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[ JAN 2, CLOSED TO RUBY, BLAKE & JAUNE ]

The last month had been a busy one for the Xiao Long-Rose sisters. Since the appearance of the Fire Nation portal, the girls had become extremely spoiled and spent as much of their time as possible with their father during his own winter vacation. Even though Republic City stopped them from staying longer than two weeks, it didn't stop the girls from jumping right back in all over again.

The time had been nice, but Yang had nearly overdone it. During the month she had been back and forth between Republic City and the Fire Nation nearly every few days. Yang was exhausted, to say the least between finding a new pace to live with Blake's help, picking up extra shifts waiting tables (to prove that she was a strong, independent woman!) and training with The Fire Ferrets-- not to mention Taiyang's own drills to assure that his daughter had not let up on form.

As much as she loved being home with their father, there was no point sticking around when he was going to be in the Earth Nation on business. That, she she was pretty excited to show Ruby their new home. ]

We're baaaack! [ Throwing open the front door, she She called out to the other two residents as she threw the front door open. ] Ruby, welcome to your humble abode! [ A small black and white dog rushed between Yang's legs, barked a few times before sniffing at the couch and running in circles. ] Oh, you two, Zwei! Hope it's okay that we brought him back, dad's going on a business trip so we thought it would be best if he stayed with us for a while.

[ Around Republic City & Avatar Korra Park ]

[ Dogs needed walks and that was exactly what Zwei was going to get. Altogether, the dog was very excited to be in the new city. Though without a leash, the dog was happy to follow his owner. Occasionally he would stop to offer strangers a friendly bark, hoping for a pet or a bite of food they had just purchased.

Yang showed him as much as the city as possible, pointing out wherever they were going whether the Probending Arena or the statue of Avatar Korra in the park. Zwei took a particular liking to the park, there were tons of trees to pee on and he even took a moment to sniff and take a leak on Korra's statue. Yang sighed loudly. ]

Zwei, you can't pee on that, that's our Avatar. [ The corgi tilted his head at the statue and parked before he pranced back to Yang with a wag of his tail as if asking where to next. ]

[ Ferry & Air Temple Island ]

[ Through their adventures around the City, Yang and Zwei decided to surprise Ruby during her break in training with carry out. As Yang was not blessed with the ability to bend air, she was forced to take the ferry across to Air Temple Island. Both woman and dog enjoyed the nice breeze across the ferry well enough though and occasionally Zwei would run in circles in excitement.

As they reached land, Zwei sniffed the ground and barked loudly. ] Alright Zwei, this is what you're made for! Let's go surprise Ruby!

[ Zwei barked in response and took off... in completely the opposite direction. ] Hey-- Zwei, wait up! You're going the wrong way!

[ But the dog had a mind of his own, rather than taking the quickest way to training location he took the long way around. Running through the kitchens, indoors and occasionally stopping to sniff outside someone's room, only to bark and run off again.

Yang sighed after him, often offering the same apology along the way. ] Sorry, he's just excited.

[ Probending Arena ]

[ Even on days that Bolin wasn't drilling the team, the Fire Ferrets newest fire bender took the initiative to keep herself in shape. Most mornings she could be found doing laps around the arena with the "help" of a corgi. Around the fifth lap or so the dog usually gave up, choosing to watch her and bark his encouragement over joining her. Out of team pride, she wore ferret colors while she ran.

Once she completed laps, she would head inside and work on squats, sit ups, push ups and fire bending forms. ]

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[It looks like a strange commotion is going on by the Avatar Korra statue. The scruffy detective approaches with a confused look to get an idea of what's going on.]

Hey pal, what's going on here?

[ Yang noticed the man moving their way before he even spoke up. ] Look what you did, Zwei. You peed on The Avatar and now you're going to get arrested.

[ As the detective approached, she put on her most 'innocent' of expressions. ] Nothing, Sir! Just taking my dog here for a walk.

[ Zwei sat beside his owner's feet and barked in agreement. ]

Is that so?

[Gumshoe leans down to smile at the dog.] You're a cute one, aren't ya, pal? [But then he sniffs at the air.] Hey, what's that smell? [It smells... fresh.]

