DISCLAIMER: Transformers is owned by Hasbro and Legend of Korra is owned by Nickelodeon
Transformers: New Iacon Chronicles
Chapter 2: A Leaf in the Wind
While the Sun rose up at Air Temple Island, Korra and Tenzin were at the communal dining area of the island eating breakfast, while Hot Rod and Bumblebee stood behind them and several Air Acolytes ate in several tables that surrounded them. Korra was busy reading from a newspaper article about a sport that is popular in New Iacon: Pro-bending.
"-and in the final round, the Buzzard Wasps won with a decisive knockout!" she excitedly read before lowering the paper and looking at Tenzin. "Whadya say we go to the arena tonight, catch a few pro-bending matches?"
"That 'sport' is a mockery of the noble tradition of bending," Tenzin sternly answered.
"Come on Tenzin, the kid's dreamed about seeing a pro-bending match since she was young," Hot Rod argued. "Now she's just a ferry ride away from the arena."
"Korra is not here to watch that drivel, she is here to finish her Avatar training," Tenzin responded. "So for the time being I want her to remain on the island."
"Is that why you're keeping the White Lotus sentries around to watch my every move?" Korra asked in a dejected tone, slumping her head on her hand.
"Yes," Tenzin answered. "In order to learn airbending I believe you require a calm, quiet environment, free from any distractions."
"Alright, you're the master," Korra responded before looking out the window, towards the pro-bending arena.
*QUE TRANSFORMERS PRIME: BEAST HUNTERS OPENING THEME*
Later that day, Korra was ready for her first airbending lesson. Now dressed in an airbender outfit, she walked alongside Tenzin down a hallway outside.
"So, my mother informed me that you've never been able to airbend before," Tenzin stated, which caused Korra to stop in her tracks, looking down before sighing.
"Yeah, but I don't know why," Korra answered. "The other elements came so easily to me, but every single time I've tried airbending, pfft. Nothing."
"It's perfectly alright, we just need to be patient," Tenzin reassured before fixing up Korra's outfit. "Often the element that's most difficult for the Avatar to master is the one most opposite to the Avatar's personality. For Aang, it was earthbending."
"Yeah, well, I'm about as opposite an airbender as you can get," Korra dejectedly said.
"Let's begin your first lesson," Tenzin responded before the two of them walked to the airbending trailing area, where Tenzin's children and Hot Rod were waiting.
"Korra's gonna airbend! Korra's gonna airbend!" Ikki excitedly said while jumping up and down with her hands clasped. It was then that Korra noticed an elaborate contraption known as the Airbending Gates.
"What is that contraption?" Korra asked.
"A time honored tool that teaches the fundamental aspect of airbending," Tenzin answered. "Jinora, would you like to explain this exercise?" With that, Jinora stepped towards the airbending gates.
"The goal is to weave your way through the gates and make it to the other side without touching them," Jinora explained.
"Seems easy enough," Hot Rod stated.
"Jinora forgot to say she has to make it through while the gates are spinning," Ikki quickly replied while Tenzin stepped forward and airbended at the gates, causing them to spin rapidly. He then picked up a leaf and allowed it to fly to the gates, passing through them without touching them.
"The key is to be like the leaf," Tenzin stated. "Flow with the movement of the gates. Jinora will demonstrate." Then Jinora entered the gates, moving in a circular motion, turning to easily avoid each wooden panel.
"Airbending is all about spiral movements," Tenzin continued. "When you meet resistance, you must be able to switch direction at a moment's notice." Once she emerged from the other side, Jinora turned around and thrusted out a gust of wind, causing the panels to spin at full speed. Hot Rod then went up to Korra and placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Knock em dead!" Hot Rod said.
"Let's do this," Korra confidently said before darting to the gates, only to be hit hard by one of the panels, causing Hot Rod and Tenzin to cringe at the pain she was in as she continuously was ricochetted to multiple panels.
"Don't force your way through!" Jinora advised.
"Dance, dance like the wind!" Ikki added.
"Be the leaf!" Meelo added while waving his arms, but it was no use. Korra only continued to get hit by the panels until she was thrown to where she started. Hot Rod ran over to make sure she was okay while Tenzin gave a heavy sigh and shook his head.
That night, Korra tried to practice more on her own, using a newspaper article with Lin Bei Fong and Ironhide on the front page as a target. She took a deep breath and thrusted her hands in a 'Hadouken' position, but it was no use.
"Airbend!" she said in annoyence. "What is wrong with me? Airbend!" Again though, nothing. Out of frustration, she shot a fireball at the newspaper, burning it to a crisp when Hot Rod walked up to her.
"Ugh, I guess I'm just not cut out to be an airbender, huh Hot Rod?" she asked her guardian.
"Don't say that Korra," Hot Rod answered. "I'm sure you'll be a great airbender. You just need to be more patient and let this training sink in."
"Yeah, well I'm not exactly the most patient girl in the world," Korra replied.
