Authors Note: Finally at the end! Didn't think I'd be able to finish this. But I am so happy that I managed it! There's a lot of things I want to discuss, but that'll be at the end of the epilogue! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Avatar world, that is all owned by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.

Epilogue

Here is the tale everyone is told of Avatar Wikilow Beifong…

Wikilow was born Benji Beifong, son of Mina and Jun Beifong. One night the family was robbed, and his parents murdered. On that fateful night, Benji awakened as the Avatar for the first time. Unfortunately, the boy was kidnapped by the local Dai Li. The corrupt Dai Li removed everything that made Benji who he was, his memories, his personality, his feelings. Essentially killing the boy. From this tragedy, Wikilow came to exist in Benji's place.

Hark squinted as Bo pushed him out of the Resistance's cave headquarters. Being the first time he had left the cave since his imprisonment. Tight cuffs and chains kept his arms secured behind his back as Bara followed. A sinking feeling filled his stomach as they trekked down the mountain. Bo leading him by his shoulders. As the minutes passed in silence, Hark nervously glanced at the backpack Bara carried.

"This is it. I'm dead." The former engineer glumly thought. Before releasing a shaky breath, resigning himself to his fate. Beneath a small tree, whose leaves were coloured a faded green the group stopped. Bo lightly shoved Hark against the trunk. Stepping away, he could only watch as Bara opened the backpack. Surely it was some sort of gun or execution weapon. "…It wasn't that bad…sorry Yulan, everyone…" Hark concluded in his mind, closing his eyes.

A click…

Hark suppressed a shudder…

A click…

"You're free to go." Bo nonchalantly announced while unlocking an astonished Hark's cuffs. Hark slowly looked at his hands, then turned to face a whistling Bara.

"Sir, I-" He tried to say.

"Hark… Yulan and I had a talk. and decided there's no reason to keep you locked up at this point." The Beifong head explained, pulling his laptop out from the backpack. "Arlo said you could have it back." Bara added, placing it in his frozen hands. Hark blinked, numbly staring at the device.

"Well… guess we're done here. Come on, Bara." Bo sighed, pulling the older Beifong away.

"Bara-Sir, I-I" Hark stuttered, quickly speaking before they could leave. The two looked at him curiously as he gulped. A new fire reigniting in the engineer's eyes. "I'll make it up to you! I swear it!" He promised, face determined. A few seconds passed awkwardly. Then Bara chuckled, and glanced at Bo with a broad grin on his face.

The Avatar was trained to be an apathetic and emotionless weapon by the Dai Li. Killing anyone who stood in their way from the shadows. Partnered with him was a water bender named Rin, a mercenary from the Fire Nation. Turning to the shady industry due to the discrimination foreign benders faced in her homeland. But she was just as trapped as he was.

"And, we're all set!" Yulan excitedly yelled out, signing her name on the contract. Next to her loopy signature was Hark and Arlo's names. "We just need a name!" The goggle wearing girl explained.

"Why can't we just use Beifong? I mean, your family are backing us after all." Arlo asked, tapping on his own personal laptop he made himself.

"It's our company. And that would be pretty uncreative." Hark replied, drawing out new laptop plans.

"Okay, what about, the flying-" The ex cirque began to say before Hark interrupted.

"I swear if you suggest a circus name again…" He exasperated, pulling at his new scarf.

"You said to be creative. And I think they're great!" Arlo laughed, closing his device.

"Only one of us who do, Weird Hair." Yulan teased. "But seriously, we can't call ourselves 'to be decided' corp." She continued, tapping her modified goggles. Arlo looked toward the sky, at the blinding sun. There might've been the faintest of flying silhouettes in the light. He allowed a tiny spark to dance in his palm.

"…Buddy." The cirque muttered, thinking it over. "What about Buddy? Or Bud for short." Arlo suggested, playing with his hands. His partners considered the name, before nodding.

"Bud's Inc. I like the sound of that." Hark agreed, getting back to sketching.

"Innovation in technology and gaming." Yulan continued for him, satisfied while filling the rest of the paperwork out with the name.

"Changing for the better." Arlo cheekily went, reiterating their motto. Standing, the three gazed at the tall building that would be their headquarters. Yulan tightly gripped Hark's hand in hers. Who warmly returned the sentiment. Hark's complete logo was in his other hand. A simple gear with three small bars and circles around it.

