Chapter 7

*Pro-Bending Arena*

Several months had passed since Korra had arrived in Republic City. Now it was getting closer to winter and snow was falling from the morning sky.

Sounds of bending could be heard from the Pro-bending arena's gym. Korra, Bolin, and Mako were sparring together. Akira sat to the side, reading a book.

The three benders sent attacks of their respective element at each other. Bolin was knocked down by Mako's fire but he swung his leg and hit Korra with earth. But she lashed out too and Mako was nailed by a string of water.

They all fell down at the same time. The three friends laughed. Akira hummed in amusement and put down his book.

Mako took off his helmet. "It's been great having you two for so many back-to-back practices."

Akira sighed. "I don't know why I go to these things."

Korra smiled. "It feels good to be back. Although Tarrlok isn't too happy about my leave of absence."

"Hey, you joined the Fire Ferrets before you joined his task force." Bolin said.

Akira nodded. "He's right, Korra. It's good to see you made the right choice."

"Okay, team huddle time!" Mako said. The three of them clasped each other's shoulders and got into a circle. Bolin looked to Akira.

"Come on, Akira. Join us! You're as much a part of the Fire Ferrets as- as Pabu!"

The ferret chittered and Akira rolled his eyes then joined them.

Mako cleared his throat. "It's our first match of the tournament tonight. I know we 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!" Korra and Bolin said in unison.

"Yay." Ichigo monotoned.

"Not quite." Asami made her appearance walking through the gym entrance. "You'll need these." She held up their new uniforms, freshly made with the Sato Industries logo plastered onto the chest.

"Hey, Asami," said Mako with a smile.

"Good morning, sweetie."

"sweetie." Akira chuckled quietly. Korra slammed her elbow into his gut and glared at him out of the corner of her eye. Asami handed the uniform to Mako.

"These new uniforms look great!" He said.

"You look great!" They giggled and rubbed noses. Korra looked at them in disgust. Akira raised an eyebrow in slight repulse.

"Well, teammates," Mako put his arm around his girlfriend, "I'll see you before the match tonight. Asami and I have a lunch date." They walked off.

Akira began striding after them. "I'm gonna go back home for now."

"Okay, we'll check you guys later. You know we'll see you when we see you." Bolin said with a wave. Korra picked up her bag and Bolin sidled over to her.

"So, Korra. There they go. Here we are. All alone in the gym. Just you and me. Two alone people. Together. Alone." He was obviously attempting something. Korra of course, didn't get the message.

"Uh, I gotta head back to the Air Temple to train with Tenzin. See ya."

She ran out the door. Bolin looked dejected. He half-heartedly picked up his bag and headed out the door. Making his way downstairs, he walked outside the arena and breathed in the fresh, slightly chilly air. He stretched his arms and glanced to the side of the building.

Akira was leaning against it, hands in his pockets, staring at the water of the bay. He looked deep in thought. Bolin strolled over to him.

"Hey, Akira! I thought you said you were going for a run."

Akira looked up. "Hmm? Oh yeah, I uh... yeah."

Bolin studied him quizzically. "You okay?"

Ichigo nodded quickly. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little tired." He stepped away from the wall and the two of them began walking together towards the city.

"So I've been wondering," Bolin began, "what's it like living with Korra?"

Akira shrugged. "I don't know, it's fine I guess. She's a bit wierd but it's all right. I'm used to living with annoying girls."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Bolin said with a laugh.

Akira chuckled. "I don't know, man. Just a thought I guess."

"Akira, did you ever have a girlfriend or anything like that?"

"Uhh no... not that I know of at least."

Akira looked over at him. "Why did you asking me this question?"

Bolin straightened up slightly. "Um, I uhh... I was just wondering!"

Akira leaned in. "Is there something you're not telling me, Bolin?"

Bolin's face went a little red. "Uh nope! Not at all! Sorry I gotta run! See ya later, Akira! Great talk ahaha!" He scampered off and Akira watched him go with an amused expression on his face.

