The Elements of Nature, Book 3

Chapters

Chapter 1, Rude Awakening
Chapter 2, The X-Factor
Chapter 3, Freaky
Chapter 4, The Library
Chapter 5, The Avatar and the Fire Lord
Chapter 6, Hunted
Chapter 7, Zuko Arrives

Chapter 1, Rude Awakening

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic belongs to Hasbro and the Hub.

Avatar: The Last Airbender belongs to Nickelodeon

The Elements of Nature trilogy originally belong to Superior-Doc-Fossil, whom I asked and gained permission from to repost and update. For original story, click here.

All right belongs to them

Story by: Superior-Doc-Fossil

Cover art: Robsa990

Posted and edited by: The Avenger

********************************************************************************

The Elements of Nature, Book 3

Chapter 1, Rude Awakening

Fire’ sat up suddenly, gasping and panting heavily, looking around. He wasn't at the catacombs anymore, he was in ... "Twilight's tree library ..." he muttered. He looked around and noticed a night stand to his left, on which was a copy of 'The Unknown Life and Family of Star Swirl the Bearded.' He also noticed a few pictures of Twilight and her friends, Shining Armor, Cadence, Celestia, Luna, him, Zuko, Agua, Blitz, Iroh, Terra and a pony he didn't recognize, an Earth Pony with a bright orang coat, a silver mane that is spike, but the spikes are all going back, along with his tail, with purple eyes, but his most striking feature was the bright blue arrows on his forehead and on his legs.

He also saw a picture of him and Twilight on a beach with two alicorns, one a colt with an orange mane, a light red coat and charcoal black eyes. The other alicorn was a filly with a purple mane, a coat the same color as Twilight's, and turquoise eyes. Both the alicorns were around the same age as Scootaloo in the picture. He then realized he's in Twilight's bedroom, and next to him on his right was Twilight Sparkle. “ARGGH!" He leaped up in shock, banging his head on floor when falling back down.

Twilight yawned and rolled over to look at him, smiling. "Hey, Hun." She chuckled as he rubbed his head, growling in pain. "You okay there?"

"Twilight!" He edged away from her a bit. “I ... I didn't ... Oh crap, um ... I'm ... sorry?" Twilight reached over and rubbed his muzzle seductively.

"For what, Fire’? I wasn't complaining..."

Firebrand edged away a little more, stammering. "The ... the battle? What happened with Ba Sing Se? And ... and how did I end up here?" He gulped as he awaited her response.

Instead, she sat up and looked at him in a confused way. “Ba Sing Se? Oh..." She sighed and shook her head. “Were you having nightmares about the Coup of Ba Sing Se again?"

"The Coup of ... Ba Sing Se? It already has a name?" Fire’ then scratched his chin with his hoof. “That was quick..."

Twilight looked at him like he was crazy. "Dear, the battle happened 7 years ago..."

“Seven years!" He hopped out of her bad and looked himself over. “No wounds..." He started shaking. “And ... and am I taller? And is this a..." He scratched a small patch of facial hair growing below his chin. “A goatee!?"

“Hun, you're hallucinating..." Twilight said, getting up as well. She looked older as well, a little taller, her horn and wings longer, and her mane more flowing. “We'll get you to the hospital, you're sweating up a storm there..."

“No..." Fire’ raised a hoof. "Stand ... stand back, Twilight. This can't happen..."

Twilight shook her head, "I don't know what you're talking about dear ... And keep your voice down ... You'll wake up the foals..."

"F-F-FOALS?" Fire’ shouted in exasperation.

At this point, the alicorns from the picture came in, only they were 6-7 years old with no cutie marks. “Morning Dad!” the two said at the same time. Fire’ then falls to his knees and begins to scream.

==================================================================

Fire’ began to hear a slight beeping noise, like a hospital heart monitor. "He's waking up ... His vitals are all back, Doctor Carousel..." He heard a female voice say.

“Good..." The voice of the doctor responded. "The medicine I gave him seems to finally be kicking in..."

“The medicine doesn't work as well as Agua’s spirit water.” Fire’ recognized the voice as belonging to Twilight. He then opens his eyes, and sees that he’s in a recovery room in Ponyville.

“Ugh. What happened?”

“You were killed by Azula.” Twilight said to him, sitting right next to him, holding his hoof. “But Agua used the spirit water to bring you back.”

“Oh, is that all?” Fire’ said as he tries to get up, but feels a sharp pain in his head and stops.

“Try not to move, son.” Doctor Carousel said to him.

“How long have I’ve been out?”

“About a year.”

“A year! Great, then that means Geo Firma is...”

“Gone.” Twilight said.

“Where are the others?”

“There somewhere in town,” Twilight said as she gives Fire’ some water. “After what happened at Ba Sing Se, we had to get you to safety. On our way out, King Kuei decided he wanted to travel the world in disguise, so he set off alone. Well, not completely alone, he took his bear,” Twilight said with a slight chuckle. “I like your long mane.”

“Say what!?” Fire’ then looks in the mirror and sees that his mane and tail are now as long as Celestia’s. “You gotta be kidding me.”

“All right Twilight, Fire’ needs his rest.” The doctor said to Twilight.

“I’ll have Rarity cut your mane and tail when you fell a little better.” Twilight said as she leaves.

“Huh. Looks like its me and this long mane for a while.” Fire’ said as he went bake to sleep.

==================================================================

In the hive of the changelings, Queen Chrysalis is in a separate, locked room, absorbing all the power from the coming Sozin’s Comet. “The power. The power!” Chrysalis said as she's encased by a dark-green glow.

“Ooh-ah-ooh. I’m sure am glade she decided to lock herself up during this power surge from the comet.” Medizinisch said as he prepares some medicine for when Chrysalis comes out.

“Tell me about it.” Hexe said as she strums her harmonium. “At least the Fire Avatar is now dead.”

“I’m not so sure. I’ve been watching the Equestrians and I think they have the Fire Avatar in a hospital.”

“Oh, come on. What are the odds for a Unicorn to survive a lightning strike so close to him? But, if you're so worried, then why don’t you just go there and see for yourself if he's still alive.”

“All right, I’ll do it.” Medizinisch then leaves for Ponyville, disguising himself as a stray cat.

“Finally, he’s out of my hair.”

==================================================================

On a ship heading for the Fire Nation, Zuko is standing at the bow, when Mai walks up to him. “Aren't you cold?” She asked.

“I've got a lot on my mind. It's been so long, over 16 years since I was home. I wonder what's changed. I wonder how I've changed.”

Mai then yawns. “I just asked if you were cold, I didn't ask for your whole life story.” Mai then takes Zuko’s hoof. “Stop worrying.” She said. The two then kiss.

==================================================================

In Manehattan, after dark, an Earth Pony stallion with a red mane and a yellow coat with a sword for a cutie mark is running throw the alleyways. “There he is!” A Pegasus guard said as the stallion named Mcallen continues to run. Some laser blast try to hit him, but he doges them. He ducks behind a corner and opens his saddle bag. He reaches inside and pulls out a vile that's like the one Deker gave to the team, only with the nanites glowing yellow instead of blue inside and being far more concentrated of the one Twilight has. He looks around the corner and sees some guards.

“Bridge out! Under no conditions is he allowed to escape with those nanites.” One of the guards said. One of the guards goes right to the corner, but he doesn't see Mcallen run down the alleyway. He turns the corner and barley hits Mcallen.

“These guys are not real Royal Guards. Just a bunch of ammeters.” Mcallen said as he reaches a dead-end.

“This is Captain Moon Light of the Royal Guard! Surrender now or we will bring you down!” A Unicorn said on top of the wall.

“Real Royal Guards never surrender,” Mcallen said as he turned around and runs again. Some of the Unicorns with Lance fire some lasers, but Mcallen doges them all, only for him to come across another dead-end. “I’ll tear you all to pieces! Every last one of you!” He said to himself. “Lets see Lance say I’m not fit to serve now,” Mcallen said as he injects himself with the serum. He opens his eyes as they turn from green to blood-red as the whites of them turn black. He then groans and gets on his knees in pain. Then a black substance exits his mouth as he screams in pain.

==================================================================

“OK, boys,” Moon Light said to some guards carrying swords entering. “It’s capture and contain. If he fights, you know what to do. The Doc wants his ‘nanites’ back.” The guards go down the alleyway and see that the black substance Mcallen regurgitated has completely encased him in a black octopus like sphere.

“We lost Mcallen.” One of the guards said on a communicator.

“Where is he?”

“What is this thing?” One of the guards said, pointing to the cocoon. Suddenly, the cocoon begins to move and busts open, with Mcallen emerging, but he's different. He lost both his mane and coat, replaced by a sickly green skin. He's also able to stand on two legs now. His front hoofs now have black claws on them, a lot like fingers. He turns around, having a terrifying grin on his face.

“What is that thing?!” A guard shouted as the Unicorns fire, but Mcallen jumps over the blasts and attacks, and when some hit him, he doesn't show any sing of slowing down. Mcallen grabs the neck of a unicorn and snaps it. He then cuts the neck of an earth pony with his new claws.

==================================================================

“Stone Wall! Arrow Head! Anypony, respond!” Moon Light said on the communicator, getting nothing but static.

==================================================================

At the Fire Nation’s capital, Li and Lo are talking about the return of Zuko to a crowd. “Your Princess Azula, clever and beautiful, disguised herself as the enemy and entered the Geo Firma Capital. In Ba Sing Se, she found her brother Zuko, and together they faced the Avatars...”

“And the Avatar of Fire fell! And Geo Firma fell!”

“Azula's agents quickly overtook the entire city. They went to Ba Sing Se's great walls...”

“And brought them down!”

“The armies of the Fire Nation surged through the walls, swarmed over Ba Sing Se, securing our victory."

“Now the heroes have returned home!”

“Your princess, Azula...”

“And after 16 long years, your prince has returned...”

“Zuko!” With that, both Zuko and Azula exit their ship as the crowd cheers.

==================================================================

The next morning, Rarity is giving Fire’ a mane cut. “No, still too long.” Fire’ said when Rarity cut his mane and tail to the same length as Luna’s.

“Oh, Soarin' has the perfect length and style.” Rarity said as she continues to cut until Fire’s mane and tail until there the same length as Soain.'

“Perfect.” Fire’ said as he got up. “Thanks Rarity.”

“Don’t thank me, dear. I did it for Twilight.” Rarity said. She then got close to Fire’s ear. “Between you and me: I think Twilight has a crush on you.”

Fire’ then blushes when he heard that. “Oh ... really?”

“Yeah.”

“Huh. If only I wasn't still bedridden, otherwise I would ask Twilight on a date.” Both he and Rarity laugh. Rarity soon leave as Fire’ gets back to bed. “The entire world thinks I’m dead while only ponies in Equestria know the truth. I failed.” Just then, Avatar Roku appears next to his bed. “Roku? Why are you here?”

“To tell you that you haven't failed, Firebrand.”

“But everypony outside of Equestria thinks I'm dead. They think I've abandoned them and we’re losing this war. I'm letting the world down.”

“If anyone is to blame for the state of the world, it is me. I should have seen this war coming and prevented it. Both you, and the other Avatars inherited my problems, and my mistakes. And I believe you are destined to redeem me and save the world.”

“Your right.” Fire’ said as Roku walks to a window and sees his daughters talking with Twilight and her friends in the town market along with the CMC, who are now preteens, with their cutie marks, Apple Bloom an apple half shape like a heart with a screw driver and a hammer crossed behind it, Scootaloo a disco-ball, and Sweetie Belle with a microphone in front of a heart.

“I wish I could have watch them grow up.” Roku said, holding back a tear. “I haven't seen either of them for 2,000 years.”

“I could tell them you said hello.”

“I would appreciate that. Firebrand, before I leave, I must tell you that many difficult trials are ahead.” Roku said as he fads. Fire’ then hears a commotion outside and sees electricity crackling.

==================================================================

“Whats going on, Tia?”

“I don’t know Luna.” Celestia said as some royal guards appear, among them Captain Moon Light.

“You Highnesses, you need to leave, that is the fugitive.” Moon Light said a ball of lightning comes their way.

“What the hay is that thing?” Applejack asked.

“Ooh-ah-ooh, who is this dude?” Medizinisch asked as he hides in a bush.

“Mcallen.” Celestia answered Applejack.

Mcallen is giving off large amounts of electricity, and does a power plus that sends some cars flying. “The Royal Guard fires me,” Mcallen said in a demonic voice. “Says I'm not -- I'm not psychologically sound. I’ll show you sound!” He then fires at the recruitment center again. Then some unicorn guards fire at Mcallen, but he isn't being affected at all. “You're not fit to were that armor,” he then takes out the guards with relative ease with his super speed. He also kills a guard by electrocuting him. “Is that all you weak excuses for Royal Guards got? Huh?” Just then, Agua, Blitz, and Terra show up.

“Hold it right there, whatever you are.” Blitz said.

“Claws up where we can see them.” Agua finished.

“The Avatars.”

“Easy, friend.” Terra said to him. “Your hart-rate is nuts. Calm down. Theres no reason for this.”

“Oh yes there is,” Mcallen said as red energy appears at his front hoofs, “lots of reasons. When the Royal Guard sees me take you down bare hoofed, they’ll have to take me back,” Mcallen said as he walks up to them. Blitz charges up fires some bolts of lightning at Mcallen, but he doesn't stop at all. “Ha! I can't even *feel that.*”

“What are you?” Spike asked. “A zombie?” Agua then goes in and does some close combat. Mcallen is sent flying a few feet, but Mcallen lands on his hoofs and runs to Agua. She tries to fly away, but Mcallen grabs her hoof and sends her across the street. Mcallen then grabs Terre from behind and tosses her, and she hits a fruit stand.

“Whatever you are, you got to have a central nerves system.” Blitz said to Mcallen when he jumps on a stand behind him. “Lets see you like this!” He then sends a lightning bolt in Mcallen’s way, but he doesn't even flinch.

“Ha! I can feel it in my belly. It almost ... tickles," Blitz then stops as Agua and Terra walk up to him. “Do you know pain, Avatars? Let me tell you all about it!” Mcallen then jumps off and grabs Agua and uses her as a club. He sends Terra to the other end of the block while Blitz hits a wall with Agua.

The two then get up. “We’re threw playing around.” Agua said.

“Lets finished this!” Blitz finished. They then go elemental as Mcallen jumps up into the air. They go for each other, but Mcallen is faster and grabs them, and sends them hurtling to the ground. Both Blitz and Agua have their heads in the ground, barely conscious. When Mcallen lands, he gets a surprise.

“Blazing Strike!” A wave of fire hits Mcallen, thou he doesn't feel it. Twilight, Mcallen and the others see the source is Firebrand, with some bandages on. Fire’ is also barely able to stand. “You mess with my friends, you mess with me!” Fire’ said to the mutant.

“Ooh-ah-ooh, he is still alive, but maybe not for long.” Medizinisch said as he watches Mcallen walk to Fire.’

“Fine by me!” Mcallen then runs for Fire’ and grabs his front left leg. “I’ll deal with you first!” Mcallen said as he breaks it and tosses Fire’ against the ground. “When I’m done, they have to scrap you off the street! I’m gonna fry your heart!” He then shocks Fire’ so badly, he screams in pain.

“No!” Twilight said as she stares in shock and horror. But before Mcallen can do anything else, some guards arrive and fire at Mcallen. Mcallen then gives Fire’ another, smaller, shock, sending him into another coma.

“What took you so long? Is Captain Lance with you? Does he see what I can do?”

“My brother doesn't have the time to deal with a monster like you!” Scootaloo said as some Wonderbolt pegasi encircle Mcallen.

“Stand down now!” Celestia said to Mcallen in her Royal Canterlot Voice.

“All right. I’ll show Lance and the world. You want me, come and get me!” He then charges at the pegasi and kills some of them. “I’m invincible. I can’t be touched!” He then electrocuted some more members, both on the ground and in the sky. “Lance didn't fired me, he ruined me. Bring me Captain Lance now, or I'll tear the country side apart!”

“He injured and killed dozens of ponies because Scootaloo’s brother fired him,” Rainbow said as she stars in shock and horror, “overreact much?” Mcallen then runs. Twilight runs up to Fire,’ who is barely breathing. They then take him and the other Avatars to the emergence room.

==================================================================

Meanwhile, in the Fire Nation Capital, Zuko feeds some ducks at a lake with some bread. They then fly away when Azula joins him. “You seem so downcast. Has Mai gotten to you already? Though actually, Mai has been in a strangely good mood lately.”

“I haven't seen Dad yet. I haven't seen him in the 16 years since I was banished.”

“So what?”

“So, I didn't capture any of the Avatars.”

“Who cares? The Avatar of Fire is dead ... Unless you think he somehow miraculously survived.”

“No. There's no way he could have survived.” Zuko said, remembering that Twilight knows some healing spells and about Agua’s spirit water.

“Well, then I'm sure you have nothing to worry about.”

==================================================================

In an alleyway in Manehattan, a Pegasus guard is looking for Mcallen. “Sky Line to Lance, I’ve lost Mcallen. The fugitive is still at large.” She leaves, not noticing that Mcallen is walking down the alley.

Suddenly, Mcallen sees ... “Captain Lance?”

“Guard Mcallen.” The ‘captain’ said. “You are the best guard the Royal Guard has seen in decades.”

“I knew you would recognize my talent. Everypony has their time.”

==================================================================

At the Fire Nation capital, in the palace, Zuko kneels before Ozai. “You've been away for a long time. I see the weight of your travels has changed you. You have redeemed yourself, my son. Welcome home. I am proud of you, Prince Zuko. I am proud because you and your sister conquered Ba Sing Se. I am proud because when your loyalty was tested by your treacherous uncle, you did the right thing and captured the traitor. And I am proudest of all of your most legendary accomplishment: you slayed the Fire Avatar.”

“What did you hear?”

“Azula told me everything. She said she was amazed and impressed at your power and ferocity and the movement of truth.”

==================================================================

In the emergence room, Fire’ wakes up due to a light in his eye. “Your lucky to have survived.”

“Where am I?” Fire’ asked.

“Welcome back to the world of the living again, Firebrand.” Celestia said as she, Luna, Twilight and her friends, the CMC, and the other Avatars, who have bandages on, are around him. Fire’ has a cast that goes from his hoof up to his shoulder.

“Fire,’ you're gonna have to take it easy for now on.” Luna said.

“Your gonna have to stay away from your sword for a few weeks, because if you go all out again in your condition, you're not coming back.” The Doc said.

“Oh, great. Things cannot get any worse.”

“You should never say that Fire,’ things can always get worse,” Twilight said, just when a bright orange Pegasus with purple armor, a yellow mane and eyes, and a lance for a cutie mark, walks in, along with a Unicorn stallion with a gray mane, a yellow coat, and a DNA strand for a cutie mark.

“Lance, you have some explaining to do.” Scootaloo said to her brother.

“I know.” Lance said to his little sister.

==================================================================

In the alleyway, Mcallen is still talking to the imaginary pony. “Take me back sir. I promise I got my head back together. I didn't mean to lash out at Guard Breeze.”

“You have series mental problems, Guard Mcallen. You are relived of duty.” ‘Lance’ said, shocking Mcallen. “You're a failure. A fraud. Your not fit to serve.”

Mcallen, clearly angry, begins to give off some sparks. “Shut up. Shut up!” Mcallen shouted as he punches the hallucination, and nearly destroys a wall. He then notices that the Pegasus he thought was there is gone. “Lance? Lance! I’m going to tear you limb from limb!"

==================================================================

“I’ve been working on some nano-machines I call nanites.” The Unicorn stallion that came with Lance said as the group walk down a hall the Manehattan University of Nanotechnology. “The nanites are machines that work on a cellular level. They help with the regeneration of cells, growing new bones and so on.” The doc said.

“How do they work?” Twilight asked.

“It works by rewriting your systems using you very own DNA, but sometimes, they create creatures I call 'E.V.O.s.’ like Mcallen."

"What does that mean?" Applejack asked.

"E.V.O. stands for Exponentially Variegated Organism. The nanites are a modern attempt to recreate the super-solider serum from World War II.” The doc finished.

“Those things are that old?” Rainbow said.

“Not exactly. There are a few older attempts, but my nanites, depending on how well programmed they are, affects people differently.”

“No kidding.” Pinkie said. “It turned Mcallen into a scary-psycho-monster-E.V.O.-meanie-pants!”

They then reach the docs lab, full of serum and test tubs. “Y’know, if nanites can heal the body and enhanced biology, I want some. Can you inject me with a reconfigured low dose.”

“What! Fire,’ think about this. It could turn you into another Mcallen.” Twilight said.

“Your out of your skull, son.” The doc said. “I’m still in the testing phase. Besides, I’m the only one who can open the nanite vault, and I’m not doing that until we take care of our problem. Plus, the only completely programmed nanites I had were stolen about a year ago.”

“Did you see what Mcallen did to me and the others. He's a biological weapon of mass destruction. He needs to be stop.” Fire’ said as a guard runs in and heads for Shining.

“Sir. Mcallen is at the center of Manehattan and demands blood, your blood.” The guard said to the captain.

“Thats it, if he wants me, he's gonna get me.” Lance said as he leaves, despite the protests from Scootaloo. The group, except for Twilight and Fire,’ follow him.

“This stinks.” Fire’ said. “I can’t do anything now!” He then punches at a table.

“Fire.’”

“Yeah, Twiley. What is it?”

“Remember when we said that we left Ba Sing Se after the Fire Nation took it?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, me and Shining Armor were carrying you out, when Decker appeared, and gave us these,” Twilight said as she pulls the blue glowing nano-machines from her saddlebag, “we took it without telling the others.”

“You ... you did.”

“Yeah, we did. You can use it if you want.” She places it on a table and leaves. Fire’ then stares at the vile for a few moments before he locks the door.

==================================================================

“Twilight, why didn't you tell us that Deker was the one who stole the nanites, and that he gave you them, and now you’ve given them to Fire!?!?”

“Rainbow, I had too. I was so worried about Fire’ that I...”

“This can wait,” the doc said, “we need to stop Fire’ before he uses the nanites.” They then head for the lab, the only ones who are not with them are Shining, Blitz, Agua, and Terra. When they get there, the doc uses his key card but gets a “Access denied.”

“Firebrand. You’ve lost it. Open this door!” Luna said as Fire’ takes the blue nanites.

“If I’m gonna have a chance against Mcallen and the Fire Nation, I need to be at the top of my game.” He then injects himself with the nanites Deker brought them. He then collapses to the floor and groans in pain. Outside, Celestia is charging her horn and blasts the door open. They run in and see Firebrand on the floor.

“Fire.’” Twilight said with a large amount of worry in her voice. Fire’ then stands up, still the same. “Oh, my goodness. Your leg.” Twilight said as she points to his leg that was broken, but now completely healed.

“Fire’ you took some of the nanites?” Celestia said.

“Are you okay?” Twilight asked.

“I’m better then okay, I feel like a new stallion. More alive than I ever felt.” He then hugs Twilight and lifts her up in the air.

“Whoa, easy. Your gonna crush my spine.” Twilight said. Fire’ then puts her back down.

“We better take you to the universities medical center to see if your okay.” The doc said.

“No time.” Fire’ said as he turns into a fireball and flies off.

“I hate it when he does that.”

==================================================================

At the center of Manehattan, Mcallen is destroying everything that dares to even look at him. Medizinisch is watching form a destroyed pillar. “If he did end the Fire Avatar, then he will be a great ally to have when we take over Equestria,” Medizinisch said to himself as Lance and the other Avatars show up.

“Mcallen!” Lance yelled.

“Captain Lance. Welcome to the afterlife.” Mcallen said as he turns to face the 4. “Were all dead here. You, me, this whole stinking world.”

“It’s over. Get on your knees. Your under arrest. Stand down, or I will knock that head off your shoulders.” Lance threatened.

