Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing the viewers reacting to more of "Spirit of Blood" along with learning even more secrets. So, without further ado.

I own nothing

The viewers were about to continue watching the next part, only to stop and look when they heard Ikki and Meelo cry out in protest, seeing the children were once again blindfolded. Making them tense, knowing this likely meant whatever they'd see would be intense.

"Oh come on! Why can't we see everything?!" Ikki demanded, annoyed at being blindfolded again.

"You shall not block me!" Said Meelo as he tried getting the blindfold off, only for it to remain in place.

"Why wasn't I blindfolded?" Jinora said in confusion, since she had been blindfolded last time, but now she wasn't.

"I guess that while the scene will be intense, it's not something like last time." Said Tenzin since that seemed the most likely explanation.

With everyone then looking at the screen as it came alive.

Korra laid in her bed, sleeping peacefully, only to shoot up awake and alarmed when a shadowy figure ran past the door, with the Avatar hearing their footsteps. Only to be shocked when an Equalist Chi Blocker suddenly burst through her window, while two broke through the door.

Everyone jumped in shock at the sudden appearance of an Equalist Chi Blocker breaking into Korra's room on the island. While Korra was shocked that they were actually seeing the nightmare she had, after learning about Amon's ability to take away people's bending.

Jumping out of bed, Korra spun in the air and kicked her leg down, releasing an arc of flame at the Equalists, forcing them back. Before she unleashed another arc of flames, sending them further back, with the Chi Blockers dodging the fire before rushing towards the Avatar. With Korra shooting out two jets of flames to keep them away from her, just as one jumped off the table and tried getting her with a spin kick. Only for Korra to block it with her arm, before shooting more fire at them.

But while she was focused on the first two, the Avatar didn't see the third one roll into a space just out of her sight, before striking her repeatedly, with Korra suddenly losing her ability to bend and stand. As she shouted and fell to her knees helpless, only to be horrified when she looked up and saw Amon as he was before Carnage took his bending.

"Wait minute, how's Amon there? Didn't Carnage take his bending in that world?" Bolin said, confused at the appearance of the alternate Equalist leader.

"He did." Said Mako, frowning, before several viewers looked at Korra, as they started realizing what this was.

"After I take your bending away, you will be nothing." Amon said before reaching his hand to Korra's face, with the girl being terrified at what was about to happen.

Only for things to get even worse, when a tendril of blood impaled Amon through the chest, before multiple tendrils stretched out stabbing the Chi Blockers as well. With Korra's horror growing as she watched the blood be absorbed from their bodies before they were tossed aside. Then she heard laughter, as Carnage jumped into the room and landed right on top of her, pinning the Avatar to the ground.

"All your power will now be mine!" Carnage said with a demented grin, before opening his mouth wide open and descended towards Korra.

Korra shot up screaming in her bed, panting, and sweating as she looked at herself for any injuries before she felt something familiar touch her hand. Looking, Korra gave a small thankful smile at seeing Naga licking her hand, before the polar bear dog rested her head on Korra's lap.

"It was just a nightmare." Said Jinora, shivering and looking pale, since that had been terrifying, seeing Carnage suddenly kill Amon and the Equalists, even if it wasn't real, it's still scary to see.

"Korra, did you have a nightmare like that?" Katara asked, looking at her student in worry, along with several others, with Korra sighing and nodded.

"Yeah. After seeing Amon had the power to take people's bending away, I was just…so terrified that he'd do the same to me. All it'd take is a single move and…I wouldn't be the Avatar anymore." Said Korra while looking down, since she's always believed that bending all four elements is what made her the Avatar, an identity she's had for nearly her entire life.

If she suddenly lost that, then Korra wouldn't even know who she is anymore.

"Bending the elements isn't what makes you the Avatar." Zuko stated, making everyone look at the former Fire Lord.

"Being the Avatar isn't about bending all the elements or mastering the Avatar State, or any of the power that comes with it. It's about doing what's right for the world and protecting people. If you could no longer bend the elements, would you stop trying to help people?" Questioned Zuko, confusing Korra at the question.

"No, I'd still try and help." Korra answered, since even if she couldn't bend, she'd still do what she could to help people.

"And that's what matters, that's what makes you the Avatar, your spirit and determination. Aang had thought he lost the Avatar State after Azula nearly killed him, but that didn't stop him from facing my father, even with Sozin's Comet empowering him." Said Zuko, with Katara smiling and nodding at Korra.

"Zuko's right. Aang had sworn to never Firebend again, after his first try, but that didn't stop him from being the Avatar. It's not the bending that make the Avatar Korra, it's what's in here that does." Katara stated, while pointing to Korra's heart.

Their words surprised Korra, but also made her smile thankfully at them as well.

"Yeah, Twinkle Toes! And besides, you'll have your friends to help fight those Equalist losers and Amon, when we get back!" Said Toph, grinning, with Korra looking to Mako, Bolin, and Asami, who all nodded and smiled, which she returned.

"I know. And I know I'm afraid of Amon, but I won't let that fear control me anymore." Korra said, along with silently admitting that she's likely more afraid of Carnage now, than she is of Amon.

"It's…it's alright, Naga. I just had a bad dream." Said Korra, petting her companion before hugging her, thankful for Naga's presence.

Looking out her window, Korra found her attention drawn to the full moon before she caught sight of someone sitting outside.

"What did we miss?!" Ikki said as her and Meelo's blindfolds vanished, with the two looking annoyed at having missed more of the viewing, while Jinora was able to watch.

Though before anyone could say anything, a portal of darkness opened up, with Storm poking his hooded head out.

"Don't worry, I'll eventually stop blindfolding you both, since you can't stay sheltered forever; especially when we get further into things. But you'll also have the option to leave for certain…scenes." Said Storm before going back into the portal, which vanished soon after.

"Alright! We'll get to see action soon!" Cheered Meelo, the two being appeased that they eventually won't be blindfolded anymore.

"What did he mean by certain scenes?" Pema asked Tenzin worriedly, not wanting her children to be exposed to anything too graphic.

"I think we'll know when they're shown." Replied Tenzin, also worried, but taking solace that the children could leave if they wanted to.

'Is that…' Korra thought, before narrowing her eyes at the figure and realizing it was Naruto, surprised to see him up and out of his room.

Given how the whiskered blonde hadn't been out of his room after waking up two days ago, she didn't expect to see him out this soon.

Curious to see what he's doing and doubting she'll be able to fall asleep again, Korra got up and exited her room. Leaving the dormitory, Korra walked up to see Naruto sitting on a cliff with one leg hanging off and the other pulled up to his chest. While his head was tilted up, looking at the moon.

"I guess that he, more than anyone, would feel the effect of the full moon." Kya stated, knowing regular Waterbenders were empowered by the full moon, with Bloodbenders being the same.

And given Naruto is Xiě's host, that's probably when they're both at their strongest.

"Yeah." Katara said with a frown, since while she's willing to give Naruto a chance after hearing his reason for becoming Xiě's host, she's still wary over such a Spirit being near her family.

"Is there something I can help you with Korra?" Naruto said without looking, surprising the Avatar that he knew it was her.

"Oh no, I just…saw you out here and wanted to see how you were doing. Is it alright if I join you?" Asked Korra, with Naruto shrugging and motioning her forward, with the girl going over and sitting beside him.

"Sooo…nice night, huh." Korra stated awkwardly, not sure how else to start a conversation, given her past attempts to speak with Naruto hadn't gone very well or were met with silence.

"I guess." Replied Naruto as his gaze never once left the full moon, with Korra's own eyes soon looking up at it as well, as the two fell silent for a few moments.

"Wow, didn't think we'd ever meet a more horrible conversationalist than Zuko. Congrats Twinkle Toes." Toph said, making both Korra and Zuko look at the de-aged Earthbender blankly.

"Says the girl who punches people to show affection." Stated Zuko, before wincing when Toph did just that.

"I also do it to show my annoyance." Replied Toph while smirking.

"…I like this one." Eska stated with a small smirk.

"…It's funny, I can't even remember the last time I saw the full moon with my own eyes." Naruto said softly, with the Avatar looking at him in surprise.

"What do you mean?" Korra asked, with Naruto raising a hand to his chest.

"Xiě always takes control on nights like these when the full moon is out. Since it's when his power is at its strongest, like all Bloodbenders." Answered Naruto.

"He takes control every night of the full moon." Said Korra, with the blonde nodding.

This made the Waterbenders frown at hearing this, unable to imagine never seeing the full moon again, to feel it empowering them. It made them all feel sorry for Naruto at not getting to experience it for so many years, with even Desna and Eska feeling sorry for him.

"Yeah. Mostly he just shouts at Tui and La, insulting them, cursing them, all the ways he'd kill them and devour their physical bodies." Naruto said, with Korra stiffening at that, realizing it was a very real possibility that Xiě, or Carnage, could in fact kill Tui and La.

All he'd have to do is travel to the North Pole, kill anyone that gets in his way, and he'd be able to kill both Spirits, since they're nothing but helpless koi fish.

This immediately made everyone tense and pale, realizing just how true that is. If Xiě wanted to, he could easily kill Tui and La, just like how Zhao had killed the Moon Spirit years ago. Knowing such a thing would be disastrous for all Waterbenders if Carnage killed them.

"Is the Spirit Oasis guarded and protected?!" Katara asked urgently, while looking at Desna and Eska, given their father is the Northern Water Tribe's Chief.

"Yes, father has since placed numerous guards around and inside the Spirit Oasis. Not wanting such a thing to happen, like during the Hundred Year War." Replied Desna.

"Indeed. But perhaps, we should speak with him of increasing the defenses." Eska said, knowing they could never be too safe when it comes to protecting the Moon and Ocean Spirits.

Especially if they died, then Waterbenders would lose their power. This time for good, since there would be no way to revive them.

With Naruto finally looking at her, upon feeling her unease.

