A/N: Welcome to the penultimate chapter of Love Amongst the Dragons! Also, keep in mind that these things may happen at the same time or at different points in the recorded day. If you remember the last time (in a previous chapter) I said something to that effect, this chapter style should be pretty familiar. ;) Enjoy!

To comment on some comments :P

- Regarding the comment about Zuko not being able to defeat Azula while he was at his strongest and her at her weakest: I didn't intend it to be a matter of either one being stronger or weaker, but if you interpreted it like that, it's cool. I think after his training (e.g. with the Sun Warrior Tribe) he was on par with her, maybe even surpassing her, as she gets frustrated and nervous about his strength during their duel. I don't think she was at her weakest in the duel – I wanted her to come across as unleashed, savage, akin to a wild animal; Azula's ordinary power on steroids, if you will. Usually, she is so calculated and dangerous in her precision, coupled with her strength, but here, she was not at all calculated or cunning. She was a 'beast' on a rampage as a result of her mental collapse. So for LATD and for my intent, I wouldn't readily classify it as her being weak yet still undefeated by a stronger Zuko. :)

- Yes, Azula would have been able to electrocute Katara in the water trough – if she had found her there. Katara knocked her down before hiding in the trough. Azula was still looking for her. When Katara emerged, she used water to knock Azula down again, so Azula did not get the chance to shoot lightning at her. No opportunity for Azula to make electrocution happen.

Disclaimer: I own nothing copyrighted mentioned here.

Chapter 24: Unfinished Business

Friday – The end of the Hundred Year War. Officially named the Day of Diyu.

When they first pictured doing this, they thought that they would be running up the hill to meet a triumphant Aang. But alas, that image was killed as soon as an ecstatically grinning Toph and an ecstatically tearful Suki found Sokka on the beach, howling in pain and cradling his broken leg. With one arm slung over Suki's shoulder and the other wrapped around the tiny earthbender's head, Sokka hopped awkwardly up the rocky, barren hill. Suki had suggested using a convenient earthbending move to slide them smoothly up the hill to where they had seen the bright beams of light from Aang and Ozai, but anything Toph tried was too painful for Sokka.

And so the trio hobbled to the top of the rocky mound, grunting and perspiring uncomfortably.

"I didn't think you weighed so much, Sokka," panted Suki, puffing a stray strand of hair out of her eyes. "And I didn't think the Comet would make the weather so hot."

Sokka gave an almighty hop, wincing when he landed on a stone. "Why does everyone assume it's the Comet and not me?"

Toph snorted. "I didn't think falling off an airship, nearly drowning and breaking your leg would still leave you space for lame jokes."

He shrugged as they reached the top of the hill with a collective sigh of relief. "I'm a remarkable guy."

"Guys, is that… Ozai?" whispered Suki, frowning at the bedraggled man slumped against a boulder, long hair untidily obscuring his features.

Toph rubbed her foot on the ground, and her posture suddenly lifted, her face bright. "Who cares about that nasty old creep? Our very own Twinkle Toes is right there!"

And indeed he was, merrily playing with Momo, who chirped and hovered above him before landing on his head and draping his striped tail over Aang's shoulder. Aang then turned around, exhaustion smeared all over him, but a cheerful smile lit up his face nonetheless. "Guys!"

"Get over here, little buddy!" shouted Sokka, gesturing wildly with his uninjured foot.

Aang ran over to them, still energetic, still himself even though he had just brought down the Fire Lord to save the world. He threw his arms around the three of his friends, letting a tear escape his eye. He was so relieved, so glad that they had survived their mission and were with him in this moment. Of course, two other important people were missing, but he was positive that they would make it out alive, too. Pulling back, he stretched his arms and sighed. "You guys okay?"

"Sure thing," said Toph, folding her arms across her chest contentedly. "You?"

"Tired, but I'm all right…" Aang glanced nervously at Sokka's bandaged, splinted and oddly bent leg. "What happened to you, Sokka?"

Sokka screwed his mouth to the side. "Well, I was hit a few times by Fire Nation soldiers, injured myself while crashing a couple airships, nearly burnt to death, nearly fell off said airships, fell off said airships for real the next time, nearly drowned, and then I broke my leg."

"Wow. That's gotta hurt."

"Eh, nothing too serious. I'll live-" he broke off, eyes popping, and looked around madly. "But not without my space sword!" he cried. "I lost it! It's gone, gone like the broken pieces of my existence…"

"Oh, shut up," interrupted Suki with a laugh. With her free hand, she reached down to her waist and drew a bare, black sword from her belt. She held it under Sokka's nose, biting back another laugh as his eyes focused on it in awe. "Toph and I found it in the bushes after we landed."

"Y-You two…" Sokka sniffed loudly. "You two are magical!" His arms around Suki's shoulders and Toph's head tightened. "Thank you!"

Aang laughed. "I'm glad you got your happy ending, Sokka."

"No kidding!" Sokka cheered, taking his sword by the hilt and lifting it high above his head, in a similar fashion to how one would hold a dagger poised to strike. "Take that, The Universe! I've got my sword, my favourite people and a world without a War! You may have broken my leg, but not anything else! Ha! I can go wherever I want without my trusty beard for a disguise! Fire Loser Ozai over there can't stop me if I want ice cream in the Fire Nation! Take that!" And Sokka brought his sword down, aiming to drive it into the hard-packed ground…

…Instead, he stabbed himself in the foot.

"Sokka!"

"Man, you just don't stop, do you, meatcake?"

Sokka bit his lip, a tear running down his cheek until he could not hold it in any longer. His head fell back and he screamed, letting out a few expletives involving The Universe doing something that rhymed with "clucking itself".

In the bustle around the Fire Palace after the conclusion of the War, it was rare for Katara to find herself alone – her agenda was full, of course, but a moment of solitude was something she had been yearning for. She leaned against the wall in a deserted corridor which looked out on a circular courtyard; beyond the shrubbery and palace walls, a smouldering evening ruled the sky. The air was still hot from the aftermath of Sozin's Comet, but her white mourning silks kept her cool. And sombre. The end of the War was something to celebrate, but this was also a day to remember and pay respect to the lives that had been lost.

She found herself staring into space, appearing calm although, inside, her mind was racing and planning and trying to be calm. This ruminative session of hers was, unsurprisingly, interrupted shortly after it began. As a warm wind waved over the courtyard, carrying with it the scent of fire lilies and dusk dahlias, the progress of Master Pakku through the courtyard caught her attention. She looked up and smiled tiredly in greeting.

He drew nearer, walking slowly up the steps into the corridor. But he was not in the mood to smile, Katara remembered with pity, and he instead greeted her verbally. "Good evening, Katara. Taking a break from the sick rooms?"

She sighed. "Yes. I don't think the War itself made me this tired."

"This final battle was certainly draining – you must be grateful you are only weary from battle and chores, not from slowly dying."

Katara nodded. Even after what happened, he still had that wry but brutally honest wit. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound-"

"I know. I was simply reminding you," said Pakku in that same snarky tone he had used whilst training her so long ago at the North Pole, but his eyes were warm as he regarded her. "Will you be returning to your brother's bedside now?"

