CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Tales After The War
Zuko and Kattara
Though The Fire Nation's century long war with the other nations was over Zuko and the others
knew that there were plenty of Fire Benders left in the world. The Fire Nation had conquered
many territories during the last century. Now these soldiers and fighters were left without a
leader and a country. As soon as they realized that their nation had been destroyed, they fled
fearful that the nations that they had oppressed would surely put them to death.
Zuko wondered if they would now follow him, because he was still their Prince and now the Fire
Lord if it was only by birthright. Zuko was confused, all these years he had been obsessed with
reclaiming his honor so that he could become The Fire Nation's next leader when his father died.
Now he didn't know whether he could handle the responsibility. "They probably wouldn't follow
me anyway" he thought to himself. "Any way even if they did want me as their leader I don't
know how I could rebuild a nation that has been destroyed."
Zuko also had another thing to worry about, he wondered whether he and Kattara were right for
each other. "She's known The Avatar longer than she's known me. For the longest time I was her
enemy, I don't deserve her." After a lot of contemplation Zuko decided to tell Kattara. "Kattara"
he said trying to stop himself from crying. "I don't think we belong together. I think that the
Avatar, I mean Aang is better for you."
Aang who had heard Zuko telling Kattara this became so happy that it seemed all time had
stopped. Zuko was surrendering, he had won. Kattara was his. However his elation came to an
abrupt stop when he realized that Kattara was upset with Zuko's departure. "Oh well, she'll
realize that I am really am better for her." Aang soon realized that he was being selfish. He then
realized that no matter how much he loved Kattara that he didn't belong with her. "Zuko has
changed" he told himself "It was difficult for him, but he still did it. He's changed. He is not my
enemy anymore, he's not chasing my anymore. He needs something else, and he needs to catch it
and keep it. He needs Kattara, and she needs him." With a sigh of depression and realization
Aang called out to Zuko "Zuko wait! I've finally realized that you and Kattara do belong
together" "Kattara needs you, and you need her." Zuko turned slowly around and stared at Aang
before running up and getting Aang into a hug that was so tight, that Aang felt that he couldn't
breathe. Finally when Aang couldn't take it anymore he choked out "Go tell Kattara you're
staying." Zuko dropped Aang to the ground and ran to see Kattara while Aang gasped for breath
on the ground.
Aang heard Kattara and Zuko and turned around to see them kissing. Kattara turned to Aang and
said "Thanks Aang" Aang was feeling a mixture of emotions, he was happy that Kattara was
happy and that there was peace in the world and in their group. However he was still sad and
upset that Kattara had chosen Zuko over him. "Oh well" he said to himself "He needs her more
than I do."
A few days later Zuko took the next step and asked Kattara to marry him. He even presented her
with a hand carved necklace that he had made himself. Kattara and Zuko were married a few
days after the proposal. Because Aang was the Avatar he performed the ceremony. Prince Ozai
was officially adopted as Zuko and Kattara's son. Zuko wondered whether or not he should tell
his nephew about his real parents. When he voiced his concerns to Kattara she replied "we have a
couple of years to figure this out" "Those years will go by quickly, and I probably won't have
made up my mind by then." Kattara caressed Zuko's face and gave him a kiss. "You worry too
much" she said playfully. "I know, but I think I'm about to become reckless and not worry about
anything I do." he said just as playfully. "Well don't do that either. I won't let my husband run
around wildly."Hackoda was soon proclaimed as chief of the Southern Water Tribe which was now
almost as beautiful as The Northern Water Tribe; because after The Siege of The North Master
Pakku and some of The Northern Water Tribe members went to The Southern Water Tribe to help
rebuild it. Because Hackoda was now Chief Kattara and Sokka his children were now a Prince and
a Princess. Zuko who was Hackoda's Son-in-Law was now a Prince two times over. When Zuko
saw how beautiful the Northern and Southern Water Tribes were, he was in awe. He had been to
both Tribes before. The Northern Water Tribe was more extravagant and exquisite than the
Southern Water Tribe, but Zuko had not taken time to notice the last time he was there. Life had
never been better. Zuko was sure that he and Kattara would have a long and happy life.
