A.N. Hello all! I am in shock that I was able to get this out so soon, I am not sure if this is the ending that I wanted or expected but it was time for this story to come to a close. I am a little sad to admit that I really lost passion writing this story, I didn't feel as engaged as I was when I first started and had a lot of trouble finding the motivation to finish it. I think what drove me to finish this before the year ended was because I really want to start something new. I also wanted to prove to myself that I can sit down with an idea and just write it, without the pressure that it has to be the most profound thing on earth. and I really needed that, I know this is a super long author's note and I don't expect any of you to read this but I need this. I want any fellow writers out there or anyone really that our limits really are bound by what we believe we are capable of, and I believed I could finish this before the New Year and I am so happy that I could. This is nowhere near my best work and I am really okay with that! I hope you all enjoyed this story and read some of my future works I have some cool things coming up!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Finale

The End

Weeks Ago

"Akon, I have a plan." He turned to her, his eyebrow raised, and Akira relayed the details to him. She didn't stop once, letting the words flow out of her in a rush; she watched Akon's eyes widen each time she relayed a new detail until ultimately the exhaustion she had witnessed before returned.

He laid a hand over hers and uttered something she had not expected, the missing puzzle piece in the disaster that was her plan.

"There is something I have kept from you…I never thought I'd be the one to tell you." Akon stopped speaking, his lips set in a firm line. He reached for her hands, his eyes suddenly shining from emotion; she sat up alarmed and turned her body towards him, taking his hands in hers.

"Akon, nothing you say will ever change how much I value you. Nothing." She said firmly while tightening her hold on him. Akon smiled, a tear falling from trailing down his face, "I am your father...legally."

Akira sat dumbfounded; she stared at him blankly as her heart thundered in her chest. She had expected something shocking but not this. Akon took her silence as a queue to continue, "Lein and I married when you were about thirteen, it wasn't entirely romantic." Akon trailed off a sad smile on his face, "Although I didn't let her get completely away from the romance of it all, either way, it was done for this reason. If Shin ever came to collect; he would be invalidated because I adopted you, so in the eyes of the law."

Akira cut him off, throwing her arms around his neck as tears flowed freely from her face. "I'm upset that you two never told me, but Akon you were the only other man I considered a father figure. You and my grandfather took that role without reservation, and I am grateful to have had you. I wish the three of us…" It went without saying what Akira wanted, the two just smiled at one another, and Akira felt her heart seize with sudden warmth.

"This just might work," Akira muttered in awe as Akon nodded, the happiness he had just expressed replaced by a grim smile.

"It very well could…"

The judge peered down from her perch, her eyes shifting from Shin to Akira. Her lips were set in a firm line and her hands were clasped so tightly they looked like they'd break. She let out a breath before sitting up to her full height, her stern eyes pinning both of them to the spot. "This was an exceptional case, and there has been deceit and a disregard for the law on both sides." She paused for a moment considering something before nodding firmly, "We will be taking a brief recess to discuss the verdict you are all free to go."

Everyone filtered out of the courtroom, Shin calmly walked out of the courtroom and reached for Reli his hand encircling the young man's bicep as he pulled him into a conference room. He threw Reli into a chair; Reli caught himself before he hit the object. He turned to him his green eyes flashing in alarm, "You despicable little rat." Shin spit, he was practically foaming at the mouth his lips curled in anger as he watched Reli. The boy stood firm his eyes hardening, and Shin had to admit he was proud to see it. The welp finally had the fire, and he knew now who had pulled it out of him not him but his daughter.

She rose above him in every way and while most would feel pride Shin felt an insatiable amount of jealousy. "How could you do this to me? How could you let this girl get in the way of our greatness? Have you lost all sense, or are you truly that stupid?" He paused before leaning close and taunting the young man " Or has your father's worthless genes finally caught up with you?"

Snap

Reli popped one of his knuckles, before continuing to the other ones. It was something he had done ever since he was a child, it was his tell right before he'd get into a fight. "Don't, you don't get to say that to me anymore. You know Shin, for so long I wanted to be you, I thought I had to be feared to earn respect. I thought I had to grovel and steal, lie, and cheat to earn my way to respect. I worshipped a man who abused me. But not anymore, you have no power over me. I did it because I want my freedom, and my mother's."

Shin looked at the boy before him, he witnessed that determined look in his eye and the stubborn set of his chin. He could hear his own heart beating loudly in his ears, his vision began to haze in an outline of red, he felt overwhelmed and feverish. Shin roared before tackling Reli to the ground, he pounded hard against his ribs, the quiet grunts Reli usually took during his beatings were gone. He roared in response fisting his hands in his hair and pulling hard, Shin gasped at the dirty trick and Reli socked him hard in the nose.

