A/N: Chapter four, now up! I hope you all enjoy, and please leave a review, it helps with the creative process.

Chapter 4: Descent

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When councilman Tenzin stepped into the precinct, he saw that it was buzzing with activity. Officers were rushing back and forth holding stacks of paperwork with absolutely no sense of direction. He was almost knocked over on several different occasions by paranoid policemen and women. The whole building seemed to be thrown into an utter state of chaos.

After hearing the radio broadcast at home with his family, Tenzin rushed down to see Lin Bei fong as soon as possible. If the man was planning to make good on his threat, he and his family were in serious danger.

Tenzin had been searching around the station for a while, but still couldn't manage to find the chief. He decided to ask around, and grabbed one of the passing officers by the shoulder. Unfortunately, the officer seemed in a rather foul mood, and did not take well to the disruption.

"What do you want old man?" he demanded, "I'm a bit busy right now!"

Tenzin frowned at the rude officer and answered calmly, "I am Councilman Tenzin, and I wish to speak with Chief Bei fong."

When the officer heard his title, he immediately dropped his paperwork and began apologizing. "I'm so sorry, councilman! We here at the precinct have been a little on edge after the terrorist's announcement, and especially with how the arrest attempt went-"

"Hold on, what happened during the arrest attempt?" Tenzin asked nervously

"You didn't hear? It was like nothing they had ever seen before, apparently! The guy managed to hide in the broadcast station and catch the squad by surprise. Killed three of them and severely injured nine of our best officers. He then managed to escape the premises without alerting any of the surrounding airships."

"So this man, the Arbiter, is still out there?"

The officer nodded gravely, "I'm afraid so. We're trying to build up security around his target while we search for him."

Whoever the Arbiter was, Tenzin knew that he was not a force to be trifled with. Evading an arrest team so easily and slipping out unnoticed is a feat that very few could accomplish. The threats that were made were not to be taken lightly, and from what the Arbiter had announced, he and his family could very well be the next target. That wasn't a risk he was willing to take. "Officer, it is imperative that I speak to Chief Bei fong right now."

"She's upstairs in the medical room meeting with one of the men from the arrest team," the officer told him, pointing to a flight of stairs to their right.

Tenzin bowed politely, and then ran up to the infirmary, where he saw Chief Bei fong sitting next to a bruised and bloodied officer. The air bender was taken aback by the beating the policeman had received. The area around both his eyes were purple and swollen. His left hand was completely wrapped, and his foot had a large cast on it as well. His right arm was in a sling and from the looks of it, the policeman was missing a couple teeth.

Lin looked up from her injured officer and grimaced slightly when she saw Tenzin. "What happened?" he asked her, still not taking his eyes off the policeman in bed.

"Didn't you hear?" Lin laughed bitterly, "We got our asses kicked by one man and ended up looking like fools. Not only that, but we couldn't stop his broadcast, but you probably already know that, seeing as you're here."

"Lin, he threatened to kill the entire council, as well as Korra," Tenzin said gravely

"Don't worry, Tenzin. This guy caught us by surprise once, but we won't be thrown off guard again. The Arbiter's given us a time and a target, he's practically handing himself in."

"So what do I tell my wife? My kids? Korra?" Tenzin asked the chief of police

Lin stood up from her seat to face him. "Tell them that we have it under control." Her expression softened as she placed a reassuring hand on Tenzin's shoulder, "Don't worry, we won't let this man hurt anyone else. I'm going to make sure of it, and Korra is going to help too."

"Korra?"

Chief Bei fong nodded, "Yes, Korra. This may sound surprising, especially coming from me, but she is the best bender I've seen in a long time. This 'Arbiter' may think himself a great warrior, but I highly doubt he would last a minute in the ring with the Avatar." Lin then sighed, "I just hope she knows after that little speech last night."

Tenzin knew Lin was right. Korra may act tough, but deep down she was easily intimidated by confidence that exceeded her own. The Arbiter was confident and charismatic, Tenzin himself felt himself shaking when the masked man delivered his threat via radio.