"If he wanted to, he would have killed them by now. Mostly, he just enjoys taunting them with the knowledge he could kill them, but he chooses not to. Seeing it as his own personal revenge, that he's free to kill people and corrupt Waterbenders, all while they can't do anything to stop him." Naruto said, relieving the Avatar slightly.

"He can…really hold a grudge can't he." Muttered Korra, surprised at the extent Xiě would go to spite his brother and sister-in-law.

"No kidding." Mako said as they relaxed at hearing Xiě's threats were only taunts, rather than actually him planning to kill them.

"Let me at him, I can take that Spirit!" Said Meelo, getting up as if to try and fight Xiě, only to be pulled back by his mother.

"Don't even think about it Meelo!" Pema said sternly, not wanting her son to get any ideas about trying to fight Spirits, especially one like Xiě.

"Actually, Xiě doesn't care that they cursed him and turned him into a Dark Spirit. In fact, he's expressed his "gratitude" that he's no longer bound by morals, that he could fully embrace his true nature. No, he just despises them, all Spirits really. Dark Spirits or Light Spirits, they're all the same to him, pests to be wiped out. Most of them, anyway." Naruto added, as Korra looked at him with wide eyes.

Everyone else looked wide eyes at this as well, not believing Xiě actually enjoys being a Dark Spirit and doesn't care that his brother and sister-in-law cursed him.

"Just what kind of…creature is Xiě?" Said Korra, not believing any being, whether human, animal, or Spirit, could be that twisted, that it sees all things as pests and insects to wipe out.

"The worst kind." Katara said while frowning, figuring that the Spirit responsible for the creation of Bloodbending would be even more twisted than those who use such a power.

"Still gonna stop me from putting him in the ground?" Demanded Lin as she narrowed her eyes at Bumi, who looked at her unflinchingly, having been in the receiving end of both his parent's annoyance when he got a little too crazy.

"Yes." Bumi stated, knowing no matter what, Naruto himself was an innocent person.

"How are you still sane?" Korra asked, wondering how anyone could still be sane after everything he's seen and experienced under Xiě's control.

"I'm just desensitized, the killing, the blood, the constant voice in my head telling me to just tear open someone's throat and drain them dry." Said Naruto, shrugging, while Korra looked at him sadly as she wondered just how much he's been through.

"No one should have to have to be like that." Korra said, wishing there was something she could do to help him, but she knew absolutely nothing about Spirits and was about as spiritually connected as a rock.

"You really gotta feel bad for Whiskers. That he's just accepting what's happened and doesn't care anymore." Toph said while frowning, knowing what it's like to be trapped in a cage, with how her parents treated her when she was growing up, like she was a glass doll.

Knowing it's likely that if she never encountered the badgermoles, she likely would have resigned herself to being trapped as well. Or ended up getting hurt or worse in her attempts to escape.

"Yeah. Feeling like there's no way out." Said Zuko, also understanding the feeling of being trapped, having spent most of his life trying to earn the recognition and love of his father, only to learn that Ozai was incapable of loving anyone, but himself.

Then when he was trapped in trying to regain his honor by capturing the Avatar, with only his uncle believing there was good in him. Even when he turned his back on him in Ba Sing Se, he never hated him, only being disappointed that he may have lost his way, and even then, he still always believed in him.

"It is what it is, I've accepted that Xiě will likely always be part of my life, and it's better me than someone else. Someone who'd happily let him run wild to unleash death and destruction." Stated Naruto, knowing how bad it'd be if Xiě had gotten a host that was more willingly to kill people.

"Enough depressing topics. What about you?" Naruto asked, with looking at Korra, who tilted her head in confusion.

"What about me?" Asked Korra, as the corners of Naruto's mouth twitching up.

"I mean what are you like? Everyone looks at you and see the Avatar, but what about Korra the person." Naruto said, surprising Korra, since it was the first time anyone in Republic City has asked about her and not have it be related to her position as the Avatar.

"We…don't really know anything about you, do we." Stated Bolin as he and Mako looked at Korra, feeling a little ashamed that they never really tried getting to know Korra more, outside of what they already knew.

"It's fine, I guess I never really made an effort to talk about myself either." Korra replied while smiling at the brothers.

"Well, we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other here, and when we get back." Suggested Asami, also wanting to get to know more about her boyfriend, his brother, and Korra, with the three nodding in agreement.

"Oh well, that isn't really much to tell. I was born in the Southern Water Tribe and for the first four years, I was just a normal little girl. Then I learned that I wasn't just a Waterbender, but also a Firebender and Earthbender, you couldn't imagine how excited I was to learn that I was the Avatar. And you should have seen the faces of the White Lotus Sentries that had shown up for proof! And what I said was, "I'm the Avatar, you gotta deal with it"!" Korra said, while laughing as she remembered the looks on their faces when she launched a piece of stone past them, along with bending fire and water, while Naruto smirked.

"I can imagine it'd be a shock." Stated Naruto.

"Pfff, AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Nice one Twinkle Toes! Oh man, I wish I had been there to see that!" Laughed Toph, with Katara smiling in amusement, since that was something Korra had always enjoyed talking about.

"HAHAHAHAHA! Ah Tenzin, why didn't you tell me Korra was like that?! I would have visited much sooner if I knew she was this much fun!" Bumi said while grinning in amusement, now fully planning to have his fleet go to Republic City when they got back.

"And that's why I didn't tell you." Stated Tenzin with a sigh, knowing his brother and Korra together would give him a massive headache, while being thankful that Korra's since mellowed out, if only slightly.

"I'm thinking I may just head for Republic City now." Kya said while smirking at her brother, with the Airbender lowering his head in resignation.

"Yeah, Aunt Kya and Uncle Bumi will be visiting!" Cheered Ikki, excited at the chance to see her aunt and uncle, something Meelo shared in, along with Jinora, who was more interested in hearing any stories they had to tell.

"You actually said that cousin?" Desna deadpanned while looking at Korra, who was embarrassed at everyone hearing that.

"I was four and just found out, I was the Avatar!" Said Korra in her defense, with her cousins merely looking at her blankly.

"And what's your excuse now?" Questioned Eska while smirking.

"And then I began my training to master the elements, starting out with Waterbending, obviously. I was trained by Master Katara, learning everything she had to teach me both about fighting and healing. It was actually during my training that I met my best friend Naga." Said Korra, while smiling at the memories.

"The polar bear dog?" Naruto said, having seen it a few times, with Korra nodding.

"Yeah. It had been during one of my lessons with Katara, when a snowstorm started, and we heard a pack of polar bear dogs howling in the winds. I had been told to stay inside, but I never was one to do what I'm told, so I snuck out at night. Only to end up getting lost. That's when I met Naga, who had gotten separated from her pack. I built a makeshift igloo around us and tried making a fire, but I wasn't the best Firebender back then. Since Katara wanted me to master Waterbending before I started on the other elements. It was around then, I started learning that being the Avatar wasn't all fun and games, like I thought it would be. But Naga was there to cheer me up and I was…happy, that I finally had a friend I could talk to. The next morning, my dad found us and brought us home, and I was allowed to keep Naga. We've been together ever since." Said Korra, smiling, since she was always glad to have met Naga.

Korra smiled happily at this, remembering when she met her closest companion and friend, with Katara, Toph, and Zuko smiling as well. Remembering the bond Aang shared with Appa and could see that Korra had a similar one with Naga.

"What happened next?" Naruto asked, with the Avatar's smile fading as she sighed and frowned.

"It wasn't long until, for some reason, I was secluded in the White Lotus Compound within the Southern Water Tribe. I never really liked it there since I was hardly ever allowed outside and always had to train in mastering my bending. It wasn't until I learned that Tenzin wouldn't be moving to the South Pole to teach me Airbending, that I finally left and came here. Both to learn Airbending and finally make a choice of what I was going to do, rather than let someone else make it for me." Said Korra.

Though this made Zuko, Katara, Tenzin, and Lin stiffen at hearing this, knowing just why she had been placed there. While Korra looked confused, since she never did understand the sudden need to move to the White Lotus Compound.

"Why was I put there anyway?" Korra asked, while looking at Tenzin and Katara.

"It…it was to help you better focus on your training, and to make sure you wouldn't run off again, like you did when you met Naga." Katara said quickly, knowing they couldn't tell Korra the exact reason, that she had nearly been kidnapped by that group.

A group that still hasn't revealed who they are, their goals, or why they tried kidnapping Korra, even after interrogating them for years. Only being able to lock them away in places their bending wouldn't work. Or in Zaheer's case, where it'd be impossible for him to escape, or for anyone to break him out.

Toph narrowed her eyes at the four, feeling that not only was Katara lying about the reason Korra was put in the compound, but also that they were nervous about something. She didn't call them out on this, knowing they likely have a good reason. But if it proves to be a potential threat in their world, she will make them spill what they know.

"If there's one thing I've learned Korra, it's to never let someone try and make decisions for you. The only person that knows what's best for you is you, don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. If you think you're making the right choice, then to do it. But also be aware of the consequences of the choices you make." Said Naruto, with Korra looking at him and saw the sullen look on his face, realizing he was also talking about his own choices.

Like when he gave himself to Xiě.

But she also nodded in agreement at his words, glad someone respected her desire to make her own decisions.

Korra smiled and nodded with her counterpart, glad to have someone fully respect her decisions, along with knowing her choices did have consequences. At least now she did, after her second encounter with Amon.

"Korra, despite my early misgivings at you coming to Republic City, you have proven that you were ready, and that the world needed its Avatar." Said Tenzin while smiling at his student, knowing that since coming to Republic City, Korra has proven herself.

"And we're glad to have you here as well, Korra." Pema added, happy to have the Avatar staying with them, along with the help around the island.

"Thank you Tenzin, and it's been great being in Republic City." Replied Korra, happy to have come to the city, having not only made friends, joined a Pro-Bending Team, and begun her Airbending, but also could help fight the Equalists.

