The best way to learn is sometimes not found where it is taught.
An unexpected journey. After leaving the Jedi Order, former Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, embarked on a solo journey that ended up taking her by accident to a planet located in the Unknown Regions. With no ship and no way to travel, Ahsoka arrived in Republic City where she met Avatar Korra, the bender of the four elements. After a small incident, Ahsoka revealed her identity to Korra, Master Tenzin and his family, with whom she would live for a time on Air Temple Island while Korra completed her airbending training.
The sun was rising over Republic City and Air Temple Island.
Ahsoka had risen very early in the morning and was now in an octagonal shaped training field with her lightsabers.
With her eyes closed, she took a deep breath before opening them as well as activating her lightsabers, showing that one was shorter than the other and was yellow in color.
The next instant, she began to perform a series of motions and swings with her lightsabers whistling as they cut through the air.
It was as if she was cutting something while dancing.
Then, she ended the session with a spin in the air before landing on the ground crouched down with her arms outstretched.
That's when she heard a couple of claps.
"Awesome!"
Switching off her lightsabers, Ahsoka turned around to see Korra watching the spectacle with a big toothy grin.
"That was truly mind-blowing! I didn't know you had two swords!" said Korra.
"Normally you start with one, but the other one was given to me by my master, since I tend to go more for offense than defense, so the other one helps me at that point." explained Ahsoka. "By the way, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, well, I wanted to wake you up and when I saw you weren't in your room, I looked for you and found you here and I've done well." said Korra.
"And what were you looking for me for?" asked Ahsoka.
"Well…" began Korra with a nervous smile. "I wanted to learn more about you. I mean, it's not every day you meet someone who comes from space and has traveled to so many planets."
"That's understandable." began Ahsoka with a shrug. "If you want, we can talk while we go to breakfast."
"Sounds good to me." said Korra with a smile before she and the togruta walked towards the temple.
"So, what exactly do you want to know?" asked Ahsoka.
"For starters, can you tell me about the planets you've been to? What are they like?" asked Korra.
They told her about many parts of the world like the Northern Water Tribe, the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation.
All of them on the same planet, so hearing things from other planets was something very interesting.
"Heh. I figured you'd ask that. Well, for starters, there's my master's planet, Tatooine. It's basically a desert planet with two suns." said Ahsoka.
"A desert planet with two suns? It makes me hot just thinking about it." said Korra.
"Then there's Kamino, the planet where the clone factory is located. It's always raining there, so it's full of water." said Ahsoka.
"And how can there be a factory on a planet full of water?" asked Korra.
"Their facilities are attached with supports that keep them above the water level. Then there's Geonosis, a desert planet like Tatooine, but with a sun and that's where the first battle of the Clone Wars happened." said Ahsoka.
"Wow. Sounds like you've been to a lot of planets." said Korra.
"So you say. In fact, the first time I traveled to another planet was on the planet Christophsis, which was also when I was assigned as a Padawan to Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and a battle was being fought on that planet." said Ahsoka.
"Wow. That's amazing. Your first time on another planet and you were already in a battle. How envious." said Korra in surprise.
"Hehe. And not only that, but I've also been in battles on Naboo, Ryloth, Felucia, Mandalore, Mon Calamari, Onderon…" said Ahsoka remembering most of the planets she was on.
"Impressive. As soon as you left the temple, you were already fighting great battles. I, on the other hand, as soon as I got out of the complex, I fought some thugs and all I got was arrested." said Korra crossing her arms with a frown.
"Korra, I was in the middle of a war. Our situations are different. I'm sure you'll have your big battles too." said Ahsoka.
"I doubt it a little. I doubt Tenzin will let me do anything until I learn to airbend." said Korra.
"Then you'll have to train to do it." said Ahsoka.
"Yeah, I guess so." said Korra.
Soon after, the two arrived at the dining room, where they and Tenzin enjoyed a quiet breakfast, though Ahsoka had to keep her disguise so as not to scare the other people in the dining room.
