Disclaimer: I DID NOT CREATE HEY ARNOLD, OKAY?!

A/N: So I wrote alot of this back we=hen I posted my last chapter and I was over half way done when life got in the way. So, I once again appologize for my slow updates. But, at least I'm still going right? OH, okay then. I see how it is. :'( any way Enjoy!

Arnold laid on his bed, resting his head on his arms, relishing in the memory of moments ago. He couldn't describe the look of absolute happiness on everyone's faces. And it gave him absolute pride to know that he was the reason for their joy. He sighed, in bliss. It was an incredible feeling. Twice now, he'd been able to reunite someone's children with their parents, well, technically thrice now, if you count himself. But something felt off. He turned to his side, bringing his knee to his chest, clutching his covers as he felt a pang course through his chest.

'What was that?' He thought painfully, bringing his left hand up to cover his heart. It attempt to relieve the pain, Arnold tossed again so that he was laying on his back. Shakily, he brought his arm up over his eyes, letting out a breath.

'Aren't I supposed to be feeling good right now? I just got my parents back! Maybe I got some sort of bug in the jungle'. As the pain subsided, Arnold suddenly became aware of something soft ticking his nose. He sat up curiously, trying to figure out just what it was that was so soft that was clearly not his hair.

Looking down, Arnold tilted his head at the odd pink fabric tied to his fore arm. Gently, he brushed his fingers against the ends of the silky bow. A shock went through his fingers at the touch. He jolted upright at the feeling of electricity traveling through his body. His eyes widened, chest tightened, and he broke into a cold sweat.

'No' Arnold scrambled to remove the familiar bow from his arm. Once removed, he gripped tightly at it then relaxed as his eyes softened at the feel of the fabric between his fingers.

'Helga... I wonder what she's doing right now...I hope she's alright. She was always so strong. I'm sure she fine. In fact, she's probably on her flight home at this very moment.' Arnold chuckled a little at the next thought that crossed his mind. 'No doubt she'll be back in school tomorrow yelling at everyone and turning up the torture toward me by one hundred percent. And I'll apologize and she'll act as if she's angry yet agree to me walking her home.' He sighed in happiness. 'Helga, sure is something.'

Turning the fabric in his hands, Arnold noticed something odd. It was a blotch of a dark brownish color. 'Blood...'


Flashback

Arnold was limping helplessly through the jungle dense thickets.

'How could I have let this happen? What was I thinking? Did I really believe I'd be able to venture out into the jungle by myself and find my parents? I knew this would be easy but seriously this is ridiculous!'

Arnold shivered as the cold of night began to take its toll on the young blonde. He threw his arms around himself tightly to keep warm, still limping on through the bushes, attempting not to trip on anything.

'This is hopeless. All I did was make matters worse for myself! I might not even make it back home, let alone find my parents! I wish I never won this stupid trip. Then…maybe I wouldn't feel so lost. I feel so selfish. I never appreciated what I had, enough. I had grandparents, the borders, and friends that loved me, but no. That wasn't enough! I just had to be ungrateful and give that all up! I screwed everything UUPP-!'

Arnold yelled out as he fell. He gasped in pain as he hit the bottom of the pit. Forcefully, Arnold brought his head up and looked around. His flashlight had died ages ago, leaving him to rely on the light of the moon. Now that he had fallen, he couldn't see a single thing in the darkness surrounding him in the small space. Feeling panic rise up inside him, Arnold yelled desperately for help. Maybe if he yelled loud enough, the green eyes or someone might save him like they had in his parents' story.

"HELP! Somebody! Anybody! Please…" Arnold sighed. "What am I doing…nobody's out there. I'm completely alone. I'm going to die here in this hole." Tears were brimming in the eyes of the small boy as he brought his legs to his chest, hugging them close to his body. He was bruised and bleeding, he could feel the burn from the scrapes, but he didn't care. Nothing really mattered anymore. Suddenly, a bright light emerged from the darkness, illuminating the pit.

"Arnold?" A small voice broken through worriedly. Slowly, Arnold brought his head up to see the silhouette of pigtails that he never believed he be so happy to see. It was Helga… Of course, it'd be her. Who else could be? Who else showed up in times like these besides her?

"H-Helga?" his voice broke as a tear slid down his cheek. Helga's heart shattered at the sight.

"Geez Football-head! How in the heck do you get yourself into these messes!?" She bellowed in a scolding tone.

Arnold smiled adoringly at her usual tone, sniffling through a chuckle, "Does it really matter how? As long as your there to get me out in the end of it all". Arnold saw a small blush tinge her cheeks at his last remark.

