I'm hooked.

"How is it that we humans have reached the point where we are now? Thriving at the top of the food chain, free to discover and focus on things other than survival. We are able to accomplish what should have been impossible, choosing to be more than what our base instincts demand of us, but how?"

"Simple, it's because we keep dreaming and doing everything to make them a reality. Creativity, born from dreams, is what pushes us beyond our mortal limits. As long as we keep dreaming and have the will to see them through, we one day go beyond even the stars themselves."

- Leon Bartfort, Founder of Starcraft Inc.

"AND THAT'S A WIPE OUT!"

The crowd cheered from the stands. Their applause roared just as loud as their cheers.

"For the first time in three seasons. The Wolfbats have been defeated and the crown has been taken by the underdogs. Folks, I give you, our newest Pro Bending Champions, THE FIRE FERRETS!"

"WOOOO! WAY TO GO FERRETS!"

"I KNEW YOU WOULD WIN!"

"I LOVE YOU MAKO!"

"MARRY ME!"

Leon ignored the joyous shouts of the fans and instead focused on the three fighters in the ring, basking in their well-earned victory.

"I can't believe we did it.", Hasook spoke, surprised but also happy. He came in, expecting to lose, yet here they were.

"BUT WE DID! AND WE WERE AWESOME!", Bolin screamed in glee as he came in and spun his water-bending teammate around, "WE WON!"

To the side, Mako watched his brother. The earthbender's smile was so infectious that it had spread to him, "Yeah, we did."

Then Bolin darted in, leaving his brother no time to react when he got pulled into the bear hug with Hasook.

"WE WON!"

Leon laughed at the celebratory embrace the two were forced into by their teammate. Back in the original timeline, they had never been able to clutch the win, but here, Leon made sure they did and it was well-earned. He was truly happy for their victory... and not just because he was receiving a mass advertisement for his company since he sponsored their team this season.

Nope, no sir, definitely not. His happiness for them is genuine.

Time passed, allowing the excitement to die down, but Leon made his way to the break room to meet his team, the three still had their bright smiles.

"Wonderful game out there guys. All those three rounds had me on the edge of my seat. I'm happy for you three, you've more than earned this win.", Leon said as he made his presence known.

Though he'd wish he didn't when Bolin, whose adrenaline still hadn't run its course, locked him in his arms in a blink before unintentionally trying to crush his spine.

"LEON! My man! My brother from another mother!", Bolin jumped like a kid who got his favorite cream.

While Leon played as the toy bear that was being crushed in the kid's excitement, "Hm! Hm! Hm! Hm!"

His eyes fell on the other two and all they sent him were pitying looks mixed with amusement. As if they were saying, 'Hey, if we almost got suffocated by a hug, then you should too.'

Leon would have held a grudge for this accident, but since it was their big day, he let it slide.

"Yes, yes, Bolin, I get that you are excited about winning, but can you put me down so we can get to your victory feast? Your families are waiting."

Bolin blinked at that and quickly set him down on his feet, "Oh right! Man, I still can't believe you paid for our family's all-expense-free trip to Republic City. AND gave us reservations at that famous all-you-can-eat buffet place!"

"No problem. I treat all my friends well. Plus, this is a momentous occasion. If we are going to celebrate it, we gotta go big!", Leon spoke with a grin.

"Now come on. They wanna meet their champions. Don't wanna keep them waiting.", Leon urged them.

Both Bolin and Hasook were convinced, walking on out with Bolin leading the way. Mako, on the other hand, stayed back for a bit.

"Thanks, Leon, really, for everything. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."

"Well, like old man Gusho always says, us streets rats and vagabonds gotta look out for each other, even if we start moving up in the world."

This made Mako chuckle as he patted Leon on the shoulder, "Especially in your case."

"True." Leon replied with a shrug, "But this night ain't about me. It's about you guys. Now come on, your little cousins want to see their 'hero champion pro benders' both of them."

"Hero champion?" Mako raised a brow, more humored than confused, "Ah, those kids are gonna bloat Bolin's ego. Better catch up before his head becomes as big as an airship."

"Yeah, we probably should."

