I almost forgot to update this week so I apologize is there are some grammar issues.

Also thanks to the guest reviewer and Sakhmet and Hathor for the feedback!

~Artemis

Part I Revolution

Chapter Four

Akira

It officially marked the second week of Akira's stay in Republic City, and while she was thankful for Tenzin's kindness, she was glad to have a space of her own now. President Moon was able to find her a current vacancy in Mako and Bolin's building, and Akira took it without reservation. She knew that it wouldn't be the most glamorous dwelling but that didn't bother her in the slightest. Besides if it kept her from the Sato estate she wouldn't mind. Akira remembered the painfully awkward silence that followed when Mako suggested she stay in the Sato estate.

There was a clear understanding between her and Asami and she was fine with it, the two never got along as children...not much has changed. But that was behind her now, today was the day she would move in. She had tried to contact her mother to send her some more of her things but again was met with silence. Instead, her mother's butler Akon had answered and said he'd pack her clothing himself. She wasn't sure why she was surprised by the silent treatment, but it still hurt.

The sharp sound of the truck door closing brought Akira back to present, Mako smirked at her from the outside. Akira followed him out of the truck shoving him good-naturedly, after her first week in Republic City Mako had easily become her best friend here. He showed her, her current favorite place to eat that featured the food from her country. Along with markets and the best authentic WaterTribe food she had eaten in a while.

He also was kind enough to offer her rides wherever she needed to go, and now he was helping her move. Although this is not to say that this came easy to her, trust had always been something she was wary of giving. It had taken her months to trust Hon and Tavrok, but Mako just made it easy for some reason. Beyond their kindred spirits in their mutual isolation, she just found herself comfortable around him.

And she noticed that Mako was becoming more comfortable around her too, ever since that first night they hung out together he felt more comfortable teasing her and lost a bit of his formality. It was just nice to have someone who understood her, and she supposed for him it was nice to be understood in return. The two began to unload her few boxes from the borrowed truck from Asami (which Akira did not want to borrow but Mako had insisted). The two took boxes and began the ascent to her apartment.

"Thanks again Mako for helping me," Akira said as they passed the third floor, her breath coming out a little faster after yet another set of stairs. "It's really not a problem, besides I live down the hall anyway." He huffed slightly as they continued up the stairwell, he had been adamant about taking two boxes at a time and was now huffing from the weight. Akira had to admit it was strange at first seeing Mako do domestic activities, just the day before he insisted, she tried a dish their grandmother had made them. It was strange at first to see him behind the stove chopping ingredients with his brother as the two argued about the order of the recipe.

But she was beginning to get used to a softer side of Mako, and although she would never admit it out loud; he was a lot more handsome when he was vulnerable. There was something about the softness to him that just made him seem brighter, his eyes would shine more brilliantly, and his smile would come easier and she found that made her heart beat a little faster than it ought to.

After another two stories, they finally came to the door, and Akira unlocked it quickly as Mako set her boxes down wiping the sweat off his brow. It was a quaint studio apartment, there was a small kitchenette with a stove, small counter space, and a sink. There was a pantry that wouldn't open completely, and a small closet that would fit a fourth of her true wardrobe. But being a traveler was in Akira's nature, she was used to living in simplicity, especially with her time in traveling troupes.

"I know it's not what you're used to but it's really not that bad," Mako said shifting slightly from discomfort. Akira turned towards him surprised by his statement. "What's that supposed to mean?" Mako flushed but continued. "I mean you're a Piandao, I'm sure you're used to luxury…I just meant that when President Moon offered you housing that it's functional not…" Akira cut him off.

"Just because I'm a rich girl doesn't mean I've always known luxury. I've traveled the world Mako I camped in the foggy swamp in the Earth Kingdom with swamp benders." She teased, poking Mako's shoulder. "Not all rich girls are sensitive you know." He laughed grabbing her hand from his chest.

"I've been known to make that mistake." His hand lingered on hers longer than necessary and her eyes drifted to their conjoined hands. He removed his quickly and cleared his throat his face reddening. "I…If you need anything, I'm down the hall."

