It was morning on the Air Temple Island. You could breathe in the tranquility of the place. A lot had happened since Korra's presence was announced in Republic City.
To begin with, Pema was taken aback when she met the gang, but was reassured to see that they were similar to her children. But then, a tense moment happened when the gang asked why she was swollen. Because they were told that dinosaurs laid eggs, they had to find a way to explain without traumatizing them. Fortunately, Jinora came up with the idea of telling them that inside her was an egg that would hatch inside her and then expel the baby. It was disgusting to the gang, but acceptable, much to the relief of the humans.
They gave the gang a room of their own with a bed and everything so they could be more comfortable and closer to Korra's room.
As soon as the day began, the gang was telling Korra and the young airbenders about some of their adventures. Needless to say, they were amazed to hear how a group of kids had such exciting and dangerous experiences such as sharpteeth, volcanoes, floods, blizzards, earthquakes, etc. Then they told them some things about the human world, such as the four nations and the spirits, although Petrie was a bit startled by the description.
They were also answering several questions from Jinora, as she was very curious about the dinosaurs and the world they came from, and the answers surprised them in a good way.
Right now, Korra, the gang and Tenzin were in the dining room having breakfast.
"And, in the final round, the Buzzard Wasps won with a decisive knockout!" said Korra reading a newspaper.
"Wow. Good for them." said Littlefoot.
"What kind of game was that?" asked Cera.
"It's called pro-bending, it's a sport where a team consisting of a waterbender, earthbender and firebender fight another team on a platform. The goal is to push the opposing team back until they are completely ousted." said Korra.
"Sounds like a lot of fun. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky as Spike ate his food.
"What do you say we go to the arena tonight, catch a few pro-bending matches?" asked Korra.
"What a good idea." said Chomper.
"Hearing about that sport is cool but watching it will be even better." said Ruby.
"That sport is a mockery of the noble tradition of bending." said Tenzin.
"Me don't find it mockery, me find that sport amusing." said Petrie.
"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." said Korra.
"Why don't you let her go?" asked Littlefoot.
"Because she isn't here to watch that drivel. She's here to finish her Avatar training. So, for the time being, I want you to remain on the island." said Tenzin.
"That's not fair. Just because she can't go out, doesn't mean we can't." said Cera.
"Why, thanks for your words, Cera." said Korra sarcastically.
"You find yourselves in a world totally unknown to you and you don't know what kind of dangers lie beyond. It is best that you stay here for your safety." said Tenzin.
"That's what my grandpa used to tell me." commented Littlefoot.
"Is that why you're keeping the White Lotus sentries around, to watch my every move?" asked Korra pointing to the White Lotus guards guarding the dining hall entrances.
"Yes. In order to learn airbending I believe you require a calm, quiet environment, free from any distractions." said Tenzin.
"But with those guards, it doesn't seem like a quiet place. No, no, no." said Ducky.
"And I'm already getting distracted by them." said Chomper trying to look away from them.
"All right, you're the master." said Korra accepting the situation before turning around to take a look at the pro-bending arena.
Later, Tenzin was leading Korra (who was wearing the airbenders' uniform) and the gang to the training site.
"So, my mother informed me that you've never been able to airbend before." said Tenzin before Korra and the gang stopped in their tracks.
"Yeah, but I don't know why. The other elements came so easily to me, but every single time I've tried airbending…" expressed Korra making a raspberry. "Nothing."
"Maybe you need to be connected to the element to master it." said Ruby.
"When me wanna connect with air, me fly high." said Petrie flying a little.
"But Korra doesn't have wings, she can't fly. No, no, no." said Ducky with Spike shaking his head.
"Don't worry, Korra. I know you'll make it." said Littlefoot.
"Littlefoot is right." said Tenzin putting his hand on the Avatar's shoulder. "You just need to be patient. Often the element that's the most difficult for the Avatar to master is the one most opposite to the Avatar's personality. For Aang, it was earthbending."
"Yeah. Well, I'm about as opposite an airbender as you can get." said Korra.
"In that case, you just have to look like an airbender." said Chomper.
"For her that will be the hard part." commented Cera earning a scowl from the Avatar.
"Let's begin your first lesson." said Tenzin resuming the path.
Soon after, they climbed some stairs that led them to an area where Tenzin's children were located and behind them were several huge gates.
"Korra's gonna airbend! Korra's gonna airbend!" said Ikki as she jumped up and down in excitement.
"What's that?" asked Littlefoot.
"A time-honored tool that teaches the most fundamental aspect of airbending." replied Tenzin.
"And how does this thing work?" asked Cera.
"The goal is to weave your way through the gates and make it to the other side without touching them." explained Jinora.
"It sounds simple." said Chomper.
"I agree." said Korra.
"Jinora forgot to say that you have to make it through while the gates are spinning." said Ikki.
"Spinning?" asked Ducky.
Tenzin took a couple of steps forward and threw a gust of wind that made the gates start spinning rapidly.
"I guess it's not as simple as it looked." said Ruby.
Tenzin held a leaf in his hand before releasing it.
"The key is to be like the leaf." began Tenzin as the leaf let itself be carried by the wind towards the revolving gates, managing to pass through them without any problems. "Flow with the movement of the gates. Jinora will demonstrate." said Tenzin looking at his eldest daughter before she headed for the gates.
As Jinora went through the gates with ease as if she were dancing, Tenzin continued his explanation.
"Airbending is all about spiral movements. When you meet resistance, you must be able to switch direction at a moment's notice." explained Tenzin just as Jinora reached the other side before launching another gust of wind that made the gates spin rapidly again.
"Let's do this!" said Korra with determination.
"Good luck." said Littlefoot before Korra launched herself towards the gates.
But unlike Jinora, as soon as she entered the area of gates, Korra ran into one, and then another, and another, and another, and another, and another until she ended up landing sitting down where she started.
"Are you okay?" asked Ducky.
"I'm fine!" said Korra annoyed as she got up and lunged back toward the gates area but ended up in the same situation as before.
"Don't force your way through!" said Jinora trying to help her, but to no avail.
"Dance! Dance like the wind!" said Ikki trying to help, but it didn't work.
"Be the leaf!" said Meelo wiggling like a wave.
In the end, Korra was hit by another gate before falling toppled to the ground as Tenzin shook his head in disappointment.
"Are you okay?" asked Littlefoot approaching the Avatar.
"Yeah, just a little sore." said Korra sitting down on the ground.
"A little? You look like you've been hit by a pack of clubtails." said Cera.
"This isn't going to be as easy as we thought. No, no, no." said Ducky as Spike shook his head.
"Me don't get it. Test seems so simple." said Petrie.
"Why do you say that, Petrie?" asked Chomper.
"Me flyer. Me like leaf in the wind." said Petrie.
"Petrie, in case you haven't noticed, I am not a flyer like you, and I don't think you can complete the test easily." said Korra.
"Me can complete it. Me prove it now." said Petrie before flying to stand in front of the gate area.
"Are you sure, Petrie? You could hurt yourself." said Ruby.
"Me very sure." said Petrie with determination.
"Hey, it's okay to try." said Ikki with a shrug.
"Good luck, Petrie. Jinora, do it again!" said Meelo warning his sister.
Jinora, who had heard it all, had her doubts about the flyer performing the test, but he was determined to try. So, still in doubt, she launched a gust of wind that caused the gates to spin rapidly again.