Blood trickled down his face and he let out another punch in retaliation, the minutes passed brutally, the sounds of flesh hitting against one another and the grunts of the men were the only thing heard.

Reli fought bitterly against his abuser, the years of pent up aggression finally being released, Shin had sent another brutal kick at him and he dodged it just in time. Just as he was prepared to throw another punch the conference room door opened. A startled Yara watched with her mouth slightly ajar at the two men. Close behind her stood Jade Ito, her green eyes widened in surprise.

"Reli!" She rushed forward to her son, her hands hovering against the bruises blooming against his skin. He had some cuts from the heavy rings on Shin's hand, he curled his fists enjoying the mixture of blood and sweat pouring down his body. He turned his eye to Yara who glared at him as she stepped forward placing a hand on Reli's arm and murmuring something. Reli looked at him, something like understanding coming across his features.

"You're not worth this, just know I regret nothing. And as much as I hate you, I do thank you. You taught me what type of man I don't want to be." With an arm around Yara, she helped him out of the room. Shin didn't know why he needed to fight, he felt that nagging in the back of his brain that voice that always told him the same things.

You're weak

You will never amount to anything.

A boy with everything and you still want more

You will never be satisfied

"You're weak Reli! Weak!" But the boy didn't look back at him, he walked out of the room and didn't look back once.

Shin's hand rose into his hair and began muttering to himself, the nerves finally getting to him. Everything he had done, all of the power he had consolidated, it was all falling apart because he wanted too much. He was finally going to get everything he wanted, everything he deserved; and now he would get nothing.

He felt like his chest was caving in, his skin itched and his hands were getting hotter by the second. He felt a hand on his shoulder and whipped around to Jade's face, her usually docile smile was replaced by pursed pink lips.

"I know you always wanted more, and I won't say what you already know." And Shin knew what she meant, that he bit off more than he could chew. That he was an insatiable monster, Shin felt his body sag and finally allowed himself to fall to his knees. He wrapped his arms around Jade's middle and felt the tears burn in his eyes.

"I don't know why I'm like this, I just wanted everything the world could offer. Then she…. she broke me, she made me vengeful and hateful. I just wanted it all, I wanted her, I wanted power, I just want it everything Jade."

She put her hand under his chin and forced him to meet her eyes, with the same sternness he had seen aimed at Reli as a child. "You can't blame Lein for your choices, and you can't blame your desire for more anymore. Because you had it all, you had a son and you had me, but we were never enough for you. Your excuses mean nothing and as much as I love you." Jade paused tears falling freely from her lovely face, "You never loved me, I was an easily manipulated girl who looked nothing like the woman who broke your heart. I was an object, and I let you use me. I let my son be beaten by you, manipulated, and told myself you were making him stronger."

Jade cleared her throat her hands still on Shin's face as he gazed up at her, the tears finally escaping him. "Please Jade, I can't lose you too." She smiled sadly at him, before kneeling on the floor with him, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and held him close. "I can't do this anymore Shin, I can't handle the deception and lies any longer."

Shin held her tighter, "I won't let you leave." She pulled away from him with a hardness in her eyes, "You almost killed me in more ways than one, but the last straw Shin, was you saying her name in your sleep."

Shin froze at that, he gaped at Jade, but she was already rising from the floor. "You've always wanted what you couldn't have, it began long before Lein she was just a fixation, the catalyst to your quest for more. My son and I will no longer be part of it." Shin tried to stop her, he yelled and screamed he knew if he fire bended it would make a scene and he was tempted to do so.

"You won't survive without me," Shin said brazenly; Jade turned back over her shoulder, a small smirk on her face.

"No dear, you won't survive without me."

Akira

"What the hell happened to you?" Akira asked as she watched Yara half carry Reli's body into the conference room. He had blood trailing down his nose and various ring sized bruises on his face. Reli smiled and blood shined on his usually pristine white teeth, even his overtly coifed hair fell flat on his forehead.

"Shin Ito." He grunted as Yara helped him into the chair, he winced as she let go and hit the arm of the chair. "Glad to know even me getting beat changes nothing Yara." Yara rolled her eyes a small smile on her face as she knelt next to Reli.

"Yeah well, it'll keep you humble." Reli snorted at that, and Akira raised an eyebrow at the exchange. She turned towards Asami who had another bewildered expression at the exchange, Yara hated Reli vehemently if she remembered correctly.

Akira pushed away her thoughts before kneeling next to him, "He hurt you, didn't he?" Guilt crept inside her chest at the realization that she had caused the beating, as if sensing her thoughts Reli grabbed her hand harder than she thought he'd be able to. "Hey, as flattered as I am by your concern, I chose this Akira. I wanted to be a better man, so it's not all about you."