"W-whatever. Now stop your sniffling, it makes you look ugly…well uglier."

"You don't really mean that, do you Helga?" Arnold laughed, wiping his tears from his eyes, although most of them were from relief of seeing Helga.

"Doi!" She paused. "C-can you stand?" She asked.

"I…I think so." he replied, attempting to stand. To Arnold relief, he was able to get to his feet without too much trouble. "So how are we gonna do this?"

"Do what?"

Arnold blinked thinking it was obvious. "You know. Get me out of here?"

"Oh we aren't going to get you out of there, football-head. You are."

"What!?"Arnold's bellowed incredulously.

"Hey you can stand, right? You'll be fine." She said waving her hand dismissively and rolling on her back to look at the sky instead of down at Arnold.

'What in the world does she mean? I can't get myself out! I should've known better than to think she'd help me.'

"I can't do this by myself, Helga..."

At that, Helga rolled around to stare him dead in the eye. "How do you know? Did you try?"

Arnold stared dumbly back at here, not knowing how to respond. She was right, as usual. He hadn't tried. When did it get to the point that he, the kid who never gave up on anything, no longer tried? Taking a step back, he took in the height of the walls surrounding him. The pit was about ten feet high from what he could tell. There were tons of roots sticking out from various places along the side, probably what had scraped him on his way down.

'If I could grab onto them I might be able to make it.'

Arnold grabbed a root and hoisted himself up, wedging his foot into the dirt. He grabbed for another, then another until he was about half way up only to lose his footing and skid down to the bottom.

Arnold growled lowly in frustration. "See! I can't do it!" He glared up at the blonde girl as she looked bored back at him, raising an eyebrow.

Sighing in disappointment, Helga got up and began walking away. "Well that's that then. Not like you had a chance anyway. See ya hairboy...er well...maybe not." She stated.

"H-hey! Where are you going? Aren't you going to help me?"

"Why would I suddenly help you now? Besides I'm hungry, it's cold, and I can't see my hands in front of my face...but I guess I could leave you the flashlight. It's been real slice, football-head." She said as her voice got further away.

Arnold's eyes widened. She was really leaving him! "N-no way! G-get back here! HELGA!" Not hearing a response caused Arnold's brilliant green eyes to darken in determination. Again, he grabbed hold of a root, securing his foot as he took his next step up. Root by root, he climbed, hoping above hope that he could make it and catch up with Helga, if not only to prove to her that he could do it. He saw the end, only one step away. Arnold stretched his arm to reach the top. One more inch. If only he were only one more inch taller, he would have made it. On that finally reach, he lost his balance and felt himself falling backwards. He closed his eyes in preparation for the inevitable impact...but it never came.

To Arnold's complete surprise, he found himself hanging in the air by his arm.

"Criminy football-head! Lay off the sweets!" He look up at the familiar voice to see no other than Helga G. Pataki herself, holding him up with two hands. She seemed to have a halo of light outlining her features of worry, which baffled Arnold even more. "Don't just sit there! Climb!" Shaking his head to break free from his reverie, he found his fitting away and was pulled up out of the pit...only to fall on top of his savior, not that it was anything new. The two blondes stay like that for a moment panting. After a moment, Arnold pushed himself up so that he was hovering above Helga. It was shocking enough that she hadn't pushed him off of her by now with an insult of some kind, but what was even more shocking was that she held a soft grin adorning her features. It almost looked proud. Arnold could feel his heart palpitating against his ribcage at their close proximity. The blue moonlight reflected gracefully against her blonde pigtailed locks and her eyes. Damn those eyes! Arnold glanced down further to something even more captivating then her eyes, if that were possible; her lips. Arnold had never kissed a girl, he had been kissed but he never kissed back. What would it feel like if he were to press his lips against hers, to move then together in perfect harmony? Suddenly realizing he was getting closer, Arnold shook his head clear of his thoughts. Helga took place a hand on each of his cheeks, making Arnold's eyes go wide in confusion and then close thinking she was going to pull him in for a kiss.

She did pull him in, but only so she could look directly into his eyes. "See? I knew you could do it football-head...Never doubted you for a second". She stated with so much honesty in her voice. Her proud smile was so radiant as if she were a mother watching her little boy walk for the very first time. It made an odd feeling stir inside of Arnold, an almost giddy feeling. He had never seen such an honest and happy emotion on Helga's face. And to him, it was extraordinarily beautiful. How could he ever have missed that? And how could he have gone so many years without seeing that smile? Gosh it was hypotonic to say the least. What he would give to see that smile from her every day for the rest of his life!

