The Firenation Royal Palace

What've i done ? Was the first thought that entered General Shinu's mind as he came to a halt in front of the huge gates of The Palace, the sun was still rising and the awful night of bloodshed had finally ended, but the scenery was something beyond imagination, it was Brutal, cruel, very unpleasant to look at, he wanted to gouge his eyes out just as he saw the blood flooding the place, and the bodies of men, women and children being collected like some dead animals ready to be transported to some barren place to pile them up and burn them there but the worst thing was..

that his son was one of the reasons for this, his son, his first and only born, Shun, was one of the people responsible for this carnage, he wished he could go back in time, refuse Azula's offer and stop himself from delivering the message to Zhao, his son and the rest of the maniacs that were responsible for this, the tremendous guilt and regret the general felt at the moment would have made a younger and less experienced men commit suicide,

as he walked towards the palace main doors that led to the war room where people from all around the Firenation were gathered to hear The Firelord's new announcements for the new world following The Avatar's presumable death, The Firelord had to clarify the new rules to The Firenation people and make some new changes concerning The Firenation colonies in the earth kingdom, and plan for the upcoming war with the other three nations, and as one of the Highest officials in The Firenation he had to be present for the event,

he kept looking to his left and right as he was walking towards the doors that led to the inside of the palace, he had to focus on the road ahead and stop himself from looking at the awful scene, in all his years in the military he's never seen something as cruel and monstrous as this, he even felt tears stinging his eyes for the first time in more than 20 years, but he had to blink them away for there were palace guards everywhere,

he finally arrived at the doors and pushed them open, he made his way to the war room, he could hear faint voices of Firenation officials inside the hall, he hesitated a bit before he pushed the curtains to reveal the inside of the war room, he scanned the room for any familiar faces,

and indeed he found that the whole room was filled by Firenation officials, rebels "including his son Shun and Zhao" and the far end of the room there sat the Firelord Ozai on the throne and by his side was The Firenation princess Azula, who Shinu noticed wasn't in the mood at all for celebration, but then again, when has she ever been ? Shinu made himself visible for the rest of the room, and he heard sighs of relief in the entire room, the general had a confused look on his face, before the Firelord clarified for him..

"Our beloved General Shinu, we've been waiting for you, what took you so long ?" Shinu hasn't even cracked a smile and still had his brooding look plastered on his face,

"I'm sorry, My lord, the road was too long for an old man like me to walk fast." Ozai and the rest of the room chuckled lightly at the general's joke, as he made his way to the front of the two lines of officials where his son and Commander Zhao stood and eyed him warily, but he refused to stand by them and instead he chose to stand in the front of the other line of people opposing his son and the former commander, he looked at his son from the corner of his eyes, and as soon as Shun saw his father's disapproving look, he made a 'mocking' hurt face at him, making the general fume inwardly.

"Well, General, i'm glad you made it here without a heart attack.." The Firelord started earning another round of chuckles from the present people, but he decided to get into business.. "Alright, My Lords and Ladies, it's time for us to start talking business." The Firelord and the rest of the war room kept talking about the previous night's events and what's to follow, giving the general some time to keep musing over his guilt and regret, he looked briefly at his son for a moment before returning his sight to the ground, he fought the urge to make a Fire Sword, go for his son and Zhao and kill them instantly, but as a diplomatic man he had to restrain himself from doing anything stupid.

he stood there pretending to listen to the words the officials and the firelord had been saying but his mind was off completely, but he did notice that Princess Azula hasn't participated in the conversation at all, but as the firelord started talking about future events, he stopped his musing and focused his full attention on the firelord.

"As most of you know, some of the nations are under our control now, in The Earth Kingdom, we have The leader of the Dai Li Long Feng, he's our confidant and he's the man The Earth King placed the city of Ba Sing Sae under his rule, so now he's still the interim King allowing us to have full charge of the city, until we fully take it when we gather enough forces to conquer it.." The Firelord finished making the general frown as he was the one that sent the Firelord's message to Long Feng, but he never thought about reading what it said, he fixated his look on the ground once more with guilt and sadness, The Firelord continued..

