After Korra finished her morning exercises, she went with Asami to visit the pro bending arena once more. "I want to see Mako and Bolin bend," thought Korra, getting on the ferry. Asami joined her.
After their meeting with Mako and Bolin, they got two guest passes that allowed the young women to come and go to the arena, including gym, as they pleased. They walked through the entrance, and got to the stair case, that led up. After a ten minute walk, they entered the gym, where Bolin and Mako were talking.
"Oh, hey Korra. Asami," said Bolin.
"Are you discussing new strategy?" Korra said with excitement.
"No. We are out of the tournament. Hasook quit," said Mako.
"Quit?" Asami asked.
"He didn't want to participate anymore. Now that we are down a water bender, we are out of the tournament," said Mako.
"Well, I can water bend, I am a master water bender," said Korra.
"Mako! Korra can join the Fire Ferrers," Bolin said.
"I don't know if it's a good idea," said Mako.
"You will have a team. Speaking of team, when is your next match, assuming Korra participates?" Asami asked.
Mako sighed. "Our match is this evening. I guess, if Korra joins … she has to only bend water," said Mako.
"No problem, I can do that. Now that I am on your team, how about we do some team bonding," said Korra.
"We can go to Narook's and have a lunch," said Bolin.
"I never been there, is it good?" Asami asked.
"Only the best noodles the city has to offer," said Bolin.
Korra looked at Asami. "Let's try it. We can go to Kwong's next time," said Korra. Asami smiled, nodding.
An hour later, the four young adults sat at the table. They just ordered their food. "Alright, since Korra wanted to get to know one another, how about we play a game?" Bolin asked.
"Bolin, I am not sure they will want –"
"Let's play Never Have I ever," said Bolin. Mako facepalmed. "What? It's a fun game, and we will know stuff about the others this way,"
"What's Never Have I Ever?" Korra asked. Asami chuckled.
"It's a game where a person who says this phrase means that no one in the group did that activity. But if you did, you have to drink. Speaking of drink, here is our food," said Asami.
"She is right. How about this, every time you need to drink, as Asami said, you take a small portion of the noodles," said Bolin. "Ladies first, Korra?"
"Let's see if I got this. Okay, never have I ever participated in a pro bending match. I am not eating since my first match will be tonight," said Korra. She saw that both Mako and Bolin ate some noodles.
"Not bad, Asami?" Bolin asked.
Asami smirked. "Never have I ever had bending," said Asami. Korra, Mako, and Bolin all ate some noodles. Korra wasn't amused. She liked Asami, but this seemed like a low blow.
"Never have I ever drove a satomobile," said Korra, trying to get back at Asami, who ate some noodles. There, Korra did manage to get back at her beautiful and elegant friend.
"Oh, I got this. Never have I slept with a girl before," said Bolin, before eating some noodles. Korra laughed.
"Bo, you need to say something you haven't done," said Mako, eating some noodles. Korra chuckled in amusement. Her heart rate went up when she saw that Asami also ate some noodles.
"Asami slept with a girl?" Korra thought. "I wonder if she liked it. Asami is beautiful, I am sure men and women line up to spend time with her. No, they need to know that Asami is my Asami. She is my friend, and her potential love interests need to go through me."
"Asami is a player!" Bolin said. "Was she anyone I know?"
"I doubt it. It was only once, a few months back," said Asami. "Never have I ever had a pet."
Korra, Mako, and Bolin drank. "I am not sure if Naga counts, but she is a good girl. I found her when I was small," said Korra.
"We have a fire ferret Pabu, who is probably sleeping in the attic in the arena, right now," said Bolin.
"Okay, never have I ever had long hair," said Mako.
"Boo, Mako. Boo. You are boring," said Bolin, as Korra and Asami eat some noodles. "Oh, I know how to get at you, Mako. Never have I ever been arrested,"
Mako ate some noodles, but so did Korra and Asami. "I … it's complicated. We used to work for the Triple Threads, and I once got … it's in the past. I am just glad that nothing bad happened to Bolin," said Mako.
"You did what?" Asami asked.
"Bolin and I worked for the Triple Threads. We didn't do much, we just did some book keeping," said Mako. Asami formed fists.
