I know people have been saying that Zuko and Iroh are being weird...well, Iroh isn't as much a main character, and anything OOC you see will most likely be contradicted. if anyone even noticed...he locked her in a freaking closet, yeah, don't expect much good Zuko, you will actually rarely see that in this story, he has a split personality.
Back to the others!
Kyle was absently walking through a small courtyard. He was thinking about what was happening, how crazy it all seemed. He knew in his heart there was no way to explain the phenomenal events he had witnessed: the Waterbenders, the Airbender, every thing was maddening.
He turned a corner and stopped dead, staring at what he saw.
It was an enormous buffalo. Or was it a bison? He didn't really care, it was huge.
Cautiously, he approached it.
"Oh, hello Kyle."
He stopped and turned suddenly, smiling when he saw Katara. She was smiling too, although he was acting rather odd.
"That's Appa." She stated, "He's a flying bison."
Kyle nodded his head, "Of course he is," even though he was thinking how crazy everyone was.
He patted the beast.
People on the ship greeted them warmly as they returned, even though Zuko knew it was her they were cheering for. They had become attached to her very recently.
Alex excused herself and made her way down to her hidden bath.
As she walked along the very familiar corridor of the soldier's quarters she spied someone coming out of a door. It was Luke. As he passed she waved at him cheerfully.
After he had passed her stopped and dib a double take. Seeing her with her hair down was unusual.
"Alex!" he called after her.
She stopped and turned to face him, "Yeah?"
"can I talk to you for a second?"
She was suspicious, "give me two minutes."
Two minutes later she met him in his room, her hair tied back again.
He looked up at her uneasily from his bed, "Something came for you." He said in a hushed voice.
She stared at him. She knew it would sound stupid if she asked how the message had been delivered, but he answered that for her. "A messenger rode up while I was on deck. I'm the only one who knows he was here." He shifted uncomfortably and walked over to her, handing her a small letter he said quietly, "It's from the earth kingdom."
He left, allowing her to walk back to "her room" by herself. She clutched the letter tightly in her hand. Was it a notice of death? Had one of her friends died, and now they were sending notice? There was no way her friends knew she was in the Fire Nation, because she was the only one who knew her birth element.
She walked inside and went over to sit on her cot, staring at the letter in her hand.
Zuko looked up when she walked in. noticing her article he asked about it. She looked up and smiled, "Oh, it's just a letter."
"Who from?"
"I'm not sure. But it's from the earth kingdom."
She knew he was thinking the same thing she was and walked over to sit beside her. (a few inches apart of course)
She opened the envelope with shaky fingers. Pulling out a battered piece of old paper she read the familiar writing. It was in English. Apparently not every aspect of this world was correct:
Alex,
I have been recently informed of your current location and situation. It's a very long story, but of course, I have a lot of time on my hands. No doubt you already know that Kyle is at the North Pole, and that Tina and I are stuck here in the earth kingdom. She found me and saved me from a odd fate. Something to do with cabbages but oh well.
Do you have any idea what is happening to us? Can you bend? I've been too scared to try. Of course, if any of us are going to, it'll be you for sure.
I wanted to tell you that we are headed to the North Pole at this very moment, and hope to meet you there. Tina is rambling on about how Kyle was probably confused out of his mind. But in case you were worried about him, he's safe. He's with Momo.
I—I miss you Alex, things aren't the same around here without here. And sometimes I go to sleep wondering if I'll ever see you again. Whether or not Tina wants to fully believe it, I know we are fighting a war. But I don't worry about our safety, it's yours I am fearful for. I now know how loyal and true you are to your friends, if you risked your life by traveling on the ship of the most wanted young man in the world. I have of course, neglected to mention to Tina that not only is the Prince alive, but that you are traveling with him. She's told me some pretty horrid things about him. I beg of you, be careful. I prayed that you had found someone whom you could trust and you did, I am more than grateful to that fact.
We've run into some interesting characters, such as a fortune teller by the name of Aunt Wu, thus the reason I know your location. Tina made a bad impression on her assistant so she didn't get a chance to go in. but the way she talks about the fire nation, I think she would have gone into an epileptic seizure once discovering your present location.
I do not know when this will reach you, nor do I know if you will be able to correspond. I don't suppose they have carrier pigeons or something like that do they?
