Chapter 11

It had been several days since the party, and Korra had seen neither hide nor hair of her attackers. School had just been normal, or at least everything seemed so. Normal, calm. Korra didn't like it, "I don't like this." She proclaimed as she sat down, looking at her roommates as they all worked on projects and homework.

Asami rolled her eyes, "You're just saying that because you're bored."

Korra shrugged, "Yeah, well… Yeah."

Rachel smiled at the exchange, ever since she and Bolin had gotten back together she had been in good spirits, despite inconclusive pregnancy test, "Maybe you should get yourself a boy Korra." She said, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively before adding, "And reap all the benefits that come with it."

Tess frowned, "Free meals?"

"No I'm talking about di-"

There was a loud knock at the door, before it was flung open by a very frustrated looking Mako, who then stalked into the room.

"Come in." Korra said jokingly.

"Have you guys seen Natalie? I'm starting to get worried, I haven't seen her since the party, she's been skipping classes, and she hasn't come back to the dorm, like, where is she even sleeping?" Mako muttered, trailing off slightly as he paced back and forth.

"Did you do something to upset her at the party?" Asami asked, her eyes shining with concern.

"Well… um, maybe. I don't think so. I don't know." Mako stuttered, suddenly nervous.

The girls stared, eyebrows raised.

"Maybe." Mako gulped, shuffling his feet.

"…."

"Look, I don't know ok!"

Korra snorted, "Maybe she just took a surprise vacation? That seems very…"

"Natalie-like?" Asami finished.

"Yeah, except I saw her yesterday." Tess spoke up, "She was hanging out with Jet."

"Jet, alright got it, see yah later." Mako hollered over his shoulder as he quickly exited.

A few more minutes of silence passed, before the closet door opened of its own accord, and Natalie army crawled out.

"wat."

"Hey guys." Natalie sighed, standing up and brushing herself off.

"Why are you in our closet?" Korra questioned, looking at the girl reproachfully.

"I fucked up."

"Hey Jet, Tess said you were hanging out with Natalie the other day, do you, per chance, know where she is?" Mako asked hopefully, drumming his fingers on his thigh nervously.

"Uh, no I have no idea where she would be she's always with you so…? All we were talking about was our lifelong argument of which Halloween movie is the best."

"Oh, well, thanks Jet. See ya' around." Mako sighed, turning to look elsewhere.

"See ya!" Jet called after him.

"Fuckin' Hocus Pocus, Natalie doesn't know shit. Halloween Town is where it's at."

"So you guys got really drunk."

"Smashed."

"And had sex?"

"Awwwesome sex."

"And now you…?"

"Don't know what to do. That's why I'm here Tess, you always give me life advice what do." Natalie said helplessly, rolling over to look at Tess pathetically.

Tess frowned, wishing Asami could have stayed but only her and Rachel were left after Asami and Korra had left for classes.

"Tap that again."

"Rachel your pregnant, your advice is like ehhh maybe right now, no offense cutie." Natalie replied, raising an eyebrow at Rachel.

Rachel shrugged, "Yeah, well. Fuck all y'all."

Tess sighed, 'Not that I mind, but why am I the one solving everyone's problems.. oh well.'

"Well, do you wanna date him?"

"Maybe."

"Do you loooove him?"

"Maybe."

Tess sighed again, something she feels she been doing a lot of lately. Too much bullshit in this place.

"Well, maybe I can't help then."

"Ok, well then let's say, hypothetically, I answered both those questions with yes. What would you recommend?"

"Well, if you do like him,-" "Hypothetically" "Yes, hypothetically. Just tell him."

"Just tell him?"

Rachel looked up from her essay, "Yeah, man up Natalie."

{(I JUST SAW THE DUMBEST FUCKIN COMERCIAL IT SO HARD TO TRY AND WRITE SRSLY WHILE WATCHING HOCUS POCUS LIKE FAHK)}

Natalie frowned, "Well, I, uh. Ok. I'll figure something out." She muttered as she stood slowly and headed out the door.

Korra groaned, stretching her back as she left the library after a rather intense study session.

