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Baavira Week Day 7: Alternate Universe

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/36384223/chapters/91000393

An alternate universe... where the Earth Empire comes back. Please let me know what you think!

Baatar heard a knock at his door, late at night. Strange. No one, not even his parents or his siblings cared to spend any time with him anymore. He opened it cautiously. It was Kuvira. Baatar looked at her, shocked, eyes squinting from the bright hallway.

“Hold on,” he said, scoffing a bit at the disturbance to his senses. He went back to the bedside table and grabbed his glasses and slid them on. He took a look at her. He hated himself for it, but staring at her, with no one else around triggered something within him. He still loved her, despite everything, and seeing her again lately, and the fact that she seemed like she had changed, made his problem worse. He studied her expression, still able to read it so well, as if it were a book written solely for him, or a page from his own personal journal. She looked hopeful, but sad, and nervous. He wanted to make her pain go away, to gather her up like he used to. But he restrained. He shook his head a bit, trying to rid himself of the longing.

“What is it?” he couldn’t help but whisper softly. Kuvira gulped, stepping inside, and closing the door halfway, so they weren’t in complete darkness.

“Do you want to go back?” she whispered.

“What are you talking about?”

“To how it was?” Baatar paused. Of course he did. He had never felt true happiness before or after when it was just the two of them, going around the Earth Kingdom, making a difference. It was true freedom. And now that he’d lost it, he had assumed he’d never feel it again. But if given the chance to go back? Of course he would want to.

“Yes.”

“Me too,” she sighed. They were very close to each other, crowded near the door. Baatar couldn’t help himself, and neither could she, as they both stared deep into each other's eyes with caring, with a spark that only ignited around each other. They both leaned in, only a bit, and closed their eyes, their lips meeting in a soft kiss. It didn’t last long, but it held all the meaning in the world. Besides, time wasn’t a resource they had at the moment. They’d have time later. They both could feel it, even if the future was uncertain. The kiss sealed whatever Kuvira was about to propose. Baatar knew she had a plan, she always did. And he was going to say yes. Perhaps it shamed him to admit it, but he would follow her into battle, no matter what she did to him, even if it hurt. He knew that wasn’t a particularly healthy mindset to have, but he’d blame Suyin for that, she usually was the one promoting toxic behavior. Was it his fault, he reasoned, if this one had rubbed off? Great love and care? Though they had never gotten to take their vows, both of them had committed to them once Baatar had proposed. For richer, for poorer, in sickness, in health, to love, honor, hold keep, till death did they part. And death had not yet parted them; therefore, they were still for each other unconditionally.

“I have a plane ready to sneak out. We’ll go back to Gaoling. Guan will listen, especially if we’re there together. Then everything will be how it was. Then we can get married,” Kuvira promised. Baatar felt a lump in his throat at the relief he felt of it going back to how it was. He nodded. Kuvira smiled. It was a beautiful smile, like jewels or a summer meadow, he thought. She took his hand, and they fled. They flew back to Gaoling.

***

Guan was surprised to see the two of them had sneaked into his office. He walked in, and paused. He began to speak, but Kuvira held up a hand and spoke first.

“We’ve come to reinstate the Earth Empire. We still have widespread support, and with Wu under control and Suyin being so morally above leading, we’ll take all of it back easily. We’ll leave the United Republic be, and Zhu Li will be too occupied in getting Republic City back on its feet to organize any kind of counter-attack. And we can handle the Avatar if need be,” she said, definitively. Baatar smirked. They both knew what Guan was about to attempt to say. Guan straightened himself back up, and tried to recollect his dignity.

“You think you can walk back in here and take your old position back? No. You’re the one who left us behind. I’m the one who stayed loyal, who rallied the last of our forces, who’s bringing it all back!” he growled. Kuvira smirked now as well. “You can’t stop me. I have a whole army under mind control who serves only me!” he snarled, fists balled up, hunching forward. Kuvira took a step towards him menacingly. His body language became even more offensive. Kuvira stopped, raising her hand slowly to rest on his shoulder in false comfort. He relaxed. She was a master at asserting her own supreme rule over any situation.

“Guan, I’m not going to hurt you,” she said in a comforting tone. She took her hand away, and stood tall. “You need to be reminded of three things. One, I never left my people behind, I just know how to play the game. Two, I luckily have a brilliant fiance who already knows how to reverse your mind control. And three,” she said, stepping forward once more. He didn’t recoil this time, her smooth tone luring him into a false sense of security. “I want you to know I’ve always valued your leadership. But I can see you’re not going to back down easily. Good. That’s how I want the Earth Empire to behave. But unfortunately, this time, it’s not going to work out like that,” Kuvira said. Before Guan could react, Kuvira had flicked her wrist, and the metal detailing on his armor moved from his shoulders to around his neck. Kuvira made a fist, making the metal constrict around his throat. She held the fist tighter until it was over. She relaxed her fist, and her brows furrowed. She turned to Baatar, looking sadly to the floor.

