Chapter Twenty-Two: Dark Spirit

Months had passed since the attack on Republic City. Alessia was sitting on the couch reading a book as Kuvira was leaning against her. Her friend was in deep thought as they would be leaving that night for the South Pole. Alessia wasn't too keen on it. She didn't want to let Su down, nor her friend or anyone for that matter.
"So, I've heard Mako and Korra are together." Kuvira spoke as Alessia rolled her eyes.
"Ugh. I have to work with him. She is all he ever talks about." Alessia sighed. Mako had joined the force with her and Kuvira. People were wondering how the Beifongs were getting everyone. Lin had almost half the group working for her. Su however only has Alessia and Kuvira for dance but would do anything for their professor. Raiko had stepped up as the president of Republic City as Tenzin became the new dean. New classes had begun. Alessia and Kuvira were neck deep in between homework, work, and dance. Alessia was now feeling the stress on her. They were getting their work cut out for them. She could feel the tense in her friend's body from being near her.
"Should we have dinner?" Alessia asked as Kuvira nodded.
"Yeah. Want Lin and Su over?" Kuvira asked. Alessia nodded her head. It has been a few days since she last saw Lin and she was missing her a lot already. The poor woman was swamped with work due to the lack of officers now. Lu and Gang were also not being very much help either. She felt her phone vibrate while looking at it.

Kuv: Dinner, you two?
Su: Haven't eaten yet. I'll be there!
Kuv: Lin?
Lin: Yeah, I can spare some time.
Kuv: Good. Someone is missing you badly.
Ales: Shut up.
Lin: Oh I know. I miss you too, my flower.
Ales: Great! I'll start dinner. See you two soon!
Su: Same to you sweetie!

Alessia was smiling at the messages. She loved it when Lin called her, her flower. It made her feel unique.
"I wonder why Korra never comes over." Kuvira hummed while sitting at the counter to watch. "Probably busy with Mako!" She added.
"Ew! I don't need to hear about my sister and her personal life!" Alessia faked a gag before she pulled out the food from the fridge.
"Hey! Make those spicy noodles! Lin loves the ones you make. Sweet dumplings for Su?" Kuvira asked as Alessia nodded. She poured herself and Kuvira a new drink she had found at the store.
"What is this?" Kuvira eyed the cold drink.
"It's called Strawberry lemonade. I actually love it." Alessia spoke while watching her friend sniff the drink before tasting it.
"Wow! This is actually not bad. I assume you like strawberries?" Kuvira asked while taking another drink.
"They aren't bad. The tea is pretty gross. Though, I like this. It has that nice sweet bitter taste to it." Alessia spoke as she started working on the noodles. Hearing the door open and closed. Su had come over and dragged Lin in.
"I honestly had to drag you here." Su sighed while taking off her coat and shoes before making herself comfortable at the kitchen counter next to Kuvira. "What are we having?" Su added, giving Kuvira a kiss.
"Spicy noodles and sweet dumplings. Also, Alessia found this amazing cold drink." Kuvira replied as Su took her lover's cup and drank from it. Nodding her head with a smile.
"It's good. Not bad though." Su added while Alessia set the jug next to Su who poured herself some more. Setting the fresh pasta noodles she made into the pot before walking over to Lin and pulled the chief into a tight hug.
"Hm. Hello there, flower." Lin smiled as Alessia leaned up to give Lin a loving kiss. "Heard you missed me." Lin teased as Alessia only nodded with a smile.
"You coming to the south with us Lin?" Kuvira asked as Alessia took her spot back into the kitchen.

