It had been two days since the rally. Rein would watch as Korra kept all her troubles inside, while visiting Asami each day. He hadn't forgotten to bring up the fire ferrets prize ante, but couldn't find a moment to bring it up with all that's been going on. That and he didn't want to make it seem like he was just friends with her for her money. Then the third day came. Korra stood by the docks with Tenzin and the white lotus sentries to greet some very important guests to the island. First to exit the ship was master Aasha who had since dropped the water tribe fur coat for her old training gear. A sleeveless gray and messy looking shirt over form fitting pants. Her montral's and lekku on full display, startling the air acolytes to her bizarre and alien appearance. Alongside her were her daughters. Naisha, a chubby light blue Togruta. White marks patterned over her eyes. Four teeth like marks, two just above the brows, and two flanked the sides of her lips. Four more stripes and teeth from her shoulders to just above her chest. Her montrals and lekku were beautifully patterned. Vibrant blue eyes glistening. She painted her upper lip pink and a white mark down the bottom lip to her chin. She wore bright clothes that fit close to her chubby figure, mostly anything with floral patterns. Her sister, Marsha, was far thinner with a blood red hue to her skin. She wore a darker set of clothes, making it clear she was here for training and not fun. Aasha, leading them forward, bowed in front of Tenzin. "It is my pleasure to meet you again, Tenzin. And you too Korra. I do apologize for the huge entourage. The ship council has voted two of the council members to come down to teach Rein. Unfortunately I couldn't just drop the training of my daughters to do such. Afterall, it is my responsibility to the next generation."
"Where is brother Rein?" Naisha asked, looking up at Korra.
"He's…out in the city." She sighed knowing full well he was likely meeting Asami.
"So he's out galavanting around when we came all the way down to train him." Leonar spoke up, pushing his glasses up, causing the sun to glare across them. He was not the least bit pleased being here. The back of his head would be slapped by a woman with unruly black hair, tanned skin and extremely sharp teeth who frowned at his response. She didn't seem to care much for appearances as she had thrown on whatever she could get her hands on. A black tubetop, short sleeve jacket, and ripped jeans. Her midriff bare. If one looked close enough they could see the hole in her hand and white bone-like material that flanked both sides of her jawline. This was Urhesha, an Arrancar. Alongside her was another tanned woman that one could almost mistake as her twin had it not been for her hair being kept straight and running down her back. She was also thinner than Urhesha with white bone-like material curving around her eyes. Hilona brought a hand to her hip, having to share a wardrobe with Urhesha.
"Quit your whining. We know you don't want to be here, but that doesn't mean we don't want to." Urhesha scolded.
"Besides, if you really wanted to train him seriously, you would have brought that nimrod Takajima." Hilona added. "Then again, he'll just come down on his own since we left him behind." It was clear just from their interactions, the two had no respect for the council speaker. Korra winced at how bluntly the three argued. However the two seemed to understand there were kids around, and refrained from stronger language. Aasha sighed watching the three argue. With a quick application of the force, the three were thrown into the water. The two girls screamed loudly as they were tossed aside like that, and Leonar was less than thrilled by this.
"Let's let them cool off for a while. So master Tenzin. Where shall we be sleeping tonight? I am not against sharing a room with my daughters to conserve space." Aasha would smile at the elderly bender.
"I am. I am very much against sharing a room with my mother." Marsha interjected, refusing to share a room with her mother like a youngling. Tenzin brought a hand to his mouth before having to drop his own announcement.
"I'm sure the air acolytes will show you to your rooms without issue. I, on the other hand, must be off. The council is currently discussing what to do about this whole situation with Amon."
"I understand master Tenzin. If there is anything I can do while you're gone." Aasha offered her assistance.
"Thank you, but I would ask Pema about this rather than me. Now, I must be off." Stepping onto his sky bison, he took flight towards city hall. As he took off, Aasha let out a sigh before looking to Korra whose training was likely suffering from his appearance and disappearance for council meetings.
Elsewhere, in the city. Mako was leaving his job at the powerplant. As he went to cross the street, a white moped had run into him, while a giant lizard slid to a stop. "Oh my god. Mako? Are you okay?" It was then he heard Rein. Stepping off Cyclizer, the woman on the moped that hit him also got off.
"I'm so sorry. I couldn't see you." Asami apologized, as the firebender gained his bearings once more.
