A.N. Hello loves! I will not lie these chapters are hard to get out, I am almost done with this story now but the ending is truly difficult for me to wrap up nicely so I apologize if chapters come out a bit slower in the next week or so.

Finale

Chapter Three

Akira

Akira had somehow managed to fall asleep, but as soon as she fell into a blissful slumber Akon woke her by violently shaking her shoulders. Her vision was blurred from sleep but from what she could see there was a wild fear in Akon's eyes, and his face paler than she had ever seen it. Panic began to bubble in Akira's chest as she sat up, "What is it Akon?" The sleep was suddenly struck from her body, what more could happen? Her mind rushed in thoughts until it ultimately landed on one name.

Mako.

Akira rushed from the bed almost toppling over Akon, "What happened? Is Mako okay? Tell me he's okay Akon!" He stared at her alarmed for a moment, but before he could get a word out, she was tearing down the halls. As she rounded the corner, she found a very stressed and very angry Mako in his room.

The relief flooded her body as she crashed into him, she could face his anger later right now she just needed to know he was alright. Mako pushed her away gently his hands encircling her biceps as he surveyed her his brows furrowed with the worry she had often seen before. It lasted a brief moment before he released her his gaze fixated behind her.

"Did you tell her?" Akira whipped around to Akon's pale face, her heart racing in anticipation. From the look on Akon's face, she didn't need him to say it, but he did either way.

"Shin knows, he found out about the factory in Shu Jing. Since you signed away all assets…" Akira nodded effectively cutting him off, she understood what it would mean if she breached the contract. But more than that, some of his missing goods were in her factory which is a clear sign of theft.

Meaning she was…a criminal.

Akira gave herself exactly two seconds to let herself absorb the information before throwing herself into action. "Is everything prepared?" Akira asked barely skipping a beat, Akon nodded briefly and the two exited the room together and rushed down the halls opening a storage closet. Inside was a small bag, her duel swords, and enough money to sustain her for a while.

"What is going on?" Mako asked a wild edge to his eye. Akon gave her a stern look reminding her of the promise she had made. She could practically hear the resounding no in Akon's glance that much was evident, but she couldn't bear to lie to Mako any longer.

"I'm probably going to get arrested for stealing goods from Piandao Industries…I did a lot of other things...like have my assets stolen on purpose, and I stole all of the designs…Oh and I lied about not having another factory." Mako's eyes widened, but before he could say anything there was a pounding at the front door.

"They already got past the gates, Akira it's now or never!" Akon hissed his eyes darting back to the stairwell where the front door shook with the knocks of the Fire Nation police. Akira looked at Mako she could see the fear and anger rising in his eyes, he stalked forward stopping before Akon and taking the car keys from him.

"C'mon," he grunted taking Akira's hand in his and sprinting down the stairwell. As they raced out the back the front door burst open. They ran fast passing the forge and into the garage the new ramp was built into the mountain itself years before Akira's birth. Mako jumped into the car and Akira followed throwing her bag in the back and strapping her swords to her back.

The engine roared to life and they tore out of the garage and down the road, the police were still inside her home, but they'd know soon enough. Akira glanced at Mako, but his eyes were fixated on the road. "Don't head towards the docks, just make a left when I say." Mako didn't raise a brow he simply clenched his jaw and pressed the gas harder, as they continued on the road the sounds of sirens were faintly heard in the distance.

Akira could see the point coming, a dirt road pretty much hidden unless you knew the area well. Thankfully Akira did, she knew Shu Jing better than she knew anything, it was coming closer by the second. Akira grit her jaw; it was dangerous but this was the only way to deter them.

"Now!

Mako jerked the wheel to the left sending the car into the underbrush, a myriad of greens filled their vision as the car bumped along the trees and underbrush. The snaps of tree limbs greeted their ears and the smell of overturned earth was strong in the air. But after a few minutes, they made it onto a dirt road.

