A.N. Only two more chapters left! As of now the hiatus is looking like it may be a three week to month hiatus which I apologize for! But either way, I hope you all are enjoying the story so far.

Let me know your thoughts!

Part II Revelations

Chapter Ten

Shin Ito stood at the gangway above the factory floor, his fingers drumming against the steel as he waited for his companions to arrive. They appeared silently behind him, the four of them dressed in the nondescript black clothing he provided; with their arms held behind their backs awaiting his order. Shin smiled, he liked having people at his beck and call. He heard the irritated sniff from his son and turned to see his pinched face as he watched disdainfully at the men before him.

"Go on." Shin said a smiling stretching across his face as he watched them descend down the stairs, they took their stances at the front of the warehouse their reflections gleaming off of the heavy machinery and weaponry. Shin tilted his head as he waited to give the signal, and turned towards his son, he clapped his hand on his shoulder digging his fingers in as he forced him towards the scene.

"Proceed." As soon as the word was spoken the four crouched down and water flooded the entire floor, the force of their bending causing a current to force open the warehouse doors and crash the inventory together and out the door. Shin held on tighter to Reli as he watched the boy shut his eyes in shame…he needed to snuff out that weakness.

"It is a shame Reli, I know you and those people worked hard but you must take it in. This is what happens when people deny my will, this is where poor choices lead." Reli nodded to himself before turning to him, his green eyes open and willful. His malleable son, ready to be molded.

"I know father, I understand." Shin smiled clapping him on the shoulder as he turned back towards the destroyed inventory, his best work had been done with that boy. He had met the unruly five-year-old who yearned for a father figure and he proved every day that he had the potential to be the heir he wanted. All save for one thing…

"You'll have it all, father. Soon this will be yours. And finally, you'll be satisfied." Shin looked around the room nodding, smiling at the assets he'd acquire. And for now, he did, he believed that this would finally quell his satiation for power. But that damned voice in the back of his mind reared its ugly head.

It will never be enough.

Akira

I have to go. Akira hadn't expected it to be so soon but the telegram had arrived, her inventory in Shu Jing was gone.

All of it.

They said it was a flood, but the police were investigating the truth in that, but there wasn't much else that they could do. And Akira knew that it was time for her to train anyway, so she packed her bags and kissed Mako's forehead while he slept, and left a lame note saying she was sorry.

Her heart broke watching him lying there, his face so peaceful in the early light of the morning, but she couldn't bring him to Shu Jing. Something told her not to, so she was off to face Reli alone, besides she had a feeling it wouldn't take long with swords.

Akira made her way to the docks opting to have her butler drive her in the car Akon had shipped over a month ago. She couldn't tell Asami the truth so she had written her a letter with instructions to her butler, in short, it would all work out…

She hoped.

The boat ride to Shu Jing was a long and lonely one, but at least Akon awaited her there. The air grew warmer as she traveled into the Fire Nation, her body practically singing with praise from the warmth. She always was desperate for it when it was gone, and as the ship finally got to the docks Akon waited with a warm smile on his face.

Akira laughed rushing forward and he caught her easily, huffing a bit but smiling all the same. "I've missed you." She breathed looking him over, his usual stoicism was replaced with an easy smile albeit a twinge of sadness to that smile. "And I you, although you have failed to write me a letter." Akira rolled her eyes and he laughed leading her over to the car, and as he opened the door her mouth dropped open. Inside sat Mako a smirk on his face, and as she turned back to Akon she saw the same smirk.

"W-wha…How?" Mako beckoned her inside, she entered quickly before crossing her arms her eyes trained on Mako. Akon caught her eye in the review mirror a quirk to his lips as he explained, "Well, Mister Mako here knows how to write a letter…found a messenger hawk too which I have to say." He turned back towards Mako a glint in his eye, "Impressive." Mako nodded back with a wide grin on his face, before turning back to Akira.

"I've said it before Akira, I know you. I knew you were going to leave in the dead of the night, so I wrote to Akon as soon as you went to bed." She opened her mouth in response, but Akon was ready to finish for Mako.

"So I sent a plane, a favor from Varrick…Lord I will regret asking that man a favor." Akira looked between the two men she loved, shocked, and touched by their protectiveness. "Frankly, I think this decision is reckless and very, very dangerous. But, I know not to stop the Piandao women, I'm glad Mako is smarter than I was at his age."

Akira's heart warmed for a brief moment, as she watched them both look towards one another with an understanding. They both mirrored one another, in love with overly complicated women/

Akira just hoped hers and Mako's story turned out better than Akon's and her mothers.

Akira visited the "factory" in Shu Jing thankful for her mother's paranoia, they had enough inventory saved to at least get the materials needed to the Southern Water Tribe, but the Fire Nation on the other hand wouldn't be able to receive their material for the Navy for another month if she was lucky. Which was convenient for Shin Ito, had been spreading a rumor that the Southern tribe was feeling good about their independence. Saying that they wanted to spread their influence, he was influential enough that a few noble citizens were whispering louder. It was even beginning to reach the Shu Jing, and Akira did not like where it was going.

