Told you it would be soon, I broke the two up as to post them together would have created a chapter that would have been FAR too long, and for obvious reasons I had to write most of this in Katara's POV, as viewing from Zuko's POV would have the first half consisting of mainly this.

The lightening hit him mostly in his stomach, and despite being able to rid himself of most of it, all he could feel now was pain… he could hardly stay awake, he could hear things happening, but he was not about to move… why… why had he agitated her… how stupid he felt… he should have know better than to bait her… but it was too late for regrets, the world was spinning… and just as he felt it fading, that was when he felt her cooling touch, and he knew, he knew he had to hang on, he had to stay, for her.

Far too short and no fun for anyone, so instead I give to you, The final chapter ala Katara! Completely rewritten after the final battle!

As always R+R is appreciated, but more importantly Enjoy!

She saw it, when he said that no one else would get hurt, she saw it in his eyes, he meant that she would not get hurt, he was doing that self sacrificing thing again, she should have known it would be like this from the start. Though as much as she wanted to argue with him, to tell him he was being stupid and pig headed, and as much as she wanted to scream at him about how she didn't want him getting hurt either, another part of her felt flattered, and even proud of him for being able to do this.

But still, it was too much to risk for pride, and as he began to walk away from Azula, she followed him and spoke softly "You don't have to worry about me… remember what you said before? I was able to hold my own against her in Ba Sing Se, I nearly beat her then alone, why not the same now?" Zuko looked at her and she felt a flush growing on her cheeks again, he was intense, much like he had been in all the years he had chased them, only this time it was not directed against her. "Katara, the Comet is here… you can not go against that… besides, beating her this way will be recognised by the state. I will be officially recognised as Fire lord." When he spoke, his voice was calm and rational, it calmed her nerves to know that he had thought it through more than just an egotistical move. He then turned and smiled to her, and when he placed a hand on her cheek she felt herself leaning to it without hesitation, perhaps she should just believe in him, She Believed in Aang after all, and he didn't have half the courage that Zuko was showing now, so perhaps… perhaps it would be okay?

No… not perhaps… it just would be, she had to believe in him. She had come here to support him, and that was what she was going to do! When Zuko moved away from her over to the officials that had been about to crown Azula, this brought her attention back to the princess, the girl was staring at her, her gold eyes were nothing like Zuko's, they seemed to be filled with so much anger, Katara watched as Azula looked at Zuko again, the prince was looking back to her and offered her another small smile, she smiled in return, and only then realised that doing that was a mistake, because Azula was looking at her again, only this time she was smiling that knowing smile, and it worried her.

The officials reviewed the rules of this match, and Katara listened intently, though Zuko had explained the rules to her before, she had asked him to tell her after the match with Toph, it seemed that the first to fall was the looser, but only if they were cornered. The two firebenders faced each other, and she took a seat off to the side. Azula made comment on how she was upset that it had come to it, and Zuko echoed the words in her mind. Azula was not sorry at all, in fact, she seemed far more excited than she should have been.

Katara soon learned that her choice of seating was not the best, and in fact perhaps anywhere she chose to view the match would be a danger zone, more than once she had to protect herself against stray flames, more than once she thought that Zuko was going to be engulfed, and more than once she felt her heart stop in fear of that.

Blow after blow, strike after strike, the flames began to spread outside the arena, but the more she watched, the more she saw how in control of the fight Zuko was, he was acting and reacting with ease, and Azula seemed to be loosing all form and composure, then it happened, Zuko sent a fresh barrage at his sister and the princess fell to the ground, in her haste Katara rushed forward, remembering what Zuko had said about the opponent loosing their footing, but When Azula began getting up, she remembered that they had to be cornered to decide the match.

She stood there as Zuko goaded Azula, it was like a role reversal, Azula was the angry out of control one, and Zuko the cam one, but unlike Zuko, Azula had a vindictive streak, Katara saw it coming before Zuko did, the bolt of lightening was directed at her, and for a moment, all she could think of was' isn't that against the rules?' perhaps it was a stupid thing to have as her last thought, but that was what went through her mind, just as she began to prepare herself for the impact though, suddenly Zuko was there, the lightly went into him, and though he sent it out again, she knew it did not go through him correctly.

"ZUKO!" She had to get to him! She had to heal him! Zuko began to move and it jolted her to start running to him, but she took no more than one step before Blue flames surrounded her, it was a miracle that she didn't get burnt badly then, but she soon realised that Azula was toying with her "I really rather the family physician looked after little Zuzu if you don't mind" The words were mocking, teasing, and directed at Zuko. She should never have run forward, she should have stayed hidden, then Azula would not have been able to use her against him. Katara had seen it, before the match began, Azula had looked at her as though she was a backup plan, why had she not seen this coming?

