Dear readers: Thank you so much for following me on this crazy journey through the most violent, bloody, mind-twisting, stress-inducing fanfiction I have ever written to this day. You guys are awesome! Thank you for your reviews and constant support to make me finish this. I hope you love it, and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A KATAANG FANFICTION: EPILOGUE

4 YEARS LATER

"Come on, Daddy! Faster!"

Aang laughed, breaking into a light jog when Bumi tugged his finger.

Katara followed, smiling. "Bumi, you might have to slow down! I think you have Daddy beat in speed!"

The boy grinned, revealing his missing front teeth. "I know!"

Katara laughed, scooting baby Kahna a little higher on her hip. "Do you want to run like Bumi and Daddy, Kahna?" she asked.

The little girl watched her brother and father for a moment, contemplating them with somber eyes. Scowling, she shook her head. "I don't want to make them feew bad, Mom."

Katara glanced at her. "How so, honey?"

"I would pwobabwy beat them. Then they would cry."

Katara laughed out loud, walking a bit faster. "Yup, they would cry, wouldn't they?"

The small family walked and laughed together, picnic baskets in hand. It was Kya's birthday, and they were celebrating it with the entire family, which included Zuko, Mai, and their children, as well as Sokka, Toph, and their kids.

They finally reached the top of the hill, which gazed over the small meadow where Kya had been buried. Bumi, delighted, immediately proceeded to roll down the hill. Aang joined him, laughing all the way.

Katara smiled, setting Kahna down. "Do you want to help me set up? Or do you want to roll down the hill too?"

Kahna frowned at her mother. "Mom, do you WANT me to get aw diwty?"

Katara laughed again. "All righ then, help me set up."

After a few moments, a loud "HEEEYYYY!" sounded along the hillside. Bumi, who was on the ground laughing, immediately popped up.

"UNCLE SOKKA!" he shouted, taking off. He lept into Sokka's arms, giggling like mad.

"Hey there, sport!" Sokka laughed, hugging Bumi tightly. "How's my favorite nephew?"

"Good!" Bumi replied. Glancing over, he said, "Hi, Aunt Toph!"

Toph offered a knuckle bump, to which Bumi enthusiastically responded.

Toph and Sokka's daughter, Suki, stumbled out from behind Sokka. She burbled happily, offering a slobbery fist to Bumi as well. Shrugging, Bumi quickly tapped her fist, wiping it off on his tunic.

"Well, looks like a party!"

Everybody turned at the sound of Zuko's voice, waving when they saw him emerge over the rim of the hill. He was followed by Mai and three children, all dressed in casual fire nation attire.

Aang jumped up, offering a firm handshake to Zuko. "How's it going?"

"Good," Zuko replied, clapping Aang on the shoulder. "Just been finishing up some plans for Republic City. I'm glad you came up with the idea of a large suspension bridge, it's perfect to gap the river . . ."

"My idea!" Sokka piped up, setting Bumi down and joining the manly talk.

Zuko laughed. "Yes, I figured!"

They continued to chat. Meanwhile, Mai, Toph, and Katara joined in on gossip. Mai had become much more conversational in later years.

"How's the pregnancy coming along?" She asked Katara, patting her stomach.

"Good!" Katara gushed, nodding vigorously. "I'm not sick very often. It's been better than the first three. It's so calm that I'm almost positive," she lowered her voice substantially, "that this one is an airbender. Aang will be thrilled."

Toph shuddered. "Mine's been terrible. Sick ALL. THE. TIME. She's gonna be a fighter, that's for sure."

Mai laughed. "I'm glad this one is over," she motioined to the sleeping baby in her arms. "She was a beast. Have you guys thought of names yet?"

Katara and Toph both beamed.

"Tenzin."

"Lin."

Katara felt a tug on her dress. Glancing down, she saw Bumi. "Hey, bud!" she smiled, ruffling his hair, "what's up?"

He shuffled his feet, staring at the grass. "Mom . . ." he mumbled, embarrassed, "what should I say to her?"

Katara grinned at Mai, motioning to Bumi. "Well, honey, just say hi!"

"I did . . ."

"Ask if she wants to roll down the hill with you and Daddy!"

"Okay . . ." Bumi wandered away, nervously approaching Mai and Zuko's oldest daughter, Ursa.

"Mom! Mommy!"

Katara looked around Mai to see Kahna, perched in Zuko's arms. "Yes, dear?"

Laughing, Kahna poked at Zuko's scar. "Uncew Zuko wooks funny!"

After a moment of silence, everybody began to laugh.

"Now, dear," Aang giggled, covering his mouth, "that's not very nice!"

Katara laughed heartily, holding her stomach. "He does, doesn't he?" she chuckled, wiping her eyes.

"Hey now," Zuko protested, glancing around at the people ganging up on him.

"It's all right, Dad," Ursa spoke up, "I think it makes you look super cool and scary!" She hugged his legs, looking up at him adoringly. Bumi changed his direction dejectedly.

"Thanks, Ursa," Zuko laughed, patting her head.

The group then mingled, everybody talking to everybody. It was calm and wonderful.

Katara laughed at something Toph had just said, then jumped when Aang whispered in her ear, "Join me for a moment?"

She smiled, nodding discreatly.

Aang took her hand, intertwining their fingers, and tugged her with him. She followed, almost instantly knowing their destination.

Bumi was wise enough to know that his parents were going for some alone time. Kahna, however, made insistant whining sounds. "Mmmooomm-"

"Shhhh," Zuko interrupted, placing a hand over her mouth, "Mommy and Daddy need some time together. How about we play a game?"

Kahna nodded enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, Aang and Katara walked slowly, hands swinging, brushing the wildflowers. They didn't need to speek. They both knew where they were going.

"Hey, Katara."

"Hmm?"

Aang smiled, staring at the sky. "Have I told you lately that I love you?"

She squeezed his hand. "Yes . . . Every day, multiple times a day . . ."

"Do you tire of it?" He asked curiously, cocking his head.

"Never," she replied, stepping closer to him so that she was nestled to his side.

They walked and walked, not feeling any need to really hustle. Instead, they enjoyed the beautiful weather, inhaling the smell of wildflowers and laughing at the singing birds.

"It's always beautiful here on her birthday," Katara whispered, staring ahead listlessly.

"I know," Aang replied.

They finally stopped at her gravestone, simultaneously sitting down.

Aang thought back to the burial. He remembered Katara, cradling her baby for the last time before gently laying her in the casket. After that had been a blur, because he had gradually forced himself to forget that grief-stricken day.

So, instead, he wrapped his wife in his arms protectively, willing a barrier against her painful memories.

Katara leaned against him, eyes bleary. "Kya," she murmured, "we just wanted to let you know that Daddy and I are grateful every day for what you did . . . and, sweetie, we love you, now and forever, and can't wait to meet you."

Aang nodded.

They waited, closing their eyes to take in the sun.

Suddenly, the wind kicked up, blowing through the branches of the tree and blades of grass. It whistled loudly, creating a haunted melody that was really quite beautiful.

And, from these tones, Aang and Katara heard a message that resounded clear as day. It simply said . . .

Love.

fin