Akira smiled feeling her own face getting hot, "Thank you, Mako." With that, he left, and Akira was left alone to unpack. While doing so her thoughts drifted to the acting troupe, and she set to work on a letter for Hon. While she was glad to be catching up with her old friend, there was someone who wasn't very far off from her mind…

She really couldn't make a habit of this.

Akira did not like to feel helpless, so when Mako offered her the night before a ride to City Hall she refused, insisting that she needed to find it on her own. But as she looked down at the map of the city in her hand, she realized that half of the buildings on it were rubble or ceased to exist. "Are you going to ask for a ride or keep looking at that map?" Akira turned to find Mako at the side of the road leaning against his Satocylce an amused expression on his face. Akira rolled her eyes but took the helmet from his outstretched hand.

"Can I please get a ride?" She asked unimpressed, Mako smirked before gesturing for her to get on. "And all you had to do was ask." Mako laughed, and although he couldn't see it Akira was rolling her eyes, but she was sure he already knew.

"Just drive." She muttered wrapping her arms around Mako's torso, and with that, they sped off into the morning. A few moments later they were outside of City Hall, Akira returned the helmet to Mako."Thanks, detective." Mako rolled his eyes before kicking his Satocycle back to life. Akira turned towards City Hall excited to begin work for the day.

That was until the day started…

It had been a few hours into the workday and the two women had barely gotten anything done. It took them over an hour just to agree on what to begin with first. Asami kept mentioning the importance of getting the rails back up to date. While Akira agreed this was important, she mentioned that the housing situation was a more pressing matter, especially with the political unrest.

"Listen Asami, we're wasting time arguing! President Moon already approved of my idea of extending the city back and beginning infrastructure. We need to establish Republic City before we fix railways!"

Asami held the bridge of her nose and turned her back to Akira.

"While that is an important matter, we cannot get any outside help without the railways!" Akira huffed in irritation.

"Oh, right because it also would be an influx of more inventory for Future Industries. Guess the people can wait you're absolutely right." Akira sneered, leaning against the table towards Asami.

"You're impossible!" Asami shouted.

"You're impossible!" Akira retorted just as the door opened, a confused looking Avatar Korra was seen with a bag of what smelled like WaterTribe takeout.

"Whoa, that sounds like some constructive work." She teased trying to diffuse the situation. "I brought some lunch thought we could spend some time together." She said looking hopefully towards her girlfriend. Asami softened her resolve at this and kissed Korra's cheek.

"Absolutely, I need a break." She said shooting a quick glare at Akira. With that Asami sauntered out of the room leaving a very irritated Akira and an awkward Korra.

"She's just under a lot of stress," Korra said softly while unpacking a bowl of noodles. "I also thought you'd be hungry." Akira smiled taking the food from the Avatar.

"Thanks, Korra." She said purposefully avoiding the topic of Asami, taking the cue Korra left with a small smile before following her girlfriend with their lunch. While they were gone Akira decided to continue planning, this time trying hard to take into account Asami's points. But she wasn't really sure how to incorporate railroads and instead was looking at a mess of ideas.

Akira crumped the fourteenth piece of paper in the last few minutes and threw it angrily. She could feel eyes on her and turned to find Mako leaning against the doorway a takeout bag under his arm. She rolled her eyes at his casual demeanor and returned to her now very blank paper. "You know littering is grounds for a citation." Mako teased pulling up a chair next to Akira, she turned towards him with a withering glance.

"Don't be cute." Mako shrugged and opened his bag taking out his own lunch, he noticed the abandoned noodles and pointed his chopsticks at it.

"You should probably eat something." Akira huffed and turned back to her work.

"Not hungry." Mako nodded a sly smile on his face before uncovering his food, the smell of roast duck filled the space; and a violent growl escaped her stomach. Akira turned towards Mako's smirking face and took the noodles from him wordlessly.

"Fine." The two ate and talked casually about their days for a while. Akira tried her hardest to keep the subject on Mako, but she had to admit he made a good detective. "Now that you have sufficiently avoided talking about it, what's going on?" Akira sighed and set her chopsticks down on a now empty plate.

