AN: It's been what five months nearly six since I last posted an update. I can't say how happy I am to finally get this up. Unfortunately, I also can't say when the next post after this one will be.

Now this next bit is IMPORTANT. For the sake of this stories plot there will be a character death and I want this to serve as a warning now. They aren't a major or minor character and what I mean will be obvious as soon as they are introduced. I won't spoil it by revealing who it is but I also can't stop anyone from going to the end of the chapter and spoiling it for themselves.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Naruto, Legend of Korra, or anything else that might appear in this fic

Chapter 4

"Talking"
'Thinking'
(Author Notes)

Since arriving at Republic City, Korra has had breakfast with Tenzin and his family a few times now. This morning though would mark the first time that she felt things were so tense. It was the morning after Naruto and she had told Tenzin about how they, along with Mako and Bolin, witnessed Amon take a person's bending away. After such a revelation, she naturally expected things to be tense, but when she entered the dining room that morning the silence that was present had been almost suffocating. Something that shouldn't have been possible with Naruto, Ikki, and Meelo all in the same room.

Korra only needed to take her seat next to Naruto for a minute before she realized that the tension seemed to be emanating from Naruto and Tenzin. "Okay, what's wrong?" Korra eventually found herself asking after several minutes of uncomfortable silence. After the already horrible night of sleep that she had, Korra vehemently trying not to think about the cause, she was hesitant to pile more bad news on what appeared to already be a lousy morning. "I get that what we learned last night is bad. But your all acting like someone died, or something." She pointed out before her eyes widened in horror. "Don't tell me that Master Katara…" Korra began only to trail off at the end.

Everyone started at the implication, with the exception of Meelo who didn't completely understand, with Tenzin's reaction, out of everyone, being the most prominent. Spitting out his food Tenzin proceeded to cough violently for a couple of seconds before he was able to compose himself. "W-what?!" Tenzin managed to cough out, taking a drink from the cup of water that Pema offered him. "No of course not! No one's died!" He exclaimed before he took a moment to take a deep breath and letting it out. "Please Korra don't joke about such things." The airbending master pleaded.

"Whose joking?" Korra countered in a huff, internally relieved that the worst hadn't happened. If not Master Katara, then maybe her parents, or possibly someone else she knew. "With the atmosphere in this place what was I supposed to think?" She questioned her airbending teacher. "So, if no one's died what's wrong."

"Nothing is wrong." Tenzin answered calmly, if not somewhat forcefully, as he resumed eating his breakfast. "Your simply imaging things Korra."

"Right," Korra muttered sarcastically, not believing that excuse for a moment. "Fine don't tell me." The Avatar declared nonchalantly, looking off to the side, before she did a complete one-eighty a wide smile suddenly spreading across her face and her eyes shining brightly. "Naruto," Korra began, addressing the teen who had been eating his food silently ignoring the byplay that had been happening between Korra and his father. "You have to show me the airbending you did last night." She insisted. "I never heard of airbending like that before."

Tenzin's eyes snapped to the two teens. "Absolutely not! I forbid it!" The airbending master nearly roared out, rising from his seat. Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo all flinching at their father's shout; Pema staring at her husband in concern, worried about what he might unintentionally say; Naruto fixing his father with a hard stare, but otherwise not showing any kind of reaction to his father's outburst. Korra on the other hand stared at Tenzin in befuddled surprise.

"Tenzin," Pema called out to her husband trying to calm him down.

"I will not have you learn that, that, disgraceful style of bending!" Tenzin declared before turning his sights on his eldest. "And you, Naruto, I've told you repeatedly that I don't want you using, or even developing that style." He told his son angrily.

Naruto slammed his hands onto the table, shaking the dishware that was on the table and almost causing a glass or two to topple over, as he rose from his seat directing a glare at his father. The tension mounted in the room as the two airbenders stared each other down. After a couple of minutes Naruto broke the staring contest with his father and the silence as he turned to leave. "I have to go meet Asami." Naruto muttered as he exited the room.

With a Naruto gone the tension quickly drained out of the room, Tenzin falling back into his seat heavily and letting out a big sigh. Not even a second later he felt someone smack the back of his head, hard. Massaging the back of his head Tenzin turned to the person responsible only to find Pema glaring at him. "Pema." He whined at his wife childishly.

Pema just huffed at him as she started picking up the plates, taking Tenzin's before he even had a chance to finish. "Jinora, Ikki, Meelo help me take care of the dishes, please." The brunette mother asked. At any other time, the two youngest airbenders would have put up some kind of protest but considering what the atmosphere was like at the moment they quickly complied with their mother's request.

Left alone Korra gazed at Tenzin in concern. "Tenzin," Korra began only to pause hesitantly before continuing. "What was that all about?" She questioned the man, who seemed reluctant to answer not even making eye contact with Korra. "Well?" She pressed. If things had escalated any further Korra was sure that a fight would have ensued between Naruto and Tenzin.

Tenzin let out another heavy sigh before he finally met Korra's gaze and answering. "What you have to understand Korra is that airbending out of the four elements is the most defensive in nature." Tenzin began as he explained his reasoning to the young Avatar.

Breathing heavily, with sweat trickling down his face, Naruto paused for a moment before bursting through the next set of katas for his sword style. Sunlight gleamed off the two blades as Naruto swung them through the air, flashing brightly for all of a second, almost making it look like light was dancing around him.

'Faster,' The blonde airbender thought. 'Sharper.' Even as he went through the katas Naruto concentrated on the wind that he had swirling along the blades of his swords. All the while he was trying to not let himself be distracted by what had happened at breakfast.

After leaving Naruto did as he said and met up with Asami in the city, and seeing the mood that Naruto was in Asami could pretty much guess the reason behind it. Having seen him in the same state more than once before. She didn't ask him any questions just gave him a small understanding smile before leading him around the city. Spending a couple of hours with one of his oldest friends planning out his – their – next prank and gathering supplies, between Asami shopping from store to store Naruto regulated to carrying her purchases, soon saw Naruto in a better mood then the one he was in when he first got there. Naruto eventually told Asami about the little adventure that had happened last night which led up to the events of that morning.

Asami was understandably concerned for Naruto after learning what Amon planned for all benders and what he was capable of. Though she also was trying to calm Naruto for once more having the same fight with his father.

Ultimately after calming down and telling Asami about the situation with the Fire Ferrets, Naruto said his goodbyes and returned to Air Temple Island. With Asami promising to help the Fire Ferrets out.

Since then Naruto had been practicing his bending in his little cove and this is where Korra found him. For a second Korra found herself memorized as she watched Naruto going through his stances. It didn't help that at some point of during his training the blonde had decided to take off his shirt.

It took a couple of seconds of staring at Naruto slacked jawed before Korra managed to snap herself out of her shameless staring. "Hey, Naruto!" The Avatar called out.

Naruto stopped mid-swing of one of his blades to look over at Korra, a small if not slightly strained smile on his face. "Hey Korra." Naruto returned his voice filled with slight apprehension.

Korra frowned a bit at the tension that filled the air, no matter how small it might be. "So," She began, drawing the word out. "I been talking to Tenzin. About your bending." She said, hating the way how such a simple statement caused someone like Naruto to seemingly flinch away from her. "Hey, talk to me." Korra urged him.

"What for?" Naruto replied barely keeping himself from snapping at Korra. "My old man already told you everything, right?"

