Authors Note: Realized Gale wasn't doing much, so added a few sentences last chapter about them.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Avatar world, that is all owned by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.
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Chapter 4
Performance
The entire troupe worked tirelessly through the night and into the early afternoon. Miraculously, everything went smoothly. The substitute props being completed before schedule. Most of the performers and workers then tried to get some sleep before the show that same night. Wikilow and Elsi sat with Arlo, who was juggling a small flame between his hands.
"How are you guys not tired?" The fire bender curiously prodded, stifling his own yawn.
"I am used to staying awake for long durations." Wikilow handily explained while Elsi just shrugged.
"What about you Arlo? You not tired?" The air bender questioned in turn.
"Yup… I'm still pumped full of energy. Besides, sun's still out." Arlo stated, extinguishing his flame while staring up at the blue sky.
"Your performance in the next show will be negatively impacted by avoiding rest?" The Avatar noted disapprovingly.
"I'll be fine." The fire bender waved off. "I've done worse." He added with a lazy chuckle. He was then hit on the head by Lu, the other trapeze artist. "Ow! What was that for!" Arlo indignantly yelped, tenderly massaging his head.
"Get some sleep! The last time you tried performing after no sleep you were a freaking braindead idiot who almost melted Sel Ri's face off! We can't afford messing this show up." Lu angrily chastised.
"Don't worry about it!" Arlo shot back.
"Ugh… you're hopeless sometimes." The dancer muttered before walking off, too tired to further argue the issue. "If you flop during the show. Then deal with Ryko yourself!" She called out over her shoulder before disappearing into a separate tent.
"So anyways!" The fire bender continued, quickly moving on. "You two from around here or?" He prompted absentmindedly.
"We're just passing through." Elsi explained with ease, leaving out the part about the Dai Li. "Speaking of, now that we're finished here. We've got some more time to look around." The air bender grinned.
"This your first time in the city?" Arlo asked, casually crossing his arms.
"Well for me it is. Wikilow's been here a bunch." Elsi explained.
"Cool." The fire bender said back.
"Hey Wikilow, do you want to check out the Air Temple Island?" The air bender asked her companion.
"I do not mind." The Avatar said back, confidant that the residents would not be able to discern his identity.
"Great! I really want to see how different it is compared to the one back home." She stated standing up, the other two benders following her lead.
"Wait, you're from an air temple? I thought you were from one of the Water tribes." Arlo said confused.
"Both actually. There are temples in the Water Tribes too, not just Republic City and the four you know." Elsi fondly explained.
"Oh, so are you a bender? I kind of already assumed Wikilow was an earth bender, because…" The fire bender trailed off, though he gestured at Wikilow's uniform.
"I am. It is a logical assumption to make." The Avatar confirmed while Elsi took over the conversation.
"I'm an air bender." She replied which made Arlo slowly nod in turn. "By the way, do you want to come with us Arlo? We haven't really got to know you that well since we met yesterday." Elsi offered, gesturing to herself and Wikilow.
"Oh… no… no I'm good. The Air Temple really isn't my cup of tea. Thanks for the offer though." Arlo quickly turned down with a goofy smile, putting his hands up. "Uh… actually I'm going to go hit the hay… like Lu said… for the…. the show, that's right!" The fire bender added, slightly stuttering while backing away.
"Were you not just saying how you were not tired?" Wikilow asked, tilting his head.
"Never mind that! Got to make sure the show goes flawlessly!" Arlo called over his shoulder as he speedily walked away and disappeared into another tent.
"Okay?" Elsi stated unsure, stretching the word out.
"Should we go investigate?" Wikilow questioned.
"We haven't known him for that long. Arlo's not obligated to tell us anything. So we shouldn't be rude and prod into his private business." Elsi quietly replied while shaking her head.
—
And so the two left the circus, using the next few hours visiting the Air Temple Island. Unfortunately, most of the inhabitants ignored and avoided them. Despite that setback, the air bender found the experience enjoyable. Elsi marvelling at the architectural design of the buildings. Apparently, the only real difference between the island and the temple back home was structural materials and diet. However, the sky soon darkened and the benders bid the island farewell, returning to the city and circus.
People were already crowding in the tent by the time they arrived. While performers and workers alike were bustling about the premise, triple checking everything. It really was a big show by the looks of it.
