The battle to take the earthbender city seemed to go on for ages, but finally it was over and the fire nation was one step closer to victory in the war. Most of the warriors were celebrating, but Iroh, Zahani, and Zuko found a quiet corner to sit and watch, simply grateful that they had all come out of the battle alive. For a long time the three men sat beneath the stars, sometimes talking, sometimes silent with contemplation. Suddenly, however, the sounds of laughter and revelry around them had slowly died away, and a tense silence fell over the entire camp.
"What's going on, uncle?" Zuko asked, unable to mask the concern in his voice.
"I do not know," Iroh replied, and it was clear that he was uneasy. Zahani was the first to notice what had brought about such an abrupt change in the men.
"My god," he breathed, and both his uncle and cousin turned to look at him. "It's him," he said, his voice strained, "it's Ozai." Iroh and Zuko both turned to where Zahani was staring. Standing amongst the makeshift tents and clearly nervous soldiers was the unmistakable figure of the fire lord. "What is he doing here, father?" Zahani asked, and the tension in his voice showed that he, too was nervous.
"I can't imagine," Iroh replied, but although his voice was perfectly calm, there was a shrewd, suspicious look in his eyes as he gazed at his brother.
Zahani stole a glance at his cousin. Zuko had remained silent, but Zahani noticed how the younger man had gone suddenly pale. Ozai turned towards the three men, noticing them for the first time. Slowly, each step carrying an unmistakable power, the fire lord made his way over to where his family stood.
"Iroh," intoned the fire lord, "it seems you have done well here. The battle is won, and you have gained the respect of your men." Iroh bowed deferentially.
"Thank you, my brother."
"And what have we here," Ozai went on, turning towards Zuko who, Zahani was impressed to see, was keeping his gaze level under the unyielding eye of his father. "My son," Ozai said, but the words held no affection; they were thrown at Zuko with the utmost derision. "I wonder, did you fight beside your uncle today, or did you run and hide, with the women and children?" Zuko was silent, for what possible response could he offer?
"He fought bravely, my lord," Zahani said, and although he addressed the fire lord properly, his tone held no respect. "I was proud to fight beside him."
"Well, at least he didn't embarrass himself," Ozai said, looking at Zuko with cold indifference. Courageously, and most probably foolishly, Zahani stepped between Zuko and Ozai.
"What do you have against him, anyway?" Zahani said, looking the fire lord in the eyes. "Zahani," Iroh said warningly, coming to stand beside the younger man. "This is not wise, my son," he said, so that only Zahani could hear him. Zahani looked at his father, but did not reply. Ozai stepped toward Zahani.
"Do you actually think that being my brother's child gives you the right to disrespect me in this fashion?" Zahani looked at Ozai for a long moment.
"I apologize." Ozai simply looked at Zahani coldly, then turned to leave. He was stopped in his tracts, however, by Zahani's voice. "But do you, my lord, think that being king of our nation gives you the right to treat your own son the way you have?" Ozai did not even turn around as he replied.
"I have no interest or need to explain myself to you."
"Of course not," Zahani said, "and I have no need of it. But Zuko does." Slowly, the fire lord turned back to look at his nephew. There was an icy, unreadable expression on his face that could mean nothing good.
"Zahani...don't. Just leave it alone," Zuko said quietly, speaking for the first time. Zahani turned to look at Zuko, confusion on his face as well as anger.
"Zuko," Zahani began, indignation on his cousin's behalf evident in his eyes and voice. Before he could say anything else, however, the fire lord had spoken once more.
"Your son has an impetuous tongue, Iroh," Ozai said, addressing his brother yet keeping his gaze on Zahani. Several long moments passed in silence as the two men looked at each other, Ozai seeming to measure Zahani with his cold gaze. "Perhaps an agni kai would temper it," he finally said slowly. Iroh's breath caught in his chest, but only for a moment.
"Ozai," he said softly, but there was no help for it, and no family bond that could supercede the ancient tradition of the agni kai.
"Well, boy?" Ozai said, ignoring his brother, "do you accept the challenge?" Zahani looked at his cousin for a moment, then looked back at his uncle. Taking a deep breath, Zahani spoke, his voice quiet yet determined.
"I do not wish to fight you, my lord. You are the king of our great nation and my father's brother. But if I must, I will." Ozai took a step toward Zahani and gazed at him for a moment, a strange expression on his face. Finally, though, he nodded.
"I consider the challenge accepted, then. In the clearing just inside the tree line of the forest at sunrise."
Zahani nodded. The fire lord then turned on his heel and left without another word.