A.N. I hope you guys liked the first chapter! Just letting y'all know when writing future chapters I've made some shorter filler chapters that kind of help establish some of the romance. Let me know what you think!

~ Artemis

Part I Revolution

Chapter Two

Akira

Akira hadn't been on a boat in two years, mostly because they made her feel uneasy. Being surrounded by water was something Akira avoided; it had been that way ever since she almost drowned as a child. It happened during one of her mother's many exhibitions for work, and she had begged to go onto one of the WaterTribe boats. Her mother had dismissed her with an irritated wave of her hand.

Akira remembered going out into the water and seeing the glaciers, and how excited she felt being out in the open water. But after that, all she can remember is the frigid water and the unending depths. She had never thought that the color blue could scare her that way, and now water has terrified her ever since.

Of course, that meant nothing to her mother, while she hated her for it at first, she gradually made her return to the water. She told her she could never let something take away her power, but it still terrified her. It was unknowing, the ocean was vast and could easily take back anything humanity had created.

"Excuse me, ma'am? I've just come to give you your inventory report." Akira turned to her crew member and took the clipboard from his hands.

"Thank you." She said kindly, the man nodded with a small smile before making his way back into the boat. Akira returned to the edge of the ship and watched as the Fire Nation slowly disappeared, putting an ocean between her and her mother. And Akira had to admit it, the world felt right now that they were separated again. But she couldn't place whether that made her sad or content. Either way, she was beginning a new life now, and hopefully, she was ready for it.

Mako

Mako liked to believe he was prepared for anything, sure things caught him off guard sometimes. Like his ex-girlfriends dating one another, or Kuvira suddenly turning on them; and Korra staying away for three years. But those were anomalies to Mako, he had keen senses and a surprisingly accurate judge of character. But he was extremely unprepared for what he saw occurring in the streets, he was close to his old neighborhood the "bad" part of Republic City.

Asami had reestablished what could be salvaged of the city and had created at least three new structures for the displaced citizens. But that didn't mean that the people were happy, the city was still in shambles compared to what it once was. The railways still were only 45% operational and the city still was lacking in functionality. The people were frustrated, and from what Mako saw in front of him it was a lot more than they had initially thought.

Around 70 people filled the streets, they were being given weekly rations, and since they bore the symbol of the government a few of them were protesting. It wasn't enough to cause too much concern, and Mako planned to drive by. That was until he saw a young man rise above the protestors, he climbed his way onto the truck and raised a fist above his head in defiance.

"We deserve to know why President Moon has forced us to live in poverty; while the other displaced members live in updated facilities! Why have our streets been the last to be covered? Why have you abandoned us?" The crowd joined in with his cries, getting riled up by his words. The man raised his hand again, this time the earth shook. Mako's hands vibrated on the wheel of the squad car as he parked across the street from the protestors.

A large crater formed in the streets and rose above Mako's squad car, it sailed through the air and into the single police car that had been on the scene. Mako bolted out of his car and dove for the officer that had frozen in place. He slammed his body into the man's causing them both to tumble out of the way of harm and into the side of a building.

Some of the protestors backed away and returned to their homes, while a few were ignited by this act of rebellion and charged forward. They followed the young man with yells and shouts for justice, while Mako's partner ran towards the two on the ground helping them to their feet.

"Maybe we should call for backup?" he said sheepishly, Mako rolled his eyes.

"No kidding." The two returned to their feet and were relieved to see more officers. They calmly asked the residents to return to their homes and arrested the young man who had earthbended their squad car.

"We have to tell the Avatar about his." Mako agreed with the officer, more officers arrived and asked what had happened. Mako let his partner relay the details but it was days like these that were beginning to get to Mako. These protests weren't a new phenomenon, but most days they would disperse after a few hours. But today was the first day of violence, and if this was the first it was only a matter of time before it escalated.

