Princess Azula grew steadily angrier. It seemed no one knew where Iroh had gone.

Under her orders, the Dai Li ransacked his tea shop and apartment in the Upper Ring. They questioned everyone who patronized or worked at the Jasmine Dragon, including a lengthy interrogation of Quon, the man who had searched out someone he called 'Mushi' for his business venture. Unfortunately, their search produced no tangible leads. It was like trying to find footprints to prove that a ghost had passed through Ba Sing Se. There was simply nothing there to be found.

Uncle hides his tracks well, Azula thought heatedly, sharp eyes scrutinizing everyone she passed. But no one can hide forever.

They were at the docks now, where the steady flow of refugees was being much more closely monitored than before. Even here, there had been no word, no sign of Iroh's presence. Azula was about to start setting the gangplanks on fire with her rage, when a Dai Li officer came and bowed his head.

"Well?" she clipped, her voice betraying her fear and aggravation.

"There is a possible lead, Princess," the dark-robed earthbender informed her quietly.

Azula's eyes were as yellow and vicious as a hawk's. "Go on."

"The harbormaster said a small, unregistered boat took off from that pier four days ago. He'd never seen it before and hasn't seen it since."

"Did this boat take on any passengers?"

"Several, Princess, but the harbormaster didn't know anything more. He said it was just after dusk when they left. They were wearing cloaks, so he didn't see their faces."

"Find out what direction that boat was heading," Azula commanded. "And get me a ship, now."

ooo LL ooo

Toph woke up suddenly. "Appa?"

The bison was awake, growling and stomping his feet. He nuzzled his head against Toph, trying to get her attention.

"What is it, buddy?" Toph asked, standing quickly.

Appa grunted and knelt down. He wanted her to climb on.

"You've gotta be kidding," Toph thought out loud. "You want me to fly you alone, blind? There's no way I'm - aahh!"

Appa had swished his tail and all but knocked her off the hill. She caught herself with her earthbending, slamming a foot down and rising back up to where Appa was.

"Bad Appa," she scolded, "see if I give you any more moon-peaches."

Still Appa growled, and seemed impatient for her to get on.

"Oh, all right, fine." Toph used the ground to vault herself up onto Appa's back, then caught ahold of his hair. "Um… yip yip?"

Appa took off, flying them over the island, oblivious to Toph's screams and her clinging fingers in his fur. Fortunately for her, he landed not too far off. Toph slid down his back with relief and started testing the ground for vibrations. She could sense only one besides theirs - a slow, churning sort of earth, like quicksand but thicker. Someone was caught in it, chest deep; she could scarcely feel a heartbeat through the mud.

"Toph!" Sokka's voice cried. "Thank goodness!"

"Sokka?" Toph said in disbelief. "That's you in that mud pit?"

"Yes! Get me outta here, will ya?"

Toph started forward, then she paused and crossed her arms. "Wait a minute. Why should I?"

Sokka's eyes bulged. "Are you crazy? I'm about to get sucked down into a slimy pit of death! Don't just stand there; get me out!"

Toph hid her smile, raising an eyebrow instead. "I don't know, Sokka. You're a big tough guy. You can get out of there without any help from me. I'm just going to stay over here out of your way so I don't bother you anymore. Wouldn't want you to think I was nagging or anything."

Sokka panicked. "Toph, are you just going to let me die in here, or are you going to bend the stupid ground and get me out?"

Toph considered that. "I'm going to let you die in there," she shrugged carelessly.

Sokka's eyes narrowed. He struggled to get one arm out, only for the rest of him to sink down to his neck. He gave an almost girlish shriek as his free arm quickly sank back into the mud. "Toph, please, you gotta help me!"

She stood, her arms held warrior-style on either side of her waist. "Why should I?"

Sokka sucked it up. He knew it was either surrender his pride, or surrender his life. This time, this one time, he chose his pride. "I need you, Toph," Sokka said softly. "I'm sorry for all those things I said. I was an idiot. Please, I can't get out of this on my own. Help me."

"Huh-ruuuddddmmmm!" Appa rumbled insistently at Toph.

"Calm down, Appa. I wasn't going to let him drown. I just wanted the meathead to apologize first." Toph stretched her hands forward, and the mud around Sokka burped and gave a loud sucking sound. She did a strange move with her fingers, and suddenly the pit spat him out, sending him flying overhead and straight into a prickling bush.

"Ow!" Sokka cried, covered in muddy goo and brambles. He ambled uncomfortably over to Toph, who was now grinning widely. "Are you satisfied now?"