"Yeah. I have to keep his healing sessions regular so his leg goes back to normal." Katara pushed off the wall, straightening her posture. "Are you going to visit King Bumi?"

Pakku sighed and pinched his brow. "I must, of course. The other White Lotus members did their rounds already."

Katara chuckled. "I saw Master Piandao leaving the infirmary – he looked… uh… annoyed."

"No need to put it mildly." Pakku's face somehow mirrored the expression she had seen on Piandao's face earlier after visiting Bumi. "We can be frank. We know he's a difficult patient, thus we tried to keep him from getting injured, but just as our fight ended he decided to trip on his own rocks and have his breathing problems act up." He rolled his eyes, but it was only a means of concealing his anxiety over his friend. "But what has to be done has to be done." His face became more solemn. "He was unable to attend the funeral. It must have pained him greatly."

Silence fell over both waterbenders, until Katara stepped forward. "I think it's time I headed off."

"Very well. Ah, and before I visit Bumi, I'm letting you know that I'm writing to your Gran-Gran. I'd like for her to visit. I…" He broke off, showing a rare moment of being overwhelmed by emotion, something flickering in his eyes. "I think I would take comfort in her presence. You'd enjoy her being here, yes?"

Katara's face lit up past the strain of the last few hours. "Yes, I would!" She brought her hands together and dipped her head in a bow. "I really would. Thank you."

But she was surprised when Pakku reached for her hands and unclasped them. He took one of them, soft and slender and nurturing, between his own hands, wrinkled with age and waterbending prowess, pressing them warmly together in an affectionate gesture. "Know that I am not only honoured to have been your waterbending master, but to also have you as my family, Katara. After such a critical event in history and such an unexpected personal loss, I feel it's important to let those dearest to me know that they are, in fact, dear."

She smiled, cheeks warming. "Thank you, Master Pakku."

He rolled his eyes good-naturedly, giving her hand a pat before releasing it. "Still calling me 'master', I see. Speaking of which, have you considered a career after the War? Maybe in becoming a physician – if society will allow a woman to do so-" He broke off when Katara pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. He cleared his throat and checked himself. "Or a waterbending teacher, alongside me at the Northern Tribe or even in the rebuilding of your own tribe. People will flock to be taught by the Avatar's waterbending master."

She blinked. "I haven't really made plans for after the War. I thought I'd spend some time travelling around, healing and helping anyone who needs it. Especially in the more war torn areas."

Pakku nodded and began to make his way down the corridor. "Think on it. Your career would shine – your ability allows you to do both, if you so wish."

Katara laughed. "I appreciate the suggestions. I'll definitely think about it."

"Good evening, Katara." Pakku nodded once and advanced down the corridor.

Katara was about to continue in the opposite direction, until the flash of pain she had seen in his eyes for that single moment convinced her to turn around. "Master Pakku!" she called.

He half-turned, regarding her curiously. "Yes?"

Katara clasped her hands at the level of her waist, speaking earnestly. "I didn't let you know before, but… I'm very sorry for your loss. I only met Master Jeong-Jeong once, and he was a great firebender. It must be difficult for you, him having been part of the Order of the White Lotus with all of you, for so many years. It would be difficult for me, too, if I'd lost someone like that. You must have been very close."

Pakku swallowed thickly, eyes burning, his mouth tightening as he lowered his head in a deep nod. "I'm thankful for your words. And yes, we were." He stared at the floor with an odd little smile. "Jeong-Jeong was my best friend for as long as I can remember." Lifting his head, he exhaled a breath. "You must get to your brother quickly."

And with that, he disappeared into the shadows at the end of the corridor. Katara smiled lightly after him, glad for their conversation. After spending some time healing Sokka, she would have dinner in her chambers, and then – if she was lucky – she might see Zuko before she went to sleep. She shook her head as she thought of him. I doubt that would happen, with everything going on. After nearly being killed earlier on by his younger sister who was later restrained and transported to a mental health facility, and his father being imprisoned and forced to surrender the crown to him, it would seem more appropriate to give him time and space alone to come to terms with what was happening, instead of being crowded by Fire Sages and nervy advisors.

But, she thought as she briskly tended to the next item on her agenda, that did not seem to be how things worked after wars ended.

Tears fell from her eyes to mix with the healing water, a glow she refused to let die.

She squeezed her eyes shut, in that moment putting everything – everything she could muster within herself into restoring his life, her own falling tears blending with the water she had initially gathered. Maybe her tears would be enough to change the decision of fate, destiny, whatever greater power that was trying to take him away. Maybe he would come back to her. A sob broke past her throat. Oh, if only she had told him before that she…

Beat. Beat. Beat.

Katara started, lifting her head as she felt the regular, soft beating of a heart, beneath her trembling palms. As she watched, her spirits soaring and the monumental relief crashing over her so vigorously, his eyelids fluttered before parting, molten gold drifting out of a dark haze to rest upon her face. His lips moved as he drew in the breath she had been so desperate for him take – and slowly, the corner of his mouth lifted in a half-smile so common to him, so characteristic of him, but one that was different to all the others.

"Thank you, Katara," he whispered, soft as the snow that fell in the summers at the South Pole.

She meant to reply with words, but when she opened her mouth, a sound caught between a sob and a squeal escaped her lips. Her cheeks flushing, she did not wait a second more before she removed her hands from his chest, satisfied that his heart was beating and he was here, thank the Spirits, and wrapped her arms around his neck, her body draped across his, head tucking into his neck. She felt his breathy, exhausted laugh against her wet hair, his strong yet comforting arms coming up to wrap around her waist.

"It should be me thanking you," she whispered. "Don't you dare do that to me again. And… and don't do that for me again, either."

"Trust me, dying is too uncomfortable. But as for the second thing… I can't promise that, if it means protecting you." Zuko's hand came up to brush her hair back. "You're crying," he noted.

Katara nodded, the action causing her cheek to rub against his collarbone. She cracked open an eye, his jaw and neck filling her vision, and before she could ponder her actions, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to the place where his pulse had started to beat. She began to pepper tender little kisses over his cheeks and jaw and temples, until finally, propped on her elbows, she paused to gaze into his eyes. Her crying had eased up, but a single tear fell from her long eyelash onto his scarred cheek. Gently, she brought her hand to his cheek and brushed the tear away. "I may have used some of these to heal you," she said quietly. And she recollected that when she thought it was over, that Zuko was gone, the most gigantic regret had overcome her because she had not told him that… "I love you, Zuko."

And she just caught a full smile on his lips before she lowered her head and kissed him, eyes falling closed.

She might never forget the moments wherein the War had ended, the various sounds she heard, the various sensations. A few explosions here and there; the stifling pressure disappearing from the atmosphere as perhaps the Comet flew further or a fierce battle ended; the blasts of electric blue fire and frenzied screams as a princess' world collapsed all around her; the hard bricks scraping through her breeches against her knees… Of all these things, Katara decided that the best was the feeling of Zuko's heart beating against her own, after they had fought and survived together.

Saturday – Sick room visits and a lack thereof.

