Chapter 8: And the Winner is…
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. Wow over 200 followers and favorites! Thanks for all your support and if any of you read my First Shadowbender story you'll recognize something interesting. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves at the Pro Bending arena as the Fire Ferrets were training hard for their match against the Wolf Bats.
"Man, I got a good feeling about tonight. I don't care if we are the underdogs. We can take those pompous Wolfbats." Korra said eagerly.
"It's going to be our toughest match ever, but I think you're right." Mako agrees when Bolin pulls him into a hug.
"Introducing your new champs, the fantastic Fire Ferrets!" Bolin declares mimicking the announcer when suddenly the radio changed mid-song.
"Good morning, citizens of Republic City. This is Amon." Hearing this the entire room turned silent as they listened to him. "I hope you all enjoyed last night's pro-bending match because it will be the last. It's time for this city to stop worshiping bending athletes as if they were heroes. I am calling on the council to shut down the bending arena and cancel the finals, or else there will be severe consequences." Amon declares before the radio goes silent.
"That guy's got some nerve." Bolin said.
"You think the council will give in?" Mako asks.
"I'm not waiting to find out. We need to get to City Hall." Korra declares.
At City Hall, Koji was standing next to Tenzin as the council had their meeting when the door opens revealing Korra, Mako and Bolin.
"Korra what are you doing here? This is a closed meeting." Koji said.
"As the Avatar and a pro-bending player, I have a right to be heard. You can't cancel the finals." Korra said.
"I know winning the championship means a lot to you. But as far as I'm concerned, we need to shut the arena down." Tenzin said.
"What about the rest of you? Tarrlok, there's no way you're backing down from Amon, right?" Korra asks as Tarrlok.
"Actually, Tenzin and I agree for once." Tarrlok said.
"Koji what about you?" Korra asks.
"I'm just Tenzin's assistant. I don't have a vote here." Koji said.
"The council is unanimous. We're closing the arena." Tenzin declares.
"No!" Mako gasps.
"You can't!" Bolin gasps.
"Sorry guys." Koji frowns.
"I-I don't understand. I thought you, of all people, would take a stand against Amon." Korra said looking at Tarrlok.
"While I am still committed to bringing that lunatic to justice, I will not put innocent lives at stake just so you and your friends can play a game." Tarrlok said.
"Pro-bending might only be a game to you, but think of what it means to the city! Right now, the arena is the one place where benders and nonbenders gather together...in-in peace! To watch benders…" Mako starts but was having trouble finding the right words.
"Beat each other up! In peace! It's an inspiration!" Bolin finished.
"It's good thing those two aren't in politics." Koji cringed.
"I appreciate your naive idealism, but you're ignoring the reality of the situation." Tarrlok said.
"The reality is if you close the arena, you let Amon win!" Korra declares.
"Yes, exactly what she said! Yes!" Bolin agrees.
"I'm sorry, but our decision has been made. This meeting is adjourned." Tarrlok was about to raise his gavel when a metal cable flew in and knocked it out of his hand.
Looking to the front door, they saw Lin enter the room.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with the Avatar." Lin said walking in.
"You do?" Tarrlok, Koji and Korra ask surprised.
"I expected this kind of cut-and-run response from Tenzin. But the rest of you? Come on, show a little more backbone. It's time that the benders of this city displayed some strength and unity against these Equalists." Lin said.
"We must prevent the conflict between benders and nonbenders from escalating into all-out war. The council is not changing its position, Lin." Tenzin said when Tarrlok got an idea.
"Now just a moment, Tenzin. Let us hear what our esteemed Chief of Police has in mind." Tarrlok suggests.
"If you keep the arena open, my metalbenders and I will provide extra security during the championship match. There's no better force to deal with the chi blockers. Our armor is impervious to their attacks." Lin explains.
"Are you saying that you will personally take responsibility for the safety of the spectators in the arena?" Tarrlok asks.
