Authors Note: I've been told that it feels like this chapter plot's was more dragged out. If it is, sorry. This would be so much easier to do visually.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Avatar world, that is all owned by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.
—
Chapter 10
The Voice Stealer
Wikilow and Elsi searched all day for their missing fire bender. Only ever stopping to quickly eat before returning to the search. Gale searched farther out and above for any sign of Arlo. However, their effort pulled up no result whatsoever. And with every passing second, their worry increased tenfold. Eventually, night came and they had to halt their search. The mountain being utterly dark and much more difficult to transverse. It was Wikilow who pointed this out to a reluctant Elsi. But, she couldn't protest his logic. They could only hope that Arlo was alright, wherever he was.
The starless night felt hollow, silently mocking them.
Elsi twisted and turned but could not will herself to sleep. So she merely stared in the direction of the mountain, its shadow looming over them. Gale's form slept peacefully next to her. The softest of sounds drew her attention however. Turning, the air bender sighted a figure in the trees. With a small gasp she hid herself under her small blanket. Letting a tense minute pass, Elsi carefully stood. Looking around, she found her other companion was gone.
"Wikilow!" Elsi whispered, though assumed him to be the figure. Feeling calm and taking a deep sigh, she hurriedly walked in his direction. Her intuition proved to be accurate, as the Avatar paced the forest. His face was blank, but there was a distant tone about him. Elsi approached the young man slowly, but the snap of a twig beneath her foot brought Wikilow's attention to her.
The Avatar shifted to a fighting position but eased when he saw it was just her.
"Elsi." He curtly stated.
"Hey…" The air bender quietly replied. "You're up pretty late." She noted, swaying from side to side.
"Sleep is of no concern for me. It is not the first time I will have gone long periods without rest." Wikilow explained as he looked around more, expecting the surroundings. "We should also still patrol." He added, adjusting his hat. "And I, am going over recent events." Wikilow continued, meticulously scanning his eyes across the ground.
Elsi watched him, grey eyes softening.
"…You're really worried, huh?" She asked, sympathetic to his plight they shared. Wikilow did not respond at first, formulating the right words in his head.
"It would be unfortunate and inefficient if we lost a group member." He cooly started, logical. "…I am also concerned about the delay in our travels that will be spent looking for Arlo." Wikilow articulated, turning to face the mountain with Elsi.
She spoke from next to him, voice small but thunderous in the silence. "…I'm worried too."
—
Arlo woke up feeling brand new and ready to try leaving the spirit realm. He was pleasantly surprised to see the little dragon still with him, said creature having fully recovered. Even more so when it travelled along him. But, he didn't complain, enjoying the dragon who Arlo affectionately nicknamed Buddy's company. The fire bender attempted to find the exit's location from Buddy. Unfortunately, the dragon either didn't know or was unwilling to say.
The duo wandered down the river in the opposite direction Arlo originally tried. Sparking up some short comments every now and then, it was mostly pleasant. After a few hours they entered an area filled with large pink flowers the size of trees. Their petals stretched so far as if being forced open. It was deathly sweet, Arlo noted as he brought his hand to his face.
Buddy raced in front of Arlo and shook their head at the large plants, warning the young man to stay away.
"Got it, Buddy. You know better then me." Arlo assured the creature, ignoring the plants that seemed to wilt as they left. Near the edge of the area was a clear view of the coloured sky between rocks. With a glimmer of hope in his eyes, Arlo rushed toward the opening, the river seemingly ending.
However, when he reached out all he saw was a steep drop below. The water falling in a straight drop down into an ocean of fluffy clouds, which obscured his vision of the ground. Looking around Arlo could see a similar pattern around the area's rim. Particles of dirt and rock falling off and disappearing over the side. He was on a very tall mountain. Buddy hopped on a rock next to him and peered down with him. A small growl escaping them.
"I…I'm guessing this isn't the exit. Or how I got up here…" Arlo slowly said, taking a deep breath to hide his frustrations. "Spirits…" He muttered, turning around and throwing his hands in the air.
He would've continued speaking, if a sudden gust of wind hadn't blown him and Buddy off the edge.
Arlo let out a small scream as he fell, but was able to grab onto the side of the cliff, gripping it with all his strength. Buddy also managed to hang on, nimbly clawing their way back up to safety. Arlo began carefully climbing up as well, refusing to look down at the sea of white below. The fire bender heard Buddy make a large growl, skidding against the dirt ground. Bits of dust got into Arlo's face, causing him to let out a rough cough.
