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Stargazers

Summary:

A long, sleepless night awaits Zaofu captain of the guards Kuvira after the Red Lotus almost abducted Avatar Korra from the Earth Kingdom's safest city. As she goes on her last patrol, Kuvira will find out she's not the only one who can't sleep that night.

Canon divergence oneshot based on The Terror Within.

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter Text

As she observed worry lines deepen and crease over Suyin’s brow, Kuvira wondered if this night was ever going to end.

“Alright then,” Suyin sighed. She shook her hand gesturing her irritation at the current ordeal. The bracelets in her arm clinked a protest at the sudden movement. “I guess this is all we can do for now. But tomorrow at first light, I want you to search the entire estate again. We must’ve missed vital clues with all the commotion.”

“Yes ma’am. It will be done as you say,” Kuvira replied obediently. “But what about Aiwei’s interviews?” Slight exasperation slipped past her disciplined tone as she peered over her shoulder. Suyin’s right-hand man stood still at the back of the room. The truth seer had demanded all of Zaofu’s troops be lined up at formation at the break of dawn. Kuvira’s concern wasn’t that her fellow guards wouldn’t comply. It was the perception of distrust that she knew would sting their pride. 

“Captain, it is imperative we weed out the culprits behind this heinous attack.” No discernible emotion was betrayed by the narrow slits that monitored her every move behind rounded spectacles. 

Suyin eyed the young officer, her lips pursing into a thin line. “Kuvira, I’m sure you will find the way to do what you’re being told.  Do you understand the severity of what happened tonight?”

There was a hint of fatigue in the matriarch’s voice but Kuvira also detected a darker undertone lurking. Disobedience will not be tolerated. Zaofu’s reputation as the safest territory in all of the Earth Kingdom received a grievous blow with tonight’s events. Suyin had switched gears from gracious hostess to implacable avenger. What was still salvageable of their reputation hinged on finding the accomplices behind this unforgivable offense against Zaofu. And against Suyin Beifong.

“I do Suyin, I mean, ma’am….” Kuvira stammered, quickly correcting herself. Suyin detested being treated with familiarity when they dealt with official business. Needless to say, this had become priority number one on their schedule.

The matriarch let out a sigh as she stood up from the sofa, directing a glower toward the metalbender.

“Then you’ll do as you’re told! How you figure things out it’s up to you. Now leave! I still need to discuss some things with Aiwei in private. And tell the kitchen staff to fetch me some fresh tea.”

Kuvira bowed deeply and turned around. The door slammed shut the moment she exited the room.

“Sleep is for the weak,” Kuvira sneered, muttering her military instructor’s favorite adage. The captain wasted no time as she hurried down the long corridors of the mansion relaying Suyin’s instructions to the guards and staff on duty. They had doubled the patrols to ensure security was kept airtight, emphasizing vigilance for the VIP guest houses and surrounding grounds. Then she sent a guard to relay the message to the kitchens regarding the tea request. Su's mood was already sufficiently sour with the situation at hand, and the last thing they needed was to have it worsen by depriving the Metal City Matriarch of her tea.

As she crossed the anteroom on her way out of the mansion, Kuvira checked the time on the mantel clock with the carved Beifong boar on the right side, one of many priced heirlooms from Gaoling Su kept on prominent display. On a normal day, her shift would’ve already ended but this was anything but normal. Her restlessness would’ve prevented her from getting the rest she needed anyway. While her mind obsessively mulled over the events that had just occurred, her steps intuitively traced the route of her patrol from the mansion to the gardens and guest houses. 

Kuvira’s dark emerald tunic swayed rhythmically with her long strides, observing relieved her instructions had been implemented to the T. The guards snapped to attention the instant their commander crossed their sight. She could read the frustration and exhaustion on their faces but they still proceeded as expected, expediently providing reports of the latest sightings. 

After the attack, there hadn’t been much that merited note but one unexpected incident did catch her attention: the guards spotted a lethargic Baatar Sr. literally dragging his feet as he went over each and every dome along with his son and Chief Beifong. This task would’ve normally been handled by the night crew but apparently, not even Suyin’s mild-mannered partner survived her irritation, prompting the architect to preemptively check on his inventions personally to make sure the dome’s intricate mechanisms were operating in perfect order. 

