VII: Spirit of Competition part II
Political Maneuvering
The main hall of Air Temple Island felt colder than usual as Korra entered, Tohra's reassuring presence beside her providing a stark contrast to the calculating smile that greeted them. Councilman Tarrlok stood near the large windows overlooking the harbor, his hands clasped behind his back in a pose that managed to look both casual and authoritative.
"Avatar Korra," he said, turning with practiced grace. "How wonderful to see you looking so... refreshed. I trust your recent sabbatical has been rejuvenating?"
Korra bristled at his tone. "It wasn't a sabbatical, Councilman. I was handling Avatar business."
"Of course," Tarrlok agreed smoothly, his eyes flicking briefly to Tohra before returning to her. "Though I confess, I was disappointed to learn of your... challenge to Amon through unofficial channels. Surely such matters would benefit from the Council's strategic input?"
"The Council wasn't there when I needed backup," Korra replied, her voice edging toward confrontational.
Tohra shifted almost imperceptibly beside her, and she caught the subtle movement in her peripheral vision. It was barely more than a slight adjustment of his stance, but somehow it conveyed support and a gentle reminder to stay calm. She took a breath, moderating her tone slightly.
"What do you need, Councilman?" she asked, crossing her arms.
Tarrlok's smile never wavered, but something predatory flickered in his eyes. "Actually, I'm here about tonight's tournament. The people of Republic City have been through considerable upheaval recently. The Equalist attacks, the uncertainty about the Avatar's... availability for her duties. They need reassurance, and what better way than to see their Avatar triumphant in the arena?"
"The Fire Ferrets are competing on their own merits," Korra said carefully. "I'm not going to throw matches for political theater."
"Throw matches? Perish the thought!" Tarrlok's expression was the picture of wounded innocence. "I would never suggest such a thing. I merely thought you should know that the cameras will be particularly focused tonight. The radio broadcast will reach all six nations. Your performance will be seen as a reflection of... stability."
The unspoken threat hung in the air like smoke. Korra understood the game now – win, and be seen as the strong Avatar the people needed; lose, and face questions about her competence and dedication.
"The Avatar competes with honor," Tohra said quietly, speaking for the first time since they'd entered the hall. His voice was calm, but there was steel underneath. "As she always has."
Tarrlok's gaze sharpened as it settled on Tohra. "Ah yes, the mysterious guardian. How fortunate that the Avatar has found such... dedicated protection." The pause before 'dedicated' carried implications that made Korra's cheeks warm. "Though I do hope such protection doesn't become... distracting."
"Is there anything else, Councilman?" Korra asked, her patience wearing thin.
"Just one small thing," Tarrlok said, reaching into his jacket. He produced an elegant envelope sealed with the Council's insignia. "A formal invitation to a gathering tomorrow evening. Several prominent citizens are eager to meet the Avatar, particularly after tonight's anticipated victory."
Korra took the envelope, noting its expensive paper and careful calligraphy. Another political function, another opportunity for Tarrlok to parade her around like a prize animal.
"I'll consider it," she said non-committally.
"Excellent!" Tarrlok beamed as if she'd accepted enthusiastically. "I knew you'd see the importance of maintaining strong relationships with Republic City's leadership." He moved toward the exit, then paused. "Oh, and Avatar? Do give my regards to your Fire Ferret teammates. I understand there have been some... interesting developments in team dynamics recently."
With that parting shot, he swept from the hall, leaving Korra and Tohra alone in the sudden quiet.
"He knows," Korra said after a moment.
"About what?" Tohra asked, though his tone suggested he already knew what she meant.
"About..." she gestured vaguely between them, her cheeks reddening. "About how I feel. About you."
The admission hung between them, more direct than she'd intended but somehow impossible to take back. Tohra's expression softened as he turned to face her fully.
"And how do you feel?" he asked gently.
The question was simple, but Korra found herself struggling for words. How could she explain the way her heart raced when he looked at her? How could she describe the safety she felt in his presence, or the way she'd started looking forward to their conversations more than anything else in her day?
"I don't know," she said finally, then immediately shook her head. "That's not true. I do know. I just don't know what to do about it."
Tohra stepped closer, close enough that she could see the flecks of gold in his dark eyes. "What do you want to do about it?"
The question was so gentle, so free of pressure or expectation, that Korra felt some of her tension ease. This was Tohra – the man who had held her while she cried, who had stood guard over her sleep, who looked at her like she was precious rather than powerful.
"I want to win tonight," she said, surprising herself with the certainty in her voice. "I want to prove that I can do this, that I'm not just some political symbol to be managed. And then..." She took a breath. "Then I want to have an honest conversation with you about whatever this is between us."
Tohra's smile was soft and genuine. "I'd like that very much."
