It's finally here. After having my comp get sick, I thought I lost this. But with the support of friends and my lovely comp doctor, I got it fixed. The finished product, beta-ed by Loveroftheflame and Spleef stands before you. Now, the journey comes to an end and I'm not sure how I feel. When I began this work, I was 19 and I was beginning college with a single mother. Now, I have a new father and I'm applying to grad school. When I began this story, I was unknown in this fandom and now, I have so many wonderful readers who honor me by providing their wonderful feedback, many of who became friends of mine. I can't begin to thank all of you, everyone who reviewed. This story housed a lot of my sadness, the pain that was going on in my life that I couldn't tell anyone. Now that I look back, it was a refuge of fiction in a storm of my life. That storm is over now and it's time to move on. I will be working on original stories more, but I will also be giving you plenty of reading material in the fandom. A special dedication to Superlazygirl and Acastus, who gave me so much moral support. Now, enough chatter, this will be the final chapter, but there will be an epilogue as well. So read and enjoy, since the universe is not mine!

How to save a life

Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along

---The Fray

Yue had been schooled in her role. She knew exactly what she was supposed to do. Jet had gone over the plan a hundred times, patiently repeating the instructions. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Katara asked, her voice shuddering with tears. She had been brushing the white hair for the last hour, styling it into the elaborate coils of her rank, with a make-shift crown. The princess had been wrapped in elegant blue and white robes of her mother-land, the fur giving her a look of wealth and power.

The princess had nodded serenely, as she carefully finished applying the light make-up to her face. Beautiful pearl jewelry accented her delicate features. Despite the beauty she knew she was, she felt more like a sacrifice to the gods, left to die. Still, she had to look perfect. "Whatever happens, this was my choice. I want to do this," she said, kissing Katara on both cheeks. Her hands were shaking.

Jet nodded. "It's all ready. We just need you to play this part. Take a drink, it will calm you down," he said, offering Yue a cup. She just wished she didn't have to drink from it. Despite how sweet the sake should have been, it tasted poisonously bitter. "Now you have to get going."

Yue nodded. "I wish you good luck. May the Moon Spirit watch over you all and bring you good luck." She had to leave before she lost her nerve.Followed by her backup, she walked down the corridor of the enormous hall. How beautiful and crisp the air felt. She would like to remember that.

Prince Aiiro was limping down the halls, strengthening his legs. Even in his crimson clothing, his blue eyes were unmistakable. His friend Orli was next to him, the two chattering together animatedly. Seeing him alive gave her hope. The spirit of the ocean inside him would someday lead him on the right path. He might have worn a ruby Fire Nation crown, but he would always be her brother. Someday, he would finally find peace with his Water Tribe heritage. As per protocol, she stepped aside and bowed as he past. "Goodbye, and good luck," she whispered as the boys walked by. May he grow strong and proud and great. She waited for the boy to shuffle away down the hall, trying to burn his image onto her mind. Finally, she turned and kept walking.

Inside the nursery, the Fire Lord was sitting on a divan, the baby swaddled in his arms. It was such a beautiful room, painted a soft rose with golden phoenixes emblazoned everywhere. He was an attentive father, who had tried to give his baby the best. "Father came to visit you, Zhyun. You are getting so big! When you were born, you fit into the crook of my arm. The nurses say you gained some weight. That's good, that's very good," he was saying to the baby.

"Your brother Aiiro will come visit you soon. He'll get used to you, before long. A big brother will be wonderful. He's a very good boy. He'll make sure to keep you safe." He looked less threatening and royal now. His hair had gotten loose from his bun, soft strands falling across his forehead. He had removed his outer royal robes and appeared to be an ordinary man with his baby.

For a moment, Yue wondered what it would have been like to have a child of her own, to watch her own husband coo over their child, to share that wonderful bond of love. She would never know.

"My Lord, if I could have a moment of your precious time... I would like to speak with you," she said demurely, trying to behave like the princess she was. She needed to catch his attention.

