A.N. Now the story commences...

Part II Revelations

Chapter Four

Fire Nation Mainland

Akira

The sounds of heels clicking greeted Akira's ears as she walked down the hallway. Yara handed her a pile of files quickly telling her the contents of her future paperwork. Akira took a moment to take in how much things had changed. Yara was walking quickly, her long hair tied in a severe bun, and her eyes shining in excitement. She looked older in her smart dress pants and lilac dress shirt, playing off her intricately blue eyes.

After the reading of the will, Yara decided to change her approach to life, she was so worried about stability that she stayed working as a maid for years. But now she was finally allowing her ambition to lead her; she said she wanted to experience the corporate world and Akira complied. After a week of training, she was an executive assistant, and Akira truly would have been lost without her the past few days.

She was already used to anticipating people's needs and now she just reinforced her past work. "Thank you Yara, are you ready for your first board meeting?"

Yara nodded happily her eyes wide in excitement. "Definitely, appointing your new COO is also me meeting my new boss." She paused frowning, "Although I'm going to miss you terribly."

Akira smiled placing a hand lightly on her friends' shoulder, she was going to miss everyone, but it was also time for her to leave. Her company processed the transition smoothly, and everything was finally stable enough to do another. Akira wanted to focus on her own aspirations, and Republic City has been waiting far too long.

"I know, but you can always visit…Or I can always go to your mansion in Ember Island." Akira smirked, causing a flush to line Yara's cheeks. She wasn't used to her wealth and was quite embarrassed by it. But Akira was too happy for her to let it slide, with another quick smile Akira opened the door to the office.

There were ten people in the room, all the head of their respective departments. Akira took her seat at the head of the table, still finding it strange to be in her mother's spot. She placed her files down and opened the first one causing a ripple effect.

"Let's begin."

The meeting went well they discussed the plans for the new shipments needed for the Fire Nation Navy; and Akira green-lighted the plans for the new battleships for Republic City. After all, she had designed the basics about a month ago, with the backup of their Chief Engineer it was more than ready to go into production. After a brief recess, it was time for Akira to announce who the new COO would be.

"Now I'm aware all of you have been waiting for the news of COO…" Before she could finish Akira was cut off by the Chief Engineer, she was an older woman and Akira was very familiar with her. She often would come to their home in the mainland during the festival of lights, she stood causing everyone to turn their attention from Akira.

"I apologize Ms. Piandao I don't mean to interrupt."

Akira took a seat unnerved from the interruption; she was afraid of something like happening for days. She knew not everyone would agree with her mother's decision of letting a 22-year-old woman who had been living with an acting troupe run such a lucrative company. She just never expected it to be someone she respected so much; Akira took a deep breath before nodding. Her only goal now was to keep her face calm, expressionless just as Akon told her to.

"I have worked for Piandao industries for 23 years; I love this company…But I believe it is time for a change." Akira looked around towards the others her eyes focusing on Kili, she turned towards Akira and gave her a short nod. "Please elaborate," Akira said her voice surprising even herself at the smooth calmness that escaped.

"I believe it is time for me to retire, Ember Island has been calling to me. So, I am stepping down as Chief Engineer." With that, she took a seat, her shoulders far more relaxed than Akira had seen in a while. She let out the breath she didn't realize she was holding, her entire body untensed.

"We'll be sad to see you go but thank you for your years of service and dedication to Piandao Industries." She nodded her appreciation, Akira looked at everyone before her. The room was a mix of men and women (something her mother ensured), her choice was already made but she remembered her mother's words.

Akira gave herself a nod, "Kili will be the new COO of Piandao Industries, she will speak with me before green lighting, but I am giving her full jurisdiction on appointing new positions. Her first order of business is to appoint me my new Chief Engineer. You have a month." Kili's mouth was open in shock she stood looking at her colleagues, though they all shared the same approving gaze as Akira.

Kili stuttered out a few words before clearing her throat, "While I am honored by the decisions Akira…" Kili paused a panicked look on her face, "I mean Ms. Piandao, I am the Chief Designer that has been my title since you were a child!" Akira raised an eyebrow at her, "Can things not change Kili?" She scowled at the girl, although her eyes held no mirth; it was a decision Akira knew her mother would agree with. It was only a matter of time before she needed to appoint a COO, her mother had always worn as many hats as she could, but Akira was not as adamant about control.