She only barely managed to avid the lightening, and as soon as she found a hiding spot, Azula turned Zuko against her "Zuzu, you don't look so good" the second Katara moved her head out from the safety of the pillar another shot of flame was sent her way, Azula was in control again, she was playing them both against each other, she had to do something, she had to strike back! She looked to her side and seen a fountain, pulling the water from it she sent it flying to where Azula had been, but the moment it impacted she realised that the Princess had moved, and that was what she had to do now, not a moment too soon, for as soon as she formed her ice ramp, Azula was on her back, She only had seconds to think of something, Zuko was hurt, and she was in danger.

Rolling to the side she saw the chains, there was water beneath her, but for this… for this she would need to be close, it was a risk, and it could cost her dearly if it didn't pay off. Azula came at her "There you are you filthy peasant" Her eyes narrowed, and for some reason she felt angry that Azula the nickname Zuko had for her… even if it had not started out that way, She wanted to run, and at the same time she wanted to attack her all out, but for this to work, she needed to get Azula closer. She threw out some water whips, just enough to move her, and she in turn positioned herself in front of the princess. She was taking a gamble, If Azula tried for a long distance strike, it would be over, but from what she had seen of the woman, she was betting she would go for something more personal.

And her bet paid off! Azula went in for the kill and Katara hopped back, brining up a wave of water with her that she instantly froze, It was satisfying to see her looking that way, And she had the notion to just leave her frozen like that forever. But that was in itself too risky, After all, if Azula had been in a more sane state of mind, she would already have firebended her way out. No, she had to act fast, chain the woman down so that when she was free, she would not be able to harm them. She moved in the ice and secured Azula's arms to the grate, it was easy, and as soon as she was done, she released them both from the ice and ran to Zuko.

That was when the adrenaline began to fade, and the worry took over, the mark looked the same as Aangs, but she didn't have any spirit water, not this time, she covered her hands in her water mitts and placed them on his abdomen, she could feel the damage, and how weak he was, but almost as soon as she touched his skin, his heart began to steady. He took a more steady breath and looked at her, and she smiled, tears coming to her eyes with relief. "Thank you Katara" his words made the tears spill and she shook her head at how stupid it all felt "I think I am the one that should be thanking you." She raised him up closer to her, and he gritted his teeth slightly.

"Sorry" he smiled at her slightly and shook his head a bit, she helped him to a standing position, and Azula screamed, and as she looked to Zuko, she saw the sadness in his face, it was the same when he had faced her at the air temple, he was sad for his sister, despite everything… he seemed to love her in his own way. She looked down, feeing ashamed of herself then, but Zuko had turned to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you okay?" She looked at him and the tears came again, before she knew what she was doing she was hugging him, and despite the agonised sound he made, he hugged her back, she shook her head slightly and spoke into his chest "I' I told you not to do that anymore, you are… I don't want to see you hurt Zuko, you shouldn't throw your life away like that" his arms tightened around her, and when she looked up, she saw him smiling "To save you… it wouldn't have been throwing it away" He began leaning down to him, and she closed her eyes, this was it, it felt right. But just as she felt the heat from his lips, another scream came from beside her.

"WHY! WHY DOES HE GET THE HAPPY ENDING! I DID EVERYTHIG TO PLEASE FATHER! I EVEN SOLD OUT MY OWN MOTHER! WHY, WHY AFTER EVERYTHING I HAVE DONE! DO YOU GET THE HAPPY ENDING!?" tears were flooding down her face as she screamed this, and Zuko just knelt down beside his sister and spoke softly "The very fact that you need to ask that question, after all you have done to hurt this family, is the answer itself Azula" Zuko gritted his teeth and turned to one of the officials "Recall the Palace guards, have them place Azula in custody, by no means is she to be left free of her bonds."

Katara moved up to him and placed a hand on his back softly "Zuko… maybe we should get going…" He nodded to her and they both turned away from the fallen princess. It was over… now all they had to do was wait to hear from the others.

