Author's Note: Here it is everyone, the final chapter. It's short and sweet and hopefully, the perfect ending. And I got it in extra early, just for you guys :D

Zuko stepped through the red curtain leading into the ceremonial plaza and a crowd of different nations greeted him with loud cheers. Earth Kingdom, Water Tribe, and Fire Nation citizens all gathered below him, along with others not claimed by any individual nation. This was the first time in a hundred years the three nations had come together peacefully in the Fire Nation capitol. He took in a deep breath and smiled, stepping to the side.

"Please, the real hero is the Avatar," he said, gesturing to the curtain. The fabric moved aside and slowly Aang stepped out, supported by Kai. The crowd erupted into cheers and Aang smiled at all of them as Kai carefully guided him to Zuko's side. Zuko looked down at her, his golden eyes softening and a smile of adoration on his face. She gave him a loving smile in return and it fueled him to begin his address.

"Today, this war is finally over. I promised my Uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation, and I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided. But with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path, and begin a new era of love and peace."

The crowd erupted with more cheers and he smiled again. Turing to the Fire Sage standing of to the side, he knelt to one knee and bowed his head. The sage held the Fire Lord diadem over his head and his voice rang through the sudden silence that had fallen. "All hail Fire Lord Zuko!"

The crowd cheered as the sage placed the diadem in Zuko's topknot and the new Fire Lord got to his feet, pride fueling his movements. Aang was supporting himself against his staff and Zuko took the opportunity to wrap an arm around Kai, leaning down to press a kiss to her cheek.

"Thank you," he whispered before straightening and smiling as the crowd continued to cheer. She had asked that they not give her recognition in this ceremony, but she deserved the crowd's appreciation. If she hadn't thought up the plan to infiltrate the palace, they would have probably lost more people. The casualties had been few in the rebellion and they were all thankful for that.

Kai squeezed The Duke tightly, a few tears threatening to spill. The Freedom Fighters were returning to their forest to help kick the Fire Nation troops out of the Earth Kingdom. It was only a few days ago that the war had ended and the hawks had been sent out to spread the message. Now the slow process of withdrawing the troops and repairing the nations was beginning and it was time for everyone to return home.

"I'm gonna miss you, Kai. Why can't you come back with us?" the little boy asked.

"I can't. I have things I need to take care of here. But you still have Pipsqueak. I promise I'll come and visit. I mean it."

The Duke sighed but nodded, giving up his fight. She patted his helmet and got to her feet, turning to Longshot. He pulled her into a tight hug and she felt a tear slip down her cheek. He reminded her of Lu Ten so much and it felt like he was leaving her again.

"If things don't work out, you always have a home with us," he whispered. She pulled back and smiled, wiping away the tear that had escaped. The Freedom Fighters climbed onto the ship, and she felt Zuko's arm slip around her waist, pulling her close. She sighed and leaned her head on his chest, watching as the ship departed. She waved at The Duke and they stood on the dock until they couldn't make out the people on board anymore.

"Come on, dinner's waiting inside," Zuko said and pulled away, taking her hand. They walked back through the city to the palace. There were repair crews out already, fixing up houses that had been damaged and cleaning up the palace after it had been nearly torn apart. The east wing had almost been burnt to the ground, thanks to Ozai. Thinking of Zuko's father caused her to look up at him and he returned her gaze, a small smile on his lips. "What?"

"Nothing," she said looking down. "Just thinking."

He didn't press any further and they entered through the palace's front doors, making their way down the halls to the dining room. When they entered, everyone was already seated at the table.

"Finally! We've been waiting forever for you guys to get here. I'm starving," Sokka complained.

"Sokka, don't be rude," Suki scolded. Kai had met the Kyoshi warrior after the battle and she could tell Sokka had it bad for the girl.

"I would've said the same thing," Iroh said with a grin.

Kai rolled her eyes and sat in the chair to Zuko's right once he sat at the head of the table. It was strange to sit down like this in the palace and enjoy dinner with their friends after spending four years in the war. Now there wasn't a war and they could finally relax, even if it was only for a short while.

"How about we just eat?" Toph suggested and Zuko nodded.

"Bring in the food," he called. Servants filed out of the kitchen carrying plates laden with food. Kai could see Sokka practically drooling from the other side of the table. Once the servants left, everyone began helping themselves to the feast. It had been so long since any of them had eaten a proper meal that they were all silent as they ate. After a moment, Aang got to his feet and help up his glass.

"I want to propose a toast. To Zuko, for stopping Ozai."

The table erupted with murmurs of agreement and everyone raised their glass. Zuko gave them a half-hearted smile and Kai took his hand under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. He looked at her with a sad smile, returning the squeeze. He had told her what had happened when he killed his father. He had seen Ozai choking her and had sent a blast of fire at him, causing the former Fire Lord to release her. There was a brief scuffle, but Zuko had managed to stab his father in the heart with the knife his Uncle had given him when they were children. She knew it had been harder with him to come to terms with the murder, but she reassured him that it wasn't murder, but sacrifice for peace.

Dinner was a short affair and everyone was exhausted after a long day of saying goodbyes and planning on how to put the world back together after the war had ravaged it so deeply. They all parted ways and Zuko led Kai down the corridor leading to the Fire Lord's suite. He paused in front of a full-size family portrait, a frown falling on his lips. Kai stopped beside him, her blue eyes falling on the young Zuko painted on his mother's lap.

"Now that this is over, I want to search for her," he said and she knew he was talking about his mother. "I think she's alive."

"Then we'll look for her," Kai reassured him. "We just have a few things to do first."

"Like what?" he asked skeptically, looking down at her.

"We have to put our nation back together."

He sighed and she knew the prospect of it all was overwhelming. She pulled on his hand and they entered the suite, finding it refurnished with everything from Zuko's old room.

"They got that finished fast," she observed, her fingers running over the soft velvet of a chair.

"I told them I wanted it done by tonight. I didn't want any reminders of him in here."

"I see. Well, I'm going to go check on your uncle before I return to my room."

"Wait," he said, grabbing her wrist and stopping her in her advance toward the door. "Stay with me."

"What about-"

"My image? It doesn't matter." He pulled her closer and tucked a strand of golden hair behind her ear. "Marry me, Kai. I love you more than anything and I can't imagine my life without you."

A/N: Aww, happy ending. Thank you so much for all of the support everyone. Writing this was an enjoyable journey and I'm glad to know that I now have fans :3 I feel so honored. Anyway, keep your eye out for the sequel and until then, farewell.