Chapter 6: Night in Republic City
Korra anxiously looked at herself in front of a mirror while Opal and Asami diligently looked over her.
"Hmm, what do you think? Up or down?" Opal asked, moving a hand through Korra's hair.
"Down, definitely down." Asami said, removing Korra's ponytail and allowing her long hair to flow free.
"You should wear it down more often." Asami added, taking a comb and straightening out the messy bits.
Korra barely heard them, her heart racing faster as the clock ticked closer to six. Tonight was the night she'd have her date with Diago and Korra felt more anxious than any battle or pro-bending match.
"Korra, calm down. You're starting to sweat again." Opal giggled while taking a wet rag and cleaning up her forehead.
"I'm not nervous. I'm calm." She said in a less than convincing tone, still shaking.
Her two friends giggled while shaking their heads.
"I remember my first date with Mako. He insisted on paying for everything and ended up spending an entire paycheck at the high-end restaurant we went to. I felt so bad that I convinced my dad to give him a bonus for his good work."
Opal started to blush with an almost puppy dog look while clasping her hands together.
"I can't wait to see what Bolin has planned next week for us!" Opal almost shouted. Korra's nervousness almost vanished into amusement while she and Asami barely contained their laughter. The previous day, Bolin asked Opal out on a date as they finished up training. However, the earth bender looked more nervous than Korra as he did so, and Opal got so excited that she accidentally air bent him into the water.
"Did Diago give you any hint about what you'll be doing tonight?" Asami asked while finishing Korra's hair.
"I can't remember." Korra admitted, slightly embarrassed.
"Well, we all did get blood bent after watching Tarrlok make Liao a fire bender, so that might have occupied your mind." Opal laughed.
"Honestly, that sounds less frightening right now."
"Well, if you'd rather not go on the date, you could always-" Asami started.
"No!" Korra shouted almost frantically, earning more chuckles from her friends. The Avatar took a deep breath and stared out her window with a longing expression.
"It's just. I've never done this before. I've never really thought of anyone romantically, let alone be in a relationship."
Moments later, she felt another warm hand on her shoulder. Pema revealed herself between Opal and Asami, having also helped Korra prepare.
"There's nothing to it, Korra. Just relax and most important of all, be yourself. Never pretend to be something else to impress someone."
Korra blushed slightly.
"He didn't ask me out until we got to know each other." She said. Asami nodded while patting her back.
"Yes, he wants to be with Korra, not just the Avatar. Pema's right. Remember that Diago approached you, not the other way around. Unless you've been changing yourself around him, it's the real Korra he wants."
Korra's smile returned full of passion.
"You're right." She said more confidently.
"Thanks, you guys."
A few minutes later, Korra stood in the courtyard with the others. Her hair still down, though more nearly combed. Instead of her typical attire, Korra now wore a dark-blue sleeveless top with blue sleeve-like gloves over both arms, leaving her shoulders exposed. Rather than trousers, she also wore a brownish-red dress-bottom around her legs with a light-blue sash.
"Wow, Korra, you look beautiful!" Jinora clasped both hands together while looking over the young woman.
"I think we did a good job." Opal said, a proud look on her face.
"We'll have to do the same thing for you before your date with Bolin." Asami said while smirking with Pema.
"Maybe they can make you look pretty for Kai." Ikki teased her older sister, making the young air bender yelp. Particularly when she noticed Kai nearby practicing his air bending with Tenzin and a few other students.
"Jinora likes Kai! Jinora likes Kai!" Ikki shouted louder and louder, her sister furiously attempting to air bend her away, though unsuccessfully.
"Ikki, leave your sister alone!" Pema said sternly before Naga began to pant faster, her tail wagging as she saw a boat approach the island. Korra took another deep breath and saw him. Diago looked more well-groomed than usual and wore a military uniform. However, this jacket looked more ceremonial than the one he wore into battle, almost like a suit. His shoulder-epaulets were larger with a few golden cords and silver-lined cuffs.
He was handsome, not quite like Mako or Bolin, though. Still, Korra couldn't help but blush when he approached.
"I think Mako's more handsome." Ikki said, Asami glancing towards her with an amused expression, nodding slightly.
"Ikki, don't say that. It's not nice." Pema came over and stood behind her daughters, who looked at Diago and then Korra with great interest.
"I think he's pretty cute. But I still think he's lucky to be on a date with Korra." Jinora said.
"Are you sure?! Korra looks like you around Kai!" Jinora glared at her sister, though Korra soon joined in.
"Korra likes Diago! Korra likes Diago!"
"Ikki!" Jinora tried to grab her daughter, but she air bent around Korra on an air sphere.
