Legend of the Uchiha & Avatar

[Quillion9000]

Four Nations: Compound, Day…
A seventeen-year-old girl wearing red armor unleashed two kicks which sent fire towards a man wearing the same armor. He raised his hands to defend; however, the power behind the blast sent him crashing to the ground. This was followed by two more men shooting their own fire at her.

She was seemingly engulfed, but the girl dissipated the flames by moving her hands in a circular motion. She then got into her fighting stance again as one of the men charged. He shot three jets of fire, but the girl dodged the first, got rid of the second with a grunt, and dodged the third.

She then rushed forward as the man jumped and sent two fire arcs in his direction. She tumbled underneath the flames to avoid them. The girl then sent out more flames, which the man attempted to dodge; however, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.

As he attempted to stand, the girl came between the two remaining men and unleashed powerful blasts of fire. They're scrambling bought her time to launch a stronger blast of fire at the man in front of her, sending him flying into a triangular roof of a small building nearby.

He was rendered unconscious. While all of this happened, five people were watching. One of them was an elderly woman in blue and white clothing, three of them were guys in darker blue and white robes, and the last was a man in red robes.

"She's strong." The old woman stated.

"She lacks restraint." One of the men in blue robes corrected.

Just then, the last man charged the girl and showered her with a fire stream. She smiled confidently while running towards the man, straight into the fire. She parted it before pushing the man's arms apart, making him stop his bending.

The girl then used him to propel herself into the air and kick an arc of fire in his direction. Once she landed, the girl showered him with a follow up stream of fire. The man attempted to block but got thrown backwards in defeat.

"Woohoo!" The girl ran up to the five observers while taking her helmet off. "Hey, why all the doom and gloom? We should be celebrating! Three elements down, one to go!"

"You're getting ahead of yourself, as usual Korra." The man in red stated. "We haven't decided if you passed your Firebending test yet."

"Ever since you were a little girl, you've excelled at the physical side of bending yet completely ignored the spiritual side." The first man in blue stated. "The Avatar must master both."

Korra gained a bored look and bowed her head slightly. "I haven't ignored it. It just doesn't come as easy to me. That's why I should start training with Tenzin. He's Mister Spiritual."

"Do you think she's ready, Master Katara?" The White Lotus Leader asked.

"Yes." Katara smiled. "If anyone can teach her what she needs, it's my Tenzin."

"Very well, Korra." The leader nodded. "It's time for you began your Airbending training."

"YES! Finally!" Korra realized the elders were watching her with dismayed looks, so she turned serious. "I mean, thank you for believing in me."

Korra then smiled and walked away; however, she was unable to contain her joy as she ended up running off.

She immediately went to visit a curled up polar bear-dog within a stable. "Naga, you should've seen it. I kicked some Firebender butt and passed!" Naga wagged her tail and met Korra who cuddled her by the head. "Tenzin will be here in a few days."

Korra scratched Naga's head and laughed as her animal companion gleefully licked her face. Once they were done celebrating, Korra mounted her companion, and they rode up to the gate of the compound. A White Lotus sentry looked down at her.

"Just taking Naga for a stroll." Korra declared, yet the guard looks unsure until she crossed her arms. "Don't worry. We're not going far."

The guard decided to open the gate upon hearing that, seeing Korra spur her companion out.

Days Later, Evening…
A flying bison with six legs flew a man, pregnant woman, two girls, and a young boy towards the compound.

"Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? It looks like we're there. I know it, this looks familiar! Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Oh, please tell me we're there!" One of the young girls spoke quickly.

The man who was directing the bison to land sighed in relief. "Yes Ikki, as I've been telling you for the last fifteen minutes, we are finally here." Once the bison landed, the two girls rode air scooters down the animal while the man got off and Katara approached. "Hello, Mother. I can't tell you how happy I am to see you." The boy was pulling his ears. "Please, help me."

Katara laughed as the man bowed, allowing her to get the boy off his shoulders.

"Unhand me, strange woman!" The young boy declared, frantically waving his arms.

"That's your grandmother, Meelo." The man reminded.

Meelo nimbly pushed off Katara's arms and somersaulted over her.

Upon landing, the boy dashed off seeing the Waterbender smile. "It's so good to see all of you."

The other girl came up to Katara. "Gran-Gran, I've been reading about your old adventures, and I've been dying to ask, what happened to Zuko's mom?"

"Well Jinora, it's an incredible tale…" Katara began.

"Gran-Gran, you look old." She was cut off by Ikki jumping between them. "How old are you, and why is it so cold in the South Pole? Can we make a campfire, huddle around it, and tell scary stories? Then, can we make snowmen before you make them move with Waterbending? You could make them chase us. Wouldn't that be fun? Huh? Wouldn't it?"

As Ikki talked, asking far too many questions, Jinora gave a look of disappointment. The man, known as Tenzin, saw the pregnant woman slowly sliding down the bison's tail. He immediately walked over to catch her hands.

"Pema, let me help you." Tenzin helped her down. "Careful now."

"Stop doting on me." Pema retracted her hands. "I'm not helpless." She rested her hands on her swollen belly. "I'm just pregnant."

Katara walked over and gave Pema a hug. "The baby's strong. I see another Airbender in your future."

"All I want is one child like me, a nice Non-Bender who doesn't blast wind in my face every five seconds." Pema stated.

"Mommy, look!" Meelo called out before covering himself in snow and blasting it off himself using Airbending. "I'm a Snowbender!"

Pema was dismayed as she now had snow on her head. "Were Tenzin and his siblings THIS crazy when they were kids?"

"Kya and Bumi certainly were, but Tenzin has always been…rather serious." Katara informed.

"Mother, please." Tenzin then noticed Korra standing a few meters behind his mother, waiting with her hands behind her back. "Korra." He approached the young Avatar and put his arms around her shoulder. "Look at you. You've grown into quite the young Avatar."

"Master Tenzin, I'm glad you're here." Korra declared excitedly. "I can't wait to get started."

"Yes…well…" Tenzin sighed.

"You're going to have to tell her sooner or later." Pema said.

"Tell me what?" Korra asked worriedly.

"You're not staying, are you?" Katara asked sadly.

"I'm afraid not." Tenzin sighed. "We're only visiting for the night before returning to Republic City tomorrow."

"But…no, you're supposed to move here." Korra was upset. "You're supposed to teach me."

"I'm sorry, but your Airbending training must wait." Tenzin informed, to the Avatar's dismay.

Night…
Korra was at the table with the three Lotus members and Tenzin. "So, how long until you're ready to teach me Airbending? A week? A month?"

"It could be much longer than that." Tenzin answered.

"I don't understand." Korra voiced. "Why are you making me wait?"

"I have a responsibility to Republic City." Tenzin answered. "I am one of its leaders, and
the situation there is very unstable right now."

"But, you also have a responsibility to teach me." Korra reasoned. "Believe me, I'd be happy to find another Airbending master, but you're the only one. We're stuck with each other."

"I wish there was another way." Tenzin responded.

"Wait, there is!" Korra had an idea. "Since you can't stay, I'll go to Republic City with you. It's perfect."

"Absolutely not!" The White Lotus leader banged his hand on the table, making it shake. "The city is far too dangerous. Avatar Aang tasked us with keeping you safe while you mastered the four elements."

"I get that, but I don't think keeping me locked up in this compound like a prisoner is what he had in mind." Korra replied.

"I know this is difficult to accept, but it's not the right time for you to come to the city." Tenzin attempted to calm the situation.

"Whatever." Korra declared dismissively.

She then got up and left, slamming the door behind her.

Morning…
Tenzin, Pema, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo were sitting on their sky bison with the latter four waving goodbye to Katara.

"Goodbye, Gran Gran!" Ikki declared.

"Oogi, yip-yip!" Tenzin ordered as he tugged the reigns.

The bison pushed off the ground and flew away. Katara started to shed a tear but wiped it away. On the rim of a nearby cliff, Korra sat with Naga and watched as Oogi flew past. Her expression suddenly turned from sad to determined.

Night…
Korra entered Naga's stable, making the polar-dog look up at her. The Avatar went about taking Naga's saddle and started putting it on her before tightening the straps.

"Nice night for an escape, isn't it?" Katara asked, startling the Avatar.

"I have to leave." Korra declared. "I must find my own path as the Avatar."

"I know you do." Katara smiled as Korra gave her a grateful look. "Aang's time has passed. My brother and many of my friends are gone. It's time for you and your generation to take over the responsibility of keeping peace and balance in the world." She placed her hand on Korra's shoulder. "I think you're going to be a great Avatar."

Korra hugged Katara. "Thank you."

The Waterbender hugged her back. "Goodbye, Korra."

Southern Water Tribe
Korra had Naga dig a tunnel out of the compound. Once they were out, she had the polar dog dash off towards the Southern Water Tribe. More specifically, to the home of her parents where she told them everything before hugging them.

"Mom, Dad, I'll miss you." Korra declared.

"We love you so much." Korra's mother returned.

Korra then ran over and climbed atop Naga. She spared one last look at her parents before having her companion dash off. They soon found themselves stowing away on a ship, for days, bound for Republic City.

Shinobi Country: Valley of the End, Day…
Within the Valley of the End, an intense battle was occurring between two boys, Naruto and Sasuke. Neither of them gave the other an inch, and they were currently at the lower level of the valley where water flowed. They were staring each other down while breathing heavily.

"You were serious…" Naruto stated in disbelief.

"Yeah, dead serious." Sasuke declared. "I intend to bury you where you stand."

"Just what is wrong with you, Sasuke!?" Naruto yelled. "Don't you see me as a friend anymore? I mean, neither of us ever said anything, but I always thought of us…as friends."

"You know what they say?" Sasuke suddenly questioned. "When two Shinobi are powerful enough, they can read each other's thoughts through exchanging fists. You were always an idiot, Naruto. Tell me, do you know my thoughts? Can you tell what's on my mind!?"

Sasuke charged Naruto and delivered an uppercut, sending him into the water.

"That's it. There's no mistaking it." Naruto was sinking. "You're dead serious. You mean to kill me; however, I don't know why. No matter the reason…" His eyes started to turn crimson, his pupils turned to slits, his whiskers became more pronounced, and his teeth became fangs. "…I can't stand to see you get taken by someone like Orochimaru!"

Just when Sasuke thought it was over, there was a quake as Naruto rose out of the water covered in crimson Chakra which formed into the shape of a fox around his body.

"This Chakra is intense, and Naruto seems different!" Sasuke was shocked. "What are you!?"

"I'm your FRIEND!" Naruto charged. "That's why you're NOT going to Orochimaru!"

The blond started attacking Sasuke. Despite him trying to dodge, it ultimately ended with the Uchiha taking a hit that sent him skipping across the surface of the water. He managed to catch himself atop a log that now bobbed along its surface.

"My Sharingan evolved to three tomoe, yet I can barely track his movements!" Sasuke stood straight. "Why go this far for me!?"

"This is the first bond I've ever had." Naruto responded.

"Bond?" Sasuke scoffed. "If that's how it is…" His body turned pale, his hair grew longer and turn light grey, and wing-like shapes appeared on his back. "…I'll sever that bond!"

Naruto used his demonic Chakra to strike Sasuke and send him against a rock wall; however, the Uchiha blocked with one of his wings. He then managed to push the blond back.

"You're strong Naruto, yet I don't feel like I'll lose!" Sasuke declared confidently. "Let's end this…This battle, and all the battles up until now!"

"Fine…" Naruto declared.

He created a Rasengan covered in his crimson Chakra while Sasuke started charging his Chidori, which was empowered by the Curse Mark. After their respective attacks were charged, they rushed at each other.

"NARUTOOOOOOOO!"

"SASUKEEEEEEEEEE!"

They clashed with their respective Jutsu.

"CHIDORI!"

"RASENGAN!"

There was a massive explosion.

Naruto was filled with sorrow. "I want things to be how they were…"

"There's no going back." Sasuke was determined. "I WILL achieve my goal!"

The explosion sent both boys into free fall, unconscious. Naruto landed on a cliff while Sasuke hit the water, his body quickly flushed out into the river by the turbulent waves their clash generated. Dark clouds soon rolled in, and it began to downpour.

Some Time Later…
Kakashi and one of his summons, Pakkun, arrived to find Naruto's unconscious body.

"We were too late." Kakashi lamented. "I'm sorry we didn't make it in time, Naruto. Knowing you, you must have put up quite a fight."

"I'm trying to find Sasuke, but the rain has washed away his scent." Pakkun informed.

Kakashi looked down and found a Konoha headband, which he knew had to be Sasuke's, with a straight mark through the center. "His headband." He sighed as his gaze turned to the skies above, which were just as turbulent as the water nearby. "He must have gone to Orochimaru."

