Authors Note: Need to quickly clarify something. So, I searched up the regular Dai Li uniform and it was different from what I remembered in my head when planning Tales of Wikilow. The bottom part of the robes are too long, so just need to say here that Wikilow's is actually a little above knee length.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Avatar world, that is all owned by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.

Chapter 1

Perceptions

Wikilow woke up the next morning to find both Rin and Elsi still asleep. As he did most mornings, the Avatar took the few hours before they would wake up to train. There was a clearing a suitable distance away from the camp that he could temporarily make use of.

Before beginning, Wikilow went through his standard routine of meditating. Closing his eyes and breathing in and out, he cleared his mind of any distractions. However, as always, the mysterious whispers rose in his mind. Wikilow didn't know why he heard the mysterious whispers in his head. The Dai Li had trained him to block out and ignore them, though he would continue to hear them from time to time, usually when meditating. This was no different, as after a few minutes the whispers subsided and allowed Wikilow to continue in silence.

Afterwards, he proceeded to practice his bending.

The Avatar was going through the different elements in an efficient manner, making sure his technique was on point. Wikilow was working on his air bending strikes when he heard a noise from behind him. Alert, he paused his training and turned, ready for a fight if necessary. It wasn't necessary though, as it was just Elsi. The air bender had already woken up and had gone to see where Wikilow had disappeared to, though, she already guessed he was training. She gave a sheepish smile and a small wave as Wikilow just stared.

"Hey." Elsi greeted with a small smile.

"You are awake earlier then I expected." Wikilow noted dully.

"What can I say? I'm an early riser. Rin's still fast asleep though." The air bender explained lightly, making Wikilow nod.

"Rin usually sleeps for long periods of time. I usually take that time to train, as generally waking her up forcefully proves to be inefficient." The Avatar stated.

"Not a morning person then." Elsi said with a slight chuckle, hands clasped behind her back.

"Morning person?" Wikilow went confused, unfamiliar with the term.

"Um… a morning person is someone who doesn't like to be woken up early." The air bender explained awkwardly.

"I see." Wikilow responded in a thoughtful manner.

"You… aren't a very social person. Right Wikilow?" Elsi gently prodded after some hesitation.

Wikilow in turn tilted his head at the question. "There is no need for me to have common social interactions with anyone. It would prove to be an interference with my work." He plainly explained and proceeded to go back to his training.

Elsi was taken a back by the answer, though she understood Wikilow a little more. "Do you want me to leave? I can if you would prefer." She quickly asked.

"I do not mind nor particularly have any preferences. People have overseen my training before." Wikilow responded as he continued the familiar motions of air bending.

And so more time passed, as Wikilow trained with Elsi watching. When he was done, it appeared that Rin was still not awake. "Do you not train?" He asked Elsi as he went through more bending forms.

"Of course I do. We practise a lot back home, but it's not as rigorous as what you're doing." Elsi said back.

"Rigorous? This is the standard I am used to." Wikilow stated, pausing.

"I suppose that makes sense. You are the Avatar after all. But, it seems forced." The air bender told him, after some hesitation if she should speak honestly.

"Forced? What do you mean? There is nothing that forces me to bend." The Avatar asked, perplexed.

"Whenever I watch you bend. It just looks so, empty. Like you don't really feel anything." Elsi explained.

"I don't 'feel' anything. Feelings and emotional factors only create unneeded distractions." Wikilow stated as if it were obvious.

"That's not how I was taught. All the teachers in the Water Tribes, both water and air taught us that you should put your soul and person into your bending." Elsi said.

"Person? I don't understand." Wikilow went, confused.

"Well, uh. What would the old guys back home say?" The air bender muttered as she wracked her brain for an explanation. "It's kind of hard to explain." She eventually said bashfully.

"Could you demonstrate then?" Wikilow asked in turn. At Elsi's confusion he elaborated upon his request. "What bending with 'person' looks like. I would believe my technique to be more efficient." The Avatar went, to which Elsi slowly nodded and obliged.