"Korra's gonna kiss Diago all night long, then marry him, and have five kids-" Korra kicked up a rock right beneath Ikki, tripping her up and sending the young air bender tumbling across the courtyard.
Moments later, the Lieutenant arrived with a warm smile.
"Evening Korra, and almost everyone else it seems." He chuckled.
"Diago." Korra did her best not to sound anxious as she approached Diago and locked her arm in his, struggling not to blush while doing so. However, unknown to Korra, Asami and Opal both noticed a bit of red on Diago's face.
"I'll try not to keep her out too late."
Pema chuckled.
"No need to worry. Korra's an adult, and I'm not her mother."
"I think he might have been talking to Naga." Opal laughed, the polar bear dog trying desperately to pounce on them both, only held back by Opal and Asami's sheer willpower.
A few minutes later, Ikki and Jinora sat on top of one of the buildings allowing them to see Korra and Diago approach Republic City.
"I wonder what they're going to do all night?" Ikki asked with gleaming eyes.
"Well, if I were Korra, I'd want him to take me out to a fancy restaurant, go dancing, then watch the stars." Jinora seemed to lose herself to the fantasy.
"Is that how you picture your first date with Kai?!"
"Ikki, I swear I'm going to launch you all the way to Republic City if you don't stop!"
"Hey, wait a minute, that gives me an idea! We should go to Republic City and see how Korra's date goes!"
"What!? Ikki, are you insane! We can't do that to Korra! Besides, we'd get in so much trouble!"
Ikki narrowed her eyes with a mischievous look.
"Are you saying you aren't interested?"
Jinora fought off a guilty expression while looking back at the city.
"I'll tell you what. We could make a bet. I think they'll kiss tonight."
"What? It's their first date, and both are way too nervous. No way." Ikki's smile grew while kicking up her gliding staff.
"I say they will! We follow them, and if you're right, I promise not to tease you about Kai for a whole month!" Jinora's expression lit up with intrigue.
"Ok, I'm interested." Jinora shook Ikki's hand, took up her own air bending staff, and began gliding over the bay with Ikki.
"Wait a minute, what happens if you win?!" Jinora nearly went pale upon realizing she agreed without hearing Ikki's condition.
"If I win, then you have to ask Kai on a date!"
Jinora trembled so much that she almost fell from the sky.
After docking the boat, Diago led Korra across the docks towards a vibrant restaurant on the waterfront. Even from a distance, she could tell it was a high-end establishment. Particularly as they passed several very expensive-looking boats and cars parked nearby and richly dressed individuals entering and exiting the building.
"Wow, I hope you're not using up half-your savings on tonight." Korra almost laughed, remembering Asami's story of her first date with Mako.
"What's the point of saving up money forever if you can't use it for special occasions."
"Aww, you're so sweet." Korra leaned a bit more on Diago as they approached the restaurant.
"It's cuisine from the Northern Water Tribe. You're from the South Pole, right?"
"Yes, I am, and I can tell you that we prepare our food much better." Korra said proudly. Diago, however, shook his head.
"My mother and grandmother on my father's side were from the Northern Water tribe. The fish and seal-meat they made second to none."
"Ha! If we survive this war with Amon and Tarrlok, I'll take you to the South Pole one day and prove just how wrong you are!"
"Fine." Korra and Diago's faces remained spirited as they reached a hostess near the door.
"Good evening, welcome to Aqakuktuqs. Do you have a reservation?" She asked in a cheerful tone.
"Yes, I have a reservation under the name Diago for two."
Korra noticed many of those waiting to get in glance at her with anxious expressions. Many whispered or pointed with less than savory looks. However, a few appeared grateful/excited.
Korra tried not to look back, hoping that she wouldn't be recognized as the Avatar. At one point, she might've liked the attention, but now, she just wanted the evening with Diago.
Unfortunately, the hostess looked closer at Korra before frantically pulling out a newspaper.
"It can't be! Is she the Avatar!?" Both young adults took a deep breath.
"Yes, I am, look we'd just prefer a quiet dinn-"
"You need to leave, now!" Her kind demeanor all but vanishing into harsh resentment.
"Excuse me?" Diago narrowed his eyes with a growing heat Korra hadn't seen in him since the day they met.
"This establishment is for non-benders only. Our owner doesn't want benders and their trouble here! I appreciate your service, soldier, but-"
The woman yelped when Diago bent the water out of a flower vase around her for a moment before placing it back.
"If she's not welcome here, neither am I." He growled.
"You benders ban us from your restaurants and businesses. It serves you right!" One of the waiting customers shouted.