Before either of them could say more, the sound of approaching voices echoed from the courtyard. Through the windows, they could see Bolin and Pabu making their way up the path, the fire ferret still looking distinctly unhappy in his tiny uniform.
"Looks like it's time," Korra said, glancing at Tohra one more time.
"Indeed," he agreed. "Are you ready?"
She thought about the tournament ahead, about the cameras and the political pressure and the weight of everyone's expectations. But she also thought about her teammates, about the bonds they'd forged, and about the man standing beside her who believed in her not because she was the Avatar but because she was herself.
"Yeah," she said, squaring her shoulders. "I'm ready."
Pre-Tournament Preparations
The Fire Ferrets' locker room buzzed with nervous energy as the team made their final preparations. Outside, they could hear the crowd gathering, the excited chatter and occasional cheer filtering through the arena's thick walls. The tournament atmosphere was infectious, but each team member seemed to be processing the anticipation differently.
Bolin paced in small circles, his usual chatter more rapid than normal. "Okay, so the Rabaroos, right? Their earthbender likes to go low, their firebender tends to overextend on the left side, and their waterbender – did you know he used to date the Platypus Bears' waterbender? Because that could be strategically relevant if they face each other later, or it could just be interesting trivia, or–"
"Bolin," Mako interrupted gently, adjusting his uniform with practiced efficiency. "Breathe."
"Right, breathing. I can do breathing." Bolin took an exaggerated deep breath. "We've got this. We're ready. We're the Fire Ferrets, and we're gonna ferret our way to victory!"
Despite her own nerves, Korra couldn't help but smile at Bolin's enthusiasm. The familiar rhythm of pre-match preparation was grounding her, reminding her that beneath all the political pressure and personal complications, this was still just pro-bending. This was something she understood, something she was good at.
"The new uniforms feel good," she said, testing the range of motion in her shoulders. "Thanks again for setting this up, Mako."
"Thank Asami," Mako replied, though there was something in his tone that Korra couldn't quite identify. "She insisted on the best materials."
The mention of Asami brought a brief shadow across Korra's expression, but she pushed the feeling aside. Tonight wasn't about complicated romantic feelings – it was about proving herself as a competitor and teammate.
A gentle knock on the locker room door interrupted their preparations. "Fire Ferrets?" came Winter's musical voice. "You have visitors."
The door opened to reveal not just Winter, but Tohra, Jinjer, and Eleryc as well. Tohra carried a small wrapped package, while the others bore expressions of warm encouragement.
"We wanted to wish you luck before the match," Winter said, her smile encompassing all three teammates.
Tohra stepped forward and offered the package to Korra. "A small token. Something that might bring you focus during the competition."
Curious, Korra unwrapped the cloth to reveal a smooth stone pendant on a leather cord. The stone was unremarkable at first glance – a simple river rock, polished smooth by water and time. But as she held it, she noticed it seemed to retain warmth even when it should have been cool.
"It's from the Spirit Oasis in the Northern Water Tribe," Tohra explained. "I thought... given your connection to water, it might serve as an anchor if you need one."
The gift was thoughtful and personal in a way that made Korra's chest tighten with emotion. She looked up to meet Tohra's eyes, finding the same gentle warmth she'd come to associate with his presence.
"Thank you," she said quietly, her fingers closing around the stone. "It's perfect."
Jinjer stepped forward with a grin. "Also, we wanted you to know we'll be in the stands making entirely too much noise in your honor."
"Speak for yourself," Eleryc said mildly. "Some of us will be maintaining appropriate spectator decorum."
"Where's the fun in that?" Jinjer shot back.
Their easy banter helped lighten the mood in the locker room. Bolin perked up considerably, while even Mako's serious expression softened into something approaching relaxation.
"Hey, you know what?" Bolin said suddenly. "Having fans in the stands who aren't just random people betting on matches? That's pretty great."
"You've always had fans," Mako pointed out.
"Yeah, but these ones know us. They're here because they believe in us, not because they think we might be profitable."
It was a surprisingly insightful observation from Bolin, and it highlighted something that all three Fire Ferrets had been feeling but hadn't quite articulated. Having people in their corner who cared about them as individuals, not just as competitors, added a layer of meaning to the evening that went beyond simple athletic achievement.
"We should get moving," Winter said, glancing at an elegant pocket watch. "The opening ceremonies start soon, and you'll want to be in position."
As the visitors began to file out, Tohra lingered for a moment. "Remember," he said, his voice low enough that only Korra could hear, "you don't have to carry this alone. Your teammates are with you. We're all with you."
The simple reminder was exactly what she needed. As Tohra left with the others, Korra slipped the pendant over her head, tucking it beneath her uniform where it rested warm against her skin.
"Okay, team," she said, turning to Mako and Bolin with renewed confidence. "Let's go show Republic City what the Fire Ferrets can do."
