After 10 Years
"Good morning Pema. How's the most wonderful, sweet, kind and lovable aunt in the world doing?" Naruto asked as he hugged her good morning.
Pema let out a small giggle. She was used to being treated like that by her nephew but liked it nevertheless. "I'm fine, thank you. How is my nephew, the most requested young man by the ladies of Republic City, doing?" Pema asked in a teasing way which made Naruto chuckle.
"Oh, stop it, you are embarrassing me," Naruto responded, waving his hand dismissingly.
Truth be told, Naruto was certainly eye candy to most of the female population in Republic City. Ever since his training took place, he noticed as he accompanied Tenzin to some of his daily chores as one of Republic City's council members that girls his age were whispering to one another.
Small giggles and faint blushes were heard and seen by the young Airbender. At first, he was slightly confused, so he looked for advice from Pemma herself, who apparently knew about this kind of stuff. Of course, she enlightened him and explained that it was completely natural for girls to feel attracted by handsome boys such as him. She then taught him how to behave around girls. Soon enough, the confused glares were changed into charming smiles and occasional winks, which in turn made the female's blushes and nervous laughs increase considerably.
Tenzin noticed this and made Naruto promise not to get distracted or act irresponsible. Even though Their reactions amused naruto, he was never the playboy type of guy. He never wanted to be one, for it was a 'completely ungentlemanly behaviour', as Pema pointed out.
As he took a seat, he began to eat every single slice of bread Pema made for him. Naruto's appetite always amused her. "Are you ready for the big day, Naruto?"
"Huh, what big day?"
"Don't you remember? We are going to the Southern Water Tribe to see Korra."
"Really? I didn't know it was today. I thought it was going to be next week." Naruto said as he reached over his glass of milk.
"Looks like time flies when you spend your day's training like a maniac and riding a giant Raven Eagle Spirits know where," Pema said humorously. Naruto joined her in her laughter.
"What can I say? Working out is a great activity, and Sozu needs to go outside and stretch his wings. Besides, flying on an oversized bird should be something on everyone's 'to-do' list. It's way cooler than riding Oogi, that's for sure."
During his time in Air Temple, Naruto had found a baby eagle alone, Naruto had started feeding him, but soon everyone noticed that the eagle was larger than a normal Eagle.
Throughout the years, Naruto had trained Air bending like crazy to earn his tattoo, earning on record time before reaching 11 years, Tenzin had been delighted to have another master Air Bender finally, but Tenzin knew he was nowhere near happy as much as Kya and Jinora were.
Kya had thrown a feast for Naruto becoming a Master, inviting everyone; almost everyone came.
"Excuse me." said a voice from behind the couple. It was Tenzin, who was already dressed and ready to go to Republic City. "Do I need to remind you that Air Bisons are one of the most important symbols of airbending culture and history?" Tenzin asked with a raised eyebrow.
One thing he did not appreciate from Naruto was having him say such things. It worried him and made him think that the young Airbender didn't take his airbending teachings seriously.
"Good morning to you, uncle Tenzin." Naruto greeted him with amusement. Sometimes uncle Tenzin just could be a little exaggerated for his taste. Tenzin just sighed and approached his wife.
"Good morning Pema." He said as he kissed Pema's cheek.
"Morning, Tenzin," Pema replied with a smile.
"Pemma, have you seen the children?"
"Mmh, let's see. Ikki was feeding Oogi along with Jinora about an hour ago. I think Jinora is in the library right now. As for Meelo, it seems he's still sleeping. Doesn't it remind you of a certain someone, Naruto?" Pema asked the young Airbender, who in return simply winked at her. He was used to being teased by his aunt for his astonishing sleeping prowess.
"By the way, at what time are we leaving for the South Pole, uncle Tenzin?" Naruto asked.
"I believe we should part as soon as I finish my chores at Republic City. Only the Spirits know how much work I have today." Tenzin responded.
"You want me to help you with that?"
"Oh, that won't be necessary, my boy, but thank you anyway. Now, why don't you get dressed and meditate outside? It has been a while since I saw you attending your spiritual side of your airbending."
'There we go again.' "Sure, I guess you're right."
"Good," Tenzin said as he turned his back. Before he left the room, he was stopped by the voice of Naruto.
