Wei had often made his way to the guard outposts in the recent years. If not as a direct result of his role as co-captain of the guard, then to simply enjoy brief moments of peace, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Beside him, Wing shifted uncomfortably. -When the guard radioed in with an emergency, I expected bandits not...- he swallowed. - this.-
Wei noded quietly, gaze sweeping across the Earth Empire's huge army. He briefly wondered if Bolin was among the green-clad soldiers.
Bolin wasn't sure when exactly he'd started to be scared of Kuvira. He'd always been a little apprehensive of her, but that was to be expected, with her being his boss and all. Plus, her personality wasn't exactly welcoming.
But now, sitting in a metal chair, as Kuvira and Baatar Jr looked down at him he felt truly afraid. He let his hand slip into his pocket and thumb at Wei's necklace. It had recently become a permanent companion to him. Bolin briefly considered the ethics of finding comfort in the memory of someone whose home he may soon be invading. He pushed that thought away.
The smooth metal, accompanied by the thought of Wei's verdant green eyes and bright smile calmed Bolin, as they always did, and finally, he dared look up at Kuvira, who impassive as usual, regarded him with a calculating look.
-Am I... - he took a moment to pick his words, walking on eggshells, as he recently did around his leader -...in trouble?-
-No.- Kuvira smiled a tight smile. But a smile nonetheless, and Bolin let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.-In fact, I have good news. We want you to be a part of our inner circle.-
-Inner circle? - Really? Excitement made its way into the place worry was before. -No way! Yes!- He caught himself. He was acting like a child, wasn't he? But, he was just too happy to wipe the grin off his face. He cleared his throat and straightened his back, hoping that would be enough for him to at least look the part of 'inner circle member ' -That is a great honor. What does it mean, exactly?-
-It means you've proven your worth.- Kuvira magnanimously explained. All of Bolin's past concerns fluttered away like birds out of a cage. Kuvira was a good person. She could see he was trying and she rewarded him for his efforts. She continued, looking down at him, small smile tugging at her lips.-We're so close to uniting the Empire, but Su has some resentment towards me and Baatar that might cloud her judgment and stop her from making a wise decision. We believe you can help her see clearly.- she explained calmly. Of course! They were just here to negotiate. How foolish was he to think they would attack Zaofu. This made so much more sense!
Everything was working out perfectly after all!
Bolin fantasised of a Zaofu that let the Earth Empire in. He imagined Baatar Jr and the Beifongs reconciling and finally being a family again. He had been nurturing the idea of Opal coming around to Kuvira's methods ever since their first fight on the subject, but never had that dream seemed so close to reality as pictured a Zaofu that was once again safe and prosperous.
He let his mind wander to Wei, to how worn-out he looked when they had last seen each other. The cuts and bruises from multiple scuffles with bandits, the dark circles under his eyes from restless nights of filling out reports. Bolin fancied a reality where Wei was once again as happy and vibrant as he was when they first met. He conjured up a time after Kuvira was finally done and they could just be themselves together again.
Maybe he would even try to get Wei to teach him metalbending again.
Bolin accepted his new mission with determination and exitement - I can do that!- He could, probably. He adored the Beifong family and they liked him too, after all they often let him visit. He knew they were good people. He knew they would appreciate the good Kuvira brought to the people of the Earth Empire. -By the time I'm finished telling her all the great things we've done, she'll be begging to join!-
-Good- Kuvira gave him a curt nod -Because we're here.- With a flick of her wrist, the metal shades on the windows moved up, leaving him blinking in the light.
As his eyes adjusted they were immediately drawn to the multitude of soldiers, mecha-tanks and even airships, overwhelming the once spacious field. Wei had taken him out here a couple times before. They'd had picnics and the Beifong had even showed him where a cluster of rare flowers grew. Bolin wondered if those flowers had been trampled by the heavy boots of the many soldiers. -Aren't all these troops gonna send the wrong message?- he asked, trying to keep his voice from wavering as he looked back towards Kuvira, who smiled indulgently.
-The army is here to project strength.- her face once again became the hard, stern mask he was used to -You're here to present peace.-
Present peace, huh? Bolin couldn't help but let the worry creep back into his heart. His hand found it's way back into his pocket, caressing the necklace.
He would do this.
He would succeed.
He had to.