The clock in the corridor outside Zuko's chambers made Katara sigh and press her fingers to her temples. It was midnight, meaning that in the whole day, the only time she had seen Zuko was to check up on his wounds whilst being hounded by frantic Fire Nation nurses demanding her attention – they had never had Water Tribe healers actually on their side and willingly helping their people, so she was in great demand. But something Pakku had been right about also contributed to the demand – successfully healing the Avatar and the soon-to-be Fire Lord had earned Katara acclaim and a lot of people wanting her to fix them. The healers from the North Pole were sent for, weeks in advance by the White Lotus, to go to the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation; arriving this morning, her tribespeople lessened her duties – but the only difference now was that there were more waterbenders swamped. The war casualties seemed endless.

She was only disappointed now because it meant less time spent with that special group of people who had been with her along this entire journey, her friends. And Zuko. He was certainly not her friend. Katara frowned, then. But what does that make him? My… boyfriend? Katara pursed her lips, eyes turning to saucers – Zuko being called her boyfriend was even stranger than when Yue spoke to her in the water trough. "For now, we can just be in a relationship," she muttered to herself, putting a hand to one of the doors of his bedchambers and pushing it open.

Quietly, she entered the tangle of corridors that made up the Fire Lord's chambers. Considering her humble beginnings and the places they had to live during the War, Zuko's chambers seemed rather fit to be an apartment or a house sheltering at least a family of five. It did not help that it was virtually a maze, the shadows not a single help, the only light coming from smouldering ashes in sconces along the walls. She passed the narrow, simple corridor that led to the rooms of the handful of personal attendants – and a nurse – to the Fire Lord, feeling her way along the walls, fingers brushing over the aged, crisp material of tapestries and the parchment of various portraits. Past a few alcoves, the main lounge, the dining area, the library and study… until she had plunged into the very heart of the maze, having arrived at the heavy, ornate double doors. They had not yet been emblazoned with a five-fingered flame resembling the shape of the Fire Lord's crown – his father's bedroom had been in another part of the chambers, but Zuko had had his own made up nearer to the library.

A liking of books, yes, but he wanted very little to do with his father.

Katara unlocked the door and crept inside, but jumped when she heard a chuckle in the spacious room. "Zuko, why are you awake?" she hissed into the shadows gathered around the four-poster bed, which sat in the centre of the room against the north wall.

The sound of a shifting movement, and she could see his golden eyes on her, past the darkness. "I had a feeling you'd be coming."

She let her frown melt, rolling her eyes instead as a smile helplessly fluttered to her face. She drew closer to the bed. "It isn't fair that I've barely seen you. I thought it would be nice if I spent some time with you."

She could just barely see Zuko stretching in that cat-like demeanour he often unintentionally adopted. "Very nice, yes, but if you want to talk I wouldn't advise it – you need your strength. You're going to be busy for a long while."

Katara shrugged, slipping off her shoes and clambering up onto the bed, drawing the covers over her. She let out a sigh as she leaned back into the pillows, closing her eyes; it was the softest bed she had ever felt. And she had to admit that she liked that it smelled of Zuko. She made a contented humming noise. "We don't have to talk…" A snort beside her, and Katara cracked open an eye, realising what she said. Bolting upright, she blushed. "I-I didn't mean it like that-"

Zuko snickered. "Are you sure? You've been longing to see me all day yet you don't want to talk to me, and you climb into my bed in the middle of the night. That can only mean one thing. Katara of the Water Tribe, you're trying to seduce me."

"Zuko, I… Hmph." She stuck her nose in the air – he was not helping her blush. "Even if I really do try to seduce you one day, you wouldn't notice."

"Believe me, I'd love to cooperate, but the gaping lightning wound in the centre of my chest doesn't allow for much excitement."

"It sounds like you're all choked up on the medication they gave you. Smooth, Your Majesty."

"Call me 'Your Majesty' one more time."

She turned to him and saw a grin splattered on his face, very likely brought on by the medication. She was unable to hold back her laugh. "With all this recovery time, you and Sokka should write a book of cheesy seduction lines." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and sighed. "Maybe I should go. You need to get some sleep, and I have a feeling I'm distracting you."

A warm arm curled around her abdomen and pulled her down again, to rest against the pillows. They really did feel heavenly. But Katara had little time to savour them again; Zuko now pulled her closer to him amongst the sheets, her back against his chest and body moulding to his as he tucked his chin over her shoulder, tingles dancing over her skin wherever he touched her. "Stay," he muttered into her ear, muscles in his arm relaxing and resting around her, the rise and fall of his chest slowing against her. And she relaxed into his embrace, eyes drifting pleasantly closed, luxuriating in the warmth all around her.

As sleep flooded her senses, she tiredly whispered, "Good night, Zuko."

"Good night."

"How are you feeling, by the way?"

His hand found hers. "Nice."

Katara smiled, and she felt his own smile against her neck.

The silence was maddening.

Really, it was enough to drive anyone insane.

But those matronly women ensured that she was locked in her sullen cell of silence. One of the few things she heard was their mature voices dripping with apparent kindness, coaxing her here and there – she went with them, of course. She had nothing better to do, no battles to win. And besides, they addressed her as "Your Highness". A part of her despised that – she was the Fire Lord, so technically they should address her as "Your Majesty". But for some unidentifiable reason, some reason that glimmered at the edge of her mind – almost as though she knew it, but simply could not remember enough to place a finger on it – she liked that they called her that, clung onto it as though she would face nothingness, a dark void, without it. As long as they knew she was royal. But honestly, why did they call her "Your Highness"?

Sometimes she forgot entirely where they were leading her when they asked her to come with them. Not that it mattered – they were her loyal subjects, the two of them. They would never lead her to harm, as they knew they were lucky enough to be entrusted with the safekeeping of a royal life. They had her trust. They would never betray her. Not in a million years.

And as for the other noises. She heard footsteps – all the time, whether they were her own or the kindly matrons' or maybe a visitor. She would whirl around, her uneven tresses flying jaggedly behind her, and think that she had seen a woman. A pale woman with beautiful, black hair and a billowing cloak she would adjust to conceal her face – she disliked that woman. That woman would smile in a kindly fashion, similar to the matronly women, but then she would disappear within the blink of an eye. She did not know why, but she needed that woman to stay, an itching frustration rising within her each time the woman left. And that woman always left, no matter what was attempted to make her stay, be it screaming or a pleading look. The matronly women would not abandon her like this strange woman – no, they would never leave her all alone.

Other noises she heard were the blasts of lightning and splashes of water, but those were no mystery to her. Obviously they belonged to Zuzu and his new peasant friends – they were angry and jealous that she had become Fire Lord, and were trying their hardest to kill her so they could steal the throne and the world. But no, she would not allow it – she and the matronly women. She had promised Father she would take care of her country's throne – it would please Father, and she always pleased Father with her innate perfection. Not even Zuzu and his water witch could stop her.

They were very boring sounds after a while, she admitted. And although her interest in them and her surroundings varied with each day, she still would scoop her uneven bangs out of her eyes, lift her chin and in a voice that sounded superior, elegant, royal, she would ask a question of the two matronly women. She asked it daily.

"Matronly women?"

"Yes, Princess Azula?"

