A Legend of Korra Fanfic
By Sakura Martinez (aka SMTsukishiro)
Summary:
A promising engineering student. A mysterious woman capable of controlling the four elements. When their paths cross, the resulting collision not only changes their lives and themselves, but the fate of the entire world as well. [Korrasami AU]
Notes:
Finally, another chapter update!
So...yeah, first thing's first: if any of you guys are subscribers to my YouTube Channel ( /c/ViancaEuniceMartinez), then I would like to say thank you for helping me reach 1000 Subscribers and I hope you continue to support me there as well. It really has been a wonderful week for me and I hope you guys had the same! :)
Second, I am really glad that you are all still with me in this story. I was worried, for a moment, that people may have forgotten that this story exists because of how long I had been away. But you guys blew that worry away. Thank you for the kudos, the likes, the shares, and (most of all) the reviews. You guys are really awesome and I love you all for it.
And lastly, enjoy the chapter! :D
The Legend of Korra
The Schism
Chapter 74: In Defense of Zaofu
His eyes were already red and watering. The heavy smoke from the flames burning around them made his eyes sting. The fumes wafting through the air—he didn't know if they were toxic or not, though he would not be all that surprised to learn if they were—did not help his labored breathing. His arms felt heavy, his knees were just as fatigued. It was all he could do not to stumble and fall, knowing that such a thing would surely be fatal.
The crowned Fire Nation Prince had stood his ground far longer than he thought he would. Though the battle had not been for long, it felt as though he had been fighting for his life for hours on end already. His clothes were dirty and worn, from the soot and ash that fell and the blood that has been spilt—he was no longer confident if it was his own or someone else's, though he was certain it wasn't the enemy's. Those mechanical, humanoid monstrosities were anything but human, after all. It wasn't blood that runs through its veins and was powering it up. Whatever that was, Prince Iroh couldn't fathom nor did he have time to indulge his mind into such wonderings.
He had managed to defeat a two of the metal menaces, but not easily. It took a lot from him and had injured his right arm to the point where it had gotten numb. He didn't want to think that he had lost the use of his arm completely, but he knew time was short. He was losing quite a lot of blood from the wounds. Though he was ambidextrous when it came to wielding the sword, he was less used to his left than his right and knew that the power of each of his slashes, thrusts, and parries were a lot less with his left hand.
Damn it.
It didn't help that his sole companion—the only other human left alive anywhere close to their vicinity—had been reduced to nothing but a blubbering mess incapable of putting much (if any) of a fight. The annoyance the Prince felt redoubled once more when Bolin kept repeating, like a mantra, "We're going to die!" and every variation of the phrase one could think of.
"Would you give that a rest?!" He snarled before coughing. "Pick up a sword and fight, Bolin. Or, keep quiet! Your panicking isn't helping us any!"
"Easy for you to say!" wailed the frightened young man cowering behind him. "You're used to all the fighting. I'm a Mover Star! The fights I do are all choreographed and not life-threatening!"
Maybe he was asking too much, but who could fault him? Bolin himself was asking the same thing in hoping that the Prince would protect him. Iroh may have won the two bouts with the abominable creatures that were attacking Zaofu, but it was just two matches. There were still dozens of those monsters crawling and wreaking havoc around them, if the blood-curdling screams and the sounds of destruction around them were any indication.
They had to move. To break through and regroup with those who yet live and were capable to fight. Otherwise, their demise would be assured.
"You don't have a choice," those words were uttered through gritted teeth as Iroh turned away from Bolin and scanned their surroundings. It would be bad if an enemy surprised them. "Though I am loathed to admit it, I can't keep fighting for both of us. And we can't stay in this nook much longer. Our best chance is to meet with the other warriors and survivors of Zaofu who could still fight. That or trying to find where in the seven realms of the underworld that damn Avatar went and get her to come back here and get her to fight."