The Arena's Energy
The Pro-bending Arena was a cathedral of noise and light as the Fire Ferrets made their way through the competitor's entrance. The crowd's energy was palpable, a living thing that seemed to pulse through the building's steel framework. Korra had competed here before, but tonight felt different – more electric, more significant.
As they climbed toward the ring level, she could see the packed stands through the corridors. Banners flew for various teams, vendors worked their way through the crowds selling snacks and team merchandise, and the excited buzz of conversation created a constant backdrop of sound.
"Look at all those people," Bolin said, peering through one of the viewing windows. "I think this might be the biggest crowd we've ever had for an opening match."
Mako nodded grimly. "No pressure."
"Actually," Korra said, surprising herself with how calm she felt, "I think I like the pressure. It means people care. It means tonight matters."
They emerged into the staging area beneath the ring, where other teams were making their final preparations. The Rabaroos were already there, going through synchronized warm-up routines that spoke of years of training together. Their coordination was impressive, but Korra found herself watching them with analytical eyes rather than intimidated ones.
"They move well together," she observed. "But they're predictable. Did you see how their earthbender always plants his left foot first? And their waterbender telegraphs her attacks by dropping her shoulder."
Mako and Bolin exchanged glances. This was a different Korra than they'd seen in previous matches – more observant, more strategic. Whatever had changed in her training recently was manifesting in ways that went beyond raw power.
The arena's announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, introducing the evening's matches and building excitement for the competition ahead. When their names were called, the Fire Ferrets moved toward the platform that would raise them to ring level.
As the platform began to rise, Korra caught sight of their section of the stands. True to their word, Winter, Tohra, Jinjer, and Eleryc were there, along with what appeared to be several Air Temple Island residents. Tenzin had come, along with Pema and the children. Even Lin Beifong was present, though she looked like she'd rather be anywhere else.
But it was Tohra's steady gaze that anchored her as they rose into the arena's brilliant lights. He nodded once, a small gesture that somehow conveyed complete confidence in her abilities.
The crowd's roar was deafening as the Fire Ferrets emerged into the ring. The Rabaroos were already on their platform, acknowledging their own supporters with waves and posed flexing. They looked confident, experienced, ready for battle.
Korra touched the pendant beneath her uniform, feeling its warmth against her skin, and smiled.
Let the games begin.
First Round
The referee's whistle cut through the arena's noise like a blade, and suddenly the world narrowed to the ring, to her teammates, to the opponents across from them. All the political pressure, all the personal complications, all the weight of expectation – it all fell away, leaving only the pure clarity of competition.
The Rabaroos came out aggressive, just as their research had suggested. Their earthbender immediately launched a barrage of discs while their firebender sent streams of flame arcing toward the Fire Ferrets' left side. It was a coordinated attack designed to force them back toward the edge zones.
But Korra was ready. Instead of retreating, she stepped forward, creating a water shield that not only blocked the attacks but redirected them. The earthbender's disc ricocheted off her shield and struck their own firebender in the shoulder, while she caught and redirected the flame stream back toward its source.
"Nice!" Bolin called out, launching his own counter-attack. His earth discs flew with precision, forcing the Rabaroos' waterbender to divide his attention between offense and defense.
Mako, meanwhile, demonstrated why he was considered one of the best firebenders in the league. His attacks came in rapid succession, each one perfectly placed to exploit gaps in their opponents' formation. When the Rabaroos' earthbender tried to advance, Mako's fire blast caught him center mass and sent him sliding back.
But the Rabaroos weren't champions of their league for nothing. They regrouped quickly, their waterbender creating a series of ice walls that channeled the Fire Ferrets' attacks while their earthbender used the momentary protection to launch a devastating counter-strike.
The next few minutes were a blur of elemental fury. Earth discs flew like deadly frisbees, streams of fire painted bright arcs through the air, and water moved like living serpents, seeking gaps in defenses. The crowd roared with each successful hit, each dramatic save, each near-knockout that kept both teams fighting.
Korra found herself in a state she'd never experienced before in competition – completely present, completely calm, completely connected to both her elements and her teammates. When Bolin needed support, she was there with a water attack that opened up his target. When Mako's aggressive style left him exposed, her defensive maneuvers covered his flank.
And through it all, the pendant rested warm against her skin, a constant reminder that she wasn't alone.
The first round ended with both teams still standing, but the Fire Ferrets had claimed the territorial advantage. As they regrouped for the second round, Korra caught sight of the stands again. Tohra was leaning forward in his seat, completely absorbed in the match, while Winter appeared to be taking notes on the competition.
"Whatever you're doing differently," Mako said, breathing hard but grinning, "keep doing it. You're reading them like a book."