As she entered her home she turned to Akon, "We need to train now."

The past few days passed in a flurry of action, Akira had been training long and hard sometimes with Akon sometimes even with Mako to ensure that she was in the best physical shape in her life. She was so consumed by this that she barely got a word out to Mako, besides a yes or no when he asked her something. Currently, she sat on the training grounds of the Piandao castle the world around her no longer concerned her as she meditated.

Her breaths came out in even tufts, the only time her eyes opened was when the rising sun began to make its way into her line of sight.

Everything will work out

She took in a deep breath willing it to be true as she released the air from her mouth, and as she did she began to hear yells coming from the home behind her. With a resigned sigh, she began walking back to the home hearing the yells getting louder. As she made her way inside, she found a fuming Asami on the steps ripping her arm away from Mako as she whirled back to him. "No! You don't get to say anything to me Mako! How could you get behind this ridiculous idea!" She whirled around towards Akira, and in truth, she had never seen Asami so enraged.

"I came as soon as I heard, I came with a plan to help but I find out your throwing everything away because you're scared of Shin Ito." Akira stalked forward silently; her eyes boring into Asami's as she did.

"Sit." She hissed, with so much authority that Asami found herself searching for a seat before she turned back around scowling.

"No." She countered; Akira crossed her arms as she climbed up the steps standing beside Mako her gaze flitting to his stressed stance. He was tense as if he was ready to fight…or hold someone back. He didn't move to say anything just standing by her side, and she never felt more grateful.

"I am scared Asami, I will fully admit that. But you have no say in my decisions, and neither does Mako. We are partners we support one another, even if we don't agree with that decision. "She stepped forward her voice softening. "We're partners to Asami, differently of course." She added a sheepish smile on her face as Asami's scowl deepened.

"I know I don't always think things through, but I will not let this go on. The lengths Shin and Reli are going through to prove me unfit to lead is not petty revenge, it's a matter of principle. I will do anything to ensure that my mother's sacrifices weren't for nothing. This is my destiny, and I will not let a small-minded man get in the way of that."

Asami looked like she wanted to throttle her, she stepped forward her eyes pleading. "Akira this is how you'll lose everything. You can't let words.." And that was when Akira realized that she hadn't heard about the factory, she came because she knew about the Agni Kai. Akira wasn't tall enough to reach Asami's eyes at level but her anger was pouring off her enough to make the woman step back.

"Words? Just words? Asami have you not heard? They flooded my factory, they destroyed more than a third of my inventory our plans Asami all washed away!" Asami looked down at her, her eyes wide in surprise as Akira continued. "If it weren't for my mother's paranoia, I'd be at a loss right now. But Asami if I let this go, if I sit back and show my belly and submit. I will lose everything either way, at least this way I'll go down fighting."

Akira met her eyes hoping she understood, and she did this time but she wasn't liking it. Asami turned away from her walking back into the large home. Before leaving she turned back to Akira, her eyes suddenly expressive a sharpness to them that wasn't there before.

"I know you won't change your mind, but I hope you know what you're doing Akira. And I hope you crush him." With that Asami left, and while Akira understood why she had to go she felt unsettled by Asami's eyes. The hardness in them made her feel uncertain because she knew what it meant. Asami was just as invested in her own legacy as Akira was, if Akira went under she wasn't going to save her.

It was up to her now.

Akira's hands shook as she ate dinner that night, Akon had left minutes ago needing to calm his own anxieties which allowed Akira to show her own. Mako's hand enveloped hers and she turned towards him knowing that the fear was evident in her eyes. He placed a soft kiss inside her palm causing a small tired smile to reach her face. "Mako." She breathed her breath still coming out in rough pants, "Am I doing the right thing?"

He smiled down at her tenderly, but he didn't have the answer, "This is a decision only you can make Akira…I'm here, because no matter your choice I will always be beside you." And Akira didn't know it but it was exactly what she needed to hear. Because the oncoming storm had finally arrived, it was pouring now, and it would only be a matter of time before she uncovered who would escape the monsoon alive.

Akira dressed simply in black trousers and a red and gold robe, similar to the style worn during the youth of Avatar Aang. Reli walked in with Shin Ito close behind, there was something wrong about him and she couldn't quite place what it was, it was clear that he was handsome once in his life. He had pale skin not unlike Mako's and deep brown eyes with a reddish tinge to them; it made him look like a monster or a vengeful spirit. He was quite tall now that Akira thought about it rising slightly taller than Mako and far more than Reli.

He smiled and it gave the wrong sensation that a smile should, it was all teeth and anger, and his eyes narrowed as he did it. "Akira Piandao, always a pleasure." Akira made no move to welcome him, she turned to Reli questioning his usual outlandish outfits. He wore an embroidered blazer with koi fish depicted onto the dark grey fabric, and black trousers tucked into his black boots. With his hair just as severely done as usual.