Korra fought back the urge to shoot fire into the ground and make the jeering non-benders wet themselves. However, she knew that wouldn't help anything. Yet Korra saw a few of the customers didn't join in and gave uncertain looks.
"I'm a soldier, and I serve all in the Republic, benders and on benders. If you'd actually read that paper, you'd know Korra is the same." Diago struggled not to shout, though the power in his voice quickly made up for it.
"She did break up that protest at Future Industries." One of the non-benders said.
"That doesn't matter. We don't need benders here! Avatar or not!"
Diago looked ready to press the fight but felt Korra tug against his arm with a calm expression, though with subtle pain behind it.
"Come on, let's just go. I won't stay we're I'm not wanted. But just know this, if you are attacked by the Red Lotus or anyone else-" Korra started, the receptionist and hateful guests readying themselves to retort that they wouldn't need her help anyway.
"I'll still come to protect you, just like Diago will. That's what the Avatar and soldiers do, even for those who hate them." Korra's expression wasn't angry, but it was passionate. She and Diago walked away, leaving the non-benders in surprise at her response. The Lieutenant sighed, maintaining his bearing with slight difficulty.
"I'm so sorry about that. I had no idea, Sergeant Xinyue and her husband recommended the restaurant. They-"
"It's fine, Diago. They probably didn't know. I didn't see a sign there."
"I just can't believe they'd treat you like that after you broke up a bender protest. We can't even escape the Equalists and Red Lotus when off-duty."
Korra lowered her head slightly before noticing Diago turning back to the restaurant, the frustration disappearing into a bit of optimism. Korra looked with him, and to her surprise, all of the waiting customers who hadn't given them resentful looks left, refusing to eat at the restaurant that turned away benders.
"How about that." He chuckled, smiling again with Korra as warmth returned to their bodies.
"Well, it looks like we another place to have dinner." Korra said, sighing slightly, at least until she saw a somewhat flustered expression on Diago's face.
"What is it?" She asked with growing interest.
"I do know of another place not far from here, Uiritsaktaks, which serves authentic southern cuisine."
Korra grinned triumphantly, tightening her grip around his arm.
"It seems fate has spoken. Come on. I'll make a few suggestions on what you should get." Diago sighed but led Korra to the next restaurant, also on the waterfront. Initially, Korra felt eager, for this establishment looked just as high-end as the last, with a few servers performing visible bending in the outdoors area.
A few people waiting to get in began pointing to Korra just like before, yet this time, they all looked very excited.
"Good evening, can we help you?" The host asked, sounding just as inviting as the hostess from the last restaurant had initially.
"Yes, we need a table for two. We can wait." Diago said respectfully. The host's eyes widened when he looked closer at Korra with wonder.
"I don't believe it! Miss, are you the Avatar!?"
Korra nodded, remaining hopeful they'd get a warmer welcome here.
"The Avatar!"
"Kuba, it's the Avatar!"
"Welcome, Avatar Korra, we're honored! Please, right this way!"
"We don't want to cut ahead-" Korra started.
"Please, we're privileged to have the Avatar here!" Korra and Diago experienced a sensation of pure delight that their date was back on track. It vanished the moment they saw a sign near the door which read "Benders only". Both almost trembled, turning slightly pale.
"Is everything alright?" The host asked.
Korra and Diago faced each other for a moment, and with a non-verbal understanding, they turned, immense disappointment returning to their faces.
"I'm sorry, we just remembered there was somewhere else we had to be." Diago said.
"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it's not another restaurant." He joked.
"It's somewhere that allows non-benders." Korra remarked, leaving the host and benders with her words.
They stood together along the waterfront, staring out at Republic City's bay and the night sky. Korra noticed rising guilt in Diago's expression.
"I'm sorry." Korra took a deep breath, feeling similarly frustrated, though with the situation, not Diago. She wanted to have a good night with him, but so far, the city's divisions kept them from doing that.
"It's not your fault. We made the right choice not eating there."
"Without a doubt." Diago gave a more optimistic expression as he turned back to Republic City. Upon seeing his smile return, Korra's morale slowly grew.
"I think I might have another idea." Diago led her to the Central City Station and past a massive statue of Fire Lord Zuko erected in front of it. Diago bought them tickets on one line, and within a few minutes, they stood together inside one of the cars watching the train depart deeper into Republic City.
Korra gave a half-eager half-relaxed smile as she rested her head against Diago's shoulder and gazed at the ocean of lights that was downtown Republic City.
"How many stops are there?" She asked.
"Dozens, we're bound to find something." Diago chuckled. His arm around Korra and hers around him.
"We've got the midnight train going anywhere."
