A/N: So here it is! The final chapter has come at last. I want to thank all of my loyal readers and reviewers who have stuck with me through this whole journey. I also want to thank those who personally messaged me and gave me so many encouraging words and suggestions. You all know who you are. I'm kind of sad that this is the end of book 3, but I know it can't last forever. I'm still not sure if I'm continuing into the comic series, but if I am I'll be sure to notify you in an Authors Note I'll attach to this story. I probably will if I can find spare time at college, which starts in two days. Enough with my rant. I truly hope you enjoy this final chapter, and let me know what you all thought.

You guys rock!

-Faithy Waithy =)

Rolling over I pulled my blanket tighter around me not wanting to get out of bed. It was the first time all year that I'd been so comfortable. The mattress beneath me was so soft. I was sure my friends and family were all thinking the exact same thing in the rooms they slept in. The only part I really liked about being a princess so far was the fact that I had a bed. An actual bed!

A knock on the door sounded, and I groaned pulling my covers farther up over my head. I didn't want to wake up. I was so at peace. It had been two days since the battle, but my body was still sore in every place imaginable. Katara tried to heal me where she could, but my muscles were bruised from being thrown around so much.

Yesterday the group spent all day recovering. Zuko's wound was looked after by the palace physician- who gladly took his job back- as well as by Katara for a second opinion. Sokka's leg was also looked after too. He was still on some wooden crutches, but he was doing okay. Kale told me why his knuckles had been bruised so terribly, and I learned it was because he socked Ozai in the jaw to save my integrity. I loved my boyfriend so much. Toph, and Suki spent the majority of the day lying around and talking to servants in the palace. Eventually my family forced me to go get medical attention from the palace physician. I refused only wanting Katara to look me over. In the end she told me I had a few broken ribs, and a lot of bruising. The scratches all over my body only added to her concerns. My body was bandaged up on my arms, my stomach, and my chest by the end of the day.

That was yesterday though… Today was a new day.

A knock on the door sounded again, and I sighed heavily knowing I couldn't sleep any longer. Today was a big day. My brother would be crowned Fire Lord Zuko, and I would be welcomed home as Princess Amber. My family found out yesterday that I would be living at the palace from now on and I could tell they were unsure how to feel. My brother seemed saddened by the news, while my sister tried to be happy for me. She asked me if it really was what I wanted, and I promised her it was. It would be hard to be away from my water tribe family, but Zuko needed someone at his side.

Plus I'd made a promise to him, and I couldn't break it.

"Come in," I said, pulling the covers down from my face.

A servant girl walked in the room. She couldn't have been older than Katara. Her brown eyes were lowered to the floor as she entered, and her chin length brown hair covered a bit of her face. Sitting up, I winced at the pain that shot through my body but quickly brushed it aside.

"My Princess… Forgive me for waking you, but it's time to help you get dressed."

I was speechless. Slowly I managed to get to my feet, wincing as my muscles cried for me to go back to sleep. The young girl was kneeling in front of me, and for a moment I could tell she was afraid. Her body shook and her eyes stayed on the floor. The last princess she served probably caused her to fear any princess she met.

"Um… You really don't have to do that," I said, walking over to her. My hands found her elbows and I helped her stand back up. She was amazed by my action. "I'm just a simple girl like you."

The girl blushed, taking a step back from me with uncertainty. "Is it true then…?" She suddenly asked. "Are the rumors true that you lived as a peasant for most of your life?"

Placing my hand on my wrist where both my bracelets were, I fingered the water tribe bracelet with a small frown. "Yes… The rumors are true. A year ago the only thing I was good at was starting the campfire."

She tried hard not to smile, but I saw she was gladdened by the news. "Forgive me for asking my Princess, it's just when we heard about you we were ecstatic someone of royalty would finally understand us. The servants have for so long been treated like dirt."

"Well if you want me to understand you, then the first matter of business is to stop calling me "my princess", Amber will do just fine. Also, you don't have to bow to me. It makes me kind of uneasy." The girl nodded, taking all of this in. "What's your name by the way?"

My question took her off guard. No one of nobility had probably asked her before. She met my eyes and smiled widely. "My name's Jana, my pri- I mean Amber."

"Well Jana, it's nice to meet you. As to why you originally came in here, you don't have to help me dress. I've dressed myself for the last ten years. Just give me the clothes and I'll be fine."

The original pair of clothing I'd been wearing the other day had been singed and torn from my fight with Azula. Zuko had managed to find me a whole new wardrobe, against my protests, saying that since I was a princess I needed clothes. When I told him I'd wear one of the new shirts and pants to the coronation he immediately consulted with my sister Katara. Since I was to be at Zuko's side during his coronation, everyone was making me dress up. Dress up as in wear a dress, something I really hated. I had no choice in the matter though. Zuko pretty much ordered me to do so. Katara and Suki had picked my dress out yesterday with some of the servants, so I had no clue what I was about to wear.

Jana seemed unsure about letting me dress myself, but after I gave her a reassuring smile she complied. She quickly walked across the room and opened a wooden wardrobe. As she did so I looked around the room I was in as if I were seeing it for the first time. It was dark last night when I entered, so I kind of was. The room was huge, the bed massive with a fine silk red blanket on it. There were five plump pillows on the bed, however they were messy since I'd just woken. The rest of the room had the essentials. There was a fire place, a large glass window over-looking one of the many palace gardens, and a large makeup counter with a mirror. It was odd when Zuko told me that this was my room.

I'd never had my own room before. At least not at the Southern Water Tribe...

Jana had something folded over her arm as she walked over to my bed. She placed the thin looking fire red fabric down. Stepping over, I saw for the first time the dress chosen for me. The dress lying out on the bed had thin straps for the shoulder and seemed long enough to flow to the ground. The bottom of the dress seemed to change from red to an orange tint almost making the dress look like a flame.

Pulling off my night clothes, which were just a loose shirt and some light pants, I winced as the movement sent my whole body into a spasm of pain. Jana must've noticed, because she quickly asked if I needed help. I waved her off, insisting I'd be fine.

