The Elements of Nature, Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)

by Superior-Doc-Fossil

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Other, Romance, Adventure
Length: 60300

Will they find the Avatars of Earth, Lighting, and Air before its too late?

Now that they found the Avatar of Water, they need to find the Avatars of earth, lightning, and air before the return of Sozin’s Comet. They will meet new enemies, gain new allies, and they will have to face the unexplained along the way, among them a strange cave that only love can help them escape, a swamp that has a spiritual connection, and a large desert. The one question on everyone's mind: how close will Twilight and Firebrand become?

Published 2012-05-25 10:14:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-09-10 14:13:18 UTC

Chapter 1, The Cave of Two Lovers

The Elements of Nature
Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)
Chapter 1, The Cave of Two Lovers

A couple of days after the Fire Nation attack, Pegasus City is recovering quickly. In Agua’s room, she is holding a picture of her and Sokka with their mother.

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

Yesterday, she along with every other ponies in Pegasus City attended the funeral of those who died during the siege. Among the ones who attended were the main 6, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Celestia, Luna, Shining and Cadence. They saved Sokka’s body for last, for if he hadn't sacrificed himself, the Fire Nation would have won and Luna would be dead.

“He was a brave colt, beloved son and brother, and an amazing prince. He was compassionate and caring. We will miss him.” Chief Arnook said when some pegasi carry his body, covered in leather with two rocks hanging. They then dump him into a hole in the ice and cover the hole.

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

Back in the present, Agua begins to cry. “First my mother, now my brother. Who's next?” Once she's done, she grabs her saddle bag and begins to pack. She packs some water from the sacred spring, called Spirit Water, which has special properties, including healing. She also takes a water skin, for when she needs to use her waterbending if there is no other water source. She then puts on a blue crystal that looks like her cutie mark, thats tied to a neckless, she then puts it on.

The crystal is the same size as one of the Elements of Harmony’s crystals. “Why an I taking this? I never seen it before last night when I went to bed. Its like I was supposed to have it.” Once she’s done, Arnook walks in.

“Am I troubling you?”

“No, father, you're not. I just finished packing.” Agua said.

“You forgot your mother’s trident.” Arnook said.

She then turns to him and saw he was holding the trident. “Oh ... right. Thanks.”

“Are you really going to do this, Agua?”

“I am. Firebrand and the other Avatars are my duty now. I need to find them if there's a chance we can end this war.” Agua said, getting an understanding nod from Arnook.

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

At the loading dock, Shining and Cadence are talking about what to do next. “I really think we should help them find the Avatars of Earth, Lighting, and Air, Cadence.”

“I think so to, but Celestia decides what to do. Besides, even if we go, Twilight will follow I bet.” Cadence said, knowing Twilight for being slightly stubborn.

“What makes you say that?” Shining asked.

“I think Twilight has a big crush of Firebrand. You saw how she insisted on going with him and Agua.” Cadence pointed out.

“Good point. After all, if you think about it, Twilight and Firebrand had some chemistry from when they first meet, according to Rainbow. Plus, she defended Fire’ in that Geo Firma village. I wouldn't be surprised if she kisses Fire’ when this is all over.” Shining said, causing the married couple to laugh.

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

At a balcony, Rainbow is sobbing over what happened to Sokka. She doesn't notice that Scootaloo is walking over to her. “Rainbow, are you all right?” Scootaloo asked.

“No. I feel like my heart is nothing but dust.” Rainbow said, heartbroken.

“Do you think Sokka will want to see you this way, a shell of yourself.”

“Your right, Scoot. I need to let him go. But, it's so hard.”

“You can do it. You're the bravest, fastest, most dare-devilish Pegasus that ever came from Cloudsdale.” The little filly said.

The fillies words touched Rainbow, and she realized that she still had loyalties to her friends, to Celestia, to Ponyville, to Equestria, to the world. “Your right, Scootaloo. I need to let this go already.”

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

Later at the plane that's going to take them back to Equestria in a couple of hours, Twilight and Celestia are talking. “I know the risks, but I need to go with him. There is still so much about Firebending he doesn't know. I can help him find out.” Twilight said to her mentor.

“I understand, but the Fire Nation will send assassins to end both, and anypony who is accompanying them.” Celestia said, worried that her faithful student might get killed.

“I don’t care. That Zuko took him twice now, I won’t let him be taken again.” Twilight firmly said.

“Very well then. You can go with your new boyfriend.” Celestia said while smiling.

“Oh thank you Princes...” Twilight then realized what else Celestia said, “He's not my boyfriend!”

Celestia then laughs a little. “My mistake.”

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

At the plane heading for Canterlot, Celestia and Luna are waiting for the others. “Are you sure they should go through the cave, Tia?”

“I’m sure. It's the fastest way to Geo Firma without being detected by the Fire Nation. Its dangerous, but I’m sure they can make it.” Celestia said, remembering when she sen’t her last student to the cave, only for him to never return. They then see that the main 6, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Firebrand, and Agua are coming. Celestia then notices Agua’s neckless. “Where did you get that, Agua?”

“I don’t know. I found it this morning when I woke up. I wasn't sure what it is, but It seamed familiar to me.” Agua answered.

“I’ve seen that before.”

“You have?” Agua asked.

“Yes, after you and Firebrand left, Bastion Yorsets found an old scroll that had a diagram that showed that very same crystal. It also showed 5 others, but only 4 of them he could tell what they were. One of them also looks like Fire’s cutie mark if I remember right.”

“Say what?”

“He and a team are translating it now.” Luna said.

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

After 3 weeks, they make it back to Canterlot, where Bastion Yorsets is waiting for them. “Princess Celestia, I’ve been waiting for your return.”

“What have you learned from the scroll?” Celestia asked.

“Many. It appears that it tells the locations of where the 5 Avatars will be found.” The blue Unicorn said.

“It does?” Firebrand asked with some excitement in his voice.

“Yes. You already know that Firebrand comes from Abysus, we learned that the Avatar of Water is in Pegasus City.” Bastion said.

“We know. I’m the Avatar of Water.” Agua said as she steps out and shows herself to Bastion.

“Oh, yes. Well, anyway, we know that the Avatar of Earth is somewhere in Geo Firma, which is north of Equestria.” Bastion finished.

“Is that all? We can find the other Avatars without breaking a sweet.” Rainbow arrogantly said.

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

In a village, Iroh is lying on a table, getting a relaxing massage at a resort. “This is what I've missed. Who knew floating on a piece of driftwood for three weeks with no food or water, and vultures waiting to pluck out your liver could make one so tense?” He then looks at a clearly unhappy Zuko and walks over to him. “I see. It's the anniversary, isn't it?”

“15 years.” Zuko bitterly said. “15 years ago today I was banished. I lost it all. I want it back. I want one of the Avatars, I want my honor and my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless.” He then looks on regretfully.

“I'm sure he doesn't. Why would he banish you if he didn't care?” Zuko then walks away. “That came out wrong, didn't it?”

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

At a Fire Nation ship, several colts bow as a royal carriage is brought out. Within the carriage is Princess Azula, the daughter of Ozia, niece of Iroh and sister of Zuko. She then steps out of the carriage and walks down the line of soldiers. “My brother and uncle have disgraced the Fire Lord, and have brought shame on all of us. You might have mixed feelings about attacking members of the Royal Family, I understand, but I assure you, if you hesitate, I will not hesitate to bring you down. Dismissed.”

The soldiers then leave, and the captain then runs up to her. “Princess, I'm afraid the tides will not allow us to bring the ship into port before nightfall.” The Captain said.

“I'm sorry, Captain, but I do not know much about the tides. Could you explain something to me?” Azula said to him.

“Of course, Your Highness.” The Captain said.

“Do the tides command this ship?”

“I'm afraid I don't understand.”

“You said the tides will not allow us to bring the ship in.” She then begins to speck in a sharper tone. “Do the tides command this ship?”

“No, Princess.”

“And if I were to throw you overboard, would the tides think twice about smashing you against the rocky shore?”

He worriedly answered. “No, Princess.”

“Well, then maybe you should worry less about the tides who have already made up their mind about killing you, and worry more about me, who's still mulling it over.”

“I'll pull us in.” He then leaves, running more then walking.

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

At Zuko and Iroh's stay of place, the room dark inside. Several various shells fall from a bag onto the table. Iroh is standing at the table, picking up and examining the different shells. He then holds up one shell. “Look at these magnificent shells!” He then picks up a conch. “I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come.”

“We don't need anymore useless things! You forget, we have to carry everything ourselves now!”

From the corner, sitting at the table calmly, is Azula. “Hello, brother. Uncle.”

“What are you doing here?” Zuko said angrily.

“In my country, we exchange a pleasant hello before asking questions. Have you become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu?”

“Don't call me that!”

“To what do we owe this honor?” Iroh said, who is clearly upset.

“Hmmm ... must be a family trait. Both of you so quick to get to the point.” She then breaks the shell she was holding. “I've come with a message from home. Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumors of plans to overthrow him; treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust. Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home.” After a few silent moments. “Did you hear me? You should be happy. Excited. Grateful. I just gave you great news.”

“I'm sure your brother simply needs a moment.”

“Don’t interrupt uncle!”

Surprised, Zuko said, “Father regrets? He ... wants me back?”

“I can see you need time to take this in. I'll come to call on you tomorrow. Good evening.”

After she leaves, Zuko didn't speck until he was sure she was out of ear shot. “I don’t think she's telling the truth.”

“I think your right. It’s far too good to be true. I have never known my brother to regret anything.”

“We should leave while we still have a chance.” The two then begin to pack and leave. They head into a nearby forest.

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

At Equestria, Celestia is showing the way to a cave at the northern end of the border, Geo Firma. Celestia then stops and turns around. “This is as far as I can go.” She then pulls out a map, showing the way to the cave. “The cave is the fastest way to Geo Firma without being detected by the Fire Nation.”

Applejack then turns around and stares at the Cutie Mark Crusader. “Are you sure you three want to go?”

“Absolutely, big sis.”

“Were not babies anymore. We can take care of ourselves.” Sweetie said.

“All right. You can come.”

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

After Celestia leaves, the main 6, Firebrand, Agua, Shining, Cadence, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders continue to the cave. “We should get their by this afternoon.” Twilight said as the arrive at a river.

“Let’s get some more water, y’all.” Applejack said as she take a jug and fills it up.

As the group fill up some jugs and bottles, Rarity hears something. “Does anyone else hear that?”

“I sounds like ... music.” Fire’ said when they hear a guitar and a pony singing.

“I hear it!” Pinkie said. “And I know where it’s coming from.”

“Where?” Cadence asked.

“There.” Pinkie then points to a group of nomads from Geo Firma.

The leader has a brown coat with a yellow mane and tail. He is wearing blue clothing and has a flower neckless. He has a pink flower for a cutie mark. He is also singing, “Da, da, da. Don't fall in love with the traveling mare. She'll leave you broke and brokenhearted.” He then notices the group. “Hey, river ponies!”

“We’re not river ponies.” Rarity said to the hippie.

With a puzzled look, Chong, the lead nomad, said nothing for a second. “You're not? Well, then what kind of ponies are you?”

“Just ... ponies.” Twilight said.

“Aren't we all, sister?” The hippie said.

Shining then walks up to the group. “Who are you?” He accusingly said.

“I'm Chong and this is my wife, Lily. We're nomads, happy to go wherever the wind takes us!” Chong said.

“You guys are nomads? That's great! My grandmother was a nomad!” Firebrand said to him.

“Hey, me too!” Chong said.

“I know ... You just said that.” Fire’ reminded him.

“Oh, really?” Chong then notics Shining’s armor, “Nice underwear...”

Shining then blushes out of embarrassment, “Its actually armor.”

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

In a forest on the other side of the border, Zuko emerges from some bushes. “I didn't find anything to eat! I can't live like this! I wasn't meant to be a fugitive.” He then raises his hoofs up into the sky. “This is impossible!” He then looks over at Iroh. “Uncle, what are you doing?”

Iroh is staring at a white Lilly pad. “You're looking at the rare White Dragon Bush. Its leaves make a tea so delicious, it's heartbreaking. That, or it's the White Jade which is poisonous.”

“We need food, not tea. I can’t believe I’m gonna say this, but I'm going fishing.” Zuko the leaves to go find a river.

“Hmm ... delectable tea?” Iroh dreamily said. “Or a deadly poison?” He suspiciously said.

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

On their way to the cave, Sweetie Belle runs up to Rarity, wearing a wreath of pink flowers on her head. “Were did you get that? It’s positively lovely.”

“Chong. You should hear some of their stories. These guys have been everywhere!”

“Well, not everywhere, Little Unicorn. But where we haven't been, we've heard about through stories and songs.” Chong said while tuning his guitar.

“They said they'll take us to see a giant night crawler! Uh ... whats a night crawler?” Apple Bloom said.

“Don’t know. Don’t wanna find out.” Applejack said.

On the ground, Moku, one of the nomads is talking in a dreamy voice. “On the way, there's a waterfall that creates a never-ending rainbow!”

“Look, I hate to be the wet blanket here, but since Twilight is busy, I guess it's up to me.” Shining said as Twilight glares at him while Lily braids her hair. “We need to get to Geo Firma. No sidetracks, no worms and definitely no rainbows.”

“Wow, sounds like someone has a case of destination fever. You're worried too much about where you're going.” Chong said.

“Look, sorry but we need to get to this cave so we can go to Geo Firma.” Cadence said.

“Your going to Geo Firma! We are to.” Chong said with excitement.

Shining then smacks his forehead right below his horn in frustration. “Of course you are.”

“There's an old story about the secret pass right through the mountains.” Chong said.

“Is this real or a legend?” Twilight asked with some skepticism in her voice.

“Oh, it's a real legend. And it's as old as the legendary art of earthbending itself.” He then begins to sing. “Two lovers, forbidden from one another, the war divides their people and the mountain divides them apart! Built a path to be together!” He then stops for a moment. “Yeah, I forget the next couple of lines, but then it goes ... Secret tunnel! Secret tunnel! Through the mountains, secret, secret, secret, secret tunnel! Yeah!”

The others soon clap, including the other nomads. “That was one cool song.” Pinkie said.

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

At the forest where Zuko and Iroh are at, Zuko arrives from his fishing expedition. Unfortunately, he has only managed to spear a single, tiny fish which flaps about helplessly on the large branch he used for a fishing pole. Iroh is hunched over. “Zuko, remember that plant I thought might be tea?”

“You didn't...”

“I did...” Iroh said as he turns around. “...and it wasn't.” He is now swollen and covered in red marks.

Zuko, out of shock drops the branch with the tiny fish. “Ahh!”

Surprisingly calm, Iroh begins to talk while scratching his back with a branch. “When the rash spreads to my throat, I will stop breathing. But look what I found.” He then shows Zuko the branch witch has some pink berries. “These are Bacui Berries, known to cure the poison of the White Jade. That, or Maka'ole Berries which cause blindness.” Zuko then grabs the branch of berries and hurls it into the bushes.

“We're not taking anymore chances with these plants!” Zuko said to his uncle. “We need to get help.”

“But where are we going to go?” Iroh then crouches down and scratches his rash vigorously. “We're enemies of Geo Firma and fugitives from the Fire Nation.”

“If Geo Firma discovers us, we'll be killed.” Zuko said.

“But if the Fire Nation discovers us, we'll be turned over to Azula.” Iroh said as he gets up while still scratching. After a long pause, Zuko makes the decision.

“Geo Firma it is.” Zuko said as they head for the nearest village.

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

“Since you gays have heard about the tunnel before, how far are we from the tunnel?” Rainbow asked.

“Actually, it's not just one tunnel. The lovers didn't want anyone to find out about their love, so they built a whole labyrinth!” Chong said.

Shining then stops along with Rainbow, Cadence, and Twilight. “Labyrinth?” They all said. They then begin to walk again.

“All you need to do is trust in love ... according to the curse.” Lily said.

“Curse!” They all said, except the nomads.

“Hey-hey! We're here!” Chong said as he approached a dark entrance.

Applejack then walks up to him, “What exactly is this curse?”

“The curse says that only those who trust in love can make it through the caves. Otherwise, you'll be trapped in them forever.” Chong answered Applejack.

“And die.” Lily finished.

“Oh yeah, and die. Hey, I just remembered the rest of that song!” Chong said as he stands before the entrance and strums lute while singing an ominous line. “And die!”

“That's it!” Rainbow yells out. “There's no way we're going through some cursed hole!”

“Rainbow. Remember Zecora, how you all thought she was an evil enchantress that put a curse on us. It was just poison joke, remember?” Twilight pointed out.

“Oh yeah.” Rainbow said when she remembers how she temporally became ‘Rainbow Crash.’

Moku then notices some smoke in the distance. “Hey, somepony's making a big campfire!”

“That's no campfire, Moku.” Apple Bloom said.

“It's Fire Nation. They're tracking us.” Agua said.

“So all you need to do is trust in love to get through these caves?” Firebrand asked Chong.

“That is correct, Master Fire Mane.” Chong answered.

Firebrand than stars at Twilight for a moment. “We can make it.” Fire’ said.

“Quick, everypony into the hole!” Cadence said.

Just as they get into the hole, several Fire Nation tanks rumble across the terrain toward the entrance of the tunnel and stop once they reach the mouth of the cave. “Hold on!” The commander said to his subordinates. “It's too dangerous. Haven't you heard the song? Just close them in. The mountain will take care of the rest.”

The tanks then fire rotating grappling hooks from canisters into the tunnel and release them after a few moments, unleashing an avalanche of boulders, trapping the group inside. “Its so dark. I can’t even see my hoof in front of my face.” Rainbow said.

“Thats my hoof, Rainbow.” AJ said to her.

“And my face.” Cadence said.

“I cant use my magic to make light. Something is blocking it.” Twilight said.

Light then appears as Chong lights a torch. Firebrand then walks up to a wall. “The walls are rich in the same iron ore the Fire Nation uses.”

“We need a plan. Chong, how long do those torches last?” Shining said to him.

“Uh, about two hours each.” Chong casually said. Lily then lights the rest of the torches.

“And we have five torches, so that's ten hours!” She said.

Twilight then grabs them and puts them out. “It doesn't work like that if they're all lit at the same time!”

“Oh, right.” Lily said, slightly embarrassed.

“I'm going to make a map to keep track of exactly where we've been. Then we should be able to solve it like a maze and get through.” Shining said as he got a pice of paper out as they begin to navigate the cave.

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

In a small village, Iroh is being treated for the White Jade by a Unicorn mare with a white coat, bright blue mane and tail, pink eyes, and a red cross for a cutie mark. The rash has spread to his face and his cheeks are now swollen. “You two must not be from around here. We know better than to touch the White Jade, much less make it into tea and drink it.” The mare said as she wrings a pice of cloth with her magic. She then flicks Iroh's hoof away when he scratches his rash.

“Whoops!” Iroh said.

“So where are you traveling from?” The mare asked, causing Zuko to sit up.

“Yes, we're travelers.” Zuko said nervously.

“Do you have names?” The mare asked as she gives Iroh some ointment.

“Names? Of course we have names. I'm, uh ... Lee and this is my Uncle, uh ... Mushi?” Iroh then shoots an angry look at him. The mare then opens a jar with her magic and pulls out some lotion and begins slathering it over the inflamed areas.

“Yes, my nephew was named after his father, so we just call him Junior.” He then leans over to the side and gives Zuko a pleased smile. “He hates it when we call him that.”

Zuko them glares angrily at Iroh and moves his hoof across his neck, meaning Iroh is dead meat, but halts when Song turns to look at him. “Mushi and Junior. My name is Song. You two look like you could use a good meal.” Song then slaps Iroh's hoof away when he goes to scratch his rash again. “Why don't you two stay for dinner?”

“Sorry, but we have to be moving on.” Zuko said.

Song then screws the lid of the lotion and puts it up. “That's too bad. My mom always makes too much roast pineapple.” Song said with an innocent smile.

“Where do you live exactly?” Iroh asked excitedly.

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

Back at the dark tunnel, Shining is standing with a map on the ground. He tilts it to the side a few times before drawing it closer to him. “Shining Armor, this is the tenth dead-end you've led us to.” Cadence said to him.

“This doesn't make sense. We already came through this way.” Shining said.

Chong then walks up to him. “We don't need a map. We just need love. The little fillies know that.”

“Yeah, but we wouldn't mind a map also.” Apple Bloom said.

“There's something strange here. There's only one explanation.” Shining said as he turns around and looks at the others. “The tunnels are changing.” The cave thenbegins to shake, surprising everyone.

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

At the small village, Zuko and Iroh are eating at Song’s kitchen table. They are eating some noodles and roast pineapples, along with some roast duck. “My daughter tells me you're refugees. We were once refugees ourselves.”

“When I was a little girl, the Fire Nation raided our farming village. All the stallions were taken away. That was the last time I saw my father.” Song said sadly.

“I haven't seen my father in many years.” Zuko said.

“Oh, is he fighting in the War?” Song sorrowfully asked.

Zuko hesitates for a moment as Iroh is slurping up a bowl of noodles. “Yeah.”

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

Back at the cave, Chong is frantically walking around them. “The tunnels, they're a-changin.' It must be the curse! I knew we shouldn't have come down here!”

“Right, if only we listened to you.” Twilight sarcastically said to him.

Fluttershy then raises her hoof into the air. “Everypony be quiet. Listen.” She said.

They then hear a low snarl from within the darkness of the tunnel. Shining suspiciously holds the torch up to the tunnel to inspect the strange sound. Suddenly, a giant bat-like creature flies from the darkness of the cave towards the group, causing everyone to panic. “It's a giant flying thing with teeth!” Chong said as it lands, taking on the appearance of a wolf.

“It’s a giant bat!” Twilight said.

“It’s a flying wolf!” Rainbow said.

“No! It's a wolfbat!” Moku said to them. Shining begins to wave the torch at the bat. The sparks hit a vain of magnesium, igniting it, releasing a discharge of rocks and debris. Firebrand uses his firebending to push the others out-of-the-way. But Twilight is out of range and the wolfbat is about to pounce on her. Firebrand then races towards Twilight and pushes her out-of-the-way. The wolfbat is then crushed by a large boulder. Twilight then lights a torch she had and they see that the cave in divided them from the group completely. On the other side, the main 6 (mines Twilight), Shining, Cadence, Agua and the Cutie Mark Crusaders stare at the giant wall, with Rainbow digging at the wall.

“Yeah, it's no use, we can't move that wall.” Chong said when Rainbow stops. “We're separated. But at least you have us!” Chong said to them as his group smiles.

The thought horrifies the gang to the point of screaming. “NOOOOO!” Except for Pinkie. “Why are you screaming?”

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

Zuko is sitting on Song's front porch, she then comes outside and sits beside him. “Can I join you? I know what you've been through. We've all been through it.” She then notices Zuko's scar. “The Fire Nation has hurt you, haven't they?” She reaches out to touch his scar only to have Zuko push her hand away. “It's okay. They've hurt me, too.” She then shows him her leg and shows burn scars on them. Zuko casts her a surprised look upon seeing this.

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

Chong and his group are singing much to Shining’s and Rainbow’s annoyance. “Oh, don't let the cave-in get you down! Don't let the falling rocks turn your smile into a frown! When the tunnels are darkest, that's when you need a clown, hey! Don't let the cave-in get you down.”

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

In another part of the tunnels, Twilight and Fire’ are trying to find the others. “Firebrand, look!” She cheerfully said as she points to a solid rock door.

“We found the exit!” Fire’ said as they make their way to the door.

Using all their strength, they mange to open it a few feet before Twilight jumps in. However, her look of hope changes into one of disappointment. “This isn't the exit.” She sadly said.

Fire’ then walks up to her, torch in hoof. “No. It's a tomb.” The tomb is large, at least twice the size of Twilight’s library. “It must be the two lovers from the legend; thats who's buried here.”

Twilight walks over to them and sees some pictures on the sarcophagus. “These pictures tell their story. Lets see, they met on top of the mountain that divided their two villages. The villages were enemies, so they could not be together, but their love was strong and they found a way. The two lovers learned earthbending from the badger-moles; they became the first earthbenders. They built elaborate tunnels, so they could meet secretly. Anyone who tried to follow them would be forever in the labyrinth. But, one day, the colt didn't come - he'd died in the war between the two villages. Devastated, the mare unleashed a terrible display of her earthbending power - she could have destroyed them all, but, instead, she declared the war over. Both villages helped her build a new nation where they could live together in peace. The mare's name was Firma and the colt's name was Geo. The great nation was named Geo Firma as a monument to their love.”

The two then look at each other momentarily before turning around. They see a giant statue of the two lovers kissing. The colt is a Unicorn while the mare is a Pegasus. They then see an inscription above the statue. 'Love is brightest in the dark.' Is what it said.

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

Meanwhile, on the other side of the cave, Shining glares at the map. “Oh, great! Your plans have led us to another dead-end!” Moka said to him.

“At least he’s thinking of ideas and trying to get us out of here, Moku.” Cadence said, defending her husband.

“Whoa, whoa, wait a minute. We're thinking of ideas? Because I've had an idea for, like, an hour now.” Chong said.

“Yes! We're all thinking of ideas!” Applejack yelled at him.

“Well, then listen to this: If love is the key out of here, then all we need to do is play a love song!” Chong then begins to play a song on his lute, much to Rainbow’s dismay.

“For once, I’m not in the mood for a song.” Pinkie said.

“Even if you're lost, you can't lose the love because it's in your heart...” Chong began. Shining then slaps his forehead again.

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

Zuko and Iroh are preparing to leave from Song's house. They are standing outside, with dozens of fireflies in the air. “Thank you for the duck. It was delicious.” Iroh said.

“You're welcome. It gives me pleasure to see somepony eat my cooking with such ... gusto.” Song’s mother said.

“Much practice.” Iroh said as he pats he stomach. Zuko then turns around to leave, “Junior, where are your manners? You need to thank these nice ponies.”

Zuko then turns around and bows to them. “Thank you.”

“I know you don't think there's any hope left in the world, but there is hope. The Avatars have returned.” Song said to Zuko.

“I know.” Zuko said bitterly. They then leave.

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

“We're going to run out of light in 5 minutes at most.” Firebrand said to Twilight. “How are we going to find our way out of these tunnels?”

“I have a crazy idea.” Twilight said.

“What?”

Twilight hesitates for a second. She then walks away, slightly embarrassed. “Never mind. It's too crazy.”

“Twilight, what is it?”

“I was thinking ... The curse says we'll be trapped in here forever unless we trust in love...”

“Right...”

“And at the tomb, it says, ‘Love is brightest in the dark,’ and has a picture of them kissing.”

“Where are you going with this?”

“Well, what if we ... kissed?” Twilight said shyly while blushing.

Firebrand is stunned by what he just heard and begins to blush. “Us ... kissing?”

“See? It was a crazy idea.” She then notices that the torch has a few seconds left. “What are we going to do?”

“What can we do?” Twilight then silently walks to him. They then stare each other in the eyes for a few moments. The two then begin to lean into one another as the last of the torch-light fades. They close there eyes as they are about to kiss. Suddenly, the ceiling of the cave lights up revealing thousands of glowing crystals gleaming overhead.

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

Meanwhile, Shining, Cadence, Rainbow, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Agua, Pinkie, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the band of nomads are journeying through the cave when they hear low growls. “What was that?” Fluttershy asked. They look in a dark tunnel where several wolfbats come into the light, racing towards them. Rainbow waves her hoofs and wings frantically in trying to scare them off. The creatures fly straight past them.

“Hey! You saved us, Rainbow!” Chong said.

“No, they were running away from something!” Shining said.

“From what?” Moka asked. Just then, caves begin to rumble. A wall of rock begins to crumble. Without warning, two giant badger-moles burst through the caves, causing the group to panic. One badger-mole closes its hands together in a prayerful way, closing off a tunnel behind it with earthbending. The other badger-mole pounds the ground with its paws and raises a wall of earth, blocking off the exits. One badger-mole then uses its earthbending to create a split in the earth between the nomads and the main six (mines Twilight), Shining, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Agua, and Cadence.

They trie to avoid the badger-mole's swipes. Shining is blown back several feet and starts hastily backing away, his hoofs hitting a string on the lute in the process, producing a musical note. The badger-mole cocks its head curiously. The creatures quiet down as Shinning picks up the lute and begins playing a tune. “Hey, those things are music lovers!” Sweetie Belle said to the others.

“Giant moles coming toward me. Come on guys, help me out!” Shining nervously said while singing.

Chong and his group then get their remaining instruments and begin singing. “The big, bad badger-moles who earthbend the tunnels, hate the wolfbats, but love the sounds!”

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

In another part of the caves, Twilight and Fire’ are staring at the ceiling of glowing crystals, with their hoofs still linked. “They're made of some kind of crystal. They must only light up in the dark.”

“That's how the two lovers found each other.” Twilight said in realization as she gestures with her hoofs along the ceiling. “They just put out their lights and followed the crystals.” They then see the exit. “That must be the way out!” They then hug each other before realizing what they're doing.

“So, uh...” Fire’ began.

“Let's go!” Twilight then runs for the exit.

Fire’ then stares after her before shaking his head and smiling. He and Twilight make their way out of the cave and into the outdoors. The two then run around a little bit in the suns rays, but Fire’ stops when he remembers whats missing. “Wait! What about the others?”

The two are concerned at first, but they then hear a rumbling. At that moment, Shining and Cadence, the main six (minus Twilight), the CMC and the band of nomads emerge from the cave, riding on top of the badger-moles. Debris flies everywhere as Fire’ and Twilight shield themselves from the rubble. Shining then waves at his little sister and Fire.’ “Shining!” Twilight said, happy to see her older brother is all right. Shining then jumps off the badger-mole and lands near Twilight along with Cadence.

“How did you guys get out?” Cadence asked the two. "Something tells me it involves love."

“Just like the legend said, we let love lead the way.” Twilight said.

“Really? We let huge, ferocious beasts lead our way.” Shining said. Firebrand then goes over to the others to see if there all right. Shining then waves goodbye to the badger-moles as they return to the caves. Twilight then notices something different about Shining.

“Why is your forehead all red, Shining?” Before he could answer, Chong walks up to them.