She checked behind her subconsciously. Ever since the night of the party she had been extra careful, for Tenzin's mental well-being if for nothing else. Yet, since the party everything had been eerily calm.

'Maybe I have some kind of.. guardian angel.' Korra thought with a chuckle, adjusting the strap on her shoulder

{(SOMEONE BRING AMON INTO THE STORY PLEASE AND THANK)}

Mako let out a heavy breath, smoke escaping his lips.

'I've looked everywhere… where is she?' Mako had spent the entire past few days looking for his friend, but she didn't seem to want to be found, and he was getting worried. And frustrated.

"Hey! Mako! Wait up!"

Mako turned around at the familiar voice, greeted by the sight of Natalie jogging to catch up with him, although she stopped a good ten feet away.

"Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you! I…" Mako trailed off, realizing he hadn't exactly planned what to say. "We need to talk about, er. What happened." Mako finished, a light blush coloring his cheeks.

"Yeah. That. Um. Ok. So. I have. Something." Natalie shuffled biting her lip, "Something. Soooomething. To say. I don't really know exactly how to get the English to do what I want so you know what I'm gonna wing it ok here goes so here's what is up we got really very nicely drunk at the party which was fun and then we had some really sweet sex, which was also awesome and if you think this is going in a rape-y or pregnant-y way then you can breathe because it isn't its going in um somewhere so I feel kind of like an idiot because that was a really slutty move of me and I mean, like that's not how I would imagine myself trying to start a relationship of any kind, no to complain because I'm not, but yeah I just didn't think that was very classy of me maybe and what I'm getting at here is I'm totally 110% in love head over heels with you like with the butterflies and everything and I just was thinking you know maybe we could have a thing not like what we did, well actually yes like that, but also another thing so like two things, so yeah and feel…. Um, free to, yah know. Cut me off. Jump in." She finished finally, looking up at Mako for a response.

Mako was grinning, obviously just managing to hold in his laughter.

"Oh or you can laugh at me that's fine too it's not like I have feelings that I'm bearing for you to see just yah know putting myself out there and you ju-"

Mako cut her off by gently pressing their lips together, wrapping his arms around her waist and drawing her closer.

She looked up at him curiously as they pulled away, her hands relaxing from digging her nails into her palm as she rested them on his chest.

"You cut me off."

"You just said I could."

"Yeah, but that was a di-"

Tess and Rachel had long since abandoned their homework stating that it was a problem for 'future Tess and Rachel' and had since been scouring Netflix and their collective movie libraries for the perfect movie.

"trust me Rachel this movie is speaking to me I know it's the one" Tess said trying to convince Rachel of a very sketchy looking never before heard of movie.

"Really Tess this looks like worse than just normal terrible" Rachel said looking unenthusiastic.

"Come on the spirits have never lead me astray, you have to let it speak to you" Tess said.

"The spirits have never lead you astray really? What about Space Dogs?" Rachel reminded Tess of the poorly animated children's film about dogs you couldn't distinguish the genders of who went into space.

"Are you kidding Space Dogs is the shiny achievement of movie picking and you know it" Tess said looking Rachel in the eyes.

"You just want to watch the worst movies possible" Rachel said pretty much giving up.

"I take offence to that every movie I have chosen has been perfect and each has my stamp of approval" Tess said smiling widely at nothing in particular.

"I give up pick whatever I don't have the energy to have this conversation with you for the tenth time" Rachel said flopping down on her bed.

"Woot woot" Tess said moving her arms in a raise the roof motion. As she grabbed for the remote she noticed Korra's phone left abandoned by the foot of Rachel's bed.

"Korra left her cell" Tess stated picking up the phone, "she should still be at the library I should go give it to her before we start ze movie marathon"

"Marathon" Rachel moaned into her pillow, "no"

"I'll be right back Rachel" Tess said moving to the door.

"No hurry"

Korra was walking back to her dorm when she remembered that Tess had said something about movie night. I don't think I'm emotionally ready for another one of Tess's movie nights. Better not go back quite yet, Korra thought turning around in her tracks looking in all directions, now then where to gooo?

