Chapter 9: The Pro Bending Match

The past couple of days were crazy for everyone; at least there weren't any boring meetings for a while but Korra still did interviews with the press, practicing airbending with Tenzin and helping with the Anniversary Party after the Pro Bending Competition. She barely had time to write any new songs or time to herself. Meanwhile Tarlokk had been on Korra's case almost everyday, he began visiting her a lot, sending her cards with flattering compliments and extravagant gifts and flowers as an 'apology' for what he did. While Korra was somewhat less angry at him, she was still quite hostile. The gifts he sent, she gave them away to other people who needed them more and just brushed off any nice thing Tarlokk said. To tell the truth, it was really starting to creep her out.

Meanwhile, in Asami's mansion the two brothers, plus Tahno, were practicing their bending skills in Asami's gym, sometimes even out in the courtyard. Each day they woke up at five in the morning and trained non stop. As it turns out, both brothers were naturals and seemed to be very fast learners. By the end of each day the boys were exhausted but were making great progress. On thursday Asami and the boys agreed to take the day off, so they enjoyed it playing in Asami's pool. Asami laughed as Bolin did a canon ball, Mako looked at him in annoyance when the water splashed all over his face, and Tahno tried his best not to get his hair wet (kind of ironic for a waterbender). That night Asami and Bolin walked out of the movie room talking about the parts they liked about the movie when they say Mako asleep in one of the couches of the living room, his new guitar sat on his lap and a pencil and paper by his side. Asami looked at what was written in the paper and smiled when she realized it was a new song, Bolin then whispered in Asami's ear, she nodded and walked to her room. She came back with a blanket and placed it over the sleeping teenage boy. Bolin gently patted his brother on the head before he and Asami walked to their separate bedrooms.

After mush anticipation the big day had finally arrived. The entire stadium was packed with Pro Bending fans of all ages. The announcer was, well announcing everything "HELLO AND WELCOME ONE AND ALL TO REPUBLIC CITY'S VERY FIRST 70TH ANNIVERSARY PRO BENDING COMPETITION! We've got some very talented Pro Bending Teams here today from not only here in Republic City but everywhere around the world as well. However, only one lucky group will win the grand prize reward of THIRHY THOUSAND YUANS! And get the chance to meet and possibly dance with our very own AVATAR KORRA!"

Korra sighed as she rested her head on her right hand and leaned against the rail of the balcony, she was sitting in the V.I.P section which was pretty mush a small balcony inside the Pro Bending arena and was reserved only for her and the council members. Tarlokk walked up from behind her "Why so gloom Korra? I though you off all people would be happy to see this bending activity" Korra leaned back on her chair "Yeah, why be part of amazing bending battles when you can watch from the sidelines?" she asked with mush sarcasm and annoyance in her voice. Tarlokk placed his hand on her shoulder in reassurance "Cheer up, I'm sure once the first match starts you'll be wearing that beautiful smile of yours in no time" Korra arched and eyebrow "Um…thanks?" she said. Tarlokk smiled and walked off to answer some questions from a news reporter. Tenzin came in and sat on his chair next to Korra, "Tenzin, why is Tarlokk acting so…nice to me" Tenzin looked at her "He's always nice to you" he said

"I know, it's just that lately it's been rather…I don't know different and it's seriously creeping me out" said the young Avatar.

Tenzin stroked his beard "Maybe he's just trying to get on your good side for trying to make up for what happened"

Korra turned and saw Tarlokk talking to the reporter, her eyes narrowed "Believe me, when it comes to Tarlokk, I don't have a good side" she said as she crossed her arms in frustration, and Tenzin simply sighted.