“Nobody react to what I'm about to say: I think that Agua and Fire’ might be the Avatars!” Shining then smacks his forehead, enlarging the red spot while Chong looks at him in curiosity. The nomads then leave, but before they do, Chong says something. “If your going to Erde City, you gonna have to go through the Foggy Swamp.” He then points to it. Chong then hugs Shining, Rainbow, and Applejack, causing the group to laugh. “Shining, I hope you learned a little something about not letting the plans get in the way of the journey.” Chong said.

“Just play your songs.” Rainbow said, irritated yet blushing.

Chong then stops hugging them. “Hey! Good plan!” Chong said as he takes his lute and begins signing. “Even if you're lost, you can't lose the love because it's in your heart. Da, da, da...”

As he is singing, Fire’ looks at the swap in question. “I know this is going to sound weird, but I think the swamp is calling to me.” Firebrand said.

“Me too.” Agua replied.

Chapter 2, The Swamp

The Elements of Nature
Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)
Chapter 2, The Swamp

In a Geo Firma village, Zuko and Iroh are sitting on straw mats. A cart with masks for sale passes by in front of them (one of the masks looks like the Blue Spirit mask). As the cart passes, another pedestrian walks in front of Iroh. Iroh holds his hat out to the pedestrian and begins to talk to him. “Spare coins for weary travelers?” The pedestrian then tosses a couple of copper pieces into Iroh's hat as Zuko turns to his uncle in anger.

“This is humiliating! We're royalty! These people should be giving us whatever we want.” Zuko angrily said.

“They will if you ask nicely.” Iroh said as a peasant Unicorn mare strolls past. “Spare change for a hungry old stallion?”

“Here you go.” The Unicorn said as she levitates a silver coin to him.

“The coin is appreciated, but not as much as your smile!” Iroh said, causing Zuko to slap his forehead in frustration as the young mare giggles lightly and walks away.

Just then, a colt with broadswords on his back wonders up to Iroh and Zuko. He then smiles. “How about a little entertainment in exchange for a gold piece?”

“We're not performers.” Zuko said with some annoyance in his voice.

“Not professional anyway.” Iroh said as he stood up. He then begins to sing. “It's a long, long way to Ba Sing Se, but the mares in the city, they look so pretty!”

“Come on, we're talking a gold piece here! Let's see some action!” The colt said as he withdraws a sword. “Dance!” He then begins to slice the ground near Iroh's feet. Iroh hops up and down to dodge the attacks while singing.

“They kiss so sweet that you really got to meet the mares from Ba Sing Se!” Iroh continued while dodging the slices.

The colt then stops. “Ha, ha! Nothing like an old colt dancing for his dinner! Here you go!” He then tosses his gold coin on the ground and walks away.

“Such a kind pony.” Iroh said as he piked up the coin. Zuko then glares at the colt in anger.

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

At the edge of the swamp, the gang are weary to go in, except Fire’ and Agua. “Do you really think we should go in? It looks to much like the Everfree Forest.” Applejack said.

“Fire’ thinks we should. So does Agua.” Twilight said to her.

“Gee, Twilight. Why do you seem so concern for Firebrand? Do you like him?” Shining said, teasing his little sister.

“What? No! I do not...” But before she could finish, a tornado suddenly emerges from out of nowhere, heading right for them.

“RUN!” Rainbow yelled out as they begin to run from it. But the tornado reaches them and picks them up and throws them into the Swamp and splits them into two groups. Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash, & Scootaloo land in one part of the swamp while the others land in a different part several miles away. “What happened?” Rainbow said as she got up.

“I don’t know. I think that tornado hurled us somewhere in the swamp.” Applejack said.

“My hair!” Rarity said as she got up, her mane and tail are covered in mud. The others soon laugh at her.

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

In another part of the swamp, Twilight, Firebrand, Agua, Shining Armor, Cadence, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy are looking around. “Fluttershy, see if you can see the others.” Fire’ said to her. She goes up to the tree tops and sees nothing and goes down.

“You couldn't find them?” Twilight said.

“No, and the tornado ... It just disappeared.” Fluttershy said.

“We better get out of here.” Shining said as he conjures up a machete. He then begins to cut the vines.

“Maybe we should be a little nicer to the swamp.” Fire’ said to Shining as he cut some more vines.

“Oh, don’t go all Fluttershy on us, Fire.'” Cadence said to him.

“Firebrand, these are just plants. Do you want me to say, “please” and "thank you" as I swing my machete back and forth.” Shining said.

“Maybe you should listen to Firebrand. Something about this place feels ... alive.” Agua began.

“I'm sure there are many things that are alive here and if we don't wanna wind up getting eaten by them, we need to find the others as fast as we can.” Twilight said to them as Shining continues to slice through the vines. Unknown to them, on a branch not far away, a figure is watching them.

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

Over where the others are at, they are making their way throw the swamp, leaving there footprints behind. “This place sure is creepy.” Apple Bloom said to her older sister.

“Don’t worry, sugarcube. We’ll find our way out soon. I hope.” Applejack said.

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

Meanwhile, Twilight’s group is walking throw a foggy part of the swamp. “Applejack! Apple Bloom! Rarity! Sweetie Belle! Rainbow Dash! Scootaloo!” Twilight yelled into the fog.

“There's no way they can hear us and no way we can see them. We'll have to make camp for the night.” Shining said.

There are several flies around Cadence. She swings her wing at them, trying to shoo them away, but it doesn't work. “I hate bugs.” Cadence said as she remembers the changelings. Just then, a huge bubble of swamp gas rises from the muddy water below them. The gas grows closer to Twilight, Agua, Cadence, Firebrand, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Shining.

“What was that?”

“Nothing, just swamp gas, Agua. Look, there's nothing supernatural going on here.” Twilight told her. The 7 groan as they smell the horrid gas. A terrifying scream is then heard and the 7 huddle together in fear. The scream happens to be just a white bird with a big mouth.

“I think we should build a fire.” Shining said as he went to a nearby tree to get wood.

“Shining, the longer we're here, the more I think you shouldn't be doing that.” Firebrand said to Shining as he gets some wood.

“No, I asked the swamp. It said this was fine.” He then grabs a nearby root. “Right, swamp?” He shakes the root and fakes a reply. “‘No problem, Shining!’” Shining then continues to chop at the roots, with both Fire’ and Agua looking somewhat annoyed. Later, the group are huddle around a fire, with Twilight staring at the darkness.

“Does anyone else get the feeling that we're being watched?” Twilight asked.

“I had that felling for a while now.” Fire’ said to her.

A fly is buzzing around Shining. “Please, we're all alone out here.” He then tries to uses his machete to try to scare the fly off. The fly then turns into a big, shining ball of light. Behind the gang, they see several glowing eyes staring down upon them.

“Except for them.” Fluttershy said as they stare at the eyes. They then huddle together.

“Right, except for them.” Shining said.

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

The others are laying down on a giant tree branch. They can’t sleep due to the many noises there are. “Ugh, I can’t sleep with that racket.” Sweetie Belle said. Rarity is also annoyed by the noises.

“QUIET!” She yells out. The noises then stop. They then go back to sleep, only for a frog to ribbit and wake them up.

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

At the others camp, the fire is beginning to die out. The 7 friends are huddled together, asleep. Someone, or something, is looking at them through the vines. A vine snakes its way to Shining’s leg, which is sticking out. The vine begins to wind around it and then to Shining’s whole body. A bit later, each pony is tied up by three or four vines that snake around them.

For the moment, they are still asleep, but they wake up screaming as the vines simultaneously yank them all away from each other. Shining puts his machete in the ground as he is dragged away. Both Agua and Firebrand are also dragged off into the mist. The others get up and start hacking the vines with some daggers Twilight conjured up. They frees themselves and run back down the tree root, pursued by more vines.

Agua is struggling to free herself from the vines. Using a water whip she cuts through her bonds and runs off into the mist. Firebrand frees himself by burning the vines off. His bonds loosened, he hops into the surrounding trees, closely pursued by more vines. He escapes a vine that pulls him to the ground by using his sword and cuts it. He then runs far away and soon finds himself alone in the swamp. He tries to look for his friends, but he doesn't see them. “Guys?”

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

At the other end of the swamp, two humans in light clothing come across the tracks Applejack’s group left. “What'd you reckon make a track like that, Tho?”

“Don't know, Due. Looks like there's 5 of em.'” Tho said as he points his stick at a footprint.

“Leaves a nice, wide trail to folla'.” Due said.

“You know what's at the end of that trail?” Tho said. But Due just shakes his head negatively. “Dinner.” Tho said to him while smiling.

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

Agua is walking throw the swamp, trying to find the others. “Applejack! Apple Bloom! Rarity! Sweetie Belle! Rainbow Dash! Scootaloo! Twilight! Firebrand! Shining! Cadence! Pinkie! Fluttershy!” She then sees another Pegasus with her back turn toward her. “Hello? Hello? Can you help me?” She then recognizes the mare and squints. “Mom?” She then begins running towards the figure. “Mom!” She begins to cry tears of joy. She then reaches the figure and places a hoof on its shoulder. “I can't believe...” But her smile soon leaves when she realizes that it’s just a stump and not her mother. She then falls to the ground and begins to cry.

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

In another part of the swamp, Firebrand is trying to find the others. “Twilight! Agua!” He then notices an unfamiliar earth pony mare in a dress standing on a hill, accompanied by a winged boar. She has a sand brown mane and tail, an earth green coat. He can’t tell what her cutie mark is, but he can see that her eyes are gray, indicating that she's blind. “Hello? Who are you?” The boar then flies off as the mare giggles and runs away. “Hey, come back!” He tries to chase the girl, however the girl is hard to keep up with, as she keep disappearing and reappearing, ever giggling.

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

“Where are we?” Scootaloo asked.

“I have no idea.” Rainbow said.

The are walking along a river, but a little further down stream, covered by fog, is a group of six swamp tribe members divided over three canoes, Due and Tho are sitting in the middle canoe. They look at each other in silence for a few moments, Tho then wets his lips using his tongue. “Ugh, we have company.” Apple Bloom said as the others turn around.

“Look at that Tho. Is that a little hairy fella 'round that thing?” Due asked.

“No, that's what they call ‘ponies,’ saw some at a traveling show once, real smart they say.” Tho said as they inch their way closer.

“Bet they tastes a lot like chicken.” Due said.

“You think everything tastes like chicken.” Tho pointed out.

“Come on now fellas, just a little closer ... Nice and easy ... Don't worry about, we're just fixing to eat ya.” The group then scream and run/fly as fast as they can.

“What'd you say that fur?” Tho said with some annoyance in is voice.

Due then makes a 'don't blame me' gesture with his hands. “Well, we are.”

“But you don't have to tell'em that.” Tho said.

“Well, how'd I know they'd understand me?” Due defended.

“Come on! Start bending!” Tho said as Due stands up in front of the canoe and starts spinning his arms, bending the water behind his canoe to chase the group, with the other two canoes fallowing.

“Lets split up y’all.” Applejack said as she and Apple Bloom continue down the river. Rainbow grabs Scootaloo and flies up while Rarity and Sweetie Belle turn left.

“We won’t be able to catch the ones with wings, but we can get the others. Split up!” Tho said as two go after Rarity and Sweetie Belle as he and Due went after Applejack and Apple Bloom.

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

Firebrand is still chasing the mare. “Who are you?” Fire’ said as he goes through some bushes. He then bumps into Twilight and her group. Agua hears the rumble and heads to investigate, while Rainbow and Scootaloo also hear it and head for it.

“Firebrand!” Twilight said as she gets up.

“Twilight! Boy, am I glade to see you.” Fire’ said as he gets up.

“Likewise. We haven't seen you or Agua since last night.” Shining said.

“I've been looking all over for you!” Agua said as she lands near them.

“Say, Fire.’ Who were you chasing?” Twilight asked.

“I was chasing some mare.” Firebrand said.

“What mare?” Twilight said with jealousy in her voice.

“I don't know. I heard laughing and I saw some mare in a fancy dress.” Fire’ said.

“I thought I saw my Mom.” Agua said.

“You saw something too?” Fire’ said.

“Maybe you two were just scared and hungry and your minds were playing tricks on you.” Twilight said.

“Guys!” They turn toward the source of the sound and see Rainbow and Scootaloo.

“Rainbow! Scootaloo! Your all right!” Pinkie said to them.

“The others aren't thou. We got chased by some strange creatures that wanted to eat us. We had to spite up.” Scootaloo said with worry in her voice.

“What!? Where are they?” Cadence asked.

“We don’t know.” Rainbow said.

“Call me crazy, but what if the swamp wanted us here?” Fire’ said to them, trying the change to subject when he notices something strange.

“Why would you say that?” Scootaloo asked him.

“Because where did that giant tree came from?” He then points to a tree at least 30 stories hight. “This is the center ... It's the heart of the swamp. It's been calling us here. I know it.”

“It's just a tree. It can't call anyone. For the last time, there's nothing after us and there's nothing magical happening here.” Twilight said skeptically. A seaweed monster then jumps out from the water and begins to attack. The seaweed monster captures Shining and holds him hostage in the its vines.

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

At the other end of the swamp, Rarity and Sweetie Belle are still running from the Foggy Swamp members. They meet up with Applejack and Apple Bloom. “Rarity! Sweetie Belle! Are we glade to see you!”

“Likewise, but we need to keep moving.” Rarity said as they begin to run again. Sweetie Belle reaches into Rarity’s saddle bag and throws a jacket at them. It hits one of the members, knocking him out of his canoe.

“Now what would a pony need a shirt fer?” Tho asked.

“How should I’s know?” Due said.

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

The others are still fighting the seaweed monster. Firebrand attempts to free Shining from the monster's vines, but fails. Agua, however, manages to free him. The fight ends as Agua begins to waterbend repeatedly at the monster. A person is seen inside the monster, bending the vines. She slices through the monster, but it then attacks her.

“Why did you call us here if you just wanted to kill us!?” Fire’ yelled at the strange two-legged creature.

“Wait! I didn't call you here.” The creature defended.

“We were outside the swamp when a tornado hurled us into this mess.” Agua said to him.

“There the Avatars. Stuff like that happens to use a lot.” Rainbow said.

“The Avatars?” The two-legged creature said. “Come with me.” He then gets up and takes them up the giant tree.

“So, who are you then? And what are you?” Agua asked.

“I protect the swamp from folks that want to hurt it, like this fella with his big knife. I’m what is commonly called a ‘human.’” The creature said.

“See, completely reasonable. Not a monster, just a regular creature defending his home. Nothing mystical about it.” Twilight said to them.

“Oh the swamp is a mystical place all right. It's sacred. I reached enlightenment right here under the banyan-grove tree after my tribe got sucked in to this world. I heard it calling me, just like you did.” The human said.

“Sure you did. It seems real chatty.” Rainbow said to him while making a coco expression to the others.

“See this whole swamp is actually one tree spread out over miles.” The human said. “Branches spread and sink and take root and then spread some more. One big, living organism. Just like the entire world.” He said as he stops under the giant branches and sits down.

“I get how the tree is one big thing, but the whole world?” Fire’ said to him.

“Sure. You think you're any different from me or your friends or this tree? If you listen hard enough, you can hear every living thing breathing together. You can feel everything growing. We're all living together, even if most folks don't act like it. We all have the same roots and we are all branches of the same tree.” The human said.

“But what did our visions mean?” Agua said to him.

“In the swamp, we see visions of people we've lost, people we've loved, folks we think are gone. But the swamp tells us they're not. We're still connected to them. Time is an illusion and so is death.” The human explained.

“But what about my vision? It was someone I had never met.” Fire’ pointed out.

“You're the Avatar of Fire. You tell me.” The human said.

After a moment, Fire’ comes to a conclusion. “Time is an illusion. So, it's somepony I will meet.” The human then nods in agreement.

“Sorry to interrupt the lesson, but we still need to find Applejack, Apple Bloom Rarity and Sweetie Belle. There probably in a pot with those other humans by now.” Rainbow said to them.

“I think I know how to find them.” Fire’ then kneels down and places his hoof on the tree. “Everything is connected.” Energy then travels from Firebrand’s hoof to the others location. He sees them being captured by the Foggy Swamp members. Back at the banyan-grove tree, Fire’ stands up and turns to the others. “Come on! We've got to hurry!”

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

Back to the Foggy Swamp members, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle are trapped inside a net made of vines while Tho sings.

“Set my lines by the river bed! Caught ten fish and I killed'em dead! Cut'em and gut'em and I tossed the heads in the water to keep them alligators fed.” Tho sang.

“This song sucks.” Sweetie said to Rarity. Suddenly, a jet of water destroys the boat next to Tho and Due's. The two people from the destroyed boat fly into the water. Agua and Firebrand then show up with the others.

“Guys!” Fire’ then uses his firebending to free Apple Bloom and Rarity from their nets.

“We're under attack!” Due yells out. He and Tho then uses their waterbending and throw some water at them, but Agua uses her’s and throws it back.

“Hey, you guys are waterbenders!” She said.

“You too! That means we're kin! Hey Huu! How you been?” Due said to them.

“You know, scared some folks, swung some vines, the usual.” The human the group are with, named Huu, said.

“Huu?” Twilight said.

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

Later that night, the group are at the tribes village, eating something that isn't pony related. “How you like that swamp banana?” Due asked them.

“Tastes just like Sweet Apple Acer’s apples.” Applejack said.

“So why were you guys so interested in eating Applejack, Apple Bloom, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo? You've got plenty of those big things wandering around.” Agua said as she points to an alligator next to him.

“You want me to eat old Slim? He's like a member of the family!” Due

“Nice Slim.” Fluttershy said as she pets the gator. She then offers him a big bug.

“Oh, he don't eat no bugs! That's human food.” Due pointed out.

“Where'd you say you was from, Agua?” Tho asked.

“From the North pole.” Agua answered.

“Didn't know there was waterbenders anywhere but here. They got a nice swamp there, do they?” Tho asked.

“No, it's all ice and snow.” Agua pointed out.

“Hmm. No wonder you left.” Tho dryly said.

“We still need a way out of here.” Shining said.

“Don’t worry. I know this swamp better than anyone, I can get you out of here soon.” Huu said to him. On a tree branch, one of the screaming white birds lands on the branch and screams. A nearby vine then rises up and hits the bird.

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

At the village where Zuko and Iroh are at, the stallion with the broadswords is walking down a street alone. He hears something behind him, turns and draws his blades. There is nothing behind him. “Who's there?” Some hoofs then grab his and throw him against the wall. He drops his swords. A couple of hoofs then pick them up. The assailant is the Blue Spirit himself.

Chapter 3, The Blind Bandit

The Elements of Nature
Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)
Chapter 3, The Blind Bandit

On Azula’s ship, she is consulting with her two assistants, Li and Lo. Both of them are old Earth Pony twin mares. (key, Li bold, Lo italics, Li and Lo both) “When tracking your brother and uncle, traveling with the royal procession may no longer be an option.”

“May no longer be wise.”

“If you hope to keep the element of surprise.”

“You're right.” Azula said to them. “The royal procession is dead weight. If I want to catch my prey, I must be agile, nimble. I need a small, elite team. It's time to visit some old friends.”

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

Later at a traveling circus in Geo Firma, Azula is looking for a pink earth pony with a light brown mane and tail with a high-wire set up for a cutie mark. Azula finds her and sees she's standing on the tip of one hoof. “Ty Lee, could that possibly be you?” Azula said to her.

She then opens her eyes and smiles when she sees ... “Azula!” Ty Lee breaks her stand and spins around in a graceful twirl and bows down before Azula. She then runs forward to give Azula a hug. “It is so good to see you!”

“Please, don't let me interrupt your ... whatever it is you were doing.”

Ty Lee, still smiling, does a back flip and ends up lying on her chest with one leg stretched out over her head and the other straight up to the sky.

“Tell me, what is the daughter of a noble mare doing here?” Azula said as she glances around to try to figure out why Ty Lee is with this circus. “Certainly our parents didn't send us to the Royal Academy for Mares to end up in ... places like this.” She said when she sees a Komodo Dragon lay a few eggs. Azula is completely disgust and turns her attention back to Ty Lee. “I have a proposition for you.” Ty Lee then looks at her wondering what it is. “I'm hunting a traitor.” Azula then casually looks at her hoofs. “You remember my old fuddy duddy uncle, don't you?” Azula asked.

“Oh yeah. He was so funny.” Ty Lee said while giggling while resting on her chest and elbows, but now with her both of her back hoofs resting on her head.

“I would be honored if you would join me on my mission.”

“Oh... I ... uh ... would love to.” Ty Lee said as she stands up in a fluid and elegant movement. “But the truth is, I'm really happy here.” She then smiles sincerely. “I mean, my aura has never been pinker!”

Azula quickly raises her hoof before Ty Lee could explain further. “I'll take your word for it. Well, I wouldn't want you to give up the life you love just to please me.”

“Thank you, Azula.” Ty Lee then bows in respect and returns to her stretching.

“Of course, before I leave, I'm going to catch your show.” Azula said while walking away.

Ty Lee's then accidentally breaks her stance, as she gasps in panic. She then continues her stretch and the expression of panic changes to one of worry. “Huh? Uh ... yeah ... sure ... uh ... of course...”

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

Later that night, at the Fire Nation Circus, two Chinese dragon's costumes are dancing while the circus master stands in the circus's main ring, addressing to the crowd. “We're deeply honored to have the Fire Lord's daughter at our humble circus.” He then points to the back, where Azula is in a high box with two guard. “Uh ... tell us if there is anything we can do to make the show more enjoyable.”

“I will.” At the circus ring a net is spanned under an acrobat who's balancing on a rope, high up in the air on one hand. The acrobat is Ty Lee, who's wearing very colorful clothing. “Incredible. Do you think she'll fall?” Azula asked.

“Of course not, Princess.” The circus master said.

“Then wouldn't it make it more interesting if you removed the net?” Azula asked as she looks directly at the circus master.

“Uh ... the thing is ... the performers...” The concerned circus master began to say.

“You're right, you're right. That's been done.” After a short pause, she continues on with her voice showing dark pleasure. “I know. Set the net on fire.”

“Of course, Princess.” With a worried look upon his face, the circus master leaves the box. He takes a torch and sets the net aflame. Ty Lee looks down with concern at the consuming flames beneath her as she continues with her act.

“Brilliant, just brilliant!” An ecstatic Azula said. She then looks down at the circus master. “Ooh, what kind of dangerous animals do you have?” She asked happily.

The circus then master looks up, hopeful that he can change the subject to the animals and save Ty Lee from her burning peril. “Well, our circus boasts the most exotic assortment...”

“Release them all!” Azula interrupted. The circus master is utterly shocked by Azula's command while Ty Lee still has a worried face while balancing on one hoof above the flames. The animals are then released, causing Ty Lee to yelp in fear.

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

Later that night, Ty Lee is in her dressing room sitting at a desk removing part of her costume, when Azula walks in. “What an exquisite performance. I can't wait to see how you'll top yourself tomorrow.”

Ty Lee just smilies at Azula's reflection in the mirror and says. “I'm sorry Azula, but unfortunately there won't be a show tomorrow.”

“Really?”

Ty Lee then hangs up her tiarra. “The universe has given me strong hints that it's time for a career change.” She then turns around to face Azula. “I want to join you on your mission.” Azula now has a satisfied look on her face.

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

Later at the Geo Firma City of Omashu, a royal palanquin is being carried up the stairs towards the house of the governor. The silhouette of Azula can be seen through the veils. At the base of the stairs, a lonely pony named Mai awaits the arrival of the palanquin. She has a light tan coat and a black mane and tail, along with a dark red and black dress. She has a shuriken for a cutie mark. The palanquin is then put down and Azula gets out and she and Ty Lee walk over to Mai. Mai puts her hoofs together and bows slightly towards Azula. “Please tell me you're here to kill me.” She said as she looks up at Azula as a smile appears on her otherwise emotionless face. Then both girls start to laugh as Azula then places her hoof on Mai’s shoulder.

“It's great to see you, Mai.” Ty Lee then rushes forward and gives her friend a big hug.

Mai just uncomfortably pats her back a little with her front left hoof. “I thought you ran off and joined the circus? You said it was your calling.” Ty Lee then releases Mai.

“Well, Azula called a little louder.” Ty Lee answered.

“I have a mission and I need you both.” Azula said as she places a hoof on both her friends' shoulders.

“Count me in.” Mai said as she looks annoyed at the house of her parents. “Anything to get me out of this place. So, we're tracking down your brother and Uncle, huh?”

“It'll be interesting seeing Zuko again, won't it, Mai?” Ty Lee teased Mai about, causing Mai to smile slightly about seeing Zuko again.

“It's not just Zuko and Iroh.” Azula said to them. “We have a few other targets also.” Azula said in a series tone.

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

At Erde City, the group make it out of the Foggy Swamp. They are surrounded by all the brightly colored billboard, sings, and ponies. “This place is huge. How are we going to find the Avatar of Earth here?” Sweetie Belle said. Erde City is the third biggest city in Geo Firma, behind only Omashu and Ba Sing Se.

“I don’t know. But we should get started.” Fire’ said. They then hear a couple of colts talking about a fight.

“I think The Boulder's going to win back the belt at Earth Rumble VI!” One of them said.

“He's going to have to fight his way through the best fighters in the world to get a chance!” The other said.

“Excuse me, but where is this Tournament, exactly?” Firebrand asked as he got closer.

“It's on the island of Nunya ...’nunya’ business!” The colts than laugh and walk away.

Rainbow then laughs and wipes tears of laughter away. “Oh, I got to remember that one!”

“I'll take care of this." Agua said. "Hey, strong guys! Wait up!” She then runs after the students around a corner.

“Why would you want to go to a Tournament, Firebrand?” Twilight asked him.

“Well, if were going to have a chance to find the Avatar of Earth, we need to look for strong fighters. After all, me and Agua are good fighters.”

“That makes sense ... I think?” Rarity said.

“RIght. Besides, we need to find strong allies against the Fire Nation.” Fire’ said. They then see Agua coming back.

“You ready to find the Avatar of Earth? Because we're going to Earth Rumble VI!” Agua said.

“How'd you get them to tell ya, sugarcube?” Applejack asked her.

“Oh ... a girl has her ways.” Agua said while smiling as they head for the Tournament. On the corner where Agua talked to them, the two colts are frozen together at the head, encased in ice at an alley.

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

Nightfall, and the find the entrance to the location of Earth Rumble VI: a lighted tunnel in a rock face. Ponies enter the tunnel and head down a hall where the competition will be held. A large rectangular arena is located in the middle. The arena has stairs running down to a lower, oval-shaped area. Seats for the spectators start at the same level as the arena. The gang walk into an empty row of seats. “Hey, front row seats! I wonder why no one else is sitting here.” Appel Bloom said as they sit down. Suddenly, a spear is thrown in their direction and it hits the seats behind them, barley hitting Fire’s head.

“I guess that's why.” Agua said as they head further up the seats to where its safe.

A Pegasus stallion walks to the center of the arena and grabs a microphone. “Welcome to Earth Rumble VI! I am your host, Xin Fu!”

Twilight than sighs out of realization. “This is just going to be a bunch of guys chucking rocks at each other, isn't it?”

“Sounds like it.” Rarity said.

“The rules are simple. Just knock your opponent out of the ring, and you win!” He then leaps up to a podium above the ring as a bell rings. “First up, The Boulder vs. The Big Bad Hippo!” The Boulder steps up as the crowd goes wild. He has a terra-cotta coat, earth green mane and tail, he also has a dumbbell for a cutie mark. He has a bow and arrow with him, with the arrows having boxing gloves on the tips. The Big Bad Hippo then steps forward. He has a moth that's like a real hippos. He has a yellow coat with a brown mane and tail with a hippopotamus for a cutie mark. He also has a large club.

The Boulder then points to the Hippo. “Listen up, Hippo. You may be big, but you ain't bad! The Boulder's gonna win this in a landslide!”

“Hippo ... mad!” The Hippo then raises his front legs in anger and stomps one foot. The Boulder fires three arrows that crash into The Hippo, but he doesn't move. He catches one arrow with his mouth, chews on it and spits it out. The Hippo then jumps up and down, causing the surface of the arena to tilt. The Boulder hereby looses his balance.

“Unbelievable, mares and gentlecolts! The Hippo is rocking the roof!”

The Boulder reaches the edge, but saves himself at the last second. He grabs a large rock and throws it at his opponent, hitting him on the back. As The Hippo turns around to look at him, The Boulder tackles The Hippo and throws him out of the ring. The Hippo crashes in the lower area of around the arena and the fight ends thus in The Boulder’s favor.

“The Boulder wins!”

“That was interesting.” Rainbow said to the others as the next match begins.

“Next match ... The Boulder vs. Fire Nation Mare!”

The Fire Nation Mare while happily waving a Fire Nation flag. The crowd boos loudly. “Please, to rise for Fire Nation National Anthem!” She then begins to sing, loudly. “Fire Lord! My flame burns for thee!” Rocks are then thrown at her by a booing crowd.

“Go back to the Fire Nation!” Rainbow yelled out. She then throws a rock that hits Fire Nation Mare’s head. Before she cold recover from the hit on the head, The Boulder grabs her and throws her out of the ring. After a few more rounds, the last round is here.

“I thought this would never be over.” Twilight said.

“Tell me about it.” Firebrand said to her.

“Who do you think this champion is anyway. He must be strong if he beat the Boulder before.” Scootaloo said to the group.

“I have a feeling we’ll find out.” Agua said to her as Xin Fu goes to the center of the stage.

“Now, the moment you've all been waiting for. The Boulder vs. your champion ... The Blind Bandit!” Xi Fu said as a mare around the same age as Agua and Firebrand then walks into the ring. She is carrying a scythe with rock patterns on the blade and it has a black diamond where the blade leaves the staff. She has a sand brown mane and tail with earth green streaks, and a earth green coat. Her cutie mark is a mountain. Her hoofs are sand brown with a pattern thats like mountain tops.

“She can't really be blind. It's just part of her character, right?” Fluttershy said with worry in her voice.

“I think she is.” Firebrand said to her. “Theres something familiar about her.”

“This will defiantly be interesting.” Twilight said as the Boulder and the Blind Bandit face each other.

