Book One, Episode Four – The Red Days
The Pro-Bending Arena, Two Weeks Later
The loud thuds, bangs, and claps of strikes, slashes, and parries rung through the air – the high ceilings and separated walls of the Pro-Bending Arena's training facilities offering a comprehensive training environment, from rubber-bumper earth practice disks to fire retarding wash stations, everything was produced to spec – built for one purpose, and one purpose only: to get better. A jet of water slapped forward – Korra's hands rushing together and balling it up – tossing it forward with speed. Bolin flipped to the right, smiling beneath his mask, a disk rippling into the air next to him. Planting a single foot, he swung his leg forwards – the disk ripping loudly through the air. Korra ducked – the disk roaring overhead, and she smiled as another water jet shot out from her side – this one sliding low as Bolin gathered another disk.
As he rose his foot to kick it again, Korra shot her hand up suddenly – the water sloshing hard and striking Bolin from below – his single-foot stance sending him toppling backwards. Not relenting, Korra called upon another water jet – spurting from the nearby stream and wrapping around her hands – she fired forwards, blasting Bolin – only for a whistle to sound next to her. "Korra!" Mako's irritated voice called out. "You've gotten red-carded for that sort of thing! You told me you wouldn't overdo the streams." He said, as Korra's water jet receded. You can't hold a water spout longer than a few seconds – it's about strikes, not streams: otherwise it wouldn't be fair for Earthbenders utilizing the Earth Disks.
"I know." Korra said, slumping her shoulders with a frown. Bolin slowly rose to his feet, his uniform soaked through. "Sorry, Bolin." She said, a sheepish smile on her lips. Bolin pulled off his helmet, hand running through his wet hair.
"Oh, it's alright." He said. "Not like my hair is the important part of my devilish good looks, amiright?" His face beamed as he put his helmet under his arm, stepping over to the water spigot and taking a quick gulp. "You're getting faster!" He said, turning back to Korra. Mako was busy scribbling something on his notepad – scratched lines and slashes on the page turning into words and letters. For a coach, he wasn't bad.
"Thanks!" Korra said with a smile, doffing her own helmet. All around them, the slaps, splashes, and spurts of battle rung from the other training areas, a constant plod of training and practice – something Korra was more than familiar with. "I haven't had much practice with water in awhile – my focus has been mostly on fire in the last year. I did get taught by Katara, though – I'll have it together soon."
"We're going to need it." Mako said. "You saw how hard the wolfbats were in the last qualifying match." He turned his scratchpad around, team logos and strategy boards rifled into the paper with the urgency of a fire ferret chasing a corn-popper. That analogy was oddly appropriate, as Bolin lobbed one into the distance – a furry rodent rushing from a corner after it. Its chitters whispered amidst the sound of training, but they were happy and determined.
Korra couldn't agree more. "You've been busy." She said with a smile. Stepping forward, Korra took a close look at the paper. "Are those... statistics?"
"Yeah?" Mako said.
"You did... statistics?" Korra asked, stunned. "What do you do all day off practice, Mako?" She asked, scratching her head.
Mako shrugged. "I mean, I work at the power plant and read sports news – but that's better than what Bolin does!" He exclaimed, pointing at his brother. The furry rodent had reached his hands, and Bolin was happily hugging his ferret. His eyes narrowed at his brother.
"Ohhh, so I spend my time properly massaging my ~beautiful~ actor's skin, and my brother's busy doing ten pages of math to figure out if we're doing well or not? I recite my lines to poor little Pabu here, and he's listening to ten matches. Excuse me if I have other hobbies!"
"It's our life, Bolin!" Mako shouted. Korra folded her arms, glancing at Pabu as he sprinted over to her, curling up behind her legs. "We have to take this seriously – our winning percentage may be better than last season, but Korra's penalties are adding up – if we can't cut her yellow cards down we may lose her in an extended match like last time!"
"Those were extenuating circumstances!" Bolin said. Korra had been red-carded for spouting a man off the edge too long, true, but he'd also hit Bolin with two earth disks at once: a rule violation if ever there was one. Korra had expected to be allowed the retaliation – but this specific referee had one out for her ever since their first match. She'd bent all three elements, forcing him to waste fifteen minutes of game time calling his boss for a rules ruling.
"Extenuating or no, we nearly lost the match. The standings are in flux, Korra." He said. "We can't bring our personal feelings into these matches, or we'll never get where we need to."
"Alright, alright." Korra said, rolling her eyes. Bolin sent her a knowing look as Mako turned to scribble more on his notepad. The shorter brother inched over to Korra, leaning down to her ear.
"I think he really enjoys the coach thing." He whispered. "Like, so much so he coaches himself in the mirror." Korra snorted, holding a hand to her face. "'I'm Coach Mako', he says, flexing in the mirror. 'I'm so cool I do /math/." He chuckled, Korra jabbing him in his chest for the trouble. Bolin moved away as Mako turned around.
"Right-" He said, "Korra – you're going to need to work on duration. How about some simple spout-timing exercises? Bolin – you can work on your foot speed – you can't get tripped up one-on-one like that, or they'll kick you right off the ring." Mako flipped his clipboard, holding it under his arm, as his teammates stared at him.
"I feel like you take this too seriously." Korra said. Bolin let out a snort.
Mako growled, "No – it's you two that don't take it seriously." He said, tossing the clipboard on the ground. "Korra." He said, garnering her attention from laughing with Bolin. "You're the Avatar, for spirits' sake. You of all people should understand how valuable practice is!"
