A Dancer's Heart

Chapter Eleven: Words

The sun was already up and it had been a few days since Korra was helping Tarrlok with a few busts here and there. Lin had made appearances a few times on the island because of this. Tenzin was getting annoyed with Korra helping out Tarrlok. Bolin had confided in Alessia about his feelings about her sister. Mako was in a sour mood a few times since Korra had missed a lot of practice for the pro-bending matches. Alessia offered herself as a substitute just in case but Mako turned her down. Alessia was getting frustrated with all the tension going on in the air. She just wanted to dance. She wanted to get away from everyone and everything. She wanted to just pack up and leave for Zaofu. Except, it was Lin and her sister keeping her here. Alessia found herself on the edge of the island on the lower part of the cliffs. She was in a stance. Practicing her water bending. For some reason it was weaker than her earth bending. Her nightmares began to haunt her again. It was the same dark looking spirit telling her to choose. There were now two human-like shadow figures in her dream. She needed to figure out what it meant and needed to do it quickly. The day was still young but it seemed to be getting cooler outside now. Not that it bothered her. Though, she was still not a fan of the cold. She finally broke a sweat as she decided she was done for now and headed inside.

"Alessia, would you like some lychee juice?" Pema asked as Alessia nodded. Taking a glass and sat down on her usual cushion at the table.
"Ah, glad you could join us for lunch." Tenzin spoke as Alessia raised her brow. Korra sat next to her and to her surprise, Lin sat on her right. The chief's arms were crossed and had an angry look upon her face.
"Cut the crap Tenzin. I'm here on police business. Korra seems to be causing my city a wreck again." Lin snapped. Alessia sighed and shook her head.
"I don't see any of you helping." Korra snapped at Lin. Alessia smacked her sister's arm. "What? You're useless too!" Korra added. That had done it. Alessia slammed her cup down on the table and stood up. Bowing to Tenzin, turned her heels and left. Now, hearing shouting in the room. Alessia ignored it and found herself at the dance studio not long after. She took off her shoes and wrapped her feet in the center by her arch. She lifted one leg onto the dance pole by the wall and leaned forward. Stretching her leg out. Switching back and forth a few times. Hopping a couple times before she reached up above her head to stretch her arms and her back. Doing the same thing to both of her sides. She started the music and began to work on the routine they had been working on. She already had it down but it didn't stop her from wanting to perfect it. Letting the music play as she worked on her jumps and leaps. Once satisfied, she started over. Smiling as she had it perfected now. Though, their performance was still a bit away from now.

"Brother traitor!" Bolin's voice rang through the air as Bolin ran past her while crying.
"Bolin, get back here!" Mako shouted while running after him. Alessia raised a brow and looked at her sister who was frowning.
"I kissed Mako while on a date with Bolin." Korra spoke while looking down. Alessia smacked Korra on the side of her head and sighed. "Ouch! What was that for?" Korra glared at her sister as Alessia shook her head again.
"Hey Alessia. I need your help." Mako spoke as he came back. Tenzin and Lin were watching from the other room. "Bolin won't do the match tonight. We need an earth bender. Can you?" Mako asked with pleading eyes. Alessia grumbled and nodded.
"Thanks. I owe you one." Mako sighed as he left. They had a match that night. She took her leave back to her room to quickly change. Once she did, she followed her frowning sister to the arena.
"I can't help how I feel. You know?" Korra asked while trying to have a conversation. Alessia shrugged her shoulders. She did know and it sucked because she also didn't know how the older woman felt about her. "Tenzin is coming to watch. Honestly, I think we got this in the bag." Korra sounded over confident. Shrugging, Alessia took out her uniform to change into it once they made it to the locker room. It felt odd. Wearing the Fire Ferrets uniform. Alessia stood to the side and began stretching again. Making sure she wasn't going to have any cramps happening during the match. Seeing Mako and Korra finally showed up to change. Alessia took her spot on the platform.