Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! I'm surprise at how well this was received, but also thankful you all like this story so much. Now here we'll be seeing the others discussing everything they just saw, along reacting to chapter, including Xiě's backstory. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
"Before we begin the next part, I have a few more announcements to make." Storm said, getting everyone's attention.
"What else is there?" Questioned Tenzin warily, still not sure what else to make of this stranger and the power they possessed.
"I forgot to mention that through that door are living accommodations. Since you all may be here for a while, with the rooms being for you all to have breaks and talk about what you've seen, along with to rest and eat." Replied Storm while pointing to another set of doors, surprising the group since they were sure those hadn't been there before.
"Second, I'm leaving." Storm revealed, making them look at him with wide eyes.
"You're just leaving us here?!" Mako demanded, thinking this guy intended to just leave them trapped in whatever this place was.
"No, no, keep your scarf on Broody. I'll still pop in every now and then, either to fill in some blanks on what you see or bring in some more viewers. I'll also set it to play, when you're all are ready to keep watching, so no worries of missing anything." Clarified Storm, with the group relaxing a little at this.
"So, either feel free to keep watching, check out the rooms, or take a break if you need to. And enjoy the show." Said Storm, giving a short bow before vanishing from sight.
Trading looks, the group got up and went through the doors to the accommodations. Only to be amazed at the sight of it all, seeing a living/dining room, kitchen, and several more doors each with name plates.
"Okay, this is pretty awesome." Korra stated while going to her room, before smiling in excitement at seeing it was perfectly suited for her tastes, with the others also finding this as they looked inside.
"Uh…why do you have a tub instead of a bed?" Questioned Asami, after getting a glimpse in Desna and Eska's room, finding only one bed and a bathtub.
"I don't judge your tastes; you don't judge mine." Desna stated boredly, with the heiress nodding slowly, while backing away.
After checking out the remaining rooms, the group all sat down in the living room, while it began sinking what they had just witnessed. The blood, the death, Amon being a Bloodbender, a Spirit of Blood and its host being capable of bending three elements, and who knows what else they'll see. Though Ikki, Meelo, and Jinora to a lesser extent, had been annoyed at being blindfolded and couldn't hear anything.
"It's so unfair! How come you all got to see what happened, but we didn't?!" Said Ikki as she gave everyone an annoyed look.
"Yeah! How dare they block us from seeing Korra kick someone's butt!" Meelo added while crossing his arms, having looked forward to seeing awesome fights.
"What exactly did happen, anyway?" Questioned Jinora as she looked at everyone.
"We'll uh…we'll tell you three later, alright Jinora." Katara said to her granddaughter, while mentally adding that they'll tell them a heavily edited version to not scare them.
"Yeah, and I'm sure there will be plenty for you to still see." Added Pema as she smiled at her children, which pacified them slightly, while hoping they would get to see more.
With the others then beginning to talk about what they saw.
"I still can't believe it, Amon is a Waterbender and a Bloodbender." Korra stated, still finding it shocking that Amon was lying to all his followers, though also partly relieved that he didn't actually gain some power from Spirits.
"Yeah, but it actually makes sense. With how he was able to avoid all of Zolt's attacks at the rally. He could have been using Bloodbending to throw off Zolt's attacks enough, to make it seem he was untouchable." Said Mako, knowing that at least some of Zolt's attacks should have been able to hit Amon, but they never even came close.
"But he wasn't moving or showing any signs that he was bending. How could Amon Bloodbend without at least some movements?" Asami asked, making some of them also think this.
"The only other person capable of Psychic Bloodbending was Yakone, we weren't sure if anyone else could have such an ability. But it seems that Amon has it as well." Tenzin answered.
"Could Yakone have been the one who taught Amon how to use Psychic Bloodbending?" Zuko said thoughtfully, since it'd make sense with how Amon was able to use the same ability as Yakone.
"It's possible. Not long after Yakon was sent to prison, his gang busted him out and he went into hiding. We tried searching for him but found no trace of where he was. But he didn't have his bending anymore, so we didn't think he was a threat anymore." Katara said as she, Toph, and Zuko frowned and mentally cursed themselves for not trying to find Yakone, since it's now come back to bite them with Amon.
"What if Yakone had a different face? He still had contacts after being imprisoned, while having enough to break him out. He could have had ones that could get his face changed, before simply leaving, with no one being the wiser." Said Lin, making several of the group frown.
"That's possible, we'd never know it was him and he could go anywhere he wanted." Toph said frowning, with Korra looking down as she began thinking over all this, along with the visions she had after confront Amon.
The ones that Aang had sent her about Yakone, to tell her about Amon's Bloodbending.
'But he has the same abilities as Yakone, something that should be impossible with how difficult it'd be to just Bloodbend without a full moon. But being able to use Psychic Bloodbending, Yakone couldn't have been that lucky to find a Waterbender that powerful. Unless…' Thought Korra before her eyes widened as she began realizing who Amon really was.
"Korra? Are you alright?" Tenzin asked, making everyone look at the Avatar and see her expression, while Korra looked up at them.
"Tenzin, before you showed up at Avatar Aang Memorial Island, after Amon knocked me out. I saw visions of Aang, Toph when she was Police Chief, and Councilman Sokka. They were at a trial, Yakone's trial." Revealed Korra, shocking them.
"After seeing Carnage reveal that Amon is a Bloodbender and Katara mentioning Yakone earlier, I began realizing that Aang must have been trying to warn me about Amon, and that he was a Bloodbender like Yakone. But it wasn't just that Amon was a Bloodbender, it's that he had the exact same abilities that Yakone did. And more than that, but Amon was targeting me, the Avatar, while trying to discredit not just me, but Aang as well. The same person who took Yakone's bending away. Something that Amon's now doing to so many other benders." Korra continued, as the adults began putting the pieces together as well.
"Amon wasn't just Yakone's student…" Muttered Tenzin in realization.
"He was his son." Katara said in shock that even now, Yakone's shadow was still hanging over Republic City.
