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Zaofu, The Beifong's Garden, 5 years after battle of Republic City

The sun was casting trough the spacious greenhouse windows and the place was filled with flower scent. The sound of dripping water from the faucet was filling the place together with the black haired gardener's song humming. It was early summer morning and Zaofu was slowly waking up to a new day. But it was not just an ordinary day, it was very special because today, the Beifongs are hosting the wedding ceremony of their only daughter... everyone will arrive to celebrate the union of Opal and Bolin...

But for some, the idea of wedding is bringing back very painful memories...

Kuvira was standing by a bush of roses and was trying not to think about what once could have been... That her life could look as nice as these precious blooms...The greenhouse in the lowest cascade of the Beifongs' garden became Kuvira's safe space during all those years in the house arrest. It was a place where she could be herself without guards constantly watching her every step...

Kuvira sighed, she took the last rose from the bush and watched it closely. Everything could be so different, but cut wounds on her wrist reminded her otherwise everyday... She is not a bride, she is a prisoner whose hope for happy life ended when she fired the spirit canon...

Kuvira slowly walked out of the greenhouse. She was wearing light green t-shirt and dark green sleeveless gardening jumpsuit. She was heading to the upper cascade of the garden where the wedding venue was prepared and the idea of her own wedding opened a painful wound in her heart. With bouquet of roses, Kuvira climbed on the chair and while standing on her toes, she tried to attach the flowers on the top of the wedding arch. Little did she know that her signature hairbun with loose strands caught attention of a very important wedding guest.

"It looks really nice, Kuvira." Korra said and caught Kuvira by surprise. She was lost in her thoughts and tried to keep balance when she heard the Avatar's voice after so many years.

"Avatar Korra..." Kuvira said and finally saw the Avatar observing her flower decorations. "What are you doing here so early..., the ceremony is in the evening." she added with her signature strict face expression and climbed down from the chair on which she was standing.

Korra looked back at Kuvira and went closer to her. "Asami and I thought that we could arrive sooner and maybe help with preparations if needed." Korra said and looked around the place. "But I see that everything is already perfectly prepared for the big day. "It looks really nice, Kuvira." she added and looked at the former great uniter.

"Thank you" Kuvira said and turned her sight away. Her lips were forming neutral thin line but Korra noticed the sign of sadness in her eyes. "I was growing all these flowers in the greenhouse for this special day. But... It's better if Opal won't find out who prepared all the decorations for her wedding..." she added and Korra looked at all the chairs, flowers and lanterns which were surrounding them. She knew Opal never fully forgave Kuvira...she couldn't. The relationship between Kuvira and Opal was damaged years before and Korra knew that Opal would never fully trust Kuvira again... Even though she supported her being sentenced to house arrest, Opal would prefer Kuvira being far away from her family...

Korra came closer to Kuvira and put her hand on her shoulder. Kuvira froze, Korra knew something was wrong. "Kuvira, I also came to see you because I want to check on you."

Kuvira didn't even let Korra finish her sentence and immediately started talking. "Korra, I owe you a lot... I am grateful that you saved my life and got me out of that dungeon prison." But Korra shut Kuvira down.

"I know that you are grateful for it Kuvira. Suyin also told me that you are helping around the Residence a lot and are not causing problems...but I wanted to check how are you truly feeling Kuvira... I can't see what is happening in your head but I see that something is bothering you. Talking with someone about it is better, than keeping everything inside of you. Trust me, I know what I am talking about." Korra said and put her hand off Kuvira's shoulder.

Kuvira was nervously playing with white ribbon which was on the bouquet of roses in her hands and hoped the Avatar would just let her go without having to answer all those questions.

Korra saw that Kuvira doesn't want to talk about her feelings and she might knew why. "How are things going with you and Baatar Junior?" Korra asked quietly and spotted how tense Kuvira's body got, she found the right spot. Kuvira was quiet...

"I-... I think nothing is happening... I barely see him from a far and we are not talking. I can't blame him for that... " Kuvira said and sighed. She would sell her soul to spirits just to turn back time.

"Are you thinking about him?" Korra asked and knew this was very personal for Kuvira. But Korra hoped the former captain of Zaofu guard would open a bit to her. "Kuvira, you can trust me. I won't tell anyone." Korra added and looked Kuvira in her eyes.

"What about your girlfriend, Avatar?" Kuvira said ironically with her deep voice.

"Even Asami won't find out, I promise. Kuvira, I am just trying to say that if you want to talk about what is bothering you with someone, I am here." Korra assured Kuvira and saw the sign of regret in her eyes.

Kuvira started talking quietly. "I feel regrets, sadness and emptiness. I hate myself for what I did to him... What I did to everyone..." Kuvira confessed and looked away. She wasn't comfortable when Korra could see her emotional. "I know how much pain he feels when he sees me..." she closed her eyes. "and especially today, I can't get rid of an imagination what once could have been between us..." Kuvira revealed and opened her eyes. She was supposed to be the bride...

Korra was listening to her words and understood Kuvira. She wanted to answer but former uniter stopped her. "I am sorry Korra, the chef needs some help in the kitchen before the reception starts and I have to go..." she said and put the roses on a nearby bench.

Korra watched her leave and thought about Kuvira's words. She felt sympathy for once talented metalbender guard full of hopes whose life was destroyed by her bad choices and not only hers...

Zaofu, the Beifong Residence, some time later

Maglev railway blueprints were all over the study and the smell of ink was in the air. Tall scientist and former soldier was standing by a window with a cup of coffee in his hands. He spent all night working on a new designs for the big order he got from the Fire Nation. His work gave him a new purpose in his life and was the only thing that help him not to feel so useless... after many months of deep depression...

Baatar's coffee was cold and today it tasted bitter, like everything else during the past few days... He didn't even know for how long he was standing by that window but he felt paralyzed and his mind was fighting with painful memories.

It was what he saw in the early morning that made his mind so lost, or better... who he saw... The woman with a bouquet of white flowers walking in the garden as beautiful as always. He thought he saw his bride that dissappeared years ago and was now a symbol of death for him... Baatar put the cup away and took a deep breath. He took off his glasses and tried to forget the one he used to love so much... She is not here anymore, he tried to convince himself...

"Good morning, big brother." Baatar heard and his eyes immediately found it's way to the doorway. He didn't even hear the door open.

"Opal..." Baatar said with surprise and tried to give her the kindest smile of which he was capable right now. His little sister arrived from Republic City and was about to marry the man she loves today. "I... I didn't expect you would come here..." he added and walked closer to his sister who had new decent arrow tattoos on her arms. Baatar apologized to his sister for everything he had done but the former weapon designer still had problems to look her in the eyes. She was always looking up to him when they were younger and he betrayed her. The test of the spirit canon almost cost her life...

"Can't I visit you?" Opal said and walked inside Baatar's little study.

"Of course you can." Baatar said and tried to clean up the place a bit. Opal was watching him and saw how her brother has changed. His green eyes seemed so hopeless... she wanted to cheer him up a bit.

"On what are you working?" Opal asked curiously after a moment of quiet and looked at all the blueprints on her brother's working table. He stopped cleaning and fixed the position of his glasses. He almost spilled the coffee while organizing the design folders and couldn't understand how after so many years, the look at the woman he once wanted to marry unhinged him.

"I am working on new railway system design for the Fire Nation. Since dad managed to convince King Wu to give us the patent for maglev trains, I have so much work... Everyone wants high speed trains now." Baatar told his sister and walked closer to the Fire Nation map which was hanging on the wall. "They have so many islands..., lots of bridges and tunnels to design..." he added and looked back at his sister.

"You should also have some rest Baatar. Think about something different than work." Opal said and spotted the wrinkles appear between her brother's eyebrows.

"No... when I don't think about work, my thoughts return somewhere where I don't want them to be. I have to keep my mind busy." Baatar answered and looked away. All the processes in his head were complicated by itself and he didn't want Opal to be included in them. It was her big day today, she shouldn't think about his problems.

"Maybe you could do an exception..."Opal. "Today is my wedding. I would really want you to be there. You are my brother..." she added and caught Baatar by surprise. Why would she want him there... after everything he has done.

"Opal... are you sure it's a good idea? I know I hurt you a lot and... it would be better if anybody saw me." Baatar said quietly with guilt in his voice. He was a black sheep of the family that put a shame on the Beifongs.

Opal sighed,she looked him in his eyes and tried to convince him once again. She hoped he would listen. "It is thanks to you, that Bolin's memories returned after Guan brainwashed him years ago. You gave him back to me, Baatar... I want to thank you for that. It will mean a lot to me if you show up." Opal said and Baatar saw his sister's puppy eyes. He wanted to do as much as he could to make his sister happy. If this was the way, he would do it. For her...

"Okay... I 'll be there. I promise. I will watch from a far." Baatar said with soft smile and Opal hugged him. Baatar froze for a moment as he didn't expect this gesture but then he hugged his sister in return.

"Yes!" Opal answered with excitement. She really wished for her family to feel complete after such a long time.

"I can't believe my little sister is getting married... It feels like yesterday when I used to read you fairytales." Baatar said and happy memories filled his mind.

"That was long time ago." Opal said but in her brother's eyes, she was still little. When they stopped hugging, Opal slowly headed back to the door. "Be there on time. And dress up a bit!" she added and laughed.

As she left the room, Baatar looked at his reflection in the mirror. His hair was messy and his facial hair really needed shaving. He also had to find some representative clothes...

"I should probably start immediately..." he told to himself and headed to his room in the house arrest ward.

The Beifong Residence, early afternoon

"Korra! Here you are!" Mako called when he saw the avatar heading towards him in the Beifongs' Mansion corridor.

"You seem desperate. What's wrong?" Korra asked with worries as she saw very deep wrinkle between Mako's eyes and Bolin theatrically knocking on the door while being on his knees.

"Bolin wanted to talk to Opal but Suyin and others won't let him inside the room! They are locked in there for hours!" Mako explained.

"You don't know much about wedding preparations, do you?" Korra said with smile leaving Mako confused.

"Korra! You are allowed to come here!" Suyin called from the room.

"What!?" Bolin suddenly stood up and looked at Korra. "Hoooow?!" he added and Mako tried to calm him down.

"Don't worry Bolin, you will see Opal in the evening!" Korra assured him. The door suddenly opened.

"Oh Bolin! Could you please bring us some more tea? Thank you." Suyin closed the door again before Bolin could even answer and his eye started ticking. Korra started giggling and watched the resignation expression on Mako's face.

"Women drive me crazy!" Mako said loudly and angrily walked away. Bolin was holding a teapot from Suyin and Korra gave him a soft smile.

"I will tell Opal that you can't wait to meet her..." she said and Bolin thanked her. Before coming inside Opal's room, Korra watched Bolin slowly heading to the kitchen. He always had a soft kind soul...

"Korra what took you so long?" Asami asked as the avatar entered the room full of dresses and shoes. The smell of parfume and soap was intensive in the air.

"Just some Avatar things..." Korra answered and before her partner could suspect that she's not telling the truth, Korra put a soft kiss on Asami's cheek.

...

Bolin held an empty teapot in his hands and was heading to the kitchen. The smell of delicious food was really intensive and it guided lavabender as he was lost in the big residence.

