Air Temple Island*
After the reveal of Hiroshi Sato's allegiance with the Equalists, the Sato estates were searched but the CEO of Future Industries had disappeared. With the grounds currently on lockdown Asami had accepted the offer to move to Air Temple Island with Mako and Bolin.
As their boat arrived, they spotted Korra and the airbender kids waiting for them at the docks. Ever a ball of energy, Ikki quickly gave a short tour of the island and answered whatever ridiculous question Bolin could come up with.
As they approached the temple's main building Mako decided to bring up the issue of their missing friend.
"Hey, where's Naruto?" as if in response to the firebender's question a loud rumbling could be heard from the other side of the island.
"He's over there" Ikki said cheerfully, pointing the direction of the noise.
"He's training" Korra explained.
"Oh let's go see!" Bolin exclaimed, hopping up and down in excitement.
"Sure but I think we should put our stuff away first" said Mako, pointing to the exhausted air acolytes, struggling to carry all of Asami's luggage. Apparently, no one taught the girl the meaning of the phrase 'pack light'.
With her siblings showing the boys to their rooms, Jinora and Korra were leading Asami to hers when they heard another loud crash from outside the temple walls.
"Does Naruto, usually train that loudly?" Asami asked, as she and Jinora looked to Korra for the answer.
"Well he normally goes off on his own" Korra explained. "So, I never actually heard him from inside the compound."
"Well he's certainly making himself known now" the heiress smirked.
"Well here's your room" said the Avatar, leading them into an empty bedroom. "I know this is a little rustic compared to what you're used to."
"I think it's really charming and the best part about it, nothing here reminds me of my father" Asami said bitterly. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"No problem" Korra smiled. "Come on, let's go check on Naruto."
"before that… I need tell you something."
"oh okay…what it is." Said concern Korra. Wondering what Asami need to tell her.
"Have Naruto tell you what happen to me the other night?"
"He only told me that you down and took you some place to eat, took you home. Also, he stayed your place cause seening how late it is. Am I missing something" said Korra wondering why she brought this up? Asami "sigh" at this figures that Naruto didn't bring up to korra.
"Well that whole truth of the story…expect this small detail." Asami said.
"And this Detail is?" said Korra with arms cross over her chest and eyebrow raised up. Looking at Asami to speak up.
"I have told him that my feelings for him and I had kiss him." Said blushing Asami. For Korra frozen still, her friend just told her she loves with the same person as her. She honestly debating if just buried her right now."why you had to be difficult Naruto" she thought.
"So, what now?" Korra said.
"I was thinking we could share him" Said Asami thinking pose on.
"Share?" question Korra.
"Yes share. Listen Korra, I like you as friend… Naruto obvious love us both. He won't choose either us if meant hurting the other." Asami said. Korra was conflict with this and knowing Asami she is right about it.
"sigh" I guess I can live with that." Said Korra. Asami was happy that they both agreement of sharing.
"I'm going to be his first" Korra declare with smirk on her face. While Asami pouted at the statement.
"Ah there you are" said Tenzin, approaching the group. "Good day, everyone. Welcome to the island."
"Thank you for having us" Asami replied, bowing to the master airbender. After returning the bow, Tenzin turned his attention to Korra.
"Beifong's replacement Saikhan is going to be inducted as the new Chief of Police later. I think we should both be there."
"Alright let's go."
"You're not bringing Naruto?" Tenzin questioned, as Korra usually preferred to have the blond around.
"No, he's busy" Korra replied. She knew how much it mattered to Naruto that he gets stronger and she didn't want to interfere.
*City Hall*
Arriving at city hall, Korra and Tenzin watched as the newly appointed Police Chief Saikhan, a bald middle-aged man, delivered his speech to the public.
"It was an honor, serving under Chief Beifong for so many years and I wish her a speedy recovery. It is with great humility that I take her place as the new Chief of Police. Republic City is facing a threat like none the world has ever seen, but there is one man who has been effective against Amon's revolution."
Korra had a sinking feeling in her stomach as Saikhan turned to the city council. Turns out her feelings were well placed.
"Councilman Tarrlok! That is why, for all matters involving the Equalists, I will report directly to him."
Korra and Tenzin were shocked and outraged by this revelation as the dirty politician moved to stand next to Saikhan.