The two then fell into silence again, as they looked out over the bay. Before Korra decided to ask him something that she's been wanting to ask, ever since he woke up.

"Hey Naruto…could I ask you something…personal?" Korra asked, with Naruto looking at her, while feeling a little wary of what she wanted to ask.

"What?" Asked Naruto.

"What's it like being a Bloodbender?" Korra said, having only heard a little of it from Katara, mostly about how it was a dark art that only brought pain.

"Korra!" Katara said while narrowing her eyes at her student, not liking her wanting to learn more about Bloodbending than she should.

"What?! It's the other me and after seeing Amon was a Bloodbender, maybe I just want to know more in case I encounter more of them." Said Korra.

"She's right mom. While we know you don't like it, knowing that Amon is a Bloodbender, there's no telling who else could be one or if there are more out in the world. Learning more about them could help us in learning how to fight them." Kya added, with Katara crossing her arms in annoyance, but also couldn't refute their arguments.

But she couldn't deny her curiosity about wanting to hear what it was like from Naruto. Given how he's been bonded to the creator of Bloodbending, most of his life. She figured he, more than anyone, would know the most about the art.

"Oh…" Muttered Naruto, not expecting that question.

"It's fine if you don't want to talk about, I'll under-" Korra said quickly, thinking she might have overstepped her boundaries.

"No, no, it's fine, I just wasn't expecting that." Naruto said, before thinking over what to say.

"Bloodbending is…it's a dark art, as there's no way to justify controlling another person in such a way, even more so with the way Amon was using it to take people's bending. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have other uses." Said Naruto.

"Like what?" Korra asked, with Naruto tapping one of his ears in response.

"Korra!" Said Katara, warningly, really not liking her asking so much about what Bloodbending is like and what it can do.

"Lighten up Princess, seriously. After everything, the other Twinkle Toes has seen and learn, you can't really blame her for being curious." Toph said while rolling her eyes.

"Think of it like this mom, the more we know about Bloodbending, the better we could be at learning how to fight those that use it." Bumi said, annoying the de-aged Waterbender further.

"I can hear a person's or animals' heartbeat; the blood being pumped through their bodies. I can hear the heartbeat of every living thing on this island, it's how I knew you were approaching earlier." Said Naruto, surprising Korra as she unconsciously placed a hand over her heart.

"Like Seismic Sensing." Lin muttered, wishing she had something to write this down with, wanting to make sure they won't end up forgetting any of this information, knowing how useful it'd be.

"Am I the only one creeped out by that? That he could hear our heartbeats?" Said Bolin, finding it a little creepy at someone hearing their heartbeats like that.

"I can hear your heartbeats." Toph reminded, being able to also hear heartbeats thanks to her Seismic Sensing and ability to tell if someone's lying.

"You could tell it was me just from my heartbeat?" Korra asked, amazed at such an ability, since it reminded her of the Seismic Sensing ability that was created and used by Toph Beifong.

"Yeah, you have a…very unique heartbeat." Naruto said, knowing how that sounded.

"Do you…listen to my heartbeat often?" Questioned Korra, with Naruto nodding slowly.

"Yeah. It's…calming, I guess. Normally I try to block out the sounds of people's heartbeats, since it's harder to keep Carnage suppressed with the more heartbeats I hear, the more blood he can drain. But with you…I just feel a sense of…peace when I hear it." Said Naruto, while looking anywhere but at Korra, who looked at him with wide eyes.

"O-oh…" Korra said, not sure what else to say.

"E-eh…?" Said Korra, looking at the screen with wide eyes.

"Wow, Korra you're like a heroic maiden! Being the only one who can stop the beast, but also the one who helps keep the darkness within him at bay! Oooh, it's so romantic and a classic." Jinora said, sighing happily, while the Avatar blushed at her words.

"I-I-I wouldn't g-go that far Jinora. I-I'm sure it's j-just so-something to help c-ca-calm Naruto down." Said Korra.

"I don't know Korra, she may be onto something. After all, you are going out of your way to spend time with Naruto. Bringing him to the island, watching after him while he's asleep, offering him comfort after he wakes up, and now telling him about yourself. Sounds like the beginning a love story." Pema teased, making Korra's blush intensify.

"I-I-I-It's n-no-nothing!" Stuttered Korra.

"It's creepy, isn't it." Naruto stated, believing she'd be freaked out at him listening to her heartbeat.

"No, no, no! I mean…maybe…but I'm glad that I'm able to help you in some way. If it helps you, then I have no problem with you listening." Said Korra, while smiling at Naruto, glad that she was able to help him in some way, even if it was indirectly.

Naruto looked at Korra in surprise, not sure what to think, but was glad that she wasn't freaked out before he slowly returned the smile. Though the two looked down and were surprised when they saw Korra's hand on top of Naruto's, before they quickly retracted them.

"You were saying Twinkle Toes? I don't even need eyes to see the sparks between you two." Toph said teasingly.

"They're right Korra. You two actually look pretty cute together." Asami added with her own teasing smile, with their words making Korra sink into her seat.

"Co-co-come on, se-seriously! H-he's n-no-not even real or ex-exists in our world!" Stuttered Korra while crossing her arms.

"You never know~." Stated Asami in a sing-song tone.

"Ohohohohoh! If Naruto does exist in our world, and him and Korra get married, can I be the flower girl?! No wait, a Bridesmaid! No, no, no, the ring bearer!" Said Ikki in excitement.

"Ring bearers are boys. And I would be the Bridesmaid." Jinora stated, as their words only further embarrassed Korra.

"Wow cousin Korra, already planning a wedding? And you won't even have your dear cousin as your Bridesmaid? How hurtful." Eska said in mock hurt.

"I suppose you could always be Maid of Honor, then you can boss the Bridesmaids around." Said a smirking Desna.

"Ah yes, that would be better." Replied Eska, as Korra was silently wishing for the ground to swallow her.

"There isn't going to be a wedding! Katara, please!" Korra said, looking pleadingly at her teacher, believing she'd never agree with her being with a Bloodbender.

"I…suppose you both…look kind of cute together." Katara said reluctantly, admitting that Naruto and Korra looked cute together, while Korra looked betrayed that she agreed with them.

'Spirits, why me?!' Korra mentally cried.

Bolin, meanwhile, slumped forward with a downcast expression at the girls teasing Korra about being with Naruto. With the young Earthbender being able to see the hints and signs that the alternate Korra will likely end up with Naruto. The guy was good looking, mysterious, had a bad boy vibe, while still having a good personality, and was getting to know Korra when he just met her.

"There's still a chance for your other, bro." Mako said while putting a hand on his brother's shoulder, also being able to see the same signs, with Bolin smiling thankfully at him.

"Yeah, I hope my guy still has a chance." Said Bolin, hoping his counterpart still had a shot with Korra.

"So uh…what else can Bloodbending do?" Korra asked, while looking away with a light blush on her face.

"Well uh…I'm also able to tell if someone is lying, just by listening to their heartbeat. I'm also able to sense anomalies in a person's blood, like if they have an illness, or have poison or venom in them. And if it's the latter, you'd be able to isolate the poison or venom to a specific area and have it extracted. And probably one of the most useful abilities, is that if you're strong enough, you can even resist another person's Bloodbending Grip." Said Naruto, with Korra once again looking at him in amazement at everything he could do with Bloodbending.

The viewers were also amazed at the abilities Bloodbenders had, especially being able to resist another's Bloodbending Grip. Even Katara, despite her hatred of the art, couldn't deny how useful those abilities are, as much as she hated to admit it.

"Being able to isolate poisons or venom to a specific area, Healers would be able to extract it with little to no risk of it spreading." Kya said, having had to treat such things during her travels, while also having her fair share of close calls.

"He can also tell if someone's lying. I wonder how good it is compared to mine." Said Toph, knowing that while she is capable of telling if someone's lying, there are ways around it, like when Jet was brainwashed by the Dai Lee and Azula, who was just that good at lying.

"Wasn't dad able to resist Yakone's Bloodbending Grip?" Bumi said while looking at his brother, who nodded.

"Yes, he was, but only in the Avatar State. For a Bloodbender to be strong enough to resist another's Grip, it would certainly be a useful edge." Stated Tenzin.

"And who knows what else it could do." Korra muttered, while gaining an intrigued spark in her eyes.

With the Avatar seeing that while Bloodbending was a dark art, it still had its own uses. With Korra knowing that after everything she learned about Xiě, Bloodbending wasn't something she could ignore, especially on the chance she ever encountered other Bloodbenders.

"Naruto, would you be able to-" Korra said, only to be cut off.

"No." Said Naruto, already knowing what she was about to ask and he sure as hell wasn't going to do that.

"You didn't even let me finish." Said Korra, annoyed at the interruption.

"I already know what you were going to say, you want me to teach you Bloodbending and my answer is no." Naruto said.

"Absolutely not!" Katara said, while standing up and narrowing her eyes at Korra.

"But-" Said Korra, only to be cutoff.

"No Korra! I already told you before, that you were to stay away from Bloodbending! Now you're trying to learn it, and from the Spirit that created it, no less?!" Katara exclaimed, upset, and disappointed that her student would be willing to go behind her back to learn that dark art, when she specifically told her to never go near it.

"First, it's the other me! And second, how could I not try and learn it?! I'm not saying I'd go around Bloodbending all my enemies, but the abilities it gives would certainly help, especially resisting someone's Bloodbending Grip!" Korra retorted, knowing her counterpart could use Bloodbending and even needed it, given the potential enemies she'll face.

"Either way, you are not learning Bloodbending, end of discussion." Said Katara, while looking at Korra warningly.

"But what about everything you just said! Everything it can do and how useful it'd be if I can do all that!" Korra argued, knowing while she'd never use Bloodbending on another person, she can't deny how useful it'd be to learn it.

"I'm not teaching you Bloodbending, Korra! Drop it!" Said Naruto, while looking at her warningly, but Korra wasn't one to back down.

