Authors Note: These next two to three chapters are going to be pretty flashback heavy.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Avatar world, that is all owned by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko.
—
Chapter 6
Meetings
Weeks passed as the group traversed southwards through the Earth States. Arlo had fully integrated himself into their small dynamic. The loud yet endearing energy that balanced out Wikilow and Elsi's quiet nature.
Currently, the group was camping overnight near a large lake. Eating around a fire sparked by Arlo, they made idle chat. Well, it was more like Elsi and Arlo talking while Wikilow attentively listened, occasionally contributing to the conversation. The two benders were discussing some of the cirque's misadventures with his troupe.
"And then while Ryko was telling the twins off, they got a bunch of earth to just dance behind him. The entire troupe was laughing at the old guy and he didn't even know why. Because, the twins just made them stop whenever he turned around. It, was, hilariously awesome!" Arlo gleefully described, smirking at the memory of Ryko's exasperated expression.
Elsi gave a few lighthearted chuckles in response, Gale flying around the camp to pass the time.
"That does sound amusing. But, it really sounds like you guys gave him a hard time." She added, a slight disapproving tone in her voice.
"Nah, we never purposefully mess up shows." Arlo dismissed with a wave. "Besides, it was in good fun and everyone knew it. Ryko just so happened to have the best reactions. Plus, we liked teasing him for being the 'old man'." The fire bender explained in a fond tone.
"Do you miss them, your old troupe?" Elsi gently asked, eyes softening. Arlo took some time to ponder the question before answering.
"Sometimes. I mean, they were like another family to me. But, I'm pretty sure they'd understand me leaving. Like I said a while ago, I don't want to spend my whole life in the circus." He pointedly answered, eyes focused on the flames. However, his smile soon returned. "Anyways, lets stop talking about the sentimental stuff." Arlo cheerfully stated.
He went on to describe some complicated stunt that ended up making a surprising and comical mistake. Unfortunately, his companions struggled to understand the joke—Wikilow. Or, the stunt itself in Elsi's case. Sighing, he snapped his fingers as an idea came to mind.
"Why don't I just show you?" The fire bender offered with a glint in his eye.
"You said that the activity involved multiple people." Wikilow plainly countered.
"That's where you two come in. I've seen the others do their acts so many times, I can describe an entire show. So, you two can be my assistants." Arlo happily explained as he began describing the process.
"I do not see the purpose in this." The Avatar stated in monotone.
"To understand why it's funny. It'll be great." Arlo casually waved off.
"I am consistently unable to understand the reason behind your 'humour' or 'funny' activities." Wikilow deadpanned, though recently he often found himself participating in the irrational exercise.
—
Once they were done with both their meal and reenactment, Elsi, Arlo and Gale all went to sleep. Wikilow remained awake to take watch though. Lying on a large boulder facing the night sky, he remained alert while reflecting on the day's activities.
"Progress is being maintained efficiently. Despite the numerous alterations we are making, none prove to be effective detriments in the long term plan." Wikilow thought to himself. Eventually, his thoughts began to wander. "I wonder, what emotion should I have felt about Rin's desertion." The Avatar wondered, it being sometime since he last thought about his former partner.
Wikilow recalled the first time he met the water bender from the Fire Nation.
—
*Flashback* Five years ago…
A young Wikilow trained in the Dai Li's headquarters, senior agents overseeing the session. With every comment and criticisms they gave he automatically adjusted to rectify any mistakes he made. Simultaneously, three opponents fell to the floor, dead. Upon finishing, he was briefed about his overall progress. Afterwards, he would usually receive an assignment to fulfill. However, the senior Dai Li agents ordered him to follow them.
Wikilow obeyed without question, as no one questioned the Dai Li.
Following the older agent through metal corridors in absolute silence, they stopped in front of one of the smaller rooms. The older agents unlocked the door and beckoned the boy inside. Entering the room, he saw that Director Zhou was present, as well as a girl he had never seen before.
"Director Zhou." The Avatar saluted his superior, kneeling on the ground.
"Avatar Wikilow." The Director answered, motioning for the thirteen year old to rise. Upon doing so, the girl dressed in red leather sauntered up to him, hands on her hips.
"So you're really the Avatar then?" The girl asked, lazily moving her head down as if doubting the fact.
Wikilow glanced at the Director before speaking, who gave a subtle nod.
"I am the Avatar. Do you require a demonstration to provide confirmation?" He dully offered.
"I don't really care if you are. But, why not? Go for it." The girl accepted with a casual hand gesture.
Righting himself, Wikilow turned sideways before lifting one leg and arm up in a straight position. Air bending two strong torrents outward, though nothing was damaged. Afterwards, he quickly spun around twice, fire bending in his first spin then water bending in the second. To finish it off, he made the ground under him rise so he stood on a pillar before lowering it back once more.
