The darkness within

Chapter 3: y/n's feelings for Korra deepen

Trigger warnings: violence, mature language

Y/n's POV

Last night's bad performance not only left a sour taste in my mouth, but also destroyed Bolin and Mako. They look like they took a beating, with bruises all over their bodies. Bolin complains about the stiffness in his right shoulder. He won't even let Pabu sit on it. This clearly upsets Pabu, because he hasn't come out of his fluffy, little bed. Bolin loves that fire ferret more than anything and gives into all of the its requests, so I know his shoulder must be bad. I am a little worried about the match tonight. I don't like how sore my brothers are, but what makes me even more tense is how Azuk left yesterday. I am concerned he won't show up tonight. To not upset my brothers further, I keep my worries to myself. They need to focus on their recovery for now.

"Alright, I guess we better get to the gym for a work out." Mako gets up slowly. He is clearly in pain.

"No! You guys are going to ice bath, stretch and then do some meditation. Afterwards we will have a team meeting to discuss our strategy for tonight." I order.

"Yes coach!" Bolin salutes with his left hand against his head.

I chuckle: "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound so official. I'm just worried about your physical wellbeing. You guys will need your full strength tonight."

"What about Azuk? Should we go talk to him?" Mako asks.

"Let me deal with him. I am the coach after all. And, besides, it's kinda my fault he got mad." I feel guilty.

Bolin and Mako look at each other. Bolin places his hand on my shoulder.

"It's not just your fault y/n. Azuk has been upset for a long time. He was always looking for a reason to leave. The trust between us and him was never fully there." Bolin explains.

"Let me see what I can do." I say. I don't like giving up on anyone.

"Alright, just don't be so hard on yourself." Mako encourages me.

Bolin and Mako head to their ice baths and I make my way to Azuk's apartment. As I am about to turn the corner in the hallway to Azuk's front door, I hear familiar voices. The voices stop me in my tracks. It can't be. The Golden Temple Tigerdillos. What do they want with Azuk? I approach the hallway corner slowly, careful not to make a sound. I peer around the corner to confirm my suspicion.

"We came to talk about our offer." Haka, the Golden Temple Tigerdillos' captain, starts.

"Ok, ok! But come in. I don't want anyone to know just yet." Azuk ushers the three other pro benders into his apartment, before taking one more look around.

Once everyone is inside Azuk's apartment I sneak up to the door and press my ear against it, hoping to hear parts of the conversation.

"Look Azuk, we think you are a great bender. You are wasting your time with the fire ferrets. Next season Kano wants to retire and we need you on our team." Haka pitches to Azuk. "We know many water benders are interested in replacing Kano, but we are offering you that chance. The only thing you will have to do in return, is not show up for your match tonight. Think of it as payback for taking our chance at making the championship tournament."

"That seems a bit rash" Azuk sounds unsure.

"Take it or leave it. The offer stands until the match starts tonight. I guess we will know your answer, if you show up or not." Haka concludes.

I can hear shuffling in the room. They must be getting ready to leave. I hurry back to the stairwell and hide farther up the stairs. I watch the pro benders walk downstairs towards the exit of the building. I make it back to Azuk's apartment and knock on the door aggressively. How could Azuk even think of betraying us like that. I could feel anger rise throughout my body, finally settling in my fists. Azuk opens the door and before he can say anything I storm past him into his apartment. I turn to face him, as he closes the door.