An involuntary yawn escaped her lips and Kuvira hoped Chef had plenty of coffee for the days ahead. Her gut instinct warned that what happened tonight was just the beginning of an intense chapter for the city and the Beifong clan.

The metalbender had been so engrossed in her inner musings that before she realized it, she found herself right in front of Team Avatar’s guest complex. From the outside, everything appeared to be in order. The guard posted at the main entrance swiftly opened the door to let her in. Judging by the surprised look on his face, he wasn’t expecting his superior to still be awake and moving about. Her position granted her the luxury to forgo most of the mundane duties but she had adamantly refused to abandon them, even if it meant more work and fewer hours of sleep.

As she walked the long hallways of the guest house, she could hear the telltale sounds of slumber coming out of the rooms juxtaposed to the steps of her metal-plated boots against the polished floor. Everything seemed to be in order under her meticulous glance, so she decided to return to her dorms and call it a day when she caught a sudden move from the corner of her eye. A blur rushed in a whirlwind, maneuvering behind her.

“You there, stop!” she exclaimed as she turned around, her hand already placed over her belt’s canister ready to unleash her metal wires against the intruder.

“It’s me, Korra!” Kuvira heard as she saw the Avatar land gracefully from what she assumed was a wind-powered ball.

“Avatar Korra, is everything alright? Has someone infiltrated this building?” the captain said as she moved in a defensive stance meant to protect the VIP guest. 

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you! I just wanted to go out for a snack.” 

Suddenly, Kuvira caught a loud noise coming from behind, specifically from the Avatar. When she moved to face Korra, she noticed Korra was looking at her with a rather embarrassed expression at her belly’s indiscreet gurgles. The captain let out a relieved sigh as she straightened her body and brought her hands to her back.

“How can I be of service Avatar Korra? There’s no need for you to leave this building. It is for your safety.”

“I know but I’m restless and when I’m restless I get anxious and hungry and I can’t sleep like that. It will be quick, I promise!”

“You know I can’t let you outside after…”

“After almost being kidnapped, I know, but if I stay one more minute cooped up inside my room I’m going to bend my way out of it,” the Avatar threatened.

“I don’t think Suyin would like that.”

Korra was staring her down now. Her hands rested over her waist in an intimidating gesture. Kuvira couldn’t help noticing the tensing of her shoulder muscles under the white tank top. The disheveled brown hair made her appear fiercer than usual. It was quite an attractive look on her, the captain admitted before forcing herself to concentrate on the situation at hand. 

“Well, unless Lin or her sister knocks me out with another shirshu -spit dart, I’m going to the kitchen to get something to eat.” 

I’m going to get into so much trouble if I let her out on her own!”  Kuvira’s mind screamed in panic.  

“Avatar Korra, how about if I escort you instead?” the captain quickly offered. Korra’s eyes narrowed.

“You’re not going to tell Suyin? And what should I call you...?” Korra made a pause as she stared inquisitively at the soldier. Her memory struggled to remember but she was sure she’d seen the guard before but she couldn’t pinpoint when or where. Korra doubted Zaofu had two women with the same beauty mark placement under the right eye, much less as strikingly beautiful as this one. Perhaps a twin, Korra mused inwardly.

“No, I will not tell Suyin or Chief Beifong, and you can call me Kuvira. I’m captain of the guards so no suspicions should arise if the soldiers see you in my company.”

Korra stood pensive for all of ten seconds before exclaiming with a grin:

“Alright then Kuvira, it’s a deal. Let’s go!”

“Shouldn’t you change into something else?” 

The metalbender arched an eyebrow as she made a gesture toward the Avatar. Korra tilted her head puzzled until she realized she was still wearing her pajamas and let out a bashful chuckle.

“Yeah, I think you’re right. Just give me five minutes and I’ll be ready.”

 


 

Half an hour later, Korra was finishing her third serving of egg noodles with veggies under the proud glance of Suyin’s chef while Kuvira cradled in her hands a much-needed cup of coffee. The Avatar’s temperament seemed to have improved exponentially with each steaming bowl of tasty noodles. The guard captain was surprised by how quickly Korra appeared to bounce back from her ordeal. Everyone else was still reeling from the event which shook them to the core, including herself. Despite their enhanced security measures, Zaofu had hardly suffered from significant threats from the outside world aside from the occasional bandit raid on the farms and factories on the outskirts of the city. Having a truth seer as the right-hand man to the ruler did wonders in preventing crime and dissidence. This was the first time the young commander’s team had been put to a serious test. And it had to involve the Avatar. Kuvira felt again how her veins throbbed against her helmet and let out a cleansing breath. 