"Yep," she nodded, her nose crinkling impishly, "but don't worry, your little secret's safe with me. Come on, let's get you back to the springs. Even I don't like that much dirt on me."

Sokka paused, blushing. "I don't know…"

"What do you think I'm going to do, watch?"

Sokka's cheeks turned positively scarlet. "Okay, good point. Let's go."

ooo LL ooo

"Thanks for the tea," Katara said, letting the delicious warmth seep into her tired muscles. "This is just what I needed."

"I'm glad." Iroh was itching to ask her what had gone on between her and Zuko, but the wisdom of old age reminded him to pace himself. "So, how did you get way out here in that little boat?"

"My friends and I were taken prisoner on Zuko's ship," Katara explained, unaware that Iroh had been the very one to plan their escape. "Someone in a blue mask let us go and put us over the side in this boat. I think it was the Blue Spirit. I saw his wanted poster once, beside of Aang's."

"The Blue Spirit?" the old firebender echoed, very familiar with that nom de plume. "Rumor has it he's been at work in Ba Sing Se. According to what I heard, the Blue Spirit was the one who found the Avatar's bison and released him."

"What?" Katara gasped. "How could you have heard something like that?"

"One hears all sorts of things in prison," Iroh replied tactfully, skirting around the edges of Zuko's secret.

"So that's how Appa got free," the waterbender murmured. "I guess I have more to thank him for than I thought. I hope the Fire Navy hasn't found him yet, since he's stowing away on their ship. I'm worried about us, too. I'm afraid they'll find out we're missing and come after us."

"I doubt it," he replied, scratching his chin. "Fire Nation soldiers don't take the best care of their prisoners. They may not even notice you're gone until they make port again."

"It's not just the soldiers I'm worried about," she said then, turning her cup restlessly in her fingers.

Zuko's uncle gave a congenial chuckle. "If you are referring to my nephew, you can put your mind at ease. He wanted to free you and your friends. It sounds like this mysterious Blue Spirit did no more than Prince Zuko would have done for you himself."

Katara paused. "How could you know that Zuko wanted to set us free?"

"He was here." Iroh's eyes sparkled; now she wasn't the only one with delicious secrets to tell. "Our boat came alongside his ship in the night. I was very anxious for him, returning to Ba Sing Se alone, but he seemed more worried about you."

She blushed. "I… I don't know what to say."

"Well, you can start with whatever happened in that cave before the Avatar and I interrupted you," he prompted eagerly, unable to contain himself. "And anything else you think is interesting."

Katara's jaw dropped. She hadn't expected Iroh to be so candid - or for Zuko to have left such an impression with him. "But… I mean, how did you know that…"

"What Zuko told me last night only confirmed what I already knew. I have suspected my nephew's interest in you for a long time."

"Y-you have?"

He nodded. "For three years after his banishment, my nephew was obsessed with the hope of capturing the Avatar. He was determined to let nothing and no one stand in his way. But on the night we encountered the pirates, I noticed that something about Zuko had changed. Rather than demand an answer, he tried to reason with you. I had never seen my nephew question someone so… gently."

Katara was taken aback. "You noticed that, too?"

"I have known Prince Zuko all his life. I can tell when my nephew is distracted. And so could the pirates. They were right to accuse him of wasting time talking to you about the necklace. He could have spent that time searching for the Avatar, or bargaining over the scroll."

"That's true. He could have." Now that Iroh mentioned it, it seemed all too obvious. She could have kicked herself for having been so blind.

"I remember that necklace well. While my nephew had it, he kept it close to him at all times. Sometimes I would catch him looking at it, when he thought no one was watching. Until the Avatar took it back, I was sure he would never part with it."

Zuko did that? I never knew… The Water Tribe girl brushed her fingertips against the carved pendant. "This belonged to my mother. She was killed in a Fire Nation raid."

"I know," Iroh said sympathetically. "Zuko told me. I'm sorry for your loss."

"Thank you," she murmured. "I can't believe Zuko told you that, too. Are you sure you two didn't talk for more than a few minutes?"

The congenial old man shook with laughter. "We didn't, but you did! Come now, don't be shy. I want to hear all about it."

Katara blushed crimson. "Well… Zuko, um…"

"He kissed you?" Iroh prompted.

She nodded, embarrassed. "Yeah."

"Ha! I knew it!" the old man exploded, before thinking better of it, and putting on a calm expression. "I mean… do go on."