Despite getting a bit hungry, Korra enjoyed the train. As much as she loved Naga, the ride felt surprisingly pleasant. Most of the passengers kept to themselves, allowing the young couple to savor the sights uninterrupted. All the while, Korra continued to rest on Diago's shoulder, enjoying it even more than the first time in their rescue of her friends.
However, Korra sat up for a moment after seeing something familiar moving alongside the train. Yet after a moment, it vanished.
"See a restaurant?" Diago asked.
"No, I thought I saw, eh, it couldn't be." Korra leaned her head against Diago again, unaware of the two air bender girls sitting on top of their train car.
"Whew, that was close." Jinora exhaled in relief.
"You can't expose us so that they won't kiss! If you do, you instantly lose!" Ikki shouted, though not too loud.
"I wasn't trying to."
"Yes, you were! Korra's resting on his shoulder! I knew she liked him! They're going to kiss by the end of the night, and then you're going to have to ask Kai out!" Ikki declared with a radiant look.
Jinora's slightly nervous expression faded as she thought back to the waterfront restaurants.
"I'm still impressed they didn't go to that second restaurant. They both have real principles, it's actually kind of inspir-"
"She's gonna kiss him!" Ikki cried, Jinora's face turning pink as she flew over and almost fell off the train while looking inside. To her relief, Korra merely moved her head slightly closer to Diago's with an increasingly passionate expression as she said something.
"Hmp looks like they didn't."
Ikki's smirk didn't fade.
"The night's still young."
Korra took a long and relaxed breath as they passed a few theaters and night-clubs.
"The city looks so peaceful at night. No protests or turf battles are going on. The hatred only becomes clearer when you get up close."
"Yeah." Diago said, though in a much dimmer tone as they rode past a hospital. Korra noticed his expression match his voice while he turned away from the building.
"Are you ok?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'd just rather not think about the bender vs. non-bender conflict right now. Everything it's done to this city, its people, to families." The way Diago said the last word stuck with Korra, though she decided not to press him about it, not yet anyway.
Another twenty minutes passed, and after quickly checking at another stop, Korra spotted a large establishment named "Night Fights". Her eyes lit up with excitement, particularly upon seeing a number of brawlers being led in the back, some benders, others not due to one practicing chi blocking.
"How about there!?" Korra's face lit up with almost child-like glee, and Diago looked it over. He didn't share the Avatar's enthusiasm, but the club didn't look run down or shady, particularly with a few well-dressed individuals entering.
"Alright, why not."
"Yes! Come on!" Korra almost dragged Diago towards the entrance. However, as they came down the platform stairs, she once again saw something moving about them.
"What is it? Think there are Equalists or Red Lotus following us?" Diago chuckled.
"No, I. It almost looks like, no, I'm just paranoid." Korra said, more to herself than Diago. Much to their relief, and as Korra suspected, benders and non-benders were allowed entry.
"Welcome to Night Fight, just two?" The hostess asked.
"Yes." Korra said, not even bothering to hide her face, even as many around them began to whisper with excitement.
"No way, you're the Avatar, aren't you!"
"Yes, but tonight I'm just Korra." She said, smiling at Diago.
"Are you sure?! We got fights going on tonight, and the crowd would love to see the Avatar!"
Korra couldn't deny the idea excited her but now wasn't the time.
"I'm good."
"Aww, maybe next time. Would you like an upstairs or downstairs seat?"
"Upstairs, please."
The club interior proved similar to its exterior. Very clean, well-maintained, with seating and decorations that could easily pass for a high-end restaurant. The only difference was a fighting ring in the first floor's center where a chi blocker and earth bender fought each other while the patrons cheered them on.
"Don't let him close in on you! Watch his footwork!" Korra shouted at the Earth Bender, who did his best to kick or punch rocks at the chi blocker, who easily avoided them with his acrobatics.
"What do you think?" Korra asked giddily, nearly dropping her glass of awamori. Diago carefully examined the two and tapped his finger on the table.
"Well, what makes this fight interesting is that the chi blocker only has to get one or two good blows in to win. However, you could say the same for the earth bender. Look at the chi blocker. He's pretty scrawny."
Korra nodded in agreement, noticing the non-benders slightly lanky body, though with lean muscle.
"It all comes down to who connects first." The two took a drink together just in time to see the earth bender forced a suit of rock armor over his body. The chi-blocker nearly broke his fingers when they made contact, grunting as he did so.
With an almost tenacious smile, the earth bender kicked up a pillar of stone directly into the chi blocker's stomach, practically hurling him out of the ring.
"And that's it! Du Guanyu wins!" The earth bender raised up both hands to roaring applause, including from a few non-benders, particularly those who bet on him.
