X/ Welcome to Omashu
The journey after their precipitated departure from Kyoshi island was more tranquil for Elsa, Aang, Katara and Sokka as they had been flying on Appa's back. During those calm days, Elsa slowly began to take responsibility within the group, even though it wasn't easy to balance due to the age gap between her companions and her. While Elsa was initially hesitant to assert herself, Aang, Katara, and Sokka, recognized her capabilities and welcomed her contributions, even more with the role she had played in defending Suki's village against Zuko and his crew.
Elsa had been having little sessions with Katara to learn new tidbits on how she could use her ice powers with the few waterbending moves Katara knew. And in return, she offered pieces of advice and perspective on how she used her ice powers and how they worked, sharing her experiences and insights with Aang, Katara, and Sokka. She wanted to help them in every manner she could in their journey while they would help her to find a way to come back to Arendelle.
They were flying in what was the Earth Kingdom according to Katara. Seeing land to the horizon was a change for Elsa after the ocean. As they flew over a range of hills in the Earth Kingdom, Elsa observed the landscape with a sense of curiosity and wonder. The vastness of the land stretched out before them, filled with untold stories and hidden mysteries waiting to be discovered.
Suddenly, Aang guided Appa to land, prompting Elsa's intrigue. "Why are we landing, Aang?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Aang grinned mischievously. "I have something to show you all," he replied cryptically, his excitement palpable.
Aang turned to face them with a grin. "I have something to show you all," he said, excitement dancing in his eyes.
Katara, Sokka, and Elsa exchanged intrigued glances, wondering what Aang had in store for them. Sokka, ever the pragmatist, voiced his concern, "We shouldn't stop too much, you know, especially with Zuko on our tail."
Elsa nodded in agreement, understanding the need to keep moving to stay ahead of their pursuers. "Sokka's right. We should be cautious," she added, her tone measured.
But Aang reassured them with a confident smile. "Don't worry, guys. Trust me, you'll want to see this."
Katara's curiosity got the better of her as she scanned the horizon, vigilant yet intrigued. "What is it, Aang?" she asked, anticipation lacing her voice.
As Appa touched down, followed by Momo, Aang gracefully glided through the air to land on solid ground, while Elsa created an ice stair to allow Katara, Sokka, and herself to disembark from Appa's back.
With Appa and Momo trailing behind, Aang led the way to the top of a nearby hill, spreading his arms wide as they reached the summit. "Behold, the Earth Kingdom city of Omashu!" he announced proudly, gesturing to the magnificent pyramid-shaped structures in the distance.
Elsa's eyes widened in awe at the sight, taking in the grandeur of the ancient city. "It's incredible," she breathed, a sense of wonder washing over her.
Katara, equally impressed, nodded in agreement. "Wow, we don't have buildings like this in the South Pole!" she exclaimed, her admiration evident in her voice.
Sokka, overwhelmed by the sight before him, could only mutter in disbelief, "They have buildings here that don't melt!"
Aang, excitedly, "Well let's go, slow pokes. The real fun's inside the city!"
Without hesitation, the young airbender leaped off the top of the hill with his airbending, landing gracefully a few meters below in the snow and starting to slide down.
Katara, stretching her arm out to him, halted Aang with her cry. "Wait, Aang! It could be dangerous if people find out you're the Avatar."
Elsa nodded in agreement with Katara, as she thought of what happened back on Kyoshi Island. "She's right, Aang. If word is heard of your presence, who knows who would come after us," she said as she joined the two children.
Aang, understanding yet still eager, reassured them with a grin as he glanced at Omashu. "Don't worry, guys. Omashu is deep in the Earth Kingdom. They won't recognize me here."
Sokka interjected, "Well, you need a disguise."
Aang looked around, scratching his chin. "So what am I supposed to do? Grow a mustache?" he asked sarcastically.
As Sokka's gaze shifted around, he suddenly stopped, his eyes landing on Appa. A mischievous grin spread across his face. "Actually..."
Elsa, Katara, and Aang exchanged puzzled glances, wondering what Sokka had in mind.
A few moments later, after helping with Katara Sokka to implement his idea, Elsa's eyes widened in amusement and disbelief as she observed Aang sporting a patch of Appa's fur as a mustache and a tall wig made of the same material. The disguise was strange and ridiculous, more ideal for a play than entering a city.