"So stubborn," a voice said.

I jumped a bit and turned to see Katara had come into the room. She had some new bandages in her hand. "I thought you'd need some help this morning. I just finished a healing session with Zuko, so I thought I'd stop by and do a quick one on you."

I sighed, my shirt off already. My chest was covered by my usual cloth chest covering, so it wasn't that big of a deal. Sitting on the large bed again, I lied down staring up at the stone ceiling. Jana held onto the new bandages as Katara started her healing. When Katara took off the bandages around my torso, she cringed a bit at the raw skin. "Well… It looks a little better than yesterday."

"You'd think my body would become immune to all these burns," I said softly.

Katara's water glowed as she healed the blistered raw skin that covered my abdomen. "Your body just can't handle your reckless spirit." A silence fell over us, and I relaxed a bit as the healing eased some of my aching muscles. After a moment, Katara spoke again. "I hear the guards managed to release all war prisoners from the palace prison hold late last night."

"Good… I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure they're all glad to be free."

She nodded. "Also, I received word from a servant this morning that an airship had arrived just before sunrise. Father and the others were on board. So… I guess tomorrow Sokka and I will be heading out with father to go back to the South Pole."

Her words made me frown a little. Tomorrow I'd have to be separated from my family. "What about Toph, Aang, and Suki?"

"Suki said she's going to meet back up with the Kyoshi Warriors today and decide their next step. Toph said she might go back home and try to make things right with her parents. As for Aang, he'll journey with Sokka and I. He said he's planning on making his way to Ba Sing Sei one day to help the Earth King out with negotiations and what not. Sokka and I decided we'd go with him."

I sat up when I saw Katara was finished healing me. Jana helped her wrap the bandages around my abdomen where the burns still ached. It would still take another day or two to heal fully.

Eventually Katara and Jana helped me in my dress. The dress was light weight and felt foreign on me. It fit my figure nicely though, and Katara beamed with delight. She did my hair then. Forcing me to sit on the stool by the makeup counter, she hummed as she brushed my hair. My long black hair with fire red highlights looked foreign to me as well.

"A lot has changed this year," I said softly.

Katara nodded, her hands pulling at my hair as she braided a few strands on both sides. "Yeah… Last year we were just simple water tribe kids taking care of our grandma. Who ever thought one kid in an iceberg would change our lives forever?"

I dropped my head a bit. "I'm really going to miss you all."

Katara stopped braiding, and in the mirror I saw her frown at the thought of us being separated. "It won't be forever though," she said, smiling weakly. "We have Appa, so we'll visit whenever we can. And I'm sure the new Fire Lord will let you visit us whenever you want." She started to braid my hair again. "Besides, you'll be too busy to miss us too much. I'm sure you'll have tons of duties as Princess Amber of the Fire Nation."

"Yeah… I guess so…"

I was still hanging my head when a knock on the door sounded. Jana went to open the door to see the owner of the sound. "Amber," Jana said. "Your friend Kale is here to see you."

I cheered up a little, trying to turn my head. Katara placed her hands on both sides of my head though, forcing me to turn back toward the mirror. "I'm not done!" She then said to Jana. "He can come in."

Footsteps walked toward us, and I saw Kale in the mirror when he approached. He was wearing a nice dark red shirt, and some black silk trousers. He held something in his hand, but I couldn't see what it was through Katara's hands braiding my hair.

He handed what he held in his hand over to Katara. "How's it going?"

Katara took it from him with a thanks, and answered, "Your girlfriend's stubborn. That's all I can say."

"Don't call me stubborn. I'm a grown woman! All I said was I can dress myself."

"Yeah… You did so well earlier," Katara said with heavy sarcasm.

Kale chuckled. "That's just classic Amber. She always tries to do everything on her own."

Katara had managed to make two braids on both sides of my head, and clipped it back with whatever Kale had given her. In the mirror I managed to catch a glimpse at what it was. It was the golden hair piece with the red fire lily that Kale had gotten me when we first arrived in the Fire Nation months ago. It matched my dress perfectly, and fit well in my red highlights.

Katara beamed at her work, leaning forward and hugging me from behind. "You look so radiant, Amber. Just like a princess. Mom would be so proud."

Katara and Jana left then to give Kale and I some privacy. Kale wanted to walk me out to the ceremony anyway. When we were alone, I stood facing Kale. Kale placed his soft hand on my cheek, and I leaned into his touch with a smile. "You're so beautiful."

I blushed beat red. "This was all Katara's idea. I hate being part of this ceremony today."

"The world thought you were dead," Kale said. "It's time to show them you're alive and well."

Looking up at him, I grabbed his hand tightly. "Thanks for staying with me Kale… I know you wanted to go back to Ba Sing Sei and work with Uncle."

Kale sighed, pulling me into a warm hug. I hugged him back pressing my face into his shirt. "The only thing I want is to be by your side. Besides…" he pulled from me with a smile. "Being part of Zuko's council will be fun. I get to tell him what to do and what not."

Yesterday Zuko appointed Kale as a member of his council. That meant when Zuko deliberated about something, Kale would be the one to give Zuko advice on what he should do. I knew Zuko had done it to keep his end of the bargain, but I could tell he was sincere in giving the job to Kale. Zuko and Kale had become good friends over the last few months.

Rolling my eyes, I said, "I'm glad you feel that way."

Kale and I made our way out of the room then, heading down the long hall where one side had a wall and the other side was open over-looking one of the many palace fountains. The fountain had a statue of Fire Lord Sozin on it. There were flowers all around the fountain of all different colors. Zuko told me that I was welcome to plant anything I liked anywhere around the palace. I had a feeling I'd be planting a lot of blue flowers to remind me of home. All I saw were mainly red, yellow, and gold.

It was strange to think that this large palace was my new home. Memories flooded back to me in certain rooms or halls I stepped through. Some were nice snippets of my past while others were terrifying.