Korra paused. 'He's right.' She thought. Her eyes turned to Bolin. "Come on." She said, "I'll show you how to get that leg speed going – my earthbending teachers taught me a few things about it." Her legs carried her to Mako, who had bent down to recover the clipboard. She poked him in the chest, "-You- need to spend less time thinking, and more time doing." She said, moving her finger up and poking him in the forehead. "Live a little." She commanded.
"I live!" Mako shouted, putting his clipboard against a chair as he assumed a ready stance. As Korra dropped her feet into an earthbending stance, he continued: "It's not my fault I spend all day working in the electrical plant just to keep us fed."
"I'm a growing boy!" Bolin shouted out, his hands up in exasperation.
Korra frowned. "Why haven't you gotten a real job, Bolin?" Korra asked. "I mean, I know Pro-Bending takes a lot of time, but you'd think you could find a job in the government somewhere – part time." She stomped her feet – an earth disk rising into place. With a ferocious kick, Korra spun and launched it – the plate rolling through the air with speed and connecting violently with a dummy. It shattered on impact.
Bolin snapped up his own disk. "I dunno." He replied. "It's just – people really -like- me for the theater, y'know? Acting's like... my passion. I get to be cool people, and do cool things – and maybe I'll end up in the big leagues!" He kicked his leg forward, his own disk ripping nearly as fast as Korra's – splintering another dummy to shreds. The back curtain split open at the force – a pair of Beaver Bears yelping in surprise, letting one another go and breaking off a kiss.
"Oh, the Avatar's giving us job advice now?" Mako laughed. "When have you ever worked a day in your life? Haven't you spent your life with the White Lotus? Training, getting bossed around?"
"What's your point?" Korra said, dropping out of her stance – Mako let out a one-two flurry of fire into a water-wall, the wall stopping his own flames cold. "Don't you get bossed around and work your bending every day? What's the difference?" She said, holding up a hand.
"We're hard workers, Korra – we have to do things to stay alive. You've got parents and an entire organization backing you up. You live up on that air temple with your acolyte friends! When have you had to sit for long hours in a plant with electricity coursing over your skin?!" Mako shouted out, clenching his fists
"I'm the Avatar!" Korra said. "My entire life is about sacrificing myself for people – I'm here trying to better myself so that I -can- protect those people!"
"Where were you last week?" Mako shot back. Bolin turned to look at his brother, raising a brow. "No, seriously, Korra – an entire district was burning while you did... what, exactly?" He said.
"Fought off an entire squad of Red Monsoons who were trying to kill the monks!" Korra spat back. "I'm not a freeloader, Mako!" She shouted.
"Prove it, then!" He shouted. "Don't tell me how to run this team – it's what I've done from the very beginning, and neither of you should be slacking. This prize money is the difference between me and Bolin making it another year, or ending up under the bridge." He jabbed a pair of fingers at Korra. "Have a little perspective." He said, turning around. He slammed his fists together, spurting flames between them at the water – a hiss of steam floating into the rafters above.
Bolin stalked over to Korra, patting her on the back. "Look." He said, frowning."My brother's a little... tense." He said. "Don't let it get to you." He tapped her chestplate with a fist. "I still like you! You're better than he could ever hope for after Hasook ran off."
Korra grabbed his hand. "Thanks, Bolin." She said. "It means a lot – but if there's anything I can do...? I mean, you guys are scraping by – I'm living on the island..."
"Don't worry about it." Bolin said. He jabbed his finger at his brother, the man's fists roaring with flame. "He just needs to let off some steam – it's part of being a firebender, I say."
"I guess you're right." Korra said. "I still feel bad." Bolin wrapped a thick arm around her shoulder.
"Hey." He said. "You're one of a kind, Korra. Don't let the little people drag you down." Bolin let go, stepping away, and Korra watched as he walked over to talk to his brother. 'Such a nice guy,' She thought, as his brother let out a frustrated sigh. Mako took off his helmet, letting it roll on the ground as Bolin pulled him into a hug.
'Don't let the little people drag you down.' Korra thought. 'You're the Avatar, master of the four elements – why are you getting mad at people who don't have it nearly as well as you do?'
She stepped forward, patting Mako on the shoulder. "Look," She said, "I'm sorry if I made you angry. I know it's hard to do what you do." His face softened and he nodded.
"I shouldn't get mad." He said, looking at his brother. "You came onto the team when nobody else was there – and you're the Avatar of all people. I can't complain." He said. He stuck out a hand, and Korra shook it – her eyes bright. 'Maybe things aren't so bad, after all.' Korra thought.
"See?" Bolin said, slapping his brother. "Everyone's a big happy team!" He shouted out. "Hey, Korra – you hungry? I know a great southern tribe seaweed noodle place we could try. Real cheap, too!"
Mako shrugged. "We could try it out." He said. "Our treat – I shouldn't have snapped on you like that."
"It's fine, Mako." Korra said, her eyes turning to Bolin. "I'd love to!" She said. Bolin smiled, undoing his pauldrons.
"It's settled, then!" He yelled, reaching down. "C'mon, Pabu – let's get out of these rags!" He shouted, pulling off the little creature's Fire Ferrets jacket, a piece of red cloth tied around its neck. He rushed off towards the locker room, disappearing behind a curtain, leaving Mako with Korra. The man let out a sigh, shaking his head.
"If you don't want to work at the lightning plant..." Korra said, trailing off, "I could... Talk to Tenzin, for you. I know there are a few pages on the Council – maybe he can get you a job as one?"
"Hah." Mako laughed out, looking at Korra. "Don't get me that job – Bolin's the smiling face of our little duo." He reached down to pick up his helmet, looking it over for cracks and damage. Korra stood there, putting a hand on her hip as Mako let out a sigh. "I -am- sorry, you know. It's been hard, just me and Bolin. Hasook used to help – but one day he up and left. Haven't seen him since, left all his stuff behind."
