1 year later
-
Days turned into weeks, which bled into months. Kuvira lost herself to the perpetual storm of work and responsibility. There was never a shortage of things that had to be done, even as their nation enjoyed a period of peace and prosperity. Order and tranquility were the most delicate of things, and they could easily shatter if neglected. Every day they had to be merited, maintained. Every infrastructure project, every allocation of resources, every piece of foreign policy was just another piece of straw holding up the weight of law and order.
Their Empire had continued to blossom as a shining example of productivity. The nation that was once trapped in antiquity was quickly pioneered into the future. Development of their rural states had taken priority in the last year, and new metropolis cities had popped up through their efforts. Baatar had personally overseen the construction of new factories and refineries that stood as a testament to all that they had managed to accomplish in a previously impoverished country.
In the midst of everything, Kuvira was able to see her family grow. It was something she never took enough time to appreciate. She noticed it most often in sudden moments; when she realized just how big Zhenyu had gotten, when she recalled that it had been almost ten years since they'd left Zaofu, when she woke up beside the love of her life and could fully appreciate all that had happened.
This time, Baatar had been there for the birth of their second child. During a council meeting in Central, the beginning of the labor pains had started. She'd somehow managed to survive another half hour of bickering while masking the growing discomfort. She'd told Baatar after the fact, and in a burst of anxiety he'd insisted on them immediately returning home. A train was rerouted entirely for them, and she was able to have the baby in the comfort of their house. He'd held her hand through it all, and their daughter was born right before midnight under the twinkle of the stars.
They'd named her Lihua. Baatar had picked the name months before while walking through their garden. Kuvira was moved by the sheer glee that had filled his eyes when he shared the idea, and she'd consented to choose the name for their baby if it was a girl. When he held her the first time, gentle adoration had filled his eyes. He'd murmured praises to her, telling her how beautiful, how perfect, how sweet she was. Kuvira's heart had swelled at the sight.
After recovering from the birth, she was finally able to train again. Just like with Zhenyu, she had been determined to gain back her agility and strength. Zhenyu had been quite pleased at the development, as he was now completely impassioned by the world of martial arts. It filled her with pride to watch him. He had requested even more time in the dojo, and he now spent 6 days a week practicing. He'd come home every day and relay what had happened during practice. "Mama, I can kick higher than Chen now! But he's still stronger…" He'd ramble away, consumed by the world of tatami and punching bags. He reminded her of her younger self: determined and unwilling to settle for mediocrity. The primary difference was their baseline temperament. He was calm, refined- he executed his exercises with precision and poise. He didn't have the same fiery temper she'd had as a little girl. She didn't have his reservation until her late teens.
Though she was thrilled with her son's progress, he was now almost 6, and despite the strength or height of his kicks, he was unable to so much as lift a pebble off the floor. She didn't allow herself to express any of her hidden disappointment. For a long time, she'd held out hope that eventually the ability to bend would blossom. Evidently, no amount of practice or wishing would give her firstborn son the power. She never expressed how she felt aloud, not even to Baatar. She knew of his own long held resentment about the subject. Instead, she let the disappointment fade into a hope that he would flourish in his own way.
-
It was a rare moment of quiet. In the countryside of Ba Sing Se, Kuvira and Baatar sat together under the leaves of a weeping willow that stood on the outskirts of their property. Zhenyu was away with Master Meng, and Lihua was taking her afternoon nap. There was nothing to distract them besides the gentle sway of the wind. Kuvira laid her head against his shoulder, letting all of the worries of the day trickle away with every slow breath.
"You're beautiful," Baatar said suddenly, pulling apart the silence with his gentle words.
Kuvira raised an eyebrow at the abrupt declaration. "And you're ridiculous," she murmured, a smile threatening her lips.
"No, seriously," he insisted quietly, shaking his head. "I don't say stuff like that enough. There's always just… work, you know?"
"Yeah, I know," Kuvira murmured. "But I don't need flattery, Baatar. You know that." She pulled back to look him in the eyes, and she was astonished by how genuine he looked.
"It's not flattery. It's true," he insisted, touching a hand to the side of her head. "I love you, Kuvira." He moved closer and pressed a kiss to her lips. She melted into him, and the weight of the day melted away, replaced only by the tenderness of the moment.
The sound of someone clearing their throat cut through the air, pulling Kuvira's attention away from her husband. A few yards away stood an awkward, skinny soldier, red in the face and holding a letter.