Land of Fire
A tall, thin young man, with pale golden eyes and brown hair reaching to his shoulders, was walking along the river through the rain. He wore a long, light blue kimono, adorned with an emblem of three bubbles on the back, and a pair of grey pants with an orange sash.

The kimono hung loose, exposing his chest, a bamboo jug, and a pipe. Eventually, he came across someone washed up on the edge of the river. It was an unconscious boy who bore a torn-up symbol of the Uchiha on the back of his shirt. He checked the boy over and found a pulse.

"Last I'd heard, back before I left Kirigakure, the Uchiha were reportedly wiped out by one of their own." The young man crouched by the boy's side. "This boy kind of looks like who should be the last of them; however, this one is much too young to be him.

Given his current state, I'm inclined to believe this isn't any form of Shinobi trick at play. Could this somehow be a survivor of that massacre, or someone dumb enough to wear that symbol? He doesn't seem to bear anything denoting himself as part of Konoha."

Even if this boy was from Konoha, the lack of a headband was a factor. Given this young man had left his own village, years ago at this point, he was hardly able to judge another for potentially doing the same.

"Hey, wake up." The young man decided he should try to rouse the boy. "Are you alright?"

Sasuke started to open his eyes, and while his vision was a bit blurry, he managed to see the man. "Where am I? Who are you?"

"Are we skipping the part where you say, "thank you" and introduce yourself?" The man asked.

"I won't ask again!" Sasuke jumped back from the man and took out a kunai which he pointed at him. "Who are you!?"

"How ungrateful." The man sighed. "I'm no enemy, unless you wish to make me one. I found you unconscious in the stream and decided to make sure you were alive." He shook his head. "Since it seems you must know my name first, I'm Utakata."

"Utakata?" Sasuke asked.

"Correct." Utakata nodded. "Now, would you tell me your name?"

"All I know is I'm Sasuke Uchiha." Sasuke introduced.

Utakata raised an eyebrow. "All you know?"

"It's all I remember from before you found me." Sasuke responded.

"He must have amnesia." Utakata reasoned.

This certainly complicated things. This kid was an Uchiha yet had no memories. That meant Utakata had no assurances that directing him back to Konoha would be in his best interest. Being a Rogue Shinobi himself, it wasn't like he could wander on up to ask them.

As things stood, this kid could have been on a mission that went south, escaped whatever Konoha was putting him through, or wasn't part of Konoha in the first place. There was a lot of unknowns, and he didn't like the thought of leaving some memoryless kid like this.

"Why don't I help you?" Utakata offered.

"I don't need or want your help!" Sasuke snapped.

For a moment, Utakata contemplated taking this response at face value since he had enjoyed his solitude. His conscience won out since he knew someone without any memories was likely not to make it far on their own.

"How will you remember anything if no one helps you?" Utakata asked. "Do you expect to remember on your own?"

"I can try and remember myself!" Sasuke retorted.

"You're a stubborn one." Utakata sighed as he took Sasuke's arm. "Let's go."

"What are you doing!?" Sasuke struggled as this guy dragged him. "Let go of me!"

Utakata paid him no mind as he dragged this Uchiha into the forest. Eventually, the two of them arrived at a giant tree with an open hole in the trunk.

"Here we are." Utakata declared. "This is my temporary base for this week, and you can stay with me if you like."

"No thanks." Sasuke started to walk off. "I'll be going."

"How will you go anywhere if you can't remember where you were from?" Utakata asked.

"Fine, I'll stay for one night only." Sasuke relented.

"Then, enter and make yourself at home." Utakata walked in. "I'm getting food ready."

Sasuke followed the older man. Inside there were seats made of logs, a log table, various supplies, and a bed.

"I take it you're a traveler?" Sasuke asked.

"You could say that." Utakata reasoned.

"How old are you?" Sasuke asked.

"Not important." Utakata answered.

"Whatever. Where are you from?"

"Again, not important."

"Hn, fine."

"Now, I'm going to get dinner started." Utakata stated, walking away.

"What am I doing here?" Sasuke was left with his thoughts. "Why can't I remember anything? What was I doing? None of this makes sense!" He then felt a sharp pain in his head, making him grunt. "Dammit! My head! What the hell!?"

"Are you okay?" Utakata asked, coming back to him.

"My head is hurting!" Sasuke grunted.

"You must have a nasty headache." Utakata noted. "I think I have a remedy for that."

He left for a second.

"Why is this guy helping me?" Sasuke contemplated. "I try to push him away, yet he keeps insisting on being nice."

"It seems we have a change in plans." Utakata returned. "It looks like I must leave sooner than I thought."

"Why is that?" Sasuke asked.

"I was meant to meet somebody who would take me to another country in a week; however, he just sent his hawk." Utakata informed. "An urgent situation has cropped up. If I still want to depart this country with him, we must leave now."

"Have fun." Sasuke retorted.

"Don't you want to come with?" Utakata asked. "Who knows. Maybe there is a good chance you'll get your memory back with me."

In the end, Utakata wouldn't force Sasuke to join, but he hoped the boy would agree.

Sasuke thought it over before sighing. "Hn, fine."

They went about packing everything.

"My destination is the shore." Utakata informed as they left the tree. "We'll have to travel far through the forest until we find it."

"Let's just get this over with." Sasuke retorted.

"Impatient, I see." Utakata shook his head. "Alright, let's make haste."

Konoha
Kakashi arrived at Konoha with Naruto's body slung over his back and hurried to the hospital.

"Kakashi Sensei!" Sakura approached him. "You're back, and you brought…" She noticed her blond teammate's current state. "Naruto? Is he okay!?"

"Naruto will be fine." Kakashi assured her. "He is tough, after all."

"Uh, where's Sasuke?" Sakura asked tentatively.

"I'm sorry Sakura, but we couldn't find him." Kakashi informed. "My guess is he's gone to Orochimaru."

That made Sakura fall to her knees as tears came to her eyes. "SASUKE!"

Kakashi unfortunately had to dash off. He wanted to do more for his female student; however, Naruto needed to be tended to. Despite what he said, the blond was in a rougher shape physically than she was emotionally.

Land of Fire
Sasuke and Utakata continue through the forest.

"Who are we meeting at this shore?" Sasuke asked.

"I suppose you could call him a friend." Utakata informed.

"Why are we going to meet him sooner than you intended?" Sasuke asked.

"While I am curious about that, and will ask about it, it doesn't ultimately matter to me." Utakata stated. "I've been ready to leave this country for quite some time."

"How long until we reach him?" Sasuke asked.

"We should arrive soon." Utakata responded.

Shore: Evening…
The pair arrived at a large shore with sand and ocean as far as the eye could see. There was a young man with a solid physique, jade-green eyes, and brown hair. He wore green and tan attire that seemed easy to move in.

"There you are, Yun." Utakata stated.

"Utakata, you received my message." Yun was relieved. "I was thinking I might have to leave without you." He then looked at Sasuke. "Who's this?"

"Sasuke Uchiha." Utakata informed. "I found him in a stream unconscious, and he seems to have lost his memory."

"He's coming with, I take it?" Yun asked.

"Yes." Utakata stated.

Where are we going?" Sasuke asked.

"We're using this boat to take us to the South Pole." Yun answered.

"Why would we go there?" Sasuke asked.

"Utakata wants to get out of the country and doesn't really care where he ends up." Yun stated. "As for me, this is personal."

"How long will it take us to reach this South Pole?" Sasuke asked.

"About a month, considering the South Pole is on the other side of the world." Yun answered. "Now, we must really be off."

"Right, come along Sasuke." Utakata stated.

"Whatever." Sasuke stated unimpressed. "Not like I have any better options."

The three of them clambered onto the boat and soon departed from Shinobi Country.

Ocean: Night…
Yun helmed the ship through the ocean while Sasuke and Utakata sat back.

Sasuke looked at Yun. "So, why did you have to leave early?"

"Believe it or not, I tend to receive visions of the future." Yun responded. "The change in plans resulted from one of a girl who will be in trouble if she does not receive help. She controls three of the four elements and will be the target of a masked man who seeks to destroy her."

"If I recall, from the materials you provided of this foreign country, what you've said makes this girl the Avatar." Utakata reasoned.

"That's right." Yun responded.

"He has visions of this 'Avatar' in trouble?" Sasuke contemplated. "What does that mean?"

"Sasuke, you should go inside and get some rest." Utakata voiced. "I don't know what happened, but it's clearly been a long day for you."

Sasuke stood. "Fine."

"Hey, I wasn't expecting you to come, but take a look through any of the wardrobes you find." Yun voiced. "You might get lucky with the outfits and come across something you can wear."

"Anything would be better than that destroyed shirt." Utakata added.

"Hn." Sasuke responded as he walked inside.

He did stop at the first wardrobe, within the first room he entered, and found an outfit that seemed like it was roughly his size. It was a simple black shirt with matching pants. He changed into that before laying on the nearby bed. As Sasuke slept, his head started to hurt.

Sasuke's Dream

A younger Sasuke stood in a field with an older boy who wore some headband bearing a symbol.

"Big brother! Big brother!" Young Sasuke spoke excitedly.

"What do you need, Sasuke?" The boy asked.

"You promised you'd see my Shuriken Jutsu today!" Young Sasuke exclaimed.

"Oh, that." The boy realized. "I'm sorry, but I have an important mission…"

"You're such a liar!" Young Sasuke cut off with a pout.

"Sorry Sasuke." The boy sighed and poked his forehead. "Maybe next time."

Ocean: Early Morning…
"Who was that?" Sasuke's eyes snapped open as he was shaking. "Why do I feel such rage when thinking about him?"

On the deck, Utakata looked to the sky and noticed dark clouds in the distance. "A storm is coming."

"Yeah." Yun nodded. "Looks like we might be in for rough waters any time today."

Later…
Yun continued to helm the ship; however, the ever-encroaching storm proceeded to make rather large waves that were difficult to navigate.

"The weather seems to be getting worse." Utakata commented.

"That's not going to stop me from sailing." Yun returned, determined.

Not even a moment after he said that, thunder roared in the dark grey sky, lightning flashed in the distance, and it started raining heavily.

"This is what I feared." Utakata stated.

Sasuke had managed to fall back asleep for a while, with no strange dreams this time, when the roaring thunder woke him. He rushed out of the room and up to the deck, only to see what the others already did.

"This is not good." Sasuke noted. "You realize we won't survive, right?"

"Don't think negatively." Yun voiced. "I'm sure we'll make it."

Unfortunately, the weather continued to worsen. The rain became more intense, the waves were more aggressive, and more lightning flashed across the sky as it was accompanied by roaring thunder that boomed all around them.

"At this rate, we'll be dead before reaching the South Pole." Utakata stated.

"Looks like I have no choice." Yun declared. "I'll need to transport us out of here."

"You told me you weren't a ninja the day we met." Utakata stated. "To my knowledge, bending can't transport us that far. Especially not Earthbending out here in the middle of the ocean."

"What I'm about to do doesn't really tie into either of those things." Yun retorted. "Just trust me. I'm getting us to the Four Nations."

Yun's right palm glowed with some form of bright green energy before he slammed it onto the deck of the ship. This energy spread until it was underneath all three of them, and they ended up falling within it. The boat, now vacant, was destroyed by the storm shortly after.

 

[Quillion9000]

Republic City: With Korra, Morning…
Korra and Naga heard the haul being opened, prompting them to wake.

"Naga, we're here!" While the dock workers started unloading crates from the ship, Naga ran past them with Korra riding atop her. "Thanks for the ride!"

Naga took Korra towards a large suspension bridge leading into the city proper. Over the water she could see the statue of Aang before her gaze shifted to an island with a temple.

"Air Temple Island." Korra noted. "That's where Tenzin lives." She pet Naga's head. "You ready for a swim, girl?" Naga sniffed something before quickly running to find the source. "Okay, okay! Food before the Air Temple."

With Sasuke
Sasuke suddenly appeared, within an alleyway, from that bright green energy Yun used. He was currently struggling to maintain his balance as his mind processed what he'd glimpsed.

"What was that field I saw?" Sasuke then looked around, only to note Utakata and Yun weren't with him. "Utakata, where are you!?" He received no answer. "Guess whatever Yun did separated us." He walked out of the alleyway.

"Whatever." He looked at his surroundings seeing skyscrapers, airships, and vehicles. "This is one interesting place, and it's huge. What's all this stuff?" He shook his head. "Never mind that. I need to find out where I am."

"Naga, look out!" A voice yelled.

Sasuke watched as a polar bear-dog avoided a collision with a rapidly oncoming truck as it hit the brakes and slid horizontally over the road. It slammed into a vehicle while the polar bear-dog kept running.

