"You OK Korra?" Alex asked as he and the Avatar went through some of the Metalbending stances together. It's been a few days since they rescued Bolin from the Equalists, and the pair were having one of their usual Metalbending lessons in the evening. The Detective noticed that Korra seemed out of it; bags under her eyes, and her movements were slightly sloppy.

"Yeah, why?" Korra asked, a little confused by the out of the blue question.

"You just seem a little out of it is all." Alex told her as they dropped their stances. "You need to talk?" he asked in concern, getting closer to her.

"Thanks Alex, but I'm fine, really." Korra assured her friend with the best smile she could manage. Alex still wasn't convinced, but he let the matter drop. After all, if Korra needed to talk, she would, right?

…

Sometimes, he forgets who he's talking about….

"Good Evening, my fellow Equalists." A familiar, chilling voice suddenly came from the radio, making Korra and Alex stiffen as they recognised the Equalist Leader's voice. "This is your Leader, Amon. As you have heard, the Republic Council has voted to make me Public Enemy #1, proving once again that the Bending oppressors of Republic City will stop at nothing to squash our Revolution." He spoke in a bitter tone.

"But we cannot be stopped." He continued. "Our numbers grow stronger by the day. You no longer have to live in fear." For a moment, he actually sounded like a good guy to Alex. "The time has come for Benders to experience fear." There's the scornful hiss he was looking for…

With that, the radio sizzled into static for a moment before going back to the music station.

Korra and Alex stood there for an unknown number of minutes before the Metalbender noticed how the Avatar was sweating. There were bullets of her sweat dripping down her forehead and cheeks, and her eyes were wide. Alex noted that she didn't just look scared, she looked terrified.

In hopes of seeing that she was Ok, he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Korra? You OK?" He asked softly.

"Ah!" Korra yelped, jumping away from him, breathing heavily.

"Whoa! Korra!" The Metalbender quickly put his hands up. "It's me!" he said loudly, snapping the Avatar from her daze.

"Wha? Alex?" Korra asked, shaking her head and placing a hand on her forehead.

"Korra... " Alex whispered, getting a little closer to her. "You sure you're ok?" No matter what she said, he believed wholeheartedly that she wasn't OK.

"Yeah… Listen… I… I gotta go.' Korra said breathlessly and ran off, leaving a very worried Alex alone in the yard.

Alex, deciding to give Korra some space, spent the rest of the evening exercising and honing his skills. True, he was considered to be one of the most powerful Earthbenders in the City, maybe even in the Earth Kingdom, but what he had witnessed several days prior unsettled him. Thus, he wanted to be absolutely sure that he'd be ready for anything.

He saw Amon's power first hand and, as much as it pained him to admit it, he was impressed. Removing people's Bending? That takes some major brainwork, and a whole lot of luck. Alex didn't buy that whole 'the Spirits chose me' story for one second. There were plenty of people who had their lives turned upside down by Benders. Why would the Spirits choose Amon of all people?

Something smells fishy, and one way or another, Alex would find out what.

Having finished his work out routine, he made his way to the guest room he was using at Air Temple Island. After some convincing, he'd managed to get his mother to assign him as a guard of sorts to the Airbender family. Besides, Lin wanted to assign someone to keep an eye on Korra anyway, so they're killing two birds with one stone. Lin gets any out of the ordinary intel concerning the Avatar, and Alex feels better with the Airbender kids and Korra closer to him.

After getting to his borrowed room, he washed himself off slightly to get rid of the sweat that covered him and changed into his usual casual outfit before heading to the dinner table.

"Hey all." Alex greeted as he entered, finding Tenzin and his wife finishing up with setting the table.

"Alex, glad to see you made it." Pema smiled her radiant smile at the boy, showing him to his seat. He noticed that he sat next to Korra at the table.

"Alex!" Ikki squealed happily, jumping up. "Can I sit with Alex to Mommy?" She asked her mother hopefully.

"Hey! I wanna sit by Alex." Jinora pouted.

"No! My General sits next to his commanding officer!" Meelo declared in an authoritative tone.

"Wow…" Korra deadpanned. "I knew the kids liked you Alex, but this is a bit much." She remarked, making Alex sigh in exasperation.

"Alright, enough!" Pema spoke up in a stern tone. "Ikki, you're on Alex's lap. Meelo and Jinora on either side of him." She instructed.

"Yay!" the two girls cheered in unison as Meelo sat beside his 'General' with a satisfied smile.

"Sorry if I'm causing trouble Pema." Alex gave the woman an apologetic look.

"Think nothing of it Alex." Pema giggled in amusement at the sight of her children crawling all over the boy. "I'm glad that they are so fond of you. They have someone look up to." She smiled brightly.

