Chapter 15- Epilogue
The morning after the death of Fire Lord Ozai and Avatar Aang left a sting in the air. It hovered quietly above everyone's heads and no one understood what had really happened. Only Zuko, the future Fire Lord himself, knew the entire story. As for Katara, she believed that Aang had died shortly after defeating Ozai. It was the only believable story Zuko could think of. He had made a promise to the Avatar; he wasn't going to break it, no matter what.
After the battle, Zuko had carried Katara out of rubble and into a spare room close by. He laid her down on the soft comfortable bed, but as he turned to leave, she stretched her arms out towards him and whimpered. Sorrow dawned inside of his eyes and he made his way back towards the bed. Katara wrapped her arms around him and fell asleep with her head on his chest, Zuko stroking her hair calmly.
It was a rude awakening, but he had to expect it to happen. Fire blazed above their heads, causing Zuko and Katara to wake up instantly as the warmth spread itself in front of their faces. She stood breathing heavily in the doorway and she pointed her finger at the pair, her eyes bloodshot and her face cringed with agony and denial.
"What … have… you… done?"
Azula crept inside of the room and Zuko stood up from the bed rolling his eyes at her. She laughed manically and lunged at him, grabbing his robe and looking up at him, amber to golden eye.
"Where is father? Tell me now!"
Her grip loosened as Katara stepped next to Zuko and stated the truth as a matter of fact.
"Azula, he is dead. Aang defeated him last night."
She shook her head violently, and as she took each step backwards, her eyes grew larger, the denial expanding throughout her body. Her father could not be dead.
"No, you are lying! Both of you are lying! The Fire Lord is not dead!"
Zuko smirked and watched his weak sister squirm in the frame of the door.
"Actually, you are right Azula. The Fire Lord isn't dead."
Her mouth twitched into a large smile and her face lit up.
"Ha! I knew it! Where is he?"
"You're looking right at him Azula. Zuko is going to be the new Fire Lord."
Her smile vanished instantly and she began to tremble. Azula's body began to shake uncontrollably. Suddenly she made a dash away from the room.
"Guards! Take her to the prison cell!"
Zuko's command was met at once and even though they couldn't see her, both Zuko and Katara heard Azula's frustrated yells. Zuko turned to Katara and motioned for her to stay in the room. He walked out of it to where Azula was struggling to free herself from the guard's grip. She turned on Zuko with fury.
"You won't get away with this Zuko! I'll get father back and we will take you all down!"
He sighed and then took something out of his pocket. Zuko cautiously stepped behind Azula while the guards restrained her. She felt something thin slip around her neck and then the weight rested on her neck. Zuko stepped back admiring the stone on his sister.
"Will someone get a straight jacket? Put her in a cell so that she's isolated."
He began to walk away when she called after him.
"Zuko! What did you just put on my neck?"
He continued to walk and smirked. The Carmine Jewel was the only one left and maybe it was a good thing it wasn't destroyed. It went well with Azula's crazed amber eyes. Zuko walked back into the room and shut the door. Katara was sitting on the bed looking out the window. The sun was rising higher and higher in the sky; it would be noon soon. The night's events had taken a toll on her body, but she felt well rested. She looked up when she felt Zuko's arm around her shoulder. For a while silence radiated through the room but then her whispers diced the air.
"I never thought it would end like this."
He sat down on the bed and then looked at her with confusion.
"How do you mean?"
Katara looked down at the floor and sighed.
"Everyone is gone Zuko. All of our loved ones; both of our mothers, your uncle, my brother, and the Avatar is gone too."
He pulled her in close to him and she rested her hand on his shoulder.
"It's not fair. The world lives in peace, but we live in sorrow. And as for the duty my brother told me about, I don't think I did anything special. I passed out during the battle and let the two of you down! Maybe if I hadn't I could have saved him…"
Zuko rocked her in his arms slowly and shushed her. They heard a bird chirping outside and then a smile lit up Zuko's face. Katara looked at him puzzled.
"Katara, do you hear that?"
