XVII/ Storming prison
Following where Katara was led was simple albeit challenging due to the fact they needed to hide their identities. After having observed in the village Katara and other prisoners being embarked, Elsa, Aang and Sokka joined Appa to fly in the sky and find the ship she was on.
As they were flying among clouds to follow the barge, Elsa was pondering what they would find out. Just the fact that the Fire Nation was displacing earthbenders on the sea was already a red flag for her. She might be still new to how bending worked, but she couldn't help but think that having no direct contact with land would affect anyone with earthbending. It reminded her a bit too much of what her grandfather had done with the Northuldra through the dam. It was cruel and awful. As much as she didn't want to judge a whole community, the deeds she had witnessed of the Fire Nation in her first interactions with some of its people didn't give her good vibes. She hoped that Katara would be alright, even though how the Fire Nation men seemed to be oblivious of clear elements that would indicate she wasn't an earthbender assuaged a few of her concerns.
Elsa's attention was suddenly drawn by Momo's antics. While she was following them, the winged lemur didn't hesitate to make some acrobatics. The young queen found a moment of respite in observing Momo's carefree movements, a brief distraction from the weight of their mission and her worries.
Sokka's voice broke through her reverie, his words tinged with reassurance. "She'll be fine, Aang. Katara knows what she's doing," he said, casting a glance at the worried Avatar.
Elsa's gaze softened as she observed both boys, acknowledging Sokka's attempt and noticing how nervous Aang was as he was staring at the barge below them. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him as she shared the same worry herself.
"I hope you're right, Sokka," she chimed in, her voice gentle but tinged with concern.
As they continued to fly on Appa through the clouds, Elsa's gaze shifted ahead as she noticed something in the distance. Her eyes widened in alarm. Ahead, obscured by the haze, loomed an immense, smoking structure standing tall in the middle of the sea. Aang and Sokka followed her gaze, their expressions mirroring her concern.
"What is it, Elsa?" Aang asked, his voice tinged with apprehension.
Her lips pressed into a thin line as she focused on the sight ahead. Her heart sank at the sight, a knot of worry tightening in her chest. "I think... I think it's where the barge is going," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Aang and Sokka's attention snapped to the looming prison rig, their expressions mirroring her concern. Sokka's eyes widened at the sight, "That sounds like a prison rig."
Aang's brows furrowed in concern. "That's... That's terrible," he whispered.
Elsa's glance turned to him, worried and intrigued. "What do you mean?"
The young airbender looked at her, "I've heard Earthbenders can't bend metal."
Elsa's eyes widened in shock and horror, guessing what it entailed. "You mean…"
"That those ashmakers made Haru and any people here powerless," Sokka concluded her sentence, his eyes somber.
A heavy silence hung in the air as the reality of the situation sank in. Elsa felt a chill run down her spine at the realization. The thought of Haru and people like him being stripped of their power and imprisoned in such a desolate place stirred a mix of anger and sadness within her. She couldn't imagine the fear and hopelessness they must be feeling, trapped in a place where their abilities were rendered useless.
She might have not experienced something of the sort, but she knew what it felt like to be confined. It reminded her of her own struggles with control and the weight of her powers, but on a much larger and more malicious scale. She also thought of her grandfather's actions against the Northuldra people as she now knew the dam was built to cut their ties with the elements and nature.
Feeling a surge of determination, she squared her shoulders and met the two boys' gazes. "We can't just ignore this."
Aang looked at her, intrigued. "What do you mean?"
Elsa answered with a straight voice, "It's cruel to leave those people there."
Sokka hesitated, his brow furrowing in concern. "But Elsa, our plan—"
She interrupted him, her voice firm. "I know what the plan is, Sokka. But I can't in good conscience turn a blind eye to this kind of injustice." A part of her was also uneasy about the idea of just rescuing one person from a place where other of his people were likely imprisoned, even though she had understood the Water tribe boy's concern to avoid being noticed by the Fire Nation with Aang having to join the North Pole and her having to find a way back to her world.