Toph
Throughout her adventures with Aang and the others Toph had developed quite a few romantic
interests. She had a crush on Sokka, Aang, Haru, and Zuko. It was hard for her to figure out
which she liked better. Another problem was that nobody was showing any interest in her. Aang
and Zuko had been too busy fighting over Kattara, Sokka was too indifferent to care, and Haru
the one person she should have been most able to identify with because he was an Earth Bender
saw her as just a kid. He was probably fawning over Kattara too. "Oh well" she thought. She was
used to people either not noticing her or treating her like she couldn't handle herself. "I can take
care of myself. Still it would be nice for somebody to take an interest in her and not just look to
her to help them out of tight situations like Aang and the others did.
The only person that she could get along with was Kattara. Hanging out with Kattara was fun,
but she'd like to hang out with boys which she seemed to identify with more than other girls.
When Zuko and Kattara went to visit The Northern Water Tribe Kattara invited Toph along.
"What's the point I won't be able to see how pretty it is, I won't eve be able to see with my Earth
Bending." "Please Toph, you won't be sorry." "Fine" said Toph reluctantly. When they got there
Toph couldn't help but shiver uncontrollably "I hope your right about this Kattara" said Toph
through clenched teeth. "I promised you that you wouldn't be sorry, and you won't" Kattara
replied. Zuko saw how cold Toph was and walked over to her. "Here, I'll warm you up." He
placed his hands over Toph's body and delivered short bursts of heat into her body. The heat
emanating from his body was delightful, and for a moment she considered kissing him. Zuko
must have noticed because he suddenly stopped touching her. Toph was disappointed but she
knew that it would just entangle things if she got involved with Zuko. Toph may have been rude
sometimes but she knew better than to take another woman's man.
After they had been warmly greeted and had some rest and food, which Toph very much liked by
the way. Kattara finally revealed to Toph why she wanted her to come. She and Toph went to the
little pond where the Moon and Ocean Spirits lived. Kattara told Toph to wade out with her to
the middle of the pond. Kattara had Toph lean back in her arms and told Toph to holdher breath
while she dunked her in the water. Kattara pushed Toph under the water and after a few moments
pulled her out again. "How are you feeling?" Kattara asked Toph "Like I normally do" Toph
replied "Wait, something is happening" Suddenly Toph's vision went from being pitch black to
being blurry to being perfectly clear. Toph stared all around in amazement, finally after a few
moments she turned to Kattara and said "Thank you Kattara, I can see! You were right I wasn't
sorry for coming. I can see!"
After their stay at The Northern Tribe Aang wanted to take Toph to the Northern Air Temple.
"There's some great people that I want you too meet." "Okay" said Toph. Normally Toph didn't
like flying but now that she could see she was talking enthusiastically about how everything looked
cool from high up in the sky. When they arrived at the Air Temple Toph was almost sorry to get off
of Appa. As soon as they had landed Teo, his father The Mechanist and the otherinhabitants came
out to greet them.
"Hey Aang" said Teo wheeling out to meet them "Hey Sokka, Kattara, and who are they?" "This
is my husband Zuko, This is Toph and this is Haru." "Well it's nice to meet new faces" said Teo.
"WOW!" said Haru, Toph and Zuko. "You guys have never been to an Air Temple before have
you? Not many people have. I have been living here for as long as I can remember. Here let me
introduce you to my father. He is an inventor and he makes all kinds of contraptions." As soon as
Toph had set eyes on Teo she couldn't stop looking at him. After a tour of the temple Teo asked
if any one would like to try one of the gliders that his father made. Zuko and Haru refused but
Toph eagerly accepted. After a demonstration and a few lessons Toph was off the ground in no
time however it didn't take long for her to get scared "I want to come down now!" she called
"It's kind of hard to handle at first, but you'll get used to it" Teo said to her. "If you want to come
down all you have to do is push towards the ground the glider will take care of the rest." As soon
as she was safely back on the ground Toph tried to make conversation with Teo. "How did you
get hurt so that you can't use you're legs?" she asked. "I don't really know, it happened when I
was a baby. My father says it happened during a flood that destroyed the village I was living in. It
also took my mother." "That's awful" said Toph "Yeah, but I never knew her"
"You know I know what it's like to have to do things differently then other people. I used to be
blind, I couldn't see in the normal sense of the word. I could however sense vibrations from the
earth because I'm an earth bender and the vibrations that I could sense gave me a special kind of
sight. I recently just received my eyesight." "How?" Teo asked. "Kattara gave it to me. She can
use her water bending to heal people. She gave me my sight so now I can see normally." "Wow
that's amazing!" "I know, if Kattara hadn't done this for me I never would have had such a great
day. I like it here, and I like you." "I like you too Toph" said Teo. Suddenly Toph grabbed Teo's
hand. Teo was surprised but he didn't pull away. Toph had finally found someone that she
wanted to be with; and that wanted to be with her.
