Something Zuko had started to notice as they moved further into the earth kingdom. Zhau-Li had become unusually withdrawn.
He would of course still always help in what-ever way he could and be friendly to everyone. But he was barely walking behind Zuko any more like he usually so proudly would. Finally Zuko just had to ask him to walk by him as they decided to walk a bit in front of the group.
"Is everything all right Zhau-Li?" Zuko asked honestly concerned.
"Of course sir." Zhau-Li replied. "Everyone are incredible. It is an honour to be here."
"So…. Why are you walking with a hung head?" Zuko asked.
"Erhm… I…" Zhau-Li hesitated. "I fear I might be a little out of depth… Sir."
Zuko blinked. "What do you mean?"
"Well… Prince Zuko. These people with us they are legends in their own right. Master Benders. And some have served you for far longer than I. I feel like I'm acting above my station." Zhau-Li admitted.
Zuko frowned. "We don't really act by the regular rules of an army you know." he said.
"I know you didn't really want me to just become your servant back in Ba Sing Se. But at that time, it made sense." Zhau-Li said. "Now though. I don't wish to be imposing!"
"Oh." Zuko realized. "Well. You're not." he said. "And honestly I had sincerely hoped you would stay with me also after the war!" he said. "My offer still stands. I want you in the palace if at all possible. In what capacity I am not sure yet. Guard maybe, if that's all right by you… I need all the help I can get. I need people I can rely on." he sighed. "And honestly. You've been a great help. You more than earned your spot! I'm not really keen on letting that go."
Zhau-Li halted. Then he smiled softly. "Thank you. I needed to hear that." he said. "In my head. I did fully imagine I was going to keep following you. But now when there are so many amazing people all around us it just… It became really overwhelming." he admitted.
"I know what you mean." Zuko sighed as he kept walking forward. "Sometimes I really have to question how I got here." he said.
"That's very well put sir." Zhau-Li smirked. Then suddenly the bush razled and both men turned their heads.
It kept rassling and Zuko peaked up.
"Sir?" Zhau-Li asked only for Zuko to hold up his hand to silence Zhau-Li who quieted. Then slowly… Slowly Zuko snook forward to peer into the bush with squinted eyes and then suddenly.
A head seemed to burst out! Two large eyes, though one larger than the other. A wrinkled face covering a mad grin showcasing his two missing teeth. As well as the craziest white beard, hair and eyebrows that Zuko had ever seen.
"Well hi there!"
"ARGH!" Zuko stumbled back in shock. The only reason he didn't fall down on the ground was because Zhau-Li caught him and both young men wide-eyed looked up.
The old man laughed, a snorting sound escaping his nose with the laughter.
"Sorry! Didn't mean to scare you!" The old man laughed. "Well okay maybe a little. But it was funny."
Zuko shook his head as he finally managed to get back up on his feet. Then glared at the man. "What do you think you're doing?" he asked.
"Hiding in bushes!" The old man exclaimed. "There is fire nation everywhere these days! Running around as if they own the place!" he rolled his eyes. "And destroying our lovely nature too! But I'm just an old man. So what else is there for me to do than hide in bush's?!
"Oh… Right." Zuko halted. "Erhm… Do you have anywhere to go?" he asked. "Do you need help?"
"Well I wouldn't say no to a bite if you got any to spare." The old man grinned in a big snort.
"Sure." Zuko said. "Erhm I don't have anything. Zhau-Li?"
Zhau-Li nodded as he took off his shoulder bag and fished out a package of biscuits offering it to the old man. "Sorry. They are kind of dry but it's all I got."
The package was just snatched away and the old man sniffed in deeply. Then his eyes narrowed and he looked up. "Paprika… Only fire nation put Paprika in biscuits!"
"Oh… Erhm." Zuko halted.
"Are you Fire nation?" The old man asked as he stepped forward. Suddenly his face all the way up into Zukos.
"Well erh…" Zuko gulped. "You see… Well honestly. Yes. But I am not with the fire lord and do not support the occupation of the earth Kingdom."
The old mans eyes narrowed to a squint. "I see." he said and then stood back. "Well! Everything is all right then!" he stated in a big grin as he tore open the package and stuffed a biscuit into his mouth only to cough loudly. "Bleh! Dry!"