An ominous whistle could be heard above.
"Buddy!" Arlo shouted, eyes widening as he hastened his ascent. "Hold on! I'm coming!" He frantically added, though in his panic misstepped, the rock under his foot coming down beneath him. This inadvertently caused Arlo to glance down, gulping as the distance weighed down on him. Scrambling, the fire bender quickly made his way up and crawled to the ledge.
Jumping to his feet, Arlo could see that Buddy was caught in the strong wind's eye. Buddy was trying to push their way through the storm but was evidently losing ground. The wind forcing them closer to a waiting pink flower, it's petals resembling the jaws of a predator.
Arlo immediately jumped to rescue Buddy. However, he was slammed back against the edge by the wind, forming a circular current around the dragon. Trying thrice more he was pushed back. The whistling screaming into his ears. Gritting his teeth he got on the ground and began crawling toward Buddy. The wind's force battling him the entire way, dragging him down one for every two lunges he made.
Buddy was dangerously close to the pink flower. Their green scaled face resilient and determined, eyes defiant. The petals stretched unnaturally farther out, as if
opening the jaws of death.
Arlo struggled to stretch his hand out, the wind fighting him backwards.
The flower went alight in bright orange flames.
"Buddy!" Arlo called out, giving the dragon a small push forward. "We got to go!" The young man shouted as the dragon silently followed. The two ran as the wind howled behind them, an odd sound being neither angry or happy or anything at all.
—
Arlo and Buddy sprinted until they reached their original morning camp. Panting, the fire bender arched his back to catch his breath. The sky began to darken, returning them to night. A single cool breeze danced through the air, making them freeze in place until it passed. Luckily, both were uninjured from the earlier incident.
The young man quickly started a small fire before collapsing against the hard wall. Buddy crawled and settled themselves next to him, the fire's light reflecting off their scales as the shadows grew.
"…So… does the wind have something against you?" Arlo asked, shattering the silence. Buddy raised their head, eyes narrowing as their tail unfurled. They looked at Arlo, tilting their head before subtly shaking it. "Oh… sorry Buddy." Arlo apologized, shifting uncomfortably.
Buddy rose and took a few steps closer to the fire, staring at the sparks. Their eyes glazed over for half a second, unnoticed by the fire bender. The echoes of a whistle fluttered past, swirling around Buddy before fleeing into the distance. The dragon let out a strangled sound, making a few rough coughs every now and then. They stretched their jaw wide open, painfully so.
"Buddy?" Arlo prodded, confused at the dragons actions. Buddy in turn continued making the strangled noise. Minuscule ghosts of flames fizzled out, pathetically dropping from their mouth. But, the dragon continued to produce them, praying for a flame to ignite.
Arlo watched the sight with a forlorn face. After another minute went by he stood and quietly extinguished the fire with a rock. Buddy stopped their fire breathing motions, looking back at him curiously.
"You can't breathe fire, huh Buddy?" Arlo softly presumed, sympathy painted over his features. The dragon's eyes darted to the ground with a scowl, body tensing. "I'm sorry." The fire bender quietly said, putting his hand on the dragon's back. Buddy looked up at Arlo curiously at his words. "I don't mean to pity you Buddy. But, I'm guessing it must be hard to be a dragon who can't breathe fire. For something you probably can't control." The ex cirque explained with a wry smile.
Buddy hopped back, as if the words had physically pushed them back. Arlo looked at them with a forlorn expression.
"…I know what that's like. Because of what I can do…" The fire bender softly continued, making small fiery lights appear in the air around the two. Buddy made a surprised noise at the sight, gazing at them amazed. "People…" Arlo tried to say, but the words died in his throat. A dark expression came over his face for a brief moment. But, he quickly batted it away.
He felt a small weight on his leg. Looking down, he saw Buddy poking him with their head. A small smile formed on Arlo's face. "Thanks, Buddy." He went and with the dragon nestled against the wall to turn in.
Arlo took a breath as he stared at the sky, noting the time that had passed. His thoughts drifted to Wikilow and Elsi. What they might be doing, if they were worried. Beside him Buddy shifted, staring at the looming mountain that watched over the forests upriver.
