Zuko poured another cup of tea for both he and Katara, and took another bite from his bean bun.

"And how about you, Katara? How has life been in the South? How goes the Avatar's plights? I had heard what had happened with Unalaq… but I can scarcely believe it."

Katara nodded in agreement.

"I can hardly believe it too. What that poor girl had to go through… it's a tragedy. Did you hear about what happened to her, exactly?"

Zuko shook his head.

"Only rumors. My guards say that she took the form of a cosmic giant and battled the Dark Avatar in Republic City Harbor. All I know for sure is that Chief Unalaq is dead and the Civil War is over."

"It's true. Korra fought Unalaq in the Spirit World and was separated from the cosmic spirit within; she said that a spirit known as Raava, a spirit of light, had been torn from her body and that she was separated forever from her past lives."

Zuko's eye widened in shock as he pondered this; the teachings from his Uncle and his experience with Aang had included a limited amount of spirit-world knowledge. The most he had seen, in fact, had been after the war when he and his sister had attempted to find their mother, with their encounters with the spectral wolf and the Mother of Faces. That a long-living battle between Good and Evil occurs every ten thousand years and decides the fate of the world was incredible to him, and was something he had never imagined could be possible. He took the Avatar's word for it though; he knew that after a while, doubting the Avatar's judgement could become very repetitive, as he had learned with Aang. Then, as he thought of what the girl must be going through, having lost her connections to the past Avatars, he felt sorry for her. He had always kept an eye on Avatar Korra, and his deep connections with the Order of the White Lotus had seen him, earlier in his life, become very involved with the Avatar's training.

"And How is Avatar Korra taking it?" he asked.

Katara shook her head sadly.

"The girl is crushed. She regrets it every day, and I'm sure that whatever happened in the Spirit World will stay with her for her entire life."

Zuko nodded, sipping at his tea again. He himself had been much the same after he had gotten his scar, as well as after his Agni Kai with Azula. He had never fully forgiven himself for the fate of his sister.

"She'll heal. She's a lot like you were, back then, you know. Strong willed and determined."

Katara smiled, remembering.

Air Temple Island

Year 107 AG, Five years after the Search for Ursa.

It was a beautiful location, to say the least. Air Temple Island, as it was being called, had been created by Aang only a few months before, after he completed his renovations of the four original Air Temples. It had taken hard work, and a fair amount of money, but the Air Acolytes, all extremely devoted to the resurgence of the Air Nomad society, had successfully moved in.

Using the zeppelin technology that the Fire Nation had used to previously terrorize the world, the Air Nomad society had become self sufficient and both Earth King Kuei and Fire Lord Zuko had generously donated both supplies and money to the Renovation Movement, as it was called. Zuko and Aang also began work on finalizing their plans for the United Republic of Nations, and across the harbor from the island was the budding community of Republic City. The once-barren shore was now dominated by scaffolding, iron frameworks, and construction machinery; all of which had been tasked to build the city by the Fire Nation, which held the monopoly on industrial production.

Air Temple Island, however, was beautiful. With the help of the Air Acolytes and the best builders in the world, an authentic Air Temple had been successfully built. Work was currently being done on expanding the dormitories, but all construction had been halted for this special occasion.

They had chosen a clear part of the island, where some cherry blossom trees and flowers were growing in abundance. Benches had been set up, and the finest cooks from Ba Sing Se had jumped at the chance to cater the Avatar's wedding. To avoid a massive crowd, the Avatar had invited only a select few guests; their closest friends from around the world

Aang and Katara stood near the edge of the island, watching the distant city spring to slow life.

"I wonder how long until people get here," Katara idly pondered. She had been planning the wedding with an intense ferocity, and it had taken a while for Aang to convince her to slow down and relax a little.

She rested her head against Aang's shoulder as they stood by the cliff, simply smiling. The excitement of both was obvious, and they could do little more than grin at each other like a pair of Hyena-birds.

