A/N: :D So I realized timeline wise I should probably have this chapter next but I was totally not in the headspace for a Jianzhu chapter so it took a min to crank out (I want to write about two teens being dramatic, not Mr. Evil! u_u). TT0TT Anyway 2nd Jianzhu chapter, I do have at least 1 other one planned but that'll be waaaaaay farther in the future.

Obive this chapter is a parallel/slight rewrite of a portion of RoK's Obligations. Anyway the domino effect be domino-ing, the butterfly effect be butterflying. uwu

Jianzhu sighed against the wall he was leaning against, swirling his wineglass in his hand. He raked his eyes over the crowd of people, trying to find whom he was looking for. No one of importance caught his eye, except for his friend Hei-Ran. She was once again surrounded by subpar suitors, her scowl was increasing with every moment air was wasted around her.

She's been in a foul mood since we got those letters. Jianzhu took a swing of his drink. I'm sure the ride didn't help things either. It certainly hadn't helped his mood. Being greeted by Chamberlain Hui as soon as they exited their vehicle didn't help matters either.

A few nights ago, after Jianzhu received an invitation to attend Lu Beifong's party celebrating Yun's victory over the Fifth Nation; he had also received a letter via messenger hawk from Rangi. It was written in code, of course. It gave a quick description of her travels, her need for an eel hound and other such needs, how she confronted the Avatar and let her slip away….all thanks to daofei.

Apparently, Kyoshi had met up with her parent's old group, The Flying Opera Company they called themselves. Jianzhu had a vague recollection of a group like that from years ago. They were a very lucrative smuggling daofei group, but Jianzhu was able to put a stop to them with the policies that he put into place. One of the few times he took out a daofei group with politics rather than his usual force.

He didn't need to put that particular daofei group in the ground, he just needed to cut off their supplies and money. They would die a slow death that way, allowing him to focus on more vile daofei…. Or so he thought. Apparently there were still some clingers he'd yet to dispose of.

No, Jianzhu wasn't exactly happy with the fact Rangi let the Avatar get away, or the fact Kyoshi had joined a daofei group…. Or the fact that he hadn't successfully snuffed out said daofei group already. If he had, then the Avatar would most likely be with them already!

Hei-Ran wasn't pleased either, but for different reasons. She'd been frowning at the beginning of the message, not caring about what the rest of the contents claimed. She didn't like the names of the villages listed on the paper, nor how the math added up in her head.

"She's not sleeping," was all Hei-Ran said when they received the first letter.

"She's resting now," Jianzhu tried to placate her, motioning to the part of the letter stating her resting at an inn in Youke. It didn't work.

The next letter arrived hours later, with its seal unfortunately loose from being intercepted. It was brief with no code. "Heading towards Serpent's Pass."

Jianzhu could still hear the sound. The measured beat of Hei-Ran's fine nails as she tapped the desk before she read the letter, turning into a grating screech as she raked those same nails down the desk. Leaving 5 new ruts in his once fine mahogany.

Hei-Ran was lucky they were good friends, he'd eat the cost of the table. Plus, her reaction was warranted, the Serpent's Pass was a treacherous trail. Jianzhu was just thankful that Kyoshi still had a bison, and didn't have to make that same trip on foot. However, the fact that one letter without any code had been intercepted…. Well, he most likely wasn't going to be able to keep up the vacation ruse for Rangi much longer.

Hei-Ran appeared at his side, bringing him out of his musings. He looked at her as she subtly tilted her head in the direction he should look.

Approaching them was a man who looked like a mummy that was wrapped in the finest silk and spite, Jianzhu's master, Lu Beifong. Trailing behind him, looking like he'd seen better days, was Chamberlain Hui.

Jianzhu's brow wrinkled in confusion just slightly. Earlier, Hui was all smugness and pride, and schmoozing on Hei-Ran without a care in the world. Now he appeared like the world was about to end. Jianzhu quite liked the change in demeanor, anything that made his sub-par rival distressed must be good for him.

Lu Beifong approached, despite his mummified appearance, he was still as lively as ever. "Headmistress, wonderful to see you as always," he squawked. He took Hei-Ran's hand and gave it a quick, chaste kiss.

"Oh, please, the pleasure is all mine," Hei-Ran smiled cordially, possibly the first and only smile in the past days or weeks. Even if Jianzhu knew, it was forced for formality.

Lu turned to Jianzhu next. "And Jianzhu, looking strapping as ever!" Jianzhu didn't allow the shock play on his face, his former Sifu wasn't the type to compliment his students. Something really bad must've happened. A smile played on Jianzhu's lips, but forced himself to only look at Lu.

"One of the many things I've learned from you, Sifu," Jianzhu gave his warmest smile he could muster to his former master. Then he finally allowed his eyes to wander over to Hui. Hui's eyes were plastered to the ground, face pale and sweating. "Chamberlin-"

"Do not bother with that one!" Lu spit out, causing Jianzhu and Hei-Ran's eyes to widen in shock, and Hui to flinch.

