Author: DuHSPaZZiNGFeL

AN: The series finale was amazing. There are no words to describe it
really. If only there was more. Yes. I cried while writing this.
It's very hard to let go of something that you love, in my case, the
story that Mike and Bryan graciously created. This was a story that
taught me something, and through the italicized wording at the
beginning and ending of each chapter, you'll find out just a little
of what I have learned. I made all of them up, except for the quote
at the beginning of Part 2. I thought that line was beautiful, so I
added that in.

Disclaimer: Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko created it,
not me. If anyone meets them, make sure to say "thank you" for me.
-

Innocence Part 1: Purifying Light

People always look to the world for a new meaning, but the world
would have no meaning if it weren't for the people. People create
stories, and thus they are told, heard, and seen. The world would be
nothing if it weren't for the stories people tell, and no story
would have a meaning if they weren't understood. The stories that
teach you something are always to the heart, and when they reach
your heart it is hard to turn back. They are unforgettable and
pleasing to the mind.
Stories are doors to the heart. They can teach you something when
you look for the right something, and can affect you in every which
way.

People always say that your surroundings shape your personality, but
you are the one that chooses your surroundings. Opening yourself up
to new ideas, places, things, can help you to understand yourself,
and everything you open yourself up to goes to your heart as long as
you let it in.

I looked to the sky, the bright orange and blue lights colliding and
reflecting in my eyes. At my side, Prince Zuko, as he slowly
attempted to pull himself on the giant flying bison sitting on the
palace courtyard. As I gently pulled him up with my right arm
dangling from Appa's head, he grabbed it gratefully and sat in awe
and wonder at the sight willing to unfold in the sky. No; I did not
know what was happening and neither did he, but I had this gut
feeling that it was all the work of the Avatar.

Panic filled my chest when I saw the innocent blue beam start to
dissipate within the confines of what I presumed to be a horrible
orange light. Then, suddenly, the blue took over, and the sky
illuminated with fierce beauty. And as quickly as it came, it faded.
By this point Zuko and I were soaring frantically through the air on
the back of Appa. The comet had passed and we could see that it was
late night.

"Katara," he said to me, "what do you think that was?"

I was at the head, steering with the ropes attached to the beast's
horns and turned to glance at him with a worried expression. "I
don't know. But one thing's for sure; we have to get to the source
fast." I turned my head back to the front, my eyes filled with utter
determination. "Yip, yip."

By the time Appa had landed, Zuko and I were on the tip of the Earth
Kingdom. The light had seemed so far away, but yet so close, and I
knew for a fact that this was the place it had all started. Besides
my gut feeling, there was clearly proof all around us. Ruins of Fire
Nation air ships were scattered throughout the water's edge and the
place was completely deserted. They were already gone.

I was so sure that the whole world could've seen that light, for it
had so suddenly filled the sky. But what caught my attention the
most was when both of us were on a land that was covered in tall
rock structures, with destruction and burns that scarred their sides.

Zuko was walking around and then he looked at me. "So this was it.
This was where Aang faced my father." He looked around more until he
finally came to stop at the edge of the rocky structure that we
stood atop of. "I can feel it. The only problem is, we have no idea
where any of them are. Everyone left 

already. All we have to do now is find out where they've gone."

"What if..." my voice trailed off. He nodded to encourage me to
continue. "What if Aang isn't okay?"

"Katara, all we can do now is hope."

I clenched my fists and willed myself not to scream in frustration.
I furrowed my eyebrows and slanted my head to the side, eyes
closed. "Where do you think they could've went, Zuko?" I tried so
hard to keep my voice steady, but I guessed that he sensed that I
was having some trouble because he placed a hand on my shoulder and
then took it off after a second.

"C'mon," Zuko said, "The only place I could think of that would be
reasonable for Sokka to plan to return to is the Fire Nation
capital. They would want to go to the right place in order to tell
the news, whether we've won, or whether we've lost."

My eyes still sealed shut, I nodded my head and then he spoke
again. "We will be at the Fire Nation in about an hour or two. I can
steer. Besides, the sun is starting to rise. It must've been a long
battle."

I helped him onto Appa once more, being careful to not over exercise
his wound from Azula and I got on myself, willing him to steer. In
fact, the sky was still a little on the dark side, only getting
slightly bluer as we flew, but I kept telling myself that everything
was going to be alright, that Aang would be okay.