Akira let out a startled laugh, fighting off the tears and threw her arms around his shoulders. Reli grunted in protest but returned the hug either way. "Thank you, for being the only Ito that isn't an asshole." Reli rolled his eyes but smiled either way, "I'm not the only good Ito."

Akira nodded thinking of his mother, "I meant you by the way, I know you're not an Ito by name. But you are by blood and I don't know, I think its full circle that an Ito brought the worst in me, and another brought the best."

Akira couldn't stop the tears this time, "Yeah well you made it very challenging." He laughed at that wincing again in pain, "Right back at you."

The two continued speaking to one another and from an outside perspective they almost looked like siblings.

The courtroom was refilled, the judge stared back down at the two of them and it was her turn for the theatrics. She took the moment fully, her eyes going from Akira to Shin and back again, at last she took in one breath and began her ruiling.

"I've heard in the past two days in this room contridictary stories. I heard half truths and then ultimately a confession." Her eyes trained on Akira, and a small smile reached the woman's face. "I chose to believe in that confession, because it takes courage to speak the truth, especially if that truth increments yourself. Ms. Piandao in the past 24 hours has shown more grace and maturity than people twice your age, and no matter what my colleagues believe. I make the decision."

She said firmly her eyes trained on the jurors, two of which shifted uncomfortably in their seats. "I do find Ms. Piandao guilty of withholding information, and deliberately selling military grade weapons to civilians." Shin's face broke into a wide grin but before he could celebrate the judge sent a sharp gaze towards him.

"Do not celebrate Mr. Ito. Because while this young woman is charged so are you, two counts of attempted murder, based on the countless information provided to us by Reli Ito that proves you were bribing government officials, destruction of property, and running a company under false pretense." She paused peering down at her notes before continuing again, "And that's not even delving deep into the information your son has given us. And finally, both of you are being charged with the illegal practice of Agni Kai's."

Both Shin and Akira were nervous, the latter reached for her lawyer's hand needing the support to hear her sentence, her eyes meeting Mako's. She knew this was coming, but the thought of them being separated again made her heart, ache. He smiled reassuringly before mouthing; I love you.

With one last look she turned back to the judge and waited patiently. "As you all heard this is not an easy case, you both have committed serious crimes." She pursed her lips and turned her gaze to Shin, "Shin Ito you are sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, be thankful that Ms. Piandao and Mako both decided to drop the charges against you for attempted murder. Thank them for their generosity, because if they hadn't, you'd have been dealt 15 years of federal prison and another 35 in jail."

Shin opened his mouth, but the judge quieted him by continuing her sentence, "In two years we will reconvene and decide if your sentence can be adjusted." With that she slammed down her hand against the podium, her hand glowing red. Her fire traveled from the podium and across the room in a controlled fire that blazed across the room giving it a warm glow before it reached a bell the finality of the clang jolted the room and reverberated in their bones.

The sentence had been made.

Akira had to admit that the Fire Nation courtroom was absolutely theatrical, but she opted to keep her mouth shut as the judge trained her eyes on her. The woman smiled softly, "Ms. Piandao you have been through quite an ordeal. But it does not excuse your actions, that said I did decide to be…lenient. Because your philanthropy is something I cannot ignore, your sentence is three years' probation. Your assignment is to be a civil servant." The judge's lips twitched, "I am assigning you to work on The Republic City Restoration Project, I will also give you the choice to serve your six months in jail before or after the completion of the project."

Akira nodded; the sentence was more than fair it was a gift after all. "I hope you both learn from this." Afterward, her hand hit the podium again, and although the bell tolled sealing her fate all Akira felt was warmth.

Three Years Later

Akira huffed in annoyance as she tittered up the steps of the building, her feet were aching but as Asami's maid of honor she was willing to handle it. "I swear they couldn't have chosen a smaller building for the reception; we have lovely hotels!" Mako chuckled wrapping an arm around Akira's waist as they went, "Noted." He said with a wink, Akira swatted his arm, but her cheeks gave her away as they tinged red.

Mako kissed her cheek and lead her into the banquet hall, the ceremony had already passed, and they were heading to the reception. Korra and Asami had decided to have a very small ceremony in the spirit world, with only their closest friends and family. The reception on the other hand included all of their friends and allies from all over the world.

Along with Asami and Akira's business partners. In the past three years the two had been unstoppable together, they finished resorting Republic City and Akira went off to prison. While there she decided to create a relief program for rehabilitating individuals and help them get jobs after prison. She hired past inmates in her factories and Asami extended the effort, among that they continued to help those impoverished and misplaced after the spirit attack and they all had new lodging.

Afterward, the two created more strides in technology and transportation, they were toying around with creating planes for commercial travel too; but it was on the back burner of their plans for now. In all, it was like the renaissance with innovation for the two and they were nowhere near stopping.