"I wasn't too patient myself when I trained back at the Autobot Academy," Hot Rod began before tossing three disc-like objects which projected holograms of three Vehicon drones, getting out his bow and three arrows at the same time. "But a little bit of training later and bam!" He then shot three arrows, all of them striking the Vehicons' heads between the optics. Korra just looked upon the sight in awe before turning back to her friend.
"I'm pretty sure you'll be a top notch airbender if you do what I did," Hot Rod added.
"I guess you're right Hot Rod," Korra admitted. "I just need to learn to be more patient."
"Hey, I saw three White Lotus sentries listening to a pro-bending match on the radio, you wanna listen to it?" Hot Rod asked.
"Do I!?" Korra exitedly answered before the two of them ran off.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm coming to you live from New Iacon's pro-bending arena, where tonight the best in the world continue their quest for a spot in the upcoming championship tournament," a radio announcer said through the radio, where three White Lotus sentries clustered themselves in excitement, listening in, not aware that Korra and Hot Rod listened in on the roof of the shack they were inside.
"Grab your snacks and grab your kids, because this next match is gonna be a doozy," the announcer continued.
"So Hot Rod, you ever had sports back on Cybertron?" Korra asked her robitic companion.
"Well, we did have gladiator matches, but they've been outlawed for quite some time," Hot Rod answered. "The Cons probably reversed that by now." Hot Rod then looked up in the sky with a somber expression, hating the fact that the Cons have conquered his home. Noticing this, Korra reassuringly placed her hand on his back.
"Hey, cheer up big guy," she reassured. "I'm sure you'll get Cybertron back from those creeps." Hot Rod couldn't help but smile before they continued listening in on the radio.
"This Mako's got moxy," the announcer continued while Korra, Hot Rod and the sentries got more and more excited with every word he said. "He advances, fires two quick shots, Yomo is hammered back to zone three. The clock is winding down, can Yomo hold on? He's teetering on the edge of the ring now. The Fire Ferrets line up to strike-" However, the radio was suddenly silenced, much to Korra and Hot Rod's dismay. Confused, the three sentries turned to see Tenzin, holding the now unplugged power cord.
"Korra, Hot Rod, come down here please," Tenzin sternly commanded before Korra and Hot Rod dropped from the roof, clearly frustrated with what Tenzin just did.
"You shut it off at the best part!" Korra exclaimed.
"I thought I made myself clear, I don't want you listening to this distracting nonsense Korra!" Tenzin replied.
"What!?" Hot Rod exclaimed. "You liar, you only said she couldn't SEE a pro-bending match!"
"Y...ugh, you know what I meant!" Tenzin replied. "Anyway, shouldn't you...shouldn't you be in bed by now Korra!?" With that, Tenzin turned to leave, sending a gust of wind through the shack.
The next morning, Korra, Tenzin and his children were meditating, or at least Korra was trying to, clearly not in that meditative state.
"I think I'm doing it wrong," Korra stated.
"There's nothing to do," Tenzin replied as he opened his eyes. "Let your mind and your spirit be free, for air is the element of freedom." His words however earned him a sarcastic laugh from Korra.
"Is something funny?" Tenzin asked.
"Yeah, you're telling me to embrace freedom but you won't even let me listen to the radio," Korra answered. "And forget about leaving this island."
"Please, Korra, look at Meelo," Tenzin responded as he motioned to his only son. "He is able to meditate peacefully." Korra then looked beside her to Meelo, only to find him snoring and with drool hanging from his mouth.
"Actually, I think he's asleep," Korra corrected.
"What?" Tenzin asked, surprised, only to find that Meelo was indeed asleep. "Well, at least he has the relaxing part down."
"Whatever," Korra responded. "None of this airbending stuff makes any sense to me."
"I know you're frustrated, but these teachings will sink in over time," Tenzin replied. "Then one day, they'll just click." With that, Korra resumed meditation...for about three seconds.
"Yeah, it's not sinking in yet," Korra said as she got up and walked away. "I'm gonna go get a glass of lychee juice."
"Korra, the meditation's not over yet!" Tenzin strenly said, but to no avail.
"Daddy, can I have a glass of lychee juice too?" Ikki asked.
"No," Tenzin answered, much to Ikki's dismay while Jinora opened one eye to see Meelo tottering in place.
"Ohhhh," he said in his sleep as he fell to the ground, sprawling across the ground.
Later that night, Korra looked out her window, looking upon the White Lotus sentries as she dropped to the ground when no one could see her, dashing for a nearby cliff where Hot Rod was waiting.
"You sure you wanna do this Korra?" Hot Rod asked. "Tenzin'll blow a head gastet if he finds out."
"I don't care Hot Rod," Korra answered. "I can't just be confined here like I was back home." With that, Korra jumped down the cliffside, into the water with Hot Rod close behind as Korra swam towards the pro-bending arena while Hot Rod transformed and drove through the ground, following Korra. Once they made it, Korra used her waterbending to propel herself to the surface while Hot Rod transformed and jumped, landing beside her. The two of them then climbed up to a window and went inside, walking down the hallway til they came across a large gym area. The two of them walked inside, observing the equipment with awe, when suddenly-
"Hey!" someone shouted. "What are you two doing in my gym!?"