"Ahh, young love."

Back up at the attic that evening, Mako was frying some food. Bolin was trying to bathe Pabu.

"Work with me here, Pabu. You want to look spick and span in your new uniform, right? He plunged the ferret in the water. "So, what do you think of Korra, in a girlfriend sort of way?"

Mako continued stirring the food. "She's great. But I think it makes more sense for me to be with Asami."

"I was talking about a girlfriend for me. Leave some ladies for the rest of us."

"I know." Mako tried to recover. "That's what I thought you meant."

"Well?"

"I don't know, Bo. It doesn't seem like a good idea for you to date Korra."

"You just said she was great two seconds ago."

"Yeah, I mean she's a great athlete and Avatar and stuff. But I don't know if she's really girlfriend material. She's more like a pal. Besides, aren't her and Akira together?"

Bolin scoffed. "Have you ever seen them even hold hands? Or like express affection in any way?"

Mako realized his mistake. "Uh, no, I guess not. Maybe they're just pals too, same as us."

"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 gonna ask Korra out."

"Look," Mako said, "It just isn't smart to date a teammate. Especially during the tournament. Now keep your head out of the clouds, and your priorities straight, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah I know. Guh!" Bolin picked up Pabu. "You know what I'm talking about, Pabu? I'm talking about real love."

Mako rolled his eyes.

*Air Temple Island*

Air Temple Island was covered in snow. Korra and the girls were putting fruit inside a basket.

"So," Jinora ventured, "How's it going with the tall, dreamy firebender boy? You've been spending a lot of time together."

Ikki darted forward. "Ooh! Yeah, tell us all about the magical romance."

Korra chuckled. "What? Listen to you two. I'm not interested in Mako or any romantic stuff. Besides he's all into that prissy, beautiful, elegant rich girl."

"Then what about Akira? You guys are always together."

Korra quickly defended herself. "Me and Akira? Hah, as if! He's nice and all, but he's really not my type. No offense to your brother"

Jinora smiled knowingly. "You don't realize it, but you two are very similar. You'd be a great couple!"

Korra shook her head. "No. I'm interested in Akira even less than Mako." She looked questioningly at them. "But say I was interested in one of them, what would I do?"

Jinora answered her first. "Ooh! I just read a historical saga where the heroine fell in love with the enemy general's son who was supposed to marry the princess. You should do what she did."

"Tell me!" Korra said eagerly.

"She rode a dragon into battle and burnt down the entire country. Then she jumped into a volcano. It was so romantic."

"Uh..." Korra didn't know what to say to that.

"No, no, no!" Ikki cried. "The best way to win a boy's heart is to brew a love potion of rainbows and sunsets that makes true lovers sprout wings and fly off to a magical castle in the sky! Where they get married and eat clouds with spoons and use stars as ice cubes in their moonlight punch, forever and ever and ever!"

"That volcano is starting to make more sense to me now." Korra said sarcastically.

They heard a laugh and turned to see Pema standing there, listening.

"Oh, hey, Pema. Uh, how long have you been standing there?"

Pema smiled. "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 before you?" Ikki was surprised but then chuckled excitedly. "It was aunt Lin right, right."

"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 soul mate 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 the girls said in awed unison. Korra considered her words then a smile came to her face.

Akira watched as Korra hummed to herself, happily. They were still on the Island, getting ready for their trip to the arena for the tournament. She kept smiling at herself in the mirror. Finally, Akira decided to ask what was going on.

"You're in an awfully good mood tonight, Korra."

"Oh, what? Really?" She tried to act oblivious.

"You're a terrible actor, Korra. But don't worry; I won't make you tell me what's going on. I know I'll hear about it eventually. Probably in the funny papers."

She didn't reply. Akira glanced at her and saw her doing her hair, meticulously. He raised an eyebrow in bemusement but said nothing more.