Appa and Momo
Life was good and it was about to get even better. For one-hundred years people believed that Air
Benders, Flying Bison, and Lemurs were extinct; fortunately that was not the case. A small clan
of Flying Bison and Lemurs were discovered near the Northern Air Temple; Aang had found
them when he was flying around with Appa and Momo. When Aang spotted them he could
hardly believe his eyes. His best non-human friends deserved to find mates just as much his
human friends; and it looked as though they had. "Appa! Momo! Do you see what I see?" Appa
grunted happily and Momo chirped excitedly. "Let's go down and say hello!"
It didn't take long for Appa and Momo to find interested and suitable mates. They soon had
offspring and Aang and his friends spent many a happy hour of each day playing with the baby
lemurs and bison. Eventually Kattara and Sokka began to get homesick and wanted to return to
their tribe. Since the only way to get to their tribe from the temple was by flying bison Aang had
to take them. It was a most reluctant Appa that Aang had to cajole in leaving. "Don't worry
buddy were just taking Kattara and Sokka back to their tribe. We'll be back in no time and you
can go back to romping with your fellow bison" Appa grunted as if to reluctantly say "Okay."
"Toph do you want to come with us?" "No, I'm staying here" replied Toph who was staring into
Teo's eyes. "Okay" said Aang. "Hey Haru! do you want to come?" "No thanks" said Haru, "I like
it here." and with that they were off for the Southern Water Tribe.
Sokka
While on the way to The Southern Water Tribe Kattara voiced a concern about Gran Gran Khana
"It's been a long time since we've seen Gran Gran. I hope she is okay." "Well she was pretty old
when we left." Sokka replied "And what is that supposed to mean?" Asked Kattara angrily.
"Well I uh... Hope she is okay, but I won't be surprised if she is uh..." "What?" asked Kattara
glaring icicles at Sokka. "I uh, never mind." Said Sokka nervously. All the while that this was
happening Zuko and Aang were fighting to stifle pent up laughter.
When they finally arrived Sokka and Kattara dismounted and ran to see if Gran Gran was still
there. To their relief she was, but she didn't look good. She was lying down on a bed of fur.
Kattara and Sokka ran up to her. "Gran Gran it's us Kattara and Sokka." Gran Gran looked up
and smiled weakly. "Why hello there my little Water Bender and my brave little warrior. My
health started failing soon after you left but I didn't want to go without seeing you two again."
Kattara and Sokka began to get tears in their eyes. Gran Gran noticed and said "Don't worry my
little ones. I have lived a long life and I am ready to go. I saw your father a few days ago, and he
told me the good news. The war is over, you should all be very proud of yourselves. You have
succeeded in your mission. Is The Avatar with you?" "Yes Gran Gran" said Kattara smiling
sadly. "Could you please bring him to me. I want to see him before I die." Aang who had heard
the entire conversation looked around nervously; he hated to be around dying people. It was just
too creepy, still he couldn't deny this good lady her dying wish so he walked slowly over. When
she knew that Aang was next to her she said "thank you Avatar you have saved the world and
restored balance." "Kattara when I saw your father he also told me about a young man that you
have married. Let me see him." Kattara called Zuko who nervously walked over. He wondered if
she would recognize him as the man who invaded her tribe over a year ago. "Young man you had
better take care of Kattara, promise me that you will protect her." "I promise" said Zuko quietly.
