hey everyone! here's the final chapter, i hope you enjoy it and thank you to everyone whose been reading for a while and survived my painfully slow updates. I've written several stories and this one has taken me the longest simply because i didn't want it to end i would put off writing chapter especially towards the end. I wish i could remember when i started this because it was originally on quizilla back when that was a thing. But anyway i hope you enjoy and if anyone has a preference for my next story (also with painfully slow updates) let me know! I have ideas for a cloud strife (ffvii), Jack frost (rise of the guardians) and Gaara (naruto) stories.
~4 months later~
The lift screeched to a halt you couldn't help but think how ironic it is to be back at the boiling rock prison, you never imagined you would be here again especially after your last visit. At least they fixed the lift. As you stepped onto the platform you were greeted by Mai; When the war ended and Mai and Tai li were released, Mai agreed to be the warden in place of her Uncle who is currently imprisoned for inhumane treatment of inmates.
"It's good to see you" Mai said formally. The two of you aren't friends but have a mutual respect for each other.
"You as well" You replied. "How's everything here?"
"The interviews are going well, we've already gotten through most of the prisoners of war and non-benders" Mai replied. One of Zuko's earliest decisions to have all fire nation prisoners be reviewed for release because while some were imprisoned for legitimate reasons, many were prisoners of war or unjustly imprisoned. "Jet is waiting for us in the warden's office"
You nodded, Jet had finally accepted Zuko's offer to be one of his advisor. In last two months you and Jet have been running around overseeing all of the projects Zuko couldn't personally oversee. Before this, Jet was in the colonies moderating negotiations between the colonists and the local Earth Kingdom government, while you were figuring out which colonies should be disbanded and where the colonists could be relocated.
As you and Mai walked she kept sneaking glances at you. It was odd behavior even for her. "Mai are you ok?" you asked sincerely.
Mai sighed, knowing she doesn't like to talk about her feelings you didn't push the topic but after a few moments she finally said. "I just don't understand how you do it," you gave her a questioning look so she continued, "People listen to you, you could order anyone around and they would gladly follow you, Azula got followers by making them fear her but people just listen to you"
"Maybe it's because I'm dating the Fire Lord," You laughed.
Mai shook her head, "No, people listened to you before they knew about that. Tai Li and I betrayed Azula because we trusted you, we never even spoke to you before that"
"You know I never got the chance to thank you and Tai Li for that, if you two didn't betray Azula we never would have made it out of here"
"You're changing the subject" Mai deadpanned.
You shrugged, "I'm really not sure what you're talking about, I just want to help Zuko and Aang make the world the better place, I'll do whatever I can"
Mao nodded thoughtfully but dropped the topic. For once you were thankful to see the ornate doors that lead to the warden's office if only to escape the awkward silence between you and the expressionless girl.
Sitting at the warden's desk was Jet. He still wore mismatched armor but now instead of just old Earth Kingdom armor he wore Fire Nation bracers and boots. You smiled because some things never change, Jet was sitting with his feet up on the desk and he was chewing on a piece of grass as he was reading over a file.
"It's about time you got here," Jet scolded. "Do you know how boring it is to read over these files."
"Jet the future of these peoples lives are at stake, at least show a little compassion"
Jet rolled his eyes, "I've been here for three days and I don't think that stack of files got any smaller"
You rolled your eyes, "alright move over, what are we up to?" you asked.
"Just finished with the pirates- they're being transported to the Earth Kingdom, A bunch of the rouge fire benders were released just before you got here, turns out they just disagreed with Zuko's crazy dad" you rolled your eyes, Zuko's dad made such a mess of the world. "And up next we've got" He paused looking at the files. "oh geez maybe i should handle this one"
You gave Jet a look of confusion while Mai spoke "Who is it?" she asked in a bored tone.
"Its the warden" Jet replied sheepishly.
"I'll make this easy, he stays" Mai stated, which is probably the most decisive you've ever heard her.
"Agreed" Jet said quickly.
"Guys…" you trailed off as Jet sighed, "Oh here we go" He dramatically fell back in his chair.
"We need actual reasons for keeping him here and all of the prisoners need to have an interview we can't ignore the processes because we don't like the guy" you reasoned, as much as you hate the Warden, inprisoning him without following the right procedures makes you just as bad as he is.
Jet sighed but motioned for the guards to bring in the Warden. You had to admit the look on his face when he saw Jet with his feet on his desk was pretty priceless. A tense silence filled the room as the Warden glared at his two former prisoners and niece.
"Well if it isn't my niece, turned traitor, the rouge fire bender and the earth kingdom brat" The Warden stated.
