Hey, everyone! I know I said that I'd probably update my other story before this one, but I had huge writing block on the other story and this just seems so much easier to write at the moment. Also, I wanted to say a big thank you for all the amazing support you guys have given this story, it's really awesome. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 2: A Leaf in the Wind
"GOOD MORNING, ICHIGO!" Ichigo cried out from the dream. He had seen someone. Some idiot who woke him up with grenades and martial arts moves. Then the memory was gone and he couldn't recall any more than that.
He yawned and cleaned himself up. Air Temple Island was nice to say the least. It wasn't overly fancy; but it wasn't poor either. He liked it the way it was: charming, peaceful and- His door was slammed open and Korra ran in.
"Wake up, Ichigo!"
"I am up."
"Then hurry! We gotta have breakfast and then I start my Airbending training!"
Ichigo decided to take the longest time he could to get ready, just to test Korra's patience. It didn't last long.
"How long are you gonna be?" Korra threw open the door to the bathroom and saw him meticulously combing practically every strand of hair he had.
She grabbed the comb and burnt it offhandedly then she rustled his hair, ruining all the work he had put into it. It didn't really matter though, his hair stayed spiky all the time anyway.
Then she forced him down the stairs to the breakfast room. Tenzin said a short blessing and they began eating. Korra ate like a maniac and quickly grabbed the newspaper. She started reading the details on the latest Pro-Bending match.
"And in the final round, the Buzzard Wasps won with a decisive knock-out!" She looked at Tenzin. "What do you say we go to the Arena tonight? Catch a few pro-bending matches."
Tenzin sipped his tea as he spoke. "That sport is a mockery of the noble tradition of bending."
"Oh come on, Tenzin. I've dreamed about seeing a pro-bending match since I was a kid and now I'm just a ferry ride away from the arena." She indicated the Arena through the window behind her.
"Korra, you are not here to watch that drivel. You're here to finish your Avatar training. So for the time being I want you to remain on the Island."
"Is that why you're keeping the White Lotus sentries around to watch my every move?" Korra said with a sulk.
"Yes. In order to learn Airbending I believe you need to stay in a calm, quiet environment, free from any distractions."
"All right, you're the master."
"Also," Tenzin continued, "the White Lotus is here to watch Ichigo."
Said Ichigo nodded, sarcastically. "You see, Korra," he explained mockingly, "I can't be trusted so I need to be watched. Everything I do is being recorded and studied by Old Man Baldy here and those idiots in stupid uniforms."
Tenzin gritted his teeth. "Ichigo, if you make one more comment about my lack of hair I will personally airbend you back into the ice you came from."
Ichigo yawned. "Sure, dude, you're the master."
Korra laughed then stifled it instantly. Then she turned around and looked longingly at the Arena across the water.
The three of them strode along a walkway that went past the gardens. A lemur flew overhead. Korra was now dressed in the traditional orange and yellow Airbender uniform and she had rolled up her sleeves to expose her upper arms and shoulders.
Tenzin was speaking. "So my mother informed me that you've never been able to Airbend before."
Korra sighed. "Yeah, but I don't know why. The other elements all came so easily to me. But every single time I've tried Airbending," She blew a raspberry, "Nothing."
Tenzin put his hand on her shoulder. "That's perfectly all right, we just need to be patient." He started pulling her sleeves back down as he continued. "Often the element that's the most difficult for the Avatar to master is the one most opposite from the Avatar's personality. For Aang, it was Earthbending."
"Well I'm about as opposite an Airbender as you can get."
"Hear, hear." Ichigo said loudly.
"You didn't need to agree with me!"
"Well, it's true!"
The two of them crashed their heads against one another.
"Why are you even here, Strawberry? All you're doing is making fun of me!"
"Don't call me that!"
Tenzin filed away the nickname for later notice. It could be useful. He cleared his throat. "All right, that's enough, you two. Korra, let's begin your first lesson."
Tenzin led them up a flight of steps to where his kids were waiting. Ikki was cheering. "Korra's gonna airbend! Korra's gonna airbend!"
There was a strange thing behind the kids. It looked like a bunch of boards clustered together. They were standing upright and the Airbender symbol was carved and painted on every board.
"What is that contraption?" Korra asked.
"A time-honoured tool that teaches the most fundamental aspect of airbending." Tenzin turned to his oldest child. "Jinora, would you like to explain this exercise?"
She nodded. "The goal is to move through the gates and make it to the other side without touching them."
