Chapter 2

"Now, the sign up is in less than 3 weeks," Bolin said, walking back and forth in front of Jun and Mai-Ling. The two were seated on the couch as he called them together for a team meeting. Asami had joined them, amused as she watched him take charge. "After that, we have two months to prepare for the Qualifiers and only the two top teams will get to play at the Arena on the big night."

"It's pretty lame that we only get one night to play when you guys have a full season," Jun complained.

"The Pro scene has been around for years, Jun," Asami reminded her. "They spend months planning for it after the end of the previous season. They're putting this together in less than half the time, as well as trying to plan it around the election. It may just be an inaugural thing now, but it'll grow in time."

"When are we gonna start practicing?" Mai-Ling asked excitedly.

"Slow down, little lady. First things first," Bolin declared before pulling out two thick, worn-out books. Handing one to each of the girls, she said, "Before you step a single foot on that practice field, you two will need to read these."

"Official Rules of Probending. First edition," Jun read as she flipped it over. "Man, these things are old, huh?"

"Sure are. They were mine and Mako's. We saved up for months to buy those after we started training with Toza. Even marked the sections specific to our elements."

"Aww," Mai-Ling pouted as she flipped through her book. "I wanted to get right down to practicing already."

"Sorry, but we need to make sure that you actually know the rules before we let you out on the field. We, uhh…made that mistake already once with Korra," he recalled.

"No fire breathing doing Sudden Death? Lame!" she replied as she closed it before slumping down in her seat.

"You can't even fire breathe on command, but even so, why would think you would be allowed to melt someone's face for sport?" Jun asked, looking at her like she was crazy.

"Isn't that what the protective head gear is for?" she rolled her eyes.

"You're an actual airhead sometimes, you know that?" Jun asked before turning to Bolin. "You're gonna have your work cut out for you with this one."

"It's no big deal. After all, if you fail the written test, you can just study again and take it next week," he shrugged as Mai-Ling shot back up and Jun's jaw dropped.

"Written test?! Are you serious?" Jun complained. "Why do I have to get tested when I probably know the rules better then you do?"

"Uh huh, yeah, sure you do," Bolin said as he nodded his head in fake belief. "Ok, then prove it. Tell me something I don't know."

"I'll tell you three things I bet you didn't know. First, if no team has gained territory, but one team has fewer players left in the ring by the end of the round, that team loses the round. Second, if a player suffers an injury during a match, play is halted, and the player is removed from the ring. And third, it's a foul to knock another player over the ropes instead of the back of the ring, but not against the rules to cause them to trip over it by themselves," Jun boasted, crossing her arms.

Mai-Ling smirked as Bolin blinked, trying to think of a reply, when Jun held her hand up.

"Let me finish. That means, that time you took a disk to the shoulder, the match should have been stopped so you be taken out of play. However, they still played it out because it was already the third round, which is the final round," she pointed out. "Also, the last match you guys played with Hasook, they didn't have to knock you off together, they just had to get you off the ropes. You guys pretty much did the work for them by tripping on each other."

"Huh…that's a really good sports analyzing you just did there," he admitted, coughing into his hand before addressing Mai-Ling. "You, uh, should probably ask Jun to tutor you."

"Alright, whenever you're ready," the Sentry said, receiving a nod from Sota before the boy squatted and jumped to give himself a boost. As he reached the peak of his jump, he tucked his legs to his chest. The Sentry nodded, jotting something down as he landed, letting himself fall to the mat below him to keep from putting more weight on his ankle.

"How was that?" he asked her, rocking back and forth before rolling onto his feet.

"That was really good. Nearly 4 inches higher than your jump at your last physical," she said, receiving a fist pump.

"Then I bet I'll do even better once my ankle is fully healed. Just a few more days," he said as he turned to Katara who nodded her head.

"Your recovery is coming along well. Though I'm not sure I understand why you suddenly desire to be able to high jump," she said.

