Okay, people. I have read the reviews given to me and I noticed how some of you are getting into it. And some of you are being a bit absurd. I mean, I understand one or two people correcting me on the ages since I'm not 100% obsessed with ATLA and LoK, but COME ON. 90% of the reviews I've gotten have been correcting the ages alone. I get it! But do remember this is a fanfiction and it's not going to be perfect. And to the person who said my story was wrong because Zuko is traveling the world, he traveled to the future before he grew old! Which means the future is going to change JUST A BIT.
So, I love how some of you are really getting into this, but it frustrates me how some of you are so set on the ages and year screw-ups of mine {that I plan on fixing} that you aren't even enjoying the story! So please, set that aside. I promise I will not be able to write this perfect. But I hope you can like the idea and enjoy the story itself. If not…go find something else to read?
Corrections:
Ages STAY THE SAME. I can alter ages if I want. It's my choice. Not yours.
Zuko hasn't really been heard about in about 69-70 years.
Y'all are right. It's only been sixteen years since Aang died. So any 70 I wrote, please change to 16 so it is correct in the timeline.
Sorry for any misunderstandings.
Korra looked at Zuko, refraining from snapping at him when she remembered that he had no idea who Tahno was. "Tahno is an opponent of the Fire Ferrets. He's a Wolf Bat."
"And he's nowhere near as good as he seems to think." Mako said, earning a shrug from Erin.
"So what were you doing with Zuko?" Bolin asked, turning his attention to the silver haired girl.
"Honestly? I was fighting off a group of Equalists when Zuko stumbled upon the fight and saved me. Or else I'd be with Amon by now." she said, smiling thankfully at Zuko. "He brought me here so I could recover from being electrocuted."
The three nodded before Korra grabbed Zuko's arm. "Well, it was great meeting you, Ericka, but I'm afraid we have to go." she said, purposefully getting her name wrong.
"Excuse me, but her name is Erin. And why would I want to go with you guys? You all seem to hate me." Zuko said, pulling his arm free.
Korra groaned before saying, "Zuko, we need to go. Tenzin is waiting for us back on the Island. We also have the Championship tomorrow." Korra's eyes held a silent plea for him to just come with them with no argument. Mako and Bolin shared a look and sighed before looking at Zuko, nodding in encouragement.
"Come on, cuz. You can help teach Mako a few tricks." Bolin said with a grin, wrapping an arm around Zuko's shoulders as the Fire Lord stiffened. "Won't it be fun?"
Zuko glared at him slightly before feeling another hand rest on his other shoulder. He looked at Mako whose stern gaze only said they needed to leave now and that Erin was not an option to come. Looking at Erin, he saw her glance at the ground before looking up at them. "Yeah, you should go with them, Zuko. I need to catch up with Tahno for the morning training stuff…It was nice meeting you. All of you." Erin said, glancing at the others before shoving her hands into the pockets of her black pants. She turned away from them and quickly started walking away before Zuko turned his attention to the others.
"You three aren't exactly friendly to anyone who isn't in your 'gang' are you?" he asked, crossing his arms.
Korra sighed, "Zuko, she's Tahno's sister. We can't hang out with her without taking the chance of her saying anything to her brother. Right, Mako?" She turned to him for help. Of course, gang up on the only one NOT from this century, Zuko thought.
Mako shrugged. "Yeah, it's probably for the best. At least until after the championship. After that, I don't see the problem with her being around."
"There's something about her that doesn't seem right. Doesn't seem…normal." Korra said, glancing back at Erin's figure only to find she was gone. "What the-She's gone?"
Bolin looked over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow before Zuko said, "She's an earth-bender. It's not that hard for her to leave hastily and unnoticed. Now why did you really come find me?"
Mako and Korra sighed before Mako said, "It's not safe in Republic City for any benders. And if Amon found out you were from the past? That'd only lead to more trouble. You need to keep a low profile and come back to the temple and stay there with Korra."
Zuko glared at them. "And if I don't agree?"