“I told you, I would be the greatest Royal Guard who ever lived.”

“Now you’ll be known as the ex-Royal Guard with the longest prison sentence.” Lance said as some young dragons surround Mcallen, all of them eager to finally kill something.

But Mcallen looks at the dragons, and laughs. “Ha-ha-ha! Your gonna have to do better than sending in some overgrown lizards.” Suddenly, Mcallen runs toward one of the dragons, and, in the blink of an eye, slashes its throat. Before the dragon next to it could even react to what it just saw, Mcallen breaks it’s neck.

“I don’t believe this.” Agua said as Mcallen kills the last of the dragons by breaking ones necks and frying the other with his electric blasts.

==================================================================

At the Fire Nation Palace, Azula is asleep in her room when Zuko walks in. “Why did you do it?”

“You're going to have to be a little more specific.”

“Why did you tell Father that I was the one who killed the Fire Avatar?”

“Can't this wait until the morning?”

“It. Can't.”

Azula than sighs. “Fine. You seemed so worried about how Father would treat you because you hadn't captured the Avatar. I figured if I gave you the credit, you'd have nothing to worry about.”

“But why?”

“Call it a generous gesture. I wanted to thank you for your help and I was happy to share the glory.”

“You're lying.”

“If you say so...”

“You have another motive for doing this, I just haven't figured out what it is.”

“Please Zuko, what ulterior motive do I have? What could I possibly gain by letting you get all the glory for defeating the Avatar? Unless, somehow, the Fire Avatar was actually alive. All that glory would suddenly turn to shame and foolishness. But you said it yourself, that was impossible.” Zuko then leaves. “Sleep well, Zuzu.”

==================================================================

In the streets of Manehattan, a female guard manages to get Mcallen on his back. “I’m getting sick of you, freak.” She then breaks his neck and takes a few steps back. Agua, Terre, and Blitz join her. They then see Mcallen’s head snap back into place, shocking them. Mcallen then gets back on his hoofs. He then charges at then and sends them flying a few feet. He turns around and sees Lance.

“I’m gonna send you back to your afterlife, Mcallen.” Lance said as he fires a gun at Mcallen, but he doesn't feel it at all.

“Your mine now, Lance.” Mcallen then runs up to Shining, but he fight back and lands a few blows, but Mcallen grabs Shining’s face. “Die!” Mcallen then begins to crush Shining’s head slowly. But before he can do anything else, Fire’ flies in and knocks Mcallen back several feet.

“Mcallen, we have some unfinished business. You and me.” Fire’ then sends a fireball at Mcallen. It explodes and Mcallen is sent throw the wall of a restaurant, scaring away the guests. Mcallen gets up and charges at Fire.’ Fire’ tries to hit Mcallen, but he doges the attacks and hits Fire’ several times. Mcallen then runs around Fire,' leaving a trail of electricity behind. Fire’ fires some lasers at Mcallen that actually hurt Mcallen and sends him behind a wall and into a construction site. Fire’ follows and Mcallen sends some lasers at Fire’ and charges at him. He hits Fire’ and send him to the ground.

“I would've killed you the last time if it wasn't for the Royal Guard. I had your heart in my claws, Firebrand.” Mcallen then fires a lightning bolt at Fire,’ putting Fire’ on the ground. On the ground, Fire’ sees a power cord below him, and gets an idea. Mcallen then runs for Fire,’ ready to finish him off, but before he could, Fire' pulls out the cord.

“Chew on this!” Fire’ shouted as he electrocutes Mcallen, who screams in pain, before he loses consciousness and falls to the ground.

“Ooh-ah-ooh, now he's stronger too.” Medizinisch said as he leaves to tell Chrysalis and Discord that the Fire Avatar is alive and stronger than ever.

==================================================================

Later at a prison, an unconscious Mcallen is taken to a cell that he won’t be able to escape from, with Fire,’ Blitz, Agua, Terra, the main six, Celestia, Luna, and Lance watching. “Thanks again for saving me, Fire.’” Lance said to him. “I ow you one.”

“You don’t.” Fire’ said. “But I am gonna help upgrade the security at the university, so something like this never happens again.”

Chapter 2, The X-Factor

The Elements of Nature, Book 3

Chapter 2, The X-Factor

It has been a couple of days since Mcallen nearly killed Fire’ and Lance, and Fire’ has been recovering. He is staying at the local hotel, with the others in neighboring rooms. He leaves the shower room when suddenly, Scootaloo’s brother, Lance, walks in. “Sorry to bother you, but I need your help real quick.”

“What is it?” Fire’ said as he drays off.

“I received word of a hostage at the storage area. The other Avatars are in the library looking for any clues about the Elements of Nature, so it's just you and me.”

==================================================================

Later at the warehouse, Lance and Fire’ enter and see nothing at first, with Lance has a strange device. “What is that thing, anyway?”

“A scanner that detects electromagnetic waves. The Royal Guard has received reports about strange magnetic anomalies all over Equestria lately, and this warehouse has the strongest readings by far. This thing is barely working as it is now.” Lance said as the two enter.

“There’s nothing here. Are you sure this is the right place?”

“I’m sure, Fi-- Look, over there!” Lance then points to a Pegasus tied up with a metal beam.

“Hey, you okay?” Fire’ said as they run over to him. “He's out cold.”

“I just sent word to the hospital. There sending an ambulance now.” Lance said.

“Wonder what did this to him?” Fire’ asked. Just then, an earth pony in red and purple armor appears behind them. He is wearing a helmet that is also red and purple, the only detail they can see is that he has blue eyes.

“A couple more pitiful Equus ferus caballus unicornia, this time in armor, mimicking the powers of my kind.” He then lifts a hoof, which somehow causes both Fire’ and Lance to float up in the air, Lance by his armor and Fire’ by his sword. They're lifted out and once they're out, they're lifted up into the sky and then they are drop into a dumpster.

==================================================================

In the Fire Nation Royal Palace, at Zuko's bedroom, Zuko is tossing and turning, unable to sleep. He opens his eyes and gets up, donning a cloak. Later at the rim of a volcano, he walks through a path.

==================================================================

At the Capital City Prison, Zuko walks to it. He stops and looks above. A guard is walking through a balcony spots him. “Who's there?!” Zuko, without saying a word, turns back and walks away. The guard, seeing Zuko leave, resumes his patrol.

==================================================================

The next morning, at a restaurant near the school, the Avatars, the main six, the CMC, Featherweight, Pipsqueak, and Twist are at a table, with Fire’ at a nearby table while, watching the news. “Red Stormwall was assaulted last night for his anti-mutant stance.” A reporter said.

“Whoa. Fire.’ Did you shower after your little dumpster dive?” Rainbow asked as she moves a little further away. “You smell like dippers.”

“Like a 140 ton dipper.” Blitz said.

“I showered like 20 times.” Fire’ said. “You can’t get that smell off of a steel sword, or my mane. And worse,” Fire’ continued, “whoever did that to me, whoever has that kind magic or tech, vanished.”

Twilight then looks at the TV and sees Stromwall. “Thats the guy you two found last night, right?”

“Yep.” Fire' said. “According to his site, Red Stormwall is a big time anti-mutant activist from America. He wants to identify and control mutants all across the world.”

“What is this?” Blitz said, clearly annoyed. “The 950s? That’s just wrong.”

“Excuse me dear,” Rarity said to Blitz, “but I kinda want to know if some Earth Pony or Pegasus has the power to fry me with just a look, or have retractable fangs. There are many evil mutants out there.”

“Yeah,” Sweetie continued, “whats wrong with just identifying them?”

“So you two think they should be outed and ostracized, even if they don’t want to be. Segregated even.” Blitz said as he took to the air and hovered near them.

“No. Not segregated, just ... identified.” Sweetie said.

==================================================================

Later in class ... “Okay, everypony, settle down now, I have an announcement to make. I like to introduce a new student, her name is Arline and she's moved all the way from Colorado in the USA. Stand up Arline.” A Pegasus filly with an orange coat and a red mane then stands up. She also has light green eyes and a fossil of an ammonite for a cutie mark.

“Uh, hi.” She said. “I’m Arline. I really don’t know what to say.”

“Nice colors,” Diamond Tiara said, “if your from Loservile.” She and Silver Spoon then chuckle a little, making Arline sit back down.

“What is wrong with those two?” Scootaloo said as she glared at the two earth ponies. “We’re 11 years old now, there’s no need to be all immature like that anymore.”

“Tell me about it.” Sweetie Belle said.

“I’m not sure about having a third redhead in class.” Apple Bloom said.

“Whoa. She’s cute, am I right or am I right?” Featherweight whispered to Pipsqueak.

“If you like the snobby stuck-up, better than Tiara attitude.” Twist said.

“Nah.” Sweetie Belle said to them. “I think she's just shy.” Arline then looks over at them and smiles.

==================================================================

Just outside of the Whitetail Woods, Deker in his pony form is sitting on a hill. “Queen Chrysalis’ bonds can't hold me, but my cursed half-pony, half-changeling existence still imprisons me. My fate is sealed.” He then walks down a road where he meets a unicorn with a black mane, a gold coat, brown eyes, and a fishing rod for a cutie mark. He is also wearing a jacket that has a gray and white pattern on it. He is also pulling a blue ice chest that has an attachment for holding fishing rods. He also has a bird cage on the ice chest, but it's covered by a sheet. They walk past each when the gold unicorn stops.

“You.” The unicorn said as Deker stops in his tracks. “I know what you got there.” The unicorn said as Deker prepares to pull out his blade. “It’s fishing rods.” The gold unicorn said. Deker then breathes a sight of relief. “And there’s a good stream that way. They weren’t bitting this morning, but just now I caught a bunch!”

“I’m no fisher-colt.” Deker said as he begins to leave.

“Oh.” The unicorn then runs up in front of Deker. “But I bet your hungry. How about some lunch? Theres a secret Baby Barracuda Recipe I’m working on. Do you want to challenge your taste buds?”

“Maybe next time.” Deker then leaves.

“Say, do know where Ponyville is at?”

“Follow this path until you find the train station. You’ll probably have to wait for a while before a train comes, though.” Deker said as he enters Whitetail Woods.

==================================================================

Meanwhile, after school has ended, the CMC, Featherweight, Pipsqueak, and Twist are walking down the hallway when Scootaloo sees Arline. “Hey, check it out. Theres the new girl. Do we need another orange Pegasus mare around here? I think not.” Scootaloo said as they see Diamond Tiara grabbing Arline’s bag.

“Nice bag there, new girl.” Tiara said, starting a small tug-a-war. “Whoa, easy. I just want to take a look.”

“Could you just stop. I don't want any trouble.” Arline said as Silver Spoon sees whats going on with some other students.

“Trouble? Well, that's funny, because you just found a-” Just then, Tiara losses her grip and falls backwards. A locker door opens, hitting her in the face while another opens with a orang glow and she tumbles to the ground. The other students, including Silver Spoon, laugh at Tiara as she gets back up. “What are you?” She said while pointing an accusing hoof at Arline. “Some kind of mutant?” Tiara then leaves as the other students wonder what just happened. Arline then flies off.

“Did you see that?” Pipsqueak asked as they see Arline fly down the hall.

“You really think she's a mutant?” Sweetie said. “I mean if she is, maybe we should keep our distance.” Featherweight then flies of after Arline. He is soon followed by Twist, Pipsqueak, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. Sweetie then gives up and follows them.

==================================================================

On the roof, the teen CMC, Featherweight, Pipsqueak and Twist find Arline near a ledge. “Uh, Arline.” Featherweight said. Arline then turns around. “Hi. Were not here to mess with you. I’m Featherweight. These are my friends, Pipsqueak, Twist, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. What you did back there, that was amazing.”

“I shouldn't have overreacted like that, but she wouldn't back off.” Arline said.

“But you didn't touch Diamond Tiara.” Sweetie said. “Your one of them, aren't you? A mutant?”

“And that freaks you out?” Arline asked them.

“No.” Scootaloo said as she walked to her.

“Of course not.” Featherweight said.

“Kind of.” Sweetie quietly said.

Apple Bloom glares at Sweetie for a moment before she has an idea. “Mah big sis an' her friends invited us fo' dinner tonight. Howsabout we talk thar. Is thet right fine?” Arline turns around and looks at them. She then nodes a yes.

==================================================================

Later at Sugarcube Corner, the main 6, the CMC, the Avatars, Featherweight, Pipsqueak, Twist, and Arline are eating, on Pinkie’s treat. “So, you're a mutant?” Fire’ asked.

“You don’t have to be afraid of us.” Twilight said to her. “You can talk about whatever you want.”

“I’m not afraid. Believe me, not anymore. We all have secrets. Right, Firebrand?” Arline said.

“Huh?” Fire’ said as Arline begins to levitate the forks and other utensils.

“Man that is so cool!” Featherweight said as most of the group stare in disbelief. “What else can you do?” He asked.

“I can read peoples thoughts.” Arline said, surprising everypony, especially Featherweight as she puts the stuff back on the table. “That’s why I trusted you and your friends. I know who they are. And I need your help.”

“You mean you know...” Fire’ began to say.

“You, Agua, Terra and Blitz are the Avatars.” The group then stare at each other. The news as who the Avatars were was keep hidden from the world by Celestia. “Look, I didn't mean to pry into your minds. I just don’t trust ponies often.” Arline said as she looks at Sweetie Belle and Rarity.

“Why do you need our help?” Agua asked.

“I’ve been trying to find a school. There are rumors about a special institute for mutants. But there are other mutants out there, not all of them good.” Arline said.

“Well, that's a big surprise.” Rarity sarcastically said.

“One of then wants me for his own cause. He's been trying to track me down. I had to run away from home so he wouldn't find my family.” Arline said as Fire’ notices something going on outside. “He hates normal people. Thinks a war is coming.” Arline said as Fire’ sees the lamp post and other metal objects floating in the air.

“Uh ... Does he wear red and purple?” Fire’ asked her.

“Yeah.” Arline answered.

“And ... uh ... a metal helmet?” Fire’ asked.

“It protects him from mental powers.” Arline answered, but she realizes that Fire’ shouldn't know about this.

“And does he have the power to control magnetism?” Fire’ said as than others see whats going on outside.

“Oh no. Its him! Its Magneto!” Arline said as the Earth Pony from earlier floats down and launches a trash can at the shop. The group get back just when the can hits.

“You think you could hide from me for long, foal.” Magneto said as the group make way for the door. “The iron in your blood is unique. There like a hoof print. Once I'm close, I can track you like a lion tracks a gazelle.” The group run down an ally, but Magneto meets them at one end. Fire’ goes elemental and tries to attack, but Magneto flicks him away using a lamp pole. The group then run again, with Rainbow charging at Magneto. He takes a metal pole and wraps it around her.

“What the!?” Rainbow said.

“You call yourself a master of air, Pegasus. Pathetic.” Magneto said as he flies after the others.

“Hurry! He's right behind us!” Featherweight said as they run down the street. Suddenly, a scrapheap of lamp posts block their path. They turn around and see Magneto.

“You run from the truth, filly. You know whats to come, and yet you flee from me.” Twilight then uses her telekinesis to move the scrapheap away so the can run. “Foolish.” Magneto then takes three dumpsters that slowly move toward the group.

“I really wish I know how to bend metal.” Terra said, unable to see Magneto due to how still he is. Fire’ then comes flying in and hits Magneto in the face.

“Thats what happens when I pull my punch. You don’t want to see what happens when I don’t.” Fire’ said as Magneto catches himself in midair, due to his suit being made of metal. “Who are you anyway?”

“You may call me Magneto. And you, my friend, have silver in your blood, which makes it a lot easier for me to do this!” Magneto then makes Fire,’ using the silver in his blood, hit the wall, slowly climb it, and hit the exact opposite wall and back a few times. “You would think our fist meeting would've taught you a lesson.” Magneto then pushes Fire’ agains a lamppost and twists it around Fire,’ and begins to slowly crush him.

“Fire’! No!” Twilight said.

“Leave him alone!” Annie said as multiple object make their way to Magneto, but he stops each one.

“Impressive. Your telekinesis is quite strong, just as strong as an Alicorns. Next time, try not metal objects,” Magneto said as he tosses them back and looks at Firebrand. “You are nothing but a pony-being who is an Avatar. Flesh, bone, hatred, and little spirit,” Magneto said as he takes the entire pole and tosses it with such force that it lands ten blocks away. “Amusing, but I don’t have time to play with silver blooded ponies.” Magneto said as the main six, Agua, Terra, and Blitz make a stand while Annie, Featherweight, Pipsqueak, the CMC, and Twist run. Magneto takes a sing post and uses it to catch Arline.

“NO!” Arline screamed as she is dragged away.

“Come foal. We have much to discuss.” Magneto said as the two disappear.

“Arline!” Featherweight said as the group stare in shock.

“Where they go?” Sweetie asked as Twilight runs to where Fire’ landed, hoping he’s okay.

==================================================================

Later, in Magneto's hideout, an old train station that has a pile of old TVs, he has Arline pinned against a wall. “Forgive me for this horrid place. It’s a temporary refuge. This is where they have driven me to.” Magneto said to Arline.

“Let me go. You can’t do this.”

“I do what must be done.” Magneto then uses his powers to turn on a television set. The set shows a Unicorn with a black mane and a gray coat making a speech.

“We can clearly see what mutants are capable of in the wake of Stormwalls’s attack. Mutants must be controlled. You can’t have these so-called people running ramped, no matter what Celestia says.” The stallion said.

“Senator Rough Boulder.” Magneto said. “The only one of Celestia’s advisors who’s a leader in mutant segregation, and hatred!”

“Mutants must be identified. There births must be regulated, for the sake of our normal pony foals.” Magneto then turns off the TV.

“As a colt, I was locked away in a facility. Experimented on. I finally fled for my life, and I've been running ever since.”

“I know how that feels. To be on the run all the time. To always live in fear.” Arline said to Magneto, clearly angry.

“You cannot be that blind. The ponies and other creatures will segregate us, ostracize us, and eventually exterminate us. They destroy any one who is different. Even among their own kind.”

==================================================================

“Okay, Magneto is defiantly a problem.” Twilight said after they get Fire’ out of the hospital, again.

“Uh, guys, I think we should stay out of this.”

“I agree Sweetie. This is between the mutants.” Rarity said.

“There you two go again, talking about mutants like there so different from us.” Blitz said to the two Unicorn sisters. “Were all creatures!”

“We know that, were just saying were still interfering.” Rarity said, getting a terrifying glare from Blitz.

“So what are we gonna do?” Agua asked.

“I have a theory about Magneto’s powers.” Fire’ said, getting everypony interested. “If I’m right, Magneto can control both a positively charged and a negatively charged magnetic field, but not both at the same time. I’m gonna asked the build team for the Royal Guard to make some miniaturized force filed generators to counteract whatever magnetic filed he’ll be using.”

“Brilliant.” Twilight said, just getting more and more impressed by how smart Fire’ is.

“Ah have absolutely no idea whut yo' jest said, but it soun's cool.” Applejack said.

“They’re gonna give all of us a shield?” Rainbow asked him.

“Ugh, no. I don’t think we have enough time for that, but if you guys stay close to those of us who have them, you’ll be fine.” Fire’ said.

“Why don’t I feel convinced?” Blitz said.

==================================================================

At Magneto’s hideout, Arline is trying to use her telekinesis. Fire.’ Twilight. Scootaloo. Featherweight. Can you here me? But the brace that has her tie down squeezes slightly. Magneto then walks up to her.

“I have this sanctum fortified with the same anti-psychic tech that lines my helmet. Your telepathy is useless hear.” He then loosens the grip of the clamp, letting her breath. “Your powers are strong, foal. I could teach you how to use them.”

“No, never! I hate you! You're just as evil as the most ignorant PONIES!” She then uses her telepathy and tosses a barrel and a box at him. When he hits the floor, Arline levitates a large pice of concert and throws it at Magneto. But Magneto tightens the grip of the clamp, forcing Annie to stop, and walks up to her again.

“You will help me wage my war, or I will hunt down your family.” Magneto threatened as he turns on the TV again, still showing Boulder.

“This is not a false alarm to shock Equestria. Mutants are very real and very dangerous and they must be controlled!" Boulder said.

“Thus far I have approach the situation the wrong way. We can't make then see our side with these foals. You will make it look like a natural cause. No mutant can be blamed for a heart attack.” He then uses his powers to pull out some railroad spikes and points them to Annie. “And if you don’t, you and everyone you love will suffer!” He then throws them at the TV showing Boulder, destroying it.

==================================================================

Fire,’ Agua, and Blitz are flying above Manehattan, the last place Magneto was sighted with a Pegasus filly matching Arline’s description. “There’s still no magnetic anomalies anywhere,” Fire’ said, holding the scanner, picking up nothing. “I hate to say it, but we won’t be finding Magneto anytime soon,” Just then, the scanner picks something up. “Huh, just when I said it. There’s a strong magnetic anomaly at the old train station,” Fire’ said as the fly toward the train station in question. They land at the entrance and head in.

“It looks like were too late.” Agua said.

“Still,” Fire’ began to say, not noticing a tripwire, “we need to be ...” before Fire’ could finish, he breaks the wire and sets off a bomb set to explode in 5 seconds. “Carful.” The bomb then explodes, destroying the station, but when the smoke clears, Fire’ conjured up an orange shield that protected them from the blast.

“Whoa, that was a close one.” Blitz said after Fire’ drops the shield. “Magneto is making sure no one is following him.”

“And according to the criminal database, that would include everyone.” Twilight said over a communicator. “Boat loads of secret government agencies and something called the Weapons X Project. Looks like Magneto’s real name is Magnus.”

“Whoa.” Rainbow said. “Look at his record, this guy is competing with somepony called Doctor Doom and Queen Chrysalis for the Super Villain of the Century Award.”

“All right, we gotta find Arline. Lets spit up. We’ll go all day if we have to.” Fire’ said, when suddenly...

Fire,’ Agua, Terra, Blitz. It’s Arline. A voice sounded inside their heads.

“Whoa. Where are you?” Terra asked.

“Is that on our communicators?” Blitz asked.

“It’s Arline’s voice. And no.” Fire’ said. “It’s in our heads. It’s telepathy.”

I’m on a roof on a corner at main street near the city hall. Please hurry. The entire group heard inside their heads. The group then fly over as fast as they can.

==================================================================

At city hall, Senator Boulder is making a speech. In the crowd is Rarity and Sweetie Belle. “I am here to talk about my proposal, Proposition X.” Boulder said over a microphone. “The country wide mutant control law. My proposal seeks to identify mutants, even before there born. And register them as the Americans would register a gun,” Unknown to Boulder, Magneto is watching him from the roof of a building with hatred in his eyes. He has Arline with him.

“You see, already they treat us like objects. As weapons. If this stallion gains anymore power, every mutant on the planet will be hunted down.” Magneto said to Arline.

“Mutants are a genetic mishap. An unnatural product of nature. A disease that must be controlled before it gets out of hand.” Boulder stated.

“Make it look just like another normal act of the nature he so embraces. A heart attack.” Magneto said to Arline, who then begins to use her telekinesis, but stops.

“I wont. Pony life? Every form of life is precious.” Arline yelled.

“You are a weak foal.” Magneto said as he flies up into the air. “Your parents will suffer. Buts first ...” Magneto then pulls out some railroad spikes. “You!” He then sends the spike at her, but Fire’ incinerates them.

“Firebrand!” A relieved Arline said.

“The silver blooded buffoon returns. Be gone!” Magneto then fires a magnetic blast, but the belt Fire’ made blocks it. “Amusing trick.” Magneto said as he lands.

“We got a million of them, dude!” Blitz said as he shocks Magneto, who turns around, but doesn't see Agua as she sends a wave of water at him, knocking Magneto over the ledge.

Fire’ then melts the steal beam that Magneto used to contain Arline. “Arline get out of here! Go!” Fire’ said to her.