Aang interjected, his voice soft but resolute. "She's right, Sokka. And as the Avatar, it's my duty to help those in need, no matter where they are."
The Water tribe boy sighed, reluctantly relenting. "Alright, alright. We'll help them," he said as he was looking at Elsa.
Her heart swelled with gratitude towards Aang and Sokka's willingness to do what was right. She knew they were risking their own safety to help others, and she couldn't have been prouder to stand by their side.
Turning to Aang, Elsa asked, "How long can Appa stay flying until we meet Katara?"
The young airbender considered for a moment before responding, "We should have enough time if we push him, but we'll need to find a way to hide from the Fire Nation once we're closer."
She nodded in agreement. "Alright. Do what you can to keep us hidden from their sight. We can't risk being spotted."
Aang nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. "I'll do my best, Elsa."
Sokka interjected, his voice tinged with concern. "But what happens if we're out of clouds to hide us?"
Elsa looked down at her hands, contemplating her options. She looked back at the Water tribe boy, looking with a determined glance, but with a glint of mischief. "My powers would help us in that case."
They stood up in the sky for hours, concealed by clouds and observing from a distance the threatening and looming presence of the giant structure. Elsa would have been impressed by how metal had been used to create such a building if it wasn't for the intended use. She couldn't shake the sense of urgency gnawing at her, knowing that time was running out for the imprisoned earthbenders. But she was determined to do whatever it took to set them free.
Night began to fall, casting a shadow over the ocean and cloaking their presence and movement. As darkness enveloped them, Elsa turned to Aang. "We should move now."
Aang nodded, his expression serious. "Right. Appa, yip yip!" he exclaimed as he took the reins to urge his sky bison downward.
Appa responded with a low rumble and adjusted his course, flying steadily towards the rig. As they approached, Elsa observed the structure intently, noting its size, ambiance, and appearance. The sight of it filled her with a mix of determination and dread.
As they closed in on the rig, Sokka leaned in, his voice low. "Aang, let's approach one of the catwalks. It'll allow us to land discreetly."
Aang nodded in agreement, his brow furrowing in concentration. "Got it," he said while steering Appa towards the edge of the rig.
Within the group, Momo flitted about, his curiosity piqued by their covert mission. The lemur darted between them, occasionally perching on Elsa's shoulder to observe their surroundings with wide, inquisitive eyes.
As they approached an empty catwalk, Sokka's practicality broke the tense silence. "Who's going to find Katara once we're inside?"
Before Elsa could voice her concerns, Aang spoke up, his determination evident. "I'll go. I can move swiftly and discreetly, and Elsa's too noticeable."
Sokka nodded in agreement, albeit reluctantly. "Yeah, he's got a point. Even with your colored dress, you're like a beacon in the night," he said while sending a glance at the young queen.
Elsa sighed, understanding their logic but still hesitant to put Aang in harm's way. "Just be careful," she cautioned him softly as Appa slowed to a stop beside the catwalk.
The young airbender offered her a reassuring smile before leaping gracefully from Appa's back, disappearing into the shadows of the rig with practiced ease. Elsa watched him go, a knot of worry tightening in her chest as she prepared herself for the mission ahead.
They stood in silence on Appa near the catwalk, the night casting its dark cloak around them. Momo flitted nearby, his curious eyes darting between Elsa and the vast expanse below. Elsa reached out a hand, offering him a gentle pat on the head as she murmured softly, "Stay close, Momo."
Sokka's gaze flicked between Elsa and the looming structure ahead, his brow furrowed with concern. "How exactly do you plan to free the earthbenders?" he asked, his voice low.
She turned her gaze towards him, a thoughtful expression crossing her features as she pondered his question. "I don't know, but whatever Katara will tell us will help us," she replied, her eyes scanning the rig ahead.
