Good morrow faithful readers! It seems my hiatus was shorter than expected. Which I'm sure you'll all be happy to hear. I finally have broken through the intimidating wall known as Writers block…THANK GOD!
Now I can update this fanfic, and take the plot in an actual specific direction! I hope you guys enjoy the next chapter. By the way, Zuko is now fourteen yrs. Old.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is NOT owned by me. All rights go to their respective owners.
~ Mater Patriae ~
Chapter: 11
The entire Royal Court was gathered at the Palace on this bright summer morning. News that the Phoenix King would be arriving in the Fire Nation Capital had the entire city on edge.
The Nobility, (at least those with special passes,) had left their ornate homes in the City's affluent Caldera District, and were now standing in the Royal Palace reception hall; awaiting the appearance of their Supreme Ruler.
Phoenix King Ozai had spent little time in the actual Fire Nation since the Hundred Year War had ended in Victory. He had been too busy asserting his authority across the entire Earth. Not to mention the decade long construction of his new Imperial City on the coast of what was once the Earth Kingdom. The new Capital of the Fire Nation's Global Empire was a metropolis in every sense of the word. The Phoenix King had decreed that not only would his city be a center of power, but also a center of innovation and progress. Traditional architecture was abandoned in favor of modernist designs. Tall and sleek buildings reached toward the sky, outshining even the most decorated Pagoda. Many people flocked toward this modern City, in search of opportunity, or influence.
However not everyone was happy with Phoenix King Ozai's reign. Among these people was Fire Lord Azula.
In the past decade or so, Azula had slowly begun to lose her reverence for her Father. In fact, she suspected that Ozai had himself, abandoned all trust in her. So why should she trust him?
The Phoenix King's airship touched down near the Royal Palace. Guards stood at attention, government officials kowtowed, and Azula clenched her jaw when she spotted her Father exiting the airship.
Azula had realized a long time ago; if her son was to one day rule the world…her Father needed to go.
As he entered the large reception hall, Ozai couldn't help but take in the sight of sycophantic Nobles scraping and bowing to him as he walked past. It was an exhilarating feeling! At the end of this hall stood his daughter in her crimson robes, and Royal regalia. This included her Crown-Headpiece. To her right stood her only son, Zuko. At fourteen years old, the boy looked quite impressive in his all black armor, covering his dark red clothing. His short hair was pulled back into a tight top-knot, which nested a decorative headpiece of its own.
Ozai was a shrewd and cunning man. He knew something was amiss with his daughter when he first laid eyes on her; and it worried him deeply. The woman that his little prodigy had become was a very powerful Firebender, and commanded enormous amounts of respect from the Fire Nation Military. If she was plotting something, it could not be ignored. But everyone had their weaknesses; and it was clear to the Phoenix King that Azula's weakness was standing right next to her.
After bowing respectfully to her Father, Azula spoke in a calm voice that was laced with silk, and contained an underline of authority.
"Welcome Father, to the Great Royal Palace. I hope your stay will be both long, and fruitful."
Ozai gave a nod of the head as acknowledgement, and asked for the entire court to leave the hall. Even his own retinue hurried out of the room, for the Phoenix King did not look kindly on hesitance. However as young Prince Zuko started to make his way out of the reception hall, Ozai bade him to stay.
"Grandson…would you mind staying here with your Mother and I. You appear mature enough to take part in the highest matters of state, and I would like you to remain here with us."
Immediately marching back toward his Mother's side, Zuko gave a low bow to his grandfather while replying, "Thank you O' Great Phoenix King. I am honored that you place such confidence in me."
Ozai merely chuckled at the young lad, while Azula stiffened at the sound. She did not like where this was going. But before she could voice her objection to allowing Zuko to stay, Ozai replied to his grandson in his normal, venomous voice.
"I am sure that you will be a great asset for our Nation one day, Prince Zuko."
Turning his cold eyes toward his daughter, Ozai continued…
"Unlike your treacherous Uncle."
He was playing mind games. That was as clear as the Sun; but he was involving her darling Zuko as well. What plan could Ozai be formulating in that dark, twisted mind of his?
Removing his Crown-Helmet from his head, Ozai released a sigh before setting his eyes on the still, and rigid Azula.
"I would like for Zuko to accompany me back to my new Capital. Once my state visit is over of course."
That sentence hit the Fire Lord like the charge of an Elephant-Whale going at full speed.
