Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be getting another look at Republic City and see how bad things have gotten, while the Krew, Gaang, and Tenzin finally head back to help deal with the Erasers. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
Two weeks have passed since the Krew, Gaang, Swampbenders, and Tenzin had battled against Azula and her Forces, as well as Hama. Resulting in the destruction of the Fountain of Youth, but not before it restored the youth of not only the original Team Avatar, but also Hama and Azula as well. With Hama having luckily been out of practice with her Bloodbending and left unable to control everyone for longer than a few moments, but still more than strong enough to fight them all off. While Azula and her forces managed to slip away in the confusion.
Though while that was happening in the Swamp, things have begun taking a turn for the worse in Republic City. As despite the help of the United Forces and Waterbenders, it wasn't long before the Erasers began to regain ground in the city, along with them now being more brutal than ever. With Neji having ordered them to start bombing key locations throughout Republic City. The group no longer caring about who got caught in the crossfire, whether they were benders or non-benders.
With these actions having also costed the Erasers plenty of support, with them now being viewed as terrorists, rather than revolutionists seeking equality, or erasing benders. But they were still being supported by many non-benders, even if it wasn't as much as before. Whether it was out of fear of being made examples by Neji or were those that were just as warped and cruel, as the fallen grandson of Ty Lee. Not caring who got in their way, as long as their goals would be achieved, even their own allies.
While Lin, Bumi, Desna, Eska, Iroh, Kya, along with the remaining Metal Benders, United Forces and Northern Water Tribe reinforcements, had been forced to escape the city itself. Taking refuge in an old White Lotus temple, hidden in the mountains outside of the city. Along with the benders and non-benders that were under their protection or were willing to fight alongside them.
They had been forced to find a new base, due to the Police Station having been one of the locations that had been bombed. With them luckily managing to escape in time, before it was hit and got out of the city, since it was nearly fully overrun by Erasers. They would have chosen a different location as a new base, such as the Pro-Bending Arena, Aang Memorial Island, and Air Temple Island. Unfortunately, they had also been hit as well, Neji knowing those would be the most likely places they'd use next.
With the destruction of Aang Memorial Island and Air Temple Island angering Kya and Bumi the most, as they couldn't nothing but watch as their father's statue and their former home were destroyed. While even Desna and Eska were disgusted and put off by what the Erasers were now doing. Knowing and admitting that they weren't good people, themselves. But that didn't mean they condoned acts of terrorism and widespread destruction, that the Erasers were now committing.
Knowing that at this point, they weren't even fighting for a cause, they were simply destroying everything and killing anyone that gets in their way. Even the non-benders that they claim to be fighting for, are no longer safe. And all of them knew that they needed to bring an end to this soon, before anymore death and destruction could be unleashed.
*Foggy Swamp*
Meanwhile, within the Foggy Swamp, the Krew has made excellent progress in their training under the original Team Avatar. With it going even better, now that they were young again and weren't held back by old age, making the training even more effective. And in Toph's case, also more brutal, since she showed them just how strong she really was.
They had also gotten new clothes as well, given their previous outfits weren't the best suited for fighting, given they hadn't planned on fighting outside of Azula and Hama. But with their restored youth, they were more able to be part of the action and now looked the part as well.
With Katara letting her hair flow freely again, while still keeping the ringlets, along with wearing brown boots with grey leather strapped over them with white circles, and blue pants. Along with a matching blue tunic that hung down to above her knees, with pale blue-white edges along the bottom and collar, with openings on the sides. And finally, a matching pale blue-white sash around her waist, fingerless blue elbow gloves, and grey leather bracers, like the ones that were on her legs.
Toph was wearing an outfit, similar to her original one. Though now wearing green pants, a long-sleeved green shirt that went all the down to her hands, and a tan colored tunic over it, with the United Republic of Nations emblem at the bottom. Along with a green belt with a gold and green emblem buckle, metal bracers around her wrists and ankles, and a single green strap wrapped around each of her bare feet.
When asked on why she went with the emblem for the United Republic of Nations, rather than the one for the Earth Kingdom. Toph told them that she just didn't like the current Queen of the Earth Kingdom, while referring to the monarch as a greedy, corrupt old hag.
Zuko had cut his hair to the same length it was when he was a teenager, along with being clean shaven. With the former Fire Lord now wearing a red bodysuit, with a black tunic with gold edges over it. While having a matching colored cloth hanging in front of him, with the Fire Nation emblem on it, and a red belt holding it closed. Along with a strap going across his chest, holding the sheathe to his dual swords, as well as black and gold boots, and black bracers on his wrists with gold straps wrapped around them.
Mai was wearing a skintight black bodysuit, black heeled boots with a gold strap around her feet and near the top of them. A dagger sheathed on both of them, as well as a pouch strapped to her right thigh, containing her weapons, and a black belt wrapped around her leg, below it. Two maroon belts around her waist, holding several of her knives and stilettos. Along with black elbow length gloves with gold edging, a short maroon colored vest with gold edgings and a high collar, and finally a long red scarf wrapped loosely around her neck and shoulders with both ends hanging down to her knees.
And Ty Lee was wearing tight black and red pants with the Fire Nation emblem in gold on her left thigh. Black boots, similar to Mai's, with gold soles and red wrappings around the ankles, a dark red corset around her midsection, and a dark pink top that was colored black on her outer arms, with a red collar over it. And finally black gloves and a long black cloak with a hood, as well as a maroon interior, that hung down to below her knees.
The only one who hadn't gotten a new outfit, for the moment at least, was Jin. Who was content with wearing a more fitting version of her regular outfit.
With the Krew silently admitting that the five looked rather intimidating now that they were dressed for a fight. Along with being further reminded, as to why they're still some of the most dangerous individuals in the world.