Mako stopped the car for a moment catching his breath, he whirled towards Akira an exasperated look on his face. But now was not the time to explain, "I'm sorry but we can't stop now." She leaned over to take the wheel but Mako simply pressed on the gas and they continued forward.

They still had a while to go until they'd reach the boat, it was waiting on an old dock. The property itself was owned by an old family friend the old man had wanted his secret fishing spot to remain undeveloped and Akira could practically kiss that old man for his decision.

"Akira…I-this is crazy", she turned towards him her lips quirking, she didn't find the situation all that funny, but she couldn't stop the smile that played on her lips.

"I'm well aware, but I did plan for this to happen. This is the only way it'll work out." Akira paused a bit, biting down on her lip as she wasn't sure how to get out the next part. She knew Mako wasn't going to like it, but she was running out of time and he had to know.

"I'm aware of the consequences too, and Mako I need you to stay out of this." He whipped around at that, but she pressed on, "I need you to stay innocent Mako because if this all fails I want you to be able to move on with your career. And having issues with the law won't help with that."

She waited for him to say something, but he wouldn't look at her the rest of the way. After a few more minutes they finally reached the water, the trees thinned out to a small clearing with a red speed boat waiting at the small dock.

Akira turned to Mako, but he was staring straight ahead refusing to look at her, and she felt her chest seize at the cold treatment. But it was all deserved, with a nod to herself she reached in the back and got things before gently laying a hand on his forearm. "Thank you…and I'm sorry…So sorry." Her voice cracked at that, and with a shuddering breath, she opened the car door and headed towards the boat.

It took all of her willpower not to look back at Mako, because she knew she wouldn't be able to take another step if she did. It finally began to weigh on her how much she had ruined what they had built, and she was trying hard to convince herself that she didn't become her mother. That her drive was different than hers because it was not about the money…but right now it didn't at all feel like that.

Akira fought the natural dread that followed her when she reached the water, it would be easier this time since she had done it before. Akira threw her bag onto the boat and with a deep breath to center herself prepared to get in. That was until she felt arms encircle her waist, she turned and was crushed to Mako's chest. Her arms instinctively wrapped around his torso as she buried her face into his chest the tears she tried hard to hold streamed down her face.

"I know that you feel like this is the only course you can take, and I know that you feel like you have to protect me. But I can handle the truth Akira, I may not agree with it, I may fight you on it but I would never abandon you. I will try to protect you just as you tried to protect me, and even though I hate that you did the things you did. I know that you are good." He pulled away for a second his eyes clouded with tears, "And when I look at you, I still see the same woman I saw before. I love you, now go."

Akira lunged forward pressing her lips against Makos in a desperate heap, there was so much said between that kiss that when they separated no words were needed. As Akira opened her mouth to say something the sounds of sirens greeted her ears along with the familiar crunch of underbrush.

"No more time." Mako murmured, Akira tugged at his hand she wanted so badly for him to come with her. But they both knew that it wasn't the time, with one last glance Akira got onto the boat and before she could think about it too much she sped off. As the small clearing got further away, Akira could make out the lights from the police cars.

Then she saw a figure it was getting so far away now that she wasn't quite sure if it was Shin or Reli, all she knew was that it was an Ito she could feel it intuitively. He paused watching her get further away, and Akira wasn't sure why, but she felt dread creep into her chest.

One moment she was speeding across the water the next her boat was in flames.

And so was she.

Exclusive: Akira Piandao of Piandao Industries ALIVE | The Piandao Empire in shambles?

Piandao Industries is a common name among most Fire Nation citizens and abroad. What often comes to mind when hearing the name Piandao is the beautiful swords made in their sister company in the mainland of the Fire Nation. Along with their work in international commerce that has built the Fire Nation economy in a way was never seen before.

They found business in war.

Something our nation has an unfortunate history with, but the Piandao's never advertised their work as war machines. But rather machines that could provide relief with necessary functions should they face dangerous individuals, but the goal was weapons as a means of protection not as a form of insinuating the Fire Nation's prowess as done in our past.