Soon, Arlo and Lu approached the two.
"Hey guys!" The fire bender cheerfully greeted, already dressed in his costume. It was his normal vest but more extravagant, with long white balloon sleeves and an old fashioned cravat.
"Hi Arlo." Elsi said back, deciding to push the earlier incident out of her mind. "I see all of you are all ready for the show." She noted, gesturing to both Arlo and Lu's outfits.
"Thanks… but the costumes are a little, odd. It's Ryko's thing I guess." Arlo said with a slight awkward chuckle, Lu voicing her agreement beside him.
"Will you two be watching?" Lu asked.
"The original plan was to observe. However, it appears that the audience is already full." Wikilow noted, pointing at the packed viewing area.
"Yeah… this one show sold out a few days ago actually." Arlo explained, scratching the back of his head. "But, you guys helped us out a bunch. So it would be super unfair if you guys didn't get to at least watch!" The fire bender muttered, grabbing his own chin to think. "I know!" Arlo said with a snap. "Follow me!" He bellowed, while sprinting away.
"I'm not getting involved in another one of his schemes." Lu mumbled while Wikilow and Elsi chased after her colleague.
Following the fire bender, the two stopped outside the back of the tent. Arlo paused, briefly checking around them and then peeking inside the tent's flaps. After about half a minute, he gestured them inside. Stepping inside the small opening, Wikilow saw that they were under the viewing area of the tent. Being actually in the space, it was definitely more spacious then it appeared from the outside. However, it was quite dark.
"You guys can watch from here. Just take a peak through the slits between the main seating sections." Arlo explained, gesturing to said slits while looking through one himself. "Hope you don't mind the dark that much." He added nonchalantly.
"Is this not against the rules of the Circus?" Wikilow asked, raising his brow though no one could really see.
"And doesn't Ryko do that lava bending thing, that goes under the sections and in here?" Elsi asked after him, concerned about their safety.
Arlo gave a playful eye roll while putting his hands on his hips. "Ryko will be… a little, upset… about this, if… if he finds out!" The fire bender stated, gesturing with his hands. "Just avoid the four big openings that separate the sections and he'll be none the wiser." He continued. vaguely motioning to areas where there were light.
"And, usually you would be correct about the whole lava bending thing. Except…" The fire bender trailed off, pulling out a stick. "He usually follows a general pattern about how he moves the paths. Probably from doing the same thing on so many shows." He went, using the stick to draw some lines on the ground. "Through trial and error, and many close calls. I can give you a general prediction about how he does this." Arlo concluded, throwing the stick away.
The lines he drew were small, but all slowly joined together the closer they got to a pillar. This left safe spots in between each pillar that resembled pointed arcs. Arlo pointed this out for both of them.
"Ryko doesn't empty the pillars until the audience leaves, so you should be good to watch for the entire show, excluding like a minute of the opening, but it should be fine." He proudly concluded. "So, that should do it guys. I-" Arlo started before all three heard the loud yells of Ryko.
"Got to go… again." The fire bender said with a sigh. "Enjoy the show!" Arlo quickly added before running out of the tent to meet Ryko.
"This is convenient." Wikilow said as he and Elsi inspected the slits.
"Yeah, it's a clear view." She replied, as they got ready for the show to begin.
Unbeknownst to anyone, they were being watched from afar.
—
The two were silent as Ryko did his introduction. Both backing into separate safe spots while the lava filled the pillars. However, while watching the trapeze artists begin, Wikilow heard footsteps approaching the tent. Wary, he tapped his companion's shoulder, getting Elsi's attention as they both observed the tent's flap open.
Five men dressed in casual clothing entered the space, giving the two occupants a long stare. Elsi glanced at Wikilow while awkwardly shuffling her feat. Afterwards, attempting to speak to the new arrivals.
"Hello?" She quietly said, arms behind her back.
What looked to be the quintet's leader, gave an extremely slow wave, before resettling his hands behind his back. "You here for the show as well?" The air bender continued, rightfully perturbed by the group. In response, the leader gave a similarly, painfully slow nod. All five of the newcomers turning in the direction of a different slit.
Elsi looked towards Wikilow, who subtly shook his head. Silently, they both made steps to exit the tent.
