Winding Legacies: A 'The Legend of Korra' Rewrite

Episode 11: Kuvira's Gambit Part 1

Earth

Fire

Air

Water

Only the Avatar can master all four elements and bring balance to the world

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Bolin, Opal, Lin, and Lemaya rescued the Beifongs and Kisuta from Kuvira. Now, they are racing to Republic City to alert everyone about the Earth Empire's imminent attack. Meanwhile, Korra and Team Avatar have been preparing for just such an event. Prince Wu is leading an evacuation effort, while Asami and Varrick are creating flying mecha suits. But with Kuvira planning to strike in only two weeks, will they be ready in time?

"Today, we stand on the precipice of history. For the past three years, we have fought side-by-side to unite the Earth Empire and build a better nation for our future. But our mission is not yet complete."

Baatar twisted the rag in his hands one last time before making his way over to the old recorder. Skipping past a few minutes of Kuvira pausing and finding her footing, he let the recording play just at the end of her speech. "There is a grave injustice that must be corrected. As you all know, after the Hundred Year War, Avatar Aang, along with Fire Lord Zuko, stole Earth Empire land and formed the United Republic. This land belongs to the people of the Earth Empire, and it is time to take it back. Republic City will be ours."

A hushed silence followed the end of the tape. Baatar folded the wet cloth over the wrinkles of Iye's forehead, an odd expression on his face. "So, what did you think?" Coughing fitfully, it took Iye a while to regain her composure. When she did, Baatar could tell there wasn't much left of her besides her raging anger.

"I think that Kuvira should use her own words for a change," she said roughly.

Surprisingly, Baatar smiled at that. "You know better than I that she has always been motivated by others. I say you should be flattered you made such an impact."

"And look where that has gotten me. Old, frail, dying. That wench used me and then tossed me aside. After all I have done for her, too." Iye tried to let out a scoff, but the motion clogged her throat. A hoarse wheeze clattered around her lungs until she was able to pass the blockage.

"You killed her parents."

"I've killed a lot of people. You don't see them lashing out like this."

Baatar removed the cloth from Iye's forehead and turned it around in his hands. If he were smart, he would have immediately tossed them to the side and begun to scrub at his hands. But part of him felt that, after everything, he should be forced to take his chance. "She's channeled her anger into a better purpose, one that will help hundreds. Removing the greedy, rotten underbelly of this world is just the first step."

"And then what? Do you plan to just follow her for the rest of eternity?" Iye finally managed an incredulous laugh. "She's been playing you, you know. Pulling strings behind the scenes, setting up situations so she can swoop in and be the hero, letting those Red Lotus pests infiltrate our ranks just to push out those who could challenge her. She can't be trusted, Baatar."

"I know."

It was a quiet confession, one that struck Iye to her core. If Baatar was honest, it struck him, too. He may not have seen it at first, but he wasn't blind. He knew Kuvira would do anything to get what she wants, and that she already had. "While I may not agree with her methods," he began carefully, keeping his voice steady, "she has brought results. I mean, look at the progress we've made with the clean energy project—"