After the mishaps with the Equalists, I started to avoid Korra yet again. She almost got me killed and hadn't even apologised for it. I spent most of my time with Asami when she wasn't with Mako, and when I wasn't with her, I was with Tenzin, mastering my Airbending. I know part of the Airbending belief is to look for the good in others, but the hurt I felt trumped my training. A couple of days before the first championship game, I joined Asami as we headed to the Arena to give the Fire Ferrets their new uniforms. When we arrived, the trio was in a huddle. "Are we ready?" Mako asked.
"We're ready." Korra and Bolin replied.
"Not quite." Asami said. "You'll need these." I lifted the new Fire Ferret uniform with a smile.
"Hey Asami, Yunoh." Mako greeted.
"Good morning sweetie." Mako approached us and I offered Mako the shirt.
"These new uniforms look great."
"You look great, champ." I looked away when the two rubbed noses, and my eyes fell to Korra. She looked like she was about to say something, however, I glared at her, prompting her to snap her mouth shut.
"Well, teammates, I'll see you before the match tonight." Mako said. "Asami and I have a lunch date."
"Have fun." I said, turning to the couple.
"Ok, we'll check you guys later." Bolin called as the couple left the room. "You know, we'll see you when we see you."
"I'm heading back to Air Temple Island." I said to the two, mostly looking at Bolin. "I'll see you before the match too, Asami offered to let me sit in her box for the matches." I smiled, waved at the two and started to leave.
"Yunoh, wait up!" Korra called, causing me to stifle a groan. "I'll walk with you to the docks."
"I don't need you to walk with me." I snapped at her, speeding up my walking. I felt a hand grasp my wrist, causing me to turn sharply and glare at Korra.
"What is up with you, Yunoh?" Korra demanded. "Why have you been ignoring me?"
"You wanna know why I'm mad?" I asked. I let out a humourless laugh. "It's because you think I can't speak for myself." I yanked my arm out of Korra's grip. "You thought that just because I'm not a confident public speaker, that I can't make decisions for myself. I didn't want to join Tarrlok's task force, you were there when I told him that. And then you casually spout it to reporters, practically forcing me into it. And then, at the press conference, you cut me off before I could say anything and basically declared war on Amon and the Equalists...I could have lost my bending, Korra, I could have died. And then where would that leave us? Either way, we could have ended up without an Avatar." I pressed my lips together. "So that's why I'm mad, Korra, because you risked my life." I took a step back. "I'll see you at dinner." I turned on my heel and strode away, leaving Korra alone in the hall.
TIMESKIP
That night, it was snowing, so I decided to meditate on the cliff that overlooked Aang Memorial Island. My eyes were closed, my hands folded one over the other with my thumbs pressed together. "I can feel your restless from the Temple." Tenzin stated. I could hear the snow crunching underneath his boots as he approached. "Is everything alright?"
"I'm just trying to relax, Tenzin." I told him softly, not opening my eyes.
"You haven't been near Korra other than meal times, is everything ok?"
"I'm fine Tenzin." I said tersely.
"Well, the ice spikes tell another story." I cracked an eye open to see that I had indeed, caused the sea to erupt in front of me and ice spikes had caused a dangerous hazard if a boat wanted to approach. I sighed, the ice transmuting into water and returning to the ocean. "You aren't ok." Tenzin pressed a hand to my shoulder.
"I have a perfect reason to be mad." I told him. "Korra is making rash decisions on my behalf without consulting me. I mean, the last two decisions had me join Tarrlok's Task Force, which I had already turned down, and then she picked a fight with the most dangerous person in Republic City on my behalf, she almost lost me my bending, or worse, my life." The waves crashed against the cliffside in a roar, spraying mist in mine and Tenzin's faces. "I know it's in the Airbender creed to look for the good in others and be forgiving but...when my life is on the line, I can't just forgive straight away."
"I understand." Tenzin said softly. "But I urge you to try and forgive."
"I will when she apologises for almost killing me." I shifted and stood, dusting the snow from my pants. "I'll help Pema with dinner then I'll be eating in my room." I bowed to Tenzin. "Goodnight." And with that, I left.
TIMESKIP
It was soon the first match of the Pro-Bending Championship. Asami and I, alongside Pabu and Saria, were up in her booth to watch the match. Asami introduced me to some snacks that were available in Republic City. She allowed me to get whatever I wanted to try. I got a small packet of Fire Flakes and a Cherry Berry Lemonade. The flavours were unique, and I did like them. Asami and I cheered on the Fire Ferrets as they fought against the Red Sands Rabaroo's. It was clear that the Fire Ferrets were the better team. They managed to win all three rounds, and once the bell sounded for the end of the match, Asami and I practically raced down to their waiting room. We walked through and Asami gravitated towards Mako. "Congratulations guys." She said. "You were so amazing out there." The two of them retreated to the corner of the room.