"It was Korra's idea. She said the harder you are to hit, the higher your chances of winning in the ring are," he said, though he paused for a moment as a thought came to him. Crossing his legs, he said, "Hey, Sifu. I have a question."

"What is it, Little Waterbender?"

"When Korra was telling me about Amon and his ability to psychic bloodbend, I had this thought. The idea of using it the way he did creeps me out, but I was wondering; do you think it's possible to waterbend like normal but with just your mind?"

Katara thought for a moment before nodding her head. "I've seen a lot of impressive benders in my day, including a Firebender who could do so with only their mind."

"I wonder where you would even begin to start learning something like that," he said with a laugh at the craziness of the idea.

"Well, in a case like this, the mind would probably be a good place to start," she said, and though Sota had only meant it as a joke, he did wonder if maybe trying wouldn't be the worst idea.

The night was upon them before he knew it, leaving him alone in his room as the full moon shined on him. Sota grunted as he did another sit up, trying to reach 100 for the second time that day. Though Katara had only instructed him to do 100 a day, he was determined to strengthen his core as much as he could before the festival.

The festival was one of Sota's favorite times of the year when he was younger, especially before he started training at the compound. He remembered waking up early on the first day of the festival and being the first one up every year. He could recall all the times he'd ran to wake Korra, often upsetting her until the two would repeat this scenario with their parents.

With each sit up, the memories passed through his head of all the games, the food and all the smiling faces of the people in Wolf Cove. His father's friends would always ask Korra how her training was going and then ask him if he was ready to be a warrior of the tribe yet. Of course, being just a little kid, he would protest that he was a Warrior of the Water Tribe already only to be laughed down by the other men.

"You've got the spirit, but until you pass that test, you're still just a Wolf Pup, like all the other kids in the village." he recalled often hearing, and though he hated to admit it, it was true. Even Korra had taken the test when she'd come of age. Sota laughed at the memory of her demanding that she be allowed to take the test as well even though the White Lotus Elders had already told her that as the Avatar, she was already granted Warrior Status. Of course she refused to let that happen, citing that it was tradition and that she would not have that taken away from her.

Korra of course did amazingly, even getting to keep with the old tradition of having their father on the boat to watch. After the expansion of the village post the 100 Years War, the tradition was changed to be incorporated with the Glacier Spirits Festival. With the number of children growing and needing a chance to take the test, the village's limited boats became an issue.

Because of this, it was decided that the children would be divided into teams of three, with one being dubbed leader by the village elders. Which meant that Sota would be paired with two random kids as his partners, something he wasn't looking forward to. Having no friends left in the village, the idea was less than stellar.

"This is gonna suck," he mumbled to himself as he finished and sat up to catch his breath. "At least I don't have to worry about being paired with that crap for brains, Urroq." Reaching for the bowl of water on the nightstand, he paused as he saw the full moon high in the sky. "Princess Yue…"

Grabbing the stand, he lifted himself up to sit on the bed before picking the bowl up and placing it in his lap. The moon's reflection danced across it, and Sota paused before speaking.

"Princess Yue? I'm not sure if you can hear me…but if you can, I wanted to thank you for saving me," he said. He paused, half expecting to hear or see something but was rewarded with silence. Snorting, he said, "Of course you wouldn't just show up. But still, thank you. Sifu was really happy, and she's been putting me through some intense training. Something tells me though that only part of it is for my festival test."

An idea suddenly struck him, bringing his eyes to the bowl again. Taking a deep breath, Sota focused on the water but kept his hands on the sides of the bowl. He could feel the power of the moon making him stronger, thinking back to the last few months when he'd bloodbent. He searched the back of his mind for that feeling he got when searched for the water in a person's body, sensing the water in the bowl much easier.

Squinting his eyes, he breathed in and out once more before trying to push and pull it. The water responded in kind, swaying back and forth as his eyes moved back and forth. Sota smiled, slowly dragging his eyes up from the bowl to the moon in the sky, creating a small wave up that twisted into a tentacle.

A smile came to his face as the water floated before him, the shine reflecting around the room as it danced in the light.