"Oh, but you're free to use it however you want! I'm the Avatar, I'm supposed to master all the elements! And last I checked, Bloodbending is part of Waterbending, so I do have to learn it!" Korra retorted, standing up and glaring at him, with Naruto standing up and returning the glare.

"I don't have a choice in using it or not!" Said Naruto.

"See! Even he agrees that you shouldn't learn Bloodbending!" Katara stated, while not missing the irony that she's agreeing with Naruto.

"But it's fine that he gets to use it?! Or that you know how to use it?!" Demanded Korra.

"Naruto is Xiě's host, so Bloodbending is part of him! And I only ever used that art to save my brother and friend from dying, and when I was clouded by revenge! You don't have either of those excuses, Korra!" Said Katara, as the Avatar growled in annoyance.

"But you have a choice now! Either you can teach me, or I learn it on my own!" Korra said, knowing if Naruto didn't teach her, she'll find some other way to learn Bloodbending.

She didn't know how, only that she'd do it without having to hurt anyone or anything.

All while Naruto looked at her in disbelief that she'd go that far, just to make him teach her Bloodbending. Knowing if he didn't and she still tried, someone would get hurt.

"You really don't get it, do you? If you learn Bloodbending, whether you use it or not, you will become a Child of Blood. For the rest of your life, you'll be weak to Xiě's influence. He will always have a hold on you and be there at any moment of weakness. If you give even an inch, he will not stop until you are under his complete control. Is that really worth the risk Korra?" Naruto demanded, with Korra's determination wavering slightly at this, only for it to solidify a moment later.

"Yes. Now, are you going to teach me or not?" Korra said, refusing to give up, no matter what the risks are, with Naruto looking at her for a moment, knowing he didn't have a choice.

This made several of the group look at Korra in disbelief, that she'd basically blackmail Naruto into teaching her Bloodbending. With Katara being the most stunned that she'd actually go that far to learn Bloodbending.

"Korra, do you even realize what you're asking for? In that world, every Bloodbender is weak to Xiě's control and influence, you'd forever be in his grasp, the Avatar would forever be in his grasp? Do you have any idea what would happen if you lost control?" Said Katara, with Korra wavering slightly before her resolve hardened.

"I'm stronger than you think Katara. I wouldn't give in that easily and would resist Xiě's power. And I'd have Naruto there to help me stay in control. You don't like it, fine, I'm not asking for permission. I'm just trying to make you see that whether you like it or not, Bloodbending is something I can't just ignore. You can either accept that or don't, but it's my choice to learn it and you can't stop me." Korra said, as the de-aged Waterbender could only look at her in disbelief, never thinking that Korra would actually go against her like that.

"Wow, I can see you didn't just teach her bending, Princess. You also made sure that Twinkle Toes wouldn't bend to anyone. I guess that's two people, who you can't get to do what you want." Said Toph while grinning at Katara, who glared dryly at the de-aged and no longer blind Earthbender.

At least if he taught her, there would be less of a risk of her hurting herself, or someone else. Along with there being a better chance of it being kept a secret, so no one would find out that the Avatar was learning to Bloodbend.

"…Fine. But we do it my way, you'll do what I say, when I say it. You won't ask questions, you won't hesitate, and you will not tell anyone what we're doing. Not Tenzin, not your parents, not your friends, no one finds out. Understood?" Naruto said, with Korra nodding, knowing how bad it'd be if other people found out.

"Yes, and I'm sorry for basically forcing you to teach me. But thank you for agreeing." Said Korra, feeling a little guilty at making Naruto agree to teach her, but she knew how important it'd be to learn Bloodbending, while Naruto sighed and nodded.

"It's fine. But you should go get some sleep, you'll have a lot of training in the morning." Said Naruto, with Korra nodding, since she now had not only Airbending training, but Bloodbending training as well.

Hearing this, the others could only relent to Other Korra's desire to learn Bloodbending, unable to deny it would be useful for her, though Katara being reluctant. With it helping that she'd be learning it from a non-twisted Bloodbender. Which was rather ironic, given one would think that Xiě's host would be the most twisted, instead being the sanest Bloodbender there is.

With the girl turned to return to her room, feeling like she could actually get some sleep after talking with Naruto. Before she stopped and looked back at the blonde.

"Hey Naruto, I just have one more question." Said Korra, since something else has been bugging her, with Naruto looking at her curiously.

"It's about Xiě. Whenever he takes control, why does he refer to the both of you as Carnage? Why doesn't he use his actual name?" Korra asked, having been confused as to why Xiě chose to use the name Carnage, rather than his actual name.

"Huh, why does Xiě call himself and Naruto, Carnage? He clearly doesn't care about exposing his true name, given what he said at the rally. But he chooses to call themselves Carnage." Said Asami, while frowning in confusion.

"Perhaps it's due to how not many know who Xiě himself is, but now everyone will know who Carnage is and what he's capable of." Jinora suggested.

"He'd become someone else, become something else." Said Zuko, remembering when he took on the identity of the Blue Spirit, becoming someone entirely different and one of the most wanted criminals in the Fire Nation, after he freed Aang when Zhao captured him.

"Huh…it's funny. That was actually one of the first questions I asked him." Said Naruto.

"What was his answer?" Asked Korra.

"Spirits can be forgotten; Spirits can be killed. But a monster, a monster is never forgotten, a monster is immortal. A monster will always haunt the darkest corners of humanities minds. We will be the monster they never forget, we are now and forevermore, Carnage." Naruto said, repeating the exact words Xiě had told him, while Korra gulped at hearing.

"Well, I'm sure he's succeeded there." Muttered Korra, with Naruto nodding in agreement.

Everyone went still at this, with the children huddling up to their parents.

"He's created a legacy." Stated Tenzin, seeing what Xiě has done.

"He's carved a bloody knife through the land and now he's revealed his existence to the entire world. Everyone would know who Carnage is, his power, his bloodlust, the destruction he leaves behind, no matter what, he will never be forgotten." Eska said in amazement, that Xiě has assured that he would be remembered and haunt the darkest corners of humanities' minds.

Not even Avatar Wan had been remembered, being forgotten after generations.

With everyone being unable to help but agree with Xiě's reasoning, given that Spirits could die and be forgotten, but a monster is something that no one forgets. No matter how much time passes, what you'd do to try and forget it, the memory will always be there in the darkest corner of your mind.

And sometimes, just the memory of a monster, can be more terrifying than the monster itself.

Korra then returned to her room, while Naruto sat back down and looked over the bay. Though unknown to the two, Tenzin had been eavesdropping on their conversation. The Airbending Master having had trouble sleeping and decided to go for a walk around the island, only to stumble onto Naruto and Korra talking.

"Tenzin?!" Several of the viewers said, surprised at seeing the Airbending Master eavesdropping on Naruto and Korra's conversation, with Tenzin also being surprised at seeing his counterpart.

"Wait, didn't he say he could heart heartbeats? How did he miss Tenzin's?" Said Mako confused at that part, which also confused the others as well.

"Naruto did say he usually blocks out heartbeats to keep Carnage suppressed. Plus, he did say he was listening to Korra's and the calming effect it has." Asami said, while smirking teasingly at the Avatar, who only groaned and covered her face to hide her embarrassment.

While he didn't hear everything that was said, Tenzin did hear their argument over teaching Korra Bloodbending. He had been tempted to jump in and put a stop to it, right then and there. But the more he thought about it, along with what other abilities one could gain from Bloodbending. Tenzin thought that perhaps, it would be a good thing for Korra to learn Bloodbending, should she ever encounter other Bloodbenders.

With the Airbending Master also make a note to help Korra more with her spiritual training and meditation, to ensure she wouldn't be susceptible to Xiě's influence. Along with silently agreeing to not tell anyone about Naruto training Korra, especially his mother. Knowing how she'd react to the knowledge of Korra learning Bloodbending, even more so that she was being trained by Xiě's own host.

Knowing there wasn't anything else to do, Tenzin returned to his and Pema's room, while mentally working out the details and changes to Korra's schedule to fit with her new training.

"Thank you, Tenzin, for trusting me." Korra said, while smiling thankfully to her Airbending master, who nodded in response.

"You're becoming an adult, Korra, and I know you'll need to start making your own decisions eventually." Replied Tenzin, though gulped at the annoyed look his mother was giving him, but thankfully, Katara didn't say anything since it was already agreed to drop it.

Plus, it helped that Tenzin would also now be there to make sure Korra wouldn't become twisted.

*Next Morning*

The next morning found Naruto going to the dining room for breakfast with Tenzin, his family, and Korra. Since he didn't really have the option to stay locked in his room, anymore. Given how he would now be training Korra, the blonde figured he might as well start interacting with the other residents of the island.

When he arrived, Naruto saw that Korra and the Airbending family were already present, before looking up in surprise at seeing him.

"Naruto, I'm…surprised to see you." Tenzin stated, not having expected to see Naruto.

"I just figured I couldn't stay locked up in my room all day. I can leave if I'm disturbing you." Said Naruto.

"No, please join us. I'm Pema, Tenzin's wife, and these are Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo." Pema said, while offering Naruto a kind smile, despite what Tenzin told her and the children about him.

Given how he wanted his family to at least be aware of the danger that Naruto being here posed. Since even with the talisman, the Airbender wanted to make sure his family was safe and careful. And to make sure that Ikki and Meelo didn't do anything that could draw Xiě's ire, in the chance that he returns. He also didn't tell them the more gruesome details, just that Naruto was the host of a very dangerous Spirit and that they shouldn't do anything that might provoke it.

Nodding, Naruto sat down beside Korra, while seeing the Airbending children all looked at him with varying expressions of awe, amazement, and intrigue. Not something Naruto was used to seeing on people's faces, so he wasn't sure how to respond to them.

Some of the viewers couldn't help but smile the scene, seeing how normal it was in comparison to the previous ones.