"Yes, it's a bird."
He stepped up to the window and opened it slightly. The fresh air came blowing inside of the room and Katara shivered.
"Do you feel that too? The world has been reborn Katara. Even though Aang is gone, he still lives on each day. And who knows, maybe you still have something to do that is still unaccomplished."
She walked up next to him and took a deep breath and exhaled, taking away all of the negative aspects of her life. Katara smiled at Zuko and kissed him gently. She was very lucky that she still had him in her life. Suddenly as she pulled away from his arms, she had a feeling of lightness in her body, as if she could float on the air. She giggled at the sensation and then Zuko's face shined with happiness when he saw the smile on her face again.
"Zuko, I feel new too! It's like I'm getting a second chance or something…"
She started to dance around the room laughing to herself. As Zuko observed, he couldn't help to think what it would be like without her in his life. He would be alone, no one to come and bring a smile to his face like she did. Suddenly she pulled Zuko close to her and she twirled around him joyously. Life was starting to seem just a bit better.
..:-:..
A few days later, the news had spread all around the world. The Avatar had defeated Fire Lord Ozai, and Prince Zuko was to take his place on the throne. Many people doubted his stature and they didn't want another war to start, but rumors spread that he was courting a woman from the water tribe and that they might soon wed. It was just a few days later when it happened. Zuko and Katara were outside in the gardens, admiring the beautiful nature that was hidden among the masses of steel. Zuko had thought about it for a long time, and he had no idea how to do it. Sometimes he had wished that his uncle was back with him because he knew about these kinds of things.
"Hey Zuko! Look at this one! It's so pretty! The petals are delicate though! Oh and it smells so nice too!"
He watched her pick the flower and inhale its scent. As the days passed on, she began to look more beautiful. Zuko couldn't have thought of a better opportunity than this. He stepped up to her slowly and she turned to him with a wide smile.
"Here! It's sort of like a combination of a rose and a tulip!"
Zuko put his arm around her waist and took the flower with his free hand. He sniffed it and then smiled. Her blue eyes shined with happiness and then he put the flower under her nose. She tried to wriggle away and she laughed as he did this to her.
"Zuko! Stop it! I'm going to sneeze!"
He dropped the flower and then put his finger under her nose. Her head jerked back a few times but then she sighed. The sneeze had been averted. Zuko put his hand through her loose hair and leaned his forehead on hers.
"I love you so much Katara."
She smiled warmly and then brought his face into hers. His lips were smooth against hers and she closed her eyes, taking in everything about him. Even though she had suffered so much in her life, it was all right because she had him by her side. He pulled his head away slightly and then looked into her eyes seriously.
"Katara, can I ask you something?"
She nodded and then he took her hand.
"I know you prefer necklaces, but you see, in the Fire Nation, men usually make bracelets."
Zuko took a small trinket out of his robes and her mouth dropped open as he began to tie it around her wrist. The strap was made out of black leather, and the pendant was a dazzling combination of red and blue. She picked up her head and looked at him, her eyes shining with tears.
"Will you uh… you know… um…"
A lump formed in his throat and he looked away nervously. Suddenly, Zuko felt Katara's arms around him, her lips pressing against his. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around her back and deepened the kiss. When they pulled apart, her smile was brighter than the sun itself. The fireflies reflected in her eyes and the world seemed to stand still around them.
"Of course I will be your wife Zuko."
..:-:..
The ceremony was quite different than its precedent. Instead of white drapes and sorrowful flames, the death of Fire Lord Ozai was celebrated among the citizens of the Fire Nations. Many of the families had lost husbands and sons in the war, despite the fact that the fire nation was winning the war. Instead, bright red and deep blue colors ran through the halls of the palace and outside everyone came in anticipation of the day's events. It was the beginning of a new era in the world. Peace would reign for a long time to come, because two people would make sure of that.
Zuko came out in a dazzling red and gold robe while Katara stood next to him wearing the finest blue silk gown that the fire nation owned. The crowd cheered as their new leaders were crowned in front of their eyes. Zuko stood up and everyone silenced themselves. He looked at Katara and she nodded smiling.
