Chapter Twenty-Three: Lights
Alessia and Kuvira were already back in their hotel room packing up their things. Korra wanted team Avatar to join her on the mission.
"Ladies, I have to take the dancers back to the city where it's safer. I want you both to come with me." Su frowned as she finally came into the room.
"We told Korra we would help." Kuvira spoke. Su sighed and pulled her into a hug. Alessia nodded her head. She crossed her arms and sat on her bed. Thinking about what was said. Korra was finally told the truth about her father's banishment. She wasn't too happy to hear herself talk about the whole story.
"You need to call Lin." Su finally spoke. Alessia frowned. "It's best to hear from you." Their professor said as Alessia nodded and pulled out her phone. Dialing the number.
"Hello?" Lin's voice came.
"It's me." Alessia spoke softly.
"Thank the spirits. Are you alright?" Lin asked.
"Yes. I need to tell you something." She spoke.
"You are coming back to the city right?" Lin asked. There was a hint in her voice that she wanted Alessia back there.
"I can't. Korra wants the team there." She frowned.
"Alessia…" Lin's voice was hurt.
"Lin. I have to."
"No, you don't. She isn't your responsibility. I need you here so I can keep you safe." Lin sighed.
"This is so I can keep you safe. With everyone else." Alessia replied. Her eyes stung a little from this. She wanted nothing more than to be heading back to the city.
"Just. Please be safe. Soon as it gets too dangerous, come back to me." Lin was trying to make her promise.
"I'll do my best. I'll see you soon okay? I love you." Alessia spoke while feeling her heart beat rather fast.
"Please come home to me soon. I love you too." Lin replied. There was a minute before they both hung up. She was frowning as she felt Su touch her shoulder.
"Be safe. Both of you." Su spoke as they nodded. Alessia was now in her uniform and Kuvira was wearing hers as well.
"I love you my sweet Kuvira." Su spoke softly while holding Kuvira's chin to kiss her deeply. Alessia smiled at the two lightly before looking to the side.
"Don't think I forgot about you sweetie." Su spoke as Alessia raised a brow. Su pulled her close into a tight hug. "You know I love you as well Alessia. I'll make sure Lin doesn't go crazy without you there." Su chuckled lightly.
I love you too and thank you. I appreciate it." Alessia smiled while hugging Su back just as tightly before letting go. They handed their bags over to Su before she left with the other dances.
They had found the others with snow mobiles as Alessia hopped onto the one Kuvira was on.
"Hold tight." Kuvira smirked as Alessia rolled her eyes. Sliding her arms around Kuvira's waist.
"Does this seat three people?" Eska's voice came as they looked at Bolin.
"Yeah, not sure who would drive though." He spoke as the twins both sat in the passenger seat. Alessia couldn't help but snicker a little. Seeing the defeat look on Bolin's face. She did warn him about them. Now Bolin was stuck in a relationship with her cousin.
"You should not be coming." Unalaq's voice brought their attention as Tonraq pulled up as well.
"I'm not letting you take my daughter into that storm." He spoke. Alessia sighed and shook her head. Looking up forward there was indeed a storm. It was the Ever Storm.
"Fine. Do not get in my way of training her." Unalaq spoke as he took the lead. Alessia felt Kuvira start the snowmobile and they were off. The ride was smooth. Though, it seemed it would take time to get there. They came to a stop to see dark spirits flying around in the storm. Alessia squinted her eyes only to see hundreds, if not, thousands of dark spirits circling the storm.
"Well, when does the portal have to be opened?" Korra asked.
"You must open it by the Winter Solstice." Unalaq spoke.
"That's tomorrow!" Korra shouted.
"Storm is getting worse. Let's take shelter in the cave." Unalaq spoke as they made their way to the nearby cave. Once inside, Mako easily lit a fire. Alessia and Kuvira sat side by side near the fire. Kuvira was leaning against Alessia while shivering. She pulled her friend close for warmth.
"Those dark spirits are scary." Bolin spoke as he shivered.
"I'll protect you, my little turtle duck." Eska spoke while watching him. Alessia and Kuvira had side-eyed each other before hiding a snicker.
"Your father is to blame." Unalaq spoke as he began to tell everyone else about the story. Bolin however was so clueless. Seeing Korra yell at her father before storming off.
"Korra!" Alessia shouted as she ran after her sister.
It was not long as Korra was now fighting with her father as her uncle was standing nearby. Alessia crossed her arms and sighed. Hearing them argue more.