Korra shook her head in response. "Well he told me a whole bunch of stuff about airbending that I guess makes sense." Korra started off. "He mentioned the history and the tradition of airbending and what it means to be an airbender, and you should know how big Tenzin is about tradition. I mean he dropped like at least three not so subtle hints about how I really shouldn't be competing in pro-bending." She stated, getting a snort from Naruto which drew a smile from Korra as well. "And since I met you nothing about you has really been all that traditional." Korra said without reproach. Korra didn't really mind especially considering that Naruto's outside the box thinking had been what helped her get through the gates. Not to mention have some fun sky diving off of Uzu. Unconventional but real fun.

Naruto sighed after a couple of seconds, sitting down on the sand near the water, Korra taking a seat next to him. The blonde bender stared into the sparkling water before finally saying something. "Someday I'm going to be the one to take over as the "leader" of the Air Nomads which means that my old man has expectations of me. To follow every teaching, tradition, and idea that were left him. But I don't want to live my life following what he expects me to be. It's not like all that stuff isn't important to me too." Naruto started. "But the things that Grandpa Aang taught my old man, what he is teaching me, are from over a hundred years ago and the world has changed so much since then. I don't want airbending to be a relic of the past. Since Grandpa Aang ended the Hundred Year war earthbenders have learned how to bend metal, once only elite firebenders could really lightningbend and now there are enough to help power all of Republic City, and waterbenders bending is so versatile it can be used in so many different ways. Not to mention bloodbending." Naruto muttered out before letting out a frustrated sigh. "It's not like I want to ignore the lessons that Grandpa Aang left behind, but I don't want to be limited by them either."

"Have you told Tenzin that?" Korra asked, thinking that was part of the reason that Tenzin might be acting so antagonistically was because he thought that Naruto was throwing away the teachings left behind by Aang.

Naruto let out another sigh. "I tried, at first." He replied. "But we always end up arguing. Now whenever its brought up he goes 'I don't want to hear another word on it.' or he gets this sour look on his face before leaving, swishing his cape over his shoulder." Naruto said as he started to calm down from the tirade that he had went on. "The hypocrite." The airbender added.

Korra nodded her head easily being able to see Tenzin doing either of those things. Actually, in the short time that she had been there she had seen him do both those things. "What do you mean?" She questioned him curiously.

"My old man created a technique based on Grandpa Aang's air scooter, the air wheel, that cuts through things." Naruto explained. "Then he talks about how my style of bending is a disgrace and an affront to airbending for doing the same thing."

Korra found herself letting out her own sigh realizing how complicated and frustrating all this was, and how irritating and annoying it must be for Naruto to deal with it constantly. "I can't really say whether either you or Tenzin is right." Korra started off. "But if this is something that you believe in then you've got my support." She told him.

Naruto gave her a smile. "Thanks, Korra." He said genuinely.

"Hey what are friends for? The least I could do is be there for a friend." Korra told him well aware that a big part of her being able to take part in pro-bending was because she had Naruto's support. "So, you're going to teach me your style of bending, right?" She asked hopefully.

"You have to learn how to airbend first." Naruto pointed out with a smirk.

Korra smirked back, glad to see some levity returned to Naruto's eyes, as he punched the blonde's shoulder. "Well let's get to practicing." The Avatar declared standing up. "I'd probably have it mastered by now if I didn't have such a lousy teacher." Korra said slyly.

Naruto followed her up. "I appreciate you trying to make me feel better, but I don't think my old man is that bad of a teacher." Naruto replied.

Korra smirked widened, as she looked at Naruto with a teasing glint in her eyes. "I was actually talking about this weirdo with yellow hair." She told him.

Naruto blinked a couple of times at Korra's response before he found himself laughing and soon enough joined by Korra.

Mako walked out of the factory where he was working part-time, to pay for the Fire Ferrets part of the pro-bending pot, his shift having just come to an end. Adjusting his scarf Mako spotted the trolley car that he needed to take about to leave. Panicked the firebender ran to reach it before it left without him. Unfortunately, in his panic he forgot basic common sense of looking both ways before crossing the street. A crash quickly followed, luckily for Mako he was only hit by a girl on a small motorbike sparing him from any serious injury.

"Oh no!" Asami shouted in alarm, hoping off her mopped. "I'm so sorry! I didn't see you!" She apologized.

Mako slowly sat up, rubbing the back of his head as he did so. "How could you not see me?!" The firebender demanded angrily, feeling rather justified in his anger since he was the one just crashed into. Even if he was partially to blame. "I mean I was ju-juss-" Mako' s tirade came to an abrupt end once Asami took off her helmet and goggles; they having obscured her before. Watching as Asami flings her hair out, watching it halo around her for a second before settling down, Mako found himself completely at a daze that had nothing to do with being crashed into. If the blush that spread across his cheeks was anything to go by. "I was, I, I. Wow." He stammered out flustered. "I was, ahem." Mako coughed into his hand trying to regain his composure.

If Asami noticed Mako's flustered state she gave no indication of it as she reached down to help him off the ground. "Are you okay?" She asked him worriedly. "Did I hurt you? I am such an idiot." Asami reprimanded herself.

Mako dusted himself off as he stood up. "Don't worry, I'm fine." He assured her. "My brother hits me harder than that every day in practice." The firebender said with a small smile trying to make light of things.

Now that she knew that the guy she hit with her mopped wasn't hurt, and now that she managed to calm down, Asami suddenly realized who she was talking to. "Wait, I recognize you. You're Mako, right? You play for the Fire Ferrets." She stated surely.

"Yeah, that's me." Mako confirmed.

Asami then realizes what else this meant as she covers her face with her hand. "I am so embarrassed." She muttered. 'I can't believe that I actually crashed into someone so soon after I said I never had. Naruto won't ever let me hear the end of it if he finds out about this.' Asami thought to herself, being able to clearly imagine the grin on Naruto's face if he ever found out about this. Peeking through her fingers, and seeing Mako just staring at her, Asami offered her hand to him. "My name's Asami." The raven-haired beauty introduced herself. "Let me make this up to you somehow." She insisted as she hummed in thought before continuing. "Uh, how about I treat you to dinner? Tomorrow night, 8 o'clock, Kuang's Cuisine." Asami decided walking back toward her moped.

"Kuang's?" Mako repeated the name of the restaurant, and their prices, registering in his mind. "I don't have any clothes nice enough for a place that classy." He admitted self-consciously.

Asami waved off Mako's concerns as she put her helmet back on. "I'll take care of that." She assured the firebender. "All you need to do is show up. So, it's a date?" The green-eyed woman questioned.

Mako nodded his head absently, a stupefied look on his face, seemingly not having much of a choice in the matter. "Uh, yeah. I guess so." Mako agreed a small smile spreading across his face. "I'll see you tomorrow night."

That night Tenzin and his family with the addition of Korra were sitting down for dinner with the exception of Pema and Naruto who were setting down the food on the table. The tense mood from that morning was no longer present, at least is wasn't as palpable as it was that morning, and they were sitting down for an enjoyable meal.

"Really Naruto." Pema said with an exasperated sigh as Naruto quickly took another plate of food from her to set on the table. "Your worse than Tenzin." She claimed. "I'm pregnant, not an invalid. I can set the food on my own."

Naruto merely grinned at her in response as he took the last plate of food, set it down, and proceeded to help the pregnant mother to her seat getting another huff from Pema. "I just want to make sure you and my new baby brother are okay and comfortable." The blonde airbender claimed before leaning in closer. "Plus, this will be a second chance at having a normal non-gross little brother." He whispered so only Pema could here.