The problem was they were right about everything. Change has been slow, and it's mostly because they don't know where to start. Asami has been so overwhelmed that Korra suggested they leave for a few days to the Southern Air Temple. It allowed them some privacy and Asami some time to reestablish her plans, the girls returned later that day thankfully. But Mako was worried that change wasn't happening fast enough.

"Korra will be back soon, she's always been able to keep the peace," Mako said putting a comforting hand on the officer's shoulder, while this reassured the officer; it didn't reassure Mako. The tides were changing again. It was only a matter of time before something else happened.

(break)

The Republic City Police Headquarters was once the pride of the city, currently, it is a small building while newly refurbished compared to their old facilities it was barely functional. Mako opened the doors of the building and found his overcrowded desk. Currently, each desk was shared by three detectives, making organization vital. Another detective smiled weakly while clearing their files out of Mako's way before rushing to another side of the room. The busy sounds were comforting to Mako's ear as he sat down pulling out a fresh piece of parchment for his report.

If he was being honest with himself, he preferred the sound of the work. Because it drowned out the silence in his heart. Mako had felt like he had been drowning lately, and he wasn't quite sure why. He genuinely loved his job, and he loved his friends and family. But he felt like each day that passed he was falling further and further into the depths of crippling loneliness. A loneliness that he felt all around him, he wanted warmth and light in his life. He tried filling it with work, among other methods... but even that wasn't cutting it anymore. He wasn't sure how much more he could take of this feeling.

"Mako! My office, now." Chief Beifong said passing his desk quickly and down the cramped hall to her makeshift office. Mako followed eagerly, anything to get his mind off his thoughts. Mako and walked through the doorway and into the very cramped office; filing cabinets were lined across the walls of the room, the Chief's desk was beneath a window that was eclipsed by another large filing cabinet.

"I need you to go to the docks, we have a shipment arriving from Piandao Industries." Mako raised an eyebrow at Lin, not so much for the work but rather for his presence.

"Ugh, do you need me to escort the cargo?" Lin dropped the stack of reports in her hand and looked at Mako.

"Have you seen what's been going on kid? Besides, their representative is supposed to meet with the President, so it might be helpful to have someone keep them out of trouble." Without much argument Mako made his way to the docs; with the help of a few officers to help clear the way for cargo vehicles.

Mako tried hard to think of the task at hand, but it was hard to ignore what was right in front of him. The devastation left behind had catapulted Republic City into another era of uncertainty, after all the efforts made by Future Industries to create a society that could inhabit both spirits and humans. And it was all destroyed barely reaching its second year of full completion, now the streets were uneven once again. In some places, there were still gaping holes left behind from Kuvira's weapon. The buildings that had fallen have now been cleared out of the way, and the slow process of rebuilding has begun. But he still can see the fear, and now the anger in the faces as he passed by.

Groups of people living in close quarters as a temporary measure to create homes, families of five being confined into a smaller home than they originally had all because they're trying to give them a roof over the head. And the majority are grateful that they have a home for the time being, but more and more are upset that their conditions are worse than others. While everything has been relatively peaceful, Mako couldn't help but feel like something was about to change.

Mako finally made it to the docks and parked his car far off from the ship. He found crew members already loading cargo into trucks. All the large trucks were lined up and ready to leave in a moment's notice. Mako was impressed by the organization, he was easily allowed onto the boat and made his way to greet this representative.

Several crew members weaved their way around the ship as orders were being shouted from the center. As the crowd cleared Mako was shocked to see someone so young, and so short. But as the young woman turned towards him, Mako immediately retracted the thought.

While she was short, she had a presence about her, it was like she radiated the demand for respect, and she earned it. The men around her made no move to question any of her orders and responded respectfully and dutifully. She was aware of this but didn't have a complex about it, she had stern brown eyes that had a depth of warmth to them. Among that warmth was a fire, a mischievous flicker of a flame that made Mako intrigued yet wary of its force. He found himself transfixed by the seemingly reddish hue in the browns of her eyes…And that's when he realized he was staring.