It seems that things have changed in the last two weeks, not only has the Piandao company lost and gained a COO. But it has been signed to no other than Shin Ito, a man known for his acquisition of lucrative companies throughout the Fire Nation and abroad. So what caused Ms. Piandao to sign her company away? Well, there has been talks of inside dealings, manipulation, and further crimes linked to the young woman.

The worst of it? The woman is in jail now after a week of recovering in the hospital after a motorboat accident.

But are we sure this was an accident? Shin Ito has been known in dealing with unsavory characters before, there has been a rumor that he silently supported Unalaq when trying to "maintain" the Southern Water Tribe. Not only that but the fire Nation police have been dealing with weapons of Ms. Piandao's being sold throughout the Fire Nation.

Mr. Ito is trying to get a handle on these dealings but when asked by a recent arrest they told reporters that they gained their assets from the COO of Piandao Industries. When asked to comment Kili the former COO had already gone to the police and given a statement and was determined innocent, but Shin Ito has denied questioning claiming Ms. Piandao is trying to undermine him.

He has decided to sue the young woman for a breach in a contracted agreement, criminal charges on selling his wares without consent, and falsifying information pertinent to Piandao Industries. In short, things aren't looking too well for Ms. Piandao who is currently in jail awaiting her case.

And from what we've seen of this young woman, a woman who after her mother's death had a lucrative company. Who with her connections alone is rehabilitating Republic City after the attack from Kuvira two years ago, the partner of Future Industries? Are we really to believe that this woman had ill intent and planned on spreading hatred through the world? Are we to believe this is the story of a master manipulator who's lust for power was quelled by the righteous hand of Shin Ito?

Or has Shin Ito, a man who is known for his absurd desire to acquire assets. Has he finally quelled his lust for power by obtaining something he always wanted?

Who's to say? All we can do is hope that whoever is responsible will face justice.

Swiftly.

Mako

Mako hadn't slept in days, he was back in Republic City on the advice of Akon. They had let him see her in the hospital but once she was transferred to the prison, they didn't allow him to see her anymore. It wasn't because she didn't put him as one of her visitors, Mako knew that wasn't it. It was because her father paid off the security and was punishing her further, Mako knew the man was evil but it made his stomach turn.

No one was there but him, he had seen him raise that cannon to the air and wasn't sure what was happening until it was too late. He saw the ship burst into flames and Akira up with it, he didn't even recognize that he screamed until he felt his throat was raw. His knees had hit the ground so hard that he wasn't sure he'd be able to walk.

Shin had the nerve to put a hand on his shoulder feigning innocence and said some words of false encouragement. Mako had about five more seconds of grief before diving into the ocean. His arms and legs burned from the force he treaded into the water; he knew the other police would follow once they saw the flaming ship but he wasn't willing to wait. He dove beneath the surface the water was so dark and murky that he couldn't see her.

He hoped the spirits were with him because if not he was going to get back to shore and murder Shin Ito. His code of ethics be damned, if anything happened to Akira, he wasn't sure what he wouldn't. Just when he thought he'd give up he saw the glimpse of gold, it was the handle of her swords and the red fabric tied to the ends shined faintly.

Mako resurfaced gulping in the largest breath he could muster before diving back under the waves he pushed himself far until he found her, she wasn't at the ocean floor but desperately making her way there. His lungs were already burning, and he hadn't even reached her yet, he remembered his vision fading but he still reached her with the last of his strength he pushed her towards the surface.

Then, nothing.

Mako woke in a hospital room his lungs burning from the amount of water he had inhaled, and he had practically ripped his way through the hospital and what he saw in the room made his heart, ache. She looked tiny in the hospital bed, there were healers around her likely having already bent the water from her lungs.

There were burns all along her skin and cuts from where the ship had exploded. A cut along her temple was the one that hurt him the most it was a deep gash that would likely scar. Her hair was singed at the tips and curling in odd angles. More cuts lined her lips and arms and from what he could see exposed from her legs more burns licked the flesh.