Waiting was the hard part, but as the fire blimps began to limp back in, they soon learned of the result. Aang had won, and somehow he had managed to do it without having to kill Ozai. This news came as a shock to Zuko, who at first seemed angry about it, but upon learning just how his father was defeated, a new look came over him, relief, but also a touch of fear. Katara could understand that, after all, it was a strange thing, to think that her bending could be taken away from her, she had never thought anything like that could happen…

"Are you okay Zuko?" He nodded to her and then shook his head right after "I… I don't know… I mean, I was prepared to hear he had been killed… but this, it seems… it seems almost cruel, I don't know how I would feel if I could not fire bend, it is part of me… is it wrong to be feeling pity for a man I had wished dead?" Katara just shook her head in reply, in truth, she knew what he meant, but at the same time, she thought that perhaps Ozai deserved it. "I am sure Aang had his reasons… Besides, at least now you will be viewed as a more peaceful fire lord, considering no one had to die for you to take the title right?" his smile was soft and grateful and she knew without a doubt now, what her choice was going to be. Zuko, He needed her. Depite him beig such a powerful bender he…

Her eyes widened slightly and he looked to her with a question on his face, but all she could manage was "You… You are a powerful bender…" He smiled to her, not really knowing where it was coming from and just shrugged "You still beat me three times" Her smile widened even more then as she just shook her head. Madam Woo had gotten it right, She had had a great romance with a powerful bender, despite all the ups and downs, it had been a romance already, and it was not over.

She just closed the distance between them and her lips found his, he must have been shocked, as it took him a moment to kiss her back, but when he did, it felt right, it felt so right to her. She pulled back to see him smiling, and she knew that her smile was just as big as his was, "Katara?"-"Shhh, don't ask questions, just accept this for what it is" his smile became a small laugh, which then became a grimace, and Katara just shook her head slightly "Okay, enough fun for you. Tell me where it hurts"

Zuko's POV

The coronation was set a few days after the battle, they had all decided on this together, thinking it was better to do it sooner, rather than later, He had also had a talk with Aang, Zuko thought it would be a good idea for Aang to go out with him, to show the people of the fire nation that the war really was at an end, it was as he was getting dressed that he had an unexpected visitor. "You need some help with that?" He turned to see Mai standing there, he smiled brightly to see her and moved over to give her a hug "Mai, you're okay, they let you out of prison?" She moved over to him and fixed his robed, ignoring that he had had his arms open for a hug, it was things like that, that irritated him, but the next set of words had his face fall "My Father pulled a few strings, and it doesn't hurt that my Boyfriend is the new fire lord"

He turned to face her with wide eyes "Mai… What do you?" He saw her smile drop, and her face turned cold "Zuko. Are you trying to tell me that you still don't want to be with me… after everything I did?" He looked down slightly, he remembered the look on her face when they were leaving the boiling rock, but… but he couldn't just be with someone out of guilt… besides…

"Mai… It's… it's not just about that… it… even before I left… we…" he didn't want to mention Katara, not right now, he hadn't even said it to Aang yet, Katara had told him that she wanted to say it to her himself, and if he said it to Mai… well, she might just go storming in after her and blow the whole secret… Besides… if he was to be a good Fire lord, he had to be able to face hardships head on, and this… this was something he needed to do.

"Mai, I don't love you. I am happy that you are safe, and I care about you, but, just not the same way you care about me… I'm Sorry." He moved away from her then, he needed to prepare for his speech, but he was halted by her saying his name softly "Zuko… so… this is really it?" He just held his head down and continued out the door, as he moved to the next room, Some of the royal servants had arrived, They said nothing as Mai left, and Zuko just held his head down slightly, Mai would possibly hate him for the rest of his life… but it was something he would have to carry, the hate, many people still hated the fire Nation, and he would have to shoulder all of that hatred, and turn it around. Perhaps one day he might even reach Mai. But for now… for now he had to take the first steps in the nations future, and worry about his own second.

Stepping out to face the people of four different cultures was hard. (though the swamp people did not strike him as a culture in itself, He accepted them anyway) Each looked at him expectantly, and though he did not see hate in there eyes, he didn't see trust either, it would be a long hard road, and even as he spoke to them, he knew that these words would not be enough, they would never be enough, Love and Peace… He arose and looked to the crowds, calling Aang to follow him, he would have to work together with the Avatar to restore balance… but… he knew he would also need help from the other people he had always relayed on… he would have to visit his Father… so he could find his Mother.

Back to Katara's POV

She had watched Zuko and Aang standing together with a growing feeling of pride, it was weird to think that she had a choice in the two most powerful people of the four nations, she had not done anything special to get in this place, nor did she think of herself as anything amazing t deserve it, but regardless, she had had the choice, and she chose Zuko, but it still left her with the problem of telling Aang. She had Asked Zuko not to say anything to him, and considering Aang's expression, it was clear that he had kept his promise… but when… when would be the right time to tell him?

She had thought about it for sometime, once or twice almost saying it to him, but each time something had interrupted them, usually it was something Aang did, he would start a new conversation, or he would call someone over to talk to them, it almost seemed as though he was avoiding her talking to him, almost like he knew.