"Oh yeah, this place was worth the wait!" Korra laughed, taking another long drink of the fire-nation alcohol. Diago nodded, enjoying himself more and more in the club.
A minute or so later, their serve returned with two trays and drink refills.
"Alright, we have classic southern arctic hen for the soldier and a northern giant seal crab for the Avatar."
Korra stared at Diago triumphantly as she watched him start eating.
"What?"
"I got you to eat southern food in the end." She said, cutting off a piece of seal crab meat for herself.
Diago narrowed his eyes slightly.
"And I got you to eat northern food." He returned, though Korra merely shrugged.
"I never said I didn't like northern food. My dad's originally from the Northern Tribe. I just said the southern tribe prepares our food better. I'm willing to have a reasonably good meal, so you experience the truth." Korra said in a very confident manner. Diago sighed but with a bit of amusement before he started eating.
The Avatar watched him very closely, and he did his best to look only reasonably satisfied.
"It's ok, I guess."
"The Avatar sees through your lies." She chuckled.
A few more fights went on, benders vs. benders, non-benders vs. non-benders, and benders vs. non-benders. Just like pro-bending, the mixed audience showed no bigotry or hatred towards each other and enjoyed the night together.
Diago's expression mirrored that as he relaxed in the atmosphere of fellowship. Korra noticed a few other men and women with military demeanors or more formal uniforms like Diago in the club, benders, and non-benders. The Avatar looked back at her date, realizing she never asked him one particular question.
"Diago, if you don't mind me asking. Why did you join the Republic Forces?"
Diago's face changed slightly. He didn't look uncomfortable but thoughtful.
"Well, if I had to guess, it was probably my grandfather. He was a soldier during the Hundred-Years war. I always loved spending time with him. He was warm, caring, and devoted to those he loved. It made me think about what it meant to be a soldier, to be a part of something bigger. Serve others before yourself, become part of a grand brotherhood." Diago's face filled with passion, the kind Korra recognized when she used to picture herself being a legendary Avatar one day. Seeing this warmed Korra immensely until she noticed sorrow dim his mood.
"He passed away then?"
Diago nodded slowly.
"Two years ago. He saw me become a Lieutenant and then died a month later."
"I'm so sorry. He sounds like a great man. He must have had some great stories about fighting the Fire Nation."
Diago remained silent for a moment.
"Yeah, he did." The Lieutenant said quietly. Korra felt a bit stupid for making him think about his dead grandfather, yet she also noticed the pain seemed to be more than just simple grief. The Avatar felt a bit stupid now for making him bring back was were clearly painful emotions.
"What about you?" Diago asked, his composure slowly returning.
"If you weren't the Avatar, what would be your dream?"
Korra almost appeared lost in thought for a moment.
"I, I don't know. I was only four years old when they discovered me to be the Avatar. Ever since then, it's all I've been. I don't know what else I'd be if I weren't the Avatar." Diago noticed unmistakable fear in Korra's voice, despite how hard she tried to hide it.
Diago placed his hand on hers with an equally warm smile.
"I know who you'd be, a dedicated, devoted, and loving person. Always remember you're more than just the Avatar. You're Korra." She didn't hide her blushing this time. Diago's words mirrored Kya's, and perhaps Korra finally started to believe them.
"Personally, I think if you weren't the Avatar, you'd make a great soldier. Maybe now that you have some discipline." He chuckled, Korra joining him.
"Maybe, you think I'd be a good officer?" Diago looked away for a moment, making Korra narrow her eyes.
"You don't think I could make it as an officer!"
"I never said that. I mean, you're the Avatar. You're meant to be a great leader. But there are administrative items, after-action reports. I don't think you'd like that part of it."
"Hmp, well, if Amon does manage to take away my bending, maybe I'll try to become an officer just to prove your wrong." Diago smirked.
"Ok, then. You can serve under me."
"Ha! I'd be so good. I'd outrank you in no time. I'm a quick learner once I find the right teacher. Look at how far I've come with water bending since becoming Kya's student."
"Alright, I'll give you that. You've impressed me there. I'd say you're at least as good as the water benders in my platoon."
"That's right!" Korra said, booming with pride and self-confidence.
"I'm probably better than you by now." Diago narrowed his eyes and sat up taller, exerting his height over Korra.
"I don't think so."
Korra continued to smirk with a look of assurance.
"You've seen me fight, and you've seen me in pro-bending."
"The United Forces didn't just train me. Five others and I spent years learning under Master Amaguq, one of the top practitioners of Northern Water Bending in the world. Since then, I've used my water bending in countless skirmishes and the Battle of the Northern pass." Diago didn't sound arrogant but still resolute.