Kuvira glared at the officer, wondering if it would be too unreasonable to throw him into prison for interrupting them. She decided against it and settled for a scowl. "Yes?" She asked indignantly.
"Pardon my interruption, Great Commanders," said the bashful sergeant, ducking his head into a respectful bow. "You've received a letter of great importance. Colonel Weng ordered that I give it to you now."
Kuvira let out a long sigh. It was almost certainly communication from one of their parents. That was almost always what a 'letter of great importance' meant.
"Who's it from?" Baatar asked, standing up and holding his hand out to accept it.
"President Chiko Utsumi of the United Republic, sir," the soldier replied, stepping forward and handing it to him. The wax seal pressed onto the back caught the sunlight.
Kuvira and Baatar exchanged surprised looks. Chiko Utsumi had been elected president of the United Republic three months prior. Their intelligence had suggested that he was a young upstart from the Fire Nation. The most recent election had been highly contested, with numerous figures running for the highly desired seat. Utsumi had been the underdog turned victor- though not without controversy. A string of protests had popped up around the nation following his election. Thus far, he hadn't reached out to the Earth Empire in any capacity. All of their previous trade policy had been left untouched. Why he was reaching out now was unknown to her.
The soldier scurried away, and Baatar carefully pulled back the wax and unfolded the letter, holding it so they both could read it. Ornate letters were penned in long, cursive letters across the page.
--
To Their Majesties, Supreme Leader Kuvira and Chief Engineer Baatar,
Greetings from Republic City. As the newly elected face of the United Republic, I would like to cordially invite you to visit our capital city. My hope is that we will be able to turn a page and establish a diplomatic alliance that will further promote the mutual flourishing of our respective nations. It would be my honor to discuss our shared hopes and goals with you both in person. Should you accept the invitation, the highest degrees of security and comfort will be afforded to you and your family.
Please consider this invitation and send a reply at your soonest convenience.
Yours in Peace and Prosperity,
President Chiko Utsumi
--
Kuvira read through the letter twice, trying to dissect the words. It hadn't been what she was expecting. The words were warm and cordial- adjectives she wouldn't have previously assigned to their relationship with the United Republic at all.
"...An invitation," Baatar murmured, turning the page over to see if they were missing anything.
Kuvira's eyes focused on the top of the page again. "Supreme Leader," she mused, cocking an eyebrow at the paper. "That's new. A bit on the dramatic side, don't you think?" The other leaders in the United Republic hadn't been quite so generous with their titles historically. Usurper. Dictator. Authoritarian.
"Chief Engineer is kind of wimpy. I sound like your handyman," Baatar replied, squinting at the letter. "Hopefully I'll be promoted to 'Supreme Leader' one day."
A loose chuckle left her lips. "He wants an alliance, hm?" her eyes flickered over the page again. "One that would 'promote the mutual flourishing of our respective nations'. How convenient."
"Politics," Baatar summarized with a faint smile. "I appreciate the formalities. Perhaps he's doing even worse than we thought."
"Do you think that's why he reached out?" Kuvira asked, holding her hand out. He passed the letter over to her, and she squinted down at the words, as if trying to decipher a hidden meaning.
"It must be. He needs something from us- maybe resources, but I imagine it's more about stability," Baatar reasoned. "If he had the backing of our army, nobody would ever seriously challenge him."
"I suppose. But what do we gain from agreeing?" she asked, pursing her lips. They lived in a time of abundance. Her old fantasies about reclaiming the land of the United Republic had more or less faded away with time as it became an increasingly less plausible situation. Although security was an ever present concern, their relationship with their neighboring nation had more or less cooled to one of hazy indifference.
"...Trade, resources… leverage," Baatar replied, his gaze focused on the words. He looked as analytical as ever, as if piecing through a complicated blueprint. "An ally, in theory."
Leverage. Kuvira pursed her lips, trying to imagine all that could entail. "I wonder if he's told the council about this," she said, shaking her head. "I can't fathom Tenzin or the others agreeing to this."
"I doubt it," Baatar admitted. "This has to be for his own political ambition. Who knows if he even has the same council anymore."
"I imagine he does. I don't see any of them giving up their spots voluntarily," Kuvira dismissed. "But I agree that this must all be his doing."
"...What do you think we should do?" He asked. She could feel his gaze on the side of her face as she tore through the words once more.