"How could you not see me? I was just uh…" It was then he saw the woman with raven black hair for the first time. He was driven speechless as she waved her hair from her helmet. Red lipstick and a light pink eyeshadow. Her lashes were also done today. Mako, now a blushing mess, was left speechless and stuttering. Rein and Asami would both lean down to help him stand.
"Are you okay? Did I hurt you? I'm such an idiot." Asami berated herself, worrying for the guy.
"I should have spotted you sooner. This is totally my fault." Rein apologized, trying to take the blame for running over Mako, despite not being the moped rider.
"No worry, I'm fine." Mako brushed himself off. "My brother hits me harder than that everyday in practice."
"Pretty sure that's because he throws disks of stone at you." Rein added. "I'm sorry. You two haven't met. Asami, this is Mako. He plays for the fire ferrets with Korra." Hearing this, a slight tinge of red touched her cheeks, and her eyes brightened as she brought a hand to her face.
"I'm so embarrassed. Let me make this up to you somehow. Tomorrow night, eight o'clock, Kwong's cuisine." Hearing this, Rein was less than happy knowing he was going to be hungry afterwards. Mako on the other hand.
"Kwong's? I don't have any clothes nice enough for a place that classy." Mako informed her. Asami wasn't even deterred by this.
"I'll take care of that. All you need to do is show up." She smiled and got on her moped. Rein did the same with Cyclizer.
"And you better show up. She will hunt you down if you don't." Rein playfully teased, though it wasn't directed at Mako.
"Rein, don't scare him off like that." She smiled knowing full well he was just poking fun at her self defense lessons. The two quickly went along their way, leaving Mako behind.
That evening at dinner, Rein ate the meal set before him peacefully. Marsha looked down at the meal with a slight apprehension. There was no meat, and unlike Naisha who was a complete vegetarian, and Aasha who grew up with the Jedi, she was spoiled by choice growing up. She wasn't the only one, as the two Arrancar looked just as confused by the vegetarian diet of Tenzin's family. Clearing her throat, Aasha addressed Rein. "So Rein. You didn't expect the council to approve of sending us down to train you did you?" She tried being lighthearted about this at first. Rein would briefly look up, before expressing his thoughts.
"Thanks but…I'm not sure Leonar can teach me anything." Leonar, who was sipping on tea suddenly began to choke at the comment. Hilona and Urhesha snickered as he continued. "He's proven unreliable. He hates me and my family. He has shown no respect towards anyone since being released from cryo. His experiments only work half the time. The other half the time they work just to the opposite effect and usually end up backfiring on him." Spear after verbal spear stabbed into his body. The two Arrancar burst into laughter as Aasha winced at every comment to Leonar's character. "Worse yet, I don't use spiritual energy the way they do. I am far busier finding my own style that trying to work his style of fighting with a Quincy bow would only divert my attention." Leonar, foaming from the mouth at how useless Rein thought he was, slumped down the table feeling dead inside. "How he made ship council is beyond me."
"Rein, I think you broke his spirit already." Korra whispered in his ear. Noticing Leonar slumped down like he had just been bludgeoned over the head with a club, Rein finally chose to quiet down. That was when Tarrlok interrupted.
"I'm not interrupting am I?" The neatly dressed northern water tribe councilman stepped in. His hair braided in three ponytails.
"This is my home, Tarrlok. We're about to eat dinner." Tenzin informed, trying to get the uninvited guest to leave.
"Good because I am absolutely famished. Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, am I right?" He smiled as he pulled one over Tenzin, using his cultural pride and heritage to his own advantage. Tenzin sighed in agreement, earning a rather dirty angry look from his wife. "Oh. You must be the famous avatar Korra. It is truly an honor. I am councilman Tarrlok. Representative from the northern water tribe." Korra got up to bow to the man as Rein tried making himself look small so as to not be noticed. "This must be Rein. I heard you two have been inseparable since your time in our sister tribe." He smiled before noticing Aasha, her daughters, Leonar, and the Arrancar girls. Seeing the uninterested gaze in Aasha's eyes, he knew right away not to try and butter her up for what he wanted. Her alien appearance alone made him wonder just what secrets they were all hiding in the south. And how to make them benefit him. As he sat, Ikki came over.
"Why do you have three ponytails?" She then sniffed the air. "And why do you smell like a lady? You're weird." Rein covered his smile, and how secretly proud he was of her.