Eventually we reached the front hall where we found Zuko and Aang were already waiting. Kale kissed me on the cheek and told me he'd be outside. Turning, he left me to go out another exit. The large exit covered by a huge curtain in front of us was where the palace courtyard was. Once we stepped outside, Zuko would officially be Fire Lord and I would officially be Princess Amber. The thought made me slowly make my way over.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to be a princess… I liked being just Amber… Once long ago I liked just being Kaya...

"Amber! Wow! You look beautiful!"

I blushed beat red at Aang's compliment. When I looked at him as I approached, I saw he was wearing some traditional Air Nation robes. He also wore a beaded necklace with a charm that had three air symbols on it.

"Thanks," I said softly. "Katara and Toph picked out the dress… I guess they have good taste."

My eyes looked over to Zuko then. He wore a dark red Fire Nation robe. He stood straight and seemed to be doing okay. I assumed his chest was healing up pretty well. His eyes stared at me widely, as if he were seeing a ghost.

"You look… so much like mom…" His words were torn a little as he saw our mother through me. He stepped over to me and suddenly his arms wrapped around me. His embrace was sudden but so warm. "I'm so glad I found you again."

I smiled, saying softly, "If you hadn't I would've never experienced this amazing adventure."

Zuko pulled away from me then, and Aang placed a hand on my shoulder. "The adventures just begun," Aang said.

Zuko was about to step through the curtain to address the men and women in the courtyard. Right before he did so, he told Aang and I to not come out until he announced us. He left then, the curtain falling behind him. Cheers could be heard from the crowd that had formed outside.

"Sounds like a lot of people," I muttered.

Aang nudged me on my elbow. "Don't tell me the Spirit of Fire has stage fright?"

I shoved him and he laughed as we joked around. I felt a bit more at ease. I was glad Aang had cheered me up.

"Please!" Zuko suddenly shouted to the crowd. "The real hero is the Avatar!"

Aang headed out of the curtain then, giving me a thumb's up as he went. When he stepped through the crowd cheered louder than before upon him entering the platform with Zuko.

"Today, this war is finally over!" Zuko exclaimed to the crowd. "I promised my Uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation, and I will. The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided. But with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path, and begin a new era of love and peace!"

The crowd cheered once more when Zuko stopped speaking. They silenced a second later.

"Also, today I want to welcome home someone who has been away for far too long. Almost ten years ago this nation lost someone very important. Not only was she a princess of the Fire Nation, but she was also my sister and best friend. My father had cruelly sought to have her killed, and for so many years we thought her to be dead. However my sister proved herself to be strong. She came out of the shadows, joined the Avatar, and in the end helped to restore peace back to the land. It is with great privilege that I welcome back home my sister, Princess Amber of the Fire Nation."

The crowd broke into loud cheers as I stepped through the heavy curtain. The sun immediately entered my vision, and I winced a bit at the light. Adjusting my gaze, I looked around the palace courtyard in astonishment. The whole courtyard was crowded. At the front were all the war prisoners and my friends. In the mix I saw father, Kuro, and Kuro's friend Coal. Beside them stood Kale, Toph, Sokka, Katara, Suki, Mai, and Ty Lee.

Walking over to the center of the stage, I blushed beat red at all the attention I was getting. Zuko stepped over to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Welcome home sis."

I smiled meeting his eyes. "Thanks, Zu."

He was surprised when I used the old nickname I'd once called him. He smiled widely and hugged me only making the crowd cheer louder.

Finally Zuko was told to kneel as one of the Fire Sages came to crown him. My eyes watched as Zuko knelt on the stage and the Fire Sage placed a flame shaped gold crown in Zuko's top knot. The sage shouted, "All hail Fire Lord Zuko!"

As the crowd continued to cheer, Zuko stood and the Fire Sage left the stage. Aang grabbed my hand then and pulled me over to where Zuko stood. The three of us posed on the edge of the stage, waving to the crowd as they cheered. When my eyes caught sight of my Water Tribe family again in the crowd, I looked over at Zuko for permission. He seemed to read my mind, smiling at me to let me know I could.

Running down the steps, I raced into the crowd toward my father. Dad met me half way and immediately wrapped his strong arms around me. My eyes began to water as I felt comfort in my father's hold. Hakoda sighed, glad to have me in his arms. "My beautiful daughter… I'm so proud of you."

Pressing my face into his shirt, I said softly, "I'll miss you all so much."

He kissed me on the forehead, saying, "This isn't good-bye. We'll see you soon."

"Yeah," Sokka said. He had hobbled over to us and pulled me in a headlock. "Cheer up sis." I shoved him off but beamed at his brotherly affection. He continued to speak. "We'll visit you, and you can visit us. You're a princess anyway. I'm sure if you want to head to the South Pole Zuko could get you transportation."

I nodded. "Yeah… I know."

"Amber!" Someone suddenly slammed into me, and I gasped when Ty Lee's arms wrapped around me. "It's so good to see you!"

I hugged Ty Lee back, glad to see her too. Pulling away, I asked, "What are you wearing?"

Ty Lee wore a green robe, and she had face paint on. She looked like she was a warrior of some kind. Suki and a group of girls walked over, wearing the exact same outfit. Immediately I realized who these girls were. "You're a Kyoshi Warrior now?"

Suki answered my question before Ty Lee. "Ty Lee was the one to lead the guards through the prison cells yesterday and release all the war prisoners. When she ran into my girls they clichéd and invited her to join them. I couldn't say no. Ty Lee's an awesome fighter."

Ty Lee beamed. "I finally get to say goodbye to that awful circus and be a warrior!"

I hugged her again, happy for her more than ever. Ty Lee and the warriors walked off then, leaving me with Suki, Sokka, and my father. "Zuko spoke to me earlier. He said their having a huge banquet this afternoon in honor of his coronation, as well as a farewell," Suki said.

Sokka asked with sad eyes, "Are you going back to Kyoshi Island tomorrow?"

She smiled weakly. "Yes. The girls and I have missed our families. I'll see you all again soon though."