Korra smirked confidently. "Seems easy enough."
Ikki jumped in. "Jinora forgot to say that you have to make it through while the gates are spinning."
Ichigo smiled. Oh this'll be good.
Tenzin stepped forward and sent a blast of air at the wooden gates. They began spinning quickly. He held up a small leaf. Letting it go, he spoke as it flew through the gates.
"The key is to be like the leaf. Flow with the movement of the gates. Jinora will demonstrate."
The young Airbender ran lightly forward and Tenzin kept talking as she progressed through the challenge.
"Airbending is all about spiral movements. When you meet resistance, you must be able to switch direction at a moments notice."
Jinora finished and got the gates spinning again. Korra looked back at Ichigo.
"Wish me luck."
He snorted. "I don't think even luck will help you in this instance."
She pouted and turned back to the gates.
"Let's do this."
As expected, she crashed into them full force and after bouncing back and forth between a few of them, she was sent back onto her butt. Tenzin cringed but she just scowled with determination. Getting up again, Korra dashed back into the gates. The same thing was happening.
"Don't force your way through!" Jinora called.
"Dance. Dance like the wind!" Ikki added.
"Be the leaf." Meelo said helpfully.
None of their advice worked and Korra tumbled back out again with multiple bruises on her face and body. She collapsed onto the ground and Tenzin sighed.
Ichigo clapped sarcastically. Korra was too exhausted to even yell at him.
That night Korra hung a newspaper with Beifong's face on a rope and attempted to airbend.
"Airbend!" Nothing happened. "What is wrong with me? Airbend!"
Korra took a quick intake of breath in anger and burned the newspaper with firebending. She sighed and sat down next to Naga.
"Maybe I'm just not cut out to be an Airbender, huh Naga?" The animal made a small sound in reply.
"Well when you give up after one day, you definitely aren't."
Korra looked up and saw Ichigo coming with his hands in his pockets. His orange hair was wet as if he'd just had a shower.
"Hey, Ichigo."
Ichigo lay down next to her and clasped his hands on the ground beneath his head. He gave a contented sigh and looked up at the stars.
"Have you ever looked at the stars and wondered what your place in the universe is? I do that a lot now. Especially since I don't have any memories. I look at those stars shining brightly and I think that they have a definite place in this universe. But us humans, well, we've got free will. We can do pretty much whatever we want."
Ichigo shifted his gaze to look at her. "You can become an Airbender, Korra. You're the Avatar. It's in your blood. So don't just give up after one day of failure. Okay?"
She looked down at him gratefully. "I-"
She was interrupted by the sound of a radio.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm coming to you live from Republic City's Pro-Bending Arena. Where tonight, the best in the world continue to fight for a place in the upcoming championship tournament. Grab your snacks and grab your kids cause this next match is gonna be a doozy!"
Korra and Ichigo looked to find where the radio was. They saw that three White Lotus members were listening to it in a room several meters from where they sat.
The two teens ran over and climbed up to the roof to listen in. The commentator began again.
"This Mako's got moxie. He advances; fires two quick shots. Yomo is hammered back to Zone 3! 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-"
The radio was cut off. They heard Tenzin's voice.
"Korra, come down here please. You too, Ichigo."
They sighed and jumped down from the roof.
"You shut it off at the best part!" Korra complained.
"The Fire Dudes were about to win!" Ichigo added.
"I thought I made myself clear." Tenzin said. "I don't want you listening to this distracting nonsense."
"But it's their radio." Korra argued. "And technically, you said we couldn't watch a match. You didn't say anything about not listening to one."
"You-" Tenzin grumbled in annoyance. "You know what I meant. And Ichigo, I thought you said that you'd keep her out of trouble."
Ichigo rubbed the back of his head. "That's harder than it looks, man. I'm doing my best."
Tenzin grunted again. "How I put up with you two is beyond me. Anyway, shouldn't, shouldn't you be in bed by now?" He left in a huff.
The next day, Tenzin, his kids, Korra and Ichigo were all sitting, meditating. Well, Korra wasn't. She sniffed and looked at the kids.
"I think I'm doing it wrong." She said.
"There's nothing to do." Tenzin replied. "Let your mind and your spirit be free. For air is the element of freedom."
Korra laughed.
"Is something funny?" Tenzin asked with annoyance.
"Yeah, you're telling to embrace freedom, but you won't even let me listen to the radio. And forget about leaving this island!"