"Hmp, well, Kya is probably the second-best water-bender in the world after her mother Katara, and she's a master of the southern style, which, just like our food, is far superior to its northern counterpart!"
Diago crossed his arms and joined Korra in a playfully intense standoff.
"Well, it's more aggressive than our refined and strategic techniques. So that does fit you well."
Korra's cocky smile grew wider until her eyes lingered on the now-empty fighting ring.
"How about we put your theory to the test?" Diago glanced down and locked his fingers together.
"Just waterbending then? You're not going to attack me with all the elements?"
Korra shook her head.
"No, I'm not even sure you can handle my water-bending. I don't want to hurt you."
Diago waved over a server.
"Yes, sir?"
"We have your next fight, the Avatar vs. a United Forces soldier."
The waiter nearly dropped his tray with a giddish face.
A few minutes later, the cub lit up with thunderous excitement as Korra stood on one end of the ring and Diago on the other. Both changed out of their formal attire into athletic gear. Korra now wore a blue top and shorts with Diago in just a pair of dark-blue shorts.
The Avatar did her best not to look distracted, for this was the first time she'd seen Diago shirtless. Korra saw Mako and Bolin in similar conditions during their training, but this felt completely different. Diago wasn't scrawny, but he didn't quite have as much muscle as either brother. Still, he was clearly strong, with a more efficient muscular frame, damaged by a few battle scars. Yet these marks weren't offputting to Korra. In fact, quite the opposite.
In her distraction, Korra overlooked Diago gazing at her with similar admiration. Unknown to them both, Ikki and Jinora watched from the rafters with contrasting expressions.
"They're going to fight on their date? Only Korra." Jinora sighed.
"Who do you think is going to win!?" Ikki almost shouted with her hands clasped.
"Well, it's obvious, Korra's waterbending is improving, but Diago has been doing it his whole life."
"We'll see!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have an extraordinary fight, one we may never see again! In this corner, we have Lieutenant Diago of the United Forces!" A portion of the audience, including all of the off-duty United Forces members, let out a great cry of support for Diago, who cracked his neck twice while getting into his northern stance.
"And in this corner, we have Avatar Korra!" The remaining audience members erupted into thunderous applause. Korra savored it, though not as arrogantly as she once would've.
"Finish your bets now. We're about to start!" The bell rang, and Korra immediately bent two jets of water at Diago with both hands. The first was far larger than the second, coming straight at the Lieutenant while the smaller jet moved carefully at his legs.
Unfortunately for Korra, Diago took control of both jets, moving them harmlessly around him in a circular veil. Korra came closer, bending more water above the watery shield, only for Diago to shift his barrier wherever necessary, growing with each successful defense.
Finally, Diago unleashed the water towards Korra. However, as she prepared to redirect it, the Avatar noticed it didn't come directly at her. Instead, he moved the water around Korra, encircling them both in the veil.
Korra found herself trapped in a shrinking space with Diago, who smiled, though with a sharp look of focus.
"It's all about being in control." He said, earning a grin of fierce determination from Korra
"You're right!" Korra reached out and managed to seize portions of the watery typhoon, guiding parts of it at Diago in both jets and bursts of ice. Unfortunately, the Lieutenant regained power over the water whenever it got too close, moving it aside and back into the veil with defensive and almost architectural movements.
"Let's see some fire bending!"
"No, hit him with earth bending!"
"I want to see some real air bending!"
Korra ignored their demands, wanting to prove her water bending skills. Yet, despite having more proficiency with the martial art than ever before, Diago proved far superior, much to Korra's irritation. Still, she fought back the urge to lose control and remained focused on Kya's teachings.
After another unsuccessful attempt to strike Diago, Korra's eyes widened when she saw his smile turn slightly cocky.
"For my northern ancestors." Diago unleashed all of the water directly at Korra in a tidal wave. The Avatar managed to redirect the initial crest away but soon found herself swept off by the water.
"And the Avatar takes a hit!" This made many jeer in anger while others, including the United Forces members, chanted with great excitement. Korra couldn't deny the power in Diago's water bending, nearly losing herself to the wave.
Yet, now, she was a water bender herself. Korra froze most of the wave and spun herself onto the ice, sliding across it while bending what little liquid remained at Diago from different directions.
The Lieutenant split apart any that came at him, turning his focus on the frozen wave. Within moments, portions of the ice melted and reformed as small pillars before Korra, forcing her to divert her path again and again. At first, she didn't mind this, as his attempts to trip her up proved unsuccessful. Yet soon, Korra came to the harsh realization that Diago's strategy forced her where he wanted her to go.
Just like that, He bent all of the ice pillars back into water, flying right at Korra.