"If you want," the Fire Lord said softly, paying more consideration to his daughter than to her. "I'm listening," he continued in a tone that plainly said his child had transfixed him and little could steer his attention away.

"My lord, this is a conversation best conducted without a child present. If we could have some time alone," she forced herself to ask. The Fire Lord was a handsome man. In another life, perhaps she could have even loved him.

"I doubt she can understand us," Zuko said. "She's just a baby. She simply wants to be held. If you need some money, just ask the royal treasurer to see if your allowance can afford it. If not, feel free to exchange for some of your jewelry," he explained, still cooing over the baby.

"Please, let my nursemaid take her. I… am your wife, after all." A princess did everything with dignity.

He looked completely confused, but with a sigh, let go of his infant daughter in favor of Yue's nursemaid. "Father is going to hold you again soon," he whispered, giving the infant a kiss on the nose that broke Yue's heart. What horrible burdens she was forced to bear.

As soon as the door closed, she faced her duty. "What was so important that you had to disturb me?" He demanded.

"My lord... now that the little princess has been born… I find my position here... unstable. I wish to make myself more... valuable to you. Yet I have nothing to offer but... myself," Yue said, bowing deeply.

Zuko shrugged, reddening. "I am betrothed to Lady Hyun. You don't have to make such an offer. We married for political reasons. You are free to adopt children and live your life as a lady of luxury," he explained, as he self-consciously adjusted his robe.

Yue tried to remember what Jet had said. She had to do this, for the fate of the world. Sacrificing what little dignity she had, she fell at his feet. ""Please my lord... Please allow me to give you this. I love you. Don't throw my only gift away," she pleaded, holding her hands out to him beseechingly.

He looked completely taken aback. "I…why are you doing this? I am not going to grant you any favors. If you think that will help… you are wrong."

She moved to block his way. "I am your wife, my lord. I am not asking for any favor but the favor of your company. I lost family and friends, my lord. You are all I have left," she beseeched. "Let me serve you."

He looked nervous. "I… asked your people to surrender. All I wanted was your apologies and payment for destroying those ships. I didn't want more people to lose their lives," he explained, his voice growing softer. "Why didn't you surrender earlier?"

"My father said it was better to die as free men than live as slaves. I wanted the war to stop, but I couldn't say anything," She confessed, her hands clenching together as the memories of so many deaths flowed into her head.

"That philosophy is over. Now that I rule all people, there will be no more wars. Zhyun and Aiiro will grow up in a world filled with peace. No more senseless division, no more borders. The Avatar sacrificed his life so that we can have a better world," Zuko explained, spreading his hands out.

Yue took one of his hands, wishing she could believe his words. "You have noble goals, my lord. I only want to do what's best for the kingdom," she said, kissing his hand reverently.

"I will help your people rebuild. Help me make them citizens of my empire and they will be allowed all the freedom and privileges they please," He said quietly. "I will make Aiiro their prince. They must abandon their treachery and swear allegiance to him as my vassal and they need never fear again."

She nodded, wishing it were all not a lie. "I will help, my lord. I will do anything to make the world a better place. I would give my life if needed. All I want is peace and the hope of a better tomorrow."

The teenaged lord gave her a shy smile. "I'm glad you are seeing the light," he said, staring at the hand Yue was holding. "But…" he said, trying to pull his hand away. "Hyun will not approve."

She finally pulled out the last trick. "Let me become a true wife to you. I can also be a mother to Aiiro, teach him how to be a true prince. We can all be one happy family."

His eyes widened as she moved closer to him. She remembered what Jet had told her. With a trembling hand, she touched his chest. "Allow me to please you, Zuko…" She learned close, so he could smell her perfume. It was musk, a scent guaranteed to raise any man's spirits.

"I… this isn't needed," Zuko said, his face flushing. His lips may have been refusing her, but were eyes were narrow with interest. Yue hated fooling him. She hated being a cheap, tawdry seductress. She was a princess; she was made for better things.