"As for the Southern Watertribe, the councilman that Hakoda put in the city under his control there is also our confidant, his name is Voccak, both Long Feng and Voccak sent me messenger hawks telling me that they have everything under control, and the Ba Sing Se and the Southern Watertribe are under our grasp." The People in the room cheered and clapped as The Firelord finished his speech, it was definitely a joyous event that deserves clapping and cheering for,

Yeah, Clap, you sons of whores. The General thought bitterly, but his thoughts came to a halt as one of the present voiced his thoughts, and that one is none other than his son Shun.

"But what about the other nations, My Lord ?" Shun asked making Shinu fume again at his cheerful voice, how could he be so joyful during such a dark event ?

i should have stained your mother's breast with ya instead of putting you inside her, you little cunt. The General took a mental note to punish his wife for telling him to thrust inside her that night.

"As for the other nation, Shun, King Bumi is still the king of Omashu and i'm afraid that one won't be taken down so easily we have to bring him down by force, The Northern Watertribe is in a sorry state under the rule of that degenerate nephew of the late Chief Arnook so we'll face easier odds with that one, as for the air nomads, well, we're still working on a solution, No living man has ever climbed those mountains and lived to tell the story except the air benders." The Firelord finished, making Shun frown at last, and making General Shinu sigh in relief at his son's frowning face,

so you do know how to make a non-smiley face, you cunt. little did he know that Shun wasn't frowning in disappoint, he was frowning in thought over something that he decided to voice aloud.

"But what about our people in The Firenation colonies the Earth Kingdom, My Lord ? These places are the closest to target by Earth Kingdom rebels and they're pretty much defenseless." Shun asked, making the Firelord look at commander Zhao and smile, Zhao returned the firelord's smile and decided to tell Shun the news himself, he spoke in a high-pitched tone so that the whole people present could hear.

"Well, Shun, that's when your part comes to play.." Zhao informed, his smile still plastered on his face, Shun regarded him with a confused look, but not just Shun, the whole room was, including Azula and his father Shinu,

"The Firelord has decided to make me the head of the Firenation court, that's the second highest place in the whole nation.." That made him receive a dirty look from Azula, but Zhao decided to continue.. "He also gave me full control of The Firenation colonies, including the biggest and oldest one Yu Dao.." That ignited another round of applause from the room, except from Azula and General Shinu who had shocked faces at the time,

Meanwhile Zhao was looking Shun in the eyes and continue.. "As the head of the court, i can't assume my role as leader of the colonies, that's why i'm sending you and your group of formidable warriors there to rule in my stead." Zhao finished, making the room erupt in applause,

while Shinu and Azula were staring daggers at both The Firelord and the duo of rebels, Shun was having a hard time believing it, it was like he spaced out of the room for a while, but then he snapped back to reality, his face turns into a huge smile, then laughter, a genuine laughter of pure joy, but then he had to restrain himself and address his leader in a formal way to accept the position.

"Thank you for your trust in me, Commander Zhao, i'd be honored to assume that role." He bowed to a smiling Commander Zhao and then he bowed to The Firelord.

"Thank you, Firelord Ozai for accepting the commander's proposition, i'll make sure your trust in me is worth it." He came up from the bow and the room erupted in another fit of applause, while Zhao was giving Shun a look of approval and pride, his father was staring daggers in his back, it wasn't out of jealousy, it was out of disappointment..

the general once again fought the urge to walk out of the room, and leave this place once and for all, suddenly he had to force a smile on his face because his son turned his face towards him, the smile was so forced that the general knew if he saw someone smile like that he would definitely cringe, but he was thankful that Shun only regarded him with one of his menacing smiles and brought his attention back to the Firelord.

Finally, the horrible meeting was adjourned, again the general couldn't be more thankful as he got out of the room, quickly making his way to the gates, before he made though his movement came to a halt as someone called from behind..

"General, wait !" The General stopped dead in his tracks, he recognized the voice and with an inaudible sigh he turned his face with a smile to his caller, Commander Zhao, Now Head Counselor Zhao, and following him as always, Shinu's son Shun.

