Chap. 45
Epilogue
If this were a fairy tale, here would be the part that says all our heroes lived happily ever after all the rest of their days. Sadly, it is not. Though Ozai had been dethroned, many tasks still awaited Aang and his friends. First and foremost, was paying their respects to those who had fallen in the battle. It took two days to acquire all the names, but eventually Zuko was able to prepare a huge memorial service, the largest the Fire Nation had ever seen. The fallen of all the Nations were entombed in a large stone monolith near the Fire Palace, a place known from that day forward, as the Resting Place of the Great Heroes. Their names were carved upon the door, so that all who traveled to that place would learn of Pakku, Jeong-Jeong, Tyro, Bato, Longshot, and countless others who had given their lives for the balance.
Once the dead had been given rest, attention turned towards the living. An entire Nation had a new ruler to acknowledge, and getting that oath of loyalty would not be easy. Zuko sent out squadrons of soldiers from both Armies to spread the word that his father was dethroned, and that there was a new Fire Lord. Some of the Knights traveled as well, and this was wise. Though most territories were quick to swear loyalty to a new Fire Lord, many were too angry at the sins of the past to give Zuko a chance, or to accept a foreign ruler. It took nearly six months before all the uprisings had been halted, and the entire Fire Nation recognized Zuko and Jin as their rulers. Even then, there were rumblings when Zuko announced the plans to help rebuild the other Nations with the strength of the Fire Nation. Still, none were willing to challenge the charges of Darya and most simply wanted peace again.
The rest of the Army returned to the other Nations and worked to free their homes from Fire Nation occupation and begin the rebuilding process. Some were easy; Mai's father was eager to hand Omashu back to Bumi, and upon his return home, was made the Royal Treasurer in thanks for his deeds. Others were not. Despite the presence of their own troops, as well as the royal seal of the Fire Nation, some generals refused to vacate their land, and utterly refused the chance to rebuild. Battles were fought once again, and it was two years before the plans of the Architects could finally be put into effect.
But eventually, the rebuilding did begin. True to their vows, the other Nations sent what aid they could to the Fire Nation, as it's sons and daughters rebuilt their homes. The Army of the Avatar finally began to break up, as it's members returned to their homelands to help in the efforts. Aang returned to the Southern Air Temple; Katara went with him, though Appa would often fly her to the South Pole. Toph returned home to her parents, to see them for the first time. Sokka introduced Azula to the customs of the Water Tribes (including seal jerky, which was a less then pleasant experience). Ty Lee rejoined her old circus, while Mai and Iroh stayed in the Fire Nation, with Iroh acting as Zuko's chief advisor. The Knights remained as well, traveling all across the Nations to deliverer messages and give whatever aid was possible. Many years passed as the world healed itself, but eventually, the last bricks were laid into place and all was as it once was. It was not soon after that day, that what remained of the Army gathered together again, albeit for an entirely different, and happier purpose…..
The vast Temple lay in the heart of the capital, a stone's throw from the palace. It was a place visited by many people each day, and a good thing it was too, for that was why the Temple had been built. It was called the Temple of the Architects, a place dedicated to preaching the balance and reminding the Nations of their obligations to one another. Built of brick and stone, it was a huge building, one of four built in the capital cities of each Nation. Each Temple was populated by holy men from each culture, led by the High Daitoku, a special priest trained in the religions of all the Nations. All the priests worked to keep the traditions of their people, and to teach the people the cultures of their brother nations. People journeyed to the Temple for various reasons, be it daily mass, to peruse the scrolls and teachings of old, but most came for one reason- the High Daitokus were trained to marry peoples of different Nations.
That was the task that had been appointed to the High Daitoku of the Fire Nation, as he looked out upon the vast crowd before him. All of the Army members of the past had come for this most special of all weddings. All of them had aged, but their joy on this day was undeniable. It showed on Jet's face as he placed his arm around his wife. It showed on his wife's face, as Suki laid a hand on her pregnant belly. It showed on Gran Gran's face, her eyes wet with tears to shed. It showed on the faces of those brought back by the statues for this special day. It showed on the Knights, who stood dressed in their customary rags. And it showed on the faces of three of the men that stood upon the Temple's altar, awaiting the beginning of the ceremony.
"Does this start soon?" Sokka whispered, as he fiddled with his collar. The Watertribesman was dressed in a coat of fine furs and a shirt decorated with images of the moon. Fours years of life had given lines to his face, but had not diminished his youthful, impatient nature.
