//------------------------------//
// The Spirit of Competition 
// Story: Mortal Kombat Legends: Heroes Rising 
// by KnightGomora1994 
//------------------------------//


Good morning everyone, Shiro Shinobi here! The defenders and their friends, the Main Seven find out that Amon is working with their most dangerous enemy, Shinnok! The God of Death! A ruthless tyrant who will stop at nothing, till we’re nothing but dust! In other news, love is in the air! Since Avatar Korra has arrived in Republic City she's only had eyes for one fellow: Mako. The feeling seemed mutual until a fateful accident intervened. Now Mako's affections have fallen right into the arms of the beautiful Asami. Will love prove to be Korra's most formidable foe yet?







Republic City Park


Early morning, Mako was heading for the Pro-Bending Arena through the park, getting his early morning exercise. But as he ran through the park, her began to hear laughter coming the spot where he and Korra were waiting for the protester a few days ago. He walked over to see what was going on, and as he peeked around the bush, he found Korra and her friends playing a ball game he never saw before. But he couldn’t help but stare at Korra... how graceful she was, how athletic, and how well she was playing the game. His heart skipped a couple beats, but he snapped out of his little daydream and walked over feeling curious. Korra took notice of his approach, and smiled seeing him. “Hey Mako!” She greeted him.

“Hey Korra, girls, defenders...” Mako greeted them as they waved to him. “What’s going on here...?” He asked them.

“Oh, it’s a little game called soccer, it’s an Earthrealm sport that Johnny showed me... and it’s actually really fun. We thought we’d have a friendly game before we headed to the arena.” Korra explained to him.

Mako was surprised as he looked to Johnny. “Is it really that fun...?” He asked him.

“You bet it is... I asked our good buddy Raiden to pick up a soccer ball for us so I could show her how the game is done.” Johnny stated as he walked up. “You see, the objective of this game is that two opposing teams need to get the ball into separate goals.” He explained.

“Sounds simple enough...” Mako commented as Johnny held up a hand to stop him.

“But, you can only kick the ball, you’re not allowed to use your hands.” He stated it to him, plain and simple.

Mako could almost believe it, but Rainbow Dash took the ball and bounced it on her knee. “But in this friendly game, you’re not allowed to use your bending, have fun, and be the first to five goals and win.” She kicked the ball into the air and flipped backwards as she kicked the ball into the goal, stunning the young firebender to no end. “One zip!” She called out.

Mako gulped feeling nervous, but walked up to them swallowing his fear. “In that case, let me give it a try... I want to get a good feel for it.” He said to them.

Chuckling at it, Korra walked up to him with her hands on her hip. “Alright team captain... let’s see what you got...” she said to him with a smirk.

The girls and the other defenders watched as the two of them stood ready, Applejack carved an apple as she watched them. “This oughta be good... can’t wait to see how badly Mako will screw this one up.” She commented.

“Come now AJ, this is his first time playing this sport... at least give him a chance to try his best.” Nightwolf said to her.

“Indeed, but remember Nightwolf...” Scorpion gained his attention as he looked to firebending captain. “Mako may be the team captain of the Fire Ferrets... but in this game... he’s a greenhorn...” He pointed out as Rainbow Dash approached them with the ball and set it down on the ground, having a confident smirk that Korra will win.

She stepped back and held out a hand as the two teenagers took a stance and waited for her signal. Rainbow Dash smirked and raised her hand and threw it down. “Play ball!” She shouted as Mako went for the first kick, but Korra reached over and stole the ball with her right foot as Mako slid across the grass nearly doing the splits as Korra kicked the ball into the air and kicked it towards the goal, scoring her first point. “First point goes to Korra!” She shouted as Mako groaned from spreading his legs far.

“Didn’t see that coming...” He groaned as he slowly got up and brought his legs together. “But I’m gonna remember that...” he said to her as Liu walked up to him.

“You’re thinking too much like a pro-bender...” he stated as Mako looked to him. “You think that you’re in the arena, but this isn’t the ring. You need to clear those thoughts from your head, and focus on the ball. Trust me, it’ll help...” he said to him as Mako thought about it for a moment, but he shook his head, brushing those thoughts away and looked to Korra, preparing for round two. Rainbow gave them the signal again as Mako reached for the ball, Korra went to steal it again, but Mako snuck his foot behind the ball and stole it from her and spun passed her with it and kicked it towards the goal. 

Korra rushed towards it, and tried to catch it, but the ball reached the inside of the goal before she could get it. “Woo! Now the scores all tied up!” Mako cheered as Korra groaned in annoyance, earth bending the ground, forcing Mako to slip and fall down to the ground. Everyone chuckled from seeing it as Mako groaned from it, but smiled a bit as he got up to continue playing. The two teens played the game for almost an hour and half, each player scoring a point and getting tied up with each other. Korra was impressed at how well he’s picked up the skill of the game, and smiled at him. Mako smiled back as he could help but look at her, seeing something he had never seen before. Unaware that the Jinsei gem he had was glowing bright in his pocket again. A moment had passed, and both players were exhausted from their friendly game. Korra panted heavily, but started to laugh at how much fun they had. Mako let out some laughter and looked to her. “You weren’t kidding... that actually was fun...” he said to her.

“Told ya...” Korra let out a soft chuckle as she sat up and looked to him. “You actually looked happy when you were playing, I actually never thought I’d see this side of you...” she pointed out to him.

As Mako sat up, his smile faded just from hearing what she said. “It’s because I hadn’t been so happy since that awful night...” he stated to her.

Korra’s eyes widened in realizing she may have tugged a few heart strings. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to...” She panicked only to see him hold up a hand to her.

“It’s okay... I knew it wasn’t going to be easy for me, or Bolin... but growing up, I did what I had to do to keep him safe. Joining the triads of course was probably not the smartest move, I’ll admit... I guess I never was a bright as a kid...” Mako admitted to her as Twilight and her friends listened to his story, and felt sorry for him.

Especially Korra, she looked down feeling hard on herself for bringing up the past. But she looked to him and placed a hand on his shoulder as he looked to her. “My life wasn’t as good as you thought it was... you remember when I told you that everyone here had hardships in life...?” She asked him, earning a silent nod from him. “So did I... when the White Lotus first came to my home in the South Pole, they brought me to the compound to begin my training... but over the years, I felt like a prisoner in that compound... being cut off from my parents, and my entire village...” she stated as Mako’s eyes widened from hearing it.

“They took you away...” he asked her.

“They said it was so I could train... but...” Korra let out a frustrated groan as she held her head. “They shouldn’t have taken me away from my family! Aang ran away because the monks were going to take him away from his mentor, Monk Gyatso, the only person who ever felt like a father to him... but why did they have to take me away from mine...?” She asked as tears began to brim.

Everyone, from Mako, to the defenders, all looked at Korra. Feeling the sadness of her being separated from her parents, to start her training with the Avatar. Mako knew that it was unfair, what the White Lotus did... but he reached over to Korra, placing a warm, comforting hand onto her shoulder, getting her to look at him. “I know it must have been hard... but I think I’m starting to get the point. When I told you that you didn’t really have nothing, I was wrong... you were really lonely, I can see that now. Just like me and Bolin when we lost our parents.” He said to her as a soft smile formed on his face.

Korra looked at him as her face was slightly red, she smiled and looked away trying to hide it. She was about to respond to him, but ice soon began to form into the body of a man, and Sub-Zero bursts out of it, surprising the two teens of it. “Korra, Mako, your early morning practice at the arena is overdue... you best get to the arena, Bolin is expecting you.” He said to them.

“I’ll never get used to seeing him do that...” Mako stated to Korra as she nodded in agreement.

Rainbow patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, he’s not so bad...race you guys to the arena!” She said to him as she dashed off towards the arena.

Sighing from seeing it, Rarity shrugged her shoulders from her action. “She’ll never forget that we can’t keep up with her, even at that speed.” She pointed out.

“Not unless you’re Pinkie Pie, who randomly pops out of no where.” Liu Kang joked as Pinkie gave him a scolding look.

“Either way, let’s get you guys to the arena before we keep Bolin waiting any longer, I’m sure he’s tapping his foot impatiently as we speak.” Twilight said to them as everyone let out a chuckle.


Pro-Bending Arena


At the Pro-bending Arena as it snows, Korra is in the gym with her team handling a water blob. She moves back as she splits it in two, and rapidly launches each smaller water bullet in a different direction. Bolin raises his right arm in front of him, an earth disk following the motion and hovering in front of his face. As the water blob Korra launched at him strikes the disk, he is shoved slightly backward by the impact. Mako moves back and twists around, vaporizing the incoming blob with a fire arc. He immediately retaliates with two fire punches. Bolin's earth disk is pulverized by Mako's fire attack. Korra aims another rapid water blast at Mako, who jumps over it, while Bolin launches an earth disk at Korra, forcing her to shield herself with water from a nearby tank. Mako fires a blast at each of his team mates, which both of them block with their respective element. A second fire blast hits Bolin square in the stomach. On the sidelines, some of the defenders were present to watch along with Twilight and her friends. “She’s certainly improving.” Rarity complimented her of her skill as she worked on Korra’s warrior outfit.

“Sure has, I mean ever since she quit the task force, she’s been in total pro-bending mode.” Rainbow Dash pointed out to them.

“Yes, she certainly seems to be managing on her own...” Kratos said to them as she watched the Fire Ferrets.

Bolin is flung backward. As he is falling down, he raises and launches a last earth disk. Korra directs a water blob away from her, but is knocked back with a grunt as the earth disk plants itself in her stomach. Mako panicked as Korra's water attack hits him straight in the face, flinging him to the ground several meters from where he was standing. Mako groaned a bit but smiled as he stands up and takes off his helmet, resting his left hand on his hip. “It's been great having you at so many back-to-back practices, Korra.”

She smiled as she felt her upbeat attitude coming back. “Feels good to be back, although...” She slightly raises her hand to emphasize her statement; smiling. “Tarrlok isn't too happy about my leave of absence.”

“Hey, you joined the Fire Ferrets before you joined his task force.” Bolin pointed out to her.

“He’s right... remember, Tarrlok tricked you into joining the task force. You learned your lesson, and now you’re back with those most important to you.” Flash said to her as he gestured to her team.

Korra smiled at seeing it, hiding a slight blush as she looked away from Mako. The firebender shared a similar gesture, but smiled and cleared his throat looked to them. “Okay, come on, team huddle time!” He said to them as the team huddled together and looked to the defenders. “You guys too... you’re part of this team as well.” He said to them as Twilight, her friends, along with Liu, Kitana, Johnny and Sonya joined in. “It's our first match of the tournament tonight. I know that all of us haven't been a team for very long, but even so, the Fire Ferrets have never been this good. Are we ready?”

“We’re ready!” The team shouted with good enthusiasm.

Till out of nowhere, Asami walked in the practice room with the Future Industries sponsored gear. “Not quite, you'll need these.” She holds up a shirt with the Future Industries logo on it. “And Rarity, thanks for your designs, they really helped out a lot...” she said to her.