The air bender took a breath and began her own routines. Wikilow noted some similarities between the two courses, though they were clearly very different. Elsi's movements were fluid and free, as if she was making it up as she went. It resembled a graceful dance. She had a calm and peaceful expression on her face as she bended. Wikilow was transfixed by the sight, but shook himself out of it after she was done.

Walking back to the campsite, the duo were silent but at ease. They saw that Rin was awake and already snacking on their food as well. Joining in, Elsi and Rin had some small talk while Wikilow listened. However, the moment was interrupted by a flash of white in the corner of the forest. Wikilow caught this, and the entire group went silent, as they observed their surroundings. Suddenly, Elsi was pushed back by a white flash. She let out a small yelp as she lost her balance.

Both Wikilow and Rin moved to attack the offender. However, Elsi quickly put her hands up to gesture at them to stop.

"It's okay! They're not dangerous!" She frantically assured.

The white flash, slowly unfurled from Elsi's stomach. It was revealed to be a snow white hawk with bright blue eyes like the sea and black accents on it's feathers and feet. The hawk stayed protectively close to the still downed air bender, even as she stood up. The two benders let their guards down when they saw it was just a bird. Though, Wikilow had a few questions.

"Do you know why this bird decided to just attack us Elsi?" The Avatar asked curtly, glancing at the feathered creature then to her.

"Oh, this is Gale, my friend." Elsi said, while stroking the hawk's feathered head. "And they weren't attacking us. I think they just wanted to make sure I was okay. Didn't you buddy?" She explained, directing the last part to Gale, who made a noise in agreement.

"A logical assumption." Wikilow said nodding, satisfied with the explanation.

"How do you know a bird? Didn't you live in the Water Tribes, which don't have that many birds, let alone white hawks." Rin prodded pointedly.

"Well for one. Gale isn't just a 'bird' Rin. Gale's from the spirit world, and we just sort of stuck together after meeting each other when I was younger." Elsi explained.

While saying this, she reminisced about the first time she met Gale. They had met while she played in the snow all alone, the winds howling in the air at a feverish pace. Elsi had given Gale their name, after the strong winds of their initial meeting. The two got along instantly, the others in the temple allowing her to keep the spirit bird as a pet. But Gale was more then just a pet. They were her best friend as well, so much so that Gale was the only one who accompanied Elsi when she left to explore outside the Water Tribes.

"I was so worried about you. What were you up to after getting away from the bandits?" Elsi jokingly asked Gale, who didn't respond.

"How do we know Gale here won't smuggle out messages?" Rin interrogated, suspicious.

"Well, you have my word which probably isn't that much. But, hey. If they do, then hold me responsible." The air bender waved off nonchalantly.

Rin thought about it before shrugging and returning to her food.

"Eat up guys, going to be busy with out next assignment tonight." The water bender called out, making Wikilow nod as Elsi and Gale joined the group.

The group entered a small solitary town at the last dawn of light. The sun setting behind the mountains as they passed the numerous buildings. It was a newer area, developed by architects in the popular modern styles of the time. As such, the town did not resemble the traditional village. The town was surrounded by tall, thick shrubbery which hid the large mayor house that lay beside the town.

It was the mayor's building that Wikilow and Rin scouted out when night fell. The entire group hid in the shadows of the trees around them.

"He's in the fourth room on the fifth floor from the right, about three guards to take out. Follow me when I give the signal." Wikilow stated as he sensed the building.

"Understood." Rin responded in a professional tone.

Elsi looked at her companions confused, looking to them and then the mansion, Gale perched on her shoulder. A dark revelation then creeped into her mind. The wind whistled louder then before. The shadows seemed more prominent as well, dancing across their faces. Slowly, she turned to the Dai Li agents a little nervously.

"Um… what kind of assignment is this?" Elsi quietly asked, despite already guessing the answer.

"We're assassinating the mayor of the town for disruption of the peace." Wikilow answered in monotone, still sensing the ground.

Elsi gave them a horrified look. She had forgotten that her companions were still Dai Li, having grown comfortable in their presence. Gale gave a small strangled noise on her shoulder.

"Assassination?" She breathed out, eyes wide.

"Yeah. We are going to kill the mayor and anyone who sees sort of assassination." Rin clarified casually.