It was then he realized why Helga did what she did. She was never actually going to leave him. The only reason she said all of those things were to get him angry, to see his passion. Because, somehow, he had lost his optimism, his hope and, somehow, Helga noticed and wouldn't allow it. Why? Why did Helga care so much if he lost his idiotic optimism she hated so much? Arnold had his theories but again, that's all they were; theories. But that didn't matter so much. What did matter was that Helga had helped him yet again without any personal gain or being formally asked. She just did and that made something snap inside of Arnold, and he couldn't hold his relief and gratitude back any more. Without warning, Arnold threw his arms tightly around Helga's torso in a warm embrace. Tears prickled in his eyes as he nuzzled in to her soft blonde locks, desperate to hold onto the girl who would let him fall.

'God how could I have been so foolish? She was actually saving me and I had no idea! How does she do that? How can she know me so much more than I know myself? I really know little to nothing about her, don't I?'

"Arnold!" He hummed in response to the sudden calling of his name. "Do you think you could get off of me now?"

Arnold's smile faltered a little at the thought of letting her out of his arms but did as she pleased, albeit hesitantly. "S-sorry." The two blondes sat silently next to each other, not daring to look in the others direction. Suddenly, the sound of Helga clearing her throat met Arnold's ears. He turned to look at her only to see her already standing, brushing the dirt of her shorts. Arnold just stared up at her as she glanced down at him expectantly. Rolling her eyes, Helga held out her hand to him.

"Criminy! You can't even stand by yourself?"

Arnold smiled fondly up at her, taking her hand in his own to have her pull in onto his feet. As soon as Arnold took her hand, Helga gasped, heaving Arnold harshly on to his feet and towards her.

"Arnold! You're bleeding." Arnold stared at Helga confused before looking down at his arm. His eyes widened as he saw a blood streaming large gash across arm. It probably happened when he fell, but how did he not even notice until now?

"I'll be fine Helga, really. It doesn't even huURRT!" He winced as Helga brush her thumb underneath the wound giving him a look that said 'oh really?'

"Okay, fine. So I'm hurt. It's not like we can do anything about it. I lost my backpack back when I left yo- I m-mean…W-when we got separated." Arnold chuckled nervously avoiding eye contact with those big blue weakening orbs that were no doubt, probably filled with hurt, abandonment, and anger at this moment.

"Whatever" He heard her say softly to herself. He looked up at her to see her completely concentrated on his wound, as if un phased by his earlier declaration. "It's not like I didn't know you left me. I mean, you didn't even want me to come along in the first place. And not only did I force you to let me come along, but I was a jerk to you from the very beginning." She sighed, reaching up to the back of her head to remove her iconic pink bow. Arnold gawked at her wordlessly, keeping his eyes intently on the ribbon as she held each end of the fabric on each side of his arm. His heart was beating intensely inside of his chest as he watch Helga wrap the precious fabric, that she seldom took off, around the gash on his arm, no doubt ruining it in the process. How is it that when it came down to it Helga's feelings didn't matter in the end. It didn't matter to her that she's had this bow since preschool, and wore it every single day of her life, it didn't matter that she was ruining it forever. It didn't matter that she felt hurt by Arnold's action in leaving her alone earlier. All that mattered was that he was safe and taken care of. And most if all, that he was happy, with or without her. The mere thought of living in a life without Helga sent chill up his spine. No. He would never let that happen.

End Flashback


Coiling into himself, Arnold held close to that ribbon. He was living that life now, wasn't he, at least for now? He somehow allowed this to happen in a moment of foolishness, and immaturity. He brought the silky fabric up to his nose and made a gentle inhale. Despite all that it's been through, the loyal pink ribbon still held the unmistakable scent of the one and only Helga G. Pataki. He sighed out that savory breath as his muscles relaxed and clutched the ribbon closer as he finally drifted to sleep with one thought invading his head.

'Oh Helga. Why did I let go of you?'


Weeks past and there were no signs, no news, no nothing from Helga's search team. The 5th grade students from PS 118 slowly began to divert their thoughts away from Helga, knowing that their minds would only bring them to the most probable conclusion. Any mention of her would cause anger and sadness to spread like wild fire throughout the classroom. Even Mr. Simmons couldn't stop himself from leaving the classroom during those times. No one knew where he went when he left, but the redness around his eyes was a large clue of what he could have possibly been doing. Mr. Simmons never taught poetry anymore either, which came as a shock to everyone considering it was his favorite subject. Eventually, any mention of Helga inside or outside the classroom became taboo and soon everyone started hanging out after school again in attempts to salvage the everyday lives they once had.