"But Zuko," I saw him nod his head as he kept staring at the front
of us, "Wouldn't we have passed them?"

He shrugged it off and said, a small ounce of annoyance in his
voice, "Well, they're not there are they?"

I could only guess where he was coming from. There really wasn't any
other choice we had, and Sokka wasn't stupid enough to go further
into the Earth Kingdom to deliver this kind of news. I knew my
brother, but I just hoped everyone was alive. For all I knew, my
brother could be badly hurt, Toph could be too, and so could Suki.
But what about Aang? He was clearly in the fight for his life, and
our lives. I shook my head, angry with my thoughts. He had to come
back.

It was early morning. The sky was bright when we made it back to the
capital, and it was a lighter blue than before. Zuko landed Appa on
the palace grounds, where we had found Azula was being taken away by
burly Earth Kingdom guards. She went insane enough that she willed
herself to stop fighting. That was the last I ever saw of her. But
then realization hit me. Earth Kingdom guards. I looked around to
our surroundings. A Fire Nation blimp here, an Earth Kingdom tank
there, a few animals for transportation, and a few more familiar
faces. I kept looking around. Where was Sokka? Where was Toph and
Suki? Where was the Avatar?

"Katara!"

The sound of my name rang wonderfully in my ears as I saw my brother
limping and being held by Suki and Toph. I could only guess that he
had broken his leg. It wasn't that bad though. I knew he would be
okay and I knew that I could help him. It turned out that they had
come back to the Fire Nation riding on the back of a strange animal.
That was probably why we didn't notice them coming back. I looked
passed them. I looked from Sokka, to Toph, to Suki, and even turned
to Zuko.

I knew for a fact that my expression went from ecstatic to
nothing. "Where is he?" My voice was cold, no emotion within it and
I knew I had worried everyone around me.



Sokka, Toph, and Suki had all reached us and I saw my brother
respond. "Katara he's-"
I cut him off, my tone still cold and unmoving. "Where is he?" I
felt anger rise within myself. How could he just be so uncaring?
This wasn't right. I knew that. Sokka should've told me straight
away.

I felt everyone slightly jump at the coldness of my voice, but I
didn't care, so I just waited for someone, anyone to respond to my
question that I so desperately wanted an answer to.

"Katara, he's right over there." I lifted my gaze to follow Sokka's
pointing finger. I cocked my head to the side a little, curious and
extremely worried, even though I didn't show an ounce of emotion my
facial features.

And lo behold, there he was, carefully pushing himself off of the
eel hound. He looked so tired and worn out and when he did finally
land on the ground of the palace court yard, it was all the way. His
knees gave way and landed first and then he fell forward with his
arms spread out before him. The Avatar did not bother to get up, I
could see it in his fatigue, but I couldn't help but call out to him.

"Aang!" Thrashing past everyone else around me, I ran as swiftly as
possible to the spot only a few yards away. "What an idiot I must
look like," I thought as little by little, tears began streaming
down from my eyes. Time seemed to go in slow motion and the crisp
early morning air suddenly decided to blow toward my line of vision.
I knew that I wasn't exactly aware of anything else in my
surroundings, mostly to the fact that what I could see became
slightly blurred. I could vaguely hear the running footsteps of my
friends following me and the ka-tick of my brother's limping.

It was soon that I had made my abrupt stop on the edge of Aang's
lying form, his body facing down. People started to gather around
him in a circle, pushing me to the side of everything.

They started asking questions among themselves, sounding worried and
curious. Irritation filled me.

"What's wrong with him?" A brawny Earth Kingdom guard asked
another. "Is that the Avatar?" The crowd began nodding their heads,
as in to answer `yes.' The groups further on the courtyard also
seemed to become inquisitive of the matter, as many more people
started to gather and the circle only grew wider and larger.

I felt my friends halt behind me, stopping when I did. Toph became
frantic and I indistinctly heard her say something like, "We have to
get to Twinkle Toes right now." I was in shock. How could these
people, who didn't even know the Avatar, surround him in such a way
that could be just plain insulting? My fury broiled up inside me,
but yet I still was in too much surprise that I didn't even bother
to move a muscle.

"Sokka," I heard Suki say, "Do you have any ideas?"

