Chapter Thirteen: Championship
The weather was warm outside on a weekend day. Alessia had finished eating before cleaning up the kitchen. She sighed a few times. She was extremely nervous for the performance tonight. Often finding herself pacing a few times in different rooms. Kuvira had gone out to get errands taken care of. There was a light knock on the door. Confused, Alessia went to answer it.
"Hello sweetie! Sorry, last minute fitting for your outfit." Su spoke as Alessia let her in.
"Su, you know you don't have to knock anymore. You can let yourself in." Alessia smiled while giving her professor a hug. Seeing Lin come in from behind.
"I know but it's respectful." Su spoke as Alessia nodded. That was true. "Here, go ahead and change." Su handed Alessia a bundle of clothes. Assuming it was her dance outfit. She nodded and left for her bedroom. She quickly changed and looked into the mirror. It was a green outfit of course. The team was made up of other element dancers as well. Based on their element, their outfit was in that color. The outfit was in the top of the fashion in Republic City. She felt beautiful even though she didn't really feel like she was. Blushing at the sight in the mirror before looking away. The top had long see through light green sleeves down to her wrists. The torso part of it is very shiny. Sparkly more like it. The shirt part went down to her waist. Her bottoms were a whole other story. Very loose and flowy green bottoms. Her dance shoes were a perfect match not only in color but in size as well. The pants were airy and she could move easily in it. She stepped out of her bedroom and into the living room.
"So, is this how you're supposed to wear it?" Alessia asked softly as Su smiled.
"Of course sweetie." Su quickly moved over to Alessia and started fumbling with the fabric. Making sure it was comfortable and moveable. "Can you move in it well?" Su asked as Alessia nodded. "Okay, not what I meant. Legs see. Do your famous jump." Alessia blushed a little and moved to the side with more room. Standing on her pointed toes now, her arms out in a circle in front of her. She swayed a little before taking her leap. The outfit moved with ease against her.
"Perfect! You look lovely." Su beamed as Alessia looked to the side.
"Thank you Su. I appreciate it." Alessia spoke softly.
"Of course dear! Though, I am debating if we should remove the sleeves or not. Make the tops like tank tops." Su touched her chin while in thought.
"Either way. It still works." Alessia replied while waving her arm up and down to watch the fabric flow with it.
"Let's leave it this time. It's the last time we will wear these anyways." Su sighed but smiled.
"I see. Well then I am honored to be wearing this and being part of the team." Alessia smiled softly. This apparently sent Su off edge when she pulled Alessia into a tight hug. Feeling her back rubbed.
"Su? I'm not really a hugger." Alessia spoke while gently hugging Su in return.
"I know sweetie but those kind words made me smile. I'm just happy you're one of my dancers now. I do hope you get used to my hugs!" She added while nudging Alessia and nodded. She could see Lin leaning against the wall watching them. Alessia couldn't help but notice a small smirk upon Lin's lips before looking back to Su. "Also, no jewelry. Kuvira can help you with the makeup. I'll do your hair since it's so long and beautiful.!" Su beamed while touching Alessia's hair. She had forgotten to put it up so it was just dangling right now.
"May I?" Lin suddenly spoke as she stood behind Alessia and touched her hair. Alessia hummed softly as she felt Lin's gentle fingers brush through her hair before braiding it.
"Don't tell Kuvira." Su warned with a smirk. Alessia rolled her eyes.
"Why?" Lin asked as she finished and took her spot against the wall.
"Apparently Alessia's hair belongs to her friend." Su teased.
"My hair belongs to me. It's um. Well you know!" She nervously laughed. Her hair being touched felt like an intimate thing to her.
"Of course. Anyways. Once the performance is done, the dancers usually have their own area to sit but for you, you'll need to change and find Lin." Su explained as Alessia nodded.
"I have a uniform ready for you once we arrive. You can put it with your things in the lockers." Lin added. Alessia nodded her head again to show she understood.