The train stopped just shy of the path leading towards the Beifong's estate. Bolin had been down this path more times than he could count. Just as if nothing had ever changed, Wei and Wing were waiting for them, just as they always had when they heard that he was coming to town. Only everything had changed. He smiled and waved to the twins, who for the first time didn't wave back. It stung, but Bolin tried to understand. They thought they were under attack. He was here to change that. So everyone could be happy again.
Kuvira and Baatar Jr marched past him with a confidence Bolin could only dream of. - It's been a while, you two.- Baatar smiled, reaching to ruffle Wing's hair, who quickly backed out of his reach. - Don't be like that, we're here to negotiate. Let's all try to be civil, huh? -
- And we will be. We just don't exactly wanna act all buddy buddy with traitors. - hissed Wing, practically bristling.
From behind his twin, Wei piped up quietly. - Is this everyone? We'll escort you up to the estate. -
-Why? We know the way.- Bolin tried to crack a joke that fell embarrassingly flat on its face, as the twins leveled him with a look that screamed 'you know why'. Right.
Wing motioned for the group to follow him, which Kuvira and Bataar did. Bolin hesitated, his legs suddenly felt like they were made of the metal he had tried and failed to bend so many times.
- You coming? - Wei asked from beside him, voice tight, stubbornly not making eye contact with him.
- Wha.. Oh yeah, yeah, you know just nervous... Hey, is Opal in town?- he asked, as they began following the rest of the group.
- Of course she is, she rushed here as soon as she heard that her home is under siege.- Wei answered tartly. Bolin choked on nothing
- WHAT? Siege? No! No, Wei, this isn't a siege! The army is just here to project strength, but we're here in peace! - he rebuffed, waving his hands in front of his chest.
Wei scoffed - You can't still believe that, can you? -
Bolin wanted to ask him to say more, but just then they entered the house, and for some reason he didn't feel safe asking these questions in a place Kuvira could hear him.
He lost himself in his whirring thoughts, and suddenly found that they were standing in front of the door to Su's office. The door opened. He took a deep breath.
The rest of the Beifongs were waiting for them and the twins quickly joined them. Bolin's eyes quickly locked with Opal's, as she stood up, hands on her hips, her face twisted by the scowl he had recently began seeing more and more of. - Opal! You're here, too!- he smiled, and it felt more forced than usual.
He tried to hug her, but she stepped away, arms crossed -No! You've chosen your side.-
-Sides? There shouldn't be sides!- why was everyone so obsessed with fighting each other! Weren't they all just trying to make the world a better place? -I know, why don't we all stand in a circle, huh? Maybe hold hands?-
He tried to catch Su's hand, but she too dodged, facing Kuvira, frowning with barely restrained anger. Times like these Bolin could truly see the similarities between her and Lin. - I'm not giving up Zaofu. I don't care if you brought your entire army.-
Kuvira, thank the Spirits, didn't say anything threatening, like she often did, but simply outstretched a placating hand to her foster mother. - Su, I didn't bring my army to threaten you. - she gently took Baatar Jr's arm -I wanted to show you all that your son and I have accomplished.-
This prompted Su to round on her oldest son. -You must realize what you're doing goes against everything your father and I tried to teach you. -
Beside her, her husband tried to gently approach Baatar Jr, like one would with a young lost animal. -Son, you belong here.-
-Why?- snapped Baatar Jr -So that I could go on living in your shadow?- his father recoiled, and Su seemed to get even angrier.
-Don't say that! - she retorted -Can't you see she's brainwashed you!-
- Ha! I didn't brainwash him! I set him free! - yep, there it is. Bolin could feel a headache coming on. As smart and cool Kuvira was, sometimes she could be... - And now he's accomplished more with me than he ever could with you.-
The hurt that flashed across the family's faces pushed Bolin to try and amend the situation. He wasn't sure how he became the mediator for his girlfriend and boss's slightly messed up family, but at least he could try to be good at it.
-Okay, guys, obviously, there's a lot of personal, painful history here - he felt so awkward, in the middle of a room full of people that kinda hated each other.-so what do you say we just all forget about that stuff, huh? I mean, that's the past! -
His eyes darted around the room, hoping to find something, anything that would help him calm down. As it often did when he was nervous, his attention settled on Wei, who was standing completely rigid, off to the side, beside Wing. The twins and him had a good relationship. They would back him up.
He trotted up to them -Right Wing? Right Wei? You guys know what I'm talkin' 'bout, right? High five! - he lifted his hands. Wing scowled at him. And Wei... Wei just didn't even look at him. Firmly keeping gaze straight ahead of him, as if Bolin didn't exist to him.