“Oh, think nothing of it darling... I’m just happy to help.” She replied to her.

“Hey Asami.” Mako walked towards her.

“Hey sweetie.” Asami replied to him.

But from hearing it, both Korra and Rarity, even Kitana shared a look of annoyance. They were easily thinking of one word to describe her, and that word was. “Floozy...” the two muttered while Korra remained silent.

“These new uniforms look great!“ Mako complimented the work that was done with the uniforms.

“Rarity helped out you know, but you look great, champ!“ Asami complimented him while they do an 'Eskimo kiss'. Bolin looks with a "Really?" expression, while Rainbow Dash sticks her finger into her mouth, silently gagging while Korra shows her disgust, but quickly acts normal when Mako turns to her.

“Well, teammates, I'll see you before the match tonight. Asami and I have a lunch date.“ Mako said to them and proceeded to walk out with her.

“Okay, we'll check you guys later, you know, we'll see you when we see ya.” Bolin waved at the couple as they walked out of the room.

Just as they were soon out of sight, Sonya finally decided to snap. “Okay, am I the only thinking she’s trouble...?” She asked them.

“Sonya, you’re not saying that you’re jealous of her are you...?” Johnny asked her as he smirked and crossed his arms.

“No, it just when she walked into Mako’s life, she managed to accomplish all this, even with the help with her father’s company. But don’t any of you find that a little convenient...?” She asked them.

The girls simply looked to each other and shrugged their shoulders in response. “Even so Sonya, Korra and her team have a great opportunity here, let’s not spoil it.” Fluttershy said to her.

“Further more, I’m almost done with Korra’s outfit. She can try it on when I add a few more touches.” Rarity stated as she got up and headed out with it.

Meanwhile, Korra picked up her bag as Bolin slides over to Korra with his hands behind his head. “So, Korra. There they go, here we are, all alone in the gym, just you and me, two alone people. Together. Alone.” He said to her as he soon heard a snicker from Johnny and Rainbow Dash as he looked to them. “What?” He asked them.

“That really the best way you can pick up a girl..? Cause you’re not gonna get very far...” Johnny said to him as he chuckled and left the room.

“Ah, yeah, also I gotta head back to the air temple to train with Tenzin. See ya!” Korra said to him as she walked away from him. “Come on guys...” Korra said to them as she headed for the exit.

Bolin at that moment looked disappointed about his failed attempt to pick a date with Korra. Pinkie patted his shoulder to cheer him up. “Sorry Bo, but maybe next time...” She said to him as she followed after them.


(~)


A moment later in the attic of the pro-bending arena, Mako is preparing dinner while Bolin is preparing a bath for Pabu. The animal protests his owner's act, but Bolin finally manages to dip Pabu into the tub of water, who subsequently rises from it, shaking off water from his body with a look of defeat. “Work with me here, Pabu! You wanna look spic and span in your new uniform, don't you?” He said to his ferret as he tried to get him into the water, but Pabu struggled to stay out of the water, only to fail and get dipped into the water. Bolin gave him a good wash and looked towards Mako. “So, what do you think of Korra, in a "girlfriend" sort of way?” He asked him.

Mako tensed up as he instantly thought of Korra and what Raiden said to him the other night, but hid it. “She's great! But I think it makes more sense for me to go for Asami.” he said to his young brother.

But Bolin simply had a look of slight annoyance on his face from hearing it. “I was talking about a girlfriend for me! Leave some ladies for the rest of us!” he stated.

“I know, that's what I thought you meant.” Mako assured him.

“Well...?” Bolin waited for an answer from Mako.

But the firebender, no matter how har he tried to deny it. He could feel something between him and Korra. But he threw all these thoughts out of his head, and focused on cooking. “I don't know, Bo. It doesn't seem like a good idea for you to date Korra.” he said to him.

“You just said she was great two seconds ago.” Bolin pointed out to him.

“Yeah, Korra is a great athlete and the Avatar and stuff, but I don't know if she's really "girlfriend material". She's more like a pal.” Mako explained to him.

“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.” Bolin declared as he held Pabu.

Mako let out a sigh from hearing it. “Look, it just isn't smart to date a teammate, especially during the tournament. Keep your head out of the clouds and your priorities straight, okay?” he asked as he looked to him.

“Yeah, yeah, I know, gah.” Bolin exclaimed as he looked to to Pabu as he held him up. “You know what I'm talking about, Pabu, I'm talking about real love.” He said to Pabu as the fire ferret looks confused as he tilted his head.

Mako’s eyebrow twitched from listening, but he finished the dinner and put it in a bowl for him and set it next to him. “Here, I’m going out...” He said to him as he grabbed his coat and scarf and headed out.

“Don’t be long!” Bolin waved to him.

As Mako made his way outside, he inhaled and sighed but he let out a huge fire blast to let out his frustration as he groaned. “What is wrong with me?! I know he wants to be happy, but why does he always have to make it so difficult?!” He asked himself.

“Maybe because your heart isn’t with the right person…” said a familiar voice as Mako turned to see Artemis leaning against the wall. He panicked as he held up a fire blast as she held up her hands in defense. “Easy... I’m unarmed... you wouldn’t hurt an unarmed goddess, now would you...?” She asked him.

“Don’t think you can fool me, I know all about you...” Mako said to her as he kept his fire blazing.

“Do you...? Perhaps Kratos didn’t tell you everything about me...” She said to him as she circled him like a common predator. “You see, I wasn’t always with Amon, hurting the benders and chasing after the Avatar...? It’s only so I can get to Kratos...” she said to him as she removed her helmet showing her face.

Seeing it close up, Mako recognized her from Kwong's Cuisine. “You...? You’re that dame that was at Kwong’s...?!” He asked her in surprise.

“A necessary deception, believe me... certainly fooled that one mortal.” She replied as she put her helmet back on. “As I said... there is much about me you don’t know.” She stated as she looked out. “In fact... I was much like you once... brave, fearless... so confident, I can accomplish anything. But what life didn’t prepare me for... was love...” she stated as Mako looked to her surprised. “Before you were born... I spent my life being worshipped as the Goddess of the Hunt. Till one day, I met a mortal... his name was Orion, the Greatest Hunter in all of Greece...he challenged me to an archery competition, to see who can shoot the farthest.” She explained.

“It was you right...?” Mako asked her.

Chuckling at his question, Artemis couldn’t deny it. “Of course... but we were equally matched, Orion’s skill was legendary... and from that night... our love blossomed.” She explained as she showed his bracelet. “This belonged to him... it was his gift to me as a sign of respect, and love...” she shared it.

Mako looked at it amazed of the craftsmanship, and looked to her. “You two must have been happy together...” he said to her.

But she did not share his enthusiasm as her smile faded away, and she looked out towards the ocean. “I’m afraid it was not to last... you see, one night I saw something swimming out to the ocean, I thought it to be something of the ocean... and I shot an arrow to it. But when I hit it... I heard a scream... it’s when I realized, I made a mistake...” she stated as she remembered that night.


(~)



Flashback...


Upon hearing the scream, Artemis looked carefully as her eyes saw what it was... more like, who. Her eyes widened seeing that it was Orion that was swimming out, and she panicked as she rushed towards the water and swam out to the ocean to reach Orion. She reached out to him and grabbed a hold of him and started pulling him back to shore, gently setting him down as she quickly pulled the arrow out as she covered her mouth. “No, no please... stay with me, stay with me Orion, please!” She pleaded to him.

The hunter groaned as his eyes opened up and looked to her. “My love...” she reached to her as she gently grasped his hand.

“Orion, I’m so sorry... I didn’t know it was you, I didn’t...!” Artemis began to choke as she felt sadness ebbing at her heart.

But Orion reached and touched her face as he wiped away her tears. “It was not your fault beloved... I know you made a mistake, but you must not forget what we had...” he said to her as he caressed her face. “I’m just so happy... to have met you. To love you as who you are...” he said to her as tears ran down his face. “I love you Artemis... never... forget that...” he said to her as he felt his life slipping away.

The goddess felt his hand slipping away from her face, but she caught it as tears ran down her face. “No! No, no...!” She cried out as she held him close, mourning the loss that she felt. But she couldn’t allow him to be buried... instead, she used her magic to form him into the very constellation that rests in the heavens today.


(~)


“Since that night, I always gazed upon him from Olympus... he was the only mortal who saw me  for who I was.” Artemis said to him as she wiped away her tears and looked towards him. “So you see... love can both be wonderful... and tragic.” She explained to him.

“I... I had no idea you went through that...” Mako admitted to her.

“As for why I hunt my brother is because of what he did to our father, Zeus... it’s nothing personal to your kind, but personal with me.” She said to him as she walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Choose your love carefully... and hold onto it, no matter what.” She advised him as she walked away and vanished without a trace. Mako saw it and looked around for her, but she was gone... almost as though she were a ghost, than a goddess. But the choice he makes will be hard for both him, his team, and Asami... but he had time to think, so he headed to town to think long and hard about what Artemis said.






Air Temple Island


On Air Temple Island, Korra, Jinora, and Ikki are feeding fruit to ring-tailed lemurs in the snow. But Jinora looked to Korra noticing she was thinking about a certain firebender, and smiled as she decided to ask. “So, how's it going with the tall, dreamy firebender boy? You've been spending a lot of time together lately.” she stated.

“Oooh, yeah! Tell us all about the magical romance.” Ikki said to her feeling excited as per usual.

But Korra quickly hid the fact she was thinking about him at all. “What?” She laughed a bit from the thought. “Listen to you two, I-I'm not interested in Mako or any romantic stuff.” She stated to them.

“Oh, yeah... good cover there Korra, they’ll totally buy that...” Jax caught her off guard as the girls giggled from it.

“He’s got a point there Korra, I mean you’ve literally been staring at Mako ever since practice.” Twilight reminded her.

Jinora let out a chuckle as she crossed her arms. “Besides, you can’t really hide anything from them if you wanted to.” She said to her.

Scowling at the bionic armed defender and the Princess, she let out a fake cough and looked to the young airbenders. “Besides he's all into that prissy, beautiful, elegant, rich girl ... but let's just pretend for a second I am interested in him. What would I do?” She asked them.

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

Twilight poked her head out of hiding as she looked to the young airbender in surprise. “Please tell us it’s something good... and not something that would make her do something crazy.” She pleaded to Jinora hoping for the right response.

“Tell me! What did she do?!” Korra asked her feeling excited.

“She rode a dragon into battle and burned down the entire country.” Jinora explained to her as Korra begins to frown at the unrealistic idea. Even Kung Lao and Sunset gave her a “You serious...?” expression. “Then she jumped into a volcano. It was so romantic!” She swooned from it.

“Uhh...” Korra said feeling unsure of it.

“Rrrriiiiiight...” Rainbow said feeling unsure as well.

“Um, very romantic...?” Fluttershy stated as she shrugged her shoulders.

“Oh yeah, nothing says I love you than saying “Watch me destroy your village and watch me burn!” I mean seriously?!” Twilight asked the young airbender.

“Well you forget Twilight, my mother committed suicide because of what happened to my father, King Jerrod...” Kitana reminded her.

