Dysfunctional team.
It was getting colder in Republic City, and it's already started snowing.
Minato and Korra are going sightseeing in Republic City after the fiasco with Amon. Minato thought that Korra needed a break and a change of pace, so why not look around Republic City, something she never did to relax.
She was wearing the same disguise that she used to infiltrate the rally. Also, they were riding Minato motorcycles, as it was a gift from Hiroshi for his contribution and friendship.
Their first stop was the Cabage Corp Building. Minato explained it was a future industry rival, and Korra told Minato it had a history with Avatar Ang.
"Really, what is history?" Minato asked
"I can't remember, but it had to do with 'My cabbages!' something Katara told me."
Their next stop is Four Nations Hall, where major corporations are looking to show off their own technological inventions and do some good for the capital of the exhibition that invites people from across the globe to display cultural or industrial marvels to the public.
"This is where they show their invasion, like the Satomobile."
" Neat" She wasn't that interested.
Next is Republic City's Tea Market, located downtown close to the Four Nations Hall and is a bazaar of stalls and shacks hunched under canvas canopies. Corporate workers often find lunch-hour respite from their job stresses in Republic City's main business district.
They arrived at the Red Wing Opera House, one of the oldest buildings in Republic City, with parts of its structure having first been part of the original Cranefish Town Theater.
They were watching an opera about Avatar Ang and how he defeated Fire Lord Ozai and ended the hundred year War.
"What a great show." Korra applauded.
"It should be owned by the Li family. The Red Wing Opera House has managed to preserve its status as a cultural locus and is able to attract international talents from across the world to this day. Thus, it remains highly popular and commercially successful".
"How did you know all that?"
"I read a pamphlet," Minato smug
"Show off" Korra pout.
The Northern Springs is a luxurious sauna owned by the Chen family. It is also the district's main hotbed for local gossip due to being the favorite meeting place of old families' elders.
"Oh, I really needed this" as Korra was relaxing as the workers did their thing while Minato was just sleeping with mascara on his face. It can be said that all her stress was gone.
They arrived at the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center, a building in Republic City owned by Varrick. It hosts activities related to the culture of the Southern Water Tribe and features several exhibits related to its tribe and its place in Republic City's history.
Korra noticed this and felt proud that the Southern Water Tribe was becoming well-known around the world owing to Varrick.
The final stop is the Harmony Tower, a tall metal lattice structure in Republic City's Harmony Park, overlooking a large portion of the city's northern districts. The tower is open to visitors who pay for tickets to ride to the top and look out over the whole city.
It also operates as a gigantic radio tower and allows radio signals to connect and unite people in Republic City and across the four nations.
Korra was looking at the city from the top of the tower. "It's beautiful." Korra is looking at Republic City at night as the lights illuminate the city.
"Yes, lovely, that is why you must remember Korra: you are not alone. Don't do everything on your own. "I and others will always be there to help you."
"Thank you, Minato; it's been a great day." Korra felt like the luckiest girl to meet someone like him.
"You are welcome."
Korra smiled that Minato would always be there for her.
XXX
"START!"
The three of them started throwing their elements at one another, constantly switching from defensive to offensive and vice versa as they fought.
The practice fight ended quickly enough, with Bolin being the first one to go down via a fire blast. He sent his last disc to Korra, who threw her water at Mako. Both were sent to the ground, regardless of where they got hit.
They all just lay where they fell for a moment and laughed good naturally at one another. "Nice to see you guys haven't lost your touch," Minato said, giving them a water bottle to drink and quickly drinking it all.
"It's been great having you at so many back-to-back practices, Korra," Mako said.
"It feels good to be back," she was happy. "Anyway," "Tarrlok isn't too happy about my leave of absence."
"Well, of course you're the spearhead of his task force." Minato shrug
"Besides, Korra joined the Fire Ferrets before she joined Tarrlok's taskforce. We had her first." Bolin made a point.
"You really think that would've stopped him?" Korra asked. She had seen the look on Tarrlok's face when she told him she was taking a leave of absence. It was a mixture of surprise, suspicion, and anger.
"You're here, aren't you?"