When reaching the kitchen, Bolin sighed and knocked on the door. The pirate chef Lao had full hands in this really busy day so Bolin just overheard "Get the door, please." coming from the inside.

He heard steps and shortly after the door started opening. Bolin gasped in shock when he saw his former boss and Earth Empire ruler in the doorway. "Kuvira!?" he called as the black haired woman with dark green eyes was standing in front of him.

"Bolin..." Kuvira said and saw visible nervousness and shock on her former co-worker's face. He almost dropped the teapot. After all those years, he was still scared of her.

"What are you doing here?" Bolin asked as Kuvira was scanning the teapot in his hands frowning.

"Preparing your wedding reception menu..." Kuvira answered and raised her eyebrow.

"Oh! That's nice of you I guess!" Bolin said nervously as drops of sweat were running down his forehead. Kuvira's strict glance returned many memories...

"Give me that teapot..." Kuvira said and took it from Bolin's hands. When she turned away her strict glance changed to the one she had all day, sad.

Bolin watched Kuvira as she was making tea and realized, that he never really thanked her for helping him return his memories after commander Guan brainwashed him...

"Kuvira... Thank you." Bolin said while watching her. She seemed... fragile and definitely lost weight. Her sarcasm was still present though.

"Don't thank me, tea is not a science... however I can see you causing a disaster while trying to make it. I am not putting this kitchen in danger..." Kuvira said while watching water boiling in the teapot.

"I wasn't talking about that tea." Bolin said as Kuvira was turning the stove off still not facing him. "I want to thank you for helping bringing my memories back. I couldn't be with Opal today if you weren't there. I've never actually thanked you."

Kuvira was quiet for a while. She might help Bolin but she knew the pain she caused was bigger. Bolin's first reaction when seeing her spoke for itself. She remained silent. Slowly turned around now facing Bolin.

While giving him a teapot Kuvira said: "If it wasn't for my past you would never loose your memories..."

"Kuvira that's not what I want you to think." Bolin tried to save the situation but Kuvira turned away again.

"Good luck, Bolin. I have to work." Kuvira said and before Bolin could stop her, she dissappeared in the pantry room.

The lavabender was standing in the doorway holding a teapot. He couldn't believe his eyes how much Kuvira has changed. Where once was strength and power, now was emptiness and fragility. Bolin remembered all the bad things which former great uniter did to him, his brother, his friends, his hometown... but deep down in his heart, he wanted to help her...

"Thank you and Kuvira for putting so much effort into my wedding. I appreciate it." Bolin said and the pirate chef Lao looked at him with smile on his face.

As Bolin was leaving the kitchen, the picture of Kuvira was still in his mind...

Opal's bedroom, The Beifongs Residence at the same time

"What! Toph really said that?" Asami said in surprise as she was brushing Opal's hair.

"Yes! Bolin was even more shocked than me." Opal giggled.

"What did I miss?" Korra asked with smile when she saw the girls laughing so much. Opal looked at the avatar and told her about a trip to the swamp to see her grandmother Toph who was sadly not attending the wedding.

"Grandma Toph told us she's looking forward to have her first great grand child soon!" Opal laughed again and Asami joined her. "There's no way how it could happen. Me and Bolin really want to wait a few more years. Unless Huan or twins are not hiding something from us!" she added.

"Never say never sweetie, I would really like to be a grandma." Suyin said while sitting on a sofa facing them. Opal rolled her eyes.

Korra smiled as she imagined Bolin's shocked face in that situation while Toph grinning mischievously.

"Toph likes to make people feel uncomfortable. It's just her." Korra added and sat down next to Suyin. "You look beautiful Opal." she added with admiration for Asami's work.

"It's time for the dress!" Asami said as she gave Korra a loving smile. The wedding ceremony was getting closer and closer...

Guarded house arrest ward, a few hours later

Baatar was standing in front of the small mirror in the bathroom next to his room. He saw a reflection of his freshly shaved face and his hair and beard styled. He couldn't recognize himself. The man who he saw in the mirror reminded him a lot of his past self. He swore he could see his uniform again but shook his head to get this illusion out of his head.

He tousled his styled dark hair and loose strands were now covering his forehead. He looked down and rested his hands on the sink. He really shouldn't go… but he made a promise to Opal. While taking a deep breath, Baatar looked at the dark green suit and white shirt waiting for him on the chair. It was not his uniform he reminded himself. It was burnt in flames when they took it off him in the hospital. He felt sharp pain in his chest. The memory of broken ribs and concussion felt way too real. Baatar washed his face with cold water. It will be just for a moment… he was telling to himself. He will only watch the ceremony and then disappeares.

How much he wished for this day to be over… but the sun was slowly hiding behind the sumits of the Zaofu Mountains. How much he wanted to get an image of Kuvira in white dress out of his mind.

The Beifongs Residence, early sunset

Time flew and the ceremony was soon to be started. Kuvira was arranging food on the plates and chaos took control over the kitchen. It was time…

Kuvira put loose strand of hair behind her ear when she finished decorating the last cherry dessert. Chef Lao came to her and gave her a smile. It was time to disappear before the waiters come. Her presence was not wanted.

"It's time." he said and Kuvira nodded understanig. "Perfect to the last detail as always." he added as he was admiring her work and Kuvira thanked him. Pirate chef Lao was the only one truly talking with her during all those years. Maybe the fact that he did terrible crimes in the past too made him not seeing Kuvira in the worst light. He was also kind to Kuvira during her childhood when she was Suyin's protégé.

"Good luck today." Kuvira answered and put her apron away. The sound of steps interrupted them and Kuvira looked at the direction of the door. She had to go, now before anyone can see her. Chubby chef quickly handed one plate with dessert to Kuvira catching her by surprise.

"I know this day is hard for you but I hope this helps. Now go!" Lao said quickly and Kuvira didn't even have time to say something when he rushed to the main door to give instructions to the waiters that came from the town.

Kuvira smiled softly and ran out of the kitchen. The corridor was already filled with shadows trapping her in darkness. When she suddenly heard the music playing from the outside, she looked out of the window. The wedding just started… Bolin and Opal are living their dreams together. Kuvira's heart ached. If it wasn't for her mistakes, she would be marrying her beloved Baatar tonight…

…

Baatar entered the garden as the last guest, in his dark green suit he was standing in the back hidden in the tree's shadow. He was watching beautiful Opal walking down the isle with their father. He saw many familiar faces. Guests from Republic City, BaSingSe University, Gaoling and also many investors of his father's projects.

When Opal met with Bolin under the flower arch, she quickly scanned the crowd. Baatar spontaneously waved at her from the back and saw a smile on her face. Her whole family was there for her big day.

The place was decorated with small lanterns and beautiful white flowers. They reminded him of an image that he saw in the morning…Kuvira. Every detail of her work carried her signature perfectionism and sense for art. How beautiful bride she would be…Baatar thought closing his eyes. He saw the memory of her sweet loving smile when he proposed to her, but this moment was destroyed by her to ashes. Their whole lives. Baatar opened his eyes and took a glass of Fire Nation Whiskey with ice cubes from the nearby table. He had a small sip. Why was she still in his mind? Why couldn't he forget her… Why was he seeing her in every place….

When the ceremony ended, the crowd started clapping celebrating union of Bolin and Opal. Baatar keep his promise, he was there for the ceremony but he needed to get out of here now. He put the empty glass back at the table and with fast steps he dissappeared in the shadows.

House arrest ward, The Beifongs Residence, early night

Kuvira slowly walked out of the bathroom at the end of the corridor wearing her dark green pyjama trousers, white tanktop and sage green bathrobe. Her long raven dark hair was down and still a bit wet from the shower. The corridor which was always patrolled by guards was now empty with lights turned off. Suyin had more important things for her guards to do on this special day than watching over two convicts... Kuvira thought for herself.

The dance music could be heard from the gardens and Kuvira's legs led her to the window at the end of the corridor. The platinum bars were covering the view but Kuvira still managed to see a part of the dance floor. She tightened her bathrobe around herself and lean toward the window frame.

Kuvira opened the window a bit and let the fresh air in. She saw guests dancing joyfully. She even saw a glimpse of Bolin and Opal in her white dress. They were so happy... Kuvira sighed and looked down. It could be her and Baatar dancing out there... if it wasn't for the biggest mistake of her life that took her happiness away.

At the same time, without being noticed, Baatar made his way to the house arrest ward with his hands in pockets. His steps were quiet and he stopped in the doorway when he noticed a silhouette of a woman on the other side of the corridor. He immediately knew it was Kuvira. In her light green bathrobe with her hair down facing the window. He saw that ghost of his nightmares again standing just a few meters away from him. For a little moment, a thought of revenge occurred in his mind as he removed his hands out of pockets. His hands around her neck... There were no guards after all and she didn't know about him... but this thought faded away as quickly as it came. Baatar shook his head and looked down. This was not him... He took a deep breath and looked at her again. Years passed by since he saw her face. Maybe that one glass of whiskey gave him a courage to confront her and look her in the eyes but his mind was still clear. His words left his lips without his brain knowing.

"Trying to escape, Kuvira?" familiar voice stated and Kuvira quickly turned around. Goosebumps covered her body when she heard his voice after such a long time.

"You scared me." she said quietly while Baatar was slowly walking out of the shadows closer to her in his dark green suit. Kuvira's heart was racing when light from the outside casted on his face.

"That's not an answer to my question." Baatar said with raised eyebrow. The wave of adrenalin ran trough his body when he saw her.

Kuvira froze on place surprised by his presence. "I heard the music... I just wanted to see how they're dancing." Kuvira explained when Baatar got next to her looking out of the window at the dance floor down there. He was standing so close to her that Kuvira could smell his aftershave. She always liked the scent of it. The scent of him...

"Nobody down there can really dance... " Baatar muttered and memory of him and Kuvira dancing in their train wagon to the sound of old gramophone occurred in his mind. Kuvira's elegant moves always in a rhythm that made her look like a divine being... that has a monster hidden behind her pretty face.

"They seem happy..." Kuvira said quietly as she looked out of the window again... A long silence followed when her words made Baatar frowning angrily.

"Since today's morning I can't get this one thought out of my head-" Baatar said while still looking out of the window.

"-that this was supposed to be us down there." Kuvira barely whispered, finishing the sentence instead of him. Baatar looked straight at her.

"Yes." he stated. Kuvira couldn't look him in the eyes. It was her who destroyed their relationship and broke Baatar's heart to many pieces.

Kuvira felt his angry eyes on her. She tried to put her thoughts into words. "Baatar, I would do everything to turn back time so it could be a two of us dancing out there... " she said. A soft breeze from the outside played with her hair and Baatar smelled a scent of her floral soap. Kuvira immediately closed the window and he noticed scars on her wrist... He only heard about what she did to herself. It happened when he was allowed to leave the house arrest for some time to help his father with maglev tunnel railway construction supervision. Baatar couldn't believe her words. Part of him felt anger but the other part just felt emptiness. There already was a time to decide and she made her choice. Baatar knew it well. He felt that if he died that day in Republic City and Kuvira wasn't punished, she wouldn't care about him anymore...

"I can't forgive you that, Kuvira... I can't forget what you did." he said.

