Okay, next chapter! Hope you all enjoy, and please read and review. And for those of you who keep SCREAMING at me to KILL AZULA, keep your pants on! She will die, just not yet… but enjoy this! Also, sorry I haven't emailed you guys back as much. I've been sooooooo busy! Please forgive me! Thanks! And please read and review!

Aang sat next to Katara, and they caught up on everything they'd missed in each others' lives. Katara started, "Why didn't you come back, Aang?"

He sighed and pulled off his boot. "Because of this."

At the sight of that horrendous scar, Katara's eyes widened and sorrow filled her. "My poor Aang," she breathed. "And no one could heal you?"

"It was too severe. But everyday when I was gone, the pain I felt being without you was so much worse. I died each day. I'm not surprised if there are 15 years of new little Avatars running around." He said jokingly.

She smiled. "I died too, Aang. But I knew that I couldn't because of Ara."

"I'm so proud of you, Katara. And I understand why you didn't tell me. And I'm glad you didn't. You protected me, and you were right. I would have been distracted and worried. I'm glad you didn't tell me, but I'm sad I missed her birth in person, though I did see it when Roku took me."

"So you saw it?"

"Yea."

She relaxed. "Then I'm happy." She closed her eyes and let out a shaky breath. She winced as the pain shot through her. He put a hand on her arm. "Maybe now we should get the healers to look at you."

"Aang, I am a healer. I can heal myself. Just take all of the bandages off and hand me my waterskin."

He did as he was told, but he grimaced as he looked as her blistered, bruised, cut, and swollen body. She even winced at the sight of her own. "That's—me?"

Aang nodded sadly.

"My arms are too weak to do my whole body. Can you hold them?" she asked. He moved closer to support her as she bent the water out and starting on her right arm, healed all of the cuts, scrapes, and burns. She got to her right shoulder and healed the dagger wound. She also healed both slits in her neck and back. She moved to do all of her left side, healed it, and then moved to her chest. Her hands started to shake as the force from the stress was too much, and she let the water fall. Aang bent it back up into a ball. "You alright?"

"Yea, she said, starting to sweat. "A lot of energy is twisted up there, like yours. I don't know if I can heal this, both the dagger wound and the lightning burn. I'll try it later. But I need a rest. Can you just get me some bandages, and I'll cover this?"

"Sure," he said as he handed her the bandages. She took them, but set them down next to her. "Aang, I need to you first help me sit up. I need to heal my legs."

"No, I will get another healer…"

"Aang, I don't know why, but I just need to do this myself. Please,"

He nodded and supported her shoulders and back as she managed to get to a sitting position. She bent the water over and around her legs and they healed. Then, with Aang still supporting her, she reached for the bandages and began to wrap her chest and stomach with them. Aang continued to support her, and then set her back down, gently, when she was through. She was sweating and exhausted from the tiresome work, and her chest began to throb. She breathed out deeply, but lifted her now strong healthy arm to her husband's face. "Thank you," she whispered. He smiled and fetched her robe, placing it next to her bed, and leaned down gently to kiss her. As their lips me, peace finally filled both of them. "Get some rest. And don't get up until you are ready."

"Okay."

He left her side, and walked towards the outer wall to clear his mind. And then he noticed his daughter sitting near the ocean, and he walked over to join her. He sat down on her left side. The ocean breeze played with her hair, and her deep grey eyes stared fixed on the horizon, even though he knew she had heard him but didn't look. "Hey, where've you been the past few weeks? Your mother wants to see you."

"I just thought that maybe you'd like me out of the way while she rested."

"Of course not, Ara. I've wanted you by her side more than anyone else."

"I'm sorry dad."

"Don't worry about it."

Silence passed between them, and the only sounds were the waves slapping against the icy shore. But Ara then turned to her father. "Something is going to happen, isn't it? Something that will affect the whole world. I can feel it coming. I can just feel it! Dad?"