“I can’t look.” Pinkie said as she covers her eyes, only for her to slightly lift one of them so se can watch.

“The Boulder feels conflicted about fighting a young blind mare!” He said to the earth green mare.

“Sounds to me that you're scared, Boulder!” The young mare said to him mockingly.

“The Boulder's over his conflicted feelings, and now he's ready to bury you in a landslide!”

“Whenever you're ready, The Pebble!” She then laughs. Firebrand then flashes back to his vision in the swamp of a young, blind mare laughing.

“It's on!”

“I remember now.”

“You do? Where did you see her?” Twilight asked, trying her best to hide the jealousy in her voice.

“In the swamp, from my vision.”

In the ring, the Boulder is throwing large rocks at the Blind Bandit. She keeps dogging them because she can see through the earth, meaning that she can see whats coming before it comes. She then pulls out her scythe and knocks the Boulder out of the ring. “Your winner, and still the champion, The Blind Bandit!”

“How’d she do that?” Apple Bloom asked.

“She used ... earthbending.” Firebrand said.

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

Later, outside the competition, the gang are trying to get some answers about the Blind Bandit, but find nothing. “Any luck?” Twilight asked the others. She got, ‘Nothing’s, ‘Buckets’s, and ‘Nada’s. She also got a, ‘Only a penny’ from Pinkie.

“If we want to find the Blind Bandit, the Academy is a great place to start.” Fire’ said. They then head for the academy and meet with the same two colts from yesterday.

“Oh great, you again.” One of them said.

Agua then glares at them, causing them to back off. “Yeah, I didn't think so.”

“We need to find the Blind Bandit. Do you guys know where she lives?” Fire’ asked.

“The Blind Bandit's a mystery. She shows up to fight, then disappears.” The other colt said.

Agua then places a hoof on Firebrand’s shoulder. “Let me handle this.” She the approaches the second student with a stern look and says accusingly. “You're not telling us everything!”

“I ... I swear it's true! No one knows where she goes, or who she really is.” The colt said out of fear.

“That's because we're asking about the wrong pony.” Fire’ realized.

“What are you getting at, Fire’?” Twilight asked him.

"Well, In my vision, I saw a mare, in a white dress, with a flying boar. Know anypony like that?” Fire’ asked the colts.

“Well, a flying boar is the symbol of the Beifong family. They're the richest ponies in town, probably the world.” One of them said.

“Yeah, but they don't have a daughter.” The other finished. “They do have a son.”

“A flying boar is good enough for me. Let's check it out.” Fire’ said as he leaves with the others.

“Yeah, you'd better leave.” One of the colts said quietly.

“Hey, I got my eye on you.” Agua said to them.

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

Later at the Beifong estate, the gang arrives. “That's the flying boar from my vision. Come on!” Firebrand said.

They enter the courtyard when, suddenly, part of the ground lifts up, launching them into the air. They then see the Blind Bandit in a white dress on the ground nearby. “What are you gays doing here?”

“How did you know we were coming?” Agua asked her.

“How did you find me?” She asked.

“I had a vision in a magic swamp, and -”

“What Fire’ is trying to say is, he's the Avatar of Fire, while Agua here is the Avatar of Water. Were looking for the Avatar of Earth, and we think you might be the Earth Avatar.” Twilight told her.

“Not my problem. Now, get out of here, or I'll call the guards.” She said.

“Terra, who are these ponies, and why are you showing them your earthbending?” Terra then turns around, while the others see where the voice is coming from. Her older brother, Geo, is heading for them. Unlike his sister, he has a sand brown coat and an earth green mane and tail. He has light green eyes, and a horseshoe for a cutie mark.

“They are looking for the Avatar of Earth, Geo.” Terra said to him.

“Really.”

“Look, we don’t want any trouble. Were just looking for the Earth Avatar.” Firebrand told them.

Geo looks at his sister and nods. She then lowers the earth. “Come. Lets head in.” Geo said to them. Later, inside the dining hall, Geo and Terra are talking to their unexpected guests. “Your lucky our parents are away. Avatars or not, they would have you guys beheaded.” Geo told them as they drank tea.

“They would.” Fluttershy said.

“Yeah. Their kind of overprotective.” Terra told to them.

“Oh, grate.” Rainbow said.

“Look. I know my sister here is the Avatar of Earth, but if mom and dad found out, she would never see the light of day again, if you know what I mean.” Geo said to them.

“I understand, but if we have any chance against the Fire Nation, we need all the Avatars.” Agua said to them.

“Say, Terra, when did you first learn about your earthbending?” Twilight asked her.

“Well, you see, one day, when I was little, I ran away and hid in a cave. That's where I met them. The badger-moles. They were blind, just like me. So we understood each other. That's when I learned I can do earthbending, it's not just a martial art, but it's also an extension of my senses. Form them, the original earthbenders, I realized that I was one of the five Avatars. I also learned how they can see. They use seismic sense, with it I see with earthbending. It's kind of like seeing with my feet. I feel the vibrations in the earth, and I can see where everything is. You, that trees outside ... even those ants near Rarity’s cup.”

They look at her cup, and see some ants around it. “Eww.” Rarity said as she moves the cup from the ants and brushes them off the table. The others soon laugh.

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

Outside in some bushes, Azula, Ty Lee and Mai are watching the group. “Why are we doing this again?”

“To capture the Avatars before they find the other 3, that's why Ty Lee.” Mai said to her.

“Oh yeah.”

“Who are they talking to anyway?” Mai asked.

“I don't know, Mai. I can tell there a noble family, but they don’t look like there married, and that mare looks like she’s blind.” Azula said to her. They then see Terra bending a small rock. “That blind one must be the Avatar of Earth.” Azula said upon realizing she just saw her do earthbending.

“Great. We just started the search and we already let them find one of the 3 remaining Avatars.” Mai said.

“There heading outside. We have our chance if we use stealth.” Azula said as the gang leave the dinning hall. Ty Lee then looks at Firebrand before he leaves the room.

“Is it me, or is that Fire Avatar kinda cute.” Ty Lee said. Her friends then stare at her.

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

The gang, accompanied by Terra and Geo, are walking around outside. “We’ll talk with our parents. With any luck, they’ll listen.” Geo said to Firebrand.

“Good.”

“Say, Terra, why would you go to those tournaments?” Agua asked her.

“Because, I like fighting.” Terra answered.

“Well, your going to like this!” They turn around and see Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai standing by some unconscious guards.

“Aw, crud.” Fire’ said as he and Agua pulled out their weapons.

“I’ll take the Water Avatar, I guess.” Mai said unenthusiastically.

“Oh, oh, I’ll take the Fire Avatar!” Ty Lee said to Azula with excitement in her voice.

“Guess I’ll take the rest. It hardly seems fair ... for them.” They then attack. Ty Lee goes for Firebrand while Twilight backs him up.

“Who’s your girlfriend, Fire Avatar?” Ty Lee mocked.

“She’s not my girlfriend.”

“I’m not his girlfriend.”

“Oh, whatever.” Ty Lee then heads for them. She doges an attack from Firebrand’s sword and goes after Twilight and hits her with several quick jabs on
her front legs. Twilight is surprised by this attack and loses her balance.

“Twilight! What did you do to HER!” Fire’ then slashes a few times at Lee, who keeps dodging the attacks, thanks to her acrobatic skills.

“I just blocked her Chi that leads to her legs. It will wear off soon. Giving me enough time to do this!” She then grabs Fire’ and throws him onto the ground and jumps on him. She then leans in closes and kisses him. Twilight is both angry and shock at what Ty Lee is doing. Fire’ them quickly kicks her off.

“Oh, yuck. I just got kissed by a Fire Nation mare! Blah!” Twilight then gets some strength back in her legs and walks over to him and glares at the pink Fire Nation pony.

“I can’t believe she just did that!” Twilight said, clearly annoyed.

“I can’t believe it either! Not exactly how I pictured my first kiss.” Fire’ said as he gets up.

“Gee, so territorial. And its only our first date.” Ty Lee joked.

“I really don’t like this mare.”

“Me either, Twi.” He then removes his cape and places it over Twilight. “Hear, you need it more than I do now.” Twilight then smiles. Ty Lee then glares at her with a boat load of jealousy.

Meanwhile, Agua and Rainbow are busy with Mai. Each attack they fire, she dodges with relative ease. “I’m so board. Can you two at least make it a little more interesting?”

“I had it with you!”

“I had it with her too, Rainbow.” They then attack again, but Mai jumps out-of-the-way and throws some Kunai at them.

Meanwhile, the others, including Terra and Geo, are having trouble with Azula. “Darn she's good.” Shining said as he got hit by a karate kick.

Back with Twilight & Firebrand, Ty Lee is still giving them trouble. “This mare is really starting to get on my nerves!”

“I know. It’s like she knows when were going to attack.” Twilight said as Ty Lee throws a rock at them that hits Twilight in the leg. “I’m really going to turn her into a cactus if she keeps this up.” She then runs for Lee to use her magic to turn her into a cactus, but lee jumps over her and lands behind her. Lee then wraps one of her legs around Twilight’s neck and places a small dagger near Twilight’s head.

“Let her go, now!” Fire’ said in a stern and angry voice.

“Aww. What are you going to do about it? If she even makes a twitch, she is a dead mare. And even if you knock the dagger out of my hoof, I can just break her neck.”

“Firebrand. Help!”

“LET. HER. GO. NOW!” Fire’ said as he began to glow.

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

On a remote island, a small crown that's like Twilight’s tiara, only with a fire like pattern on it, begins to glow in the jungle. It’s right next to a white orb that appears to be alive. "It has begun." A strange, unknown voice said.

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

At the Beifong estate, Firebrand begins to be cover in fire. His mane and tail become blue fire while the rest of him becomes white fire. His sword and eyes become orange fire. Doth Lee and Twilight are horrified by what just happened to Firebrand. Fire’ then disappears in a flash.

“Huh.” Ty Lee began. “Where did he go...” Before she could finish, Firebrand appears behind her and throws her across the court yard.

“Firebrand? I didn't know you could do that.” Twilight said when she sees his new look.

“I didn't either. I just became so worried about you that this happened.” Fire’ then stops when he realizes what he just said. Thou he is still made of fire, Twilight can still see that he's blushing. She then blushes to.

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

On top of a hill, an insectoid like creature carrying a samurai sword sees Fire’ and stays in place. The creature is like an changeling, only with white armor that’s like with red spikes coming out of his shoulders. He also has red eyes and is carrying a katana.

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

Agua and Rainbow are beginning to understand why Mai’s cutie mark is a shuriken. “You two are finally starting to make this interesting. I bet your mothers would bedridden you two for months when I’m done with you.” Mai unenthusiastically said.

At the thought of her mother, Agua becomes extremely angry and she begins to glow, along with her neckless that she brought. “Don’t you dare talk about my MOTHER!” She then begins to turn into water. Her mane and tail become steam while her body becomes liquid water. Her wings and trident become ice. She the fires a blast of water at Mai and it freezes her front hoofs.

“OK. Time to get out of here.” Mai said as she runs to help Ty Lee.

“That was AWSOME!” Rainbow said to Agua.

“I think this has something to do with the Element of Water.” Agua said as she looks herself over.

Azula is about to kill the others when both Mai and Ty Lee show up. “What happened to you two.”

“I think we accidentally helped the Avatars of Fire and Water unlock their true potential.” Ty Lee said as Fire’ and Agua arrive with Rainbow and Twilight in tow.

“Guys! Are you all right?”

“Were fine now, Rainbow.”

“Good, Applejack. Now let's get you up.” Rainbow said as she helps them up.

Shining then turns to Twilight. “So, how was your date with Fire’?”

“Nows not the time for jokes, Shining! Oh, before I forget.” She then uses her magic to levitate Terra’s scythe to her. “Hear you go.”

“Thanks. Now I can do some damage.” Terra then walks beside Fire’ and Agua. Her neckless (which looks like her cutie mark) begins to glow. Her mane and tail become sand while her body and scythe become pure earth and stone. They then get ready for battle.

“Uh, Azula. I think its time of a retreat.” Mai said.

“Good call, Mai.” Ty Lee said.

“Fine.” She then reaches into her saddle bag and pulls out a small ball. She throws it on the ground and smoke envelops them. When it clears, they’re gone. Fire,’ Agua, and Terra then return to their normal forms and collapse.

“Firebrand!” Twilight then runs up to him while the others run up to the others. “Are you all right? Can you get up?” Twilight asked him as she lifted his head.

“Do I have to?” Fire’ said to her. She then releases her hold and he drops. Agua and Terra then get up, followed by Firebrand.

“That was amazing, sis. You finally got a hold on that.” Geo said to his little sister.

“Thanks, Geo.” Terra said.

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

On the hill where the white changeling is at, he sees them talking about what happened. “Impressive.” He said as he leaves.

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

Later, it's almost dawn, and Fire’ is walking in the garden along with Twilight. “Shining and Cadence managed to get us a ride out of here. So why the long face?”

“Its that Ty Lee from last night. I still can’t believe she kissed me. And she threatened you. I can’t believe anypony from the Fire Nation is like that.”

“Tell me about it. But the good news is that you can become an inferno whenever you want to now.”

“Yeah. I guess it is a good thing.” He then pauses for a moment. “Twilight, I swear that I will never let something like that again happen again.” Twilight then blushes, but she tries her best to hide it. Some Royal Pegasus Guards from Equestria arrive to pick them up. The group the get into the large chariot being pulled by 6 pegasi.

“Take good care of my sister.” Geo said.

“We will, Geo.” Shining said to him. “Say, how are you going to explain this to your family?”

“I‘ll tell them that I found a school for the blind and I sent Terra there with some guards.” Geo said. The group soon leave, with Terra finally getting her first taste of real freedom.

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

In a forest near the border of Equestria and Geo Firma, the strange creature from before is walking along a river. He the stops for a moment. “So,” he began, “the Avatar has returned, but in 5 bodies like the prophecy says. But so have I!” He the continues to walk away.

Chapter 4, The Chase

The Elements of Nature
Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)
Chapter 4, The Chase

At the foot of a the Crystal Mountains, the gang and the guards are setting up camp. “Hey! You guys picked a great campsite.” Terra said as she rubs her hoof on some feathers. “The grass is so soft.”

“That's not grass. The pegasi and Cadence are molting.” Twilight said to them as Rarity gets down on some feathers.

“Oh, gross!” Rarity then leaves the spot right away.

“That's not gross, Rarity, it's just a part of spring!” Fluttershy said. “You know, rebirth, flowers blooming and the pegasi getting a new set of feathers.”

“Ah, the beauty of spring.” Rarity sarcastically said. Rainbow then sneezes at Rarity, and most of her feathers land on Rarity. “Aggh, Rainbow, stop! Ugh!” Rarity said while waving her legs, now coated in sky blue feathers while coughing.

“It’s not bad, sis.” Sweetie said as she makes a hat out of the feathers. “It makes a great wig!”

Apple Bloom then shows the group she made a beard out of feathers. “And a great beard!” The two fillies then laugh.

Pinkie then sneezes, sending herself back before crashing into one of the pegasi guards. The incident causes her to fall over and for feathers to blow everywhere. They continue to laugh joyfully, causing even the guards to chuckle slightly. Later in the evening, the group are setting up camp. Fire’ and Shining are setting up the tent while Twilight, Rarity, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Rainbow ad Agua throw down a pile of firewood they collected. Applejack, who spends her time stirring around water in a pot, notices Terra slumped lazily against a rock, chewing a piece of wheat. Applejack then walks up to her. “So Terra, usually when setting up camp, we try ta divide up the work.”

Terra just shrugs casually. “Hey, don't worry about me. I'm good to go.”

“Wal, acshully whut Is tryin' t'say is, some of us might fetch some water, while somepony else might set up th' fire pit, o' put up th' tent.” Pinkie then hops over to her, and gives her several berries she collected and hops to the others. “Even Pinkie thar does her fair share.”

“AJ, I'm fine.” Terra breezily said. “I can carry my own weight. I don't need a fire,” Terra then pats her saddle bag. “I've already collected my own food and look,” She then Earthbends a rock tent over her, “my tent's all set up.”

“Wal, thass great fo' yo', but we still need t'finish...”

“I don't understand what's the problem here!” Terra angrily interrupted.

“Nevah mind, cuss it all t' tarnation.” Applejack said as she waves her hoof dismissively and walks away. Terra then earthbends herself into her tent. Later, the group continue to set up, with Pinkie cooking dinner from the fire.

“I hope you all like Pinkie's-Super-Duper-Special-Surprise-Berry-Soup!” She said as she adds two cups of hot sauce.

Applejack walks up with a jug of water and notices Terra eating some kind of fruit in her tent. Her dull expression changes to one of slight happiness as she walks over to her. “Hey Terra, ah wanted t'apologize fo' earlier. Ah reckon we is all jest a li'l tired an' gittin' on etch other's nerves.” Applejack said while she rubs the back of her head sheepishly.

“Yeah, you do seem pretty tired.” Terra casually said.

“Ah meant all of us.” Applejack said, slightly disgusted.

Terra then lazily tosses the fruit onto the ground and lays her head down to rest. “Well, good night.”

“Good night.” AJ said as she leaves.

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

Hours later, at nightfall, everyone is asleep when Terra is suddenly startled awake. She rises and presses her left hoof to the ground to feel the vibrations within the earth. She then rises to her feet and runs out of the tent. “There's something coming toward us!” She yelled to the others, waking them up.

“What is it?” Twilight asked.

“It feels like an avalanche, but also not an avalanche.” Terra answered.

“Your powers of perception are frightening.” Rainbow sarcastically said.

“Sh'd we leave?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Better safe than so'ry, sugarcube.” Applejack said to her little sister. After the group take flight, they see a cloud of smoke billowing toward them in a clearing in the distance.

“What is that thing?” Shining asked. The thing in question is a combination of a tank and a train, which is racing speedily along the ground.

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

A bit later, Fire’ yawns sleepily, with dark circles beginning to form under his eyes. Rainbow appears ready to fall asleep as she leans her head on Twilight’s shoulder. The others are sitting idly by. The pegasi guards fly over the mountainous terrain and land on a smooth, rocky surface. Terra then leaps off to the ground, completely relieved. “Ah, land sweet land!” She then gets up and says cheerfully, “See you guys in the morning!”

“Acshully, kin yo' he'p us unload?” Applejack said to her.

“Really? You need me to help unload Rainbow's funky-smelling sleeping bag?” Terra sarcastically said as the two see Twilight giving Rainbow her sleeping bag. Rainbow sniffs it, and turns away, her disgusted face growing red, and falls backwards, passing out.

“Wal, yeah. Thet an' ev'rythin' else. Yer a part of our team now, an'...”

“Look! I didn't ask you to help unload my stuff!” Terra said as she turns and begins walking away. “I'm carrying my own weight.”

“Thet's not th' point. Evah on account o' yo' joined us, yo've been nothin' but se'fish an' unhe'pful!” Applejack angrily said.

“What? Look here, sugar queen,” Terra said as she points a hoof at Applejack, “I gave up everything I had so that I could help you guys win this war. So don't you talk to me about being selfish!” While she is saying this, a fuming Applejack is tensing her muscles in frustration and raising her hoof in an attempt to speak. But after she finished, Terra sits down on the ground and earthbends an earth tent over her.

“Sugar queen?” Terra then uses her earthbending to close the door of her tent. “D-did yo' jest slam th' dore in mah face? How kin yo' be so infuriatin'?” Applejack yelled, getting the groups attention.

“Sh'd we do sumpin?” Apple Boom asked.

“Hey, I'm just enjoying the show.” Rainbow said, amused by the way Terra and Applejack treat each other.

Twilight then walks up to Applejack, who is bucking at the door to the tent. “Okay, okay, you both need to calm down.” Twilight said to them.

“Both?” Applejack said as she rapidly turns to face Twilight, her expression crazed and her eyes bloodshot. “Ah's completely calm!”

“Uh... I can see that.” Twilight awkwardly said as she backs off. Later that night, most of the group are lying on the ground. Applejack is still awake, glaring at Terra’s tent.

“Th' stars sho'nuff is right purdy tonight. Too bad yo' kin't see them, Terra!” Applejack mockingly said, only for Terra to use her earthbending and creates a fissure that channels underground and sends AJ flying into the air. She lands on top of Rainbow, startling her.

Annoyed, Rainbow pushes Applejack off to the side. “Hey, how's a guy supposed to sleep with all this yelling and earthquaking?”

Terra then opens her tent. “That thing is back!”

“Well, how far away is it?” Rainbow asked as lies down and pulls the covers of her sleeping bag over her head. “Maybe we can close our eyes just for a few minutes.” She tiredly said.

“I don’t think so, Rainbow.” Fire’ said when he notices some smoke in the distance.

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

The group are now soaring away from the scene over the mountainous terrain, with the tank train speeding across the land after them. “Seriously, what is that thing?” Cadence asked.

“And how does it keep finding us?” Terra added.

“I don't know. This time, were going to make sure we lose it.” One of the Pegasus guards said as the fly past some mountains. They then fly between two mountain ridges. The pegasi then land on a flat-surfaced rock bed, throwing everyone onto the ground along with their belongings.

“Okay, forget about setting up camp.” Rainbow said as she crawls along the ground to her sleeping bag. “I'm finding the softest pile of dirt and going to sleep.”

Applejack, out of anger, pulls her sleeping bag over her head like it’s a pillow. “Thet's fine on account o' Terra warn't a-gonna he'p ennyway!”

“Oh, I didn't realize the baby still needed someone to tuck her in bed.” Terra irritably said as she is lying on a bag.

“Come on guys, there's something after us and we don't even know what or who it is.” Twilight said to them.

“It could be Zuko.” Agua said as she rolls over on her side in her bag. “We haven't seem him since the North Pole.”

“Who's Zuko?” Terra asked.

“Oh, just some angry freak with a burn mark on his face who's tracked us all over the world.” Rainbow said.

“What's wrong with special traits, rainbow mane?” One of the pegasi guards mockingly said.

“My mane is natural, unlike Zuko’s burned eye.” Rainbow agued.

“At least Zuko’s eye makes him more menacing then a pony with a rainbow mane and tail.” Rarity joked.

“Anyway, whoever's chasing us couldn't have followed us here, so, now would everyone just shhh?” Rainbow said as she lays down. Scootaloo then sees something thats really scary and points at it. “Oh no, don't tell me...” Rainbow said as she buries her face in her hoofs.

“That's impossible. There's no way they could have tracked us.” Twilight said out of disbelief.

“I can feel it with my own four hoofs!” Terra said as Fire’ runs to the cliff next and notices smoke rising from the far end of the rocky pathway.

“Lets get out of here.” Fluttershy nervously said.

“Maybe we should face them. Find out who they are. Who knows, maybe they're friendly. And I can throw a PARTY!” Pinkie shouted.

“Always the optimist...” Rainbow hopelessly said.

The tank train as it slows down and come to a halt. The door to one compartment opens, releasing a burst of steam. From the mist emerges three motorcycles. Ty Lee comes off first, followed by Mai then Azula. The group are looking on in shock as the three girls stand on top of the of the bikes, with Azula having a determined look on her face. The three begin racing toward the group. “It's those three mares from Erde City!” An alarmed Shining Armor said as they take on fighting stances.

“We can take them. Three on eight.” A determined Terra said.

“Actually Terra, there's 14 of us.” Scootaloo pointed out.

“Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't count you. You know, no fighting skills and all.” Terra sheepishly said.

“We can still fight!” Cadence said to her.

“Okay, three on eight plus Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Cadence.” Terra smugly said.

“Errrgh!” All three of the CMC said out of anger.

Terra then earthbends three columns in an attempt to hinder the mares, however, they just go around the pillars and continue on their way. “Well, we wanted to find out who they were and we found out.” Rainbow said as she puts the groups stuff away in the chariot. “Now let's get out of here.”

Terra then earthbends a rock wall in front of the trio. But Azula just takes out a small gun thats white with red lines and firs, but instead of bullets, it shoots a bolt of lightning at the wall, leaving a huge gape in the middle. The three then go through it with ease. Terra is completely shocked at this. Mai then releases a flurry of stilettos. Terra launches herself off a pillar as the darts strike it as she lands on the chariot where the others are waiting. “Go, go, GO!” Agua said as they take off, narrowly avoiding another lightning bolt.

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

A bit later, the group is still flying through the monitions, with the pegasi very tired. “Ah cain't believe them mares follered us all th' way fum Erde City.” A shocked Applejack said.

“I still think we could have taken them.” Terra grumpily said.

“Are you kidding me?” Twilight said while pointing her hoofs upward repeatedly in gesture. “The crazy karate and the flying daggers are bad enough, but last time we saw them, one of those mare did something that took my magic away. That's scary.” Twilight said the last part with so much fear, you can literally cut it with a knife.

They then see the sun rising over the horizon. “Oh no, the sun is rising. We've been up all night with no sleep!” Rainbow complained.

“Rainbow, we'll be okay, sugarcube.” Applejack calmly said to the rainbow maned Pegasus.

“Are you sure? I've never not slept before!” Rainbow then holds her hoofs up to her head. “What if I fall asleep now and something happens?” Rainbow is now beginning to freak out as her eyes bulge out. “And something always happens!”

“Every time we land, those mares are there. So we'll just have to keep flying.” Twilight said. They then hear a yawn from one of the pegasi guards.

“We can't keep flying forever.” Fire’ pointed out as they fly over.

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

In field where a few flowers are growing, the tank train speeds by rapidly, slicing the heads of the flowers off. At ground level, there are indentation marks from the train left in the ground. A pair of pony legs gallop by. Its Zuko, who has a look of determination on his face as he follows the tracks.

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

Back at the chariot, everyone is trying to stay awake for as long as possible. “So what's our plan?” Cadence asked as she tries to hide how tired she is.

“Don't know ... too tired to think.” Terra said as she slumps against the side of the chariot, exhausted.

“I'm sure we'll come up with something after a short nap.” Twilight said with a smile.

“Yes ... sleep.” A relieved Rainbow said. When they close their eyes, they soon begin to lose altitude. Terra is the first to wake up and she hangs onto the chariot for dear life.

“What's going on?” She yells out.

“The pegasi fell asleep!” Fire’ said as he is hanging from the bars that connect the pegasi to the chariot.

“This should wake them up.” Agua then uses her waterbending and splashes some water on the pegasi’s faces. They wake up and try to land safely. They soar through the trees, colliding into and snapping several branches. The team members brace against the impact. They make it on the ground, having created a channel way behind him from the impact. The pegasi are sleeping again

Firebrand lands on the ground to check up on the guards. “There exhausted.” He said to the others.

“Okay, we've put in a lot of distance between us and them. The plan now is to follow the pegasi’s lead and get some sleep.” Rainbow said.

“Of course, we'd've gotten some sleep earlier, eff'n Terra didn't haf sech issues.” An irritated Applejack said.

Terra then wakes up and slams the ground and screams furiously. “What?”

“All right, all right, everyone's exhausted! Let's just get some rest.” Firebrand said as he tried to calm the two down.

“No, I want to hear what Applejack has to say. You think I have issues?” Terra said to the rodeo pony.

“Ah's jest sayin.’ Mebbe eff'n yo' he'ped out earlier, we c'd haf set up our camp faster an' gotten sleep an' then mebbe we'dn't be in this hyar situashun!” The farmer yelled.

“You're blaming me for this?” An annoyed Terra said.

“No! No, she's not blaming you.” Twilight desperately said as she get between the two before a fight starts.

“Were all a team, which means it’s all our faults.” Fire’ said, but Applejack and Terra just stare at him.

“No, I'm blaming her!” Applejack yelled.

“Hey,” Terra said as she shoves Twilight out-of-the-way. “I never asked you for diddly-doo-dah. I carry my own weight. Besides, if there's anyone to blame, it's the pegasi and Cadence over there!”

“Why are you blaming me, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Agua and the guards?” Cadence asked.

“You want to know how they keep finding us?” Terra then grabs some feathers from a guards wings as the molted feathers blow away in the wind. “There leaving a trail everywhere we go!”

“How dare you blame my friends!" Twilight yelled as she faces Terra. “The pegasi saved your life three times today! If there's anyone to blame it's you! You're always talking about how you carry your own weight, but you're not. They are! The pegasi are carrying your weight. They never had a problem flying when it was just the 13 of us!" They all soon ague, except Firebrand who sees something far too familiar. He then has a flashback.

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

“Firebrand needs to have freedom and fun. He needs to grow up as a normal colt.”

“He needs to be taken to the capital so we can know if he's a danger or not.”

“Calm, Phoenix, you to Garth. I agree with both of you. But Phoenix, I know you mean well, but you are letting your affection for the colt cloud your judgment.”

“All I want is what is best for him. He's my only son.”

“I’m sorry, but you and Firebrand must be separated! The colt will be sent away to the capital to see if he's a threat.”

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

Firebrand begins to cry as the fight the others are having is far to familiar to when the village elders wanted to take him away from his farther. He then realizes that Terra is right after he sees some of Fluttershy’s feathers fall of. He the uses his magic to collect all the loss feathers and puts them in his saddlebag. He then becomes a fireball again and flies off, but not before he leaves a note for the others.

After Fire’ leaves, Terra stomps on the ground, launching her saddle bag into the air which she catches. “Thats it! I'm out of here!” She said as she leaves.

“Wait!” Apple Bloom said as she, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle get in front of Terra, only for Terra to earthbend the ground beneath them to shift them off to the side, leaving them surprised.

“What did I just do?” Twilight said as she slumps. “I can't believe I yelled at the Avatar of Earth. Now both she and any hope of winning the war soon is gone.”

“Ah know.” Applejack regretfully said. “We is all jest tryin' t'git used t'etch other. An' ah was so mean t'her.”

“Yeah, you two were pretty much jerks.” Rainbow said while drinking from a cup with the others.

“Thanks, Rainbow.” Twilight sarcastically said to her.

“No problem.” She said. But she then realizes something else is wrong. “Has anyone seen Fire’?”

“He must have left too.” Twilight said, completely brokenhearted.

“Ug, if it’s all right with you, I found a note Fire’ left behind.” Fluttershy said as she gives Twilight the note.

“What does it say?” Agua asked.