'I wonder, when was the last he could even sit down with people like that?' Korra thought, seeing how Naruto wasn't sure how to react to the Airbender kids' counterparts looking at them, probably having grown use to only seeing fear that he didn't know to what think of being looked at in amazement.

"He doesn't look so tough! I can take him!" Said Meelo as he was held back by his parents again.

"I'm sure you can son, but we wouldn't want to scare him off, now would we." Tenzin stated.

"I wanna pet his whiskers!" Ikki said as she smiled excitedly, while looking at Naruto's whiskers, wanting to pet them.

"Ikki, it would be rude to do something like that." Scolded Pema, before looking back at the scene, smiling at the sight of her family sitting down together.

"He's really just a kid." Pema said to her husband, with Tenzin nodding in agreement.

"Yes, I suppose he's still just a child that had to grow up faster than anyone should." Stated Tenzin.

"Um…Naruto, would it be alright if I ask you something?" Jinora asked, unable to deny her curiosity and interest to learn more about what it was like being the host of a Spirit.

Looking at the girl, Naruto looked at Tenzin and Pema to see if they'd be alright with it. Upon seeing the two nod, Naruto looked at Jinora and nodded.

"What's it like, being the host of a Spirit?" Asked Jinora, with Naruto frowning in thought, wondering how he could respond without scarring them.

"It's…definitely a strange experience, sharing my body with another being. I can sense and feel the Spirit within me, while also being able to communicate with it. The more time passed the more…linked, I guess you could say, we became; I also became more spiritually connected, even being able to enter the Spirit World if I want to." Naruto answered, much to the surprise of Jinora, Korra, and Tenzin.

That definitely shocked the viewers, that Naruto was capable of entering the Spirit World.

"He can enter the Spirit World." Korra said in amazement and a little jealous, given she's supposed to be the bridge between the two worlds, yet had no spiritual connection at all.

"That's incredible, I can only imagine what it must be like, to see the Spirit World firsthand." Said Jinora, while smiling, since she always wanted to visit the Spirit World, like her grandfather had been capable of doing.

'Yes, I can only imagine.' Tenzin thought, while thinking of his inability to enter the Spirit World, something he considered his greatest failing as his father's son, that he couldn't enter the Spirit World, like Aang could.

"You can…enter the Spirit World?" Asked Tenzin, amazed to hear that he could enter the Spirit World, with Naruto nodding.

"Yes, I can enter it from anywhere if I want to. I can even physically enter the Spirit World, in areas that are spiritually connected with it." Naruto revealed, much to their amazement.

"Would I be able to do that?" Asked Korra, wondering if she'd be able to physically enter the Spirit World in such locations, due to her being the Avatar and all.

"Maybe." Naruto replied, while shrugging.

"He can physical go there to?!" Said Korra, not believing that Naruto could also physically travel to the Spirit World, rather than just spiritually, along with feeling excited that she may be able to do so as well, eventually at least.

"Daddy, if we ever travel to the Spirit World, can I get a pet Spirit?" Ikki asked while smiling sweetly.

"Spirits aren't pets Ikki. If you were to ever meet one, it would be a companion, but not a pet you could keep." Said Tenzin, making the young girl pout.

"What's it like in the Spirit World?" Jinora asked, eager to hear this.

"…It's hard to describe, only that…it's a good place to be to get away from your worries and just…exist." Said Naruto, having enjoyed the few trips he made to the Spirit World, since they were the few moments, he was able to just forget about everything else.

"It sounds wonderful." Jinora said, while smiling as she hoped to one day travel to the Spirit World.

"It really does." Said Jinora in agreement with her other, knowing how good it'd be to simply let go of all your worries.

"Sounds like a nice vacation spot." Asami said, while smiling at the idea of vacationing in the Spirit World, knowing it'd be a memorable trip.

With that, the Airbending family and Korra continued eating breakfast, with Naruto getting a plate as well, but didn't eat much. Ever since he became Xiě's host, he didn't really need to eat normal food anymore, while being able to survive on blood alone. While he could still eat, it wasn't really a necessity. With it being something that set Naruto further apart from other people, something Xiě always enjoyed reminding him of.

Once they finished, Tenzin had left to go to a council meeting, while having Naruto join him on the walk to the pier.

"You needed me for something?" Naruto asked as they walked outside.

"I just wanted to inform you, that I was able to make an arrangement with the Republic City Blood Bank. They're willing to send over a steady supply of blood in order to keep…you-know-who under control." Tenzin said, having been able to come up with a believable lie as to why he needed a supply of blood sent over, while Naruto looked at him in surprise that he did that.

"Now you're feeding it?" Lin demanded while narrowing her eyes at Tenzin.

"Yes, given as Naruto said before, Carnage came out after two months of no blood. Imagine what he'd do if the talisman were to be removed or destroyed in say, three months? Four, maybe five? Xiě will already be furious at being suppress, at least with a steady supply of blood, it may give Naruto the strength to keep him suppressed long enough to put a new talisman on." Replied Tenzin, making the Police Chief make a "tsk" sound and cross her arms.

"…Thanks." Said Naruto after a few moments, knowing that would at least make it so Xiě wasn't starving and hungry, when he came out again.

Though that didn't mean he wouldn't be incredibly pissed off when he did come out.

"It's the least I can do. Hopefully, it will be enough to keep Xiě sated and ensure that the seal will lasts as long as possible. Oh no." Tenzin said, when they reached the pier and saw Chief Lin Beifong standing there.

"Oh, this is gonna end well." Kya muttered, knowing that won't go well, but for who remains to be seen, with several others also being worried as well, especially those that knew Lin and how she'd act in such a situation.

"I take it she knows." Stated Naruto, with Tenzin nodding in resignation, having hoped to put off this meeting for as long as possible.

"Yes, I had to tell her. Otherwise she would have called for a widespread manhunt after the scene from the rally." Tenzin replied as the two reached the dock.

"Lin, you look as lovely as ever! What can I do for you?" Asked Tenzin, with Lin narrowing her eyes at her ex, before turning to Naruto and fixing a wary, suspicious glare on him.

"We both know why I'm here, Tenzin. To make sure there isn't a lunatic killer running loose in Republic City." Lin said bluntly, while not wasting time with any pleasantries.

"Well aren't you just a ball of sunshine." Naruto deadpanned, with Lin narrowing her eyes at the teen.

"I don't care what I am. What I do care about, is making sure this city and its citizens are safe from any and all threats. What you did a few days ago, whether you were in control or not, that qualifies as a threat. So let me make this perfectly clear, if you or that thing inside you do anything to endanger my city, my officers, I won't hesitate to put you down." Lin said, with Naruto not being the least bit phased by the threat, since he knew they couldn't do anything to him, let alone actually have a chance of killing him.

"The punk's lucky, I haven't done so already." Lin stated, preferring if her counterpart had already dealt with someone like Carnage already, rather than letting him run around her city.

"His name is Naruto, and the only thing you'd likely end up doing is getting more people killed! Cause in case you forgot, Carnage can reform from just a puddle, after being crushed and incinerated!" Said Korra, while glaring at the Metalbender, which Lin returned.

"Which is what you are already doing girly, by letting him stick around!" Retorted Lin.

"Oh, would you prefer him instead having escaped or being on the loose in the city! At least this way, Naruto's the one in control and Xiě is sealed away!" Korra said as the two glared at each other, only for both of them to yelp when Lin's cables suddenly smacked both of them on the head.

"That's enough out of both of you! Lin, Whiskers is sticking around, deal with it. Twinkle Toes, you can protect your boyfriend later." Said Toph sternly as she sent her daughters cable back into their reel.

"He's not my boyfriend." Korra muttered as she and Lin sat down and crossed their arms.

"Invest in stronger armor, Carnage rips through metal like paper. Or get a different material since he can simply bend the metal and crush you in it." Said Naruto, knowing that's the main reason they wouldn't stand a chance, since Carnage would just Metalbend their cables right back at them, or even turn their armor into iron maidens around them.

Lin narrowed her eyes, before scoffing as she returned to the boat, but did mentally note down his words. With Tenzin sighing, while giving Naruto an apologetic look, which he waved off. Before going down to the boat as well, to head for City Hall.

"See Lin, Whiskers is even offering you help and advice to make sure none of the Metalbenders die, or at least keep the casualties to a minimum should Carnage come out. Plus, I doubt he would be the getting into trouble, so much as trouble would find him." Toph said to her daughter, with the Police Chief merely sighing in annoyance.

"And yet I just know he's going to be the source of so many headaches, like her." Stated Lin while looking at Korra, feeling that Naruto will be the cause of many headaches for her counterpart, just like the Avatar has been for her.

Though Lin did make a mental note to see about getting different types of armor for her officers, in the off chance Xiě did exist in their world. And given how they could end up dealing with criminal Metalbenders, that could turn their own weapons against them.

*Later*

After Korra had finished her Airbending exercises for the day, she had gone to meet Naruto in the forest on the island, somewhere nice and secluded, to start her Bloodbending training. And the Avatar couldn't deny, she actually felt a little excited to be learning such a thing.

"So, what're we going to be starting on first?" Korra asked as she sat across from Naruto, wondering where they'll start.

The group leaned forward slightly, wanting to see as much of this as they could, with Korra being especially invested in what her other was going to learn.

"Normally, we'd be starting on a full moon, when Waterbenders are at their strongest. But since the last full moon was last night, I don't think it'd be a good idea to wait an entire month to begin teaching you Bloodbending. So instead, we'll focus on something simple, but still useful, that doesn't require the full moon. Listening for a person's heartbeat." Said Naruto, with Korra nodding, as she was eager to learn this, while being glad that it was something simple and not dangerous.

"I'm guessing that's why we're out here, alone." Korra said, with Naruto nodding at her words.

"Correct. It's easier to learn when you only focus on one or two heartbeats at a time, along with avoiding the chance of being overloaded by hearing too many at once. Now, close your eyes." Instructed Naruto, with Korra doing so, while Naruto followed not long after.