Before long, a lone figure materialized from the far-off city, and Aang broke away from Katara reluctantly, squinting into the distance. Then, after a bit, he grinned again.

"Looks like someone wants to make an entrance," he said, chuckling.

Toph Beifong arrived far below after a few minutes, dusted herself off, and retracted the pillar of earth she had used to get here. She wore metallic, plated armor that bore the insignia of the Beifong Metal bending Academy. The faraway girl then smiled up at the couple and shunted herself up with a boulder, arriving in a cascade of dust and rock. Then, she hugged the both of them in a bone-crushing hold and laughed.

"Congratulations, you love birds! It looks like the Sugar Queen and Twinkletoes will finally be a couple."

She released the two, both of which winced from the pain of being hugged by a metal-encased person.

"It's good to see you, Toph," Katara said, smiling broadly.

"Where's your brother? I've missed his wit so much. I mean, you'd think my students were spirits or something; no humor at all. It's been months since I've heard a good joke."

"He should be coming soon," Aang said. "He said he needed to pick up a present on the way."

After some brief small talk, Toph excused herself, stating that 'she needed to pick her toes again,' and was quickly followed by Katara, who left to put her dress on.

Soon after, a small Fire Nation ship arrived offshore, and Fire Lord Zuko and Fire Lady Mai arrived, both dressed in ceremonial Fire Nation robes, along with Zuko's mother, Ursa, and her husband and child, Ikem and Kiyi. Aang greeted all with a hug, surprising the normally stoic couple and greatly amusing Ursa and Ikem.

"I'm glad you guys could make it—welcome to Air Temple Island."

"Aang it's so great to see you—I've had so many good ideas about the Republic…" said Zuko eagerly, before he was cut off by Mai.

"Zuko, give Aang a break. It's his wedding—you don't need to talk business now," she said, rolling her eyes at her husband.

Ursa grinned at the brief display, nudging her husband, who chuckled to himself silently. Aang winked at Kiyi, who hid behind her mother, still shy; after all, she hadn't seen Aang since he met her in the village of Hira'a, five years ago.

Zuko smiled apologetically, rubbing his head in embarrassment. It amused Aang to see the normally serious and dignified Zuko turn into his carefree, open self that only emerged when he was around his family and his friends.

"It's great to see you guys, too. How's the married life going, Zuko?"

Mai held Zuko's arm, smiling wryly. The two had been married a year earlier, holding an extravagant wedding on Ember Island.

"My husband would tell you that he'd rather face down an army than deal with me when he upsets me, but, yes, it is going great."

Ursa put a hand on Zuko's shoulder, smiling.

"And how are you and Ikem doing, Ursa? Have you settled in completely yet?"

Ursa, Ikem, and Kiyi had, after the debacle with the Mother of Faces and Azula's assault, decided to move into the Fire Nation Royal Palace. Ursa had been spending her time with her son and her daughter, and Zuko had managed to get Ikem a job managing the Royal Acting Troupe. Although Zuko and Ikem were technically father and son, the two men adopted more of a friendship, with Ikem giving Zuko advice from time to time.

"It's been great, Aang; thanks for asking," she said smoothly. "We've really settled in, and the Palace is starting to look a lot better than it did… before," she said.

Smiling broadly, Aang showed the group to their seats, where they chatted with Toph, who, to Zuko's and Mai's dismay was still picking her feet.

The next ten minutes saw a host of familiar faces arrive in honor of Aang's wedding. Haru, Teo and his father, several members of the old Freedom Fighters, and the many friends that the Avatar had made during and just after the Hundred Year's War.

The final guests to arrive all arrived together in a large Water Tribe ship. Hakoda, who had grown somewhat older since Aang had seen him a few years ago walked up to Aang and wrapped him in a bear hug.

"Congratulations, Aang. Welcome to the family," he said with a grin, slapping the Airbender hard on the back as he passed. Coughing slightly Aang smiled at the next two guests; Kanna and Pakku, Katara's grandparents.