One day, Wikilow and Rin rescued an air bender named Elsi, hailing from the Southern Water Tribes. Rin argued to keep the girl as a hostage, as such Elsi would travel with the pair as they worked. Elsi was a kind, shy girl. And even though she was being forced to travel along, grew to care for them as friends. Despite herself, she tried to steer them away from the Dai Li's influence. However, Rin would attempt to kill her for this. Leading Wikilow, who had unknowingly grown to care for Elsi as well, to remove Rin's bending.

In the Southern Water Tribes, there was a gathering of engraved stones. People passing offered short, sad looks to the memorials. An influx of new additions had been recently added. Public services and other mournful activities had been carried out for the departed. In particular, a grave near the front glistened in the light. A white feather floated down on top of it.

"Here lies Elsi. A gentle spirit who died a hero, who saved Avatar Wikilow." The grave read, in precise, intricate letters. It wasn't until the team told their tale that Elsi became more known in her homeland. She became something akin to a childhood hero in death. A story parents would tell shy kids to soothe their fears and embarrassments. Something the air bender would've reacted bashfully to.

However, with no living family left in the tribe. Her grave wasn't visited too often compared to others. Though, many would note that every year on the young woman's date of death. A stranger in green, and a bird the colour of snow would visit Elsi's grave. They would just stand there for a while, softly talking to the wind. Always leaving a small band of lightly coloured beads.

Wikilow and Elsi would travel together alone, abandoning the Dai Li. In Republic City they would meet an energetic cirque named Arlo, a unique fire bender who could control the shape of his flames. Arlo had grown up with his widowed mother, in a temple of traditionalist air nomads who scorned him for being different. Arlo, who only wished to make others happy, had run away and joined the circus.

Arlo paced up and down the hall, pulling at his white stripe. A phantom of irritation and panic would occasionally arise behind his eyes. But, their haunting had long ceased to affect him. The fire bender drew in quick breaths and beat his chest in an attempt to calm himself down.

"You going to just stand there, Weird Hair?" Yulan pointedly asked, leaning against the ornate walls of one of air temple island's buildings.

"I'm going to do it!" Arlo insisted, though continued to pace in front of her. "But, I'm just nervous is all. What if she's expecting old me and not new me? What if she doesn't like who I've become? What will I say when we inevitably talk about before? What-" The ex cirque ranted before jumping. Yulan having lightly shocked him with a buzzer. "Ow…" He muttered, rubbing his arm.

"Don't worry about that and go already! You don't have all day." The Beifong girl chastised, giving him a small shove.

"Okay, okay!" Arlo hurriedly responded, taking a few steps down the hall before stopping again.

"Weird Hair…" Yulan warned to which he quickly shook his head back and forth.

"I know! You're right!" Arlo muttered, walking forward once more. "Not running this time." He muttered to himself as he walked. His steps filled with a confidant uncertainty. The fire bender paused just before an archway leading outside. It was where he had been directed to go by Master Jinora. Arlo looked back, hair briefly covering his golden eye. He pushed the strands away and tidied his appearance up.

Taking one last breath he entered.

Arlo's mother was sitting down in front of the sun. Sullen unmoving eyes with dark shadows greeting the spirits. Her hands folded across her lap. The years had taken a visible toll on the woman, lines wrinkling her face.

His mother slowly turned to face him.

"…Hi Mother…" Arlo awkwardly greeted, crossing his arms behind his back. They didn't say anything to each other. The woman looking him over, studying his face and clothes. He hadn't changed anything, arriving in his usual getup, so unlike the childhood robes Arlo use to wear. A spike of fear penetrated his body, doubt crawling into his mind. "Does… does she even recognize me?" Arlo worried.

His feet itched to fly away again.

But he endured, steeling himself for the worse.

"Arlo…" His mother whispered, a tear rolling down her cheek. A smile gracing her face as she shakily stood from the ground. It was then Arlo saw some sort of peacefulness overcome her. She lovingly opened her arms wide.

Mother and son tightly embraced each other. The sun enveloping them in warm, gentle light.

The trio would travel across the Earth States, having all sorts of adventures both physical and spiritual. In Kang City, they would join the Resistance where Wikilow's origins as a Beifong would be revealed. And though the family was hesitant to accept him for who he had become, they would grow to care for him as one of their own.

Yulan practically dragged her father ahead.