Mako called out the four of them. "Okay, come on, team huddle time!" They came together, locked arms, and put their heads together. Bolin sent Korra a big grin, which she returned uneasily before sending one herself towards Mako. Mako just ignored her stare while Minato could see the love triangle happening and sigh. He wasn't ignorant that Bolin liked Korra but Korra liked Mako, but Mako was already dating Asami. It was like a triangle love drama.
And it's not his business to butt into someone's private love life.
The captain of the Fire Ferrets was giddy with excitement. "It's our first match of the memorial tournament tonight. I know the three of us haven't been a team for very long, but even so, the Fire Ferrets have never been this good. Are we ready?"
"We're ready!"
"Not quite; you'll need these," Asami called them. She was standing next to a cart and holding a uniform shirt with the logo of her father's company.
"Hey, Asami," Mako greets his girlfriend.
"Good morning, sweetie," she smirked back at her boyfriend.
"These new uniforms look great," he took the shirt from her and looked at it closely.
"You look great, champ!" They giggled and rubbed their noses against one another. Korra made gagging noises at the sight.
"Oh brother" Minato's face palm felt as if he wanted to say something and was experiencing déjà vu.
"I agree too much mushiness," Bolin felt like gagging. Of course he was happy that Mako had a girlfriend, but there are boundaries.
"Alright then, if you want that, I'll see you guys before the match tonight. Asami and I have a lunch date."
"Okay, we'll check you guys later. You know, we'll see you when we see you." Bolin waved goodbye to them.
Once they were gone, he went to Korra's side, trying to smooth talk her. "So, Korra, there they go; here we are, all alone in the gym, just you and me, two alone people. Together. Alone."
A loud cough filled the room, coming from Minato. Showing that they aren't alone. Also, Minato wanted to prank Bolín like a father caught a boy trying to make a move on his daughter.
Bolin feels a little embarrassed that he forgot about her childhood friend.
Korra quickly made an excuse. "Sorry, but I got to go back to the air temple to train with Tenzin. See ya!" She turned and left the gym.
"Same here, I got to go to future industries for work, see you," as he wanted to get away.
Due to the Equalist threat, Pro-Bending was postponed to ensure the safety of Republic City residents. Aside from the Satomobile race, it became a heated subject after its introduction, causing the Pro Bending Championship to stall.
On the good side, Korra will have adequate time to train after her absence, as she needs to be acquitted again in pro-bending training and rules.
XXX
Future Industries training ground
Asami and Minato were training how to get used to the ODM gear, and that was by bungee jumping first to get used to the height and falling.
"Are you sure we need to do this?" Asami hesitated seeing the drop.
"Yes, that's how it works, so we don't feel scared about falling while using the gear?"
"You first, after all, it's your idea." The heiress insisted.
"Sorry Asami"
"Whatttttttttt!" As Minato pushed her over the edge as she fell screaming, and after a minute, the worker pulled her up.
"That was uncalled for!" Asami felt a few years of her lifeshaved.
"Sorry, but you need a little push," trying to justify his action.
"Oh really," this time she kicked Minato and fell, except he didn't scream but remained stoic as expected it would happen.
"How do you even look stoic?" Asami was amazed.
"It's a gift" still on the bungee going up and down.
The duo jumps many times until they get used to it, and boring that means they are ready for the next training. The balance was the easy part. The hard part was putting on the gear and remembering how to use it.
Finally, it's time to field test it. Asami and Minato were in a forest, as it's the perfect place to test because of the trees that they can hook on.
"I'll go first." As he jumped and fired a hook, it flew and struck a tree, pulling him, then Minato slowed the pull as he was attached to the tree. "It works!"
Asami didn't want to miss the fun and also did the same, and she liked the rush as it was like flying. Both of them continued the test as it became like racing, with whom they could reach the end and back.
XXX
While the duo were having fun, Hiroshi Sato called in chief of police Lin Beifong to oversee the new gear that would help the Republic City police department.
"So what do you think, Chief Beifong?" Hiroshi asked her opinion.
Lin could see the advantages of such a device as the none benders of NB, as someone began to refer to them, in her police force, which could work alongside metal benders and other benders. She was neither biased or prejudiced toward NB. However, they were only permitted to work in what was deemed a safe atmosphere, such as parking fines, receptionists, or desk occupations. With the ODM equipment, they may be able to work alongside side benders.