"Hey Tenzin, have you received any letters from... well, you know."
Tenzin sighed. "I am afraid I haven't received any recent letters from Asami,"
On the way to the South Pole
"Daddy?"
"Yes, Jinora?"
"Why does Naruto always flies with Sozu instead of Oogi?" Jinora asked while pointing at Naruto, who was flying a few meters behind them with stars in her eyes. They were in the middle of the journey to the South Pole to visit the children's grandmother, Katara. Before they left their home, Naruto said that he would travel with them but that he was going to ride Sozu, his Raven Eagle companion.
For some reason, ever since Naruto met Sozu, they shared a special bond. He founded it when he was ten years old. Naruto found him trying to eat bugs from the ground. He felt sad for the poor animal and decided to adopt it.
Tenzin was hesitant at first, thinking that a pet would only distract him from his airbending lessons. But seeing how Naruto was so happy with his new companion, he let it slip. As time went by, Tenzin discovered that the young airbender's teachings sank faster than usual and that he was in a happier mood than before. When Tenzin asked his student, he just shrugged and said that he was excited because of Sozu keeping him company. The old Airbender was not completely convinced, feeling that there was more than just that.
"Well, Jinora, you know Naruto has always been very close to Sozu. He doesn't like keeping him locked in the temple, and for what I can tell, Sozu enjoys long-distance travel. Though if you ask me, I think that it is most reckless of him to travel with Sozu the way he does. Always going fast and barely slowing down. Most reckless indeed." Tenzin answered to his oldest daughter, who thought it was super cool.
"You know, I read in the library that Raven Eagles are supposed to be solitary and rarely seek the company of others. But Sozu isn't like that with us, at least with Naruto. How come Sozu likes him?" Jinora asked with her characteristic curiosity.
Before Tenzin could answer, a little bun-haired girl interrupted the conversation.
"Because Naruto has always been nice to Sozu and feeds him and patted his head and and and also he gives him lots and lots of attention! Isn't that right, daddy? Is it? Is it? And how old is Sozu? And how much can he fly? Why is he so big? How much can he eat?" Ikki asked his father, who could only frown and sigh at her daughter's antics. He may be an Airbender, but even airbenders as experimented with him could run out of patience.
"You see, Raven Eagles are supposed to."
"Daddy, can I fly with Sozu like Naruto?" Meelo asked, again interrupting the conversation. The little Airbender looked up at Naruto ever since he was born. To him, Naruto was like the most awesome guy ever.
"What? Absolutely not! For Naruto to be riding Sozu is dangerous enough. Besides, the last time you tried to get close to Sozu, he almost turned you into his dinner, remember?" Tenzin said immediately. The thought of Meelo trying to ride Sozu was unnerving, to say the very least.
"Awww, no fair! Why does Naruto get to do cool stuff?" Meelo pouted.
Jinora silently agreed with Meelo's opinion; Naruto was always very kind to her, always listening to her; Jinora found him incredibly awesome, especially his face, his blue eyes like ocean, his whiskers...
A few meters behind the air nomad family, Naruto was doing one of his favourite things in the world: flying. Ever since he managed to ride his Raven Eagle, Naruto found himself something that he had been lacking in the island since he got there, the sensation of true freedom. When he was flying, all of his worries disappeared. The adrenaline that came from flying fast and the violent pounding inside his chest was such a powerful feeling it was intoxicating. He would return to the island happy and unstressed.
"Everything good down there, buddy?" Naruto asked his majestic bird, who gave him an eagle-like squeal in response. It was quite interesting, really. Over the years, the young man and his feathered companion understood each other so well it was almost as if they used a special language between them. They couldn't understand each other's words, but they could understand each other's feelings. It was also like a tough-love kind of relationship. Sozu might look grumpy and uncaring at times, but in reality, he cared a big deal over his master. The same thing went for Naruto.
Naruto had to admit; he was pretty excited about meeting Korra and his family again; it had been a year since the last time he visited them.
Naruto had also started helping his uncle in his council meeting; Tenzin always appreciated Naruto's help, sometimes even giving him lessons on how to talk in Council. Perhaps his nephew could be in the council for the Airbenders after he retired.
