*Air Temple Island*
"AAAAhhhhhh!" Korra screamed, waking up from her nightmare in a cold sweat. A few seconds later her door was open as Akira came in searching the room for any possible threats.
"Korra, you ok?" Akira asked, now sure that there was no danger.
"Yeah, just a bad dream," she said with a weak chuckle as she tried to put on a brave front.
"You sure? I mean you still look kind of freaked out."
"I'm fine Akira!" Korra said aggressively, surprising the blond.
"Hey, no need to yell. I just wanted to know if you were fine or not," Akira said in a placating manner.
"Well you don't have too because I'm fine!"
"Fine, forget it." Akira muttered, leaving Korra alone in the dark.
That afternoon, Akira joined his father in caring for the sky bison. Tenzin agreed as he had a feeling the ravenette had another reason for wanting to be alone with him. His suspicions proved true as Akira brought up his concerns about Korra.
"I don't know what her deal is father" said Akira as he helped his father feed the sky bison.
"Don't worry about Korra, Akira" said Tenzin. "I'm sure she'll talk to you when she's ready."
"But she's scared now." Tenzin turned to face Akira and placed a comforting hand on the young man's shoulder.
"Akira for now just do as you've always done; be her friend and be there when she needs you most."
"Alright, father" Akira sighed, unfortunately there was something else Tenzin had to speak to the boy about.
"Tarrlok the Northern Water Tribe council representative has formed a task force to deal with Amon. I suspect he'll be looking to have Korra join."
"Are you seriuos father! Korra is already having nightmares about that man. She can't go join some task force now."
"I agree Akira, it'd be best if she stayed away from the Equalist situation right now. Especially since this task force will only make things more strained between benders and non-benders. But there's more; there have been rumors going around lately."
"Rumors?" Akira asked unsure of where his father was going with this.
"Yes it appears after your...performance at that Equalist rally, there has been talk of a young man with strange bending abilities." Tenzin explained. "I've been able to keep attention away from you for the moment. But it'd be best if you tried to keep a low profile for a while as to let these rumors die out."
"Okay father," the ravenette agreed, Akira had no desire to have his special circumstances become public knowledge. "Come on let's finish up and grab some dinner."
That night everyone gathered at the table for dinner as Tenzin began to bless the food.
"We are grateful for this delicious food, for happiness, for compassion, and..."
"I'm not interrupting, am I?" an obnoxious voice interrupted. Turning their attention to the door, they saw their uninvited guest was a man of Water Tribe descent, dressed in expensive clothing, and had three prominently long ponytails.
"This is my home, Tarrlok" said Tenzin, identifying the man. "We're about to eat dinner."
"Good, because I am absolutely famished." Tenzin just glared as the man feigned ignorance. Seeing he was getting to the airbending master, Tarrlok decided to taunt the man. "Airbenders never turn away a hungry guest, am I right?"
"I suppose." Tenzin sighed, shrugging at his wife's angry glare.
"Ah, you must be the famous Avatar Korra. It is truly an honor. I am Councilman Tarrlok, representative from the Northern Water Tribe." He introduced himself, bowing in respect.
"Nice to meet you" said Korra, returning the gesture before returning to the table.
Fathers right, I just get a really bad feeling from this guy Akira thought to himself, as Tarrlok sat himself beside Korra.
"Why do you have three ponytails? And how come you smell like a lady? You're weird." Ikki questioned in her typical fashion.
"Well aren't you....precocious?" said Tarrlok dismissing the now glaring airbender child to refocus on Korra. "So, I've been reading all about your adventures in the papers. Infiltrating Amon's rally now that took some real initiative."
"Oh thanks. I think you're the first authority figure in the city who's happy I'm here." Korra said honestly.
"Republic City is much better off now that you've arrived."
"Enough with the flattery, Tarrlok." Tenzin snapped. "What do you want from Korra?"
"Patience, Tenzin I'm getting to that. As you may have heard, I am assembling a task force that will strike at the heart of the revolution and I want you to join me."
"Really?" Korra asked in surprise. Akira glared at the councilman, as he laid on more flattery in hopes of convincing the Avatar.
"I need someone who will help me attack Amon directly, someone who is fearless in the face of danger. And that someone is you."
"I can't" Korra refused much to Tarrlok and Tenzin's surprise. Akira just let out a sigh of relief, he'd been afraid that Korra's pride would see her jump at the chance to fight rather than admit her fear of Amon.
"I...must admit I'm....rather surprised." Tarrlok confessed. "I thought you'd jump at the chance to help me lead the charge against Amon."
"Me too." Tenzin muttered.
"I came to Republic City to finish my Avatar training with Tenzin. Right now I just need to focus on that. Korra replied.