"I know... " she took a deep breath. There was so much she wanted to say, and this might be the only opportunity to do so. Kuvira turned left now facing Baatar and was looking directly into his eyes. He was so close to her...Even though she saw how angry he was she had to tell him. "I just really need you to know that time we spend together was the happiest part of my life. I will never forget how we used to watch the stars from the dome's top during my night patrol, how we kissed for the first time up there... The way I felt when I saw you with that spark in your eyes while talking about science. Falling asleep while listening to your heartbeat and then watching you sleeping calmly in the morning. All those days and nights spend in our train wagon, just a two of us. I miss giving you a kiss and blanket every time you fell asleep on your chair working..." Kuvira said and her eyes never left his. Every nerve of her body awake.

When Kuvira's last words left her lips she saw that Baatar's look in his eyes again. The one which he had years ago when Kuvira told him she truly loved him too. She wanted to tell him all of it for such a long time... She wanted him to know her true feelings.

"Why are you saying all of that?" Baatar remembered all those moments Kuvira talked about but now he was convinced everything was fake.

"Because I don't want you to think you lived in lies. Baatar, everything between us was real. Our love was real. I swear." Kuvira confessed and wished so much to hold his hand, to touch him, embrace him...one more time.

Baatar was standing still, looking in her dark eyes. How vulnerable she seemed. This was Kuvira he didn't know. "You can't imagine how much I want to forget what you did to me... What you did to us. How much I wish it never happened." he reproached while getting nearer and lowering his face to hers. "How much you keep controlling me even though you have no idea about it." his breathing was heavy.

He saw her long black hair framing her face and her mouth slightly open. Her pink lips that he knew tasted like the sweetest berries. Baatar felt Kuvira's scent again. He saw the one that always drove him crazy and the eyes he would kill for. How could he still see her beauty…

Kuvira saw tension in his eyes. Robust Baatar looked very threateningly when angry. Kuvira tried to figure out his thoughts and picked up all her courage. It was now or never… "Baatar why did you come here to me, tonight?" she whispered in a calming way while reaching even closer to him on her tip toes. Vulnerability in her eyes.

"Why..." he asked quietly and Kuvira's heart skipped a beat when Baatar tilted her chin up slowly. Scanning her face like a prey.

"Why..." Kuvira whispered back in a tone she only used in their most intimate moments calming him down and seeing his pupils got wide.

Kuvira closed her eyes and risked everything. She did not let him talk anymore. She wished to kiss love of her life... one... last... time. It felt like a time stopped when their lips met in a kiss after so many years. Kuvira gave all the words and her love to this very gesture. She missed him so much...

Baatar was caught by surprise and there was a storm of thoughts in his head. He felt Kuvira's soft warm lips on his and he…did not stop her... This whole situation felt so wrong yet so good. Baatar was shocked and confused. Why was he still attracted to her after everything she did? Why can he love and hate someone at the same time? The truth was... the only thing he wanted now was her...

When Kuvira ended the kiss she felt regret in her heart. She shouldn't have done this to him. "Sorry...I shouldn't-" Kuvira whispered and saw that look in Baatar's eyes.

The mix of shock and million thoughts. She wanted to get out of his sight but what Baatar did next caught her off guard. He didn't let her finish the sentence and kissed her passionately back, placing his hands on her burning cheeks. Kuvira closed her eyes, felt butterflies in her stomach and every nerve in her body was awake. Her hands spontaneously traveled to his hair when he wrapped one of his arms around her waist pulling the two of them closer.

When the need for air separated them Kuvira opened her eyes. "Baatar... I-" Kuvira barely whispered and was afraid Baatar will do something and regret it later but she was even more worried that he'll stop kissing her.

"Shhhh..." he whispered back still with his eyes closed. "Maybe… we're doing something we both wanted for so long... - forgetting what happened." Baatar added and opened his eyes. He wanted Kuvira of his memories back again, so desperately.

Kuvira felt her heart jump and whispered his name one more time. They closed the gap between them and their lips met again. She wanted him so much. They decided to forget... for this night. Their tongues were dancing together and hands traveled their bodies.

"Out of all the women I've seen outside, none can compete with you." Baatar said his thoughts out loud while caressing Kuvira's hips. "You are so beautiful..."

His words were sending shivers down Kuvira's spine and she rested her forehead on his. "Baatar, I missed you so much..." she confesed and felt a growing bulge in Baatar's suit trousers pressing against her lower belly.

When the song playing outside in the gardens suddenly stopped, Baatar pulled away from the kiss and looked at the direction of platinum door. The guards could come in every minute to the dark corridor... but right now he couldn't care less.

"Baatar... please don't stop." Kuvira said desperately as her arms were wrapped around his neck. She didn't want this moment to end...

Baatar looked back in her eyes and saw that passionate flame in it. How gorgeous he found her. How much he wanted her... His hands traveled from her hips to her butt and Kuvira gasped when Baatar picked her up and sat her down on the window sill.

His hair was messy and Kuvira's bathrobe fell off her shoulders. Kuvira took it off and stayed only in her pyjama. Baatar's eyes found their way to Kuvira's chest and his body started reacting even more when he saw the shape of Kuvira's nipples under her tanktop.

The gap between them was closed again as Baatar wrapped his arms around Kuvira's waist and started kissing her neck. Kuvira moaned and was unbuttoning Baatar's white shirt. His skin was like a fire and so was every place on Kuvira's body where Baatar kissed her.

She leaned her head back to the closed window and was caressing Baatar's back. She removed his suit jacket and shirt. Kuvira thought she was dreaming. Feeling Baatar's love felt amazing... and she wanted to give him everything. Kuvira put his glasses up on his forehead. They looked in each other's eyes and stayed quiet for a while. No words. That flame in them spoke for itself.

Kuvira slowly took Baatar's hands from her waist and placed them on her chest. Baatar pulled her tanktop up a bit, Kuvira's skin was smooth like silk and he remembered the times in their train when he kissed every inch of her body.

The music from the outside was playing again and Kuvira started kissing Baatar's neck. During her time in the house arrest, she lost a lot of her muscle mass but this wasn't Baatar's case at all. His muscular arms and abs were toned as before...

Kuvira was caressing Baatar's muscular back and her kisses moved to his collarbone. Baatar's hands traveled down her spine and she moaned quietly when he placed his hands under the fabric of her dark green pyjama trousers.

Baatar felt the wave of excitement when he found out Kuvira is not wearing any underwear. "Mmmmm" Kuvira bited her lip when Baatar started caressing her naked butt.

Kuvira felt his boner pressing against her crotch even more. "Baatar-..." Kuvira gasped when she put her hands on Baatar's hips and was pressing him closer to her. It was a sign for him... A sign that she wants more...

"I really want you right now." Baatar whispered to her ear and Kuvira threw his belt away. They were powered by pure passion. One of Baatar's hands stayed on Kuvira's butt and his second hand traveled to her inner tigh.

Kuvira spread her legs wider and her knees started shaking. Baatar was pressing her towards the platinum bars and with the most sensual gaze Kuvira begged Baatar: "Do it...do it please..." she whispered.

Baatar was hypnotized by Kuvira's voice and beautiful dark green eyes. Her long black hair and blushing cheeks. He loved her so much once... and now she was begging him to connect their bodies and souls again. Like they used to do it before... Like nothing ever happened... Baatar's heart defeated the storm of thoughts in his brain. He knew exactly what he wishes to do... and what Kuvira likes.

He gave her very sensual look and Kuvira could hear his heartbeat. Then he kissed her lips hard and felt Kuvira's nails in his back. She gasped when Baatar's hand moved under her pyjama trousers and he inserted his long fingers inside of her already feeling the wetness...

"Ahh" Kuvira's moan was imprisoned by Baatar's kiss when his fingers started massaging bundle of nerves in her crotch.

She rested her forhead on Baatar's chest and tried to be as quiet as she could but it was very challenging. She always loved what Baatar could do with his long fingers...

Sounds which Kuvira was making drove Baatar crazy. She was moaning his name everytime his fingers got deeper inside of her. It didn't take long and Kuvira's body started shaking when she felt her orgasm getting closer. She wasn't able to say his name anymore. Her hands traveled down from Baatar's back and it rested on his hips. She wanted to give him the same pleasure he was giving her.

Kuvira looked Baatar in the eyes and kissed him hard before she placed her hand under his underwear. Baatar growled in pleasure when Kuvira started rubbing his erected penis.

Her eyes never left his and together they were trying to please each other. Kuvira sighed and her hand suddenly traveled to her own crotch where it met with Baatar's hand... Kuvira felt how wet she was and it was exactly what she needed. She started teasing herself too and when her hand was wet enough, she quickly wrapped it around Baatar's penis again. Up and down, up and down... she was rubbing him quickly and smoothly. Baatar wasn't able to speak or think... Even breathing was now challenging...

Their tempo got faster and the corridor was filled with sounds of love. Baatar's fingers were deep inside of Kuvira when he felt her tigh walls contracting strongly. She moaned loudly when strong orgasm took control over her body...

Baatar saw how her back arched and how drops of sweat were running down her neckline. His heart was racing wildly. She was so beautiful. Once the most powerful woman in the Earth Kingdom was now screaming his name.

"You're driving me crazy..." Baatar whispered seductively and Kuvira was looking at him with love in her eyes. She was breathing fastly and her chest was quickly moving up and down, they both knew what they want. They shared one more hungry kiss and Baatar picked up all their clothes from the corridor's floor. Kuvira quickly fixed her pyjama trousers and together they rushed to her room... Baatar closed the door behind them and threw their clothes on the floor, taking his shoes of feeling the texture of the beige carpet with his feet. Kuvira's room was the same size as his. Green walls, small wardrobe, bed, table and one chair. The only thing different was that all her furniture was made of wood and her bed was placed by the small window with platinum bars, trough which the light from the outside lamp was casting, instead of next to the door.

Kuvira pull him to a hungry kiss and then stepped a few steps away from him. Baatar couldn't take his eyes from her when she started undressing... He was convinced his pupils covered his green eyes totally. Kuvira's pyjama pants and tanktop fell on the floor and Baatar saw her beautiful natural form. Without metal armor, without her hair in a bun.

Baatar walked to her and they met in an embrace sharing long passionate kiss. Baatar's hands traveled south her spine massaging her butt.

"Sit down." Kuvira said and lead Baatar to her bed. He sat down at the edge while looking at Kuvira's breast. She was standing in front of him and carefully removed his glasses putting them on the bed side table. She felt butterflies in her stomach go crazy and her heart was filled with love and nervousness. The love of her life was right in front of her after five long years and she knew she had to enjoy every second of this precious moment. She put a soft kiss on the top of his head and took a deep breath when he Baatar began kissing her belly making his way up to her breasts.

Baatar's lips felt warmth of Kuvira's skin. He saw a birthmark between her breasts and on her lower belly, kissing both of them. The wave of energy ran trough his body again when Kuvira straddled him and sat down on his lap. Her hands traveled to his hair and her back arched moaning when he began teasing her nipples with his tongue.

Kuvira looked into his eyes, bited her lip in pleasure and started moving her hips, rubbing her crotch against a huge bulge in his underwear. "Holy spirits..." Baatar gasped and kissed her hard. He threw the blanket away and with a wrestling move he wrapped his arms around Kuvira turning the two of them. Kuvira was now laying on the bed under him breathing fastly with her cheeks burning and red lips full of blood from all the kisses. Locks of her hair was all over the pillow and a picture of quiet Baatar, always with books in his hands, such a brilliant mind occurred in her mind... only Kuvira knew how passionate lover with fire in his heart hides under this mask.