It was really bothering Prince Iroh. He didn't particularly care what became of the Avatar, but of the companion she was with? Of Asami? He cared greatly. He didn't want to think what had become of her in the midst of all this carnage and chaos. Doubtful as it was that Korra would allow any harm to come to the raven-haired girl, Iroh would much rather see that Asami was well than just simply think and hope that she was. If Bolin answered him that they should look for the Avatar, therefore, he wouldn't mind. He would gladly lose life and limb if it was to ensure that the young Sato heiress was alive, safe, and well…
It was that line of thinking that gave Iroh an idea on how to get Bolin to 'man up'. He didn't know if it would work—after all, it all depended on how serious the young actor was—but it was still an idea that was worth trying.
As Bolin kept himself sitting curled with his limbs close to his torso and his head to his knees, mumbling of his desire not to die and of the millions of fans that would mourn his death if he did, Iroh readied the worlds he would use to wake his companion from his cowardice. Once Iroh was certain he had them, the young prince turned on his heels and began walking slowly towards Bolin.
Iroh stopped the urge to kick the Mover Star to get his attention, though he truly felt like he could pop a vein from being with Bolin for too long.
In as much a dramatic fashion as the Prince of the Fire Nation could muster, Iroh sighed loud enough to get Bolin's attention. When he was certain the Mover Star had stopped his pitiful sobbing, Iroh turned his gaze towards the direction where the Bei Fong's mansion was.
"I suppose…" he began, sounding defeated and dejected. "…we could choose not to fight and just escape this hellish place. I mean, most of the danger has already passed us…probably. The way out of the city is much safer than the way further in…"
Slowly, Bolin sat up. His attention was on what the Prince was saying. Iroh had to stop himself from grinning. It was going the way he thought it would.
"W-We can do that?" Bolin asked, his eyes alight with hope that maybe he wasn't going to get butchered by one of those dreadful machinations roaming around and murdering the people of Zaofu with such ferocity.
Iroh shrugged, but then hissed as pain shot from the arm he thought had already gone numb. His adrenaline was subsiding, which was bad under the situation they were still in. After muttering a curse from under his breath, he said, "Why not? You do not wish to help and fight and I'm already getting too weak from the injuries I've sustained. Staying here and trying to help those who are still fighting would almost positively be suicide. Besides, I don't know about you but I would gladly be rid of this whole thing my mother decided to put me through. The Avatar's gone with Asami, as well. I've got nothing to lose by leaving. I certainly wouldn't want to stick my neck out for that brazen native and that annoying, insolent girl."
"Brazen native? Annoying girl? Who are you—?" Bolin cocked his head to the side, trying to understand whom Iroh was talking about. It took a second longer than was necessary before it clicked in the Mover Star's head. And when it did, his eyes went wide, as though it was the first time such a realization hit him.
With a loud, almost obnoxious, gasp Bolin pointed an accusing finger at the young prince and said, "You're taking about Kai and Opal, aren't you!?"
Iroh raised an eyebrow at Bolin. "Are there any other insolent fools about? Other than yourself, of course." He crossed his arms—which was done with a lot more difficulty than he thought, but he had to do it. He knew how it would look to the Mover Star. He knew that this was the best way to get through to him. "So, are we going or what?"
"You want me to run away? With you? Away from this place?" Slowly Bolin spoke, his voice turned from confused to incredulous.
"Why, yes. That is the safest course of action if you are too scared and don't want to die—which is something you've been crying about ever since this whole thing began." Iroh retored with a roll of his eyes.
"B-B-But—!"
The Fire Nation Prince turned on his heel and began walking. He stopped not a short distance away, looked around, then placed a hand under his chin whilst deep in thought, muttering mostly to himself, "Now, what would be the best route for escape?" leaving Bolin silent once more, his mind reeling.
Kai's breathing was labored and he winced every time he took a deep breath and yet here he was still standing. Alive. He would take that as a win. That and the mangled mechanical corpses that lay on his feet.