Yet, she didn't have time for modesty and dignity, she had to stir his interest. She pressed her lips to his palm in a chaste gesture, letting them linger a moment too long. By the sudden heat that blazed in her husband's eyes, she knew she was succeeding. "You are my husband. Making you happy is always needed," she said, gesturing to the couch.

-----------------------

Katara hugged her baby close. "My baby girl, my Atka," she said possessively. "You are going to bring down Zuko and his empire. You are going to avenge your father. You are going to crush the Fire Lord," she whispered, as she snuggled into Appa's soft fur.

She would have never believed how Jet had saved the day. "I had found Appa wandering alone in the wilderness," Jet told her, explaining how he had gained the animal's trust and cared for it. "Even if you had ruined my plans, I am still your friend. And I think I showed my approach was right." Katara was inclined to agree. There was only one way to fight a war, kill or be killed.

"Well, after the great destruction of the Earth Kingdom, the forest became unsafe. We were forced to move into the mountains, into caves. A Fire nation soldier wandered into one of our hideouts. Before Smellerbee made him bleed, he mentioned that the Fire Lord had you as his concubine, so even if I killed that bastard, he still had a 'mixed nation heir,' despite the 'unsuitability.' I figured you were too pretty to waste on a mere Fire Lord so I decided to rescue you. You and the Fire Lord just… aren't meant for each other," Jet said, giving Katara a smoldering look. "Still can't believe you slept with the pig. The mere idea of you two together… yuck. You could do so much better."

"This baby is Aang's. I passed her off as Zuko's to protect her. She's the new Avatar," Katara answered, tossing her hair merrily.

"Even better! This little girl is going to grow up to make a great rebel. If she's anything like her dad, she'll be the Empire to its knees." Jet's savage grin had never looked wickeder. "But let me continue!"

Jet had snuck Appa into the remote jungles of the Fire Nation with Longshot as the caretaker. "The jungles are mostly untamed. You could hide an army in them and no one would notice. Actually, that is a good plan for later. We communicated through the hawks I bought. Smellerbee and I easily infiltrated the palace." Katara was touched. He had planned everything, all to save her.

When Smellerbee had returned in her nursemaid garb, carrying the baby, Katara had been unable to hold back her tears. "I will never forget this," she had whispered, as she and Jet and Smellerbee waited at the window. Her heart had been pounding in her chest, worried that Yue had failed and they would be discovered. This was the final hope of the resistance; surely this tiny trickle of freedom would not be choked.

When Appa had roared by the palace, pausing only to allow the four runaways to hop aboard before ascending into the sky, Katara finally felt safe and happy for the first time in months. The sky was blue, the air was clear. Things were finally looking up.

-------------------

Yue lay on the couch, covered by Zuko's cloak. She had made sure to cry out and moan with pleasure, just as Jet had instructed. At first it had been difficult, but she felt she had pleased her mate. In fact, she had even enjoyed herself by the end. Zuko was drowsily lying back, looking very pleased with himself. "That was wonderful."

He laughed quietly. "I'm sure… we could improve with… practice. By the time I've learned everything," he said, trailing off with a smile. "Thank you. Because of you my wedding night will be everything I dreamed it to be," he exclaimed.

She blushed. "I only… wish to please you," she said, trying to catch her breath. Her husband had a great deal of energy.

As he leaned over to kiss her yet again, a horrible sound filled the air. Someone was pounding urgently on the door. Zuko rolled his eyes. "Can't I get a moment's peace?" he muttered, as he slipped on his pants. "It must be an emergency if they need me." The gentle kiss he leaned over and brushed against her lips was more painful than she could say. "Duty calls."

Yue closed her eyes, knowing that they had been discovered. "My lord husband," a voice was shrieking, sealing her doom. "I am the future Queen, let me in!"

Zuko and Yue both paled as the door opened. "Princess Zhyun is missing! So is her birth mother and two palace servants! It was a plot!" Lady Hyun burst into the room. Her golden eyes flickered over Yue like a burning flame. There was a look of utter disgust on her face, the same look she had when she had found her disciplining the little prince. "They flew away on a flying bison!"