While her, Sokka, and my father broke into conversation, I looked through the busy crowd. Aang had made his way over to Katara and Toph, while Zuko had made his way over to Kale, Kuro, and Coal. From the distance, I saw Zuko look over at me for a brief moment, and Kuro and Coal did so as well. Kale was rolling his eyes at something. I wanted to know what was being said, but before I could take a step someone stepped in my path.

"You look different," a voice spoke softly.

"Mai!"

My friend Mai was relieved to see me too, and she was the first to hug me in her arms. Her embrace was so kind and familiar. I'd missed her embrace, even though I had hardly any memory of it in the past. Mai was my good friend, and that's all I needed to know.

"You were great up there," Mai said, pulling away.

I shrugged. "All I did was smile and wave. Zuko did the talking."

She nodded. "I guess... Eventually the public will want to hear you speak though."

"Well when that time comes…" I began. "You can write my speech for me."

She laughed, hugging me again. She left me once more to head over to Zuko. While she did that Kale, Coal, and Kuro walked over to me.

"Amber! You're not going to believe this!" Kale grabbed both of my arms with excitement. "Zuko just asked Kuro and Coal to be personal bodyguards in the palace!"

Kuro spoke up. "It was completely out of the blue. He said he'd love that the two of us work in the palace with him."

So Zuko was keeping all of his promises to me. I looked between the two men with question. "You're both taking his offer?"

Kuro shrugged. "It's not like I have much of a life in Ba Sing Sei anymore. I'm sure now that they know I'm Fire Nation none of my fellow guards will trust me. Besides, I have a lot of making up to do with my brother." He stepped over to Kale and put him in a choke hold, rubbing his knuckles in his little brother's hair. Kale winced and tried to shove him off.

My eyes shot to Coal with question too. He smirked. "If I get my own bedroom and three meals a day, I'm a happy guy." He leaned forward a bit, whispering, "Also women in the Fire Nation are definitely beauties. I think I'll stick around for a while." His eyes shot over to some fire nation women nearby who were smiling over at him. He winked at them and they giggled walking off.

"Coal!" Kuro snapped, letting go of Kale finally who stepped away running a hand through his messed up hair. "Don't make me put a leash on you!"

I only laughed at the new side of Coal. When I first met the guy, I didn't know much about him. I could see now he was a fun guy to be around. So was Kuro. It would be cool having them around in the palace.

"Well, it will be great to have you both here. I feel relieved knowing I'll be around people I can trust," I said. Then I turned to Kale, saying, "I'm going to go run an errand really quick. I'll see you at the banquet later today."

Kale was surprised, "What errand could you possibly be running right now?"

I smiled weakly. "I promised I'd go grab something for Katara. I'll be back soon."

He looked suspicious. "I can accompany you."

Shaking my head, I backed up a little. "No… I'll be okay. I'll see you later. Tell Zuko I'll be back soon if he asks."

Turning I walked away, and as I pushed through the crowd I looked back to see Kale was still watching me. I really hoped he didn't follow, because he wouldn't like what I was about to do.

Getting back into the palace, I walked through the halls for a good five minutes. The palace was huge, and I felt like it would take me forever to learn all the different rooms and passages. Finally I made it to my destination though. It was very quiet on the part of the palace I'd arrived in. Two guards were positioned at a wooden door, and when they saw me they quickly bowed. The guards all recognized me as the princess because of my fire red highlights. That's the only way anyone recognized I was the princess. Maybe if I colored my hair completely black I wouldn't have to be bowed to anymore…?

A servant stepped out of the door being guarded, and I saw the middle aged woman holding a tray of uneaten food. "How is she?"

The woman frowned at my question. "Still no change, Princess. I've tried to get her to eat, but she refuses. Her health is declining rapidly."

Taking the food from the woman, I said, "Thank you for your help. I'll try." She bowed and left me, heading down the hall. The two guards opened the doors for me and I thanked them entering the room.

The room was lit by sunlight coming in through a small window in the corner of the room. The window was small enough so Azula wouldn't squeeze through, but big enough for fresh air and warmth to come in the room. I'd come to visit Azula in the chaos of everything yesterday, but she had paid me no mind. She was in the exact same position I'd left her in yesterday. Her hair was a mess, and her clothes were torn from two days ago. She refused to let anyone touch her, so getting her to a bath was difficult.

Her foggy gold eyes shot up toward me for a brief second, and then they looked back at the bed. She was seated against the headboard of her bed. A blanket was draped around her shoulders, but her body shivered as if she were still cold. She held onto her knees and hugged them to her tightly. I wondered if taking her fire bending away was the main fault here. I'd had no choice though. She would've just kept fighting until someone truly did die.

"Azula… You should eat," I said. Walking over to her, I placed the tray beside her curled up form. "Starving yourself won't help."

She scowled, her eyes looking over at me again as if I were the enemy. I suppose stealing her fire bending did make me the enemy.

"Well, well… Princess Amber graces me with her presence," Azula muttered. Her voice was soft, and her hands tightened into fists. "I should feel honored."

I sighed, crossing my arms and looking toward the small window in the room. "You're still a princess too, Azula. You've never lost your title."

Azula scowled. "I was supposed to be Fire Lord! It's something I've wanted my whole life."

"Why?" I began, shaking my head in disbelief. "So you could make daddy proud? The monster's in prison now, and from what I hear he hasn't asked once to see you. That man had you wrapped around his finger, made you believe finding favor in his eyes was what was most important, and then in the end he discarded you like a fly. You're so blind, Azula. If you were dead, do you really think Ozai would care? I could've ended your life the other day, and I bet you Ozai wouldn't have mourned once over your death."

Azula hung her head, pressing her face into her knees. She knew I was right. I hated that I was right.

"Why did you come here today? To rub it in my face. You're doing a heck of a job." She lifted her head and I saw tears streaming down her face. "If you want to gloat then at least bring Zuzu in here. That way he can show off his crown to me."