Katara gave him a wry smirk before continuing. "I used to think I hated Zuko, but I guess I never really did. Actually, the truth is, I…" She swallowed hard, unable to finish her thought aloud.

Meanwhile, Iroh's insides were hopping up and down with excitement. Grandchildren! I'm finally going to have grandchildren! Little Zukos and Kataras playing around the turtleduck pond… I can hardly wait! The old man was practically giddy.

"I'm afraid for him," she finally murmured, "afraid of what Azula will do to him if she finds out he isn't really on her side."

"I know. That worries me too." The Dragon of the West sipped broodingly at his tea. "But I have trained my nephew well. I'm sure Prince Zuko will be all right."

"I hope so." Katara untied the dagger from her side. "Zuko wanted me to have this. He said it meant more to him than anything else."

Iroh recognized the pearl dagger instantly. "I gave Zuko this when he was a child. He has always kept it close to him, and he would not have given it away lightly," Iroh murmured. "I wasn't sure of it until now, but I think I can say with confidence that my nephew is in love with you."

ooo LL ooo

Sokka and Toph caught up with Hakoda's ship in no time, thanks to Appa. This trip had been much more comfortable for the little earthbender. Instead of having to reach blindly for Sokka's arm to steady herself, he'd put one about her shoulders.

"I know you're cold," he'd explained, "but this'll have to do until we get back to Dad's ship and get some pelts or a parka."

"It's fine," Toph had shrugged, leaning into him with a secret smile. Suki might have his heart, but she could still enjoy the moment.

When they arrived, Hakoda embraced them both. It made Toph feel a little awkward, but she was almost envious. She wondered what it was like to have a father who was so openly affectionate and caring.

"You kids are freezing!" the chief of the Southern Tribe exclaimed. "Go down into the hull and get warm. There's a chest down there with spare anoraks inside."

Sokka helped Toph down the stairs and into the belly of the boat. "Hey, where's Aang? I can't hear him anywhere."

"He's still here," Sokka confirmed grimly. Aang was still asleep, all but unconscious. Momo was hunched over him, petting his nose and chittering as though he expected the boy to wake up at his touch.

"I can barely hear him breathing," the earthbender murmured. "Is that normal?"

"When you've been through what he's been through, maybe." Sokka's lips pressed into a thin line. "It's only another couple of days to the South Pole by ship, but maybe we should fly on ahead and make sure the healers are ready when he gets there."

The girl nodded in agreement. "Good idea. Besides, Appa's had plenty of rest. He should be fine."

"Time to get suited up, then." Sokka bent over an unlocked chest and pulled out a blue anorak for each of them. "Here you go."

"Yes! Warmth!" Toph snuggled herself into the warm fur garment. "Hey, got any shoes to go with this thing?"

Sokka's head emerged from the chest with a raised eyebrow. "Wow. I never thought I'd hear you ask to wear shoes."

"I never thought I'd have to. But my toes are freezing and we're not even at the South Pole yet," she pointed out. "Even if we were on solid ground, they're so numb I couldn't see straight."

"Hmm. Let's see what we've got." Sokka dug back into the chest, shuffling items around. "Well, whaddya know. These should work." He came up with a pair of sealskin boots, grinning to himself. "These used to be Katara's when she was younger. They should fit."

Toph pulled on the boots, wiggling her toes around inside to get used to the feeling. She couldn't deny that the sensation was strange. The only shoes she had ever worn were the slippers her parents made her wear in their presence. Fortunately for her, the boots were lined with fur inside for comfort, and the length was almost just right.

Sokka stood back and surveyed the diminutive earthbender. The Water Tribe parka wasn't exactly her best look. The anorak hung to her calves and the sleeves were too long, but at least it would keep her warm. "I guess that's as good as it's gonna get… wait. I knew there was something missing. You need pants."

"I'm wearing pants," Toph argued flatly.

"Short ones," the Water Tribe warrior replied, "and you'll freeze in those." One last time he dug into the chest. "Well, you're in luck… sort of. I think these were mine when I was little." He held out a pair of pants that had been mended quite a few times.

"How is it you have all this stuff in here?" she wondered.

Sokka was shamefaced. "This is for your ears only, all right? Right after Dad built the ship, Katara used to make me come down here with her and play dress-up."

Toph snorted. "Oh, man, that's priceless!"

"Great. I knew I shouldn't have told you." The young warrior folded his arms.

"No, I think it's sweet, Snoozles." Toph put a hand on his arm. "Hilarious, but sweet."