"Well, either way you're going back. Whether you like it or not." Korra said, glaring right back at him.
Bolin stepped in between the two. "Look, you guys. Now's not the time to fight. We need to start training for the Championship tomorrow," Bolin looked at the rising sun and groaned, "Now known as today, or else we're screwed." He turned towards Zuko and continued, "Zuko, we would really appreciate it if you would just listen to us for the next twenty four hours and then we will do everything in our power to send you back to your time period. I promise. As for Erin, if you are still here after the tournament there is no problem with her hanging out with us. I don't care. Neither does Mako. And I'm sure Korra can find it in her heart to agree with us."
"Bolin, you can't just-" Korra started before Mako nodded.
"Bolin is right. And we're sorry about earlier, Zuko. We didn't mean to make you feel unwelcome. We just…this is something new to us." Mako explained, resting a hand on Korra's shoulder and successfully silencing her.
Korra scowled slightly before nodding and saying, "What they said. Now let's go before we get in more trouble with the Equalists." She turned and started walking away with Bolin and Mako quickly following her. Only Zuko turned around, as if to try and find Erin, and smirked slightly before turning to catch up with the others.
Erin looked at them from her spot under a street lamp and sighed softly, shaking her head before turning and getting in a nearby car, heading back to a very unwelcoming home.
-Later That Morning with the Council Members-
Korra, Mako, and Bolin ran into the meeting of the United Republic Council with Zuko quickly trying to keep up. They were there to make sure the members didn't end the Championship. They couldn't!
But it looked like they had already been beaten.
"Tenzin, you and Tarrlok can't let this happen! It's not fair!" they heard a very recognizable voice say.
"Erin?" Zuko asked while stepping forward before the silver haired girl turned towards them. Unlike yesterday where her clothes were torn and dirty, today she looked like she was almost born into high society. Her hair fell down her back to her tailbone in a choppy cut with her side-bangs tucked behind her ear. Her electric green eyes merely glanced at them, but he noticed a slight worry in her eyes. He looked at the clothes she wore and compared them to that of the rich Asami. She had a sleeveless, emerald green turtleneck on outlined with gold that skimmed a black pair of pants that were tucked into knee-length, high heeled, leather boots. On her left arm was a gold band a few inches above her elbow and she wore a pair of black fingerless gloves. She looked tough yet elegant.
"What're you four doing here?" Tenzin asked with a hint of panic in his voice at the sight of Zuko.
"We're here to stop any chance of you canceling the Championship." Korra said, taking a step forward.
Tarrlok sighed and crossed his arms before saying, "Yes, Miss Erin here was just requesting the same thing." He sneered down at her as she smiled innocently with the Avatar Gang joining her side.
"It's not fair to the Pro-benders, the citizens that enjoy watching, anyone. You're only letting Amon win." Erin snapped before Bolin looked at her, smiling slightly. Zuko rested a hand on her shoulder and pulled her back.
"Now's not the place, Erin." Zuko whispered in her ear softly, making her take a couple of steps back as she scowled.
"Tenzin. Tarrlok, she's right. It isn't fair to anyone who has trained or planned on watching this event. And, for some odd reason, I'm actually agreeing with Erin. You're letting Amon get what he wants." Korra said, placing a hand on her hip. "Tarrlok, I thought you of all people were the one that wanted to bring Amon to justice."
"I do, Korra, but I will not risk innocent people's lives to do so. Especially not for a little game. For once, I agree with Tenzin. We need to cancel the Pro-Bending Championship."
"Sir, no! That's not fair!" Bolin said, taking a step forward, "It's the one chance for Benders and Non-benders to come together and peace. Everyone gets along greatly while Benders beat each other to pulps."
"Please, Council. You can't cancel the Championship." Mako pleaded.
Tarrlok looked at the others. "All in favor of canceling the Championship?" he asked, raising his hand as every one of the other members slowly started to raise their hands. Tenzin looked at the group of teenagers before sighing softly and slowly starting to raise his hand, closing his eyes. Tarrlok took his gavel in his hand and lifted it, ready to make the mutual agreement.
