Don't cry for me tonight

Chapter 1

The Firelord was defeated. His game is over. Without a proper say, a unanimous vote was cast amongst the citizens of the firenation. Firelord Ozai, who was rotting in the dungeon, would be hung by the end of the month and Azula would be sent to work in a mineshaft for eighteen years once her bending abilities were stripped from her. Zuko's punishment was a year of community service all over the firenation. He was lucky he was shown mercy. During the final battle, Zuko had been seen fighting Azula by Katara's side— and although his help was greatly appreciated it wasn't enough to win over all of his subjects and neighboring kingdoms forgiveness, but because of his strength to turn against his evil father and devious sister and fought on the 'winning team' he was welcomed back home with open arms and had the title 'Firelord' waiting for him. As for Iroh, he was sent to help the poor section of Ba Sing Se for nine months. He didn't mind one bit of it. He served as a counselor, and tea maker; he did the things that he loved to do.

It was certain that the people of the firenation would need a new Firelord and so they had asked the Avatar to stay as they waited for the anticipated return of Zuko. Of course, Aang did not know anything about this kind of leadership so he convinced the people that Iroh was the original true heir to the throne and he would be perfect for the task—however the kingdom still need a temporary leader until Iroh returned.

"Avatar Aang, please consider! Just nine months of ruling the firenation until the Dragon of the West returns. We know we can trust you. Please do consider." An official asked Aang one night at the palace after the royal family was sentenced.

Aang couldn't come up with an excuse besides, "I don't know how to rule an entire nation!"

"Avatar, it's your job to help those in need. And right now that's the firenation. For the next nine months we will just be rebuilding our ways of life, living in peace with the other nations. All that you will need to have done is select new officials and so on. It's not that much work and all we mostly expect from you is to oversee our progress and keep our nation from splitting. It's not a lot of work you'll be put through. I assure you."

Aang just nodded, "Alright. But first I need to drop off my friends back home." The official agreed then let Aang proceed to his room. Once inside the comfort of his own private quarters, Aang jumped face down onto his bed. His friends are most likely home sick and would no doubt want to leave the firenation promptly. Their adventure was over and there was no reason to stay together. No love connection, with the exception of the blossoming relationship with Katara, and only a strong friendship that last them for so long. But it was nothing to keep them together. They wanted their own families; Katara and Sokka had been away from home for months now and possibly would want to see their father and grandmother again. Aang knew he couldn't be selfish enough to ask them to stay with him for the nine months he will be ruling.

The next morning at dawn, before the orange and pink touched the midnight sky; the children were up and ready to go home. Toph was first to be dropped off. With a long goodbye they left her in the gardens and watched her run inside to her heart broken family who had missed her much more than she could imagine. They soared again, much quieter than before. This was how it began—with the 3 of them.

"Aang, you will visit Sokka and me right?" Katara asked. "We are family, remember?"

"Yes. I will. Katara, more or less you are my savior. You saved me from the ice cage I was sealed in. You don't know how grateful I am of that. I will always be in your debt, whatever you want from me you will get it." Aang said while letting Sokka take over while he talked to the waterbender.

"I want you to come see us a lot. And never forget about us—me." Katara requested in a hushed tone.

"That would be impossible—to forget you." Aang embraced her tightly never wanting to let go. Katara wiped off her light tears then pulled away after giving him a short kiss.

"Quit it you guys. Aren't you two dating? Of course you'll see each other again! We'll just have to wait until Firelord Aang finishes his term." Sokka joked. "Then we can all hang out and see Toph and Suki too." He tried to sweep his grief under a rug of optimism.

The three said more goodbyes and wishes until their destination was finally reached. It was now dusk, the midnight blue was taking over the sky once again. They landed not to far from the village. Aang didn't want to make them walk far but they didn't want to make a scene.

"Take care of yourself, Aang. Don't let all that power go to your head alright?" Sokka said patting Aang's shoulder.

"Sure, thanks Sokka. You take care too." Aang gently pushed Sokka's shoulder playfully.

"Aang I'm going to miss you so much! Remember to visit, ok?" Katara hugged Aang. "Don't make me wait too long." She whispered in his ear.

"I promised you that already. I would come everyday if I could but I have to run a whole nation. I'm going to miss you too, Katara." Aang replied. "I'm going to miss both of you guys so much. You guys really made me feel like I belonged to a family. I'm honored to be part of it. I love you guys!" Aang added. They had a quick group hug then Aang left hoping to make it to Kyoshi Island before it was too late to rest or he would go to the southern air temple again.

The siblings watched as their best friend flew away on the wonderful creature that saved their lives more than in anyone's lifetime. Once he was out of site they walked home.

