The start of the tournament does not begin with our heroes, but for one who is in training.
A blast of fire swept an arena as multiple firebenders were trained on one girl who was fighting back. To many, one would recognize her as the next avatar, Korra. She battled her own way against the opossing firebenders in her third exam, taking risks.
Korra had grown since the last time she was seen. Now at the age of 17, she was quickly mastering the art of firebending, getting close to the last element, air bending.
But, growing up with the white lotus and some of her masters, she had heard tales of heroes who travelled across the worlds in order to protect them from harm. Although, a majority of them came from one source: Katara.
"She's strong." Katara said, who had also aged.
"But she lacks restraint." A white lotus member said.
Korra quickly finished the last firebender and her exam was complete, taking off her helmet.
"Whohoo!" Korra said running over to them. "Hey, why the down looks. Three elements down, one to go, right?"
"As usual, youre getting ahead of yourself, Korra." a firebending member said.
"While it is true you mastered the physical aspects of bending, you completely ignored the spiritual side. One must have both to be the avatar." The first member said.
"I havent really ignored it, it just doesnt come to me that easily. Which is why i'm training in Airbending with Tenzin, he's Mr. Spiritual." Korra said.
"Do you thinks she's ready, Master Katara?" the member asked.
"Yes. If anyone can teach her, Tenzin can." Katara said. "And if he were here, he'd feel the same way."
"Very well. Korra, it's time to begin your airbending training." the member said.
"Yes! Finally!" Korra said celebrating. "Er, I mean...thank you." she said bowing before running off.
After telling the news to her pet and trusty mount, Naga, Korra decided to ride off to meet Tenzin herself. He and his family rode in on a flying bison.
"Master Tenzin." Korra said after Katara greeted the children and mother as well as Tenzin himself.
"Korra? You've gotten a lot bigger since I last saw you." Tenzin said.
"I have. I cant wait to start training with you." Korra said.
"Yes, well… were only staying for the night. Because i'm an important figure in Republic City, thres a lot of business i have to attend to, things have been popping up here and there." Tenzin said.
"Oh. But, youre the only one I know who can teach me. I cant stay here until you can come here permanently." Korra said.
Katara thought about this then stepped in. "Perhaps… there is another way."
"What do you mean, mother?" Tenzin asked.
"Before the new republic started, I traveled with Aang and the others along side this unique boy. He was someone who would always keep hope even in the darkest of times. In fact, he even goes by such a name: Hope the Victor. I think...Korra should seek him out." Katara said.
"Really? But.. you never told me about him. All I heard were the stores of Avatar Aang fighting with the Lighting God." Korra said.
"But what you havent heard was that this boy also was at that battle. He defeated a creature called Emboar and sent his entire guild that he lead running in fear. He is someone hidden in the background of history. He is known by some as the boy who could pierce fire." Katara said.
"And he is known to lead a team of his own. Father did tell me there were some strange ones there. Some sort of cowgirl samurai, a woman who wielding a sword shaped like a key, a flying cat, a boy and girl who wielded the Shining Force. There was even one who was undead." Tenzin said.
"All very good friends." Katara said.
"Okay, you sold me. They sound like my kinda group. But where can I find them?" Korra asked.
"I think you'll find them easly at this location." Katara said showing a poster for the tournament.
"Furious… Universe?" Korra asked.
"Its a tournament that's been in planning for a month their time, 70 years our time. Its starting in two days. You can get there in time if you catch a special express." Katara said.
"I'll take you to republic city, because that's where the terminal was installed. If this boy is the same one my father traveled with, then I am sure he can help you with your Air Bending training." Tenzin said.
"Not to mention world traveling will let me gain more experience about being The Avatar." Korra said.
The next day, Korra was taken to republic city with Naga as they headed to the Cross-Dimensional gate where a familiar looking rabbit stood in front of a rainbow colored gate.
"Step right up! If you wanna get to the viewing stage in time, then hurry over here!" Bunnelby said.
"Excuse me!" Korra said coming up with Naga.
"Oh my stars! If it aint the rumored avatar of the Next Generation! And her large polar bear dog! Its such an honor to meetcha!" Bunnelby said.