"I guarantee it." Lin declares.
"It is hard to argue with Chief Beifong's track record. If she is confident her elite officers can protect the arena, then she has my support. I am changing my vote. Who else is with me?" Tarrlok asks as all the other council members raised their hands. "The arena stays open. Good luck in the finals."
"Yes." Koji smiles while the Fire Ferrets burst into cheers.
"And good luck to you, Chief Beifong." Tarrlok said.
"Lin may I have a word?" Tenzin asks as he and Lin walked out.
In the corridor, Tenzin and Lin were talking.
"Tarrlok's playing you and I don't want to see you get hurt." Tenzin said.
"I know what I am doing and the risks that come with it." Lin said.
"In any case, Koji and I will be attending the match as well." Tenzin said.
"I don't need you babysitting me." Lin said.
"It's for Korra. I want to make sure she's safe." Tenzin denies.
"Do what you want! It's not like I've ever been able to stop you before." Lin said walking away only to run into Koji and Korra.
"Excuse me, Chief Beifong. I wanted to thank you for your help." Korra said but Lin ignored her and walked away. "What is her deal? Even when she's on my side, she's against me."
"I've known since we were children. She's always been…challenging." Tenzin admits.
"What did Aang do to make Lin hate the Avatar so much?" Koji asks.
"My father and Lin got along famously. I'm afraid her issues are…with me." Tenzin declares surprising them.
"No way…it was her. Lin was the other girl." Koji realized.
"What?" Tenzin gasps.
"Of course, Lin was the girl you ended up dumbing for Pema." Koji said.
"No way. Pema stole you from Beifong? I'm surprised our "esteemed Chief of Police" didn't throw her in jail." Korra said loving this.
"Oh no she tried. Anyway, Pema didn't steal me, Lin and I had been growing apart for some time. We both had different goals in li— wait a minute why am I telling you both this?! It was a long time ago and Lin and I have moved on!" Tenzin recovers.
"Hm, apparently Beifong hasn't." Korra smirks.
"Yeah she still seemed pissed to me." Koji chuckles.
"What do you…Of course she has! Anyway, this is none of your business!" Tenzin said storming off.
"See you at home, Mr. Heartbreaker!" Korra and Koji call out before laughing.
"I am gonna hold this over his head for a long time." Koji laughs.
"You know Pema actually told me this story too." Korra said.
"I gotta admit. Aunt Pema has earned my respect with this. It takes guts to make a guy dumb Beifong." Koji said.
"Totally." Korra agrees.
Little did they know, in an unknown warehouse, Equalists were loading cargo when Amon's lieutenant approaches him.
"I just got word. The council defied your threat. They're keeping the arena open." He said.
"Perfect, everything is going according to plan." Amon said ready for tonight.
Soon night came and the Police was scanning the arena for anything.
"All clear chief." A police officer said as Tenzin walks in.
"How is the security sweep going?" Tenzin asks.
"Fine." Lin said coldly.
"They've checked underneath the stands?" Tenzin asks.
"Yes." Lin said in the same tone.
"And you have enough officers to cover all points of entry?" Tenzin asks.
"I have the skies, the bay, and every nook and cranny of this place covered. Now leave me alone and let me do my job." Lin snaps.
"Lin, with so much on the line it would be nice if we could help each other out, at least for one night." Tenzin said.
"Like old times?" Lin asks hopeful.
"Like old times." Tenzin nods.
"Okay, I'll try to be less abrasive than usual." Lin said.
"I would appreciate that." Tenzin said when he noticed a strange device strapped to her left arm. "I didn't know you still kept that."
"Been a while since I've used this. I believe the last time I used it was when you broke up with me." Lin smirks causing Tenzin to gulp at the memory.
Soon the stand were packed as everyone was eager to see the big match.
"The anticipation is palpable as we are just moments away from the championship match. Will the Wolfbats' ferocity help them repeat as champs? Or will the underdog Fire Ferrets serve up a surprising bowl of smackdown soup?" Shiro announces.