*Pro-Bending Arena*

The arena was packed to the brim. Akira threaded his way through the crowd. He had just gone to get a drink but ended up getting lost. Looking through the mass of people in front of him he was startled as he bumped into someone infront of him.

He got up instantly and offered her his hand. "I'm so sorry that was my bad." She turned and glared at him. It was Asami. "Asami! Wow I'm so sorry!"

She took his hand and he helped her up. "It's fine," she said. "Why were you in such a hurry? The match doesn't start for another five minutes."

"Really, I didn't know I was early. Just wanted to get their as quick as possible"

"Oh, okay." They began walking together, more slowly this time. "We haven't really talked much, have we?" She said.

"No, not really. The first time was at the gala where I had to leave our conversation early."

"Oh, who are you to the Chief of Police of Republic City" Asami inquired.

"Her one and only son" he replied in a tone filled with amusement

"Wow. I never knew that Lin Beifong had a kid"

He shrugged. "Most people don't if it will make you feel better"

Asami rolled her eyes. They split away from the crowd and entered the little waiting room where everyone was.

Everyone all looked up and smiled as they came in. "What took you so long, guys?" Bolin asked.

"I got lost." Akira said.

"And I had to help him get back," Asami said with a slight smirk.

Mako chuckled. "That's lame."

"Really, Mako." Akira said with a smile.

They turned their attention to the arena as the commentator began speaking.

"After a year of waiting, the Pro-Bending Championship Tournament is finally here. Tonight is the first round of matches in our single elimination, 16-team bracket. And I gotta tell you, these are the most tenacious and talented bending trios this arena has ever seen."

Akira smiled as the same old greasy announcer got his turn to speak.

"Introducing your first team, the Future Industries Fire Ferrets!"

The crowd cheered wildly. Bolin was going crazy, waving and grinning. Mako held his usual smirk. Korra was nearly as erratic as Bolin. "And their opponents, the Red Sands Rabaroos!" The all-female team waved politely to the crowd.

The two teams lined up and Akira focused on the match. The bell sounded and they blew each other back with an explosive volley of bending. Both teams recovered and unleashed their attacks.

The Fire Ferrets were working like a well-oiled machine. They instantly knocked the Rabaroos back one zone. Mako did a nice dodge by sprawling. Korra took one down and Bolin took care of the other two.

Round one went to the Fire Ferrets. The second round began and the Rabaroos focused on Bolin. Korra came to his defence and walloped one of their opponents back to Zone 2. Mako easily defeated the next two.

"Round Three!" The announcer cried.

It was an easy win. Soon enough, all the Rabaroos were just struggling to stay on their feet from the onslaught of bending. Then the match was over. The Fire Ferrets had won all three rounds in a matter of minutes.

Akira smiled in happiness. "Well, what do you know? We could actually win the tournament if we keep playing like this."

The Ferrets went back to the room. Bolin stayed awhile to thank the crowd. Akira congratulated them then went to get some snacks.

"Wow," Mako said, "We were really connecting out there in that ring!"

"Yeah!" Korra blushed slightly. "You know I think you and I have been connecting well outside the ring too."

"Uh, sure." Mako didn't know where this was going.

"So, I was thinking that we should spend more time together."

"We've been spending lots of time together, Korra."

"I mean outside of the gym. And not while searching for kidnapped family members or fighting chi-blockers."

"I don't know." Mako said. "Asami and I are-"

Korra darted to his side. "Look, I really like you and I think we were meant for each other." She said quickly. Then she blushed with embarrassment as she realized what she'd just done.

Mako turned away. "Korra, I'm sorry but I just don't feel the same way."

"Forget I ever said anything." She said dejectedly and went to go put her stuff away.

Bolin finally came back from the arena into the room and the door opened to admit Asami and Akira.

Asami went straight to Mako. "Congratulations, guys! You were awesome!"

She kissed Mako on the cheek and he smiled but looked sadly at Korra. Then the couple went off to do their own thing.

Bolin walked up to Korra. "So, Korra, I was thinking, you and me, we could get some dinner together, sort of a 'date' situation."