“Thanks for the reminder...” Twilight said sarcastically.

“I can lend it to you for a bit Twilight.” Jinora said excitedly.

Chuckling nervously, Twilight didn’t know whether to accept, or deny it. “Great... but do most of them have suicides in them...?” She asked her with a worried grin.

“Nope...” Jinora replied as Twilight sighed in relief, till all of a sudden. “Most of them are either murdered, or die of sadness.” She informed the Princess as she sighed and swooned over the stories.

Both Twilight’s and Kitana’s eyes popped wide open from hearing it as they glanced towards each other, and looked to her as they slowly backed away. “Greeeeaat, but maybe later...” Twilight said to her as she leaned over to Kitana and whispered. “Not a chance...”

“Agreed...” Kitana replied to her.

“No, no, no!” Ikki spoke rapidly as she appeared. “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 into 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!” She Airbends upward in a circular motion out of excitement.

“I like it!” Pinkie chimed into the conversation.

Everyone stared at her for a moment as they could hear a cricket sound. “The volcano is starting to make more sense to me now.” Korra said to Sunset.

“I agree...” Sunset said to him.

“Ditto...” Kung Lao responded only to hear laughter and saw Pema standing before them.

Korra panicked from seeing her. “Oh, hey Pema. Uh, how long were you standing there?” she asked her.

“Long enough. But trust me, I know what you're going through. Years ago I was in the exact the same situation, with Tenzin.” Pema explained to her.

“Hold up, Tenzin...?” Jax asked her in surprise.

“Daddy was in love with someone else before you?” Ikki asked her.

“That’s right.” Pema responded to her.

“Who would’ve thought he was popular with the ladies...?” Kung Lao asked in surprise.

“I hear ya...” Applejack said to him.

“So what did you do?” Korra asked her.

“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.” Pema explained to her of what she did.

The three girls stared at her in awe of how she handled it. “Wooow!” They said to her.

Soon after, a chuckle was heard, and they saw that it was Jade who was near by. “Love can be a very powerful thing, I know this for certain... when I first met Kotal, he was a noble warrior of the Osh-Tekk. But when we first met, we pretty much fought each other... true he was the better and stronger warrior, but I have my cunning.” She explained.

“Let me guess, you sneaked a fast one...?” Pema asked her.

“As a matter of fact, yes... I stole a kiss from him, which immediately left his guard down and I was victorious in the long run. But my original mission was to kill him...” Jade said to them.

That immediately gave her some wide eyed kids as they looked to one another, then back to her as Jinora walked up to her. “So... what ever happened to Kotal...? Did you two get married...?” She asked her.

But Jade looked away feeling sad at remembering the last time she saw Kotal. “I’m afraid not... we were arranged to be married, with approval of Princess Kitana, but Kotal and his legion... never returned.” She said to her.

“We were all stunned to hear of it... to lose a loved one is hard, even during a war with Outworld.” Twilight said to them.

The Avatar lowered her head feeling sorry for her, and sat down and sighed. “I never thought love could be so complicated... even when someone you like is either passed on, or with someone else.” She pointed out.

Twilight placed a hand on her shoulder, gaining her attention. “Don’t worry, you’ll find the courage... for now, we need to get you ready for the next Pro-Bending match, everyone will be excited to see the new and improved Fire Ferrets!” She cheered as Korra smiled in response, looking out to the Pro-Bending Arena across the bay, feeling excited about it. She even thought about Pema’s idea, wondering if it will work the same way for her.






Pro-Bending Arena


On the night of the match, the Fire Ferrets are facing their greatest opponents in the league. Shiro Shinobi sat in his booth, prepared for tonight’s match. “Folks, after a year of waiting the Pro-bending Championship is finally here. Tonight is the first set of matches in our single elimination sixteen team bracket. And I gotta tell ya, these are the most tenacious and talented bending trios this arena has ever seen.” he announced to those listening to the radio.

“Introducing our first team, the Future Industries Fire Ferrets!” The announcer welcomed the team as the Fire Ferrets hear the cheers of the crowd. “And their opponents, the Red Sands Rabaroos!” He gestures to the opposing team as some of their fans cheered for them.

Upon hearing the bell, the match between the Fire Ferrets and the Rabaroos starts as quick as Pinkie could say cake. “What an explosive opening volley. Both teams quickly recover and unleash a barrage of bending. I am astonished with the level of improvement displayed here by the Fire Ferrets. No wonder the Avatar has been absent from the papers lately. She's obviously had her nose to the grindstone in the gym. The Ferrets advance into Rabaroo territory and are holding nothing back. Nice sprawl there by Mako. Bolin strikes, Ula dodges, and all three Rabaroos are down. The Fire Ferrets easily take round one!” Shiro described the match as he watched every move that was made and the bell rings.

“Round two!” Said the ring announcer as he held out two fingers.

The bell rings again as the round began instantly. “The Rabaroos are looking for payback and they go straight after Bolin. Korra comes to his defense and water-whacks Umi back into zone two! The Ferrets are on fire tonight and they win round two.” Shiro announced from watching it.

Liu and some of his allies watched from the locker room, amazed at their progress. “They’ve certainly come along in their training.” He commented.

“Yes... but I’ve been reading up on the reigning champions.” Scorpion said to him as he looked to the arena. “Turns out these... Wolfbats have a reputation for playing dirty...” he informed him.

“I’ve read up on them too... they’ve hospitalized and nearly killed several teams that went against them.” Twilight said to them but looked to the others. “They’re only rumors of course, there’s no way of telling...” she stated.

“Hey, I’ve watched plenty of sports back in Earthrealm, and I’ve seen how easy, and tough they were... and I doubt some of them have anything on this game...” Applejack pointed out.

“Quiet guys, the third round is about to start.” Rainbow Dash said to them.

“Round 3!” Announced the ring announcer.

The two teams began the third and final match they will go through. “With the Rabaroos down two rounds they'll need a knockout to win, and with the way the Fire Ferrets are playing I don't see that happening. These Ferrets are working together like a well-oiled bending machine. Bolin passes Adi back into zone two and the Ferrets get the green light to advance. The Rabaroos are just fighting to stay at their feet at this point. Out goes Adi, and Ula, and Umi!” Shiro exclaimed as the Rabaroos fell straight into the water.

“All three rounds go to the Future Industries Fire Ferrets to win the opening match of the tournament!” The ring announcer cheered out as the crowd cheered for the Fire Ferrets.

“Yes! WOOHOO!!!” Rainbow cheered for them.

“YEEHAW! Now that’s how it’s done!” Applejack cheered.

“Spectacular, wonderful work darlings!” Rarity cheered for them.

“That's what I'm talking about!” Bolin cheered as he turns to audience. “Thank you, thank you very much! Thank you all you fans!” He said to them.

Mako smiled as he walked with them back to the locker area. “Wow, we were really connecting out there in that ring.” he said to Korra as he walked to the locker.

Korra smiled at hearing it, but felt nervous about what to say to him. Twilight quickly tapped her shoulder to get her attention. “Remember, just be confident, don’t rush it...” She whispered to her.

“Yeah! You know, I feel like the two of us have been connecting really well out of the ring, too.” Korra said to him with a slight blush.

This didn’t go unnoticed from Liu and Flash as they watched the young teens. Mako of course, tried to hide it. “Uh, sure.” he replied.

“So, I was thinking we should spend some time together.” Korra suggested as she approached.

“Oh, we've been spending lots of time together.” Mako pointed out to her as he was taking off his gear.

“I mean outside of the gym, and not while searching for kidnapped family members or fighting chi blockers.” Korra said to him as she stated the all known facts of their adventures.

Twilight and her friends took notice of it and had their fingers crossed. “Come on Korra, don’t blow it...” The young Princess muttered as she watched the two of them.

“I don't-“ Once he turned towards her, he looked into her eyes seeing the kind, caring eyes he noticed when they were in the park as he felt his heart skip a few beats. He cleared his throat a bit and looked away. “I don’t know. Asami and I have-“ Mako began to explain to her.

But was soon cut off when Korra leaned forward abruptly. “Look, I really like you and I think we are meant for each other!” She blurted out to him in a fast pace.

Liu immediately facepalmed from seeing it while Flash covered his eyes and lowered his head. Even Scorpion shook his head in disappointment of how she handled the situation. Twilight and her friends were shocked of how fast she ruined her big chance to confess her feelings towards him, while Applejack winced from how fast she stated it. “Should of seen that coming...” She muttered.

“She blew it...” Rainbow Dash replied to her.

Korra quickly turns around and hides her face with her arm, blushing lightly. Mako felt his heart skip a few beats, but he needed to break it to her, gently. “Korra, I'm really sorry, but I just don't feel the same way about you.” he admitted to her about how he felt. Even though deep down... he felt that he was lying to himself.

Korra looked at him, but looked away feeling hurt of what he said. “I... I want to believe you, but... I know it’s hard to describe it, but I can feel a connection between us... not just because of the way we play out there, but when we bond outside the gym...” she said to him. Liu was surprised from it as he looked over to them, sensing exactly what she was talking about. “But, if that is how you really feel... the, forget I ever said anything...” she said to him as she walked to the bench to get out of her gear.

Rainbow put her hand on her shoulder to comfort her. “For the record, that was pretty rushed there Korra... bold, but rushed...” She stated to her as Korra slammed her face against one of the lockers making a loud crashing sound.

Mako looked at her, and wanted to say something as he reached out to her, but Asami walks into the room with Pabu on her shoulder. “Congratulations, guys! You were so amazing out there.” she congratulated them as she kissed Mako on the cheek. Rarity scowled at her, and turned away feeling steamed.

Meanwhile, Mako and Korra looked uncomfortably to each other. The two teens could feel their stones dimming from how distant their bond was diminishing, but the two looked away as Korra takes a seat and Bolin takes a seat next to her. “So, Korra, I was thinking, you and me, we could get some dinner together, sort of a date situation.” He said to her as it gained the attention of Johnny, who looked to him surprised.

“Oh, that's really sweet, but I don't think so. I don't feel very date-worthy.” Korra responded to him.

“Are you kidding me? You're the smartest, funniest, toughest, buffest, talentedest, incrediblest girl in the world!” Bolin complimented her.

Johnny crossed his arms and snorts from watching him. “Way to brag kid...” he muttered to himself.

Meanwhile Korra let out a chuckle as her cheeks turned slightly red. “You really feel that way about me?” she asked him.

“I felt that way since the moment I saw you! Trust me, I know we're gonna have so much fun together.” Bolin replied to her with a warm smile.

Thinking about his offer, Korra felt that it wouldn’t hurt to hang out with him, and smiled looking to him. “You know what? I could use some fun. Okay, sure!” she said to him.

“Yes! Who's the luckiest guy in the world? Right here, Bolin!“ Bolin cheered out feeling victorious.

Listening to their conversation, Twilight took this opportunity to intervene and grab Korra. “Could you please excuse us for a moment Bo...?” She asked him as she swiftly stole Korra away from him, leaving him surprised of her action as she took Korra over to a corner with the others. “Korra, before you make a decision... I’m not sure if you noticed, but Bolin likes you.” She stated to her.