The girl blinked at the fast display before shaking her head. "Wow, how'd the Avatar get mixed up with the Dai Li?" She nonchalantly prodded while extending her hand. "I'm Rin." The girl introduced.
"I have always been in the Dai Li." Wikilow replied, blankly looking at the hand but not taking it. The girl rolled her eyes and insistently waved her arm a bit, irritated at her gesture being ignored. However, before she could further talk the Director began to speak.
"As you have just learned, this is Rin. She's a new addition to the Dai Li, a mercenary with a credible reputation. She will also be your partner in your future assignments, missions and all other related work." The Director stiffly explained.
"Understood." Wikilow responded, accepting the new development but otherwise not providing a reaction. Rin looked over the Avatar with a raised eyebrow, tugging the rims of her dark red jacket.
"Regarding your next assignment, you both are to capture and transport Li Wei, the newly elected leader of Gaoling State. The candidates we had favoured unfortunately lost the election. While we have evidence to believe that leadership under Li Wei will lead to problematic conflict and turbulence in Gaoling. We desire to peacefully discuss these things with him." The Director briefed, though further information would be provided later on.
"Understood." The Avatar obediently answered. Rin straightened her posture while swiftly nodding.
"You are dismissed." The Director finished, sharp eyes focusing on the two teenagers.
—
Wikilow and Rin prepared for their upcoming assignment and boarded the back of a truck. They would be discreetly driven by older agents in disguise to Gaoling's capital. The inside of the truck was dimly lit. But, while they occupied it the two benders were given more details about their assignment. After they familiarized each other with their respective fighting styles, they strategized and planned.
However, once that was done, a tense silence ensued. The only noise coming from the whir of the truck's engine and the occasional road bump.
"Is this how you normally move around?" Rin asked, breaking the silence.
"The Dai Li typically use technological means of transport. However, in my specific case, I often manually travel. For this one assignment, we are using a vehicle because of the assignment's urgency. We are also transporting an individual as well, so it would be most efficient to use a vehicle in the process." Wikilow pointedly explained.
"Why don't you use a car or something instead of walking everywhere?" The water bender curiously prodded.
"It would be inefficient to return to the Dai Li headquarters after every individual assignment and mission. A more efficient procedure would be to handle each one consecutively if distance is not too great. Vehicles also tend to be easier to track and follow, and often create noise and suspicion. There is also the benefit of continuous exercise and activity in manual transportation." The Avatar further clarified in monotone.
"Doesn't that mean that you're getting the jobs done slower, you know, inefficiently?" Rin questioned, saying the last word mockingly.
"While your statement is correct, it does not affect the speed of total performance. And getting one assignment done does not make another come quicker." He answered.
"Mhm, got it." Rin loosely replied, rolling her eyes. "Got any hobbies, Wikilow?" She proceeded to ask out of boredom.
"Hobbies are unnecessary." Wikilow dryly stated, staring at the metal walls of the truck.
"So you just train all day?" The water bender grilled.
"It is my duty and purpose as the Avatar to keep peace and balance. To fulfill that to the fullest extent possible, training is a necessity." He droned on.
"Sheesh, you seriously need to loosen up." Rin mumbled.
"Physical flexibility is not an issue." Wikilow said in return, making his partner slap a hand to her forehead.
"That's not what I meant." She irritatedly muttered. "Like, do stuff other than training and work, for fun." Rin exasperatedly elaborated.
"That is illogical." Wikilow replied with an empty stare. However, before they could continue discussing the matter, they got a notice from the senior agent that they would be departing soon.
—
The truck stopped near Gaoling's borders in the dead of night. They exited as discreetly as possible, sneaking inside the city separately from the truck. When they were done, they would meet up at a pre-disclosed location.
Gaoling's capital seemed to be in high spirits, most likely due to the recent election. The two young benders stealthily crept towards Li Wei's large residence. Reaffirming that their intel was accurate, they reviewed their plan. Unfortunately, ever since Li Wei was elected, the security of his home increased. While the initial guards weren't looking, they would sneak inside through the back.
Afterwards, they would knock out all the residents and capture Li Wei. The new leader of the State was not scheduled for any public appearances for the next few days. It would be enough time to discuss the matters with the Dai Li. When it was over, Li Wei would hopefully provide an alibi of being away on personal business while a tragedy occurred in his home. The blame would be shifted to common criminals, persuaded of their own guilt.
The first stage of the plan went off without a hitch. However, once Wikilow dealt with the last servant, he saw that Rin had disappeared. He quickly sensed her location and sprinted to the area.
On the second floor, he observed the water bender combating numerous guards. Luckily, the room's cameras had been disabled. But it was taking a good amount of time and making just a little too much noise for comfort.