"What happened to him?" Korra asked, frowning. Mako shrugged.
"Nobody's seen him." He said. "Ever since they've been saying benders have started disappearing in the inner city, Hasook's been gone. I'm afraid they did something to him – either the triads or... someone. I don't know, though – and that's the worst part. He could easily have found the love of his life and ran away with her – or he could be in a ditch somewhere." He looked back at Korra, his face grim.
"When I learn airbending." Korra said, pausing. "When I /finally/ learn airbending, I'm not going to let people go missing like that. Streets won't burn while I'm Avatar. I'll be like Kyoshi, or Yangchen. Nobody will want to cause trouble – they'll be too afraid of what I can do." She clenched her fists. Mako shook his head, looking at her.
"You may be the Avatar, Korra." He said. "But you're still just a girl. Not even twenty. Some people your age are still in school, you know."
Korra frowned. "I know." She said. "But Aang was only a boy when he saved the world from Ozai." She said, staring at Mako in defiance. "I'm not about to let the world fall apart – let this city fall apart – when there's good I can be doing."
"I hope you're sure." Mako said, unstrapping his chest guard. "Because if you mess up, you might have -your- bending taken, Korra. And where would the world be without an Avatar?" He asked.
Korra looked at him, then down at her helmet, which she idly tossed to her other hand. It stared back at her, scratches and all. "Where indeed?" She said with a whisper.
Air Temple Island, Days later
A misty breeze set out over the bay – heavy fog knocking out most of the visibility toward Republic City. In the shadow of the trees on Air Temple Island, Al stood – a wooden staff in his hand. Twirling it, he stabbed it hard into the ground – dropping into a pretzel position with his legs. Idly wiping at his tired eyes, he felt the mists close in around him – even the trees behind him disappearing in mist. Still, Al was at peace – the flat rock he'd found to sit on dry and comfortable, even as moisture beaded upon his skin.
He let out a deep breath, arching his back, and took in another – the evening was soft, and so too was the rise and fall of his chest, the fatigue of a day's fitness rolling out of him as he shook his shoulders, the sting in them slowly hissing away in the chill. Winter was coming. Al shot his eyes open, chuckling. With a deep voice, he whispered, "Winter is coming." His laugh carried through the wood, among the clouds.
Far off, a robed figure heard it, and began to trudge through the underbrush after him. Al leaned back, pressing his fists together, and breathed. His lungs, far more open than he'd ever though possible, drew wet breath from the air. 'If nothing else, I've found peace.' Al thought, feeling his heart beat. 'There may be chaos to come. There may be a world at war soon enough – and I may be woefully unready to fight it, but I'm happy now.' Al decided, with a smile. He shut his eyes and felt the water on his skin.
He sat there, for a time – the rustle in the leaves behind him inaudible as the robed man stood behind him, stroking his beard. Al opened his eyes, letting out a sigh. 'I miss you, Mom.' He thought, his eyes looking down to the sea below. 'I hope Dad's being good to you still. I hope sis isn't going ape since I've been gone – I know I've always kept her in check.'
He glanced at his hands – the wraps gone, now – welts and bruises faded to simple marks on his forearms where the ice had cut deep. Scars criss-crossed them. 'I wonder what you'd say, Dad – about that man I killed. You knew what it was like. It killed you that one night.'
A whistling wind filled the air, and Al crossed himself. "Lord." He whispered. "I don't know why you sent me here, of all places." He said, shutting his eyes as he spoke. "I've been gone a long time, now, and there's no sign of an end. This place is real – and I don't know what to do. You've always made it easier for me when I made the choices – I worked the hardest for my future."
Al rubbed his eyes, opening them. "I just don't... I can't feel like I've mattered here. I've watched things happen as they did – Korra's still obsessed with being the Avatar, and Amon, Tarrlok, and the rest will ruin her. She'll fall to pieces – and here I am watching as the world falls to bits. How many more lives will I have to end? How long will this all go on?" Al let out a hiss of emotion, his shoulders slumping. He crossed himself, reaching over to grab his staff from the ground – really just a large stick he'd picked up. Grabbing a rock from the ground, he started knackering at the end – wood and bark slowly shaping it into a real, proper wooden stave.
Tenzin stepped forward, crackling the leaves behind him, and spoke - "Al." He said, ignoring his eavesdropping. "I've been looking for you." He said.
"Yeah?" Al said, turning about to look at the noise. "You're pretty stealthy – I guess that's an Airbender thing."
"We are light on our feet." Tenzin said, looking at Al's small rocky outcrop. "May I join you?" He asked.
"Please." Al said, patting the ground next to him. Tenzin approached, dropping into a similar stance. Al angled his staff to evade him, continuing to knacker at the end. "What did you want to talk about?" He asked, his focus shifting from the stick to the Airbender.
"I think..." Tenzin said, considering. "I think you're doing a lot for us here, on the island. I want you to know that." The wind died down, the mist slowly clearing to show the city on the horizon.
Al looked out to the bay, where the glinting glass of the skyscrapers stared back at him. "You think so?" Al said, doubt in his voice. "I can't feel like I've done much. I work with your people – I help with the bison – but what else am I good for, Tenzin?" Al asked with a frown. "I can't bend – I've helped teach some of the younger acolytes and Jinora, but... I mean, I'm no superb help."
Tenzin shook his head, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "That's not it at all, Al. You're not here to be useful to me – you're a guest. A guest from a place no-one has ever visited. You bring your own perspective to our problems – one I have neglected for some time since we've arrived." He reached into his robes, retrieving a letter, and handed it to Al. Al looked at it.
