Chapter Seventeen: The Truth
The day was still early. Oogie wasn't able to carry the weight of everyone, so they decided to take a ship. Alessia felt uneasy heading down the south. It was what Korra needed. To see Katara about her bending abilities. Alessia was standing by the side of the ship. The South was in sight. Her stomach was turning at the sight. She was not ready to face them. She did not want to face them. All she wanted was to make sure Korra was okay. If Lin was okay. Her wrist had not stopped burning since that day it started. Rubbing her wrist slightly and sighed before going to her own room. She packed up what little she brought with her. Hearing the ship's horn blare. Letting them know they arrived at the harbor. Alessia followed Korra closely from behind. Then she saw them. Alessia stood ridged.
"It's okay." Korra spoke softly as she nodded. Lin was there. The chief gave her a nod as she placed a hand on Korra's shoulder.
"I'm sorry he got you too." Lin spoke while looking at Korra. 'You too?' What did Lin mean by that? Alessia was staring at Lin, waiting for answers. The older woman avoided eye contact with her before leading the way to Korra's house. Alessia felt someone grab her arm and pulled her back.
"You're not welcome at my home." It was Tonraq. She turned and glared at him.
"That's fine. Not like I was family anyways." Alessia snapped.
"You know that's not true." Senna spoke. Her own mother had always sided with Tonraq.
"I can't deal with this right now." Alessia snapped and left. If she would stay anywhere, it wouldn't be near them. She made her way to Katara's hut and knocked on the door. Sighing softly. The cold was bothering her. It wasn't the soft crunch sounds under her feet or the beauty of the white covered areas in the south. It was cold. The bitter coldness that reminded her why she hated this place.
"Hello my dear. Come in." Katara spoke softly as Alessia went inside.
Katara led her down a hall and opened a door.
"You can stay here until it's time to go back." The healer spoke with such kindness as Alessia bowed to her. "My dear, there is no need to bow." Katara chuckled as Alessia set her bag down on the bed. Katara had left and she felt something. She looked over her shoulder and found a pair of green eyes. Lin's.
"You're staying here too?" Lin asked in a soft voice.
"Yes. I'm not welcome at Korra's." Alessia mumbled while sitting on the bed with a sigh.
"I thought Korra is your sister?" Lin was confused as she sat next to Alessia.
"She is. It's complicated." Alessia frowned. Looking at her hands upon her lap. "You lost your bending?" Alessia asked. It was Lin's turn to sigh and look away. Alessia took Lin's hand and squeezed it. "I'm so sorry. I should have been there." Alessia frowned.
"It was not your fault. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Hopefully Katara can help." Lin spoke. There was hurt in her voice. Alessia winced a little which gave her a confused look from Lin. Her wrist was burning a bit more again.
"Sorry. It's nothing. Just. I'll be there right by your side alright?" Alessia reassured Lin who only nodded. She didn't want Lin to go through this alone. Alessia was going to make sure that she was going to do everything she could.
"It is time." Katara's voice spoke. Lin stood up and led the way out of the hut. The older woman stopped before the healing hut. Alessia looked at Lin with a questioning look.
"What if?" Lin started. Everyone else had already gone inside for Korra.
"Hey. I'm here okay. I got you." Alessia took Lin's arm and gently squeezed it. The chief nodded and took a deep breath before going inside as Alessia followed right behind her. It was silent in the hut as everyone was waiting. The best healer in the world was with Korra in the back room. It was so dead silent that you could hear the wind howling outside against the hut. Everyone was waiting for any kind of news. Hearing the door open and closed, everyone got up. Katara looked at each and everyone that was there.
"I am sorry. I have used everything in my power. It seems the elements that Korra has been connected to are severed permanently." Katara spoke softly. There were some gasps and groans.
"But you're the best healer. There has to be something you can do." Lin spoke as soon as Korra came out of the room.
"It's going to be alright Korra." Tenzin spoke. Korra looked at everyone before leaving. Mako had followed her. Of course he did. It seemed everyone piled out of the hut.
Lin sat back down with her head in her hands.
"Lin. It's going to be okay." Alessia spoke softly while sitting next to the chief.
"It seems you can talk again. I assume this person is the reason?" Katara spoke as Alessia looked up. The healer's hand was pointing at Lin who wasn't looking. Alessia nodded her head.
"I am sorry my dear." Katara squeezed Lin's shoulder before going back to the healing room. Lin stood up and quickly left. Alessia followed. Not wanting to leave the older woman by herself. Lin had slammed the door shut once they were back at Katara's home. Alessia knocked on the door.