"Ah, Commander Zhao, or should i say Head Counselor Zhao now ?" The General greeted teasingly, trying to sound as normal as he could, and to do so he had to restrain himself from looking at his son, and focus on Zhao.

Can you imagine ? I had to focus on Zhao's face to remain in check, Oh The Irony.

"Make yourself comfortable to call me whatever you want, General, we've been friends for a long time." Zhao replied, Shinu forced a smile again but without retorting this time, he knew if he made a retort about The "Friends" statement, he'd be arrested, so Shun decided to speak as neither of them spoke for a while.

"So, Father, what do you think about my new job ? i'll take my leave to assume my new role tomorrow, do you consider me one of the nations's patriots now ?" Shun asked maintaining his aggravating smile.

"Of Course, Son, i'm sure you'll make an excellent ruler of the colonies." Shinu replied with a smile more forced than usual.

Shun pursed his lips and made a child voice mocking the situation. "Oh, you won't even tell me you are proud of me, My Feelings Are Hurt." Shun taunted, and then 'mockingly' wiped a tear from his eye, General Shinu was more aggravated and angry than ever, so Zhao had to intervene before the general could do anything stupid..

"So anyways, I wanted to speak to you, General, about your new role in the new Firenation.. You're no longer just a general of the military, i've asked The Firelord for a personal favor, and by decree of Firelord Ozai, you're to be the second head of The Firenation court and my personal advisor." Zhao finished,

making sure not to show any amusement at the general's expression that followed the statement, The General literally didn't know how to feel, Shock that Zhao chose him to be his advisor, Skepticism that Zhao and Shun might be manipulating him, Anger that his son's smug smile's still plastered on his face meaning that he knew of this prior to this conversation, so the general retorted with the first thing that came to his mind..

"Why ?" Yes that was the right question, Why ? why'd they even consider him ? why'd they pick him to play a role in The "New Firenation" ?

"Because of your Integrity, your love for this country, General, you have been serving this country for as long as i can remember, it's the least we could do to reward a true patriot and legendary warrior like yourself." Zhao finished his eyes showing genuinity, but The General knew better than to trust Zhao, the man could've won a medal for lying if there was one, as Shun saw that skepticism was still on his father's face, he decided to intervene.

"Listen, Father, what the head counselor is trying to say is, No one in this nation could be worthy of that role more than you, it doesn't matter if you see that how we got here is wrong, the important thing is, you're taking that role for the good of the people, and we know that you will never fail the people." Shun chimed in, making the general more uncomfortable but as time passed and he thought about it, The General found the proposition in his favor, they might be up to something with this proposition, but Two can play this game, it's not like he can refuse anyway, so he has to make do with what he's got, and he will.

"I accept, tell The Firelord i'll come to court to assume my role tomorrow, but right now i need to go home and have some sleep." The General finally said after minutes of thinking, Zhao and Shun expressed a sigh of relief, the aggravating smile returning to Shun's face making the general question his decision once again..

"Smart Choice, General, i knew we trusted the right man for the job, Congratulations." Zhao said extending his hand with a smile, the general took it with a smile of his own, and decided to turn in for the day, whatever happens he won't ever let Zhao, Shun or Ozai go on with their for the world, he'll have to stop them somehow, maybe some sleep will clear his mind to make it easier to think.

Only he didn't know if he could sleep or not because of the nightmare he might have of the scenery he saw earlier..

Inside the Firelord's office

"I trust you're enjoying your stay here with us, Lord Beifong.. don't tell me the guards caused you any trouble." The Firelord informed the wealthy man as he entered his office where Lord Beifong and his Lady Poppy were being held.

"Where're my daughters ?" Lord Beifong inquired harshly as he had had his fill of the Ostrich-horseshit that's been happening to his family ever since the ceremony last night, they still haven't been informed of Toph's whereabouts and to make it even worse, some fire nation soldiers barged in on them this morning and took his other daughter Luna to spirits know where.

