Just Like the Good Old Days
Hey, hey. I've been waiting forever for this one; this and the one after this are two of my favs. Anyway, I don't own Legend of Korra or the lyrics to "Protecting Me". Oh, this is just a reminder to check out my spin-off/one-shot, I would like more reviews on that, it's entitled "Noatak's Dream" and you can find it on my profile.
You
You're always there for me
When I need you most
Day and night you're by my side
Protecting me
When I feel like crashing down
You seem to be around
There you are
You're not that far
'Cos whenever wherever baby
You'll protect me
No matter what
Hold me tight
With all your might
And you'll never let me go
Protecting me
You
You listen to me when
I speak out loud and you
You know right when my heart's been bent
When my life's tumbling around
You take me off the ground
You tell me everything's ok
Whenever where ever baby
You'll protect me
No matter what
Hold me tight
With all your might
And you'll never let me go
-"Protecting Me" by Aly and AJ
You're Safe
Noatak's POV:
I had been having nightmares lately, the kind that caused me to wake up with a scream. I dreamt that I was watching my older self take away Korra's Bending and I couldn't do anything to stop it. It made me feel awful, sickened with myself; it made me more uncomfortable around Korra than when I had had dreams of an 'intimate' nature about her, luckily those had subsided, mostly. I got out of bed, it was the middle of the night, I saw Tarrlok shift uncomfortably in his sleep, no doubt he was having bad dreams too. Of course he would. I decided to walk over to Korra's room to see if she was sleeping okay. The temple made me feel very nervous, even if it was supposed to be a haven of peace, it creaked and had strange shadows at night that put me a little on-edge, of course I was used to being on-edge but it's different when you think your past self is out to get you or someone you care about. When I was outside Korra's room, I heard a loud gasp that bordered on a scream; I instantly flung open the screen door.
"Korra, are you alright?"
"I-I'm fine, Noak. J-just a bad dream."
"You too?"
Korra looked at me and I went in and sat down next to her.
"I had a pretty bad dream, that's why I'm here, I was…worried."
Korra gave a small smile and hugged me and I hugged back. I hated how I was scared, I hated that she was scared, I hated that everyone was scared because of me.
"What was your dream about?" Korra murmured.
"I'd rather hear yours."
"Nah, you go first."
I let out a sigh; when Korra asked me to tell her something I couldn't say no, I don't know what it was about her that just made me want to open up.
"Very well; I dreamt that I was sleeping and I heard noises in the hall, I poked my head out and saw dark figures, I tried to follow them but they attacked me." I didn't tell her the rest as I was certain that it would make her more scared. Yes, that is how the dream started, but I neglected to mention how I had followed the figures towards her room and was captured and dragged inside to watch as my past-self took away her Bending.
"Oh," she responded, "uh…yeah…that's a lot like what happened to me." I sensed that she was leaving stuff out just as I had done; only she was much more obvious about it.
The following evening, Korra was practicing her stances while Tarrlok and I were standing on the side, listening to the radio, when suddenly the music went static and an all-too-familiar voice came on."
"Good evening, my fellow Equalists. This is your leader Amon. As you've heard, the Republic Council has voted to make me public enemy number one, proving once again that the Bending oppressors of this city will stop at nothing to quash our revolution. But we cannot be stopped. Our numbers grow stronger by the day. You no longer have to live in fear. The time has come for Benders to experience fear."
As my other-self spoke over the radio, Tarrlok and I noticed that Korra had a terrified look in her eyes. Sweat was dripping down her face, and I was certain she was shaking. I couldn't believe I had had such an effect on her, I felt guilt wash through me like a wave.
The next evening, it was dinner time and Tarrlok refused to get out of bed. He'd been having trouble with sleep as most of us had, but he had decided to replace it with taking extended naps during the day. Now he was just being stubborn.
"Come on, we have to go to dinner. It would be rude not to show up."
"Mmph." Tarrlok mumbled into his pillow. I rolled my eyes.
"Come on," I said as I grabbed him by his ankles, "up you get."
Tarrlok let out an irritated whine, but I just kept pulling until he slumped to the ground.
"This would be easier if you would just cooperate."