With that Gran Gran Khana died.
The funeral in her memory was held the next day. After the funeral Sokka wanted to go to
Kyoshi Island to see Suki again. Kattara and Zuko decided to go too. Kattara initially wanted to
stay but Zuko said he couldn't take the cold, so they rode on Appa's back to Kyoshi Island. As
soon as they landed everyone on Kyoshi Island ran out to greet them. Suki ran up to Sokka and
gave him a hug. "So what do want to do now that the war is over?" she asked. "I'm sure we
could find something too do" Sokka replied. "I know we could" she said seductively before
kissing him.
Aang
As soon as Aang and his friends had landed on Kyoshi Island to see Suki, it wasn't long before
Sokka and Suki were discussing marriage. The war was over and everyone was coming down
with a scorching case of love fever. Zuko and Kattara the two most unlikely people to fall in love
had gotten married, Toph and Teo were together, Appa and Momo had found members of their
own species to be with, the only singles left were Sokka, Aang, Haru, and Iroh. Sokka sought to
remedy his situation by proposing to Suki who happily accepted. The wedding was performed
quickly and The Kyoshi Islander's had a huge celebration with spectacular fire works to
commemorate the occasion. Sokka and Suki were watching the fire works and kissing each other.
"This is the best evening of my life!" Suki exclaimed to Sokka. "Mine too" Sokka agreed "I think
I know how we can make it better" said Sokka with a mischievous grin. "I'm all ears" said Suki
just as mischievously. "What do you want to do?" asked Suki seductively. "I'll show you" said
Sokka leaning closer.
Aang stayed on Kyoshi Island for a few more days, but eventually had to say good-bye to his
friends. Appa was getting restless, Aang knew he wanted to get back to The Northern Air Temple
to be with his own kind; and Aang felt obligated to accommodate him. Kattara and Zuko decided
to stay on Kyoshi Island with Sokka and Suki. Aang never felt more lonely, but he knew he could
always come back and see them anytime he wanted. After some last good-byes he flew away on
Appa. "Okay boy, were finally going back to be with your family." Appa grunted as if to say
"finally." As soon as Aang landed Appa ran off to reunite with his family. "You deserve it
buddy." Aang said sadly. "I just wish I wasn't so alone."
Aang decided that what he needed was to go on a trip by himself to think and reflect. "I know
where I'll go" said Aang in an epiphany and with that he flew off with his glider into the sky. It
didn't long before Aang arrived at where he wanted to go. It was the town where Aunt Woo
lived. Aang hoped she was still here.
Even though Sokka had effectively proven that you shouldn't rely on fortune telling, Aang still
believed that Aunt Woo had made some pretty good predictions that had come true. "If anyone
can help me she can" thought Aang. Aang walked too the door and the man standing outside said
"Aunt Woo is expecting you." "WOW!" said Aang. As soon as he was inside he was greeted by
the most gorgeous girl he had ever seen. "Welcome" she said graciously; and then when she saw
who it was she gasped. "Aang it's you!" All Aang could do was stare in disbelief. Here was a girl
whom he was sure he had never met; but she knew who he was. "Aang it's me! It's Meng"
"Meng!" Aang said in surprise "My gosh you've changed I didn't even recognize you." "Aunt
Woo gave me an extreme make-over" Meng said smiling showing her gap in her teeth. Aang
now knew that it was Meng. "So do you think I'm pretty" said Meng blinking her long eyelashes.
Aang felt as if the breath had been taken out of him. Pretty was not an adequate word, she was
nearly as beautiful as Princess Yue just before she disappeared and broke Sokka's heart. Meng
smiled coyly at Aang. It gave her a sense of deep satisfaction that she had power even over The
Avatar. Finally Aang tried to speak "Would you uh-----would you" Aang couldn't finish what he
was saying because Meng put her fingers lightly over his lips. "I'd love too" she said. She grabbed
Aang by the arm and then purposefully strolled while almost dragging him out of Aunt Woo's quaint
little place of business.