Ara watched her father's eyes fill with worry as she spoke. He turned to her. "Before I came back, Roku came to me and said that someone would join me and save the world from the fire nation's greatest battle. That someone is you. I have already seen it in your practicing and your fighting. My brother, sister, your mom, Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee have all gotten you ready. They each have helped you become a warrior. And I don't know why, but you receive two abilities. That is a gift. I also don't know if the Avatar's children are influenced by their blood, but I see my spirit and fun and your mother's caring and fighting nature in you. You are a warrior, and you are ready. I don't want to force this on you, as you have your own choice if you want to help or not. It is your choice only."

"Dad, I was born for this. I somehow knew that I needed to fight, and that I would have a role in the final battle. I am proud to be the daughter of the Avatar, and I will gladly stand by your side and fight to the death." She smiled.

"I'm so proud of you," Aang said. "Not because you will fight, but because you have the drive to do what's right."

"I learned it from the two very best. And I'm proud of you too, Avatar Aang."

He smiled, stood up, his arms crossed. "C'mon, wanna battle?"

"I thought you'd never ask. And I thought you learned your lesson the last time, dad!"

"Never!"

They got into fighting stances and prepared to attack.

When the sun went down, they finally finished. They were covered in sweat (and a little soot from Aang firebending) and their lungs were bursting for air, but they were laughing as they walked to the tribe for dinner. Aang's arm was around his daughter's shoulder and they were both beaming, but when they reached their tent, they both stopped. Zuko, Sokka, and Toph were waiting for them. And standing up, while leaning on Sokka's shoulder, smiling, was Katara.

"Katara!"

"Mom!"

Her husband and daughter both ran to her. She smiled and opened her arms, and Aang and Ara fell gently into her hug, and she sighed. "My family," she whispered, and she looked at her daughter. "You've certainly grown in two years," she said. "I've missed you so much."

"I missed you too, mom. I've learned so much in the past few weeks. But I'm glad you're okay."

Katara kissed her daughter's forehead and looked at Aang. "I'm glad we're all finally together. But let's go feast! Dad's prepared us a big dinner to celebrate us all coming together again. And I haven't eaten a good meal in weeks."

"I don't think any of us have," Toph replied. "Because of this war. By the way, have any of us found out when the old stupid firelord Ozai is leading his 'war'?"

"We'll worry about that later, Toph," Aang said. "Let's go eat."

Everyone was gathered in the main hall. Hakoda led the feast, and sitting around him were Aang, Katara, Ara, Sokka, Toph, Zuko, Mai, and Ty Lee. They were all laughing and talking, and everyone had a smile on their face. Finally, Hakoda called for silence. He stood up.

"We gather together tonight and celebrate us all being together for the first time in 15 years. As we celebrate tonight, let us be joyous and forget the war tonight. Let's eat and enjoy!"

Everyone yelled in joy and helped themselves. Everyone took everything (with the exception of Aang and Toph staying away from the stewed sea prunes) and stuffed their faces. The whole group was smiling and having a great time, and especially relaxing, which was something they rarely did.

The meal went by, and Toph knew this was the right time. She squeezed Sokka's hand under the table, and he stopped the chopsticks halfway to his mouth and he looked up. "Something wrong?"

"While we're all here together, we should tell them."

"I'm glad. But are you sure? Are you ready?"

"It's now or never, Snoozles." She jabbed him in the back—hard. He yelped and shot out of his seat. Immediately the talking stopped, and Sokka looked up to find that all eyes were staring at him. He smiled and blushed, embarrassed, and yanked Toph up off of her chair.

"Yowch! Snoozles, can you be a little gentler? Geez! Oh—uh, hi, everyone!" she stammered as she felt everyone's vibrations turned towards them. "Well, uh, Sokka and I have to say, uh, well, how do we say this right?"

"We're getting married!" Sokka exploded, his smiled overtaking his face.

