Epilogue

High School passed on without incident, and what Toph had said was true; it was about two years before people started treating Aang and his friends like normal, although they still showed respect and happiness to the young heroes who had saved the world. News on the TV and in the newspapers had told of the take down of every Black Mamba agent to ever exist, and how the Benders were put into special cells made to neutralize their powers. It had also told of the young heroes and how they had accomplished what they did.

Suki told her mother about what had happened, every last detail, and they had cried together, sad of the events but glad to hear that peace had been restored. Mai's parents saw the news, and her father had to admit that he had been wrong about Zuko, and they told her that they were very proud of what she and her friends had accomplished.

Graduations took place. Zuko and Mai went first, having been turned eighteen during their Senior Year, the same year they fought the Black Mamba. Then later, Sokka and Suki wore the yellow robes and cap, the tassel yellow, blue, green, and red, like the four elements. Lastly was Aang, Katara, and Toph. Katara was valedictorian, and was giving a speech of life and its challenges.

"What is life? For many people it's living life to the fullest; for others it's enjoying one day at a time doing the things they enjoy. But for the rest, it's a challenge. There are and will be challenges that we need to overcome if we are to grow and learn. Everyone makes mistakes, and from those mistakes we keep from making them again in the future. It's human nature to make them, and we learn from them to become wiser as we grow older. Some of the challenges that step in can be unexpected, and sometimes we don't know how to prevail against them. But if there's one thing I learned from Freshman Year, it's to never give up, no matter how hopeless something may be."

Aang smiled. He had grown to reach 6' 2", and his body had filled out just right. He was older and wiser than he had ever been. He knew what Katara was talking about; she was referring to the battle they had fought when they had been sixteen. It felt like a whole different lifetime.

Katara looked into Aang's eyes for a moment before addressing the student body again. "Challenges can be scary, I understand that, and change can be just as frightening. But hope is always there, waiting for the individual to tap into it, and lend strength to those who feel weak. However, I want everyone to remember this: You're not alone. Look to your friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, family, even your pets. That last part might seem strange, but it's true. I know from experience." There were some chuckles in the audience.

She concluded, "No matter what life throws at us, we can and will prevail, as long as we have hope and reason. So now, with that said, I want to congratulate everyone here, for this is where we part to begin a new chapter of our lives. Good luck Seniors of Four Nations High School, and may the Spirits watch over and guide you. Thank you!" Cheers erupted as Katara left the stage, taking her place once more.

It wasn't long before diplomas were handed out; the next thing everyone knew, caps were thrown into the air with cheers. Couples hugged and kissed, friends hugged in groups, and parents embraced their kids for their accomplishments.

The Gaang stood hugging one another. "That was a great speech, Katara," Sokka said, breaking away.

"Yeah, nice job," said a males voice. The group looked behind them to see Jet walking towards them, On Ji's hand in his. The last time they had seen him was when they had visited him in a detention center. He had been sentenced there for the remainder of his high school education and a few years after that, having someone bring his homework to him so he can finish on time. He had been able to graduate with the rest of his class three school years ago.

Now Jet stood tall and proud, looking happier than ever. He came closer to the group and shook hands with the guys and gave friendly hugs to the girls. Suki examined him with a grin. "Look at you. Boy, you certainly changed. And On Ji! You seem happy."

On Ji grinned. "I've never been happier," she replied with a dreamy look at Jet, who returned it.

Katara shared a look with Aang before looking back at the other couple. She said, "We can tell."

Jet shrugged. "A lot can happen while you're away."

"Toph!" a voice shouted. The Duke ran to her and scooped her up in his arms, twirling her around as they laughed. She had discovered that his real name is Danny. They had been dating since Sophomore Year. He had asked her out to dinner, and Toph had accepted. That was when he started telling her about his life, her doing the same thing. They had been together since then.

He put her down and kissed her, her kissing back with 'awww's sounding around; but they ignored them, stuck in their own place.

Aang smirked. "Looks like we're not the only ones who make out in public," he said to Katara.

Toph broke away enough to say, "Shut up, Twinkle Toes." Then she and the Duke went back to kissing. Aang shook his head, amused. He turned to Jet.

"When did you get out?" he asked.

"Yesterday," his friend answered. "I lived out my sentence and got to spend the day with On Ji. It's been great."

On Ji smiled. "I told you! You weren't going to be in there for very long. And I waited, just like I promised."

He kissed her. "And I'm glad you did," he said quietly.

Sokka sighed. "I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but I'm glad you're back." Their road to friendship had been bumpy, but eventually they got along, and Jet's really proved himself to be a great friend, despite what he had been through. Jet even told them of his childhood nightmares.

Jet grinned and thumped Sokka good naturally on the back. "It's good to be back. Thanks for giving me a chance, everyone."

Zuko shrugged. "Just stay on our good side and you'll be fine." Jet nodded.