"You are overqualified, you have been a member of the Piandao family matters for decades Kili. I have no doubt that you are capable of this job…now that you've mentioned it, you have two tasks. Find a new Designer as well." Kili stood opened mouth as Akira closed her notebooks signaling the others to stand as well.

"It has been my pleasure overseeing Piandao industries these past few months, after my project with Future Industries is complete, I will return for another brief period. You all are dismissed." Akira exited the room after brief goodbyes with the others, Yara flanked on her side and Kili hot on her heels. "Akira! Wait! I have to find two people in three months?" Akira turned towards her godmother a smile on her face, "We both know you already have the people in mind." Kili's face turned a pink hue, her eyes downcast.

"I never wanted to intrude; your mother was always so adamant about making all the decisions." Kili's face soured at the mentioning of her friend, Akira stepped forward taking Kili's hands. The wounds were still fresh for all of them, and while each day became more bearable the burden is just as heavy as it had been the first day.

"It's because of her stubbornness that her body couldn't handle the toll, I know I can't do this alone. Aunt Kili you are the most capable and intelligent woman I know; you know this business better than I do. So, please just stop arguing and do it!" Akira crossed her arms her mouth set in a firm line, something she had seen her mother do often. Although it didn't have the same effect as Kili laughed and pulled her into a bone crushing hug.

She pulled away her eyes shining as she looked at her. "I knew the day that you were wiser than me would come, I just didn't expect it to be so soon." Akira laughed, taking Kili's hands in hers and squeezing it.

"Now go do your job." Kili rolled her eyes and with a mock salute before heading down the opposite end of the hall, her shoulders set back with a new assurance. Akira watched her walk away and felt content, she knew things would be alright.

(Break)

Akira sat in the office doing the last of her paperwork when she heard a knock on her door. Mako appeared holding a few more stacks of paper, much to her horror. Don't tell me those are for me." Akira groaned putting her head down on the desk, Mako laughed and set them down on the desk. "Leave them for Kili." He said before kissing the side of her head, things had changed in the months they had been together.

They were no longer awkward about affection; it came as natural as breathing. In fact, Akira found herself more often than not at Mako's side. She had introduced him to Tavrok and Hon when they made a brief visit after the funeral. She found herself taking him to her favorite places and revealing secrets she had never told anyone. And as she let those walls down, there only seemed to be an influx of tenderness in her life. She was learning to trust again, and she trusted Mako implicitly.

"That's not a good idea." Akira mumbled before looking up at him, she took his hand in hers forcing him to her level before kissing him on the lips. Mako smiled into the kiss cupping her face in his hands. The two stayed that way for a while until a knock on the door made them separate a gentle sigh on Mako's mouth.

"Interruptions," He mused casting a faint glare at the door. Akira smiled pecking Mako quickly on the lips before rising from her seat.

"Come in." The door opened to reveal Yara and a young man, Akira had to admit that he was rather handsome, not as handsome as Mako (in her very biased opinion). He had shiny black hair slicked back in the newest style, his hair was over parted to the side and smoothed down in an attractive style. His light green eyes shined with an arrogance that had Akira crossing her arms.

Akira leaned against the front of her desk, as she studied the man in front of her. And he studied her as well, although his gaze was predatory and quite demeaning. It made her feel like she was under a microscope he looked at her as if she were a specimen to be picked apart.

Akira tilted her head to the side as she furrowed her eyebrows. "I'm afraid I don't know your name sir; I'd apologize but usually clients make appointments with me." Akira said, her voice a smooth monotone. The man raised an amused eyebrow before bowing before her, it was in such a nauseating flourish that Akira had to fight very hard not to roll her eyes. At the corner of her eye she saw Mako's fists clench, his jaw set as he eyed the man before him. It seemed she wasn't the only one who felt weary of the man before her.

"My sincerest apologies Ms. Piandao, it was never my intention to disturb you. I am the son of one of your benefactors Mr. Shin Ito. My purpose here today was a matter of business, my father intended on…" he trailed off tilting his head thoughtfully. "Well doing business with you, to put it simply." He smiled, in what may have been charming of Akira didn't feel so slimy looking at him. But she had to admit she was intrigued by the name; Shin had been in Republic City months ago and donated a large sum to the restoration project. And after her mother's death he donated another large sum to Piandao Industries, in fact he was the top benefactors for both projects.

