The Saga of the Fire Nation

Chapter 1

It was a hot summer evening in the capital, Hunazi Island. The last few years it has always been very hot, but this year topped all the years before. Zuko sat at his desk and worked his way through the papers presented to him. In the past he had always wondered why his father had worked so much but now he knew it. The only difference was that he had to rebuild the country. Zuko let out a sigh and leaned back in the chair. He did not know how to prove to all rulers that he was not and in no way like his father. Zuko's gaze darkened as he thought of his tyrannical father. He felt his hands clench into fists and light flames rise. What would he give if his mother was still alive and could ask her for advice. Most of all, he wanted someone to talk to about all of this. Everyone at court finally saw him as the Fire Lord, but no one would ever give him an opinion or contradict him. He sighed again and got up. He turned to his window and looked out into the courtyard. It was already dark and he heard a knock on the door.

"Yes!" Said Zuko and hadn't changed his position.

The door opened and Mazo stood in the door frame. Mazo was a young man, maybe three years older than Zuko. At that time, he had already applied to Zuko's father as a consultant and servant. But at that time he was rejected. Zuko hired him - but only as a consultant, as he didn't need a servant.

"Good evening Fire Lord. A telegram just came in, "said Mazo.
"Thanks," said Zuko.

Zuko turned around and Mazo came directly with the telegram. The adviser handed him over to his ruler. Zuko took the letter and opened it. The Fire Lord began to read straight away, forgetting that Mazo was still in the room. The telegram was a letter from one of his withdrawing armies in the Earth Kingdom. He asked for a meeting with the Fire Lord in the Earth Kingdom, as incidents had occurred there. Serious Incidents. Just as Mazo was about to leave, Zuko got up.

"Mazo ... get everything ready immediately. I am taking twelve guards to the Earth Kingdom. Please also cancel the council meeting tomorrow in the city. We'll catch up on this conversation. "Zuko said without giving any hint of what was suddenly going on in the Earth Kingdom.
"Of course, Fire Lord." Said Mazo "When do you intend to leave?"
"In an hour," said Zuko, walking past Mazo.
"Very well." Nodded his advisor.

Zuko made his way to his rooms when Mazo had disappeared as quickly as possible. The young fire lord changed and grabbed a small pouch. He wanted to cause as little attention as possible and arrive in the Earth Kingdom as quickly as possible. He grabbed his cloak and on the way into the courtyard his expression darkened. Whatever had happened in the Earth Kingdom - he had to sort it out.

His soldiers were already waiting and Zuko joined them. Zuko got on his horse and just as they were about to leave, one of his advisory boards came running up.

"May you ask where you are going?" Asked the old gentleman.
"Yes you are allowed to. I will pay a visit to one of my armies in the Earth Kingdom," he said.
"Somebody else can do that. The situation there will not be as important as tomorrow's council meeting," said the old man.
"Each of my armies and their individual soldiers are just as important to me as the citizens of the nation. I'm expected there and we can catch up on the council meeting as soon as I get back." Zuko replied.
"Your father ..." began the old man.

But the old man didn't get any further, because Zuko turned to the old adviser with a scowl.

"I'M NOT LIKE MY FATHER!" Zuko yelled across the courtyard.

His soldiers and Mazo looked at Zuko. But said nothing. The old man looked at the Fire Lord in surprise.

"I will tell you one more time... all citizens of the nation are important to me. No matter if beggar, soldier or nobility. If I'm needed I'll come but I won't let myself be compared to my father. So if you want to keep your position I suggest you refrain from making these comparisons." Zuko spoke sharply and looked at him directly.

"N-of course sir. I will cancel the meeting tomorrow." Said the old man and bowed.

Zuko looked at Mazo and Mazo nodded. He knew full well that he should check this out for the Fire Lord. Zuko didn't trust the old members because they worked for his father all their lives.
After this conversation they rode off and made their way to the Earth Kingdom where he was urgently expected.