Katara and Sokka had butterflies in the pit of their stomach. At first Sokka thought it was gas but then knew it was excitement. They were coming home. Finally. After so long, they were finally returning to the place where they were raised. With every step they took their surroundings became more and more familiar even though it was just snow. They reached to the top of a hill as a light snowfall began sprinkling from the sky. There it was—right below was their village. It was barely recognizing for a second because their village looked more like a city now. They had houses the size of the ones from the North Pole. Sokka and Katara raced down the hill with great speed to the front gate.

Almost running into a couple of guards at the entrance one yelled out "HALT!"

Immediately the teens slowed down and stopped. Katara grabbed Sokka's arm before he tripped and landed on his face.

"Who are you and name your business here." The other guard said.

Katara looked at her brother with a raised eyebrow. Sokka stepped forward then said, "My name is Sokka and this is my sister Katara. We live here. We have been traveling with the Avatar for sometime and we just got back home—" He ranted.

"Ah! Kana's grandchildren have returned! Please pardon me for not recognizing you before." The first guard exclaimed. They both stepped aside to let them pass. "Do you need help locating your grandmother?"

"No thank you." Katara refused but then regretted it once she saw inside.

The teens rushed inside. Nothing was the same but was better. The same kids, but taller now, played around the center of the village with the same games Sokka had taught them years ago. One of the girls who were playing stopped at the sight of Katara and Sokka. A big smile crawled onto her face. "KANA! MOM!" she rushed inside one building and shrieked "Katara and Sokka are HOME!"

This got a lot of people looking outside. There were new faces and old from their old village and the north's. Katara and Sokka walked to the center to a little water fountain. Although it was their home it felt awkward. It felt like they didn't belong.

Men, women and children dashed out of their homes to greet the siblings. Many of the warriors that left to fight had return, one including Bato.

"Sokka! Katara! Welcome home!" Bato said giving each of them a one armed hug. "Come with me. Let's go see Kana. She will be so happy." He quickly added.

As they cut through the crowed they heard many similar conversations floating around saying "they traveled with the Avatar" and "This is what Kana needs most right now."

"So Bato where's dad? Is he here yet?" Sokka asked. Bato's smile turned into a straight line in an instant.

"Er. Well we all know about moving along in life, right? Well—um—well your dad he—moved on and—" Bato began when Katara and Sokka screamed "HE"S DEAD? How did this happen? When did his happen? We saw him at Zuko's ceremony and he was ok! What happened?"

A shocked expression jumped onto Bato's face. "Whoops. That's not was I was trying to say. No actually he will be back tomorrow at least. Or later tonight."

"So what did you mean by moving on?" Katara asked.

Bato gulped. "I think it's best we let your dad tell you all when he returns. It's nothing big."

They walked into one of the many buildings. It was decorated nicely, and felt homely. Bato led them down the hallway into a rather large room and in the center was a large bed where their grandmother lied.

"Gran-Gran!" Katara asked running to her grandmother's side reaching for her hand. "Gran-Gran! We're home. We're home!"

Master Pakku sat on the bed besides Kana and smiled at Sokka. "Welcome home." He said. "Your grandmother is sleeping. She is beginning to lose hearing so when you talk to her you must speak loudly. She has a bad cold—we think. We have warriors going to the earth kingdom to search for a doctor. They left four days ago." Pakku filled them in as he got them a drink of warm milk. "I have been taking care of her as well as our healers and Bato."

"I think she just misses the family. Hakota will be back soon so you will all be reunited again. I think seeing you two will do her good." Bato said sipping his drink.

"Where is dad, Bato?" Sokka asked.

"He's just taking his time. He had to help out a friend and get her to come with him." Pakku said.

"A refugee." Bato added nodding. "He will be back tomorrow. So just go to sleep now. There are two rooms next to each other right over there." He pointed outside, "Just pick one Sokka and Katara will get the other." Bato pointed.

That night Sokka dreamt about Yue—probably because of the resemblance of the northern water tribe in their own town and Katara dreamt about her mother.

"Katara? I need you to promise something." Katara's mother said in the dream as she played with her daughter's hair.

"What mom?"

"Katara let your father live on. Please. For his sake and your own."

Then she was gone and let Katara dream about Aang but even though she was happy there with him Aang had very cautious and betrayed eyes. The next morning Katara woke up confused and frustrated. 'Why is everyone saying he is moving on? Is he leaving us?'

She got up from bed then left to Sokka's to tell him about her dream.

"That's weird. Yue was telling me something like that too." Sokka said.

"What did she tell you?" Katara asked sitting on Sokka's bed.

"She told me to 'live on' and 'don't get too upset' I thought she was talking about our relationship but when I think about it, it could mean different things, right?"

"Hey kids come outside." Bato's voice interrupted.

The teens went outside of the room then into the cold freshness of the morning air. The scent of food cooking controlled the outside air rather than the smell of fresh snow. The same children, as always, played in the snow teaching the new kids from the northern watertribe their games.

"Katara! Sokka! Over here!" Bato called. The waterbender and her brother turned their heads to the call.

They casually walked over; Katara asked, "What's going on Bato? Is dad back yet?"