"Me coming!" shouted Petrie before launching himself toward the gates.
Soon after, onlookers could be seen wincing every time Petrie screamed in pain as he crashed into the gates, it was like this all the way until Petrie was seen staggering towards them.
"Better leave this to humans." said Petrie before collapsing as two crossed hoops spun on his head.
That same night, on the island, Korra was in a courtyard, trying to airbend again, with Naga and the gang at her side.
"Airbend!" said Korra as she tried to throw a gust of wind at a newspaper showing a picture of Lin, but nothing happened, much to her frustration. "What is wrong with me? Airbend!" said Korra trying again, but nothing.
Korra was so frustrated that she ended up setting fire to the newspaper and the rope it was hanging on as she groaned in frustration.
"Korra, I don't know about airbending, but I'm sure it doesn't consist of hurting someone." said Ruby.
"Let alone someone who can lock you up if she finds out about this." said Cera.
"I know, I just get so frustrated. How come I'm able to bend the other elements and I'm not able to cast a simple wind breeze?" asked Korra.
"Maybe you just need to practice more." said Chomper.
"After all, Tenzin seems like a good and wise master. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky.
"Maybe, but his advice gets on my nerves a bit." said Korra.
"Well, that's what the Wisdoms are for." said Littlefoot.
"The Wisdoms?" asked Korra.
"They're the ways of doing things that help us stay out of danger when the unexpected happens. Like not wandering away from the herd or watching where you step." said Littlefoot.
"He call them that, but they also known as the 'Say So'." said Petrie.
"And why is that?" asked Korra.
"Because when me mother wants me to do something, she says 'Because me say so'." said Petrie.
Petrie
If me wanna go play on a dripply day
And me mother say me can't go.
When me ask her why,
she look me in the eye and say,
'Because me say so'
Oho, me can't say no.
Ducky
When your mamma says stay,
you cannot go.
Petrie
Me have to do what she want me to.
Cera
Why?
Cera, Ducky, Petrie, Chomper and Ruby
Because she say so.
Say so.
Say say so.
"Do you see? You understand what I go through." said Korra.
"Yes, it's possible, but there are Wisdoms to always follow." said Littlefoot.
Littlefoot
Wisdoms are important.
Cera
But not much fun.
Chomper
And I'm gonna learn them.
Ruby
Everyone?
Littlefoot
And if you're smart,
you'll learn them too.
Cera, Ducky, Petrie, Chomper and Ruby
Why?
Cera
'Cause Littlefoot...
Cera, Ducky, Petrie, Chomper and Ruby
Say so.
Say so.
Say say so.
Say so.
Say say so.
Say so.
Say say so.
Cera
Why?
Ducky, Petrie and Cera
Because he
say so.
"Exactly, guys. For as long as I can remember they've been telling me what I should and shouldn't do." said Korra.
"I understand you. Even my family has their lore. Tria tells me not to climb up a place if I don't know how to get down." said Cera.
"My parents used to tell me to keep my eyes and ears open." said Ruby.
"And my parents used to ask me to come back before it got dark." said Chomper.
"But that was out of concern, mine seems to be more to annoy me." said Korra crossing her arms.
"I feel the same way sometimes too." said Cera.
Cera
My folks are always telling me all the things I oughta do.
Like, 'Don't climb up if you can't get down'.
They call that a 'Gotta do'.
Egad, it makes me mad!
Why do I have to listen to my dad?
Littlefoot
Because he knows what's good for you.
Cera
All I hear is,
'Gotta do,
Gotta plan ahead'.
Petrie
Gotta work together.
Ducky
Ow!
Don't sit on a prickly thorn
Littlefoot
Listen to your folks
'cause they know better.
Cera
If something's in your way
bump it with your horn,
bump it with your horn.
The gang
Hey ho.
We know it's true.
The wisdoms say what's right to do.
Cera
But do I have to hear them from you too?
The gang
Say so.
Gotta, gotta, gotta.
Hey ho.
We know it's true.
The wisdoms say what's right to do.
Littlefoot
They're good for me.
Ducky
And you.
Petrie
And you.
The gang
Gotta gotta do.
What the say so's say to do.
Cera
Bump it!
The gang
Gotta do.
The gang
Gotta do.
We gotta do.
Cera
Bump it!
As Cera sang the last part, Cera banged her head against a rock he was charging against, cracking it in the process.
"It's okay. I understand that Tenzin is just worried about me, but he doesn't need to forbid me from doing everything. If I had a little more freedom, maybe it would be easier for me to airbend." said Korra.
"You just need to practice a little more. I'm sure you'll get it, Korra." said Littlefoot.
"Thanks, Littlefoot, but maybe I'm just not cut out to be an airbender, huh?" asked Korra.
Before anyone could comment...
"Ladies and gentlemen! I'm coming to you live from Republic City's Pro-bending Arena, where tonight the best in the world continue their quest for a spot in the upcoming championship tournament." the group turned to the side to see that the sound source was coming from a hut.
They crept closer and saw that there were three White Lotus guards listening through a radio. Korra looked at the gang with a smile and they understood what she meant, so they were quick to give her a nod.
Korra used earthbending to propel them toward the roof.
"Grab your snacks and grab your kids because this next match is gonna be a doozy!" said Shiro from the radio as Korra and the gang were listening intently to what he was saying from the roof.
Although Tenzin denied them going to watch a match, he didn't say anything about listening to a match through a radio broadcast.
Later, the group was listening to how the match was going and from the excited expressions on their faces, it was proving to be exciting.
"This Mako's got moxy! He advances, fires two quick shots. Yomo is hammered back to zone three!" was being told by Shiro as the guards, Korra and the gang were getting more and more excited to hear about the end of the match. "Clock is winding down, can Yomo hold on? He's teetering on the edge of the ring now. The Fire Ferrets line up to strik…"
Suddenly, the radio went dead. Korra and the gang were in shock and disappointment at what had just happened. In fact, Cera was holding back the urge to scream in frustration.
The White Lotus guards turned their heads to see Tenzin standing behind them and immediately turned to face him with horrified expressions.
"Korra, children, come down here please." said Tenzin knowing where they were from the beginning.
Korra peered down from the roof, startling the guards who moved out of the way to allow her to get down on the ground before helping the gang down as well.
"You shut it off at the best part!" said Korra.
"May I ask why you did that?" asked Cera very angrily.
"We wanted to know if Yomo was going to hold out." said Littlefoot.
"I thought I made myself clear. I don't want you listening to this distracting nonsense." said Tenzin.
"That's not fair. No, no, no." said Ducky as Spike groaned in sadness.
"And besides, it's their radio. And technically, you said I couldn't watch a match. You didn't say anything about listening to one." said Korra.
"That's true. She practically didn't disobey you, because listening isn't the same as watching." said Ruby agreeing with the Avatar's argument.
"You..." began Tenzin before letting out a groan of frustration at the Avatar's logic. "You know what I meant! Anyway shouldn't y…? Shouldn't you be in bed by now?" asked Tenzin before turning to leave.
"*Sigh* Come on, guys. Let's go to bed." said Korra before leaving with the gang as everyone was sad not to hear the game and annoyed by the airbender's strict rules.
The next morning, in a small temple on the edge of the island, Tenzin was in the lotus position, with his children, Korra and the gang, who wanted to try the exercise, sitting in the same position (although not in the case of the gang) in front of him.