Sokka nodded slowly, his concern evident in his eyes, while Aang looked hopeful. As they settled into a tense silence, the soft sound of movement reached their ears. Elsa's grip on her powers tightened as she braced herself for whatever lay ahead, her heart pounding with anticipation. Moments later, they caught sight of Aang returning, accompanied by Katara.
Elsa's eyes lit up with relief as she saw them approaching. She slid from Appa, followed by Sokka. She couldn't help but notice the absence of Haru. Her brow furrowed with concern, but she pushed aside her worry for the moment, wanting to learn from Katara what was happening.
Sokka wasted no time in addressing his sister. "Your twelve hours are up; where's Haru?" he asked, his tone urgent.
Katara's expression darkened as she shook her head. "He's with his father," she replied somberly, her voice barely above a whisper. "And what I've seen... I can't abandon these people."
Aang's eyes widened in surprise and reverence at Katara's resolve, while Sokka glanced at his sister with a mixture of reluctance and resignation, especially as Elsa sent him a knowing look. Aang then declared, "We'll help you."
Katara looked taken aback but grateful for the immediate support. She glanced at Elsa and her brother. Elsa smiled at her with comfort and reassurance, while Sokka sighed but nodded.
"Let's find somewhere discrete to talk," Elsa suggested, glancing around for a suitable hiding spot.
Sokka nodded in agreement. "Come on, we better hide," he said, gesturing for Katara to follow him.
As Sokka and Katara fled on the catwalk, Elsa waited for Aang as the young airbender whispered to Appa. As the sky bison flew into the dark sky, the young boy and she silently moved quickly along the catwalk, joining their friends who were hiding behind numerous boxes. Momo, always curious, peeped over a wooden crate nearby, his eyes darting between the group as if trying to understand the situation.
Elsa couldn't help but smile at the lemur's antics, finding comfort in his presence amidst the tension. She turned her glance back on her companions, Sokka being concerned while Aang looked at her for some guidance. Katara was observing her friend and brother with intrigue before looking at Elsa, her stance determined.
"Alright," Elsa began in a hushed tone, her voice carrying an air of authority despite the circumstances. "Katara, what did you see? What's happening on this rig?"
Katara took a deep breath, her expression turning solemn. "I saw the prisoners, Elsa. They're being treated horribly," she began, her voice wavering slightly with emotion. "The warden is cruel, punishing them for the smallest infractions. And the earthbenders..." she trailed off, her eyes clouded with sadness.
Aang's eyes widened in concern as he listened intently. "What's happening to the earthbenders?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"They're being forced to work in impossible conditions," Katara continued, her voice trembling with anger. "But worst of all, they've lost hope. They believe they're powerless to fight back."
Elsa's heart sank at Katara's words, a mixture of sorrow and determination flooding her thoughts. She remembered Haru's mother's fear for her son and the earthbenders' reluctance to defy the Fire Nation. "Why won't they fight?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Katara sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping with the weight of their predicament. "Tyro, Haru's father, explained it to me," she replied sadly. "They're afraid of the warden's reprisals. They've lost faith in their ability to resist."
Elsa's heart sank at the thought of the earthbenders' plight, her mind flashing to the image of Haru's mother and her fear for her son's safety. She clenched her fists, her resolve strengthening. "We have to find a way to inspire them, to show them that they're not alone," she said firmly, meeting Katara's gaze with determination.
Sokka interjected with a hint of urgency in his voice. "But how are we gonna do that?" he asked, his eyes flicking between Elsa and Katara.
Aang chimed in with a suggestion. "I wish I knew how to make a hurricane!" he exclaimed, a hopeful glint in his eyes.
Both Sokka and Katara exchanged assuredly unentertained facial expressions, prompting a small uncertain smile from Elsa despite the seriousness of their situation.
"The warden would run away and we'd steal his keys!" Aang continued enthusiastically, his imagination running wild.
"Wouldn't he just take his keys with him?" Sokka pointed out, his tone laced with skepticism.