"Well aren't you…precocious." He did his best to put on his winning politician smile. This earned a rather annoyed and suspicious glare from the young airbender. "So. I've been reading all about your adventures in the papers. Infiltrating Amon's rally. Now that took some real initiative." He praised Korra's work, while leaving out Rein's part in the ordeal.
"Oh. Thanks. I think you're the first authority figure in the city that's happy I'm here." Korra responded while looking away.
"Republic city is much better off now that you have arrived."
"Enough with the flattery Tarrlok." Tenzin scolded. He was now glaring at his fellow councilman. "What do you want from Korra?"
"Patience Tenzin. I'm getting to that." Tarrlok brushed Tenzin off. A smile constantly plastered on his face. "As you may have heard. I am assembling a task force. I will strike at the heart of the revolution. And I want you to join me." This surprised both Korra and Tenzin. "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 threw his sales pitch to Korra.
"Join your task force?" Korra looked away thoughtfully. Then a little disappointed, she responded, "I can't." This surprised Tenzin and Tarrlok. Rein would smile, placing a hand atop of hers supportively. Just feeling his support alone in this situation was enough to show Korra that she was doing the right thing.
"I must admit. I'm rather surprised. I thought that you'd jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon." Tenzin couldn't agree more, though he only did so under his breath.
"I came to Republic city to finish my avatar training with Tenzin. Right now I need to focus on that." Korra responded to the comments.
"Which is why this opportunity is perfect. You would get on the job experience while performing your avatar duty to the city." Tarrlok argued. Tenzin finally put his foot down.
"Korra gave you her answer. It's time for you to go." Tarrlok, understanding he overstayed his welcome, got up. However, before he left, he assured them that they'd be hearing from him again soon.
The next morning, Rein rolled his wrist. His hands ached for the fight ahead. Before him was Marsha and Naisha. Naisha held a bo staff, while Marsha carried with her a wooden long sword. Rein, having given up the current idea of using sword and bo, instead wielded a single wooden one. As soon as the match began, the two Togruta charged him. Being further ahead in training, he blocked each with ease before using the force to push Marsha back. She was easily the more experienced of the two. Putting distance between him and her, he could focus on Naisha. Their wooden blade clashed loudly against her staff before he used the force to push Marsha back again. The red Togruta, growing more and more frustrated, leapt over trying to land a blow on his back. Before her sword came near him, his tail pulled her feet out from under her, dropping the girl to the ground. She groaned before gasping as that same tail smacked her across the belly to make sure she stayed down. Giving into frustration and anger had led to her making a slipup which cost her the match. Naisha's inexperience began to show. Her swings were sloppy, weak, held no power behind them, and all the while her staff was held loosely by her hand, which Rein took advantage of. With a powerful strike, he finally dislodged her staff from her hands, landing it in the bamboo to the side. Placing the blade against her neck, Rein felt no pleasure in this duel. His fighting style was far too rigid and formal. It was way too like a Jedi for his taste and Aasha could see this. His mind was elsewhere when Aasha called to him.
"Rein. You did well…You seem troubled."
"I am master. But it's not from the duel. My mind's just elsewhere." Looking at his expression, she gained an impression he was thinking of a girl. A smile appeared across her face.
"You must really like them don't you?"
"Y-Yes…But…Korra is amazing as well." Seeing his troubles Aasha brought her right hand to her cheek. Young love was something special to her heart. Something she wasn't going to make a mistake in not allowing like the Jedi order. That said, she had something else in mind.
"You know polygamy is a widely accepted practice in some cultures." She playfully poked fun at the idea. This caused the faces of her daughters and his to flush red.
"MOM!" Marsha shouted, embarrassed that she'd even suggest that.
"What? Cerean's and Kaleesh approve of it. Jedi master Ki-Adi Mundi has four wives." She threw this fact out there casually. This was all despite the fact she knew he got special permission due to his race's low birth rates. Rein, who was only sixteen, was going through his head, mumbling about all the responsibilities someone like that would face. Family, friends, household chores, the happiness of each wife, getting a house big enough for everyone, their safety.
"Seriously, you need to stop filling Rein's head with these weird things." Marsha covered Rein's ears and began walking him away.
"Don't worry sweetie. I'll love you and all your wives." Aasha spoke, as if it was already set in stone.