"What?" Zuko roared, standing up. "Have you sent out soldiers after them?" The placid Fire Lord had become a raging dragon again.

"Yes, Husband. Every spare unit will be dispatched," Lady Hyun said breathlessly, as she ran to her husband's side.

"You little whore!" Zuko roared, turning on Yue and looking disturbingly angry. A ball of fire had formed in each of his hands and he looked more than ready to burn her to a crisp. "I'll kill you!"

"I don't know what you are talking about, your majesty! I am your wife!" Yue screamed as she dived for cover.

"You stole my daughter, you strumpet!" Zuko shouted, throwing a ball of fire at her. "You helped that girl steal my baby!"

"Have mercy, your majesty! I swear, I had nothing to do with it," Yue pleaded, tears coming to her eyes. She was dying for the Avatar. It was a noble cause. Although she felt a lump in her throat, she also felt strangely at peace. This sacrifice was for the world. She regretted nothing. "I'm your wife!"

"You disgusting liar! You distracted the Fire Lord with your charms!" Hyun said, tears in her own eyes. She had sunk into a combative position. "The princess was stolen because of you!"

"And you will pay with your life. How are you, you slut!" Zuko rounded on her, taking Hyun's hand apologetically.

"Please, he's my husband too!" Yue pleaded, hiding behind the couch. She closed her eyes and waited for death. Soon she would be with her people again. She was not afraid. The Moon spirit had given her life and now she would return it.

"It only compounds your guilt! You betrayed your lord! You helped a royal princess be kidnapped!" Zuko glowered, shooting another ball of fire near her. "I say we string her up as a warning,"

"Wait till we find Zhyun. Arrest her till then. We will decide her fate later," Hyun said, glaring at her.

"Please, my husband, have mercy on me," Yue begged, realizing her guilt was plain for everyone to see. She had done it. That was all that mattered.

"You stole my child. You don't deserve mercy," Lord Zuko spat, turning his back on her. "You deserve suffering."

As guards grabbed her arms and dragged her away, Yue prayed for the serenity to face death without tears. "Young Avatar, live long and live free," she whispered, feeling herself relax.

--------------------------------

"Attack from the left," Smellerbee yelled, her voice high with panicky as a fireball grazed the left of Appa's fluffy coat.

Katara moaned as Appa swerved and ducked into the sky. She knew that Appa was a large target; a large flying monster was hard to miss. Still, she had not suspected the entire Fire Nation would be after them so quickly. How did these people manage to stay ahead of them?

"Attack from the right," Smellerbee warned. Katara bore down on Appa clutching his fur with both her hands, remembering what Aang had told about lowering her center of gravity.

Longshot scrambled to the front of the saddle and began shooting arrows down below to the attacking soldiers, but a volley of arrows were returned in his stead. "There's too many of them," Jet hissed, cursing under his breath. The war tank kept following them over the land, puffing smoke like some horrible dragon. "We need to get to the lake, we'll be safe there."

Appa roared with pain as an arrow pierced his foot. The giant creature turned over, shifting everyone in his saddle. Smellerbee, Longshot and Jet held onto the saddlebag, yelling in sheer panic. "Katara, hold on," Jet commanded.

Katara dove for her basket immediately, trying to secure her baby. She had been resting in the front of the saddle. "Grab it," she shouted back, unconcerned for her own safety. She was more than willing to die for her baby.

Jet lunged, trying to obey her command, but the force of Appa turning over knocked him back across the saddle, his arm still out for the baby.

For a long moment, the basket swerved back and forth, and Katara had hope. In a second, Jet would have it and all would be well. The baby would be fine; Aang would not let anything happen to her!

Then Appa roared again, swerving again.

The basket fell.

For a long second, she watched the basket drop through the air, unable to do anything. Jet grabbed the rains and swerved Appa to avoid another blast. Katara watched as the baby's basket dropped below the trees. "We have to get out of here," he shouted.