"I'm not here to gloat," I said. "I'm here as a worried sister. You need to eat. You're withering away into nothing, and it has me worried."

"I'll eat when you give me my fire back."

Sitting on the side of the bed with my back to Azula, I hung my head in guilt still crossing my arms. "I told you… I can't because I don't know how."

"If you're this so called "Spirit of Fire", I see no reason why you can't," Azula hissed.

"I'm still new to it…" I turned my body slightly on the bed so I could look at Azula again. "Huo didn't exactly leave me instructions."

Azula narrowed her eyes. "That's because you destroyed his life too by forcing his fire from him!"

"So that's it then," I said softly, standing from the bed and turning fully toward her. "I destroyed your life." Azula looked at me in surprise when I snapped, "If I destroyed your life you would be dead! I spared your life, which was something not even Zuko wanted to do! Be happy that your alive and not locked up in a prison cell beside father! Be happy I'm trying to help you!"

"Why would you want to help me?" Azula snapped back. "Just kill me already! I'm better off dead anyway!"

I slapped Azula across the face. Her eyes went wide with shock, and her hand pressed on her cheek which was turning red. I was surprised that I'd slapped her, but at the same time I felt glad I did. "Don't talk like your life is worthless! You may feel that way, but to me you're my sister who I love."

Azula was speechless, her foggy eyes filling with tears at my words. She stopped talking and stared back to the bed at her food. Her shaky hand picked up the piece of bread on her plate and she chewed it not meeting my eyes. She was eating, and I sighed in utter relief.

"Thank you," I said softly. I started to leave, but stopped at the door saying one last thing. "I'm sorry for hitting you. That was wrong of me. I just don't like hearing you talk that way." I looked back at Azula who was still chewing on her bread and staring at the bed. "I'll be back tomorrow. If you need me before then, just ask one of the servants to fetch me. I'm always here for you." Pushing on the door, I opened it and walked back into the hall. The guards positioned closed the door behind and bowed as I left.

Heading down the hall, I asked one of the servants to help me find my way back to my room. They were more than happy to do so. Once I got back into my large room, I quickly took the dress I wore off, undid my hair letting it fall to my lower back, and then put on my red shirt and black trousers.

Placing the Fire Lily hair pin on my makeup counter, I looked at my reflection in the mirror with a smile. I was back to just being plain simple me, and I liked it.

Just as I was about to leave my room again, I stopped at the large wooden wardrobe and pulled an article of clothing out of it. Throwing the dark red robe over my shoulders, I decided it was best to leave the palace in disguise. If anyone spotted me, they'd tell Zuko or Kale right away. Last thing I wanted was someone stopping me. Pulling the hood over my head, I left my room and made my way through the palace toward my destination.

It was definitely hard getting out of the palace without being spotted, but luckily most of the palace guards were positioned outside where I assumed the crowd was still celebrating. Heading out through the back of the palace, I managed to use my fire and shoot myself over the palace walls. Landing on the other side of the wall, I immediately set off uphill toward the palace prison. The prison was about a two mile walk from the palace, and it was on the highest point of the crater that surrounded the whole capital city.

After two long miles of walking, I finally made it to the palace prison. The prison was a large tower built into the side of a crater. There was a large wall around it, and guards were positioned all around. Approaching the gate, which was a large steel door, the guards in the gate tower quickly spotted me.

"Halt! Show yourself and state your business?"

Upon the order, I pulled my hood back to reveal my fire red highlights. Looking up at the watch tower, I saw the guard who had spoken was staring at me in surprise. "My name is Princess Amber of the Fire Nation. I have come to see Ozai, one of your prisoners here."

The gates immediately opened upon my order. I sighed, still finding it weird that these people did what I wanted without question. Being a princess was going to take some serious getting used to.

Heading inside the prison gates, the warden of the prison met me in the yard. He was a man of mid-thirties, with a strong physique, and a baboon face like Zhao's used to be. He bowed, saying, "Princess Amber… Forgive me for not knowing you were coming today. I would've had the gate already open."

I waved him off. "Actually, I kind of want to keep this a secret. If Fire Lord Zuko finds out, he'll freak with worry."

The warden nodded, and then gestured for me to follow him. The two of us entered the prison, and the deeper we got inside the darker and colder it became. There were torches on the walls to light our path, and every now and then we'd pass a cell with a ruff looking man or woman inside.

"Most of the prisoners here have committed severe crimes. Murderers and assaulters can be found all through these cells."

I cringed a bit, not wanting to think about the water tribe warriors and other war prisoners being stuck in here. They probably were scared out of their minds. The warden continued to lead me deeper into the prison, and I pulled my cloak tighter around me to stop the cold.

We stopped finally after what felt like forever at a thick steel door. There were two guards positioned at the door, and they bowed when they saw me. "The Fire Lord's cell is through this door."

The warden opened the door with a key, and I stepped inside. He started to step inside with me, but I turned to him with a smile. "It's alright… I don't need someone to accompany me. This is something I need to do alone."

The warden seemed like he wanted to argue, but in the end he nodded and bowed. "We'll be right outside if you need us." He turned then and shut the door behind, leaving me with Ozai.

With a heavy sigh, I turned and faced the room I stood in. It was dimly lit by two candles on the wall. The room was half of a cell, while the other half was standing room. The cell had a cot, and a chamber pot in the corner… That was all.

Sitting against the wall of the cell was Ozai, the man who I regretted to admit was my father. Through the dim light I saw the shape he was in. His gold eyes looked tired and full of hate, his long black hair was tangled and unkempt, and his clothes were tattered rags. When he saw me standing at the edge of his cell, he stared at me for a moment with an emotion I could only decipher as amazement. He quickly masked it with hate.

Standing tall, I spoke to Ozai for the first time in ten years. "Do you know who I am?"

Ozai looked dead into my eyes, and I saw him scowl in the dim light. "I'm sad to say I do. It's hard not to recognize a freak like you."

I narrowed my eyes. "You're still the same I see. A heartless cold monster who only loves himself... Guess this cell is perfect for you."

