this chapter is a bit longer, but not too long.
I'd like to dedicate this chapter to gaurdiangirl1, who has been the first to review each one, lol
Tina and Josh traversed through the wide open and barren landscape. They had not seen a living being for quite some time, not even an animal for that matter. Tina was beginning to think that maybe they were headed in the wrong direction, that they were going south towards the fire nation instead of north. The weather was much warmer here and it was empty, as if—as if burned to the ground.
Josh sighed, "This is hopeless, how do you know anyone is up there?"
She glared at him, "Because, if you and I were in the earth kingdom it makes sense that Kyle is in the water tribes. Or at least one of them."
He glared at her, "one of them. Oh that's great, so we could be going in the wrong direction."
She ignored him, "that means that we were placed in nations according to our birth element. You and I were born under earth and Kyle under water. That means he must be there. Besides, even if we don't find him we're sure to find the Avatar, and Aang might help us."
Josh just grunted and kicked at a stray rock. "Whatever."
Kyle still did not know what was happening, but he knew he wasn't in the same dimension anymore. As he was eating he noticed several people moving water through the air using their hands to guide it. It fascinated him to a point he could never explain.
Katara smiled at his astonishment and showed him some waterbending of her own.
Kyle shook his head in wonder, "I just don't get all this."
She frowned, "What is there to explain?"
He sighed, "Nothing, nothing at all."
General Iroh walked through the fire nation port, very relaxed. People paid their respects to him and he enjoyed this part of the nation. He was also looking for a new ship, and a crew as well.
His hooded companion however, was all but relaxed. Every look thrown at him he almost leapt at the person. He was very tense and afraid of getting caught.
Iroh smiled and whispered to his nephew, "Relax, as long as you keep yourself hidden no one will notice. They think you are dead remember?"
Zuko didn't respond, but inside his hood he rolled his eyes. His mouth and nose were also covered, and his revealed eyes were mostly hidden in the shade of the hood, so the scared part of his eye was not noticeable.
They found themselves walking behind a boy Zuko's age and a hooded girl – it was hard not to notice she was a girl, the jacket was very fitting – and Zuko couldn't help but listen to their conversation as they walked. After all, it was their fault for talking so loudly.
Alex sighed, "Look Luke, let's just face it, the chances of us finding a shipper to employ us are a hundred to one. No one wants us." She paused, "or maybe no one wants me." She stared at him.
"All right," he said, "Maybe that is it. But I'm not going to abandon you here; it was your idea to come in the first place."
She went on, "Because why wouldn't they want you? You're young yet mature, well built, intelligent," she narrowed her eyes, "And I suspect that you're a Firebender."
He looked uncomfortable, "I don't like to advertise that."
"And why not?" she demanded, "Are you good?"
"Well, yes…but—"
"Then don't be so stupid! That's an amazing talent any employer should be glad to have on his ship." She sighed, "If the next one we come to turns us away because of me, you are going to go."
He protested, "But Alex—"
"No buts," she smiled sadly, "But what are the chances any ship around here is heading in our direction anyway?"
He sighed, "I know. But I also don't see what their problem is. You know, with you." He looked at her, "I mean, today we hiked for thirty miles and never once did you rest. Now you're walking around like you just woke up. That's amazing. And you're strong and so much smarter than me…" he didn't mention the firebending part, and Alex didn't really want him to.
She didn't know if she could firebend or not, but she didn't care. She only needed to find her friends and get out of here; if things went as planned she would never have to learn firebending because there would be no need.
Luke pondered something, "You never said where you were from."
She looked at him, "I'm from the capital," she said, almost automatically. She was surprised it had come out so smoothly.
He raised an eyebrow, "Wow, you came a long way."
Iroh looked at his companion with a sly smile. He too had overheard the conversation.
Zuko gave him a look that said, 'If you hire a girl I will burn you to a crisp.'
Iroh returned the look, 'try and stop me.' It said.
He cleared his throat, "Excuse me children."
Alex and Luke stopped and turned around. Alex's eyes grew wide when she saw Iroh. It only confirmed her suspicions that this was after the last episode she had seen, the end of the season.
She regained her composure, bowing her head a little she said calmly, "General Iroh, it is an honor to be in your presence." She saw his companion out of the corner of her eye but paid no attention to the stranger.
Iroh smiled, "The pleasure is all mine young girl. What is your name?"
Alex smiled in the calming presence of the kind old man, "Alex sir," she gestured to Luke, "and this is Luke."
Iroh bowed his head in respect to both of them, "I couldn't help overhearing part of your conversation," he said smiling, "But where are you headed when you find a ship?"
Alex did not hesitate, "The North Pole."
Iroh raised his brows and he knew his nephew was paying attention now. "Really. What for?"
She repeated the same story she had told Luke and his mother, "My friends were taken captive."
Iroh smiled, "Well how about it. I am going the same way. Would you care to join us?" he knew Zuko was glaring at him but paid no attention.
She had something on her mind she just had to get out, "I know I may not be up to current events, so pardon my asking General—"
He raised a hand to silence her, "Please, call me Iroh. And ask away dear."
She nodded, "Thank you for you generosity Iroh, but last time I heard, you were traveling with the Prince,"
Iroh bowed his head sadly, "Yes, that was true. But there was a terrible accident." He looked at her sadly, "The Prince is dead."
Now Zuko had been watching the girl when she had asked this. But when his uncle repeated the news to her he was surprised to see not a look of fake sorrow or even triumph, but a brief look of surprise before she frowned sadly.
"I'm sorry to hear that." She looked over at the tall, shrouded figure and her eyes locked with his. Her eyes widened ever so slightly and Zuko knew that she knew. She gave him the slightest smile and turned back to Iroh.
When she said that Iroh knew she was being sincere.
"But I am sorry to say I can not accept your offer Iroh," she looked at Luke, "But please take Luke with you. He is more than capable of handling it."
Iroh raised his eyebrows, inside he was admiring this girl's courage and loyalty to her friend, "Oh, and what makes you think you cannot?"
She looked back at him with the same look, "What makes you think I can?"
Iroh laughed, "You have great spirit, I admire that in a young woman. But if you think that fact bothers me," they both knew he was speaking of her being a girl, "Then you are mistaken. Some of the greatest warriors of the world have been women. In fact, several avatars have been women. I see no reason not to take you on."
She smiled, "but sir, I have done nothing to deserve this, I have done nothing to prove my worth to you."
Iroh was about to respond when an angry voice rang over the crowds, "Girl!"
She turned in outrage at the man who was yelling at her. He was one of the men they had inquired to about hire. He looked livid as he approached them.
hee, hee, no preview this time, you got two in a row last time. hope you likeyed!