"Uh, I was just, looking for a bathroom and I got lost," Korra answered.
"Ah, the old I had to pee excuse," the man responded, clearly not buying it. "You know, I'm sick of you people sneaking in and not paying. I'm taking you two to security!"
"Wait, if you just let us explain w-" Hot Rod began, only for someone to inturupt him.
"There you two are!" someone said. Everyone turned to see a young man, obviously a pro-bender due to his uniform, walking to them. "I've been looking everywhere for you. It's alright Toza, they're with me. You know, fans."
"Ah, I don't care what they are," Toza responded. "I've got work to do." With that, he walked away, leaving the other three alone.
"Right this way," the pro-bender said.
"And thank you sir," Korra responded before whispering to him. "Seriously, thanks."
With that, the pro-bender escorted them to another section of the arena. Once he opened the door to another room, Korra and Hot Rod looked upon what they saw in awe. They saw that they were in a pro-bender locker room, situated with an incredible close view of the arena, somewhat like a booth in a baseball stadium.
"Whadya think?" the pro-bender asked with a cocky expression. "Best seats in the house, huh?"
"By Primus, this is incredible!" Hot Rod exclaimed.
"This place is even more amazing than I imagined!" Korra added, not knowing two more pro-benders entering the room.
"Name's Bolin by the way," the pro-bender said.
"Korra," Korra responded, distracted by the amazing view.
"Hot Rod," Hot Rod replied, also distracted.
"Psst, Bolin," one of the other two pro-benders said.
"Yeah?" Bolin replied as he walked over to him.
"I told you, you have to stop bringing your fans here before the matches," the pro-bended sternly said as he got a pair of gloves on.
"Ah, come on Mako," Bolin argued. "Alright look, I kinda promised them they could stay, but I've got a good feeling about her." He then pointed over to Korra to show Mako who she was. Then he went over to Korra and Hot Rod, guiding them to him.
"Come here, I want you to meet my brother, Mako," Bolin said.
"Mako?" Korra asked, instantly recognizing his name.
"Wow, we heard you play on the radio," Hot Rod said as both he and Korra extended their hands for Mako to shake, only for Mako to walk by them, putting his helmet on.
"Come on Bolin, we're up," Mako stated.
"Or we could just meet him later," Korra said.
"Yeah, sorry about that," Bolin replied. "My brother just gets real... focused before a match. Okay, I gotta go. Wish me luck. Not that I'll need it."
"Good luck Bolin," Hot Rod responded. "Knock em out!" With that, the three pro-benders went up to the arena, where the opposing team and the ring announcer were waiting.
"Introducing, the Fire Ferrets!" the announcer said to the large crowd.
"Ahh! I love you Bolin!" said one of the fangirls, to which Bolin placed his hand on his ear in a cocky manner.
"The rookie Ferrets came from out of nowhere and made it further than anyone expected this season," the radio announcer said. "But tonight, they face their toughest test yet folks." With that, the referee signaled for the match to begin and a bell clangs, symbolizing that the match had begun.
"And they're off!" the radio announcer said.
*QUE 'NOTHIN'S GONNA STAND IN OUR WAY' BY SPECTRE GENERAL*
As soon as the bell clanged, each of the six pro-benders unleashed the elements that they bended at the opposing team, Bolin using earthbending, Mako using firebending, and the final Fire Ferret, Hasook, using waterbending.
"The two teams waste no time trying to blast each other out of zone one," the radio announcer said as he observed the match. Bolin quickly earthbended a disk at the opposing firebender, who blocked it with his firebending. Suddenly, Hasook sees a fireball coming to him. He quickly responded by rolling out of the way and waterbending to block another blast, only for him to be sent backwards slightly.
"Hasook is the first to feel the heat of the Tigerdillos," the radio announcer continued. "He tries to return the favor but they're too fast for him, while Mako showcases his trademark cool-under-fire style." Like the announcer stated, Mako was busy dodging all three of the elements before sending a fireball at the Tigerdillos.
THE FORTUNATE ONES
TO BE FAST AND FREE AND YOUNG
I WANT TO COUNT MYSELF AMONG
THE FORTUNATE ONES
Suddenly, two Tigerdillos used their elements to knock Hasook and Bolin to the second zone.
"Oh, the Tigerdillos score with a walloping one-two combo," the radio announcer said while Korra and Hot Rod clutched their heads with their hands in concern. "Can their teammate hold on for their zone one territory?" Mako tried his best to hold his position, but soon an earth disk knocked him to zone two.
"Guess not, Mako's over the line," the radio announcer continued. "The Tigerdillos get the green light and advance into Ferret territory."
"Come on Ferrets!" Korra and Hot Rod exclaimed at the same time.
