Welcome to the finale. There are several italicized flashback scenes intermixed with current events, so I hope it isn't too confusing.


It had been over ten years since the war ended and the Nations had reconciled and had grown to help each other.

It was the tenth anniversary of the official end of the war, and the royal barge was docked at Full Moon Bay as the Fire Lord was on his way to Ba Sing Se. Refusing any special royal treatment, he and his entourage traveled by monorail to the Upper Ring where they all packed into two large carriages which took them not to a large residence or even the king's palace, but to the most famous tea shop in all the Earth Kingdom, the Jasmine Dragon.

When the carriages stopped in front of the closed shop, the Fire Lord stepped out and glanced up at the familiar building. He wore simple Fire Nation clothes, but the royal headpiece shone brightly in his topknot. Turning back towards the carriage, the Crown Prince stepped down looking nearly identical to his father with fiery gold eyes, and though he looked like his father, it was his mother's gentle temperament that he inherited from her. The Fire Lord watched as the prince helped his sister out of the carriage.

After helping his six year old sister Chiana, Crown Prince Lu Ten reached up to help his eight year old brother Kolos. Fire Lord Zuko was smiling as he watched his oldest son assisting his siblings. In three more years after Lu Ten's thirteenth birthday, Zuko was planning to take him on a quest to the Sun Warriors' island.

"Can I go inside and see Grandfather?" Kolos asked his father anxiously, staring up at him with his mother's sea green eyes.

"Wait for the others," said Zuko placing his hand on his second oldest's head.

Suddenly, four year old Roku jumped out of the carriage by himself and was just about to make a run for it towards the tea shop, but his father's quick reflexes caught him before he could escape.

"Oh, no you don't," laughed Zuko.

"Grandpa! Grandpa!" said Roku, his arms stretched out towards the shop.

"Wait for the rest of the family."

Kiyi walked up from the other carriage. "I've got him, Zuzu." She took Roku from him.

At fourteen years old, Kiyi still enjoyed teasing her big brother with his nickname. But he had to admit he found it more endearing than when Azula said it at that age, or at any age since the princess would still tease him with the occasional "Fire Lord Zuzu."

"Stay with Aunt Kiyi," Zuko ordered Roku.

He turned back to the carriage to see little two year old Rina, named for his maternal grandmother, standing at the carriage door. He reached up and took her in his arms. As Rina released her mother's hand, the Fire Lord glanced up and his fiery eyes brightened when they fell upon his Fire Lady, her long loose black curls reflecting light like obsidian and her eyes containing the ocean. Her diadem sparkled around her head as it wove through her hair, while her golden royal headpiece rested on top. He offered his free hand to her helping her out of the carriage.

"Here, Zuko...," said Ursa walking up to him from the other carriage. "Let me take Rina for you."

Rina reached out to her grandmother.

"Lord Zuko, we'll take care of things out here," said Kaito riding up on an ostrich horse as part of the royal family's security detail.

Kaito had wanted a full Royal Procession for the royal family, but Zuko insisted on a few select Imperial Firebenders including Nai and Izin.

The Fire Lord gave a nod. "You guys are welcome to join the reunion."

"As soon as we're finished, sir. It doesn't look like the Avatar is here yet, and Izin will want to take care of Appa."

"Of course," said Zuko.

Chiara took Kolos' hand. "Stay together, my little turtle ducklings."

Zuko placed her other hand on his arm before taking hold of Chiana's hand, and they ushered their little ones towards the tea shop.

From inside the shop Iroh had been watching his family as they unloaded from the carriage. It had been four months since their last visit, and two months before that. Now, what he missed most from the Fire Nation was once again on his doorstep and he felt complete. He watched his oldest grandson helping his younger siblings, and he softly laughed to himself at how much the young boy looked so much like his nephew, even at his birth—an exciting, yet anxious event he would never forget.

xox

It was unnerving sitting in the palace waiting room. The cup of tea in his hands had long grown cold. At that moment, his calming cup of jasmine was not very calming, and he was too tense to even firebend warmth into it. His nephew was even more tense as he anxiously paced back and forth in the sunlight that shone through the window, subconsciously adjusting his path as the sun moved across the floor. Iroh knew this day was coming, but somehow knowing it was not the same as being prepared for it. It was of great comfort to him that Katara had agreed to come during the last month of Chiara's pregnancy, but after his experience with his own wife, it was not comforting enough to completely alleviate the worry that anything could happen. Mina had never recovered after Lu Ten's birth despite a year of hopefulness, and he was relieved that Katara agreed to remain for at least another month after the birth of his grandchild...just in case. But even amid the comforting thoughts of having a waterbending healer present, he could not help feeling nervous, and it was clear that his nephew felt the same way considering the worn path on the carpet. Iroh could not wait for the birth to be over. The longer it took, the more worried he became. He could not imagine losing his daughter in a similar way in which he lost his wife, nor did he want his nephew to suffer the same pain of loss he did.

When the main door opened, neither of the two men looked up. Any news from that door held little interest to them at the moment.

"She's still in labor?" asked Azula.

"Yes," Zuko answered shortly, not missing a beat in his steps.

Her eyebrows rose as she stared at the two of them. "I thought having a baby was supposed to be a joyous occasion. You two are about to become a father and a grandfather, but you both look like you're preparing for a funeral."

Her words stopped Zuko in his tracks and he looked at her. "It's been hours. I'm worried something is going to go wrong."

"Zuko, you have a waterbender in there with her. If anything goes wrong I'm sure she'll be able to fix it. Not to mention Mother's had three kids and she's with her, as is Amiku and the doctor...and you even let her own bodyguard in there with her...which just seems awkward..."

"She and Nai are good friends."

Azula rolled her eyes. "Leave it to Chiara to be friends with her personal guard," she muttered in a slight undertone. "You have nothing to worry about. She's survived the worst prisons, a sword in her chest, and...and even me. I think she can handle having a baby, so don't go throwing her onto the pyre yet."

Zuko resumed his pacing clearly finding little comfort in his sister's blunt words. "I...I just wish she had agreed to give birth at the North Pole."

Iroh felt the same way. He knew, just as Chiara insisted, that it was important for the Crown Prince's child, especially first born child, to be born in the Fire Nation, but he would have been less worried if there was a team of waterbender healers by her side, and that would have been provided if she had gone to Agna Qel'a to give birth.

When the other door finally opened, Zuko stopped pacing and stared anxiously at the doctor, as did Iroh whose grip grew tighter around his cup of cold tea. Neither could tell from Doctor Asa's expression what he was about to say, but in those few seconds both men held their breath expecting bad news.

"You have a son, Prince Zuko."

Iroh got to his feet while Zuko's golden eyes lit up at the announcement.

"How's Chiara?" asked the prince.

"She's doing fine. They both are."

Iroh and Zuko both breathed a sigh of relief.

"You may all come in now," invited Asa.

Zuko anxiously disappeared through the door.

"Asa, send for Sage Shyu," ordered Iroh.