But his smile looked plastered and sweat was beading at his forehead. Akira knew better than to smirk because his nervousness was not aimed at himself. Akira's gaze returned to Shin and she noticed the lightweight clothing he was wearing; and it became exceedingly clear what was going to happen.

"You're not a firebender are you Reli?" He turned in shock and began stuttering out a response something she had never seen in him before. Shin placed a hand on his son's shoulder and Akira witnessed him stiffen under his hand. "My, my Akira, beautiful and clever; you're a treat. But no, my son unfortunately, failed in that department." He gave her another one of those sinister smiles, "But yes, you will be fighting me, swords you said right?" Akira nodded, and lead the men to the training grounds. Mako and Reli sat with Akon, as she and Shin stood in the courtyard. Akon came forward with an array of swords, for Shin to choose.

"No need, I've brought my own." Reli removed a shining katana from his belt, and Akon stiffened looking down at it. Akira raised a confused brow, but he said nothing turning to her instead and handing her, her duel swords.

It felt like reuniting with an old friend when she touched those swords. They were balanced perfectly, as they were created by her great grandfather. He hadn't known she would choose duel swords but crafted them for her mother instead, they were beautiful with a fine gold hilt with an ornate red cloth hanging down each of them. Not overly ornate and useful in a bind, she loved those swords, they never let her down.

Meanwhile, the katana that Shin wielded was overly done. It was gaudy with gold finishing's and gems embedded in the hilt, it was done expertly though still useful but heavy. She could see the subtle curves and the careful carving at the ornate hilt and recognized the craftsmanship immediately.

A Piandao…

Akira eyed it a while longer before Shin's voice roused her from her thoughts, "Come, I'd prefer to best you before afternoon tea." With that Akira brushed past the man and into the center of the courtyard, the only others there were Mako, Reli, and Akon. Reli stood beside Mako, his eyes still darting around in that same nervous way as before. Mako left the seats at the large porch and reached for her arms grabbing her into a quick kiss.

He looked determined, "You got this", he confirmed a small smile on his face before heading back to their perch. Akon stood between her and Shin his eyes darting between them rather nervously before giving them a curt nod, then it began.

He was skilled she'd give him that, but what he had in strength she made up for in youth. Shin raised his katana and Akira easily blocked his blows sending him back, he laughed in delight by this pressing forward with long slashes towards Akira.

"I thought we were aiming at not killing one another?" Akira asked with a smirk, she faked going to the right and Shin bought it, she turned over her shoulder and brought one of her swords down against his shoulder. He let out a howl and brought up his sword managing to hit her in the side. Akira grunted from the cut before dancing away from him, Shin smiled his eyes focusing on the blood dripping down her side.

"There, first hit, now we begin." What had once been clumsy movements was replaced with skillful blows, Akira blocked each attack with a grunt, his force pushing her further and further back. He raised his sword bringing it down with all of his strength, Akira waited letting the blade gets closer to her before ducking out of the way. Shin let out a roar and charged towards her, Akira danced out of his attacks, each one coming with a new fervor. She raised her leg in a powerful kick to his chest sending him tumbling to the ground.

Akira stalked forward her attacks relentlessly, Shin had finally lost his footing; again, and again her sword descending down upon him. Shin had finally broken that smug smile on his face, he looked frightened that same wild look in Reli's eyes were reflected in his own. Shin got to his feet and brought his katana down; Akira crossed her swords locking them together. "Give up Shin, this fight has been over for a while."

And when she locked eyes with him there was something different there, a triumph the storm had come, and Akira had been blind to the damage. "You can win this Akira, but you'll have to make a decision. Which is more important?" Akira followed Shin's eyes and her heart dropped, Mako stood watching nervously his eyes questioning her hesitation. But behind him stood Reli holding something that was supposed to stay in development, a weapon she didn't want to be released.

Reli stood his hands shaking as he held a handheld cannon, something Akira and her mother had finally agreed on. The world didn't need that weapon, and yet there it stood no longer on a page but a fully-fledged prototype ready to end the man she loved. And Akira knew this was the choice she'd have to make, the same choice her mother made.

Choose love and lose everything; or choose a company and lose the man she loved. And perhaps if she were another woman the answer would have been harder, but it was exceedingly clear what the answer was. She would throw it away, and she would do it because she saw what her life would be like if she chose the company. She knew a woman with a bitter life, who regretted the choices she made, who chose to lead rather than love and it tore up at her. She died with so much regret and sadness, with strains on the relationships she created. With only a legacy behind her, and Akira didn't need a legacy, she didn't money.

Because even though it terrified her to throw it away, because Mako wasn't a guarantee he could leave her at any moment. He could use her like Rai did, he could be a part of an elaborate scheme to get her to sign away her life. But she wouldn't let fear be her master any longer, Akira pushed away from Shin angry tears trekking her face. She pulled back her arms her decision exceedingly clear now and launched her swords forward and into their target.