Pema gave Naruto a scolding look. "Your brother isn't that bad." She defended, glancing at her youngest who was sitting at her side. She shivered unintentionally when she saw the long trail of mucus that was running down his nose and connected to the sleeve of his shirt when he tried to wipe it away. Looking back at Naruto, Pema saw the smug look that was on his face at his statement proven. "Oh hush," The mother said chidingly patting his cheek slightly. "You have your own odd quirks. In fact, the only one that is even remotely normal is Jinora. The rest of you take more after your father." Pema stated.

"Did you say something Pema?" Tenzin asked from where he sat at the head of the table, as he could have sworn that Pema and his oldest son had just mentioned him.

"Oh, nothing dear." Pema replied with a wave and a secretive smile drawing a raised eyebrow from Tenzin. Ultimately the airbending master decided not to concern himself with whatever they were talking about. It was probably for the best anyway.

After the last dish was set on the table and Naruto took his seat at the other end of the table next to Korra, Tenzin began to give thanks. "We are grateful for this delicious food, for happiness, for compassion, and—" Tenzin prayed offering thanks for the meal that they were about to eat. His saying of grace was cut off though by the voice of someone who he didn't want to deal with at that moment.

"I'm not interrupting, am I?" A male voice asked as he stepped into the room. Everyone turned their attention to the doorway seeing a man of water tribe decent wearing fine looking clothes and his long brown hair pulled into three individual ponytails.

Tenzin glared at the man, as he stood to face him, not at all pleased to see him after already having to deal with him earlier in the day. "This is my home, Tarrlok." Tenzin addressed the man, barely managing from outright growling at him. "We're about to eat dinner."

Tarrlok swaggered into the room with a smug smirk on his face as he looked at Tenzin before his gaze darted over towards Korra and returned back. "Good," The man proclaimed. "Because I am absolutely famished. Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, am I right?" He asked haughtily walking over to take a seat next to Korra.

"I suppose." Tenzin muttered resignedly, shrugging his shoulder helplessly when Pema gave him a disapproving look.

"But," Naruto began drawing everyone's attention. "Pema was the one that cooked dinner and she's not an airbender, so she can ask you to leave if she wants." The whisker marked airbender suggested with a sly smile.

"That's right!" Tenzin agreed instantaneously, and a tad bit to eagerly. Realizing how quick he was to agree with Naruto, Tenzin coughed a couple of times into his closed hand to compose himself. "What I mean to say is that Naruto has a point. It is ultimately Pema's decision." He knew that he was clutching at straws, but considering the look that Pema gave him just a few seconds ago he'd be willing to agree and support anything that would get him out of the proverbial doghouse. Or the sky bison stables as the case might be literally on occasion.

Tarrlok shifted his gaze from Tenzin to his wife, the annoyed look he wore at not getting things his way turned charming hoping it would help convince the pregnant women to invite him to dinner.

Pema smiled pleasantly at the man, raising his hopes. "Please take care of whatever business that brought you to our home councilmen and leave so my family and I can enjoy our dinner." Pema said as politely as possible with a smile. Despite how well-mannered Pema was acting it was clearly obvious that the woman wanted the councilmen to leave as soon as possible.

Being a politician Tarrlok was able to school his features so that he wasn't openly scowling at the woman, though the charming smile he was wearing had been wiped off his face, he nodded in the woman's direction straightening himself into a proper standing position. Turning his attention to Korra the brunette tried to salvage the situation as best he could. "Avatar Korra. It is truly an honor." Tarrlok told her. "I am Councilman Tarrlok, representative from the Northern Water Tribe." He introduced himself to the young Avatar.

"Nice to meet you." Korra returned the man's greeting, standing up briefly to offer him a quick bow before sitting back down.

"Ikki, Meelo, where are your manners? Introduce yourselves to our guest." The blonde airbender instructed with a mischievous grin, sicking his youngest siblings on the man.

"Naruto," Tenzin said warningly. Though he was hardly acting like he really meant to scold his child.

Ikki and Meelo looked at their older brother for a second before the two little hellions got out of their seats, Meelo grumbling a little under his breath at not getting to eat yet and made their way towards the Norther Water Tribe representative. Ikki reached the man first and stared up at him in wonder before she suddenly started to zip around the man, faster than Tarrlok could keep up. "Hi I'm Ikki. Why do you have three pony-tails?" She asked him curiously. Ikki scrunched upped her face as she took a sniff of the man. "And how come you smell like a lady?" Ikki asked her brows furrowed. "You're weird." She stated bluntly coming to a stop right in front of him.

Meelo walked up to the man after his sister and looked the man up and down, a bit of snot dripping down his nose. Meelo sniffed loudly before wiping the excess mucus off on his sleeve before extending that same hand out to Tarrlok. "Yo," He greeted the man in a similar manner that he had seen his brother greet people on occasion.

Tarrlok stared at the outstretched hand with barely concealed revulsion, even still he grasped one of Meelo's fingers loosely with his own before shaking the young boys hand slightly before quickly letting go. "Well aren't you two..." The man began then paused as he struggled for the proper word. "Precocious." He finally decided on before turning his attention fully to Korra. "I've heard all about your adventures, how you infiltrated Amon's rally, that took some real initiative. Republic City is much better off now that you've arrived." The Water Tribe member said complimentarily, as Ikki and Meelo retook their seats.

"I was there too." Naruto grumbled quietly.

Korra smiled comfortingly at Naruto before switching her attention to the councilmen. "Thanks. I think you're the first authority figure in the city who's happy I'm here." She stated.

Pema and Naruto gave Tenzin a pointed look at Korra's statement causing the man to flinch back as he blanched. Their attention soon turned back to Tarrlok as the man continued speaking.

"And I trust that you've heard I am assembling a task force that will strike at the heart of the revolution." Tarrlok said confidently.

"Enough posturing Tarrlok." Tenzin snapped at the man. "Tell us what you want from Korra." He demanded.

Tarrlok smiled taking some pleasure at how easily he was able to rile up the airbending master. "Patience, Tenzin. I'm getting to that." He claimed then turned to face Korra. "I want Korra to join me."

"Really?"

"What?"

"Eh?"

Though Korra, Tenzin, and Naruto were the only ones to voice it they weren't the only ones to be surprised by Tarrlok's offer.

Tarrlok nodded his head in response. "I need someone who will help me attack Amon directly, someone who is fearless in the face of danger, and that someone is you." Tarrlok explained his reasoning feeling confident that from what he had heard of Korra the Avatar would be willing to join his task force.

Korra stared at the man for a moment before turning her focus to her food. "Join your task force?" The Avatar mumbled mostly to herself as she started to eat, believing that dinner had been put off long enough. "I can't." She answered simply. If everyone had been caught by surprise by Tarrlok's offer they were even more so by Korra's answer.

"I must admit," Tarrlok began after regaining his wits. "I'm rather surprised. I thought you'd jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon." He told her.

"Me too." Tenzin admitted.

Korra took a couple more bites of her food before replying. "I came to Republic City to finish my Avatar training with Tenzin. Right now, I just need to focus on that." She told them.

"Which is why this opportunity would be perfect," Tarrlok said trying to convince Korra to reconsider, a hint of panic in his voice. "You would get on the job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city." Mentally the man was cursing up a storm. He was counting on Korra's joining his task force to help bolster not only people's moral but also his own political standing and the number of benders willing to enlist for his task force.