She only just registered that they shivered at the sound of her voice – but that was most likely their trembling at her greatness. Sometimes, she herself could hardly fathom it. "Am I to expect a visitor today?"

"No, Your Highness."

"Very well, then. Proceed."

Azula pondered at their use of "Your Highness". A part of her despised that – she was the Fire Lord, so technically they should address her as "Your Majesty". But for some unidentifiable reason, some reason that glimmered at the edge of her mind – almost as though she knew it, but simply could not remember enough to place a finger on it – she liked that they called her that, clung onto it as though she would face nothingness, a dark void, without it. As long as they knew she was royal.

But honestly, why did they call her "Your Highness"?

"All right, Sokka. Here's some watermelon juice, and just relax, okay?"

Sokka pushed his long hair out of his face and grinned delightedly as Katara presented him with a fat watermelon, a straw stuck through its smooth, striped green exterior. With a tiny grunt of effort, he pushed himself higher up his pillows, accidentally succeeding in pushing one off the bed. "Sister dearest, my pillow-"

"Spirits, you have got to sit still!" Katara swiped her hands over her face and crunched her fists into balls. "You're not meant to be wriggling this much with a recovering leg. It's not good for you."

Sokka huffed. "I can't help it. This heat is suffocating me. And every time my healer visits, she piles on these thick blankets. I broke my leg – I'm not sick or anything!"

"Then ask her to stop!"

"She doesn't listen!" He waved his arms around. "She always says it's the fever talking, but she only thinks I have a fever because I feel so hot because she keeps putting covers on me!"

Katara could feel the blood boiling beneath her skin, but she heaved a sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'll talk to her," she said in a calmer tone.

Sokka folded his arms and slouched sullenly. "Why can't you be my healer?"

She gave him a small smile and sat at the foot of his bed. "Your leg is healed, Sokka. I'm only here for your follow-up recuperation so we can be sure your leg will go fully back to normal. But I have to take care of the more serious cases. I even had to visit a hospital this morning."

"It sounds like there's an endless stream of casualties."

"Believe me, there might as well be."

"Is it easing up?"

"I guess so."

"Katara?"

"Yes?"

Sokka grinned sheepishly. "Can you pick up my pillow?"

She rolled her eyes and got up. As she slotted the pillow back into place against the headboard, Sokka sipped contentedly on his watermelon juice, before reclining once more with a sigh. She fixed him with a glare. "You're really annoying, you know that?"

Sokka gave a particularly loud, deep slurp. "Mmhmm. You too."

Katara went back to the foot of the bed and scooped up the misshapen duvets Sokka had been kicking around, dumping them on the floor near the door to his room in the infirmary. Since it was the Fire Palace's infirmary, it was a lot nicer than what most war casualties would experience. It was built to be cosy yet simple, with the walls and floor made of the same black, cool rock. Here and there, it was covered with thin parchments depicting picturesque views, health and hygiene guidelines, labels of the chakras, and recipes for traditional healing remedies, and a bookcase rested in one corner; the floor was covered in soft, thin rugs. There were two beds in the room, each with one bedside table, but Sokka's roommate of a single day – a staunch lieutenant who had not taken to him – had been transferred due to mysterious circumstances that made Sokka smirk. A fireplace burned at the end of the room, and the warm air was constantly filled with the tangy, crisp scent of fresh herbs. Katara suspected that Sokka had grown to enjoy the fragrance too much.

Katara turned, about to dryly ask him if he wanted anything else – fresh incense, maybe? – until she registered the thoughtful expression on his face. He was frowning at her. "Hey, you know while you and Zuko were handling Azula?"

She seated herself on his bed again. "Yeah?"

"Did you see… er… something? Someone? Other than Zuko and Azula, I mean."

Katara blinked. "No, I didn't. Maybe a Fire Sage or something… Why?"

Sokka looked down. "I haven't told anyone because it's pretty weird, so you'll be the first to know." He huffed and frowned, glancing back up to her. "I was so sure! She said she'd… I mean, the only way I'm here is…"

She placed a hand on his arm. "Whoa, Sokka, slow down. Who is she?"

Sokka stared at her a moment. "Yue." Katara's eyes widened. "Tch, yeah, I know. It's not like I was fantasising about her or anything. But it was real. I know it was. I was drowning – I was literally going to die. But she stopped me before I could completely die – she met me at the border between the Spirit World and this one, she said – and she brought me to the shore. I asked her to go to you, too, because she could feel you were in danger… But now you say she didn't-"

Katara squeezed his arm and interrupted. "Well, I didn't see her. But I did hear her. She spoke to me and," she paused, giving a small smile, "she gave me the push I needed to carry on fighting. I'm grateful to her – and to you, too, for sending her over." She chuckled.

Sokka grinned. "What? What's that?"

Katara pursed her lips, but could not help smiling. "Thank you, Sokka."

"Eh, I know I'm usually made the hero because of how, you know, heroic and majestic I am, but I can't accept your thanks, dear sister. I will, however, accept your gifts and laundry services."

"Shut up."

"But seriously, I was meaning to talk to you about it, see how you're doing." He smiled lazily, warmly. "I was worried about my annoying little sister. Also, she said we have a close connection to the Spirit World." Sokka flung his arms up. "I'm just gonna put it out there – that is wicked!"

Katara raised her eyebrows. "Wow," she breathed. "Did she tell you how?"

"Nah. I was busy almost-dying, so I didn't really feel the urge to ask."

She reached over and flicked him on the forehead. "Don't sass me when I have control over your pain medication, Sokka." A pause. "I'm doing all right. You?"

"That's good." Sokka sighed dramatically. "I'll do better if you become my healer and get rid of these furs! I didn't even know the Fire Nation had furs!" He glared at her accusingly. "If you brought these here…"

"Why would you think I brought them here?"

"Because that is so a move you'd pull! Furnishing the Fire Nation with your fluffy furs!"

"You're stupid and ridiculous."

"Stereotypical suck-up!"

"Stop alliterating! It's a miracle every war casualty isn't like you!"

"Dung snail!"

"Cabbage slug!"

"Elbow leech!"

"Saber-tooth moose lion!"

"Okay, you leave Foo Foo Cuddlypoops out of this! I can't believe you'd pick at old wounds! What kind of healer are you?"

"Wow, Sokka, what a great pun."

Sunday – The day before Zuko's coronation. Also, a life-changing field trip.

Katara had been looking for him around the entire palace. When she asked the guards if they had seen him, they said he was never in the same place twice, flitting about from place to place after having his injuries treated on Friday. They took it as his being restless or anxious about something, but Katara knew his time for anxiety was over, and she had a feeling it was more to do with his wanting to keep his body and bending active, as well as curiosity about and exploration of the Fire Palace. And maybe he was visiting his friends and the various survivors of the War in the Palace and the surrounding hospitals and convalescing areas. Maybe he was even looking for her.

It was because of his rarely being in the same place twice that Katara felt a jolt of surprise and nervousness when seeing Aang pacing around a courtyard that morning.