"I can't believe she used to be a Jedi master." Marsha groaned as Naisha followed behind them.
Later that day, Rein took a breath looking at Kwong's. He stood beside Mako, rubbing his own wrist as Mako looked at his outfit which made him look like a platypus bear in a circus. Upon entering, a series of things happened. Most of which was a waiter greeting them and beginning to dress Mako up. When he tried taking the scarf however, Mako would grab his hand by the wrist. "The scarf stays." He warned the man. Rein would tilt their head, not understanding the significance of this scarf to him just yet. The two would finally join Asami, sitting on both sides of her. While they waited on their meals, Asami decided to break the ice.
"I am such a pro bending fan. I caught all of your matches this season."
"All of them? Wow. Honestly there are a few I wish you hadn't seen." Mako responded, touched that she was such a huge fan.
"Oh don't be ridiculous. You're amazing. I can't wait to see you play in the tournament." She leaned forward, having not been told about the financial situation. Rein, feeling guilty finally spoke up.
"R-Right. About that. They're currently unable to pay the thirty thousand for the ante to get in. I meant to ask you…but I didn't want to make it seem like I was just after your money." He rubbed his shoulder. Mako, who now understood why it was taking so long, looked at Rein with a 'are you serious look'. Asami would smile at him, seeing how much he truly cared before speaking up.
"That's not fair." Before she could speak further, the waiter came over, addressing her by her last name, and delivering their main course. Although it looked good, and tasted amazing, Rein couldn't get past the small portions. Two prawns over a number of fancy things.
"Miss Sato? You wouldn't happen to be related to Hiroshi Sato, creator of the satomobile?" Mako asked, trying to figure out the details.
"Yes. He's my dad."
"Get out of town."
"Imagine my surprise when I found out." Rein added. "Though I've never met him in person yet."
"Do you two want to meet him?" She casually asked.
"Meet the most successful captain of industry in all of Republic City? Yeah I'll take you up on that." Mako agreed with a smile.
"It would be nice to meet him. He raised such an amazing daughter after all." Rein answered. Although he was nervous, he hid it well behind a smile and his praise of Asami.
"Stop that. You'll make me blush." She brought a hand up to her cheek.
"So how did you two meet? I understand if It was Korra, but you." Mako asked. Although insulting, Rein was far more nervous about it than insulted.
"He ran me over with his Cyclizer. Knocked me right off my moped." Asami informed, making Rein hide his face in his hands. "He was such a sweetheart and worried so much about me, I just couldn't let him get away. If I'm right it was your first day in the city and you asked me for directions to air temple island."
"I…I got lost. Korra kinda ditched me looking for food, taking the Ple's with her." Mako remembered the Ple's, but didn't have that high of an opinion of them. "She asked if I'd like to go out to eat and we came here."
"And he tried to pretend to be full afterwards like he's going to after today." She playfully poked at him once more with this comment. Rein, who thought he hid it well, would nervously look down. "Don't worry. I'm not mad Rein. Kwong's isn't meant for everyone, or everyday."
"You also have a smaller stomach than I do. It explains your amazing figure." Asami's cheeks would brighten at his comment on her figure. Mako suddenly started to feel like the third wheel here. "I'll probably visit Narook's Seaweed Noodlery later. Been missing watertribe food since I left."
"You haven't told us much about your time in the Southern Water Tribe. How did you even come to live down there?" Mako asked. His curiosity peaked as he wondered more about how he and Korra came to be.
"Well…I'm not sure you'll believe me without visiting my master at air temple island." He smiled, deciding to keep it secret for now. This kept an air of mystery over him, one that bothered Asami. She wanted to learn more about him, but everytime they brought it up, Rein felt like no one would believe him. For now she had to wait.