“Be carful. You don’t know how strong he is!” Arline said as she flies away.

Magneto flies back up and tosses Fire’ to a nearby building. Boulder and the crowd below see this. “Whats going on up there?” Boulder asked as he sees Magneto and the Avatars. “Are those mutants?!” Agua tries to attack, but Magneto uses his powers to take control over her trident and tosses them toward Blitz, knocking them over. He then floats over to Fire.’

“You interrupt the good work. I have no sympathy for anyone who stands in my way!” Magneto said as he begins to use the nanites in Fire’s blood to slowly crush him. But Blitz fires off a lightning bolt at Magneto, but he creates a magnetic shield and deflects and disperses the lightning, with each new bolt hitting some buildings.

“Uh, oh.” Blitz said as Magneto controls the metal chain in his nunchuks, sending him across some buildings. Some debris falls to the crowd below, scaring them, with Boulder running to some cover, but a large chunk is about to crush him.

He freezes out of fear, but the blocks stop in midair. “What?” Kelly then sees Arline is the one who saved him. He then notices that Arline is a Pegasus, not a Unicorn, but he doesn't see a news crew sees recording it. “Saved, by one of them?”

Fire’ gets out of the building and sees Arline below. He then sees some debris falling above her. “No!” He flies over and incinerates the derbies, including the ones above Kelly. He then flies up to where Magneto is.

Magneto is still making Blitz hit buildings. “I ... cant ... let go!” Blitz said as he’s pined to a wall by a steal beam. “I need to get out of this.” Blitz said as he struggles to free himself. Magneto than flick him across the city. Fire’ than tackles Magneto and sends him inside a building. Fire’ flies over to see if Magneto is out, only for a steal beam to hit him.

Fire’ recovers in time and sees Magneto above him. “Now it ends,” Magneto said as he fires a magnetic blast, but the shield Fire’ has blocks it. “I see you have some control over magnetism,” Magneto said as he struggles to break the shield. “Very well then,” He then uses all the loose metal around him and attacks Fire’ with them. “You are a very clever and frustrating foe, and when I finally get to you, I'll twist you into abstract art with the silver in your blood!” He then crushes tow cars on Fire’ and creates a giant ball around Fire,’ trapping him.

“I can’t give up now.” Fire’ said.

Guys, Fire’ heard in his head, listen to me. You have to get his helmet off him. It protects him from my mental powers.

“And how are we gonna do that, Arline? Ask him politely?”

I’m flying up to a nearby roof now. You have to do something.

“No! It’s too dangers! I told you to run!” But Arline doesn't listen and lands on a nearby roof. “Twilight, I could use some bright ideas here.”

“Stop with defense and try offense when he's not expecting it.”

“Got it. Going super nova hot now!” Fire’ then creates a small explosion and incinerated most of the metal into ash. He then launches a fireball at Magneto, sending him flying.

“Fire,’ get him!” Rainbow said over the communicator. Magneto lands on the roof Arline is on, but he doesn't notice her. He then jumps up into the air and presses Fire’ against the floor, crushing him slowly.

“Pathetic. You really weren't much of an advisory. Lucky, yes. Crafty, perhaps. But worthy, no.” Magneto said to Fire,’ not noticing Agua behind him.

“I feel the same way about you!” She said as she removes Magneto’s helmet, showing he has a blue coat and a white mane.

“NO!” Magneto screamed as Arline uses her powers to put him on the floor.

“I want you to just take a nap.” She said as Magneto collapses, unconscious. Blitz arrives and, along with Agua and Fire,’ stare at Arline. “Don’t worry, he’ll wake up, in a few days.”

“Hopefully inside a plastic prison.” Fire’ said as they fly back down to the ground, where Bolder prepares to get in his white limo.

“There she is!” Bolder said, pointing an accusing hoof at Arline. “She’s a mutant! She's the cause of all of this!” He said to the same camera-pony who recorded Arline saving him.

“Are you out of your mind?” Fire’ said as he points to Bolder. “She saved your life!”

“Thats right!” Silver Spoon said. “She save all our lives!” Soon the crowd begins to back up Fire’ and Arline, and against Bolder.

“I think you should leave, Boulder.” Blitz said to him. “Before your followers turn on you.” The crowd then throws junk and other things at Bolder, who then gets in his limo, yelling at his driver to step on in as they leave, more trash and other items continue to fly at him.

==================================================================

The next morning at Ponyville, near the schoolhouse, Team Avatar, the main six, Shining and Cadence tell the CMC, Featherweight, Pipsqueak, and Twist about what happened yesterday. “Yeah.” Fire’ said to them, “After the camera crew saw Kelly spew his hatred on a filly who saved his life, his supporters bailed. He doesn't have a platform to stand on now.”

“He deserves it.” Sweetie said.

“I see you two have change your minds on mutants.” Blitz said to the two white unicorns.

“We never said we didn't like Arline or mutants.” Sweetie said.

“Right, we just don’t like evil mutants.” Rarity said. The group then see Diamond Tiara harassing Arline agin.

“Your a mutant!” Tiara said. “Show us your powers, mutie. Your just a freak. You don’t have any friends. Never will.” Tiara said, oblivious to the fact that the group is behind her.

“Oh she has plenty of friends.” Scootaloo said to Tiara.

“You wanna do something about it, tough girl?” Fire’ said to her.

“Tiara.” The group see that its Silver Spoon who called out her name.

“Silver Spoon, good, I need some help-”

“The reason we were friends for all these years was because I thought you were fun. But after seeing you harass the mare that saved me, were not anymore.” Spoon said, shocking Tiara.

“I ... I was only kidding.” Tiara then runs as fast as she can.

“About time yo' sar whut she really is.” Apple Bloom said to Silver Spoon.

“Yeah. Sorry for bullying you.” Spoon said to Arline.

“Its all right, and thanks guys, but I think from now on I can take care of myself without my powers. Unless someone really ticks me off." Arline and the others chuckled a little. “You guys trusted me, now I want to trust something to you, my real name.”

“Arline ain't yer real name, sugarcube?” Applejack asked.

“No, Applejack.”

“Oh, oh, is Orange Menace? Red Thought?” Pinkie asked.

“No, no.” Arline said, stopping Pinkie from going on further. “It’s Eastern. Eastern Runner.”

“I like that even more than Arline.” Featherweight said.

“There you are.” The school ponies recognize the voice and see Miss Cheerilee walking over to them.

“Miss Cheerilee? What is it?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I saw Arline on the news, and, realizing she’s a mutant, I decided to call and old friend of my who can help." Cheerilee said to the group. "He’s a mutant, too.”

“He is?” Scootaloo asked with a very confused face.

“Yes. I called him and he decided to come pick Arline up for his school. Oh, here he comes now.” She then points to a stallion with a white coat and no mane, he's also in a wheel chair that has a X on the back, that's like his cutie mark.

“Hello, Miss Arline. My name is Professor Xavier.” He said as Eastern walks up to him. “My old friend, Miss Cheerilee, told me that you might be looking for a certain insatiate I run. A school for mutants. I too have similar abilities. Professor X said inside Eastern's mind, surprising her, smiling. You won’t have to feel alone ever again. Eastern then smiles and looks at her friends.

==================================================================

In the Fire Nation prison, Prince Zuko is walking through the halls to Iroh's cell and the guard is alerted to his presence. He readies his spear and points to Zuko. “You again? Stop where you are.” Zuko then raises his head. “Prince Zuko...”

Zuko then grabs the guard by the collar and slams him against the wall. “I'm going in for a visit, you're going to stand guard here, and no one is going to hear about this.” Zuko releases the guard and enters Iroh's cell. “Uncle, it's me.” Iroh, who is sitting on the floor, turns away from Zuko with a scowl on his face.

Chapter 3, Freaky

The Elements of Nature, Book 3

Chapter 3, Freaky

It’s late night in the center of Manehattan, five days after Mcallen’s rampaged, ponies are running through the streets, smoke coming from the few vehicles in the city, with a bus even stopping in the middle of the mess. Firebrand then flies down and lands in the middle of the street in his elemental form, the first of his team to arrive, carrying what look like, books? “Typical, I go to Manehattan to get Twilight some new books about the Himalayas, and the city is in complete chaos, again. What’s going on around here, anyway?”

Just then, an Earth Pony with no hair, just green skin and pure white eyes, but most of his body is covered in a blue and gold costume, he even has a gold cloak. “Ah! What a lovely day,” the blue and gold Earth Pony said as some Pegasi carrying gems and bags of bits come out of the bank, following him. “One at a time. Single file, single file,” the green pony said to the Pegasi following him as two Royal Guards open a van. The clearly hypnotized Pegasi then load the van with the stolen valuables. “It’s almost too easy.

This city is already on the edge after that freaks attack. All it took was a small push,” At that, the van had been loaded and the guards close it, under the same spell. “Well done, guards!” Right then, the gold and blue pony sees Fire,’ confused at what’s going on. “Ooh! A real-life superhero, and one of the Avatars, too,” the gold cloaked Earth Pony excitedly said as he places one of his hoofs on his head, his eyes getting a circular movement to them. “I would very much like to see you all tear him limb from limb,”

At that, the Royal Guards charge at Fire,’ whose still trying to figure out what’s going on. “Hey! Hey!” Fire’ said as the guards try to slice him open with their lances, to no avail as Fire’ jumps onto the bus, out of the two Earth Pony guards reach, all the while, the gold and blue Earth Pony is laughing at Fire’s current situation, wiping away tears of evil joy. Jus then, a male Griffon in a yellow and blue spandex suit, blue gloves, blue strips on the yellow body, and a mask that hides his face. He also has a red belt with a blue X on the buckle. “Wolverine? What are you doing here?” Fire’ asked, but gets an angry growl from the blue and yellow Griffon as three metal claws, 30.48 centimeters long extend from both of his forelimbs.

“What did you do to these people!?” Wolverine yelled right in Fire’s face, causing Fire’ to gulp. “Bub, you got till the count of three to hit the off button on whatever it is you’re doing here.” Wolverine threatened, placing his claws at Fire’s neck.

“Whoa! Hey, I didn't do this. How did I do this?” Fire’ protested.

“Count of three.”

“If you think I can do something like this, I would’ve ordered you to take a shower by now,” Fire’ pointed out. Suddenly, the bus begins to rock, as an angry mob is trying to get the two heroes on the ground. It works, as Wolverine lands on one side, but Fire’ takes to the air, and sees Wolverine covered in some mob members, only for him to throw them off. One tries to attack him, but Wolverine grabs the Pegasus's head and lets him crash into some others. Some Earth Ponies throw a dumpster on him.

A small, ragtag group, wielding some metal pipes and sharpen stick surround the overturned dumpster, ready for the mutant to come out. “All right. I had about enough of this,” He said as he extends his metallic claws, and tears the dumpster apart in 2 seconds. “Who’s first? Come on!”

“Aw, man,” Fire’ said as he heads down and lands in front of Wolverine, who’s walking toward the crowd. “Wolverine, stop. These are civilians. Something’s wrong with them. Put the claws away,” Fire’ demanded, to which Wolverine does as the two do a back to back. “Maybe someone drugged them.”

“Nah, I could smell it then.”

“You have super mutant senses?”

“Ah, yep.”

“And you really don’t mind your own stench.” Fire’ joked. “Stand back while I--”

“That won’t work.” Wolverine interrupted as he extends his claws again.

“Don’t hurt anyone.”

“Ha-ha. Would I do that?” Wolverine said as he slices off the top of a fire hydrant, causing water to burst out. He then takes a trash can lid and uses it to deflect the water toward the mob, knocking some down. He then sees that Fire’ is having some trouble, and gets an idea, that will both help and hurt him, which makes him smile. He directs the water toward Fire,’ putting out his flames while getting the angry ponies to their senses.

“Sure, books and maps of the Himalayas, one of the deadliest and most remote mountain ranges in the world. Just splash some water on them.” Fire’ sarcastically said as the crowd gets up.

“What the heck happened?” One said as Wolverine sniffs the air, catching something familiar.

I know that scent. Wolverine thought as he looks at the direction the scent came from, and sees the blue and gold Earth Pony loading the last of the stolen bits into the van. “Mesmero!”

Recognizing the voice, Mesmero turns around and sees “Wolverine! Destroy the Mutant!” Wolverine makes a run for Mesmero, but some brainwashed ponies tackle him. Mesmero laughs as Wolverine is now covered by brainwashed ponies as he makes a run for it, but trips, and sees that a pice of concrete tripped him, and that it’s glowing orange. Fire’ then arrives.

“You’re not leaving yet, are you? I was gonna asked you to give me some cash so I can get new books.” Fire’ joked as Wolverine frees himself.

Mesmero gets up and opens the vans front door, but Wolverine slices the door into four pieces, and kicks the pice Mesmero was holding away. Wolverine then pushes Mesmero against the side of the van and places one of his hands under Mesmero’s head. “You have till the count of three. Put it back, Mesmero.” Wolverine threatened.

“Who is this guy? What's going on?” Fire’ asked Wolverine.

“This worm uses his mutant powers against all races of creatures,” Wolverine answered. “Let go of their minds, bub. One,” one of the metal claws then extends on the left side of Mesmero’s face, “two...” another metallic claw then extends on the right side of Mesmero’s face. “If you’ve done the math, then you’ve figured out that three is gonna hurt...”

“Okay, I give. I freed them!” A desperate Mesmero said as his eyes get the circular movement to them as the mob calms down, all of them wondering what happened, gasping in surprise. Just then, the Royal Guard arrives, among them Lance. Some members take Mesmero away.

“Guess I ow you another one, Fire.’” Lance said to the Fire Avatar.

“Like I said, you don’t ow me anything.” Fire’ said as he tries his best to dry the books and maps off as Lance walks over to Wolverine.

“Logan, you’re staying out of trouble?” Lance asked the mutant Griffon, who’s sitting in the van, drinking some Sweet Apple Acres apple cider.

“Trying to, till whatever this is happened.” Wolverine said.

“You’re were gonna kill him.” Fire’ pointed out as he finishes drying the books and maps.

“Sometimes you have to go down to their level.” Wolverine said as he finishes the last of the cider.

“‘Down to their level’?” Fire’ asked while Wolverine does a loud burp. “Unbelievable. I just ... I can’t ... It just doesn't ... Ah!”

At this, Lance chuckles. “You got him speechless. Do you know how hard it is to get him like that?”

“Ha! You got something you want to say to me, punk?” Wolverine asked.

“Only that you are absolutely the most disgusting being I’ve ever meet. And I meet a lot of people.” Fire’ said as he places the books and map in his saddle bag, while Wolverine crushes the bottle out of anger.

“Well, your young.” Wolverine simply said as he throws the empty bottle away in a nearby trashcan.

“He was going to kill Mesmero’s victims. With his smell.” Fire’ said to Lance. At this, Wolverine growls at Fire’ up to his face, but Fire’ doesn't get scared. “I don’t scare easy, ferret.”

At this, Wolverine scoffs as he walks away. “Little troll.”

“Oh, I’m a troll? You know what?” Fire’ said as he takes a pebble and throws it at Wolverine, hitting the back of his head. Wolverine the turns around and extends his claws and charges at Fire,’ yelling.

Fire’ goes elemental and draws out his sword, but Lance gets in between the two, holding a lance toward Wolverine’s chest. “Enough!” Wolverine, not wanting to get Princess Celestia mad, retracts his claws. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?” Lance said to Fire.’

“Fine by me.” Fire’ said as he takes to the air. “I hope I never see this ferret again in my life.”

“The feelings mutual.” Wolverine said. Unknown to them, Mesmero is watching, smiling evilly as his eyes get the swirling pattern to them for a spit second.

==================================================================

"Rainbow, do we really need do this now?"

"Yes, we do, Blitz! You and me. Tomorrow afternoon, at Ghastly Gorge!" Fire’ then arrives and sees that Rainbow Dash and Blitz are glaring at each other, ready to clash heads, with the others looking at them with worry.

"Here Twilight.” Fire’ as he gives Twilight the books and maps she needed. “They’re a bit wet.”

“That’s okay.” Twilight said as she looks over a map of Nepal.

“What's going on with those two?" Fire’ asked. "And what’s a ‘Ghastly Gorge’?"

“Ghastly Gorge is a ... well ... a gouge just outside of Ponyville.” Twilight answered.

"Oh, Princess here is just angry that her Winter Wrap Up job didn't go as planned..." Blitz said as he kept up the stare.

"’Didn't go as planned?’" Rainbow snorted angrily, "You sent me with Derpy! To get birds! That Fluttershy had already retrieved! And then, when I reprimanded the idiot Pegasus, she yelled, quite loudly: 'I just don't know what went wrong!' And BOOM!" Rainbow threw her front hooves up in the air and finally clashed heads with Blitz, "Avalanche central..."

At this, Fire’ chuckled a little, just glad to see somepony angry that didn't have razor-sharp, metal claws that can slice through anything. “Wow, and your mad because of a small mistake?” Fire’ asked.

“All right, Princess, I accept.” Blitz said, making steam come out of Rainbow’s ears.

“Don't call me PRINCESS!!!!” Rainbow yelled as she flies back home, needing to rest for tomorrow.

“I think we should all head in for the night.” Fire’ said as he heads for the hotel. “It’s gonna be a long day tomorrow.”

“Hold on, you didn't tell us what took you so long, Fire.’” Agua said.

“I’m not in the mood. See you tomorrow.”

==================================================================

"Are you serious, Apple Bloom?" Scootaloo said excitedly as they approached the start line of the race that was about to happen, "It's Rainbow Dash versus Blitz?"

"Thet's whut mah sister told me!" Apple Bloom smiled back.

Scootaloo could barely contain her excitement, "Ooooh man!" Her wings fluttered rapidly. "The fastest pony is Equestria versus one of the Avatars!"

"I assume you're rooting for Rainbow Dash..." Sweetie Belle said dryly as they approached the spectator area, where ponies had laid out picnic blankets and were getting ready to watch the match.

"Of course I am!" Scootaloo did a mini hoof-pump in the air, "Rainbow Dash is so gonna win! Though, she might go easy on Blitz."

“Really, why?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Well, Blitz has always made Rainbow Dash crazy whenever he gets the chance,” Scootaloo said. “I think they might have feelings for each other, and they don’t even know it.” Scootaloo said as the two ponies lined up at the starting line, and the crowd had since then doubled in size. Over the cheers of the ponies, Pinkie Pie and Spike's voices were heard over a megaphone coming from a flying pink hot-air balloon.

"Welcome everypony!" Pinkie exclaimed. "To the first ever official Ghastly Gorge Sprint Race! Oooooh, this is going to be super fun!"

"And super dangerous, Pinkie!" Spike added. "Our competitors today are two of the fastest and most talented Pegasi ever to grace Equestria with their speed, possibly the world. First, the challenger. Captain of Ponyville's weather team, and out for some payback against Blitz for his bad decision during Winter Wrap Up, please give a rousing welcome to the Element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash!" Rainbow Dash jumped and did an airborne flip when the thunderous stomping of hooves followed her announcement.

“This is not going to end well.” Twilight said as she and the others sit in the stands, with Fire’ feeling slightly ill.

"Our second competitor is the American wild one!" Pinkie Pie said. "The Avatar of Lightning, he is also the second in command of Team Avatar, which he gave the name to! Please give a big 'Yeah! Woo-hoo! Hooray!' to Blitz!" Blitz smirked and stomped the ground, waving at the crowd.

"Before we start the race, we should recognize our very special guests to today's race, huh, Spike?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Yes, we should, Pinkie." Spike took the mic. "In the crowds today we have the Wonderbolts Soarin' and Spitfire! And the Princesses themselves, her Highnesses, Celestia, Luna and Twilight Sparkle!"

Both racers turned their heads in shock to see that Celestia and Luna were seated on a raised platform above the rest of Team Avatar. Also next to them were the Wonderbolt team captains, Soarin' and Spitfire. Rainbow Dash almost hyperventilated. "OhmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohMYGOSH! The Wonderbolts showed up to watch me race?"

"Is the fifth Princess scared?" Blitz chuckled.

"Don't talk to me like that, Pillow Kisser!" Rainbow scowled.

Blitz was now equally flustered. "Oh! It's on now, Dash!"

The ref took his place at the starting line with the green starting flag. "The race is about to begin, everypony!" Spike exclaimed. Massive cheers and stomping of hooves arose from the audience. "When Avatar Firebrand shoots a blast of fire in the air, the race will begin!"

"Oh boy!" Pinkie Pie shouted. "A race and a fire blast from Firebrand? WOO!"

The two Pegasi took their positions as they listened to the ref's rules. "All right, you two. Standard derby rules apply here. No uncalled for physical contact, no touching any obstacles without a time penalty, and no touching the ground!" The ref nodded. "No magic or cheating of any kind!

And above all else..." he pointed at each of them. "Stay safe. It's Ghastly Gorge. Rockslides are prone to happen in this area," Rainbow Dash gulped, remembering the last time she was here, but she felt like that if she showed any sign of fear during the race, Blitz would never let her live it down. "On your mark!" The ref shouted into a megaphone of his own.

The two Pegasi took up their positions, kneeling down almost. "Get set!"

Out of the corner of his eye, Blitz could see Fire’ getting ready to fire a blast from his hoof. "It's go time..." Rainbow muttered, pawing the ground and gazing at the cliffs below her. Rainbow Dash fluttered her wings rapidly.

A blast of fire flew through the air. The crowd cheered. "GO!" The ref shouted. Like a bullet, the two Pegasi were off, rounding the first bend in under a few seconds. Rainbow Dash slowed down a little and looked behind her, and didn't see Blitz at all. “Ha! I knew that show off American would--” Suddenly, a navy blue blur zoomed past her and stopped ahead of her a few meters away. Dan smirked. "You were saying?" He floated there, putting his two front hooves on his hips, sticking out his tongue.

Dash was shocked, “No one beats me in a race!” She said as she goes to her top speed. Almost in the blink of an eye, Dash was gone, zooming away from him over some boulders off to Blitz's left. But Blitz laughed through gritted teeth and took off after her. Dash looked behind her to see if he was tailing, and not seeing him, laughed out loud.

"What's so funny?" She cried out in shock as Blitz was flying upside-down above her, smiling. "I don't get it." He chuckled, flying around her in a circle.

Dash smirked, "You're not supposed to get it, Blitz!" She angled downward and flew down, Blitz following suit.

"OH! Wow, everypony!" Spike laughed, "Blitz just added insult to injury by passing RD backwards!"

"He sure has style!" Pinkie Pie shouted, while laughing hysterically. In the stands, Fire’ is having a hard time staying awake, which Twilight takes notice of.

“You okay, Fire’?” She asked.

“What? Oh, I’m fine, just dizzy is all.” Fire’ said as he gets up and leaves the stands.

“Where are you going?” Twilight asked.

“To get something...something to drink.” Fire’ said as he leans against the rails.

“Fire’! Are you okay?” Fire’ heard Twilight said as he closes his eyes, and when he opens them again, he sees a brown carpet, trash, blue gloves and fingers, which shocks him. “What?” He said in a slight animalistic voice.

“Where am I? What is this place?” He looks up and sees the race on a television set. Fire’ then notices a bathroom and runs toward it, and sees in the mirror a Griffon with a yellow and blue mask, which he take off for a second, and sees black and white feathers, which freaks him out even more. Fire’ then smells the suit, only to be completely disgusted by the fact that it hasn't been cleaned at all.

“Ugh! That smell is me?” Suddenly, the metal claws extend from their hiding place, scaring Fire,’ causing hims to slice apart some thins in the room, like a lamp and the bed sheets. He then accidentally puts one set of claws through the wall, and hears a scream on the other side. Fire’ tries his best to free himself, to no avail. “Please be a dream, please be a dream.”

