Chapter Ten: The Gala

Classes ended early today for some reason. Alessia and Kuvira were sitting on the bleachers waiting for the other dancers to show up. Hearing her phone vibrate, Kuvira checked it and frowned.
"What is it?" Alessia asked while looking at her friend.
"Dance is canceled today." Kuvira sighed while looking a little defeated.
"I guess Dean Raiko had something come up and needed all the professors?" Alessia suggested.
"Maybe. I'm gonna practice dancing anyway. Join me?" Kuvira spoke as Alessia nodded. They were already in their gym uniforms. They had their normal classes but physical classes were canceled. Alessia sat on the gym floor and began to stretch her legs out. Humming softly while standing up and stretching her arms. Hearing the music start, Alessia stood at her window by Kuvira. Pointing up her toes before turning her hips to jump her leap right after Kuvira. Smiling while doing their turns before grabbing each other's hands, Alessia had Kuvira do a spin before a back arch with leg straight in the air. She felt her heart leap before stopping. Her mind drifted off again. Her friend stopped and looked at her.
"What's wrong?" Kuvira asked while turning off the music.
"I..I keep thinking about something." Alessia spoke softly and sat on the bleachers again.
"About something?" Kuvira raised her brow.
"Okay. A pair of certain green eyes. I thought it was just me thinking about different colored eyes but it's always the same one." Alessia tried explaining.
"So, it's the same pair of eyes. Not different ones." Kuvira was now smirking.
"Why are you smirking?" Alessia frowned.
"You are crushing on someone. Who?" Kuvira asked. Alessia opened her mouth but was cut off.
"Hello ladies! All prefects are to meet in the Dean's office." Su's voice spoke as Alessia and Kuvira nodded. They grabbed their stuff and followed their professor out.

They arrived to find the other professors there along with the other prefects. Alessia gave a confused look but decided to be patient. She sat her bag down and took her spot next to Kuvira. Putting her hands behind her back and now listening.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen. I am sure you are wondering why I gathered you here today." Raiko spoke in a calm voice. Alessia looked at her friend with a confused look.
"As of now, councilman Tarrlok has requested a task force to be started to combat the rising crimes now happening in the city due to the anti-bending movement.." He spoke as the prefects began asking questions about it.
"Under no circumstances are any of you to join if you should be approached." Raiko spoke louder at this point. Alessia felt her heart racing. Would Korra join? Knowing her sister, Korra would do anything to fight crime. She is after all a hot head.
"There is a gala being held at the council building in the Avatar's honor tonight." Alessia rolled her eyes at this. Her sister did nothing to earn this honor. Shaking her head lightly and sighed. "We are to accompany the gala with extra security." He spoke. A hand was raised. Raiko nodded.
"What good would we do if our bending classes were canceled?" The fire bender spoke.
"As of now, they are canceled because our larger student body deem it unfair Iroh." Raiko spoke. Iroh? Where did she hear that name before? "Now, I leave the prefects in your hands, Chief. Dismissed. Alessia, a word please?" Raiko spoke as the others left. She walked up to his desk with a light smile. "Now, as the avatar's sister, they want you there with a plus one. I assume Kuvira then?" He asked as Alessia nodded her head. "I am sorry, you two won't be joining but please go as guests. Go with open ears and be sure to tell Chief Beifong anything you two hear." He explained.
"So, like under cover basically?" Alessia asked as Raiko nodded.
"Yes. You will find a package waiting for you at home. Dismissed." She nodded and gave him a bow before taking her leave.

She sighed while looking around. Wondering where the other prefects were.
"This was sweetie." The gentle soft voice of Su made her smile as she turned to follow the voice. Seeing Su smiling at her before taking the lead back to the gym. Once they entered, she saw the other prefects talking and arguing.
"Silence!" Lin's voice carried over the gym. A pat on her shoulder from Su before her professor went to stand by her sister.