Swallowing, Katara stepped out of the corridor and under the archway, entering the courtyard filled with pale stones and rows of fragrant flowers and shrubbery trimmed attractively, the gravel beneath her soft shoes crunching lightly. It was enough for Aang to pause as he rounded a corner, the crunch being the only other sound apart from the fountain bubbling in the centre of the courtyard – his eyes had been closed and his tread light; Katara surmised that he was probably practising listening to and eking his surroundings without seeing them, as Toph had first taught him. Aang opened his eyes, grey and familiar, and looked at her.

There was no anger or sadness in his eyes when he saw her and, thankfully, they were not cold, either. If they had been, Katara would have known the chance for amends between them was slim. He did not tell her to leave, with words or his expression, and thus Katara took the opportunity to advance further into the courtyard, towards him. He was wearing the loose, deep orange tunic that went over only one of his shoulders, along with the darker breeches, and his shoes and staff were on a bench at the edge of the courtyard – he was a familiar image, save for a number of bandages and memories of cuts and bruises on his skin.

Katara came to a stop a few steps away from him, her hands clasped at her waist. "Hi, Aang," she said, softer than she intended. "I-"

"Shh," he interrupted.

She stopped talking, her mouth still open, waiting for him to say something else – perhaps also waiting for what she could somehow begin to say. It was not part of her plan to be at a loss for words. She needed to apologise, she needed to talk to him… but he apparently did not want her to. Now they were back to looking at each other. Katara began to feel hurt, closing her mouth. Maybe this isn't the right time… Or maybe he feels like there isn't anything to say… She dropped her hands to her sides and was about to turn away when Aang took a step forward.

Katara studied his face, and the relief crested over her, more powerful than a wave, when he slowly began to walk towards her with a gentle smile on his face and warmth in his eyes, his arms extended slightly. With a stifled sob, she closed the distance between them and closed her arms around him, his own arms returning the embrace strongly. She did not remember how long the reunited friends remained like that, but she did remember whispering over and over how sorry she was.

Aang pulled away, his hands on her shoulders as he regarded her kindly. "You don't have to apologise for anything, Katara."

She scrubbed at her face. "But you disappeared after we argued… What was that? Wasn't that because of me – me and Zuko?"

Aang actually laughed – it was good to hear his laugh again, genuine and boyish – at some inside thought, hands on his abdomen. "It's actually a long, weird story. I'll tell you sometime. But it wasn't our argument that made me disappear. I couldn't do that to you guys, especially when I have a responsibility to the world, and I don't want to make you and Zuko feel bad about your relationship. Anymore," he added, lowering his eyes. "I know we argued about it, and I'm really sorry, Katara. I'd never want to fight with you, because you're special and it's not me. It's not how I am."

"But that's also how I feel, Aang," said Katara. "I didn't want to hurt you, and I know I did. And when we fought, it was one of the worst things I'd ever felt and I can only imagine how it felt to you… That's also what I'm sorry about. I wanted to ask if you could ever forgive me."

"Of course I forgive you. I love you." The corner of Aang's mouth lifted in a weak smile. "That probably makes you uncomfortable, but it's true. I'll be here for you, anytime you need me. But I know you love Zuko – I've seen it when you look at him. And I know he loves you, because although I can see it, he also told me when I visited him yesterday. As long as I know those things, I'm happy for you," he said in earnest. "You're my friends and you're important to me – and that makes your happiness important to me, too. Besides," he added with a brighter smile, "I know you love me too, just in a different way, and you'll always be there for me. And I'm content to live with that."

Katara blinked back more tears, her lips spreading in a smile. She gripped his shoulders and pressed a kiss to his forehead, grateful for and taken aback by the honesty and maturity with which he spoke. "Thank you, Aang. Thank you so much. And I guess I should say your apology's accepted, too," she chuckled, "as a formality. I don't blame you for anything." They began to walk back to the bench where Aang's staff and shoes were. "I've missed you, and I've been worried sick about you. I'm glad you returned all in one piece – and that you defeated Ozai." Katara laid a hand on his shoulder. "Pupil Aang, on behalf of the Water Tribe, I congratulate you."

Aang laughed. "That's another story to tell you," he said excitedly. "It's got a lot of flashy lights and well-learned waterbending." He stooped to pull on his sandals when they stopped in front of the stone bench. Standing upright and grabbing his staff, they set off again, this time to the archway leading back onto the corridor. "Hey, Katara?"

"Yeah?"

"Does this mean we're back to being us? Like how we used to be as friends?"

"Of course, Aang. But with more mature conversations – I think you're into those, now," she said with a laugh.

Aang screwed his mouth to the side and began to talk in his usual rapid, energetic manner. "Honestly, I think I have grown some more. When I was on the lion turtle, it was just Momo and me, but I had time to myself. Time to think and meditate and reflect – it's done me good. It helped me engage with my past selves and find a way to defeat Ozai without taking his life and finally make peace with you and Zuko being together. It was strange but I needed it."

Katara almost stopped walking and her mouth quirked in surprise as she registered something. "…Lion turtle?"

Aang grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "We have a lot of catching up to do, anyway. Might as well start with the lion turtle!" he said cheerfully and rubbed his hands together in preparation. "So there was this lion turtle…"

"Leave us."

The other five members of Team Avatar gawked at Zuko as he gave the latter order, holding up a hand in dismissal. The dessert and various drinks were laid out before them on a circular table, around which they were seated on maroon cushions with gold tassels; the fragrances of the Fire Nation delicacies wafted around them appealingly and dominated the aroma of incense usually permeating Sokka's sick room. They had decided to join Sokka in his room for dessert because the nurse in charge of him refused to let him go to a dining room, deeming it too far considering his "frail condition". After partaking in a delicious and entertaining dinner in one of the dining rooms with a larger range of company, the able members of Team Avatar knew they would not have a completely cheerful evening without Sokka; they departed as quickly – and politely – as they could to arrive at Sokka's room.

And so, after shedding the extra embellishments they wore as part of their evening clothes, such as outer robes and hair ornaments, they were casually seated with a slightly-intoxicated-on-painkillers Sokka, the bright flames in the fireplace keeping the room toasty and welcoming. He seemed happy enough, though, especially when the desserts arrived. As the servants and attendants who had been flitting around Zuko like moths hurried away at his rather stiff and formal dismissal, Sokka giggled loudly. "That's it, Zuko. Stand up yourself. Stand up for freedom!" He spread his arms wide, almost whacking Katara and Suki, on either side of him, in the face.

After removing the headpiece holding together his topknot and ruffling his loose hair comfortably, Zuko grimaced at Sokka and glanced at the others. "Did he find out about the palace's store of cactus juice?"

"Your house has a special store of cactus juice?" exclaimed Toph.

"Why didn't you tell me?" asked Sokka lowly, the feelings of betrayal clear in his eyes.

"I didn't want you to be too drunk the night before my coronation. That's reserved for tomorrow night."

Sokka gave a tearful smile. "Thanks, buddy. You're a beautiful guy."

At that, everyone burst out laughing. Aang grabbed one cup out of the assortment on the table and took a sip. "Mm, it's jasmine tea." Clearing his throat, the Avatar raised his cup in the air. "Guys, I'm gonna make a toast."

"Wait a sec, let us get organised," said Suki, scanning the table and plucking out a goblet of orange, sweet-smelling liquid with red sprinkles dotting the surface. "This should do it." After the others chose their drinks, they lifted their glasses and cups, grinning.