Now though, everyone was standing together, knowing it was time for them to return to Republic City.
"You've all learned as much as we could teach you, in the time that we've had. But it's time that we returned to Republic City." Tenzin said, getting nods of agreement from the Krew and Gaang.
"Tenzin's right. We've already been gone too long as it is, and things have escalated further than we thought they would. If we don't leave now, it's unlikely there will even be a city to go back to." Added Zuko, making everyone or scowl, knowing he was right, given what they had learned after Lin contacted them.
With everyone having been furious to learn what the Erasers had done, especially Korra, Jinora, Tenzin, Katara, Zuko and Toph. With the latter three being more so, than the others since they helped create Republic City. Now knowing it was being destroyed made them want to get there as soon as possible, to stop the Erasers. While Tenzin was angered at the destruction of his home and his father's statue. He's also relieved that he had the forethought to have the Air Acolytes evacuate the island before he and his family left. Having them take the Sky Bison, lemurs, and everything else on the island to one of the Air Temples.
With the Airbending Master being relieved that no one died, when the island was destroyed and everything was safe, but it still did nothing to lessen his anger. While Ikki and Meelo had been devastated to learn what happened to their home, as well as their grandfather's statue. With Jinora being devastated as well but was able to channel it into anger and resolve to wanting to stop the Erasers.
"Daddy, where will we go when the city is safe?" Meelo asked as the two youngest Airbenders looked up their father, wondering where they'll live after the Erasers are defeated.
"Will we have to move to one of the Air Temples?" Asked Ikki, with Tenzin kneeling down and smiled reassuringly at his children.
"Don't worry, once the city is safe again, we can rebuild Air Temple Island just as it was. It'll take time, but it will be home again." Tenzin said, with Katara smiling at her grandchildren.
"Your father's right, you don't have to worry about staying at one of the Air Temples or anywhere else." Said Katara before leaning in and raised a hand to her mouth, as if to tell them a secret.
"And between us, your grandfather tried adding an Air Scooter racetrack when building it, but I stopped him." Katara whispered, glad when the two smiled and laughed lightly at her words.
"What's the plan for getting to the city? I doubt we can get close without their planes spotting us, even worse if they outfitted them with weapons." Said Mako, before wincing when he saw Asami look away, knowing her father was the one who designed and built those planes for the Erasers.
"We'll be going in the cover of night, with me, Mai, and Ty Lee riding Druk, and the rest of you riding Oogi. Katara, Korra, and Naruto will also provide cover for us by concealing us with clouds, making it impossible for them to spot us." Zuko replied, knowing they needed to be extra careful when they approach Republic City.
"Me, Tobirama, and some of the Swampbenders will make the trip to Republic City by land and meet you all there, hopefully not long after you arrive as well." Said Hashirama, with the Swampbenders having offered their help as thanks for their help against Azula and Hama.
"Pema, you and the children will have to stay here, you'll be safe with some of the Swampbenders and Jin here to protect you all." Tenzin said to his wife, not wanting her of their children anywhere near Republic City until he was sure it was safe.
"I know, just promise me that you'll all come back safely." Said Pema as she smiled at her husband, while hiding how much she was worried for them, with Tenzin nodding in response.
"What?! Dad, I can come too, I can hel-" Jinora said, not wanting to be left behind, only to stop when her father looked at her.
"Jinora! There's a difference between fighting bounty hunters and former gang members dressed as soldiers, and what the Erasers have become! They are far more dangerous and ruthless, and I refuse to risk any of you getting hurt! You will be staying here, with your mother and siblings, and that is final!" Tenzin said in a stern tone, while leaving no room for argument, making Jinora frown and cross her arms in annoyance.
It wasn't long before everyone was packed up and ready to go, before they mounted Oogi and Druk, with both animals taking flight towards Republic City.
"Oh man, I can't wait to see Lin's face when she sees me! It's gonna be hilarious!" Toph laughed, eager to see Lin's face when they arrive in Republic City, while the others gave her confused looks.
"But…you're blind." Stated Bolin.
"Ohohoho trust me, I'll know what her face looks like!" Said Toph.
"You really like screwing with people, don't ya?" Naruto said rhetorically.
"Of course I do Webhead, you should that by now. And later, I can show you how I really screw with people." Toph said while grinning, making Katara groan and cover her face at her friend's lack of shame.
"Toph, just…please don't." Said Katara, knowing exactly what the Earthbender meant and had hoped she would have matured since they last met.
'But nope, still the same Toph.' Katara thought dryly.
"Sorry, no can do Princess! I'm young again, more awesome than ever before, and I have no filter!" Toph said proudly.
Naruto could only pinch the bridge of his nose while Korra's eye twitched in annoyance. Though suddenly, the whiskered blonde stiffened and looked to the back of Oogi; something that the others took notice of.
"Something wrong?" Korra asked while looking at her boyfriend, before to where he's looking, but didn't see anything.
Wordlessly Naruto shot a web out of his hand, that sailed behind Oogi and seemed to latch onto something on his tail. Something alive, when everyone heard a startled "eep", before with a pull of the web, they saw Jinora come flying onto the saddle. With the young Airbender looking around and seeing the displeased looks of everyone, with her grandmother being the most displeased.
"Jinora! Do you mind explaining yourself?!" Katara demanded, while Tenzin's head immediately snapped backwards from where he was flying Oogi, only for his eyes to widen in shock when he saw his daughter.
"Jinora! I thought I specifically told you to stay in the Swamp!" Said Tenzin, looking less than amused at seeing his daughter had snuck away.
