Ulthuan

"Something was taken from the spirits, and evidently by mortals, something that they would fight to retrieve," Jia Lin said. "Has not something been taken from us which we would fight to retrieve? It may be coincidence, but I feel it may be more than that."

"You think that the kidnapping might have been done deliberately to upset the balance?" Vaan asked Jia. "It could be a diversion, but... I don't believe it is." Of that much, he was certain.

"Not a diversion... right now we don't know enough to be sure one way or the other."

"Certainly it is a worrying development. I, Fire Sage Shyu shall send a message to the Avatar in addition to the one young Ping has written. Now, what shall you young ones do now?"

"I think we need to push on with the task that was given us," Vaan said, looking at the others questioningly. "Find the children."

Zhuàng nodded "I agree with Vaan. Let the Avatar take care of the Spirits, they're more his speciality than any of ours'. We should probably inform those who sent us on this task about our progress so far" he added as an afterthought. Then he smiled meekly, a comic sight from the huge man "Also, could one of you write my report for me?"

Vaan frowned slightly. He hadn't actually meant that they should ignore the issue with the Spirits entirely... just that the children should take precedence. He would, he had decided, put his trust in Yue.

"Very well, I wish you all the worlds luck and the blessings of whatever Spirits are still yet friendly to humanity." The hint of a frown some how etching itself in his old wrinkled face.



Meanwhile, slowly spinning in the middle of the ocean a small boat sits. It's earth bender occupant screaming her words to the universe. To her east, the islands of the Fire Nation.

"We may need it," Vaan said, bowing to the scholar. If they could learn little else that might be helpful here, then it was time to begin moving once more. He hadn't forgotten Zhuang's consistent reminders regarding the condition of his stomach, either, and they would need to eat something.