Zuko stumbles to a halt when he realizes Uncle Iroh has entered the courtyard without his notice. "Uncle!"

"Hello, Prince Zuko!" the older firebender returns with cheer.

"You were not told to stop, trainee!" yells the towering man at Uncle's side, "Continue the exercise to its completion!"

Zuko tries to hide his flinch. "Yes, Instructor Akio!" He hurries to resume his kata but a part of him finds time to begin fretting over how he must already be failing Uncle Iroh's evaluation.

His firebending lesson goes on largely as it normally would for the next hour, excepting Uncle's presence. The two older men speak in hushed tones as they watch him and Zuko wishes he could make out their words. He already knows that he must be the topic of their conversation, but not knowing the specifics of their discussion is nerve-racking. It makes him tense in a manner that is not at all helping his performance, which in turn is even more stressful.

Despite the split in his attention that Iroh creates, Instructor Akio still manages to find the flaws in Zuko's form and give corrections. Loudly.

"Mind your breathing!"

"Wider stance!"

"Control your breath, trainee!"

"That was pathetic! Start again from the beginning!"

And then, much like Uncle had appeared without warning in the training courtyard, Instructor Akio disappears.

"Please, continue the kata, Prince Zuko," Uncle instructs calmly, "There is honor in completing what one starts."

Zuko hesitates but soon continues with the kata he had been working through. When he finishes the last move of the set, Uncle invites him to approach with a wave.

"That was well done, Nephew," Iroh says, "but there are some aspects in your bending that you seem to be struggling with."

The boy flushes as embarrassment rises up again. "Yes, Uncle," he admits and glances around the courtyard. His firebending instructor is still nowhere to be seen. "Where is Instructor Akio? He's never left during a lesson before."

Uncle strokes his beard twice before answering. "Instructor Akio has been reassigned to train Imperial Firebenders," he says, "as he was doing before he was selected to take on your firebending lessons."

"Oh. I see," Zuko says and swallows. Another master has given him up as a lost cause, then. "I've been told he's trained some of the finest Imperial Firebenders among the ranks. It will be good to have him training more of the nation's elite benders."

The old man nods sagely. "From the way he speaks, I suspect that the structure of the military suits him well," Uncle Iroh says, "Instructor Akio knows how to take firebenders who have gone through the standard army training of our nation and refine them into strong masters. And yet, I do not believe he has learned how to teach a young pupil who has much promise but lacks the foundational lessons that his previous students would have rigorously drilled before reaching him."

Zuko frowns as his confusion grows. "Uncle?"

"His failure to adapt has left the two of you badly mismatched, Nephew. I am not certain if you are aware, but I trained your cousin Lu Ten personally, from his first sparks up to his mastery." Uncle bows as he says, "I would be honored if you would allow me the privilege of training another young prince to the height of his potential."

"O-oh." When Father had said he'd speak to Uncle about Zuko's training, he'd assumed that Uncle might offer a few corrections or some advice before turning him back over to Instructor Akio. At most, he'd expected Uncle might find the time to lead an occasional lesson. He hadn't thought the Dragon of the West would be stepping into the role of his firebending master full time! "Thank you, Uncle! I am honored that you would consider me a worthy student." He offers an appropriate bow to acknowledge his uncle's new status as his firebending master. "I'll do my best to live up to your expectations!"

"I am certain that you will, Prince Zuko!" Uncle grins. "Please, go fetch your cooldown supplies. There is no better time to begin than the present."

"Yes, Instructor! ...Master? Um..." Zuko gives up on salvaging his dignity and asks, "How should I address you?"

The man chuckles. "How about we stick with 'Uncle?'" the older royal suggests, "There are no greater or more cherished titles than those of familial relationships."

"Except 'Fire Lord,'" Zuko says.

Uncle pauses a moment and a strange emotion flickers across his face before it vanishes without a trace. "'Fire Lord' is indeed a very important title," he acknowledges.

It sounds like an agreement, but somehow Zuko isn't sure that it is. The nagging uncertainty makes him feel anxious. He doesn't know what to do with that emotion and its implication, so he does his best to ignore the thought and everything it would lead to. Instead, the teen turns to collect the supplies for his breathing exercises as he was directed.

