Bonds That Hold || A LOK Fanfiction

Chapter 11

Chapters will tend to be shorter due to dual POVs and how some parts of the story will happen during certain POVs. 

Anika's POV

I adjust the metal cuffs over the dark fabric, glancing over to Korra. Below us was a training center for chi-blockers, a large poster of Amon looking down on them. She looked concerned, but I don't dare open my mouth.

Tarrlok looks over us, nodding his head. Slowly, a few waterbenders bend some water from teh trucks, slamming it through the glass below. The people below are then frozen. I ignore the pang of jealously, and slide down the cool surface. Instantly, I jab my fingers into the side of an Equalist, bringing them down. 

"Why are you helping them?" a masked Equalist growls, his glove popping. "We're on your side."

"You hate them because they can bend, something they can't control" I snarl, trying to jab him, but he easily blocks me. Huffing, I slide two small blades from my side, the clang of metal ringing throughout the room as it runs along his armor. 

Snarling, he grabs my wrist, a hiss of electricity running through my body. Gasping, I fall back, trying to focus, but he slams me against the wall. "Get off of her!" The Avatar hisses, knocking him to the ground with earthbending. "Are you alright?" she asks,  police grabbing the man.

"Are you really going to live under the shadow of benders? Amon could help you thrive on your own and not need the protection of benders" the man hisses, being dragged away with the others.

"I'm fine" I frown, the man's words setting in. 

--

I play with the cuffs that hang from my wrists. Haydn was my brother, but he still was a bender insisting me on wearing these. Sighing, I turn back to my work, making sure to dust the long line of photos. All of my friends were benders, and if I were to side with Amon, it meant hurting them.

"Anika" a voice calls out, dragging me from my thoughts.

"Asami" I smile. "What can I do for you today?" 

She rests her hand over mine, returning the friendly smile. "I was wondering if you could help me get ready? I have a date with Mako in a few hours and I want to look my best."

I nod, following her into her room. I lightly dab powder over her face, her eyes shut. "So how have things been with Mako? I've known him for a long time and I know he's a great guy."

She blushes lightly, but the powder covers most of it up. "He's so kind and sweet. I know we just started seeing each other but I think things might last." She looks down, avoiding the blush in my hand. "I'm sorry, I know we-"

"There's nothing to worry about" I assure her, running the pink substance along her cheeks. "That was in the past. Besides, someone needs to keep Mako in check." She smiles, her face relaxing.

I still remember the first year I worked here, and how beautiful I thought Asami was. Of course we were both too young to act out on our feelings. However, when I was 15, I spent a little too long in Asami's room, and eventually kissed her. It was a short fling, but we remained friends after. 

Adjusting her hair once more, I back away. "You look wonderful, Asami."

"Thank you" she grins like a child. "We're going for a carriage ride. Why don't you take the rest of the night off, you've surely done enough."

"You have an amazing night" I smile, embracing her.

--

I lay in the arms of Shin, his eyes closed. Since the Gala, we've decided to explore things, in secret of course. "Where did you say your brother was, again?"

"He was doing something with The Avatar, I think on Airbender Island?" I reply. "And Mizu is still at the Sato Mansion."

He nods, pressing a light kiss to my shoulder. I sigh, closing my eyes, my thoughts still conflicting. Amon took Shin's bending away, I couldn't side with him. Still, apart of me wanted to be equal to benders. "Are you alright?" he whispers, rolling me towards him. 

"I'm just tired" I lie, pulling him towards me for a kiss. "I should be asking how you are. Have your headaches been getting any better?"

"They've been getting better, but I still feel empty" Shin sighs, getting up. "I need to get out of here, get back to the gang."

"Shin-"

"I know how you feel Anika, but you've always had your brother, and I've always had the gang. I have to go back" he sighs, looking away.

Standing up, I take his hand. "Still, you don't know what you'll be walking into. Surely I can go with you, and make sure everything goes smoothly."

"You would do that?" he grins, in which I nod. With a big smile, he pulls me into his arms, twirling me around the room.