The next afternoon, Marsha and Naisha sat at the bottom of the stairsteps as Korra rubbed Naga's belly. The two had used this moment to get away from their mother, while reconnecting with their friend. Naisha, ever sociable and pleased to meet Naga, would run her hands against the polar bear dog's ears. Marsha would sigh before turning to Korra. "I swear our mother suggests the weirdest of things. Get this. Just the other day, she suggested that Rein should participate in polygamy." Korra, who had no idea what this was, would tilt her head. Marsha, upon noticing the confusion, rubbed her eyes. "She wants Rein to have more than one wife." Korra's cheeks brightened as she stuttered at such an idea. She didn't necessarily hate it as it would give her a better chance at getting with Rein, but at the same time, she couldn't picture herself sharing him. The very thought of it made Korra anxious. "I swear she's going to give that boy a…"
"Woah." Her attention turned to Bolin. The earthbender of the fire ferrets stared at the alien girls with wide eyes, amazement, fear, and utter awe. In his hand was a rose and the other carried a neatly frosted cupcake. "Korra. You. I did. WAAAH!" He could barely contain his excitement at seeing the aliens. Unlike Tarrlok who didn't seem to care about them just the other night. "Hi! I'm Bolin. Pleasure to meet you ladies. I um. Oh right. These are for you." He offered Korra the rose and cupcake. Korra would accept them with a slight bewilderment.
"Oh thanks. What's this for?"
"Uhhhh. Oh I can't remember now." He pretended to forget. "Oh yeah, now I remember. You saved me from Amon." He gestured to her with a smile across his face.
"Oh that. No big deal." Korra played it off as nothing special. Naisha covered her smirk and punched Korra's thigh.
"The cute boy's thanking you Korra. Least you can do is accept it."
"Barf." Marsha gagged at Naisha's comment. "Don't encourage her. I will stab you." She looked at Korra, warning her seeing that look on her face.
"Delivery for avatar Korra." Tarrlok's page came up, carrying an assortment of goods in a basket. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer."
"Tell him I haven't changed my mind." She looked away, unimpressed by the extravagant gift.
"Him again? Doesn't he know when to take a hint?" Marsha sighed.
"Who's this Tarrlok guy? Is he bothering you? Because I can have a word with him." Bolin slammed his hands together defensively.
"No it's not like that." Korra would smile at how eager he was to defend her. "He's just some old guy that works with Tenzin on the council."
"Oh. Good. Good. That sounds better. I like that better."
"Someone's got a crush." Naisha teased as her sister smacked the back of her head.
Elsewhere, in the city. Rein stood once more beside Mako. This time the two were inside the satomobile factory. Before them was an older man with graying hair and a fancy suit. Not to mention a handlebar mustache and glasses. "What do you think of my little operation here?" He asked. Generally he seemed like a nice guy.
"It's very impressive, Mr. Sato." Mako replied, with a smile. Rein was less impressed, but still smiled to be polite. In all honesty, everything felt extremely low tech compared to what he's seen.
"Please call me Hiroshi. So, I understand you're dirt poor." Rein had to cover his mouth to not laugh. He was in no better condition, but he wasn't the one there looking for money. Mako was very uncomfortable at the mention of his financial situation. "Young man, it's nothing to be ashamed of. I too came from humble beginnings. Why, when I was your age I was a mere shoeshiner. And all I had to my name was an idea. The satomobile. Now I was fortunate enough to meet someone that believed in me and my work ethic. He gave me the money I needed to get my idea off the ground. And I built the entire future industries empire from that one selfless loan." He narrated. It was a touching story that made Rein understand the man more. However he also understood that the satomobile was hardly a comparable product to things they could make aboard the Marmoreal.
"Dad, stop bragging. Just tell Mako the good news." Asami anchored her father back to reality, a smile across her maroon lips. Laughing at her comment, he turned back around. Mako was curious as to what they meant by good news.
"Well my daughter passionately told me all about your hard earned success in the pro bending arena. And your team's current financial stumbling block. Now I'd hate to see you lose your chance at winning the championship just because you're short a few yuans. That's why I'm going to sponsor the fire ferrets in the tournament." Rein covered his mouth at Mako's excitement and looked towards Asami. Mako almost couldn't believe it. "There's just one catch. You all have to wear the future industries logo on your uniform."
"I'll tattoo it on my chest if you want sir!" Mako brought his thumb to his chest with excitement at the offer. "Thank you both so much. I promise the fire ferrets will make the most of this opportunity."
"Speaking of. I heard quite a lot about you too from my daughter." He turned his attention to Rein. Rein was a little stiff at the sudden attention. "She believes you have a great deal of potential in you. Though you seem to believe she won't believe your story. Why is that?" He smiled at Rein who was nervous. However, taking a breath, and a deep sigh, he finally responded.