"There's no need to worry about their safety, My Lord, your daughters are under our custody as well, but in a more secure place than this, as you know, your daughters can be a little tough sometimes." Ozai wrinkled his nose playfully to emphasize his point to lord Beifong and to trying to show goodwill, but Lord Beifong wasn't even fazed, if there's anything that mattered to him more than his wealth and his work, it's his family, and he would rather die than watch them getting harmed.

"I swear to the spirits if anything happened to my daughters, I'll-" But before Lord Beifong could keep his rant, he was cut off by the Firelord putting a hand in front of his mouth to silence him and said..

"Please, Lord Beifong, i mean you and your family no ill-will, at least not until you hear my proposition and agree on it, otherwise, i might hold a little grudge against you and your family." The Firelord 'politely' threatened, and Lord Beifong understood what he meant instantly, so he had to agree to listen to his proposal, Lao nodded his head for the Firelord to urge him to continue which the firelord accepted gladly..

"As you might have heard of what happened outside, we might have started a war between us and the other 3 nations, while we might be controlling most of the world, there're still some places that aren't under our control, and they'll definitely start to oppose us, My Lord.." The Firelord looked meaningfully at lord beifong, as much as he was in shock at the conformation of what he had been thinking all along, he still doesn't know why the firelord is telling him all this, so the firelord continued.. "We want you to fund our nation during this war." The Firelord finished.

Lao Beifong was at a loss of words, so was his wife Poppy beside him, they couldn't even imagine how more evil this man can be, trying to turn them against their own Kingdom, trying to make him fund the firenation, that was utterly absurd.

"What're you talking about ? you want me to turn against my own nation ? How Dare You Suggest Such Thing ?!" Lord Beifong raised his voice, and the Firelord's guards were about to attack making Lord Beifong shrink back to his seat afraid for his wife's will-being, but the Firelord raised a hand to the guards, and told them to stop, then he gave Lord Beifong another meaningful look.

"My Lord, you're clearly unable to grasp the situation here, i'm not Suggesting, i'm ordering.." The Firelord narrowed his eyes still looking at Lord Beifong dead in the eyes and raised his gruff voice. "Your daughters' lives are under my mercy, so it's either your funding or your daughters, i'm sure my soldiers will be more than happy to 'play' with them for a while before eventually burning them to crisp." The Firelord finished his threat, casting another evil look at Lord Beifong and his lady, Lady Beifong clasped a hand on her mouth and she screamed..

"No, No ! You can't do that to my daughters, Lao, Please do something !" While Lord Lao Beifong was still in shock at what the firelord just said, apparently he was wrong, there's more evil to that man than meets the eye.

"You're a monster.." Lord Beifong whispered shookingly making the Firelord give a menacing laugh.

"So, what will you decision be, my lord ? and please hurry up i don't have all day and i'm losing the sun." The Firelord taunted, making Lord Beifong fume inwardly but eventually, he knew he had no other choice, Lord Beifong's slumped his shoulders in defeat, giving the Firelord his answer without even speaking, to which the Firelord gave a menacing smile.

"Smart Choice, My Lord."

Zuko

5 days after the ceremony-

Where am i ? was the first thought that came to The Prince's mind as he struggled to open his eyes, his head was spinning wildly, his whole body ached and he felt some heat rush to the left side of his face, he still hadn't regained full consciousness and was about to shout for help, but stopped the second he felt he couldn't move his body, he turned his head slowly to find his whole body strapped and tied up to the bed he was lying on, even his mouth had some kind of plaster on it, not to mention the bandage around the left side of his face..

Bandages around the left side of my face ? Zuko almost jerked himself up suddenly, only his inability to move, memories rushed back to his mind instantly, as he remembered the events of the ceremony, An Explosion, The Carnage in the gardens, The Carnage in the war room, Aang lying on the ground presumably dead, and someone shooting fire at him, Zuko could feel the heat and pain rush to the left side of his face as he remembered everything, he glanced back to his surroundings and from the very first look, he knew exactly where he was being held,

An infirmary inside The Caldera City prison, he wondered what happened to Mai, as he hadn't heard of her ever since she left him after the ball, his uncle and Toph who fought valiantly at his side, he thought about Aang and what could have happened to him after they helped him escape, he thought of all the innocent lives that died because of his father's ill schemes..

