Chapter 4 The leaf in the wind
It's been a few days since Sean and Korra arrived in Republic city and since Tenzin agreed to train Korra. Of course though Korra and Lin had butted heads a lot since she had issues with Sean's past and tried a couple times to get the council to give him the death penalty for his past crimes. But Tenzin reminded them that wasn't who he was anymore and had changed. This of course annoyed Korra since while she understood Sean had done some things he wasn't proud of she knew he wasn't that person anymore.
Currently the three were in the mess hall with Korra reading the papers.
"And in the final, round the Buzzard-Wasps won with a decisive knockout. What do you say we go to the arena tonight, catch a few pro bending matches?" Korra asked Tenzin while Sean chuckled before grabbing the paper.
"I knew you would beg him to see these matches once we got here." Sean said making her grin.
"That sport is a mockery of the noble tradition of bending." Tenzin said.
"Things change. You either get with the times or stay in the past and never change." Sean said.
"Perhaps." Tenzin said seeing the logic in that.
"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." Korr said.
"Korra, you're not here to watch that drivel. You're here to finish your Avatar training. So for the time being I want both of you to remain on the island." Tenzin said.
"Is that why you're keeping the White Lotus sentries around to watch my every move?" Korra asked seeing them.
"I feel very insulted. I'm supposed to keep her safe and these guys are amateurs." Sean said annoyed making Korra snicker. (This is very true. The old White Lotus had more skilled members back in those days)
"It's nothing personal. Just like being prepared for all events." Tenzin said.
"And apparently keep the Virgin Police Chief out." Sean said making Korra nearly burst out laughing but covered her mouth while Tenzin's eyes twitched seeing him and Lin had some issues in a short time. Then again he wasn't surprised since Lin was always challenging during childhood.
"Sorry about her. Unfortunately she only sees the worst in you during your younger years." Tenzin said.
"What exactly did you do?" Korra asked.
"I don't wanna talk about it right now." Sean said making her sigh.
Soon the three left to get ready for training and Korra was dressed in airbending clothes.
"So my mother informed me that you've never been able to airbend before." Tenzin said making her sigh as she stopped.
"Yeah, but I don't know why. The other elements came so easily to me. But every single time I've tried airbending." Korra blew a raspberry. "Nothing." Korra said before Sean placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Like I said you'll get it in time. It took me 150 years to master every power the gods gave me. In time you'll get through this. I have faith in that." Sean said making her smile.
"He's right. with patience you'll get through this. Often the element that's the most difficult for the avatar to. Master is the one opposite to they're personalty. For my father it was Earth Bending." Tenzin said.
"I took me the longest to learn Athena's teaching since they were the opposite of what I was taught. We were taught to face a problem head on and think later. So it took longer to learn her teachings which in a way is similar to Airbending. But in time I learned to understand it." Sean said reassuring her making her nod before they arrived at some contraption where the kids were.
"The heck is that?" Korra asked.
"A time-honored tool that teaches the most fundament aspect of airbending. Jinora, would you like to explain this exercise?" Tenzin asked his oldest.
"The goal is to weave your way through the gates and make it to the other side without touching them." Jinora said.
"Seems easy enough." Korra said.
"Didn't I teach you never to assume?" Sean teased making her blink. "Look closer. What do you notice?" Sean asked.
"Their all flat." Korra said.
"Mmhmm. And this is an airbending practice and considering their size and shape..." Sean trailed off.
"Oh no." Korra moaned figuring it out.
"Figured it out? You have to make it through while they're moving." Tenzin said before airbending them before tossing in a leaf. "The key is to be like the Leaf. Flow with movement of the gates." Tenzin said as the leaf made it to the other side. "Jinora will demonstrate." Tenzin said as she went in. "Airbending is all about spiral movements. When you meet resistance, you must be able to switch direction at a moment's notice." Tenzin said as she made it through flawlessly before blowing wind back into it.
"Lets do this." Korra said about to charge in when Sean stopped her.
"Remember don't force your way through." Sean said making her nod before she went in.
"She certainly listens to you perfectly." Tenzin said as Korra was trying to do it like saw but was having trouble.
"Yeah well, 13 years of training helps." Sean said before Korra was thrown out. "Ok clearly you need to work on that but at least you managed to stay in for a while." Sean said.
"I'd like to see you try." Korra said rubbing her head making him grin before Jinora blew them again before Sean rushed in and avoided getting hit with ease despite his armor giving him a disadvantage before he made it next to Jinora who clapped.
