XII/ Waiting challenge results
The night went smoothly for Elsa. While she could hear the snores of Aang and of Sokka, it didn't bother her, considering the fact that she had already experienced it with Anna. Thinking of her sister reminded her world was away from her and she didn't know how she would come back or what she would find there.
She suddenly heard a faint noise and opened her eyes. Rising up on her bed, she had just the time to look around that her bed and her suddenly went down the floor. Too stunned to react, Elsa found herself in a room below the chamber and saw an earthbending guard. On the defensive but cautious, she rose from her bed. As confident she was in her powers, she knew the guard was keeping an eye on her, meaning any move of her could be anticipated and she didn't know earthbending well enough to swiftly counter it.
"What's going on?" she asked, her voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling within her.
"The king wants to see you," replied the guard while looking at something on her left side.
As she turned, she caught sight of the king of Omashu approaching her, wearing a purple outfit. The sovereign greeted her with a jovial tone, "Ah, good morning, my dear Elsa. Did you sleep well?"
Elsa reacted, her tone tinged with frustration, "Being awakened to be taken away from my companions wasn't exactly my idea of a good morning."
The old ruler chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Well, I would say sorry but that's the fun of making fun with people." His demeanour then shifted into a more serious stance. "But fear not, my dear. There is a reason to that."
He then turned to the guard and issued a command, "Leave us.
The guard hesitated for a moment, but respectfully acquiesced to the king before earthbending the wall to leave.
Alone once more, Elsa turned her attention back to the king, curiosity evident in her eyes as she awaited his next move or words. She saw the old eccentric man approaching, his eyes sparkled with an almost childlike fascination as he observed her ice bed. The king approached it with a curious expression, his eyes scanning the intricate patterns of frost. He reached out a hand tentatively, testing the solidity of the ice.
"Oooh, pretty!" he exclaimed, his voice full of wonder. "You made this all by yourself? You're truly powerful, that's for sure!"
Elsa inclined her head, acknowledging the compliment, while still guarded due to the situation. "Thank you, Your Majesty. My powers have proven useful on more than one occasion."
The king chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I can see that. That reminds me I didn't consider if there were enough beds for my guests. That shows you have a talent for improvisation and utilizing your powers in unexpected ways. That's the spirit of an opened mind."
Elsa offered a modest smile in response, sensing the praise behind his words and yet uncertain about his reasons to speak to her on their own. She then ventured to ask the question that had been weighing on her mind. "You said there was a reason for my presence, your Majesty."
The king's expression turned serious, his gaze locking onto Elsa's. "Yes... I need to speak to you alone. There are matters that concern both you and the Avatar."
Elsa's heart skipped a beat and couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in her stomach. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The old sovereign hesitated for a moment before speaking, his tone grave. "I have my own plans to test the Avatar, but you're a bit of a conundrum...
Elsa's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected the king to be concerned about her presence, especially considering the gravity of the situation.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.
The ruler sighed, his expression troubled. "With you bein' so protective and all those fancy ice powers, it might mess up the whole test I got planned for the Avatar. But I can't ask you to do nothing during those challenges as I fear it could create ruckus between you and your friends."
Elsa's brow furrowed in confusion as she tried to make sense of the king's words. Why would he be concerned about her impact on Aang's trials? And what did he mean about straining their bonds? Her protective side led her to think those challenges might bring her to intervene. And as composed and head-levelled as she was, she also knew that doing nothing wouldn't sit well with her and that the king was right about how her friends might react to her inaction.
While her mind raced with questions, she chose her words carefully. "I don't understand, Your Majesty. Why would my presence be a concern for the challenges?
The king remained enigmatic, his gaze steady as he met Elsa's questioning look. " "Patience, my dear, patience. All will be revealed in due time. But for now, there's just one little favor I gotta ask..."
Elsa's heart pounded in her chest as she was unsure of what he would ask of her. "What is it?" she ventured, her voice barely above a whisper.
The old sovereign lips curled into a knowing smile as he met Elsa's gaze. All I need is for you to, ahem, disappear for a while. You know, while the test is goin' down."
Elsa's brow furrowed in confusion, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. Her mind whirled with conflicting emotions, but she knew she had little choice but to comply with his request. With a resigned sigh, she nodded slowly.