The exercise consisted, simply, of meditating, keeping silent, with eyes closed, breathing deeply, and saying nothing.
Despite her best efforts, Korra found it difficult to meditate in peace and ended up opening her eyes. Glancing around, she saw the young airbenders meditating peacefully and the gang sitting quietly, though she saw Cera open her eyes from time to time, a sign that she too was having trouble meditating. After that, she closed her eyes to try to meditate again, as did Cera.
"I think I'm doing it wrong." said Korra tired of not managing to meditate quietly.
"There's nothing to do. Let your mind and your spirit be free, for air is the element of freedom." said Tenzin before Korra and Cera burst out laughing. "Is something… funny?"
"Yeah, you're telling me to embrace freedom, but you won't even let me listen to the radio." said Korra.
"And forget about leaving this island!" said Cera.
"It's almost like when grown-ups forbid us some things, but you forbid a lot more things." said Ruby.
"I know you care about us, Tenzin, but I don't think this is right." said Littlefoot.
"It like me not have wings to fly." said Petrie.
"Children, please. Look at Meelo and Spike; they're able to meditate peacefully." said Tenzin pointing to his youngest son and the spiketail who were actually sleeping peacefully.
"Hihi. That's because they are asleep." said Ducky laughing at the situation.
"What?" asked Tenzin in surprise as he bent down to check. "Well, at least they have the relaxing part down."
"Just too much." said Chomper.
"Whatever. None of this airbending stuff makes any sense to me." said Korra.
"I know you're frustrated, but these teachings will sink in over time. Then one day, they'll just click." said Tenzin before they all went back to meditating.
It was all quiet. At least for a few seconds.
"Yeah, it's not sinking in yet." said Korra before getting up. "I'm gonna go get a glass of lychee juice." said Korra leaving the temple as the gang did the same.
"I'll walk you out." said Littlefoot.
"I was getting tired of all this meditation thing." said Cera.
"Well, I kind of like it." said Chomper.
"It very relaxing." said Petrie.
"Maybe you could do it again." said Ruby.
"Come on, Spike, wake up, it's time to go." said Ducky waking up Spike before the two of them left the temple along with the others, leaving only Tenzin and his children.
"Korra, the meditation's not over yet!" said Tenzin.
"Daddy, can I have some lychee juice too?" asked Ikki.
"No." said Tenzin very seriously.
Ikki grimaced in disgust as Meelo fell back, still asleep while Jinora opened one eye.
As night fell, a pair of White Lotus guards could be seen guarding the entrance. Korra opened the window slightly to watch as one of the guards walked away.
"Korra?" at the mention of her name, Korra startled and turned quickly with a horrified expression, but then, let out a sigh of relief when she saw that it was just Littlefoot and the others. "What are you doing?"
"Do you intend to run away?" asked Chomper.
"What do you think? I need a break from all this. There's a pro-bending match tonight and if Tenzin isn't going to let me listen to it, I'll have to watch it live." said Korra.
"Are you seriously planning to run away and disobey Tenzin?" asked Cera.
"You did that often back home." said Korra remembering when they were told that they used to sneak out of the Great Valley for adventures despite what the adults said.
"Touché." said Cera.
"That's why we're going with you." said Littlefoot.
"No. If Tenzin catches me, I don't want you too involved." said Korra.
"We are friends, Korra and friends support each other. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky as Spike nodded.
"Besides, we would like to see a pro-bending match too and since Tenzin won't let us listen to a pro-bending match, at least, we'll go watch it." said Ruby.
"We go where you go." said Petrie.
Korra smiled at how good friends they were, who were willing to even get in trouble for her.
"All right, then. Let's go." said Korra.
After checking again that there were no guards around, Korra set out to escape while helping the gang do so as well.
Once they were all on the ground, they quickly ran to the edge of the island that overlooked the pro-bending arena that was on the other side of the sea.
"Okay, we're here, now what?" asked Cera.
"Simple. We jump in the water and swim to the other side." said Korra.
"What?! You want us go through Big Water?!" asked Petrie in total surprise.
"Don't worry, you have an expert waterbender by your side. You'll be fine by my side. Do you trust me?" asked Korra extending her hand towards them.
The gang was still a little nervous about swimming a long distance in a sea they knew nothing about, but still, they were all willing to follow their friend.
Always." said Littlefoot taking a step forward and grabbing Korra's hand with his paw.
With great courage, they all jumped into the water. Before they reached the end, Korra used waterbending to soften the landing. Once they were all underwater holding their breath, Korra grabbed them all and used waterbending again to propel them quickly to their destination.
The pro-bending arena.
After a while, they popped their heads out of the water to catch their breath before they saw that they were next to the arena.
"We made it." said Littlefoot.
"I told you you'd be fine with me." said Korra.
"Yeah, but next time, I'd prefer one of those boats." said Cera.
"Me prefer flying." said Petrie.
"Why? The water is really nice." said Ducky swimming a little.
"That's because you're a swimmer." said Ruby.
"All right. Let's not waste any more time." said Korra before using the waterbending to propel them all towards an open window which brought them inside.
Once safe, they shook a bit to get the water off of them before proceeding to explore the place.
They were walking around for a while until...
"Hey, what is this place?" asked Chomper.
At the question, Korra and the others stopped and turned their heads to see a huge room filled with sports equipment.
"It's the gym!" said Korra excitedly.
"What's a gym?" asked Littlefoot.
"It's where the teams train to get stronger." said Korra as she and the others entered the gym.
"I like this place already." said Cera.
Spike, feeling curious, walked over to one of the loose weights on the floor and bit into it, but ended up letting out a groan from the pain, not only because it was so hard, but it didn't taste like anything.
"Hey, what're you doin' in my gym?" asked a man approaching Korra as the gang gathered around her.
Unbeknownst to them, a person was walking through the entrance of the gym.
"Uh, I was just looking for a bathroom and I got lost." said Korra as the other person stopped at the gym entrance.
"Ah, the old 'I had to pee' excuse! You know, I'm sick and tired of you kids sneakin' in without payin'! And besides, no pets allowed here! I'm taking you to security!" said the man.
"No, wait!" said Korra in a panic.
Before anything else happened, in between Cera expressing to him that they weren't pets, the person standing at the entrance of the gym approached them, revealing himself to be a young man almost Korra's age.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you! It's all right Toza, they're with me." said the boy standing next to Korra and the gang.
Korra smiled as she understood what he was doing while the gang was a little confused.
"Yeah, we're with him." said Korra.
"So, you see, we're together." said the boy.
"Well, not together together, more like friends." said Korra.
"Do you know who he is?" asked Littlefoot low enough so they couldn't be heard.
"I don't know, but I think he's helping us." said Chomper in a very low voice.
"Right, friends. No, no, I didn't mean to imply." said the boy through his teeth and a little blushing.
"Oh, you implied it." said Korra.
"Ah, I don't care what you are! I got work to do." said Toza before leaving.
"Rrright this way, miss and... escorts." said the boy.
"And thank you, sir!" said Korra before covering one side of her mouth with her hand. "Seriously, thanks." whispered Korra thanking him for saving her and the others from the situation before the boy escorted them out of the gym.
"Thank you so much for helping us earlier." said Ducky.
"You're welcome. It's normal to want to help someone." the boy said before his eyes widened in surprise. "Did... did you just speak?" asked the boy very surprised.
"If you gave me a leaf for every time I heard that, I'd have a whole tree." said Cera.