"Need I demonstrate more. I told you already Airbending is similar to Athena's teachings. In fact you could say that the four elements are based on the gods. For Airbending it's peaceful and wise like Athena. For Water bending it's Poseidon's domain. Fire would be Ares domain for obvious reasons. And Earth bending would actually be related to the Titan Gaia." Sean said.
"Thats actually very true. In fact ever since your father made his appearance many people have been practicing the old ways." Tenzin said.
"Meaning what?" Korra asked.
"Well, Now Republic city has been having Oracals who can enter the memories of others and show them to everyone in that area. And many other abilities." Tenzin said
Later
After a hard day of training Sean was resting on Naga while Korra continued to practice her airbending.
"Airbend." Korra said trying to Airbend a picture of Lin's face making Sean snort in amusement. "What is wrong with me? AIRBEND!" Korra yelled trying again but nothing happened making her grow frustrated before firebending her face. "UGH!" Korra groaned before Sean rubbed her shoulders.
"Calm down. Like I said you'll get this in time." Sean said calming her down.
"But what if I can't? What I can't airbend?" Korra asked.
"Well...I guess I could consult with Athena if things don't improve in a couple months. But I very much doubt that it'll come to that. I have complete faith you'll get through this in no time at all." Sean said making her smile before they heard the radio.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm coming to you live from Republic city's pro bending Arena." An announcer said making Sean grin.
"I think this'll cheer you up." Sean said making her smile before Sean picked her making her laugh before jumping on the roof without making a sound before they stood above the radio as the White Lotus listened.
"Your right. This did cheer me up." Korra said as they listened in.
Reaching the end of the match Korra had an excited look on her face before suddenly the Radio turned off making her widen her eyes.
"Huh?" Sean asked confused.
"Both of you come down here please." Tenzin said.
"Oh well that figures." Sean said before they jumped down.
"You shut it off at the best part!" Korra said annoyed.
"I thought I made it clear. I don't want you listening to this distracting nonsense." Tenzin said.
"Oh like your father didn't goof off during his training time during the hundred year war." Sean said amused making him sigh seeing that was true.
"Honestly you have a retort for everything." Tenzin said rubbing his temples.
"Pays one to be prepared. Look during the day I can understand you want to keep distracting obstacles away but when she's not training should be her business." Sean said making him sigh.
"I suppose thats true." Tenzin said walking away.
"You are my hero you know that?" Korra asked making him grin.
Next morning
Tenzin was looking for Korra and Sean but couldn't find them.
"Ugh! Where are those two?" Tenzin asked before Jinora looked behind a tree.
"Found them." Jinora said seeing Sean teaching Korra to meditate making Tenzin smirk.
"She follows his lead no matter what. He'd make a great teacher for everyone." Tenzin said before the two left.
"Ok thats enough." Sean said as she let out a deep breath she was holding in.
"I can never understand how you or Tenzin do this on a daily basis." Korra said.
"For him it's natural. For me it took me a decade to learn this. Like I said I said Athena's teachings were difficult for me since they were the opposite of what I was taught growing up." Sean said.
"And where did you grow up? You know come to think of it. I really honestly don't know that much about you other than you have a complicated past." Korra said making him sigh.
"Well...I suppose I can tell you my origins." Sean said getting an excited look on her face. "I'm from a land called Sparta. A land of warriors that are the very elite. Hell they make the White Lotus look like amateurs." Sean said making her snicker. "Anyway we have a tradition that I'm not sure is still practiced anymore. In Spartan society there are no weak citizens. If anyone was seen as week or had a sickness they were cast out to the mountains to die." Sean said shocking her.
"Wait you actually just killed your own people?" Korra asked in disbelief.
"Regretfully yes. And all boys are taken from their families at the age of seven to train to become soldiers. It's not an option for most of us unless you're in a Nobel family or something of the like. I went through the same thing and beat every test they had faster than anyone before me. It caught the King's attention that I was put under special training reserved for the best of us." Sean said.
"So...You started killing when you were seven?" Korra asked hesitant.
"Don't be ridiculous." Sean said smiling at her putting her at ease. "I didn't have my first kill until I was 15. Every culture has unique principles like in these lands. Do you know why my father created them?" Sean asked.
"Clearly not. I assume he just wanted to have something to control." Korra said.
"Not so. He used the left over magic of the Titans to create this land as a form of balance between the four elements since as I said they represent the gods and the Titan Gaia." Sean said.
"I Guess that makes sense. So what happened to you when your training was finished." Korra asked.
