Chapter Twenty-One: Spirits
It had been a couple weeks since she moved into her apartment. Snow was falling lightly across Public City. Alessia was on the patio watching the snow fall. A blanket wrapped around her while holding a cup of hot tea. She took a couple sips while watching some of the police officers zip by on the telephone pole cables that connected across the city. Humming softly as she heard the door open.
"Are you coming back inside?" Lin's voice spoke lightly. She smiled and turned to face her lover. Sipping her tea before heading back inside. "It's cold outside. Why do you like watching the snow?" Lin asked as they sat down on her couch and cuddled each other.
"It's peaceful to watch. Reminds me even with the chaos out there, there is also peace." Alessia spoke with a smile. Lin nodded her head before kissing her neck softly.
"Korra said she needs me in the south for the festival." Alessia sighed a little.
"I don't want you to go." Lin spoke softly.
"You're my boss. Tell her no." Alessia whispered as Lin chuckled.
"Even I don't have any say over the avatar. She may be young but what she says goes. Just know that I will be here waiting for you." Lin spoke while holding Alessia's chin.
"You should come with me." Alessia frowned as her eyes locked with Lin's green ones.
"I have to stay here and make sure the city doesn't fall." Lin replied. She sighed and laid her head upon Lin's chest. Listening to the heart beat again. She had grown used to listening to it every night. It was going to be hard not seeing Lin for almost a week.
"What I could do is have you there for police business. That you can stay at the hotel and not with Korra." Lin spoke while pulling Alessia upon her lap.
"Look at you." Alessia smiled as Lin raised a brow. "The great Lin Beifong cares." She chuckled as Lin rolled her eyes. Lin stole the rest of her tea before getting up.
"You should get ready. Ship leaves tonight." Lin spoke while taking the cup to the kitchen. Alessia followed Lin to make sure she gave her lover plenty of attention before she left.
It had been a few days since arriving in the south. Alessia had a few of Lin's favorite clothes to wear. Wearing the famous tank top before metal bending her armor on. She sighed lightly while looking into the mirror. Fixing her hair before heading out. The cold air stung her lungs as she took a couple breaths. She double checked her cables on her uniform before heading towards the festival. Hearing the crunching sound of the snow under her boots. She looked up to see Korra waving at her. Alessia smiled while walking up to her sister.
"Hey! Let's get some food. The twins are getting creepy." Korra spoke as she looked over and saw Eska and Desna. Bolin seemed to be being dragged away by Eska. Alessia chuckled a little before following Korra around to see the games they had this year.
"Shame the south has lost its connection to the spirits." A man spoke that she knew all too well. Unalaq. Alessia turned to see the man smiling at them.
"Ah Alessia. Good to see you." Unalaq spoke.
"Likewise." Alessia replied. She saw Mako join them not too long after.
"What do you mean the south is no longer connected?" Korra asked.
"Look at the sky at night. They don't dance anymore." He spoke.
"How do I fix this?" Korra asked. With that, there was a defending roar. Alessia spun on her feet and saw a large tall dark figure wreaking havoc. She took a gulp. Korra ran first as did Alessia. With no earth under her, she used the water she bent from the ice. Shooting ice shards towards the dark figure. It ate up the ice. It's arm swung forward and hit Alessia. She felt her body go flying in the air. She twisted her middle as she flipped in mid air to use her feet for landing.
"Whoa! Nice one Alessia!" Mako shouted as she nodded before running towards it again.
"Stop!" Unalaq's voice shouted as Alessia and Korra stopped. They were standing side by side as they watched Korra's uncle use fluid movements she had never seen before. The water came up in a rope-like form and went around the dark spirit. Once blue, it turned into gold. Watching the gold light go up to remove the darkness from the spirit.
"Go in peace." Unalaq's voice spoke as he ended with a bow. The spirit turned around and walked away as it disappeared.
"As you can see. The spirits are attacking unless we open the portal." Unalaq spoke. Alessia raised a brow. She had a feeling that something else was up.