"Zhau-Li just told you." Zuko said dryly.
"Erhm sir. What do we do?" Zhau-Li asked.
Zuko sighed. "Well if he has no where to go. He can come with the refuges if he wants." he said. "That's his choice though… Hey old man. If you have nowhere to go. We are leading a group of refuges to safety. Do you want to come?"
"No that's fine. I'm good!" The old man said and Zuko couldn't help but exhale deeply relieved.
"Thank Agni." He muttered under his breath as their group finally seemed to catch up.
Though just as it did, a scream permiated the air as one water tribe girl was rushing forward.
"KING BUMIIII!"
And the old man perked up. "Why if it isn't Katara!" he grinned as he opened his arms and allowed Katara to run right into them for a hug.
"King Bumi you're all right! Thank Tui and La!" Katara cried. "Aang has been so worried! You have no idea. He's going to be so happy!"
"Wait…" Zuko halted. "Katara you know this guy?" he asked.
"BUMI!" This time it was Iroh stepped forward as he laughed loudly. "Good to see you old friend!" he stated reaching out an arm which the old man grabbed firmly.
"And you Iroh!" The man which Zuko could now pretty much figure out was called Bumi laughed. "And I demand tea!" he said. "I had all the tea makers of Omashu come to my palace and brew me tea and none of it is at good as yours! You ruined Tea Iroh! Now I can't help compare everything else to yours!"
"I can give your tea makers a lesson if you wish. It is easy to learn." Iroh assured.
Zuko looked from one to the other. Somehow it wasn't quite as unbelievable that Iroh knew this guy… In fact he felt like he should have known.
"So erhm… Who… Is this?" Zuko asked as he pointed at Bumi.
"This is Bumi! The King of Omashu." Katara grinned happily.
"What?!" Zuko asked.
"And the worlds second greatest earth bender next to Toph." Katara smirked.
"Second?!" Bumi asked. "What kind of brat dare challenge me?" he asked then suddenly spoke in a much kinder voice. "We need to test that out some time. NOW!" he clasped his hands together. "I'm so glad I found you. I've taken my city back and I know you guys are in need of a base. Somewhere that can be defended!" he said. "So here's the deal. Why don't you come with me to my city and make that our base against Ozai?" he asked. "I give you walls that are easier to defend, and you help me defend my city which the fire nation was kind of going to target no matter what."
Zuko halted.
Then Iroh pushed a bit at Zuko. "That decision is yours Prince Zuko. Perhaps you need a bit of time to think it over."
Zuko halted. "Erhm. Katara. Do you trust this man?" he asked.
"Yes!" Katara said without skipping a breath. "And I swear to you. Aang trusts him! They are friends!"
Zuko nodded slowly then turned to Iroh. "Do you trust this man uncle?"
"I do." Iroh said. "Bumi may be crazy. But he's trustworthy."
"Right… Okay." Zuko exhaled deeply. "Well I guess that makes it easy then. We'll come."
"That's great!" Bumi beamed. "Now I just need to contact Momo so he'll come too! Then we are all set!"
"Don't you mean… Aang?" Zuko asked.
"Aang is with Momo isn't he?" Bumi asked. "So if we contact Momo they'll both come. Easy!"
Zuko backed away so he could whisper in Kataras ear. "Are you sure you trust him?" he asked. "You can be honest."
Katara chuckled. "I trust him." she assured.
"Well… okay then." Zuko halted while Iroh and Bumi was chatting away.
"So I finally got to meet the famed nephew." Bumi smirked.
"Indeed. He's a fine young man isn't he?" Iroh asked proudly.
"He's got a bit of a screw loose." Bumi said. "But he seems decent! So what more can you ask for really?"
Zuko was not amused… He glared at Bumi's back while Katara laughed into her hand.
"You get used to it. Don't worry." Katara assured.
"How does Aang know this guy?" Zuko asked.
Katara smiled softly. "Bumi is 112 years old." she informed. "He is the only surviving friend Aang has from before he was frozen in an iceberg."
Zuko halted. "Oh.." he realized. "I didn't realize."
"And he has helped us before." Katara said. "I promise. You can trust him."
"All right then." Zuko finally nodded.