"I wouldn't even be in this situation if you hadn't been doing all that fear-mongering and anti-Bending stuff. As far as I see, this is all your fault."
I knew his words were true, but he probably only said that because he was cranky about his bad night's sleep. I pulled him up to his feet by the scruff of his parka; it had been getting colder lately so we had begun to sleep wearing our parkas. He grudgingly relented, giving me that pout of his; I could swear that Korra uses the same pout when she wants to get her way. And we eventually managed to make our way to the family dining room, where we were met with quite the surprise.
Tarrlok's POV:
We had just walked into the dining room, and Noatak was apologizing for us being late, when we caught sight of a visitor. I began to feel awkward at seeing my older self here in this temple, oh, that's right; I was here to recruit Korra for my task-force. I mentally slapped myself; I should've stayed in bed. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
"Hey, boys!" Ikki, the youngest of the Airbender kids exclaimed as she rushed over to us, bombarding us with questions. "Why are you late for dinner? Did you know we have a visitor? Was Tarro sleeping late again? Noak, why do you always wear a ponytail like Korra? You know it makes you look girly."
Noatak and I ignored the barrage of questions, and proceeded to go and sit by Korra, I sat on her left and Noatak sat on her right, we were both trying to ignore the curious looks that my older self was giving us. It's so weird to see yourself the way other people see you.
The older me then came over to us, though he/I was mostly focused on Korra, I couldn't help but notice that he was interested in finding out who me and Noatak were.
"You must the famous Avatar Korra. It is truly an honor. I am Councilman Tarrlok, representative from the Northern Water Tribe."
"Nice to meet you." Korra replied.
Noatak rolled his eyes and I shot him a glare. Say what you will, my older self has some serious charm. Then, Ikki leaned over the table and looked at my older self curiously.
"Why do you have three ponytails? And how come you smell like a lady? You're weird." She said, I knew that Noatak was struggling not to laugh. I remembered how Korra had had a similar reaction to me when Noatak and I appeared in the South Pole all those years ago.
"Well, aren't you…precocious?" My older self stated. Ikki continued to glare at him/me, while he turned his attention back to Korra. "So, I've been reading all about your adventures in the papers. Infiltrating Amon's rally, now that took some real initiative."
"Well, Noak over here did most of the work, he figured out how to find the rally." Korra responded as she gestured to Noatak, who just shrugged as if it was nothing. I care about my brother, but sometimes he can act like a smug bastard (pardon my language). I noticed that Korra was starting to get a questioning look on her face as her eyes darted from me to the other me.
"Well," my older self continued, "Republic City is certainly much better off now that you and your friends have arrived."
"Enough with the flattery, Tarrlok," Tenzin said irately, "what do you want from Korra?"
"Patience, Tenzin, I'm getting to that."
"It's pretty obvious, isn't it?" I spoke up drawing everyone's attention. "He wants her to join his taskforce, am I right, Councilman?"
"Uh…yes, that is correct, how did you…?"
"Let's just say I'm pretty good at guessing."
Noatak scoffed at me.
"Yeah, you did such a great job guessing your way into getting kidnapped by Equalists." He said sarcastically.
"Hey, that was not my fault."
"Boys," Tenzin said in a serious tone, "kindly cease your fighting, we are in a place of peace."
"Yes, Master Tenzin." We both said in synchronization.
"Anyway," the older me continued to speak to Korra, "I need someone who will help me attack Amon directly, someone who is fearless in the face of danger. And that someone is you."
"Join your taskforce? I can't." She replied calmly.
Everyone stared at her in shock except for me and Noatak.
"I must admit, I'm rather surprised. I thought you'd jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon."
"So did I." I heard Tenzin mutter to himself.
"I didn't." I said.
"Me neither." Noatak added.
"I came to Republic City to finish my Avatar training with Tenzin. Right now, I just need to focus on that." Korra stated.
"Which is why this opportunity is perfect, you would get on the job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city." The older me explained. "And I'm sure that if you joined, your two friends here would be willing to accompany you."
"We'd follow Korra to the ends of the Earth." I whispered, though I was sure that my older self heard me.
"Korra gave you her answer; it's time for you to go." Tenzin said.