The two homeless young boys in origin then made their way out of the locker room. Completely missing a pair of anger-filled eyes of a washed-out water bender.

"I'll make you regret this."

'No, you won't.'

In mere moments, Tahno's world was warped. His once anger-filled eyes became blank and glazed. Whatever nefarious plan he had to get back on the Ferrets for pettiness alone, had been utterly crushed. The waterbender's mind was no longer his own.

'You're lucky you still have an important part to play. Yet that does not mean I'll let you off easy.'

The next thing Tahno knew, he was out in the streets, naked as can be and covered in sewage, with leechmags attached to his private parts.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!"

In the newspaper the next morning, an article about former pro-bender champ Tanho coping with his loss with alcohol had ended with him being charged with public nudity and an extensive stay in the hospital after he drunkenly fell an open manhole and into the sewers.

~Quite Sometime Later~

The three-way rivalry between Starcraft Inc., Future Industries, and Cabbage Corp has been going on strong for an entire year now. With the look of how each of these companies is trying to one-up each other, it would continue till one of them rises as the superior.

To Leon, this 'rivalry' he has with his fellow industrialists was but a fun game. Competition, after all, helps bring out the best of the best from all participants. Though Cabbage Corp had proven to be superior in quantity at the moment, it lacked quality and assurance. Something that the Future Industry had in spades and monopolized. Yet what made Starcraft Inc. stand out and on even ground with the two is their never-before-seen but amazing products and inventions that cover various bases. From cookware to furniture, to mechanical parts, and, life-changing inventions. Most recently, they had even set up a fast food joint in partnership with other companies.

It was truly a battle between the many, the refined and the unique.

Of course, to ensure that this competition of theirs doesn't get out of hand, Leon Bartfort had suggested a monthly meet-up between the heads of each company, where they could make clear what is allowed, banned, and the general rules. Though mostly, it was when they duke it out with brags.

To the surprise of their employees, Hiroshi Sato and Lau Gan-Lan had agreed.

The first meeting went as well as one would imagine. Both initially thought this was a waste of time, till they realized this was the perfect opportunity to acquire whatever ideas the young successful investor would let slip with a bit of ego stroking. Pride after all is one of the most common flaws of the youth.

But by the end of that meeting, the two adults were the ones who played themselves. The friction between their two companies had set off a bonfire of petty anger. The two adults took up most of the time of the meet, with Leon barely being able to put in a word, but he was content with watching two grown-ups trying to prove their stick was better.

The following days after that Cabbage Corp and Future Industries enter a state of rapid production. Each of their owners worked hard for one of the others after petty words were spoken

By the time they realized it, it was the next monthly meeting again. They both were upset at being played by the young man, but they couldn't agree on how their conflict had seen each of their profits rise higher than it ever had before Leon joined the stage.

This had earned him the respect of both industrialist businessmen. From then on, they had taken the meetings more seriously. Seeing it more as the meeting between generals before their armies march out against each other in the battlefield that is business. It was both entertaining and fruitful to the three biggest names in Republic City.

Then one of the lesser-known companies tried to use what they presumed as the sparks of strife for their rise. Going about sabotaging each of the three's businesses in hopes of enticing conflict between them. So that while they are so focused on trying to tear each other down, they could rise to the top to be the next biggest name in the city.

Too bad they didn't account for how well the three companies were watching each other for foul play. They found them out a day after the mess they made. With three wealthy and influential powerhouses bearing down on them and suing them to total bankruptcy.

Ever since then, the relations between Cabbage Corp, Future Industries, and Starcraft Inc. have grown from petty enemies to mutually respected friendly rivals, that ensure each other's stability... who also go on a bragging contest about almost anything.

One of which is coming to its satisfying close.

"I still think it's disadvantageous for me and Mr. Sato to make a warm food product based on our business origins.", Leon spoke respectfully as he browsed through some papers.

"I agree with Bartfort. Shoes don't exactly make for an appetizing dish.", Hiroshi Sato added.

"True, but it's not my fault cabbages are so delicious.", Lau Gan-Lan's playful smirk lasted a moment before becoming serious, "Any other ideas?"