...Maybe he doesn't need to tell Father about this particular conversation with Uncle. Or at least, not how it ended.

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Ozai bites back a yawn as he settles into the cushion at the head of the table. Napping during the day always leaves him feeling groggy. At least it had been a good nap this time. He'd actually been able to relax knowing that Iroh was taking care of things and that Agni would step in if it became necessary for whatever reason.

"Fire Lord."

Ozai startles from his slump to find Iroh at one of the room's entrances. The older man rises from his bow with a brow lifted in a silent question.

"I'm still half asleep. Firebenders aren't supposed to wake at noon," the Fire Lord grumbles and then scrubs a hand over his face. "Sit," he directs absently, gesturing to the spot at his left. "How did the morning go? Any problems?"

"A few ruffled feathers, but nothing that appeared likely to lead to sustained insults or grudges."

Ozai hums in response and Iroh reaches for the teapot at the center of the table. The older man rather pointedly pours a cup for Ozai before filling his own.

"I did not have time to brew the tea myself with the change in today's schedule," Iroh says, "but the kitchen staff have always produced an excellent pot of ginseng."

Ozai rolls his eyes under Iroh's expectant gaze. He lifts his cup and takes a sip to satisfy the other man.

Iroh appears mollified for the moment and indulges in a sip from his own teacup. He savors the flavor for a moment and then, instead of beginning the lecture about the tea's qualities that Ozai is anticipating, says, "There is one matter we should discuss before the sages join us."

Suddenly, Ozai feels far more awake. "Oh?"

"Yes," Iroh's gaze sharpens as he asks, "Who convinced you that a man used to training full-grown soldiers would make a good candidate for a thirteen-year-old child's firebending master?"

Ozai grimaces. He has no idea who recommended Akio for the position. For all he knows, the idea might have originated with his father. More to the point, he isn't inclined to give Iroh any names so long as the older man has that particular glint in his eyes.

"It sounds bad when you phrase it like that," he deflects. Iroh levels a distinctly unimpressed look at him for his chosen response and Ozai tamps down on the instinctive wince prompted by the obvious disapproval.

"Then I am glad you agree that Akio was poorly suited for the task," Iroh states, "I sent him to reclaim his previous position as an instructor for the Imperial Firebenders."

Ozai releases a quiet sigh of relief. Iroh isn't going to push the matter. "I'm told Instructor Akio has trained some of our finest Imperial Firebenders. It will be good for the nation to have him training more of our elite benders," he confirms. His brother squints at him strangely. Ozai isn't sure what to make of the expression and so he attempts to move the conversation forward, "Does this mean you're agreeing to become Prince Zuko's firebending teacher?"

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"I am." The curious look on the older man's face remains and Ozai affects obliviousness by drinking more tea. "I wonder... Do you realize how strongly your son takes after you? He said almost --"

Ozai breaks into a coughing fit as he chokes on ginseng.

"Brother!"

The Fire Lord bats Iroh's hovering hands away and snatches a napkin from the table. "You have no idea," he rasps as he regains control of his breathing, "how acutely aware I am of the many similarities and key differences that exist between myself and Prince Zuko."

Iroh frowns but does not question the claim.

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"Sages," the Fire Lord greets, "Please, join us."

Head Sage Hijiri rises from his bow. "Thank you, Fire Lord Ozai," he returns, moving to take his place at the monarch's side and across from General Iroh, "It is --"

Sage Misha brushes by him with a large grin on his face and claims the open cushion to the left of the ex-crown prince. Hijiri scowls. He does not know these three junior sages well, having only met them upon their selection by Agni, but it is clear that the young sage has no patience -- nor sense of decorum, for that matter. He will have to recommend additional study for the man.

Hijiri takes a breath, reminds himself that the youthful are often foolish in their exuberance, and refrains from remarking on the behavior while they remain in the presence of those outside the brotherhood. There will be a time for correction, but it is not now.