"I know! I know what you told me; I know it's dangerous! But I couldn't just stay behind, not when I know I can do something to help! Dad please, Gran-Gran, Great Uncle Sokka, and Grandpa Aang were barely older than me, when they went to fight the Fire Nation." Jinora said.
"That was different, the entire world was at war. And we needed to go, so Aang could master the elements and stop the Fire Lord. It wasn't a choice; it was a responsibility." Said Katara, knowing Aang had to fight the Fire Nation, while she and Sokka had been the ones to find him, making them part of his journey.
"And Republic City is my home, so it's my responsibility to help fight for it! You can't stop me, and you can't turn back now! I can fight and take care of myself, so you'll just have to accept that I'm coming." Said Jinora as she sat down and crossed her arms, refusing to leave or be taken back, while Katara frowned at her words being used against her, while Tenzin frowned before taking a deep breath.
Both of them knew she was right, they couldn't turn back now, not when they've already left, and she was right. As much they didn't want to admit it, Jinora could take care of herself, but they still didn't want to see her get hurt.
"Fine. You may come Jinora, but you must be careful and never, and I mean absolutely never, go off on your own and make sure you always have someone close by to help you." Tenzin said, with Jinora nodding, glad that they were letting her come.
"He's right Jinora, this won't be like the other times, we're essentially entering a warzone. You have to be careful, keep aware of your surroundings, and always make sure you have backup." Said Katara, knowing firsthand how dangerous situations like this could be.
"I will dad, Gran-Gran, and thank you." Jinora replied, with the two nodding as they continued towards Republic City.
*Later-With Swampbenders*
Meanwhile, the Swampbenders had soon made it out of the swamp and began making their way to Republic City. Making their way to either the river or the coast of the ocean, so they could get there faster by water, with Hashirama being able to create some boats out of some trees they found.
Though suddenly, the Swampbenders stopped when they spotted a large force of Earth Kingdom soldiers, looking to be marching towards Republic City as well.
"It seems the Earth Queen is sending her own aid to Republic City." Hashirama said, smiling at this, while Tobirama frowned and narrowed his eyes.
"I don't believe they're being sent to help Republic City with the Erasers. If the Earth Queen was going to help, she would have sent soldiers much earlier, when it first dissolved into a civil war. Instead, she waited to send them now, when Republic City and the United Republic itself, is at its weakest. Leaving it perfectly open for her swoop in and take back the land, she believes was "stolen" by Avatar Aang and Fire Lord Zuko." Said Tobirama, knowing for a fact the Earth Queen would never bother to assist the United Republic with any trouble, and would be more likely to attack them.
The only reason she never did before, was because it would be seen as an act of war against all the nations, putting her against all of them. And while she may be arrogant, the Earth Queen was at least smart enough to know such a move would result in her likely losing her throne.
With his words making Hashirama lose his smile and sigh, knowing his brother was right, even if he didn't like it.
"It seems we won't be making it to Republic City, any time soon." Hashirama stated, knowing they now had to deal with another enemy that seeks to destroy the United Republic.
*Later-Republic City*
It wasn't long before Druk and Oogi arrived at the base, thankfully being unseen and undetected, thanks to them arriving at night and the cloud cover. With them being let inside and greeted by Lin, Bumi, Kya, and Iroh.
"Tenzin, it's good to see you." Kya said while hugging her brother.
"Good to see our baby brother, after all these years!" Said Bumi, grinning as he wrapped an arm around the Airbender's shoulder.
"Kya, Bumi, under normal circumstances, I'd be feeling a headache at seeing you two together again. But right now, it's good you're both here." Replied Tenzin, knowing his siblings were able to always drive him up the wall, but now he's glad they're here to help.
"I told you if you came back to Republic City, I'd arrest you myself. But seeing we're at the end of our rope at the moment, I can't exactly arrest any assistance we can get." Lin stated, with Tenzin mentally sighing in relief, knowing Lin would have really arrested him if the situation wasn't so dire.
"And I'm thankful for that Lin. Besides, it's not just me, I believe you'll all be glad at the help I've brought." Said Tenzin, before stepping aside to reveal the Krew and the original Team Avatar, much to their shock.
"M-mo-mo-mo-MOM?!" Bumi and Kya shouted in shock, when they saw their mother and the fact, she was now a teenager rather than an old woman.
"Hi Bumi, Kya. It's nice to see you both again." Said Katara, while smiling and waving awkwardly at her children.
"M-mo-mo-MOM?! C-Chief?!" Said Lin as she looked down at her mother, rather than up at her for once, while Toph merely patted her daughter on the cheek with a wide grin on her face.
"Close your mouth Lin, you'll catch flies." Toph said while mentally laughing her ass off.
"Gr-grandfather? G-gr-grandmother?" Said Iroh in disbelief at seeing his grandparents.
"It's good to see you Iroh, glad to see you've been helping out while we were away." Mai said with a small smile at her grandson.
"Before you ask, Jin is like us too, but she chose to stay to help protect Tenzin's family while we came to fight." Said Zuko while putting a hand on Iroh's shoulder, while the general nodded mutely at hearing his other grandmother was young as well.
"I'm sure you all have questions of how and why this happened, and there will be time to answer them later. For now, we need to focus on the Erasers." Said Tenzin, knowing they didn't have time to explain everything, especially since they didn't need to also worry about Hama and Azula as well as the Erasers.
"Jinora?!" Bumi said, when he spotted his niece as well in the group, getting the others attention.
"Tenzin?! You actually brought Jinora here of all places?! What were you thinking?!" Demanded Kya, not believing her brother would do something that reckless.
"Dad didn't know, I stowed away so I could come and help." Jinora said, not wanting her father to be blamed for her decision.