"Very well," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do as you ask."
The king's smile softened, a hint of warmth in his eyes. "Thank you, Elsa. I assure you, all will become clear in the end."
"Where shall I wait?" she inquired, her tone tinged with uncertainty.
The king chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, fret not about where to wait, my dear. My loyal guards will escort you to the Royal Library. I daresay it'll be a far more stimulating environment than these stuffy chambers." He winked. "Think of it as a chance to delve into the fascinating history of the Earth Kingdom, or even of this world. I'm sure you would love to know more about here, wouldn't it?"
Elsa's brow furrowed slightly, unsure what to expect from this unexpected turn of events. Yet, a spark of curiosity ignited within her. A library of this world? Tea and biscuits to keep her company? And a mysterious gift waiting for her arrival? A grateful smile tugged at her lips, touched by the King's thoughtful gesture.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," she replied, her voice sincere. "Your kindness is most appreciated."
The old ruler inclined his head in acknowledgement, his smile widening. "Consider it a small token of hospitality and of trust. Now shoo, shoo! Off you go on your literary adventure."
As if on cue, a section of the wall rumbled and shifted, revealing a doorway framed by ornately carved earth. A guard stood at attention, his posture conveying both stoicism and respect.
"The King has instructed me to escort you to the Royal Library," the guard announced, his voice deep and gravelly
Elsa acquiesced to the man, but glanced back at the king, a question lingering in her gaze. "Should I have the ice bed removed, Your Majesty?"
The old man boomed with laughter. "Nonsense, my dear! Leave the ice sculpture precisely where it is. It adds a certain... charm to these quarters, wouldn't you say?"
Surprise flickered across Elsa's features, quickly replaced by a flicker of amusement. Here was a man who not only tolerated her powers but found them fascinating. A refreshing change from the anxieties that had plagued her after the Great Thaw. Even her own people, though accepting, had taken some time to fully embrace her abilities after the isolation imposed by her parents' choices.
With a small curtsy, she turned and followed the guard through the earthen doorway. As they walked, a myriad of emotions swirled within her – anticipation for the challenges that awaited Aang, and a touch of apprehension for his well-being. And she was still uncertain on how to regard the king. She prayed that she would find answers once Aang passed the ruler's three challenges.
Their walk was brief, leading them to a warmly lit chamber adorned with tapestries woven with vibrant threads and plush furnishings that promised comfort. Shelves were on the walls, displaying parchments by hundreds. The guard gestured for her to enter, and Elsa stepped inside, taking in the inviting atmosphere.
She first saw the numerous shelves on the walls around her with dozens and hundreds of parchments stored. She felt her curiosity grew at their sight and she felt she would love the place as it would allow her to discover more on this world. She then saw a small table stood in the center of the room, laden with a steaming teapot, delicate cups, and a plate piled high with freshly baked treats – precisely as the King had promised. But it was the object nestled amongst the teacups that truly captured her attention: a bluish crystalline rock. A genuine smile bloomed on her face, a silent thank you for the King's thoughtful gesture, even as she pondered the significance of the peculiar gift amidst the tea and biscuits.
As the earthen doorway sealed shut with a soft thud, Elsa allowed her gaze to roam the room once more. The King had spared no effort in ensuring her comfort. The air hung heavy with the enticing aroma of tea, beckoning her to take a seat. She approached the table, poured herself a steaming cup, and inhaled the calming scent. As she sipped the warm beverage, a silent prayer escaped her lips, wishing for Aang's swift and successful completion of the trials.
Flanked by two guards, Aang entered the large throne room, worried and uncertain. The guards went to bring him to the king, but Katara, Sokka and Elsa were absent and only freed if he managed to succeed in the challenges, according to one of the guards. The young airbender didn't like the fact his friends could be in danger. The fact that Elsa was absent weighed down on his mind as he appreciated her support and presence and felt obliged to help her to come back to her home, even though he wasn't sure how.
Standing at the entrance of the throne room, he saw the old eccentric king standing and wearing a purple outfit instead of the traditional greenish one from the Earth Kingdom.
"First, Avatar," the king asked as he spread his arms to show off his outfit, "what do you think of my new outfit? I want your honest opinion."
Aang looked blankly at the king, wondering what kind of question it was when his friends were nowhere and perhaps in danger.