"You've waited four years. Can't you wait a bit longer?" Zuko whispered back. The Fire Lord was dressed in the finest of all his royal robes, crimson and black colors adorning his frame. He rubbed his beard in anticipation; despite his words, Zuko was eager to begin the ceremony as well. He had wanted to do it sooner, but the duties of the Fire Lord had always been a hindrance.
"I know I don't want to wait anymore." Aang replied. "I'm tired of it." The young boy the Avatar had been had grown into a handsome young man, tall and strong. Aang stood in the robes of an Airbending Master, as a look of impatience crossed his face. He glanced over at the altar, where the ceremony's instruments lay, and he wished again that time would speed up.
Suddenly, music began to echo throughout the Temple, as the attendants stood at attention. They turned down the aisle, as three young women made their way up to the altar. Katara led the way, clothed in a gown of finest blues. Seashells and images of the moon adorned her skirt, and her bare arms were adorned with the bands of the ocean and moon. Her hair, intricately braided, hung down her back, as Hakoda, looking older but still overjoyed, held her arm.
Jin followed, dressed in an equally beautiful green and yellow gown. Per Earth Kingdom custom, it was neither overly designed nor elaborate, but beautiful in its simplicity. It had been woven of handsome materials and it brightened the room as it made it's way down. Only Jin's face, shining with joy, was brighter as Kinjo led her down the aisle.
Azula was last, but no less stunning. A wispy gown of various shades of red clothed her as she walked. She was decorated with the royal jewelry of the Fire Nation, it's gold and rubies glistening in the Temple torchlights. Her hair had been tied into an elaborate ponytail and topped with a royal hairpiece. Bosque led her down the aisle in place of her father.
The three grooms watched as their brides made their way to them. Finally, they reached them, as the fathers took the grooms hands, and placed them in the hands of their daughters. As the couples rose to the altar, slight crying could be heard from the wedding party. But thankfully, Toph and Mai were able to help Ty Lee control herself, as Iroh calmed Aire, as Hakoda took his place next to them. The three couples laughed softly, then turned to face the High Daitoku. The priest smiled at the couples, then nodded, and slowly walked off to the side. Instantly, murmurs began in the crowd. No one understood what was going on; who else was trained to perform the ceremony? But then footsteps began to echo behind the altar, as a new figure approached. Once they saw it, the crowd stopped murmuring as it took it's place and began the ceremony.
"Brothers and sisters," the Almagan began, as it looked down at the crowd. "in times past, we could not have gathered for such an occasion. In times past, many of us were enemies and foes. But those days are no longer upon, and so we have gathered here today to join these young people in the sacred bonds of matrimony. If there are any here who object to these marriages, speak now, or forever hold your peace."
Silence answered back, and the Almagan replied, "Good answer. Now, let us begin. We come together this day, under the most sacred gaze of the Architects to join these young people in marriage. We ask the Architects above to bless these sacred unions, and ask that what they put together, no man may destroy. To those means, we give these young peoples the sacred blessings of Water, Earth, Fire, and Air. Let the blessing of Water commence."
With that, Katara, Aang, Azula, and Sokka made their way up to the altar. The Almagan brought forth the first instruments- a crystal pitcher of water and two crystal goblets. Katara and Aang went first, as Aang took a goblet and Katara the water. As Aang held it out to her, Katara carefully poured the water into his goblet. When she'd finished, Aang rose the goblet to her lips and drank. When he'd finished, Katara handed him the pitcher, he handed her the goblet, and they repeated the process. Once they had finished, Azula and Sokka took the pitcher and took their own drinks.
As they placed the instruments back down upon the altar, the Almagan said, "We have witnessed the slaking of thirst. Let this day be a symbol that these people shall forever be the water that quenches each other's thirst. May the all the joys of Ruta fall upon them. We now ask for the blessing of Earth."
Jin and Zuko moved forward now, as the Almagan handed them a bowl of what appeared to be mud. Jin took the bowl and after dipping her fingers into it, traced the symbol of the Earth Kingdom upon Zuko's forehead. When she had finished, Zuko took the bowl and then traced the same symbol on her forehead.
"The blessing has been given. Let the commitment these two have made to each other last as long as the stones of the mountains. May all the joys of Chirron fall upon them. We now ask for the blessing of Fire."
Jin and Zuko remained as Sokka and Azula came up to the altar again. This time, the couples faced four unlit candles. Taking a long match that lay next to the candles, Azula and Zuko lit first the matches, then one candle each. Handing the matches to Sokka and Jin, they watched as their betrothed lit the remaining candles.