WE WON'T BE DENIED
WE KNOW THAT TIME IS ON OUR SIDE
WE'VE GOT THE PASSION AND THE PRIDE
WE WON'T BE DENIED
Once in Ferret territory, the Tigerdillos continued their onslaught, but Hasook is soon knocked backwards by another earth disk and into the final zone.
"Looks like Hasook's in trouble," the announcer said. "He's in zone three teetering over the brink." After trying to hit someone with his waterbending, Hasook is soon knocked into the artificial lake.
"And Hasook takes a dip," the radio announcer continued. "He'll be back for round two- assuming the fabulous bending brothers can hold their ground until the next round." As he said that, Mako and Bolin continued to dodge the onslaught before being blasted to zone three. With that, another bell clanged and one of four giant light bulbs lit up with blue Chinese writing.
"Round one goes to the Golden Temple Tigerdillos!" the ring announcer announced.
THIS GENERATION
WITH FIRE IN OUR EYES
STRONG TIES THAT BIND US
WE DON'T NEED NO ALIBIS
With that, all three Ferrets went back to their positions for round two.
"Come on Hasook, get your act together," Mako said to Hasook in an annoyed tone. With that, the bell clanged and round two had begun.
NOTHIN'S GONNA STAND IN OUR WAY!
However, as soon as the round had started, the Ferrets were immediately knocked into zone two.
NOTHIN'S GONNA STAND IN OUR WAY!
"The Fire Ferrets are knocked into zone two and the Tigerdillos advance," the radio announcer said.
NOTHIN'S GONNA STAND IN OUR WAY!
NOT TONIGHT!
As they continued, Bolin sent an earth disk that sent one of the Tigerdillos to zone three and a slew of fire and water sent the other two to join their companion.
"The Fire Ferrets clinch the round in the closing seconds," the radio announcer said.
WE WANT IT ALL
AND TONIGHT WE GOT THE CALL
WE'RE RUNNING HIGH BUT WE WON'T FALL
WE WANT IT ALL
"It's one a piece, still anyone's match as we go into the third and final round," the radio announcer said as the bell clanged again, and the final round had begun. Immediately, the Tigerdillos set their sights on Hasook and stot their blasts at them. Hasook immediately dodged it, sending him stumbling into Bolin.
WE WON'T BE DENIED
LIKE A BREAKER AT HIGH TIDE
WE'RE GONNA TAKE THAT SWEET JOY RIDE
WE WON'T BE DENIED
"Hasook stumbles, and now he tumbles right onto his teammate," the radio announcer said as a water attack sent both Ferrets to the ground. "He and Bolin better untangle quick if they don't wanna-oh too late." Immediately, the two of them were sent to the lake via an earth disk before they could get back up.
"Oh no!" Hot Rod excliamed.
GREW EXPECTATIONS
MOMENTS IN THE SUN
WE'VE WAITED ALL OUR LIVES
AND NOW WE KNOW OUR TIME HAS COME
"It's all up to Mako now," the radio announcer said as Mako kept dodging a barrage of elements. "He's bobbing and weaving, he's weaving and bobbing, but he's not hitting back. It seems his plan is to let the Tigerdillos punch themselves out." Then Mako sent a fire blast at the Tigerdillo waterbender, turning his water to steam and blasting him back to the lake.
NOTHIN'S GONNA STAND IN OUR WAY!
"Hahn is in the pool, they've got nothing left and Mako is on the offensive!" the radio announcer said as Mako kept sending fireblasts at the Tigerdillos. "It's two on one!" Then the firebender took a hit, sending him to the pool as well.
NOTHIN'S GONNA STAND IN OUR WAY!
"Scratch that, one on one, and it's an earth on fire slugfest," the radio announcer said as the two remaining benders duked it out. "There's so much smoke and dust from the fire fight I can't even see where the Fire Ferret is." then Mako emerged from the smoke, sending a wave of fire right at the earthbender's chest, sending him to the pool.
NOTHIN'S GONNA STAND IN OUR WAY!
NOT TONIGHT!
"It's a knockout!" the radio announcer declared as the crowd roared for Mako. "What a wingdinger of a hat trick, folks! Mako pulls off the upset of the season, winning the match for the Fire Ferrets."
After the match, the three Fire Ferrets walked back to their locker room, where Korra and Hot Rod were still waiting.
"Whoohoo! Yes!" Bolin cheered. "One more win and we're in the championship tournament! So, what'd you think Korra? Bolin's got some moves, huh?"
"What did I think?" Korra asked as she roughly grabbed Bolin. "What did I think!? That was amazing!" However, all was not well for Mako and Hasook.
"You did more harm than good out there," Mako angrly scolded at Hasook. "You almost cost us the match."
"We won, didn't we?" Hasook argued as he took his helmet off.
"Barely," Mako answered.
"Get off my case pal!" Hasook shouted before tossing his helmet to the floor and walking out of the room.
"Useless," Mako muttered.
"You guys were incredible out there!" Hot Rod exclaimed. "Especially you Mr Hat Trick."
"Oh, you two are still here?" Mako asked, not even looking at Korra and Hot Rod.