Katara had not stopped screaming.

------

Than could have danced for joy. His wife Ying had just borne him a beautiful baby girl, a child for him to love and raise. His sister Lan was with the new mother and he had decided to chop some firewood so that his new daughter would be warm. The carpenter could not wait to share wonderful memories with his growing family. His luck had taken an upswing. A Fire Nation noble family had taken over the area, and had hired him to be their carpenter. Although Than hated the new overlords, his new employers seemed kind and paid well. There would be food for the winter.

He still had to think of a name for the little gift from the Gods. "Oh great Geb, Lord of all Land, I thank you for the wonderful gift I have received," he whispered as he walked through the cool dark forest. He loved the woods at night, the ink-black sky dotted with gem-like stars, the cool breeze from the lake, the sound of a baby crying…

He stopped short. A baby? Yes, he could hear the mewling of a baby in the distance. Could Lan have come to find him? Ever since the fever, Lan had lost the ability to speak and Than had to learn the subtle art of communicating with her.

As he followed the sound, he saw a lump in the loam of the riverbed. The crying was getting louder. As he tapped the lump with a reed, he heard a strange woven sound. He picked up the lump and felt it to be… a crying basket.

Than opened the basket and found a wailing infant, dressed in red garments. She looked clean and well cared for, plump and healthy. Yet, there were no signs of the parents. From the smell, the baby had soiled itself. Poor little thing… all alone in the world.

"Where are your parents, little one?" Than asked, as he reached into the cradle and picked up the whimpering infant and putting it close to his chest. "All alone in the world? You are lucky a hog monkey didn't find you and eat you. A tender little thing like you…" he said, stroking the baby's soft black hair.

He had prayed for a child for so long. Perhaps… perhaps the Gods had answered his prayers twice. Some families did this to unwanted children, left them out on the river to be found or eaten. Being a father himself, he could not imagine such a cruel act, but a hundred years of war could drive people to desperate measures. Perhaps this child was the product of a shameful union, and the parents had no choice. Either way, this child would not starve while he was alive! "Come on, little one. We are going home," he said, pushing the basket back into the river with his foot as he carried his new child home. "You have a little sister waiting for you there."

--------

Yue tried to hold her head high, even as the chains weighed her down. She had been shackled hand and foot, as she awaited her death. She was preparing herself for that moment, when she would be tied to the stake and could show the world her bravery. She would show them a princess could die with dignity.

Yet, when the cell door opened, she found herself trembling. She closed her eyes for a moment, as she heard footsteps enter the room. Surprisingly for guards, they seemed very light. Something… wasn't right.

Yue opened her eyes to see Lady Hyun standing there, her face calm and expressionless. "Lady," Yue whispered, wondering if the Fire Nation girl would kill her herself.

"Don't be afraid. I am not here to hurt you in any way," Lady Hyun said, her voice detached. Dressed in a silk gown and a ruby tiara, she glowed like the goddess in the light. "I only wish to talk."

"I… have nothing to say that would help," Yue said. She had stolen Lady Hyun's stepdaughter and seduced Lord Zuko. She could only imagine the tirade coming.

"You are a slut who used my husband and who broke up our family. A concubine who defied her master and mistress, who aided in the kidnapping of a royal princess and committed treason. You have signed your own death warrant," Hyun began, her voice cold and regal.

Yue bowed her head. "I did what I had to. Do what you wish with me," she said, unsure what else to say. The chains were so heavy. Perhaps death would be a mercy. She only wished to see the sky once more before she died. Surely, that was not too much to ask.

"I have already decided what to do with you. You will be exiled from the palace to the island of Sohar. You will never leave its shores again. You will fade away from my life and never bother me again. " Lady Hyun's face was completely emotionless.

Her life was to be spared? Yue was shocked. It didn't make sense; her mission was to sacrifice her life in the service of her people. "I… how did I deserve your mercy?"