Aang shrugged, his expression sheepish. "I'm just tossing ideas around," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"It's good to have ideas, Aang," Elsa remarked, offering him a reassuring smile. "But we need to come up with something that's a bit more... practical."
Aang nodded with a small smile at her while Sokka turned his attention to the young queen. "Maybe you can free the earthbenders with your powers," he suggested, his eyes narrowing with determination.
Elsa considered his idea, nodding slowly as she weighed the possibilities. A thought was forming in her mind, but she was also aware that Sokka's suggestion had its own limits. She knew she could do it, but would it be enough to convince the earthbenders?
"I could try," she replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But it has to come from the earthbenders themselves. They need to believe they can fight back. Otherwise, whatever I do to defeat the Fire Nation men might be for naught."
Katara chimed in. "You're right," she said, her expression determined yet tinged with frustration. "Earthbenders are known for being stubborn. You can't force them to follow you if they don't find a reason. If only there was a way to help them help themselves," she sighed, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of hope.
Sokka's mind raced with ideas, his brow furrowing in concentration. "For that, they'd need some kind of earth or some rock. Something they can bend," he mused aloud.
Katara laid her palm on the surface, her brow furrowed in thought. "But this entire place is made of metal!" she exclaimed in frustration.
Aang's eyes lit up with realization. "No, it's not," he interjected, pointing to the smokestacks. "Look at the smoke! I bet they're burning coal. In other words, earth."
Elsa followed his gaze, understanding dawning on her. "You're right," she said, a spark of hope igniting within her. "We just need to find where the coal is stored."
Sokka grinned, his mind racing with possibilities. "We can reproduce our trick to fool the Fire Nation soldiers," he exclaimed, excitement creeping into his voice. "We find the air and where the coal is stored, and Aang can use his airbending to displace the coal where the earthbenders are."
Katara's eyes widened with understanding. "That's a good plan," she said, her voice filled with determination.
Elsa nodded, her mind already racing with possibilities. "Exactly."
Aang turned to her, his determination shining through. "When should we do it?"
Katara, ever practical, answered, "We need to act quickly to bring the coal outside. The longer we wait, the more dangerous it becomes."
Elsa's agreement was immediate. "Katara's right. Time is of the essence."
Sokka, ever the strategist, jumped in. "Aang, can you find where you would airbend to move the coal?"
Aang's confidence was unwavering. "Absolutely."
Elsa hesitated for a moment, her concern evident. "Do you need my presence there?"
Aang met her gaze with assurance. "Don't worry, Elsa. I'll be good on my own."
Reluctantly, Elsa relented. She looked at Katara and Sokka, asking them, "Where should we wait?"
Sokka wasted no time in responding. "We need to find an air vent on the rig close to where the earthbenders work."
Katara nodded in agreement. "I know just the spot. Follow me."
The four of them rose to their feet, anticipation buzzing in the air. Katara turned to Aang, wishing him luck.
"Good luck, Aang," she said, her voice filled with both encouragement and concern.
Aang flashed her a confident smile, but his eyes held a hint of gratitude. "Thanks, Katara. I'll make it quick."
Elsa stepped forward, her hand resting gently on Aang's shoulder. "Be careful. We'll be waiting for you."
Aang's smile widened at her words. "I will. And you all stay safe too."
With a nod, he swiftly made his way inside the prison rig, disappearing into the shadows. Left alone, Elsa, Sokka, and Katara exchanged looks, each filled with a mixture of anticipation and concern.
Elsa took a deep breath, her sense of responsibility weighing heavily on her shoulders. "Alright, let's move. Katara, lead the way."
The waterbender nodded in agreement, her gaze focused and determined. Rising to their feet, the trio moved with practiced stealth through the prison rig, sticking to the shadows and avoiding any patrols. The darkness of the night was cloaking their movements in darkness as they navigated the maze-like corridors.