"When do I have to do it?" Korra asked.
"By Winter's Solstice." He replied.
"That's so soon!" She shouted.
"Then, let's get going." He spoke.
They found themselves riding on snowmobiles towards a storm that was far from Harbor City. Alessia frowned as she could make out several dark spirits flying around the storm.
"Ever Storm." Unalaq explained. Alessia frowned as a few of the dark spirits came to attack them. She was ready. Jumping off while pulling the water out of the snow and going for it. She tried doing what Unalaq did. She did not get the movements down quite yet. She looked around and frowned. They kept coming.
"Make way to the cave!" She shouted while pointing at a cave nearby. They have made a dash to it. Mako lit a fire with ease as they all sat around it. Alessia stood by the entrance of the cave. Her mind kept drifting off, wondering what Lin was doing right now. Judging by the time, she would be in bed. Hoping it was her bed for comfort. She frowned a little while listening to the ghost stories that the twins were telling. She sighed lightly while taking a seat by the fire when Unalaq took watch this time. Korra was leaning against Mako. Bolin was sitting next to the twins and Asami was back in the city. 'Lucky.' She thought before hearing Bolin saying the dark spirits were scary.
"I'll protect you, my little feeble turtle duck." Eska spoke as Alessia rolled her eyes. Alessia hugged her knees while setting her forehead on her knees. Thinking about Lin's lips against hers as she hugged her knees tighter. Why did she agree to do this? Oh right. Korra wanted her here.
"You need to leave." Unalaq spoke to Tonraq who kept refusing. "The spirits are mad because of you." Unalaq replied.
"What does he mean?" Korra asked. Alessia raised a brow. Then, Unalaq told them the story of the brothers. One getting banished after almost destroying the village. She felt anger rising in her.
"We'll look after Korra." Mako spoke as Tonraq nodded his head.
"Since when are you on his side?!" Korra snapped. Alessia sighed and rolled her eyes.
"We should get going." Unalaq spoke as the storm outside calmed down a little. Alessia stood up and bent the water out of her uniform pants as it was soaked from sitting on the cave floor. She nodded her head. Watching the others make their way out as she put the fire out. She was silent while watching Bolin get dragged by his collar again. Shaking her head with a small chuckle. Bolin was warned about them. It seemed that Eska had taken an interest in Bolin. She hoped onto her mobile again as they made their way up to the frozen forest.
"Korra needs to go alone." Unalaq spoke as Alessia tried to protest. Korra nodded as she went forward. The rest of them were fighting off the dark spirits. She could feel her feet connected to the snow as she was sliding around in circles around a few dark spirits. Using her cables to round them up. She had used so much of her cables, she was almost out.
"Watch." Unalaq spoke as she showed her step by step movements to purify the spirit. Nodding as she followed his movements exactly. Taking a deep breath as her arms were above her head as the water finished turning into gold.
"Go in peace." She spoke softly and bowed to the spirits. More and more kept coming. It seemed like an endless fight. Then. All of a sudden. There was a bright blinding light. Alessia shielded her eyes before finally seeing it. The light came from the spirit portal. Shooting up to the sky as they began to dance again. Alessia smiled at the sight. Wishing her lover was here to witness this. Korra then made an appearance. The ride back was quicker than it was up due to the storm no longer being a threat. Seeing several ships arrive from the north come into the harbor.
Time skip
They had arrived back in Republic City. Bolin made a dash away from them. In hope that Eska didn't follow them. She truly scared Bolin. Alessia chuckled as she watched him go. Her eyes caught Lin's. She smiled at the older woman before feeling Mako's presence next to her.
"Heard you started a war." Lin spoke as she crossed her arms looking at Korra.
"I didn't start a war!" Korra shouted.
"You kind of did." Alessia spoke quietly.
"Okay but it's complicated!" Korra added, trying to defend herself.
Alessia, Mako. I want you back on the beat!" Lin spoke as her hands were behind her back.