"No, you don't!" The Avatar furiously redirected the attacks back at Diago until feeling a lasso of water ensnare her legs and by the legs. Korra cried out in shock as he pulled her over. Maintaining his tether with one hand and diverting Korra's defiant attacks with the other.
Finally, Korra found herself flung up directly at him and ensnared in Diago's arms as he flipped Korra onto the ground and pinned her there, bending ice shackles around her hands and feet.
"Awww!"
"Hell yeah! United Forces!"
"See, what did I tell you." Jinora said contently until she noticed Ikki's expression.
"It's not over!"
Diago gave a triumphant grin.
"Northern style wins." He boasted, but Korra's defiant smile kept him on guard.
"Oh yeah, let's see how it does against the Avatar!" The ice around Korra's hands and feet began to melt with steam rising up.
Diago jumped back just in time as blue fire exploded around Korra, only stopping when Diago extinguished the flames coming towards him.
Korra leaped up, her confidence back in force as the audience cried out in apporval.
"You said this was just a water bending match!"
"Well, it seems you can handle my water bending. Now let's see how you handle the rest!" Korra began bending up moving pillars of rock towards and beneath Diago, who initially sliced them apart but then moved fast across the field, surfing atop his wave.
Korra tried to bend the water, but Diago quickly shifted to another wave, moving the first back at Korra in multiple jets. Yet this time, Korra used air bending to avoid or blow the water away.
She then flew through the air right at Diago, unleashing a fury of blue fire with each thrust of her fist.
The Lieutenant worked tirelessly to extinguish every burst before finally unleashing a snare of ice and water around Korra. For a brief moment, it seemed he'd caught her. The attack struck Korra's legs and tripped her up. Had she been anyone else, the move would've ended in her tumbling across the ground. Luckily for Korra, she was an air bender too.
She regained herself with a quick gust of wind and sped forward at Diago, blasting him with a typhoon that hurled the Lieutenant into the ropes.
"Air bending folks! We've got air bending!" Diago tried to recover, but Korra moved too fast and pinned him down with stone, landing virtually on top of the soldier with their faces less than an inch apart.
"I win."
"You cheated!" Diago growled. Korra shrugged in a mischievous way.
"I don't see it that way. It was a bender vs. bender match. We both just used all bending available to us." He sighed, though with a growing smile and slightly bashful expression.
"Ha! Told you!" Ikki gleamed in victory.
"But, it was clearly a water bender, oh what's the point. They still haven't kissed yet." Jinora said. However, Ikki still grinned at her sister, sensing the fear in her voice.
"I'll bet you want them to kiss, so you'll have to go on a date with Kai!"
"No! I-, he-, he wouldn't even go out with me if I did ask. Which I won't have to because they won't kiss on their first date!"
Back on the ground, the restaurant lit up in applause.
"Well, the Avatar wins, I think."
Korra moved the rocks and helped Diago up, but not before hearing distinct applause near them. Both looked over at a table close to the ring where a familiar young man, perhaps Diago's age, sat.
He had pale skin, brownish eyes, and black hair combed forward in an almost flamboyant manner. Yet more than anything, the young man had a very smug and self-satisfied look to him. A beautiful young woman rested her head on his left shoulder, while a handsome young man did the same on his right, both caressing his body while he did the same to theirs.
"Looks like I was right about the Avatar. She's only a threat if she's bending something other than water."
Korra's eyes went wide for a moment.
"Tahno!" She growled while the Wolf-Bat captain sat back in an even more satisfied manner.
"That's me, the greatest pro-bender player on earth. Though it seems you'll understand that better than anyone in a month, little girl."
Many in the audience grew more interested watching Korra face off against Tahno, her face turning bright red in anger.
"Just you wait, pretty boy, I'll knock your stupid hair off your stupid head in the ring!" Korra declared.
"Hmp, maybe if you could use your other bending. But it looks like even soldier man here is better than you." Diago narrowed his eyes but didn't speak.
"If you're so sure, why not come up here now! I'm not afraid of you, and neither is Diago!" Korra declared.
"I wouldn't want to hurt you before your once chance at real fame, little girl. Besides, I'm just here to enjoy a pleasant evening with this pretty lady and handsome devil." Tahno planted a kiss on the young woman's lips then the young man's, making them both tremble with giddish expressions.
"One of the few places I can escape the insanity of this city. Benders, non-benders, it's all nothing to me." Korra blinked after hearing Tahno say that. She almost expected him to be a bender supremacist.
"Good. We wouldn't want to spoil the whole world's fun in a month when the new champions are named. It might seem less satisfying if Korra humiliated you here first." Diago said, placing his hand on Korra's shoulder.