-All right. No, that's cool. - he tried not to show how much it hurt, as he walked back to Kuvira. What was he supposed to do? There was so much riding on this. -You know what I think we need to do? Focus on the future! And the future is bright, let me tell you!-
Of course! Su was all about helping people out. Her and her family were some of the kindest people he knew - I've seen it! Yeah! Saw it last month! We went to this town that had nothing. Most of the people there had never seen a Satomobile before.- he spread his hands exitedly, they couldn't say no to this, could they?- Now, they have two Satomobiles, running water, and a magnet train that goes right through their town! I mean, how awesome is that?-
-They might have been happy when you first arrived, but I've seen what happens after you leave.- Opal cut in, eyes burning with a green fire that made him want to retreat into himself. -Citizens are forced to work as slave labor, dissenters are sent off to who-knows-where! -
What? No, that wasn't like them. She had to be mistaken...right?
- You're wrong, Opal!- she flinched at his raised voice and he smothered the guilt firing up in his gut. -Now, I don't know what you think you've seen, but I am giving you the one-hundred-percent Bolin guarantee that we're making the Earth Empire a better place to live! -
Please, please, why won't they listen to him?!
Su marched right up to Kuvira, fuming - I can't believe you brought Bolin here to try and sway us.- the way she spat his name, like it was poison on her tongue sliced through his heart. -Leave! Zaofu will never accept you as their leader! -
Kuvira, unflinching as always, looked down at her adopted mother. -Then you leave me no choice.- she coldly announced -You have twenty-four hours to agree to join the Empire, or we take the city by force.
Wait. What. Nononono. This had to be a bluff. Kuvira couldn't... wouldn't...
Lost among the thoughts swirling in his head, Bolin followed Kuvira out, like a well-trained dog. It was the cool night air outside that brought him out of his stupor.
Wei stood next to him, leaning against the great big door to the estate. He motioned with his head for Bolin to follow Kuvira and Bataar Jr down to the train. But he couldn't leave it like this, could he? Kuvira had to be bluffing, but if she wasn't...
- Wei, you have to convince your mom to cooperate with Kuvira, or...-
- Or you take the city by force, I heard her.- Wei interrupted, crossing his arms. - Mom will never give up Zaofu. I couldn't convince her, even if I wanted to.-
- Even if you wanted to? Don't you want peace? Wei, do you want this? - he gestured to the fields, marred by the silhouettes of tanks and soldiers. Wei looked up at him, soulful green eyes boring into his.
- Do you? Do you want this? - the answer caught him off guard, stunning him into silence. - Come on, Bolin, don't tell me you can't see what's going on here. What's going on in the entirety of the Earth Kingdom. - Wei gently grabbed the front of Bolin's shirt. The warmth of his hands just made the lavabender feel colder.
- I'll... I'll talk to Kuvira.. I'm sure she... - Bolin's stuttered reply was once again cut off.
- She'll what? You think she'll back down, just because you asked her nicely? She'll just make up more lies to get you back on her side. - Wei's voice grew more and more frantic with every passing second, his grip on Bolin's uniform tightening -I know you just want to help and I understand, I really do. But please, don't help her do this. Stay. Please. - he almost whispered the last word.
Bolin wanted to say something. He truly did, but the words just couldn't get past his suddenly very dry and tight throat. What could he do, really? Betray Kuvira and everything he's been working towards for the last 3 years? No, Kuvira would see reason, she had to, or she was just bluffing. There wasn't going to be a war. There couldn't be. Not again.
Wei was looking up at him, his eyes searching for something in Bolin's face. When he didn't find what he was looking for, he slowly untangled his hands from Bolin's shirt. In a desperate attempt to somehow convince him, or maybe just to regain the warmth of his touch, Bolin caught his retreating wrists.
Green eyes once again looked into his. They were dull, empty and cold, so different from how they were usually. - Let go - Wei demanded quietly, Bolin felt his hands shake a little. Despite this, he made no attempt to free himself.
- Wei...- despite only uttering a single word, it felt like Bolin was begging. He tightened his grip a just little, but not hard enough to hurt. He just felt so alone and cold and Wei used to be so kind and warm...
- I said let go! - Wei raised his voice now, yanking his hands out of Bolin's gentle hold.