My brother moved toward me, Zuko helping him walk, and they both
stared at me, concern obviously strewn on their expressions. Then I
heard Sokka talk, "Katara, you know we have to get to him. We can't
just let these strangers come around him like that. It's not right.
He's our friend." He kept looking at me. "Katara?"

I realized that Sokka was correct, for once, on something like this.
He was right. Aang is our friend. We know him; we actually care
about him. He's not just some hero of the world to us. He's more
than that. Then I knew that it was something that all of us agreed
on, and I realized that even our former enemy, Prince Zuko, agreed
on it too. It was friendship that formed this group of ours, family,
and love. All of us cared about each other, "Some more than others,"
I mused. But in spite of everything, I was tense, angered by these
soldiers that dared to encircle Aang like that. They had no right,
and I felt even more concern swarm my friends, my family. I needed
to get to him.

"Alright! That's enough! Everyone out of that way! Get out!" I
screamed at every person who was around Aang, still angered and
tense, but a bold one turned around to gaze at me, a stupid smirk on
his face.



He dared to speak. "Why should we, girl? It's obvious that these
people are just concerned for the Avatar. He is, in fact, a little
worn out. We're just trying to help. Why don't you just help us out,
huh?"

I had no idea if I ever became so angry in my life, but just as I
was about to yell at this dim-witted man's face, my brother had
decided to "yell" at him for me. "She said `get out.' And I would
think that you would obey her."

All the man did was raise an eyebrow, but then Toph's turn came to
speak, fuming and annoyed. "Get of the way, Beefy! We're trying to
get to our friend! If you know what's good for you, you better move
before all of us make the decision to kick your butt!"

The man's appearance just turned from inquiring and arrogant, to
completely amused. "Oh yea?"

Then came Zuko, in all of his anger management glory, roaring at him
until the man knew what was good for him. "GET OUT. The Avatar is
our friend! If you don't believe us then I'm sure we're annoyed
enough at your arrogance to forcefully push you out of the way!"

"Well, I don't believe you. How could the Avatar make friends such
as yourselves? It's basically close to impossible."

I knew it. This man was challenging us. It had already been five
minutes since the circle formed, and I was sure not going to make it
last any longer. Before I knew it, Zuko had shot a flame at the base
of his feet, Toph had lifted a medium-sized stone, Sokka got into a
fighting stance, and of course I then realized that he had lost his
boomerang and sword, Suki did the same, and I pulled out a sliver of
water on him.

"Oh," the man gasped as he stepped to the side, eyes widened and
fear written all over him.

"Good," I said, and then I started to push the crowd out of our
way. "Get out! Get out! Everyone, out!" They left, stunned and some
even turned to the man who was questioning our motives, and I saw
him nod fearfully, eyes still wide. The water I had out was already
back in my pouch and everyone was already back to pushing and
shoving instead of looking eager to fight.

The circle had opened wide for us, as if everyone intentionally
wanted to watch what was going on, but of course, it was a start.
The people stared at us, wondering why children such as ourselves
decided to help the Avatar, but we knew, they didn't.

Finally, I landed at Aang's side, on my knees and tears went back to
forming and brimming in my eyes. I felt Sokka being helped to kneel,
along with Suki, Toph, and even Zuko. We were all right beside him,
but I was the one to turn his face-down position to right-side-up.
Gently I turned him, but still keeping him in a lying down position.

My voice was gentle as I said his name, the people seemed to watch
even more closely around us, but I chose to try and ignore
them. "Aang?" My eyes were still on the verge of tears when he
opened his silver eyes to look up at me.

He shook his head a little, as if trying to get focused. "Katara?
What happened? What are you doing here?" The crowd seemed to gasp in
amazement at his knowledge of my name, and they seemed to lean even
closer to the scene. I smiled at him and I was so overjoyed that I
embraced him as he sat up to look around. He appeared to be a little
surprised as he lifted his arms to hug me back. I was completely
aware that I was crying.

The crowd gasped again and some even started to clap. Then, soon,
the entirety of the grounds was filled with applause. I was beaming
but I was still crying, and I felt Sokka, Toph, Suki, and even Zuko
join in on the hug. By this time, the whole throng of people was
bursting in approval.



But then everything went silent when I spoke. "Aang, I'm so glad
you're okay!" I pulled him closer and the rest of our group
separated themselves from the embrace and watched from the side,
while still kneeling. Toph felt everything going around her and had
her hand firmly pressed onto the ground and was smiling.