“It says, ‘Guys, Terra was right. The feathers are leaving a trail right to us. But I shock all the loss feathers and collected them. I’m leaving a trail so they won’t follow you but me. If you want to find me, follow the feathers.’” After Twilight finishes reading it, the group are all downhearted. “Oh, he's right,” Twilight said, breaking the silence, “and we were too busy arguing to see it.”

“Fire’ is right. We is a team, thet means this hyar is all our faults. We need t'find Terra an' apologize.” Applejack said.

“Okay, but what are we going to do about the tank full of dangerous ladies chasing us?” One of the Pegasus guards said.
Twilight then takes a loos feather from the guard. “I have a plan.” Twilight then whispers something to first Agua’s then Rarity’s ears, with both of them smiling evilly.

“Oh, I don’t like that look in their eyes.” Rainbow said. One good sock in freezing cold water later, the pegasi, except Agua, are shivering after being soaked by a waterbending blast from Agua and an unbearable scrub down by Rarity, who got every single molted feather she can (which annoyed Rainbow to no end since Rarity also did her hoofs, which are now comparably to the fashion designers).

“You enjoyed that, didn't you?” Rainbow said to a clearly happy and smug Rarity.

“What ever gave you that impression, Dashie?” Rarity said as she puts up her very expensive brush in her saddle bag.

“Okay, now that your clean, theres no more trail.” Twilight said as a guard flutters his wings, with zero feathers coming off. “I’m gonna follow Fire’ and see if he need help.” Twilight then leaves as she follows Fire's trail, with Shining and Cadence staring at her with some shock at first, but they quickly smile as they get on the chariot.

“I hope Fire’ doesn't try anything funny with Twilight while there alone right now.” Shining said as the take off. As they fly away, they accidentally brush against the treetops, snapping the topmost limbs off and causing them to fall to the ground.

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

At a lower part of the mountain, fog is partially obscuring their peaks. Terra is walking slowly along a pathway on her own. She then stops, having detected something nearby. She then shifts her hoof abruptly in the opposite direction. She then turns her head swiftly and uses earthbending to send a stream of earth toward the unknown source.

The stream of earth travels its way to a large rock ahead and a dust cloud erupts in the air from the impact. Terra then hears a grunt of pain is from behind the rock. Terra recognizes the voice as being from a pony and approaches the rock, still assuming a fighting stance. She sees, that its Iroh she hit, who's face is grimacing from the incident. “Ow ... That really hurt my tailbone.” He said.

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

Meanwhile, Azula and her group arrive where the gang left. Azula picks up a Pegasus feather from a small pile, with Mai and Ty Lee behind her. “Wads of Pegasus feathers. How delightful.” Mai dryly said in her usual non-cheery attitude.

“Hmmm ... they're not wads, they're more like bundles, or bunches?” Ty Lee said as she began scratching her head while thinking. “It's got a 'uh’ sound.”

“Clumps?” Mai asked.

Ty Lee then hugs Mai for helping her figure it out. “Clumps! They're clumps!”

Mai then sees the fake feather trail. “The trail goes this way, Azula.” Azula then looks in the direction of where the group left and sees the broken branches.

“The Avatars are trying to give us the slip. You two head in that direction and keep your eye out for the pegasi. I'll follow this trail.” Ty and Mai then go in the direction that Azula pointed them at, and leave on their bikes as Azula follows Fire’s trail.

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

Firebrand continues to fly above the forest in his fire form, leaving behind the feathers. He turns his head around and sees that Twilight is following him, trying her best to keep up. He lands and waits for Twilight. “You sure are fast, Fire.’” She said to him when she finally caught up, out of breath.

“Why did’t you leave with the others?” Fire’ asked as he turns back to normal.

“Like you said, were a team, partners.” Twilight then blushes when she realizes what she just said. “That didn't came out right.”

“It’s all right.” He the heads over to Twilight and picks her up, with Twilight’s whole face turning red as Fire’ goes elemental again, but his fire isn't harming Twilight, much to the twos relief. The two soon leave the lush, green landscape area and soar over a more arid, rugged terrain. Both of their eyes are tired from lack of sleep as they peer down and look forward. They soon arrive at an old ghost town and land. It is similar to historical Western towns. Fire’ turns back to normal and they lay down and wait.

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

The others are still flying, some of then are asleep. “Terra couldn't have made it too far by now.” Rainbow said as she searches the forest below.

“Uh, Rainbow.”

“What is it, Scootaloo?” Rainbow asked. She then sees what the filly is trying to tell her about. “Ooooh, no! Gays!” The others turn around and see Ty Lee and Mai in hot pursuit, riding their motorcycles.

“How did they find us?” A shocked Applejack asked.

“Guards, come on, we need to go faster!” Shining yelled at the pegasi.

“There too tired!” Cadence said to him.

“Not good, not good!” The pegasi then grunt due to the work. On ground level, Mai and Ty Lee are still chasing them. The pegasi are heading towards the river, which gives Rainbow an idea. “We just need to make it across that river!”

“Come on gays, just a little further...” The pegasi listen to their captain and land on the other side of the river.

“We made it. We're safe.” Fluttershy said.

“You did it!” Cadence and Shining then hug out of relive. When she opens her eyes, she gasps. Shining turns around and becomes horrified. The motorcycles have change slightly and are now paddling across the water rapidly, allowing for them to drive over the surface of the river. Agua steps forward and spins around, sending a wave of water crashing into Ty Lee's motorcycles. Ty Lee leaps off the bike just in time and emerges from the water. She lands near the treetops where she gracefully dodges from tree trunk to tree trunk in pursuit of Agua who opens her water skin.

Ty Lee then somersaults onto the ground. Agua attempts to lash a water whip in her direction, however, is forced to quickly dodge several of the acrobat's blows. She narrowly avoids having her chi blocked and fires several sharp discs of water at her enemy, who cartwheels repeatedly to escape. Mai, still mounted on her bike, turns around and fires several stilettos from uploaded holsters in her sleeves. The stilettos nearly hit Rainbow. Shining then steps forward and knocks the stilettos off-target with his magic.

Applejack bucks a boulder in Mai's direction, however, the knife thrower merely leaps off her bike, avoiding the attack. She spins around and fires stilettos from a holster in one of her back legs. Shining knocks them away again with a tree branch. Mai then runs forward. Agua turns around and is forced on the run when Mai comes charging towards her. Ty Lee somersaults and leaps into the air where she then flips and lands on the ground near Applejack.

She lands several quick blows, using chi-blocking to incapacitate Applejack’s front right leg. Applejack then head buts Ty Lee’s hoof, making her back off due to the pain. “Good try, but no.”

Agua begins to draw a stream of water with which to attack Mai, however, the knife thrower hurls two shuriken knives her way. Each of the two knives pins her wrists to a tree trunk. Agua gasps in horror as the riverbank water falls into the river again and Applejack hobbles over as a result of the paralysis. She falls to the ground. “How is yo' doin'?”

“Well, you know...” Agua then notices something is wrong. “Where are the others?”

“Th' pink one pareelyzed thar legs, all 'cept th' pegasi an' th' CMC.” Applejack said.

Mai then walks up to them, with Ty Lee behind her. “I thought when me and Ty Lee finally caught you guys, it would be more exciting. Oh well, victory is boring.” She said dryly.

Suddenly, the two are swept off their feet by a powerful gust of wind conjured by the pegasi's wings. They incidentally somersault into the air and land several yards away in the water. “Thanks gays, I don't know what we'd do without you.” Applejack said to them.

“Come on, we need to find Twilight and Firebrand.” One of the pegasi said.

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

In the ghost town Fire’ and Twilight are at, Azula appears, riding on her motorcycle in a cloud of dust. “All right, you've caught up to me. Now who are you and what do you want?” Fire’ said to her.

“You mean you haven't guessed? You don't see the family resemblance? Here's a hint.” She then covers her eye and deepens her voice, as she begins to imitate Zuko. “I must find one of the Avatars to restore my honor!” Fire’ and Twilight remains silent. “It's okay, you can laugh. It's funny.”

“So what now?” Twilight asked.

“Now? Now, it's over, Unicorn mare. You're tired and you have no place to go. You can run, but I'll catch you.” Azula said to them.

“We’re not running.” Fire’ said as he and Twilight got up. Azula just smirks at this.

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

Meanwhile, Iroh is serving tea to Terra, even after what Terra did to him. Iroh then pours some tea into two tin cups and gives one to Terra. “Here is your tea.” Terra is just staring blankly at the ground then back to Iroh. “You seem a little too young to be traveling alone.”

“You seem a little too old.” Terra responded as she takes her cup of tea.

Iroh then laughs a little. “Perhaps I am.”

“I know what you're thinking... I can't handle being by myself.” Terra casually said.

“I wasn't thinking that.” Iroh defended.

“You wouldn't even let me pour my own cup of tea!”

“I poured your tea because I wanted to and for no other reason.”

“When ponies see me and think I'm weak. They want to take care of me, but I can take care of myself, by myself.”

“You sound like my nephew, always thinking you need to do things on your own, without anyone's support. There is nothing wrong with letting the people who love you help you. Not that I love you. I just met you.”

Terra then laughs at Iroh comment. “So where is your nephew?”

“He’s getting some food, but I think he’s doing something else.” Iroh said, knowing that his nephew is following one of the Avatars right now. “I've been tracking him now actually.”

“Is he lost?” Terra asked.

Iroh then looks away, slightly sad. “Yes, a little bit. His life recently changed and he's going through very difficult times. He's trying to figure out who he is and he went away.”

“So now you're following him.”

“I know he doesn't want me around him right now, but if he needs me, I'll be there.”

“Your nephew is very lucky, even if he doesn't know it. Thank you.” Terra said as she gets up and takes her scythe.

“My pleasure. Sharing tea with a fascinating stranger is one of life's true delights.”

“No, thank you for what you said. It helped me.” Terra happily said.

“I'm glad.”

Terra then leaves, but turns around briefly. “Oh, and about your nephew, maybe you should tell him that you need him, too.” Iroh remains silent and sips his tea.

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

“Do you really want to fight me?” Azula asked Fire’ and Twilight.

Suddenly, Zuko appears from an alleyway. He then pulls out his swords. “Yes, I really do.” He said.

“Zuko!” Fire' said, alarmed.

“I was wondering when you'd do show up, Zuzu.”

“‘Zuzu’?” Twilight said as she tried to hide her laughing.

“Back off, Azula! He's mine!” Zuko firmly said.

“I'm not going anywhere.” She then assumes a fighting stance. Each of the 4 opponents stand, ready for battle. Azula is as confident as ever. Zuko averts his gaze first to Azula and then towards Firebrand. Fire’ the assumes fighting stance, pointing his sword at Zuko as he turns into his fire form. Twilight then gets ready to help Firebrand. After a few moments, Azula makes the first strike. She pulls out a flamethrower and fires at Zuko. Zuko tries his best to block it, bet he hits a wall. Fire’ then flies up, but Azula fires at him and he hits the ground hard. Azula then tries to tack him out, but when she hits, Fire’ disperses his body and flies to Twilight and rematerializes. Zuko then tackles him, and the two land in a building. Fire’ the heads into a room followed by Azula. When she enters she sees that there's no floor.

She nearly falls off, while Fire’ is just hovering there. Zuko follows, but he doesn't see that there's no floor and falls. The others soon arrive to help Twilight and Fire’ fight off Azula.

“Are we glad to see you.” Twilight said to her older brother and her friends.

After a few more fights, Zuko begins to wake up and sees Iroh standing above him. “Uncle...”

“Get up!” Iroh then helps Zuko get up. Agua and Applejack then run straight toward Azula. They leap over her just as Azula fires a blast of lightning at them. She turns around and blocks a water whip Agua sends at her. She fires a blast at the rest of the group.

Fire’ then appears right behind her. She turns around and nearly manages to strike him with another blast. Azula is about to fire another lightning bolt at the group when she suddenly falls over to the side. Terra appears from an alleyway, having just shifted the ground beneath her feet. “I thought you guys could use a little help.” Terra said to them.

“Thanks, sugarcube.” Applejack happily said.

Azula rises to her hoofs and begins running away. Azula as runs through the alley and leaps over some crates and tries to escape, Iroh intervenes, using his rotund belly to knock her off her hoof. Zuko then appears next to him. Fire,’ Terra, Agua, the main six, the CMC, Shining, Cadence, the pegasi guards, Zuko and Iroh have now all cornered Azula against the ruins of a stone wall. “Well, look at this. Enemies and traitors, all working together.” She said coolly while backing up as her enemies surround her. “I'm done. I know when I'm beaten. You got me. A princess surrenders with honor.”

Iroh now averts his gaze toward the other members, who remain on high alert. He looks at Terra then to Firebrand, Agua, the main six, Shining and Cadence, who still assume fighting stances. Azula then smirks and smiles and takes a step forward, taking her Lightning Gun and fires a blast at Iroh, who gets hit. He screams in pain and falls to the ground. “Aaaah!” Is all a horrified Zuko could say. He, Fire,’ Shining, Cadence, Twilight, Agua, and Terra (not counting, Fluttershy, Pinkie, AJ, Rainbow, Rarity and the CMC for obvious reasons) turn to face Azula, four of them bending their respective elements and the on-bender Unicorns and Alicorn firing lasers at her.

The impact of the elements and magic creates a minor explosion, sending a thick cloud of smoke everywhere. When the smoke clears, Azula is gone without a trace. Zuko then kneels before his uncle, dismayed at the turn of events. “Ugggh! Get away from us!” He said to the group. Terra uses her seismic scene and sees that Iroh is still alive, the Lightning Gun having not charge long enough for a kill shot.

Agua then walks up to Zuko and Iroh. “Zuko, I can help.”

But Zuko just blasts an arc of fire at them. “Leave!” The group then leave, leaving Zuko still kneeling over an unconscious Iroh. Later at nightfall, the pegasi guards land on the other side of the crystal mountain and fall asleep. In the chariot, the group is asleep, with Twilight and Firebrand resting next to each other.

Chapter 5, Enter Blitz and Deker

The Elements of Nature
Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)
Chapter 5, Enter Blitz and Deker

At Canterlot, Firebrand, Agua, Terra, and the others are discussing where the Avatars of lightning and air might be at. “According to the scroll, the Avatar of Lighting is somewhere in the USA.” Bastion Yorsets said to them.

“Wheres the US?” Fire' asked, having never even hearing it before.

Celestia then pulls out a map of the world and shows it to him. “The United States of America is located on the North American continent, Rainbow. It’s the only country in the world that the Fire Nation will not dare attack. It's also the most advanced, not only are there cameras there, but also things like computers, television sets, cars, pretty much any thing you can think of, it’s bound to be made in America.”

“Wow. I heard of the US before, but I never been there.”

“Not surprising. You see Agua, the United States is a superpower. It's also the home of the UN.”

“The U-what?” Applejack asked Celestia.

“United Nations. Equestria is a part of the UN, and the next meeting is in a few days. You can come along, if you want.”

“But what about the Fire Nation? Wont they be there too?”

“No, they won’t Twilight.” Shining said to his little sister. “The Fire Nation is not part of the UN.”

“Oh, good.”

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

Later on a plane heading for the US, Twilight, her friends, the CMC (who somehow persuaded the others to come along), Firebrand, Agua, Terra, Celestia, Luna, Shining, and Cadence are either asleep or are reading a book. Twilight is sitting next to Fire’ as she is reading a book. “What you reading about?”

Twilight nearly losses her train of thought when Firebrand said that. “Oh, it's a book about the US. Apparently it's called ‘The Land of the Brave and Home of the Free’ because it rebelled against Great Britten when there were only 13 colonies. US scientist and inventors made many things over its 225 years, which is relatively recant compared to Equestria.”

“Oh yeah. Like what?”

“Trains for one, also the US made, planes, cars, phones, telephones.”

“Wow. Sounds like a pretty cool place. You should get some sleep, Twi. We have a long day tomorrow.” With that, Fire’ went to sleep, followed shortly by Twilight, who places her head against his.

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

At the hive of the changelings, which is located in Sub-Sahara Africa, Queen Chrysalis is in her throne room, drinking a bowl of white liquid. It’s medicine because, a few months ago, when they were repelled from Canterlot by Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, she landed on her head, and now has skull splitting headaches. As a result, she needs to dink the medicine nearly everyday. She then runs out of it. “I need more medicine!” She yells out as the changeling doctor, whose name is Medizinisch, gives her some more. He has a slightly different build then other changelings, more slender, his face also has some tentacles that makes it look like he has a mustache. He also has eyes that are like Chrysalis. “Thank you, doctor.” She then drinks some more medicine. “Bring in Hexe.”

Soon some changeling guards come in with Hexe. She is the changelings resident which. She carries with her a harmonium which she often plays. She has a more mare like build then other changelings. She also has some strange marking on her body which help tell her apart from other changelings. “You called for me, your highness.”

“How is the progress of the Spy Spell?” Chrysalis asked.

“It’s going along smoothly. A few more tests and it will be complete.” Hexe answered her queen.

“Why is there an edge in your voice?” Chrysalis asked her. “I already know the Avatar has returned. What other bad news have you brought me this time?”

“It’s not bad news, buts it's also not good either.”

“Well, what is it?”

“I was performing a test on the Spy Spell. I turned its gazed at the Everfree Forest, that's when I saw Him on the other side.” Hexe said.

“Him?” Medizinisch said. “You don’t mean...”

“Yeah, I do mean him. Deker.” Hexe finished.

“Hmm. The Cursed Warrior.” Chrysalis said.

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

In the Everfree Forest, at night during a full moon, Deker, the creature that saw Fire,’ Agua, and Terra unlock their true potential, pulls out his sword, which has red gaps on the back while the rest is normal. “Ah. Uramasa, my trusty sword. You’ve reawakened and shine anew. This can only mean one thing for us. After all this time, a worthy opponent has been found.” He then places his Uramasa back into its sheath. “It must be one of the Avatars.”

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

In New York City, the plane the gang is on lands, which wakes up both Twilight and Firebrand. When Twilight sees that she is leaning against him, she quickly gets up and blushes. “Looks a lot like Manehattan.” Applejack said as she looked outside the window.

“Wow. Look at all the ponies in the black suits.”

“There the Secret Service, Rainbow. There in charge of protecting the US President and any other world leaders from all kinds of threats.” Luna said to her.

“Looks like were the first to arrive.” Celestia said as the door opened and stairs popped up. She and the others soon leave and head for two limousine. Celestia and Luna soon stop near the shorter and turn to the others. “This our limo. You have the other. The driver will tack you to a 5 star hotel.”

“That be great, Princess. I haven't been to a hotel since I went to Canterlot to work on Twilight’s birthday present.” Rarity said.

“Hopefully you won’t get to carried away like that time.” Rainbow said to her. They soon get into their respective limos and leave. While Celestia and Luna head for the UN building, the gang head for the hotel, which is called, the Trump Soho New York.

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

In a forest in Geo Firma, Iroh is having a dream about his son. He soon wakes up and sees Zuko standing next to him. “Uncle ... you were unconscious. Azula did this to you. It was a surprise attack.”

“Somehow, that's not so surprising.” Iroh then groans as he gets up. Zuko then gives him some tea.

“I hope I made it the way you like it.” Zuko said as Iroh then drinks it, but he grimaces.

“Good. That was very ... uhhh ... bracing.” Zuko then gives him another cup, but Iroh secretly throw it away.

“So Uncle, I've been thinking. It's only a matter of time before I run into Azula again. I'm going to need to know more advanced firebending if I'm going to stand a chance against her. I know what you're going to say: she's my sister and I should be trying to get along with her.” Zuko said.

“No, she's crazy and she needs to go down. It's time to resume your training.” Iroh said, thinking the exact opposite of Zuko

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

After a few days in the US, the gang make it to the Lowlands of the Mojave Desert. They are in a bus going up a plateau. The bus nearly falls over, but it manages to stay on the ledge. “I know I said we had to lay low for a while, but this is crazy.” Fire’ said. The entire group is wearing some Mexican ponchos and sombreros.

“Were in the Lowlands of the US Firebrand. It doesn't get any lower than this.” Shining said to him. Shining is also wearing a fake mustache.

“You can say that again.” Cadence said to him.

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

“Firebending is not fueled by range or emotion. To perform the firebending techniques perfectly requires peace of mind.” Iroh said to Zuko.

“I see. That's why we're drinking tea, to calm the mind.” Zuko said as he takes another sip of tea.

“Oh yeah, good point! I mean, yes. There is energy all around us. The energy is both yin and yang. Positive energy and negative energy. Only a select few can firebend, can separate these energies. This creates an imbalance. The energy wants to restore balance, and in a moment the positive and negative energy come crashing back together, you provide release and guidance.” Iroh then performs a technique called the fire breathe, which means he can breathe fire like a dragon.

“I'm ready to try it!” Zuko excitedly said.

“Remember, once you separate the energy, you do not command it. You are simply its humble guide. Breathe first.” Zuko then takes a deep breath. He tries to do the fire breath, but instead an explosion launches him back. Iroh then shakes his head in disappointment.

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

They finally make it to the town on the top of the plateau. There is a gust of wind that blows some dust into their faces. “Right now, all I want is a warm shower, cold drink, and to get out of this outfit. It clashes with my mane.” Rarity said.

“Your not the only one. I fell like I’m gonna go nuts if I have to keep wearing this.”

“Tell me about it, Rainbow.” Applejack said to her, replacing the sombrero with her cowgirl hat.

“Yeah, good luck with that, you three.” Fire’ said to them. “Whoever named this place Sanctuary City, clearly didn't know what the word ‘city’ meant, or the word ‘sanctuary.'” He than looks at some residents who are staring at them. His stomach than groans.

“Looks like somepony is hungry.”

“Stop teasing, Twi. Lets get some grub, I’m starving.” Fire' said as he looks around and sees a saloon that specializes in food from Abysus, mainly noodles. “No way. I haven't had anything from Abysus since it was...” He then stops for a moment.

“Come on Fire,’ let's get something to eat.” Twilight said as they made their way to the saloon.

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

Back at where Iroh is training Zuko, Zuko tries the fire breath one more time, only to get another explosion. “Why can't I do it? Instead of fire breath it keeps blowing up in my face ... like everything always does.”

“I was afraid this might happen.” Iroh said. “You will not be able to completely master firebending until you have dealt with the turmoil inside you.”

“What turmoil?”

“Zuko, you must let go of your feelings of shame if you want your anger to go away.” Iroh lectured his nephew.

“But I don't feel any shame at all. I'm as proud as ever.” Zuko argued.

“Prince Zuko, pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame.” Iroh said to him.

“Well, my life has been nothing but humbling lately.” Zuko sadly said.

“I have another idea.” Iroh said, lifting Zuko’s spirits. “I will teach you a firebending move that even the Fire Avatar doesn't know. Because I made it up myself.” Iroh then gets a stick and give Zuko another lecture. “Fire is the element of power.” He then draws the firebending insignia in the dirt. “The people of the Fire Nation, the original firebending nation, have desire and will, and the energy to drive and achieve what they want. Earth is the element of substance.” He then draws the earthbending insignia. “The Earth Kingdom, now called Geo Firma, is diverse and strong. They are persistent and enduring. Air is the element of freedom.” Draws the airbending insignia. “The Air Nomads, now called the Tibetans, detached themselves from worldly concerns and found peace and freedom. Also, they apparently had pretty good senses of humor! Water is the element of change.” Draws the waterbending insignia. “The people of the Water Tribe, now called Pegasus City, are capable of adapting to many things. They have a deep sense of community and love that holds them together through anything. Lightning is the element of ferocity.” He then draws the lightningbending symbol. “The Lightning Warriors are strong and ferocious, being able to conquer all that stood in there way. The sixth element is the element of life. Not much is known about that one.” Iroh said as he draws a small circle in the center of the drawing.

“Why are you telling me these things?” Zuko asked.

“It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements, and the other nations will help you become whole.” Iroh explained.

“All this six elements talk is sounding like Avatar stuff.” Zuko said.

“It is the combination of the six elements in one pony that makes the Avatar so powerful. But it can make you more powerful, too. You see the technique I'm about to teach you is one I learned by studying the waterbenders.” Iroh said. “I learned from an old Waterbending scrolls that Waterbenders deal with the flow of energy. A waterbender lets their defense become their offense, turning their opponents' energy against them. I learned a way to do this with lightning.”

“You can teach me to redirect lightning? How is that possible.”

“You see, Prince Zuko, all the elements of Nature have their own strengths and weaknesses against each other. Fire is effective against lightning. If you let the energy in your own body flow, the lightning will follow it. You must create a pathway from your hoof-tips, up your leg through your shoulder, and down into your stomach. The stomach is the source of energy in your body. It is the sea of chi. Only my chi is more like a vast ocean. From the stomach, you direct it up again, and out the other leg. The stomach detour is critical. You must not let the lightning pass through your heart, or the damage could be deadly. You may wish to try a physical motion, to get a feel for the pathways' flow, like this." Iroh then does the technique. "Now, are you focusing your energy? Can you feel your own chi flowing in? Down, up, and out?”

“I think so.” Zuko said as they continue to practice.

“Come on, you've got to feel the flow.” They than practice the motion for a few minutes. “Excellent! You've got it!”

“Great, I'm ready to try it with real lightning!” Zuko said excitedly.

“What, are you crazy? Lightning is very dangerous!” Iroh said as they stop.

“I thought that was the point! You teaching me to protect myself from it! From a Fire Nation Lightning Gun like the one Azula has.”

“Gah! But I'm not a Pegasus, or a lightningbender, I can’t shoot real lightning at you! If you're lucky, you will never have to use this technique at all!” Iroh said.

“Well, if you won't help me, I'll find my own lightning.” He then leaves to find a storm in the forest.

“Zuko! Wait!” Iroh follows closely behind.

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

The group enter the saloon, but they see that everyone inside is not exactly pleasant. “I can’t say for certain, but I think they might of notice us.” Pinkie said to the gang.

“Yay, think.” Scootaloo said to her.

Fire’ then takes a set at the bar. “Welcome to Sanctuary, ponies. What can I get yay?” The chef asked.

“Give us a bowl each please.” Fire’ said as he and the others sat down.

“All right,” The chef said as he got a bowl. He then places it on the bar, “Heres one.” He slides it down to Scootaloo, but she doesn't catch it in time and it hits a Pegasus stallion with a light blue mane and tail that's stilled like a Jamaicans, a navy blue coat, and a lighting bolt for a cutie mark. He is also wearing a light blue leather beret, along with a black leather jacket.

“Oh,” Scootaloo then gets a napkin and heads for the Pegasus and begins to wipe the mess up from her bowl. “I’m so sorry. It wasn't my fault.” She then notices that he has nun-chucks with lighting bolts on each handle that end with lighting blue gems.

“Wrong move, filly.” He said in a Jamaican accent. He then turns around to see the filly that got noodle sauce on his jacket.

“Yikes, he has nun-chucks!” Scootaloo said to the others.

“Who the hay are you?” Applejack said to him.

“The names Blitz. You lot must be new to the Lowlands. If you're gonna put your hoofs on somepony hear, you better be sure you can kick their flank first.”

“I don’t think that's gonna be a problem.”

Blitz then gets up. “I’m gonna do you and your little friends a favor, Red. I’m gonna let you lot walk out of here while you still can.”

“Hey, who are you calling little?” Rainbow said to him.

“Come on you two, we don’t want no trouble.” The chef said to them.

“I wouldn't do that, Rainbow.” Applejack said to her.

“So you think your pretty tough, don’t you.” Rainbow said to Blitz.

“Princess, around here there's only two ways to be; tough or toast.”

“Princess? Oh that's it!” Rainbow then throws a punch, but Blitz caches it with a kung-fu move and twists her leg around her back.

“You aught to put a leash on your cat.” Blitz said as Rainbow struggles to get free.

“Take your hoofs off my friend, now!” Fire’ said to him as he draws out his sword.

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

Outside, Hexe and some other changelings are watching whats going on. “Now, why would the wielders of the Elements of Harmony be in a place like this? Come, we need to disguise ourselves if we want to have our revenge.” She then turns into a younger version of Granny Smith, only a Unicorn with a red mane and tail and a harmonium for a cutie mark.

“Are you sure you can handle this, Hexe.” One of the other changelings said to her.

“I’m sure. I know what my place is now. Now hurry up and change!” The others soon change as well. They then head down, trying their best to stay hidden and fit in place.

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

On the street, Blitz and Fire’ are at opposite sides of the street. Terra makes a ring around the two. “Hear are the rules. The are no rules.”

“That doesn't make any sense, Blitz. How are there rules if there aren't any?”

“I’m not the one who made this challenge, mate.”

Twilight is the referee, she's the one who decides if someone cheats. She has a nerves look on her face. "What has he gotten into this time?" She thought to herself. “OK. Draw.” At that, Blitz pulls out his nun-chucks while Firebrand pulls out his sword.

“Hay, Princess. You excited about watching me mope the floor with your friend?”

“Stop calling me that!” Rainbow yelled at him. But before the two could fight, Die makes her move. She sneaks up on Twilight and flies away with her.

“TWILIGHT!” Shining, Firebrand, Candace, and Rainbow yelled.

“Guys?” Twilight said to them as some drone hold her hostage.

“If you want her back, meet me at the old quarry, with the Elements of Harmony.” Hexe said as her changelings leave with Twilight. “Otherwise, she will become Queen Chrysalis’s personnel snack.” She then disappears in a puff of green smoke.

“Does stuff like that happen to you lot often?”

“Pretty much, Blitz.” Rarity said to him.

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

At New York, Celestia and Luna are discussing about what has happened over the past year. “First, Firebrand goes to the Spirit World. Second, Agua waterbends the entire sea at the North Pole. Third, Terra, along with Fire,' and Agua become pure forms of their respective 3 elements. Whats next?” Luna said to her sister. Suddenly, a messenger from the Lowlands arrives with a letter.

“Telegram for Princess Celestia.” The pegasus colt said as he gave it to Celestia.

When the colt leaves, Celestia opens the letter and reads out loud. “Dear Princess Celestia, we have a situation. My sister, Twilight, has been kidnaped by some changelings. They want us to come to a quarry in the lowlands with the Elements of Harmony, otherwise, she will become Queen Chrysalis’s personnel snack, according to them. Please come to the Lowlands as soon as possible. Singe, Shining Armor.” Celestia and Luna are shocked at what they just heard.