“Are you sure you wouldn't move to Air Temple Island? These noodles are amazing and every meal I’ve had here has been delicious!” Korra gushed as she cleaned up her plate.

Chef’s chest puffed out as he pushed a plate with a carrot cupcake toward Korra.

“You flatter me Avatar Korra but I’m afraid I can’t accept your offer. Zaofu is my home and I owe a debt of gratitude to Suyin and Baatar Sr. for giving me a chance to make an honest living.”

“I understand, but you know where to stay if you come by Republic City. I’m sure Pema wouldn’t mind extra help in the kitchen.”

“Thanks for the offer,” Chef bowed as he turned towards Kuvira.  “I made an extra batch of freshly brewed coffee for you and your troops. Judging by the dark shadows under your eyes, you all need it badly.”

“Thank you, Chef, you’re a godsend,” the captain replied as she removed the helmet from her head and massaged her temples. She’d been so worried about the Avatar’s safety that she had forgotten to take it off but the hammering against her forehead was becoming unbearable. 

“Are you okay?” Korra asked as she snuck the last morsel of her cupcake inside her mouth. Korra silently thanked the spirits for the fortuitous timing because she was sure her jaw dropped the moment the captain unveiled the long, coal-black braid she kept under the helm.

“I am. It’s just a little headache, nothing serious. Should we head back to your quarters?”

“Yes,” Korra replied as she stood up and directed a discrete glance over at the metalbender. Her hand went to her belt and patted the small water container she kept with her at all times. Korra had the feeling she would soon put her healing skills to work.

Moments later, the Avatar and the Zaofu captain were crossing the gardens with a leisurely stride on their way to the VIP guest houses. Kuvira deliberately chose a longer route to avoid going through the area that just hours before had turned into a pitted battlefield for the woman beside her. Who could in their right mind harbor such hatred for the bright-eyed Avatar? It was something that eluded Kuvira’s comprehension, but she felt she was better off not understanding what dark emotions could stir people into a murderous intent against a defenseless person.

“How do you do it?” Korra’s whisper broke the nocturnal silence.

“Pardon?” 

“How can you endure spending every night knowing you can’t watch the stars? I’ve been here just for a couple of days and I already feel claustrophobic.”

“After a while, you get used to it. Our citizens treasure the sense of safety the domes provide them.” That last assertion felt off after the night’s events.

“I guess but I don’t think I could ever get used to something like this. Living all those years inside the South Pole compound was constraining enough, but at least I could sneak out for long rides with Naga and behold the sea and the stars and the Southern Lights. Have you ever been to the South Pole?”

“No, unfortunately, I’ve never been outside the Earth Kingdom.”

“You should really visit one day! I could show you the best places to see the lights. I wish I could see the night sky from here to give you an idea.”

An idea had precisely been planted inside Kuvira’s mind the instant the Avatar mentioned she felt claustrophobic.

“Avatar Korra, I might be able to help you but it has to remain a secret. I could lose my position if Su finds out.”

“I’m the one who persuaded you to sneak me out of my room. One more secret won’t make much of a difference,” Korra noted with a crooked grin as she patted the metalbender’s armored shoulder.

Kuvira felt warmth rise to her cheeks. Despite the draining exhaustion that reached her bones and the unnerving knowledge she was putting her very own livelihood with the Beifongs in jeopardy, there was something utterly exhilarating about being around Korra that she couldn’t quite put her finger on. It was as puzzling as it was alluring. 

Kuvira’s mouth lifted into a mischievous smile. “Follow me,” the metalbender said as she took a detour before the patrolling guards spotted them.

 


A brisk gust of wind blew caressing the captain’s exposed cheeks as she pushed a loose tendril away from her brow. Below their feet lay the majestic city of Zaofu, encased in deep slumber underneath its shielding domes but high above, a nocturnal sky greeted them with a tapestry of sparkling stars and intricate constellations. As she lay flat on her back over the dome’s smooth surface, Kuvira noticed how Korra’s eyes shimmered with an ethereal glow as she stared at the blue-black infinite. A yearning for simpler times seemed to stir within their depths. 