"Please, Korra. Look at Meelo. He's able to meditate peacefully."
Korra looked at Tenzin's youngest child. He was snoring and drool and snot were coming from his mouth and nose.
"Actually I think he's asleep."
"What?" Tenzin leaned forward. "Well at least he has the relaxing part down." Tenzin looked at the others and saw Ichigo. "Look at Ichigo, then. He has perfect form."
Korra turned to the man beside her and realized that Tenzin was right. Ichigo was perfect. His back was straight and his breathing was even. She waved a hand in front of his face. There was no reaction.
She shook him. "Ichigo?"
He started and opened his eyes. "Rukia? What?" He rubbed his eyes.
"You were amazing, Ichigo." Tenzin said. "I've never seen such form in one as young as you. And with your personality as well."
Ichigo rubbed his forehead. "It just came so naturally to me. It felt familiar. Like I'd done it a million times already."
Tenzin pondered this. "Hmm. Strange. I urge you to mediate more often, Ichigo. Perhaps doing so will restore your memories."
He nodded. "Thanks for the tip." Ichigo looked at Korra. "Can't you do it?"
She shook her head. "None of this airbending stuff makes any sense to me."
"I know you're frustrated." Tenzin said, "But these teachings will sink in over time. Then one day, they'll just click."
Korra nodded and took a deep breath and began meditating again. She lasted about two seconds.
"Yeah, it's not sinking in yet. I'm gonna go get a glass of lychee juice."
"Korra, the meditation's not over yet!" She didn't reply. Ichigo just sighed and continued meditating.
Ichigo was sitting in his bed reading that night when Korra came quietly into his room.
"Korra, what's up?"
"Come on, Ichigo, we're going to the Arena."
He smirked. "Thought you'd never ask."
The two of them crept out the window and ran to the edge of the island. Jumping off a large rock, Korra controlled their fall with waterbending. In the water, she pulled ahead, having been swimming all her life in the South Pole. Ichigo lagged behind and came up for air much faster than she. Korra surfaced some ways ahead of him.
"Come on, Ichigo, hurry up!"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever!" He said loudly but muttered under his breath. "Frickin' show off. It's not a race."
Korra arrived fairly quickly considering the distance she had to swim and launched herself through an open window with waterbending. She turned around and looked back at Ichigo as he floundered in the water. Rolling her eyes, as if she just assumed everyone could swim like her, she jumped back down and swam over to him.
She put her arm around him and began pushing them forward at much quicker speeds with her powerful legs
"I don't need your help!" Ichigo whined loudly.
"You sure? I thought you were gonna drown back there." She said with a laugh.
"Shut up."
Once again, she used waterbending to throw her through a window, this time with Ichigo beside her. He looked down at his waterlogged clothes. "Great job, Korra, we're soaked."
"Relax, Ichigo." She dried him off with waterbending. "Honestly, you're such a complainer."
"That's harsh coming from you."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
He raised his hands. "Don't ask me. I'm just stating the facts."
She harrumphed with annoyance and the two of them began walked down the hall of the Arena.
They stumbled on what looked like a gym. Korra ran in, pulling Ichigo with her.
"Hey, what are you doing in my gym?" The teens turned at the voice. A bulky old man stood there with a towel slung over his shoulder.
Korra fumbled for an answer. "Uh, I was looking for a bathroom and got lost."
Ichigo facepalmed. The old man wasn't fooled either.
"Ah the old 'I had to pee' excuse. You know, I'm sick and tired of you kids sneaking in without paying. I'm taking you to security."
"No, wait!" Korra said.
"There you are!" The teens turned again at the new voice. "I've been looking everywhere for you guys."
The voice belonged to a well-muscled, green eyed guy maybe a year or so younger than they were. His eyebrows were thick and his hair was dark brown and short. He was wearing a pro-bending uniform with a green ribbon tied round his waist and he smiled brightly as he came over.
He grinned at the old man. "It's all right, Toza. They're with me."
"Uh, yeah we're with him." Korra saw an opening.
"So you see, we're together."
"Well not together, together. We're more like friends. Right, Ichigo?"
He sighed. "Whatever you say, Korra."
"Right, friends." The man continued. "No, no, I didn't mean to imply that-"
"You implied it all right, dude." Ichigo said dryly.
The old man backed off. "Oh, I don't care what you are. I've got work to do."
The man gestured to them. "Right this way, miss. And mister, of course. Mister."