"Alright sweetie! I shall see you later!" Su spoke and hugged Alessia again who grumbled. It earned her a kiss on the forehead from her professor. Smiling as she waved goodbye to Su and gave Lin a bow.
Alessia found herself at the park. Sitting down by the tree again. Letting the sun hit her with its warmth against her face. Kuvira had texted her letting her know she would meet her at the arena before the performance. They were going to get something to eat before going in. Alessia wasn't sure if it was a good idea to eat before then. She was still nervous. This was going to be her first performance.
"Alessia?" Korra's voice spoke. She opened her eyes and saw the avatar standing in front of her before sitting down.
"What?" She wanted to snap but decided against it.
"Look. I know things have been bad between us but please. I want you to know that I am sorry. I just want my sister back." Korra spoke softly. 'I want my sister back.' The words echoed in her mind. She sighed softly and looked at her sister. "I want you on my team." She added.
"You mean Tarrlok's team?" She crossed her arms and frowned.
"No. Team Avatar. Once we start doing our own thing. Kuvira should be on it too. The way you two fight together is amazing! You're unstoppable." Korra added. This made her smile. Only if Korra knew. She and her friend may be good together but they were no match to the Beifongs. Alessia sighed a little.
"I'll talk to Kuvira about it but she told me to talk to you. Work whatever this thing that is between us." Alessia spoke while sitting up and crossed her legs. Seeing Korra sit in front of her now.
"She's smart. That one. She also scares me with how she looks." Korra shook her head and Alessia laughed. She loved how her friend intimidated people just by looking at them. "Are you coming to the match? It would mean the world to us. Especially me." Korra asked as she grabbed both of Alessia's hands and squeezed them.
"I kind of have to. I'm part of the dance team." Alessia smiled.
"Wait! You actually finally joined?!" Korra beamed before hugging Alessia.
"Hey!" She squirmed against her sister.
"I'm so excited and happy for you!" Korra spoke while jumping up. Alessia stood up as well and brushed off the dirt.
"Is that why you and Kuvira are always around professor Beifongs? Learning dance and what not? Not that I think our chief would be dancing but still?" Korra asked as her sister nodded her head. "Come on! Everyone is meeting at the diner near the arena. Bring Kuvira." Korra piped up as Alessia nodded. She pulled out her phone to text Kuvira the location.
It was not long before everyone was at the table at the diner. It was Mako, Asami, Bolin, Korra, Kuvira, and then Alessia. Assuming the professors were out elsewhere. Alessia was picking at her food and sighing a few times.
"Are you okay?" Kuvira nudged her gently.
"I'm so nervous." She replied in a whisper. She felt her friend rub her shoulder.
"Eat. It'll help your stomach." She added as Alessia nodded. Taking small bites before finishing her tea. She was listening to her friends chat away with excitement. Alessia however was getting more nervous by the second. She knew the routine by heart. She perfected it along with her fellow dancers.
"We are so ready to kick the Wolfbats butts!" Bolin piped up while tossing a fist in the air. This gave him several laughs from everyone at the table. Even Alessia managed to laugh at this lightly.
"So, did you get your outfit fitted and what not today?" Kuvira asked while nodding her head.
"Yeah. It's a snug fit and everything. I can move well in it." Alessia replied with a smile. "Where have you been today?" Alessia asked while raising a brow at her friend.
"I had to run a few errands today." Kuvira replied and drank her tea. Alessia shrugged and leaned against Kuvira who side eyed her.
"You seem to be cuddling me a lot." Kuvira smirked.
"What can I say? I'm deprived of my cuddles." Alessia replied and laughed before leaning off of Kuvira. She decided to finish her food.
"Oh guys! Alessia finally joined the dance team! They are performing at the opening!" Korra beamed as Bolin slapped Alessia's shoulder.
"Ouch." She said while patting Bolin's shoulder. He was smiling before eating. You could tell if the food was good if no one was talking and everyone was eating. Then the radio was turned up.