"So, do I have to go to the South Pole?" Alessia asked while looking at Su. Taking a drink.
"Yes, you are part of the team." Su raised a brow at Alessia who sighed but nodded.
"I wish you could come, Lin." Alessia spoke while stirring the sauce. Making sure it was nice and spicy for her girlfriend.
"Unfortunately I'm needed here in the city. I'm only a phone call away. You know this." Lin replied. She did know. There were late nights where Alessia was on the phone with Lin. She loved hearing Lin's voice. There wouldn't be a single day that goes by that she didn't hear it. Lin had felt the same way. There were days where Lin had called her from work, when Alessia wasn't busy. Even at the chief's busiest days, she still managed to find time to talk to Alessia. This made her happy.
"Why do you hate the south so much?" Kuvira asked as Alessia glared at her friend.
"You know why!" Alessia finished the sauce and added the noodles. Moving the two together as she started on the dumplings.
"Well, at least you'll be with your family for the holidays?" Her friend asked.
"Ha. What family?" Alessia frowned while avoiding all eye contact. The next thing she knew, Su was behind her and pulled Alessia into a hug. She could feel her eyes sting a little.
"You are welcome to come to Zaofu with us. Believe it or not, we are a family here." Su spoke softly. This made Alessia give Su a tight hug.
"I'll think about it. Plus, Lin is going to be here during the holidays. So, I wouldn't mind spending the day with her, if she is okay with that?" Alessia smiled while looking at Lin who was blushing. The older woman was actually blushing. "What is it?" Alessia asked as Lin came up to hug her this time.
"I'm going to Zaofu as well. Once you three are back from the performance, I'm dragging you with me." Lin smiled.
"Is that so?" Alessia asked as Lin chuckled with a nod.
"It's settled then! We are going to Zaofu for the holidays!" Su clapped her hands once before going back over to Kuvira who was smiling non stop.
"We should eat quickly. We have to leave tonight." Su added. Alessia frowned and nodded her head. She already had her stuff packed. Setting the table before sitting down. Lin had helped herself to the noodles. Smiling at the older woman enjoying her noodles before helping herself to the dumplings. She wasn't a fan of spicy food, but for Lin, she would do anything.

It felt like dinner wasn't long enough as Alessia cleaned up the table and the kitchen. Lin was there helping her. Once finished, she felt her hand grabbed and then she was led away. They were in her bedroom as Lin closed the door and pulled Alessia into a tight hug. She hid her face against Lin's neck to inhale the woman's scent. Smiling as she left a few kisses.
"I'm going to miss you." Lin said softly while holding Alessia's chin. Kissing her deeply.
"I'll miss you too. It's a few days but I'll call you every day." Alessia spoke while pulling Lin with her towards her bed. She laid down against the wall as Lin laid next to her. Resting her head upon the chief's chest just to listen to her heart beat.
"You better call me. I know you don't like it in the south but at least let me know you are okay." Lin spoke softly. She nodded her head.
"Of course I will. I wish you would be there. I love dancing when you are watching." Alessia confessed as Lin raised a brow.
"Oh, do you now?" Lin gave a light smirk before moving over to be on top of Alessia. She could feel the kiss from Lin's lips were soft and gentle. Passionate and loving. She grabbed Lin's hips and pulled her close.
"Careful. We don't want to start something we cannot finish." Lin smirked.
"I know. I uh.." Alessia blushed as Lin laid down next to her again.
"What is it?" Lin asked while pulling her lover close.
"I wanna give myself to you this holiday." Alessia spoke with a blush. She was ready. So ready for Lin. It made her heart beat fast just by thinking about it.
"Are you sure?" Lin asked softly with a smile as Alessia nodded her head.
"I'm sure. Very." She added as Lin crashed her lips against Alessia's again. It was getting heated until a knock came upon the door.
"Time to go!" Su's voice shouted. Alessia frowned as Lin got up off the bed.
"Come on love. I can't give you a proper goodbye at the harbor, but I can here." Lin spoke as Alessia stood up. Hugging Lin tightly. Feeling her back being rubbed by the rough but soft hands. She smiled softly while looking into the green eyes she fell in love with before kissing Lin deeply again.
"I love you, Lin." Alessia spoke softly.
"I love you too, my flower." Lin replied before giving her a kiss upon the forehead. Alessia found herself hugging Lin tightly again before grabbing her duffle bag and sighed. She took Lin's hand and was led out of the room. Following Su and Kuvira out of the apartment.
"Before we head outside, may I ask. Can I have your bed while you are gone?" Lin whispered into Alessia's ear.
"It's your bed too. Of course you can." Alessia smiled. She knew exactly why Lin asked. She did the same when she didn't see Lin. She would find herself sleeping in Lin's bed because the scent of her lover was comforting. They rode in silence to the harbor. Su drove this time as Alessia was snuggled against Lin in the back. The drive was very short as they saw the other dancers outside waiting.
"Here." Lin spoke softly. Handing Alessia her green sweater.
"This is your favorite one though." Alessia raised a brow.
"I know. Don't judge but I slept with it for a few nights. I want you to have it while you're away." Lin spoke softly as Alessia kissed the older woman's cheek. She knew exactly why Lin did this. She folded it and placed it in her duffle bag for now. Exiting the cruiser and following Kuvira and Su to the ship. She turned and saw Lin wave at her. She waved back with a frown before heading onto the ship.