Jianzhu did his best to swallow his glee. "Oh dear, it seems something unfavorable has happened. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No, no I couldn't possibly trouble you my dear student," he casted a grimacing glare at Hui.

Jianzhu put his hand on his former master's shoulder. "No, I insist, how can I be of service?" If he had to move the Taihua Mountains themselves to win Lu's favor over Hui, he'd do it. He needed a win, especially with how much of a mess things were becoming.

Jianzhu caught Hei-Ran's weary glance at him, he let the corner of his lip curl upward in reassurance. He had a plan.

Lu sighed and gave Hei-Ran a weary look, as if weighing his options. At least I know it most likely has something to do with Earth Kingdom politics. Why else would he be giving a weary look to someone of a different nation?

After a moment of deliberation he finally spoke. "Very well. Headmistress, if you could excuse us." He and Hei-Ran exchanged a small bow. It must've been very serious if even a former and current companion of the Avatar couldn't listen in on their conversation.

Jianzhu left his friend, and followed his master.

"You incompetent fool!" Lu Beifong yelled as he threw the first thing he got his hands on, a dictionary of archaic Earth Kingdom characters. The book sailed over Hui's shoulder, the corner hitting the tip of his shoulder, before it crashed loudly into the wall behind him.

Jianzhu stood there with wide eyes, because it took all his effort to fight the grin that was attempting to control his cheeks. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard.

Hui had gotten so bold in his attempts to shape politics, he thought he could play spy. For months he had taken important political documents and decrees, and had been using various store fronts to secretly exchange and move them. Very stupid, so stupid it was a bit surprising it only now backfired.

Some of the documents were secret and under the desk dealings for the Earth King himself, not that the King would ever admit to it if they ever came to light. Apparently, the ones that had been recently stolen were very, very important.

Not only that, the idiot also somehow incriminated not only himself, but Lu and the Earth King as well! It was going to be a nightmare to fix, but fixing this type of nightmare was exactly Jianzhu's specialty.

And if he fixed it, then this would put him in a much better favor with Lu, not that he wasn't already thanks to Hui's fumble. But brownie points were like money, you could never have enough.

"I can fix it," he said confidently.

"You can?" Lu stopped his tirade against Hui to look at him hopefully.

"Yes, trust me, I can make it like this never happened at best, or reduce the damage at worst. Regardless, you and the Earth King will be unfazed, Sifu." Jianzhu smiled at his old master. Hui shook, there was no way he was getting out of this unscathed. Jianzhu was prepared to put his moniker 'Grave Digger' to use. A political grave in this case, though.

Lu looked at him, weighing his options. He realized the reward far outweighed the risk. "Alright."

Jianzhu smiled and bowed at his master.

"What is it you want in return?"

Ah, there was the shoe, dropping. "I don't have a need for anything from you, Sifu. Except, maybe if you could lend me your ear." Lu raised an eyebrow at him, and then Jianzhu looked at Hui. "Privately."

Lu waved his hand, sending Hui away. As soon as the door clicked shut, Lu turned towards Jianzhu. "What is the issue, my boy?"

Jianzhu, inhaled, ready to give the performance of a lifetime. "It's about the Avatar…."

Lu's eyes widened, concerned. "What about him?"

"There's a reason he's not here," Jianzhu put his hand to his head, he made his demeanor look like a worn out father. "I fear his teenage hormones have gotten to him."

Lu Beifong looked at him stunned, and then laughed. "Oh dear, he really is Kuruk's reincarnation!" His laugh grew louder and more high pitched. "It's a shame you have to put up with it two generations in a row, Jianzhu. Tell me, what did he do? Seduce a maid?"

Jianzhu looked at his old master, tired. "Yes, and no."

Lu let out a smaller laugh, and then sighed. "Well I'm sure it's not too big of an issue for you-"

"The maid has run away," Jianzhu said quietly.

Lu's smile started to die into a neutral expression. "Is that not a good thing? She's not there to distract him anymore."

Jianzhu ran his hand up and down his face, as if attempting to wipe the despair off. "She ran away because he turned her down, because he only saw her as a close friend."

"So he's not in love with her?"

"If he is, he's putting his duty before his….well…" Jianzhu coughed. "He's far more nobel than Kuruk you could say." Lu Beifong nodded solemnly. "That being said, she was still a close friend and confidant of his. I'm not sure what he's told her, if she knows too much. But even if she doesn't, if she's taken I'm sure that would put duress in him regardless."

He watched as Lu took in the details. "So where is he now?"

"He is with Master Kelsang, they are in the middle of searching for her via bison. His bodyguard, Rangi, is also searching the rest of the Earth Kingdom as well."

