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:

First of all, I hope you are all doing fine in this moment when the whole world faces a crisis. It's a tough time for all of us with nary a thing we can do but stay at home-and I hope and pray that you all are doing just that-to combat this pandemic that is taking the lives of many and endangering many more. To those Frontliners-medical professionals, bank workers, supermarket employees-who continue to work for the sake of all, there are no amount of words adequate enough to show our appreciate for your service and sacrifice.

Now, there isn't much I can do, personally, except that I hope this chapter will be able to help ease some boredom and alleviate the blues some of you guys may be feeling. This is a much longer chapter than the norm (at least, when it came to the previous ones I have published before), so I hope you enjoy it.

With that said, this chapter is dedicated to all the Frontliners, and to everyone who left a review in the previous chapters: Zivicio, Vinzul, EternalSongbird, Yasmina S. (And also, belated Happy Birthday!), Jydr, Supermonaman, and Lion01, as well as everyone who left a kudos recently and every, single, one of you guys who continue to support this story.

Again, enjoy! :)

The Legend of Korra
The Schism
Chapter 75: Revelations, Part 2

There were no words—nothing her brain could come up with—to fully grasp what she was feeling upon seeing the fiery hues in the distance. All she knew was that her thoughts were a jumbled mess and in such a turmoil it was all she could do to keep what semblance of composure she had left.

Naga's pace had quickened, at the urging of the Avatar, and yet it felt like they were not hurrying enough. And from the glimpse of the expression she could see from where she sat behind Korra astride Naga, even the deity-turned-human shared the same sentiment.

Yet, neither of them could fault the Polar Bear Dog. Naga was doing all that she could, and despite the prestigious title of being the Avatar's "Animal Guide" and companion, she could only do so much.

"Oh, no..." the Light Spirit, holding on for dear life on Asami's shoulders, was the only one who had the mind to speak at the moment. "Lady Toph, Zoafu is..."

"I know," the old woman's words were clipped as she hurried along beside them in what could only be described as 'earth surfing'. "I can sense it. Things are happening much faster than I had anticipated."

"You knew this was going to happen." Korra stated matter-of-factly, side-eyeing the old woman who could keep up with the pace Naga had set for them. Asami couldn't place what emotion lay behind the tone the Avatar used, only that it was not the good nor positive kind.

"That Zoafu is going to be attacked? Yes. I've known it for quite some time and for reasons you both know about now. Ever since Suyin did what she did." Lady Toph replied grimly. "The scale, however, and the means were things I wasn't aware of until earlier tonight."

Questions erupted one after the other in Asami's mind. She wanted to know—if that was the case—why Toph didn't tell them plainly and had veiled her words cryptically; she wanted to know, despite how time had slowed down while they were within the swamp, why she didn't seem all that pressed for what The Lady of the Swamp had already known was about to happen. Though Asami knew Korra's hardheadedness and that unnamed thing which was plaguing the Avatar were also to blame, she couldn't help herself from shifting all of it to the old woman beside them.

But most of all, Asami wanted to know if everyone they had left in Zaofu were safe. If they were alive. It was something she badly wanted to ask, but at the same time, was frightened to know the answer to. She didn't know—couldn't imagine, even—what she were to do if she learned they were hurt, or worse, killed.

Perhaps it was because her grip on Korra had tightened. Perhaps it was the change in the pace of her heartbeat that felt like it was pumping much harder and louder than normal and could easily have been picked up by the girl she was riding with. Perhaps it was the shakiness by which her breath was expelled, as though it carried with it something much heavier than just air. Whatever it was, something prompted the darker-skinned girl to place a hand over her knuckles and give it a reassuring squeeze before cocking her head to the side and whispering, "Do not worry, Asami. I am certain they are all well and fine. Kai is with them. And Opal is no pushover as well. Though Bolin is a bit worrying, I feel like his Secretary is a capable woman who can look after him and everyone else. And, loathe as I am to admit...Iroh is, likewise, with them. He will make sure everyone is accounted for."

Asami didn't know which was more surprising: the gentleness and warmth that she could feel emanating from Korra's touch and how much it was helping ease her worries...or, the fact that Korra—of all people—had just placed her confidence in the Fire Nation Prince.

When the silence stretched longer than Korra had anticipated, her brow furrowed. The Avatar glanced back at her companion. Seeing the look of incredulity on Asami's face, her hand that was atop the porcelain-skinned girl's twitched as she asked, "Did...Did I say something wrong?"

The Avatar's Chosen shook her head. "Not wrong, but...surprising." She made sure to emphasize the words as her lips quirked upwards. "It's rare. Who would have thought you would say anything nice about Iroh? I'm curious what has gotten into you."

Korra scoffed. "You. As I recall, you asked me to be civil towards him. He also called for a truce while we are in the Earth Kingdom." Korra shrugged, "I imagine you would not be too pleased if I were to break that truce and go back on my word."

Asami's eyebrows shot upwards. Truce while in the Earth Kingdom? That's very specific.

She remembered seeing the two, atop the lookout tower, back when they had taken a pitstop on their way to Zaofu the first time around. They were talking back then—Korra and Iroh—and the memory of it prompted the curiosity that had been left forgotten since to spring back up and completely overshadow the trepidation that had been prominent within Asami as they hurried along.

Asami bit her lip, wondering if this was the opening she needed to ask one of the many questions that she had swimming at the top of her head. It wasn't the most important thing to ask, but considering the elephant in the room that needed to be dealt with was much too large and would require finesse to handle, the Prodigy understood that delving into that was out of the question.

So, she braced herself for the dismissive way that Korra was going to shoot down her question regarding the Avatar and the Fire Nation Prince when she asked her about what the aforementioned duo had talked about back then. When the Avatar gave her a truthful answer, it took a second longer for Asami to realize that she had been given such.

"We shared our mutual distaste for attention at the time," Korra had answered, her own lips quirking. "Though he did not believe I was capable of being—how did he put it?—considerate of Opal. I also cleared the air with regards to the merrymaking his grandfather insisted to host in my honor."