It was like a bubble burst around them. Bolin was suddenly very aware that their little altercation had drawn attention. From the entrance to the train, Kuvira and Baatar observed, her stoic as usual and him with a strangely amused smile. Bolin felt sick. But as he locked eyes with Wing, that's when his heart truly broke.
Wing was halfway up the stairs, crouched down a little in a combat position, hand on his cable holster, as if ready to fight. As if Bolin was a threat. As if he was going to hurt Wei.
- I think you should just go. - Wei was back to not making eye contact again. Bolin had no more strength to argue. He just walked down the stairs. His vision started to blur and tears seeped into his eyes. He blinked rapidly, trying to somehow stop the waterworks. He wasn't going to cry. No, he wasn't going to cry in the middle of the city he may or may not be invading tomorrow, he wasn't going to cry in front of Kuvira, or Wei.
He somehow managed to make it to the train without tripping over. He turned around to look at the twins and give them a little wave. -See you later.. I guess.- he managed to choke out. Wing snorted.
-Yeah, in 24 hours exactly- the twin quipped with vitriol.
The train ride back to camp was mainly silent. Kuvira and Baatar sat next to each other, stonefaced and wordless. Like one of those pre-war paintings of Fire Nation royalty Bolin had seen in the art museum Asami had dragged him to. As for him, he was just trying really hard not to cry. Spirits, why did everything have to be so difficult? By the time he had composed himself, they were once again marching through the camp. But this time he noticed things he never thought to question before.
It was as if he was seeing it for the first time.
The tanks no longer made him feel safe and secure. All he could see were the flowers crushed by their huge forms and their metal carapaces glinting dangerously in the moonlight. The mechs had always made him uncomfortable. He could never really forget the first time he saw them in mr Sato's underground villain lair. He shivered at the memory. The soldiers he passed no longer seemed friendly. Just how many of them were bandits who bent the knee to Kuvira in order to lessen their sentences?
Finally, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the platinum human sized boxes Kuvira used to restrain 'dangerous outlaws'. Though Bolin was now beginning to think that her definition of outlaws varied significantly from his. He hoped to whatever Spirits could hear his plea that the contraptions weren't meant for the Beifongs, should they choose to fight.
In the, relative, as he was quickly beginning to realise, safety of Kuvira's tent, Bolin finally gained the confidence to ask the question that had been at the forefront of his mind for the last half hour. -You were just bluffing, right?- he asked, trying to will the universe to let things go his way for once in his damn life. - I mean, you're not really gonna attack Zaofu ... are you? -
-When people don't cooperate, we must find other ways of convincing them to join. - Kuvira spoke coldly and clinicaly, as if she weren't talking about attacking the home of the people who raised her. Bolin swallowed a lump in his throat.
I've seen what happens after you leave' Opal's voice reprimanded the inside of his head.
'Don't tell me you can't see what's going on here.' Wei had said, looking into his eyes beseechingly. 'What's going on in the entirety of the Earth Kingdom.'
Sweat started dripping down the back of Bolin's neck, seeping into the fabric of his uniform. -Other ... ways?- he tried to will his heart to stop beating so fast -How many ... times have we used these "other ways" in the past?-
Kuvira straightened, imposing and terrifying. Bolin wanted more than anything in the world to run away. -It's not for you to worry about.- she answered, eyeing him with an eyebrow raised. She was testing him, he realised with a start. Making sure he was loyal. But he had to know. He had to.
-So, uh ... what does happen to all those towns and villages after we leave? - in his head, he already knew. But, maybe naively, he still hoped. -I just realized I'd never really ... gone back and ... checked on them.-
- Those people are my loyal subjects, and they contribute to the Empire however I see fit. - she sounded so detached, even as she started walking towards him. It took all of his courage to not take a step back. -Now that you're in the inner circle, you're going to have to accept some hard truths.-
-Maybe ... I'm not really an "inner circle" kind of guy. - Bolin felt his voice waver. He was truly afraid now. For himself, and even more for the Beifongs. For the first time he realised there once again was true danger in his life. He didn't miss the feeling. -Or... or maybe, we don't take over Zaofu! Maybe we can just... let them be on their own, and then, "Yay! The Empire's united! Congratulations to us!"-
Bolin faltered, cowering as Kuvira advanced on him angrily. -I didn't know your personal feelings were stronger than your loyalty to me. Zaofu will join us.- she said forcefully, an uncharacteristic fervour to her voice. -The only thing I'm second-guessing is my decision to bring you along. Maybe you need to spend some time in a reeducation camp. - she added, giving him an appraising look, as if she could see the disloyalty on him with her bare eyes.