“I hate having to do that. I really do,” she said sadly. He offered her a smile to try to raise her spirits and get her back on track.

“I know. Me too. But it had to be done.” She knew it too, and nodded, looking at him with a smile now.

“Now for Dr. Sheng,” Kuvira said. “Do you want me to come with you? We used to work together, I could try to reason with her.”

“No, I can handle her. You start to un-brainwash as many people as you can. Go to the lab and begin the process. I’ll send Sheng down to help you when I’m done.” Baatar nodded, each going their separate ways. Kuvira seismically felt that Sheng was in what she supposed she was using as a bedroom rather than the lab. Kuvira entered her room. Sheng was sleeping. Kuvira sat on her bed, gently shaking her to wake her up. Sheng rose, shocked to see Kuvira.

“Relax,” she said before Sheng could say anything. “I need your help. We’re going to un-brainwash everyone and start the Earth Empire again.” “Guan would never—”

“Guan’s no more. I’m the leader again. It’s alright, Dr. Sheng. Baatar’s in the laboratory getting started.” Sheng understood what Kuvira had done to Guan. She didn’t feel as if she had a choice, and she did want the Earth Empire to come back. She nodded, and they both got up, making their way down to the lab. Baatar had already gotten started, and looked to be making good progress. He had changed, back into his old uniform. She smiled, his hair still a little messy, but her soon-to-be husband looked strong once again. She left the room. She had one more thing she wanted to do.

She found where old uniforms were kept. There wouldn’t be another one of her old one, that was one of a kind. But she took the base from a few others, and bent some scrap metal into similar shapes; some to protect her neck, sheets on her back to use in combat. She forewent the arm bands this time, seeing them as too dangerous if someone bent them around her arms and cut off blood flow, but readded the shoulder pads, this time in a more hexagonal shape instead of round, so there’d be fewer blunt edges, and she could use the metal on there in combat as well. She finally pinned her hair back once more, professionally, and out of place. She looked in the mirror. She looked, and felt like herself again.

***

It was a tireless night, but the work was done quickly and efficiently. Soon, everyone was back to normal. Kuvira walked back in at dawn. Baatar smiled, excited to report his progress, but his breath was taken away further when he saw his fiancee back in her armor. She was a true leader, and the fact that she was wearing the armor he designed for her years ago showed their true devotion to each other and what they believed in.

“You look incredible,” Baatar complimented.

“Thank you,” she smiled.

“We’re just about done here. It’s all looking good.”

“And Wu?”

“He’s still a little out of it, but we have him in custody. Are you going to make an announcement in a couple of hours?”

“Yes. We’ll broadcast it all around the world. Sheng, is that media technician still around?”

“Yes, Great Uniter.”

“Go get him and tell him to prepare. I’ll announce at eight in the morning sharp, in the town square. And have someone set up a podium, decorated properly for the Earth Empire.” Sheng nodded and disappeared. Baatar frowned.

“Baatar, you look worried. What’s wrong?”

“I just assumed that someone would notice that we’re gone by now and come looking for us.”

“Don’t worry about that. Nothing’s going to stop us. I promise you,” she said, grasping his hand and squeezing it reassuringly. “You’ll be by my side when I speak?”

“Of course,” he smiled. “And after that we’ll rest.”

“Yes. We’ll rest,” said Kuvira. They both were quite tired, though proud of what they’d done.

***

Just over an hour later, everything was set up. The morning sun was shining true and reliably, and the crisp air was perking Kuvira up. That, and the anticipation. The crowd gathered, confused from being released from their mind-controlled state, and at seeing Earth Empire flags once more. Kuvira was worried. They’d soon understand. She stood to the side of the podium, giving final instructions to some former soldiers who had awoken and were happy to join her again, when the Avatar flew in on a bison. Luckily, no Suyin.

“Kuvira!” Korra yelled, hopping down. Kuvira turned her attention to the Avatar professionally, not phased by anything she was about to threaten.

“We had a deal!”

“Korra, I would love to talk, but I have an important announcement to make right now. I promise, I’ll explain everything,” said Kuvira comfortingly. She began to walk away.

“Oh-ho, no you don’t!” said Korra, moving to air blast Kuvira. Kuvira could feel it coming from a million miles away, and dodged it easily. She turned her feet slightly and moved her arm, encasing Korra immediately in a form of earthen stocks. Korra groaned in frustration.