"Come on, Dad!" She excitedly shouted while nearly pulling his arm off. Though, Bara didn't provide much resistance to her efforts. He too, was elated about the occasion. Bo and Wikilow speed walked behind the two. The former chuckling every now and then. The latter remaining silent, mentally calculating the remaining distance to their destination.

The metal domes of Zaofu were open.

Streets were packed with citizens. Many still in celebratory moods even though the conflict was long settled. A group of young men were parading around, shooting large confetti guns into the air before running off. Passerby's would greet his three family members, causing them to stop every few minutes. But, Yulan hurriedly pushed them though the crowds.

Between giants of steel and glass a large residence slowly unveiled itself. It's tall height looming over the city. Works of mechanical genius whirring around the gardens. Yet instead of intimidating, it had a welcoming atmosphere.

The Beifong family home.

"I can't wait to see everyone again! Kai better have left my room alone! And Cousin Sho, Mul…" Yulan happily ranted, shaking with glee. Their return to Zaofu had been the only thing Yulan talked about for weeks prior. It had been years since any of them had last seen their family after all. Wikilow nodded while Bara and Bo expressed similar sentiments. He lowered his head, discreetly leaning toward Bara.

"Are you sure-" The Avatar tried to whisper, raising doubts about his presence.

"Don't worry son. I told you, we had a long talk with the Zaofu folks when planning this. They understand, won't pressure you into anything you don't want to do." Bara assured, flashing a confidant grin.

"Understood." Wikilow replied, though he still had doubts. Entering the grounds, not a soul could be seen. Wikilow looked around, but Yulan, Bara, and Bo seemed to anticipate something. He would find out what that something was soon enough.

Suddenly the doors were blown open, dozens of people storming outside. The party surrounded them, surprising Wikilow. He along with the others were eagerly pulled into the house. A giant spread of food was prepared in the dining area. A diverse, wide range of delicacies awaited the family. Chatter filled the room, embraces of all kinds were exchanged. Food and drink was piled onto plates and cups.

Music danced in the air, notes a beautiful mess. Someone, multiple people sang and clapped. Machines of all kinds were brought out.

Children tugged at Wikilow's sleeve. Handshakes and introductions were given. Wikilow felt fuzzy inside as the Beifong's celebrated.

It was a good kind of chaos.

His lips twitched.

Wikilow, having gone through many new experiences, slowly became his own person. Distancing himself from the corrupt Dai Li's influence. Rin too, would go on her own journey of self discovery and fight alongside Wikilow.

Rin jumped back, catching her student's attack. Pushing forward with a yell she easily disarmed them. Knocking the youth to her school's humble floor. With a laugh she helped them up to resume the session.

After the fight in Ba Sing Se, Rin swiftly returned to Huíyì. Finding Rozoku and the rest of the rebel group alive and well. Victorious in their battle. The gang remained in the town to settle and reorganize things. But eventually, some left and some stayed. Surprisingly, Rozoku and Rin were apart of the latter classification. Perhaps they were small town folk at heart. Perhaps the fond memories they had made made it worth staying for.

Anyways, the two started a small school in town. Mainly focused on combat and self defence. The place wasn't anything special, but it was perfect. Not many connected Rin as the Avatar's companion until Wikilow and Arlo visited. They had many new enrolments that week to general amusement.

Once the students had left, Rozoku offered Rin a water bottle. Which she gladly accepted. She still did not have her water bending back. A choice she had made herself. One she would never regret.

A knock at the door made them pause. Looking, they saw a grown up Koto race in and joyfully embrace them. Muttering incoherent apologies left and right. Behind her Rin could see a young gentlemen holding an affectionate toddler. A laugh escaped her lips as she patted Koto on the back, grinning.

Rin stood with Rozoku in front of her parent's shop. Inside, they could see it empty. Glass figurines standing on cold, lonely shelves. Her friend gave Rin a thumbs up for encouragement as she slowly walked forward. The young woman could see herself being thrown out into the rain. A ghost fleeing in buried shame and scorn. She hardened her gaze, pushing the door open.

The jingle brought her back to the past. As her younger self stocked shelves and greeted her mother after school. A younger Rin grumpily sitting behind the counter. Footsteps from above derailed her train of thought.

"RIN!"

Before she could react both her parents tackled her to the ground. Having seen their daughter enter from upstairs. Both were crying, and soon she cracked and joined them in tears. Figurines fell over with them, remarkably not shattering.