Leon hummed in thought, "What about sweets? There's plenty of recipes out there and plenty of expect patisserie for us to hire to make our special brand."

"Hmmm, that could work.", Hiroshi's thoughts swirled, "They can even serve as free advertisement and exposure."

"Huh, a sweet cabbage. No wait! Cabbage Candy! Brilliant! I've been trying for so long for children to see cabbage in a positive light. This could be it!", Lau was brimming with excitement.

"Well, seems like we have the same thoughts on this idea. We'll be creating our brand of sweets, distributing them to the stores in the city, and tallying which one is most popular with each group of consumers. All in favor?", Leon began the vote.

Lau raised his hand with vigor, "I!"

Hiroshi held an amused lighthearted smile as he too raised a hand, "I."

Metal and flesh smacked into each other when Leon closed the vote with a clap, "Idea approved. We'll check on each other's results in the next meeting, and with that, this one has come to a close."

The 'Big Three', an unofficial name that the populace of the city gave the three of them that stuck on, stood up from their seats and left the round table. Departing the fancy room they had used for their gathering for several months, side by side like equals.

"I'll be looking forward to seeing you two next time.", Leon spoke as they walked passed the door and into the waiting room where each of their closest employees was waiting for them.

"Likewise. I've gotten rather fond of our meet-ups.", Lau added.

Followed by Hiroshi, "I as well. I never thought one could have fun in business."

"I'm simply glad we all got along.", Leon replied, "We are the biggest movers and shakers in the Republic. What we choose to do will affect the city one way or another. Better we rise together than tear each other down."

The three of them each shook hands with their fellows, whom they had grown to respect, before going off their separate ways.

Leon's secretary, Lee, joined Leon's side as they made their way to the elevator

"I presume the meeting went well again, sir.", Lee politely asked.

"It did. We have even decided what our next contest will be.", Leon replied when they stepped into the elevator, its doors closing on them moments before they felt it descend.

"I see..."

Leon didn't need to glance the man's way to sense something was up.

"Is something wrong Lee?"

The man looked nervous with how his unease was clear on his face, "It's about your other 'business partner' sir."

"No need to explain further, I can already guess the problem."

Leon sighed. His cheer was replaced by a hardened look of a veteran, "I knew this was inevitable. It was only a matter of time after all."

"Are you sure you can handle this sir?"

"I've been preparing for this for so long Lee. I am more than ready."

"...then I wish you luck sir.", Lee internally prayed for his boss's safety.

"Thank you for your concern Lee."

~A While Later

"Hello...", Leon greeted with a stone-hard look...

.

.

.

"Varrick."

"There's my handsome brilliant genius of a partner! Come here! Give me a hug, you!"

"Hello, Leon."

"Hey Zhu Li.

Leon deadpanned as he was spun around by Iknik Blackstone Varrick, more commonly known as Varrick, the eccentric billionaire, and owner of the largest global shipping company in the world, who is also Starcraft Inc's biggest investor and business partner. Leon couldn't rise to where he is now in such a short amount of time on his own, no matter how resourceful he is. So he got in touch with someone who could give him the funds he needed, that person being Varrick. It wasn't too much trouble to gain his support with the ideas he's presented, but after Starcraft Inc. shot up in the business world and raked Varrick another billion, he's been very clingy to the obvious goldmine Leon found himself to be.

He even had to... convince him, multiple times, to completely forget the adoption papers he was planning to present to Leon.

That is a can of worms the wayward reincarnate is not ready to open, ever.

In fact, he wanted this meeting to end as soon as possible.

"Leon! I got THE perfect idea for our next big thing! You know how people wanna watch with their own eyes something like the pro-bending fights but can't cause there are only so many seats before it gets full or they're too far away to get there in time, so they have to settle for listening to radios instead? Well, how about we bring the action, to them!"

So he's already thinking about making moving pictures a thing now? Huh, I keep forgetting he's also a thinker underneath all that rich flamboyantness, "Is this before or after the coffee thing?"

Verrick set him down with a gasp, "Coffee! Right! I was so caught up in my new amazing idea that I forgot about the present one! Zhu Li, why didn't you remind me?!"