Kuvira felt Baatar's boner pressing against her crotch and spread her legs more for Baatar to be even closer.

Baatar saw that look in her eyes. The one she was keeping only for him in their most intimate moments. Kuvira wrapped her arms tightly around him. "Please don't stop, Baatar... please do it..." she was whispering desperately. The Great Uniter herself was begging him. Baatar looked into her dark green eyes for the last time and rested his forehead on her collarbone while pulling his trousers and underwear down to his knees. Her hands were now in his hair and Kuvira was enjoying view on Baatar's back muscles and toned butt.

Kuvira bended her knees and moaned when she felt the tip of Baatar's penis touch her entrance. Baatar understood that invitation and gave Kuvira one more passionate kiss before he moved his head, now resting his forehead on hers... One of her hands stayed on Baatar's back and the other one grabbed the sheet under them. Then... it happened...

"Mmmm." Kuvira gasped, her back arched and she pressed her head to the pillow in pleasure. She knew she had to stay as quiet as possible but it was really difficult. Her joins were white from how strongly she was holding the sheet. Baatar's breathing was heavy when his thick erected penis slid inside of her... Their bodies were connected again... after five long years apart...

Kuvira's tigh walls were adjusting around him and her chest was moving up and down quickly, her heart almost jumping out of her chest. She loved the feeling of Baatar's penis inside of her again...it was challenging to get use to his size after such a long time but it felt so amazing. She dreamed about this ever since she got back to Zaofu five years ago... She kissed Baatar lovingly and nodded, giving him permission to continue.

"You feel so good..." Baatar whispered as he felt Kuvira's soft walls tightening around him getting his name whispered by her in response. She felt even better than he remembered. His kisses made it's way to Kuvira's neck and she wrapped her legs around him.

"I wish this never ends..." Kuvira thought for herself and embraced Baatar tightly. Kuvira's little house arrest room was filled with synchronized moaning when Baatar began moving with his hips in a slow rythm. It was so pleasurable for them to be this close again. They became one...

"Spirits!" Kuvira screamed when Baatar began thursting into her harder and quicker. Loose strands of his hair were wet from sweat and the waves of energy were running trough his body. Kuvira loved the weight of Baatar's body on her own and she enjoyed it's warmth. With every move he made, he was pressing Kuvira deeper and deeper to the matresse and it perfectly portrayed how hungry they were... How much they missed each other even though their past is so painful. The bed under them was making loud sounds but they didn't care...

Kuvira had trouble breathing. She wanted to tell him how amazing she feels. How good it feels to have him so deep inside of her... But the only sounds she was able to make were gasps and moans of pleasure every time Baatar thursted inside of her... Kuvira hoped these sounds speak for themselves... She felt that wave of pleasurable tension and gasped loudly when her tigh walls started contracting around his penis. Kuvira had her second orgasm... Baatar make a few more very fast moves and then quickly pulled out. His semen landed on Kuvira's belly and breasts and he felt like all those years of tension and stress just flew away... He sat up on his heels and was watching the women of his dreams laying in front of him... every curve of her body was a work of art...

"That was so amazing, Baatar..." Kuvira was out of breath as her eyes landed on Baatar's muscular chest still moving up and down really quickly. She felt his warm semen on her body and saw how relaxed Baatar was... She loved the way he was looking at her.

Baatar managed to take a fresh hanky out of his pocket and Kuvira cleaned her belly and chest. After a while of just looking at each other enjoying climax, Kuvira slowly sat up and pulled Baatar to a long kiss. She then helped him take his trousers and underwear of. Kuvira laid back on the bed again and turned around so she was now on her belly... she gave him a look that said it all...

Baatar lowered himself to her and put a soft kiss on her back. He enjoyed Kuvira's sounds of pleasure when he entered her from behind and started hitting that very sensitive spot inside of her in a different angle. The image of his penis disappearing between Kuvira's buttcheeks drove him crazy. This was one of their favorite positions back then... and it felt so good. It didn't take long and Kuvira had an orgasm again followed by Baatar's semen landing on her back...

They felt like their energy was infinite. Like the time didn't matter anymore... Baatar was hypnotized by Kuvira's bouncing breasts when she straddled him pressings palms of her hands to his chest. His hands traveling her thighs and breast. Kuvira moving in a rhythm of a song that played outside while having his full length inside of her... Moaning his name like a prayer... Kuvira falling down on the bed next to him when her next orgasm took full control over her body.

She closed her eyes, felt the mattresse lower next to her meaning that Baatar was getting on the top of her laying his head on her chest..."Mmmm" She opened her eyes and was caressing his hair lovingly when he started putting gentle kisses on her breast and nipples.

Baatar felt so comfortable, he listened to Kuvira's hearbeat while she was playing with his hair. He loved her scent... One of his hands was caressing her outer thigh. He felt butterflies in his stomach when Kuvira put a soft kiss on the top of his head. It was very pleasurable…

Kuvira felt happiness. This moment which they shared was so intimate, not that purely physical like the ones before. Kuvira was watching Baatar with soft smile without him knowing while he was resting on her chest. After she kissed his head Baatar looked her in her dark green eyes not saying a word. The light from the garden lamp was giving golden tone to it and her black hair was glossy.

Their lips met in a soft kiss and Kuvira wrapped her arms around him with a moan when he slid into her one more time. She was loving his closeness and rested her forehead on his when their hips started moving in a synchronized slow rhythm. This time, it was not rushed. It was very sensual. Kuvira felt so much love for him...

Baatar closed his eyes and felt butterflies in his stomach go even wilder, he knew he was very close... He slowly thrusted deeper into Kuvira and wanted to prolong the moment... Everything seemed so good... until Kuvira's words left her mouth...

"I love you, Baatar..." Kuvira whispered to his ear putting her happiness into words not knowing how big mistake it was... Baatar suddenly froze and his body was full of tension. These were the words she told him before firing at him with the spirit canon. These were the words that she said before she decided to sacrifice him, to abandon him, to kill him.

"What did you said..." Baatar muttered and felt sudden sharp headache. He opened his eyes, his pupils being at their smallest size. The memory of energy blast, explosion, the warehouse falling to ground, his ribs being broken, his concussion, the betrayal occurred to him like a living image...

"Baatar..." Kuvira said quietly and was worried about him. What have she done... She ruined everything again.

He lost control. Baatar couldn't look her in the eyes and pulled out. He began getting of Kuvira as quickly as he could. It seemed like he was blinded. Back in Republic City. It seemed like he felt all the injuries again and was in so much pain.

Kuvira's heart broke. The moment of happiness turned into nightmare in just a few seconds. She lost Baatar... again. "No! She wouldn't!" Baatar suddenly called and was pulling his hair while sitting on the side of the bed. Naked Kuvira sat up and wanted to carefully put her hand on Baatar's back in comforting way but he pushed her away from him strongly. "Don't touch me! You are a murderer!" he called and stood up, taking his trousers back on. His flashback took full control over him and he had a panic attack. He was afraid of her.

Kuvira fell hard down on the bed and was trying to support her weight with her elbows to get back up. Tears were forming in her eyes. She was a monster in Baatar's eyes... And he was right. How naive she was to think that the old wounds can disappear...

Baatar quickly picked up his glasses and all his clothes. He felt dizzy and his heart was beating fastly. He couldn't breathe. He had to get out of here... Immediately... What have he done...

"Baatar please don't go! I am so sorry! I didn't mean to do this to you!" Kuvira tried to stop him desperately. "I need you!" she added while tears started forming in her eyes but Baatar didn't even looked at her.

Kuvira managed to get up and picked her bathrobe up from the floor to cover her naked body. She ran out of the room trying to stop and comfort Baatar. She was worried he will do something to himself, but the door of his room was locked. "Baatar please open! Please don't leave me!" Kuvira cried while trying to get inside. "I can't be without you!"

"Go away you liar!" You are trying to kill me!" Baatar called from inside covering his ears. He heard the sound of spirit blast, the sound of falling debris. He ran to the small bathroom that was connected to his room and let the cold water from the faucet flow down on his head. He had to get these sounds and hallucinations out of his head. This never happened to him before.

"Baatar! I don't want to hurt you!" Kuvira broke down resting her forehead on his door knocking. "No..." she sobbed placing her hands on the door in resignation after long minutes. Kuvira hated herself. She hated herself for what she did. She felt emptiness again... "I am so sorry I didn't value your love enough when I should..." Kuvira gasped and covered her face. She turned around now leaning her back towards the door sliding on the ground. "I am so sorry..." Kuvira whispered and put her hands on her chest where her broken heart was... It felt like her heart stopped. Baatar was gone again... Kuvira's sobbing filled the corridor as she was sitting on the floor. She was broken.

….

Long time passed and Kuvira slowly got up, her legs carried her to the bathroom at the end of the corridor. Kuvira entered the shower and warm water with tears started running down her body. Her eyes was closed. How naive it was to think that they would be together again, Kuvira thought. She could still feel his presence. Her hand moved to her lower belly and she sighed, it felt a bit sore inside from what they did together after years…

When hot water ran out, Kuvira returned to her room, Baatar's door was widely open. It was clear that he left the house arrest ward...

In her room, Kuvira took on fresh grey sleeveless knee-length sleepgown and got in her bed. Laying on her belly while quietly sobbing to the pillow she could still feel the smell of Baatar's aftershave from the pillow... but the empty cold space he left behind himself was breaking Kuvira's heart... she lost him again.

Even though the music from outside was loud, Kuvira cried herself to sleep. How much she wished everything was just a bad dream.

…

Back in his dark green suit, Baatar was rushing back to the wedding reception. His mind was slowly clearing but he felt the deamons following him everywhere. Kuvira did what she did and it brought back painful memories but he hated himself for what he had done. Reaching back to her was such a wrong idea… At first it felt so good but everything changed in one second. Baatar was angry at himself that he left her just like that, like she was just a thing he used…But now, he knew he couldn't look at her and event talk to her again. He had to get her out of his life…

Early Morning, the next day in the Beifongs' Residence

Kuvira didn't sleep well and nightmare woke her up in early hours. She felt like a ghost walking in the corridors of the residence that was all quiet after the wedding party. Her steps led her to the kitchen like every day, where there surely is a lot of work to do after yesterday...

When Kuvira entered the kitchen full of dirty dishes and mess, the pirate chef was nowhere to be found... Kuvira sat down to a chair by the small table and sighed. She was looking at her hands that were caressing Baatar just a few hours back.

While beiing lost in her thoughts, chef Lao entered the kitchen and Kuvira stood up trying to hide her feelings.

"Where have you been?" Kuvira asked impatiently while frowning.

"Good morning to you as well, Kuvira." he said and Kuvira apologized, it doesn't matter anyway. She looked away as Lao suddenly continued. "I was packing some food for Baatar Junior, he traveled to BaSingSe an hour ago."

His words caught Kuvira's attention."He's gone…?" she asked and turned back at him. She knew he left because of her.

