A.N. So I saw no point in keeping this chapter for the next few days so I'll double update this week. I also was wrong as I was editing the next few chapters this may be twelve-thirteen chapter Part II, I am striving for an even twelve though... But I hope you all are enjoying the story, please let me know your thoughts!

Part II Revelations

Chapter Five

What was supposed to be a day of tying loose ends and peaceful goodbyes, was stretched out into a week of action. There was an influx of engineering issues that had suddenly appeared in the last week forcing Akira to respond to the incessant notes from engineering and now was receiving new notes from design as well. With the way things were going her move was going to be delayed for another week.

Currently Akira was staring at another stack of notes that Yara had put on her desk. But her mind kept turning as she dwelled on all of the things she had to do. Like the apartment she still hadn't chosen, and the things she still hadn't finished packing up the houses. Akira let out a growl of frustration her burrowing her head in the papers. Kili raised her tired head her eyebrows raised in concern from the noise, as she nursed another cup of tea that she swore helped with lethargy but Akira turned her nose every time she saw it.

She liked the results from coffee, she shook her head reassuring Kili and praying for a divine intervention. And maybe the spirits were listening because just as the thought passed the smell of coffee filled her nose. Akira perked her head up to find a smiling Yara raising the steaming mug a tired smile on her face. She had been filtering through all of the notes for a week now and getting the most urgent to their desk first. Akira reached forward for the mug sipping in the strong coffee as Yara perched on her desk a folder tucked under her arm.

"Some good news, you and Kili got through all of the issues. Everything is officially resolved." Akira almost cried blissful tears of relief at the statement, Yara continued noting her fond looks. "Also, I finalized an apartment for you and we're handling packing in Shu Jing and the mainland house."

"Yara I could kiss your beautiful mouth." Akira said as Yara laughed, she discussed the few things Akira had left for the day as a figure appeared at her door. Rather than knocking they slid right through the large doorway a sly smile on their face. And if Akira had been more well rested, she might have been able to fight the resounding groan that left her mouth at his flashy clothing and sickening grin.

"Ms. Piandao, I am glad my presence is causing so much…" he paused glancing around at the tired faces in the room before giving her another large smile. "Liveliness." Akira scowled into her coffee mug before looking up at Reli a fake smile plastered on her face.

"Mr. Ito, I understand we made an agreement, and I do apologize but the circumstances have changed. You will be meeting with Kili to discuss your future endeavors with the company." Kili looked up from the last of her paperwork and flashed a quick glare at Akira before smiling at Reli.

"That won't be a problem, will it Reli?" Akira was surprised to see a genuine affection in his gaze as he nodded politely towards Kili.

"It would be my pleasure, if you're ready." He held out an elbow to Kili, which she took a small smile on her face as they exited the room. Not before she mouthed to Akira.

You owe me!

Akira flashed her a thankful smile before burrowing her head into her arms. She let out a sigh as a weight lifted off her shoulders, Reli was dealt with, Yara had finalized an apartment for her in Republic City. Everything was going to work out now, she could breath now. For some reason Akira found herself having to repeat that.

You can breathe now.

You can breathe.

The remainder of her time was spent packing, her assets were firmly controlled or overseen by the people she trusted. She even managed to get the factory in Shu Jing accounted for with the help of Akon. And with a lot of help all that was left to do was board the boats the next morning, Akira had a few executives from the company over for dinner and she smiled and nodded when prompted. But she was far away, she hadn't even realized it but one moment she was in the sitting room smiling at her dinner guest and the next she was in her grandfather's gardens.

She hadn't stepped foot in the home since she left to join Hon and Tavrok. It seemed every time she left this place, she would visit these gardens and her life would change forever, the first time she met another family. But what would happen now…

Akira ran her hands absentmindedly against the blooming flowers and vibrant foliage, as she wandered the sounds of badger frogs filled the air. Everything felt still, it felt like the calm in the storm, or that feeling in the air when its charged thick with energy, and you can practically taste the rain and lightning that will come.

It's how everything felt lately, charged with energy, the potential to become something destructive. And it terrified her, she had so much more to lose now; the company being one and now…Well she couldn't lose Mako now, he had taken residence inside of her heart and she wasn't going to let that go easily. As if he could hear her thoughts Akira spotted him leaning against the columns of the mansion, his eyes shining in the dim light.