With her words making Line and Kya facepalm in disbelief, not expecting Jinora of all people to do something like that. While Bumi laughed and wrapped and arm around his nieces' shoulder, happy to hear that pure, little Jinora had finally broke some rules.
"That's my niece! Breaking rules, just like her Uncle Bumi! But you still got caught, so we'll have to work on that. But don't worry kiddo, once this is all over, I'll show you how to really stowaway!" Bumi said in excitement, as Tenzin, Kya, and Katara couldn't help but facepalm at how Bumi was encouraging such behavior from his niece.
But at the same time, they weren't really all that surprised by it, either.
"Uh, thanks Uncle Bumi." Said Jinora, not sure what to say to that.
"You two!" Lin growled, glaring at Naruto and Korra, drawing the others attention to them, with Kya, Bumi, and Iroh tensing at the sight of Naruto, knowing who he was.
"Give me one good reason, why I shouldn't put you in the ground and you in a cell?! And believe me, it better be a damn good reason!" Said Lin glaring at the two, with Korra returning the glare.
"How about the fact you need our help!" Korra retorted.
"Your help?! Ever since you came to Republic City, I've had to deal with one problem after another! And ever since you showed up, bodies have been dropping like flies! With "your help", I'd expect Republic City to be a giant crater by the end of the day!" Lin said.
"Lin!" Shouted Toph, making Lin suddenly stand up straight on instinct as Toph looked at her daughter.
"We don't have time to be throwing around blame or fighting each other! Right now there's a bunch of lunatics destroying Republic City, and if we don't stop them, there soon won't be a city! And right now, Webhead and Twinkle Toes are here to help, as well as probably our best chance at stopping the Erasers! So you can either accept their help or so help me, I don't care how old you are, I will toss you over my knee and make sure that even sitting on ice feels like lava!" Toph said while pointing at her daughter, who gulped but nodded reluctantly, knowing it isn't smart to test her mother.
Though that didn't mean she couldn't flash Naruto and Korra an annoyed, dry glare. When they chuckled at seeing the normally stern and tough police chief cowering at being lectured by her mother, like a young child.
All while Kya and Bumi regarding Naruto warily, but didn't do anything and decided to trust their family's judgement. With Iroh also regarding Naruto warily, given he's Xiě's host, but also decided to trust the judgement of his grandfather and grandmothers.
"Avatar Korra, it's an honor to meet you and your friends, despite the circumstances. And you as well…Naruto." Iroh said while shaking their hands, which they returned.
"It's an honor to meet you as well General Iroh and thank you for coming to help Republic City, we could really use all the help we can get." Replied Korra, with the general nodding.
"Well, with you all here, I'm sure we'll be getting plenty of help." Stated Iroh, knowing they'll be able to regain the advantage with such powerful fighters on their side now.
The group then entered the base, taking an elevator down into it, where they were met with the rest of the army against the Erasers, with them getting integrated with the rest of them. With there being plenty of shock at seeing the de-aged Zuko, Mai, Ty Lee, Katara, and Toph. But also felt hopeful at seeing the ones who helped end the Hundred Year War, now with them against the Erasers.
But there was also wariness and tension when people spotted Naruto and Korra; one for being Carnage and the other for protecting him.
"Well isn't this surprising, you've finally decided to join the fun cousin." Eska said as she and Desna walked up to Korra and Naruto, with the Avatar looking surprised at seeing her cousins were here.
"Desna, Eska? I didn't think you'd be here." Said Korra not expecting them to be in Republic City.
"Yeah, it wasn't something we planned. But our father had sent us, along with some other Waterbenders. But I'm honestly not sure why you couldn't deal with these guys yourself. After all, the "great" Avatar should've been able to deal with these losers easily." Desna said while smirking teasingly at his cousin.
"And what's with the sword? What, were the elements not enough, that you needed a weapon? Or are you just silently admitting that I'm finally the better Waterbender?" Teased Eska, making Korra's eye twitch, which only increased when Eska turned to Naruto.
"And you must be the famous Naruto? I gotta say, you're even better looking in person." Eska said while looking Naruto up and down, with the blonde feeling a little uncomfortable at the way she looked at him.
"Uh…yeah, I'm Naruto and…thank you?" Said Naruto, unsure as to how he should respond to what she said, making Eska smirk as she walked up to him.
"Aaah, you're nervous when a beautiful girl talks to you? That's cute, you're cute." Replied Eska before kissing Naruto on the cheek, much to his surprise, Korra's anger, and Jinora's annoyance.
"Excuse me?! But do you mind explaining why you just kissed MY boyfriend?!" Korra demanded, while grabbing Naruto's arm possessively as she glared at her cousin, while Eska merely smirked.
"Hey, it's not my fault he's hot. And I didn't see him trying to stop me, maybe later I can show him how to really kiss. Maybe even more~" Eska said while winking at Naruto, who gulped as Korra's glare intensified to the point that it was a miracle her eyes weren't glowing already.
'You are so dead now!' Korra swore as she let go of Naruto and marching towards Eska, only to be held back by Mako and Bolin.
"Woah, woah, woah, Korra! Let's not do anything crazy alright." Bolin said nervously.
"Yeah, she's just messing with you, all families mess with each other." Said Mako while feeling nervous as Korra was somehow still moving and pulling them along.
"I wouldn't mind messing around with you cutey." Eska said flirtingly to Naruto, while egging her cousin on even further.
"Korra, please!" Begged Bolin as Korra was now fully moving as they weren't even holding her back.
"I just wanna talk to her, I just wanna talk to her, I just wanna talk to her, I just wanna talk to her, I just wanna talk to her, I just wanna kill her, I just wanna talk to her, I just wanna talk to her!" Korra repeated, as Eska smirked and continuously backed away from her cousin.