Wikilow sped inside and proceeded to finish off the opponents. Subsequently, Rin angrily stomped over to him.
"That was my fight!" She angrily hissed but Wikilow grabbed her and ducked behind a stone pillar. The Avatar covered her mouth with his arm to keep her silent. Rin let out a sound of indignation, but Wikilow muffled it while more people approached.
"What happened?" An older male voice demanded from the hallway.
"I don't know, but I think the intruders are still inside. Alert the mayor-" Another voice called as they all entered the scene. But before any of them could act, Wikilow hastily and silently took them down.
"Hey! Didn't you hear me? I said-" Rin tried to yell before Wikilow cut her off.
"It does not matter who confronts who. All that matters is that the targets are properly disposed of. I would advise you to improve your techniques, as to not draw an unsuitable amount of attention." Wikilow coldly informed, before running off to the next room.
Rin gaped for a few seconds before stiffly closing her mouth. Scowling while rolling her eyes, she begrudgingly took the 'advice' and chased after the Avatar. From there things proceeded smoothly. Clearing the second floor in an efficient manner while proceeding towards the master bedroom, where Li Wei slept blissfully unaware.
The wind whistled from outside the mayor's window, the leaves rustled. Li Wei peacefully shifted beneath the covers. The humble door in his room creaked open, slow and ominous. Two figures stepped inside and prowled to the individual sides of the bed. Their faces obscured by the dark shadows haunting the place. After briefly examining the man's face to confirm the identity, Wikilow gave the signal.
Like lightning, water grappled the man's legs and arms, pushing him upright. His eyes shot open and he frantically struggled against the bonds. Li Wei screamed and shouted for help, but no one heard his desperate cries. Every individual in the large residence was unconscious on the various floors, unaware of the events that were unfolding.
Wikilow tightly tied a blindfold around Li Wei's eyes and gagged him. Proceeding to handcuff and bind the mayor in metal ropes. Li Wei still tried to resist, making loud muffled pleas. In turn, the Avatar swiftly hit him on the head, knocking the mayor out cold.
With Li Wei in their custody, the two benders leapt into the night. Leaving the mayor's residence completely silent.
They made their way in front of the local park, where the truck was waiting. Wikilow and Rin threw the Mayor in the back before hopping in themselves, slamming down the backdoor. The driver immediately began speeding out of Gaoling, the state none the wiser that Li Wei was just taken.
Inside, Wikilow maneuvered Li Wei's body to lean against the corner of the truck. Taking a few steps back, he turned towards Rin.
"Lift the mayor into the air so that he does not interact with the truck." The Avatar ordered.
"Can't you do it yourself, being the Avatar and all?" Rin asked though she stood.
"I am not yet at the point where I can bend multiple elements." Wikilow dully explained.
"What do you need multiple elements for." The water bender questioned as she bended tendrils of water to hold Li Wei midair. Instead of answering, Wikilow proceeded to lightly shock the mayor with lightning bending.
"This will keep Li Wei out of the way until we return to the Dai Li headquarters." He further explained as he motioned for her to drop the mayor.
"Oh! I get it, if you did it yourself you could've electrocuted both us and the truck." Rin figured out, smacking her fist against her other palm.
The Avatar nodded at her observation, and they spent the majority of the trip in a calm silence.
—
Rin yawned while stretching before exiting the truck with Wikilow. Other Dai Li agents dragged a conscious Li Wei into the headquarters. Afterwards, leading the mayor through the hallways to 'discuss' various matters.
When Li Wei returned to Gaoling, his eyes would have a misty daze. The mayor having 'agreed' to all of the Dai Li's claims and demands.
"That was exhilarating!" Rin cheered, punching her fists into the air.
"We succeeded in completing the assignment's goal." Wikilow said back as they walked.
"That too yeah." The water bender casually replied with a wave of the hand. "Hey, what's it going to take to get a laugh or something out of you?" She curiously asked with one eye open.
"Laugh?" The Avatar asked while tilting his head. "The action and emotion of spontaneous repetitive sounds in response to certain activities. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Ha." He responded with a straight face.
"Not what I meant, Wikilow." Rin deadpanned, unamused. "You know what? If we're going to be partners from now on, I'll make it my personal mission to get a reaction from you. Flinch, Laugh anything-" Rin began with a smirk before two older agents appeared. Both put a firm hand on the teen's shoulders.
"The Avatar has training scheduled." The one with Wikilow quietly informed.
"You are needed elsewhere." The one with Rin stated, surprising her while Wikilow slowly nodded.
"Can't it wait, we were kind of in the middle of something…" She tried to protest, but the agent tightened his grip on her. "Never mind." The water bender said through grit teeth. "See ya Wikilow." Rin muttered though the Avatar was already leaving in the opposite direction.