"Oh, that's really sweet but I don't think so. I don't feel very date-worthy."

Bolin rushed to cheer her up. "Are you kidding me? You're the smartest, funniest, toughest, buff-est, talented-est, incredible-est girl in the world!"

Korra chuckled. "You really feel that way about me?"

"I've felt that way since the moment I saw you! Trust me, I know we're going to have so much fun together."

"Yeah, I'd like some fun. Okay, sure. Are you okay with it, Ichigo?"

He shrugged. "Why are you asking me? I don't care. You two go have fun."

"Yes!" Bolin cried. "Who's the luckiest guy in the world? Right here: Bolin!"

Mako looked at them out of the corner of his eye with remorse.

Akira noticed it and smiled slightly. Jealous, much?

He got to his feet. He nodded at Mako and Asami. "I'll leave you two alone, how about that? Maybe I'll go find a date for myself."

Asami chuckled. She liked Ichigo now. He wasn't the selfish jerk she'd made him out to be. She waved. "Good luck with that, Akira!"

He waved goodbye. Exiting the arena, he trudged towards the water, hands in his pockets. He walked all the way to the pier, where he sat down on the dock and let his feet dangle over the water while looking at the night sky while his mind just drifted in the sea of his thoughts.

Later that evening, Bolin and Korra were slurping noodles noisily together.

"So, how do you like it?" He asked with his mouth full.

"Mmm. It's delicious and totally authentic." Korra replied. "Man, I didn't realize how much I missed Water Tribe grub."

"That's great! Cause this is my favourite joint. See? You love Water Tribe food. I love Water Tribe food. Just another reason we are so great together."

"They are good noodles."

Korra looked over Bolin's shoulder. "Hey, who's that creepy guy who keeps leering at us?"

Bolin looked and shuddered. "That's Tahno and the Wolf Bats. The reigning champs, three years running. Don't make eye contact." He advised.

Korra glared over at him. Tahno looked like a typical pretty boy prick. There was a girl on either side of him and he had the front of his hair flipped to one side so that it fell down the right side of his face. Korra hated him instantly.

One of the girls whispered in his ear and giggled. He stood up and spread his hands as if signalling them. His companions also stood.

"Uh, oh, Bolin said warily, "Here he comes. Now don't mess with this guy. He's a nasty dude." Bolin glanced at him and quickly looked back at his food with a cry.

Tahno reached their table. "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 like you luck your way into the tournament? Especially you, Uh-vatar."

Korra harrumphed. Tahno placed his hand on her chair, real creepy like. He leaned in close. "You know, if you'd like to learn how a real pro bends, I could give you some private lessons."

Bolin sucked his food, trying his best to look nonchalant. It didn't work.

Korra slowly rose to her feet and looked him straight in the eye.

"You wanna go toe-to-toe with me, pretty boy?"

He smiled. "Go for it. I'll give you the first shot."

"Korra, don't." Bolin whispered. "He's just trying to bait you. If you hit him, we're out of the tournament."

Tahno and Korra glared at each other. Then Korra raised her hand to her lips and blew a piercing whistle. Naga smashed through the window and roared in Tahno's face, sending his weird hair flying all over the place.

Tahno shrieked like a girl then steadied himself. He put his hair back into place then motioned that they leave. He left one last creepy grin at them then turned away.

Korra and Bolin both laughed. "I've never seen anyone razz Tahno like that. You are one of a kind, Korra."

Korra smiled and the next thing they knew, they were sitting at a bar sipping their drinks. Bolin belched involuntarily and covered his mouth.

Korra raised an eyebrow then burped louder. Bolin smiled and burped as loud as he could. Then Korra unleashed a burp as loud as a roar. They both laughed while the couple beside them consciously scooted away from them in disgust.

Bolin took Korra to the top of a tower where they could see nearly all of Republic City. They pointed out things to each other. As Korra stared at something in the distance, Bolin looked at her and smiled wistfully.