"The exits that way. Isn't it buddy?" Arlo asked, resigned. He replaced his hand on the dragon. Who in turn did nothing but continue to stare. "…Listen… I can't stay here." The fire bender started, a hint of regret lining his voice. "But, I have to try and get to my friends. Tomorrow, I'm going to try heading upriver. I understand if you don't want to come along seeing as last time… went bad." Arlo explained with a guilty sigh, head down.
Buddy turned to face Arlo, and slowly shook their head. "Buddy…" Arlo began, thinking the dragon didn't want him to leave. However, the creature gave him a determined look, and tugging his sleeve turned toward the mountain. The dragon repeated the motion twice over. Arlo was at first confused, before getting what they were trying to tell him.
"You want to come with me?" He asked, slightly hopeful. The dragon gave a stern nod. Arlo's eyes glistened, "Got it, tomorrow it is then." The fire bender stated before they both gave in to sleep.
—
The morning came quickly, and a sleep deprived Elsi and Wikilow resumed their search for Arlo with vigour. Gale also continued to search from above, their pale feathers reflecting the sun. The Avatar was deep within the canyon, on his knees and hands with his eyes closed.
"What do you see?" Elsi asked worriedly, hovering over Wikilow.
"There's multiple tunnels beneath us and the rubble. Most of the passageways look to be blocked." He calmly reported.
"Oh! Then Arlo could've rolled into one of them!" Elsi hopefully surmised.
"That is what I would predict. However, I don't see any traces of him, or his body down below." Wikilow continued in the same tone, though his hand tightened, ever so slightly that it was barely noticeable.
"…What…?" The air bender responded, a confused look on her. "But… how's that possible? No body? Anywhere?" She questioned.
"It appears so…" Wikilow replied, going through his own logical predictions of Arlo's whereabouts. Some were more bleak then others. "He could've possibly got through to the other side of the canyon and left." For one.
While the two debated, Gale swept down to the ground. Nestling themselves on a small rocky ledge, they looked down at the rubble, squinting their eyes in the process. After a few minutes of observation, the spirit bird flew down to closer inspect the various rocks. Hopping around, it moved aside a few small rocks with their feet, revealing a small entryway into a mountain tunnel.
—
Arlo and Buddy cautiously advanced upriver, staying in the open area. Watchful of every movement and sound their surroundings made. They soon reached the thicket from when Arlo first fled from Buddy. The fire bender hesitated before sharing a look with the dragon. Taking a deep breath they passed through together.
And chaos reigned.
The wind swept over them, piercing the trees with precise strikes. Buddy tried to fly up but was slammed down by the strong gales. Gasping, Arlo instinctively brought his arms up to cover himself. The dragon growled as it took a step forward.
"Buddy! Grab on!" Arlo yelled to his friend before grasping a thick curled branch. Buddy secured on his leg. The wind clawed at his clothes and hair, tried to rip the branch right off of the trunk. But he pushed further, using all his energy to burn the sticks thrown their way. Enduring the pain of rocks slicing against his skin. The deafening whistle in his ears.
The young man focused on following the river. Buddy shielding him with their more resistant body. After what felt like days, the two had made visible progress in their endeavour.
"Come on… leave us alone already!" Arlo muttered, gritting his teeth while he struggled to put a foot forward. And oddly, the wind seemed to listen. The whistle slowly receded, and the large forces against them as well.
It was completely silent.
But the two took no heed to this occurrence and raced ahead for cover in a convenient cave. Finally stopping inside for rest. Arlo took a few moments to collect himself before looking over at Buddy. The dragon was injured, but could still walk.
"We're pretty high up. The exit's got to be around here somewhere, it has to be…" Arlo muttered as he and Buddy exited the cave and pushed forward up the mountain.
Hugging the stone walls, they made their way onto a pathway very much like the one in the physical world. A large rocky bridge linked the two sides together, a large cave opening on each. "Which way do we…?" The young man whispered, standing near one of the caves with Buddy. However, the moment was soon interrupted by the sound of flapping wings.
From the other cave emerged a majestic snow white bird.
"Gale!" Arlo enthusiastically cheered, wildly waving to the spirit bird with a slight jump in his step. Buddy initially tensed at Gale's arrival but eased upon seeing Arlo's reaction. The spirit bird circled them before perching on a nearby rock, excitedly greeting the fire bender.