"Go away!" Lin shouted. She frowned. She was not going to be letting Lin go through this alone. She opened the door and closed it behind her.
"I said get out!" Lin shouted. Alessia winced but didn't move.
"No." Was all she could say. Lin was now glaring daggers at her.
"Go to Korra. Go help your sister." Lin sounded like she growled with anger. Alessia took a step towards Lin who only stepped backwards.
"I said no."
"Why are you here?" She snapped.
"I told you why!" It was Alessia's turn to get angry. She took Lin's hand and squeezed it.
"I'm no one. I'm resigning. The city doesn't need me anymore." Lin sat down on her bed. Her head on her hands again. "Weak. Pathetic!" Lin added. Alessia sat on her knees in front of Lin and cupped the woman's face into her own hands. Looking into the green eyes.
"You are the great Lin Beifong. The Iron Lady who earned the city's highest respect. You are not weak nor are you pathetic!" She gently caresses Lin's scared cheek. "I am not giving up hope. Even if you give up. I'm not giving up on you. I told you Lin. I will stand by you and I mean it." Alessia stood up and sat next to Lin before pulling the older woman into a hug.
"Bender or not. You still can make a difference in people's lives. Like you did to me." Alessia spoke softly. Gently rubbing Lin's back. She could feel the chief's silent crying. It broke her heart. To see such a strong and amazing woman break down.
"I feel like part of my soul was torn from me. A part of me that made me who I am." Lin spoke through a broken voice.
"I know. I know it hurts. That you may never feel whole again, but I will do whatever it takes to make you feel whole again." Alessia felt her own eyes sting.
"Stay with me tonight?" Lin asked. Alessia felt her heart race against her chest. She let out a soft sigh and nodded her head. She pulled the covers back as Lin faced the wall. She laid next to the older woman, pulled the covers back up before wrapping her arm around Lin's waist and held the older woman close.
There was a knock on the door. Alessia leaned up and grumbled. Her brain felt soggy from the night. She didn't sleep well. Actually, she didn't sleep at all. She was too worried about Lin. It seemed the chief had finally gotten to fall asleep. Another knock. Alessia got up and opened the door.
"Korra is looking for you. She said there's something she needs to tell you." It was Katara. Alessia nodded and gave her thanks. She walked over to the bed again and gently touched Lin's shoulder.
"Hmm?" Lin mumbled.
"I'll be right back alright? I'll be with Korra outside. Yell if you need anything please?" Alessia asked as Lin sat up. She nodded. Alessia gave the older woman a tight hug before standing up. Staring into those green eyes before taking her leave. She had found Korra was beaming.
"What is it?" Alessia raised a brow at her sister.
"I connected with my spiritual side finally! I got my bending back! Aang taught me!" Korra wasted no time in telling her.
"Korra! That's amazing!" Alessia hugged her sister tightly.
"I know! Lin is the first one on my list. I need to get the area ready. I want to make it special for her because I know how much she means to you." Korra spoke as they parted. Alessia turned pink.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Alessia shook her head and laughed nervously.
"Oh please. I see the way you look at each other. Besides, If anything, you both deserve happiness and I support you." Korra spoke. Alessia opened her mouth and then closed it.
"There isn't anything going on between us." Alessia sighed while linking her arm with Korras's
"Tell her how you feel." Korra suggested.
"And get thrown in prison? No thanks." Alessia spoke as Korra laughed.
"Anyways, come on. I need your earth skills." Korra led the way to the spiritual hut. Alessia raised a brow as there were several people already there.
"Can you move those boulders into place?" Korra asked as Alessia nodded. They worked together to make it go faster. It seemed like they created a circle with the boulders. How she would love to lift them all at once. She wasn't that strong yet.
"Go get Lin. Everyone else is here." Korra spoke as Alessia nodded.
She knocked on Lin's door and let herself in. Lin was still in bed facing the wall.
"Lin?" Alessia asked softly. Wondering if the older woman had eaten anything yet. Hearing her groan before sitting up.
"Come. Get dressed. Korra wants you to meet her somewhere and asks me to get you." Alessia spoke as Lin shook her head. "Lin. Get your butt up and get dressed." Alessia spoke in a firm voice. Lin glared at her and then sighed.