Deciding to leave his thoughts for later, Naruto softly kicked Sozu with the back of his feet.
"Come on, boy, let's see how fast can you go!"
Korra
To say that Korra was excited was an understatement. Katara agreed that she was ready to start her airbending lessons, and so Tenzin and his family were on their way to meet her. 'I'm finally going to learn airbending! About time!' she thought while practically leaping in joy.
But the most important thing, Naruto, would come.
Ever since the White Lotus discovered her, she was taken away from her home to start her Avatar training. What they didn't tell her was that she was to be isolated from the rest of the world in order to be in a 'peaceful environment, far from any possible distractions, or so did the White Lotus elders stated. True or not, the fact that she was stuck there, almost in captivity, was something she never liked. She was seventeen-years-old years old, for crying out loud! She didn't want to be kept and being constantly watched over like a baby. And Naruto was always able always to make things much more fun.
She blushed at the thought of him, already convinced to fight him the moment he arrived.
South Pole
"Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" Ikki asked out of control.
"Yes, Ikki, as I've been telling you for the last fifteen minutes, we are finally here," Tenzin said after what seemed to be his sigh number 34 of the day. Not that anyone could blame him. It had been a long ride from the Air Temple to the Southern Water Tribe. Tenzin was constantly worried for Pema and her pregnancy. At first, he didn't want her to travel with them, but after a very short one-sided argument between him and his wife, he agreed. After all, it didn't hurt to have her there to calm Ikki and Meelo.
He realised that Naruto was a little further away from them. Tenzin frowned. 'Naruto, is this really the time?', he asked himself.
As soon as they landed, the two little girls jumped out of Oogi, created small air spheres and started running from one place to another, completely out of control. Katara held back her laughter and approached her son.
"Hello, mother, I can't tell you how good it is to see you," Tenzin said while his son and daughters attached themselves to his body. Meelo placed himself on his shoulders and started pulling his father's ears back and forth. "Please, mother... help me," Tenzin whispered to his beloved mother. Katara simply laughed again and reached for the boy on his son's shoulders.
"Unhand me, strange woman!" he demanded with imagined authority. At this, Tenzin sighed... again. 'And that makes it 35.'
"Meelo, that's your grandmother, don't say such things," Tenzin said. At this, the boy freed himself from Katara's grip and proceeded to run around in circles before returning to his father.
The old waterbender turned her attention to the young girls near her. Both of them were smiling in joy, one full of curiosity that needed to be quenched and the other full of excitement. Needless to say, it was Jinora and Ikki, respectively. Katara smiled at the two. "It is so good to see all of you again. You both have grown quite a lot."
Jinora bowed respectfully, being the well-behaved and sweet little girl that she was. "Gran-Gran, I've been reading all about your adventures. I've been dying to ask you, what happened to Zuko's mother?" Jinora asked innocently.
"Well, Jinora, it's an incredible tale-"
"Gran-Gran, you look old. How old are you? Why is it so cold in the South Pole? Can we make a campfire and all huddle around it and tell scary stories and make snowmen? And then can you make the snowmen move with waterbending and chase us? Wouldn't that be fun? Huh, wouldn't it?" Ikki interrupted out of nowhere. Tenzin had warned her mother, but she still didn't expect her grandchildren to be so... active... as her son told her she was. Still, she managed to hide her sweatdrop and smiled nonetheless.
Meanwhile, Tenzin was helping his pregnant wife to get off Oogi. When it came to his family, he was very overprotective. "Here, let me help you, Pema," he said while reaching her arm.
"Stop dotting on me, Tenzin. I am pregnant, not helpless." Pema said while rubbing her stomach. She thought it was sweet that her husband was constantly concerned about her health, but at times he could act so worried it was almost bothering her. She then went over to Katara and hugged her. Katara returned the embrace and laid a hand on Pema's unborn child.
"The baby is strong," she said in a matter-of-fact voice. "I sense another Airbender coming."
Pema looked baffled at the statement and immediately backed off. "No, no, no! All I want is one child like me. Someone who didn't airbended in my face every five minutes."
Almost as it was meant to be, Meelo cried to her mother for attention. He was covered in snow.