*Pro-Bending Arena*

Akira was lying on the top of a roof on the Island with his hands behind his head. He heard footsteps.

"Hey, Akira, you here?"

Akira sat up and saw Mako. "Hey, what are you doing here, Mako?"

Mako sighed. "It's about Korra. I need some advice."

Akiraa laughed. "And you're asking me?"

"Well, you know her the best."

Ichigo shrugged. "All right. Ask away."

"After the match today, Korra said that she loved me and I turned her down. And now I think that she wants to get revenge by going out with Bolin."

Akira just smiled. "Well, you're dumb."

"What?"

"Do you really think that Korra would take advantage of Bolin like that, Mako? Clueless as she can be, at heart, Korra's a good person. I think she just wants to have fun."

"Yeah, but I just don't want my brother's heart to get broken, is all."

"But that's not the only reason, is it?"

Mako scowled at him. "What do you know about it?"

"I saw that look you had when Korra went off with Bolin. Now I don't know what your true feelings are, but just know that at the end of the day you guys are friends first, teammates second"

The two boys just stared at each other. Then Mako scowled again and walked off. "I'm gonna go talk to her. See you at the arena."

Akira didn't reply.

Later that night, Korra walked back to the arena and saw Mako sitting on the steps. She strode sadly past him.

"What kind of game are you playing?" He asked roughly.

"Uh, pro-bending? We've got a quarter-final 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."

"I am not. We're just having fun together. What do you care anyway?"

"I'm looking out for my little brother. I don't want to see his heart get broken."

"Wait a second." Korra smiled deviously. "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!"

"You're crazy!"

"You're a liar!"

They looked like they wanted to strangle each other. Then they turned and entered the arena through different doors.

"Eight teams have been eliminated and eight advance into the quarter-finals, which get under way tonight." The commentator was doing his job.

Akira entered into the little room and saw that the teams were already lined up. He glanced at Mako and Korra and guessed what had happened. They kept glaring at each other.

The commentator continued, "The rookies are about to take on the former and longest reigning champions: The Boarcupines!"

Akira just laughed lightly at this. "Where do these people get their names from?"

"Youth clashes against experience in a battle for the ages, or rather, of the ages."

The bell rang and the match began. After a series of attacks, Korra hand-sprung to one side and slammed straight into Mako.

Akira groaned. All three Ferrets were knocked down.

"Round 1 goes to the Boarcupines!"

Mako and Korra were arguing.

"You were supposed to defend while I attacked!" He said.

"I had an opening so I took it!" Korra retorted.

"What is up with you two?" Bolin put his hands on their shoulders. "All right, just pull it together, guys."

The match restarted and Bolin was playing amazingly. He knocked back two guys and they managed to notch the second round.

Round 3 started. Both teams were equally matched.

Ichigo frowned. "What happened? They should be winning this."

"Round 3 is a tie! We go to a tie-breaker to decide the match!"

The referee flipped a coin. "The Fire Ferrets win the coin toss. Which element do you choose?"

"I got this." Mako said. Bolin put his hand on his brother's shoulder.

"I know you usually handle these ones but frankly, your head's not in the game. I'm gonna take this one." He turned to the ref. "We choose: Earth."

A smaller platform rose above the arena floor and Bolin faced off against his opponent. They both raised their fists. The tiebreaker started and they unleashed a flurry of earth. Bolin ducked and slammed into his opponent but the man reversed the move.

Bolin knocked him to the edge of the circle and another hit sent him into the drink. The match belonged to the Fire Ferrets.

Akira sighed with relief. Korra and Mako did the same then they glared at each other again.

Later on, Korra was outside in a gazebo, leaning against a support pole. Mako came up to her.

"We need to talk." He said and Korra turned to look at him. "Look sometimes you can be so infuriating..."

"Save your breath. You already made it clear how you feel about me." Korra said sadly.

"No, I haven't." Mako searched for the right words. "What I'm trying to say is, as much as you drive me crazy, I also think you're pretty amazing."