"…I did not see that coming." Bolin muttered to Mako, who nodded in agreement, not expecting Amon to be the son of one of the most notorious criminals to come to Republic City.
"Wow, you're actually using your brain for once, cousin Korra. I guess miracles do exist." Desna stated boredly, but now having some slight intrigue in his usual monotone voice, while some of the group jumped slightly, having nearly forgotten that the twins were there, with how quiet they've been.
"Uh…thanks? I'm surprised you two didn't say anything before." Replied Korra while feeling slightly annoyed at his comment, with them shrugging in response.
"Meh, we weren't really that invested or cared much about what was happening. But now we're starting to get interested, since it seems that Republic City isn't as boring as we thought it would be." Said Eska, also slightly intrigued now.
"Agreed sister. Perhaps when this is over, we may have to think of visiting our dear cousin." Added Desna, as the twins traded a look, both of them also mentally agreeing that they'll have to tell their father everything they've seen, given it may also expose his own plans as well.
"Oh…great." Korra muttered, not liking the idea of having to deal with her cousins coming to Republic City as well.
"Still, this is finally our chance to take Amon down. By exposing he's a bender, we'd need to force him to do it, knowing we'd have no other way of exposing his lies." Said Lin, while rubbing her chin in thought to think of a plan to get Amon to expose himself.
"You'd need Waterbenders, and a lot of them. Have them all attack Amon at once and he'd have to use his bending to save himself. And if he doesn't, then the water would wash away his mask and his scar, showing he's a liar." Toph said, making Lin look at her mother, before she began nodding slowly knowing such a plan could work.
"We'd need to get a lot of them, since if Amon is as powerful as his father. He could Psychic Bloodbend the Waterbenders to make them miss." Said Tenzin, given how Yakone had been able to Bloodbend dozens of people, including his own father.
"While I like the idea of dealing with Amon as soon as possible, you also shouldn't rush into it. Since if you take him out too quickly, who's to say someone else won't take his place to lead the Equalists. A group like that won't just stop, even if their leader is taken out." Katara said, not wanting them to deal with Amon, only for someone potentially worse to take his place.
With her words making them frown, but nod in agreement. Since even with this knowledge, they had to play it safe when they get back.
"Well look at it this way, we also have a way to see just what consequences would come from Amon being exposed and dealt with early. Maybe even find out what else the Equalists have up their sleeves." Said Asami, making the group nod in agreement.
"I'll also speak with General Iroh and see if we can move in close to Republic City, in case things get really bad." Bumi added.
"I think I'll also make my way there too." Said Kya, wanting to make sure her family was safe from Amon, refusing to let anything happen to the last Airbenders in the world.
"Thank you, both of you, we appreciate the additional help." Tenzin replied, smiling at his siblings, with Katara smiling happily at her children, glad that they'll be working together.
The group then headed back to theater, to see the aftermath of Carnage's attack and hopefully learn more about Xiě and his host. With the screen lighting up once they were all seated.
Korra sighed as she sat within a guest room, where the stranger from the Equalist rally was resting. Though the Avatar did remember that Carnage called him Naruto when he first appeared.
'I guess that's his name, Naruto.' Korra thought as she looked at Naruto's unconscious form on the bed, before glancing at Tenzin, who stood by the door with a stoic expression.
Three days have passed, since the disaster at the Equalist rally and Korra bringing Naruto to Air Temple Island, with the boy having not woken up since their fight. Korra figuring that Carnage taking control of him and then forcefully taking back control, took a lot out of him.
"Three days, more than enough time for panic to start spreading." Lin muttered, knowing anyone who survived the rally and told others about Carnage, panic would start spreading, not to mention the remaining Equalists that learned their leader was a fraud.
"He's really…just a kid." Said Pema, feeling her maternal instincts kick in at seeing this Naruto unconscious, and being a host to something like Xiě, and he's only a teenager.
"He almost…doesn't even look alive. Look how pale he is." Kya said, upon seeing Naruto's pale skin and knew that it definitely wasn't healthy, nor from a lack of sun, it's the same paleness you'd see on a corpse.
After bringing Naruto to the island and getting him settled in a room. Korra had been pulled into Tenzin's study, where she had finally been able to get some answers.
*Flashback*
Tenzin paced the length of his study, as dozens of thoughts raced through his head.
"Hey! How come Korra gets to be in your study, but not us daddy?!" Ikki demanded while looking at her father in annoyance.
"Because last time you were in there, I had to clean up all my scattered papers." Deadpanned Tenzin, having forbidden his children from entering his study since the last time, when Ikki and Meelo blasted air everywhere, sending everything flying.
He's just thankful that nothing was damaged.
After getting over his initial shock and horror at hearing Korra ask him who Xiě is, along with the knowledge that the boy she brought to his family's home may somehow be connected to him. The Airbending master had been tempted to call Lin and have her lock the boy up, not wanting to risk such a threat being near his family. He had only relented at Korra's insistence that the boy himself wasn't a threat, but whatever inside him was.
So, Tenzin had allowed Korra to place him in a guest room, along with posting White Lotus sentries around the room, in case he woke up and needed to be restrained. Before taking Korra to his study to get the full story of what happened.
"Going from evading arrest and property damage to harboring a fugitive. You seem to be building quite the resume girly." Lin stated while narrowing her eyes at Korra, who returned the look.
"Korra, what did you do?" Questioned Katara as she narrowed her eyes at her student.
"Nothing! I had simply dealt with some criminals after arriving and…may have…accidently destroyed some stalls. And then…ran, when Metalbenders arrived and tried to arrest me." Korra confessed.
"Were they caught?" Toph asked while raising a brow.
"Yes, they were. But she should have let the police deal wi-" Said Lin.
"I'll allow it." Stated Toph, getting a disbelieving look from Lin.
"M-mom?! You can't be serious?! She acted like a vigilante and caused who knows how much da-" Lin said.
