XXVI/ In Roku's temple
As Appa was flying over the ocean, Elsa was resting after having dealt with the numerous fireballs of the Fire Nation navy. It had been a huge challenge and while she knew she was powerful, she was dealing with a very advanced nation whose fighting methods and tactics were still new to her. The existence of bending was already a challenge to consider, especially after her fights on Kyoshi Island and the prison rig. She needed to train to be able to hold her ground without exhausting herself needlessly.
Looking at her companions, she noticed Aang was sprawling alongside Momo over Appa's head. Katara and Sokka were lying down in the saddle, relieved, worried and exhausted. She couldn't blame them, considering the near-death experience they had faced. She looked at Sokka, still feeling the dread and the relief as she thought how close they had been to losing him.
A part of her was wary of what would come as they were now in dangerous territories. While she didn't like thinking that way, she knew the Fire Nation was a threat to Aang and his friends. Considering the importance the Avatar seemed to have for everyone for different reasons, their journey meant that the Fire Nation could easily reach what they were looking for if her friends and she made any misstep.
Her thoughts quickly dwelled on Zuko. The fact he pursued them and managed to find them both impressed and worried her. It reminded her a bit of Anna when her sister went to find her during the Great Thaw. Such determination was revealing of the young Fire Nation man's character and considering his purposes, that could make him further dangerous. The young queen was also confused and intrigued by the fact the Fire Nation would fire at them when risking to harm their own people, especially their prince. Either they didn't care for the well-being of their men or there was something more that was going on. The young queen chased away the thought, focussing on the horizon, preparing herself for their incoming stop at the island Aang was leading them to.
Momo's ears perked up as he bounced about in eager surprise, sensing something ahead. The lemur's reaction caught Elsa's attention, prompting her to look up. She wasn't alone as Aang did the same and exclaimed, "There it is! The island where Roku's dragon took me."
As Katara and Sokka popped up on the saddle to see what Aang saw, Elsa followed the airbender's gaze, her eyes widening as she saw the volcanic crescent island coming into view. Despite the danger that was lurking around, there was a sense of awe in seeing such a majestic sight. She couldn't help but feel a tinge of apprehension mixed with anticipation as they approached their destination.
As Appa descended towards the island, Elsa's gaze swept over the landscape, taking in the elegant, multi-story Fire Temple perched atop the craggy hill. It was a stark contrast to the harshness of the volcanic environment, but also the serene beauty of the surrounding ocean, a reminder of the power and influence of the Fire Nation. Its architecture was a stark contrast to the ice palace she knew so well.
She also felt it was where Aang would find out how to contact Roku. She was relieved as she saw the sun was slowly descending toward the horizon. It was still afternoon, but time was flowing quickly before the Winter solstice came to an end. A part of her was cautious due to where they were, but they were in time.
Finally, Appa landed at the base of a stone bridge leading up to the island's mountain peak. Aang hopped down with surprising agility, followed by a look of concern as he took in the sight of his friends.
"You guys alright?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
"I'm fine, Aang," Elsa answered with a reassuring smile.
"We're good," Katara replied in a relieved tone. Sokka, however, scoffed.
"Just peachy," he muttered, rubbing his sore cheek.
Like for their previous stops, Elsa conjured a shimmering staircase of ice, its steps sturdy and clear, to allow Katara, Sokka and she to descend from Appa with ease.
As he went down, Sokka stretched further away, his gaze flitting nervously across the volcanic landscape. "Great," he muttered, "just what I always wanted, a vacation on a fiery rock."
Elsa couldn't help but stifle a smile at his dramatics. Despite his bravado, she knew he was just as tense as she was about venturing into Fire Nation territory. Even if she didn't have his reservation and distrust, the few she saw of their deeds was enough to made her wary.
Aang moved to stand by Appa's side, gently stroking the sky bison's massive head. "You did it, buddy. Nice flying."
The sky bison rumbled in contentment, rolling onto his side to wave his three legs lazily in the air. His long tongue lolled out, panting happily.