"That's all it took for both of you to bond after being on each other's throat for such a long time?" Asami was sure Korra was pulling her leg. "Your common dislike for balls and social gatherings?"

"I wouldn't call it 'bonding'." Korra's eyes rolled and settled back on the burning horizon once again. "I barely understood what he was getting at when he challenged me, before he shared his suspicions on Opal's family. I suppose, even back then, we felt something was...wrong."

It was at that moment that the Light Spirit decided to, once again, pipe up, adding, "They were both uncertain if it was just paranoia. They didn't have much evidence to go on outside a gut feeling. It was why they kept it to themselves, Lady Asami."

"I...see." And Asami did see. Suddenly, it made sense why both Korra and Iroh were being so uptight during that time and acting a bit cagey.

The old woman beside them gave a hearty laugh, surprising the two who had momentarily forgotten they had her for company, and that she could hear their conversation just fine as well.

"Well, well...if two youngsters were able sense that something's with up with them, Suyin really needs to train her people once more. Perhaps a bit more than usual." Lady Toph guffawed. "They're like rookies now, it would seem."

"That may be so," Korra nodded, "But it is due to that reason why I would like to think that Iroh may not have been caught unawares by this attack."

The old woman hummed. In agreement or not, Asami was uncertain and neither was she able to dwell long on which was the case as the burning city of Zaofu neared. Whatever calmness the quick exchange she had with her companions, and the gentle hand that was on hers, was washed away once more by dread.

It aggravated Iroh, who had been fighting nonstop and keeping Bolin safe, that he was still doing that by himself as they made their way to the Bei Fong Mansion. He had hoped that, by the time they reached the steps that led to the mansion, Bolin would have exhibited The Gift he had been given. After all, everything was at place for it to manifest—or so he believed, based from the words of his own grandfather.

They had encountered three more of those deadly mannequins, had almost been crushed by a large, falling chunk of wall, had ran into Duo Xing—who was just as relieved to see them as they were to see her—and had once again found themselves face-to-face with one of those monstrous creatures, and yet there had been no sign—not even a glimpse—of Bolin coming into his power.

We need it to manifest soon, Iroh ground his teeth in annoyance. I may have my own gift up our sleeves but it won't be enough...Damn it!

"You really should try to keep your sulking to a minimum, Prince Iroh." The suddenness by which Duo Xing spoke with him startled him. Though there was a teasing lilt to her tone, the Prince heard her voice quaver in the face of their enemy. "I know you might be trying to test it out since it worked with Korra, but it's just ruining your good looks. Not to mention Asami's not even here."

"I didn't ask for your opinion on that matter," The Fire Nation Prince composed himself, wiping the surprise away from his face and sporting another glowering look at the evil mannequin that had been trying to get to them but was hindered by the debris that had fallen prior. "I was asking you which route we should take where we are less likely to encounter any problems and can get that thing out of our hairs."

"And I have already told you all that I know," Duo Xing replied, the smirk on her face never disappearing. "Even if there was a route before that we could have taken, with the way the city has fallen, even the path I took is gone. If we want to get to the mansion, then there is only one way to go about it."

She pointed at the main road leading up to the Bei Fong residence. It was filled with just many detritus from nearby establishments and fallen shop carts, as well as the bodies—mangled or otherwise—of the people unfortunate enough to have come across those dreadful invaders.

"It's a bit of a challenge to get there through this main thoroughfare, but we can be certain there won't be any of those things prowling about there." the Secretary shared. She then pointed at the way they came in, where the lone metallic creature was still trying to get through the blockage by using everything in its disposal to destroy it. "We're lucky the path got blocked when it did. I doubt that sword of yours could do much damage to the thing."

Iroh chanced a glance at the sword in his hand—the weapon he had been using. It no longer had that metallic sheen and could barely pass as a sword. The edges have been bent into bluntness and looked like it was melted...which wasn't far from course.

I really need to get a new weapon, the Prince mused, though he kept it on-hand still.

"Beggars can't be choosers," was what he gave in response to Duo Xing, however, before eyeing Bolin who was still shaking in his boots, eyes bulging with terror at the sight of the creature that was trying to reach them. He sighed, "Let us just head out then. The more we hang around dilly-dallying here, the more we risk ourselves being exposed to other dangers and the more time we lose at helping the others."

Though they were all in agreement that they need to find Kai and Opal, as well as aid Opal's family, Duo Xing couldn't help but point out how very much akin to a suicide mission it was. As they were making their way through the maze of corpses and debris, Bolin's Secretary began to explain to Iroh—who hadn't planned on listening to her until she divulged information she had acquired regarding their foes—the various curiosities that she had uncovered while she was hiding and observing the deadly, mechanical dolls. The more he listened, the more he wanted this whole ordeal to be over so that he could go—with the blessing of his mother—to investigate.

The Avatar was trying her best to not show any signs of discomfort or pain from the ritual that had just come to pass when she and Asami had unlocked the Elemental Seal of the Earth. As much as her consciousness was begging to drift away—sleep tempting her unceasingly—it was her utter will alone that was keeping her from succumbing. That and the thought that ending up unconscious would be perilous to everyone, including Asami.

It was not difficult to imagine just what the Prodigy would do when put in such a predicament. Korra had no doubt she would make sure the Avatar was alright before dashing off by herself to do what she could in place of the deity-turned-human.

All in order to save her friends.

It was something commendable, if her guess was correct. And she was certain it was. It was also something that kept her on her toes and caused her nerves to be frayed.

If Korra was thought of as someone who was reckless, the Avatar could confidently use such a word to describe Asami as well. They were, as humans were to put it, 'two peas in a pod'. At least, that's what Korra thought the phrase went.

Apart from feeling the relentless call to close her eyes and drift away, there was also that ebbing pain that she could feel from where the Earth's marking was etched on her right shoulder. The pain burned before subsiding only to return once again. And though she had gotten use to that kind of soreness, thanks to the effects releasing the seal of the Elemental Spirit of Fire had on her, it was still enough to cause her to grit her teeth and for her breath to hitch every so often.