"We all are," Korra replied. "This is what we trained for. This is what we're good at."
Bolin nodded enthusiastically. "Plus, did you see the look on their earthbender's face when your water attack bounced his disc back at him? Priceless!"
The referee's whistle called them back to position. Round two was about to begin, and the Fire Ferrets were ready to show Republic City exactly what they could do when they fought as one.
Victory and Consequences
The second round proved to be even more intense than the first. The Rabaroos, realizing they were facing a more coordinated Fire Ferrets team than they had expected, abandoned their usual strategy and went for all-out aggression. It was a dangerous gamble that almost paid off.
Their combined assault in the opening seconds of the round was devastating. Earth, fire, and water converged on the Fire Ferrets' position with coordinated precision that spoke of desperate determination. For a moment, it looked like the defending champions might overwhelm their opponents through sheer force.
But Korra's newfound strategic awareness proved crucial. Instead of meeting force with force, she called for a defensive rotation that turned the Rabaroos' aggression against them. As their attacks overextended them, the Fire Ferrets struck back with precise, economical movements that conserved energy while maximizing impact.
The turning point came when Korra noticed the pattern in the Rabaroos' waterbender's attacks. Each major assault was preceded by a subtle shift in his stance – a tell so small that only someone watching with complete focus would notice it. When she saw the preparation for what would clearly be a massive wave attack, she was ready.
Instead of defending, she moved forward, using her own waterbending to catch and redirect the incoming wave. The result was spectacular – the Rabaroos' own attack became a weapon against them, and their waterbender found himself knocked back by his own redirected assault.
That moment of vulnerability was all the Fire Ferrets needed. Mako's fire blast caught the earthbender off-balance, Bolin's earth disc struck the firebender center mass, and Korra's follow-up water attack sent all three opponents sliding into the zone three area.
The arena erupted as the referee's whistle declared the Fire Ferrets the winners. In the stands, their supporters were on their feet cheering, while throughout the arena, spectators who had come expecting a routine match found themselves witnesses to something special.
As the adrenaline of victory began to fade, Korra looked up to find the cameras that Councilman Tarrlok had mentioned. Indeed, they seemed to be focused intently on her, and she realized that her every reaction was being broadcast across the six nations.
She thought about playing to the cameras, about offering the kind of confident soundbite that would satisfy the political expectations. Instead, she turned to Mako and Bolin, embracing her teammates with genuine joy and gratitude.
"We did it," she said, and meant it in ways that went beyond just winning a single match.
"Yeah, we did," Mako agreed, his usual serious demeanor cracking into a rare, genuine smile.
"Fire Ferrets!" Bolin shouted, raising his arms to the crowd. "Best team in Republic City!"
As they made their way off the ring platform, Korra felt the pendant warm against her skin. In the stands, she could see Tohra applauding along with the others, his expression proud and warm in a way that made her heart skip.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new political complications, new questions about her role as the Avatar. But tonight, she was just Korra, member of the winning Fire Ferrets team, surrounded by teammates who had become family and watched by people who cared about her for who she was rather than what she represented.
It was, she decided, a pretty good place to be.
Celebrations and Realizations
The locker room after their victory was a chaos of congratulations, laughter, and the kind of exhausted euphoria that comes after achieving something that felt impossible. Bolin was practically bouncing off the walls, recounting every moment of their victory to anyone who would listen, while Mako sat on the bench with a satisfied smile, finally allowing himself to relax after the intensity of competition.
Korra found herself caught between the celebration and a growing awareness of how much had changed for her in just the past few days. The victory felt sweeter because she had truly contributed as part of a team, rather than trying to carry everything herself. The pendant still rested warm against her skin, a tangible reminder of the support that had helped make this moment possible.
But more than that, as she watched the celebration around her, Pema's words kept echoing in her mind: "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."
The realization hit her with startling clarity. When she really thought about it – really examined her feelings honestly – she had to admit that her initial attraction to Mako had been... surface level. He was handsome, talented, the kind of guy she thought she should be interested in. But what she felt for Tohra was something entirely different. Something deeper.
It had started that first night on the island, when he'd saved her from the chi blockers. The way he'd appeared out of nowhere, fought alongside her without question, then helped her rescue Bolin – it wasn't just gratitude she'd felt. It was recognition. Like some part of her had been waiting for him without even knowing it.
And then during the Amon rally, when everything had gone wrong and she'd been overwhelmed by doubt and fear – Tohra had been there. Not trying to fix everything for her, not diminishing her strength, but simply... present. Solid. Unshakeable in his faith in her.
Most telling of all was that night on Avatar Aang Memorial Island. When she'd broken down completely, when all her walls had crumbled and she'd felt more vulnerable than she'd ever felt in her life – she had turned to him. Instinctively, without thinking, she had sought his comfort and protection. And he had given it freely, holding her while she cried, staying with her through the night, making sure she wasn't alone.