Aang, wiggling his nose under his fake mustache and scratching under the wig, complained, "Ugh. This is so itchy." Turning to Appa, he added, "How do you live in this stuff?"
Elsa turned to Sokka, a sceptical but amused look on her face. "Are you really sure it'll work?"
Sokka nodded confidently. "Absolutely. Aang looks just like my grandfather."
Katara, glancing at Sokka, couldn't help but add, "Technically, Aang is 112 years old."
Elsa raised an amused brow at Sokka's claim, considering the difference in skin colour between the two boys, even though she knew it wasn't a relevant argument, considering her mother was a Northuldra. She also looked with sympathy Aang as she considered how much peculiar it must be for him to be in a world that had seen one hundred years and continued war. A part of her acknowledged it was an absurd situation, considering that Aang was both a child and yet had the age of an elder man.
Aang, fully committed to the disguise, nimbly kicked up his staff and spun it around before using it as a walking stick. Hunching his back and affecting an old man's voice, he declared, "Now let's get to skippin', young whipper-snappers. The big city awaits!"
On those words, the young airbender starting to walk toward Omashu. Sokka and Katara exchanged questioning glances. Elsa commented to Sokka, "I hope your plan works."
"Trust me, it'll be fine," The Water tribe boy replied confidently, even if he was sending glances on Aang.
Elsa tilted her head, praying it was the case. "Let's go then."
The two siblings and she followed Aang. As they trailed behind the young airbender, Sokka leaned over to Elsa. "Wait, Elsa! you might want to wear something to cover your hairs."
Katara nodded in agreement, "Sokka's right. You are very… unique. People would also you as much as Aang."
Elsa titled her head, aware that her hair had intrigued many people back at Kyoshi. With a subtle and grateful nod to the two siblings, she focused her attention and rose her hand to create a cloak with a hood on her dress before putting the hood on her head. Katara was impressed by her new display of powers. Sokka's eyebrows shot up in stunned surprise at the display of her powers but he quickly recovered, offering her a grin of approval.
As she noticed the yellowish grass swaying gently in the breeze nearby, another idea struck Elsa. Her powers, often tied to her emotions, surged with a newfound creativity. Wanting to further blend in, she focused on the golden hues of the grass, weaving them into the very fabric of her ice gown. Crystallized tendrils of ice, shimmering with the captured sunlight, snaked across the white fabric, creating an elegant, yet natural design. The hem of her dress was now tipped with a soft, golden fringe, mimicking the swaying grass.
Katara's eyes widened in awe. "Wow, Elsa! That's incredible! You can change the look of your dress with your powers?"
Elsa smiled, a hint of pride in her eyes. "It's something I had discovered when I organized one of my sister's birthdays. But it's the first time I am using it with something that isn't a flower."
Katara nodded, impressed by Elsa's abilities. "Well, that's impressive. It must be wonderful to be able to create such beautiful designs."
Elsa's smile widened. "Thank you, Katara. It's definitely a unique gift, and I'm constantly discovering new ways to use it. I'm glad I can contribute in my own way."
Sokka chimed in, his voice filled with admiration. "You really are something, Elsa. At least, that would make you less obvious."
Elsa blushed slightly at Sokka's compliment, appreciating his words. "Thank you, Sokka. Blending in is definitely an advantage in our current situation."
Sokka titled in approval. As they followed Aang and approached the bridge-path leading to the entrance, Elsa pondered on the possibilities this peculiar skill could offer to her friends for their next stops. She wasn't sure to what extent she could use it and she needed to know how the clothes worked in this world. She had noticed how Aang, Katara and Sokka bore specific clothes in colour codes. It was something that would however wait as they joined the path and were approaching the walls of the city.
Walking down the long path to Omashu, Aang turned to his friends with a grin. "You guys are going to love Omashu," he said, excitement evident in his voice. "The people here are the friendliest in the world."
But their anticipation was interrupted by the harsh voice of the sentry as they approached the gate. Aang's eyes widened in surprise as they witnessed the scene unfolding before them.
"Rotten cabbages?!" the gate guard bellowed angrily, his actions causing chaos as he destroyed the cabbage merchant's cart.