Korra stood in place thinking for a few moments. I know! The gym, that's what I should do practice. Korra ran off in the direction of the gym not noticing that she was not so alone.

"Korra korra korra" Tess spoke softly to herself as she jogged lightly around the campus eager to return her friends phone. She reached the library and walked inside. She moved through the shelves noticing students in deep concentration, hushed whispers, and from what she could feel lustful connections. "no Korra" Tess said disappointed as she headed for the doors. She wasn't looking where she was going and slammed against another leaving student who happened to be carrying about six heavy duty text books. The kid dropped to the ground his books falling on top of him.

"oooh I'm sorry, that's my bad" Tess said looking down at the kid recognizing him immediately, "Zuko is that you?"

"yah" Zuko said moving some of his books off of him, he was steaming a little. Tess reached a hand down to help her friend up. Zuko looked up at Tess's hand for a moment and then up at her smiling face then he looked her in her eyes they were kind and warm a chocolate brown. He took her hand.

Right as Zuko was up again Tess kneeled down to collect Zuko's books, "sorry about that but bumping into me is like bumping into a brick wall, I'm really grounded." She said as she bounced up books in hand, she plopped them into Zuko's arms. "Here you go". She was about to bound away when she remembered why she was here in the first place. "You haven't seen Korra by any chance have you?"

"uh, no," Zuko said thinking, "wait yes actually she was here like twenty minutes ago", but I haven't seen her since, why are you looking for her?"

"oh nothing really that important she just forgot her phone," Tess said waving Korra's cell lightly, " I just want to make sure she had it just in case yah know". Zuko knew all too well he remembered how freaky those men who had tried to hurt Korra were.

"Do you want me to help you?" Zuko asked.

"sure if you want to, but what about your books?" Tess said gesturing to the pile.

"Uh, well I'll just pick them up later, no big deal" Zuko said placing the pile on the nearest table.

Korra walked into the dark gym, it was empty so the motion detecting lights had turned off but now with her arrival the lights around her flashed on leaving the other half of the gym in darkness. Korra placed her bag on the ground and walked forward stretching her arms out then cracking her knuckles. She smiled wickedly as she launched herself in to a fire propelled front flip landing in a split that sent fire rushing forward like a whip.

"WOOO that's what I'm talking about!" Korra said thrusting her arms up in the air. Okay focus, how did Tenzin do that air tunnel move? Korra breathed and adjusted her stance; she moved her arms out in front of her and focused. Nothing happened. Korra sighed "great" she muttered.

"So you can see, just by using your feet?" Zuko inquired.

"Yeah, I learned it from my friend at Ba Sing Se" Tess said

Zuko stopped 'Wow, she's amazing' he thought. She was strong both physically and emotionally, probably stronger than him. "So… see any sign of Korra?"

"I don't know, it looks like there might be someone in the gym. Let's check it out." Tess said marching forward.

C'mon damn it, air; you best bend if you know what's good for you. She thrust her arms forward expectantly. Nothing. "Seriously, damn it" Korra sighed. She heard a faint shuffling noise behind her and she whipped around. Her heart started beating faster and she looked around frantically, but she couldn't see anyone. "If this is you freaks trying to kidnap me, think again cause I'm not going with you… at least not without a fight." There was no response. "And the same goes if this is Tess trying to get me to watch another one of her movies." Again, there was no response. Korra sighed "I guess I'm just getting freaked out. I should just focus on practice." She went back to practice with a renewed intensity, remembering the men with the masks. She didn't want to feel helpless; if they attack again they're going to be sorry. She shifted her stance, placed her hands in front of her, and focused.

Tess and Zuko were getting closer to the gym now and Tess was starting to get worried.

"There's something wrong, it looks like there are two people there, but one is on the roof" Tess said as she quickened her pace.

"That's definitely weird, and you're sure there are two people there?" Zuko inquired.

"You're really asking me that?" Tess said shaking her head in disappointment "Zuzu I honestly thought you knew better." Tess remarked sarcastically.