Tenzin hated to admit it, but in a way the Arbiter was right. They had allowed Amon's movement to grow out of control, not recognizing the threat that was right in front of them. The man had spoken with such conviction and belief that it was hard not to see the sense in his argument. But, no matter, his crimes were unforgivable, and the way he spoke of the Avatar, as if she was some sort of harlot, was inexcusable.

One thing was for certain, though, he needed to find Korra before she did anything rash. The girl had a history of not thinking straight when being called out so directly.

Just as he was about to leave, he heard someone yell, "Chief Bei fong!"

Tenzin turned around and saw Mako standing behind him, his face contorted into one of pure rage, with Asami behind him, trying to pull him back.

"Mako, come on, this isn't worth it!" Asami pleaded, as she tugged on his arm, but the fire bender merely brushed her off.

Lin looked at Mako, un-amused with his behavior, and asked, "What seems to be the problem?"

"What are you thinking, sending Korra up against this psychopath!" Mako questioned, pointing his finger at the police chief accusingly.

Chief Bei fong simply raised one eyebrow and said, "Come again?"

"Don't play dumb with me," Mako growled, his fists tightened and held up threateningly, "I heard what your messenger told her! You're going to make her guard Councilman Ulva!"

"Of course I am. She is the avatar, protecting others is her duty," Lin responded curtly

"Do you even care what happens to her?"

"I care a great deal for the girl," Lin snapped, "But it's her job to protect the people of the United Republic of Nations. That's what she was born to do!"

Mako stared at her in disbelief, "You sound just like that terrorist, commanding Korra to throw her life away for everyone else! Hasn't she done enough?"

Lin bit her lip nervously, choosing her next words carefully. She did not want to be compared to a terrorist, but she knew that Korra had to be the one to stand against him. If she wasn't, the public would make the mistake of believing his words, and would lose faith in their hero. Even if the entire council were to die, Republic City would survive, but if the one they looked up to, the one they entrusted their hope with, was to fall from their grace, Lin didn't want to know the result.

"You may assist her if you so please," Lin told Mako as Asami managed to pull him out of the infirmary, "But just remember where her duties lie."

The Arbiter sat in the darkness, staring at the door in front of him. After announcing his presence to Republic City, he had made his quick escape from the radio studio. The police had done their best to stop him, but in the end it wasn't enough. Even with their elite team of metal benders, who sent their iron whips out and attempted to bind him could not so much as slow him down. The Arbiter smiled under his skull mask, they had almost made it too easy.

Now all he needed to do was patiently wait for them to assemble their defenses and attempt to keep him from Councilman Ulva. But the Arbiter wasn't even worried. Even though he had given away his intended time and target, there was no doubt in his mind that Ulva's life would end before two days had passed.

He drew his katana from its sheath and held it out in front of his eyes. The beautifully crafted sword reflected the few beams of light that were able to penetrate the dark room, revealing the exquisite markings that ran down the blade. "I promise all your sacrifices will not be in vain," he whispered as he read through the characters over and over again. No longer would men and women in power ignore those who needed help the most.

"Am I interrupting something?" a soft voice asked from the other side of the room.

The Arbiter quickly sheathed the sword and looked across the table in front of him. Standing at the door was the blonde beauty, Maya, with a playful smirk on her lips. The Arbiter smiled when he saw her saunter over towards him, and greeted her with a playful, "Hello kitten."

Maya slightly frowned and sat down in the empty chair across from him. "How many times have I told you about that nickname?"

"I'm guessing you're here on business," the Arbiter sighed, motioning at the papers she was holding.

Maya shook her head and responded, "These papers have nothing to do with your assignment. I actually came down to check up on you, believe it or not."

"I didn't know you cared," he chuckled, "Did you bring me anything?"

"Hold on for a second." Maya put the papers down on his desk and began to fish through her bag. As she looked for whatever it was she planned on giving him, the Arbiter decided to take a peek at the forms she had been carrying around. He picked up the first sheet he saw and read it curiously.