Katara, Sokka, and Aang stopped in their tracks, mouths agape, as they watched the scene unfold with disbelief. Elsa's expression mirrored theirs, a mixture of shock and concern at the sudden outburst of aggression. A part of her wondered if it was tied to the war that was raging.
Aang nervously plastered a smile on his face, his eyes darting between his friends. "Just keep smiling," he muttered under his breath, hoping to diffuse the tension.
As Aang approached the guards, Katara and Sokka exchanged uneasy glances before turning to Elsa. Katara awkwardly flashed her teeth in an attempt to mimic Aang's forced smile, while Sokka raised a doubtful eyebrow.
Elsa met their gazes with a reassuring nod, though her thoughts were racing. She couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation about what to expect in Omashu after witnessing the chaotic scene at the gate. Despite Aang's assurances, she couldn't shake the feeling that their visit to the city might be more complicated than they had anticipated. Hopefully, that wouldn't be the case.
Aang, ever the brave one, approached the sentries with a confidence that belied his age. The earthbender guarding the gate stepped forward, raising a boulder out of the ground before Aang and levitating it above his head.
"State your business!" the gate guard bellowed aggressively, his glare piercing through the air.
Aang quickly darted from underneath the boulder, making his way toward the guard. The massive rock crashed down beside Elsa, Katara, and Sokka, causing them to jump slightly from the impact.
The guard was stunned, taken aback by the threatening finger pointing just centimeters from his face. Aang, in a surprisingly convincing old man voice, poked the chest of the sentry. "My business is my business, young man, and none of yours!"
Sokka's eyes widened in shock at Aang's audacity, while Katara shook her head in disbelief. Elsa, too, was taken aback by Aang's boldness, though she couldn't help but admire his quick thinking. She stood regal, holding back her amusement to the ridicule of Aang's over-the-top acting.
Aang continued, his voice laced with authority, "I've got half a mind to bend you over my knee and paddle your backside!"
The gate guard, taken aback by Aang's sudden change in demeanor, raised a hand in a calming gesture. "Settle down, old timer! Just tell me who you are."
Aang, still in his old man voice, pointed a finger at Katara and Sokka. "Name's Bonzu Pippinpaddleopsicopolis, the Third, and these are my grandkids."
Sokka raised a questioningly eyebrow, while Katara stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Hi. June Pippinpaddleopsicopolis. Nice to meet you."
The gate guard then turned his attention to Elsa, his gaze lingering on her with furrowing brows for a moment before he spoke. "And who might you be?"
Elsa quickly stepped forward, sensing the need to intervene before Aang improvised further. "I'm their aunt, sir," she said smoothly, the years of practise in her future role as queen flowing as easily as water.
The guard nodded, though his eyes furrowed as he was assessing her. Elsa stood regal, holding back her apprehensions. But the man finally eyed the group before him as a whole as he was pensively rubbing his beard. Pointing at Katara, he remarked, "You seem like a responsible young lady. See that your grandfather stays out of trouble. Enjoy Omashu!"
"We will!" Katara replied light-heartedly, flashing a grin at the guard. Elsa respectively acquiesced to the guard.
As they started walking toward the gate, Sokka couldn't shake off the unease from Aang's antics, his eyes darting nervously between the guard and his grandfather.
Suddenly, the guard halted Sokka in his tracks, grasping his shoulder firmly. "Wait a minute!"
Aang and Katara stopped and turned around to see what was going on, while Elsa was observing what the guard wanted of Sokka. She hoped it wasn't something that would foil their ruse. Sokka's eyes widened in fear as he turned to face the guard's stern gaze.
"You're a strong young boy! Show some respect for the elderly and carry your grandfather's bag!" the guard commanded.
Sokka's expression changed from fright to disbelief and annoyance, but before he could protest, Aang seized the opportunity. "Good idea!" he exclaimed in his old man voice, tossing his bag at Sokka, who barely managed to catch it.
Giving Aang an annoyed glare over his shoulder, Sokka begrudgingly shouldered the bag as Elsa watched with a mixture of amusement and concern, restraining herself to shake her head to the situation.
With Sokka now carrying the bag, they resumed walking towards the gate, passing through the massive earthen walls that parted to let them enter Omashu.