"Yes, at the wedding, an old friend from university gave Baatar Senior an offer to work on something in BaSingSe." Lao said and started washing the dishes.

"And Baatar Senior accepted it?" Kuvira asked.

"He did not, but Baatar Junior did. Early in the morning he made a deal with the investor and asked president Zhu Li for permission to leave the house arrest and work on the project…" Lao added and Kuvira felt even bigger emptiness. Baatar couldn't even look at her again. He left because of what happened…

"When is he returning?" Kuvira asked quietly and Lao looked at her.

"He didn't say..." pirate chef said and could tell Kuvira is feeling down even though she didn't show it. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course." Kuvira lied. "I hope he will be happy there…" she added as her world broke into many pieces…

Chapter Text

Zaofu, late afternoon, 6 weeks after Bolin's and Opal's wedding

Weeks passed by and autumn winds were slowly coming to Zaofu. Flowers in the garden began loosing blooms and cold mornings turned their stems brown. The leaves started changing colors and summer said it's goodbye.

In her dark green gardening jumpsuit and dark green warm jacket, Kuvira was sitting on the ground, leaning her back against the apple tree in the lowest cascade of the gardens. The ground was cold to sit on but Kuvira's mind was far away.

She was watching the horizon, opened Zaofu domes and mountains. She hoped to see the airship returning from BaSingSe but it never happened. Kuvira held bright red apple in her cold hands. Baskets full of other apples that she harvested earlier were surrounding her. Soft cold breeze was playing with loose strands of her hairbun.

It was six weeks since Baatar left and she heard no word about him. Kuvira still had to think about what happened between them that night... How amazing it started and how badly it ended. The image of Baatar's panic attack, how he was scared of her... She was a dangerous monster in his eyes and he didn't want to see her again. All the feelings he might still have for her were destroyed that night. She just wanted to say how she feels... not knowing which painful memories her words would bring.

The wind grew stronger and it was getting late, Kuvira knew she won't see the airship today... same like many days before. She slowly stood up and sighed. She felt so exhausted. She picked up the baskets with apples and carried them to the greenhouse. She would find a better place to store it later.

Since Baatar left, Kuvira lost will to do more than she has to. She felt her depression strike back in a strong way and some days, she barely could make herself to get out of the bed. There was not a reason... There was nothing and no one to get up for. Back then she could at least have a hope to see him... for a little while from a far.

Kuvira put loose strands of hair behind her ears and headed back to the residence leaving the greenhouse. She ate her dinner quietly in the kitchen while chef Lao was finishing cooking dinner for the Beifongs. He tried to chat with Kuvira but she only gave short answers as she was warming her hands with a cup of tea.

When the domes began to close, her legs carried her back to the house arrest ward. Baatar's door was closed and the place felt so empty without him... The guards weren't even patrolling the place anymore, they just guarded the entrance to the house arrest ward... She felt like a ghost.

Kuvira went straight to the bathroom and let her clothes fell on the floor. Warm water drops were running down her body relaxing her sore muscles and in her memories, she was thinking about Baatar's warm lips and tight embrace.

Some time later, Kuvira got to her room in her dark green long sleeved pyjama. The sound of strong wind hitting the domes was filling the place. The gale was coming.

As it began to rain, Kuvira climbed on the bed and tucked herself with blanket. She turned the lamp off and wondered what Baatar was doing. Sleeping... working...? She wished to talk to him... But there was one thing she knew for sure, Baatar was as far away from her as he could.

...

BaSingSe, at the same time

It was windy night in BaSingSe's Outer Ring and the construction zone was empty after a long day. Workers returned to their families for the night and a few of them who stayed were sleeping in metal tents.

Baatar had one small tent for himself. It reminded him a lot of military tents which they were using during Earth Empire era. But this one was much smaller with only a bed, table and drawing board with blueprints.

The wind was strong and it's contact with the tent was causing loud sounds. Baatar was laying on the tent cot in his dark green sleeping sweatpants trying to fall asleep but his mind was too awake. His arms were behind his neck and the glasses was already on the table.

There were many sleepless nights since he left Zaofu because every time Baatar closed his eyes, he saw her... He was seeing how he reached out to her in the corridor, how she lowered to kiss him in the bed while straddling him, how pretty she was... But then he saw how she suddenly turned into a threat. Like she was trying to kill him again...

During the day, he would keep his mind busy with work but at night, his thoughts were haunting him. He didn't know what to do... When he arrived in BaSingSe immediately after the incident, he tried to find solution in the bottle of alcohol... but it made things even worse. One night, he even tried to find comfort in the arms of a different woman...

BaSingSe, 3 weeks ago

The music was playing loud and old Outer Ring pub in BaSingSe was full of people. Mostly construction workers looking for distraction after long day at work.

Baatar was sitting on a bar stool with a glass of Fire Nation rum in his hand. The ice in it was almost melted because Baatar realized it won't help him solve his problems. Not anymore. His hair grew back on his temples where it used to be shaved and his short beard was now covering his whole jaw. It was far from neat military haircut that made him recognizable.

After long days of working on the new Outer Ring infrastructure with his father's colleague, Baatar felt the need to relax his thoughts. Or at least finally forget the woman who is still occupying his mind after everything that happened between them...

Baatar knew she's locked up in Zaofu. Far away from him. He couldn't understand why are spirits still causing their lives to collide. They should have never seen each other again. He should have hate her... not sleep with her. Baatar took a big sip of strong alcohol. His thoughts were still returning to that night few weeks ago... Could be all the love she gave him at least a bit real? Or was it just an act. Would she be willing to sacrifice him in a second like before? How could she love someone and at the same time try to kill him...

Baatar felt cold and bitter against her...

Suddenly, the light went off at the pub and the crowd began cheering. Baatar was disturbed from his thoughts. The dance music started to play and Baatar looked at the little dance floor on the other side of the pub. Four female dancers in costumes appeared and started dancing in the fast music's rhythm which made men by the front tables very excited. They surely liked the show...

Baatar watched the performance for a while but then turned his sight back to the glass. Only one dancer had a special place in his heart once and none of those at the pub could ever be as good as her...

"You don't like the show?" the barman asked Baatar with raised eyebrow as he was making drinks for other people.

"You call this a dance?" Baatar muttered and took another sip of his rum.

"Who told you they are dancers!" the barman said and laughed. Baatar suddenly understood what the man with tattooed arms said. "You can have them if you still have money left!" he joked and handed the drinks to the waiter.

"I am not interested in this kind of girls." Baatar said and frowned. He put his drink away and wanted to get out. Of course he missed the intimate moments he had with Kuvira but this activity was currently the last thing in his head. However, he would lie to himself if he claimed he's not thinking about his former fiancée from time to time. In this way... And now after what happened, these thoughts felt even more realistic.

"Don't try to fool me, every guy in this pub is here for just one thing..." the barman said and took away Baatar's glass. "You seem like someone who's been wanting a woman for way too long!"

"That's none of your business..." Baatar answered and was about to leave. He was not supposed to be there anyway... When taking on his jacket, the crowd started cheering once again. It caught Baatar's attention and he looked at the stage once more. Right when the fifth dancer showed up... His pupils got wide.

The dancer had long raven black hair, dark green eyes and familiar jawline. Her moves were elegant apart from the other dancers... She reminded him so much of her... only the beauty mark was missing and her eyes were bigger. Spirits... Baatar froze on place and his heart was racing. He suddenly felt that impulse inside of him but why? He felt adrenaline of fear and attraction at the same time.

"Who is she..." Baatar asked the barman and he gave him mischievous smile in return. He didn't need to say anything else.

"I knew it." he said and went close to the waitress. He whispered something in her ear and she nodded. Then she walked away.

Baatar was watching her but the barman started talking again: "So we have a deal?" he laughed and handed a folded paper to Baatar. "It's her price." he added and Baatar looked at it. He nodded and took the money out of his pocket. The barman grabbed it and gave Baatar one more glass of rum.

"When you finish it, you can go upstairs... Room number seven." he said and Baatar didn't even looked at him. He wasn't happy but when he saw that fifth dancer, he felt something he just couldn't ignore. She looked so much like Kuvira... The only woman he ever loved. The queen of his deepest desires... He wanted to know if his panic attack happens again...

Without any other words, Baatar left the noisy pub and walked upstairs to the corridor with one lamp barely functioning. The room number seven was right at the end... Baatar stopped, grabbed the handle and took a deep breath. He didn't even know what he was doing. Was he that desperate to pay for a night with an unknown woman who looked like her? But what other joy he had in his life? When he returns to Zaofu he will be locked up again... With this thought in his mind, Baatar opened the door...

...

The room was small and dark. There was no window, only a small lamp on the night table. The bed was covered with green bedsheets and there was black carpet on the floor.

Baatar walked inside and closed the door. He made a few steps and looked around when he heard a woman's voice: "You're here quickly, handsome..." she said and turned on the second lamp.

At the corner of the room, the woman was sitting in the armchair only wearing black see trough bathrobe with her hair in an updo... Baatar's heart jumped and he felt goosebumps. Her voice was nothing like Kuvira's but the similarities she had with her were now even more visible.

"You like what you're seeing?" she said seductively and slowly stood up.

"I... I do." Baatar said and his pupils were now even wider.

"What's your name?" the woman asked and walked closer to him. Baatar felt tension when she started taking off his jacket.

"My name is not important." Baatar said. Everyone knows the name of a crazy scientist who invented the most dangerous weapon in the world... He has to stay an unknown stranger... He thought for himself as he could not take his eyes from her.

"My name is Eyra..." she said and Baatar took a deep breath when she started undoing lower buttons on his shirt. "but from what I feel... I think you would like me to have someone else's name, right?" she added as she took off his glasses.

"Yes..." Baatar said quietly and closed his eyes. There was no reason for claiming something else.

"Is she beautiful?" Eyra asked and Baatar was caught by surprise.

"She's... breathtaking..." Baatar confessed and the memory of Kuvira filled his mind. "You remind me of her..." he added and Eyra understood what he wanted.

"Imagine that I am her then. Call me by her name..." she whispered in the most seductive voice and rest her head on Baatar's shoulder. Her hand was caressing his muscular chest and he gasped when it moved down to his pants.

"Just sit down and watch..." Eyra said and seated shirtless Baatar to the armchair where she was sitting before.

Baatar sat down and could not say a word. He was hypnotized by Eyra's moves and body. She was standing in front of him and undid her hair bun. Long black locks fell over her shoulders and he swallowed nervously when she unwrapped her black robe. Baatar saw everything and his pupils got even wider...

"Tell me how she does it..." Eyra said and unexpectedly straddled Baatar. He felt her weight on his lap and his heart was racing. He could barely concentrate on Eyra's words when she whispered to his ear. "is she on the top of you... or she likes when you're fucking her hard..." Baatar's penis got harder. Eyra's words filled Baatar's mind with memories of Kuvira.

She got off him and slowly got down to her knees as she undid Baatar's belt. Eyra was caressing his thights and her hand found it's way to Baatar's underwear. His breathing got heavy.

"I just wanna watch you for a while." Baatar said after a minute and tightened his grip on the armrests. He caught himself wishing it was Kuvira standing in front of him... The real one... Eyra smiled at him mischievously and was looking right to his eyes.