"Incoming!" Bolin shouted as dark spirits had found them. Alessia without thought flung her arms forward to use her cables. Flinging the lines towards the spirits. She could feel Kuvira's power with her own as they used the cables together. Bringing a few spirits together and rounded them up. Watching them get spirit bent back into calmness before leaving. Alessia frowned while looking around. There was no end to this! They moved further and further into the Ever Storm. Alessia could feel the anger coming from the spirits as they got closer.
"You need to leave!" Unalaq shouted while looking at Tonraq.
"No. Korra shouldn't go alone." Tonraq shouted back.
"We can keep an eye on Korra." Mako spoke.
"Whose side are you on?!" Korra shouted at Mako. Alessia sighed at the sight. It seemed all they did was fight. Rolling her eyes as she and Kuvira were keeping watch. Her father had agreed to leave as he got on his snowmobile and drove away. Everyone else had followed Unalaq towards the forest. They stopped right on the outside of it.
"Wait! Korra must go alone." Unalaq spoke as all eyes went to Korra.
"How will I know?" Korra asked lightly.
"Find the light in the dark." He spoke as she turned her heels and left. Alessia grabbed Kuvira's hand and squeezed it. Hoping her sister would be safe in that dark frozen forest. It had not been long nor a short amount of time when a blinding flash of light had happened. Alessia shielded her eyes before looking up to the night sky. There were lights dancing around the sky. She was in awe at the sight. She felt her friend squeeze her hand as she looked at her. They were smiling at each other. It seemed the spirits had finally returned to the south and the night sky was full of them dancing. It seemed that the storm had cleared away as well. Korra was smiling non stop as she appeared.
"Korra!" Alessia shouted as she hugged her sister. "You did it!" She was beaming before letting go.
"Korra, you were amazing." Mako spoke. Alessia rolled her eyes again before following Kuvira back to their snowmobile.
The ride back was quicker than it was getting there. They were chatting softly while parking their mobiles. Alessia looked at her phone. No messages or calls. Weird. She watched Kuvira open her phone to talk.
"Hey Su. Yes, we are alright. Putting you on." Kuvira spoke while pulling Alessia to the side. She gave her friend a questioning look before realizing what was going on.
"When are you two coming home?" Su had asked. "Lin. They are on the phone."
"Are they okay?" The voice of Lin was clear now.
"We are." Alessia spoke.
"Alessia? Are you okay? Is Kuvira okay? When are you coming back?" Lin had bombarded her with questions.
"Lin, we are okay. It was nasty but we survived." Alessia sighed a little.
"Nasty? What happened?" Su asked.
"We got attacked by dark spirits but we are fine now." Kuvira replied.
"Get home please." Lin spoke. Alessia smiled. She knew Lin was worried about her.
"We will. What's going on?" Alessia asked while looking over at the harbor.
"What is it?" Su asked, there was confusion in her voice.
"There are ships everywhere." Kuvira spoke.
"Ships?" Lin asked.
"Yes. We'll take the next ship out once we can. I love you!" Alessia spoke as she dashed away towards the harbor.
"I love you too. She is already gone isn't she?" Lin spoke as Kuvira replied.
"I'll tell her. I love you Su." Kuvira spoke.
"I love you too honey. Be safe!" With that, she hung up. Alessia watched as the Northern Water Tribe ships pulled into the harbor.
"What's going on?" She asked while looking around for Korra. She spotted her sister and ran towards her.
"We have much work to do while helping the south get reconnected with the spirits." Unalaq said. Alessia felt something tug at her heart. Hearing shouting as the northern water benders started making walls and barricades around the area.
"Get back into your homes!" A man shouted. Alessia could only watch in horror with Kuvira. She just wanted to get back to the city but something was telling her that wasn't going to be soon. She felt someone pulling her. Korra grabbed Alessia's hand who grabbed Kuvira's as they were led away from the area. They had made their way down to their hut of a home.
Hearing voices as they went inside. Alessia frowned. It was her mother and Tonraq speaking to a few others.
"I say we rebel!" The voice of a very annoying man spoke up. She looked over to the voice.
"We have to be careful, Varrick." Senna spoke softly. Then it hit her. They were having a secret meeting.
"We shouldn't be here." She whispered to Kuvira who nodded. They had quickly left. Not wanting to be caught in the middle of whatever this was.
"You there! You are part of this nation too aren't you?" A young boy's voice called out towards Alessia. She stopped in her tracks and looked at him.
"No. I'm from the earth kingdom." Alessia frowned.
"But you're the avatar's sister aren't you?" He asked. Alessia felt that pang of hurt again in her heart. "Please, help us." He whispered before dashing off. She looked at her friend who had a sad look on her face. They were talking before their walk had ended up by Mako and Korra who were also talking.