Arnold couldn't sleep. Something just didn't settle right in the pit of his stomach. He resolved the feeling to just being his grandmothers special roasted watermelon for dinner. Arnold chuckled. His mother had tried telling her that something that special was not necessary for her to make and that she would much rather cook for her, in fact, everyone told her. But grandma, being her crazy old self, said it was no problem and that Stella should never have to lift a finger again with all the hard work she did in San Lorenzo.

Arnold got up, seeing as though he wouldn't be getting any sleep by just lying there. He decided to go down stair and get some warm milk in attempt to relax his stomach and his nerves.

Arnold waited patiently as his milk warmed its creamy goodness in the microwave. As he was taking the milk out, he heard the phone ring. He quirked an eyebrow in the direction of the phone.

"Who could possibly be calling at 1 o'clock in the morning?" He muttered, maneuvering around the kitchen table toward the hallway. He picked up the phone and brought the cool plastic to his ear.

"Hello?" He asked, taking a sip from his glass.

"A-Arnold?" The voice on the other line cracked.

'Gerald?' Arnold was puzzled. The voice sounded like Gerald but at the same time, it didn't sound anything like his best friend since pre-school. Gerald's voice was always smooth and cool with confidence, but this voice sounded… broken.

"Arnold...I f-feel like I'm gonna throw up."

Arnold's grip on the phone grew tighter, giving his full attention to what Gerald was saying.

"Gerald? What's going on? Are you alright?" Arnold heard silence on the other line which only made his concern grow.

"Arnold...you haven't heard... have you?"

'What is he talking about?'

"No I guess I haven't since I don't know what's gotten you so upset." Arnold answered trying not to let his frustration show in his voice. "What's this about?"

"...H-Helga..."

Arnold suddenly perked up at the name, gripping the phone in anticipation. It felt so strange hearing her name being spoken after all this time. "What about Helga?! Is she alright!? Did they find anything!?"

"Yeah...they did..." Despite the obvious signs of apprehension in Gerald's voice, Arnold still grew excited at the news. He hadn't heard anything about her in weeks. Some days he would be so overcome with guilt and grief that he would hide himself away in the covers of his bed, hoping, praying that she was alright. But that was only when he thought of her. He tried to forget. Because if he could forget, he could pretend. He could go to school with a smile and face his friends. Arnold had always been the provider of hope, but...when he thought of her, all he could ever think about was how hopeless this situation was and how much he absolutely missed her. Crazy right? Why would anyone ever miss their personal tormentor? He couldn't explain it. But when he really thought about it, the concept didn't seem so ridiculous. Helga truly is an amazing person.

"..."

"So...what is it? Come on Gerald you're killing me here!" Arnold exclaimed, clearly frustrated by his best friends lack of information.

"T-they found...Oh GOD Arnold! What have I done!? It all my fault!" Arnold felt all the blood leave his body at Gerald's exclamation. He could feel his throat tighten, making it harder to breathe.

"...what did they find?" The emotionless voice caused Gerald, to hold off on the hysterics. This was extremely important and Arnold needed to know. If anyone should be the barer of bad news, it should be the barer of the legends himself, Arnold's best friend, the one who caused this whole mess in the first place.

Taking a deep, shuttering breath, Gerald responded, "it was her shoes... a-and some h-hair...and t-they f-found her dress sh-SHREDDED TO PEICES! Oh god, oh god!" Gerald sobbed. Arnold couldn't think. He couldn't breathe. His lungs were desperate for oxygen but he remained still. Arnold didn't hear the crash of glass breaking against the wooden floor, nor did he feel the uncomfortable wetness of warm milk puddling at his feet. He didn't notice that he had hung up on his best friend without a response. All he could feel was the pounding in his chest and how black the world suddenly felt as it all came spinning around him all at once until finally, Arnold found sleep on the cold, unforgiving floor of the boarding house hallway.

A/N: Man this got way more depressing than I anticipated. Sorry if you were hoping for a happy chapter but I needed this t o get out before I am able to progress with the story. I think there's going to be a time leap with in the next chapter but we'll see. There are still a lot of ideas for this story that I can't wait to get out and its so exciting to know that at least one person it enjoying it. I know my writings not the best so I appreciate your ability to get though it. I want to know what you guys think is going to happen. Is everyone going to forget her? How do you think they will all adjust to there life without their elementary school dictator? Do you think Arnold would get along with Lucas?Until next time!