Korra looked up at that. "So you do like me?"

"Yes, but... I like Asami too. I don't know. Things are complicated. I'm feeling really confused and I-"

His words were cut short as Korra ran over and kissed him full on the mouth. At first he was surprised. Then he kissed her back.

They pulled away and Korra smiled. Then she gasped. Mako turned around. Bolin was there, a bouquet of flowers in his hand. The wind rustled his hair. Then tears started running down his face and he ran off, crying comically.

"Bolin, this isn't what you think!" Mako cursed. "Great. Now look what you've done!"

"You're blaming me?!"

"You kissed me!"

"You kissed me back!"

Mako yelled in frustrated anger and ran off after his brother. Korra looked sadly back at the water.

"Well played, Korra."

Akira was watching from the arena. He sighed. "I knew this would happen."

The next morning, Mako walked into a restaurant. He nodded to the man at the counter.

"Morning, Narook. Is my brother here?"

Narook gestured and Mako looked behind him. "Thanks."

Bolin was sleeping in his chair with several empty bowls of noodles beside his head. Apparently, Bolin had decided to try and drown his sorrows in food. Mako patted his back. "Come on, wake up. I'm taking you home, bro."

Bolin looked up. A single noodle was hanging from one of his nostrils. He had massive bags under his eyes. He sniffled and the noodle went right up his nose.

"Don't call me that. You're not my brother. You're a brother betrayer."

He sobbed pathetically then continued. "The only one I can trust anymore is Pabu. Pabu loves me."

Mako sighed. "You're a mess and we've got the biggest match of our lives tonight. Let's go."

Bolin slapped his hand away. "No! I'm not going anywhere with you, you traitor!"

"Guess we'll have to do this the hard way."

Mako reached down and pulled his brother's body over his shoulder. Bolin was still crying. Mako started walking away.

"I told you dating a teammate was a bad idea."

"You're a bad idea! Put me down! Put me down..." He kept crying. Pabu fell off the table and followed them.

That night, Korra and Akira entered the room. Mako was at the closet, getting his uniform. Bolin sat on a bench, his head low. Korra looked sadly at him and got ready for the match. There was complete silence in the room. Akira knew what was going on and he didn't try to loosen things up.

The two teams lined up.

"You can't have two teams that are more evenly matched in age, size and strength than the Fire Ferrets, and the Buzzards Wasps. Believe me, I've looked. This should be a pulse-pounding semi-final, folks."

A heart-pounding one too. Ichigo thought.

The bell dinged. The Buzzard Wasps quickly sent all three Fire Ferrets back with a flawlessly executed combo. Then Mako got knocked back to Zone 3.

The Ferrets weren't in sync at all. Bolin took a hard hit straight to the stomach. He groaned and retched over the side.

"And Bolin loses his noodles, literally. Which reminds me, this match is brought to you by our sponsor: Flamey-o Instant Noodles. Nooldiest noodles in the United Republic."

The match went on and Mako was thrown into the pool. Korra and Bolin were forced to the edge of the third zone. Then the time limit bailed them out.

Akira sighed with relief. "That was a close one."

The second round began. Mako was knocked back and he retaliated with a fire strike that hit Bolin in the back.

"Hey, watch it!"

The Wasps took advantage of Mako's unforced error and Bolin was sent hurtling into the water.

Korra growled and bounced one of the opponents up and down on water. The referee blew his whistle.

"Unnecessary roughness! Move back one zone!"

"I'll unnecessarily rough you up!" Korra retorted and tossed a handful of water his way. The referee shows her the yellow fan.

Akira groaned. "Come on, you guys."

The round ended with the Wasps still in the lead. To win, the Ferrets needed a straight knockout.

"Well I guess there's always next year." Mako said sadly.

"Come on, we still have a chance. Even if it is only a slim one." Korra argued.

Bolin sighed. "The way we're playing, we don't even deserve to be in the finals."