"Let get this over with," Jet mumbled. "You've been charged with seventeen counts of assault against prisoners, wrongful imprisonment of the current Fire Lord, and multiple harassment allegations from members of the guards, as well as misuse of prison funds for personal use. How do you plea"
"Not guilty" The Warden replied.
"To which charges?" Man asked nearly yawning in boredom.
"All of them"
"Five of the assaults were against Kana, theirs one you're not gonna win and i'm pretty sure Zuko will not be merciful" Jet replied.
The Warden turned to you. "Hm you took him back after all this, even after he left you here"
You clenched your jaw but remained silent knowing a reaction is exactly what he wants. Jet and Mai completed the interview and the guards returned the warden to his cell where he will await a trail for his crimes to determine his sentence.
The three of you spent most of the next week interviewing inmates, thankfully all of the prisoners of war had been release but many remained in that grey area, some were transported to prisons with less strict rules to await trail, the more dangerous inmates were sent back to there cells to await trail. On your final day at the Boiling Rock you and Jet gathered the files Zuko wanted and left the prison in Mai's capable hands.
As the lift left the platform you released a breath you didn't even realize you were holding, as Jet did the same.
"Lets never come back here" you suggested.
"Sounds good to me" he replied with his signature grin. "Where are you off to next?"
"I'm off to the palace to get some much needed alone time with Zuko then we're heading home for Smellerbee's birthday, you'll be there won't you?" you asked.
"wouldn't miss it, I'm meeting up with Toph and Daisuke then heading home" Jet replied.
"Hmm home?" you questioned with a smile, "How does it feel?" you asked.
"Its comforting knowing i have a place to go back to, and its all thanks to you" Jet replied getting oddly sentimental. "I know i never talk about them, but your parents remind me so much of my own, thank you for giving me that." He turned to you with a smile
You smiled brightly and hugged him, "You're part of the family Jet. Don't forget that."
"how can i, between you and your brothers constantly reminding me, your mom yelling at me to cut my hair and wash my face, your dad always wanting me to build something with him, theirs no way i could forget"
"Awe you love it" you playfully elbowed him as you ended the hug.
Jet laughed, "Yeah i do"
~two months later~
All of team Avatar was together again sitting around your parents living room as you and your brothers finished cleaning up from Smellerbee's birthday party. The youngest of the freedom fighters, more specifically The Duke and Smellerbee had already fallen asleep. You joined your friends and took your place next to Zuko who instantly wrapped an arm around your waist.
"So guys i've been thinking" Aang spoke up drawing everyone's attention. "What do you guys think about a city kind of like this island but has all the best aspects of each nation"
"What do you mean Aang?" Katana asked curiously, you were a bit surprised Aang must have been thinking about this for a while.
"I want to call it Republic city," so he has been thinking about this for a while, "There could be an embassy from each nation, I could build a new air temple" Aang explained.
"It should be a Fifth Nation" Zuko spoke up, "A place like that shouldn't fall under anyone's jurisdiction, " Aang nodded thoughtfully.
"How about a council? there could be members from each nation" you suggested.
"What if the council was made up of a bender from each element and a non-bender" Jet suggested.
"Thats a great idea" katara agreed
And so you and your friends began the plans for what would eventually become Republic City. Daisuke had the idea of rallying the order of the white lotus to aid in the creation, they would be able to provide builders and resources. Kaito suggested it be located near the lower region of the mountainous area because the mountains would provide natural protection and the bay to the south would allow for a port. Aang seemed particularly interested in a small island to the west of Republic City.
~Five years later~
The first rays of the morning sun reached your face as your eyes fluttered open; you sighed happily as you shifted in an attempt to wiggle out of Zuko's grasp. Zuko only tightened this hold with on arm draped around your waist and the other wrapped around your chest, his hand resting on your shoulder.
Zuko nuzzled into your bare shoulder as he mumbled "Do you ever sleep in." It was a statement, one that he uttered almost every morning.
You shifted in his arms so you were facing him. "I'm a fire bender, i rise with the sun, " you giggled leaning in to kiss his nose.
"you say that as if i'm not a fire bender" Zuko mumbled between sweet kisses.
"You're just a lazy one"
Zuko shocked you when he suddenly pinned you to the mattress, used one hand to hold both of your arms above your head and supported himself with the other. "You didn't think i was lazy last night" He replied with a sly smile before kissing your neck. As his kisses trailed lower you involuntarily shivered in pleasure.
Zuko suddenly pulled away in confusion, glancing at his shirt from yesterday, that hung off your shoulder and loosely clung to your body. "You weren't wearing that when we went to sleep last night"
You took his moment of confusion as your chance to switch positions, forcing him onto his back with you leaning over him, "I got cold" You replied feeling triumphant that you overpowered him.