But the problem is the equalist threat. There was already tension between the benders and NB in her police force waiting to explode, and if she took the gear, the benders would think she's playing favorites, and it would divide her security forces, and she can't allow that.
She knows benders prefer maintaining the status quo and don't want change; she can change its policy, but not now when there's a greater threat.
"Mr. Sato, I'm very pleased with such a device that would help secure Republic City, but I must decline your proposal." She might as well bite the bullet.
"Why might I ask?"
"The Equalist threat is at large, and I fear giving this device to the NB would create friction within the police force, as they don't want to change the status quo."
"I understand," 'Of course you would prioritize benders only,' Hiroshi thought.
"I'm sorry until Amon is apprehended; such a device needs to be kept a secret."
"Of course, chief Beifong, I would keep it safe from anyone until that madman is finally behind bars." Rather, Hiroshi was already planning to use the ODM for the glory of equality.
Bolin was making Pabu take a bath as the fire ferret refused. While making small talk about Korra with Mako.
"You just said she was great two seconds ago."
"Yeah, Korra is a great athlete and the Avatar and stuff, but I don't know if she's really 'girlfriend material.' She's more like a pal."
"Bro, you're nuts! Korra and I are perfect for each other. She's strong; I'm strong. She's fun; I'm fun. She's beautiful, I'm gorgeous!" "Okay, I don't care what you think; I'm going to ask Korra out." His attention was still on Pabu.
"Bolin, look, it just isn't smart to date a teammate, especially during a tournament," Mako warned his brother. "Keep your head out of the clouds and your priorities straight, okay?"
Bolin grumbled of the parent talk with Mako "Yeah, yeah, I know, gah." . "You know what I'm talking about, Pabu. I'm talking about real love."
It was snowing on Air Temple Island as Korra, Ikki, and Jinora were helping feed the lemurs since it's winter food is scary for the little varmints. While Korra is asking the girls about love advice, it doesn't help a bit. Since their advance was from some book she read.
"Oh, hey, Pema," Korra said, greeting, feeling awkward that the housewife heard everything. "Uh, how long were you standing there?"
"Long enough, but trust me; I know what you're going through. Years ago I was in the exact same situation, with Tenzin."
"Daddy was in love with someone else before you?" Ikki asked her mother, surprised by the fact.
"That's right."
"So what did you do?" Korra asked.
"Well, for the longest time, I did nothing. I was so shy and scared of rejection, but watching my soulmate spend his life with the wrong woman became too painful. So I hung my chin out there and I confessed my love to Tenzin. And the rest is history."
"Wow," all three of the younger women said in perfect unity, clasping their hands and admiring the story.
XXX
Pro bending arena
"Folks, after a year of waiting, the championship is finally here. Tonight is the first set of matches in our single elimination sixteen-team bracket. And I gotta tell you, these are the most tenacious and talented Bending trios this arena has ever seen."
Minato was among the crowd as he wanted to see how the Fire Ferrets do, and he got a good seat courtesy of Future Industries.
The arena went quiet as the ringside announcer appeared and cried out, "Introducing our first team, the Future Industries Fire Ferrets!" As the team came to the ring with a light shining down on them, the crowd went wild.
Waving to the crowd before stepping onto the ring and heading for their starting positions. "And their opponents, the Red Sands Rabaroos!" the announcer continued, pointing to the other side of the ring.
The two teams took to the center of the ring, standing on either side of the zone line in their ready stances. When the bell rang, they threw their respective elements, starting the fight.
The commentator began, "What an explosive opening volley!" as the teams were driven back from the volley after-blast and started up again. "Both teams quickly recover and unleash a barrage of Bending. I am astonished at the level of improvement displayed here by the Ferrets."
It was a fierce competition, with everyone putting in their tears and sweat, especially Mako and Bolin, as they wanted to reach the championship. Ever since they started pro-bending, they never had a chance to reach the championship, and now it's finally their chance.
"All three rounds go to the Future Industries Fire Ferrets to win the opening match of the memorial tournament!" the announcer declared, sending the crowd into a roar of applause and cheering.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Bolin declared as he and his team cheered along with the crowd. They also gave one another a group hug.