Baatar felt his boner getting even bigger when Eyra did something unexpected. She climbed on the bed and started touching herself without breaking the eye contact with Baatar...He thought his heart would jump out of his chest.

"I miss you so much... mmmm... I feel so lonely without you..." Eyra was moaning and Baatar understood that game she was playing. She was playing Kuvira... "I wish you were here…"

Baatar couldn't hold himself anymore. He stood up and rushed to the bed. He got on the top of her and pinned her down. Then he started kissing Eyra's neck wildly. She pressed her head back to the pillow and was moaning loudly when Baatar's kisses moved to her breasts and his hand found it's way to her inner thights.

There was lust in Baatar's eyes but he felt sudden sharp pain at the same time. It felt like a betrayal. But why should he feel this way? Kuvira was the one who betrayed him in the first place... Baatar stopped kissing Eyra and froze on place. His breathing was fast. There were no birthmarks on the belly or on the breasts which he used to love so much. The voice of hers was different. Baatar realized he's just fooling himself...

Kuvira's birthmarks were like star constellations. Baatar knew everything about them and now missed them terribly. Kuvira's skin is just like the sky full of stars. She can never be replaced... This was a mistake... This wasn't the same

"No..." Baatar sighed as he got off the bed and started to dress up again.

"What's going on?" Eyra asked and sat up.

"I can't do this. I can't... Even though I hate her..." Baatar said and took on his glasses.

"You want to talk about it?" Eyra said and was now laying on her side supporting her weight with her elbow. Baatar looked back at her and said: "I don't know what I want...I am so confused by everything that I am feeling."

"What did she do to you?" Eyra asked and Baatar froze. This was very hard for him. He didn't know whether to talk to her or not. Could he trust her? Or was he just so desperate to talk to a stranger about his life... He took some time to decide.

"I... loved her, we were supposed to get married... but she betrayed me in the worst way possible..." Baatar said quietly with his eyes closed. He didn't want another panic attack with flashbacks coming again.

"She cheated on you?" Eyra asked as she was taking her bathrobe back on.

"No..." Baatar said as he was taking on his shirt.

"Then what did she do?" Eyra said with raised eyebrow. "What could hurt your ego more than that." she added in a tone that made Baatar angry. The most traumatic moment of his life didn't hurt his ego, it almost killed him...

"She chose her success over my life! In a blink of an eye! She was willing to kill me! Everything we had meant nothing to her! She was lying to me..." Baatar said angrily and Eyra's grin faded away. She watched Baatar breathing heavily while he tried to fight his memories. Eyra carefully walked to him and sat him on the edge of the bed.

"That's... that's rough..." she said and felt sorry for him. She gave him a glass of water and saw so much pain in his eyes. "But... what I don't get is why you still have feelings for her..." Eyra asked after and Baatar didn't even know if he's able to answer.

"I... I thought I would hate her forever but then I saw her again after a few months... She got her punishment and claimed she has changed but I couldn't believe her. She apologized me and tried to fix things. But I remained cold. The things she did are impossible to forgive... She knew it. And then it began...these little things...I noticed she was the one leaving the best fruit she had grown on the table for me to take. Planting my favorite flowers under my window. All these little things she was doing for me thinking that I didn't notice. Trying to find at least some way how to apologize to me... Some nights, when she had nightmares... I heard her calling my name... begging me to stay alive... to not leave her alone... " Baatar said and Eyra was carefully listening.

"I tried to avoid her as much as I could. But when I had to be close to her, back in my head I couldn't stop thinking about her. I am running away from her everytime I get a chance. Lately... some things happened and... I felt all this terrible memories again. Loving her only caused me pain. She's a monster that keeps controlling me." Baatar confessed his feelings and his hands were on his temples. It was the first time he said it out loud. Eyra was thinking about Baatar's words and was noticing his resigned gestures.

"There's something more about it. If it was just for physical attraction, you wouldn't stop in bed tonight." she stated as she was taking her bathrobe back on. "I am doing this for long enough to know..." she added and walked closer to Baatar.

"What should I do... I hate her but I can't get over her. When she's around, I catch myself thinking about her but then there's always only pain." Baatar said and looked Eyra in the eyes.

"If you are asking for my advice then find someone new... There's plenty of fish in the sea so catch one. Let someone new into your life. If you'll be able to forget her, then you have your answer...and if not..." Eyra said and Baatar stood up. "One thing is for sure. You have to confront her and end all of this immediately. She tried to kill you for spirits' sake!" Eyra added strictly.

"You are right..." Baatar said after a while. "I have to face her and put an end to all of this. For good... " with these words Baatar got up and put on rest of his clothes. "Thank you for your advice..." he added and left the room leaving Eyra alone. There was no reason to stay here any longer.

"Shame." Eyra said when the door closed behind him and she couldn't hear his steps anymore. She laid down supporting her weight with her elbow. "I could have some fun with that huge something you're hiding down there..."

...

BaSingSe, back in the present

Baatar was thinking about Eyra's words since that day. His construction contract should be ending in two days and he knew he would face Kuvira again.

But this time, he will say goodbye to her forever... There's no other option. He has to be hard on her. He had to put end to all of this.

He closed his eyes. "You have no power over me anymore." Baatar said and was preparing for a moment when he will see her again. It won't be nice...

The Beifongs' Residence, Zaofu, two days later

It was late afternoon and soft drizzle with dark, cloudy sky was keeping Kuvira in the greenhouse all day. The vegetables and flowers that she planted after the wedding needed her attention and so were apples that she harvested two days ago.

The greenhouse was warm and Kuvira was wearing beige gardening jumpsuit and dark green t-shirt with long sleeves. Her hairbun was a bit messy after long day of work.

Kuvira was putting apples from baskets to wooden boxes to prepare it for storage. She barely talk to anyone in days. She felt so numb and alone without him being close...

...

At the same time, the tram coming from the airship station was heading to the Beifongs' Residence. Baatar's palms were sweaty as he was sitting on his seat watching the raindrops travel the tram's window... He was accompanied by two guards who were watching him all the time. On the outside, he had a neutral face expression but storm of thoughts was hiding behind his glasses.

"We will inform President Zhu Li that you are back under the house arrest." one of the guards said as the tram suddenly stopped at it's final destination. Baatar took a second to process that he's back there where all of it happened. He nodded at the guards.

"I know the way back." Baatar said and his legs carried him out of the tram before they could say something. There was one thing he needed to do. Immediately. Rain was falling at him and he saw a light was on at the greenhouse... and it could mean only one thing. Kuvira...

He took a deep breath. Today is going to be their end.

...

The rain became more intense and raindrops landing on the greenhouse roof made loud sound, Kuvira looked up to see the streams of rain running down the greenhouse roof. Her gaze was long and she found herself looking to the space. But suddenly, she heard the greenhouse door open and one of the apples fell down of her hand. When she looked in the direction of the door, she saw him... Baatar with his hair and black jacket wet standing in the entrance. She felt the wave of nervousness and shock in her stomach. Was he real? Or was it a just a hallucination of her own mind.

"We need to talk..." Baatar said after he picked up the apple that stopped close to where he was standing. Goosebumps covered Kuvira's skin when she heard his voice. He was real. She wanted him to be back but she wasn't ready to face him in this way... He seemed angry.

"Good afternoon to you as well..." Kuvira stated as her heart was beating fast. There was so much she wanted to say but somehow the words couldn't come out. So he started talking.

"I owe you an apology for that night." Baatar said and Kuvira felt tense while deeply looking into his eyes.

"No, it's my fault. I shouldn't have said that... I know I caused you pain..." Kuvira said while carefully coming closer to him but Baatar didn't seem to like it. "Baatar, let me start over..." she added and looked Baatar in his eyes with hopes.

"No Kuvira... This is the last time I talk to you." he stated and noticed a change in Kuvira's eyes.

"What..." Kuvira said quietly in disbelief. Last time... Her breathing began to be heavy.

"Just listen...I want to apologize for that night. I shouldn't have reached out to you in the first place and I definitely shouldn't kiss you back... I am sorry it might gave you some hopes..." he said and the look at Kuvira made his determination crashing. But he had to do it. He had to end it.

Kuvira took long to process. "All of it... meant nothing to you...?" Kuvira said as she looked away. She felt like a fool. She slept with him only to find out it was just a distraction for him.

"That's not true ... It was very... pleasurable. That night I felt happiness, the first in years.. Like during all the nights with you but it was wrong! It was a mistake! Your words woke me up drastically! I realized that it can't ever work! And I am sorry that it happened!" Baatar claimed.

Baatar's words were hurting Kuvira as knives. "I opened up to you! I let you...! I thought... " she said and deamons of her past were eating her alive.

"I know...I am so sorry for that. I didn't act as a gentleman that night. I shouldn't kiss you back nor talk to you... For a little while I thought it might could work but..." he stopped his sentence here. "I don't want you to think that I took advantage of you or that I used you." Baatar said and Kuvira snapped.

"You think I would let you use me!? I wanted it! I wanted you, Baatar! So badly!" Kuvira called and felt sharp headache as her blood was boiling. Loud rain made their argument private.

"Kuvira stop... It's over!" Baatar called and it made Kuvira even more tore apart and angry.

"I thought you wanted to work on us! I thought at the end it meant something more to you!" she argued.

"I loved you Kuvira! With all of my heart! I gave you everything! EVERYTHING! I 've been working on us for years and you destroyed me! You destroyed us! I regret that I touched you that night! I feel bad for seducing you!" Baatar argued back and his heart rate was very high.

"You wouldn't be breathing in a second, if I didn't want you to touch me! I wouldn't hesitate to end your life!" Kuvira screamed in rage and immediately saw Baatar's face turn pale. She realized what she said...

"I…. I know you wouldn't... That's everything I needed to hear..." Baatar said and Kuvira knew she ruined everything... again. He turned around and wanted to leave the place.

"Baatar wait! I didn't mean to-" Kuvira tried to stop him as she touched his arm but it made him much more angry.

"Yes I know exactly what you meant! I know who you are! Don't ever talk to me again! Get out of my life!" his voice was now very loud and Kuvira felt a big wave of anxiety. His words turned into physical pain.

Kuvira's heart was aching as she watched him leave. She stood there still and tear started running down her cheek uncontrollably as he slammed the door behind him. Her tough shell collapsed like a house of cards. The domes closed because of heavy rain and the place was suddenly filled with dead quiet.

She couldn't hold it inside anymore. Her sobbing became so hard that Kuvira could barely breathe and it made her stomach ache. She fell on her knees and covered her face with her hands. Why she has to ruin everything? She was asking herself. Kuvira tried to dry her tears with her sleeve and gasped. She felt so bad, that she ended up running close to the floor drain that was under the tap by watering cans. She fell down to her knees shaking as she started vomiting from anxiety.

She felt like she can't take it anymore. She felt like spirits sent a curse at her the day she was born... she was made to suffer.

Chapter Text

Zaofu, the Beifongs' Residence, a few days after Baatar's return

It was early cold morning in the fall and the domes above the city of Zaofu opened just a while ago. Barely any leaves now stayed on the twigs and hoarfrost covered the garden. Winter was always fastly coming to the Zaofu mountains.

Kuvira was in her bed, laying in a fetus position facing the wall. She didn't know for how long she was awake but hearing changing guards from outside gave her an idea that she's been looking emptily at the wall for long enough.