"You're the only fire bender i know who gets cold" he teased, before he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close. You let him win this time, and cuddled into his chest, feeling his naked body beneath you as the memories of last night filled your mind.
"Kana" Zuko mumbled into you hair, you looked up at him, "I love you"
"I love you too Zuko" Your lips met in a passionate kiss. It wasn't like the hungry lustful kisses from last night. This kiss was full of love and seemed to last an eternity until it didn't.
"Zuko! Will you stop defiling my baby sister for five minutes" Kaito's booming voice rang out.
You sighed in annoyance, somethings never change. "Maybe if we're quiet they'll go away" you mumbled pressing your lips against his neck making him shiver.
"You know you're not suppose to consummate the marriage until your, you know actually married" Daisuke chimed in.
"I told you we should have eloped" Zuko whispered wrapping his arms around you.
"We had a world to save and we were sixteen" you replied closing your eyes, suddenly wishing you were asleep again.
There was loud banging on the door, you could hear the wood of the door giving slightly. Thankfully wood bending does not exist.
"Woah Kaito don't break down the door, i really don't want to see Zuko naked again" Jet added. Jet has the worst luck he's made the mistake of walking in without knocking on serval occassions.
"Then they have until i get this door open to put clothes on"
"I think thats our cue" You said reluctantly. Zuko nearly growled in annoyance but nodded in agreement.
Zuko pulled on yesterday's pants, as you in rush, put on your skirt, neither of you bothering with undergarments. You fixed the shirt you were wearing. As you approached the door you made one last check to make sure you were presentable before opening the door, just as Kaito was about to start banging on it.
(Zuko)
After Kana let your tormentors in, she went to the dresser and gather a new set of clothes before walking off to the bathroom to get ready for the day, leaving you with Jet, Kaito and Daisuke. Everyone stayed silent
"So, when are you going to ask her?" Jet asked as he causally crossed his arms.
You sighed, you had planned to ask her last night but lost your nerve, besides it wasn't the right moment and you started thinking with the wrong head.
"I thought the point of all of us being here was so you could ask her" Kaito added. Kana's parents had been staying in the palace for almost a month now, the younger freedom fighters about a week, while Daisuke, Kaito and Jet showed up a few days ago. The rest of Team Avatar was set to arrive this morning.
"I'm trying" You snapped. Then sighed again looking apologetically at your future brother.
"You're nervous" Daisuke stated. you were about to deny it when he continued. "Don't deny it, you're nervous, why i have no idea, the two of you have been acting like an old married couple since she dragged you home. Kana loves you, she's going to say yes, all you need to do is ask her."
You knew he was right, Daisuke is always right. You had been trying to ask her for the last few months but every time you found that you couldn't do it. It didn't make sense to you either, all you want is to spent the rest of your life with Kana.
"Maybe i should try kissing her again" Jet laughed, "That seemed to work the last time."
"Don't you dare" You growled, as Kaito smacked Jet in the back of the head.
"Tonight, I'll do it tonight"
Satisfied with your answer the three exited the the room, you could hear Jet saying that his threat worked, followed by another smacking sound.
~Later that day~
You were so busy that you hadn't seen Kana since this morning, after all tonight it important and you wanted to make sure you completed all of your duties as Fire Lord so you could spend all night with her without interruption. You had asked Kana to meet you near the fountain in the west garden just before dinner, the same fountain where the turtleduck bit you when you were a kid. You smiled at the memory even though it hurt more than you'd like to admit.
You heard footsteps approaching and looked in their direction. Kana was as beautiful as ever, you couldn't help but smile. The maids love to try to make Kana wear elegant robes and kimonos similar to what your mother used to wear but Kana preferred to wear halter tops and uneven skirts, even preferring to go barefoot when it was socially acceptable. Today she wore a red and black halter top with gold trim and a long red and gold skirt with a slit up the side that tempted you to start thinking with the wrong head again. You blinked a few times to clear your thoughts before gazing at her again. Her hair was long again nearly at her waist and still the same bright red as the day you met. You saw that she was wearing the hair ornament you had given her back on Ember Island, she's worn it almost everyday since then.
(Kana)
When you entered the west garden you quickly found Zuko, it took him a moment before he saw you, but once he did he never took his eyes off you. even after being with him for so long his gaze still managed to make you blush. On your surprising long walk to the fountain you took this time to examine him. His hair was long, but he wore part of it up in a traditional topknot. You had to admit you missed his short shaggy hair but decided this is better than the ponytail he had when you met. He was a bit taller and his face a bit older but he was as handsome as ever.
As you approached, Zuko instantly pulled you into his arms and then into a kiss.