Elsa couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder as she beheld the bustling city spread out before her. The streets were filled with people, and the intricate system of chutes and aqueduct-like structures fascinated her. The typical green roofs added a splash of colour to the earthy landscape, and Elsa couldn't help but admire the ingenuity of the city's design. And having seen earthbenders at work, she could totally imagine how the city had been erected.
As they reached the parapet at the rim of a nearby chasm, Sokka and Katara excitedly took in the city's scenery, while Aang leaned beside them with a smile on his face, Momo's head popping out of his wig. As they gazed out at the sprawling city of Omashu, Elsa's thoughts drifted to the journey that lay ahead, a part of her still hopeful she would find a way back home but another part of her determined to help Aang and her friends. She felt responsible for them and letting them on their own trying to end a war that was raging for a century was out of question to her. But this place was also a marvel and seemed so peaceful.
As Aang caught sight of the intricate system of aqueduct-like structures, his eyes lit up with excitement. "Check it out, guys!" he exclaimed, gesturing towards the network of chutes and slides. "This is the Omashu delivery system. Miles and miles of tubes and chutes. Earthbending brings the packages up, and gravity brings them down."
Elsa observed the system with keen interest, noting the small shapes of carts moving autonomously along the tracks. "It's fascinating how efficiently it works," she remarked, her admiration evident in her tone.
Katara's eyes widened with interest. "That's amazing! It must make delivering mail so much easier."
Sokka, however, seemed less impressed. "Great, so they get their mail on time," he muttered sarcastically, crossing his arms over his chest.
Elsa shot Sokka a gentle look, understanding his pragmatism but also appreciating Aang's excitement. Aang sent Sokka a playful grin. "They do get their mail on time," he agreed, his eyes squinting mischievously. "But my friend Bumi found a better use for these chutes."
Curious, Katara stepped closer. "What better use?"
Aang's grin widened. "The world's greatest superslide!"
Elsa's eyes widened in surprise and concern as she exchanged a glance with Sokka, who rolled his eyes in response. "You've got to be kidding me," he muttered under his breath.
Katara, however, leaned in eagerly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Really? That sounds amazing!"
Aang grinned, leading the way towards the top of the city. Katara and Sokka followed closely behind, but Elsa hesitated, her hand reaching out instinctively to stop Aang.
"Aang, are you sure that's wise?" she interjected, her voice tinged with concern. "Remember the Unagi on Kyoshi island."
Aang turned back to face her, his expression still playful but tinged with understanding. "I know, Elsa, but trust me, this is perfectly safe! Besides, it's a piece of my childhood. I want to share it with you all."
Elsa considered his words, a flicker of doubt still lingering in her mind. But seeing the excitement in Aang's eyes, she relented with a sigh. "Alright, let's go, but let's keep a low profile," she said firmly, her gaze sweeping over the bustling streets of Omashu.
Sokka chimed in, his tone laced with skepticism. "Yeah, let's not draw any unnecessary attention to ourselves."
Katara, ever the optimist, stepped forward with a hopeful smile. "Come on, Sokka. It'll be fun! And Aang wouldn't lead us into danger, right?" she said, casting a questioning glance at Aang.
Aang's grin returned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Of course not! Trust me, this is going to be amazing," he reassured them, his confidence unwavering.
He then looked back at Elsa and added with a shining smile, "I promise we'll be discreet. Now, who's ready for the ride of a lifetime?"
Elsa hesitated, torn between her sense of responsibility and her desire to see her friends enjoy themselves. In the end, she sighed softly, giving in to their enthusiasm. "Alright," she relented, her tone resigned. "But let's make it quick."
With a mixture of apprehension and excitement, the group followed Aang towards the towering slides of the Omashu delivery system, Momo chirping excitedly in the young Avatar's wig. Elsa trailed after them, her heart pounding with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. As they disappeared into the depths of the delivery system, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of her mind. But for now, all she could do was hope that Aang's confidence was not misplaced.
She looked at the sight of Omashu before her and she was impressed by the marvel it was from the top. It reminded her of when she was at the balcon of her ice palace looking at the horizon. Looking at the aqueducts structures and the numerous carts moving on their own, she was impressed by the sight, even though the way some chutes were going down were very straight and down. Seeing it made her realize that Aang's idea might be a bit too bold and dangerous.