==================================================================

At the race, Twilight floats down to a slightly conscious ‘Firebrand’ and shakes his shoulder. “Fire,’ you’re scaring me.”

Suddenly, ‘Firebrand’ jumps up into the air, with an angry expression on his face, but he’s also looks shocked that he’s at the race he was just watching. “Where am I? Who are you?”

“Fire,’ are you alr--” But before Twilight could do anything, ‘Firebrand' runs for an open field, followed by Twilight. “Fire’ slow down!”

In the field, Wolverine, in Firebrand's body, tries to figure out where he is, but when he sniffs, he finds that his super sense of smell is gone, and notices that “I’m in a Unicorn’s body!?”

“Firebrand, your really freaking me out now.” Twilight said when she finally caught up to him. Suddenly, a cell phone rings, which causes the confused Griffon in a Unicorn’s body to try to find the source.

“What is that?” Wolverine asked.

“It’s your cell phone.” Twilight said as she pulls out the phone from the saddle bag he was carrying.

Wolverine then takes the phone from Twilight in a rude fashion and tries to answer. “Hello?” Wolverine said, but the rigging continues, till Twilight presses the button and puts the phone on speaker mood. “Hello?”

“Oh, no.” A familiar voice to Wolverine said on the phone.

“Who is this?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight! I am glade to hear your voice. I’m not sure how I can explain, but I swapped bodies with Wolverine.” Fire’ said on the phone, shocking both Twilight and Logan.

“Switched bodies?” Wolverine said. “With who?”

==================================================================

“Your in my body, Logan. I’m Firebrand. The Fire Avatar!” Fire’ said, still stuck to the wall. Fire’ then hears knocking at the door.

“Room service.” A growling voice said on the other side of the door.

“Oh, uh, one moment, please!” Suddenly, a Griffon in a mostly tan suit with brown strips like a tiger, a black cloak, fangs, blond hair with sideburns, and armor on his forelimbs busts the door down. “Uh, let me guess, your someone Wolverine probably knows.”

“It’s Sabretooth. And it’s payback time, fur ball!” The Griffon angrily said, having a bloodthirsty look on his face.

“I, uh, think it’s for you.” Fire’ said to a stun Wolverine as Sabretooth charges at the Unicorn in a Griffon’s body, but Fire’ kicks Sabretooth across the room, who lands on an old hayburger. “Who or what is a Sabretooth?”

==================================================================

“He’s a bad, bad mutant.” Wolverine said over the phone, while Twilight stares at him in complete shock. “He’s a bloodthirsty maniac who eats anything he doesn't like, and he doesn't like anything. Get out of there!”

“You don’t have to tell me twice!”

==================================================================

At the apartment, Fire’ is still having trouble getting the claws out of the wall, not noticing that Sabretooth is getting up. “Come here you.”

“No thanks.” Fire’ said as Sabretooth grabs his head and tosses him across the floor, freeing him at the same time. Sabretooth then tries to grab the head of the Unicorn in a mutant Griffon’s body, but Fire’ moves out-of-the-way just in time, while Sabretooth pulls a small chunk of the floor out.

“What’s the matter with you, Logan?” Sabretooth asked as Fire’ runs around the room, holding onto the headset for the rotary phone. “Fight like a mutant!”

“No thanks. Time out.” Fire’ said as he jumps onto the TV.

“Huh?”

“Listen, I know this sounds crazy. But I’m not really Wolverine.” Fire’ said as the claws extend and retract a couple of times.

“What?”

“Look, I know you want to pulverize him, and I sympathize with that,” Fire’ said as he places a hand on his chest, “but I promise you, I...” right then, a claw stabs him.

==================================================================

“Are you saying that this Sabretooth is after you, and is fighting Firebrand right now!?” Twilight nearly yelled at the Griffon in a Unicorns body.

“Ah, yep.” Wolverine simply said, when they hear a terrible scream from the phone. “Hello!” Wolverine said on the phone.

==================================================================

At the apartment, Fire’ gets the claws out, with some blood, but doesn't have time to think about it as Sabretooth charges at him. Fire’ ducks right as Sabretooth tears out a chunk of the wall. “I don’t know what kind of trick you pulling.”

“I said he’s trying to shred me.” Wolverine said over the phone, trying his best not to bleed to death.

“Calm down. If you're in my body, you have my mutant healing power, and my indestructible Adamantine covered skeleton,” Wolverine said, which Fire’ takes notice of as the stab wound is now gone. “I’m coming to you.”

“No!” Fire’ said, while trying to avoid Sabretooth’s claws. “If you run off for no good reason, the others are going to suspect something’s wrong, especially Blitz and Rainbow. Let’s try to keep this down low. Don’t talk to anyone other than Twilight, don’t touch anything, and do not tell anyone what's going on, especially Pinkie Pie!”

==================================================================

“I don’t know what’s going on! And there’s no way I’m staying here!” Wolverine said, but gets no response.

“Uh, hello?” Twilight said over the phone, but sees that the single is dead.

==================================================================

At Manehattan, Fire’ jumps out of the apartment, still holding onto the headset, not noticing that he pulled the coil cord out of the headset. “Please, I’m begging you. Stay ... there,” Fire’ said when he notices the broken cord. “Why couldn't he have a cordless?” Fire’ then notices Sabretooth jumping out, do he throws the headset at Sabretooth, which hits his head, messing up his landing. Fire’ then tries to firebend, but only gets the claws to extend.

“Okay, that’s a problem.” Sabretooth then pounces on Fire,’ but he gets out-of-the-way and runs for it, past some bystanders and into the open street, followed closely behind by Sabretooth. But the two get hit by a running carriage, which sends them back a few meters. Once the two stop rolling along the ground, Sabretooth s the first to get up, and grabs Fire’ by Wolverine’s head.

“You’re really taking all the fun out of this for me.”

“I’m not Wolverine.” Fire’ groaned.

“Mmm-hmm. Well, then, I’ll put you out of our misery.” Sabretooth said as he prepares for the final blow.

“Let go!” Fire’ shouted as he kicks Sabretooth in the face, letting him go as Sabretooth crashes into an orange stand. Taking the opportunity, Fire’ make a run for it, but Sabretooth follows closely behind. But Sabretooth is delayed by two Earth Ponies, one a stallion with a light green mane, and orange coat and an orange for a cutie mark, while the other is a mare with an orange mane, a light tan coat, and three orange wedges for a cutie mark, walking a couple of dogs that look like Winona, who bark furiously at Sabretooth, who does a death shattering roar, scaring the two dogs so much that they run away, dragging their two owners with them. Fire’ comes across a railroad intersection, and turns around, seeing Sabretooth right behind him.

“Ha, nice kitty.” Fire’ said, getting a growl from Sabretooth. A train then passes by, and when it’s gone, Fire’ is gone.

“Huh?” Sabretooth said as he looks toward to where the train is going, and sees the Unicorn in a mutant Griffons body hanging onto the train.

“So long, sucker!” Fire’ said as Sabretooth roars in anger of losing his prey. Fire’ then lowers down a little and sees two passengers, staring at him. “Uh, is this train heading toward Ponyville?” Fire’ asked, getting a nodding yes from the two. “Good,” Fire’ said as he places a fist on his leg, when the claws extend, shocking the two passengers as Fire’ pulls the claws out, spreading blood as he screams in agony.

==================================================================

In Ponyville, Twilight is trying to keep Wolverine still till Fire’ gets here. “Wolverine, calm down. How about you wait in town, till Fire’ gets here. Since most of the residents are at the race, it would be mostly empty. And while you wait, I’ll go tell a couple of my friends what’s goin--”

“Deal, beautiful.” Wolverine said as he heads toward the town, getting a blush from Twilight, who shacks it off when she realizes that it wasn't Firebrand who called her that. She then heads back to the stands, where the last lap is about to start. “Agua, Rarity, Applejack, come here.” Twilight said, getting the three’s attention.

“What’s up, Twilight?” Applejack asked.

“It’s a bit complicated, but I’ll explain on the way into town.” Twilight said as she heads for Ponyville, followed by the three.

==================================================================

In town, Wolverine is taking a bite out of some of the free apples, since no one is guarding them. He then looks into Firebrands bag and finds the necklace he bought in Ba Sing Se. “Huh? With all this power he has, he lives in a small town lik-” he then smells something freshly baked in the air. “Muffins, where are--” before he could finish that question, a whole bunch of muffins fall on top of him, buying him for a few second, before he frees himself, clearly mad.

“Oops, sorry. I just don't know what went wrong.” A grey Pegasus with a yellow mane, yellow, derpy eyes, and bubbles for a cutie mark said as she lands next to Wolverine, not seeing he’s mad, and growling at her. “Hey, are you al--” Suddenly, Wolverine grabs her by the hoof and throws her against the ground, gets her by the neck, and prepares to give her a beating, despite the fact she’s whimpering for him to stop, which he doesn't.

==================================================================

A few minutes later, in the town square, Wolverine is cleaning his hoofs off at the fountain. “Well, she won’t be dropping any muffins on anyone anytime soon.” He said as Twilight, and a clearly stunned Rarity, Agua and Applejack arrive.

“So, let me git this hyar straight, Firebrand an' someone called Wolverine somehow swapped bodies, an' this hyar is Wolverine.” Applejack said as Wolverine washes his face.

“Ah, yep.” Wolverine said, when...

“Hey! Hey, hey!” Fire’ yelled as he runs up to the four, panting heavily. “I thought I told you not to tell anyone?” Fire’ said to Twilight.

“Well, sorry, but I'd figured that you nee--”

“Not important.” Fire’ interrupted. “Just tell us, how?” Fire’ said to Wolverine. “How did this happen to us?”

“How do you think this happened?” Wolverine said. “That Mesmero weasel did something.”

“Oh, man. You’re right.” Fire’ said, catching on.

“Okay, so all we have to do is find Mesmero, and have him fix you.” Agua said.

“Wait,” Wolverine suddenly said. “Where’s Sabretooth?”

“I lost him.” Fire’ answered.

“You lost him?” A shocked Wolverine said. “You don’t lose him. He’s a tracker, like me. He’s on your trail, idiot.”

“No,” Fire’ said, trying to reassure the others, “I’m telling you, I lost...” Just then, Sabretooth jumps them, and when things calm down a little, Sabretooth stares at Fire,’ still thinking he’s Wolverine, till he sees the position Fire’ and the real Wolverine are in.

“Well, now I see. You got yourself in some kind of pickle, didn't you, Logan?” Sabretooth said, pointing at the mutant Griffon in a Unicorns body.

“I know, right.” Fire’ said.

“So, really, if I slice and dice the Fire Avatar, I get your brain. In fact, I get you both, with one slice.” Sabretooth happily said.

“Yeah, well, that’s one way to look at this mess.” Twilight said as Sabretooth charges at them. But Wolverine, in Fire’s body, jumps over Sabretooth and does a fire kick, sending Sabretooth flying.

“Okay, now were talking.” Wolverine said as he pulls out Fire’s sword, and cuts a big gash in Sabretooth, but he heals quickly. But Sabretooth doesn't have time to think about it as Fire,’ in Wolverine’s body, throws him across the street, when Agua unleashes a torrent of water from the fountain, and freezes Sabretooth where he stands. “Nice one, frost.”

Unfortunately, the little victory doesn't last long, since Sabretooth breaks free, and madder than ever. “Okay, I had it with this.” Sabretooth said as he charges at Wolverine, grabs his leg, and throws it across the town. He than charges at Fire’ as Rarity, Applejack and Twilight go look for Wolverine, which they find in Sweet Apple Acres.

“You okay, Wolverine.” Applejack asked as she helps the mutant Griffon in a Unicorn’s body up.

“I’m fine.” Wolverine said as he jerks away Applejacks hoof. “But when I find Mesmero, I’m gonna ... why am I talking so much? I’m talking as much as Firebrand talks. Now I’m taking about talking.”

“Let’s get back to the fight.” Twilight suggested as they run back into town, where most of city hall is trashed, thanks mostly to Sabretooth, trying to slice Agua and Fire.’ Fire’ then punches Sabretooth out of the building with a single hit.

“Hey, man. I’m the best there is at what I do, and I have no idea why I just said that,” Fire’ said to Agua as they make their way outside. Outside, Sabretooth sees Wolverine, Twilight, Rarity and Applejack charging at him, but he jumps into the air and lands behind them. He’s about to slice and dice Rarity, he feels a taping on his shoulder. Sabretooth turns around and sees Fire,’ with a hand full of mud, which he throws into Sabretooth’s face, who tries his best to see again. “Oh, I’m so sorry, I got mud all over your incredibly ugly face.”

When Sabretooth gets the mud off, he sees Wolverine and Firebrand behind him, who punch him in the face, knocking him out could. “Stay!” Rarity said.

==================================================================

In the Canterlot prison, in the block holding the most dangerous and derange criminals, Fire,’ Agua, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and Wolverine are at Mesmero’s cell, who’s laughing at the misery he caused Fire’ and Wolverine. “Oh, dear! Oh, thank you! What a treat! What a delicious treat!” Mesmero said in between laughs.

“Change us back!” Wolverine demanded as Fire’ presses Mesmero against the wall.

“What are you going to do? Arrest me? Ha-ha-ha! Oh, wait, you already did!” Mesmero said, still laughing, as Fire’ places a hand below Mesmero’s head. “Oh, please, you’re no Wolverine,” Mesmero said with a smile, which quickly disappears as the claws extend, only to retract at random.

“Wolverine, how do you control these things?” Fire’ asked.

“You have to concentrate, like you doing one of your complex spells.” Wolverine answered.

Fire’ then closes his eyes and concentrates, and it isn’t long before he gets results as the claws extend and retract at his own will now. “Okay, I got it now.” Fire’ said as he retracts the claws and places them under Mesmero’s head. “You got till the count of three to change us back.”

“Okay, okay, I’ll change you back!” A desperate Mesmero said as his eyes get the circular movement.

“Is everyone who they should be?” Twilight asked as she sees Fire’s body stretch a little, when Wolverine's takes Mesmero up into the air, having a very angry expression on his face.

“You slimy...” Logan began to say.

“Logan.” Fire’ said to the mutant, he retracts his claws and leaves the cell.

“One day!” Mesmero began to say. “One day you will feel the wrath of my...” Before he could finish, Agua splashes some water onto his mouth and freezes it, shutting him up.

“Now that was funny.” Agua said as she and the others leave.

==================================================================

“Okay, that was weird.” Fire’ said to Wolverine outside the prison. “I mean, I was starting to like hating you, but now...”

“Don’t.” Wolverine said as he heads for a Pegasus launching point. “You know, Fire,’ you got a good thing going.”

“I do?”

“Yeah, friends, a life.” Wolverine said as he stretches out his wings. “Don’t take it for granted. You’ll look back at this one day and you’ll realize how good you really have it.” He then flies off, to parts unknown.

“Huh, wow, Fire.’ You made a friend out of the Wolverine.” A surprised Twilight said.

“You know, maybe he’s right.” Fire’ said as they four head toward a chariot, ready to take them back to Ponyville. “Maybe I do have it good, at least compared to how Wolverine has it.”

“You got that right, Darling.” Rarity said. “He smelled like a dead bison!”

==================================================================

In the Fire Nation, Zuko is walking down an alleyway and meets an earth pony with a spiked black mane and a yellow coat. He also has blue eyes. His cutie mark is hidden by a full body black and orange body suite. He also has a timber wolf with him "You're sure you weren't followed?” Zuko asked. “I've heard about you. They say you're good at what you do. And even better at keeping secrets. The Fire Avatar's alive. I want you to find him. And end him. I also want you to capture the other Avatars and the wielders of the Elements of Harmony, alive. Think you can do that, Dom Pyro?" When Zuko said that, the Earth Pony gets a devilish smile on his face.

"With pleasure." The Earth Pony named Dom Pyro said.

Chapter 4, The Library

The Elements of Nature, Book 3

Chapter 4, The Library

On a remote part of Mount Everest, there lys a temple that is several thousand years old. In one of its many chambers, an old Unicorn stallion is chanting “Na Mo A Mi Tuo Fo” while an Earth Pony stallion with an orange coat, a silver mane that's styled in an aerodynamic fashion along with his tail, and a tornado for a cutie mark, along with blue arrows on his head and front legs, is meditating. The strange thing is that his eyes are glowing white.

Suddenly, the pictures on the walls in the room show him images of the cutie marks of Twilight, her friends, himself and the other Avatars, in a spirit-like fashion. He then has a vision of fight, where Fire’ nearly destroys a building. The spirit images of the Elements disappear as his eyes return to normal, showing they are purple. “They are here,” the Earth Pony said in a quiet voice.

==================================================================

“Oh, why can't snow be warmer?” Rarity complained as she, Twilight, Fire,’ Agua, Applejack, Spike, Rainbow Dash, Terra, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Blitz, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle walk a path on Mount Everest, heading toward the Great Library.

“I thought I told you to put your winter gear on.” Twilight said to the white Unicorn.

“Long red jackets is not my type of fashion, Dear.”

“I can’t believe that mine and Blitz’s race ended in a tie, which called for a coin toss, which he got it right!” Rainbow complained.

“I can’t believe it, either!” Scootaloo said.

“I can’t believe you two are still complaining about it.” Terra said.

“Hey, the cold makes me complain, and itchy!” Rainbow said as she scratches herself. “See, very itchy, and really unhappy.”

“Nice to see that Rainbow Dash has a weak spot.” Spike said, getting a growl from Rainbow.

“Don’t worry. Once we reach the Great Library, we’ll be able to get some rest and warm up.” Twilight reassured.

“If you say so Twilight, but I can’t stand this for much longer.” Rainbow said.

“Oh, come on. The cold is not that bad, guys. Unless you're a total wimp. Deal with it,” Fire’ said, getting hit in the head by a snowball from Rainbow, who has another one ready.

“Deal with that, Snow Colt.” Rainbow said, only to get hit in the face by a snowball from Twilight.

“No, you deal with that, uh, I mean ... oh no.” Twilight said when she sees Rainbow getting back up, clearly mad.

“You are so gonna regret that Twilight Sparkle!” Rainbow said as she throws a snowball at Twilight, who ducks, letting Rarity’s new scarf take the hit.

“Ugh! Rainbow Dash!” Rarity growled as she throws a ball at Rainbow, but it hits Applejack instead.

“Yer in trouble now, Rarity!” Applejack said as she bucks a large pile of snow onto Rarity, partly burying her, only for a large snowball to hit her in the head.

“Ha! Sorry Applejack,” Agua said to the apple farmer, “your face got in the way of my snowball.” Agua finished, when Fire’ sees somepony in a robe on the ridge above them. The pony leaves, when an explosion happens, starting an avalanche.

“Avalanche! Run! Run!” Fire’ said as they run as fast as they can.

“We’ll never make it!” Fluttershy said as she runs right behind Twilight.

“We don’t have to. Agua, try bending it away!” The group stop as Agua tries to keep the avalanche away.

“I ... can't ... do it!” Agua said as she loses her hold. The snow then covers the entire group. After the snow stops, Fire’ feels something on top of him, but it’s not the snow. He melts some snow around him and casts a light spell, and sees Twilight on him, at each others faces, the two are vitally kissing, till Twilight breaks it. The two then blushes.

“Uh, opes.”

“I’ll melt the snow now.” Fire’ said as he gets up and begins to melt the snow. They soon see daylight and exit. The others get out as well, with Agua lifting the snow.

“Where’s Sweetie?” a frantic Rarity asked.

“Over there!” Blitz said as he points to Sweetie Belle, who somehow wasn't buried by the avalanche, on the ground, looking hurt. They then run over.

“Sweetie Belle, you all right?” Rarity asked her little sister.

“Her leg doesn't look right.” Rainbow said. Agua then walks up and uses her bending to see how Sweetie Belle’s leg is.

“It’s fractured in three places. I won’t be able to do much here. We need to get to the library.” Agua said.

“Terra, make us a platform so we can ride it the rest of the way.” Fire’ said, which Terra does as she lifts up the ground and they glide on the lifted earth up the mountain.

A few minutes later, Twilight sees the roof of the library. “Look! Over there!” She called out.

“Were almost there, Sweetie.” Rarity said as they continue to climb, when they stop.

“Terra, whats wrong?” Blitz asked.

“Just look up ahead.” Terra then points ahead. They then see an Earth Pony stallion with an orange coat, a silver mane that's styled in an aerodynamic fashion along with his tail, a tornado for a cutie mark, along with blue arrows on his head and front legs, and wearing a necklace that has a gray crystal that's shaped like a tornado.

“Who's the colt with the spiked mane, arrows and robe?” Rainbow asked.

“I don’t know. I saw him up at the ridge before the avalanche.” Fire’ said.

“If he’s the cause of all of this, then he’s gonna pay.” Rarity said as Twilight and Fire’ get off.

“You guys keep going, me and Twi will take care of the payback.” Fire’ said as Terra takes the others to the library.

“Who are you?” Twilight asked, getting no response.

“What do you want?” Fire’ asked, still getting no response. The Earth Pony then pulls out a staff that has some sky diamonds encrusted into its head. “Oh, so it’s gonna be like that, huh?” Fire’ said as he pulls out his sword. Twilight then fires a laser, but the Earth Pony jumps up into the air at a seemly impossible hight.

“Fire,’ Twilight.” The two then turn around and see the others, except Shining, with a group of monks. “We got your backs.” Agua said.

“Are you all right?” The lead monk asked the two.

“Where's your play mate?” Blitz asked. Twilight and Fire’ turn and see that the Earth Pony is gone. The group then head for the library.

The lead monk, who's a stallion with a gray mane and a brown coat, walks up to Fire’ and Twilight. “I am called the Book-Colt, and as head of the Great Library, I have seen far too many dangerous types out here, like the one who just attacked you. We must get to safety.”

“Sweetie Belle, is she okay?” Twilight asked the Book-Colt.

“Yes. Yes, your friend will be fine. Come, let us get you safely inside and get you something warm to eat.”

==================================================================

At the Changeling hive, Chrysalis is still locked up, absorbing the power from the coming comet. “So the Fire Avatar is still alive and stronger than ever, huh.”

“Yeah. If we don’t take care of him soon, both of our exoskeletons will be hung on the wall. Ooh-ah-ooh.” Medizinisch said to Hexe.

“Where are they now?”

“Last time I check, they were heading for the Himalayas to find the Air Avatar and the Elements of Air and Lightning. We should send a unite to ride ourselves of the Fire Avatar before he masters the sealing spell.”

“I got a better idea that we should have done earlier. We send Chrysalis’s personnel royal guard to get rid of him instead, the Mantis-Knights.”

“Perfect, the Mantis-Knights are the most fierce creatures out there, except for maybe dragons.”

“Yeah, you better call them now.” Hexe said as she and Medizinisch to the entrance to a chamber, where the two are hesitant to enter.

“Uh, ladies first.” Medizinisch said, shivering.

“Why should I go, Noodle Face?”

“It was your idea.” Medizinisch is then pushed inside, with Hexe following closely. In the chamber, there are a few dozen Changelings on the walls, each one around the same size as a truck. “Who” Medizinisch began to say, “is the fiercest among you?”

“There is no grater ferocity then a Mantis-Knight has.” One of them answered. “But, if you must chose one among us.” A Mantis-Knight then lands behind them. He is the same color as other Changelings, but with a mantis-like face, that has three white scars across it, while his eyes are red. “I am Shrapnel.”

“There’s a pesky red Unicorn with powerful friends we need to get ride of,” Medizinisch said. “He has the power to completely banish our Queen, so it’s your task to eliminate him before he gets a chance.”

“As a Mantis-Knight, it is my duty to destroy this Unicorn to protect my Queen. I will show no mercy. Sharpshot! Kickback! Come! We have work to do.” Shrapnel said as the three other Mantis-Knights, who don’t have the same type of scars, jump down. They then follow Hexe and Medizinisch to a portal Hexe created.