It was then that Korra turned to reading the newspaper, more specifically, something that caught her attention a lot.
"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?" asked Korra with a smile of excitement.
"That sport is a mockery of the noble tradition of bending." said Tenzin.
"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.
"Excuse me, what exactly is pro-bending?" asked Ahsoka in confusion.
"It's a sport where a team consisting of a water, earth and firebender fight against another similar team on a platform. The objective is to use your bending to push back the opposing team. There are three rounds and if one team is knocked completely off the platform it's a complete victory for the other team." said Korra.
"I understand. Sounds interesting." said Ahsoka.
"Korra, you're not here to watch that drivel. You're here to finish your Avatar training. So, for the time being, I want you to remain on the island." said Tenzin.
"Is that why you're keeping the White Lotus sentries around, to watch her every move?" asked Ahsoka pointing to the White Lotus guards guarding the dining hall entrances.
"Yes. In order to learn airbending I believe she require a calm, quiet environment, free from any distractions." said Tenzin.
"Forgive me, Master Tenzin, but such an environment isn't very quiet in my opinion and I tell you this from someone who has been to a temple." said Ahsoka.
"That would be how things would be among the Jedi, but here they are very different." said Tenzin as if he knew what he was doing.
"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 Ahsoka to the training site.
"So, my mother informed me that you've never been able to airbend before." said Tenzin stopping and turning to look at her as the two children 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."
Tenzin put his hand on the Avatar's shoulder to encourage her.
"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." said Tenzin recalling his father's stories as he began his training with Toph.
"And Korra is the exact opposite of an airbender." said Ahsoka.
"Yes, so you are saying." said Korra.
"Let's begin your first lesson." said Tenzin resuming their walk.
The three continued walking until they came to some stairs that led them to an area where Tenzin's children were located and behind them were several revolving gates.
"Korra's gonna airbend! Korra's gonna airbend!" said Ikki as she jumped up and down in excitement.
"What is that contraption?" asked Korra in confusion.
"A time-honored tool that teaches the most fundamental aspect of airbending." replied Tenzin.
"And how does it work?" asked Ahsoka.
"The goal is to weave your way through the gates and make it to the other side without touching them." explained Jinora.
"Seems easy enough." said Korra.
"Jinora forgot to say that you have to make it through while the gates are spinning." said Ikki.
Tenzin took a couple of steps forward and released a blast of wind that caused the gates to start spinning rapidly.
Then the airbender 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.
Ahsoka was quite impressed with Jinora's agility and movements.
If it were any other situation, she would surely be a good youngling.
When Jinora reached the other side, she threw another gust of wind that made the gates spin quickly again.
"Let's do this!" said Korra with determination.
"Good luck." said Ahsoka before Korra launched herself towards the gates.
However, unlike Jinora, as soon as she entered the area of the gates, Korra ran into one, and then another, and another, and another, and another, and another until she ended up falling sitting down where she started.
Upset and angry at how it ended up, Korra quickly got up and darted back towards 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 Ahsoka approaching the Avatar.
"Yeah, just a little sore." said Korra sitting down on the ground.
"I think this will take a while." said Tenzin.
"Hey, I'm trying." said Korra getting up.
"You know? Master Yoda has a tip for this. Do or do not, there is no try." said Ahsoka.
"Mmm. Good advice, no doubt." said Tenzin.
"But that doesn't make sense. How can you do something if you don't try it first?" asked Korra.
"I'm sorry, but that's something you'll have to figure out on your own." said Ahsoka.
"I agree." said Tenzin even though he didn't quite understand the meaning of the advice either.
"Ugh. Okay. I'll… do it." said Korra before turning back to the revolving gates, only to be met with screams of pain shortly after before she was sent back.
That same night, on the island, Korra was in a courtyard, trying to control the air again, with Naga and Ahsoka nearby as spectators at her side.
"Airbend!" began 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.