"Mommy, look! I'm a snowbender!" Meelo shouted as he air bent the snow around him, blasting it in every direction. Destiny seemed to make Pema his favourite toy, for a splash of snow landed right on her face. Seeing this, Tenzin slowly retreated. He had no intention of facing her loving wife's anger.
Katara then remembered something. "Tenzin, where is Naruto? Kya will want to her 'baby boy' "
"Ahh, yes. Naruto said he preferred to travel with Sozu, his Raven Eagle companion. He thought that riding in Oogi was not as 'cool' as riding Sozu." Tenzin said while he hand-gestured the word cool. This attracted Katara's attention.
"A Raven Eagle? When did he find one? I haven't seen one in a long time. But aren't they a little too small?" Katara asked, confused; despite visiting last year, Naruto had not mentioned anything about an Eagle.
"Normally, I would say the same, mother. But Sozu is a unique specimen among his peers. For some reason, this particular Raven Eagle that Naruto founded years ago in the Air Temple has grown a lot. Definitely a lot more than a normal Raven Eagle. His size is so big that he allows Naruto to ride him. He should be here at any moment."
Tenzin responded. His answer surprised Katara, which was no small feat. She had lived a long life and had seen a lot of things, so for something actually to impress her; it had to be something remarkable.
"Is that true?" Katara asked both Pemma and his son. Pema couldn't help but giggle a bit, the both of them nodding.
As Tenzin turned away, he saw a young girl near him. She was wearing typical water tribe clothes. Her skin colour was mocka-brown, and she had bright blue eyes. She had her long hair in a ponytail and had a big smile on her face as she jogged her way to him. He instantly recognised her.
"Korra?" Tenzin asked. "Look at you, so big and strong. You've grown into quite the young Avatar."
Korra bowed to him, happy to meet her airbending teacher. "Tenzin is good to meet you," she said respectfully. For so long, all she wanted was to learn airbending, and that time was now. The moment itself was almost too good to be true.
She had met him again whenever Naruto returned, but not really spending time with him, since whenever he visited, Korra would spend her time having fun with Naruto.
Tenzin bowed back. "Good to meet you, Avatar Korra. My wife, Pema." The airbending master said, pointing at his wife. "Jinora, Ikki and Meelo." He said, now pointing at his children.
"Where is Naruto?" Korra asked, her eyes shining, wanting to see where her favourite blonde was. "My nephew is missing at the moment, but he should be arriving-
Before he could finish the sentence, an eagle-like squeal was heard in the sky. Everybody looked up and saw a giant Raven Eagle flying near them with what appeared to be a man on its back. The unusually big bird was now starting to descend from the sky swiftly.
Both Katara and Korra were looking in awe at the scene. The White Lotus guards also noticed this and started to approach the beast in order to protect the Avatar if said animal proved to be hostile. Korra stepped back and went into a fighting stance, but when she saw the strangely calm face of Pema and Tenzin and heard the shouts of excitement from their children, she felt immediately confused.
Katara also seemed surprised but made no effort to move back or prepare herself. 'Hmmm, am I the only one who thinks that a giant Raven Eagle landing right in front of us is a little weird?' the Avatar thought. If anything, Tenzin even looked slightly annoyed by the whole thing.
-any time soon." Tenzin said, finishing his once interrupted answer.
When the Raven Eagle finally landed, a stranger jumped out of his back. He was wearing black boots and pants with a grey winter coat on his upper body. His hood was on, and he had a white scarf covering half of his face from the middle of his nose down. He also wore black leather gloves. The stranger then suddenly took off his hood and his scarf, revealing his face to all the spectators.
"Okay, Sozu, we're here. Now stay put, alright?" the young man asked his companion, who merely sat down and closed his eyes in response. "Datt'a boy," he said with a grin. He then faced Tenzin, the smirk still on his face. "Hey uncle, sorry for the delay. Sozu and I wanted to check the place out."
Tenzin just nodded. "It's fine, Naruto. We arrived here not long ago, actually."
"Really? That's good to know." Naruto said; he turned to greet his grandmother when someone launched on his body, both falling on the snow.
Naruto moved the snow away that had fallen on his face; his blue eyes met her beautiful blue eyes.
"Korra,"
"Naruto,"
Both laughed before hugging each other, Korra still standing on top of him, pulling away, only now she noticed how close their faces were, his breath on her face, blushing, her eyes found lips, she leaned forward...
