XXIX/ Flying debrief

Night fell on the ocean like a heavy curtain, the air turning cool and crisp. A million stars glittered above, starkly contrasting the somber mood that pervaded Appa's saddle. Elsa perched on the edge, her sapphire eyes reflecting the twinkling expanse above. The weight of the escape from the collapsing temple pressed down on her—relief warred with exhaustion in her chest. Aang, draped over Appa's side, mirrored her dejection, his head hung low.

Shyu, sitting opposite her, cleared his throat, his voice a hesitant murmur. "How are you holding up?"

Elsa turned her head slightly, her gaze meeting the Fire Sage's concerned eyes. "I am well, thank you for asking," she replied, her voice a low murmur. "Just a little shaken from the events at the temple."

"Considering the fierce display you put on against Commander Zhao and his men," Shyu said with a touch of awe, "I wouldn't have guessed."

Elsa pursed her lips, a flicker of unease crossing her features. "Thank you. It was my first time fighting in such an environment, facing so many people with bending abilities."

"And yet, you managed to hold them at bay," Shyu countered, his voice filled with admiration. "Those ice powers of yours... they were remarkable. Especially considering you weren't using water. I now understand why you said you weren't Aang's waterbender master. You didn't act like one."

Elsa shook her head. "No, I'm not. It's a complicated story, but I found Aang the moment I arrived in this world. He agreed to help me find a way back home."

Shyu's eyes widened slightly. "I see. It must be quite a journey for you."

Elsa acquiesced, "It is. I don't know why I'm here, but I hoped that I'd find the answer soon or that Aang would find it."

Shyu nodded slowly, absorbing this new information. His gaze then drifted towards Aang's slumped form. "He seems deeply troubled," he observed.

Elsa nodded while a pang of sympathy stabbed at her heart. She glanced at the young airbender, her heart heavy with concern.

Katara and Sokka shifted from their positions to approach Aang with concern etched on their faces. Kneeling behind him, Katara gently put her hand around Aang's shoulder, offering silent comfort while Sokka stood beside her, his face etched with worry.

Elsa watched them with a sad, empathetic glance. She wondered what had transpired in the sanctuary, how Roku had taken possession of Aang. Was it because he was Aang's past life? The questions churned in her mind, but she held back, sensing that now was not the time. Her eyes shifted to Shyu, who sat pensively in the saddle, lost in thought. Elsa took notice they were a bit confined due to the size of the saddle.

Finally, she could no longer bear the silence. Rising from her spot near the bison's tail, Elsa approached Aang. Her Earth Kingdom dress, a stark contrast to her usual attire, rustled softly as she moved. She knelt beside him, her expression filled with concern.

"Aang," she said softly, her voice carrying a gentle authority, "Are you alright?"

Aang looked up, his eyes reflecting his inner turmoil. He saw Shyu and immediately blurted out, "I'm sorry, Shyu. I destroyed the temple."

Shyu shook his head, his expression calm but resolute. "It was not you, Aang. Avatar Roku decided to destroy the place because the Fire Sages betrayed their duties to the Avatar. The temple's fate was sealed the moment they chose the Fire Lord over their true calling."

Elsa nodded in agreement, placing a reassuring hand on Aang's other shoulder. "Shyu is right, Aang. You couldn't have done anything."

Aang silently acquiesced, but his brow furrowed. Elsa felt he was looking inward, the weight of his past life's actions pressing heavily on him. Once again, she was the child burdened with a legacy far too vast. But his demeanour also reminded her of when she was struggling with her powers and thought she wouldn't be able to control them.

Sensing the young airbender's turmoil, Shyu spoke again. "It's not just the destruction of the temple that troubles you, is it?"

Aang remained silent, his gaze fixed on the endless expanse of the ocean below, before slightly shaking his head.

Katara, her voice laced with concern, asked, "Aang, does it have to do with what Roku told you in the sanctuary?"

Aang finally met her eyes, a flicker of pain crossing his features, but acquiesced with a small voice, barely a whisper, "Yes, it is."

A heavy silence fell over the group. Elsa, Katara, and Sokka exchanged worried glances. Elsa's face tightened with determination. "Tell us everything, Aang."