"Citizens of the Fire Nation, ever since I was a young boy, I dreamed of ruling this great nation and its people. Along the way, I realized that the previous leader was taking this country in the wrong direction. I am here to announce today that this day marks the beginning of a renewed life to all of you, myself included."
He looked to his new wife and beckoned her to him. She stood up gracefully but walked over towards him timidly. The crowd was enormous; she still couldn't believe that she was the queen of the Fire Nation.
"This is my new Lady as is she your new Lady. May I present the lovely Lady Katara from the water tribe! May our union be a symbol to the world that better times lie ahead!"
At first not many people cheered, but Zuko put his arm around her shoulder and then she smiled and waved to everyone.
"I want you all to know that I will do my best to lead your nation, my nation, so that its reputation is restored!"
At this comment everyone roared and clapped loudly for their new leaders. They walked inside and Zuko took her in his arms. He kissed her adoringly and then put his hand through her hair.
"You are truly magnificent you know that?"
She shook her head and laughed.
"No I'm not. Did you hear yourself Zuko? You are beyond doubt a great leader. I know you will make me proud."
She kissed him lightly and then wrapped her arms around him with a sigh. What could be better than this?
..:-:..
A year had passed since the fateful summer of Sozin's comet. Many had moved on and started new lives. The fire nation began to prosper not only in regaining its status as a peaceful nation, but as an economic trader with the earth kingdom. King Bumi was still in charge of Omashu and with his help, Katara and Zuko negotiated agreements that would last for many generations to come.
But that wasn't the only good news. Katara's stomach became fuller each month and by now Zuko could press his ear against her belly and hear the baby kick. She smiled at her husband when he would jump away with excitement on his face. One night as they were going to bed, Zuko kissed her goodnight and he extinguished the candles around their bed. Suddenly they flickered back on as a dreadful cry pierced his ears. Katara held her stomach in pain and her face winced. Sweat shined on her face and she looked at Zuko desperately.
"It's coming Zuko! Get the maids, get someone!"
Another cry came and Zuko panicked. He didn't think that the baby would come this soon. As he covered his ears he ran out into the halls and saw that many of the servants were already out of their beds and walking down the hall towards the echoes of the screams.
"She's giving birth! Katara is going to have a baby!"
At the news everyone's faces lit up and they began to organize themselves. Zuko stood amazed as buckets of water and numerous blankets kept coming in and out of their bedroom. He paced up and down the hall and each time he heard her yell he winced. His heart raced but he didn't think he could stand being in there. Suddenly he heard his name and knew that he was meant to be by his wife's side.
"Zuko! ZUKO!"
He rushed inside and his eyes widened to see the white sheets of the bed stained in dark red. She saw his figure and breathed a sigh of relief. Katara reached for his hand and he kissed her forehead lovingly. Zuko pushed her hair out of her face and stroked her cheek.
"It's all right Katara. It will be all right in a while."
Suddenly she looked away and shut her eyes. The maids began to nod to one another and Zuko looked at them for advice.
"The baby will be out shortly."
He held onto her hand for dear life as she squeezed it with all of her might. For some reason, as Zuko looked at the maids, a bright light emitted from Katara and spread throughout the room. Zuko couldn't believe what he had witnessed, but it seemed like no one else had paid any attention. Suddenly, a high pitched cry resounded and Katara sighed with relief. The baby had been born.
Zuko looked at Katara and kissed her face.
"You did it."
She smiled and laughed, the pain finally gone. The maids returned with a bundle and they smiled as they handed it to Katara.
"Congratulations! It's a baby girl!"
For a split second, Zuko frowned. He had sincerely hoped it would be a boy, but then he looked down at his daughter, her sparkling blue eyes blinking for the first time, and his heart melted. Katara's face streamed with soft tears as she caressed her daughter's small head. Zuko put his arm around her and she sighed happily.
"Zuko, look at her, she is beautiful."
He smiled and put his head on top of hers.