"Yes, my Lord," he bowed.

Iroh and Azula walked through the antechamber and entered the royal birthing room where they saw an exhausted looking Chiara sitting up in the bed cradling the tiniest red bundle. Katara and Nai moved to allow Zuko and Iroh to get closer.

"It's customary for the Fire Lord to hold his first grandchild after the mother," said Amiku standing on the other side of the bed near Ursa.

Iroh smiled. "That is a custom that is about to be broken."

Zuko looked at him and his uncle nodded his head. "Thank you, Uncle."

Chiara held out the little bundle which Zuko delicately took into his arms as if he were handling the most fragile crystal. He stared at the tiny infant whose head was covered with thin black hair. When the baby lifted his eyelids, Zuko was drawn to the purest gold eyes he had ever seen outside of a mirror. He had been in love with his tiny, little creation from the moment he and Chiara learned of his existence. Every flame that she summoned was a reminder of what their love had produced. Every move or kick they felt as their baby grew brought forth a joke that he was practicing his firebending katas. Now his eyes gazed upon him whom he had loved before he could see him.

"He looks like you, Nephew," said Iroh adoring the sight of his nephew holding his grandnephew/grandson.

Ursa, too, admired her son as he cradled his own child. "He's beautiful, Zuko."

"He's so tiny," said the prince tenderly running his fingers down the infant's soft cheek.

He could not fathom how Ozai could not feel the same love he himself now felt holding his own son.

Even Azula could not take her eyes from the tiny human and the loving gaze which her brother had fixed upon him. There was no greed in his eyes, just pure love. She felt the tiniest spot of envy for the child who would have her brother for a father just as she felt towards Kiyi who had a genuinely caring father in Noren.

Zuko sat down on the bed facing Chiara, and he leaned towards her gently kissing her lips.

"You made the most beautiful baby," he said. They were words he would repeat to her after the birth of every child.

"I couldn't have done it without you, my Prince," she responded with a tender, yet tired smile. Her words, too, would be her repeated response after each addition to their family.

"How are you feeling?" he asked her.

"Exhausted, but happy." She reached up to rest her hand on his as it cradled their son.

When the door opened, High Sage Shyu entered.

"It is for you to christen him, Fire Lord," said Amiku.

Iroh looked at Shyu before turning back to Zuko.

"What name have you chosen for him?" he asked his nephew.

Zuko tore his eyes away from his little one to look at his wife. She nodded her head, and he looked at Iroh.

"If it's all right with you, Uncle, we would like to call him Lu Ten."

Zuko spotted the tears that instantly welled up in Iroh's eyes.

"We can call him something else," he said immediately upon spying the emotion in his uncle's expression, fearing he might have offended him.

Iroh shook his head. "No. It is perfect. I'm sure my Lu Ten would be honored to have your son named for him."

He held his hands out to his nephew. Zuko looked down at the infant gently moving his head; the rest of his body was tightly swaddled within his blanket simulating the womb in which he had been confined for nine months. It almost hurt to part from him, but he held his son out to his uncle who took the little bundle into his arms and gazed lovingly at his grandson. Flashbacks of him holding his infant nephew filled his mind as well as images of his own infant son.

Zuko looked down at Chiara who held out an empty hand palm up. "No more fire," she said sadly. "I miss the warmth of the little flame inside."

He took her hand in his and kissed it. "I have fire and warmth enough for both of us."

She found warmth in his fiery gaze.

"Fire Lord, follow me," said the High Sage who walked towards the window and opened it. "Bring him into the light."

Iroh stepped into the sunlight shining through the open window.

"Whenever you're ready, you may proceed," said Shyu.

Iroh loosened his grandson's tight wrapping before shifting the little bundle so the rays of the sun fell upon the top of the infant's head. He gazed down at his golden eyes.

"Child of the sun, child of fire, I christen you Lu Ten." His voice broke slightly upon speaking the name as he was reminded of Azulon speaking the same words over his Lu Ten, but he was filled with joy.

Shyu anointed the baby's forehead with oil. "Lu Ten, may the sun ever shine on you." He next anointed his chest over his heart. "And may your fire burn brightly." He looked at Iroh. "Congratulations, Fire Lord."

"What if they didn't know whether or not he was a bender?" Katara whispered to Zuko. "Do they say different words?"

He shook his head. "Even for children who aren't benders, fire is life." Turning his eyes to Chiara he gently brushed loose strands of hair from her forehead.

"Did you contact Aang?" she asked him.

Zuko's eyes grew wide and he stiffened when he realized he had forgotten.

"I took care of it," said Azula to their surprise. "While you were busy struggling to bring his child into the world, he was unable to function short of pacing a hole in the floor." Chiara's lip curled when she took in Zuko's slightly shamed expression confirming the truth of her sister-in-law's accusation. "And Uncle was no better," Azula continued. "I had a hawk sent to the Southern Air Temple."

"Thank you, Azula," smiled Chiara.

Katara was happy to hear it. "I'm sure he'll be on his way as soon as he gets it."

"It's good that the others are with him," said Zuko. "At least he won't have to fly all over to pick everyone up."

"I can't wait to find out how he and Toph are doing on the temple repairs," said Katara.

After indulging himself, Iroh carried little Lu Ten back to his parents, but he, too, was finding it difficult to let go.

"He has your eyes, Nephew."

"He does, Zuko," smiled Ursa who was getting up from the bed on Chiara's right.

"And he has your disposition, Daughter," said Iroh to Chiara.

"Oh, he is a sweet one," cooed Amiku.

Zuko grinned as he took his son into his arms again.

"Congratulations, Prince Zuko," said Nai who stood watching.

"Thanks."

Ursa placed her arm around her son's back and leaned against him gently caressing her grandson's small head. "Treasure each moment they're this tiny and completely dependent on you because it goes by so quickly," she said tenderly. "There will be a day when you realize you'll never be able to hold him like this again."

His mother's words struck him deeply. Holding his son so close to his heart, he knew he would do anything to protect him and keep him safe. There was the thrill of hearing his first words, helping him take his first steps, watching him create his first flame, and even sparring with him when he was much older, yet there was a part of him that did not ever want him to grow up. He was small and safe in his arms, and at this moment he would fight like a dragon to protect his child. He suddenly understood his mother's sacrifice on a deeper, more personal level. He even understood the patient and fatherly care of his uncle who had for so long put up with his teenage moodiness.

While Zuko continued gazing at his son, Iroh stepped closer to Chiara and took her hand and held it to his heart. "You've done well, my daughter. I'm so proud of you."

xox

Iroh pushed open the door of the tea shop and stepped outside. At the sight of Grandfather Iroh, most of the kids, including Kiyi, ran to him while he knelt down and tried to hug them all at the same time. After greeting his grandchildren, Iroh stood up and took Chiara in his arms.

"It is good to see you, my daughter." He released her and tenderly touched her cheek. "You are glowing. How do you feel?"

"A little tired," she admitted. "But happy to see you, Father."