But it was hard for him not too, while she wasn't the type of beautiful that forced men to stop in their tracks like Asami, but there was something about her. There was that presence of hers, while she only reached about Mako's nose she was a daunting yet inviting. She had dark skin with a warmth radiating beneath it creating a beautiful warm brown hue. And black hair with a slight wave that curled into her collar bones where it rested rather stylized. She narrowed her eyes further are Mako and he cleared his throat embarrassed.

"I-I am Detective Mako." He said lamely, trying hard not to fidget with the collar of his shirt. She smiled at that tilting her head slightly to the right.

"I'm aware." She laughed, Mako blushed in embarrassment and she beckoned him forward. "I appreciate Republic City's dedication to safety, but I assure you we are capable of bringing the weaponry to the headquarters."

Mako flinched at the word, "I'm not sure we should call them headquarters Ms. Piandao we have been displaced since Kuvira." The woman's eyes expressed sympathy to his words, and she nodded more to herself than to Mako.

"I'm sure it's been difficult for everyone, and please call me Akira. Ms. Piandao is my mother." Mako smiled at that, without another word she began making her way down the ramp to vehicles beckoning Mako to follow her with a tilt of her head. Mako followed her down the ramp, seeing more crew members continue to pack and seal the cargo into the trucks.

"Along with the weapons I was told you also have a meeting with President Moon, I would be happy to escort you there." Akira turned towards Mako raising an eyebrow, he paled. "Not that you need an escort I'm sure you are capable, and I am in no way and…"

Mako trailed off as Akira began laughing, "Lighten up detective, I just didn't realize it was today. And thank you for being so considerate, I'd appreciate it." With that, Akira reached her vehicles and told her drivers to ready themselves. "Lead the way detective."

Mako opened the door of the squad car for Akira and could have sworn he saw what looked like a blush, she mumbled a quick thank you as he got into the driver's side and lead the procession into the city.

Akira

Akira had always prided herself in being fairly good at dealing with business affairs, but detective Mako was making that very difficult. He was effortlessly attractive and painfully polite. It had also been quite a while since Akira had been in the presence of an attractive man who wasn't a part of her troupe. But she pushed those thoughts to the side... but maybe she would allow herself to admire the muscles that were clearly hidden beneath his uniform.

Akira pushed the thought away, chastising herself for being distracted by a pretty face. The last thing she needed was to develop a crush on the detective. With that she returned her focus to Republic City, it had been about four years since she had last been in the city and much had changed. Spirit vines extended from what had once been a further extension of the bustling city. But what was worse was the devastation from Kuvira's attacks. Abandoned buildings replaced the once tall and plentiful skyscrapers she had once seen; cramped businesses were practically on top of one another as they no longer had the luxury of space.

"I'm so sorry," Akira said softly more to herself than to Mako, he turned his head slightly surprised.

"It's been getting better." He said, and it was clear that there wasn't much more to say about it.

"Has infrastructure begun?" Akira asked watching as two children played between the rubble their parents scolding them.

"Yeah, of course, Future Industries has been developing some plans…But it hasn't been easy." Akira nodded, while it had been years since she had worked with her mother the skill hadn't been gone. She knew the mechanics of a battleship at twelve, and how to dismantle an explosive a year afterward, this was in her blood. Her brain went on overdrive thinking of solutions, and she had one.

"I think I have a lot more to say to President Moon." Mako turned towards her his amber eyes shined.

"I'm sure you do."

The supplies had been transported without issue, and Chief Beifong and the police force thanked her for the upgrades in their uniforms. Although Akira didn't have much to do with it, she was impressed by her mothers' designs. While still traditional, the metal was more lightweight and if anything, more equipped than before.

While the transport went without issue, there of course was an issue that Akira didn't account for. Chief Beifong had been kind enough to allow her to use a radio to contact her mother, unfortunately, she was met with radio silence…quite literally.

In a sour mood, Akira left the police headquarters with Mako. Their ride was entirely in silence much to the discomfort of Mako.

"Is everything alright?" He asked tentatively, Akira turned towards him surprised by his sincerity. She wanted to say yes but her posture betrayed her, and she turned back towards the window.