Finally, they reached the prison courtyard, where Katara pointed out a nearby air vent. "There," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the rig.
Elsa nodded, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. "Good. Now we wait. I'll keep watch on our vicinity. Let's stay alert."
The two siblings nodded in approval as they settled near the air vent, Sokka peering down it while Katara stood nearby. Elsa was keeping a vigilant eye on her surroundings, especially the top of the walls as she suspected sentinels would be present.
Time passed as they waited for the coal's arrival, tension mounting with each passing moment. Elsa suddenly noticed that dawn began to grow close, her sense of urgency heightening as the possibility of being found by the Fire Nation grew stronger.
"It's almost dawn. We're running out of time!" Katara whispered anxiously, her eyes flickering between the sky and the air vent.
Sokka reassured her, his voice steady despite the growing tension. "Don't worry, Katara. Aang's got this. He'll come through."
Elsa's stance was vigilant and cautious as she scanned the area once more. Then, she noticed movement atop the walls. "Soldiers on the wall," she warned quietly, her eyes never leaving the figure's silhouette against the darkening sky.
Katara and Sokka tensed, exchanging a worried glance. Before they could react, the sentinel's voice echoed through the courtyard. "Here are the intruders!"
Elsa wasted no time. "Be ready," she urged the two siblings, her voice firm as she prepared for the worst.
Soon after, a group of spear-wielding Fire Nation guards appeared, surrounding them with menacing intent. The prisoners, observing from a safe distance, watched the unfolding spectacle with bated breath.
"Stay back! I'm warning you!" Sokka declared, his boomerang at the ready as he turned back-to-back with his sister.
Elsa took a defensive stance, positioning herself to cover both siblings as she faced an old Fire Nation man with a uniform that indicated he was a senior office and perhaps the warden of this prison, surrounded by firebender guards. She could feel the guards' eyes on her, likely drawn to her unique appearance with her light skin and platinum-blonde hair.
The warden's gaze flickered over Elsa, his expression a mix of surprise and disdain. Without a word, his lips curled into a sneer, his disdain evident in the way he regarded her. It was a look Elsa had seen before, the kind that spoke volumes about the Fire Nation's arrogance and prejudice.
As the tension reached its peak, Elsa heard a voice from among the prisoners. "Katara, stop! You can't win this fight!" The words resonated with Elsa as they disclosed to her what Katara meant about the prisoners' plight.
Quickly glancing, Elsa spotted an old man and Haru nearby, their expressions filled with worry for Katara, Sokka, and herself.
The warden's harsh voice cut through the tension. "Listen to him well, child. You're one mistake away from dying where you stand."
Elsa's defensive stance tightened, her jaw set in determination. She felt a surge of anger at the warden's words but maintained her regal composure, refusing to show any weakness.
"And what do we have here," the warden drawled, his voice dripping with contempt as he looked at Elsa. "Another foolish soul seeking to free some prisoners, perhaps? A noble cause, I'm sure, but one that is doomed to fail."
Elsa's expression turned into a determined glare, her posture turning more rigid and cold. As the spear-wielding Fire Nation guards closed in, she stood ready to strike, but her hopes rested on Aang's timely intervention. Suddenly, a rush of air filled their ears, and the facility shook. The ventilation shaft burst off its hinges as an immense blast of coal soared into the air, crashing down into a gathered pile.
Instinctively, Elsa moved away to avoid being crushed by the coal, her heart pounding in her chest. As she looked around, she saw everyone present silent, staring in stark surprise at this unexpected turn of events.
Then, Aang leaped out from the barren ventilation shaft, landing atop the coal pile and coughing, covered in soot and dirt. Momo followed closely behind, adding to the chaos of the moment.
Katara, seizing the opportunity, ran up to the coal, turning to face the prisoners. "Here's your chance, earthbenders! Take it! Your fate is in your own hands!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with determination while lifting a piece of coal.