"Hey!" Tenzin snapped with an offended look.

"You heard her." Alex sent the Airbending Master a wide, teasing grin, making his eye twitch. To the side, Korra couldn't help but giggle. "At least she seems better now." The Metalbender thought to himself.

"Continuing…" Tenzin sighed as everyone was seated. Following the demands of the Air Nomad tradition, he said the prayers before anybody ate. "We are grateful for this delicious food, for happiness, for compassion and-"

"I'm not interrupting, am I?" a masculine voice piped up. The owner of the voice was man, no doubt Water Tribe judging by the decent, semi-formal clothing. And he had similar hair and eyes to Korra.

"This is my home, Tarrlok. We are about to eat dinner." Tenzin responded, giving the man a frown.

"Tarrlok huh?" Alex asked mentally. "The Councilman that Tenzin is always saying opposes every one of his motions, and vice versa." He remembered. He also remembered Tenzin saying how Tarrlok was a pompous, power-hungry ass, but he seemed nice enough.

"Good, because I am absolutely famished. Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, am I right?" Tarrlok asked with a smirk.

"Nope, he's an ass." Alex deadpanned in his head. Best not to let a Councilman hear his personal opinion of them, especially when they're like this guy...

"I suppose." Tenzin sighed and sat down, noticing the dirty look his wife was giving him. All he could do was shrug in response as Tarrlok stopped next to the young Avatar.

"Ah, you must be the famous Avatar Korra." The Councilman gave Korra a light bow. "It is truly an honor. I am councilman Tarrlok, representative of the Northern Water Tribe." he introduced himself.

"Nice to meet you." Korra responded, standing up and returning the bow before sitting down again.

"Why do you have three ponytails? And how come you smell like a lady? You're weird." Ikki said to Tarrlok from Alex's lap as the man took a seat beside Korra, earning eye twitch from him.

"Well aren't you... precocious." He said after a pause. "And quite the interrogator. Where did you learn that?" He asked. Ikki giggled and pointed at Alex with her thumb.

"Alex! He's the best cop ever!" She smiled brightly.

"Alex?" Tarrlok repeated with a raised eyebrow. "Perhaps, Alexander Beifong? Son of Lin Beifong? Rumoured to be the best Detective on the Force? Known by the nickname Pseudo-Avatar?" He asked, sending Alex a questioning gaze.

"That would be me." Alex confirmed.

"Fascinating. I never expected you to be so young." Tarrlok confessed. "Tell me, where does the nickname 'Pseudo-Avatar' come from?" He inquired.

"Earthbending, Metalbending, Lavabending, and Sandbending." Alex answered.

"I see. Four aspects of the same Element." Tarrlok hummed in thought, his hand on his chin. "Pseudo-Avatar indeed." He said, turning to Korra. "So, I have been reading all about you in the papers. Infiltrating Amon's rally? Now that took some real initiative."

"Oh, thanks. I think you're the first authority figure in this city that is happy I'm here." Korra responded, her shoulders slumping slightly.

"Ahem." Alex coughed into his fist, earning a sheepish apology from the Avatar.

"Regardless, Republic City is much better off now that you're here." Tarrlok continued.

"Enough with the flattery, Tarrlok." Tenzin spoke firmly. "What do you want from Korra?" He asked with a narrow glare.

"Patience Tenzin, I'm getting to that." Tarrlok held up a hand before turning back to Korra. "As you may have heard, I am assembling a task force that will strike at the heart of the revolution. And I want you to join me."

"Really? Korra asked, eyes wide in surprise.

"What?" Tenzin gasped.

"Saw this coming." Alex thought bitterly, sending a faint glare in Tarrlok's direction.

"I need someone who will help me attack Amon directly. Someone who is fearless in the face of danger. And that someone... is you." he smiled at the young Avatar before turning to Alex. "And since you're here, I believe you'd also make an invaluable asset, Detective." He said. Alex narrowed his eyes in thought, staring at his food.

On one hand, joining this Task Force would help strike a blow to Amon's forces. That could be beneficial. On the other hand, is it a good idea? His current job was to guard the Airbender family and keep an eye on Korra. With Amon traipsing around the city, he didn't want any of the Airbender's out of his sight for longer than necessary. Tenzin being a notable exception; he's a Master, and has a day job. He can take care of himself. The kids can't.

"Join your task force? Sorry, I can't." Korra responded, shocking everyone, Alex not included. He had an inkling as to why she was refusing, but decided to keep quiet.

"Nor can I." he said simply.

"I... must admit that I'm... rather surprised." Tarrlok said quietly. "I thought the two of you would jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon."