"Alright, well if she is in trouble I'm sure Korra can handle herself. I mean it's just one person and she is the avatar" Zuko stated logically.

"Yah, but… I don't know let's just hurry up okay?"

Rachel looked at her watch, God how long has Tess been out looking for Korra? Oh well, maybe I should just visit Bolin and see what he's doing. Rachel walked down the hall and into Bolin's room.

"Oh hey Rachel, what's up?" Bolin said with a huge smile beaming on his face.

"Not much, Tess and Korra are out so I thought I'd come visit you" She said as she walked closer and kissed him.

"Not that I'm not happy to see you, but I thought it was your guys' movie night?" Bolin said with a puzzled expression on his face. Movie night was like a religion with them.

"Yeah I don't know why they're out so long but it was Tess's night to choose so I guess it's a blessing in disguise" Rachel said with an edge of seriousness in her voice.

Tess and Zuko finally arrived at the gym and they could see a shadow hunched over on the roof, peering through a ceiling light.

"I got this guy" exclaimed Tess. She stomped the ground and sent a rock soaring through the air like missile towards the mysterious figure. Right before the rock hit its target the shadow lunged and twisted so that the rock went crashing through the window. The figure then gracefully hopped down from the window and hurled himself forward towards Tess.

Bolin starred into Rachel's eyes and once again found himself shocked by her beauty. "I think we need to test if you're pregnant" Bolin blurted out. "We've been putting it off for too long, and you know that I am going to love and support you either way."

"I know, it's just that I'm so nervous. I mean, another person's entire life depends on this, not to mention both of ours" Rachel confessed. "Do you think, well maybe you could… come with me to the store?" Rachel mumbled.

"I wouldn't have it any other way" Bolin muttered dreamily.

Tess was making pillars of earth rise all around the mysterious man and was shooting spike of earth at him with an incredible velocity. Yet somehow he was able to dodge all of her attacks and continued his forward assault. It was clear to see now that the person was indeed a man, wearing a black robe and a mask with a red dot on the forehead. The man was now just a few feet from Tess, but before he could gain any more ground Zuko threw himself between the two of them. The man nimbly twisted around and hit pressure points on Zuko's arm so that it went limp, making bending from that arm was impossible.

"Stop!" Zuko shouted, flames shooting from his mouth and black smoke rolling from his nostrils.

"What the hell Zuko!" Tess exclaimed.

"Can't you see that his mask is different from the others', he doesn't have an X on him. Also, there's no one with him; whenever those other guys attacked before they did so in a pack."

"So if you're not with them who are you and what do you want?" Tess asked exasperated.

"I'm protecting the avatar" The man exclaimed in a deep voice, "and my name is Amon."

At that moment Korra burst the gym doors open and came running out shouting, "What the hell is going on here!"

Rachel was walking down the street to the convenience store with Bolin's arm draped over her. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach and the beat of her pounding heart as they went. She was so incredibly nervous thinking about the possible outcomes of the test, and she could tell Bolin was too despite his best attempts to appear calm and level headed. All of the sudden they were passing a shaded alley when Rachel heard a shuffling sound.

"What was that?" Rachel inquired, partly out of curiosity and partly to keep her mind off of the pregnancy test.

"I don't know let me check it out." Bolin stated. He slowly walked forward into the alley when three men jumped out and ambushed him. Before Bolin could react the three men in X masks had repeatedly jabbed him blocking his chi.

"Rachel, run!" Bolin shouted to her, as the men proceeded to beat him. Rachel paused for a second, unsure of what to do. Then all of the sudden a rage flooded over her and her instincts kicked in.

"Get off of him!" Rachel screamed and held out her hands towards the men. All of the sudden the three men in masks stopped. They froze in place, then their bodies started to shake and convulse. They slowly started to rise, and then Rachel realized what she was doing and starred down at her hands. The three men dropped to the floor and proceeded to run away at full speed, tossing a smoke grenade behind them.

"Rachel, what was that?" Bolin coughed out as he lied on the floor.

"I don't know" She responded. She walked over to Bolin, crouched down, placed her head in his chest and started to cry.