"Oh, you're still a jerk?" Korra asked, to which Hot Rod chuckled at before giving Korra a high-five. "Anyway, I've been immersed in bending my entire life, but I never learned how to bend like that. It's like there's a whole new style here. Think you could show me a few tricks?"
"Ab-so-lutely!" Bolin excitedly answered.
"Right now?" Mako asked, clearly not as excited as Bolin was. "Come on Bolin."
"Just ignore him," Bolin said before looking all smug. "Yeah, I could show you the basics. I'm just not sure how my earthbending would translate to your waterbending, but we'll figure it out."
"Won't be a problem," Korra replied while crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm actually an earthbender."
"...I'm sorry, no no, I didn't mean to assume," Bolin said, obviously now awkward and embarrassed. "Cause I, ya know, I was just figuring, with your Water Tribe getup...that you are...a water tribe...gal."
"No, you're right," Korra responded. "I'm a waterbender, and a firebender."
"Mmmhmm, I'm very confused right now," Bolin said with his hand on his chin.
"You're the Avatar, and I'm an idiot," Mako said as he got some stuff from his locker while Bolin's eyes widened and his mouth dropped to the floor.
"Both are true," Hot Rod replied.
"No...way," Bolin said before moving his head to Mako and pointing at Korra. "The, Avatar!"
Later that night, the four of them met up in the gym area so Bolin could demonstrate some bending techniques to Korra.
"Alright, let's see what you got," Bolin said before Korra earthbended one disc to a net, immediately followed by earthbending another disc to said net.
"That was great!" Bolin said, clearly impressed. "Good power. But in a real match you'd be a sitting turtle-duck. Not so upright and flatfooted." To demonstrate what he was talking about, Bolin took a boxer like stance before throwing a couple of practice punches.
"Stay light on your toes, right up until the moment when you need to strike," he said. "Then...pop pop!" He then tossed two disks at the same time to the net while Korra observed, her mouth hanging at Bolin's impressive bending skills.
"Okay, let me try that again," Korra responded before getting in the same stance that Bolin was in. Then she shot two discs in a similar manner to what Bolin did, both discs hitting the net at the same time.
"Wow! Nice adjustment!" Bolin excitedly responded. "You're a natural at this."
"Not bad," Mako said, though not as positively as Bolin.
"What's it take to impress this guy?" Hot Rod asked.
"What?" Mako defensively asked. "I said not bad."
"Say, mind if I teach you guys some tehniques I learned back on Cybertron?" Hot Rod asked.
"Sure!" Bolin answered. Hot Rod then tossed a disc to the center of the gym and got his bow and arrow out.
"Okay, one of the most important things you need to know when fighting is knowing your opponent," Hot Rod began. "You need to observe the enemy from head to toe to find any weaknesses, like a bad foot." The disc then projected the image of a Vehicon with sparks coming out of his foot, pointing his weapon at Hot Rod.
"Once you see any weakness, you take advantage of it," Hot Rod continued before firing his arrow at the Vehicon's foot, sending him to the ground. "So say one of your opponents in the arena has a bad foot too."
"So, we aim for the foot?" Bolin asked.
"Or anywhere close to it to send him to the ground," Hot Rod answered.
"You know what, it's getting late," Mako suddenly said as he started to walk away. "I think I'm gonna turn in. You kids have fun." However, he stopped once he reached Korra.
"Nice to meet you, 'Avatar Korra,' he said, before leaving the area.
"Yeah, it's been a real pleasure," Korra sarcastically responded.
"See you upstairs bro," Bolin said, which caught Korra and Hot Rod off guard.
"You guys live here?" Hot Rod asked.
"Yup, in the attic," Bolin answered. "It's nothing fancy, but we have some great views. So, back to bending, why don't you throw that combo one more time?" Upon hearing that, Korra got back in her stance and earthbended two more discs towards the net.
The next morning, Korra attempted to cross the Airbending Gates again, with Tenzin, his children and Hot Rod spectating, only for Korra to once again bounce roughly from panel to panel.
"Patience Korra!" Tenzin advised. However, Korra was clearly getting more and more frustrated, until she finally had it and started unleashing an onslaught of fireballs that exploded and destroyed the gates. Everyone, including Hot Rod, were shocked at this, especially Tenzin, while Korra panted for breath, standing in the ruins of the Gates.
"That was a two thousand year old historical treasure!" he shouted. "What...what is wrong with you!?"
"There's nothing wrong with me!" Korra shouted. "I've been practicing just like you taught me, but it isn't sinking in, okay!? It hasn't clicked like you said it would."
"Korra, no one said this airbending stuff was gonna be easy, but-" Hot Rod began, only to be interrupted by Korra.
"At this rate it isn't even going to be possible Hot Rod!" she yelled, clearly frustrated.
"Korra, this isn't something you can force," Tenzin reminded. "If you would only listen to me-"
"I have been!" Korra interrupted. "But you know what I think? Maybe the problem isn't me. Maybe the reason I haven't learned airbending yet is because you're a terrible teacher!" With that, Korra ran off.
