It was the morning before the trials.
Kee Kee tore through the palace corridors, his tiny horns nearly scraping the walls as he careened around corners.
Panic radiated from his small form as he barreled past startled servants.
"She's gone!!" he shrieked, leaving chaos in his wake.
He skidded around another corner and slammed directly into Shen's armored legs.
The impact sent him tumbling backward, where he crashed into Zou's ankles.
"What happened?" Shen demanded, steadying himself.
Kee Kee scrambled to his feet, eyes wild.
"It's Rui! She's missing! I went to wake her, and—nothing! Her bed is empty!"
Zou's expression darkened instantly. "How long?"
"Since dawn at least! Her bed was cold!"
Ran stepped forward, his jade green aura flickering with concern.
"Did you check the gardens? She likes to go there to clear her head."
"Everywhere!" Kee Kee wailed. "The gardens, the throne room, the kitchens—"
"The kitchens?" Zou raised an eyebrow.