"It is an honor to serve Agni's anointed," the head sage says, drawing attention back to himself and hopefully away from Sage Misha's impertinence. He then takes his place of honor at the Fire Lord's right side as the highest ranking guest. Sage Shadra seats himself at Hijiri's right and Abedni, skittish thing that he is, practically hides himself behind Shadra. Hm, perhaps different lessons are in order for that one. Hijiri is starting to suspect that Sage Abedni had expected to bury himself in the quieter aspects of temple life, but the role he is being called on to fulfill would benefit from a dash more confidence than the junior sage has thus far displayed.

"Let us begin lunch," Fire Lord Ozai says, waving servants in to present the meal. It is quite the generous selection, but the sharing of a meal is not why Hijiri has been summoned to the palace.

"Sages Shadra, Abedni, and Misha returned to the temple from their last visit with quite the tale of Agni's return, and the Sun Spirit's close presence over Caldera all through this morning has caused a stir through the city and, I am sure, beyond. Please, Herald, tell us what we can do to assist in your duties."

Fire Lord Ozai does not waste time. "There is a maid in my employment, Kiyi. This morning she threw her first sparks after touching the fire of Agni's pre-dawn sun before it rose into the sky. I suspect she will not be the only one to have such an experience after this morning and that there will be more instances of nonbenders becoming firebenders."

The Head Fire Sage nods at the Fire Lord's conclusion. This is not quite what he had expected to be the first topic discussed at a lunch preceding the day's war meeting, but there is no denying its importance.

"We have received many reports of such instances in the last several hours," he says, confirming the other man's suspicions as well founded. Most of the reports in question had even been given in person during the unprecedented influx they had at this morning's prayers to Agni. But then, if the existence of a pre-dawn sun over the capital had not moved the people to revere and worship Agni again, Hijiri would have to wonder about the stubborn blindness of the current generation.

Ozai takes in that statement and something in the man's face grows firm. It is more subtle than the glint in his eyes or the tilt of his chin, but the look is one of a man who has come to a decision and is used to having his orders obeyed. "I want the temple to put a program together for these new benders. Teach them control. If they come from nonbending families or otherwise do not share a home with an established firebender that can help them subdue stray sparks, offer them a place to stay in the temple until they can safely return to their own residences. If they insist on returning to their homes before you deem them ready, let them go but send a sage with them to inform their neighbors of the increased fire risk.

"I will send official orders along these lines at a later date when I have more time in my schedule to draft the appropriate paperwork. For now, know that the palace will reimburse any funds the temple needs to spend on this project."

"Yes, Fire Lord," Hijiri says, "It will be done."

A throat is cleared on the opposite side of the table and, for a split-second, the head sage fears the worst of Sage Misha's comportment. He is greatly relieved to realize that the culprit is instead General Iroh.

"If I may?" the previous crown-prince says.

General Iroh wears the regent's crown in his topknot, Hijiri notes in surprise, the triple-pointed copper headpiece shining as it reflects light off its polished surface. Strange that the Fire Lord would allow the lesser counterpart of his own crown and symbol of authority to be worn by any in his presence, let alone while business is actively being conducted, in however unofficial a capacity.

The Fire Lord renders his judgement, "Speak."

"Although the sages have very skilled teachers among them, especially for firebending," Iroh nods across the table at Hijiri in acknowledgement, "it has recently come to my attention how often those that train master benders expect their students to come to them already strong in their foundational lessons. This initiative may benefit from the inclusion of teachers that focus on the training of beginner firebenders."

Hijiri would not have thought of that, but the general raises a valid point and the idea has merit. A glance at the Fire Lord's face reveals that the nation's leader at least does not seem displeased by his brother's counsel.

"We do practice the basics regularly at the temple," the head sage says, "but General Iroh is correct in that we have little experience in teaching them. There is also the matter of the children who touched Agni's flames to consider, both older and younger than the typical age range of five-to-eight for manifestation. They, in particular, may be best served by instructors from outside the temple."

"Recruit as many outside instructors as you believe necessary," the Fire Lord decides, "Collect their names and addresses. The palace will pay them directly. Of the other things you buy, make sure to keep an itemized list. I'll be directing the treasury to expect as much and to reject all requests that do not properly record what funds were spent on."

Well, that is certainly news. He'll have to remember to pass that on to the bookkeepers at the temple. There will doubtlessly be grumbling over the increased hassle this will cause them. "Has something happened to cause the change?"

