This is it, fam. The last two chapters. This is the climax and then an epilogue follows. Some of you maybe left disappointed with the end of the story, but this is how I have always envisioned this story coming to an end. I don't think there would be a sequel to this story. Forty chapters and hundred thousand words later, a long and beautiful journey comes to an end. Thank you, each and everyone of you, for all the love and support you have given me so far. I love you all. I'm uploading the epilogue as well.

Chapter 39

Time had slowed for Zuko, or maybe the world was moving faster than him. He did not know. All around him, people were dropping down to their knees, the words Avatar Aang falling on his ears like lava. He stood rooted in his spot, unable to tear his eyes off the man who had once been his friend.

"Please," Aang said, his voice rebounding around the igloo as though in a testimony to his otherworldly presence. "Do not bow down to me."

"Avatar Aang," Hahn began but Aang held up a hand to stop him.

"Rise."

It was only when people began to follow his command that Zuko realized that him and Katara had never bowed down. At the heels of the realization came the thought of Katara and what she must be feeling. He whipped around to find her trembling down to her toes, eyes fixed on Aang and mouth opened in a silent scream. Urged by a sense of urgency, he grabbed her icy cold hand. It looked as though she was not even aware of his presence as she was staring at her late husband. Her tormentor.

Aang's sad grey eyes turned to look at her. But he was unable to meet her blue eyes and looked away, choosing to focus on Hahn instead. "Hahn," he said as he walked a couple of paces to close the distance between them. "Why would you say what you did?"

"Avatar Aang, as the Chief of the Northern Water Tribe –"

"Positions mean nothing to the dead, Hahn," Aang cut him off. "What does bear deep meaning are lies perpetuated in our names."

"L-lies?" Hahn's voice was squeaky.

"Lies. You used my name to further your own propaganda. I would have let it slide if it were minor lies, but in your attempts to sate your ego, you brought the world to the brink of another war. In the presence of the new Avatar no less. Korra maybe a baby, but she is not defenseless. Hundreds of Avatars are connected to her and will come to her aid."

When Hahn stayed silent, Aang continued, "You claimed to be my personal friend, which is untrue. You said Katara was in an adulterous relationship with Zuko. Another lie. But that one is not your fault. That blame lies solely on me."

A sob escaped Katara's lips and she turned away. Her fingernails were digging deep half-moons on Zuko's hand, but she was standing erect. Even as she trembled like a dried leaf in the storm, she stood on her feet and her head held high. Zuko had never been more proud of her. Very gently, he draped an arm around her shoulders, offering her the support she needed. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Aang look at him and nod.

Thank you. Aang mouthed before turning his attention back to Hahn. "Today, I had to intervene because the world leaders were on the verge of starting another war. A war that is, in a large way, the outcome of my actions. My insecurities, my inability to see the truth, my errors in judgement, my misunderstandings, and my troubles that brought the world to the brink of another war. As an Avatar, and as the person directly responsible for this situation, it is my duty to come in and clarify things."

"What do you mean, Avatar Aang?" Kuei asked, looking brothered. "How is this your fault?"

Aang turned to look at Katara and said, "I believed she was unfaithful. I was the one that not only started the rumor but fueled it as well. I was convinced about it and nothing would distract me. Not even when you told me that I was wrong. I should have believed you. You… You were my wife, I should have trusted you. I didn't. And for that, I am sorry."

Tears streamed down Katara's cheeks, but she kept her face resolutely turned away from Aang. The monk gave a small, tired nod before he turned to look around the igloo.

"Why are you defending her now?" Hahn asked, looking incensed. "That they got married almost as soon as you died and –"

"Need I remind you the circumstances we got married in, Chief Hahn?" Zuko spat. "Or the role you played in it?"

Hahn clicked his tongue, "Fire Lord, you and I both know you used that case to give legitimacy to your relationship."

"Enough!" Anga screamed. "I don't know what is happening here, but one thing is certain. I have come to the realization that Chief Hahn is unfit to be a world leader."

"I concur," Kuei said. "I declare that if the Water Tribe would not issue a formal apology to the Fire Nation and if Chiefs Hahn and Timuk do not step down, the Earth Kindgom will stop all trade with the Water Tribe forthwith."

"As will the Fire Nation," Zuko added. "I do not want another war, but I would not stand by and let them insult the Fire Lady either. Especially since Avatar Aang has openly admitted to being in the wrong."

"Yes," Aang added. "It is my fault. I made mistakes. So many of them. Everything is my fault. I was the one. Katara," he said, slowly walking up to her. He dropped down to his knees, but Katara kept her back turned to him. His form flickered slightly as he said, "I don't have much time, but I need to do this. You were the one I wronged the most, Katara. I cannot even begin to say how sorry I am and how much I regret it. Death has given me the perspective life could not. I understand now. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I want you to know, I am sorry. So sorry."

Saying so he stood up and turned to face the occupants of the igloo. "The spirits have punished me for my mistakes. Even though I am not ejected from the Avatar cycle, my bending was taken away in life. However, I still remain the previous Avatar. I would guide Korra along in her journey. She will restore balance to the world. I would be the one teaching her Air Bending. And she would bring Air Benders back. That is all I have to say. I leave the world to you."

Saying so, Aang and the green light dissipated, leaving a lasting silence in their wake.

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