"Well, that wasn't what I had in mind," Toph whispered, but winced, unsure what everyone would say or think.

"Congratulations!"

"I thought it would never happen!"

"Thank God!"

"Finally!"

She relaxed and let her true happiness and smile show, grabbing Sokka's hand and he put his arm around her waist as he started to explain. "I wanted to marry Toph 15 years ago, and I got her parents' permission—barely." she smiled as he said that, "but everything was happening too fast, and there were things to do first. But a few weeks ago, Toph told me that she still loved me and that she'd been waiting to marry me. I still love her too, with all my heart, so I asked her to marry me again."

"I agreed," Toph put in, "and so we've decided that since Sugar Queen and Hothead are getting better, we are going to have the wedding a few weeks from now."

"When?" Ara asked.

"On the next solstice," Sokka replied. "It's supposed to be a certain beautiful solstice and it only happens every 300 years. We though this would be perfect."

As they continued talking, something in Zuko's head clicked. His heart started to race, and he became covered in a cold sweat. He paled. He couldn't breathe. His eyes widened. He stared at his plate, and his utensils banged to the table. Ara looked at him. "Zuko?" she asked worriedly. Her hands gripped the tablecloth. "Mai!" she cried as her eyes darted to her, sitting next to him. Sokka and Toph stopped talking and everyone turned their gazes to Zuko. His mouth was wide open and he started to breathe heavily. Mai grabbed him. "Zuko? Please! Answer me!"

Suddenly he blinked his eyes and was released from his trance, and he looked up. They were all around him, worry filling their eyes. He shot up. "Everyone to the war tent. Now!" he shouted and he ran outside, not thinking about his injury as he ran to his tent. Aang shot after him and grabbed his shoulder. "Zuko! What the heck is wrong?"

Zuko spun around. "I know when they'll strike, Aang," he whispered. Aang's eyes widened.

"Get to the war tent! Now!"

He reached his tent and looked in his trunk, the one his uncle had given him for his 21st birthday. It was filled with all known information on the fire nation (it was a big trunk). He opened it and began to search frantically for what he knew was the answer.

Mai ran in. "Zuko? Why did you act like that? What's going on?"

He found the scroll. "This. I know when my father and sister will strike."

"When?"

"The Scarlet Solstice."

Mai's jaw dropped. "They wouldn't…that's too powerful…even for them!"

"Let's go," he said, grabbing her hand. "We need to tell the others."

When he walked into the war room, everyone got up and ran towards him, yelling, asking questions. "Sit down!" he yelled, and everyone became silent and sat in their place. Only Zuko stood. Worry was etched across his brow.

"Listen everyone. Sokka and Toph, I'm sorry I ruined your big announcement. But the day you picked reminded me. You said it's a special solstice that comes in a certain way every 300 years. And you are right, it is a great, wonderful day. But I know for certain that that is the day of the final battle. That is the day my father and sister will strike."

Everyone's mouths dropped. "Are you sure?" Aang stammered.

"Yes," Zuko replied. "If I'm not, check with some spies. But that day is the most powerful in 300 years for firebenders. It is 100 times stronger than Sozin's Comet. It is the longest day, with 20 hours of sunlight, the sun is the closest to the Earth that ever, the sky turns red all day, the heat is unbearable, and firebenders' inner fire explodes on this day. This day is in 5 weeks. We need to be ready. And it's called the Scarlet Solstice."

"We need to send someone to Firelord Iroh and tell him. Send spies in to find out is this is Azula's and Ozai's plan." Aang said. "Zuko, would you like to go?"

"I would, truly, but I am still weak and hurt. If I go, someone should go with me. And if you don't mind Mai, or Aang and Katara, I'd like Ara to go. She hasn't met Uncle. And she's a good fighter. And no one knows her, yet, so she'd be okay. And like all of you too, I trust her with my life. She is smart. And it gets her out to see the world. Can she?"