Akira smiled walking towards his outstretched hand and holding it firmly in her own, he furrowed his brow his hand carefully cradling her face. "Is something wrong?" Akira shook her head before wrapping her arms around him, his warmth enveloped her as he held her close. Akira closed her eyes as she tried hard to make the feeling of upcoming dread go away.

The next morning was filled with more goodbyes, with a tearful farewell from Yara and Kili they were ready to board the boat. Mako and Akira walked hand in hand up the ramp until an automobile came squealing down the docks. Akira turned her eyes narrowing, she already knew who it was from the sight of the expensive automobile. She started trekking back down the ramp until she felt a warm hand grasping her own. Mako looked at her startled the beginnings of a protective scowl. Akira put a hand to his face, "It's just Reli, go one without me." Mako's brow furrowed deeper (if that was even possible), Akira rose to her toes and kiss cheek her hand trailing as she stepped away. "I'll be fine handsome."

Mako gave her a halfhearted smile, but as she turned away, she could feel his eyes boring into her back. It tugged at her heart to feel him worry for her, but as Reli exited the car her thoughts of Mako were replaced by a bubbling rage. Reli strolled up the ramp a smooth smile on his face, but his eyes spoke to something more.

He reached Akira first his eyes dancing with a challenge, and Akira was ready to meet it. She gave him a flashy smile, not unlike his own before motioning to the docks themselves. "Mr. Ito, a pleasure." He flashed that same nauseating smile at her, though his eyes were hard. He motioned for her to follow him down the ramps and she obliged; there was something urgent about the way he walked down the ramps, as if he had a deadline. He took a deep breath before turning to Akira, his eyes suddenly sincere.

"Listen, I know you don't like me very much, but I value Piandao Industries, truly. If you want your company to survive, please consider taking my father's offer." Akira raised an eyebrow at him, it wasn't what she expected. She was expecting the slimy Reli, the one with his flirtatious glances and a sly smile. But instead there was a scared boy in front of her, he looked unsure of himself and his eyes were flitting from the docks to Akira.

"I appreciate your concern Reli, truly." She said placing a hand lightly on his shoulder, "But I won't be bullied by your father, and I don't take kindly to threats." With that Akira turned towards the ramp only to have her upper arm grabbed firmly jerking her backward. Mako lunged forward but Akira shot him a glance shaking her head. He stepped back his arms crossed in front of his chest, his jaw clenched as she made eye contact with Reli.

He removed his hand quickly flashing an apologetic grin. "You don't understand Ms. Piandao, when my father wants something…He'll do anything to get it."

Akira took a step closer invading Reli's space suddenly, he took an involuntary step back as he looked down at her. "That's something your father and I share." With that she turned back to the ramp leaving a stunned Reli behind her. Mako smirked and took her hand in his as they made their way into the ship.

Akira stopped looking back at Reli, "And Mr. Ito?" He turned, a pinched look on his face. "Tell your father to speak to me himself instead of sending his son." Akira didn't look back at Reli this time, but she heard him as he shouted back.

"I may be persistent Ms. Piandao, but my father is worse! He will crush you and your company, he won't stop!" Akira tightened her hold on Mako's hand her expression fierce, she felt her hands get hot and removed them from Mako's making a beeline for the railings. She hadn't felt this much anger since she was a kid, when the rage got too much and the flames began. She took in deep breaths forcing her heart rate down with each release of air through teeth the hiss coming out as steam through her mouth.

And as the boat left the bay, she felt the change, maybe it was a shift in the air but knew that this was the beginning of something.

And it wasn't anything good.

Republic City gleamed on the horizon, Akira and Mako watched it come into view her head resting on his shoulder. "Ready to see everyone again?" Akira tilted her head up looking at Mako, he looked relaxed more so than usual. His eyes reflected the gentle setting sun, as he smiled down at her, and she didn't have the heart to disappoint his excitement. So she smiled back and said she was excited, and as she laid her head back on his shoulder, she wanted to be.

