Iroh and Zuko stood side by side upon the warship's deck, looking out over the vast ocean. The sun had long ago set, and the full moon bathed the entire scene in a cold, diffuse, white light. At the age of fifteen, the young prince had already progressed into a formidable warrior under his uncle's tutelage. Iroh, one of the fire nation's most decorated generals and revered firebending masters, had begun to train not only his nephew but his son as well. It was not long before Iroh's only child, Zahani, came out to join the other two.
At the age of seventeen, Zahani was also learning firebending extremely quickly and was indeed his father's son. He was taller than Iroh, but had Iroh's piercing dark brown eyes, strong jaw, and love of ginseng tea. In addition, he had his father's calm strength and innate power in firebending. He was the pride and joy of his father's life.
"Good evening, my son," Iroh said, eyebrows raised, "what brings you out here this time of night?"
"Just wanted some fresh air." Zahani sighed in mock exasperation. "Still brooding, you two?" he said as he came to stand next to Zuko. Leaning his arms over the railing of the ship's deck, Zahani smiled as his father and cousin threw him identical, and completely ineffectual, looks of irritation.
"We're not brooding, we're preparing for what's to come," Zuko replied, his voice laced with a palpable annoyance.
"Woah, sorry cos, didn't mean to disturb the deep meditations of the fire nation's formidable future king," Zahani said, holding up his hands in mock surrender and chuckling. At the look on Zuko's face, however, he quickly stopped laughing. "Zuko," Zahani began, placing a hand on his younger cousin's shoulder, "I'm sure it won't be long before your father lets you come home." Zuko shook his head angrily.
"He'll never let me come home. Not until I have the Avatar." Zuko looked up into his older cousin's eyes, his voice hard and steady with quiet determination. "And I will capture him. I promise I will." Zahani exchanged a significant glance with his father, but merely nodded.
"So," he continued, "what can we expect in this battle tomorrow?"
"It will not be easy," said Iroh, making his way over to sit on one of the small benches set upon the ship's deck. "The earth benders are a bold and courageous people who defend their homeland fiercely. They will not give up without a massive resistance. We have our work cut out for us." Zuko and Zahani exchanged glances, then looked back at Iroh.
"We're ready, uncle," Zuko said, his golden eyes ablaze with resolve, with purpose.
"As always, father," Zahani agreed, nodding.
"Then let us get our rest," Iroh said, getting to his feet and looking at his nephew and son significantly. "A man needs his rest."
Author's note: I made up the name of Iroh's son, just so there's no confusion... : )