"You're going to have to read it to me, Tenzin." He said. "I still can't read Chinese." Tenzin nodded, putting it in his robes.
"I'll paraphrase, if you don't mind. It was a letter from the southern tribe's councilman – stating his people have been harassed at the docks by men in black and red masks. I believe he's concerned about the Equalists you've spoken of – and the commentary by the triad leadership in stings by Chief Beifong... benders losing their abilities. We're going to have to act soon if we are to stop the Equalist threat – and that means hitting them at their core." Tenzin said. He reached out, placing a hand on Al's shoulder. "You know more than anyone the threat that's on the horizon. I need your help to save this city."
"If you say so, Mr. Queen." Al said. Tenzin cocked an eyebrow in confusion, Al letting out a laugh. "Inside joke, Tenzin. You want my opinion on what we need to do?"
"That's what I asked for." Tenzin said, folding his hands in his lap. "We could also sit here and play with sticks, if that's your preference."
"Something tells me Pema wouldn't be happy about that." Al said. Tenzin's forehead turned purple in sudden realization, and Al let out a snorting laugh. "You need to know that, firstly, everything that's happening is happening for a reason. Your mother told me that much."
"My mother?" Tenzin said. "How much did you speak with her in the south? I was under the impression you were busy training regularly with Raiku – and had no time for such things."
"I mean, it was -weeks-, Tenzin – I didn't spend every day diddling around crossing swords. We did other things. Your mother spoke with me a few times – but the last was the most important: she invited me for tea, and told me that Korra is a person. One who needs to grow, who needs to have her own wishes respected, and find out her own life." Al said. "I can't be changing her life around because I know the outcome – she won't be as strong when we need her to be, otherwise."
Tenzin smiled at that. "Sounds like my mother. She's always been more reasonable than me in that regard. I suppose it's the wisdom of age."
"Right." Al said, setting his stick aside. The mist had fully cleared now – and a large building stood among the rest on the horizon. Al pointed to it, "You know what that building is, don't you?" Al asked.
"The Future Industries building?" He asked, looking out at it. "I've never been – but I understand Mr. Sato is one of the best inventors to ever grace the city – his satomobiles-"
"Are funding a massive army of Equalist mechatanks and factories full of electric glove production lines. He's Amon's right hand – and has a full economic backing. His wife was killed by an Agni Kai ganger in his youth, leaving him to raise his daughter Asami alone. His hatred knows no bounds." Al said, his eyes steel as he spoke. "He can be redeemed, in time – but at this point in his life, we've got little recourse than to bring him down."
"How?" Tenzin said. "The police are against us – Lin won't help me unless we have good evidence."
"I think you overstate that." Al replied. Tenzin looked confused, and Al continued: "Lin still cares about you, Tenzin. Leaving her for Pema may have hurt, but she's proved time and time again in the legends that she'll step up when people close to her are in danger. In the events to come, don't fear calling on her – it's what she's living for."
Tenzin paused a moment, looking out to the sea. After a long wait, he finally spoke. "I failed her, you know." He said.
"How?" Al asked.
"She asked me once – on this very island, in fact, when my father had just died. She'd asked me if I'd set her aside for the Air Nation." He looked at Al. "And I told her I never would."
"We lie in love more than we should, Tenzin." Al replied. 'Not that you love anyone, anyways, scrooge.' A voice nagged at the back of Al's mind. 'You were always too busy playing it cool, or were too busy concerning yourself with crushes while people who really cared got shafted.' Al let a pang of regret flash on his face.
"Less than we'd ever like." He replied. "It doesn't matter, though – if you say Lin would still help, even in these circumstances... she's still the woman I remember. Strong, grounded, even while she loves the air." He looked at Al. "How do we bring him down, though? We've so little information on him."
Al reached into his robe, withdrawing Mr. Sato's card. He handed it over to Tenzin. "I can't read the words well, but I'll tell you this much: I have a door straight to the heart of Mister Sato's business, if I can spin things right."
"I-" Tenzin leafed it over. "His personal contact card. Many people in the city would kill for a chance like this, Al – why haven't you taken it?" He asked, concern in his eyes. "You've been a visionary for as long as I've known you – this would've been a perfect chance."
"Because he's a bender-hating Equalist hell-bent on destroying the Avatar?" Al replied. Tenzin nodded, frowning.
"That attitude is more common these days than ever – and it's something that distressed my father in his later years." Tenzin replied.
Al shrugged. "There's a clear gulf in power between benders and nonbenders – there's no getting past it. With half the world unable to bend, certain people will always be capable of holding jobs others can't. When inequality exists, tensions are born – and tension eventually boils over: if tensions can't be resolved before they do..." Al held his hands together and split them apart, jazz-handing with an explosion noise.
"What do you suggest, then?" Tenzin asked.
"We need to disarm the Equalists." Al replied. "You need to pre-empt councilman Tarrlok by forming a task force with Avatar Korra at its head. Korra will jump at the chance, and you'll throw Tarrlok off balance."
"How do we disarm the Equalists?" Tenzin replied. Al pointed at the card, then jerked a thumb back at himself.
"I think if there's anything I learned back in my world, Tenzin, it's how to royally fuck up machinery and throw wrenches in important systems. I can successfully figure out everything there is to know about Mr. Sato's organization, and possibly even infiltrate the Equalists."
"How do you go about doing that?" Tenzin replied. Al smiled.