"Well...I was a captain in the Spartan Army at the age of 15. My tactics were...Effective." Sean said before Tenzin approached them.
"I was hoping to train Korra in Meditation but it seems you've already gotten her into it." Tenzin said.
"Not an easy task." Korra said remembering how boring it was when she started as a kid before it stuck with her. But she always did have some issues every now and then.
"I can handle it from here. We can practice airbending later." Sean said as Tenzin left before he got a smirk on his face.
"I know that look. What are you up to?" Korra asked amused.
"How bout we sneak out tonight." Sean said making her grin.
"Oh yeah? To where?" Korra asked.
"The Pro Bending arena. Don't tell me your not interested in seeing a live match?" Sean asked making her get an excited look.
Later that night
Sean and Korra snuck off the island before Sean used his water powers to dash to the Arena before flying through a window.
"You gotta teach me that." Korra said using her water bending to get all the water off them.
"Yeah sure. I'll do that when I learn how to make you a half god." Sean teased making her grin before they entered the gym.
"Wow." Korra said before.
"Hey, what are you doing in my gym?" A man asked.
"Sorry we got lost." Sean said before someone passed by.
"Ah that old crap again. You know, I'm sick and tired of you kids sneaking in without paying. I'm taking you to security." The old man said before Sean got in front of him with a dark glare on his face making him visibly gulp. "Uh...What I mean is..."
"Easy Sean, calm down." Korra said keeping him calm.
"There you two are."
Both turned to see clearly a contender walking to them.
"I've been looking everywhere for you guys. It's all right, Toza. These two are with me."
Toza just scoffed.
"Whatever." Toza said doing his exercises.
"Sorry about him. He's got some anger issues. Names Bolin by the way." Bolin said.
"Oh we heard about you on the Radio last night." Korra said before he lead them away to the arena.
"What do you think? Best seats in the house, Huh?" Bolin asked.
"Oh definitely." Sean said impressed before two others walked in.
"This place is even more amazing than I imagined." Korra said.
"Psst. Bolin."
"Yeah, Mako?" Bolin asked his brother.
"I told you to stop bringing your crazy fans here. Get them out of here." Mako said.
"Oh come on, Mako. Look, I kind promised them they could stay. But I got a good feeling about her. Theres something special about her." Bolin said before rushing to Korra. "Come here, I want you to meet my brother Mako." Bolin said as Mako got geared up.
"Mako? Wow, I heard you play on the Radio last night." Korra said excited.
"Come on, Bolin, We're up." Mako said walking past her.
"And my respect just crashed." Korra said annoyed.
"Yeah, Sorry about that. My brother. just gets real focused before a match. Okay, I gotta go." Bolin said getting his gear on. "Wish me luck. Not that I'll need it." Bolin said making her giggle as they entered the arena.
"Good Luck. Knock them out!" Korra said.
(Theres really no point in writing this since we all know what happens)
Sure enough the Fire Ferrets won the match and would be playing in the next match tomorrow for the tournament.
"WHOO-HOO!" Korra cheered before jumping into Sean's arms much to his amusement before she realized what she did and jumped down and looked sheepish. "Sorry I uh...Got a little excited there." Korra said rubbing her head.
"Oh no please go on and cheer some more." Sean teased making her punch his shoulder making him laugh before Bolin cheered as well.
"YES! One more win and we're in the championship. So...What'd you think?" Bolin asked playing it cool but Sean saw what he was really and just merely grinned in amusement.
"Oh that was amazing." Korra said impressed before seeing their water bending teammate threw his gear.
"Useless." Mako said.
"That was really impressive there mister Hat trick." Korra said.
"Your still here?" Mako asked making her eyes twitch in annoyance.
"Oh, your still an asshole?" Korra asked making Sean chuckle.
"Piece of advice? Don't piss her off. I got her to keep it under wraps in certain situations but you really don't wanna see her mad." Sean said.
"I'll keep that in mind." Mako said making her growl.
"Easy Korra." Sean said calming her down.
"Anyway. I've been immersed in bending my entire life, But I have never learned how to move like that. It's like there's a. whole new style here." Korra said.
"As time passes new moves are created and new skills are born. A natural part of life." Sean said making her grin.
"You have an answer for everything don't you?" Korra asked amused.
"Obviously." Sean. said.
"Can you show me a few tricks?" Korra asked.
"Sure...But I don't know how my Earth style would work for your water style." Bolin said.
"Not a problem. I'm an Earthbender." Korra said making Sean snort.