SNAP!
Like a spark of electricity through the air, the sound was so quick and almost unheard as two metal cables destroyed the gavel. Tarrlok gaped slightly before they heard a gruff voice clear her throat. Everyone turned or looked up to see Lin Beifong standing in the doorway. Zuko looked to the others in confusion before Erin whispered to him, "That's Lin Beifong. Toph's daughter."
His eyes widened considerably before he glanced at Erin and she nodded, as if knowing he almost didn't believe her. Looking back at Lin, he watched her cross her arms. "I agree with the Avatar, Tarrlok. We cannot show weakness to Amon and we'd only be doing so by canceling the fight."
"Lin, now is not the time for this." Tenzin said while standing.
Tarrlok held up his free hand. "No, let her talk, Tenzin. I'd like to hear what our Chief of Police has to say." He smirked slightly as she took a step forward.
"Amon is trying to frighten us, scare as away. And I refuse to let him do so. To keep the Championship going, I'll have my men surround the building. We'll be inside, at every entrance, and above. There will be no way for Amon's men to get in. I will take full responsibility for the security." Lin said, her gaze stern.
"No, I will not allow it, Lin. I'm sorry, but we cannot take a chance." Tenzin said.
"I don't know, Tenzin. Chief Beifong has never given us a reason to doubt her before. And due to her records, I see no reason as to why we should deny her this opportunity. I change my vote. The Championship should stay open." Tarrlok said before looking at the others. "All in agreement?" he asked, earning three nods. He looked at Lin and the teenagers. "That settles it then. But don't disappoint us, Chief Beifong."
Lin glared at him before saying, "Wouldn't dream of it."
Zuko watched her turn to leave as Tenzin walked to Korra's side and looked back at Erin. "I…I need to talk to her, Erin." he whispered, urgency in his voice.
Erin glanced at the others before looking at Zuko. "Zuko, I don't think you should leave your friends. After last time…"
"Erin, please." Zuko said, pulling her to the side. "Erin, you're the only one that's been nice to me. You're the only one that seems to trust me. I need your help. Please, can you get her to talk to me?" Erin looked at him for a moment, her eyes seeming to glow before she ran a hand through her hair, layers coming down to frame her face.
"Fine. Tonight. After the tournament I'll get her to talk to you. But only then. Okay?" she said before he pulled her into a hug, surprising both of them.
"Thank you…Thank you so much, Erin." he whispered, not wanting the others to hear them. Erin's hands were pinned to his chest and her chin resting on his shoulder.
"It-It's fine, Zuko. Just…let go." A hint of amusement was in her voice as he dropped her, having lifted her a couple inches off the ground. She chuckled and straightened out her shirt. "I'm not exactly used to being hugged." she explained.
He rubbed the back of his neck, smiling apologetically. "Yeah…sorry about that."
She shrugged. "No problem. Just...It might be best if you don't do that again." She smirked before looking at the others. Everyone had left except Bolin and Mako. The Earth bender was watching them intently while Mako was purposefully looking away. Chuckling, she turned back to Zuko and said, "Looks like we have ourselves an audience."
Zuko glared at Bolin who looked away, whistling innocently before Zuko looked at Erin. "I'm sorry…I didn't think-"
Erin shook her head. "Want to really freak them out?" she asked, mischief in her eyes as he looked at her in confusion.
"Uh…how?"
"Easy." she said before grabbing the front of his shirt and jerking him towards her, his back to Bolin. Their faces were millimeters apart as she met Zuko's gaze. "I've noticed that, with Bolin, it's all about putting on a good show." Erin whispered. Zuko looked down at her with wide eyes before she suppressed a smile and pulled back, walking around Zuko and past Bolin, patting him on the shoulder. "See you boys tonight!" she called, tossing her hair over her shoulder, her hips swaying as she exited the room.
