Forgotten

Disclaimer: ATLA would have ended with Zutara if I owned it...but I don't...*Sighs melodramatically*

Two years. Two years after the war that left the people scarred. Two years after that horrible war that sought out not only the unfortunate, the helpless and the hopeless, but the most innocent. The one that took people from their families, never to be seen again. It took lives, yes, but it also drained all hope from the world. It left the people broken and scared. Then there was peace, a sudden wave of it. It was so different… so…better.

Oh, how time flies.


Now those scars were just about healed, just barely visible. It seemed humanity almost… forgot their wounds they were so close to nonexistence.

Now: That's all there is. There was no war. No starving children, no sickly elders. Just this peace. This… relief. It's just one big era of love and peace. That's it and that's all. Simply a breath of fresh air for all of the people to take in.

Fire Lord Zuko. No longer just Zuko, but the Fire Lord. He isn't the boy with the scar, the banished prince. That was Zuko. That was then. Two years ago. He is gone. Fire Lord Zuko is an honorable man. The images of peace that flashed in his mind two years ago, the ones that flitted in front of him just to tease, they are now. They're not just images anymore. They're existent. You can look out a window and see peace. You can see it when you look at the children playing. The Earth Kingdom boy and the Fire Nation girl. Who knows? Maybe they'll become more than friends. After all, they can do that now.

And Katara. Yes, Lady Katara. She now resides in Ba Sing Se. Her friends come by often to visit, but they all live near enough to walk to. She remains busy by running a Healing Hut in the better part of the city and is constantly reminded of how, in the Earth Kingdom, what she calls Healing Huts are referred to as "hospitals".

Lady Katara's brave older brother, Sokka, simply spends his time enjoying life. He often goes on walks through the gardens of the city with his girlfriend, Suki, or perfecting his fighting skills. Often times, he will practice his combat skills with Suki. They spend much time together, either at their friends' homes or on Kyoshi Island, since Suki still lives there with the other Kyoshi warriors.

Aang practices his bending, most of the time. He also attends nearly every important meeting with Fire Lord Zuko, who is always valuing Aang's input regarding government matters. Whenever he isn't occupied with either of those, he helps Lady Katara in her hospital. They spend a good portion of their time there, just enjoying each other's presence and the fulfillment that comes with helping people. He has his own house in the Earth Kingdom, but usually occupies a guest room in the Fire Nation Palace.

That is now. That is all the people know. They have not forgotten the monstrosity that plagued them two years ago, but now it seems so far away, so… gone… It seems like the grieving and recovering stages are over…

Because they are.


Author's notes, YAY!

1. This is just a prologue.

2. Yes, my chapters are usually short.

3. Except the ones with Zuko. Gotta love him!

4. I'll try to post at least 4 chapters a week.

5. I need to get some kind of schedule worked out.

6. Thanks, Mary! (Grr, I am such a FUDDLEHEAD! Ruerose!) She beta-ed all the way up to chapter 15.

7. Reviews make the world go 'round!