"I'll need several thousand yuans and a good tailor – possibly a small hotel to stay in temporarily." Al replied. "Mr. Sato will never know what hit him." He said, rubbing his hands together. Tenzin quickly lead him to his study, where he cracked open a large safe in the back – stacked to the brim with Yuans and strange jewels, Al held Tenzin's arm in pause.
"Why does the Air Temple have so much money?" Al asked. Tenzin held his arm down, waving his hands around at the ornate room.
"The Air Nation's coffers, though raided during the genocide at the turn of the calendar, have always been large – as traders, we've never been remiss in our expenditures – but we've always known how the winds have changed." Tenzin said. "My father's actions to end the Hundred Year War ended in many gifts – some sentimental, others of extreme value. Through trade aboard Appa, and later between the various nations using the temples' Sky Bisons, my father's temples were able to make a large amount of money – allowing a rebuilding of the four temples and their repopulation by the Air Acolytes."
Al nodded. 'Certainly would explain a lot.' He thought. Air Temple Island was lovely – and seemed to operate almost totally independent of all economics. Sure, he'd seen bison leaving loaded for bear, but Al had always assumed they were going on journeys to the other temples – not trading for riches.
"Without a need to expend all of this money, the Air Nation has large vaults all over the remaining nations – especially in the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom. We don't use them – but they come in handy when necessary." Tenzin said, placing a stack of Yuans on the table. "This is fifty thousand." He said – a massive sum, in Avatar coinage or real dollars – roughly equivalent to $150,000. "It's a large drop in the bucket, Al -" He said, "But if we're going to do this – if you're going to do this, it needs to happen correctly."
Tenzin took a seat on his desk. "I need to know exactly what you're planning to do." He said, steepling his hands.
"I'm going to infiltrate Future Industries using my personal connections to Mr. Sato. His daughter, Asami, is unaware of his Equalist affiliations – I believe if I can win her trust and friendship we should be able to ascertain the total scope of her father's evil. That said – should that avenue close itself to me, my objective is to locate any and all Equalist facilities and give you that information via dead drop – a random location that you can visit and recover documents at at – which you may bring to Chief Beifong." Al said. "It's a pretty standard intelligence job. Provided I can lie effectively, Mr. Sato should be none the wiser.
"Are you sure the money's necessary?" He asked. "How will he know you're genuine – going from monk to businessman is quite the step – one he may be suspicious of, Al."
"I've been thinking of that." Al said, walking to the door and slamming it shut. "And I think you've been too ignorant of me, Master Tenzin!" He shouted out, toppling a chair with sudden urgency. Outside, he could hear the scurrying of a pair of monks – their confused whispers audible.
"What was that for?" Tenzin asked, looking at the chair. "This-?" He looked up at Al, realization in his eyes. "You want me to throw you out. Make it look good – public. Make Sato think you're coming to him in hatred of benders."
"Precisely." Al said, righting the chair. "We're going to make a scene, Tenzin – you and I – and I'm going to storm off on the evening ferry." He looked out the window, across the grounds toward Republic City. "Korra has her game tonight – she wanted me and Raiku to attend – take his ticket." Al said, handing it over. "You'll be attending in my place. She'll know something's wrong – and you'll tell her we had a serious misunderstanding. It can be anything."
"This seems very convoluted, Al." Tenzin said. "Won't she be shocked at the revelation? Won't Raiku? My children?"
"All the more reason." Al replied. "If the island believes I've fallen out with you – the news may spread from the ferry captain. Come up with some Acolyte-related excuse – that I'm not monk material or something. A personal matter – not actions on my part."
"And you'll be gone?" Tenzin said, frowning. "Where will your 'Dead Drop' be?" He asked. "Where will you go?"
"Republic City Park – by the koi pond. I'll mark the spot with a cross on the tree." Al said.
Tenzin nodded, standing up. "I don't know about this, Al – but if you think it's the best way?"
"I do." Al said. "I'm afraid I'm pushing Korra in the wrong directions, anyways – she needs to find a way to be the Avatar without me pushing her down the path." Tenzin nodded, and Al folded his scarred arms, his rubbing an eye.
"I wish you all the best." Tenzin said. "Do you have any further advice for me?"
"Keep doing what you're doing, Tenzin." Al said. "The Avatar will unlock airbending in her own time – once she clears the chakra associated with it, same with her Avatar State." He set his hands on the desk, leaning forward. "The days ahead will be dark – do what you can to head off Tarrlok, and don't pressure Korra in the wrong way. You need her to bend, not break. Change with the flow, don't fight against it – and that goes doubly for a teenage girl and her emotions."
Tenzin nodded, stepping around the desk and wrapping an arm around Al. "I've never met a man so wise for your age, Al. You know that, right?"
"You've never said as much, but I figured." Al said, smiling. Tenzin smiled back behind his beard. "Don't make it too hard on the kids – they're great, all of them – and make sure they're safe when the storm comes."
"I will." Tenzin said, taking in a breath. He reached down, grabbing the back of the chair. Al rose a fist, and with a shout, they began – chairs crashing and desks banging loudly. "HOW DARE YOU DISRESPECT THIS TEMPLE?!" Tenzin roared out, a rush of air sending papers flying. Outside, a pair of acolytes looked at one another in terror – how could Al of all people be angering Tenzin?
The Pro-Bending Arena
"Hello folks, and -welcome- to the PRO-BENDING ARENA!" A loud and magnanimous voice resounded, echoing through the massive central plexus – shaking the stands through a massive series of loudspeakers. "I'm Shiiiiiiro Shinobi, and with me is Hiro Hamata – your factoid commentator and alliterative master!" The announcer's voice roared.