“This will take you to the location of the unicorn.” Hexe said. “Find him and kill him!” The four Mantis-Knights then fly through.

==================================================================

In the Great Library, the Book-Colt is showing the group around. “Books, ancient scrolls, all types of artifacts and texts. This is truly an island of knowledge and learning in a vast sea of ignorance.”

“All that and central heating?” Twilight said as the Book-Colt finished. “I’m never leaving.”

“How old is this place, anyway?” Rainbow asked.

“No one really knows. Though some sources say the library is at least 4,000 years old.” The Book-Colt said as he takes them to a room that has Sweetie Belle, with a cast on her broken leg.

“And yet it doesn't look a day over fifteen hundred.” Sweetie Belle said as Rarity runs up to her.

“Sweetie Belle, your all right!” Rarity said, relieved that her little sister is okay.

“Of course I’m all right. I’m super tough, Rarity, and these guys are pretty great at the whole healing thing.” Fluttershy said as the Book-Colt claps his hoofs twice.

“Yes. The collected knowledge here is what helped your friend. The fractures should heal very rapidly,” the Book-Colt said as some ‘monks’ with plates of food walk up. The food is some cakes, pizza and some hot chocolate. “I also had my assistances prepare you some warm food. Please, enjoy.” The group then dig in, with Rarity dropping her usual manners due to having noting but trail mix for two days and the long climb up. Outside, the orange stallion is watching.

“This five-chess pizza with olive & lemon toppings is nothing short of spectacular!” Fire’ said as he eats a whole slice in a few seconds.

“You got that right!” Rainbow said as she drinks some hot chocolate. “And this hot chocolate is way better than Sugarcube Corner’s!”

“I’m not so sure, but it’s close.” Pinkie said as she has a cup.

“My ... my.” Fire’ began to say.

“Yes, your father loved it too.” The Book-Colt said.

“You knew my dad?”

“Of course. We help Draco with his research, he was a scientist before he retired and became a blacksmith. He was very interested in our resources.” The Book-Colt said as Applejack sees Rarity’s messy table manners.

“Gee, Rarity,” Applejack said as she sees Rarity drink a whole cup in 10 seconds flat, “Ah nevah see yo' so Rainbow Dash like.”

Rarity then places the cup on the table and blushes. “Well, it’s because we’ve been hiking for two days and I had nothing but that awful trail mix and some half-frozen apples, Dear. I just couldn't control myself.” The group then laugh before Rainbow begins to yawn.

“I ... I don’t fell ... so good.” Rainbow said as he vision begins to cloud.

“Me too.” Spike said as he falls to the ground and falls to sleep.

“Whats wrong my young friends? Was it something you ate?” The Book-Colt asked them with a sinister smile. The entire group then falls asleep.

==================================================================

Later, inside a cell, the group begin to wake up and Twilight notices that one of them is missing. “Where's Fire’?!” She asked.

“Ow, my leg.” Sweetie Belle said as Spike accidentally hits it.

“Sorry.” Spike said. “Where are we anyway?”

“Something tells me it isn't the luxury sweet.” Blitz said as he looks at the walls. “Anti-magic and bending metal. We can't escaped.”

The Book-Colt then walks up to the cell. “My, my. What are you doing in such a nasty place, my young friends?”

“I think that's a question we should be asking you.” Terra said as she reaches for her scythe, only to realize that its gone. “My scythe!”

“Ha, don’t even bother, I have all your weapons!” The Boot-Colt said as Rainbow runs up to the bars.

“Look, you creepy freak. Let us out of here right now!” She then tries to grab the Book-Colt, but can't reach.

“My, what a violent little bird. Get comfortable, you won’t be leaving anytime soon.” The Book-Colt mocked Rainbow.

“Bird?! At least I’m not a worm, you ... Bookworm!”

“And now, Fire Lord Ozai will learn that not only have we captured all the know Avatars, but confirmed that the Fire Avatar is still alive, and he will richly reward us.” The Book-Colt said.

“Fire Lord?! Y’all creeps are Fire Nation?!” Applejack asked.

“Indeed. We provide information to the Fire Lord and his troops, and in return, it the information is useful, he pays us in unbelievable ways. How do you think we keep this place warm, a chimney?” The Book-Colt then laughs at the groups misfortune. “But, before we tell him, I want to dissect a certain little pony to see how he survived being struck by 12,000 volts.”

“Fire’!” Twilight quietly said as the Book-Colt leaves.

“Grate.” Blitz said. “This is just a fine mess.”

==================================================================

Outside, the orange pony from before opens a hidden door, enters the library, and closes it again.

==================================================================

“Okay. Now my leg is really starting to hurt.” Sweetie Belle said as Rarity holds onto her. The group then hear a noise and see the orange Earth Pony.

“Hello.” He said to the group. “I am here to help you.”

“You?” Twilight said as she gets up. “But your the one who tried to wipe us off the mountain!”

“I did not cause that avalanche, Twilight Sparkle. That was the Book-Colts guards. Outside the library they wear monk robs, but they are not monks. No, not at all.” The mysteries orange Earth Pony said.

“How do you know my name?” Twilight asked.

“I know many things about you and about the Elements. I can help you get your friend and get you out of here. But you must trust me.”

“Is it me or does he talk funny?” Spike said.

“Ah reckon it adds a certain mysteries charm.” Applejack said, slightly attracted to the strange Earth Pony.

“Do you trust me?” The Earth Pony said.

“Well, we thought you were bad and the nasty Bookworm was good. But I think its time we rethink everything, I guess.” Rainbow said.

“What does that mean, exactly?” The Earth Pony asked.

“It means, if you can get us out of here, then we trust you.” Twilight said.

“We need the keys from the guard.” Agua said.

“Why?” The orange Earth Pony asked.

“To open the door.” Scootaloo said as the Earth Pony walks to a wall.

“Oh, no. That is unnecessary,” he said as he pushes a large stone brick. “You simply press here,” he then pushes another stone block, “and here,” he pushes another one, “and here.” The door then opens.

The group then exit the cell, with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom helping Sweetie Belle walk out. “Lead the way, Mister...” Rainbow began to say. “What was your name again?”

“I am Ar,” the orange Earth Pony named Ar said. “And I know a secret passage. This way. Follow me, please.” He then opens a hidden door and enters.

==================================================================

Later in the tunnel, the group, led by Ar, are still walking. “Are we almost there yet?” Spike said. “Oh man, it’s really creepy in here.” Spike then grabs onto Rarity’s leg.

“Thats creepy.” Rarity said.

“Ar,” Twilight began to say, “your cutie mark, it’s a tornado, something an Earth Pony should never get. How did you get it?”

“I gained my cutie mark after I discovered my airbending.”

“Airbending? Does that mean you’re...”

“Avatar of Air? Yes, I am.”

“How long have you know that you're the air Avatar?”

“Three years ago, I had a vision of 6 brave warriors battling the Fire Nation. I was one of those warriors, and I realize that I must be one of the Avatars. Does that answer your question, Rainbow Dash, Element of Loyalty?” Ar said as he opens a small door that leads to a dark room where Fire’ is at.

Twilight then sees Fire’ strap to a table. “Fire’!” She said as she runs over and frees him. Fire’ then wakes up. Their weapons are also in a glass case near him.

“Uh. What happened?” Fire’ asked as the others walk over.

“I’ll explain later, but right now we need to leave.” Twilight said. Just then, the lights turn on and they see they are surrounded by the Book-Colts guards, along with the Book-Colt himself.

“Thank you, my young friends,” The Book-Colt said as he walks up to them. “You've been most useful in luring that nasty little monk out of hiding. Now you all can perish together,” The guards then prepare to fire at the group. “Where is the old stallion!? Where are you two hiding!? Tell me you little sneak thief!”

“It is you who are the thief!” Ar said to the Book-Colt. “You stole this place with the Fire Nation and desecrated these great halls of knowledge!”

“Ha, keep your creaky old scrolls and books, which are as useful as the dust that covers them!” The Book-Colt said. “The only knowledge that matters now is that about the Avatars! We are at the verge of a new era led by the Fire Nation, and I will not be left in the dark! I will know all and I will be all-powerful!”

“Crazy.” Fire’ whispered to Twilights ear.

“Completely.” She whispered back.

“Get ready, I have an idea.” Fire’ said to the group.

“The Fire Nation will reshape this world! And nothing will stand in the Fire Nation’s way, foe soon, there won’t be a world to stand in their way!” The Book-Colt said.

“Scootz, AB, Sweetie Belle, the guard. The rest of us will take the bookshelf.” Fire’ said. The three fillies then toss themselves one of the guards as the others make their way to a book shelf.

“Stop them!” The Book-Colt yelled as Ar jumps over him, temporally blinding him by covering his hood over his eyes. The group the push the shelf over, which starts a domino effect as more shelfs fall. “NO!” The Book-Colt yelled as more and more shelfs fall, eventually landing on the case where the weapons are at.

“Twilight, Rainbow, AJ, AB, Sweetie, Rarity, Scootaloo, Rainbow, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Blitz, Terra, Agua, get of here now!” Fire’ said after they get their weapons.

The group then escape as Fire’ and Ar stay behind to help cover their tracks. “You young fools don’t stand a chance!” The Book-Colt said as he puts on a mech-suite, which increases his strength ten fold. “With the knowledge I have acquired about your powers and the Elements, I will make quick work of you!” He then charges at them, but they dodge and he hits the wall. “OW! THAT HURT!”

“Thats the point!” Fire’ said. Fire’ then sends a fireball, but the Book-Colt jumps out-of-the-way a nanosecond before it hits. “That should've hit.”

“My mech-suite makes me far too powerful and too quick to be beaten by the likes of you!” The Book-Colt boasted.

“Yes,” Ar said, “but it is the arrogance of the stallion within that causes their legs to turn to stone. Easily anchored to this earth. Air Wave!” Ar said as he sends a powerful gust of wind to the book-colt, sending him flying a few feet.

“The little monk has the Spirit Sight! The connection to the Spirit World, allowing him brief glimpses of the future. Not good. Time to raise the stakes.” He then runs over to a pillar and opens a hatch, reveling a keypad. He types in 1-6-0-2. Several stone pillars then pop up, stopping Fire’ in his tracks while trapping Ar. Ar begins to climb up, but the pillars that are trapping him are hit by a small blast from a cannon armed by the Book-Colt. Ar emerges from the rubble with barley a scratch because he used his airbending to create a durably bubble.

“The path of the devious only leads to retribution,” Ar said after he gets out of the rubble. “Book-Colt, you are unworthy to even be anywhere near the Great Library.”

“Blah blah blah. You know nothing of true bending!” The Book-Colt yelled. “You live in your forgotten ways, little monk, without truly understanding the real power of what the Elements of Harmony and Nature can do!”

“I think I have an idea, Mr. Freak-Colt.” Fire’ began to say. “Check out what I can do.” Fire’ then begins to go supernova. “Blazing Strike!” Fire’ spins around and sends off blast that destroy the pillars.

“WHAT!”

“The blaze,” Ar began. “The blaze of my vision,” He said, stun as Fire’ stops, while some rubble lands on top of the Book-Colt.

“Ar, lets finish this.” Fire’ said.

“Yes. And with this ending, a new beginning.” Ar said as the two fire a different blasts of air/fire at the ceiling, trapping the Book-Colt. “The Book-Colt has caused great pain and suffering to so many.”

“Ar,” Fire began to say, “as Rainbow would put it, you rock!”

“Thank you.” Ar said. Just then, Ar grunts in pain as he sees a vision of the Mantis-Knights arriving at the library.

“Ar! You okay?”

“I’m fine.” Ar said after his vision ends. “But we must leave. A great evil is coming.”

“Good call. Lets book.” Fire’ said as he goes elemental and flies off, followed by Ar, whose staff has unfolded a pair of wings.

==================================================================

A few kilometers away, the group see the smoke from the library, and Twilight is having the most horrible thoughts enter her mind about what would happen if Fire’ was defeated and what the Book-Colt would do. She then begins to cry when ... “Look everypony!” Rainbow yelled while pointing.

Twilight looks to where Rainbow is pointing and sees Fire’ and Ar flying toward them. “Firebrand! Ar! Your both okay!” Spike said as the land.

“Yeah, but we should leave before it gets dark.” Fire’ said.

“I will take you to my home. It is not far.” Ar said as he heads to a small canyon with the group following.

==================================================================

At the temple, Ar opens the doors and walks in, followed by the group. They are then greeted by an old unicorn stallion that has a grey coat and no mane and green eyes. His cutie mark is a black ball that has 5 different spikes coming from the top. “Welcome,” he said, “I am glad you are safe. We have much to discus. But first, Sweetie Belle, let us see to your leg.”

“How do you know my name?”

“Master Ey knows many things.” Ar said. “Manny more then I do. Trust me.” Later on a table, Shining is asleep while Master Ey is waving his two front legs in the air.

“Na Mo A Mi Tuo Fo.” Master Ey chanted while doing so.

“We,” Ar began to say as the group watches in silence, “are the only monks that remain from the Great Library. It was overrun by the Fire Nation and the one who calls himself the Book-Colt.”

“What happen to everyone else?”

“He destroyed every monk he could find, Rainbow Dash. We were the only ones to escape to this hidden monastery.” Just then, Master Ey stops. “I have spent many months on my spiritual vision quest. Knowing what my destiny is, I waited until you 4 arrive.”

“You spent months waiting for us?”

“Indeed, Blitz. And now you have arrive, I will join you to stop the Fire Nation and return balance to the world. I will follow you wherever you go from now on, Firebrand.”

“Say what?”

“I think its cute, Fire.” Twilight said to him. “You have your own monk now, which is nice.”

“Yeah, it is kinda nice. Ar, high hoof!” Fire’ said as he raises his hoof, only for Ar to stare at him confused. “Ugh, never mind.”

“Were gonna have to work on that one.” Rainbow said as she lands near them.

“Hey, Fire,’ you all right? I think your bleeding.” Apple Bloom said. Fire’ then moves his hoof to his left leg and finds that he has a small cut and it’s bleeding fast, but it isn't fatal.

==================================================================

Back at the library, the Book-Colt and his guards are emerging from the rubble. “Fools,” the Book-Colt said. “Ignorant fools. Do they think they can hide from me? Do they! It is obvious that Firebrand is the key, the linchpin! I must have him, must control him!” The Book-Colt said as his guards stare at him, terrified. Unknown to him, Shrapnel and the other Mantis-Knights are watching and listening.

“Spilt up, and find a clue to his whereabouts!” Shrapnel ordered. After a few minutes, Shrapnel finds a small red pool in the snow. He takes a small amount and tastes it. “Yeess, the descendent of Star Swirl bleeds from his wounds.” He then tells his fellow Mantis-Knights to follow the trail.

==================================================================

At the monastery, Master Ey is telling Team Avatar about Sozin’s Comet. They are in a different room while the mane six, the CMC, and Spike are waiting. “I’ve been wondering for a while now. Sozin’s Comet, how does a comet affect creatures?” Fire’ asked Master Ey.

“You see, the comet is full of magical power, that can create, destroy, give, and take. When the comet last came, Fire Lord Sozin’s greed and quest for power caused the comet to take away the powers benders had, and once it returns, so will the bending powers, which you have all seen by now. The comet will also increase the power of Unicorns and Alicorns, while many Pegasi will become either water or lightningbenders, but the Earth Ponies will be effected the most. The five of you must defeat Fire Lord Ozai and restore balance to the world, before the comet comes.”

“But we only have the Elements of Water and Earth.” Agua said as she and Terra show Master Ey their respective elements around their necks.

“Not entirely true. Now that Ar has joined you, you have the Element of Air. As for the Element of Lightning, here.” He then pulls out a light blue box and gives it to Blitz. He opens it and finds a necklace that has a light blue lightning bolt gem on it.

“The Element of Lightning.” Blitz said.

“Indeed. Now all you need to find are the Element of Fire and the sixth Element.”

“‘When the Being of Fire, awakens on the Island of Mystery, he shall discover the missing pieces to a much larger puzzle.’ That’s what Guru Pathik told us.” Fire’ said.

“Indeed. And I believe who the Being of Fire is.” Master Ey said, pointing toward Fire.’ “You.”

“Me?” Fire’ said. Suddenly, they here an explosion and a scream from outside, and rush outside to see Twilight in the claws of Shrapnel before he takes off to the South.

“Twilight!” Fire’ said as he sees them fly off.

“What happened?” Agua said.

“These giant bugs just showed up and took Twilight before we could even yell.” Rainbow said as she gets up from a small rubble with Applejack.

==================================================================

Meanwhile, as Shrapnel and his team fly for a desert, Twilight is trying her best to escape. “There is nothing you can do to escape, Alicorn.” Shrapnel said.

“My friends will save me!”

“Exactly, especially your little boyfriend. He suffers from the same things that your entire feeble race suffers from.”

“Bug bite allergies?” Twilight jokingly said.

“Compassion and love.” When Shrapnel said that, Twilight realizes that they must be working for Chrysalis.

“Fire,’ please hurry.” She quietly said.

==================================================================

“There must be something we can do!” Fire’ said as he walks around, making an oval shape hole due to walking around in worry.

“I’m afraid there is nothing you can do.” Master Ey said. “Even with your speed, you won't be able to save her. They are using her as a bargaining chip, Firebrand.”

“Some master you are! When I get my hoofs on those bugs, I’m gonna pin them and frame them like a butterfly!” Fire’ yelled.

“If only we had some wheels or something.” Pinkie said.

"Fools! You do not need wheels! You already have them..." a voice reverberated around the group.

"What the!" Fire’ hissed. He then looks around and sees nothing. He then lays back down and heaves another sigh of frustration before looking around and saying, "Who are you? Where are you? Just..." he shook his head in bewilderment. "What the heck is going on? Am I hearing things? Have I finally snapped!?" He grabbed his mane and pulled on it, shaking his head and trying to make sense of the situation.

"Yes..." The voice sarcastically said. "I am but a figment of your imagination..." The voice then let out a chuckle that echoed around the 13 ponies and young dragon, sending chills down their spines.

“Ar? Master Ey?" Blitz said, looking over at them. "Any ideas what the heck is going on?”

They slowly shook their heads. "No, we have not seen anything like this...” Ar said.

Fire’ then lost it. "OK! Show yourself, whoever or whatever you are!" He barked suddenly.

"I already have..." The voice said.

“What are you..." Fire’ then froze when he saw the group staring at something behind him. Fire’ then slowly turned around and his eyes locked on black braces with red lining of a tall, armor-clad stallion whose only recognizable features were his long, sleek face with honey-brown eyes, blood-red mane, and a matching tail. As Fire’ looked up at the tall stallion's indifferent face, he gasped in shock. The stallion had a pair of large, feathery wings sticking out from his armor. But the clincher was that he had a unicorn horn as well.

“You're an...an..." Rainbow pointed up. "You're like Celestia, Twilight, Cadence and Luna. You're..."

“An Alicorn.” Ar said.

“What?" The mysteries Alicorn then smiled. "Did you really think the Alicorn race was all but extinct? That the only ones left were your Princesses?”

"Well ... yeah!" Fire’ said, standing up and feigning a fighting stance. "It was pretty much implied that Celestia, Cadence and Luna were the only ones left after the Fire Nation wiped them out 30 years ago."

“True enough,” the Alicorn said, “we are incredibly endangered. As far as I know, I am the last male of my race.”

“Oh, Celestia and Luna will love to know about you..." Rarity giggled. "Mr...?”

"Lunar Eclipse." He gave a quick and polite bow before continuing. "And Celestia and Luna already know about me."

"How?" Blitz said, cocking an eye.

He gazed down at them, his brown eyes suddenly blazing with fire. "He is a prince." Ar said, startling the group.

"Are you related to the Princesses?" Pinkie bounced excitedly.

“No, he is not.” Master Ey said.

“Indeed, I am the Prince of Death.” Lunar said. The entire group, except for Ar and Master Ey, stare in disbelief and shock at what he just said. The chattering of Fluttershy's teeth could be heard over the slight howl of the mountain wind.

"Prince ... of Death?" She said.

"Yes." The Alicorn smiled. "I can give life just as easily as I can take it away."

“Why are you here?”

“I am here to help, Avatar of Fire. There is a way for you to save Twilight.”

“There is!?” Fire’ said.

“Indeed. Part of understanding your own power and potential is to understand your weapons potential.” Lunar began to say. “Once it is in tuned with a focused heart, it’s secrets and powers can be unlock.”

“WHAT!? This is not the time to be cryptic!” Fire’ yelled.

“He is saying that our weapons, because of the special materials and gems each has, are vehicles themselves.” Ar said.

“Don’t tell me I have to ride this like a broomstick.” Terra said.

“Not exactly.” Lunar said. He then turns to Blitz. “Blitz, why don’t you start. Concentrate on unlocking your weapon. Let you heart guide you. Imagine you are taking flight without the use of your natural wings.”

Blitz then looks at his nunchuks and closes his eyes. He then spins them around as he is encased in a ball of lightning. There is a mild explosion and when the light fades, Blitz is in a light blue, one seated fighter jet. “Whoa! Ha-ha! Did I just do that?” He said.

Fire’ then looks at his sword and then slowly sets the blade on fire. He tosses it up in the air as the ground beneath him rise. When he catches the sword, a small explosion happens and Fire’ is now in a large red motorcycle that has varies blades coming out.

“No way I’m letting you boys have all the fun.” Agua said as she spins her trident in the air, gathering snow and water and forming a shape with them. The ice and water then break, reveling a white and blue and white snowmobile/ski boat combo. Ar then airbends around his staff and jumps on it. After a small explosion, a grey hoverboard appears.

Terra then tosses her scythe up into the air, but it stops in mindful as the ground beneath her rises while stones circle the scythe. She then grabs it and hits it into the ground, causing an explosion. After that, Terra is now in a large green and black off-road truck. “Huh. I hate to hurt the Wonderbolts feelings, but I think they’ve just been replace.”

“I’m coming Twilight.” Fire’ said as he takes off after Shrapnel, followed by the other Avatars.

“Whoa!” Rainbow and Scootaloo squealed.

“Say, Lunar. Do your swords turn into anything?” Pinkie said when she notices that Lunar has two katanas with him.

“I wish.” He said.

==================================================================

As the Mantis-Knights are flying over a desert, they see a grey and light blue blurs come by. “What the?” Twilight said.

“Opes, we overshot that a little.” Blitz said.

“Indeed.” Ar said as they turn around as the others close in.

“Now, lets see what this baby can do.” Blitz said as he tapes the control counsel. But when he does that, the cockpit is open and he is flying uncontrollably. Hardshell then takes cover as Blitz goes by. But he doesn't see Ar fly by and taking Twilight. He then notices his Unicorn prisoner is gone.

“The Alicorn!”

“Ar? You saved me.” Twilight said as she stands on the hoverboard.

“Not without a little help.” Ar said as they see Blitz’s fighter jet turn back into his nunchuks. He then naturally flies over to them.

“Never speak about that ever again.”

“Don’t worry Blitz, our lips are sealed.” Twilight said. Just then they are under heavy fire from the Mantis-Knights. Ar then loses concentration and his hoverboard turns back to his staff. Blitz then catches Twilight while Ar opens the wings. The then fly to the others as they take on a fighting stance.

“You are brave, I’ll give you that.” Shrapnel said as he lands. Fire’ then lunches a fireball and hits Shrapnel. As Kickback sees if Shrapnel is dead or not, the other Mantis-Knights see that the Avatars are gone, which angers Shrapnel, who managed to survive the blast. “We will meet again, descendent of Star Swirl.”

==================================================================

“That was close.” Twilight said as she's reunited with her friends, sharing a group hug like this one.

“Lunar, care to come to Equestria with us?” Rarity asked the black Alicorn after the short hug.

Lunar Eclipse hesitated to answer, having been away from Equestria for around one thousand years, but he makes his decision. “I would love to.”