"Can't argue with you there." Lin grumbled as she got dressed. Alessia looked to the side blushing as Lin caught her staring. "Where?" Was all Lin asked as Alessia handed Lin her jacket. Taking the older woman's hand into her own and led her out of the hut. She let go of Lin's hand as they made it to the crowd of people. Lin was giving Alessia a confused look before walking up to Korra.
"Kneel. It helps." Korra spoke. Alessia was at the front. Rubbing her wrist while watching Korra speak. Watching her sister turn to face the chief of police. Placing a hand upon her woman's forehead. Korra went into the avatar state. There were many gasps, including from Alessia as well. Lin had stood up and raised her arms. Seeing all the boulders lift high off the ground at once. Alessia felt her wrist stop hurting. There Lin was, standing tall and proud again. 'She's so beautiful and strong.' Alessia spoke to herself. Blushing non stop now. The crowd cheered as Lin gave Korra a hug. It was a rare sight. The crowd thinned as Alessia made her way up to Korra.
"I'm proud of you." Alessia spoke as she touched Korra's arm.
"You were amazing Korra." Tenzin's voice spoke as they looked at him. "You are a fully fledged avatar now." He spoke as Alessia hugged Korra again while beaming.
"Thank you Korra, we are all proud of you." Lin spoke while squeezing Korra's shoulder.
Alessia packed her clothes while sighing softly. She had spoken to Katara about her being able to talk again. That the words hurt her throat.
"You are learning to use your throat again. It'll take time to get used to it again." Katara's words had rung in her ears. Humming softly as there was a knock on the door. She opened and smiled. Lin was standing in the door. Alessia stepped to the side to allow her inside. It felt nice to have the chief around near. She hated the fact she didn't know what happened to Lin that day. It made her heart hurt. Now, her heart was swelling everytime Lin was near her. She just hoped it wasn't too oblivious.
"I want to thank you. For not giving up hope." Lin started.
"I'm sure you would do the same for me." Alessia smiled.
"Why weren't you with Korra and your family?" Lin asked.
"Well, Korra has all these people looking out for her. You needed someone and I wanted to be that person. I care for you." Alessia only answered half of the question as she finished packing. It didn't take long.
"Well, Korra wanted me to let you know, everyone is gathering for dinner. Are you coming?" Lin asked as she leaned against the wall.
"I'm not sure if that's a good idea." Alessia frowned. She was avoiding eye contact.
"I'll be there. If anything, come for me then?" Lin asked. Alessia caught the green eyes and nodded her head. To her shock, Lin pulled her into a tight hug. Alessia was blushing like mad before hiding her face after the hug.
It was not long until dinner was already ready. Alessia was in her earth nation outfit that she had picked out when she first arrived at the city. Her hair is in her favorite braid that she learned from being in Zaofu. She stopped as the hall went silent. She felt uneasy. Eyes on her as she walked over to the end of the table and sat down next to Lin.
"Are they alright?" Lin asked as Alessia sighed. The family members went back to their conversations.
"Yeah." Was all Alessia could say as she slowly started eating her food. "I think I'm going to head back to Republic City after this." Alessia whispered to Lin who smiled.
"Good. I can use the help." Lin added while drinking her tea. "Is it always this cold?" She chuckled. Alessia nodded.
"Yes. I'm still not used to it." Alessia smiled.
"That's because you aren't of the nation." Tonraq's voice spoke over the crowd. Alessia froze. This man was not going to let this go. It wasn't her fault and she knew that.
"What does he mean?" Lin asked with a raised brow.
"It's because I'm an earth kingdom citizen." Alessia spoke. She sighed and stood up. Giving everyone a bow before taking her leave.
"Why are you leaving? Your family is here." Senna's voice spoke as Alessia stopped in her tracks. Lin was standing in the hallway. Closing the doors behind her.
"Family? Don't you dare speak to me about that!" Alessia snapped, crossing her arms.
"My dear, you are part of this family." The water tribe woman began.
"You let the White Lotus take me away from the only family I actually had!" Alessia shouted. Anger is rising in her now.
"They took me from you too. Lin, you were there remember?" Senna spoke while trying to defend herself. Alessia raised her brow.
"What do you mean she was there?" Alessia asked in a calmer tone.
"Didn't you even wonder why you have that mark? Ever wonder why you were taken away? You were taken from us first in the City and then taken from that other place." Senna spoke while grabbing Alessia's hands.
"What are you talking about?" Alessia frowned. She stepped back and took her hands away from the woman.
"I was born in Republic City?" Alessia asked as Senna nodded her head. "It wasn't supposed to happen but the spirits decided differently."