"Do… do you have to kill them? Like, really, absolutely have to?" She pleadingly asked as time ticked down.

"Yes." The Avatar replied curtly. "Why do you ask?" He continued on, unmoving from his position on the ground.

"Well, it's just a little extreme you know. Is it really that necessary guys?" Elsi asked again, a little too loudly for anyone's comfort.

"Be quiet! And it doesn't matter-" Rin started to say before Wikilow cut her off.

"How would killing him not be necessary? Killing the mayor will get rid of the problem, and peace will be maintained." The Avatar stated with a blank tone.

Elsi didn't get the chance to respond. As Rin began talking instead.

"It doesn't matter." The water bender seethed. "Wikilow, can we go in now?" She asked impatiently, to which the person in question nodded to, standing up.

"Wait-" Elsi tried to call out as the two agents made to advance. Only, Rin stopped though. "You, stay here." She ordered, gesturing at Elsi and then the ground she stood on with Gale. Then Rin followed Wikilow into the mayor's building.

And then it was silent, leaving only Elsi and Gale.

Months passed. Wikilow continued his missions and assignments with Rin to his upmost ability. Elsi stayed with the group. But, though she usually got along with the two other benders, she was distant after missions. Wikilow didn't understand why she was unnerved by their work. He was the Avatar, and it was his duty to keep peace and order in the world. The air bender would occasionally attempt to discuss their work, but those conversations were quickly ended by Rin.

Currently, he was practising his usual bending routine again. It was late, multiple warm colours painting the sky as he went through the familiar motions.

When the young man was done, he paused. Ever since he had seen Elsi do her own bending, with 'person' she said, he had decided to try it himself and compare the differences first hand. Usually, if he had an acceptable period of time to practise, he would try Elsi's style after his usual routine. However, he found himself struggling with mimicking the forms and general concept.

It was while he was attempting the different style that Elsi saw him. She didn't watch the Avatar train that much, but she was intrigued by what she saw. The bending forms much less intricate then what Wikilow usually did.

"Elsi." Wikilow said when he saw the air bender, relaxing his form.

"Hey Wikilow, Rin told me to tell you to go and take the next shift." She explained, gesturing in the general direction of their current camp, where the Dai Li agents and even sometimes Elsi and Gale would take shifts at night in case something unexpected occurred.

"Okay." The Avatar responded with a nod.

"You trying a different bending style out?" Elsi curiously asked after a few seconds.

"Yes. I am trying to bend with 'person' as you put it three months ago." Wikilow informed as he readied his stance once more.

"You still remember that?" The air bender said surprised, blinking.

"Yes. I want to see if there is any difference first hand." He replied, before a thought came to him. "However, it has proven to be, problematic and difficult for me." Wikilow explained.

"Really?" Elsi went, slightly tilting her head.

"Correct. I was wondering, what does it mean to bend with 'person' exactly?" The Avatar asked, looking to the air bender.

"I said this last time but, it's hard to explain." Elsi said a little embarrassed, crossing her arms behind her back.

"It can't be that difficult to comprehend." Wikilow said, in an attempt to get some sort of answer.

Elsi sighed, before deciding to try and explain the concept. "Okay then. Bending with person means to, like um. Uhh. What drives you to bend? Why do you bend? You fuel all of that into your bending and just don't think about it. It kind of just happens after a while." The air bender pushed out with some difficulty coming up with the words.

"I bend because I have to uphold the peace as the Avatar." He said in response. "That is my reason." He added pointedly.

"Wikilow, that sounds more like an obligation then something you want to do." Elsi said back in a soft tone.

"I do not have anything to want. It is my duty that I have to fulfill and carry out." Wikilow replied dutifully.

"Duty is different from a drive. You put your feelings into your actions, something only you can tell yourself." She continued, finding it a little easier to explain.

"I have no feelings, they are-" Wikilow tried to say before Elsi interrupted with a sigh.

"Distractions, I know, you already mentioned that. But everyone has emotions Wikilow, you just need to find them." Elsi stated with an encouraging smile.

"I…" But Wikilow couldn't create an effective argument. "We should discuss this later. I have a mission tomorrow before morning comes." The Avatar said, advancing to leave back to camp.