Tenzin couldn't claim that he knew exactly what was going through Tarrlok's head, but he at least knew that in the long run it wasn't for Korra's benefit. "Korra gave you her answer. It's time for you to go." He ordered the man seriously.

Tarrlok let out a resigned sigh seeing that he wasn't going to be able to convince Korra to join his task force that night. "Very well." He agreed turning to leave. "But, I'm not giving up on you just yet. You'll be hearing from me soon." The waterbender promised. "It has been a pleasure, Avatar Korra." Tarrlok finished as he bid his farewells.

"Bye-bye, Pony-tail Man!" Ikki shouted after the man, waving goodbye, causing him to cringe.

Everyone but Naruto was focused on watching Tarrlok leave. The blonde airbender was instead staring at Korra discreetly, as to not to draw the brunette's attention, studying her carefully. Now that he was really looking at her Naruto noticed how Korra's hair was more disheveled then normal and the slight bags under her eyes that indicated that the girl was having trouble sleeping. He didn't know what the matter with Korra was, or why it caused her to refuse an offer she would most likely have accepted any other day, but it was obviously weighing on her.

After dinner Korra once more found herself trying to learn to airbend, mostly to keep herself busy and allow her thoughts to drift to the things that had been plaguing her, waiting for Naruto to join her. Naruto suddenly shouting out her name caused Korra to stop going through her absentminded practice and look up to spot the airbender on top of Uzu.

"Hey," Korra greeted with a grin. "See what I mean by a lousy airbending teacher." She said teasingly, causing Naruto to pout and Korra to chuckle in response before continuing. "I've been out here practicing on my own for like half an hour. Where have you been?" The female bender asked him.

Naruto stopped pouting to return Korra's grin with one of his own. "How about a break?" The blue eyed airbender offered.

"Isn't it kind of late to go skydiving?" Korra asked with a raised eyebrow, the sun having set long ago. "I don't mind the extra bit of danger of skydiving at night, but it is going to be kind of cold." She pointed out.

"Well we could." Naruto said agreeably. "But you should try relaxing a bit. You'll never get this if you get frustrated and try to force it."

"I don't know." Korra murmured unsurely.

Uzu landed in front of Korra as Naruto jumped off the Sky Bison and extended his hand out to Korra. "Come on." Naruto urged. "You've done enough training for one day."

Soon enough Naruto and Korra were lying on top of Uzu in his saddle flying high above Air Temple Island looking up at the stars above them. Korra was a little reluctant at first, not wanting to give herself a chance to let her mind wander to what she knew it would inevitably would. But Naruto was eventually able to convince her by saying it would help her airbend if she could feel unburdened by the rest of the world. Though Korra denied feeling anything of the sort.

"So, are you going to tell me what's bothering you?" Naruto asked Korra, lying back on Uzu's saddle Korra lying beside him in the opposite direction with their heads next to each other, after a few minutes of comfortable silence looking up at the stars.

"What makes you think that something is bothering me?" Korra returned evenly, not tearing her gaze from the stars above either. Living in the South Pole afforded Korra a spectacular view of the night sky, something that wasn't even matched now, but this was nice either way. "I'm fine." She claimed.

Naruto let out a snort in equal parts amusement and disbelief. "Right," He said sarcastically. For a couple of minutes Naruto let the silence that had prevailed before, with the exception of Uzu's waving tail and the wind rushing around them. "Earlier you said that you'd be there for me." Naruto reminded her causing Korra to turn her attention to him. "If you don't want to tell me what's going on fine." The airbender relented before looking over at Korra with a wide fox like grin. "Just remember that I'm here for you too." Naruto finished holding out his fist towards Korra.

Korra stared at Naruto, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, before returning Naruto's grin with one of his own. "Thanks Naruto." Korra said bumping Naruto's fist with her own.

The next day found Naruto and Korra taking a small break from Korra's airbending training to partake in some light sparring when Bolin walked up to the pair, hands behind his back, Pabu hanging off one of his shoulders.

"Hello fellow teammate!" Bolin greeted Korra joyfully before looking towards Naruto. "And non-teammate." He added in as if in afterthought his voice coming off a lot more dully.

"Hey what's with that lackluster greeting." Naruto complained.

Korra chuckled a bit with a small grin at Naruto and then returned Bolin's greeting. "Hey, Bolin." The Avatar returned.

"Missed you at practice this week." Bolin told her causally.

"Yeah, sorry about that." Korra apologized.

"Aww, that's alright." Bolin said waving off Korra's apology. "We're probably out of the tournament anyway, unless some money miraculously drops out of the sky by tomorrow." The earthbender said disappointedly, pouting a bit.

"I wouldn't worry about that." Naruto said casually.

Korra and Bolin shared a look before shrugging their shoulders feeling a little relieved that that was one less problem to worry about. "Anyway," Bolin continued, "The reason I came by was to give you this. Ta-da!" He finished presenting Korra with a rose and a wrapped-up cupcake.

"Wow, thanks. What's this for?" Korra asked curiously as she took the gifts from Bolin.

"Uhh, I can't remember now." Bolin said sarcastically, looking thoughtful for all of a second before snapping his fingers in realization. "Oh, yeah, now I remember! You saved me from Amon."

"Hey!" Naruto shouted in protest getting the other's attention. "I was there too. Where is my cupcake?" The blonde airbender demanded.

Bolin grinned brightly at Naruto in a placating smile as he reached into his shirt. "Not to worry my strangely hair colored friend. I brought something for you too that is way better than a simple cupcake." Bolin said before extending his hand out towards Naruto in a flourish holding out something to him. "Here you go."

Taking the item from Bolin, and with Korra looking over his shoulder to see what Bolin had given him, Naruto turned a blank page over to find a headshot of Bolin. Bolin was smiling charmingly as he had his hand on his chin and at the bottom it was signed by the earthbender 'To my biggest fan and favorite airbender – Bolin.'

Looking up from the picture Korra and Naruto found Bolin copying the image on the picture. "I know I know I really shouldn't have. But you helped save me too buddy it's the least I can do." Bolin claimed. "Your welcome."

Naruto gave Bolin an annoyed look seconds away from shredding the picture. "You better strike it big." Naruto muttered. He would keep the picture for now. If Bolin managed to become famous then Naruto could sell the autographed picture for a few yuans. If not, then Naruto could enjoy burning it.

Korra laughed a bit more at Naruto's expression and how Bolin seemed to fail to notice how displeased he was. "It was really no big deal." Korra told Bolin after she managed to stop laughing.

"No big deal!" Bolin exclaimed incredulously. "Are you serious?! I was totally freaking out when he was coming at me with his creepy mask all, 'I will take away your bending forever!' I mean that is scary stuff! I still can't sleep well." The earthbender said sounding slightly freaked out.

Korra felt her heart rate picking up as Bolin talked about that night but tried not to let her distress show as she uttered a hmm of agreement before their attention was diverted by the voice of an elderly man. "Delivery for Avatar Korra!" The man announced as he walked up to the three benders carrying a large gift basket. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer." The council page relayed, giving the Avatar a small bow.

Korra spared the gift box a disinterested glance before answering the grey-haired man. "Tell him I haven't changed my mind." Korra said dismissively the man nodding in understanding before turning and leaving.

Bolin stared at the rather large gift basket next to his rose and cupcake and felt both a tinge of jealously and rather self-conscious of his meager gift when compared to whoever this Tarrlok gay was. "Who's this 'Tarrlok' guy?" Bolin asked curiously. "Is he bothering you? Huh? 'Cause I can have a word with him." The earthbender offered only half kidding.