"Asami help!" Mako said while looking at his girlfriend pleadingly.
"Sorry sweetie, but I enjoy living." Said Asami, while being smart enough to not get in the way of an angry Korra.
Naruto, meanwhile, snapped out of his shock at Eska's surprise kiss and looked at Desna.
"Uh, did Eska kiss me, just to get a reaction out of Korra?" Naruto asked before looking back at his girlfriend and her cousin in worry, while seeing that Bolin had resorted to the Earthbending Korra's feet into the ground, but the Avatar was still trying to get at her cousin.
"I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, since we never really got along with our cousin." Said Desna while smirking, given how their father had always been upset that Korra had been born as the Avatar, while they were just Waterbenders.
"But I also wouldn't be surprised if Eska was interested and attracted to you, since she does love strong men. And given everything you can do…" Desna trailed off, which only worried Naruto even more, that he may end up getting caught in the middle of a brawl between the two girls.
Before flinched lightly and rubbed his arm, when Toph punched in the shoulder.
"Way to go Webhead! You've only just shown up and already have two girls fighting over you! At this rate, you'll be a regular lady killer and have to beat them off with a stick!" Said Toph, making Naruto blush at her words.
While this was going on, Mai spotted Ty Lee going over and sitting away from everyone else, seeing her normally cheerful and bubbly friend looking uncharacteristically down.
"You know, usually I'm the depressed one, while you're the annoyingly happy one." Mai stated while going over and sitting next to Ty Lee.
"Guess it must be opposite day then." Replied Ty Lee, making Mai sigh and put a hand on her shoulder.
"It's about Neji isn't it." Said Mai, with the brunette nodding sadly, as after everything that's happened, everything Neji has done, she knows he'll never stop and that he's too far gone.
Even if they locked him up, he'd probably find some way to escape and keep spreading destruction and death. And as much as Ty Lee didn't want to think it, she knew that the next time she confronts her grandson, it's likely that the only option left would be to kill him.
"I don't want to think it, but…I think the only to stop him…is to kill him. Especially since this isn't like with Ozai, where Korra or Naruto could just take away his bending, since Neji is a non-bender." Ty Lee said with tears in her eyes, making Mai look at her sadly and place a hand on her shoulder.
"It's never easy, knowing you have to turn your back on family." Mai said, having had to do the same to her father, when he cared more about the New Ozai Society and putting Ozai back on the throne, than his own children.
Though she'd admit it wasn't really the same, given Mai had always been distant and indifferent to her parents wants and desires, given her upbringing. While Ty Lee loved her family with all her heart, so it definitely wasn't easy for her to accept that she may have to kill her own grandson.
With Mai simply wrapping an arm around her shoulder, offering what comfort she could, something that Ty Lee was grateful for.
*Later*
After Korra had calmed down, she and Naruto had headed outside, so the Avatar wouldn't end up trying to attack her cousin again. But Naruto could still see she looked pretty tense and annoyed at what Eska did.
"So, your cousins. They're…pretty interesting." Naruto stated as a way to lighten the mood, while Korra snorted in amusement.
"That's the understatement of the century." Replied Korra but feeling less tense and more relaxed as they sat down by the river before they frowned as they looked around.
"Hashirama, Tobirama, and the Swampbenders haven't arrived yet." Korra said, having thought they'd arrived by now, especially since they were traveling along the coast and through the rivers on their boats and skiffs, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, and something tells me it's unlikely they'll arrive any time soon." Replied Naruto, thinking they might have run into trouble on the way here, especially given the current state of Republic City and the chance that others may try to take advantage of it.
"If they did, at least we know they can handle themselves. And are making sure we only have the Erasers to deal with." Said Korra, while having similar thoughts as her boyfriend.
The two then fell into a comfortable silence, simply enjoying the peace and quiet, but knew it likely wouldn't last long.
"Hey Naruto…about what Eska said…" Korra said nervously, knowing her cousin always had a way of getting what she wanted and was worried, now that she had set her sights on Naruto, only to stop when the whiskered blonde grabbed her hand and smiled at her.
"Korra, trust me, you have nothing to worry about. While Eska seems rather…forward, so are you. And I care about you Korra, not as the Avatar, a Pro-Bender, or even being related to a Water Tribe Chief, all I care about is Korra the person. Who's smart, kind, strong, not afraid to speak her mind, knock someone down if they deserve it, and do anything to protect her friends. And was even willing to believe in someone like me when you had no reason to do so. That's who I care about." Said Naruto as he smiled at the Avatar, while Korra looked at him in surprise before she smiled.
"Okay, when you say stuff like that, I can't be blamed for doing this." Korra said, confusing the blonde for a moment.
Only to be surprised when she pushed him down onto his back and climbed on top of him, before Korra pressed her lips against Naruto's. While surprised at the sudden kiss, Naruto didn't hesitate to return it, along with putting his hands on his girlfriend's waist to hold her close. With the two making out for several minutes, along with soon using their tongues as well to deepen the kiss. Before they soon separated to catch their breath, with their tongues and mouths being connected by a string of saliva.
"As much as I love what you said and how much you care about me, I'm not stupid Naruto. I know with a personality like yours, and not to mention the way you look, there will be other girls that'll be interested in you." Korra said, before putting a finger on his mouth, when he went to speak.
"It's the truth and we both know it, since you've already got some girls interested in you already. Like Jinora's own feelings for you, from all the times you've spent together before leaving Republic City, after we left, and in the Swamp." Korra said, while remembering when Naruto and Jinora had gone out into the Swamp together, after the battle with Azula and Hama.
*Flashback*
"This glider is so cool!" Jinora said while smiling in amazement as she flew through the Swamp on her new glider, while Naruto swung alongside her in his suit.
