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Chapter 28 (Love and Pleasure), Chapter 29 (At the Edge of Madness), Chapter 30 (Regrets), Chapter 31 (Korra's Love), Chapter 32 (A Dream of Death), Chapter 33 (No Time Left), and Chapter 34 (An Avatar, A Demon, and A Rat) are already available for Patrons.
Naruto woke up in the morning feeling a little dizzy. He looked at his hands covered in bandages from the middle of his forearms to the tip of his fingers, reminding him of what he did last night at the Sato Estate.
With his curiosity getting the better of him, Naruto started to carefully unwrapped the bandages of his left hand. When the Airbender reached his wrist, he stopped and observed his injuries. There were a couple of small scars here and there, and there was no doubt his palm and fingers were in a similar condition, but it wasn't so bad. The cuts would certainly heal completely over time and his finger's mobility and dexterity did not appear to be affected. As long as he didn't force himself too much in the following days he knew he would be fine. Besides, he could go to the South Pole and ask grandma for a healing session if he wanted to.
Still, he felt sore and tired. Naruto slowly stood up from his bed and opened his closet. Today he didn't feel like putting on his usual clothes, so instead he decided to wear sweatpants, a plain white t-shirt, a pair of sandals and his red Air Nomad coat. This attire was more comfortable than his everyday pants and jacket and it has been a while since he wore them, so he thought he might as well give his everyday clothes a holiday.
Just as he reached the door to exit his room, Tenzin entered.
"Hey, good morning uncle." Naruto said.
"Good morning Naruto." Tenzin replied seriously. For some reason that Naruto couldn't quite comprehend, his uncle seemed a bit annoyed, like a father about to scold his son for a prank he just committed. "Would you follow me please?"
Even though it was a question, Naruto felt like he had just received an order given by the United Forces General. Confused by his uncle's strange behavior, Naruto followed Tenzin as they silently walked through the Air Temple. The young Airbender felt strange. There was a sensation of awkwardness he couldn't get rid of, no matter how much he tried. Normally, Tenzin and him would make some small talk in the morning and discuss about whatever they felt like. Witnessing his uncle having such a cold and serious demeanor towards him with no apparent reason was plain weird.
A couple of minutes later, the two airbenders reached Tenzin's office. It was a small room filled with history books and ancient scrolls, decorated by a couple of simple paintings that were hanging on the walls. In the middle of the room there was a big desk made out of oak bark next to a chair. Tenzin took a sit and gestured his nephew to do the same with another chair across the office. Once the both of them were sitting, Naruto started to talk. "Ok uncle, what's going on here? Why are we at your office?"
"Naruto, I am going to be straight-forward with you: I want you to explain what that thing you did last night was."
The young Airbender mentally slapped himself. He should've known Tenzin would interrogate him about his technique. It's not like he regret doing it at all. It was a life-threatening situation and he wanted to ensure the safety of those around him, but he didn't think very much about the future explanations. After all, his uncle had no knowledge of his nephew's chi-techniques until last night.
He decided to start slow. "It was a chi-technique."
"A chi-technique?"
"Yes. What I basically did was to concentrate large amounts of air in the palm of my hands, rotating at very high speed and shaping the air gathered into spheres. In order to keep the rotating spheres placed in my hands, I used my chi to cover them. That way, the spheres don't lose their shape and I am able to hold them. The air that's concentrated within the spheres is spinning so fast that it pierces its way through the target upon contact." Naruto explained as best as he could.
After a moment of silence, Tenzin spoke up. "Where and how did you learn this... chi-technique?"
"I learned it by myself here in the island. I started working on it a couple of years ago and it has been improving over time. As for how I learned it, I suppose through hard work and experimenting. I don't know much about the airbending techniques of the past, but from what I have read from the library there's no information about this one. It's a possibility that I might have invented a new airbending technique." Naruto said with a proud smile.
"After you used this technique of yours, your body ended up suffering severe damage." Tenzin stated with a frown. "Care to explain that?"