It was not long until she got settled into a bedroom with Kuvira. Korra, Asami, Mako, and Bolin were coming as well. They wanted to see the festival as well. Asami was only going to contact a man that could help save her company. Hearing a knock on their door, Su peeked in and closed the door behind her.
"Hello sweetie." Su smiled and walked over to sit upon Kuvira's bed. "We plan on staying a few days because some of the other dancers want to see what the festival is about." Su smiled as she pulled Kuvira into a hug and kissed her. Alessia felt a little jealous but she did love those two.
"We'll be staying at the hotel, hopefully you won't have a run into with, well you know." Su smiled as she walked over and gave Alessia a kiss on her cheek before a hug. She nodded and hugged the woman back.
"Thank you. I appreciate it, Su." Alessia spoke softly. With another round of hugs and a wave, Su had left their room. Kuvira got up from her bed and crawled into Alessia's bed. She raised a brow at her friend.
"What? We're friends. Are friends not allowed to cuddle?" She asked as Alessia smiled and scooted over. Watching her friend get comfortable before she did as well. Feeling her friend shiver a little. Alessia pulled Kuvira close to warm up.
"Plus, it's cold. I hate the cold." Kuvira spoke as Alessia nodded her head in agreement. Another reason she didn't relate to her water tribe roots. She heard her phone go off. She looked at it and smiled.
Lin: You get settled okay on the ship?
Ales: Yes. Su stopped by before bed.
Lin: Call me when you arrive?
Ales: Of course I will.
Lin Get some rest. I love you.
Ales: I love you too. Goodnight.

"You two are so cute." Kuvira smirked as Alessia nudged her.
"Shut up." Alessia blushed as Kuvira laughed a little.
"I'm serious. I can't see two people more perfect for each other than you two." Her friend added. Alessia smirked at her.
"You and Su. You two are so perfect together as well." Alessia spoke as Kuvira blushed.
"Wow. The great Kuvira blushing!" Alessia laughed and pulled the extra cover over them. "Anyways. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." Alessia spoke with a yawn. She stretched her arms before cuddling her friend again as Kuvira nodded. She turned off the nightstand lamp and snuggled up under the warm blankets.

Hearing a knock as the door opened. Su had come in and turned on the lights. Alessia was facing the wall and mumbled. Kuvira had her back to her and also mumbled while sitting up.
"My my. I'm sure Lin will be jealous." Su smirked while crossing her arms at the sight of the two.
"It was cold." Kuvira mumbled. "Tell Lin and she'll kill me." Kuvira spoke.
"Nah, she knows you're my best friend. She is very protective over me though." Alessia yawned while sitting up.
"You can say that again." Su chuckled. "It's alright sweetie. As long as I get my cuddles from you both as well." Su teased. Kuvira rolled her eyes before changing into warmer clothes and packed her bag.
"Cuddles are always welcomed. You'll have to ask Lin first." Alessia spoke. She quickly changed as well. Not caring that Su had seen her. Honestly, she was comfortable in front of her favorite women. Lin however is the lucky one.
"Great" Alessia frowned while looking out the window.
"What is it sweetie?" Su asked as Alessia grabbed her bag and led the way out. They had landed in Harbor City. Once outside, she felt that cold air hit. She shivered from it. Hearing voices as they began getting off the ship. There she saw Korra and the others.
"Korra." Alessia spoke as Korra hugged her. Gently patting her back.
"Wow! So many people are here to see us!" Bolin gasped.
"No. They aren't." Alessia started.
"They are here to see them." Korra nodded towards a bigger ship that had just pulled in. It was a large Northern Water Tribe ship. She could feel Su standing behind her as Kuvira stood on her left.
"Who are they?" Bolin asked as a pair of twins came off the ship. Long black hair with bangs. They looked emo and haunted. Both wearing blue water tribe robes. The only difference was Eska's eye shadow.
"Eska and Desna. Our cousins." Alessia and Korra said in unison.
"Eska is the girl and Desna is the guy." Korra spoke. Bolin was smiling as he eyed them.
"Bolin! No!" Alessia slapped Bolin's cheek.
"Hey! What was that for?" He frowned and rubbed his cheek.
"I am warning you as of now. You do not want to get involved." Alessia gave Bolin a warning look.
"It's cool. I'm here for Asami anyways. She asked for my help." Bolin spoke before leaving to find their friend.
"Avatar Korra. Good to see you." The twins spoke. "And you avatar's sister." They added.
"Her name is Alessia!" Kuvira snapped and crossed her arms.
"Who is this? Is she your suitor Alessia?" Eska asked.
"If so, we approve." Desna spoke as they were eyeing Kuvira.
"No, she's my best friend." Alessia spoke as she could hear Su snicker behind her. Trying to hide her laugh.
"We know you hate it here. Why are you here?" They asked.
"Dance performance later." Alessia spoke as they nodded.
"Seems you finally went after what you love." Eska spoke as they turned and glided away. Alessia sighed as she watched her cousins leave. It felt odd having them around.
"Odd." Was all Kuvira could say before Su pushed them both forward.
"See you at the performance!" Korra shouted with a wave. Alessia nodded as she watched Korra grab Mako's hand and dragged him away.