"Don't say that, Shiro – I'm simply the smart man slipping you folks facts." A second, teenage voice replied, much quieter in the high walls of the arena. Packed with spectators wall-to-wall, the first rounds of the qualifiers had quickly given way to the bitter final matchups – a round robin which placed the various teams in their respective brackets come the playoffs. The luckier teams would start against weaker-seeded teams: like the Badgermoles or Tiger Moths – while the unlucky ones would be faced with the Wolfbats for their preliminary and subsequent rounds.
As Korra strapped her handguards on, her heart skipped a beat. This was the real show – not solo practice with Bolin, or the weaker qualifying matches she'd played before against rookies. In one corner, Mako was staring at himself in the mirror – quietly applying red and black lines of paint to his cheeks. In the other, Bolin was cuddling up with Pabu – his eyes set on petting the little red ferret as it nibbled his fingers.
Korra slapped the strap down with force, tying it off with a twirl of her fingers. She sniffed in a breath, pressing her lips into a thin line as the clock began its count to showtime. Bolin let Pabu down, hanging his helmet above his ears as he stepped over to Korra, taking a seat. "Ready?" He asked, slapping her on the shoulder pads. "This is the big one!" He shouted out.
Korra let out a huff. "No pressure, or anything." She replied, pulling her other glove on and strapping it in place. She looked up at him with a thin smile. "Thanks, Bolin."
Bolin wriggled his lips together. "Sorry!" He said, "I'd just assumed you would be excited – you always love doing the thing, after all." Korra rose an eyebrow.
"Doing the thing?" She said, confused.
Bolin sputtered. "Y'know – the whoosh-whoosh-" He pantomimed waterbending with his arms, "-The wheew-wheew-" Bolin stood, twirling around, "And the 'Aww-yeah!'" He finished his display with two fists in the air, jumping with a smile on his face.
"Do I really do that?" Korra asked, a chuckle on her lips.
Mako turned – his face literally covered in an intricate design of black, red, and white, and nodded. "Absolutely." He said. "Bolin's been keeping a running tally – how many times has she done the single fispump to kneel thing?"
Bolin scratched at the back of his head. "Err..." He said, as Korra looked up at him, folding her arms.
"You're keeping /track/ of my celebrations?" Korra asked, turning a hand up in confusion. "Why?"
"Well, I-" Bolin said, darting his eyes in every direction. "Don't worry about it! The world works in mysterious ways!" He shouted, glancing at the bathroom door. "I'll be right back when the match starts!" Bolin yelled, disappearing like a thunderbolt into the bathroom.
Mako completed the Fire Ferret on his forehead, twisting the paint tube shut as he dabbed a final eye onto the design. "Why do you always do that?" Korra asked. Mako turned about, waving at his head to make the paint dry.
"It's a tradition!" Mako said. "Every sport has their traditions – and sometimes you do something and you win: so you keep going, and it builds – it grows – and soon you're afraid if you stop going you'll freak out." He walked over to the railing, watching as the final three minutes of the count ticked down. "I put paint streaks on two years ago, when we first started Pro-Bending: I've done it for every round robin and for playoffs - and I wouldn't have it any other way." He said.
Korra stepped over to the railing, helmet under her arm. "Can you do mine?" She asked. Mako looked at her, raising an eyebrow.
"Why?" He asked. Korra glanced out on the stage, and back at Mako – the fire ferrets on the crown of his head staring back at her.
"If we're going to do this," She began, looking down as Pabu stood between them – staring up at the gap between. "We're going to have to work harder together – and we can't fight like we did in practice. Maybe painting all of us can be... I don't know, a bonding exercise?"
Mako smiled at that. "I like the way you think." He said. "Are Al and Raiku here? You seemed pretty excited yesterday about them attending." Korra shrugged, looking out in the stands.
"I don't know where their tickets are – they could be anywhere." She said – scanning the crowd to no avail. Mako shrugged.
"Doesn't matter." He said. "We'll see them when it's over – and maybe we can hit up Narook's?" Korra smiled. They'd taken her there only twice since they'd told her about it – and it had been everything she'd loved about home: hot food, hearty laughs, and open for hours on end. Between there and the 'peace' offered at the Air Temple, Korra knew what she'd rather be doing.
"I'd love that." She said. The pair watched in silence, their arms wrapped around the railing, as the crowd slowly swelled to a huge size – the post-work crowd quickly gathering in the stands to watch two highly anticipated sets of prospects due battle. Roars and whistles filled the stands as the referee made his introduction – taking the stand – and the bridges began to extend.
Mako turned to the bathroom stall. "Bolin!" He yelled, a grit of annoyance to his voice. "If you're done hiding, I suggest you get out here and play the game." Moments later, a sheepish Bolin stepped out onto the locker room floor – mask on and eyes avoiding Korra's as he stepped to the edge of the bridge, the massive metal span locking into place beneath his feet.
Korra and Mako joined him, Korra shooting a confused glance at Bolin – who looked away sheepishly into the stands. 'Why would anyone bother writing down how I -celebrate-?' She wondered. 'I mean, I'm the Avatar – but Bolin doesn't really seem to care about that: he's like Al.' Some people in the stands were obsessed with Korra's place as the Avatar – and people flocked to the Fire Ferrets just to see -her- play.
'But Bolin couldn't be cowed by that, could he?' Korra thought, the three slowly stepping across the walkway – cheers raising in the crowd as she stepped out into view. 'He doesn't see me as the Avatar, he sees me as Korra – so why?' She wondered, looking over at him. Bolin waved to the crowd, looking as far away from Korra as possible.