"Look, if we don't pull together and work as a team, we'll never forgive ourselves."

"Let's just get this over with." Mako said.

"The sooner the better." Bolin agreed. All three Ferrets walked with their heads down.

"Don't give up!" They turned around to see Ichigo yelling furiously. "If you don't win this, I'm gonna kick your asses later! So keep fighting! Show them your resolve!"

Korra smiled and raised her fists with new hope. We're going to win this.

Bolin was knocked back into Zone 2, followed quickly by Mako. Then Bolin took a hit to his shoulder. He cried out in pain.

"Bolin!" Mako was once again sent into the water.

Bolin tried to keep playing but he too was knocked into the water. Korra was the only one still in the ring. Bolin painfully climbed up the ladder. Mako smiled and held out a hand to his brother. He took it.

"Are you okay? How's your shoulder?"

"It's messed up pretty bad. But I think I'll be all right." They boarded the lift. "Are we going to be all right?"

"Of course we are. We're brothers. We'll get through this mess. I'm sorry."

"Me too. Girls."

"Seriously."

The lift arrived at the top and the two brothers looked on in shock. Korra was making an unbelievable effort. She was dodging every attack that was thrown at her. Korra knocked back one member to Zone 3. There were only ten seconds left.

She hit one on the side. Now all three Wasps were lined up. Korra took a massive amount of water and blasted them all into the drink.

"What a knockout!"

"YEAH!" Akira yelled.

Bolin and Mako cheered.

"It didn't seem possible, folks. But the Fire Ferrets are headed to the finals!"

Korra waved with joy to the crowd.

Mako hugged Bolin forcefully.

"Shoulder, shoulder!"

"Oh, sorry."

Korra came up to them and took off her helmet.

"That was pretty much the coolest thing I've ever seen." Bolin said with amazement.

"Thanks for not giving up on us. We never would have made it this far without you. I owe you, big time." Mako said kindly.

"You're welcome. So, I know things are confusing right now, but I hope we can still be friends."

"Definitely."

Akira ran up to them and threw his arm around Korra.

"That was amazing, Korra!" He gave her a high five.

The door opened to admit Tahno and his teammates. Tahno sniffed and fanned his nose dramatically.

"Oh. You boys smell something in here? Wait, I know what that is. Yeah, that's the smell of losers."

Akira frowned at him while Korra just scowled. "I hope we meet you in the finals. Then we'll see who the losers really are."

Tahno smirked. "Yeah, I'm peeing my pants over here."

Korra held up her fist and growled angrily.

"Who's the jerk?" Akira asked.

"Just some prick who's about to get his butt kicked, that's all."

"Great job!" Asami embraced Mako. "What a comeback, Korra. I've never seen a hat trick like that."

"Thanks. But if it hadn't been for you and your father, we wouldn't have had the chance to play. So thank you."

"Uh," Bolin said, "if everyone's done with the little thank you party, I need some medical attention over here."

Korra gasped and ran to Bolin's side. She touched his shoulder.

"Oww! Haven't you hurt me enough, woman?"

"Relax! I'm a healer. I learned from Katara, the best there is."

She bent the water in a bucket and held it to his shoulder.

"No, no, oh, ooh! That's the stuff."

"Bolin, I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. I didn't mean to let things get so out of hand."

"Eh, I'll be all right. But we had fun together, didn't we?"

Korra smiled. "I had a great time, honestly. You are one of a kind, Bolin."

"Please, go on. I enjoy praise."

Akira smiled at them, glad to see they had made up. Then he glanced toward the arena and gasped. "Guys, you may want to see this."

"Your winners, the Wolf Bats!"

"What? How is it over already?" Korra said incredulously.

"With a brutal Round 1 knockout, the defending champs secure their spot in the finals." Down at the water, the fallen players were being carried away on stretchers. "I hope the Fire Ferrets know a good doctor, cause they're gonna need one!"

The Ferrets looked down at the arena in shock. They were really in for it now.

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