A Dancer's Heart

Chapter Twenty-Two: Sting

Alessia chuckled at the screen. It was odd watching a moving picture on a large screen. 'Movers' Is what Varrick called them. Bolin was his star. There have been a few of these movers released recently. Varrick had opened a building and called it Mover theaters. She would have to give it to the man. It seemed to be keeping the citizens entertained during the hard times. Though she couldn't help but think that Varrick was doing this to get people to support the south during the civil war. She crossed her arms and laughed while watching the children throw popcorn at the screen. There were some cute parts after all. Once the mover had ended with the theme song going while the credits rolled, she took her leave. Heading to the station. She wasn't in her armor but her normal clothes uniform. It felt odd not wearing it. Today, she told Lin she would help train the new recruits. Stopping by a coffee shop and ordering herself a coffee and for Lin of course. Bolin was with Varrick making another mover. It seemed like they were getting them out pretty quickly. He was already famous from being a Fire Ferret, now from the movers. Mako was out writing tickets for now. Alessia had no idea where Korra was. It wasn't like her to up and disappear on her. Shrugging at the thought before grabbing the coffee and making her way to the station. Today seemed to be quiet. Too quiet for her liking. She skipped up the steps before entering the building. She stepped out of the way for a few officers rushing out. Walking over to the chief's office and knocking.
"Open." Lin spoke. Alessia entered and closed the door. "You've read my mind." Lin smiled and took the coffee to drink it. She nodded and gave Lin a quick kiss upon her cheek before sighing.
"What is it?" Lin asked with a frown.
"Korra. It's not like her to just disappear." Alessia spoke.
"I'm sure she is around somewhere. Mako out on his route?" Alessia nodded her head.
"Yes. I'm going to head downstairs to the training room and start." She spoke.
"Alessia." Lin spoke as Alessia turned around to find Lin standing in front of her. Her cheek cupped. Her mismatched eyes found the pale green ones.
"I don't know what I would do without you." Lin spoke softly. She raised a brow at her. "I mean. With you here, my officers have been bothering me less and less now. You've been taking charge and helping as much as you can. They trust you now." Lin answered as Alessia smiled.
"Just doing my job." Alessia smiled.
"No, you are going above and beyond." Lin spoke and gave Alessia a deep kiss. Hugging her tightly before letting go. "Whip them into shape." Lin smirked as Alessia nodded before taking her leave.

Alessia went down the stairs and entered through double doors. Seeing only a few recruits.
"Listen up, rookies!" Alessia shouted while she stood tall with her hands behind her back. They had lined up and stood at attention. "You have been recruit because you are the best of the best from the academy! Now, here you are lower than the best! Train hard and prove your worth! Hone your skills and fight for the law! You took an oath and swore to protect the city and its citizens!" She started walking slowly as she was checking them out.
"Ma'am yes ma'am!" They shouted in unison.
"Alright! Who here is a bender?" She asked as all three of them raised their hands.
"Element?" She asked. It seemed they were all earth benders. "Sub?"
"Metal. Metal. Lava." Alessia stopped and looked at the last recruit.
"Did you say lava?" She asked as he nodded his head. "Interesting. Our first lava bender." She touched her chin while thinking. She would have to come up with some ways for the lava bender to fit in. The sub element itself was very rare. She hadn't met any lava benders before.
"You two, hand to hand combat practice. You follow me." She pointed to the two metal benders to fight as the lava bender followed her. Once they were to the side she turned to him.
"Honestly, we never had a lava bender before. What made you join?" She asked him as he smiled.
"I just want to serve the city in any way I can. I know it's for metal benders but I want to prove that anyone can join." He spoke.
"Well, you are right that anyone can join. Mako is our fire bender. Jacklynn is our water bender." His eyes went wide as she chuckled. "Come. Let's head back over." She spoke. It seemed like she worked them to the bone today as they were laying down trying to catch their breaths.
"Hit the showers!" She shouted as they jumped up and jogged out. She smiled at her work well before heading back up the stairs.
"Wait, officer Alessia." The lava bender spoke while catching up with her as she stopped. Lin was watching her from her office. Alessia turned and smiled at him.
"How can I help?" She asked.
"When do we get our badge and what not?" He laughed nervously.
"You will be going out on the field with Officer Song here for an assessment test. Pass and you shall receive it. Once I go over it of course. Chief does have the final say." She crossed her arms. He looked at the chief's office and gulped before bowing to Alessia and dashed away.
"You're scaring the new rookies already?" Song asked as Alessia laughed.
"Nah, he is scared of Beifong." She smiled.
"He better be." Lin's as she was standing behind Alessia. Song gulped and nodded his head. "What did you tell him?" Lin asked.
"His has to pass his assessment test with Song but you have the final say. I'm curious though. He is a lava bender." Song's eyes had widened at this.
"Interesting." He spoke.
"Have you met a lava bender before, chief?" Alessia asked as Lin nodded.
"Yes. One. Many years ago. He is a criminal and locked up." Lin spoke as Alessia was handed a file. She took it and bowed to Lin before she left.
"She is scary. That one." Song spoke before going back to his desk. Alessia shook her head with a smile. In public, Lin had an appearance of stern, strict, stoic, strong woman that scares people but it was in respect. In private, Lin was the most loving person she had ever met. How she just melts in her arms when they lay together. Alessia was blushing at her thoughts while she followed Lin into the interrogation room.