"Uh, Aang," Sokka's voice rose nearby, "I think this cart's at capacity. Looks like Elsa will have to catch the next one."
Elsa's head jerked at the side and she was petrified by what she was seeing. Aang, Katara and Sokka were sitting in a cart that was about to slide in the chute. Snapping out of her surprise, she rushed at the cart as Aang was bringing on the chute while saying, "Don't worry, Sokka. I bet she could follow us with ease."
Elsa's concern and fear grew higher as she exclaimed, "Aang, wait!"
But the cart began its fall as Katara's voice rose in turn. "It sounded like fun at first, but now that I'm here, I'm starting to have second th-o-o-oughts!" the waterbender exclaimed, her words cut off by Aang leaning forward, tipping the balance of the box, sending it down the slope at a tremendous speed.
As the cart hurtled down the chute, Elsa's eyes widened in shock. She could hear Aang's laughter mixing with Katara's screams, and her concern grew even more pronounced. She looked around frantically, searching for a way to ensure their safety. She regretted not to have dissuaded further Aang of his stunt.
In a split-second decision, Elsa summoned her powers, creating a mail cart of ice beneath her feet. With a determined expression, she leaped onto the makeshift cart, sending it sliding down the slope after her companions.
As the ice cart gained speed and was sliding through each turn and twists of the chute, Elsa couldn't help but feel thrill. She could feel the wind whipping through her hair. She thought of Anna and how she would have felt in this instant. Only the size and scale of the chute reminded to the young queen how risky it could be. Looking on Aang's cart that was sliding ahead of hers, she could hope that whatever experience he had on that chute would prevent disaster and trouble.
Suddenly, as she glanced to her side, she saw another chute running parallel to theirs. Her eyes widened as she noticed a cart loaded with six spears hurtling down that track. Panic surged through her as she realized the danger that lay ahead for her friends, especially as she saw the spears-filled cart gain speed behind her friends' cart on the merging chute. She hesitated, torn between using her powers again and the risk of causing harm due to the speed of her own cart.
"Watch out!" she shouted to her friends as loud as she could, her voice barely audible over the rushing wind.
Just as their cart flew out of the chute, Elsa's heart skipped a beat. She held her breath, fearing the worst. But as her cart moved at the place where the cart flied out, she saw the cart sliding down a roof and bouncing on the ground. Her eyes bulged at the sight, as it made no sense for her. The cart should have crashed down on the ground with Aang and his friends. Aware she was losing them due to her cart being still on the same chute, Elsa used her powers to freeze the chute to slow down her pace and finding a way out of the chute.
Her heart raced as she looked around for a safe escape route, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of her friends. Suddenly, she heard the distinct sound of a cart approaching from behind. Turning around, her eyes widened as she saw a new cart, laden with materials, speeding towards her.
Without hesitation, Elsa summoned her powers, creating a staircase of ice as she descended towards a nearby roof. She could hear the brutal shock behind her and the sound of ice breaking as she neared the roof's edge. With a swift movement, she landed on the rooftop, her heart pounding with adrenaline.
Quickly assessing her options, Elsa decided to make her way down to the ground. Using her powers, she created a makeshift chute and slid down to the street below. As she landed, she looked around, her eyes darting in search of Aang and his friends.
Uncertain of their whereabouts, Elsa chose to move in the direction she last saw Aang's cart. Each step was filled with worry and regret, her thoughts consumed by the danger they had faced and the consequences of their actions.
As she moved across the streets, Elsa couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility weighing heavily on her shoulders. She knew she should have been firmer in dissuading Aang from his reckless idea of playing on the superslide. But now, all she could do was hope and pray that they were safe.
She suddenly felt her feet trapped in rock. Looking down, she saw her feet and heels trapped in rock that seemed to have been raised from the ground. Hearing footsteps, she saw soldiers approaching, their uniforms and helmets bearing a striking resemblance to the guards at the gate. They looked at her with serious and yet stunned eyes and she knew they took notice of her appearance.
Despite her fear, Elsa forced herself to remain calm. She could only hope that her friends wouldn't face further repercussions for their reckless stunt. She also considered that with the chaos Aang and his friends might provoke at this moment, they would be found by the soldiers protecting this city. Hopefully, she would see them again quickly.