The man snickered, his sinister laugh sending slight chills down my spine. "You have your mom's smart mouth I see. That's something you and your pathetic brother share."

"Yet I've found no characteristics that carried on from you… Not that I'm too saddened by that. The last thing I want to do is look in the mirror and see your face."

Ozai growled. "You disrespect your father with that stubborn mouth."

I couldn't help it. I let out a scoff. "My father…?" I tightened my fist at my side. "You stopped being my father the moment you sentenced me to die."

"Doesn't bother me," Ozai snapped, looking away from me at a spot on the wall. "I never wanted a freak to be my daughter anyway. I wish every day since I learned you were alive that I'd killed you with my own bare hands."

I knew I shouldn't let his words affect me, but they actually hurt. "Why? How could you hate me so much?"

Ozai answered, "You were given life by a spirit. You were tainted with power that would one day overthrow me. I had to end your life before you ended mine. With you dead, I'd have you out of my way and a clear shot at the throne."

I gritted my teeth. "You were afraid I'd overthrow you? I was a six year old girl, you monster!"

"Yes…" he hissed. "A six year old girl who would grow into a strong spirit like you've become today. My father always taught me that spirits were not my friends. He taught me that all spirits ever wanted was peace in the world. Having a spirit under my own roof, I couldn't allow that! You would ruin all my plans!"

"And yet, in the end, your mistake was trying to rid this world of me. If you had never ordered Zhao to kill me, the Water Tribe would've never saved my life. In the end you led to your own demise the moment you wanted me dead."

Ozai stood slowly, his gold eyes looking ready to kill me at the moment. He walked over to me, stopping right at the bars. "My only fault in these last ten years, was trusting that stupid oaf Zhao with such a heavy task. All he had to do was dump you in the freezing water. All he had to do was let you drown… He failed me, and he reached his much deserved end because of it. He's lucky I didn't burn him the moment I found out you were alive and well."

I shook my head. "I can't believe you… I thought maybe I exaggerated a bit when I pictured how you'd be, but I obviously didn't exaggerate enough. All you cared about is yourself… you were willing to put mom, Zuko, and Azula through pain by killing me just so you could ensure you had a path to the throne. The thing that makes me sick is the duty of Fire Lord never belonged to you in the first place. Iroh was the next in line. He deserved the throne more than you, yet you used his son's death to your own gain. You know what you are Ozai… you're a coward."

His eyes narrowed at me.

I kept talking. "You feed off of other people's misery. You managed to take the throne from Iroh because of his mourning. You gained Azula's loyalty by feeding her a bunch of lies. You banished your only son Zuko, knowing that he'd do anything he could to regain his honor and your favor. You even sent away mom just so you could keep your place on the throne… You live to see people in pain."

Ozai was getting irritated. "What's your point?"

"My point is this… you are nothing but a heartless man. You always have and always will be. You spent your whole life leading others with a cruel hand. In the end here you are, all alone in a cell, with no fire bending or honor. Was it all worth it? Was destroying your whole family for some stupid crown really worth a lifetime of solitude?"

"You foolish girl," he hissed. "If I never took the throne then you wouldn't be a princess to this day. You should be thanking me!"

I crossed my arms stepping closer to him. "I don't care about some stupid title. I'd be happy just being Kaya again. I'd be happy living in my little igloo home, listening to the warriors tell stories, sneaking out at sunrise to practice fire bending, laughing with my family, and not having to remember all the pain you put me through every minute of my life. The only reason I'd ever thank you is because you're desire to kill me allowed me to live a happy childhood."

Ozai leaned closer to the bars, hissing, "Why don't you go back to them then… That family you love so much…?

"Because I love Zuko, and even though I want to go back with my Water Tribe family, I promised him I'd stay by his side." I leaned forward too. "You see Ozai, that's what family does. They sacrifice what they want to make each other happy."

"It seems you have it all figured out," he growled. He smirked then. "You were a fool coming here today." His hands suddenly reached through the bars and grabbed my mouth and throat. I gasped as Ozai yanked me toward him, the sound from my mouth blocked by his hard palm. His other hand held onto my throat, not to strangle me but to lock me right in front of him. "You may think you have all the power, just because you're the "spirit of fire" now, but let me make myself clear…" he pulled me closer so my head was pressing against the bars. My hands tightened into fists as I prepared to fire at him. "I could break your neck right now if I wanted to… and I do want to."

Shooting a blast of fire down at his feet, he shoved me back with a gasp so he could distance himself from me. His feet were bare, so the fire I just shot at him had eaten at his toes turning them red. "You freak! I'll kill you!" I was sitting on my butt at the moment, having fallen on it when Ozai shoved me back. My burns were protesting, and I felt my broken ribs send sharp pains through me. Ozai reached through the bars, tightening his fist as if he were picturing strangling me.

A voice suddenly snapped, "Let us through!" The door to the cell room burst open suddenly, and Kale rushed in looking around wildly. When he saw me on the floor, he rushed over falling beside me. Aang and Zuko ran in behind him worried, and I stared at the three with bewilderment. Ozai scowled, stepping back and leaning against the wall.

"Amber," Kale said, grabbing my arm which I hadn't noticed was shaking. "Come on love. Let's get you out of here."

Aang quickly stepped to the other side of me, grabbing my other arm. The two helped me up and supported me. My whole body shook, shocked by Ozai's abrupt attack. Zuko stepped in between Ozai and I, hissing to the man, "What did you do to her?"

Ozai smirked. "You should keep the freak on a tighter leash."

Zuko hissed, pointing a finger at him, "You stay away from her."

"It's not my fault… The freak came to me," he hissed. "Don't blame me for taking the opportunity to kill the runt."

Aang and Kale were already leading me out of the room. The warden held the door open, saying, "I apologize princess, however I had to tell Fire Lord Zuko as soon as you came on the premises."

Zuko stepped through the door, shutting it behind him. "It's a good thing you did Warden Poon. Thank you."