“I know, and I like him too...” Korra quickly responded as Bolin was listening to in the background, pumping his fists and silently cheering.

“No, you don’t understand, he likes you... but what Twilight means is that he really likes you. And not in a friendship kind of way.” Rainbow Dash said to her.

“In other words darling, he is head over heals for you.” Rarity commented to her.

Korra’s eyes widened in realizing as she looked towards Bolin, seeing him wave at her. She looked to Twilight and the others, showing she had a bright red tone on her face and whispered. “You can’t be serious right now, I only see him as a friend, what do I do? I don’t want to hurt him...” she said to them.

“Look, just go with him, then break it to him easy... I’m sure he’ll understand.” Sunset said to her.

“Besides, we’ll have Johnny and Sonya watch over you guys in case things don’t go as planned.” Applejack said to her.

Exhaling to release some tension, Korra smiled at them and placed her hands on their shoulders. “You girls, are literally the greatest friends to have around...” she said to them as she pulled them into a group hug.

“Ooh! Hugs! Hugs are such a good thing!” Pinkie cried out as she held her with the others. Once she and the others let go of Korra, she and Bolin headed out to have fun. With Johnny and Sonya in tow... meanwhile Mako watches them go while holding Asami, Asami was clinging onto him as she had her head resting on his shoulder. Mako smiled a bit from it, but still thought about Korra and Bolin. Mostly Korra... he felt that she may either be doing this in spite of him being with Asami, or he may have really hurt her with what he said to her.






Narook's Seaweed Noodlery


At Narook’s Seaweed Noodlery, Korra and Bolin were sitting uncomfortably at one of the tables while eating some Water Tribe noodles. Bolin slurped his noodles and chewed it as he looked towards Korra. “So, how do you like it? Also, why are Johnny and Sonya here again...?” He asked her.

Looking to them, Korra shrugged her shoulders and looked to him. “They’re kinda like overprotective parents watching their daughter on her first date...” She joked as she let out a chuckle.

“We may not be married young lady, but we are not amused...” Sonya stated to her.

Hearing her harsh tone, Korra cleared her throat and looked to Bolin. “They’re just here to join us, think of it as sort of a... double date situation...” She put it simple to him.

“Ooh, okay... I can work with that. So guys, how do you like the grub?” Bolin asked them.

Slurping his noodles, Johnny couldn’t help but gorge himself on the noodles. “Aw man this is good, it’s crazy what this world can give ya... by the way, my compliments to the chef!” He called out to Narook.

“Any time friend!” Narook replied to him as he continued cooking.

Korra at that moment slurped her noodles and chewed them savoring the taste. “Hmm, it's delicious and totally authentic! I didn't realize how much I missed Water Tribe grub.” She stated with a mouthful as Sonya slurped her noodles, keeping her surprised face under her hat as she loved how good it was.

“That's great, 'cause this is my favorite joint. See? You love Water Tribe food, I love Water Tribe food, just another reason we are so great together.” Bolin pointed out how much in common they had.

“They are good noodles!” Korra agreed it’s him as she swallowed her noodles, but soon thought about what Twilight said to her earlier. She sighed and looked to Bolin. “Bolin... I can tell you really like me, I do too... it’s just-“

“That’s great!I can totally tell we’re a perfect match.” Bolin boasted to her.

“No, listen to me Bolin... I like you, but I don’t... like you, like you.” Korra stated to him as Bolin’s smile shifted to a frown. “You’re a nice guy Bo, you strong, you’re funny, and brave... but I only see you as one of my best friends. I’m sorry Bolin, but I only agreed to go out with you because I was feeling upset, and hurt... it’s complicated right now, I thought I was doing this because I needed to be away from someone... but I think I’m only gonna make it worse. I hope you can understand that...” She hoped for a positive reaction.

“Oh, well... okay, you want to be friends, I’m cool with that.” Bolin said to her with a smile.

Korra smiled at him and held out her hand. “No hard feelings...?” She asked him.

Bolin smiled and took her hand, shaking it with a smile. “No hard feelings...” He asked her.

Smiling at him, Korra let out a chuckle. “Thanks Bo, I’m actually surprised at how well you’re taking this... you sure you’re not mad...? She asked him.

“Yeah, I’m totally fine, if you just want to remain best friends... then I’m cool with it.” He said to her but was secretly having his fingers crossed under the table. “For now...” he whispered. But Sonya caugh wind of his deception, and reached under the table, grabbing his arm and holding it up, showing his crossed fingers.

He chuckled nervously at seeing it, and uncrosses his fingers from seeing her stern look that could easily cut through steel. Johnny at that moment chuckled at how similar he was to him, but felt eyes burning on the side of his head and looked seeing the Wolfbats sitting at a booth. “Hey, who's that creepy guy over there who keeps glaring at us?” He asked Bolin as he pointed his thumb towards him.

Bolin turned around as Korra looked over his shoulder, Bolin panicked at seeing just who it was glaring at them. “That's Tahno and the Wolfbats, the reigning champs, three years running. Don't make eye contact.” He advised them, but it was too little too late for that. Korra was literally glared right back at him as Tahno smirked as he got up with from his booth with his team and headed straight towards their table, causing Bolin to panic. “Uh-oh, here he comes. Now don't mess with this guy, he's a nasty dude.” He said to them as he eats his noodles feeling quite intimidated by Tahno.

The champ, or in this particular case, chump. Approached the two athletes with the intent of harassing them. “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?” He asked them and looked towards Korra. “Especially you, Uh-vatar.” He mocked her title as both she and Sonya felt the need to put this guy in his place. “You know, if you'd like to learn how a real pro bends, I could give you some private lessons.” He flirted with her and looked towards Sonya. “And you’re more than welcome to join her sweet cheeks...” He said to her.

But Sonya replied with a scowl, and looked away as Korra stood up earning Tahno’s attention. “You wanna go toe-to-toe with us, pretty boy?” She asked him with a glare.

But the champ/chump, was not even intimidated from her glare. “Go for it. I'll give you the first shot.” he pushed her buttons to get her to swing the first strike.

“Korra, don't. He's just trying to bait you. If you hit him, we're out of the tournament.” Bolin whispered towards Korra to get her to back off. But the two athletes glared at each other, Korra rose her arm up looking like she was gonna hit him. Tahno smirked knowing that his trick worked,  it before she could throw the punch, she instead put her fingers in her mouth and whistles for Naha, and the polar bear dog busts through the window, roaring loudly at Tahno. He falls over, but his friends behind him catch him and they walk away. Korra and Bolin laugh from seeing it happen, even Johnny and Sonya let out an impressed chuckle. “Whoa, ho, ho, I've never seen someone harass Tahno like that. You are one of a kind, Korra.” Bolin complimented her.

“I’ll say, he looked like he was about to pee his pants...” Sonya said to her with a smirk and looked towards Tahno. “If it were me, I would have done a lot worse.” She stated.

“I believe her...” Johnny muttered as the group laughed together. 


(~)


Later that night, they were at a bar, and Korra and Bolin are drinking cocktails with straws. Bolin burps and is ashamed, but Korra notices this and burps even louder, to which Bolin burps again, louder this time, and Korra burps again yet even louder, and they both start laughing. The couple next to them looks on in horrified disgust. But Johnny and Sonya didn’t mind, because they both had that kind of past as teenagers, Johnny let out a chuckle from watching the two. “Kids...” he commented.

“I’ll say... if I were to have any, I hope to have them disciplined.” Sonya stated as she sipped her drink.

The actor shrugged his shoulders and looked to her. “I’m sure if you had kids, we’d have some troubled teens...” he said to her.

Chuckling from it, Sonya took off her hat and looked to him. “And what makes you think we’ll have any...?” She asked him.

“Well, you haven’t hit me in a while, you actually like having my company, and further more... you can be soft if you want to be. Personally, I was gonna deck that guy Tahno before you could get the first punch.” Johnny stated to her.

Sonya chuckled as she grabbed him by his shirt. “I guess you’re right... but don’t let it get to your head, we still have a long way to go before it’s official...” she reminded him as she pecked him on the lips to shut him up. Johnny let out a chuckle from it and sipped his drink along side her. 


(~)


At Harmony Tower... the group stood at the top of the tower, enjoying the view of the city. Korra was really enjoying the view, while Bolin was enjoying having Korra around, he looked to her and was not willing to give up on her... not yet. This of course did not go unnoticed from Johnny and Sonya, they were worried as they looked to each other. They knew that he was in love, but this might get out of control real fast.


(~)


Back at the Pro-Bending Arena... Mako was sitting on the steps with Twilight and the others. “Do you think they’re coming...?” He asked Twilight.

The young Princess summoned her magic to show Korra’s location. “Judging to my magic tracker, she will be arriving in three, two, one...” she counted down and pointed out towards where Korra is.

The young firebender looked and saw Korra approaching and stood up from the steps feeling upset. “What kind of game are you playing?” he asked her.

Korra was confused as she looked to him. “Uh ... Pro-bending? We've got the quarterfinal match.” She reminded him.

“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.” Mako pointed out to her.

Korra was shocked from his accusation, and felt offended. “I am not, we're just having fun together. What do you care, anyway?” She asked him.

“I'm looking out for my little brother. I don't want to see his heart get broken.” Mako said to her in defense of Bolin.

“We all are Mako...” Fluttershy approached him. “Why do you think we sent Johnny and Sonya with them...? To make sure Bolin doesn’t take it hard when Korra told him how she felt towards him.” She informed him.

“It was tough Mako... believe me... Sonya and I wanted the kid to understand that Korra doesn’t like him the same way he likes her.” Johnny explained what happened.

Mako of course was surprised of it and looked to Korra. “Is that true...? If so, why go out with him anyway...?” He asked her.

Hearing his question, as well as the tone in his voice. Korra began to feel that he’s trying to hide something. “Wait a second ... you're not worried about him, you're jealous! You do have feelings for me!” She said to him with a smile.

But Mako tried his best to deny it. “What? Jealous? Don't be ridiculous.” he said to her.

“Admit it! You like me.” Korra said to him as she crossed her arms.

“No, I'm with Asami.” Mako denied it as he tried to hide his red face.

“Yeah, but when you're with her you're thinking about me, aren't you?” Korra asked him as she placed a hand on his shoulder. “You can deny it all you want Mako, but deep down, I know you’re struggling... you just need time to figure it out.” She said to him.

Feeling frustrated, Mako pushed her hand away. “Get over yourself!” He shouted at her.

“I'm just being honest.” Korra said to him feeling defensive.

“You’re crazy!” Mako yelled at her.

“You’re a liar!” Korra shouted back at him.

Both of the teens stormed towards the arena as a fan walked up. “Hey Mako-! Oh...” he watched the two teens as they both went through separate doors, slamming them behind them.

Twilight and the others winced from it and looked towards Johnny and Sonya. “Alright, give us the scoop... what happened...?” She asked them.

“Well, it worked out as expected...” Johnny said to her as he rubbed his head.