Ichigo rolled his eyes. This was going to be a long evening.
Korra played along. "And thank you, sir. Seriously, thanks."
The man led them through a door and they could hear the crowd cheering.
"What do you think," he asked, "Best seats in the house, right?"
"Whoa. Unbelievable." Korra was amazed. They were in a high booth overlooking the arena. The atmosphere was incredible. The seats were packed to the rafters and the fans cheered loudly as lights shone overhead. In the middle of the arena, surrounded by a deep moat of water was an area shaped like a hexagon. One half was coloured blue and the other red.
Ichigo's eyes widened slightly at the enormity of the building and he could feel himself getting excited though he did a good job of hiding it.
"This place is even more amazing than I imagined." Korra said.
"The name's Bolin, by the way." The man said.
"I'm Korra."
"Who's the grumpy orange guy?"
Ichigo scowled. "Ichigo."
Bolin nodded a little timidly. "Korra and Ichigo. Got it. So are- are you two a couple?"
"No." Ichigo spoke before Bolin could finish. Korra looked at him.
"We're not?"
"Of course we're not! When did we become a couple?"
"I thought you said that we were."
"When did I say that?"
"Well you blushed when I hugged you, so…"
Ichigo took a deep breath to calm himself down and gave a very detailed but still flustered explanation. "Korra, that was an involuntary reaction and by no means was an indicator that our relationship was anything more than a normal friendship."
"Wait, we're friends?"
Ichigo threw his hands in the air and stalked off to the corner.
"So you're not a couple then?" Bolin asked hopefully.
"I guess not."
"Oh. That's good. I mean, I mean, uh…"
Ichigo looked up and stepped between Bolin and Korra. His terrifying scowl caused Bolin to whimper.
"Just what are you playing at, Bolin?" Ichigo said his name contemptuously.
"I was just, um…"
"Leave him alone, Ichigo! He's been nice to us and now you're mad at him. No wonder we're not a couple."
Ichigo swallowed hard. Then he sighed and turned away.
"I'm sorry." He said quietly. Korra crossed her arms with a derisive snort and turned to look back at the arena. Bolin was slightly sad that he had angered Ichigo but soon he too turned away.
Ichigo sat down on a bench then suddenly the voice appeared in his head again.
"It's not like you to pull punches like that, King. Give me the reigns and I'll win ya that Korra chick for ya."
Ichigo decided to reply with his thoughts.
Who are you?
He heard a sinister laugh. "Oh yeah, I forgot. You've lost your memories haven't you? This should be fun."
I asked you a question. Who the heck are you?
"You wanna know who I am?" The voice chuckled quietly. "You're gonna have to find out for yourself. And you'd better do it fast. Otherwise…"
Then the voice faded.
The door opened and two other guys dressed in the same uniform as Bolin came into the room. The first one wasn't much look at. The second had slick, spiky black hair and was a little taller than Ichigo.
They opened a small closet on the wall and the second guy looked at the newcomers.
"Psst. Bolin!" He said.
"Yeah?"
"I told you; you have to stop bringing in your crazy fangirls before the matches. Get her and her boyfriend out of here."
"Aww come on, Mako. All right look, I kinda promised them they could stay but man, I've got a good feeling. There's something special about them. I know it."
Bolin grabbed Korra and Ichigo. "Come here. I want you to meet my brother, Mako."
"Mako? Wow, we heard you play on the radio." Korra said.
Mako completely ignored her. "Come on, Bolin, we're up."
Ichigo looked with amusement. He liked Mako already.
"Or I could meet him later." Korra said disappointedly.
"Yeah, sorry about that." Bolin said. "My brother just gets real focused before a match. Ok, I gotta go. Wish me luck. Not that I'll need it, of course." Bolin grinned easily.
Korra chuckled. "Good luck. Knock 'em out!"
Ichigo nodded to him and Bolin smiled back.
All eyes went to the arena as the spotlights centered on the hexagon. A man with a microphone came through the arena's floor with greased hair and a flashy pose. Ichigo wrinkled his nose. The crowd cheered as the man started speaking.
"Introducing, the Fire Ferrets!"
Korra grinned as the spotlight landed on their new friends. A random girl in the crowd screamed.
"AH! I love you, Bolin!"
He smiled wide as he waved to the crowd. Ichigo's attention went to the commentator.
"The rookie Fire Ferrets came from out of nowhere and have made it further than anyone expected this season. But tonight, they face their toughest test yet, folks."