I also didn't like the news that you were the only female on a ship full of strange men. But of course, that's just me being "big brother" again. I worry about you, I really do.
When I see you again I have something I want to tell you. If it doesn't look like we'll ever see each other again…then I'll figure out some way. Do not fret over it, it isn't crucial information or anything of the sort.
I should be going, the rain has let up and we are going to get a move on.
Until we meet,
Josh
Alex felt so many emotions that she could barely stand it. They were safe, that was good. He knew where she was, that was also good. She admired the way he had disguised Aang as Momo, and she had gotten the message. Now all she had to do was get there herself. She didn't want to think about how Tina would react upon seeing her Firebender face. She was thinking about carrier pigeons, and she was thinking about the man sitting next to her who had read every word.
He raised a brow at her, "Most wanted man in the world? Is he serious?"
She laughed, brushing off the comment. But it was a stiff laugh, and he could see she was worried.
"Is he your—brother?" he asked.
She looked at him, wiping a would-be tear from her eye, "No, just a friend. A very good friend."
As he stood she said softly, "I don't think I'll ever see him again." She whispered.
He looked at her thoughtfully, "What makes you say that?"
"I can't meet them. I can't go," she bowed her head, "I can't save them." She turned and laid down on her cot, near the edge, facing the door.
He hesitated, "You know, you shouldn't have to sleep on that old thing, especially since it's so cold."
She sat up and looked at him suspiciously, "And where else would I sleep?"
He shrugged and blew the light out after he had climbed into bed.
She stared at his relaxed form in wonder. He was absolutely insane. But just then, a cold wind blew though the room, making her shiver. She remembered her coat was ruined and cursed herself.
She wrapped her arms around herself and walked to his bed, standing so that he was looking up at her, "I don't see why I can't share with Luke," she hissed, "at least his bed is large enough for two bodies."
He looked offended and propped himself up on his elbows, "Fine, if you want the staff to start rumors and possibly have the crew walk in and see something in their mind that just isn't there, then fine. But my door has a lock." He jeered, " and there is too enough room."
She mocked him with her eyebrows, "Oh please, I think I'll chance the rumors," as she turned to leave Zuko playfully grabbed her arm and pulled her down.
She gasped as she landed on the bed, face down. She got up on her lower arms and glared at him, "what are you doing?" she hissed.
He smirked, "proving there's enough room."
She rolled her eyes, "What's gotten into you?" she wondered.
He smiled, "Maybe I wanted to do this at least once. Just once, then I'll be fine for the rest of my life."
"No you won't. it's like candy, once you get a taste you're hooked on it for life."
"I'm different."
She scoffed and turned on her side, facing away from him, lying on the outmost edge. She was too tired to get up and move, and the warm blanket felt warm over her cold body.
She turned her head and noticed that he had done the same, as if mocking her. She knew he was probably smiling, with his eyes closed tight.
She rolled over quietly as looked at him. She was on his left side, and the scared part of his face was clearly visible, even in the darkness of the room.
Almost automatically, she reached and arm over his bare shoulder and onto his chest, pulling both him to her, and her to him. He was surprised but didn't move.
She sat up a little and leaned her head against the side of his, after a few seconds she turned her head and did that fluent motion again. She kissed him lightly on his scared cheek and said, "Goodnight." She let go of him and rolled over.
He was in a state of stunned silence. He guess he had always secretly hoped she would do just that, but never did he imagine it that way.
He turned and placed an arm around her waist. She let herself be pulled into the warmth of his bare chest. She closed her eyes in contentment as he bent over and whispered, "Thank you."
She turned again until she was being held face to face with him. "NO, thank you."
He sighed, "I never imagined anyone would ever do that. And you did. I don't know, I guess I'd always imagined getting my first kiss from my mother."
She laughed, "Well for starters, you can still imagine it. That didn't count."
He laughed, "What does?"
"Do you want to know?"
He looked into her eyes and swallowed, "yes, yes I do. Very much."
She put a hand behind his head and pulled his face close until they were a breath apart. And then, I one fluent motion, he pulled her closer, and she kissed him.
They would never actually now who kissed who first, but neither of the cared about that right now. It was sweet and lasting, and when she pulled away she smiled, "That counted, if you want."