A seventeen-year-old girl looked back at the damage before the polar bear-dog suddenly ran into Sasuke. He had attempted to move but wasn't fast enough, resulting in himself getting hit. He crashed down with a grunt.

"Sorry!" Korra called back, Naga still running onward.

Sasuke got up and looked after the girl coldly. "What an idiot."

With Korra
Naga came to an open square and slowed to smell the ground before she pinpointed a good scent coming from a food stall. Its wall was comprised of an orange cloth Naga stuck her head through. Inside were all kinds of different meats.

Before her companion could dig in, Korra gave a stern order. "Naga, wait." Naga whimpered as her rider slid down and moved to pick up a meat stick. "We'll take one of everything, please."

"That will be twenty yuans." The shopkeeper retorted sternly.

"Uh…I don't have any money." Korra returned.

"Then, what good are you to me!?" The shopkeeper snatched the meat stick.

Korra dejectedly walked back to her companion and pet her neck. "Don't worry, girl. The city's big. I bet we could find a place to rustle up some grub."

Later…
Korra and Naga ended up at the park where the former was frying fish with her Firebending while the latter was in the pond looking for fish of her own. Just as Korra was about to eat one of her fish, a strange man appeared from a bush with a grin shocking her.

"Say, think I can I get one of them tasty-smelling fishies?" The man asked while flapping his elbows.

"Uh, sure." Korra stated uncertainly resulting in the man waggling up to her, taking a fish, and squatting before ferociously devouring the food. "So, do you…live in that bush?"

"Yes, presently that is what I do call home." The strange man informed. "Took me a while to procure a bush that beauteous. This park is quite popular with all the vagabonds."

"So, there are a lot of you out here?" Korra questioned with an unsure expression. "I thought everyone in this city was living it up."

"You've got a lot to learn newcomer." The man chuckled. "Welcome to Republic City."

Suddenly, there was a whistle being blown as an officer came over a nearby bridge. "Hey you, stop! You can't fish here!"

The officer ran towards them, resulting in the strange man leaping into the bush. "You best skedaddle."

Korra whistled on her fingers, and Naga came running. The Avatar lept on her companion's back, and they rushed off from the scene. The officer ran after her, blowing his whistle while the strange man waved from his bush.

With Sasuke
Sasuke didn't have a destination, so he ended up wandering Republic City. His wandering eventually led him to the park where he came across some guy with a megaphone who stood before a poster of a masked figure.

"Are you tired of living under the tyranny of Benders? Then, join the Equalist! For too long, the bending elite of this city have forced Non-Benders to live as lower-class citizens. Join Amon. Together, we will tear down the bending establishment."

Park
Korra arrived as well, atop Naga, and she was disgusted by what the man said. "What are you talking about? Bending is the coolest thing in the world."

The protester turned his gaze on the Avatar. "Oh, yeah? Let me guess; you're a Bender."

"Yeah, I am." Korra declared proudly.

"I bet you'd LOVE to knock me off this platform with Waterbending, huh?" The protester asked.

"I'm seriously thinking about it." Korra retorted, annoyed.

"This is what's wrong with this city!" The protester declared. "Benders like this girl only use their power to oppress us!"

"Gah, your voice is annoying." Sasuke declared, tired of all the yelling. "Can it."

"Who do you think you are, boy?" The protestor asked. "Are you a Bender too?"

"I don't even know what that is, but your constant yelling hurts my ears." Sasuke retorted. "Shut up before I come up there and make you."

"I'd like to see you try!" The protester declared arrogantly.

Sasuke had given him a chance. He now walked onto the stage and slammed his fist into the man's gut with enough force to make him fold forward. Sasuke then roundhouse kicked the guy off the stage.

"Hey, don't hurt our voice!"

The rest of the crowd began booing Sasuke, which only ticked him off more.

"Leave him alone!" Korra spoke up proudly. "I think the kid was right to shut that guy up."

"You be quiet and get out of here!"

"Yeah, oppressor!"

"You think I'm oppressing you?" Korra was confused. "I'm not oppressing anyone. You're…You're oppressing yourselves!"

The protestor had stood back up at this point, and it became self-evident the hits he took weren't going to silence him. "That doesn't even make sense!"

"I told you to be quiet!" Sasuke yelled, agitated.

He was about to take this protestor to round two, only for Korra to run by atop Naga and grab him. The polar bear-dog then took off as the crowd booed the two of them.

Republic City Streets
"Why did you stop me?" Sasuke asked.

"Look, I enjoyed watching you beat that guy, but I can't stand to see someone get in trouble because of me." Korra answered.

"I wasn't doing it for you." Sasuke snorted. "I only did it because that guy annoyed me."

"Yeah, I know the feeling." Korra stopped to let Sasuke off. "Anyways, take care of yourself and stay out of trouble."

Naga then took off as Sasuke walked his own way. "Whatever."

Naga continued to take Korra through the city until they came across an old man and woman outside their shop. "Excuse me, I think I'm lost. How do I get to Air Temple Island from here?"

"Just head down this street." The old woman responded before a red vehicle headed for the shops. "You should get moving, young lady. It isn't safe."

The vehicle pulled up and stopped before three people got out. They approached a phonograph vendor, who was cleaning his products, scaring the man.

"Mr. Chung, please tell me you have my money, or I can't guarantee the continued safety of your fine establishment." One of the men informed as the second man lit his left hand with fire while grinning darkly.

"I'm sorry but business has been slow." Chung offered one his products. "Please, take one of my phonographs."

The Firebending man smacked the object out of Chung's hands with a fire kick, and the phonograph was now burning. This made the store owner jump back in fright.

"My friend here is not a music lover." The first man informed. "Give me the money or else…"

"Or else what, hoodlum?" Korra interrupted.

The men burst out in laughter.

"Since you're obviously fresh off the boat, let me explain a couple of things." The first man declared. "You're in Triple Threat territory, and we're about to put YOU in the hospital."

"You're the ones who'll need a hospital, and for your sake, I hope there's one nearby." Korra declared, smashing her right fist into her left palm.

"Who do you think you are?" The first man asked.

"Why don't you come find out?" Korra retorted.

The first man bent water from an unseen water skin under his coat, but Korra stopped the water with one hand before sending it back his way. The water froze over his head, making the gangster lose his balance and stumble towards her.

Korra then hit him with a back spin kick that sent the man slamming into the vehicle's golden ornament, the ice around his head shattering on impact. Unbeknownst to them, Sasuke had arrived within a nearby alleyway and saw what happened.

"That girl manipulates water." Sasuke noted. "Doesn't look like Water Release, far as I know." He didn't remember seeing any, obviously, but his mind at least knew what it looked like. "Is that Waterbending?"

The Earthbending gangster charged Korra, but she extended a portion of earth up before he could manage anything. This catapulted the man high into the air.

"Manipulation of the earth as well?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Could she be the Avatar?"

The old woman and the young man were also watching.

"What just happened?"

"Did she just Earthbend?"

The Earthbending gangster fell on a wire, suspended from one building to the other, and was bounced into a wooden advertising board. He then fell on the pentice of a shop and was thrown into a tapestry, which ripped under his weight, sending him flipping onto a display of produce.

He finally flopped onto the ground and lied still. The third gangster unleashed a fire blast at Korra who smiled cockily as she jumped forward and deflected the fire. She then grabbed the man's hands, making him scream in pain.

"She can manipulate fire as well." Sasuke noted. "She must be the Avatar."

"Can she Firebend too?"

"Could she be…?"

Korra turned the gangster around to build momentum and threw the man into the window of a nearby clock shop before walking over to him. "Got an idea of who I am now, chumps?"

At that moment, a roaring engine was heard, and Korra saw the vehicle tearing down the street towards her. She moved to avoid being run over, and the vehicle pulled over at the shop.

"Come on!" The Earthbending Triple Threat shouted.

The Firebender jumped out the window and ran after the car in a stumbling fashion. The earth gangster extended part of earth where he was running, causing the fire gangster to fly into the vehicle.

"You're not getting away!" Korra yelled.

Before she could attempt anything, Sasuke suddenly stepped out of the alleyway he was in and threw two kunai, which nailed both wheels on the side facing him. This sent the vehicle crashing into a shop on the other side of the road.

"Hey, what were you thinking?" Korra questioned as she rushed over to join him. "You could've gotten yourself killed."

"You were hogging the action." Sasuke responded simply. "I wanted some of it.

"Well, that was a bit of a stupid move, but it was gutsy." Korra nodded approvingly. "Not bad."

"Hn." Sasuke responded.

Suddenly, an alarm sounds from above making Naga howl. Korra and Sasuke looked up to see an airship.

"Police! Freeze where you are!"

The airship opened a hatch to reveal three cops, wearing metal armor, unleashing metal cables on the nearby buildings. This secured them a safe landing.

"Police?" Sasuke asked. "What are they doing?"

"They're Metalbenders!" Korra answered, impressed.

"Metal what?" Sasuke asked, confused.

Just then, a fourth cop landed and retracted his cables as the gangsters stumbled out the building.

"We caught the bad guys for you, officers." Korra informed.

"Arrest them!" The fourth metal cop commanded, seeing the other three cops bend their metal cables to catch the gangsters, binding their arms to their body. "You're both under arrest too!"

Korra gasps while Sasuke was shocked.

"What do you mean we're under arrest?" Korra asked indignantly. "Those are the bad guys over there! They were smashing up the shop!"

"From the looks of it, you smashed up more than that." The metal cop declared before shooting a cable at Korra.

Sasuke didn't know where he got the idea to do this, but he suddenly jumped while withdrawing a kunai and shuriken from his pouches. He threw the shuriken at the cable hard enough to pin it to a nearby wall before throwing the kunai into the center of the shuriken to increase its hold.

"I don't know what exactly a Metalbender is, but I can wager a guess." He landed deftly on the cop's arm. "You either suck at it or are easily taken by surprise." He slammed his foot into the cop's head before landing on the ground. "Regardless, someone like you can't arrest me."

"You little brat!" The metal cop yelled upon hitting the ground.

"Wait, let us explain!" Korra yelled.

"You can explain yourself all you like, down at headquarters." Another metal cop declared before charging the two of them.

He bent his cables while Sasuke prepared to defend once again. Before he could, Naga grunted and came in smashing the metal cop into the ground. The Uchiha noticed the remaining two were primed to move in, so he prepared to fight them now.

Before Sasuke could do anything, Korra grabbed him, got on her companion, and Naga rushed them off. The metal cops gave chase, but Naga hung a left at an alleyway just as one of them lunged at the animal. Korra delivered a kick to his face, knocking the man back.

The remaining cop bent his cable at the wires overhead and hosted himself up before sliding after the group. He bent his cables after them and managed to catch Korra by the ponytail making her grunt in pain. By this point, the trio reached a bridge over a small stream.

The Avatar proceeded to bend up a wall of ice, which the cop slammed into hard enough he fell unconscious. This freed her as Naga ran up some stairs and into oncoming traffic. Fortunately, they managed to avoid a collision. Two cops then slid atop wires to their left.

Korra looked at them before jerking Naga's reigns, leading them to the right. As a train passed under the bridge, Naga lept off and landed atop it. She slid forward, nearly sliding off only to remain on the roof. Korra sighed in relief before she saw Air Temple Island in the distance.

An alarm sounded drawing Korra and Sasuke's attention to an airship above. Korra's face turned determined while Sasuke stayed ready. Naga kept going forward, and while the train turned right, she jumped towards the roof of an adjacent building.

As Naga touched down, several cables successfully bound the polar dog's paws and lifted her into the air. Sasuke began to stand before more cables came down to bind him and Korra. Both attempted to struggle free before realizing this was over.

Roof
Utakata laid flat on a roof of a building and stared at the sky. "Yun really missed the mark here."

He knew Republic City was countless miles from the South Pole. Considering Yun and Sasuke weren't with him, they could be anywhere in the world. Still, he had been searching the city for both yet turned up nothing.

"Things is, Yun should be fine, but Sasuke's an amnesiac." Utakata sighed. "Maybe someone else found and took him in. Then, he'd be no problem of mine anymore, and I could get back to my vagabond lifestyle." He began to close his eyes. "What kind of trouble could he even get in?"

Just then, a large shadow began to pass overhead. Utakata opened his eyes to see it was one of those police force airships. By the looks of it, the Metalbenders had caught some polar bear-dog. Then, he saw some girl and a familiar boy in the animal's saddle.

"Ugh, me and my thoughts…" Utakata thought as he stood.

He approached a side of the building facing an alleyway before leaping down. From there, he began making his way towards the station. Hopefully, he could remember the way there from the material Yun provided.

Police Station: Korra's Interrogation Room, Later…
Korra was inside an interrogation room as an older woman with gray hair, as well as the same metal armor the other officers wore, stood before her with a clipboard.