"Yep. I'd like to get to the stage of the tournament. But I'm not gonna veiw it. I'm entering with Naga." Korra said.
"Y'are? On your own, or with a group?" Bunnelby asked. "Cause you need a minimum of five members if you wanna enter."
"I'm with a group. Hope's group?" Korra asked.
"Oh, you're with the Shining Hope Squad? Then go right in!" Bunnelby said.
"Yes! C'mon, Naga!" Korra said as they ran through the gate. On the other side, the two were amazed by all of the people and creatures all over the area.
"Okay, Katara said he was a guy with a blue streak in his hair.." Korra said looking at a photo. "This crowds huge, how am i gonna find him?"
She then looked at Komasan and Komajiro who were at the Ice Cream Stand, no suprise.
"C'mon big bro, we dont have all day! Jexi and Hope said we gotta get the ice cream and head back to the arena stage to register." Komajiro said.
"Okay. Just one more cone." Komasan said.
"Hi, can I talk to you two for a second?" KOrra said from behind them making them Jump.
"Oh my swirls!" they both said looking at her.
"Wow. She's pretty like a swan under moonlight." Komasan said.
"Yeah. Seems like she's this new dang avatar." Komajiro said looking at his phone.
"Um, I am the new avatar…" Korra said.
"Wow. So you're kinda like Aang." Komasan said.
"Wait, youre with him?" Korra asked.
"Well, no. I mean, my little brother is." Komasan said.
"Yeah. He and I were on the same team before he left." Komajiro said.
"That's perfect. Can you take me to Hope? I'm kinda gonna enter with him." Korra said.
"Well of course! We know where they are, we'll show ya." Komasan said as the two began to lead Korra to the registraition booth where Jexi and Hope were already at them.
"Dang. It says teams have to sign up individually. Looks like we'll be competing against each other when we get to the final eight." Jexi said sadly.
"To be honest, you did want this too, right?" Hope asked.
"Yeah. I just didn't wanna make you feel bad when I whoop your butt." Jexi said.
"Well, I guess I have all my members fileld out. One more spot, but I dont think i…" Hope started.
"Wait!" KOrra said running up with Naga. "Uh, sorry.. But are you the guy Katara called Hope?"
"You know Katara? Who are you?" Hope asked.
"My name is Korra. This may shock you but...I'm the new Avatar." Korra said.
"WHAT?!" Jexi said shocked. "You gotta be kidding me!"
"I actually believe it." Hope said. "Cause I can see Aang in those eyes of yours. It'll be like he's back with us. Well, one spot left." Hope said giving her the pen.
"Yes!" KOrra said signing her name as well as Naga's in the spot. "And this also means i'm your teammate, right?"
"Aang was a great friend, and to know you're the avatar, well its like him coming back onto the team with all of us." Hope said.
Before they left, Buizel, who was running the registration table handed Jexi and Hope two small scanner devices. "Hold on to these. You'll know more about them when registrations are done."
"Thanks." Hope said.
Just then, another face showed up which Jexi immediately recognized as well as hope.
"If it isn't Mr. Amadaeus Flux. Of course you wouldnt miss out on this." Hope said.
"Its for all teams to compete. No rules against villains joining the fight." Flux grinned.
"I see your teammates are Zazz, Zavok and Master Zik." Hope said.
'Not all of them." Flux said as a young boy came toward them.
"Damien." Jexi said.
"Wait, Flux has a brother?" Hope asked.
"A brother and sister. I didn't think you'd actually join up." Jexi said.
"I'm gonna win for my brother. I'm gonna beat both of you." Damien said confidently.
"Well, thats only if he gets past me." said another voice as Spectra appeared.
"Who's that?" Korra asked.
"Spectra Phantom. He used to be a top Pyrus brawler of the Vexos, but now he's flying the good side with Zekrom. He even has his own team: Spectra Force." Dan said.
"Yes. And we look forward to competing." Kurome said approaching.
"Hey Kurome. So you're cured of the corpse thing right?" Rainbow asked.
"Yes. Now I have no need to fear death again so soon. I will not rot away. I am a completely living being." she said as Chopper felt her.
"She's got a pulse. Its true." Chopper said.
