A/N: Last chapter! Thank you all for the reviews and everything! :D

It was over. It was all finally over. They had won, defeating their enemies on multiple fronts. Sokka sat down on the ground, his body covered in dried blood and dirt as his black sword laid on the ground in front of him. Toph was sitting next to him, breathing heavily as she stared up into the red sky. The White Lotus sentries were still moving through the city, making sure everyone was safe. Iroh was still kneeling near his son's corpse, his body no longer shaking from all the sobs.

"You think they won?" Toph suddenly asked.

Sokka said nothing, turning over and seeing Suki leading her Kyoshi Warriors back to where they were. His eyes looked up now, seeing as the redness of the sky began to fade away as the comet passed by.

"Yeah."

"What do we do now?" The earthbender asked.

The Silver Wolf turned back around, marching towards Iroh and placing a hand on his shoulder. The old man sighed, reaching for Sokka's hand, letting him the gesture was appreciated.

"We go to the palace," Sokka declared. "Zuko and Katara should be back soon and it'd be best if we had a place to wait for them."

Ozai was dead, still being burned by Katara's fire. The fleet of ships was destroyed by Katara and Shaw. Caldera was taken over by the uprising and the Order of the White Lotus. Those who served Father Ozai either fled the city or surrendered immediately.

As Zuko flew through the air with Katara in his arms, he knew that peace was all that awaited them in Caldera. Her eyes lingered on his chest, seeing the new wound that Azula gave him. She saw the flecks of blood fly off, knowing that Zuko was trying his best to ignore the pains, so she would do the same. Still, her imagination of how Zuko got the scar lingered in her mind.

"Zuko?" Katara yelled over the winds.

"What?" Zuko asked, looking down at her.

She hesitated for a second before asking him what she'd been thinking about for a while now. "When are we getting married?"

The firebender couldn't help but laugh as a smile pulled at his lips. "We'll discuss it with Iroh when we get to Caldera, okay?"

"Okay," Katara said with a smile.

They were unsure of how long it took to get back to Caldera. There was sense of chaos anymore as Zuko landed, letting Katara down gently. White Lotus sentries were posted near the entrance of the slope that led down from the volcano into Caldera. Zuko approached them, nodding once to them.

"Where is my uncle?" Zuko asked.

"Grandmaster Iroh and the others have retired to the Royal Palace," one of the sentries spoke.

"Is my brother okay?" Katara asked.

"Your friends are all with the Grandmaster. He is waiting for you two."

Zuko and Katara exchanged glances, saying nothing was they marched into the heart of Caldera. There was an uneasy feeling in Zuko's stomach, despite them winning this war and ending Father Ozai's reign. He felt Katara's fingers lace with his, a calming sensation running through his body as he turned and flashed a smile in her direction.

"I can't believe it's over," Katara beamed.

"Me neither," Zuko said, looking around. "But it looks like the city got some damage as well."

Several buildings and houses were either destroyed or had scorch marks on the roof and sides. This was a war zone now, no longer the peaceful city that the Four Sages had envisioned when they founded Caldera. Zuko frowned, smelling the ugly scent of a charred body, knowing that lightning was used on both sides of the war.

"What happens now?" Katara asked, looking up and seeing both the Royal Palace and her old home, the Fire Tower.

"We give the city back to the Four Sages," Zuko answered. "It's up to them to decide how they'll deal with this city."

Katara nodded once. "What happens if they find another Ozai?"

"Then they're idiots."

They came to the Royal Palace now, two more sentries opening the doors for them and letting them in. Zuko, having memories of this place, led Katara to the antechamber that led to the Throne Room. It was where the sentries said Iroh and the others were.

Zuko opened the door, letting Katara in. The couple saw everyone sitting around, their faces evident of war and battles. They looked up as the door clicked shut, seeing Zuko and Katara standing there. The firebender wasn't expecting this, hoping for something more of a happy reaction than the solemn looks everyone was giving them. They stepped into the room together, trying to read the expression on all their faces.

"What's wrong?" Zuko asked, seeing the dark look on everyone's faces.

That was when the firebender noticed the body lying on the couch behind Iroh.

His eyes widened at the sight of his dead cousin. Zuko released Katara, walking slowly over to Lu Ten, stopping next to Iroh. He reached out to touch his cousin, pulling back as a sickening feeling ran through his body. He clenched his fists several times as a wave of emotion crashed over him next. He was angry, sad, confused, and hurt all at the same time.

"What happened?" Zuko asked, choking back a sob.

"It was Zhao," Iroh answered. "He used lightning on him."

"Where is he?" Zuko suddenly snarled, rounding on Iroh. "Where is Zhao? I'm going to kill him."

Iroh shook his head, furrowing his brow. "Zhao is locked away, nephew. His death would only serve as revenge."

Zuko growled, breathing out a short breath of fire as he turned and walked out. He slammed the door behind him, pacing the hall back and forth with his fists clenched at his sides. The comet had passed by and left orbit, evident by the short shots of fire that Zuko stemmed from his nose. His anger had took over him so much that he didn't hear the door open behind him and the sound of soft footsteps coming behind him.