Akira hummed before nodding, "Mr. Ito is an esteemed man, both in the Fire Nation and abroad, I'm sure I can forgive this indiscretion." Akira said with a tentative smile on her face, "I don't believe we've been acquainted before." This caused a large smile on the man's face, he reached forward incasing his surprisingly cool hand in her own.

"Reli Ito." He murmured before pressing his lips to her knuckles, Akira stared down at him stunned and heard a faint crack of knuckles. She eyed Mako amused seeing his fists clenched tight at his sides. Although his eyes didn't meet hers, they were fixed solely on Reli's face. Akira took her hand back slightly uncomfortable from the kiss, while Reli just smiled a mixture of gloating and flirtation on his face.

"We have much to discuss Ms. Piandao, although I'd prefer if we could discuss these delicate matters in private." Akira fought the urge to roll her eyes as it came stronger than before and glanced at Mako whose face, if possible contorted into the most disapproving glance she had seen (excluding her mother of course). Akira raised an eyebrow a silent conversation happening between the two of them.

Do you really not trust me?

Her eyes asked as she stared Mako down, he let out a resigned sigh.

I don't trust him, but this is your decision.

This happened in the span of three seconds as Akira smiled brightly, Mako gave one last withering glance at Reli before turning to Akira. "I'll be outside…Ms. Piandao." He said his voice dropping just enough for Akira to notice, she felt heat rush to her face as she watched Mako leave the room winking behind Reli.

Akira shot him a murderous glare before turning to Reli, her focus not entirely on him as she watched Mako retreat from the room. She shook her head a smile plastered to her face as she reminded herself to be professional (no matter how much this man annoyed her).

"Now what is it you'd like to discuss Mr. Ito?" Reli laughed ducking his head under, and Akira supposed that was meant to be charming, but she found it all the more irritating. He played his cards well, he wanted to appear as the handsome and charismatic businessman, but she had the sinking feeling that he wanted something else from her. He looked hungry, and that only made the deep-seated discomfort intensify.

He flashed her another nauseating smile before beginning, "The Ito family has been prominent in the mainland for a little over a century." Akira nodded encouraging him to continue as she made her way to her chair. She motioned for Reli to sit and he did with another quick smile.

"We have always been interested in broadening the horizons of our family's wealth. International commerce has always been a dream of my fathers, it just seems that opportunities are hard to find." He paused waiting for Akira to ask him more, but she was already pressed for time. She motioned with her hand for him to continue fighting to remain polite.

Reli frowned briefly before a brilliant smile lighted his face, although as Akira began to pay more attention, she noticed they didn't quite reach his eyes. His eyes were cold and calculated as he looked at her, betraying the false warmth from his easy going smiles and boyish mannerisms. It was like watching a war wage on, and she wasn't quite sure which would win.

The smile kind young man, or the calculating man with a dangerous tilt to his eyes.

"My father has been gathering interest in the Piandao company ever since he met you in Republic City. That and your relationship with Future Industries makes you two the most powerful companies in the world."

Akira nodded, not liking where this conversation was going. "Your point Mr. Ito?" He smiled and Akira got the creping feeling that she wouldn't like what was to come. "We are interested in buying a share in the company, we believe we can add a competitive edge. We also have some ideas that can make the company millions. Such as making more weapons accessible to civilians, as of now the Piandao company is…"

Reli paused with another one of those sheepish smiles, but Akira was no longer entertaining them. She rose from her desk slowly and stalked towards Reli, his eyes flashed in surprise, but a lazy grin spread on his face as he eyed her. His eyes slowly tracked up and down her body as she stalked closer, Akira leaned against her desk her nostrils flaring before taking deep breaths as she clenched and unclenched her fists willing the fire to stay subdued.

It was becoming an issue lately, since her mother's death she felt quick to anger the fire within her bubbling and begging to be released. She took another moment quelling the fire within her before turning her eye to Reli.

"Mr. Ito, you've overstepped. Piandao Industries is strictly in business with governments, our goal is protection. Of course, we sell swords for both recreational activities and as means of protection. But our intention is never to supply a weapon that could potentially eradicate populations, or cause mass violence." Akira paused rubbing her temples as she felt the onslaught of an oncoming headache.

Reli recovered from his initial shock with a sly smile, he stood stalking closer to Akira his eyes never leaving hers. "I apologize if I've offended you, that was never my intention." He reached for Akira's hands, but she crossed them quickly over her chest her scowl deepening.

