Korra's POV

Asami had arranged a group hangout for today, though I suspected it was more of a double date. I had insisted I didn't look at Bo like that, he was more of a normal friend but she wouldn't have it. We met up the next day (the only day out of the week we didn't have practice and I could sleep in, I might add) early in the morning. We were going to go to a theme park and I asked my parents for money for the ticket and anything else I might like. Usually I didn't carry any money with me and I didnt ask for it very often which is why when I did they gave me a little too much.

I was with Asami waiting for the brothers to show up, talking to pass the time. She complained about how her dad was even stricter with her now that she was in college than before. My best friend and her father had been really close when we were kids but it seemed that as she grew older they started to drift farther and farther apart.

"Well you should be focusing in school," I said. "I mean, didn't you say you wanted to go to college."

"Yes, I did," Asami answered, frustrated. "I sort of even wanted to study business law but I just don't like being forced into things."

"I know the feeling," I muttered, crossing my arms in front of me.

My best friend glared at me before punching my shoulder. I smirked at this as I rubbed the spot and she smiled, shaking her head. I loved the way I could calm her down with a simple sarcastic comment.

"Maybe you should let him know you appreciate the way he wants to help you but you want to do things your way," I suggested.

"Easier said than done," the raven haired girl replied.

I looked up and noticed my Firebending teammate coming towards us, his hands buried deep in his pockets. I frowned a little when I didn't see his energetic younger brother behind him. Asami smiled at him and he did the same. I gagged a little and my best friend elbowed me.

I laughed at that.

"Where's Bolin?" I asked.

"Out," Mako replied.

I nodded at this and my best friend spoke. "So I guess it's just the three of us," she said. "Better get going."

We were about to get in her car when her phone rang. She answered it and it wasn't hard to guess who it was by the way her face hardened a little. Asami asked us to excuse her and walked a few feet from us though I could still tell she was arguing with her father. Mako leaned against the car, fixing his scarf and either pretending he wasn't listening or just caught up in his own thoughts. After a moment she came back and I knew who had won.

"I'm sorry," she apologized. "But something came up at home and I have to leave. We'll hang out another time."

My Firebending teammate and I nodded at this and waved goodbye. I was both a little disappointed and mad at the fact I had gotten up this early in the morning for nothing, until I remembered that I wasn't exactly alone. I turned around to talk to the Firebender but noticed he'd already started walking back to the arena. I pouted before running after him.

"Hey, wait up!" I called.

He stopped and turned around to face me. "What do you want?"

"Well, jeez, with an attitude like that nothing," I snapped.

He sighed and shook his head, muttering something incoherent before speaking. "Did you need something, Korra?"

"Well I figured that since we're already in the city and there's two of us, we might as well hang out," I suggested.

Mako raised a brow at this. "Just you and me?" he asked. I nodded. "I don't know. We can't even stand each other."

I huffed at that. We? He meant him. "Well this is the opportunity for us to get to know each other a little better," I said, trying not to snap at him again.

He studied me for a long time before slowly nodding. "Where to?" He almost ground out the question.

"Uh, well I'm not really from the city so I was hoping maybe you'd know a place?"

He seemed to mull over the options for a moment. "There's a fair on the other side of town," Mako replied. "We can take the bus there."

I smiled at this and nodded. Soon enough we caught a bus and got off about a block from the fair. As we walked we actually managed to have a civil conversation. Turns out Asami was right...again. The brooding Firebender wasn't as bad as he seemed.

Once at the fair, we mainly just walked around, chatting about random things. I found that Mako actually could smile, not just that little twitch of his lips either. An actual smile.

Truthfully, I'd never been to a fair before. In the South we had a festival where we'd set up booths and games and such. The lights were always beautiful. But here in the city, the fair had a Ferris wheel and bunch of little rides. I'd never seen anything quite like it, even in the Fire Nation.

I heard Mako chuckle next to me and turned to look at him, brow raised. "What's so funny?"

"You look like a kid in a candy store," he replied with a slight twitch of his lips.

I rolled my eyes, but smiled. "Excuse me for getting excited."

A little bit later I got hungry and we stopped at one of the concession stands. I got a Coke and a chili dog, while Mako just stuck with water.

"So you really only had a polar bear dog as a friend?" he asked as we continued to walk and eat. His tone wasn't judgmental, just curious.

I shrugged. "Well, yeah, besides Asami. Naga and I practically grew up together." I took a bite out of my chili dog, which was delicious.

He shook his head and actually smiled. "You know, somehow that makes perfect sense."

"I'll take that as a compliment, city boy," I said once I'd swallowed what was in my mouth.