"Yes she is, but she's not as beautiful as her mother."
Katara looked up at him and he kissed her on the lips warmly. She pulled away and looked back down at her daughter.
"What do you want to name her my Lord?"
A curious maid had stepped up and Zuko smiled.
"That isn't my decision, I will let Katara think of her name. I will wait for another."
The three of them laughed quietly and then Katara began to think.
"Would it be all right if we named her after my grandmother Zuko?"
"Sure. But wouldn't that be a bit…"
"Yes, you are right. I can just imagine her complaints… maybe we should just switch it up a bit! Hmm… Kana… Kana… Kana… I know! She shall be named Ranna."
Zuko smiled down at his wife and at his daughter, now named Ranna. While more and more maids came into the room, he began to feel uneasy about that white light he had seen. It had only been for a mere second or two, but there was something about it that wasn't right.
..:-:..
Five years seemed to pass by as if it were only five months. Ranna had brought joy to Zuko and Katara each day. Her soft black hair resembled that of her father, yet her blue eyes sparkled with ferocity just like her mother's. It was no wonder when Ranna began to display interest in both water and fire bending, after all, she was the daughter of the two most well known benders in the world. During that time, Katara had given birth to a healthy baby boy, and Zuko was thrilled. Hori was his name and it didn't take the two of them long to figure it out. For some reason, the couple liked switching names around, because originally they wanted to name their son after uncle Iroh, so naturally they spelled his name backwards to get a brand new name.
But within the joy of the newborn son, Zuko still felt more attached to his daughter. He would spend a lot of time with her, even though he was busy with Fire Nation matters. As he observed her each day, he couldn't help to think that she resembled someone he knew. It was as if she was floating around all the time, and she would always try to go near fire or near water. Zuko also realized that Katara had become more laid back. She was still as vibrant as ever, living life to the fullest with her new family, but that hint of youth was gone, just after the birth of Ranna.
It was five years after that day, on Ranna's fifth birthday when the messengers came. Zuko was ushered into a private room and they came in with smiles on their faces. He stood up and bowed as a sign of respect. There were four men, each wearing a different colored robe, and as Zuko observed, he realized that each represented a separate part of the world.
"Fire Lord Zuko, we have come today with important news."
"Yes, please sit down."
As the servants brought everyone a cup of tea, something Zuko thought of as a tradition and tribute to his late uncle, everyone began to relax. A fifth person entered the room with a big cotton bag.
"As you know, the previous Avatar has been missing ever since the day he defeated your father."
Zuko sat up straight and his heart began to race. He had told no one the secret of Katara's new life and that Aang had sacrificed his own for her.
"Yes, I am well aware of that."
"Well don't look so grim Fire Lord Zuko!"
"Please, just call me Zuko."
They nodded and proceeded.
"As it turns out, each of our temples are still lit and we have reason to believe that the Avatar must have been reborn."
"You see, we have traveled to both water tribes in search of the person who could be the new avatar, and we had no luck."
Zuko began to look confused and his thoughts wandered. Katara couldn't possibly be the next avatar.
"So you came here?"
"Of course. Your wife is a water bender, is she not?"
"Yes, but she's not the avatar!"
"Please calm down Zuko. We understand that to be true. But we must ask you to bring your children in here."
The person with the bag began to pull out numerous toys and Zuko's eyes widened. The door opened to reveal Ranna and Hori standing in front of him. She was only two years older than her brother, but already she seemed much wiser and cunning than he would ever be.
"Daddy? Why are these people… toys!"
Both she and her brother ran to the pile and began to sort through them. Zuko watched on speechless as Ranna began to select and reject some of the toys. First she had chosen a small turtle and then a small spinning drum. Next was a flying spinner and finally she had chosen a small tiger. Each of the men's faces lit up excitedly and Zuko dropped his mouth open in astonishment.
"Is it okay if I take these daddy?"
He smiled weakly and nodded. She ran up to him and gave him a hug.
"Thank you so much daddy! Come on Hori! Let's go!"