"Let's see. Multiple counts of destruction of private and city property. Not to mention, evading arrest." The policewoman slammed her board on the desk in front of Korra. "You're in a whole mess of trouble, young lady. The same for that kid you were with."

"But there were thugs threatening a helpless shopkeeper, and I had it…" Korra began.

"Can it!" The woman yelled. "You should have called the police and stayed out of the way!"

"I couldn't do nothing." Korra argued. "It's my duty to help people. See, I'm the Avatar."

"Oh, I'm well aware of who you are." The woman crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Your Avatar title might impress some people, but not me."

"Alright, fine." Korra voiced. "Then, I want to talk to whoever is in charge."

"You're talking to her, Chief Beifong." The woman introduced.

"Wait, Beifong? Lin Beifong? You're Toph's daughter!" Korra exclaimed.

"What of it?" Lin asked, raising an eyebrow in annoyance.

"Well, why are you treating me like a criminal?" Korra asked. "Avatar Aang and your mother were friends. They saved the world together."

"That's ancient history." Lin scoffed. "It's got diddly-squat to do with the mess you're in right now. You can't just waltz in here and dole out vigilante justice like you own the place."

They glared at one another before a metal cop opened a peephole in a metal wall. "Chief, Councilman Tenzin is here."

Lin sighed in annoyance. "Send him in."

The wall slid aside to form a door, allowing Tenzin to enter.

"Tenzin, sorry." Korra apologized. "I got a little sidetracked on my way to see you."

Tenzin took a deep breath before smiling at Beifong. "Lin, you are looking radiant as usual."

"Cut the garbage, Tenzin." Lin ordered. "Why is the Avatar in Republic City? I thought you were supposed to be moving down to the South Pole to train her."

"My relocation has been delayed." Tenzin informed. "The Avatar, on the other hand, will be heading back to the South Pole where she will stay."

"But…"

"If you would be so kind as to drop the charges against Korra, I will take full responsibility for today's regrettable events and cover all damages." Tenzin informed, cutting Korra off.

Lin thought about it before sighing and raising her left hand to release Korra. "Get her out of my sight."

"Always a pleasure, Lin." Tenzin bowed before looking to the Avatar. "Let's go, Korra."

The Airbender started moving but Korra remembered something. "Wait, what's going to happen to the boy?"

"What boy?" Tenzin asked, stopping while raising an eyebrow.

"He will be spending time in juvenile detention." Lin informed. "He's more trouble than you, and we've found some weapons he was carrying to boot."

"If I'm going to be released, you have to let him out too!" Korra demanded.

"And if I don't?" Lin asked unfazed.

"Korra…" Tenzin warned.

Korra ignored him to slam her hands against the desk. "Let me see him!"

"Fine." Lin stated coldly. "You have five minutes."

Sasuke's Interrogation Room
Sasuke's arms and legs had been bound by metal, and that's how he's been since they brought him in. Now, the metal wall slid to reveal an opening and metal cop.

"You have visitors."

Korra and Tenzin entered the cell, followed by Lin.

"Hey, are you okay?" Korra asked, concerned.

"Other than being in here, yeah." Sasuke answered.

"I'm sorry you got involved." Korra voiced. "I'm going to make this up to you."

"How?" Sasuke asked.

"I'm going to make sure you don't spend your time here." Korra responded.

"Korra, he's…" Tenzin began.

"He's just a kid who helped me deal with those thugs!" Korra yelled. "No one deserves to spend their life in here for that!"

"Why are you defending me?" Sasuke asked, confused. "We hardly know each other."

"You scratched my back, so I'll scratch yours." Korra informed.

"So, you're going to bail me out?" Sasuke asked.

"Yes." Korra answered.

"Thanks, I guess." Sasuke stated.

Korra smiled. "By the way, I never got your name."

"Sasuke Uchiha." Sasuke introduced.

"Sasuke is a nice name." Korra nodded. "Where are you from?"

"I don't remember." Sasuke responded. "I don't remember anything."

"Wait, you lost your memory of everything other than your name?" Korra asked.

"Well, I woke up after seemingly having been washed up on the bank of a river and met a guy named Utakata who took me with him." Sasuke informed. "We were at sea until this storm blew in, so the helmsmen used something to bring us here. Don't exactly understand what, but neither of them were with me upon arriving in this city."

"I'm sorry." Korra stated, sympathetically.

"So, you don't remember your home or family?" Tenzin asked while stroking his beard.

"No." Sasuke answered.

"Well, there's one reason why he doesn't deserve to be in here." Korra voiced, eyeing Lin.

"He still caused trouble, damaged property, and assaulted my officers." Lin voiced. "Not to mention, he used weapons."

"I would like to point out your officers wouldn't have been assaulted if they were any good with their bending." Sasuke retorted. "I may not remember where I got my weapons form, but they are metal. Isn't that what your people bend?"

"That would still be attempted assault." Lin retorted angrily.

Sasuke looked away from her and scoffed. Personally, he felt she was just mad at him for her own men's failing.

"Look, it doesn't matter what crimes you level against him because he was trying to defend me." Korra argued.

"That doesn't matter." Lin countered. "Even if he did lose his memory, it's no excuse."

"How can he try to regain his memory if he's going to be cooped up in here?" Korra asked.

"I'll take full responsibility for him until we can try to do something to regain his memory." Tenzin offered. "I'll also cover the damages he caused."

Lin thought this over before sighing. "Just get him out of my sight, and I'd better not see him cause trouble again." She then looked at Korra. "If I catch him do something against the law again, it will be YOUR head."

"Fine." Korra voiced, annoyed.

Lin raised her hand and bent Sasuke free.

"Keep a leash on him." Lin now looked at Tenzin. "I can tell he's dangerous, so those weapons he was carrying will remain confiscated until further notice."

"A pleasure, Lin." Tenzin bowed before looking at the pair. "Come along, Korra and Sasuke."

They followed with the latter looking to the former. "Since you helped me, you owe me your name."

"Korra, and I'm the Avatar." Korra introduced.

"Avatar, who Yun was looking for." Sasuke had no idea how to contact the guy, so he felt it wasn't necessary to bring that bit up. "What are you doing in Republic City?"

"I'm about to learn how to Airbend, which was why I left the South Pole." Korra informed. "It was my home, and where Tenzin was going to train me. There are things keeping him within Republic City, so I came here to find him. Speaking of which…Tenzin, don't send me home."

"You blatantly disobeyed my wishes and the orders of the White Lotus." Tenzin scolded.

"Katara agreed I should come." Korra voiced. "She said my destiny is in Republic City."

Tenzin's face turned red. "Don't bring my mother into this!"

"Look, I can't wait any longer to finish my training." Korra informed. "Being cooped up and hidden away from the world isn't helping me become a better Avatar. I saw a lot of the city today, and it's totally out of whack.

I understand now why you need to stay. Republic City does need you, but it needs me too. Not to mention Sasuke doesn't remember anything from his past, and he's new here. I have to help him somehow."

"You…ah…" Tenzin sighed.

"So, what's it going to be?" Sasuke asked.

Just then, the sound of bars opening could be heard, so they turned to see Naga being led in by a metal cop. "Is this your polar bear-dog, miss?"

Naga came over and licked Korra, happy to see her master.

She then licked Sasuke, who was annoyed. "Hey!"

"Aww." Korra smiled. "Naga likes you already."

At that moment, Utakata entered the lobby and saw Sasuke unrestrained. "Sasuke."

"Utakata?" Sasuke asked.

"That's the guy who found you washed up on a bank?" Korra asked.

"Ah, he's told you about that." Utakata noted.

"Indeed, he has." Tenzin stroked his beard. "I must admit, I'm curious to hear your side of things. Care to join us on our trip back to Air Temple Island?"

Utakata glanced between the three of them and began contemplating if he should cut ties here by leaving Sasuke to them. They seemed rather upstanding. As he closed his eyes, the memory of Sasuke restrained seemed to cement his decision, unfortunately.

"Very well." Utakata nodded. "I will agree to join you at the island; however, I would like one thing to be understood. My past is my own."

"Understood." Tenzin agreed.

Boat: Evening…
The sailboat was navigating around the statue of Aang, which saw an end to Tenzin's conversation with Utakata. This young man's story, of the events from finding Sasuke to now, pretty much lined up with what the boy had to say.

Though there were additional details he was made aware of, such as Yun and his supposed vision. As things now stood, Tenzin looked up at the Aang statue and bowed his head before turning his gaze to the three people aboard the same boat. He was deep in thought.

Air Temple Island: Night
The boat docked on the island where they found members of the White Lotus standing beside a boat of their own with serious looks. Korra saw them and sadly sighed. Just then, two air gliders came swooping in. One was Ikki while the second was Jinora who carried Meelo.

"Korra!" Meelo and Ikki cheered.

They came in to hug her while Jinora joined them a moment later.

"Are you coming to live with us on the island?" Ikki asked excitedly.

"I'm sorry, but I have to go home now." Korra answered sadly.

Jinora then saw Sasuke and Utakata. "Who are they?"

"The boy is Sasuke." Korra informed. "I met him in the city, and he has amnesia."

"What's that mean?" Meelo asked confused.

"It means he lost his memory, Meelo." Jinora replied.

"The young man with him is Utakata, who found Sasuke washed up on a bank." Tenzin stated.

Ikki dashed to the pair. "Hi, I'm Ikki. This is my brother, Meelo, and that is my sister Jinora. We're Airbenders who live on this island, and we're grandchildren of Grandpa Aang…"

"She sure is excitable." Utakata noted.

"Can you be quiet?" Sasuke asked, slightly annoyed. "You're hurting my ears."

"Okay." Ikki answered.

"You're not staying with us, are you?" Jinora asked the pair.

"Possibly not." Sasuke answered. "I don't have a place in the world."

"Even though I have my memories, I have no place either." Utakata noted.

Tenzin's face started to lighten as he saw Korra going with the White Lotus. "Wait." The group stopped. "I have done my best to guide Republic City towards the dream my father had, but you're right.

It has fallen out of balance since he passed. I thought I should put off you're training to uphold his legacy, but you are his legacy. You may stay and train Airbending here with me. Republic City needs its Avatar once again."

Korra gasped with excitement. "YES! Thank you! You're the best!" Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo joined the cheering "What about Sasuke and Utakata?"

"Well, I did say I'd take responsibility for Sasuke until we find a way to get his memory back." Tenzin stroked his beard. "As Utakata has no place for the two of them, they may stay here for the time being."

Sasuke nodded. "Thanks."

"I will do my best not to be a burden." Utakata added.

Even though Sasuke was in safe hands, the former Kiri Jonin didn't have it in him to abandon the boy. Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo cheered again. Korra excitedly lifted those three and Sasuke into the air. Naga joined in the group hug while Sasuke sighed in annoyance.

Republic City: City Hall, Day…
A large, cheering crowd gathered in front of city hall to see Korra while reporters took pictures. For reasons Sasuke couldn't fathom, people wanted to see him up there with her. He ended up reaching a compromise, in that he'd refuse entirely if Korra didn't handle the talking.

The Avatar cleared her throat. "Hello? I'm Korra, your new Avatar."

"Does this mean you've moved to Republic City?"

"Were you and that boy trying to send a message to the traids yesterday?"

"Will you be fighting crime, the Anti-Bending Revolution, or both?"

"Will you be working with Chief Beifong and the police?"

"What about that boy you're with right now? Is he your new sidekick, and is he dangerous?"

"Uh, yes, I am definitely here to stay, but I…I don't exactly have a plan yet. See, I'm still in training, but, look, all I know is Avatar Aang meant for this city to be the center of peace and balance in the world.

I believe we can make his dream a reality. I look forward to serving you. Also, Sasuke is not my sidekick, he is my friend. He also happens to be quite the fighter, so I'm positive together we can make this city, no, the world a better place!"

The crowd went wild while the journalist took pictures. Korra was smiling while Sasuke just stood there with his arms crossed and an impassive face. Admittedly, this was annoying, but he supposed he could deal with it.

???
Within a dimly lit room, someone was listening to Korra from an old radio. "I'm happy to be here. Thank you, Republic City!"

"Alright, that's all the questions the Av…" Tenzin was cut off as the radio was turned off.

"Amon, how do you want to handle this?" A male voice asked.

Amon, a man wearing a hood and mask, was looking at a large map of the world hanging from the wall before him. "So, the Avatar arrived early. Looks like we'll have to accelerate our plans."

"And the boy she's with?" The man asked.

"We'll keep watch over him and determine if he'll be of use." Amon responded.

