"I believe you have acted impulsively, my son," Iroh said gravely, his face lined with concern, his tea left cold and ignored. Iroh, Zahani, and Zuko were in Iroh's tent, yet they could still hear the camp buzzing about fire lord Ozai's impromptu visit. Iroh's worry was evident, but Zuko had simply sat there, silent and pale, seemingly unable to pull himself out of his own thoughts. Zahani seemed to be the only one of the three who was keeping his composure.
"Perhaps," he replied, "but what else could I do? Do you really think Ozai would take no for an answer?" Iroh sighed.
"No, I suppose not."
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" came Zuko's voice softly. Iroh and Zahani both turned to look at the young man. "You've accepted the challenge of a man who has no familial ties, not in the arena anyway." Zuko looked up and locked eyes with Zahani. "You've walked into a fight you can't win, a fight that could cost you your life. And for what?"
Silence reigned for several long moments, but Zuko seemed to be losing control of his anger.
"ANSWER ME!"
"I did it for one simple reason, Zuko. An agni kai is more than just a challenge. It's a test of character and honor and I couldn't betray that. Not even for the fire lord." Zuko shook his head.
"I don't understand, Zahani. I don't understand at all." Before the older cousin could reply, Zuko stood up and stormed out of the tent.
Iroh sighed and shook his head, watching his son with an appraising eye.
"Zuko is right, you know. About the fire lord." Zahani nodded. He seemed suddenly weary.
"I know."
Iroh looked at his son, and waited for the younger man to meet his eyes.
"I know you better than anyone, Zahani. I know when you're holding something back. What was it that you were not saying to Zuko?" Zahani bowed his head, and when he spoke his voice was barely audible.
"I said yes to the fire lord's challenge for all the reasons I told Zuko. But I also did it because what happened to Zuko at the fire lord's hands was not fair. I think someone needs to stand up for him." Iroh simply stared at his son for a long moment.
"I do not know whether that is brave or incredibly foolish," he finally said.
"Father," Zahani went on, a note of pleading in his voice, "please don't tell Zuko what I've told you. The decision I made was mine, and mine alone, but I know him. He'll feel responsible somehow and that's a burden he shouldn't have to carry." Iroh nodded.
"I agree." Silence fell for several long moments before Iroh stood up.
"Come, Zahani. You need your rest for tomorrow."
The younger man nodded and, yawning, stood to join his father. Zahani then left his father's tent, but not before his father embraced him fiercely.
Author's note: Sorry this took so long, all…I'll try to get some more up soon!