A/N: Here you go! Please review and thank you all for the support!

A Terrible Synergy

Chapter 8

He carried the limp Avatar over his shoulder, dipping it slightly so that his metal shoulder covering would not cut uncomfortably into her midsection. He placed her down on the solitary chair that stood in front of his desk. Her boot was soaked with blood leaving stains on the gray shirt of his uniform. In the van, the young girl was far too problematic to deal with so he had knocked her out, understanding that her temperament was the effect of the commotion that had recently transpired in Sato's factory. The masked man looked at the unconscious girl sitting in front of him and had no idea why he was doing this; it was this need that was exposing itself inside his being, begging him. Perhaps, the yearning had always been present walking aimlessly inside his soul; it just didn't manifest itself until she appeared from the docks of Republic City the day he first met her. When he first saw her, the world did not seem to spin off balance or suddenly suspend in mid-stride, it was just a simple moment. A moment when they had no idea the other existed and the prospect of finding out: he was merely a man reading and she a newcomer to the unruliness of the streets. He couldn't confess openly to himself- or to anyone for that matter- that he had analyzed that specific moment a million times before and every time he recognized that he had overlooked something. The more he thought about it and the longer he reflected, he knew something irregular nudged his heart that day as he stared at the nameless woman in front of him. It was small and unnoticeable at first but it was there laying dominant inside his impenetrable heart. It was the extraordinary feeling of love not just attraction or lust.

With tremendous care, he tucked the loose strands of her chestnut hair behind her ears as he scrutinized her body for other serious injuries. There were none to be found only few scrapes and bruises. He detected her heartbeat and checked her breathing, which were both normal. Amon had hindered the flow of blood to her foot by the use of his bloodbending when he was in the van to slow the bleeding. Unfortunately, he could sense there were still shards of glass lodged in the base of her heel.

His second in command entered the room. Concern was laced thickly in his tone, "Wouldn't you want to put her in a cell, sir?" the Lieutenant asked, "I'm sure the medics can take care of her there. You don't have to do it." He closed the office door behind him watching Amon as he removed her shoe. The Avatar's eyes were slowly drooping open. She was waking up but his Lieutenant could not see from his position behind him. Amon peeked into her eyes and he could tell that she was in pain even though she tried to hide it; her hand gripped his armored forearm. Every voice in the Avatar's head urged her to run but the masked man's eyes pleaded for her to stay calm, they cut right through her. They were so gallantly still and radiated an intense felling of protection in his deep hues of blue.

"No, she stays here," the hooded man ordered rigidly as he jumped to his feet, and the Avatar closed her eyes. He stalked past the goggled man to access his bedroom, which was connected by a door to the side. Many nights he wouldn't even sleep in his bed and the Lieutenant would find him dozed off at his desk. The long nights of tedious drudgery of law making and economic formulas; certainly he loved speaking of political theorems and theoretical fiscal regulation but those lofty ideas were long in the making. He had slaved for years in order to get the revolution to the place it is now; he studied endlessly with the goal in mind that he was bettering the world, that he was nothing like his father. That somehow all the suffering he had endured would be worth something in the end, but he couldn't fathom an explanation for his listlessness in apprehension in regarding his feelings for the Avatar. The only explanation was that he was falling for her. He had worked so hard to come to this point and he just seemed to be at peace with letting her in, the person who he had been taught to detest since his childhood. Amon removed his gray, bloodstained shirt returning to his office only wearing his trousers, boots, and a sleeveless undershirt.

"Sir, it's impractical to leave her unrestrained near all your work," his second in command shouted caustically, "Why are doing this? Is there a purpose, sir? I'm sure a group of chi-blockers could keep her in check."

He turned sharply looking his subordinate directly in the eyes through the slits of his mask. The Lieutenant did not know much about his leader in the sense of his past and had always left those questions about his struggle as a boy alone; he had seen the scars that marred his face and there was no clarification needed to be spoken of his past. The soldier did, however, know that he was very dedicated to and passionate about his work and its completion. He wasn't afraid of his leader for he had served under him for years and in many ways he still continued to instill awe in him, "Why there's always a purpose, my dear Lieutenant," the words slipped through his mask with an air of petulance, "I said that she stay here. Are you questioning my authority?"

"No, no, sir," the man apologized, "Please take no offense but may I have the privilege of speaking my mind?"

"Granted."

He lowered his gaze, "You have been acting peculiar lately. Leaving the Avatar unbounded in your office is…," he struggled to find an appropriate word, "quite odd."