"Which is why this opportunity is perfect. You would get on the job experience while performing your Avatar duty for the city." The councilman said somewhat desperately.
"Korra gave you her answer. So please leave." Akira said, daring the man to refuse.
"Indeed, Tarrlok I demand you leave now" said Tenzin, lending his support to his son.
"Very well, but I'm not giving up on you just yet. You'll be hearing from me soon." said the councilman, getting up to leave. "It has been a pleasure, Avatar Korra."
"Bye-bye, ponytail man!" said Ikki as she waved goodbye to Tarrlok.
The following day Bolin paid a visit to Air Temple Island, where he found Korra just lounging around with Naga and Akira practicing his earthbending.
"Hello fellow teammate and non-teammate" the earthbender greeted, as he walked up with Pabu on his shoulder and an arm behind his back.
"Hey Bolin." Korra greeted as she gave Naga a much appreciated bully rub.
"How are you doing?" said Akira adding his own greeting.
"I'm good." Bolin replied before addressing Korra. "Missed you at practice this week."
"Yeah sorry about that."
"Aw it's alright. We're probably out of the tournament anyway. Unless some money miraculously drops from the sky by tomorrow." Akira frowned at this, Bolin was usually always such an upbeat guy he didn't like seeing the earthbender giving up.
"Anyway reason I came by was to give you this, ta-da!" Bolin then handed Korra a rose and a wrapped up cupcake.
"Wow thanks." Korra said confusedly, accepting the gifts. "But what is this for?"
Bolin then got into a thinking pose. "Ah, I can't remember now. Oh yeah, now I remember! You saved me from Amon!"
"Oh that. It was no big deal" she said dismissively. "Besides, Akira's the one who really did everything."
"It's fine. I don't really mind if you didn't get me anything" said the ravenette.
"Not to worry my dual bending friend" Akira and Korra raised an eyebrow at that but both decided to let Bolin's little snafu go as the earthbender continued. "Pabu the magnificent has a special show for you."
Taking his que, the little fire ferret hopped of Bolin's shoulder and began walking back and forth on his front paws.
"Wow Bolin, thanks" said Akira, unsure how to feel about the display. Seeing his distress, Korra decided to split her cupcake between them, silently apologizing for blowing up at him the other night.
"Delivery for Avatar Korra" said the voice of an elderly lady, prompting the teens to turn around to see an old woman carrying a large basket of gifts. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer."
"Tell him I haven't changed my mind" Korra replied, with a bow the elderly woman left.
"Who's this Tarrlok guy? Is he bothering you? Huh, cause I could have a word with him" said Bolin, punching the palm of his hand threateningly. "Wait if this guy's bothering Korra, why aren't you doing anything Akira?"
"Because he's a councilmen and I don't like hurting people."
"Oh" Well that certainly changed Bolin's plans to 'have a word with him'.
The following night, Akira and Korra were just hanging about the Temple when Tarrlok's aid came for another visit.
"Avatar Korra" the old woman called.
"This man is really desperate" said Akira. Annoyed by the constant hassling, Korra got up in the woman's face to make her point.
"It doesn't matter how many gifts Tarrlok gives me" she said as she used earthbending to turn the woman around and kicked her in the backside. "I'm not joining his task force!"
'It's not a gift" the woman said urgently, holding up a letter. "It's an invitation."
"To what?" Korra asked, accepting the envelope.
"Tarrlok is throwing a gala in your honor. All of Republic City's movers and shakers will be there. The councilman humbly requests your attendance."
"This is definitely a ploy from Tarrlok" Akira remarked, to which Korra just sighed as she understood the reasoning behind such an invitation. Regardless after taking the invite to Tenzin it was decided that she'd attend the party.
*The Gala*
Tenzin's family entered the gala in formal air nomad attire followed by Korra, who having been raised in the Southern Water Tribe dressed as such. Though the blond was somewhat uncomfortable being so dressed up.
The party goers clapped for Korra as they entered the room, overwhelming the Avatar at the large welcoming.
"I can't believe this is all for me" she said in awe of all the lights and people.
"This is how they party here in Republic City" said Akira also impressed with the decor.
"I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting, but keep your guard up. It's not like him to throw a party just for the fun of it." Tenzin cautioned.
"So glad you could make it Avatar Korra" said Tarrlok, walking over to the group. "If you'll excuse us, the city await its hero" said the councilman, pulling her towards the crowds. With Tenzin distracted by Meelo's antics, Akira made it his mission to stick by Korra, much to Tarrlok's annoyance.
"Korra, it's my pleasure to introduce Republic City's most famous industrialist, Hiroshi Sato." Hiroshi was a well-dressed middle aged man, with slightly chubby build.
"Nice to meet you" said Korra.