"Nothing." She said quickly, Mako raised an eyebrow not buying it.

Akira tried to remain neutral but she was ready to burst from keeping her tongue in check. "Fine!" She said defeated before beginning in a rant that had long been overdue. "Asami Sato is the most opinionated, infuriating, and unyielding person I have met! I mean besides my mother I never knew someone could be so hardheaded. She won't back up any opinion unless it's her own! It's just like when we were kids she couldn't accept any idea unless it came out of her mouth!" Mako looked at her for a moment and then started laughing. Mako tried to get out a word but he was laughing too hard to get it out, Akira looked at him unamused.

"I'm sorry…Not laughing…at you." Mako said between fits of laughter, after a few moments he composed himself and continued. "Asami said the same thing when I walked in." Akira threw her chopsticks at Mako causing him to laugh harder. "I'm sorry but, from what I hear you haven't exactly been compromising."

Akira opened her mouth ready to defend herself and then deflated realizing he was right. Mako continued, "Listen I'm not saying either of you is right or wrong, but I think you two have a lot to learn from each other. Asami is one of the smartest and innovative people I know, but she definitely does have a fixed opinion on some things."Akira huffed still annoyed at his peace-making attempts. "And while I haven't known you very long, you're also one of the most innovative and passionate people I have met. You care a lot about the people and your consumers receiving their goods both efficiently and quickly." Akira wasn't sure why she was surprised but Mako was spot on. She truly did care about the people, her heart went out to them, and if she had any capacity to help she would. Although she had to admit it was making her irrational to some of Asami's points she truly couldn't help it.

"I mean...yeah." Mako smiled a little proud of himself. "I'll try to take that into account next time…You seem to know Asami pretty well." Akira said wanting to know more about her new friend. Although she was surprised to see Mako squirm a little at the mention.

"Ugh yeah…we dated…briefly." Akira nodded putting it together in her head.

"Makes sense." She replied returning to her food, Mako shot his head up his face looking more insecure than she had seen in a while.

"What do you mean, makes sense?" He asked defensively, Akira rolled her eyes.

"Calm down detective, I just mean it makes sense that you guys got together nothing else. I mean you were a probender, you're good looking; not a jerk all the time." Mako threw a napkin at her causing her to laugh, he blushed lightly from her previous comment.

"I guess...I mean if we're talking dating history...I dated Korra too." Akira looked up at him surprised, it was exceedingly clear that he had a respect for the Avatar but she wasn't aware that they were together. Akira narrowed her eyes at Mako, and he looked startled by her change.

"That makes even more sense!" Akira said laughing, "You are so weird around Asami and Korra. Everything makes sense now!" Akira said teasing the detective, her laughter coming out harder at the irritation on Mako's face.

"I am not weird! It's just... Stop it." Mako said exasperated, as Akira continued laughing on. Mako tried to resist but her laugh was infectious it was unique and not at all what you'd expect from her. It was high pitched, and she would gasp for breath periodically which made Mako start laughing in response. Before he knew it the two were laughing with one another.

"Okay, I admit sometimes I'm a little awkward." Akira's laugh began to subside, and she shook her head still smiling hard.

"Way more than a little," Akira said still laughing, Mako rolled his eyes unconsciously leaning closer to Akira.

"Fine, maybe more than a little." The two were slowly making their way closer to one another, and Akira's heart was suddenly beating a lot faster than necessary. She found herself looking up into those warm amber eyes, they looked like fresh pools of honey or the molten varnish for her sword designs. His gaze slowly lingered lower, to Akira's lips and she was dangerously close to allowing him to get closer; just an inch further and his nose would touch hers.

Akira pulled away realizing what was happening, and she couldn't allow it. She forced herself to think about anything that could harden her heart against Mako. And his ex-girlfriends being two people she knew, and one of them (probably) hating her it was enough to at least detour her thoughts. "I-I should probably get back to work." She stuttered standing up from their table. Akira was more than flustered and from the redness of Mako's face, she could tell her was too. Mako opened his mouth to say something, but before he could Akira cut him off.