The king looked expectantly at him, spreading again his arms, "I'm waiting," he said.
Scratching his head in puzzlement, Aang tried to think how to respond. "I… guess it's fine," he finally said.
That seemed to satisfied the king, "Excellent! You passed the first test."
That surprised Aang, "Really?"
"Well, not one of the deadly tests," the king replied upbeat, waving his finger from side to side to emphasize his words. "The real challenges are much more, uh, challenging"
The old sovereign's answer ticked off Aang as he suddenly dashed forward, using his airbending to enhance his speed. Quickly crossing the distance between the king and him, he halted before the latter, the wind passing over boh of them.
"I don't have time for your crazy games," the young boy aggressively spoke out, "Give my friends back! We're leaving!"
His words didn't bulge the king. "Oh, I thought you might refuse, so I will give your friends some special souvenirs."
As the old ruler said those words, a wall opened, revealing Katara and Sokka struggling in the grasp of a guard. Aang turned to them. He saw the guard slidding a green ring over Katara's finger while the second one did the same with Sokka with a blue one. The rings glowed the moment the guards retracted their hands. The two Water tribe siblings unsuccessfully tried to remove the rings from their fingers.
Aang looked back at the king, wondering with anger and concern what he was doing.
"What are you doing? And where's Elsa?" the young Avatar demanded.
The eccentric king, chuckled at Aang's questions, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, don't worry about her, my boy. She's safe and sound, only waiting for your triumphant return. Your concern should be focused on your dear friends here," he gestured towards Katara and Sokka, who were still struggling against the guards.
With a theatrical flair, the eccentric sovereign continued, "You see, those delightful rings on their fingers are made of pure jennamite, also known as creeping crystal. It's quite fascinating, really." His tone turned sinister as he explained, "By nightfall, your friends will be completely covered in it. Terrible thing, really."
Aang's heart sank as he looked at Katara and Sokka, who were now realizing the gravity of their situation. Panic flickered in Sokka's eyes as the ring on his finger began to glow and expand.
"It's already creeping!" Sokka cried out, his voice laced with fear.
Aang's fists clenched in anger and desperation. He knew he couldn't let his friends suffer like this. Turning back to the king, his voice trembled with a mix of fury and concern. "What do you want from me?" he demanded, his eyes boring into the king's.
"I can stop it," the old man replied, "but only if you cooperate. You must succeed in the challenges I've prepared for you. Only then will your friends be safe."
Aang gritted his teeth, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts. He knew he had no choice but to play along with this man's twisted game. With a heavy heart, he nodded with a grim and serious face. "I'll do what you want."
The king evilly grinned at the answer of the young airbender, but Aang didn't let it faze him. He would do those challenges and succeed in them to save Katara and Sokka and retrieve Elsa before leaving Omashu.
Time passed slowly, and Elsa found herself growing bored and uncertain as she waited. She had finished her tea and eaten some of the biscuits. She had taken one of the parchments, but realized it was written in signs she had never seen before. The text might be interesting, but she couldn't read it on her own, not without help. A part of her considered with some amusement it was an overlook of the king. That didn't prevent her to admire some of the remarkable drawings in the parchments she took a look on to see if it was the case for the whole library. It was stylish and drawn with precision and some kind of ethereal beauty. But as a result, she was now pacing around the room in anticipation, waiting the end of the challenges and someone to come. In the quiet, she thought she heard distant sounds, causing her to pause and listen intently. Perhaps it was just her imagination.
Her thoughts wandered to Aang, wondering how he was faring in the challenges. She hoped he was alright, trusting in his abilities but still feeling a sense of responsibility for him and his friends. Speaking of which, she wondered why Katara and Sokka weren't there with her. Were they off exploring the palace? Or was the king keeping them close?
Her mind wandered to the king, his cryptic words still echoing in her head. She still couldn't quite decipher his intentions, but she sensed that he held some key to the challenges that lay ahead for Aang.
Lost in her thoughts, Elsa was suddenly startled by a chirping sound behind her. Turning around, she saw Momo landing on the table where some of the biscuits remained untouched. The young queen couldn't help but be both surprised and amused by the winged lemur's presence. She was glad for the company, feeling a sense of warmth at the unexpected visitor. At least, one of her companions was here. Looking at the lemur, she thought it was like seeing Bruni.