"Now, I know you are all worried but you do have hand to hand combat training. Bending is to be used as a last resort. We don't want to divide the city anymore than it already is." Su spoke calmly as the prefects all began to take their seats on the bleachers. Alessia found Kuvira and sat next to her.
"What did he want?" Kuvira asked.
"Later." Alessia whispered as she saw Lin watching them before speaking.
"Now. Each of you had been given an ear piece. This small communication device allows us to talk to each other privately during the event. The channel is open to each and everyone of you." Lin explained as Alessia was handed a small clear like earpiece.
"Why aren't the police not doing the security?" Iroh's voice spoke.
"Tarrlok wants nothing to do with the police. In fact he despises the police." Lin explained. Alessia rolled her eyes. This city really needed to start depending on their police because this was getting ridiculous.
"So, as prefects, you are our next line of defense." Su spoke. Alessia could feel the anger in the air. Alessia was frowning at this.
"Hey! You agreed to take on the role as a prefects folks! You are not only role models for other students but for this city as well! You agreed to step up and take responsibility!" Lin snapped. She was right. Alessia knew she didn't take this role for granted.
"If any of you decide you do not want to be part of this, turn in your badge and go ahead and leave. There will be no retaliation." Su spoke softly. To Alessia's surprise, over half of the prefects stood up, ripped off their badges and left the gym after handing back the ear pieces." Shaking her head lightly.
"Cowards." She could hear Kuvira whisper. Her friend had fists sitting on her knees while looking down. Alessia nodded her head in agreement. They agreed to this. Now it was time to put the title into effect.
"Those who remain, thank you for your loyalty." Lin spoke. She began to give out the details for each prefect before they left. Kuvira was frowning.
"Do I not have details?" She asked as Su was smiling at them.
"Alessia." Lin crossed her arms as all eyes went to her.
"We don't have details because Raiko has another plan in his mind." Alessia spoke as her ear piece was taken away along with Kuvira's only to receive a new one.
"This one is a private channel for the four of us." Lin explained as they all nodded.
"Dean Raiko said that Councilman Tarrlok wants me there as the avatar's sister to make an appearance." Alessia air quoted the 'avatar's sister' part. "He wants us to keep our ears opened on the guests in case." She added.
"I'm still not following." Kuvira added.
"You are my plus one to the gala Kuvira. Our details are to go undercover." Alessia explained.
"Oh. So dress up?" Kuvira asked.
"Yes. Our package is at home already." Alessia added. Wondering on what earth it would be.
"Now. As I have said, private channel. Then this is the open channel." Lin was explaining while showing them where the switch was. Alessia nodded to show she understood.
"We'll meet you two at your pace before we head over to the station then the council building." Su whispered while gently nudging Kuvira and Alessia out of the gym.

They arrived at their apartment and Alessia sat at the counter with their packages.
"Here is yours." She handed Kuvira hers as she opened it.
"Wow." Was all they could say. Kuvira had an earth kingdom suit. Dark green with metal arm pieces and shoulder parts. It fit her look perfectly. It was almost military like.
"Let me see yours." Kuvira spoke as Alessia opened hers. It was a dark green dress. It fell right below her knees. Strapless. She held it up. She looked at her friend whose jaw was hanging.
"You're drooling!" Alessia teased while nudging her friend. Kuvira rolled her eyes as she left to shower. Alessia set the dress on the bed, She texted Su to let her know to let themselves in just in case they didn't hear a knock. The steam from the hot water covered the mirror as Alessia was humming again. Rubbing the shampoo in her hair before rising. Once clean, she heard voices in the other room. Assuming they arrived. Drying off with her towel before putting on the dress. It came with metal bracelets that she also put on. She couldn't reach the zipper.
"Kuvira? Can you help me please?" Alessia spoke as her friend appeared. Zipping up the dress with ease. Making sure her lotus necklace was still on. She hadn't taken it off since she got it. It was her favorite gift she had ever gotten.