However, the tents fabric was torn to shreds with earthen spikes. Fortunately, both were able dodge the sudden attack and leap back into the tent's space. Unfortunately, the quintet took the opportunity to launch earthen gauntlets at the pair. Elsi dropping to the ground to avoid them while Wikilow went up.
"The signature move of the Dai Li." The Avatar thought while landing a kick on the stomach of a single attacker. "This isn't anything conclusive though, many have learned to replicate the move." He mentally added while flipping backwards to avoid a launched rock, that then proceeded to hit the viewing area's wall.
But, the audience was making so much noise that no one noticed.
"I'll have to interrogate them myself." Wikilow decided, though also tried to stick to his earth bending persona, just in case.
Over with Elsi, she was dealing with three of the two guys. Parrying and dodging attacks and earth skillfully. Eventually, Wikilow grabbed one of them and slammed him against the ground, knocking the assailant unconscious though no one heard again. But, the air bender was at a disadvantage in the closed off dark space. So once she got the chance, she airbended over the spikes and out into the open. Where the two guys still focused on her followed.
Wikilow faced the leader and one other. Methodically fighting the pair with relative ease. He couldn't metal bend without damaging the circus's property though.
All four attackers then made earthen spikes rise out of the ground. On the Avatar's side, the spike almost penetrated the viewing area to harm the actual audience. If not for Wikilow sending his own boulder to smash through it and hit one of the guys. However, it didn't knock them out, only making them let out a growl as they counter attacked. On Elsi's side, she threw herself away to avoid the spikes.
The air bender was battling in the area beside the circus, with multiple smaller tents surrounding them. A sudden pillar of rock punched her in the chest, making her let out a sound of intense pain as she was knocked into a tent. Which in turn fell over from the force. Elsi quickly righted herself and found that she was now equipped with multiple props to fight with.
More earthen spikes rose to fight her, but this time Elsi air bended metal balls through them, smashing the rock to pieces. Lifting the wheel of a unicycle up, she thrust it fast at the attackers, elevated by the wind.
With Wikilow once more, he maneuvered and blocked more attacks before he was able to get behind one of them. Hitting the man on the nape. Their eyes rolled backwards as they fell forward, out cold. This only left the leader left to face Wikilow, who both got into fighting stances
The leader was clearly above the other four when it came to combat. Matching Wikilow's speed, the Avatar found it more troublesome to find an opening to attack with. Both just dodging and sending out attacks one after the other. Eventually, the leader created multiple pillars out of the ground. Smashing them himself, he directed the remains at the Avatar. While Wikilow was distracted, he then catapulted an earth gauntlet at Wikilow, which grappled his wrist.
The gauntlet pushed Wikilow through the air, a fair distance away. But, he was able to remove the hold by smashing it against the ground while flipping. He was now close to one of the four openings that were visible to the circus and audience. Before he could move away to avoid detection however, he had to jump to the side to avoid a boulder. Afterwards, another pillar rose out and punched him across the opening to the other side.
Thankfully, no one saw him as they were all focused on a performing Arlo.
The fire bender in question navigated through fiery pillars, ending with a spin. Cartwheeling over to Sel Ri and some of the other performers, Ryko began to speak.
"To conclude Arlo's magnificent performance, we have something, truly special for you all!" The tall man announced, the crowd louder then ever. "Bring it in!" Ryko called over the noise, pointing at the tent's main entrance. Multiple people emerged, working together to haul a fairly large catapult into the ring. "I wonder what we're going to use this for?" Ryko mockingly wondered out loud.
"Fruits of our labour." Arlo muttered to himself as he haughtily stalked towards the device. "Here goes nothing. Spirits help me." The fire bender added mentally as he was strapped in.
Back with Wikilow. The leader had come across as well to continue fighting him, doing up close hand to hand combat. The Avatar briefly considered the possibility that the man knew chi blocking techniques. So in turn he tried to make sure none of his hits landed. But that was only for a short time, as Wikilow soon returned to bending. Bending the ground beneath the man to launch him backwards.
However, while in the air the leader ended up grabbing and damaging an electrical box in view of the opening. The box fizzled and blue sparks emerged from it. Unfortunately, this was the same box that powered the spotlights that currently focused on Arlo midair.
Thinking fast, Wikilow rushed to repair the electrical device.
The leader rolled on the ground before speeding towards Wikilow to attack again. This time though, the Avatar decided that the most efficient way to keep the leader out of the way for the moment was to air bend. Raising his foot, Wikilow brought out a torrent of air that forced the leader back, shoving him against the earth spike's sides.