"Did you know they could talk?" asked the boy to Korra.
"From the beginning." said Korra.
"Is that a problem?" asked Chomper.
"Oh, no. Nothing. Nothing. I was just a little surprised. I've never seen creatures like you before, let alone talking." said the boy.
"That's something we've noticed lately." said Ruby.
Soon after, the boy led the Avatar and the gang into another room.
"Whaddya think? Best seats in the house, huh?" the boy asked with a smug grin.
Korra and the gang were amazed when they saw that they were in a balcony where they could see the entire battlefield.
"Whoa! Unbelievable!" said Korra.
"Yes. This place is more amazing than I imagined." said Littlefoot as two boys passed behind them.
"And it very big." said Petrie.
"You can see everything from here. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky as Spike nodded as he looked around the field.
"Name's Bolin, by the way." said the boy introducing himself.
"Korra and they are Littlefoot, Cera, Ducky, Petrie, Spike, Chomper and Ruby." said Korra without taking her eyes off the battlefield as she introduced herself and the gang.
"Nice to meet you." said Bolin to the gang.
"Likewise." said Chomper.
"Psst, Bolin." said one of the guys who entered the balcony calling out to Bolin.
"Yeah?" asked Bolin as he approached him.
"I told you, you have to stop bringing your crazy fangirls in here before the matches. Besides no pets are allowed in the arena. Get them out of here." the boy said.
"Come on, Mako! Right, look, I kinda promised them they could stay, but man, I got a good feeling, there's somethin' special about her and I'm not just saying that because of the creatures that go with her. I know it!" said Bolin before turning back to Korra and the gang. "Come here, I want you to meet my brother, Mako."
"Wait, Mako is your brother?" asked Littlefoot in surprise.
"Wow, w-we heard you playing on the radio." said Korra holding out her hand to shake his, but Mako walked past her like it was nothing.
"Come on, Bolin, we're up." said Mako putting on his helmet.
Korra looked a little disappointed that he left her hanging.
"But what was that for?" asked Cera not liking Mako's attitude.
"Or I could meet him later." said Korra.
"Yeah, sorry about that. My brother just gets real ... focused before a match." said Bolin before putting on his helmet. "Okay, I gotta go, wish me luck. Not ... that I'll need it." said Bolin before following Mako and the other boy out of the balcony onto the field.
"Good luck." said Ducky.
"Yeah, knock 'em out!." said Korra raising her fist in the air.
The stadium lights went out and then a spotlight illuminated the battlefield. Walking up a small ascending platform in the middle of the field, a man with a microphone appeared, so he must have been the announcer.
"Introooooducing the Fire Ferrets!" said the announcer pointing to one side of the field where a platform led the team of Mako and Bolin onto the field.
"Aaaaaah! I love you, Bolin! Aaaaaah!" shouted a girl from the seats.
"The rookie Ferrets came from out of nowhere and have made it further than anyone expected this season." said Shiro from the radio as the Fire Ferrets stood in the red zone of the field in front of the opposing team.
From the balcony, Korra and the gang could be seen excited for the match they would witness.
"But tonight, they face their toughest test yet, folks." said Shiro as the combatants got into position.
Then, the starting bell rang.
The next instant, the combatants began to hurl jets of fire, water, and earthen discs at each other.
"And they're off!" said Shiro as Bolin jumped back before throwing an earthen disc. "The two teams waste no time trying to blast each other out of zone one!"
The firebender, who was the one Bolin threw the earth disk at, destroyed the incoming object with firebending before launching a pair of fireballs. The other member of the Fire Ferrets dodged one fireball before blocking the second with his waterbending.
"Hasook is the first to feel the heat of the Tigerdillos!" said Shiro as Hasook threw a stream of water at the earthbender, but he dodged it with a side flip before raising a disc of earth which he threw with a kick.
"He tries to return the favor, but they're too fast for him" said Shiro as Mako ducked to the side to dodge the disk, then ducked to the other side to dodge a fire attack before launching fireballs from his fists and then quickly ducked to dodge a water attack and an earth disk.
"While Mako shows off his trademark 'cool under fire' style!" said Shiro as Mako shot a fireball.
Unfortunately, the opponent the attack was aimed at ducked to dodge it before he and the others shot a stream of water and fire that hit Hasook and Bolin, knocking them back as Mako kept firing fireballs.
"Oooh, the Tigerdillos score with a walloping one-two combo!" said Shiro.
From the balcony, Korra and the gang could be seen very nervous about the combat situation.
"Oh, no. This is terrible." said Ruby.
"They have to do something, or they'll lose." said Chomper.
"I hope Mako turns the situation around." said Littlefoot.
"He better." said Cera.
"Can their teammate hold on to their zone one territory?" asked Shiro as Mako nimbly dodged all the attacks thrown at him.
Unfortunately, during a jump, a ground disc hit him, causing him to put a foot on the boundary line.
"Guess not! Mako's over the line! The Tigerdillos get the green light and advance into Ferret territory!" said Shiro.
"Come on, Ferrets!" shouted Korra.
"You can do it!" shouted Littlefoot.
"Take them down!" shouted Cera.
"Come on, Ferrets! Come on! Yep, yep, yep!" shouted Ducky.
The waterbender launched a jet of water that Bolin neutralized with an earth disk, then Mako threw a fireball at the earthbender with a kick, but he dodged it with a leap.
While he was in the air, Bolin threw a ground disc at him, but he kicked it away, sending it crashing into Hasook, who ended up dragged into the last area near the edge of the field.
"Looks like Hasook's in trouble! He's in zone three teetering over the drink!" said Shiro.
The waterbender threw a water disc underneath them, but Bolin dodged it with a leap, but the disc was actually aimed at Hasook who was blocking a ground disc with the waterbending. The water disc caused him to slip. He tried to brace himself on one hand, but a ground puck hit him in the chest, and he ended up falling out of the ring into the water.
"And Hasook takes a dip! He'll be back for round two! Assuming the fabulous bending brothers can hold their ground until the next round." said Shiro as they dodged a water jet and an earthen disc.
Mako threw a fireball as Bolin used an earth disk to block a water jet, but another water jet hit him in the chest, knocking him back as Mako jumped backwards to dodge a fireball, both ending up in zone three.
Just then, the final bell rang.
"Round one goes to the Golden Temple Tigerdillos!" said the announcer as the crowd cheered in delight at the bout.
Hasook returned to stand next to Mako and Bolin as the three positioned themselves to fight again.
"Come on, Hasook! Get your act together!" said Mako.
Soon after, the bell rang for the start of the second round.
Shortly thereafter, the bell rang for the start of the second round.
The opponents began to quickly launch ground, fire, and water attacks, forcing the Ferrets back to zone two as they advanced one zone.
"The Fire Ferrets are knocked into zone two and the Tigerdillos advance!" said Shiro as Hasook blocked a ground disc with the waterbending before throwing a jet, Mako threw fireballs and Bolin threw a ground disc.
The waterbender threw a water jet before an earth disk hit him in the chest. Next, Mako threw two fireballs and Hasook launched a flying kick with a water jet diagonally, hitting another opponent while the beep that sounded every time someone crossed a zone boundary sounded.
Next, Bolin threw an earth disc that hit one opponent and sent him one zone back. Then, another opponent was hit by a fireball and the third by a water jet, knocking them back.
Soon after, the final bell rang.