How he had won against something inhumanely strong and agile was beyond him. Perhaps the Spirits were watching over him knowing he served the Lady Avatar. Perhaps it had something to do with that training he did with Master Sokka.
Or maybe…
His eyes went to the sword he held in his hands. The dark-hued blade glimmered faintly in the light of the burning flames that surround them. Its edge still as sharp as if it was just forged days past instead of decades, made testament with how effectively the metallurgic menaces he had fought was dealt with. He doubted his training was sufficient enough, and yet he was certain it was with the blade's help he was able to be victorious against such ferocious foes.
I need to thank Master Sokka the next time I see him, The Avatar's Steward thought to himself with a nod.
Turning around, he looked at Opal. The girl was breathing heavily as he and looked just as frazzled. She had stood her ground well, with the weapon she had taken from a fallen Zaofu soldier. How such a petite-looking, young woman with no hints of martial training whatsoever could defend herself in such a manner surprised Kai as well and gave him a newfound sense of respect for his companion.
He had thought that Avatar Korra had a strange way of choosing those she traveled with. Though he had grown equally fond of both the Prodigy and the Historian, Kai would admit that he found them generally weak and viewed them as people in need of much protection, despite having proven time and time again how capable they could be. It was simply just something ingrained to him; something taught from an early age: women—barring the Avatar—were weak and needed protecting.
Now, though. He would agree that that was not always the case.
And though Opal wasn't able to best her opponent by herself, she had stood her ground and fought on equal footing with him. That much was to be commended. Especially when he considered that those humanoid atrocities seemed to particularly be targeting her.
"You okay?" He asked as he carefully stepped out of the pile of metal plates, wires, pipes and joints that were once deadly enemies of his.
Opal laughed at how stupid the question was and answered dryly, "Never better. You?"
"I could do with a bit of a rest, but I feel like we won't be getting any," Kai replied, sheathing his sword. "You've noticed it as well, haven't you?"
It was hard not to. Opal knew that as well. The single-mindedness of the walking, mechanical puppets as they paid no mind to Kai, and went straight for Opal with such strong blood lust. It was the whole reason most of the others who were with them had fallen in battle. They had tried to defend Opal. But numbers meant nothing to the opposition and one-by-one they fell until the only ones left were himself and Opal.
"Whatever these things are, wherever they came from, they're after me." Opal nodded with a frown. "But, why?"
"That is the question, isn't it?" Kai agreed. "I mean, you are quick-tempered, though. And you can easily get on people's nerves. But I don't think that would be enough to be considered as a cause for all this...unless I am not as well-versed with the world outside Nia Bayou as I thought I was."
Opal's hands twitched with the desire to hit Kai on the head for his unsolicited commentary about her person. If he was not as injured as he already was—and if they were not in the predicament they were currently both in—she would have done so. As it were, retaliation of any kind would have to wait.
It did give her something to think about as they both tried to catch their breath. It was a thought she would rather not have crossed her mind and brought so much fear and anxiety in her heart.
A nearby explosion shook her from her thoughts. Whirling around, she saw smoke billowing from a gaping hole where a part of the giant walls that stood to separate her family's home from the rest of Zaofu had been destroyed.
"Kai," Opal's voice shook. "What if...what if it's not just me? What if it's my entire family—my clan—they're after?"
The young steward took a step closer at Opal and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder as he, too, gazed upon the newest addition to the destruction of Zaofu.
"Then we've got no time to waste," was what Kai said before he began hurrying towards what could probably be the most dangerous place in Zaofu at the moment, with Opal closely following behind.
Whether or not they could handle the enemies within, Kai didn't know nor did he put much thought into it. All he cared about was ensuring the safety of those who had welcomed him and his mistress. Besides which, they were Opal's family and there was no doubt he would get an earful should the Avatar return and find that those who had given them refuge had been brutally murdered and their land destroyed.