"Are Wikilow and Elsi with you?" He asked, looking up as if his two companions were right behind. But Gale shook their head, simply flying up into the air and flying back and forth between him and he other cave. Motioning for Arlo to follow. "The exit's that way?" He questioned, which Gale confirmed. "Lets go! Come on Buddy…" Arlo initially celebrated, turning to the dragon happily.
However, Buddy was soberly staring at the closer cave, at the dark bowels of its interior. "…Buddy?" The fire bender gently prodded, kneeling next to the dragon. "You good?" He continued, but the dragon shoved him off and turned to the opposite cave.
Arlo stood, but didn't move. He too stared at the closer cave curiously. He looked down at Buddy with a contemplative look before sighing, a warm smile settling on his face.
"Er… Gale. Can you go let the others know I'm all right. Gonna check this out with Buddy first." He cheerfully informed the bird, who after a moment's pause nodded and took off back. Buddy looked at him, confused at his actions. "Something's not quite right here. That much I can see, Buddy. I want to help." Arlo told the dragon as he began walking into the cave.
And Buddy followed, the faintest of whistles in the wind.
—
Back in the physical realm, Wikilow and Elsi continued their search with diminished spirits. Since it was beginning to seem unlikely that they would find Arlo, or anything in that matter. The sun glared down at them above, a reminder of their missing companion.
Suddenly Gale popped out of the rubble below and flew out to the duo.
"Gale, did you find anything?" Elsi softly asked the spirit bird, who nestled on her arm. Gale happily hopped around before diving down back toward the wreckage. Wikilow and Elsi immediately following in anticipation. Clambering down the misshaped boulders and rocks, Gale hovered over a small gap in the rubble.
After pulling the rocks aside, a small tunnel opening was revealed.
Deeper in this tunnel, far away through smooth surfaces was a pool of glowing water. Through this water, was the spirit world. And there a vast network of similar rivers ran through a small cave system, but they all merged together at one point. In a large lake, its source a tall lifeless pillar in it's middle. Streams of water running off the pillar as if enchanted.
And exiting one of the various other tunnels was Arlo and Buddy. The pillar was like a Republic City skyscraper, a glowing beacon of light in the dark. A wide range of emotions played across Buddy's face: apprehension, suspense, anger and determination.
"What is this place?" Arlo asked out loud, looking around in wonder. The pair made their way across the lake on slippery rocks, almost falling off multiple times. In the water they could see reflections of the physical and spirit world alike. Getting to the stone pillar, they found no way up, so they resorted to climbing to reach the top.
Heaving themselves onto the flat interior, Arlo looked over the view of the cavern, awed. Streams of water pooled from a bowl shaped fountain. A sharp growl from Buddy caught his attention however.
"Hello there." A sickeningly sweet, singsong female voice called out to them. Whipping around in surprise, Arlo prepared for an attack but Buddy was already on it. The dragon lunging at the stranger. Except, strong gusts of wind pinned them to the floor.
The stranger whistled.
"It's so nice to see you again." The stranger told the dragon, their face unnaturally contorted in a smile. The stranger had the humanoid body of a fawn However, her ears were pinned under large wooden antlers that hung onto the side of her head. In fact, the strangers entire body was made out of sticks and leaves. Translucent veils and beads limply dangling off her gaunt form. A white porcelain mask was attached just above her right eye.
"And you…" She over cheerfully said to Arlo. "It's even better to meet you in person… Arlo was it?" The stranger inquired, a mocking tone in her voice. He could only nod in response.
"My name is Toh, the Voice Stealer." The stranger introduced, dragging a thin arm across her chest, as if guided by a puppet's strings.
"A…any relation to the Face stealer?" Arlo nervously asked, not thinking in the moment about what he shouldn't be doing. Buddy struggled to stand from where they were being held down.
"Oh… Koh? I'm just a really, big fan of his." Toh eagerly answered, eyes so wide that it appeared they would fall from their sockets. Arlo nodded again, nervously looking between her and Buddy. Then Toh began a maniacal laugh that sounded so very wrong. As if a cold hand had grasped the fire bender's throat, trying to rip his voice out. But it soon receded, although it left him shaken.
"So, Buddy is the reason you're here, human." Toh noted, trying the dragon's nickname out. It sounded like a child talking to a doll. "How long has it been then, Buddy? Days…months since we last saw each other, hmm?" The Voice Stealer mocked, running her fingers over Buddy's scales. The dragon scowled and tried to claw at her to no avail.