Elsa's attention flickered between the prisoners and the guards, her mind racing with the possibilities of what could happen next. She spotted Haru bolting ahead without hesitation, prepared to bend the waiting coal as a weapon. But then the old man threw his hand up, bracing the young boy's chest to halt his advance. Elsa guessed it was his father.
Her heart sank at the sight, a mixture of frustration and concern washing over her. Hearing from Katara that the prisoners' fear ran deep, ingrained by years of oppression, but seeing it was heart-wrenching and awful.
The warden's harsh laughter cut through the tension, drawing Elsa's gaze. "Foolish girl. You thought a few inspirational words and some coal would change these people? Look at these blank, hopeless faces. Their spirits were broken a long time ago."
Katara's expression dimmed as she followed the warden's instructions, her shoulders slumping with defeat as she saw how forlorn the prisoners were. Elsa felt a surge of anger at the words, her fists clenching at her sides. She despised the way the man was belittling Katara and dismissing the prisoners, reminding her all too vividly of her grandfather's actions against the Northuldra.
"Oh, but you still believe in them. How sweet. They're a waste of your energy, little girl. You failed," the warden sneered in a mocking tone, his words twisting the knife deeper.
Elsa's jaw tensed, her powers reacting to her growing anger and concern as the desire to free those people battled the protective need to make her companions and her escape. It was enhanced by the warden turning to take leave as he ended his speech, moving past his guards. And contrary to the shop, she wasn't restrained by the fear of being noticed and she was determined to tear the shroud of terror the warden and his men imposed in this place.
Flurries rose around her, frost beginning to spread beneath her feet on the prison rig. Everyone noticed something strange was happening as the air was turning colder. Aang, Katara, and Sokka stared at Elsa in wide-eyed disbelief, witnessing her anger for the first time and the impact it had on her powers.
As the Fire Nation guards felt the freezing cold air and frost rising around them, they stumbled back, shivering and trying to shield themselves from the sudden chill. Their confident stance faltered as they exchanged uncertain glances, unnerved by the unexpected turn of events.
Elsa's icy powers surged around her as she stepped forward, her eyes locked onto the warden. The air crackled with energy, and the temperature dropped even further, causing the guards to shiver uncontrollably. The flurries around her intensified, forming a frosty aura that made her appear even more formidable.
"Sir, we have a waterbender!" exclaimed stunned one of the guards.
At those words, the warden stopped on his tracks and sharply turned around. "What?" he said in a disbelieved and sneering voice.
A single piece of coal suddenly sailed through the air and pelted his forehead. With a yelp of pain, he stumbled backward, clutching his head where the coal had struck him. His guards hurried to his side, stunned, confused and slightly concerned.
Elsa turned to see Haru standing defiantly, levitating three pieces of coal above his hand. Her heart swelled with admiration for his courage as he stood his ground against the warden's tyranny.
The warden's face contorted with rage as he recovered from the blow, his eyes locking onto the young boy. "You insolent fool!" he spat, his voice laced with fury and pain. Without hesitation, he sent a blast of fire at Haru, his rage fueling the flames.
Instinctively, Elsa raised her hands, summoning a blast of icy energy toward the warden and his firebender cohort. The blast struck the ground, transforming into an icy pike that emerged toward the Fire Nation guards, catching them off guard and sending them scrambling to dodge the rising spike. Whispers of waterbender rose from everywhere while the warden looked at her in shock before his glance turned sour and furious.
At the same time, Tyro sprang into action, rallying the other earthbenders to his side. With a resounding slam, they sent a wall of coal hurtling toward the fire blast, intercepting it just in time to shield Haru from harm.
"Show no mercy!" the warden bellowed, rallying his guards for battle as chaos erupted around them.
Elsa moved with swift precision, deflecting the oncoming flames with controlled bursts of ice. She saw other prisoners rallying Haru and his father and working together to haul a big chunk of coal to protect them from fire
"For the Earth Kingdom, attack!" Haru's father shouted as they slammed the coal to the ground, chunks of rock assaulting the guards, creating chaos among their ranks. The fight quickly turned chaotic with individual duels between the earthbenders and the guards, the first shielding themselves from the flames of the latter before striking back with fists of coal.
