It was late in the day when Tahno decided to visit the Avatar's home the next day. The sun was hovering over the horizon line, making Yue Bay gleam orange and gold. He didn't find her in the courtyard like he usually did. And it took a moment before he spotted her by the eastern shore of the island.

She was just standing there, her back to him as she faced the sea. Tahno couldn't recall ever seeing her so still. Then, with a flick of her wrist, the water at her feet rose. He watched as she shifted her weight, fluidly, seamlessly, through the stances. The sunlight making the liquid glitter as it moved through the air.

Something twisted in the ex-Bender's stomach as he watched her Bend the ribbon of water; his element. But it wasnt an envy that he felt. No…strangely, he was in awe of her ability. This confused him. He should've felt some sort of anger at the fact that his Bending had been ripped from him and yet the Avatar still had all her awesome power at her disposal. But…he didn't.

Tahno wasn't really sure how long he stood there, watching as she moved with the water. Twisting and turning the water, wrapping it around her arm without letting it touch her before unwinding it and with one last flick of her wrist, sent it back into its original source.

She opened her eyes as she heard clapping fill the air. She turned to see Tahno. "Bravo, Avatar," he applauded.

"How long have you been standing there?" she asked, crossing her arms and raising a brow.

Tahno approached her, a small, impressed smirk on his taunt face. "Long enough for me to be very impressed," he drawled. "I've never seen a Waterbender move with such grace. Besides myself, of course," he added with a sly smirk.

Korra punched his shoulder hard enough to leave a bruise but not enough to do any serious damage. Tahno rubbed the offended appendage, sending a glare at the brunette.

"Yeah, you're real graceful, aren't you Pretty Boy?" She smiled smugly.

"Oh, and you are?" he retorted, smiling down at her. She gave a dismissive wave.

"So why the late visit?" she asked.

"Why the late Waterbending?" he shot back. Korra sighed as she sat down on the sandy shore. That distracted look was back on her features. Tahno frowned.

"Listen, you've helped me. If something's bothering you, let me return the favor. What's wrong?" Korra looked over at him. He looked sincere. She sighed.

"It's complicated."

"Try me." He sat down next to her, waiting for her to start talking.

"I miss home," she finally said after a moment of silence. "I miss my parents and Master Katara. And when I Waterbend…Well, it helps me. Calms me down, I guess."

"If you miss your home so much, why don't you go and visit? Surely Tenzin wouldn't mind." Frankly, given her track record, he was surprised she hadn't already.

She shook her head. "It's a two day trip plus I'd want to stay a few days and I… Things are falling apart here. And I still have a promise to keep." Tahno furrowed his brow. A promise? What was she-? Then it hit him. Oh. That promise.

"Besides Republic City's at war. I can't leave." She sounded trapped, even to her own ears. The swamp dweller hesitantly, unsurely placed a hand on her shoulder, not really sure what to say to her.

"Perhaps, you could just forget about Republic City, and do what's best for you. Be selfish, just this once." Korra laughed, but it sounded hollow and sad. He thought it couldn't have sounded more odd coming from her.

"You'd know all about that, wouldn't you Pretty Boy?" She nudged his shoulder playfully, no bite in her words.

They sat there a little while longer, no one really saying anything. Eventually, Tahno had to start heading back into the city. After all, Republic City was more dangerous at night.

But before he left the island he decided to see about an important matter.

**** "So did he show up last night?" Mako asked the Waterbender as she pivoted around, practicing her Airbending movements. Korra kept her eyes closed as she moved.

"Yeah, why do you ask?"

"No reason really." Korra frowned. "I'm just still confused about why you're spending all you time with that…" He trailed off.

"That what?" she asked, finally turning and looking at the Firebender. "What exactly is he, Mako?" The older of the brothers knew by the tone of her voice that he was in dangerous territory. He shook his head.

"I just think you should be careful around him. I don't trust him." Korra rolled her eyes.

"Why do we have to keep discussing this? Mako, I'm just helping him. And truthfully he's not bad company to have around," she admitted with a shrug.

"Korra, I'm just saying-"

"You wanna know what I think?" she interrupted. "I think that if you really feel the need to tell someone what they should and shouldn't do, you should go talk to your girlfriend." The Firebender looked like he'd been slapped.

"Korra, I'm just trying to look out for you," he defended.

"And who says I need you to look out for me?" she growled.

"You know what I mean." Korra glared at him, and he glared back. "Just forget it. But don't come crying to me when something happens." Korra watched him go, practically spewing fire. Once again, Mako had succeeded in pissing her off.

*** Later that day, Tahno found the Waterbender down by the shore again, but this time she didn't look at ease. She looked furious. Tahno cautiously approached the girl.

"Hey, Avatar," he greeted. She turned to face him.

"Hey."

"Something up?" She didn't answer as she clenched and unclenched her fists. He studied her carefully, very aware that she could slug him if she chose to. He suddenly grinned down at her.

"Hit me." Korra's expression momentarily changed to one of confusion. "Or at least try to hit me," he corrected. She scowled at him.

"So you wanna go toe to toe with me, Pretty Boy?"

Now, doesn't this seem familiar? He thought. "Go for it."

"Why?"

"Because you need to vent. And I could use a spar to strengthen my new Nonbending abilities." He shed his jacket and threw it over onto the rocks, sinking down into a defensive stance. Korra studied him before sinking into her own. "Not that this match will last long," he added. "I bet you twenty Yuans you won't hit me once."

Korra was first to move. She ran toward him before jumping and trying to send a spin kick to his side. He grabbed her foot in mid air and tossed her back. "Oh, come on, Avatar. You're going to have to do better than that." Korra ground her teeth together. Before launching herself at him again. He dodged her punches with ease, moving quickly. He grabbed her wrist and twisted it behind her back before pushing her away again.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." He shook his head. "Is that all you got?" He ducked as she sent a kick his way, then jumped as she tried to sweep his feet out from under him.

The match went on like this for awhile, and Korra was slowly tiring herself out. Finally, Tahno made his move. He feigned right, causing Korra to block, but went low at the last second knocked her feet out from under her in one graceful move. Then he pinned her down.

Tahno smirked down at her. "I believe that's twenty Yuans that you owe me," he said.

Korra glared up at him. "Yeah, yeah," she panted. Tahno chuckled. As soon as he loosened his grip, she pushed him and flipped their position, effectively pinning him down.

"You were saying?" Tahno made an unintelligible noise. She laughed and got off of him, offering him a hand up. He took it, and with her help stood back up.

"Show off," he muttered. "Do you feel better now?" he asked.

Korra nodded. "Much. Thanks. I needed that."

"Hey, I'm just returning the favor." She smiled at him, one of her actual smiles.

*** I really don't know what to say about this. I could have done so much better…*sigh* Either way though, we get to see that Tahno does know some moves that don't involve Bending. Come on, in this world they need to know how to work without Bending or else you're screwed.

R&R

BG out Peace!