"You planning on opening a restaurant kitten?"

Maya quickly sat up and snatched the papers from his hands. She scolded lightly, "Did anyone ever tell you not to poke your nose into someone else's business? But if you must know, that's the name of a small place I bought to do a little reconnaissance work of my own. Information usually travels through restaurants, you know."

"Good thinking," the Arbiter said, giving her a small wink.

Maya ignored him and placed a small box on the desk. Leaning over, the Arbiter examined the package carefully. "What is it?" he inquired

"I told you I got something," Maya said with a smile, "I think you'll like it."

The Arbiter shrugged and opened it up, revealing a bunch of small chocolates inside. He picked one and held it up in front of his face. "Cute," he chuckled as he lifted his mask a bit and popped one in his mouth. "It's been a while since I've had any."

Maya shrugged, "I figured you could use some, what with you being all bitter and all."

"So how are things sitting with the order," he asked as he chewed the truffle behind his mask.

The blonde shifted uncomfortably and answered, "They're pleased with your performance, but I'm sure you already new that. Just… be careful, alright. I know you've been waiting for this for a while now, but don't do anything rash."

"A while?" the Arbiter burst out laughing, as if Maya had just cracked the funniest joke of all time, "I clawed my way from death for this! Don't worry, kitten, I know what I'm doing. And even if I didn't, I still doubt the child could stop me."

"So confident," Maya teased, giving the Arbiter a playful poke on the chest, "You know you don't sound half as angry as you really are."

"My father once told me 'A great warrior never stops smiling until it's all over'. Bitterness is a sign of weakness, and one must always stay strong for those who they lead," The Arbiter said to her as he popped another chocolate in his mouth, "and tell me, would I be such lovely company if I sat around and brooded until my next job?"

"No, I guess you wouldn't," Maya agreed

The Arbiter finished off the last of the chocolates, and then asked her, "Will that be all, Maya?"

Maya, a bit taken aback by her hasty dismissal, simply bowed slightly and answered, "Yes, that will be all."

Before she was able to step out the door, though, she heard the Arbiter call to her, "Oh, Maya, one more thing."

Maya turned sharply on her heel and responded, "Yes?"

"Thank you for the chocolates."

Korra and Bolin stood at attention as Mako paced back and forth in front of them, muttering angrily. After he had returned from "giving that old hag a piece of his mind", Mako had dragged the two of them two the pro bending training room. Even though it was supposed to be closed, Korra was able to pull some strings to get them inside. She had told the head trainer that the fate of the balance depended on the three of them getting in, to which the man simply shrugged and responded, "Alright, you're the avatar, I guess."

"Um, bro," Bolin finally spoke up, raising his hand nervously, "Why are we here?"

"Why are we here?" Mako repeated in disbelief, "Why are we here? We need to train so we can stomp this guy! You heard him; he said he wants a fight. Well he's got a fight! We're gonna make him eat those words."

Korra nodded in agreement, she wanted to prove this 'Arbiter' that she wasn't some two-bit harlot. He had shamed her over public radio, and she didn't take to it well. At first Korra had been shocked by his words, and to her horror, slightly moved as well. But both Mako and Bolin quickly reminded her that she was the most powerful bender on earth. The two of them were probably right, she thought, so far the man had killed a defenseless old woman and took down a couple officers, but not a bender like her.

"Now from what the police have told us, this guy might not even be a bender," Mako told them as he continued to pace around, "But I think we've all learned just how dangerous even non benders can be."

"Hold on, how do we know he's not a bender?" Bolin asked

Mako let out an annoyed sigh, "Bo, if he was a bender, don't you think he would have used it when he was cornered by the police?"

"I guess so…"

Mako nodded and then continued, "Alright, then. We're going to start training." He turned to the avatar and said, "Korra, you and I are going to be working on your fire bending, first. Once we finish up, Bo will help you with earth bending. I assume your water bending doesn't need improvement?"

"It is my best element," Korra concurred

"Good, then assume your stance and we'll begin."