"Now focus. Block out the sounds around you, the wind, the ocean, the leaves, the animals, even your breathing. Block it all out and listen for the beat." Naruto said, with Korra giving a small nod as she began focusing, while working to block out the noise around her.

It took a few moments, but soon every sound around her began fading away, until Korra couldn't even hear her own breathing. With the only thing left, was the darkness from her closed eyes. For a few moments, Korra didn't hear anything and began thinking that something was wrong, until she finally heard it.

Ba-Dump

Ba-Dump

Ba-Dump

Ba-Dump

Ba-Dump

"Woah." Korra muttered in amazement as they actually heard the beating of a heart.

"Fascinating, so this is the sound of the organ that pumps my blood…I hate it." Stated Eska, while finding the beating too loud.

"I'm glad we don't have to hear this all the time. It could drive anyone crazy." Desna added.

"Is that what you hear Toph?" Zuko asked while looking at the de-aged Earthbender, who nodded.

"Yeah. It was pretty intense when I first heard it too, after advancing my Seismic Sense, along with freaking me out at what it was. Especially since my hearing was more advanced thanks to my blindness, so it felt like a drum being played right next to my head." Replied Toph as she shivered at the memories, since that had really unnerved her in the beginning before she started getting used to it and turned it to her advantage.

Korra's eyes flew open with a gasp, while seeing Naruto looking at her with a small smile.

"You heard it." Naruto stated, with the girl nodding in amazement and excitement.

"I did! I actually heard a heartbeat!" Said Korra, while smiling at how she managed to actually hear it, and so quickly at that.

"You did great Korra, I'm actually surprised that you managed to get it down that quickly. But of course, that was the easy part. Now, we'll be working on you being able to hear it without focusing, before moving onto hearing it above other sounds. Once you're able to do all that, we'll start building you up to being able to listen to multiple heartbeats, then being able to tell what a person is feeling by the way their heart beats." Said Naruto, with Korra nodding, eager to continue on as they closed their eyes again, knowing that the rest of her training likely won't be as easy.

Korra couldn't help but smile in excitement, eager for everything her other was going to learn. Along with mentally noting down the training as well just in case she ever decided to try learning it herself. Especially with Amon still being around in their world, it'd be good to be able to have her own surprise in store for him.

*Timeskip-Two Days*

Two days have passed, since Korra began her Bloodbending training under Naruto, and so far, she's made good progress in listening to people's heartbeats. But not as much, as she would have liked.

She's managed to successfully hear a heartbeat above the sound of other noises. But unfortunately, that was about as much progress as she's made since she's been unable to begin learning to hear multiple heartbeats at once. Korra had been a little disappointed that she wasn't picking it up as quickly as when she first tried. Having expected it to be easy since she's the Avatar and originally a Waterbender.

With Naruto reminding her, that while Bloodbending originates from Waterbending, it's still unlike any other form of bending. Something that Korra accepted, and knew it'll take much longer for her to get it down. Especially since Naruto had the advantage in being Xiě's host. With that also being another problem, since they had to take things slow and carefully, to make sure Xiě didn't gain too much influence over her, too quickly.

"As much as I hate to admit it, he's right. While I don't like Bloodbending, it's unlike any other bending art there is. I don't think even Hama fully knew just how powerful it could be." Katara said, willing to admit that, despite her distaste for it, Bloodbending was unique even for bending.

"I don't think even Yakone or Amon, for all their power, truly know the full extent of Bloodbending." Stated Tenzin, given how they're both Psychic Bloodbenders with Amon even being able to take people's bending, they still probably didn't know the full power of Bloodbending.

"Probably the only one that'd truly know it's power is Xiě, and perhaps Naruto." Zuko said, knowing those two were likely the only ones that could experience the true power of Bloodbending.

Though not all things were good, with Councilman Tarrlok having suddenly shown up at dinner, and asked Korra to join his task force. One he's assembling to hunt down the remaining Equalists and the "monster" that had attacked the rally. With the Avatar being thankful that Naruto wasn't there to hear that, not liking how he was seen as a monster and killer, when he wasn't in control of himself.

Korra had rejected his offer, since she wouldn't admit it, but she was still terrified of Carnage. Both at the thought of him killing her and taking her power for himself, along with the fact that he could also take away her bending, like he did to Amon. The latter of whom, Korra was also still scared of. As even with him no longer being a threat, with his bending gone and exposure as a fraud, she was still scared of what he could have done, had Carnage not shown up.

"Great, this again." Korra said while covering her face and hating herself for falling into Tarrlok's trap to join his damn task force, especially given what it lead to.

"Maybe things will turn out differently, thanks to Naruto being here." Suggested Pema, while smiling at Korra, who looked up and thought about it, hoping that she was right, and that she wouldn't end up joining Tarrlok's' vanity project.

Currently, Naruto and Korra were sitting outside the dormitories with Korra rubbing Naga's belly. Though she soon heard two sets of footsteps approaching and looked to see Bolin, Mako, and Pabu.

"Hello, fellow teammate!" Bolin greeted.

"Hey Korra." Mako said with a wave, before glancing at Naruto curiously.

"Huh, could've sworn I already went with you to meet Hiroshi." Said Mako, confused since this had been around the time, he had gone with Asami to Future Industries to meet her father.

"It's probably before you met up with me. And given how things happens in that world, you'd really want to check on Korra, after she stayed behind to fight Carnage." Asami said, with the Firebender nodding in agreement.

"Hey Bolin, Mako." Korra replied.

"Missed you at practice, this week." Stated Bolin since they hadn't seen Korra at practice since the rally.

"Yeah, sorry about that." Said Korra, feeling bad about how she hasn't been showing up for practice recently, due to her having a lot on her mind, lately.

"It's fine. It probably doesn't even matter since we don't have the money to add to the tournament pot." Said Mako, disappointed that they won't be participating in the tournament.

"Anyways, the reason I came by was to give you this. Ta-da!" Bolin said, while pulling out a cupcake and a rose, surprising Korra at the gift, before she glanced at Naruto when she felt his heartbeat pick up slightly and saw a brief flash of annoyance on his face.

"Wow, thanks. What's this for?" Asked Korra, not sure what the gift was for.

"Uh, oh, I can't remember now. Oh yeah, now I remember. You saved me from Amon! Not to mention that crazy Carnage guy!" Answered Bolin, like it was obvious.

"Hey, I was there too. Where's my cupcake?" Mako asked, while frowning.

"Yeah, I was there when we saved you from Amon, too. And I didn't get a cupcake." Said Mako, while looking at his brother in annoyance.

"Hey, come on, I gave you your reward, you get to spend more time with your dear little brother." Bolin said while smiling and wrapping his arm around his brothers' shoulder, with Mako looking at him with a deadpan expression.

"I'd prefer the cupcake." Mako stated, before chuckling at his brother's expression.

"There was only one cupcake." Bolin deadpanned, with Korra giggling, before holding the cupcake out for Mako.

"Here, tough guy." Said Korra, only for Mako to wave it off, since he was just messing with his brother.

"And that? It was no big deal." Korra said to Bolin with a shrug.

"No big deal, are you serious? I was totally freaking out, when he was coming at me with his creepy mask all, "I will take away your bending forever". And then Carnage showing up and going all "RAAAAAAAAAAAAHH" "Blood! More blood!". I mean that is…scary stuff; I still can't sleep well." Bolin said, while shivering, since he still had nightmares about what happened.

"So, who's this?" Asked Mako, wanting to steer the conversation away from the current topic, and he was curious of who Naruto was.

"Oh right. Guys, this is Naruto, a friend staying on the island. Naruto, these are my teammates on the Fire Ferrets and friends, Mako and Bolin. He was…at the rally but was able to get away." Korra said, knowing it wasn't her place to tell them who Naruto really is, and wasn't sure how they would react.

"Oh…ooooh. Uh, sorry if I-" Bolin said, now feeling awkward at bringing up the rally to someone else, who had been there.

"Smooth, very smooth." Said Toph, making Bolin drop his head in depression at his idol's words, before wincing as he remembered Korra's nightmare at the beginning.

"Hey uh, sorry about what I said Korra. Here, when I said that stuff about Amon." Bolin said, which the Avatar waved off.

"It's fine, and you were right to be scared of Amon, given what could've happened. I was scared too." Replied Korra.

"You should learn to watch what you say though, since you never who could be listening and see your words as rather insensitive." Zuko said while looking at Bolin, making the Earthbender wince, but also knew the former Fire Lord was right and that he did tend to speak before thinking.

With the others nodding in agreement, but let him off the hook, given it seems like neither of the brothers' counterparts know who Naruto is. So, it's unlikely they'd know he's Xiě's vessel either.

"It's fine, I'm just glad to have made it out alive." Said Naruto.

"You were at the rally?" Mako asked, while narrowing his eyes, given it had originally been an Equalist rally.

"Yes. And no, I'm not an Equalist, nor do I support them. I'm not even a non-bender, I'm a Waterbender. I only went to see if Amon actually wished to create equality between benders and non-benders, with the only thing that I saw being a madman and a liar." Said Naruto, while bending some water to prove his point, making Mako relax and nod in agreement about Amon.

Suddenly, everyone's attention turned to the Council page showing up, with a large basket of flowers and other gifts. Making Korra groan at the sight, since it wasn't the first gift that Tarrlok's sent her, to try and make her change her mind.

"Delivery for Avatar Korra. Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer." Said the page.

"Tell him, I haven't changed my mind." Korra replied, with the page bowing, before walking off.

"I swear, he'll do anything to get what he wants." Tenzin stated in annoyance at remembering Tarrlok's refusal to take no for an answer.

"I'm still upset, he just showed up to our home like he did." Said Pema, not liking how Tarrlok interrupted her family's dinner.

"This is why I preferred living in the Swamp, I didn't have to deal with all this political crap anymore and could happily beat up Swampbenders." Said Toph, relieved that she didn't have to deal with politics anymore or grubby council members.