They had made it to the hotel as the other dancers had found their rooms with their buddies since Su didn't want anyone going off alone.
"You have weird cousins." Kuvira spoke as Alessia nodded.
"Yup. I know. I used to see them all the time when the family got together." She added.
"How are you guys related?" Kuvira asked.
"Um. Korra has an uncle who is the chief of the water nation in the north. Tonraq was supposed to be but he got banished for some reason." Alessia spoke.
"Wait, Korra is royalty?" Kuvira gasped.
"Well, yes and no. She is because of relations but not because her dad got banished for some reason." Alessia frowned.
"That makes you royalty as well." Kuvira added.
"No it doesn't. I'm the bastard of the family." Alessia shook her head as Su sighed. They both looked at the older woman who was frowning.
"Just because you were born outside of a marriage doesn't make you any less special in a family. No family is perfect." Su spoke.
"You're right about that." Kuvira spoke as Alessia raised a brow.
"Su raised me by the way." Kuvira started as Alessia gave a horror look. "It's not like that. I never felt like one of her kids you see. She never really 'adopted' me. She just brought me in and gave me a home and a family even though I never really saw her as a mother. More than that. I never really confessed until I met you." Kuvira spoke. It was a weird conversation to be having right now. Alessia smiled weakly and nodded her head. They weren't related by blood.
"So, you're saying all my favorite ladies are all Beifongs huh?" Alessia smiled as they nodded.
"I don't actually have the name Beifong even though I pretty much lived with them and grew up with them." Kuvira spoke.
"No my love but, if you want." Su started and pulled Kuvira closely with a smile.
"I can change that real quick." Su smirked as Alessia gasped. Kuvira was now the confused one.
"I was going to wait until Lin was listening but the small amount of time we've been together, I have never fallen more in love with anyone than I have with you my sweet." Su spoke as she got on one knee. Alessia slapped a hand over her mouth as she watched the events unfold.
"Kuvira, will you make me the happiest woman alive and become my wife?" Su asked as she held a small silver ring with a diamond on it. A shape of a rose. Kuvira gasped. Her eyes were wide as she nodded.
"Yes!" She nearly shouted. Alessia smiled and clapped her hands as she watched them kiss deeply before Su placed the ring upon Kuvira's finger. This was definitely worth celebrating. Alessia gave them both a hug before leaving the two alone as she went to change into her outfit.

It had been a few hours since the hotel room. Alessia had Lin's sweater with her to wear after the performance. She looked at her friend who was looking at the ring upon her finger now.
"Well, how do you feel?" Alessia asked as Kuvira was smiling non stop.
"I feel like I'm floating. She's the one, Alessia." Kuvira smiled as she leaned against her friend. Alessia chuckled. Her friend was definitely head over heels for Su and it was showing.
"Come on!" We have a performance to do." She spoke while grabbing Kuvira's hand and dragged her love-happy friend to where they were supposed to meet.
"Alright everyone! Into positions!" Su shouted as they gathered around her while shivering. "I know you are all cold, but movement will warm you up! Let's go!" Su clapped her hands as they all went behind the curtains on the build up stage. Alessia handed Su the sweater before taking her place.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Please welcome all the way from Republic City! The dancers from Avatar University!" A man's voice shouted over a microphone as the crowd cheered and clapped. Alessia followed the others onto the stage. She found her sister Korra in the front row with Mako, Bolin, and Asami. A new guy next to Asami that she hadn't met before. Korra was waving at Alessia who nodded and gave her a smile. The music had started as did they. All the coldness went away as her body began to warm up. Su was right about that.