"Not yet. Not beyond the usual corruption and skimming of funds," the Fire Lord dismisses lightly, "but it is likely that there will be substantial turbulence in the future of the nation's economy, quite possibly a recession at some point. A war-time economy does not fix itself overnight into a successful peace-time economy. Taking actions now to reduce wasted funds will help mitigate a portion of the toll on our citizenry, at least through the taxes."

"I see." The head sage strokes his beard in thought. His audience includes General Iroh, who is known for certain excesses but is nonetheless outside of the brotherhood, and three junior sages, who Hijiri barely knows a thing about but were chosen by Agni. It is worth the potential risks, he thinks. "Would it be too forward, my lord, to offer a list of sages for audit?" Five sets of eyes are immediately pinned to his person, weighing him for his boldness.

"Is this an attempt to root out corruption or rivals, Head Sage?" the Fire Lord asks.

Hijiri dares not look away from the monarch to gauge the other reactions of those in the room. "Fire Lord Ozai, if any sage on the list I provide you does not show signs of living beyond the means of a Fire Sage's allotted allowance, I will submit myself to whatever punishment you deem fit. I cannot guarantee corruption will be found in every case, there could be other explanations, but it is easy to spot excess and extravagance within the brotherhood of the temple."

"I-If I may?"

Hijiri glances back and cannot help being stunned that Sage Abedni has gathered the courage to speak at all. He would have sooner suspected either of his two cohorts. Perhaps there is something more to the young man than a first impression of him would suggest.

"Speak," the Fire Lord commands.

Abedni flinches at the firm order. He twists his fingers in his lap but says past the obvious case of nerves, "The head sage is correct. Once you know what to look for, extra coin is easy to see in the possessions and habits of certain brothers."

A frown mars the Fire Lord's face as he considers what he has been told. The tension in the room hangs uncomfortably in the air as they all wait on his verdict.

"This portion of the conversation doesn't leave the room," Ozai says at last, "Suspected widespread corruption in the Fire Sages without clear facts or answers could be destabilizing, catastrophically so. Have the list ready by the day after tomorrow's afternoon and send it to me through Sage Shadra, Misha, or Abedni when they join that day's war meeting. I'll have people look into the matter discreetly."

Head Sage Hijiri strokes his beard. It is a wise precaution. "As you wish, Fire Lord."

"Good." The Fire Lord glances down at the table. "You should eat before you have to return to the temple, Head Sage, and most of these dishes are much better hot than they are after they've cooled."

Hijiri startles at the subject change and peeks around the table only to find that he alone has yet to touch his meal. "Ah! I am sure it is all still delicious, my lord!" He pauses just before he takes his first bite. "Before I 'return to the temple,' my lord?" he asks, "I had expected I would be joining the war meeting this afternoon."

The Fire Lord seems surprised by the mere suggestion. "Agni has chosen sages for that role. You were not among them." It is spoken as nothing more than fact, but the implication is a stinging rebuke all the same. "Also, I would prefer that the preparations for the new firebenders' program be started as soon as possible. As the highest administrator of the temple, I expect you'll be busy for the remainder of the day on organization efforts."

"It is as you say, Fire Lord Ozai. I should not have been so presumptuous."

Hijiri has been passed over by Agni, but trusted by his herald, at least. It helps to soothe some of the wounds inflicted on the head sage's ego. Perhaps it is that same pride that caused Agni to reject him for the honor the Sun Spirit bestowed upon Sages Shadra, Abedni, and Misha. He will have to meditate on the matter before he retires for the night.

"Oh, and Iroh?" the Fire Lord says, something like amusement in his voice.

"Yes, Brother?"

"Make sure you leave yourself time to switch your headpiece before the next meeting."

The general blinks rapidly before flushing. Like an embarrassed child, he admits, "I had forgotten."

The Fire Lord chuckles with a surprising amount of warmth. "Yes, I can tell."

Despite the political pitfalls inherent to dining with the Fire Lord, and the injured pride caused by his own assumptions, Hijiri must admit that he finds the lunch to be an overall pleasant experience. He can only hope that any future meetings with Agni's Herald will go as well as this one has.