"Sir…My story isn't one for the faint of heart. It's extremely fantastical that even I wouldn't believe it." Raising an eye, he turned his full attention to Rein. Mako and Asami did the same as he pulled out his lightsaber. With a simple flick of a switch, it activated. The glowing blade made the man's eyes bulge open. He went on to finally reveal his tale. How he was experimented on by his family. How they weren't even of this world. The fantastical machines he's seen and could show. Asami, Hiroshi, and Mako were the first people outside of the South Pole and Tenzin's family to know this tale of his. She had finally begun to understand why he thought no one would believe him. Most of the details sounded like something out of a science fiction. If not for the lightsaber, the pokeballs, his watch, and even his understanding of machines like they were simple toys, she might not have believed him. It was then and there that she felt her connection to Rein grow stronger than it already was.
That night, Aasha stood by Korra, watching over Jinora and Ikki as they played pai sho. The page had once again returned, having gifted a satomobile earlier in the day. Rubbing her eyes, Aasha felt like she was losing years off her life at this man's persistence to get Korra. Korra, who had enough, jumped down from her sitting position. "It doesn't matter how many gifts Tarrlok sends, I'm not joining his task force!" With a swift kick to the page's rear, she thought this would be the end of it. However, it wasn't a gift. It was an invitation to a gala in her honor. Aasha knew her or her daughter's presence would only draw unnecessary attention to Tenzin's family. That said, Leonar was as close to human as can be…However the downside to that would be that no one could stand him and she wasn't willing to strain their relations with Republic City just yet. With a sigh, she wondered if she could send the Ple's. In theory this was a bad idea because one needed surveillance of her own and the other would run around trying to have fun. Even the Arrancar twins would draw far too much attention. Groaning, she knew it was all up to Rein who she hadn't seen all day even for practice.
At the gala in city hall, Korra had entered in as fancy of a water tribe dress as she could find. That said, it had to be sleeveless or she simply wouldn't wear it usually. Part of her hair was tied in a bun. Tenzin and his family were also in attendance. She couldn't believe all of this was set up for her. Tenzin on the other hand knew Tarrlok was up to something. Then was distracted by his son trying to use the punchbowl as a toilet. Tarrlok, who had joined in greeting her, began to lead her along through the party. His first stop for her was the city's famous industrialist, Mr. Sato. It was then she noticed Bolin, Mako, Asami, and even Rein making their way over. "Hey Korra." Mako greeted, dressed in a suit. As Mr. Sato introduced his daughter Asami, Rein waved shyly at her. His face hid the extreme discomfort he was feeling from hiding his tail in his suit to fit in. Asami's arm held onto Rein's right before she addressed Korra.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Mako and Rein told me so much about you." She would look over at the two with a smile. It was now that Korra refused to hide her jealousy.
"Really. Because they haven't mentioned you at all. How did all of you meet?"
"Asami crashed into him on her moped." Bolin spilled, pointing over at Mako and Asami. It was at the mention of getting run over, that Korra's features changed.
"What? Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. More than fine. Mr. Sato agreed to sponsor our team. We're back in the tournament." Mako exclaimed. He was unable to hide the excitement from his face at the mention of this. Rein started to feel guilty, as it was his job to get her on board with it, but it took running over Mako to get it done. Bolin was also excited, wrapping an arm around his brother's shoulders.
"Isn't that great!"
"Yeah. Terrific." Korra would look to the side. This was when she was…reintroduced to chief Beifong.
"Chief Beifong. I believe you and avatar Korra have already met." Tarrlok would gesture to Korra with a smile on his face.
"Just because the city's throwing you this big to do, don't think you're something special." She scolded Korra. Seeing this, Rein felt helpless to protect her. "You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this." The chief would walk away in her usual sour mood. Squeezing his fists together, Rein wanted to scold the adult for acting so childish, but chose it was best to help Korra by placing a hand on her shoulder. He had no words to disprove the chief, so all he could do was show he was there. This did little to comfort her. Her eyes turned downward as she got into her head. Tarrlok wasn't done. He had led her away to the side stairway. It was from there, he let reporters ambush her. Question after question was asked of her. Amon this, Amon that, why was she backing away from this fight, and whether she was going back on her promise. Squeezing his hand, Rein watched with rising anger. At some point her own anger and pride had surfaced, making her say she'd join Tarrlok's task force. Hearing this, Rein couldn't help but show the horror and disappointment on his face. Looking over at him, the once proud avatar was suddenly filled with disappointment as well. She had caved to peer pressure.