The group strutted onto the field – earth dispensers and channels of water slowly filling beneath their feet. The crowd quieted slowly as the teammates took their places – Korra on the left flank, Bolin on the right – with Mako at center. "Whatever we do-" Mako said, stretching his neck as he dropped into his stance – feet wide, right fist out. "-We do not let whatever -this-" He waggled a finger between the two. "-is supposed to be, interfere with any of it." He looked at Bolin, who shot him a nervous glance. "Got it?" Zuko said.
"Fine by me." Korra replied, cracking her fingers and rolling her shoulder. Across from them, the opposing team slowly slotted themselves into position – preparing themselves. "Bolin?" She said.
"Yeah, totally." He said, his voice cracking a bit. "Nothing like wailing a few fools to make the awkward go away, right?" Bolin chuckled, his face placid as he planted his feet in the ground beneath them. Mako shook his head, Korra retaining her confused expression.
"Aaaaaalright folks – moments away from what's shaping up to be a wonderful night here in the Republic City Pro-Bending Arena!" Shinobi's voice roared out, the two teams finishing their preparations and little pre-game rituals. Korra was fairly simple in that regard, taking satisfaction primarily in strapping everything on – she liked to stay loose before the few matches she'd played. "This matchup between the Sandsnakes and Fire Ferrets brought to you by Future Industries – your future, present." That line was new, Korra noted – they'd only just begun sponsorship of the arena, and with it came a new slogan 'Keeping the future present'.
A loud horn sounded from the referee's station, and they were off. Korra flung a fist out, water spurting away as she rolled right, the whirr of a spinning earth disk rippling by her ear. Mako dodged left, and the pair deftly evaded one another – their armor brushing one another as a burst of water spun past Mako's position. Bolin had stepped backwards, using an earth disk to block a burst of fire. A momentary stillness came over the field – everyone maneuvering across the pitch.
Korra flung up a ball of water, holding it next to her as the Sandsnakes' firebender held a fireball in his fist. A moment later, he shot it away – straight for Bolin. He dodged, and Korra struck – her waterbolt smashing the man in the chest. He staggered backwards, wobbling on the line – and before Bolin could deliver a killing blow, the Sandmen's waterbender tossed his own strike – forcing Bolin on the defensive as he braced himself against a torrent.
Mako twirled back, circling right behind Korra as a pair of earth disks roared quickly – the Sandsnakes' earthbender a fast woman, striking with breakneck speed. "Bolin!" Mako shouted above the din. "Focus right with Korra, I'll draw the others!" He roared, tossing a pair of firebursts at the aformentioned targets. The Water and Earthbenders of the Sandsnakes found themselves under a massive gout of flame.
There was a pause, the two benders looking up at the Ref – who blew a whistle. "Fire Ferret Firebender, Penalty! Extended usage! Move back one zone!" He shouted. Mako hung his helmet, stepping back. Korra growled.
"And you yelled at me for that!" She shouted. Mako waved her away, resuming his stance. Korra and Bolin spread to the flanks, well away from eachother – as Mako took center. The dance resumed, fire hissing past Korra – as she knocked the Sandsnake Earthbender away with a heavy blow. He bounced back, the buzzer sounding as he retreated a zone. "Bolin, look alive!" She shouted, as a pair of firebolts sizzled against his mask. Bolin stood his ground, his feet scraping against the floor – but he stayed in the first zone.
"A minute into the first round, and the Fire Ferrets are down due to a penalty!" Shinobi's voice said, filling the arena. The crowd hemmed and hawwed with the shifting of the fight, equal parts enraptured and envigorated by the battle before them. "Avatar Korra and Bolin retain the first zone, whilst Mako and Shen have been knocked back into their respective zones!" Korra twirled right, evading an earth disc.
In the backfield, Shen – the Earthbender Korra had knocked back, whirled a disc. Bolin, rolling away from a fireburst, quickly kicked the air – knocking it aside as Korra let loose another water strike towards the enemy Firebender*. Her legs twirled, and as she glanced back towards Bolin, saw him knocked away by a gush of the enemy's own water, behind the line. "Bolin!" She shouted, twisting away the rival waterbender's followup strike. "Why would you do that?!"
Never block, always dodge. If you're out of position, you take it. Korra remembered her lessons at the Air Temple, and always sought to evade as best she could: but this was so -out of character-. What was bothering him? Korra turned around to see a massive gout of flame roaring for her, and she dropped hard to the ground - the fire passing inches past the transparent sheen of her helmet. It sputtered uselessly behind.
Bolin ignored her, kicking forth another strike. "Bolin made a tactical error, folks – you do not, under any circumstances, expose yourself in the defense of a teammate: lest you cause a terrible, terrible chain knockout. Shen's-" Shinobi paused as Mako kicked a trio of firebolts at him, two missing, but the third hitting the skinny earthbender right in center mass. He staggered backwards – a one-two smash from Bolin sending him sailing into the third zone.
The battle continued, strikes from both sides rippling across the field. Slashing water and spitting fire mixed with whistling earth – and as the crowd roared, two members stood at the high rails – silent. Tenzin let his orange cloak flow around him, Raiku leaning hard against the rail – his White Lotus uniform switched for an Air Acolyte's robes for less... conspicuousness. "I can't believe he's gone." Raiku said. "I mean, what could he have said?"
"I don't want to talk about this." Tenzin said, rubbing his fingers into his scalp. "Al made a decision. I made a response. We had words, and now it's over. Believe me, I've had enough trouble explaining it to my children and the acolytes – and Korra will be even harder to explain it to."
Raiku folded his arms to his chest, leaning back as the Fire Ferrets lost Bolin into Zone 3. "If I didn't know you better, cousin, I'd swear you weren't being totally truthful." Raiku replied.