The two had become very elderly, but their harsh upbringing kept them strong and dignified, and Aang bowed deeply to both with respect, which they returned in kind. Aang hadn't seen the two for many years, and a simple bow sufficed; no words were needed.

The familiar form of Uncle Iroh, however, surprised Aang.

"Iroh! What are you doing on the Water Tribe boat? I would've thought you would be with your nephew…"

The old man grinned, holding up a water tribe bag filled to the brim with herbs.

"I just had to find out how to make the famous Ice Plant Tea, and I must say, it is simply incredible," he said, hugging Aang.

"Remember, Aang, marriage is like a hungry badger-mole; it will continue moving, no matter what stands in its way. Ah, I see my nephew and his family have arrived. Excuse me, and I'll see you up there later," the old general said, giving Aang a reassuring smile.

The man left and Aang stared at his receding form quizzically, until he was put into a crushing hold. Panicking, Aang twisted around quickly, only to find himself face-to face with a grinning, bearded Sokka.

"Now I get to call you BROTHER AANG!" he said, laughing hysterically. He grabbed Aang again slapping him on the back repeatedly.

Then, releasing the hold, he held his heart in mock sadness and fell to one knee.

"I'm so proud," he said, interjecting a teary, dramatic voice.

Aang grinned as Suki came up behind Sokka, hitting him in the back of the head. Sokka, dressed in traditional Water Tribe garb, flopped on the ground face-first, and he looked back in exaggerated shock at his girlfriend, who was dressed in her Kyoshi Warrior kimono, minus the facepaint. Ignoring her boyfriend, Suki hugged Aang tightly.

"Congratulations, Aang. You must be so happy," she said.

Recovering, Sokka clambered to his feet and grabbed something out of his backpack. Pushing his girlfriend out of the way, he wrapped his arm around Aang dramatically again.

"Aang, I have a very important family tradition to impart on you. Can you accept this mighty gift?"

"Uhh… sure?" Aang said reluctantly.

With a concerned face, Sokka slowly opened his bag, pulling out a case. Then, with great care, he opened the bag, revealing… a shiny new boomerang.

Beaming with pride, Sokka pushed the weapon into Aang's hands, smiling broadly.

"Welcome to the family, BoomerAang," he said, laughing hysterically.

"You've already used that one, Sokka," said Aang, who sported a bemused smile.

Slapping his knee, Sokka continued laughing.

"That's why it's so funny—it keeps coming back!"

Suki rolled her eyes as the two men laughed together.

The crowd was assembled quietly, and Aang stood by the platform, dressed in his ceremonial Air Nomad robes. In his hand, per Air Nomad tradition, he held a necklace that he had a talented carpenter who had joined the Air Acolytes craft in the traditional way; on it, in a single square, were both the symbols of the Air Nomads and the Water Tribe.

Behind him, Iroh stood, beaming. Aang had chosen Iroh as his representative because the two, after Zuko's search, had gotten to know each other quite well. Both were peaceful, kind souls, and they both possessed the ability to traverse the Spirit World. They had spent many cups of tea discussing life, love, and wisdom, and Aang had grown to respect Iroh a great deal. When the time had come, he had requested that Iroh represent him, as per Water Tribe tradition.

They had settled on a compromised wedding; it would share aspects of both Water Tribe weddings and Air Nomad weddings.

Then, Katara emerged from the dormitory, Hakoda behind her, and Aang fell in love all over again. She was dressed in a simple Water Tribe dress, which flowed behind her with the grace of a smooth ocean. She was holding a small box in her hands delicately, and Aang could not stop staring at her in complete awe.

She's so beautiful, he thought, in a daze. How did I ever manage to win her over?

Looking at Aang, she smiled reassuringly and ascended the platform, standing across from Aang. Zuko, smiling slightly, stood, standing at the back of the platform. At his wedding, Aang had presided over him and Mai, so Aang had unhesitatingly asked Zuko for the same. It wasn't every day, after all, that you were presided over by a head of state.