The only consolation she had was that Asami was far too distracted by her own thoughts and worries that she hadn't noticed. Not that it mattered. Korra could sense that Asami was dangerously close to uncovering her most well-kept secret.

The thought frightened the Avatar for reasons that were beyond her understanding, though she could tell it was the emotion was not all that different from whenever she saw—or even thought—of Asami drifting far away from her. Though the emotion itself had been alien to her, she had come to associate it as something only her Chosen could prompt out of her.

Apart from those, there was also that thing in her chest that was sitting heavily and she had no words for but she knew was, once again, connected to the porcelain-skinned young woman behind her. It was like she was lacking oxygen, unable to breathe even when she knew she was not being deprived of that ability or of the air required for breathing. It was almost like her heart was being constricted and was about to burst.

Korra didn't think that it had anything to do with the side effects of them unlocking the seals. She had every mind to inquire about it to the source of this—

Is it even really a discomfort? Korra's own thoughts were derailed by that fleeting question she had posed to herself. She couldn't make her mind up. It was, but at the same time it was not. It was paradoxical, and if Korra was being honest with herself, it was frustrating to deal with because she did not know how, exactly, to do so.

And this is definitely not the time to dwell on such thoughts, she chastised herself and wondered how her thoughts drifted towards that direction. The word 'distraction' loomed at the forefront of her mind and it was all she could do not to chuckle lest the subject of her thoughts found it inappropriate.

Though, to be fair, the grip Asami had around her waist and the way she was pressing herself on Korra's back was proving to be exactly that: a distraction. One so great and one that made her feel a bit like she was about to call on Suzaku's power; like her body was getting warmer than it should and she was about to combust.

It was like a much more potent feeling than that which she experienced back at their room when Asami had walked out in nothing but the towel she had wrapped around her body. Not at all dissimilar but confusing all the same.

For the second time in a short span of time, the Avatar chastised herself once more.

Focus!

She wondered which she should be focusing on, however, when so many things were assaulting her senses. In a way, Korra found herself wishing they would get to Zaofu much quicker. Perhaps she could unleash all her frustrations on those insolent enough to destroy the home of one of her friends? That would certainly take her mind off things...that was, until she realized her thoughts had drifted right back to Asami's recklessness (because Korra was likewise certain the Prodigy would jump into the fray with her) and the cycle of thoughts regarding her raven-haired human began anew.

To say that he was in a nightmarish situation would have to be the understatement of the century. No, the millennium! His stomach rolled and he could feel and taste the bile rising in his mouth, not just from the sights, but the smell as well. He wanted to puke, and had attempted to do so once (Never again! He cried to himself) when, upon bending over, he was greeted by a decapitated head of a person whose expression was frozen mid-scream. He ended up swallowing his own puke before screaming in sheer panic and falling on his backside (again).

The memory made him recoil. As did the aftertaste of the vomit he had swallowed and which remained on his tongue.

The words he had spoken out loud—the declaration! That was what it was—that he wanted to save Opal and her family was true. Bolin believed, with all his heart, that it was something he wanted to do. But the fact remained that, although he was sometimes given roles in his Movers that he was a hero of sorts—someone who could kick ass and take names and look good in doing so—he was anything but in real life.

The desire to be strong and brave, though he had that in the plenty, seemed meaningless in the face of actual, tangible danger. He couldn't use those as a weapon. And even if he was given a weapon—like Iroh had done before—he didn't know how to use it , he had given that 'Stick 'em with the pointy end' line, but so far, what with the things Duo Xing was saying, he doubted he would manage to get close enough to their enemy without dying himself first. Or that actually sticking the pointy end of the sword at those terrible, terrible creatures would do any damage.

It was all bravado. The Mover Star knew that. Likewise, he knew just how he was viewed by the others: like a nuisance, or a joke—someone who shouldn't be taken seriously. He wasn't blind nor stupid not to be able to tell that much. Asami may disagree with his self-depreciating assessment, but he knew himself well-enough to see that he hadn't changed much from the crying, dependent boy he had been back when he and Asami were still young; back when he was that poor, orphaned boy.

But, I want to be of help. That voice in his head was small, though its words were strong enough to help keep Bolin moving; to keep him from jumping at every shadow cast by the flames that was burning the whole city to the ground. There must be something I can do...even just a little bit.

He did his best, as they ran across the landscape littered with corpses, not to look at the grotesque, dismembered corpses lest he end up shutting his eyes and getting himself in some sort of accident by tumbling over. Or worst, end up having to accidentally ingest his own vomit again.

All he could do was take one step after the other, keep his eyes laser focused on where they need to go and get there without stumbling over whatever was scattered on his way.

That's simple enough. Even I can do that.

Simple as it was thought, it was proving much too difficult. Not just because of the things he would rather not see, but because of that which was really, really difficult to ignore: the beautiful, brilliant, blinding, golden light that had pierced through the sky—like a beacon of hope in such a dark night. Or a siren, beckoning him to look.

It was hard not to. It was really bright and it looked really beautiful. And there was just something about it that called to him, not with words but a sense of...something.

It was really distracting.

Bolin shook his head. He really couldn't be bothered by that pillar of golden light right now. Maybe after everything had settled down in Zaofu he could go and check that pillar out, but for now he had to remain focus and vigilant and...

He heard it before he saw it: the sounds of battle; of metal scrapping against metal; of shouts and grunts and the hissing and grinding of the metallic monstrosities.

"Someone is fighting over there!" Iroh shouted before pointing just to the west of the stair's landing.

Squinting, the Mover Star could make out silhouettes. The mechanical creature he could easily decipher, the people who were fighting against it? Not so much.

He didn't have to exert himself an additional effort to get a good look, however, as Iroh—much to the chagrin of Duo Xing, who wanted to get away from the fighting—didn't think twice and immediately rushed to the aid of the unknown defenders.

Bolin looked at Iroh's quickly retreating figure, biting his lip.

This is it, right?

"Well," his Secretary sighed, shaking her head. "I am really going to ask for a raise after this." She glared at him, adding, "From you and her Royal Highness."

"W-What?" Was all he could get out before Duo Xing, too, rushed to aid those people.

