Hello faithful readers! Here is another chapter for my Avatar fanfic. To be honest…I'm not sure where to take this story. Obviously I want to stick with the "one-shot series" but after this chapter, I'm afraid I'm diagnosed with a little writers block.

Well, I'm sure I'll come up with new ideas eventually.

This chapter is considerably shorter than its predecessors, and I'm sorry about that! But I was kind of running out of ideas, and this was the best I had. So, sorry if it disappoints.

All rights go to Mike & Bryan, as well as Nickelodeon.

~ Mater Patriae ~

Chapter: 10

A gentle breeze blew through the open windows of the Palace.

Azula actually enjoyed feeling the breeze on her skin. Though she would never admit such a sentiment to anyone.

There was not a single cloud in the sky; the sun shining its rays of power down upon the inhabitants of the Fire Nation. Intending to enjoy this beautiful day, Fire Lord Azula removed her Crown-headpiece, followed by the pin keeping her hair up. Black locks fell down to her waist; giving a relaxed look to the normally fearsome and meticulous woman.

Removing her shoes as well, Azula then stepped onto a small balcony. She could feel the Sun empower her. It was as if the golden center of the cosmos was filling her with raw power and energy.

It was truly an exhilarating feeling.

But the Fire Lord was not the only person basking in the Sun's power.

Standing in the Palace Gardens was twelve year old Prince Zuko; son of the Fire Lord. He was ready for a morning's training, and was currently meditating. Offering prayers to Agni to grant him the power of lightning.

He had practiced for years now, and was getting frustrated at his lack of progress. How can he call himself a worthy heir to his Mother, if he can't even create lightning?

While Azula had been a constant wall of support and inspiration for her son; young Zuko secretly felt inadequate compared to the conqueror of Ba Sing Se. If he was going to become a powerful, and awe-inspiring Fire Lord someday, he had to progress to the same level of Firebending as his Mother.

With a flick of his wrist, Zuko conjured a dark blue flame which molded into a spear shaped flare.

Prince Zuko allowed a smile to form on his face. He had mastered blue fire only three months ago. A Firebending prodigy at age twelve…perhaps he was worthy of his Mother.

But while blue fire was an impressive feat, it was a perceived requirement of any future Fire Lord to be able to master Lightning generation.

Finishing his meditations, Zuko took the proper stance and began regulating his breathing. His Mother's instructions came flooding back into his mind.

Now, create imbalance within yourself. Separate the positive energy from the negative energy, and allow it to come crashing back together. Then, take that crashing energy, and release it from your body, creating lightning.

"Right. I'll make you proud Mother."

Separating his feet in order to correct his stance, Prince Zuko began the proper arm movements and concentrated on separating the energy of his chi.

After only a few minutes, and two failed attempts, a spark appeared from the Prince's fingertips.

Keeping a calm composure, Zuko focused all his energy and all his attention into his movements. A few more sparks appeared, but nothing substantial. Becoming angry at his apparent failures, Zuko gave all the concentration he had, and his movements became noticeably quicker. Frustrated, but resolute, the Prince stepped forward and shot his arm out.

Meanwhile, Fire Lord Azula was still basking in the Sun, when she heard a loud crash-like sound. Turning her head, she saw a streak of lightning in the sky. Being that there was not a single cloud to be seen in the sky, there was only one explanation.

Her son had mastered lightning.

Zuko's first and second fingers were still smoking. He had never felt such an exhilarating sensation before. The raw energy flowing through his body, the sight and sound of the lightning, the POWER!

His lips curled up into a cruel smirk; a sense of satisfaction was finally felt within his soul. He had finally become a true Firebending prodigy; a worthy heir for his Mother, and even his Grandfather. He had mastered the blue flame, and just now generated lightning.

There was nothing he could not accomplish!

Breaking his stance, Zuko's smirk suddenly became a full-fledged grin. Going against his stoic teachings, the twelve year old Prince couldn't help but jump into the air, shouting. Reveling in his personal victory.

The shouting and cheering continued on, as Azula listened to them being carried off by the breeze. A smile graced The Fire Lord's usually menacing face, and she quietly laughed to herself.

Her son deserved this triumph.

XXX

Okaaaaaaay, now that I have completed this, I have absolutely ZERO ideas for future chapters!

Sorry guys, but it might be a while before I upload something to this series again. And I just got back too!

But if anyone has any ideas for me, I would certainly appreciate it. I'll even give you credit if I upload a chapter based on your idea. There…a little carrot for you guys to comment! LOL.

Who knows, I may soon break this writer's block and create future chapters based on my own inspirations. But I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.