"Korra, wait!" Hot Rod said as he ran towards Korra.
"Ughh..." Was all Tenzin could say in response.
"Yeah, you're a terrible teacher daddy!" Meelo said before running to the wreckage of the Gates and kicking and throwing pieces around with glee, while Ikki and Jinora solemnly went to hug their father, who looked down in defeat.
Later that night, Tenzin and his family were in their dining room, with Bumblebee watching over the children, while Tenzin sat down with his eyes closed and his arms crossed over his chest.
"Okay, everyone here?" Pema asked as she entered the room with a tray of food, only to notice someone was missing. "Wait, where's Korra?"
"Honestly Pema, I am at my wits end with that girl," Tenzin answered while placing his hand onto his head. "I don't know how to get to her."
"Tenzin, it's only been a few days," Bumblebee responded. "You can't just expect Korra to come here and act different, she needs to adapt to her new surroundings first. Give her some time and space."
"You must promise me that your teenage years won't be like this," Tenzin said to his children.
"I will make no such promises," Jinora replied as she looked over to her father from the book she was reading.
While that was going on, Korra and Hot Rod were on their way to the pro-bending arena. Hot Rod took this time to talk to Korra.
"Korra, I know you're frustrated, but Tenzin has a point," he said. "I might not know the first thing about bending, but this obviously isn't something that happens over night."
"So you're taking his side on this?" Korra asked.
"I'm not taking anyone's side," Hot Rod answered. "Frankly I agree that it isn't best for you to be isolated to the island, but learning a new skill isn't always going to be easy."
"But the other elements came so easy to me," Korra argued. "Why is it that airbending has to be so hard?"
"I don't know Korra, but Tenzin's trying his hardest to help you," Hot Rod answered, to which Korra sighed slightly at.
"I know Hot Rod, and I appreciate it," Korra said. "It's just that, I don't know, it's just been so frustrating."
"I know kid," Hot Rod said as he placed his hand on Korra's shoulder, to which she smiled in response.
Once they made it to the locker room however, they were stunned to find Mako and Bolin not in the arena, and even more shocked that Hasook was not there.
"Why all the long faces?" Hot Rod asked. "You look like you guys already lost the match."
"We might as well have," Bolin depressingly responded.
"Hasook's a no-good no-show!" Mako angrily said as a pro-bending referee peaked through the door.
"You have two minutes to come out ready to play or you're disqualified," he informed.
"Well, there goes our shot at the tournament...and the winnings," Bolin somberly said.
"Well, can't you ask one of those guys to fill in?" Hot Rod asked as he pointed to the other team.
"Nah, the rules say you can only compete in one team," Bolin answered.
"Well then...what about me?" Korra suggested.
"Yeah, Korra's a top totch waterbender, she'll be perfect!" Hot Rod replied.
"But, yo're the Avatar," Bolin argued. "Isn't that cheating?"
"It isn't cheating if I only do waterbending," Korra answered.
"No way," Mako replied. "I'd rather forfeit than look like a fool out there."
"And what's THAT suppose to mean hot shot?" Hot Rod asked while glaring daggers at Mako.
"What did you just call me?" Mako asked, glaring back at the Autobot.
"Times up," the referee said. "You in or out?"
"They're in," Hot Rod answered before Mako could.
"We are?" Mako asked.
"Yes!" Bolin said while pumping his fists into the air.
"Hey, I didn't agree to this," Mako stated.
"Three against one," Hot Rod responded as Korra and Bolin hurried to their lockers.
"You can thank me later," Korra said to Mako.
"These guys are crazy," Mako silently said to himself.
Minutes later, Mako, Bolin and Korra, now in a pro-bending uniform, walked onto the arena.
"Looks like the Fire Ferrets have ferreted out a last minute replacement waterbender," the radio announcer announced. "Let's she if she's another diamond in the rough like the brothers from the school of hard knocks."
"Don't do anything too fancy or aggressive," Mako whispered to Korra. "In fact, don't do anything. Just try not to get knocked off the ring."
"You got it captain," Korra responded.
"Players, are you ready?" the referee asked. Then the whistle was blown, and Korra immediately made her move, waterbending one of the players off the side of the ring, much to Mako's dismay.
"Whoo-hoo! Man overboard!" Korra said as she raised her fists upward victoriously before the referee blew his whistle.
"Fire Ferret waterbender penalty," he said, which visably shocked Korra. "Move back one zone."
"WHAT!?" Hot Rod shouted as though a football fan saw the opposing team score a touchdown. "Oh that is a bunch of-" His last word was cut off by the sound of the bell clanging, and probably for good reason.
"You're only allowed to knock players off the back of the ring, not over the sides!" Mako scolded.
"Oh...whoops," Korra embarrassingly said as she moved back to zone two and the player she knocked obver went back to the ring.
"And we're back after that little hiccup," the radio announcer said as the game recommenced, and Korra took an earth disk to the stomach, sliding her back. "But I'm not so sure this replacement player knows what she's doing." Then Korra rushed over to catch a stream of water and tossed it back, only for her foot to land on zone one.