If anything could lift Akira's spirits it is either music or fine engineering. This was the latter, as they made their way through Republic City to the Sato mansion (her apartment wouldn't be ready for a few weeks). She found herself gaping at the changes made during her time away. She could see the making of the new railway that cut through the city, it sparkled amongst the buildings. As she looked closer, she could see unfamiliar apartments in the skyline as they sprinkled about the city, beautiful and functional structures with gardens on the roofs of some. Akira hadn't realized how long she was staring until she felt Mako tug on her hand.

He smiled his eyes shining as he looked towards his old home, she could only imagine the amount of pride he felt to see his home restored to its former glory. "C'mon, you can stare later." He teased, causing Akira to nudge him playfully. The two made their way to the cars laughing and pointing to the skyline, her troubles eradicated rom her mind from the moment.

And afterward as they held their friends in warm embraces the thoughts remained far from her mind. Seeing Asami again was enough to do that, and after a quick dinner the two women were quick to work writing and drawing out plans in her office as they played off one another. It was a beautiful collaboration and after months apart they were eager to refine the plans they had made. Overall, there was so much to look forward to Akira's heart felt so full.

The next day Akira visited the construction site with Asami, the two were overseeing what would be the new heart of Republic City. When Akira stepped onto the site, she was taken aback by what she saw. The foundations had been laid and she could see where the new buildings would take place; the railway already cut through the city and the station was already created. Akira climbed the stairs to where Asami stood looking out at their project, she turned to Akira her eyes shining.

From the new perspective she could see it all, and although there was still a lot of work to do Akira couldn't be prouder. It was going to be a beautiful city; she could see where they carved a section of land for Moon park. The shells of buildings were scattered across the expansive area, and it brought Akira to tears. She had felt pride like this before but to witness a change that pivotal and to have had her hand in it, it was everything she had wanted.

She wanted to help people for so long, and for a while she thought sharing her talent was her calling. But that wasn't true, her calling was creating and manufacturing it was in her blood; and it called to her more than anything else has before. Akira looked up at the clear sky above her, her thoughts on her mother. "She was right," she said with a huff, "I did belong here."

Asami turned towards Akira her smile wide, "Imagine what else we'll do." The two women smiled at one another and looked back out at the work being done underway, there were still kinks to fix and they'd have to adjust when the problems arose. But they anticipated that, but it was hard not to feel accomplished by what they saw.

After a few moments a sleek car rolled onto the site, Asami turned and motioned for Akira to follow. "I totally forgot to tell you! We have this sponsor, they donated over a million yuan's! We'll be able to speed rail at least three of the projects, we can finish rehabilitating the old center of republic city, finish city hall and start on the new heart of the city and the police headquarters. Which I hope you don't mind I added something."

Akira followed Asami used to her excited rambles, she pulled out a new design for the Police Headquarters and a smile rose on Akira's face. "I was kidding, but I knew you'd do it!" Akira laughed the building now included an airstrip at the top of the building. Asami's eyes shined, "This is going to be me amazing, especially with their financial help! C'mon let's go greet him!"

Akira followed her friend excited to meet the new sponsor, but when the doors of the vehicle opened her mood soured immediately. "Let me guess our generous sponsor was Mr. Ito." Asami turned towards Akira in surprise, "Yeah actually, we met him briefly last year, but he decided to donate more to become a sponsor."

Akira didn't like this; Shin Ito had already threatened her about getting what he wanted. Then only a day later he has infiltrated her project in Republic City, it was enough to make the hairs on her arms stand; but she wouldn't give Reli that satisfaction. His smile stretched across his face as he exited the vehicle, he bowed respectfully to Asami and gave a wink to Akira.

Gone was the young man with the desperate look in his eye, the showman returned. It left a bitter taste in her mouth; she knew he was a manipulator but now she understood fully. She would not trust this man, no matter what happened. Behind him stood who she knew as Shin Ito, he was a middle-aged gentleman with deep brown eyes and tan skin. He had a neatly groomed beard with speckles of white hair in it, and though he smiled at both Akira and Asami it didn't quite reach his eyes.

He enveloped his severely warm hands around Akira his smile like a shark. "It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Piandao." His eyes flickered over her face quickly as if searching for something, seemingly satisfied he removed his hands giving her a softer smile. "I am very sorry for your loss, Lein was…a force of nature."