Aang looked at each of them as he spoke. "Here comes the toast… You know I had to make one."

"It's the Avatar's solemn duty," intoned Katara.

Aang laughed. "Now that we're at the end of our journey – well, this journey to end the War… I honestly think we'll be together for the journey of our lives." He paused and smiled at Sokka as the Water Tribe boy's intoxicated state caused real tears to bubble over his eyelids – he hastily snatched up a napkin. "And I think that's a fact because nothing could change the bonds we made on this journey. We might not physically be in the same place together, but we will be mentally and spiritually-"

"Spiritually. Of course," muttered Zuko, rolling his eyes, earning chuckles from Toph and Sokka and a glare from Katara.

"You believe in the spiritual stuff just as much as me, Zuko! You even said so." Aang stuck his tongue out at him.

Zuko's cheeks pinked. "N-No, I-"

Aang, seated beside him, poked Zuko's head and continued. "We each began as strangers who bend different elements and come from different places, but we were brought together and we stayed together, and that unity also helped me as the Avatar. You have no idea how proud that makes me. Now that we're at the end of this journey, I'm glad to say we're a family, and I'm…" The young boy met eyes with each of his friends, whose eyes had changed from being alight with humour to tenderness and joy and emotion, and he felt the warmth spreading in his chest and the tears welling in his eyes. "Thank you. To all of you for everything you've done for me. I'm so grateful for you guys." Blinking rapidly, Aang lifted his arm higher, some of his jasmine tea slopping against the side of the teacup. "To Team Avatar and the end of the War!"

They sipped, before breaking into cheers. Aang felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind and the wetness of tears against his head, and he laid a hand on one of their wrists. Looking up, he saw Katara just leave her cushion to embrace him herself – with wide eyes, Aang realised that it was not her hugging him from behind, but a sobbing Sokka; laughing, he patted his wrist. Katara had a single tear running along the expanse of her smooth cheek, and she chuckled shakily as she nudged Sokka to the side so there would be enough space for her to kneel comfortably between Aang and Zuko, wrapping her arms around the small boy who had opened her up to a world of adventure.

"Get in here, you guys," called Katara.

"You bet I'm up for a group hug," said Suki enthusiastically, getting to her feet and hiking up her pants so the hems did not drag on the floor as she went over to join the group. "It's about damn time, that's all I'm saying."

"Yeah, come over for a chance to smother the Avatar," came Aang's muffled voice.

"Earlier on, I would've leapt at that opportunity-" began Zuko.

"Oh, shut up, Sparky," interrupted Katara, yanking him into the tangle of arms. "Sokka, get Toph."

"G-Got it covered." And with a wail and some resistance from the earthbender, Sokka managed to haul Toph into the group hug.

Toph grumbled into the material on Aang's shoulder. "This is even mushier than our life-changing field trip, Sparks."

Suki was the first to break away in shock, beginning what was to be a chain reaction of dissipating the group hug in order to take turns gaping at Toph and Zuko. "Wait, what? Is that why you guys disappeared this morning? Where did you go?"

"Jealous, Suki?" Toph smirked and rested an elbow on the table.

"We did go on a field trip today," confirmed Zuko coolly, casually taking up a bowl of decorated custard. "You could say it was life-changing, if you're generous in compliments."

"Pfft, don't be modest!" Toph threw up her hands. "It was the most life-changing, heartfelt thing any of you have never experienced!" she announced brightly. "We went to-"

Zuko slammed down his bowl of custard, eyeballing Toph dangerously. He knew she could not see it, but hopefully she would feel the warning. "What did I say about keeping that information private until a point in the future?" he hissed through gritted teeth. Glancing up at the others, he spoke in response to their questioning looks, "I assure you, the necessity for privacy is only temporary and nothing personal. It's mainly to do with… an object associated with the field trip itself."

Katara put her hands on her hips. "And what is this object, Your Majesty?"

Zuko gulped at her. "Uh… that's also secret. For now."

"Well, I'll get one of you to crack pretty soon anyway, so no beef. And by 'one of you', I mean you, Sparky." Sokka waved a hand and went back to his place, dabbing his tearstained face with his napkin. "My psycho nurse doesn't want me eating too unhealthy, so I'm gonna engulf every dessert here." He surveyed the dishes on the table eagerly. "Also, Zuko, make some cactus juice happen! Aside from celebrating the end of the War, Suki and I now know for sure we'll be alive enough to have a wedding."

Aang touched his head uncertainly. "Make some more napkins happen, too. I think everyone cried all over my head."

"Nah, that was just me," said Sokka with a shrug. And the laughter struck up again.

The last time Zuko had been the sole pilot of Appa, he was on a mission with Katara – at first, she had sat behind him, the acrimony and uncertainty pulsating around her; reuniting with the rest of Team Avatar, the acrimony had gone, replaced by a different kind of warmth, and also a different kind of uncertainty. Now, another girl sat behind him in Appa's saddle – a younger, blind, earthbending girl. And this time, with this new mission he had struck up, he could feel the excitement buzzing around Toph.

Ever since Zuko realised what he felt for Katara, he had planned to give her a gift, a token of sorts. It would be something that held meaning for both of them, even if their relationship did not last very long – but Zuko did not like to think of that. Presently, that was simply unfathomable. But he knew exactly what he wanted to get her. The means of acquiring it had posed a problem, until he realised that Toph would be the perfect candidate for travelling with him and collecting it. She had been secretly upset that she did not go on a supposedly life-changing field trip with Zuko, and this journey to acquire Katara's gift was an ideal opportunity to make up for it. She happened to be an earthbender, further cementing her suitability for being a part of his mission. And furthermore, he could escape giving her a foot massage. He did not think she remembered, but he certainly did.

"By the way, Sparky, this means you don't owe me that foot rub anymore."

Zuko raised his eyebrow. "I'm, uh, impressed you remembered."

Toph lounged against the saddle's rim – her overall relaxed body language a contrast with her arms, which were tightly fastened around a loop in the rim like two intertwining ropes. "How could I ever forget? I mean, if we'd gone through with it, I'd have a story to tell my grandkids. Ended a big-ass war? Pfft, who cares about that? I got a foot rub from the prince of the Fire Nation, kids."

Zuko snorted. "Sorry to disappoint."

"Well, if you're that sorry-"

"Trust me, I'm not," said Zuko quickly.

"But if you ever mess up in the future – which you probably will – I'm right here to be given a foot massage." Toph sat up, grinning widely. "And my story can be even grander – a foot rub from the Fire Lord! Ha!" She gave an exaggeratedly content sigh and settled down again. "It's great to be well-connected."

Zuko chuckled as they entered a forest of clouds, sinking into silence. Appa gave a low grumble in remembrance of the times that Team Avatar were travelling the world, still trying to end the War. All three of them could, in that moment, realise and savour that this mission was different. This was a happier mission, a more light-hearted one – although Team Avatar had had their share of merry times in the skies, there was always the heavy, dreadful awareness of what their ultimate mission was. As they soared to another island, caught in the wispy, unconcerned netting of clouds and the clear, bright morning light rejuvenated with the passing of Sozin's Comet, they smiled to themselves to know that this foreboding weight had been shed from them.