"Me too." Tenzin muttered in begrudging agreement.

"I came to Republic City to finish my Avatar training with Tenzin. Right now, I just need to focus on that." Korra explained calmly.

Alex rolled his internally. He didn't buy that little story for one moment. To put it simply, Korra was scared, and she was too proud to admit it. He could easily tell that she wasn't sleeping, either due to nightmares or just being unable to fall asleep, stemming from her fear. Still, whilst it wasn't a good idea to deny your fears like that, she was rejecting the 'offer,' and that was something at least.

"And your reasoning, Detective?" Tarrlok asked.

"My current assignment is to guard and protect the world's last Airbenders." Alex explained, wrapping an arm around Ikki's waist subconsciously, much to the girl's delight. "I can't keep these kids safe from Chi-Blocker attacks if I'm out there, taking the fight to them." he added. Pema couldn't help the wide smile that adorned her face.

Despite everything that happened between her and the boy's mother, Alex still cares for her own children like they were his little siblings. She loved how the three of them looked up to Alex like a big brother, and the way Alex was saying he'd protect them warmed her heart, even if it was an assignment.

"Fair enough." Tarrlok sighed in defeat before standing up. He knew better than to try and argue with an Earthbender, especially when they go Papa Platypus-Bear like that, or whatever one would call the relationship Alex has with the Airbender children. Plus, Chief Beifong's orders hold priority over his when it comes to the members of the Force. "Still, I'm not giving up on you yet." he said to Korra. "It has been a pleasure, Avatar Korra." he gave her a bow before making his way to the door. Before leaving, he spared Alex one last glance. "Detective." he saluted the boy.

"Councilman." Alex returned the salute. With that, Tarrlok left. But not before…

"Bye bye Ponytail Man!" Ikki waved, making Tarrlok's eye twitch as he walked. Alex couldn't help the snicker that escaped him as he gave Pema a teasing smirk.

"I still think you had affair with Bumi. It's the only explanation for these two." He said plainly as he pointed at Ikki and Meelo, making Pema's face light up in embarrassment at the implication. Tenzin, however, banged his head on the table in exasperation. This was not the first time Alex had made that joke, and something told the Airbending Master that it wouldn't be the last.

Well, at least Korra was laughing.

The next morning, Alex and Korra went outside to get some fresh air after sat on the porch, Naga in between them, laying on her back, asking for attention. Despite her size, she really was just an overgrown house dog. And what house dog doesn't enjoy getting their stomach scratched by his/her master?

"Korra, I know we spoke about this earlier, but you really don't seem like yourself these past few days. Are you sure you're alright?" Alex asked in an attempt to get Korra to acknowledge her fear.

"Yes, I'm fine Alex." Korra sighed in minor frustration. "I'm just a little stressed with the Airbending and all that." She assured him. "Not to mention Tarrlok wanting me on his little Task Force." She added.

"I see…" Alex mumbled softly. "Nothing else?" He asked with an eyebrow raised. "I mean, I get that training can be stressful, and constant pestering from Tarrlok is unpleasant, but-"

"Would you just drop it!" Korra snapped, shocking Alex. Seeing what she did, she sighed. "Look, I'm sorry for shouting, but I really don't wanna talk about this, alright?" She said with finality in her tone.

"Alright, alright." Alex sighed. He'll drop the subject, for now,

"Hello fellow Earthbenders!" The voice of a certain, bubbly young Earthbender suddenly greeted. Korra and Alex turned and saw Bolin approaching them with his hands behind his back and a wide smile on his face.

"Hey Bro." Alex greeted with a smile.

"Hey Bolin." Korra's greeting was significantly less enthusiastic.

"Missed you at practice this week." Bolin pointed out as he stood in front of his friends.

"Yeah, sorry about that." Korra apologised.

"Nah, it's alright." The young Earthbender shrugged. "We're probably out of the tournament anyway. Unless some money miraculously drops from the sky by tomorrow." His tone went from bubbly and cheerful to depressed and annoyed. "Anyways, reason I came by was to give you this. Tada~" he smiled, revealing what was behind his back; a rose and a wrapped cupcake. Alex recognised it as one the treats from the Republic City Bakery. Best in the city.

"Wow, thanks." Korra said as she accepted the gifts. "What's this for?"

"Ah, I can't remember now. Oh yeah, now I remember!" Boln went from confused(probably fake) to perky and smiley. "You saved me from Amon!" he exclaimed with a wide smile..

"Oh, that. It was no big deal." Korra waved him off dismissively.