Jinora and Ikki had been right, she realized with a mixture of embarrassment and wonder. She was in love. Not with the idea of romance, not with someone who seemed like a good match on paper, but genuinely, deeply in love with Tohra. With his quiet strength, his gentle patience, the way he saw her not as the Avatar but as Korra. The way he made her feel safe enough to be vulnerable, supported enough to be strong.
The thought terrified her almost as much as it thrilled her.
Their celebration was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Fire Ferrets?" came a familiar voice. "You have some very excited visitors out here."
"Come in!" Bolin called out, and the door opened to admit their entire cheering section.
Winter entered first, her elegant composure barely containing obvious delight. "That was magnificent," she said warmly. "All of you. The coordination, the strategy, the execution – it was like watching a completely different team than the one we observed just days ago."
Jinjer was less restrained. "That redirect in the second round!" she exclaimed, gesturing enthusiastically. "I've never seen anything like that. You turned their own attack against them like it was nothing!"
"It wasn't nothing," Korra said, still slightly breathless from the match. "I had to watch for the pattern, wait for exactly the right moment. If I'd been even a second off..."
"But you weren't," Tohra said quietly, stepping forward. His eyes met hers with an intensity that made the rest of the room seem to fade slightly. "You saw what needed to be seen and acted with perfect timing. It was remarkable."
The simple praise, delivered in his calm, steady voice, meant more to Korra than all the cheers from the crowd. She felt heat rise in her cheeks, and for a moment, the noise and excitement of the locker room seemed distant.
Pema and Tenzin entered with the airbending children, who immediately began peppering the Fire Ferrets with questions about specific techniques and strategies. Even Meelo seemed impressed, though he expressed it by attempting to demonstrate airbending moves that bore little resemblance to anything they'd done in the ring.
"The fluidity of your bending has improved dramatically," Tenzin observed, his tone carrying the approval of a master recognizing genuine progress in a student. "You moved with the rhythm of the match rather than fighting against it."
"That's because I wasn't fighting alone," Korra replied, glancing at Mako and Bolin. "We were a team. A real team."
Lin Beifong, who had entered last and remained near the doorway, snorted slightly. "Don't let it go to your heads. You won one match against decent competition. The real tests are still ahead."
"Lin," Pema said gently.
"What? I'm being realistic. They did well tonight, but the championship teams are going to be a different level of challenge entirely."
Surprisingly, it was Mako who responded. "She's right," he said, looking at his teammates. "Tonight proved we can work together under pressure. But if we want to go all the way, we need to keep improving."
"Agreed," Korra said. "This was just the beginning."
As the crowd in the locker room began to thin out, people heading home or to various after-match celebrations, Korra found herself near Tohra again. The others were engaged in conversations about upcoming matches and training schedules, giving them a moment of relative privacy.
"Thank you," she said quietly, touching the pendant beneath her uniform. "For this, and for... everything."
"You don't need to thank me," he replied. "You did this yourself. You and your teammates."
"Maybe," she said, "but I couldn't have done it without knowing you were there. Without knowing that if everything fell apart, someone would be there to help me pick up the pieces."
Tohra's expression softened. "That's what partners do for each other."
The word 'partners' hung between them, carrying all the weight of their shared experiences and growing connection. In the bright lights of the locker room, surrounded by friends and family celebrating their victory, Korra felt a moment of perfect clarity about what she wanted.
What she needed to do.
The fear of ruining their friendship was real – it sat in her stomach like a cold stone. But the fear of spending the rest of her life wondering "what if" was worse. And deep down, beneath all the nervousness, there was something else. A feeling, an intuition, that told her this could work. That maybe – just maybe – he felt the same way.
"Tohra," she began, her heart hammering against her ribs.
Before she could continue, Mako's voice cut through the noise. "Hey, Korra! Team meeting about tomorrow's training schedule!"
The moment shattered, but instead of frustration, Korra felt a strange sense of determination settle over her. This interruption wasn't a sign to give up – it was just a delay. She looked at Tohra, who was already stepping back to give her space to rejoin her teammates, and made a decision.
"Later," she said quietly, her voice carrying a promise. "We need to talk. Just... us."
Tohra's eyes widened slightly, and she saw understanding flicker across his features. His smile was gentle, warm, and patient. "I'll be here whenever you're ready."
As she turned to rejoin her teammates, Korra touched the pendant beneath her uniform one more time. Tonight had been about proving herself as a competitor and teammate. But before this night was over, she was going to prove herself in other ways as well.
She was going to tell him. She was going to be brave.
After all, what was the point of being the Avatar if she couldn't find the courage to fight for what – and who – mattered most to her?