"You know she'll be mad if she finds out about that, right?" asked Ahsoka.
"Aaarrrgghh. I don't get it. How is it that I'm able to bend the other elements and I'm not able to cast a simple breeze of wind? Maybe I'm just not cut out to be an airbender, huh?" said Korra.
"Well, no one said the airbending was something you achieve in an instant. Many Jedi had years of training before they could get their own lightsaber and even before being assigned to a master." said Ahsoka.
"And what do you suggest I do?" asked Korra.
"I was once in a sticky situation, but a very wise Jedi master told me that if I didn't calm down, I wouldn't find what I was looking for and that applies to you. If you are patient, you can get what you are looking for." said Ahsoka.
"You know? That reminds me of something Katara told me a while back about something an old friend of hers used to say. The only thing better than finding something you were looking for, is finding something you weren't looking." said Korra.
"Well whoever said that was someone very wise indeed." said Ahsoka.
Before anyone could comment on anything…
"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 two girls 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 in over a radio.
Korra looked at Ahsoka with a smile and the togruta immediately understood what she meant and not seeing her problem, gave her a nod.
Korra used the earthbending to propel herself towards the ceiling as Ahsoka took a Force powered leap.
"Grab your snacks and grab your kids because this next match is gonna be a doozy!" said Shiro from the radio as Korra and Ahsoka were listening intently to what he was saying from the roof.
Later, the two girls were listening to how the match was going and from the excited expressions on their faces, it was turning out 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 Ahsoka 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 was in shock and disappointment at what had just happened while Ahsoka was only shocked.
The White Lotus guards turned their heads to see Tenzin standing behind them and immediately turned to face him with horrified expressions.
"Korra, Ahsoka, come down here please." said Tenzin knowing where they were from the beginning.
Korra and Ahsoka peered down from the roof, startling the guards who moved out of the way to allow them to get down on the ground.
"You shut it off at the best part!" said Korra.
"I think that's the least of our problems." said Ahsoka seeing the airbender's expression.
"I thought I made myself clear. I don't want you listening to this distracting nonsense." said Tenzin.
"But it's their radio." began Korra pointing at the White Lotus guards. "And technically, you said I couldn't watch a match. You didn't say anything about listening to one."
"She's right. There was a hole in the agreement and she simply took advantage of it." said Ahsoka.
"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?" said Tenzin before turning to leave.
The next morning, in a small temple on the edge of the island, Tenzin was in the lotus position, with his children, Korra and Ahsoka sitting in the same position in front of him.
The exercise consisted of meditation.
Keeping silent and with closed eyes while breathing deeply and not saying anything.
Despite trying her best, Korra found it difficult to meditate in peace and ended up opening her eyes.
Glancing around, she saw the young airbenders and Ahsoka meditating peacefully.
After that, she closed her eyes to try meditating again.
"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." began Tenzin before Korra 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. And forget about leaving this island!" said Korra.
"Korra, please. Look at Meelo; he's able to meditate peacefully." said Tenzin pointing to his youngest son who was actually sleeping peacefully.
"Actually, I think he's asleep." said Korra.
"What?" asked Tenzin in surprise as he bent down to check. "Well, at least he has the relaxing part down, but look at Ahsoka, she's completely into it." said Tenzin pointing to the togruta who was motionless as she meditated.
"Yeah, well, I'm not a mind-blowing Jedi like her." said Korra.
"It has nothing to do with it, Korra. The Force and the chi you benders use aren't that different. Just close your eyes. Concentrate. Let the chi flow through you like the air itself." said Ahsoka.
Korra decided to give it a try, or according to Ahsoka, do it and they all went back to meditating.
It was all quiet. At least for a few seconds.
"Yeah, it's not sinking in yet." began Korra before getting up. "I'm gonna go get a glass of lychee juice." said Korra walking out of the temple 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 flopped on his back, still asleep while Jinora opened one eye and Ahsoka remained in the same position.