"Zuko?"

The firebender stopped, turning his golden eyes on Katara. He watched as she approached him with no hesitation, knowing that he wouldn't throw a fit if she came to him. Katara reached out, placing her hands on the side of his face and stared him straight into the eyes. Just like staring into the ocean, her blue eyes found a way to make him calm down as his breathing began to return to normal.

"It's okay, Zuko," Katara whispered, rising on her toes and kissing his lips. "Let it out, Zuko."

He felt himself crumble, letting tears begin to fall as he collapsed into Katara's arms. No one bothered the two of them as they shared their embrace, knowing that they needed the privacy.

"Let us honor those who have fought for peace and balance," the Four Sages stated.

Zuko stood silently in the back of the funeral procession, dressed in the white armor and robes of mourning. Katara was standing next to him, their hands laced as they waved the Fire Sage step forward, raising his hand into the sky as he began to pray to Agni, asking for blessing to watch over Lu Ten's spirit. The firebender looked up, a tear trickling down his cheek as he watched the Fire Sage set Lu Ten's body ablaze.

"We honor you, Lu Ten of the Fire Nation, son of Iroh," the Sages spoke in unison. "Go in peace, our son."

Everyone stood in silence as the body burned. Zuko felt Katara squeeze his hand, trying to assure him that everything would be better at the end of the tunnel. He squeezed back, closing his eyes and trying to steady himself, knowing that he would have to play some parts in restoring what order was remaining in Caldera.

"Do we have to go through with this?"

Zuko looked up from dressing in his black and gold and red armor. Katara was standing there, dressed in her formal clothing. It was a dark-blue sleeveless dress, with white trimmings. Her new betrothal necklace, which Zuko had carved, was sticking out of the white collar. She was still wearing the blue sleeves that went up to her forearm and had the gray boots that stuck out from the bottom of the dress.

Her hair was flowing down her back, curled and full of volume. Zuko's eyes traveled up and down her body, lost in her beauty.

"Wow," Zuko smiled. "You look beautiful.

Blush crept into Katara's face as she walked towards Zuko, helping him place the last part of his shoulder armor over him. His hair was pulled back into a regal topknot, similar to how he used to dress back in his days at the Fire Nation. He rolled his shoulders, trying to get used to the weight of the armor. Once he felt comfortable with it, he turned back to Katara.

"And yes, we do have to go through with this," Zuko stated. "The world needs to know that the Avatar is here to stay and protect the world."

"But so soon after Lu Ten's funeral?" Katara frowned.

"It's time to begin healing the world," Zuko stated. "And it begins with this."

Katara sighed, nodding once before leaning up on her toes and kissed Zuko, smiling into the kiss as she felt his arms snaked around her waist. He pulled back, resting his forehead against her forehead as they smiled at each other.

"What about you? What are you going to do?" Katara asked.

Zuko shrugged. "I'll go wherever you go. Besides, we still have a wedding to go through after all of this."

They shared another kiss before the door opened, one of the Holy Guards standing there with his arms folded across his chest. "We're ready for you now, Avatar Katara."

Zuko smiled widely at Katara, kissing her once and offering her arm. She smiled, linking her arm through his and letting him escort her out to the Courtyard. It was just a few weeks ago that this city was destroyed by a war. Now, still in the process of being rebuilt, it was taking a small time to honor those that saved the world, not only their city.

And as they stepped out into the Courtyard to greet the masses, the world was soon swallowed in a thunderous applause and cheer. Katara was taken back, staring out with wide eyes as she looked over, seeing the four different nations all represented here. Her eyes landed on the Water Tribe, seeing two familiar faces sitting in the front with proud smiles on their faces.

"My dad and Gran-Gran are here," Katara beamed, looking at Zuko.

He nodded once, smiling. "I'd love to meet them after all of this is over."

"And now, we present to you, Avatar Katara and the Crown Prince of Caldera, Zuko," the Four Sages bellowed out.

They bowed and stepped aside, letting everyone stare at Zuko and Katara. The firebender raised a brow at his title, obviously confused on how he was still recognized as a prince, given his exile and leave from Caldera. He shook it away as Katara stepped forward, raising her hands to silence the crowd.

"Today marks a day where war no longer plagues our streets," Katara said. "Many of you have longed for this day where we could finally have peace and freedom. I, Avatar Katara, can now saw that peace is here. And freedom as well. I am the Avatar, and I am here to serve you."

There was another roar of cheers as Katara bowed once to the crowd, stepping back and letting Zuko step forward. He, like Katara, silenced the crowd as he raised his hand. A sigh left his lips, finding his composure as he knew many were judging him based on his scar and the similarity between his looks and Ozai's.

"With this peace that Avatar Katara has brought us, we now have the responsibility to ensure that we keep it," Zuko bellowed out. "It's going to take a collective effort, and we will have to be reunited, just like the Four Sages originally intended us to be. It'll be a long and hard road, we will we strive forward and ensure that our children have a world they can love.