-I ...- he didn't even know what to say. He felt betrayed, but he also felt he should have seen it coming. Everyone else seemed to.- I thought that's where we sent people to learn new trade skills.-
He heard Baatar Jr behind him -Hard truths, Bolin. - he added unhelpfully.
Kuvira came even closer, like a prowling pygmy puma. Well, now they were just ganging up on him. -Your loyalty seems to be wavering.-
Panic seeped its way into Bolin's head. It got harder to breathe. -No...no, I'm totally on your side, completely, one-hundred-percent loyal.- he gave an enthusiastic salute, hoping to be convincing. For a moment Kuvira just glared at him and he wondered if she was going to execute him right here, right now.
Finally, after what seemed like forever, she took a graceful step back. - Very well then. You can go. - she said, voice still as commanding as ever. - I suggest you get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow. -
He did his best not to sprint out of the tent the moment she said that. It was more like... speedwalking. He walked and walked, until he was sure Kuvira and Baatar wouldn't be able to see him. Then he ducked behind a bunch of crates. He slowly sank to his knees.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuckfuckfuckfuck. He started to feel lightheaded, like he couldn't breathe properly. The dirt under his curled fists didn't seem real. The sounds of the army working and moving around him melted into a constant noise, filling his ears and head.
Clanking, buzzing, grating, stomping, clanging, yelling, droning, talking, scraping, ringing, scratching, laughing, clicking, clacking, buzzing, whirring, tapping, crashing...
Breathe, he had to breathe.
Focus, he had to focus on something.
His hands desperately searched his pockets for something, anything that could help him. Wei's necklace practically fell into his lap. It was shiny, and beautiful, catching his eyes immediately. He gently took it into his shaking hands. 'Right there, beneath the surface there's a large chunk of it. Feel it?' He traced his finger over the smooth metalic surface, the phantom touch of Wei's hands guiding him once again. Everything started to slowly sort itself back into its place.
When the world stopped feeling like it was about to collapse on top of him he let his thoughts start flowing again. Actually he felt as if he was thinking with a clarity he hadn't had in a long time.
Ok. So Kuvira had officially turned into a full blown dictator. Or maybe she'd always been one and he was just to blind to see.
He had to get Varrick. And Zhu Li. It wasn't safe here. And Varrick was so smart, he totally would know what to do. Kuvira said that the businessman and his assistant were very busy in their lab and were not to be disturbed, but at this point Bolin was done taking orders from her. Though there were guards at the door to the lab. He'd have to find a different way in. As he walked up to the train, his attention was drawn by the rather large vents. Yeah. He reckoned he could fit in there.
And fit he did. It was a little painful on his back and knees, but at least he was making progress. On the way through the vents he started thinking about ways to apologise to everyone. Specifically the Beifongs, since up untill recently he was helping lay siege of their city. He decided he was going to need the biggest apology basket ever. And he was gonna get Opal a huge bouquet of flowers. And he was gonna have to do a whole lot of grovelling, which he decided he deserved. And Wei.. what would he do to win back Wei's affection? He felt his heart hurt again, remembering his friend's distraught and almost frantic expression.
-...Zhu Li, hold your breath!- a familiar voice demanded, only to be answered by an equally familiar voice.
-I'm not holding my breath.-
- Great! Now we're both gonna die!- Yep, that was most definitely Varrick, directly beneath him.
Bolin risked it all and carefully undid the hatch that lead to the lab, whispering rather loudly. -Varrick? Varrick?!-
-Ahh!- the older man shrieked -And the head voices are back!- meanwhile Zhu Li, with the face of someone incredibly used to her employer's antics, simply pointed upwards. Varrick followed her finger and locked eyes with Bolin. His face cracked open in a wide smile. -Bolin! Thank goodness you're here! Where did that hatch come from? Forget the hatch!- Varrick urgently motioned for him to come down. -There's something important I gotta tell ya!-
What a coincidence-Well, there's something important I gotta tell you, too!- Bolin answered, jumping down into the lab. He quickly whirred around to face the scientist.
- Kuvira's crazy!- they both yelled at the same time. Well, at least that saved time on Bolin trying to covince them to run away.