"Hey, if the criminals were caught and no one was hurt, then she did a good job. The only problem I see, is the fact that the Metalbenders arrived after they were already dealt with and could have escaped, if not for Twinkle Toes." Toph said with a shrug, while Korra gave Lin a smug smirk, making the Police Chief drill holes in the back of her head.
And safe to say, Tenzin was shocked and horrified by what he heard, at the knowledge that the boy may possibly have formed a pact with Xiě to become his host, the resulting massacre, and the fact that he could Earthbend, Waterbend, and Firebend, possibly Airbend as well. The only thing that seemed to remotely calm him down, was learning that the boy seemed to want Amon to take away his bending. Along with the fact that before Carnage, as Korra called him, could kill her, he seemed to forcefully take back control.
After she had finished telling him what happened, Tenzin had simply began pacing around the room to organize his now chaotic thoughts, while Korra sat on the floor. With the Avatar starting to get impatient and wanting to finally get some answers.
"Tenzin! Can you stop pacing and just tell me, who is Xiě?!" Korra said, after reaching her limit, while also pulling Tenzin from his thoughts, as the Airbending master sighed before sitting down across from the Avatar.
"I myself am curious as to how my other knows about Xiě." Said Tenzin since he's never heard of Xiě or even about a "Spirit of Blood".
"Whatever his story is, it's probably not pretty." Katara stated, knowing a being like Xiě had to have a life filled with blood and murder.
"I'm sure you've heard the story about the Moon Spirit and the Ocean Spirit." Tenzin stated, with Korra raising a brow in confusion, but nodded in response.
"Yeah, Master Katara told me about it, along with when she, Aang, and Sokka travelled to the Northern Water Tribe." Replied Korra, having heard plenty of stories of Aang's adventures with his friends, including how they met the Ocean Spirit, La, and the Moon Spirit, Tui.
"What could Xiě have to do with them?" Wondered Korra, confused at the seemingly random mention of the two Spirits.
"Bloodbending is normally only possible on a full moon. Maybe there's a connection between Xiě and Tui." Zuko suggested, making Katara flinch and actually be thankful that Sokka wasn't here to hear that, knowing how much he cared about Yue and got angry at any insults towards her.
"Yes, I'm sure she's told you, but I just wanted to be sure." Said Tenzin, before standing up and going over to a bookshelf, where he searched for a specific scroll, before finally finding it, and pulled it out.
Sitting back down, Tenzin unrolled the scroll in front of Korra, with the girl being surprised to see that it showed a series of drawings, as if telling a story.
"Tui and La, the Moon and the Ocean, were among the first Spirits to travel to the mortal world and assume physical forms. Together, they have been circling each other for eternity in an eternal dance, balancing each other. Good and evil, yin and yang, that is how it has always been." Tenzin said, pointing to the image of Tui and La in their physical forms of koi fish, circling each other, with Korra looking at the images as she felt entranced by it.
As if they were actually moving, before Tenzin continued to speak.
"Everyone already knows this." Eska deadpanned.
"I didn't know that." Said Bolin while raising his hand, only to immediately lower it when the girl looked at him before looking forward again.
"Everyone important already knows this." Said Eska, making the Earthbender lower his head.
"But that is known, only after they had taken their physical forms. Before that, when they still remained in the Spirit World, there is more to their story." Said Tenzin as he moved onto a new image, showing Korra who she guessed were Tui and La in their true spirit forms, but she also saw a third being.
"Thousands of years ago, the Moon and Ocean Spirits were praised and revered by humanity, the ocean for providing food and nourishment, and the moon for the light it gives during their darkest times. But there was a third spirit, one who provided humanity the means to live. Xiě, the Blood Spirit and Brother of the Ocean Spirit." Tenzin said, with Korra's eyes widening at this knowledge.
Everyone's eyes widened in shock at hearing this, that Xiě was actually the brother of La.
"That…thing, is the Ocean Spirit's brother?!" Katara said in disbelief, not believing La could ever be related to something like Xiě.
"I-it kind of makes sense. Given how you and dad told us about what happened in the North Pole." Said Kya, with Tenzin and Bumi nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, when dad became Koizilla, that seemed pretty dark and destructive." Bumi added, with Katara about to retort, only to find that she couldn't think of anything to say, given they were right.
When Aang and La turned into that giant creature and wiped out all that Fire Nation ships and everyone on them, not doubting that all of them were taken down to the bottom of the ocean. Then afterwards, whatever La did to Zhao, as much as he may have deserved it for killing Tui. Those actions did seem pretty vindictive and dark.
"Huh, that's interesting. Xiě's the reason we're alive." Stated Desna boredly.
"And the reason we could die if he wanted…I already like him." Eska said.
"Xiě and La, are brothers?" Questioned Korra, having never heard any mention of the Ocean Spirit having a brother.
"Yes. But while La was loved, Xiě was regarded as evil and scorned, sparking hatred and jealous within Xiě for being seen as evil, despite how his power and essence flowed through the veins of all living beings. But what truly drove Xiě and La apart, was the love they had for the Moon Spirit. Each brother vying for her affection, and when Tui chose La over him, Xiě was enraged. Since then Xiě had despised both his brother and his wife, seeking for the chance to take his revenge on them both. With the chance arriving when both Spirits traveled to mortal world and taught the first Waterbenders. It was then, that Xiě cursed La and Tui's disciples, making it so when the Moon and Ocean are truly united, they will be transformed into Children of Blood." Said Tenzin.
Everyone was only further shocked at what they heard, that Xiě had been regarded as evil and was scorned for who he was. But more than that, the brothers were driven apart because they both loved the Moon Spirit.
"He was hated, just for who he was." Zuko muttered while frowning, since he knew what that was like.
"Wow…he's like a fallen hero, having grown tired of the scorn before finally retaliating after his lover chose his brother over him." Jinora said in amazement and sympathy for Xiě, seeing as he seemed like the main character of several books she's read.