"It's not just me. Lubbock and Chelsea are cured too. Now all of Night Raid is on Spectra's side, plus two Jaegers of course." Kurome said.
"So were up against spectra like in New Vestroia. At least I dont have to worry about his obsession for Drago this time." Dan said.
"Attention. All teams please report to the auditorium so we may begin orientation!" Dedenne said.
"Well we'll be going. Good luck Jexi." Spectra said. "You too, Hope. Make sure your newest addition gets you to the final 8." he said walking off with Kurome.
"Heh, I dont care if that new chick is the next Avatar." Flux said. "I'm still going to dominate over you...Hopeless." he said laughing as he walked off.
"Something about that guy really makes me want to earthbend a rock into his face." Korra said.
"Trust me, you aren't the only one feeling it." Jexi said.
"So, lets go to see what Ampharos has to say." Hope said.
They went into the auditorium and saw Ampharos make his grand entrance in flashes of lighting.
"Yeah! You rule!" shouted some of the spectators.
"Ladies and gentleman! Welcome to...FURIOUS….UNIVERSE!" Ampharos shouted.
"Oh yeah!" Hope said.
"Before we begin, i have some news. Team Shining Hope Squad has acquired a famous new member. If youll turn your attention, you will see that standing near him...is the Avatar!" Ampharos said as the crowd cheered louder.
"Oh boy…" Hope said.
"With me here, the crowd might think youre gonna go all the way." Korra said.
"Now, let's go over the rules. Unlike the last tournament, there is no elimination. Rather instead of one world, all the worlds are the stage!" Ampahros said. "Now let's go over the purpose of the main part. Each of the worlds across this section of the universe has a special badge hidden there. Each of your team leaders has been given a scanner. You will scan the badge to add it to the stock pile. You need all eight to enter the final eight. The first people with eight are who move on." AMpharos said.
"So only the teams that get the badges move on to the finals." Hope said.
"Hah! Those badges will belong to team AWD! We wont lose this time!" Weavile said,
"Thisss time, those heroesss will lossse." Arbok said.
"Yes. You really are destined to lose." said a new voice as a woman with purple hair and a purple suit approached Hope. "So, you're the one giving my three friends there some trouble."
"Who are you? Are you… one of their pefect links?" Hope asked.
"Toxic!" Anima said in shock.
"You could say...I'm their boss." Toxic said. "Just know that...you will end up losing in the end." she said kissing his cheek before walking off.
Anima stick a syringe in him and injected some andidone.
"Ow! Warn me next time!" Hope said.
"Sorry, but Toxic's a master of the Poison Style. She can secrete poison from her skin and can even give a poison kiss." Anima said. "A Universe class thief."
"She was trying to sabotage you even before the tournament started." Evan said.
"Wow. That was close then." Hope said.
"Now, if you turn your attention to our members, each of them will give you riddle cards to one random world. You are not to open them until orientation is finished." Ampharos said.
Hope got his card as the members passed by.
"One last thing. If the badge is hidden where you need to help a character complete a task, do not worry. That hero will not be part of the team. They aren't technically competitors so it does not count." Ampharos said.
"Phew." Hope said.
"Now then, lets make this world stage official. On your marks…" Ampharos began.
"Good luck man." Jexi said.
"Get set…"
"You too, see you in the finals!" Hope said.
"GO!" Ampharos said as the teams ran out in a hurry.
"Alright hopey, open that card up, where we headed?" Gemini said.
Hope opened the card on the ship.
"The ocean is cool, the beach is nice. Come to a place where everything is covered in ice." Hope read.
"In a pack of islands, this is who youll find. A banana loving ape with three of his kind." Tails said.
"Nomads of snow seek to conquer. A magic horn makes them stronger." Jexi said.
"Now hurry along before the dong, head to the islands with the name of kong." Gemini read.
"Of course! This is telling us about Donkey Kong's world!" Rainbow said. "And its not far from here."
"Then let's get it on!" Jexi and Hope said before looking at each other.
"Wow. What are the odds we get the same hint?" Jexi said.
"About 90 to 1" Hope said.
"So lets get to work." Hope said as they entered their ships and took off.