"No big deal? Are you serious?" Bolin asked incredulously. "I was totally freaking out when he was coming at me with his creepy mask all 'I'm gonna take away your bending forever' and stuff." He mimicked Amon's voice. "I mean, that was scary stuff. I still can't sleep well." he gave a slight shiver.

"Oh Bolin, you stupid, lovable idiot." Alex sighed heavily as the younger earthbender spoke. The Detective could see Korra paling slightly at Bolin's words. It was clear to him that her fear was much deeper than he thought, and she still wouldn't admit it. He's gonna have to dig a lot deeper if he wants to get her to open up...

"Delivery for Avatar Korra." An unknown old lady said as she approached. She carried a large, no seriously, it was LARGE, gift basket, which she set down next to Korra. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer." She said politely.

"Tell him I haven't changed my mind." Korra responded in an annoyed tone. The old lady, Tarrlok's secretary, bowed with a nod and left.

"Who's this Tarrlok guy?" Bolin asked, his curious expression turning to one of frustration a certain thoughts came into his head. "Is he bothering you? Huh? Cos' I could have a word with him. Let him know a thing or two and what not."

"Believe me Bro, i'd have done the same long ago if I could." Alex deadpanned, making Korra chuckle.

"Don't worry, it's not like that Bolin. He's just some old guy who works with Tenzin in the council." She explained.

"Wants Korra to join his little Task Force." Alex added.

"Oh good, good, that sounds better. I like that better." Bolin said thoughtfully. Damn. looks like he can't 'have a word' with Tarrlok if he's on the Council.

Ok, at first it was just a little annoying for the occupants of Air Temple Island. Now, a week later, Tarrlok's gifts were getting frustrating to the point that Korra would burn them. He sent her a cake from the RC bakery, she fed it to Naga. He sent her a beautiful dress, she burnt it and threw the remains in the river. He sent her a Satomobile, she left the Airbender kids to play with it. No doubt it would be scrap metal later anyway.

"Avatar Korra, I have something for you." Tarrlok's secretary said as she approached the Avatar and Detective. Korra was sitting on the railings just outside the Air Temple, while Alex was playing Pai Sho with Jinora on the outdoor Pai Sho table.

"It doesn't matter how many gifts Tarrlok sends, I'm not joining his task force!" Korra growled at the old lady, Earthbending the ground beneath her around 180 degrees and kicking her away.

"It's not a gift, it's an invitation." The secretary corrected, pulling out a letter.

"To what?" Korra asked in hesitant curiosity.

"Tarrlok is throwing a Gala in your honor." The secretary explained. "All of Republic City's movers and shakers will be there. The councilman humbly requests your attendance. He also says that the young Detective is welcome as well." she added as Korra swiped the invitation. She was about to refuse, but Alex spoke up.

"It might be a good idea." He said, standing up from the table. "A good opportunity to make it clear that you won't be joining his little Task Force." Korra thought his words over. It would be nice to get tarrlok off her back. Maybe now is a good time to just put her foot down.

"Wow, I can't believe this is all for me." Korra said as she, Alex and the Airbender family entered the City hall, awed by the lovely gala that Tarrlok had arranged.

The gala took place at Republic City's City Hall, and it was simply beautiful. A crystal chandelier hanging from the roof, multiple tables with various fancy foods, and more drinks than some people knew existed. It was clear that Tarrlok had spared no expense when organising this event, no doubt in hopes of swooning Korra over into his Task Force. Still, despite the doubtlessly hidden scheme behind the gala, it really was quite lovely.

Since it was a formal event, Korra agreed with Alex's suggestion of going in formal clothes. She donned a simple dark blue dress, which was beautiful at the same time, with her hair mostly down, tied into a bun at the back of her head. Alex wore his usual Detective armour, though he removed the trench coat for the night. Metalbender armour was made to be formal and practical, so he didn't have to wear any tight, uncomfortable suits. Thank the Spirits.

"You look nice in that dress Korra." Alex complimented the young Avatar with a charming smile that made Korra's heart flutter.

"Thanks…" She mumbled, looking away with a faint blush. "I like your hair." She returned the compliment.

"Thanks." Alex grinned at her. Sure enough, he'd done his hair to make himself look presentable in the formal event. Normally, his dark grey hair was left down, hanging just barely below his ears, not unlike the former Fire Lord Zuko back in his adolescence, a style Alex picked up after meeting the great man several years back. For the gala though, he neatened it up and pulled it back into a formal, Earth Kingdom miniature ponytail. Long story short, he looked like any girl's dream boy; the knight in shining armour. Literally.

"I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting, but keep your guard up you two." Tenzin warned the teenagers as his family went their separate ways to enjoy the gala. "It's not like him to throw a party just for the fun of it." He added. Alex and Korra nodded in understanding.