 

[Quillion9000]

Air Temple Island: Morning…
It's been two days since Sasuke arrived in Republic City, met Avatar Korra, was found again by Utakata, and started staying on Air Temple Island. So far, he's been adjusting well enough. Right now, he was outside practicing fighting styles.

"I feel as though doing this is familiar, yet I still don't know where I learned it from." Sasuke pondered. "If I'm going to stand a chance in this place, I must prepare for the worst, especially with Korra involved.

I found the one Yun wants, yet not even Utakata has a way to contact him. Whatever. I'll just stay with Korra until I figure something out." Suddenly, his stomach started to growl. "I guess I'll get something to eat. Don't care what, provided I can get back to my training sooner."

Sasuke moved to where the Air Acolytes were gathering to eat.

As he arrived, he heard a familiar voice. "…and in the final round, the Buzzard Wasps won in a decisive knock out!"

"Korra?" Sasuke asked as he found her reading a newspaper.

"Hey, Sasuke." Korra nodded. "How'd you sleep?"

"Not well." Sasuke informed. "Every time I try to sleep, my head hurts, so I go outside to train."

"Oh, sorry." Korra voiced. "Does it have to do with your memory struggle?"

"I don't know." Sasuke responded. "Whenever my head hurts, I get flashes of things that are familiar. For example, there's this boy with blond spiky hair who's usually grinning stupidly."

"Perhaps you know him." Utakata voiced as he joined them.

"Not sure I want to remember an idiot like him." Sasuke snorted before looking at the newspaper. "What's that?"

"I'm just reading about the latest Pro-Bending match." Korra informed. "Speaking of…Tenzin, what do you say we go to the arena tonight and catch a few matches?"

"What's Pro-Bending?" Sasuke asked.

"Pro-Bending is…" Korra was cut off.

"A mockery to the noble tradition of bending!" Tenzin declared with a disapproving tone.

"Come on, Tenzin." Korra begged. "I've dreamed of seeing Pro-Bending since I was a kid, and now I'm just a ferry ride away from the arena."

She pointed at a golden arena just across the bay.

"Korra, you're not here to watch that drivel." Tenzin retorted. "You're here to finish your Avatar training. As such, for the time being, I want you to remain on the island."

"Master and student." Utakata thought bitterly. "What a lousy concept. Unlike others, I'm not foolish enough to be called as such."

He was not here to speak his mind on such concepts. If they wanted to buy into it, that was their business. Besides, if this was all he had to really contend with staying here, Utakata could bear it. Still, the bond between master and student was nothing to put one's faith in.

Flashback…
Back when Utakata was a member of Kirigakure, he'd been chained within a sealing formula which allowed someone access to his tailed beast, the Six Tails. His own master attempted to reach into his body and remove it even as he pleaded for him not to.

Air Temple Island: Present…
Without question, Utakata sacrificed for Kirigakure innumerable times. He trusted his master and always did as he said. In return, he was betrayed and would have died had his master succeeded. How could he ever trust anyone. Utakata took a deep breath to compose himself.

"Is that why you're keeping the White Lotus sentries around, to watch my every move?" Korra asked, unamused, as she pointed at various sentries around the room.

"Yes." Tenzin answered. "To learn Airbending, I believe you require a calm, quiet environment free from distraction."

"Well, what about Sasuke and Utakata?" Korra asked. "If I can't go, maybe they can. I'm at least sure Sasuke would love it."

"Well, I…" Sasuke began.

"No, both of them will stay here." Tenzin voiced. "They're still new to the city. Once things calm down, Utakata will be free to come and go; however, Sasuke is another story. I can't risk having him cause trouble again."

"Given Lin's current stance, it is best we stay on the island anyways." Utakata voiced.

Korra rolled her eyes. "Fine. Whatever."

"I'm sorry, but you will stay safe here." Tenzin stated.

"Right, safe." Sasuke scoffed before walking off.

Korra rested her elbow on her knee as she gazed out the window at the arena in the distance; meanwhile, Sasuke was back outside.

"Can't watch Pro-Bending, huh?" Sasuke shook his head. "I need to get back to my training anyways." Suddenly, his head started hurting again. "Dammit!"

Sasuke's Mind
Sasuke was within some village, clearly looking for someone, only to walk past a girl with long pink hair and green eyes.

"…You know why Naruto's annoying?" The girl asked. "He wasn't raised right. He doesn't have a mother or father. I mean, if you don't have parents telling you right from wrong, how can you tell? Just think about it. Naruto does whatever comes to his mind. He's all alone."

"Alone. Isolated. It's not about your parents scolding you. You don't know what it's like to be alone." Sasuke retorted angrily.

"Wh-Why are you saying that?" The girl asked.

"Because…YOU'RE annoying." Sasuke declared, causing the girl to step back.

Air Temple Island
Sasuke's head started to recover. "Who was that?"

Later…
"Korra, come out!" Sasuke was repeatedly knocking on her door. "You know your Airbending training starts soon!"

"I'm not coming out like this!" Korra yelled through the door.

"Do it, or I'll break this door down!" Sasuke yelled back, seeing the Avatar let out an angry groan before opening the door and walking out wearing traditional Air Nomad attire. "That's an…interesting outfit. Why are you wearing it again?"

"Tenzin thinks this will help me 'get in touch' with my inner Airbender." Korra retorted.

"Well, let's get your training over with." The pair were quick to find Tendzin, with the Uchiha noticing ring tailed lemurs flying through nearby trees. "This place doesn't look half bad."

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Korra asked.

"Yes, my father built this place from top to bottom." Tenzin declared proudly.

"Actually, I was talking to Sasuke." Korra voiced.

"Oh, well, I knew that." Tenzin replied, embarrassed. "I was also telling him about the temple. Anyways, my mother informed me you've never been able to Airbend before."

"Yeah, but I don't know why." Korra responded. "The other elements came easily, but every time I've tried Airbending…" Korra blew a raspberry. "…nothing."

"That's alright." Tenzin placed his hand on her shoulder. "You just need to be patient. Often the element most difficult to for the Avatar to master is the one most opposite their personality."

"Is that right?" Sasuke asked, interested. "Can you name an example?"

"For my father Aang, it was Earthbending." Tenzin answered.

"I'm about as opposite an Airbender as you can get." Korra stated sadly.

"If you give up on your training, there may come a time when you need these skills yet won't have them to fall back on." Sasuke pointed out.

"Well put." Tenzin noted. "Now then, let's begin your first lesson."

He walked on ahead with the pair following. They ended up at stairs which led to large gates with air symbols on them. Waiting for them were Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo.

"Korra's gonna Airbend! Korra's gonna Airbend!" Ikki cheered while jumping up and down.

"What's this strange contraption?" Korra asked.

"A time-honored tool which teaches the most fundamental aspect of Airbending." Tenzin informed. "Jinora, would you explain the exercise?"

"The goal is to weave your way through the gates and make it to the other side without touching them." Jinora explained.

"You've done your homework." Sasuke noted. "Not bad."

Korra smiled confidently. "Seems easy enough."

"Jinora forgot to say you got to make it through while the gates are spinning." Ikki added.

Tenzin got into a stance and turned his hands before thrusting them forward to create a powerful gust of wind. This made the gates spin rapidly. He then released a small leaf from his hand, and it started to move swiftly through the gates.

"The key is to be like the leaf by flowing with the movements of the gate." Tenzin informed. " Jinora will demonstrate." Jinora weaved through in swift motions while swapping directions each time a gate came near her. "Airbending is about spiral movements. When you meet resistance, you must be able to switch direction at a moment's notice."

Sasuke watched how Jinora moved through the Airbending tool with grace, finding himself impressed enough to approach her. "Not bad."

Jinora blushed a little. "Thanks."

"Jinora, can you activate the gates?" Tenzin asked.

"Oh, right." Jinora voiced as she Airbent at the gates to make them spin rapidly.

"Let's do this." Korra declared with determination.

She ran full speed to the gates; however, the moment she got in, they started hitting her. Korra cried out in pain as she was sent right into multiple gates after. Tenzin and Sasuke cringed as they saw Korra suffer until she was sent out, landing on her behind.

"Korra, you should…" Sasuke was cut off by her grunting and running back in. "Never mind." Every attempt after was marred by the same mistakes as the gates assaulted her, leaving the Uchiha to sigh in annoyance. "This is just embarrassing to watch."

"Don't force your way through!" Jinora called out.

"AH!" Korra shouted in pain.

"Dance! Dance like the wind!" Ikki advised.

"GAH!"

Meelo waved his arms. "Be the leaf!"

"OW!"

"Stop getting frustrated!" Sasuke shouted, frustrated himself. "Though, I suppose saying this is pointless since you'll never listen!" Korra got hit in the face one last time and groaned in exhaustion as she collapsed outside the tool. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, the only thing broken is my pride." Korra stated sadly.

"Look, this is just your first day." Sasuke stated. "You can try again later."

"Thanks, Sasuke." Korra responded with a small smile.

Utakata had been watching from a tree branch as he blew bubbles outward.

Night…
Korra was pushing her hands forward in an attempt to unleash a gust of wind. Her target was a newspaper with a picture of Lin on it, which was suspended by rope. Sasuke was watching her along with Naga.

"Airbend!" Korra yelled; however, nothing happened resulting in her grunting in frustration. "What's wrong with me? Airbend!"

Again, it was to no avail, which made the Avatar's eye twitch.

"Korra, calm down." Sasuke commented.

Korra lowered her clenched fists and started breathing to calm herself. Unfortunately, it couldn't last as she let out an angry cry and unleashed a blast of fire at the newspaper. It burned along with the rope it hung from.

"Better?" Sasuke asked.

"Almost." Korra took a few more breaths. "Now, I'm better."

"It's natural to be frustrated." Sasuke voiced. "I get frustrated by my constant headaches."

"You think I'll be able to Airbend?" Korra asked.

"Trying to Airbend is all you." Sasuke informed. "I'm no bending expert since I'm still new to knowing about it. All I can say is keep trying to find a way to Airbend, and you'll get it one day."

"How is your combat training going?" Korra asked, wanting to switch topics. "I didn't think you'd need to train since I've seen how you can handle yourself against the Metalbender cops. Not to mention, you're smart."

"I'm hoping we just got some of the worst cops on the force because those guys were sorry." Sasuke voiced. "If not, I'm hoping there are stronger people out there in general. Regardless, I won't let my strength plateau."

"Well, want to learn how to bend?" Korra asked.

"I don't think I'm a Bender; however, maybe there is something to that." Sasuke reasoned. "Weather I can bend or not, I could integrate how a Bender fights into my styles. It'd probably be helpful since Beifong confiscated my weapons."

"Well, I could help you with three of the four styles." Korra offered.

"I'll start with hitting the books tomorrow before I take any of your time." Sasuke returned.

Just then, they heard static coming from a side building of the temple.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm coming to you live from Republic City's Pro-Bending arena. Tonight, the best in the world continue their quest for a spot in the upcoming championship tournament."

"So, this is that Pro-Bending you mentioned before." Sasuke figured.

"Wanna check it out?" Korra asked.

"How?" Sasuke questioned. "Tenzin won't let us see it, and Utakata is in agreement."

"I have an idea." Korra said.

Korra and Sasuke moved silently up to the roof where they listened in.

"Grab your snacks and grab your kids because this match is going to be a doozy!"

As the match progressed, Korra was enthralled with the game and seemed particularly impressed with a player by the name of Mako.

"Yomu is hammered back to zone three, and the clock is winding down. Can Yomu hold on? He's teetering on the edge of the ring. The Fire Ferrets line up to strike…"

The radio was cut off.

"What?" Sasuke asked.

"Korra, come down here please!" Tenzin called out.

"Great." Sasuke stated, annoyed.

"Stay here." Korra whispered, not wanting Sasuke to be in trouble to as this was her idea, and lowered herself to the shock of the sentries. "You shut it off at the best part!"

"I thought I made myself clear." Tenzin stated. "I don't want you listening to this nonsense."

"It's their radio." Sasuke hadn't listened to Korra and came down to join her. "Technically, you said we couldn't watch a match yet didn't say anything about listening to one."

"He's right, Tenzin." Korra agreed.

"You know what I meant." Tenzin voiced. "Anyways, shouldn't you two be in bed?"

He then left while Korra had an unamused look on her face.

"He's starting to annoy me." Sasuke commented.

"I don't understand him sometimes." Korra agreed.

Morning…
Korra was now meditating alongside Tenzin, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo underneath a gazebo near a cliffside.

"So, this is meditation." Sasuke was watching nearby. "According to Tenzin, it's supposed to help get in touch with one's spiritual self."

The Uchiha decided to walk on over. Korra was having trouble concentrating as meditation was too boring for someone as restless as herself. Then, she got the feeling someone was at her side, so she opened one eye to see Sasuke getting into position next to her.