"You didn't want to be disturbed while in your 'moment' sir." His assistant deadpanned.

"Oh right.", Varrick remembered telling her that and firing the last guy who did, "Anyways. That coffee idea of yours is going to be another hit, Leo."

"It's Leon.", Leon looked like he wanted to collapse. He was completely worn out by his supporter's antics.

"Ah, potato potatoes. We got coffee to spread to all the weary and tired souls in the world!", Varrick spread out his arms as emphasis.

Leon rubbed his temple, "I could use some myself."

"Not a problem.", Varrick snapped his fingers, "Zhu Li! Do the thing!"

The female assistant brought out the tray she was hiding behind her back. On it were two cups of steaming dark liquid with swirls of white that gave off an aroma that could wave up dead.

"Thank you.", Leon nodded as he took one, and downed the piping hot drink in one go like it was refreshing fresh lemonade.

He placed the cup back on the tray and addressed Varrick with more energy than what he started with.

"How are we doing this?"

"Well, I thinking of-"

Their discussions stretched on throughout the night, till the clock chimed at midnight.

~Sneak Peak~

"Sirs."

Amon and Ouros looked up from the map of the Earth kingdom. An Equalist had entered their war room and interrupted their discussion.

"What is it.", Amon asked one of his followers.

"News from the city watchers." The Equalist reported with an urgency in his tone, "It's the Avatar. She has been spotted in the city."

.

.

.

"It seems we have to change our plans.", Amon spoke to his equal in command.

Ouros looked to be deep in thought, "Perhaps we could use this to our advantage. After all, who else could be a better messenger to the world, than the Avatar?"

I knew Korra was a hot-blooded girl with an ego who faced challenges head-on, but to think she'd still publicly challenge, not just Amon but also me, to a fight... I'm glad she matured in time, if not, things would be so much worse if she stayed the same. Did she really think she could take on the two of us?

.

.

.

Well, she's lucky Amon decided to backstab me. So now she only has to deal with him, and a couple of his equalists, just like in canon.

*Sigh*

I was really hoping he'd change, but I guess a year with a stranger doesn't compare to an entire lifetime of being forged into a weapon of vengeance and being despised for what he's born with.

A real shame. Now I'll have to do what I had intended to do to him from the start before I thought I thought I could change him.

Oh well, I'll carry on the legacy in his place. I hope his brother is more manageable. If not, well, you what they say-

There can only be one.

"I AM NEVER LETTING ANYONE CONVINCE ME TO DRINK EVER AGAIN!"

Leon shouted from the top of his lungs as he carried the unconscious bodies of Korra, Asami, Bolin, Mako, Kuvira, Opal, Eska, and Desna to shore, wearing nothing but women's undergarments that made his slender build more feminine.

There were also several dozens of circle-shaped bruises that covered almost his entire body from the neck down to his bellow his waist.

"Hmmm~ More meat~"

"Soft..."

It also didn't help that Korra was nibbling his ear and Mako kept gripping his butt.

"You two better be unconscious or I will dunk you so hard you'll pop up on the other side of the spirit world.", Leon ground his teeth as he got everyone to the safe shade of the palm trees.

"This can not get any worse."

Murphy's Law has taken that as a challenge.

THUD!

"...I hate alcohol."

Leon cursed the moment he had grabbed that glass of wine that led him to be buried under a pile of wriggling limbs that caressed his surprisingly soft smooth skin.

"I...have no words."

"You and me both."

.

.

.

"Guess I should start the introduction. Hi, I'm Leon, the new spirit of darkness and your other half."

"...I am Raava, the spirit of light and peace."

"Well Raava, I hope we can both get along."

"...despite my disbelief, so do I."

"So... what did it feel like being inside me?"

"PFFT!"

"Context Korra.", Leon groaned amongst the sound of choking and under surprised gazes sent our way.

"...but for the record, it was spacious and simple."

.

.

.

"Are you saying I'm dumb?"

Don't say anything stupid. Don't say anything stupid. Don't say anything stupid-

"If the shoe fits."

DAMN MY NEW SPIRIT INSTINCTS!

BANG!

"Uugggghhhh."