“But...?” Applejack asked him as her arms were crossed.

“It’s worse than we thought... Bolin is literally head over heals for Korra.” Sonya informed them as she looked towards Johnny. “He said that he was okay with being just friends, but he was secretly crossing his fingers under the table.” She explained what happened.

Exhaling from hearing it, Rainbow Dash rubbed her head. “He’s definitely a determined kid, I’ll admit it...” she commented.

“Love has a way of blinding those who believe in it so much...” Rarity commented as she looked towards the others. “We need to talk to Bolin ourselves if we are to resolve the situation.” She said to them.

“I’m with Rarity, Bolin needs to fully understand that Korra doesn’t see him that way.” Sunset commented. They all nodded in unison and headed into the arena to catch the match.


(~)


It is a big match tonight in the arena, fans, both benders and non benders sat comfortably in their seats waiting for the match to start. “Eight teams have been eliminated and eight advance into the quarter finals, which get underway way tonight. The rookies are about to take on the former and longest-reigning champs, the Boar-q-pines. Youth clashes against experience in a battle for the ages, or rather of the ages.” The defenders watched as the bell sounds, seeing the match start. “Korra dodges and, ooh, slams right into her teammate! Down goes Mako and Bolin and Korra!” Shiro described the match as he watches them get pummeled by the Boar-a-pines, it was literally an ugly first start. The defenders winced in pity at the scene as Korra accidentally knocked into Mako when trying to attack and then an earth disk from the opposing team's eathbender knocked all three of them into zone three. They knew that the Fire Ferrets were completely out of focus. Particularly Korra and Mako.

“That’s gotta hurt...” Fluttershy stated.

“Even we’ve been through worse...” Scorpion commented.

“Round one goes to the Boar-q-pines!” The ring announcer declared.

Mako at that moment looked towards Korra angrily. “You were supposed to defend while I attacked!” he said angrily to her.

“I had an opening so I took it!” Korra said defensively.

Seeing the two argue, Bolin felt concerned for the two. “What is up with you two?” He asked them. While it wasn’t anything new that they would argue at times, but with the way they’ve been getting along recently, and their flawless teamwork on the arena, why were they at arguing now? Bolin placed his hands on their shoulders, becoming the peacekeeper for once. “All right, whatever, just pull together, guys.” He said to them.

Meanwhile at the lockers, most of the defenders were watching their interactions, sensing the broken bond between the team. “Things aren’t looking good for them... their hearts aren’t in the game.” Liu Kang pointed out.

“Seems things didn’t settle well with Mako...” Kitana commented.

“It’s worse than that... Mako is in complete denial of how he feels towards Korra.” Pinkie informed them.

“So that’s what’s blinding him to what’s important... at least Bolin is trying to keep the peace.” Kung Lao commented as he looked to the arena as the bell rang.

The next round started, at first they started off well. “The Ferrets looking to mount some offense here in round two. Bolin lets fly a flurry of attacks, he's a one-man bending battalion. The Ferrets are having a rough time finding their rhythm tonight.” Shiro announced until Mako got hit with water by the opposing waterbender. Bolin was by far the only one who managed to dodge each of the opponent's attacks and send a disk hurling at the opposing earthbender just as the bell sounded. The defenders cheered cheered for their friend who managed to win the second round. “But thanks to Bolin, they narrowly notch round two. Not sure what's eating them, but this is not the same team who took out the Rabaroos.” Shiro stated from watching how they were playing.

“Go Bolin!” Pinkie cheered for him.

“That’s our earthbender!” Said Applejack with a smile.

During the third round, all three of them got whopped by the opposing team. The ponies and dragon hated seeing their human friends get beat up so badly. The round ended up in a tie. “Round three is a tie! We go to a tie-breaker to decide the match.” Said the announcer as the referee stepped up.

The referee tossed a two colored coin consisting of red and blue. Once he flipped it, it landed on red. “The Fire Ferrets win the coin toss!” He turns to the Ferrets. “Which element do you choose?” He asked them.

Mako was about to step up to volunteer. “I got this.” He declared, only to get stopped by Bolin.

Spike had just arrived to see the next match. “Hey guys, what’s up...?” He asked them as they pointed to the arena. He looked to it and saw the tension between the brothers. “Ooh, boy...”

“I know you usually handle these, but frankly, your head's not in the game. I'm gonna take this one.” He said to his older brother as he steps forward. “We choose earth.” He declared as the Boar-a-pine earthbender stepped up to the platform. They stepped onto the center platform which rose up. 

“Looks like the earthbenders will collide in the tie-breaker face-off.” Shiro announced while The defenders watched nervously of what will happen as the bell rang, both Bolin and the opposing earthbender unleashed their earth disks at one another. “Bolin goes in for the grapple, Chang reverses. Bolin strikes from midair, knocking Chang to the edge of the circle.” Bolin rolled down beneath the opponent as he jumped up. Bolin managed to force him back the zone, but the other earthbender managed to grab Bolin and flip him over but he flung a few more earth disks. “Another strike from Bolin, and Chang is in the drink!” Shiro yelled as the opponent is hit and fell from the platform into the pool. Bolin won the match for the Fire Ferrets, securing a place for them in the semifinals.

“The Future Industries Fire Ferrets win their quarterfinal match!” The ring announcer told the audience as they cheered.

Korra and Mako are relieved that Bolin won the tie-breaker, but look away from each other angrily. “Oh, that was a close one folks! Youth trumps experience tonight.” Shiro announced.

The defenders cheered for the young earthbender as the team made their way towards the lockers. “Good game out there Korra.” Kitana said to her.

“Must have been a different game Kitana. Because we stunk!” She shouted.

“Yes, she didn’t want to bring that up, because of how you’re feeling at the moment.” Jade told her.

Mako walked pass Korra who grunted in response. She narrowed her eyes at him and angrily walked out. Twilight and her friends followed her. Spike was the only one who stayed behind. He saw Mako angrily punch his locker before letting out a depressed sigh. He walked over to Mako and touched his leg. “Mako, you gonna be alright...?” He asked him.

Sighing from hearing his question... Mako didn’t know the answer for it. “I wish I knew kiddo... I wish I knew.” He replied.

“Look, I know you and her are having bit of a rough patch with each other, but try to talk to her.” Spike said to him.

“Talk to her...? After everything we...” Mako tried not to lose his temper.

“That temper is what will get you into more trouble if you keep it up. Like Kratos explained to Korra... anger can be a weapon if you knew how to use it. To about controlling it, not using it...” Spike explained to him as he climbed up to his shoulder. “Just talk to her, I’m sure it will work out...” He said to him.

Hearing it, Mako knew that his temper often got the better of him, but who was he to argue with a baby dragon? He sighed and looked to him. “Alright, I’ll talk to her... but you’re gonna owe me one for this.” He said to him and walked out.

Liu watched him go and smiled looking to Spike. “That was well handled Spike.” He said to him.

“Eh, I try to learn from the best... the best being you guys.” Spike told him with a smile.

Johnny let out a chuckle and held out a fist to him. “Thanks little man...” He said to him as Spike gave him a fist bump. But the actor soon noticed Bolin pulling out a bouquet of pink roses from his locker. "Please tell me those roses are from one of your crazy fan girls." he asked hopefully.

“Nope. Korra might not see me as something more than a friend but I'm gonna change that.” Bolin said to him as he smelled the roses and smiled.

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s such a good idea Bo, because I hate the break the ice sometimes kiddo, but she doesn’t want to be your girlfriend.” Johnny told him to get him to stop.

Bolin chuckled a bit but looked to him. “Tell me Johnny, would you give up on Sonya?” He asked him as he gestured to the commander.

“No, I wouldn’t... but that is a completely different matter all—“

“Well I’m not giving up on Korra, I’m no quitter, wish me luck.” Bolin said to him as he walked out with the roses.

“Bo!” Johnny shouted as he watched him go. He groaned in frustration, feeling that Bolin is beginning to remind him more and more of him. “Curse alternate realities, he is totally me at that age!” He cried out.

“We better stop him before it’s too late...” Liu said to him as he and Johnny rushed out to catch him.


(~)


Meanwhile, Korra stood underneath a gazebo outside of the arena looking up at the stars, more specifically the full moon. She remembered the time the night at the gala when she first met Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. How in Equestria she would raise and lower the moon and how she would enter ponies' dreams to help them overcome their fears. She sighed as she shook her head feeling disappointed in herself. "Bet you'd get a good laugh out of my dreams, huh Luna?" Korra asked. Even though she knew nobody would answer.

Twilight and the others walked up to her to see how she was doing. “Korra... you going to be alright...?” Fluttershy asked her.

Sighing from hearing her question, Korra turned towards them to give them her answer. “Not really...” She said as she reached into her pocket and pulled out the Jinsei gem.

Upon seeing it, Twilight looked to Korra and walked in front of her. “Korra, I know that you’ve been trying to avoid these feelings because of the matches, but we sensed that deep down... you really love Mako. I know it’s not our place to play Cupid, nor is it right to force love onto others... you have to find that love together. It may take a long time, but the time will be well rewarded.” The Princess said to her with a gentle smile.

“Yes, I mean come on, you got more than that pretty little floozy.” Rarity told her.

“Rarity!” Her friends yelled at her.

“What?!” She replied to them.

“Girls... I appreciate what you’re trying to do. Really I do, but I’m afraid he’s already made his choice...” Korra said to them as she looked back to the gem. “I thought for certain things would work out... the me and Mako had a connection.” She told them as the girls looked to each other feeling sorry as Korra clenched her gem. “I was wrong... he’s just such a...!” She felt tears brimming in her eyes as she was about to toss the gem into the harbor. But she felt someone grab her arm and looked to see it was Mako.

He looked at her with a soft expression, helped lower her arm. “We need to talk...” He said to her.

Rainbow quickly got between them, glaring at him as she formed a lightning dagger. “You got some nerve pal...!” She said to him.

Mako quickly held up his hands in defense. “Calm down, calm down... I just need to talk to her.” He told her.

Rarity scoffed from hearing it and approached him holding a pair of icicles. “Why in the world would we allow you, a dishonest scoundrel to talk to her after the way you treated her?!” She asked him as Mako felt hurt from how she described him.

Korra touched her shoulders as well as Rainbow’s to stop them. “It’s alright girls...” She told her as she wiped away her tears and looked to Mako as she crossed her arms. “Talk.” She said to him.

Mako looked at her and sighed lowering ships head feeling ashamed. “Look, sometimes you can be so infuriating. But I—“

“Alright, here come the claws!” Applejack formed her animal spirits claws about to hurt him.

“Easy AJ...” Korra told her as she looked to Mako. “As for you, save your breath. You've already made it clear how you feel about me.” She said to him as she turned away from him.

“No, I haven’t.” He said to her earning surprised looks from both Korra, and the Main Seven. “What I'm trying to say is: as much as you drive me crazy, I also think you're pretty amazing.” He said to her in full time honesty.

“Oh, now he’s gonna get it-“ Sunset was about to hurt him but soon stopped in realizing. “Wait, what...?” She asked.