In the booth, Bolin was pep talking Pabu.
"Now I know there's a big crowd but don't be nervous. You're gonna do great, I believe in you." Bolin said when Koji walks in.
"Hey guys I just want to say good luck before your big match." Koji said.
"Thanks Koji." Mako said.
"So you think we have a shot?" Korra asks.
"Honestly…give that Tahno an extra hard hit to the face for me." Koji grins.
"Done and done." Korra said as Koji gave her a pat on the shoulder.
"You can do it Korra. I know you can." Koji smiles.
"Thanks Koji." Korra smiles.
As the two of them stared into each other's eyes Mako lets out a cough.
"Uh sorry Koji but we're on." Mako said.
"Yeah I better get ready." Korra said stepping back.
"Yeah uh I better go too." Koji said walking out.
In the middle of the stadium the announcer steps out.
"Introducing the challengers, the Future Industries Fire Ferrets!" The announcer said as the Fire Ferrets walked out.
Looking to the private booth, Korra saw Hiroshi and Asami waving at them.
"You're on Pabu." Bolin said as Pabu did a handstand before leaping through and back an earth disk. "Yes! Nailed it!"
"And their opponents, the three timed defending champions, the White Falls Wolfbats!" The announcer said as the Wolf Bats came out dressed in Wolf Masks before howling setting off a huge indoor firework show.
"Showoffs." Koji mutters as Tahno took off his mask and smirks.
"I'm gonna knock Tahno's stupid hair off his stupid head!" Korra said angrily pounding her fist together.
"The champs and challengers face off at the center-line and here we go!" Shiro said as the bell rang.
Almost immediately the Wolf Bats go on the attack and knock Korra and Mako back to Zone 2.
As Bolin fires a disk it ricochets off the rope and hits the Earth Wolf Bat into Zone 2.
Growling Tahno unleashes a powerful torrent of water soaking Bolin but for some reason he wasn't fouled.
"What's the big idea, ref? That was a hosing foul!" Mako calls out but the ref shook his head saying it wasn't.
"And the Wolfbats advance despite Tahno exceeding the waterbending time limit. A questionable call by the officials." Shiro said as the match continued.
Mako was about to attack when the Wolfbat's Earthbender bended the disk Mako was standing on causing him to trip up allowing them to counter.
"Those cheats." Koji growls.
"Oh come on, refs! There was some funny business in that last play!" Tenzin calls out equally angry.
"Wouldn't have guessed you knew the rules of pro-bending?" Lin said amused.
"I've been brushing up. That Wolfbat blatantly bent a disk outside of his zone." Tenzin said clearing his throat.
As Mako and Bolin were knocked back to zone 3, Tahno fires some water which turns to ice causing Bolin to trip and get blasted into the water. "Looks like Tahno snuck in an illegal icing move but once again there's no call. I don't know what match the refs are watching but it's obviously not this one." Shiro said.
"Look at them. Attacking your allies and making fools of them and no one is doing anything. It's disgusting." The dark voice in Koji said.
"They don't deserve to win." Koji growls.
"Yes, don't you want to just leap down there and make them suffer?" The dark voice urged.
Koji was about to answer when a buzzer went off snapping him out of it.
Soon Korra was knocked back to zone 3 and the three Wolfbats blast Mako and Korra off the arena.
"It's a knockout! The Wolfbats win the championship for the fourth year in a—wait a second!" Shiro said as Korra was hanging on by one hand and holding onto Mako.
Mustering up all her strength Korra throws Mako back up allowing him to blast Tahno back a zone.
"What an unbelievable move! These Ferrets aren't just bending the elements, they're bending my mind! The Fire Ferrets make it to round 2!" Shiro said as Tahno growls in anger.
Making their way back up for round 2, the Fire Ferrets huddle.
"What's wrong with these refs?" Korra asks.