"Sasuke, what are you doing?" Korra asked.

"I thought I could try this meditation thing." Sasuke responded.

"Korra, he shouldn't be here." Tenzin voiced.

"Tenzin, he's not trying to cause trouble." Korra argued.

"Very well." Tenzin relented, returning to meditation.

"So, how's it going?" Sasuke asked.

"Not great." Korra answered. "I think I'm doing it wrong."

"There's nothing to do." Tenzin retorted. "Let you mind and spirit go free, for air is the
element of freedom."

"First, she was talking to me." Sasuke stated. "Secondly, isn't it paradoxical to tell Korra she should embrace freedom when you won't allow us to listen to the radio or leave the island?"

"He's not wrong." Korra agreed.

"Please, look at Meelo." Tenzin stated, getting them to do just that. "He's able to mediate."

"How do you not notice he's sleeping, yet we do?" Sasuke asked in disbelief.

"What?" Tenzin asked shocked before calming. "Well, at least he has the relaxation part down."

"Whatever." Korra stated impatiently. "None of this Airbending stuff makes sense to me."

"I know you're frustrated but give it time." Tenzin assured. "Eventually, it will click."

"Just try again." Sasuke added.

Korra did just that…for about three seconds. "Yeah, it's not sinking in."

"Korra…" Sasuke warned.

"Okay, fine." Korra relented, as she got back to meditating…for about ten seconds this time. "Ugh! How long has it been?"

"About ten seconds." Sasuke answered blankly. "Kind of hard to give it a shot though when the person next to me doesn't seem that enthused by it."

"Want some lychee juice?" Korra asked.

Sasuke shrugged. "I'll try it."

Both stood before walking off.

"Korra!" Tenzin exclaimed annoyed. "Meditation is not over yet!" The Avatar ignored him and kept walking. "That girl is difficult."

"Daddy, can I have some lychee juice too?" Ikki asked sweetly.

"No." Tenzin answered without even thinking, making her pout.

Utakata watched the training once more, wondering just what about this drew his attention. Perhaps he was merely looking out for Sasuke when Tenzin inevitably slipped up as all master's do. As for the pair, they entered the kitchen and each got a glass of lychee juice.

"I honestly thought you'd last a minute on meditation, but I see I was wrong." Sasuke stated.

"I tried." Korra retorted.

"You think Tenzin's wanting us to come back?" Sasuke asked.

"Probably, but I'm not going back today." Korra said.

"Doesn't the role of Avatar mean you must make sacrifices?" Sasuke asked.

"Maybe." Korra sighed. "I want to be able to Airbend, but I'm not feeling it. I wish I could find something that will help me get the hang of it."

"Maybe you need something that can get you started." Sasuke offered.

"You know what, you're right." Korra smiled. "I think I know just the thing to do that."

"Really?" Sasuke asked.

"Yep, you up for sneaking out tonight?" Korra asked.

"Sneak out and go to the arena?" Sasuke figured.

"You in?" Korra asked.

Sasuke shrugged. "You'll need somebody to keep an eye on you, so might as well."

Night…
Korra looked out her window and saw one of the White Lotus sentries below. She waited for him to pass before jumping out the window and landing on the ground. The Avatar then went to find Sasuke, who was near the end of the courtyard.

"There you are." The Uchiha voiced, exasperated. "What took you so long?"

"You try having these sentries watch your every move your whole life." Korra answered.

"Hm, no wonder you've done this before." Sasuke noted.

"Let's go and keep quiet." Korra informed before they ran towards a cliff. "Hold your breath and stay close."

Sasuke nodded as he jumped into the water with Korra. She utilized her Waterbending as they dived and started swimming them towards the city.

Water
The arena was lit with lights shining around the domed structure. Korra rose from the water, bringing Sasuke with her. Above, the two spotted an open window.

"There's our way in." Sasuke voiced.

"Hang on." Korra said.

She used her Waterbending to elevate them.

Pro-Bending Arena
They landed inside with Korra Waterbending the water off them and out the window. The pair then walked through the halls of the building and eventually stopped in front of the entrance to a large room full of exercise equipment.

"This is…something." Sasuke noted.

"This place is incredible." Korra voiced.

"Hey!" A voice called, making them jump in surprise before they saw an elderly man coming towards them. "What are you doing in my gym, and why did you bring your child here?"

"Uh, he needed to go to the bathroom, and we tried looking for it only to get lost." Korra responded innocently.

Sasuke face palmed. "Is that the best you can come up with?"

"Ah, the old 'I had to pee' excuse. You know, I'm sick of you kids sneaking in here without paying! I…" The man began.

"Shut up." Sasuke interrupted, annoyed.

"What'd you say, you little punk!?" The man demanded.

"He didn't mean it." Korra stated, trying to calm the tension.

"Yes, I did." Sasuke declared.

"Sasuke…" Korra warned.

"That's it!" The man shouted. "I'm taking you and your brat to security!"

"Try me!" Sasuke invited.

"There you are!" A young man with brown hair and green eyes called out. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

"A friend of yours?" Sasuke asked.

"No but play along." Korra whispered.

"It's alright, Toza." The guy stated. "She's with me."

"Yeah, I'm with him." Korra agreed.

"So, you see. We're together."

"Well, not 'together' together. More like friends."

"Right. Friends. I didn't mean to imply."

"Well, you implied it alright." Sasuke stated, mildly annoyed.

"Yeah, this brat…" Toza began.

"Is my little brother and has to be with me at all times." Korra interrupted.

"Yep, any brother of my friend is also my brother." The guy added.

Sasuke raised an eye brow at these two. "Seriously?"

"Just go already." Toza declared. "I have work to do but keep that brat in line."

He then started lifting barbells with his Earthbending.

"After you." The guy said while stepping aside.

"Thanks a lot." Korra stated.

"Don't mention it." The guy said. "I've never seen you around before."

"This is our first time at the arena." Korra informed.

"So, you take your brother everywhere with you?" The guy asked.

"Look, I'm not really her brother." Sasuke declared. "I'm just staying with her for a while."

"Oh, so she's taking care of you?" The guy asked.

"You could say that." Korra responded. "He's new here and lost his memory."

"Wow. Really?" The guy asked sympathetically. "So, he doesn't remember anything?"

"Other than his name, no." Korra answered.

"I'm sorry to hear that." The guy voiced genuinely.

"So, I'm trying to help him get his memory back while taking care of him." Korra added.

"If you need anything, let me know." The guy offered.

"Thanks, I guess." Sasuke shrugged. "So, about the Pro-Bending match…"

"Right! C'mon, this way." The guy said, leading the two to the doors and into a balcony locker room. "What do ya think? Best seats in the house, huh?"

"Whoa!" Korra declared in amazement.

"This is something." Sasuke noted.

The arena was full of screaming fans, red and blue platforms on the ring, water under the ring, and small earth discs were on both sides.

"This is even more amazing than I imagined." Korra voiced.

"Glad you like it. Name's Bolin, by the way." Bolin introduced.

"Korra and he's Sasuke." Korra introduced.

Just then, two more boys entered with one of them looking their way.

"Psst, Bolin!" The Earthbender approached the red eyed and black hair guy while Sasuke turned to watch. "I told you, stop bringing your crazy fangirls in here before the matches. Get her out of here." He putt on some gloves before seeing Sasuke with a serious look. "Who's this?"

"Oh, that's her friend." Bolin answered.

"Well, get him out of here too." The young man stated sternly.

Sasuke walked on over. "I'll leave when I want to, loser."

"What was that?" The young man asked in an irritated tone.

Sasuke smirked. "What, you hard of hearing?"

"Watch who you're talking to, or I'll have security toss you out." The young man threatened.

"Try me." Sasuke challenged.

The two of them glared at each other with anger and hostility.

"Okay, okay." Bolin got in between them. "Let's all calm down." He looked to the young man. "Look Mako, I kind of promised they could stay, but I've got a good feeling about these two. There's something about them. Also, the boy's lost his memory, so…"

"I feel bad already." Mako interrupted sarcastically.

"I didn't think you'd feel anything." Sasuke retorted.

"Why you." Mako growled.

"Sasuke, what's wrong?" Korra asked, joining them.

"Korra, I would like you to meet my big brother, Mako." Bolin introduced.

"This punk is your brother?" Sasuke asked.

"Wait, Mako?" Korra smiled as she extended her hand. "Wow, I heard you playing on the radio."

"Come on, Bolin." Mako ignored her while putting on his helmet. "We're up."

"Or we can meet up later." Korra stated, half-disappointed.

"Punk." Sasuke commented.

"What!?" Mako demanded, turning around.

"You must really have bad hearing." Sasuke smirked. "Might want to get that checked out."

"You little…" Mako growled before turning to Korra. "Is he with you?"

"Uh, yes?" Korra answered.

"Keep him in line; otherwise, I'll have security toss you both out." Mako warned.

"Mako, let's just get our game started." Bolin tried.

"Fine." Mako sighed in annoyance as he walked off. "Let's go."

"Sorry about that." Bolin apologized. "My brother gets focused before a match."

"I feel bad for you being related to him." Sasuke commented.

"Sasuke, stop it." Korra warned.

Sasuke crossed his arms. "Whatever."

"Wish me luck, not that I'll need it." Bolin stated, putting on his helmet and going to join his teammates.

"Good luck!" Korra called out. "Knock 'em out!" Once they were gone, she turned to the Uchiha. "Sasuke, you really need to learn to be nice."

"Hn. You seem to have an interest in that punk." Sasuke said.

"What? No." Korra retorted quickly. "He's not my type."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "Yeah, whatever."

A spotlight fell on the stage, highlighting the announcer.

"Introooooooducing, the Fire Ferrets!"

The audience bursts into applause as Mako, Bolin, and their third member waved from a platform slowly taking them to the ring.

"Ahhh! Bolin! I love you!" A girl squealed with joy.

Sasuke shook his head. "Annoying."

Then, his head started to hurt again. He was thinking of that pink haired girl; however, this time she was with a whole group of other girls. Among them was this girl with long, light blond hair tied in a long pony tail, and she wore a violet outfit.

"Sasuke, is your head hurting again?" Korra asked, concerned.

"I'm… fine…" Sasuke grunted.

"Your tone says otherwise." Korra worried.

"Just…watch the…game." Sasuke grunted.

"The rookie Ferrets came out of nowhere and made it further than anyone expected this season. Tonight, they face their toughest test yet folks."

The bell rang, signaling the start of the match. The opposing team's Firebender unleashed a fire blast at Bolin, but he ducked under it while Mako sent his own fire blast at the opponent. Bolin then raised an earth disc and kicked it at the opponent.

The opposing Firebender destroyed the earth disc with a fire arc and blasted out fire of his own. The Fire Ferrets' Waterbender, known as Hasook, used water to block the blast before pulling up more water and firing it at the opposing Earthbender who cartwheeled out of the way.

"Hasook is the first to feel the heat of the Tigerdillos! He tries to return the favor, but they're too fast for him while Mako shows off his trademark 'cool under fire' style!"

The Earthbender Tigerdillo threw an earth disc at Mako, who moved out of the way before also dodging a fire blast. He then retaliated with two fire blasts at the Tigerdillos while also avoiding an incoming water bullet followed up by an earth disc.

"Not bad." Sasuke begrudgingly admitted.

Mako shot another fire blast at the Tigerdillo Earthbender, making Korra smile excitedly before the Firebender and Waterbender both moved in front of Mako. Rather than target him, they hit Hasook and Bolin to knock them back to zone two.

"Oooh, the Tigerdillos score with a walloping one-two combo!"

Bolin and Hasook scrambled to their feet while Mako directed his attention to the opposing Benders. Korra was nervous while Sasuke remained indifferent. Mako jumped and spun around his axis in the air successfully dodging the earth discs and fire coming at him.

He landed perfectly on the ground and flipped to avoid another fire attack. Then, an earth disc hit him in the chest causing him to be pushed back. His foot just moved past the line, making it light up while a horn blew.

"Mako's over the line! The Tigerdillos get the green light and advance into Ferret territory!"

"Come on, Ferrets!" Korra yelled, raising her fist in encouragement.

The Tigerdillo Waterbender shot a water bullet at Mako, but Bolin blocked it with an earth disc. This gave his brother the space to jump and unleash a fire kick at the Tigerdillo Waterbender. He jumped over it while the Earthbender threw a disc at Hasook, knocking him back to zone three.

Mako jumped over another water bullet, which proceeded to strike Hasook. This opportunity was taken full advantage of as another water attack and an earth disc nailed the Waterbender, pushing him over the rim and sending him plummeting into the water.

"Oh, Hasook takes a dip, but he'll be back for round two assuming the fabulous Bending Brothers can hold their ground until then!"