Aang sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping further. But as he looked at Elsa, he knew he had to speak, especially with what she needed to hear. He took a deep breath, his brows furrowed in worry and concern, before starting to tell his companions what happened in the sanctuary.

As the doors closed behind him, Aang stopped his run and looked behind him. Seeing the doors were sealed, he looked before him and saw a tall statue of Avatar Roku. A beam of red sunlight entered the room and struck a glistening red jewel held by the statue.

Aang looked confused at the sight, "The light hits the statue and I talk to Roku. So why isn't anything happening?"

He stood, looking at the statue and waiting for something to happen. But as time went by and the light was slowly growing on the statue, nothing occurred. The absence of signs was weighing on Aang who feared he would lose his only chance to speak to his previous life as the Winter solstice was coming to an end.

"Why isn't anything happening? I don't know what I'm doing! All I know is airbending! Please Avatar Roku, talk to me!" the young Avatar cried in exasperation.

Suddenly as sunlight was engulfing it, Roku's statue turned red, its eyes glowing, white while white smoke suddenly filled the room. As the smoke dissipated, Aang found himself on a mountaintop with only clouds visible below. And before him was standing Avatar Roku who was seemingly waiting for him.

The old Fire Nation Avatar greeted his new life with a small smile. "It's good to see you Aang. What took you so long?"

Stunned and wide-mouthed at the sight of his previous life, Aang nevertheless placed a fist into his palm, bowing his head to the Avatar before him in a sign of respect.

Elsa's eyes widened in realization. Aang's tale painted a vivid picture. Remembering her experience in the spirit, she wondered if Aang had been transported there when communing with his past life.

"It felt so unreal to meet him as in real," Aang said, "And he was kind and wise. But time was running out for us as he needed to explain to me the visions I saw in the spirit world."

Elsa's brows furrowed, sensing the tension in the young airbender's shoulders. Katara looked at Aang with concern. "What did Roku tell you?"

Aang's gaze darted around the group before settling on Katara's worried face. He sighed deeply and continued his tale.

As they looked at each other, Roku spoke to Aang in a wizened and grave voice. "I have something very important to tell you, Aang. That is why, when you were in the Spirit World, I sent my dragon to find you."

Aang looked intrigued and curious as he remembered his experience in the Spirit world when Roku's dragon took him to show Crescent Island. "Is it about those visions? The ones with Elsa and the comet?"

Roku slightly acquiesced the head. "Yes," he confirmed.

Aang was further intrigued, especially as he thought of his promise to help Elsa to find her way back home. "What do they mean?"

"One hundred years ago," Roky started to explain as the sky around them momentarily turned into a dark nightly one with a comet crossing it, "Fire Lord Sozin used that comet to begin the War. He and his firebending army harnessed its incredible power, and dealt a deadly first strike against the other nations."

Aang was wide-eyed upon hearing those words. "So the comet made them stronger," he enquired.

"Yes," Roku replied. "Stronger than you could imagine."

Aang was inwardly terrified by those words, but confusion and curiosity also plagued his mind. "But that happened a hundred years ago. What does the comet have to do with the War now?"

Roku looked at the young airbender with a grave face. "Listen carefully ," he said as the sky shifted to a menacing silhouette standing amid huge flames, his fists. "Sozin's Comet will return by the end of this summer, and Fire Lord Ozai will use its power to finish the War, once and for all."

Aang saw the silhouette suddenly roaring upward and flames streaming from his mouth, freaking him out.

"If he succeeds," Roku continued as the sky turned back to the light brown shade it was at first, " even the Avatar won't be able to restore balance to the world. Aang. You must defeat the Fire Lord before the comet arrives."

Aang felt dread and pressure with the task he had to achieve. "But I haven't even started learning waterbending! Not to mention earth and fire!" he countered in an anxious voice.

Roku looked at his new life with a sad and grave face. "Mastering the elements takes years of discipline and practice. But if the world is to survive, you must do it by summer's end," he replied.

Aang was shocked and afraid by his previous life's words. More than ever, the burden of his role as Avatar and the guilt he was bearing since he found out about the destruction of his people were weighing upon his mind.