“We’ll talk when I’m finished, Korra,” Kuvira said firmly. It was time. The media technician gave her a thumbs up from behind his large headphones, and Kuvira stepped in front of the crowd and spoke into the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen of Gaoling; of the world; the Earth Empire has returned to its fullest extent, and Baatar and I are the returned leaders of our great domain.” Gasps and murmurs of confusion came from the crowd. “I know you may be confused right now, so let me explain what’s been going on to the people of the Earth Kingdom on how their first democratic election has been taking place. A former commander of the Earth Empire, Commander Guan, decided to use illegal brainwashing technology to tip the election in his favor and reinstate a twisted version of the Earth Empire. When Avatar Korra heard that he may interfere with the election, her first response was to personally advocate for my release from prison to accompany her in attempts to negotiate peace. After failed attempts to assuage Commander Guan, she found and forced Toph Beifong to run as a candidate in an attempt to win your votes in popularity, when Toph Beifong wanted nothing to do with the modern politics of the Earth Kingdom. When that also failed, and too many were under Commander Guan’s mind control, the Avatar took only her significant other, Asami Sato, who had fallen victim to mind control, to Zaofu where she knew there may be technology to save her, leaving all the rest of you behind to fall victim to Commander Guan. In Zaofu, she forced my fiance, Baatar, to reinstate Ms. Sato’s state of mind, however it could not be done without recalibrating the mind control machine, in which she forced me to be the test subject when she knew it was dangerous. Luckily, I emerged unscathed and Baatar and I were able to escape, taking Commander Guan down, saving the Earth Empire, and giving all of you back your minds. Let me remind you, the Avatar was present for this entire ordeal, and decided to flee to Zaofu with Suyin Beifong, backing down in the face of adversity, when you were all at your most vulnerable. Commander Guan had also managed to alter the mind of King Wu, who had no qualms in laying down his loyalty to the Earth Empire when the time came. We have saved his mind as well, and he is now in Earth Empire custody. Your King, and his promises of elections have failed you all, leaving you all in danger and without being heard.”

The crowd, and all around the world was in shock.

“I understand that this is a very shocking revelation for most of you. But before I go I want to say a few things. The Earth Empire is back, now in control of the Earth Kingdom. All former soldiers are expected to return to their former duties as they were before the Battle of Republic City. Since the battle at Republic City was lost, it will remain, and all former territory, as part of the United Republic. I want you all to know that I’m still a loyal leader to all of you. I understand that many of you, as have I, now become enlightened to some less than desirable actions the Earth Empire was formerly taking part in, especially regarding violent treatment in reeducation camps all across the empire. Violence was never the intention for those camps; simply a rehabilitation into the Earth Empire. I admit my fault in that I did not check to ensure everything was going as it should in these camps, and I will now take measures to ensure that nothing besides true and humane reeducation will take place in these facilities. I want you all to know, if you’re a citizen of the Earth Empire, you will be treated as conscious and good human beings, and I will make it my duty to serve you all as your leader once more,” Kuvira finished. The crowd slowly erupted into a cheer. Kuvira smiled. “Thank you!” she said, stepping off of the podium.

***

“Firelord Izumi, we have some important news. Kuvira has returned as the leader of the Earth Empire. Would you like to take offensive action?” said a fire sage at Izumi’s morning cup of Jasmine Dragon tea. Her brow furrowed, concerned at the news.

“No. No action will be taken. The Fire Nation benefited greatly from the trade and diplomacy Kuvira brought before and will remain uninvolved in their domestic quarrels.”

***

“Chief Tonraq. Kuvira’s taken over the Earth Kingdom once more.” Tonraq rubbed his forehead in stress.

“I hope Korra’s alright.”

“What should we do?” Tonraq looked at his assistant.

“We’ll wait to see what Korra decides to do. If she wants to bring Kuvira down, then I’m right behind her back.”

“But sir—” Tonraq looked at his assistant menacingly. “Sir, I understand that you have great care for your daughter, I do as well, and have great faith in her judgement— however, the Earth Empire has been extremely beneficial to the Southern Water Tribe’s economy. I’m not advising you— just… just wanted to let you know. The choice is yours,” said the assistant, backing away out of the room. Tonraq looked at the assistant angrily at first for going against Korra, but in his silent reflection, he was conflicted. His daughter, or his people?

***

“Finally, something exciting happened,” smiled Desna.

“She always seemed strong and cold. Like a good leader. I am happy to receive this news.” said Eska, once they both heard.