As Iroh hugged Zuko, he glanced at the two carriages that brought them to his shop. "I'm surprised, Nephew, you didn't bring everyone by air balloon. I find them to be much faster than the ships."

Zuko shrugged. "I enjoy spending time at sea with the family. It's...nostalgic," he grinned.

His uncle let out a laugh. "Then I shall have to join you some time to make it even more so."

The young Fire Lord chuckled. "I look forward to it."

"Are you enjoying your retirement?" Chiara asked Iroh.

"Very much."

"So you don't want to trade jobs then?" asked Zuko.

"Never," laughed Iroh. "And speaking of jobs...how is Azula doing?"

"She's doing good," he said. "She's been a big help whenever I have to leave the palace."

"It's wonderful that you can rely on her. I'm very proud of how far she's come. And tell her I expect another visit from my niece soon."

"I'll make sure she takes her next vacation here."

Iroh turned to Ursa and Noren. "Lady Ursa, Noren, I'm pleased you could come."

"Thank you for having us, Iroh," said Ursa handing over Rina.

"And here's my little one," he said as Rina wrapped her little arms around his neck. "But you're no longer the youngest, are you?"

She shook her head.

He turned his eyes to Chiara. "Five more months?"

"Yes...unless he's anxious to make an early appearance like Roku."

Iroh chuckled.

"Will you be back in the Fire Nation by then, Uncle?" asked Zuko.

"Of course. I haven't missed one of my grandchildren's births yet," he said. "Or their Tribal presentations."

He opened the door to the shop inviting them all to enter.

xox

Sokka was the first to enter the palace garden where Chiara and Katara sat by the pond fawning over a tiny bundle in Zuko's arms. The Water Tribe boy had been too young to remember when his sister was born. And though he had been around a few babies at the South Pole, it was not the same as seeing one of his best friends holding the anticipated bundle of joy.

"I told you they'd be here," he said to Suki who was right behind him.

The couple hurried over to the group on the grass.

"Sokka, Suki!" said Katara excited at their arrival. "Isn't he adorable?"

Chiara made room between her and Zuko where Suki knelt down and started cooing at the baby. "Oh, he is so adorable."

"Where are Aang and Toph?" asked Katara.

"They wanted to pay their respects to the Fire Lord," answered Sokka. "We snuck away and figured you'd be here."

He knelt across from Zuko and peered down at the infant. The little one might be his distant cousin, but Sokka could only see him as his little nephew. Of course, he did not envision himself as a tea and Pai Sho kind of uncle, but he would be more of a boomerang and fishing kind. He could definitely teach his nephew how 'not' to get a fishhook out of his thumb.

He took in the baby's dark hair and wide gold eyes. There was no doubt he was Zuko Jr. But Sokka refused to admit that. "Look at Little Sokka," he said earning a glare from the Crown Prince.

"Just for that you can't hold him," he snapped.

Lu Ten started crying.

"See what you did? You upset my nephew."

Zuko gently rocked the infant trying to calm him down. "Me?" he hissed "You upset him. His name's Lu Ten."

Sokka crossed his arms. "I'm telling you, he looks like a little Sokka."

The girls were giggling at their exchange.

"It's okay, Lu Ten," said Zuko softly, calming the baby. "Don't listen to Uncle Idiot."

"Hey!" Sokka reached out. "Okay, let me have him."

Zuko scowled at him. "My son is not some toy you can just snatch out of my hands..."

"I know that..."

"Have you even held a baby before?" Zuko asked him.

"Yes, I have. Have you, Crown Prince Jerkbender?"

"Yes."

"Before now?"

"Yes," Zuko insisted.

Sokka stared at him incredulously. "I'm supposed to believe that the Prince of the Fire Nation—the same jerkbender who was banished and chased the Avatar all over the world—found time to hold a baby before now."

The prince rolled his eyes. "Chiara babysat nearly every kid in our apartment building in Ba Sing Se," he explained. "So, yes, I've held babies."

"Well I grew up with Katara, so I'm pretty familiar."

"Pretty familiar at passing out," she laughed.

Suki joined in the laughter having remembered entering the shelter to see Sokka lying unconscious on the ground after the birth of baby Hope when the Gaang was on their way to Ba Sing Se.

"That was one time!" he glared at his sister. "And...and that was different…I didn't have to watch him be born," he indicated towards Lu Ten. He turned back to Zuko. "Now hand over my nephew."

Zuko's brow furrowed at the demand for his child, but he carefully held out his son making sure he was secure in Sokka's arms before pulling back. A big grin grew on Sokka's face when he stared down at the tiny infant.

"Hey, little tribesman."

Suki stared at Sokka holding the infant. She was not expecting the slight tremble in her chest as she watched her boyfriend holding a baby.

"He's trapped in these wrappings; he can't even move." Holding the baby in one arm, he started undoing the bundle to free the baby's hands.

"Babies like being swaddled," said Chiara.

"But he can't take his gift tied up like this. I brought you something, Little Sokka.." Zuko rolled his eyes. Sokka pulled out a small boomerang carved from bone. "I'm going to give you your first boomerang."

Chiara giggled when she saw it. "That's adorable."

"Where did you get that?" Katara asked him.

He held it against the baby's palm and Lu Ten's tiny fingers closed around it.

"I carved it while Aang and Toph were busy rebuilding the air temple." He could not take his eyes from the baby. "I can't believe Prince Angry Jerk could make something this adorable. This had to be Chiara's doing."

Zuko chuckled. "I agree."

"Are you kidding?" said Suki. "That baby looks just like you, Zuko."

"Except for the skin color," said Sokka. "He's definitely got Water Tribe skin."

"How are you feeling?" Suki asked Chiara.

"Great," she said. "I'm so thankful Katara was able to be here."

xox

"The Fire Nation has finally arrived," said Sokka, setting down his three year old daughter, Akoda, in the middle of the Jasmine Dragon.

Suki stood up from a table revealing her very pregnant belly. "It looks like it's the whole nation."

Zuko was chuckling. "I told Chiara we would make our own Fire Nation one day."

"You weren't kidding," laughed Suki.

"And at the rate you two are going, we'll never catch up," said Sokka.

Before Akoda's little legs could carry her too far, Chiara grabbed her up.

"Aunt Chara," she squealed with her little arms wrapped around her aunt's neck in a hug.

Chiara kissed her cheek. "My little Akoda. Two moon cycles is too long."

"Unca Zuzu," she said now reaching out to the Fire Lord.

He softly laughed as he took her in his arms. "Hey, Akoda."

Chiana was at her father's side reaching up. "Daddy, I want to hug Akoda."

He set her down to allow his adopted niece to join his own clan most of which were gathered around Grandfather Iroh.

"I meant what I said," said Chiara as she embraced Suki. "Two moon cycles is too long."

"I know," said Suki hugging her tightly. "I'm so sorry. It's really hard to break away from Great-Gran Gran and Great-Gran Pakku...especially since we found out Akoda could waterbend."

"You can always come and visit us, cuz," Sokka said to Chiara.

