The Love Between Water and Fire
Chapter 22 - Six Years Later
The war had finally ended, and the four nations were at peace. Zuko was now at the age of 28, but still he hasn't forgotten Katara, or Mei. As for Katara, whom was still alive, was 25. Sokka was 26, Aang was 22 and Mei had turned 11.
North Pole
The gang moved back to the North Pole, where they had lived before.
"Make a wish Mei." said Aang.
Mei smiled and closed her eyes. 'I wish that my dad would come back.' she wished. She opened her eyes and blew out the candles.
Aang picked her up and placed her upon his shoulders.
"What did you wish for kiddo?" asked Aang.
"I can't tell you Uncle Aang, it won't come true." said Mei.
Katara clutched her new betrothal necklace, she had a new person by her side.
"Uncle Aang, can I tell you a secret?" asked Mei.
"Of course." said Aang.
"I don't want my mom to get married." whispered Mei.
"Why not?" asked Aang.
"I have a feeling she still loves daddy, but she just doesn't know it." said Mei.
Aang smiled. "I know it's hard for you Mei, but your mom finally found someone that will make her happy."
"I'm not happy." said Mei. "I want both me and mommy to be happy."
"I know." said Aang. "But, please be happy for you mom's sake."
"As long as you keep this between us." said Mei.
"Alright." said Aang. "I promise. Avatar's honor."
Katara walked toward them.
"What's an Avatar's honor?" asked Katara.
"Heh, nothing." said Aang.
"Right." said Katara.
"I'll tell you later." whispered Aang, as he walked past her.
"Mei, Kio wants to give you something special for your birthday." said Katara.
"What is it?" asked Mei.
"It's outside." said Katara, as she picked her up. "Close your eyes."
Katara brough Mei outside, Mei was peaking through her fingers, when she noticed a wagging tail.
"It's a baby polar bear!" cheered Mei.
The baby polar bear rolled around in the snow with excitment.
"Happy birthday." said Kio.
Mei ran toward the baby polar bear, and began to play with it.
Katara walked over to her fiance'. "She loves it."
"Do you really think so?" asked Kio. "Cause, I could get her another pet."
Katara held Kio by the arm. "Don't get her another pet, you've already done enough for her party."
"I just want to make sure she deserves the best." said Kio.
"Kio?" asked Katara.
"Yeah?" asked Kio.
"Do you love me?" asked Katara.
Kio down at Katara, and smiled. He placed his arms around her.
"Ofcourse I do." said Kio. "With all my heart."
Katara frowned. "Okay."
Fire Nation
"Uncle, I'm going back to the South Pole." said Zuko. "To visit her grave."
"When will you be back?" asked Iroh.
"It will only be for awhile." said Zuko. "I just need to see her right now."
Zuko picked up his bags. Iroh placed his hand upon his shoulder.
"Be careful." said Iroh.
"I will." said Zuko. "Uncle, thank you for ending the war."
"Of course." said Iroh.
Zuko walked away.
South Pole
Transportation has advanced, the Fire Nation used their war blimps to travel to the nations. When Zuko arrived, he was surprised to see that the South Pole had recovered so quickly. It's been awhile since the last time he saw it, now the South Pole had buildings and villages.
"Welcome to the South Pole, my name is Hakoda" said a male bender.
"I'm looking for the grave yard." said Zuko.
"Whom are you looking for?" asked Hakoda.
"A woman, that goes by the name Katara." said Zuko.
The man stopped.
"My daughter?" asked Hakoda.
"Katara was your daughter?" asked Zuko.
"Yes, but she's not dead. She lives at the North Pole now." said Hakoda. "Are you friend of hers?"
"Sort of." said Zuko. "I thought the Xiong Navy took over the South Pole six years ago?"
"No, they retreated." said Hakoda. "They've been in the Earth Kingdom for the past six years."
'Azula.' thought Zuko.
"Is there anything I can do to help you?" asked Hakoda.
"No, I'm going to the North Pole." said Zuko.
End of Chapter 22