"They've been paid off; it's the only explanation. Someone wants us to lose." Mako said.
"If the Wolfbats are gonna fight dirty, then so should we." Korra suggests.
"No we can't. The refs have it out for us. If we're gonna win this thing, it has to be fair and square." Mako said stopping her.
"Ugh that's no fun. But alright." Korra sighs as round 2 began.
The next round went off with both sides going all out but the Wolfbats were still playing dirty as Tahno used some sneaky ice along with some illegal headshots which the refs obviously ignored.
When the bell rang each team had a member in each zone.
"Round two will be decided with a tie-breaker!" The announcer said as the ref flipped the coin.
"The Fire Ferrets with the Coin toss! Which element do you choose?" The ref asks.
"I'm taking this one. Let's do this." Korra said stepping forward. "You and me, pretty boy."
"Thought you'd never ask." Tahno smirks.
As the platform was raised both Korra and Tahno faced off.
"Come on, little girl. Give me your best shot." Tahno mocks.
"Oh Tahno, you have no idea how screwed you are." Koji smirks.
Korra fires a blast of water at him but Tahno dodges not seeing one come from right under his chin knocking him off the platform and sending his helmet flying off his head and towards Koji who caught it in the stands.
"Hmph chump." Korra smirks.
"Round 2 goes to the Fire Ferrets!" The announcer declares.
"Oh I am so holding onto this." Koji chuckles looking at his new helmet.
"Nice one." Mako said.
"Now that's what I'm talking about." Bolin said.
"Trust me compare to all my brawls with Koji taking him on was a piece of cake." Korra chuckles.
"We might actually win this thing!" Mako said as they high five.
Getting a new helmet, Tahno fixes his hair before putting it on.
"Let's send them to a watery grave." Tahno declares.
"I can't believe your sweet-tempered father was reincarnated into that girl. She's tough as nails." Lin said impressed.
"Reminds me of someone else I knew at that age. You two might get along if you would only give her a chance. After all your father wasn't exactly the friendliest when he first met my father." Tenzin recalls.
"Yeah well dad was something else." Lin said.
"One round apiece. Who wants it more?" Shiro asks as round 3 began.
As the two teams went on the attack both were giving it their all but through more cheating, the Wolfbat's earthbender broke up rocks into Tahno's water and fired 3 blasts knocking all three of them out of the ring.
"Oh that is going too far! That water had rocks in it!" Shiro yells.
"Knockout!" The ref declares.
"Oh, come on! Those were illegal head shots! Open your eyes, ref!" Tenzin snaps.
"You're letting them get away with this?!" Koji snaps.
"Well, folks it's a controversial call but the Wolfbats notch a nasty knockout to win the match! For the fourth year in a row, they'll be crowned tournament champions." Shiro declares.
"I barely broke a sweat." Tahno said taking off his helmet. "Anybody else wanna scrap with the champs?"
In the audience, several members pulled up equalists masks before reaching into their masks and pulling out high-tech-looking gloves.
As Tenzin was finally calming down he sees an Equalist moving towards them.
"Look out!" Tenzin yells.
As Lin sees the Equalist lunge at her she activates her device causing a round metal shield to appear on her arm taking the electric attack.
"What in the?!" The Equalist gasps before Lin whacks him in the face with it.
"Tenzin behind you!" Lin yells as Tenzin sees one attack him.
As Tenzin fires a blast of air at him he didn't notice another Equalist behind him knocking him unconscious.
Grabbing her shield, Lin throws it hitting both Equalists knocking them to the ground before the shield flew back into her hand.
However, before she could throw it again she was zapped from behind causing her to fall unconscious next to Tenzin.
In various areas of the arena, the Equalists attacked the police taking them out one by one.
As one snuck up to Koji, he didn't notice Koji tightening his fist.
The Equalist reached out to zap him when Koji grabs his arm and turns revealing glowing red eyes.