[ As the man's attention turns to the dog, she assumes they're in the clear and automatically relaxes. ]

You like dogs, sir? His name is Zwei. [ Zwei barks in greeting, wagging his tail at Gumshoe. ] Uh... you know, dogs gotta do their business once and a while.

[ She just hopes he doesn't look at the fresh wet spot on the statue. ]

Zwei? Now there's a cutie! [Gumshoe pets at the dog quickly.] Yeah, pal, I know all about the business dogs get involved in. Trust me! So you're all clear, hey little pal?

[But as he looks up from Zwei, he can't help but notice something out of the corner of his eye, as he looks at the Avatar Korra statue.]

[ Perfect! He was thoroughly distracted by Zwei now that there was no way he'd see what he had just left. ]

That's right, he's our family dog. He just came from the Fire Nation though where me and my sister are from, so he's getting his first look at the city.

[ The second his head shot up, Yang swiftly stepped in his line of vision. ] Looks like he really likes you, Sir!

[He blinks for a second, but then he looks back at the dog. He's not if he saw something out of place by the statue.]

Aww. Well he's a real keeper! [Gumshoe pets at Zwei a little more.] Aren't ya, little pal! What do you think of our fine city so far?

[Wan didn't make many appearances, though he was hoping to once his team got more settled and proper uniforms had been decided on. But he did like to come every so often. And he really liked watching the firebenders that were there practice. He couldn't publicly do so since he was the 'waterbender' of the team. But he could enjoy the sight of others practicing.

He recognized the Fire Ferrt colors on Yang and watched her for a while. She was clearly well practiced, and he wasn't as familiar with pro-bending style, but he could still recognize a problem when he saw it.]

Your feet are too wide.

[ She had been so caught up in drills that she hadn't even noticed that she was being watched. ]

Huh? [ Looking around, she caught sight of the man. Though they hadn't spoken at the time, she did recognize him from The Fire Ferret try outs, but she had been so caught up in going against Nezha that she couldn't place his bending. ]

They are? [ She looked down at her feet, back to the man and at her feet again. Maybe he had a point, she was so used to taking on a more "kick and punch" form of fire bending than was traditional that she hadn't even noticed. Sliding one foot in, she re-positioned her stance. ] How's that?

[Wan came over and stepped around behind her, circling. As he started to come around front, one foot moved over to push light against hers and move it backward slightly.]

That's better, but I think you'll have a better balance if you keep this foot here. And keep on your toes. Bounce a little more and keep your weight centered higher. You keep your weight down too much and don't move enough. It's fine when you're doing the kicks and spins of normal firebending, but probending you don't have the room you need to put power into those moves. You have to think lighter. Like the flare as paper catches fire and then goes out. A quick blaze, not a sustained burn.

[ Taking note of her critique, Yang moved as he suggested as he suggested it. Once he moved her foot, she moved her weight to her toes. It was completely different than her usual wide-footed style that involved both feet firmly placed on the ground, but she could feel the difference already. ]

Gotcha! [ It made sense in theory, even more considering the rules of probending in regards to firebenders. Taking a deep breath to fuel the fire, she releases several very short bursts of fire at the practice dummy. ]

Good, but don't breathe so deeply. Not yet at least.

[He put himself into the same stance as her, bouncing on the balls of his feet.]

Power comes from the breath, but part of bro-bending is a need for staying power. If you focus too much on breathing heavily during the early part of the fight, you'll have no power for the rest of it. You won't be able to help your teammates because you'll wear yourself out.

[Wan shot off a couple quick bursts of fire without thinking to demonstrate, striking the target as easily as she had.]

Breathe deeply only if you have an open shot at knocking someone off the edge. The rest of the time, you need to distract and redirect with your fire. Use it to push your opponents where you need them to be.

[Asami often spends her breaks unwinding in the Park, so that's where she is this afternoon. A good walk to stretch her legs makes sitting at a desk all day a bit more bearable. She barely bites back a laugh, though, when she sees Zwei lifting his leg to Korra's statue.]

I'm sure he's not the first.

I guess you can say the dogs around here channel their inner bender with a little... water bending. [ Eh? Eh? She's funny, right? Zwei doesn't seem to think so, he gives her a look before turning his attention to the pretty lady that had joined them.

