Finding a Mother
Chapter Fourteen
Zuko's white robes flowed gently with the wind as he and a sage stood by the caskets of Azula, Ozai, Iroh and Toph. Ursa stood not to far away, clad in the same white ceremonial robes.
"Ozai…" the sage began. "You were our Lord for 5 years. You were our fearless leader in our battle against the Avatar. You were father of Zuko. Father of Azula, now passed. You were brother of Iroh, now passed. Husband of Ursa; you were uncle to Lu Ten, now passed. We lay you to rest…"
He and several other sages set the caskets of the fallen on Fire. The sage turned back to the entire population of the Fire Nation.
"You are succeeded by your only living heir." He ended it, putting the head piece in Zuko's hair. His next words, no one were 100 sure what he said. "HailFireLordZuko…"
No one bowed down except for Ursa, Aang, Sokka, Katara, Suki, Hakoda and the other warriors. Zuko looked up, not very surprised.
"People of the Fire Nation…" he spoke slowly. "I think it's about time that this era of fear and suffering finally comes to an end." As he spoke, some of the lower class people of the Fire Nation murmured before dropping to their knees as well.
"I think it's time that we replace it with an era of peace and recovery." Zuko continued. "I promise life support for all those who have lost loved ones and money to compensate, although it will never truly be the same. I also think it's about time that those who have family and loved ones away at war, to finally see them return home safely and not having to worry about losing them again."
Seconds later, thousands more bowed down, and now the only people unsatisfied were the war beneficiaries.
Satisfied, Zuko turned around to have his mother hug him.
"I'm so proud of you." She smiled. Zuko turned around, smiling, only to have Katara run up to him, grabbing him in a tight hug and planting a kiss on his lips. Stunned, Zuko's eyes widened, but after a second, she hugged her back, returning the kiss.
Watching this, Aang felt his heart break. He started to turn around, but Katara pulled him back, embracing him.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"I don't know." Aang sighed. "Away…"
"Why?"
"I saw you kiss Zuko."
"Oh…"
"Katara, I have to tell you something."
"What is it Aang?"
"I love you Katara. But you don't love me, do you?"
"Aang," Katara sighed. "I do love you, just not that way. You're my best friend, and you know what…"
"What?"
"Sometimes romantic relationships don't last, but friendships are forever." She replied, planting a kiss on his cheek. Aang smiled slightly as Katara walked back over to Zuko and kissed him again.
END CHAPTER