Later, Korra stood on the steps of the octagonal field, looking out over the landscape with her head resting on one hand.
"I knew you'd be here."
Korra turned her head to see Ahsoka standing at the top of the stairs and sitting next to her.
"Are you okay?" asked Ahsoka.
"No, I'm not. Tenzin says the air represents freedom, but he has me here like I'm a prisoner. If I wanted to be in a training place with people watching my movements, I would have stayed at the South Pole." said Korra.
"Yes, I agree as well. Even the Jedi Temple wasn't as strict as it is here." said Ahsoka.
"*Sigh* I keep following their rules and advice and I still haven't accomplished anything. At this rate, I'll never be a full Avatar." said Korra despondently.
Ahsoka saw her friend's condition and felt sorry for her.
She had to find a way to be able to cheer her up and take her away from all the stress that was being put on her.
It was then that she saw some structure from a distance.
"You know? If there's one thing I've learned very well from my master, it's one thing." said Ahsoka with a smile.
"What's that?" asked Korra curiously.
"That sometimes, it's okay to bend the rules." said Ahsoka.
Korra's eyes widened as she realized what she was implying.
"Are you… Are you suggesting that…?" asked Korra.
"You said you wanted to watch a pro-bending match, right?" asked Ahsoka before pointing to the arena. "Then let's go watch it. If we're careful, they won't even know we left."
Korra couldn't help but flash a toothy grin at what her friend had done and put her arm between her shoulders.
"I'm starting to like the way you think, friend." said Korra.
"Heh. Thank my master for that." said Ahsoka.
Later that night, a pair of White Lotus guards could be seen watching the surrounding area.
Korra opened the window of her room just as a guard was walking away.
After double-checking that there were no other guards around, she and Ahsoka, in her disguise, set out to escape.
Once outside, they quickly ran to the edge of the island that overlooked the pro-bending arena that was on the other side of the sea.
They grabbed each other's hands and both jumped into the water.
Before they reached the end, Korra used waterbending to soften the landing and once they were underwater holding their breath, Korra again used waterbending to propel them quickly to their destination.
The pro-bending arena.
After a while, they pulled their heads out of the water to catch their breath before they saw that they were next to the arena.
They looked around the place for a bit before seeing an open window.
At this, Korra used waterbending to propel them towards the window which brought them inside.
Once safe, they shook a bit to get the water off of them, though Korra used her powers to get all the water off of them.
"Honestly, we could have gotten in through the front door if you used that Jedi Mind Trick." said Korra.
"I'm not going to use a Jedi technique in such an irresponsible way. Besides, the people around would have seen us." said Ahsoka.
"True." said Korra realizing the point.
They both walked down the halls in search of the seating area when something caught the Avatar's attention, so she stopped along with the togruta before entering a huge room filled with sports equipment.
"Whoa, what a big gym!" said Korra in awe.
"Meh. Jedi temple training rooms are twice as big." said Ahsoka.
"Hey!" both girls turned around with horrified expressions when they saw an older person approaching them. "What're you doin' in my gym?"
Unbeknownst to them, a person was walking through the entrance of the gym.
"Uh... We were just looking for a bathroom and we 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'! I'm taking you to security!" said the man.
"No, wait!" said Korra panicking.
Ahsoka for a moment thought about using the Jedi Mind Trick to get out of the situation when suddenly, the person at the entrance, who happened to be a young man about Korra's age, approached them.
"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 Ahsoka.
Korra and Ahsoka smiled as they understood what he was doing.
"Yeah, we're with him." said Korra.
"Right, he invited us to watch the match, but we got lost and..." said Ahsoka.
"Ah, I don't care what you are doing! I got work to do." said Toza before leaving.
"Well, this way, ladies." said the boy.
"Thank you very much, sir." said Korra.
"Rrright this way, miss." said the boy.
"And thank you, sir!" said Korra.