She had confronted Zuko about it just before they arrived at the tea shop in Ba Sing Se, and Zuko denied having said anything… but he did admit that Aang had seemed a bit, odd around him too. When they entered, Iroh greeted them all with hugs, Smiles and fresh clothing, gifts from the Earth capital, Zuko frowned a bit when he looked at his "How come mine are brown?" Katara smiled a bit as she held her own dress up and Iroh replied "You Zuko, work here, remember?" Zuko just looked at the clothing dubiously and then sighed slightly "I will always be your nephew won't I? no matter the title" Iroh was smiling at him, and Zuko smiled back "I guess I prefer it that way"

They changed and began to relax, Sokka attempted to paint them, Zuko served good tea and refrained from the jokes this time, and Aang sat alone playing with Momo, Even as they all gathered around Sokka Aang left on his own, Zuko looked at him leaving and then looked to Katara, she nodded to him and began to follow. She found him outside, looking over the city, the sky was beautiful and the clouds framed it perfectly… it was sad in a way, considering what she had come to say…

"Aang… There's something I need to-" Aang had held up his hand, and it silenced her, she looked down and he spoke softly "I know Katara… I knew the moment I got back to the fire nation… you welcomed me… but you kept looking at Zuko, and this time… he was looking at you too…" Her brow rose as she realised what he meant by that… how long did he… "Aang… how long?" the young airbender turned to her and smiled "Since the air temple, I thought I had a chance still… because Zuko didn't seem to notice… but after I messed up at the play…"

Katara shook her head slightly, she was not about to tell him that she had almost chosen him out of guilt as a result of that play, it would have been too cruel, so instead she smiled and looked out to the city too "Remember… the day we went to have our fortunes told… Madam Woo told me I would have a great romance with a powerful bender" She looked at Aang a blush bright on her face as she spoke "I thought for a while, that it might have been you she was talking about… but in the end… it was Zuko without me even realising it… I don't know how it happened, or when I began feeling like this… but when I am with him it just feels right… I am sorry Aang…"

He smiled to her and shook his head, and before she knew what was happening, she was hugging him, and he spoke quietly in her ear "Don't be sorry" he pulled back, but she could see he was trying not to cry, still, it made her feel a bit better to know that he wasn't angry at her… "didn't Madam Woo say something for you too?" Aang's face dropped then as he realised that his own fortune had come true… "We shape our own futures…" He shook his head then and laughed "I thought she meant I could make you like me, but she meant I would shape my own way in defeating the Fire lord" And then another fortune came to mind.

"Agh! Does this mean I have to Marry Maang?" the image of the girl came to mind instantly and a shiver ran over him to the thought of it, Katara laughed and smiled brightly to the memory of the girl that had chased Aang around at that time "Well she did seem to like you a lot" The rest of the group was coming out to them after they heard aang's scream, Sokka leading the charge "What! What's happening! Has Azula broke out! Has Appa finally cracked and gone on a rampage?" Aang who was about to answer Sokka just stopped and gave him a weird look to the Appa Comment and Katara laughed softly. "No Sokka, but Aang just realised he is going to have to make marriage plans…"

"No!" Aang's reaction got her laughing, but Zuko's face was almost as funny, he had gone pale, and she realised how it must have sounded to him, she moved over to his side and took a hold of his hand in front of everyone, and though shocked at first, he looped his fingers in hers. "Well, what ever it is you choose to do Aang, you will have us right with you for support… right Zuko?" He was blushing and hardy able to look Aang in the eye, and if not for Toph, the silence might have turned sour.

But what she said… no one had seen coming. She walked over to Aang and punched him in the arm in her oh so affectionate way and then grinned to Katara "That's right Sugar queen! Besides, I figure, if Fire and water work, then why not Earth and Air? But don't go making any marriage plans yet twinkle toes, We gotta work on your back bone a bit more if you are gonna be my boyfriend." Everyone was shocked, but what came as a bigger surprise was the reply "Only if you work on being more girly" This got them all laughing, and Katara could not help but feel that this was the best ending they could have asked for.

The End.

it has been a long time in the making, but now that it is done, it feels a bit sad, but all things come to an end, or so they say.

I am also a TAang fan, and I was giving tiny hints to it through the story, but nothing major, as that would have detracted from the focus of it. I hope you liked how it ended, and yes I know… Just one kiss… but I felt it was enough, perhaps you might get a epilogue someday… who knows, I might do a finding his mom version. But for now, this is it, I hope you enjoyed my fresh take on the final episodes. obviously I can't do any replies here (as I had nothing to reply to XD) But for any reviews I get on this chapter, I will pm with a response. Thank you to everyone who has been reading.

Love and Peace

GenesisGoBoom.