Naruto's smile dropped. "Oh yeah, about that. You see, chi-techniques are usually very taxing on your body. It takes years of training to have a body strong enough to deal with the repercussions, and even then is not easy. For example, the air spheres that I made were fairly big and held a lot of raw power. Maintaining this technique is very hard, and because of the acceleration produced, the air inside becomes even more unstable. The cuts in my hands are proof of that. But don't worry, with a little more practice I'll be able to get that technique down. The only reason I ended up this busted is because I was forced to make two spheres, and big ones at that. The strain is considerably smaller when I make just one."
"I'm afraid that's not going to happen, Naruto."
"Huh, what do you mean it's not going to happen?" Naruto asked visibly confused.
Tenzin stood up from his chair. "I mean that you are not allowed to use or practice those chi-techniques of yours any longer. Not only are those techniques way too dangerous, but also they fail to represent what true airbending is."
"Well I'm sorry to disappoint you uncle, but that's not going to happen. I have to keep on improving my skills. Besides, it's my bending." Naruto said defending himself. This conversation was starting to get annoying.
However, the son of Aang was not finished. "Naruto, this is not open for discussion. You have been given a unique gift and you're making a mockery out of it. I want you to stop it."
"Excuse me? How am I making a mockery out of airbending?" Naruto asked offended as he also stood up.
"All of your life, you have used your airbending in ways that you shouldn't." Tenzin started to say. "I have done my best to guide you but you don't seem to comprehend what true airbending is. Instead, you have ignored my teachings and misguided your bending as far away as you could. But maybe it was my fault. Maybe I should have been stricter with you from the beginning. However, that does not excuse neither your behavior nor your attempts to belittle the most important aspects of airbending. That chi-technique you did last night is a perfect example of what I am talking about. You're a Air Bending master, act like one,"
Now Naruto was starting to get angry. "And what is true airbending, uncle Tenzin? Is it what it says in those scrolls? Is it what your father taught you? I already told you I may be an airbender, but I'm not an Air Nomad like you or the kids. You always say that air is the element of freedom, yet you don't want me to feel free with my bending at all. You have no right to insult my airbending, no matter how much you despite it."
"Silence! I had enough of listening to your nonsense. What do you think Kya would say to you?"
"Don't bring my mother into this uncle, we both known my mother only disapproval would be that I harmed my body doing this technique, you know she always said, There's no such thing as rules or honor in a fight or death situation," Naruto snapped with a wave of his hand.
Ever since he started to learn airbending, his goal and drive was to make his mother proud. He would do that by being the best Airbender he could become.
Naruto took a deep breath before starting to talk again. "You're like family to me, Tenzin. You and Pema have always been there for me and I have come to love the both of you. But that doesn't mean I don't miss mom. She's always on my mind. So please do yourself a favor and never again try to use my mother against me. Have a good day uncle." With that said, Naruto turned around and left the office.
Tenzin just stood there, not being able to reply to his nephew. He rubbed his temples and sighed.
As Naruto was making his way to the kitchen, he saw Korra coming out of her room. "Mornin' Korra."
Korra smiled. "Mornin' to you too. How did you sleep?"
"Fine." Naruto muttered.
Korra instantly frowned. "Well that didn't sound like fine to me. What happened?"
"I just had a little fight with Tenzin. He said that I'm making a mockery out of airbending and basically told me to stop because I don't comprehend what true airbending is." Naruto responded annoyed.
"What? Why would he say that? Your airbending looks amazing to me."
"Because he's so focused on the teachings Grandpa Aang taught him that he fails to realize that I'm not like him. He hates the fact that I don't use my airbending like he does. It's not my fault that I don't see airbending like he does..." Naruto said before stopping.
"He did what?" Korra asked concerned. Her friend was normally calm and confident, so seeing him hesitating was certainly unusual.
The airbender sighed. "He asked me what my mother would think of me."
"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?" Korra asked as she gently grabbed Naruto's hand with her own.
"Nah, it's ok. It's just that... (sigh) Never mind." Naruto said unsure of himself. Korra wanted to keep pressing on the matter, but ultimately decided to let it go for now. It was obvious that Naruto didn't want to talk about it any further and she didn't want to bother him. She just nodded in understanding and the both of them made their way to the docks, where a ship could be seen heading towards the island.
Air Temple Docks
"You're finally here!" Jinora exclaimed as a ship stopped at the temple docks. Asami, Bolin and Mako came out of the ship carrying bags and stepped on the island, where Naruto, Korra and Tenzin's children were waiting for them. "Welcome to Air Temple Island!"