It was the greatest moment for the Fire Ferrets until Korra decided to confess, making it awkward in the locker, and of course Mako rejected her confession. Thankfully, Bolin, Minato, and Asami came, interrupting the awkwardness.
Bolin decided to confess in his own words, Korra blushed, and decided to give it a shot. Minato managed to see Mako took a peek at Korra, and knowing something had happened, he had to wait.
XXX
Bolin took Korra and Minato to a restaurant out in the city, leaving Naga to lounge outside the front door. It served authentic Water Tribe food. "So, how do you like it?" Bolin asked Korra as they slurped down noodles at a table.
"It's delicious and totally authentic! You know, I didn't realize how much I missed Water Tribe Grub." She's enjoying her noodles.
"That's great, 'cause this is my favorite joint." "See? You love Water Tribe food; I love Water Tribe food; just another reason we are so great together." He said it excitedly.
"They are great noodles!" she declared with noodles in her mouth or just ignoring Bolin.
"I am always fond of noodles." Minato doesn't know why it has a familiar taste.
While Bolin chuckled, she took notice of a different table on the other side of the room that was crowded with people and a pasty-looking guy who was looking at them. "Hey, who's that creepy guy who keeps glaring at us?"
"That's Tahno and the Wolfbats, the reigning champs, three years running. Don't make eye contact!"
"Korra, don't," Minato warned her, as it would cause trouble.
Korra ignored both of them and returned a glance. Tahno stood up from his seat and gestured widely. The rest of the gang got up and started walking towards them.
Bolin muttered worriedly. "Uh-oh, here he comes. Now don't mess with this guy; he's a nasty dude," he warned Korra.
Tahno with his pack "Well, well, well, if it isn't the Fire Ferrets, Pro-bending's saddest excuse for a team." "Tell me, how did a couple of amateurs luck their way into the tournament? Especially you, Avatar.". Then he leaned closer in to her, getting into her personal space. "You know, if you'd like to learn how a real pro bends, I could give you some private lessons."
She put down her chopsticks and stood up, getting in his face. "You wanna go toe-to-toe with me, pretty boy?" she challenged.
"Go for it. I'll give you the first shot," he replied with a smirk.
"Korra, don't. He's just trying to bait you. If you hit him, we're out of the tournament." Bolin warned her again.
She didn't say anything back to her teammate. Instead, she kept glaring until she blew a sharp whistle right in his face. Naga burst her head through the window beside her and roared at Tahno, making him yell and jump away from the polar bear dog and fall down on his butt. Tahno just glared. Then he pushed his hair back into place and motioned for his cronies to follow him, which meant they left.
Then Korra and Bolin laughed, except for Minato. "I've never seen someone harass Tahno like that," Bolin said, pointing a chopstick at Korra. "You're one of a kind, Korra."
"Real mature Korra." After eating, Minato decided to leave them both on their date as they were at the Harmony Tower and Korra saw Mako.
XXX
He saw her coming and stood up from where he was sitting. "What kind of game are you playing?" he demanded.
"Uh…Pro-bending?" "We've got the quarterfinal match."
"No, I mean with Bolin. You've got him all in a tizzy, and I know you're only using him to get back at me."
She frowned. "I am not. We're just having fun together. What do you care about, anyway?"
"I'm looking out for my little brother; I don't want to see his heart broken."
"Wait a second." A sly grin appeared on her face. "You're not worried about him; you're jealous! You do have feelings for me!"
"What? Jealous? Don't be ridiculous."
"Admit it! You like me."
"No, I'm with Asami."
"Yeah, but when you're with her, you're thinking about me, aren't you?"
"Get over yourself!"
"I'm just being honest!" she declared, pointing a thumb at herself.
"You're crazy!"
"You're a liar!" They stared down at each other with a glare. So they turned and went into the stadium, albeit through different doors.
XXX
They still have a few hours before the match starts, and Minato just saw Korra arguing with Mako, curious. He asked, "So what's going on between you and Mako?"
"What's going on with me and Mako?" Korra pretends like nothing has happened.
"I can tell you're lying beside me; you're a terrible liar," Minato said, crossing his arms.
Knowing she can't escape "Fine, I confess to Mako that I like him."