"Seriously, thank you." whispered Ahsoka covering one side of her mouth with her hand, thanking him for making them aware of the situation before the boy escorted them out of the gym.
Soon after, the boy led the Avatar and the togruta into another room.
"Whaddya think? Best seats in the house, huh?" asked the boy with a smug grin.
Korra and Ahsoka were amazed when they saw that they were in a box where they could see the entire battlefield.
"Whoa! Unbelievable!" said Korra.
"It's huge!" said Ahsoka.
"This place is even more amazing than I imagined!" said Korra as two people entered the box.
"Name's Bolin, by the way." said the boy introducing himself.
"Ahsoka Tano and my friend is Korra." said Ahsoka introducing herself and the Avatar, who did not look away from the battlefield.
"Ahsoka. What a unique name." said Bolin.
"You could say that." said Ahsoka.
"Pss. Bolin." said one of the boys who entered the box calling out to Bolin.
"Yes?" asked Bolin as he approached him.
"I told you, you have to stop bringing your crazy fangirls in here before the matches. Get them out of here." said the boy.
"Come on, Mako! Right, look, I kinda promised them they could stay, but man, I got a good feeling about that Water Tribe girl, there's somethin' special about her. I know it!" began Bolin before turning back to Korra and Ahsoka. "Come here, I want you to meet my brother, Mako."
"So you're the famous Mako." said Ahsoka.
"Yes, w-we heard you playing on the radio." said Korra holding out her hand to shake his hand, 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.
"… or I could meet him later." said Korra.
"Yeah, sorry about that. My brother just gets real ... focused before a match." began 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 Ahsoka.
"Yeah, knock 'em out!." said Korra raising her fist in the air.
The arena 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 Shinobi, the radio announcer, as the Fire Ferrets stood in the red zone of the field in front of the opposing team.
From the box, Korra could be seen excited about the fight she was witnessing while Ahsoka looked on with interest.
"But tonight, they face their toughest test yet, folks." said Shiro as the combatants got into position.
Then, the starting bell rang.
In the next instant, the combatants began throwing 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!" said Shiro.
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 launched a stream of water and fire that hit Hasook and Bolin, knocking them back as Mako kept shooting fireballs.
"Oooh, the Tigerdillos score with a walloping one-two combo!" said Shiro.
From the box, Korra could be seen very nervous about the combat situation.
"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.
"They're not doing too bad." commented Ahsoka watching the way the Ferrets were playing.
The waterbender launched a jet of water that Bolin neutralized with an earth disc, 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 disk underneath them, but Bolin dodged it with a leap, but the disk was actually aimed at Hasook who was blocking an earth disk with waterbending.
The water disc caused him to slip.
He tried to brace himself on one hand, but an earth disk 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 back to dodge a fireball, ending them both 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.
"Mmm. That will pose a problem." thought Ahsoka as she continued to watch the game.
Soon after, the bell rang for the start of the second round.
The opponents began to quickly launch ground, fire, and water attacks, forcing the Ferrets to retreat back to zone two while they advance one zone.
"The Fire Ferrets are knocked into zone two and the Tigerdillos advance!" said Shiro as Hasook blocked an earth disc with the waterbender before throwing a jet, Mako threw fireballs and Bolin threw an earth 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 a jet of water diagonally, hitting another opponent while the beep sounded that sounded whenever someone crossed a zone boundary.
Next, Bolin threw an earth disc that hit an opponent and sent him one zone back.
Then, another opponent was hit by a fireball and the third by a jet of water, 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 opening bell rang, they were back to fighting.
The waterbender threw a stream of water at Hasook, but he dodged it by rolling to the side and then 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!" said Shiro.
They both looked up to watch in horror as the earthbender walked forward before lifting a disc of earth to kick it at him.
"He and Bolin better untangle quick if they don't want to…" began 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.
"Mako is alone. Well, let's see what he will do now." said Ahsoka.
"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!" began 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 that she was pulling her hair at the risk of tearing it out.