"Your new home!" Ikki added.
"Yes, welcome to my domain!"
Who else but Meelo.
"Well aren't you sweet little monk child?"
Who else but Bolin.
The airbending kids were then distracted by Pabu. After Jinora explained them what Fire Ferrets are and where do they reside, Ikki and Meelo tried to catch the poor animal. Mako approached Korra and Naruto. "Thanks for sending the Air Acolytes to help us with the move."
"Yes, they're amazing." Asami agreed. "Such tireless workers."
'Yeah, you can say that again.' Naruto thought as he looked at two unfortunate Air Acolytes carrying Asami's baggage, a total of ten boxes of different sizes. 'No seriously, how do you keep all of that in your closet?'
The Avatar spoke up. "It's alright; everyone here wants you guys to feel welcomed."
As they started walking to the temple, Asami noticed the little airbending kid, Meelo she thought was his name, staring at her with wide eyes and a goofy smile. Not knowing what he was thinking, Asami smiled back awkwardly. The awkwardness only increased when Meelo opened his mouth. "You're pretty. Can I have some of your hair?"
"Looks like I have some competition." Naruto said with a little smirk. Jinora groaned from where she was hearing that.
Ikki turned around to face the rest of the group. "And now for the grand tour! The Sky Bisons sleep in those caves down there!" she said pointing to her left. "And that's the temple Grandpa Aang built!" she said pointing to her back. "And that's the small farm where we plant the vegetables we eat!" she said with a big smile as she finished the 'grand tour'.
"I have a couple of questions." Bolin said looking thoughtful. "Is this an all-vegetarian island? Is that where you train airbending? Do we have to wear Air Acolytes clothes? Do we each get our own Sky Bison? And final question: How many trees are on this island?"
Naruto shook his head. 'This guy can give Ikki a run for her money.'
The little girl thought for a second before answering. "Yes yes no no 10.552."
The answer seemed to stun the guests, but Mako recovered himself from the impression. "So, where are we going to stay?"
"You're a boy. Boys have to stay on the boy side." Meelo responded.
"I'd be happy to show you the men's room." Ikki offered.
The oldest of the airbenders around gave a sly smirk to his younger cousin. "Ikki, didn't aunt Pema told you it's impolite to flirt with our guests?"
Ikki started blushing like there was no tomorrow. "I-I-I'm not flirting! I-I'm just being nice, t-that's all!" she said embarrassed.
"Ikki loves Mako! Ikki loves Mako!" a certain airbender girl shouted.
"Sh-Shut up! I'm not i-in love with Mako!" Ikki roared as she quickly grabbed Mako's hand and left the scene before any more teasing could be done. Bolin figured out that since he was a boy so he should follow them as well.
"Meelo, why don't you go with the boys too?" Korra suggested.
Meelo stared at Asami before leaving. "We shall meet again soon, beautiful woman." he declared.
As Meelo reached the boy's group, Korra lead Asami to her room along with Jinora and Naruto. On their way to Asami's new compartment, Jinora looked at Asami. "Asami, did you know Korra whispers Naruto's name when she's sleeping?"
Asami clamped her mouth with her hand and tried hard not to laugh. "Really? I wasn't completely aware of that." she said between giggles.
Korra gasped and also clamped her mouth, but it wasn't to hold any laughter. Far from it! Naruto could've sworn there was a hidden bloodbender nearby because it looked like all the blood on Korra's body was being gathered in her head. "Jinora, that is so not true!" the red-faced girl yelled.
"Yes it is! But why do you do it? Is it because you love him so much you even dream about him?"
Korra refused to answer. Instead, she grabbed Asami and Naruto from their wrist and started to walk as fast as she could with her head down so nobody could see the furious blush on her face. 'Note to self: Start sleeping with adhesive tape on my mouth.'
Finally they reached Asami's new room. The place itself was very simple; it consisted of a small room with a bed, a little table next to the bed with a lamp on it, a closet, a big open window with a great sea view and a desk with a chair next to the closet. Before Jinora could enter, Korra closed the doors right in her face. She heard a muffled 'Hey!' coming from Jinora. "Run along, Jinora!" Korra responded. Turning around to face Asami, the Avatar started talking. "Soooo, here's your room. I know this is a little rustic compared to what you're used to."