He smiled as she rolled over again. Pulling her close to him he whispered, "oh, it did. I counted it, don't worry."
They both knew they would regret what had just happened in the morning, but for now neither of them cared.
And only a few stairs and hallways away, Luke slept away, totally oblivious to what had just happened with his friend/crush and the person he hated most. No, he would never know what happened. No one would. Not for a very long time.
The next day went by exactly the way it usually did. Except for an unexpected announcement.
Iroh looked sheepish, "I'm sorry to say that we will be making another stop on a small fire nation island near the earth kingdom shores. I intend to pick up new soldiers. I hope you all don't mind cramped quarters, but I've had the servants make each room for anyone below the rank of captain – which there is none – a double. You will all receive a roommate by the end of the day, and hopefully that means some extra rooms." He looked over at Alex and smiled at her delighted face, "I expect you all to be in uniform in thirty minutes, we're going to dock shortly."
Everyone raced off to get ready. Alex watched them leave and went back to the room to get her armor. She had trained herself not to think about what had happened last night, even to the point where she believed it had never happened.
When she walked in Zuko was dressing. She averted her eyes as he pulled on his shirt. He gave her the usual brief nod before he pulled on his armor. She helped him with the straps again before digging around for her own armor.
"So, I guess that means I won't be rooming with you after today?" she asked calmly as she buckled her armor.
He looked up a bit, "Yeah, I guess so." He looked at her, "You're side…"
She looked down and saw her left side was un-strapped. She reached to do it up but he was closer. He quickly and efficiently did it for her. She muttered her appreciation and they left together, only due to the fact they were both ready.
Several members of the crew looked up with open mouths when she walked by. Zuko remembered that he was the only person to have seen her in her armor before now.
She walked with an amazing ease, supporting it on her shoulders. He had tested the armor. It was incredibly strong, yet extremely lightweight, the newest invention. He himself sported metal of the same kind, as his was new also.
Everyone had shinned their armor to gleaming and were lined up accordingly as they prepared to dock in the harbor. Alex however, was staying behind with Zuko. She told Iroh that he might have better luck finding recruits if they didn't know they had a female soldier. And Zuko well, he was just too noticeable.
After they had departed she turned to lean against the bow rail, observing the sights below her. Occasionally a passerby would glance up at her, notice her armor, and then poke their neighbor and point her out.
After awhile it got tedious, especially after one little boy yelled out to his mother, "Mommy! Look at the funny looking man!"
Deeply offended she had turned away muttering, "I don't look like a man." She scorned.
"Most definitely. I see the striking resemblance between you and my uncle as a young lad,"
She turned and glared at Zuko, "Ha-ha Zuko, my sides are splitting," she said sarcastically.
He approached her, resting his hands jut below her shoulders, "I was only joking. You're much too pretty to look like a man," he smiled and bent down, meaning to kiss her.
She laughed and pulled away, making it seem natural, as if she had had no idea what he planned to do, "Yep, that's true all right." She looked back over the harbor and saw something she never expected to see. Large hawks and phoenixes were flying in and out of a central location.
She gasped and turned to him, "I really need to do something, I sweat I'll be right back." She raced down the ramp and into the crowds.
"Ok, but you owe me!" he shouted to her as she left.
She was now walking through the streets, fully enjoying the attention she was being given by other soldiers. In her armor she commanded respect from them, and they nodded respectfully at her.
She reached a small store where birds of all kind where soaring in and out of a large hole in the roof. She eagerly went inside, clutching her weeks pay.
She had almost forgotten that she was being paid, but if they insisted on giving her gold each week she wasn't going to complain. She had already bought alternate changes of clothing, but she happily spent the remainder of her money on a small carrier hawk.
As she walked back to the ship, the hawk perched on her shoulder, she felt a feeling of uneasiness. Like she was been followed or watched. Or both for that matter.
"Well lookey here boys, a little girl trying to play soldier, there's something you don't see everyday."
She stopped dead in her tracks, the anger already building up inside her. Whirling around to face the speaker she had her fists clenched. A large, smug looking soldier – a private no doubt – was standing with two other guards. He laughed at her, "Oh look, she's even got on armor." He said mockingly.