"Calm down Korra, everything will be fine." said Ahsoka.
"How can you say that? Don't you see how they're going?" asked Korra.
"Yes, but there's something you haven't noticed." began Ahsoka before pointing at the Ferret firebender. "Look how Mako is doing."
Korra was puzzled by that before looking back to Mako, discovering that, despite his situation, he 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 extended 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 match.
"I told you so." said Ahsoka with her arms crossed. "Mako certainly has talent and strategy. I'm sure Rex would have loved to meet him."
"Woohoo! Yes!" shouted Bolin reaching the box 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.
"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.
"You have some things to fix, but you are certainly an excellent team and if you work hard, you will win the next match." said Ahsoka.
"Wow, thanks." said Bolin.
Meanwhile, Mako was having a conversation with Hasook as they approached the box.
"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 on the bench before leaving the scene.
"Useless." said Mako.
"You guys were incredible out there! Especially you, Mr. Hat Trick!" said Korra congratulating Mako, who went about his business.
"Oh, you're still here?" asked Mako.
"What about you? You're still a jerk?" asked Ahsoka.
Korra extended her hand towards her and she high fived him.
"Ooh!" groaned Bolin at the togruta'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!"
"Everyone has their own style and way of acting, Korra." said Ahsoka.
"She's right. Benders have their tricks, but pro-bending players have their tricks too." said Bolin.
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.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. After all, Korra is an earthbender." said Ahsoka.
"That's true." said Korra with her arms crossed.
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.
"Good excuse." commented Ahsoka sarcastically.
"Nope, you're right. I'm a waterbender." said Korra.
"And a firebender." said Ahsoka.
"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.
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.
"You know we can hear you, right?" asked Ahsoka.
A little later, in the arena gym, Korra and Bolin were standing between two walls of earthen discs in front of a hanging net while Mako was leaning on the stairs with his arms crossed and Ahsoka was nearby with her arms crossed.
"All right! Let's see what'cha got!" said Bolin to Korra before she lifted a pair of discs and threw them against a net. "That was great! Good power! But in a real match, you'd be a sitting turtle duck. 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 lifting two earthen discs which he threw at a speed faster than Korra, much to her surprise.
"Mmm. A good way to compensate for position and speed." said Ahsoka.
"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.
"There you go, you're a quick learner! You're a natural!" said Bolin.
"Considering that you're already quite proficient in the other elements, it was to be expected." said Ahsoka.
Not bad." said Mako.
"What's it take to impress this guy?" asked Korra.
"What? I said 'not bad'." said Mako.
"You're not exactly the team cheerleader, are you?" asked Ahsoka causing Korra to chuckle as Bolin tried to contain his laughter and Mako scowled at her in annoyance.
"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 Ahsoka Tano." said Mako before leaving.
"Yeah, been a real pleasure." said Korra sarcastically.
"See ya upstairs, bro." said Mako as he walked away.
"Upstairs? Do you live here?" asked Ahsoka.
"Yup. In the attic. It's nothin' fancy, but we have some great views! 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 seemed that she failed again in the same way as the previous times.
After exhaling being angry, Korra launched herself back towards the swinging gates, but again, ended up getting hit by the boards.
"Patience, Korra1" said Tenzin trying to help her.
After being hit by another gate, Korra ended up losing her cool and ended up shooting fire at the surrounding gates, much to the surprise of Ahsoka, Tenzin and their children.
"Oh, man. I was afraid this would happen." said Ahsoka.
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.
"I'll go talk to her." said Ahsoka before running after her friend.
"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.
While the rest of her family and Ahsoka were seated, though Jinora was busy reading a book.
"Okay! Everyone here?" asked Pema before realizing something. "Wait. Where are Korra?"
"Oh, she said she wasn't hungry." said Ahsoka.
"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." said Pema.
"You wouldn't, by any chance, have any advice on how to deal with her?" asked Tenzin to Ahsoka.