Korra spread her footing slightly, lowered her stance, and held her hands out readily. Mako walked around and began to inspect her as his brother began to work with a couple of stone disks. "Nice work, Korra," Mako commented as he circled around her, "Now, show me some fire fists!"

Korra followed his orders and punched out forward, sending small bursts of fire out from her fists. She continued until Mako gave her the signal to stop. "Not bad, but try and put just a little more power behind it."

She took a deep breath and focused on putting more feeling behind each punch. This time, the small bursts of fire became large orbs of inferno. Mako applauded as she continued her fire fists. After a couple dozen more reps, added on with some flame wheel kicks and dragon's breath, he motioned for her to stop.

"Nice, Korra! Your fire bending's really improved!" He complimented, pulling the young avatar into a hug.

Korra blushed slightly and laughed, "Hehe, well I had a good teacher."

Mako beamed happily, "I really don't know how much more I have to teach you."

An idea popped into Korra's head, something that she had always wanted to learn. Of course, she would have to be an experienced fire bender to learn it, but Mako had just told her that there wasn't anything more he could teach her. It was as good of a time as any.

"Hey Mako, there is one more thing you can teach me."

Mako looked at her inquisitively and asked, "What's that?"

With a wide smile, Korra answered, "Lightning bending!"

Mako suddenly became really nervous, avoiding her gaze guiltily. "I don't know Korra," he answered evasively, "Fire bending is one thing, but lightning is on a whole new level…"

"What do you mean?" Korra asked disappointedly

"Well, for one, lightning is really unpredictable. If you aren't careful, a stray bolt can do irreparable damage. Another thing is that some fire benders just can't do it. From what I heard, even the last avatar couldn't produce lightning."

Korra looked at him, wide eyed, giving him the best puppy eyes she could. "Mako, please? For me?"

Mako's will crumbled almost instantly at the sight of his pleading girlfriend. "Fine, I'll try," he muttered submissively. Almost immediately, from the other side of the room, the two heard Bolin's laughter.

"That was pitiful, bro," he guffawed, "She didn't even have to try!"

"Don't you have other things to do, Bolin?" Mako snapped angrily, shutting up the laughing earth bender. With a frustrated sigh, he then turned his attention back to Korra and said, "We'll start out with lightning redirection, something you're going to want to now before trying to bend actual lightning."

"Alright!" Korra responded with excitement, taking her stance readily.

Mako took his stance beside her and began his lesson. "There are a few things you should know about lightning before we start," he said as he prepared himself, "First of all, if you ever are on the wrong end of lightning, you dodge it. Do not try to redirect it if you can get out of the way, the risk just isn't worth it. Second, you are never in full control of the lightning. If you think for a second that you are its master, it'll electrocute you without second thought."

"You act like lightning is alive or something," Korra giggled jokingly

Mako glared at her, "Korra, if you can't take this seriously, then I won't teach you."

"What do you mean?"

Mako knew that she wouldn't like the answer, but it was for her own good. He didn't want her messing around with lightning just yet, and frankly the joke she just cracked proved that she wasn't ready. He convinced himself that it was for her own good, and that he'd never be able to forgive himself if she got hurt while trying to bend lightning. "Korra," he said in a serious tone of voice, "I really don't think your ready for this. While you may have the skill, you don't have the maturity to handle something like lightning."

"What?!" Korra snapped angrily, "C'mon, Mako, just a minute ago you were completely fine with it!"

Mako shook his head, "And I've realized what a stupid mistake that was. Korra, lightning is dangerous, too dangerous. I wouldn't be able to handle you getting hurt because of something I taught you."

Korra huffed furiously, "Well fine then! I'll go practice earth bending with Bolin, then. Or am I not 'mature' enough for that?"

She stormed off towards the earth bender and Mako watched as she dragged him outside by the ear. He sighed in frustration; Korra most definitely wasn't ready.

A/N: Lightning bending wasn't taken all that seriously in the first season. Instead of a powerful and dangerous form of bending, it was sort of used as just a way to power up machines. I think it's high time that it return to its former badass position.