the Platinum bender

book 1 chapter 7: pro bending finals interrupted

With the council convinced of leaving the pro bending arena open for the final match, Josh and Lin are overseeing a security sweep.

Officer: All clear.

Josh: That's one thing not to worry about.

Lin: can't take any risks if they're going to be some equalists coming in with the crowd. (Turns to Josh) I would like you to stay with the fire princess.

Josh: I have no intention of leaving her side. Aside from my inner man and yourself, Ophelia know about the 'other' bending that I've learnt.

Lin: (smirks) your grandmother would've been amazed with your secret. In all seriousness, something tells me that both you and the fire princess are more than just friends.

Josh: (Starts to blush, flabbergast) H-how, W-Where did you get that idea?

Lin: just a feeling.

The mother/son duo were joined by Tenzin as he checked in with the security sweep. He was worried about Korra's safety if the equalists attacked. That night came the final match of the season.

Bolin: Now I know there's a big crowd but don't be nervous. You're gonna do great, I believe in you.

The earth bender is chatting to Pabu as Mako and Korra head of to the field. In the private royal box, Ophelia had arrived with the royal guards and Josh. The fire princess invited her bodyguard to seat next to her as the announcer welcomes the fire ferrets.

Ring announcer: (from arena) Introducing the challengers, the Future Industries Fire Ferrets!

Ophelia: Future industries? Isn't that the company who created the Sato-mobiles?

Fire guard: it is, your highness.

Down at the arena, Bolin earth bends a earth disk as Pabu prepares to do a neat trick. The centre of the earth disk was removed and Pabu does a flip though the disk.

Ophelia: (love strucked) aw. That was adorable.

Josh: indeed it was.

The announcer welcomes the reigning champion team as a trio of pro bending players appeared while wearing Wolfbat masks. After the champions arrived on the arena, the team removed their masks and cloaks. As the match between the two teams begins, Ophelia notices that there was something wrong with the champions.

Ophelia: is it just me or is the Wolfbats cheating?

Josh: they're cheating. (Ponders, thinking) they must've paid off the referees to ensure they win. Talk about rigging the final match.

Ophelia: Josh? Is everything ok?

Josh: I was just piecing together a theory about something.

Ophelia: like how the Wolfbats are cheating? I know you well enough to figure out many theories.

Josh: (smirks) we were a great team of 'detectives' when we were kids. I come up with various of theories and you help out with the investigations.

Ophelia: like when my mother accidentally lost her glasses before her important meeting with my grandfather and brothers?

Josh: yep.

While the two chat, the Wolfbats had cheated their way to victory. In the audience, various of attendees started to act suspiciously as they pulled up their equalist bandannas and pulled out some kind of gloves from their pop corn bags. The Equalists started to electric shock the bender spectators and the metal benders. A couple of them barged into the royal fire box and tried to electric shock the guards but were intercepted by the fire princess and Josh bend their respective elements against the intruders.

Josh: (to a royal guard) take them into custody. I will interrogate them later.

Royal guard: as you wish, Lieutenant.

The royal guards placed the equalists intruders into custody and Josh promises to protect the fire princess when they head to help his mother and Tenzin. Sometime later, the chief of police saves Korra's life from falling at a height.

Josh: I can't believe that Amon can do this kind of damage.

Ophelia: My mother would probably want me back home if Amon and his followers continue to spread this kind of terror. Didn't your inner man told you of this?

Josh: if he did, I would've known and found a way to keep them away from attacking the arena.

Ophelia places her hand on his shoulder in reassureance.

The next chapter: more questions then answers.