***

Tenzin lowered down the phone after the messenger had hung up.

“Oh no,” he said, shaking his head, looking at the limited number of airbenders playing and laughing in the courtyard of the Western Air Temple.

***

Zhu Li switched off the radio. Varrick was frozen, his mouth comically opened in shock, tea cup still raised, pinky in air.

“This is terrible!” Zhu Li exclaimed, hands pulling at her hair in stress.

“Well, at least she said she won’t attack us again for now,” Varrick commented. Zhu Li huffed, putting her hands in her face.

“We can’t do anything at the moment. Not when half of the city’s population is living in tents,” she started. “We can’t do anything right now,” she said, looking at Varrick. He gulped, and moved to the other side of the table, sitting next to her, stroking her hair and arms in comfort as she stressed.

***

Kuvira walked back over to Korra, who was still trapped.

“I apologize for the wait, Korra, but I’m all yours now,” she started, releasing Korra from her prison. Korra shook out her arms and legs. Kuvira bent a seat out of earth for her to sit next to Korra.

“I can’t believe you. I thought you had changed!”

“Korra, this is where you’re not getting it. I was the only one in this whole ordeal who never needed changing.”

“That’s crazy! You’re crazy! You destroyed Republic City!”

“I admit, things got heated, and in retrospect I would have gone about it differently. But the Earth Empire’s still standing for the same morals.”

“What, terror and destruction?”

“That was never what it stood for. We helped the Earth Kingdom vastly with a redistribution of resources and strong leadership, giving these people security for the first time in generations.”

“You’re lying.” “When have I been lying?” Kuvira said, standing up. “You witnessed all of the mind control and fled to Zaofu. Toph never wanted to be involved in this election. You saved only Asami. That’s all the truth. I was simply telling the people the truth they have the right to hear,” she started, Korra looked to the side, having a hard time accepting she was right.

“I never made you be the test subject. That was your own choice!”

“You’re right. I may have stretched the rhetoric on that, but you didn’t give Baatar much of a choice when you made him recalibrate the machine. Or when you kidnapped him off of my airship. That isn’t how diplomacy works,” Kuvira scolded.

“Your people will never go back to you,” Korra hissed. Kuvira sighed.

“I don’t know why you— and your people, all of you, seem to continuously be blind to the truth. Look at the statistics of education, happiness, household earnings, petty and violent crime decline all trending positively after the Earth Empire was in control. Those are all truths, Korra.” Kuvira looked at the defiant Avatar. “I’m not going to keep you prisoner, Korra. You once told me that we’re similar in many ways. I agree with you now. We both want what’s best. But you still forget our stark differences. One, I don’t throw people beneficial to society into prison, and two, only one of us is decisive enough to make a difference for the better,” Kuvira finished. Her last remark angered Korra, who attempted to earthbend from behind her feet. Kuvira sensed it before it happened, of course, and dodged it.

“Our battle is for another time, Korra. Now you can go. You’re always welcome in the Earth Empire.” said Kuvira. Korra, was in a bit of shock and defiance that she had been bested, and turned around and left. Kuvira walked to Baatar. They smiled at each other, laughed, and pulled each other in for a hug. Just like they had shared right before they attacked Republic City. It was the first one since then. It felt right and victorious, just how it had felt before, but less tentative.

“You’re incredible,” he sighed.

“I love you, Baatar. Now let’s get some sleep, gather an army to send to Zaofu, and plan our wedding,” Kuvira smiled.

***

The wedding took place only a few weeks after, as a celebration for the downfall of Suyin, who was now securely in prison once more. It was quick, but they didn’t want to wait any longer to get married; they had waited long enough. It was a beautiful, small ceremony, in the Beifong Estate’s gardens; but not the Zaofu Beifong Estate, which was poisoned with bad memories. They had come to the Gaoling Estate, the one Baatar’s great grandparents Lao and Poppy had owned, where Toph had grown up. They’d live there, still bearing their now shared name proudly, a nice estate in an important city where they could still work but begin a family as well. The flowers bloomed white and silver, the grass the lushest green, the air smelling of perfume, and the sun shining down just for them. It was here, in this beautiful moment in which they were finally able to say their vows, officially swear to them, and live powerfully and happily.

“I, Baatar, take thee, Kuvira…”

“I, Kuvira, take thee Baatar…”

“For richer, for poorer…”

“In sickness and in health…”

“To love and to honor…”

“To hold and to keep…”

“From each sun to each moon…”

“From tomorrow to tomorrow…”

“From now to forever…”

“Till death do us part.”

They kissed, sealing their happiness, their love for their land, and each other, forever.