Author's Note: So, despite wanting to make this a twenty-something chapter story, I've found that it really doesn't need to be continued for that long. I'm probably making this the last chapter, though a sequel is in the works :) Let me know in your reviews or PM's if there is something you would like to see in the sequel, and I'll be sure to put them all into consideration :D

This chapter was... Kinda depressing, but also really exciting to write XD I could here the Azula/Zuko them song in the back of my mind as I was typing this up, and it got pretty intense at some points O.o XD Anyways, I hope you enjoy this final chapter, and I hope you look forward to a sequel which will probably be posted next Saturday at some point, since that is when I do most of my writing :)

I had 7 reviewers last chapter, which was beyond exciting for me, so I think it's only natural that I should mention them now for being so kind X3

Honorable Mentions go to:

CzarAndrew

8xBL

I'm Solo

Splashes-in-the-dark

.334

Dark Albarn

energyburnerrocks

Thank all of you so much for taking the time to review the story, and I hope you enjoy this chapter :)

Also, you should totally check out my new NarutoxFairy Tail crossover featuring the pairing of KakashixErza ;D You won't regret it X3

Toph stood over the man who had once given them so much trouble, who had done nothing but try to kill them all. Yet, they were so similar when it came to why they did what they did. He only hurt them because he loved Azula, just as she was only hurting him because she loved Aang.

With a small sigh, Toph stepped away from the man, leaving the earthen cuffs over his wrists so he couldn't try anything. She would let Aang take away his bending, that would be a fitting enough punishment for him.

Looking over to where the Airbender had been fighting with Azula, she saw him standing over her, obviously waiting for something. The rest of the gang had appeared once more, standing in a huddle as they watched the battle.

Ayla, whom Zuko had left with an old woman he had trusted for a long time now, was once again in her mother's arms, happily giggling as she played with Suki's hair.

"So, Azula, what'll it be?" He asked once more, staring down at the crazed woman as he waited for her response, watching as she glanced around at her surroundings and judged if she would be able to escape.

Gritting her teeth in frustration, Azula shook her head wildly, "No, I'll never give up to you Avatar!" She spat, struggling against her bonds, "My father said I should be leader! That I was the only one who could lead the Fire Nation to greatness!" She sobbed, still struggling. "I will never stop hunting you down Brother, you will die!" she vowed, looking directly at the Fire Lord when she spoke.

Aang looked at her sadly before allowing himself a sigh of defeat, knowing in his heart that there would be no other way. Even if he took her bending, she would just force other's to do the work for her. Though, as he prepared to end it, he found that he couldn't. The principles he'd been taught as a small child were still within him, and there was no way he could possibly go against them now.

Then Zuko stepped up, setting a hand on his friend's shoulders. "There's no reason for you to have to do this and go against your beliefs. Besides, this is my unfinished battle. She came back for me, not to mention she hurt my people. It's only natural that I should be the one to protect my nation from threats such as her, so I'll do it."

Aang looked over at him I uncontained shock, quickly shaking his head, "Zuko, you can't! She's your sister!" It would be difficult enough killing a random stranger, but to kill your own flesh and blood would seem to be impossible.

Zuko gave Aang a small smile, "Don't worry about it. Deep down, I kind of knew this day would come. Besides, as the Avatar it isn't your job to get mixed up in Fire Nation politics." He assured him, stepping towards Azula.

"Azula… I wish I could've saved you… I never wanted us to be enemies, even if I was more than a little jealous of you. No matter what you do, you're my little sister. That means I'm supposed to be there for you and protect you. Seeing you like this now only means I failed my job, and I'm so very sorry for that." Zuko said, staring at the ground with his fists clenched as he spoke. "I can't help but think that if mom had stayed, you would've grown up differently… Better." He added quietly.

"Goodbye, Azula…" With that last farewell, everyone glanced away out of respect as Zuko did as he promised, finally bringing his twisted family problems to an end. The gang quickly joined him afterwards, surrounding him in a group hug as they all tried to comfort him, earning more than a few tears from the veteran Firebender.

When all was said and done, Aang walked with Toph over to where Kazuo laid numbly, staring up at the sky as the tears fell from his face. "Please… Let me be with her!" He begged, looking at Aang pleadingly.

Aang, though he felt as though he could understand the man's sentiments, still couldn't bring himself to kill him as he adjusted the rocks that bound him, making it so the Avatar could easily take the man's bending. "I'm sorry, but I cannot do that." He told the man quietly as a bright light filled the area, leaving the man weakened once it disappeared.

A few of Zuko's guards, who had now been released from the cell's they had been secluded in, quickly took the hysterical man to his own confinement, leaving Aang and Toph alone. Toph was still staring after the man, obviously troubled about something.

He raised an eyebrow at her, a small smile forcing its way onto his face even though it was the last thing he wanted to do right now. "Something wrong?" he asked her, examining her for any major injuries while he waited for her answer. She was burned, but there wasn't anything too critical.

"Would you… Would you want to want to die, if something ever happened to me?" She asked him quietly, stammering over the question as she struggled to get it out.

Aang seemed to ponder her question as his gaze followed hers; figuring Kazuo's declaration is what had caused her to think of this. "…I would, but as the Avatar I would be forced to continue anyways for the good of the people." He answered, unsure of how she would take it.

Her eyes closed as she absorbed his response, "I see… If you were forced to choose between me and the 'good of the people', which would you choose?"

Aang was silent for a moment, knowing that this must've been what was eating at her for a while now. "I… I couldn't lose you. If I was forced to choose... I would leave everything to be with you. I know it's a terrible thing to think, let alone say, but no matter how hard I was to try, I wouldn't be able to be happy without you. I know I'll probably be gone a lot, I know I'll probably be busy all the time, but I'm hoping you'll come with me."

A genuine smile formed as Toph listened to him, "Twinkle Toes, you know I've never really been one for settling down and raising a big family, I want to save that for when I'm older. All I've ever wanted was to travel and explore, experience things only a few people have before. If you're asking me to accompany you, then all I would have to say to that is… Yes." She answered, turning to face him.

Aang grinned, despite everything that had happened in the past forty-eight hours, he was actually happy. Quickly wrapping her into a hug, he lightly kissed the top of her head, "I love you, Toph." He chuckled, holding her tightly.

Toph giggled, allowing herself to be held, "I love you too, Twinkle Toes."