Zhau-Li was sitting absolutely still on his knees, looking down at a new empty cup on the table in front of him.
Slowly he looked up to see the light of a little candle illuminate the face of General Iroh who was sitting in front of him with closed eyes and a frown on his face.
It was evening ones more… And neither Zuko or Toph was to be seen anywhere.
Something had to be wrong! Iroh had to think so to. He hadn't gone to bed either but was still up... Waiting. They were both waiting.
"We have to go look for them." Zhau-Li finally said.
Irohs frown deepened.
"Sir." Zhau-Li spoke.
"Clearly something is a foot." Iroh said. "Both Zuko and Toph are incredible fighters. Each of them able to take down a small battalion by themselves."
Zhau-Li swallowed as he kept sitting still, feeling the tingling down his spine.
"It would be foolish to go look for them alone. Only to fall into the same trap as them." Iroh said. "It may be time to call in one of the debts the earth King owes us."
"You mean… Ask the royal guard to aid us?" Zhau-Li asked.
"Yes." Iroh said. "I fear it's the only logical cause of action."
"What about the Avatar?" Zhau-Li asked. "Can't we send him a message?"
"I fear sending a message would not make him come back any faster." Iroh sighed deeply. "No matter what we do. It will be at least two more days before the Avatar and his friends returns. Perhaps more. We need to find Zuko and young Toph now." he stood up. "We must return to the palace."
Zhau-Li nodded as he stood up as well and eagerly followed Iroh outside into the cold night air.
As they reached the palace, torches were lighting the way for the guards and as they approached the main entrance the guard looked confused.
"General Iroh." The guard greeted.
"I truly apologize for the late hour." Iroh said. "May I request an audience with King Kuei?" he asked. "Now."
The guards glanced at each other then nodded.
"We'll send him a message that you are here sir." The guard said and stepped aside allowing Iroh and Zhau-Li inside.
Patiently Iroh and Zhau-Li was standing in the entrance hall. Iroh with closed eyes and lowered head.
The minutes stretched on. It felt like absolutely torture and then suddenly.
The King himself came running, wearing a long night gown in finest silk. Fluffy bear slippers on his feet that looked curiously much like the very bear running right behind him with its own night cap on his head. "General Iroh." Kuei gasped. "Is something wrong?"
Hopelessly Iroh looked at Kuei. "Your majesty. I deeply apologies for the late hour." he said. "As I informed you. Yesterday Toph never came home from her visit to her parents. We have still not seen her. This morning Zuko went to check on her which is why he couldn't be at your side today… He is not home." he said. "Neither of them are. I have not seen young Toph since yesterday morning or Zuko since this very morning when he went looking for her. No word, no letter. Nothing."
Kuis eyes widened. "Then we must find them. Immediately!" he said. "WAKE THE GUARDS!" he shouted. "We are forming a search team immediately. Crown Prince Zuko has gone missing! We must make sure that no harm has come to him!"
The Night guards saluted and were on their way.
"Thank you sir." Iroh exhaled deeply.
"Not at all. This is the least I owe Prince Zuko and young Ms Beifong." Kuei said. "Wait here. I'll go change clothes." he said.
Iroh blinked. "You do not need to join the search. A king needs rest." he said.
"How would I be able to rest knowing one of my friends is missing?" Kuei asked. "Beside Bosco has an amazing nose. He can smell a fish at the other end of the palace." he said making Bosco roar satisfied.
"That's good thinking." Iroh said and Kuei ran back from where he came leaving the bear behind whom sat down to wait for his master.
Zhau-Li looked at the big animal… That thing really dumbfounded him. Maybe this was what happened when a Platypus-Bear and an Armadillo-bear mated?
Iroh though didn't seem taken back at all and approached the bear. "Forgive me for waking you from the nap." he spoke directly to the bear in a kind voice. "It would mean a lot to me if you would help me find my nephew." he said as he reached forward a hand and scratched Bosco behind the ear.
