A Dancer's Heart

Chapter Six

                                                              Chapter Six: Metalbending

A soft knock on her door woke Alessia back up from her slumber. She stood up and stretched her arms above her head before opening the door. Pema stood in the doorway with a smile.
"Here, I think you'll like these. Plus, a little spending money. I know you're heading out to a training session." The lady spoke softly while handing Alessia an outfit and new shoes. A small wallet that had cash. Alessia put the small wallet into the pocket of her new pants. She was beaming at the woman before giving her a bow. Saying thank you to her. The woman left as Alessia closed the door and began to change. Her clothes were green. Earth Kingdom style. She was smiling while doing a turn to look at herself in the mirror. Her pants were long dark green flowing slacks that stopped right above her ankles. Her shirt was a button up dark green tunic with a black belt. There was a long green sleeve she pulled over to hide her mark. Pulling the cover up shirt and smiled. This was her outfit. The shoes were dark green flats. Stepping into her shoes and sighed a small relief. She could feel the earth perfectly in these shoes. Brushing her long brown hair before braiding her hair to the side. The signature Zaofu braid. Smiling non stop again before leaving her room.

The ferry ride over to the city from the island was a short one. Maybe they were just busy? Shrugging at the thought before making her way down the sidewalk. Listening to the chatter of the busy shops while some people were in a hurry to get to where they needed to be. Smiling at the sights of the people as she moved to the side to give room to the running people. One building caught her attention: "Republic City Dance!"
The words were in bright red letters. Her heart was thumping against her chest before deciding to quickly go inside the building.
"Hello dear! How may I help? My name is Tina." The woman at the desk spoke with a smile. All Alessia could do was wave and give a small bow before walking up to the desk. "You can't talk? No worries." Tine spoke and pulled out some papers. "Applications and auditions will be held. Only a select few dancers at your age can join." She spoke as Alessia nodded and quickly filled out the paperwork before bowing at the lady again. It seemed auditions were very soon. She needed to prepare quickly. "Alright, everything is in order! We shall see you soon Ms. Alessia!" Tina beamed as Alessia left the studio. She looked at the time and started running. She didn't want to be late to her first training session. The police department was in sight as she ran up the steps. Skipping a few before dashing inside.

It was not what she had expected. Pushing herself against the wall to allow the officers to move about. It seemed like a busy day the way they were moving.
"Chief is in the training room." A man spoke and snapped Alessia back to her thoughts. He was pointing to a closed off area. She gave the man a bow before leaving. She pushed the door open silently while loud thuds were heard. Setting her book down upon a bench and turned her attention back to the chief who was in a white tank top and black slacks. Her stance was strong. The older woman's back was facing Alessia. She couldn't help but notice the muscles showing with each move Lin did with her bending. Staring at each of the curves of the woman's body.
"Are you going to keep gawking or are you going to start?" Lin's voice caught her off guard. Alessia was blushing like mad while grumbling. She took off her open shirt and set it upon her book before walking over to the chief.
"Show me your stance." Lin spoke as Alessia nodded. She spread her feet apart. Her feet are flat "Who taught you? A penguin?" Lin scoffed before moving into Alessia's personal space. "Here." Lin spoke softly while correcting each body part. Feeling the finger tips from Lin's hands slowly move down from her shoulder to her hand. Making Alessia open her palm. Her heart was thudding really loudly against her chest as her face was now flushing red. "Earth benders are firm and strong in their movements. Metalbenders however are more fluid in their moves. Like a waterbender." Lin explained as she attached a belt around Alessia's waist. Seeing the cables on the belt. Guess she was jumping right in. It made sense though. Maybe she could put her own moves into the movements. She watched as Lin used the cables with ease. Watching every movement that was made by the earth bender. "Now you try." Lin spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She flicked her wrist as a cable shot out from the belt but landed halfway across the floor. Sighing softly before winding the cable back.
"Think of the cable as an extension of your arms. Feel it as it goes." Lin spoke again. Alessia nodded her head again before taking a deep breath. Flicking her wrist again but this time in a more fluid motion. Watching her cable catch the dummy and wrap around its neck.
"You are full of surprises. Now, watch me because I am only going to show you once!" Lin's voice sounded demanding as she started movements. Not using bending but movements. 'Oh!' Alessia thought. Lin was showing her the different types of movements made by metalbenders! Alessia easily caught the steps Lin was using. Maybe because it was her dancer personality she had. Next thing she knew, she was in perfect sync with Lin on the movements. She couldn't help but notice the older woman give her a quick small smirk before looking away.