"The police department will lend any and all available resources to the councilman and his task force, until we quell this insurgency!"
"What is that weasel-snake Tarrlok up to now?" Korra pondered, she and Tenzin glared as they watched Tarrlok work the crowd. Finally, as the crowd dispersed, Tenzin took the opportunity to confront the underhanded councilman.
"Tarrlok, I don't know what you did to get Chief Saikhan in your pocket, but I highly doubt it was legal."
"Oh, Tenzin. Always the conspiracy theorist. Did you ever consider Saikhan simply recognizes my talents and wants what is best for this city?" Tarrlok said snidely. The councilman then turned his attention to the Avatar. "Well, Avatar Korra, long time no see. Now that your little Pro-Bending distractions are over, I look forward to your return to my task force."
"Huh, forget it!" Korra scoffed. "There's no way I'm rejoining your vanity project." This wasn't what Tarrlok wanted to hear, evident by how his confident smile fell.
"That is unfortunate to hear. But I'm sure you'll come to your senses as you have in the past" he finished confidently.
"Don't hold your breath, bub" Korra said defiantly. "You know, Tenzin's been right about you all along. You played me, you played Beifong, and now you're playing the new Chief of Police too. Well I've got news for you, you need me, but I don't need you. I'm the Avatar."
Tarrlok sneered as he began to verbally tear down Korra's confidence. "You are not in fact the Avatar. You're just a half-baked Avatar in training. Which reminds me how is your airbending going? Made any significant progress with that?" Tarrlok took sadistic pleasure as he watched Korra buckle under the weight of his words. "I didn't think so. If you won't be part of my task force, then you had best stay out of my way."
*Air Temple Island*
After Tarrlok's harsh words, Korra wasn't exactly feeling all that confident and had chosen to hide on a remote part of the island. Sitting on a small cliff overlooking the water, she allowed herself to wallow in self-pity.
"So this is where you were" said Naruto, walking up to sit beside her. "Tenzin told me about Tarrlok."
"Then you know everything he said was true" Korra said miserably. "How am I supposed to save the city, when I can't even learn airbending? I'm a complete failure as an Avatar."
"Hey! None of that" Naruto commanded, flick his finger against Korra's forehead, much to her annoyance.
"Hey knock it off!" she snapped, knocking away Naruto's hand.
"Well I've got to knock the crazy out of you. Come on don't let that jerk get to you. Ok so you're having trouble with your airbending, big deal. You'll get it eventually."
Korra gave a small smile at the display of faith, Naruto had in her. But that's how he'd always been, no matter the challenge Naruto wouldn't give up on himself or her. Korra couldn't help but feel that it was time to have some faith in her own abilities.
"Yeah you're right" said Korra, feeling a bit more confident. Thinking back her talk with Asami. She was going to asked him only for Naruto talk cut her off.
"Besides, I'm not the only one that believes in you" said Naruto, pointing to the approaching forms of Mako, Asami, and Bolin. "You've got your own Team Avatar."
"He's right you know" said Asami.
"We've got your back" Mako added.
"Let's go show, Republic City the new Team Avatar!" Bolin exclaimed, apparently he really liked the idea. Sharing the earthbender's enthusiasm the teens rushed off to begin their first patrol of the city.
*Republic City*
Though Naga made it very clear she wasn't going to carry all of them, Asami was thankfully able to provide an alternative means of transportation in the form of a five seated, sleek black Satomobile and they were soon driving through the city in style.
They didn't have long to wait before the car's radio picked up a police broadcast announcing that the Equalists had pulled a jailbreak. And as fate would have it the escaping chi blockers had taken the street in front of them as an escape route, as they spotted four chi blockers on motorcycles guarding a high jacked prison bus.
Asami didn't hesitate to have the car speed off after the escaped criminals. As they raced through the streets the chi blockers cared little for public safety, pushing plenty of vehicles off the road but so far nothing that the Sato heiress couldn't handle. Though as the chi blockers caused a truck to skid in their way, Asami knew it was time for some creative driving assistance.
"Korra, Bolin, I need a ramp!" using their earthbending, Bolin and Korra raised the street forming the ramp just in time for Asami to jump the car over the truck, and back in the chase.