"Today," Zuko began, using his serious voice, "we celebrate the union of these two lovers; Aang of the Air Nomads and Katara of the Water Tribe."

There was widespread applause until Zuko held up his hand, silencing the crowd.

Prior to the wedding, Zuko had expressed his anxiety over presiding over Aang's wedding, nervous that he would 'mess things up again'. Aang had, however, expressed his confidence in his friend, and he had told Zuko that he wouldn't have wanted it any other way. And Zuko was doing a fine job, Aang thought.

Zuko turned to Aang.

"Avatar Aang, who represents you?"

Iroh stepped forward.

"I, Iroh, of the Fire Nation, represent the Avatar by my position in the Order of the White Lotus."

"Aang, as a husband, you must stay true to yourself and your wife. You must, in everything you do, devote yourself to your wife, and do your best to give her a good life and treat her as an equal in all things. What is your gift to her?" asked Zuko.

He held up the necklace.

"This necklace, made in the traditional Air Nomad style, holds the symbols of our two Nations, in hopes that we will cease to be two different cultures and become one."

He put it around her neck as tears spilled from her eyes. I love you so much, Katara, he thought. Since the moment I saw you, I've always loved you.

Zuko turned to Katara.

"Katara, daughter of Hakoda, who represents you?"

Hakoda himself stepped forward, nodding with a slight smile.

"I, Hakoda, of the Water Tribe, represent my daughter by my position as the Chieftain of the Southern Tribes."

"Katara, as a wife you must be yourself at all times and do your best to keep yourself, your husband, and, eventually, your children happy. You must, in everything, devote yourself to your husband and treat him as an equal in all things. What is your gift to him?" asked the Firelord.

Opening the box, she showed a ring that sported four jewels.

"This ring, forged from all four elements; the first, a jewel forged from the heat of the Ancient Dragons, gifted by Firelord Zuko, from the Fire Nation heirlooms. The next, a fragment of Air Crystal, found only in the depths of the Western Air Temple. The next is a jewel that has been given to us by Chieftain Arnook of the Northern Tribe, a family heirloom as a gift to the Avatar that saved his nation. The last is a crystal from the catacombs of Ba Sing Se, gifted to us by Earth King Kuei, for the Avatar's sacrifice in the depths of his city. I give this in hopes that we restore balance to this world once and for all."

Aang had tears streaming for his eyes, and even Zuko wiped away some tears after Katara's display. Aang's present suddenly felt very inadequate, which must have shown in his face for Katara looked down his necklace lovingly, smiling broadly at him.

"By the right of my rank as Firelord of the Fire Nation, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," Zuko said.

As applause resounded from the audience as they stood, cheering, crying, and laughing, Aang held Katara's face gently and kissed her on the mouth for what seemed like forever. Then, they broke apart gingerly, and both of their eyes bridled with joy.

"I love you, Katara."

"I love you, Aang."

Long after the wedding had finished and most of the guests had left, the group stood by the cliff, watching the massive sun sink into the sky, projecting a collage of reds and oranges that made the sky look like a painted canvas.

Zuko, Mai, Sokka, Suki, Aang, Katara, and Toph all stood in silence, watching the sun set in silence. Still staring at the horizon, Aang spoke, Momo perched on his shoulder and Appa sleeping quietly behind them.

"I'm so glad you all could be here with me, on this day. Right now, there's nowhere I'd rather be than with my friends. Thank you."

Zuko glanced at Aang, smiling.

"No—thank you, Aang. Without you, none of us would be here right now. You saved us all."

Grinning in satisfaction, they all watched the sky until the sky turned dark. Then, after saying goodbye, they went their separate ways.

I got so many feels from writing this, I can only hope it does the same to you guys. As usual, thanks for all the support and keep reading and reviewing! School starts back up again soon, so new chapters may become relatively sporadic, but I will do my best to keep them coming. I'm going to try juggling this with my other Avatar fanfic, the Story of Qin Lee.

As Always,

-IGdude117