Prancing up to her, he sits down and barks in greeting. Yang is just happy it's not The Avatar herself that appeared, though she has no idea that the woman before them is actually friends with her. Not that it would keep her from lame puns or anything. ]

[Asami bites her lip and gives the other woman a cynically amused look. That was bad. That was just bad. She does, however, grin at the unfamiliar breed of dog who wants to say hello. Asami crouches down to scratch between his ears.]

They do say that the original benders were often animals. Though I wouldn't be surprised if dogs just had a thing for Korra.

[Because really she domesticated a half-bear at the age of six...]

[ The corgi is practically in love with Asami already, turning his head slightly for better scratches, his little tail wagging in excitement against the pavement. ]

On second thought, dogs were probably slobber benders. [ She places a hand on her hip. ] Oh, I get it. He was just paying his respects, is that right Zwei?

[ Zwei barks in response, whether it's from excitement from Asami's loving or in actual response to Yang is left unknown. ]

[Asami raises her eyebrows at Zwei's enthusiastic reaction and smiles. She's gotten much better with animals since having Naga and Pabu around.]

Something like that!

[She turns her attention properly up to the other woman, expression mild.]

You... play for the Fire Ferrets, right?

[Asami still goes to matches, even if finding time is more difficult these days. It's hard to miss all that yellow hair.

...Don't worry, she's not going to run you over.]

[ Yang's face positively lights up, it's been the first time since she joined the team that she's gotten recognition outside of the ring. ]

That's right, I'm the team's firebender! [ With a grin, she hooks her thumb at her chest, even though it would be obvious to anyone watching just which position she played. ] You like Probending?

[ What she actually wanted to ask if she was a fan, but The Ferrets didn't too well the last year that she didn't entirely expect her team to be first pick. ]

Edited 2015-01-21 02:32 (UTC)

Always been a fan. I've been watching the Fire Ferrets for years.

[...Even though you guys aren't doing so hot... But she'll always support Bolin's team no matter what.]

It's good that Bolin's been able to keep the team going.

[ While Yang had always dreamed of being a Probender, she never fully realized how much pride she would have by hearing the team she's on has fans. She pumped her fists up in excitement. ] That's great! I've always been a big fan myself, but I've never had the luxury of actually seeing a match until I moved here. I hope I can measure up, the Fire Nation isn't exactly the best place for practice.

[ While she knew this woman's name from a fellow meeting, it had yet to hit her that she was the Asami. Had she known it was her crest worn on her uniform, she would have shown far more appreciation. ] Oh, yeah, Bolin's a great coach!

Did you learn more traditional firebending back in the Fire Nation?

[Asami knows Republic City's flavor of bending is very different from the traditional forms. It's obvious in how Bolin and Mako move versus how Korra moves.]

[ Hopefully Yang didn't mind hearing the fit of giggles near by. The park was one of Jin's favorite places to go and when she happened across that little scene she just couldn't help it. She just started laughing and she couldn't hide it. ]

[ She hardly minds and nor does the dog. If anything, he enjoys the attention as if he had done something good by relieving himself on the statue. Laughter is contagious, and Yang finds she needs to stifle a snicker herself. ]

Okay, I guess it is pretty funny.

S-sorry! Sorry I just... it was just hilarious. He looked so proud of himself and

[ She laughs more as she moved closer to Yang.. ]

[ Snrk. ] You don't need to be sorry, he does like the attention.

[ And he is rather proud of himself. He trots over to Jin to sit at her feet with a wag of his tail as if to prove his point. ] Don't mind him, he just doesn't know the meaning of "personal space".

[ SHe shakes her head with a smile and bends down to pet him happily. ]

I don't mind any. He's such a handsome boy anyway.

[ With a feigned groan, Yang rolls her eyes. ] Now you said it, it's going to get in his head now!

[ He was a handsome dog though and he absolutely adored the attention. To show his appreciation he reaches up and gives Jin a big slobbery kiss. ]

[ jin laughs and ends up falling on her butt from the affectionate attack of the dog. ]

You're so forward, puppy!

[ She laughs more and ruffles up his fur happily. ]

I've never met an animal this affectionate before.