*Flashback end*
—
Wikilow hadn't noticed it at first. But, thinking back to that time, Rin had acted abnormally for about a week after that day. The Avatar pushed the thought aside, going back to ponder his initial question. He and his old partner had always worked well together. Mistakes almost never occurred. From a professional level, it had been ideal.
But factoring in emotional connections, things got complicated. He and Rin didn't communicate that much during their five year partnership. But there had been a certain degree of trust between them. From Rin's viewpoint, she had taken the logical route, obediently following orders. The Avatar could understand this. However from an emotional perspective, he was disappointed in how the altercation resulted, despite how it was the most effective course of action.
Wikilow would've preferred it somehow if Rin had stayed. He had grown used to the water bender's presence.
"I know, I miss Rin." The Avatar concluded in his mind, content. "There's nothing I can do about it though." He accepted nonetheless. Turning his head to observe the vast land around the camp, a question made its way into his mind. "I wonder where she is now?" Wikilow thought.
—
A thirteen year old Rin was dragged through the Dai Li headquarters by her wrist. The water bender attempted to wrestle out of the stiff hold but repeatedly failed, often stumbling.
"Can you at least tell me where we're going?" She frustratedly questioned the older agent but was ignored. The agent led her further and further up the building. After a few silent tense minutes, the agent finally stopped in front of a large door. Opening the door, they unceremoniously lobbed her inside.
Growling, Rin slammed her fist against the closed doors. The sound echoing off the walls of the room. "What was that?" She indignantly muttered at the door.
"Rin." A voice said from behind her, slightly startling the teen. Turning, she found the Director on the other side of the room, a few Dai Li agents beside him. Unnerved, she walked forward to greet the Director.
"Director Zhou… did you want to speak with me?" Rin hesitantly asked.
"Yes. Your first assignment with Wikilow went well I assume?" The Director casually prodded, eyes gleaming.
"Yeah, it did." The water bender confirmed, though she kept her guard up.
"Excellent. You've also got to know Wikilow's lack of expression as well then?" The Director interrogated with a light tone.
"I've noticed it." Rin apprehensively replied.
"Ah good. We just need to inform you of some extra details about your partnership with the Avatar." The Director calmly stated, continuing after observing Rin's silence. "The Avatar will be under the impression that he is present to control your impulsive behaviours. In reality, you will be there to keep him in check." He
explained with ease.
"I don't understand. Why does Wikilow have to be kept in check?" Rin asked, confused.
"The Avatar is a weapon controlled by the Dai Li. He has been trained to hold no emotion or feeling and to not question us in turn. It would be extremely disadvantageous if he were to turn on our organization. So you are to ensure that does not happen and that he remains loyal." The Director stated with a snake like look in his eyes.
"You want me to keep an eye on him." Rin summarized, hands crossed behind her back.
"Correct." Her superior answered. "This will be your task in the Dai Li as the Avatar's partner. Understand?" The Director teasingly asked.
"I… I do." The water bender replied, though she felt sympathetic to her partner's situation. Her eyes showed it.
"One, last, thing, Rin." The Dai Li's leader stated before dismissing her. "If you fail this one task. Well…" He trailed off, signalling to the agents behind him.
A earthen wall rose up beneath her, Rin bumping into it as she backed away. While she looked behind her, two cuffs shot out and grappled her arms, forcing the bender against the wall. Rin struggled and tried to break free to no avail. A shadow loomed above, and Rin saw the Director in front of her, a cruel smirk painted across his face.
"People disappear all the time." The Director menacingly threatened, leaning in so Rin saw herself in his dark eyes. Fear bubbled inside her. For the first time in Rin's career, she fought the urge to tremble.
"Understand?" He asked as if belittling a child.
The earth holding Rin collapsed and she stumbled back, eyes wide. Her breath was ragged and panicked. Taking several deep breaths, she forced herself to calm down and straightened her back.
"Un… Under…" She began but couldn't formulate the words. "Understood Director." Rin said clearly, desperately trying to hide her fear.
When she was dismissed at last. Rin aimlessly wandered the halls in a daze. She finally realized what exactly she had got herself into.
—
Back in the present, on a boat on the other side of the world. A woman wrapped in a torn red cloak leaned against the metal railings. Instead of a left leg from the knee down, she had a slim wooden peg in its place. Her dark brown hair was down, and her blue eyes were dull. She grasped the end of a long red ribbon in her hand as she overlooked the water.
—
Authors Note: I probably didn't get anyone to actually believe Rin was dead earlier. Anyways, I hope the villain talk wasn't too stereotypical. Next chapter will mainly focus on Rin's backstory.