Zuko reclined against the outer side of the saddle's rim, his dark hair blown back from his forehead, allowing the calm light to momentarily shine on his face as they broke out of one flock of clouds and into another. "Do you know where we are, Toph?"

"I hope you're not asking 'cause you don't know, otherwise I will push you off this bison."

Zuko rolled his eyes. "Like you'd succeed-"

"Heck yeah, I would-"

"Not the point, Toph! I was trying to tell you that we're in the clouds."

Toph relaxed out of her upright pose of indignation. "Actually, I can tell. The air feels, tastes and smells different in the clouds. I bet it looks different, too," she added in a biting, sing-song voice, smirking before resting her head on the rim.

Zuko chuckled. "Well done." Suddenly, he frowned, something occurring to him. "Toph."

"Yeah, Sparky?"

"Seeing as this is a life-changing field trip, aren't we meant to be talking about something?"

A pause. "I thought it's all about doing something life-changing."

"That part's covered, but we also end up… talking about something." Zuko cringed. "About stuff. I think," he added under his breath, thinking back to his field trip with Aang. Every conversation with Aang somehow turns either deep or philosophical. Surely we had a deep conversation…? "I'm not much of an instigator of heart-to-heart speeches, believe me, but I know you were looking forward to this… field trip, and you had a lot going on with your parents, um, so… I-"

Toph laughed loudly. "Aw, Sparky, are you trying not to be a disappointing field trip guide? I guess I'll tell Katara not to dump you, after all-"

"What?" Zuko spun to look at her.

Toph burst into a fit of chuckles. "Calm down, Sparky. You're as humourless as your girlfriend. If she does have plans to dump you, I don't know them – and if I did, I wouldn't tell you so easy." She grinned. Zuko's face fell into a deadpan expression as he stiffly turned around to face the sky ahead, his shoulders hunched. Toph wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Ah, good times. So you wanna talk about some deep stuff, huh? What's on your mind? Papa Fire-breath?"

Zuko sighed. "You have to do the deep talking, not me." He thought for a moment and decided to humour her. "I was actually going to visit him, ask him about my mother."

"When?"

"In the near future – not just yet. Ozai isn't my priority, but I know now that I can get him talking about it. There's no way he can avoid it anymore. And if he tries to lie to me again…"

"You'd better not do anything too dumb, y'know."

"Tch, I know, but it's tempting. I'm closer to getting more information about where my mother really is – I can feel it, and that's why I'm anticipating this meeting. But I won't be putting everything else on hold. I don't want Ozai to feel like he's important enough to distract from my new duties." Zuko suddenly felt weary discussing his father. The last time he had seen the man was on the Day of Black Sun, where he had finally confronted Ozai and shook himself from his influence. Zuko was not looking forward to seeing him again – the mere thought was draining. The only thing guiding him to do this was the prospect of finding his mother, and just as soon as he felt exhausted by thoughts of his father, his mother's smiling face in his memories lit him up and restored him, returning him to the mission at hand.

Just as he was about to prod Toph to talk about her issues – as was meant to be the custom of the epic field trips, he thought with a dry expression – Zuko caught a glimpse of a familiar sight beyond a ribbon of clouds. "Your stalling was successful, Toph – congratulations. But there'll be plenty of time for you to talk on the return trip," he reminded her smugly. As they broke out of the clouds once more, Appa descending swiftly towards the mass of wild, green land before them, Zuko updated her: "We're about to land on Rongyan Shui."

Monday – Zuko's coronation and festivities.

Katara paused in the corridor leading to Zuko's chambers, catching a glimpse of her reflection in one of the many mirrors which had been draped with heavy, ostentatious curtains, as though they were windows. The Fire Nation attendants had done a wonderful job of preparing her for the coronation, much to her surprise – the bubbly women had fluttered around her, saying she had so much potential but there was too much to be done, attacking Katara with so many combs and lotions and backhanded compliments that she was fairly certain she would look overdone. But now she was pleasantly stunned – despite her natural modesty, she thought she looked… quite nice.

The fighting had concluded, and that meant she did not have to wear rough gloves and boots. Katara smiled at the girl in the mirror, wearing a subtle touch of makeup and decked in her elegant, lilac robe with plum piping that matched the long ribbon fastened around her waist; near the thick piping at the edges of the soft cloth, indigo beads formed intricate patterns. It was akin to a proper dress, but merely in the style of her beloved Water Tribe, with airy, white material coating her legs beneath the skirt and soft white shoes meekly poking out from under the hem. She was amused and delighted, though, when the attendants decided to do her "signature" hairstyle, rather than her alternative Fire Nation hairstyle or anything too flamboyant and, frankly, silly. However, they only had one change – one which Katara welcomed: the placement of a fire lily in her hair, where some of her dark locks were twisted to form a bun.

Just as she turned from the mirror, she heard voices from Zuko's dressing room a short way away. If she had not recognised the one voice, Katara would have gone right inside – but she knew who Zuko was speaking to, and it piqued her curiosity enough to convince her to eavesdrop. Easing close, Katara pressed her back against the wall beside the doorway, listening.

"Yes, I'll admit I didn't expect her to help me in so many different ways. I didn't expect things to go that way, especially not with Katara, but I'm glad they did," Zuko was saying with a hint of frustration but also finality. "Look, Mai, I'm being honest when I say that I did not cheat on you – my relationship with Katara began long after we ended it. I don't want to cause you pain."

A sigh. "All right. I'll believe you. I don't care if you're with someone else now, but if I find out you went behind my back while-"

"I told you I didn't!"

"I'm not your girlfriend. You don't get to raise your voice at me anymore," said Mai dryly.

"I'm aware. Thanks for reminding me," he said sarcastically.

Another sigh. "But you're gonna be the Fire Lord in a few minutes, so I guess that counts for something," she said in her lugubrious, offhand tone, the volume of her voice changing, as though she were walking around the room. "Good luck, by the way." And then, almost a murmur, injected with a touch more emotion than Katara had ever heard from her: "I'm proud, you know. I'm capable of that much."

Katara felt a pang in her chest in response to Mai's statement. Up until that point, she would have believed that Mai held nothing but some bitterness for Zuko – after that utterance, in addition to the venom, she detected traces of longing that Mai had probably unintentionally laced with her confession of pride. It was not the fact that she expressed pride for Zuko's accomplishments, but the way in which she expressed it; remnants of affection and sentiment shackled to the trademark detached tone, rendering her voice less audible and more intimate. Katara briefly wondered if she should act possessive and assert Zuko as her territory, but something held her back, keeping her pressed against the wall. She trusted Zuko, especially after all they had been through together, and while she was uncomfortable with Mai's nearly undetected longing, perhaps feeling a tad threatened in response to it, she had enough sympathy for Mai to feel as though it would be rude and unfair to interrupt.

"Thank you, Mai. I didn't get to tell you, but we're grateful for the part you played – we didn't expect you to help us at the Boiling Rock, but we truly appreciate that you did, Mai."

Outside in the corridor, Katara's brow steadily creased into a curious frown when Mai did not respond for a few long moments.