Everything became a blur after that, as hugs, tears, and kisses went around. There was going to be an after party for the graduates, and the excitement permeated the air.

Aang moved away from the crowd, and wandered out into the night, breathing in the Summer air. He looked at the moon, knowing his parents were watching over him and his friends. They had done it! They made it through high school, stopped a villainous plot, and learned so much about themselves that it was hard to believe they had ever lived the way they had been for the past few years.

Soft footsteps echoed throughout the yard, and Katara suddenly stood next to her soul mate, holding his hand. Both of them had left their caps inside. The two eighteen, almost nineteen year olds didn't say anything; just stared up at the glowing orb above them. Then Katara turned her head to face him, Aang doing the same thing. They brought each other into a warm hug. "Are you ready to move in with me?" Aang murmured.

Katara lifted her head to gaze at him with open love. She had grown to be a beautiful young woman, and the moon's glow surrounded her like magic. She was stunning. "Yes, I am." They had found the perfect place together, and they had full time jobs to help pay the bills when they come. "It's going just as I pictured it," she added, hugging close to his body heat.

Aang chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "You have fantasies about that?" he joked.

Katara smirked against his chest. "Yeah. So do you, and don't try to deny it. I've seen the picture in your head," she added, poking his chest.

He laughed outright and gave her a squeeze. "Okay, you caught me! So I do. Sue me!" He lifted her head and gazed into her sapphire eyes. "Still, I can't wait until next week. We get to start moving our stuff into our new home. Then once we're settled in, we can do this." He paused to kiss her nose. "And this," he added, kissing her cheek. "And some of this." Aang kissed her fully on the mouth, and she responded without thinking. Katara got the same thrill she always did when they kissed. Her nerves tingled as they kissed thoroughly.

After a couple minutes, they broke apart but remained close, breathing heavily. Once she regained enough of her breath Katara whispered, "Sounds perfect. I can't wait for that, no interruptions. Just the two of us."

Aang chuckled, holding his girlfriend close. "That makes me happy, Katara. Just imagine; us, our home, the life we could build together. It seems too good to be true."

"Yes. If this is a dream, I never want to wake up from it."

He stared into her eyes pushing hair away from her face. "I hope this isn't my imagination either." Placing his forehead tenderly against hers he added, "Even if it was, I'm never going to let you go. I love you, Katara, and I can't wait to make a living with you."

"I love you, Aang, and nothing will ever change that."

"Ditto," he agreed before kissing her again, the stars winking at them as they displayed their love.

Nine Years Later

Katara stood on the porch, holding her three year old son, watching as her seven year old daughter and five year old son chased each other around the large yard, laughing with glee as Appa chased them while barking. She and Aang had been living in the two story stone home since they graduated high school, and life for them had flourished.

When Katara had turned twenty, he had proposed to her at the birthday party, which she had tearfully accepted. They got married three months later, only friends and family were invited. On their honeymoon, their night was full of passion, and nine months later, their daughter, Kya, had been born. Two years later, Bumi, their now five year old, was born; then Tenzin, their last child, was born two years afterward.

Kya had shown signs of being a Waterbender when she was Tenzin's age; Bumi, named after Aang's middle school friend who had died of lung cancer, was a non Bender; and it was unknown if Tenzin was a Bender or not. Under Katara's tutelage, Kya's Waterbending became strong by the time she was five. Bumi had only been tackling Appa, but the married couple knew he would be a great fighter if he had lessons. They believed in having their children prepared in case they were ever in trouble.

Kya looked like her mother, brown hair and blue eyes, Bumi was mixed, with his father's hair, mother's eyes, skin color a mix between the two, and Tenzin looked like his father, pale skin, gray eyes, and dark hair. They couldn't have asked for more beautiful children.

Momo, still lithe and furry, pranced out onto the porch and Katara watched as he walked away with his long tail high in air, heading towards the side of the house. She shook her head, wondering what he was doing. He's been doing that for a week now.

Soft footsteps sounded from behind her, and Aang appeared, wrapping his strong arms around her waist. They watched in silence as their two kids and dog played, rolling around in the dirt. He kissed her cheek lovingly. "Is it everything you imagined it to be?" he whispered.

She turned her head and smiled at him. "It's even better than I had pictured it. We have the life we want, a family." Then she tapped her bottom lip in thought. "But there is something I'm curious about. It's Momo. He's been vanishing to the side of the house all week. Why do you think that is?"

Aang shrugged, but his eyes held a secretive sparkle, and Katara had the feeling her husband knew something she didn't. "I'm not sure; but we could always find out. For now though, let's just enjoy this nice Summer day, hearing our kids laugh, then tonight, maybe we can have some fun of our own." He kissed her neck as he said this, and Katara tilted her head back with a soft sigh.

Turning in his arms, mindful of Tenzin in between them, she captured his lips with her own. "That would be fun," she murmured against his mouth.