"I'm sorry...I didn't mean to assume I just guessed based on your water tribe getup." Bolin said.
"Oh no. I'm a Water bender and a Fire bender." Korra said while Bolin just blinked before scratching his head.
"I'm very confused." Bolin said.
"Your the Avatar...And I'm an idiot." Mako said.
"No shit." Sean said.
"Both are true." Korra said shocking Bolin.
Minutes later
"All right, Let's see what you two can do." Bolin said.
"I'm not a bender." Sean said.
"Your not?" Bolin asked before he took a closer look. "Oh wait a minute. Your that half god everyone talks about. Man the Chief of police really hates your guts." Bolin said.
"Believe me we know." Korra said annoyed.
"Why does she?" Mako asked getting some stuff in his.
"I'm 300 years old. And when I was Korra's age...I made some pretty big mistakes that I regret. The kind of mistakes that someone like her tracks down and puts away or puts down. But I'm not that person anymore...Not since that day." Sean said looking away.
"Since what day?" Mako asked but Sean didn't say anything.
"You know eventually you're gonna have to tell us." Korra said.
"One day yes. But not today." Sean said. (To my Loyal Guest parts of his past will be revealed after the Next Chapter since If I tell the whole story now it ruins the drama and suspense)
Next morning
Korra was not having a good time as she did the airbending exercise again and like before was not doing so good.
"Patience, Korra." Tenzin said before she lost her temper and started fire bending the thing.
"Oh boy." Sean said rubbing his head as the others were shocked. (That Look Tenzin had when she did this was priceless)
"That was a 2,000 year old historical treasure." Tenzin said in shock. "What...WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!" Tenzin yelled.
"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 clicked like you said it would." Korra said frustrated.
"Korra, this isn't something you can force. If you would only listen to me." Tenzin tried to say.
"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!" Korra yelled.
"Enough!" Sean said stopping them. "Lets take a walk and cool off...NOW." Sean said making her sigh before he led her away. "I'll fix that later." Sean said to Tenzin.
Soon the two came at the beach.
"Look I know you're frustrated but you can't take it out on Tenzin. The problem isn't him. It's you." Sean said making her sigh.
"I know. I just...I don't know whats wrong." Korra said.
"Korra, I spent 150 years learning everything I could from my father and the other gods. It wasn't easy and I had some frustrating times with some of them. Especially with Athena since she was the exact opposite of me. She was calm, Patient and understanding. Me? I was violent, Brutal and savage." Sean said shocking her. "After I regretted all the vile things I ever did she was the first to teach me to not be the person anymore. And in time I became who you see now." Sean said.
"I just...I don't know what to do." Korra said before he placed an arm around her.
"You will. In time. I have complete faith in you." Sean said holding her close.
Later
Korra and Sean arrived at the arena to see Mako and Bolin to support them for the final match to enter the tournament.
However it was clear something was wrong seeing the looks on their faces.
"Uh oh. I know those looks." Sean said.
"We didn't miss your match, did we? You guys look like you already lost." Korra said.
"We might as well have." Bolin said.
"Hasook's a no-good No-show." Mako said pissed off.
"Oh so thats whats going on. I guess I can't say I'm surprised. The guy looked like someone who just quits real easy." Sean said before the Ref walked in.
"You got two minutes to come out ready to play, or you're disqualified." The Ref said before leaving.
"Well, there goes our shot at the tournament and the winnings." Mako said.
"Can't you ask one of those guys to fill in?" Korra asked looking at another team.
"I don't think it's that simple." Sean said.
"It isn't. You can only play for one team." Bolin said.
"Well, then...How about me?" Korra asked. "I'm a top-Notch water bender, if I do say so myself." Korra said proudly.
"She is." Sean said having taught her to use perfect form and not randomness like she used to as a kid.
"But you're the Avatar. Isn't that cheating?" Bolin asked.
"It's not cheating if she only uses waterbending." Sean said.
"No way, I'd rather forfeit than look like a fool out there." Mako said making her eyes twitch.
"Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence asshole." Korra said before the Red walked in.
"Times up. You in?" The Ref asked.
"We're in." Korra said.
"We are?" Mako asked.
"Yes!" Bolin said.
"Hey, I didn't agree to this!" Mako said.
"You can thank me later." Korra said getting geared up.
Meanwhile
Tenzin was looking for Korra but couldn't.
So he went looking for Sean to see if he was helping her but couldn't find him either which somewhat worried him.
So he went to the White Lotus who were listening to the radio on the match.