"Hey, Asami get up close!" said Naruto, as got into a crouching position in the backseat. As Asami brought the car into range, the blond made a crazy jump from the Satomobile on to the back of the nearest chi blocker's motorcycle, tossing him of the bike before he even knew he was there.
Taking the bike for himself Naruto sped ahead, swerving out of the way as a pair of chi blockers fell back to deal with their pursuers. But Naruto wasn't worried as a quick glance over his shoulder showed Asami finishing off the pair ironically with her very own Equalist taser glove.
With the path now clear Naruto rode up behind the truck, struggling to maintain control as he drove with one hand as he formed a chi to cover his fist, and quickly slammed his fist into the side of the truck sending it spiraling out of control as it toppled over.
By the time Tarrlok and his taskforce arrived the Equalists were already tied up and the press were taking pictures.
"Avatar Korra, what do you think you're doing?" Tarrlok said angrily.
"Oh, hey, Tarrlok! Nice of you to show up, finally" Korra said smugly. "Here, we captured the escaped convicts for you."
"What you did was tear up the city and impede the real authorities in their pursuit of these criminals."
"Hmm, that's funny, I didn't see your little task force or the cops the whole time! If it wasn't for Team Avatar, they would have gotten away."
Glowering, Tarrlok turned to leave but not before delivering an ultimatum
"This is your last warning! Stay out of my way."
The following night Team Avatar was once again patrolling the city. Earlier that day Tenzin had told him about Tarrlok talking the city council into declaring a curfew for non-benders and ever since, Naruto's had a very bad feeling.
It only got worse when they arrived in the Dragon Flats Burrow, finding that the power had been cut off. Turns out Naruto was right to worry as instead of the reported Equalist rally, they found a large gathering of non-benders being held back by Tarrlok's taskforce, demanding that their power be restored.
"Mommy, look! It's the Avatar!" a child cried, pointing to Korra.
"Please help us" the child's mother pled. "You're our Avatar too!"
Naruto could tell that Korra wasn't exactly sure how to deal with the situation but chose to stay quiet as they left to confront Tarrlok.
"Tarrlok! You need to turn the power back on and leave these people alone!" Korra demanded.
"Avatar Korra, you and your playmates have no business here" the councilman sneered.
"We're not going anywhere! You don't have the right to treat these innocent people like criminals."
"This is an Equalist rally. There's nothing innocent about it."
"They're not Equalists" Asami argued, stepping forward. "They're just normal people who want their rights back."
"They are the enemy!" Tarrlok growled.
"Why because they're not benders!" Naruto countered. "Is that how the council works now? Or maybe you're the problem! Maybe your little ego trip hasn't been working out, so now your targeting innocent people just so you can save face!"
"I'd be very careful about your words boy" the councilman sneered.
"Why, you mad that I'm not bowing to you?" the blond smirked.
"Round up all these Equalists!" Tarrlok ordered, turning away from Naruto. The people in the crowd started to scream as the taskforce members metalbended the barricades to surround them. Their fear grew as the ground beneath started to rise into the air.
"Stop!" Korra cried, taking control of the earth platforms she lowered them to ground under the barricades, allowing the people to escape to their homes.
Angered by the Avatar's defiance, Tarrlok turned his gaze to Asami, capturing her arm in a water whip.
"Let me go!" Asami cried, struggling against his grasp.
"You're under arrest!" Tarrlok declared.
"What? You can't do that!" Naruto argued.
"Actually, I can. She's a non-bender out past curfew and her father is a known Equalist conspirator." Furious over the injustice Naruto used his fist to break Tarrlok's hold incurring the corrupt man's wraith.
"Arrest them." As the metalbenders moved to capture Mako and Bolin, Naruto intervened catching them by surprise with quick powerful punches to their faces, breaking their noses. Stunned by the nerve of a clear non-bender attacking his men, "Arrest them all!" Tarrlok growled. Not willing to let Naruto expose himself to fight off the taskforce,
"Tarrlok!" Korra roared, lifting two large slabs of earth from the ground, a clear threat to the councilman. "Let them go!"
"Unless you want to join your friends in prison, I suggest you put those down and go back to the Air Temple."
"Korra, listen to him! It's not worth it." Mako cried as they were dragged away.
"We'll be alright!" Bolin promised.