"I plan on being there next month for the birth of my niece or nephew," she said.

"Maybe this time you will have a boy you can name after your father," said Zuko.

"Yeah..." Sokka softly rubbed the back of his neck with embarrassment. "I was sure Akoda was going to be a boy." His eyes sparkled as he watched his daughter with the other kids. "But she's going to be a beautiful Kyoshi Warrior just like her mother."

"Aww."

Suki's eyes were fixed on Sokka, but he was suddenly distracted as he glanced around the shop.

"So...uh, did Azula come with you?" he asked trying to sound casual rather than apprehensive.

"She's taking care of Fire Lord business for me."

"Good," he breathed. He had not meant to sound so relieved.

"She might come with me when your baby's due," said Chiara.

"Oh?"

"You're not anxious to see her, Sokka?" asked Suki.

"Uh...let's just say, whenever she looks at me, I feel like she's about to shoot me with lightning."

"That means she likes you," said Chiara.

"If that's her liking me, then what's her hating me?" he asked.

"You'd have been burned to a crisp already," smirked Zuko.

Chiara chuckled. "Just don't get on her bad side and you'll be fine."

"I don't think that's possible after the boomerang incident," said Zuko.

"It was one time!" said Sokka. "And I thought she was attacking your wife."

Chiara and Suki started giggling.

"Hey, how was I supposed to know it was perfectly okay for her to throw fire at Chiara?"

"Maybe because they said they were going to practice firebending on the tundra," said Suki.

"Yes," he said crossing his arms. "But I didn't think that meant throwing fire at each other."

"That's the only reason she visits the poles," said Chiara.

Suki looked at her. "So that's why she only comes down there when you're pregnant?"

"Pregnant with a firebender," she nodded. "We can only get away with sparring outside the Fire Nation. When Amiku catches us at the palace I never hear the end of it."

"I think you're getting too far along to spar with her now," said Zuko. "Azula gets kind of rough."

"Sometimes, but she still goes easy on me, just not nearly as easy as you or Father, or even Nai."

"But you haven't been feeling well...," he said.

Suki took Chiara's hands in hers, worry in her expression. "Is everything okay?"

"I've just been a little tired lately."

"Which means you need to stop sparring with Azula," said Zuko.

She smiled at him. "You sound like Amiku."

"And you can't stay at the South Pole long either," he said putting his arm around her lower back and his other hand over her abdomen. "You need to be back home for our own."

"It's not so easy to get away from royal duties anymore," she said.

Suki was giggling. "Bearing the royal children."

"That's what you get for marrying Fire Nation royalty," said Sokka.

"Hey, I was just a tea server when she married me," Zuko reminded them.

Chiara giggled. "And the most handsome tea server in all of Ba Sing Se."

His eyes lit up at her compliment, and he lifted her hand to his lips. "And you are the most beautiful tea maker in all the Nations."

"And speaking of tea..."

She was slowly pulling her hand from his, but he gripped hers tighter.

"Uncle will take care of it," he said.

"Oh, let him enjoy his grandchildren," she grinned glancing over at Iroh surrounded by the children. "And making tea is hardly strenuous."

"Fine," he caved. "But you rest later, or else I'll sic Mom on you."

"Yes, my Lord," she said bowing her head before flashing him a smile that made his heart flutter.

He wanted to pull her closer and press his lips against hers, but he settled for another tender kiss upon her hand before reluctantly letting her go.

"From tea server to Fire Lord," started Sokka to Zuko, whose eyes were still watching his bride head towards the kitchen. "That's a pretty big leap."

"Sometimes I wish I could go back to being a simple tea server," he said wistfully.

"Hey, cousin Sokka," said Kiyi giving him a hug.

"Kiyi, when are you coming back to the South Pole to visit?" he asked her.

"Soon. Mom's going to let me come down for the birth of the baby," she said, now embracing Suki.

Sokka looked at Lu Ten who had just walked up. "Hey, there's Little Sokka." He ruffled the crown prince's hair causing his headpiece to shift to the side.

"Hey, Uncle Sokka." He was trying to readjust his headpiece.

"Seriously, Sokka," glared Zuko, "stop calling him that."

"Come on, Zuko, he's my little prison baby."

The Fire Lord sighed pinching the bridge of his nose. "Don't say things like that in front of him." He looked down at his son. "Lu Ten, don't listen to him. You're not a prison baby."

"But Uncle Sokka said you and Mom were in prison."

Zuko briefly glared at Sokka again. "Yes, but...but that's not where...look, just trust me, you're not."

"So then Aunt Toph's right?"

"What?"

"She said I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her."

Zuko sighed again. "I'm going to have to have a talk with your Aunt Toph," he grumbled.

"Hey, I was part of that," said Suki.

"Don't you start too," warned Zuko.

"Don't start what, Princess?" came Toph's voice behind them.

She had just walked in the door, and though she had grown upward quite a bit in the past ten years, so did Zuko who still had to look down at her.

"I think you need to calibrate your vibration sensors, Toph," said Zuko. "And your hearing. You're talking to the wrong person."

She laughed. "I know who I'm talking to, Sparkles...oh, wait...Fire Lord Sparkles."

Zuko found himself pinching the bridge of his nose again. 'Fire Lord Zuzu' was not sounding so bad now. "Okay, I'm sure there's a law somewhere on the books against insulting the Fire Lord."

Toph only laughed louder. "Doesn't matter. I have diplomatic immunity."

Zuko chuckled as he embraced her. "See how that works when you're former ambassador," he playfully threatened.

"Yeah, you've been threatening that for ten years, but here we are," she smirked. She turned towards Lu Ten with open arms and he stepped into her hug. "I swear you've grown twice as tall since I last saw you."

"Then that means you need to visit more, Aunt Toph."

She laughed at his response. "You sound just like your mother...speaking of which...where is Princess Preggers?"

"Where do you think?" said Zuko wryly. "She's in the kitchen hovering over the teapots. Like father like daughter."

"Princess, Toph?" asked Suki. "She's been Fire Lady for almost a year now."

"Yeah, but Fire Lady Preggers doesn't have as nice a ring to it."

"She's got a point there," said Sokka.

"Then how 'bout Fire Lady Chiara," deadpanned Zuko. "You know...her official title."

Toph punched him in the arm and laughed. "Where's the fun in that, Sparky?"

xox

"Oh, wow! He looks like miniature Zuko!" Aang floated down next to Sokka putting his face close to the infant Lu Ten to get a good look at him. "Can I hold him?"

Sokka protectively cradled the babe away from the Avatar. "Have you ever held a baby before?"

"Of course I have," he said indignantly.

"When?" came Toph's voice. "You're a baby yourself." She turned to Sokka and Suki. "Way to sneak off, you two."

"I just wanted to be the first of the group to hold my nephew...," started Sokka. "...after Chiara and Zuko...and Katara...and the Fire Lord...and Amiku and Nai..."