"I think it's charming." Asami assured her. "And the best part about it, nothing here reminds me of my father. Thank you both for your hospitality."
Naruto frowned hearing that, he decided to talk with her later about it, her mother currently was dealing with the company, hoping to help the police in any way possible.
Just as Asami finished her sentence, someone started knocking on the door. Korra growled and turned around. "Jinora, I swear if you don't leave us alone I'm gonna-"
The door opened and Tenzin walked inside.
Korra shut her mouth immediately and went pale. "Tenzin, please come right in."
Tenzin entered the room. "Good day ladies. Asami, welcome to the island."
"Thank you for having me." Asami replied as they both bowed.
Now Tenzin looked at Korra and started to talk, completely ignoring the presence of Naruto. "Beifong's replacement, Saikhan, is going to be inducted as the new Chief of Police later. I think we should both be there."
"Sure, that sounds good. Just let me show the place to our guests and I'll be ready." Korra said. Tenzin nodded and left the room, once again refusing to acknowledge the existence of his nephew. Not even a small glare was shared between the two airbenders.
Naruto would wanted to perhaps go with them but his injuries were still healing, and would be difficult to go with them, and he still needed to heal, after the door was closed, the blonde walked up to Asami confronting her.
"Can I do something for you?" He questioned softly, a hand on her shoulder.
Usually Asami wanted to always show her serious, tough side in front of everyone, but she knew she didn't need to do that with Naruto, the one person in the world that knew every side of her.
She spoke nothing instead hugged him tightly, her head resting on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. "Just hold me like this, please," Asami almost pleaded as the blonde started caressing her beautiful hair, and humming much to Asami's delight who relaxed.
Republic City
"It was an honor serving under Chief Beifong for so many years, and I wish her a speedy recovery. It is with great humility that I take her place as the new Chief of Police." Saikhan announced to the crowd gathered outside of the Police Department. Said man was accompanied by Korra, Tarrlok, Tenzin and the rest of the Council by his left and right side. "Republic City is facing a threat like none the world has ever seen, but there is one man that has been effective against Amon's revolution: Councilmen Tarrlok. That is why for all matters involved with the Equalists, I will report directly to him."
Both Tenzin and Korra's eyes widened after hearing Saikhan's statement. This was bad, very bad.
"The Police Department will lend any and all available resources to the councilmen's task force until we quell this insurgency."
Korra crossed her arms and gave Tarrlok a dirty glare. "What is that Weasel Snake Tarrlok up to now?"
The Airbender did not respond, but it was safe to say that he was thinking the exact same thing. After Saikhan's announcement and when almost everybody else was gone, Tenzin approached Tarrlok. "Tarrlok, I don't know what you did to get Chief Saikhan on your pocket, but I highly doubt it was legal."
"Oh Tenzin, always the conspiracy theorist. Did you ever consider that Saikhan simply recognizes my talent and wants for what's best in this city?" Tarrlok retorted smugly. That was when Korra approached him. "Avatar Korra, long time no see. Now that your little Pro-bending distractions are over, I look forward to your return to my task force."
"Ha! Forget it. There's no way I'm joining your vanity project." Korra said.
"That is unfortunate to hear, but I'm sure you'll come back to your senses as you have in the past."
Korra glared at him. "Don't hold your breath, pal. You know, Tenzin's been right about you all along. You played me, you played Beifong and now you're playing the new Chief too." She said as she now stood closer to the council member. "Well I got news for you. You need me, but I don't need you. I'm the Avatar."
"You are not, in fact, the Avatar. You are merely a half-baked Avatar in training. Which reminds me, how is your airbending going? Have you made any significant progress?" Tarrlok asked as Korra lowered her head and gritted her teeth in frustration. "I didn't think so. If you are not going to join my task force, then you'd best get out of my way."
With that said Tarrlok turned around and left an angered Airbender and a highly-frustrated Avatar behind.
Tarrlok smirked as he walked away, their plan would certainly work, he wasn't there to see himself, but whatever hidden power Naruto held was nothing compared to the two strongest bloodbenders in the world, together they would defeat him, defending the city from a monster, he knew people would die, but every victory could be achieved only with sacrifice.