"I am so glad you could make it, Avatar Korra." Tarrlok greeted, just as Tenzin finished speaking. "If you'll excuse us, the city waits its hero." Tarrlok said to Tenzin and Alex, walking off with Korra.

Alex definitely didn't like the subtle smirk that Tarrlok put on as he walked with Korra. Since he couldn't interfere, as this was an official event, he decided to just tour around the place a little, accepting handshakes and greetings from people who recognised him from the papers and rumors. Several of the prissy, rich girls attempted to sink their claws into him with sweet words mixed with a hint of seduction, but Alex, as politely as he could, rejected them all, much to their chagrin.

After perusing around a for little while, Alex caught sight of someone he didn't expect to see at this event: Mako. However, the most surprising part was the familiar beauty that was holding onto his arm as Mako seemed to be delivering some good news to Korra. There was also a middle aged man with them in very formal and fancy robes, also familiar to Alex.

"Wonder what they're doing here?" He asked himself mentally as he approached. "A small world, wouldn't you agree?" He asked with an amused smile.

"Detective Beifong?" Hiroshi Sato asked in a surprised tone. "I was not expecting to see you here Young Man. good to see you." he smiled, shaking the Detective's hand.

"Likewise Hiroshi." Alex responded with a smile. "Asmai, lovely as ever I see." He greeted the young girl.

"Hello Alex." Asami giggled in amusement.

"You know each other?" Mako asked suspiciously.

"Hiroshi was a witness in a docking raid some time ago. I worked the case." Alex explained.

"I very nearly lost an entire shipment of Satomobiles headed for Ba Sing Se." Hiroshi recalled with a light laugh.

"Who were the perps?" Korra asked in curiosity, finding herself not liking the familiarity that Alex had with the young rich girl.

"A group of Red Monsoons." Alex answered.

"Hmm…" Korra hummed in response.

"So, how do you two know each other?" Alex asked Mako and Asami with a grin. They blushed at his suggestive wag of his eyebrows.

"Well, we… uhm…" Mako stammered, not able to form a coherent sentence.

"They're dating!" Bolin piped up, appearing out of nowhere and disappearing just as soon as he came.

"Wow! How did this happen?" The Metalbender asked with a wide smile, happy to see Mako with a nice girl.

"Asami crashed into him on her moped." And like before, Bolin was gone just as soon as he came.

"Really?" Alex asked with a deadpanned glance to Asami, who blushed in embarrassment.

"It was an accident!" She whined.

"What?" Mako asked in confusion.

"That's how she and I met." Alex explained, still staring at Asamai with a deadpan stare. "I stopped by the Sato Mansion to interview Hiroshi about the aforementioned raid, and when I was done, I left. Only to be run over as she entered the driveway." He smirked as Asami's cheeks went red as the dress she was wearing.

"That aside, are you ok Mako?" Korra asked her fellow Fire Ferret in concern.

"I'm fine. More than fine, actually." Mako grinned widely. "Mr. Sato agreed to sponsor our team. We're back in the game!" He said said excitedly.

"Isn't that great!?" Bolin asked with a wide grin, draping an arm around Mako..

"Yeah, terrific." Korra mumbled, her eyes trailing off to the side. A scowl made its way to her face as she noticed someone. Alex noticed this particular someone and groaned internally as the woman approached.

"Chief Beifong, I believe you and the Avatar have already met." Tarrlok said to the Chief of Police, who glared at Avatar full force.

"Just because this city's throwing you a party, don't think you're someone special. You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this." She growled in Korra's face.

"Enough, Mother." Alex stated firmly, stepping in between Lin and Korra. It was at this point that Korra noticed just how alike the two are. Alex walks with his hands behind his back, like Lin, he carries himself with confidence, like Lin, and he has the same glare. Korra also noticed how similar Alex's armour was to his mother's. Only his didn't have any of the gold accents.

Lin glared at her son. She could easily tell that Alex was growing close to the Avatar, and she didn't like that one bit. With a scowl, she walked away, no doubt plotting how to get that hussy of an Avatar away from her son.

Said son could only sigh in exasperation and a little depression as his mother walked away. He knew Lin didn't get on with Korra very well, and despite their relationship, she did show protectiveness over him when it came to the female species, but Korra did not deserve the treatment that the Chief of Police was giving her. He couldn't help but fear what was going through his mother's mind right now...

After about an hour or so in the little party, Tarrlok escorted Korra to the staircase, where they could see all of the guests, and prepared for him to present her to the aforementioned guests. However, before either of them could say a word, a swarm of reporters surrounded them, asking questions. Alex narrowed his eyes at Tarrlok in a glare. Reporters aren't allowed in events like this without consent from the host. As such, every single one of these reporters had to have gotten individual permission from said host, who happened to be none other than Tarrlok. He's a dead man.