Naruto and Korra found himself laughing at Bolin's offer. "Now that is something that I'd like to see." Naruto said.

Korra nodded her head in agreement focusing on Bolin. "It's not like that." She assured Bolin. "He's just some old guy who works with Tenzin on the council."

"Oh! Good. Good, that sounds better. I like that better." Bolin said sounding noticeably pleased.

The next couple of days followed the pattern of Korra going about her day only to be interrupted at some point, sometimes multiple times a day, by the same council page dropping off more gifts from Tarrlok to Korra. His latest gift was a brand new Satomobile straight off the assembly line.

"You know Asami could probably help you sell that if you really don't want it." Naruto suggested staring at the admittedly nice looking Satomobile.

"Yeah, great." Korra replied sounding less then enthused by Naruto's suggestion.

"Avatar Korra, I have something for you." The council page said once more making an appearance on Air Temple Island.

"It doesn't matter how many gifts Tarrlok sends, I'm not joining his task force!" Korra snapped at the man angrily, using her earthbending to spin the man around before kicking him in the butt to get him to leave.

"It's not a gift!" The page gasped in surprise. "It's an invitation."

Korra's brows furrowed in confusion. "To what?" She asked slightly curious.

The page felt relieved that at the very least the Avatar seemed open to receiving Tarrlok's invitation. "Tarrlok is throwing a gala in your honor." He informed her, pulling out the invitation and handing it to Korra. "All of Republic City's movers and shakers will be there. The councilman humbly requests your attendance."

Walking into the large building that was hosting the gala Korra was amazed by how many people were there and the extravagance of the décor and food that had been laid out. Not to mention how dressed upped everyone was. She herself was wearing far more formal Water Tribe clothing then she ever normally did. With her were Naruto and his family also dressed in formal Air Nomad attire. The younger airbenders were essentially wearing their regular clothing except for slightly longer capes in a darker shade of red. Though the older members of the family were wearing much finer robes of the same dark red accented with bits of yellow. For once the only difference between Naruto and Tenzin's clothing was the red scarf that Naruto still wore.

"I can't believe this is all for me." Korra murmured in awe as she took a look around, absently noting how the younger airbender kids ran out ahead of them.

"Careful Korra you don't want to get a big head." Naruto teased the girl good naturedly, dodging an attempted swipe from the brunette.

Tenzin walked up from behind the two teens looking around carefully as if expecting something to jump out on them at any second. "I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting but keep your guards up." He warned the two teens. "It's not like him just to throw a party for the fun of it."

"Really?" Naruto uttered curiously. "He seems just like the kind of person who enjoys to show off by throwing this sort of thing for no real reason."

"Well I suppose you're not wrong." Tenzin murmured softly in agreement with his son's statement.

"So glad you could make it, Avatar Korra." Tarrlok's voice sounded out drawing their attention to the well-dressed man walking towards them.

Momentarily though they were distracted by Meelo, a look of horror spreading across Tenzin's face. "Meelo, no!" The man shouted at his youngest child. "That is not a toilet!" He cried despairingly running after him.

Naruto facepalmed, before proceeding to drag his hand down across his face. "I better go help him before that little idiot does something worse." Naruto muttered to Korra before going after his father and brother.

Korra chuckled awkwardly to herself silently wondering if Meelo could do something worse. Honestly, she was kind of afraid of the answer.

"Excuse me Avatar Korra." Tarrlok spoke up again, an eyebrow twitching, trying to ignore the mess that Tenzin's youngest was making. This was the last time he allowed any children to any of the important high-end functions that he hosted. "The city awaits its hero." He told her gesturing for her to follow him. "Korra, it is my pleasure to introduce Republic City's most famous industrialist, Hiroshi Sato." Tarrlok said introducing Korra to a man with greying black hair, marron colored eyes wearing rounded golden glasses, and dressed a fine suit.

"Nice to meet you." Korra greeted the man politely.

Hiroshi returned Korra's greeting with a small bow. "We're all expecting great things from you." He told the Avatar earnestly.

"Right. Greatness." Korra said meekly looking off to the side.

Luckily, for Korra, before things could get more awkward for her a, unexpected, although not unwelcome, voice called her. Turning to the person responsible Korra was surprised to find Mako. The surprises only compounded when she spotted him dressed in clothes much nicer than any she had ever seen him ware before with a beautiful girl on his arm. "Hey, Korra." The firebender greeted his teammate joyfully. Walking beside the pair was Bolin also dressed in rather nice clothing.

"This is my daughter, Asami." Hiroshi introduced his daughter.

"It's lovely to meet you." Asami said politely. "Mako told me so much about you."

"Asami?" Korra questioned curiously, her brows furrowed slightly. "You wouldn't happen to be Naruto's Asami would you?" She asked carefully.

Asami smile brightened considerably. "That's right." She confirmed readily. "Naruto's told me a lot about you." The Sato heiress revealed.

"Yeah he's mentioned you too." Korra mumbled a bit of annoyance in her voice.

"Naruto's Asami?" Mako repeated looking at the black-haired girl on his arm. "You know Naruto?" That was information that he hadn't been aware of.

Asami nodded her head in response. "Yeah, we met when we were kids and have been best friends ever since." She told them a nostalgic look on her face. "He told me about the trouble the Fire Ferrets were having and asked if I could help. And well I do have my father wrapped around my little finger." Asami finished giving her father a too sweet smile as Hiroshi's shoulders sagged a little knowing that it was all to true.

"You don't say." Mako murmured. Silently the firebender wondered if he should be feeling grateful that Naruto managed to help them get the money for the championship pot, or disappointed that Asami didn't do it just for him.

"We're back in the tournament isn't that great?" Bolin asked Korra far more enthusiastic then his brother was currently behaving.

Korra quickly nodded in agreement. "So, how did you and Mako meet?" Korra asked Asami continuing the conversation.

Bolin suddenly rushed in to stand next to Korra leaning in close with a mischievous smile on his face. "Asami crashed into him on her moped." He told her before just as suddenly disappearing from Korra's side.

Korra's eyes widened in shock before she looked Mako over for any sign of injury. "What? Are you okay?" She asked him.

"I'm fine." The firebender assured Korra.

Asami hid her face behind her hand feeling embarrassed as she was reminded of the incident. "Would you mind not letting Naruto hear about that. He's always teased me about my driving and how I'd eventually run someone over. He'd never let me live it down if he found out it actually happened." Asami said beseechingly to the team members of the Fire Ferrets getting them to agree.

Tarrlok, long since gotten tired of the conversation that the young adults were having, spotted someone walking by them and flagged them down. "Chief Beifong!" He called the woman over. "I believe you and Avatar Korra have already met." The Water Tribe representative said.

Chief Beifong walked right up to Korra staring at the brunette with a steely look in her eyes. "Just because the city's throwing you this big party don't think you're something special. You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this." The woman told the Avatar shortly before abruptly turning and walking away.

Korra glares at Beifong's retreating form for a second before her looking down glumly knowing that the hard-ass woman actually had somewhat of a point.

"Hey guys!" Naruto's voice sounded out stopping Korra from becoming disheartened. The blonde airbender walked up to the group an exasperated look on his face. "You know little brothers are more troublesome then they're worth sometimes." He said with the trouble that Meelo just caused fresh on his mind.

Mako found himself smiling at bit at Naruto. "I'd tell you that they cause less trouble as they get older." Mako started, "But that would be a lie." He finished.