Katara and Aang sprang into action, their movements fluid and precise as they fought alongside Elsa and the earthbenders. Sokka, ever the strategist, darted between opponents, his boomerang whirling through the air as he directed Momo to collect broken spears from the shaft he broke in the fight.
Focused on protecting herself, her friends and the people they were freeing, Elsa stomped on the ground, frost spreading out as she sent powerful icy blasts towards the Fire Nation men, who either attacked her or fought against the prisoners. The landscape of the prison rig evolved with each icy blast, freezing pathways and creating obstacles for their adversaries. The Fire Nation guards were either blasted away or dodged the sudden rising spiky ice only to be knocked out by one of the earthbenders.
As chaos reigned, Elsa quickly spotted Haru and his father working in unison to compress gathered coal into one lump, slinging it through the doors to make way for their escape. Two guards were falling on the ground, provoking a wince in Elsa. As much as those people were harmful and wrong, seeing them hurt wasn't something she liked. She was however impressed by how earhtbenders were using their element, even with the effort it could entail.
"Get to the ships! We'll hold them off!" Tyro shouted to his countrymen, rallying them as they began their escape through the breach.
The earthbenders prisoners ran for their lives, determined to reach safety.
Elsa heard the warden bellowing "Do not let them escape!" and saw the remaining firebenders keeping up their assault on the fleeing prisoners.
Seeing that made her further angry and protective as she sent powerful blasts to protect the fleeing escapees, her eyes focused on the warden, determined to deal with him. She suddenly heard Aang shouting "Guys! Throw me some coal!" he shouted, generating an air funnel between his hands.
Katara and Sokka immediately sprang into action, dropping heaps of coal into Aang's funnel as he fired the material rapidly at the warden and the last guards, knocking them to the ground. Elsa was impressed by the improvisation and the adaptability of her friends with dealing with danger and issues. Following this, Tyro and two other earthbenders worked together to lift coal beneath their adversaries, moving them away from the rig and over the ocean.
Trapped on the coal as it was held over the sea, the warden pleaded for mercy, "No, please! I can't swim!"
"Don't worry. I hear cowards float," Tyro retorted before dropping their enemies into the ocean.
Elsa winced a bit at the sight, but was also relieved and glad that the fight was over and that her friends and she managed to free Haru and his people. Looking around, she saw that the courtyard was almost empty and darkened by smoke and covered by frost and ice pikes everywhere. But she knew she had something to do both to prevent the Fire Nation from using it anymore and to send a strong message. A part of her was hesitant, but what she saw revulsed her and something needed to be done.
Taking a deep breath, Elsa steeled herself for what needed to be done. She suddenly heard Sokka calling her out, "Elsa! We need to leave. Our mission's done."
Turning around, she saw Aang, Katara, and Sokka approaching her, their expressions a mix of relief and exhaustion. She noticed that the last earthbenders were leaving the place. Looking at her companions, she gravely nodded, thinking of the fact they needed to leave the place, especially with what she had in mind. She moved on, followed by the three children and Momo, moving through the corridors towards the dock.
Arriving on the dock line, Elsa saw that the earthbenders were embarking on the ships that were present. Seeing they were likely all there and remembering that the firebenders were dumped into the ocean, she stopped on her tracks and turned around to face the imposing structure of the prison.
Aang, Katara and Sokka stopped and looked at her, confused and intrigued.
"Elsa, what are you doing?" Katara asked, inquisitiveness etched in her features.
Elsa met her friends' gazes with determination. "Something that needs to be done," she replied simply, before turning her attention back to the prison rig.