Elsa, despite the pressing situation, couldn't help but be momentarily captivated by the sight. It brought warmth to her heart and assuaged the tension she had been feeling.
Katara, sensing the queen's amusement, chuckled and approached Appa, scratching his belly with a gentle touch. "Aww, you must be tired."
Sokka, ever the contrarian, stood with his arms crossed and scoffed. "No! I'm good. Refreshed and ready to fight some firebenders!" He flexed his arms in a show of mock strength, a bead of sweat already trickling down his forehead in the oppressive heat.
Elsa couldn't help but chuckle at the misunderstanding, her eyes flickering between Katara's frowning brows and Sokka's obliviousness.
Katara, propping her hand on her hip, responded dryly, "I was talking to Appa."
Sokka's exercise came to an abrupt halt as he realized his mistake. "Well ... I was talking to Momo," he quickly retorted, pointing to the lemur clinging to a dead tree's branch.
The winged lemur let out a playful chirp as if mocking Sokka's bravado. Elsa stifled a chuckle, the tension momentarily broken. Her gaze, however, soon returned to the imposing Fire Temple perched atop the mountain, its silhouette stark against the fiery orange hues of the setting sun. She glanced back at Aang, a silent question in her eyes.
"We should get moving if you want to make contact with Roku," she said gently, her voice laced with concern for the young Avatar.
Aang nodded, his expression resolute. "You're right, Elsa. Appa, you did great, buddy. Time for a rest."
The sky bison trumpeted in response, a low rumble that vibrated through the ground. He lumbered a few paces away, settling down with a sigh, his tongue lolling out in contentment.
With Momo scampering alongside them, Aang moved first, followed by Elsa, Katara, and Sokka. The stone bridge felt cool beneath their feet, a stark contrast to the heat radiating from the volcanic terrain. Elsa couldn't help but pull her Earth kingdom cloak tighter around her, the coarse fabric a far cry from the cool silk gowns she was used to in Arendelle.
As they walked, Elsa studied the Fire Temple's intricate architecture. The multi-storied pagoda style was unlike anything she had ever seen before. Each tier seemed to climb higher toward the heavens, a testament to the Fire Nation's power and ambition. A pang of unease settled in her stomach. This was enemy territory, yet it housed knowledge they desperately needed.
"We should take cover behind that wall," she suggested, her voice low but firm, as she gestured towards a rocky wall that was close to the entrance. Aang nodded in agreement, leading the group to take refuge behind the wall.
Sokka, always observant, scanned the area and the entrance of the temple. "I don't see any guards," he remarked, furrowing his brow in confusion.
Katara, her expression serious, offered an explanation. "The Fire Nation must have abandoned the temple when Avatar Roku died."
Elsa's brow furrowed. The place seemed far too well-maintained for them to have simply abandoned it. Her expression tightened with concern at the realization. The absence of guards could mean anything from a deserted temple to a trap waiting to spring. She glanced back at Aang, noting the determination set in his expression.
The young airbender's urgency cut through the tension. "It's almost sundown. We better hurry!"
Elsa nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of unease settling over her. The group leaped over the wall and charged for the front door, their footsteps echoing against the stone floor of the temple's entrance hall. The air inside was heavy with a sense of foreboding, the silence broken only by their cautious movements.
Sokka's sharp ears picked up a faint sound. "Wait. I think I heard something," he whispered, his hand instinctively reaching for his boomerang.
Turning around, they were met with the sight of five men dressed in red with tall hats standing in the hallway, their stance poised and ready for action.
Elsa's eyes narrowed as she observed the men, noting the confident yet aggressive posture. These were no ordinary guards but they weren't there for good reasons.
The eldest man, who was wearing two long mustaches, stepped forward, his gaze steely as he addressed the group. "We are the Fire Sages. Guardians of the temple of the Avatar."
Aang chimed in with enthusiasm and hope. "Great! I am the Avatar!"