"Hey!" Bolin protested before he seemed to think about it for a second. "Okay fair point." Bolin found himself reluctantly agreeing, as he thought about the trouble he had gotten himself into recently, as the others found themselves laughing at Bolin's plight.

After a few seconds Naruto got his laughter under control and looked over toward his childhood friend. "Asami you look…" Naruto started only trail off a bit as he caught sight of something else. "…Beautiful." The airbender finished almost breathlessly.

Asami preened at Naruto's compliment. "Thanks Naruto," She replied. "You don't look half bad yourself." Asami returned his compliment admiring how handsome the airbender looked in his formal clothing. It took everyone a couple of seconds but they all soon realized that the airbender was mesmerized by something when he failed to respond at all. Staring at Naruto, seeing the light dusting on his cheeks, Asami noticed that he seemed to be focused on something behind her. Looking over her shoulder Asami tried to spot what captured Naruto's attention so completely. She wasn't the only one as Korra and the others tried to determine the same thing.

It didn't take them long to figure out what, or rather who, Naruto was staring at. Standing several feet away from them across the room was a girl their age with long dark blue hair and flawless creamy white skin. She wore a long dark blue dress that while conservative highlighted her curvaceous female form. The most eye-catching thing about the girl, besides well everything, were her eyes that were a light lavender. She stood a couple feet away from a man with long brown hair, light colored robes, and the same eyes, keeping to herself while occasionally looking around shyly.

Without saying a word Naruto walked pass the group toward the blue haired girl. They watched as he greeted the young woman and started to talk with her, the girl looking shyer at first with a bright red blush spreading across her face, before soon enough a small smile appeared. They watched as Naruto was able to make the girl laugh, which caused him to grin, and slowly they got lost in one another as the rest of the gala fell away.

"Whoa bro has got some moves." Bolin complemented seeing how easily Naruto was able to start a conversation with such a hot girl and have her interested in him if the way she seemed completely absorbed by him was anything to go by.

"That's for sure." Mako agreed an approving look in his eyes. "Not to mention he has good taste." He added only to let an 'oof' when Asami dug her elbow into his side. Looking at the raven hair girl he saw her with a frown on her otherwise beautiful face as she stared at Naruto and the other girl.

Korra wore a similar frown as she stared at Naruto and the blue haired girl. "Is she another childhood friend of yours?" Korra asked Asami.

Asami shook her head in response. "No, I don't know her." She answered.

"That would be Hinata Hyuuga." Chief Lin Beifong informed them, having seen Naruto begin to speak with the young woman and made her way back to the group, staring at the couple appraisingly. "Heiress of the Hyuuga clan, a family almost as old as the Beifong, known for their unique style of martial arts and daughter of Hiashi Hyuuga." Lin stated, her grey eyes glancing over at a man with long brown hair, pale nearly white clothing, and the same eyes as Hinata staring at the couple intently, before looking back to the couple as well before continuing. "The Hyuuga have gained some standing within Republic City since they moved here a few years ago. Hinata is regarded as beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate if not a little soft-spoken. Which, if spirits are willing, means she'll be able to keep Naruto from causing trouble." She said telling them all what she knew of Hinata and her family. "Ultimately Naruto could do worse." Lin mused before nodding her head positively. "I approve." The female earthbender stated with a favoring smile.

For the next couple of hours Korra found herself slightly uncomfortable with the posh style of the gala and being introduced to every high-class citizen there by Tarrlok. Having to remain absolutely well-mannered so as not to embarrass herself. It didn't help that every other guest would say how they expected great things from her when she was doubting herself.

Possibly worst part of the night was all the time that Naruto was spending with Hinata. Korra thought she could put up with everything else if she at least had him with her, but since meeting Hinata, Naruto had not left the girl's side. He even went as far as dance a few songs with the girl that were being played by a band that Tarrlok had hired for the night. Not to mention that every time that she looked over at them they had expressions of absolute happiness on their faces; like there was no other place they would rather be then with each other.

Asami found herself having a marginally better night. She enjoyed the time she got to spend with Mako and was having some fun. But in the end, she was only distracted for a few short moments before her attention returned to Naruto. He was her oldest friend and Asami wanted him to be happy but seeing him with an admittedly beautiful girl unsettled something in Asami that she couldn't explain or identify. If Asami let herself think about it she would realize that what she was feeling was jealousy. Jealousy at the fact that Naruto was paying so much attention to another girl.

It wasn't like Naruto hadn't expressed interest in girls before, Asami thought she saw the beginnings of something stirring in Naruto when he spoke about Korra. But this was different somehow. She could see it clearly in Naruto's expression. Hinata was causing Naruto to experience a joy that Asami previously thought only she could illicit from her friend.

That might have been the worst part of Asami's realization.

Once the gala was starting to wind down Tarrlok decided that it was time to enact his plan as he led Korra to the top of a large stairway surrounded by journalists. Seeing the Avatar, the journalists immediately went into a frenzy snapping pictures of her and bombarding her with questions. Korra gazed wide eyed from one reporter to another trying to make sense of all the questions that were being asked of her.

"If you'd be so kind, they just have a couple questions." Tarrlok asked of the girl with a sly smirk on his face, signaling the reporters to ask their questions.

"But—" Korra tried to protest only for her voice to be drowned out.

"Avatar Korra, you witnessed Amon take away people's bending firsthand. How serious a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?" One reporter asked.

"I think he presents a real problem." Korra answered hesitantly.

From slightly behind Korra, Tarrlok discreetly signaled a specific journalist.

The reporter minutely nodded his head with a smirk on his face. "Then why have you refused to join Tarrlok's task force? As the Avatar, shouldn't you be going after Amon?" He asked Korra.

"Well, I-" Korra started only to be cut off by another reporter.

"Why are you backing away from this fight?"

"What?! No, I've never backed away from anything in my life." Korra protested angrily.

"You promised to serve this city. Are you going back on that promise now? Do you think pro-bending is more important than fighting the revolution? How do you think Avatar Aang would've handled this? Are you afraid of Amon?"

"I'm not afraid of anybody!" Korra snapped angry at the endless questions that she was being assaulted with. "If the city needs me, then, I'll join Tarrlok's task force and help fight Amon." She asserted loudly.

Instantly Tarrlok was at Korra's side, wrapping his hand around her shoulder, with a large satisfied smile on his face. "There's your headline folks." The councilmen said as the journalists began taking more pictures of the pair.

Off stage Naruto stared up at Korra with a worried expression on his face, a sentiment that was shared with his friends and his father.

For the next few days Naruto hardly saw Korra, if at all, but he heard of her exploits as part of Tarrlok's taskforce. Arresting Chi-blockers on raids. Naruto kept himself abreast of what was going on as best he could, usually by asking his father for any details that the man could relay to him. The rest of his time was spent with Hinata going on dates and getting to know one another. Currently the young couple was enjoying a little picnic that Hinata had prepared for them at Naruto's cove on Air Temple Island. Hinata enjoying the scenery the location provided, the setting sun dyeing the sky a mixture of pinks and oranges as the waves gently crashed against the sandy shores.

"That was delicious." Naruto sighed happily, a wide smile on his face, as he laid back onto the blanket covered sandy ground.