“Sister, we need to go to the Lowlands with the Elements, otherwise, we may never see Twilight again.”

“I know, Luna. We need to go now.”

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

At Sanctuary City, Shining and Fire’ are pacing. “Calm down you two,” Cadence said as she tried to comfort them, “both of my aunts will be here soon. We’ll come up with something.”

“Who is this ‘Chrysalis’ anyway?”

“She's the queen of the changelings, Blitz.”

“Oh. Now I see why you're so worried now Shining.” Just then, Princess Celestia and Luna arrive with the Elements of Harmony.

“Celestia! Luna! Are we glade to see you.”

“Likewise, Rainbow. Now tell me, where did the changelings took Twilight to.”

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

Meanwhile, Zuko has tracked down a storm, seeking lightning. “You've always thrown everything you could at me! Well, I can take it, and now I can give it back! COME ON! STRIKE ME! YOU'VE NEVER HELD BACK BEFORE!” No lightning strikes. Tears stream down Zuko's face, he then yells at the top of his lungs.

Iroh then walks up to him and places a reassuring hoof on his shoulder. “You’ll use it someday, I’m sure.” Iroh said. “You really shouldn't scream like that. You could overload your vocal cords.”

“Thanks uncle.” Zuko said as he gets up. “What now?”

“We head to that village that you accidentally found.” Iroh said as he points to a small. A few minutes later, he and Zuko enter the Misty Palms Oasis (the towns watering hole) and take a set.

Zuko then takes a good look around. “No one here is going to help us. These ponies just look like filthy wanderers.”

“So do we.” Iroh said. He then points at something behind Zuko. “Ah, this is interesting. I think I found our friend.”

Zuko turns around and sees Iroh is pointing at, an old Pegasus stallion sitting at a table that has a game that looks like a combination of Go, Chinese Checkers, Straight checkers, and Xiangqi. “Zuko turns around to see where Iroh is pointing at, the camera pans over his shoulder to reveal an old man sitting at a Pai Sho table.”

“I don't think this is a gamble.” Iroh said as he gets up and walks over. Zuko soon follows. “May I have this game?”

The Pegasus gestures Iroh to sit down “The guest has the first move.” Iroh sits down and takes out a tile thats like his cutie mark and places it in the center of the board. “I see you favor the white lotus gambit. Not many still cling to the ancient ways.” The Pegasus said as he cups his hoofs toward Iroh.

“Those who do can always find a friend.” Iroh said as he copies the gesture of the old stallion, also cupping his hoofs toward him.

“Then let us play.” The Pegasus said as he places a tile on the board, quickly followed by a tile placed by Iroh. Seemingly without even looking at what the other pony is doing, the two stallions quickly place their tiles on the board. Zuko sits down and watches intently as the two stallions place one tile after the other. When they are done, their tiles form the shape of a lotus flower. “Welcome, brother. The White Lotus opens wide to those who know her secrets.” The Pegasus said.

“What are you old gasbags talking about?” Zuko asked.

“I always tried to tell you that Pai Sho is more than just a game.” Iroh said as the Pegasus takes them to another building in the village, a flower shop.

“It is an honor to welcome such a high-ranking member of the Order of the White Lotus. Being a Grand Master, you must know so many secrets.” The Pegasus said.

“Now that you played Pai Sho, are you going to do some flower arranging, or is this club going to offer some real help?” An annoyed Zuko said.

“You must forgive my nephew. He is not an initiate and has little appreciation for the cryptic arts.” Iroh said as the Pegasus Pai Sho player leads Iroh toward a door with a peephole in it. He knocks two times. A mare slides open a small window in the door and peeks through.

“Who knocks at the guarded gate?” She asked.

“One who has eaten the fruit and tasted its mysteries.” Iroh answered. Iroh then smiles as the door opens to let him and the Pegasus Pai Sho player through. But when Zuko attempts to follow them, the door slams shut in front of him. He looks at the door with a pout when Iroh opens the small window. “I'm afraid it's members only. Wait out here.” An annoyed Zuko then frowns and crosses his legs when he rests against a nearby table. He then leans over to sniff the plant on the table.

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

At the quarry, Twilight is being held by ropes on a lamppost. Changelings are around her, making sure she doesn't try anything. “You won’t get away with this.” She said to Hexe.

“No? We will soon. Once they bring the Elements hear, my little trap will make sure that they won’t be used again. And once that's done, Chrysalis will probably use your love for that Red Unicorn to regain her strength.” Hexe said to Twilight.

“I do not love Fire’! Why does everyone keep saying that?”

“Yeah, right...” But before Hexe could finished, some fire nearly cuts her neck. She backs off, and the fire then goes around Twilight and frees her from her binds and carries her to the gang, who have the Elements of Harmony. “What?”

“I know you.” Celestia said. “Your Chrysalis personnel witch Hexe, aren't you.”

“Witch is such a strong word. I prefer, female warlock. Changelings, attack!” They do so, and a fight ensures. Twilight casts a spell that will make sure that the changelings won’t take the forms of her friends.

“These changelings are like ants at a picnic. Always a nuisance” Terra said.

“I hope you lot have a good dental plan, ‘cause with all the teeth I’m knocking out, you’ll need it.” Blitz said as he hit some changeling in the face with his nun-chucks.

“I wonder what happened to Hexe?”

“I bet she just went back to the changeling hive, AJ.” Rainbow said as she, Applejack, Cadence, and Shining are doing a back to back. After they finished their group of changelings, they narrowly avoid some lasers from Hexe.

“Surprise to see me?” Hexe said to them.

“I don’t like surprises!” Shining said.

“And I hate bugs!” Cadence said. She then fires a laser of her own, but Hexe jumps out-of-the-way and lands in front of them.

“Ha. That's all you got? Well, lend me your ears for the last song you will ever hear.” She then gets out her harmonium and pulls out a small blade.

“I don’t think so.” Applejack said to her. She and Rainbow then charge at her, but Die either avoids the attacks or blocks them. She knocks them back a little, and Scootaloo and Apple Bloom come to see if there all right, along with Cadence and Shining.

“Hears a tun with some edge.” Hexe said as she pulls out the upper part of her harmonium that has a large blade and runs for them. When she runs by, Rainbow, AJ, Cadence and Shining fall to the ground due to the shock of what just happened. “I must admit, it pains me to know that you 6 wont be around to hear my encore.” She then runs for them, but Blitz blocks it with his nun-chucks. As they have a stand off, Blitz builds an electric charge from his legs that knocks Hexe back. Blitz then goes to help them, starting with Rainbow.

“Your the Avatar of Lightning.” Rainbow said to him as he helps her up.

“I ... I guess so.” Blitz said as his hoofs get a lighting pattern on them, while some strands of his mane and tail turn navy blue. Hexe charges back at them, but Fire’ block it again with his sword and the two fight. After a few blows, Fire’ turns into is elemental from.

“I got news for you. Your concert is about to end.” He then does a blow that sends her a few feet. The others soon join Firebrand. Celestia then opens a box that has the Elements of Harmony in them and gives them to their respective wielders.

“Time to turn you to stone.” Twilight said as she and her friend charge their attack and fire, the same way they did against Discord. But before it could hit her, Deker jumps in the way, pulls out his Uramasa, and slices the attack in half.

“Huh?” Scootaloo said in disbelief.

“Whoa.” Agua said.

“Who's that?” Shining said.

Deker then releases his stance and points his sword at Firebrand. “Avatar of Fire, you shall be my sword Uramasa’s greatest challenge.”

“What the hay does that mean?” Applejack said to him.

“Deker, you came to save me?” Hexe asked him.

“Not quit.”

“What?”

“Fire Avatar, we will duel soon.” Fire’ then stares at him. “Until then...” Deker then grabs Hexe and jumps to a nearby cliff and they disappear.

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

At the village Zuko and Iroh are at, Zuko is asleep at the table when he wakes up by the squeaking of the door. Iroh steps through as Zuko takes on a defensive stance. “What's going on? Is the club meeting over?” Zuko asked.

“Everything is taken care of. We're heading to Ba Sing Se.” Iroh said as two White Lotus members step out.

“Ba Sing Se? Why would we go to the Geo Firma capital?” Zuko asked.

“The city is filled with refugees. No one will notice two more.” The Pegasus member said.

“We can hide in plain sight there. And it's the safest place in the world from the Fire Nation. Even I couldn't break through to the city.” Iroh said as he happily shrugs. They then hear a bell, which means that somepony has entered the shop. A young Unicorn colt than approaches the group, holding up some papers with his magic.

“I have the passports for our guests.” He said as he gives Zuko his ‘Lee’ passport, while he gives Iroh his ‘Mushi’ passport.

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

A few days later, back at New York, the gang, now accompanied by Blitz, arrive at the air port. “So, you lot are from Equestria?”

“Yeah, we are, Blitz. Well, some of us. Most of us. I forget.” Pinkie said to him.

“Say, Twilight, you all right.”

“I’m fine Shining, but I can’t shake the feeling that all of Die’s anger came from some past sadness.” As they board the plane, Fire’ wonders to himself about who saved Die.

“Hum. Who was that protecting Hexe?” He then remembers what Deker said to him. “Avatar of Fire, you shall be my sword Uramasa’s greatest challenge.” The plane then takes off into the sunset as they head for Equestria.

Chapter 7, Ba Sing Se

The Elements of Nature
Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)
Chapter 7, Ba Sing Se

The group finally make it to the outer limits of Ba Sing Se on their chariot, and they are excited. “We're getting closer!”

Rainbow Dash then said, “I can hardly wait!”

“I'm so excited, I ... I feel like shouting! Woo hoo!” Fluttershy said, thou she shouted in her usually quiet way.

“Whooowee! Ba Sing Se, here we come!” Applejack yelled.

“Oh, I do hope I look festive enough!” Rarity said as she has a giant Chinese like hat on that's decorated with green gems.

Pinkie then pops out of it. “There it is! Ba Sing Se!

“Oooh...” They all said as they see the outer wall that is 100 meters tall. But Fire’ isn't enjoying the sight of the wall.

Twilight is the first to notice. “Whats wrong Fire’?”

“That. That's whats wrong.” He then points to a giant cigar shape object a few miles away. It's a giant drill at least a mile or two in length.

“That thing is huge!”

“What is that thin’?” Applejack asked.

“It looks like a giant drill.” Twilight said.

“That thing can go throw the wall in no time I bet.” Blitz said.

“We need to get to the city fast.” Shining said to the pegasi who are flying the chariot they are in.

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

The drill in question is moving across the ground by several sections of the drill extend forward, releasing steam as spikes are driven into the ground. Inside are Princess Azula, her friends, Mai and Ty Lee, and War Minister Qin and several operators of the drill. He has a dark red coat and a light gray mane. His cutie mark is a pistol. “This drill is a feat of scientific ingenuity and raw destructive power. Once it tunnels through the wall, our troops will storm their city. The Earth Kingdom will finally fall and you can claim Ba Sing Se in the name of your father. Nothing can stop us.” Qin said to the Princess and her friends.

“Hmmm, what about those muscle-y guys down there?” Ty Lee said as she peers through a periscope at several Geo Firma troops using magic to create large trenches, Fire Nation forces following them in hot pursuit.

“Please. The drill's metal shell is impervious to any attack.”

“Oh, I'm sure it is, War Minister Qin, but just to be on the safe side ... Mai and Ty Lee, take the enemy unicorns out!”

Mai, who is sitting in a chair, swings a knife around her hoof. “Finally, something to do.” She then heads out with Ty Lee.

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

The group land on the wall and are stopped by a guard. “What are you ponies doing here? Civilians aren't allowed on the wall!”

“I'm the Avatar of Fire. My friends here are the Avatars of Water, Earth, and Lighting. Take us to whoever is in charge.” At a portion of the Outer Wall where a roof rises overhead, supported by tall arches, an Geo Firma general sits behind a desk.

“It is an honor to welcome you to the Outer Wall, young Avatars, but your help is not needed.”

“Not needed?” Blitz said in disbelief.

“Not needed. I have the situation under control. I assure you the Fire Nation cannot penetrate this wall. Many have tried to break through it, but none have succeeded.”

“What about the Fire Nation general Iroh? He got in.” Terra said to him.

“Well ... uh, technically yes, but he was quickly expunged. Nevertheless, that is why the city is named Ba Sing Se. It's the ‘impenetrable city.’ They don't call it Na Sing Se. Ha ha ha. That means ‘penetrable city.’”

“Yeah, thanks for the tour, but we still got the drill problem.” Rainbow said to him.

“Not for long. To stop it, I've sent an elite platoon of unicorns called the Earth Team.”

“That's a good group name. Very catchy.” Pinkie said to him.

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

The Earth Team is launching their assault on the Fire Nation drill. They manage to overthrow one tank and get closer to the drill. “Ready ... attack!” The team leader yelled out as he and the others wedge large earth spikes into the metal shell of the drill to halt it. However, the drill's segments separate, reducing the columns to crumbles. The Earth Team narrowly manages to conjure up shields to defend themselves against an assault of flying daggers hurled by Mai. She and Ty Lee are sliding down the shell of the drill. Ty Lee lands gracefully onto the ground and effortlessly manages to defeat the unicorns through an acrobatic display, using chi-blocking.

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

“We're doomed!” The general said as he began to fail his front legs in panic.

Shining then slaps him.“Get a hold of yourself, colt!”

“You're right. I'm sorry.”

“Maybe you would like the 4 Avatar's help now?” Twilight said to him.

“Yes, please.” The general said to them. Fire’ is looking at the drill. “The question is, how are we going to stop that thing?” Twilight said as she and the others turn to Shining.

“Why are you all looking at me?”

“You're the idea guy.” Fire’ said to him.

“So I'm the only one who can ever come up with a plan? That's a lot of pressure.”

“And also the complaining guy.” Twilight remarked.

“Very funny.”

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

At the entrance to Ba Sing Se from where the ferries take the refugees, a ticket mare is inspecting Zuko and Iroh’s tickets.

“So, Mr. Lee and Mr. ummm ... Mushy, is it?” She said.

“It's pronounced Mushi.”

“You telling me how to do my job?”

“Uh, no, no, no. But may I say you're like a flower in bloom. Your beauty is intoxicating.”

“You're pretty easy on the eyes yourself, handsome. Raorr! Welcome to Ba Sing Se.”

Zuko is disgusted by what he just saw. “I'm going to forget I saw that.” He then grabs his ticket and leaves. Jet is watching Zuko who’s using the alias Lee.

“I think Lee would make a good Freedom Fighter. He's just trying to find his way in the world, like us.” Jet said to Smellerbee and Longshot.

“You don't know anything about him, Jet.”

“I know he didn't get that scar from a pegasus.”

“Besides, I thought we were going straight now.”

“We are and the new Freedom Fighters could use a guy like Lee. What do think, Longshot?” Longshot only looks over at him silently, with a meaningful look on his face. “I can respect that.”

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

Meanwhile, back at the Outer Wall, Agua attempts to heal a member of the Earth Team. “What's wrong with him? He doesn't look injured.” The general asked.

Agua then stops. “His chi is blocked. Who did this to you?”

“Two mares ambushed us. One of them hit me with a bunch of quick jabs and suddenly I couldn't use my magic anymore and I could barely move. Then she cartwheeled away.”

Twilights eyes widen in realization. “Ty Lee. She doesn't look dangerous, but she knows the pony body and its weak points. It's like she takes you down from the inside.”

“Thats it!” Shining said excitedly.

“Whats it?”

“What you just said! That's how we're going to take down the drill! The same way Ty Lee took down all those big unicorns!”

“By hitting its pressure points!” Terra said.

Fire’ then looks out over the wall with a determined look at the drill. “We'll take it down from the inside.”

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

On the ground in front of the Fire Nation drill, Terra, Agua, Firebrand, and Blitz are waiting in a trench. “Once I whip up some cover, you're not going to be able to see so stay close to me.” Terra said to them. She steps outside the trench and with a powerful stomp of her foot, sends a mass of flying debris clouding toward the drill. “Run!” Terra yelled as the group race into the dust cloud behind Terra.

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

At the command module where Ty Lee is peering at the cloud through the periscope.

“Hey, look at that dust cloud. It's so ... poofy.” She then looks away from the periscope. “Poof.”

“Don't worry, Princess. I'm sure it's nothing.” Qin said to her, while she casts his a doubtful look.

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

Back outside, the group is standing in the midst of the dust beside the drill. Terra earthbends a hole in the ground. “Everyone into the hole!” They then jump into the hole.

“It's so dark down here, I can't see a thing.” Blitz said.

“Oh no, what a nightmare!” Terra sarcastically said.

“Sorry.”

They make their way to the surface underneath the drill where Fire’ spots an opening. “There!”

Agua then flies up to the a bar hanging from the opening and, dangling upside-down from her legs. She then hoists Fire’ while Blitz flies into the drill. They realizes Terra is not following them. Blitz sticks his head out of the drill. “Terra, come on!”

“No way am I going in that metal monster. I can't bend in there. I'll try to slow it down out here.”

“Okay, good luck!” The two then disappear. Outside, Terra earthbends a wedge of rock into the drill, however, it is proving to be a difficult task. Inside the drill, where Fire’ is leading the others through a tunnel of valves and pipes. “Were gonna need a plan of this machine. Some schematics that show what the inside looks like. Then we can find its weak points.”

“Where are we going to get something like that?” Blitz asked. He then sees that Fire’ unexpectedly cuts off a steam valve with his sword. “What are you doing? Somepony's going to hear us!”

“That's the point. I figure a machine this big needs engineers to run it. And when something breaks...”

“They come to fix it!” Agua finished. Moments later, an engineer wearing a mask is seen walking down the misty hallway to the site of the damage. Blitz appears behind him.

“Hi, mate.” He then places his hoof and electrocutes the engineer, knocking him unconscious. Fire’ then runs up and opens the engineers saddlebag. He opens it and finds the schematics.

“This'll work. Thanks!” The trio then run off, but not before they tie the engineer upside down.

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

On the wall, Twilight is starting to get worried. A million thoughts have gone though her head about why Firebrand and the others are taking so long. “Are they all right? Is he all right? Did they get captured? Are they dead?” Twilight then rationalizes herself for a moment. “I’m sure Firebrand is fine...uh I mean they're all fine, I mean.”

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

Back in the drill, Firebrand, Agua, and Blitz are studying the schematics they stole. “It looks like the drill is made up of two main structures. There's the inner mechanism where we are now and the outer shell. The inner part and the outer part are connected by these braces. If we cut through them, the entire thing will collapse.”

Agua and Blitz nod in agreement.

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

At s train station where Zuko, Iroh and the three Freedom Fighters are waiting for their train. Zuko and Iroh who sit in the waiting area. Jet approaches and sits next to Zuko. “So, you guys got plans once you're inside the city?” He asked, but before either could answer, a cart comes up, selling tea.

“Get your hot tea here! Finest tea in Ba Sing Se!”

“Ooh! Jasmine please.” Iroh said as he waves a hoof. The tea seller pours tea into a cup for Iroh. Iroh sips the tea, but soon grimaces at its repulsive taste. “Blaugh! Ugh, coldest tea in Ba Sing Se is more like it! What a disgrace!”

“Hey, can I talk to you for a second, Lee.” He then motions for Zuko to follow him. Zuko sighs and reluctantly rises. The two walk several feet away from Iroh's spot. “You and I have a better chance of making it in the city if we stick together. You want to join the Freedom Fighters?”

“Thanks, but I don't think you want me in your gang.”

“Come on, we made a great team looting that captain's food. Think of all the good we could do for these refugees.”

Zuko then walks away. “I said no.”

“Have it your way.” Jet said, but he then catches sight of Iroh sipping hot tea, causing his eyes to widen in shock and realization. Zuko, approaching Iroh, glances over his shoulder at Jet who narrows his eyes and walks away. Angrily, he knocks the tea cup out of Iroh's hoof.

“Hey!”

“What are you doing firebending your tea? For a wise, old stallion that's a pretty stupid move!”

“I know you're not supposed to cry over spilled tea, but ...” He the sniffs, “It's just so sad!”

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

Inside the drill, Fire’ is leading the others through a door onto a massive steel beam. “Wow, it looks a lot thicker in person than it does in the plans. We're going to have to work pretty hard to cut through that.” Blitz said.

“What's this ‘we’ stuff? I have to do all the work.” Agua said to him.

“Look, Agua. Out of all of us, you're the only one who can control water. All you have to do is cut through this beam while me and Blitz keep any curious Fire Nation ponies from seeing what were doing. Together, we're Team Avatar!” Agua then glares at the two before giving in. She then begins to use her waterbending to slice through the metal sharply. When the brace is sliced halfway through, she nearly collapses from exhaustion.

“Come on Agua. You’re almost there.” She then resumes her work slicing the brace. With every lash of the water whip, the cut through the brace enlarges and Blitz grows increasingly eager. At last, a cut is made clean through the brace, however, to their disappointment, the brace budges mere inches from its position.

Agua then begins to pant due to exhaustion. “At this rate, we won't do enough damage before the drill reaches the wall. I don't know how many more of those I have in me.” The suddenly, the drill creaks.

“Do you hear that? We took it down! We better get out of here fast!” Blitz said as he makes a run for the door. But they halt upon hearing an announcement being made through overhead speaking tubes.

“Congratulations, crew. The drill has reached the wall of Ba Sing Se.”

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

“Start the countdown to victory!” Qin said in the command module. Cheers erupt from the crew. Azula has a threatening look of determination on her face.

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

Firebrand, Agua and Blitz look at each other in shock and dismay as the drill begins hammering through the wall, sending loose boulders in every direction. One of the streams of a saturated rock and water solution traveling through tubes and making its way through the back entrance of the drill in the room the group is in. Blitz begins to desperately attempt to move the brace. “C'mon brace ... budge!”

“This is bad, really bad.” Fire’ said.

“I’ve been putting everything I've got into busting these braces, but it's taking too long!”

“Maybe we don't need to cut all the way through.” Fire’ began as he remembers something his father taught him. “My father taught me that you shouldn't give one hundred percent of your energy into any one strike. Blitz, take a fighting stance. You've got to be quick and accurate. Hit a series of points and break your opponent's stance.” He the strikes Blitz several times. “And when he's reeling back, you deliver the final blow.” Fire’ then hits him softly on the head. “His own weight becomes his downfall, literally.”

“So we just need to weaken the braces, instead of cutting all the way through.” Agua said.

“Then I'll go tell Rainbow to deliver the final blow.”

“And boom! It all comes crashing down!” Blitz finished.

“Everypony inside that wall, the world, is counting on us.”

“The whole world minus the Fire Nation that is, Agua.” Blitz said to her.

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

Meanwhile under the drill, Terra is putting all her strength into keeping a rock column stable as she is slowly pushed back by the force of the drill. “C'mon, guys, hurry up!”

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

Inside, Agua is making rapid progress, slicing through several braces halfway to weaken them, this time with Fire's help, who's heated his sword so he can cut the steel with ease. “That's enough! We need to get to the next one!” Blitz said to the two.

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

Outside on the wall, guards are sending boulders down at the drill from the wall. “They sure are taking their time.”

“Don’t worry, Twilight. I’m sure Agua, Blitz, Terra, and your boyfriend can stop that thing.”

“Rainbow! Firebrand is not my boyfriend!”

“Not yet.” Rainbow quietly said to Applejack. The two soon giggle.

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

At the command module, the war minister receives shocking news from engineers communicating through speaking tubes. “War Minister, an engineer was ambushed! His schematics were stolen!”

“War Minister, a brace on the starboard side has been cut clean through! It's sabotage, sir!” Another engineer said.

“Let's go, mares!” Azula said to Mai and Ty Lee.

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

The trio continue to slice through the braces. “Good work, Team Avatar!” Blitz said. “Now we just need to...” He then glances up in horror, “...duck!” He ducks just in time to evade a fire blast sent his way by Azula who runs out and stands on another brace followed by her friends.

“Wow, Azula, you were right! It is the Avatars!” She then smiles flirtatiously at Firebrand and notices Blitz. “...and friends.” Fire’ then shivers in horror. Ty Lee swings herself forward toward Fire’ who quickly turns into fire and she passes throw him. The trio escape and race through the drill's hallways. They soon come to an intersection.

“Guys, get out of here. I know what I need to do.” Fire’ said to the pegasi.

Azula and her team reach the intersection. “Follow them! The Fire Avatar's mine!” Mai and Ty Lee begin chasing Agua and Blitz while Azula chases after Firebrand. Meanwhile, the Avatars of Water and Lighting have arrived at the end of the hallway where there is a closed hatch. Blitz tries to open the hatch, while Agua reads sign nearby.

“Slurry pipeline? What does that mean?”

“It's rock and water mixed together. It means our way out!” Blitz said as he opens the hatch which leads to a canal channeling slurry.

The two begin descending into the pipe when Mai and Ty Lee arrive. They manage to escape into the canal just as a flurry of daggers is sent their way. Mai and Ty Lee run over and peer into the pipeline. “Ugh, disgusting!”

“C'mon! You heard Azula, Mai. We have to follow them!”

“She can shoot all the bullets she wants at me. I'm not going in that wall sludge juice.”

Ty Lee leaps through the pipeline into the slurry. Mai shudders and closes the hatch. Meanwhile, Fire’ races past several engineers through the drill. At the rear of the drill where a flood of slurry is continually being released, Agua and Blitz slide through the slurry onto the ground with Ty Lee following them in hot pursuit. Agua uses waterbending to stop the flow of slurry and plug up the back entrance of the drill, thus trapping Ty Lee.

“Why don't you try blocking my chi now, circus freak?”

“Agua, keep that up. The pressure will build up in the drill. Then when Rainbow delivers the final blow, it'll be ready to pop!”

On top of the drill, Firebrand finally makes it to the top and stops. “This looks like a good spot as any.” He then looks up to find boulders being hurtled down the wall, nearly crushing him. “General Sung, tell your soldiers to stop shooting rocks down here!”

“Soldiers, whatever you do, don't stop shooting rocks down there!” The soldiers nod and fire another round of rocks toward the drill. Fire’ leaps out-of-the-way of the oncoming boulders and begins slicing at the hull of the metal using his sword. Meanwhile, Agua continues to hold Ty Lee captive in the slurry.

“Good technique, sister! Keep it up! Don't forget to breathe!”

“You know, I'm just about sick and tired of you telling me what to do all day, Blitz! You're like a chattering monkey!”

“Just bend the slurry, woman!”

Frustrated, Agua bends a wave of slurry onto Blitz, knocking him down. Terra then shows up. “You guys need some help?”

“Terra, help me plug up this drain.”

The two cooperate with each other to bend the slurry, sending Ty Lee farther into the drill and causing the pipes to begin to expand under the pressure. Back at where Fire’ is at, he continues to slice the metal of the drill. “What I'd give to be a metalbender.” He then hears a gun clunk and jumps out-of-the-way just in time and sees Azula. He then assumes a fighting stance.

A battle ensues between the two. Azula shoots fire blasts at Fire’ who manages to block them using firebending. She continues the fire attacks only to have each one of her strikes deterred by fire whips. The two narrowly dodge the several boulders that are hurtled toward them at that moment. Fire’ turns into his elemental form and fires blue fire balls at Azula who manages to avoid them all. Azula sends a karate assault that slams Fire’ into the Outer Wall, leaving him unconscious.

The front of the drill has completely bored its way through the Outer Wall. Azula walks over to him and prepares to deal a deadly final strike, but Fire’ awakens and sends her skidding back using magic. A flood of slurry is released as the drill bores deeper into the wall, coating the two. Azula slides toward a helpless Firebrand, attempting to halt herself by windmilling only to collide with him. The force of the collision sends both sliding off the opposite sides of the drill. Azula is able to stop her descent by grinding her feet into the drill's side while Rainbow shows up and drags Fire’ up to the top.

“Thanks, Rainbow. I owe you one.”

“Hay, I never leave my friends hangin.’” They then run over to the wedge Fire’ sliced in the drill.

“Now all I need...” He then whispers something in Rainbow’s ear.

“Firebrand, your insane. But I like it.” She then flies up. “I can see why Twilight likes him.” She said to herself when she was out of earshot of both Firebrand and Twilight. When Rainbow reaches a good hight, she races down so fast, she causes a Sonic Rainboom. When she hits the spot Fire’ wants her to hit, the impact of the blow causes the sliced braces inside the drill to collapse and the pipes to burst, releasing a torrent of slurry. Slurry begins to seep from the drill. Agua and Terra are still doing their bending stances.

“Here it comes!” Terra said as she earthbends Agua, Blitz and herself onto a rock pillar. Slurry gushes out from the rear of the drill. Ty Lee slams into the rock wall as she is forcefully pushed by the flood. The drill begins to release steam and its segments begin to collapse. On the other side of the wall, the drill is seen coming to a halt.

On the top of the destroyed drill, Fire’ is covered in slurry, he then wipes it away near his face, a huge smile spread across his face, while Rainbow pops out. “I really need a shower now.”

Inside, War Minister Qin stares at the slurry from inside the command module, completely shocked. General Sung and the others on top of the Outer Wall, are covered in the muck. “Ah. My hair!”

“Not the time, Rarity.” Applejack said to her. Ty Lee attempts to clear away the mess. Azula is skidding down the drill, she is also covered in slurry. She lands by Ty Lee. A hatch opens, revealing Mai who is completely clean.

“We lost.” Mai said dryly.

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

At a train station, a conductor yells, “Last call for Ba Sing Se!” Jet is talking to his two companions.

“Jet, relax. So the old guy had some hot tea. Big deal.”

“He heated it himself! Those guys are Fire Nation!”

“How do you know? Maybe he got new tea.”

“I know what I saw! Theres no way he got a new tea because the tea pony already left. He had to used a small heater or a mini-flamethrower.”

“Calm down Jet.”

“I am calm! Look, all I'm saying is that the only ways I can possibly think of that he heated that tea cup is by a mini-flamethrower or a small heater. How many ponies do you know have either of those who are not from the Fire Nation?”

“Now I know why that mare left you when you lived in Canterlot 5 years ago.” Smellerbee said as she and Longshot soon board their train.