But for now, surrounded by the warmth of victory and friendship, Korra allowed herself to simply enjoy the moment. After all the political pressure and personal doubts, after the fear and uncertainty of recent days, this felt like exactly where she belonged.
The Fire Ferrets had won their first match. And Korra was beginning to think that maybe, just maybe, she was winning at more than just pro-bending.
Semifinal Struggles
Three days had passed since their opening victory, and the Fire Ferrets found themselves back in the arena, this time facing the Buzzard Wasps in what promised to be their most challenging match yet. The atmosphere in the locker room was markedly different from their previous preparation – tension had replaced excitement, and doubt had crept in where confidence had once resided.
Korra sat on the bench, mechanically adjusting her uniform while her mind wrestled with competing thoughts. The conversation with Tohra still hadn't happened – between additional training sessions, media obligations, and the general chaos of tournament preparation, they hadn't found the right moment for the private talk she'd promised. But his presence at every practice, his steady encouragement, the way he looked at her when he thought she wasn't watching – all of it reinforced her growing certainty about her feelings.
"You okay?" Bolin asked, settling beside her. His usual pre-match energy seemed subdued. "You've been pretty quiet today."
"Just focused," Korra replied, though that wasn't entirely true. Part of her distraction came from scanning the preparation area for a familiar tall figure. Tohra and his family had become regular fixtures at their matches, but she hadn't seen them arrive yet.
Mako emerged from the equipment area, his expression grim. "I just talked to some of the other teams. The Buzzard Wasps destroyed the Tiger Seals yesterday. Didn't even make it to the third round."
"Great," Bolin muttered. "More good news."
The locker room door opened, and Winter stepped inside, her usual serene demeanor carrying a hint of concern. "The others are finding their seats," she said, "but Tohra wanted me to give you this." She handed Korra a small folded piece of paper.
Korra opened it to find Tohra's careful handwriting: Trust yourself. Trust your team. You've already proven you can overcome anything when you work together. We believe in you. - T
The simple message helped settle some of her nerves, but it also reminded her of the conversation she still needed to have with him. After the match, she promised herself. Win or lose, she was going to tell him how she felt.
"Time to go," Mako said, checking the arena clock. "Let's show them what the Fire Ferrets can do."
But as they made their way to the ring platform, Korra couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The team dynamic that had felt so natural during their victory against the Rabaroos seemed strained now, fragmented by pressure and expectation.
A Team Divided
The moment the bell rang to start the first round, it became clear that the Fire Ferrets were not the same unified team that had impressed everyone just days before. The Buzzard Wasps opened with a flawlessly executed combination attack that caught them completely off guard.
"You can't find two teams more evenly matched in age, size, and strength than the Fire Ferrets and the Buzzard Wasps!" Shiro Shinobi's voice boomed across the arena. "Believe me, I've looked! This should be a pulse-pounding semifinal, folks!"
But instead of the coordinated response that had defined their previous victory, the Fire Ferrets found themselves scattered and reactive. Korra tried to establish the defensive pattern that had worked so well before, but Mako and Bolin weren't reading her signals. Each was fighting as an individual rather than as part of the whole.
All three Ferrets took an early visit to zone two, with Mako getting knocked all the way back into zone three. The crowd's energy, which had been building in anticipation of another Fire Ferrets comeback, began to shift toward concern.
"The Fire Ferrets have been struggling to stay alive since the opening bell," Shinobi continued his commentary. "All three players are totally out of sync tonight."
In the stands, Tohra leaned forward, his enhanced senses picking up the discord in the team's movements. This wasn't the fluid cooperation he'd observed in their training sessions. Something was fundamentally wrong with their approach.
The situation went from bad to worse when Bolin took a devastating earth disc to the stomach. The impact was severe enough that he stumbled to the side of the ring, removed his helmet, and lost his pre-match meal right there on the platform.
"And Bolin loses his noodles! Literally!" Shinobi's commentary turned even the most embarrassing moments into entertainment. "Which reminds me, this match is brought to you by our sponsor, Flamey-O Instant Noodles! Noodliest noodles in the United Republic."
Korra turned to watch her teammate's distress with a mixture of pity and disgust. This wasn't how things were supposed to go. They were better than this – she knew they were better than this.
The first round ended with the Fire Ferrets barely hanging on, saved only by the bell. As they regrouped, the weight of their poor performance hung heavy between them.
Making Things Worse
The second round began with a glimmer of hope as they managed to coordinate their opening positions better. But that hope was quickly dashed when their individual frustrations began to manifest in dangerous ways.
Mako, trying to compensate for the previous round's poor showing, overextended on an attack and ended up hitting Bolin in the back with his fire blast, knocking his own teammate to the ground.
"Hey! Watch it!" Bolin shouted, turning to confront his brother.