Asami was leaning her back on the wall, her arms crossed. Then the door beside her flew open and the three boys walked out; they were all wearing red and white Pro Bending suits with safety helmets. Each had a different color tab to represent their respected elements; Tahno's was blue, Bolin's was green and Mako's was red. He was wearing his false facial hair while Bolin had on a fake combined beard and mustache, curtesy of Tahno of course. Each of them that the Future Industries logo on their chests "Wow, you guys look awesome," said Asami "Especially you Pabu" the little ferret was on Bolin's shoulder and was wearing a super cute green hat with a white shirt that had their team name on it. Asami then noticed there was something off with Mako "What's wrong, you look like you're gonna throw up" she said. Bolin whispered in her ear "He actually did," he said to her "Earlier this morning and just three hours ago"

"And I think there might be a third time" said Mako, his face turning pale, well paler than usual "I don't know about this you guys" Tahno patted him on the back "Relax, you've learned all the moves, you've practiced non-stop. You're ready" the young firebender wanted to believe his friend but he was still feeling sick to his stomach "I guess but, what if I mess up? Those guys out there are the best of the best, we're just rookies we don't stand a chance" just then Asami stepped on Mako's foot "OW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!" Asami shrouded her shoulders "I would have slapped you but you're wearing a helmet" she said. Bolin then slapped Mako's arm "OW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!" Mako yelled and Bolin crossed his arms "Me agreeing with Asami. Look, Mako remember what you said a few days ago? That it was time you took a risk in you're life? That you would would walk up to Korra and look her strait into her eyes and-"

"Gorgeous" Mako interrupted. Asami and Bolin arched and eyebrow "What?"

"I said her gorgeous eyes"

"Whatever," said Bolin "That you would tell her exactly how you felt and now you're chickening out because of a few tough guys? I don't think so!" then Asami grabbed Mako by the collar of his shirt "You are going out into that ring, you're winning this tournament, getting into that party and you're gonna dance with you're true love and live happily ever after. DO YOU HEAR ME?!" Tahno took a step back away from this angry cousin, Mako was sweating inside his helmet "You know I was really touched by you're encouragement at first but now I'm kind of scared" he said. Asami gently let go of his shirt "Sorry, it's just that you've come too far to just give up now. And if I let you walk away from you're chance at happiness…then what kind of friend am I?" Bolin nodded "Yeah, and what kind of brother would I be if I let you blow this opportunity?" Mako was deeply touched by his friends encouragement , he smiled "Thanks you guys. You're right, I can't give up now. This is my chance to see Korra again, maybe my only chance and I'm not gonna lose it" The four friends then placed their hand together as Bolin spoke "In it to win it, on three. One…two…three!' They raised their hands and yelled "IN IT TO WIN IT!"

The bell rang and the first team was up; It was the Badger Moles v.s. the Lemur Bats. Each team would face against each other in a bending battle of strength and skill. When one team is knocked out the winning team moves on to the next opponent and so on continues until their are two teams remaining. So far the two teams with the most winnings were the Badger Moles, the Platapuse Bears and the Fire Ferrets. Korra eventually became interested in the match, especially about the Fire Ferrets. "Go Ferrets!" she yelled from the V.I.P balcony, Tenzin smiled "I knew you'd get into the spirit of things at some point" he said, Korra smiled at him "How can I not, those guys are amazing, they have such determination and spirit. They make the whole tournament seem fun."

"Did you hear that bro?" said Bolin as he took off his helmet and walked into the locker place (not sure how to call it), the earthbender nudged his brother's arm "She totally digs you" Mako took off his helmet and wiped the sweat from his face "She was cheering for the Fire Ferrets, Bolin. Not just me" Tahno came in and took of his helmet also "Yeah, but soon she will be" he said with a wink. Asami walked in, with Pabu on her shoulder "You guys were amazing, especially you Bolin, I swear I thought that earthbender would cream you but the way you dodged his rocks and attacked him when he was out of ammo was impressive!" the earthbender smiled in pride "Yeah, well I don't like to brag but, I was pretty awesome" Mako rolled his eyes "That was still bragging" Bolin glared at him "Nobody asked you!"