"Family issues, but it's to be expected." Mako nodded and by her tone, he understood that the conversation was over. So rather than sitting in silence, it seemed that the detective was keen on continuing a conversation with her.

"So, you're running one of the most prestigious companies in the Fire Nation and still have family issues. I feel validated." Mako said with a smirk, Akira couldn't stop the smile that began on her face.

"Apparently family issues are a trait in our culture." She replied sarcastically causing a laugh to escape Mako, he looked just as surprised as she was, and she couldn't help but go along with it. They talked about the Fire Nation although Mako had never been much to Akira's horror. He told her about his adventures with the Avatar, and how much he loved the city he grew up in. As the conversation had flowed, they nearly drove past the City Hall.

"A probender to a detective, now that's a story," Akira said, Mako shrugged laughing it off.

"That's a story for another time." Akira raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"Another time detective?" Akira couldn't help herself from teasing him, it was too easy. Although a small voice in her head continued to chastise her, and she was beginning to believe it would be a good idea to listen to it. Mako ducked his head in embarrassment concealing the reddening of his cheeks, although Akira didn't seem to notice this.

"I-I didn't mean to suggest…" But he was cut off, by a rather large young man that came forward and nearly topped Mako over.

"MAKO! I haven't seen you in a few days, bro, I thought you got kidnapped or something." Mako pulled the larger man off of him, with an annoyed yet affectionate look on his face.

"I told you I was working late Bolin. Also, Akira, this is my little brother Bolin." Akira reached out her hand and he took it shaking it rather excitedly.

"Yes, from Piandao industries it is an honor to meet you! I mean I always wanted a Piandao sword…" Bolin trailed of seeming to remember both his job and his duties. "But of course, that can be discussed at a more appropriate time. I'll take you to President Moon."

Akira smiled at his energy; he reminded her a lot of Tavrok. When the waterbender wasn't afraid of her mother returning he was eccentric and carried so much energy; and Akira missed him and Hon terribly.

"I'm sure I could arrange something Bolin." She watched his eyes widen and he grinned so wide she was sure his face would crack. She smiled and the two continued down the hall, the building looked newly refurbished and was skillfully made to include the trees into the building. She touched the wall lightly with her finger at the ornate carving that now trailed along the trunk of the large tree that came through the building.

"Lovely." She murmured transfixed by the complexity, suddenly they were at the door of President Moon's office, Bolin opened the door for her, and she walked in and saw two women in the room.

The first was obviously President Moon, her picture was in every newspaper in the world. Her brown hair was tied in a neat bun, her bangs framing her face pleasantly. But Akira was more concerned with the second woman in the room.

Asami Sato.

Bolin introduced Akira to the room and President Moon made her way over shaking her hand. While Asami Sato stayed rooted to her chair, her green eyes narrowed slightly.

"Thank you for answering our call so quickly Ms. Piandao."

"Of course, we wouldn't want to jeopardize a relationship with the United Republic," Akira said politely, President Moon smiled and motioned for her to sit and she fought hard not to look at Asami. Mako noticed her behavior and raised an eyebrow.

"Akira this is Asami Sato the head of Future Industries." The two women made eye contact with one another before Akira gave in.

"No need we're already familiar with one another," Akira said sharply, Asami narrowed her eyes back.

"Yeah, my dad wanted to merge Future Industries with some of Piandao's weaponry, although now knowing things…I understand why your mother broke contact." The girls were silent for a moment, allowing President Moon to interject.

"Well I'm glad you two are acquainted and on good terms, I was also hoping to reestablish Piandao industries contract with The United Forces. We had previously sourced our battleships from your company and would love to continue that relationship." Akira glanced at Asami who seemed shocked by the news.

"I was under the impression that Future Industries was going to take on that project," Asami said stiffly, her eyes still not meeting Akira's. President Moon looked towards Asami sheepishly, seemingly unaware of how touchy this would have been.

