Disclaimer: All rights belong to Nickelodeon, Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino, and all the men and women that created the A:TLA show, books, and comics. I take no credit, and I do not mean to break any copyright rules. This is simply a work of fiction made for enjoyment. No money is being made. The lyrics are from the song "Sun" by Sleeping At Last

Rating: General Audiences. Warning: some scenes contain dark themes and minor violence

Author's Note: One last time, everyone! *sniff* Some of you have mentioned hoping I write more Zutara, and I promise I will! Zutara is very close to my heart. I currently have a reincarnation WIP (not posted) and I also have some ideas for a sequel to this fic (hint: blue spirit, spirit world, search for Ursa, and some post-war politics). My classes start next week so I'm not sure how much time I'll have to write, but I'm hopeful that I can get at least one of those fics done and start posting by next year! (I have written entire novels over Christmas break before...). I may also try to get some one-shot Zutara fics if I don't have time to write full-length ones, so keep an eye out!

For those who of you who decide to continue following me and my writing - I'll see you at the next story!

For those who enjoyed this fic and decide to move on - happy future reading!

Chapter 16: New Beginnings

With golden string

Our universe was clothed in light

Pulling at the seams

Our once barren world now brims with life

That we may fall in love

Every time we open up our eyes

I guess space, and time

Takes violent things, angry things

And makes them kind

ONE YEAR LATER

"Hold on." Suki puts her arm out across Zuko's chest, stopping him in his tracks as he tries to walk out onto the road. She lifts the fingers of her other hand to her lips and whistles out a code.

From up ahead, another Kyoshi Warrior, dressed not in uniform but in the attire of a typical Earth Kingdom girl, darts around the buildings and returns the whistle. Suki whistles again, this one slightly different, and a second Kyoshi Warrior, also in disguise, whistles back. Then Suki drops her arm.

"All clear. Let's go."

She heads out first, her eyes darting out around the streets. They're just as empty as they were ten seconds ago.

Katara smirks. "Is she always this strict?" she whispers.

"No. I think she's anxious about seeing him again. She hasn't shut up about how excited she is for this trip."

"That's cute."

"It's annoying." Zuko's expression softens as he stares at Katara. "But I understand."

Suki motions for them to follow her, and they step out from the shadow of the building they were hiding behind and walk across the street. Two more Kyoshi Warriors, also in disguises, follow a few paces back.

They walk up the wooden stairs. Katara glances up at the sign above the door, and a small smile settles across her lips. The old building had been damaged beyond repair during the battle, but apparently the original sign had survived. She feels like it's a good metaphor for the world right now - destroyed in many ways and rebuilt better than before, but not completely lacking in old things.

Suki wraps a rhythm on the door. The door opens inward, and a smiling face greets them.

"Welcome," Iroh's warm voice says. He moves to the side to allow them entrance. "I'm glad you could finally make it."

Zuko gives his uncle a big hug. Katara and Suki follow suit, and then he shuts the door behind him.

"It's so nice to see you again," Katara says as she steps out of his arms. "I can't believe it took us so long."

"You've been very busy," Iroh says. "I understand. I have, too. The aura of something cannot be pure unless it's been done with love."

"This place is huge," Zuko says, admiring the wooden interior of the new Jasmine Dragon. Carvel paneling around the walls reflect images and scenes from all four nations. Tables and benches are crafted from the same wood. It's almost three times the size as the old building.

"Business has been booming. Some investors have asked if I wanted to open more franchises across the city - and even in other cities - but I had to say no. I am not here for the money. I am here to make tea and have good conversations with people." Iroh sets his hands on their backs. "Now, come. The others are already waiting for you in the back, and I need to get the store ready to open."

He escorts them past the kitchen area to a private room in the back. It has a large table and benches around it. Already seated are three familiar faces.

"Zuko! Katara!"