The two having gone out after their training, with Jinora wanting to test out her new glider's flight, while Naruto offered to go with her. Something the young Airbender accepted, eager for the chance to spend some time with her crush.
"You're doing really great on that! But how good are you really?!" Said Naruto while smirking under his mask, as Jinora looked at him before flying up and down in a circle, while also doing a turn so she can fly on top of her glider.
"Is that a challenge?!" Jinora asked.
"Let's just see if you can keep up!" Naruto replied before swinging ahead of her.
With Jinora watching as Naruto launched himself through the air, before releasing his webs and spinning around, in between two trees that were only about a foot apart. Seeing this, Jinora flew towards the trees before turning sideways and going through them, while smirking at Naruto.
The teen nodding before launching another web, as he swung through the air before releasing at the height of his swing. With Naruto landing a long winding tree branch, which he began grinding on, while looking back at Jinora. Only to see the girls was now surfing the air, while standing on her glider, smiling cheekily at him.
"See if you can keep up!" Said Jinora teasingly before going ahead of Naruto, making him chuckle before he jumped up and began swinging through the air again.
With the two then looking at each other, before Jinora surfed up above the trees with Naruto following after her. Only to see Jinora, just before she let herself and her glider fall back to the ground, making his eyes widen.
"Jinora!" Naruto said, about to go and catch her before she hit the ground.
Only to be surprised again, when the Airbender grabbed her glider and flew right back into the air with a cheer before she hit the ground. As she then closed her glider and descended down onto a branch, with Naruto swinging up and landing beside her as his mask receded.
"Okay, I'll admit, I'm impressed." Naruto said, smiling at Jinora, which she returned.
"Thanks, I've actually never done something like that before. But I wanted to try and feel the same as when you took me swinging, to feel nothing holding me down and simply fly through the air. Plus, I guess spending so much time with you and Korra has made me a little reckless." Replied Jinora, knowing she'd never have tried something like that before.
"We haven't done anything; you're just finally starting to let yourself relax and have fun a little Jinora. But I'm glad if I was able to help you start enjoying yourself and have fun. Though just remember not to do anything too reckless." Naruto warned her, not wanting Jinora to try anything that seems out of her league.
"I know. But if I do, I'll know you'll be there to save me." Jinora stated, having seen Naruto about to jump and save her before she caught herself, though she went silent at Naruto's stern look.
Before feeling him ruffle her hair and smile at her.
"Always…kid." Said Naruto smirking, making Jinora smack his hand away.
"I'm not a kid!" Jinora said, but still had a small smile on her face.
"Sure, sure…kid. Though we should probably head back soon." Naruto said, with the Airbender nodding in agreement.
"Yeah. Though Naruto, do you think that…you'd be able to swing us back, rather flying on my glider?" Jinora asked, with Naruto looking at her with a raised brow, before nodding.
"Sure." Replied Naruto before crouching down to let Jinora get on his back, only to be surprised when she instead wrapped her arms around his neck.
"This just seemed safer." Said Jinora, with the whiskered blonde nodding slowly.
"Okay. Just hold on tight." Naruto said as he wrapped an arm around Jinora to hold her in place, making the girl smile before they took off swinging back to where the others were.
*End Flashback*
Korra would admit she had been a little jealous and annoyed, when they arrived back at camp with Jinora in Naruto's arms the way she was, along with after hearing what they did together, but eventually got over it.
"Then there's also Ty Lee, who may be becoming somewhat attracted to you." Said Korra, knowing they've also been growing closer, making Naruto frown while remembering spending time with Ty Lee in the Swamp.
*Flashback*
Ty Lee sat up in a tree, looking up at the night sky before sighing and looking at her de-aged body. Honestly not sure if she even wanted to be young again. Since it just made her think of things how things could have been different, if she'd been made younger before encountering Neji in Republic City. Or if she'd just been a bit younger, or if they had gotten their sooner, or if she'd done more to stop him from joining the Equalists in the first place.
"You're doing it again." Said Naruto, getting the brunette's attention, seeing the blonde was sitting next to her.
"You're thinking about "what ifs" again." Naruto said, having been out on a walk when he saw Ty Lee up in the tree, and could tell from her heartbeat and the look on her face that she's thinking about more "what ifs".
"Yeah, I know. I just…I can't help but think about them now that I'm young again. Even if I wasn't de-aged, I still think about what I could have done differently. If we had gotten to Republic City sooner, if I tried harder to stop Neji from leaving in the first place, if I did more to make him see non-benders that aren't superior, if…" Ty Lee said, before being silenced when Naruto put a hand on her shoulder.
"If you came sooner, things could have ended the same. If you tried stopping him, he probably would have resented you and still left. If you tried changing his views, they probably would have been solidified. Maybe they could have changed for the better, or maybe they could have been worse than they are now. I don't know, you don't know, no one knows, all we do know is that things are the way they are now, and that there's nothing we can do to want to change them. All we can do is accept things as they are and try to fix them before they get even worse." Said Naruto, with Ty Lee looking at him before sighing.
"How do you deal with it? Knowing everything that Carnage did while controlling your body? Does it all just…not bother you anymore? Don't you wish you could change it?" Asked Ty Lee, making Naruto look at her.
"I used to, I used to wish I could change things, to not accept Xiě's offer of power. But I know I can't and I've since accepted that he's always going to be part of me now. And it does still bother me, but I've just learned to…stop caring, all the faces of the people he kills…they've just faded away now. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that with time, they all begin to run together. But, you will find that the real moments are vibrant." Said Naruto while looking up at the sky, with Ty Lee looking as well only to be amazed at seeing the stars seeming to shine brightly, along with dozens of fireflies.