Chapter 5, The Avatar and the Fire Lord

The Elements of Nature, Book 3

Chapter 5, The Avatar and the Fire Lord

At the edge of the desert, the group is asleep. In Firebrand’s dream, he sees Roku emerge from behind a small wall of fire. “Firebrand, it's time for you and the other Avatars to learn of my history with Fire Lord Sozin. You need to understand how the war began, if you want to know how to end it.” Roku then shows him an island. “Meet me on my home island on the day of the summer solstice.”

In the real world, Fire’ rolls over to his side and says, “Okay, Roku.”

==================================================================

In Zuko’s bedroom, he is asleep as well, but he wakes up from the sounds of footsteps. He then rushes to the hall to investigate. He opens the door, and sees a cloaked individual walk down the hall, and disappear. Zuko begins to go after the individual, but is distracted by a scroll lying on the floor. A surprised Zuko picks up the scroll and reads it. “‘You need to know the story of your ancestor's demise. It'll show your own destiny.’”

==================================================================

On the outskirts of the Fire Nation, the group is heading for a small remote island. “Are you sure about this?”

“No Rainbow. But we should reach Roku’s home soon.” Fire’ said as Agua and Ar bend the clouds to disguise themselves.

“Over there.” Pinkie said. “Is that the island you were talking about?”

The group then see a lush green island with two pecks. “It is! That’s Rokus home.” Fire’ said as they land.

“There’s nothing here.” Blitz said as Terra walks around a little bite.

“Yes there is.” Terra said. “An entire village, hundreds of houses ... all completely buried in ash.”

==================================================================

At the Royal Caldera City of the Fire Nation, in a hall, full of paintings of previous Fire Lords, Zuko stands before one of the portraits, as Azula passes by. “It's never too early for a sitting with the court painter, Zuko. Make sure he gets your good side.”

“Wait, I need to ask you something.” Zuko said. Azula than stops walking. “What do you remember about our ancestor's history? Fire Lord Sozin?”

Azula than sighs. “Ah, Zuko, it's so strange how your mind works.” Fire Lord Sozin began the war, of course. He spent his early years secretly preparing for it. He was as patient as he was clever. He famously waited for the comet, later renamed Sozin's Comet, and use its power to launch his full-scale invasion of the world. In the end, he died a very old and successful stallion.”

“But how did he die?”

“Didn't you pay any attention in school, Zuko? He died peacefully, in his sleep. He was ancient.” Zuko then stares at her in frustration.

==================================================================

Back at Roku’s Island, the group is sitting on a cool flow of lava as Firebrand, Ar, Agua, Blitz and Terra are meditating.

==================================================================

Fire,’ Agua, Blitz, Terra and Ar arrive in a part of the Spirit World. They are sitting on a mountain top, surrounded by clouds. “The Spirit World.” Blitz said as they see Fang heading for them, with Roku on his back.

==================================================================

In Zuko’s room, he is laying on his back on his bed. He rolls over on his side and stares at the scroll. He picks it up and reads it to himself again. “What does it mean?!” Annoyed, he tosses the scroll aside, as it lands on a lantern. The light from the lantern shines through the parchment, and it reveals a secret message on the scroll.

Zuko gasps and grabs the scroll from on top of the lantern, and reads “The Fire Sages keep the secret history in the Dragon Bone Catacombs.” Zuko then leaves quickly.

==================================================================

Later at a dark temple, a Fire Sage walks through a courtyard, and stops over a large medallion fashioned in the shape of a flower in the middle of the courtyard. He crouches low, and inserts a key into the center of the medallion.

It begins to open a hidden passage, under the courtyard of the temple. The Sage goes into the passage through the steps. Zuko, who is hiding and waits behind a pillar. When no one is around, Zuko goes to the secret passage, and bends a blast of fire into the medallion. The passage opens, and a spiral staircase is revealed along with a very large secret chamber.

Zuko travels through the chamber and down a hall lined with bones of dragons, all lined up along the walls of the hall. He then comes to an ornate door with a metal sculpture of Fire Lord Sozin on it. The chest of the sculpture has a Fire Nation emblem.

Zuko places his left front hoof over the emblem, and bends a fire blast. The fire fills the door, and comes out from the statue's eyes, nose and mouth. Zuko enters the room, pulls his cloak from his head, and raises his lantern to look around the dark chamber, and sees that the room is filled with artifacts and various vessels.

A large statue of a dragon sits in the middle of the room. Under the dragon's head, Zuko finds Fire Lord Sozin's history. “The final testimony of Fire Lord Sozin.” Zuko read out loud as he picks up the scroll.

==================================================================

In the Spirit World, Roku and the Dragon Spirit land near the present Avatars. “Come, Firebrand, Agua, Terra, Blitz and Ar.” The group then climb on the spirit. The Dragon Spirit then flies off.

“Where're we going?” Agua asked her past life.

“To visit my past. Our shared past.” Roku said.

==================================================================

In the room where Zuko is at, he begins reading Sozin’s last Testimony. (key; bold mean Roku’s memories, italics is Zuko reading Sozin’s scroll) “As I feel my life dimming, I can't help but think of a time when everything was so much brighter,” in a lush Fire Nation courtyard in a flashback, two young firebenders are dueling. One is an Alicorn with a white mane and a midnight blue coat with a fireball for a cutie mark. The other is an earth pony with a red mane and a yellow coat with a gold crown for a cutie mark. The two young colts exchange fire blasts.

“I remember my friend,” While they duel, the Earth Pony notices that the Alicorn's hoofs are close to a tree root. He smiles, and using this to his advantage, he steps up his attack to drive the Alicorn back, causing the Alicorn to trip over the root and fall back. But as he falls, the Earth Pony grabs the Alicorn by the mane to keep him from falling. While he holds him, he raises his hoof as if to fire blast, but instead he lets the Alicorn fall to the ground.

‘Looks like I win again, Roku,’ the Earth Pony said as he extends a hoof to help the Alicorn named Roku to his hoofs.

‘Are you kidding?’ Roku said as he takes the Earth Pony’s hoof and gets up. ‘The tree root did all the work. Nice one, Sozin.’

“You were friends with Fire Lord Sozin?!” A surprised Agua said to Roku.

“Back then, he was just Prince Sozin. And he was my best friend. We were like brothers.” As Roku and Sozin leave the courtyard, a young Fire Nation mare goes by. As she walks past the friends, Roku stares at her and blushes, which Sozin notices.

Sozin then nudges Roku. ‘Say something to her.’ He walks after the young mare. He raises his hoof and attempts to greet the mare, who also slightly blushes, but is overcome by embarrassment. He sighs, puts his hoof on his head, and falls down. Sozin sits down next to him and sprinkles blades of grass on Roku's face.

“Love is hard when you are young.” Roku said.

“You don't have to tell me.” Fire’ said. Roku then places a hoof on Fire’s shoulder.

“Don't worry, it gets better. Now come with me.” The group then arrive at a celebration in the courtyard. “We have a party to attend.”

“Wait, whose party is it?” Terra asked.

“Sozin and I shared many things, including a birthday.” Roku said as a young Roku and Prince Sozin walk down from the stairs. As they walk down the stairs, in the crowd, two young mares are watching, one of whom is the mare whom Roku has a crush on, Ta Min. She looks at Roku, then looks down and blushes. Her friend leans over her shoulder and giggles. Roku notices the mare and blushes while he continues down the stairs. Distracted, Roku falls down the stairs, but Sozin quickly grabs Roku by the hoof.

Roku, composes himself, and blushes again from embarrassment, as Sozin laughs at his friend. The crowd then suddenly grows quiet, as a group of Fire Sages enter the courtyard. They walk toward Prince Sozin and Roku, as Sozin hurries down the stairs to meet them. ‘Did something happen to my father?’ He asked.

‘No, Prince Sozin. We are not here for you. Roku, do you remember how the royal family found you?’

‘Yes, they found me on Ember Island in a basket with a note that only had my name 16 years ago.’ The young Roku said.

‘Thats not all the note said.’

‘Excuse me?’ Roku said confused.

‘Tell us, do you remember these.’ The Fire Sage then opens a box containing 6 toys. One a turtle (water), one a dragon (fire), a fan (air), a light blue rode with a ball at the end (lightning), a little shovel (earth), and a pure white ball (the sixth element). All six toys look like there around a few thousand years old.

‘Yes. These were my favorite toys when I was little. But why are you bringing these up.’

‘You see, these are the six Avatar Relics. We place these along with hundreds of others in front of you and other foals around the same age. You chose these exact six. Now, the reason we’re here is to announce the identity of the next Avatar. It is our honor to serve you, Avatar Roku.’ Roku, standing with his jaw dropped, is bewildered. The entire crowd is now all bowing. Sozin, who is still in shock himself, looks around at the crowd, and quickly turns to kneel before Roku.

==================================================================

“Soon the day came when my friend Roku had to leave the Fire Nation and face his destiny as the Avatar. He needed to travel the world so he could master the other elements.” In young Roku’s room, he has a dejected look on his face, as Prince Sozin stands near the doorway. ‘Hey, why aren't you packed yet, all-powerful Avatar?’ Sozin asked his friend, getting no response. Sozin then leaps in the room, attempting to prove examples of all the bending disciplines. ‘Come on, show me how it's done with all five kinds of bending.’

‘I started packing, but then the Fire Sages told me I won't need any worldly possessions anymore.’ Roku said, wiping off the smile from Sozin’s face.

‘Oh.’ Sozin said as he sits down near Roku.

‘It happened so fast. Everything's going to be different now.’ Roku sadly said. At this, Sozin removes his Crown Prince headpiece and gives it to Roku.

‘Here, hope you're at least allowed to have this.’

‘But this is a royal artifact. It's supposed to be worn by the Crown Prince of the Fire Nation.’

‘I want you to have it.’ As Roku takes the headpiece, cut to a close-up of his top knot, as he slides the pin in. Roku is now smiling, as he and Sozin get up, and bow to each other.

==================================================================

In a cloud city of some kind, similar to Cloudsdale, Roku and a maroon Pegasus mare with amber eyes, and a black mane are racing, both wearing grey-black armor with a gold lightning bolt on the chest. “Is this the home of the Pegasi that help found Equestria?” Blitz asked.

“Indeed,” Roku said as the two race toward the main cloud-building. “This was the first stop on my Avatar journey. Here, I mastered both speed and lightningbending, with my teacher, Commander Hurricane, who was fierce, deadly, swift, and fast, but not fast enough sometimes,” Roku said as his younger self and Commander Hurricane race toward the finish line. Just as they are a few meters away, a cloud suddenly drifts in their way, causing the two to crash. After they remove themselves from the cloud, they see that a Pegasus stallion with a bright yellow coat and a mustard-yellow mane and wearing similar armor was the cause of the accident, who sheepishly smiles.

‘Privet Pansy!’ Commander Hurricane gritted through her teeth, causing Pansy to fly off as fast as he can, with the Commander after him.

==================================================================

In the real world, Sweetie Belle and Rarity are looking disturbed. They see Terra crouching down in a peculiar way, begins to grunt, and farts. She then smiles with relief. “Do they have bathrooms in the Spirit World?”

“As a matter of fact Rarity, they do not.” Sweetie Belle said as the Avatars smile as...

==================================================================

...They're riding on Fang in the Spirit World. Fire’ then notices they are heading for a familiar place. “Hey, we're almost at the original home of the Unicorns that help found Equestria!”

“This was the place where I had to master airbending,” Roku said as they see a line of young ponies of the three most common types. Avatar Roku is at the end of the line. Roku is lightningbending another young unicorn's mane, turning it fizzy, who, irritated, bends it back at Roku, who responds by nudging the Unicorn with his shoulder. “And where I met a new friend you know very well Firebrand: Star Swirl.”

“No way!” Fire’ said.

The Airbenders are now on a grassy ledge. An older Airbender leads the students, and launches off the side of the ledge. The students line up by twos to follow their teacher. Star Swirl and Roku are soaring through the air on their gliders. ‘Hey, Star Swirl, wanna see my new glider trick?’ Roku then flies up and loops twice.

Star Swirl then laughs. ‘Check this out!’ He then flips himself over and stands on top of his glider on his hind legs.

“Whats he doing?” Agua asked.

“Air Surfing?” Blitz said. Star Swirl loses his balance on the glider, but as he falls, Roku catches him on the back of his glider. Roku is unable to control the glider, and both then go down toward the other airbenders who are now back on the grassy ledge. The other students see the falling airbenders, and they panic and try to run.

Roku and Star Swirl, flying low, crash, leaving a large cloud of dust. The other Unicorns are knocked over, and scattered about. Roku's mane is in his face. Star Swirl airbends it back while Roku lifts his head. They both grin widely, and Roku pats Star Swirl on his shoulder.

“You were friends with Star Swirl, and I'm both a descendent of his and an Avatar.”

“Some friendships are so strong, they can even transcend lifetimes and converge.”

==================================================================

The group then fly to Pegasus City and see two ponies who are standing on a plateau of ice. “After I learned Air, I went to Pegasus City, then called the Southern Water Tribe,” Roku is slightly older now as his waterbending master bends a large, water drill from the ocean waters behind him. It thrusts forward, knocking Roku, and a part off of the plateau, into the water. “Waterbending was especially challenging for me. But in time, I mastered it as well.”

A young Roku then emerges from the water, and bends an enormous wave of water directly at his master standing on the glacier. The blast completely destroys the glacier, and carries his master all the way back to a Southern Water Tribe building. His master sits up, and shakes his head. Roku is now standing on an ice float, smiling.

==================================================================

Roku now has little on except a headband as he moves his front legs in quick motions across his body to bend a large piece of earth he is riding up the side of a mountain. “I then moved on to Geo Firma, then known as the Earth Kingdom,” Roku is racing up the slope, as an Earth Pony earthbender catches up to him, the two competing for speed. “My earthbending master, Sud, was uncompromising, stubborn, and blunt...” the two benders then race into thick brush and trees, as they disappear from view, “...and a lifelong friend.” As Sud comes to the finishing point, he quickly brings his landmass to a halt.

He thrusts his hoof into the air, cheering for himself. The look on his face changes quickly when he realizes that Roku not only beat him to the top, but he also had enough time to seat himself, and pour them both tea, as Sud smiles at his pupil. They both drink from their teacups.

==================================================================

The group then see Roku on a beach, now the same size as Celestia. “What about the sixth element. Didn't you learn that?” Fire’ asked.

“No. The sixth element was always been elusive to the Avatar, ever since the sixth Avatar died. It was bitter work, learning the known five ... but the results were worth it,” the young Roku then moves his front legs to bend the different elements. He starts by waterbending to the south, then earthbends east, firebends north, airbends west, and finally, lightningbends upward.

==================================================================

Zuko is still reading Sozin's history in the chamber. His eyes are quivering with each word he reads. “Twelve long years passed before I saw my friend again. When Roku returned, he was a fully realized Avatar, and I had changed as well.”

==================================================================

‘Sozin! Or should I say, Fire Lord!’ A young Roku said when he enters Fire Lord Sozin’s throne room.

‘Customarily, my subjects bow before greeting me.’ Sozin said as he walks down from his throne. ‘But you're the exception.’ He then smiles and hugs Roku.

“After all these years, he was still my best friend,” Roku said to the current Avatars. Later at a wedding ceremony and celebration in a Fire Nation courtyard, many guests attending. Roku is the husband. On the right is Sozin, holding a scroll. “And a few months later, he was my best colt.”

“Roku, it's that mare who didn't even know you're alive!” Blitz said as a young Roku lifts the bride's veil with his magic, which is the same color as Luna’s.

“Ta Min. I was persistent. When love is real, it finds a way. And being the Avatar doesn't hurt your chances with the mares or stallions, either.”

“On wedding days, we look to the future with optimism and joy. I had my own vision for a brighter future.” Roku and Ta Min are receiving and thanking the guest when Sozin walks up to them. ‘Excuse me. May I borrow him for a moment?’ Sozin asked Ta Min.

‘It's not very traditional, but, okay.’ She said. The two friends then walk for the balcony.

‘What's on your mind?’ Roku asked.

‘I've been thinking hard about the state of the world lately.’

‘Sozin, it is my wedding! Have a cookie, dance with someone, lighten up!’

‘I know, I know, but just hear me out. Right from the start, I was destined to be Fire Lord. And although we didn't always know it, you were destined to be the Avatar. It's an amazing stroke of fate we know each other so well, isn't it? Together, we could do ... anything.’

‘Yeah, we could.’ Roku said slightly serious.

‘Our nation is enjoying an unprecedented time of peace and wealth. Our people are happy, and we're so fortunate in so many ways.’ Sozin said.

‘Where are you going with this?’ A concerned Roku said.

‘I've been thinking, we should share this prosperity with the rest of the world. In our hoofs is the most successful empire in history. It's time we expanded it.’

‘No! The five bending nations are meant to be just that: five.’

‘Roku, you haven't even stopped to consider the possibilities.’

‘There are no possibilities. This is the last I want to hear about this.’ Roku then walks away from the balcony, with an angry expression on his face. “That was my first real test as the Avatar. Unfortunately, it was many years before I learned that Sozin had gone ahead with his plan, despite my warning.” Roku said to the current Avatars.

==================================================================

A young Roku, slightly older now, is flying over a body of water, as he approaches land he sees an Earth Nation dock, but he also sees an Earth Kingdom fortress with plumes of smoke rising from inside, with the Fire Nation insignia strewn over the original Earth Kingdom symbol, covering it. Roku is shocked by this discovery.

==================================================================

Later, Roku burst through the doors of Fire Lord Sozin's throne room. ‘I've seen the colonies, Sozin. How dare you occupy Earth Kingdom territory?!’

‘How dare you, a citizen of the Fire Nation, address your Fire Lord this way. Your loyalty is to our nation first. Anything less makes you a traitor.’

‘Don't do this, Sozin. Don't challenge me. It'll only end badly. It's over.’ As Roku turns back and starts to leave, Sozin, full of rage, jumps from his throne and delivers an immensely powerful fire stream.

But, as the flames go out, Roku is nowhere to be seen, and a surprised Sozin looks around. Suddenly, Roku bursts from the ground behind Sozin, revealing that he has burrowed into the ground with earthbending to defend from Sozin's attack. Before Sozin can turn back, Roku delivers a powerful air blast at the Fire Lord, which causes him to slam on the gates of the room. As Sozin falls down, Roku immediately earthbends a pillar of earth that lifts Sozin into the air and pins him by the back of his robes to the ceiling. Avatar Roku then brings his hoofs together in front of his face, and enters the Avatar State.

Roku then breaks the pillars of the throne room. Part of the palace is destroyed as Roku airbends an air spout, and raises himself to Sozin. ‘I'm sparing you, Sozin. I'm letting you go in the name of our past friendship. But I warn you. Even a single step out of line will result in your permanent end.’

Sozin then stares at Roku, his face still full of anger. Suddenly, his expression drops, and he hangs his head in defeat. Roku turns, and rides the cyclone quickly away from Sozin.

==================================================================

“Sozin and I didn't speak or see each other for 25 years after our battle,” Roku then shows them a small home on the island they are on. “I spent most of my spare time here, at my home,” Roku and Ta Min are sleeping with 3 foals, no younger than Apple Bloom. Two are Alicorns (Celestia and Luna) and one an Earth Pony. Suddenly, a loud noise awakes Roku and he springs out from the bed, and looks at the window. He sees large fireballs falling from the sky, and crashing into the island.

Roku and his wife and foals flee the room, but as they do so, Roku's headpiece falls to the floor, and is left behind. Roku emerges from the house to find the air-filled with smoke and ash. Coughing, Roku and his wife shield their faces. A worried Roku looks at the erupting volcano in the island. ‘Let's go!’

He takes his wife's hoof, and airbends smoke and ash in their way, creating a path. They both run through the path he created. In the town, the townsponies run through the streets to escape the waves of smoke and ash that now pour through the streets. An ash flow completely buries the house. Roku has his face covered, leading his wife, foals, and many townsponies to safety. Ash continues to fall as a swell of lava ooze from the mouth of the volcano.

Roku then looks to his wife and the foals on her back. He then let's go of her hoof, and motions her to go on without him. With her leg still outstretched, she looks at him, and runs to safety. ‘Take Celestia and Luna to Star Swirl! He'll take care of them,’ Roku telepathically said to his wife as she continues to look back, desperately hoping that Roku will join her. Roku turns to face the advancing smoke, and airbends a hug dome of protection around himself. The townsponies make it to the boats, and they see the air dome.

==================================================================

At the Fire Nation palace, Fire Lord Sozin watching the smoke from his balcony. “Roku's island was a hundred miles away. But I could still feel it rumbling and see the black plume of smoke. I had never seen anything like this catastrophe.”

==================================================================

Large columns of black smoke billow from the summit of the volcano, as lightning strikes above the volcano and the earth rumbles from the disaster. A landslide is quickly approaching the town, destroying it completely. Roku earthbends a gigantic wall, and rides the wall to meet the falling earth, and stop it. As he succeeds in stopping it, the volcano ejects a massive wave of lava. The flow breaches the wall of earth, causing Roku to flee to the bottom of the summit. He then cuts into the earth using his earthbending, creating a channel to divert the lava into the surrounding ocean, away from the town.

“This is amazing, Roku! You're battling a volcano, and you're winning.” Fire’ said as he sees the lava flow into the ocean.

“Unfortunately, my success didn't last long. There was no way I could do it all.” Roku is now looking up the top of the volcano. The volcano violently expels another giant wave of lava. Roku flies toward the volcano, and leaps. Roku then blows a powerful blast of air from his mouth at the lava, which cools and hardens, as Roku lands on it. Suddenly, a blast of poisonous gas spouts to his right, he turns and covers his face. He turns to the jet, airbending it away. Suddenly lava appears on his right, which he airbends, and quickly another jet of gases blasts to his left, and he quickly airbends it as well.

“Battling the elements was hard enough. I had to do it while I could barely breathe. The poisonous, volcanic gases were overwhelming.” Roku said as lightning crashes around the crater as Fang, Roku’s pet dragon, comes flying in. The summit emits another lava fountain. Fang pulls back, narrowly escaping the blast, and roars. Roku then airbends another jet of gases. ‘It's all right Fang! Get out of here! I'm fine!’ Roku said to his pet.

Roku turns his body from side to side, and then enters the Avatar State. With a powerful blow from his hoof, Roku earthbends a tremor through the volcano, breaking out the back side of the crater, which lessens the lava flow. As the lava flows down, the second volcano erupts, as Roku hopelessly drops his head. Sozin, on a blue dragon, then appears. ‘Need some help, old friend?’

‘Sozin?!’ A surprised Roku said.

‘There's not a moment to waste,’ Sozin said as the two volcanoes continue to erupt. Sozin and Roku ride on the Fire Lord dragon's back to the second volcano. Roku is bending the fire fountain down into the crater. Sozin is balanced on the mouth of the vent, as he cools the lava by absorbing the heat, passing it through himself, and redirects out through his other hoof. The two friends are now controlling the disaster. The townsponies are now a few kilometers away in the boats, as they see the volcanoes erupting.

Ta Min, has an anxious expression on her face as she holds her two Alicorn daughters and Earth Pony son. Roku and Sozin are on the edge of the crater. Lightning blasts above Sozin, as the earth beneath him becomes unstable. He begins to fall back off the side of the volcano, but Roku quickly earthbends an earth shelf to catch Sozin.

Stable again, Sozin looks to Roku for a moment. Suddenly, the earth violently shakes and another surge of ash and rock shoot from the crater, and the two turn to run. ‘Don't breathe the toxic gas.’ As the two run, a jet of toxic gas shoots up directly next to Sozin. Roku quickly airbends it away to protect Sozin. Suddenly gas erupts directly into Roku faces, causing him to be disoriented. He then starts to shake. ‘It's too much.’ Roku lifts his hoof to see it, but his vision is blurred. Overwhelmed by the poisons, Roku falls to the ground. He looks up toward Sozin, and holds out his hoof for help. ‘Please.’ Roku said to his old friend. Sozin then fires a poison dart at Roku, putting in a poison in Roku’s systems.