Elsa's heart raced as she watched the exchange unfold. While in other circumstances, she would be relieved of encountering the people that were ensuring their duty in such place, something about the Fire Sages' stance made her wary and vigilant.
The lead Fire Sage narrowed his eyes. "We know," he stated curtly. Then, in a swift, unexpected movement, he inhaled deeply and exhaled a ferocious blast of fire that rocketed toward Aang. He was followed by three of his men.
Reacting with lightning speed, Elsa whipped her arm out, a shimmering wall of ice erupting from the ground, intercepting the fiery projectile just before it reached its target. The clash sent a shower of sparks and ice shards flying. Her strike elicited stunned reactions from the Fire Sages.
Meanwhile, Aang deflected the remaining balls of fire with precise airbending moves. "I'll hold them off. Run!" he shouted over his shoulder, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Elsa hesitated for a short instant, torn between following his command and standing her ground to assist him. But her protective instincts kicked in, and she knew she couldn't leave him to face the Fire Sages alone.
Aang leaped forward, spinning his leg across the ground to send a low air blade sweeping the Fire Sages' legs out from beneath them. Elsa seized the opportunity, sending an icy blast along the ground to freeze it and delay them to stand back on their feet.
As the Fire Sages stumbled and fell, Aang nodded to Elsa before fleeing after Katara and Sokka.
Joining quickly Katara and Sokka, Aang skidded before them and kept on running. "Follow me!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Sokka scrambled after him. "Do you know where you're going?" he retorted, his voice laced with panic. Elsa, Katara and Momo were close behind, their expressions mirroring Sokka's concern.
"Nope!" Aang answered as he ran.
Elsa called after him, "Aang, wait!"
But the young airbender had already rounded a corner and disappeared from sight. Elsa felt a knot of worry tightening in her stomach. Aang's recklessness was both endearing and infuriating and it wasn't the moment for him to be separated from them. But as they were following where he had gone, Elsa, Katara, and Sokka stopped when Aang skidded into view again.
"Wrong way!" he yelled, sprinting past them once more.
A figure emerged from the corridor behind him, causing Sokka and Katara to gasp. It was a Fire Sage, his crimson robes billowing dramatically as he chased after Aang.
"Come back!" the man called out behind the young airbender.
At the sight of the Fire Sage, Katara and Sokka, their hearts pounding in their chests, instinctively turned to follow Aang. But Elsa stood her ground, her gaze fixed on the Fire Sage. She took a defensive stance, ready to delay him if necessary. She was the only one powerful enough to deal with the firebender, even in this dry and warm place that was slowly affecting her.
At the sight of her preparedness, the man stopped and raised a hand in peace. "I don't want to fight you! I am a friend," he assured her.
Elsa maintained her stance, steady and vigilant, but she noticed the sincerity in the man's demeanour.
"How can I be sure?" she asked with cautiousness.
"I understand your mistrust," the man replied, his voice filled with empathy. "But I know why the Avatar is here, and I can help him."
Surprise flickered across Elsa's face. This turn of events was unexpected. She wasn't sure whether to believe him, but the desperation in Aang's eyes as he fled played on her worries.
Her expression then softened slightly, surprised by his words. "You do?" she asked, her tone cautious, uncertain whether she could believe him, but aware they didn't have much time before the end of solstice.
He nodded. "Yes, I can take him to the place he needs to be."
Elsa hesitated for a moment, weighing her options. She glanced down the hallway where Aang, Katara, and Sokka had disappeared. Trusting her instincts and aware of the urgency of the moment, she decided to take a chance on him.
"I trust you," she said firmly, though her gaze remained steady. "But if you try anything…"
The man bowed his head slightly. "You have my word," he replied solemnly.
Elsa nodded curtly. "Alright," she conceded. "Let's join my friends."
Together, they moved down the hallway, following the direction Aang and his friends went. Finally, they spotted them just as they were about to backtrack from a dead end. The three children stood frozen, their expressions a mix of confusion and worry, even more as they saw Elsa walking alongside the Fire Sage.