Bolin looked at Zuko, gaping at him as he announced, "OOOOOOOH! You kissed TAHNO's sisterrrrrrrr!"
Zuko looked at Bolin as if he was as immature as Aang. Or worse. Sokka. Mako looked up and said, "Korra's not going to be happy when she finds out."
"It's none of her business anyway." Zuko snapped at him, crossing his arms. He looked at the ground, wondering if he should come clean about not really kissing Erin. Shaking his head, he thought, it was fake. It shouldn't make that much of a difference whether they kissed or not.
Should it?
-With Amon in a Warehouse…Somewhere-
"They have refused your demand of stopping the Championship." The Equalist said to Amon as he smirked behind his mask.
"Fantastic. Everything is going according to plan." He smiled evilly before looking at the girl standing in the shadows. "Tonight will be your time for your revenge, my dear. Just be patient." Amon said as the figure stepped out of the shadows. Her face was hidden behind a blue mask and she wore black clothing that covered her from head to toe before she bowed to Amon and turned, walking off. Amon smirked before turning his gaze to the workers below. "Yes…everything is going according to plan."
-That Night…At the Championship-
Zuko watched the gang suit up for the match as Bolin continued to glance at him, as if waiting for him to announce that he and Erin "kissed". "Bolin, why do you keep making google-y eyes at Zuko?" Korra asked, raising an eyebrow.
Bolin's eyes widened before he shook his head, returning his attention to Pabu. "No reason. Just something that happened earlier when you were talking with Tenzin." he said in a rushed voice before Korra looked at Zuko.
"Really? What happened?"
"Uh-" Zuko started but was cut off by Asami entering the room, going up and kissing Mako. Korra glared at the two before focusing on putting on her shoes. Zuko looked from Korra to Mako and Asami before it clicked. Korra liked Mako. Turning his attention back to the Arena, Zuko stayed silent before hearing a second and third pair of footsteps entering the room.
"What're you guys doing here?" Mako asked before Zuko looked up. He smiled slightly when he saw Erin, except rather than the garb she wore earlier at the Council Meeting; she wore brown clothes similar to the design of the Fire Ferrets, except matching the guy beside her.
"Just came to wish you luck." Erin said while the boy with the crazy, mop-like hair rolled his eyes.
"Yeeaah, something like that." he said with a bored expression, his helmet propped in between his arm and side.
"Zuko, this is Tahno." Korra said, smiling "sweetly" at her opponent. "But I had no idea Erin was also our opponent."
Erin smiled meekly. "Yeah…uh…I'm a replacement. The other Earth bender got sick so I-"
"You know, I really don't think we're interested in hearing." Mako said, barely glancing at them.
"Are y'all ready to lose?" Korra sneered at them, straightening as Tahno walked up to her.
"Only if you are, Uh-vatar." He smirked before seeing Asami and smiling at her. "Well, here's a beautiful girl." He walked over to her and grinned. "I'm Tahno." he said flirtatiously. "And you are?"
"Not interested." Asami said as Mako stepped in between the two.
"Erin, care to real your brother in?" Mako asked her as Erin rested a hand on her brother's shoulder, pulling him back. Zuko watched the two and couldn't help but wonder how the heck the two were related. One seemed nice and pleasant while the other seemed like a pain to even try and stand. Then again…he and Azula came to mind.
"Tahno, come on. We should get going." Erin urged, leading him towards the door.
"Yeah, I don't want to waste my time around these losers anyway." Tahno said, earning a growl from Pabu.
"We'll see who the real losers are after the Championship." Korra snapped before Erin pushed Tahno out of the room. She moved to close the door, but paused and looked at them.
"I really am sorry, you guys. He…He means well, really."
Zuko smiled at her reassuringly while Korra glared at her. "We don't care. Why don't you go with your brother? No one here wants you around." she said, the anger towards Tahno lashing out on Erin. Erin flinched slightly before glaring at Korra.
Her tone turned cold and her eyes like poison as she said, "You know what? Fine. See you in the Arena, Fire Ferrets."