Approaching the table once again, Elsa smiled at Momo before reaching out to offer him a piece of biscuit. The small creature chirped happily, nibbling on the treat as Elsa watched fondly. It was a welcome distraction from her restless thoughts, and she found herself grateful for the simple pleasure of Momo's company.
But her relief was short-lived as she saw Momo's curiosity directed towards the blue crystal rock on the table. Elsa's eyes widened in alarm as she watched Momo tasting the rock. "No, Momo, don't!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to stop him from trying to eat it. To her surprise, the winged lemur managed to eat a part of the crystal rock, even though it seemed hard to mush. She wondered what kind of rock it was, relieved when Momo didn't try to eat the rest, only contending himself to lick it.
"Easy, Momo," she shook her head as she gently admonished the lemur. "You can't go around tasting everything you see."
Momo reacted with a chirp, seemingly understanding her words as he glanced back at her. Elsa's eyes softened as she commented, "It's just you and me, waiting for the end of the challenges, huh?"
Momo reacted once more before grabbing another biscuit, prompting Elsa to smile. An idea sparked in her mind as she looked at the playful creature. "Do you want to play, Momo?" she asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
He chirped eagerly in response, and Elsa used her powers to send a flurry of snow dancing through the air. Momo's eyes widened with excitement as he darted around, chasing the swirling flakes. Elsa laughed, emboldened by his enjoyment, and began to move the flurry through the room, creating a winter wonderland for them to play in.
Elsa crafted various shapes with her snow, forming spirals, loops, and even intricate snowflakes. Momo's movements became more playful as he interacted with the different formations, flying through them with delight. Seeing the joy on Momo's face warmed Elsa's heart, momentarily easing her worries.
However, her moment of bliss was interrupted by a distant, beastly snarl echoing through the palace. Elsa's heart skipped a beat as she stopped, her senses on high alert. Was it another challenge? Or something else entirely?
She glanced around, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of danger. But all she saw was Momo, still blissfully unaware of the ominous sound she had just heard. With a shake of her head, Elsa forced herself to push aside her concerns. She couldn't afford to let fear cloud her judgment, especially not when she had a responsibility to protect Aang and his friends.
Resuming her playful antics, Elsa focused her attention back on Momo, determined to make the most of their time together. With a flick of her wrist, she sent another flurry of snow dancing through the air, enveloping the room in a shimmering blanket of white. And as Momo chirped in delight, the young queen couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and companionship in the midst of uncertainty.
Standing at the edge of a balcony, Aang observed the arena in which he would likely tackle his last challenge. The old king of Omashu was behind him. The young airbender quickly looked at the adjacent balcony on the right where were standing Katara, Sokka and a guard. His friends were almost totally covered by the crystals, leaving only their faces exposed. While he felt the urgency to save them, the young Avatar felt confident he could achieve this last challenge as he did the two previous ones. Retrieving the key for the king's lunchbox and understanding that the goat gorilla was Flopsie were challenging but not too difficult. He would overcome this last one and free Katara and Sokka and see Elsa again.
As he observed the arena before him, he heard the old king saying, "Your final test is a duel. And as a special treat, you may choose your opponent."
Hearing footsteps, Aang turned around and saw first a slime man with two scars barring his face and holding a scythe. The young airbender gasped in fear seeing him, but it wasn't as much frightful as the second tough-looking man that jumped to join the balcony as he was a muscular guy with a veiled face and holding a huge axe. Both men were standing next to the king.
"Point and choose," the old king said as he looked at the young Avatar.
Aang hesitated as he looked uncertaintly at the two men.
"So ... you're saying whoever I point to, that's the person I get to fight?" he asked as he thinking of his options.
"Choose wisely!" the king answered as he looked at him with a straightforward face.
Aang looked back and forth the three men before him. "I ... choose ... you," he finally decided, pointing to the king.
To his surprise, the old man wickedly grinned. "Wrong choice!"
To his shock, the king straightened up and, in a scream, removed his outer robe, revealing himself to be a powerfully built old man. The sovereign earthbended Aang off the balcony, making him fly off into the arena. Down on the ground, Aang saw the man jumping down right in front of him.
"You thought I was a frail old man, but I'm the most powerful earthbender you'll ever see.", the old man laughed.