"Aw… don't be like that. I would say it's an improvement." She teased, a malicious glint in her eyes. Seemingly bringing up an old conflict. Arlo didn't trust himself to speak, but stupidly did so.
"You know each other?" He asked, trying to sound confident though his voice quivered.
"Of course we do. Such a fiery temper this one has… isn't that right, Buddy?" Toh replied tauntingly. The dragon yelped and was shoved into the pillars wall, before being dragged back to their former position. Toh then repeated the motion with a flick of her hand, again and again. Buddy made a strangled sound as they collided constantly with the rocky surface.
"Stop that!" Arlo yelled, trying to grab Toh by the arm. But she simply extended it to push him against the opposite wall, wind cuffing him to it.
"Why not? It's funny! The poor thing can't even fight back… not anymore." Toh gleefully stated.
"Huh? What did you say?" Arlo went, staring at the spirit. Buddy tried to protest but was slammed into the wall once more. Toh used her free hand to feel a necklace of beads around her neck. Specifically, she stroked one that glowed a fiery red and orange. The pieces began clicking in Arlo's mind.
"What did you do to Buddy?" He demanded despite his current position.
"Just put out a rowdy fire, that's all. Honestly, they're more like some overgrown lizard at this point." Toh cruelly mocked, dragging a thin finger across the dragon's throat as if slitting it.
"…You stole Buddy's voice…" Arlo realized, rearing his head back.
"Ding… Dong…" The Voice Stealer singsonged with a whistle. "He…Hehehe… HAHAHA!" Toh laughed at their expressions of horror and disgust.
"Give it back! You have no right-" The fire bender yelled before Toh cut him off.
"No right? I'm the Voice Stealer… the lizard had it coming when it flew up here!" The female spirit shot back.
"That doesn't just-" Arlo tried to say before being interrupted by Buddy's loud growl.
"And what position do you think you're in to fight me in my domain, human? I could silence you with a wave of my hand." Toh belittled, slowly raising her wooden arm. Arlo saw the mischievous glint in her eyes.
"…What do you want from me? The fire bender questioned, eyes darkening.
"A game, it's getting boring by myself and silencing the various fools who wander into my domain. Entertain me, and the dragon's flame is yours." The Voice Stealer, explained turning her back to him. Arlo was dropped to the floor. The wind seemingly pivoting around Toh before parting in two directions, leaving a clear path from her to Arlo.
"What would we be playing?" The young man tried to ask but was shushed.
"Secret." Toh playfully replied, tilting her head. Arlo paused for only a few seconds. His instincts pulling him ahead of his head. His mouth started moving before words had begun to form.
"Deal." Arlo resolutely answered.
And his vision blurred. Black spots decorating the corners of his eyes as Toh seemingly teleported in front if him and sliced a cold gust of wind through his throat. Buddy yelled in a strangled voice, but he didn't hear. All Arlo could hear was that damn whistle that penetrated his mind and body.
But as quickly as it came, it vanished. Arlo fell to his knees and clutched his throat, gasping for air as his vision cleared. He tried to speak but no words, no sound came out. His eyes widened before hardening into a glare at Toh, who played innocent.
"What? It would be no fun if there weren't any losing stakes in a game, no?" She toyed, stroking a bead which turned a bright red and white. Toh pulled her mask down over her face. "Go on… entertain me… human." She went, explaining the rules of their game.
"Tell me my name." Toh challenged, and the game began.
Arlo choked, hand grasping at his own throat as silence overwhelmed him. "Toh…your name is Toh…" He mouthed, though the spirit only giggled.
"Repeat that… I can't hear you!" She shouted. Arlo desperately tried to make any sort of sound but was completely mute. It was like he was suffocating in nothing. The fire bender looked to Buddy, who stared at him with guilt ridden eyes. Fear and uncertainty pushed its way onto his warming face.
"I'm sorry…" Arlo worded to the dragon.
"…I'm getting bored already…" Toh warned, stoking the beads around her neck. Suddenly, the pillar's water seemed to glow, flooding them with light. "Oh… what's this?" The Voice Stealer asked, intrigued as the wind howled. The spirit sauntered over to one of the streams and looked in, a crooked grin spreading across her face.
Arlo and Buddy looked into other streams, which reflected the physical world. It showed a winding cave system, trails of wind scattered about. It was the two figures that could be seen exploring the area that made Arlo gape.