"You got rid of the competition for the child I will soon be carrying. Although it caused my lord much grief, the sight of the prince I shall bear him will comfort him. Zhyun was competition, one I need not worry about anymore." Lady Hyun actually looked softer now, her face more human and gentle. "So despite your actions, I am in your debt."

"But… I…" Yue was completely speechless with confusion. She could not believe how Lady Hyun was reacting.

"Oh, it grieved me to see my husband with you. That was the cause of my tears. Still, although you seduced my husband, she actually bore him a child. Katara's child would have a place in his heart, one I would never be able to fully replace."

Yue sighed. "I swear to you, I meant to cause you no pain. I think we could have been friends, had we been allowed to be," she said quietly. "Still, exile would remove me from being able to help my people."
"Ary will help your people. He will remind the Fire Lord to show favor to them. I'll see to that. And don't worry. I will not make your exile overly harsh. Once my lord's anger dies down, you might even get some luxuries. I am generous in gratitude." Hyun gave a shy smile and snapped her fingers. "I shall even give you a criminal from your nation. He will be your slave so you can have at least some semblance of nobility."

As the lady walked out of the cell, a boy was dragged in. His blue eyes were wild and furious, his body lean from hunger, but the way he held his chin up suggested an inner strength that Yue admired. As the boy was tossed on the floor, Yue winced. She could only imagine how painful that was.

As soon as the door slammed, Yue tried to get up from her chains. "Are you all right?" she asked tenderly.

"Yes… but my sister? Have you seen her?' the boy asked desperately, as he looked up to her. "You must be from the North, maybe she was with you?"

"Is your sister… Katara?" Yue asked, taking a wild guess. She knew the Southern Tribe was tiny, how many sibling pairs could there be?

"Yes! Is she alive? Is she all right?" the boy asked, his eyes filling with fragile hope. Even the pain in his face had lessened.

"Yes. She is alive, well, and free. I helped her escape. She and her baby are where no one can ever hurt them." Yue was so happy to tell the news to someone who would delight in it as she did.

The incandescent joy in the boy's face seemed to brighten the cell. "That's so great," he breathed, as he got to his feet. "I will never be able to repay you. I'm Sokka, your friend for life."

And Yue believed him.

---------

Than smiled at his wife. "They are beautiful," he whispered. Lan had confirmed that the new baby was a girl. After hearing the girl's tragic story, all of the little family had agreed that two new members had joined. They would tell everyone that they had born twins, and that one had been born sickly. That would explain the difference between the two children in size.

Although the house would be crowded and Than would be the sole bread-winner for five mouths, he knew he would be able to make it work. The Gods had blessed him many times; he knew they would help him now. "Our twins are going to be the most loved children ever."

Ying cuddled her two new babies. "I love you, husband." She was still as beautiful as the day he had married her. "What shall we call them?" she asked, as Lan stirred the stew contentedly.

"Yi… it means happy. I want our child to be very happy," Than said tenderly, looking at his new biological daughter. "And as for this one, she will be Zhi, because she had the wisdom to find us," he continued, giving his adopted daughter a smile.

Lan nodded, her smile speaking what her tongue couldn't. As if agreeing themselves, both babies fell into a deep sleep; safe from harm and free to enjoy whatever destinies they chose.

--------------------

Zuko sighed and stared into the empty cradle. He had been fooled by that ice-witch and now his daughter was all alone in the outside world, with no one to love and care for her, besides her insane mother who had been a danger to herself. Zuko had failed his own child, something he promised he would never do.

"Master… can we talk?" a small voice asked, as Zuko heard the sound of shuffling enter the room and felt a warm body climb into his lap. "You look sad."

Zuko stroked Aiiro's soft hair and cuddled him close. "I am sad. They took your little sister. I sent out soldiers, but there are a million places she could be hidden," he said quietly, taking comfort in his foster son.

"Don't be sad, Master. I'm sure Zhyun will be fine," Aiiro said, hugging Zuko's neck. "And you still have me. I'll never leave you," he continued. "I'm yours forever, just like you said."