The desire to scream nonsensical words out of frustration was strong with the young Mover Star at that moment. But all that came out was a muffled scream as he forewent the instinct to run the other way. He gripped the sword Iroh had given him tighter, and with a whimper, scrambled towards the same direction his two other companions went to.

When he was close enough to see who they were aiding, his heart skipped a beat at the elation that he finally found her. Then it turned to dread. Then to awe as he slowed down his pace and saw Opal and Kai doing the best they could to fight against their common foe.

And they were both holding up on their own. Well enough, in fact, that even Iroh and Duo Xing had to take a step back and just stare.

Kai felt their presence even before he saw them and he couldn't help but grin at the timing even as he sidestepped away from an attack that would have gouged his left eye had it connected.

Maybe I can give them a little show of what I can do, he thought to himself and found glee in imagining the look on the Prince's face when he saw how skillful the Avatar's Steward was.

With a deft and agile twist, accompanied by an upswing of his sword arm, the Avatar's Steward reversed his and his opposition's positions before he let his arm swing downwards.

The sword's black blade met the creature's shoulder joint. There was a brief struggle as the sword, sharp as it was, found difficulty in slicing the joint clean. But a second of added force from the young Steward was all it needed for the cleanly cut the mannequin's arm from its shoulder. With that done, Kai took a jump backwards before giving the same treatment to the enemy's other arm.

After that, the spiky-haired youth backflipped, letting his foot connect with the broad, metallic surface that was the marionette's chest to stagger it and give him enough momentum to landed far enough from it to be deemed safe, and allow himself room to breathe. It was all the signal Opal needed for her to do her own thing.

Without missing a beat, as though it was something they had practiced countless of times prior, the aspiring, young Historian rushed forward with her Bo staff in hand. With practiced ease, Opal followed up Kai's initial attacks to hit the creature square on its chest, causing it to stumble even more backwards propelled by the force Opal's attack had. With a twirl of her own, she dealt another blow—this time, to the thing's head—using the other end of her staff, before ending her attack with a good solid kick.

Having regained his breathing, Kai jumped right back into the fight and ended it soon after by running his sword straight through the mechanical puppet's back. All of these happened in such quick succession that a single movement could be lost in a blink of an eye.

It took a while before the grinding of the gears and the hissing of whatever cylindrical device it was that was pumping steam out of the creature to stop what they were doing and for the sinister light of life from its lenses dimmed and completely died out.

With a final grunt, Kai pulled his sword out of the creature's back and allowed the thing to fall on the ground like the heap of junk that it now was.

The Avatar's Steward and the young Historian shared a wide grin as the last of their foes was finally felled, before they turned their collective attention at their spectators.

"Well, took you guys long enough," Kai spoke cheekily. "We could have used the help earlier, you know."

"It didn't seem like our assistance was needed at all," Iroh commented, though he was talking to Duo Xing instead of Kai, which irked the young man. "That sword...it is quite something to be able to cut through such thick metal."

Kai's grin widened further, proud to have heard such a compliment even if it was directed at the weapon he held in his hands. "As it should. There is no blade that could compare to Master Sokka's legendary sword!"

Duo Xing whistled, "No kidding. When did you both learn how to fight so in sync like that? Don't tell me this is the fruits of having to stick around Korra for too long. If it is, I'm even more fearful for my life than before."

Opal shrugged, not even sure herself why she and Kai could fight the way they did. Perhaps it was. Thankfully, the question was a rhetorical one and Duo Xing immediately dropped the subject as they all focused at the looming and imposing structure that is the Bei Fong mansion.

"We have to hurry," Opal's words were directed at Kai, who nodded, before she looked at the newcomers. "Those things have already breached the mansion's walls. My family...they're..."

"The ones being targeted. Everyone else is just collateral damage." Duo Xing finished grimly. "I've come to the same conclusion as well. Though, perhaps it is more fitting to say that these things have been unleashed with the command to just kill everything in sight along with giving it orders to annihilate the entire Bei Fong Clan."

"Th-Then, if that's the case, we s-should hurry!" Bolin pipped up. He surprised everyone not only because he spoke up as coherently as he could under the circumstance but because he was also the first to do so. None objected with his proposition, however.

"Bolin's right." Iroh agreed as he took a step forward. And as he did so, began to look around for something. It took a while for him to find what it was he was searching for, and when he did, he discarded his old weapon and exchanged it for a newer one that was left by an already deceased warrior of Zaofu. As soon as that was done, he faced the others and in a commanding voice uttered: "Let's go!"

And though Kai had a few choice words to say regarding the Fire Nation Prince suddenly taking the helm and assigning himself as a leader of sorts, the young man decided to bite those words down. There was going to be another time to air out his frustration. For now, however, Opal's family needed help.

The mansion was a mess.

What furniture and upholstering there were in the hallways were torn and broken apart. There were splatters of blood, some in alarming volumes, as well as various parts—components—of the mechanical invaders that had been chopped or skewered off. Signs of battle could be seen all throughout, from slash marks on the walls, to chipped off sections of it. Holes of varying sizes also dotted several spaces, whether it was of the mechanical puppets' making or from ammunition used by Opal's family, the Secretary was pressed on time to actually confirm.

Thin wires—thinner than a fishing line, but Duo Xing guessed was sturdier—also littered, not just the floors, but could be found hanging in peculiar places. She knew those weren't part of the marionettes' bodies, so she could only surmise that they belonged to the Metal Clan. What their use had been, it was something she had left to her imagination, knowing that those who utilized them would not be willing to part with such a knowledge.

Their group continued their way inside, being careful not to make any noise or any sudden movements. There were, after all, no discernible signs that those things had been dealt with. The same could also be said in regard to the well-being of the remaining Bei an observation gave their youngest Bei Fong companion solace. It also gave everyone a sense of admiration for the skills the clan possessed. After all, it was the first time—and the first location—where there were no dead bodies (or amputated human parts) to be found.