The moment of distraction was all the Buzzard Wasps needed. Their waterbender struck while Bolin's back was turned, sending him tumbling off the edge and into the pool below.
"The Wasps take advantage of Mako's unforced error and Bolin is in the pool!" Shinobi's voice carried a note of disbelief at the Fire Ferrets' self-destruction.
Korra, watching her teammates fall apart, felt her own frustration building. Instead of the careful, strategic bending that had defined her improved technique, she found herself getting fancy with her waterbending, trying to single-handedly turn the match around through raw power and spectacle.
It was exactly the kind of mistake she'd been learning to avoid. The referee's whistle cut through her elaborate attack.
"Unnecessary roughness! Move back one zone!"
The penalty was like salt in an already painful wound. Korra's temper, already frayed by the team's poor performance, finally snapped.
"I'll unnecessarily rough you up!" she shouted, waterbending a blast directly at the referee.
The referee grimly pulled out a yellow fan, and Shiro Shinobi's commentary turned genuinely dismayed. "And the Avatar is slapped with the yellow fan. The Ferrets are their own worst enemy right now. It's just sad to watch."
In the stands, Winter placed a gentle hand on Tohra's arm as she felt his tension building. The man who had become so protective of Korra was watching her struggle not just with the match, but with the very self-control and team coordination they had worked so hard to develop.
"With the Buzzard Wasps leading two rounds to zilch," Shinobi continued, "the Ferrets' only hope of winning is with a knockout."
Lowest Point
Back on the platform between rounds, the Fire Ferrets stood in a triangle of mutual disappointment and recrimination. The unity that had carried them to victory just days before had completely evaporated, leaving three individuals who could barely look at each other.
"Well, I guess there's always next year," Mako said, his voice flat with resignation.
The comment hit Korra like a physical blow. After everything they'd been through, after all the progress they'd made, he was ready to give up? "Come on! We still have a chance, even if it is a slim one!"
"The way we're playing," Bolin added, his shoulder still aching from the first round's punishment, "we don't even deserve to be in the finals."
Korra looked between her teammates, seeing the defeat in their postures, the way they'd already mentally checked out of the competition. It reminded her uncomfortably of that night on Avatar Aang Memorial Island, when she'd felt overwhelmed and alone, ready to quit before the fight was really over.
But this time was different. This time, she wasn't alone, even if her teammates had given up. In the stands, she could feel the support of people who believed in her – Tohra, Winter, Tenzin, Pema, even Lin Beifong in her own gruff way. And more than that, she could feel the weight of the pendant against her skin, a tangible reminder that some battles were worth fighting even when the odds seemed impossible.
"Look," she said, her voice carrying a conviction that surprised even her, "if we don't pull together and work as a team, we'll never forgive ourselves."
Mako's response was dismissive. "Let's just get this over with."
"The sooner, the better," Bolin agreed.
As they headed back to the starting line for what might be their final round, Korra felt a familiar surge of determination. Win or lose, she wasn't going to give up. Not on the match, not on her team, and not on the person she'd become through all of this.
The Comeback
The third round began as badly as the previous two had ended. Within moments, both Bolin and Mako found themselves knocked into zone two, and things only got worse from there.
An earth coin struck Bolin in the shoulder with enough force to make him cry out in pain. The injury was clearly affecting his ability to bend effectively, but he kept fighting with what Shinobi accurately described as "grit."
Mako, trying to help his injured brother, moved out of position and took a fire blast that sent him tumbling off the edge. As he hit the water, the reality of their situation became clear – it was now three against one, with Korra facing the entire Buzzard Wasp team alone.
"The Ferrets' dream of making it to the finals now rests in the Avatar's hands," Shinobi announced. "But with three on one, I don't like her odds."
In the pool area, Bolin pulled himself painfully from the water as Mako knelt above him, offering a hand. Despite their poor teamwork during the match, the bond between the brothers remained strong.
"Are you okay? How's your shoulder?" Mako asked, helping Bolin up onto the lift platform.
"Ahh, it's messed up pretty bad. But I think I'll be all right," Bolin replied, wincing. As the lift began to rise, he asked the question that had been weighing on both of them: "Are we gonna be all right?"
"Of course we are. We're brothers. We'll get through this mess. I'm sorry," Mako said, his voice carrying genuine remorse for how the match had gone.
"Me too! Girls..." Bolin started, then caught his brother's look. "Seriously."
Meanwhile, on the ring above them, something extraordinary was happening. Faced with impossible odds, Korra had found her center again. Instead of the frustrated, individual bending that had characterized her earlier performance, she was moving with the fluid grace and strategic thinking that had marked her best moments.
She dodged every element the Wasps threw at her, not through brute force but through precise timing and spatial awareness. This was the Avatar who had learned to work with her elements rather than against them, who had discovered that true strength came from harmony rather than dominance.