"Don't worry, I'll get Tenzin! He can get you out!" Korra promised. As her and Naruto left to find the Air bender Council men
Air temple Korra Room
While Korra, Naruto and Tenzin went to police HQ to free their freinds but Tarrlok had the police firmly under his control. Unfortunately, they wait next day on the council meeting. Both Korra and Naruto didn't like to wait to free their friends. Korra was laying down her bed feeling very frustrated that see can't free her friends. She got off bed started walk too her window, to see Republic City light that's shown at night. Thinking what she going to do. Until the knock on her door.
"Korra it is me can I come in" said Naruto from outside of the door.
"Yea come in" she said. Naruto walking into her room. Korra was surprise to see Naruto new attire. Wearing long sleeves navy blue with white trims around the edges with south water tribe logo in the center. His bottoms have also change to navy blue baggie bottoms. His Haroi were once red and black cloak has now change to blue with white flames in the bottom.
"wow love new outfit" Korra said small blush on her cheeks. Naga whose laying down in korra room. Bark as agreement.
"Thank you…Korra can we talk for a minute." Said Naruto as he was guide by the korra to sit on the bed to talk.
"So, what do you want talk about it." Curious what he going to talk about this late.
"I'm going to see Tarrlok tonight."
"Great, I was thinking same..."
"Alone Korra. I'm going there alone." He said that made Korra rambling stop and she look at him in confusion.
"Why!?" she shouted not understand why he going to alone. Naruto took a breath and talk once more.
"It will better for me to go alone to deal with this. Since the war brewing, they need you here more than anything. Plus, I don't trust that snake to be near you at all." He said. Stating half truth of his intentions.
"That doesn't explain why YOU are going alone." Korra said while point her finger at the blond. Blond was little shock that he was find out. He sighs at this. Sometimes he forgot he can't things from her.
"If anything, happen to you I won't forgive myself."
"And why is that" she said knowing the answer, but she wants to hear the blond to say it.
"…" he mumbles as his head down look at his feet to provide more interesting.
"I'm sorry you need speak up little more." She said waiting for him to exploded.
"SPIRT ABOVE KORRA! I LOVE..." that all he said when Korra latch to him Kissing fully on the lips. Wrapping her arms around his head to deepen the kiss. He in shocked for moment. Then instinct took over having his wrap his arms around her frame, bring her closer, never letting go. While she feels Naruto, strong arms wrap around her tightly. Feeling little adventurous she uses tongue to gain access, to he applies to do. It turns full make out, letting them explore each other mouths. Until the air was need it. They took breather, resting their forehead against each other, they still holding each other having no intention to release.
"I love you too and i known what happen with Asami. we both talk about and we are agreement of sharing." Said now blushing Korra. Rubbing her head into his chest. Sighing in content. Never ever though this kiss would be so intense. Though kiss she felt variety emotions from him. What stood out the most was his love for her. For Naruto he was happy that his best friend had return his feeling to him. The smile had never left his face, finally achieve he long so far.
"I know you are stubborn about this, so I won't fight this you. Put please take Naga with you, I can't help but worry my boyfriend safety." Said smiling Korra. But clearly there worries in voices, having attend love, she can't help to worried of his safety. Naruto was happy to hear this, he let go of his release hold of her. Reaching around his neck to get hold his necklace that he always been carried since day one. Putting the necklace around Korra neck. Korra was surprise his sudden action. Naruto never took off his necklace.
"Why? You never took this off." she asked. Wondering he put the necklace around her neck.
"Well this promise for me coming back to you. I want you hold this until I come back for it". He said.
Korra can't be touch with this. Giving him a kiss one more time, for good luck as he returns the favor by kissing back. "No matter what happens. Please return to me." He nodded, walking to Naga rubbing her head. "Wanna go a little walk with daddy" he said which he got happy "bark" from the polor dog and giggle from Korra to see their little interact. As Naruto and Naga left Korra room, Korra went to lay down on her bed. Holding the necklace close to heart, ready to fall asleep. but can't this feeling of something is going to happen.
*City Hall*
With no other options Naruto decided to personal to Tarrlok Hoping this won't end up fight. Doubtful he thought. Breaking in through his office window Naruto found the councilman at his desk. As He entered the room, couldn't help noting that the dark atmosphere matched the councilman perfectly as the only light came from behind a decorative waterfall.
"We need to talk" Naruto said firmly.
"So, spit it out" said Tarrlok, acting far to calm for Naruto's liking.