"Why wouldn't I be okay?" He said this to me as he was still hugging
me back, and my eyes were sealed shut, my smile still plastered on
my face with tears of joy falling from my cheeks.

"Wait," he stated when he comprehended something, "Katara, are you
crying?" He pulled a little bit away to look at me. "Why are you
crying?" My eyes were opened at this moment, tears still coming
down, but I couldn't help but smile. I decided not to answer the
question.

"Are you alright?" He kept asking me questions.

Then, I finally decided to answer. "I'm just so happy that you're
alright." I hugged him even tighter and smiled even brighter. "Next
time you have to face a world changing battle, you have to make sure
that you're not hurt again."

Aang retorted, slightly confused. "But I'm not-"

Of course I didn't let him finish and pulled a little away to look
at him this time. "But nothing. Then explain why you decided to pass
out?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

"I-"

"Yes. You did get hurt. You're tired and I could only imagine what
Ozai could've done to you. Don't you ever do that to me again. I was
worried sick and I couldn't bear to lose you again." At the thought
of losing him again, I had a flashback in my mind to the Earth
Kingdom city of Ba Sing Se. I started to sob.

He opened his mouth to try and speak without being interrupted, but
I interrupted anyway. "And yes. I do know that I sound like a mother
right now." He and I cracked a smile.

I pulled him up so that he was standing, everyone else that was
kneeling followed. The people started to overflow with applause yet
again and the people were laughing. I was still uncontrollably
weeping and Aang stood up with me. As he stood up, I could only
imagine such a wonderful sound as the applause only grew louder.

"To the Avatar!" Sokka had said it, punching his fist into the
morning air, and the people could only repeat it with everyone else.

"To the Avatar!"

Innocence Part 2: Of Love and Peace

The true mind can weather all lies and illusions without being lost.
The true heart can touch the poison of hatred without being harmed.
From beginningless time, darkness thrives in the void, but always
yields to purifying light.

It had been about one week since Aang had defeated Ozai, but people
kept asking him non-stop questions on the final battle. He was still
a little worn out, and he had a couple of bandages wrapped on his
arms and legs. I mean, who wouldn't come out with a scratch or two
from the biggest battle of your life?

Today was the day of Prince Zuko's coronation. Everyone was excited
for the Fire Nation to finally come around to better the world. But
I wasn't with everyone else. I was a little distant, but I couldn't
ever remember being this happy in my whole entire life. Aang came to
me as I was sitting peacefully next to some turtle-duck pond. He was
wearing a robe over his bandages, and a pair of new pants. He came
to sit next to me after a moment or two.

"Is there…anything wrong?" Aang spoke in the softest voice I could
imagine. It sounded so gentle and caring, that I only turned to him
in awe as I answered back.

"Thank you," I said to him, smiling like I've never smiled before.

"For what?"

"What do you mean, `For what?' For everything. You saved the world
Aang, and most of all, you came back. You're alive." I smiled again
as I pulled him into yet another hug. I still couldn't get over the
fact that there was some huge possibility that he would not come
back from his battle with Ozai. But from the stories I heard my
brother tell, it was amazing. I heard that Aang was in the Avatar
State for some time, mastering all four elements and having them
under his control. I also heard that the great orange and blue
lights were some part of a spectacular act that I would probably
never understand. For so long we've been egging him on to
permanently end Firelord Ozai's life, but Aang said himself, over
and over again, that the way he defeated Ozai was by taking away his
firebending. It was only then that I truly realized what a wonderful
person Aang really is. He shows compassion even to those who almost
certainly don't deserve it. I was more than grateful for his
presence, and for his undeniable kindness.

Aang chuckled but then slightly reeled back and clutched his
bandaged leg. He was breathing hard, but managed to say, "Well then,
you're welcome."

It was so like Aang to try and ignore something to make the scene a
happy one, but I saw right through his happy expression. I knew he
was in pain. He was happy, but he hurt.

I gasped and took some water from my pouch, enclosed my hands with
it and soothed his leg with the water. His breathing slowed down and
he let out a sigh.

"Wow," he said, "That's some water. Thank you Katara."

I grinned at him and hugged him briefly once again before pulling
away. I was about to stand when I heard footsteps coming from our
left.