Korra’s eyes widened as she turned around to face him, showing how surprised she was towards him. “So you do like me?” She asked him as she approached him. “But you said...”

“I know what I said, it was the spur of the moment, it was the first thing I could say or think of... I know what I said earlier hurt you. I won’t deny that... but the truth is...” Mako stayed silent for a moment as the girls watched him curiously. “I do like you...”

Twilight watched him and crossed her arms looking at him. “But...?” She asked him.

Sighing from hearing it... Mako needed to come clean. “I like Asami, too.” He said to her as the girls all facepalmed themselves loudly.

“Mako, my dear friend... you really are a hopeless romantic...” Rarity said to him.

“Look, I get it... but I don't know, things are complicated. I've been feeling really confused and-“ Then right out of the blue, and before he could process what was happening, Korra kissed Mako full on the lips! The girls felt their jaws drop to the ground from seeing it. It surprised him, Mako’s mind tried to process all that is happening, but in the moment... he kisses her back, making her blush.

The girls smiled from seeing it, but soon saw their Jinsei Gems glowing brighter than before. Their shielded their eyes feeling the overwhelming energy the emitted. “WOW! That’s quite a development.” Twilight said to herself as the light dimmed and she unshielded her eyes. “I knew the gems were mending a bond between them... and it would seem that they made it official.” She stated.

Even Rainbow Dash smiled at seeing it. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh!” She felt excited for them.

“Quite an even bolder move if you ask me, but I approve.” Rarity said.

“And you call Mako a hopeless romantic...?” Applejack asked her with a smirk.

But the Lin Kuei mistress scowled at her for saying it, but just at that moment, Liu Kang and Johnny Cage ran towards them. “Guys, guys we got a-“ Before Johnny could inform them, he saw Mako and Korra kissing each other. “One: wow... Two: didn’t see that coming.” He stated.

“But still, Twilight, we have a problem...” Liu told her.

Only for a Twilight to look behind them and eyes popped open wide. “Actually... it’s already here.” She pointed behind them.

Just as Mako and Korra broke the kiss, Korra looked behind Mako only to see something that made her eyes widen and look away ashamed. Mako turns around to find Bolin standing there with flowers for Korra. The others looked to see him and their eyes widened. “Oh boy...” Said Applejack.

“Not good...” Said Pinkie.

“Yeah, Liu and I were gonna tell you that Bolin was coming.” Johnny said to them.

“GREAT TIMING JOHNNY!” Twilight yelled at him.

Mako turned to face Bolin. “Bolin, this isn’t what you think.” He told him.

Pinkie stepped up with a nervous smile. “Yeah, I mean your brother wasn’t actually kissing the girl you liked, oh wait, yeah he was.” She told him.

“NOT HELPING PINKIE!!!” The girls yelled at her.

Bolin immediately began to burst into tears and run away, dropping the flowers on the floor. Mako turned angrily towards Korra. “Great, look at what you did!”

“You’re blaming me?!” Korra asked him feeling insulted.

“You kissed me!” Mako pointed it out to her.

“And you kissed me back!” Korra returned the gesture as Mako growled furiously and stormed off to get his brother. Guilt swept up inside of Korra as she turned seeing the looks in the girls faces. “I know... I know, I messed up, well played Korra.” She owned up to it.

“Eeyup.” Applejack agreed with him.

“Totally.” Said Rainbow.

“Big time.” Pinkie nodded.

“You kind of did... but look at the gem.” Twilight points out to the Jinsei gem as Korra pulled it out and saw that it was glowing brighter than before, and didn’t lose its tow when she and Mako fought. “It’s a clear sign... but right now, let’s not focus on that. When Mako gets back here with Bolin, you need to apologize.” She told her.

“What?! Why me?! He’s the one who blew up at me!” Korra pointed out to them.

“Because you are the reason those two are probably going to end up fighting each other... now... I’m going to send Kitana, Jade and Mileena to help him find Bolin. Hopefully things work out fine...” Liu told them as he walked away. Korra knew she made a huge mistake... but he was right, she needed to make amends!






Narook's Seaweed Noodlery


At Narooks, Mako walked into the restaurant with Kitana and Jade and looked towards Narook. “Morning, Narook. My brother here?” He asked him. Narook gestured towards a booth behind them as Mako looked towards Bolin, his head buried in his arms which were on the table. “Thanks...” He said to him as he walked over to him.

Kitana looked him over and grabbed one of his sleeve, raising it as his arm limped and dangled. “Yep... drunk over sadness and eating his troubles away. If he had just listened and completely understood Korra’s wishes, he wouldn’t be in this particular situation in the slightest.” She told them, only to see Jade and Mileena blankly starring at her, giving her a sad look. “Please don’t look at me that way you two... I’m serious about this, if he didn’t try to win Korra’s heart by changing her mind about how she felt towards him, he wouldn’t be here.”

“But you must admit, Mako here did seem to enjoy that kiss.” Mileena pointed out to her.

“Alright, you made your point...” He sighed and turned towards them. “Look... things are just a little rough right now, and it’s up to me to make it right. Now, you girls going to help me with Bolin, or not...?” He asked them.

Sighing a bit, Kitana lowered her arms. “Fine... but clean him up first for goodness sake.” She said to him.

Mako walked up to Bolin and gently shook him. “Come on. Wake up. Taking you home, bro.” he said to him.

Bolin looked up at his brother, his eyes were still puffy from the tears, his hair was a mess and he had bags under his eyes. Not to mention that a noodle was dangling out of his nostril the caused two of the Edenian Royals took lean back with disgust looks on their faces, but Mileena wasn’t bothered by it. Bolin sniffed dejectedly as he pulled away from Mako. "Don't call me that." he said in an overly dramatic saddened and angry voice, "You're not my brother! You're a brother betrayer! The only one I can trust anymore is Pabu! Pabu loves me." He gestured to the plump fire ferret as he laid in a bowl and looked to his owner.

Jade watched this happen and sighed as she walked over. “Bolin, you're a mess, and you've got the biggest match of your lives tonight. Let's go.” She said to him as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

But Bolin slapped it away angrily. “No! I'm not going anywhere with you, not even him!” He pointed towards Mako.  “You traitor!” He exclaimed in anger.

“Guess we'll have to do this the hard way.” Mako stated as he turned towards Kitana.

Who nodded her head and approached Bolin and poked at a few nerves, forcing him to lose feeling in his body as his head slams on the table, and Mako walked up and picked him up, carrying him away as he sobbed. “Why?” He cried out continuing to sob.

“Told you dating a teammate was a bad idea.” Mako told him as he carried him to the door.

"You're a bad idea! Put me down! Put me down!" Bolin continued to whine and sob as the two exited the building with the Edenian Royals, with a bloated Pabu slowly followed close behind.

Jade at the moment took the opportunity to toss in a few yuans to Narook. “It’s for the food he ate, keep the change.” She told him as she exited the restaurant. Narook nodded as he took the money and put it away.

Kitana walked beside Mako and looked to him. “Are you still angry with Korra...?” She asked him while Bolin was passed out from sobbing.

He sighed as he carried his brother but looked to her. “A little... I mean, it’s not entirely her fault, it was mine... I wanted to tell her that things are complicated for me. I’m literally caught between a rock and a hard place with her.” He told her of his situation.

“Who wouldn’t be if they were you...?” Mileena asked.

“Not helping Mileena...” Kitana said to her and looked to Mako. “I was in a triangle myself Mako...” she told him as she earned a surprised look from him. “When I was born, I was once arranged to marry Rain, the man who held your brother captive.” She explained.

“Seriously...? Why the heck would you marry a guy like that...?” He asked her.

“He was different back then when I was around your age... but when Shao Kahn conquered Edenia, and made me his daughter... Rain became a different person. He embraced his godhood... believing all should worship him. I knew then, that I couldn’t marry him.” She told him of her past love.

Mako put it all together and looked to her. “That was when you met Liu Kang, right...?” He asked her.

She nodded to him and looked out remembering when they first met. “Yes... it was back when we first met in the first Mortal Kombat tournament.” She said to him.


(~)



Flashback... 1992, Shang Tsung’s Island


On Shang Tsung’s Island, Liu Kang was practicing for his first match in the tournament. Remembering the techniques he learned from Bo’ Rai Cho... but as he practiced, he sensed that he was being watched. Kitana hid in the trees, waiting for her chance to strike... once Liu had his back turned, she pulled out one of her war fans and leaped down to attack him. Liu Kang’s eyes snapped open sensing it, and he dodged her attack, quickly grappling her arm and throwing her over as she let out a grunt as she rolled across the ground. As she got back up, she charged towards Liu and went to strike him. But the Shaolin blocked her attacks, leaping over a kick and kicked her away.

Grunting from it, Kitana turned to him and charged at him to strike, but through her efforts, he continued to block and parry her attacks, but she managed to land a hard kick to his chest, forcing him to back up and look towards her. “You are Raiden chosen one...? Hmph, no wonder your realm has lost so many tournaments.” She told him as she pulled out her war fans, and threw one towards him.

Liu Kang avoided it and ducked under it as the war fan flew back towards Kitana and she caught it. She charged at him with both war fans with the intent to kill. But he parried and blocked each attack and grabbed her arm, lands a kick to her face and punched her in the chest with a flaming fist. “You’re good... I would like to see more, but I do not wish to hurt you.” He said to her with a smirk.

But she returned it with a glare. “Spare me your pity!” She used her fans to cause a whirlwind to lift Liu Kang off the ground, as he fell, she landed a kick to his back seeing him flip over and land in front of her. “You should not overestimate me Shaolin...” she told him as she went to kill him while he was down.

Liu managed to avoid her attack, and block a slice from her war fan, knocking them out of her hands and grapple her arm, throwing her over his shoulder as she slammed onto the ground. She groaned from it as Liu Kang approached hire. “I am impressed... but I must warn you not to get up.” He held a flaming fist aiming towards her catching her by surprise. “I take no pleasure in hurting such a worthy foe, but know this... I will do what ever it takes, to defend Earthrealm, and win this tournament.

Hearing this... Kitana kneeled as she lowered her head in shame. “Then do it...” she said to him.

“Do what...?” Liu asked her as he put out the flames as he kneeled down to her.

“Kill me...” She told him.

“I came to kill you, I have failed my father, my emperor...” She informed him.

Liu was surprised from what she said. “Shao Kahn is your father...?” He asked her.

“I have disgraced him, you must kill me.” Kitana pleaded to him.

Liu Kang looked at her, but closed his eyes sensing something within her. He opened his eyes and looked to her. “I will not...” He said to her.

Kitana looked up to him with a scowl and tears in her eyes. “Then you are a fool, Shao Kahn cannot be defeated. He will take your world, and you will bow your knee like countless others before you.” She warned him as her tears ran down her cheeks.

Seeing them, Liu reached over and cleaned her tears and gently touching her face. “I promise you... I will never bow before that madman...” He said to her.

Kitana was surprised of how gentle, confident, and caring he was towards her. She lowered her gaze but looked back to him. “I yield... but please tell me, what makes you so certain you will win...?” She asked him.