Now that he had time, Wikilow got to work on repairing the electrical box. Utilizing both metal and lightning bending, it took less then a minute. Fixing it, the audience was none the wiser.
Except the actual circus, including Arlo. Who, while in the air was greatly confused when the lights briefly shut off, engulfing them all in darkness besides the dim light provided by Ryko's lava. Looking around, he could see Wikilow in the opening, further confusing him. Also, with the light provided by the electrical box's sparks, he could see the quiet young man air bend and then proceed to fix the box, definitely making his own electricity in the process.
"What the?" Arlo thought to himself. However, he shook himself out of it, continuing to perform his practised routine for the audience, who thought it was all planned from the start.
Elsi meanwhile, was still dealing with her two guys. She was holding her own though, and making good progress in the fight. One of the attackers thew a sharp rock at her which the air bender dodged. However, the rock proceeded to cut one of the ropes holding the main tent together.
"Oh no no no!" Elsi shouted as she raced to grab the rope before the tent collapsed. Due to her enhanced speed, she managed this, though struggled to hold the rope down while searching for the lost peg. Managing to fend off the two others while searching, Elsi still couldn't find the peg. So instead she made do with a similarly shaped piece of rock. Stabbing it into the ground, the tent stabilized, still no one noticing.
Wikilow fighting the leader was finally having an easier time. Now that his secret was out, he was dominating. Especially since the leader was a bit dazed from his collision with the spikes. But for some reason, the Avatar suddenly fled from the fight and exited the tent. Before leaving, Wikilow bended all the earth bits on the ground into the safe spots, remembering something Arlo had said.
"Probably from doing the same thing on so many shows. And oh, by the way Ryko's going to do the whole lava thing twice. Just get into the safe spots after my performance." The fire bender had said.
The leader stayed in the same spot, disorientated and confused on why Wikilow had retreated. But then the lava lines crept behind him and he froze, petrified as the lines swirled around him and into the pillars. When they finally receded, the leader let out a breath of relief that was short lived. As Wikilow returned riding a small piece of rock and upon landing, electrocuted the leader with lightning. Who in turn fell numb but still conscience onto the ground.
Wikilow grabbed the leader by the collar and exited the tent, finding Elsi finishing her own fight by knocking out the two guys into tree trunks.
"You okay Wikilow?" Elsi asked panting, as Wikilow threw the leader against an earthen pillar.
"What is your reason for attacking us?" The Avatar forcefully interrogated. The leader stayed silent, so Wikilow charged his hand with lightning to threaten him.
"I… I was ordered to." The leader rasped out, eyes small and uneven.
"Who ordered you to attack us?" Wikilow questioned, inching his hand closer to the leader's face, despite already having a guess on the insinuator.
"The… The Dai Li." The leader forced out after some hesitation.
Wikilow proceeded to shock the man unconscious, kicking the body away. Elsi's eyes widened, not knowing if the leader was alive or not.
"He'll be fine. None of them will suffer long term consequences." The Avatar explained, putting her at ease. "We have to go. Now." Wikilow said afterwards, scanning the area for more agents, there were none.
"Are you sure? Do we have any time to-" Elsi tried to say but was cut off by Wikilow.
"The Dai Li knows we are here, and are trying to kill us both. We have to go before they bring reinforcements to get the job done." He said with finality, making Elsi's shoulders slump in resignation, knowing he was right. She nodded and they both proceeded to flee Republic City.
—
Arlo and the rest of the troupe finished the show without error. The crowd incredibly loud as they all disappeared behind Ryko's lava. The fire bender wasn't as excited as he should've been though. The memory of Wikilow bending multiple elements front and centre. He was the only one who had noticed the young man, and he hadn't discussed it with anyone. He did realize what it probably meant. However, the rest of the troupe was vividly discussing the spotlight mishap, and apparently the tent had folded a little at one point.
When they got to the personal tents though, they found the area a complete wreck.
"Spirits! What happened here?" Ryko angrily bellowed as they all observed the scene, mouths agape. Though, Arlo would admit, it was a little funny seeing his troupe's reactions.
"It was the air bender! And probably her friend! They practically trounced the place while fighting a bunch of other earth benders!" A nearby worker explained, though they had only seen Elsi fighting.