Ichigo smirked. "So they're a bunch of rookies, huh? I wonder how they'll do."
Korra instantly defended them. "Hey, I'm sure they'll do great. They won that match we heard on the radio last night, didn't they?"
He nodded. "Oh yeah, I guess they did. Not that we'll ever know for sure, because of frickin' Tenzin."
The bell dinged to start the match and the two teams sent a flurry of elements at each other.
"Hasook is the first to feel the heat of the Tigerdillos."
Ichigo burst out laughing. "Tigerdillos?!"
Korra punched him on the arm. "Shut up, I wanna hear the commentator."
The Tigerdillos focused their attention on Mako but he coolly defended himself and sent several blasts of fire back at them.
Several seconds later, Bolin and Hasook were knocked back into Zone 2. Mako dodged all their attacks with handsprings but soon he too was hit back. The Tigerdillos moved into Ferret territory and the match resumed.
"Come on, Ferrets!" Korra yelled.
Ichigo narrowed his eyes as he analysed the battle.
"So far, Mako's been taking the brunt of their attacks. Bolin and the other guy have to take some of the weight off him."
Korra held her cheeks in her hands as she watched their new friends get hammered.
Hasook took a hard hit and was sent back to Zone 3.
"That guy's useless!" Ichigo said angrily. His point was proven as the Tigerdillos pressed their advantage and knocked Hasook into the water.
"Darn it." Ichigo gritted his teeth.
Bolin and Mako tried their best but they too were forced into the third zone. The bell dinged again.
"Round one goes to the Golden Temple Tigerdillos!"
Korra began to look disheartened. "Come on, you guys. Pull through this!"
The second round started and the Fire Ferrets were instantly sent back to Zone 2. But Bolin and Mako managed to land some heavy hits and they won the round.
The third and final round began. Hasook stumbled and ploughed into Bolin.
Ichigo cursed. "That guy's a liability!"
"He's doing his best."
"Well his best's not enough, obviously."
The Tigerdillos's earthbender easily knocked the two of them into the drink and Mako was left alone.
"Oh no." Korra said.
"It's all up to Mako now." Ichigo clenched his fist.
Mako weaved and bobbed, dodging all their attacks. But he didn't hit back.
"If Mako loses, then the Fire Ferret's fabulous season is over!" The commentator said.
Korra was pulling on her ponytails in desperation. Then Mako came alive.
He avoided several more attacks then sent one of the Tigerdillos into the pool. It was two-on-one. Mako went on the offensive and then it was one-on-one.
As the two benders slugged it out, smoke and dust started collecting so you couldn't see them. Then Mako knocked his opponent out of the smoke and followed it up with a powerful fist of fire. The man tumbled back into the water.
"Woohoo!" Korra and Ichigo high-fived. Then Ichigo realized what he was doing and pulled away hurriedly.
Mako took off his helmet and the crowd cheered up a storm. Bolin ran up to where Korra was.
"Woohoo! One more win and we're in the championship tournament!" Bolin was ecstatic. He took off his helmet. "So, what'd you think, Korra? Bolin's got some moves, huh?"
Korra grabbed Bolin's uniform and roughly pulled him towards her. "What'd I think? What'd I think? That was amazing!"
Ichigo upturned the left side of his mouth in a cocky smile. "Not bad."
He looked up as Mako and Hasook walked past.
"You did more harm than good out there." Mako was saying, "You almost cost us the match."
Hasook scoffed. "We won, didn't we?"
"Barely."
"Get off my case, pal!"
Hasook grunted as he threw his helmet to the floor and stormed out of the room. Ichigo glared at his back. "What an idiot."
"Useless." Mako agreed.
"You guys were incredible out there!" Korra said, "Especially you, Mr. Hat-trick."
Mako looked away from her. "Oh, you're still here?"
"Oh and you're still a jerk?" Korra pouted.
"Ooh!" Bolin chuckled.
Mako walked past Ichigo and their shoulders bumped.
"You know you should apologize when you bump into someone like that." Ichigo said unnecessarily.
Mako turned around. "What'd you say, punk?"
"You wanna fight?" Ichigo egged him on.
Mako spit to the side. "I don't want to waste my time."
"Heh. Sounds like you're scared."
Bolin tried to intervene. "Uh, guys."
They ignored him.
"I don't wanna hurt you." Mako said.
Ichigo laughed in his face. "You're the one who's gonna get hurt."
