Chapter Two

¥ A Leaf In The Wind ¥

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'AIR CAN BE A BREEZE IN THE SUMMER OR THE BLIZZARD WINDS IN THE WINTER.'

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I do not own Legend Of Korra or The Last Airbender, all credit goes to the people who made the two happen. I only own Kanna and the things I happen to make up along the way. Most of the script comes from the person who created it. Descriptions come from the show I've watched and the things I've read.

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Kanna Kya

•

Kanna yawns tiredly, sipping on a cup of coffee as Korra rambles on about things she's reading from the newspaper. Kanna calmly walks over and sits beside Korra. Tenzin eyes the coffee in Kanna's hand with a disapproving look. She sticks her tongue out at him playfully. He rolls his eyes at her childish antics.

"And in the final round, the Buzzard Wasps won with a decisive knockout." Korra reads the newspaper aloud for the entire room of people to hear. She lowers the newspaper to stare at Tenzin who sits across the table from the two girls. "What do you say we go to the arena tonight, catch a few pro-bending matches?" She inquires. Kanna snorts into her cup of coffee.

"You might not want to bring that sport up around Tenzin." Kanna whispers in Korra's ear. Kanna made the mistake of asking him about pro-bending after she met those boys and he blew up on her. She'll never make that mistake again.

"That sport is a mockery of the noble tradition of bending." Tenzin tells Korra.

"Come on Tenzin. I've dreamed about seeing a pro-bending match since I was a kid, and now I'm just a ferry ride away from the arena." Korra gestures out the window behind her to the golden Pro-bending Arena across the bay.

"You knew what pro-bending was?" Kanna questions. Korra nods her head.

"I would listen to matches while the White Lotus leader forced you to practice water bending." Korra explains. Kanna nods her head in understanding.

"Korra, you're not here to watch that drivel, you're here to finish your Avatar training. So for the time being I want you to remain on the island." Tenzin informs Korra. He then glances at Kanna. "You, however; may do as you wish." Korra gasps and immediately squints her eyes at Kanna.

"You would never leave me here by myself, right?" Korra asks. Kanna shrugs her shoulders with a fake innocent look on her face.

"Hmmmm I'm not too sure about that." Kanna comments. Korra decides the address this matter later and goes back to bothering Tenzin with the matter at hand.

"Is that why you're keeping the White Lotus sentries around, to watch my every move?" Korra accuses. Kanna and Korra both turn to stare at the White Lotus sentry standing guard at a door that leads outside. They both turn back around to give Tenzin a look.

"Not cool, cousin." Kanna tsks. Tenzin growls at her. "Okay, note to self, don't make Tenzin mad." She taps her forehead as if she was actually saving a note on a phone. Korra and Tenzin both give her a weird look. "Hey, no. Don't do that. Only Korra and I can do that look thing with each other." Kanna points a finger at the two.

"Yes. In order to learn Airbending I believe you require a calm, quiet environment, free from any distractions." Tenzin informs Korra.

"Alright, you're the master." Korra says, her tone anything, but happy. She turns around to look out of the window, a reluctant look on her face. Kanna carefully nudges her with her elbow when she sees Tenzin not paying attention. Korra cocks an eyebrow in confusion. Kanna leans over and whispers quietly in her ear.

"As your friend, I will be helping you get to a pro-being match. As your protecter, let's pretend I never knew anything about this." Kanna nonchalantly sips her coffee. A huge grin comes to Korra's face.

••••

Tenzin, Korra and Kanna are walking on a pathway outside on the Air Temple Island. A white lemur flies beside the three. Kanna is searching for Lee for she hasn't seen him since she woke up today. Korra is wearing a classic Airbender outfit, but she has the sleeves rolled up to completely expose her arms. Kanna is wearing a blue long sleeved shirt with a white scarf on her neck and a pair of white jeans on her legs.

"So, my mother informed me that you've never been able to Airbend before." Tenzin casually brings up. Kanna immediately looks at Korra, worrying about the girl's reaction to his words. She sees Korra stop walking before sighing and moving her hands around in a dramatic motion.

"Yeah, but I don't know why, the other elements came so easily to me. But every single time I've tried Airbending..." Korra sticks her tongue out and then blows a raspberry. She places a hand on her hip with an annoyed look on her face. "Nothing." Kanna pats her shoulder in pity.

"It's perfectly alright, we just need to be patient." Kanna begins to laugh hysterically at the word 'patient' and it being directed at Korra.

"Tenzin, there's something you must know about Korra. She's not a patient person and most likely never will be." Kanna informs him. Korra playfully hits her arm.

"Wow, what a great friend you are." Korra says sarcastically.

"You love me." Kanna blows a kiss. Tenzin starts casually pulling Korra's sleeves back down to their proper length. This causes Kanna to laugh even more. Korra sends dark looks at the girl, but none stop her from laughing.

"If this is so, then I will have to teach Korra about being patient. Korra, often the element that's most difficult for the Avatar to master is the one most opposite to the Avatar's personality. For Aang it was Earthbending." Tenzin informs Korra.

"Sounds about right. Korra is rash, reckless, loud and annoying. Airbenders think, are cautious, quiet and calm." Kanna taps her fingers as she lists Korra's traits off. Korra drenches Kanna in water. Kanna rolls her eyes before using her water bending to remove the water on her body and clothes.

"Yeah, well, I'm about as opposite an Airbender as you can get." Korra admits.