-How'd you find out?- he asked, curiousity briefly overtaking him.
-When I refused to build her a superweapon, she threatened my life!- Varrick sputtered, indignant and distressed. Bolin decided they could unpack the whole superweapon thing later.
-She threatened me, too! And she's threatening Zaofu and it turns out, she's been threatening villages this whole time!- to his dismay, Varrick didn't look that surprised. -We gotta get outta here.-
-I couldn't agree more, kid.- Varrick nodded and motioned to Zhu Li. The assistant leapt onto a table and, in one fluid motion, jumped into the hatch, only to reappear and pull Varrick up to her. The woman's ever expanding list of skills never ceased to amaze. Bolin quickly made his own way back into the vents.
As they crawled their way to freedom, they bounced around plans for escaping the camp. After a couple outlandish and realistically impossible ideas, Varrick proposed they get into some mecha tanks and trek into the mountains.
Thankfully, they were able to make it to and inside the tanks, but after they were all strapped in it was just a matter a matter of piloting one successfully. Bolin had never been so thankful for Asami insisting on giving the entirety of Team Avatar a crash course in driving most Sato Industries inventions. Mako and Bolin did pretty well for themselves, while Korra once again cemented her inability to drive anything that wasn't a polar bear dog or flying bison.
As they reached the mountains, leaving the camp behind, Bolin let out a sigh of felt almost giddy in a way. Finally, finally he could truly actually help the Beifongs. No weird strings attached, no politics, just good old fashioned fighting, side by side with his friends. -Okay, I say we go up and around the mountains and sneak into Zaofu from the rear.- he proposed, as Varrick and Zhu Li turned to look at him.
-We're not going to Zaofu, that place is doomed!- Varrick argued and Bolin flinched a little. 'It's doomed because of us' a voice in the back of his head whispered, bitterly. -We gotta head to Republic City!-
-What?- Bolin's heart was sinking deep into his gut. They had to stay here. He couldn't just leave Wei and the rest of the Beifongs to whatever cruel fate Kuvira had prepared for them. -No, nonono, we gotta help here.-
-We'll be helping by warning the world about Kuvira's potential superweapon!- Varrick shot back, sternly knitting his eyebrows together.
-Well, that's helping, but it's a completely different type of helping. - Bolin's head hurt. He understood where Varrick was coming from, but right now, his heart was calling him back to Zaofu -Hmm. Let me think about this.-
A blast of lightning hit him with a force that practically barreled him over. Thankfully the suit absorbed most of the impact and electricity. Getting up, he saw that their attackers, in mecha-tanks of their own, were led by Baatar Jr, who was currently wrestling with Zhu Li. To be completely honest, Bolin was starting to get annoyed with Kuvira's fiancé. He tackled the man's mecha-tank.
Unfortunately, all of Asami's lessons were for naught, as Baatar Jr was clearly the superior mech pilot. Bolin quickly found himself flying through the air and crashing to the ground. Apparently mecha-tanks didn't absorb all the impact. Ouch. He barely managed to register Bataar leaping at him. Unable to lift his mech in time, Bolin made the executive decision to jump ship. And not a moment too soon, as his mecha-tank was completely crushed under Baatar's .
Finally free of that metal prison, Bolin tossed an experimental rock at his opponent, who dodged with surprising speed, before activating the flamethrower. Thankfully earthbending usually creates good cover from fire.
He managed to knock a tree down onto Baatar's mech and rush to Zhu Li's aid. The poor woman had been stuck defending both herself and Varrick, who seemed to be struggling, despite being the mastermind behind this line of mecha-tanks. She'd just been cornered by their two other attackers. Bolin manged to lavabend the ground under them, hoping that Zhu Li would be able to jump out of the way. She did and the pilots of the other two mecha-tanks got out, lest they sink into the lava. As gently as he could, Bolin trapped them against a wall. Everything seemed to be going well, he breathed a sigh of relief.
-Stop!- he whirred around to see Baatar Jr, holding Varrick over a cliff. - Turn yourself over, or else ..-
-Thanks a lot, Zhu Li- Grumbled Varrick, and if it were any other situation, Bolin mabye would have argued her case, but he had bigger problems. He let himself be tackled and cuffed by the soldiers, as more of them came out from between the trees. Zhu Li, after gingerly exiting the mech was given much the same treatment.