Hinata giggled softly, her cheeks a bright red, at the happy look on Naruto's face. "I'm glad you liked it." The Hyuuga Heiress said bashfully. Looking at the young airbender laying down beside her. Hinata saw how relaxed Naruto was, looking like he could drift off to sleep at any moment, with a content smile on his face. She knew that the situation with Korra being part of the Task Force headed by Councilmen Tarrlok of the Northern Water Tribe made him feel anxious for Korra's safety. Especially since Korra would be a prime target of the people that she was after. Hinata found Naruto's concern for his friend a rather endearing trait. She only wished that she could do more to help ease his worries in some way.

Right now, she just might be giving Naruto a moment's peace, but Hinata wanted to support him as best she could in whatever way possible.

After the sun had finished setting Asami and Mako found themselves enjoying a romantic cab ride through the park. Asami stared at the setting fondly for a second before she leaned in towards Mako, letting out a content sigh. "I know it sounds weird to say this but I'm really glad I hit you with my moped." She told him.

Mako looked down at the girl cuddling against him with a bashful expression on his face. "Uh, me too." Mako admitted a little awkwardly.

Asami giggled a little at how flustered Mako was acting. "I forgot to ask." The black-haired beauty continued, twirling her finger across Mako's scarf. "Why didn't you accept the new silk scarf I bought for you last week? You didn't like it?" She asked sounding a little worried.

Mako instantly shook his head and tried to ease her worries. "No, it was really nice." He told her, grabbing his scarf as he stared at it sadly. "But this scarf was my father's and it's all I have left of him. I just feel like, like it keeps me safe." Mako admitted without hesitating in the slightest.

"I'm so sorry." Asami said sorrowfully. "I lost my mother when I was very young." She told him with a faraway look in her eyes as she recalled the moments that she would spend with her mother before she was taken away. Asami lightly shook her head and refocused on the present her eyes once more settling on Mako's scarf, her gaze turning soft as she thought of another scarf that looked far more worn then Mako's. "You know," Asami started. "Naruto never takes off his scarf either."

"You don't say." Mako said carefully, keeping his voice level. The firebender had noticed that whenever he and Asami got together without fail the heiress was sure to mention Naruto at some point, sometimes more than once. He understood the fact that Naruto was her best friend since childhood, but the look she got whenever she mentioned him made it nearly unbearable for Mako. "It looks kind of old." He pointed out remembering how frayed Naruto's scarf was.

"It is," Asami confirmed with a giggle. "But the way it looks has nothing do with how old it is. For all my talents it turns out that knitting is not one of them. But Naruto accepted it happily because I made it for him and promised to always wear it. Its' sort of become a symbol of our friendship." The beauty told him.

Mako stared at Asami silently not saying a word. The firebender was starting to realize just how deep the bond between Naruto and Asami went. Mako was brought out of his introspection by the sound of Asami giggling once more. "What?" Mako questioned curiously.

Asami shook her head slightly before answering. "I was just remembering that Naruto and I also promised that we'd get married someday after I gave him that scarf."

Mako blinked a couple of times in surprise. "Seriously?" He asked. Kids promising to marry each other was not nearly as disconcerting for the firebender as some of the other stuff that Mako had been hearing that night.

"Yeah," Asami said. "I mean we were just kids but I took planning our future wedding seriously. I probably drove my father crazy for a while there and gave him more than a few grey hairs years earlier then he should have.

Mako actually found himself laughing at the thought of a young Asami tormenting her father with wedding details to the point that the man was tearing out his own hair. Soon enough Mako managed to get his laughter under control. "And is that still the plan?" Mako questioned with a slightly hopeful tone in his voice.

Asami stared back at Mako silently for a moment before she leaned back into him. "Who knows. Things are different now." She said with a small smile.

"You don't say." Mako murmured, enjoying the close contact with Asami, with a smile of his own eyes closed. 'I'm not going to give this up without a fight, Naruto.' The firebender thought with a silent challenge towards Naruto.

What Mako missed was the way that the smile disappeared from Asami's face to be replaced with a frown as a look of sadness appeared in her eyes her thoughts once more turning toward her childhood friend. Things were different.

Naruto raced across the night sky on his glider from Air Temple Island towards the docks of Republic City having just heard Korra's challenge towards Amon. The broadcast had no sooner ended then Naruto had shot out of his home and taken to the sky. He thought he heard his father following after him, but Naruto was so focused on getting to Korra he wasn't sure that the master airbender was still behind him. It was only a few seconds later that Naruto arrived at the docks and spotted Korra, passing Tarrlok and a few members of his task force a passing glance, getting into a small boat. "Korra!" The airbender shouted loudly as he landed, drawing everyone's attention to himself.

Korra's form stilled for a moment at the sound of Naruto's voice. "Don't try to stop me Naruto." Korra told him without even looking up at the blonde bender. "I have to do this."

For a second Naruto wasn't sure if he should admire Korra for her bravery in facing Amon on her own or tear his hair out at how incredibly stupid and crazy she was being. Actually, the second option seemed a lot more reasonable.

Not even a second later Tenzin landed behind his son with his own glider in hand. "Korra, this is madness!" The man exclaimed with more than a hint of concern for the young woman under his care.

Korra let out a heavy sigh before turning to face Tenzin. "Don't try to stop me and don't follow me." Korra repeated herself from earlier. "I have to face Amon alone."

Naruto let out a frustrated growl at how stubborn Korra was being. "There is being brave Korra. Then there is being recklessly stupid." He deadpanned and coming from a guy who got himself frequently into dangerous situations without meaning to, or sometimes intentionally, that was really saying something.

Korra bristled at Naruto's comment but before she could snap at him, Tenzin rounded on Tarrlok with a furious look on his face. "This is all your doing!" Tenzin accused the other councilman.

Tarrlok held his hands up in surrender as he took a careful step back away from the two airbenders. "I tried to talk her out of it too but she's made up her mind." He told them admitting to his own failed attempts to stop the young Avatar. The three men were forced to watch silently as Korra used her waterbending to steer her boat over to Memorial Island. "We'll be watching the island closely. If anything goes wrong I have a fleet of police air ships ready to swoop down." Tarrlok tried to reassure them.

Naruto hardly paid the man any mind as he focused on Korra as her form grew smaller and smaller in the distance.

Korra found herself waiting just below Aang's statue, standing on top of the platform which the statue rested on which also acted as the roof of the building below. Korra tried to keep herself from jumping at every sound she heard, and if she was asked later she would deny that she ever did, ready to either attack or be attacked, only for nothing to happen. Time slowly passed and soon enough bells started to ring loudly beneath her from the clock on the front of the building. When it became apparent that nothing was going to happen Korra sat down with her legs crossed staring out into the city watching as the lights that usually illuminated the city slowly died away. Several minutes later Korra lets out a big yawn as she stretches out her arms.

"Guess you're a no-show, Amon." Korra said out loud confidently standing up. "Who's scared now?" She quipped.

Seeing as Amon hadn't bothered to show up Korra relaxed visibly as she made her way down from the roof of the building. That's why, as she was passing by the archway at the front of the building, she was caught completely by surprise when a bolo with a rope tied to it wrapped itself around her legs causing her to trip. In a moment of panic Korra found herself being pulled into the darkened building. But that moment quickly passed and Korra used her firebending to free herself. Unfortunately, the few seconds that the fire had to light up the room revealed to Korra that she was surrounded by Equalist Chi-blockers. Each one dressed in dark clothing with nightmarish glowing red goggles.

