"Looks like the start of the new season for our Fire Ferrets isn't as welcoming as we all thought! What even 'we' means, if the players themselves don't look unchewed!"

The loud voice echoes through the arena, fueling the frustration already building inside the trio in red uniforms. This is a rough game. Bolin flinches to the side as a powerful water wave slams against him, his legs shaking from exertion. He can barely form a coherent thought through the exhaustion.

Whoever these opponents in their radiant uniforms are, they aren't the usual easy competition the Fire Ferrets expect at the start of a season. Normally, new young teams come to the arena more for sponsorship opportunities than actual sport—just a way to get their brand on a costume before being eliminated by more experienced teams. They still earn their yuan for advertisements.

It's the way older teams like the Fire Ferrets conserve energy for more important matches later in the season. But today is different. There's something in these new players' eyes that screams ambition. Surprising? Definitely. Overwhelming? Even too much. The crowd nervously screams, gasps, and jumps in unison at every sudden move from both teams. The tension wouldn't be so palpable if the score wasn't tied 1:1 and if Korra hadn't already been knocked out of the ring.

"I can't believe it! Wouldn't it be a groundbreaking shame for our Fire Friends to lose like that? In the beginning of the season, after winning the final three times in a row!"

Bolin's head throbs. The announcer's loud words irritate the anger already boiling in his tired body. He feels he might collapse into the water next to Korra at any moment. But he can't—wouldn't—let that happen. It wouldn't just be a shame; it would be a humiliation.

A familiar face flashes in Bolin's memory. "No," he whispers to himself. "No... No loss... Not in front of...!"

With a wheezing groan, Bolin pushes himself off the stretching rubber sides and makes a desperate move. Bending down, he performs a somersault toward the nearest earth disks. Blinded by an enemy splash attack, he still manages to reach the right position with bullet speed and knocks down the waterbender. Though he can't see the result, the thunderous crowd cheers tell him he succeeded.

"Mako! Straight up!" Bolin screams as his brother stands and with a swift hand movement sends the last two opponents falling into the water.

The announcer's欢呼 merges with the crowd's roar as the Fire Ferrets rush together in the arena, sighing with relief. The cacophony fades once they enter the locker room, where sweat streams from all three players like water over stones. Bolin doesn't care about his soaked uniform or aching muscles. He gently places his hand on Pabu's fluffy head, looking around with a heavy sigh before focusing on the small window.

Sitting like a wet puppy, he takes deep breaths, preparing to see the one person he dedicated this difficult victory to. If he had a tail, it would be wagging wildly, sweeping dust off the floor in anticipation.

"That was an incredible game! Though close, but... Worthy of it," Bolin says, caressing Pabu in his arms. The ferret leans into the touch, unconcerned with his owner's words as he focuses on catching his breath.