"I'm sorry, did you just confess to your teammate during the competition?" Minato didn't believe what Korra did.
"Sorta, is that bad?" she asked.
"In what kami reason made you do that?" he wanted to know why now.
"I heard stories from Pema and how she confessed to Tenzin," Korra said, rubbing her neck in embarrassment.
Minato flung both his arms up high. "Of course hearing the love lives of others, thinking it would be the same that it would be special and romantic," Minato said, rubbing his head against the headache that was coming. "The reason you wanted to date Bolin was to see if it worked and make Mako jealous."
"Kinda in both ways. Wait, you knew."
"Korra I'm not an idiot. I know Bolin has a crush on you, and you have a crush on Mako, and Mako already has a girlfriend, so why now of all times do you have to confess?" Minato was scolding Korra like a coach who found out his players were dating behind his back.
"I just can't stand Asami liking Mako; alright, I felt like it should be me at his side." Every time Korra saw Mako with Asami she was jealous.
Minato took a deep breath and released, "Listen to me, I can't involve someone else love life, which is now for whatever reason. It's your choice, so try to keep it professional during the competition. You all work hard, and Mako wants to provide Bolin with a wonderful life if they win, knowing that once they become renowned, they will no longer need to live at the stadium and will instead have their own apartment. Aside from that, having both of you in the same room will be cringeworthy."
"I understand. I try to focus on the match."
"Good girl."
The stadium geared up for the match that was about to happen, "Eight teams have been eliminated and eight advance into the quarterfinals, which get underway tonight. The rookies are about to take on the former and longest-reigning champions, Toza's and Xiu Youth clashing against experience in a battle for the ages, or rather, of the ages."
The bell rang, and the match began. The Fire Ferrets quickly discovered that the Boar-q-pines were steadfast in their stances and also relentless in their attacks. The way it was going, all it would take was one mistake for them to lose ground.
"Korra dodges," the commentator remarked as the Tribeswoman cartwheeled out of the way of a disc, only to crash into Mako. "Ooh, right into her teammate!"
Using that chance, they pounced and struck hard. "Down goes Mako and Bolin and Korra!" the commentator announced as all three Ferrets fell back into Zone Three.
"Round one goes to the Boar-q-pines!" the announcer declared as the bell rang, pointing at the team in question.
"You were supposed to be defending while I attacked!" Mako told Korra with an accusing finger.
"I had an opening, so I took it!"
"What is up with you two?" Bolin asked them both. "All right, whatever, just pull it together, guys."
The situation just got worse because of the awkwardness, causing the team to be disoriented and careless. It would have been a loss if it weren't for Bolin during the tiebreaker, as the Fire Ferrets won, but the team isn't high on celebrating.
It gets worse when Korra and Mako kiss and Bolin sees the whole thing; the earthbender already brought flowers and probably wanted to confess only to get his heart broken.
Seeing his brother heartbroken, Mako quickly searched for him, accusing Korra that she was to blame.
XXX
Mako searched all night and finally found Bolin Narook's Seaweed Noodlery, where he had gone on a food binge.
When he got to the restaurant, "Morning, Narook," he greeted the owner of the restaurant, returning his wave. It's like he expected Mako would come.
"My brother is here?" He asked and got a finger pointed at one of the tables in the back.
"Thanks," Mako thank the owner ,Come on wake up. Take you home, bro," he said, shaking his shoulder.
Bolin looked up; he had been crying hard while eating. "Don't call me that. You're not my brother! You're a brother betrayer!" He told Mako, throwing a weak swing at him, not caring when it missed. "The only one I can trust any more is Pabu! Pabu loves me."
"You're a mess, and we've got the biggest match of our lives tonight," he reminded his brother, placing his hand on his back. "Let's go."
Bolin shrugged it away instantly. "No! I'm not going anywhere with you, traitor!
"Alright, I guess we're doing this the hard way." He reached out and heaved Bolin up onto his shoulders.
The Earthbender didn't struggle much as he was lifted out of his seat, only failing his legs and sobbing the word "Why?" rather loudly.
"I told you dating a teammate was a bad idea."
"You're a bad idea," acting like a spoiled kid. "Put me down! Put me down!" His brother ignored him and continued to haul him out of the restaurant, with Pabu following behind.