As Aang recounted Roku's words to his friends, Elsa, Shyu, Katara, and Sokka listened intently, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. Katara, her face etched with worry, turned to Elsa. Her worried expression was mirrored in the crystal blue eyes of the Fifth Spirit.

"Sozin's Comet," the young queen murmured, the name sending a shiver down her spine. Aang's tale painted a vivid picture of the comet's power and the threat it posed to the world. Thinking about the fact Aang went missing one hundred years ago, a terrible thought came across her mind. Had his people been struck when the comet occurred the last time?

The heavy silence that had fallen after Aang's tale was finally broken by Katara. "So, this comet is going to make the Fire Nation even stronger?" Her voice trembled slightly, the enormity of the situation weighing on her.

Shyu acquiesced to the young waterbender. "It is," he said with a grave voice, "My grandfather once spoke to me of that event. The day when everything changed. The day the war really started."

A heavy silence settled again in the group as everyone grasped with what the Fire Sage just said. Elsa's suspicion turned out true, making her unease and sick. She could picture Aang's people attacked by firebenders with powers far stronger than usual that might rival hers at their peak. She saw the young airbender looking down, his face sad and troubled. She strongly felt for him, knowing how much of a burden it must be for him.

Sokka suddenly said with a disbelief and concerned tone, "That's crazy! We've been at war because of a big fireball and now we have to deal with again?"

Aang nodded, his expression grave. Elsa clenched her jaw, her usually serene demeanour hardening. A fierce protectiveness surged through her, a primal need to shield these young people from the darkness that loomed. Roku's words also reminded her of Grand Pabbie's words to her when her parents took Anna and her to heal Anna from the ice she accidentally sent at her sister to prevent her fall that fateful night that affected their whole relationship for thirteen years.

"You can't do this alone," Elsa argued, her voice stronger than she intended. "No child should have to bear this burden alone."

Her normally calm blue eyes blazed with a newfound intensity, a flicker of the fierce protectiveness she often felt towards Anna mirrored in their depths.

Aang gave her a small grateful smile, "I know. And Roku also thinks that."

That attracted the interest of the four people. Elsa was particularly intrigued, a part of her hoping that some answers would be given on why she had been sent here. "What did he tell you? Is it tied to this other vision?"

Aang acquiesced before continuing, "Yes. You see, I was so terrified by what Roku had told me."

Aang looked terrified at his previous life, feeling powerless. "What if I can't master all the elements in time? What if I fail?"

Roku looked at him with a reassuring smile. "I know you can do it Aang. For you have done it before."

Hearing those words reassured the young airbender who smiled at the Firebender Avatar.

"Besides, you're not alone," Roku continued. " You now have a powerful ally to help you to become the Avatar you can be. She has already helped you a lot since her arrival in our world."

Aang's eyes widened in realization. "Elsa!" His face then crunched in confusion. "But how can she help me? Is it tied to the vision?"

Roku gave a gentle nod. "Elsa's presence here is no accident. The Great Spirits and Raava brought her to aid you, and you to aid her."

Aang reacted, though still intrigued. "Ravaa? Aid her? How?"

Roku's eyes twinkled with wisdom. "Ask her about the Fifth Spirit."

Aang's confusion deepened. "The Fifth Spirit?"

Roku nodded again. " She will understand what I mean."

Aang nodded slowly, absorbing Roku's words, though his brows furrowed of curiosity, his mind full of questions.

"The solstice is ending. We must go our separate ways, for now," Roku said, his voice filled with urgency.

"But I won't be able to come back to the temple. What if I have questions? How will I talk to you?" Aang asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

Roku placed a comforting hand on Aang's shoulder. " I am a part of you. When you need to talk to me again, you will find a way. " Closing his eyes, he provided Aang a vision of Fire Navy ships surrounding the island. His voice echoed in Aang's mind without words. " A great danger awaits you at the temple. Your friends are facing it."

Aang's closed eyes widened as he saw firebenders fighting Elsa on the other side of the door. "I can help you face the threat. But only if you are ready."

