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Chapter 11 - Chapter Eleven: Innocent

The day's light ran out, but the arena was brightened even more with people from every walk of life coming in to see the nights competitors. Probending was something that never caught Harmony's eye, but she was intrigued to see how this mother and son would continue their difficult conversation. "You might wanna take it easy on him. He did say he had a match."

"Just follow me." She led the younger woman through the back halls of the stadium. It was as big as the island with every different kind of bender practicing and getting ready for their own fights. "Bankei!" Jinora ran to her son and his eyes widened with joy.

"Mom, I can't believe you actually came! I saved a special seat for you and the Avatar. I hope you like the view."

"Son, we came to--" He grabbed her hand, jogging to a small room with lockers and the view of a lifetime.

"Cheer you on, of course!" Harmony cut in. "Good luck, buddy."

A younger girl came over with a water tribe ribbon on her waist as Bankei's cheeks lit up. "Oh, spirits. Mom, please don't embarrass me."

"Hey, Banks!" The younger girl smiled and punched his arm. "You ready for the match?"

"Definitely. It's gonna be hot." He held his arm in pain. "You and Yuan practiced, right?"

"Duh, that rock head might be a dummy, but she's an awesome opponent." Yuan and another firebender boy walked into the room.

"I heard that!" The earth bender hugged her friend and the firebender smirked at the two.

"Let's get focused, guys." He pulled the waterbender in for a kiss on the cheek. 

She blushed and pushed him away, to the dismay of Bankei who was fuming at this point. "Raj, not now."

Harmony walked over to the airbender with a wide grin. "So, you like her?"

"No, I don't."

"Sure, and my uncle's a hog monkey. Is she the reason you wanna keep probending?"

"Well, yes and no. I really love the sport, but someone won't allow it." He gestured to his mother who was watching the current match and critiquing it with harsh eyes.

Harmony laughed with him and put an arm around his shoulders. "I get that, but you should talk to her. I'm sure she'd understand both reasons. Knock 'em outta the ring, Banks." She winked at him, ushering a bigger blush onto his face.

The team got into their gear and were lifted onto the arena. The four got into their positions as the announcer showed them off to the audience. "And now, introducing, The Flying Bison! Against them is the Rat Boars! Will these underdogs actually take on the seasoned Boars with all their strength, or fall into the drink with the rest of their hopes and dreams? The airbenders start throwing metaphorical steam at each other, while the waterbenders are at a battle for dominance! The Flying Bison don't stand a chance with this one and--"

The waterbender was thrown out of the ring immediately and fell into the water below. The match was stopped and she was brought into the room for medical attention. "Seriously, guys. I'm fine for another round.." She stood up, but quickly fell back into her seat. "Ok, maybe I'm gonna need a minute.. or two?"

"Really, Tanana? We needed you to take these suckers out." Raj frowned and stood off to the side.

"She's hurt, you jerk!" Yuan pushed him away from her friends and he fell to the floor. "I can't believe you're being so insensitive."

"I'm outta here. Good luck trying to find TWO people to join your team."

Tanana sighed. "I'm ok to get in now, but how are we supposed to compete without a firebender?"

Harmony lowered her head. "I..I'll do it."

Jinora gasped sharply, pulling the Avatar to the side. "Harmony, no. You haven't even started your earthbending training."

"With all due respect, I can do this. Master Jinora, just let me do this for Bankei?"

"I.. can't stop you." They both walked back to the bench. "Take it easy, both of you." She put a hand on both Harmony and Tanana's shoulders. "Maybe you should defend and stay close to the ropes. They won't be able to knock you off. If they do, it'll be a foul."

"You know a lot about this stuff, mom." Bankei cocked an eyebrow and smiled brightly.

"Avatar Korra used to be on the Fire Ferrets. I've studied up on my fair share of matches. Now, show them what MY son can do." They shared a small hug and Harmony face casted over with gloomy expression at their beautiful moment.

"Let's not get sappy, now. Come on, team!" She put her arms around the three other members. "We're gonna kick some Rat Boar butt!"

The new, and improved, Flying Bison made their way to the arena, but Harmony was a bit hesitant to begin. "Hey, you ok?" Bankei tilted his head.

"I.. will try to be. Let's try to fight 'em to the ground. Can you brush me up on the rules quickly?"

"Push them towards the back, nothing too fancy, and keep yourself in zone one. You're going to do great."

The announcer began to tap on the microphone to gather the attention of the audience. "Seems our underdogs have found their way back to the arena, and with a new member! Will she benefit the team or will they find themselves forfeiting this match for a second time?"

Harmony prepared her stance and stared at the other team. The firebender smirked with a cocky stare. "Looks like we've got fresh meat. I'll take it easy on you sweetheart." He fired a ball in her direction that she quickly redirected to him and sent him back to Zone 2.

"Maybe I'll take it easy on you instead!" The match continued with Harmony dodging water, air, earth, and fire. She managed to knock every opponent out of the ring with ease.

"And here you have it, folks! The newcomer is an absolute champion! The Flying Bison take this fight with flying colors!"

The team made their way back to the lockers where Jinora was waiting excitedly. "Bankei that was incredible! You stood your ground and glided through with amazing precision! Harmony, your training has been paying off."

"Has it now?" A strange voice made its way to the trio.

"Excuse me, but this is a closed area. You can't be here." Bankei tried to usher the woman out of the locker room.

"Don't worry, I have a warrant and permission." She flashed a sheet of paper in front of them. "Harmony, was it? You're under arrest." A man behind the woman shot metal from his side to clasp her hands together.

"Under what grounds? This is completely ridiculous!" Jinora grabbed the metal and pulled Harmony close to her side.

The woman smirked. "She is found guilty of robbery, obstruction of evidence, and running from an officer of the law."

"You can't just say she's guilty without proof! Release her immediately."

"Master Jinora, with all due respect, I am Chief Jin Lan. She is being taken to the station to be processed. If you disobey, I will have to take you in, under the grounds of harassing the Chief."

Bankei stood up to the random stranger. "She's not harassing anyone. You--"

"Stop it!" Harmony's voice resonated through out the small room. "I will go with you. Only if you leave them alone. They have nothing to do with what I've done."

"Perfect. Take her to the precinct."

"I'll find a way to get you out of this, Harmony." Jinora followed behind the young girl. "You're innocent, I'm sure of it."

"Thank you, Master Jinora, but you don't know me at all. I--" She was shoved into the car as the doors were shut quickly and the driver sped off in the direction of the station.

Jinora took her son back to the Island in a hurry. "Mom, we're gonna get her back. Right?"

"Of course, we will. Mako, Asami, and Bolin are going to help. Harmony is innocent and we are going to get her back from that woman."