Rin felt whole again.

Wikilow and Elsi would grow to love each other. However, tragedy struck again when she was killed in action, saving a family from death. The Avatar would grieve his lover, having discovered his own emotions and feelings. But, he would recover, resolving to truly live on for her. Avatar Wikilow would go on to reform the Dai Li into what it was meant to be, an organization for the people. Wikilow would never marry. Spending the rest of his lifetime defending the world from both external and internal threats.

Wikilow weaved through the lines of new Dai Li recruits of both volunteers and those from the old training program. The Avatar was drilling in the force's moral code again and again. The Dai Li's history of corruption and deceit was in the past. That they would rebuild the Dai Li's reputation anew. Become something the people of the Earth States could trust and rely on.

He observed the results from afar. Knowing full well no one knew he was there.

The new generation of the Dai Li were spread out, making the rounds. One helped distressed kids retrieve lost toys. Another peacefully broke up a dispute. Many still viewed them suspiciously, distrust evident. However, there were many who had made progress. A young boy followed an agent in awe. A group composed of both agents and civilians laughed. The agents were not stone cold statues. They were people helping people.

Satisfied, Wikilow nodded and disappeared into the shadows.

The Avatar wandered up a mountain path. He took his time, taking in every sound and step. Following the trail toward a small grassy ledge. A single Wikilow tree stood, roots secured to the dirt. It's trunk complex and curved. Golden leaves that easily broke away from the branches. He put a hand on the old bark, so rich and detailed. From afar it looked so simple when it was anything but.

The wind jumped around him, carrying the bristles of grass to his ears.

Wikilow climbed the tree, settling himself onto one of the curved branches. He bent one of his knees up and let the other dangle freely. Above him, new, emerald leaves were growing. Ones that defied the breeze and refused to budge from their position.

He looked down and across at Kang City. Bustling once more, full of life and spirit. The world was peaceful.

A light noise alerted him to the skies. Where an arrow of white landed on his outstretched elbow. Unfurling itself to reveal Gale. The spirit bird had decided to remain with Wikilow. Who softly caressed their feathered head.

Lowering his hand, Wikilow brought it to his chest. Reaching inside to lift Elsi's crystal pendant. The Avatar stared at his reflection, eyes glazing over. Wikilow reminisced his life up until then. Sewing his memories together into a translucent film. The Dai Li, Rin, Elsi, Arlo, the Beifong family, the Resistance, and so much more.

He was alive.

He could feel.

He had found himself.

Wikilow was more than just the Avatar. Wikilow was Wikilow.

He heard shouts from below, on the lower pathways. Looking, the Avatar saw Arlo and Rin calling out for him. Wikilow leaned back against the tree, running his fingers over the pendant. Elsi's smiling face resurfaced in his mind. Every moment with her, every word and feeling. He safely tucked the pendant away once more. Wikilow's face itched. His eyes warmed with life.

"Elsi…"

"And the cycle of the Avatar continues…"

Wikilow smiled.

"Thank You."

Authors Note: And it's done. There're definitely a lot of things I could've done better. Development, dialogue, descriptions, ect. It's a pretty low probability that I'll rewrite this entirely. But, if I do, going to try improving all of that. Though, I'll probably go back and make some small spelling edits. I wonder if anyone got my symbolism? Like, Wikilow's hat, only showing the actual Wikilow tree at the end, Buddy, and tons more.

I wanted to put a focus on the social developments in Avatar. I think it would be cool if the next Avatar was challenged emotionally this way. Characters like Rin, Arlo, and Hark reflect the result of new social problems. I switched up bender's homelands as well to signify a diversifying world, not just Republic City. Air benders in the Water Tribes, water benders in the Fire Nation.

Wikilow was created after I heard about this one theory. It basically discussed how each new reincarnation mended the past live's regrets. For example, Korra didn't hesitate to make decisions and revive the air nation. I thought Korra's main regret would be not thinking things through or controlling her emotions and the whole breaking the cycle thing. Wikilow thinks things through, but has no emotions. He also reconnects the cycle. It's also fitting in my opinion that the Dai Li be properly addressed by the next earth Avatar after Kyoshi.

This would resolve social and technical developments and lead up to an Avatar in a modern, current setting like our own.

Anyways, this was fun! If there's anyone who managed to actually get through this story, thank you very much!