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

Chapter 5

Bonds

Wikilow, Elsi, Gale and now Arlo journeyed across the earth states. It had been a few days since they had all left Republic City. So far, Wikilow couldn't sense anyone following or spying on them. Which could've indicated that the Dai Li didn't know where they were.

The two benders had grown used to Arlo's various mannerisms. Though the fire bender's presence had brought more energy into the group. He was talkative and bright like the sun, to a point where it resembled eccentricity. Arlo would fill up the voids of silence that usually arose between Wikilow and Elsi with jokes and random babble. True to the cirque's word, he didn't really mind when he discovered just how quiet the two were on a day to day basis.

The Avatar found their new companion only slightly odd and irrational. Simply finding many of Arlo's actions pointless and logically inexplainable. There was also some things he found that were plainly ludicrous.

"When did you guys first start bending?" Arlo had casually asked while hiking through a dense forest at the crack of dawn.

"Like the first time we discovered we could bend?" Elsi softly asked from beside him.

"Yup." The fire bender replied, popping the 'p' sound.

"Well… I was like, five or six, and this one time me and Gale were outside just fooling around. Gale flew really high up as a joke, and little me, obviously wanted to follow them. My air bending, just sort of happened and I launched myself up into the air. However, being well little, didn't really register what was going on and I fell face first into the snow. I luckily wasn't injured though. But, most of the people I knew back home could already bend. So, it wasn't that much of a surprise." Elsi regaled, looking back fondly on the memory. Gale too had a calm air about them.

"That sure is funny!" Arlo chuckled. "What about you Wikilow?" He curiously prompted.

"I cannot recall the first time I showed signs of the ability to bend. My earliest memories that I can successfully think back to are of me already training to master the four elements with the Dai Li." The Avatar blankly explained, not looking back at his two companions.

"Ah, that's alright. I totally get it." The fire bender waved off, though he shared a sympathetic look with Elsi, who had explained the gist of Wikilow's upbringing with him.

"What's your story Arlo? Something 'incredibly amazing'?" Elsi asked, a slight tease at him.

"Oh… well… no one really needs to hear about me." Arlo bashfully defected, scratching the back of his neck.

"It would be unfair for you to withhold information after requesting the same from us." Wikilow dryly noted, turning to look at the fire bender.

"…You got me there. Fine then… okay!" Arlo pointedly said. "All I'll say, is that I almost burned my bedroom down when I started fire bending." He said, slowly poking his pointer fingers against each other.

"S… Seriously?" Elsi went, spontaneously laughing while sporting a bright smile.

"Yeah, incredibly amazing right?" The fire bender added which increased her laughter, Gale spreading their wings on her shoulder as she hunched forward.

There was something wrong with Wikilow in that moment, he couldn't name it though so he shrugged the feeling off.

"What type of training does Republic City administer to benders?" The Avatar asked after a short pause, crossing a small ditch.

"Oh the basics so no one accidentally demolished half the buildings. They introduced some newer stuff a few decades ago, but it was honestly really boring. Just the same motions every, single, day. I heard it was more fun if you had someone to personally teach you." Arlo explained while letting out an exaggerated groan.

"Boring….?" The Avatar trailed off, tilting his head. "What is 'fun' or not is irrelevant to the practice. Proper training and form is a necessity in the overall procedure of things." He added out of habit. Though he did feel some hesitation in saying the words.

"Eh, what can I say? I'm an entertainer at heart." Arlo defended with a shrug.

"Does that affect your ability to fight others to a noticeable degree?" The Avatar questioned.

"Well… if I'm being completely honest. I can't really make the more big and hot flames. Or lightning bend, the teacher said I was too hyper to learn them." The fire bender admitted, once again scratching his neck.

"I see." Wikilow dully responded. "I wonder if Arlo will be a liability in the future." He thought to himself as they continued forwards.

After a couple more days, the group reached a small town by the name of Hajing, named after the field of flowers that often grew near the town. As such, the fairly young town thrived off of the flower industry. It was also situated in between two moderately sized rivers. Two small stone arched bridges served as the connection leading in and out of Hajing.

"This place looks like something out of a history book." Arlo stated as they crossed.

"Have you never left Republic City Arlo? Because there are a lot of places that look like Hajing." Elsi said in turn, after admiring the vast fields of flowers that decorated the valleys.

"Well, the circus went on like two very short tours to the Northern Water Tribe and the Fire Nation. Apparently, they used to do more, but Ryko wasn't that keen after some incident with the twins and a zoo. But anyways, we had to work so much for those shows that none of us really got the chance to look around." The fire bender explained with a slight pout.