She was outraged, "Say that again."
He looked at her, perhaps stunned that she had dare to speak to him, "Did you just say something to me?" he demanded.
She stepped a few feet until she was standing only five feet away from him. Standing up to her full height she said defiantly, "Say that again lug tub."
Outraged he lit his fists, raising them, "You're going to be fried alive wench!"
He threw a flaming punch at her but she not only dodged it, but used his weight against him, throwing him over her shoulder.
He stood angrily and was ready to throw another flame. She stood there, "Come on," she said, motioning with her hands for him to come closer, "Give me your best shot."
He threw an enormous stream of fire at her, but she caught it and threw it back. He seemed shocked as he ducked that she was firebending, but surly she couldn't do much of it, right?
She attacked with her own furious streams and balls of fire, throwing several in a row. It was at this point that the two soldiers behind her decided to play unfair. As he moved to retaliate his comrade a voice called out, "Alexa, behind you!"
Even though she had been born under the name Alex, she felt a familiar twinge at the name. Turning around she attacked the guard before he could strike her.
On his ship Zuko had been practicing when he noticed the circle of people below him. Curious, he turned to eagerly watch the quarrel. He was horrified, however, to see that there were three guards fighting a single soldier.
And that that soldier—was Alex.
He swore and walked down the deck quickly.
A young man of eighteen years, with short curly black hair, stepped into the fighting "ring" and stood next to Alex. When she looked at him, startled, he raised and lowered his brows once. But she couldn't respond until after she dodged yet another flame.
She glared at him, "Thanks for the warning, but I don't need your help." she drew a wall of flame around them for a few moments.
He hade a mock look of hurt on his face, "What, I don't even get a 'nice to see you again'? I'm hurt,"
She looked at him suspiciously, "Why did you call me Alexa?"
He really looked confused now, "That's—that's your name." he looked shocked and took a step towards her, "Alexa don't you remem—"
She back away, "leave me alone, I don't even know you."
As he stared at her with a mixed look of hurt and astonishment, the wall vanished, revealing three very angry soldiers.
The odd boy took on two of them, leaving her with the largest one, the one who had previously insulted her.
"You think you're so special. I'll show you what happens to women who enlist in the army," he took a threatening step towards her.
She made a jump to attack – and hopefully harm him severely – but was caught by the arm. As she was drawn close to her captor to be kept from throwing herself at the man she heard Zuko's voice whisper in her ear.
"Drop it, just drop it. Calm down, relax."
She struggled against his grip for a moment before giving it up. She continued to glare at the man.
He smirked, "Why don't you let the wench fight for herself you scum?"
Zuko looked up at him in anger and the guard reeled away in recognition. "P-Prince Zuko!"
Zuko kept a stone face as he said coldly, "You'll do better to treat my soldiers with respect next time, Private." He turned and led her firmly through the crowd of people.
Once away from them she walked beside him, "You didn't have to do that," she snapped, "I could have handled it just fine."
He looked at her sharply, "I would prefer not to lose a soldier on a skeleton crew."
She muttered something and walked far behind him up the ship plan. Unbeknownst to both of them, the boy from the fight was following her.
When she had reached the deck she looked to the dock and sighed in relief when she saw Iroh, "There's Iroh,"
Zuko grunted, "We're just not going to mention your little escapade. That's going to be our little secret." He stopped and stared behind her, his eyes narrowing.
She turned and saw the boy, who was looking at them both incredulously, "You work for him?" he asked, coming to her. He touched her arm gently, "Alexa what are you—"
"Get away from me!" she hissed, backing away.
Just then, Iroh walked up to her, smiling, "I see you've met our newest recruit. Please say hello to Second Lieutenant…" he trailed off and looked to him to introduce himself.
He grinned at her, "Troy. I'm Troy."
A gear clicked in her mind. Strange memories came back to her. She stared at this young man, this man she had known her entire life.
She gasped and screamed in delight. Throwing her arms around him in a tight hug he hugged her back.
"Troy, oh my god it's you." She looked at him; "I thought you were…" she trailed off, choking back a sob.
He touched her hair, "It's alright Alexa. I'm here now."
Both Iroh and Zuko were surprised at this reunion. Zuko couldn't help briefly wondering if he was an ex-boyfriend.