"Oh so when I say it, I get drenched in water. But when you do, nothing happens." Kanna slowly points her hands at Korra. "Wait, something did happen." Korra's hair is covered in ice. Kanna skips happily down the path with Tenzin following her.

"Let's begin your first lesson." Tenzin calls to Korra over his shoulder. Korra huffs, removing the ice and chasing after the two.

••••

The three walk down a set of stone steps to arrive at the Airbending training area. Ikki, Jinora, and Meelo are waiting for them. Meelo is waving happily while Ikki is jumping excitedly with clasped hands. Jinora is simply standing at attention with her hands behind her back.

"Korra's gonna Airbend, Korra's gonna Airbend!" Ikki chants.

"What is that contraption?" Korra points at the thing behind the three kids.

"The gates are a cluster of large wooden panels- all decorated identically with the Airbending symbol- mounted on poles so that they stand straight up. It helps Airbenders learn airbending. Good luck, cause it's hard as hell." Kanna smiles cheekily at Korra who huffs.

"A time honored tool that teaches the most fundamental aspect of Airbending. Jinora, would you like to explain this exercise?" Tenzin says.

"The goal is to weave your way through the gates and make it to the other side without touching them." Jinora informs Korra as she steps closer to the gates.

"Seems easy enough." Korra says and sends a victory look towards Kanna, who only shakes her head no.

"Jinora forgot to say you have to make it through while the gates are spinning." Ikki says quickly. Korra's smile drops as Kanna's smile grows. Tenzin steps forward, and circles his bent arms in front of his body. When he suddenly pushes his open palms forward, a large gust of wind erupts towards the Airbending Gates. They begin to spin quickly. Tenzin has a small green leaf in his hand. He holds it up towards the gates, and the wind takes it. The leaf is carried right into the twirling gates, but passes through without touching any of them.

"The key is to be like the leaf. Flow with the movement of the gates. Jinora will demonstrate." Jinora enters the Gates. She moves between the spinning panels while spinning in a circle as she walks and turns as needed to easily avoid every panel. With each step, she cycles which of her palms is held out in front of her. "Airbending is all about spiral movements. When you meet resistance, you must be able to switch direction at a momentís notice." Tenzin informs Korra. Korra dramatically glances at Kanna who is snickering and pointing at her. Korra huffs and makes a fist, blowing a ball of fire at Kanna. Kanna rolls her eyes as she dodges it by stepping to the right. Jinora leaves the Gates and turns around, thrustingout another gust of air, making the Gates spin at full speed once again. Kanna slaps Korra's back.

"Good luck." Kanna whispers. She quickly runs away before Korra can hit her with fire again.

"Let's do this." Korra mumbles, cracking her neck. She rushes headfirst into the Gates without a second thought. She nails the first panel and is thrown into another panel. Kanna tilts her head to the side as she watches Korra fail epically.

"She looks like a ping pong in those games where it bounces off everything." Kanna comments. Tenzin sends her a look before wincing when Korra is thrown out of the gates and onto her butt. "Seems easy enough." Kanna mocks Korra from earlier. Korra slowly gazes up to see that everyone is looking at her with different expressions. Tenzin has no emotion shown, Kanna has a giant smirk, Meelo is smiling, Ikki has a horrific look and Jinora has wide eyes. Korra groans and gets back to her feet. She furrows her eyebrows together in anger, bolting back into the Gates. She is immediately thrown around once again.

"Don't force your way through!" Jinora cups her hands over her mouth and shouts advice to the avatar. Korra is hit by another panel.

"Dance, dance like the wind!" Ikki screams. Korra is hit by another panel.

"Be the leaf!" Meelo yells. Korra is hit by another panel.

"Don't be so reckless and think before you go headfirst into some thing!" Kanna says loudly. Korra is thrown out of the Gates. Korra falls flat onto her back in front of everyone. Tenzin sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "I told you she's reckless." Kanna says, glancing at her annoyed cousin.

••••

Kanna hangs a picture of Chief Lin Bei Fong from a branch on the tree with string. She sits on the ground, watching Korra attempt to airbend in front of the Air Temple. Kanna pets Naga's head while the two continue to watch the futile attempts.

"Airbend. What is wrong with me? Airbend. Ugh, maybe I'm just not cut out to be an Airbender, huh, Naga, Kanna?" Korra says, turning to the two to see Naga looking extremely bored and Kanna looks ready to fall asleep. Suddenly, the sound of a radio catches the attention of both girls. They exchange a look before creeping to go listen to it. They climb onto the roof and gaze at the city while listening to the radio.

"Ladies and gentlemen I'm coming to you live from Republic City's pro-bending arena, where tonight the best in the world continue their quest for a spot in the upcoming championship tournament." A male voice sounds from the radio. "Grab your snacks, and grab your kids, because this next match is gonna be a doozy. This Mako's got moxy. He advances, fires two quick shots, Yomo is hammered back to zone three. The clock is winding down, can Yomo hold on? He's teetering on the edge of the ring now. The Fire Ferrets line up to strike--"

"Korra, and Kanna, come down here, please." Tenzin orders. Korra peaks down from over the roof's awning. Kanna hangs upside and waves hi to everyone before flipping off and landing on her feet. Korra follows after he. The White Lotus sentries jump back in utter surprise at the sight of the two girls.

"You shut it off at the best part!" Korra yells.

"I thought I made myself clear, I don't want you listening to this distracting nonsense." Tenzin says.

"But it's their radio, and technically you said I couldn't watch a match, you didn't say anything about listening to one." Korra informs him while motioning to the White Lotus sentries who glance at Tenzin nervously.