The owner just sighs as this wasn't the first time seeing someone heartbroken.
XXX
Back at Air Temple Island in Minato room, Korra told him about what happened.
"YOU KISS MAKO!"
"Yes, it was the mood alright, and I was in the zone, so I kissed him." Korra felt compelled to inform her childhood buddy about the glitch, despite the fact that he had previously warned her.
Minato felt like he wanted to bash his head on a rock "because of all the idiotic things you have to kiss someone's boyfriend."
"You make it sound bad," she doesn't know why, but Minato makes it bad.
"Of course it's horrible; it's okay." That was sarcasm. "If the girl discovered that her boyfriend had cheated on her with another girl, there would be consequences. It's as if someone discovered that the husband was cheating on his wife."
"Alright, you make me look bad." It's like Korra was the villainess.
"At least it couldn't get any worse."
"About that, Bolin saw the whole thing."
Minato's eyes twitched as he pinched his nose. "I felt like I failed as your friend; I should have pulled you out before it t happened." Minato felt like he should have stayed with Korra to prevent such an event from happening.
Now Korra really felt bad, but she also regretted nothing, as the kiss was special to her.
Minato calmed himself and decided to focus on the championship. "Tonight would be the semifinal; you need to rest and be prepared." He just hoped Mako could help Bolin with his broken heart.
"Understood, and thank you for the talk; it helps." Even being scolded, she felt her heart a bit lighter.
"You're welcome, but that doesn't mean I approve of what you did." He is still angry.
Korra cringed when she saw his childhood friend upset with her.
It was almost nighttime, and for the semi-final, everyone was hyped except the Fire Ferrets. They were all in the locker room; they didn't say a word to one another. Not even Bolin spoke. Korra looked at her action and consequences, remembering Minato's words ' Minato was right; I should have just waited until the competition was over'.
"You won't find two teams more evenly matched in age, size, and strength than the Fire Ferrets and the Buzzard Wasps," the commentator declared as he looked down at the ring where the two teams were staring down each other. "Believe me, I've looked. This should be a pulse-pounding semi-final, folks!"
The bell rang, and the Buzzard Wasps immediately attacked. The Fire Ferrets tried to defend, but it wasn't enough. "The Buzzard Wasps open with a flawlessly executed combo. The Fire Ferrets take an early visit to Zone Two."
Bolin went into Zone Two last. Then Mako got hit by a blast of water, sending him back. "And Mako is knocked all the way back into Zone Three! The Fire Ferrets have been struggling to stay alive since the opening bell. All three players are totally out of synch tonight."
Bolin was throwing discs left and right at the Buzzard Wasps, but then got one in the stomach himself. "Ooh, that has got to sting!"
Bolin tore off his helmet, grasped the railing on the side of the ring, and threw himself up on the side. "And Bolin lost his noodles. Literally!" the commentator announced. "Which reminds me, this match is brought to you by our sponsor, Flameo Instant Noodles! Noodliest noodles in Republic City!"
Minato could only sigh at the Fire Ferrets' disorganization and lack of teamwork, especially Korra's use of her opponents as a stress reliever.
"And the Avatar is slapped with the yellow fan. The Ferrets are their own worst enemy right now. It's just sad to watch." Those words couldn't have been truer, and it became more painfully obvious as the second round concluded with the Wasps winning. "With the Buzzard Wasps leading two rounds to zilch, the Ferrets' only hope of winning is with a knockout."
The team huddled. "Well, I guess there's always next year," knowing why they are out of sync.
Bolin nodded in agreement, but Korra was the only one who stayed optimistic. "Come on!" "We still have a chance, even if it's a slim one!"
"The way we're playing, we don't even deserve to be in the finals," Bolin said.
"Look, if we don't pull together and work together, we'll never forgive ourselves."
She wanted her little pep talk to be inspiring, but her teammates were still dejected. "Let's just get this over with," Mako
"The sooner the better," Bolin agreed, following his brother. Having no other choice, Korra followed them too and slipped into a ready stance.
Korra knew that she was to blame for what happened to the team for her recklessness with Mako and Bolin. She wanted to fix it by winning.