The next day at an undisclosed building in the Dragon Flats Borough. Korra, alongside a number of police. Looking through the window, she was making sure their intel was correct. Sure enough, it was. It was an entire building, dedicated to training chi blockers. Overcoming her traumatic fear of seeing Amon's poster, she looked to the other waterbenders. Using their abilities, and an old timey fire truck tank, they prepared for the breach. In one swift move, four of the chi blockers were frozen in blocks of ice. The wall was busted through, allowing earthbenders to jump in and incapacitate another three. Tarrlok would get a fourth, freezing their head to a wall, making eight all together. The final two of the trainee's would move and bounce away, one throwing smoke grenades in an attempt to cover their escape. Korra was having none of it. Freezing the two grenades they threw, she shouted, "I'm going after those two." And right away began the chase. Chasing them through the narrow halls was dangerous and unfortunately would be her folly, having tripped over a set of wire that was set up. From the rafters came two actual chi blockers. In surprise, she launched a block of earth into one. The other would be taken out by Tarrlok who had caught up, freezing them to the wall.
It was a quick and thorough operation. Korra and Tarrlok took in the reporters fame as they took pictures of their capture. Success after success would follow the group, until finally at one fateful press conference. Someone would ask why they failed to locate Amon. "You wanna know why? Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward!" Her arrogance from the recent success' had begun to show as she picked up the mic. "Amon. I challenge you to a duel. No taskforce. No chi blockers. Just the two of us, tonight at midnight at Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Let's cut to the chase and settle this thing. If you're man enough to face me." She placed the mic down and left the conference.
Elsewhere in the park. Rein sat alongside Asami in a small ride. "I know it sounds weird to say this. I'm really glad you ran into me that day." She smiled, squeezing his arm. Rein looked away nervously. Blush crossing his cheeks. For once he didn't have to wear a suit around her and his tail could breathe.
"I'm sort of happy that I ran into you too. I never would have met such an amazing person if I didn't…Still kind of sorry about it." He couldn't help but point out this fact. She had to cover her smile and blush at the mention of being amazing.
"You know…I thought you were hiding something from me when you kept saying I wouldn't believe you. However, after hearing all you've been through. It makes me thankful for what I had…And sorry for what you've been through." She would lightly press a hand to their chest, not knowing the other changes to their body that were made by their parents. The very thought of all he told her made her think of her own story. "I lost my mother to a firebender when I was very young. So I understand what it's like to lose people special to you." Bringing his hand to hers, he would squeeze it gently, trying to reassure her that he was there for her. Feeling his warmth and comfort, she leaned against them. "I feel so safe when I'm with you."
Little later that night, Korra was untying a boat. Tenzin had arrived on the scene. "Korra, this is madness." He scolded her idea to duel Amon.
"Don't try to stop me and don't try to follow me." She brashly responded. "I have to face Amon alone." Tenzin, seeing the seriousness of this, turned to Tarrlok.
"This is all your doing!"
"I tried to talk her out of this too, but she's made up her mind." It was then Korra had finally got the boat free from its mooring and began waterbending her way to the island. Tenzin knew one other person that could make it there in time to protect her. Taking off, he set out to find that one person.
Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Korra stood at the feet of the metal statue, waiting. She was on edge, jumpy even. As soon as the bell struck midnight, she was scared out of her wits. However, no matter how long she waited, it seemed like Amon was a no show. Deciding she waited long enough, she prepared to leave and turn in for the night. As she was passing the entrance to the memorial, a pair of bola's caught her legs, dragging her into the pitch darkness. Having to firebend her way out of the bolas, revealing she was surrounded by a ton of chi blockers. Panic set in as she tried to firebend them away. Bola's wrapped around her arms. She continued trying to save herself with firebending kicks, and earthbending. It wasn't enough as chi blockers struck her in the back, with more approaching. A low light then illuminated her as two lifted her up in a kneeling position. Emerging from the shadows was Amon, sending fear into her heart. Fear she would lose her bending. "I've received your invitation, young avatar." Reaching out, it looked like he'd steal her bending making her turn away. He would then cup her cheeks. "Our showdown, while inevitable, is premature. Although it would be the simplest thing to take away your bending right now. I won't. You'd only become a martyr. Benders of every nation would rally behind your untimely demise. But I assure you. I have a plan. And I'm saving you for last. Then you'll get your duel. And I will…" Hearing something else, he turned in time to see a shadow ball strike one of his chi blockers. The chi blocker flew several feet back, bouncing and tumbling across the floor before falling face first into the stone. In the entrance stood Rein with his eevee. The silver coated pokemon growled at them. "The young boy on the other hand." Amon stood up as the many chi blockers around him turned his direction.