"Foul, over the line," the referee said. "Move back to zone three."
"I'll show you over the line," Korra muttered as she moved back. Moments later, obviously, the oposing team won the round.
"The Platypus Bears take round one," the radio announcer announced before round two began and the Platypus Bears start focusing their attacks on Korra. "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 obviously having a hard time dodging the attacks until she had had it, and earthbended some of the stones to block the attacks, much to everyone's, and I mean EVERYONE'S shock.
"Wait a minute, did that waterbender just earthbend?" the radio announcer said, not believing his eyes while the opposing team and the crowd gasped in shock. Then the referee blew his whistle again.
"Foul...I think..." he said, clearly not have seen this situation before. All Korra could do was give a chagrined laugh and shrug at the audience while Mako and Bolin stare at dismay.
"We're fragged, aren't we?" was all Hot Rod could say.
Back at Air Temple Island, three White Lotus sentries were again listening to the match via the radio, but this time, Bumblebee was with them, not believing his auditory senses when he heard that the waterbender had earthbended.
"Did I see that right?" the announcer asked. "Hold on folks, we're just waiting for the referee's official call, but I think this replacement player could be-"
"Not you too Bumblebee!" Tenzin said as he walked over to see the sentries and Bumblebee listening to the radio. "Anyway, have any of you seen Korra this evening? She's not i-"
"Shh," Bumblebee said, motioning for Tenzin to be quiet.
"No way, you've got to be kidding me!" the announcer said. "She's the Avatar folks! Playing in a pro-bending match! Can you believe that!?" Upon hearing those words, one of the sentries abruptly spat her drink from her mouth all over her comrades while Bumblebee noticed Tenzin's face reddening with anger and his eye twitching.
"I'll get her myself!" he said as he turned around suddenly and walked off.
"Tenzin, wait!" Bumblebee said as he followed him.
While that was going on, the referee finally gave his statement.
"The Avatar will be permitted to continue, so long as she solely bends water," he said, which earned the cheers of the crowd, but the dismay of the Platypus Bears. Nothing could change it now however as the bell ringed and the round continued.
"This girl may be the Avatar, but she's no pro-bender, and the Platypus Bears are intent on exploiting that weakness," the radio announcer said as the Platypus Bears focused their attacks on Korra again, who this time was stuck with waterbending. "They're giving her their best, and her best ain't good enough to stop it." Then an earth disk hit her once she was open, sending her past the two back zones and into the lake.
"Aaaaaaand she's in the drink," the radio announcer said. Once Korra resurfaced, Hot Rod ran over to help her up, only for Korra's eyes to widen in shock over what was behind her.
"Uh, Hot Rod?" Korra said, only for Hot Rod to start shouting at Mako.
"Hey Mako, how bout a run down by the rules next time!?" he shouted before noticing Korra pointing behind him. Hot Rod then turned around and was surprised to find a quite angry looking Tenzin looking down at Korra.
"Oh..." Hot Rod started.
"Scrap..." Korra finished as she got out of the lake, nervous. "Oh, hey Tenzin. I thought you didn't like coming to these matches, heh heh."
"Once again you two have flagrantly disobeyed my orders," Tenzin said. "You were to stay on the island. Let's go."
"No, I'm kind of in the middle of something," Korra replied, clenching her fists.
"I have tried my very best to get through to you by being gentle and patient, but clearly the only thing you respond to is force!" Tenzin shouted. "So I am ordering you to come back to the temple, right now!"
"You know what Tenzin, I have defended you as a teacher up until this point!" Hot Rod shouted as he glared down at Tenzin. "When are you ever going to realize that maybe isolating Korra at the island is not going to teach her airbending faster!? Can't you see that maybe this is what Korra needs? Learning modern fighting styles?"
"Being the Avatar is not all about fighting Hot Rod!" Tenzin replied.
"No, but if the Avatar is to maintain balance to the world, then taking action when needed is a must!" Hot Rod retaliated while he and Korra walked up to an elevator that will take them back to the field. "Now if you'll excuse us, Korra has a match to finish, so why don't you get out of this arena and give her some space?"
"They Platypus Bears win round two!" the ring announcer said while Korra and Hot Rod went back to the ring. "Round three!" Once the bell rang, the waterbender Platypus Bear sent Bolin backwards slightly using a water stream, coming to a stop near Mako, who was busy blocking attacks.
"The Platypus Bears come out of the gate and quickly go after the Ferret brothers," the radio announcer said. "They're corralled in the corner, wedged in the edge of zone one, unable to come to the Avatar's rescue. And boy does she need it." Meanwhile, Tenzin was about to exit the arena through a tunnel, when he turned to look at Korra's situation, worrying about her.
"Looks like the Avatar's Pro-bending debut is going to be cut short," the radio announcer said as Korra is pushed backwards. All Tenzin did in response was sigh and face palm.