Korra smiled as she pulled up to the dock of Air Temple Island where a small entourage of people were already there. The sun had just started to set, bathing the city in a glow of orange and purple as far at the eye could see.

Tenzin, along with Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo waited eagerly for her. Commander Bumi was standing just behind his brother, while Mako waited at the front, a smile on his face. Korra hopped off the deck, landing on the dock with no issue before rushing up to Mako and embracing him.

"It's good to have you back," he said when they broke apart.

"It's good to be back," she told him before turning as the Airbender kids rushed her all at the same time. "Hi guys!"

"Welcome back, Korra," Jinora said. "Everyone's been looking forward to you coming back."

"I'm sure, but I doubt it's for the same reasons you guys did," she replied before standing and addressing their father who embraced her in a hug.

"It's good to see you, Korra," Tenzin said before pulling back and presenting his brother. "Korra, I'd like you to formally meet my brother, Commander Bumi."

"It's an honor to meet you again, sir," she said as she held her hand out.

"The honor's all mine," Bumi said, shaking her hand. "The last time we met, you were barely up to my kneecaps. How are things down in the South Pole?"

"They're good. Master Katara asked me to invite you to stay with her during the Glacier Spirits Festival this year." Bumi gave a hardy laugh as Tenzin seemed to deflate, confusing her. "Um, was it something I said?"

"It's not you. Tenzin's just not thrilled because I told him I was retiring from the United Forces."

"Really? Why so suddenly?"

"I'd been considering it for a while, and after all this, it felt like a call home. So, I think it's time this old solider settled down," he said, patting his stomach with laugh. "I hear your brother helped to save the city as well. General Iroh told me all about him."

"He did. When he gets back from the South Pole, I'll be sure to introduce you both," she said before turning to Mako. "We should get going. There are a lot of people who need my help."

"The Sentries are already waiting up at the temple," Tenzin said, leading her up the stairs. Korra followed behind, holding Mako's hand as they began to make their way. She suddenly came to a stop as she saw rows and rows of Sentries lined up and facing her way. Applause erupted as they all began to clap for her, smiles on their faces. Mako smiled at the stunned look on her face, as did Tenzin before he said, "Welcome home. I'm so proud of you, Avatar Korra."

The smile that came to her face could have lit the soon-to-be dark city up with how bright and radiant it was.

Loa and Shu stepped off the trolley, merging into the crowd as they made their way onto the busy morning sidewalk of people getting back to normal life. The downtown area was one of the busiest as well as one of the most expensive, something that reminded the two a lot of Ba Sing Se.

"It should be this way," Loa said, pointing down the road. "The flyer said they're hiring right away."

"I don't know, Lo. I'm not really sure I'm cut out to be in the catering business," Shu explained to his sister as he followed her. Sticking his hands in his pockets, he said, "That kinda work feels like its beneath us."

"You should just be glad that Chief Beifong cleared us of any charges for helping save the city," she reminded him. "Anything is better than a jail cell or the streets, so you'll suck it up and work until you can find something better or find a purpose in life."

"I have a purpose," he protested, looking away in annoyance. "I'm clearing out the rest of the Equalist from the city."

"Oh please. You haven't met more then a handful of the others and none of them knew about or were still affiliated with the revolution," she told him, stopping as they reached a large, beautiful building that was painted red and white with gold trimmings. Standing in front of the large red doors, she turned to him. "Look, I get you wanna help make the world a better place, but you gotta provide for yourself before you can provide for anyone else. Besides, we need to start sending money back home again."

"You're right," he said with a sigh and a small smile. "I really do need to get my act together. I wouldn't even be here to argue with you if it weren't for the kid. I hope he's doing alright, the little punk."

"Aww, I knew you liked him," she teased, pinching his cheek. Shu growled, smacking her hand away before following her as she opened the door to walk in. Walking in, they were greeted with a desk that had been carved from dark grey stone that was smooth and free of any blemishes. Behind the desk was a set of double doors, while a middle-aged woman sat behind it with a series of papers, her oval glasses tilting on her nose.