"Chiko Utsumi wants something from us," she replied, folding the paper and handing it back to him. "And I'd like to see if he has anything worth offering in return."
"It could be a trap," he advised, a loose paranoia weaving its way into his words. "We don't really need anything from them, Kuvira."
"We'll go with half a battalion of metalbenders, they wouldn't dare," she responded confidently. It had been years since the campaign against Republic City. In that time, the Earth Empire had only grown stronger and stronger. It would be a terribly foolish maneuver for them to attempt an attack now. Besides, this new opportunity was too intriguing to pass by. "And we can decline the partnership if it doesn't seem worthwhile."
"Declining could prove to be difficult," Baatar warned. "If he presents it as a peaceful, mutually beneficial opportunity, us declining could look like hostility- or neglect."
"So he's clever," Kuvira said, narrowing her eyes. "Or he thinks he is. Regardless, he doesn't want a war, not with us. We won't play any games with him. It would be foolish to ignore the invitation, but we need to be cautious."
"...I agree," Baatar complied slowly, nodding. "We'd regret not taking the opportunity- but Zhenyu and Lihua stay here."
"Absolutely," she agreed, nodding firmly. "I'll make arrangements with General Meng."
"Oh please- with all of his brilliance, we'll come back to them missing limbs," Baatar scowled, crossing his arms. "We'll find someone more capable to entrust with our children."
Kuvira rolled her eyes, snorting at the proposition. "You haven't let it go yet?" She asked, touching a hand to her husband's arm.
"Never," he affirmed, smiling. "...But we'll figure something out. It'll be interesting to see Republic City again."
A sort of mellow excitement settled into her veins, though she wouldn't admit it. It reminded her of the day they left Zaofu, with a world full of possibilities behind the corner. She'd previously given up her ambitions for Republic City, but now there was a flicker of hope reignited in her chest.
-
The last time Kuvira had approached the United Republic, it had been with the expectation that it would be absorbed into their glorious empire.
A steel border wall stood between their two nations. It was hundreds of feet high, constantly guarded by a plethora of soldiers. Baatar's Colossus stood a few thousand yards behind it, a reminder of what had occurred nearly 8 years before. The towering mecha suit was taller than Kuvira remembered. She recalled standing in it for the first time- the awe that had coursed through her veins. She remembered how invincible she had felt controlling it. She had been on top of the world at the height of their campaign. She'd approached the United Republic with confidence and ease- only for putrid manipulation to force them back.
She didn't regret her decision that day. Everything had worked itself out in the end. Their Empire was thriving without the United Republic. Even still, it burned to think about, and it brought out the worst of her thoughts. The Avatar most certainly wouldn't have lived up to her threats. Baatar could've held firm, and she easily could've tracked him down. They would have conquered the entire nation in a matter of weeks. It would've been true justice for the sins of the past. Rather, they'd had to tolerate the stain of failure on their history. She couldn't help but dwell on these facts as the automobile cut through no-man's-land on the foreign side of their border wall.
They were accompanied by a series of other automobiles full of soldiers. They'd rehearsed strict security protocols in the two weeks leading up to the visit. Everything was carefully planned. Although they didn't suspect the United Republic of conspiring to commit a direct attack, they knew it wasn't impossible. They wouldn't allow themselves to be made vulnerable.
The United Republic had built its own wall, though nowhere near as domineering. It was a simple stone wall that lined their capital city. As they drew nearer, one figure standing in front of the entrance gate came into view. It was a man, entirely alone.
"Is that him?" Baatar spoke, leaning forward in his seat ever so slightly.
"He doesn't have guards?" Kuvira murmured, narrowing her eyes. As they came closer, it became more apparent that the person waiting wasn't in a soldier's uniform- rather, it appeared to be the president, standing by his lonesome.
As they drew nearer, they were slowly able to make out more details. Their vehicle rolled to a stop, and the pair stepped out. They approached him together. Kuvira held her posture effortlessly, her strength clothing her in dignity.
Chiko Utsumi was a handsome man no older than 40. He had ink black hair styled into a respectable, yet fashionable loose style. His burnt caramel eyes flashed as they drew nearer, and a wide, charismatic smile pulled onto his lips. He was clad in a well-tailored brown suit completed with a pin of the insignia of the United Republic.
He held his bow of greeting a second longer than Kuvira or Baatar did. "It's an absolute pleasure, your highnesses," he declared, his voice smooth and deep.