Aang leaps to his feet and runs over to them, slamming them into a hug. He's grown in the past year, and they both stumble back a few steps before steadying themselves and returning the hug.

"Suki!" Sokka crows, wrapping her up tightly in his arms.

Toph stands behind them, her arms crossed over her chest. "Finally. Do you guys have any idea how late you are?"

"We're allowed to be late. We're not your earthbending students," Katara jokes.

"You were, and don't you forget it." Toph punches them each, hard enough to leave bruises. She's also grown a few inches in the last few years. "I taught you both everything you know."

"Maybe I should stop by your class some time and do a little demonstration," Katara suggests.

"No offense, princess, but your earthbending form is a little too flowy to use as a good example." Her face suddenly brightens. "But maybe you could stop by. We could use you as a practice opponent."

"You know, suddenly my schedule's pretty packed." Katara grins. "How is your new earthbending school going, by the way?"

"It's great. I have a dozen students in my class right now, and I'm getting a few more lower-level classes set up for beginner or intermediate benders."

"Remember Haru?" Aang says, jumping in. "He's one of her new teachers."

Katara remembers the Earthbender boy who had to keep his abilities a secret. It was through helping him and his village that she first revealed herself as the Avatar. And when they had their first invasion against the Fire Nation, he and his father had come to help. She'll never forget any of people who helped her win the war.

"I'm glad. He's a good guy."

"Ahem." Sokka clears his throat. He has his arm slung around Suki's shoulders. The warrior has a contented smile stretched across her face. "Isn't anyone going to ask what I've been up to for the past couple months?"

"Rebuilding the North Pole, right?" Aang asks. "How's that going?"

"Great! Well, the building part, at least. Lianna and the other two Waterbenders are pretty good at following my designs. We've decided to name the new city Yuea, in honor of the patron moon spirit of the city. You should see the statue of her that I commissioned, right in the courtyard - "

Suki shoots him a withering look and he abruptly changes the topic. "Anyway, they're good workers but have no sense of humor. One of the young Waterbenders, Skai, is starting to get it. His jokes are awful but at least he's trying. Yudaro actually has a great sense of humor, but he almost never uses it. I think Lianna scares him, honestly."

"You guys are almost done with the city, right?" Katara asks. "I got a letter from Yudaro inviting me to the grand opening. It's only a few months away."

Sokka nods. "You all should be getting letters soon, actually. Katara got hers first since she's the Avatar and the only other Waterbender alive."

"A few months?" Zuko frowns. "I'm not sure I'll be able to make it. My schedule is pretty tight."

"You have to! It's symbolic if you're there - since your great grandfather destroyed the Water Tribes and now you're supporting us rebuilding and all."

Zuko glances over at Suki, who shrugs. "I'm going, so you might as well come. Otherwise you'll be without your guards for a few days."

"How's that working out for you?" Toph asks, resting her elbows on the table. "No offense, Zuko, but if I was your head of security I might end up killing you myself."

Suki grins. "I mean, I put up with Sokka, so I have a lot of patience."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you're a lot of work," Katara shoots back.

"What about you, Aang?" Suki asks. "I heard you've been travelling a lot."

Aang nods. "We finished converting the Western Air Temple into an international school, and that's having a great first term so far. Teo and his father have been teaching Airbenders how to make improved gliders, and the Airbenders have been teaching them how to better read the wind. We're hoping to recruit some more people from the Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation next year, and add on some new philosophy courses. The monks have also moved back into the abandoned Air Temples, so it's been a little quieter at home."

"He's also been helping with some mediation," Zuko adds. "He helped me get some treaties signed that I don't think would have otherwise worked."

"I heard that the last of the Fire Nation colonies were relinquished last month," Sokka says. "How did that go?"

Zuko shrugs. "There were some unhappy Fire Nation nobles that didn't want to give up their summer homes, but eventually they saw reason. I know the Earth Kingdom civilians who were kicked off those lands or forced to integrate are grateful to have them back. I'm still working on getting peace treaties with all the kingdoms and larger cities, though. Some of the rulers are very stubborn."