Ahsoka arched an eyebrow at the question.
"Are you seriously asking me, a teenager trained to kill, to teach you how to deal with a teenager?" asked Ahsoka.
"Good point." began Tenzin realizing that she wasn't like normal teenagers. "You must promise me that your teenage years won't be like this!" said Tenzin to his children.
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.
"She's right. You can't expect children to stay the same as they grow up. I say that from experience." said Ahsoka.
Tenzin understood what she meant and kept turning the subject of what he could do with Korra over in his head.
After dinner, Korra and Ahsoka snuck back out to go to the pro-bending arena.
Once they entered the box, they met Mako and Bolin, who looked depressed for some reason, along with three other boys.
"We doesn't miss your match, did we? You guys look like you lost already." said Korra.
"We might as well have." said Bolin lowering his head depressed.
"What happened?" asked Ahsoka.
Hasook's a no-good no-show!" said Mako.
"Hasook? Your other partner? What about him?" asked Korra.
"That he left us. That's what's wrong with him." said Mako.
Just then, 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.
"Can't you ask one of those guys to fill in?" asked Korra pointing to the three guys standing off to the side chatting with each other.
"Nah. The rules say you can only compete on one team." said Bolin.
"There has to be some way you can play." said Ahsoka.
It was then that an idea crossed the Avatar's mind.
"Hey, how about me? I'm a top-notch waterbender, if I do say so myself." said Korra crossing her arms.
"Korra, I don't think that's a good idea. After all, you are the Avatar. If they find out who you are, Tenzin will find us out." said Ahsoka.
"Not if I just use the waterbending to keep my identity hidden." said Korra with a smile.
"No way. I'd rather retire than look like an idiot on the court." said Mako refusing the offer.
"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.
"I have a bad feeling about this." said Ahsoka.
"Me too." said Mako.
"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.
"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.
"Did she even know the rules of the sport?" asked Ahsoka, patting her face.
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.
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.
"A well-known tactic. Attack the weak link." commented Ahsoka.
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.
"Great. I'm sure Tenzin won't like this." said Ahsoka folding her arms, knowing that, sooner or later, the airbender would hear about it and come after them.
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 Ahsoka this evening? They're not in their rooms." 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, Ahsoka 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.
"Well, at least they can keep fighting." said Ahsoka relieved that her friend and the two brothers could continue in the fight.
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."
"*Sigh* Is it okay if we go get her…" began Ahsoka before turning around to see the person she knew was behind her. "Master Tenzin?" asked Ahsoka looking at the airbender who was clearly annoyed.
Meanwhile, Korra swam until she reached the edge of the water area where, as she stepped out of the water, a shadow loomed over her and when she raised her head, she met Tenzin's stern gaze with Ahsoka at her side.
"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. You were to stay on the island!" said Tenzin.
Before Korra could say anything...
"Master Tenzin, this is my fault. I convinced Korra to come here so it's my responsibility." said Ahsoka trying to protect her friend.
"In that case, I'll talk to you later." said Tenzin.
"Hey, don't blame him for everything! Participating in the match was my idea. She was just trying to help me escape from that prison you call an island." said Korra.
"I don't care whose idea it was. You shouldn't be here. Let's go." said Tenzin 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?" asked Ahsoka surprised by the Avatar's statement.
"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.
Seeing that she could not convince him, she turned around to join her team.
"I have a match to go finish." said Korra climbing onto the elevating platform.
Just then, the final bell rang.
"The Platypus Bears win round two!" said the announcer as the platform ascended leaving Tenzin and Ahsoka behind.
"Master Tenzin, with all due respect, she is right." began Ahsoka. "I used to be like her when I was assigned a teacher and when I was with other teachers. And do you know how I got better?" asked Ahsoka without receiving an answer, so she continued. "My teacher adapted to my way of acting and that way I was able to learn his teachings better. It's the same with Korra. She isn't the one who should adapt to your ways as you and your father did. Rather, you should adapt to her. And who knows? Perhaps the outcome may surprise you." said Ahsoka before walking away, leaving the airbender alone.