"Oh so I wasn't supposed to be born then? That makes things so much better. Thank you for that!" Alessia snapped again. Her face was getting red.
"Maybe now is not the time?" Lin spoke softly.
"You! You knew about this and never said anything?!" Alessia rounded on Lin who had hurt her eyes. "Just when I was letting myself open up. I always get hurt. I never want to see you again!" Alessia shouted and turned her heels and ran from the sight.
She had given Katara a hug goodbye before storming off to the harbor. Thankfully there were still some tickets being sold.
"One for Republic City please." Alessia spoke as the man in the booth nodded.
"Make it two." Lin's voice came from behind her. Alessia sighed and shook her head. She pulled out her wallet and paid for both tickets. Taking her own as Lin gave her a confused look.
"What?" Alessia shrugged before taking off to the ship. She handed the captain her ticket before boarding the ship. Lin followed her not far behind. She tossed her bag on her bed and stopped. Lin was in her way.
"Let me pass please." Alessia asked softly.
"No." She glared at Lin who only closed the door behind her and pushed Alessia back. "We need to talk." Lin spoke.
"I have nothing to say." Alessia snapped.
"Maybe you will once you've heard me." Lin responded.
"Why?! You knew and you never said anything!" Alessia crossed her arms.
"That's because it was not my place to do so! I was hoping for the right time. You would come to me." Lin spoke softly. Alessia dropped her arms. She couldn't stay mad at the older woman. Those green eyes finding hers.
"I guess, I'll hear you out." Alessia sighed as she sat down on her bed.
"It started when you were born. In the city. Senna wasn;t faithful and the spirits weren't too happy. When one gives themselves to another, it's supposed to be lifelong, if not, longer." Lin spoke. Watching the older woman grab a few things out of her bag and hand them to Alessia. Once was a picture of her from not long ago. The others were letters.
"What is this?" She asked.
"The White Lotus kept me updated on your whereabouts." Lin explained. She noticed there was a gap.
"There is about a ten year gap between these letters." Lin also spoke.
"I was in Zaofu during that time. Why did you have updates on me?" Alessia raised a brow. Lin took Alessia's wrist to reveal her mark. Lin then showed Alessia the same mark on her own wrist.
"I don't understand." Alessia spoke while seeing the identical mark on Lin's wrist.
"It's called the Lover's Mark." Lin started. "The spirits choose between souls that belong together." Lin added.
"I thought you were still up on Tenzin?" Alessia was now confused. Lin chuckled.
"That was before you were born. I did not have the mark then. When you were born, it appeared. Truthfully, I kind of feel like some pervert and the spirits are messing with me until I actually saw you when you came to the city." Lin spoke.
"So, you did treat me differently." Alessia spoke softly, looking at her wrist still.
"So, why does it hurt sometimes and not?" Alessia asked, remembering her burning wrist.
"Because we are connected. I assume it started right when I lost my bending. You felt my pain." Lin spoke. It was true. Alessia wanted nothing more than to comfort Lin when she found out.
"Lin. Don't you think it's weird? Your sister brought me in for half of my life. She pretty much gave me a family." Alessia spoke softly.
"Did she adopt you?" Lin asked as she shook her head. "Then this will be easier than I thought." Lin spoke as Alessia raised a brow just in time to feel Lin's lips crashed against her own.
The kiss sent waves of pleasure and sparks all across her body. Feeling her head get heavy as they fought for dominance. She wrapped her arms around Lin's neck and pulled her close. Feeling the rough but gentle hands grab her hips. How she did not want this moment to end. Alessia had submitted against Lin and left out a soft moan from her throat and blushed from it. Hearing a soft chuckle from Lin before pulling away slightly again. Her mismatched eyes found the green eyes she came to love.
"Lin.." Alessia whispered softly. "Is this wise?"
"I have seen the way you look at me. And that you did not reject my advances." Lin spoke in a lustful tone. Their eyes meeting as Alessia melted in Lin's arms. All she could do was stare into those green eyes.
"Does it bother you? My age? How am I a woman?" Lin asked as she pulled away.
"No. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever set my eyes upon." Alessia whispered against Lin's lips before kissing the older woman deeply again. Feeling the ship had already left the harbor.
"Do you want this? Me?" Lin asked through their short breaths.
"More than anything." Alessia spoke and she had meant it. Their lips pressed together again as they laid down upon the bed. Their arms tangled around each other.