[ Now that he has her right where he wants her, he's going to hop onto her chest and continue to affectionately attack her! Good thing he was a fairly small dog and didn't weigh that much. ]

Oh, that's not even the half of it. You should see him with my sister and dad, he's completely spoiled. [ After the dog has had long enough to show Jin his appreciation Yang whistles. ] C'mon, Zwei. I'm pretty sure she doesn't want to smell like dog slobber!

I don't think I've ever had anyone that affectionate with me before.

[ She laughs and tries wiping off her face. ]

[Well, Blake had been enjoying a quiet afternoon at home right up until that moment. When the sisters arrive home again, Blake's sitting on the couch with her nose in a book as ever. One good thing about Yang and Ruby going off on vacation was that it gave her a chance to catch up on her reading, since Jaune was far easier to ignore, and the "finished" stack of books next to her was quickly catching up to the "unread" stack in heigh.

Still, she has a small smile on her face when the door opens and she starts to greet the two when... when it happens. A little yapping ball of terror and fluff comes rolling into the house, and makes a beeline right for her spot.

She has only a second to react! Images of precious books falling victim to slavering, savage jaws rush through her mind, pages scattered and destroyed amid puddles of drool! She needs to act fast!

And so, by the time Zwei reaches the couch Blake is elsewhere.

Specifically, standing on the coffee table.

With her books cradled protectively in her arms.

She stares at the rampaging, vicious creature for a second before turning a wide-eyed, panicked look to her roommates.]

A dog? You brought home a dog?

Where's a dog?

[As if pinged by the very word, Jaune emerges from around the corner with wide, curious eyes to investigate. Back home he'd always wanted a pet, but it never seemed to be in the stars for him. When it came down to a family vote, it was hard to counter the seven NOs from his sisters at the mere suggestion of one. They always chose cute, cuddly, and girly pets, much to his dismay.

When he sees Zwei, his face lights up and his smile widens. It's short-lived, however, when he looks over toward Blake.]

And why is Blake standing on the coffee table?

[..and here comes Ruby, as perky as ever, especially considering she's among not only friends but her sister, her dog, and completely 100% filled up with fire gummies for her sugar intake of the day.

Looking at the friends before her, she can't help but allow for the biggest smile, seeing Blake doing... whatever it is Blakes do, plopping her hands on her hips and shaking her head, donning a facetious tone.]

Blake! Get down from there before you hurt yourself, you silly turkeygoose!

Edited 2015-01-22 00:25 (UTC)

[ Blake's reaction to Zwei was unexpected and surprisingly over-dramatic for her. She shrugs in response. ] Well, it's not like we could have left him at home. Trust me, without someone filling his bowl every day he'd probably starve.

[ When Jaune walks in, she waves and steps further inside. ] Oh, hey Jaune! I hope you like fire flakes, we brought home a whole box!

[ Said box happened to be sitting in the open door where Yang had clearly dumped it when they arrived. It's big enough to last the whole household about three months. That is, assuming the two enjoy them. ] Who knows, I guess she doesn't like dogs?

[ Which was really too bad because Zwei was already making himself rather comfortable on the couch where Blake was sitting moments ago. ]

[It happens to be the day that Mia is finally visiting Air Temple Island when all of a sudden a dog just starts dashing by. In fact, for a moment it's actually coming at her. It totally doesn't seem that threatening, but it is circling around her as if she's the most interesting thing ever.]

Well, hey, you, where'd you come—

[And before she can finish her sentence, the dog is off again... presumably because Yang is chasing after it, and the dog must think it's a game.]

Is... he your dog?

[ It just happens that to Zwei everything and everyone was the most interesting thing ever! For a moment, Yang actually thinks she's going to be able to catch up with him until he darts again.

Stopping, she takes a moment to catch her breath and address the woman speaking to her. ] Yeah, his name is Zwei! And I'm Yang! [ It just happens that owner is about as friendly as the dog and is quick to stick her hand out in greeting. ]

[Isn't that the way with most dogs ever, really?]

Mia, good to meet you. [Mia takes Yang's hand in greeting and shakes it gently.] Need some help catching your friend?

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[Avatar Korra Park]

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Probending Arena

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Avatar Korra Park

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[Avatar Korra Park ]

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Home

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Air Temple Island!

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