"You as well, we're all expecting great things from you." said Hiroshi before then turning his attention to Akira. "And I'm afraid I didn't catch your name...."
"Akira I'm a friend of Korra's," the ravenette introduced himself, honestly he was surprised Hiroshi even bothered to ask for his name.
"And he's the son of Tenzin and helps me train in airbending" said the Avatar, glad the focus of the conversation was no longer on the city's great expectations of her. "He became a master at just the age of 5." Hearing this Tarrlok seemed to be more interested in the ravenette as he filed away this information
"Hey Korra, Akira" said Mako, walking up with a beautiful dark haired girl on his arm.
"This is my daughter, Asami" said Hiroshi, gesturing to Mako's date.
"It's lovely to meet you." Asami greeted. "Mako's told me so much about you both."
"Really? Well he didn't say too much I hope" said Akira teasingly while giving the firebender a pointed look.
"Oh, a man of mystery" the Sato heiress also said teasingly. "Well don't worry Akira. I'm sure there are still plenty of secrets I can weasel out of you."
"So how'd you guys meet?" Korra asked. And why are you flirting with Akira?
"Asami crashed into him on her moped" said Bolin joining the conversation.
"What? Are you ok?" Korra asked Mako.
"I'm fine. More than fine. Mister Sato agreed to sponsor our team; we're back in the tournament!" the firebender happily informed them.
"Isn't that great?" Bolin said excitedly.
"Yeah it's amazing" said Korra just as excited.
"Chief Beifong, I believe you and Avatar Korra have already met" said Tarrlok, interrupting the teens' conversation as he called Lin over.
Lin definitely remembered her last meeting with the Avatar and didn't hesitate to get in her face. "Just because the city's throwing you this big to-do, don't think you're something special." she said harshly, pausing to glance at a frowning Akira "You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this."
Sharing a look with each other, Korra silently urged Akira to follow after Lin to figure out what the look she gave him meant, though they had their suspicions. Remembering Tenzin's warning about keeping a low profile the ravenette left hoping that Mako and Bolin could keep Korra engaged long enough for him to return before Tarrlok could pull anything.
Searching the crowds, Akira eventually found Lin leaning casually against the entrance to the balcony. Gesturing with her head, Lin signaled for the blond to follow her outside to keep their conversation private.
"...."
"You know I miss you right." it wasn't a question. "How long are you going to be free soon?"
"I don't really know." said Lin. "It could be a while before I have a break just for us, dealing with these equalists is really making everyone have to work extra times as much. Understand?"
"I understand, I really do. It's just, I really don't get that much time to spend with you mother " Akira explained seeing that his mother understood his feelings. "I just hope this whole Amon thing can just be over with."
Lin just sighed, feeling the same as her son.
"Look I told your father about the reports about you. So just keep quiet for now and keep the Avatar under control." Lin ordered her son, before returning to the party though not before giving her son a quick hug and a chased kiss on the. cheek.
That's easier said than done mother Akira thought to himself. He was about to head back and search for Korra when he heard what sounded like the Avatar speaking into a microphone. Leaning over the edge of the balcony he scowled as Tenzin's suspicions were confirmed, as Korra stood in front of reporters, asking her about why she hasn't joined Tarrlok's taskforce. And of course said councilman was standing in the corner with a smug smirk on his face.
When one of the reporters asked if she was afraid of Amon, Akira knew it was all over as she was pressured into joining Tarrlok's task force. Not about to take this lying down the blond quickly tracked down Tarrlok.
"You just couldn't take no for an answer, could you?" Akira demanded, keeping his anger just beneath the surface.
"The Avatar has a duty to this city" the councilman replied smugly.
"Yes, she does. Though it will be the way she wants, not the way of some manipulative man feeding his own ego" It took every ounce of control Akira had not to earthbenf the smug sneer of Tarrlok's face.
"Don't worry, Akira" Tarrlok said mockingly. "I'll be sure to take good care of your playmate." Before he could even register what happened, Akira was in councilman's face a cold hateful look in his eyes.
"I'm warning you Tarrlok. If anything happens to her, you shall answer to me" Akira vowed as his temper came back under control. To his credit Tarrlok managed to maintain that annoying smirk as Akira left to find Korra and the others. However once the ravenette was gone, the councilman dropped the facade as he broke out into a cold sweat as acknowledged something about the boy had frightened him. But despite this moment of fear Tarrlok found himself contemplating the possible role, Akira might play as he worked to gain control over the Avatar.
*Air Temple Island: 2 weeks later*
And just like that Korra was part of the task force. Tarrlok kept her so busy that she didn't have time for anything else. And as the days passed Akira couldn't help noticing that with each Equalist safe house the task force managed to take down the worse Korra seemed to get in dealing with her fears, as she knew each battle could potentially put her right in front of Amon himself.