Mako and Bolin dodged the earth and water sent their way. The latter rose an earth disc to shield himself against the water, but the impact pushed him back to zone three while the former landed in the third zone. The bell rang, signaling the end of the round.

"Round one goes to the Golden Temple Tigerdillos!"

The Tigerdillos cheered as Mako angrily glared at Hasook once he rejoined the team. The two teams then got into stances as the bell rang. The Tigerdillos unleashed their respective elements and pushed all three Fire Ferrets back a zone.

"The Fire Ferrets are knocked into zone two, and the Tigerdillos advance!"

The Tigerdillo Earthbender threw an earth disc at Hasook who blocked with Waterbending. At this point, the Fire Ferrets returned as good as they got. Bolin knocked one back with an earth disc, Mako punched out fire blasts, and Hasook sent water arcs. The bell then rang.

"The Fire Ferrets cinch the round in the closing seconds!"

Bolin and Hasook celebrate but Mako didn't look happy. The bell rang again, and the Tigerdillo Waterbender aimed at Hasook who tumbled out of the way to avoid it. Mako destroyed an incoming earth disc with a fire blast while Hasook shot a water bullet.

Bolin fired an earth disc before Hasook was hit by a water blast and sent crashing into Bolin. Both ended up on the floor, which gave the Tigerdillo Earthbender an easy mark. He nailed the pair with an earth disc, sending them into the drink.

Kora clutched her head in worry. "Oh, no!"

Mako, now alone, ducked under a water blast, avoided three fire blasts, and deftly dodged two earth discs.

"You better not fail, punk!" Sasuke yelled.

Mako was panting while remaining in his fighting stance; however, he would not give up.

"He is dancing on the edge of the ring, surviving the three on one barrage! It seems his plan is to let the Tigerdillos punch themselves out!"

Mako unleashed a fire blast, which vaporized an incoming water bullet, before hitting the Tigerdillo Waterbender and knocking him into the drink. Mako took this momentum and ran with it by throwing more fire blasts.

"And his plan is working!"

Mako continued to unleash fire at the opposing Firebender, knocking him against the back pole of the ropes and sending him into the water. Mako kept it up, targeting the Earthbender who was not about go out without a fight.

He sent multiple discs at the Firebender, but Mako destroyed them all to cover the field in debris before he kicked out a fire arc that pushed the Earthbender into zone three. To follow up, Mako came out the debris and unleashed a fire blast that sent the Earthbender into the drink.

"It's a knockout! What a wing-dinger of a hat trick, folks! Mako pulls off the upset of the season, winning the match for the Fire Ferrets!"

The entire stadium went wild, but as Mako took off his helmet, he remained serious. It wasn't long before the Fire Ferrets returned to their balcony.

"YAHOO! YES! One more win and we are in the championship tournament!" Bolin took off his helmet. "So, what did you think, Korra? Bolin's got some moves, huh?"

"What did I think?" Korra grabbed Bolin by his shirt. "What did I think!?" She playfully shoved him back. "That was amazing!"

"You did more harm than good out there!" Mako scolded Hasook. "You nearly cost us the match!"

"We won, didn't we?" Hasook asked, taking his helmet off.

"Barely!" Mako yelled.

"Get off my case, pal!" Hasook yelled back.

He threw his helmet and stormed out the room.

Mako grunted in annoyance. "Useless."

"You guys were incredible out there." Korra praised, making the Firebender flinch at the sound of her voice. "Especially you, Mr. Hat Trick!"

"Oh, you're still here?" Mako asked coldly, walking by her.

"Oh, you're still a punk?" Sasuke asked coldly.

"You brat!" Mako suddenly grabbed Sasuke's shirt. "Who do you think you are!?"

Sasuke stared him down. "I think you should let me go before I make you."

"Mako, let him go." Bolin voiced.

Mako grunted as he dropped Sasuke before glaring at Korra. "Like I said, keep him in line."

That certainly irritated Korra, but she choose to focus on Bolin. "Anyways, I've been immersed in bending my entire life, but I've never learned how to move like that! It's like there's a whole new style here. Think you can show me a few tricks?"

"Absolutely!" Bolin answered happily. "What about you, Sasuke? Wanna learn?"

"I don't remember if I was a Bender, but the moves could be useful." Sasuke agreed.

"Right now?" Mako rolled his eyes. "Come on, Bolin."

"Just ignore him." Bolin stated.

"Believe me, I've tried." Sasuke retorted. "Unfortunately, it's impossible."

"You little…" Mako grunted.

"I can show you the basics; however, I'm not sure how my Earthbending will translate to your Waterbending, but we'll figure it out." Bolin assured her.

"Won't be a problem." Korra confidently crossed her arms. "I happen to be an Earthbender."

Bolin looked at Korra like she'd grown three heads. "I'm sorry. No, no! I didn't mean to assume. I, you know, I just figured…with your Water Tribe getup…that you are…a Water Tribe… gal."

"No, you're right." Korra smiled smugly. "I'm a Waterbender, as well as a Firebender."

"Hmmm, I'm confused right now." Bolin said.

"How DENSE can you be?" Sasuke asked incredulously. "If she can bend fire, water, and earth, that makes her…"

"…She's the Avatar, and I'm an idiot." Mako finished for him while hanging his head.

"Thank you for finally stating the obvious." Sasuke retorted smugly.

"No…way." Bolin was excited. "The Avatar!"

"Okay, what's up with this brat though?" Mako asked.

His brother was right in this girl being special, so perhaps this kid was something more than an annoying brat.

"His name is Sasuke, and he's no brat." Korra argued. "He's just a kid who lost his memory, so he doesn't know his place in the world."

"That's my problem because…?" Mako asked.

"Alright, I'm about five seconds away from making you shut up." Sasuke threatened.

"Sasuke…" Korra warned.

"You've got such a smart mouth, brat." Mako growled. "Memory or no memory, you need to learn to be more respectful!"

"I could say the same to you." Sasuke retorted. "If you actually can be, I won't have to beat you down."

"Whatever." Mako scoffed. "Where did he even come from?"

"Hello, no memory idiot." Sasuke retorted. "Obviously, I don't remember."

"Whatever, little brat." Mako retorted.

"Stupid punk." Sasuke shot back.

They got close to each other with Mako bending down, so they could glare at one another. Korra and Bolin quickly got between the two, breaking them up. They then went to the gym with the Bending Brothers switching outfits.

They now wore white sleeveless shirts and black pants. Bolin began showing Korra some Earthbending moves while Sasuke watched on intrigued to learn some of this himself. Despite his current feelings on Mako, the movements could prove useful for his training.

"Alright, let's see what you got." Bolin declared, so Korra took an Earthbender's stance before bending two discs into the net. "That was great. Good power, but you'd be a sitting turtleduck in a real match. Not so upright and flat footed." He showed off an altered stance. "Stay light on your toes right up until the moment you need to dig in and strike. Then…"

Bolin rose two earth discs from the nearby pile and sent them flying towards the net. They hit the same spot Korra did; however, his stance clearly didn't leave him anywhere near as open.

"Okay, let me try." Korra stated.

She managed to mimic his stance and hit the same spot.

"Wow, nice adjustment!" Bolin praised. "You're a natural."

"Very nice." Sasuke offered.

Mako shrugged. "Not bad."

"What does it take to impress this guy?" Korra asked.

"Apparently, nothing." Sasuke responded.

"What?" Mako asked. "I said 'not bad.'"

"That seems to be Mako for 'I don't care and that was pathetic.'" Sasuke retorted.

"If you keep this up…" Mako began.

"What, you'll burn me?" Sasuke stated snidely. "That's all you do."

Mako growled, and his face turned red with anger before he grabbed Sasuke by the shirt. "The thing I'll do is give you a scar matching Zuko's!"

"Try it." Sasuke responded coldly. "I'll have you laid out faster than you make a flame."

"Let him go." Korra demanded.

"You know what, it's getting late." Mako dropped Sasuke. "I'm going to turn in. Nice to meet you, Avatar Korra and your brat too."

"Yeah, been a real pleasure." Korra retorted sarcastically.

"Don't get hurt." Mako spoke with his back turned.

"I can take care of myself." Korra retorted.

"I was talking to the brat." Mako replied.

"Hmph. I can handle myself just fine." Sasuke said.

"Sure, you can." Mako stated, sarcastically.

As he started moving up the stair, Sasuke picked up an earth disc and threw it at Mako's back making him fall. "You were saying, smart-ass?"

Korra and Bolin laughed.

"You little punk!" Mako yelled as he lit his hands with flames, ready to attack, only to extinguish them. "Gah, you're not worth it. I'm out of here. See you upstairs, bro."

"Upstairs?' Korra asked. "You guys live here?"

"In the attic." Bolin responded. "It's nothing fancy, but we got some great views."

"Muse be perfect for that idiot to look out and brood over." Sasuke commented.

Korra laughed at that. While Bolin could understand Mako and Sasuke not meshing well, he didn't want Korra and him to have a bad impression of his brother, provided he could help it.

"Look, Mako tries to be moody, but he's actually rather mushy on the inside." Bolin offered.

"If you say so." Sasuke scoffed.

"Hey Sasuke, want to try?" Korra asked, wanting to move back into the bending.

"I've tried seeing if I could bend earth, yet it's not coming to me." Sasuke shrugged. "Fairly certain I'm not a Bender at this point."

"Even then, the way you threw that disc was good." Korra voiced. "Try that."

"Fine." Sasuke relented.

He took three discs and threw them, one after another, into the net.

"That was cool!" Bolin exclaimed.

"It's like you have a natural talent for it." Korra added.

Sasuke shrugged. "I guess.

Air Temple Island: Next Day…
Korra was back to the gates, and it was going as well as her first day in that she charged ahead only to get hit as a result.

"Patience, Korra!" Tenzin instructed.

After taking one too many hits, Korra had enough. In a fit of rage, she Firebent at the gates in a fiery inferno. Sasuke shielded his eyes as burned remains scattered across the yard. Sasuke, Tenzin, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo were stunned.

"That was a two-thousand-year-old historical treasure." Tenzin declared in disbelief before getting angry. "What is wrong with you!?"

"There's nothing wrong with me!" Korra yelled. "I've been practicing like you taught me, but it isn't sinking in!? It hasn't clicked like you said!"

"Korra, this isn't something you can force." Tenzin calmed himself. "If only you would listen…"

"I have been!" Korra interrupted. "You know what I think? Maybe the problem isn't me. Maybe the reason I haven't learned Airbending is because you're a terrible teacher!"

She then stormed off while Meelo pointed at the man. "Yeah, you're a terrible teacher Daddy!"

He then went about trashing the remains of the gates while Jinora and Ikki hugged Tenzin.

"That doesn't help, you little snot." Sasuke sighed as he walked off. "I'll go find her."

For the third day in a row, Utakata had been watching the training. "The bond between master and student, what a joke."

Granted, nothing he was seeing here was as grievous as what he'd been put through. Still, what was the point of a master who clearly couldn't teach their student a thing? It was just another reason why he placed no faith in such concepts.

Sasuke ended up finding Korra within her room where she was yelling, "Stupid Airbending! Stupid Tenzin! Stupid gates!"

She let out a groan before going silent.

"Korra, it's me." Sasuke voiced. "I know you're not in the mood to talk right now, but…"

Sasuke was cut off by Korra opening the door. "Come in. Maybe you can cheer me up."

"Doesn't seem like my specialty, but I'll try." Sasuke reasoned as he walked in.

"I'm sorry you had to see that." Korra said.

"Getting frustrated is part of training." Sasuke stated. "It happens."

"I know, but…GAH! Why is this so hard!?" Korra yelled. "I've never had trouble with the other elements." She sighed. "Let me guess. You'll tell me to be more patient, and I shouldn't have yelled at Tenzin."

"Did you mean what you said?" Sasuke asked.

"About him being a terrible teacher? No, it was out of anger." Korra responded.

"Korra, I may not know you well, but I'll be here if you need anything." Sasuke stated.

"Thanks, Sasuke." Korra smiled. "That might be the nicest thing to come from you yet."

"I'm trying to cheer you up." Sasuke retorted, mildly annoyed. "Don't ruin it."

Korra chuckled. "Sorry."

"You may not be perfect." Sasuke voiced. "Like all humans, you're bound to make mistakes, but will that stop you from trying to learn Airbending?"

"No." Korra answered.

"Are you willing to keep trying to do the right thing?" Sasuke asked.

"Of course." Korra answered.

"Then, do what you do." Sasuke declared.

Korra hugged him. "Thanks."

"Yeah, whatever." Sasuke was uncomfortable. "You can let go now."

"Not a fan of hugs, huh?" Korra asked.