"You know what I meant. Anyway, shouldn't you... shouldn't you be in bed by now?" Tenzin growls. He spins away and stalks off. Kanna gently places a hand on Korra's shoulder.

"The reason why he is so hard on you is because he only wants you to succeed." Kanna whispers. Korra glances at her friend.

"He can be a little nicer about it." Korra mumbles and kicks the ground with her foot.

"It's Tenzin, he doesn't fully understand emotions as much as he likes to think he does. He never understood why I would cry when he took away my stuffed animals. Just like how he doesn't understand why that listening or watching a match makes you less stressed out." Kanna explains.

••••

In the gazebo on the edge of the cliff, Tenzin is crouched with eyes closed in a meditative position. Kanna, Jinora, Ikki, Meelo, and Korra are seated in similar manners. Korra reaches around to scratch her backside. She goes back to meditating, but soon starts sniffling. After another moment, she peeks a look at the Airbender children and Kanna beside her. Finally, she gets back to a whole full second of meditating before slumping forward and opening her eyes.

"I think I'm doing it wrong." Korra announces. Tenzin opens his eyes and stares at her.

"There's nothing to do. Let your mind and your spirit be free, for air is the element of freedom." Tenzin says. Kanna sighs knowing that he used a bad word at the moment. She cracks open an eye and stares at Korra who begins to sarcastically laugh.

"Is something funny?" Tenzin inquires.

"Yeah, you're telling me to embrace freedom but you won't even let me listen to the radio. And forget about leaving this island." Korra replies.

"Please, Korra. Look at Meelo, he is able to meditate peacefully." Korra and Kanna both look at Meelo.

"He's sleeping." Kanna says bluntly.

"What?" Tenzin asks.

"Just like Kanna said, he's asleep." Korra says.

"What? Well at least he has the relaxing part down." Tenzin says after getting closer to observe Meelo.

"Whatever. None of this Airbending stuff makes any sense to me." Korra tells him and stubbornly crosses her arms. Kanna rests her head on her hand.

"I know you're frustrated but these teachings will sink in over time. Then one day they'll just click." Tenzin informs her.

"Yeah, it's not sinking in yet. I'm gonna go get a glass of lychee juice." Korra says as she walks away.

"Get me some." Kanna orders. Korra gives her a thumbs up.

"Korra, the meditations not over yet." Tenzin growls.

"Daddy, can I have some lychee justice too?" Ikki asks cutely, clasping her hands together and smiling up at her father. Tenzin gives her a blank look.

"No." He replies. Ikki pouts.

"I told you she's not patient." Kanna tells him. "It's going to take a lot of work for her to connect with her airbending." She closes her eyes and goes back to meditating. Meelo's body tips backwards and he sprawls out onto the ground, still fast asleep.

••••

Korra peaks out of a second-story window, and drops to the ground. Kanna watches her dash towards a nearby cliff, and as she falls towards the bay, she sweeps her arms upward. The water rises in a funnel to catch and ease her below the surface. Korra goes into an undulating swim that quickly carries her towards Republic City, to the Pro-bending Arena. Kanna sighs and heads to Tenzin.

"I'm going to explore the city." She informs him. Tenzin nods his head as he chases Meelo around in an attempt to get a baby lemur from him. Kanna quickly runs to the cliff and jumps off it. She does the same Korra does, eyeing Korra's figure in the distant. "You stupid girl." Kanna curses. Kanna eventually shots up from the water and lands on the ground in front of the arena. She bends the water off her. She gazes around in an attempt to look for someway to get into the building when her eyes land on Hasook and Mako. She bolts over to them. "Hey guys!" She shouts, waving her hand. The two males stop and turn to her. They smile at her.

"Hello Kanna. Why are you here?" Mako questions.

"I lost my friend. She went into the arena without me and I don't know where I'm going. I wanted to watch a pro-bending match because of how Bolin talked about it so passionately." She sheepishly scratches the back of her head. Mako smirks and exchanges a look with Hasook.

"Follow us." Mako gestures with his hand for her to follow. The three enter the building and go down a couple hallways, up a couple stairs until they stop in front of a door. Hasook and Mako enter the locker room in their Pro-bending uniforms with Kanna trotting behind them. Her eyes land on Korra who is talking to Bolin.

"Name's Bolin by the way." Bolin informs Korra with a grin on his face.

"Korra." Korra replies, looking everywhere besides him. She doesn't even notice Kanna glaring daggers at her figure.

"Psst, Bolin." Mako whispers. Bolin goes over to him.

"Yeah?" Bolin asks.

"I told you. You have to stop bringing in your crazy fangirls in here before the matches. Get her out of here." Mako says while putting on his padded gloves.

"Ah, come on Mako. All right, look, I kinda promised her she could stay. But man I've got a good feeling there's something special about her. I know it. Hi Kanna." Bolin hugs Kanna real quick before going back to Korra and guiding her over to Mako. Korra's face drops when she sees Kanna standing beside Mako with a pissed off look on her face.

"Come here, I want you to meet my brother, Mako." Bolin introduces the two.

"Mako? Wow, I heard you play on the radio." Korra tells him as she holds out a hand for him to shake. Mako scoffs and walks straight by her, putting his helmet on.

"Come on, Bolin, we're up. Kanna, I hope you find your friend, but you can stay here if you want to." Mako says. Kanna smiles brightly at him.

"Oh I already found her." Kanna says while gesturing to Korra. Mako blows air from his nose.

"Or I could meet him later." Korra says.