"Very well," the older me said, "but, I'm not giving up on you just yet. You'll be hearing from me soon. It has been a pleasure, Avatar Korra." As he left, I noticed he gave one final look at me and Noatak.
"Bye-bye, Ponytail-man." Ikki exclaimed.
I knew we would not be seeing the last of me.
Korra's POV:
Something weird was going on, I was certain that I knew Tarrlok from somewhere before. Truth be told, I think he looked a lot like an older version of Tarro; they looked like they could even pass as father and son. Weird, huh? I got this feeling that Tarro and Noak were hiding something, or they knew more than they were letting on, just the awkward way they had been interacting around Tarrlok. Noak and Tarro did have a mysterious past that they never talked about, and I've got this crazy theory that maybe Tarrlok is their long-lost dad or something. Does that sound like reasonable logic? It does to me.
Well, on another matter, I've been missing out on Pro-Bending practice all this week, I bet Mako's going to get ticked with me when I come back. I don't know why, but I've been finding I like Mako a lot; at first, he was so infuriating, but I think I might be developing some feelings for him. He's pretty cute, and strong, and he hasn't been a friend of mine my whole life so I don't see him as a brother. Maybe I shouldn't give up so easily on Noak, but he never really gives off any indication that he likes me as more than a friend or an adopted sister, so why shouldn't I notice attractive guys that aren't him? Wait, maybe I need to rephrase that.
Tarrlok's POV:
We had just been sitting around on the temple steps, hanging out with Bolin, who had shown up to thank Korra for saving his Bending, when my squeaky-voiced assistant from my other life came up to us.
"Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer." He said as he handed Korra a large gift-basket, the same as the one I had sent her in that other life.
"Tell him I haven't changed my mind." Korra responded.
The assistant then left.
"Who's this Tarrlok guy?" Bolin asked Korra. "Is he bothering you? Huh, 'cause I could have a word with him."
"Heh, no it's not like that. He's just some old guy who works with Tenzin on the council."
I started choking on glass of lychee juice. Old? She thought I was old? I just knew that Noatak was laughing inside, again, he never laughs at people to their faces.
"Oh, good, good, that sounds better, I like that better." Bolin replied.
Just then the assistant came back, this time carrying two extravagant gift-baskets.
"Tarrlok also asked me to give these to your two friends." The assistant said as he set down the baskets in front of me and Noatak before leaving again.
Noatak shot me a look, and I just shrugged in response.
"I guess Tarrlok's out to get you guys on his side too." Korra said.
"He probably just thinks that we might try to encourage you to join that taskforce." Noatak said. It did seem like the type of thing I would do.
Eventually, the invitation to the gala came, and Noatak and I had to go shopping for some suits while Korra went to find a nice dress. I found a decent suit, the coat was navy-blue with a light-blue under-jacket, it was a simple style but nice; Noatak got himself an ensemble similar to mine in style, only it was all in a rich ocean-blue except for the white shirt. When Korra came out of the dress section, I recognized the dress she wore as being exactly the same as the one she had worn to the gala in in the other life. This was going to make for an interesting evening.
Noatak's POV:
We entered the gala with wide eyes; my little brother had certainly spared no expense when he held this gala. In the other life, I had relied on my informants that had attended the gala to give me information on what had happened; I knew right away that this whole thing was a set-up, and I resolved to do all I could to keep Korra away from anything potentially threatening. Speaking of which, the older Tarrlok came up to greet us.
"So glad you could make it, Avatar Korra." He greeted her, throwing a side-glance at me and the younger Tarrlok, this was getting really confusing. I instinctively locked arms with Korra so as to make sure we wouldn't get separated in the crowd; such a thing would give the older Tarrlok an opportunity to isolate her and lead her to the reporters. "And I see you brought your friends, the more the merrier." I rolled my eyes, even if I hadn't known his whole scheme it was still transparent enough that I would know not to let my guard down. Tarrlok (the younger one) was looking very anxious; I knew how awkward this whole situation was for him. The older Tarrlok proceeded to lead the three of us over to meet people, eventually we were introduced to Hiroshi Sato, and the awkward just kept on coming. Just then, who should walk up to us but Mako, who was arm-in-arm with Asami Sato, Hiroshi's daughter.