He raised a brow but said nothing. I looked up at him and noticed he was staring at me curiously. I frowned a little at this before reaching to touch my face; did I have chili on it or something? The Firebender chuckled at that and shook his head causing my frown to deepen. What was up with him?

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Nothing."

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously and stopped walking. Something was up, I knew it. Mako looked over at me and raised a brow again. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and tapped my foot, silently letting know what I wanted. He sighed and walked back over to me.

"What now?"

"Why were you staring at me?" Mako sighed at this, shaking his head. "Come on, spill."

"Do you really want to know?"

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "Yeah, kind of why I'm asking."

He sighed again. "I've never met anyone like you before," Mako began. "I mean, someone who is so comfortable in their own skin. It's pretty amazing."

I blinked a few times at this. "You think so?" The Firebender nodded. "Wow…um, I don't think I've ever gotten that before. I mean usually when someone stares it's because of my title and I feel like they're judging me."

"The Avatar is afraid of a little criticism?" he asked, smirking in amusement. "Call the press."

"Ha-ha," I answered sarcastically.

We walked around the fair for a couple of minutes before my teammate suggested we should be heading back since it was getting late. We arrived back at the docks just in time to take the last ferry. I thought he'd go home right after that but said he'd take me home.

I shrugged at this and when we landed I asked the guy in charge of the ferry to wait a few minutes before taking off, giving him a tip.

I went up the stairs to my current home, him following. When we reached the top I bit my lip, wringing my hands together. "Mako?"

"Hmm?" he hummed.

"Uh, thanks for hanging out with me today," I mumbled, rubbing the back of my neck. "And for the, um, compliment."

Mako's lips twitched at this. "Wouldn't get used to it," the Firebender replied. I pouted and he actually laughed a little. "It's late, I better get going but it was nice hanging out with you today." I smiled. "See you at practice tomorrow morning, Korra," he added.

I groaned loudly at this and I could hear another small chuckle as he walked down the steps. I went inside and found my parents waiting for me.

They asked how the day went and I told her about the fair and stuff, leaving out the fact I'd gone with Mako alone. I excused myself and went to my room, sitting on the windowsill, looking out the window to the Pro Bending arena.

No. He wasnt a jerk at all.

Asami's POV

I couldn't help but notice that the Fire Ferrets were doing extremely well for their second game playing as a team. Korra, as I knew she would, fit right in, getting the hang of things quicker than Mako would have expected. I could see him watching her in practice, making sure she didn't screw up, but I could also see the surprise when she mastered a move after only a few tries. It was amazing if I did say so myself.

It was the third and final round and I cheered them on from my booth in the arena. Apparently Mako had a strict 'no one in our back room' rule. I hadn't minded, he probably just wanted to concentrate on the match. After all, Pro Bending was more than just a game to him, it was a way to get out of their current state of living.

Before I knew it all three of them had worked together to knock the opposite team off the platform, giving them yet another win. I smiled at this and quickly headed over to the back room, ready to congratulate them.

"Congratulations guys!" I said as I walked in. "You were amazing out there!"

"Thanks," Korra answered, her usual smirk in place.

"Yeah, our new member did pretty good out there considering it's our second match as a team," Mako added, a small smile on his face.

"Is that a compliment I hear, city boy?" she replied.

He simply rolled his eyes and walked over to his locker. I laughed and shook my head at that. I didn't think Korra and he could ever get along after they almost bit each other's head off during practice.

"But you were pretty good out there, team captain," the Waterbender added after a moment.

"Is that a compliment coming from the Avatar?" the Firebender answered, raising a brow.

"Don't get used to it."

"How about we go celebrate?" I asked. I didn't want them to get into a fight. Again.

"We should go to Narook's!" Bolin answered.

Everyone nodded their heads and I stepped outside so that they could change. Soon after, my best friend came out, placing her parka over her head. I sighed at this. Even after all the time she spent traveling she never changed her style, always the same Water Tribe clothes. I always wanted to ask her why, but I never got around to it.

"So what did you and Mako do after I left?" I asked.

"Just went for a walk," Korra replied with a shrug. "Got to know him a little better."

"He isn't that bad, is he?"

Her lips twitched into a smile and she looked pensive. I frowned a little before a thought came to mind. Did she like Mako?

"No," she said after a moment, shaking her head. "He really isn't."

I nodded at this and soon the brothers joined us. I stayed behind with Mako as we walked over to Narook's, making small talk. We mostly talked about Pro Bending and about how Korra actually packed quite a punch and how surprisingly she was like any ordinary girl.

I shook my head at that. Korra was anything but an ordinary girl; after all, she was the Avatar. She could practically get anything she wanted.