Bato nodded. He then pointed out to the far sea, "Do you see him now? He's in the canoe. He's waving to us." Bato waved out.

The teens squinted their eyes. "Oh! That little thing, Bato?" Sokka asked laughing at the small useless thing.

"Shut it Sokka." Bato said in a joking manner. Then like before he became serious again. "Now kids listen, there something to remember. Please, please look happy when you see your dad and his friend ok? He was really hoping he would beat you guys here but that didn't happen." Bato tried to say.

Nothing was making any sense to Katara and Sokka. They couldn't comprehend what Bato was trying to say.

"Bato! What are you saying?" Sokka stated.

"You'll see." Bato gulped. It wasn't really Sokka he worried about—it was Katara.

Hakota finally made it to shore. He jumped off and gave Bato a quick hug then said a few things in a muted tone. Bato just nodded and said 'ok'. He looked around not finding Katara or Sokka in sight. They had gone back into the house from boredom and were anxious to see Gran-Gran.

"Kana? Are you awake?" Master Pakku asked in a hushed voice.

"Hm? Oh Pakku your still here? I told you I'm fine." Kana said tiredly.

"Kana—your grandchildren had returned last night. They are outside right now. They wanted to see you when you woke up and have been waiting for a while. Do you want to see them now?" Pakku asked taking her hand.

"What kind of question is that, Pakku? Of course I want to see my grandkids!" Kana exclaimed.

Pakku smiled then went for the door. "She's awake." He called out to Katara and Sokka who waited patiently for this moment. They walked in the room to the bed and sat besides Kana.

"Hey Gran-Gran. How are you?" Sokka asked hugging his grandmother.

"Oh Sokka! I'm fine! How are you? Have you been taking care of you sister?" Kana asked.

"Yes Gran-Gran. I have." Sokka said moving aside.

"Good boy." Kana said now focusing her attention to Katara. "Katara, my sweet little waterbender."

"Hi Gran-Gran. We're finally home!" Katara said.

"Oh I know! I'm so proud of both of you. When Pakku came with the other benders he told me stories of both of you. Like how Sokka volunteered to fight in the little army and how he fell in love with Princess Yue." Kana said as Sokka blushed. "And Katara, Pakku told me how much courage and determination you have in you. And even though you had been stubborn you were still his finest student. He told me nothing but great things that came out of you Katara."

Katara smiled at Pakku then looked back at Kana.

"You both must tell me about you adventure with the Avatar but first—what does an old woman such as myself have to do to get some food around here?"

"I'll call in Mari." Pakku said leaving.

"Mari?" Katara asked.

"Yes, she is one of the several young women from the northern tribe that help take care of me. She cooks my meals when Bato isn't here." Kana explained. "And a better cook at that." She winked to Sokka.

"I'm here now Kana so whatever you need to say just say it to my face." Bato interrupted as he entered the room. "I brought you a present. Someone is here to see you. I told him that he would be the last person you would want to see but he wouldn't take no for an answer."

"Well then who is it, Bato?" Kana asked in annoyance.

A tall man now entered the room followed by a tall woman.

"DAD!" Katara and Sokka yelled running to hug their dad.

"HAKOTA!" Kana said full of surprise. She pulled the covers off to get out of bed.

"No, no mom. Stay in bed. You need your rest." Hakota suggested pushing her shoulder back on the bed.

"Hakota I've been in this bed for way to long. I want to get up!" Kana said angrily.

At that moment Mari came in behind Pakku.

"Good Morning, Kana. You look better. Seeing your family did do you good!" Mari said placing a plate of food on a nightstand made of ice beside the bed.

Mari was a good-looking girl for her age. She was maybe 23 but looked younger—almost 19. She had short light brown hair and green eyes.

"If that's all you need for now Kana, I should go. My kids haven't eaten yet." Mari said.

"Yes, of course Mari. Thank you for helping me when I was in need, but now that I have my family back you don't need to continue coming. You have your own family to take care of now." Kana smiled.

"Thank you Kana. Have a wonderful day." Mari left the room.

"I'll miss Mari's cooking though." Kana said when the young girl left. "Hakota? Are you just going to stand there and not introduce your friend behind you all day? It's rude."

"Whoops. Sorry I get distracted easily." Hakota turned around and took the girls hand drawing her to his mother. "Mom, kids, this is Ursa. She is my fiancé." Hakota smiled until he looked at Katara and Sokka, whose faces were barely overcoming shock.

Ok I know that it would take more than a day to get from the firenation to Toph's house then to the South Pole but this trip had no pit stops and stuff. Just use your imagination kay?

Update:

So I have re-edited this chapter and I'm going to be changing things around to fit with the ending of the show. Yeah, so I'm changing how Iroh was supposed to be firelord (as I had previously wrote in my story) but that part doesn't really matter and if anything it will make the plot much more interesting by having Zuko the firelord, which will make all eyes of his kingdom on him.

Review! ^_^