"Yes, we get it, Uncle Boomerang," Toph cut him off before he named every person in the palace. "You were anxious to see the baby. So did you pass out already?"

Katara, Aang, and Suki started snickering.

"No," he snapped.

"Well, you've had your turn," she said. "It's time to share."

"Iroh said you named him after your cousin," said Aang.

"Yes," said Zuko. "Lu Ten."

The Avatar held out his arms and Sokka gently laid the infant in them. Aang's wide gray eyes gazed down at the gold staring back up at him. "So you're my great, great grandson Lu Ten."

"Grandson?" asked Toph. "How did that happen?"

"Avatar Roku's my great grandfather," said Zuko.

"Yeah," said Aang. "So it's kind of like I'm his great grandfather too. And Zuko Jr.'s great, great grandfather." He looked up at them. "And from Chiara's side, I'm his great, great, great, many more greats, great grandfather," he said excitedly.

"You're descended from an Avatar too?" Toph asked Chiara.

"Avatar Ikkuma on my father's side."

"Okay, this is really confusing."

"Yeah, it's best not to think about it," said Sokka. "Aang wouldn't shut up about it for a week when he found out he was their great, great whatever..."

Katara was laughing. "Like you didn't shut up about it when we found out Chiara's our cousin."

"You guys are cousins?" asked Toph.

"Distant cousins," said Chiara. "We share great, great grandparents on my mother's side."

"Wow, you're all really family then." The earthbender's voice carried a tone of disappointment as if she were missing out on something.

"Yes, we're all really family," said Chiara wrapping her arms around Toph. "Because not all family is by blood."

Toph chuckled allowing herself to lean into Chiara's hug.

"Okay, Airbrain, my turn to hold my nephew...who of course would not be here if it weren't for me." She reached out and Aang laid the baby in her arms. She shifted him gently until she was comfortably holding him with one arm and had one hand free to feel his soft hair and skin. No one had ever seen such a content and happy expression on the little earthbender before.

xox

"Dad," said Lu Ten, "Roku's trying to climb the wall."

Zuko turned around to see his youngest son halfway up a tapestry. "Roku...!" He took off after him leaving Sokka and Suki laughing.

"I think he's trying to teach Akoda," said Lu Ten.

That stopped the couple mid-laugh.

"Wait...what?!" Sokka followed the Fire Lord. "Hey..."

"I want to be the Blue Spirit," Roku was saying to his father who was pulling him off the hanging.

Akoda had her little arms in the air reaching towards the tapestry. "I wanna be Boo Sprit."

"Oh, no you don't," said Sokka picking up his daughter. "You do realize he was wanted by the authorities, right?"

"But Mamma and Uncle Aang said the Blue Spirit saved them," said Roku.

"And Uncle Aang said the Blue Spirit broke him out of the Pohuai Stronghold...," started Kolos.

"That's what I wanna do!" said a hyperactive Roku.

"That doesn't mean you get to climb Grandpa's walls." Zuko set his squirming son down amid the boy's audience of siblings.

"Mamma has a picture of the Blue Spirit," said Chiana.

"Is it a poster for Love Amongst the Dragons?" asked Zuko looking down at his daughter.

"I don't know," she said. "But it says that he stole the Avatar from the Fire Nation."

Zuko's jaw dropped. "That...that's a wanted poster."

"Aunt Suki gave it to Mamma."

He raised an eyebrow at Suki. "And where did Aunt Suki get it?"

"I found it years ago near Yu Dao," she answered. "Chiara asked me to get a wanted poster for her if I ever found one while traveling through the Earth Kingdom."

Zuko was surprised he had never known about it.

Sokka started laughing as he put his daughter down. "Looks like your wife has a secret crush on the Blue Spirit," he teased elbowing the Fire Lord. "You might want to start pinning up those posters again...bring this criminal in."

"Why would Mamma want to crush the Blue Spirit?" asked Roku, his large gold eyes staring up at his dad.

"Ha!" laughed Toph. "Have fun explaining that, Sparks."

Zuko scowled at Sokka for putting him in his predicament. "That's not what he means, Roku." He smirked at his son. "Why don't you show Akoda how to be like the Blue Spirit with your practice dao."

The boy's golden eyes lit up. "C'mon, Akoda." He took her hand pulling her along.

"Hey," started Sokka, "she's a little young to be playing with swords."

"You've been trying to teach her how to throw a boomerang," said Suki.

"Yeah, but...but that's different...," he spluttered.

"They're not real swords," said Zuko. "Besides, I think it's cute that your daughter wants to be like the Blue Spirit."

"I'm not sure it's a good idea for her to idolize someone who went around stealing the Avatar. That sounds way too much like you back in the day."

Zuko could not help smirking, and his self-control nearly wavered as he fought to hold back his laughter.

"The Blue Spirit didn't steal Uncle Aang, Uncle Sokka," said Kolos. "He rescued him."

"Still," said Sokka, "we don't know who he was..."

"Or she," added Suki.

Sokka looked incredulous. "You really think the Blue Spirit could be a..."

Suki's piercing glare prevented him from finishing his sentence.

"A what?" she and Toph asked simultaneously.

"Uh...around. It's been over ten years, you know. He...or she...is probably not even around anymore." He was pretty proud of his save.

"Maybe Akoda can pick up his...or her legacy," suggested Zuko with a smirk.

Now it was Sokka's turn to scowl at the Fire Lord.

"According to that Ember Island play Chiara was the Blue Spirit," said Suki.

Sokka's eyes grew wide. "Hey, you're right! That makes sense that she would want a self-portrait."

"Mom was the Blue Spirit?!" asked Lu Ten.

"No way! Really?" said Kolos.

"Is it true, Daddy?" asked Chiana.

"My sister's the Blue Spirit?" Kiyi joined in. "And I'm just now hearing about this?"

Seeing their big eyes staring up at him curiously made Zuko laugh softly to himself.

"Well...um...nobody knows who the Blue Spirit really was. Some think it was really a spirit..."

"But I read Mamma's picture," said Chiana. "It said 'disregard rumors that he's a ghost.'"

Zuko could not help chuckling at his daughter's perfect recitation from memory.

To his relief they were all quickly distracted when the doors blew open and Aang and Katara practically flew into the shop.

Sokka rolled his eyes at their windy entrance. "Really, Aang?" he said. "You'd think you were the Avatar or something."

"Uncle Aang!" the kids cried in unison as they ran over to him. Roku and Akoda dropped their practice swords and went running to him from the other side of the shop.

xox

As Aang landed Appa on the beach at Ember Island, the Avatar's eyes lit up. Lu Ten, Kolos, Chiana, and even two year old Roku were running across the sand towards the giant, furry bison.

Aang lightly drifted down to the sand before them.

"Uncle Aang!" said Lu Ten running up and hugging the Avatar followed by his brother and sister.

Little Roku came toddling up last and Aang swept him up in his arms while the others now fawned over Appa.

"Hey, Roku." While Aang was hugging him, his eyes fell on Katara. The Crown Prince and Princess were walking with her, and in Chiara's arms he could see the little bundle that was the newest member of the Royal Family.

