Author's Note: I don't own ATLA.

Chapter 1 - War

Calling the place a zoo would be an understatement- here in the Fire Nation Palace's throne room, it was something that was just a tad below apocalyptic. The Ministers, Generals and Advisors were all at loggerheads with each other, everyone trying to put their dissatisfactions across. Firelord Zuko remained hidden behind the curtain of blinding orange flame, on his throne on the dais, remaining calm as he watched the spectacle before him. It never used to be this chaotic before - in fact, the throne room was among the quietest rooms in the palace. At any one time, only one person's voice could be heard. The air of fear, dignity and respect has long since escaped this throne room and Zuko would do anything just o get that atmosphere back even for a little while.

A child of Agni indeed, Zuko. Your grandfathers and all those that have sat in this throne before you must right now be wishing for a thousand deaths for you as they watch you like this . . . Azula would have been better at this. Now what would Azula do in these situations. . .

His mind began to wonder again before it was brought back down to earth by the sound of his Uncle's voice.

"Firelord Zuko, you must have some thoughts on this matter. We cannot afford anymore cut downs in our army. Our country would be in grave danger of attacks especially from the Earth Kingdom if we are to accede to such a treaty." General Iroh said, taking his time with the utterance of every word as though it was through effort that his words can be clearly arranged and spoken. The entire room went silent and Zuko could almost feel the very existence of each person in the room as the ever elusive silence suddenly invades the throne room like a plague. Each one looking up to the Firelord, waiting for his answer, though Zuko had a feeling they were only waiting for him to utter something stupid just so they could throw it back in his face.

The seating arrangement in the room was one that is unspoken. To his left, his own supporters sat with Uncle Iroh sitting at the foremost seat, closest to the throne. To his right, were the loyalists of the old regime; his father's and forefathers' reign. Zuko knew the strengths and weaknesses of each side through the tutelage of Uncle Iroh and Minister Choi- Minister for Astronomy and Divination. His only problem was that they both share the biggest weakness of being too absolute in their thinking that there was no room for compromise.

"The talks between the nations are not even close to a conclusion yet. Everything is still in the negotiation stage. We simply need to have a clear idea of what it is we want to achieve out of these meetings instead of constantly bickering over what it is we should not do. We should not digress and let a mere suggestion from the Earth Kingdom delegate distract us from our own objectives."

"And exactly what is our objective Firelord Zuko? So far it had been highly ambiguous. Seems to me we have no objectives except to just survive," the sarcasm was plain in the tone of General Izuno, commander of Fire Nation Northern land forces.

"If you are not clear of the objectives by now, General Izuno, I would assume you have not been paying attention during all the meetings," Zuko said, pausing for effect to make sure he knew everyone was listening. 'We are seeking to create a balance in the world. That is our own very simple objective. Our efforts, our decisions and our actions may either make or break the peace we are striving to achieve, even. . ."

"With all due respect Firelord Zuko,' interjected Finance Minister Shung, 'but peace for whom? We all know how far advanced our nation was as compared to the other nations during the war. It was a war, merely seeking greater good for the Fire Nation and its people led by our great leader, Firelord Sozin, now passed. The end of this war had brought on much hardship and pain for our people Firelord Zuko, much more than the war ever had. Our nation's pride is. . ."

"It will do us no good if we decide to steer up those waters again, Minister Shung, 'this time it was Iroh who caused the interruption with much graveness in his tone as he looked on to Minister Shung, 'At times, being prideful may only serve to injure us than to gain us any wisdom. Of course I must commend you on your patriotism and your strong concern for the well-being of the people. Although, it seems that you are insinuating that the Firelord cares for his people less then yourself?"

"Of course I would not dare insinuate such things, General Iroh. I firmly believe in my Lord's strong concern for his people, otherwise, none of us would be here." Minister Shung said in a more affirmed tone as he stood facing his audience, gesticulating with his hands as he spoke. 'All I am saying is, this war did not happen in a blink of an eye. It was a war we had fought for more than a hundred years. The families of our soldiers depend on their men as the sole provider. These men, more often than not, are good, loyal citizens, who followed in the steps of their fathers, their grandfathers and their great-grandfathers, to serve our nation. How can we take away this most precious spirit of patriotism and piety, and betray an ideology indoctrinated within their hearts and minds for a century long? What about our lands we have conquered for our people? Our colonies outside the Fire Nation have been occupying them for generations and now, how can we evict them from a place they have called their homes? How can we allow such matters to plague our people? Would this still be a matter of foolish pride, General Iroh?"

Minister Shung's fiery speech has caused an even more deathly silence to envelope the room then before. The smug smiles of the ministers, generals and advisors on his side were as clear as day, plastered on their faces as they knew, Minister Shung had hit the matter right in its heart.