"Don't you see? You're doing exactly what Amon says is wrong with benders! You're using your power to oppress and intimidate people!"
"And you don't? A bender-less barging into the council" Tarrlok asked incredulously. "Isn't that what you came here to do? Intimidate me into releasing your friends? See, that's what I admire about you, Naruto. Your willingness to go to extremes in order to get what you want. It is a quality we both share."
"You and I are nothing alike!" Naruto denied. But that smug smirk never left Tarrlok's face, he truly believed he was in control.
"Look, I'll make you a deal. You fall in line, and do what I say, and I'll release your friends."
"That's why you arrested them? To get to Korra?" Naruto said in realization.
"I need your answer."
"No. You might be able to manipulate Chief Saikhan into following you, but it won't work on Korra."
Tarrlok stood from his desk and turned to face his waterfall as if his refusal made the Naruto unworthy of a face to face conversation.
"You will regret that decision" he said sinisterly.
"You need to be stopped! You're just as bad as Amon!" Naruto's words strike a nerve with the councilman as his eyes take on a cold murderous look.
"I've tried to work with you and Korra. But you've made it impossible." Tarrlok quickly turned around, throwing a blade of water at the Naruto, catching him by surprise as Naruto just manages to roll out of the way, dodging it literally by a hair.
Naruto quickly dashing toward Tarrlok, surprising Tarrlok with his quick recovery. Knocking him into the waterfall. Keeping up the pressure he followed up his attack, Tarrlok was quick to defend, surrounding himself in a sphere of water. Seeing this wasn't working Naruto ceased his attack providing Tarrlok the opportunity to counter, firing shards of ice at the Naruto.
In an impressive display of acrobatics, Naruto back flipped, twisting his body in midair to avoid the deadly ice shards. But he soon found himself up against the back wall forcing him to resort to martial arts as he shattered several of the ice blades with his bare hands. Ultimately there proved to be too many of them as he felt one of the shards cut into his side. Seeking distraction Naruto raised a fist cover with his chi. Slammed to the ground cause a small shockwave causing the whole room to shake. Causing Tarrlok losing his balance. Naruto took this opportunity to add chi leg to dashing to Tarrlok.
Tarrlok has seen Naruto running towards him. No time to counter him he forms a shield made of ice. Naruto see what Tarrlok doing. In quick he forms small rasengan that enough to penetrate that ice shield of his. The rasengan complete shatter Tarrlok shield, still enough have power left. Naruto rammed into Tarrlok stomach. Resulted getting Tarrlok falling down to the floor below. Not done yet Naruto jumps down after him, taking some joy in Tarrlok's beaten form. "What are you going to do now? You're all out of water, pal!"
In desperation Tarrlok crawls away from the angry be beaten by this boy. As Naruto walking toward Tarrlok suddenly his body freezes, as Tarrlok climbs to his feet, hands out in a bending stance. Like a dark puppeteer Tarrlok forces Naruto's arms to twist behind his back as he falls to his knees.
"You're in my way, and you need to be removed!" Tarrlok said sinisterly.
"You're... you're a... bloodbender?" Naruto said in surprise. "It's... not a full moon how... how are you doing this?"
"Kyubbi i need help" he said to the link to kyuubi.
"im trying kit"
"There are a lot of things you don't know about me." Using his now revealed bloodbending, Tarrlok lifted Naruto off the ground and threw him into a pillar, not time to give Naruto to breath, he ends up throwing him hard up air to ceiling forms cracks around the ceiling. To finish of the blond Tarrlok bend his downward. Naruto crash down floor hard. He couldn't help but gulf up some blood. His body hurts all over. As tarrlok had finish with the blond. He walking to toward the blond he took out syringe full silver in it.
"Kit move your ass!" said shout kyuubi, Angry that he cant physical repair his friend body as before.
Tarrlok presses syringe again to his neck, slowly sliver liquid substance enters Naruto body.
"What…did you… do me" Naruto demanded, still pain from whatever Tarrlok did. He cant feel the connection to Kyuubi.
"I have poison you with small dose of Mercury, it will eventually kill you, painfully and slowly." Said Tarrlok with smirk on his face.
"Say goodbye to Republic City, you'll never see it again." Tarrlok said menacingly, as he knocks the blond out.