He considered his subordinate's comment, "Is there something that you're not telling me, Yama?"

The man was caught off guard. He only ever addressed him with his real name once before. He guessed that he wanted it straight from him, "Some of the man are questioning your clemency regarding the Avatar and are beginning to show doubt."

"Thank you for informing me," he paused. Was it his recent disappearances that had put his followers on edge? He needed to be more careful. He was being too careless, "if they have a problem with me they should come and address directly. I don't need my second in command weeding out insubordination." He was surprised to find himself unfazed. He just couldn't bring himself to care at the moment. He had other things on his mind. He glanced down at the motionless girl. Slowly, his focus returned to his Lieutenant whose expression still harbored a dubious undertone, "Is there anything else bothering you, Lieutenant?" Amon remained quiet as he waited for his subordinate to alleviate anymore of his fears but he did not speak.

"Then if you have nothing more to say, I suggest you leave, Lieutenant, before I lose the last of my patience," he stated darkly. The man didn't move a muscle. It was if he wasn't going to leave without seeing the Avatar in a cell himself. Amon clenched his jaw underneath his mask. The lieutenant was unknown of this, the masked man looked as calm as he was before, "Would you like me to kill the Avatar in front of you? Would that prove something to you?"

The lieutenant shook his goggled head, swallowing hard, "No, sir," he finally stated.

His wave of anger subsided momentarily. He needed to show a sign of his allegiance, "You have nothing to fear," he spoke plainly, "The revolution is upon us and you needn't worry about me or my resolve. We will end this and an era of equality will come. Always believe in the idea of Equaity, my dear brother: speak it, live it, breathe it," he rested a hand on his shoulder tapping it assuredly. He moved from the man's personal space to lean against his desk, and folded his arms displaying his potent shoulders, "I will place her in a cell when I am finished with her. You may take your leave."

The soldier lowered his head in respect of his leader's orders shutting the door behind him without uttering another word. Amon released a sigh from his body and moved back to tending to the girl's mangled foot. The Avatar had been silent the entire time they had been talking.

"So threatening to kill someone is how you get people off your back?" she asked with amusement.

He crouched beside her, his fingers dipped into her gash as cleaned it with a damp rag. He heard her voice hitch as her body faintly recoiled back in discomfort. His fingertips were covered in red, but blood did not disgust him; blood was something that belonged to everyone. He always enjoyed the ambivalence of blood, how the iron red substance both exemplified life and death, "Fear is one of the most powerful things in the world," he answered as he poked around the sizable gap removing the last large piece of remaining glass, "The only thing more powerful than fear is love." Korra felt a tick in her blood, the feeling always occurred when he was around her. What she defined as a tick was his bloodbending signature. He was searching for the remainder of the small pieces of glass in her foot.

"If you say that than there's no need to place fear inside the hearts of your men."

"Without fear there is no discipline, no control. If you were a ruler whose tactics were based off the foundation of love, by all means your people would adore and cherish you but that's in an ideal world, Avatar. Men are cruel beasts fueled only by self-interest, thus, the lovable king passes mysteriously in the night while someone else takes the lead; a person who most likely had a hand in the 'sudden' death of the king, a person who is more determined and ruthless," he elucidated, "Love is the strongest, but it always places a person at their weakest," she listened intently to his words. His voice was soft and deep, "Certainly, the lovable king will be missed by the people but not remembered," his analogy was perplexing to her. Amon completed cleaning the wound as he finished his explanation.

"Why wouldn't he be remembered?"

"Because, Avatar, he was so focused on how people perceived him that he neglected to do anything useful, lasting, or worthwhile. If there were no enemies made then there was no progress; if you want something productive done one must not be concerned with petty things but the bigger picture," focusing his mind on the gash he stopped the bleeding permanently mending the flesh; he didn't look like he was bending and that was how he was able to heal it in front of her. Korra watched his arms and hands at work; she couldn't help but point out how incredibly good shape he was for his age. The muscles in his arms pulled and flexed by the light of his desk lamp.