Zuko couldn't resist a small smile. "Yes, you are. And… I want you to start calling me Father. I am not your master anymore, I am your family." He wanted to feel close to others now that he had been so betrayed. He had thought Yue had loved him when all she had done is lie to him.

Aiiro's eyes lit up. "Thanks, Father!" he said, snuggling deeply into Zuko's chest. "I'm your son now."

"Of course you are. And what a good son you are. I have a feeling Mama Hyun put you up to this," Zuko remarked wryly, flicking Aiiro's nose.

"Actually, it was us," Hotaru said, walking into the room, followed by her paramour. "I was worried about you. Mother, Uncle, and Hyunnie were pretty worried too."

"Thanks," Zuko said, motioning for his sister to sit. "I'll be fine." He would just miss his first-born child till the day he died.

"We know the baby was important to you, but babies die before their first year. Crib fever, the spirits taking their soul, life sucks a lot. You'll have more kids, a powerful king like you," Devdan assured him.

Zuko scowled at him. "A child isn't replaceable," he snapped, wondering how his sister could love such a dunderhead. It took him a moment to realize that Devdan had lost his entire family twice.

"She's with her mother. They'll find their way," Hotaru assured him. "Besides, I think she escaped with her lover."

"What?" Zuko said, tightening his grip on his foster son. Given that one Water Tribe woman had turned out to be a whore, maybe the other one too. He just couldn't imagine his little Zhyun not being his child.

"Well, she didn't look a thing like you or anyone else in your family. She was pure Water Tribe, almost… too pure," Devdan piped up, tossing a candy at Aiiro.

"She might have been pregnant on the voyage and just passed the baby off as yours in order to put her own child on the throne. When you arranged to marry Hyunnie, she realized she had to pack it out," Hotaru finished.

Zuko's lip curled. "I asked her to marry me…" he realized, his mind turning with how he had deluded himself. Yes, she had protested, the child had not been his. He had just assumed because he had been with her, at least he thought he had… he didn't remember very much…

"Even so, who needs her? You have a wife who will give you a shipload of kids. What do you need her for?" Hotaru asked.

"You are right." Zuko closed his eyes. "It's over. We will not speak of it again. Tell the world that Princess Zhyun died. She can stay with her mother. I won't chase her. I have enough already," he said, feeling Aiiro close to him.

------------------

Jet watched as Katara shivered and stared into the fire. She had sobbed for hours after the loss of the baby, rocking back and forth in utter misery. Jet had held her as she sobbed, whispering words of comfort as he assured her of the empty promises of an afterlife meant to comfort the grieved. Katara had not spoken the entire time, her eyes wide and empty.

Jet had taken her back to the cave and let her rest. He had wrapped her in warm blankets and coaxed broth past her lips. Yet, Katara seemed lost in another world, a world of madness and pain that Jet recognized too well. The loss of her baby had been a tragedy, but the loss of an Avatar? That put a serious chink into Jet's war machine.

Yet, Jet had not shown his disappointment to Katara. He had cared for her, keeping her happy and safe and clean, holding her as she sobbed through nightmares. He would never leave her; never let anyone hurt her again. That Fire Lord and every Fire-bastard would pay for ruining their lives. He would swear to that.

He would tell her that every day, as he would beg her to drink a few drops of soup, to walk around a bit, to embrace life again. "It's going to be okay, Kat. I'm going to keep you safe. We'll have many children together, I'll give you as many as you like," he would say softly, carefully watching her despondently blank face for any sign of emotion.

"Yes…" a hoarse voice finally rasped, one spring morning. "We'll find the Earth Avatar… we'll save Sokka, this won't be the end," Katara whispered, her eyes focused again. "I won't give up."

Jet took her hand. "Yes, my love. We will live and defy the Fire Nation together. That's the ultimate revenge."

AN-An epilogue will follow, but for the most part, you know the fates of the characters. I decided that I couldn't tell you what happened to each character, I want life to be realistic, that it never ends, that the future is always a mystery. I hope I accomplished that.