With a focused expression, she stomped her feet on the ground, channelling her power. At the contact of her foot, frost spread like wildfire on the metal rig, even though the young queen focused to present the ice to spread towards the ships. At the same time, she unleashed from her raised hands icy blasts erupted from her hands towards the central tower of the prison. Frost spread rapidly, covering every inch of metal and concrete in a glistening sheen of ice, coating the whole surface with a layer of shimmering ice. The landscape transformed before their eyes, every part of the prison rig turning frozen and encased in a glistening sheath of frost that was spreading at a frenzied speed.
Aang, Katara, and Sokka watched in awe as Elsa's powers worked their magic, rendering the prison rig unrecognizable. The steel and iron groaned and creaked under the sudden cold, protesting against the invasion of ice. The very air seemed to freeze around them as if nature itself had answered Elsa's call. They weren't the only to be stunned by the display as the earthbenders on the ships were looking overwhelmed and a bit wary at their former prison turning ice.
But amidst the awe-inspiring display, a growing sound echoed through the air, the steel and iron of the prison rig reacting to the sudden cold invading them in audible creaking and groaning sounds as the metallic structures were shrinking and turning brittle.
Sensing she had done enough and not wanting to put her companions and herself in danger, Elsa's movements slowed, the strain of exerting her powers evident on her face as she staggered slightly.
Aang's concern was palpable as he stepped forward, reaching out a hand to steady Elsa. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.
Elsa nodded, albeit with a weary smile. "I'm fine," she reassured him, grateful for his concern. "Just tired."
Katara and Sokka exchanged a glance, their expressions mirroring Aang's concern. Sokka commented, "Wow, that's impressive, but I think we should really leave the place now."
Elsa nodded to him. At the same time, they heard a familiar growl and saw Appa arriving nearby the dock line.
"Let's move!" Aang said as he moved towards his sky bison.
Sokka followed him while Katara was going to Haru who was observing the scene on the closer ship. Elsa followed Aang and Sokka, breathing tiredly. The fight and what she had just done had been exhausting. Hopefully, she would have time to recover as she sensed she would need all her strength and powers for the incoming times.
Joining Appa, she settled nearby Sokka as Aang was guiding the sky bison to swim alongside the ships. Looking at the freed earthbenders, she noticed their demeanour had changed. The forlorn expressions were now determined and hopeful ones, which brought her a smile. No matter how brutal the fight had been, it had been worth the freedom of those people. Many also looked at her with impressed, grateful and respectful glances.
"Elsa, that was incredible! I've never seen anything like it," Aang told her as he turned his gaze on her, his eyes wide with amazement and admiration.
Sokka chimed in, nodding vigorously. "Yeah, that was freaking awesome! You really showed those Fire Nation goons what's what."
Elsa offered a faint smile at their praise but quickly grew somber as she explained her actions. "Thank you, but it wasn't just about showing the Fire Nation. I did it to make sure they can't use that prison rig against anyone ever again. No one else should suffer such oppression."
Sokka's eyes widened with understanding, and he nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, I see. That's some serious long-term thinking, Elsa. I'm fully on it."
Aang nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "Yes. What was done here was cruel. No one should suffer being deprived of his bending."
Elsa felt a swell of gratitude at their understanding but couldn't shake a sense of unease. "I just hope this doesn't make things more dangerous for us. The Fire Nation won't take this lightly."
Sokka placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, we're in this together. Whatever comes our way, we'll face it as a team. With you at our side, the Fire Nation has to beware."
Aang nodded, his determination matching hers. "That's right. We stick together, no matter what."
Elsa managed a small smile, touched by their support. But inwardly, she couldn't shake the weight of her actions. While she knew she had done the right thing, she couldn't help but wonder what consequences lay ahead for her and her friends. But one thing was certain: they would face whatever came their way together, as a team. Returning home was still her purpose, but seeing the pain and cruelty this world suffered had fortified her determination to help her new friends to bring back peace to their homeworld. The echo of an ethereal voice rose in her mind, like a ghost memory.