Standing up and regretting his choice, Aang asked in a small voice, "Can I fight the guy with the axe instead?"
"There are no take-backsies in my kingdom," The king replied. "You might need this," he added, pointing to the guard standing near Katara and Sokka.
On a cue, the guard tossed Aang his staff. As the young airbender caught up his staff, the king bended several rocks at Aang who just avoided and evaded the attacks.
"Typical airbender tactic: avoid and evade. I hoped the Avatar would be less predictable," the king commented before sending new rocks at Aang.
The young airbender avoided them and used his staff to helicopter into the air to strike at his opponent.
Looking at the jumping Avatar, the king looked unfazed. "Don't you have any surprises for me? Sooner or later you'll have to strike back!
The sovereign bended a large boulder into the ceiling, raining rocks onto Aang, knocking him from the air. Rising up, the young boy charged at the king on foot, but a series of bending attacks left him flat atop a large rock pile.
"You'll have to be a little more creative than that!" the old king challenged
As he rose, Aang bended an air scooter and charges forward on it. As he moved forward the king and prepared his strike, the young airbender thought of how Elsa would have handled the old man and that it was perhaps why she wasn't there as she would have likely intervened to defend him. Well, it was up to him to win this challenge and to see her released.
Elsa didn't know how long she was doing it, but she felt elated to spend time with Momo as she was using her powers to distract and entertain the winged lemur. Momo was darting through the air, his movements graceful and playful as he was following the flurries Elsa was creating and moving through her hands. All around her, a thin level of snow had begun to cover the ground of the room. It was more than apparent to the young queen the flying creature was as playful as Bruni and Gale.
As she was crafted flurries and intricate patterns with her snow and ice like a winter breeze, Elsa thought of her times with Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven. Her heart clenched in her chest at the thought of her sister and friends, but she reasoned she would see them someday, even though she wasn't sure when; especially with the king's words on her potential part.
With a flick of her wrist, she sent another flurry of snow dancing through the air, enveloping the room in a shimmering blanket of white. And as Momo chirped in delight, Elsa couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and companionship in the midst of uncertainty, hoping that Aang had overcome his challenges.
But her moment of tranquillity was shattered as she suddenly felt the ground shake beneath her and heard the irregular but frequent sounds of rocks and shocks throughout the ground. Elsa's heart raced with concern, and she instinctively stopped using her powers, her focus shifting to the sensation and the new development. Her heart was pounding as she scanned the room, trying to discern the source of the disturbance.
"What in the world..." Elsa muttered, her voice barely audible over the rumbling of the earth. Her mind raced with possibilities, and then it hit her like a bolt of lightning. "Aang," she realized aloud, her protective instincts kicking in at the mere thought of the young airbender being threatened or forced to fight.
Swiftly moving around the room, Elsa searched desperately for a way out, her thoughts a jumble of worry and determination. But her efforts were in vain as she found only the frame of a door entrance, with solid walls blocking her escape. Panic began to well up within her as she realized she was trapped, unable to help Aang and the uncertainty of how to leave the room struck her. Her disarray overwhelmed her, resulting in growing frost and rising blizzard in the room.
She suddenly heard Momo's distressed chirping. Snapping her back to reality, she realized what was happening. With a deep breath, she focused her energy, exerting effort to calm down and avoid provoking an accident akin to the ones that had hurt Anna in the past. It had been a while she had let her emotion overwhelm her.
Looking around as she struggled to calm herself, Elsa saw the havoc her momentarily disarray had wrought upon the room, and her heart sank. But amidst the chaos, she spotted Momo, who seemed frightened and confused by the turmoil, huddled in a corner beneath the table. Elsa approached the winged lemur, guilt weighing heavily on her.
"I'm sorry, Momo," she murmured, her voice soft with remorse as she reached out to comfort him.
Momo hesitated for a moment before tentatively nuzzling against her hand, his fear beginning to ebb. Elsa sighed in relief, grateful that she hadn't harmed him.
As she stroked Momo's fur, Elsa's thoughts drifted to Aang and his challenges. She couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility weighing on her shoulders. The young airbender faced dangers beyond his years, and Elsa couldn't help but worry for his safety.
"I hope you're okay, Aang," she whispered, her voice laced with concern.