"Let me do your eyes?" Her friend asked as Alessia nodded. Watching her friend leave before she sat down at her desk. Her wet hair fell past her waist. Trying to decide what to do with her hair as Kuvira came back. Once their eyes were done, Alessia left her bedroom. Closing the door behind her.
"Holy spirits. You two look lovely!" Su spoke as Alessia blushed and shook her head. "Here. Let me." Her professor spoke while standing behind Alessia. She could feel the gentle fingers touching her hair. Alessia was now red faced.
"You're letting someone else touch your hair? You cheater!" Kuvira smirked teasingly at Alessia who rolled her eyes. Lin however was staring at Alessia. Her cheeks flushed and quickly looked away. Alessia however didn't catch that due to being distracted by Su when she finished putting up her long hair.
"Thank you Su. I really appreciate it." Alessia smiled and gave Su a bow.
"Oh stop with the bows and give me a hug sweetie." Su laughed and pulled Alessia into a hug. She gently hugged her professor before taking a deep breath.
"Ready?" Alessia asked as all three women nodded. Lin took the lead this time as they followed her out.

They arrived at the police station as there were sato-mobiles there. Each important person received a prefect as an escort. Alessia and Kuvira did not have one since they were a prefect themselves. She climbed in followed by Kuvira who sat next to her.
"Hey, we can do this." Kuvira wrapped an arm around Alessia's shoulder. She nodded her head lightly. Her friend was right. There was nothing to worry about. They had arrived at the council building. The door was opened for them. Kuvira stepped out and offered her hand to Alessia who took it. She was hit but by several sudden flashes. Blinking a few times to realize it was the media. She felt her friend grip her arm tightly. Alessia's attention came back as she was led inside. Why were they doing that?
"Ah! You must be the avatar's sister?" A voice she did not recognize came into view. It was Tarrlok.
"Her name is Alessia." Kuvira spoke. There was a sound of annoyance in her voice.
"And you are?" His eyes turned to her friend.
"Kuvira." Her voice was sharp as she shook his hand.
"Everyone is in positions." Lin's voice spoke in her ear. Alessia's eyes traveled around the room. She did not recognize a lot of the people there. Professor Tenzin was there with his family. Meelo was running around before riding on an air scooter. She could see the few prefects left moving about in their routes.
"Ah Korra!" Tarrlok spoke. Alessia and Kuvira both turned around. "Glad you came." He spoke before seeing an older man approach. Asami was there with Mako.
"This is my father. CEO of Future Industries." Asami introduced her father. Bolin was there with Pabu. He was beaming. Alessia raised her brow.
"I have decided to invest in the Fire Ferrets!" Mr. Sato boomed. Alessia smiled.
"That is very kind of you sir!" She gave him a small bow.
"Ah Lin! There you are! This is our esteemed chief of police!" Tarrlok spoke as he pulled Lin out of nowhere. Alessia could feel the tension coming from the older woman. "Enjoying the party?" He asked.
"Just because he is throwing you a gala, doesn't mean you've earned it! You've done nothing for Republic City." Lin snapped. Alessia who couldn't help it snickered. Lin smirked at her before taking her leave.
"And you are dear?" His eyes turned onto Alessia.
"This is the avatar's sister." Tarrlok said. Alessia felt annoyed now.
"Her name is Alessia." Kuvira spoke. She gently squeezed her friend's arm.
"It's okay. People see me as a sister. It's fine." Alessia spoke before leading her friend away from the group. She saw Tarrlok drag Korra up to the front.
"This can't be good." Kuvira spoke while touching her ear piece. It got everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Thank you all for coming." Tarrlok spoke with his arms raised in the air to address everyone. "As you all know, I have assembled a task force to help me take down the terrorists in this city." He spoke.
"Did he just call them terrorists?" Iroh's voice spoke in his ear. This man was asking for it. Alessia couldn't help but feel bad for those who wanted to make a change but then again, they were going about it the wrong way. The reporters began bombarding Korra with questions.