Zuko cleared his throat after the laboured silence. "So when is your wedding?"

Outside in the corridor, Katara gawked.

"Wan says Omashu is pretty in the spring, and that's a special season for the Earth Kingdom or whatever. I don't care, so it's whenever."

"You haven't set a date?"

"We have."

"And you don't know it? Because, let me guess, you don't care?"

Mai gave a small snort. "True, but I do know the date. I just don't want you there."

"Why not? I thought the Fire Lord is meant to attend nobles' weddings."

Mai sighed. "I can't have you there, Zuko," she said, a note louder than her base tone, tinges of frustration evident in her voice. "Just like I can't be at your wedding."

Katara covered her hand with her mouth, more evidence of Mai's emotions surfacing. She edged closer to the doorframe, craning her neck enough to catch a glimpse of Zuko leaning beside the window and Mai diagonally facing him across a few feet, her back to the doorway, fists clenched. Katara hauled herself back against the wall, her breath coming slowly and deeply out of worry that the sound would be heard.

"I'm sorry you feel that way," said Zuko with quiet sincerity. "Honestly, Mai. I'm so sorry for hurting you, but I believe you'll be happier with Wan than you would with me. I know you will. I wish you all the best."

"Please. Wan is just a marriage of convenience – he's rich and influential enough to please my parents, smart enough not to bother me, and our future home is in a colony far from here. I've never been in love and I doubt I am with him," she said, her tone acidic. "But it doesn't matter. I have a question for you."

It was Zuko's turn to sigh, resigned. "What is it?"

"Are you gonna marry Katara?"

A pause. "I don't kn-"

Mai chuckled, a laconic, peculiarly airless sound. "Thought so. You don't know if you should because it'll polarise your people, and whatever people she has. You don't know because she's Water Tribe, she's not noble or royal, and then there are whatever flaws you two have." Her voice hardened further. Upon observing this superficially, one would assume that her friendship with Azula was fitting, but Mai's sudden, callous lashing out unfurled more wounded feelings than the intended anger and desire to hurt. No, if Mai had effectively disguised it all along, this would be the moment when she revealed herself to be, indeed, hurting. "I expected indecision from you – I only hope it won't take effect when you have to sort out the colonies."

"Actually, I was going to say I don't know if I should be sharing that information with anyone, but I'll give you a more decisive response to humour you: If she'll have me, I might marry her, because she's given me every reason to." Some footsteps. "As much as I'd like to make things right between us – and I really would – I need to get ready for my coronation. Excuse me, Mai."

Another brief silence, into which poured Mai's last, icy words to Zuko before she departed. "Goodbye, Your Majesty."

Katara was distracted, mesmerised by what Zuko said; her hand rested on her burning cheek, her heart whirring inside her chest – and therefore she jumped when Mai stormed through the doorway. Mai froze in her path, realising Katara had been listening to the exchange within the room. "He's all yours," she said, before hastily stalking along the corridor.

Dumbstruck and embarrassed that she had been caught, Katara stared after Mai, the implications of that last interaction slowly washing over her. Somehow, as she watched Mai's cloaks billow down the corridor, she had a keen feeling that Mai had no intention of meddling, that Mai had every intention of moving on despite the hurt that might remain. Perhaps even because of the hurt that might remain. And while Katara did feel relief, the overpowering sentiment she experienced in that moment was a wish for Mai's future to be optimistic. Mai was not the kind to suffer a mental collapse like her former friend, the Fire Princess. She would survive and make herself prosper in the way she wanted, a fate unwittingly expressed in her proud, upright posture; and as she reached the end of the corridor and disappeared around the corner, never to be seen again by the waterbender, Katara looked on with respect for her.

"When are you planning on coming in here?" called Zuko's voice.

She had thought it impossible for her face to grow any hotter. Katara cringed, shuffling into the doorway. "How did you know?"

Zuko stood before the window, one sleeve of his musk inner robe barely clinging to his right shoulder – the pale skin of which bore the stains of bruising, yet comparably less of an impediment than his heavily bandaged torso, concealing Azula's lightning wound and his healing collarbone, still tender after breakage – as he struggled with the opposite sleeve. In spite of this apparently pitiable image, he managed to project an exceptionally cocky smirk. "I'm the Blue Spirit – don't underestimate me."

Katara gawked for the second time on the day of the coronation. "You never told me that!"

"Uh, that's another story for another day." Zuko's cheeks reddened as he rubbed the back of his neck with his good arm. "Right now, you should probably just help me out before I get late."

Katara tittered, the corner of her mouth lifting as she drew closer to him. "Don't you have people for this sort of thing, Your Majesty?"

"This needs to stop. I enjoy it far too much when you call me that."

It was as though he read her mind.

Before she could search for Sokka's hand, he reached down, firmly enveloping hers in his bony, reassuring fingers. Katara allowed herself to grasp it too tightly as the tears freely flowed from her eyes. On her other side was Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe, covered in armour and battle scars, standing in the first row of the gathered soldiers and dignitaries and ordinary people, a leader in the revolutionary movement along with his two children. But when he noticed Katara's tears, he was simply her father, and he was finally here, and he was holding her remaining hand, and for the first time in a long time, she knew with the deepest certainty that he was here to stay. Through her silent tears, Katara continued to watch Zuko, standing tall on the platform beside Aang, as he gave his first speech as the Fire Lord.

"Today, this war is finally over. I promised my uncle that I would restore the honour of the Fire Nation, and I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided. But with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path, and begin a new era of love and peace."

Throughout this journey, Katara had definitely cried – out of fear, worry, anxiety or utter sadness and devastation. But there were odd moments in which she shed tears of relief and hope. This was one of those odd moments – but only partly. This time… it was also happiness in its purest, truest form.

A/N:

NO THIS ISN'T THE END OF THE STORY. I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT THE LAST CHAPTER. I ONLY GET TO SAY "THE END" NEXT CHAPTER.

Cool? :3

Soz, I thought it was necessary for that to be very noticeable. :P But yes, this is only the penultimate chapter, one on which I took extremely long, I know. I wanted to be completely happy with it before posting, y'see. Plus I know how much everyone liked the "Sokka's Diary" chapter, including me, so here we are! I hope you enjoyed this one! Thanks for reading this far. OwO Also, yes, that bit of Zuko's speech in the last segment is a direct quote from the last episode. Disclaimer disclaimer disclaimer not mine and all that jazz.

Quick explanation for the delay: 2014 was a very traumatising, exciting, emotional and important year for me. In addition to that, I also managed to be submerged in an existential crisis – the effects of which still linger, sadly. :/ I guess this'll make more sense in my final A/N for this story (next chapter), in which I elaborate slightly for the purpose of an epic farewell and whatnot. Or not. I'll probably be too lazy by then.

(If you're interested, I'm feeling much better and very much looking forward to the rest of 2015! :D Woooo. Sorry for taking forever, though. In addition to existential crisising ((wahey, a new verb)), I'm also a horrible procrastinator.)

If you have any thoughts on this chapter or questions etc., feel free to let me know! :D I totally have time. My social life isn't thriving enough to keep me fully occupied. :D