"Mako this…we can't…" Mako nodded wordlessly, his face turning redder.

"I-I know we agreed, friends," Mako said lamely, and Akira had never heard that word sound so hopeless. It wasn't how Mako said it so much as how her body reacted to it, she didn't expect to feel her stomach drop. She was furious with herself at allowing him to affect her this way, and even more mad that she was mad. Akira stood from the table returning to her work, just as Bolin opened the door. Mako stood taking his remaining trash with him and exiting the room, brushing past his brother wordlessly.

"Did something happen?" Bolin asked concerned, and Akira had never changed a subject so quickly and so fervently before."So, what's your favorite sword?" Bolin's face lit up, and for the next twenty minutes, she explained in painful detail the process of creating a sword, effectively eradicating Mako from her mind.

Temporarily.

After a mildly productive day of planning, Akira was beat. She was emotionally, and mentally drained from creating plans for the city. Although, on the bright side by the end of the day Asami and Akira were on the precipice of a compromise. As she made her way down the steps, she was surprised to find Mako on his motorcycle.

"I thought you might need a ride." He said his face impassive as he held out a helmet to her. Akira smiled taking the helmet from his hands.

"Thanks." The ride to their apartment was a silent one, that was until they came across a group of protestors. The entirety of the path was blocked by the protestors, squad cars began to appear and Mako got off the Satocycle placing his helmet on the bike. He looked unhinged by what he saw, and Akira had to admit it was hard not to. There were about 200 people lining the streets, the protestors were peaceful just voicing their opinions. But Akira had the feeling that something else was going to happen, Akira moved Mako's motorcycle to the side of the street and stood by his side as he began to approach the few officers there.

"Mako, what's going on? It's just a protest." Trying to convince herself more than Mako, but when he turned to her his eyes said everything. There was much more to worry about.

"Last time it got a little out of hand, I just I have a feeling." He said trying to make light of it, but it was clear that he was expecting something to happen. His eyes scanned the crowd like he was looking for someone, although Akira wasn't quite sure who it was. That was until she saw someone, he was deep in the crowd, but a fist was raised in the air defiantly. Another rose, and another, all clad in green long-sleeved clothing. Suddenly a young man emerged, clad in the same dark green as the others. He earthbended himself high above the others and stood very still for a moment just looking down at the few officers below.

"We have to get out of the way," Mako said suddenly, he pushed forward to the officers and Akira followed close behind. Suddenly he raised his fist above his head, such a simple motion ignited something. Suddenly people in the crowd were pulling green hoods over their faces, and what had once been a peaceful protest was now a myriad of both making it hard to place who was who. Akira noticed something off about his stillness, he as no longer just standing still but rather a stance.

"Mako he's going to…" But she never got to finish the statement as the man launched a boulder towards the officers. Akira reacted quickly, pulling Mako and another officer out of the way. The three tumbled off the road and hit the curb painfully, thankfully the other two officers were earthbenders and fended off the attack quickly. The officers quickly began to target the young man, but as he had done so he returned to their level effectively disappearing from their view. After that a frenzy of action began, a sea of green charged; while the protestors screamed and tried hard not to be pushed forward by them. Others huddled in the shelter of buildings while the ones further back were able to run further into the streets and to their homes.

The ones in green continued their march forward, some of them benders others not. They targeted the officer's cars and destroyed as many as they could, and as more arrived more were targeted by the people. Akira turned to go back towards the Satocycle when two men suddenly appeared, one of them water whipped Akira hard. She lost her footing and sailed through the air, Akira turned mid-air and almost landed on her feet before crashing to the ground painfully.

Suddenly fire whipped around her, and she saw Mako's serious face as he bended an arc of fire in front of the two of them. "Are you alright?" he asked fighting off the blows of the waterbender. Akira tried to respond when another man jumped through the flames flipping over Mako and Akira. He came behind her suddenly and crossed hook swords at her throat.