"What an unbelievable effort here by Korra!" Shinobi's commentary reflected the crowd's growing excitement. "She's dodging every element the Wasps throw at her!"
In the stands, Tohra was on his feet without realizing it, completely absorbed in watching Korra demonstrate everything they'd talked about in their training sessions. This was the person he'd seen glimpses of – confident but not arrogant, powerful but controlled, fighting not just for victory but for something larger than herself.
With only ten seconds remaining in the match, Korra made her move. Instead of trying to overwhelm her opponents, she positioned herself strategically, using the Buzzard Wasps' own aggressive coordination against them. When they lined up for what should have been a finishing attack, she was ready.
A single, perfectly timed water blast caught all three opponents, knocking them clear off the platform in one devastating sweep.
"It's the big kibosh! What a knockout!" Shinobi's voice could barely be heard over the crowd's eruption.
"Yes! She did it!" Bolin shouted from the lift, his pain momentarily forgotten in the excitement.
"Yes! Yeah!" Mako added, equally thrilled despite his earlier pessimism.
"It didn't seem possible, folks, but the Fire Ferrets are headed to the finals!"
Reconciliation and Revelation
Back in the locker room, the atmosphere was completely transformed from their pre-match tension. The impossible victory had not only secured their spot in the finals, but had also reminded them of what they could accomplish when they supported each other, even if that support sometimes meant carrying the team alone.
"That was pretty much the coolest thing I've ever seen," Bolin said to Korra, his admiration genuine despite the pain in his shoulder.
Mako's words carried even more weight: "Thanks for not giving up on us. We never would have made it this far without you. I owe you. Big time."
"You're welcome," Korra replied, then looked between her teammates with an expression that mixed relief with something deeper. "So... I know things are confusing right now, but I hope we can still be friends."
"Definitely," Mako said without hesitation.
The moment was interrupted by the arrival of the reigning champions, the White Falls Wolfbats. Their leader, Tahno, entered last and made an exaggerated show of sniffing the air.
"Ooh, oof. You boys smell something in here?" he said with theatrical disgust. "Wait, I know what that is; yeah, that's the scent of losers."
The Fire Ferrets looked at the Wolfbats with open disdain, but it was Korra who spoke up, her voice carrying quiet confidence: "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," Tahno replied sarcastically, but there was something in his expression that suggested he was taking the Fire Ferrets more seriously than his words indicated.
As the Wolfbats moved on to prepare for their own semifinal match, Asami appeared, throwing her arms around Mako's neck in celebration. "Great job!" she said, then turned to include Korra: "What a comeback, Korra. I've never seen a hat trick like that."
"Thanks!" Korra replied, then stepped closer to the embracing couple. "But, if it hadn't been for you and your father, we wouldn't have had the chance to play. So thank you."
The gracious acknowledgment of Asami's support was genuine, though it came with a pang of something that wasn't quite jealousy anymore. Seeing Mako with Asami no longer felt like a personal loss – it felt like watching two people who belonged together.
"Uh, if everyone's done with the little 'thank you' party," Bolin interrupted, "need some medical attention over here."
"Ooh, let me help!" Korra said, moving to his injured shoulder.
"Owww! Gah! Haven't you hurt me enough, woman?" Bolin complained in his characteristic joking manner.
"Relax, I'm a healer!" Korra replied, drawing water from a bucket and beginning to work on his injury. "I learned from Katara, the best there is."
"No, no, oh- ooh! That's the stuff!" Bolin sighed as the healing water did its work.
As she healed his shoulder, Korra found herself addressing something that had been weighing on her mind: "Bolin, I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. I didn't mean to let things get so out of hand."
"Ahh, I'll be all right," he replied with characteristic resilience. "But we had fun together, didn't we?"
"I had a great time, honestly! You are one of a kind, Bolin."
"Please, go on. I enjoy praise," he said with a grin.
Their conversation was interrupted by the ring announcer's voice echoing through the arena: "Your winners, the Wolfbats!"
"What? How is it over already?" Korra asked, looking around in confusion.
Shinobi's commentary provided the explanation: "With a brutal round one knockout, the defending champs secure their spot in the finals. I hope the Ferrets know a good doctor, 'cause they're gonna need one!"
Through the locker room's viewing window, they could see medics helping the Mo Ce Mongoose Lizards out of the pool on stretchers, the devastating efficiency of the Wolfbats' victory evident in their opponents' condition.
The three Fire Ferrets stared in astonishment at what awaited them in the finals. But instead of fear, Korra felt a familiar determination settling over her. They had made it this far against all odds. Tomorrow night, they would face the champions.
And after that... after that, she was finally going to have that conversation with Tohra.
To be continued in Chapter 8: Confession; And The Winner is....