"Well folks it seems we are down to our final match between the Fire Ferrets and the Badger Moles! Who will win and who will take a dive?" said the announcer through his microphone. Asami winced "Uh, those guys are really tough." Bolin nodded "Yeah, they haven't lost a single match since the tournament started." he said. Mako the looked at the V.I.P area and saw Korra; she was sitting patiently for the next match to begin. The light really captured the brightness of her eyes and he could tell that she was thinking the same thing he and his friends were; would the Ferrets stand a chance against the Badgers? The young firebender continued to look at Korra, every chance he got he would take a short glimpse of the beautiful Avatar and every time she smiled his heart skipped a beat. Her smile was what gave him the strength to get himself through the matches. Even though he could see her perfectly and was in the same place as her, he still felt miles away from her. A look of determination came across his face as he turned to face his friends "We can win this. I know we can. We've come too far to give up now" all three of his friends smiled in pride, "Now you're talking" said Bolin. Mako placed his helmet back on "Now let's win this!" he said, making his friends cheer. The bell rang again meaning the next match was about to start. Asami surprised Bolin with a kiss on the cheek "Good luck. Not that you'll need it" she said. Bolin smiled and placed his helmet on. Tahno smiled at his cousin "Good choice, he's a good man" he said. Asami slapped his shoulder "Shut up" she said with a smile. Tahno chuckled before placing his helmet on and followed the brothers into the arena.

The announcer spoke again "Well folks it's finally time for the final match of the tournament. Let's give a warm welcome to the fearsome Fire Ferrets!" The boys waved at the cheering crowd and Mako took yet another glimpse of Korra, who was smiling excitedly. Mako decided to do something bold; he waved at her and blew her a kiss. This, of course, caught Korra completely by surprise that she blushed. Tenzin noticed this and smirked "It appears one of the Ferrets is quite smitten with you" he said. Korra felt uneasy with what her master had just said, she was still trying to get over losing Mako, she wasn't ready to give her heart to someone else just yet. Tarlokk heard their conversation and eyed the young firebender. He was already hopping they would lose.

The Ferrets came face to face with the Badger Moles. The leader stared daggers at Mako "You're going down jr." Mako smirked "Well se about that" he said. Asami watched from her seat "Knock em dead guys!" she cried out.

RING!

The match began, Bolin threw rocks at the opposing team's earthbender, only to have him through the same rocks back to Bolin, knocking him down. "Uh, bet he didn't see that coming" said the announcer. "Bolin, you okay?" Mako helped his brother up "Yeah, but that guy moved so fast I barely had time to defend myself" Tahno had a fearful look in his eye "Asami wasn't kidding, these guys are tough" the Badger Moles smiled wickedly and pounded their fists together to intimidate the Ferrets. Mako took another look at Korra who had the same look in her eyes. Mako quickly regained his composure and threw a fire blast. The opposing firebender did the same but Mako dodged it in the nick of time. He blasted again and threw the firebender to the side of the rink.

"Unbelievable, I'm telling you folks this hot-headed youngster is not going down without a fight!" said the announcer as Mako smiled proudly. Korra cheered for him as did Asami "Yeah!" "Alright!" the match continued for the first two rounds, the Badger Moles were not holding back and neither were the Fire Ferrets. Tahno had fallen into the water once already and at one point the Badgers's earthbender, who had a serious attitude problem, threw a rock right into Bolin's gut. That of course cost the Badgers's round two, the hit was so hard it made Bolin throw up some of the noodles he had for lunch earlier. Asami had to shield Pabu's eyes at that point and Tenzin did the same with Korra. Mako came close to falling into the water but was able to do a flip and prevented the fall. Korra watched in amazement; this firebender was, without doubt, determined to win this tournament by any means necessary. She deeply admired this kind of ambition in a person, this boy sure was something else.