Zuko narrowed his eyes dangerously at the thought of his father, he was so angry, so furious, he felt the need to kill someone right now just to calm himself down, but then he heard the door knob being turned followed by the squeaking voice of the door getting opened.

"He's in there, Princess... Oh What a pleasant surprise ! looks like he's woken up as well." Zuko didn't have to ask who the visitor was "Not that he could've asked due to the bandage around his mouth", but he knew who his visitor was as there was only one Princess in the Firenation.

"Thank you, Lili, Now, i'd really appreciate it if you left us the room." Azula informed with a smile.

"Of Course, Princess." The Nurse known as Lili pulled herself out of the room instantly leaving Zuko alone with his sister..

he stared at her dumbfounded, he never imagined his sister of all people would pay him the first visit, Azula looked at him, looks like she knew what he was thinking about as she shrugged and went on to grab a chair to sit by the side of the bed, Azula sat down next to him and then Silence.. that kept on going for a while, all the while Zuko still trying to figure out what his sister was doing here, suddenly Azula broke the silence.

"Well, won't you say something ?" Zuko raised an eyebrow in her direction, but Azula got the wrong message.. "Oh, I see, you think i was involved in the catastrophe father caused 5 days ago." Zuko was surprised for a lot of things that he raised both his eyebrows at her this time in shock, first he learned Azula was telling him she wasn't involved, but that's understandable since 'Azula always Lies' but he was also informed that he had been asleep for five days ! he was in shock and again Azula got the wrong message.. "Yeah, Zuko, and believe me i'm not lying this time, but i know you'd never believe me, after all i'm your monster of a sister, right ?" Now, Zuko was in even more shock..

Is that guilt i see on her face ? Zuko asked inwardly, no Azula always lies, it's not real, she's not really guilty.

Azula still thought Zuko doesn't want to talk to her, so this time she raised her voice.. "I wasn't involved in father's schemes ! why won't you beleive me ?! i was tricked like everybody else, why wouldn't you talk to me ?!" Azula screamed the last, then had to take a few breaths to calm herself down, but Zuko just muffled and tried to point to the bandage but his hands were tied up, so he pointed at it with his eyes, Azula smacked her forehead in annoyance, clearly she wasn't impressed with her stupidity either,

"Oh, Sorry, i guess i have a lot of my mind." She removed the bandage from his mouth hard that Zuko winced, but then fixated his sight on her..

"Spirits, all that time you haven't noticed the bandage on my mouth ?!" Zuko shrieked, Azula just smirked but Zuko knew her too well, she was hiding her shame behind that smirk, but Zuko had no time for this, he had to ask the important questions.. "What happened after i blacked out ? where's Mai ? where're my uncle and Toph ? did Aang manage to escape ? tell me Azula, please !" Zuko begged her, and Azula grimaced again at the mention of Aang, but decided to brush it off..

"Woah, Woah, Slow down, one question at time, Zuzu.." Now it was Zuko's time to grimace at the mention of that nickname, but like her brushed it off to hear the news.. "Well, when Mai left you it wasn't because i sent her and Ty Lee on a secret mission like she informed you, i sent Mai and Ty Lee home because i knew what was going to happen and they might have recieved the same fate as you along the way.. she even tried to come visit you now but i refused for her own safety.." Azula started, and Zuko had a somewhat grateful look on his face, he really never thought his sister would have a heart,

"As for our tea-loving uncle and our dirt-worshiper friend, well, they met the same fate as yours, they're locked up in cells right here in this prison for different reasons, of course you and uncle because you are family, but as for Toph and her sister, well.. Father didn't tell me but we both know we can surmise that.." Zuko had a understanding look on his face, he knows Toph's father is the wealthiest man in the world and of course Ozai would need his help,

"As for Aang, well.." Azula grimaced again and had a sad look on her face, Zuko prepared for the worst and really fought the urge to cry at Azula's saddened look, but she continued nonetheless.. "I don't know what happened to him, i let him escape with his two water tribe companions after he was shot, the girl looked so determined on saving him, so it's all her right now, let's just hope she found a solution." Azula finished pulling herself up from the chair to fix her sight on the ground while folding her hands on her lap, Zuko was speechless for a while as well, before something came to his mind..