Aang had let go of my arm once we'd exited the room, and asked as the three of us made our way down the hall, "What were you thinking Amber?! You could've been seriously hurt or killed!"

I hung my head, my arms crossed as I tried to find some warmth. My body continued to shake, even as we headed toward the warmer air of the prison. "I don't know," I said softly. "I just wanted to face him."

Zuko had taken the lead, and I could tell he wasn't happy from how tense his body appeared. "You're lucky we got to you in time. Kale sensed something was wrong and voiced his concerns to Aang and I. It's a good thing we received a hawk message from the warden, and had Appa to get us here quickly."

"I was fine… You had nothing to worry about."

"Fine?!" Kale asked, bewildered. "You faced a man who's wanted you dead for almost ten years! It's a wonder he didn't kill you! He probably wanted to as soon as you stepped in the room."

I hung my head more, sorry that I had made them worry so much. "Don't worry," I said softly. "I'm never coming back here again. One time was enough."

Zuko looked back at me sternly. "You won't be coming back here. You're forbidden to do so."

I winced a bit at the order in his tone. He pretty much just gave me my first restriction as a princess. I knew I deserved it after making the three worry.

Eventually we made it back outside the palace where Appa was waiting in the prison yard. The sun caused me to wince as we left the dark and entered the light. Kale helped me up on Appa, and the other two followed behind. We flew from the prison once everyone was on board, Aang taking the reins. Zuko sat in front of me with his arms crossed.

"You should've told me about this reckless plan," he said. "If we hadn't gotten to you in time…"

"If I'd told you then you would've stopped me. Besides… I was doing just fine," I said softly, not meeting their eyes. "I'm not weak and defenseless like you all think."

Kale sighed. "We don't think that Amber… We just know how rash you can be at times. None of us want you to get hurt."

I nodded, hanging my head a bit. "I'm sorry for worrying everyone. I don't really know why I came today… I guess I just wanted to understand how a man could hate his own flesh and blood so terribly. I thought maybe there would be some sense of regret in Ozai's eyes, or maybe he'd be… I don't know… ashamed. However, I was wrong… Ozai has and always will hate me. I shouldn't have expected such an evil man to feel anything other than disgust toward me."

Aang looked back at me as he flew us back toward the palace. "He doesn't deserve a daughter like you Amber. You're better off just forgetting about him."

I knew Aang was right, but at the same time it was hard. No matter what, Ozai would always be my father by blood. A warm hand grabbed my own and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Looking up, I met Zuko's eyes once more. "We don't need that man's love…" Zuko spoke. "What's important right now is repairing what we have with Azula."

I nodded, knowing he was right. "And finding mom…"

Zuko nodded. "And finding mom."

Eventually we returned back to the palace, and Kale helped me off of Appa. The crowd in the courtyard was gone, leaving just the war prisoners and a few Fire Nation nobles. The feast was being held in the banquet hall around dinner time, which was steadily drawing near.

"Amber!" Sokka suddenly hobbled over to me on his crutches and hugged me to him. "Are you crazy?! Do you enjoy trying to get yourself killed?!"

Katara and Toph had walked over also, and I could tell Katara wasn't too happy. "You're crazy! He could've killed you!"

Toph waved Katara off. "Oh all of you chill… Princess knows what she's doing."

"Thanks, Toph," I said, smiling weakly. I was glad at least one person had my back.

Later that evening at the banquet, I stuck to the corner of the large room not wanting to get in the mix of the crowd. The banquet hall was lit by large chandeliers above that servants had placed candles in a while ago. There was music playing from the other side of the room, and loud chatter could be heard all around. A long table was set up against one of the walls, and there was more food on it than I'd ever seen. I felt a bit under dressed whenever a nobleman came by in an exquisite outfit. I was just wearing my normal attire, the same I'd worn to the prison. The cloak was still around my shoulders, mainly because I still felt chills from facing Ozai.

Zuko was busy chatting with the nobles, my father, and other men of all nations. Aang was also chatting amongst the crowd, telling about his plans for repairing the world. I chewed on my moon peach, watching the people around me walk by. Some bowed over at me when they saw me, and I nodded to acknowledge them.

"There you are Amber!" Ty Lee exclaimed, skipping over suddenly. She still wore her Kyoshi Warrior outfit. Mai, Suki, and Toph followed behind. "Suki and Toph just told us the funniest story!"

Mai smiled slightly, saying, "We didn't really believe them, so we came over here to confirm it."

I had a bad feeling suddenly. "What did they tell you?"

Ty Lee grabbed both of my arms, exclaiming, "That you won a burping contest the other day! Is it true?"

Immediately I glared daggers at Toph. "You told them about that?!"

She held up her hands in defense, knowing I was snapping at her. "Don't look at me Princess. It was all Ninja over here." Toph had started to call Suki "Ninja" for some reason. I guess because she was a very agile fighter.

"Suki," I whined.

Suki smiled, saying, "They're your friends, aren't they? It's best they know who you really are."

I sighed, covering my face in embarrassment.

Mai placed a hand on my shoulder. "I think it's great to hear you're not as uptight as you seem."

I was bewildered. "Uptight? Why do you say that?"

Ty Lee answered. "You don't ever really look happy... When we heard about the burp contest, it was good to know you got to lighten up some."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm assuming they didn't tell you the whole story then? I was blackmailed into it."

"Well then, that makes the story even better," Mai joked. I crossed my arms and pouted, while the four girls beside me laughed.

"Ha ha," I muttered.

Kale suddenly arrived, stepping over to me and my friends. "Sorry to interrupt ladies, but I was wondering if I could borrow Amber?"

Ty Lee smirked, dancing a bit in front of Kale. "So you're Amber's boyfriend, huh?" She leaned forward looking Kale up and down. "Definitely cute and strong... I approve."

Kale blushed at the sudden interrogation, and I stepped in between. "Thanks for the approval Ty Lee," I said with sarcasm. Taking Kale's hand, I pulled him away from my friends. "Make sure you kiss her, Kale!"