"And you didn't stop them why?" Ryko questioned incredulous.
"Are you crazy? No way was I getting involved in that type of madness." The worker replied, crossing their arms.
"Avatar… earth benders… Dai Li uniform…" Arlo thought, thinking hard about everything he had just seen.
—
Wikilow and Elsi quickly made their way out of the city, intending to travel back into the earth states. They would've tried to go somewhere else. But all other means of transportation would take too long to use or wait for. While hiking up a small hill, Elsi was suddenly pushed to the ground, letting out a surprised sound. Wikilow went to attack, but instead stopped when he saw that it was just Gale.
"Gale! You're back!" Elsi happily celebrated, hugging the spirit hawk close.
"Is this how you two usually greet each other?" Wikilow asked, tilting his head.
"Basically." The air bender casually replied as she stood, Gale perched on her shoulder.
The two benders and hawk made to leave once more when they heard a loud noise behind them. Turning, they saw that it was all the cars on the nearby street beeping and honking their horns. Which itself wasn't unusual, but it was the black car they were beeping at which got their attention. The car sped through the streets and screeched to a stop at the hill's bottom.
At first they were wary it was the Dai Li. However, it turned into confusion when they saw it was Arlo, still in his costume. The fire bender hurriedly hopped out of the car and slammed the door shut, panting.
"Wait up!" Arlo called out as he began the ascent towards them.
"Arlo?" Both Wikilow and Elsi said confused as he jogged up to meet them.
"Hey… guys…" The fire bender greeted with a tired wave, cracking an uneven smile.
"Shouldn't you, you know, be with your troupe right now? Didn't the show end like, ten minutes ago?" Elsi asked, slowly blinking at him.
"There's a reason cars were invented!" Arlo yelled back.
"That's not what I meant…" The air bender mumbled, Gale just blankly looking at the new arrival.
"That's besides the point! Where are you guys heading?" Arlo asked, still smiling.
"Oh, we're leaving. We were just passing by, remember?" Elsi awkwardly explained.
"Cool! Do you mind if I tag along?" The fire bender then asked, surprising both of them. Before they could protest though, he continued. "Wikilow." Arlo said, turning his head to look at him. "You're the Avatar, right?" He asked, confidant.
Wikilow's eye's slightly widened, the only visible reaction he gave. "I saw you bend multiple elements when the lights went out. I kind of put the pieces together from there. Including that you were attacked by the Dai Li because you're ex Dai Li." The fire bender explained grinning. "I didn't tell anyone though, I swear!" He quickly added at the look both were giving him.
"You… you are correct in your assumptions." Wikilow answered after a short pause, both he and Elsi at ease that his secret was likely still safe. "Is that the sole reason you desire to travel with us?" The Avatar then asked with a suspicious tone.
"Well… I can't really deny that and say that it's not a factor." Arlo answered, scratching the back of her head. "But, I've lived in Republic City for almost two decades. I don't really want to stay in the circus for my entire life. An adventure in Team Avatar sounds fun." The fire bender earnestly explained.
Lowering his hand against the ground, Wikilow couldn't sense any signs of Arlo lying.
"You will find that we are not that much like the 'Team Avatar's' of my predecessors." He dryly informed, however Arlo was not deterred.
"That's fine!" He enthusiastically waved off.
"You've known us for like two days though." Elsi argued to which he shrugged.
"May as well start now right?" Arlo casually said back.
"Don't you have like, an obligation to your troupe or something?" Elsi asked, Gale giving an intrigued noise.
"They'll be fine, this one show alone will probably be enough to last them a couple months. Which, by the way, I saw what you guys did to the personal tents, hilarious!" Arlo stated with glee.
"I find nothing to be 'humoured' about in the situation at hand." Wikilow blankly said in turn.
Arlo shrugged while Elsi softly chuckled.
"Actually, I get it. I left the Water Tribes to see the world. I'm okay with you coming if Wikilow's fine with it?" Elsi said with a smile, both turning towards the Avatar.
Looking at the two of them with no expression on his face. Wikilow pondered the decision.
"I see no reason you cannot. As long as you do not cause any large amounts of trouble." Wikilow stated to Arlo's excitement.
"Sweet! Thanks for having me!" The fire bender said in return as the group officially left Republic City.
—