Determination replaced the fear in Aang's eyes as his tattoos began to glow. "I'm ready."

Aang's tale hung heavy in the twilight air. As his voice faded, a collective gasp filled the space between them. Elsa's eyes widened in realization of how Roku was present. He was part of Roku and could have intervened here.

Gratitude welled within her. Aang's past life had intervened to save them, and the trust he placed in the young airbender, despite the weight of ending a war, warmed her. Yet, a disquieting thought lingered. She had been summoned here, to this strange world, away from Anna and uncertain of whether the situation with Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest had been solved. The complexities of her situation – a stranger in a strange land, tasked with helping a child Avatar end a war – weighed heavily on her. Yet, a tiny seed of hope bloomed. She knew that Aang was trying to help her, but the fact he would help her as much as she would bring a new perspective on the situation also led her to wonder whether Aang was to help her differently.

All eyes turned to her, the weight of expectation settling on her shoulders. Aang's voice, filled with youthful eagerness, shattered the silence. "So, Elsa, about this Fifth Spirit? What did Roku mean?"

Elsa took a deep breath. This was the moment she'd been dreading, the truth she hadn't revealed since the Southern Air Temple. "Do you remember," she began, her voice soft, "when I said I went to the Enchanted Forest and Ahtohallan?"

A flicker of recognition crossed Katara and Sokka's faces, while Shyu leaned in, intrigued. Aang simply nodded, his brow furrowed.

"It was there where I learned about the Fifth Spirit," Elsa continued, "He is a bridge between nature and humans, a connection to the elemental spirits."

The pieces began to click for Aang, Katara, and Shyu. Their eyes darted between each other, a silent conversation passing. "Like… the Avatar?" Katara finally asked, the question hanging in the air.

Elsa nodded. "Yes, a bit like the Avatar. But while the Avatar connects the four elements, the Fifth Spirit connects humans and nature through these four elements."

Aang's curiosity was piqued. "Do you know who or what the Fifth Spirit is?" he asked, leaning closer.

Elsa looked at him, taking another deep breath. "Yes, I do," she said softly. "I am the Fifth Spirit."

The revelation struck them all like a bolt of lightning. Aang's jaw dropped, Katara gasped, Sokka's eyes widened in disbelief, and even Shyu seemed taken aback.

"You?" Sokka stammered, his gaze darting between Elsa and Aang. "But… how?"

"A gift from the spirits to my mother when she saved my father the day… the day my grandfather provoked the conflict with the Northuldra."

The group fell silent, absorbing the weight of Elsa's words. Katara's eyes softened with understanding, while Aang looked at Elsa with newfound admiration and respect, but also a feeling of kinship that echoed within him like when they met each other at the Southern Air Temple.

Sokka frowned thoughtfully. "So, you're saying you've been chosen to bring balance to your world because of your grandfather's actions? That's veyr weird."

"I think that makes sense," Katara interjected. "You are a chance for your people and the Northuldra to right the wrongs of your grandfather."

Elsa nodded, impressed by the young girl's belief. "That does make sense indeed. But I might not be the entirety of the Fifth Spirit."

Her words aroused the curiosity of her companions. "What do you mean, Elsa?" Shyu asked.

Taking a breath, the young queen replied, "I believe that Anna represents the other part. A bridge needs two sides. I am the magical side, and she represents the human side."

Katara's eyes widened. "That's... incredible. So, you and your sister are two halves of the same bridge?"

Elsa smiled gently. "Yes, that's how I see it. We balance each other out. She's the connection to the human world, and I am the link to the elemental spirits."

Aang nodded thoughtfully. "It makes sense. A balance, just like the Avatar with the elements." He then turned to Elsa, his expression serious. "How long have you known this?"

The queen of Arendelle thought back, her eyes reflecting the flickering light of the setting sun. "Since I found Ahtohallan and was spirited away to your world just after."

Sokka's eyes widened. "That's... really recent."

Katara's face softened with empathy. "That must have been overwhelming."

Elsa smiled, though her eyes were filled with a mix of emotions. "It was, but that also helped to find my real place in the world."

Her young companions and Shyu were intrigued by her words, Katara and Aang looking at her with curiosity and sympathy.