"Elsa!" Katara exclaimed, her voice laced with disbelief. "What are you doing?"
"Firebenders aren't our friends!" Sokka sputtered, his youthful face contorted in anger. "Did you forget that?"
While wary, Aang, remained silent, his gaze flickering between Elsa and the Fire Sage. He couldn't imagine her being coerced or fooled by the man and moved ahead of his friends in a neutral stance, uncertain of how to deal with the unexpected development.
Elsa understood why her friends were wary. But before she could elaborate, the Fire Sage stepped forward, his movements measured and respectful. He knelt before Aang, pressing his palms flat against the dusty floor in a gesture of submission.
This startled Aang, Katara, and Sokka, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity. Elsa was impressed as she knew it was a gesture of submission but also wondered if it had another meaning in this world. But she knew the man was willing to help them and his gesture was his way to prove his intentions.
"I know why you're here, Avatar," he said, his voice filled with reverence.
Aang's eyes widened in surprise. "You do?" he stammered, glancing nervously at Elsa. She nodded, a silent affirmation of her trust in the man.
"Yes," the Fire Sage replied, rising back to his feet. "You wish to speak to Avatar Roku. I can take you to him."
"How?" Aang asked, his voice bearing a mix of hope and scepticism.
As an answer, the Fire Sage slid his hand across a seemingly ordinary lamplight on the wall, revealing a hidden compartment. With a focused burst of firebending, he ignited a section of the wall, revealing a secret passage bathed in an eerie orange glow.
"This way," he said, urging them to follow.
The distant, booming voice of the Great Fire Sage suddenly echoed down the hallway. "Find him! And beware the waterbender!"
The Fire Sage's eyes darted nervously towards the source of the sound. "Time is running out!" he urged.
Aang and Katara exchanged a look, silently affirming their belief in his words. They glanced at Elsa, who offered a nod of confidence in return.
"I trust him," Elsa said, her voice firm but calm. "Let's go."
With that, they followed the Fire Sage into the secret passage, descending the steps into the cave below. The man closed the door behind them.
"Follow me," he said, leading the group through the caverns.
As they navigated through the winding tunnels, Elsa couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her. The fiery landscape seemed to pulse with otherworldly energy, and Elsa found herself instinctively drawing on her own powers to create a wave of ice flurries around herself and her companions, offering them some relief from the oppressive heat, especially as she saw some stream of lava in some places.
She glanced at the Fire Sage and cleared her throat, breaking the tense silence. "What's your name?" she asked, her voice cutting through the dimly lit tunnel.
The Fire Sage turned to her, his expression thoughtful. "My name is Shyu," he replied, his gaze meeting hers. "And yours?"
"Elsa," she answered, offering him a small nod.
Intrigued, Shyu studied the young queen. Her regal bearing and the way she carried herself suggested nobility. "Likewise, Elsa. Are you the Avatar's waterbending master?" he inquired.
Aang, Katara, and Sokka all exchanged bewildered looks. Elsa was caught off guard and hesitated for a her true identity and abilities would be a long story, and time was of the essence. But a part of her was amused and touched that such an assumption was made, considering how much she had become responsible for Aang and his friends. And as unexpected as it was, it was better than Shyu assuming she was the would have been more confusing and complicated to deal with, especially with what it would mean for her friends and her if the Fire Nation made that assumption. Better for them to assume she was a waterbender than the Avatar.
"It's a complicated story," she finally replied, her voice firm. "Perhaps I'll tell you later if there's time."
Shyu nodded, understanding evident in his eyes and moved on to lead the group deeper into the caverns, the eerie glow of the lava rivers casting dancing shadows on the walls. Elsa followed closely behind, her senses on high alert as they ventured further into the heart of the volcano.
As they walked, Elsa couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that hung in the air. The oppressive heat and the distant rumble of molten lava served as a constant reminder of the danger that lurked around every corner. And a part of her felt a bit unsettled by the heat, even though she was unsure whether it was because of her affinity to cold or because it was the first time she was exploring such environment.
