Later, Alex and Josh went to the top deck to greet Master Jang.

Upon seeing him, Alex bowed respectfully, "Master, it is good to see you." She was aware that Zuko was standing not to far oft, but she made careful notice not to say anything or even glance his way.

She knew that her bandages were clearly visible below her tee shirt, but she didn't care. She could also tell by the look on her master's face that he knew what had happened.

Jang bowed back, "Ah, it is good to see you among the living once more Alexa. I have heard much about your journey."

For some reason this did not surprise her, "Master, I now know my purpose here and what I must do. I thank you for teaching me."

He nodded, "Yes, for now I shall teach you no more." He placed a hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eye, "Now, you are Master Alexa."

Alexa blinked, unable to move. What? She couldn't be master could she?

She tried not to look at Zuko, who was staring at her in both anger and confusion. She realized that everyone around her must be wondering what her and Jang had been discussing.

She smiled at her old master, "Thank you."


Later that evening, as Alex pulled her hair up before dinner, she heard a knock at her door.

"It's open," she said, not taking her eyes of her mirror.

Tina walked in and closed the door behind her. Her eyes were narrowed, and she crossed her arms as she watched Alex.

"Oh, hey Tina." Alex smiled. But she frowned when Tina did not smile back. She finished her hair and turned to look at her curiously, "What's up?"

"I don't know, you tell me." She responded coldly.

Alex stared at her, "What are you talking about?"

Tina walked to her and gently touched her bandages. She turned her head up and looked at her friend, "You can't tell me these are part of the uniform."

Alex turned away, eyes closed, "Tina, you have to understand—"

"NO!" she shouted, "I'm sick of having to 'understand'. For once I just want answers."

Alex turned slowly to look at her. Her face was saddened, "You can't stay here for much longer."

"What on earth are you talking about?" She snapped angrily, "There is no way I'm leaving you now, not with him."

Alex blinked back tears and attempted to keep her voice as even as possible, "Tina, let me explain. What I'm about to tell you is crazy, I know. But you have to listen to me. I need you to believe me."

Tina's eyes grew soft, and she took a seat in a nearby chair. Alex went to her window and leaned against it, watching the ocean waves crash against the sides.

"I'm—I'm a nobleman's daughter, born of the fire nation house of Corinth. I was born here Tina, and this is where I'll stay."

With great composer, Alex told Tina the entire story of her existence, and everything that had happened to her in this world, including her encounter with Ko.

"He killed my mother Tina, and Iroh's son." She turned to her with a stone face, "And if you don't leave he'll kill you, Josh, and Kyle too."

Tina stood and looked at her, "I'm not leaving you,"

"Tina—"

"No." she replied firmly, "You're my best friend Alex, I'm not leaving you to fend for yourself here. Not on Zuko's ship."

Alex sighed, "Tina, there is nothing wrong with Zuko—"

"Nothing wrong? He burned you Alex!" she grabbed her by the shoulders, looking her in the eyes. It was only when she saw the look of pain on her face that she let go in horror.

"Alex—I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to—"

Alex held up a hand to silence her, "It's alright."

"You have to tell Josh."

Alex froze and took a shaky breath, "I know. But not just yet. We need to find Kyle first."

Tina took her friend's hand, "I think we have to get going."

"You're right." Alex tried to smile, but the thought of having to see Zuko again made her cringe.

"Alex?" Tina asked as they walked the hall.

"Hmm?"

"You're shaking."

Alex looked at her hands and noticed that they were indeed shaking from the stressfulness of the situation.

She laughed, "That's ironic. Of course I'm not nervous at all about dieing, but going to diner is completely different."


A girl, falling to the ground. Crying, bruised, burned. A man is standing over her, holding a blade in hand, rain is falling softly.

With a quick motion he lowers the blade—

"KYLE!—"

Kyle's eyes flew open. He sat up slowly, rubbing his head. This was the sixth time since they had left the North Pole that he had had that very same dream.

"Kyle—"

He jumped, startled by the new voice. Katara was kneeling beside him, looking at him with worry, "Was it about your friends?" she asked, referring to his recent nightmare.

He nodded and she helped him to stand. "Where are we?" he asked.

"In an earth kingdom forest. We have to walk from here." She jumped down from Appa's saddle and grabbed her sack.

Kyle sighed and followed suite, still not used to the awkward height of the saddle.

Once he had picked up his things, he avoided eye contact with Aang. He knew from the moment that they had left that Aang must know the truth about why they had left.

"Come on, we need to cover ground." Sokka said firmly, breaking the silence.

Kyle was not focused on his steps, but only on his own thoughts. Wherever his friends were, he knew they were in trouble. He knew he had to reach them as soon as possible.

He once again drifted to the thought of the girl in his dream. For some reason she sparked a nerve in his mind, but he could not place her face right away. But there was something about the way she had screamed his name that had given him chills.

"We'll walk until we reach the shore, we can fly from there," Sokka called from the front of the procession.

Aang caught up with Kyle and looked up at him. When the boys' eyes met they communicated a silent urgency. Aang smiled reassuringly and Kyle could not help but smile back.