“You promised never to mention that.”

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

As an award for protecting Ba Sing Se, from the Fire Nation attack, the main six, the CMC, Shining, Cadence and the Avatars are allowed into the city. They are on a train heading for the city. “Look, the Inner Wall! Twilight said excitedly. “I can't believe we finally made it to Ba Sing Se in one piece.”

“Hey, don't jinx it! We can still be attacked by some giant exploding Fire Nation spoon. Or find out the city's been submerged in an ocean full of killer shrimp!” Rainbow said to her.

“Have you been hitting on cactus juice?” Terra said to Rainbow, knowing that cactus juice can make a pony go crazy.

“I'm just sayin,' weird stuff happens to us.” Right then, a mare that looks a lot like Derpy, sucking a corn plant in her mouth, takes a seat between Terra and Rainbow, startling them.

“I see what y’all mean, Rainbow.” Applejack said to her. The monorail than enters the Inner Wall. The entire group, except Terra, is seeing the giant city through the windows. The 14 notice that Ba Sing Se stretches almost as far as their eyes can see, and it has many roads and buildings. Their train enters the monorail station, stopping there, and they disembark. Terra then sighs.

“Back in the city. Great.”

“What's the problem? It's amazing!”

“It's just a bunch of walls and rules, Twilight. You wait, you'll get sick of it in a couple of days.”

The monorail then departs behind the team. On the other side of the tracks, there is a mare with long dark mane that billows in the wind and a yellow coat. She is wearing a dress so the group can’t see her cutie mark ... if she has one. She approaches them with a strange smile on her face, freaking the fillies out to the point they hide behind their respective sisters/idol.

“Hello, my name is Jo Dee! I've been given the great honor of showing the Avatars around Ba Sing Se. And you must be Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bella, Scootaloo, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence! Welcome to our wonderful city. Shall we get started?”

“Yes. We were sent here to see the King of Geo Firma. So if you wouldn't mind, would you take us there immediately.” Shining said to her.

“Great! Let's begin our tour. And then I'll show you to your new home here. I think you'll like it!”

“Ugh! Maybe you missed what my brother said. We need to talk to the king about the War, it's important.”

“You're in Ba Sing Se now. Everypony is safe here.” The group all have confused looks on their faces about Jo Dee's strange statement. Later the group is in the area of the city near the wall. An earth pony is pulling a carriage containing Jo Dee and Team Avatar through the streets. Many shops and refugees line the streets.

“This is the Lower Ring.” Jo Dee said to them, still smiling.

“What's that wall for?” Pinkie said as she pointed to the wall.

“Oh, Ba Sing Se has many walls! There are the ones outside protecting us, and the one's inside, that help keep order. This is where our newest arrivals live, as well as our craftworkers and artisans, ponies that work with their hoofs. It's so quaint and lively!” They then see two stallions conversing in an alley. One of them is holding a large sword that glistens in the light. Both of them glare at the carriage as it passes by. “You do want to watch your step, though.”

“Why do they have all these poor ponies blocked off in one part of the city?” Twilight said with a nervous look on her face.

“This is why I never came here before.” Fire’ said to them. “I've heard it was so different from the way the ponies taught us to live in Abysus.”

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

In another part of the Lower Ring, Zuko is walking down the street. Iroh catches up to him from behind, holding a large vase with several orange flowers placed in it. Zuko than stars coldly at the flora and Iroh. “I just want our place to look nice.” He then gives Zuko a nudge with the elbow. “In case somepony bought home a mare friend!”

“This city is a prison. I don't want to make a life here.”

“Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not. Now come on, I found us some new jobs, and we start this afternoon!” Behind the two, staying out of sight, Jet is staring at the two firebenders, thinking they are like all other Fire Nation ponies he meet.

“Just look at them, Fire Nation living right under everypony's nose.”

“Jet, you saw a stallion with a hot cup of tea. It doesn't prove he's Fire Nation. And what if he is, are we supposed to attack them? I thought we were starting over here, changing our ways.”

“We are, when I get the evidence I need, I'll report them to the police and let them handle it. Okay?”

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

Jo Dee is continuing the tour. At each of their stops, the group ask a question involving the king, but she always blows them off. “This is the Middle Ring, home to the financial district, shops and restaurants, and the university.”

“Yeah. School is alright, but we need to see the king right away!” Rainbow yelled at her.

“Isn't history fascinating? Look, here's one of the oldest towns in the Middle Ring, Town Hall!”

The carriage then stops as Jo Dee exits. “Is that mare deaf? She only seems to hear every other word we say.” Blitz said when Jo Dee was out of ear shot.

“It's called 'being handled.’ Get used to it.” Terra said to him.

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

In a small tea shop in the Lower Ring, Jet is leaning against the shop's wall. He turns around and peeks inside the window, spotting Zuko and Iroh speaking with the shop's owner. “Well, you certainly look like official tea servers. How do you feel?”

“Ridiculous.” Zuko said, annoyed. Both he and Iroh are wearing aprons. Iroh desperately attempts to tie the string behind his back, but his effort are in vain.

“Uh, does this possibly come in a larger size?”

“I have some extra string in the back. Have some tea while you wait.” The shop owner then pours some tea in two cups, hands it to his new employees, and heads to the shop. Iroh takes a sip from his cup, but his face contorts in disgust.

“Blech! This tea is nothing more than hot leaf juice!”

“Uncle, that's what all tea is.”

“How could a member of my own family say something so horrible?! We'll have to make some major changes around here.” Iroh takes the tea-pot and heads over to the window Jet is spying through. Jet gasps and moves away just in time as Iroh dumps the tea out the window. Jet slowly stalks around the corner of the shop and leaves.

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

The carriage in which Team Avatar is touring in, has now in the Upper Ring. “The Upper Ring is home to our most important citizens. Your house is not too far from here!” The carriage then passes by another wall with a tall gate. Behind it, the roof of an enormous building can be seen.

“What's inside that wall?” Twilight said as she and the others are being watched by three stallions standing in the gateway, wearing dark robes and wide-brimmed hats.

“And who're the mean looking guys in robes?” Rainbows said to Jo Dee, who is still smiling, still creepy.

“Inside is the Royal Palace. Those men are agents of the Dai Li, the cultural authority of Ba Sing Se. They are the guardians of all our traditions!”

“Can we see the king now?” Scootaloo said, both bored and annoyed.

“Oh, no, one doesn't just pop in at the Earth King!” They soon arrive at a small house. “Here we are! Your new home.” A messenger pegasus comes and gives Jo Dee a scroll. “More good news! Your request for an audience with the Earth King is being processed, and should be put through in about month. More quickly than usual!”

“A month?!” Rainbow said in disbelief.

“Six to eight weeks, actually.” Sining then notices a mare in the house across from them peeking through a window at them. Jo Dee then leaves them.

He then gestures for the others to follow him. “Hey, come with me.” Everypony follows Shining across the street. He then knocks on the front door. The same mare appears and opens the door, smiling at them.

“You're the Avatars! I heard you were in town. I'm Pong.”

“Nice to meet you, Pong.” Pinkie said while giving Pong the hoof shake of her life.

“So, Pong, what's goin' on with this city? Why is everypony so scared here to talk about the war?” Applejack asked the light green mare.

“War? Scared? What do you mean?” She said as she shifted her eyes back and forth.

“I can feel you shaking.” Terra said to her.

“Look, I'm just a minor government official.” She then looks left and right to confirm that no one is present except them. “I've waited three years to get this house. I don't want go get into trouble.”

“Get in trouble with who?” Fire’ asked her.

“Shh, listen, you can't mention the War here. And whatever you do, stay away from the Dai Li.” She then closes her door.

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

At some apartments, Jet is still spying on Zuko and Iroh, from a balcony in the shadows, hiding behind a clothesline in the apartment across their's. “Would you like a cup of tea?”

“We've been working in a tea shop all day! I'm sick of tea, Uncle!”

“Sick of tea?! That's like being sick of breathing!” Iroh then rummages through the cupboard beneath the counter, where he is standing. “Have you seen the spark rocks to heat up the water?”

“They're not there.” Jet whispered as he pulls out some emerald colored rocks. “You'll have to use a heater or a flamethrower, old colt.” He then sees Iroh going inside. “Where're you going?”

Iroh then comes back to the counter with some rock in his hands. “I borrowed our neighbors'. Such kind ponies.” He then strikes the rocks near a pile of twigs, below the teapot, and creates a flame. Jet ducks behind the clothesline and leaves.

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

The next morning, a blue jay is chirping, before coming down to Team Avatar's house. Fluttershy instantly makes friends with the bird. Twilight is coming out from the door, yawning. She takes a roll of papers on a mail slot attached to the wall, and reads it briefly, gasping with excitement, before running back inside. The others are all lounging around the upper part of the living room, and she runs to inform them about the information in the roll.

“I got it! I know how we're going to see the king of Geo Firma!”

“How do we do that? 'One doesn't just pop in on the king!'” Terra said, imitation Jo Dee.

“The king is having a party tonight for his pet bear. The palace will be packed. We can sneak in with the crowd!”

“Won't work.”

“Terra’s right. We all need perfect manners to sneak in.”

“Yeah. And, no offense to you simple country folk, except Rarity, Twilight, Sining and Cadence, but a real society crowd will spot you a mile away. You've got no manners!”

“Excuse me? We've got no manners?! You're not exactly ‘mare fancy hoofs!’”

“I learned proper society behavior and chose to leave it, AJ. You never learned anything. And frankly, it's a little too late.”

“Aha, but you and Rarity learned it! You could teach us!”

“Whoa there, Pinkie. Theres no way I’m gonna be like that.” A few minutes later, Rainbow is sitting at a table in a fancy dress while both her eyes and mane have all kinds of high-class pieces in them. “How did I let you talk me into this?”

“Not my fault, Rainbow.” Scootaloo said as she is wearing a dress with a lotus in her mane. In the main lobby, the boys are playing a game that's similar to rock, paper n sizers. Then the girls come in, wearing makeup, exquisite Geo Firma dresses, and holding a fans. Twilight and Cadence stare at the boys calmly before giving in to a fit of giggles. Fire’ blushes and stares dreamily at the site of the mares (mainly Twilight).

“Wow, you look beautiful.” Fire’ said to them. Twilight opens her mouth to reply to Fire’s compliment, but is stopped by Terra placing her fans in front of her mouth.

“Don't talk to the commoners, Twilight. First rule of society.” Terra said to her.

Twilight then turns to the boys. “We'll get in the party, and then find a way to let you in through the side gate.” Fire,’ Shining and Blitz watch as the girls leave the house.

“What did you mean when you said Twilight look beautiful?” Shining said when he was sure they were out of ear shot. Fire’ then blushes to the question.

“Ha ha ... How do you know I was talking to Twi? I could've been talking about the others.”

“Because I saw you stare at Twilight when you said that.” With that, Fire’ blushes so much that you can clearly see it despite his flame red coat.

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

Outside the tea shop where Iroh and Zuko are working, mare walks in through the door. Jet is still spying on the shop from an alley. Smellerbee and Longshot walk up behind him. “Jet, we need to talk.”

“What?! Oh great, it's you guys. Where have you been? I could use some help with surveillance here!”

“We've been talking, and we think you're becoming obsessed with this. It's not healthy.”

“Oh, really? You both think this?” Longshot then places his hoof on Smellerbee's shoulder in agreement with her statement.

“We both came here to make a fresh start. But you won't let this go. Even though there is no real proof!”

“Maybe if you help me!”

“Jet, you gotta stop this.”

“Maybe you've forgotten why we need to start over. Maybe you've forgotten about how the Fire Nation left us all homeless. How they wiped out all the people we loved. If you don't want to help me, I'll get the evidence on my own.” He goes toward the tea shop.

Inside, Iroh is pouring tea to a customer. “This is the best tea in the city!”

“The secret ingredient, is love.” He then waves a hoof through the steam coming from the teapot and walks toward the back of the shop where the owner is, while Zuko gives him a disgusted look.

The owner the turns to Iroh. “I think you're due for a raise.” Suddenly, the door is slammed open by Jet, and he goes inside.

“I'm tired of waiting!” He then points an accusing hoof at Iroh and Zuko. “These two men are Fire Nation!” Jet unsheathes his hook swords and prepares to fight. Iroh and Zuko quickly exchange a look, not knowing what to do. “I know they're Fire Nation, I saw the old man heating his tea!”

“He works in a tea shop.” A customer bleakly said.

“He's Fire Nation! I'm telling you!”

The customer then raises up along with a mare that's with him. “Drop your swords, boy. Nice and easy.”

Jet then turns to Zuko. “You'll have to defend yourself. Then everyone will know. Go ahead, show them what you can do.” Jet slowly walks toward Zuko and Iroh with his swords. Just as one of the customers is about to draw his swords, Zuko steps in front grabs them instead.

“You want a show?! I'll give you a show!” Zuko takes the officer's broadswords and enters a fighting stance. He then pulls a table in front of him with his foot and kicks it at Jet, who slices the table with his swords and jumps over it. As he lands, he swings both hook swords at the Fire Nation prince, who deflects the attack and jumps backward on to another table, which is sliced in half by Jet, swinging one sword through the middle of the table. Zuko steps onto one half of the table and balances on one foot. Jet continues his attack by cutting the legs on the half of the table Zuko is standing on. Zuko quickly jumps up, and as he lands, he swings both broadswords at Jet's feet, and Jet somersaults away and lands in a crouching position before charging forward at Zuko again. Zuko swings both of his swords at Jet. The two blades then collide.

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

At the Ba Sing Se palace, several high-class citizens are lined up and being admitted inside by a guard, who is checking the invitation of one group before letting them pass. Terra, the main six, Agua and the CMC are next in line and approach him.

“Invitation please.”

“I think this will do.” Terra said as she shows the guard her family seal, a golden seal with a flying boar.

“No entry without an invitation. Step out of line, please.”

“Look, the Pangs and the Yum Soon Hans are waiting in there for us! I'm going to have to tell them who didn't let me in.”

“Step out of line please.” As the guard points his hoof to the side, the group move out disappointed, when Rarity notices a carriage, from which Long Feng comes out, and two Dai Li agents bow to him. He has a green coat and a black mane. He also has an arrow for a cutie mark. Rarity then has an idea, and she, along with the others, go to the leader of the Dai Li.

“Sir, I'm sorry to bother you, but my cousin lost out invitations.” She then points to Terra and whispers, “She's blind.” She then turns to the Dai Li again. “Do you think you could help us? The rest of our very large family is inside and I'm sure they're very worried.”

“I am honored, please come with me.” Long Feng said as he walks toward the guard at the entrance with the group following him. The guard bows to him and they are allowed to go into the palace. As they are walking in, Rainbow and Applejack stick their tongues out at the guard while his back is turned. At the other side of the room they are in, at one end of the table is the Bosco eating a steak, his drool dripping of his chin. Seated to either side of him are two guests.

“He's taking all the good stuff!” The older guest said.

“Quiet! You don't know what I had to do to get seats this near the bear!”
Bosco then slightly hits the younger guest before pouncing onto the table and eating a large plate of meat in front of him.

The girls see this and Rarity nearly vomits. “It's beautiful, isn't it?” He then turns to the girls. “By the way, I'm Long Feng. I'm a cultural minister to the king.”

“I'm Kwa Mai, and this is ... Dung.” Rarity said as Sweetie frowns from being called Dung and pulls a string hanging from Rarity’s headdress, causing her pain. “Ow!”

“Now where is your family? I'd love to meet them.”

“Uh ... I don't see them right now, but I'm sure we'll find them soon.” Rainbow said as Rarity smiles.

“Thanks for all your help.” As the girls walk away, Long Feng appears in front of them.

“Don't worry, as your escort it would be dishonorable to abandon you ladies without finding your families first. We'll keep looking.” He turns around and leads the girls, while Twilight glances at Terra nervously. Outside the palace, Fire’ and Shining peek around the pedestal of a statue of a lion.

“Where are they?!” Fire’ said, both worried and nervous.

The two then duck behind the pedestal. “Look, I came up with a back up plan.” Blitz said to the two unicorns. They both then stare at him. “We dress me like a ghost, okay? I fly by the guards, creating a distraction. Then, we blast a hole in the wall.” Fire’ then stands up and looks over the pedestal, and points to some busboys, as Shining and Blitz stand up. The busboys are unloading supplies from a carriage and taking them inside.

“Or we could go in as these guys. Terra said we might pass as busboys!”

“Good idea, Fire.’”

“Okay..." Blitz said as he rolls his eyes. “But remember that me as a ghost plan. I think it's a winner.”

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

At the tea shop, Zuko bursts out through the door and tumbles onto the street. Jet runs after him and strikes at Zuko with both swords. Zuko defends the strike and both combatants lock swords. “You must be getting tired of using those swords. Why don't you go ahead and use you mini-flamethrower at me?”

Iroh then comes out the door. “Please, son, you're confused! You don't know what you're doing!”

Jet and Zuko are still fighting. Zuko swings at Jet, but Jet stops Zuko's broadsword with the ends of his hook swords, spins around and deflects it to the side. Zuko spins with his swords and tries to counterattack, but Jet hooks the ends of his swords together and begins to swing them at Zuko in large circular motions. Zuko retreats back a few steps to defend himself. “Bet you wish he'd help you out with a little fire blast now.”

As Jet swings at Zuko's feet, Zuko stabs one of his broad swords through the hilt, pinning it to the ground. Jet looks at it with annoyance before focusing back on Zuko. “You're the one who needs help.”

Both the combatants lose a sword, and continue fighting with only one. He turns in a circle and tries to swipe at Zuko, but Zuko quickly advances and swings his sword at Jet. Jet pulls his attack just in time to bend backward and avoid Zuko’s blade, cutting the straw sticking out of Jet's mouth in half. The scene replays, but the second time, zooms in on the straw. Jet regains balance, as jumps backward on to the edge of a well.

“You see that?! The Fire Nation is trying to silence me. It'll never happen.” Jet then begins to attack again, hooking his sword to the top of the well and sending a flying kick toward Zuko.

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

At the palace, Fire,’ Shining and Blitz are standing back to back, fully dressed as busboys, serving refreshments to the guests of the party. Fire’ begins pouring a drink while Blitz is serving food to people who pass by. “Where are the others?”

“Forget them, Shining! Just keep an eye out for the king.”

“We don’t even know what he looks like, Blitz.” Fire’ said to him.

“You know, royal, flowing robe, fancy jewelry.” Blitz said, only for them to realize that all the party guests fit Blitz's description. They are all adorned in fancy, flowing robes and headpieces, chatting and eating food.

“Well, that narrows it down to pretty much everyone!” Fire’ said. He then sees Terra walking up to the trio.

She then tries to speak in a fancy voice. “Another crab puff, please.” Shining levitates his tray to give her a puff.

“You found us!” Fire’ said to her.

“I'd know your little hoof steps anywhere, Flame Head.” Terra said as she casually eats the puff.

The other girls soon catch up, and Fire’ blushes when he sees Twilight, while Shining blushes when he sees Cadence.

“Thanks for letting us in!” Blitz sarcastically said.

“Sorry, but the guy who escorted us in won't let us out of his sight!” Cadence said.

“What guy?” Fire’ said when he sees that no pony is following them. Jo Dee then approaches the group, and is anxious to see them.

“What are you doing here? You have to leave immediately, or we will be in terrible trouble!” Jo Dee then tries to push Shining, but he blocks her with his tray.

“Not until we see the king.” Blitz said to the strange tour guide.

“You don't understand. You must go.” Jo Dee shoves Shining and Blitz on Firebrand, causing him to spill the water inside the pitcher he was carrying on a guest.

“Aarrrh! Oh!”

“Sorry. No, don't shout.” Fire’ uses his front hoof and firebends at the guest which evaporates the water without hurting her, but also turns her hair, clothes and makeup into a mess, leading Fire’ to smile sheepishly. The guest is briefly shocked, but smiles in amazement.

“The Avatar of Fire! I didn't know one of the Avatars would be here.” All the guests' attention is now focused on Firebrand. Jo Dee's large, happy smile quickly turns sour and is replaced by a frown and a look of dread. Fire’ looks around at the guests. Fire’ blushes and waves at the crowd, laughing nervously, as Blitz leans in toward Fire.’

“You keep their attention while me and Shining look for the king.” He whispered.

Fire’ nods yes and remembers his old stage show. “Watch this, everypony!” Fire’ then removes his busboy clothes and jumps on to the long dining table as Shining and Blitz walk off into the crowd. Fire’ swings his arms over the guests' drinks, firebending the flames off the candles. He jumps onto a pitcher and balances on top of it, while continuing to firebend. Fire’ brings the fire above his head and creates a swirling multicolored ball. The crowd cheers and claps at the spectacle. Bosco growls with delight at Fire's antics.

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

Back at the tea shop, Zuko and Jet are still fighting. Zuko growls as he swings his sword at Jet, who dodges the attack. He moves on to Zuko's side, and they end up back-to-back. Zuko and Jet attempt to strike the opponent behind them, but neither can get past the other's defense. Two Dai Li agents are walking toward the fight.

“Drop your weapons.” One of the Dai Le agents said.

Zuko and Jet step away and face each other. Zuko lowers his sword, as Jet points at Zuko and Iroh. “Arrest them, they're Fire Nation!”

“This poor boy is confused, we're just simple refugees.” Iroh calmly said to the Dai Le.

“This young stallion wrecked my tea shop, and assaulted my employees!”

“It's true sir, we saw the whole thing. This crazy kid attacked the finest tea maker in the city.”

Iroh then blushes due to the comment he received from the customer. “Oh, ho, ho. That's very sweet.”

The two Dai Li agents walk up to Jet, who looks at them angrily. “Come with us, son.”

Jet swings his hook sword at the unicorn agent, but he catches the sword with his magic. The guard then disarms Jet, and both guards pull the boy's arms behind his back, binding his wrists together using their magic. They drag Jet away toward a wagon designed for holding captured criminals. “You don't understand! They're Fire Nation! You have to believe me!” The crowd begins to disperse. On his knees, Jet looks up as the doors are shut. The ponies left in the street watch the wagon go away. Longshot and Smellerbee look on, hidden within the crowd, and silently walk out of sight.

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

Back at the palace, two lines of guards walk into the hall. Eight of them are carrying a curtained palanquin, with the King of Geo Firma sitting on the platform. The crowd as they marvels in the King's presence. Blitz and Shining sneak through the crowd and they attempt to get a better view of the king. The guards then place the palanquin down and face the guests. Blitz looks over at the others and points at the king. “Firebrand! The King of Geo Firma!”

Fire,’ who is entertaining Bosco, runs over to the king on the table he was on. “Greetings, your majesty.” Three guests pull their food and drinks off the table before Fire’ runs over them. Back at the procession of guards and the King of Geo Firma. The platform is carried off while a line of guards walk up to the long dining table. Shining and Blitz exit the crowd and try to follow the king, but two Dai Li agents grab them and begin leading him away, pulling their arms behind their back.

“Hey, let us go!” Shining barked at them. A Dai Li agent stepping out from a pillar in the hall throws his hoofs out, causing his steel gloves to fly forward.

Meanwhile, the girls are looking away, the gloves of the agent grab Terra and pull her backward, covering her mouth to keep her silent. A second later, another pair of gloves grab Twilight and pulls her back the same way as Terra, followed by Rainbow, Scootaloo, Sweetie, AB, AJ, Rarity, Cadence, Pinkie, Agua, and Fluttershy. Fire’ has reached the other end of the dining table, knocking over several dishes. Long Feng then walks up to Fire’ from behind the line of guards. “Avatar of FIre, it is a great honor to meet you.” He then bows before Firebrand.

“Who the hay are you?”

“I am Long Feng, Grand Secretariat of Ba Sing Se and head of the Dai Li. I'd like to talk to you. Your friends will be waiting for us in the library.” Long Feng then gestures for Fire’ to follow him, as he goes into the library. Fire’ hesitates for a moment before hopping off the table and following. At the library's large double doors shutting, Fire’ and the others are facing Long Feng, who is sitting in front of a hearth that illuminates the area with a green flame.

“Why won't you let us talk to the king!? We were sent here by Princess Celestia about defeating the Fire Nation!” Agua yelled at him.

“The King of Geo Firma has no time to get involved with political squabbles and the day-to-day minutia of military activities.”

“This could be the most important thing he's ever heard.” Twilight said to him.

“What's most important to his royal majesty is maintaining the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se. All his duties relate to issuing decrees on such matters. It's my job to oversea the rest of the city's resources, including the military.”

“So the king is just a figurehead.” Rainbow said to him.

“He's your puppet!” Terra angrily yelled at him.

“Oh, no, no. His majesty is an icon, a God to his ponies. He can't sully his hands with the hourly change of an endless war.”

“But Celestia...” Twilight began but was cut off by Long Feng.

“Enough, I don't want to hear your ridiculous plan. It is the strict policy of Ba Sing Se that the war not be mentioned within the walls. Constant news of an escalating war will throw the citizens of Ba Sing Se into a state of panic.”

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

The two Dai Li that arrested Jet are now dragging in into a dark room, making him sit on a stone chair. They bind his front legs down using steel rope. “You have to believe me, they're Fire Nation! They won’t stop until they win the War.”

One of the Dai Li agents (who's a unicorn) uses magic to clamp down on Jet’s skull, holding it in place. “Calm down, you're safe now.” He said. The agent stands in front of Jet, surrounded by a metal track. From behind him appears a small orange lantern attached to the track.

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

Back at the group and Long Feng. “Our economy would be ruined. Our peaceful way of life, our traditions would disappear.” He said to them.

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

The Dai Li agent holding Jet down says to him, “There's no war in Ba Sing Se.”

“What're you talking about? Where do you think all the refugees come from? You can't hide it!” Jet watches as the lamp continues passing by his face.

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

“In silencing talk of conflict, Ba Sing Se remains a peaceful, orderly utopia. One of the lasts ones on Earth.” Fire’ and his friends stare at Long Feng with a mix of shock and horror at this revelation.

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

A circle of stones covers Jet’s mouth, muffling his protests. The lamp passes by his eyes again. The Dai Li agent is standing within the circular track as the lamp revolves and begins saying the same thing to Jet repeatedly. “There is no war within the walls. Here we're safe. Here, we are free.” Jet's eyes widen and his protests become silent, and the brainwashing begins to affect him.

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

“You can't keep the truth from all these ponies. They have to know.” Cadence said to Long Feng.

Fire,’ Agua, Terra and Blitz then stand up, with Fire’ pointing at Long Feng. “We’ll tell them!” Fire’ said.

“We'll make sure everypony knows!” Agua finished.

“Until now, you've been treated as our honored guest. But from now on, you will be watched every moment by Dai Li agents. If you mention the war to anypony, you will be expelled from the city.” He then makes his leave. Now Jo Dee will show you to your home.”

Long Feng sits down at the front of the library, as Jo Dee opens the doors and walks toward the group. The group looks at her with surprises this time she's a unicorn instead of a earth pony. “Come with me, please.” Jo Dee said.

“What happened to Jo Dee?” Applejack asked.

“I am Jo Dee.” She then bows her head to them. “I'll be your host as long as you're in our wonderful city.” She then smiles cheerfully at the group in the same artificial way.

Chapter 8, Tales of Ba Sing Se

The Elements of Nature
Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)
Chapter 8, Tales of Ba Sing Se

The Tale of Agua, Terra, Cadence, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle

At Team Avatar's house, the group are getting ready for the day, with Fire,’ Shining, and Blitz shaving, and the mares (except Terra) combing their mane ore brushing their teeth (as in Rainbow’s case). Later, the mares go to check on Terra, who is still asleep. They open her door and that Terra is still asleep on her bed, her blanket sloppily lying over her and her mane is a mess. “Terra! Aren't you gonna get ready for the day?” Agua asked her sprite sister.

Terra then gets up, causing her messy mare fly around. She spits on a nearby vessel which spins upon impact. The mares are shock to see Terra’s bad morning manners as Terra gets to her hoofs and brushes a large amount of dust off her sleeping dress. “I'm ready”

“You're not gonna wash up, dear?” Rarity asked. “You've got a little dirt on your ... everywhere, actually.”

“You call it dirt, I call it a healthy coating of earth!” Terra responded.

“Hmm...” Twilight said while thinking. “You know what we need? A girl's day out!”

“Oh, that sounds wonderful!” Rarity and Agua said at the same time.

“I wouldn't mind.”

“Of course you wouldn't mind, Fluttershy.” Rainbow said to the shy Pegasus. “Count me in.”

“Me too.” Cadence said.

“Same here.” Applejack said. The CMC then node a yes as they look at Terra.

“Do I have to?!” Terra wined.

“It'll be fun!” Rarity said. "I know where we can go!"

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

Later, outside of a large building, Agua, Terra, Cadence, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle stand near the entrance as two mares in robes walk out and smile at each other. “The Fancy Mare Day Spa?” Rainbow asked, now regretting coming.

“Sounds like my kinda place.” Terra sarcastically said.

“Are you ready for some serious pampering?” Rarity asked the group.

She got mostly ‘OK’s from them, except from Rainbow and Terra. “I’m not so sure.” Rainbow said.

“Sure, Rarity, whatever you say. As long as they don't touch my hoofs.” Terra said as the twelve mares then walk inside

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

Inside the building, most of the mares are siting while smiling, having their hoofs scrubbed. But Terra’s dirt-filled hoofs are being hold down as the attendant tries to scrape the massive amounts of dirt off her hoofs, getting and angry face from Terra. Suddenly an explosion erupts from one of the doorways, due to which, the frame becomes crumpled. An attendant flies out and hits the opposite wall, Terra having earthbent out of annoyance.

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

Later, the mares are now taking mud baths. A unicorn attendant with a large pile of fresh towels walks over to Terra, who inhales air, and then exhales, earthbending the mud on her face, creating a scary appearance, which scares the attendant, who runs away. The group of mares and fillies laugh as the mud around Terra's mouth forms a large smile.

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

Later in a sauna, Terra kicks the ground, bending another rock from another pile, making it fly onto the pile of hot rocks. Agua, using waterbending, splashes the hot rocks with some water creating steam. All of them sigh in relief.