"Tarrlok?" Mako asked.

"Who's this Tarrlok guy? Is he bothering you? Huh, 'cause I could have a word with him." Said Bolin, while punching his fist into his hand.

"As much as I'd enjoy seeing Tarrlok get knocked down a couple pegs, he's still a member of the council. So I would have to arrest you if you assaulted him." Lin stated, while looking at Bolin, though she did have a small smirk since she'd at least give him a head start, knowing it'd be worth it, if someone knocked Tarrlok down a little.

"HA! I'd love to see that, since while we haven't even seen the guy yet, but just hearing about him, I'd probably end up punching him, myself." Said Toph, figuring Tarrlok was one of those stuck-up politicians, that thinks he's above everyone because of his position.

Before the de-aged Earthbender looked at Bolin with a grin.

"Hey kid, let me know if you ever want some lessons, if you do decide to have a word with this council guy." Toph said, much to Bolin's amazement and excitement at being offered the chance to learn from his idol.

"Heh, no, it's not like that. He's just some old guy, who works with Tenzin on the council." Korra said, while amused at the idea of Bolin beating up Tarrlok.

"Oh, good. Good, that sounds better. I like that better." Said Bolin.

"Well, I gotta get going, since I'm meeting someone soon. See ya." Mako said, before turning and leaving, while giving them a wave.

Having come to check up on Korra, but still needed to meet up with Asami to go meet her father.

*Later-City Hall*

The rest of the day, Korra had to deal with Tarrlok sending her more and more gifts, each more extravagant than the last, one of which even being a brand new Satomobile. With Korra only growing more and more annoyed with each gift, and that Tarrlok wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Out of curiosity, what happened to that Satomobile?" Korra asked while looking at Tenzin, with Ikki and Meelo frowning and pouting.

"Daddy took it away, just because we were having fun with it!" Meelo said.

"You nearly started it and drove it off the dock." Deadpanned Tenzin, having sent the Satomobile back.

"If you want Korra, I could get you a Satomobile, I'm sure dad wouldn't mind giving the Avatar one as a gift." Asami offered, surprising Korra before she smiled sheepishly.

"Oh uh…thanks Asami, but I don't really know how to drive. Besides, I have Naga to help me get around." Replied Korra, with the heiress smiling and pushing her hair back.

"I can teach you. It can be pretty relaxing." Said Asami, surprising the Avatar again, before she nodded, figuring she may take her up on the offer.

With his most recent gift being the most extravagant, with it being a gala that he was throwing in her honor, which actually intrigued Korra. With the Avatar agreeing to go, if only out of curiosity to see it for herself and a chance to get some time off the island. Though she had also asked Naruto to go with her, not wanting him to be left alone on the island, while they were gone. Naruto was reluctant to go but was more annoyed that he had to dress up in a suit for it.

"I never thought I'd actually prefer my other suit." Naruto said as they entered City Hall.

"Come on, it's just one night. Besides, I think you look good." Said Korra as she smiled at Naruto, while looking him up and down, seeing that he did look rather handsome in the gala clothes.

"…Thanks…you look…really pretty." Naruto muttered, with Korra's smile widening at his compliment.

"What was that about it being nothing, Korra?" Said Jinora teasingly, as Korra covered her face, though she did peek between her fingers to look at Naruto, silently admitting he did look really good in them.

"Naruto and Korra sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G~! First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Korra with a baby carriage~" Ikki sang while laughing, before being launched her into the air with Earthbending, lowering herself back down with Airbending.

"If it makes you feel any better cousin, I'm sure he is quite fond of you as well, though Spirits know why." Said Eska while patting Korra on the shoulder, with the Avatar looking at her blankly.

"Thanks Eska, really. You're always so supportive." Korra replied.

"We're always here to help, when you need us, cousin." Stated Desna, making Korra sigh and shake her head.

Though her attention turned to the other guests when they started clapping at her entrance.

"I can't believe this is all for me." Said Korra, not believing this was all for her.

"Don't be fooled Korra, this isn't just some party to celebrate." Naruto said, with Tenzin nodding in agreement.

"Naruto's right. I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting but keep your guard up. It's not like him to throw a party, just for the fun of it." Said Tenzin, knowing this was all another one of Tarrlok's schemes, he just wasn't sure how it all worked.

"I'm so glad you could make it, Avatar Korra. And guest." Tarrlok said, smiling as he walked up to them, before looking at Naruto and wondered who he was.

"This is my friend, Naruto, I invited him to come along with us. I hope that's not a problem." Said Korra.

"Certainly not, any friend of the Avatar's is more than welcome. But if you'd excuse us, the city awaits its hero." Tarrlok said, wanting to get Korra way from Tenzin.

"You can practically see him pulling the strings, like some creepy puppet master." Kya stated, upon seeing Tarrlok's plan to get Korra away from Tenzin.

"Yeah…a puppet master." Muttered Bumi, before rubbing his chin in thought, remembering the quick glance they had gotten of Amon's face in the beginning, with his mother having similar thoughts as she frowned in concentration.

Korra walking off with Tarrlok, though grabbed Naruto's hand to pull him along, with them soon walking up to an older looking gentleman.

"Korra, it's my pleasure to introduce Republic City's most famous industrialist, Hiroshi Sato." Tarrlok introduced the man.

"Nice to meet you." Replied Korra, as Hiroshi bowed.

"We're all expecting great things from you." Hiroshi said, making Korra look away, while Naruto narrowed his eyes slightly at the man.

"Right, greatness." Muttered Korra.

"Hey, Korra, Naruto!" Said Mako, while walking up to them with Asami and Bolin.

"This is my daughter, Asami." Hiroshi said, as Asami smiled at Korra.

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

"Really? Because he hasn't mentioned you at all. How did you two meet?" Korra asked, confused as to when Mako could have met Asami, only to be surprised when Bolin reappeared beside her.

"Asami crashed into him on her moped." Answered Bolin.

"What? Are you okay?" Asked Korra, worried about her teammate.

"I'm fine. More than fine. Mr. Sato agreed to sponsor our team; we're back in the tournament!" Mako said, not believing how they could now participate in the tournament.

"If I hadn't said it already. Thank you, Asami, it really means a lot." Mako said while smiling at the heiress, which Asami returned and kissed his cheek.

"Hey, I can't let you guys quit now, not when you've come so far." Replied Asami, wanting to give them the chance to show how far they've come, and their determination to win the tournament.

"Hehe, isn't that great?" Said Bolin, just as excited.

"Yeah, terrific." Korra said, not sharing their excitement, since that's now another thing on her increasingly filled up plate.

Though she smiled at Naruto, when he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, glad he was here. Only for her smile to vanish, when she saw the Police Chief and Tarrlok wave her over.

"Chief Beifong, I believe you and Avatar Korra have already met." Tarrlok said, with Lin glaring at Korra and Naruto.

"Just because the city's throwing you this big to-do, don't think you're something special. You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this." Lin said harshly, as Korra gladly glared back at her.

"And just because her names on it, doesn't mean Korra planned it. You wanna be angry at someone, be angry at the ponytail man." Said Naruto, while pointing his thumb at Tarrlok, who's eye twitched at the nickname.

"Yeah, be angry at the ponytail man, not Korra!" Ikki said while looking at Lin in annoyance, who simply raised a brow at her, before looking back at the screen, a little impressed at the kid's attitude.

Lin glared at him for a moment, before walking away, while Naruto looked at Korra and saw the saddened expression on her face.

"Don't let what she said get to you. Remember, your choices, your decisions, and damn what anyone else says." Naruto whispered in her ear, with Korra nodding in thanks.

"I'm really glad you came." Replied Korra, feeling grateful that she asked him to come with her, with Naruto nodding in response.

"Really glad." Muttered Korra, knowing it was her being alone during the gala, that really pushed her over the edge, with Tenzin looking after the kids, Mako and Bolin with Hiroshi and Asami, while she had been left with Tarrlok.

After a while, Korra had been pulled away by Tarrlok, leaving Naruto behind, much to the blonde's annoyance. With him wanting nothing more, than to punch the Councilman in the face. Though he groaned when he heard a familiar dark chuckle in his mind.

'And hear I was hoping I was done with you.' Naruto thought, as Carnage laughed loudly in his mind.

"Oh, that is absolutely precious! You really think some fancy piece of paper will keep me down? I might not be able to take control, but I will always be here Naruto, and nothing you or anyone does will ever change that." Carnage taunted.

Hearing Xiě's laugh and voice made everyone tense, not expecting to hear the Spirit of Blood again thanks to the talisman. But apparently, while it could keep him from possessing Naruto, it didn't stop him from communicating with him.

"He's likely more powerful than we originally believed, if he can still speak even with the talisman." Zuko said while frowning.

"Makes you wonder how powerful he'd be, without Whiskers fighting him every step of the way." Said Toph, knowing that likely wouldn't be pretty, given what Carnage could already do with Naruto fighting against him.

"You always know how to lighten the mood, Toph." Katara deadpanned, before going back to her thinking about Kya calling Tarrlok a "puppet master".

'Maybe, but it keeps you locked away, like the rabid animal you are.' Naruto mentally retorted.

"Careful what you say Naruto. That seal won't last forever and when it fails, I'm gonna have so much fun with these humans. I'll even get to complete our collection of elements, maybe by using one of those little brats, or even the one still in the woman's stomach! Then I'll move onto the Avatar and show her what Bloodbending can really do!" Growled Carnage, with Naruto clenching his fists in anger, but didn't react, knowing that's what he wanted.

This made everyone tense, shocked and angry at how casually Xiě would talk about murdering children, even an unborn one. Acting like they'd just be completing a collection, rather than innocent people. With the group of Tenzin, Pema, Ikki, Meelo, Jinora, Lin, Korra, Katara, Zuko, and Toph having the worst reactions. With Pema fearfully holding her children close and holding an arm over her stomach, while Tenzin wrapping an arm around his wife and children as well.