"Not really." Sasuke answered.

Pro-Bending Arena, Night…
Korra and Sasuke snuck out again and went to the Pro-Bending arena. They arrived within the locker room; however, the Bending Brothers looked sad and disappointed. Bolin was sitting on the bench with his head hung while Mako leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.

"We didn't miss your match, did we?" Korra asked.

"You look like you've lost." Sasuke added.

"Might as well have." Bolin said sadly.

"Hasook is a no good, no show!" Mako exclaimed angrily.

The referee arrived. "You got two minutes to come out or you're disqualified."

"Well, there goes our shot at the tournament." Mako stated bitterly.

"Can't you ask one of those guys to fill in?" Korra asked.

"Nah, the rules say you can only compete on one team." Bolin informed.

"The answer is obvious then." Sasuke smirked.

"What bright idea do you have, brat?" Mako asked.

"Korra can fill your vacant Waterbender slot." Sasuke offered.

"Yeah, I am a top notch Waterbender." Korra added, certainly liking the sound of this.

"She's the Avatar." Bolin looked around. "Wouldn't that be cheating?"

"Not if she only Waterbends." Sasuke retorted.

"Forget it." Mako scoffed. "I'd rather forfeit than look like a fool."

"How can you look like one if you already are one?" Sasuke asked.

"Why you…" Mako growled.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Korra stated, sarcastically.

"Times up." The ref came in. "You in or what?"

"We're in!" Korra answered.

"We are?" Mako asked.

"Yes, idiot. You are." Sasuke declared, making the Firebender glare at him.

"Yes!" Bolin cheered.

"I didn't agree to this!" Mako exclaimed.

"Nobody cares." Sasuke retorted.

"You can thank me later." Korra said while opening the locker to get her new uniform.

"This girl is crazy." Mako stated, exasperated.

"And you're some punk." Sasuke pushed him to get moving. "Get out there."

"Remind me to kill you later if we lose this, brat." Mako said.

Sasuke watched from the balcony as Korra entered the ring with Mako and Bolin.

"Looks like the Fire Ferrets have ferreted out a last-minute, replacement Waterbender. Let's see if she's another diamond in the rough like the brothers from the school of hard knocks!"

The team got into their stances.

"Don't do anything fancy or aggressive." Mako ordered. "In fact, don't do anything. Just try not to get knocked off the ring."

"You got it, captain." Korra retorted, annoyed.

She then adjusted her helmet after it fell, the attire obviously not suited for her. The bell rang signaling the start of the match. Korra immediately kicked out her foot and blasted an opposing Bender off the side of the arena. Mako face palmed in embarrassment.

"Woo-hoo!" Korra cheered. "Man overboard!"

"Fire Ferret Waterbender penalty, move back one zone."

"Idiot!" Sasuke face palmed. "I'm not even a fan like she is, yet I've read the rules."

"What? Why?" Korra asked.

"You're only allowed to knock players off the back of the ring." Mako explained, frustrated. "Not over the sides!"

"Oh…whoops." Korra was certainly embarrassed.

She moved back a zone while the Bender she knocked over had rejoined his team. The bell then rang, seeing the match began again.

"And we're back in action after that hiccup, but I'm not sure this replacement player knows what she's doing."

Korra pulled some water but was hit by an earth disc which knocked her back. She retaliated with a water blast but straddled the line, which made the referee blow his whistle.

"Foul! Over the line! Move back another zone!"

"I'll show you over the line!" Korra muttered, frustrated while walking to zone three.

Mako grit his teeth in anger.

"The Platypus-Bears take round one!"

"At this rate, the Fire Ferrets are doomed." Sasuke sighed.

The bell rang again, and the Platypus-Bears began attacking.

"The Platypus-Bears know a green player when they see one, and they are focusing the brunt of their bending on this poor girl!"

Korra was getting assaulted by all the elements, and her Waterbending only achieved so much against the barrage to the point she ended up bending two earth disc to guard herself.

"Wait a minute! Did that Waterbender just Earthbend!?"

"Korra…" Sasuke groaned.

"Foul! I think…"

Air Temple Island
Utakata had noted how invested the White Lotus seemed to be in Pro-Bending to the point he had garnered a level of interest in it. While he wasn't about to disobey Tenzin's wishes on not leaving the island, the man had said nothing about listening in. He just did it on the roof without the sentries knowing and happened to hear something of interest.

"Wait, Water and Earth…" Utakata sat up. "That's Korra and given Sasuke seems to have become rather attached to her…Are they both there?"


At this point, Tenzin approached the group of sentries "Pardon me, have you seen Korra this evening? She's not in her room, and I can't seem to find Sasuke either."

The sentries were paying more attention to the game and listening to the announcer.

"She's the Avatar, folks! Playing in a Pro-Bending match!"

The sentry who was drinking did a spit take.

Tenzin became angry. "I'll get her myself!"

Utakata suddenly lept down from the roof, clearing Tenzin, to land at the base of a tree before the Airbender turned. "I have a feeling Sasuke is with Korra, so I'm coming with." The master was about to speak. "I'll stick with you, but I got to confirm this for myself."

"Very well." Tenzin sighed and moved past him. "Come along."

Pro-Bending Arena
Sasuke hung his head in humiliation. "Korra's either going to be disqualified or they'll lose."

"The Avatar will be permitted to play provided she solely Waterbends!"

The Platypus-Bears groaned at the ref's call. The bell rang again, and the match continued. Korra's status as the Avatar did not deter the Platypus-Bears from targeting her. She deflected discs, water bullets, and fire blast with her water whip as she was constantly pushed back.

"This girl might be the Avatar, but she's no Pro-Bender. A fact the Platypus-Bears are exploiting."

The Platypus-Bears just continue to unleash attacks until a fire blast and earth disc saw Korra fall while a water blast hit her head, knocking her into the water.

"Aaaaand, she's in the drink!"

"Dang." Sasuke then spotted Tenzin and Utakata enter the arena. "Double dang."

Korra got out of the water and onto the platform where she now saw the same pair before her. "Oh, hey, Tenzin. I thought you didn't like coming to these matches."

"Once again, you have flagrantly disobeyed my orders." Tenzin crossed his arms. "You were to
stay on the island. Let's go."

"No, I'm in the middle of something." Korra retorted firmly.

"I have tried my best to get through to you by being gentle and patient, but clearly the only thing you respond to is force. That is why I'm ordering you back to the temple immediately."

"Why? So, I can sit around and meditate about how bad I am at Airbending?" Korra retorted, frustrated. "You know, I'm beginning to think there's a reason I haven't been able to learn it. Maybe I don't even need it!"

"What!? That is a ludicrous suggestion!' Tenzin retorted. "The Avatar needs to learn Airbending. It is not optional!"

"No, this is what I need to learn!" Korra argued. "Modern styles of fighting!"

"Being the Avatar is not all about fighting, Korra." Tenzin argued. "Where is Sasuke? Clearly, he's been nothing but a bad influence on you."

"Don't pin this on him!" Korra and Utakata defended at the same time.

They shared a bit of a surprised look before the former moved to renter the ring. "Now, I have a match to finish!"

"From where I stand, Sasuke has been a voice of reason." Utakata declared firmly. "He has done nothing but attempt to get Korra to see your view and attempt to embrace your training. While he can certainly be crude, that is no reason to blame him for this."

Tenzin was taken aback to hear such a passionate defense from someone who has been rather calm. The master then had the decency to look ashamed of what he said in the heat of the moment. While it was true Sasuke could be a tad crude, he'd seen what Utakata had.

Before he could speak, the bell rung and round three began. The Firebender attacked Bolin, but he crossed his arms in defense before retaliating by throwing an earth disc. He rose another to defend himself against water while the Firebender attacked Mako.

He tried to retaliate but was unsuccessful, resulting in the brothers ending up backed into a corner. The Waterbender went about blasting them consecutively to keep them pinned. Korra was on the defensive from fire and earth attacks, which pushed her to zone three.

"Looks like the Avatar's Pro-Bending debut is going to be cut short! She's been pushed back to zone three, and the drink is calling her name!"

Tenzin covered his eyes as Korra was about to fall.

"It's only a matter of time before…Hold the phone! Stop the presses! She's moving like an entirely different player! Suddenly, the Platypus-Bears' strikes are only striking air!"

Tenzin uncovered his eyes as he looked on in surprise. Korra had taken on an Airbending stance and started gracefully dodging the opposing teams' attacks with spiral movements.

"How about that?" Tenzin voiced, amazed.

Utakata glanced at Tenzin's expression of pride before casting his gaze downward. The Platypus-Bears were starting to gas out. This was perfect as Mako and Bolin were still relatively fresh. They took full advantage by hammering in fire and earth disc, respectively.

The Platypus-Bears' Earthbender was knocked back by an earth disc while the Waterbender was knocked back by Korra's and Mako's combined water and fire attacks. The Fire Ferrets worked together, managing to knock all three opponents into the drink. The bell rang shortly after.

"What an upset, folks! The rookies, Avatar in tow, have nabbed a place in the championship tournament! I cannot believe it!"

"Believe it." Sasuke muttered to himself. "Why does that sound familiar?"

Briefly, the Uchiha's head hurt as he once again saw that blond-haired boy.

Down below, Tenzin raised his arms. "YEAH! WOOHOO!" He then saw people above eyeing him, so he regained his composure. "Come along Utakata." He turned to leave. "I believe Korra and Sasuke are just fine."

Utakata followed, now deep in thought, while the crowd went wild at the Ferret's victory. Korra and Bolin high fived as the team returned to the balcony and met with Sasuke.

"Talk about a close call." The Uchiha commented. "I thought you guys were done for."

"Oh, thanks for the support." Korra stated, sarcastically.

"Korra, what can I say?" Mako smiled. "You really came alive that last round. The way you dodged their attacks, you're a natural."

"Thanks." Korra returned.

"This is a first coming from you." Sasuke commented.

"Shut up." Mako voiced irritated. "I'm trying to be nice."

"Look, I can't take all the credit." Korra knew who was responsible. "Someone else taught me those moves."

Sasuke looked at her. "I think he deserves an apology."

Korra nodded. "Yeah, he does."

Air Temple Island
Tenzin was helping the Air Acolytes replace the destroyed gates when Korra and Sasuke arrive.

"I'm really sorry, about everything I said." Korra apologized, genuinely. "I was frustrated with myself and ended up taking it out on you."

"I think I owe you an apology too." Tenzin admitted. "I was trying to teach you about patience, yet I lost mine."

"No hard feelings?" Korra asked.

"Of course not." Tenzin smiled. "By the way, you were good out there tonight. You moved just like an Airbender."

"You stayed to watch?" Korra asked.

"I did." Tenzin nodded. "Pro-Bending turned out to be the perfect teaching tool for you."

"Thanks." Korra stated.

"It's good you seem to have a more favorable outlook on Pro-Bending since Korra was officially made a Fire Ferret." Sasuke commented.

Tenzin wanted to be exasperated; however, everything that happened recently flashed through his mind until he smiled. "Congratulations."

"Thank you." Korra smiled. "Would you like some help?"

"I would appreciate that." Tenzin stated.

"Sasuke?" Korra asked.

Sasuke shrugged. "Why not?"

They started helping to fix the gates.

"Sasuke, I don't know what's going to be in store from here on out, but will you stay with me through to the end?" Korra asked.

"I suppose." Sasuke stated. "Guess we're in this together."

"Glad to hear it." Korra stated happily.

Utakata observed them once again, from atop a roof. "The bond between master and student…"

Even now, the memory of his master's final act against him was clear as day; however, looking back on how Tenzin interacted with Korra had begun to stir up countless, earlier memories of their time together.

Flashback…
Back when Utakata was a Kiri Jonin, he'd just returned from a mission and landed behind his master. "Mission accomplished." He held out the scroll he'd retrieved with a smile. "A good ninja must complete his missions swiftly, correct master?"

"You're a fool!" He scolded, to the Jinchuriki's shock. "Your mission was to track and locate the stolen scroll. You were never instructed to retrieve it. Your life is precious. You must never waste it, do you understand?

A ninja never runs away from a battle that must be fought; however, he never fights an unnecessary battle." He calmed down and approached him. "Still…" He lovingly put a hand on his student's head. "Having said that, I'm glad you're alright."

Utakata smiled. "Thank you, master."

Air Temple Island
"He did care about me or so I thought." Once again, that night when his master attempted to extract the Six Tails ran through his mind. "It wasn't me he cared about, only the power within. He saw me as its vessel. I've always thought this to be true, but what if I'm missing something?"

Utakata turned his gaze back to Tenzin, Korra, and Sasuke. For the first time in years, the former Kiri Jonin felt as though the conclusion he drew may not have been right.