"We're actually not sure if he's even allowed in Ba Sing Se," Katara admits. "Suki and her warriors had to sneak us in early this morning. The king is on our side, but there are a lot of proud Earthbenders who are protesting heavily against our peace talks."

"I understand their reluctance to trust us," Zuko says. "It's only been a year and a half since Azula tried to drill through the walls and ten years since my uncle tried to siege it. Ba Sing Se is a proud city. I just hope they don't throw out peace for their pride."

"The protests aren't as bad as they used to be." Iroh enters, carrying a tray topped with a tea kettle and small cups. He sets it down on the table. "The world is changing more rapidly than it's changed in a long time. And you are the catalysts of that change."

"So what about you, Katara?" Sokka asks. "I haven't heard much from you in months."

She shrugs. "I've been everywhere. Everyone wants the Avatar's help. But I've been doing more trips to the spiritual world lately. When I was with the Air Nomads, I spoke to Avatar Wan's spirit and he told me of a supernatural event that's going to occur in a few decades. I don't know if it will be during my lifetime, but I'm trying to get as much information as I can."

"The spirits have been starting to act up more," Aang agrees. "All the monks have noticed it."

"Actually," Zuko says, "Katara and I have something we wanted to tell you all in person."

"You're getting married?" Sokka gasps.

"What?" Katara feels her face burn. She glances over at Zuko and sees that his face is also red. "No. We've decided to take a break from our duties."

"I've had some of my men looking into what happened to my mother after she was banished. There were a few clues, so Katara and I have decided to investigate ourselves."

"Katara's great with moms," Toph says. "She helped me face my parents after the comet. My parents still are protective about me, but they understand that I'm not a helpless little girl anymore. They even came to visit my school when I opened it."

"That's because Katara basically is a mom," Sokka says, and Aang nods in agreement.

Once, that would have bothered her. But now Katara is content to sit among her friends - no, her family - filled with happiness. She doesn't care if they call her a mom because she sees it as a compliment. Although it was annoying at times, she loved taking care of them all and has missed being with everyone. Sitting here, surrounded by the people she cares most about in the world, she feels complete.

"I still don't entirely believe in the spirit world," Sokka says. "Like, what if the spirits are just visions? Kinda like when Katara saw Toph in the swamp." His eyes grow big. "What if Toph has been a spirit this whole time?"

"Can a spirit do this?" Toph asks before punching him.

Sokka yelps and looks over at Suki. She raises her eyebrows in response. "You're a big boy. You can stand up for yourself."

On Katara's other side, Zuko and Aang are in the middle of a debate about whether world peace is possible and what the definition of "world peace" actually means. Katara doesn't get involved in either their arguement or Toph, Suki, and Sokka's conversation. She just leans back against her chair and watches them all, feeling completely at peace.

So what if the road ahead is unclear? Katara's journey as the Avatar started out cloudy and alone, and she managed to figure it out. It wasn't easy, but life isn't supposed to be. She surrounded herself with the right people who were prepared to support her through her entire journey, even when they didn't know if it would lead to death or success.

The worst is behind them now, and the paths before them are unlimited. Although they've gone their separate ways, she knows they'll always reunite. They'll always have a deep connection, forged by the memories of their months spent together. They shared hardships and luxuries, heartbreak and victory. Those aren't easily forgotten.

Katara woke up in an iceberg alone, but now she's surrounded by the best people she could have imagined. And though their lives are pulling them away from each other, she knows they'll see each other again. Today in Ba Sing Se; a few months from now in Yuea; and again in the unforeseeable future. Families split up, but they always come back together again.

She may not see her first family again, but she's made a new one. It's full of quirks and not everyone always gets along all the time, but that's how all the best families are.

She wouldn't trade this life for anything.

THE END