"Oh, hello!" she greeted them as they took in the elegant décor all around them. "Welcome to The Tranquil Lily Reception Hall. How can I help you?"

"Hi, I was actually here to speak to the caterer," Loa said as she returned the smile. "I'd seen the ad in the paper about looking for quick hires."

"Oh, excellent! Please follow me this way," the receptionist said, standing and leading them through the doors behind her. Shu and Loa were greeted with another elegant hallway with sets of double doors, 3 rooms on each side before seeing another door in the back. The receptionist pushed through the door, holding it open for them to enter the kitchen.

Numerous chefs milled and moved about the kitchen, dicing, stirring and prepping all kinds of food. A tall man who had the sleeves of his tan shirt rolled up, an apron, and square rimmed glasses as he checked over a series of orders on a clipboard.

"Excuse me, Mr. Fung. These two were interested in the catering potions," the receptionist said, grabbing his attention.

"Ah, welcome," he said, putting his pen down and shaking their hands. "I'm Bin Fung, head of the catering company."

"Loa, and this is my brother, Shu," she introduced them. "I was interested in one the catering chef positions."

"Excellent. We've got a big wedding in a few weeks, so we'll need to get you trained and prepared by then on the menu," he said with a smile. "Are you a bender by chance?"

"No, I'm not. I hope that won't be a problem," she said, hesitant until the man shook his head no.

"Not at all. I'm a Non-Bender myself. I usually ask just to know who I can deviate what tasks to. I promise, I'm an equal opportunity employer," he told them. "Especially after all that Amon stuff that happened. I want to help show that Republic City can still be a place of unity."

"Well, that's certainly good to hear," she laughed, looking back at her brother who scratched his face, looking around awkwardly. His eyes fell upon a man with short black hair as he cut a basket of vegetables nearby, disbelief one his face.

"Peng?" Shu called out, getting the man's attention. Peng looked surprised at first before a smile came to his face as he put his knife down and wiped his hands before walking over to them.

"Shu? Loa? What are you two doing here?" he asked, shaking his hand.

"Loa came looking for a job. You work here?" he asked happily.

"Sure do. I've worked for Mr. Fung for a few years now. He's a great guy," he told him as Mr. Fung nodded his head in appreciation. "What about you? You looking for some work too?"

"I'm not exactly a great cook, if I'm being honest," Shu admits, scratching his head as Loa snickered at him.

"I'm also in need of some extra muscle around here to help load and unload food, as well as help serving for the upcoming wedding," Mr. Fung offered, though when Shu was still hesitant, he added, "You get to keep all the tips you make, plus, I'll throw in an extra 500 Yuens each."

"Whoa, seriously?!" Shu asked before smiling and shaking Mr. Fung's hand. "You've got yourself a deal."

Mai-Ling tossed in her bed, sweat running off her body and soaking her sheets. Her face was twisted as if she were in pain, and her skin felt like it was on fire as her hands gripped the sheets tightly.

Her eyes scanned the beautiful landscape before her, elating a gasp from her. Mai-Ling smiled as she looked at the radiant glow of the blues and greens of the sky and ground, a forest of purple and red leafed trees around her. Various small critters fluttered and milled about around her, many of them having extra appendages and features.

"Whoa! This place is so pretty!" she said, her voice bouncing off the trees around her. Reaching out, she tried to touch one of the creatures only to watch as it shot off in another direction. A bush rustled behind her, drawing her attention to it. "Hello? Who's there?"

The rustling grew louder, making her nervous as all the critters ran away, leaving her alone. Taking a step back, she prepared to run but was instantly attacked as a creature lunged at her. Mai-Ling screamed as its sharp jaws clamped around her arm, a burning sensation coming from her wrist as the creature growled ferociously. Mai-Ling's eyes were wide in fear as she stared into the golden eyes of the small pink dragon.