"Yeah, sorry about that, my brother just gets real... focused before the match. Okay, I've gotta go. Wish me luck. Not that I'll need it." Bolin winks at Korra before heading over to Kanna to high five her.

"Good luck. Knock em' out." Korra cheers.

"I hope you all die." Kanna closes her eyes and smiles as she says this. The three Pro-benders sweat drop at her statement. Once the three are gone, Kanna rounds onto Korra. "YOU LEFT WITHOUT TELLING ME OR EVEN BRINGING ME WITH YOU!" She hisses. "WHAT IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO YOU? HUH?! THERE ARE PEOPLE HERE THAT WANT TO DESTROY THE AVATAR AND WOULD'VE TAKEN-" Kanna is cut off from her scolding when Korra throws herself into Kanna's arms.

"I'm sorry!" Korra whimpers, burying her head in Kanna's shirt. Kanna sighs and pets her head.

"Don't do this again. Come on, we have a match to watch." Kanna and Korra walk closer to watch the match.

"Introducing the Fire Ferrets." The Announcer points to one end of the field, where an extending platform carries the three Fire Ferrets forward. Mako waves to the crowd with a small smile. Hasook has a grim expression as he waves. Bolin grins fiercely, and holds up a hand to his ear in a mock call for more noise. The crowd erupts into cheers, applause and screams. Kanna winces at the loudness, not use to it at all.

"The rookie Ferrets came from out of nowhere and made it further than anyone expected this season. But tonight, they face their toughest test yet folks. And they're off." The two teams leap back to the back of their first 'zone' and start flinging elements at each other. Bolin summons an earth disk from a slot in the floor and kicks it over to a Firebender Tigerdillo, who blocks with a fire wave.

"The two teams waste no time trying to blast each other out of zone one." The Tigerdillo Firebender throws a fireball across the midline, forcing Hasook to roll out of the way. As he jumps, he summons water from a stream beneath a grate in the floor." Hasook is the first to feel the heat of the Tigerdillos." His Tigerdillo target dodges, then kicks an earth disk back across the midline. "He tries to return the favor but they're too fast for him. While Mako showcases his trademark cool-under-fire style."
Mako, who dodges blasts of all three elements by bobbing and weaving in place.

"He looks like he's dancing." Kanna comments to get hit by Korra to shut up.

Mako draws tight and punches out a powerful fireball. Two Tigerdillos come forward beneath the fire and throw their elements at Hasook and Bolin. Both attacks hit and knock the Ferrets off their feet. Hasook and Bolin tumble into the second zone. A buzzer sounds as the zone border to light up.

"The Tigerdillos score with a walloping one-two combo." Kanna glances to her side to see Korra holding her head in anguish. "Can their teammate hold on for their zone one territory?" Mako dodges all attacks with flying leaps, but after a series of backflips, he is hit by an earth disk. He slides back so that one foot is just over the zone's back line. The buzzer sounds and the border lights up again. "Guess not; Mako's over the line. The Tigerdillos get the green light and advance into Ferret territory." The center line of the field lights up green, and all three Tigerdillos step forward into first zone of the Ferret's side of the court.

"Come on Ferrets!" Korra cheers. Kanna shrugs and cups her hands over her mouth.

"I know you can do better than that!" Kanna shouts. Mako hears this and throws her a dirty look. Bolin fires an earth disk over, but it is deflected back with a kick by the Tigerdillo Earthbender. The disk hits Hasook, knocking him into the final zone.

"Look's like Hasook's in trouble. He's in zone three teetering over the brink." Hasook lands just inches from the opening at the back of the field, close to the lake underneath them. The Tigerdillo Waterbender kicks a disk of water at the Ferrets, and while the others dodge it, Hasook is knocked off his feet by the impact. An earth disk attack immediately follows up, and Hasook is knocked over the edge and into the water below." And Hasook takes a dip. He'll be back for round two- assuming the fabulous bending brothers can hold their ground until the next round." Hasook slams his hand on the surface of the water in anger. Kanna glances around to see if anyone is looking before controlling the water in the Tigerdillo waterbender's hand to blow him in the face. "Seems like the Tigerdillo lost control of that water for a moment." Korra raises her eyebrows and looks at Kanna. Kanna shrugs with an innocent look on her face.

Bolin tries to block another water attack with a disk that he kicks up in front of him, but the water breaks through the shield and knocks him back into zone three. Mako follows shortly after taking a hit of his own. With that, the bell clangs repeatedly. The first out of four lights on the right lights up blue, revealing writing. The crowd cheers while Korra groans and stomps her feet. Kanna leans over and whispers in her ear.

"What does that mean?" Kanna asks. Korra just points at the observer that will inform her in a moment.

"Round one goes to the Golden Temple Tigerdillos!" Kanna nods her head in understanding now. She sees Mako turn and say something to Hasook. The bell clangs and the next round starts. The Tigerdillos immediately attack one after another, and all three attacks connect with Ferrets and push them immediately back into the next zone.

"They're not doing really good." Kanna observes. Korra slaps her shoulder.

"Shush. They will win this." Korra says.

"Whatever you say." Kanna shrugs.