"Avatar Korra!" One of the reporters piped up. "You witnessed Amon take away people's bending first hand. How serious a threat does he pose to the innocent citizens of Republic City?"

Korra cleared her throat. "I think he presents a real problem." She responded.

"Then why have you refused to join Tarrlok's task force? As the Avatar, shouldn't you be going after Amon?" That same reporter asked.

"Well... I-"

"Why are you walking away from this fight?" Another reporter cut the young Avatar off.

"What? No! I've never backed away from anything in my life!" Korra defended.

"You promised to serve this city, are you going back on that promise now?"

"Do you think Pro-bending is more important than fighting the revolution?"

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

"Are you afraid of Amon?"

Alex couldn't help but facepalm. "Fuck." He mentally cursed.

"I am not afraid of anybody!" Korra shouted in denial before calming her posture. "If this city needs me, then... Then I'll join Tarrlok's task force and help fight Amon." Her voice was one of surrender.

Tarrlok smirked. "There's your headline folks!" He announced, draping an arm around Korra's shoulders, posing for one of the cameramen. Tenzin slumped, his eyes closed in defeat as Alex glared daggers at Tarrlok.

This was not going to end well...

The next week was not pleasant in the slightest. Korra spent most, of not all, of her time with Tarrlok and his Task Force, which left little time for anything else. There was no Pro-Bending practice, no Airbending training, no Metalbending lessons, and she was hardly ever home in time for dinner. The only good thing that came out of this was that the Task Force was able to take down several Equalist settlements, the most recent of which was found underneath a bookstore. They trained new Chi-Blockers there.

However, everything went downhill at the small conference that followed, where the Task Force's progress in taking down Amon was discussed. Tarrlok insisted that with him and Korra leading the charge, Republic City had nothing to worry about. Then, one of the reporters asked why Amon had not been captured yet. The response Korra gave was a calling out to Amon, where she declared him a coward and challenged him to a one on one duel.

As if things couldn't get any worse…

"WHAT!?" Alex roared, outraged, as Pema came to his room, explaining what Korra had done.

"She challenged Amon to one on one fight." The pregnant woman reported grimmly. "Please Alex, you have to-" Pema stopped talking, noticing Alex was no longer in the room. The only indication that he was even there to begin with was the door that was left open.

"Korra!" Alex shouted as he approached the dock leading to Aang memorial island. Korra was mounting a small boat, Tenzin and Tarrlok behind her, having failed to talk the young Avatar out of the foolish task she was about to take. "What the hell are you doing?!" he demanded of her.

"I'm going to face Amon." Korra replied as if it was the most obvious thing ever.

"Are you insane?!" Alex screamed.

"What else am I supposed to do!?" Korra shot back.

"Wait! Think! Plan! Anything but this idiotic idea!"

"You calling me an idiot!?" She hissed.

"In this context, yes!" Alex growled. "You have no idea what Amon has up his sleeve! Who's to say he'll honour the one on one proposal? There are better ways to deal with your fears!" Something snapped inside Korra at that.

"I'm not afraid!" She shrieked in rage.

"Yes you are!" Alex roared. "You're fucking petrified! But you're too proud and stubborn to admit it! Denying your fears doesn't make you strong, it makes you look weak!"

"Shut up!" Korra screeched. "I'm the Avatar! I'm gonna deal with Amon MY way!" They glared daggers at each other before Korra huffed and turned away, readying the boat.

"You know what? Fine." Alex growled. "Get your bending stolen. Just don't come crying to me." He turned to walk away as Korra shot off with the boat.

"Alexander! You can't seriously be considering leaving Korra to the monster!" Tenzin said incredulously.

"I'm not considering it, I'm doing it." Alex returned.

"Detective, even if you and Korra are clearly at odds at this moment, are you really willing to risk her getting her Bending stolen?" Tarrlok asked skeptically. He didn't like the temper Alex was showing.

"Shut it." Alex hissed. "You have no right to talk. You're the reason korra's doing this in the first place." He regarded Tarrlok with a death glare. Tenzin noticed it was the same ball shriveling glare that Lin has. The memories made him shiver.

"This was not what I wanted." Tarrlok at the very least had the decency to look abashed at his actions.

"It doesn't matter anymore." Alex huffed, turning to leave again, his trench coat flaring.

"Alex..." Tenzin pleaded.

"What do you want me to do Tenzin?" Alex asked in frustration. "Korra clearly doesn't want my help. I can't give it if she won't accept it." He reminded.

