A/N Term papers and tests and work, oh my! Y'all know the struggle. Hopefully this chapter makes up for it.
Chapter 3: Juggling
A shrill chiming noise woke me up, along with Naga's rumbling at the foreign noise. Xiang had graciously gifted me his clock so that I could get up on time for pro-bending practice. Saying he was gracious is, well, gracious since he is the one who got me into this mess of a schedule.
"Spirits, what I wouldn't do for a day to sleep in," I mumbled quietly to Naga as I routinely stretched, dressed, throwing on a white tank, shorts, and my worn out boots, and ran a hand through my hair, only succeeding in making it less bedraggled. I strapped on my watch, which Xiang was also nice enough to gift me, and mentally planned out my timing. Practice was in half an hour at 3:30 and we open for business at 8, meaning I would have to be back at the Sleeping Dragon by 7 to set up. Since it takes about a half hour to get to the Pro-bending Arena, that leaves me with about three hours to practice.
"Ok, I can do this." As long as Jin doesn't come knocking, I mentally added.
I hopped on Naga and we took off at a steady pace towards the Arena. The few people I passed on the backstreets gave me odd looks when they noticed what I was wearing. They were bundled in light jackets and pants. I mean sure there was a cool breeze, but the sun was out and the sky was clear, and besides, I was never really bothered by the cold. It made me feel comfortable.
I let out a sigh when I arrived at the Arena. It really was a beautiful day. It was rare for me to be out during the day. I would've liked to spend it at the park with Naga.
"Korra! You made it." Bolin came out of the Arena to greet me as I tied up Naga to a lamppost. She wouldn't have gone anywhere and could have probably broken free of the pole if she wanted too, but I learned early on that it made bystanders less nervous if the polar bear dog was leashed.
"Of course, I wouldn't want to miss this," I sent him a small smile and he engulfed me in a huge hug.
"Come on, let me show you around," He said as he put me down. Bolin showed me the arena, the locker rooms, and even his and Mako's apartment on the top floor of the Arena. Oh, and I was also introduced to Bolin's pet ferret and the team mascot, Pabu. Afterwards, Bolin led me to the gym.
"Took you long enough, young-in." The statement came from a tan, white-haired man who looked to be of Earth Kingdom decent.
"Hey, I was giving our new teammate the grand tour." Bolin made a grand gesture in my direction.
"So this is her, huh," the man gave me a brief once-over, "we'll see about that," he grunted and went about doing earthbending warm-ups.
Mako halted his warm-ups and came over to us. "Korra, this is Toza. He is the manager of the Arena. He taught us pro-bending and trained us."
"It's an honor to meet you," I raised my voice so it would reach Toza from where he was warming-up. I received a grunt in response. I had heard of Toza and even caught some of his matches on the radio. Madame Di would let me listen to keep me out of the house during business hours.
"Mako, give her the lowdown of the rules. Bolin, come warm-up," Toza said when he stopped and wiped his face off on his towel.
Mako explained how the arena was set up, how to win and lose, how tiebreakers worked, the scoring, and the waterbending rules.
"Wait so you can't chuck an earth disc at someone's head, but you can blast them in the face with water? How does that make any sense? Doesn't that hurt just as badly?" That part was really the only thing I didn't understand.
"Well, yea it does, but while an earth disc will break your nose, the most a water blast will do is leave a nasty welt for a few days." Bolin rejoined us, rubbing a spot on his cheek as if remembering the feeling.
"Alright, let me see what you can do." Toza gestured to some tubs of water and sat down on a bench tiredly with his arms resting on his knees. Bolin and Mako joined him, one with a look of excitement and the other looking nervous.
I positioned myself in front of the tubs and looked out at the dummies set up before me with targets on various parts and strapped with worn-out probending gear. I have to admit, I was nervous. The most I had done was small whips at people or freezing body parts or just floating blobs around for fun. I never had to produce anything as strong as the blasts Mako described.
I spread my feet in a readying stance and gathered the water around my fists. I squinted at the dummy and lunged out my fist, visualizing that I was sending a water punch out. A blob of water left my right hand, smacking the dummy in its midsection, but it didn't even budge.
"What was that?! Is this a joke? Didn't your parents teach you how to waterbend, girl?" Toza bellowed, jumping to his feet.
"I, uhm, I don't have-"
"Spit it out! Or are you only here to waste my time?" Toza turned around to gather up his towel and water bottle from the bench.
"I don't have parents." I finished quietly, looking down to hide from the pity that was sure to follow. This wasn't something anyone around me ever made me talk about. In fact, some of the others at the Sleeping Dragon were in similar situations, whether they were miles away from their family trying to make it alone, or were disowned, kicked out, or like me, orphaned. The topic was only slightly sort of hinted at when my nightmares came up in conversation. It sent a pang of hurt through me to think about it. Saying it out loud made me feel like that lost, little 10-year-old girl, drenched from the rain.
I was met with silence and it quickly became awkward and uncomfortable. I was torn between wanting someone to say something, anything, and bolting from the Arena.
"Focus on one of the targets, instead of the whole dummy. Take a deep breath. Try again." Toza's voice lost the tone of frustration and adopted one of instruction. I was grateful it wasn't laced with pity.