The Prince had led their formation, staying at the forefront as they traversed the hallways of the mansion while Kai took the rear. Opal followed closely behind Iroh to give directions on where she best thought the others would have hunkered down or lured the enemies to be able to get the upper hand in the battle, while she was the one who was closer to Kai. That left her charge, Bolin, to be stuck at the center, protected by every other person in their group.

Unless the enemy decides to attack from above, the Secretary mused and briefly looked at the ceiling for any signs of an attack.

When she was certain that the shadows cast overhead did not belong to any deadly attacker, Duo Xing turned her attention towards Bolin.

Though her being appointed as the young Mover Star's secretary was something done as part of Councilor Tarrlok's plot to keep the young man's adoptive father in his employ, and though everything had started off as an act for her, it would be a lie now to say that she wasn't worried for her charge.

It was not that difficult to see how stressed Bolin was at the moment. He was like a taut string just about ready to snap. He jumped at the shadows and in sudden movements that caused everyone pause as well and caused everyone to be on an even heightened alert.

But one thing that stood out the most in Bolin's movements and reactions was that he kept glancing, whenever they passed by a window, outside and then he would quickly reel his attention back with a shake of his head.

Duo Xing doubted the young man was thinking of running away. If there was something she had learned of him, it was that he always committed to seeing something through when he put his mind into it. And if he hadn't run away when he had been given a chance, she didn't think he would now. Not when Opal was with them.

Still, what is diverting his attention?

This question was something that never strayed far from her thoughts even as they went deeper into the mansion and saw more and more signs of the assault.

Not long after they had taken a route down a flight of stairs, towards a portion of the residence they had not been to before, they began to hear the cacophony of noises that could only be borne from combat.

Alarmed, they looked at each other and nodded. Without nary a word, the five of them ran towards the direction of the noise.

Though they moved in a hurry, the Secretary kept her eyes peeled. She wanted to take in all that she could of the place she felt they normally would have not been allowed to venture in. Whereas the other parts of the mansion had been homey and had a sense of warmth to it that could easily be attributed to it being a residence, this one was the exact opposite. If anything else, it looked like it was part of some military base, devoid of any identity save for the banners hanging on the walls that showed some kind of emblem on it.

The Metal Clan. There really was no other organization it could have belonged to. It certainly wasn't the same emblem the Earth Kingdom had. This must be their hideout.

The further down the hall they went, the more chaotic it became. There were tables overturned and weapons discarded, people were fighting against what remained of the forces that attacked them. There were some who kept doing so even when they were injured, while those who had more pressing and life-threatening wounds had been taken further in and were given treatment.

Like everywhere else, the fallen were haphazardly left on the ground. Their cause of death impossible to miss, whether it be by bludgeoning, multiple stab wounds, or dismemberment. The smell of death permeated the air and made the entire area feel smaller than it was; like the walls were closing in on them.

No one, naturally, noticed their arrival. Every single member of the Metal Clan who was still alive and breathing was either focused on their fighting and their survival, or on fixing up those they could and ensuring their survival.

Opal scanned the area, looking for her immediate family and her eyes watered in relief when she saw that they were not among those counted as fallen. The patriarch of the Bei Fong family was tending on a wounded comrade and was being supported by Huan, Suyin was giving orders as she kept the invaders trying to get to short hallway they had taken as refuge from passing through, Wei and Wing—though they were both fighting in different locations—were worse for wear but was still holding their own ground. The same could be said for the younger Bataar.

There were also people from Republic City that Duo Xing had read about in a file given to her by Councilor Tarrlok. What they were doing in Zaofu and when they had arrived was something she knew not the answers to, nor was she in any hurry to find out. There were, after all, more pressing matters to tend to.

"Go to your parents, Opal," Iroh told the youngest Bei Fong. "Duo Xing go with her. You too, Bolin."

It didn't surprise the Spy that she would be given that instruction. The same could not be said of Bolin. He looked at Iroh like the Prince had suddenly grown an additional pair of arms and legs.

"You want me to what?" was his question.

"Go with Opal and Duo Xing," Iroh replied calmly, his eyes were not on the Mover Star but surveying their surroundings. "You would be more help with them than with us."

And though it was quite obvious Bolin thought such a statement was questionable at best, the young man kept his thoughts to himself and simply nodded. Opal began to make her way as deftly and nimbly as possible to where her parents and Huan was, and seeing her move caused Bolin to act as well.

Before she left to go with them, Duo Xing turned to the Fire Nation Prince and said, "Try not to overdo it. Or get yourself killed. Your mother would have my head for sure if something were to happen to you."

Iroh scoffed. "You have nothing to worry about. I got this."

"You know what they say about hubris, Prince." she wagged her finger at him but left it at that as she soon went on her way.

They went to work the moment they arrived.

Or, Asami should say, Korra did.

Without missing a beat, the Avatar let her Water-Bending take over, dousing the flames that engulfed the houses and various establishments. The Prodigy could only guess on how much energy was expended to accomplish such a feat.

Meanwhile, Lady Toph had showcased more of her own Earth-Bending prowess, using it to move whatever debris was blocking their way and destroy what remnants and stragglers there were of those who attacked Zaofu.

Though Asami was not able to get much look at them and was only afforded a quick glimpse before the Lady of the Swamp crushed them into tiny, incomprehensible pieces, the Avatar's Chosen could tell they weren't human.

She heard the distinct clinking, grinding, and hissing noises that could only be attributed to automatons—things she studied about and had seen in various factories thanks to her University days and as the heir to Future Industries. Though the version of automatons she had seen prior weren't made in the likeness of humans—something that the experts in the field had been adamant about—there really was nothing else that could come close to categorize them as.

And though she wanted to poke around what remained of the creatures they encountered, she understood they didn't have time to cater to her curiosity.

There was an undeniable pit in her stomach at the sight of them. Whether it was because she was seeing something meant to ease the burdens of those in the labor industry being used to cause such a chaos, or due to a thought she wasn't willing to entertain just yet, Asami couldn't be sure. Whatever the case was, she knew what she was seeing was wrong. Completely and utterly wrong.

It took much longer than necessary to completely douse the flames that burned around Zaofu due to Korra having to take a breather. And no matter how many times Asami wanted for the shorter girl to take it easy, she knew such a request was foolish, they wanted to do what they could and try to find survivors before the clock ran out.