It made a rage bubble in his chest; he wanted to go and strangle Shin Ito. And when he tried to write a police report they dismissed it, he was told he had suffered a concussion and they thought he wasn't thinking clearly. That and the sheer amount of money Shin Ito possessed there was nothing he could do without help.

And that's what lead to him being here in Republic City, trying to fight off the anger while he waited for his friends to exit the office of President Moon. While Akira had a plan, so did Mako and his plan involved the people he knew would get results.

Korra and Asami exited the office of President Moon to find an exhausted Mako. Asami said nothing, she threw her arms around his shoulders pressing him firmly against her.

"I'm so glad you're both okay." But when she pulled away, she had to know that was the furthest thing from the truth. Mako turned his gaze to Korra, she stepped forward an understanding in her eyes.

"I need you to help me." Mako said desperately, Korra nodded a mischievous smile stretching across her face. Mako rose to his feet turning to Asami, the two faced her their eyes mirroring one another as their minds churned with plans. They were prepared to do what it took to get Akira back, and Mako knew that he couldn't get his levelheaded friend right now. He needed someone who would fight injustice without the biases he held.

He needed someone like Akira.

"Absolutely not!" Asami said with a frown, "Before the two of you do something, think! Shin Ito funds more than half of the Republic City Restoration Project, if we piss him off then who knows when we'll finish this?"

Mako clenched his fists at that, "Would you rather we stall the project completely? We have to think about this Mako." And he watched her plead, he watched her try to reason with him already swaying her girlfriend to her side with her words. He saw the sympathetic look Korra was throwing him because it was true, they had a responsibility to the city and to the people that they'd finish this. They had already waited too long for things to change. But Mako couldn't shake this feeling, he couldn't give up on the anger that was burning hot in his heart.

"Then I guess I'll find someone who will help." Mako tried to storm away but Korra's firm hand on his shoulder stopped him, "Mako I get it, and as much as I'd love to go headfirst into battle I have to agree with Asami. We have to think smart, Shin is a lot like Akira he isn't going to back down from the Avatar threatening him."

Mako let out a sigh nodding to the two of them before following them to their car. As they drove further from City Hall Asami met his glance in the review mirror. "We're not doing nothing Mako, Akira is one of my best friends I wouldn't leave her stranded. Which is why we're going to Shu Jing."

Mako gaped at that and saw the two women smirking, "Shin Ito's former employer just began working as the secretary in City Hall we couldn't risk them hearing us. Akon sent the plans this morning, we will get Akira right back where she belongs. All in due time."

Asami Sato had been in the mainland factory of Piandao Industry's about four times in her life, the first time was with her father when she was about nine years old. The last was with one of her best friends she had barely paid attention to the halls they were too deep in discussion about their future plans.

Now it looked nothing like the pace she had been, it had been alive with innovation. The people milling about had their heads buried in work she could hear engineers sitting together trying to solve issues. It was like walking into a dream, and Asami loved it; she could see why Lein Piandao was such a formidable force in manufacturing.

It was like the room was alive like she could see their thoughts swimming out of their heads and into the air. Asami felt like the energy was sucked from the air and replaced with manic energy. She could see the workers who once were laughing easily through issues fiercely writing on papers their hands shaking in stress.

Asami witnessed a young woman wiping tears away as she wrote fiercely trying to solve some issues among others. One man just sat at his desk staring at the wall his fists clenched so tight that she was afraid he'd break. She wasn't sure when, but her hand had found Korra's and it helped center her for a moment the warm weight of her girlfriend.

And when she glanced at her she could see she felt it too, Korra was never good at hiding things from Asami. And she could see it in her expressive eyes that she felt what they were feeling the pity and anger that began to bubble in her eyes was a dangerous fire that Asami didn't want to see released.

Not yet.

They continued down the hall before finally arriving at the large doors to what had at a time been Akira's office. Asami didn't bother knocking and with a quick nod Korra bent air at the door they slammed open with a loud clatter as the two women strided into the room.