The two children walked away from the room and Zuko turned to the men with sadness in his heart. It all made sense now; the light that shined as Katara gave birth, the transition of her floating demeanor to her daughter, it was because the Avatar's spirit had been transformed into his daughter.
"Our search has ended! Ranna is the new avatar!"
Zuko closed his eyes and breathed in deeply.
"Are you positive?"
"Of course! She picked the relics of her previous lives. She is the world's new peacemaker."
He stood up furiously and the flames burning on the candles roared.
"I will not let her be the Avatar! I am not going to have my daughter live her life in danger because of this! I won't allow it."
The men looked at each other sadly and one of them sighed.
"We are sorry you feel this way, but you can be rest assured that the world is already living in peace. We believe there won't be a reason for her life to come into jeopardy."
Zuko turned around so that his back faced them all. He heard the bag of toys being taken away and then a shuffle of footsteps.
"We shall return on her sixteenth birthday. Until then, she is free to do as she pleases."
The door shut close and a tear spilled from the Fire Lord's eyes. His heart was overwhelmed by worry but worst of all was the sorrow. How was he to tell Katara the news? The door opened again and Zuko's temper flamed.
"I said get away! I don't want you in my palace anymore!"
Katara looked at his back in amazement and laughed.
"Really? What did I do? Walk around in the gardens too much?"
Zuko turned around sharply and saw her beautiful smile beaming at him. His mouth dropped and the anger in his face vanished. She stepped up closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He buried himself in her embrace and bit his tongue.
"Zuko, what's wrong? And who were those men? Whatever it is, just know that everything will be all right. I'm always here to help you."
She kissed his cheek softly and he stroked her hair. The news would surely kill her, but he had to do it.
"Katara, this might be a bit of a shock to you, so you might want to sit down."
She sighed and did as she was told.
"Whatever it is, I can handle it."
"It has to do with Ranna."
Katara looked up at him and her eyes widened with worry.
"Is she all right? Does someone want to hurt her? Who were those men Zuko?"
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"They came here in search of the new Avatar."
His words sped at Katara's heart and right away she knew what had happened. Among the mixed emotions she held, a smile radiated on her lips.
"So Ranna is the new Avatar then?"
Zuko looked up at his wife in amazement.
"How did you figure it out?"
"Isn't it obvious Zuko? She can't help but play with fire and splash around in the water. She was always special and she will soon start learning both forms of bending."
She sighed deeply and put her hand on Zuko's arm.
"But what do we have to worry about?"
"What if something happens to her? What if she disappears…like Aang?"
He was still the only one who knew what the Avatar did and it was Zuko who knew that his daughter might one day do the same selfless deed. Katara put her arm around Zuko and patted his back.
"She is the avatar Zuko. She will learn all four styles of bending and with that she will be able to take care of herself. She practically does it already."
He smiled at his wife and kissed her warmly. She always felt so soft and her presence soothed his worried soul.
"You know I love you right?"
Katara giggled and leaned against her husband with her hand interlaced in his. His heartbeat pounded against her back and they sat together as they had for so many long years. The sun was beginning to set, like it always did, each and every day, but that evening it shined with an unbelievable brilliance. Katara sighed and smiled as Zuko's rough hand stroked her long hair.
"Of course you do."
-THE END-
A/N: Wow… that is the end of it then… I still can't believe it! 15 chapters and you keep reading on! I just can't thank you enough for all of the support you've given me throughout this fic and I'm so glad I could write a story you liked:D It really means so much to me! I know most of you will want a sequel, or will be sad that it's over, but this is where it ends…
But… there's always, ALWAYS, a new Zutara fic up my sleeves! ;) Some of you might have read "Captured Hearts" and at the end you wrote "Please right a sequel someday" well… that "day" is now… or in a couple of days anyways! I'm planning for it to turn into a trilogy (hopefully!) and the second book will be called EARTHBOUND so look for that soon!
Again, I want to thank you all so much! If it wasn't for you then this wouldn't have turned out how it did! HAVE AN AWESOME DAY! Until next time:)
-Monika-