“Because I have something no one in Outworld has...” Liu said to her.

“And what’s that...? Kitana asked him.

Having a smile on his face, Liu looked her in the eye with the answer. “Hope...” He told her, Kitana’s eyes widened in surprise as she looked down in thought as Liu pulled his hand away. “This encounter never took place... you have disgraced no one.” He said to her as he stood up and turn walking away. But he stopped and turned back towards her. “I hope we meet again, under... different circumstances.” He said to her and headed off into the jungle. Kitana watched him go as her face turned slightly red from his word, she looked down in thought, but soon smiled behind her mask as she looked to where he went.


(~)



Present Day...


“Since that day, I knew that he was the right match for me.” Kitana told Mako as he was amazed by her story.

He looked down feeling her words reach his heart. “That’s incredible...” he said to her but looked down. “But... I still have so much to learn. I think tonight might be tough to do what’s right.” He told her.

But Kitana placed a hand on his open shoulder. “Your head and your heart won’t be in the game, I will say, but I know you will come to terms of what must be done.” She said to him as she pulled her hand away and walked off with her sisters to meet with the others and let Mako head home with Bolin. Mako watched them go and looked down thinking on her words, he then pulled out his Jinsei Gem and looked seeing it was still glowing bright. He knew it meant something, but he needed time to think about it.


(~)



Pro-Bending Arena...


That night, before the match was about to start, Korra entered the locker room and saw Bolin sitting on the bench, his head hung in depression. Mako was still not speaking to her as he placed on his gear. He didn't even look at her, for the moment as he still thought about what Kitana said. She wasn't sure if they wanted to hear her apology now, so instead she grabbed her gear and prepared for the match. As the defenders watched the match from their usual place, the three friends were way out of sync and out of focus. “You can't find two teams more evenly matched in age, size, and strength than the Fire Ferrets and the Buzzard Wasps. Believe me, I've looked! This should be a pulse-pounding semifinal, folks!” Shiro announced to the audience as the bell rung, and the two teams clashed. "The Buzzard Wasps open with a flawlessly executed combo. All three Ferrets take an early visit to zone two.” He told the audience as Mako was taken down and pushed back to zone three. “And Mako is knocked all the way back into zone three! The Fire Ferrets have been struggling to stay alive since the opening bell. All three players are totally out of sync tonight. Ooh, that has got to sting!" He observed their movements.

Mako got slammed down to the ground by the opposing team, Korra kept getting whipped with water and Bolin gets hit in the stomach by an earth disk which caused him to lose his lunch as he ran to the side while taking off his helmet and puked his noodles on the side of the ring. The defenders looked at the scene with pity and disgust. “Clean up on aisle five!” Johnny shouted.

“This is looking bad.” Sunset told the others.

“Their grief is getting to them.” Sub-Zero replied to her.

“And Bolin loses his noodles! Literally.” Shiro told the audience as Korra looked to him and winced from seeing it. “Which reminds me, this match is brought to you by our sponsor, Flameo Instant Noodles! Noodliest noodles in the United Republic.” he announced to those listening on the radio. Korra was knocked into zone three while Mako gets plunged into the water. “The Buzzard Wasps fly deeper into Ferret territory. And Mako plunges into the pool! Can the Fire Ferrets hold on?” he asked as he watched the match. “The Wasps have the Ferrets backed up to the edge now...” Just as things were about to tense up, the bell rings. “And the Ferrets are bailed out by the bell! They had better pull themselves together for round two, otherwise they can kiss the finals goodbye.” 

“COME ON GUYS!” Applejack shouted.

“Pull it together!” Rainbow told them.

“This isn’t looking good, if only we were in that arena.” Liu said as he put his hand on his fist feeling desperate to get them out of the sticky situation they were in.

“I talked to Mako, it’s going to take some time for him to realize what’s important to him.” Kitana told Liu of her conversation.

“And Korra better apologize quickly, before they lose themselves.” Twilight told them as the second round bell rung. 

During the second round, Mako got knocked back a zone and firebended a blast at the opposing team…which accidentally hit Bolin from behind, as he turned towards Mako with a glare. "Hey! Watch it!" He told him only to get struck from behind by a water attack from the opposing water bender, and gets knocked off the platform.

“The Wasps take advantage of Mako's unforced error and Bolin is in the pool!” Shiro announced.

The defenders watched as Bolin landed into the pool, and Rainbow facepalmed. “Aw man!” She exclaimed.

“Poor Boly.” Rarity sympathized with him.

Meanwhile Korra shot a glare towards the bender that assaulted Bolin behind his back, and angrily flipping the opposing team's firebender by making her jump up and down with her water. “Ooh, and a blatant hold by the Avatar!” Shiro stated.

The referee blowed his whistle to stop the match. "Unnecessary roughness! Move back one zone!" He told Korra.

But she shot her glare towards him. “I'll unnecessarily rough you up!” She shouted as she waterbends a blast at the referee as she heads back, and he grimly pulls out a yellow fan.

“And the Avatar is slapped with the yellow fan. The Ferrets are their own worst enemy right now. It's just sad to watch. With the Buzzard Wasps leading two rounds to zilch, the Ferrets' only hope of winning is with a knockout.” Shiro told the audience in both the crowd and at him.

Spike being amongst the defenders, winced at watching the match. “I’ve seen a lot of rough teamwork, but this is just sad.” He told them.

Only to get a look from Johnny as he leaned down to the little dragon. “Are you referring to us by any chance...?” He asked him, getting a nervous look from him as he side stepped away from him.

Meanwhile, as the third round was on the way of getting started. The Fire Ferrets were feeling down and depressed, mostly Mako and Bolin. "Well I guess there's always next year" Mako said with much disappointment. Both he and Bolin were just about ready to hand in the towel.

Korra watched them and looked towards Twilight and the other defenders, they looked at their team, seeing broken hearts, and stubborn hot heads. She looked down feeling disappointed in herself, but she knew she couldn’t throw in the towel just yet, so she looked to the two brothers with a determined look. “Come on! We still have a chance, even if it is a slim one!” she said to them feeling confident.

“The way we're playing, we don't even deserve to be in the finals.” Bolin told her not feeling as confident.

“Look, if we don't pull together and work as a team, we'll never forgive ourselves.” Korra told them to get them out of their depression.

"Let's just get this over with" Mako said in a monotone voice.

"The sooner the better" his brother said with the same voice as they headed back to the starting line. Until….

Seeing them head to the center, Korra needed to take this opportunity. "I'm sorry!" She shouted at them getting them to stop. Their eyes widened in surprise as they turned to her. “I’m sorry... for everything. I know I messed up this whole team, it’s my fault this team is falling apart...” She told them as tears brimmed in her eyes. “But I want to make things right between us... I just can’t bear to see two brothers go at each other’s throats like this because of me.” She said to them. Looking at her, Mako felt the truth in her words as he and Bolin looked to each other. “To me... you guys are more than just my teammates, you’re my best friends, and I can’t lose that. All because of a stupid misunderstanding, are you really going to let that get in the way of our friendship...? The one thing that matters more to me right now than some match...?” She asked them.

Hearing this, the two brothers felt her words reach their hearts. They felt that their anger towards one another wasn’t going to help them at all. They looked to Korra with a smile and walked to her. “You’re right Korra, I’m sorry.” Bolin said to her.

“Me too, I’ve been acting like a total jerk lately.” Mako admitted to her.

Korra smiled at them and shrugged her shoulders. “I guess I know a thing or two about being a jerk.” She told him but placed her hands on their shoulders as Mako and Bolin placed their hands on each other’s shoulders, and they huddled together. “Alright Fire Ferrets, you ready to win this?” She asked them.

“Ready!” The brothers told her.

“Let’s do this!” Korra said to them as they broke the huddle and stood before the opposing team. Liu Kang watched them, and smiled sensing they were back in the game as the bell rang, and the match started.

This time, the boys fought a lot better, their synchronization was back, this new transformation wowed the crowed. But as a sad result, they were also a bit too exhausted as Bolin and Mako get knocked back. “Bolin's knocked into zone two, followed quickly by his brother!” The defenders gasped as they saw Bolin take an earth coin to the shoulder. We see an x-ray shot of Bolin’s shoulder when he is hit by the disc, dislocating his shoulder, and bruising his shoulder badly as he screamed out in agony from it. “And Bolin takes a zinger to the shoulder! Looks like it's a clean hit.” Shiro told the audience in shock.

Bolin cried out as he held his shoulder, his brother was shocked from it. “Bolin!” He cried out only to get hit as he is forced off the arena.

Seeing it, Bolin tried to play the best he could with the one good arm he had. “Mako's in the drink and out of the match. And Bolin keeps playing with one good arm! I gotta hand it to him, this kid's got grit! But how long can he keep it up?” Shiro asked only to see him get knocked out with a water and earth combo from the opposing benders and falls into the water. “Apparently, not very long. The Ferrets' dream of making it to the finals now rests in the Avatar's hands. But with three on one, I don't like her odds.” He told the audience.

Twilight and the others watched as Bolin swam for the shore, she teleported with Liu Kang and Kitana to help Mako pull him up to the platform. “Come on Bo, you’re gonna be alright...” She told him.

“Are you okay? How’s your shoulder?” Mako asked him.

"Ow! It's messed up pretty bad. But I think I'll be alright.” He told him only to see Liu walk up to him and carefully grabbed his arm and shoulder, raising it up and forcing it back into place, causing him to scream from it. “Ooh, mommy!” He whimpered and rubbed his shoulder a bit.

“It will need healing from a waterbender, but you’ll be fine for now.” Liu told him as the platform began to go up.

“But are we gonna be all right?” Bolin asked as he looked to Mako.

“Of course we are. We're brothers. We'll get through this mess. I'm sorry.” Mako told him and looked out. “You know... I think Korra meant what she said about our friendship. It is more important than some match.” He told his brother.

“Me too!” Bolin replied and let out a chuckle. “Girls huh...?“ Bolin joked a bit.

Mako let out a hearty chuckle from hearing it. “Seriously...” he said as he noticed Kitana tapping at her war fan. “Not that there’s anything wrong your highness.” He said to her as Kitana smirked and pulled her hand away from her war fan and looked to the match, seeing Korra avoiding the opponents attacks, dodging every element the other pro benders threw at her.

“What an unbelievable effort here by Korra! She's dodging every element the Wasps throw at her!” Shiro told everyone as Korra knocks each of the Wasps into a line. “The Avatar finally gains some ground, but with only ten seconds remaining, it might be too little too late!” He watches as Korra angles herself so that the Buzzard Wasps are lined up in front of her, and knocks them out with a single blast of water, into he pool. “It's the big kibosh! What a knockout!“ he cheered.

The brothers cheered with the defenders. “Yes! She did it!” Bolin cheered excitedly.

“Yes! Yeah!” Mako cheered as he looked towards Korra, seeing her wave to the audience and soon looked to him. The two teens smiled at one another of the victory they achieved this night.