"We're all yours chief!" They spoke together. Alessia was smiling as her mismatched eyes were looking at the green ones.
"There's a peace march happening tonight and I want you both there." Lin added.
"Good. I'll be joining them." Korra spoke as she walked away.
"Just what we need." Lin pinched the bridge of her nose with a sigh. Mako took his leave as well.
"You alright?" Lin asked as Alessia nodded. Watching Mako leave before giving Lin a hug.
"I missed you." Alessia smiled lightly.
"It was only a week. But I missed you too." Lin smiled and kissed Alessia's forehead. "Come. We should go get ready." Lin added as she led the way from the harbor.
They both made it back to her apartment as she set the bag down that she had packed. Deciding to take care of it later. She could smell food in the air as she left her bedroom. Seeing Lin set the food down.
"Take out. Didn't have time to cook." Lin explained as Alessia hugged her tightly.
"It's alright. At least I know you are eating." Lin rolled her eyes at Alessia for this but still smiled.
"So, did you sleep okay while you were down there?" Lin asked as they began to eat. She was talking about the nightmares of course. Alessia had told Lin of them after the second night they spent together. Accidentally waking Lin up of course. She then told Lin about the dreams she would constantly have for some reason.
"I slept okay. Slept in your sweater so that helped." Alessia spoke. Some reason, Lin';s scent was always able to help her sleep. She was spoiled by Lin and they knew it.
"Good. I slept here if that was alright?" Lin asked while drinking some water.
"As long as it was in the bed." Alessia nodded her head. She leaned against Lin who wrapped an arm around her waist. Holding her close while single handedly ate her food. Alessia chuckled at Lin before clearing the table. They both still had their armor on as they made their way out.
"Have you seen or heard from Kya?" Alessia asked as they rode in Lin's cruiser.
"Yes. She just visited the island. I am not sure if she is still there. Why do you ask?" Lin asked, raising a brow.
"Well, she hasn't heard me speak yet." Alessia spoke.
"That's right. Also, the studio is holding auditions again if you want to dance again." Lin suggested as she shook her head.
"No. Not after what happened." Alessia frowned while touching her half star necklace again. If she were to ever dance again, she would have to get over that fear but then again, would she be able to ever? They hated dancers from Zaofu for some reason. They were supposed to be on the same team but she guessed they saw her as a threat. Shrugging at the idea before Lin finally pulled up at the large cultural building.
"Chief." Mako's voice came. He was wearing a uniform as well but not of metal since he is a firebender. He had coils though to help make his bending move further away. He nodded at Alessia who nodded back.
"Alright. I want you both to keep an eye on the side. Stay in my line of sight." Lin ordered. They both nodded and saluted Lin before turning to take their place at the edge of the building.
"Stay here. I'll check the perimeter on this side." Mako spoke. Alessia nodded. Watching her friend leave the spot as Alessia looked around. Her eyes caught Lin's. They nodded at each other while hearing chants coming from the end of the street. She looked over to see her sister at the front. 'Of course.' She thought. Korra was riding on Naga while holding a candle. Several others were following behind her. Also either holding a candle or a sign. Many were chanting about the north needing to leave the south. She felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning to see that Mako had returned. She nodded her head at him before hearing the chant get louder.
"Hurry!" A voice shouted. Alessia turned in time to see men leaving the building. Alessia put her fingers to her lips and whistled loudly enough for Lin to hear her. She waved just in time as an explosion had happened. Alessia felt the force knock her off her feet. Mako bent the fire out of the way of his path. She looked up as her head was ringing. Seeing men shout as they jumped into a mobile and drove off. Mako picked something up. Groaning while holding her head as the building exploded more. There were several screams and shouting.
"Water benders on me!" Alessia shouted. A few followed her as she led them into a stance. Bending water from the fountain and into the burning building. It took several tries as they finally put the fire out. Lin was shouting orders to her men to get the crowd under control.