"Aang, you finally made it," said Katara hurrying towards him.

He wrapped his free arm around her and kissed her.

"Yeah. I'm sorry it took so long. You know how King Bumi can be." He turned to Zuko and Chiara. "Sifu Hotman, Hotwoman, congratulations." He looked down at the sea green eyes peering out from the bundle.

"This is Rina," said Chiara.

"Another little Chiara," he said.

"But a firebender," added Zuko.

"A green-eyed firebender," Aang grinned.

"Chiana's certainly happy to have a sister this time," smiled Chiara.

"And you have another sister," Aang said to Roku who was squirming in his arms.

He set the boy down and watched him run towards Appa.

"If he wasn't a firebender, I'd suspect he was an airbender."

Zuko chuckled. "Yeah, he takes after you more than me or Chiara," he said making the Avatar laugh.

Chiara held out the baby as Aang reached for her taking her in his arms.

"Hey, Rina." He ran his fingers down the babe's cheek. "I'm your Uncle Aang." She softly cooed making the Avatar smile. "She's so beautiful." He beamed at the couple. "You guys make the cutest babies."

Zuko's eyes turned to Chiara. "She's a prodigy at making beautiful babies."

She was smiling at him. "I can't make them without you, my prince."

He lifted her hand to his lips while Aang flashed Katara a grin.

"Mamma! Mamma!" cried Chiana running towards her. "Come see Appa."

"I see him, baby," she said picking her daughter up.

"He's soft."

"Yes, he is."

Zuko followed his wife as she carried Chiana over to Appa who calmly chewed on beach grass while the kids crawled on and around him.

"Daddy, look!" Kolos called from atop Appa's head. "I'm like Uncle Aang!" He was holding the reins pretending he was steering the bison.

Little Roku was standing next to the bison stretching his hands up towards his brother. "Up...Appa..."

Zuko picked up his son and carried him up to Appa's saddle where Lu Ten was playing with Momo.

Aang and Katara gazed at the family and softly chuckled.

"They really are a cute family," said Aang.

Katara turned to him, her blue eyes sparkling. "I'm glad you're here."

"Me too."

They started walking towards the water.

"Do you want me to take her?" she asked him.

He smiled down at Rina before holding her out to Katara. Aang stared at her taking in the joyful expression on her face as she gazed at the infant.

"I...I think you would make beautiful babies too," he spoke timidly.

She smiled.

"I mean...I think we would make beautiful babies."

Her mouth dropped open as her eyes left the infant and rose to meet his.

"Will you marry me, Katara?" He had daydreamed about proposing to her many times, imagining how, when, and where he might ask her. But seeing her again after another separation due to their duties, he could not stop the words from falling from his lips.

Her eyes grew wide. "You...you mean it, Aang?"

"We've spent the last eight years working for and maintaining peace between the Nations. I think it's time we...well...I don't think we'll ever be able to completely settle down, but...but I think we should try. We should have a family of our own."

Her blue eyes filled with tears of happiness. "Yes, I'll marry you."

He leaned towards her and kissed her.

xox

As soon as the kids became distracted with their "catch Momo" game, Aang and Katara walked over to the others.

"What was with the dramatic entrance, Twinkle Toes?" asked Toph as they hugged her.

"We've got some great news we want to share with everyone," said Aang. He stepped up to Zuko. "Flamey-O, Fire Lord Hotman," he said giving him a hug.

Zuko playfully rolled his eyes at the greeting his friend settled on this time. Sometimes it was Fire Lord Sifu or Sifu Fire Lord or even the original Sifu Hotman.

"I just saw you last week," said Zuko, though he did not reject the hug.

"I know, but this is a reunion, so hugs are in order," Aang cheerfully responded. "Where's Chiara?"

"In the kitchen of course."

"Hey," said Sokka, "no hug for your big brother?"

"We just saw you a few days ago, Sokka," said Katara.

"That doesn't mean I don't get a reunion hug," he said wrapping his arms around his sister. "So what's this great news? Are you moving back home? 'Cause Dad's been hoping you would."

"We...," started Aang.

"Wait...," interrupted Katara looking around. "...Chiara needs to be here for this too."

"I'll go get her."

Zuko walked off towards the kitchen past Iroh who had been sitting at a table talking to Ursa and Noren.

"...and your tea shop looks amazing, Iroh," said Ursa as she was gazing at the decor. It was her, Noren, and Kiyi's first visit since he opened the shop eight months earlier.

There were tapestries representing all four Nations, but being located in the center of the Earth Kingdom capital, the Jasmine Dragon was predominantly decorated in green.

"Thank you, Ursa," he said still holding Rina on his lap. He looked up at Noren. "Chiara told me your new play has been very successful at the theater."

"Yes. I was quite surprised."

Ursa placed her hand on his grinning at him. "I don't know why, my love. I've told you before you're the best director in all the Fire Nation, and now playwright."

He gave her a modest smile. "I was sure you were just being biased."

She was softly laughing. "And by the success of your work, now you know I'm not."

"You might want to consider bringing your troupe here," suggested Iroh. "I wouldn't mind enjoying a night at the theater, and I'm quite sure King Kuei would find it entertaining."

"I'll think about it," Noren nodded. "I'm sure the troupe would enjoy the trip. It would give them a chance to see some of the places that are in the play."

"How long will you remain here?" Ursa asked Iroh.

"I'll leave about a month before Chiara's due date. I'm quite confident that my senior executive assistant manager will able to handle everything by then. I've been training Pao since day one, and he's picked up my secret to tea-making quite well."

"Will you be opening a shop back home?"

He chuckled. "I promised King Bumi that Omashu will be next, and then Gao Ling, and then Yu Dao. My last shop will be in Capital City where I can retire with my family...and speaking of tea and family, I should see what's taking so long in the kitchen." He kissed Rina's cheek before standing up and holding her out to Ursa who took her granddaughter into her arms.

Zuko entered the kitchen where he spotted Chiara preparing tea. He stood behind her and crossed his arms. "My Lady, I've been hearing rumors that my lovely wife is infatuated with another man."

She paused working wondering what he was talking about. "There are several men who have my interest, my lord. About whom might you be referring?"

He raised his eyebrows. "Several?"

She turned around and met his eyes. "I keep the company of three special firebenders and a waterbender. You must be more specific."

Gazing into her green eyes he held back a smirk as he realized she was referring to him and their sons.

"It seems you've fallen for a criminal," he said deeply.

She was even more puzzled.

"Not specific enough?" he asked.

She gently shook her head.

"Then would a certain blue mask and dao swords be more specific?" he asked softly.

She did not hold back her grin, but she now wondered why he was bringing it up.

"I didn't realize my Lady keeps an image of her beloved."

She softly giggled finally understanding. "Oh, that. I just thought it would be nice to have a picture of my hero. After all, he did save me from the Rough Rhinos...and steal a forbidden kiss," she added in a whisper.