The doors opened to the pristine building, it was one of the fanciest buildings in Republic city and used for most conferences; the large crystal chandelier greeted them along with the decorations for the wedding. It was a mixture of Asami's pristine and sleek style and some natural elements that Korra wanted as well. It was chic yet very fitting for the two women, Akira made her way to the hall itself having got there before the others as she finished the last few touches.

As Akira flitted around the room Mako watched her, he smiled to himself counting how lucky he was to have her. "Ah, there he is that brother of mine," Mako grunted as Bolin laid a heavy hand on his shoulder his eyes shining in their usual brightness. "Can you believe it Mako, how after everything it's just…calm." Mako shot him a look, "Please don't jinx it."

Bolin laughed and Mako cracked a smile, he had to agree it was nice that things were slowing down. It was because of it that Mako was ready to ask Akira to marry him, he had the ring for over a year but every moment he tried it didn't feel right. But watching her now the way she laughed her head thrown back and her wavy hair falling over her bare shoulders, he didn't know what he was waiting for.

The wedding party was the party of the year, the ballroom was packed with dancing, Korra and Asami were swaying in the center in a world of their own the two brides in a happy bubble with one another. Their foreheads pressed together although the song was anything but slow, but no one had the heart to say anything.

Yara sat at a table her hair finally down and curled gently with a bold red lip, she sat stirring a cocktail with the toothpick eyeing the dance floor. Reli offered a hand and she took it her cheeks turning pink as she did. As the night progressed no one was surprised to find them locking lips across the dance floor.

Bolin was dragging Opal to every fast-paced song he could find, and the young woman only laughed and indulged him. Even Tenzin was dancing much to Ikki's mortification, Kai and Jinora were also frequent members of the dance floor to the two teenagers scarcely were seen without the other. Much to Tenzin's "delight", in all everyone was having a good time. Even Kili managed to drag Akon to one dance, not that he enjoyed it much, but he humored her.

Mako watched amused by it all, he had danced with both brides and Akira multiple times but as of now, he had trouble finding her. Mako saw the balcony open and the curtains gently being swept in from the wind, he followed feeling a strange sense of déjà vu, he found Akira leaning against the stone railing staring down at the beautiful city she had built below. She looked ethereal, her dark hair curled gently down her shoulders stopping just above her elbows. She was in an icy blue dress that sparkled under the moonlight making her brown skin glow with warmth.

"You okay?" Akira turned to him a small smile on her face before stretching out her hand, he took it easily taking his place at her side. "I'm more than okay." She murmured placing her head against his shoulder, Mako kissed the top of her head. And at that moment, it felt right, he knew he needed to do it now or never.

"I have to tell you something." Akira peered up at him her eyebrows creasing, he smiled and stepped away before she nodded something crossing her features. "Yeah so do I." Mako smiled, his hands itching for the ring in his pocket.

"Can I go first?" Akira pursed her lips, a playful smirk on her face, "What if mine is better, you'd want to hear it first."

Mako rolled his eyes, only she'd be this stubborn when he was about to propose. "I sincerely doubt it." Akira stalked forward, a hungry gaze in her eyes a hot flash coursed through Mako as she wrapped her arms around his torso and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

A brilliant smile lit her face as she whispered two words he didn't know he wanted to hear;

"I'm pregnant."

Mako looked down at her his eyes suddenly filling with tears, "When, what…" He was rendered speechless, Akira laughed a sudden nervousness overtaking her. "Yeah I found it officially when we were in the Southern Water Tribe last week, Katara confirmed." Akira bit her lip anxiously, "I know you wanted us to wait a bit before we had a family, and I know it's not what we planned but…"

Mako cupped her face in his hands and kissed her he could barely contain his msile, "Akira I don't care, all I want is to start a family with you. All I want is you and me forever." Mako knelt down and Akira gasped, "You're not seriously proposing because I'm pregnant right?"

Mako snorted at that and removed the ring from his pocket. "I've been trying to propose to you for a year may I continue?" Akira snapped her mouth shut and nodded her eyes shining with happy tears, "Akira Piandao, you changed my life. You've challenged me, supported me, made me question my own sanity on multiple accounts... And loved me, unconditionally and irrevocably and my promise to you is a lifetime of the same. Akira Piandao will you marry me?"

Akira launched herself into his arms pepping his face with kisses as she sobbed a yes, he slid the band onto her finger the diamond shining brilliantly in the moonlight as they kissed one another, not caring who might see. Tonight was the beginning of forever for them all, and it was going to be a life filled with possibility, hope, and innovation.

Falling is terrifying, and it's unfair to ask for someone to save you from the depths. Akira realized now that was what love was, not someone saving her from drowning but diving in with her. And finding your way through the current together, because once you dive you can swim.

End