Tenzin glanced at him, folding his fingers onto the railing. Time was ticking down heavily, now – and Korra was finally lost to Zone 2. A quick one-two from Bolin sent another Sandsnake down to Zone 2, leaving the battle a fine mixture. Korra's water strikes were hard and pounding, and her dodges looked like those of a skilled airbender. "Korra looks good out there." He said. "Learning dodging and weaving with the wind is a large part of Pro-Bending, it would seem."
Raiku looked up at Tenzin, a furrow forming between his brows. He let it drop as Korra was hit thrice in the chest by water strikes – the third weaving around her as she shot in back in a counterattack – but it was enough to send her toppling into the third zone. In a flash, Korra was roaring waterblasts at the enemy – but as the first neared her opponent, the buzzer sounded. The round was finished – and would go to a tiebreaker. Korra took the stand against the opposing waterbender, a woman named Shani – and the two squared off. Immediately, Korra's opponent shot forth with a pair of strikes.
Korra splashed them aside and charged, bowling into her opponent. The woman struck back with fists covered in water, a pair of gut punches splashing into Korra and trying to spout her off – only for the woman to release them to avoid drawing a penalty.
Sweeping a leg, Korra attempted to throw the woman off balance – only to receive a kick to her own legs sending her sprawling. The crowd roared. Twirling to her feet, Korra took her stance – her opponent raising another waterblast. It sounded forth, and Korra swirled it with a spin – firing it back.
Her rival staggered backwards, water soaking her uniform – but she held firm. Korra roared, and charged. A gust of water struck out at her, flashing as the crowd swooned – only for Korra to split it with an outshot hand. Dropping her shoulder, Korra collided hard with her opponent – and the Sandsnake waterbender crumpled against the lower level as Korra stood triumphant.
Tenzin's face grimaced. "That was unnecessary." He said, standing up from his lean. Korra turning out like Kyoshi would do no favors for world diplomacy – in a tumultuous time, no less.
"She did what it took to win." Raiku replied, "I would not hesitate against a hostile bender, a wrong move-" Tenzin shot him a look.
"One fight with the Lotus and you already call for heads!" Tenzin said, his voice strong and scolding. Below, the groups slowly reset themselves for the next bout. "Did you not see how killing that man weighed on Al?"
"Yeah, and look at what you did to him!" Raiku spat back. "Now he's gone, Korra has no idea, and she'll be devastated – Al was practically half the island, all the acolytes loved him!" Tenzin stomped a foot, letting out a tired huff.
"Al made his own decision." Tenzin replied, struggling beneath the collar to keep his falsehoods in check. "I cannot tell him anymore than I can you how to live his life – and he found himself unable to live here knowing the specter of death followed him." He shook his head. "Besides, for all his following of the Air Nation, Al has the heart of a normal citizen of the republic. He yearns for technology and activity – not silence on this island."
It wasn't a lie. Not really. Tenzin believed in his heart that Al was destined for more than being an Acolyte – but he'd never push him out into the world. In a way, it was better – Al would go and live his life, and on his return would be more content in his ascetic life.
Below, Korra and her team were getting set for a second bout, Korra and Mako both shooting Bolin looks. "Bolin." Mako said, laying a hand on his brother's shoulder, "We won that one with your head in another space entirely." He pointed at the opposition. "Take the fight to them, leave whatever you're thinking behind, and keep it together." He said, patting Bolin on the shoulder.
Korra let her eyes drift over Bolin's face, twisted in conflict. "Are you alright?" She said, stepping to him, moments of the intermission ticking by.
"Yeah, sorry." Bolin said, rubbing the back of his helmet. "I'm just, y'know, not the most 'smooth' of the guys when it comes to... things?" He said, with a pause. Korra inclined her head, confused.
"I don't get it." She said. What could bother somebody that much? The team reset themselves, taking their places as the buzzer sounded. The ref took out his flag, preparing to start the match. In a flurry of blows and strikes, Korra and her team lead themselves to a second round victory, securing them the match. Bolin, maintaining his cool this time, struck hard and fast – knocking out the rival firebender. Korra, drifting and dodging, struck hard against the enemy waterbender.
As the clock wound down to the end, Korra let out a sigh of relief, and the team streamed into the locker room – the bridges closing as the team quickly doffed their equipment, stepping into the showers and changing back into their usual attire. As Korra and Mako sat, watching the hose-team spray down the canvas with waterbending, a soft rap knocked against the door.
Korra stood, turning to the doorway. "Weird." She said.
"If it was Al, he'd have opened the door." Mako said, turning away from his bowl of noodles. Korra's hand gripped the doorhandle, sliding it open. Tenzin's orange robes shone back at her, his face a gentle smile. Rai, far shorter, peeked out from behind the robes.
"Tenzin?" Korra said, cocking an eyebrow. "What're you doing here? Where's Al?" She asked.
And Tenzin told them.
Author's Notes
With this episode comes a timeskip, finally – It's been awhile since Korra and Al had their chaotic adventures of the first three episodes. Everyone's relationships with one another, save for the still absent Asami, are slightly more established and solidified. Al, Korra, and Rai (to a lesser extent, I'm wanting to write him out, but I really don't know how.)
I'm probably cutting the six-scenes per episode system I'd originally envisioned for this chapter. We're at 9000 words already, and it's only going to bloat more.
1* = This scene dragged so fuckin' much.
Writing sports is agonizing. They're ritualized sets of action with very limited variations. Simplicity is good when you're seeing it in front of you – but play-by-play in a writing format is actually fairly boring.
Action on its lonesome is okay – you can get quite creative. Here? Not so much.