Silence filled the former War Room. [A.N. I'd write Peace Room but that sounds a tad bit cheesy.]

Zuko was, to say the least, astonished. He opened his mouth several times in attempt to speak, but no avail.

This can't be possible. He thought. Lu died during the 600 day siege. Iroh went MIA and the troops were withdrawn because of his death.. they found a body. Didn't they? How-

His thoughts were cut off by Iroh, whom looked saddened.

"My good man, you must be mistaken. My son, he was killed. I was there, in Ba Sing Se. It was my assignment, the 600 day siege of Ba Sing Se-"

Several of the dignataries visibly flinched. The Siege was a terrible memory for the Earth Kingdom, as many troops, and civilians, were killed.

"-I saw him. I identified him." Iroh finished, a single tear streaked his cheek.

Zuko noticed, and the single tear had set him off once again.

"I will not put up with this. Get out. Now."

The servant began to tremble. His knees eventually gave out, and he managed to get into a bowing position.

"S-s-sir! P-please, y-your liege, h-h-have m-me-r-rcy on m-me! I-I meant n-no d-disrespect. B-but I speak the t-truth! P-prince L-lu T-ten is a-alive! He's in t-the r-royal quarters a-as we s-speak!"

Zuko stepped forward.

"GET OUT! NOW!"

He screamed, and the torches in the room flared.

Iroh began to speak, but was cut off.

"Zuko! Calm the hell down! Have you considered he's telling the truth? Look at the poor guy, you've scared him half to death! "

Mai's outburst shocked everyone, earning gasps from many of the older dignaries, and even the Avatar and company. It wasn't a woman's place to speak out, especially against royalty. The Firelord at that. To the Gaang, the shock was Mai showing such strong emotion. They knew her as a morbid young woman.

Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose, and glared at Mai. She simply smirked, placed her hand on his shoulder, and looked at him softly.

Zuko sat back down, and the servant rose his head.

"This meeting is dismissed for now. I'd prefer to handle this matter privately. Any objections?" The young Firelord calmly asked.

No one had anything to say. Everyone, with the exception of Iroh, rose, and left the room. The Gaang gave the Firelord incredulous looks, and Aang, who was confused by the entire situation, approached his friend.

The young Firelord simply said "I'll tell you later."

Aang shrugged, and went to catch up with the rest of the group.

Mai, who was halfway out of the door, was stopped.

"Aren't you coming dear?" Iroh asked, and Zuko looked on hopefully.

"I figured you guys wanted some privacy." She stated.

"Please, it's no trouble at all. Come."

Mai walked toward the duo, and stood with them before Jin.

Iroh was the first to speak.

"What do you mean, that Lu Ten is, alive?"

The servant looked at Iroh as if he grew another head.

"W-well General I-iroh, exactly tha-at. H-he showed up to the f-front gates, and the I-imperial Guards l-let him in. I escorted h-him to the R-royal S-suites myself. It's Lu T-ten your highness."

Zuko and Iroh looked at each other, and Zuko could have sworn he saw a glimmer of hope in Iroh's eyes.

"Well?"

Iroh and Zuko looked at Mai.

"Oh Agni, let's get this over with.. it might actually be Lu Ten." Mai said in her usual monotone voice, but smiled warmly at the two Royals.

Zuko continued to stand there, while Iroh let out a laugh.

"Well nephew, I think we should listen to her. Maybe my son is alive after all."

Zuko slapped his forehead.

"Uncle, I don't want you to get your hopes up. It'll hurt even more if it's not really him."

Mai sighed. "And I thought I was pessimistic."


As they walked to the Royal suites, the Royal family's private quarters at the very back end of the palace, Iroh became more hopeful with each step.

"Uncle, didn't you, erm, identify Lu's body? It can't possibly be him." He asked sheepishly.

Iroh looked up at Zuko.

"You see nephew, I was grief stricken. I was told the body was... how do I put it? Not in a, um, very good condition. I refused to look at him, as I knew the image would haunt me for the rest of my days." Iroh spoke, with an undeniable amount of sadness in his voice.

"So it's possible Lu Ten is alive?"

"I would say so nephew." The Dragon of the West responded.

The servant suddenly stopped at one of the Tea rooms.

"H-he's in t-there your majesty." The servant stuttered, and kept his head down.

They walked in, but, alas, no one was there. Iroh, whom had become very hopeful at this point, bowed his head, and tried to hold back tears. Mai narrowed her eyes at the servant.

But Zuko became enraged.

"EXPLAIN YOURSELF!"

The servant looked petrified, and bowed lowly once again. Just as Zuko opened his mouth to scream, they were interrupted by a figure at the door.

"It's been far too long."


CLIFFY! :D Thank you zutarababe&lilyflower655 for the reviews ;) By the way, I do not own Avatar: The last Airbender. xD