Before Mako could move to help Akira reacted, grabbing the man's arms and flipping him over her body successfully disarming him. Mako returned to his fight with the waterbender as an officer came handling the man on the ground. As she looked up more and more people in green came forward, Akira prepared herself as more came forward. She was like a tornado when they came to her, the swords shining in the air as she incapacitated the protesters all the while throwing nonlethal strikes at them. But causing just enough damage to send them to the ground for a while.

Another protestor came forward with duel swords clashing with Akira, they definitely had more strength than she had, their bulging muscles was definitely an indication of that. She slid beneath his arm letting him fall to the ground from his own weight and hitting his temple with the blunt end of one of the swords. More and more attacks like this continued, and while Akira was clearly skilled, she wasn't invincible. She hadn't fought this hard or this long in years, and it was becoming exceedingly clear to her that this wouldn't last.

As more protestors came towards her and Mako the two backed up into each other and the other officers. They all stood panting unsure of what to do, and now out of reach from their cars (the ones that weren't destroyed) to call for backup. "I have an idea." Akira panted, the officers and Mako looked towards her too tired to argue. Akira began to bend a barrier of fire from the police and these people. Mako caught on and supplied more fire making the flames brighter and stronger, Akira took a step forward the flames moving with her, causing the officers within the circle to move with them.

They were able to force the protestors closer to where they had come. Recognizing their defeat, they began to run away. The boy that had started this made a move to escape, but Mako launched himself into the air using his firebending to propel himself. He brought his leg down flames following causing the earthbender to stop in his tracks. He quickly apprehended the man as the police officers got to the few others that remained.

While Akira agreed that this was a violent attack part of her knew that this would only escalate their fight. Arresting them would solve nothing, if anything it would ignite them to release their leader. The only problem was getting Mako to understand that. Akira ran to Mako having no reason to protect the officers any longer. Meanwhile, Mako put handcuffs on him and began leading him to a squad car. "Mako wait," Akira said, coming between Mako and the police car much to his surprise.

"Akira what are you doing?" She sighed not sure how to address this.

"I don't think that arresting them is a good idea." Mako looked at Akira baffled by her suggestion.

"What would you have me do?"

"Let them go." Mako stiffened at her statement but continued to walk towards the squad car

"I'm sorry." Mako said stiffly, suddenly Avatar Korra appeared with Asami close behind. She looked towards Mako and then to Akira.

"Mako, while in any other circumstance I'd agree that they need to pay I think Akira may be right. These people need to know that they haven't been abandoned by city officials, let's show them that we are on their side and that we hear their cries" The man was already placed inside the squad car and Mako turned towards Korra, his face void of emotion.

"I have a job to do Korra, I know that this may not be ideal, but they are being destructive and attacked officers, Akira, and myself." Korra's face soured.

"Well, I think they have a right to say what they need to." Korra earthbended herself higher so the protestors could see her. Those that remained turned at the sight of their avatar and looked towards her for the answers they had been fighting to hear. "People of Republic City I hear you! I want to know what we can do to make this transition easier for you, without the fear of being arrested." She said shooting a withering glance at Mako, the people cried out in support for Korra. Their voices crying for justice, and for acknowledgment; and Korra was ready to listen. "Now we're both doing our jobs," Korra said angrily, storming off with Asami close behind; she made her way towards the crowd much to the protest of the police. Akira turned back to Mako he looked on helplessly, and Akira wasn't sure what she wanted to do. She knew she couldn't ask him to abandon his job and walk with them.

But she wanted him to.

Akira turned away from Mako and caught up with Korra and Asami. "Hey Asami, Korra. I may have an idea to help those protestors."

Mako

Mako was furious, he had returned to the police headquarters only a few hours after arresting the protestors to find that they had made bail.

Courtesy of Piandao Industries.

Mako found Akira in the police headquarters signing a paper, his anger reaching new heights. He tapped her twice on the shoulder and she turned surprised to see him. "Mako before you say anything…" Mako cut her off violently, seething with rage. "It's one thing to not agree with someone, but you deliberately went behind my back! Undermined my job! Made an entire ass of the police department! Anything else I'm missing?" The people surrounding them were silent all looking towards the detective and the girl he was yelling at. Akira sighed and took Mako by the arm and out the back door of the building.