‘Without you, all my plans are suddenly possible,’ Sozin said in a cold tone. ‘I have a vision for the future, Roku. You see, the dart I ejected you with has a special poison that won’t allow the Avatar Spirit to reincarnate,’ Sozin's dragon then appears. As Roku kneels, Sozin mounts the dragon and flies away. Roku is surrounded by the toxic gas now, and behind him a pyroclastic flow heads toward him. Roku is still coughing, and is unable to get to his feet. Fang appears from the right, and flies above him.

Roku looks up toward his loyal dragon as the pyroclastic flow is now rapidly approaching him. With the pyroclastic flow just moments away from swallowing Roku, Fang flies down, and wraps himself around Roku as the wave of ash and rubble cover the two completely, killing both of them.

==================================================================

Some babies cry as the five Avatars see five different babies all being born at the same time. “Huh?” Blitz said.

“What the?” Agua said.

“Who are ... wait, that's us, isn't it” Fire’ said to Roku, since some of the rooms are very modern like.

“Make sense of our past. And you all will bring peace, and restore balance to the world.” Roku said as he slowly disappears.

==================================================================

In the Dragon Bones Catacombs, Zuko is still reading. “With Roku gone, and the great comet returning, the timing was perfect to change the world. However, when I called the power of the comet, all benders lost their abilities. I wasted the rest of my life searching in vain for the Elements of Nature. I know their hiding out there somewhere, and that the Avatar will return to claim them. The Fire Nation's greatest threat ... the Elements of Nature.” Zuko then finishes reading the scroll.

“That can't be it! Where's the rest of it?” He then searches the rest of the scroll to find more information. Zuko puts the scroll down and stands up, in frustration.

==================================================================

Later at the Fire Nation prison, where Iroh is imprisoned in. Zuko then bursts in, slamming the door to the cell behind him as he enters. “You sent this, didn't you? I found the secret history, which by the way should be renamed history most people already know! The note said that I needed to know about my ancestor's death, but he was still alive in the end.”

Iroh then looks up at his nephew. “No, he wasn't.”

“What are you talking about?” Zuko asked.

“You have more than one ancestor, Zuko. Sozin was your father's ancestor. Your mother's ancestor was Avatar Roku.” Iroh said, completely shocking Zuko.

“Why are you telling me this?” Zuko asked.

“Because understanding the struggle between your two ancestors can help you better understand the battle within yourself,” Iroh said as Zuko sits down, with his head facing down. “Evil and good are always at war inside you, Zuko. It is your nature, your legacy. But, there is a bright side. What happened generations ago can be resolved now, by you.

Because of your legacy, you alone can cleanse the sins of our family and the Fire Nation. Born in you, along with all the strife, is the power to restore balance to the world,” Iroh then removes a brick and reaches for a bundle. Iroh then slowly unwraps the bundle while he walks toward Zuko. “This is a royal artifact. It's supposed to be worn by the Crown Prince,” Zuko takes the headdress from Iroh's hoof, and holds the artifact.

==================================================================

On the hardened lava wave on Roku’s Island, the gang had been sitting while the Avatars tell then what has happened. “You mean, after all Roku and Sozin went through together, even after Roku showed him mercy, Sozin betrayed him like that?” Twilight said in disbelief.

“It's like these ponies are born bad.” Rainbow said.

“No, that's wrong. I don't think that was the point of what Roku showed us at all.” Fire’ said.

“Then whut was th' point?” Applejack asked.

“Roku was just as much Fire Nation as Sozin was, right? If anything, their story proves anyone's capable of great good and great evil.” Fire’ said. “Everypony, even the Fire Lord and the Fire Nation have to be treated like they're worth giving a chance. And I also think it was about friendships.”

“Do you really think friendships can last more than one lifetime?” Fluttershy asked.

“I don't see why not.” Pinkie said as she takes Fluttershy’s hoof along with Rainbow’s, followed by the others.

Chapter 6, Hunted

The Elements of Nature, Book 3

Chapter 6, Hunted

In a jungle, the group is lost after they listened to Pinkie after, for some reason, they let her have the map. “Face it, Pinkie, were lost.” Lunar finally said.

“Were not lost. Were just taking a short cut.” Pinkie said, the map duck taped to her face, with three holes in it.

“In the thick jungles of the Philippines!” Rainbow barked.

“Just keep an eye out for a sing pointing to China.” Pinkie said as she happily skips down a path full of carnivorous plants.

“Let’s agree to never give her the directions again.” Fire’ said, getting nods from the others as they nervously follow Pinkie. Unknown to the group, they're being watched in the jungle by Dom Pyro in the trees, accompanied by his pet timber wolf.

“Pour mice,” he said, “all lost and alone. Oh, soon we shall spring our trap and chop off their lovely tails.” He then turns to his timber wolf. “Isn't that right pretty one?” His pet wolf then nodes in agreement.

==================================================================

In the Fire Nation, Zuko is walking into Mai's room. He looks at a painting of them and becomes downcast. “I'm sorry Mai.” He then places a note on her bed and leaves.

==================================================================

Later, Zuko is kneeling at a painting of his mother. “I know I've made some bad choices, but today, I'm going to set things right.” He said as he rises, picks up his sword, and leaves.

==================================================================

As the group walk in the rainforest, Fluttershy stops and gasps. The others come running to her and see giant stone replicas of the Elements of Harmony and Nature. “Wow.” Fire’ said as he looks at some of the statues. “If it wasn't utterly and completely impossible, I say these were meant to be the Elements of Harmony and Nature.”

“Statues of the Elements in the middle of the Philippine jungle kilometers away from any civilization.” Twilight said.

“I do not know this place.” Ar said. “I cannot help.”

“This feels bad. Really bad.” Fluttershy said.

“Chill Fluttershy.” Rainbow said. “There just statues. There’s absolutely nothing to worry about ... probably.”

“Over here!” Blitz yelled. “I think I found something.” He then heads for a nearby clearing. When they get there, they see a large temple surrounded by walls, which are covered in carvings of the Elements of Harmony and Nature.

“Whoa!” Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Spike all said.

“If you didn't know anything about the statues, little monk fish,” Blitz said to Ar, “your gonna love not knowing about this.”

“I know nothing of this place.” Ar said, completely confused. “Nothing at all.”

“Ancient cities. Lost temples. Theres a lot more to this whole Elements of Harmony and Nature thing then we know.” Agua said.

“We should check it out. There might be a clue on where this ‘Island of Mysteries’ is at.” Fire’ said.

“A creepy dead temple?” Blitz said. “I hate to see where you would go look for something to eat. A cemetery?” The group then stare at him.

“Lets head for the center building.” Fire’ said. “Not all our vehicles can go across the terrain, so were gonna have to walk.” He then makes his way for the temple with the others.

As Blitz is walking down, he's tripped over by Spike. “Hey, what was that for?”

“That was for disrespecting Fire.’” Spike said. He then notices a locket on the ground. “What’s that?”

Blitz then quickly takes it. “What’s this? Oh, it's just an N.O.Y.B.S.”

“An N.O.Y.B.S?”

“Yeah, Non Of Your Business Scales.” Blitz said as he leaves. Rarity then walks over to Spike to see if he’s all right.

“Spike! Are you okay.”

“I’m fine Rarity. Jeez, that guy is just so rude.”

“All say. I don't want him to hurt my little Spikey-wikey.” Rarity said while rubbing Spikes checks.

“Rarity stop.” Spike said when he sees Fluttershy giggling. The three then hear a sparkling sound along with some electricity. The three clear away some vines and scream, but it isn't loud enough the others to hear.

==================================================================

In the Fire Nation, Zuko is in front of the doors that lead to the throne room. “I'm ready to face you.” He said to himself.

==================================================================

Blitz catches up to the group when Fire’ notices something is wrong. “Whats the hold up?” Blitz asked. “Lets go.”

“We thought we lost you.” Twilight said. “Wheres Spike, Rarity, and Fluttershy?”

Rainbow then walks up to Blitz. “Come on, Blitz! Don’t you know not to leave those 3 on their own like that by now.”

“We're gonna have to find them.” Fire’ said.

“We can’t.” Lunar said. “If we search for them in that thick jungle, it’s possible to get lost in a matter of moments. And if we split up to look for them, were gonna get lost ourselves.”

“Whats the big deal?” Blitz said. “If they have any sense, it’s a sense of direction. After all, they know where were going.”

“When yo' put it thet way, less go.” Applejack said as they make their way to the temple.

==================================================================

Zuko then opens the door. Fire Lord Ozai is sitting on the far side of the room, drinking tea. The Fire Lord is surrounded by several Royal Procession guards. He sets his teacup down upon seeing the prince. “Prince Zuko? What are you doing here? Why are you here?”

“I'm here to tell the truth.” Zuko said.

“Telling the truth during the middle of my tea. This should be interesting.” Ozai said. He then sends the guards out of the room. One by one the guards leave, closing the doors behind them.

“First of all, in Ba Sing Se, it was Azula who took down the Fire Avatar, not me.” Zuko said.

“Why would she lie to me about that?” Ozai asked.

“Because the Fire Avatar's not dead. He survived.” Zuko said, getting a shock and horrified face from his father.

“What?” Is all Ozai could say.

“In fact, he's probably found the Air Avatar by now. He could be on his way here right now.”

Ozai then rises from his seat and points toward the door. “Get out! Get out of my sight if you know what's good for you!”

“That's another thing.” Zuko said. “I'm not taking orders from you anymore.”

“You will obey me, or this defiant breath will be your last!”

Zuko then pulls out one of his swords. “Think again. I am going to speak my mind, and you are going to listen.” Ozai then sits down after the recent revelation. “For so long, all I wanted was for you to love me, to accept me. I thought it was my honor I wanted, but really, I was just trying to please you. You, my father, who banished me just for speaking out of turn. My father, who challenged me, a thirteen-year-old colt, to an Agni Kai. How could you possibly justify a duel with a foal?”

“It was to teach you respect!"

“It was cruel! And it was wrong.”

“Then you have learned nothing!”

“No, I've learned everything! And I've had to learn it on my own! Growing up, we're taught that the Fire Nation is the greatest and most advanced civilization in history, and somehow, the War was our way of sharing our greatness with the rest of the world. What an amazing lie that was. The people of the world are terrified by the Fire Nation. They don't see our greatness.

We’re not even nearly as advance as most of the other nations. Even some of our so-called inventions were actually stolen from the other nations. They hate us! And we deserve it! We've created an era of fear in the world. And if we don't want the world to destroy itself, then we need to replace it with an era of peace and kindness.”

At this, Ozai just laughs at what Zuko just said. “Your uncle has gotten to you, hasn't he?”

“Yes.” Zuko said with a smile. “He has. After I leave here today, I'm going to free Uncle Iroh from his prison when I get the chance and I'm going to beg for his forgiveness. He's the one who has been a real father to me.”

Ozai then laughs some more. “Oh, that's just beautiful. And maybe he can pass down to you the ways of tea and failure.”

“But I've come to an even more important decision. I'm going to join the Avatars and I'm going to help them defeat you.” Zuko said, shocking Ozai.

“Really? Since you're a full-blown traitor now and you want me gone, why wait? You've got your swords. Why don't you just do it now?”

“Because I know my destiny. Taking you down are the Avatars destinies.” Zuko then puts his swords away. “Goodbye.”

Zuko then begins to leave. “Coward! You think you're brave enough to face me. Don't you want to know what happened to your mother?”

Zuko abruptly stops and turns to face his father. “What happened that night?” Zuko asked, making Ozai smile.

“My father, Fire Lord Azulon, commanded me to do the unthinkable to you, my own son, and I was going to do it. Your mother found out and swore she would protect you at any cost. She knew I wanted the throne and she proposed a plan, a plan in which I would become Fire Lord and your life would be spared. Your mother did vicious, treasonous things that night. She knew the consequences and accepted them. For her treason, she was banished.”

Zuko then grows teary-eyed. “So she's alive?”

“Perhaps. Now I realize that banishment is far too merciful a penalty for treason. Your penalty will be far steeper,” Ozai said as he takes out a lightning gun and fires at Zuko. Zuko slides back several feet from the impact of the bolt yet manages to redirect it. He fires the lightning blast near his father, sending the Fire Lord slamming into the back wall. Ozai falls over and raises his head, his face distorted in rage as the flag behind him falls as Zuko makes his escape.

==================================================================

As the group make their way to the center temple, Rainbow decided to land and walk a little bit as they go around a small crater with dead logs along the edge. She then trips over a log and falls on her but. “Ow! Ouch! Ouch!” She said as Blitz holds out his hoof to help. Rainbow accepts and gets back up. “Uh ... thanks ... Blitz.”

“Your welcome, princess.”

Rainbow then gets mad and pushes Blitz into the canyon. “Weasel!” She said as Blitz lands hard. Rainbow then follows the others, but Pinkie jumps down into the canyon.

“Don’t worry, Blitzy, Rainbow Dash just need time to get to know you is all.” Pinkie said as she helps Blitz up, when they suddenly get the felling of being watch. They turn around and see a timber wolf, growling angrily at them.

“Wanna fight, ugly!” Blitz said while taking on a fighting stance. Just then, a hoof in a orang glove like boat grabs one of Blitz’s hoofs while he and Pinkie hear maniacal laughing. It’s Dom Pyro. “Get your dang hoofs off me!” Blitz said as he struggles a little while the timber wolf corners Pinkie, preventing even her from escape.

“Why do you struggle, little mice?” Dom Pyro said as he places an anti-bending collar around Blitz’s neck, neglecting his lightningbending. “There’s nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide,” Dom Pyro then reaches for something in one of his many little pockets. “So hush now,” he said as he pulls out a long metallic stick, “it’s time to sleep.”

He then shocks Blitz until he’s out cold, followed by Pinkie. The two fall to the ground, with Blitz dropping his nunchuks. The timber wolf then walks up to Dom Pyro, who then rubs the back of his pets neck. “Four little mice and one little dragon caught, pretty one. A good days hunt.” Dom Pyro said.

“Blitz! Pinkie!” Rainbow called, alerting Dom Pyro to her presence. When Rainbow gets to the crater, she finds it empty. “Blitz! Guys! Blitz and Pinkie are missing!” Rainbow yelled as she enters the crater to find out what happened. The others soon join her.

“I’m no detective, but this is defiantly not good.” Fire’ said after a few minuets of searching.

“I can see Spike, Rarity, and Fluttershy getting lost, but not Blitz and Pinkie.” Twilight said. “This doesn't look right.”

“Hey, guys! I found Blitz’s nunchuks!” Agua called as she picks them up.

“This hyar is not right at all.” Applejack said.

“What is it AJ?” Rainbow asked.

“Take a look. These is timber wo'f tracks.” AJ said as the tracks lead into the jungle.

“What do you know about this?” Terra asked Lunar.

“I’ve made the same enemies you have. Whatever this is, it’s hunting me to.” Lunar said.

“It feels like this thing is separating us from the herd one by one. It’s quiet and it’s fast.” Fire’ said while looking in the jungle, making sure that nothing is watching them.

“And it knows its way around this stinking jungle.” Rainbow said. “We cant track it and we have no idea where it is.”

“But we know precisely where it will be.” Ar said, getting looks from the others.

“And where is that?” Scootaloo asked.

“Wherever we are.” Ar finished.

==================================================================

Later that night, the remaining group make a fire a couple of miles away from the center building. Fire,’ Ar, Agua, Shining, Terra, Applejack, Rainbow, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Lunar are the only ones asleep as Twilight looks at the jungle. “Poor Spike,” She said, worried about her number one assistant. “Out there, all alone,” she said as she gets up and heads for the jungle.

Ar then wakes up and sees that Twilight is heading for the jungle. “Twilight?” Ar said as he wakes up, waking up Applejack, Agua, Terra and Rainbow by accident as he follows her. Twilight then stops at a statue that looks like the tiara she’s, the Element of Magic.

“All these strange statues that look like the Elements of Harmony and Nature. I wish I knew what all this meant.” She said as the wind blows in her face.

“Guys!” She heard. Twilight instantly recognizes it as Spike's. “Twilight! Can you here me!”

“What is it, Twilight?” Ar said, startling her.

“It’s Spike! He found us!” Twilight then makes a b-line to the jungle, with Rainbow, Applejack, Agua, Terra, and Ar following her.

“No, Twilight! Wait!” Ar said as he takes out his glider and flies after Twilight with Agua and Rainbow. “Twilight! Wait! Come back!”

Right then, Fire’ and Lunar wake up along with Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle. “Twilight!” Fire’ said as they notice that something is wrong.

==================================================================

As Twilight gets closer as ‘Spike’ continues to call. “Twilight! AJ! Rainbow! Agua! Terra, hurry!”

“Spike! Hold on! We’re coming!” Twilight said as AJ, Rainbow, Agua, Terra, and Ar run after her.

“No Twilight! We must turn back!” Ar said to a worried Twilight.

Twilight gets to where the sound came from, but nothing is there. Rainbow and Agua then arrive. “But, I swear that I heard Spike calling.” Twilight said, trying to make sense of what happened.

“It’s all right Twilight.” Rainbow said while placing a comforting hoof on Twilight’s back.

“Boo!” Dom Pyro said as he pops from the branches upside down from a tree with a wicked smile on his face, scarring the three half to death. “Hello little mice. Squeak, squeak.” He said as Ar, Applejack and Terra arrive.

“Did he just call me a mouse?!” Rainbow said.

“Who the hay are you?” Applejack asked.

“Me?” Dom then laughs maniacally. “I’m the thing of nightmares.” He then jumps off and lands gracefully in an open field and laughs as his pet timber wolf arrives. “Now you little mice shall experience a true nightmare.”

Ar does an air slash, but Dom and his pet hide in the jungle as he laughs maniacally, with it echoing all around them. “Where'd they go?” Twilight asked. Just then, the timber wolf jumps out and takes Twilight and disappears into the jungle. Twilight then screams in pain loudly...

==================================================================

Loud enough for the others to hear her. “Twilight.” Fire’ quietly said.

==================================================================

The group form a circle to try to block off any attacks as the hear Dom laugh. They then see a badly hurt Twilight emerge from some bushes. “Twilight!” Agua and Rainbow said as they head for her. Agua uses her healing abilities to help Twilight recover. Just then, two discs with bolas on then hit Rainbow and Agua, shocking them and knocking them unconscious. Ar, Terra and Applejack look at the direction where the discs came from.

“Over here little mice.” Dom said right behind them. Dom then throws two anti-bending collars at Terra and Ar’s necks, taking away their bending.

“I CANT SEE!” Terra screamed as he seismic sense disappears.

Dom Pyro then pulls out his little knockout stick that he used on Blitz and Pinkie. “All the little tails,” he began to say as he makes his way toward them. “Chop, chop, chop.” He said, even causing the normally hard to scare Applejack to tremble in fear as Dom gets closer.

==================================================================

The teen CMC, Fire,’ Shining and Lunar make it to the site where Twilight heard Spike and find Terre’s scythe, Agua’s trident, and Ar’s staff on the ground. “Looks like they put up a good fight.” Lunar said as he sees a broken tree.

“Not good enough. Otherwise, they would still be here.” Fire’ said as he sees some blood. “We have to save them!” Fire’ said as he heads toward the jungle, but Lunar stops him before he gets to far ahead.

“And we will, Fire.’” Lunar said to the hotheaded Unicorn. “But we don’t stand a chance in this thick jungle. We’ve got to lure it to the open and fight it there.”

“The temple, that could be the perfect place to make a stand.” Fire’ said.

Lunar then thinks for a moment. “Let’s do it.” The group then make a b-line for the center building. As the do so, Dom Pyro is watching in the trees with his pet timber wolf.

“Little mice, little mice.” Dom Pyro said. “Run away home. We’ve know where you been. We know where your going. Don’t we, my pretty one, Combustion?” He said as he contacts Zuko with a holo-communicator, but gets Ozai instead.

“So, you're the one my guards have said Zuko has been talking to.” Ozai said, knowing Dom Pyro’s reputation. “How is the hunt he sent you on?”

“Eleven rodents and one dragon caught. Twelve little tails sniped. Only one remains.”

“Plans have changed, Dom Pyro.” Ozai said. “My son has become a traitor, and now you will listen to me. I want the Fire Avatar alive, along with his friends. And I’m willing to pay you triple the price my son paid you.”

“Oh, Fire Lord. Your son has paid for 11. The last 5 we will do ... just for the sport. Yes, we will.” Dom Pyro then cuts the connection while laughing maniacally. “Come, pretty one. Now we know where to set our final, tender, trap.”

==================================================================

“Why a temple dedicated to the Elements of Harmony and Nature?” Sweetie Belle asked as the group approach the temple. “I don’t understand.”

“The origin of the Elements of Harmony and Nature are shrouded in myth and legend. Not even Celestia and Luna know where they came from.” Lunar said. “Some say they have been around since the dawn of time. Others say they arrived from the stars.”

“We’ll worry about stories later.” Fire’ said as they reach the door. “Right now, lets see who comes in here after us.”

The enter the main hall room, which is a dome with 20 columns, when they hear evil laughter. The group then brace themselves as they look where the laughter is coming from. They then see Dom Pyro. “Snap, snap, snap, little mice.”

Lunar instantly recognizes him. “It’s Dom Pyro.”

“You know this lunatic?” Scootaloo asked.

“Unfortunately.” Lunar said. “Whoever sent him doesn't just want us gone, he wants it to hurt.” Lunar said as he prepares for an attack.

“The Fire Lord pulls the strings today, and we dance. Of course, we get to chose the music.” Dom Pyro said as he walks to them.

“Guys, we need to get out of here!” Lunar said as he pulls out his swords.

“Oh, don’t be scared.” Dom Pyro said when he finally stops with his pet timber wolf. “When we catch you, we promise you’ll never feel fear again.” Dom Pyro said with a maniacally laugh.

“Dom Pyro.” Lunar began to say as he charge up an attack. “It’s over.” He said as he steps forward in between two columns.

“Oh no, no, no. We don’t like magic.” Dom said as he pulls out a switch. “And we knew you use it.” He pushes a button and two electric cables hit Lunar, shocking him till he’s unconscious.

“Hey, sparky!” Fire’ said as he takes out his sword while the CMC check on Lunar Eclipse. “How do you feel about sharp pointy things?”

“We love them. Yes, we do.” Dom said as he pulls out a short blade that elongates to 1 meter in length. “Come little mouse, let us end this hunt and dance to a pleasant happy tune.” He then charges at Fire,’ but he catches the blade and tosses Dom Pyro into a column.

“Now, Dom Pyro. Let me show you what it’s like to be hunted,” Fire’ said as he charges up and attacks. “Blazing Strike!” Fire’ yelled as he does his signature move. But Dom Pyro gets out-of-the-way in time, but in doing so, the attack hits the pillar, causing it to nearly fall on Fire.’ Combustion, Dom Pyro’s pet timber wolf, causes another pillar to fall, nearly crushing Fire.’

“Now you have cold hoofs to fight as well!” Dom Pyro said. “When this battle is done, little mouse, I shall chop off your tail, ... so very slowly.”

“Not if I can help it,” Fire’ said as Combustion charges at him, bet he leaps out-of-the-way, causing Combustion to hit another pillar, making it fall. Fire’ then sees the effect of the falling columns. “The dome,” Fire’ realized. His horn then glows along with Sweetie's as Dom Pyro sneaks behind Fire,’ and takes him by the mane.

“How does it feel to hear the trap snap down? To know you have been caught?” Dom Pyro asked, holding his knockout stick to Firebrands neck.