The tournament started, but the Fire Ferrets were at a disadvantage again. "Bolin was knocked back into Zone Two, followed quickly by his brother!" A couple of discs were thrown at Bolin. He dodged the first, but the second caught him in the shoulder, making him cry out in pain. "And Bolin takes a zinger to the shoulder! Looks like it's a clean hit!"
Mako saw his brother kneeling on the ropes, clutching his shoulder. "Bolin!" he cried out. Because of that, he got distracted and blasted.
"Mako's in the drink and out of the match. And Bolin keeps playing with one good arm! I got to hand it to him; this kid's got grit!" The Earthbender used the ropes to get back onto his feet. He was indeed using his other arm to bend discs at the Buzzard Wasps, trying to help out his remaining teammate. "But how long can he keep it up?" A disc knocked him off his feet, and a blast of water sent him flying out over the edge. "Apparently not for very long. The Ferrets' dream of making it to the finals now rests in the Avatar's hands. But with three-on-one, I don't like her odds."
Meanwhile, Mako offered a helping hand to his brother, who was climbing out of the pool. "Are you okay? How's your shoulder?" he asked.
"It's messed up pretty bad. But I think I'll be alright," he answered. The two of them went over to the elevator and stood in silence as it went upward. Truth be told, it was an awkward silence as they didn't really know what to say to one another. It was the Earthbender who finally broke the silence. "Are we going to be alright?"
"Of course we are." "We're brothers. We'll get through this mess." He paused for a moment and then said, "I'm sorry."
"Me too," his brother replied. "Girls…"
"Seriously," he agreed.
Korra was still in the ring, and she had knocked back two of the wasps into Zone Two. "What an unbelievable effort here by Korra! ,She's dodging every element the Wasps throw at her! " More than that, she had just knocked one back into Zone Three. "The Avatar finally gained some ground, but with ten seconds remaining, it might be too little too late!"
Come on, Korra, just a little bit more."
Then she gathered a powerful stream of water and bent right at them, hitting the first and sending back into the second, who then crashed into the third Wasp, and they all fell into the water below.
"It's the big kid! What a knockout!" the bell rang, and the entire stadium went completely and absolutely nuts. "It didn't seem possible, folks, but the Fire Ferrets are going to the finals!" the commentator declared.
Locker room
Mako was happy enough to grab Bolin and lift him into the air in a hug. "Shoulder! Shoulder!" Bolin cried in pain. Korra came after the match.
"That was pretty much the coolest thing I ever saw!"Bolin praised Korra.
"Thanks for not giving up on us. We never would have made it this far without you. I owe you big time." Mako told Korra, getting her attention.
"You're welcome," she then decided to take care of the platypus bear in the room. "So… I know things are confusing right now, but I hope we can still be friends."
"Definitely,"
The door to the locker room opened, and the Wolfbats walked in. Tahno sniffed the air, pinching his nose. "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. Then we'll know who the losers really are."
"Yeah, I'm peeing my pants over here," he replied sarcastically.
"And now, the defending champs, the White Falls Wolfbats!" the announcer declared as they made their way to the ring.
Asami and Minato came into the locker room and she threw her arms around Mako. "Great job!" they hugged one another. Then she looked over at Korra. "What a comeback, Korra. I've never seen a hat trick like that."
"I agree, you make me proud". Minato smiled.
"Thanks! But if it hadn't been for you and your father, we wouldn't have had the chance to play. So thank you." She was being honest.
"Uh, if everyone is done with the thank you party, we need some medical attention over here," Bolin called loudly from where he was sitting on the bench.
"Ooh, let me help."
He felt her hands on his shoulder and the pain. "Owww! Gah! Haven't you hurt me enough, woman?"
She laughed. "Relax, I'm a healer," she said, bending some water from a nearby bucket. "I learned from Katara. The best there is."
The water began to glow and heal him. "No, no, oh, that's stuff!"
"Bolin, I'm sorry I hurt your feelings," she apologized while she healed him. "I didn't mean for things to get so awkward."
"Ahh, I'll be all right. But we had fun together, didn't we?"
"I had a great time, honestly! You're one of a kind, Bolin."
"Please go on. I enjoy praise."
Minato just smiled looking at them finally over the whole love affair thing.
"Your winner, the Wolfbats!" the ringside announcer declared as the bell rang, surprising all five of them.