It didn't seem possible, folks, but the Fire Ferrets are headed to the finals! Shiro announced to the audience in the arena and on the radio.

Bolin laughed cheerfully as Mako hugged his brother, forgetting that his shoulder was still in pain. “Shoulder! Shoulder!” He cried out as Mako let him go.

“Sorry.” Mako told him as she smiled and saw Korra approaching.

“That, was pretty much the coolest thing I've ever seen.” Bolin told her feeling proud.

“Ya did good Korra.” Applejack said to her.

“That was literally the best part of the match I’m proud to witness.” Rainbow told her.

“Thanks for not giving up on us. We never would have made it this far without you. I owe you. Big time.” Mako told her with a smile on his face.

“You're welcome. So ... I know things are confusing right now, but I hope we can still be friends.” Korra asked him.

Mako smiled at her and nodded to her. “Definitely... we all can.” He told her as he gestures to the defenders. But his smile soon faded, feeling ashamed of all he said to her. “I’m also sorry, for everything I said... can you forgive me for it?” He asked her.

She smiled at him and took his hand. “Of course I will...” She said to him only to hear the locker room door open and see trouble walking into the locker room.

It was Tahno and his thugs walking in, that got all the defenders tense. “Here comes trouble.” Pinkie told them.

“With a capital T no less.” Rarity stated as she crossed her arms.

Tahno sniffed around the locker room, showing an expression of disgust. “Ooh, oof. You boys smell something in here? Wait, I know what that is; yeah, that's the scent of losers.” he said to the Fire Ferrets with a sadistic grin.

Korra glared angrily at him for the comment with hate and disdain towards him. “I hope we see you in the finals. Then we'll know who the losers really are.” She told him with a serious expression.

“Yeah, I'm peeing my pants over here.” Tahno said sarcastically as he was approaching the bride to the arena.

“Hey, dirt bag!” Johnny called out to him earning a sneer from Tahno as he turned around to face him. But as he did, Johnny propelled a force ball straight at his face, it slammed against Tahno’s face forcing him to get knocked off his feet and hit the ground. He groaned from it as he sat up and shows he had a big fat bruise right across his left face, shooting a glare at Johnny for it. “Next time you pick a fight with someone, you better have the guts to look him in the eye and get ready for a beat down. Because one day, you’ll be bloodied and beaten, laying in a gutter, and no one will be there to help you.” He said to him as a warning.

“And now, the defending champs, the White Falls Wolfbats!” The ring announcer welcomed their famed champions as the crowd goes wild, unaware of Tahno’s incident.

Tahno glared at him and put his helmet on headed to the arena, Bolin looked to Johnny with a surprised expression. “Whoa... how— what in— how did you, WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!” He asked him feeling flabbergasted as he winced from the pain in his shoulder.

“Glad you asked...” Johnny told him as he walked over to him. “From what Raiden told me, I’m descended from a Mediterranean War Cult, bred as warriors for the gods.” He told him of his ancestors history.

“That... that is actually really cool. Can you teach me?” Bolin asked him excitedly.

Chuckling at his question, Johnny flicked him across his forehead. “You’d have the have my blood to actually use it.” He said to him.

Just at that moment, Asami runs to Mako and throws her arms around his neck. “Great job!” She said to him as she let go and looked to Korra with Mako while embracing him. “What a comeback, Korra. I've never seen a hat trick like that.” She told her.

“Thanks!” She replied and slowly approached the pair. “But, if it hadn't been for you and your father, we wouldn't have had the chance to play. So thank you.” She thanked her for hers and her fathers donation to the team.

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

“Ooh, let me help!“ Korra rushed over  and placed her hands around his shoulder, only to hear Bolin scream in pain from it.

“Owww! Gah! Haven't you hurt me enough, woman?” he asked her in an angrily and joking matter.

“Relax, I'm a healer!” She told him as she bends some water out of a bucket and puts it over Bolin's shoulder and begins to heal. “I learned from Katara, the best there is.” She stated.

Bolin flinched a bit. “No, no, oh- ooh!” He started to feel a little better from it. “That's the stuff!” He told her.

“Yeah, but it feels like that disk might have done more damage than I realized. I’m gonna need some back up...” She pulled out a medallion and saw Raiden appear from it. “Raiden, how fast can’t you get here?” She asked him only for lightning to flash within the locker room revealing Raiden, which stunned Bolin, given he had never seen him in the flesh before. Korra smiled and put the medallion away. “Right, I forgot, you’re a god...” She stated.

“Whoa..l so you’re Lord Raiden...?” Bolin asked him.

“It is an honor to finally meet you Bolin.” Raiden told him as he approached and kneeled down touching his shoulder. “Be still, wouldn’t want anything to go wrong.” He said to him as he used his power to focus on healing his shoulder.

“Bolin!” Asami panicked from seeing the lightning, but Mako stopped her from doing so.

“It’s okay, he’s cool...” He assured her as Raiden used lightning to heal his wound, leaving no trace of a bruise. Stunning Bolin beyond belief, while Mako smiled and looked to Asami. “You see...? Turns out he’s a god.” He told her.

Asami was stunned to see it and walked over to Bolin and looked at his shoulder, seeing it was completely healed. “That’s incredible, you’re like a walking hospital.” She said to him.

“My power does have limits Ms. Sato... and might I say that it is an honor to finally meet you.” He told her as he bowed respectfully.

“Likewise.” Asami replied to him with a smile towards him.

The young Avatar smiled a bit, but her smile faded as she looked to Bolin. “Bolin, I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. I didn't mean to let things get so out of hand.” She told him.

“Ahh, I'll be all right. But we had fun together, didn't we?” He asked.

“I had a great time, honestly! You are one of a kind, Bolin.” She told him as she smiled.

“Please, go on. I enjoy praise.” He said to her with a smirk.

“Don’t push it Bolin.” Liu told him with his arms crossed.

“Your winners, the Wolfbats!” The ring announcer declared as he caught the Fire Ferrets by surprise, even Korra.

“What? How is it over already?” She asked in surprise as she walked over with the others only to see the Mo Ce Mongoose Lizards down bellow in the pool, their protective head gear damaged.

Twilight and the girls were also shocked of what they had seen. “With a brutal round one knockout, the defending champs secure their spot in the finals.” Shiro announced as the injured team was being carried off into the infirmary. “I hope the Ferrets know a good doctor, 'cause they're gonna need one!” He told the audience, knowing it will be brutal for the Fire Ferrets when the face the Wolfbats.






Air Temple Island 


Back at the temple, Korra walked beside Raiden and Twilight still shocked from what they saw tonight. Pema walked up to them. “Rainbow Dash told me you won tonight.” She said to her.

“Yeah, we did.” Korra replied to her.

But Pema could also notice there was also something else on her mind, and she smiled putting her hands to her hip. “Boy trouble, still?” She asked her.

“Yep... Jinora’s volcano story is definitely beginning to make more sense. I took the leap, and got burnt.” Korra told her of what happened, and looked to Raiden. “Was it anything like this for you and Princess Celestia?” She asked him.

“As a matter of fact, it was... but as time went on, our bond only grew in time. This bringing us finally together, and being married.” Raiden told her and looked to the young Avatar, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Just give it time Korra... love can be a harsh, but kind mistress.” He told her as he headed out to see how Celestia is holding up in her pregnancy.

“I better go with him, being a woman of experience, it might be harder for her, given she’s new to the whole being pregnant stuff.” Pema told her as she placed a hand on Korra’s shoulder. “You are a special girl Korra, that boy you like has no idea what he’s missing.” She said to her with a smile and followed Raiden.

Twilight at that moment gave a warm smile and looked to Korra. “She’s right... both you and Mako have a special bond because of these gems, and from what we witnessed... I think it will always be there.” She told her as Korra smiled and looked to her.

“Thanks Twilight, I’m glad I got good friends like you and the other defenders.” She told her as Twilight nudged her and the young Avatar chuckled as she looked out to the night sky. 


(This song is parody of One Last Kiss from Evangelion 3.1+1.0 by Amelee)

Korra;

My first time to the louvre
But seeing a masterpiece is nothing new
I’ve already met a Mona Lisa
Many days ago now I remember
The very first time I had met him
The gears in my heart began to turn like new
But then a dark premonition came between us
Him I’d lose

She vocalized a bit as snow began to fall around to her and Twilight as the rest of the girls and the defenders took notice of her singing.

Ooh, felt his lips for the first time
But that night he let me grace his with mine
May he give me one last kiss
Cause I don’t want to forget it no

Main Seven;

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-woah, oh-oh-oh, oh-woah
Oh-oh-oh-oh,

Korra;

I will never let this feeling go

Main Seven;

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-woah, oh-oh-oh (Oh-oh)

Korra;

I love him more than he’ll ever know

Liu Kang watched her sing for the first time, he and Kitana were amazed at how well she sang, and smiled as Korra looked towards the arena across the bay.

He said he did like me the same as I did
But I know deep down he really does
Cause in my heart the bond remains
It’s a bond that can never be broken from what we share
I try to act like things are okay between us
But I know deep down he feels it too
We both never meant to hurt the other
But we did some things we can never undo

Twilight smiled as she took the moment to vocalize.

Twilight;

Ooh, He could give you one last kiss
Set a fire with only his lips

Applejack;

There is no forgetting that
Even if he tried he can’t let it go

Main Seven;

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-woah, oh-oh-oh, oh-woah
Oh-oh-oh-oh

Rainbow Dash;

He’ll love you more than he’ll ever know

Main Seven;

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-woah, oh-oh-oh (Oh-oh)
Oh-oh-oh-oh

Fluttershy;

You love him more than you ever know, oh

Korra smiled at seeing them gathered around with her.

Main Seven;

You love him more than you ever know

Korra;

Ooh In my heart I see it so
When the days have passed, we will grow closer
Till the end of the journey he’ll know
I will never let this feeling go

Main Seven;

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-woah, oh-oh-oh, oh-woah

Korra;

I will never let this feeling go (8x)

Main Seven;

Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-woah, oh-oh-oh, oh-woah

Korra;

I will never let this (7x)
I love him more than I’ll ever know

She pauses for a moment as she felt the snow fall around her, gently landing on her face as her eyes opened.

Ooh
I will always remember
That wondrous evening
I’m chasing after the breeze that will still be there


She exhaled as she finished the song and slumped down in the snow. The girls sat beside her and chuckled with her as they were amazed by the song she sang. It will definitely be one to remember... even for the defenders as they were still close by.






Pro-Bending Arena


At the gazebo, Mako stared at temple from under the gazebo, he could feel the bond between him and Korra as he pulled out the Jinsei Gem he almost threw away. He didn’t know what compelled him not to throw it, but deep down. He knew the answer was there... he just didn’t know what to do as of yet. He still had much to figure out, but when he does find the answer, it will determine his own destiny.

Unaware to his knowledge, Artemis was on the roof of the arena, watching him as she could feel the bond between him and the Avatar. Normally she’d be jealous, but she felt happy for him. Despite what they had both been through the past few days, she turned towards the city and leaped towards the path that lead to he arena, and headed towards the city to meet back with Amon.