"The Fire Ferrets are knocked into zone two and the Tigerdillos advance." The attacks immediately start again, and Bolin punches an earth disk forward. A Tigerdillo fires off a short stream of water, but is still hit in the stomach with the disk. Mako punches two fireballs out, and Hasook kicks out a pair of water lashes that knock another Tigerdillo to the floor. Bolin sends out another disk that hits the center Tigerdillo and sends him back to zone three. Simultaneously fire and water attacks from the other Ferrets send the other two Tigerdillos back to join the first, and the bell clangs as the speed returns to normal. "The Fire Ferrets cinch the round in the closing seconds." Bolin and Hasook cheer, but Mako just tries to catch his breath. Sweat is visible behind his helmet's face shield." It's one a piece. Still anyone's match as we go into the third and final round." The round starts with the bell, and all the Pro-benders leap back. The Tigerdillo Waterbender targets Hasook, who dodges two water attacks and winds up stumbling across the field. "Hasook stumbles, and now he tumbles right into his teammate." Another water attack pushes Hasook onto Bolin and knocks both of them to the floor. Hasook lands facing down on top of Bolin, and both look panicked. "He and Bolin better untangle quick if they don't wanna- oh, too late." The Tigerdillo Earthbender kicks a disk at the two tangled Pro-benders, striking them as they're in the process of getting back up. Both are sent flying out the back of the field and land in the water. Mako's body language show that he's extremely pissed off.

"Oh, no!" Korra cries.

"This is more entertaining than I originally thought." Kanna smirks evilly.

"You're such a sadist." Korra tells her.

"It's all up to Mako now." The Tigerdillo Waterbender kicks a shot at Mako, who dodges under it. He runs across the arena, ducking and spinning to avoid every attack being aimed at him.

"GO BALLERINA! GO!" Kanna screams. Once again Mako hears this and becomes even more pissed off.

"He's bobbing and weaving, he's weaving and bobbing, but he's not hitting back." Mako is backed up against the edge of the field. His right foot is placed just short of the fall into the pool below. "If Mako's knocked out the Ferrets fabulous season is over" Mako pants for breath.

"Ohhh!" Korra groans.

"He is dancing on the edge of the ring, surviving the three on one barrage." Mako is bobbing and weaving around attacks of all three elements. "It seems his plan is to let the Tigerdillos punch themselves out." Mako finally throws a fireball back. "And his plan is working!" The fireball goes straight to the Tigerdillo Waterbender's prepared water, turning it to steam. The fireball continues to slam into the Pro-bender's chest and send him tumbling straight over the back edge of the field. "Hahn is in the pool, they've got nothing left in the tank and Mako is on the offensive!"

Mako rushes forward strong fire attacks, making an extra large flare generated with both arms. "It's two on one!" The Tigerdillo Firebender takes a hit, and falls into the water to join his other teammate. "Scratch that it's one on one, and it's an earth and fire slugfest." The Tigerdillo Earthbender and Mako both go on the offensive, tossing attacks with extreme aggression. The attacks all collide over the field's centerline, causing the disks to explode. Mako kicks a strong fire attack into the dust cloud. The fire connects with the Tigerdillo and pushing him back into his zone three.

"There's so much smoke and dust from the fire fight I can't even see where the Fire Ferret is." Mako comes leaping out of the dust cloud and brings down a flaming fist that pushes a wave of fire right into the Earthbender's chest just as he is about to launch a disk. The last Tigerdillo crashes back over the edge to fall into the water. The bell clangs, ending the game, and the crowd roars. "It's a knockout! What a wingdinger of a hat trick, folks!" The last three of the score keeping lights are lit up red. "Mako pulls off the upset of the season, winning the match for the Fire Ferrets."

Korra grins and squeals, grabbing Kanna and spins around with her in happiness. "THEY WON!" Korra shouts.

"Woohoo, yes! One more win and we're in the championship tournament. So, what'd you think Korra? Bolin's got some moves, huh?" Bolin strolls into the locker room while cheering, heading towards Korra and Kanna.

"What did I think? What did I think? That was amazing!" Korra grabs Bolin, shakes him before shoving him. Mako and Hasook walk into the locker room. Bolin turns to Kanna.

"This was your first pro-bending match, right? So what did you think?" He asks.

"Eh." Kanna tips her hand from side to side. Bolim deflates at that answer.

"You did more harm than good out there. You almost cost us the match." Mako informs Hasook.

"We won didn't we?" Hasook says.

"Barely." Mako growls.

"Get off my case, pal." Hasook growls while throwing his helmet to the floor, and stalks right out of the locker room.

"Useless." Mako pinches the bridge of his nose. Kanna trots over to him.

"He didn't look or act like he was fully committed to the match tonight." She says. Mako nods his head to what she said.

"You guys were incredible out there. Especially you, Mr. Hat Trick." Korra points at Mako in admiration.

"Oh, you're still here?" Mako says without even glancing at Korra. Kanna cocks an eyebrow, wondering why he's so cold to Korra, but not to her.

"Oh, you're still a jerk?" Korra hisses.

"Oooh, ha ha." Bolin laughs.

"Anyway. I've been immersed in Bending my entire life but I never learned how to move like that. It's like there's a whole new style here. Think you could show me a few tricks?" Korra asks.

"Absolutely." Bolin answers with excitement dripping from his words.

"Right now? Come on Bolin." Mako orders.

"Just ignore him. Yeah, I could show you the basics. I'm just not sure how my Earthbending would translate to your Waterbending. But we'll figure it out." Bolin says. Kanna snorts earning a curious look from the brothers.

"Won't be a problem. I'm actually an Earthbender." Korra informs him while crossing her arms.

"I'm sorry, no, no. I didn't mean to assume. Cause I, ya know, I was just figuring, with your Water Tribe getup... that you are... a water tribe... gal." Bolin awkwardly says.