"I know that I share the same blood as Ozai, but I am not his son. No, I am son to Grand Master Iroh, the Dragon of the West. He has taught me many things and was more of a father than Ozai was. It is because of him that we all happened to find our destiny and come together to stop this war."

Zuko bowed, stepping back and letting the Four Sages step forward now. They were dressed in the colors of their nation, their hands raised into the sky.

"It is with great honor that we now name the new Father of Caldera," the Fire Sage spoke up.

"Our choice was difficult, but we can see that our new choice will bring the type of peace and unity our order has wanted," the Earth Sage said.

The Water Sage stepped forward. "We attest to this man's loyalty and honor, knowing he will make us proud."

"Please, allow us to introduce the new Father of Caldera," the Air Sage said.

All four turned now and bowed to Zuko. "We, the followers of the Four Sages, hereby announce Prince Zuko of Caldera as Father Zuko, the new Father of Caldera."

Zuko was stunned, staring at the sages with wide eyes, not knowing this was coming. He looked back at Katara, who was shocked as well, but managed to smile proudly at the firebender. Zuko turned back, stepping forward. The roar was crowd brought him back to reality, seeing them cheer and chant Zuko's name as he walked past the bowing Sages.

"May his ten years of leadership be just," the Four Sages bellowed out, standing behind Zuko.

The firebender only gasped as he felt the Crown of Caldera, the same his father wore, was pierced into his topknot. The roars continued as Zuko stared with wide eyes at everyone in attendance. He turned his golden eyes back on Katara, who was beaming in his direction.

"I love you," she said, just loud enough for him to hear.

"I love you too."

"Who knew that Sparky would go from our captive to ruling this whole city, huh?" Toph snickered as they all returned to Zuko's new Throne Room.

"Don't let this make you think you're too big for us," Sokka said, draping an arm over Zuko's shoulder. "You're still part of Team Avatar."

Zuko frowned, looking over at Sokka with a raised a brow. "Team Avatar? Really? That's what you're calling us?"

Sokka seemed offended by this, turning away and going back to mingling with Suki and asking about food. Zuko sighed, looking back and seeing Katara walking with her father and Gran-Gran. He remembered her saying his name was Hakoda, the new Chief of the Southern Water Tribe. The firebender looked to his right, seeing Iroh approach him with two cups of tea.

"Father Zuko," Iroh snickered. "It does have a nice ring to it."

Zuko frowned again, taking the tea and sipping the hot liquid slowly. "Did you have anything to do with that, uncle?"

Iroh shook his head. "The cycle is supposed to be passed on to a citizen of the Air Nomads. I suppose the Sages saw that you were truly the one that deserved it."

"Did I, though?" Zuko asked. "I felt as if you should have gotten it, if they were going against their natural cycle."

"The people didn't seem to upset with it," Iroh beamed, finally looking to where Zuko was looking at, seeing Katara and her family. "You should go talk to them, nephew. You are her husband to be, after all."

The firebender nodded, walking towards Katara. The Avatar saw him, instantly lighting up and pulling her father towards him. Zuko almost froze, seeing how tall and big Hakoda was.

"Dad, this is Zuko," Katara said, standing between the two. "He's the man I'm going to marry."

"Good to meet you, sir," Zuko quickly said, extending his hand to Hakoda.

Hakoda said nothing for a while, only eying the new leader of Caldera. Slowly, a smile pulled up at his lips as he reached out and gripped Zuko's forearm, chuckling softly at Zuko's hesitant reaction to do the same.

"It's good to meet you as well, Zuko," Hakoda said. "My daughter, and son, have spoken a lot about you."

"Sokka has?" Zuko and Katara both asked at the same time.

"He speaks highly of your skills as a fighter and leader," Hakoda said with a nod. "I couldn't agree more with the Four Sages choosing you as the new leader."

"Thank you, sir."

"Go on, have fun tonight," Hakoda nodded. "But, the wedding is going to be a huge thing we start tomorrow, understand?"

"Yes, sir," Zuko said.

"Stop calling me sir, also," Hakoda deadpanned, turning and walking back out with Gran-Gran.

"That went better than I thought it would go," Zuko said, sighing and turning to face Katara, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"My dad likes you, Zuko," Katara said. "So does Gran-Gran."

The two leaned in, sharing a deep and passionate kiss before Katara broke it, leaning up on her toes and kissing Zuko on his exposed forehead.

"So, Father Zuko, what are you going to do now?" Katara asked.

Zuko pondered the question for a while, looking around at all his friends celebrating and drinking and just having fun. He smiled as he turned back and pulled Katara closer to him, kissing her nose.

"We'll figure that out later," Zuko said. "For now, let's enjoy this night."

A/N: Woo! That's it! This was fun to write, especially twisting some things up and having Katara be the Avatar. I know it's probably been done before, but I always liked that idea. I'm already working on my next piece, A Tale of Two Spirits, which should have the first chapter up probably in the next month or so. I scraped War of the Lotus. I couldn't find a way to make the story properly flow in a good direction. Anyways, thank you for all the reviews, follows and favorites!