"The rest…just fades away. Your pain will fade." Naruto said while looking at Ty Lee, who looked at him in amazement.
"I…I believe you." Said Ty Lee smiling slightly, believing he was right, that her pain would fade.
*End Flashback*
"And that's not counting, Toph with teasing and flirting." Korra said while they both remembered one their training sessions with Toph.
*Flashback*
"HAHAHA! Oh man, this is even better than before!" Toph cheered, while Naruto and Korra were lying on the ground, panting, and groaning in exhaustion and pain.
"Don't…don't you know…the meaning…of holding back?" Questioned Korra as she struggled to stand up but felt like her limbs weighed thousands of tons.
"You already know I don't hold back Twinkle Toes! Holding back is for losers that are too stupid to not go all out in the beginning." Said Toph, while grinning, before going over to Naruto.
"But I am pretty disappointed with you Webhead, I thought for sure you'd last longer, but seems I wore you out too much. But then again, I always preferred being the one on top." Toph said, making Korra glare at her in annoyance.
"Please stop doing that." Said Naruto, wishing Toph would just stop with the teasing.
"Sorry, no can do Webhead. I'm fifteen again and have gotten a new prime candidate. And I do mean very prime." Said Toph, making Naruto groan again.
"Would you please stop flirting with my boyfriend! And weren't you married?!" Korra demanded, getting annoyed with how blatantly Toph was flirting with Naruto.
"Nope. I only had a short relationship with Lin's dad, nice guy, didn't it really work out though. And seriously Twinkle Toes, you can't expect to be dating a guy that looks like this and not expect to have a lot of competition." Toph said, while lifting Naruto up and patting his cheek.
"Why do you even tease me?!" Said Naruto, wondering why he seemed to be the main target of the Earthbender's teasing.
"Eh, I guess I like bad boys and guys that could kick my ass, if they wanted to. Do you have what takes to make me submit Webhead?" Said Toph while smirking at Naruto.
"If I wasn't restricted to using only Earthbending during training, oh trust me I'd have you screaming!" Naruto retorted as his annoyance began reaching its breaking point, wishing that he could use his Waterbending and Firebending as well, along with his other abilities.
"Oooooh, kinky…you'd have me screaming?" Toph said as she held Naruto's arm close to her chest.
"Excuse me?!" Demanded Korra while narrowing her eyes at Naruto.
"N-not like that!" Naruto said quickly, not wanting an angry girlfriend targeting him too.
"I can hear your heartbeat~" Said Toph in a singsong voice.
"Okay, look Toph, you are a really great girl, and the best Earthbender in the world. And I have to admit you're also really awesome, in that you aren't afraid to say or do what you want. And I'm sure there's someone out there who'd be great for you, but I really don't think it's me." Naruto said, hoping to put an end to her flirting and teasing.
Only for to backfire as Toph smirked at him.
"If you're trying to get a girl to leave you alone, maybe you shouldn't compliment her. But by all means, keep them coming, since I got no problem hearing someone praise me. Besides, it just gives me more incentive to think of a proper…repayment." Replied Toph while punching Naruto on the arm, as the whiskered blonde hung his head in resignation.
*End Flashback*
"So yeah, I know that there will be girls who are interested in you and those three are already showing interest in him." Said Korra, having accepted that her boyfriend just seemed to have a way of drawing girls to him, while Naruto looked at her with a frown.
"I'm not sure, since Jinora may just have a crush on me, that she'll get over eventually. Whereas Ty Lee might just be grateful for me being there to help her. While Toph has a history of taunting and teasing the Gaang, so it probably isn't any different with us for her. Especially now that she's fifteen again." Naruto pointed out, doubting that Ty Lee wasn't attracted to him and that Toph simply enjoyed messing with people.
"You might be right about Toph, but I'm not so sure about Ty Lee and Jinora. And what happened with Eska kind of reaffirmed that you'll have girls after you, even if she did it just to piss me off." Said Korra, while muttering the last part to herself, before looking at Naruto again.
"So, it's because of that, and knowing you wouldn't like hurting someone's feelings in such a way, that I'm willing to share you with other girls. As long as they know that I'm the main girl." Korra said, accepting the idea of sharing Naruto, as long as she was the main girl in the harem, while Naruto could only look at her in shock.
"No, no, no, Korra you don't-" Said Naruto, only to be cutoff when Korra pulled him into another make-out session, with the Avatar this time dominating the kiss while pushing her tongue into her boyfriend's mouth.
Once she pulled back, Korra smirked at Naruto's stunned expression.
"It's alright, I'm really fine with sharing you. Besides, I'm actually interested in both guys and girls, so it'd be a win-win for both of us." Korra said, not minding sharing Naruto, since it'd also give her a chance to be with girls as well as the one guy she wants to be with, while Naruto's eyes widened further at hearing.
"You're…you're really sure about this?" Asked Naruto, but already knew the answer, and seeing this as a middle ground for Korra, so she wouldn't have to worry about beating other girls off with a stick.
With the Avatar nodding, before they both looked to the entrance of the temple when they heard approaching footsteps, only to see Ty Lee looking at them in surprise.
"O-oh, sorry! I-I didn't know you two were out here, I-I'll ju-just go!" Ty Lee said, seeing that they seemed to be in a middle of an intimate moment.
"No, no, it's fine." Said Korra while smirking and getting off Naruto, letting him stand up and look between the two hesitantly.
"Go get her, Tiger." Korra stated, making Naruto nod slowly and went up to Ty Lee, who looked at him nervously.
"I'm really sorry if I was…interrupting anything." Said Ty Lee, which Naruto waved off.
