After long explanations and tearful reunions, the five of them now sat around the campfire, watching the flames dance before their eyes. Alex sat next to Luke, staring into the flames with lifeless eyes. Could this be the end? Would all the troubles simply vanish?

But how could she tell her friends that she was to get ride of them, that she was to remain here while they were swept away to their own lands? In her own mind it seemed barbaric, but she knew she had no choice. But not know, not when they had just found each other.

A thought drifted over her mind and she said sadly, "Kyle isn't with you, is he?"

Josh looked over at her from his seat between Zuko and Tina, "No, he's safe. He's with Aang at the north pole."

Alex cringed internally as she saw Zuko's face change dramatically. For a moment he returned to his previous self, selfish and determined to capture the avatar. But when he looked at her, he ceased, and returned to his newly found self.

Alex looked over at Luke and smiled wickedly, "Oh Luke, I simply adore your new hair cut, where on earth did you get it done darling?" she laughed and rubbed his stubby hair. He laughed also and grabbed her hand, slyly putting an arm around her shoulder.

"Alex, I'm so glad I found you, the crew has been mad in depression from losing—" he stopped and the both turned to each other in horror.

"The crew!" they both cried.

Zuko stood quickly, "Uncle!"

For a moment the three of them stared at each other in horror. Luke grabbed Alex's wrist, "We have to get back and let everyone know you're alive!"

But she pulled away from him, "I—I can't leave them, I just found them." She said softly.

Luke smiled, yet it was plain to see he was in a hurry, "They can come with, hurry."

She turned to them, "Josh—Tina, what do you say? Will you come with us?"

Josh smiled but Tina didn't, "And just where are we going?"

"To the northern most edge of the earth kingdom," Luke said impatiently.

Alex smiled and took Tina's arm and Josh's hand, "You're going to love it, come on."


An hour later, all of them stood just outside the ship, looking up at it with different feelings. Zuko, Luke, and Alex all have expressions of relief and happiness, while Josh looked amazed, and Tina angered.

Luke knocked on the plank, and it lowered slowly. Luke walked quickly up the platform,

Alex started forward, but noticed Zuko had stopped. She eyed him curiously, he still had his hood up, and had not removed it since she had last seen him on the ship. She had a sick feeling that there was something he was hiding, but she would inquire about it at a later hour.

She smiled and took his hand gently, "It's alright, you're home now."

He pulled away, steel faced, "No. This isn't my home. It's a prison." Without looking at her he walked slowly up the plank.

Alex blinked, unable to comprehend what had just happened. She felt the utmost pain for him, feeling what his heart must be longing to feel each day.

She turned to her idle friends, "Come on, lets go meet Iroh."

Iroh turned round upon hearing Luke arrive. He turned to him, angry, "Where did you run off to? I was about to send a search party after you!"

"General Iroh I—"

"Silence! You had no right to do such a thing."

"Hello Iroh," Alex said softly, standing next to Zuko.

Iroh briefly glanced at her, but froze and did a double take. For a moment he only stood there, in utter shock that both Zuko and Alex were standing there.

In a split second, the ship erupted into chaos. Uncle – teary-eyed with joy – raced to embrace the two teens. Within moments the entire crew had heard the news, and was out on the deck, clamoring to get to Alex.

She merely laughed and greeted them all, but kindly requested time alone with Iroh and Zuko. Disappointed, they returned to their posts.

She shook her head in wonder and turned to see Iroh staring curiously at Tina and Josh.

"Anchor away!" the helmsman called.

Alex did not turn as she said loudly, "All set and ready for departure."

The ship made a quick jerk before it smoothly headed out from port.

Alex walked over to the two newcomers, hands behind her back. "Iroh," she said kindly, "I would like to introduce you to two of my friends, Tina and Josh. They are two of my three lost friends."

Uncle blinked, "But—they are not fire nation." He turned to her and smiled, "I understand. And of course they shall be welcome."

He bowed his head, "I leave the details up to you, captain."

Alex bowed her head in response.

Josh smiled slyly, "captain eh? Well, I see someone has had a life of luxury out here."

Alex smiled to herself, remembering her encounters with the pirates, "not exactly, those pirates were fierce alright."

Tina snapped out of her state of remorse, "Pirates?" she asked with a wide grin, "Tell me all!"

Alex laughed and linked arms with Tina, "Come on, I'll let you in on all the details as we head to your new room."

Josh looked over at Zuko, who was standing on the rail, looking over at the sea. He felt a strange feeling of being very vulnerable, but he couldn't place the feeling.

He took a step, but stopped, not sure what he was going to say to the prince. Instead, he turned and retreated below deck in an attempt to locate Alex and Tina.