Sokka softened. Toph could be a pill sometimes, but she did have her own rough sort of charm.

"Anyway, put those on. We need to get going."

Toph shook her head. "Unh-unh. Not with you and Twinkletoes down here watching me."

"Would you rather go up on deck where the warriors are?" Sokka asked. "Come on. Aang's out cold and I won't look."

"How do I know that?"

Sokka scoffed. "I promise, okay? Water Tribe warrior's word of honor. Just hurry it up."

"I've got a better idea." Toph yanked the pants up over her shorts. "Ta-da! Do I look like a Water Tribe girl now?"

Sokka bit his lip, trying not to laugh. The anorak had mussed up her hair. Several raven strands from her bangs stood up wildly, and the ill-fitting pants stuck out at strange angles because of the shorts wrinkled up underneath. "Um… you actually kind of look like a blue arctic hen."

Toph screwed up her face, annoyed. "Watch it, Snoozles. I may not be able to earthbend down here, but I can still kick your butt."

Sokka smiled, then his face fell as he glanced back at Aang. "I really am worried about him."

A strange look crossed Toph's face. "Me too." In a move that was utterly unexpected, she held her hands out in front of her, walking straight until she reached the place where Aang lay defenseless and silent. Leaning over his barely-breathing form, she placed a soft kiss on his forehead.

Shocked, Sokka could only stare at her in silence. For a moment, he wasn't looking at a brash, outspoken little girl in ill-fitted Water Tribe garments. For just a split second, he saw a girl with a gentle, caring heart, whose sightless eyes were shining with tears. He was genuinely touched. "Toph, I -"

"Don't even say it," Toph halted him, a warning palm darting up to his face. "Just put me on the bison and let's get going."

ooo LL ooo

When Zuko and Mai arrived at the Earth King's palace, they were surprised to find it had been deserted. A few servants wandered here and there, but they fled at the sight of them, dashing into dark corridors to escape. Many of the rooms had been pilfered and left open, their remaining contents scattered in disarray. No one stood guard over what was left.

"What happened to this place?" Zuko wondered aloud.

Mai shook her head. For once, even she seemed slightly concerned. She hung close to the prince's side. "Let's hurry and find Azula. I don't like this."

"Neither do I," he said gruffly.

They made their way to the throne room, where an anxious Ty Lee bounded over and enveloped Mai in a rib-crushing hug. "Mai! Thank goodness you're back!" the former circus star gulped, fat tears streaming down her cheeks. "I was so scared!"

"Ty Lee? What happened here?" Zuko asked, as Mai pried her way out of her overly affectionate friend's embrace.

"Azula, that's what," Ty Lee cried bitterly. "She's gone crazy. It all started when your uncle escaped -"

"He escaped?" Zuko cut in, as though completely shocked.

"Yeah! Nobody knows how, either, or where he went."

"Geez. The Fire Nation can't hold onto anybody these days," Mai commented, folding her arms. Zuko was relieved; for her to joke about it so drily meant she wasn't really upset that Katara and the Kyoshi warriors had gotten away.

"I've never seen Azula so mad. First she killed the guy who used to run the Dai Li, then she got all obsessed with hunting down Iroh. She took some ships and went after him. She left me here to keep an eye on things, but…" Ty Lee hiccuped, then started bawling again. "Azula's going to kill me! Everything fell apart after she left. The Dai Li won't listen to me, and anyway, I don't know anything about running a palace, let alone a country! Most of the servants have run away, and… and… I just don't know what to do!"

"It's going to be okay," the young firebender assured her, letting her sob on his shoulder.

"If the servants are all gone, how have you been living here?" Mai wondered.

Ty Lee looked up, wiping at her eyes. "Don't be mad, but… I haven't. When things started to get bad, my boyfriend told me to come and stay with his family. He said it was too dangerous for me to be here alone. I only came today because he said your ship was back, and I knew you'd come here."

"You didn't tell me you had a boyfriend," the gloomy girl grumbled, looking put out.

"We didn't tell anybody," the acrobat admitted sheepishly. "At least, not until after Azula left. That's when he told the other Dai Li. He did it to protect me."

"You're dating a Dai Li agent?!" Mai's jaw dropped.

Ty Lee nodded. "He's gone to check in with them. He said they'll want to talk to Zuko."

"I don't trust them," Mai murmured, glancing up at Zuko. "Everything is falling apart without Azula. Maybe we should just get out of here."

"No," Zuko replied firmly, to her dismay. "If you want to leave, then go. But I'm staying here."