"Avatar Roku once called this temple his home," Shyu commented as they were moving through the place, "He formed these secret passages out of the magma."
Her eyes widened in realization, a newfound respect for the ancient Avatar washing over her. "That's amazing," she murmured, a sense of reverence in her voice.
Aang, curious as ever, couldn't help but interject. "Did you know Avatar Roku?" he asked, his eyes bright with curiosity.
Shyu shook his head. "No. But my grandfather knew him," he replied. "Many generations of Fire Sages guarded this temple long before me. We all have a strong spiritual connection to this place."
"Is that how you knew I was coming?" Aang asked, his curiosity piqued.
"A few weeks ago, an amazing thing occurred," Shyu explained. "The statue of Avatar Roku; its eyes began to glow!"
"That's when we were at the Air Temple. Avatar Roku's eyes were glowing there, too!" Katara exclaimed, her eyes widening with realization.
Elsa's mind flashed back to that moment at the Southern Air Temple, the memory crystal clear in her mind. For some reason, she felt it was a sign, a signal that their paths were intertwined in ways she couldn't yet comprehend. The faint foreign and ethereal voice that sometimes echoed in her mind since her arrival in this world throve against her, but this time in a far stronger manner to the point she nearly stopped in her tracks.
"Queen Elsa of Arendelle, you've been chosen."
What did it mean, she wondered. Momentarily distracted, Elsa missed what Shyu said, even though she knew it was destined for Aang.
The young airbender then asked the Fire Sage, "If this is the Avatar's temple, why did the sages attack me?"
Elsa, guessing the reason for Aang's disappearance, replied softly, "They gave up on you."
Aang looked at her with surprise and guilt while Shyu nodded in agreement before explaining, "They did. In the past, the sages were loyal only to the Avatar. When Roku died, the sages eagerly awaited for the next Avatar to return. But he never came."
Aang looked down, guiltily. Sokka, attempting to lighten the mood, joked, "Hey, don't feel bad. You're only a hundred years late!"
Aang scowled heavily at Sokka, but Elsa, noticing the airbender's distress, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It wasn't your fault," she said gently, her voice firm yet filled with empathy.
Aang offered her a small smile as if uncertain of her words but grateful for her support. The gesture didn't go unnoticed by Shyu as the Fire Sage smiled warmly at the young woman before continuing his explanations.
"They lost hope the Avatar would ever return," he said, his voice dropping to a somber tone. "When Fire Lord Sozin began the War, my grandfather and the other sages were forced to follow him." He shook his head sadly. "I never wanted to serve the Fire Lord. When I learned you were coming, I knew I would have to betray the other sages."
Elsa's heart ached for the Fire Sage. His words spoke volumes about the corruption that had taken root within the Fire Nation. If the world was at war for one hundred years, how much the nation had been affected by it in one way or another?
She was also impressed by his courage to defy his countrymen for the greater good, even if it meant facing their wrath. She felt he was one person they needed as an ally within the Fire Nation.
Aang, touched by Shyu's words, said, "Thank you for helping me."
Shyu returned the young boy's smile, a flicker of hope in his eyes as they were progressing through the tunnels. "We'll follow these stairs to the sanctuary," he instructed, leading the group up a spiraling flight of stairs.
As they climbed, he continued to talk. "Once you're inside, wait for the light to hit Avatar Roku's statue. Only then will you be able to speak with him."
Aang reacted to this with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, his eyes shining with anticipation. Beside him, Elsa felt a surge of curiosity mingled with a hint of nervousness. She was about to encounter something ancient and mystical, beyond her previous experiences.
Finally reaching the top, Shyu slid back a secret tile and climbed into the outer sanctuary. Elsa's gaze swept over the room, taking in the massive columns with dragon statues atop them and the immense door before them, adorned with a device holding five open-mouthed dragons.
But then, Shyu gasped, and her attention snapped back to him. "No!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with dismay.