Kuvira was admittedly quite amused by the title, too much so to immediately correct it. He was practically groveling, she thought. Had things grown so dire in the United Republic? Their spies had alluded to such in the aftermath of the election. Regardless, they seemed to have an immediate upper hand. They didn't need anything from Chiko Utsumi, but he clearly needed something from them.
"We appreciated the invitation, president," Baatar replied, standing tall beside her. "We look forward to conferring with you."
"As do I," said Chiko, a pleasant glint in his eyes. "But I can imagine your journey from Ba Sing Se was quite long, and it would be my honor to invite you to dinner before we delve into the madness of politics."
Kuvira raised an eyebrow. Her immediate reaction was to dismiss the idea as silly, but a more rational part of her figured that indulging him couldn't hurt. Besides, the journey had been long, and she was hungry. "Dinner would be lovely, thank you," she said, maintaining a pleasantly diplomatic exterior.
"Wonderful," he said, a charming grin overtaking his face. His eyes flickered over the large barrage of soldiers that stood behind them- 50 in number, stationed in rows. "...And I see you brought company?"
"I'm sure you understand our caution," Kuvira replied simply, meeting the president's eyes.
"...Of course," he complied, nodding. The smile never fully left his face. "You're more than welcome to bring them, and my own security will ensure that nothing goes awry during your stay."
"Wonderful," Baatar said. The two stepped forward, and Chiko led them back towards the city gates.
Baatar and Kuvira exchanged a look, unsure of what the city would have ready for them.
-
Republic City was bigger and gaudier than Kuvira remembered. The towering skyscrapers pierced through the air, and the faint scent of smoke trickled by like a lingering virus. The late afternoon sun caught the glass panels of the buildings, causing a headache to anyone who dared to look up for more than a couple of seconds. It was a bustling metropolis that Kuvira couldn't help but hold a disdain for. It held the artificiality of Zaofu celebration festivals that she'd always hated, but on a much grander scale. There was no real history underlying the pleasantly paved roads. It was a city built without the sacrifice and determination that she valued. It was weak.
They were led a few miles into the heart of the city, where the automobile parked in front of a lavish hotel. Kuvira remembered it well from the coronation. Just like then, she realized what a sore thumb she was in the realm of bureaucrats and businessmen.
Their guards shuffled in in an awkward storm. The couple was escorted up to the presidential suite, and after it had been thoroughly examined, their crowd dispersed, they were left alone, and Kuvira turned to Baatar with a smirk. "He certainly went all out. A lavish room and chocolates- he must be very eager to impress." Her eyes trailed over a nearby table, which had been lined with various beverages and sweets.
Baatar chuckled, glancing over the refined decor around them. "It's all so… theatrical, isn't it? This is the sort of treatment royalty gets. This is about much more than diplomacy."
Kuvira's gaze landed on the sprawling cityscape outside their window. "Do you think he's expecting a vague partnership, or something more tangible?"
"Both," Baatar replied after a moment. "If he's reaching out to us, he's likely hoping for our influence to curb some of his unpopularity. An endorsement, maybe. At most, he wants our military backing if things get even worse for him."
Kuvira exhaled, a faint spark of ambition lighting her eyes. "I'd enjoy seeing how far he's willing to go to get our support. And if he's underestimating us, that might play into our favor. I'm not easily charmed by baubles and champagne."
Baatar stepped closer to her, lowering his voice. "Remember that he's not the only person to consider. Other figureheads will be watching this meeting closely, and I'm sure there are plenty who aren't happy about it."
Kuvira's gaze hardened. "Then let them watch." She straightened, adjusting the fabric of her uniform in the mirror. "Let's not keep our generous host waiting."
-
The golden glow of candlelight caught in the polished silverware and crystal glassware in the opulent dining hall. Kuvira and Baatar sat side by side on one side of the table, while their elegant host took the other. They were afforded the privacy of a table in the corner, where the long window panels revealed the sun setting over the city.
Chiko Utsumi's relaxed posture and wide smile gave the impression of a wealthy host rather than a political leader. Kuvira could imagine his smile plastered on a magazine or advertisement. He looked like the Fire Nation's equivalent of a Zaofu beaurocrat, and if it didn't amuse her so much, it would only embitter her.
"I'm grateful for your company this evening," Chiko began smoothly, raising his glass slightly. In the chandelier light, his eyes looked especially golden. "I was hoping to save the dreadfully boring politics for tomorrow and merely enjoy a meal with you both now."