"The Fire Ferrets cinch the round in the closing seconds!" said Shiro as Bolin and Hasook celebrated their victory. "It's one apiece, still anyone's match as we go into the third and final round!" said Shiro as the two teams returned to their main positions and as soon as the starting bell rang, they resumed fighting.
The waterbender threw a stream of water at Hasook, but he dodged it by rolling to the side. He threw a water jet at him again, but Hasook dodged it again.
"Hasook stumbles." said Shiro as Hasook passed behind Mako, who destroyed a disk of earth with a fireball. Hasook threw a jet of water, but a jet of water from the other waterbender trips him up until he falls on top of Bolin. "And now he tumbles right into his teammate!"
They both looked up to watch in horror as the earthbender walked forward before lifting a disc of dirt to kick it at him.
"He and Bolin better untangle quick if they don't want to…" said Shiro as the earthen disc hit the two, sending them out of the ring and into the water. "Oh, too late!"
"Oh, no!" said Korra in horror and nervously.
"Now Mako is alone." said Cera.
"Me not look." said Petrie covering his eyes with his hands, though he moved his fingers a little away so he could see.
"It's all up to Mako now!" said Shiro as Mako dodged fire, water, and earth attacks.
"He's bobbing and weaving! He's weaving and bobbing! But he's not hitting back!" said Shiro as Mako eventually reached the edge of the ring. "If Mako's knocked out, the Ferrets' fabulous season is over!"
Korra was so nervous she was pulling at her hair at the risk of tearing it out, and she wasn't the only one. Chomper was biting the metal bar out of nervousness while Ducky was hugging Petrie so tightly that the flyer was having trouble breathing.
Despite his situation, Mako looked calm and steady as he continued to dodge enemy attacks.
"He is dancing on the edge of the ring, surviving the three on one barrage! It seems his plan is to let the Tigerdillos punch themselves out!" said Shiro as Mako threw a fireball. "And his plan is working!" said Shiro as the fireball hit the waterbender, managing to send him out of the ring and into the water.
"Han is in the pool!" said Shiro referring to the downed opponent. "They've got nothing left in the tank and Mako is on the offensive!" said Shiro as Mako threw balls and jets of fire non-stop.
The two opponents tried to dodge or block the attacks.
"It's two on one!" said Shiro as the firebender ended up getting hit by a fireball, pushed to crash into the railing and sent into the water. "Scratch that, it's one on one, and it's an earth and fire slllugfest!"
Mako continued to throw fireballs, but the earthbender managed to block them all with earth discs, causing a cloud of dust to form between them.
That's when Mako started spinning in the air with his legs outstretched and threw a fire disc that hit the opponent and sent him into zone three.
"There's so much smoke and dust from the firefight, I can't even see where the Fire Ferret is!" said Shiro as the earthbender raised a disc of earth, preparing for the next attack.
Suddenly, Mako emerged from above through the smoke, fist wreathed in fire and launched a fireball that hit the earthbender directly, finally sending him out of the ring.
"It's a knockout! What a wing-dinger of a hat trick, folks! Mako pulls off the upset of the season, winning the match for the Fire Ferrets!" said Shiro as Mako removed his helmet.
Korra smiled happily to see them win the game. In fact, the gang was so happy that they cheered for joy.
"Yes, they won!" shouted Cera with great excitement.
"I knew they could do it!" said Chomper.
"It was definitely more exciting than hearing it, because seeing it in person was so exciting!" said Ruby.
"Woohoo! Yes!" shouted Bolin reaching the balcony in one leap from the stairs. "One more win and we're in the championship tournament!" said Bolin before snapping his fingers. "So, what'd ya think? Bolin's got some moves, huh?" asked Bolin.
"You were awesome! Yep, yep, yep!" said Ducky as Spike nodded quickly out of excitement.
"Me really worried when Mako found himself alone, but now me happy because you won!" said Petrie.
"That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen in my whole life!" said Littlefoot.
"What did I think?" asked Korra smiling as she grabbed Bolin by his suit to pull him closer to her. "What did I think? That was amazing!" said Korra excitedly as she pushed Bolin away from her.
Meanwhile, Mako was having a conversation with Hasook as they approached the balcony.
"You did more harm than good out there. You almost cost us the match!" said Mako.
"We won, didn't we?" asked Hasook as he removed his helmet.
"Barely." said Mako.
"Get off my case, pal!" said Hasook as he tossed the helmet onto the bench before leaving the scene.
"Useless." said Mako.
"You guys were incredible out there!" said Korra.
"Yeah, especially you, Mako." said Littlefoot looking at Mako who was still going about his business like nothing was wrong.
"Or should that be Mr. Hat Trick? Whatever that is." said Chomper.
"Oh, you're still here?" asked Mako.
"Oh, and you? You're still unfriendly?" asked Cera.
"Oohh." groaned Bolin at the threehorn's response. "Haha."
"Anyway" said Korra ignoring Mako to focus on his brother. "I've been immersed in bending my entire life, but I never learned how to move like that! It's like there's a whole new style here!"
"We may have been in this town for a couple of days, but this, without a doubt, was the best we've seen so far." said Littlefoot.
"Think you could show me a few tricks?" asked Korra crossing her arms.
"Ab-so-lutely!" said Bolin.
"Right now? Come on, Bolin." said Mako as he took off his protective gauntlets.
"Just ignore him. 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." said Bolin.
"Don't worry about that. Korra is an earthbender." said Chomper.
"That's true." said Korra crossing her arms.
Bolin was silent for a few seconds surprised by the revelation.
"I'm sorry, no, no! I didn't mean to assume. 'Cause I, you know, I was just figuring ... with your Water Tribe getup ... that you are ... a Water Tribe ... gal." said Bolin.
"Because she's a waterbender." said Ruby.
"And firebender too." said Petrie.
"Mmm." expressed Bolin with a hand on his chin as he thought about what he was being told. "I'm very confused right now."
"You're the Avatar, and I'm an idiot." said Mako finally understanding who Korra was.
"Both are true." said Korra.
"It took you that long to figure that out?" asked Cera looking at Mako with a smirk referring to the last part she mentioned.
Needless to say, Bolin was completely taken aback by the revelation.
"No... way." said Bolin before looking at Mako, covering one side of his face with his hand while pointing at Korra with the other. "The Avatar!" whispered Bolin as if they couldn't hear him, when in reality, they could.
A little later, in the pro-bending arena, in the gymnasium.
"All right! Let's see what'cha got!" said Bolin, who was behind a few earthen discs, to Korra who began to lift a couple of discs and throw them against a net. "That was great! Good power! But in a real match, you'd be a sitting turtle duck."
"Why? I thought in a match, it was all about beating your opponent to the ground." said Chomper.
"A pro-bending match isn't just about strength, it's also about technique and position." replied Bolin before turning his focus back to Korra. "Not so upright and flatfooted!" said Bolin as he took position to show example. "Stay light on your toes, right up until the moment when you need to dig in and strike. Then... pop, pop!" said Bolin raising two earthen discs which he threw at a speed faster than Korra's, much to her surprise.
"Wow! That was impressive. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky as Spike nodded.
"Okay, let me try it again." said Korra before getting into the same position and throwing two earth discs in the same manner as the earthbender.
"Wow! Nice adjustment! You're a natural at this." said Bolin.
"Well, she's the Avatar." said Littlefoot.
"Not bad." said Mako who was leaning on the stairs with his arms crossed.
