As long as she knew the rules then Houjin guessed that they would be fine. A comforting hand was placed on his arm. He looked down at the source and found Ukik smiling brightly. [color=8882be]"We'll do fine. Just have a little faith, all right?"[/color] He returned her smile before ruffling her hair.

Ukik quickly re-braided her hair before holding out her fist. She waited for Houjin to do the same. [color=8882be]"I'm ready!"[/color] She chirped. 

Houjin placed his fist with theirs and smiled. [color=f9ad81]"I am too. We can do this."[/color] Houjin lead the way towards the entrance to the center of the arena. When they arrived at the doors Houjin noticed Zira and her teammates. They were slumped against the wall with their helmets resting in their laps. By the frowns each wore on their face he didn't have to guess what happened. 

[color=9e0b0f]"Hey."[/color] Zira said with a weak smile. [color=9e0b0f]"Looks like there's always next year for us."[/color] 

Houjin wanted to say something to make things better but he knew that there was nothing he could say without messing up. Ukik was silent as she took in the heartbroken looks of the three sitting on the ground. 

[color=8882be]"How about after our match we all go out for some dinner?"[/color] Ukik asked, [color=8882be]"Or I could make some-"[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]"Nah. We'll be fine, thank you though."[/color] Zira said softly. [color=9e0b0f]"I don't feel hungry anyways."[/color]

Ukik deflated at her words. They said their goodbyes to Zira and her team before heading towards the platform that would take them across to the inner area of the arena. 

[color=8882be]"Ready?"[/color] Ukik asked Mara. 

Houjin took up his place on the right side of the middle section of the platform while Ukik took the left side, leaving Mara to stand in the middle. Their opponents must have been new to the sport of pro-bending, Ukik had never heard of them and she religiously followed all of the pro-bending teams, even when the Badgerfrogs weren't active in the pro-bending scene.

Houjin tuned out everything the announcer and audience said after they were given the green light to go ahead and begin the match. He didn't hesitate in letting the fire fly. He concentrated on the earthbender of the opposing team. He didn't even know the name of the team they were against. Houjin sent out short bursts of fire from his fists. He managed to push the other firebender into pulling defensive moves. 

Ukik, on her side of the platform, targeted the feet of the opposing players between dodging water whips and flying clay disks. When Houjin created an opening with the opposing firebender she let a short but powerful burst of water towards the firebender. It caught him off guard and pushed him into the next space, allowing the Badgerfrogs to advance. 

Houjin dodged a water whip that was sent his way, only to be met by a clay disk a few seconds later. He held up his arms to block the disk before sending a quick ball of fire at the opposing earthbender. Houjin and Ukik worked well together, giving Mara openings to strike while they blocked and redirected attacks. 

When the first round was called to an end, the Badgerfrogs were in the lead.