It took a few hours as they finally had everything under control as they were at the City Hall. There were reporters there at the ready to get the story. There was nothing but silence in the air. Lin had finally made an appearance. She walked up towards the front of the crowd. Alessia had followed Lin to the front as did Mako. Lu and Gang were also at the front. They were however on Mako's left side as Lin on his right. Alessia was standing on Lin's right. Her hands behind her back. Lin took one step forward and began to address the press.
"We will find out who did this and they will pay for the damage they have caused." Lin spoke. She was standing tall with confidence. This made her heart beat fast. Feeling the flashing lights from the cameras.
"It was in the north!" One of the southern water tribe people shouted. Many shouted in agreement.
"Quiet!" Alessia shouted as they went silent.
"We will get to the bottom of this. I assure you." Lin spoke firmly as more photos were taken. Lin turned on her heels sharply and left. Alessia and Mako followed suit right behind her. They made it back to the station as Alessia sat at her desk. Hearing Lu and Gang snicker at each other before grabbing their reports and sitting them on Alessia's desk.
"These need signing." They spoke before leaving. It was her and Mako left in the station. Everyone else had gone home. The night shift was already out on patrol.
"I'm heading out. Asami needed something." Mako spoke. Alessia raised a brow at him before sitting down again. Pulling the reports out to look them over. Sighing at the mess Lu and Gang called reports. Not sure if she just handed them over as is or fix them.
"Still here?" Lin asked as Alessia nodded. She set the folders down.
"Lu and Gang's reports. They are horrible." Alessia sighed. Lin took them and shook her head.
"One of these days." Lin spoke while grabbing Alessia's hand and pulled her close.
"Thank you. For everything today." Lin spoke softly. She took the led out of the station. She was not far behind as they got into Lin's cruiser. Alessia was silent during the ride. They didn't go back to her apartment but to Lin's.
It was more secure than the other apartment. Especially when it comes to privacy. Not that Lin didn't care if others knew about them, she just was a very private person and Alessia was grateful for it. She followed Lin inside before closing the door behind her. Realizing she was covered in sweat and debris from the building earlier. Taking her coat and shoes off by the door before feeling Lin grab her hand again. Leading her to the back. Alessia was able to take her armor off with ease due to how tired her muscles were after the week. She could feel Lin's fingertips running across her skin. Causing goosebumps to rise down her arms. A chill going up her spine. She turned to face Lin who was giving her a soft loving smile. She could feel her lover's hands roam her body slowly. Pulling her clothes off piece by piece as she did the same to Lin. There she stood naked in front of her. Still sweaty and dirty. Yet again, Lin took her hand and entered the large bathroom. Turning on the water in the tub. Filling it with hot water and soap. It was a bubble bath. Lin sat in it and relaxed. Leaning back against the end. Alessia slowly got in. Making sure the water wasn't going to overflow it. She smiled and leaned back against Lin. Feeling her strong but gentle arms hold her close. Closing her eyes as she inhaled deeply while feeling kisses upon her neck.
"Long stressful day has now ended in relaxation." Alessia spoke softly.
"Mmm that it did." Lin whispered. She turned to face Lin and leaned against her lover again. Giving her several soft kisses before she felt Lin caressing her all over. Realizing that she had soap in her hands. She was now taking her first bath with Lin and it was making her feel heavy headed with feelings. She took the soap from Lin and smiled. Washing her lover's skin before getting to the short soft hair of Lin's. Lin was also washing Alessia's hair in return before rising. She frowned as the bath ended. Standing up to dry herself off with ease with her bending. She did the same for Lin. Smiling at the older woman before walking into the bedroom. Lin handed her one of her nightwear. Alessia put it on before crawling into the large bed. The covers were warm and soft. Lin got in next to her. Alessia wrapped her arms around Lin's waist and pulled the woman close to her. Snuggling up with a smile. Their bodies were tangled with each other. Listening to the heart beat again as she drifted off to sleep.