Her Father wanted to steal her son away from her!? Why? What sick reason did he have for taking Zuko away from her?
Trying to form a coherent response, Azula fumbled over her words, something which had never happened to her before in her life.
"F-Father…I don't…don't see how tak…taking Zuko will help…"
"Azula!" The Phoenix King roared at her.
"Your son has reached the age where he must take responsibility and prepare himself for his future as Fire Lord. Agni…how can he become Phoenix King in this environment? I can teach him far better than his tutors. He will accompany me, and learn from me. As you did…a long time ago."
While Ozai was reprimanding his daughter, young Zuko remained silent and still. Not once showing any sign of what he was feeling. As much as he tried, Ozai was unable to read the boy.
This, however did not prevent Azula from raising an objection once again.
"I realize that Father, but…but Zuko is still needed here! He is of great help to me, and I can't imagine losing his strength and…and…cunning…and…"
Azula was interrupted once again. But this time, it was not by her father.
"Great Phoenix King!" Zuko bellowed, preventing his Mother from continuing her plea.
He gave a stiff, but low bow, and spoke to Ozai in a calm voice, with no hesitation.
"I would be greatly honored to accompany Your Majesty on your return to Imperial City. I only hope, that I will be able to serve you with the same strength, dignity, and courage that my Mother gave you during the glorious Hundred Year's War."
With that said, Prince Zuko stood straight from his bow. Not a hint of emotion showed on his face.
Azula was stunned. Why would her only child agree to such a ludicrous demand from her domineering father? Was he giving a subtle pledge of loyalty to the Phoenix King? Did Zuko intend to betray her!?
No…no of course not. Azula knew her son, and he would never betray her. Throughout her entire life, Azula had used fear to control people, forcing them to bend to her will. Even her own friends were not immune to her style of leadership. But Zuko…he was the only one who she did not rule by fear. She had given him a Mother's love that was never given to her. A kind of love Azula never thought capable of giving to another being.
That was why she knew that she could trust her son, and heir.
Zuko would kill for her, and die for her. He had demonstrated a kind of loyalty to her that Ozai would never possess. The kind of loyalty a son has for his Mother.
Ozai was perplexed by the boy's sudden declaration, and he shared a look similar to that of his Daughter's.
He thought his grandson would vehemently protest the order, but, perhaps the boy had more intelligence than he had originally credited him with.
As Azula allowed her normal, disciplined expression to return to her face, Ozai smiled toward Zuko.
"Thank you grandson. I'm sure you will live up to my expectations. But for now, I think I will retire to my quarters."
After that, the Phoenix King returned his Crown-Helmet to its rightful place, and casually strolled out of the reception hall. Bearing not another glance at the room's two remaining occupants.
When Ozai was out of ear-shot, Azula frantically grabbed her son's shoulders, and levelled her gaze with his.
"Zuko, why would you agree to his demands? Do you not realize that in Imperial City, you will be at the mercy of your Grandfather? The danger that he has put you in. He may as well have thrown you into a pit of Viper-Bats!"
"Mother, I know that I am walking into danger."
His simple response caused a vein to pulse in Azula's head.
"Then why did you agree to go with him!?" She demanded.
"Because Mother…I didn't have a choice. Your pleas were getting nowhere, and I could see they were only angering the Phoenix King." The Prince calmly said before continuing. Unconsciously refusing to call his Grandfather by his familial title.
"I stepped in, because I did not want the Phoenix King to unleash his wrath upon you. No matter what you said, he was going to take me with him! Now, at least, it'll be done peacefully, and you won't suffer."
Fire Lord Azula was again shocked…this time by her son's mature, and reasonable explanation. He was right of course, Ozai would never have accepted anything but compliance from them.
And while it pained her greatly, she knew that she had to let her son go. At least temporarily.
Giving a sad smile, Azula ran her hand over Zuko's cheek; the young Prince leaning into his Mother's palm.
"Oh my son…I will still suffer. Without you, I will suffer."
XXX
Okay, I'm finally back! It took me awhile to write this chapter, but I think it turned out good. What does Ozai have in plan for Zuko? Stay tuned to find out! Also, next chapter will have a character that has not yet been seen on this fanfic. I have mentioned him once, but now we will see him in the flesh! Err…well…you know what I mean.
Anyway, review and favorite please! I'm working on the next chapter as we speak!