She stood there, comforting Momo and awaiting that someone was coming to seize the opportunity to help her companions. The shaking and sounds lasted for a short moment and then it stopped as abruptly as it started.
Elsa took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She strained her senses, listening for any further noises or feeling any shakes, but nothing happened. Slowly, she rose from the ground, her eyes scanning the room around her.
The damage she had created in her momentary panic was evident, frost and ice covering surfaces where it shouldn't be. With a sigh, Elsa focused her powers, dispelling the frost and ice with careful precision. She couldn't afford any more accidents
Feeling Momo nearby, Elsa's heart softened as she approached him. She noticed his proximity and reached out to him, offering a gentle stroke of his fur. "It's okay, Momo," she murmured soothingly. "I didn't mean to frighten you."
Momo chirped softly, leaning into her touch, his fear beginning to ebb. Elsa offered him a snowflake, watching as he playfully batted at it before devouring it eagerly. She couldn't help but smile at his antics, grateful he didn't seem too traumatized and glad he was still finding some distraction and fun.
Just as she began to relax, the young queen heard the wall cracking behind her. Turning around, she saw an earthbender guard arriving. The guard stopped as he saw the state of the room. Elsa held back the temptation to use her powers to flee the room due to the opportunity and looked around, her mind racing with possibilities.
"What's going on here?" the guard demanded, eyeing the frost and ice remnants warily.
Elsa composed herself, offering the guard a polite nod. "My apologies for the mess. It seems I got carried away with Momo," she said, gesturing to Momo.
The guard raised an eyebrow. "The king requests your presence," he stated, his tone indicating that he expected no argument.
Elsa's mind raced. She wanted to ask about Aang and his challenges, but she hesitated. If the king was summoning her, it likely meant that the young boy had achieved his tests, which was something she was hoping for.
"Of course," Elsa replied calmly, keeping her tone neutral. "Lead the way."
As she followed the guard, Momo flew over her shoulder, his presence a comforting reminder that she wasn't alone in this strange world. And deep down, Elsa couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation at the thought of reuniting with Aang and his friends, whatever challenges lay ahead.
The guard guided Elsa and Momo back to the Throne room through the corridors of the palace. As they entered, Elsa's eyes widened at the sight of two crystal-covered people—one in blue crystals and the other in green crystals, even more as it was the same kind of crystal rock the king gifted her. Near the throne, Aang was facing the old king who was back in his green clothes.
"Your last friend has arrived, Avatar. Safe and sound, as promised," the old ruler remarked, catching Elsa's attention as she wondered what he was meaning.
Aang turned around, his expression lighting up as he saw her. "Elsa!"
Elsa couldn't help but smile at Aang's enthusiasm and relief. Her attention was however attracted by the two crystal rocks-covered people as she heard their voices.
"Elsa?" Katara's muffled voice came from within the blue crystal rocks, filled with concern.
Sokka's voice chimed in in relief from the green crystal rocks-covered person. "You're alright?"
Elsa's heart sank at the sight of her friends trapped. "What happened to them?" she asked, her voice laced with worry and protectiveness as she fiercely looked at the king.
The old ruler chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. " No need to fret, my dear. It's all part of the Avatar's tests," he explained cryptically.
Aang nodded eagerly, his eyes shining. "It's alright, Elsa. I've passed the tests. I just need to tell the king my name and they'll be freed."
Her brow furrowed in confusion. "But how can you find out the king's name?" she asked, uncertain of how the young airbender could have possibly achieved such a feat.
Aang gave her an optimistic and shining smile at her before turning back to the king and answered, "I solved the question the same way I solved the challenges. As you said a long time ago, I had to open my brain to the possibilities."
Elsa's eyes widened in disbelief and confusion, the words echoing those the king told her yesterday. She glanced with stunned eyes at the old king who started laughing with an odd snort like a pig as if he was delighted by Aang's answer.
"Bumi, you're a mad genius," the young airbender exclaimed with a smile.
Wonder and surprise crossed Elsa's mind as she saw Aang and the king hugging each other like old friends. As much as she felt she understood why, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and disbelief. "But... how?" she murmured, unable to comprehend the unexpected development. Even with her experiences with the extraordinary, that was so unexpected and unique.
"Oh, Aang, it's good to see you. You haven't changed a bit. Literally," Bumi said to the young airbender.