Korra dropped the water. "What? How is it over already?" she got up from where she was sitting and went to the rail.
"With a brutal Round 1 knockout, the defending champs secured their spot in the finals," the commentator announced. "I hope the Ferrets know a good doctor, 'cause they're going to need one!"
The Ferrets only watched in silence as they saw the Wolfbats take in the applause and faintly saw the opposing team be taken away from the stadium on stretchers.
Bolin was sitting in front of the stadium, brooding about what happened with Korra, as he needed time to heal his broken heart.
"Is it alright? I sit here," Minato asked.
"Be my guess," Bolin didn't care at all.
"So the fire ferrets won and are going to the finals, and if you three will all be pro-bending champions of Republic City and would represent the other nations," Minato is trying to make small talk.
"Yeah, I guess."
Minato might as well say, "Look, Bolin Korra told me she only looks at you as a friend, and you're not her type."
Bolin didn't expect advice from Minato of all people."I guess I just wanted someone special like Korra the Avatar to like me, but I guess I'm out of her league," he just smiled sadly.
"Well that too." Minato might as well compare Bolin to the comic relief trying to score with a supermodel."
"Hey, do you have feelings for Korra?" he asked.
Minato wasn't anticipating this question: "It's hard to say I care for her; she saved my life, and I don't want her to get hurt, but I still support her choice, as I only accept; I don't judge, but that doesn't mean I get angry if she goes too far or does something stupid."
"I see. Do you have anyone you loved before?"
Minato just sighs sadly, "Sorry, I can't remember much, but I remember what she looks like; she's a beautiful red-haired woman; that's all I can remember." It was the only thing in his mind that popped up.
"That sucks not remembering the person you love." Bolin sympathizes with Minato.
"Well, you stink trying to score with the avatar," smug
Bolin chuckled, "Yeah, I get it." He went silent, pondering Minato's words.
"Don't worry, Bolin, you'll find your special soulmate. I know you can."
"Thanks, Minato, I feel better already."
"You are welcome."
Thou Art I… And I am Thou…
Thou Has Establish a New Bond
It Brings Thee Towards a Future
Thou Shalt Be Blessed When Creating
Personas of The Strenght Arcana…
"Go get some rest tomorrow you all need to train against the Wolfbats" Minato advice.
"You can count on us were going to win"
Somewhere secluded underground, Amon and his followers were meeting a certain person; this person was their benefactor who provided the equalists with all the tools for the revolution.
"So what is so important that you have to call us?" Amon demanded
"You would be pleased, Lord Amon. I have some equipment that would help the Equalists when that day comes." Hiroshi gestured Amon and his trusted followers to the table.
"What is it?" the lieutenant asked.
Hiroshi pulled the cloth from the table and showed a piece of gear that was similar to the lieutenant gear but different: "May I present to you O.D.M., or Omni-directional Mobility Gear? With this, our army can't fight both on land and air."
"Intriguing. Has it been tested? Amon asked.
"It has my daughter and Minato Arisato as proof of its effectiveness. I have already written the required training handbook.
How many can you make?
"Fifty in a week"
"Make it three days, for tomorrow we will finally show the world what I can do and the revolution will begin." Amon said.
What about the boy? He's a no-bender and should be one of us." Lieutenant questioned what everyone was thinking. Hiroshi told the equalist about a child who wanted to aid the NB despite the fact that he was not a bender himself. Many good ideas were shared.
"He has a close relationship with the Avatar being childhood friends; you can't break that," Hiroshi told him. But he understood how we felt.
This is probably the most cringe worthy episode I watched, with the so-called triangle love and Korra acting like a stalker for a bit. It would have been better if Korra said I'm sorry to Bolin, just the two of them, that she's not into him, and we don't have the whole Korra kissing Mako making a point.
The Strength Arcana symbolizes imagery beyond the Beast and Beauty and is associated with the morality about the stronger power of self-control, gentleness, courage, and virtue over brute force. In tarot readings, it can also represent creative or physical energy that needs to be or is about to be unleashed, sometimes out of desire to be recognized.
As Bolin is always being compared with Mako.
Minato scolding Korra for her action—something she never did in the show as she's the Avatar.