“Kuvira, thank you. I needed this,” Korra whispered in earnest. Whenever she was under a foreign sky, the starlit sky always made her feel closer to home. 

“Glad to be of assistance,” the captain muttered. She meant to smile but instead, a grimace twisted on her mouth. The pounding against her temples had turned into painful stabs. Kuvira closed her eyes despite the breathtaking spectacle above her and the unexpected pleasant company beside her. Suddenly, she felt something warm and soothing against her forehead.

“Stay still. The spirit water should help alleviate the pain.”

“Avatar Korra, you don’t have to…”

“It’s just Korra and yes, I have to. I can see you are hurting and I can help with that.”

“I don’t want to be a bother,” Kuvira muttered weakly.

“Captain, as the Avatar I’m ordering you to shut up and let me do my job. I’m a healer too, you know.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to doubt your skills.”

“Do you trust me?” Korra queried as she moved her hands away and sat crossed-legged.

Kuvira let out a weak groan. “The mere question offends.”

“If that’s the case, I need you to place your head over my legs so I can continue with the healing session.”

Kuvira’s face would’ve probably flushed if her head didn’t bother so much. She pushed herself up until her head was gently cradled by the Avatar. Before she closed her eyes, their glances met. A soft blush adorned Korra’s cheeks and a subtle, reassuring smile pulled at her lips. The captain felt her heart skip a beat.

“Try to relax now, captain,” Korra said. A faint blue glow emanated from the water she kept against Kuvira’s temples.

“I will Ava...I mean, Korra.”

“Now close your eyes and leave the rest to me,” Korra affirmed confidently. As she saved the memory of a smiling Korra against a backdrop of shimmering stars deep inside her mind, Kuvira finally allowed her lids to close.

When she opened her eyes, shades of orange began to emerge from the deep blue. Her head no longer ached but she could still sense Korra’s fingertips ghosting over her hair.

“Welcome back!” the Avatar proclaimed with a dazzling smile.

“For how long we’ve been here?” Her sense of time had gone awry due to her tired state.

“A couple of hours but don’t worry. I’ve been listening to your radio and no one suspects we’re here.”

Kuvira picked up her helmet and stood up. “I’m so sorry I kept you here.”

“It’s alright. I felt better being outside anyway. Nothing against the domes but nothing beats the open sky to calm a restless mind.”

“I’m glad to hear that. We should head back before someone notices you’re not in your room.”

“Agreed. I don’t want you to get in trouble with Su for my sake.”

“That’s okay. I think we both needed a break. And Korra, thanks for the healing session.”

“It was the least I could do.”

“Ready to head back?” Kuvira extended her arm towards the Avatar to help her stand up.

“I am but first, I want you to promise something.”

Kuvira stared at her confused. “Okay?”

“Once this Red Lotus ordeal is over, I want you to visit me at my dad’s place. You won’t know what real stargazing is until you’ve been to the South Pole.”

Kuvira heard the peculiar mingling of static and voices come out from her radio. They needed to hurry up before the day shift guards opened the domes.  

“It’ll be an honor to be your guest. Now, can we please head back?” she pleaded.

“Way ahead of you!” Korra said and with a leap, she was already sliding down the dome. By the time they made it back to Korra's guesthouse, the city was already stirring back to life. Their little escape remained unnoticed and a secret for them and chef to keep. Under different circumstances, Kuvira would've been cross with her guards for allowing people to sneak out of the city, but today, she was glad she'd been allowed this brief time alone with Korra.

As captain of the Zaofu guards Kuvira crossed the yard towards the morning's formation, an event replayed in her mind's eye. Before she left, Korra surprised her with an impromptu embrace, as she uttered the words that would echo in her dreams for the days to come:

"Next time we meet it will be under the stars."

 

The End

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Fanart: Korra and Kuvira in Zaofu

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Korvira_Zaofu

Notes:

This gorgeous piece was done by the incredibly talented Beya Arca. If you haven't, you should really check her other TLoK work at https://beyaarca.carrd.co/

Enjoy!

Notes:

Not much to say except that I missed writing for my girls and I hope this soft story makes up for it.

If you enjoy it, please feel free to leave a comment.

Take care and keep gazing at the stars!