"Wait, you said you knew what was going to happen ? How ?" Azula fidgeted and again that guilty look returned to her face, Zuko couldn't believe his sister was actually feeling guilty, she did a lot of bad things in the past, and this is the first time he saw a guilty look on her face, still fixing her sight on the ground she decided to tell him everything..

"Before the ceremony, Father sent me with a message to General Shinu, he told me that the message contained a location to the rebels' base for General Shinu to infiltrate the place and try to lure the vigilantes to our side, i was somewhat unconvinced but i couldn't question father's authority, you of all people should know that by now.." She said motioning to the bandages on the left side of his face, making Zuko grimace in the process but decided to say nothing till Azula finished talking..

"During the ceremony, my father told me everything, he told me about his plans to kill all the world leaders and having confidants in most of the big cities making the world ours without so much bloodshed, i agreed to the plans and to 'lend' him my officers, on one condition.." Zuko knew the condition before Azula could even fathom the words and decided to spill it out for her..

"That he doesn't kill Aang." Zuko interrupted even though he's never been in a worse condition he couldn't help the growing smirk on his face, making Azula flush bright red and turn her face to the other side to cover it, but Azula then confirmed it..

"Yes.. but he did it anyway.." Azula trailed off, still having the saddened guilty look on her face, but Zuko was having other thoughts.

"So, if Aang wasn't there, you'd have probably lent him your officers without even making a condition ?" Zuko expressed in anger, making Azula flinch slightly at his sudden harsh tone.

"You don't understand, i had no choice ! i can't risk my position for sentiment, i couldn't even do it for Aang, you know what happens when someone defies father's orders, you wanted me to lay in a cell beside you, Zuko ?!" Azula shrieked, but Zuko still had the hard look on his face.

"Yes ! What's wrong with that ? Aang was our friend and he saved our lives countless times, not to mention that you just started a war for your precious position ! you think your position is more important that the lives of all those innocent people ?!" Zuko lashed out in return, Azula opened her mouth and closed it a couple of times, unable to fathom words, but then she found her tone again, surprising Zuko by her following harsh words..

"Yes, I DO ! nothing is more important to me than my position, not even You, and not even Aang !" Zuko was at a loss of words, he thought his sister had changed, but clearly famous quotes never lie.. 'Azula always Lies.', then without any farther words between them, Azula stood up making her way to the door, but then she turned her head and gave a sideway look in her brother's direction, and she said in a formal voice..

"You're to be held here for a while until the healers permit your leave.." She then continued in a low voice.. "Try not to harm yourself, Brother." She then left the infirmary making her way to spirits know where, all the while Zuko contemplating his sister's attitude.

Did she really mean what she said ? or was she covering up for her sadness ? Zuko kept going on and on in his free time thinking about his sister's current condition, also thinking about his current condition, and from the looks of it, he won't like the look on the left side of his face once they remove the bandage, also contemplating Mai, Iroh, Toph and Aang's conditions,

he was somewhat grateful to his monster of a sister Azula because he no longer had to be worried for Mai, he will miss her during his time in prison, but maybe it's for the better that she stays away from him, as for Toph and Iroh, he might have time to talk to them in prison, but what about Aang ? the man he consider his best friend, did he make it out alive ? he remembered Aang telling him that dying in the avatar state means the end of the avatar cycle, who'll save them if the avatar was dead ? so many questions popping in Zuko's mind, making him wish his mother were here, making him wish his uncle were here, making him wish Aang were here,

a single tear trickled down his face, as he finally closed his eyes and decided to rest his agonized head by having some sleep, only to be haunted by nightmares in the process..