"Oj Korra, what do you think you're doing?" Surprisingly it was Jinora who yelled at her; this caused both of them to escape their intimate position; standing up, Katara was laughing.
Naruto rubbed his head in embarrassment, while Korra was thankful that her parents weren't nearby.
Naruto then turned to look at his mother. "Grandma, is that you?" He asked; Tenzin started feeling tense, knowing where this was going.
"Of course, it is me, Naruto. Have I really changed that much within a year?" Katara asked in amusement.
"You don't look older than forty to me. I apologise for my mistake." Naruto said as he bowed. Tenzin slapped his face in frustration. 'Always the charmer.' he thought. On the other hand, Pema smiled in amusement. 'I taught him well.' she thought.
"Enough with the flattery, Naruto. I already get enough of that here." Katara said though it was clear she was amused with the antics of her nephew.
"I have no doubt you do, Ms Katara." Naruto retorted with a wink that earned him a warm smile from the aged waterbender and glare from his uncle.
After his charismatic introduction with Katara, he looked at Korra.
She was barely smaller than him, with a curvy and toned body. Her physical appearance resembled one of a typical water tribe female, with her dark hair, brownish skin and intense blue eyes..'
"Korra, you have become much more beautiful," Naruto said bluntly, causing Korra to blush, but liking that, Naruto found her appealing, while Jinora was annoyed, for some reason...
Korra was flustered. She was amazed by Naruto's looks. She always knew he was good looking, but he seemed to have changed and become much hotter since a year ago.
Judging by his height and the size of his arms, she deducted he had strong and toned muscles behind his clothes. 'Holly Spirits, he's hot. Wait, did I really just think that?' Korra asked herself, a slight blush coming out of her cheeks.
The young Airbender said as he extended his hand, a friendly and relaxed smile on his face.
Korra took his hand and shook it, relieved by the fact that she was able to hide what was inside her head.
She also noticed that Naruto never called her 'Avatar Korra' or any other honorific title she was used to hearing. That was another thing that pleased her like he was treating her as a completely normal person instead of the celebrity she supposedly was. It felt like a breeze of new air to her.
"You will soon start training with Uncle Tenzin; he might look annoying, but don't let his looks deceive you, though. He may look grumpy at first, but he's pretty cool once you get to know him. Right uncle?"
Naruto said, now looking at Tenzin. Tenzin, not feeling like engaging in such a childish argument about him being 'cool', decided to nod at the question. "If you say so, Naruto. If you say so." He loved the boy, but why did he have to be so good at getting in his nerves? Looking at the reaction of his clearly annoyed airbending teacher, Korra giggled a bit.
Naruto was about to say something when he saw his mother approaching them. "My baby boy," she called out before hugging him for dear life, much to the amusement of everyone except a certain Naruto.
"Mother is good to see you, but please. I -I can't breathe," he stuttered out; Kya let go of him before she analysed him.
"You have grown so much, my son; I hope you're still eating one onion every morning," she said strictly; Naruto nodded, despite screaming inside.
Korra couldn't believe it; eating an onion once in a lifetime was a nightmare, let alone eating one every day.
Kya asked Pema for confirmation after things were finally calm again.
"I'm so excited to train with you, Master Tenzin," Korra said excitedly.
Tenzin, however, didn't look so thrilled. "Yes, well... about that..." he started to say, unsure of how to continue.
"Tenzin, you have to tell her eventually," Pema said to her husband.
"Tell me what?" the young Avatar asked in confusion. Katara looked at her son and his wife and realised what was going on.
"You are not staying, are you?" Katara asked sadly.
The Airbender sighed before answering. "I'm afraid not, mother. We are here just to stay the night. Then I have to return to Republic City."
His answer took both Korra and Naruto by surprise. Naruto was disappointed, but Korra was even more. "Wait, but... No, you're supposed to move here. You're supposed to teach me." she said in both disbelief and sadness.
"You know, uncle, if we were only going to stay the night, you could have at least told her beforehand."
"I'm sorry, Korra. Your airbending training is going to have to wait." Tenzin said, ignoring the comment of his nephew, even if he agreed with him.