It was a week since the argument she had with Baatar in the greenhouse and Kuvira was so angry at herself. How could she say those words to him?...Again….after everything that happened. She hated herself and felt so unwell. Everything she does just hurts Baatar even more. She still couldn't control her temper when being trapped in the corner. Her body was giving up from all the stress... She tightened her duvet closer to her body. Every thought of the argument made her heart rate go up. His words were so hurtful to her as well...

The days were long but felt empty, Kuvira wasn't allowed to leave the house arrest ward since the second day after the argument because the Beifongs were hosting guests in the residence. She was trapped in there with her thoughts, she wasn't sure she could carry on anymore... The pain coming from her head was going through her heart and stomach down to her tip toes. She couldn't cope with the fact that it's definitely over... Baatar put an end to everything and Kuvira had no longer the reason to live... someone to live for…

Thoughts of ending it all were stronger than ever... Kuvira's dark green eyes were looking at the scars on her wrist. The way out was so easy... She already did it once... but they found her too early. If she disappears forever then she won't be able to hurt him again... to hurt anyone ever again.

The knocking on the door disturbed Kuvira's thoughts and she slowly sat up. She was wearing her daily clothes as she didn´t have energy to change to her pyjama yesterday evening. With her messy low hairbun she went to open the door.

"Breakfast is here!" Lao announced holding a tray as Kuvira was standing in the doorway. There was a little kettle with tea and bowl of stir fried rice with eggs and vegetable.

"Good morning." Kuvira took a tray from old pirate chef and went to put it on the table. Cold mask on her face.

"Just one more day and you can go outside again!" Lao announced with smile and Kuvira looked back at him. He was the only one who didn't treat her as a burden... "Feeding five more people without your help is a challenge." he added and scratched his bald head.

"How are they like?" Kuvira asked and discretely tightened her grip on the edge of the table as her headache came in a wave.

"Those scholars seem to like Zaofu a lot. I can say they are impressed by the infrastructure and have questions all the time. They are also very hungry! Suyin joked yesterday that it's like having five more Baatars in the house." Lao laughed and Kuvira looked away. Lao realized Baatar is a sensitive topic for Kuvira and his smile faded away. "I should go. I have a lot of work. I'll be back with your lunch." he said nervously.

"Thank you." Kuvira said and watched how pirate chef closed the door. When she couldn't hear his steps anymore, Kuvira sat down on the chair and sighed. After a while, she took a sip of green tea and began staring at the door in front of her with sadness in her eyes. Kuvira didn´t hear Lao bringing breakfast to Baatar as well. He wasn´t even returning to his room for the night anymore… She knew it's because of her. Kuvira looked down at her breakfast but her stomach ached when she even thought about eating. Her body didn't want more food to keep going... It was giving up.

Kuvira looked at the window. The sunlight was casting through it and Kuvira made her decision. The one she had on her mind for a long time. She looked back at scars on her wrist and decided that this was the last time she sees sunrise...
----------------

Noon, the Beifongs' Residence

Baatar was sitting in his study starring at blueprints with dark circles under his eyes. He didn´t draw a single line in hours. During the last week, he was de facto living in here. He needed to isolate from Kuvira as much as he could. Her words hurt him like knives and he was in a very dark place again. "I wouldn't hesitate to end your life..." Kuvira's words from the greenhouse kept haunting him. She would get rid of him again... That's who she truly is.

Baatar sighed and massaged his temples. He wanted to get her out of his mind so badly. He was already planning on going to the kitchen in the evening and taking another bottle or two of any liquor he could find. He wanted to feel numb. He wanted to forget her.

Suddenly, his thoughts were disturbed when he heard familiar knocking. "Come in." he said emptily and watched Baatar Senior enter the study. "Father" he stated.

"Hello, Baatar." Baatar Senior said and walked closer to his son's table.

"What's going on?" Baatar asked his father while reorganizing blueprints on the table.

"I came here with an offer." his father said and Baatar looked back at him with a glimpse of hope in his eyes.

"I can finally work in the maglev factory?!" Baatar asked wishing for positive answer. He wanted to work there for so long. Beifongs´ patent for maglev trains construction gave Zaofu a factory that was built in a new city lotus next to airship station. Baatar wanted to do any kind of job there just to get out of this place… but his father´s face told him that he could throw his hopes away…

"Baatar you know it´s not possible…I am aware of how much you want to work there while your designs are coming to life but people wouldn´t carry it well… We can send you to BaSingSe or other remote areas from time to time but people here know you…It wouldn´t end well… Zhu Li and King Wu gave us a huge favor that you could be sentenced to house arrest. If people see you out there… It´s still too soon." Baatar Senior explained the situation to his son.

"Why are you here then?" dissapointed Baatar asked with zero emotions in his voice.

"Students would like to meet you, Baatar." his father said trying to cheer him up but Baatar frowned.

"They want to see a wreck of a criminal?" Baatar stated with disgust as he stood up. Just a second ago he heard how nobody wants to see him.

"That's not true, Baatar... I wouldn't tell you about it if I wasn't sure they want to learn new things. Nobody knows maglev trains and railway like you. You are the most competent person who can educate them about it. It would just be a private lesson here in your study." Baatar Senior tried to convince his son while resting his hands on his shoulders in comforting way. This gesture made Baatar relax a bit. He was looking in his father's eyes and was wondering how he was able to forgive him everything. All the bad things he had done. They say you forgive everything to your child...

"I am not sure it´s a good idea..." Baatar said and looked down.

"It's gonna be a good change. You are closed in here alone long days. It´s not the factory but it is at least something." his father tried to convince him and Baatar saw enthusiasm in his eyes. After a while of thinking things through he finally agreed.

"Okay... They can come here in the evening..." Baatar said and smile appeared on his father's face.

"Thank you Baatar. I am sure your experience will give them a lot and their presence will help you too." Baatar Senior said and left to arrange the meeting.

Baatar sighed and sat down again. He immediately regretted his decision but he wanted to do it. For his father... He owed him a lot.

...

At the same time, Kuvira was laying in bed in her room starring at the ceiling. Her heart was empty and numb... She only waited till night to finally stop all of this.

She wished to see her greenhouse again but knew guards wouldn't let her. The last memory of that place stays a fight with Baatar. Kuvira closed her eyes and with her fingers felt the texture of bedsheets under her. It was in this bed where she felt the emotion of love and happiness for the last time. Where her and Baatar were together. When hers and Baatar's body connected and they were laying in tight embrace. Kissing passionately while their skin was on fire. What happened afterwards was haunting Kuvira till this day.

If only she didn't make so many bad decisions in her life... Everything could be different...

But all the events of their lives let two broken people behind.
-------------

Zaofu, the Beifongs' residence, early evening

Baatar was nervously walking around in his study as he was waiting for students to show up. His palms were sweaty and his heartbeat fast. He could really use a glass of Fire Nation rum to numb him a bit but all the bottles were locked in the kitchen and the chef was still in there.

"Remember... You will only talk about engineering and maglev trains. You can do it." Baatar was telling himself. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "It's gonna be okay."

Baatar was trying to calm down but the knocking on the door some time later still covered his arms with goosebumps.

"Come in!" Baatar called as he opened his eyes.

Four students together with Baatar Senior entered the study and Baatar greeted them. It took all his strength not to run away from the place. Four male students sat down on the green sofas in the corner and the fifth female student that entered the study as the last one caught his attention. She had shoulder length raven black hair with braided crown, light green eyes and very sweet smile. She was wearing light green long sleeved knee length wrapping dress and darker green tight trousers.

"Dayiu, here you are. I was just telling the boys earlier that all the projects of five smaller domes that surround Central dome of Zaofu were named after my five children." Baatar Senior said and showed her where to sit.

"Oh that is very interesting. I am sorry for the delay Mr Beifong." Dayiu apologized as she sat down next to her classmate. Baatar was surprised by her soft voice and repeated her name in his mind Dayiu. Such a nice name he thought for himself.

"That's okay." Baatar Senior said and walked closer to his son. "Baatar, let me introduce you to the best architecture and engineering graduates from BaSingSe University. From the left Hayato, Wan, Atis, Lee and Dayiu" his father added and Baatar nodded.

"Very nice to meet you." Baatar said and felt a bit nervous as students' eyes were scanning him.

"This is my son Baatar Jr. Beifong, father of the maglev industry." his father announced proudly and Baatar felt bad. "and the industry of deadly weapons..." Baatar added in his mind. He is not supposed to be celebrated like this... His biggest success was overshadowed by his war crimes.

"Stop it, dad." Baatar said quietly under his breath but Baatar Senior didn't understand. His hearing got worse with age and Baatar felt uncomfortable. His eyes were looking around the room to find a way out of this situation but it landed on Dayiu. She gave him a soft smile of support and Baatar felt something unexpected. Butterflies in his stomach.

"Shall we begin?" Baatar Senior said and Baatar nodded. He wanted it to be over as soon as possible. Baatar took a deep breath and began talking.

"You are currently sitting in the room where first maglev tests were performed and where an idea itself of the fastest railway system firstly occurred..."

Baatar was talking about maglev experiments, first prototypes and construction of railway in the Earth Kingdom and Fire Nation. He was showing students old blueprints and demonstrated how the railway works on a little model... The domes started closing when Baatar finished his speech and was surprised when students began clapping.

"Very good, son! I believe it's time for questions at the end!" Baatar Senior said with excitement and one student immediately asked.

"Till this day, the Earth Serpent remains the most breathtaking and majestic bridge in the world. What inspired designs of this technological wonder?" Hayato asked and Baatar was surprised by his question and interest. The Earth Serpent was his only aesthetical bridge design and it was built during Earth Empire era. The memory of the bridge brought flashback to his mind...
-------

Yu Dao Valley, 7 years ago

The day has finally come, years of work led to the grand reveal of the biggest railway bridge of the Earth Empire and the whole world. It would connect the Empire to the United Republic of Nations and would also have a key role for future invasion to Republic City.

It was called by different names. Some called it the Empire Gate, others the Earth Serpent... but for the one who created the bridge from the first lines on the blueprints... The bridge carried a name of his muse. He dedicated the bridge to his beloved fiancee. Kuvira...

Suspension bridge with monumental curves and arches. Made out of the finest metals and decorated with traditional ornaments carved into the arches. Towering above the canyon that stopped Fire Nation armies from invasion more than 100 years ago. Technical wonder created by Baatar Beifong Jr. The second in command of the Earth Empire and the head of technological division. His designs were always practical, he rarely added the touch of art into them. That was always his father's job. But this time, Baatar was on his own. And he found inspiration in his love. More specifically in a way she always slept in their bed after a passionate night. Surrounded by pillows and blankets. Her naked body resting on fern green bedsheets. Her arms resting on the pillow framing her face.

...

"Baatar, that bridge is beautiful." Kuvira said while standing in front of the drawing board in their private wagon. The bridge was wonderful on a blueprint and even more beautiful when she saw it for the first time in person today. It was late evening after grand reveal and Kuvira was wearing her dark green bathrobe while her black hair locks were down covering her back.