Alex turned and smiled at the two perplexed people, "This is Troy," she laughed, "My brother."
Zuko raised his eye brows. Now that he looked there was no mistaking the resemblance. They had the same basic facial structure, although his chin was much firmer and squarer. Below his curly black hair his amber eyes didn't have the same look of mischief in them as Alex's always did, but the seriousness and stubbornness was clearly apparent on his face.
She was trying to figure out what was happening. She had made up that story, hadn't she?
It all made sense now. When she had been dropped into this world, she had been given a past. Of course, and this was hers. She just hadn't know it.
"Alexa—" he started.
She smiled, "It's Alex, please." She looked over his shoulder and grinned, "Luke!"
She introduced Luke to her brother, explaining – almost – everything that had happened. Troy shook her friend's hand, but he gave him a suspicious look as he did so. Alex rolled her eyes, remembering how overprotective he was of her.
Zuko noticed this and resented it. Having her brother – her older brother – onboard was going to cause a lot of problems. He sighed internally, now he couldn't—he stopped. What was he about to think?
You know perfectly well what you were thinking. Now that her brother is here it'll be too hard for you to kiss her again, and I know you want to. She also has her own room now, remember? Sucks for you.
He shook these thoughts away as they set out for the sea again.
Troy had something on his mind as he stood at the rail with his younger sister. "Why are you here?" he asked softly.
She looked at him, puzzled, "I don't understand what you mean."
He looked at her sharply, "Are you mad? Why are you on his ship? His father is the reason for dad's death."
She sighed and touched his arm, "I'll explain everything, but now know okay?"
He smiled softly, "Alright. I trust you Alex, I'd never doubt you." She smiled to herself, at least someone felt that way.
When they were out of sight of the shore Luke walked up to Alex, who was leaning her back against the rail, talking and laughing with Troy.
He placed an arm around her shoulders, purposely defying her brother. He smiled at her, "ready for practice?"
She grinned, "Am I ever. I feel the need to pent all this energy into something productive."
He laughed with her, "Well, I hope you're up to a challenge, we're finishing the rotation today."
Her stomach flopped, "Oh really?"
They had been rotating sparing partners several times, and today would be the last one. So far she had fought – and beaten- almost every person except for Jang and Zuko. She had fought Jang and lost, no surprise there, he was a master. But she had yet to fight Zuko. She didn't want to think about how—recent events would change the proceedings and outcome of the fight.
Troy looked confused, but everyone else was waiting for her and Luke. Troy followed them to watch in wonder at what was happening.
Zuko was dressed for a spar and there was a large empty space in the center of the deck. Troy wondered who the unlucky person was that would have to duel the person who had defeated Admiral Zhao.
He turned to share this thought with his sister but he was shocked to see her taking off the last of her armor. "What are you doing?" she did not respond, only patted him on the back briefly before stepping onto the arena opposite her opponent.
Troy stood with Luke, unable to do anything. He also noted bitterly his sister's attire; he didn't feel too fond of it. Of course, he should be easing up on her, she'd survived two years alone, and she was sixteen.
He nodded and she suddenly struck out with a stream of fire headed towards his stomach, too low to duck under, too high to jump over, too wide to dodge.
He gulped briefly and caught most of it, wincing at the small burns he felt developing on his body. He threw it back at her and she dodged it easily. Turning to watch it disappear she turned to grin at him, but gave a small gasp as a fire ball hit her. Tumbling over a few feet she got on her hands and knees, taking deep breathes.
Troy wanted to jump out and kill the bastard right now. Of course, his anger was so large he didn't notice what only Luke did, the look of fear on Zuko's face.
Luke saw Zuko's face tense, and his body hesitate as he saw her fall, but looked stone again when she got up and faced him.
She swung a leg around, striking him on the shoulder with her fire. He contradicted with a fire punch, which struck her alongside her face.
That was all it took, every angry and frustrated thought and feeling about the other came out in an intense battle of fire and wits.
Iroh saw this was going a little too far and stepped between them, blocking them from attacking once more.
He tried to look cheerful, "Well, I think it's a tie, why don't we all retire now, it's a bit late isn't it?"
Zuko and Alex glared at each other before parting ways.
- - - - - - - - - - -