"Do you think pro-bending is more important?"
"Do you think the city police are doing anything?"
"Are you joining Tarrlok with his task force?"
"Alight! I will join Tarrlok and take down Amon!" Korra spoke loudly for them to hear. Alessia facepalm so hard, it sounded like a smack across the face.
"What about your sister?" A woman asked while taking a picture. The next thing Alessia knew, the reporters were swarming her. 'Oh shit. Oh shit.' Was all she could say. She felt like her chest was being squeezed. Kuvira was pushed away from her. Alessia was searching for her best friend but was cut off.
"Are you joining Tarrlok and your sister?"
"Are you really the avatar's sister?"
"Or are you joining Chief Beifong instead?"
The questions were making her head spin. She couldn't breathe. Her vision began to blur.
"Sweetie. Sweetie! Listen please. You are okay. Remember to breathe." Su's voice spoke in her ear. Alessia took a couple deep breaths before blinking a couple times. Her head was still spinning and then it stopped. She felt a hand on her lower back. It was Lin's. The chief of police was standing next to her. For the first time in her life, she felt safe. Her heart was racing as she was looking at the tall strong woman who was standing stoic while facing the reporters. Then, it hit her.
"I will be joining Chief Beifong. I believe the police can make a great difference in these troubled times." Alessia spoke loudly for everyone to hear. A few more flashes from the reporters before they took off.
"How dare you Alessia." Korra spoke as she came up to her sister. "They aren't doing anything!" You could see the nostrils flare on her sister's face.
"I'd rather do things legally than go against the law." Alessia spoke while watching her sister turn her heels and leave.
"You did good." Lin spoke as Alessia frowned. Kuvira was back at her side. People had started leaving the building. It was then only the professors and the prefects left.
"You did good. Go home." Chief Lin spoke as they all nodded and left. Alessia sighed softly and took her leave.

She made it back to the apartment and quickly removed her dress and got into her night wear. Tossing the dress to the side and sitting on her bed. Her head on her hands. Taking a few deep breaths. That was a turn of events. She had done her job and refused to join the task force. Now. Her sister was angry at her. Hearing a soft knock, she looked up and saw her friend.
"You alright?" Kuvira asked as she nodded her head lightly.
"Yeah. Just. Drained." Alessia spoke as Kuvira nodded. She came in and handed Alessia a little wet pad.
"For your eyes to wipe it off." She explained. Alessia took it and wiped her eyes clean from the liner.
"I panicked out there today." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"It happens to the best of us." Kuvira hugged her friend. There was a knock as her friend left to go answer it. Alessia grabbed a book she was reading and headed to the living room. Su and Lin were there.
"Are you doing okay sweetie?" Su asked as she gently grabbed Alessia's shoulder. She nodded to her professor before taking a seat on the other side of the couch.
"That should have never happened. What were they thinking?" Lin snapped. Making everyone jump.
"Were you always treated that way before you came?" Kuvira spoke. Alessia felt all eyes on her. "Only treated like a shadow? Always being called the 'avatar's sister? You're a human being Alessia." Kuvira spoke with her arms crossed.
"What is she talking about?" Su was frowned while looking between the two.
"Alessia was introduced as a sister. Not as herself." Kuvira explained.
"That's because that's who I am. The avatar's sister." Alessia spoke and stood up. "My own family never called me by my name. I am her shadow. That's who I'm always gonna be! No one wants a shadow. Nobody wants the avatar's sister. Korra gets her life handed her to on a silver platter! She gets away with things and doesn't face consequences. I do! I have to pick up after her!" Alessia added. Feeling her eyes sting.
"I didn't mean it that way. I just…" Kuvira began as she went towards Alessia. She stepped back and walked away.
"I'm going to bed. Goodnight." Alessia spoke while leaving the her bedroom door and tossing her book aside. Her heart sank in her chest. Holding onto her necklace before hiding under her blanket. Letting the tears fall.