The performance wasn't long but it was fun. They had added a combat routine between Alessia and Kuvira. They were doing it hand by hand as taught by Su in sync with the music. The others circled around them. They were playing as the lost spirits who had come to claim their home again. They both ended with a pose. Alessia on the ground as Kuvira claiming her victory. The crowd jumped up cheering.
"Give it up for these amazing dancers!" The man shouted again and bowed. Gliding off the stage before they jumped in excitement. Alessia smiled at them before grabbing the sweater from Su and putting it on. Lin's scent overwhelmed her as she blushed.
"Go have fun, dears! Stay safe!" Su shouted as the dancers all dashed away to get warm and have fun. Alessia felt Kuvira grab her arm and dragged her away. Raising a brow at her friend.
"Did you have fun?" Kuvira asked as Alessia nodded with a smile.
"I did." She hummed softly as her friend was watching her. "Wanna try a game?" She asked while pointing at a ring toss game. Kuvira chuckled and shook her head.
"Are you sure you are okay?" Alessia knew Kuvira knew her so well.
"Yeah. I just wished Lin was here to see." She sighed softly while they walked around the area while their arms linked.
"I know you do. Someone has to stay in the city and she does a hell of a good job. Speaking of, you need to call her." Kuvira spoke as they stopped by a game. "Call her. I'm going to try this game." Alessia nodded her head and pulled out her phone. Seeing Lin's number as she dialed it. Hearing it ring a couple times.
"Hello?" Lin's voice came from the other side and her heart began pounding.
"It's me." Alessia smiled softly.
"Ah, how was the performance, my flower?" Lin asked as Alessia felt her heart swell at this.
"It went well. It's cold. I wish you were here." Alessia spoke softly.
"Me too, my love." Lin returned the soft voice.
"So, there's some news."
"Oh, what's that?"
"Su proposed to Kuvira."
"Really?! About damn time!" Lin laughed.
"You knew about it?" Alessia rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, she wouldn't shut up about it. Had this whole event planned out for the holidays." Lin replied.
"So, that's why you said you were going. To see that." Alessia sighed.
"Yes, but it's because I knew you couldn't say no to Su when she invited you to go to Zaofu as well. I wouldn't go if you weren't." Lin spoke softly again. Alessia raised a brow as Kuvira had a penguin stuffed animal after winning the game. "Are you okay honey?" Lin asked as Alessia was brought back to reality.
"Yeah! I just. Um. Yeah. Sorry. Well, I'm glad I'll be spending the holidays with you guys." Alessia leaned against her friend as they walked down the pathways the festival had.
"Alessia, are you sure you're okay?" Lin's voice had concern in it.
"Yeah. I love you Lin and I already miss you." Alessia spoke softly while looking down at her feet.
"I love you too honey. It's only a couple of days. I'm not going anywhere." Lin spoke just in time to hear screaming. Several people were running and a loud roar had sounded. Alessia and Kuvira froze right where they were.
"Alessia? What's going on? Honey?" Lin was trying to get Alessia's attention.
"Something's going on!" Alessia spoke.
"What is it?" Lin asked, trying to get more information. Then it appeared. A tall looking figure as it roared again.
"I..I don't know. It's huge!" Alessia spoke as it roared again. Feeling the ground shake. "Lin…" Was all Alessia could say as Korra came flying in to fight it.
"Honey! Don't go into danger please! I'm not there with you!" Lin shouted over the phone.
"Lin. It's a dark spirit. It's so angry." Alessia spoke. She could feel the spirit's anger through the earth. "Korra!" Alessia shouted as Korra was thrown across the floor.
"Lin. I have to go. Korra's in trouble." Alessia spoke quickly.
"No!" Lin replied.
"I have to!" She replied with worry.
"If you must, please come home back to me alive. I love you." Lin's voice was full of hurt.
"I love you too. So much." Alessia spoke as she hung up. Her eyes stung with tears before she dashed forward. Kuvira right behind her. They engaged in combat with the spirit. Korra had come back into the fight.
"Enough!" A man's voice shouted. Alessia turned in time to see Unalaq as he slid into view. The three of them stopped in mid-movement. The man performed a complex movement that she had never seen before. Watching the water circle around the dark spirit and then turn into gold. The spirit had calmed down. Watching it turn and walk away.
"Go in peace." Unalaq spoke as he bowed to it.
"How did you do that?" Korra asked as she ran up to him.
"It's called spirit bending. A form or water bending. It seems the south is more out of balance than I thought with the spirits." He added.
"How can I help?" Korra asked.
"Korra no! You need to finish training with Tenzin." Alessia spoke. Seeing people gathering around now.
"I want to learn. Please?" Korra asked.
"Very well. I shall be your spiritual guide." Unalaq spoke. "We need to correct the mistakes that have happened in the past." He added.
"How can I help?" Alessia asked as Kuvira nodded while she stood next to her friend. Hoping they wouldn't miss the holidays for this. It seemed they were going to need all the help they could get and Alessia was not going to let her sister go head first into danger as Kuvira was not letting her best friend go alone.