Tahno's expression didn't change.
"Not if she water bends like she did tonight."
"The difference is, Korra knows how to fight outside the ring. I'm not sure I can say the same for you."
"Hmp, lucky we got nice soldiers like you then. I don't have to."
Korra and Diago gave Tahno one more unsavory look each before turning to leave. Despite the encounter, once they got far enough away, both smiled at each other again.
After changing back into their formal attire, the two tried to pay when the hostess shook her head.
"You're covered! That fight was the best show we've had in years! Here's a little something extra for you!" She handed them both a small stack of Yuan, much to their pleasant surprise.
"Well, dinner was better than I thought it would be." Diago chuckled while putting his money away.
"Definitely. It looks like those first two turning out bad worked out for the best." Korra said, locking her arm around Diago's again. They walked through the Republic City's streets, taking in the sights, sounds, and even smells.
They passed a few people recognized Korra, and some even called out in excitement or ridicule, though the Avatar ignored them. Instead, focusing on the beautiful sense of peace walking with Diago.
"We're here!" Korra gazed out with him at the same park she'd first encountered the Equalist protestors. Yet this time, it looked peaceful, with only a few people walking beneath the sea of stars.
Korra and Diago found an excellent spot to rest beneath a tree on a hilltop. There the Avatar rested against the Lieutenant's shoulder again while they drank wine from a bottle Diago brought and watched the stars. Korra exhaled in a very comfortable tone, savoring the moment of peace and relaxation.
"I take back what I said the other day. You have to beat Tahno now."
Korra chuckled, kissing Diago on the cheek. However, almost immediately upon doing so, she almost trembled, realizing she'd done so without thinking. Both blushed, but not as much as before, the two seeming strangely at ease with the notion.
Unaware, Ikki and Jinora both shook.
"She-" Ikki started.
"That was on the cheek! Not the lips! It doesn't count!" Jinora's trembling became worse.
Korra thought a bit more about Tahno and his attitude towards non-benders.
"It's weird. A part of me almost wanted Tahno to be like the Red Lotus. That would make hating him that much easier and beating him that much more satisfying."
Diago nodded, Korra noticing a bit of pain return to his face.
"We don't get to choose who embraces hatred. No matter how much we want to." Korra sighed with a reluctant nod.
"I was always told the United Republic was where all cultures and people came together in harmony. At least that's what Avatar Aang and Fire Lord Zuko envisioned."
"Well, Avatar Aang started the project. But perhaps you were meant to finish it. Avatar Korra, bringer of peace."
Korra smiled at Diago's words, but it soon turned humble.
"Avatar Aang didn't do his great deeds alone. He had a team Avatar. I suppose I have one too. Bolin, Opal, Mako, Asami, and maybe someone else." Korra said, tapping her chin.
"Naga, Pabu."
"Kya, Lin." Diago finished in a playful tone. Korra laughed before hugging him tightly.
"Where do you want to be remembered in history?" She asked the Lieutenant, who gazed up at the stars.
"As someone who made a difference."
"Not as General of the United Forces?" Korra chuckled.
"Maybe, if I'm worthy. Titles aren't everything. I'd rather be a Lieutenant who did more good for the Republic than a General who rose at my peoples' expense."
"Did you rehearse that speech?"
Diago shrugged.
"Once or twice." The two laughed a little as they finished off the wine, enjoying the alcohol's effect and flavor. A few more minutes passed, and the sounds of distant cars became drowned out by vibrant music. Korra and Diago looked down at a group of people dancing together near the pond to a small band. Upon closer inspection, the Avatar realized it was the same group of hippies she met there on her first day in Republic City.
Without a word, the two got up and walked down, hands held tightly. Ikki and Jinora watched from a tree as Diago and Korra slowly began to dance with each other. Deep passion in their eyes as they held one hand together and kept the other around each other's back.
The minutes went by, Diago and Korra's dance slowing slightly but becoming no less passionate. Ikki' clasped her hands together while Jinora turned pale in fear, for the sisters saw Diago practically sweep Korra off her feet.
The Avatar narrowed her eyes but still smiled at him as he held her in a leaning position. Yet as they stared at each other for another moment, Korra and Diago's expressions changed dramatically.
"No, no!"
"Yes, yes!"
Slowly, Korra and Diago leaned in until, finally, their lips met. Both closed their eyes and savored the passionate kiss, Korra's very first for that matter. She relished the warm feeling and exciting sensation, but more than anything, the presence of Diago made it truly wonderful, and Korra wished it would never end.
Jinora gave a crestfallen expression as Ikki patted her shoulder.
"Enjoy your date with Kai!"