I looked over at Mako.

Well, almost anything.

Korra's POV

We had another victory under our belt, getting us one step closer to the finals! Asami had suggested we go celebrate the victory and the brothers and I quickly agreed. After going to the fair, Mako and I seemed to get along a lot better than before. I actually got a few compliments for my skills from him and I'd return the gesture. I had to admit, he was amazing out there, a totally different person when he was in the ring.

Bolin and I decided that Narook's was the best place to go celebrate and both Asami and Mako agreed. We arrived and started ordering our food, talking about our latest match and of course the team captain had to bring up having even earlier and lengthier practices. I had nearly choked on my drink. He was already making me practice at seven in the morning for crying out loud!

Asami laughed at that and teased him about how he had finally met his match when I said I wasn't getting up any earlier. I raised a brow at that, watching them interact. I noticed that Mako smiled a lot more when she spoke to him and how they had been whispering to each other. I mean…they couldn't be together, right?

I felt someone staring at me and looked around to find some guy with a weird hairdo. I tilted my head to the side, wondering why he was staring. He smirked when I noticed him and Bolin tugged on my sleeve, making me break eye contact.

"Stop looking at him," Bo hissed.

I frowned at this. "Why?" I asked. "Who is he?"

"That's Tahno and the Wolfbats," the Earthbender answered, slouching a little. "Pro Bending champs, three years running."

I looked over at the guy again, my eyes narrowing. His smirk grew as he stood and walked over to us. Mako straightened at this, his body going stiff. Looked like he didn't like this Tahno guy either. I readied myself. If that guy was looking for a fight he was going to get it.

"Stay put, Korra," the Firebender said through his clenched teeth.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Fire Ferrets," Tahno began. "Pro Bendings saddest excuse for a team." My jaw clenched at this. "Tell me how did amateurs like you get into the tournament?" he continued before looking at me. "Specially you, Uh-vatar." I let out a growl as he drew closer to me. "If you want to see how a real pro Bends…I can give you some private lessons."

"Back off, Tahno," Mako growled.

I held my hand up before standing, my face inches away from his. I could tell he was enjoying putting up his little brave façade but I wasn't going to put up with his bullshit. That was a promise.

"You want to go toe-to-toe with me, pretty boy?" I asked.

"Go for it," Tahno answered. "I'll give you the first shot."

"Korra, don't," the Firebender said, getting up.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't put this guy in his place." My fingers twitched before curling into fists at my side. One quick punch and this douche would be out for the count.

"If you hit him, we're out of the tournament," Bolin explained.

Tahno's stupid grin widened at this and I growled again. So he was just baiting me to get us out of the tournament. Smart guy, but not smart enough. He had so messed with the wrong girl and I was about to show him that. Punching him was still tempting but I didn't want to ruin our chances at winning.

So instead I let out a loud whistle and Tahno looked confused before Naga appeared behind me, roaring and baring her teeth at the taller boy. I'll say this much about his reaction, I'd never heard a squeal that high pitched before.

Bolin and Asami burst into laughter at this and I couldn't help but join them. It was safe to bet that no one had ever stood up to that bully. Mako on the other hand looked upset as grabbed me by the arm so that I would look at him.

"Don't ever do that again," he said.

I yanked my arm out of his grasp. "What is your problem?"

"You could have gotten us kicked out of the tournament," Mako answered. "Do you realize that?"

"I wasn't going to hit him," I defended. Oh, I was. But I had more restraint than that.

The Firebender let out a huff before going to the bar area, his back towards me. Asami got up and followed him, sitting down next to him engaging in yet another conversation. I sighed at this but Bo got up and pat my back, a goofy grin on his face.

"No one had ever done that before to Tahno," the Earthbender revealed. "You are really one of a kind, Korra."

I grinned at this while patting Naga's head, telling her how great she'd been. The fluffy polarbear dog wagged her tail and licked my face. I chuckled at this, hugging her tightly around the neck. The environment of the small restaurant was comfy until the radio crackled and a voice disrupted the peace.

"Good evening, citizens of Republic City," it greeted.

'Amon,' everyone started to whisper as they started to get up and leave. I frowned at this. I had heard about the revolutionist here and there. Tenzin usually tried to keep me in the dark about him but I had done my own research. From what I'd read he had been terrorizing Benders in the city for quite some time until one of his hideouts was discovered, forcing him to leave. Apparently he was back.

"As you all know, the Avatar is in town," the voice continued. "She has been in the city for almost two months and has done nothing to address the growing unrest of us Nonbenders who are bullied by her kind." My fists clenched and my jaw set. "So, this goes to you, Avatar," Amon said. "I hope you don't find yourself walking alone in the streets of Republic City, or we just might meet."

