Newton led his Tribe quickly through their territory and over the stream onto the Gathering Island. They were the first Tribe there, but the other Tribes weren't far off. The Air's healer, Brooks, had stayed behind to treat a hunter who had gotten in a tangle with food that had not yet died. His apprentice, Wafter, was allowed to come.

Leonard eagerly passed Jones on his way to the island. He needed to see Kifu one more time before she left. When he arrived on the Island, his heart fell. She was nowhere with the rest of the warriors and hunters. He moved over to where Wafter stood and asked, "Where'd Kifu go? She didn't leave already, did she?"

Clay looked around. "I'm not sure. I've been with Brooks for a while.I saw her in camp a few days ago." He felt bad now, he should have noticed if his friend had left. "Sorry Plant. I'll keep my eyes open for her."

Nicoma walked around the island for a bit before going to Clay. SHe felt different now, though the only thing that had changed was that she was now second stage.

"Clay!" She called when she spotted her friend. "Oh, hi Leo!" She added, noticing her old mentor was with her friend. "Is something wrong?"

Leonard forced up a smile. "I'm fine," he answered her. He knew where Kifu was, and he didn't want to trouble them with petty problems. Kifu was fine, as long as she made it to the camp. "You two just have fun." He walked off and stared in the direction the river went between the Air and Fire Tribe.

Nicoma watched as Leo walked off. "Somethings wrong." She said.

"Well, if we needed to know, he would tell us." Clay said.

"Yeah, probably." Nicoma suddenly lit up with energy. "Did you make it? Are you second stage now?"

"Yeah!" Clay laughed, "Yeah I am."

"Warrior."

"Healer."

"Healer?" Nicoma repeated. "You're becoming a Healer?"

"Yeah. I felt it would be best." CLay said. Nicoma thought about it. It did suit her friend. They started talking about the paths that they had chosen, not noticing anything but their own exctiment.

Leonard walked up to the two apprentices and bade them good-night, even though sundown was still a couple hours away. He tried to keep his voice happy, but he wanted to be there for his love, and he couldn't be.

"Good night?" Nicoma exclaimed. "It isn't even sun-down! Are you sure you're okay Leo?" Clay was just as surprised, but decided he didn't need to add anything.

"I'm fine," Leonard said. With that being said, he jumped over the stream and walked slowly off to camp.

Nicoma and Clay sat there for a moment thinking of what might be bothering Leo. When they were unable to think of anything ( at least Nicoma couldn't) their conversation slowly picked back up.