The dragon stared back, its shrunken pupils shaking as it held her arm. Its scales were cheery blossom pink, covering it from head to talon, and its underbelly was a paler pink color that was reflected in the underwebbing of its four-foot wings. A small cotton-candy colored tuff of fur sprouted from its head, matching the spines on its back until reaching the small bit at the end of its tail. The dragon wasn't big, probably just a few inches shorter than her if it were to stand on its tail but that did little to ease her fear of the beast.

Mai-Ling swallowed, bringing her left hand up to try to blast it with fire, but nothing happened. The dragon, however, didn't take kindly to the threatening gesture, biting down harder and causing her to scream again.

"Ahh! Let me go!" she cried out, praying it would do so. Before she could voice her demand again, another rustling came, drawing the dragon's eyes away from her and to where the sound had come from. The dragon released her, crawling away to stand before the shrub as it got low, ready to pounce. Mai-Ling scurried back and held her hand as it continued to burn. As she was preparing to get to her feet and run, a sudden roar shook her and froze her in place.

A second dragon, this one over twice the size of the pink one, leapt from the bush and pointed its nose to the air. The orange dragon sniffed around before pointing its gaze down at them. The dragon drew its teeth back, sharp spear like protrusions pointing at her as it released a mighty roar that had her hyperventilating. The pink dragon roared back, digging its claws into the dirt aggressively before lunging at the orange one as Mai-Ling screamed and closed her eyes.

"Mai-Ling, wake up!" Jun said, shaking her roughly. Mai-Ling shot up, shouting as she did with sweat still pouring down her face. "Whoa! You're sweating like crazy! Are you ok?"

"I…I think I…just had a nightmare," she reasoned, eyes still bugged out as she caught her breathe. Her right hand came up, gripping her nightgown as she tried to calm herself, but she soon flinched in pain.

Pulling her arm back, she looked at it in fear as the burn mark she'd seen before seemed to have spread, now noticeably bigger. The once small red mark had grown into a small circle, taking up a good portion of the bottom of her wrist. The mark now looked worse, the redness fanning out into small, curved cracks that looked more painful than they wore. Jun followed her eyes, eyebrows shooting up at seeing the mark.

"Mai-Ling, you're hurt!" she said in concern, grabbing her wrist and flipping it over to see better. Mai-Ling winced and pulled her arm away to hide it under the covers of her bed. "What happened? Did you burn yourself in your sleep or something?"

"It…it's nothing," she said, receiving an unhappy look from her roommate. "It was just a bad dream. I got bit by something in it and probably burned myself like you said."

"You expect me to believe that?" Jun questioned, though when Mai-Ling held her other arm out, she looked at her in disbelief. "You want me to lie detector you?"

"If it'll convince you I'm not lying, then yes," she told her and Jun sighed, pushing her arm away and standing up.

"I'll go get the first aid kit from the bathroom since I'm sure you don't want anyone seeing it," she said as she walked into their private bathroom to retrieve it.

"I'm sorry," she told her. "I don't know what happened. That nightmare was crazy."

"You think it's got something to do with your family coming?"

"Probably. I hate this," she said as Jun returned with the kit. Jumping onto the bed, she opened it and pulled out some ointment that she began to apply to the spot.

"Why don't you talk to Asami? If anyone can understand, it's probably her. Afterall, they're her family too."

"She's got enough on her plate with all the paperwork," Mai-Ling said, shaking her head. "You saw her; she's pulled two all night work sessions this week already."

"And you think she'll be happier if she finds out that you're hiding this from her?" Jun questioned, and when she only got silence, she added, "Exactly. So, I'll let it slide as long as this is a one-time thing."

"I love you," Mai-Ling smiled in both appreciation and hopes that Jun would be forgiving of her. Jun rolled her eyes and flicked her in the forehead.

"Uh huh. You're still not cheating off me," she said, standing to make her way back to the bathroom. Mai-Ling groaned, throwing herself backward onto her bed and kicking her feet back and forth like a toddler.

"Come on! I don't wanna study," she whined, flopping down as her hair fanned out one the pillows behind her.

To be continued…