The remainder of their high school days has come to an end. After all the heartache and mending, it was over. Each respective class graduated from the school, diplomas were handed out, and friends gave tearful goodbyes to one another. Families got together for the after parties, and two such families, currently, were doing as such, forming one big group.

Aang, Sokka, Katara, and Suki were eating at an Applebee's with their parents and aunt respectively. Laughter was abundant, the food great, and the atmosphere was happy and bright. While the older couple had already celebrated their own graduation, they still felt the need to be with the oes they love. Looking over at the people who meant the world to him, Aang couldn't help but grin. Everyone was having a good time and the night was relaxing.

He and Katara planned on taking a trip for a year until they were ready for college. Both were going to attend San Francisco State University, him majoring art, her majoring in physical education, having deciding that she wanted to become a physical therapist. Both have their paths now. Sokka and Suki were planning a trip of their own, but Aang knew something that the others didn't, not even Katara. Sokka had made him swear not to say anything.

It was at that moment Toph and her parents came over, though the latter looked as if they wanted to be somewhere fancier, but their daughter had somehow convinced them to join the party. Toph sat next to Aang. "Sorry we're late."

He waved it off. "No worries. How does it feel to be done with school?"

She shrugged casually, but grinned. "Can't complain, Twinkle Toes. I know I'm taking a break for a while though, you know, to see the sights."

Aang glanced over at the Beifong couple, talking among themselves. "Well, you can technically do that without permission, at least." Since her 18th birthday had been last Fall, now she was an adult.

She laughed, and it was the sound of a fork clinking on glass that caught everyone's attention and Aang jerked to attention, knowing what was coming.

Sokka had stood up and made the sound. The speech began. "These last days of school had been pretty insane. We've had our ups and down, triumphs, and each other to lift our spirits when things seem hopeless."

He turned to Suki, who looked surprised when he reached down to lift her up, pulling her to an empty space where everyone could see. "I know I've had trouble coming to terms with Yue's death, and then not telling you how I felt." He took a deep breath, and Aang felt for him, knowing how revealing one's emotions were a challenge. Sokka continued, "We've been through so much together, you were there when that happened, and after everything, I can't imagine how my life would be without you in it." This was when he knelt before her, and Suki covered her mouth as he pulled a box from his pocket. "Suki Fronds, will you do me the honor of marrying me?" He opened the box to reveal a silver band with a small diamond.

Tears in her eyes, she knelt to his level. "Yes," she replied with a huge smile.

With his own eyes misty, Sokka placed the ring on her finger before gently grasping her face to give a kiss.

Aang watched them with a smile of his own as the others clapped along. Glancing over at Katara, the love he felt for her was abundant and swelling every day. One day he wanted to do that, perhaps after college. Katara must have had a similar thought because after catching his eyes, she blushed and looked down, hiding a smile. A similar red came to his cheeks as he grasped her hand, saying, "Let's get out here for a minute."

She nodded and they stood up to give congrats to the newly betrothed before heading out into the night. They stood at the railing for a long time, looking up at the sky and city beyond. It was such a contrast as to how his life had been before, when all was chaos and darkness. That part of his life is over and seeing his sister and best friend become engage made the world shine brighter than a supernova.

"You knew that was going to happen, didn't you?" Katara asked, breaking the silence.

"I did," he replied with a smile. "Sokka had me go ring shopping with him. I promised I wouldn't say anything until after the deed was done."

Katara nudged his shoulder. "Even from me?" she asked teasingly.

Aang chuckled, turning to her. "Yes, even you. Can't say I don't keep my promises."

"That you do," she said quietly, leaning her head on his shoulder, him in turn laying his head on hers. After a moment she asked, "Are you ready for the trip?"

He thought for a few seconds, holding her close by the shoulder. "Yeah, I am."

"You sound a but hesitant."

Looking down at her, he replied, "No, just contemplative."

Meeting his gaze she asked, "About what?"

"How different things are in comparison. It almost seems like a dream now." True he would never forget the trauma he had faced, but now they seemed just a bit foggy in the aftermath.

Katara reached to cup his cheek. "At least you have me."

Nuzzling into her palm, he closed his eyes peacefully. "Yeah, I have you now, too."

"Not to mention out friends," she added gently.

Opening his gray orbs, and murmured, "Our family."

"So, let's begin this new life together."

He nodded. "Together." Placing his forehead on hers, he whispered, "I love you."

Her beautiful cerulean eyes peered into his, glowing with that same love and affection he felt in return, making his heart thump harder. "I love you too."

They kissed, one of longing and tenderness... Which was shattered when Sokka exclaimed, "OOGIES!" Breaking apart, they looked over at the young man, Suki rolling her eyes at his side.

The latter said, "Didn't you just propose to me, Mr. Sarcasm?"

Sokka blushed, rubbing his neck. "Well yeah, but that's my sister."

"A sister who could kick your butt without breaking a sweat," Katara retorted, holding Aang's hand.

He chuckled. "All right, guys, let's not fight tonight. Save it for later."

"Aang's right," Suki added, pulling her fiance over. "Let's just enjoy the night."

"Yep, I'm with you," Toph said, joining in. "I've had enough excitement for one lifetime."

Everyone stood at the railing, the calming silence pervading their ears. After a while, Suki turned to her brother and asked one final question. "How are you feeling now, Aang?" Of course he knew what she meant. Emotionally and physically if he was doing alright after all the danger and attacks on his mind and spirit.

And when he responded, it felt like the most honest answer he had ever given. "At peace, Suki. I'm feeling at peace."

In the end, all the hardships had been worth it, because it led him from being a sex slave to a young man with a family like no other, a person who overcame the trials his life had thus far thrown at him. A group of people who helped him on his journey of recovery will remain by his side for however long life allowed.

Aang Windstorm had found what he was looking for after all this turmoil: Peace.

The End

And that's it! The final chapter to this story! Thank you guys so much for reading! If you would like to see more, be sure to check out my account Katara43. I still reply to reviews left there, just under my other username LunaMoon256. I'm working on another novel right now and creating artwork. Again thank you for sticking with me on this, as it's been a busy time for me. See you all next time, cheers