They continued kissing until Bumi's voice yelled, "Eww! Mommy and Daddy are kissing!" They broke apart to see their two oldest children gape at them. Bumi was rubbing his eyes as if to get the image out of his head, and Kya had to laugh at her brother.

"You've been hanging out with Uncle Sokka too much. Only he would act like that."

Bumi glared at his sister. "Shut up, Kya. Just because you're two years older than me, it doesn't mean you're more mature. You have your moments."

Kya glared and crossed her little arms. "No I haven't!"

"Uh huh!"

"Naw aw!"

"Uh huh!"

"Naw aw!"

"Uh huh!"

Kya brought some water from the pond that sat in the front lawn, creating tentacles on her arms. "You wanna fight, Meat Head?"

Bumi took out his miniature boomerang he got for his fourth birthday by their uncle. "Bring it, Fish Face!"

With a small grunt, Kya flung one of the tentacles at her brother, who rolled to dodge while throwing the boomerang at his sister. She jumped out of the way and was about to attack again when suddenly they were air born. They shrieked, and looked down to see their Dad using his Airbending. Bumi frowned. "No fair, Daddy! Why did you do that?"

"Yeah!" Kya agreed. "We just started! Put us down!"

Aang rolled his eyes. "I'm only going to put you guys down if you promise to stop trying to kill each other. You're upsetting Tenzin and your mother." They looked over at the said people to see Tenzin crying and Katara trying to comfort him.

Kya crossed her arms. "Okay, I'll stop. Just put me down!"

Aang looked at his firstborn son and the five year old sighed. "Fine." Satisfied, Aang slowly brought his kids down. Kya stalked off to the side of the house as Bumi walked over to his father, who picked him up. They were quiet as Katara calmed their youngest down.

Then Kya called, "Mom; Daddy! Come and see this!" The family walked around the house and what they saw surprised them; except Aang. High grass surrounded the base of the house, and hiding in the blades was Momo, with a female orange Tabby cat, with six kittens fighting to drink their mother's milk. Kya was on her knees, watching then with wide eyes full of wonder.

The others knelt as well, observing the kittens. Aang pat Momo's head. "Way to go, buddy." Momo purred.

Katara stared at her husband. "You knew they were here, didn't you?"

He shrugged. "Yes, actually, I did. I just didn't want you to worry about them."

Katara grabbed his shirt. "Aang Montauk, I don't know whether to freeze you to a tree for keeping this quiet, or..." She kissed his cheek. "To kiss you for protecting them."

Aang ran his hand through his hair. "I'll take the kissing for protecting," he said cheekily. She rolled her eyes but gave him a peck on the lips.

She looked at the family of cats. "What should we do with them?"

"Can we keep them?" Kya begged. "Please please please please please!"

Katara looked undecided, and she looked at her husband. "I'm not sure that's such a good idea. We can't, even though we do have money. They'll need constant caring."

Aang thought for a moment. "How about this: we hold onto them until they are old enough to eat solid food. Then the kids can pick one to keep each, and we'll give the rest away. How about that?"

Bumi crossed his arms. "I don't want a cat. I want a dog, like Appa!" The canine looked up briefly before resuming his inspection on the kittens.

Aang chuckled. "All right. If Kya or Tenzin want one, they can have one. Deal?"

Katara smiled. "Deal." It was then that a kitten sneezed, and Tenzin reeled back, wiping his face. Katara had put him down so he can see the cats better. His nose twitched, he started taking short, sharp inhales, and sneezed. He flew back into Bumi, and they sprawled on the ground. Katara rushed over and helped the kids up before smiling at the bewildered look on Aang's face. "Looks like we know what element Tenzin controls."

Aang moved closer and brought all three of them into an embrace. "Another Airbender. What a dream come true." He looked over at Kya, who was frowning sadly, and called, "Kya!" She looked over at him with big eyes, and he opened his arm to her. "You're family too, remember?" His daughter gave a small smile and crawled into the embrace. He looked at his family. "I love you; all four of you."

Kya looked up. "We love you too, Daddy." He kissed her forehead, and they sat that way until the sun went down, ending another day. Katara and Aang can't help but think of the events that lead to where they sat now; all the danger and trauma, romance and drama. Everything lead to this peaceful moment in time, a bubble of calm that remained unbroken. All because they had started as High School Sweethearts, with hearts pure and faith endless. Love conquered hate, and peace was once again present.

Well guys, that's the end. How sad! I have to say, I loved writing this story, and I feel sad now that it's over. But is it? Wait... do you guys know what I'm thinking? What, you may ask? Well I'll tell you!

I am going to write a SEQUEL! That's right! I'm not ending it with just this story. The next one will involve the kids. Are you ready for more action? You better be, because soon, The Next Generation: Cold Fire and Shadows, will be coming. Be prepared...