Katara looked at her, "Why didn't tell you us before?"

Elsa exhaled as she answered. "I didn't know how to tackle the topic, especially with how it could have affected Aang and his own situation."

At her words, Aang's eyes widened, a mix of emotions playing across his face. There was understanding, sympathy, and a hint of relief. "I can see why you'd be hesitant to tell us, especially with everything going on."

Sokka chimed in, his voice tinged with concern. "Yeah, and let's not forget how dangerous it could be if people start mistaking you for the Avatar. Remember what happened after we freed Haru's village? If the Fire Nation think you were another Avatar..." He trailed off, then quickly turned to Shyu with an apologetic look. "Uh, no offense."

The Fire raised a hand, his expression understanding. "None taken, young Sokka. Your concern is valid and shows wisdom beyond your years." He then turned to Elsa, his eyes filled with a mix of awe and respect. "Elsa, your revelation is both astounding and enlightening. Rest assured, your secret is safe with me."

Elsa smiled, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders, grateful for Shyu's understanding. "Thank you, Shyu. I appreciate your words and your discretion. I know this information could be... complicated in the wrong hands. But at least, I know why I'm here."

Looking at Aang, the young queen answered, "I'm not just to protect or to help you, but to learn alongside you, to understand what it means to be a bridge for the world."

Aang concurred, his youthful features alight with understanding. "I think you're right. I felt a connection with you the moment we met. Maybe we are meant to learn from each other."

Elsa nodded, her eyes thoughtful. "I felt the same. And there had been this voice that spoke to me when I was spirited away from Ahtohallan and it echoed in my mind when I met you."

"What did it say?" Katara asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

The young queen tried to recall the exact words. "It said I've been chosen, that I was a bridge, the fifth element, that the Avatar needed my guidance and I need his."

Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Shyu exchanged glances, each processing the weight of the message. The Fire Sage finally commented thoughtfully, "It must have been one of the spirits that felt you could help Aang."

The young airbender's eyes widened with realization. "Then we are meant to help each other."

Elsa acquiesced in agreement. While a part of her was concerned about being cut off from her world and a bit angry she had been sent there without her consent, she knew she could trust Aang. His optimism, his desire to do right and his energy were a balm and more than ever, she felt he may help her to find her way back home if she helped him to thrive as the Avatar and to bring back peace in his world.

Sokka leaned forward. "So, what's the plan then?"

Elsa straightened herself before answering. "We go to the North Pole as we have planned and as quickly ."

Aang nodded, his face thoughtful while Katara's eyes brightened with determination. "We need to get there quickly. The sooner we start, the better."

Elsa turned to Shyu, who was quietly observing the exchange. "Shyu, do you want us to land somewhere, or will you continue with us to the North Pole?"

He pondered for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "The next time we land, I'll go my own way. I believe my path diverges from yours here."

Aang looked surprised. "But Shyu, you've been such a help. Can't you come with us? You could teach me firebending."

The Fire Sage shook his head, a hint of regret in his eyes. "The Avatar must learn the elements in a specific order. You need a firebending master who can teach you in a way that suits you. While I wish to help, my skills aren't enough."

Aang's shoulders slumped slightly, feeling the weight of his responsibilities. "I need to master all four elements before Sozin's Comet arrives. There's so little time."

Shyu placed a reassuring hand on the young boy's shoulder. "I trust in your ability to achieve this. You have already good help," he said, glancing at Elsa, Katara and Sokka with a knowing look.

The young airbender managed a small smile, feeling slightly reassured. Elsa, Katara, and Sokka exchanged supportive glances.

"We believe in you, Aang," Katara said softly, placing her hand on his.

Elsa nodded. "You're not alone in this. We'll face it together."

Aang's smile grew, bolstered by their confidence. He then turned to Shyu. "What will you do next?"

Shyu's eyes reflected a mixture of determination and sorrow. "I will seek to redeem my people and find someone who can help you."

Sokka, unable to completely hide his skepticism, spoke up. "Are you sure we can trust anyone from the Fire Nation? No offense, Shyu, but..."