"I am glad you like it." Baatar said with smile as he walked out of the bathroom heading closer to her in his dark green pyjama trousers. He was standing behind her and felt butterflies in his stomach when he realized Kuvira is in the mood for a romantic night. She reached out to his arms and wrapped them around her waist. Baatar felt excitement and hugged Kuvira lovingly from behind.

"It's rare to see you so artsy." Kuvira said and looked at him over her shoulder with mischievous smile.

"That's because you inspired me." Baatar said and rested his chin on her shoulder. Kuvira felt butterflies in her stomach in return. She always loved when they could share their closeness behind the closed door. And she liked how shy Baatar always was in a cute way before he made the next move.

"I inspired all of this? How" Kuvira asked as she was scanning the blueprint in front of her with her dark green eyes.

"Do you really want to know?" Baatar whispered in her ear timidly.

"Tell me." Kuvira answered and looked at him over her shoulder with passion in her eyes teasing him.

"It's better when I show you." Baatar said and felt exciting nervousness as one of his hands traveled from Kuvira's waist to her cheek gently caressing it. Kuvira's stomach butterflies were flying like crazy.

"The first bridge arch, the smallest...the one that carries your smile." Baatar whispered and Kuvira's heartbeat got faster. "The second arch, the inverted one. The one I love to kiss..." Baatar continued as his hand moved to her shoulder and he put a very passionate kiss on her neck. "The third round arch, the bigger one. The one that's hiding your heart." Baatar unwrapped Kuvira's bathrobe and his hands traveled to her breasts. Kuvira moaned when he massaged it and arched her back. "The fourth arch, the inverted one, the one I always tickle." Baatar continued as his fingers traveled down her spine making Kuvira smile. "And finally... the fifth arch, the biggest..." Baatar's hands traveled to Kuvira's hips and buttcheeks. She pressed her butt against his crotch and felt a huge bulge.

"The one I want you to be in." Kuvira finished the sentence for him and turned around looking into his eyes. She put passionate kiss on Baatar's lips and wrapped her arms around his neck. Baatar felt how Kuvira´s bare chest touched his and he started undoing his pyjama trousers desperately. "Baatar..." Kuvira moaned when Baatar picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him.

Baatar carried her and together they climbed on the bed, making out lovingly. "I take it as an approval of my bridge." Baatar said with a grin as his hand was reaching the bedside table drawer for a condom.

"Your inspiration will be our secret." Kuvira whispered with mischievous smile and pulled Baatar to kiss by grabbing his military dog tag... "I love you, Baatar. I want you." Kuvira whispered.

"I love you, Kuvira." Baatar answered before he turned the light off and they began making love as their train headed back to Gaoling... It was the last night before they began fully planning invasion to Republic City...

End of flashback
------------------

...

Baatar woke up from his flashback and emptily stated: "I was simply inspired by the Earth Kingdom's landscape. All the mountains and valleys... " He felt down again and began collecting all the blueprints from the table.

Students expected more concrete response but they accepted it. Baatar was tired and hoped they would leave already. His memory of Kuvira's Bridge hit him hard. He designed that bridge with love for her.

"More questions?" Baatar Senior asked the students with smile and Baatar wished his father would stay quiet because the next question was the one Baatar hoped to never get...

"How did you manage to control spirit vine energy? It could be a great power source for trains. It worked very effectively with weapons, didn't it?" Atis asked with serious expression and Baatar's heart began beating fastly. This was exactly of what he was afraid of when he agreed with the lecture.

"Atis?!" Dayiu said and nervously looked at her classmate signaling him to stop. Others did the same.

"I... I won't answer this question." Baatar managed to say and turned away walking back to his table.

"Why? Are you afraid we could use the energy more effectively than powering guns? Kuvira could give us another lecture. Where are you hiding her anyway?" Atis added and the mention of Kuvira was the last drop.

"Enough! Spirit energy research is strictly prohibited by law! All the documents and samples were destroyed and I advise you to not ever try to even get close to the vines!" Baatar shouted angrily at Atis and felt the veins in his temples pumping blood like crazy.

"The lecture is over." Baatar Senior said strictly and stood up. "Please leave." he added and looked at his son with worries.

Baatar turned back away and was furious. How naive it was to hope they would forget his past. That they would look at him differently. He hit the pile of blueprints on his working table and it landed all over the floor. He wanted to hit the chair as well but the feeling of hand on his shoulder made him stop.

"Leave me alone father!" he called and turned at him angrily but was caught off guard when he saw Dayiu's face instead of his father's. She was watching him with worries. Baatar's breathing was heavy and after a while of looking in her eyes he said: "I... I am sorry."

"I am sorry for what happened. Don't let Atis's words hurt you. We are very thankful that you agreed to teach us. His words were really out of line." Dayiu said calmly and Baatar's breathing slowed down.

"Thank you for thinking that but your classmate was right." Baatar stated and sighed.

"What you said about maglev technology was so interesting. You are not defined by only the bad things." Dayiu tried to comfort him and Baatar was surprised by her optimism.

"Oh I am. I am..." Baatar said and began collecting the blueprints from the ground. "I am sorry you have to see me like that it's just that I-…"

"I understand. It has to be hard. All the pressure." Dayiu said calmingly.

"I wish we could talk under better circumstances." Baatar said and stood up as he was putting his blueprints back at the table. He looked back at her. She was very pretty…

"Maybe we can... I am going home to Omashu for two weeks and then I will be returning to BaSingSe. There might be time for a short stop in Zaofu..." she said with kind smile while looking in his eyes.

"I am interested." Baatar said seriously and was surprised by his sudden answer. Dayiu nodded.

"I also have a science knowledge to share with you. But that's for another day… I have to go now." She said mysteriously and turned away leaving Baatar's study.

Strange feeling took over him. What just happened? He thought for himself. Baatar fixed position of his glasses and sat down to his chair. He felt anger, stress and something he couldn't even describe. The storm of thoughts took over him. Without realising his hands found the blueprint of The Epire Gate…. Kuvira's bridge…
----------------------------
Late night, The Beifongs' Residence

Kuvira's time has come. She wondered whether she should write some note or not... but she couldn't really think of anyone who would care. She just wanted to leave... She just wanted all of it to stop...

She was sitting on the edge of the bed still and was emptily looking at the door on the other side of the room. Nobody would find her till the morning. She had plenty of time... The only thing she needed was a sharp tool...

Kuvira heard the patrolling guards change and knew it was exactly midnight. Kuvira took a deep breath and stood up. She took a wooden cup to her hand and legs carried her out of the house arrest ward. She wanted two guards to be present.

"Where are you going? You are not allowed to leave till Sunday." guards patrolling the ward stopped her and Kuvira showed a cup to them.

"My throat is sore, I just want tea. The guests are asleep now..." Kuvira said and guards looked at each other. "Nobody will see me." she added.

"You should go with her." one of the guards said.

"It's your patrol now." the other guard said as his shift was already over.

"I can't leave the place." the first guard argued and frowned.

"Five minutes..." the second guard finally said and frowned at Kuvira.

She nodded and walked to the kitchen for one last time. First part of her plan worked. The corridors were dark and quiet. It was strange feeling to see the places where she lived for so long for the last time...

She just wished she could say final goodbye to him.

In front of the kitchen door, Kuvira decided to turn left and legs carried her to the main ward of the residence. This was the corridor that Baatar used every time when he went to eat in the kitchen so the two of them wouldn't met. She was in his territory now.

When she saw a double wing door of his study, her heart jumped. Golden light coming from under the door and from the thin gap between the two wings. He was in there...

Kuvira looked around carefully and when she knew, the guards were nowhere to be seen, she quietly walked closer to the the door. Kuvira looked trough the small gap between the two door wings with her dark green eye and saw him...

Baatar was sitting by the table in the golden light coming from a lamp. His hair was messy and he had that concentrated look on his face. He was looking at something and Kuvira's eye was looking at every detail of him. He kept her alive for many years without even realizing but now it was over. She will miss him so much.

"I love you, Baatar..." Kuvira barely whispered saying goodbye. She rested her forhead and left hand on the door. Single teardrop coming from her eye.

After a while, she took a deep breath and turned away. It was time to go... But before she could realize it, her sleeve accidentally caught onto the handle making Kuvira drop the cup on the floor...

...

Baatar was looking at the blueprint of Kuvira´s bridge that fell on the ground earlier all evening. His flashback from that day kept returning to his mind. They had it all… when Baatar suddenly heard noise coming from the corridor. It was like someone was knocking but it was so late at night...

"Who's there?" Baatar called as he directed his sight to the door but no one answered. Baatar frowned and stood up. Maybe he already went crazy from everything but he was sure he heard something.

Baatar walked across the study and opened massive double wing wooden door filling the corridor with golden light. He looked left and right but didn't see a soul. He sighed and thought he was hallucinating. Baatar went closer to the large window that was against the door and rested his hands on the sill. Little did he know Kuvira is standing less than a meter away from him hiding behind long dark green curtain.

His fingers felt the texture of the sill. They have the same one in the house arrest ward. The same window just with platinum bars added. Last time he touched the sill Kuvira was sitting on it... He remembered how they were kissing, touching and the way she leaned against the bars with moan when he put his fingers inside of her. The way her bathrobe fell over her shoulders... His heart rate went up. Why was she still in his thoughts?

Baatar took a deep breath and looked in the direction of the house arrest ward. Many memories, many feelings. Was it all fake from her side? Light in Kuvira's room was off. Everything was different now...and maybe Daiyu could be his way out of this spiral... but Kuvira was still in his mind. He wished the bridge between them was never destroyed. He knew in the moments like this…only a bottle gave him peace.

...

Kuvira was standing still behind the curtain barely breathing. She leaned her head back against the wall and saw a glimpse of Baatar's face. Her heart was racing. She saw his fingers exploring the texture of the sill and his eyes looking outside of the window.

Throughout his life, she hurt him the most. Such a precious loving soul he always was and she stabbed his heart numerous times. She wondered how he would react to her end tomorrow. Would he care? Would he be sad? Or would it be a relief... No... Kuvira thought for herself. He would realize it's because of their argument. He would blame himself for her death... and it would cause him another pain.

Kuvira never wanted to hurt him again. Never... Leaving seemed like the best option but now when looking at his sad eyes and her heart beating fast, she wasn't sure... She wanted to end everything so badly but something was telling her otherwise.

"I can't do it to you Baatar... " she thought for herself. "I promise I won't hurt you again."

When Baatar turned around and disappeared back in his study, Kuvira got from behind the curtain watching the closed door thinking about what just happened. The light coming from under the door went off and Kuvira was breathing heavily. She realized she has to get out of here immediately.

With cup in her hand Kuvira rushed to the kitchen and fill it with water, the guards won't find out it's not tea. She had to get out of there before Baatar comes...

"Five minutes exactly." one of the guards stated when she got to the house arrest ward and Kuvira thanked them. She disappeared in her room and closed the door behind herself. It was dark. She sighed in relief and drank the cup of clear water that she was holding. Her heart was racing. Suddenly so much pressure fell on her and she felt pain in her stomach. Just a few moments ago she was decided to never wake up again. Her brain had hard time supporting her body again. Realizing that this is not the end. Kuvira felt vertigo and headache. She tried to hold onto the table but her balance betrayed her and the pressure took over her. Kuvira fainted and fell on the room's floor. Her destroyed soul was lost in the world of chaos…