No. He would act as a stand-in and do what he believed Avatar Korra would do through the urging of The Avatar's Chosen.
Yet even as they ran headlong towards danger, one question repeatedly asked itself in the Steward's mind: Just where are you, Avatar Korra? We need you here and now!
She didn't bother trying to stop the string of curses that flew under her breath as she nimbly made her way through the chaotic city. Her movements were no longer that of a common civilian but of one trained in the art of subterfuge, espionage, and sabotage...though, in this particular instance, she wasn't spying. She was trying to survive.
And also find her naive charge and his friends.
As she rounded the corner and into a pair of those puppet-like atrocities, Duo Xing quickly dodge to the side, stuck closely to the wall, and prayed to whatever gods may be listening that she hadn't accidentally alerted those things to her presence.
She counted to ten, and it was only when the automatons did not leap at her in her hiding spot did she slowly release the breath she had been holding. Carefully, Bolin's Secretary moved to peek at them.
The creatures looked like creepy store mannequins, though completely encased in metal.
From the look and sheen of their bodies, it seems like they're made of graphene… She noted. I hope the weapons of the Metal Clan can handle them.
Various metallic tubes of differing sizes covered its back which was facing Duo Xing. Only tatters remained of whatever cloth had hidden the abominations from showing what they truly were. On the other, which was facing sidewards, Duo Xing could see the things face much closer than she had before. It had a large lens in the middle of its head—It's eyes, perhaps? She wondered—that closed like a shutter every so often, like a human blinking. Its lips curved in an eternal grin that showed sharp, jagged teeth that it was using to gnash on the head of the poor soul it had recently just decapitated. And though she was used to sights like this in her line of work, Duo Xing could still feel the bile rising from within her at the sight.
Her earlier assessment had been proven correct. Their attackers were not humans and no human could possibly have conceived such dark and horrid creatures.
I can't see any weak points. If it comes to a fight, ordinary means would perhaps prove ineffective.
As she returned to hiding and began thinking about what her next move would be and if there was any other routes she could take (she was, after all, not built nor trained to fight and would rather keep it that way), Duo Xing couldn't help but think if she should not have urged the Avatar and Hiroshi's daughter to leave earlier that night.
Perhaps things would not have turned out this way if I had stopped them, she mused.
Quickly she shook the thought away. It would do her no good, after all, to keep thinking that. It would only serve as a distraction—and one she could not afford to have.
First thing's first. I need to find Iroh and Bolin. And I need to inform the Bei Fongs of what they are dealing with. But how?
The weight of the communicator in her pocket made her want to take it out. But the thing was useless at the moment. Whomever had instigated the attack and let these creatures loose on Zaofu had also ensured that all outgoing and incoming calls were barred. She had to think of another way to send the information she has gathered. Whether or not it would be of use to the Metal Clan and any survivors was something unknowable to her.
As her thoughts swirled, her eyes caught a glimpse of something in the alley she had hidden in: a ladder. She didn't know where it led, but thought wherever it was was better than where she currently was hiding and just waiting for the demonic machines to find her.
On tiptoes, she made her way to the ladder and slowly hauled herself up, one rung after the other. It was agonizing. Her hands felt sweaty, so much so that she worried she might end up slipping. Any sudden movements, any sudden noise, and she was certain she would be found and probably be turned into the next victim.
Finally, she emerged at the top. It was a deck, much to her surprise, that was used as some form of watch tower. There was no one there now. No one, that is, save for several doves, stuck in their cages, wildly flapping their wings.
Upon closer inspection of them—as she was trying to figure out whether to set them free to keep the machines down below from noticing them and her and getting all of them killed, or use them as some sort of distraction to get herself enough time and room to escape—she noticed that they were not just ordinary doves. It was then that an idea popped in her head: one that would complete an item on her To-Do List.