"I missed you too" you giggled as he released you and motioned for you to sit on the edge of the fountain with him. Once you did you gave Zuko a curious look. A few times it looked like he was going say something but stopped himself. "Zuko are you alright?" you asked reaching out to him.
"I'm fine" Zuko replied too quickly reminding you of how temperamental he used to be, which could mean only one thing, he's nervous about something.
"You know you're an awful liar" You replied with a sly smile. Zuko sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. You rested your head on his shoulder, feeling his body relax, "Zuko you have nothing to worry about, i love you no matter what"
"I know" Zuko sighed again. A few moments later he nearly growled in frustration, "I don't understand why this is so difficult, it should be so easy"
His tone startled you for a moment, he really is acting the angsty teenager he was. Once you regained your composure you looked up at him and smiled as you traced his scar, that always seemed to calm him down. Zuko lightly smiled but the worried look never left his eyes. "We can stay here as long as you need" You told him quietly.
Zuko lightly grabbed your hand that was tracing his scar, bring it to his lips then kissed it, before pulling you into his lap. you rested your head on his shoulder as the two of you gazed at each other. You stayed in that position so long the sun began to set, but you didn't mind, Zuko had something important to say and it made him nervous enough that he started getting angsty, you'd wait as long as he needed.
"Kana" Zuko said finally breaking the silence, you looked at his curiously with a smile, giving him your full attention. "Will you marry me?" he questioned quietly.
You twisted in his arms so you were facing him, "This is what you were nervous about" You mumbled in disbelief.
Zuko nodded sheepishly. "well will you?" he asked again. "marry me that is."
You smiled brightly barely able to contain your happiness. "Yes Zuko of course, I'll marry you." You almost didn't finish speaking before Zuko pulled you into a kiss. Sometime durning this kiss, Zuko lost his balance and the two of you fell into the fountain. When you pulled away the two of you were completely soaked sitting in the fountain and to make things worse Zuko had a lilly pad on his head and you burst out laughing. Zuko in his embarrassment splashed you. Before you could even think of a fitting revenge plan, a turtleduck swam over to Zuko and bit him, causing you to laugh even more.
The two of you headed up to your room to change into dry clothes. You put on dry undergarments and slipped on a red and gold uneven skirt, but when you were about to put on a strapless corset style top you felt Zuko wrap his arms around your waist. He rested his chin on your shoulder and lightly kissed your neck. "Kana you have no idea how happy i am"
You giggled "I think i have a pretty good idea." Zuko smiled at your response, kissed your neck one more time, then released you, allowing you to finish getting dressed.
Once the two of you were presentable, you went to meet your friends and family for dinner to tell them the news.
~four months later~
You and Zuko stood under your cherry blossom tree as you exchanged your vows. It was the perfect time of year, the tree was in full bloom, though signs of the attack on your village were evident in the scorch marks. Several months ago when Zuko finally asked your to marry him your mom asked where the wedding would be, without skipping a beat Zuko said it would be under your cherry blossom tree.
Once your vows were complete and the marriage was sealed with a kiss, everyone began to cheer. Among the cheers you could hear kaito laugh "you're crying" to which Jet responded, "I'm not crying you're crying."
The ceremony was perfect, you and Zuko were surrounded with your friends and family, in your favorite place, the same place that the two of you met and all of your adventures started. Of course once you get back to the Fire Nation and the fire sages find out that two of you eloped you're gonna have to go through a formal ceremony at a the palace, but you pushed that thought aside thinking about your life with Zuko and the fact that about three seconds after the marriage was official your mother started demanding grandchildren- you shuttered at the thought, you'd have kids eventually but not anytime soon.
"Kana whats on your mind?" Zuko asked curiously.
"Just thinking" you replied softly. "what is the wife of the fire lord called?" you asked with a sly smile.
Zuko paled in embarrassment, "The fire lady…" he trailed off lamely.
"Thats an awful title" you giggled.
"Is the most beautiful girl and in the five nations a better one?" he asked wrapping his arms around you. "Or how about my wife, my love, my everything." Zuko added repeating part of his vows.
"those are much better, though i am still partial to the rouge fire bender"
"The rouge fire bender and the banished prince" Zuko announced laughing.
"It does have a nice ring to it" you agreed laughing.
Zuko only smiled before pulling you into a passionate kiss which you eagerly returned. When the kiss was broken both of you remained close trying to catch your breath.
"And you ran away from me twice" Zuko mumbled, you could feel his hot breath on your lips.
"You were the one spying on me" you teased. " besides I think it worked out alright."
The two of you stood in each other's embrace as you celebrated with your family and closest friends. You couldn't help but smile it was everything you've ever wanted.