"What about the Earth States?" She proceeded to curiously ask.

"Well… not that many people like the Earth States that much. Because, uhh…" Arlo awkwardly trailed off, eyes avoiding either of them.

"The Dai Li's reputation and procedures has the unfortunate effect of deterring tourism and travel to the Earth States." Wikilow answered with no emotion.

"Yeah that." The fire bender quickly agreed as they entered Hajing.

The atmosphere was relatively peaceful, with villagers going about their daily business. There was a general calm demeanour about the place. Arlo continued to chatter with his friends as they wandered throughout the town. "You know? This is a really nice-" He began before a whirring car whizzed pass. "Place…" He trailed off, staring after the car. "Never mind, forget what I said about the history book. This is a completely normal town." The fire bender concluded with a whistle.

"That's a, little rude Arlo. They have an aesthetic value going on." Elsi gently explained

"Hajing's main source of income is in its geographic location. To fully take advantage of their profit potential as a tourism attraction, it would be ideal for them to put up a fitting outward appearance." Wikilow further clarified as they walked.

"I guess that makes sense-" Arlo started before he was cut off.

"However, that appearance in some aspects is highly inefficient when compared to alternative technological aspects. For example, transport and mobility." The Avatar dryly added.

"…Okay." The fire bender said back.

Still talking, the group proceeded to the market place to restock supplies. When Arlo had joined, he had brought with him a small amount of money. Aiding their financial situation for the time being.

After making various purchases, they continued to roam the market. "It sucks that no one here is selling that much clothing." Arlo bemoaned with a sad sigh.

"Why is that? You already have clothing." Wikilow asked while Elsi stifled a giggle.

"Dude… I still have to wear this ridiculous costume that Ryko chose. The only thing good about it is the colours!" The fire bender explained, motioning to said outfit.

Before the Avatar could comment on how Arlo's costume was actually quite similar to his original style, he detected the loud huffs of an approaching figure. He turned just in time to block a punch with his hand. Wikilow's would be attacker was an older man with a balding head. From the man's posture and style of attack, it most likely wasn't the Dai Li.

Other residents of Hajing backed away as the man kept swinging. Though, Wikilow didn't need to put much of an effort into blocking the attacks.

"Why are you attempting to fight me?" The Avatar blankly questioned, still blocking swings.

"You! Dai, Li, scum! What did you do to my children?" The man harshly accused while singing out another punch.

"I do not know what you are referring to?" Wikilow replied with a slight head tilt.

"Liar! The Dai Li make people 'disappear' all the time! Tell me where my kids are!" The man angrily demanded.

"Excuse me, sir?" Elsi quietly said, getting the man's attention. "I think you have the wrong person. This is our friend, and it's also our first time here." She softly explained, Gale giving a sound of agreement.

"Yeah, and for a grand three hours too. Of which, we've been together the entire time." Arlo loudly piped in.

The man gave them a slow look down before a similarly aged woman frantically raced up to him, with short greying hair styled in a loose bun.

"Lee, why did you just run off like that?" She worriedly screeched before she too saw Wikilow, letting out a horrified gasp. "P… Please tell me you didn't try and fight a Dai Li agent Lee! You know what could happen!" The woman pleaded, in an almost hysterical tone.

"I know that Ming. But… I…" The man began with hard eyes, frustrated words caught in his throat while he grit his teeth.

"I am no longer affiliated with the Dai Li." Wikilow stated in disappointed monotone, interrupting what Lee was going to say.

"Really?" Lee doubted, suspicion creeping lacing his voice.

"It doesn't matter at this point Lee. Lets just go home, please." Ming softly said, putting her hand on his arm. Lee looked like he wanted to argue the point but his posture soon slumped. Before they could leave though, Elsi shyly spoke up.

"Wait… uh… ahem. Pardon me if this comes off as rude but… uh… if, your kids are missing, maybe we could help find them?" She quietly offered, slightly gesturing to Wikilow, Gale and Arlo.

"I doubt you three and the bird could do much." Lee grumbled, though his eyes gave away his blatant interest at the proposition.

"Come on, there's no harm in at least letting us try." Arlo replied with a sympathetic face.

"…If you really don't mind, then please follow me and my husband back to our home. We'll explain more there." Ming suddenly said with a weary voice. However, both her and Lee's eyes zoned in on Wikilow for a brief second. The entire group picked this up.

"I am making you uncomfortable." The Avatar noted. "Would it be preferred if I stay behind?" He offered afterwards, though the couple were already making their way to their residence.