"I am not in good right now. And now I'm taking it out on you." Koji growls in a demonic voice causing the Equalist to gulp in fear.
Roaring in anger Koji blasts him with air sending him crashing through the wall and knocking them out.
Snapping out of it, Koji's eyes returned to normal as he looked to see the unconscious Equalist on the floor.
"Oh no." Koji cringed running to go help.
As Korra, Mako and Bolin resurfaced they all looked up to see sparks of electricity from all over the arena.
"What?" Korra said confused when Amon's Lieutenant leaps down to the platform near them causing them to gasp before he stabbed his electric rods into the water electrocuting them.
"Folks, there is some sort of electrical disturbance in the stands. Metalbender cops are dropping like bumbleflies. There appear to be masked members of the audience wielding strange devices on their hands." Shiro said as the door opened behind him revealing an Equalist. "One of them is in the booth with me right now, folks! He is leveling one of those glove devices at me now and I believe he is about to electrocute me. I am currently wetting my pants."
Down below in their booth, Asami was hugging her father in fear.
"Dad what do we do?" Asami gulps.
"Don't worry Asami, I won't let anything happen to you." Hiroshi said when the door was kicked open revealing Koji.
"I'm sorry Mr. Sato but I believe it is time for you and your daughter to leave." Koji said.
"Koji!" Asami smiles hugging him tightly.
"Equalists are everywhere. You two need to get out of here and fast. If you hurry you can make it out before they catch you." Koji said.
"What about you?" Asami asks worried.
"I have to stay and help." Koji said before putting Tahno's helmet on Hiroshi's head. "Safety first Mr. Sato. Now get going."
"Thank you, Koji." Hiroshi said grabbing Asami's arm.
"Good luck." Asami said giving Koji a kiss on the lips before running out with her father.
"I'm gonna need it." Koji gulps when he heard a familiar chattering.
Looking to the ground he saw Pabu running to him.
"Pabu." Koji gasps. "Where are the others?"
Chattering Pabu points down the path urging Koji to follow him.
On the arena, Tahno and the Wolfbats look in horror to see Amon and half a dozen Equalists face them.
"What's going on here, ref?" Tahno asks.
"I don't know!" The ref panics as they approached them.
"Alright, you want a piece of the Wolfbats? Here it comes!" Tahno yells as he and his team went on the attack but Amon dodges their attacks with ease while his fellow Equalists threw their cables tying them all up.
As Amon walks up to him, fear engulfs Tahno.
"Wait, please don't do this! I'll give you the championship pot, I'll-I'll give you everything just please don't take my bending!" Tahno begs but it was too late.
Taking the bending from the entire team, the Equalists then push the Wolfbats into the water as a giant banner of the Equalists symbol drops down all over the arena.
Down below, the Lieutanent was dragging Korra along the floor to tie her up alongside Mako and Bolin, but as he did she saw a vision of an adult Aang and Toph dealing with a man with brown hair and water tribe clothes, this was Yakone.
Up above, Amon grabs the microphone.
"I believe I have your attention, benders of Republic City. So once again, the Wolfbats are your pro-bending champions. It seems fitting that you celebrate three bullies who cheated their way to victory because every day you threaten and abuse your fellow nonbending citizens just like the Wolfbats did to their opponents tonight. Those men were supposedly the best in the bending world and yet it only took a few moments for me to cleanse them of their impurity. Let this be a warning to all of you benders out there: if any of you stand in my way, you will meet the same fate. Now, to my followers: for years the Equalists have been forced to hide in the shadows, but now we have the numbers and the strength to create a new Republic City." Amon declares.
Down below the Fire Ferrets were struggling to break free.
"How are we gonna get out of here?" Mako asks.
"Say please." A familiar voice said.
Looking up they see Koji swimming to them.
"Koji." Korra smiles.
"How'd you know where to find us?" Mako asks.
"I had some help." Koji said as Pabu appeared on his shoulder.