A servant had arrived at the humble little garden that Aang and I
were currently residing in. She had on an elegant red robe with
golden flower patterns on the sleeves, and her hair was up in a Fire
Nation top knot with a Fire Lilly stuck inside it. She was holding
some sort of package in her hands. Zuko had definitely made this
place a lot better than it used to be.

"It is time," she said, and we both knew what she meant. Aang and I
nodded at each other and I started to walk towards the palace
entrance beyond the garden gates. But before I reached the exit, I
caught a brief explanation from the servant.



"Avatar Aang, these are your new clothes. Prince Zuko had them
especially made for you. They are authentic in the ways of the Air
Nomads and he deeply hopes that you like them. It is only fitting
that you wear the proper clothing for this special occasion."

Then, I was out of earshot as I walked through the gates and into
the palace courtyard. I have to admit, I was incredibly curious.

I made my way through the many people awaiting the entrance of their
crown prince and the Avatar. As I was apparently an important figure
now, and friends with the Avatar and the Firelord-to-be, I was
escorted to the front by two more servants in elegant robes.

I hesitantly took my standing place next to my brother, who now had
bandages around his broken leg and carried a crutch around with him.
He smiled at me and I gladly returned the gesture. We had just
reunited with my father, Hakoda of the Water Tribe, and found out
that Ty Lee had joined the newly freed Kyoshi Warriors. Today was
truly an eventful one.

Many moments passed by and finally, the crowd was silenced. A loud
symbol rang throughout the yard. My eyes turned toward the source
and I saw the crown prince stepping out onto the stage set before
us. No one spoke a word, then, suddenly, we all exploded with
plaudits.

I saw Zuko hold up his hand, and as suddenly as it started, everyone
stopped.

"Please," he said with such reverence in his voice that it was
almost tear-jerking, "The real hero is the Avatar."

My eyes widened and I felt everyone around me grow tense. Then I saw
the most beautiful sight in my life. The Avatar stepped out into the
clearing, right beyond Zuko. He looked so happy and full of joy that
your heart could break on the spot. My eyes watered, although I
don't know why. Just the sight gave me, and I'm sure so many other
people around me, such a heart ache that many gave out a gasp.

He wore brand-new clothing. Air Nomad clothing. A wooden necklace
with beads was draped elegantly around his neck with the symbol for
air carved nicely onto it, a new collar of orangey-yellow fabric and
a light orange robe-like fabric around him. He wore a dark orange
belt and soft-yellow pants. This was amazing. My appreciation for
his heroics as the Avatar expanded greatly that day. His soft gray
eyes were staring right past the throng and into the sky. My
appreciation for Zuko also grew too. "What a wonderful friend Aang
must've made," I thought. So this was how he repaid Aang besides
helping him restore balance. He gave him back his lost culture.

"Today, this war is finally over. I promised my uncle that I would
restore the honor 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. "

I have never heard Zuko make a speech so touching. I looked to Aang
and saw him look at Zuko.

"All hail Firelord Zuko!" The Fire sages had said it well as they
were proudly crowning his head with a shining, golden crown shaped
like a flame. He walked up seriously to the front and edge of the
steps and happily motioned the Avatar to do so too. They looked at
each other, and I had never seen such a great friendship in both of
their eyes.

The crowd cheered loudly for the Avatar, the world's last hope for
peace and hero, and the Firelord who would restore his nation's
honor and balance.



I clapped so loudly that I think my hands must've turned red.
Everyone was so happy. The war was over after one-hundred years.
Finally, after all those stories my grandmother used to tell me,
that in the old days it was a time of peace, that the Avatar kept
balance between the Water Tribes, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and
Air Nomads. But then everything changed when the Fire Nation
attacked. I remember her saying that only the Avatar mastered all
four elements, and that he was the only one that could stop the
ruthless firebenders, but when the world needed him most, he
vanished. And finally, after all of that time I realized that if it
weren't for me and for Sokka, the world wouldn't have been saved and
none would know about the boy in the iceberg.

Innocence Part 3: A New Era

When you look at the face of a person who is a stranger to you, you
never think of the things that might matter to them. Like, whether
they lost a mother or someone they loved, whether they had to live a
secret double life because of controlling parents, if they had a
father that never really cared, or even if they were destined to
save the world some day.

Think about it. You can't change the course a life has already
taken. It could be for the better, or it could be for the worse, but
in brute sense, it is the only destiny one will ever know.