Soon enough the flames flickered out only for Korra to produce more not seconds later to help her see and keep the Chi-blockers at bay. Spinning around on her heel Korra unleashed another stream of fire at the Chi-blockers that tried to get close to her from behind. Korra felt a cold shiver of dread run through her body though when she felt a bolo wrap itself around one of her wrists and then her arm being restrained with her other arm succumbing to the same fate soon after. Korra felt her panic start to rise again as she kicked at them releasing a blast of fire from the soles of her feet. With the few seconds of light that the fire provided Korra threw another kick using her earthbending to jut out the ground beneath the Chi-blockers causing them to go flying off.

What Korra couldn't see were the Chi-blockers that were coming up from behind her. She only realized that they were there after they struck her in several places along her back as she felt herself slowly lose consciousness.

When she finally came to Korra groggily recognized that the room was being illuminated by a single lantern, casting enough light for her to see that she was being surrounded by Chi-blockers while she was also being held down by two more. Absently she thought it was hardly necessary since she was sure that if it wasn't for them that she would topple over. All of Korra's thoughts though came to a screeching halt as Amon himself seemed to manifest out of the shadows surrounding them.

"I received your invitation," The masked man spoke darkly as he approached her, the Chi-blockers making way for their leader to enter, Korra watching him fearfully. "Young Avatar." Amon finished reaching out a hand towards Korra, causing her to flinch away imagining what was to follow.

"KORRA!" Naruto's voice shouted out from the darkness.

Korra's eyes snapped open. "Naruto?" She murmured a part of her unsure if she had actually heard Naruto's voice or if she had just imagined it.

"Get the hell away from her you bastard!" Naruto's voice once more shouted out sounding like it came from above them causing everyone to look up.

Korra, her eyes wide in disbelief, watched as Naruto dropped down from above his staff held above his head. In a matter of seconds Naruto was upon them and Amon was forced to jump back in order to avoid having Naruto slam his staff on to his head. What none of the Equalists or Korra expected was the squall that was unleased from the point that Naruto landed, the winds sending the lantern toppling over and bathing the room once more in darkness. Most of wind was directed at Amon forcing the Equalist leader to take a few stumbling steps backward that almost caused him to fall over as he tried to shield his masked face from the high-pressured winds.

In the next instant Naruto rushed at one of the Equalist that had been holding Korra slamming his fist into their gut making them double over, releasing their hold on Korra, as they made a retching sound a burst of wind seemingly coming out of the guy's back. Rearing his hand back, with his palm open, Naruto thrust it forward releasing a stream of wind that blasted the Chi-blocker away. Then Naruto spun on his heel and smashed his staff into the face of the other Chi-blocker that was holding Korra, hearing a loud crunch as he did so. The Equalist immediately released their hold on Korra to clutch at their face.

Seeing two of their own be taken down by the blonde airbender the remaining equalist rushed Naruto. Only to held at bay by another savage blast of wind from the blonde airbender.

"Naruto," Korra struggled to get out, hearing the Chi-blockers coming closer, as she tried to pick herself up off the ground in order to help her friend only to end up collapsing only moments later. "What are you doing here?"

"I told you didn't 'I? That I would always be there for you if you needed me." The airbender stated. "Don't worry everything is going to be fine." He reassured her. Keeping himself calm Naruto took one deep breath before letting it out. Closing his eyes Naruto's airbending tattoos started to glow, providing a low amount of light to the room. He could feel as the air shifted around the Chi-blockers as they ran towards him. And feel the vibrations through the ground with every step they took.

What happened next caught everyone by surprise, none more than Korra. The first couple of Chi-blockers that were charging at Naruto were blown away by the blonde's bending it was his next action that caused everyone to come to a stop. With a single stomp onto the ground a pillar of earth shot out of the ground and smashed into another Chi-blocker.

Earthbending, they had all just witnessed earthbending from an airbender that they were all well aware was not the Avatar. The shock and confusion that was felt by everyone in that room was nearly palpable. With wide eyes Korra stared at where the Chi-blocker's body had come to rest, at least she assumed in the darkened room, to the pillar of earth jutting out of the ground, before finally coming to rest on Naruto

"Wha…How?" A million questions were racing through Korra's mind but she couldn't bring herself to voice a single one.

"My, isn't this quiet the surprise." Amon's voice rang out from the darkness. "Who would have ever thought that the oldest son of Councilmen Tenzin would be capable of earthbending." The masked man voiced sounding genuinely amused. While it had been surprising that the blonde airbender could also earthbend what it would mean for his cause, taking the bending of Avatar Aang's grandson who could bend more than one element, would demoralize benders almost as effectively as taking the Avatar's bending.

Naruto held his airbending staff at the ready fully expecting the Chi-blockers to continue their attack on him and Korra.

"It would be so simple to take both your bending away right now." Amon continued confident that he and his followers could eventually overpower the airbender. "But instead of turning you into martyrs and, having every bender rally behind the both of you, I'll wait and carry out my plan. Then we'll face each other young Avatar and I will destroy you forever cementing the revolution that I will bring forward to the world." The masked man finished.

A few tense minutes followed as Naruto felt the Equalist retreating and only when he was sure that they were gone was he able to relax, his tattoos no longer glowing, letting out a heavy breath and practically slumping onto the ground next to Korra, his staff clattering at his side. Faintly Korra could make out that Naruto was sweating slightly beside her.

"How?" Korra found herself repeating her question from earlier. As far as she knew it should have been impossible for anyone beside herself from bending more than a single element.

Naruto wiped away a bead of sweet from his brow as he stared back at Korra easily guessing what Korra was wondering. His earthbending was a well-kept secret known only to his family, the highest members of the White Lotus, and the few people that they could absolutely trust. As such it raised the question why he hadn't told Korra already.

Naruto opened his mouth to answer but the doors bursting open, a small stream of light flowing into the room, followed by a panicked shout and hurried footsteps kept him from saying anything. "Korra, Naruto!" Tenzin shouted spotting the two teens sitting on the ground. Running toward them with speed enhanced by his airbending Tenzin came to a sliding stop before them. "Are you two alright?" He asked pulling them into a relieved hug. "What happened? Was Amon here?"

Korra fidgeted slightly before answering. "Ye-yeah. He ambushed me." She told him.

Tenzin's eyes widened fearfully as he broke the hug. "Did he," He began gulping. "Did he take your bending away?" The master airbender inquired worriedly.

To ease his worries Korra created a small flame in the palm of her hand before clasping it shut to extinguish it. "No, I'm okay." She assured him.

Tenzin nodded his head before looking over toward his son for some sign of confirmation that he hadn't lost his bending either. In response Naruto sent a small gust of wind at his father that disheveled the man's beard. Tenzin let out a relieved sigh, as he smoothed out his mustache. "Oh, thank goodness."

Korra stared down at the ground, brows furrowed, feeling a mixture of feelings swirling within her. Chief among them being fear, confusion, and even the slightest bit of betrayal at the secret that was kept from her by Naruto and Tenzin. "Tenzin," Kora started, gaining both Tenzin and Naruto's attention, as she stared fixedly at Tenzin. "I need you to tell me, how can Naruto earthbend." She demanded.

AN: Hinata. Hinata was the character I was referencing at the beginning. I chose her because she serves a purpose and her character was the best one that fit for what I needed. An heiress from the Naruto world. As far as I know only two people fit that description Ino and Hinata and I chose the girl that had genuine feelings for Naruto for this role. Which I won't be going into now to not spoil things.

I hope that everyone enjoyed this chapter and I'll do my best to post another chapter, not necessarily for this fic, as soon as I possibly can.