"What's it take to impress this guy?" asked Korra.
"What? I said 'not bad'." said Mako.
"Yeah, but you said it in a tone that sounded like you meant it well when it sounded like you meant it badly." said Ruby.
Korra nodded her head in agreement.
"You know what, it's getting late. I think I'm gonna turn in. You kids have fun. Nice to meet you, Avatar Korra and dinosaurs from another world." said Mako before leaving remembering what Korra explained to them about the gang before they got to the gym.
"Yeah, been a real pleasure." said Korra sarcastically.
"Same here." said Cera.
"See ya upstairs, bro." said Mako as he walked away.
"Upstairs? Do you live here?" asked Littlefoot.
"Yup. In the attic. It's nothin' fancy, but we have some great views!" said Bolin.
"Me know what you talking about. Me cave sometimes not pretty, but view from it nice." said Petrie.
"So, back to bending. Why don't you throw that combo one more time?" said Bolin before Korra returned to the position from before and threw earth disks.
Korra smiled with excitement at learning something new.
But that smile was erased when, the next morning, she had to perform the gates test again and from her condition, it seems that she failed again in the same way as the previous times.
After exhaling being angry, Korra launched herself back towards the revolving gates, but again, she ended up getting hit by the doors.
"Patience, Korra!" said Tenzin trying to help her.
"I think she's going to need a lot after this." commented Chomper.
After being hit by another gate, Korra was so angry that she ended up shooting fire at the surrounding gates, much to the surprise of the gang, Tenzin, and his children.
A burnt piece of wood from the gates ended up falling in front of the gang.
"Yes, but how very, very, very patient." said Ruby.
"Wow. That was like watching myself." commented Cera.
"That's true. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky knowing how inpatient her friend was sometimes.
Spike nodded in agreement.
Korra was panting heavily with a frown and looking at the burned gates around her.
"That was a two-thousand-year-old historical treasure!" said Tenzin in shock before he turned it to anger. "What… What is wrong with you?!" asked Tenzin very angrily.
"There's nothing wrong with me! I've been practicing just like you taught me, but it isn't sinking in, okay? It hasn't click like you said it would." said Korra feeling frustrated and disappointed.
"Korra, this isn't something you can force. If you would only listen to me…" began Tenzin speaking calmly and serenely.
"I have been! But you know what I think? Maybe the problem isn't me! Maybe the reason I haven't learned airbending yet is because you're a terrible teacher!" said Korra pointing at Tenzin before running away from the place.
"Korra, wait!" said Littlefoot following Korra along with the rest of the gang.
"Ughh." groaned Tenzin in frustration at the Avatar's impatience.
"Yeah! You're a terrible teacher, Daddy!" said Meelo pointing at his father with a childishly amused grin before running around and screaming like a wild child as his two sisters hugged their father to comfort him.
Meanwhile, the gang managed to catch up with their human friend.
"Korra, where are you going?" asked Littlefoot.
"To the pro-bending arena. I need to get away from here as soon as possible." said Korra still frustrated.
"We understand that you are frustrated, but I don't think Tenzin is to blame. No, no, no." said Ducky.
"Then tell me why I can't airbend." said Korra.
"It will be because, from what Tenzin said, you are the opposite of an airbender, so you should act like an airbender, so you won't be the opposite of one." said Ruby.
"It's just that it's so hard." said Korra.
"But, still, what you did before hasn't been right." said Chomper.
"Gates hard and hit me a lot, but me did not wanna destroy them." said Petrie.
"Especially if it was something important." said Cera.
At the words of her friends, Korra paused to take a deep breath in an attempt to calm down a bit.
"I guess you are right. Maybe after I get back from the arena, I'll apologize to him. Maybe. Come on, guys. Maybe we'll get there in time to watch the match." said Korra.
"Yep, yep, yep. if the Fire Ferrets win, they'll go to the tournament." said Ducky as Spike nodded.
"I hope they win." said Chomper.
"In that case, let's go cheer them on." said Littlefoot.
After that, Korra and the gang set off for the arena, eager to watch another pro-bending match.
Later, in the temple dining room, Pema arrived with a tray of food while the rest of her family was seated, though Jinora was busy reading a book.
"Okay! Everyone here?" asked Pema before realizing something. "Wait. Where are Korra and the kids?"
"Honestly, Pema, I am at my wit's end with that girl! I… I don't know how to get through to her!" said Tenzin.
"Dear, the best thing you can do right now is to give Korra some space. Besides, Littlefoot and the others are with her. I'm sure their company will do her some good." said Pema.
"You must promise me that your teenage years won't be like this!" said Tenzin.
There was a small silence in the room until Jinora looked away from the book.
"I will make no such promises." said Jinora before turning her focus back to the book.
At the pro-bending arena, Korra and the gang entered the balcony where Mako and Bolin were standing looking depressed for some reason along with three other guys.
"We didn't miss your match, did we?" asked Korra.
"It looks like you lost." said Littlefoot.
"We might as well have." said Bolin lowering his head depressed.
"Hasook's a no-good no-show!" said Mako.
"Why? What happened to him?" asked Chomper.
"He left us. That's what happened." said Mako.
"WHAT?! Did he leave you at the last minute? You were right at the end, he's a useless fool!" said Cera.
"Thank you." said Mako.
At that moment, a man opened the door and peeked out a little.
"You got two minutes to come out ready to play, or you're disqualified." said the man.
"Well, there goes our shot at the tournament… and the winnings." said Mako.
"And can't you ask one of those guys over there for help?" asked Ruby pointing to the three guys standing off to the side chatting amongst themselves, though they looked at the gang curiously from time to time.
"Nah. The rules say you can only compete on one team." said Bolin.
"Oh, no, no, no. Now what are you going to do?" asked Ducky.
"Hey, why don't you help them, Korra?" asked Littlefoot.
"Good idea. I'm a top-notch waterbender, if I do say so myself." said Korra, crossing her arms.
"But you are the Avatar." said Petrie.
"Yeah, isn't that cheating?" asked Bolin.
"Not if you just use waterbending." said Littlefoot.
"Exactly." said Korra.
"No way. I'd rather forfeit than look like a fool out there." said Mako declining the offer.
"Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence." said Korra sarcastically.
Just then, the man from earlier appeared in the doorway again.
"Time's up. You in or out?" asked the man.
"We're in." said Korra quickly without hesitation.
"We are?" asked Mako as Korra headed for the lockers.
"Yes!" said Bolin excitedly.
"Hey, I didn't agree to this!" said Mako.
"You can thank me later." said Korra as she opened the locker to put on her combat uniform.
"This girl is crazy." said Mako.
"Well, this girl just saved your place in the match." said Cera.
"There no other choice." said Petrie.
"It was either that or you quit." said Littlefoot.
"And after what you've been through to get here, you can't quit after all you've been through to get here." said Ruby.
"I don't understand why you are so determined about helping us." said Mako.
"Well, because we're friends, aren't we?" asked Chomper.
"And friends help each other. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky as Spike nodded.
Mako was both confused and surprised by the dinosaurs' words.
"Come on Mako, hurry up!" said Bolin snapping Mako out of his state before he grabbed his helmet to leave the balcony for the field.
"Stay here and enjoy the show, kids." said Korra as she put on her helmet.
"Good luck, Korra." said Littlefoot before the Avatar followed the two brothers.