I could hear all the joy filled children laughing and playing
outside. I could say that it was a typical day in Ba Sing Se, but it
still is taking some time for me to get used to. There was no more
conspiracy and the Earth King had finally taken his rightful place
on the throne once again. He had grown to be one of the most humble
kings in Ba Sing Se's history.

I honestly couldn't believe how peaceful the whole world seemed now.
Everyone was so happy and all the soldiers had finally come home
from war. There was no more fighting, only peace, and as our little
group walked through the happy streets of Ba Sing Se, we could all
sense it their eyes. Aang was walking right beside me, with Sokka to
his left, then Suki, and then Toph. We were on our way to meet
Firelord Zuko, his Uncle Iroh, and Mai at the tea shop.

Sometimes it was hard to believe that the war was over. I mean, it
was a hundred years. So basically there barely are enough people
around here who remember what it was like before the Century War
even started, of course, there is King Bumi of Omashu and Aang.

Two months had passed by already, and the world was just getting
used to their new lives. It was unbelievable and an extremely
beautiful sight to see. And it really was all thanks to Avatar Aang.
He is a fully realized Avatar now, harnessing all four elements with
great mastery. It was such a wonder that only a year ago he was
still stuck in some iceberg and then he suddenly had the weight of
the world on his shoulders, only to be told that he had to defeat
the Firelord before Sozin's Comet arrived by the end of the summer.
He had to master all of the elements in less than a year. It is so
amazing to know how much he's grown since then, and he has become
one of the most powerful Avatars the world has ever known.



I saw some people bow in respect at the sight of him. Some even went
to the lengths of bowing and reverently saying, "Avatar Aang." I was
glad that the people of the world had grown to deeply respect him,
and all Aang did was smile and nod in acknowledgement. He had done
so much for them, and yet only preferred so little in return. All
Aang wanted was for the world to be in balance again, and for the
people he saved to be happy once again. Of course they were, but
sometimes I wondered why Aang should be so kind? He was chased by
them, taunted by them, and even attacked by these people. But I
guess I should've known. Aang is pure of heart and would never allow
a grudge to be held inside him; that showed when he refused to kill
Ozai.

"Hey guys, we're finally here! I can feel Zuzu's footsteps around
the shop!" Toph had spoken out, dressed in graceful new clothing
that was a green robe with long sleeves and intricate golden
patterns adorning it. She unseeingly pointed to the shop's front
door and Sokka jumped up excitedly.

"Yes," he said, "Lychee Tea!"

Everyone laughed at his new found desire for Iroh's tasty blends of
tea and Suki grabbed his arm and walked with him to the front steps,
Toph following close behind.

"So let's go inside then." Aang turned to me and motioned to follow
him. I gladly accepted and walked up the steps behind everyone else,
my light green, new robe flowing behind me, and I placed a hand on
my pink flower that was pinned onto the back of my head.

A gust of clean air hit my face as the doors grandly opened for the
five of us. Appa and Momo were already outside of the shop, waiting
for us, and Zuko and Mai delightedly greeted us.

It was so surprising that after two whole months, Mai finally got
some sort of emotions, and even more to the fact that I used to be
enemies with her.

I saw Aang quietly settle himself onto the floor with Momo and
moving a small air ball up and down with the flick of his hand, his
Air Nomad clothing ruffling underneath him. Sokka smiled and
unrolled a piece of large parchment and took out a paintbrush and a
bottle of ink from his Earth Kingdom bag. He sat down on a chair by
a nearby wooden table. Zuko started to walk around, serving Sokka's
adored Lychee Tea, while Iroh played a lovely tune on his Tsungi
Horn. Toph, being Toph, slapped herself to lay down on top of
another one of the wooden tables and waited patiently for her fair
share of tea. Mai and Suki, in their new Earth Kingdom robes sat
down to play Pai Sho and seemed to concentrate really hard. I stood
right beside them, watching them play.

Until, my older brother said, "Zuko, stop moving! I'm trying to
capture the moment. I wanted to do a painting, so we always remember
the good times together," he placed his brush on his unrolled
parchment and made a gentle stroke with it.

I walked up to him and looked at the painting, saying, "That's very
thoughtful of you, Sokka." But of course, by brother being the way
he is, I couldn't help but add, "Wait. Why did you give me Momo's
ears?"