"It's lovely to meet you. Mako's told me so much about you." Asami said to Korra.
"Really? Because he hasn't mentioned you at all. How did you two meet?" Korra inquired, I sensed a note of jealousy in her tone. She was jealous that Mako was clearly with Asami? The notion irked me, greatly.
"Asami crashed into him on her moped." Bolin said, appearing out of nowhere.
"What? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Mako replied, "more than fine. Mr. Sato agreed to sponsor our team; we're back in the tournament."
"Isn't that great?" Bolin exclaimed.
"Yea, terrific." Korra answered with very little enthusiasm. Korra didn't seem to feel any better when the older Tarrlok accosted Chief Bei Fong and reintroduced the two women, and Bei Fong proceeded to deride Korra. I sensed that it was getting close to the time when the older Tarrlok was going to get Korra over to the reporters; I looked over at the younger Tarrlok who seemed to read my thoughts and nodded. I knew that there would be only one way to keep Korra away from the older Tarrlok, and I swore I would never resort to this measure unless it was absolutely necessary.
"Korra," I said, "would you care to dance with me?"
She gave me a look of absolute befuddlement.
"Uh…you dance?" She asked. I could feel my cheeks turning red. I knew the annoying Firebender…I mean Mako, was glaring at me. What was his problem? Isn't he already dating that Asami girl? It certainly looks that way.
"Yes, I have some experience dancing."
"And where was I when you learned that, because I certainly don't know how to dance."
I took her hand and began to lead her towards the dance-floor.
"It's easy, and I'll help you." Spirits, I swore I would never ever do this again, but it's too late to back out now.
Tarrlok's POV:
"Save the next dance for me!" I called after them. As they walked away, my face fell. So, once again my brother is favored over me. I should've seen it coming. It didn't hurt as horribly as I thought it would, but it was still a little bit of an injury to my pride at least. My older self turned to me.
"So, how long have you and your brother been friends with Avatar Korra?" He asked.
"Since we were children. Korra's mom found us lost in a blizzard." I answered. I noticed him flinch when I mentioned the blizzard.
"So, I know your brother's name but I don't recall being told your name." I could feel him looking at me in curiosity, like I was some sort of freak from the circus, it just made this so much worse.
"I'm Tarro."
"So, Tarro, are you originally from the South Pole like our dear Avatar?"
"No, Noak and I grew up in the Northern Tribe." Idiot! You shouldn't be revealing so much truth! "We sorta…ran away…"
"Oh really, and why did you do that?"
"Uh…I…we…hey look a hog-monkey!" I shouted and then ran for it. I knew that was a bad escape attempt, but I don't make good decisions under pressure. I then looked around for Korra and Noatak; when I saw them they were still on the dance-floor. I hadn't seen Noatak dance in years, not since that other life, and he had had to stop when dad found out. That was not a pleasant day for either of us, and I don't wish to dwell on it. I don't think I'd ever seen Noatak look so happy before, not even during our second childhood, he was blushing like a fool and had a dopey grin on his face. Korra was also blushing, and she seemed much happier than she did earlier. Even though I envied my brother, I couldn't help but feel happy for him.
Korra's POV:
I couldn't believe it, Noak was dancing with me, and he was…good. I felt like I had two left feet compared to him, but he didn't even wince when I accidentally stepped on his foot. I felt heat start to rise in my cheeks when he put his hand on my waist and pulled me close to him. I felt so incredible dancing with him. He made me feel special, and not Avatar special, but Korra special. The fact that he cared about me as more than just the Avatar was a good thing after all. To him I would always be Korra, and that was what mattered all along. We had just finished our dance, and I sensed that our faces were drawing closer together; when suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder yank me back to reality. I looked over and there was Councilman Tarrlok.
"Avatar, I hope you don't mind, but there is a matter of importance." He said.
"Excuse me, Councilman Tarrlok," Noak said with a note of aggravation, "but I believe you just interrupted something."
"It won't take a moment." He then steered me away from Noak and over to where a gang of reporters was waiting.