"Amon is a cunning, scheming, and dangerous person." The Airbending Master returned. "It doesn't matter what Korra wants. If she faces him now, she will lose." He pressed.

"You're the only one of us who can go against a Chi-Blocker." Tarrlok added. Alex clenched his fist in uncertainty. Sure, he was mad at Korra; pissed beyond anything right now. Ut, he still cared about her. In the two months since they've known each other, she'd quite easily become the best friend he'd ever had, right up there with Mako and Bolin. Could he really leave her in Amon's hands?

"Fine." Alex relented, turning once more and walking towards the beach that faced Aang Memorial Island.

Tenzin beamed. "I'll get a boat for you." He said.

"Don't bother." Alex stopped him as he stood on the beach sand. Before Tenzin could asked, the young Metalbender took a soft stance that seemed foreign to Earthbending.

The Airbender gasped as Alex started moving. He was light on his feet, his arms flowing with his body as he made several spiral like movements. They were uncannily similar to how Jinora would move through the spinning gates. As the Detective moved, tendrils of the beach sand started flowing around his body in spirals.

"It looks like he's…" Tarrlok trailed off with wide eyes.

"Airbending…" Tenzin finished or him in a breath.

Of course, Alex was really Airbending, he was Sandbending. He discovered that Sandbending was made much easier this way around two years ago, and had asked Jinora to give him some pointers. They both agreed that they should keep it from Tenzin, as he hates it when people mock Airbending, and there was no telling how he'd react to Alex's new Sandbending.

Anyways, the Detective thrust his arm forward, sending the sand towards the water, where it compressed and formed a thin, but strong, bridge of sand, about a foot wide, all the way over to the island. With determination in his eyes, he sprinted across the bridge he'd made, the sand crumbling with every step he took. It was magnificent sight, seeing him out run the crumbling bridge.

"He truly is a Prodigy…" Tarrlok murmured under his breath, shock evident in his voice.

"Just like his mother…" And for once, the two Councilmen agreed on something.

About an hour had passed since midnight, the time Korra had allocated in her challenge to Amon, and the man was nowhere in sight.

"I guess you're a no-show, Amon." Korra observed boredly, having sat down in front of Aang's statue for over an hour. "Who's scared now?" She snarked, getting up to leave.

As the Avatar walked across the museum's entrance, a whip shot out and gripped her around her knees, pulling her into the dark building. Thinking quickly, Korra used her Firebending to get rid of the whip, which succeeded in freeing her legs, as well as illuminating the room, showing around 20 - 30 Equalist grunts surrounding her. She was about to attack, but was quickly restrained by two whips being thrown at her wrists. Korra tried to fight back, bending with her legs, but a couple of Chi-blockers jumped behind her, immobilising her and leaving her barely conscious, held up by the whips.

At that point, Amon approached.

"I received your invitation, young Avatar." He spoke with a low and monotone voice that scared Korra to know end. The Equalist Leader lifted up his right and moved it towards her face.

The young Avatar was absolutely terrified. The object of her nightmare was standing right in front of her, about to take her Bending. Alex was right. She made a stupid mistake coming here tonight, and it was going to cost her. And no one was coming.

"Hey! Mask-face!" Everyone in the room, Amon included, turned their attention to the owner of the voice; a young man wearing black armour, a trench coat over it, and hard glare on his face. "Let. Her. Go." He hissed.

The Equalist leader stood up straight and faced the newcomer. "Hm, Detective Alexander Beifong." He observed. "I must admit, I did not expect you to show up." He confessed. "Although, I suppose I cannot be too surprised. You share a similar title to her after all." Amon said, gesturing to Korra. "Equalists, bring me the Psuedo-Avatar." he ordered the grunts, who sprung to work.

Three of the Equalists shot towards the young Earthbender, who simply narrowed his eyes. As the aforementioned grunts jumped, they suddenly stopped in mid air, shocking everyone in the room. With a simple flick of his neck, Alex sent the three flying into the wall, knocked unconscious. Amon himself was shocked beyond anything as another group, bigger this time in hopes of overwhelming the Earthbender, jumped towards Alex. Just like the ones before, they ended up unconscious after being thrown into the wall.

"How are you doing this?" Amon demanded in a deathly calm tone.

Alex smirked. "Did you know that the human body contains multiple minerals and metals that are bendable?" He asked casually, making Amon's eyes wden behind the mask. "The most abundant of which are Carbon and Calcium. Together they make up 22% of the human body." He grinned wickedly. "It's nothing compared to the 70% of the body that's made up of water, which Bloodbenders take control of, but it's enough for me to toss someone around like a ragdoll." he finished with an evil glint in his eyes. "I call it Bodybending."