I turned back and glared at Ty Lee again. She waved at me with innocence, while Mai, Toph, and Suki laughed again. Kale smirked, walking in step beside me now. "Those girls definitely don't need to be together. They'll cause trouble."

Rolling my eyes, I stared at the floor as we walked through the crowd. "They're a handful… Toph isn't the best influence either."

We headed out of the banquet then, and through the many halls of the palace. The farther we got from the banquet, the quieter and more peaceful it became.

I had to ask. "Where are we going?"

He smiled. "You'll see."

We walked for a little while longer. Just as we reached a turn to another hall, Kale stopped and pulled something out of his pocket. "Turn around," he said softly. "I have a surprise, and I don't want you to see it right away."

I was stunned by his request, but did as he asked. Turning, I closed my eyes and felt him blindfold me with the piece of cloth he had. My world became dark, and I stood still waiting for him to finish tying the fabric. He took both of my hands then, saying, "It's just around this corner. I'll tell you when you can look."

He began to guide me through the hall, turning me when we rounded the corner. I held on tightly to his hands, not wanting to trip over my feet. I couldn't see anything, and I had no clue where we were going. I didn't know this palace at all, so I couldn't guess. Kale grew up in these halls though, so he knew this place from the back of his head.

"Almost there," Kale promised.

A good minute later, my feet suddenly left stone ground and touched soft grass. The air around me turned into a warm summer breeze. I heard a rustle of leaves indicating I was outside and there was a tree near me. There were a few quacks heard in the distance, telling me we were near Turtle Ducks.

I was eager to see. "Now?"

Kale kept pulling me along. "Not yet… Almost there…"

His hands left my own then, and they went on my shoulders. He gestured for me to sit, and shakily I sat down. A bench immediately caught me, and I felt it discovering it was smooth stone. Kale sat beside me, his arm touching my own. "Alright…" he said, and I felt his fingers undo the blindfold. "Now."

The blindfold came off, and light quickly flooded my vision once again. After blinking a few times, I opened my eyes to see where Kale had brought me. There was a pond in front of me, the setting sun reflecting in the water and creating sparkles on the ripples. Turtle Ducks swam across the pond, dipping their heads in the water and flapping their wings. Red Fire Lilies circled around the border of the pond, creating a beautiful scene.

"I thought you'd like this place…" Kale said, trailing off a bit at the end.

Covering my mouth, I felt warm tears slide down my cheeks as I stared at the beautiful familiar scene before me. The tree I'd heard rustle earlier was right behind us as we sat on a fine stone bench. The tree was where I'd climbed once long ago to pick an apple for Zuko. The pond was where I'd once shoved Zuko into the water, cheering him up. This bench I sat on was one my mother and I had sat on together, enjoying the moments we still had with one another.

This was the garden I remembered so many times over the last year. This garden was my childhood.

Standing from the bench slowly, I stepped over to the water and knelt down at the edge. My reflection shimmered back at me, and I pictured a six year old girl doing the exact same thing almost ten years ago. "This place… it's the first place I remembered when I started to get my memories back." Tears fell from my eyes into the water, breaking my reflection. "This garden was my favorite place in the whole palace."

"I know," Kale said. He stepped over to me and knelt beside me, his hand brushing through my hair. "When we were young, we'd sneak here at night and look up at the stars. You even found my birthday present in this very pond once." He pulled a purple stone from his pocket, holding it in front of my line of sight. I took it carefully in my hand, immediately feeling a sense of familiarity. "Without the stone, I would've never found you again."

My grip tightened around the stone, my lips pulling up a bit as I felt comfort fill inside me. Standing, Kale stood with me. His arm wrapped around me and he pulled me to his side. I placed the stone back in his hand, saying softly, "I'm glad I gave it to you then."

We returned to the bench once more sitting down, and I leaned into Kale with utter peace. He hugged me to him, pressing his face into my hair. The sun was starting to set, and the Turtle Ducks were waddling on land to sleep for the night. Grass-crickets began to chirp as night came over the palace, and slowly stars began to show in the sky above.

Kale sighed, enjoying the peace as much as I was. "Just like old times."

"Yeah," I said softly. My bare feet pressed into the grass enjoying the soft texture.

After a moment of silence, Kale spoke again. "It's hard to believe this war is finally over."

I nodded, my eyes staring up at the stars high above. "It's really sad to say," I began. "But I'm going to miss all the chaos. Traveling around the world finding Aang teachers and what not was something I came to love. Now that it's all over, I'm kind of scared of what's next. I feel like everything's coming to an end so fast."

Kale pulled me closer to him. "Don't think that way… Nothing's coming to an end. We're all still kids. We have tons to learn, tons to see, and tons to do. Just because we're no longer on a mission to defeat the Fire Lord, doesn't mean we have to sit around for the rest of our lives doing nothing. This may be the end of our past mission, but it's not the end of everything."

Kale's words were amazing me. Where was all this coming from?

"We still have our whole lives ahead of us," he continued, forcing me to turn and look at him. The air was darker around us, but the moon had rose and lit the garden with white light. "We have a world to rebuild, memories to make, and a life time to make them. Our adventure is just beginning."

I felt relieved and reassured by his words. Kale always knew what to say.

Leaning toward me, Kale stopped right before he kissed me. "We have a long road ahead of us… If we stick together though, we can accomplish anything."

I nodded, saying softly, "Thanks for always being there for me, Kale. I wouldn't have made it this far without you. I love you so much."

"I love you too my princess." He leaned in then and kissed me, his hand going to the back of my head. I wrapped my arms around his neck pushing myself closer to him.

Kale was right. Even if our past mission was over, we still had our whole lives ahead of us. This wasn't the end… This was only the beginning.

A/N: So that's the end. I tried not to make it too cheesy, so I hope you enjoyed. Thanks for reading, and for everything else. You all were my encouragement in writing this series, and I had fun doing so. I'll let you all know soon if I'm continuing into the comic series. Thanks again for everything. =)