"So, he's the reason Bloodbenders exist, Children of Blood." Said Katara, frowning while admitting that she does feels some sympathy for Xiě, for everything he experienced, on top of the woman he loves choosing his brother over him, but that still didn't excuse everything he did after.
"The full moon." Korra said as she realized what that meant, when the moon was full and Waterbenders were at their strongest.
"Correct. When the moon is full, the Waterbenders' power is at their strongest, strong enough to bend the water within another living creature, their very blood. During these nights, Waterbenders become weak to Xiě's influence and power, the Spirit of Blood whispering in their ears, tempting them with the power to control all those around them. Seeking those who have darkness within their hearts, so they can experience the same pain and hatred, as he has. It is these Waterbenders that become known as Children of Blood, having accepted the power Xiě offers to become Bloodbenders. With there being those, who have enough power to not need a full moon to access this power. When Tui and La learned of what Xiě had done, he was cursed by his brother and his wife, transforming him into a Dark Spirit. A being of pure malice and hatred, who only seeks destruction wherever he goes. All the while, whispering in the ears of the Children of the Moon and the Ocean, seeking to corrupt them into his Children of Blood." Tenzin said as he finished the story, with Korra gulping as she saw drawing of Xiě that looked even more terrifying than Carnage.
Once again, the group was shocked, not believing that they've just learned the true origin of Bloodbending, at least in that world, and what it means to be a Bloodbender.
"He can influence every Waterbender." Eska said, for once being really shocked to know that Xiě has influence over every Waterbender.
"Every night, when we're at our strongest." Added Desna in disbelief, knowing Waterbenders on a full moon were already dangerous, but those that would be weak to Xiě's influence…
The twins were actually scared of such a thought, knowing such Waterbenders could potentially be unstoppable.
All while Katara was shaking as she processed what she just heard, that Xiě whispers in the ear of all Waterbenders, seeking out those with darkness in their hearts and then turns them into Children of Blood.
'Darkness…like vengeance.' Katara thought while looking down at her shaking hands.
"Katara, back with the Southern Raiders…did you hear…" Said Zuko, looking at his friend in worry, wondering if it's possible that Katara had been influenced by Xiě, since they still weren't sure if Xiě also existed in their world as well.
"I-I-I…I don't know…" Replied Katara, honestly terrified at the thought, knowing the only times she ever Bloodbent she had been focused on saving Sokka and Aang, and getting her revenge on her mother's killer.
Could she have unknowingly opened herself up to Xiě's influence, if he did in fact exist in their world? Could she already be a Child of Blood? Is this what Hama experienced? To have Xiě whisper in her ear, offering her the power to get revenge on the Fire Nation for imprisoning her?
And she fully accepted the power, becoming what she had.
"Mom?" Bumi asked as he, Kya, and Tenzin looked at their mother in worry, making Katara look at them while trying to suppress her fear and smiled weakly.
"I-I'm fine…just…just a little shaken is all." Said Katara, before Kya put a hand on her shoulder.
"I know, the full moon affects me too." Kya said, understanding what her mother was feeling, even more so since she's already a Bloodbender, while Kya also would feel the effects of a full moon as well as the fear of Xiě existing in their world.
Katara smiled at her daughter, putting a hand over hers, along with nodding in thanks to her sons, thankful to have children like them.
"But wait…I thought Bloodbending was created during the Hundred Year War by Hama? And how do you even know about all this Tenzin?" Korra asked, having not been sure if Tenzin even knew who Xiě was, or not.
"To answer your first question, I'll have to answer the second. It was years ago during my father's time, when he helped Police Chief, Toph Beifong, stop a crime lord named Yakone. A powerful Waterbender and Bloodbender, who possessed the unique ability to Bloodbend someone with his mind, without the need of a full moon or any movements. It was after my father took away Yakone's bending, that he sought to find out just how it was possible for someone to Bloodbend. Having developed doubts that Hama was the first person capable of such a thing. It was after his time in the Spirit World, that he learned about Xiě and wrote down what he learned. All while keeping it a secret from everyone, except my mother, not wanting knowledge of Xiě to become public." Tenzin explained.
"So, dad learned about Xiě after Yakone's trial." Stated Tenzin stroking his beard, making a mental note to check the library on the island to see if his father had any such secrets written down somewhere.
"It'd make sense. I mean, Waterbending had been around for thousands of years, so it's possible that others discovered the ability to Bloodbend before Hama." Korra said, knowing it did seem unlikely that no other Waterbender discovered Bloodbending, with Hama having been the first.
"I always did wonder how Bloodbending became common knowledge." Said Katara while frowning, given how she would have preferred it if Bloodbending died with her, and the knowledge with her friends.
Yet somehow, the existence of the dark art became exposed, with her working to make it illegal so no one would end up like Hama did.
"One thing I always wondered, is how did Yakone become so skilled at Bloodbending. Let alone discover how to do it without a full moon or hand movements, if he didn't have a teacher?" Toph said, while frowning since Katara having told them it took Hama years to learn Bloodbending and get to the point of controlling a single guard.
Yet Yakone was able to perform feats like doing it without a full moon, without movements, and using it on dozens of people at once. And he hadn't been that old either, making for the former Police Chief wonder if someone could have trained him.
"Let's not think about that Toph." Zuko said quickly, knowing they already had enough problems in their world and didn't need to think of anymore potential ones.
"Katara knew?" Asked Korra, surprised that her Waterbending master knew about Xiě.
"Yes, she did, though I'm sure she wishes she didn't. The idea of criminals having the power to Bloodbend was bad enough, but that there was an actual Spirit who could influence all Waterbenders in such a way. It's why my mother hates Bloodbending, for the corrupting power it gives, to make good people do horrible things." Tenzin said, having learned about his mothers' journey with Fire Lord Zuko to hunt down the man who killed her mother, where she had actually Bloodbent someone in her anger, that being the second and only other time she did so.
"So…it's possible for other Bloodbenders to be out there?" Korra said, now understanding just why Katara had gotten so angry with her, when Korra once brought up Bloodbending, having not fully understood why it was such a dark art.