Whirling around, the Secretary quickly searched for anything to write on and to write with. When she found the items she was searching for, Duo Xing quickly scribbled everything that needed to be said and known with regards to their current foes. After that was done, she made her way back to the cages and selected the lone, calm dove in the bevy of doves.
I hope this works, she prayed as she slipped the message on pouch strapped onto the dove's leg. With practiced ease and the proper command words, she sent the dove flying towards the Bei Fong Estate.
That's one problem solved. Now onto finding the Prince and Bolin.
"Be prepared for any eventualities."
That was what she had instilled in everyone who bore the mark of their clan. It was what was taught to her and her sister when they were still both young. It could have very well been their mantra. And yet, even as they all stood at the ready, fully equipped in their battle garbs from head to toe, their weapons unsheathed and gleaming, Suyin couldn't help but think this was not one of those things anyone could have prepared them for.
They had, after all, obtained the intel from those who had been at the frontlines—the fallen warriors who had stood their ground in defense of their homeland. It was thanks to them and their quick thinking of using the messenger birds to inform them of the attack as it happened that they were able to prepare, as much as they could.
They had managed to barricade the doors and the windows on the lower floors and had ensured that there were no other passages their attackers could use to take them by surprise. But the Head of the Bei Fong Family knew that what they did would not be enough. Not if the hurriedly scrawled messages they obtained were anything to go by.
They were, after all, not fighting against other humans, not from what they had learned. She didn't think normal means of fighting would work against these foes. They had to use their ingenuity and strike as deadly as they could the moment they would breach through what defenses they had left.
The loud explosion that occurred second later got everyone who stood hidden in the shadows, ready to ambush their attackers, to tense up.
Suyin looked around them. Family or not, she knew all their quirks, their strengths and their weaknesses. She had trained them, each and every one of them, after all. It was why, despite her confidence in their abilities, she still worried that it might not be enough.
The thought that they might die that night plagued her mind, and she knew the others might have felt that way.
But always remaining steadfast in the midst of the challenges that faced them was a trait each and had taken to heart. It was what made a Bei Fong a Bei Fong. Main family or the branch family, it was one thing they had in common.
And if we die here tonight, we will die as warriors. As members of the Metal Clan!
As soon as the thought escaped her mind, there was a loud pounding on the double doors that separated the main foyer from the long hall where they were all hiding in wait. Again and again it sounded, followed by the grating metallic sound of something being dragged over the walls. Little bits of debris and dust were forcefully thrown from their long-time purchases, falling on the ground, providing the only other sound that could be heard amidst the otherwise silent corridor.
When the door finally broke down into splinters and the barricade decimated, time seemed to slow down to a crawl for the Bei Fong Matriarch. Every living being's breath hitched, awaiting the emergence of the marionettes they had read about from their intel. And when that moment had passed, when the blood-drenched shells of the humanoid creatures that had sought to claim all of their lives and wreak as much havoc as it could in its wake finally appeared, a cold wave of fear assaulted and gripped every single individual in that hallway. It was like nothing they had ever felt before, nor was the enemy before them like anyone—or anything—they have encountered.
It didn't even come close to what it felt like that night all those years ago, the night of Kuvira's final stand.
The memory came unbidden and it came relentless, like the dam she had placed to keep those memories at bay suddenly was obliterated like how their door and barricade was.
Suyin gritted her teeth wondering, Why now?
And though such memories would have paralyzed anyone else, Suyin Bei Fong merely wavered momentarily before she steeled herself once more. Yet, as missable as that quick instance of weakness was, those who knew her well—her husband and sons—caught it, and caused all of them to inch just a little bit closer towards her, ready to lend their support if she needed it.
Before they knew it, the automatons were making their steady way towards them, like the diabolical things could sense where they were despite how well-hidden they may be. Time began to flow as it normally did, just as the one leading the mechanical army finally charged with a loud screeching cry and the one-peaceful halls of the Bei Fong Mansion erupted in complete and utter turmoil.