Akira frowned; she could see now where Reli got it from. His moods shifted so frequently it was dizzying, but she was sure of one thing. These men wanted something from her, and she would not give it to them.

The conversation glided over to the work ahead and what their generous contributions would make possible, but Akira could only find herself staring daggers in the backs of Mr. Ito and his son. As they turned the corner of the scaffolding Shin took a step behind his gaze reaching Akira's a smile on his face as he gently grabbed the crook of her elbow steering her away from Asami and his son.

Akira remained calm but her mind was turning fast, she assessed what she could use around her and how fast she could chi block him. But he stopped once they were far enough from Asami and Reli before removing his hand from her arm. "I apologize for alarming you Ms. Piandao, but I would like for us to discuss business."

Akira folded her arms over her chest quirking an eyebrow at the man. "I believe your son already received my answer to your request. Piandao industries is not going to make deadly weapons accessible to the public. My answer is final."

Akira pushed past Shin, but he darted forward catching her wrist in a vice like grip. Akira winced at the force of his grip, but his eyes remained steadily calm as he clicked his tongue. "Not what I wanted to hear."

With a flick of his wrist Akira was thrown against the scaffolding, she grunted holding the rail to steady herself from being thrown over before looking at him her eyes narrowed. She felt her muscles tense in the pretense of a fight, as a rage boiled over her making her hands shake.

"Relax girl, I'm not here for a fight." He leaned against the opposing rail, his eyes rolling lazily as if a threat such as this was an everyday affair. "I understand your reluctance, you were raised with a certain image of your company. But allow me to paint another."

Akira opened her mouth but closed it abruptly tipping her head to let him continue. As much as it angered her that he was trying to control her, she needed to know his motive.

"I have always had an interest in your company, and similarly enough your mother refused me. She refused to consider that there are other ways to make business. The world is in an era of peace for now, but the balance will always tip. After all our loyalty is first and foremost the fire Nation, if it comes down to another war where will your loyalties lie."

"What you are insinuating is bordering treason. Fire Lord Izumi is strictly against any action against other countries, the Fire Nation is trying to absolve a history of violence and yet you encourage it?" Akira frowned, "You are doing a poor job of convincing me you are worth my time."

Akira moved to leave again but his vice-like grip returned, Akira darted out her fist her knuckles digging into his ribs. Shin doubled over shocked from the attack as he coughed violently from the punch, Akira put a hand lightly on his shoulder. As Asami and Reli turned it looked as if she was helping him through a rough cough.

She sent them a reassuring smile, and they turned albeit slightly concerned. Shin recovered his dark eyes shimmering with anger, he clutched her shoulder roughly as he came back to his towering height. Akira hadn't put it to thought but the man was at least 6'3, not that it changed much of her actions but a thought to have, nonetheless.

He leaned down his breath causing chills to erupt on her skin as the discomfort. "I tried to appeal to you, just know that everything that happens now will happen because of your stubbornness. Remember Akira, is your pride worth the price of an empire?"

The words shook Akira, it sounded so familiar to her. It was something undeniably her mother's wording he left after that a small smirk on his face at unnerving her, and Akira wished she could say it meant nothing that she wasn't even remotely afraid of his threats. But Akira could see the promise in his eyes, this was the first of many encounters.

She clenched her fists taking in deep breaths, he wasn't worth expending her rage on. Akira was determined to let this pass, she finally felt peace, and no one would jeopardize it.

As if she had a choice…

Shin and Reli returned to the automobile, the latter watched his father walk with a smirk on his face. Their driver opened the door for the two, as they slid into the car it wasn't until the construction site was behind them that Reli asked.

"Did she agree father?" Shin turned to his son, his eyes dancing with the challenge. Reli had not seen his father this amused in a while, it seemed his lethargy was gone. It was instead replaced with the same sadistic smile he had grown up seeing.

"Of course not, but it'd be much less fun that way." He turned to Reli, "Besides I always did love teaching people a lesson."

Reli nodded back smiling at his father, anything to keep him passive. Anything to quell the rage that had rained down on him before. If this would satiate him, then he'd entertain it no matter who got burned.