"May I have your attention, citizens of Republic City! This is Amon speaking. I hope you all enjoyed that match last night since it will be your last one." A voice spoke as everyone went silent. Alessia felt her blood turn to ice. She looked at Kuvira who also had a horror look on her face.
"Now that I have your attention. Close the arena down or face the consequences!" Amon demanded. "It is your choice, councilmen." The music returned to its normal station.
"They wouldn't cancel the match would they?" Bolin asked.
"I'm not sitting around and waiting." Korra snapped and jumped up. Everyone had followed Korra out of the diner after paying.
They all barged into the building. Seeing Tenzin and Tarrlok arguing.
"We have to shut it down! Think about the citizens." Tenzin spoke. "What on earth are you folks doing here? It is a private session!" Tenzin spoke.
"You can't shut down the arena! Think about it for the citizens!" Bolin piped up.
"I'm sorry but we cannot allow anyone to get hurt." Tarrlok had agreed with Tenzin. Alessia raised her brow at the man. Since when did he agree with Tenzin? He raised the wooden hammer up only for it to get shattered by a cable whip. Alessia turned and saw Lin standing in the doorway in full police uniform. She couldn't help but beam at the older woman.
"Leave the arena open. My men and I will keep watch and make sure nothing will happen." Lin spoke as she walked up to the front next to them.
"Can you guarantee the safety of the citizens during the match?" Tarrlok asked while eyeing Lin.
"I do." Lin spoke. Hearing the cheers from her friends before she looked at Tarrlok.
"Very well. It is hard to argue with Chief Beifong's track record. Very well. The arena stays open!" Tarrlok slammed the wooden hammer down even though it was shattered. Alessia nodded at Lin when they locked eyes. She turned and followed her sister to the hallway when she heard Tenzin and her speaking.
"You have Lin to thank for this Korra. She is a well respected member of Republic City." Tenzin spoke as Lin came up.
"Thank you Chief!" Korra spoke. Lin made a 'hmph!' sound before walking past them.
"What's her problem! Does she not like the avatar?" Korra asked.
"Her and my dad got along great. I'm afraid it's me she has a problem with." Tenzin spoke.
"Wait, you and Lin Beifong?!" Korra gasped. Alessia felt her heart sink. Lin liked men. Not women.
"Lin and I were already drifting apart. How did you know?" Tenzin was red faced.
"Pema."
"I'll have a word with that woman. You need to get going, everyone!" Tenzin snapped before leaving.
"Almost time!" Mako spoke as Alessia felt her heart beating hard again.
"Let's head over to the arena and get warmed up." Korra jumped up and threw a couple punches in the air. Alessia shook her head at her sister's action before standing up herself.
"Tickets?" The man asked as they all looked at each other.
"Sir, those are the Fire Ferrets and the performers." Another man spoke.
"Oh. My apologies." He spoke and allowed them to enter.
"See you guys soon! Good luck!" Alessia waved to Mako, Bolin, Korra and Asami. They made their way to the locker room and saw others already in there. Alessia took a deep breath and found her outfit. Her security uniform was there as well. Alessia sighed and sat down as she began to change.
"What's wrong sweetie?" Su asked quietly while sitting next to her.
"Nothing. Just. Nothing." Alessia frowned as she put her shoes on. Now what was left was her hair and makeup. She took off her necklace and sat it upon her security outfit.
"Nervous?" Su asked as she nodded. "Come here dear." Su took Alessia's hand and pulled her to the side from the others. "Just remember to breathe okay? You are a wonderful dancer." Su squeezed Alessia's shoulders before walking away. Kuvira came up to her this time.
"Just imagine you dancing for Lin." Kuvira whispered and Alessia frowned.
"What's wrong?" Her friend asked.
"I have no chance. She likes men. Her and Tenzin were a thing." Alessia replied.
"Let me tell you a secret. Su told me Lin likes women more than men." Alessia raised her brow.
"And you believed that?" She asked as Lin came into the room. Alessia felt her face flush before looking away.
"Of course I do. Su would never lie to me." Kuvira smirked while nudging her friend. "So, pretend you're dancing for her."