Ara's heart filled with pride as she heard Zuko speak of her so—proudly. But she turned to her parents, and they both smiled and nodded. She leapt out of her chair and hugged them. "Thank you so much! I want to go! I've already seen the Fire Nation, but not the other side. Thanks so much, mom and dad!"

"You two better leave tonight," Hakoda said. "There's not a moment to spare. You should take Warrior. He's quick and agile, and will get you there as fast as he can. You two better pack, and leave in a half hour. You two are dismissed."

Ara and Zuko left, and Hakoda sat down. "At least we know when it is. Now, like we did 15 years ago, we need to round up all of the people of the world. We told them to be on standby. Let's hope they still are. We need to tell them to all be here in 4 weeks, armor, weapons, and supplies, ready. We need to get started on building more ships to add to our own fleet. We need them to carry all of us and our supplies and weapons. However our allies get here, that's their transport to the battlefield. We need to send messengers and hawks out, now. Everyone, I'm sorry to ruin this joyous time, but now we have a long night ahead of us. Start by getting every warrior and writer in here. We need to hurry. Now!"

Ara was nearly packed when she heard the gong sound for the whole tribe to meet. She quickly shoved some food, water, and extra supplies in her bag. She pulled on her cloak and tied her headband on once more. She stood and walked out.

Zuko also heard the gong. He got his things ready. But he also put on his own 'headband.' It was a cut of cloth that he tied over his whole left side of his face, to cover his scar. He stood up, put his cloak on, sighed, and walked out.

They met in front of the barn, where the whole group was waiting for them. The two walked up together and hugged each person.

"Use what I taught you," Ty Lee said.

"You guys stay safe," Mai said. She hugged both of them. "To you especially," she whispered as she hugged Zuko. He put his arms around her and they kissed.

"Same as what Mai said," Sokka added, hugging his niece a little harder.

"Kick some butt!" Toph said, but she gave a small hug to her niece and a light punch to Zuko.

Ara finally came to her parents. She smiled and ran to hug them, and they all embraced, Momo too. "I'm very proud of you," Aang said. "Keep each other safe," Katara added. "We love you."

"I love you both too. Bye mom. Get better. Bye dad. Do your Avatar thing!" She smiled and hugged them again. She turned and walked towards Zuko, and they both walked to where Hakoda held Warrior. He smiled at the two, and then backed up. "Good luck," he said. "To both of you." Ara smiled, hugged her grandfather, and then climbed up. Zuko grabbed arms with Hakoda, and then climbed on behind Ara.

"Let's go Warrior!" she cried, and the eagle took off. Everyone waved goodbye, and walked back to the war tent. Only Aang and Katara remained, and they watched the eagle fly away. "Come back safe," Aang said. Katara turned to her husband with a sarcastic look. "Don't tell me daddy can't wet his wittle gurl go…" her bottom lip stuck out.

"What? Of course not! Daddy's—uh, I—just want her to be safe and come home soon." He smiled, but blushed.

Katara let out a small laugh, but her smile covered her face. Aang smiled, and that was enough to make her heart melt. But instead, she started to laugh. Aang had truly missed her laughter, and he grabbed her in a warm embrace while she still giggled. But she then stopped and her hand flew to her chest. She closed her eyes, sighed, and winced.

"Why don't you go rest? You're still weak and hurt. We'll get the job done, but you need to work on getting healed before the battle."

"Okay. I love you."

"I love you too."

He watched as she went into their tent, and he then turned and ran to start spreading the word to the world.

Okay, so the name of the battle day is the Scarlet Solstice. Do you guys like it? It was originally to be the Amber Solstice, but Amber is brown, and I needed red, for the Fire Nation. So I looked in a thesaurus until I liked the right word! So Katara's is on the mend, except for her chest, Sokka and Toph are FINALLY getting married, Ara and Zuko are off to see Iroh, and the Southern Water Tribe is about to spread the word! What do you think? Please read and review. I love you guys! Thanks for all of your support!

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