The remaining grunts took a few weary steps back. Sure, they'd been trained to fight all three kinds of Benders, but no one knew how to fight off a Bloodbender, so this 'Bodybending' the Detective was describing shook them up a little. Even Amon. He'd never dreamed that anyone other than a Bloodbender could control the human body. And without an external source of power like the moon or sun? Sure, Yakone was a notable exception, but this Earthbender was an enigma, something that could not be taken lightly.

"Now, get away from my friend." Alex said, glaring daggers. Amon returned the glare slightly before reverting his gaze back to Korra, who was still being held up, just barely conscious of the events happening before her.

"Our showdown, while inevitable, is premature." He told the young woman. "Although it would be the simplest thing to take away your bending right now, I won't. You would only become a martyr. Benders of every nation would rally behind your demise, evidently." He spared Alex a sideways glance. "But I assure you, I have a plan. And I'm saving you for the last. Then, you'll get your duel, and I will destroy you." he forewarned before looking back at Alex. "As for you, Detective, your duel will be much sooner than Korra's. Do not think for one moment that your little trick can save you from me." He threatened. "When next we meet, I will take your Bending, and it will be the end of the 'Pseudo-Avatar' title you seem to be so proud of." Alex glared as Amon's henchmen carried off the unconscious ones and vanished into the darkness. Amon followed soon after, leaving Korra knocked out on the ground.

"Korra!" Alex cried in worry as he ran to the down Avatar. He supported with his arms, checking her pulse to make sure she was Ok. Thankfully, she was. Amon had followed through on his statement that he wouldn't harm her. "Come on Korra, wake up…" Alex whispered softly, shaking the unconscious girl awake. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open.

"A-Alex?" She asked softly, her voice shaky.

"Shh… It's OK, I'm here." he said soothingly.

"W-why you c-come?" Korra stammered, her shoulders shaking faintly.

"What do you mean why?" Ale asked in confusion. "You're my friend. Of course I'd come."

"But… you were so angry… you said…" Korra choke back a sob.

"I know what I said. I was angry, still am. But right now, I'm just glad you're safe." Alex held her close. Korra lost it. She burst into tears, clutching Alex's coat as she buried her face in his armour-clad chest.

"You were right!" She cried. "I was so scared! I felt so helpless!" Tears ran down her cheeks as her emotions came crashing down on her. "I don't know what to do… I never want to feel like that again…" Korra said, still sobbing.

"It's alright Korra." Alex held her. "We'll work this out together. Right now, I promise, I won't let anything happen to you." Apparently, his soothing words were just what Korra needed. He'd never been one for emotional communication, much like his mother, so he was afraid he'd say something wrong. It was a great relief for him when Korra's sobs were reduced to faint trembling and whimpers.

The young Detective stood up, holding Korra bridal style, and made his way to the exit. Any other day, Korra would have resisted. She hated being treated like a dainty little girl who needs to be watched every second. But right now, she felt safe. Safe in Alex's arms. And she didn't want to let go of that feeling anytime soon. Plus, she barely noticed the way he was carrying her anyway. She was too shaken and tired. By the time Tenzin had approached, she was already asleep.

"Alexander, what…" The Airbender trailed off, seeing Alex approaching with the sleeping form of Korra in his arms. "Happened?" he finished, his voice riddled in confusion. It was only when Alex was right beside him that he noticed the faint blush of embarrassment on the Metalbender's face. Tenzin grinned despite the situation. Time for some payback for the affair joke.

"Not. One. Word." Alex hissed, seeing the grin on Tenzin's face. Just for a little insurance that Tenzin would not tease him, he brought a spike of earth up from the ground that stopped just short of the Airbender's crotch. "Unless you want your fourth child to be your last." He grinned wickedly, seeing Tenzin pale.

Yes, Alex is most definitely Lin Beifong's son.

And finally, we're done! God, this chapter took forever. I do apologise for my lack of updates lately. It's just that I recently started watching some old shows from my past(including AtLA and LoK from beginning to end) and I got kinda caught up in binge watching. :P Plus, I'm still looking for work. It's a nightmare.

Anyways, tell me what you think of the Bodybending. I figured it would be better than Bonebending, because Calcium only takes up 2% of the human body. I figured, since Earthbenders can bend coal, which is almost 100% Carbon, why wouldn't they be able to at least lift something that's around 20% carbon?

BTW, suggestions, requests, and all that are accepted with my stories. If there's something you want to see happen in the story, I'd definitely consider it.

Oh! Who else agrees that it would make sense if it turned out Pema had an affair with Bumi? Ikki and Meelo are too much like him for it to be a coincidence.