Hello, this is a one shot I've been thinking about writing and finally got around to. basically it's what I always thought was an inevitable ending to the War, but would never be included in the series because, let's face it, it's a kid's show. I've been an Avatard from the beginning and enjoyed what I've seen, and I hope all of you enjoy this one shot as well. If you think I should try to continue, please let me know in a review.

Fire Lord Zuko could feel their eyes on him. He hoped that his subjects could see his reluctance, and he hoped the delegates from the other nations were blind to it. He was walking slowly and purposefully to the other end of the Agni Kai arena, which had been commandeered for the event. Although he was keeping tight control over his composure, Zuko couldn't help but smirk internally at how fitting this was. It seemed wrong to him to think such thoughts, after all he had to wonder whether his father was even capable of what he was about to do. He told himself Ozai could do anything, that he was a depraved monster who thought it was his Divine Right to rule the world for all eternity, and that gave him a little comfort. Just a little.

Even though he was completely dressed in ornate Fire Nation armor, he was doing this in the interest of peace. The other nations would never trust him or his people if he couldn't pull this off. Of course he had some ulterior motives, but those never strong enough to influence him, especially since he had stronger ones which made him regret every step he took. Of course he had searched for loopholes, he had searched the official documents from one end to the other, and there was no way out. Since his recent coronation, time he probably should have spent on matters of state were instead spent on pouring over scrolls written by the most clever lawyers and diplomats from the Earth Kingdom and Northern Water Tribe, all ensuring that only one thing could be done or hostilities would resume.

He hated Aang. While it was true he had befriended the Avatar after he became his firebending teacher, even officially becoming a member of the "Gaang" as they put it, it would be a long time before he could ever forgive him for being so weak. Zuko's eyes traveled with solemn indifference over the crowd as he continued to walk, until they met the eyes of the Avatar, at which point they displayed a burning fury. Aang was writhing in his seat under The Fire Lord's gaze, his face filled with sorrow and confusion. In fact if it wasn't for Katara calming him down there's no telling what he would have done.

You naïve little brat! Zuko thought to himself. How could you not have seen this coming? How could you have left me to do YOUR dirty work? You will never understand how painful this is! Dammit why couldn't you just keep your destiny to yourself?!

Of course these thoughts were not the only reason Zuko hated Aang at the moment. He would never admit it, but he was also angry with himself for not seeing this sooner. In retrospect it should have been obvious, and it infuriated him that there was nothing he could do about it. He was even a little angry at Iroh for putting this off until Zuko had taken the throne. Of course all of these ideas and emotions paled in comparison to one thought. It was more of an epiphany really, and when it had struck him a few weeks ago it had stopped him dead in his tracks. Zuko had realized that with what he was about to do, there was a very good chance he would never see his mother again.

Aang felt confused. What had he done wrong? What could he have possibly done that would make Zuko hate him this much? Hadn't he done the right thing? He never could have brought himself to do the alternative, and Zuko knew that, didn't he? What he had done seemed merciful at the time, but seeing the anger and hurt in Zuko's eyes, he wasn't that sure anymore. More than anything he was just glad Katara was there to comfort him.

Katara felt torn. Both Aang and Zuko were in needed someone to talk to, someone to get them through this, but she could only help one without the other hating her for it. She could barely imagine how Zuko was feeling at the moment, but at the same time she knew Aang felt responsible for what was happening, and confused as to why Zuko could ever hate him for it. She was Aang's girlfriend, so she should comfort him. After all, Zuko had Mai to talk to, right? Oh who was she kidding, Mai was silent and moody all the time. She was probably the last person that Zuko needed to talk to, and on top of that he probably needed consoling more. Mai was all wrong for Zuko anyway, she had no emotional range, was always a bore during conversations, not to mention she was stuck up and rude. Katara didn't even think she was that pretty. Zuko needed someone who could stand up to him, someone who didn't take things for granted, someone more like…she stopped herself. This wasn't the first time her thoughts had wandered in this direction, and as usual she tried hard to blot them out. Aang was her boyfriend; it wasn't like she could just turn her back on him. This whole thing was confusing, and here wasn't the best place to think about it.

Sokka, Suki, and Toph for the most part felt the same way. All of them were glad to see that the whole war was finally coming to an end, and as none of them were in a major position of power, none of them noticed the mountain of problems that would be its aftermath. They all felt bad for Aang and Zuko, and would try to comfort them if they knew how. They didn't though, so they weren't going to try. The only major difference of opinion belonged to Toph, who hoped Katara could help Aang feel better, but also wanted her to comfort Zuko so she could try it with Aang.

Iroh felt terrible. This was not a good way for a Fire Lord to start his reign. In fact this was one of the worst ways imaginable. How anyone expected this of Zuko would always be a mystery to him. He had watched his nephew turn from a happy young prince to a teenager obsessed with his honor and the capture of the Avatar, and finally into the man he was today. What was worse was that he knew Zuko would go through with it, and do it all with an uncaring look on his face. He was afraid more than anything that this would scar Zuko for life, and would affect his decisions as Fire Lord.

Zuko had finally reached his destination at the other end of the arena. He gazed down at his father, still struggling with his chains. Ozai had never fully come to terms with the fact that he could no longer firebend, and his megalomania only grew worse when the Avatar took away his bending. Having even a brief taste of such power was not something that is easily forgotten.

"So, you're my executioner." he spat out the words with as much contempt as was possible.

"Consider it a mercy, father," Zuko replied. "If I had handed you over to the other nations it would take weeks for you to die. With me it will all be over in an instant."

"So that's how you justify killing your own father. I was wondering if you could. Of course you won't actually do it," his voice sounded shakier, as if he didn't entirely believe his own words. They regained their conviction after a brief pause. "You're too weak. I'm the only one who knows where your mother is, and without me you will never find her."

"So be it."

"What!" Ozai was shocked by his son's indifference. "You can't possibly be serious! For years you've been demanding to know where she is, and now you're just going to give up?"

"There's no getting around the ruling. Now, do you have any last words?" Zuko got in position, extending his right arm from his body as well as his middle and index fingers from his hand. He began to go through the necessary motions moving his arm slowly as the charge began to build up. After Ozai's defeat he was still four years too young to legally be crowned Fire Lord, so while Uncle had ruled the country as regent he had plenty of time to practice firebending.

"You won't do it! You can't do it! I'm your father!" Ozai was thrashing around in his chains, the dead man's dance they call it.

"Please," he continued to beg, twisting and struggling like a fish out of water, "I am your father! You are my son! I…I…I love you!"

"The feeling's mutual." With that Zuko sent the bolt of lighting straight into his father's heart. Ozai roared in pain for what seemed like an eternity, until finally his head slumped down onto his torso, which sagged forward despite the restraining influence of the chains. His body was still twitching from all the electricity running through it, but that meant nothing. He was dead.

It was then that Zuko realized how he had to rule. He would always put his country before his personal feelings. Every decision he would make would put the welfare of his people first and his conscience and emotions second. He would do everything and anything to restore the Fire Nation to glory, and to maintain balance with the other nations. He would do anything, but that didn't mean he would like it.

Well that's the end of it. Once again please review, and tell me if you think I should continue. On the off-chance you do, I'm open to suggestions, although I have a rough idea already of where this story would go. Thanks!