Now seeing that it wouldn't just be taking control of another human being and treating them like a puppet, but she'd also be under Xiě's influence, as well.
"Even if I, myself, don't know about Xiě, Korra. This is still why I didn't want you to know anything about it. Because that kind of power, it would have destroyed you." Said Katara to her student, having had Korra ask her the same question before.
"I know that now, and I'm really sorry I asked." Korra said, having never seen Katara get as angry as she did, when the Avatar asked about the possibility of learning Bloodbending.
"The chance of there being more Bloodbenders out there, that's a scary thought." Muttered Asami, with Mako and Bolin nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, bad enough with someone like Amon having that kind of power. I can't imagine others having it, who wouldn't care about taking peoples bending." Mako said.
"And being controlled like a bunch of puppets by a crazy puppet master." Bolin added, shuddering at the idea.
"It's possible there are, and they simply are better at hiding such abilities. But it seems this boy isn't just a Bloodbender, he is Xiě's host as well. And can somehow Earthbend and Firebend by some unknown means." Said Tenzin, while frowning, as he was still wary of having the boy in his home, especially if he's the host of a truly evil Spirit.
"Then how exactly did you find out about Xiě? If Aang only told Katara, how did you find out?" Korra asked with a frown, since she wondered how Tenzin knew, before seeing the Airbender's shoulders slump and he seemed to have age a few years.
The group became wary and worried at seeing Tenzin's expression.
"Daddy, are you alright?" Meelo asked as the children looked at their father in worry, with Tenzin smiling reassuringly at them.
"I'm fine son, and I'm sure the other me is fine. At least I hope so." Replied Tenzin, muttering the last part to himself.
"I get the feeling I know that look." Said Toph lowly, feeling she had the same look on her face when she was Police Chief, and would keep getting more and more reports about crimes happening in the city, despite all the work she did to end it, it just seemed to keep happening.
And given everything that's happened in that world, and who knows what else, she had a feeling she knew what the look pertained to.
"It's due to the reports we've been getting, all throughout the Earth Kingdom." Tenzin said, tiredly.
"Reports?" Korra asked warily, not sure she wanted to know.
"Massacres, dozens of them, entire towns of people being ripped apart, something pulled from your darkest nightmares. And all of them having one thing in common, there wasn't a drop of blood anywhere in sight." Tenzin revealed, while Korra paled at hearing this.
At those words, everyone could only in horror at what they just heard, with Pema comforting the children when they huddled up to their parents in fear at what they just heard.
"Oh Spirits…" Muttered Katara as she covered her mouth in horror, not believing such a thing would happen in that world, not even wanting to imagine just how many people could have died.
"I didn't think…anything could do something like that." Desna said in shock.
"And that's just one Dark Spirit, possessing one person." Said Eska as she and her brother traded an uneasy look, knowing the situation between Naruto and Xiě seemed very similar to what their father wanted to do with Vaatu.
Would he turn out like that, or would he be even worse with that power he'd have?
"Xiě." Korra said, with Tenzin nodding at her answer.
"Yes. Given he is the Spirit of Blood, he is taking back what he believes is rightfully his, along with empowering himself as the more blood he consumes, the stronger he becomes. At first, I simply believed it to be the work of Dark Spirits. But after some time, I learned about Xiě. Where like my father, I kept this knowledge a secret, not wanting to cause panic at this knowledge getting out. Both against Waterbenders as a whole, and the Spirits." Tenzin said, wondering if his father had felt this conflicted at knowing such a secret, but knowing why it needed to remain as such.
But now it seemed that secret would soon be exposed if anyone had survived Carnage's attack and spread word of his presence.
"If Xiě or that kid exists in our world, and he sets so much as a foot in Republic City, I will have my officers put him in the ground." Lin swore, refusing to take any kind of risk in Xiě or his host entering Republic City, swearing she'll make sure he can't reform or heal, or whatever he did when fighting the Avatar.
"Lin!" Tenzin said in disbelief, while knowing that Xiě was a threat, she just openly admitted to planning to kill someone, someone who likely was just another puppet of Carnage.
"You can't do that!" Said Korra, while glaring at the Police Chief.
"The hell I can't! It's my job to protect Republic City from threats! Last I checked; someone who commits dozens of massacres and kills who knows how many people, qualifies as a threat!" Lin retorted while glaring right back at the Avatar.
"You don't know if he was in control or not, you could end up killing an innocent person! And in case you forgot, like Xiě said before, if Naruto dies, he'll just take another host! Will you just keep killing whoever he jumps into?!" Demanded Korra, with the Police Chief looking tempted to launch her cables at the Avatar.
Though they were silenced when Bumi let out a sharp whistle.
"Enough! There will no killing anyone who enters Republic City, no matter who they are!" Bumi said.
"You can't tell me what to do or how to protect my city!" Retorted Lin, only to recoil at the surprising glare from the normally fun-loving son of Aang.
"Actually I can! As the Commander of the Second Division of the United Forces, it's my job to protect all of the United Republic and its citizens from threats, including Republic City! So, if this kid does exist and he goes to Republic City, and I say he's not to be touched, then it's an order! Is that understood, Chief Beifong." Bumi said while narrowing his eyes at Lin, who was stunned into silence at what just happened, while those that knew Bumi were equally stunned, though Katara looked proud at her son, knowing Aang would feel the same.
"Besides, all this yelling is scaring my nieces and nephew." Stated Bumi while grinning at Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo, who smiled back at their uncle, as they were calming down slightly after everything they just heard about the massacres.
Korra gulped at this knowledge, while thankful that whoever Xiě's host was, they managed to take back control before he could kill her, or anyone else. And while part of Korra wanted to blame him for such horrific actions, she felt that he's just as much a victim as everyone else, being controlled and used by Xiě.
And she'll try to help him, anyway she could.
