mumbled something, but the microphone didn't pick that up.
Kuvira turned to the crowd, many of whom looked upon her in absolute adoration. She looked almost like a queen. A warrior queen, but a queen nonetheless. Strong and poised, like a platinum dagger.
She spoke into the microphone and her voice carried far and wide. -Growing up in Zaofu, with Suyin Beifong, - Bolin couldn't help but glance at Su, who sternly knit her brows. Next to her Huan didn't even try to hide the distaste on his face. Kuvira continued, unfazed by the abject lack of support from her adoptive family. -I learnt that the idea of a royal family passing a title from one generation to the next was archaic, and that technology and innovation should be what drives a nation forward. - Huh. Maybe not the best thing to say at a coronation, but who was Bolin to argue with the Great Uniter? She'd brought him this far, right?
-It was the pathetic rule of kings and queens that caused the Earth Kingdom to descend into such incredible disarray.- the crowd started murmuring, but Kuvira ignored them -It's taken me three years to get it back on track, and there is no way I will allow it to slip back into the dark ages.- Part of Bolin's brain already knew what was about to happen. It was just a matter of time before the rest of him caught up. -I'd like to make an announcement to the world:- there was an intensity behind Kuvira's eyes and it scared him. - the Earth Kingdom is no more. And from here on out, this man has no authority.- she forged ahead, pointing an accusatory finger at Wu, who just stood there, shell-shocked.
-Wait, what?- the king (?) finally choked out. -But I just got the royal brooch!-He protested, showing the jewel off, like a petulant child trying to convince its parents it's more grown up than it actually is.
Kuvira ignored him. -I have created a new Earth Empire, and I will continue to lead it into the future myself,- Yep, there it was. - bringing about a new era of prosperity for my people.-
Bolin was short of breath, as if someone had hit him straight in the chest. The people surrounding him, Kuvira's soldiers and supporters, cheered wildly. -We love you, Kuvira! All hail the Great Uniter!- Bolin halfheartedly applauded. His throat felt dry. Even if he could force his voice to cooperate he wasn't sure he wanted to cheer. He could feel his own sweat clinging to his hair. His uniform had suddenly become too tight around the collar, constricting his breath. All around him, the citizens of the newly minted Earth Empire celebrated. Their voices mixed with the roaring inside Bolin's ears.
He couldn't help but look around for his friends. Asami sat a couple rows away from him, one perfectly manicured hand over her mouth in shock, while the other reached towards her side, where she usually kept her glove. Mako and Chief Beifong, along with the rest of the police force, eyed Kuvira suspiciously, like one would regard a wild and dangerous animal. Tenzin and Raiko stood still as statues, matching, horrified expressions on their faces. He caught sight of Su, though only briefly through the sea of green uniforms. The sorrow in her eyes was palpable, but she didn't look surprised. No, she had the expression of someone who knew this would happen, yet hoped it wouldn't. For a moment she looked eyes with Bolin and she smiled sadly. He felt his heart hurt.
Kuvira was still talking and he hated how crystal clear her voice sounded as the crowd quickly lost their minds.
-And let me assure my fellow leaders of one thing: - she ripped the medal off her neck, hovering it above her hand. The piece of gold looked so fragile and unimportant, like it wasn't the Earth Kingdom's highest honor. -Anyone who crosses our borders or stands in our way, will be crushed. -
The medal crumpled in on itself, as if it were a mere piece of paper. Kuvira stopped bending it and it fell to the ground, rolling a bit, before stopping next to her feet.
The crowd went wild. -Thank you, Kuvira! All hail the Great Uniter!- Bolin couldn't see anything other than the sea of green uniforms and reflective metal. He was surrounded by unfamiliar faces, occasionally lit up by camera flashes, casting erratic shadows onto one another. Bolin couldn't breathe. He couldn't even see the stage anymore. He barely registered Varrick grabbing his arm, cackling like a maniac, and dragging him all the way back to the Four Elements hotel and into Kuvira's suite.
-Were you surprised?- Bolin asked, when he regained his breath. He plopped into one of the armchairs. -Because I was really surprised. - Varrick arched an eyebrow at him. Bolin sighed. Perhaps it's best to appeal to the businessman's self preservation. -Won't this turn all the world leaders against us?-
Varrick calmly poured himself a drink. -Relax, kid, what can they do? - he smiled, before sitting next to the nervous lavabender. -Kuvira controls the whole nation now, and Republic City is begging for the metal that we're mining. This train has left the station, and we own the track!- he laughed loudly and Bolin had never felt less comforted by having the upper hand in a situation.
The telltale 'click clack' of Zhu Li's shoes announced her arrival a few seconds before she walked in, followed by two men pushing a cart with a sizable spirit vine on it. Bolin's panic gave way to confusion for a moment.
