The black phoenix.
Disclaimer :I don't own avatar the last airbander.
An :Welcome readers to the epilogue. First let me thank you all for your continued support despite my terrible grammar and less than perfect characters. To be honest this story taught me a lot both in the way of writing a story and creating characters, with the many mistakes I made here in both regards. And yet despite all of this you continued supporting each one in your own way and for that I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you!
Sincerely Sakurai Uchiha.
Epilogue.
The rising sun was shining upon the castle yard, illuminating the numerous people standing there.
Soldiers in all colors and from every nationality were standing there. Some were smiling while others were frowning.
Generals in their uniforms and civilians were in attendance, their eyes toward the podium in the middle of the courtyard.
Upon the podium, bathed in the morning light was a single structure, a chopping block made of rough wood.
People were chatting between themselves, some hugged each other while still others cried.
Zuko moved the crimson curtain back, a small soft smile on his face.
Behind him his uncle was sipping from a warm mug of tea.
"So it's finally over" the prince and soon to be fire lord muttered, relife in his voice.
"It's difficult to believe isn't it?" Shun's soft voice came from behind him "After all that we've been through.. After all the the death pain and destruction.. We finally did it".
The prince nodded "Yeah.." he said softly.
"Are you ready Zuzu?" his sister's voice reached him.
"Ready for what? The speech or for what comes after?" he asked with a soft smile.
"The speech of course you idiot" she replied a small teasing smile "For what comes after you have uncle to guide you and me and Shun to support you".
"I know" he replied softly his hand moved to touch his scar "And I am grateful".
Comotion from outside caught his attention and he moved back toward the window.
A small entourage of earth kingdom soldiers walked forward, their expressions hard as they dragged their prisoner encased in a stone cocoon.
The former fire lord's face was rugged, his hair disheveled his expression apathetic.
The crowd booed to the man, their hatred evident in their voices.
The guards dragged him toward the block where they released him on it, his head now resting on the chopping block.
"Well.. They are waiting for you Zuko" Aang's hand tapped his shoulder "And don't worry.. You'll have the avatar's support" the boy said grinning.
Mai approached him, taking his hand in hers "Good luck Zuko" she muttered, causing the boy to blush lightly.
"Thank you" he replied before taking a deep breath after which he approached the door and opened it, walking toward the podium, the avatar right behind him.
"Announcing avatar Aanf and fire lord Zuko!".
At this, the crowd fell silent their gaze moving toward the teens walking forward.
As they approached the execution site the avatar stopped a bit before it allowing Zuko to stop the closest.
The newly minted fire lord gazed upon the crowd his eyes hard as he spoke.
"Brave soldiers! The war is finally over!" he announced "After one hundred years this terrible war is over once and for all! No more parents burying their children! No more young brides waiting for ever for their beloved to return! No more orphans!" he raised his hand forward pointing it at the crowd.
"And all this due to your valiant sacrifice and efforts! At this victorious moment let us remember those who gave their lives for this to happen!".
At his words a cheer rose from the crowd.
"Let us live for their sake! Let's make sure that their sacrifice was not for nothing! Together we will make sure that this won't happen again!" he raised his hand again and was met with thunderous applause and cheers.
"Today we will execute the tyrant who massacred your families! And from his death a new Era will be born! An Era of peace and prosperity!"
Turning to the man on the chopping block he narrowed his eyes.
"Fire lord Ozai! By the authority given to me by the fire nation and the avatar for your crimes against the world! Against your people and family, I hereby sentence you to death!".
The cheers from the crowd were ear piercing.
In the castle watching from the window Shun turned to the princess who was seating on a couch deeper inside the room.
" Not going to watch your father's last moments?" he asked.
Azula scoffed "That man is not a father to me" she replied coldly "I have no father and I have no mother" she said her voice cold.
Walking from the window Shun approached her and reaching her he took her hand into his own.
"I'll never abandon you" he told her "I'll never betray you.. I swear it" he said with conviction.
A soft smile appeared on the princess's face "I know" she muttered before she got up and tenderly kissed him on his lips.
End of epilogue.
End of the saga of the black phoenix.