Confused, Aang approached the door. "Shyu, what's wrong?"
Shyu's expression was grave as he replied, "The sanctuary doors, they're closed!"
Aang reached out and tugged at the heavy door, but it remained firmly shut. He kept tugging at the door uselessly, frustration evident on his face. Seeing it was a needless endeavour, Elsa intervened, placing a calming hand on his arm.
"Aang. It's no use," she said softly, her voice tinged with sympathy.
The young airbender let go with a resigned sigh.
Katara approached Shyu, her expression concerned yet hopeful. "Can't you just open them with firebending? Like you opened that other door?"
Elsa looked at the Fire Sage, understanding what Katara meant.
Shyu shook his head solemnly. "No. Only a fully realized Avatar is powerful enough to open this door alone. Otherwise, the sages must open this door together, with five simultaneous fire blasts."
Aang's shoulders slumped in defeat, and Elsa could see the weight of his disappointment. She knew their time was limited and that the chances Aang managed to contact his previous were now slim. As much as she wanted to help find a solution, she didn't know how due to her lack of knowledge in that specific field regarding this world. She then noticed Sokka deep in thought and decided to inquire. "What do you have in mind, Sokka?" she asked, curious about his pondering gaze.
As everyone turned their attention to him, Sokka spoke up with a determined gleam in his eye. "Five fire blasts, huh? I think I can help you out." He glanced up at a nearby lamplight, a plan beginning to form in his mind.
Shyu's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and Aang and Katara exchanged puzzled glances. But Elsa couldn't help but feel intrigued by Sokka's confidence and resourcefulness. He might be goofy and have a fun streak of a dubious standard, but she knew he had potential. She exchanged a glance with Aang and Katara, silently conveying her trust in Sokka's abilities.
"Let's see what you have in mind," she said as she looked back at the young Water tribe boy, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
As it turned out, Sokka's plan was simple and yet efficient as a potential replacement for the usual way to open the doors to the sanctuary. The young boy was kneeling near the door and filling bags with oil that came from the lampposts of the room.
"This is a little trick I picked up from my father," the water tribe boy explained with enthusiasm, showcasing his idea. "I seal the lamp oil inside an animal skin casing, Shyu lights the oil-soaked twine and," picking up the bag, Sokka stood up and held it proudly before him, "ta-da! Fake firebending!"
Katara, impressed, chimed in, a hint of awe creeping into her voice. "You've really outdone yourself this time, Sokka."
Elsa, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips, acquiesced as she found herself impressed by Sokka's ingenuity.
Shyu, observing Sokka's plan, remarked with a smile, "This might actually work."
With a moment passing as Sokka placed the bags into the dragons' mouths on the door, Elsa, Aang, Katara, and Shyu stood in awaiting stances. As Sokka placed the last bag into the dragon's mouth, Shyu looked at Aang, conveying a sense of urgency.
"The sages will hear the explosion, so as soon as they go off, you rush in!" Shyu instructed.
Aang nodded to the Fire Sage's words while Sokka was rushing towards the column where his sister hid. The two water tribe siblings swiftly hid behind another column, with Katara holding onto Momo. Elsa and Aang did the same in finding shelter behind the next column while Shyu was standing near the doors, ready to ignite the bags.
Glancing to the next column where Aang hid, Katara remarked, "It's almost sunset. Are you ready?"
The young airbender nodded in affirmation, his determination evident. Shyu then thrust his finger forward, sending a small flare racing across the door to light all five bags at once. He then hurried to take cover, anticipating the imminent explosion.
Elsa watched, her breath catching in her throat, as the wicks flared to life, bathing the room in an eerie orange glow. The silence stretched, thick with anticipation, before a resounding explosion erupted, sending a wave of heat and smoke billowing outwards.
Aang, propelled by urgency, surged forward, his hands outstretched towards the massive doors. He threw his entire weight against them, but they remained firmly shut. Disappointment clouded his features. "They're still locked!" he exclaimed.