"Hold on, Folks, we're just waiting for the Referees official call, But I think this replacement player could be..." The announcer said.
"Pardon me, everyone, have you seen Korra or Sean? I can't find them anywhere." Tenzin said.
"You gotta be kidding me. She's the Avatar, Folks! Playing in a pro bending match!"
One female member of the Lotus spit her drink on a fellow member who looked annoyed while Tenzin was red in the face.
"I'll get them myself!" Tenzin yelled before leaving.
At the Arena
"The Avatar will be permitted to continue, so long as she solely bends water." The Ref said making the other team complain.
"Oh fuck." Sean said laughing as he watched. Korra had somewhat made a fool of herself when it started. But now she got the rules into her head.
Just as the match started she got hammered real hard before falling into the water before he jumped down to the platform to help her up.
"Not exactly very good am I?" Korra asked.
"You'll get it." Sean said helping her up before a shadow came over them making them turn and faced an incredibly annoyed Tenzin. "Uh oh." Sean said.
"Oh, hey, Tenzin. I thought you didn't like coming to these matches." Korra said sheepishly.
"Once again, you both had flagrantly disobeyed my orders. You both were to stay on the island. Lets go." Tenzin said.
"No. I'm kinda in the middle of something here." Korra said.
"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." Tenzin ordered.
"Why? So I can sit around and meditate on how bad I am at airbending?" Korra argued.
"Enough." Sean said stopping them. "Just go finish the match. Tenzin and I are gonna talk." Sean said making her nod before rushing back up as the round ended.
"Why do you let her do this? You could make her realize the full potential she has and she would listen to you without question." Tenzin said.
"Tenzin you can't just force her into just training. She should also be able to enjoy life. Because of Zaheer we had to keep her in a compound and away from people. She should have the chance to enjoy what life offers." Sean said before the round started up again
"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. And, boy does she need it." The announcer said seeing Korra getting pounded.
"Hmm." Sean said.
"What is it?" Tenzin asked.
"Wait." Sean said as Korra was knocked to zone three.
"The water is calling her name. It's only a matter of time before..."
Korra suddenly started dodging every attack by using airbending moves.
"How about that." Tenzin said amazed.
"Seems theres more benefits to this than you realized. As I said you either get with the times or be left in the past. In this case she learned to use airbending moves because she needed them for something important." Sean said before her team won the match.
"Knockout!" The Announcer said.
"Whoo-Hoo!" Tenzin cheered making Sean chuckle before Tenzin cleared his throat and left.
Arriving back in the entry point Sean saw Korra smiling before she looked at him and approached him.
"You were right. I finally got it." Korra said.
"I'm not the one you need to tell this to since I always have complete faith in you." Sean said making her smile before the two left.
Later
Tenzin was watching as the Acolytes were putting in the fixed training equipment Sean fixed before they approached him.
"I'm really sorry about everything I said. I was really frustrated with myself, and I took it out on you." Korra said as he faced them.
"I think I owe you an apology too. I was trying to teach you about patience, but I lost mine." Tenzin said.
"No hard feelings?" Korra asked.
"Of course not. By the way, you were really good out there tonight. You moved just like an Airbender." Tenzin said surprising her.
"Wait you saw?" Korra asked.
"I did. Pro bending proved to be the perfect teaching tool." Tenzin said making her smile.
"I'll see you tomorrow for bending practice. Bright and Early. And, by the way, I kind of permanently joined the fire ferrets, and we're playing in the tournament in a couple of weeks." Korra said as she and Sean ran off making him sigh.
Soon Sean was looking at the stars again before Korra sat next to him.
"Sean? Thanks for having a lot of faith in me...Even when I didn't in myself." Korra said making him smile before holding her close.
"Korra your gonna find out everyone has great potential for anything." Sean said making her smile before they just sat and enjoyed the stars while Korra was mostly enjoying being close to him.
Authors Note: Now Next Chapter we finally get to Amon's revolution. And we're getting closer to when parts of Sean's tragic past are revealed. Now I know some people are clearly bummed out that I will not be continuing the stories with the SAD NEWS chapter in them but like I said I just lost interest in them. Anyway be ready for Next Chapter. Read, Review, Fav and Follow. REVIEW MY LOYAL FANS! SEE YA! Oh and to my Loyal Guest regarding your question to why I enjoy Mortal Kombat. Good game, Plot, Twists and action and gore. Simple pleasures of gamers. You'll find Mortal Kombat is one of the most popular game series in the world.