"The fires of love burn brightly within these people. Let these candles be a sign of that fire, and may it never be extinguished within the hearts of these couples. May all the joys of Darya fall upon them. We now ask for the blessing of Air."
Aang and Katara returned to the altar then, as Aang took the one of the last two instruments on the table- a flower. Holding it between his hands, he gently blew an airstream to Katara that enveloped her in the sweet scent of the flower. She breathed it in deeply, then reached onto the table for a container of flower petals. Taking them, she reached over and sprinkled them over Aang's head, in a symbolic repeat of the gesture.
"The blessing has been given. May the love these two share stay as sweet as the winds above. May all the joys of Aire be upon them. Now, we shall bear witness as the couples make their oaths to one another."
The Almagan then turned to the grooms and began to speak.
"Aang of the Air Nomads, Zuko of the Fire Nation, Sokka of the Water Tribe. Do
you each swear your love to the woman you have chosen to be your wife?
"I do." They replied in unison.
"Do you promise to love, honor, and obey all the days of your life?"
"I do."
"Emphasis on obey? Trust us on this."
"I do."
"Do you promise to honor and cherish your wives, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"I do."
"Very well. Katara of the Water Tribes, Jin of the Earth Kingdom, Azula of the Fire Nation. Do you each swear to love the man you have chosen as your husband?
"I do."
"Do you promise to love, honor, and obey all the days of your life?"
"I do."
"Do you promise to honor and cherish your husbands, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"I do."
"Very well. The vows of marriage have been taken and we have borne witness. Let us now call for the rings."
At that, Iroh, Aire, and Hakoda quietly passed three golden rings to Zuko, Aang, and Hakoda, while Toph, Ty Lee, and Mai did the same for the brides. The couples turned to face each other, and slipped the rings onto their betrothed's finger, all the while saying, "With this ring, I thee wed."
"Now, by the power of the Architects and the authority of the sacred High God, I hereby pronounce each of this couples, man and wife. Men, you may kiss the brides."
The grooms smiled, then leaned forward and embraced their smiling wives, as applause rang out through the Temple. It lasted for a full five minutes, then the Almagan raised its hands for silence. There was a flash of light, then Oscuridad and Luz stood upon the altar.
"We have witnessed a wonderful event, but there is still one last thing to do this day." Luz said.
"Let us make haste to the reception, where we may commence with the most important event of any wedding….. GETTING DRUNK AND EMBARASSING OURSELVES! NOW WHO'S WITH ME?!" Oscuridad said, raising his fist in the air.
The applause was deafening.
The reception took place in a spacious room in the eastern wing of the Temple, decorated and filled with food of all kinds. All involved quickly praised the brides and grooms. Iroh gave a heartfelt speech that wished his nephew much success, and also a hearty stockpile of food inside the palace. Hakoda did the same for Sokka, and Aire laughingly stumbled through one for Aang. Ty Lee, Mai, and Toph also gave beautiful speeches praising their friends. Eventually the time came for the first dance, which was taken first by Aang and Katara. The Knights supplied the music, playing a slow, wistful song called, "And So It Goes" which Oscuridad sang. For Zuko and Jin, they played "Vienna." And for Sokka and Azula, they played "She's Always A Woman" (which Osc called "the most obvious song, but still the most appropriate."). From there, the party continued long into the night, with the Knights constantly changing styles and players, using traditional songs, as well as songs from their own world. The guests ate, laughed, drank, and had an excellent time. But as with all parties, it had to come to an end, which Fuego called for, by playing a trio of songs he called, "The Wedding Trinity"- "For Those About to Rock, We Salute You," "You Shook Me (All Night Long)," and "Highway to Hell."
A day or so later, the couples left to take their honeymoons, which were all….. highly enjoyable and in many ways, a perfect two weeks. But when they ended, the couples went home with sadness in their hearts, not only because the honeymoon was over, but because something else was as well.
They all met in a large field in the Earth Kingdom. It was far from any town, giving them the perfect cover. It was a strange sight, to see the Avatar and his friends stand there side by side with the Knights of the Elements, and look so sad. They all stood there: the couples, Toph, Mai, Ty Lee, and Iroh, all standing with the Knights with sad, mournful looks on their faces
"Are you sure this is it?" Toph asked, not for the first time.
"I'm afraid so." Oscuridad replied, his face downcast. "We did what we were supposed to do. We helped you restore the balance. Now that it's done, we no longer have any purpose here."