"Not helping!" Alessia spoke up loudly as some eyes went to her. She blushed and apologized.
"Okay, then maybe imagine the crowd is not there. Just focus on the music and your heart." Kuvira added while hugging Alessia tightly. "Now, I gotta do your makeup." Her friend spoke while Alessia nodded. It was not long until Su was back and started working on her hair. Once finished, Alessia was ready. She helped work on the other dancer's hair. High bun with two strand up hair handing on both sides of their foreheads. Taking a look in the mirror, she could barely recognize herself.
"You look beautiful!" Su beamed before taking her leave. "Alright dancers! Let's go!" Su shouted and clapped her hands once. Alessia turned and ended up facing Lin.
"I'll be in the center floor by the D entrance." Lin was eyeing Alessia up and down before leaving. Her heart started beating rather fast now.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Please welcome our lovely and talented dancers from Avatar University!" The announcer boomed. The crowd cheered so loudly, you could feel the ground shake. Alessia followed the other dancers out in the blinding light. Seeing and hearing the crowd all around them. It felt odd being on the platform again. She looked around and spotted the green eyes watching. Gulping again before turning her attention back. They were in positions. She and Kuvira were in the front. They were to start as a duet going into a group dance. The music started and Alessia felt her heart about to jump out.
"Hey! You can do it!" Kuvira's whisper brought her back. Alessia nodded her head once. They began. Hearing cheers from the crowd felt encouraging. Then she decided to dance not for herself, but for those she loved and cared about. She was in perfect sync with Kuvira. They had finished the duet and smoothly went into the group dance. The crowd got loud again. Feeling her heartbeat fast again. Remembering to point her toes as her legs went high in the air by her head. Making her turns sharp but elegant. Then, the music took over. She let the feelings flow through the dance. She felt free again. Turning on her spot and moving to the center window where her spot was. Then the strongest dancers were now in front including herself and Kuvira. The music had ended when they stopped on their last pose. The crowd had gone wild.
"Look at that ladies and gentlemen! That was a beautiful performance! Give them a round of applause!" The man's voice rang over the crowd. There was a booming applause and cheering. Alessia couldn't stop smiling while doing their bows. They glided off the arena as the crowd had died down as they made their way back to the locker room. The ladies were dancing around a little before changing. Alessia walked over to her bag and found flowers? There were red and pink roses. She was blushing now before smelling the flowers. Kuvira came over and took the flowers to smell them.
"Someone has an admirer!" Kuvira teased as Alessia rolled her eyes. There was a note with a lotus flower symbol.
For my little dancing flower. You were so beautiful out there. I hope to see you dance more in the future.
"Oh that's cute." Kuvira teased Alessia again. She quickly changed into the security uniform and put her necklace back on. For some reason, she cherished this necklace now.
"Alright dears! Let's get to our seats!" Su spoke as she herded them out of the room. Alessia followed. The uniform fit perfectly. It even came with cables.
"See you soon dear." Su spoke and side hugged Alessia who nodded. She went up the stairs to the correct floor and walked out the D gate. She found Lin standing next to Tezin. She walked up and stood next to Lin and put her hands behind her back. Made it just in time as the match started. Usually she would be enjoying it like Tenzin but her focus was elsewhere.
"You guys did amazing down there." Tenzin spoke as Alessia smiled and gave him a bow. She could feel the green eyes on her. Alessia kept looking around. Trying to hide her face.
"Oh that's gotta be a foul! Referee? No? Alright!" The announcer shouted. The crowd was booing and jeering at the moves. Alessia frowned. They were pulling illegal moves.
"The referees were paid off." Alessia spoke to Tenzin. That man seemed to not be having it.
"And we have a tie!" The man shouted.
"You and me, pretty boy! Let's go!" Korra shouted so loud and clearly. Alessia watched her sister pull off and stunt and she laughed. She had actually laughed. She turned and saw Lin smiling at her. This made her blush before looking away.