"No, you're right I'm a Waterbender... and a Firebender." Korra arched an eyebrow.

"Mmmhmm. I'm very confused right now." Bolin announces with his hand on his chin.

"You're the Avatar, and I'm an idiot." Mako finally realizes before glancing at Kanna. "Which means you're the Protecter." Kanna nods her head.

"Both are true." Korra says smugly.

"No... way. The Avatar and her Protecter!" Bolin shouts pointing a finger at the girls.

••••

"Alright, let's see what you got." Bolin says. He stands beside two stacks of earth disks and motions to Korra. She floats a disk into the air with an upraised fist, and then throws it at a distant net with a punch, immediately following it with a second attack. Both projectiles hit the netting at about the same spot. Kanna claps from her spot beside Mako who is leaning against a ladder staircase.

"That was great. Good power. But in a real match you'd be a sitting turtle duck. Not so upright and flatfooted." Bolin takes a stance like a boxer, legs bent, fists held in a high guard over his face. He throws a couple of practice punches as he talks. "Stay light on your toes, right up until the moment when you need to dig in and strike. Then..." He throws a pair of stronger punches, and two earth disks leap up and fly straight at the camera. "Pop, pop." The flying disks curve slightly through the air, hitting the net just as they intersect. The Avatar is staring slack-jawed at the display. Bolin smiles and waves at the net.

"Okay. Let me try it again." Korra says with a crack of her neck. She looks down at her feet, and mimics Bolin's bent-legged stance, giving a few short hops. Then she braces herself with a twist of a foot, and throws a pair of strong punches that launch two more earth disks. The disks hit the net in a similar manner to Bolin's previous shots. Korra puts her hands on her hips and looks back to Bolin. Kanna notices that Mako is purposely not looking at his brother and Korra.

"What do you have against Korra?" Kanna questions. Mako shrugs.

"Nothing." He says shortly.

"Wow, nice adjustment! You're a natural at this." Bolin tells Korra.

"Not bad." Mako comments.

"What's it take to impress this guy?" Korra asks, gesturing to Mako with her thumb.

"What? I said not bad. You know what, it's getting late. I think I'm gonna turn in. You kids have fun. Nice to meet you, 'Avatar Korra.'" Mako says mockingly. He pats Kanna on the shoulder. "See you later, 'Protecter Kanna.'" He smirks seeing the annoyed look on Kanna's face.

"Yeah, been a real pleasure." Korra sarcastically says.

"See you upstairs bro." Mako says and leaves.

"Upstairs? You guys live here?" Korra turns to Bolin as she asks.

"Yup. In the attic. It's nothing fancy, but we have some great views. So, back to bending, why don't you throw that combo one more time?" Bolin orders. Korra takes her Pro-bending stance again, and throws another pair of disk-launching punches. They strike the net perfectly again, and Korra pumps her fists with victory. Kanna and Bolin claps.

••••

Kanna, Tenzin, Ikki, Jinora, and Meelo stand behind Korra to watch her attempt at the Gates once again. Kanna glances at Tenzin.

"I bet you that Korra is going to do something stupid and destroy the Gates." Kanna says. Tenzin snorts and the two shakes hands.

"You're on. Korra can't be that bad." Tenzin says.

"Loser has to clean the winner's room." Kanna tells him which he nods in agreement. The two go back to watching Korra as the kids look at the two in amusement. They never see this side of their father. Korra exhales angrily, clenching her fists, and makes another reckless dash at the Airbending Gates. She gets into the thick of the Gates when she once again slams into one, getting pushed into a spin that ricochets her around several more panels.

"Patience, Korra." Tenzin calls out to her. Korra stumbles backwards into another panel, and falls to the ground. She gets angry, and rises into a Firebending attack at the Gates. She throws a flurry of punches that unleash fireballs all around her, then lets out a massive attack that explodes outwards and takes out all the spinning panels. Tenzin and his family are staring with shock. Kanna is howling in laughter. Korra is panting for breath, standing in the center of a cloud of smile while the wreckage of the Gates burns around her.

"You get to clean my room." Kanna informs Tenzin in a smug tone.

"That was a 2,000 year old historical treasure. What... what is wrong with you?" Tenzin asks furiously.

"There's nothing wrong with me. I've been practicing just like you taught me, but it isn't sinking in, okay? It hasn't clicked like you said it would." Korra tells him.

"Korra, this isn't something you can force. If you would only listen to me." Tenzin says more gently than before.

"I have been! But you know what I think? Maybe the problem isn't me. Maybe the reason I haven't learned Airbending yet is because you're a terrible teacher." Korra screams at him and runs away. Kanna pats Tenzin's shoulder before rushing after her.

"Korra! Slow down!" Kanna shouts. Korra ignores her and picks up the pace. "Korra!" Kanna stops and watches Korra vanish from her sight. Lee and Naga appear on either side of Kanna, staring up at her. She sighs and pets their heads. "She's going to be okay." She whispers.

••••

Kanna and Korra appear in the locker room, seeing the looks on the brothers' faces. Kanna furrows her eyebrows and heads over to stand beside Mako.

"Are you okay?" She questions while placing a hand on his shoulders. Mako shrugs her hand off.

"We didn't miss your match, did we? You guys look like you lost already." Korra comments.

"We might as well have." Bolin mumbles sadly.

"Hasook's a no-good no-show!" Mako hisses in anger.

"You have two minutes to come out ready to play or you're disqualified." The referee peeks his head in and informs them.

"Well, there goes our shot at the tournament... and the winnings." Mako says.