"What was your name, punk? Oh yeah, Ichigo, wasn't it? Who'd wanna name their kid Strawberry?"
Several tick marks appeared on Ichigo's forehead. "Oh, you are dead."
"Ichigo!" Korra yelled. "Calm down before I make you!"
Now his anger was directed at her. "What'd you say? You wanna go, Korra?"
Their heads smashed into each other's. "You're just mad because I'm getting more attention from emo-brat, right?"
"What? No!" Korra said indignantly.
"So, Korra, what'd you think of our bending?" Bolin tried again. "Pretty neat, huh?"
Korra turned to him, Ichigo forgotten. "Yeah, I've been immersed in bending my entire life but I never learnt how to move like that! It's like there's a whole new style here. Think you could show me a few tricks?"
"Ab-so-lutely."
"Right now?" Mako was still mad. "Come on, Bolin."
"Just ignore him." Bolin said, "That's what I always do. 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 said with a smirk. "I'm actually an earthbender."
Bolin squinted, not understanding. "I'm sorry, no, no, I didn't mean to assume. Cause I-you know-I was figuring, with your Water-Tribe get-up, that you are a Water-Tribe gal."
Korra's smiled deepened with pride. "Nope, you're right. I'm a waterbender and a firebender."
"Mm, mm hmm. I'm very confused right now."
Mako looked up in understanding. "You're the Avatar. And I'm an idiot."
"Both are true." Korra said.
"Especially the last one." Ichigo agreed. He and Mako began bickering again.
"No way." Bolin was stunned. "The Avatar." He whispered while pointing at her.
Later on, they were in the gym. Ichigo was leaning against a staircase and Mako was leaning on the opposite one. They were watching Bolin and Korra while occasionally glaring daggers at each other. Bolin was speaking to Korra.
"All right, let's see what you got."
Korra nodded and raised two discs of earth then sent them at a net across the room.
"That was great. Good power." Bolin indicated her widespread legs. "But, in a real match, you'd be a sitting turtle-duck. You shouldn't be so upright and flat-footed. Stay light on your toes, right up until the moment when you need to dig in and strike. Then, pop-pop!"
He sent another two discs at the net. They were much quicker and converged on the same point on the net.
Korra watched, open-mouthed. "Ok. Let me try it again."
She adjusted to the form he showed her and sent a devastating combo at the net.
"Wow! Nice adjustment. You're a natural at this."
"Not bad," Mako said.
"What's it take to impress this guy?"
"What? I said not bad."
Korra looked at Ichigo. "Aren't you going to say anything?"
"Bolin was better."
"Why you!"
Mako stood straight. "You know what, it's getting late. I'm gonna turn in. You kids have fun. It was nice to meet you, Avatar Korra. You too, Ichigo."
"Yeah, been a real pleasure." Korra said sarcastically.
Ichigo looked him dead in the eye then nodded. Mako nodded back.
"Since when did they become friends?" Korra asked of no one in particular.
"I'll see you upstairs, bro." Mako said.
"Upstairs? You guys live here?"
"Yep. In the attic," Bolin said, "It's nothing fancy. But we have some great views. So, back to bending. Why don't you throw that combo one more time?"
Korra did so and was pleased with the results. Soon they went home.
"So what'd you think of those two, Ichigo?" Korra asked.
"They're all right." Ichigo replied. "Bolin's annoying and Mako's a pain. I like 'em."
"Yeah, me too."
"All right, see you tomorrow, Korra. You should get ready for more fun in the sun with Tenzin." He joked.
Korra groaned.
The next day, Tenzin had Korra do the same exercise with the gates.
She rushed in and got a little farther, and then she started getting pounded again.
"Patience, Korra." Tenzin advised loudly.
She got hit again and roared, unleashing a flurry of firebending, effectively destroying nearly all the gates.
Ichigo shook his head and sighed. Tenzin was shocked.
"That was a 2000-year old historical treasure! What-what is wrong with you?!"
"There's nothing wrong with me." Korra argued, "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, this isn't something you can force. If you would only listen to me-"
"I have been! But you know what I think? Maybe the problem isn't me. Maybe the reason that I haven't learned airbending yet is because you're a terrible teacher!"
She ran off.
"Ugh!" Tenzin was frankly a little more than peeved.
Meelo laughed. "Yeah, you're a terrible teacher, daddy!" He began yelling and kicking all the splintered wood.
Jinora and Ikki hugged their father.