*End Flashback*
Since then, Korra's been checking on Naruto in between her Airbending training, waiting for him to wake up. With Tenzin joining her this time, as from what the sentries have reported, he's been stirring more often, showing he's likely to wake up soon.
"That's really nice of you Korra." Asami said smiling at her friend, which the Avatar returned with some strain, since she's still somewhat jealous of Asami and Mako dating and figured that Asami was some typical stuck-up rich girl.
"Thanks Asami, I figured the other me just wants him to see a friendly face, or at least one that doesn't look ready to attack him." Replied Korra, not noticing how Tenzin's other looked tense and ready for a fight.
As if on que, Korra saw that Naruto's eyes fluttered open, revealing they were a bright blue color with flecks of red in them. With the teen glancing around the room, before looking at her and Tenzin for a moment, then up at the ceiling, while letting out a resigned sounding sigh.
"How many?" Naruto asked, with Korra wincing at the question, having a feeling she knew what it implied, given her knowledge of the massacres in the Earth Kingdom.
How many bodies this time?
His words also made several of the others wince as well, seeing he wasn't even asking where he was or who they were, we went straight to asking the body count.
"That doesn't sound like someone capable of killing people." Kya said frowning, getting some nods in response.
"Yeah, he just sounds…resigned. As if knowing it already happened." Said Zuko as he wondered just what this Naruto's experienced, that he's simply resigned to knowing whenever Carnage comes out, a trail of bodies will be left behind.
"Uh…likely a couple dozen, maybe fewer, I think." Korra answered, having gotten a rough estimate of the amount of deaths, after Tenzin informed the Metalbenders of the location of the rally and finding the aftermath of Carnage's attack.
"At least it wasn't too many, this time." Muttered Naruto, with Korra wincing once again, wondering just how many times this has happened, that he's relieved the number was only a few dozen.
The group winced again, that he actually was relieved that a couple dozen people "wasn't too many".
"Just how long has he had to experience that?" Bolin wondered, now starting to feel sorry for Naruto.
"Too long." Replied Mako, upon seeing the look in Naruto's eyes, as if he's simply given up and has accepted that wherever he goes, people will die.
"Well, uh…I'm Korra, the Avatar. And that's Tenzin, my Airbending teacher." Korra said as she waved awkwardly at Naruto, who glanced at them for a few moments.
"…Naruto." Replied Naruto, before sitting up, raising brow when he saw he wasn't in chains or restrained in anyway, before noticing some kind of tag attached to his chest, under his shirt.
"What is this thing?" Naruto asked.
"A talisman created by me and the White Lotus, used to suppress and trap Dark Spirits. We placed it on you to suppress Xiě, making it so he can't control you. Hopefully, it will last long enough to find a way for us to separate him, from you." Tenzin answered, with Naruto looking at him with a raised brow.
"Interesting." Said Tenzin, narrowing his eyes as he tried getting a glimpse of tag to study it, knowing such a thing would be useful way to trap Dark Spirit inside containers, should they ever show up.
"I think uncle told me about some of those once." Zuko said, remembering how after the Hundred Year War and his uncle told him more about the White Lotus, along with how they once used such talismans when Dark Spirits were much more common, but fell out of use when Dark Spirits no longer appeared as much.
"Probably a good time to start using them again." Stated Toph, getting nods of agreement from the others, knowing it'd be good to have such items in case Dark Spirits start appearing again.
'Father's not going to like that.' Desna and Eska thought, knowing such things would throw a giant wrench into their father's plans.
"Good luck with that." Said Naruto, doubting they'd find a way to remove Carnage.
Even if they did, he'd just jump into another host, like he said he would. Something he admittedly hadn't considered when he tried getting Amon to take his bending. Only thinking of having it and Xiě gone, so he wouldn't kill anyone else.
But that plan obviously failed, and at this point, Naruto's resigning himself to being stuck with Xiě for the rest of his very long life.
Tenzin frowned at his words, sounding as if he didn't expect them to succeed in finding a way to remove Xiě.
"He's really just resigning himself to being Xiě's host." Korra said, frowning sadly as it seemed like Naruto doesn't believe that they could succeed in removing Xiě.
"Who knows what would even happen, if they were somehow separated." Said Jinora, given how long Xiě's been bonded with Naruto, who knows what would happen to him by suddenly losing the Spirit of Blood.
"Now, Naruto, if you don't mind answering a few questions for us. How exactly did you become Xiě's host?" Tenzin asked, with Korra looking at him, also curious about how he came into contact with Xiě, as Naruto looked between the two, before sighing.
The question made everyone lean forward slightly, wanting to know just how Naruto became Xiě's host.
"I was a kid; I grew up in a small village, in the northwestern part of the Earth Kingdom with my mother, who was a Waterbender, as well as the resident healer and hunter. It was nice, especially when I eventually showed to be a Waterbender, as well. But then one day, we were attacked by Dark Spirits, they just attacked and started killing people, including my mother. I was angry, angrier than I've ever been. I would have died too, but then I heard a voice, it offered me the power to save myself and have my revenge. I didn't bother to think it over, so I immediately accepted the chance to have revenge and live." Said Naruto.
"It was Xiě, wasn't it." Korra said, with Naruto nodding in confirmation.
"Yeah, I opened the door and Xiě happily walked through, taking me as a host. That's when Carnage was born, we ripped apart the Dark Spirits and absorbed their power, but also everyone else that was still alive. When I finally regained control, I was surrounded by bodies, then I just…ran. I was terrified at what I just did, and the fact that Xiě was still inside me. So I isolated myself, avoided settlements and people in general, only entering towns when I had no choice, and survived by hunting. But…Xiě isn't the type to just lie down and keep quiet." Naruto replied.
The group was shocked into silence at hearing just how Naruto became Xiě's host, that he didn't do it for power or was tricked, he did it…for revenge for his mother.
"You don't think…" Desna said lowly to his sister, both of them looking worried at hearing Dark Spirits were the ones that killed Naruto's mother, knowing their father's control over Dark Spirits.