"The leader of the Wolfbats was knocked off the platform within seconds." The man shouted as the crowd cheered. Before she knew it, the hair on the back of her neck stood.
"Lin!" Alessia pushed Lin away from her. Screaming on the top of her lungs from electrocution as she felt someone touch her as she fell down. Seeing blackness.
"Alessia? Alessia!" She felt someone shaking her before slapping her cheek gently. Alessia groaned and stood up. Rubbing her head.
"What happened?" She asked while looking around. There were Equalist all over the place fighting the police officers everywhere.
"We were attacked. You pushing me gave us a good heads up." The voice of Lin brought her focus back. She could see clearly now.
"Korra!" A voice shouted. Alessia was busy fighting a Chi Blocker and threw him over the edge into the water. Seeing her sister use water to fly up. Not making it. Then she felt a rush of air. Lin had shot cables up and grabbed her sister and flung Korra up through the hole of the ceiling. Looking around she saw Su fighting Chi Blockers on the other side. Alessia shouted. She ran and jumped over the edge. Diving into the water and swam over to the edge. Seeing Mako and Bolin tied up.
"Alessia! Great dance moves!" Bolin shouted as she untied them.
"Shoot me back up." Alessia spoke as Bolin nodded. Feeling the earth catapult her high in the air and she landed gracefully on the platform. Several Chi Blockers circled her.
"Alessia!" Kuvira's voice shouted as she and Su came flying in the air and shot several metal plates before landing next to her.
"Who's up for a dance?" Kuvira asked. Alessia smirked and began at the nearest Blocker. The three of them made quick work of them. Suddenly. Alessia heard an ear piercing scream. She looked up.
"KORRA!" She screamed while running towards her sister. Su grabbed her and pulled her back. Seeing the scene play out before her eyes. Lin had dived through the hole. Flinging her arms as her cables had caught Korra and a banner nearby. Watching the chief flip and turn while swinging Korra to safety. Seeing them land on the other side. Alessia couldn't help but stare in awe at the woman.
"I..Holy spirits! Su, she is amazing!" Su raised a brow at her and then Alessia blushed and bent down to hold her knees. She was out of breath.
"Everyone alright?" Tenzin spoke as everyone nodded. They were all crowded around Korra.
"Looks like we lost this one." Lin spoke. Everyone went silent. Amon had won this round. Alessia looked around to hug her friend but it seemed Su had beat her.
Everyone had made it back to the council building and Alessia sat down in a seat. Her head on her hands and sighed. She felt like she had failed. Looking back up and around. At that moment, it didn't feel real to her. People were hugging their loved ones and friends. Alessia felt her heart hurt a little. Kuvira had finally sat down next to her and sighed.
"You okay?" Kuvira asked her. Alessia shook her head in silence. "We should head back to the apartment." Kuvira added as she grabbed Alessia's arm and forced her friend up.
"We'll meet you back at your place." Su whispered to Kuvira who nodded. Alessia followed in silence. It felt like forever but they made it back safe and sound. Su and Lin appeared not long after. Alessia took a seat on the couch. Still in the uniform. Holding the flowers with one hand as she stared at her feet. Kuvira turned the lights on as they made their way into the living room where Alessia was sitting.
"Are you two alright?" Su was the first to break the silence.
"Yeah. Shaken up but we are fine." Kuvira spoke for them. She heard movements as her friend sat down in Su's lap. Lin had sat right next to Alessia. Alessia closed her eyes tightly. She had failed. She was one of the first people to go down. She didn't deserve this. She didn't deserve anything. She jumped when she felt Su touch her shoulder. Not looking at anything but her feet.
"Alessia?" Su spoke softly. She could feel all eyes on her. Alessia stood up. Dropping the flowers to the ground before turning to leave. She left everything in the living room and closed her bedroom door behind her. Turning on her desk lamp before crawling into bed. Not caring that her uniforms were still on. She just laid there. She heard knocking on her door. She ignored it. Her phone was going off. She grabbed it and turned it off. Laying down and curled up. She failed her sister. She failed everyone.