"Elsi! Wikilow!" He silently screamed.
—
Gale flew ahead, periodically stopping to allow the two mortals to catch up. Wikilow noted they were going deeper and deeper into the cave system the spirit bird had led them too. Elsi stumbled on a small rock but quickly regained her balance as they sprinted. Soon, the trio arrived in a towering stone hive, tunnel branches and openings dotted throughout the ledges. A bright stream of water emerged from one tunnel and curved into another, illuminating the hive. Gale sounded an urgent screech as it motioned to follow the flowing water.
However, the voice of their companion stopped them.
"Guys! Hold on! I'm right here!" Arlo's voice called out. In the spirit world, Toh spoke using his voice, giddily talking into the streams. While Arlo looked on, horrified and powerless to do anything.
"Arlo? Is that you?" Elsi yelled back, taking a few steps back and scanning the hive for the fire bender.
"Yes, it's me!" Toh replied, imitating Arlo to a tee.
"What is your position right now?" Wikilow questioned, face blank as he carefully listened. The Avatar put a hand on the stone ground, briefly closing his eyes, "I can't sense your presence here." He calmly explained. His statement made Elsi turn around, surprised.
"I'm trapped in the spirit world. I think I landed in some portal or something after falling during the earthquake!" Toh stated, gazing directly at the fire bender when talking. "Can't you use your Avatar powers or something to get me out?" She posed.
"My abilities as the Avatar do not work in that way." Wikilow rebutted, turning to the stream once more, which Gale hovered over. "Do you know your current location?" He inquired.
"I'm close to you." The Voice Stealer answered, keeping it intentionally vague. The Avatar did not respond at first, in thought.
"Lets try and meet up then, Arlo." Wikilow reported, sharing an off look with Elsi as they both turned to follow Gale. Toh scowled in annoyance. The wind picked up in the hive, causing the benders to become unbalanced as it seemed to wrestle with Gale. The spirit bird screeched as the wind attacked, a whistle filling the air.
"Gale!" Elsi shouted, moving forward. The wind resisted, slowing the air bender down. However, Elsi forced herself to position her limbs into a bending form and cut though the air to reach Gale near the stream. Wikilow moved to assist her, but Toh called out to him.
"Wikilow wait!" The spirit yelled, correcting herself from saying Avatar. Wikilow paused, turning his head the slightest of degrees. "Get-" Toh began seemingly aggravated and trying to stall. The spirit engaged Elsi in an invisible tug of war of winds.
"You're not Arlo." Wikilow coldly stated, stunning Toh into silence before entering the Avatar State. With a single fell motion Wikilow overpowered the hive's storm and caused it to cease. Allowing Elsi to pull Gale to safety just as they were about to be pulled under.
—
"Humans…" Toh irritatedly growled, voice returning to normal. As she tried to regain control over in the hive, her hold on Buddy loosened. Arlo crept to Buddy, wrapping his arms around them. The dragon bristled, apologetic that the fire bender was rendered mute. He shook his head in turn, with an encouraging smile that didn't quite meet his eyes.
Buddy looked down in shame. The weak spark escaping their jaws in the process. Arlo's gaze followed the light flicker before dying on the cool ground, alone. His eyes lingered at it's resting place. The young man slowly stood, unsurely opening his palm. He tried to form a small flame, yet only the echoes of a spark popped off. He felt cold, as if unshielded from the north snow. The fire bender looked back to Buddy.
Arlo's wavering resolve reignited, filling his body with the familiar warmth of fire. He took in a long breath, calming himself down. He channeled his energy all throughout his body. Grasped for the flaming tendrils inside that he knew were there. The red orange fire came alive in his hand.
A wave of relief overcame Arlo, as he performed some small fire bending feats. Buddy was also happy for him, eyes gleaming though a pain still scarred them. However, the fire bender returned his mind to his current problem.
"There's got to be a way out of this… think… come on think…" The ex cirque thought, closing his eyes. Small remnants of his feats danced around Arlo's head, providing warmth. One unexpectedly jumped in front of his eye, making him let out a gasp and step back. Watching the other sparks around him and Buddy, an idea began to form in Arlo's head.
He gave a genuine smile at Buddy as he rehearsed his old circus routine. The pillar's interior was dazzled with sparks. Toh who had been preoccupied with Wikilow and Elsi, took notice of the sudden action. She turned around and gazed upon the scene, perplexed.