"Oh, I remember I beat up some Triple Threads recently," said Korra. "When I first arrived, a group of three benders were harassing some people on the street and I beat them up. I met Asami there as well."
"I remember. I also remember how I spent a few years fighting various triads. Those benders are oppressing people, especially non benders," said Asami.
Bolin made a funny face and leaned closer to Korra. "Korra, I think she might be an equalist," said Bolin.
"Bo, not funny," said Mako.
"Nope, I don't like them. Some benders like the triads do oppress people, especially non benders, but the equalists … I have a feeling they are bad people," said Asami.
"Why were you two arrested?" Bolin asked.
"Korra and I stopped some triad members, but when the Metal Benders arrived, they didn't appreciate our help. They took us to the station, where we talked with Chief Beifong," said Asami.
Bolin whispered something in Korra's ear who laughed. "Okay, that was funny Bolin. Let's do this. Never have I ever wore handcuffs in a civilian setting. Being arrested or detained doesn't count," said Korra. She smirked. Bolin told her about some stuff Mako used to do when spending time with the ladies, and she wanted to get back at him for being so grumpy.
Just as she expected, Mako ate some noodles. But he wasn't the only one. "Waa?" Bolin said.
"Asami!" Korra said in surprise, opening her mouth wide.
"I … I can explain," said Asami, blushing.
"Yo, Korra, your friend here is very adventurous," said Bolin, laughing. Korra chuckled.
"I am not that adventurous. I just like to have a good time. Speaking of a good time, I am going to destroy you for this. Let's see. Never have I ever had an emo sibling," said Asami, grinning. Bolin ate some noodles.
"Hey, ladies –"
"Never have I ever could only fire bend," said Korra. Mako ate some noodles.
"Not fair," said Mako.
"Perhaps we should stop. This was fun," said Asami.
"Yeah, we need to play more games in the future," said Korra.
"We can play Truth or Dare, or Seven Minutes in the Spirit World? Spin the bottle?" Bolin said.
"Bo –"
"Mako, it would be fun," said Bolin. Mako shook his head. "Maybe one day."
The group continued eating food. Korra opened her mouth and burped. She laughed. "Watch this," said Bolin, as he burped louder.
"Bolin, people are looking at us," said Mako.
Korra didn't want to lose this contest. She opened her mouth and burped even louder. She and Bolin laughed, as Asami shook her head. When they returned to the arena, the three benders practiced some moves.
A man wearing expensive clothes entered the gym, greeting them. "Hello, and you are?" Korra asked.
"My name is Butakha," said the man. "I am in charge of the whole pro bending business."
"Why has the business owner decided to speak to the Fire Ferrets?" Korra thought, wondering why the man came to visit.
"So, I heard about you losing a water bender," said Butakha.
"Korra will be bend for us!" Bolin said cheerfully.
"Avatar Korra, I will allow you to join the team if you only bend water," said Butakha. He then looked at the two brothers. "Now, the championship is approaching. Every team needs to contribute cash to the championship post. You have until the end of the week to get me thirty thousand yuans."
"Thirty thousand yuans!" Bolin exclaimed.
"Sorry kid, but if you don't contribute to the championship pot, you will be out of the tournament," said Butakha, leaving the gym.
"Korra, you wouldn't have this amount of cash lying around?" Bolin asked.
"I've got nothing, people always took care of me. I never needed money," said Korra. She then realized who could contribute money, but Korra didn't voice her idea. She didn't want to abuse her friendship with Asami. Besides, she didn't like Asami for being rich; she really didn't care about that. Korra knew that Asami was beautiful, that she was a badass who could take down most benders. Most importantly, she felt happy spending time with her friend.
"That doesn't mean you have nothing," said Mako.
"Why are you always so stuck up?" Korra asked.
"Well … I have an idea," said Asami.
"And you have money?" Mako asked.
"Well –"
Korra was amused. While she was new to the city, she thought that Mako and Bolin would recognize who Asami was.
"My name is Asami Sato," said Asami. "I was thinking … I can ask my dad."
"Asami Sato?" Mako asked.
"Yes, that's me. Hi," said Asami awkwardly.
"Wait, you are that Asami Sato. I heard the news, your mother –"
Korra saw her friend tense. She approached Asami, and put her hand on Asami's shoulder. "It's okay," said Korra.