"But you're caught up in your own image too. What makes you such a good leader?" Korra asked curiously, coming from an overconfident person like he was, the answer would probably be a long amplification of his superiority but it wasn't. The masked man simply looked up from his crouched position as he finished healing her wound, "I just know how to play the game," he answered suggestively in a low tone; she could almost catch him smirking. The waterbender smiled and blushed excessively from his comment, too flustered to respond, she decided to change the subject, "How did you do that?" She was talking about her now practically restored heel; the shooting pains she once felt were no longer there. It was similar to the trick he had performed before when she cut her finger. He had left the gash slightly opened, not healing it all the way through as to not arise suspicion. The masked man opted to leave that query unanswered and was pleased to see the tension in the girl's face dissipate as he wrapped the wound in clean, white linens. Shadows curled around his mask as he tilted his head towards hers. The red dot didn't same as intrusive as it was before, it didn't remind her of the fears she once held. He remained silent staring into her eyes, the mask made it difficult to determine his emotion but Korra could see something different gleaming in his blue eyes. For the most part, he was inscrutable to her and his expressions and his kind actions were an enigma that she couldn't solve.

"What do you want from me?"

"What would you like me to say?"

"The truth."

Now he directed his gaze to the floor as if he were ashamed, "I can't tell you the truth," he whispered. She swung her body on the chair brushing her legs against his bare arms, all of a sudden he placed himself between them, "but I would love to pretend to," he stated roughly holding her strong thighs. She could feel his hard and calloused hands through the fabric of her thin cotton pants. His palms made tough from the multitude of trials and tribulations he had endured throughout his enigmatic existence and made coarse from countless days of work. Her mind couldn't stop as she desired to make something else hard too. The Avatar attempted to quiet her emerging arousal but it was pointless as flurry of emotion and adrenaline rushed through her veins: she craved the man in front of her.

"You wanna play?" the Avatar spoke mischievously as she fingered his mask with care; the man didn't resist only encouraged her by rubbing her legs more provocatively as he pressed his firm chest closer to her womanhood. She untied the leather strings that held his mask in place. His voice was lewd and demanding, "Close your eyes," he turned off the light. It was his last attempt at keeping his identity a secret but there was no point anyway. Perhaps, he was still determined in destroying her and maybe he would, but the Avatar disregarded those lingering thoughts of uncertainty as his hands moved to cup her face. She felt her body react by moving closer to him, slipping her hands in his hair. She felt his bodyweight gracefully lurch forward as he pressed his body closer catching her lips in his. The distinct noise of porcelain hitting the ground could be heard as Korra dropped the mask. Neither pulled away enjoying the way each other felt. For the slightest moment she opened her eyes. Even in darkness of the room she could tell it was him, it always had been. He opened his and at the moment he didn't seem to care about the fate of his identity anymore. He seized her lips again intent on continuing to explore her mouth with unyielding vigor; she was so warm and inviting. The waterbender wasn't in the least deterred or daunted by the revealing of his identity because in truth she knew absolutely nothing about him. There were no scars which marred his face or any unevenness of skin to designate a mutilation, therefore, making Amon and his story a lie. He was always vague with his wording and his actions always had an underlying manipulative purpose. There was no way of verifying his supposed orphanage story because there could be no evidence of it. Noatak, who was embracing her so ardently now, revealed no more information but his name and his occupation. His fingers pulled at her shirt and the Avatar decided that she was alright, for the moment, with that fact that he was only a mystery. He pulled away to kiss her neck, dropping down into the hollow of it. Her hands crept toward his shirt pulling it off as she slipped down his suspenders exposing his athletic build. She gripped his powerful muscles with eager hands and the Avatar felt as if his lips were creating sparks against her skin. She moaned in delight from the ecstasy that his skilled mouth created. Noatak was quick to find her lips again; the vehement kiss that followed was something close to unreal as they embraced each other in total desire. The darkness wrapped and curled around their bodies. He picked her up effortlessly in his arms as she naturally wrapped her legs around his waist, he smiled, "I'll be Noatak," he murmured as he captured her mouth again carrying her to his bedroom. Korra didn't know what to think of the masked man anymore; now he was only a ghost of fabrication. He had exposed himself to her not even caring that it could decimate his plans or organization.

He placed her on the bed, drawing her shirt off all the while never breaking the kiss. She flushed in embarrassment as he undid her traditional wrappings with one hand. He was undoubtedly highly adept in intimate situations and had dealt with water tribe woman before. Her full breast were open to the world, and he could sense her mounting embarrassment; she felt vulnerable but she couldn't recognize the glow of admiration in his stare, "There's no reason to be self-conscious," he stated as he straddled her, his breath was hot. He was on top of her placing himself between her legs again. Korra instantly went stiff against his bodyweight, "Relax, Avatar."