As the unintended date progressed Aang's heart began beating faster and faster. Meng was
staring dreamily into eyes almost hypnotizing him. Aang felt the irresistible urge to kiss her, but
was so nervous that he couldn't. When he finally did, it was like fire-works went off inside his
head. "WOW!" said Aang "How did you get so good?" "Practice" said Meng blushing.
Haru
Haru was having an excellent time living in The Northern Air Temple. There was something
different about living up in the mountains. The air was so crisp and clear. Each morning when he
woke up he would breathe in the air that seemed like nectar to his lungs.
However as time wore on he began to miss the village in which he grew up. He was beginning to
get seriously homesick when Aang arrived; and he wasn't alone. He was with the most beautiful
girl Haru had ever seen. "Hi Aang!" Haru called "Who's your friend?" "This is my girlfriend
Meng." "Hi" said Meng almost flirtatiously. "So, Haru do you like it here?" asked Aang. "Yeah I
do. It's great! But I think I'm getting homesick." "Don't worry. I have a cure for that." Aang
called Appa over and said "Climb on Haru." With a loud "Yip! Yip!" they were off for Haru's
village.
Once there Haru jumped off of Appa; and bolted to see his parents. He knocked on the door of
his childhood house and waited for it to open. Haru's father opened the door. "Haru!" He said
grabbing his son into a bear hug "It's so good to see you!" "It's good to see you too" Haru
answered. "Where did you go?" his mother asked. "All over the world" Haru answered proudly.
When Haru's parents saw Aang they warmly greeted him."Thank you for helping us find our
courage and take back our land." he said. "Your welcome" Aang said. "How's Kattara?" asked
Haru's father. "She's good, she's married to a Fire Bender named Zuko." "Wonderful! That's not
something that happens everyday." "Nope it sure isn't" "And who is this charming young lady?"
asked Haru's mother and father simultaneously. As soon as they realized they had asked the same
question they all laughed heartily. "This is Meng, my girlfriend." "It's an honor to meet you sir
and ma'am." "Likewise" said Haru's father smiling. "Well I'd better get going. I've got to get
Appa back to his family" said Aang. "You mean there's more of them?" asked Haru's mother in
wonder. "Yep sure is." said Haru grandly "Appa's not one of a kind anymore. Isn't that great?"
"It sure is!" they all agreed. With a final wave Aang and Meng took off on Appa back to The
Northern Air Temple.
Hakoda and Bato
While being the new Chief of The Southern Water Tribe was a great honor Hackoda soon
became weary of the responsibility. The war was over, yet there was still much work to be done
in order to restore The Water Tribe to it's former majesty. There was endless meetings and
functions to attend to. "Oh well" thought Hakoda such is the way of life. Hakoda and Bato just
wanted to have time for fun like they had when they were boys around Sokka's age. Hakoda was
very glad that Bato as his best friend had survived the war; yet he was also sad that he had lost
some other good friends.
After a few months of marriage Kattara told her father that he was going to be a grandfather. "Is
it going to be a boy or a girl?" he remembered asking"How many are you going to have?" "I
don't want to ruin the surprise" she coyly answered. Nine months later Kattara gave birth to
twins; a boy and a girl Everyone was there to celebrate this momentous occasion. "What do think
we should name them?" Zuko asked his wife. "How about we name the boy after you?" "Hmm..
I don't know. If you want one of us, how will we be able to know which of us you are calling
for?" "Good point. How about we name him after your uncle?" "Yeah let's do that" Zuko agreed.
"What do you think we should name our daughter?" she asked "I have the perfect name; Let's
name her Ora" "Gold" Kattara whispered.
"So what is like to be such an old man?" Bato asked Hakoda after the birth of the twins. "Oh shut
up! I'm not old just because I'm a grandfather." said Hakoda punching Bato in the arm. Bato
laughed uproariously and punched back.