"Looks like the Fire Ferrets have ferreted out a last-minute replacement waterbender." said Shiro as Mako approached their position. "Let's see if she's another diamond in the rough like the brothers from the school of hard knocks!" said Shiro as the players got into position.
"Don't do anything too fancy or aggressive. In fact, don't do anything. Just try not to get knocked off the ring." said Mako to Korra.
"You got it, captain." said Korra.
Meanwhile, the gang stood in the balcony watching the match that was about to begin.
"Come on, Korra! You can do it!" said Littlefoot cheering his friend on.
"We trust you!" shouted Ducky.
"Good luck to all three of you!" shouted Chomper.
"Give those guys a good beating!" shouted Cera.
"Cheers Ferrets!" shouted Ruby.
"Fire Ferrets! Fire Ferrets!" shouted Petrie cheering on his team.
"Players! Are you ready?" asked the referee before blowing the whistle and raising his arm just before the starting bell rang.
As soon as she heard it, Korra launched a horizontal kick, sending a spray of water at the opponent in front of her and throwing him out of the ring sideways, shocking the opposing team as Mako slapped his face in frustration.
"Woohoo!" exclaimed Korra leaping into the air with her fist in the air. "Man overboard!" shouted Korra in excitement over her small victory as she ran in circles.
"Fire Ferret waterbender, penalty! Move back one zone!" said the referee.
"What? Why?" asked Korra in confusion.
"You're only allowed to knock players off the back of the ring! Not over the sides!" said Mako.
"Oh. Whoops." said Korra realizing her little mistake.
"In her defense, I didn't know that." said Cera.
"I guess she should have asked earlier." said Ruby.
"Relax, I'm sure they'll get better later." said Littlefoot confidently.
Back on the field, Korra moved back a zone as the opponent she threw returned to his previous position.
Soon after, the starting bell rang again.
"And we're back in action after that hiccup." said Shiro.
As soon as the fight started, the players began to throw water, earth, and fire attacks at each other. Korra launched a stream of water before an earth disc hit her in the chest, forcing her to back up a bit.
"But I'm not so sure this replacement player knows what she's doing." said Shiro as Korra leapt into the air and used her foot to change the direction of an incoming water jet to throw it at the other team, but upon landing, she ended up stepping on the boundary line, causing the referee to whistle.
"Foul! Over the line! Move back to zone three!" said the referee, much to the Avatar's frustration.
"I'll show you over the line!" said Korra in frustration before moving off.
The way things were progressing, the gang began to worry about their friend.
"Oh, no, no, no. This is getting worse." said Ducky.
"I hope Korra finds a way to get back to zone one." said Chomper.
"Yes or else she eliminated." said Petrie.
Finally, the finishing bell rang.
"The Platypus Bears take round one!" said Shiro before the bell rang for the start of the second round, returning to the situation of throwing elemental attacks at each other.
Korra dodged a disc of earth before using a stream of water to neutralize a water and fire attack but hitting the water with the fire generated a small explosion that knocked her back a couple of steps.
"The Platypus Bears know a green player when they see one, and they are focusing the brunt of their bending on this poor girl!" said Shiro as Korra, with a leap, sent a water jet to neutralize another water jet.
She quickly dodged another ground disc before using her waterbending to block a fire attack, but the resulting explosion forced her further back to the side of the ring.
Korra turned her gaze to her forehead to see two opponents throwing jets of water and fire at her. Desperate to get out of that situation, Korra ended up using earthbending to raise two earth discs with which she blocked both attacks, causing a smokescreen around her.
"Wait a minute! Did that waterbender just earthbend?" asked Shiro as the audience and opponents gasped at what had just happened as the referee blew his whistle.
"Foul! I... think." said the referee as Korra began to realize what she had done, giving the two brothers a nervous smile as she shrugged her shoulders.
Mako shook his head, knowing it wasn't a good idea from the start.
"Uh oh. Looks like they got her." said Cera.
"I don't know why, but I saw that coming." said Chomper.
"I guess now we can just wait to see what they'll do with it." said Littlefoot.
Meanwhile, on Air Temple Island, several guards were listening in on the radio to what was going on.
"Did I see that right? Hold on, folks, we're just waiting for the referee's official call, but… I-I think this replacement player could be… no, there's no way!" said Shiro as someone approached the guards' listening post.
"Pardon me, everyone, have you seen Korra and the children this evening? They're not in their room." said Tenzin approaching the guards.
"You've gotta be kidding me! She's the Avatar, folks! Playing in a pro-bending match! Can you believe that?" asked Shiro.
At the news, one of the guards who was drinking ended up spitting the contents of his mouth out of shock as Tenzin's head was turning red with pure anger.
"I'll get them myself!" said Tenzin very pissed off before turning around to leave, realizing that, if Korra were there, they would be there too.
Back in the pro-bending arena...
"The Avatar will be permitted to continue so long as she solely bends water!" said the referee to the delight of the crowd.
As the opponents groaned in frustration at the mention that they would end up fighting the Avatar, the gang let out a sigh of relief that neither Korra nor the two brothers were in trouble and could continue.
Soon after, the bell rang again for the start of the second round.
The three opponents began to focus their elemental attacks on Korra, who could only defend herself with waterbending.
"This girl may be the Avatar, but she's no pro-bender and the Platypus Bears are intent on exploiting that weakness!" said Shiro as Korra tried to defend herself and dodge the continuous attacks while throwing a stream of water at every opportunity she could find, but in the process of dodging the attacks, she ended up backing up until she was on the edge of zone one.
In the end, Korra took a hit from the three elements that sent her far behind.
"They're giving her their best, and her best ain't good enough to stop it!" said Shiro just as Korra fell out of the ring and into the water. "Aaaaand she's in the drink." said Shiro as the gang let out a gasp of horror as they watched their friend lose.
"That's not fair. They know Korra doesn't know much about the sport and they're taking advantage of that to attack her." said Cera.
"I think that's something humans call strategy." said Ruby.
"Well, I don't like that strategy at all. No, no, no." said Ducky.
"I hope Korra is okay." said Littlefoot.
Meanwhile, Korra swam along until she reached the edge of the water area, where, as she climbed out of the water, a shadow loomed over her and when she raised her head, she met Tenzin's stern gaze.
"Oh, hey, Tenzin. I thought you didn't like coming to these matches." said Korra giggling nervously before she climbed completely out of the water and stood in front of the airbender.
"Once again, you have flagrantly disobeyed my orders. And not only that. But you've also endangered Littlefoot and the others. You were to stay on the island! Let's go." Tenzin said, leaving.
"No! I'm kind of in the middle of something." said Korra causing the airbender to pause.
"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!" said Tenzin speaking with authority and a bit of anger.
"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!" said Korra.
"What? That is a ludicrous suggestion! The Avatar needs to learn airbending! It isn't optional!" said Tenzin.
"No! This is what I need to learn! Modern styles of fighting!" said Korra.
"Being the Avatar isn't all about fighting, Korra! When will you learn that?" asked Tenzin.
"I have a match to go finish." said Korra turning to leave, climbing onto the lift platform. "And just so you know, Littlefoot and the others are definitely good friends. Do you know why? Because they're willing to get in trouble just to support me. Something you basically don't do." said Korra.
Just then, the final bell rang.
"The Platypus Bears win round two!" said the announcer as the platform ascended and Tenzin left.
Later, the players were in position just as the starting bell rang.
"Round three!" shouted the announcer just as the two teams began to launch elemental attacks at each other.