"Don't call me by my title, call me by my name," she demanded.

He dipped his head and licked the shell of her ear, "As you wish, Korra," his voice was heavy, "You obviously haven't been with a man like this, have you?" He was implying that she was still a virgin.

The Avatar responded with tentative silence as he looked down at her innocent face, he desired for her to be more comfortable; his hand began to caress her bare side affectionately as the other held her cheek, "Want to know the truth?"

"Yes, yes I do, Noa."

"You're irresistible, Korra," he paused and his words certainly affected her, "I want to make this as pleasurable as possible," he spoke tenderly, "The pain will be worth the elation in the end, I promise."

He started out slowly, as he commenced kissing her again; his tongue sweeping inside her mouth but hers swiftly darted into his as she fought for dominance. He couldn't take his mind off the infallibility of her body's beauty and strength. The cautious start rapidly escalated into a display of pure desire as both roamed each other's bodies with zealous hands. He groped her breasts roughly and Korra rewarded him with groans of pleasure as he playfully sucked on her taut nipples. Suddenly, Korra felt his hand at her entrance. He inserted a finger and the Avatar jumped from the initial shockwaves it sent through her body, he could feel that she was already wet, "Well aren't you eager," he spoke incoherently. She thought she heard him comment about their prearranged date that was ruined, and joked how she intentionally planned the Sato mansion raid just to see him sooner. The Avatar didn't even hear him; she couldn't contain herself as he touched her sensitive lobe down below, pumping his finger up in down to later add a second one. The noises she was making made it difficult for Noatak to contain himself. He couldn't help but watch the girl's face contort into a shining expression of pleasure. His mouth caught any more of the Avatar's low whimpers as his fingers continued on with his wicked magic. She was so responsive to his touch. He could wait no longer, her tight skin rubbed against his swollen member begging him to enter her. Pulling off his pants and slipping hers down, Noatak positioned himself in front of her opening. He breathed a heavy breath beholding her face, "Are you sure you want to do this, Korra?"

She was astounded by his courtesy, even in this state. Suddenly, she didn't feel bogged down by her inexperience anymore because he was fully committed into making her happy. The Avatar nodded trusting him. Beads of sweat formed at her temples.

"Okay," he breathed, "All you have to is trust me."

Gradually, he pressed his girth into her hearing her gasps of surprise and pain underneath him. He almost couldn't restrain himself as he waited for her to adjust to his size. She was so warm, feeling her so close. She felt so good, felt so perfect inside her. He had almost forgotten the tenderness of a woman, but the Avatar was something incongruous with the world. He rolled his hips forward, and she flinched. He kissed her neck in attempt to reduce her discomfort as he pumped once more, to do it again and again. The palpable agony seemed to diminish with every thrust of his hips and soon Korra was screaming with happiness as he hit her hips harder, his hand held her leg for stability. Her nails dug into his strong back as he made love to her, as they became one. Grunting, groaning, he pressed faster smashing into her hips as she grinded against him, "There you go," he moaned excited by her impatience. He could sense that she was nearing her peak as the muffled screams grew louder and louder. His hands were supporting her back as she arched forward, her hands gripping the sheets wildly as her organism passed and the walls of her vagina smashed down hard on his shaft. Her head shot backwards as she released an ear-splitting scream to fall limb. He came a few moments later, his face gleaming. Korra's hand wrapped around his sweaty, shaking, naked body above her. His chest lifted and fell from his heavy breathing as it rubbed against her bare breasts. The waterbender had no idea how to categorize that experience. It was both exhilarating and like nothing she had ever experienced before. He rolled his body off of her and he gathered her up in his arms. He never wanted to let her go.

"That was wonderful," she managed to choke out before her blue eyes closed in fatigue. He kissed her forehead, and the Avatar fell fast asleep both exhausted from losing her virginity and weary from the fight that had conspired a few hours earlier. He clutched her naked body in wonder and affection. His eyelids too began to fall from weariness, "You want to know the truth Korra?" he mumbled coarsely, "I'm from the Northern Water Tribe. I am no orphan, I had family once. My brother was councilman Tarrlok and my father was Yukone. And I'm bender, the worst kind, a bloodbender. I'm a liar and a fraud… I only hope one day you'll forgive me for all the evil I've done, and I know it's not right of me…" but she couldn't hear any of it, he stared at her angelic face, "but I think I'm in love with you," he murmured as sleep conquered his mind. She would be his and only his.