Asami's eyed Shin Ito, he looked calm at the large mahogany desk. There were minute changes made to the room, a lavish vase, a deep red rug that would have driven Akira insane. Along with a large portrait hung above the fireplace of Shin and his family.

Asami fought the urge to wrinkle her nose at the gaudy pieces he had added to what had once belonged to the most powerful women in the Fire Nation. Asami flashed a smile at Shin although it took a lot out of her to get it out.

"Mr. Ito, I've come to discuss business with you." He nodded rising out of the desk the smile that spread across his face made Asami's stomach turn. He bowed briefly toward Korra before laying a hand on his chest.

"I am honored to be in your presence Avatar Korra, and truly I am humbled that you would visit us here at what will soon be Ito Industries." Asami's fist balled up at the mention of his ownership, her heart went out to her friend but there was no going back now.

"I came here because regardless of how I feel, you are the largest benefactor for the restoration project. And it would be unwise as a businesswoman to ruin such a lucrative relationship." Asami squeezed Korra's hand tighter as her heart pounded from the hot betrayal that rushed through her body.

She felt like she was betraying Akira even though this was the only way she knew to help. This was part of the plan, keep Shin calm unassuming give him no reason to think that something was going to come. But it was hard when she looked into those eyes, eyes until now she never realized were so close to Akira's.

But in all of the wrong ways, there was a victory in those eyes and a heady hunger for something he knew wasn't his to taste.

"A wise decision Ms. Sato, I will of course continue to aid Republic City." Asami sighed in relief before releasing Korra's hand and reaching it out to Mr. Ito's to shake. He took her hand into his, the heat was almost unbearably hot.

"While we are on the topic of business, I think it would be wise if you'd get President Moon to reconsider her decision to drop my company." Asami wanted to drop his hand and tried but he held fast, she could see in her periphery Korra shifting her feet ready to strike if he held her a moment longer.

"After all I control who Akira can see." Asami tore her hand away feigning embarrassment as she wiped her hand on her skirt.

"Sweaty palms." She said with a smile, causing Korra to visibly relax.

"Fine." She whispered before taking her girlfriend's hand and rushing out of the room.

Reli walked stiffly down the halls, his shoulders felt heavier the past weeks that have gone by. Heavier than anything he had felt in his short life, and as he waked his mind began to wander…

"Reli! Reli get over here!"

Reli Hanzo was only six years old and he was certain of three things in the world, he loved building things, gardening, and his mother. Reli was devoted to his mother, she hung the moon and stars, an avid storyteller when he needed an escape, and his shelter when they were hungry.

And they often were, he wasn't young enough to understand why things were this way but he could see the weak dinners that graced their tables, and his mother would spoon all of it onto his plate smiling and telling him to eat that he was growing.

Reli would say he wasn't hungry and watch her eat hurriedly, shoving the rest of the food into her mouth a pained look on her face as she did.

But it didn't matter how bad things got, how many times that strange man that came monthly asking for money with that sour stench to his clothing and the lingering glance on his mother's backside Reli knew he'd do anything to protect her.

He would kick at the men who jeered at her, or the ones in their seedy apartment building the one whose hands strayed and Reli bit him so hard the man drew blood. His mother was horrified when he'd get like this, but he couldn't let anyone hurt her and she had to understand that.

Then everything changed.

His mother bought sweets and was so giddy she spun him around the room, she got a new job in Republic City. Reli had never left Ba Sing Se but the prospect of being somewhere safer, where they could be in a lively place made him excited too.

They went and it was amazing, the buildings were towering so high that Reli only looked up. If it weren't for his mother's steady hand in his he'd have fallen over. His mother was the secretary at Sato Industries and was taking home plenty of money.

They lived in a small one-bedroom apartment, and they went to bed every night with their bellies filled with food. And that was all Reli needed until it all changed.

He would find himself afterschool sitting alone in their apartment longer than usual, his mother would come home flushed and with takeout that they usually couldn't afford. And Reli would dig in gorging himself on the food enjoying the new luxury.