"It's no problem young man. So long as you genuinely help us then we don't mind at all." Ming tiredly waved off, turning briefly to address him with a worn face.

The couple's residence was a small but homey building made up of wood and brick. In front of the abode was a quaint flower garden. They were led inside into the living room and took a seat on the cushioned furniture. It was silent for a moment as Ming offered the group some warm green tea. Though, only Elsi and Arlo indulged themselves, Gale munching on some nuts. Wikilow declined, not being in the habit of accepting courtesy items.

The Avatar observed the room. It was in a state of disarray, with clear signs of a recent lack of maintenance. Strewn about were various pictures, the only objects that looked presently cared for. In them were both Lee and Ming, and with them two young children, a boy and girl.

"So, how long has it been since you've seen your kids." Arlo started the conversation after finishing his cup.

Lee, took a long breath in before speaking, eyes closed as he tightly crossed his arms. "Right now, about four days, three hours, and sixteen minutes." He quietly answered, staring at the clock in the corner with a far away look in his eyes.

"What were you doing in that time period?" Wikilow questioned this time in a blank tone.

"Me and Ming were helping our neighbours with some work. They own one of the flower shops and needed some extra hands. Their kids took our kids to the nearby woods over the fields and near the mountain while we were all busy. But…" The older man stopped himself, taking more deep breaths and pinching his nose. "But, teenagers will be teenagers. They got so caught up in their own conversation that they didn't notice when our kids disappeared." Lee darkly explained, his and Ming's eyes misty.

"The entire neighbourhood is helping us search the area. But, we… we haven't found, anything at all. No footprints, nothing." Ming said this time, holding her husband's hand so tight it would probably leave a bruise.

"I'm so sorry. That's horrible." Elsi softly and earnestly comforted across from them.

"I just want my children back… More then anything, I j…just want them to come home." The older woman muttered, breaking into another round of sobs. Lee wrapped his arms around her but said nothing.

More then four days of absolute misery had passed for them. Every day filled with agony. Every hour an increased feeling that they were losing their children. Every minute, a growing sense of desperation. In a world where people disappeared all too often all too quickly. It took a toll of all of them as they tore the earth up in their search.

Wikilow and Arlo observed the scene in silence, the latter sympathetic to the couple. The former didn't know how he should react, but stayed silent from watching how his companions acted.

"Should we speak to your neighbours' kids then?" The Avatar finally said after a brief pause.

"No… don't do that to them. They've already been beating themselves up about this. Those two made a mistake, and they've suffered enough." Lee weakly protested, eyes softening.

"We understand." Arlo soothed with a small smile.

"The most ideal place to start an investigation would be where they were last scene in the woods then." Wikilow calmly stated, rising to his feet with Elsi and Arlo.

After some more brief information and questions, the group got ready to set out. However, Ming called out to them before they could go.

"Wait." She went and wiggled her way out of Lee's hold. "Let me show you something before you go." Ming added as she speed walked to one of the pictures. With shaky hands, she grasped onto the frame and held it like it was golden treasure. Walking up to the group, she pointed at the two kid's faces. "This is Koko, our daughter." Ming explained, motioning to the girl with shoulder length hair. "And that's Qian, our son." The woman continued, pointing at the short boy.

"We'll try our best to find them." Elsi reassured, Gale spreading their wings to show their support.

"That's a promise." Arlo quipped, filled with determination. Wikilow nodded beside them both.

With that, they began a trek to the woods to begin their search.

The woods were a short distance away, the jaunt taking less then a couple hours. They made their way in the direction of the mountain. Elsi sent Gale off to scout from above while they searched the ground on foot. Most of Hajing's residents didn't bend, and the few that did weren't that skilled. The farthest they had previously investigated was the edge of the mountain and most of the woods.

Despite an already thorough look though, there could always be a few things they missed.

"So, what do you guys think happened to the two kids?" Arlo wondered out loud as they walked.

"Hmm… maybe they got lost?" Elsi suggested with a hopeful twinge.

"That is illogical. If that occurred they most likely would've been found by now. It is unlikely two children would be able to scale the mountains, let alone survive by themselves for more then four days." Wikilow debunked cooly, eyes focused ahead of him.

"I guess, but the alternatives, are, unpleasant to think about." The air bender stated with some hesitation.

"Like getting kidnapped or dying in an unfortunate way." Arlo awkwardly said for her. "I really hope they're not dead." He added staring upwards at the trees. "Hey Wikilow, what's your guess?" The fire bender nonchalantly asked.