"…And what is this?" The Voice Stealer asked, aloof.
Arlo swiftly continued his body motions. Concentrating, he steadily began bringing the sparks together as Toh and Buddy looked on. Slowly, Arlo arranged the sparks to form letters in the air. Having to exert a good deal of energy to keep them from being distorted by the wind.
"Toh… The Voice Stealer." The spirit read, staring down at Arlo. He moved the sparks to instead read "You never said I had to talk." Toh blinked from behind her mask, then blinked again. Before they knew it she started a giggle that divulged into hysterical laughter. The Voice Stealer ripped the porcelain mask from her face to reveal a creepy smile.
"I suppose that works, human. I'll give both you and the dragon your voices back." She stated, moving a hand toward her necklace. Before she made contact with the beads though, she paused. "You have five minutes to get out before I rip them out again for good." Toh darkly threatened as she stroked two beads.
A burning sensation overcame Arlo and he once more grasped his throat. Though this time the fight to remain conscious was much more challenging. And he was on the losing end. The fire bender slapped a hand to the ground as he fell to his knees and hunched over, gasping for air. Black swarmed his vision and blurred reality. Toh whistled an ominous content tune that pounded against his ears. The last thing Arlo saw was a flash of red and green before he blacked out.
—
Arlo went in and out of consciousness. He dimly recalled damp hair and clothes clinging to his body as a grey ceiling stared down at him. A small silhouette of a dragon. The fuzzy images of Wikilow and Elsi hovering over him and dragging his body out the cave.
It was afternoon when he woke up in the forest, Elsi and Wikilow standing a few feet away.
"Guys…" Arlo groaned, drowsily sitting up.
"Arlo!" His two friends yelled as they rushed to his side, Elsi excitedly and Wikilow naturally more reserved.
"You had us worried there." Elsi told him, to which he chuckled.
"Relax, I was fine. Buddy was with me." The fire bender explained with a smile.
"Who's Buddy?" Wikilow cooly asked. Arlo went on to explain his three day adventure in the spirit world, going into great deal about Buddy and Toh. "I see…that would explain the one imitating you yesterday." The Avatar noted.
"How'd you know it wasn't me?" The ex cirque questioned.
"…Your illogical behaviour is quite simple to differentiate from that of an imposter." Willow explained, Arlo easily nodding un understanding. "We didn't see any dragon when we found you." Wikilow added.
"Oh." Arlo replied, twitching when his arm brushed against the grass blades below. He moved to inspect his arm under his sleeve. However, Wikilow continued to talk after a short pause.
"Arlo." The Avatar prompted.
"Er, yeah dude?" The fire bender responded, tilting his head.
"…I apologize for upsetting you and not speaking about my concerns about your device earlier before acting." Wikilow went, carefully wording himself. Arlo blinked, before comprehension dawned on his face.
"Don't sweat it, Wikilow. I get it." Arlo waved off, smiling, truly meaning it. "But.. thanks." The ex cirque added, to which the Avatar curtly nodded.
"We should get ready to leave by tomorrow." Wikilow explained as he walked off to start preparations. His two companions watching him leave.
"…Do you want to stay around a bit and look for Buddy, Arlo?" Elsi gently asked him. Arlo looked back at the mountain, before slowly shaking his head.
"Nah… I'm sure he's fine." The fire bender said with a small laugh, staring at the bite mark on his slightly red arm. The smallest of a burn. "You know, Elsi?" He instead said, drawing her attention somewhere else.
"Yeah?" The air bender quietly said back.
"…I didn't believe you guys at first… when you said that this wouldn't be an adventure like the stories." Arlo admitted, resting his head on his arms.
"Ah…so you are." Elsi shyly went, nodding.
"It was disappointing… and I was questioning why I was still here… you know? But…" Arlo went, staring up at the clouds with a whimsical air about him. "I'm glad I came." He finished with a grin.
And back in the spirit world, Buddy leapt over the edge and spread their green wings. Soaring away into the clouds.
—
Authors Note: This was a long chapter, I hope the pacing wasn't too bad all in all. My aim with the these two chapters was to sort of mirror the group's relationships with Wikilow with Arlo and Buddy. I also needed to create some sort of group conflict. Anyways, some fun facts about Toh. So, my friend told me Kou means face in Chinese apparently, and that Tou meant voice. So, Kou is Koh so Tou is Toh.