Relief was something they all felt when they managed to save a number of people that were trapped in the safe rooms that they had hid themselves in and when the flames had finally been put out. Tears were shed and thanks uttered profusely at their rescue. There was also that wonderment and reverence that was given to both Korra and Lady Toph by those who had witnessed what they did. She wasn't saved from those looks as well, especially from those she had used the Healing Water on.

The Avatar didn't say much, though. Not even brag about what else she could do—which was typical of the darker-skinned girl—and it made Asami question even further as to the status of Korra's well-being. Lady Toph, likewise, didn't bask in all the glory and praises she was being given, though she was more vocal and had completely took on a commanding atmosphere, instructing the survivors on what to do and where to go.

They listened with and kept all their attention, nodding and complying to what they were told as they dispersed.

Now, left to themselves, the trio knew there was only one thing that remained to be done: securing the Bei Fong Mansion.

"Who knew I would be returning here in such a way?" Asami heard Lady Toph sigh to herself.

"You used to live here, Lady Toph?" The Prodigy inquired lest her assumption proved to be incorrect.

The old woman nodded. "A long time ago." was all the information she was willing to part with and Asami decided not to pry.

Instead, she looked over at Korra who had her eyes closed and her brows furrowed, a hand atop her chest as though feeling for her own heartbeat.

Toph might have sensed where she was looking, if the words she next uttered were something to go by. "I am beginning to wonder if my timing had been poor; if I should have chosen a different night to have you and Korra unseal the Elemental Seal of the Earth."

"You didn't seem to be worried about that earlier, though." Asami pointed out, not looking at the old woman. "You were confident that this was how things should be done, even when you keep telling us we were running out of time and I distinctly remember you saying this was needed to be able to effectively help the others."

"That is true, but I failed to take into account what toll it might take on her." She gestured over at Korra who was none the wiser that she was the subject of their conversation.

Asami bit her lip as she mulled over the possibility that Lady Toph would know and could expound on what Bai Hu had told her. It was highly likely that she would, Asami couldn't deny that. After all, she was a Guardian much like Lord Zuko was.

"You have questions, I take it."

"I don't know if I should ask them."

"You don't know if you should ask them or if you want to ask them? Those are two very distinctly different things, Asami Sato." Toph sagely whispered. "One is born from the need to know, the other from the desire to know."

"Then would you give a straight-forward answer if I were to ask, Lady Toph?" she countered.

Toph nodded. "I would, but not at this very moment. Right now, I need you to focus on one thing: helping Korra. Be with her. Your presence alone is providing the much needed strength for her to carry on what needs to be done at this time."

"I don't understand—"

"You are a balance of sorts," the old woman didn't let the younger one finish. "What the rituals had been doing to her, you are keeping those effects—the worst of them—at bay. You are giving her something she craves: more time."

So, it's true... It pained her to be given that affirmation. Though she was still at a loss and confused on certain things, Asami was—slowly but surely—able to piece some of those things together to form a rational picture.

And it was one she didn't like.

"It's one of the things only the Avatar's Chosen can accomplish...and one of the burdens you must carry."

"Korra promised to explain what she knows to me later." Asami let Lady Toph know.

"She could only know so much. Though once you two are done, come find me. I'll tell you what I can as well. For now, however, we must focus our sights—" The old woman chuckled at that, "—on getting to Suyin and the others. Although, I am not as worried of them as I was before..."

"What do you mean, old lady?" Korra asked, having heard the latter part of Toph's words, rejoining the two.

Asami wanted to correct her with how she had called the Lady of the Swamp, but let it pass in favor of observing the Avatar to see if she was feeling better than she was before. She might have been staring for much too long, since Korra took notice and cocked her head to the side in silent askance. The Prodigy shook her head and turned her attention back to Lady Toph, repeating Korra's earlier question but in a much more respectable manner.

"I can sense that there are two among those inside the mansion that are already close to awakening to their own 'gifts', if they haven't already," she grinned as she spoke. "Those things wouldn't know what hit them. But, let us hurry along none-the-less."

They did just that, but not without Korra muttering, "Again with your cryptically-worded phrases" all the same.

Relief. She could cry with relief upon seeing her daughter safe and sound. But as the leader of their clan, all she could do was envelop Opal in a hug that she prayed would convey all the things her words would not be able to do so.

Opal, however, was not afraid to let the tears of relief fall. Suyin let her express her emotions while she held her close, despite the danger still not coming to pass. As she did, she looked at the two who had accompanied Opal—the Mover Star and her Secretary—and gave them a nod of thanks.

"Prince Iroh and Kai are fighting alongside your men," The Secretary—Duo Xing, she recalled her name was—notified her.

"I see..." A pause, followed by the question that had plagued her since the whole ordeal began. "And what of your two other companions? Asami and that girl called 'Korra'?"

She felt Opal stiffened in her embrace and knew, even before Bolin uttered the answer to her question, what that answer was.

"We don't know, Miss Suyin." Bolin had said. "We do know they went to the city proper together. At least, that's what Duo Xing said. But knowing the two of them, I'm sure they're alright."

Suyin looked at Duo Xing for confirmation. She could see there was something more to that story, but the Bei Fong matriarch simply let it pass when the other woman merely nodded and said not a word more. Duo Xing did help them immensely thanks to the information she gathered and written for them.

Still, as thankful as she was, there was something about the aforementioned woman that kept Suyin on edge.

It's her eyes, the thought came unbidden and belatedly. I know those eyes...

It was the kind of eyes that scanned their surroundings and saw things ordinary people wouldn't. It went beyond being observant. So it didn't come as a surprise when Duo Xing asked a question that could have easily been missed.

"This is strange...Why did you pick this spot to hold your ground?"

Her smile, which had been on her face was replaced by a thin line. Opal had also stopped her sobbing and seemed to have held her breath at the question thrown in their direction. When Suyin failed to answer, Duo Xing continued on...