"She's been pushed back to zone three, and the water is calling her name," the radio announcer said. "It's only a matter of time before-" But then Korra started to circle-walk, similar to what Jinora did in the Airbending Gates, easily dodging the attacks.
"Hold the phone, stop the presses, she's still in the game folks, and she's moving like an entirely different player," the radio announcer said as none of the Platypus Bears' attacks were able to hit Korra. Tenzin looked upon the sight, stunned.
"How about that," he quietly said while the Platypus Bears were starting to pant with exhaustion, their barrage more slow and lethargic.
"They Platypus Bears have no juice left, but Mako and Bolin are still fresh and juicy," the radio announcer said as Mako and Bolin began to attack the opposing team, knocking the earthbender and waterbender over the edge, while Korra sent a stream of water to the firebender, who was also knocked over the edge.
"Knockout!" the radio announcer declared.
"Go Korra!" Hot Rod cheered.
"Whoohoo!" Tenzin said in an excited tone, pointing at the arena, before realizing what he was doing and adjusted his cloak before walking out of the arena.
"The Fire Ferrets come from way behind and steal the win!" the radio announcer said. "What a win folks! The rookies, Avatar and tow, have nabbed a place in the championship tournament! I can not believe it!" While the crowd roared for the Fire Ferrets, Korra and Bolin high fived to each other before cheering while Mako walked over to them.
"Korra, what can I say?" he asked with a smile for once. "You really came alive in that last round. The way you dodged their attacks, you are a natural."
"Thanks, but I can't take all the credit," Korra replied. "Someone else taught me those moves."
Later that night, Korra and Hot Rod returned to Air Temple Island, walking up to Tenzin and a few Air Acolytes, who were busy reconstructing the Airbending Gates.
"I'm really sorry about everything I said," Korra said.
"So am I," Hot Rod added. "I could see Korra was really frustrated about your teachings, so I guess that's why I lashed out at you."
"I think I owe you two an apology too," Tenzin said as he turned to face the duo. "I was trying to teach Korra about patience, but I lost mine."
"No hard feelings?" Korra asked.
"Of course not," Tenzin answered. "By the way, you were really good tonight. You moved just like an airbender."
"Wait, you stayed and watched?" Korra asked.
"I did," Tenzin answered. "Turns out Hot Rod was right. Pro-bending turned out to be the perfect teaching tool for you." Once she heard that, Korra smiled at her master, to which he returned.
"I'll see you tomorrow for airbending practice, bright an early!" Korra said as she started to jog away, Hot Rod joining her a few seconds later. "And, by the way, I kind of permanently joined the Fire Ferrets and we're playing in the tournament in a couple of weeks!" Once he heard that, Tenzin couldn't help but sigh a bit.
But unknown to him, they were being watched...
In the Equalist HQ, Zarak was sitting on his throne, tapping his fingers on the arm rest of it, when Soundwave emerged from the darkness and walked to him.
"Well, what did you find Soundwave?" Zarak asked. Then Soundwave's faceplate lit up and played a recording of Korra's conversation with Tenzin.
"And, by the way, I kind of permanently joined the Fire Ferrets and we're playing in the tournament in a couple of weeks!" the recording said with a slight vocoder in it.
"Why should this concern me?" Zarak asked once the recording ended.
"POSSIBLE NEW ALLIES FOR WHEN WE STRIKE MY LORD," Soundwave answered.
"Hmmm, I see," Zarak replied. "Then I suppose it's time to regroup with some 'old friends' of mine."
Through the allyways of New Iacon, three mechanical beings that were the Headmasters known as 'Mindwipe,' 'Weirdwolf' and 'Skullcruncher' were running from the Elite Guard metalbenders that were after them. Weirdwolf was able to easily shoot half of them down, but soon they came to a wall, and there was no way out.
"It's a dead end!" Skullcruncher exclaimed before Lin Beifong dropped from the roof of a nearby building, five of her finest metalbenders behind her.
"Looks like we've got you right where we want you Decepti-creeps," she said as they walked towards them, their wires ready to take them in.
"Mindwipe, don't just stand there, do something!" Weirdwolf exclaimed as he pushed Mindwipe to the metalbenders.
"Vhut of course," he responded as he placed his hands together and started to chant. "ypeels yrev yreV, ypeels yrev yreV." Soon, the metalbenders, including Lin, felt themselves getting tired and fell to the ground, knocked out cold.
"Hah! Pathetic humans," Weirdwolf stated. Then, fog started to form, much to their confusion, until they heard a voice in the shadows.
"I hear you've been having some problems," the voice said before all three Headmasters' optics widened in shock, for they knew who this voice belonged to.
"Is zhat you Zarak?" Skullcruncher asked before Zarak's yellow optics appeared in the shadows in front of them.
"Yes Skullcruncher," Zarak answered. "Now come. I have something in mind for this world, and I need your help to achieve it.
"All hail Zarak! Our leader!" Weirdwolf said.
"Hail Zarak! Hail Zarak!" the other two Headmasters chanted before all three of them started laughing evilly.
*QUE LEGEND OF KORRA ENDING THEME*