He moved closer to her. "Then I guess I should be grateful for this hero..." He tenderly ran his fingers down her cheek. "...but somehow I'm insanely jealous."

"I don't know why," she smirked. "I think you two might get along."

He softly chuckled before leaning down to press his lips against hers.

"Now, now," said Iroh walking into the kitchen. "It's not appropriate for the Fire Lord to be fondling my favorite tea maker."

Chiara started giggling.

"Hey, if it wasn't for me fondling your tea maker, you wouldn't be a grandfather several times over," said Zuko.

Iroh stared at him. "You make a good point, Nephew, but everyone's waiting for you two...and their tea."

"Fine," he said with faux annoyance.

He picked up the tray of tea and began carrying it out while Iroh took Chiara's hand and escorted her.

"Hey, Chiara," said Aang cheerfully while he and Katara approached her and gave her a hug. "Now that everyone's here," he started, "we've got great news. We're..."

"We're expecting a baby," blurted out Katara excitedly before he could finish it and making the adult Avatar look twelve years old again with his slight pout at not being the one to deliver the news.

Chiara hugged her again. "Oh, congratulations!"

"Yes, congratulations!" said Iroh.

"It's about time," said Toph. "You've been married for six months."

"She's right," said Zuko embracing Aang. "We already have a ten year and six child head start on you."

"Well we would've been married sooner if everyone hadn't argued over where the wedding was going to be," said Aang.

"Right?" said Katara. "It nearly started another war."

"I thought it was beautiful at the air temple," said Chiara.

"Dad really wanted you to be married at home," Sokka said to Katara. "You know, he wanted to give his only daughter a traditional Water Tribe wedding."

"I agreed with Aang," she said. "The Western Air Temple was perfect."

"And the wedding was a mixture of both their cultures," added Suki.

"Look at us," said Zuko, his arm around Chiara's back, "we didn't get married in our native lands." His eyes gazed into his wife's. "And I wouldn't change it for anything."

Katara smiled at them.

"I'm so happy for you, Aang, Katara," said Ursa. "Have you already told Hakoda?"

"Not yet," said Katara. "We...we just thought we'd share it with this family first."

Ursa smiled. "He's going to be so thrilled."

Chiara spotted Toph and started towards her.

xox

"There's no need to announce me."

Zuko looked up from his paperwork to see Toph entering his office. He stood up unable to hide his relieved smile at her arrival. The kids' routines were not the same without their mother. She had never been gone for so long a time, and the kids missed her, especially Rina, but Toph would prove a helpful distraction.

"It's about time," he said with a false tone of aggravation.

"Take it up with the Avatar, Sparky. He's the one that held me up…"

"You're going to blame it on Aang and not the Earth Rumble tournament?"

"Hey, I had to prove I'm still a better earthbender than the Avatar."

He smirked before wrapping her in a hug. "And did you?"

"Do you actually have to ask?" she grinned.

"No, I guess I don't."

"Though I suspect his mind was probably still stuck in his honeymoon," she added.

He chuckled.

"So the Fire Lady's gone already?" she asked.

"Yes. She wasn't happy about missing you, but she really needed to be present at the meeting."

"Yeah, Sokka was going on about it...big Northern Water Tribe meeting...all ambassadors must be present...blah, blah. I'm surprised you even let her go on her own."

"She's not on her own," he said, mostly to assure himself. "Nai is with her, and she'll be with Sokka and Katara."

"But you two always went on those diplomatic missions together."

It was the first time they had been separated since they had kids. Chiara was not anxious to leave her children for so long, and Zuko did not want to send her off to the North Pole without being by her side, but they both agreed it was the best way they could handle the situation. "Uncle advised me to delegate those missions to people I trust. There's no one I trust more than Chiara to be ambassador between the Fire Nation and Water Tribe."

Toph laughed. "Have you two ever been separated for so long?"

"Umm...Boiling Rock," he reminded her.

She grinned. "So I'll have to return when she gets back so you two can work on expanding your family. It's been two years; I think you're due for another one."

She felt the change in his heartbeat and her mouth dropped open.

"Way to go, Sparky! You didn't even need my help."

"Yeah," he said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"So it must be early if I'm just hearing about it."

"About two months. We found out about a week before she had to leave."

"And you still let her go...good on you."

oxo

"Aunt Toph is here!" Chiana's voice echoed through the palace halls as Amiku chased after her and Kolos.

"Slow down, you two," called Amiku.

The two waterbenders ran into the firebender training room.

"Aunt Toph is here!" Chiana announced again.

Lu Ten, Roku, and Azula stopped in the middle of their katas. The boys looked anxiously up at their aunt.

"Can we go, Aunt Azula?" asked Lu Ten.

She smirked. "Sure. You shouldn't keep the ambassador waiting."

The three boys immediately took off followed by Chiana.

"Slow down, children," called Amiku chasing after them again.

As the kids ran towards the Fire Lord's office, Ezo opened the door for them without announcement. They stormed into the antechamber where Ezih stopped them.

"Whoa..."

"We're here for Aunt Toph," said Lu Ten.

"Goodness, children," said a breathless Amiku finally catching up. It was the first time their mother had not been around to help, and she was sure she had lost weight running all over the palace after the royal children. "The ambassador just arrived. It's not like she'll be leaving any time soon."

"I thought I felt an octo-elephant stomping around."

The kids' eyes lit up when they saw their aunt enter the room. The earthbender suddenly found herself engulfed in four pairs of arms. Zuko appeared behind them smiling at his kids' excitement.

"How long are you staying?" asked Kolos.

"Two weeks."

"Yay!" the kids cheered.

"One of you is missing," she said.

"Rina's with Mom," said Zuko. "My mom."

"Actually she's here, Daddy Zuzu." Azula walked in carrying Rina.

She set her niece on the floor and watched her toddle over to Toph who picked her up. "Now I have all my little turtle ducks. So what do you want to do first?"

"Grandpa Noren's directing a new play about the end of the Hundred Year War," said Lu Ten. "It's going to have the airship battle in it."

Toph grinned. "That sounds exciting. I can't wait to hear who's playing me."

Roku was excitedly jumping up and down. "I learned some new firebending katas."

"And Dad taught me some advanced forms," added Lu Ten.

"Then I can't wait to practice with you," she said.

"Mom's been teaching us new forms, too," said Kolos of himself and Chiana.

"Maybe Daddy Zuzu'll let us take a trip to Ember Island," said Toph. "We can have our own Nation Rumble."

"Yay!" the kids called in unison.

"Oh…," started Zuko, "I, uh...I have a lot of business to take care of before that ten year reunion coming up."

"That reunion isn't for three more months," she argued. "And who said anything about you going to Ember Island?"

Zuko shifted uncomfortably. "It's just that the kids have always had either me or Chiara around." His eyes drifted down. "And the palace will seem empty without them," he added softly.

"If you want, Brother, I'll help with some of that business so you can go away with the kids for a few days."

He looked at his sister. "Are you sure, Azula?"