"No, I am fine. Don't worry about it Korra. Yes, a member of an Agni Kai has killed my mother when I was six. I learned how to defend myself, and a few years ago I began defending others. I am pretty I scarred all triads in the city by now," said Asami.
"You are a non bender who fights triads. You are not an equalist, right? Please don't be one, I like you," said Bolin.
"Bo, don't harass Asami, or she won't help us," said Mako.
"Won't help us, huh," thought Korra. "Who does he think he is? Asami is a gentle lady, she deserves love and respect. If he hurts my Asami, he will regret it."
"Relax Mako. We should visit the factory today, I think my father has the afternoon free," said Asami, as she began walking away from the gym. Korra ran after her, and the brothers followed.
The four friends found a cab, which drove to Hiroshi's factory. When the car stopped, Korra saw a gigantic building with lots of satomobiles everywhere. "Welcome to Future Industries. I made quite a few adjustments to some of the satomobiles," said Asami, leading the group into the factory.
"Wow, I haven't seen so many satomobiles in one place," said Korra. She looked at various satomobiles. Some of them were more simplistic in design, while others lacked roof, had more detailed exterior, and apparently had more powerful engines.
"I once told dad that he should think about creating some sort of flying satomobile, like a one or two person flying machine," said Asami.
"It would be nice to fly. Even Air Benders cannot actually fly but glide and use air currents. It would be nice to have more people experience flying," said Korra.
The group approached a man wearing a grey and red suit. He had dark hair with a few greying streaks of hair. "Dad, these are my friends Korra, Mako, and Bolin," said Asami.
"Hey Asami," said Hiroshi Sato.
"You remember how I like pro bending, dad?" Asami asked, looking at her father.
"I remember. My little grease monkey used to try to sneak out to watch the matches," said Hiroshi. Asami blushed from embarrassment.
"Dad, my friends are a pro bending team, who want to enter the championship. But all teams require to provide a sum of money to enter," said Asami.
"Ah, I see. Well, you always wanted to have your own pro bending team. Alright," said Hiroshi. He then told a story of how he once had an idea of making a satomobile, but was poor until he got a loan from Sokka of the water tribe. He then told how he wanted to make a loan to help with Fire Ferret's vision of winning the championship. "You can go to the financial department, and ask them to write a check to whoever is in charge of the pro bending championship. But, I have a condition," said Hiroshi.
"Anything," said Mako.
Hiroshi laughed. "You will wear Future Industries logo on your uniforms," said Hiroshi.
"I can tattoo it on my chest if you want," said Mako. He and Hiroshi laughed.
"Thank you, Mister Sato, you are a wonderful father and a sponsor," said Bolin.
"Asami, I will talk to the accessories department to provide the logos, I guess we can make an updated uniforms for your friends," said Hiroshi.
"Thanks dad," said Asami, walking towards the financial department. Korra followed, while Mako and Bolin kept talking to Hiroshi. When the two women arrived, Asami requested a check. "Okay, I need a check for thirty thousand yuans payable to –"
The person at the desk looked at her, apparently hesitating to do anything at first. The man then gave a check, where Asami quickly signed.
"Thirty thousand yuans, it seems like a lot, but Asami, generous Asami," thought Korra. "She is helping us so much, but I refuse to abuse this. No, I don't care. Asami, is a wonderful person, I wouldn't care if she were poor, she would still be Asami, my Asami, and my friend."
Asami took the check. "This should allow you three to enter the championship," said Asami, walking towards the door.
"Thank you so much for helping us," said Korra. "Just know, you are my friend. I don't care about any of this money. Granted, it's helpful, but I don't really care. You are my friend."
Asami smiled.
"You are my friend too," said Asami, approaching Korra, and putting her hands around her neck. They hugged; Asami pressed her stomach closely against Korra's. "I never really had friends who cared about me, they always wanted something from me."
"I want something from you too," said Korra. Asami briefly looked offended. "I want to go on a patrol with you tomorrow. How about we explore the city and search for any secret Equalist bases? I also wanted to fight some triads. The Chi Blocking Dancer and the Avatar will beat them all up, and they have to deal with it," said Korra. Asami laughed.