"I am quite certain that Koko and Qian are located and being held hostage by an unknown party in the mountains." Wikilow stated matter of factly, causing his two companions to stop and stare at him.

"What?" They both deadpanned.

"Explain!" Arlo comically shouted, pointing at him.

"From what we have gathered about the incident. It is unlikely that the children merely lost their way." The Avatar began.

"Okay?" Elsi said, stretching the world out.

"From my work in the Dai Li, I can conclude that they were most likely not involved. The Dai Li have no reason to arrest children, unless they committed some sort of crime which is unlikely. There were also numerous reports a couple years ago of bandits looting Hajing and hiding away in caves located on the mountain. Though the Dai Li exterminated that one particular group. It isn't unlikely that some other criminal is harbouring inside the caves temporarily." Wikilow explained as he continued to walk forward, Elsi and Arlo listening as they followed.

"The previous searches have also yielded no results. But none of them have been able to efficiently search the mountain as well. Logically, the location has a high chance to show results. Unless, whoever took the children fled with or killed them. And even then, we might be able to find evidence of their destination." He continued in complete monotone.

"You pieced all of that together?" Arlo asked, impressed.

"My work in the Dai Li would occasionally require me to conduct my own investigations." Wikilow dutifully explained.

The other two accepted this answer, all proceeding to make their way to the mountain. Along the way, Arlo and Elsi sparked up another conversation. Ranging from jokes to travelling the world. Though, Wikilow still could not find anything 'humorous' about Arlo's words. But, the two other benders appeared to be getting along extremely well. Elsi finding the fire bender's jokes amusing, and thus laughing a lot.

For some odd reason, this stirred up the unusual feeling Wikilow had felt earlier. The feeling puzzled him, and he wondered what it was. However, for the sake of his current goal he pushed it aside once more.

Arriving at the mountain's steep path, Wikilow put his hand on the rock while walking to try and sense anything. After a few hours, he finally detected movements. Silently, he motioned to Elsi and Arlo to be quiet as he led them up the labyrinth like paths.

Maintaining his connection to the rock, Wikilow could see various people roaming around a single cave. There were few short individuals, though he couldn't tell if they were the lost children or just short. The three anxiously waited outside the cave's entrance, unseen by the occupants. The Avatar would've waited before investigating further. Arlo however, did not get the memo and jumped right inside before either of them could stop him.

In turn they urgently rushed in after the fire bender, grabbing the attention of everyone inside. They definitely found the children all right. A fight proceeded to ensue, instigated by the people holding the kids hostage.

They broke apart into three groups to deal with the intruders. Wikilow handled the largest one, while Arlo and Elsi took on the other two. The latter trying to get closer to the rightfully terrified kids.

Wikilow easily dealt with his group, limiting himself to earth bending. The offenders clearly lacking combat skills or ability. Elsi too, managed to take out her opponents and usher the children outside the cave. Gale even returned and fought, slashing through the air before slamming into one of the criminal's foreheads, knocking them unconscious. The Avatar was about to finish off his last few guys. Turning, he got a glance at Arlo's progress. What he saw surprised him.

The fire bender was using his flames in an unorthodox fashion. Instead of direct and precise strikes that were typically expected, Arlo temporarily blinded enemies with sudden bursts of flames and light in front of their vision. While distracted, he would then directly move in to try and quickly neutralize them. This allowed him to initially keep his distance, as in close quarters he clearly struggled. Luckily, he was extremely nimble and quick on his feet.

The type of fighting style was ineffective, but it did exceed the Avatar's expectations and predictions.

After finishing their fights, the group proceeded to escort the kids back to Hajing. The two's sobs had dwindled down into quiet sniffles, not letting go of each other the entire way down the mountain. Fortunately, their only injuries were a few cuts and bruises that were easily healed. Elsi and Arlo took charge on cheering them up. However, it was Gale that succeeded in this, the children playing with the spirit hawk happily.

Wikilow silently lead the group back, reflecting on what had occurred. He had blocked up the cave's entrance to keep the offenders trapped until Hajing's residents could properly deal with them. If they had a specific location, they would surely be able to find them themselves. Being cautious though, he shocked all of them so they would stay out for longer. Knowing Arlo was a fire bender, they would just assume it was him and not Wikilow.

"You have a unique fighting style, Arlo." He quietly observed to the fire bender, out of hearing range from Elsi and the kids.

"Eh?" Arlo said back, before he understood what he was saying. "Oh thanks. Since my flames aren't the strongest, I have to make up for it in actual fights somehow." The fire bender casually stated, Wikilow nodding as they reentered Hajing.