I closed my eyes, inhaled a calming, deep breath, and took a comfortable stance. I cleared my head from nervousness and heard a soft voice in the back of my thoughts, almost like a sigh.
Relax.
I sensed my arms move as if they had a mind of their own and felt the water engulf my forearms. However, the water felt different on my skin then it ever had before. Like it wasn't just water anymore, a tool. It felt natural, like it was a part of me, an extension.
My eyes opened, focusing on the target on the dummy's head, and I instinctually let my body do what it wanted, what it somehow knew how to do. My right arm snapped forward the moment I opened my eyes, much like a viper's strike. A burst of water surged forward fast and full of the power I felt build up in my arm. It hit the head target, knocking off the helmet, and shaking the dummy with the force.
"Way to go, Korra!" Bolin jumped up and fist pumped the air. I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding and couldn't keep the wide smile from taking over my face.
"We'll need to work on your technique, but it's a start. Welcome to the sport of pro-bending, Korra." Toza patted my back and even permitted a small grin affect his grumpy expression.
"Welcome to the Fire Ferrets!" Bolin gave me with another one of his wind-knocking hugs. Mako looked visibly more relaxed and also let a smile grace his face as he handed me the waterbender uniform.
For the rest of my time, Toza set me up with a workout regimen, saying that it would help improve and increase the power I already possessed. He taught me some basic waterbending techniques to practice while Mako and Bolin practiced their elements. At the end, while Mako and Bolin sparred against each other, Toza sparred with me to build up my movement, blocking, and evasion.
Not gonna lie, I was more exhausted than I had ever been, but it was exhilarating.
Bolin and Mako walked with me out of the Arena to where I left Naga. I closed my eyes as the cool air hit my skin and refreshed me.
"Hey guys, I brought some food to celebrate our new teammate's first practice." Asami's voice surprised me, making my eyes snap open.
I gathered myself, crossed my arms, and sent her a cocky smile with a raised brow, "How'd you know I was going to make the cut?"
"Call it a woman's intuition," she smirked at me, "care to join us?"
"I can't, I have to get to work. Next time, sorry." I glanced at my watch and saw I was making good time. When I looked back up, I saw Asami's expression had turned to one of disappointment.
"Next time," she nodded.
I untied Naga and, with a wave, we headed home. I made it back in time for set up, coming in through the back door, Jin oblivious.
Xiang must've noticed the smile and faraway look on my face as I stood at my post, because the smug bastard had the nerve to say, "You're welcome," as he led his first customer upstairs. Unfortunately, he missed the tongue stuck out and finger flipped in his direction.
My new routine of juggling pro-bending practice and work continued for the next few days. There had been a few close calls when I would get caught up chatting with the guys or Asami showing up after practices, always with the proposal of spending time afterwards, which I always had to decline. I swear, she became more saddened each time I turned her down, and each time I felt more and more tempted to accept. But I couldn't no matter how much I wanted to just to make her happy.
Days turned into weeks and I had practically perfected sneaking around Jin. Before long, it was the day of my first pro-bending match. Jin kept giving me curious looks the night before because of my odd jitteriness and restlessness due to my excitement. Finally, the time came for me to sneak off to the Arena, but not before Ginger and Xiang poked their head in my shack to wish me luck.
"You ready for this, Korra?" Mako asked as we dressed in our uniforms and gear in the locker room.
"I can't wait!" I beamed as I jumped around, stretching and getting loose.
"Alright, alright, just don't let the excitement distract you. Remember to stay focused." Mako tucked away his scarf and closed his locker. Bolin was already dressed and playing with Pabu in the corner, paying us no mind.
We walked out together onto the lift and soon we were raised onto the dimmed stage. The noise was deafening and made my ears ring a little. It was like nothing had ever experienced, except for . . .
Boom
"-Korra. Korra!" I refocused from zoning out to Bolin waving his hand in front of my face.
I shook my head and glanced around frantically, "What?"
"Are you alright?" Bolin asked.
"Yea, yea I'm fine. Just in the zone." I sent him a determined glance to reassure him, but he only nodded. I looked up towards the suites to where Asami said her's was. It was hard to make out since it was so high up, but I thought I caught a glimpse of her, making me smile slightly.
"Ladies and Gentleman of Republic City, welcome to the Pro-Bending Arena!" A spotlight shone on a figure rising up from the center of the ring. "To kick off the new season, tonight we have the Golden Temple Tigerdillos versus the new and improved Fire Ferrets!"
The announcer moved the microphone away from his mouth, "Alright you all know the rules. I want a good clean match. Ready?" Both teams nodded.
"Round 1!" The announcer exited the stage and the countdown to start began.
The action was a much faster pace than anything I could have been prepared for. I was overwhelmed in the first minute and was knocked back a zone. I quickly got back on my feet and focused on defense until I gathered my bearings. Eventually, Mako and Bolin were knocked into my zone and the round ended in favor of the Tigerdillos.