She produced a blue flame in her hand. "I'll make short work of that paperwork," she smirked.

He raised his eyebrows.

"I'm just kidding," she said laughing at his expression. "I took care of it when you went to visit Uncle months ago. And I'm going to be handling it again when you leave for the reunion. A couple days'll be nothing."

"Thanks."

The kids started jumping around excitedly.

xox

Chiara wrapped her arms around the master earthbender.

"Ambassador Toph, it has been too long."

"Princess Preggers!" she said returning the hug. "You were gone the last time I was in town."

"Yes. I couldn't get out of the meeting with the Tribe. But I missed you."

Toph suddenly felt concerned about her. "Are you feeling all right?"

"I'm fine."

Toph raised her eyebrows. "Princess..."

Chiara smiled sheepishly. "Okay...I've just been a little tired lately. It's no big deal."

Considering the vibrations she was sensing, Toph suspected it might be a big deal. "How's the baby?"

Chiara waved her hand creating a small stream of fire Toph could hear and feel. "Another little firebender," she smiled.

Toph nodded, but she still wore a troubled expression. "Maybe you should sit down and rest."

"I'll be okay," she assured her. "Besides, I need to get everyone's tea."

"How about you sit down, and I'll get the tea," offered Toph.

Chiara was puzzled by her offer. "You want to pour hot tea for everyone? Are you feeling all right?"

Toph wondered whether or not to mention the worrisome anomaly she detected. "I...I think so," she said settling on the decision to wait.

"I can check you out if you like," the Fire Lady offered, ready to draw up a handful of water.

"No. I'm good."

"Mamma, look!" called Roku.

Chiara looked up to see Roku perched on Aang's back with his practice swords in hand as the Avatar hopped around balancing on the chairs throughout the shop.

"I'm the Blue Spirit escaping the Pohuai Stronghold with the Avatar!"

Chiara giggled trying to imagine the original scene with a larger Blue Spirit on the back of a smaller Avatar.

"Watch out for those arrows!" cried Aang as he bounced from one chair to another to avoid the imaginary incoming projectiles while Roku swung his swords around pretending to slice them out of the air.

Aang continued dodging the invisible arrows as well as real flames that were now coming towards them.

"Lu Ten!" called Chiara. "Don't shoot fire at your brother and uncle in your grandfather's tea shop."

Lu Ten dropped his hands, as did Iroh next to him while wearing a guilty expression. Chiara raised an eyebrow at her father.

"We...we were just trying to make it realistic," said Iroh.

"Uncle...," started Zuko in a scolding tone, "...don't encourage him."

"The flames weren't hot," said Lu Ten.

"Even still," said Chiara, "that's not something you should be doing inside the shop...and that goes for both of you," she added towards a sheepish-looking Iroh.

Aang gracefully alighted in front of her setting Roku on the floor next to him. "It's okay, Chiara, it was a lot of fun."

"I'm sure it was, but we don't need Rina trying to imitate that yet before she can control the temperature of her fire."

She was thankful that Ursa and Kiyi had been entertaining Rina during all the activity.

"Again! Again!" cried Roku jumping up and down in front of the Avatar.

"Mom, were you the Blue Spirit?" asked Lu Ten.

Zuko and Chiara froze, and Aang's eyes grew wide.

"Yeah, were you, Mom?" asked Kolos.

She looked down to see him and Chiana both staring up expectantly. Even Roku stopped bouncing around and stared up at her.

"What...what would make you think that?" she asked.

"Aunt Suki said you were the Blue Spirit in an Ember Island play," said Lu Ten.

She softly chuckled. "And you think there's any truth in their production of anything? Besides, the Blue Spirit saved me and Aang from the Rough Rhinos."

"Dad's really good with dual dao," said Kolos. "Maybe he's the Blue Spirit."

"Oh, hey!" called Zuko more enthusiastically than he intended. "Here's the tea."

He picked up the tray he had set down before Aang and Katara's joyous announcement, and he moved it to a table near the center of the group while Iroh quickly rushed over to pick up the teapot.

"Yes, tea sounds good," said Aang leaping towards Iroh who was pouring it for them.

Toph would have laughed at the anxious vibes emanating from them, but she was still busy trying to decipher the puzzling and worrying vibrations coming from Chiara's position.

When Chiara stepped back, Toph grabbed her wrist. "Wait, Princess..." She held out her hand. "May I?"

Chiara understood what she wanted, and she took her friend's hand and placed it on her stomach. Toph's expression changed to one of deep concentration until she finally interpreted the unusual vibrations. "I...I feel two heartbeats!"

Zuko rolled his eyes at her. "You know she's pregnant, Toph."

"I mean I feel two other heartbeats, besides Chiara's." She was filled with a sense of relief and excitement.

Zuko's eyes grew wide, as did Chiara's.

"We're going to have twins?" asked Zuko, nearly whispering.

The shop went dead silent except for the clattering of tea cups when Iroh absorbed the news.

"Oh, come on, Zuko!" yelled Aang with playful frustration. "We just found out we're having a baby, and you still manage to show us up by having two!"

Toph was laughing. "You really are going to fill those rooms at the palace."

"Does that mean we won't have a place to stay when we visit?" asked Sokka.

"We...we might have to expand the family wing for our little Fire Nation," said Zuko grinning at Chiara.

"I think we're going to need an entire island just for our little Fire Nation," she said.

Ursa stood between Zuko and Chiara putting her arms around them. "Twins. How exciting."

"This calls for an extra celebration!" exclaimed Iroh. "I will make my special blend tea for the mothers, and I think two bottles of fire wine are in order for the rest of us."

Iroh disappeared into his office, and a few minutes later he reappeared carrying two bottles of fire wine he had brought with him from the Fire Nation. He paused as he stepped out of his office and allowed his amber eyes to scan all the happy faces in his shop. The Jasmine Dragon was full, but not of strangers or regular residents of Ba Sing Se. It was full of his family and close friends. And though the pain of the loss of his beloved son would never fade away, destiny had offered him a daughter. As he looked upon his family, he realized that the decision he had made more than twenty years ago changed his life in a way he never could have imagined. Yes, destiny is a funny thing.


Thanks to every one of you who left comments especially Batrenz who always had something supportive to offer after each chapter.

And thanks to all of you who never gave up on this. For those who found it entertaining, I'm happy I could offer that. For those who found it boring or otherwise unenjoyable, I'm sorry that I couldn't provide something more creative, but if you managed to drag yourself through it anyways and make it this far because you needed closure, your suffering has now come to an end.

I can now claim that I finished a fanfic before the end of my life.

Also, I know I said I was retiring from writing fanfic after posting this story, but I started working on an ATLA AU featuring Zuko/Yue.

It'll only be a fraction of the size of this story, but it's coming along slowly, and I have no idea when I'll start posting it. I don't want to post anything until I have a complete rough draft to avoid any temptation to give up and leave readers with an unfinished story. Now that this story is finished, though, I'll try to devote downtime to my other one.