"Please! You've got to help me!" Bolin spoke as he finally caught up with them.
"What's going on?" Kuvira asked.
"I can't be in icy bliss with her. You gotta help me!" Bolin was nearly crying.
"I warned you!" Alessia crossed her arms as Kuvira was smirking now at the sight of Bolin. "Let's get some dinner." She took the lead as they entered a diner. The twins pulled Bolin away for the time being. Alessia sat next to Kuvira and Korra on her other side. She leaned against her friend and sighed. She was missing Lin. She pulled out her phone to text her.
Ales: I miss you.
Lin: I miss you too.
Su: How are things?
Kuv: Bad.
Lin: Meaning?
Ales: We think Korra started a civil war.
Lin: What?!
Su: What?
Lin: You two coming home or what?
Kuv: There aren't any ships leaving yet.
Lin: For spirits sake!
Su: Don't stress. Be safe. We'll be waiting for you.
Alessia sighed as her friend rubbed her back gently. It seemed like Bolin was back.
"I can't break it off with her." Bolin whined while he poked at his food. It was odd not seeing Bolin eat at all. "She said she would freeze me in a block of ice." He added.
"Well, once the ship is ready to return to the city, we can sneak you away." Alessia suggested. This got her a gasp from him.
"You would do that for me?" He was beaming at her as she nodded her head lightly. He was, after all, her friend.
"Yes. Though, you need to be careful. She isn't someone to trifle with." Bolin nodded and began eating. Alessia started eating her own food as well. They were all silent. It felt odd. Like the silent before a storm. Korra had left to speak with her parents. Alessia and Kuvira had headed back to their hotel room. It felt odd. Not knowing what was happening at the moment. She received a call from Korra about her parents being taken to the judge. She grabbed Kuvira and ran out of the hotel.
"What's going on?" She asked as Alessia shouted.
"They are on trial for treason!" She shouted as she skidded to a halt. She took a seat as Kuvira sat next to her. They were listening as Korra was called forward.
"Where did the meeting take place?" The judge asked.
"My parents' house." Korra spoke sadly.
"Who were all there?" He asked as Korra started listing names. Hers and Kuvira's were not said since they had left. As each person was named, they were brought forward into a line. Alessia sighed with a frown as her mother was in that line. She may not have been a mother to her, but she was to Korra. She could hear the hurt in her sister's voice.
They are innocent!" Korra shouted.
"Enough! We break for now. I will be back with my decision!"
They were standing out in the hall.
"You're right my sweet koloa. We shall be married." Eska spoke as Alessia's eyes went wide. Seeing a brothel necklace pulled out and wrapped around Bolin's neck. Alessia was too stunned to even say anything! 'Poor Bolin.' She thought as he was dragged away. "We shall get married right away!" Eska added. Alessia felt her arm grabbed by Kuvira as they went back into the hall for the trial. Korra was up front. Senna was declared innocent. Hearing Korra shout as the hall was dismissed. Alessia was outside talking to the group for hours as Korra came back.
"Everything alright?" Alessia asked her sister as she shook her head. Korra told them what she had learned. Sighing as she, Kuvira, Mako, Korra, and Asami all left to break into the prison.
Time Skip
Alessia sighed now that everything that was done in the south had been a complete shit show. They were now on their way back to the city. She could see the lights. Kuvira had messaged Su and Lin that they were almost back. Seeing the ship stop at the harbor, they got off quickly.
"Welcome back. Thanks for starting a civil war." Lin's voice made Alessia's heart jump.
"I didn't start a civil war! Well, it's complicated!" Korra snapped back. Alessia had the urge to slap her sister.
"There is a peace march happening tonight in town. Kuvira, Mako, Alessia. I want you back on the beat!" Lin ordered.
"All yours chief!" They said in unison as they stood at attention. Alessia could see a hint of pride swell in Lin.
"I'll join them." Korra spoke while leaving.
"Just what we needed." Lin sighed. Asami had left with Varrick and Bolin. Alessia eyed the new man. She had a feeling that she didn't trust him. Looking at Mako and Kuvira before sighing.
"Everything alright?" Mako asked. She could feel Lin watching her.
"No. I have a bad feeling about something." She explained.
"We'll be out watching during the march. I want you three to keep an eye around the building." Lin spoke as they nodded. Following the chief back into the city. It felt good to be back. She hated the south. This is where she belonged. Here with her friends and loved ones. It was still day outside as she and Kuvira made their way back to their home.
"Su?" Kuvira called out as they entered. Seeing a woman in green robes appeared and ran over. Pulling Kuvira into a tight hug.