"I am not sure about the Chi Blocking Dancer, but I see where you are getting it from. Anyhow, I would be more than happy to go on a patrol with you tomorrow evening," said Asami. They approached Mako and Bolin, and once reunited, travelled back to the bending arena. Asami gave the check, and the Fire Ferrets were officially in the tournament.
That evening, the Fire Ferrets were playing their first match with Korra as being a member of their team. While she did practice with the brothers before, Korra was still new to this sport. Once, when all three members of the opposing team focused on her, she angrily lifted her arms, bending water, earth, and fire all at once.
The radio broadcaster was commenting on the match. "Did that water bender just earth and fire bent?" Shiro Shinobi asked. He wondered if it was a foul. Korra made a silly face. Mako shook his head.
"Happy thoughts," thought Korra, making a smile, as if nothing happened.
"You've got to be kidding me. She is the Avatar, folks, playing in a pro bending match," said Shiro Shinobi. "Can you believe that?"
A few minutes later Korra was knocked in the water. While she felt slightly humiliated, she hoped that Asami didn't see how miserably she played. Korra swam up, touching the metal surface of the lift so she could get up for the next round. When she got up, she saw Tenzin standing there.
"Hey Tenzin," said Korra.
"I thought I told you to stay on the island. Your trips around the city are bad enough, but this … you are to return with me to the Air Temple Island immediately," said Tenzin.
"No. I am in the middle of this. Besides, it's not as if I would learn much if I returned, anyway. I like this, I want to see this new style of bending," said Korra.
"You need to return with me and learn Air Bending," said Tenzin.
"What if I don't want to? Maybe I don't even need to learn it," said Korra.
"Every Avatar has to learn Air Bending, it's not optional," said Tenzin. "Come, it seems you only respond to force, and I am ordering you to return."
"What I need to learn is this modern style of bending. Oh, and I want to learn how to fight as a non bender too. Asami is being very helpful," said Korra. "And if you excuse me, I have a match to finish."
Korra noticed that Tenzin stayed to observe the game. Korra returned to play. At first, Mako and Bolin were losing, going back to zone two. Then, the Platypus Bears began focusing their attacks on Korra. She quickly got pushed into zone three.
Korra thought about things Tenzin taught her, and how Air Benders moved like the leaf, avoiding direct hits. She then remembered how Asami, a non bender, managed to get through the exercise designed for Air Benders, and how Asami showed her some dance moves. Korra took a deep breath and began moving gently in the zone three.
Korra dodged the attacks. The Fire Ferrets went on a counter offensive, and defeated their opponents.
Bolin ran towards Korra, placing her in a bear hug, and then giving her a high five. "Korra, you did amazing in that last round," said Mako.
Korra smiled. "I had good teachers," said Korra, thinking about some of the basic lessons that Tenzin taught her, and about all the help Asami provided.
That evening, Korra approached Tenzin to apologize about the way she spoke to him earlier. "I need to apologize, as well, Korra. I wanted to teach you patience, but I lost mine. I also see that your friend Asami was very helpful in teaching you how to relax and be the leaf," said Tenzin.
"She will teach me how to be fight without using bending, and she also told me she will teach me how to chi block!" Korra said. "Anyway, see you tomorrow morning for Air Bending lessons."
Korra smiled at Tenzin, waved her hand and ran away.
In a secret bunker somewhere in Republic City, Amon was looking at the map of the city. Hiroshi Sato entered the room. "My daughter befriended the Avatar, and got them into the pro bending championship. I will see what I can do to make sure that they get to the finals, but lose to whoever will be in the finals," said Hiroshi.
"Good, very good, Mister Sato. Your daughter is a strong woman, we should find a way to make her join our cause. I heard she already fights the Triads occasionally in the evenings," said Amon.
"Yes, I gave her best tutors for Asami to learn self-defense; apparently, my daughter decided to fight the evil benders. So far, she fought only the triads; still I find that impressive. I would like her to meet with you somehow. She needs to see your point of view," said Hiroshi.
"Yes, she is a skilled and intelligent woman who will be useful to our cause. I will work on making her join us. Prepare your hidden factory, we will use it in the near future. For now, we will lay low, and have the Avatar come to us instead," said Amon. Hiroshi nodded, and left.
Note: I wanted to write a chapter where Team Avatar bonds. Next chapter Korra and Asami will find an Equalist base.