As Aang and the king hugged each other as old friends, Elsa couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the bond they shared, forged through trials and challenges. It reminded her a bit of how Anna and her rekindled their bond in spite of their long separation and all the mistakes her parents and she had made.
"Uh, over here!"
"Little help?"
Katara and Sokka's voices snapped her out as they reminded her that they were still trapped in those crystal rocks.
She saw the king clenching his hands in a manner she had seen with the earthbending guards and suddenly the crystals were dispersed everywhere, forcing Elsa to duck.
"Jennamite is made of rock candy," Bumi said.
Elsa saw the old man taking a bite of the crystal and saying, "Delicious!"
She was bemused, understanding more why he gifted her this crystal and why Momo tasted it. And while she loved desserts, she doubted she would appreciate it. She looked at Katara and Sokka and asked them, "Are you alright?"
Katara nodded, her expression still slightly dazed. "Yeah, we're fine."
Sokka rubbed his arms, wincing slightly. "Definitely not the most comfortable experience, but I'm okay."
Elsa's relief was palpable as she glanced around at her friends, ensuring they were unharmed. Then her attention turned to Aang, who was now engaged in an enthusiastic conversation with the king.
Katara turned her glance to Aang, a curious expression on her face. "So, this crazy king is your old friend Bumi?"
Elsa looked at Katara with concerned eyes. Not only seeing her trapped in that crystal rock unsettled her, but she wasn't sure how the king would take it, no matter how eccentric he was or that he was Aang's old friend.
Bumi seemed outraged at first before expressing acceptance. "Who are you calling old? Okay, I'm old."
Elsa felt relieved that he didn't seem outraged by Katara's comment. She then turned to him with a question burning in her mind. "How are you still alive after all this time? Aang was frozen in an iceberg, but you…"
Bumi chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ah, the secret to my longevity? A balanced diet, a bit of luck, and thinking like a mad genius."
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued and confused by his response.
"Why did you do all of this instead of just telling Aang who you were?" Sokka then inquired, his curiosity piqued and a bit confused.
Elsa silently agreed with the young Water tribe warrior, even though she felt the old king had a reason as he did in sending her in another room for the duration of the challenges.
Bumi's expression turned mischievous as he looked at Sokka. "First of all, it's pretty fun messing with people," he admitted with a snort.
Elsa couldn't help but shake her head at the king's response, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. It was so refreshing to interact in a friendly manner after the events of the day and of yesterday, even if the whole thing was still a bit hard to wrap.
Bumi's tone then shifted, becoming more solemn as he addressed Aang directly. "But I do have a reason, Aang. You have a difficult task ahead. The world has changed in the hundred years that you've been gone. It's the duty of the Avatar to restore balance to the world by defeating Fire Lord Ozai. You have much to learn. You must master the four elements and confront the Fire Lord. And when you do, I hope you will think like a mad genius."
Aang smiled warmly at Bumi, his determination shining through. Elsa was glad and proud of the wise words the old king was giving to the airbender.
But Bumi wasn't finished yet as he looked to Katara, Sokka, and Elsa, his gaze piercing. "And it looks like you're in good hands. You'll need your friends to help you defeat the Fire Nation," he remarked with a shining voice. "And you'll need Momo, too," he added as Momo joined Aang's shoulder.
Aang nodded in agreement, a grateful smile spreading across his face. "Thank you for your wisdom, Bumi. But before we leave, I have a challenge for you."
Bumi's eyes lit up with intrigue. "Oh? What challenge might that be?"
Aang's grin mirrored Bumi's mischief. "Slide like in the good old days."
Bumi's laughter echoed through the palace as he eagerly accepted Aang's challenge. "Ah, I've been waiting for this!"
Katara and Sokka looked both dumbfounded as Aang and Bumi rushed towards the entrance of the palace to join the mail delivery system.
Elsa couldn't help but shook her head at the sight, thinking how ironic it was with the fact that was Aang's desire to slide the previous day that led them to meet the king, even if they provoked some trouble by accident. And at the same time, this sight reminded her of her games with Anna. She couldn't help but think her sister would find the old king funny. She felt a slight pang in her chest, but it went by quickly. She knew she would find Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and everyone else. No matter how long it would take her, she would be back at Arendelle.