"I'll give you one minute to explain yourself before I have you removed from my property." Akira saw a flash of something severe in his eyes as he leaned forward giving her no space to move. His body was so close he could practically press himself against her, she fought hard not to grimace from the overwhelming stench of his expensive cologne.

"Ms. Piandao, I am here as a preliminary of what will eventually be an onslaught of meetings and requests to work with you. Consider me the kinder version, my father wants a piece and when he wants something, he gets it." Reli paused smiling down at her, his flirtatious smile reaching his eyes in a predatory gaze. "Something we share." He murmured Akira, pushed him away, from him her hands getting hotter by the second.

"Listen Mr. Ito." She said through clenched teeth, "We have nothing to gain from one another, and Piandao Industries does not take kindly to threats. Out of respect for your father's kind contributions I won't press charges." Akira turned away and could have sworn she saw panic beneath that smirk. Reli grabbed her arm his eyes surprisingly honest, he looked wide eyed and fearful.

"Please, just at least meet me for lunch next week." The smile returned as flirtatious as before, Akira rolled her eyes she knew this wouldn't end, he was relentless he would send letters upon letters meet her outside her building. Akira knew if she didn't agree this would become a problem.

"Fine," she relented "We'll meet for lunch." A wide grin broke on Reli's face his hands attempting to reach for her waist as Akira stepped away a smirk on her own face. "I believe you are mistaken Mr. Ito; this is purely business." She paused as she sat down at her desk and reached for her papers, "After all, I have a boyfriend."

A small smile graced her face, she had never said it before, but it felt natural. It made Reli stiffen slightly, and a sheepish smile lined his face as his cheeks reddened. "My deepest apologies for my behavior Ms. Piandao." Akira smiled amused and tilted her head with a shrug.

"I wasn't aware you were flirting with me until now Mr. Ito." With a look as if he were smacked in the face, Reli gave a stiff bow before leaving the room. As he exited Mako entered the glare on his face intense as Reli quickly walked past him.

"Are you okay?" Mako asked, his face pinched with stress and…she could have sworn she saw something else in that gaze. His hands hovered over her as if looking for a physical manifestation of her annoyance. Akira swatted his hands away a gentle smile on her face, as she rose to her toes and kissed his cheek.

Mako gave a small smile his eyes weary, "So lunch with Ito?" His voice cracked, and Akira wasn't quite sure what it was. She raised a dark brow at him, "Yes?" She drawled her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Mako let out a breath before smiling, although it looked rather forced. "No, I mean it's fine… Totally fine." Akira smiled at him and nodded, pretending like nothing was wrong before returning to her desk leaving a stunned Mako behind her.

As she sat, he grumbled something under his breath, Akira looked up and saw him stuff his hands into his pockets. Akira held back the laugh bubbling in her throat, "You alright Mako?" She asked feigning innocence as she cocked her head to the side. Mako ran an agitated hand through his hair, his eyes suddenly morphing from anger to betrayal.

"I guess I just misunderstood something." Akira stood at that and reached towards him, but Mako danced away from her grasp. "I thought…why him? Of all guys to go on date with?" Akira smirked at Mako as she walked closer to him, she looked up at him with a smile before wrapping her arms around his neck. Mako tried to step away but she held him fast, challenging him to leave.

"Mako, I told him I have a boyfriend you dolt." Mako looked down at her a violent blush making its way to his face as he let out a shaky breath. "It felt natural to say," she continued with a shrug her eyes searching Mako's. And beyond the mortification there was happiness, Mako put tentative hands on her waist before pressing his forehead against hers gently.

"Your boyfriend huh?" Akira nodded smiling wide, Mako held onto her tighter his smile infectious. "A really bratty one to be honest." She continued, Mako narrowed his eyes before pinning her against his chest causing a breathless laugh to come from Akira.

"You forgot clingy." Mako said his eyes shining happily, Akira blushed wrapping her arms around his neck. "And a complete idoit." Mako continued, Akira nodded urging him to continue.

"Don't stop on my account." Mako laughed against her neck, causing chills to erupt on Akira's skin. "Now are you done pouting?" She asked her hands making their way into his soft hair, Mako mumbled a yes into her neck before looking down at her happily.

"You're boyfriend." He confirmed planting a kiss on her lips, she smiled as he pulled away.

"And don't you forget it."

A.N. Let me know your thoughts!