Lu's eyes widened in shock. "Is it that serious?! Wait, young Rangi is also searching?! I thought she was-I-I mean I heard she was on some sort of vacation. Is that why she seemed so…..ummm…. distressed? When I last saw her, I mean?" Though he caught himself while, his slip up made it evident to Jianzhu that Lu must've tried reading his first letter he'd sent to Rangi. But it made no difference, this was why they wrote in code to begin with.

"Yes. She was both their close friend, and for the Avatar's mental wellbeing, it's best we find her. Unfortunately, she slipped away while we were confronting the Fifth Nation, so she had quite the head start. And now, either she is craftier than we thought, or just that the Earth Kingdom as a whole is just so vast, but we're having issues finding her."

"Is it really that important that he finds her?"

"She's his companion, it's a bond that's stronger than anything this world has," Jianzhu shrugged, knowing full well what that bond felt like. And knowing that it was the stuff of legends to most common folk. "I'm letting them go on this wild goose duck chase for now, but soon I'll need him back. Regardless if we find her or not."

Lu closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He stood like that for a few minutes, deep in thought. "Young love and friendship….can be so troublesome, but alas it is life." Jianzhu nodded gravely. "I think we should expand the search! If you could provide a portrait and description of her, then we can have more eyes looking for her. And it'll help young Rangi as well, poor thing looks like she'd seen better days. And here I thought she was going on vacation because of how she was looking." He shook his head, upset on the girl's behalf.

"I would greatly appreciate it, Sifu." Jianzhu smiled, relieved and sincere. His plan was working. He was going to have to give Hei-Ran the details later. "Oh, and whatever Rangi says, just go along with it. Humor her. She may be creating new stories to save face, she's a bit embarrassed about this whole ordeal. You know…." He gave a knowing eyebrow raise to his master.

But really, this part of the plan was to give a cover for Rangi, in regards to any cover story she'd happen to make up.

Lu laughed and nodded knowingly, "A love triangle I see. Don't worry Jianzhu, we'll play along with whatever she says to us."

Jianzhu smiled, happy to see something going right. With more eyes on the lookout, even if Rangi fails at finding and acquiring Kyoshi, then someone else will at least.

"Thank you, Sifu. Now, if you don't mind, perhaps we could get some tea brewing. I have a few more details I want to iron out about this and Hui's problem. And a few more ideas I'd like to run by you."

Jianzhu felt a light burn and wetness on his cheek. He looked down to his left and saw Hei-Ran's Fire Nation hairpin embedded into his carriage seat.

Jianzhu watched in horror and surprise as the tresses of Hei-Ran's hair fell out of its tight bundled style, and down her shoulders. For a Fire National to treat their hair in such a way meant they felt they were losing their honor.

He waited for her to speak, as he absentmindedly wiped the small trickle of blood that fell down his cheek.

"Jianzhu, I pushed that boy to the breaking point," her voice rasped with hoarseness, like she'd been holding back tears all night. "He might not have been a Firebender, and he might not have been the Avatar, but Yun was still my student. I had an obligation to him, and I failed."

Hearing his name all night must have been eating at her. The absent Avatar was still the toast of the party, his conquest of the pirates turning into legend through word of mouth.

"And now I'm also pushing my daughter to that same point," her voice broke as she placed a hand to her forehead. "I'm failing them both. No, I've failed them both"

So she hadn't likened the way he was handling the situation, understandable. There wasn't much he could control, but with the turn of events that were taking place, it was on the right course again.

He reached his hand out, not to touch her but to quell her. "No you haven't, there's still time to make this right."

He couldn't have her crumbling now, not when things were starting to take a turn for the better.

"I've turned it around Hei-Ran, I've gotten the nation on our side. At least this'll get both of the girls back and in safe hands," he smiled at her. It wouldn't fix what happened with Yun, but surely she'd be happy with her daughter at least being back. She just needed to hold out for a little longer.

Heiran curled up In her chair, her gown bunching up into a mass. "I hope so, Jianzhu. I really hope so" She muttered over and over until she promptly fell asleep.

Jianzhu followed not long after, thanks to the weight being lifted off his shoulders.

A/N: "Playing spy?" Hui read Yangchen's novels and was inspired. Turns out, he's also very bad at it.

Not me realizing they capitalize the first letter in Fire/Earth/Water/Airbenders orz well boo we're sticking with not doing that TT0TT

Ugh this really took forever. Orz I love you Jianzhu, I love reading your chapters. But I wanna go back to "silly teens' misunderstanding and murder" rom-drom-com orz. (the comedy part is for me ajfkdlsaj *looks at the upcoming chapters* Wait comedy where are you going? TT0TT Nooooo)

(also ahhhhh ch 10 is gonna be soooooooo long I just know it. Do I make it two parts? Eh…we'll see jkldsjaf TT0TT ch 9 is basically done, and I'm in the middle of drafting ch 10)

I might be bouncing around the fanfics a bit, whichever worm has taken over my brain for the day.