Then he came into his life.

He was like a king some regal savior that would keep them from poverty, Shin Ito. Shin reached down and shook his hand when they first met, and he remembered his mother getting misty-eyed watching them.

He remembered walks on the park on Shin's shoulders and he felt like he could rule the world. They married shortly after that and he asked if he'd like to be his son, Reli never had a father before so he accepted.

Reli and Jade Hanzo were no more, they were the Ito's now, and they moved to the Fire Nation.

Then things went south…

By Reli's eighth birthday they were married for a year and Shin would get quieter being gentle around his mother. He knew then that he was expecting a sibling and he would see the light bloom behind Shin's eyes.

Then came the blood.

More blood.

So much blood, and Reli hated that, he hated that he was making her do this when her body couldn't take it. Reli knew his birth was a miracle she had told him that much, but it seemed that Shin wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted. No matter if she made it or not.

Reli sat with her on the floor while she cried his hand tight in hers, "I'll never let him hurt you again." And she looked at him her heartbreakingly sweet smile as she touched his face.

"I failed him Reli, I did." And that hurt Reli more than anything, he stormed from their bedroom and burst open the doors to his office.

"You will kill her!" And Shin just looked at him blankly as if a stupid child couldn't understand what it took for a child to be birthed. He stalked forward and backhanded him so hard that Reli's head spun. He felt a sting on his lip and touched a hand to it, he looked down shocked to see crimson droplets.

"I am your father. I saved your thieving selves from that stupor in Ba Sing Se. Do you think your mother got out of there alone? You think she hadn't met me those late hours." Reli looked away but he grabbed his chin forcing him to look into his eyes.

"She owes me this! I won't be made a fool of…not again." He released Reli and he felt himself shaking. Before rising to his feet his face set in a hard line.

Reli left without a word.

It wasn't the last time, Shin's hands seldom left Reli's body his frustration was taken out on him and his mother so often that Reli stopped fighting he was beaten into submission. He kneeled in front of Shin one night his ribs still sore and laid his hands on the ground.

"I don't want to fight you anymore father." He looked up into his eyes, and he knew what shin would see because he practiced it in the mirror for hours. "I want to be you."

Shin smiled.

Reli's hands were clenched so hard he was sure he'd break them, his body still shuddered at the memory of the beatings of hearing his mother's screams during the night. Could he let this happen again? Could he see how far he could push Akira until she broke until everything inside of her was nothing more than a depraved girl searching for a gentle hand?

Reli rushed through the office ignoring the questioning looks. He reached the office only to find Yara angrily going through his father's files. Her head snapped up at the sound of the door her scowl deepening at the sight of him

Reli reached her at the desk and collapsed into the seat across from her the fireplace crackling was the only sound between them.

"Reli what do you want?" She asked carefully, her eyes surveying him in wariness, and he supposed he deserved it, but he was so tired now. Tired of the pain, of hiding himself, tired of being the lapdog of a man who never cared for him.

A father who deliberately shopped for the son he wanted.

"I've done some really bad things Yara." She soured at that, slamming down the papers before turning to him her blue eyes sharp with anger.

"A bad thing?" She huffed, "A bad thing is deliberately missing a shift at work, a bad thing is lying. What you did…You disgust me."

That stung, he had to admit that it did. He nodded to himself looking down at his hands, not really speaking to her as he spoke this time. "My whole life I did what I had to do to survive. I showed my belly and played along if it meant I wouldn't get hurt. I just wanted to keep everyone safe…But what was the cost? I let myself become someone I don't even recognize; I remember the boy that stood up to Shin."

He looked at Yara now noticing the shock in her face. "He was beaten so bad he couldn't walk…I don't want to see Akira beaten down; I never had a family before…I never felt the urge to protect someone before…But I've been through Shin's…conditioning. And I can't let that happen to her."

Reli returned his gaze to the fireplace, before feeling a gentle hand on his forearm. He looked to Yara's icy eyes and saw that they reflected the flames.

"Come with me."