Elsa shot the young water tribe boy a reproachful look. "Sokka. If Shyu helped us, I'm certain there can be others that can do the same."

The Fire Sage smiled gently. "I understand your doubts, Sokka. But I have a potential lead to begin with."

Aang's curiosity was piqued. "What lead?"

Shyu's gaze was steady. "I've heard of an important commander who deserted the Fire Nation some years ago."

Everyone reacted with surprise and intrigue to this information. Elsa was relieved that there were people in the Fire Nation who disagreed with the things their country was doing, even though she was aware it might be challenging, especially as long as this fire lord Ozai and those supporting him were in power.

"A deserter?" Katara asked, her eyes wide. "Why would a Fire Nation commander abandon his post?"

"I think he saw the damage and suffering caused by the war," Shyu replied thoughtfully.

"Do you know who is this commander?" Aang asked, leaning forward eagerly.

"If I'm not wrong, his name was Jeong Jeong," Shyu answered. "He was a highly respected Fire Nation commander and a master firebender."

Aang's eyes widened with hope. "You mean he can teach me firebending?!"

Shyu placed a reassuring hand on Aang's shoulder. "Perhaps. He could be the teacher you need."

Aang's eyes lit up with hope. "Where can we find him?"

Shyu sighed. "That, I don't know yet. But I've heard whispers and rumors of his movements. I'll follow these leads."

Sokka leaned back, crossing his arms. "Finding a deserter from the Fire Nation who's been hiding for years? Sounds like a long shot."

The Fire Sage met Sokka's skepticism with a calm expression. "It will be difficult, but I have to try."

Aang nodded, his determination renewed. "I believe in you, Shyu. You've already helped us so much. I know you can find him."

Elsa watched the exchange thoughtfully, her pale blue eyes reflecting the moonlight that began to cast a serene glow over the ocean. She glanced at the darkening sky and noticed the growing fatigue in everyone's expressions. "It's getting late. We should take some rest. Tomorrow will be another long day," she said.

Katara nodded, stifling a yawn. "You're right, Elsa. We should all get some sleep."

Shyu agreed, his gaze softening. "Rest is important. We have a long road ahead of us."

The Fire Sage then settled in a corner of the saddle, preparing for the night. The group shared quiet moments of reflection and camaraderie as they readied themselves for rest. Momo nestled closer to Aang, and Appa floated serenely above the dark waters below.

As they settled down to sleep, Sokka, Katara, and Aang huddled together, drawing comfort from each other's presence. Elsa remained awake for a while, her mind racing with thoughts of their journey and the responsibilities she bore. She looked at the sleeping faces around her and smiled softly, feeling a sense of determination and resolve.

She pondered on what had been discussed and realized how much had been said and revealed. The prospect of ending the war before the Fire Lord could achieve victory was daunting, especially as it put further pressure on Aang. She felt it was deeply unfair and terrible for him to bear such a burden at such an age, especially with his unique situation. More than ever, her protectiveness urged her to act to help and protect the young airbender. But the revelation that spirits of this world took her from Ahtohallan to bring them here left her with mixed feelings. On the one hand, she resented the spirits for taking her from her world while leaving her sister, her friends and her kingdom to deal with the issues her grandfather provoked. But on the other hand, she couldn't ignore the significance of her presence here. The spirits must have seen something in her, a strength or potential, that could aid Aang and, in turn, help her understand her own role as the Fifth Spirit.

How could the young airbender help and guide her? She sensed that it was something she would discover alongside the young Avatar and that perhaps the answer was less in what he could offer her than in how helping each other would bring something to her. She knew Aang would do everything to find her a way back home and the fact this return was tied to her guidance to him offered a newfound hope.

She also pondered on the occurrence of her being sent here. A shiver passed through her as she remembered the sacred core of Ahtohallan and the buried memories of old. The sensation of slowly being frozen plagued her mind and a part of her couldn't help but feel grateful the spirits took her from this state. She felt there was something else, but couldn't pinpoint it.

The night passed quietly, the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore providing a soothing backdrop. As dawn approached, Elsa finally allowed herself to drift into a light sleep, knowing that with each new day, they were one step closer to their goal.