The bear closed his eyes as he made a growling sound in satisfaction. The next moment he laid down on the ground and rolled around offering his belly side to Iroh.
"Well okay then." Iroh said and used both hands to scratch the happy bear.
Soon Kuei was back and several guards and even some higher ranking members had gathered in the court yard and Kuei started to explain the situation.
"We are in debt to Prince Zuko and Ms Beifong." Kuei said after having ended his explanation. "They defended our wall against the fire nation drill and then uncovered Long Fengs plot. We cannot let these two get harmed."
Iroh stepped forward. "Both Prince Zuko and Ms Beifong are bending masters in their own right. They would not have been taken easily." Iroh said. "Therefore no one is to go in groups less than five. And you are to remain aware of at least one others groups current location."
Everyone nodded seriously then General How stepped up.
"Your majesty. Please let me join your party." How asked. "It is not safe for you out there."
Kuei sighed deeply. "Very well." he said. "You'll be with me. General Iroh. Prince Zukos servant and one of my own." he gestured a servant to his side. "Now our group have six people." he concluded only to make Bosco roar. "Seven." he corrected himself. "Well I suppose I am the king." he sighed then crawled up on Bosco. Easily settling on the bears back.
"Thank you for the aid." Iroh bowed for How.
"It is in every bodies best interest that no harm comes to those two." How simply stated.
Iroh nodded seriously and Kuei lifted a hand.
"Let's head out!" he commanded.
Deep under the palace in the prison cellar Azula smirked as she leaned up against the wall next to a metal cell. "Would you look at that?" she asked. "Every guard has now left the palace." she said. "Out looking for poor little Zuzu."
Inside the cell Long Feng glanced up.
"That has to feel satisfying." Azula commented as she looked at her feet and the single guard which had been left behind to guard the prisoner. "To be able to just walk right out in your own tempo" she said swinging a key on her finger.
"Are you done playing?" Long Feng finally asked.
"I just wanted to make sure." Azula said. "Our little alliance is not yet over. You will not suddenly turn on me will you? The Dai Li is still mine to command."
Long Feng smirked. A sinister look in his eye. He might as well just be crossing his fingers behind his back it was so obvious. "Of course." he said. "Our alliance will be permanent. Princess. A fruitful future an alliance between the fire nation and Ba Sing Se."
Azula smirked. "That's what I thought." she said sticking the key into the lock and simply opened up the prison door.
Long Feng stood up and walked out with a straight raised back. Then turned to Azula. "What's next?" he asked.
"Our greatest threats currently in this city is my Uncle and the Generals." Azula said. "Take them down and the king will out matched by us and the Dai-Li."
"And how do you suppose we take them?" Long Feng asked.
"Same way as we took my dear brother." Azula smirked. "Take them one by one. When they are alone and at their must vulnerable."
"Your Uncle seems to have realized he shouldn't separate himself from the others." Long Feng then pointed out.
"Oh but I have his weak spot in my pocket." Azula smirked. "Just look at him. Zuzu has gone missing and he have the entire royal guard coming out looking for him. When little Zuzu cries, Uncle comes running. He can't bear seeing his beloved little nephew in pain. He will do anything." she said as she dug into her pocket and found a golden hair piece. The one Zuko had worn as he met the king. "To see his beloved little Zuzu in one peace."
Long Feng looked at the golden hair piece and then he grinned. "To take down the Dragon of the west. Would indeed fill me with satisfaction." he said.
"You want him?" Azula asked as she threw the hair piece at Long Feng. "You may have him. I rather not soil my hands with a traitor anyway." she said looking at her hand its pointy painted nails. "It's bad for my manicure."
And Long Feng was grinning. His eyes shining. "You thought you could play me Prince Zuko?" he asked. "And destroy everything I worked for? No… You shall learn. I made this city what it is now. You will not be taking that away from me. Prince Zuko!"