"Oh thank the spirits you are alright!" Su spoke. Alessia smiled at the two only to feel arms wrapped around her as well. Lin was behind her after closing the door. She turned in Lin's arms and pulled her close. Kissing her deeply. She wanted nothing more than to stay there forever in Lin's arms before pulling back. She sighed deeply and nuzzled the older woman's neck.
"Everything alright?" Su asked. She looked at the other woman and nodded her head.
"Yeah. Need to shower before heading to the march." Alessia spoke. She let go of Lin. Gave Su a hug before heading to the shower. It was quick and simple. Seeing the bag unpacked, Alessia opened it and found the thing she wanted. The green sweater. Putting on a tank top and then the sweater. A pair of jeans and walked back into the other room. It seemed that Su had made dinner.
"Am I ever getting that sweater back?" Lin asked as Alessia shook her head. Fixing her plate to eat. Hearing a soft chuckle from Su.
"So, tell us about what happened." Su asked as Kuvira began to explain things.
"We should get going." Lin spoke as they nodded. Su had cleared up the table as Alessia took care of the kitchen before heading to her room. With a simple flick of her wrists and closing her hands into a ball, her armor was bent on perfectly. Lifting her hair from underneath.
"You're getting better." Lin spoke while hugging her from behind. She smiled and leaned back against Lin. Tilting her head to give the woman more access to her neck. She mumbled softly before turning around. Holding Lin close by her arms around her neck. She loved watching her professor stare at her. Those pale green eyes always make her heart beat.
"Well, hopefully we'll be in Zaofu soon." She spoke lightly. Lin smirked at this as it made Alessia blush. "You perv." Alessia whispered.
"Oh shut up. I know you touch yourself thinking about me." Lin whispered in a teasing voice. Alessia blushed at this and hid her face. Hearing a chuckle as Lin rubbed her back. Alessia took this chance and bit Lin's neck in the right spot. Hearing a soft moan as Lin tightened her grip.
"My flower. Don't tease. Come." Lin spoke. Alessia could see the flushing red on Lin's cheek before leading her out of her bedroom.
"Ready?" Kuvira asked as they nodded. She gave Su another hug before taking the leave from their apartment.
"Sometimes I wonder if we should just have the two move in." Alessia spoke to Kuvira who was smiling and nodded.
"I agree. They do like it here more." Kuvira chuckled.
"What are you two going on about?" Lin asked.
"Nothing!" They said in unison only to get a raised brow from Lin as she crossed her arms.
"Get in. We are picking up Mako." Lin spoke as they did. Alessia took the front seat while humming lightly. Lin drove the cruiser at the speed limit. Touching Alessia's hand before squeezing it. They finally got Mako and headed towards the Cultural center for the water tribe.
Alessia felt an unease in the air. Seeing her sister lead the march on Naga. She was not supposed to be getting involved. She sighed while turning on her heels and followed Kuvira and Mako to the side of the building. She made sure she stayed in Lin's line of sight. Their eyes locked as she nodded once to Lin before looking back at her two friends. Mako was leaning against the wall. Alessia moved a little further away to look around. There was sudden movement.
"Who's there?!" Alessia shouted as she took a stance. She moved closer to Kuvira who was also looking around. Then all of sudden, there was a rumble as the side of this building exploded. Mako bent the fire out of the way as Alessia and Kuvira both bent up a shield. The fire was gone as quick as it came. Alessia sent the earth back while hearing the screaming of the southern water tribe protestors. Alessia ran over to the front to help calm the crowd. She looked over her shoulder and saw the entire building on fire. 'What happened?' Alessia thought. The fire was bringing the building down.
"Water benders! Let's go!" Alessia shouted as her fellow water bending officers took their stance and motioned their arms as Alessia instructed. Putting the fire out before dashing in the way. Moving her arms to cause earth shields to come up to stop sato-mobiles crashing into the citizens. There was chaos going on everywhere.
"Is everyone alright?" She shouted while some were nodding as others were shouting curses towards the building."I promise you folks. We will get to the bottom of this!" She shouted while holding her hands up to keep the crowd calm.
"It was the norths!" A southern shouted. More angry protesting started.
"Silence!" Alessia shouted as the crowd died down. "I assure you, we will find who was responsible!" She spoke. The crowd was dismissed as Alessia made her way back towards Mako and Kuvira who were standing by Lin.
"Chief, I'm telling you. I saw the face. It wasn't a water tribe." Mako was explaining.
"Enough! We need to report what happened. Alessia, good job on crowd control. Get going." Lin spoke as they saluted her before quickly dashing away to the station. Making sure there was no other damage along the way.