"Can't you ask one of those guys to fill in?" Korra questions and points to the other team.

"Nah, the rules say you can only compete on one team." Bolin informs her.

"Well, then... how about me? I'm a top-notch Waterbender, if I do say so myself." Korra smiles smugly.

"But, you're the Avatar. Isn't that cheating?" Bolin asks.

"It isn't cheating if I only do Waterbending." Korra says.

"No way. I'd rather either forfeit or have Kanna be our waterbender than look like a fool out there." Mako growls. Kanna blinks in surprise.

"Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence." Korra says glancing at Mako. Bolin turns to Kanna with a large smile.

"Will you be our waterbender?!" He asks. Kanna glances at Korra seeing that look on her face.

"I don't fully understand the rules of pro-bending or even know a lot about to like Korra does. I just might make you guys lose." Kanna tells them. Mako frowns deeply.

"Times up. You in or out?" The referee comes back and questions.

"We're in." Korra replies before anyone else could.

"We are?" Mako interjects.

"Yes!" Bolin fist bumps.

"Hey, I didn't agree to this." Mako says. Bolin and Korra are already leaving.

"You can thank me later." Korra tells him.

"This girl is crazy." Mako says to Kanna who grins.

"She'll grow on you eventually." Kanna says. Mako sighs and pats her shoulder beige following his teammates. Suddenly, Lee appears and yips. "What's wrong boy?" She asks, crouching down. Lee spins in a circle on his hind legs still yipping. "Tenzin is coming here." She says noticing Lee trying to mimic Tenzin's walk. "Let's hope this match is over before he gets here." She says and picks Lee up. Lee settles himself on her head.

"Looks like the Fire Ferrets have ferreted out a last minute replacement Waterbender. Let's she if she's another diamond in the rough like the brothers from the school of hard knocks. Players, are you ready?" The referee blows his whistle and motions to begin the match. Korra immediately grins and performs a strong horizontal kick that summons a heavy stream of water to pound one of the opposing players straight over side-ropes and into the pool below. He screams as he falls. Mako facepalms as the other team players glare at Korra, clearly upset. Kanna slowly covers her face with her hands.

"Woo-hoo, man overboard!" Korra cheers.

"Fire Ferret Waterbender penalty. Move back one zone."

"What? Why?" Korra asks.

"You're only allowed to knock players off the back of the ring, not over the sides!" Mako hisses.

"Oh... whoops." Korra scratches the back of her head. She moves back to zone two as the player she knocked out returns to his team's first zone. The bell rings to start the game again.

"And we're back in action after that hiccup." .Korra takes an earth disk to the stomach, and slides back. "But I'm not so sure this replacement player knows what she's doing." Korra rushes forward into a leaping kick that catches an incoming stream of water and tosses it back, but she lands with one foot back in zone one. "Foul. Over the line. Move back to zone three."

"Argh. I'll show you over the line." Korra punches the aid as she moves back. Mako and Bolin watch her move back to the final zone. As the bell rings again, Bolin taps his fingers together with chagrin, as Mako merely looks down in resignation. Kanna is biting her nails.

"The Platypus Bears take round one. The Platypus Bears know a green player when they see one, and they are focusing the brunt of their bending on this poor girl." Korra dodges and blocks a storm of attacks, getting forced from one side of the field to the other. She finds herself at the focal point of simultaneously fire and water attacks, and with a growl brings up a shield of earth disks to intercept the incoming elements."
Wait a minute? Did that Waterbender just Earthbend?" The crowd gasps in the darkened stands. The Platypus Bears stare in shock. The referee's whistle blows as Korra looks around warily. Mako, Bolin and Kanna face palm. "Foul... I think?" The three stare at Korra in dismay and Mako sighs.

"Did I see that right? Hold on folks, we're just waiting for the refereeís official call, but I think this replacement player could be. No, there's no way. You've gotta be kidding me, she's the Avatar folks, playing in a Pro-bending match. Can you believe that?" Kanna glances at Lee.

"Well Tenzin is most likely going to be here soon." She says.

"The Avatar will be permitted to continue, so long as she solely bends water." The crowd cheers. "This girl may be the Avatar, but she's no Pro-bender, and the Platypus Bears are intent on exploiting that weakness. They're giving her their best, and her best ain't good enough to stop it." Korra tries to block a fireball, but it pushes her back and off balance. An earth disk hits her immediately after, leaving her open for a line of water that upper-cuts back. Two buzzers sound as she passes into zones two and three. "Annnd she's in the drink." Korra goes right over the back of the field and into the pool. She swims to a platform where she can pull herself out of the artificial lake. She just gets hold of the edge of the platform and leans onto it when two shadows fall over her. She glances up to see an angry Tenzin and an apologetic Kanna.

"Oh, hey Tenzin. I thought you didn't like coming to these matches, ha ha." She says and climbs fully out of the pool and onto the platform.

"Once again you have flagrantly disobeyed my orders. You were to stay on the island. Kanna, I expected more out of you. Let's go." Tenzin orders.

"No, I'm kind of in the middle of something." Korra hisses, clenching her fists to stop herself from going after Tenzin for the look of sadness on Kanna's face. "Kanna came here to protect me in case anything happened. As you can see, I'm fine where I am."

"I have tried my very best to get through to you by being gentle and patient, but clearly the only thing you respond to is force! So I am ordering you to come back to the temple, right now!" Tenzin yells.