During the third round the opponent firebender practically had steam coming out of his ears. He attacked Mako directly but Bolin came in between him and shielded his bother with his earthbending. Unfortunately they both slid backwards towards the edge of the ring. The entire crowd gasped, Korra watched in horror and Asami let out a gasp "Bolin" she whispered to herself. The announcer spoke "Oh, tough break for the Ferrets it appears the Badgers have-wait a minute, I don't believe it folks!" everyone saw that Mako had been holding on to the edge and was holding Bolin by the collar of his shirt "The Fire Ferrets are still in the game, folks!" said the announcer as the two brothers climbed back up, Asami sighed in relief and Korra smiled. Tahno came to his friends' aid "That was close" he said. Mako was already burning mad, and for a firebender that's saying something. The opponent smiled wickedly at Mako "Face it kid, I'm gonna win that cash money, and if I'm lucky maybe I'll even get a dance with the smoking hot Avatar" that last comment really steamed Mako's coffee "Oh, now you're gonna get it" he said. At that moment, without hesitation, Mako threw a huge flame of fire to the opponent and fell backwards into the water. Bolin and Tahno worked together to dodge the attacks and at the right moment Bolin threw a rock at the waterbender and Tahno water wiped the earthbender, knocking both of them to the side of the ring. "And there go the Badger Moles, THE FIRE FERRETS WIN THE TOURNAMENT!" shouted the announcer and the entire stadium broke into applause. Asami jumped for joy along with Pabu "YEAH! ALRIGHT FERRETS!" Korra was cheering as well "WHU HU! YEAH!" Tenzin simply stood up and applauded, Tarlokk however did not look all that thrilled. Mako and his teammates gave each other high fives "We did it!" said Bolin "That we did my friend," said Tahno "That we did" Mako couldn't believe he and his friends won the tournament and the reward money. That means he and Bolin wouldn't have to live in the streets anymore, not only that but it also meant he would get to be with Korra again. He looked at the balcony and saw the exited look on Korra's face. Her smile warmed his heart in a way he could never describe; unless he had a guitar in his hands. The announcer spoke once more "Now for those teams who didn't win don't worry you still receive 10 hundred yuans in cash money for participation and a free meal at any restaurant of you're choosing, so nobody goes home empty handed. Thank you all for participating and we'll see you all at the Anniversary Party tonight"

Cameras were flashing as the three boys stood proudly and smiled for the cheering crowd, Asami was standing next to them; well next to Bolin to be more precise. The announcer walked to the winners "Congratulations on winning the tournament Ferrets, do you have anything to say to your new fans" before Mako could respond Bolin came in front and took the microphone from the announcers hand "We just want to say we are honored to have been a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and would like to thank everyone for believing in us, including our dearest friend Asami and of course each other. This was a team effort after all" he then gave the microphone back to the announcer "And there you have it folks, the Fire Ferrets; our newest Pro Bending champions!" Mako then saw the councilmen and Korra walking towards them, Mako could feel his heart pound like a drum as Korra came closer. An exited smile appeared on Asami's face when she saw the Avatar; no wonder Mako fell for this girl, she was simply adorable! Not to mention fit. Tenzin bowed to the boys "Well done my boys, you are clearly the most talented benders I have ever seen. Don't you agree Tarlokk?" the waterbender looked at the boys as his eyes fell on Mako. He gulped, he recognized him as the man who wrongly accused him and his brother of harming the Avatar. Mako prayed to the spirits that his new disguise would fool Tarlokk. Apparently the spirits took pity on him "I suppose so" said Tarlokk, Mako let out a silent sigh in relief as did Tahno, Bolin and Asami. Korra walked up to him "That was incredible, I've never seen anyone firebend with such passion before. Your unbelievable" she said. Mako could feel his face turn red and felt hot inside his helmet "Um, thank you Avatar. That means a lot coming from you" he said, he knew Korra didn't recognize him and in a way he was a bit glad because with Tarlokk and the cops around he wouldn't want to be himself at the moment but he already had a plan of making Korra realize it was him. Tenzin shook Mako's hand "We look forward to seeing you tonight" he said and the four friends bowed in respect. The councilmen left but Korra stayed a bit longer "I really look forward to seeing you guys at the party, maybe you could tell me where you learned those moves" she said to Mako, he cleared his thought "Of course, no problem. See you tonight them." Korra smiled and left with the councilmen. Mako turned and saw his friends grinning like mad, Asami let out a girlish squeal which made Mako blush in embarrassment.