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ACT II
SETTING : Inside the Fire Lord's chamber before the council of Fire Nation Generals, the Fire Sages, and the high ranks of the Fire Nation nobility. On the throne, the Fire Lord Azulon sits on the throne, his hands together as several advisors are around him, silently listening and watching. Several Royal Guards walk in leading and surrounding Zenti and Zakku. They walk to the center of the Fire Lord's chamber, bowing with respect and walk to their posts. Zenti walks away as well as Zakku goes to his knees lowering his head fully, not even daring to look up or move without permission.
FIRE LORD AZULON - Who is it that wished audience with me? Speak quickly, boy.
ZAKKU (Still bowing, head touching the floor)- A servant of the Fire Nation, Fire Lord.
FIRE LORD AZULON - Rise, speak your name.
ZAKKU (Slowly rises, looks at the flames around the Fire Lords throne)- Zakku Fenir, Lord.
(The nobles mutter among each other as they look at Zakku and then to the Fire Lord.)
FIRE LORD AZULON - Fenir…
ADVISOR TO RIGHT (Whisper)- Child of Zerru and Tira, two people who betrayed the empire… I was unaware that the local governor allowed him to live…
ADVISOR TO LEFT (Whisper)- This boy is the last of the family line…
(Azulon nods slightly, raising his hand to silence the advisors. He looks back to Zakku.)
FIRE LORD AZULON - Zakku Fenir… you are aware of the crimes in which your family has committed.
ZAKKU - I am, Lord.
FIRE LORD AZULON - Then, what makes you believe that you should receive leniency for the crime, which your ancestors have committed?
ZAKKU - I have no reason more then this… I have no right to even suggest leniency…I have no reason to say that I even deserve the chance. (The Fire Lord narrows his eyes', listening to what Zakku was saying.) You said that every person should serve his or her country, to insure the survival of the Fire Nation. My wish isn't just for redemption…but to serve my country, as all other people. I want to serve you, Fire Lord, by fighting in the army of the Fire Nation…I ask for the permission to be able to do so.
(Azulon stares at Zakku, his eyes emotionless as his expression showed nothing)
ADVISOR TO RIGHT (Whisper)- Fire Lord…This boy's family's legacy shows that he will betray you. Allowing him to come back will only make him more able to do harm against the Empire…
(Uingu was standing at attention by Azulon. He tilted his head slightly)
UINGU - My lord, forgive me…Might I point out something?
(Azulon's attention shifts for a moment to his general before nodding extremely slightly to the point it didn't even look like a nod at all.)
UINGU (Whispers)- This child has offered his services to the army…and with the war, we could always use more soldiers. Despite his history, think of the benefit he could have for the nation. (Azulon's eyes shift slightly to Uingu, a questioning look in his eyes) You allow him to be permitted back to the nation it will be an example to your people…
(The Advisor to the left nodes in agreement.)
ADVISOR TO LEFT - Yes, lord…The people of the world fear you, which leads to your own people fearing you…something that shouldn't happen. Fear creates descent of loyalty, something that is important for any nation. Permitting him to come back to the Fire Nation as a soldier will show that anyone can be given a chance to serve their nation. A chance for redemption…Think about, lord, the potential benefit…(Azulon glances to the advisor) Those who are unable to do anything for our nation damage it, if given a chance those of the lower status would have potential to do something with their life. This would help our empire in having a force of soldiers willing to do anything to get something out of their life, which was going nowhere…
UINGU - Besides that, Zakku Fenir is the last of his family line. Even if he were to turn traitor, he is only one soldier, one man going against an entire army. He would die easi…
(Azulon closes his eyes for a moment as he raises his hand slightly, silencing Uingu in mid sentence.)
FIRE LORD AZULON - Enough…(The advisors seem to bow in obedience as Uingu does the same standing back at attention his gaze looking at another soldier-like figure in the crowd who is watching. He nods as he watches.) Zakku Fenir (Zakku looks up slightly still not looking the Fire Lord in the eyes)… By the shear grace and mercy of the Fire Nation, I deem this. Your family no longer holds the title of 'Guardian of Fire'. Understand? Your family's dishonor will remain with them till you finish what you have promised to our nation. You will serve no less then 21 years in the Fire Nation Army… And to be a symbol of the dishonor you shall bare, you will not be permitted to wear the Topknot, that honor is for those who have proven their loyalty. Your nobility heritage has also been denied….even though we can't take the noble blood in your body, you will never be able to live in the palace. Lastly, to prove you devotion and the true sincerity of your words, you will prove it. In week's time, you shall prove it by completing a test to your loyalty, one of skill, strength, and most of all, sacrifice. You understand what I have told you?
(There is an ominous quiet)
ZAKKU (Bows head)- I understand, and I shall prove my loyalty (Fist to heart). I swear to all who are here, no…to the whole of the Fire Nation that I will fight and I will never forsake my country…