The mansion was much happier with Karina around again. Riko was starting to get along better with everyone now, too. With the couple reunited, they almost brought new life to the family. For many days in a row now, they had ventured through the town to find new things to do together because Karina was determined to see more of Republic City now.
One time when they went to try a new bar, the venue was having an arm-wrestling tournament. Karina tried to hold her back, but Riko was determined to show off her strength in front of her girlfriend. After downing a few shots, Riko rushed over to the table where a crowd had gathered. She could tell most of the men there were earthbenders due to their stature and composure. It only made sense. Earthbenders are all about that strength and stance.
Karina cautiously followed, avoiding walking into the strong men. Riko went up to the ringleader, but the bald man laughed. “Look kid, if you wanna get to me then you have to get through my boys first.”
Riko looked behind him to see twin brothers, likely in their late 20’s, who crossed their arms and sneered at her.
Riko shrugged her shoulders. “Alright then. Let’s get it on.”
Karina slapped her forehead. Her girlfriend definitely had too much liquid courage, she thought. However, Riko easily defeated the twins in an arm-wrestling match. Karina blinked twice in surprise. Was Riko really that strong?
Riko smirked daringly as their father scowled at her and kicked out the seat across from him. “Alright then little missy, take a seat.”
Riko sat down and the two put their arms up to prepare to start. Someone counted down as they stared at each other. Then it was on.
Karina couldn’t believe her eyes, neither could the crowd of earthbenders around them. The two had been matched evenly, for over an hour.
The man’s two sons began whispering in his ear, as did Karina to Riko. “Riko just call for a draw. It’s been an hour already and you two haven’t budged!” Similarly, the twins were begging for the same thing from their father.
Riko sighed and the man scowled deeper. “Sir? How would you feel if we called this a draw for now?” Riko struggled to speak as they were still putting all of their strength into their arms.
The man seemed to growl and thought before answering her. “Let’s call this a draw, for now.”
Riko smiled tiredly as they, at last, released their hold on each other’s hand. She slid her hands under the table to hide that fact that she was cradling her hand. The older man let out a tired laugh and stood up. He welcomingly held out his hand for her to shake. She smiled and stood up to reciprocate it. She winced slightly as he roughly shook her hand. “Little miss, I never got your name.”
She chuckled. “It’s Riko. Riko Sato. You?”
The man immediately started bellowing in laughter. “Sato? As in daughter of Asami Sato? I would’ve never guessed, kiddo! I guess that means that you’re Miss Karina?” The man asked of the waterbender behind Riko. Karina smiled and nodded in return. “Well you can call me Cato. These are my twin boys Yang and Yui.”
Riko appreciatively shook their hands as well. “You’re really strong, ma’am. I’ve never seen anyone take on Pops like that. It was incredible.” One of the twins stated, making Riko grin.
The bald, yet long-bearded man crossed his arms. “Well, Miss Riko, you are welcomed to our tavern anytime! I do hope I get a rematch soon.”
Riko smirked. “Thank you, sir. I will definitely be back for a rematch.”
The couple giggled stupidly as they trekked back to the mansion. Once there, Karina noticed that Riko’s hand was red and that she was still cradling it. She gently took ahold of it and began healing it using her waterbending.
A few days later, the girls were taking a relaxing walk in the park. Riko had her arm wrapped around Karina’s shoulder protectively. The other hand was tucked into her pocket. Karina giggled at Riko’s attempt to exude her badassery. Riko smiled and pulled her in close and they quietly kissed, with Karina laying her hand above Riko’s chest. They pulled away, smiling at each other, and continued their walk.
Suddenly Riko halted their walk. Karina looked up at her questioningly, but the girl wasn’t looking at her. She followed her gaze and was shocked to see Riko’s little sister with a boy.
“The hell…?” Riko said, letting go of her girlfriend to sneak over. Karina sighed and followed her. They hid behind the tree to eavesdrop on their conversation. Nami was sitting on a swing set and the boy was pushing her higher and higher. He was her age, maybe a year older, and had short, rich blonde hair that hung in his face a bit. Nami was giggling as the boy pushed her on the swing.
“Since when has Nami had a boyfriend?” Riko whispered.
Karina chuckled. “Maybe it was recent.”
“She didn’t tell anyone!”
“Maybe she just didn’t tell you.” Karina commented. Riko looked down to glare at her. She sighed, though. It was plausible.
They watched for a few more minutes, but they just kept on swinging and talking. Karina sighed, getting ready to say that they should just leave, when Riko tensed up.
The boy produced a ball of fire in his hand and juggled it. Nami laughed at the act, but Riko suddenly felt that something was off. Karina grabbed her sleeve to get her attention. “They’re fine. Let’s just go.”
Riko wasn’t budging, though. “Something’s wrong about this.”
“Just because he’s a firebender doesn’t mean anything, Riko!”
Riko growled, but let Karina pull her away.
Karina felt Riko tossing and turning in bed once again. Even in her sleepy stupor, she knew what was happening. Half-consciously, she wrapped her arms around the earthbender to help soothe her.
