Sunrise and Hope
Chapter X: A Leader Emerges
Disclaimer: I do not own Avatar: The Last Airbender. All rights go to Nick and the creators
Author notes: I am back. And I am pleased to continue writing after such a long break. I know that I seem to be rushing, but I indeed know my direction. And plus, I think our villain is someone interesting.
Darkness seemed to rear all over the Fire Nation that night. The citizens slept, unknowing the horror that had nearly unfolded in the palace. There was no reason for anyone to suspect that although the horror of the last 100 years looked to be over, this brave new world was not the true brave new world that Zuko, his chief advisors, or anyone had wanted or desired. And what was the price of peace worth. After all, the war dead had to pay the debt of the living.
Dawn broke over the palace, which led to Zuko getting up. He still felt pain in his stomach, and he was not sure that he could be a good ruler at this point. He then thought about his experience in the war, and how he had become what he had wanted. He knew that it was another challenge and the old Zuko would have quit at this point or would have been moody. He knew that he had to return the salvo fired straight at him and his country. He was at the point of no return, but this time he had a couple of advantages. He had Katara and her support, and he was still trying to rebuild his army, which was hard but at least he had some competent advisors. He also had the support of the Avatar and Aang owed him some chits. He rose up slowly, his pain stabbing him like a knife each movement. He headed out to the hallway and then stretched out slowly, gritting his teeth to try and avoid showing pain, but it was difficult for him to mask his pain.
Zuko took of slowly to the throne room and sat down on his throne as the flames illuminated his face and his scar. He was awaiting the arrival of his advisors and he planned to deliver the news and to plan out the strategy for taking out this rebellion that threatened his kingdom. As his advisors came in and bowed to him, he was concerned that loyalty would be lacking, because he still had some leaders who were members of his father's inner circle. He looked at them as they bowed to him and Zuko saw both trust and disloyalty in their eyes. Could it be that his advisors were the ones who had attempted to make him a victim of ambition?
He cleared his throat and then said "Thank you for coming. Last night, an attempt was made on my life. Someone out there is trying to get me. I do not need to tell you what that means. But I want information on them and I want it now!" His voice had the nervous tones of a man who was trying to hold a country together, but at the same time he had to lead.