As they made in the direction of the family's home, multiple residents made hushed whispers about them. Though none approached, it didn't matter as both Lee and Ming tackled the children in a bear hug once they were in the house's vicinity.

"Koko! Qian!" Both parents cried as they held the two, who eagerly returned the sentiment, tears back in full force. "I was so worried about you." Ming muttered, voice full of both elation, relief and deep concern.

"Mama, Papa…" Koko and Qian sobbed, as silence enveloped the family as they embraced, not wanting the moment to end.

Wikilow stared at the scene with a blank look on his face. Though, he did find it hard to look away. The Avatar even jumped a little when Elsi tapped him on the shoulder.

"We should go and give them some privacy." The air bender softly whispered, gesturing away from the family.

Taking less than a second to recompose himself, Wikilow slowly nodded and followed the two. However, he did send one last look at the scene before tearing his eyes away.

It didn't matter.

After informing other locals about the criminals, caves and suggestions on checking the mountain more in the future, the group prepared to leave Hajing. It had turned night during the entire ordeal, and they needed to find somewhere to camp soon.

However, while they walked across the Hajing's other bridge, where a grove of trees watched over them, Arlo had to run back into town to grab some supplies he forgot. Leaving both Elsi and Wikilow alone on the bridge. For a few minutes there was an awkward silence hanging over them. But this time, Wikilow decided to be the one initiating conversation. But he couldn't exactly place why he said what he did.

"You and Arlo are getting along." The Avatar dryly commented, staring at the sky.

Elsi looked a little surprised at the remark, and the strange feeling returned, though he didn't show it.

"Yeah, Arlo's nice, it's really great that he wanted to come along with us." She began with an airy tone. "He's actually kind of like an older brother." The air bender added with a fond smile, making Wikilow curtly nod.

She studied the Avatar's face, tilting her head for a brief second before a new glint appeared in her eyes. Smile widening, she turned to Gale on her shoulder. "Hey buddy, do you mind looking ahead for us?" Elsi asked the spirit hawk, who after a moment's hesitation, flew off into the dark sky.

Turning back towards Wikilow, she slowly closed her eyes and took a breath in. Gently, she lifted her hands around her neck and removed something. Afterwards, she unraveled her palm to show a puzzled Wikilow a small crystal pendant. It had a deep, clear blue surface, the edges barely noticeable, like a water droplet, two thin strings connecting the crystal.

"I lied when I said I only left the Water Tribes to 'see the world'." Elsi quietly said, though her voice was clear.

"Hmm?" Wikilow replied with, tilting his head sideways.

Elsi kept her gaze downwards at the stone that comprised the bridge. "My parents died a couple years ago, some accident at sea." She continued in the same somber tone. "After that I lived with my great aunt, and things were okay again. And then she died too." Elsi explained quietly, pausing before continuing. "I just couldn't stay home, everything and everyone reminded me of my family. I needed to get away." The air bender finished, holding the crystal close.

"This was my last birthday present from my parents, it's the only thing I took with me when I left." Elsi said with tears in her eyes.

"Why are you telling me this?" Wikilow asked, straightening his posture.

The air bender used her sleeve and wiped away her tears. "I only show this to the people who are close to me, so I can keep them close to my heart." She explained with a fond tone, sighing.

"You consider me close to you." The Avatar noted.

"You, my parents, grand aunt and Gale are the only ones I've shown it to." Elsi softly stated, putting the crystal back on, hidden. She then proceeded to take his hand in hers.

"You know, I initially just wanted to help you find your emotions Wikilow. That's why I wanted to stay with you and Rin. But, then you saved me, you made that leap yourself, and… and it just changed everything." Elsi said fondly, if only a little solemn at their old companion's mention. "Listen, I know you don't understand. But I just want to say this here and now." She continued gently, leaning into the Avatar's face. "I love you." Elsi confessed, kissing the Avatar on the cheek before walking off across the bridge and out the town, leaving Wikilow to ponder her words.

Not even giving the kiss a thought. He thought about the word, love she had said.

"Love is a strong, deep emotional attachment." Wikilow thought. "Does that mean she deeply values me as an ally?" He obliviously wondered, staring at nothing in particular.

Unseen by both, Arlo emerged from his hiding spot, leaning on a nearby tree trunk. Watching the scene with a warm, fond and knowing smile on his face.

Authors Note: Okay, so I kind of lost interest in the kidnapping plot around the end. It went on longer then I thought it would and it might've shown. Secondly, I'm sorry if the whole confession and love thing is cheesy, but it's one of the main scenes I always imagined with the story.