Varrick clapped his hands like a child recieving presents on its birthday. -Now that's a nice looking hunk of spirit vine! Let's take it back to the lab and get it stabilized immediately.- he chuckled, as he and Zhu Li followed the men with the cart, leaving Bolin all alone in the spacious room. He let his head hang.
He wondered about Mako and prince Wu, in the junior suite, a floor below him. He wondered if he would still be allowed to visit his brother now that they both seemed to be backing two different sides of what could quickly become a civil war. His mind snapped back to the civil war in the Water Tribe, how it had ripped Korra's family apart. Korra would know what to do, and he could just follow her lead if only she were here. Spirits, where could she be?
Brisk footsteps ripped him from his thoughts. Kuvira was looking down at him, head cocked and an eyebrow raised. He froze, like a squirrel-toad in the sights of an Eagle-Hawk.
-You look worried, Bolin.- Kuvira said calmly, as if she hadn't just flipped the entire world on it's head. Bolin stood. He wanted to yell at her. He wanted to leave her army. He wanted to run.
Instead, he tried to reason with her. He knew Kuvira. Despite the harsh outside, there was so much good inside of her... right?- Yeah, well, ...- he started off timidly, her dark eyes boring holes into him as he tried to find the right words to say. -I just have some misgivings about how you kind of ambushed Tenzin and the other leaders.-
Kuvira didn't as much as blink. -You believe in the work that we've done for the people of the Earth Empire, right, Bolin?- she asked, slowly. Every muscle in Bolin's body tensed, screaming: 'DANGER'.
-I do, but ...- he was going to say something. He was going to stand up to her. But she cut him off.
-Then stick with me. I'm going to need your help now more than ever.- she sternly commanded and he felt himself go rigid, like the metal he could never bend. -Raiko and the other leaders want to bully us into accepting some idiot king who will serve them but neglect the people.- her firm voice cut holes into his resolve and he winced. -We have to stand strong against them.- she said, though Bolin had never felt weaker.
-I'm just not sure about this whole "Empire" thing.- he tried again, balling his hands into fists at his sides. -It seems pretty aggressive. And what was that part about the crushing?-
For the first time in weeks, Kuvira's expression softened -That was just some ...- she paused, as if she were looking for the right words. -tough rhetoric to let people know that we mean business. Believe me,- she placed a hand on his shoulder and it was heavy and it burned, like white-hot metal. -conflict is the last thing I want. Will you help me make history, Bolin?-
The question hung between them, weighing at Bolin's conscience. He couldn't look Kuvira in the eyes. Her hand on his shoulder burned and burned. He wanted to be out of that room . He wished things weren't as complicated as they used to be. He felt stuck, like a fly caught in a spider-cat's web. He wanted to scream. But the only thing that came out of his mouth was a meek: -I'll stand by you.-
Kuvira's hand dropped from his shoulder and finally, Bolin could breathe. -Thank you.- she sighed, and for a moment her dark eyes got that faraway look in them. The one he often saw in Korra's eyes when she was contemplating Avatar stuff.
All Bolin's anger evaporated into pity. What a weight his leader carried on her shoulders. He had stood by Korra when she lost the favour of the public, he would stand by Kuvira.
The door opened and in marched none other than Suyin Beifong. Bolin couldn't help but shrink away from her hard expression. Kuvira, on the other hand, seemed as calm and collected as always. -We need to talk.- Suyin announced, sharp eyes focused on Kuvira, who not even flinching, turned to Bolin.
-Can you give us the room, please? - he all but scurried out the door, tail between his legs.
As he often did when in stressful situations, Bolin sought out the company if his big brother. From what he heard, Mako was staying in prince Wu's suite. He carefully headed over there, for some reason trying to not be seen. He wondered if Kuvira would see this as a betrayal. He wondered if he should have changed out of his uniform before he came to the door of the man he kinda helped overthrow. But... he was already there. He knocked on the door. He heard a rustling in the room and a second later he was face to face with Mako, behind whom stood a disgruntled Wu. Peeking over his bodyguard's shoulder the would be king scoffed. -Ugh. Get rid of him. He's with her.- he spat the word 'her' as if it were poison on his tongue.
Mako leveled Bolin with a wary gaze, and the earthbender could only give an awkward smile. Finally, Mako turned to Wu. -He's my brother.- he said softly, yet sternly and walked out into the hallway, closing the door.
The two brothers stood there, silently, for a moment, and Bolin realised he wasn't sure how to start the conversation. Spirits, he wasn't sure what he even wanted to talk about. -Interesting ceremony, huh?- he started, and kicked himself at how daft it sounded.
-You aren't going to keep working for Kuvira now that she's going against the wishes of the entire world,- Mako asked, his face an emotionless mask. -are you?- the 'stern parent' voice made Bolin bristle.