Noatak's POV:
I glared at Tarrlok all the rest of the evening, both of them. I never realized before just how pressured Korra was in that interview, my informants had all just given me a vague description, they never indicated that Korra had been put under that level of antagonization from the press. I knew I was being a bit too hard on the younger Tarrlok, as he was genuinely remorseful for what had happened. Both of us agreed to join the taskforce as well, but simply for Korra's sake. I sensed that Korra was afraid, especially on the first mission. We were infiltrating a chi-blocker training site, the one under the bookstore. I noticed how Korra gasped in barely contained fear when she saw the banner with the image of the mask on it. I mentally kicked myself once again. I also was getting the vibe that both of the Tarrloks were enjoying beating up Equalists perhaps a little more than they should. When Korra ran after two of the escaping chi-blockers, I saw both Tarrloks follow after her; naturally, I pursued as well. Korra was about to get taken down by another chi-blocker who had been lying in wait, when the younger Tarrlok froze him to the wall.
"Nice timing, thanks, Tarro." Korra said.
"Excellent job, kid." The older Tarrlok congratulated him.
"Well," the younger Tarrlok responded, "we do make a good team."
"Yeah, we do." Korra agreed.
Afterwards, we were all made to pose for photographs of us with the captured Equalists. I still don't think they should have made such a big deal of this, as if it wasn't awkward enough for me to be attacking my former supporters. Then came the fateful press conference, the one that I dreaded. I knew what would happen, and it was disconcerting to once more hear those words.
"Amon, I challenge you to a duel! No taskforce, no chi-blockers, just the two of us tonight at midnight on Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Let's cut to the chase and settle this thing, if you're man enough to face me."
Later that evening, Tarrlok and I watched as Korra set off for her "showdown". I knew that my older self wouldn't do anything to her, but it was still nerve-wracking. I barely registered the argument going on between Tenzin and the older Tarrlok. Then I saw it, even from here, the blasts of fire as Korra attempted to defend herself. I didn't hesitate, even though I knew my older self had sworn to save her for last, I leapt right onto the water and created an ice-board that I propelled straight to the island. I knew Tenzin and my brother were right behind me, but I went as fast as I could. When we got there, unsurprisingly, my older self and the chi-blockers had already left, and I ran straight over to Korra and helped her sit up, discreetly pressing a chi-point that would help her regain consciousness more quickly.
"Korra." I said. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," she scarcely more than whispered, "I'm fine.
"What happened?" Tenzin asked. "Was Amon here?"
"Yeah, he ambushed me." She answered weakly.
"Did he-did he take your Bending away?"
Korra produced a small flame in her hands.
"No, I'm okay."
"Ah, thank goodness."
Korra suddenly broke out into a fit of sobs, and caught me off-guard as she clung to me for comfort. I responded by wrapping my arms around her, and holding her tight to let her know that she was safe.
"I was so terrified." She choked out. "I felt so helpless."
I felt a pang of guilt wash through me yet again. I never knew that my threat had reduced her to tears. I really felt like the bad guy.
"It's okay, Korra." I whispered to her. "You're safe now."
Korra then looked at Tenzin.
"You-you were right…I've been scared this whole time." She buried her face into my chest, as if she were trying to hide. "I've never felt like this before and-and I don't know what to do!"
Tenzin knelt down beside us and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Admitting your fears is the first and most difficult step in overcoming them." He said.
Korra was still weak from being knocked out, so as we left the island I carried her. I hadn't seen her so terrified since we were kids and that polar-leopard attacked us. I stayed by her side the rest of the night; I couldn't sleep anyway so I just held her as she cried herself to sleep. I hated this; I hated knowing that I had caused this amazing girl, this amazing young woman, to cry and be afraid. Tarrlok stood by, concerned, and wanted to stay as well but I told him to just go to bed and he did. I promised myself that I would never let anyone hurt her, not even me; but now it seemed that that promise was easier said than done. But no matter what, I would keep on fighting for her, I would protect her.
Hope you all liked this chapter, I love how I worked in a dancing scene, I think it was so cute. And notice how what Noatak thinks in that final sentence is sort of a reversal of his "I will destroy you" from when he was Amon. Okay, love you all, see you soon.