"Pabu. Oh you are such a good boy." Bolin smiles as Koji made a small flame burning the ropes.
"Thanks for coming to my rescue." Korra said.
"Someone's gotta look out for you." Koji teases.
"For centuries, benders have possessed an unnatural advantage over ordinary people. But thankfully, modern technology has provided us with a way to even out the playing field. Now anyone can hold the power of a chi blocker in their hand. My followers and I will not rest until the entire city achieves equality, and once that goal is achieved, we will equalize the rest of the world. The Revolution has begun!" Amon declares as the roof shatters above him revealing a giant flying blimp.
From the blimp cables dropped down allowing Amon and his Equalists to grab them and be pulled up.
Groaning Lin slowly started to regain consciousness before seeing what was going on.
"Tenzin." Lin said shaking him awake.
Down below Koji burned the ropes off freeing the Fire Ferrets.
"We gotta hurry Amon's up to something!" Koji said as he and Korra stood up.
"Come on!" Freezing some ice, Korra and Koji look up to see Amon making his escape. "Koji I need a boost!"
"You got it!" Koji said grabbing her arm as air started to gather under his feet before he blasted him and Korra up.
"Whoa! When did Koji learn that?!" Bolin said amazed.
"Was that…airbending?" Mako said blown away.
"It's all you Korra!" Koji said throwing her with all his might.
Flying up Korra neared the roof but was just coming up short.
Suddenly cable flew in and latched onto her arm.
Looking up Korra sees Lin throw her shield up to the roof before latching a cable to it.
Swinging with all her might Lin launches Korra through the hole in the roof and towards the Equalists.
Roaring in determination Korra releases blasts of fire knocking the Lieutenant and the others off their cables and crashing onto the roof.
Looking up Korra sees Amon glaring at her.
Swinging her fist Korra hurls a giant fireball at him just as Amon enters his blimp missing him narrowly.
Looking out at the arena, Korra sees all the police boats and cars up in flames.
Swinging up onto the roof, Lin and Koji join Korra.
As Amon's Lieutenant swings in he knocks Korra down before charging in with his rods.
Acting quickly Lin blocks it with her shield surprising him.
Grunting Lin swings it up and whacks him back.
"Help Korra!" Lin yells as Koji charged in and as he and Korra stared down the Lieutenant.
Swinging his rods both dodge the attacks before releasing fire attacks keeping him on defense.
Using this chance Lin launches her cables at the blimp attempting to go after Amon.
Swinging his rods, the Lieutenant tries to shock Koji but he was quickly dodging his attacks before kicking him in the chest.
As he staggered back Korra leaps up and punches him in the face knocking him back causing the glass underneath them to crack.
"Hey Koji, what do you say we give him one of our specials?" Korra suggests.
"You read my mind." Koji growls.
Standing up the Lieutenant sees flames surround Korra's right arm while flames surrounded Koji's left arm.
Growling electricity surrounds his rods as the Lieutenant attacks meeting their double punch head-on but the force ended up sending him flying off the roof while the glass under Korra shattered.
"Korra!" Koji screams.
Looking down Lin saw there was no way Koji could get to her in time.
As she looks to her cables she cringed as she let go before launching herself through the hole and catching Korra before she hit the ground and swinging her into the stands.
"You alright?" Lin asks helping Korra up.
"I'm fine. Thanks to you." Korra said before noticing her shield. "Wait, is that a shield?"
"Yeah a little weapon my dad insisted I learn." Lin smirks before looking out at the damages. "Looks like we lost this one."
Leaping down from the roof, Koji runs over from one side and Mako, Bolin and Tenzin come in from the other.
"I'm so glad you guys are okay." Mako smiles.
"Me too." Bolin smiles.
"I can't believe Amon did this. I played right into his hand." Lin said.
"He played us all." Tenzin said.
"What's gonna happen now?" Koji asks.
"I'm afraid Republic City is at war." Tenzin states.