That evening at dinner, Ichigo and Tenzin's family were sitting down. Pema brought the food on a platter.
"Ok, everyone here? Oh wait, where's Korra?"
"Honestly, Pema, I am at my wit's end with that girl. I, I don't know how to get through to her." Tenzin grumbled.
Pema put an arm around her husband. "Dear, the best thing you can do right now is to give Korra some space. Maybe let someone her own age talk to her."
She looked pointedly at Ichigo. The teen sighed. "I'll go find her."
Tenzin looked up at his kids as Ichigo left. "You must promise me that your teenage years will not be like this."
Jinora glanced up from her book. "I will make no such promises," she said flatly.
Ichigo looked over as much of the Island as he could. But he found nothing. Then he looked at the Arena.
"I swear, Korra. You better not be there."
Korra opened the door and walked into the room that overlooked the arena. Bolin and Mako were there with depressed looks on their faces.
"I didn't miss your match did I?" Korra asked. "You guys look like you already lost."
"We might as well have." Bolin looked at the ground.
"Hasook's a no-good, no-show." Mako said angrily.
A man opened the door. "You got two minutes to come out ready to play or you're disqualified."
Mako sighed. "Well, there goes our shot at the tournament. And the winnings."
Korra gestured to the other team in the room. "Can't you ask one of those guys to fill in?"
"No," Bolin said, "the rules say that you can only play on one team."
"Well, then, what about me? I'm a top notch waterbender, if I do say so myself."
"But you're the Avatar. Isn't that cheating?"
"It's not cheating if I only bend water."
"No way." Mako said, "I'd rather forfeit than look like a fool out there."
"Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence."
The man came in again. "Times up. You in or out?"
"We're in!" Korra said.
"We are?" Bolin asked.
"Hey, I didn't agree to this." Mako argued.
"You can thank me later," Korra said as she opened the closet to get her uniform.
"This girl is crazy."
"Tell me about it." A soaking-wet Ichigo stepped into the room. "I had to swim across the entire bay to get here, climb up the building, find my way here and I now I hear that you're participating. Great. Just great, Korra. Tenzin's crazy. If he hears about this-"
"Save it for later, Ichigo. I've got a match to win."
"Hey, wait!" His words fell on deaf ears.
Ichigo grunted angrily and resigned himself to watching the match.
"Looks like the Fire Ferrets have ferreted out a replacement player." The commentator said. "Let's see if she's another diamond in the rough like the brothers from the school of hard knocks."
Ichigo had to admit. Korra looked pretty ridiculous in a uniform that was several sizes too large.
The bell dinged and Korra instantly knocked her opponent off the side of the ring. Ichigo facepalmed. Didn't she read the rules?
"Of course she didn't." The strange voice was back. "You always seem to pick the dumb girls, King. Rukia the idiot bunny lover and Orihime the stupid and bizarre recipe maker."
Get out of my head!
The voice disappeared with a laugh. Ichigo returned his attention to the match. The crowd was booing Korra as she did a victory dance.
The referee blew his whistle and sent her back one zone.
"What? Why?" Korra was indignant.
"You're only allowed to knock players off the back of the ring. Not over the sides." Mako explained angrily.
"Oh. Whoops."
The match restarted and Korra sent a barrage of water while stepping over the line. She was sent back to Zone 3. Ichigo groaned in frustration as the Platypus Bears took Round 1.
The second round started and the other team focused their bending on Korra. She tried to defend herself with water but was unsuccessful. Then as two more attacks came, she raised two discs of earth on pure instinct.
"Wait a second, folks. Did that waterbender just earthbend?"
"Idiot!" Ichigo nearly shouted.
Back on Air Temple Island, some White Lotus members were listening to the match. Tenzin came up behind them.
"Have you seen Ichigo or Korra? They're not in their rooms."
Then the announcer spilled the beans. "You've got to be kidding. She's the Avatar, folks! Playing in a pro-bending match. Can you believe that?"
Tenzin's face went red with anger. "I'll get her myself." He declared.
Now at the arena, the referee came back with the verdict.
"The Avatar will be permitted to continue, so long as she solely bends water."
The Platypus Bears weren't too happy about that but the match resumed. They all intensified their attacks on Korra and soon she was sent into the water.
She swam to the surface and climbed onto a platform. A long shadow passed over her and she looked up to see Tenzin.
"Oh, hey, Tenzin. I didn't know you came to see these matches." She said awkwardly.
Ichigo saw them and cursed. He quickly ran out of the room and down to where they were.