The second round, I was more confident. I felt I acclimated to the speed and adrenaline kicked in. I was on offense and whipped blast after blast nonstop at the opposing team. Mako and Bolin seemed to pick up on the vibe and their attacks bolstered as well. Through our combined efforts, we managed to push back the Tigerdillos, awarding us the second round.
My adrenaline soon turned to cockiness, however, in the final round. I was too preoccupied with my attacks, trying to hit each of the other players instead of just focusing on one at a time. Because I wasn't paying close enough attention, a barrage of earth discs slammed into my chest, knocking the air out of me and sending me into the water below.
I went under, unable to move immediately due to the shock and having no breath held. My vision went dark.
"She is only a child!"
"She must come with us…"
"We'd rather die…"
"So be it…"
"Korra!"
"...Asami?"
"Spirits, you scared me to death when you didn't resurface! Are you ok?!" Asami looked close to tears as she cradled my head in her lap and was gently rubbing my head with a towel. It felt so nice I almost forgot to answer her.
"I'm fine, Asami, thank you. I guess I was knocked off guard," I chuckled a bit, trying to comfort her, but it didn't look like it worked.
"What happened while I was out?" I could still hear the crowd, so the match must've still been going on.
"Bolin hit the water, shortly after you did. He's the one who dragged you out." Asami nodded in the corner where he was drying off.
"Thanks, buddy." I smiled weakly at him, slightly embarrassed. He smiled in return, "Any time, though I hope there isn't another time," he added bashfully.
"Mako is really holding his own up there. The Tigerdillos still have all of their players, though they're in the last zone now," Asami said, filling me on the rest. At the mention of Mako's name, I remembered my current position. I sat up from Asami's lap, wincing at the pain in my chest. I swore I saw her frown from my repositioning out of the corner of my eye. I shifted in the direction of the stage, as if it would help me hear better and to hide the slight flush that appeared on my cheeks.
Suddenly, I saw all three of the Tigerdillos' players drop down into the water.
"What a trick folks! 3-against-1, defying the odds, the Fire Ferrets' firebender, Mako, has won the match!"
The three of us jumped up in excitement and Bolin and I rushed over to the lift to join Mako onstage. We received thunderous applause and Bolin and I each grasped Mako's arms and raised it in victory. The triumphant feeling soon faded, though, when we returned to the locker room.
"Great job bro!" Bolin gave a solid pat on his brother's back and Asami moved in to reward him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Yea Mako, I really wished I could've seen that trick. It must've been awesome!" I praised as well.
"Thanks, but I wouldn't have had to resort to that if you had kept your focus, Korra. You almost cost us the match," Mako scolded.
"It was my first match, Mako, what did you expect?" My mood immediately shifted. Who was he to reprimand me? Bolin was knocked off too.
"Cut her a little slack, Mako," Asami chimed in, coming to my defense.
"I expect you to follow Toza's advice, I expect you to practice harder, I expect you to keep your head in the game. And in case you've forgotten Asami, Bolin and I can't afford to cut a little slack."
"What is that supposed to mean, Mako?" Asami was angry now, crossing her arms and glaring at him.
"You know exactly what I mean, Miss Future Industries." He glared right back, now directing frustration at her. Bolin was silent behind the drama, helpless and unsure of what to do.
"Don't you talk to her like that! And in case you forgot, I joined this team to help your ass, you begged me to be here." My anger was hanging on a thread.
"Yea and I can see how much help you've been so far," he huffed and turned to leave.
I tightly shut my eyes and clenched my teeth and my fists at my side to keep myself under control as I felt myself shake from both infuriation and restraint.
"Ah!" I opened my eyes at Mako's cry. He was sprawled out on the floor, his foot caught on a piece of raised cement.
"Really, Bolin, was that necessary?!" Mako now turned his attention onto his brother, who was glancing down at him in surprise.
"I didn't do that!" Bolin held up his hands innocently, eyebrows raised in shock.
"Don't be childish, who else can earthbend in this room?" Mako pointed out as he stood up from the floor and brushed himself off. Not waiting for an answer, he stomped out of the locker room.
"At least, I don't think I did?" Bolin quietly questioned, looking down at his hands doubtfully.
"What the hell is his problem?" Asami stated exasperatedly, staring at the door Mako left through.
I finished changing and glanced at my watch, "Fuck, I don't know, but I have to go before I'm late for work. Bolin, you better talk some sense into your brother." I rushed out the door, muscles still tense from agitation. Naga sensed my discomfort when I reached her outside and let out a soft whine.
"No time girl, we gotta hurry." I jumped on her back and we took off at a brisk run.
"Where the hell have you been, girl?" Ah shit.
"Sorry Jin, Naga got distracted by a ratgull on our walk," I lied seamlessly.
"Hmph, well get to work and don't let it happen again." Jin lumbered back to his room.
"Don't worry, it won't."
A/N Ooh drama. I hope this is still keeping you engaged and making you curious. Don't worry, Mako isn't being a douche for no reason. And for those waiting for that Korrasami awesomeness, it's coming, please be patient. It won't take until Season 4 like it did in the series _
On another note, I really should rewatch the Legend of Korra cause my memory be slippin'.
Thanks bunches for reading and for the reviews.
Until next time.