He said that they were my "hair loopies." Sure, I can believe that,
right?

"At least you don't look like a boarcupine. My hair is not that
spiky." Zuko said, obviously a little insulted at Sokka's odd
painting of "the good times."

Mai walked up behind the Firelord and raised her eyebrows. "I look
like a man." That must be a bit odd, seeing as Mai definitely is not
a man.



Poor, poor Sokka; he must really be in for it from her and Zuko when
this is over.

"Why did you paint me firebending?" Of course he would all of a
sudden ruin it when he paints his girlfriend firebending. Well, nice
move big brother.

"I thought it would look more exciting that way." As much as I love
my brother, he can be so off sometimes. I couldn't help but crack a
smile. Even after all of this time, Sokka still has it in him. It
really makes me think of the future, of the times we had together,
during and after the Century War. But I guess some things never
change.

I heard Iroh say, "Hey, my belly's not that big anymore. I really
trimmed down." Then Toph walked over to the front of the table,
ginning and all, "Well I think you all look perfect!" Classic Toph.
Everyone burst out in happy laughter. Just to think, two months ago
the world was still in horrible turmoil, and I can't believe that I
played one of the biggest roles in ending it.

Then I noticed someone missing. I turned my head a little and saw
Aang petting Appa for the shortest of moments, smiling with ecstasy
and it was never wiped off his face. It seemed all too perfect.

He walked out to the outside of the Jasmine Dragon, his back turned
to all of us. He was staring out to the sky on the balcony and
watched as the sun was beginning to set on this peaceful horizon. I
looked down and smiled, following him quietly to the outside. He
didn't seem to hear my footsteps when I walked right beside him. I
was smiling, and I knew it. There couldn't have been a happier
moment. I looked at him, and after a couple seconds, he turned to
look at me.

I blushed, but not without making sure I still had a smile. I
couldn't have imagined it any other way. We were so close. I touched
his shoulder and turned him around, embracing him so tight that I
felt him hug back. I opened by eyes to look down at him as I did so,
and I think he might've too.

We then broke apart and turned to look at the beautiful sunset, eyes
always happy and expressions never changing.

Then, I took my turn. I looked at him sideways, and he turned to
face me. I knew that at this very moment, I was ready. With all the
love that I could muster, I leaned forward and kissed him. I closed
my eyes and he closed his. I gently touched his face, caressing it
within my grasp. His skin felt so right and I was overflowing with
joy.

Aang leaned forward more, kissing me back as I wrapped my arms
around his neck and his were gently around my waist. We both tilted
our heads and it deepened. We pulled each other closer, as if
willing to never let go. This moment was all too perfect. All those
enclosed emotions, feelings of love toward each other were finally
revealed in such a blissful moment. I held him tight, making sure to
add the passion and love for him into this kiss, because I knew that
words weren't needed. They weren't enough.

It felt so pure and full of love. Now this was the unbelievable
experience that I know we've both been waiting for.

After what seemed like a lifetime, we pulled apart, staring into
each other's eyes like we haven't seen the other in years. My arms
were still draped around his neck, and his still on my waist.

It was then that I heard clapping.



"Good job Sugar Queen!" Toph was smiling so brightly that I couldn't
even believe that that was her. Zuko and Mai were standing nearby,
appreciation in their eyes. And my brother seemed so happy with
Suki. They were all clapping joyously, until Sokka finally said, "So
you kissed him first huh, little sister?"

"And Twinkle Toes kissed back. Trust me. I felt everything."

Everyone laughed, but Aang and I still were gazing at each other,
arms still wrapped around the same spots. This time, Aang kissed me.

"And now they're even!" Toph was clapping even louder now as I
leaned in gently. Everything was too perfect.

Love is unbreakable, unbendable. It is patient with the heart, but
quick to the pace. It is fierce, and yet it is kind. Love is the
passion of the human heart that resides in the soul. It is the
doorway to many beginnings, and the exit of poisonous hatred. It
cleanses and keeps, hopes, and dreams.

Love is not something to understand, or to be understood, but shown
within through windows to the soul, the eyes. It is expressionless,
but adoring and is a sign of all that is lost. It gives you the
glory of innocence.

The End

-

This story was inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender.
February 21, 2005-July 19, 2008

Everything was made up by me except for the actual lines from the
show.