"Another assassination?" Elsi quietly trailed off, eyes downcast.

"Your assumption is correct." Wikilow clarified, before stopping in his tracks. "I have been meaning to ask you something. Why is it that you find our work odd?" He asked with the slightest tone of interest.

"It's not that I find it odd WIkilow. Actually, I expected this sort of stuff from the Dai Li. It's just, morally questionable." Elsi said with a few hand gestures.

"What do morals have to do with the situation?" The Avatar asked.

"I don't find killing people that necessary in most cases. It's how I was raised, like how you were raised to think the opposite." The air bender elaborated.

"I see, it's just a matter of conflicting ideologies then." Wikilow concluded, thinking that the matter was done with.

"Maybe, but can I ask you something Wikilow?" Elsi asked from behind him, deciding to make one more attempt to reach the cold young man.

"I see no reason why you cannot." He responded.

"Do you know why you have to kill your target?" The air bender asked, taking a seat on a nearby rock and folding her hands over her lap.

"Because they are disrupt-" Wikilow began to recite being Elsi cut him off.

"Disrupting the peace, you already mentioned that too. But what action did they do to disrupt the 'peace'?" Elsi clarified, trying to get her point across.

"I… do not know. The Dai Li have given me my orders and I trust them, for the Dai Li keep peace and order in the world." Wikilow answered.

"So you will blindly obey the Dai Li? Without being given any context or information, you'll just do it." The young woman said, quieter.

"I do not follow them blindly. I choose to do so." The Avatar retorted, the shadows around his face growing.

"Do you? Or do you follow them because that's what they want you to think?" Elsi argued, finding a burst of confidence while stunning Wikilow into silence. "You're not a fool Wikilow. What do you think would happen if someone was able to manipulate the Avatar." She continued bravely.

"I am not being manipulated." The young man defended, though his tone lacked ambition. "Anyways, what would you suggest we do as an alternative to execution? It is illogical to keep every single person alive." He asked in the same manner.

"I… I know that." Elsi went, slightly stuttering and losing momentum. "In the air temples, we are usually taught to not take the lives of others. However, I know that there are some things where people can not be forgiven. I know that there are some actions that are inexcusable, that not all people can be redeemed, like it or not. Sometimes, death is the only option people have." She said with a resigned sigh, though she wasn't deterred as she pressed forward.

"But I can say that with confidence because I have information to base my opinion on! I've been given the chance to look at things myself and decide my own feelings on the matter! And you should be able to do the same! Everyone, no matter what, deserves the chance to be fairly judged before anything is done or said!" Elsi called out, the wind dancing between the two figures as silence ensued.

Wikilow blinked, taking the information and viewpoint in. However, though something inside him stirred, he pushed the feeling away, shaking his head.

"We should discuss this later. I have an assignment to prepare for." The Avatar concluded, walking away, not noticing the stricken look on Elsi's face as he left.

Though, he still had lingering doubts in the back of his mind. Even as he infiltrated their targets abode. Even as said target was fought and restrained by both him and Rin. When it came to to the killing blow, the moonlight streaming in through the window into the room, Wikilow raised his hand and formed the similar motions of a lethal attack. But right before he would've finished the move, he hesitated, only slightly.

"Decide my own feelings on the matter! And you should be able to do the same!" Elsi's words echoed in his head as he saw the target's eyes give him a pleading look. "What did they do to disrupt the peace?" He remembered Elsi saying again.

But in the end he fulfilled his duty. The air was sucked out of the target, menacingly teasing them as it swirled around their head in a sphere. The target gasped and struggled to no avail as their life slowly faded.

And even then, he had doubts when the body fell limb to the floor.

Authors Note: The return of poorly worded philosophy! It took me a little longer to write this chapter, mainly because I had trouble wording the dialogue between Elsi and Wikilow. But even then it might be confusing. So, boiled down it was just Elsi trying to teach morals to Wikilow and only slightly succeeding, very slowly. I also got to discuss the pacing, which might be going a little fast. I said this in my other story but I'm not that good at really, stretching things out, so I apologize if that's something you would've wanted to see. But anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and please leave a review!