Kuvira's brow lifted, but she nodded. "Of course. We appreciate your hospitality. It's been a while since either of us have been to Republic City."
Chiko inclined his head. "I'm sure the Earth Empire has kept you both quite occupied. It's inspiring to see a nation rebuilt with such vision." A thoughtful look crossed his face.
"Vision is essential," Baatar agreed, his tone even. Kuvira felt his foot graze against her's under the table. "But so is the determination to see it through."
"Ah, and there's no shortage of that in either of you," Chiko replied warmly. He leaned back slightly, a relaxed smile on his face. "Tell me- what do you make of the changes here in the city? Republic City must look quite different from when you last saw it. President Raiko made his own fair share of changes, and I've tried to do my part in the past few months."
Kuvira took a moment, glancing out of the window as if assessing it. "It's changed a fair amount," she admitted. "Visibly, there's been progress- new skyscrapers, modern infrastructure. But some things seem the same."
"Stability and growth don't always go hand-in-hand," Baatar added thoughtfully. "How has that balance been for you?"
Chiko chuckled, though a shadow of tension crossed his face. "Let's just say that it's a delicate dance. Some people cling to tradition, while others abandon it altogether. I've met my fair share of opposition."
"Any new leader faces resistance," Kuvira remarked. "We've had to make changes that weren't always popular- but sometimes it's necessary."
Chiko gave a slow nod, his expression momentarily contemplative. "Change is never easy, is it, Great Uniter?" He paused, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Ah, here I am, getting into politics after promising we wouldn't tonight."
Baatar chuckled lightly. "Sometimes, it can't be avoided, president."
"Indeed," Chiko agreed, finally relenting with a long sigh. "Although I was hoping to pursue pleasantries for at least a little while longer. After all, this is the first time either of you have spoken to me- though, it's not the first time I've seen you."
"And when was that?" Baatar asked, looking momentarily at his wife. Kuvira didn't remember him, and she struggled to think of an opportunity that the young man from the Fire Nation would have had to see her.
"Why, I was at the prince's coronation once upon a time. Almost 8 years ago by this point, hm?" His eyes glazed over with remembrance. "I wasn't anyone at the time, of course. Just a nobody lawyer- but I remember it perfectly well. Everyone was surprised by what happened, but I wasn't- not really. I remember thinking that if I were you, there was no shot I'd hand power over to that blubbering fool." His words thickened with abhorrence at the very idea.
Kuvira's eyes traced his face, trying to identify how much of his statement was mere flattery. His eyes were focused, slightly narrowed. His mouth was thin, almost embittered. His friendly veneer has slipped into one of passion. "I can only imagine what would've happened if I had stepped down," she replied, scowling at the thought. "A few decades of civil war, no doubt."
"Certainly- especially in such a large territory," Chiko agreed. "No, I… I very much admire what you've managed to do. But I must ask- how did you handle the pushback to the Earth Empire? As much as it thrives now, I imagine you faced plenty of opposition at the time."
Kuvira took a moment to respond. He was ambitious, clearly. This hadn't been the direction she was expecting, but she didn't dislike it. She looked at Chiko with a newfound respect. "Unity and stability are the key to progress. The Earth Empire has faced plenty of obstacles, but we've always ensured that security remains strong, and dissent is addressed quickly. Criticism is inevitable, but you have to keep your people's respect."
"That makes sense," Chiko replied, nodding. "The United Republic could certainly learn a thing or two from your example. Here, my 'vision'- as some of my council calls it- meets a lot of… resistance too." He twirled the wind in his glass, his cheeky smile returning.
"Sometimes tradition holds us back," Baatar offered beside her. "Especially in times of inevitable change. Having allies can make those transitions easier. Perhaps a strong partnership would benefit both sides."
Kuvira smiled, affirming the point. Baatar had seemingly read her mind. This was going much better than anticipated. She took a sip of her glass.
A flicker of interest crossed Chiko's gaze. "I completely agree. It would be a united front against chaos… We can certainly discuss that further tomorrow." He raised his glass, letting the words settle in the air. "To our sister nations, and their glorious futures."
Kuvira lifted her glass, smiling at the president. "To our nations," she repeated, feeling the old stir of passion return to her.
She made eye contact with her husband as a mutual thrill ignited in the couple. Here at the dinner table, they both realized the true potential waiting in Republic City.