"I'm going to miss you guys." Aang said. "There's so much I wouldn't have been able to do without your help."
"Aang, you would have done it without us." Fuego said. "We just gave you a hand. You had it in you all along."
"Maybe, but I still needed you." Aang said.
"So did I." Zuko added. "I wouldn't have a throne without you."
"Guys, guys." Agua said with a laugh. "This was all you. We just gave a hand here and there. You made this world, and you've earned the right to peace."
"Well, if you say so." Sokka said, only for Azula to elbow him a moment later.
"Oh, I almost forgot." Fuego said, reaching into the folds of his cape. "I've got something I need to show you guys."
"What is it?" Jin asked.
"Something Shyu and I found when we were refurbishing the Fire Temple." The red man answered as he pulled out a long scroll. Unfolding it, he motioned for the group to come close.
"Zuko, Azula, take a look and tell me what you see." Fuego asked.
The royal siblings moved over and looked at the scroll, only look away puzzled a moment later.
"This is just our family tree." Azula said. "What's so important about it?"
"Because this copy's been kept secret for almost a century." Fuego replied. "It also traces your mother's family a few generations. Look at your great-grandfather on her side."
Again, the siblings looked over the scroll. But when they came to the part Fuego had mentioned, their eyes widened in shock.
"What in the.."
"This… this can't be."
"What is it?" Aang asked. "What's wrong?"
"The name of our great-grandfather." Zuko whispered.
"Well, who is it?"
"…….Avatar Roku."
"WHAT?!"
"It's true." Fuego said, as he rolled the scroll back up. "Roku was Ursa's grandfather. You two are descended from the Fire Lord that started the war and the Avatar that tried to stop him."
There was silence a moment, then Tierra asked, "So does this mean Aang is their great-grandfather?"
"I…. Well….. kinda, I guess." Fuego replied.
"I still don't belive it." Zuko said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Actually, I think it explains a lot." Sokka said. "I mean, why else would you two be so screwed up?"
"HEY!"
The group laughed, then Luz looked up at the sky.
"They're almost ready." She said.
"Then let's send you out the right way." Aang said, extending his hand. Oscuridad moved forward and took it, but then pulled Aang forward into an embrace. The Avatar stiffened in surprise but soon returned the embrace. One by one, the Knights hugged each of their old friends goodbye. Of course, there was still one last incident to be had. As Luz hugged Jin farewell, the fox suddenly stiffened a bit, then relaxed, as a huge smile grew over her face. As the Knights moved back into formation, Oscuridad noticed it and asked, "What is it?"
"What's what?"
"Oh come on. You only get that look when you've just become privy to good new. Now what is it?"
Luz just glanced at Jin and her husband and said, "Only that Zuko apparently fulfilled one of his most important kingly duties."
"And that would be?" Zuko asked.
"You've ensured the continuation of your family line."
"Oh that's….. wait I did WHAT?"
"You mean he's…."
"You mean I'm…." Jin sputtered.
"You mean they…." Sokka blurted out.
"Ha ha! I knew you had it in you!" Tierra cried out. "Of course, I guess you don't anymore. Well done, you little bastard!"
"Wow, now there's something I didn't expect." Mai said, as Jin embraced her husband.
"Congratulations Zuko." Oscuridad said. "Believe me, you will be a great father."
"Uh thanks." Zuko replied, already a bit unsteady on his feet.
The Knights chuckled, then raised their weapons up to the heavens
"Farewell, good friends!" Oscuridad cried out, as the weapons began to glow. "May the Architects and the High God bless you! And take care of that baby!"
With those words came ten blinding flashes of multicolored light. The group shielded their eyes, and when the lights faded, the Knights were gone.
In future years, the friends would gather at this spot on this date. They would speak of old times, of old friends, and remember the bonds that connected them. No matter how much time passed, no matter what responsibilities plagued them, they always found the time to meet here. And when they had spoken of the old strife, of the old burdens, they would watch their children play with each other, and see the hopeful future they had created.
THE END
Wow. One year of work, three hundred plus pages, and I'm finally done. I want to thank everybody that reviewed this story and showed so much love for the little Avatar world I created. You guys kept me writing every week, and I owe you a lot for proving to me I could actually write this much. And I'll say this- some of you asked for a sequel. I will give you one. But not right away. I want to break for a while and work on my own writing. Plus, I have one Avatar story that I'll write for fun and my sequel idea isn't fully formed yet. But it will show up one day. So just give me time and I'll be back.
Sincerely
Sandman Cometh