This is my first fanfic, but that doesn't mean be gentle...bring on your worst!...well...maybe not, but if there's something wrong or out of place, let me know. At the beginning of every chapter, there will be a recap of the previous chapter's events (i stoll this idea from another writter whos name i will post as soon as i recall it) And if you have any ideas, or things you want to happen, just tell me! Oh, and if i don't update, I am sorry, i will be writting two fanfics at the same time...

Key: "talking" thinking
Ages: Sokka:17 Zuko:17 Katara:15 Aang:13

CHAPTER ONE: The End the the Beginning

Katara gritted her teeth and struggled to keep a hold on Sokka, "Sokka! Aang told us to stay out of it! I want to help just as much as you do! But hes right, theres nothing we can do!"

Sokka growled, "NO! We can't just stand here and watch! We have to help!"

Katara sighed as much as one can while holding onto one's struggling brother, and gritting ones teeth. She wouldn't be able to hold onto Sokka forever. Shelooked upand screamed as a fireball flew past her ear. When she turned her head again Aang and Zuko were still fighting, but now Sokka had join the frey, or was at least attempting to.

Katara sighed again, debating whether to help or not. Aang and Zuko had fighting for about ten minutes, but it seemed like they had been fighting allday, and from the looks of it, Zuko was winning. Aang was panting hard, and there seemed to be no end to the fireballs flying from Zuko's fists. Thats it, we've lost. The fire nation has won.

Zuko stood above the avatar his fist held a flame that would be enough to defeat the avatar, but not kill him. After two years of searching, and two years of chasing, he would finally capture the avatar, and return home to restore his honor. He was just about to relese the flame when something (or someone) hit him hard on the back. The so-called warrior from the nothing watertribe had thrown himself at Zuko causinghim to fly over the avatar.

Zuko rolled over the threw Sokka off of him and charged at the avatar, who had only just been able to stand up. As he ran, Zuko threw fireball after fireball from his fists. He thought he heard faint calls of "Prince Zuko!", but he ignored them. Soon, he had the upper hand once more. Again he brought held a flame to defeat the avatar. When he heard someone yelling his name again. Unable to ignore the shouts any longer, he debated what to do. The avatar washurt, and had Zuko's knee pressing against his chest, so he probably wouldn't be goinganywhere. The watertribe idiot was knocked out when Zukohad thrown him, and the waterbender girl was standing horrified, with her back against a tree. She was not tied to the tree, but she had not moved from that spot since she had let go of her borther. So Zuko reasoned it would be safe to look up.

Iroh felt like he would not be able to talk for days. He had been yelling his nephew's name since he had left the ship in search of the no-longer-banished prince. Soon he heard shouts and the sound of fireflying through the air. Soon he came to a small clearing. Zuko was standing over the avatar, flame in hand, ready to finish him off.

"Prince Zuko!"

Finallythe scarred teenagerlooked up.

"Uncle?"

"Do not kill the avatar!"

His nephew simple stared at him. As did the avatar, the waterbender, and the watertribe boy (who was rubbing his head and looking very confused.) Slowly the flame died from Zuko's hand, but he did not move from where he stood. Slowly Iroh declared it safe to approach, and walked towards Prince Zuko.

"Prince Zuko, I bring good news, and bad news."

His nefew just stared at him. Then said slowly, "Yes?"

"The good news is, you are no longer banished!"

Aang stared at the old man whom Zuko had called "Uncle"

Zuko was no longer banished...which ment he would no longer have to chase after Aang and his friend. Aang smiled to himself. Then frowned. Maybe the old man was playing a trick on Zuko. But if he really was Zuko's uncle, he would not be kidding about something like that.

Aang frowned and looked up again and saw the Fire Nation Prince with his mouth open. The old man nodded at his nephew and said "That was my reaction as well."

As Zuko began to close his jaw, Iroh quickly said, "I wouldn't close my jaw yet if I were you."
Aang stared at the old man. That was an odd thing to say...very odd...

Zuko stared at his uncle. Not banished? "B-but why? How-"

"I'm not sure how to put this, I'd rather not say right out in the open." Iroh sighed, "...Lord Zuko..."

Sokka stood and brushed himself off, "Lord Zuko?"

"Yeah" Katara stepped closer to the group, "I thought he was a prince."

Both of the avatar's compainions seemed to have declared it safe approach.

Iroh sighed and glanced sideways at his nephew. "Yes, Zuko is now the fire lord. as of three days ago. Fire Lord Ozai passed away."

Zuko's mouth hung open still. Finally he closed his mouth, and said quietly, "Even though my father is now dead. Eh-I did not expect to become Fire Lord. I-I thought Admiral Zhao would-"

"As it is, " Iroh interrupted, "That would have been the case, but the people of the Fire Nation demanded that you become the next Fire Lord. Some, because they wanted the monarchy to remain within the royal bloodline. Others, because they believed you would do what was best for the nation, because of the incident in the war room. Others for reasons only known to them."

"But one thing is for certain, you may return. And when you do, you shall be Fire Lord Zuko."

Aang stared at Zuko until Zuko realized that someone was staring at him. When Zuko looked down, Aang said, "Do you remember, after you had helped me escape, I asked you if you think we could have been friends." Everyone was now staring at Aang, but he continued anyway, "Do you think we can? Now? The war is over, I think we can be friends."

Zuko stared at Aang. Iroh, Sokka, Katara, and Momo, all stared at Aang, then looked at Zuko to see his responce. Zuko looked up at the sky for a moment, then said quietly, "Yeah, we can be friends." He looked back at Aang and shook his hand.

Iroh smiled, "Well, why dont we go to the new Fire Lord's ship and discuss the matter of ending the war."

Whoa...finally done with the first chappie, took me long enough...now, review! All of you must review! OR I SHALL STAB YOU WITH MY FORK! FEAR MY FORK!