"I-it's fine, we were just talking really. But…what were you doing out here?" Naruto asked, wondering what Ty Lee was doing out here.
"I was just…just getting some air. I'm not really good with closed, underground spaces, I'm much better out in the open. And…I needed time to think to myself." Ty Lee said while crossing her arms, since she preferred being out in the open and wanted some time to herself, to think over everything that's happening.
"It's about the Erasers and…Neji, right." Naruto said, with the brunette nodding sadly.
"Yeah. Just thinking on…what I'll have to do when we encounter him again. Though there might only be one thing that I can do to stop him." Ty Lee said sadly, making Naruto sigh since he knew what she meant and wished there was something he could to help her, or say something, but he didn't have anything.
Though soon, an idea came to him on how he could at least get her mind off it.
"Hey, I heard that you used to be a really skilled acrobat." Naruto said, making Ty Lee look at him in confusion, but nodded.
"Uh, yeah I was. I was really agile, even as a kid, which only got better the more I practiced and then became an acrobat in the circus. But I hadn't really kept up practicing, after I became a Kyoshi Warrior and then getting older, so I'm not as flexible and limber as I used to be." Replied Ty Lee, doubting that she's as agile as she once was, even with her de-aged body, since while she still trained her Chi Blocking on occasion, it wasn't as much as when she was young, since she couldn't move like she used to when she got older.
"Well, these mountains and forests seem like really great places to get some practice in. And my webs could make it all the more interesting, if you're interested in seeing if you've still got your moves." Said Naruto while smiling challengingly at Ty Lee, before doing a backflip over her, surprising the girl before she smiled.
"I guess it couldn't hurt, but just a warning…" Ty Lee said, before backflipping over Naruto and landing on her hands, and smiling up at Naruto.
"…I can be pretty competitive." Stated Ty Lee, before flipping back onto her feet, feeling her old bubbly and outgoing personality start to come back, with it having phased out with age and concern over recent events.
"That's okay, so am I." Naruto replied, before jumping and spinning over Ty Lee, as they went off to see who the better acrobat was.
Though Naruto stopped and looked back at Korra, who smiled and nodded, giving her blessing to let him spend time with Ty Lee, making Naruto return the smile before running to catch up to Ty Lee.
Once they were out of sight, Korra looked over at a tree as Jinora jumped down from it, with the young Airbender having overheard everything.
"Are you sure about this decision Korra?" Jinora asked, since while she did like the idea of getting a chance to be with Naruto, she also didn't want her friend to get hurt.
"I am. And you're my friend Jinora, and while it may take some getting used to, you deserve the chance to be with the guy you like as well. And after everything Naruto's been through, and everything he'll probably end up going through in the future, he deserves all the love and happiness he can get." Replied Korra, knowing it may take some getting used to, but she wanted Naruto to have all the love and happiness he could get, given everything he's been through and will go through.
If that means sharing him with other girls, then Korra would accept it.
While Jinora smiled at her friend, while feeling touched that she'd let her have a chance to be with Naruto as well.
"That's really selfless of you Korra, and impressive that you'd go to such lengths for Naruto's sake. Even if you have to sacrifice your own happiness by sharing the man you love." Said Jinora, with Korra blushing at her saying that she loved Naruto, though the Avatar knew she did, she just was waiting for the right moment to say it, rather than just randomly telling Naruto she loved him.
"Thanks Jinora, but don't forget, I'm the main girl and his first." Korra said smirking since she had every intention of having all of Naruto's first before anyone else.
Korra then went off to find where Toph was, so she could practice her Earthbending some more, or see about spending some time with Katara. Since they hadn't really had a lot of opportunities to catch up with everything that's been happening. Hell, maybe she can see about seeing if Zuko could help her with her Firebending and Lightningbending, especially since she's still new with the latter.
With Jinora joining her too, so they could get some Airbending training done as well.
So, what did you think, good. Yep things have really gone downhill for Republic City, with the Erasers now officially labelled as terrorists as they've now begun bombing the city, not caring who gets caught in the crossfire. With the group now leaving the Swamp to head to the city to finally take it back, angry after learning about the destruction caused (along with seeing Katara, Toph, Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee have gotten some new outfits) with Pema, the children, Jin, and some Swampbenders staying behind, with the latter two to protect Tenzin's family. Though Jinora proves herself to be Aang and Katara's granddaughter, and Sokka's grand-niece when she stows away on Oogi to join the mission. While Hashirama, Tobirama, and the Swampbenders encounter the Earth Queen's forces heading to Republic City to attack as well. With the group arriving at the new base (where Zaheer was imprisoned in Book 4) where they meet Lin, Kya, Bumi, and Iroh, who are all shocked at the sight of the de-aged Gaang, along with wary or angry in Lin's case at seeing Naruto and Korra, while Toph reminds her daughter that she's not to be messed with. Before we see them get integrated into the army, along with Korra reuniting with her cousins and getting angry at Eska flirting with Naruto and teasing her, while Mai is comforting Ty Lee over what she may have to do when they encounter Neji again. Next we see Naruto and Korra bonding some more, before we learn Korra is giving Naruto permission to have a harem, with her as the main girl, knowing other girls will be attracted to him, while showing flashbacks of Naruto bonding with Jinora, Ty Lee, and Toph as well before Ty Lee shows up with Naruto comforting her as well, along with helping her regain her former bubbly and outgoing personality. Finally Jinora reveals herself (also the reason Naruto couldn't hear Jinora's heartbeat is due to him being able to "turn off" the ability to hear heartbeats so he's not constantly hearing them. And in the case when Tenzin overheard him and Korra, he had focusing solely on Korra's heartbeat rather than all the others) with Korra assuring her that she wants Jinora to have a chance with the guy she likes as well. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out