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

Later, outside the spa, Terra has a lot of make-up on her face while walking through the streets of Ba Sing Se, along with the other mares and fillies. “Well, that wasn't so bad. I'm not usually into that stuff but I actually feel ... girly.” Terra said.

“Me too.” Rainbow said.

“I'm glad. It's about time we did something fun together” Sweetie said as they’re crossing a bridge over a creek. As they do, they pass three mares going the other direction. “Wow, great make-up.” Are mare holding a umbrella said to Terra.

“Thanks.”

“For a clown!” The mare finished, causing the three mares to laugh. Terra's smile is replaced by a frown as they stop walking. Agua then puts her leg over Terra's shoulder, attempting to console her.

“Don't listen to them, let's just keep walking.” Agua said.

“I think she looks cute. Like that time we put a sweater on your pet poodle.” One of the mares said.

“Good one, Star.” The third mare said.

“Let’s go, girls.” Twilight angrily said.

“No, no, that was a good one.” Terra sarcastically said. “Like your poodle.” Terra then laughs. “You know what else is a good one?“ She earthbends the bridge, removing a circular part below which the three girls are standing, causing the girls to fall into the creek below.

“Now that was funny.” Agua said as she waterbends a wave that sweeps the girls away as they scream. Terra then walks away as the others run up to her.

“Those girls don't know what they're talking about.” Rarity said, clearly offended.

“It's okay.” Terra said to the group. “One of the good things about being blind, is I don't have to waste my time worrying about appearance. I don't care what I look like. I'm not looking for anyone's approval. I know who I am.” Terra then stops walking and cries a little bit.

“That's what I really admire about you, Terra.” Agua said to her spirit sister. “You're so strong, and confident, and self-assured. And I know it doesn't matter, but ... You're really pretty.”

“I am?” Terra asked with a smile.

“Yeah, you are.” Rainbow said when she lands.

“Yuper do!” Pinkie said.

“I'd return the compliments, but I have no idea what you gays look like.” Terra said, causing the group to laugh. “Thank you, Agua.”

Terra then punches Agua, showing the group her version of affection. “Ow!”

The Tale of Iroh, Firebrand, and Shining Armor

At a marketplace in Ba Sing Se, Shining and Fire’ are looking for something to eat for the night. “What do you think we should get?” Shining asked Fire.’

“I not su- Wait.” Fire’ said when he sees somepony familiar. “Isn't that Iroh?” Fire’ then points to Iroh, who goes toward a shop to buy a basket, and examines a basket kept.

“If this is for a romantic picnic, may I suggest this lavender one?” The shop owner said as he points to the basket in question as Fire’ and Shining walk up to Iroh.

“No, it's not a romantic picnic, but it is a special occasion.” Iroh said as he buys the basket. He then sees Firebrand and Shining Armor. “Why hello. Is there something you need to ask me?”

“Yeah, why are you in Ba Sing Se?” Fire’ asked.

“Thats a long story.” Iroh said to them. “I’ll explain on the way.” Iroh then begins to leave when he notices a vase that contains a moon flower. He slides the vase into the shade, which causes the flowers to bloom instantly. “The moon flower likes partial shade.”

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

Later, Iroh, Fire,’ and Shining are at another shop, with Iroh examining another it. The shop in question sells musical instruments. “So, you now refugees?” Shining said, getting a nod from Iroh. The sound of a crying foal then catches the three stallions attentions and they turn around and see a Pegasus colt sobbing in the middle of the street and his mother trying to console him.

“Shhh. It's okay. Shhh.” She said.

Iroh then takes an instrument from the shop, and starts singing, walking toward the colt. Iroh gets down on one knee near the boy as he begins to sing. “Leaves from the vine, falling so slow. Like fragile, tiny shells, drifting in the foam. Little soldier colt, come marching home. Brave soldier colt, comes marching home.” The colt's frown instantly turns to a smile as he reaches up and pulls Iroh's long beard, causing Iroh to groan while the boy laughs. Iroh then smiles and pats his beard. The colt's mother then takes her son by the hoof and leads him away as Iroh stands and looks at them with a smiling look on his face.

“Your a helpful pony, ya know that.” Shining said the old Earth Pony.

“Yep, I do.”

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

Later at a courtyard, Iroh, Fire,’ and Shining enter, the laters having decided to help Iroh with his errands. Four colts are in the courtyard, playing soccer. One of the colts hits kicks the ball. But the ball, instead of hitting the gaol, it heads into the direction Iroh is standing. He dodges the ball just in time, but the ball breaks through the window directly behind where he was. A crash and a loud voice can be heard from inside. “Hey!”

“It is usually best to admit mistakes when they occur, and seek to restore honor.” Iroh said to the colts.

“He’s got that right.” Fire’ said. Loud noises are heard and all seven of them look up, startled. At the window, a very large body and head become visible through the hole.

“When I'm through with you foals, the window won't be the only thing that's broken.” The big pony angrily said.

“But not this time.” Iroh said to the foals. “Run!” Iroh, FIre,’ Shining and the faols run away in all directions. Iroh is running down the marketplace street quickly. He hides in an alley, places the basket down, and he looks around the corner to see if he is being chased. He sees FIre’ and Shining and the three sit down.

“Give me all your money!” The three look down the ally and see a stallion with a knife, who has a very poor stance.

“What are you doing?” Fire’ asked in disbelief.

“I'm mugging you!” The stallion said.

“With that stance?” Iroh said, causing the stallion to look at his stance.

“Huh? What're you talking about? Just give me your money, you old fart!” The stallion said.

Iroh just shakes his head. “With a poor stance, you are unbalanced, and you can be easily knocked over.”

“Iroh, what are you doing?” Shining quietly asked.

Iroh then quickly grabs the leg of the mugger and disarms him, while pushing his attacker and knocking him to the ground. He smiles, while twirling the dagger in his hoof, and then helps the stallion, who's name is Tyco, to his feet. “With a solid stance, you are a much more serious threat.” Iroh demonstrates a proper stance, which Tyco attempts to imitate, but is still not assuming the correct form. Iroh walks over to him and holds his head still while he adjusts Tyco's stance. “Much better! But to tell you the truth, you do not look like the criminal type.”

“Yeah.” Fire’ remarked.

“I know. I'm...” Tyco then sighs. “I'm just confused.” Later, the four are drinking some tea with Tyco, discussing what he should do. “So you really think I could be a good masseur?” Tyco asked Iroh.

“Of course!” Iroh said as he pours some more tea.

“This is so great. No one has ever believed in me.” Tyco said to them.

“While it is always best to believe in one's self, a little help from others can be a great blessing.” Iroh said while smiling.

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

Later, Iroh, Firebrand, and Shining are walking to a tree on a hill within the city as the sun is setting. Leaves fall from the tree as Iroh approaches it. “You promise you won’t tell Zuko that I’m here.”

“I promise.” Iroh said as he places the basket he had bought earlier down and removes his hat. He then rests on his knees and piles some rocks at the tree's base.

“And thanks for helping us get something for tonight.” Shining added as Iroh removes several things from the basket and places them at the bottom of the tree, near to the pile of stones. “Whats the special accession anyway?”

“Today is my sons, Lu Ten, birthday.” Iroh said with great sadness as he pulls out a sheet of paper and looks at it for a few seconds, closing his eyes, before placing it down as well. Finally he pulls two incense sticks, and lights them with his hoofs by firebending. Iroh has made a small memorial for his deceased son, Lu Ten. “Happy birthday, my son. If only I could have helped you.”

“Ugh, Shining, let’s go.”

“Yeah. We’ll leave you alone.” Shining said as Iroh begins to sing, but in a voice that cracks due to him crying.

“Leaves from the vine, falling so slow. Like fragile, tiny shells, drifting in the foam. Little soldier colt, come marching home. Brave soldier colt, comes marching home.”

The Tale of Blitz

Blitz is walking down a candlelit street at night. Bored, he pulls his nun-chucks out, throws it into the sky, and catches it as it comes back down. He walks past a building and into the alley beside it, some colts who are having trouble keeping an lion in line, and by the windows of the building, but he then hears voices from inside. Intrigued, he turns and sticks his head inside the window. “What's this?” He asked when he sees the room is the 5-7-5 Society's classroom. There is a mare on the stage reciting her haiku to the rest of the them.

“Through all the long night, winter moon glows with bright love, sleet her silver tears.” The mare on the stage said.

“Aah, poetry.” Blitz said as the lion, who is still struggling with his handlers, kicks backward and hits Blitz in his flank, sending him through the window, and inside the room. The mares look at him and shriek, startled. “I am so sorry. Something struck me in the rear. I just ... wound up ... here.” Blitz said while collecting himself and removing the window frame.

The mares laugh, and clap at Blitz's unintended haiku. He first looks surprised, but then grins widely as their teacher, Macmu-Ling, gets up. “Five, seven, then five, syllables mark a haiku.” She then bows to Blitz. “Remarkable oaf.”

Blitz then thinks for a moment. “They call me Blitzle, that is in the USA. I am not an oaf.” The mares then laugh at his haiku.

“Chittering monkey, in the spring he climbs treetops, and thinks himself tall.” Macmu-Ling said while she narrows her eyes.

“Oooooh!”

“You think you're so smart, with your fancy little words, this is not so hard.” Blitz haiku.

“Oooooh!”

“Whole seasons are spent, mastering the form, the style, none calls it easy.” Macmu-Ling said as she walks up to the stage.

“Oooooh!”

“I calls it easy. Like I paddle a canoe, I'll paddle yours too!” Blitz said while imitating paddling a canoe as the ladies laugh.

“There's nuts and there's fruits.” Macmu-Ling said as she takes a plum from her sleeve, drops it to the ground, and squashes it. “In fall the clinging plum drops, always to be squashed.”

“Squish, squash, sling that slang. I'm always right back at ya, like a boomerang!” Blitz said, causing an annoyed Macmu-Ling to walk off the stage and back to her seat as Blitz turns to the class again and raises his leg up to silence the laughter. “That’s right, I’m the Blitz. With a B-L-I-T-Z, young ladies, I rocked ya!” This time, however, his ‘haiku’ is not cheered at, and is met with silence. Blitz stares as the class, as the annoyed and angry class does the vice versa. Blitz then counts the number of syllables his haiku had, and realizes that he had 6 syllables in the last line instead of five.

A large security guard catches him by the collar, and throws him out through the door. “Uh, that's one too many syllables there, bub.” The gaud said as he closes the door.

Outside the room, Blitz falls to the ground with a loud noise. He then sits up. “Poetry...”

The Tale of Zuko

At the Pao Family Tea House, Zuko walks down the shop with a tray of cups, and looks behind at a mare. He walks up behind his uncle who is on a ladder, stacking things on a shelf behind the counter. “Uncle, we have a problem.” Zuko said as Iroh descends from the ladder. “One of the customers is on to us. Don't look now but there is a mare over there at the corner table. She knows we're Fire Nation.” Iroh looks at the mare, but is quickly pulled back by Zuko. “Didn't I say don't look?”

“You're right, Zuko. I've seen that girl in here quite a lot. Seems to me she has quite a little crush on you.” Iroh teased.

“What?!” A bewildered Zuko said.

The mare in question then gives the two some coins. “Thank you for the tea. What's your name?” The mare asked Zuko, causing Iroh to slightly smile.

“My name's Lee.” Zuko said when he turns around. “My uncle and I just moved here.”

“Hi Lee, my name's Jin.” The light green Earth Pony mare said to him. “Thank you and ... well, I was wondering if you would like to go out sometime.” Jin said with a blush.

Before a clearly stunned Zuko can respond, Iroh answers that question. “He'd love to!”

“Great. I'll meet you in front of the shop at sundown.” Jn said as she walks away, as Iroh throws his arms on a bewildered Zuko's shoulders, with a large smile.

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

Later, Zuko comes out of the tea shop at the evening, with his mane combed. He walks out into the middle of the street and looks around as Jin emerges from an alley beside the shop and walks up to him. “Hey. Well, look at you.” Jin said as she messes up Zuko’s mane. “You look so cute.”

Zuko then stops Jin from messing up his mane anymore. “It took my uncle ten minutes to do my hair.” Jin then grabs Zuko by the leg and goes with him as he glances once back at the teashop.

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

Later at a town square, several ponies stand around doing various activities, with Zuko and Jin eating at a restaurant, Jin is sipping tea while Zuko pokes at his last meatball with his fork, not looking at Jin. “So, how do you like the city so far?” Jin asked.

“It's okay.” Zuko answered.

“What do you like to do for fun?” Jin asked wile sipping some tea.

“Nothing.”

“Excuse me, sir.” A waiter addressed Zuko. “Would you and your girlfriend care for dessert?”

“She is not my girlfriend.” Zuko hissed. The waiter then walks away and Zuko laces his hoofs and looks at Jin, who is eating noodles from a bowl at fast speed. Zuko just stares at the sight for a moment. “You have ... quite an appetite for a filly.”

“Umm ... thanks? So, Lee, where were you and your uncle living before you came here?” Jin asked.

“Umm ... well, we've been traveling around for a long time.”

“Oh. Why were you traveling so much?”

“We were ... uh, part of this traveling circus.” Zuko nervously said, trying his best to make a good excuse.

“Really? What did you do? Wait, lemme guess.” Jin then thinks and comes up with a answer. “You juggled!”

“Yes, I juggled.” Zuko said while folding his legs.

“I've always wanted to learn how to juggle.” Jin said as she holds out some things for Zuko to juggle. “Can you show me something?”

Zuko takes the objects in his hoofs, and throws them one by one in the air, but is unable to catch them, and one of the objects, a small vase, falls on his head, breaking into many pieces. “I haven't practiced for a while.” Zuko said as he wipes away the broken vase from his mane.

“It's all right.” Jin sadly said. But her frown then turns upside down when she remembers something. “Hey, I want to show you one of my favorite places in the city.”

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

Later in a street in the city, Jin is leading Zuko to a small fountain. “I'm so excited for you to see the firelight fountain. The lamps make the water sparkle and reflect in the pool in the most beautiful way.” She leads Zuko into an open area with a large fountain and several posts with candles on top surrounding it in a circle. However, the candles are not lit. “I can't believe it! They aren't lit.”

Zuko then looks at Jin and sees that she’s about to cry. “Close your eyes, and don't peek.” Zuko said to her. Jin then closes her eyes as Zuko walks out, holds his front hoofs together, and closes his eyes as he prepares. Zuko then opens his eyes, and he begins firebending. Using the very tips of his hoofs, he shoots small bursts of flame in all directions at the candles to light them. Once finished, he stands straight and looks at Jin, still with her hoof covering her eyes. “Okay, now you can look.”

Jin then removes her hoof and opens her eyes. “Oh, wow.” She said when she sees that the candles are now lit. Jin looks at Zuko, amazed. She walks up to him, looking at the candles. “What happened? How did they light? What did you?” She then looks at a smiling Zuko.

They both turn to look at the fountain. As Zuko looks at them, Jin brushes her hoof through her mane and smiles at him, and then holds his hoof. Zuko turns to look at Jin smiling at him. They both turn to be face to face and as Jin begins to lean in for a kiss, but Zuko quickly draws a piece of paper which he holds between their lips. “I've brought you something.” He said to a surprised Jin. “It's a coupon for a free cup of tea.”

“Don't thank me, it was my uncle's idea.” Zuko said a she takes a few steps back. “He thinks you're our most valuable customer.”

“Your uncle is a good teacher.” Jin said as she walks close to him and turns his head toward her. “I have something for you too. Now it's your turn to close your eyes.” As Zuko closes his eyes, Jin goes closer to him and kisses him, and then pulls back slightly. Zuko returns the kiss, but immediately jumps back away from her. He stands for a second, looking at her, then turns his back and begins to walk away. “What's wrong?”

“It's complicated. I have to go.” Zuko said to a disappointed Jin.

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

Later at the tea house, Iroh is looking out from the windows at the street, waiting for Zuko. The door then opens, as Zuko walks inside, being silent. “How was your night, Prince Zuko?” Iroh asked. Zuko just walks into a room and slams the doors shut behind him without replying to Iroh. Iroh looks after him for a second with a confused look before turning back to the window to continue his work.

But he then turns back when he hears Zuko opening the doors. “It was nice.” Zuko said as he closes the door again. Iroh then smiles.

Chapter 9, The King

The Elements of Nature
Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)
Chapter 9, The King

At the tea shop where Zuko and Iroh are working, Iroh serves tea to two customers who enjoy it. “So, you're the genius behind this incredible brew. The whole city is buzzing about you! I hope Pao pays you well.” One of the customers said to him.

“Good tea is its own reward.”

“But it doesn't have to be the only reward. How would you like to have your own tea shop?”

“My own tea shop? This is a dream come true!” Iroh said with excitement. Then Pao, the tea shop owner, walks in.

“What's going on here?” Pao said to Quon, the customer Iroh is serving. “Are you trying to purge my tea-maker?”

“Sorry pal, but that's business for you, right?”

“Mushi, if you stay, I'll make you assistant manager. Wait, senior assistant manager!”

“I'll provide you with a new apartment in the Upper Ring. The tea shop is yours to do with whatever you want. Complete creative freedom.”

“I even get to name the shop?”

“Of course!”

“Senior executive assistant manager?” Pao said, knowing he's losing this fight.

Iroh hands over to him the pot of tea and bows to Quon, agreeing to the terms as Zuko walks by. “Did you hear, nephew? This colt wants to give us our own tea shop in the Upper Ring of the city!”

“That's right young stallion, your life is about to change for the better!”

“I'll try to contain my joy.” He then walks outside, but not before telling Pao to ask Iroh how he did the tea so well when Quon leaves. When Zuko heads outside, he hears chatter about the party the king held for his pet bear and the unexpected arrival. “Pardon me,” Zuko said to the three mares, “but, who is this unexpected party crasher?”

“Oh, it was just this incredibly handsome red unicorn stallion who's the Avatar of Fire.” One of the mares said in a think valley girl accent. Upon hearing that, Zuko eyes widen when he realizes that if one of the Avatars was here, that means there are more as well.

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

At the house that Team Avatar is at, Shining and Fire’ are playing a game of chess, with Blitz as the referee while the girls are out shopping. “Check mate.” Fire’ said after his queen captured Shining’s king.

“Ugh. Best 26 out of 50.” He said after losing to Fire’ 15 times.

“You don’t like losing?” Blitz said to him. They then hear a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it.” Shining said, tired of losing at chess and needing something else to do. He opens the door with his magic, and they see someone familiar. “Jo Dee?” The trio said in unison.

“Hello, Fire’ and Shining and Blitz.”

“What happened to you? Did the Dai Li throw you in jail?”

“What? Jail? Of course not. The Dai Li are the protectors of our cultural heritage, Blitz.”

“But you disappeared at the King of Geo Firma's party.” Shining pointed out.

“Oh, I simply took a short vacation to Lake Laogai, out in the country. It was quite relaxing.”

“But then they replaced you with some other mare who also said her name was Jo Dee.” Fire’ said to her, surprising her.

“I'm Jo Dee.”

“Why are you here?” Blitz said to the strange mare.

“Shopping out the stores isn't permitted without proper clearance.”

“We can't wait around to get permission for everything!” Shining yelled at Jo Dee.

“You are absolutely forbidden by the rules of the city to continue emptying out the stores.”

“We don't care about the rules and we're not asking permission!!! We are finding a way to get an audience with the king on our own and you should just stay out of our way!” Fire’ yelled as he slammed the door shut with his magic.

“That might come back to bite us in the but.” Shining said.

“I don't care! From now on we do whatever it takes to get an audience with the king!”

“Yeah, let's break some rules!” Blitz said to his spirit brother.

“Lets find the others first.” Shining said to the two Avatars.

“Good point. Knowing Rarity, she's the one emptying out all the stores.” Blitz said.

“And we have to watch out for those Dai Li agents Long Feng said will be watching us.” Shining finished.

“Well, if there watching us, I have a message for them. Tell Long Feng that nothing will stop us from getting to the king!” Fire’ said as he made his way to the door.

Blitz and Shining stare at both him and each other. “Firebrand on a war path.” Blitz said as they followed Fire’ out of the door. As they all exit the house, two Dai Li agents have watch and overheard them from a house roof across the street.

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

At the Royal Palace, Long Feng meets with that particular Jo Dee. “I'm very disappointed in your work with the Avatars and their friends, Jo Dee. I hoped that you would be able to control this situation.”

“I am so sorry but they don't trust me anymore. I don't think I can keep working like this!”

“Jo Dee, the King has invited you to Lake Laogai.”

As soon as Ling said that, Jo Dee look like she was hypnotized. “I am honored to accept his invitation.”

“Good. Now go wait for the orders. If the Avatars keep searching for a way to see the king, it could upset the delicate balance we've worked so hard to achieve in this city. It could even cost us control of the King.”

“Should we take care of them?”

“No. It's much too dangerous for us to face them directly. Let's see if we can still handle this quietly.”

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

At Iroh and Zuko's place of stay, which is about to change, Zuko enters Iroh's room as he is packing. “So, I was thinking about names for my new tea shop. How about The Jasmine Dragon? It's dramatic, poetic, has a nice ring to it.”

“The Avatars are here in Ba Sing Se, uncle.”

“We have a chance for a new life here. If you start stirring up trouble, we could lose all the good things that are happening for us.”

“Good things that are happening for you! Have you ever thought that I want more from life than a nice apartment and a job serving tea?”

“There is nothing wrong with a life of peace and prosperity. I suggest you think about what it is that you want from your life and why.”

“I want my destiny.”

“What that means is up to you.” Zuko then walks away. “The Tea Weevil! No, that's stupid.”

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

At the hive of the changelings in Sub-Sahara Africa, Queen Chrysalis is yelling at Medizinisch. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN I’M WEAK!” She yelled at the doctor changeling.

“Calm down before you strangle me. Look, all I’m saying is that the Avatar of Fire is powerful with magic.” Just then, small creatures hanging from yellow strings pop down.

“Magic. Magic. Magic.” They all said in unison.

“Ugh.” Die said out of annoyance. “I thought we got ride of you furry warts!”

“All say!” Chrysalis yelled out. “You are so annoying.”

“Tell me about it! You furry warts make terrible pets! All you do is hang there and repeat yourselves! Ooh-ah-ooh!”

“Ooh-ah-ooh. Ooh-ah-ooh. Ooh-ah-ooh.” The furry warts said while laughing.

“Now,” Chrysalis said after the furry warts calmed down, “how do you know that the Fire Avatar is that powerful?”

“I did researched after Deker asked you if you were going after the Fire Avatar. I discovered that this Firebrand, despite being from Abysus, is a direct descendent of Star Swirl the Bearded!” He said with panic in his voice, not knowing how Chrysalis will react.

“WHAT! HE'S A DESCENDENT OF THE ONE WHO SEALED AWAY MY FATHER! KING MANTISES!” She yelled.

“Right. And if he’s a descendent, that would explain why Madimot’s mind control was block when he cast that spell, and how he freed Shining Armor from his control. And he did the first one on instinct.”

“AH! THIS GIVES ME AN EVEN BIGGER HEADACHE! I NEED TO GET RID OF HIM, NOW!” She then calms down a little. “Bring me the most powerful changeling warrior you can find!”

“I know just the one. Some of the other warrior changelings are even afraid of him.” Die said as she headed to the tunnel that connects to the bed chamber. “Oh Robtish! Are you there?”

“Right here.” A voice called back in a thick Scottish accent. Robtish then appears in the main chamber. He has dark red armor instead of black. He also is carrying a large sword. As he walks in, he knocks a furry wart down and steps on it, turning it to dust. “What do you need?”

“Theres an annoying red unicorn we need to get rid of.” Die said to him.

“He’s also the Avatar of Fire. So, would you like to get rid of him?” Medizinisch asked him. Robtish then grabs another furry wart and crushes it.

“Like to? I love to.”

“Then I'll open the portal that’l let you go to Ba Sing Se. That is where the Fire Avatar is at.” Die said to him as she concentrated. A portal that looks like a wormhole, only a very dark green opens. Robtish then enters it and emerges on the other side at a Ba Sing Se quarry.

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

At the Ba Sing Se shopping mall, the girls are having some fun until a unicorn Jo Dee shows up and tells them that they are not allowed to shop out the stores without proper clearance. They then stare at Rarity, who put of all of them, had the most bags full of thing like dresses, hats, shoes, boats, scarfs, etc. After a few returns, the girls decide to head back to the house. On their way, Twilight hears a familiar voice behind them.

“Twilight?” Twilight gasp when she hers the colts voice and turns around. She then gets angry at the source of the voice, a young unicorn stallion with a brown mane and tail, no longer then Big Mac’s, while his coat is a lighter color. He also has two hook swords for a cutie mark. It’s Jet.

“What are you doing here!” She yelled, startling the others. Cadence recognizes Jet right away.

“Uh oh.”

“Twilight, Cadence, who is that?”

“That Twilight’s old boyfriend, Jet.” Cadence began. “She left him when his obsession over defeating the Fire Nation became unbearable.”

“Why is he obsessing over the defeat of the Fire Nation?”

“Thats a good question, Sweetie Belle. The reason is because they killed his family was too much for Twilight.” Cadence said as Twilight charges up her horn.

“Twilight, I've changed!”

“I’ll believe that when I see it!” She said as she telekinesis on Jet. Jet is thrown against a wall, while Twilight begins to move to him until Cadence stops her.

“Twilight. This isn't that time for this.” The boys then approach them.

“Twilight, whats going on?” Shining asked his little sister.

“It’s Jet.” Cadence said to her husband.

“We can't trust anything Jet says!” Twilight yelled.

“What the hay is goin’ on here?” Applejack said while Twilight is still glaring at Jet.

“Lets talk about this, okay” Jet said as he was being strangled.

“No way!” Twilight snapped.

“We don't even know why he's here, Twiley!”

“I don't care why he's here, whatever the reason is, it can't be good!” Twilight yelled at her brother.

"I swear, I've changed! I was a troubled pony and I let my anger get out of control, but I don't even have the gang now! I've put all that behind me!” Jet said as he is still being strangled.

“You're lying!”

Terra then walks up to the wall Jet is on and places her hoof on it. “He's not lying, Twilight.”

“How can you tell?”

“I can feel his breathing and heartbeat, Rainbow. When ponies lie, there's a physical reaction. He's telling the truth.”

“Twilight, calm down, or you’ll end up just like him.” Shining said to her. With that, Twilight releases her grip and Jet falls to the ground.

“All right.” She said as she points and looks angrily at Jet. “But I’m not letting you out of our sight.”

“I’ve change Twilight.” Jet said as he begins to follow the group. Fire’ cast a stare at Jet’s way while he passes them.

“Whats the matter, Fire’?” Terra asked as she, Agua and Shining are standing next to him.

“I don’t trust this guy.”

“Why?” Agua said to Fire.’ “He seems real nice.”

“Until you mention the Fire Nation.” Shining pointed out. “But, there's something else, isn't there.” Fire’ said nothing, he only blushed.

“Do you like Twilight?” Terra playfully said,

“What ... no!” Fire’ firmly said. Terra soon smiles.

“I can tell you're lying...” Fire’ then angrily walks away. On their way to the palace, the meet up with Smellerbee and Longshot and they notice Jet.

“Jet!” Smellerbee said when she sees Jet with team Avatar.

“I thought you said you didn't have your ‘gang’ anymore!”

“I don't, Twilight!”

“We were so worried.” Smellerbee said to them. “How did you get away from the Dai Li?”

“The Dai Li?!” Twilight said.

“I don't know what she's talking about!”

“He got arrested by the Dai Li a couple of weeks ago. We saw them drag him away!” Smellerbee said as Terra walks in between the two to feel the vibrations in the ground.

“Why would I be arrested? I've lived peacefully in the city!”

“This doesn't make any sense.” Terra said to them all.

“What doesn't make sense?” Apple Bloom asked.

“They're both telling the truth.” Terra answer.

“That's impossible.”

“No it's not!” Fire’ said when he realizes something. “Terra can't tell who's lying because they both think they're telling the truth. Jet's been brainwashed!”

“That's crazy! It can't be!” The two groups then surround them. “Stay away from me!”

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

Later that night, a Dai Li agent is walking on streets, when suddenly, Zuko, disguised as the Blue Spirit, runs by. “Out of my way, skinny!” Zuko yelled at him. The agent pursues and confronts what appears to be him. But when he fires his gun, he notices it is a stuffed figure. Zuko, still disguised, captures him and places one of his swords to the agent's neck. “If you don't want to end up like him, you'll do what I say.”

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

In an unknown building, Team Avatar, Longshot, and Smellerbee all surround a seated Jet. “The Dai Li must have sent Jet to spy on us!” Twilight said.

“I bet he can remember where he was.” Fire’ said as he got closer to Jet. “Jet, where did they take you?”

“Nowhere! I don't know what you're talking about!”

“We need to find a way to jog his real memories.” Blitz said.

“Maybe Twilight can kiss him. That should bring something back!”

“Maybe you should kiss him, Rainbow!”

“Hey, just an idea!”

“A bad one.” Fire’ said.

“Oooh, wait! I've got it!” Pinkie said as she sticks a blade of grass into Jet's mouth.”

“I don't think it's working.” Jet then spits it out.

“Try to think of something from your past that triggers your emotions.” Terra said.

“The Fire Nation! Remember what they did to your family!”

“Good idea, Smellerbee. Close your eyes, Jet. Picture it.” Twilight said to him.

Jet remembers images of his town burning down and a Fire Nation soldier looking back at him.“No! It's too painful!”

“Maybe this will help.” Agua said as she takes some water and uses healing to clear his mind.

“How are you doin’ that?”

“I look at some more scrolls an I found out that waterbending can also be used for healing.”

“Cool.” Sweetie said. Jet begins to see images of Long Feng, then an underground area. He then sees an image of a Dai Li agent shining a spinning light in his face.

“They took me to a headquarters under the water! Like a lake!” Jet said as he began to remember.

“Wait!” Fire’ suddenly said. “Remember what Jo Dee said? She said she went on vacation to Lake Laogai!”

“That's it! Lake Laogai!” Jet said as he remembers the name of the lake.

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

Later, the Team, Jet, Longshot, and Smellerbee are now at Lake Laogai. “So where's this secret headquarters?” Shining asked Jet.

“Under the water, I think.”