Elsa's heart sank. Aang's dejection mirrored the weight of responsibility she felt for the group. They were running out of time, and every failed attempt chipped away at their dwindling hope.
"It didn't work," Shyu confirmed, his voice heavy with regret.
Sokka rose from hiding behind his sister, confusion and disarray evident on his face. Aang fell to his knees, the weight of the disappointment evident in his posture. Elsa, her heart sinking in unison with his, couldn't help but feel a surge of responsibility. They were running out of time, and every failed attempt chipped away at their dwindling hope.
Aang, unable to contain his frustration, suddenly rose and began beating upon the doors furiously with consecutive airbending slices. "Why won't it open?!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with frustration and desperation.
Elsa was about to intervene to calm him down, but as she was about to reach the young airbender, Katara sprang into action. With a strong grip, she seized his arm and halted his frenzied attempts. "Aang! Stop!" she urged, her voice firm yet compassionate. "There's nothing else we can do..."
Aang, his frustration palpable, relented, his shoulders slumping with defeat. "I'm sorry I put you through all of this for nothing," he murmured, his voice heavy with remorse.
Sokka, meanwhile, examined the aftermath of the explosion, running his finger across the black soot with a furrowed brow. "I don't get it. That firebending looked as strong as any firebending I've seen," he mused aloud, his disappointment evident.
Elsa, her brow furrowed in concentration, approached the scorched doors. She stopped before the blackened stone, her gaze lingering on the dragons' mouths carved into the surface, a part of her wondering if it was tied to how the fire was created. She then noticed Momo, ever curious, climbing on the dragon's mouth above Sokka's head and putting its head within.
"Sokka, you're a genius!" Katara exclaimed, her voice laced with sudden excitement.
The waterbender's reaction attracted Elsa's attention as she turned her glance back on Aang and Katara, wondering what the waterbender had in mind.
Confusion furrowed Aang's brow. "Wait. How is Sokka a genius? His plan didn't even work," he remarked, his voice tinged with skepticism.
"Come on, Aang. Let her dream," Sokka nonchalantly quipped, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Elsa took note the young boy didn't notice Momo managing to go further into the Dragon's mouth and felt there was something that might be exploited. Her inkling was turning true as she heard Katara answering Aang. "You're right. Sokka's plan didn't work. But it looks like it did."
The young Avatar, however, remained unconvinced. "Did the definition of genius change over the last hundred years?" he asked dubiously, his brow furrowed.
Shyu, ever the stoic observer, stroked his beard in confusion. But Elsa approached again the doors and looked at the Dragon's mouth before her. There were traces of soot but was attracted her attention was the hole that was present. Not large enough to allow someone to enter, but large enough for a creature as small as Momo.
She looked back at Katara with pride, understanding well what the Waterbender meant. The young girl was stroking her chin with a sly smile and her eyes shone as she noticed Elsa's expression.
The queen of Arendelle turned to Aang and spoke with a newfound confidence. "Aang, I think Katara might be onto something. Look at the dragons' mouths on the doors. There's a small hole there, just big enough for Momo to fit through."
Intrigued, Aang moved and airbent to jump at the level of the dragon's mouth. His eyes widened as he saw what Elsa meant. "You're right!"
Sokka looked with a mix of hopeful and sceptical expressions. "That's all very good, but I don't see how it will help us."
Elsa glanced at Shyu, her expression resolute. "You said only the Avatar or the five Fire Sages could open those doors," she recalled, her voice laced with determination.
Shyu, surprised by the sudden question, nodded. "Indeed."
She sent a complicit glance at Katara before looking back at Shyu, "Then we have our solution."
Shyu's brow furrowed in confusion, about to question her, before realization dawned on him. He looked at Elsa and Katara, his eyes widening in understanding before nodding in approval. Sokka and Aang were looking at them intrigued, but a newfound hope was felt in the air. Elsa was aware time was running out, but Aang might have finally a way to contact Roku thanks to Sokka's plan and to the way those doors were opened.