They gleefully watched as flamed consumed the once mighty and proud Zaofu. The thick plumes of smoke rising above the red and orange hues of the burning city was a beautiful scene to behold and it took all of their willpower not to laugh at the demise they were witnessing.
The cries and screams fueled by terror; the smell of bloodshed wafting and breaking through the every other smell—from the city turning to dust, to those pitiful humans defecating and pissing themselves in fear and in the face of their final moments in the realm of the living—it was intoxicating. Empowering!
Yes! Let fear and hopelessness reign the night! Let darkness run deep and take hold! Let the world know what awaits them! Let them tremble! Yes, let them tremble…
As if on cue, the ground began to shake and the air shifted. And though it seemed their enjoyment on the suffering of the people of Zaofu would soon come to an end, it did not deter their elation. After all, each step the Avatar took was already taken into their consideration. Even this—the breaking of the seal on the Elemental Spirit of the Earth—was all part of their plan. The Avatar simply didn't know it yet.
And as the beam of golden-orange light shot through the underground cavern of that insipidly-named Cave of Two Lovers and rose high above the atmosphere making itself visible to those with the Gift to see it, the smile they had on their hooded face widened even more.
Struggle all you want, Avatar...in the end, this battle is ours to win.
"No!" He shouted louder than he intended to. Where the courage to speak up and shout like that, despite how much he felt like shaking, came from, Bolin didn't know. "I-I refuse!"
An explosion, somewhere off in the distance, resounded and caused the Mover Star to flinch and duck down.
"You...refuse?" The way Prince Iroh spoke was cold and harsh. But it was, all things considered, a lot less frightening than what a decision Bolin had come to. "Please, enlighten me why someone who has done nothing but cower behind me would suddenly refuse leaving and saving himself."
Bolin wanted to cry. He truly did. If Duo Xing was nearby, he was certain his Secretary would have knocked him unconscious and drag him, unceremoniously, away for what he was about to say next. She would, undoubtedly, call him worst things than 'stupid'. And maybe he was.
Maybe what he was about to say what simply him trying to be gallant; hoping that this moronic idea for a sacrifice would make him favorable in the eyes of the girl he was trying desperately to impress. Maybe all of this was for naught and there was nobody left to impress and it was just suicide.
But the thought of leaving Opal behind and just running away; the thought of abandoning the people he had learned to care about and call his 'friends'? It didn't sit well with him. And it was what he told the Prince of the Fire Nation.
"I-I may not be able to do much," Bolin admitted, shoulders slumped and legs shaking. "I may even be in over my head. No, there's no question about it. I am in over my head. And I know most of you think I have rocks rather than brains...but...but there's just no way I could leave Opal, and Kai, and Duo Xing, and Opal's family behind and be okay with it!"
"And...and as short a time as it had just been, staying with everyone made me feel like I actually have a family. And even Opal's family welcomed me and put up with me and my antics. S-So, you can g-go ahead and run away if you'd like, Iroh, but—" Bolin took a wobbling step forward, bent down and picked a discarded sword on the ground. "—but, I'm not going to leave. I-I'm going to go back to the mansion and try to help everyone!"
Silence descended between the Mover Star and the Prince. For Bolin, it seemed like Iroh was gauging him, searching for something he couldn't fathom. The gaze he was being given was as steely as ever and it bore on him for much longer than he wanted nor cared to admit was comfortable with. It made even the simplest of things—like taking a gulp—such a difficult task to accomplish.
After what seemed like an eternity, Iroh's demeanor suddenly changed. His lips quirked upwards and he scoffed, "So you do have some backbone in you."
"W-What?"
"You do know how to use that thing, right?" The prince asked, gesturing to the weapon Bolin had taken a rather deathly grip on.
Bolin nodded, still dumbfounded. "Y-You just stick them with the pointy end."