"Why, so I can sit around and meditate at how bad I am at Airbending? You know, I'm beginning to think there is a reason I haven't been able to learn it. Because maybe I don't even need it!" Korra screams. Kanna's eyes widen. Lee lifts his head up. Tenzin freezes for a moment.

"What? That is a ludicrous suggestion! The Avatar needs to learn Airbending; it is not optional!" Tenzin shouts.

"No, this is what I need to learn: modern styles of fighting." Korra informs him while gesturing to the where the fighting is happening.

"Being the Avatar isn't all about fighting, Korra. When will you learn that?" Tenzin asks.

"I have a match to go finish." Korra leaves. Tenzin gives Kanna a look.

"Hey, you said I can do whatever I want." Kanna says. "You can't tell me what to do and I am here to protect her."

"The Platypus Bears win round two! Round three!" Bolin throws an earth disk and then takes one of the water blasts with crossed arms. He's pushed back, but stays steady. He comes to a stop near Mako, who is throwing and blocking attacks. "The Platypus Bears come out of the gate and quickly go after the Ferret brothers." Mako and Bolin are pushed up against the ropes at the edge of the field. They alternate trying to throw attacks between blocking, but they start getting hit too often to do anything but hunker down. They get hit by several strong streams of water, but stay on their feet." They're corralled in the corner, wedged in the edge of zone one, unable to come to the Avatar's rescue." The Platypus Bears' Firebender and Earthbender throw attacks at Korra. She dodges and blocks them with water whips, while Mako and Bolin take another strong hit of water. "And boy does she need it. Looks like the Avatar's Pro-bending debut is going to be cut short." Korra dodges a fireball and actually catches an earth disk in her hands that she throws away, but she is still pushed back. "She's been pushed back to zone three, and the water is calling her name." Korra skids so that her feet are right up against the back edge of zone three. She teeters on the edge, ducking under an earth disk but nearly falling. She grits her teeth with determination, and steps back into the center of zone three. "It's only a matter of time before-" Korra starts circle-walking right in zone three, enabling her to easily step around the Platypus Bears' attacks. Her form is perfect, cycling her hands so that they alternate positions, and stepping easily to change direction instantly. "Hold the phone, stop the presses, she's still in the game folks, and she's moving like an entirely different player. All of a sudden the Platypus Bears strikes are only striking air." The Platypus Bears focus exclusively on Korra, throwing attack after attack, but none of them so much as touch her, and she continues to calmly step around every disk, fireball, and water-stream.

"YES! GO KORRA!" Kanna cheers from her spot in the locker room.

"The Platypus Bears have no juice left, but Mako and Bolin are still fresh and juicy." Mako immediately goes into action by jump-kicking out a wave of fire. He lands and pins the middle Platypus Bear with a series of weak attacks, and Bolin quickly joins him and throws an earth disk. The other team is pushed back, and the Waterbender is even knocked off his feet. Korra makes a spinning jump that catches an incoming stream of water and throws it right back. Mako throws three Fire attacks at his opposite number and knocks him out the back of the field. The Earthbender Platypus Bear gets hit by an Earth disk, and a water attack knocks him to zone two, then a fire attack keeps him tumbling straight over the edge. The Firebender takes a water hit and keeps his feet, but a second stream uppercuts him into the air and over the back edge. "Knockout. The Fire Ferrets come from way behind and steal the win! What an upset folks! The rookies, Avatar and tow, have nabbed a place in the championship tournament. I can not believe it!"

Kanna hugs them all when the three finally come back into the locker room.

"That was amazing!" She cheers. Bolin chuckles and kisses his forearm.

"I am pretty amazing." He says to get slapped by Mako. "Hey what was that- oh." Bolin raises his eyebrows when Mako goes over to Kanna to talk to her. "I see what's going on."

"What's going on?" Korra questions. Bolin throws an arm around her shoulder.

"It seems my brother has a thing for your friend." He informs her. Korra feels her heart drops as she watches Mako and Kanna hug each other. Kanna is rambling and making dramatic motions with her arms as Mako has a ghost do a smile on his face. Korra tethers her lips between her teeth.

"You were brilliant!" Kanna praises Mako.

"Thanks." Mako takes his helmet off and holds it against his side. "Will you be here for all our matches?" He inquiries. Kanna smiles.

"Yeah. I will be." She replies. Mako nods his head.

"Good, good." He says shortly. Kanna watches him struggle to take his one glove off. She rolls her eyes before helping him take it off. "I could've gotten it off myself."

"I know." She shrugs. "It's not bad to accept help from others, you know." She comments. She stretches her back. "I am in the mood for some water tribe noodles! Who's with me?"

"I am!" Bolin immediately yells, going over to her. "Let me grab Pabu first."

"Why not." Mako says and joins them. The three stare at Korra, waiting for her answer.

"Sure." Korra says with a smile. The four leave the arena after changing clothes and getting Pabu. Bolin and Kanna are talking to one another as Lee and Pabu chasing each other around. Korra takes a step closer to Mako. "So...you like Kanna?" She inquiries.

"What made you think of that ridiculous notion?" Mako asks. "No, I do not like her." He answers. Korra smiles in relief.

••••

Kanna is practicing her water bending as she watches Tenzin and Korra converse as the gates are being rebuilt.

"Kanna!"'Kanna glances to see Ikki running towards her. "Save me!" She cries. Kanna picks the girl up and sees Jinora screaming in anger, bolting to them. Kanna immediately begins to dash away.

"What did you do?" Kanna asks.

"I ACCIDENTALLY BLEW HER BOOK INTO THE OCEAN!" Ikki cries.

••••