"I didn't want to overload Future Industries as they are already extending their resources to help rebuild the cities and railways with the help of Varrick Global Industries. I also wanted to extend The United Republic's relationship with outside companies who have been loyal allies."

Wanting to diffuse the situation Akira interjected politely, "My job would solely be for the weaponry for the United Republic's military and police." President Moon nodded and a sense of ease seemed to come over the woman. "As for the ships, we may need to adjust the quantity, but I can easily have construction begin on new battleships".

President Moon's shoulders relaxed at the mention of the battleships and it became very clear to Akira how much stress the woman was under, and it made her want to help. It was in her nature to help those in need, it was that very urge that made her travel the world with a group of young musicians when she was sixteen…But she wasn't going to fail people like she did back then.

"I'd also like to donate money to the new infrastructure plans for Republic City, and if there is any other help you need, I'd be happy to lend a hand." President Moon looked at Akira thoughtfully before sitting up straighter her eyes devising a plan.

"How would you like to be part of the restoration project with Sato Industries?" Akira wasn't sure what to do, she never had taken a project on her own.

"I-I would love to; I have some ideas if you'd like to hear them." President Moon and Akira left the seating area to her desk where Akira pointed at her plans on the map of the city, while Asami crossed her arms.

"This is great Asami, we really can speed up some projects with Piandao Industries help," Mako said smiling as he watched Akira in her element. She kept pushing her dark hair behind her ears as she talked excitedly with her plans of expanding the city further from the spirit portal to give way to a conservation area.

"Yeah, it's great," Asami said sitting back down in the chair, trying hard to feel grateful. But she couldn't ignore the feeling that an opportunity was being stolen from her.

"So, it's settled, you'll stay and help?" President Moon asked hopefully. Akira's eyes drifted to Mako, and she quickly looked away. But at that moment, she could have sworn she saw a hopeful look on his face, and while Akira knew that if she stayed, she may develop more feelings for the detective. But the thought to make a difference, to finally do something more than just performing; it was what her mother had always told her. The world called to her, and she just had to listen to it.

"I think I will."

Republic City – Refurbished District

Within one of the cramped buildings was a group of individuals all huddled in a small home. The sheer number of them was overwhelming, bodies pressed against one another in hot heaps as they waited. Yet they were not upset by these conditions, instead they huddled together at a table whispering excitedly, some leaned against the walls talking amongst one another, while others munched on the plentiful snacks in front of them. It was a treat for the people in this room because luxury such as this was something they didn't experience often. Among the shadows emerged a young man.

No more than twenty years old, he was handsome in a boyish way. He had black hair slicked back in a newer fashion with one strand framing his face making his green eyes shine more vividly. As he entered the room was thrown into a deafening silence, he walked purposefully enjoying the eyes on him, he stopped towards a young woman his eyes never leaving hers and winked at her. Enjoying the light flush that graced her cheeks, before turning to his audience.

"Welcome friends." The young man greeted with a flourish of his hands, he gestured respectfully to the people before him, more in the manner of a magician than a leader of a revolution. "We were promised plenty from the government of Republic City. President Moon promised us shelter and she provided, Avatar Korra promised a solution and we got one. But why does it feel like there is still a rift within this city? Why is it that most of our homes were quickly patched together, as we're forced to live in "temporary measures" all the while forcing too many citizens in these spaces. Crowding us a like a horde of animals rather than living and breathing people."

He paused, the passion now burning within his chest and the intense stares of his followers urged him as nothing has before. He felt invigored by his new purpose, "So we cannot live in the shadows and burrow in holes like Badgermoles", he smirked at his choice of words. "Or perhaps we do, let them believe we have become complacent. Let us meet them with peace!" He remarked holding his arms out as an invitation.

"Because we will be Badgermoles, and like those great creatures we will stay content in our caves. Staying silent, staying complacent. Because once they are comfortable…we'll start an avalanche." The people roared in agreement, chanting the name Badgermole over and over again; while the boy leaned his head back as he relished the applause.