“I was going to ask you the same thing,” Fire’ said, getting a confused look from Dom Pyro. Fire’ then pushes back Dom Pyro several feet. “Sweetie, NOW!” Sweetie Belle then takes one of Lunar’s swords and slices at a column, causing a chain reaction, making the entire dome fall on Combustion.

“Clever little mouse.” Dom Pyro said as he laughs maniacally while the temple continues to fall. Fire’ then gets Lunar as they and the CMC and escape. The group make it outside as the sun begins to rise, right when the temple collapses.

“Nice work kid.” Lunar said to Fire.’

“Hey!” Fire’ said, annoyed. “Lets find the others.”

==================================================================

Later, Lunar, Fire,’ Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle untie the group from a small statue and get the anti-bending collars off. “So, where's mister creepy?” Rainbow asked, finally able to fly after a few hours of being tied up.

“Buried.” Apple Bloom said as he unties Applejack. “Under about four thousan' kilograms of old temple.”

“I cant believe that I let someone beat me so easily, again.” Twilight said to Fire’ as he tends to her cuts and bruises.

“Don’t blame yourself, Twilight.” Fire’ said as he uses some healing magic on a black eye Twilight got. “Tell you what. Once we get back to Ponyville, how about I get you some chocolate doughnuts and coffee from Sugarcube Conner to cheer you up.” With that, Twilight smiles.

“When are we gonna get back anyway?” Blitz asked. “I have had enough jungle to last me a lifetime.”

“I called the Royal Guard. They sent an airship to our coordinates.” Fire’ said. “They should be here soon.”

“Oh, oh, over there!” Pinkie said while pointing. The group see a plane fly to them and land a few feet away. The group then get on and head back to Equestria. However, they fail to notice a Fire Nation war balloon approaching them from behind. It’s Zuko, who has a determined look on his face as he follows them.

==================================================================

Back at the temple, some ruble stirs. Dom Pyro’s hoof then breaks free as he gets out slowly.

Chapter 7, Zuko Arrives

The Elements of Nature, Book 3

Chapter 7, Zuko Arrives

Once the group land at Canterlot, Twilight is the first to get out, getting a concern look from Celestia when she sees her black eye. “What happen Twilight?” The Alicorn of the Sun asked.

“A crazy earth pony named Dom Pyro.” She said. The others soon get off as well. Cadence then gives a big hug to her husband.

“I was so worried about you.” Cadence said.

“Me too.” Luna then arrives as the Avatar of Air steps out and bows before the regal wing unicorn sisters.

“I presume you're the Avatar of Air.” Luna said.

“Indeed, I am, Princess Luna.” Ar said.

Lunar Eclipse then steps out, surprising both Luna and Celestia about seeing the lost Prince of Death again. "Lunar Eclipse..." Celestia said. "It has been a long time, friend."

“In...indeed...” Lunar nervously said. "It has been ... so long, I..." He looked down awkwardly. "I don't really have a purpose right now..."

“Simple.” Luna said. “Help the Avatars find the sixth element and defeat the Fire Nation.”

The Prince of Death looked up and nodded, a new look of determination on his face. "I will, Luna." He smiled warmly at her. "It has been so nice to see you again, Luna."

“Did he just address her as 'Luna' and not as 'your Highness'?” Rainbow asked Blitz.

“How should I know?” Blitz said.

A slight blush then kissed Luna's cheeks, as she backs away slightly. "Likewise, Lunar Eclipse..."

==================================================================

In the remains of an old temple, an Earth Pony with a spiked black mane, a yellow coat, and blue eyes. His cutie mark is hidden by a full body black and orange body suite. He’s panting as he digs through the rubble with a shovel, a mouse watching. “Where are you, my pretty pretty?” He said, having a twisted smile on his face. “Where are you?

I need you,” the clearly crazy Earth Pony then hears the mouse squeak a little. “Oh, I see you too, little mousy. Don’t think I don’t. Sitting there, m-m-mocking me, little mouse! They will all see!” Dom Pyro said as he drives the shovel into the rubble, and hits something organic.

Dom Pyro gasps and smiles as the rubble stirs, his pet timber wolf climbing out, slightly hurt, but nothing fatal. “Yes!” Dom Pyro squealed as he grabs the unlucky mouse, which was unable to escape. “They will all see. All on them.

They left us here. Left us! But now, we are free. Now we are ... we. Combustion, my pretty pretty, Avatar Firebrand, and his little mice will pay. Pay, with their lives!” Dom Pyro said, causing his wolf to howl in agreement.

==================================================================

In Equestria, just outside of Ponyville, in Whitetail Woods, Zuko has made a makeshift campsite with his stolen war balloon, Zuko is pacing around, debating with himself. “Hello ... Zuko here, but I guess you probably already know me, sort of. Uhhh ... so, the thing is I have a lot of firebending experience, and I'm considered to be pretty good at it. Well, you've seen it, you know, when I was attacking you. Uhhh ... yeah, I guess I should apologize for that. But anyway, I'm good now.

I mean, I thought I was good before, but I realize I was bad, but anyway, I think it's time I joined your group and taught the Fire Avatar advanced firebending,” Zuko said to his ‘audience,’ a frog, which croaks at him. “Well, what's your answer?” Zuko angrily asked, only for the frog to hop on his head then hop away. “Yeah ... that's what I'd say, too. How am I supposed to convince these Equestrians that I'm on their side?

What would Uncle do?” Zuko then gets the idea of imitating his uncle Iroh. “‘Zuko, you have to look within yourself to save yourself from your other self. Only then will your true self, reveal itself.’ Even when I'm talking for him I can't figure out what he means.

What would Azula do?” He then imitates his sister. “‘Listen, Avatars, I can join your group, or I can do something unspeakably horrible to you and your friends! Your choice!’” Zuko then thinks hard about what he just said. “Why did I considered Azula?”

==================================================================

In Ponyville, it’s sunset as Fire,’ Twilight, Applejack, Ar, Rainbow, Blitz, Agua, Terra, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie set up a picnic outside of town. “Once were done eatin', howsabout we play horse shoes?” Applejack said.

“Your on, AJ.” Rainbow said to the apple farmer. “I want a rematch!”

“I think that'll have to wait.” Terra said as she points behind her, with the eyes of the group looking that way, and they see Zuko, stunning them.

“Hello ... Zuko here,” Zuko said while waving as the group get into fighting stances. “Hey, I heard you guys were flying back here, so, I just thought I'd wait for you here. I know you must be surprised to see me here.”

“Not really, since you've followed us all over the world.” Rainbow said.

“Right. Well, uhhh ... anyway ... what I wanted to tell you about is that I've changed, and I, uhhh, I'm good now, and well I think I should join your group, oh, and I can teach you some advance firebending,” Zuko said, shocking the group. “See, I, uhhh...”

“You want to what now?” Terra asked.

“You can't possibly think that any of us would trust you, can you? I mean, how stupid do you think we are?!” Twilight nearly shouted.

“Yeah, all you've ever done is hunt us down and try to capture the Avatars!” Rarity said.

“I've done some good things!” Zuko defended. “I mean, I could have just left the Dai Li’s prisoners in Ba Sing Se, but I set them free. That's something!”

“I was wondering about that.” Blitz said as Fire's face quickly turns to one of rage.

“Even still, you Fire Nation attacked Abysus and killed my father!” Fire’ nearly yelled.

Zuko then stares at Firebrand, confused for a moment. “I’m sorry, but the Fire Nation never attacked Abysus.”

“How do we know that you're not lying?” Pinkie Pie said.

“I can understand why you wouldn't trust me, and I know I've made some mistakes in the past.” Zuko said.

“Like when yo' attacked Ponyville, lookin' fo' Fire.’” Applejack accused.

“Look, I admit I've done some awful things. I was wrong to try to capture you, any of you, and I'm sorry that I attacked this town.” Zuko said, getting a look of pity from Fire,’ pretty much the only one willing to give him a chance. “And I never should have sent that assassin after you,” At this, Twilight's eyes widen with shock. “I'm going to try to stop-”

“Wait, your the one who originally sent Dom Pyro after us?” Twilight angrily said.

“Uh, kinda, yeah, but-”

“Ohhh, sorry. I didn't mean to insult your friend!” Twilight sarcastically said.

“He's not my friend!” Zuko angrily said.

“That guy tide us up in the middle of the jungle!” Rainbow said.

“Why aren't you saying anything?” Zuko said to Fire.’ “You know I have good in me.”

Fire’ is a bit hesitant to answer, but when he tries to, it doesn't come out. “There's no way we can trust you after everything you've done. We'll never let you join us.” Twilight said, slightly shocking Fire.’ “You need to get out of here. Now.”

“I'm trying to explain that I'm not that pony anymore!” Zuko said.

“Either you leave, or we attack.” Agua threatened.

“If you won't accept me as a friend, then maybe you'll take me as a prisoner.” Zuko said as he kneels down.

“No, we won't!” Twilight said as she slaps Zuko, hard. “Get out of here, and don't come back! And if we ever see you again, well, we'd better not see you again!” At this, Zuko leaves, with a swollen face.

==================================================================

At Zuko’s campsite, he’s pacing agin, yelling at himself. “Uggh, I can't believe how stupid I am! I mean, what was I thinking? Telling them I sent one of the deadliest assassins in the world after them? Why didn't I just say Azula did that, they would have believed that! Stupid!” Zuko said as a frog croaks at him.

==================================================================

In Ponyville, at Sugarcube Corner, the group are debating about Zuko. “Why would he try to fool us like that?” Twilight asked, referring to Zuko.

“Obviously he wants to lead us into some kind of trap.” Agua said.

“This is just like when we were in prison together at Ba Sing Se. He starts talking about his mother and making it seem like he's an actual pony with feelings.” Twilight said, remembering the time all to well.

“He be hankerin' yo' t'trest an' feel so'ry fo' him so yo' let yer guard down, then he strikes.” Applejack said. “He’s jest like a cat.”

“The thing is, it worked. I did feel sorry for him.” Twilight said. “I felt like he was really confused and hurt, but obviously, when the time came he made his choice, and we paid the price. We can't trust him.”

“I kind of have a confession to make.” Fire’ said, slightly surprising the group. “Remember when I got captured by Zhao?”

“Yeah. That’s when that Blue Spirit guy saved you.” Rainbow said.

“When Zhao had me chained up, it was Zuko who came in and got me out. He risked his life to save me.” Fire’ said.

“No way! I'm sure he only did it so he could capture you himself!” Twilight said.

“Yeah, face it Fire,’ yo' an' t'other Avatars is nothin' but a trimenjus prize t'him.” Applejack said.

“You're probably right.” Fire’ said. “But that was three years ago. He’s obviously been through a lot since then.”

“Oh, sure.” Fluttershy said. “And what was all that crazy stuff about setting the Dai Li’s prisoners free? What a liar.” Fluttershy said, getting some stares from the others.

“Actually, he wasn't lying.” Terra said.

“Exactly.” Fire’ added. “I knew from the start that Zuko was the one who freed them.”

“Oh, hooray!” Rainbow sarcastically said as she gets up into the air. “In a lifetime of evil, at least he didn't add cruelty to those who can’t defend themselves to the list.”

“We’re just saying that, considering his messed-up family and how he was raised, he could have turned out a lot worse.” Terra said.

“You’re right, Terra!” Twilight sarcastically said to Terra. “Let's go find him and give him a medal. The ‘not as much of a jerk as you could have been’ award!”

“All I know is that while he was talking to us, he was sincere. Maybe you're all just letting your hurt feelings keep you from thinking clearly.” Terra said.

“Yeah.” Blitz added. “For all we know, he’s probably been confused for his entire life, which we know nothing about.”

“Indeed.” Ar said. “One mustn't judge others by their past deeds, but what they will do.”

“Easy for you three to say!” Rainbow said. “You weren't there when he attacked us at the South Pole!”

“Or when he tried to capture Firebrand at the Fire Temple!” Twilight added. “Why would you three even try to defend him?”

“Because Twilight,” Terra angrily began to say, “except for me, Blitz, Ar and maybe Fire,’ you're all ignoring one crucial fact: Fire’ needs someone to help him master his firebending! We can't think of anyone in the world to do the job! Now one shows up on a silver platter, and you won't even think about it?” Terra said as she stamps her hoofs on the ground, to a point where it shakes slightly. Terra, followed by Blitz and Ar, leaves the sweet shop. “You know, sometimes I wonder who the real blind one is around here.”

“Ya don’t say.” Blitz said as they leave.

“What was that all about?” Mrs. Cake asked.

“Don’t ask.” Rainbow said.

==================================================================

Later, its nightfall in the Whitetail Woods, at Zuko’s camp, he’s asleep, but wakes up when he hears something in the bushes. “Who's there? Stay back!” Zuko said as he whips fire in the direction of the sound.

“It's us!” Terra said as Ar and Blitz take to the air while she throws up an earth shield, but accidentally steps back into Zuko's fire blast. “Ow! You burned my hoofs!” Terra said as she falls to the ground.

“Terra!” Both Blitz and Ar said as they land near her, while Zuko comes toward her.

“I'm sorry, it was a mistake!” Zuko said as Terra crawls away.

“Get away from me!” Terra said as she crawls away, grabbing the earth under her and throws it backwards at Zuko.

“Let me help you!” Zuko said as he dodges another rock. “I'm sorry!” Zuko said as he tries to grab her.

“Get off me, get off me!” Terra said as she brings up some earth, which sends Zuko flying into Blitz and Ar by accident.

“I didn't know it was you! Uggh, come back!” Zuko said as he, Ar and Blitz watch Terra leave. Zuko then falls back to the ground, groaning. “Uggh! Why am I so bad at being good?”

==================================================================

The next morning, in Ponyville, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor are talking with the team. “Prince Zuko is in Equestria?” Celestia asked.

“Unfortunately.” Twilight said. “He babbled about redeeming himself and wanting to join us. It’s obviously a trap he set up.”

“You may be right.” Luna said, only for her to notice something. “Where are Ar, Blitz and Terra?” She asked.

“We haven’t seen them since last night.” Rainbow said. Suddenly, a large rumble occurs. The 13 see Terra climb out of the pile of rock that she created.

“Terra! What happened?” Agua said as she runs up to Terra.

“My hoofs got burned.”

“Oh no, what happened?” Fluttershy said as Agua begins to heal Terra’s hoofs.

“I just told you, my feet got burned!”

“She meant, how.” Pinkie said.

“Well, me, Blitz and Ar kind of went to see Zuko last night.” Terra said, shocking the others.

“Yo' whut?” Applejack asked.

“Zuko?”

“Uhhh...!”

“We thought he could be helpful to us. And if we talked to him, maybe we could work something out.” Terra said.

“So he attacked you?” Celestia asked.

“Well, he did, and he didn't. It was sort of an accident.” Terra admitted. “He probably thought I was some dangerous animal or something.”

“But he did firebend at you?” Shining Armor said.

At this, Terra sighs. “Yes.”

“See? You trusted Zuko, and you got burned. Literally!” Twilight said, making her point.

“It's gonna take a while for your hoofs to get better.” Agua said as she stops healing. “I wish I could have worked on them sooner.”

“Yeah, me too.” Terra said.

“And now, who knows what kind of trouble Ar and Blitz are in.” Rainbow said as she and Applejack carry Terra.

“Zuko's clearly too dangerous to be left alone. We're gonna have to go after him.” Lunar Eclipse said.

“I hate to go looking for a fight, but you're right. After what he did to Terra, I don't think we have a choice.” Celestia said.

“He's crafty, but we'll find a way to capture him.” Shining Armor said.

“Maybe just invite him back here.” Terra said as Rainbow and Applejack carry her to the towns fountain. “He's already offered himself up as a prisoner once.”

“Yeah, get him to come back and say he'll be our prisoner, then we'll jump him and really make him our prisoner.” Rainbow said. “He'll never suspect it!”

“Yer a master of surprise, Rainbow...” Applejack sarcastically said as they arrive at the fountain, and dip her hoofs in.

“Ahhh, that's the stuff. Now I know how the rest of you guys feel. Not being able to see with your hoofs stinks.” Terra said as she relaxes, while Pinkie Pie brings her some cupcakes.

Meanwhile, unknown to the group, on a building still under construction a few blocks away, they are being watched by none other than Dom Pyro and his pet Combustion. He sets his sights on Fire,’ who’s telling the group his thoughts about Zuko. “Hello, little mouse,” Dom Pyro said with an evil smile as the mouse he took from the temple is in a cage next to him. “You see, little mousy, you are lucky enough to witness me chopping off Firebrand’s lovely tail,” Dom Pyro said as he pulls out some components from his bag, and puts together a stolen Stark Industries repulsor-tech sniper riffle, and aims right at Fire’s head. As he prepares to fire, however, Zuko swings in on some chains and knocks him off-target, causing his shot to hit the ground a few meters away from the group, who don’t have much time to think about what just happened as Ar and Blitz arrive and get them to safety, while they hear Zuko say...

“Stop, I don't want you hunting the Avatars anymore!” Zuko ordered as he moves in front of Dom Pyro. “The mission is off. I'm ordering you to stop,” but Combustion shoves Zuko out-of-the-way as Dom Pyro fires again. “If you keep attacking, I won't pay you!” Zuko said as he attempts to firebend at him, but Dom Pyro grabs him, “All right, I'll pay you double to stop!”

Zuko kicks Dom Pyro as he fires, causing him to miss again. “This is no longer about money, little Zuko,” Dom Pyro said to the former Fire Prince. “This is about revenge,” Dom Pyro said as he takes aim on Zuko, who creates a firewall to stop the attack but is pushed off the ledge. Zuko survives, however, grabbing a chain. Ar fires a tornado at the assassin, who jumps over and fires again. Ar narrowly avoids the blast by jumping back as Dom Pyro moves to a different ledge as he fires and misses again.

Agua bends water from the fountain and turns it into ice spikes and throws them at Dom Pyro, but they miss. “Is that all you got, little mice?” Dom Pyro said as they disappear behind some buildings, along with the residents as he continues firing.

“He's going to blast the whole place off the map!” Terra said as she and the others hide behind a wall, trying not to get blasted.

Agua looks out from behind the wall, only to see another incoming blast. “I can't step out to waterbend at him without being blown up and I can't get a good enough angle on him from down here.” Agua said.

Fire’ pauses for a moment to think before getting an idea when he sees a boomerang on the ground, dropped by a foal when Dom Pyro starting attacking. “I know how to get an angle on him!” Fire’ said as he takes the boomerang. After another blast, he sneaks his head out, but has to hide from another shot. He projects Dom Pyro’s angle with the boomerang after a few more shots. “I sure hope this works,” Fire’ said as he throws his boomerang, which hits Dom Pyro’s repulsor-tech riffle, causing him to hit the ground, before it returns.

“Hey, it work!” Fire’ said as he catches the boomerang, only to see Dom Pyro get back up, clearly shaken. “It kinda worked...” Fire’ said as Dom Pyro takes the riffle and prepares to fire, only for the gun to malfunction.

“Uh oh,” Dom Pyro managed to say as Combustion pushes him out-of-the-way, right when the gun explodes, resulting in the building they were standing in getting destroyed. One of Combustion’s legs flies away from the explosion, landing near the schoolhouse. The gang looks on, shocked. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all appear from behind an apple cart, also shocked. The group then see Zuko climbing the chain, having survived the ordeal.

==================================================================

Later, Zuko again approaches the gang, with Fluttershy cowering behind Terra. “I can't believe I'm saying this, but ... thanks, Zuko.” Fire’ said.

“Listen, I know I did questionably things...” Zuko began to say.

“We know.” Fire’ interrupted. “We lived though some of them.”

“Barley.” Rainbow pointed out.

“I've been through a lot in the 11 years I was banished. It's been hard. But I'm realizing that I had to go through all those things to learn the truth. I thought I had lost my honor, and that somehow, my father could return it to me. But I know now that no one can give you your honor. It's something you earn for yourself, by choosing to do what's right.

All I want to do now is play my part in ending this war, and I know my destiny is to help you restore balance to the world,” Zuko then looks over to Terra, whose sitting on the ground. “I'm sorry for what I did to you,” Zuko said as he bows to her. “It was an accident. Fire can be dangerous and wild, so as a firebender, I need to be more careful and control my bending, so I don't hurt people unintentionally,” Fire’ then looks at Zuko, shocked, hearing these words, and realizes that Zuko was telling the truth about Abysus.

“I think you are supposed to be my firebending teacher,” Fire’ said, shocking the others. “Now I know you understand how easy it is to hurt those you love. I'd like you to teach me, and help me gain control of my bending.” Fire’ said as he bows to Zuko, who bows back.

“I will. I’ll teach you what uncle taught me.” Zuko said. “I’m so happy that you accepted me into you group. But, Terra, how do you feel about it?” Zuko asked the Earth Pony he accidentally burned.

“Go ahead and join. It'll give me plenty of time to get back at you for burning my hoofs.” Terra jokingly said.

“Thank you.” Zuko said with a smile.

==================================================================

Later, Zuko is shown to the guest room in Sugarcube by Pinkie Pie. “So, here you go, home sweet home, I guess, you know, for now. Unpack? Dinner ... soon? Uhhh ... welcome aboard?” Zuko then glances back and smiles at her. “Yeah.” Pinkie then walks out of the room and meets the Cake in the hallway. “Okay, this is really, really weird.”

“Completely.” Mr. Cake said as they leave. As Zuko is unpacking, he pulls out a picture of Iroh. He then has a flashback to 11 years ago, a week after he dueled his father.

==================================================================

Zuko, with a bandage over his right eye, and Iroh are at the Western Air Temple, looking for a clue to finding the Avatars. “What a stunning view.” Iroh said as he and Zuko look over the Western Air Temple.

“The only view I'm interested in is seeing one of the Avatars in chains.” Zuko said.

“You know, the Avatar hasn't been seen for two-thousand years. The chances of finding one here are very slim.”

“First we'll check each of the air temples, then we'll scour the world, searching even the most remote locations until we find one.” A determined Zuko said.

“Prince Zuko, it's only been a week since your banishment. You should take some time to heal and rest.”

“What else would I expect to hear from the laziest stallion in the Fire Nation?” Zuko said to his uncle, who sighs. “The only way to regain my honor is to find the Avatar, so I will. If I have to, I will spend everyday of the rest of my life hunting the Avatars. I know it's my destiny to capture them.”

“You know Prince Zuko, destiny is a funny thing.” Iroh said to his nephew. “You never know how things are going to work out. But if you keep an open mind, and an open heart, I promise you will find your own destiny someday.”

==================================================================

Back in the present, Zuko suddenly notices a clearly disgruntled Twilight at the door. “You might have everyone else here buying your transformation, but you and I both know you've struggled with doing the right thing in the past,” Twilight said as she approaches him. “So let me tell you something, right now. You make one step backward, one slip-up, give me one reason to think you might hurt Firebrand or anyone else, and you won't have to worry about your destiny anymore. Because I will make sure your destiny ends ... right then and there. Permanently,” Twilight then leaves and slams the door shut.

==================================================================

At Twilight’s library, Fire’ is helping with Twilight’s annual re-shelving day. “Let’s see, Journey to the Center of the Earth goes in the science fiction section. 101 Need To Know Spells goes in the spell book section.” Fire’ mumbled as he places the books where they're supposed to go.

“Thanks again for helping me, Twi, and Owlowiscious with Twilight’s re-shelving day thing.” Spike said.

“Hoo.”

“Not a problem.” Fire’ said as he places a book called The Mysteries Island in the Sci-Fi section.

“You know what I’m glad of?”

“What?”

“That we will never see Dom Pyro again.” Spike said, relived that the crazy assassin is gone ... or is he?

==================================================================

At the destroyed building, the little mouse Dom Pyro had with him has made it out of the rubble, completely fine. But before the mouse can leave, an orange glove like boat grabs him. He squeaks for help as his captor, Dom Pyro, smiles in a wicked fashion as he chuckles.