"If he did, it wouldn't look good for our others." Replied Eska, knowing if their father's counterpart was responsible for those Dark Spirits being unleashed, then it's unlikely him and their own counterparts will live long.
"He…just wanted revenge for his mother." Said Katara in disbelief at the reason Naruto became Xiě's host, for the same reason she went after the Southern Raiders.
All they wanted, was to avenge their mothers after they were killed.
'I…I could have just easily been him.' Katara thought while looking down, knowing how easily she or her other could have been in Naruto's place, to accept Xiě's offer of power, to get revenge for her mother's death.
"Katara." Said Zuko, putting a hand on her shoulder, knowing what she must be thinking.
"It could have been me. If I had…if I had killed him back then…I could have been Xiě's host." Katara said, knowing how easy it could have been for her.
She had Yon Rha on his knees, begging for mercy, even offering up his own mother to even the score, and all she had to do was let the icicles tear through his body. If she had done that, if she gave into that darkness in her, then Katara knew she would have become Xiě's host.
"But you didn't. You showed mercy." Zuko stated, only for Katara to look at him.
"It wasn't mercy, I could never show mercy after what he took from me. I just couldn't kill someone so pathetic. If he had actually fought back, I would have killed him." Katara retorted darkly, knowing she never would have been able to give mercy to Yon Rha, and if he tried attacking her, she likely would have killed him.
"Mom?" Kya said as she and her brothers looked at their mother in worry, having never seen her like this.
"I'm fine Kya, just…thinking of how different things could have been." Katara said, pushing away her dark thoughts, knowing they wouldn't do anything for her right now.
But now the Waterbender knew she couldn't hate Naruto for being Xiě's host, not after knowing just how close she could have been to being in his position.
"The killings?" Tenzin asked.
"Feedings. Xiě sustains and empowers himself by devouring blood, the more he has, the stronger he gets. And the longer he goes without drinking any, the harder it is to control him, until he finally breaks free. What you saw at the rally, that was two months of keeping him locked up." Naruto revealed, shocking them both.
"Spirits…how did you survive that long on your own?" Asked Korra, shocked at what she was hearing.
"I'm able to satisfy him for some time, with animal blood, but it's not the same. He says that human blood tastes better, especially when they're terrified. It keeps him down for a while, but he always comes back. So, my advice, when this tag starts failing, and it will, make sure you're far, far away. Because he'll eventually come out, and he'll be hungry and angry." Naruto said, shivering slightly when he thought about the times Xiě got angry.
The group were once again stunned at the information they were hearing. That all the massacres committed by Carnage, they were really him feeding and getting stronger.
"If Carnage has gotten that much blood, why did it seem he was having trouble fighting Korra?" Asami said in worry and fear at just how strong Carnage could be.
"Because he wasn't. He was playing with her." Said Bolin with wide, fearful eyes.
"Bolin's right. If Carnage wanted to, he could have just Bloodbent Korra from the start. But he didn't." Mako said in disbelief, while clenching his armrests to control his shaking hands, while Korra went still at realizing they were right.
The entire time, Carnage could have simply Bloodbent her counterpart, but he didn't, all he did was toy with her. As if he'd already won and simply wanted to drag things out.
"Xiě didn't…torture you, did he?" Tenzin asked, frowning, with Korra looking at Naruto, hoping that wasn't the case, only for him to nod.
"Nothing too bad, since he wants to make sure I'm in top condition, when he's in control. At most, he slows my blood to a near crawl, slowing my heartbeat down to the point one would think I was dead." Replied Naruto, while looking at his pale skin, a result of Xiě's punishments.
"Damn." Toph muttered with a frown, feeling pity and sympathy for everything Naruto's been forced to go through, losing his mother, become Xiě's host, isolating himself to not kill people, and being tortured by Xiě for disobeying him.
Honestly, it's a miracle he hasn't gone completely insane and worked with Xiě willingly.
Korra also felt pity for Naruto, despite how Carnage nearly killed her counterpart, she really felt sorry for everything he's been through. And having no one there for him to help, being left all alone with only Xiě as company, and then having his body controlled and used as a puppet.
'I know I'll help him.' Thought Korra, knowing her counterpart will do everything she can to help Naruto, knowing no one deserved to go through all that.
"Okay, well…what about the fact you can Firebend and Earthbend? How can you do that?" Korra asked, wanting to move on from the dark topic, while wanting to finally get an answer of how he can bend three elements.
"It's one of the abilities I get as Xiě's vessel. I gain the abilities of anyone, who's blood I drain, which in turn grants me the ability to Earthbend and Firebend. With my bending also growing stronger, the more benders I drain." Naruto answered, surprising the two, while Korra had a feeling of dread inside her.
This shocked the group, to hear how Carnage was capable of bending more than one element.
"He gets a person's ability…by draining their blood?" Tenzin said, paling at this and moving closer to his children, given the fact they were the last Airbenders in existence.
"Mommy, is Xiě going to come after us?" Meelo said fearfully, with Pema wrapping her arms around her children.
"No, no, no, that's not going to happen. I promise." Assured Pema, even though she was just as terrified of such a possibility.
"Your mother's right, besides you dad, uncle Bumi, and I can keep you safe." Kya said while smiling at her nieces and nephews.
"That's right, I can even protect you better on my ship! I can even take you around the world and show you all of the nations!" Said Bumi while grinning at them to lighten the mood.
"If you hadn't interfered, Carnage would have drained my blood." Stated Korra, with Naruto nodding in confirmation, while Tenzin's eyes widened in horror at the realization of what would have happened.
While Korra saw how dangerous Carnage was alone, she could just imagine how dangerous he'd be, when empowered by the Avatar State and having all four elements at his control. She could only imagine him tearing his way through everyone and everything, until the entire world was in ruins. All while he grows stronger and stronger, with the more blood he devours.
It definitely didn't paint a pretty picture, with Korra being terrified of such a thing happening.
