Ianzok was seated in the throne room, which must've been a rather regal and traditional-looking place several decades ago, but under Ianzok's rule, it was modernized slightly. Instead of a large sea of flames behind the throne, it was replaced by several fireplaces that were symmetrically placed throughout the room. There was no need for light in this place, where the flames burnt 24/7. A large desk separated the Fire Lord's seat from where his visitors would seat themselves on comfy leather sofas.
"I was the Sun and you were the Moon..." Ianzok murmured to himself, looking down at a family photo, stroking at the glass where his late wife stood in the picture. "It's our son's birthday today... I don't know if this is the right choice for a present... but I've decided to train him myself."
The fire around him began to pulse.
"Hah... I know. Even I'm getting nervous. I wish you were here, Kenone. You would know what was best for Aonani." Ianzok closed his eyes, the fireplaces around him beginning to flare up like crazy, flames flickering with what fire would consider passionate determination.
There was a knock on the door. "Enter."
The palace butler, a bespectacled man older than Ianzok himself, stepped in. He was named Peng You, and was the best companion anyone could ever ask for. Loyal, steadfast, rather witty and sometimes downright protective to the point he wore you down. Ianzok would know, for he was cared for by Peng You when he was in Republic City. He wasn't a bender, but the old man sure had his own tricks up his incredibly crisp, clean sleeves. Peng You pushed up his round-rimmed glasses and handed Ianzok a piece of paper with a rather familiar handwriting on it, a disapproving frown on his face.
"Nani...?"
"It would appear to be so, Fire Lord. The young Prince seems to have run off again for his... daily activities." Peng You pouted, adjusting his gloves.
Ianzok snorted, rubbing his stubble. Whether his son knew it or not, Ianzok kept tabs of his son's various escapades and was rather proud of it. The child had yet to lose a fight, much like how Ianzok was when he was Aonani's age. Peng You's cough brought Ianzok back to his senses.
"I would hate to interrupt you, I know how much you see your younger self inside the Prince, but it seems that there are events taking place outside of the Fire Nation that may actually require your attention."
A situation outside of his jurisdiction that required his attention? This must be a rather dire problem. Something that would require the Leaders of the Four Nations and the Order of the White Lotus. "Is it...?"
"I'm afraid so, Fire Lord. This is regarding the Avatar, we received a short Morse that they will be arriving in the Fire Nation."
The fire around them seemed to hold a steady dance as Ianzok seemed to be contemplating the problem with his hands intertwined in front of his mouth. He then looked up at Peng You, who returned with his usual disinterested look, although Ianzok could tell even Peng You was worried.
"I trust you can hold the fort, You?"
"Most certainly, Fire Lord." Peng You dipped his head. "Shall I prepare the komodo rhino?"
"Yes, make sure Kasai is ready."
"What of the Prince? Shall he be told to remain in the palace?"
Ianzok got up from his seat, throwing his cape around his shoulders. He thought for a bit, then he shook his head. Peng You stared at him curiously.
"You don't mean..."
"I think it's time, don't you think, You?" Ianzok replied, a smile on his face. Peng You continued to look worried but nodded before he walked out the door.
"Oh goodie..."
"I heard that."