"I knew you would win!" I said excitedly, approaching Bolin with our ferrets on my shoulder. Pabu lept off my shoulder and onto Bolin's. "You guys are gonna win the Championships, I just know it!"
"Thanks, Yunoh." Bolin said. I grinned at him. I averted my eyes as Bolin talked to Korra, smiling at Asami when she sent me a worried look. I yelped when an arm encircled my shoulders and Bolin's face appeared next to mine. "Hey Yunoh, wanna join Korra and I for some dinner?" He asked.
"I-uh…" I trailed off, blinking. "But-"
"Please." Korra pleaded softly. I could tell she wanted to say something more, but I sent her a blank stare before smiling at Bolin.
"Sure, why not." I replied. "I hope you know someplace good."
TIMESKIP
Turns out, Bolin did know someplace good. He took Korra and I to a noodle place in the food district. Unfortunately, Nuki and Naga were unable to enter, so they rested comfortably outside the door. We were seated right next to it, Korra squished into the corner while I sat next to her, practically on the edge of my seat. Bolin sat across from us. We ordered a round of seaweed noodles and I was surprised to taste that it was pretty authentic, I can only assume that this place employs chefs from each of the nations to replicate their cuisine. "So, how do you like it?" Bolin asked through his food.
"Hmm! It's delicious, and totally authentic." Korra commented.
"We've been eating nothing but vegetables for the past couple months, I'm just glad we can find a little taste of home here." I added, popping a piece of roast seal into my mouth.
"Yeah, we didn't realise how much we missed Water Tribe grub."
"That's great, because this is my favourite joint." I looked up to see that Bolin was talking directly to Korra, and I shrunk a little. I guess I was a third wheel but was only included because Korra felt guilty. Great, an unwanted Avatar, where have I heard that one before. I sighed, deciding that after I was done eating, I was heading back to the Island. "You love Water Tribe food, I love Water Tribe food. Just another reason we're so great together."
"They are good noodles." I looked up again and my eyes fell to a group sitting at a booth at the back of the restaurant.
"Hey, Bolin?" I called softly. "That group sitting over there." I pointed to them with my chopsticks. "Is there a reason they're giving us the stink eye?"
"That's Tahno and the Wolf Bats." Bolin started to explain. "The reigning champs three years running. Don't make eye contact!" I averted my eyes. "Uh oh, here he comes." My eyes snapped up to see that the group was indeed approaching. "Now, don't mess with this guy. He's a nasty dude."
"Well, well, well." A voice crooned. I narrowed my eyes at Tahno as he and his group stopped at our table. "If it isn't the Fire Ferrets, Pro Bending's saddest excuse for a team. Tell me, how did a couple amateurs like you luck your way into the tournament? Did you use the Uh-Vatar's influence to get you in?" I sighed, setting my chopsticks down. "You know, if you'd like to learn how a real Pro bends-" I lent away from Tahno as he leant in close to me. "I could give you some private lessons."
"You wanna go toe-to-toe with us, pretty boy?" Korra threatened, standing so that Thano was forced to straighten.
"Go for it." Tahno encouraged. "I'll give you the first shot."
"Korra, don't!" Bolin muttered urgently. "He's just trying to bait you. You hit him, we're out of the tournament."
"If that's the case." I stood as well, glaring up at Tahno. "Korra, stand down, I've got this." Korra shifted her weight so she was further away from Tahno. Tahno sneered down at me. I lifted my fingers to my lips and let out a shrill whistle. There was a slam as Naga shoved her head through the window, and Nuki's head and shoulders appeared through the door, the two letting out roars. Saria pushed through the flaps on Naga's head, chittering angrily. Tahno let out a scream and jumped back, his cronies stumbling to get out of the way. Tahno shoved his friend out of the way and glared down at me. He waved his hands and his group turned, walking away. I stepped to the door to Nuki. "Aren't you a good Polar Bear Dog." I cooed, scratching under her chin. "Yes you are, oh yes you are." There was an angry squeak and I looked up at Saria. "You were terrifying Saria." I said, scratching in between her ears. Korra and Bolin started to laugh.
"I've never seen anyone razz Tahno like that." Bolin chuckled. "Korra, Yunoh, you two are special."