"This is a dead end. That room is the only other place you can fall back to should this one fall and I doubt there is an escape route there, otherwise you and your family would have used it." the mulling went on. "I could only surmise that there is something in that room you wish to protect...and judging by those from Republic City I saw earlier, it's something from there."

How Duo Xing worded her statement was telling to Suyin. She wasn't asking if her deductions were correct, nor was she asking for the older woman to divulge any sort of information to her. It was also all done through her keen sense of cognition, her insight.

"You are a frightening woman, Duo Xing." Suyin admitted, letting go of Opal. "That skill of yours..."

Duo Xing shrugged. "You're not the first to tell me that. Unfortunately, my services are already under the employ of the Fire Lord."

"Such a shame. We could use you in our ranks."

"No offense to you and the Metal Clan, but I don't think you can afford me." It was said in jest, but it still struck a nerve in Suyin.

"Uh...what's going on?" Bolin asked, breaking what back-and-forth was going on between the two women.

Before any of them could answer, an explosion rocked the large room where the battles were taking place. In unison they turned around to take a look at what was happening, fearful that the enemy might have reinforcements and that those reinforcement had breached the walls of the Bei Fong Mansion.

Iroh was panting heavily now, he had expended too much energy and made use of his trump card far earlier than was necessary, revealing to those present and looking what he had hoped to hide for a while longer.

He had no choice, however. An oath was made to keep people safe and it was an oath he took seriously, even if it was given to someone as annoying as Opal Bei Fong.

His outstretched arm shook. The flames that had enveloped it slowly receded back into his skin as he stood between Bataar, Jr. and what remained of the explosive projectile one of the marionettes had sought to attack the Bei Fong with.

"W-What...was that?" the younger Bataar had his mouth agape, his eyes wide in shock. It was understandable. Iroh doubted they had ever seen anything like what he did before.

"An ace up my sleeves," Iroh managed to answer. "Can you stand?"

The bespectacled man nodded and did so, grabbing his weapon that had fallen from his grip when he thought he was about to be killed.

"Good." The Prince nodded when he saw from that from the corner of his. "I suppose it's time to drop the act and start getting serious."

He let go of the blade in his hand, which had already melted in some parts and had turned into a dull mockery of its original form and took on a stance his grandfather had taught him. His arms were raised at an angle, as though he was about to take flight while his right foot was raised and his left balanced his entire weight.

As he readied his move, he made sure his breathing was even before he rotated his arms on his side, taking a short leap forward as he did so. His right foot landed in front of his left and he kept them bent as he pushed his arms forward in a circular pattern, his palms facing the mechanical monstrosity.

The moment the lower part of his palms—the one close to his wrists—connected, flames erupted from each of his palms. The movement he made prior caused these flames to appear arched as it traversed the distance between the Prince and his opponent, touching nothing else and burning nothing else save from his enemy the moment it made contact.

Within seconds the evil machination exploded in its place. Iroh was already moving away from it and on to his next foe to give it the same kind of treatment. Though his movements that preempted the burst of flames differed, those who saw him move could only compare it to a dance, fluid. Like all movements were meant to be connected.

They watched in a mixture of surprise, fear, and awe as every purposeful movement caused flames to burst from Iroh, from his fists to the soles of his feet even when all he did was a roundhouse kick.

Kai, Iroh was certain, was at a loss for words even when he couldn't see the Avatar's Steward. Iroh was, after all, doing something everyone in their group thought only Korra could do: Firebend.

Yet, what he could do, the Fire Nation Prince knew, was nothing in comparison to what the Avatar and his grandfather could. He was a mere fledgling compared to them, loathe as he was to admit. But, with Korra missing what he could do with the Gift he was given was all they got.

And he hoped it was enough, even as he felt his stamina waning and draining with each and every Fire Bending technique he threw and each mechanical marionette that exploded.

It seemed like forever before Iroh was aware that only a handful of those creatures remained, yet he couldn't breathe a sigh of relief.

Not yet. So long as there is even a single one of them, I cannot rest!

Without giving himself time to rest, Iroh made a beeline for his next target who noticed him as he approached and readied itself for him.

As though there is anything you can do against my flames.

He took his stance and was about to let his fist fly when his eyes suddenly became blurry and he wobbled in place, losing his footing. Though he managed to keep himself from falling face-first on the ground, he had lost the momentum he needed to attack.

The marionette took advantage of this, and without missing a beat went for him. Though its speed hadn't change in the eyes of those who may have been watching, for the young Prince it seemed as though it had accelerated.

It was then that Iroh noticed another thing: his arms were as heavy as led. He couldn't bring them up to even shield himself.

Damn it! This isn't how it was supposed to go!

That was the only thought in his mind, even as he resigned himself to his fate.

And even though everything seemed to speed up to that moment, when the automaton was about to stab him in the heart, the reverse became truth: suddenly everything slowed down. So much so that Iroh saw a shadow pass by his periphery.

Before he knew it, Kai was standing in-front of him, his black-coated blade having made quick work of their foes attack arm and had kicked the thing as strongly as he could so that it stumbled backwards giving them both enough room to take a breath.

"You okay?" Kai asked without looking at him personally to check.

"Y-Yes, I think so." Iroh's voice shook. He was certain he had been about to meet his demise.

"Good." Kai nodded as he readied himself to finish of their common enemy. "Don't get too reckless just because you can Firebend now."

"Heh, I'll keep that in mind. Though I don't think I can do much now." The Fire Nation Prince let himself plop on the ground. "I'm spent. I can't move even if I want to. Though it irritates me say this: I leave the rest up to you."

Kai didn't say a word, he just nodded before he dashed forward and dealt as efficiently as he could with the enemy that had attempted to take Iroh's life.

The Prince sighed. I really have a long way to go.

Surveying the scene, he noted that everyone else was just about done cleaning up what remained of their enemies. Those who had seen him fight had their vigor renewed, and that helped them deal with those that they were facing.

It wasn't bad, if Iroh had anything to say about it.

Just as he was about to close his eyes and rest, knowing that the battle was as good as won, movement from the ceiling close to the short hallway where Bolin and the others were caught his attention.

