A/N: Hi guys, thanks for checking out my story! This is the edited version my beta, the awesome "Kiyamasho" helped fix:) The rest of the chapters will be edited before I continue, Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Avatar: The Last Airbender

"Do I make myself clear Prince Zuko?" The mighty Fire Lord Ozai asked his least favorite child.

"Yes father." Zuko replied while bowing down to his father. As usual Zuko's pale face was expressionless, his voice flat.

"Now…", Began Ozai. "…tell me again, what are your orders?"

The young boy looked up at his horrid father who was sitting on a fancy throne several feet above him.

Zuko sighed before responding. "I am to stay in my room until the chief leaves. I am to make no sounds and I am forbidden to leave my room."

Ozai smiled evilly. "Correct."

The rain seemed to pound harder against the grand windows of the Fire Nation Palace.

Ozai hadn't told Zuko he was free to go, so as much as Zuko didn't want to leave, he stayed put.

Long moments passed but Ozai remained silent, and the rain came down harder. Zuko looked up again. In a way Ozai was looking at Zuko and at the same time not looking at him. The Fire Lord's eyes were fixed on Zuko, but he was staring past him. Zuko started to wander what his father was thinking when the older man finally spoke up. "And tell me Prince Zuko, what will be your punishment if you disobey?"

Zuko swallowed, "I will be locked away in the dungeon and will not be allowed any food for a week."

"Correct Prince Zuko." Ozai said again. "I am glad that we are on the same page."

Zuko merely nodded, unable to reply.

Ozai continued to speak. "Now, be gone! The chief will be arriving soon and I do not want him to have any idea that you exist, for you are a disgrace!"

Ozai's evil smile returned. He always tormented his son like this, hoping he would one day snap back, thus giving Ozai a reason to punish him, Zuko's anger rose but he fought to keep his temper in check and he succeeded. He rose from the ground at his father's feet and exited the throne room without another word. Zuko rushed to his room. Once he arrived at his destination he flung himself on his bed and looked up at the ceiling. He wanted so badly to scream but he kept quiet. Hatred towards his father and his Nation boiled up inside of him. Just as he thought he might explode from the anger and desperation he felt inside of him there was a knock on his door. Zuko took a few seconds to even his ragged breathing and said, "Come in."

He was relieved to see that the person who walked through his bedroom door was his Uncle Iroh.

"May I have a word with you, Price Zuko?" The retired General asked his thirteen year old nephew.

"Of course Uncle." Zuko replied as he sat up in his bed. He knew his uncle would not let himself be ignored.

"I know you are upset nephew…" Iroh began, no longer using his 'I'm-a-retired-General-of-the-Fire-Nation-so-don't-ignore-me'-voice.

"But you must not let your father anger you. You must be strong and just go along with what he says." Iroh began stroking his beard, "Even if you don't always agree with it." He added as an after thought.

Zuko sighed inwardly, "I know uncle. But sometimes he just makes me so angry!" He ended up yelling the last part.
Zuko's statement was followed by silence. Neither of them spoke. Iroh could clearly see Zuko's anger toward his father reflected in his gold eyes. The old Dragon of the West was confused. He was left with no options now that he understood the amount of hatred his nephew had toward the Fire Lord. How could he tell the innocent thirteen year old boy that he was right and that the Fire Lord was the reason the war had not ended? Or how could he possibly tell Zuko to go along with all the Fire Lord's beliefs, even though they were evil? And how could he possibly make him understand how insane Ozai was, and that he had to do whatever he said anyways?

"Can I ask you something Uncle?" Zuko asked breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"Of course nephew." Iroh replied.

Zuko took a deep breath. He finally asked, "How come father hasn't tried to end the war, and why does he hate me?"

A/N: Thanks for reading! What did you guys think? Tell me in a review please! Thanks!