Epilogue

Music boomed outside the Fire Nation palace. It was a chorus of at least a hundred instruments. The musicians were all perfectly synchronized. The beat was fast and pulsing and people danced in the center of the town in celebration. People from all over the world had come to this celebration. It had been ten years since the end of the war.

Ten peaceful years.

Aang, now twenty-two and married, danced in the center of it all with his wife, Toph, the girl from his vision. Somehow, the Avatar had managed to drag her onto the dance floor. Though she had been reluctant at first, she was laughing and having the time of her life with Twinkle Toes (as she still called him). Next to them danced another couple, laughing just as loud and having just as good of a time.

"Zuko!" Katara cried. The Fire Lord in question dipped the waterbender down, kissing her on the lips. He pulled her back up, twirling her and starting the dance over. Katara smiled, eyes sparkling just as bright as the pendant around her neck. It was a purple stone carved with the Fire Nation insignia. Around it were waves, symbolizing the Water Nation. It was her betrothal necklace.

Iroh sat in a chair off to the side, swaying with the music. He smiled as he watched his nephew and niece-in-law dancing. They were having the time of their lives. That day in the swamp had changed them forever, whether they knew it or not. It had happened gradually, so maybe they hadn't noticed. But Iroh had.

After the argument between Sokka and Zuko had settled down, Iroh had coaxed the whole story out of his nephew. About the little girl.

That same little girl now slipped next to Iroh, a pastry in her hand. Her red dress flowed to the floor, sleeves wide. She took a bite of her treat, climbing up on Iroh's lap. "Great Uncle Iroh, tell me the story about the pirates again."

"Princess Azuki, don't you get tired of that story?" Iroh asked, hands around his great-niece's stomach.

"Nu-uh." she said with a shake of her head. So Iroh told her the story.

"And I said: are you too busy to notice your own ship has set sail?" Azuki giggled.

"I like that, uncle." she said. "You want the last bite?" The princess held up the rest of her pastry. Iroh opened his mouth and his great-niece fed it to him.

"Thank you. That was delicious." Azuki giggled again. "Oh, I almost forgot." Iroh reached down beside his chair, pulling up an extravagant package. "Happy sixth birthday, little one." Azuki's copper eyes sparkled as she looked at her gift with wide eyes. She had expressions like her mother. Taking the package, she pulled off the purple ribbon and unwrapped it.

"Fire Lilies!" she exclaimed. She lifted up her present. A purple kimono decorated with blue Fire Lilies. There was a deep red sash for a belt. The little girl hugged her great uncle, leaping off his lap, slipping the kimono on over her dress. She tied the sash and hugged herself. "It's so big!" It was true. The sleeves were enormous and she nearly tripped whenever she walked.

"And the flowers match your necklace." Iroh pointed out. Azuki smiled, grasping her necklace. The pendant was blue, carved in the pattern of waves with a navy strap. It had belonged to Great Gran-Gran. Azuki smiled, hugging her uncle one last time before she weaved her way onto the dance floor.

Iroh smiled.

"Daddy!"

Zuko looked down to see… "Lily?" Katara turned now, smiling.

"It's me, Daddy. Azuki." the princess said. "Look what great uncle got me for my birthday." She held up her arms. Zuko smiled, letting his wife go to pick up his daughter. He couldn't believe he didn't see it before…

"I love you, my little Fire Lily."

"I love you too, Daddy."

o0oOo0o

A/N: Yay! I finished it just the way I wanted to. And I think I covered all the hints I kept dropping in the story. If you don't get some of them, you really need to pay attention to details. Anyway, I hope you liked the story and I really hope you review!