Akira's fears came to pass as at a press conference earlier that day Korra had made a public challenge to Amon. The conditions being that they fight one on one without any outside interference. Of course he wasn't about to let her do something so stupid, at least not without putting up a fight.
"Are you insane?!" Akira demanded. "You can't fight Amon alone."
"Watch me!" Korra challenged, pushing the ravenette out of way as she marched towards the docks.
"You know just because you're afraid...."
"I told you I'm not afraid!" the Avatar yelled in denial, turning to glare at her friend. They just stood there glaring angrily at each other, Akira opened his mouth to say something but instead walked away seeing no point in arguing any further.
Reaching the docks, Korra began preparing a boat with the aid of Tarrlok and the task force members when Tenzin arrived on his glider.
"Korra this is madness" said the airbending master, hoping to reason with the girl.
"Don't try and stop me and don't follow me. Akira already tried" said Korra determinedly, pushing aside her guilt over the fight with her best friend.
"This is all your doing!" Tenzin yelled turning on Tarrlok.
"I tried to talk her out of it too but she's made up her mind" said the councilman.
*Avatar Aang Memorial Island*
It was after midnight, the designated meeting time with Amon had passed and Korra continued waiting impatiently for the Equalist leader.
"Guess you're a no-show Amon." Korra yawned. "Who's scared now?" Tired of waiting she began to make her way towards the docks when suddenly a bola is thrown at her feet, trapping her as she's dragged inside the memorial.
Reaching the center of the memorial chamber, Korra finds herself surrounded by twenty chi blockers. Snapping her legs free, she spins on her hands releasing a ring of fire in an attempt to ward off her attackers. However this proves fruitless as she's quickly overpowered and has her chi blocked.
With her chi blocked Korra doesn't have the strength to resist as a pair of chi blockers hold her up by the arms, clearing a path as Amon walks toward her.
"I received your invitation, young Avatar" said the Equalist leader, his voice sending a cold chill of fear down Korra's spine. As Amon's hand reaches towards her face Korra can't hide the fear in her eyes as she waits for the moment the mad man takes her bending.
Someone, please help me. Korra's prayers were answered as a familiar voice roared from the chamber entrance.
"Amon!" Turning to face the voice Amon recognized the owner as the boy who helped the Avatar invade his rally. As he was clearly a friend of the Avatar, Amon wasn't surprised by Akira's anger.
A gust of wind was sent flying towards Amon and his equalists as some managed to dodge the attack. Though that was only a distraction as Akira started to bend the metal around them.
"How is it possible for you to bend two elements?!" Amon demanded as he could see most of his equalist getting trapped by the metal.
"I'll tell you after I've your all gone!" Akira then threw many kunai knives as they all landed between equalists members. Just as they landing, Akira used his hiraishin as he became a blur of speed as the only thing that was heard in the night was just silence after knocking out the equalist members.
With the small fry taken care of, Akira turned his attention to the surprisingly still present Amon.
"An impressive display of power" the Equalist leader comments, his ever present calm just angering Akira further. Throwing his knives at full speed Akira moves to end this match, but to his surprise, Amon actually manages to dodge him. Not to be deterred, Akira continues his assault, swiping his knives at the Equalist leader, but once again Amon dodges his attack.
Amon is no amateur and has already trained himself to battle fast opponents given he expected such speed from the airbending master Tenzin, and while he didn't expect such power from this unknown boy it doesn't change the principle. By watching for subtle shifts in Akira's muscles as well as the shifting dirt when he moves, Amon is able keep just out of the blond's range.
It's when one of Akira's attacks gets too close for comfort that Amon decides to end this battle. As Akira closed in for another attack, Amon quickly dropped a flash bomb the resulting blast blinding boy long enough for the Equalist leader to escape.
With the threat ended, he quickly cleared up as he rushed to check on the still weakened Korra.
"Korra, you ok?" he asked gently. To Akira's surprise Korra suddenly threw her arms around him as she broke into tears. "Hey, what's with the waterworks?"
"I'm sorry" Korra sobbed. "I'm sorry. You ... you were right ... I've been scared this whole time. I was so terrified, I felt so helpless."
"It's ok. You know I will always have your back." Akira said sincerely. In truth he was freaked out about his little rampage but right now he was more concerned about Korra.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry" she repeated allowing herself to cry in Akira's arms. This was the scene that Tenzin arrived to, amidst the broken and bleeding bodies of Amon's men the Avatar crying in pain and relief in the arms of his son. And though he planned on speaking with Akira later about what happened he felt it better to let wait as Korra finally began the first step to overcoming her fears.
Thank you for reading. Please leave a comment and a review.