The three half-baked runaways were dragged back to camp and into a tent, where a fuming Kuvira awaited them. This was the most emotion Bolin had ever seen in her, and frankly, he'd rather she went back to her regular, emotionless self.
-Don't ... torture us.- he wasn't exactly sure what Kuvira would have done to them, but it definitely wasn't gonna be good.
He was promptly ignored - Send these three away on the next train. Bolin and Zhu Li will be going to the reeducation camp for our most severe dissenters.- At least Bolin was finally going to find out what was going on in those reeducation camps. First hand.
... yay
The dictator, because that was what she was and Bolin no longer had any qualms calling her that, rounded on Varrick. -And you will continue work on the spirit-energy project, under close, armed supervision. I want it weaponized immediately. -
She motioned for them to be taken away, but then Zhu Li, of all people dropped to her knees -Please! Have mercy on me! - she begged, to the shock of everyone, especially Varrick. - Don't send me away! Take me back!-
Kuvira cocked her head to look down at the groveling figure at her feet. - Why would I?-
-Because my only mistake was being loyal to the wrong person.- Zhu Lu continued with passion, and Bolin realised this was probably the most he'd heard her say in, like ever. -I was blindly devoted to Varrick, and I looked past all the times he ridiculed me, or ordered me around, or made me clean his disgusting feet- well, could Bolin really blame her? She deserved better than how Varrick treated her -because I thought he possessed the most brilliant mind in the world. But when I met you, I realized I was wrong. Compared to you, Varrick's a fool.-
Beside Bolin, Varrick bristled -Hey, come on! I'm right here!- he whined, but his assistant ignored him.
-I believe in everything you've done, and I believe in your vision. I want to devote my life to you. I pledge my allegiance to you, Great Uniter.-
Zhu Li's pleas seemed to move Kuvira's iron heart. She briefly glanced at Bolin -You two could learn something from her. Rise, Zhu Li. I'll give you another chance.-
A distressed Varrick turned to Zhu Li, who glared at him -Think about what you're doing! We're partners! We have history!. - he shrilled
His cries fell on deaf ears -I did everything you ever asked of me, and you never appreciated it! Guards, do the thing! - Zhu Li commanded, and Varrick started screaming even louder, as him and Bolin were dragged out of the tent.
-No! Not the thing! Zhu Li! - The door slammed behind them, and they were dragged to the train, through the normal rooms, into the prison wagon and shoved right into a cell.
One of the soldiers started to search them for any dangerous items. The first was Varrick, who seemed to have gone into a borderline catatonic state after Zhu Li's betrayal. His pockets contained a multitude of unknown doodads, an array of moustache combs or brushes, a gold coin with Varrick's face emossed on both sides and a ridiculous amount of paper scraps with haphazard notes on them.
After their jailors were satisfied that Varrick had nothing dangerous on him, they turned to Bolin. Of course, he also didn't have anything on him. He had nothing in his pockets. Exept the necklace.
- Huh, what do we got here?- one of the soldiers metalbended the item into the air for all to see. - One of those fancy necklaces from Zaofu.- he gave Bolin a look and chuckled -Yours? -
- Ah, no. It's a friend's- Bolin's cheeks warmed up for some reason. He felt unpleasantly untethered without the familiar weight of the necklace in his pocket. - Hey, can I get it back? It's kinda sentimental. - he tried to grab it through the bars, but the soldier floated it further away. He started getting nervous. He didn't like the glint in the man's eyes.
- Now, now, boy. I'm sure your girlfriend wouldn't mind us just takin a look. Just curious what them rich folk make their shit out of.- the man, whom Bolin already decided he disliked, plucked the precious item out of the air and weighed it in his hand.
He gave a disapointed grumble.
- Just regular old steel.- he spat on the object and a deep rage boiled in Bolin's gut.
- Can I have it back now?- he asked through gritted teeth. The soldier rolled his eyes.
- Sure. You can have your trash back. -
To Bolin's horror, the man closed his hand into a fist, and the precious, precious necklace was crushed into a small, disfigured ball of metal. Bolin couldn't help but cry out in dismay. The soldier unceremoniously dropped the ruined treasure to the ground, where it rolled, just out of Bolin's reach.
The men left the room, chuckling and joking to each other, as Bolin desperately tried to grab the necklace-ball, stretching his arm through the bars, but only ever being able to touch it with the tips of his fingers. Tears pricked at his eyes, for the second time that day.
The train started moving and the ball rolled even further away.