Those words immediately made everyone freeze, as they realized Korra's counterpart was right. If Naruto hadn't interfered and taken back control, Carnage would have killed Korra and drained her blood.
"Cousin Korra, I never thought I'd say it, but I'm really glad you're alright." Eska said, gulping at the idea of Carnage with the power of the Avatar.
"Agreed. Even better that you were the Avatar, rather than him." Added Desna, given if Naruto is the same age as Korra, he could have easily become the Avatar instead of her.
"Really glad I'm the Avatar too." Korra replied, having the same thought, since with how Naruto first met Xiě, he very likely would have entered the Avatar State in his anger.
Combined with becoming Xiě's host, it was definitely not something Korra wanted to think about.
"Like I said, make sure you're far away, when Carnage comes back." Naruto said, knowing if Carnage absorbed the Avatar's blood, then no one would be safe.
"Any other questions?" Naruto asked, while looking between the two, with them both shaking their heads.
"No, not at the moment." Answered Tenzin.
"And here's a radio you can listen to, while you rest." Korra said, while motioning to the radio on the dresser, before turning it on.
"Tensions continue to rise, in the wake of the revelation with Amon being outed as a Bloodbender-"
"-bending gangs grow increasingly bold-"
"-protestors outside of City Hall-"
"-Equalist remnants claiming Spirits are demons-"
"-bending seen as evil-"
"You know what, who listens to the radio anymore." Korra said, sheepishly, while turning the radio off, after seeing it was only talking about Amon, bending gangs, and remnants of the Equalists, along with basically how bad things were getting in the city right now, after that disaster of a rally.
With each radio broadcast the group flinched or winced, at seeing just how bad it's getting in the other Republic City, all just from Carnage's appearance and the revelation of Amon's' bending.
"Suddenly, Amon being a bender doesn't seem so important anymore." Katara stated, seeing they'd have so much more things to worry about.
"Wonderful, take care of one problem and twenty more pop up." Muttered Lin while rubbing her temples, as she could just feel the headache her counterpart will get from all of that.
"Now you know how I felt." Toph deadpanned, glad she's retired as Police Chief and doesn't have to deal with stuff like that anymore.
"Really glad we don't have to deal with stuff, like that." Said Bolin, as both Mako and Asami nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, glad we only have the tournament to worry about." Mako replied.
While Korra groaned and covered her face, seeing her counterpart's attempt to help only made things worse.
With Korra unable to resist the urge to facepalm and groan, wondering how a simple mission to save a friend could turn out so badly.
"Sorry. If I hadn't been at the rally, none of this would be happening." Said Naruto, knowing he's partly responsible for what's happening, given if he hadn't come to Republic City, then Carnage wouldn't have come out and exposed Amon as a Bloodbender.
"It doesn't matter. Even if you hadn't been at the rally, then Amon would still be in power and all benders would be in danger, with his ability to take away a person's bending. Perhaps, at least this way, we can contain the oncoming chaos in Republic City, rather than it being spread to the rest of the world." Said Tenzin.
"My counterpart is right. If Naruto hadn't been at the rally, Amon would still be on the loose and taking away benders' bending. Even in our world, if we deal with Amon too soon, someone else could very well take his place." Tenzin stated.
"As much as I hate to admit it, you're right. But I'd still prefer it, if we didn't suddenly have riots and protests in the streets, since it's bad enough with just the Equalists." Said Lin in annoyance since things looked very bad for the other Republic City.
"Something tells me our counterparts also won't be staying retired for long." Zuko stated, with Katara and Toph nodding in agreement.
"Given my other's knowledge of Xiě, and what happened at the rally, I doubt I'll be staying in the South Pole for long." Said Katara, knowing even when she was old, she still didn't like sitting around and doing nothing, only doing so since she just couldn't fight or move like she used to.
But given how dangerous Xiě is, even old age wouldn't stop her from going to make sure her children and grandchildren are safe.
"And here I enjoyed relaxing in the Swamp. Ah well, it's getting boring beating up Swampbenders anyway, I could use a new challenge." Said Toph before shrugging, sure her counterpart would enjoy a new challenge, even if her back was likely killing her like it was for her, back when she was an old hag.
"So, we were basically damned if we do and damned if we don't." Korra deadpanned, seeing that no matter what, they would have been screwed, with the only good thing being that benders were no longer in danger of having their bending taken, unless Carnage kept doing what he did to Amon.
"Language!" Katara and Pema shouted, while giving Korra warning looks.
"Ah come on! That's the other me!" Said Korra in her defense.
"And you used to do that before, until Senna and I washed your mouth out with soap! Don't think I won't do it again!" Warned Katara, making Korra pale since she did used to have no filter in what she said, until her mother and Katara found out, doing just as the Waterbender said they did.
The Avatar still gagged whenever she thought about it and the taste of soap, mentally swearing to never swear again…at least in front of her parents and Katara.
"Don't think I won't do the same to you four either!" Katara said while looking at her children and grandchildren, after Kya, Bumi, Meelo, and Ikki began snickering, only to fall silent, while Tenzin mentally smirked at his siblings being silenced by their mother.
Though the Avatar figured that Carnage cared more about killing, than taking away bending.
Now they could only hope that Tenzin was right, and that they could contain the oncoming chaos before it grows into something worse.
The viewers felt the same, hoping that things don't get any worse in Republic City than it looks like they already are.
But something told them that things will get worse, long before they start getting better.
So, what did you think, good. Yep my Avatar has left the group, since they aren't really going to react with them but still pop in, along with telling them about the living quarters for them, leading the group to discuss more of what they just saw. Along with even more revelations as Korra tells them about her visions from Aang, along with putting the pieces together of Amon being Yakone's son due to his Bloodbending abilities, with the adults making plans to deal with Amon once they get back, but know they'll have to play it safe. Then we get the reactions as they get more shocking revelations on who Xiě is, and Naruto's own backstory of how he became Xiě's host. Along with Katara now pondering how easily she could have been in Naruto's place if she had killed Yon Rha. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out
