Ten Years Later
Disclaimer: Avatar the Last Airbender is created by Michael DiMartino & Brian Konzieko and owned by Nickelodeon
Aang, Katara, and Sokka decided to travel back to the Southern Water Tribe. So they flew on Appa.
"I can't believe we are finally coming home after so long," said Sokka.
"I know. Master Pakku wrote that things have changed a lot since he first arrived," said Katara.
"I'm sorry I couldn't take you guys home any sooner," said Aang.
"Don't worry Aang, Dad knows we've been busy helping you and you're the Avatar," said Katara.
"Yeah, Aang, Dad knows you've been busy bringing balance to the world," said Sokka.
"I guess that's true," Aang said sounding unsure.
"Hey, I know, why don't we go penguin sledging after we get there?" Katara asked.
"That sounds good," Aang replied with a smile.
"Look," Sokka said as he pointed toward some glaciers. They saw three canoes with waterbenders, and one canoe with Hakoda and Bato. Their arrival was similar to how it was when they arrived at the North Pole all those years ago.
They were escorted into the village, which had grown considerable since the last time they were there. Once the arrived at Chief Hakoda's tent, Sokka and Katara hugged their father. Then, they hugged Bato. Aang bowed to Hakoda and then shook hands with him, and then with Bato.
"It's so good to see you," said Hakoda.
"I'm sorry we couldn't have come any sooner," said Aang.
"It's okay. I know how busy everyone must be. It's been very busy since all the warriors returned, especially with the arrivals from our sister tribe," Hakoda replied.
"Wow, I can't believe it's been ten years since you found me in that iceberg," Aang said to Katara.
"I know. The world sure has changed since we got you out of the iceberg. You're not that goofy little kid anymore; you've grown up. We all have," Katara replied.
"Yeah, you defeated the Fire Lord. Speaking of which, when is Zuko suppose to get here?" Sokka asked.
"I thought Zuko wasn't coming, since Izumi is so young," said Katara.
Aang laughed nervously, "Well, actually, I sort of forgot to tell you that he is coming. He said something about moving his schedule around and he would be bringing Iroh with him." There was a loud noise out side.
"That must be them," said Hakoda.
"Let's go," said Katara. Sokka and Aang followed Katara back outside, and the three of them watched as Zuko's ship pulled in.
"You know, it sort feels like he followed us," said Sokka.
"Like he hasn't done that before," said Katara. They laughed as Zuko got off the ship followed by Iroh. Aang bowed to Zuko. Katara hugged Zuko. Sokka shook Zuko's hand.
"What was so funny? I heard you guys laughing," Zuko asked making a somewhat confused expression.
"We were just talking about all those times you used to chase us around," said Sokka.
"Oh," replied Zuko, as he crossed his arms.
"Lighten up, Zuko," said Katara. Zuko unfolded his arms.
"Where's Toph? I thought she'd be here too," said Zuko.
"You know Toph, she doesn't to travel. She doesn't like cold, and she doesn't like to be anywhere she can't 'see'," said Sokka. "Besides she's busy with her new recruits."
"Oh that's right, she's the Chief of Police," said Zuko.
Katara and Sokka laughed.
"Did I miss something?" Zuko asked.
"It's still hard to believe that she's Chief of Police, after all those scams she pulled. That was before you joined us," said Katara.
"Yeah, but I seem to remember you trying to pull a scam with her, and let's not forget when you stole that waterbending scroll from those pirates," said Sokka.
"How could I forget? 'I'll save you from the pirates,'" Katara imitated Zuko, and everyone laughed. Then Katara said, "Things sure are different now than they were ten years ago. It doesn't feel like that much time has passed."
"Although it may not seem like that much time, the world changed a lot in those ten years since you found me. I'm sure it will change even more, even after I'm gone," said Aang. Everyone seemed somber at that thought.
"Oh Aang," Katara was then interupted as Iroh cleared his throat.
"Even after Aang is gone his spirit will live on," said Iroh.
"Of course," Katara put her hand to forehead, "he's the Avatar."
"That's true," Iroh put his hand to his beard, "but that's not what I meant."
"Err, I'm confused," said Aang.
"While your spirit will live on in the next Avatar, it will also live on in the lives of the people you've met and helped shape their destiny," said Iroh.
The End