It was one of those creatures, crawling like a spider, on the ceiling making its way towards the place where it can eliminate a lot of its targets unawares. Quickly, Iroh looked around for anyone who can get to them in time. Alas, Kai was still busy having gone off to help Bataar, Jr. deal with his own enemy while the twins were still locked in battle with theirs. The others were too exhausted as he was to make it in time.

He looked back at the creeping marionette and noted that no one had noticed it yet. Not even Duo Xing.

His mind was in a turmoil as he wondered what the best course of action should be. Should he warn them with a shout? He was worried that doing so would make the mechanical puppet move faster and endanger everyone even more.

But what other option is there?

He took a deep breath. There was a chance that the idea that bloomed in his mind might work, but there was a much bigger possibility that it wouldn't.

He remembered a question he asked his grandfather before they left, about the other gifts and what they could do. Grandfather Zuko had explained that, much like the Avatar, those who had been bestowed these gifts would be able to control the elements. He could do so with fire, and others would appear eventually who would be able to do the same with air, water, and the earth.

"As long as they see the pillars when Korra unseals them, whatever is lying dormant within them would awaken." His grandfather had explained.

"And how does one make use of these gifts if they never even knew they could use them to begin with?" Iroh remembered asking that question soon after that. "Not everyone would have someone as knowledgeable as you, grandfather, to guide them."

That had given the old man a bit of pause to think. After a while, however, he had formulated the best response he could give, "That may differ from person to person. Others are just adept at it. Some require a bit of a nudge. There may be those who would come to learn how to use their gift through passion or some strong feeling within themselves to guide them. Or, perhaps, through self-preservation. What we can do, however, is simply pass on our knowledge to those who need them and help guide those who would awaken to their gifts. That is one of the responsibilities we Guardians have."

Iroh didn't know which category Bolin fell into. But, at that moment, there was no one else Iroh could count on to be able to instantly quell the danger.

And so, with all he could, he shouted, "Bolin, above you!" with as much volume as his tired body could and with much urgency that was possible.

Everyone's attention turned to Bolin and his group as the Mover Star quickly looked up and saw what Iroh did.

Having been alerted to its presence, the lone mechanical menace immediately went to attack. It targeted the one who saw it first, which as Iroh had guessed, was Bolin.

Before Iroh completely lost his consciousness, his mind drifted to a single thought: That one's all up to you, Bolin.

Everything happened so fast.

They arrived just as Iroh shouted for Bolin. The distance, however, was too far for them to be able to do anything to help. That did not mean the three of them merely stood in their place.

She had run before propelling herself with her Air-Bending and the old woman was about to slam her bare foot on the ground to conjure earth that could destroy their enemy. Asami had also ran towards Bolin's direction.

And yet, they were much too slow to act.

By the time Korra was close enough to attack and Toph had slammed her foot on the ground, an earthen pillar had already shot up from the beneath the space close to Bolin beating all of their combined efforts.

It came as a shock for everyone, most especially Korra. She knew what she had seen—had felt it, as well—to come to a conclusion. Not only had someone been Fire-Bending moments before, but Bolin had Earth-Bended to save himself and those that were with him.

Though, when she looked at the Mover Star, he did not seem like he was aware of what he had done. He was not even in a proper stance to Earth-Bend. He was just cowering with his hands covering his head.

And, yet...there is no mistaking it...Could this be the gift Zuko was talking about?

A laugh escaped her lips as she descended and let her Air-Bending die down. And with all the enemies that had sought to invade Zaofu and rid it of its people finally destroyed, the adrenaline that she had been feeling subsided as well making her feel even more spent than before.

"How in the—!?" She heard Suyin Bei Fong, the surprise evident in her voice and in the way her words taper off, not knowing how to end it.

Even Bolin was surprised that he was still alive, and was at a loss when Opal thanked him abundantly for saving their lives, giving the Mover Star a hug which caused his face to go scarlet and for him to sputter incoherently.

Looking back, she saw all the others they had left in good condition albeit a bit battered. Kai had gone to the unconscious Prince Iroh—a surprising move—to check up on him, and after having deemed that he was fine, looked up at the Avatar and gave her a thumbs up as well as a broad grin. The Twins were laughing with their older brother, and those others that had survived—the familiar faces from those from Republic City among them, much to Korra's confusion—had slumped down on their haunches to finally rest.

Toph, for her part, looked as though she was making sure there were no other enemies in the vicinity. When she no longer sensed danger, she let a small smile of victory linger in her features. It was a rare sight to behold.

"Well, this certainly has been the most eventful night we've ever been," Asami said as she walked towards her, relief and joy visible in her features as well as she glanced over Opal and her family. "One that is full of surprises."

Korra nodded then sighed, "You can say that again."

Her legs buckled as she was suddenly hit with an intense bout of drowsiness. Quickly, Asami was by her side and kept her from falling to the ground. Though Korra's weight ended up being too much for her to handle alone and they both ended sitting on the ground regardless.

Concern was written all over the Prodigy's face. She need not ask how the Avatar was feeling. Korra knew she had already put two and two together. Asami was smart, it would not be difficult for her to do so.

"Apologies, Asami," Korra said as her eyelids began to grow heavier and heavier by the second. "It seems like...our conversation would...have to wait a bit." A yawn followed, one she was not able to stifle.

"Don't worry about it, Korra." Asami assured her. "That can wait. Just rest for now."

"Thank you." Her lips quirked upwards even as her eyes closed. "Though, you would also...have to contend with...their questions on your own...Just, do not tell them—Opal and the others—about what you have come to learn...please..."

"I...understand." She heard Asami and felt her arm around her tighten before sleep claimed her in its embrace.

End Chapter Notes:

*Whew*

And that is a wrap for this chapter. We're nearing the end of the Deadly Marionettes Arc. I hope you guys enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Things have been rough lately, especially here in my country. Mass Testing is not an option and COVID-19 patients are increasing daily. I don't have any work during this time of quarantine, so there's that... It is making it hard to make YouTube videos as well, which is why updates, even in my YouTube Channel, have been lacking as of late. But still, we gotta stay strong-all of us!

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