"Thanks, Yunoh." Korra said softly. I looked to her. "For not letting me punch him."
"I may be mad at you but I wasn't gonna let you get kicked out of the Championships over one idiot." I told her. "I'll leave you and Bolin to...whatever this is, I'll head back to the Island."
"See you…" Korra trailed off.
"Bye Yunoh!" Bolin called.
TIMESKIP
It was soon the Championship Quater Finals, and watching from the stands, I could see that the Fire Ferrets weren't in sync. Bolin practically took the team into the semi-finals. I decided to go to Bolin's noodle place after the match, and I was surprised to see said boy laying on the table with bowls strewn around him. Pabu was laying on one of them, a rounded belly. "Bolin!" I exclaimed, rushing over to him. "Bolin, are you ok?" Saria jumped off my shoulders to check on Pabu.
"It's Korra and Mako!" Bolin wailed. "They kissed!" He started to cry again, putting his head in his arms.
"Oh Bolin." I sighed, gently rubbing Bolin's back. I could tell he liked Korra, and I was fine with him wanting to pursue Korra. But...her and Mako kissing? Mako was dating Asami and Korra knew that. This was ridiculous.
"Morning Narook." A familiar voice greeted. My face hardened as I straightened. "Is my brother here?" I turned to face Mako as he approached. "Hey Yunoh." He said.
"Don't you 'hey Yunoh' me." I snapped, causing him to blink. "You and Korra kissed?" Mako looked away. "Great, that's just an admission of guilt." I gestured to him. "Korra is my sister, and Asami is my best friend." I shoved my finger into his chest. "You are a horrible boyfriend! If I didn't know who you were beforehand I would avoid you on the street. You have to tell Asami what happened, if you don't, I will. And I swear to you, Mako, if you hurt either of them, I will call on all the strength I have to kick your ass." I turned back to the table. "Come on Saria." Saria licked Pabu's cheek one last time before leaping onto my shoulders. I glared up at Mako. "Fix this." I jabbed my thumb back at Mako. And reflect on your actions, ass." I shoved my shoulder into his as I left the restaurant. I mounted Nuki and we padded back over to the arena. It was the Fire Ferrets against the Buzard Wasps. At the start of the game, no one was in sync, and the Buzzard Wasps easily gained the upper hand. It was two games to none, and in the last match. Korra ended up being the last one in the ring. She was winning. I was watching in awe as she shot water in all of the Buzzard Wasps' faces, knocking them out. "Wooh!" I cheered. I hurried from my seat towards the waiting room. Bolin had gotten hurt pretty bad and I wanted to check on him. "You did it!" I exclaimed, grinning.
"Oh, oohhh…" Someone complained. I turned to see Tahno walking into the waiting room with the Wolf Bats. I glared harshly at him, watching his every move. "You boys smell something in here? Wait, I know what that is, yeah, that's the scent of losers."
"I hope we see you in the finals." Korra spat. "Then we'll see who the losers really are."
"Yeah, I'm peeing my pants over here." Tahno stepped onto the platform with his team. I closed my eyes with a sigh, turning to Bolin as Asami rushed into the room.
"Bolin, sit down and take off your uniform." I said softly. Bolin nodded and awkwardly slipped his shirt off his shoulder. I un-corked the pouch at my hip. I bent the water out of it, letting it glow a pale glow as I sat next to him, allowing the water to run over Bolin's shoulder.
"Bolin." Korra said, approaching us. I concentrated harder on healing to ignore her. "I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. I didn't mean to let things get so out of hand."
"Ah, I'll be alright." Bolin assured. "But we had fun together, didn't we?"
"I had a great time, honestly. You are special, Bolin."
"Please, go on, I enjoy paise."
"And Yunoh?" I glanced at Korra out the corner of my eye. "I'm sorry for what I did, I didn't mean to force you to do things you didn't want to." There was a pause. "Can you ever forgive me?"
"Maybe." I muttered. "But it's gonna take a lot more than a simple apology for me to be over what you did." Korra nodded.
"Your winners, the Wolf Bats!" The announcer said. I looked over to see the group returning to the waiting room. They had to have gotten a knockout in the first round, these guys were good.
"What? How's it over already?" Korra went to approach the balcony fence. Bolin tried to follow.
"No." I snapped at him. "Don't move until you're healed." Bolin sighed, settling back on the bench. The announcer said that it was a brutal knockout and that the Fire Ferrets would need a doctor. Everyone shared a grim look. However, I know that the Fire Ferrets would win, no matter what.