"Once again, you have flagrantly disobeyed my orders. You were to stay on the Island. Let's go." Tenzin said firmly.
"No! I'm kinda in the middle of something here." Korra retorted.
"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! So I am ordering you to come back to the Temple. Right now!"
"Why? So I can sit around and meditate about how bad I am at airbending? You know I'm beginning to think there's a reason I haven't been able to learn it. Because maybe I don't even need it!"
"What? That is a ludicrous suggestion. The Avatar needs to learn Airbending. It is not optional."
"No, this is what I need to learn." She gestured at the arena. "Modern styles of fighting."
"Being the Avatar isn't all about fighting, Korra. When will you learn that?"
She turned away. "I have a match to go finish."
She went to the platform and it started raising her up to the arena. At that moment, Ichigo made his appearance.
"Korra!"
Tenzin glared at the teen. "I thought you were looking for her!"
"I was!"
"Then why did you let her participate?"
"I tried to stop her, Tenzin! But she's made up her mind!"
The airbender sighed. "Why is she so set on being rebellious?"
"Maybe it's because she's right."
"What?"
"The world is different from the one your father lived in. Bending is different. Airbending is practically endangered as it is. I think for her to be a good Avatar, she needs to learn the ins and outs of this modern age."
"But what about tradition?"
"She's not interested in that, Tenzin. And you know it."
Tenzin looked at the ground. "Yes. She is set in her ways."
Ichigo tried to appear reasonable. "Who knows, Tenzin? Maybe she can learn something from this experience. And if she doesn't, then fine. No harm done. But if she does learn, maybe your teachings will start to break through."
"You are right, Ichigo. I'm sorry I got angry."
"It's fine, Baldy."
"Say one more word, Ichigo. One more."
Tenzin and Ichigo moved into the stands. Tenzin was about to leave when Ichigo grabbed his arm.
"Tenzin, look at that."
The opposite team had forced Bolin and Mako into a corner, away from Korra. They knocked her back to the edge of Zone 3. Then suddenly they weren't hitting her anymore.
She began switching directions quickly, spinning around their attacks.
"How about that." Tenzin looked with wonder.
"She's doing it!" Ichigo grinned wide.
The Platypus Bears had by now ran out of juice but Mako and Bolin still had plenty to spare. They unleashed a furious attack of earth and fire and Korra joined them.
Together they knocked all three opposing players into the water.
"Woohoo!" Tenzin cried before he cleared his throat and tried to regain his dignity. Ichigo chuckled at the older man's expense but he too was happy.
The Fire Ferrets cheered. They were in the tournament. Bolin and Korra high-fived. Mako walked over to them.
"Korra, what can I say? 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. Somebody else taught me those moves." She said with a smile.
She looked for Ichigo and saw him smiling and waving in the stands. She laughed as he regained control of himself. But then his face broke out into his trademark cocky grin and he gave her a thumbs-up. Korra returned the gesture.
That night, Korra went to Tenzin as the Air Acolytes repaired all the gates she had destroyed earlier.
"I'm really sorry," she told him, "about everything that I said. I was really frustrated with myself and I took it out on you."
"I think I owe you an apology too." Tenzin said solemnly. "I was trying to teach you about patience. But I lost mine."
"No hard feelings?"
"Of course not. By the way, you were really good out there tonight. You moved just like an Airbender."
"Wait, you stayed and watched?"
"I did. Pro-bending turned out to be the perfect teaching tool for you."
Korra smiled happily at him and he smiled back kindly.
"I'll see you tomorrow for Airbending practice, bright and early." Korra said as she ran off. "And by the way, I kinda permanently joined the Fire Ferrets and we're playing in the tournament in a couple weeks."
Tenzin sighed. Ichigo came up behind him.
The airbender smiled at him. "You were right, Ichigo. She did learn something. And I think I did too."
"Aah. I was just helping out a friend."
"Even so," Tenzin closed his eyes and bowed. "I owe you my thanks… Strawberry."
"Tch. Shut up."
Tenzin laughed quietly. Ichigo thought it was a nice laugh.
Back at the arena, Mako was perched on a windowsill in the attic. His eyes were looking across the bay at Air Temple Island. Little did he know that Korra was doing exactly the same thing.
And there you go. That's chapter 3. Tell me your thoughts, was it good, was it bad? Anything you'd change? I always love hearing from you guys. Thanks so much for reading and I'll see you all next time.