"Oh heroes of fire and stone. Heed my call. Fuse to be the hero that I need to save my friend. Elemental hero Rampart Blaster." Rays of light appeared behind from. Amidst these rays was Burstinatrix and Clayman, a hero made of stone and clay, which stared down the chi blockers before vanishing into a swirling vortex. From their mix came a truly large womanly hero with armor of steel. A shield in one hand and a large cannon in the other. This briefly stunned the chi blockers who had not a clue what they were looking at. That was before the hum of the lightsaber brought them to their senses. Rein's eyes showed not an ounce of remorse, fear, doubt, or even regret for what he planned to do to save her. "Tera blast." With two simple words, the eevee jumped forward firing a beam of light into one of the chi blockers which exploded in a bunch of sparkling lights. A chi blocker tried to strike Rein, only to be disarmed literally by the glowing blade. His tail struck yet another in the ribs at full force sending the man to ground, doubled over in extreme pain. Several of the chi blockers went to attack him only for rockets from Rampart Blaster's weapon to blow up the ground in front of them as warning shots. Seeing the raw power Rein could call forth, Amon would be even more intrigued by the child. Turning his gaze to Amon, he felt something sinister from them. Something far darker lurked below the surface of that child. One chi blocker quickly ran towards him before stopping. Reaching for his throat, he felt as if someone was choking him. An unseen force quickly tossed him to the side without hesitation. Seeing enough, several of the chi blockers would toss out smoke grenades, which cleared his way to escape. This unfortunately left behind a few of the chi blockers who were taken down by Rein's eevee, his saber and tail, and Rampart Blaster's effective use of explosions. With a deep breath, he approached Korra before hugging her. It was then she could feel tears streaming down their eyes. "Don't you ever pull something this dangerous off again!"
"Rein…But I thought you were with Asami." She spoke, recalling he was on a date with her earlier…Then again that was several hours ago. Her insecurities and fears began to resurface. "Why would you come out here!? I thought I…I thought I could do it alone. I thought…" She was unable to keep it locked away any longer as she hugged him back. "I was so terrified! I felt so helpless!" Rein's hands moved to the back of her head, resting her face in his shoulder as he buried his in hers.
"I'm just glad it's over." Rampart Blaster, its role done, vanished into a number of spirit lights around the two as Tenzin arrived. Looking over at him with teary eyes, she couldn't help but apologize to him as well
"Tenzin. You were right. I was scared this whole time. I've never felt like this before and I don't know what to do." Tenzin would hear this before sitting beside them, hugging the two.
"Admitting your fears is the first and most difficult step to overcoming them." He would give his advice.
"As long as we're here Korra, you won't ever need to face your fears alone. I promise." Rein spoke, trying to comfort her. He too had his fears, and she now understood what it was like. Squeezing Rein tight, she couldn't stop the tears from flowing throughout the night. Feeling both its master and her pain, the Eevee came over and rubbed its face against both of theirs. Seeing this, both Korra and Rein smiled at the little pokemon. Their hands lightly brushing its fur. It was then, they witnessed something marvelous. A bright light glow encompassed eevee. Its form began to change and shift, growing far larger. One the light had dissipated, out came a sleek black creature. Crimson eyes looked up at its master and friend. What would have been yellow rings were bright blue ones. Seeing this evolution, Rein would smile before whispering to Korra. "It looks like eevee wanted to comfort us by evolving into Umbreon." It proudly stood on their thighs and rubbed its cheeks against theirs making the two smile. Tears along their cheeks. "Korra…let's go home…And no more playing hero alone." Looking up as he stood, she couldn't stop herself from smiling and wiping the tears from her cheeks. Taking his hand, she stood alongside her best friend and Tenzin. The three walked out, leaving the chi blockers to the taskforce. From the shadows, a figure watched the group. It's bright yellow eyes gleaming at the two. With him in their sight, plans for a darker future were set in motion.