"Listen, I understand that you're angry but Mako this is in the best interest of the people! If they were in jail it'd just continue to rile up the people. As well as show how, protesting is handled here. I am doing this to help, it's why I came here." Mako turned away from her his hands sliding into his hair in anger, he looked back at her and could see her pleading with her eyes, begging him to understand her actions. But he just couldn't, she was asking too much of him.

"Forget it." He pushed away from Akira and back into the building, finding it surprisingly hard not to look back at her and see her face. Because he knew that her brows furrowed, he knew that disappointment marked her face, and it didn't sit right with him. Because he didn't like being the cause of it.

Akira

One week had passed since the altercation in the streets of Republic City. While Akira didn't regret her actions, she was a little on edge, by releasing those men she made a very political decision. President Moon agreed with her decision and made efforts to explain what was going on, and most of the people were happy they understood that progress takes time. But the young people weren't so easy to convince, and they sought justice, and Akira was afraid that she may have added fuel to the fire. But she couldn't express this to Mako, even if she wanted to because he wouldn't speak to her.

While that remained a tough subject, there have been upsides. Akira and Asami were finally beginning to see eye to eye. Akira finally listened to Asami and let her get out everything she wanted to say, and in return, Asami did the same. It resulted in them finally being able to merge their ideas together and brainstorm ways to make an effective plan. While Akira didn't want to admit it, he was right about the two of them. Asami and Akira had a lot in common and they were realizing that by putting their ideas together they were far more powerful than apart.

"I think this is it," Asami said, looking down at the blueprints in front of them. Akira had to agree after finally working out the kinks it looked like a solid plan; and it was beautiful. The city stretched further back than before, and beautiful residential homes lined the areas. It was a more suburban feel with plenty of markets and a public park that was going to be deemed Moon park. As it stretched out it turned more into a city, high rise buildings were planned with a railway that cut its way through the city making it easy access for commuters. A new train station was the center of it all and a new police headquarters. It then transferred to the old Republic City, Avatar Korra park would be refurbished, and all the business and buildings were going to be redone to accommodate the new world.

But there most important work was the Spirit Wilds conservation center, as well as Spirit Portal spiritual plaza, that was going to be overseen by Tenzin and the Air Nomads. In all it was a perfect plan, encompassing new and old and embracing the new world that Korra had started.

"Asami, it's beautiful," Akira said happily, the girls smiled at one another. Asami beamed at Akira and carefully set aside their work.

"Here it comes, the Republic City Restoration project."

Republic City- Outside Police Headquarters

One week ago…

Only three of the protestors were arrested, although they didn't consider them protestors. They were the necessary face of the resistance, a movement to represent their intolerance for the changes of the city. Of the three men, the smallest of the two a swordsman named Dru looked at his leader apprehensively.

The young man felt responsible for the failure, he had fought that Piandao woman and was taken down easily. He also moved the gang forward without the permission of their leader, he felt like a failure and he knew he deserved to be punished.

"I apologize, sir, I acted prematurely, and it led to our failure." He said talking the full blame for their failure, the other man to the right of their leader a waterbender named Rodak nodded in agreement. But the two young men were surprised to see their leader in a pleasant mood, he stopped and looked up at the full moon above them thoughtfully.

"Something's changed tonight…We were spared, we were fought for by someone with more pull than us. I realized something tonight, maybe change isn't the issue. Maybe change is exactly what we need." Dru looked towards his comrade wondering if he understood any better, but the waterbender looked just as confused as he felt.

"We need a new order; Sato Industries has been serving this city for years and change hasn't come. They haven't marched with the people but instead supported a man who wanted to eradicate our culture as benders. The new President is just as useless as the last and the police force is trying to silence us. I say…we silence them all." His companions smiled in agreement, and let their leader walk ahead of them. But what he didn't see was the confusion on their faces, the uncertainty if their plight was the right one. But the young men followed anyway, because at least behind him they were certain to be given food, and shelter; and a life without the fear of opposing gangs. If that was the price for safety, they were willing to do it.