A/N: Thanks again for the support. In case anyone's curious, Kento's bending is based on Wing Chun. It's an interesting martial art. The most important thing to know about it (as far as this story is concerned) is that it's stances and attacks combine the principles of the four elements. The primary stance is like that of bamboo; sturdy but flexible, rooted but yielding. Masters of Wing Chun are known for being able to defend and attack simultaneously. All four elements are based on actual fighting styles, by the way. The exception is Kim, and you'll find out why in a bit.

Enjoy!

Chapter 4

Aang follows Kim with quieted feet. Kento ran deep into the jungle, until vines and branches were scratching their faces on every step. When Aang hears Kim come to a stop, he hides behind a spruce to hear their conversation.

"Ken, stop being so dramatic."

"I'm not being dramatic!"

"You definitely are."

"I was offended, okay? He -"

"You're overreacting."

Aang shrinks in shame. He might not have known Kento for long, but he knows Kento isn't the type to blow up over nothing. He knows something is up, that there's more to the story.

"Your dad gave you everything, Ken."

"Not everything."

"He gave everything he could've."

"He could've stayed here with us."

They both pause. The next thing Kim says is noticeably softer, and more severe.

"You and I both know that's not true."

Aang grasps the bark of the tree tightly to keep himself from turning around and asking for clarification. He was close to some secrets, and he knew it.

"I know." Kento says, audibly deflated. He takes a seat on the floor. "But I'd like to think -"

"Don't." Kim cuts him off. "I know what you're going to say."

Aang follows Kento to the ground, shaking with anticipation. From this angle, he has a beautiful view of the sunrise, peering proudly over the treetops. Until now, he never realized how diverse this island was; there was a collection of palm trees right beside some spruce sapplings, and a variety of berry bushes encircling an oak tree behind the running stream. It was a biological anomaly, something he'd never seen before in any of the nations. Had he not been focused on the conversation, he might've marked the spot for meditation.

Kim bends down to pat Kento on the shoulder. "Look, if your dad is in the spirit world like you say he is, I don't want you to try to find him in there, or grumble your way through life about it. If he had a way out of whatever mess he got himself into, he would have gotten out of it by now."

Aang gasps. Spirit world? I can get Kento's dad out of the spirit world! He readies himself to stand and announce his discovery to Kento, but remembers he's not supposed to hear that, and stops himself. He hears Kento sigh, then lead his head back on a tree. He can feel a sudden thickness in the air, but can't put his finger on it. And then it hits him: the trees are connected.

"Aang?"

Crap.

Aang comes from behind the tree, and raises his hands defensively. Kento's eyes stare deep into the avatar.

"I'm sorry, don't be -"

"How much did you hear?" Kento says with dead seriousness. Aang winces in anticipation.

"All of it."

Kento stands, then walks toward the avatar with an intentionally calm demeanor. He grabs the avatar's shoulder and squeezes lightly.

"Now that you know where my dad is, can you get him back?"

Aang relaxes. "You aren't even mad at me?"

Kento gives Aang a sly smile. "I know you can go into the spirit world by meditation, Aang. you're the avatar. But I have no idea where my dad is; I know he went there to see a spirit named Koh, but nothing more than that."

Aang's heart jumps at the name. "Yeah, I know who Koh is."

"Good!" Kento yells suddenly, his eyes widening anxiously. "Help me out, then, avatar. Go to Koh, ask about a man named Johnto." Kim steps to Kento and punches him lightly.

"What are you gonna do for Aang?" She asks, a hint of amusement crossing her face.

"I'll teach you lifebending when you return," Kento says, never turning his face, "And protect your body while you're gone. Sound like a deal?"

Aang wanted to say no. He wanted to tell Kento, straight out, that Koh would either not know his dad, or have his dad's face. He wanted to tell Kento it was a lost cause, and leave apologetically.

But he couldn't.

"Deal."