-You don't understand.- Bolin tried to keep his calm, but only now was he realising how much he wanted Mako to approve of Kuvira. He wasn't sure what would happen if he didn't. -Kuvira is helping out all the poor people of the Earth Empire. People like our family. This is for the best.- these were the words he often used to reassure himself of the mission, but Mako was not as easily swayed.
-I don't know, bro.- he said in a gentle voice that, in Bolin's childhood, had usually meant that Mako was letting him down gently. But nowadays Bolin was far from a child.
-Okay, why don't you come with me, and you'll see for yourself?- He offered, the idea of once again fighting at his brother's side exciting and filling him to the brim with hope. Keeping each other safe, just like they always had. -We've done a lot of good, and Varrick is working on some new innovations.- he was begging now. He seemed to be doing a lot of that lately. -We're making history.- Bolin finished, almost breathlessly.
Mako's next sentence clipped the wings of that fantasy -By "crushing" anyone who gets in your way?- Bolin winced. Why, oh why did Kuvira have to say that?
-That was just some tough rhetoric to let the people know that we mean business.- Bolin knew he was just directly quoting Kuvira, but at this point he didn't care. All he wanted was the people he loved back. -I mean, Kuvira is basically just like Korra.- he tried another, shakier argument. Mako's disbelieving eyebrow raise compelled him to explain. -She might seem hard to deal with, but just because she's so passionate and believes in what she's doing.
Mako shook his head, stoic as usual. -It seems like she's just a dictator who's taking the Earth Kingdom by force.- Spirits, was his older brother always this stubborn?!
-Oh, okay,- A trail of heat crept up his spine, and Bolin knew he shouldn't let the anger colour his words, but for some reason he just couldn't hold back. -you think your new best friend in there would be a better leader than Kuvira?-
-Well, no,-the surprise in Mako's eyes would usually be enough to make Bolin reconsider his harsh words, but right now, all he saw was an opponent backing down. - but still ...-
-Still what? Come on, Mako!- at this point Bolin was literally seeing red. Why was everybody so against him? Why couldn't they see he was trying to help?! -I'm making a difference out there, what are you doing, huh? You're just some glorified butler for some snotty rich bozo!-
He started to storm off, tears pricking at his eyes, but Mako seemed to have just now found his voice -I'm sorry, I don't want to work for your glorious emperor and her military dictatorship.- his brother's words cut deeper than knives and Bolin turned around, fury boiling his blood.
-Fine!- he angrily yelled, trying to not look at Mako's silhouette. -I'm going to go back to my awesome train, where we bring freedom where ever we go!- that argument sounded rather childish, so for good measure, Bolin added. -Enjoy licking the king's boots in your junior suite!-
And then he left. Leaving Mako behind. He had probably just burned the bridge between him and his closest family member. Tears were falling freely from his eyes now, blurring his vision, as he stumbled back towards his room.
Something slamming into his chest, pushing him backwards.
A flash of black and green.
A shriek, a thump and a string of curses.
He'd bumped into someone.
Huan was kneeling on the floor, haphazardly trying to shove his clothes and random papers back into his suitcase. His hands were trembling. - Oh, sorry- Bolin knelt and started helping. Huan said nothing, but shot him a glare. The lavabender awkwardly cleared his throat. - Are you going away? Don't you have that art exhibition tomorrow? - he tried to make light conversation .
Huan scoffed- Really? After all you've done you have the fucking audacity to...?- he trailed off, slamming his suitcase shut, despite there being some sketches still scattered around the hallway.
- After all I've... Huan what are you talking about? - Bolin couldn't help but be confused. The two of them got along just fine yesterday. Were things really that different now that Kuvira was emperor?
- I've got to go.- Huan pushed past him. - My mother's waiting for me at the train station.- the artist disappeared around the corner without as much as a goodbye. Bolin heard him running down the stairs.
The interaction put him on edge. Huan had always been a little odd, but this was beyond strange. Oh well, Bolin had his own train to catch. Kuvira had ordered everyone back to the electric train. Thankfully he hadn't unpacked to much, so he was just about ready to go. He quickly shoved his pyjamas and toiletries into his bag. And then he carefully packed Huan's picture of Wei. After a moment of hesitation, he put the necklace into his pocket. Something was telling him he would need all the luck in the world.
The train was strangely tense and Bolin had never felt so lonely. Varrick and Zhu Li were holed up in their lab and Kuvira and Bataar Jr were holed up in their office leaving Bolin to his own, miserable, devices.
An unidentified feeling of dread had made its way into Bolin's heart, but he didn't know why, until he asked one of the mechanics where they were headed. - Zaofu- the man simply answered and Bolin's heart stopped. It all made sense now. The Beifongs' sudden return to their home. Huan's worry and anger. Suyin's absence. Bolin's inexplicable worry.
The world stopped spinning for a moment.
They were going to attack Zaofu.