Tenzin was left to assimilate Ahsoka's words.
He had to admit that she was right.
Ever since she arrived, he tried to train her as if she was one of his children and in the same way his father taught him, but Korra wasn't an airbender by birth, he wasn't his father.
Now that he thought about it, he remembered when his father told him about when he trained earthbending with Toph.
Not only did he adapt to the earthbender's teachings, but she adapted to his ways as well.
"I hope I don't regret it." said Tenzin before leaving.
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.
"Mmm. Looks like they want to separate Mako and Bolin from Korra. I hate to admit it, but it's a good strategy." said Ahsoka having returned to the box.
"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.
"Come on, Korra. Concentrate. I have to try to win it or it's all over." thought Korra before a certain phrase flashed through her mind.
"Do or do not, there is no try." said Ahsoka in Korra's mind.
"No. I mustn't try to win. I must win." thought Korra with 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.
"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.
"Yes." said Ahsoka with her fist clenched and level with her face.
"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 with a smile while Ahsoka also smiled, happy that her friend was making progress in her training.
Later, on a ship bound for Air Temple Island, Ahsoka was gazing out at the night scenery.
"Ahsoka." the togruta turned to see the Avatar approaching.
"I see Tenzin's teachings have served you well." Ahsoka said with her arms crossed.
"Yes, but I also thank you. It was that advice you gave me the other day that helped me. In fact, I think I understand it now." said Korra with a smile.
"Oh yeah?" asked Ahsoka with a smile, curious to know the Avatar's answer.
"When we say we're trying, we don't really have to do anything. By saying we try, we create an excuse as to why we don't achieve the result we want. If you want to do something, don't settle for trying, just do it. It may go right or it may go wrong, but let's not settle for trying." said Korra.
Ahsoka fell silent before removing her hood to flash the Avatar a big smile.
"A good answer, no doubt." began Ahsoka with a smile that Korra returned. "Now, don't you think there's something left to do?"
Korra's eyes widened as she remembered a certain someone who was in the arena earlier.
"Yes, you're right." said Korra.
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 Ahsoka 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.
"I think I owe you an apology too. I was trying to teach you about patience, but I lost mine. Ahsoka was right. I tried to make you adapt to the way the airbenders act and train when I should have adapted to the way you act." said Tenzin.
"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.
"Wait… You stayed and watched?" asked Korra surprised that the airbender stayed to watch her during the match.
"I knew it." said Ahsoka with a smile.
"I did. 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 with the green-haired boy at her side. "And, by the way, I kinda permanently joined the Fire Ferrets and we're playing in the tournament in a couple of weeks!" said Korra.
"Don't worry, I'll make sure you don't miss any training." said Ahsoka as she walked away at the Avatar's side.
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.
In the attic of the stadium, Mako could be seen looking at the Air Temple Island, thinking about a certain girl who managed to make her target closer.
Meanwhile, on Air Temple Island, Korra gazed dreamily at the arena, thinking that she would now participate with her new friends in pro-bending matches and a certain firebender.
In her room, Ahsoka was sleeping peacefully, but suddenly, she began to frown as something strange happened in her mind.
She began to see images of a man resembling Tenzin, of a man sitting with a sinister smile, of a man with a certain mask who had Korra kneeling in front of him.
After that, Ahsoka sat up quickly with a gasp before breathing heavily.
She knew what that was about, as it wasn't the first time it had happened.
That was a vision of the Force.
What was it trying to tell her? Who were those first two men she saw? But the most disturbing thing was when she saw Korra in danger from that guy who, if she remembered correctly, was named Amon.
Unfortunately, she couldn't answer those questions right away.
The only thing she could do was to stand by until she found something that would give them answers to those questions and, if possible, save Korra from that man.
So, even with those thoughts in mind, she went to sleep.