Iroh
Iroh's life had never been more filled with joy. He was a great-uncle to Prince Ozai and now he
was the proud grandfather of two adorable twins. However Iroh was not well, he was old and
though he tried not to show it, he was feeling his age. Finally when he knew he was not long for
the mortal world he called for Zuko. "Zuko I am very old; and I am going to die soon." As
expected Zuko objected to his uncle's talk. "But Uncle you can't die yet." "I am sorry Zuko, but
there is no stopping death. The war is over, you are married, you have your own children, you
don't need me anymore." "Don't say that Uncle. I know that in the past I tried to do things
without anyone's help including your's; but I need you now. I am a father, I don't think I can do
this by myself" "I think you will make an excellent father; and you won't be alone. You are
married to an excellent wife, she will help you become the man you are supposed to be." After a
brief pause Iroh began again. I don't know how or when I am going to die. All I know is that I am
going to die; and it will be soon. You have made my life worth living Prince Zuko; and I am very
proud of you. But I am tired; and I am ready for eternal slumber. I want to see my own son again;
your cousin Lu Ten." Iroh suddenly began to cry and said no more.
A few weeks later Iroh was dead. He had died in his sleep apparently; Zuko discovered the death
when he went in at noon to wake his uncle. Iroh was normally a heavy and late sleeper. "But he
shouldn't be sleeping this late. I'd better check on him." thought Zuko. When Zuko found his
uncle dead, he shed only one tear. "Good bye Uncle" he whispered. After a pause Zuko went out
and called Kattara "My Uncle is dead, bring me some white linen to wrap him in." Kattara
hurried to get the linen, but took a while to get back. "What took you so long?" Zuko asked. "I
also brought some perfume and some spices to make him smell better." "Good thinking" Zuko
replied. Kattara helped Zuko wrap Iroh in the line and then rubbed the linen with the spices and
perfume.
As soon as they were done, Zuko picked up his uncle's body. "Where are you going?" "I'm
going to mourn him. I won't be back until dawn." "Can I and the others come too?" Kattara
asked. "I'm sorry, but this is something I have to do alone." "But I want to come too. Your Uncle
was a good man; and I'd like to pay my respects." "I appreciate the sentiments, but I've got to do
this on my own." "Okay"whispered Kattara; and then she kissed Zuko before letting him leave.
Zuko walked far out into the wilderness of Kyoshi Island where he and his new family were
living. He didn't want anybody around; because he wanted to be with his uncle alone. As soon as
he had found a suitable spot, he made a funeral pyre and placed his uncle's body on top of it.
With a blast of his hand Zuko set the pyre on fire. He sat down and began to reflect on his life
and his uncle's life.
The perfume and spices that Kattara had brought for Uncle Iroh were making an intoxicating
haze from the fire. Zuko breathed in deeply. It was early morning when the sun was just
beginning to rise that the fire finally smoldered out. Zuko stayed awake as long as he could; but
the heavy perfume put him to sleep. It was in his sleep that he had a dream. He was walking with
Uncle Iroh down a road when they spotted a fellow traveler; as they got closer they recognized the
traveler as Lu Ten. Iroh immediately ran up to his son and embraced him. Zuko took longer to meet
his cousin because he was calmly strolling. When he finally met his cousin he too embraced him.
"It's good to see you after all these years!" Iroh rejoiced. "It's good to see you too Father." said Lu
Ten. Finally Uncle Iroh turned around and embraced Zuko. "It's time for me to go now" he said. "I
know" said Zuko smiling sadly. With a last wave Zuko saw his uncle and his cousin vanish.
Zuko suddenly woke up and looked around. When he saw the ashes and the burned funeral pyre
he remembered what had happened the night before. "Good bye Uncle" whispered Zuko again;
and then he walked back to be with his wife, his children, and his nephew.
Shyu
Though Shyu was no longer a Sage of Avatar Roku's Fire Temple; he had an indescribable
quality about him. When ever people met him they knew instantly that he was a holy man.
Though The Fire Nation was destroyed and Shyu was no threat to anyone; he still didn't tell people
that he was from The Fire Nation. Animosity was still very strong and Shyu just wanted to live
the rest of his life in peace.
Though he was known for being a holy-man, he was better known for his fantastic stories of his
adventures with The Avatar. The children and even the adults of each town would listen to him
for hours. And then they would tell others about him so that his fame became almost as great as
The Avatar himself.