The waterbender threw a jet of water at Bolin who used his arms as a shield but ended up backing up a bit before throwing an earth disk. Mako used fire to block a water jet which pushed him towards his brother who raised an earth disk to block another water attack.
Both brothers ended up retreating to the side of the area while blocking incoming attacks.
"What are they doing?" asked Chomper.
"It looks like they want to separate Mako and Bolin from Korra." said Ruby.
"Now Korra alone." said Petrie.
"Come on, Korra! Prove why you're the Avatar!" shouted Cera.
"We trust you!" shouted Littlefoot worried about his friend.
"The Platypus Bears come out of the gate and quickly go after the Ferret brothers! They're corralled in the corner, wedged in the edge of zone one, unable to come to the Avatar's rescue!" said Shiro as the waterbender squirted them nonstop to keep them from moving from their spot.
"And boy, does she need it!" said Shiro as the other opponents threw fireballs and earth discs at Korra who was defending herself from attacks with the waterbending.
Tenzin was about to leave the arena when he suddenly stopped and turned to see how Korra was doing, who dodged an earth disc before a jet of water hit her.
"Looks like the Avatar's pro-bending debut is going to be cut short!" said Shiro as Korra dodged an earth disk and a fireball, but another earth disk hit her in the chest, though she grabbed the disk and threw it away.
Tenzin patted his head in disappointment and just then, Korra ended up so far out on the edge of the ring that she had to struggle not to lose her balance and fall backwards.
"She's been pushed back to zone three, and the water is calling her name!" said Shiro as Korra regained her balance in time to dodge a ground disc.
"I can't look." said Ducky covering her eyes, as did Spike.
Korra formed a face of calm and seriousness as she took a few steps forward.
"It's only a matter of time before…" began Shiro when suddenly, Korra began to spiral around while dodging all incoming attacks. "Hold the phone! Stop the presses! She's still in the game, folks! And she's moving like an entirely different player! All of a sudden, the Platypus Bears' strikes are only striking air!" said Shiro as Korra continued the spiraling motion to dodge all the attacks.
"Hey, doesn't that sound familiar?" asked Ruby.
"Yep, yep, yep. Korra is doing what Tenzin taught her." said Ducky.
"She moving like..." began Petrie.
"A leaf in the wind." finished Littlefoot.
"How about that?" said Tenzin in amazement at what he saw.
The opponents continued their endless assault, but little by little, they were beginning to tire.
"The Platypus Bears have no juice left." said Shiro as the waterbender that was keeping the brothers cornered threw a stream of water that was unleashed a short distance away from them.
"But Mako and Bolin are still fresh and juicy!" said Shiro as Mako leapt into the air to launch a fireball before proceeding to launch fireballs from his fists as Bolin positioned himself to throw earth discs.
Not only that, but Korra also started throwing jets of water at the other team. Mako launched several fireballs that hit one opponent, sending him out of the ring. Another of the opponents was hit by a pair of earth discs before another pair of water jets. After a couple more hits of fire and earth, the opponent rolled to fall out of the ring.
There was only one last opponent left and Korra decided to be the one to finish him off. She threw a couple of jets of water at him that hit him before he was thrown out of the ring and falling into the water.
After that, the bell rang for the end.
"Knockout!" said Shiro.
The gang began to celebrate the team's victory.
"Yeah, they did it!" said Ruby.
"I knew they could!" said Littlefoot.
"Hey, isn't that Tenzin over there?" asked Chomper pointing to an area where the gang could see the airbender.
"What he doing here?" asked Petrie.
"I don't know, but he seems pretty happy about Korra's victory." said Ducky.
"This I have to tell Korra." said Cera.
"Woohoo!" expressed Tenzin with extreme joy before he noticed the people around, so he returned to his serene attitude.
"The Fire Ferrets come from waaay behind and steal the win! What an upset, folks! The rookies, Avatar in tow, have nabbed a place in the championship tournament! I cannot believe it!" said Shiro.
Korra walked over to Bolin to high-five him.
"Hahaha, yeah! Yes!" said the two as they high-fived each other.
Soon after, Mako approached them.
"Korra… what can I say? You really came alive in that last round. The way you dodged their attacks… you are a natural." said Mako with a smile.
"Thanks, but I can't take all the credit. Someone else taught me those moves." said Korra.
"Korra!" said person turned around to see the gang, who had found their way to the field, running towards her.
"Congratulations, guys! You won!" said Ducky as Spike let out groans in congratulations.
"Of course we did! Next stop, the pro-bending tournament!" said Bolin.
"It's sure to be a lot harder." said Chomper.
"You said it. We'll need to train more in order to be in top shape." said Mako.
"Some more than others." said Cera looking at Korra.
"Hehe. I admit it was a bit rash of me to sign up without having practiced before." said Korra.
"Yes, but in end, you managed to play along and win." said Petrie.
"And not only that, but you managed to move the way Tenzin was teaching you when he was teaching you to move that way. That was the key to win the match." said Ruby.
"I knew you could do it, Korra." said Littlefoot receiving a smile from the Avatar who patted his head.
"It's getting late. It's time to go back." said Korra.
"*Yawn* Yeah. After all this excitement, I'm pretty tired." said Cera.
"Try to be here for training tomorrow." said Bolin.
"That's if they let you stay on the team." said Mako.
"Trust me. They will." said Korra with a confident smile.
Later in the evening, back on Air Temple Island, Tenzin stood in front of the test of the gates being set up by the air acolytes.
Soon after, Korra and the gang could be seen approaching from behind.
"I'm really sorry… about everything I said. I was really frustrated with myself, and I took it out on you." said Korra.
"Don't scold her too much." said Cera.
"She's just learning. That's all." said Littlefoot.
"And she's getting better. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky as Spike nodded.
"Thanks, kids, but that's not necessary." began Tenzin before focusing on Korra. "I think I owe you an apology too. I was trying to teach you about patience, but I lost mine." said Tenzin.
"I guess even adults need to learn from Wisdoms." said Korra.
"What?" asked Tenzin arching an eyebrow.
"Nothing. Dinosaur stuff. So... No hard feelings?" asked Korra feeling relieved.
"Of course not. By the way, you were really good out there tonight. You moved just like an airbender!" said Tenzin.
"I guessed that right." said Korra crossing her arms.
"Did you know I stayed to watch?" asked Tenzin curiously.
"That and they told me they saw you screaming for joy when my team managed to win." said Korra looking at him with an amused smile.
Tenzin was shocked to hear that while the gang chuckled a little.
"*Sigh* Anyway, pro-bending turned out to be the perfect teaching tool for you." said Tenzin before teacher and student shared a smile.
"I'll see you tomorrow for airbending practice, bright and early!" said Korra as she walked away.
"Yes, Korra has joined the Fire Ferrets." said Littlefoot following the Avatar along with the rest.
"And they need to train for the tournament which is in a few weeks." said Chomper.
"So she'll be very busy then." said Cera.
"But she'll also train in airbending. Yep, yep, yep." said Ducky.
"She wants to airbend." said Petrie.
"Learning airbending is important for the Avatar, because for the Avatar it is important to learn airbending." said Ruby.
Tenzin let out a sigh at the change in the Avatar's attitude. Hesitating on whether he is right to allow that as he wondered what he was going to do with her.
AN: And here we end with this chapter. I warn you that the next chapter will be an original of mine. Why? You will have to wait.