And with that, the radio crackled once more, changing it back to the original tune. Who did that guy think he was? I wasn't afraid of him.

"That guy is a nut job," I growled. "And if he wants a fight, he's going to get one."

"Just relax, Korra," Bolin tried reasoning. "How about I get us some ice cream?"

I sighed and nodded, sitting back down. How was I just supposed to ignore a direct insult like that? Who did he think he was?

I noticed Bolin was taking a while and looked up to see where he had gone when I saw Asami lean up and kiss Mako.

A odd feeling bubbled up in my stomach, making it twist uncomfortably. I looked away, suddenly losing my appetite. Bo came back and sat down next to me, holding out the cup of chocolate vanilla swirl ice cream.

"I think I'm gonna head home, Bo," I told him, shaking my head and declining the treat. I felt bad seeing as he'd bought it for me but I couldn't stomach it.

His smile dropped and his brow furrowed in concern. "Everything okay?"

I smiled slightly. "Yeah, I'm just tired. Big day, you know?"

He nodded. "Maybe I should walk you home. Amon said-"

"I'm not scared of him," I said, cutting him off. "I'll be fine."

Bolin hesitated and reluctantly let me leave, saying goodnight. I waved as I got up from the booth and made my way out the door, knowing Bo would tell Mako and Asami where I went.

I hopped on Naga as soon as I was outside and pulled on the reigns to head home. I knew a short cut through the city and it involved a lot of alleys. Amon's threat played in my mind but I still asked Naga to go through the short cut. I just wanted to get home.

She whined and backed up but I assured her everything was fine. When she continued to disobey I bribed her, telling her I'd get her some fried fish if we got home fast. The polar bear dog let out a happy bark at this and took off at full speed.

Just as we were halfway through the alley I heard a swishing sound and was knocked off Naga, landing roughly on the ground before rolling away.

I let out a loud groan, sitting up and rubbing my head. I looked over to my best friend and heard her whine before I noticed the restraints around her paws. My eyes narrowed as I stood up, a flame appearing in my palm.

Suddenly ropes were wrapped around my feet but I quickly burned them off using my Firebending before engaging in hand to hand combat with some masked figures. More ropes wrapped around me and even though I tried Earthbending them off, they ganged up on me and punched my back and neck, knocking me to the ground.

I felt someone grab my arms before briskly straightening me. I took in a few sharp breaths, feeling the most worn out I had ever felt. I heard someone approach me and my eyes widened slightly.

Amon.

There had been rumors going around that he could take away Bending permanently. I thought it was all a hoax. It looked like I was going to find out.

"So I hear you aren't afraid of me, young Avatar," he said as he approached me. "But are you afraid of having your Bending taken?"

"You're a fraud," I growled.

The masked revolutionist chuckled at this. "Perhaps a demonstration then?" Amon asked, snapping his fingers.

A man with goggles came forward, dropping a thug on his knees, his hands tied behind his back. He didn't look scared, he looked terrified.

"Please," the man begged. "Help me."

"Let him go!" I demanded. "If you want a fight, I'll fight you!"

The masked man didn't say anything, simply untied him and the man stood up, sending burst of fire at him. He expertly dodged the attacks and maneuvered behind him, placing a thumb over his forehead and another on his neck until a loud scream was heard and the man fell on the ground. I looked on in horror before noticing he was approaching me now.

Amon raised a hand and I looked away, my eyes tightly shut. I felt his cold hand grab my face, making me look at him.

"Our showdown, while inevitable, is premature," Amon began. "Although it will be the simplest thing to take away your Bending right now." My eyes widened at this. "I won't," he assured before letting go of my face. I glared at him, trying to show him that I wasn't afraid. "You'd only become a martyr. Benders of every nation would rally behind your…untimely demise."

I fought against my restraints again and his eyes narrowed dangerously. There was so much venom in his voice as he spoke. He really did hate us Benders. "But I assure you, I have a plan, and I'm saving you for last," the revolutionist continued. I swallowed thickly, feeling shivers running up and down my spine. "Then you'll get your duel, and I will destroy you."

With that he stood up before punching my face, the people who had been restraining me, let go so that I fell to the ground. I felt my vision blur as my head made contact with the concrete before my eyes lulled shut. But instead of the darkness I expected I was bombarded with a cluster of images…memories of some kind.

A man with a ponytail frowning. The chief of police with her Metalbenders. An Airbender sitting in a room. A glimpse of a man. Then the same Airbender again looking upset as he chased after something.