A sigh escaped Iroh's lips. "Well, I suppose that is good enough." With a nod, the Prince took a step towards the direction of the mansion. "Come, then. Be that knight to that insufferable girl. That explosion just now came from the direction of the Bei Fong Estate. We need to hurry if we hope to rescue anyone."
It was only then that it all clicked and Bolin shot an accusing look, coupled with an accusing finger, over at the Heir to the Fire Nation throne. "Wait! Were you just testing me!?"
But Iroh paid him no mind. Instead, the Fire Nation Prince kept on walking, confident that he would follow suit.
Sure enough, Bolin did. But no sooner had they begun their jog back to the Bei Fong Mansion did something catch the Mover Star's eye.
It was a massive pillar of light. Golden-orange in color and stretching far above the horizon, way past where his eyes could see. It caught Bolin by surprise and mesmerized him. So much so that he slowly came to a halt, his eyes fixated on that beautiful, otherworldly sight.
When Iroh noticed Bolin was no longer following him, the Prince stopped on his tracks as well. Befuddled, he shouted over at his companion in the hopes of getting his attention. It did work, but Bolin was a lot less focused than he was before.
"What's wrong with you?" Iroh had asked, annoyed. "Are we not in a hurry?"
"Yeah we are, but..." Bolin pointed at towards the direction of the pillar of light. "Do you see that? How can you not be amazed by that?"
"Amazed by what?" The Prince followed the direction Bolin was pointing towards. He saw nothing that should warrant such awe from anyone. "What are you talking about? There's nothing there!"
"No, what are you talking about?" The Mover Star retorted. "There is no way anyone can miss that bright a pillar! It's right there!"
"A...bright pillar?" Iroh mouthed slowly. And then it dawned on him. Snapping his eyes towards where the pillar of light was supposed to be, he saw nothing but he understood. "I see..."
So, the Avatar did it. She found that other Seal Grandfather was talking about…
"Alright, stop gawking." Iroh ushered the Mover Star away. "Focus on what we have to do right at this moment. That pillar is the Avatar's doing."
"Wait, Korra? But...that's a long way away!"
"It is," Iroh nodded as they once again made their way to the estate. "Which is why it seems like we would not be able to rely on her help for this particular trouble we've found ourselves in. That is the bad news."
"And the good news?" Bolin really hoped there was one. He really could use one, after all. All of Zaofu could. "There is good news, right?"
"The good news?" Iroh found himself laughing at the absurdity of it all. "You may not be as useless in this as you—no, we all—thought you were."
Chapter End Notes:
And that, as they say, is a wrap for this week's chapter.
I hope to be able to update this story again next week. I really hope so.
Now, for those who enjoy reading through the little tidbits of information I share here in the End Notes, I have another one for you all. :)
Graphene. That material Duo Xing noticed the Automatons were made of? I specifically chose that because Graphene, for those of you who don't know, is a material that is (200 times!) stronger than steel and thinner than paper. It is actually a material that is stronger than diamond and is believed to be the strongest material yet discovered! So, it fitted perfectly with what I had in mind when I conceived the idea of the Automatons. I was honestly quite impressed when I read about it. XD
Also, I continue to enjoy writing Duo Xing. She's easily one of my favorite characters which I have ever written in a fanfiction. So, yeah, I made sure to give her a little bit more spotlight in this chapter as well.
And, I think that's about it for this chapter. I hope you guys enjoyed reading it (can't wait to read what you all think!). Also, if you have time, please do check out (and subscribe to my YouTube channel), and my DeviantArt page ( /iamvianca) where I am posting various artworks (as well as stuff for this fanfic), or drop me a cup of over at my ko-fi ( /iamvianca) page. I'm trying to get enough money to buy a new graphics tablet because my old (2015 model) one, sadly, broke (and so is my wallet, haha). ;)
Anyways, thank you all for reading and I'll see you all in the next chapter! Until then, dream on; fly on!