(A/N: Sorry, I wanted this chapter to be longer. That's actually why it's so late. I just couldn't think of how to make it longer. Guess it's just a writer's block, you know. Well, it's the last chapter, so enjoy it while you can, and thanks for sticking to me till the end.)

Disclaimer: I own nothing

Chapter 15: Aftermath of the War

What had started out as a savage battle, ended in great victory for the Water Tribe, and complete disaster for the Fire Nation. Once nature itself had turned against them, the Fire Nation had suffered a loss greater than any before.

Now came the time of cleaning up. The Water Tribe members were searching for survivors from both sides. No matter who was found, whether Water Tribe or Fire Nation, they were immediately healed, though the latter was taken prisoner once their injuries were taken care of.

Aang was found alive, though he now supported a nasty scar on his back, similar to the one Zuko now had on his chest, but he was as energetic as ever in no time. Toph too had survived, though she was completely unharmed, and was feeling very satisfied for having captured the Fire Lord.

Sadly, Mai hadn't made it. Her burnt corpse was found in the remains of the airship she had been flying. The Water Tribe would give her an honorable burial as if she were one of their own.

Jet was found alive, but gravely injured. Zuko and Katara had been close by in another search party when he was found and was quickly informed. Once they arrived, Katara quickly used her Waterbending to scan his body for injuries. It didn't look good. His bones were shattered, and he had massive internal bleeding. It was a miracle he was even still alive.

Jet ignored Katara, looking up at Zuko. "A-Are the… people s-safe?" he asked worriedly.

Zuko gave him a reassuring smile and nodded. "Yes, they're safe."

Jet visibly relaxed, even though pain still twisted his features. "I… c-can… not l-lead them…" With great effort, he reached up and rested a hand on Zuko's shoulder. "Y-You will h-have t-to… lead them."

Shock was written all over Zuko's face. Jet wanted him to lead? The same Jet that always seemed to hate and disapprove of him was asking him to become the new chief?

Immediately, Zuko's thoughts turned to his father and to what a tyrant the man had turned out to be, and how his sister had gone insane. It hadn't just been his father and sister either. His grandfather and great grandfather had been tyrants as well. It seemed to run in his family. What if he turned out to be the same? It was common knowledge that power tended to corrupt.

"I'm not leadership material." He said to Jet.

This only earned him a glare. "It is… d-decided!" His hand slid down from the Fire Prince's shoulder and grasped Zuko's hand. "A-And let it… be known t-that I f-fought… along side… the Blue Spirit." Zuko nodded and Jet gave him a smile. "Now… finish me…"

Once again shock flashed across Zuko's face. "I can't do that!"

Jet glared at him. "I d-don't want… to be killed…. By t-them. I'd r-rather die… by y-your hand…" He gave Zuko a determined look. "D-Do this… for me… my brother…"

After a few seconds of silence, Zuko nodded. Taking up his knife, he pointed it over Jet's heart. He would make it as quick and painless as possible.

Muttering a prayer for the dying chief, Zuko stabbed the knife into Jet's chest. His former nemesis died with a smile on his face.

(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)-(-)

Several days after the war ended, the surviving people of the Fire Nation boarded their ships, forced to return to their country, never to return. Water Tribe warriors surrounded them, making sure none caused any troubled or tried to escape, but no one tried anything after having suffered such a great defeat.

Among the countless individuals who were being evicted from the Water Tribe's lands, only Zuko, Aang, and Toph were allowed to stay. All others were sent on their way.

Zuko himself oversaw the eviction. His face showed no compassion as he watched his former people leave. And when the Fire Lord himself walked past his son, Zuko gave him a cold uncaring looking and nodded towards the ship. Ozai looked away and headed towards the ship with the rest of his people.

When the Fire Nation was gone, Zuko immediately got to work with being chief. His first order of business was to say goodbye to the lion-turtle. The beast had been a great friend and ally, but it was not a creature that was meant to be tamed. So Zuko freed the great animal, watching as it sank beneath the water surface.

His next order of business was to find a new home for his people. He discovered a good place to settled down in just a few days time and his people set to work, creating a new village to live in.

Sitting in his temporary home until his new house was finished, Zuko wrote the finals notes in his uncle's book. His assignment had long since been over, but he felt that he owed it to his uncle to write the last few pages.

"And so life goes on." Zuko said out loud, writing the words as he spoke them. "This will be my last entry. No matter what happens in the future, I'm staying here with my people. My real family." He smiled, thinking of what was going to happen later today. "I guess I better go now. I don't want to be late for my own party." His smile widened. "It's my wedding after all."

THE END

(A/N: Again, sorry it was so short. I guess it's sort of an epilogue rather than a final chapter. But that's the end. Please give your finals reviews, and keep a look out for my other stories. Thanks again for your time. Good bye.)