"I won't let anything happen to any of you, I promise." Tenzin swore, refusing to let anyone hurt his family.

"Your father's right, as long as he's around, nothing will ever touch any of you." Added Kya, while smiling at her sister-in-law and her nieces and nephew.

Though she looked at her older brother, when he didn't say anything, only to see him looking deep in thought.

"Bumi?" Kya said trying to get his attention, only for him to not move for a few moments.

"Did you all get a good look at Amon's face?" Bumi asked suddenly, getting several confused looks.

"I think we were more focused on the thing, that likely wanted to eat his face." Bolin stated.

"What about his face?" Lin asked while raising a brow in confusion.

"Just a hunch, but I think we may learn something new." Bumi said, which only confused them further.

"If that thing goes anywhere near them, I will find a way to end it!" Said Katara while glaring murderously at the screen, angry at the threat to her grandchildren.

"I won't let it get anywhere near them." Korra stated, knowing she wouldn't let anything happen to Jinora, Ikki, Meelo, or Pema's unborn baby.

"Gotta admit though, Whiskers definitely not afraid to give the talking puddle some backtalk." Said Toph, impressed at how Naruto didn't even hesitate to call Xiě a "rabid animal".

"Yeah, but given how long they've been bonded, and the fact that Xiě hasn't killed him yet, he's likely not afraid of him anymore. Along with probably learning his game and no longer reacting to his threats or insults." Zuko added, also impressed at how fearless Naruto was against Xiě, and not falling for his taunts.

'What do you want Carnage?' Naruto thought, knowing he wouldn't contact just to taunt him.

"I just thought I'd let you know, that Tarrlok is another of mine. He's a Child of Blood, from a more powerful lineage at that. Just thought I'd warn you, since he seems obsessed with your little girlfriend." Said Carnage, before cutting the connection, as Naruto tensed while his eyes widened at this, not even registering how Carnage called Korra his girlfriend.

Only that Tarrlok was a Bloodbender and currently with Korra!

"Tarrlok's a Bloodbender?!" Tenzin said, shocked at this information, along with everyone else.

"How could a Bloodbender have infiltrated Republic City and gotten on the council?!" Said Lin in disbelief and anger that Tarrlok's been a Bloodbender, hiding right under their noses this entire time.

Korra was also shocked by this, not expecting Tarrlok of all people to be a Bloodbender, before she looked at Bumi and Katara, seeing they weren't as shocked by the reveal.

"That's what you suspected, that Tarrlok was a Bloodbender." Korra stated, making everyone else look at the two, with the mother and son nodding in response.

"Yeah, when Kya called him a puppet master, it got me thinking. I went back to when we saw Amon's face, for as short as we did, and then looked at Tarrlok's and saw some similarities in them. Like in their jawline, the shape of their brow and eyes, along Tarrlok's personality and how it compares to Yakone and Amon's. While those two want to destroy the Avatar, Tarrlok's trying to get all chummy with her and have Korra under his thumb, to get more influence and control over the city." Said Bumi, as the others began putting the pieces together as well.

"Tarrlok is Yakone's son, and Amon's brother." Said Korra with wide eyes.

"Yeah, he is. And he was able to hide that he's a Bloodbender since he can likely Bloodbend without a full moon as well." Katara said gravely with a frown, not liking the fact that there are two Bloodbenders running around in Republic City, both of whom being Yakone's sons as well.

Looking around, Naruto soon spotted Korra and Tarrlok coming down some stairs, right into a crowd of reporters.

'Oh, you son of a bitch!' Naruto thought, now seeing what Tarrlok's game is, and swore to rip his throat out.

"Avatar Korra, you witnessed the danger that this Carnage poses to the city, along with the remnants of the Equalists that have escaped custody. How serious a threat do they pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?"

"I…think they present a real problem." Korra replied, though sounding unsure.

"Then why have you refused to join Tarrlok's task force? As the Avatar, shouldn't you be going after Carnage and the Equalists?"

"Well I-"

"Why are you backing away from this fight?"

"What? No! I've never backed away from anything in my life!" Retorted Korra, now getting frustrated with the questions.

"You promised to serve this city, aren't you going back on that promise now?"

"Do you think pro-bending is more important than fighting a serial killer Spirit?"

"How do you think Avatar Aang would have handled this?"

Korra tensed slightly at seeing her counterpart being overwhelmed by the reporters, believing she was about to cave to them like she did.

"Why didn't you help her, or do something?" Toph said while looking at Lin with narrowed eyes, with the Police Chief shifting uncomfortably in her seat at her mother's look, before looking away since she didn't have an answer, at least not one that her predecessor would like.

Korra was becoming more confused, annoyed, and intimidated by the constant bombarding questions. Her eyes darted around, before they soon found Naruto in the crowd, seeing him look at her in worry and concern helped ease her nerves and remember his words.

'My choices, my decisions, and damn what anyone else says.' Korra thought.

"Are you afraid of Carnage?" One reporter asked, a question that normally would have made Korra snap, and give in to join Tarrlok's task force.

But she refused to bend to the whims of Tarrlok and these hounding reporters.

"I believe that Carnage and the remaining Equalists do pose a danger to Republic City, but I do not believe that forming a task force to hunt them down is the answer. By hunting down and arresting Equalists and non-benders, we'd only further be dividing the city more than it already is and proving the Equalists right. Now is the time for benders and non-benders to stand together, rather than apart. As for Carnage, I can't make any promises, but to hopefully find him and stop him before anyone else can get hurt. That's all." Korra said, before pushing past the reporters, ignoring any further questions, while Tarrlok scowled at seeing his attempt to trick Korra into joining his task force has failed.

This surprised Korra at seeing her other standing up to the reporters, before she smiled happily at not getting roped into Tarrlok's plot, along with also discrediting his task force as well. Only to wince at her counterpart's words, how the task force would only worsen relations between benders and non-benders. Before thinking about her actions when she joined the task force, how it could have been seen to the public, especially with how those reporters could have worded it. Making the Avatar lower her head, wondering if her joining Tarrlok's task force could have potentially made things worse.

Possibly even make non-benders flock to the Equalists, while thinking that even the Avatar was against them.

"Way to go Twinkle Toes, you didn't bend or break. Guess Whiskers is a better influence on you than we thought. What do you think Sugar Queen?" Toph said while smirking at Katara, who looked at her in annoyance.

Since on one hand, she's glad that the alternate Korra didn't join Tarrlok's task force. But on the other hand, she didn't want her to be influenced too much by Naruto and, by extension, Xiě.

"You did very well Korra, you handled it patiently and calmly in the best way possible." Said Tenzin, proud of the actions of Korra's counterpart.

"Thanks, I just wish I could've done the same." Korra said, knowing that she messed up in caving into Tarrlok's demands, along with feeling envious her counterpart was able to stay strong and stick with her original decision of not joining.

With it not helping, how the others were commenting about her other actions, like they were her own. When so far, it seems like her counterpart was doing things better than her.

"What matters is that you learn from your mistakes and use the experience to better yourself." Advised Zuko, understanding how one's emotions can influence and dictate their actions, and knowing it's important to learn from those mistakes.

"Yeah, and don't take it too hard. Ponytail guy basically pressured and manipulated you into joining, knowing you faced Amon and saw what he could do. He probably knew you'd be afraid of him and used it against you. With it not helping, that the only person available to help you, didn't." Toph said while looking at her daughter, who once again looked away knowing, she could have tried doing something after seeing what Tarrlok was doing, but simply chose not to.

Making her way to Naruto, Korra felt him wrap an arm around her, before guiding her out of City Hall. Followed by Tenzin and his family, with the Airbending Master looking at his student in pride.

"You handled yourself well in there Korra, I almost expected you to break and give in to Tarrlok's demands. But I'm proud you held yourself together." Tenzin said, while smiling at Korra, which she tentatively returned.

"I just remembered some advice I got from a friend." Said Korra, while glancing at Naruto, only to see the frown on his face.

"Naruto, is something wrong?" Korra asked, with Naruto looking at them, before glancing at the children, with Tenzin getting the silent message.

"Pema, why don't you and the children go wait for us, we'll be along shortly." Tenzin said, with Pema nodding, figuring whatever they needed to talk about wasn't safe for children to hear.

"Tarrlok's a Bloodbender." Revealed Naruto, once Pema and the children were out of earshot, as Korra and Tenzin looked at him with wide eyes, shocked at what he just said.

"Tarrlok, a Bloodbender?! Are you sure?!" Tenzin asked urgently, since this was a very serious problem, if Tarrlok was a Bloodbender and none of them realized it.

"Yes, Carnage spoke to me, he can sense Children of Blood and Tarrlok's one of them. He also said that he comes from a powerful lineage as well." Replied Naruto, further shocking the Avatar and Airbender.

All of them knowing just how much more complicated things have become, with this knowledge.

"I swear, when we get back, I'm throwing him into a cell and making sure his brother joins him." Lin swore, refusing to let Tarrlok and Amon run around any longer than they have in her city.

"Be patient Lin, while we know Tarrlok's a Bloodbender, we don't have proof that he is. And we can't just expose him as a Waterbender, like with Amon, since we would need actual proof of him being a Bloodbender. If we just arrested him, it could do more harm than good, with it even leading to him escaping." Said Tenzin, also hating the idea of not doing anything, but knew they needed to play things safely and carefully when they got back.

It made the others nod grimly, knowing they'll have a lot of problems to deal with, when they returned.

So, what did you think, good. Yep we see them learning more about Bloodbending, along with Korra being teased about how close her counterpart is becoming to Naruto, much to her embarrassment, and the start of Korra's Bloodbending training. With them also learning about Tarrlok being a Bloodbender as well, and other Korra staying strong and not joining the task force. With all of the viewers agreeing they'll have a lot of problems to deal with when they get back. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.

Storm out