Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be getting further deviations from canon, with plenty of surprises, along with some bonding between Naruto and Korra. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
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.
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.
"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'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.
'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.
"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.
"…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.
"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.
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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
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.
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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
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.
"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.
"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.
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.
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…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 haunts 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.
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.
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.
*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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
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.
"…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.
"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.
"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.
*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.
"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
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.
*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.
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.
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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
'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.
'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!
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 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.
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 handle 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.
So, what did you think, good. Yep Korra spoke some more with Naruto with the two getting to know each other better, along with Korra asking Naruto to teach her Bloodbending after learning about the other abilities it grants. With Naruto immediately rejecting the request knowing how dangerous it'd be, but Korra wasn't deterred with Naruto eventually giving in. We then see Naruto meeting Tenzin's family, Chief Beifong, and Mako and Bolin, along with seeing Korra beginning the first steps to learning Bloodbending. Then it's off to the gala with Naruto accompanying Korra, where we see Carnage speak with him and reveal Tarrlok's own status as a Child of Blood, along with the Councilmen trying to pressure Korra to join his task force. Only for Korra to stay strong and remember Naruto's advice, sticking with her decision. Finally Naruto reveals Tarrlok being a Bloodbender to Korra and Tenzin, much to their shock. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out