“There's a tunnel right there by the shore.” Terra said as she uses her earthbending and brings up a slab of rock that only unicorns can lift. The rock was hiding an entrance that leads under the water. She moves the rock out the way with the same technique. They all make their way into the headquarters.

“It's all starting to come back to me.” Jet said as they passed a room full of mares and a Dai Li agent brainwashing them to be ‘Jo Dee.’ They open another door where, unknown to them, several Dai Li agents are waiting. The door closes suddenly on them. After the door closes, lights turn on, revealing the agents.

“Now that's something different.” Rainbow said.

“You have made yourselves enemies of the state. Take them into custody.” Two agents take out some cuffs and fire them, but Terra breaks them with some rocks. Jet breaks up two other cuffs fired by agents, and takes one out. A full battle ensues. Terra deals with a pair of Dai Li agents. She is captured by one, but Jet frees her. Longshot fires an arrow which destroys a large cuff. Jet holds off more of them. Long Feng them makes his escape.

“Long Feng is escaping!” Fire said as he, Jet, and Shining begin chasing him. They head into another part of the HQ, but are sealed in by him using magic.

“All right, Avatar of Fire, you've caused me enough problems. This is your last chance. Leave now and never return.”

“Not gonna happen until we talk to the king.” Shining said to the traitor.

“You're in no position to bargain.” Jet said to Long.

“Am I not?”

“You're definitely not!” Fire’ said.

“Jet, the King has invited you to Lake Laogai.”

“I am honored to accept his invitation.” Jet said under Long’s control. He then attacks Fire’ and Shining.

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

In another part of the HQ, Zuko, still disguise as the Blue Spirit, is looking for the Avatars. He then sees a shape that looks like Terra. “You're mine now.” However, instead of Terra, it's actually Iroh. “Uncle?”

“So, the Blue Spirit. I wonder who could be behind that mask...”

Zuko lets out a sigh and removes his mask. “What are you doing here?”

“I was just about to ask you the same thing. What do you plan to do now that you've found the Dai Li's, HQ or found one of the Avatars? Keep him or her locked in our new apartment? Should I go put on a pot of tea for him?”

“First I have to find one of the Avatars.”

“And then what!? You never think these things through! This is exactly what happened when you captured the Avatars of Fire and Water at the North Pole! You had them, and then you had nowhere to go!”

“I would have figured something out!”

“NO! If the Fire Avatar hadn't thawed your head, you would have frozen to death!!”

“I know my destiny, Uncle!”

“Is it your own destiny, or is it a destiny somepony else has tried to force on you?”

“Stop it, Uncle! I have to do this!”

“I'm begging you, Prince Zuko! It's time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions. Who are you, and what do you want?” Zuko then screams loudly, throwing down his swords and Blue Spirit mask.

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

Meanwhile, in a heavy security prison in Canterlot, two Royal Guard pegasi stand guard in front of a cast-iron hi-tech security door. Behind the security door was another security door with another guard pony behind magic-proof glass in a guard station, monitoring cameras and motion detectors in the room behind the second door. The room both doors led to was an octagonal steel-encased room with a cast-iron magic-proof cage. Inside the cage, was a statue. A statue of a dragon-pony-flying-deer thing. A statue of Discord, the Equestrian deity of chaos and disharmony. A small evil sounding chuckle was heard as a small crack appeared on the back side of Discord's head.

The guard pony in the security station looked up from his book, looked over into the chamber, and narrowed his eyes. "What in the?" He then pushed the comm button. "Hey, Kale. Ritz. I thought I head something inside the chamber."

"What?" One of the Pegasi looked back, chuckling. "You crazy, Durge? There isn't no pony in there now."

"I swear I heard something, guys..." The guard in the security station known as Durge started to sweat.

"Ugh ... Baby filly. C'mon Kale. Let's go check for monsters hiding under Discord."

Durge rolled his eyes as he pushed the button to open the doors. The two pegasi laughed as they crossed through.

"Anything suspicious?" Durge called out into the cell using the intercom.

"Nope. Nothing here." Kale said, poking the statue.

"Yeah Durge. Don't take him for 'granite'... Oh! Wait!"

Both pegasi burst out laughing. What they didn't notice is that where Kale had poked the statue, another thin crack appeared.

"Okay, ponies, haha, really funny. C'mon out..."

"Hahahah!" A laugh echoed around the cell, causing both Pegasi to stop laughing and gaze in horror at the statue as it started to crack even more. "I don't know about you, Durge, but I found that rather ... punny! Muhahaha!"

"Kale?" Ritz asked. "What-what did you do?"

"I think I broke him, man..." Kale muttered, shuddering.

"Hahaha! Au contraire! You've just made my return more humorous!"

The statue exploded in a shower of granite sparks, knocking the Pegasi back a good ten meters into the cell wall.

In the statue's place, stood the real Discord himself. Effortlessly bending the bars to the cage his statue was in, he stepped out and picked up both the dazed Pegasi by the throats. He bashed their heads together, and threw them against the wall. A sickening crack was heard as the two fell to the ground, motionless.

"OH CRUD!" Durge swore as he closed the security doors and pushed the alarm button. Instantly, red lights started flashing and an alarm started blaring.

"Aw...did you really need to do that now, Durge?" Discord's voice rang from behind him.

"What-UMPH!" In a shower of glass, Durge was flung through the magic-proof window and against the wall. Discord single-handed punched through the remaining security door and ripped it open. Laughing as he threw the door and Durge's corpse effortlessly aside, he bellowed:

"You failed Twilight Sparkle! The Elements of Harmony could not hold me! And now..." He cracked his knuckles as more guard ponies ran at him, swords in their mouths. "I'll have my revenge, and there isn’t a being in this world that will stand in my way."

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

Meanwhile, the brainwashed Jet continues swinging his hook swords at Fire’ and Shining. “Jet, it's me, Shining Armor! You don't have to do this!”

“I'm afraid he no longer has a choice.” Long said as Jet continues to try to kill the two unicorns.

“Jet, I'm your friend! Look inside your heart!” Shining said.

“Do your duty, Jet!”

“He can't make you do this! You're a Freedom Fighter!” Fire’ said to Jet. With that, Jet has a rapid flashback of his past.

“Do it! Do it now!” Long Feng yelled at Jet. Jet then fires one of his swords, but instead of aiming it at Shining of Fire,’ he throws it at Long Feng instead, but it misses by a foot. He counters with a laser which strikes Jet down. Long then heads to an elevator. “Foolish boy. You have chosen your own demise.” The door then closes as Long gets away.

“I'm sorry ... guys.” The dying Jet said.

“Don't be.” Fire’ said as the rest of the group arrives, they are all struck with sorrow and shock. Agua goes up to Jet and tries her healing technique.

“This isn't good.” She said.

“You guys go and find Long Feng. We'll take care of Jet.”

“We're not going to leave you three, Smellerbee.” Twilight said to her.

“There's no time. Just go. We'll take care of him. He's our leader.” Longshot said in a light voice.

“Don't worry, Twilight. I'll be fine.” Jet said as team Avatar leaves.

Terra then walks up to Shining and says, “He's lying...” while Smellerbee stands over Jet, crying. Longshot stands guard, prepping an arrow just in case.

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

Outside, Robtish arrives and sees some Dai Li agents waiting, some of them talking about the Avatars. “This must be the place.” He said. Team Avatar then comes put and finds all the Dai Li agents waiting for them.

“You think we can outrun them?”

“I don't think it's going to matter, Rainbow!” Fire’ said as a fight ensures. Soon they have some company, ponies who were in prisoned by the Dai Li. Long Feng sees this.

“Nows not the time. Dai Li, retreat!” He yelled as smoke grandees are thrown to the ground. After the smoke clears, the Dai Li are gone.

“Where did y’all come from?” Applejack asked.

“We were in theses cells when this Blue Spirit appeared and knocked out the guards. He then let us go and showed us the way out.” A mare with a yellow coat and an orange mane said.

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

On the other side of the lake, Zuko and Iroh emerge from another entrance to the Dai Li headquarters. “You did the right thing, nephew.” Iroh said as Zuko looks at his Blue Spirit mask. “Leave it behind.” Zuko then tosses the mask into the water. He watches as it sinks to the bottom of the lake.

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

“So,” Rainbow began, “whats next?” At that moment, Robtish appears to them on the hill.

“You had to ask.” Twilight said to her.

“A changeling!” Shining growled.

“Which one of you is the Fire Avatar?” Robtish asked them. Fire’ then steps forward, sword in hoof. “Ha. I heard that Queen Chrysalis knows that you can do something that she doesn't want you to do. So, she sen’t me to get ride of you. Sorry, not.” He then jumps down and prepares to fight, sword in ... uh ... whatever they call it. The Avatars soon prepare for battle while the main six, Shining, the CMC, Cadence, and the freed prisoners take shelter. A battle between the 4 Avatars and Robtish soon begins. After an intense fight, Robtish pulls out his ace, metaphorically speaking. “Sonic Shockwave!” He yelled as he used his magic to send a small sonic boom at Blitz and Agua, sending them flying. “Double Slash!” He said as he did two slashes at Terra and Fire.’ Fire’ manages to stay on his four hoofs, but Terra flies into a polder, knocking her out. “Oh. You a strong one, aren't you? Now I’m convinced you're a direct descendent of Star Swirl the Bearded.”

When Twilight heard Robtish say that, her mind is blown. “Firebrand is a descendent of Star Swirl the Bearded!” She thought to herself.

“Say good by.” Robtish said as he ran for Fire.’ But when he goes for the attack, another blade appears between them, along with its holder, Deker.

“What are you doing here?”

“Thats what I was going to ask. Deker, why are you here?” Robtish asked.

“I will not let you destroy the Fire Avatar, I must duel him.” Deker answered.

“Fine by me. I’ll get ride of both of you.” Robtish said as Fire’ grabs a sword with his magic and pulls it over.

“I’ll take you both on!” Fire’ said to the two. Deker and Robtish then swing their blades at him, but Fire’ blocks them using his two blades. “You both need to stand aside!” Fire’ said as all three both attack and block one of the others. Deker easily blocks both Robtish’s and Fire’s attacks while doing slashes of his own. Robtish blocks it.

“Thats it!” Robtish said to Firebrand. “Time to finish you off!”

Fire’ then takes both of his blades and he catches on fire along with the blades. “Nope. It’s time to get fired up!” He then slashes at the two changelings, causing explosions with each hit. Each time one of the two blades of his hits either Deker’s or Robtish’s blades, it causes a small sonic boom.

The main six, the CMC, Shining and Cadence help get the other Avatars up. Agua sees Firebrands’s power and remarks that, “It’s amazing. Where is he finding the strength to hold both of them off?”

“Remember how that new changeling said that Fire’ is a descendent of Star Swirl.” Twilight said to the group. “Maybe thats why Fire’ did a spell that protected him from the other changeling and how he's able to hold them off.” Soon the three come to a stand still. One of Fire’s blades is at Deker’s chest while the other is holding Robtish’s sword. Deker's Uramasa is at Robtish’s neck also.

“OK boys.” Fire’ said, breaking a few moments of silence. “Your move.” After a few moments of silence, with the only noise from the three is a growl from Robtish and a laugh from Deker.

Robtish then backs down. “You both in luck. I’m drying out.” He said as he loses his color and begins to crack up. “Queen Chrysalis won’t be happy about this.” He snarled at Deker as he disappears in a puff of smoke. Deker and Fire’ then back off as well, with Fire’ returning to his normal form.

“He’ll be back.” Fire’ said. He then turns to Deker. “Why did you help me?”

“My only desire is to find somepony skilled enough to be my opponent.” Deker answered as he resumes his fighting stance. “Somepony worthy to clash with my sword, Uramasa.” Fire’ then resumes his fighting stance as well. The others stare at the two, with Twilight virtually petrified.

“Firebrand! Don’t fight him!” Blitz yelled as Fire’ and Deker move sideways. The two soon run to a boulder, clashing their blades at each other. Deker then hits Fire’ on his shoulder, making Fire’ drop his borrowed sword as he falls back to the border.

“NO!”Twilight said as she runs up to him.

“Twilight! Get back here!” Shining said to his little sister. But she just ignored him, too worried about Firebrand. She then reaches his side to see if Fire’ is okay. His shoulder is slightly bleeding but its nothing too serious.

“Hum.” Deker said as Twilight sees if Fire’ is okay. “That was too easy.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked the white changeling, worried that he was going to do something far worse to Firebrand.

“This isn’t the battle I want.” Deker said as he approaches the couple. “Robtish’s Double Slash took too much out of you.” He then points Uramasa at Fire’s neck. “Uramasa and I wont be satisfied unless you're at your peak. Next time, you will taste this slash.” Twilight and Fire’ get out-of-the-way when Deker slices at boulder. They then see that it was cut clear in half. “Now go. You’ll need to be at full strength to even have a chance against me.” He then flies up to the cliff and returns to his pony form. “Fire Avatar, you will satisfy my hunger. You will give met the battle I've desired for centuries. So for now I will leave you be, until you are again at your best. Then we will duel.”

The others soon arrive to see if Twilight and Fire’ are all right. Pinkie then takes a look at Deker and remembers seeing him before. “Wait.” Pinkie said as the others turn to her. “Is that the weird dude from when Shining was under that other changeling's control?”

“Yes, it is him.” Rarity said.

Scootaloo then moves a bit closer to Deker. “Hey! What are you anyway? Are you a changeling?” Deker then turns his head to face the group.

“I am Deker. Nothing more and nothing less.” He then leaves.

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

After the gang get the prisoners back to their homes, they discuss what to do next. “Look,” Fire’ began, “we escaped from the Dai Li. We freed their prisoners. I'm telling you, we should go to the King now and tell him whats going on.

“What makes you think we'll get it?” Terra said to him. “I don't know if you've noticed, but things don't usually go that smoothly for our little gang.”

“I know, but I've got a good feeling about this. This time will be different.”

“Fire,’” Agua began, “Long Feng is in control of the city. His conspiracy with the Dai Li is too powerful. I think we should just keep heading to the Himalayas and leave this horrible place behind us.”

“I'm with Sweetness.” Terra said. “I've seen enough of Ba Sing Se. And I can't even see!”

“Look, there's nothing stopping us from telling the King the truth. About the conspiracy and the War.” Twilight said to the two.

“See? Twilight's with me. It's the reason we came here in the first place. We have to try.”

“Well,” Blitz began, “I guess if the King knew the truth, things could change.

“I don't trust the new positive Blitz.” Terra said as she points her hoof at him. “Long Feng brainwashed you, didn't he!?”

Fire’ then notices a few ships in the lake. “That's probably the Dai Li searching for us. So? Let's fly!” Fire’ said as he, Agua, Terra, and Blitz go elemental and pick up the ones who can’t fly.

They fly toward the Palace, with the others holding on for dear life. They soon get closer to the palace. “There it is! That whole thing is the palace! The King’s chamber should be in the center!” Twilight said to the others.

“We have to be careful.” Fire’ said. “Long Feng's probably warned the king that we're coming.”

“Why would you assume that?” Rainbow said to him. “If you ask me, I think we're just gonna sail right in and-” Befor she could finished, a missile almost hits them. “Aahh!

“What was that!?” Terra said.

“Surface-to-Air Missiles! More incoming!” Blitz said as they dodge a few more rocks. One gets launched right at Agua, but she destroys it with some highly pressurized water. Another launches at them head on and Fire’ destroys it with his sword. He then launches himself and Twilight to the front of the palace and uses firebending to knock back the palace guards. As they continue toward the King, more guards appear and launch grenades at the gang. Terra uses earthbending to block the attacks while Blitz uses lightningbending to subdue the guards.

Agua then water-whips two guards. “Sorry!” She then turns around and hits a few more guards. More guards come and Terra uses earthbending to flip the tiles they're walking over to trap the guards. They run past them.

“Sorry! We just need to get through to see the King!” Fluttershy said to the unconscious guards.

More guards appear on the opposite end of a bridge and launch two rockets at them. Terra create an earth igloo to block the rockets. Agua creates an ice ramp to jump to the other side of the bridge and water-whips the guards into the water. She then freezes them in the water as the rest all jump across. More surface-to-air missiles appear as guards are coming down a giant staircase. Terra uses earthbending to change the stairs into a ramp, causing them all to fall. She then uses earthbending to escalate themselves up the stairs.

“Seriously,” Applejack said to them, “we're actually on your guys' side! Sorry.” More guards come and Terra pushes them away with earthbending.

“In there!” Shining pointed to a door said. The then make their way inside. They come to an area with 3 doors. More guards appear and Terra easily defeats them all.

“Terra, which way to the King?”

“How should I know, Blitz? I'm still voting we leave Ba Sing Se.” Terra defeats more guards while Blitz searches the doors for the King. He eventually stumbles upon a mare's dressing room, which causes the mare to faint.

He then shuts the door. “Sorry. Wrong door.”

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

Meanwhile, Zuko and Iroh return from Ba Sing Se. The former seems ill. “You did the right thing. Letting the Dai Li's prisoners go free.”

“I don't feel right.” He then gets dizzy and passes out.

“Zuko!” Iroh then rushes over to him.

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

Back at the palace, the team arrives at a pile of rubble. Fire’ climbs atop it and sees a gigantic door. “Now that's an impressive door. It's gotta go somewhere.” He then drops down from the rubble and attempts to kick the door open. The door does not move even slightly. Fire’ then starts pushing it open, but to no avail. Terra jumps in from behind and bust the door down, knocking Fire’ forward in the process. He starts rubbing the back of his head. “A little warning next time?!”

They arrive in the King's chamber with Ku sitting in his throne. Long Feng and his Dai Li agents stand in their way. The team take fighting stances against them.

“We need to talk to you.” Fire’ said to the king.

“They're here to overthrow you.” Long Feng said to the king.

“No, we're on your side. We're here to help.” Twilight said.

“You have to trust us.” Agua said.

The king then stands up. “You invade my palace, lay waste to all my guards, break down my fancy door, and you expect me to trust you?”

“He has a good point.” Terra said to them.

“If you are on my side, then drop your weapons and stand down!” The king said to them. They look at each other for a moment. Fire’ drops his staff, along with Agua’s trident, Terra’s scythe, and Blitz’s nun-chucks.

“See? We're friends, your Kinginess.” Pinkie said to the king, who says nothing. Long Feng then signals the Dai Li to cuff their legs.

“Detain the assailants!” He said. The Dai Li then rush to behind Team Avatar.

“But, they dropped there weapons. We're your allies.” Rainbow said to them.

“Make sure the Avatars and their friends never see daylight again.” Long Feng said, only to realize his mistake and looks at the king, who looks at him shocked.

“The Avatars?” He then points at Rainbow. “You're one of the Avatars?”

“Uh, no.” Rainbow said. She then points to Firebrand, Agua, Terra, and Blitz. “Them.

Fire’ then melts his cuffs and raises one of his hoofs. “Over here.”

“What does it matter, your Highness?” Long Feng said. “They're enemies of the state.”

“Perhaps you're right.” The king said. He then sees his bear sniff and lick Fire’ and smiles at Long Feng. “Though Bosco seems to like him. I'll hear what they have to say.

Fire’ then walks forward. “Well, sir, there's a war going on now. For the past few years in fact. The Dai Li's kept it secret from you. It's a conspiracy to control the city, and to control you.”

“A secret war? That's crazy!” The king said.

“Completely!” Long Feng also said.

“Long Feng didn't want anypony to tell you, so he in-prisoned innocent Geo Firma ponies and blackmailed their families. And blackmail is the least of his crimes; he brainwashed our friend!” Fire’ said.

Long Feng quickly turns to face his king. “All lies.”

“Your claim is difficult to believe. Even from an Avatar.” The king said.

Long Feng then whispers in his ear, “These hooligans are part of an anarchist cell that my agents have been tracking for weeks. If you listen to them, you're playing right into your own destruction.”

The King then. “I have to trust my advisor. So, unless you can prove he’s lying, I won’t believe you.” Fire’ then thinks for a moment.

“We won’t be able to get back to the Dai Li’s secret base. Also we won’t be able to find the prisoners again, assuming the Dai Li hasn't recaptured them.” Fire’ then remembers the drill at the outer wall. “Thats it! Theres no way they can cover that up.” Fire’ then turns to the king again. “If you come with us to the Outer Wall, we can prove to you that the secret war is real.”

“No Geo Firma King has ever been to the Outer Wall. I don't have anymore time for this nonsense.” The King firmly said.

“If you come with us,” Fire’ said as he points to Rainbow, “this time you can ride on Rainbow Dash.” The King (who's a unicorn) smiles, while Rainbow makes a ‘Say what?’ expression.

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

Back in Iroh and Zuko's apartment, Zuko is asleep, but he wakes up. “ You're burning up.” Iroh said as he dips a cloth in water. “You have an intense fever.” He then places the cloth on Zuko's forehead. “This will help cool you down.”

“So thirsty.” Zuko said as he sits up, but Iroh makes him lay back down.

He then grabs a bucket with a spoon in it and takes out the spoon. “Here's some clean water to drink. Stay under the blankets and sweat this out.

Zuko grabs the spoon from Iroh and drinks the water. He tosses the spoon aside and grabs the bucket. He drinks from it, while spilling some out. He then tosses the bucket aside and lies back down. Iroh pulls the covers more over him.

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

Meanwhile, en route to the Outer Wall, the King is riding on Rainbow, holding on for dear life and screaming at the top of his lungs in fear. “First time flying?” Terra asked him.

“It's both thrilling and terrifying!”

“Yeah. I hate it too.”

“I have to be honest with you: part of me really hopes that what you're telling me about this war isn't true.” The king said as they slow down a little.

“I wish it wasn't.” Fire’ said to the king.

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

Meanwhile at Zuko and Iroh's apartment, Zuko is having a dream that he is the Fire Lord, with no scar on his eye. One red and one blue dragon appear and start circling around the pillars on each side of him. The blue dragon starts circling around Zuko. In Azula's voice, the blue dragon says that “It's getting late. Are you planning to retire soon, my lord?”

“I'm not tired.”

“Relax, Fire Lord Zuko. Just let go. Give in to it. Shut your eyes for a while.” Zuko starts to shut his eyes but widely opens them upon hearing the other dragon, who has Iroh’s voice.

Don't, Fire Lord Zuko! Do not listen to the blue dragon. You should get out of here now. Go! Before it's too late!

“Sleep now, Fire Lord Zuko.” The blue dragon said as they disappear, and the room they're in, as well as the guards watching Zuko, crumble to nothing. The blue dragon then reappears in front of him. “Sleep. Just like mother.” It then charges at Zuko and opens its mouth. Inside the dragon's mouth, Zuko sees his mother, Ursa.

“Zuko! Help me!” Zuko then disappears through the floor. The sleeping Zuko begins to sweat.

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

Meanwhile, Team Avatar arrives at the Outer Wall with the king, who sees the drill. Fire’ then points to it. “It's still there!”

“What is that?” The king asked, shocked.

“It's a drill. A giant drill made by the Fire Nation to break through your walls.” Blitz said as the king looks horrified.

“I can't believe I never knew.” The king said, still shocked.

Long Feng then appears on an elevator with two Dai Li agents. “I can explain this, your Majesty. This is nothing more than ... a construction project.”

“Really?” Agua began. “Then perhaps you could explain why there's a Fire Nation insignia on your ‘construction project.’

Long Feng then looks at the king, who is looking at him suspiciously. “Well, it's imported of course. You know you can't trust domestic machinery. Surely you don't believe these foals over your most loyal attendant?”

The King looks at Team Avatar and then at Long Feng. “Dai Li! Arrest Long Feng! I want him to stand trial for crimes against Geo Firma.”

Long Feng and Team Avatar look shocked at the king. The two agents behind Long Feng share glances and shackle Long and pull him in. “You can't arrest me! You all need me more than you know!” He yelled as he's taken away.

Fire,’ with a happy look on his face says, “Looks like Long Feng is Long Gone!” The others then stare at him. “Yeah, I've been waiting to use that one.”

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

That night at the Palace, the King is talking with Team Avatar. “I want to thank you, young heroes, for opening my eyes. All this time, what I thought was a great metropolis was merely a city of fools. And that makes me the king fools. We're at war. With the Fire Nation.”

“That's why we came to Ba Sing Se, your Highness.” Twilight said to him. Princess Celestia wants you to help us end the war.”

The King then thinks for a moment. “Very well. You have my support.” Team Avatar then celebrates, with Pinkie suggesting a ‘We-Saved-the-King-of-Geo-Firma-and-now-he’s-going-to-help-us-party.’ Just then, somepony else arrives. His name is General How.

“Your Majesty.” He said as he walks up to Team Avatar and bows to the king. “I apologize for the interruption.”

“This is General How. He's the leader of the Council of Five, my highest ranking generals.” He said to Team Avatar.

“We searched Long Feng's office. I think we found something that will interest everypony.” A unicorn solider arrives carrying a box with his magic. “There are secret files on everypony in Ba Sing Se. Including you kids.”

“Secret files?” Fire’ asked with curiosity.

The King takes out a scroll and reads the side. “‘Terra Beifong.’” He then hoofs the scroll to General How, who gives it to Terra, who lets Twilight take it and read it.

“It's a letter from your brother.” Terra's eyes then widen with shock.

“Long Feng intercepted our letters from home?” She said as shakes her head. “That's just sad.” Another solider then arrives with a scroll and gives it to the Avatars. Fire’ uses his magic to open it and when he reads it, he is utterly shock.

“What is it, Fire’?” Twilight said to him.

“I can't believe it. There's a stallion living at the Eastern Air Temple. He says he's a guru.”

“What's a guru? Some kind of poisonous blowfish?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“No, Sweetie. A spiritual expert. He wants to help us take the next step in the Avatar journey. He says he can teach us to better to control the Avatar State. It even says that he’ll tell us where the remaining Elements of Nature are at!”

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

Meanwhile at Iroh and Zuko's apartment, Iroh is some pouring tea. “You should know that this is not a natural sickness, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying tea.” He said as he feeds Zuko the tea.

“What's happening?” Zuko manage to say.

“Your critical decision. What you did beneath that lake. It was in such conflict with your image of yourself that you are now at war within your own mind and body.” Iroh then feeds Zuko some more tea.

“What's that mean?” Zuko then coughs continuously and lies down.

“You are going through a metamorphosis, my nephew. It will not be a pleasant experience, but when you come out of it, you will be the beautiful prince you were always meant to be.” Soon, Iroh and Zuko are asleep. Zuko then wakes up and walks to the kitchen. He then washes his face with water. When he looks in the mirror, he sees himself with no scar, a flame red coat, and a mane thats like Spitfire’s, Zuko looks just like Firebrand. He also looks horrified. He then screams himself awake and breathes heavily. He touches the scar on his face and closes his eyes.

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

In a prison, Long Feng is sitting in his cell. A Dai Li agent appears outside of the cell. The agent then slides a tray of food underneath the door. “Dinner.” Long Feng then grabs some food. “The Council of Five and the Military are loyal to the King, but the Dai Li remains loyal to you, Long Feng, sir.” He then walks away as Long Feng eats his food while smiling sinisterly.

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

Back at the palace, as Fire’ and the other Avatars prepare to leave, three Kyoshi Warriors are walking up to the king and bow.
“In our hour of need, it is with the highest honor that I welcome our esteemed allies, the Kyoshi Warriors!” The warriors then look up.
“We are the Earth King's humble servants.” The middle warrior said. She has gold eyes, showing that it is really Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee disguised as Kyoshi Warriors, whom they have previously defeated.

Chapter 10, The Crossroads of Destiny

The Elements of Nature
Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)
Chapter 10, The Crossroads of Destiny

At Zuko and Iroh's apartment, Iroh is preparing some food when Zuko walks in. “What's that smell?”

“It's jook. I'm sure you wouldn't like it.”

“Actually, it smells delicious. I'd love a bowl, Uncle.”Zuko said as he takes a bowl.

Iroh is very surprised by hie nephews sudden behavior. “Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow.”

“It's a new day. We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up, Uncle.”

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

Firebrand, Agua, Terra, and Blitz are flying, with Fire’ in his elemental form while Terra is riding on Blitz, to the Eastern Air Temple, which is several hundred miles away to the Southeast. “Are you guys nerves to meet this guru?” Terra said as they are going across the ocean.

“Not at all.” Agua said.

“I’m not afraid.”

“Me neither.” Fire’ finished. “I'm ready to master the Avatar State. I'll do whatever it takes.”

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

Back at the Earth King's Royal Palace, the 'Kyoshi Warriors,' Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee in disguise, appear before King Kuei. “Look Bosco! The Kyoshi Warriors are here to protect us! Aren't you excited?” Bosco just yawns. “It's been a difficult week for me. My most trusted advisor, Long Feng, and his Dai Li agents tried to take control of Ba Sing Se from me.”

“It's terrible when you can't trust the ponies who are closest to you.”

Kuei the pets his pet bear. “But there is good news. As we speak, the Council of Five is meeting to plan an invasion of the Fire Nation next year.” For a second, Azula's eyes widen with shock and worry upon hearing this, but she quickly hides it.

“Really? Now that sounds like a fascinating and brilliant plan.” She then glances off as Mai and Ty Lee look at each other.

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

On to the Council of Five meeting, where Shining, Princesses Celestia and Luna, who arrived not knowing that Discord has escaped, Cadence, Twilight and her friends, and the CMC are present. “General Fong's base will serve as the launching point for the attack. In exactly one year, the army and navy will invade the Fire Nation. All we need is the King's seal to execute the plan.”

“I'll get these scrolls to him right away. Thank you, General How.” Shining said as he levitates the scrolls and heads for the thrown room. Rarity then walks up to Twilight with Sweetie in tow.

“Twilight, me and Sweetie thought to go get some tea while we wait. Care to join us?”

“Sure Rarity.”

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

At the hive of the changelings in Sub-Sahara Africa, Queen Chrysalis is asleep while Die is playing her harmonium. Discord is lying on the wall, drinking some green glowing water. “This evil water is delicious. Oh, how I missed its sweet taste.”

“Tell me about it.” The changeling Robtish said across the room.

“Ooh-ah-ooh. Your gonna get it when the Queen wakes up and finds out that the Fire Avatar is still alive.”

“I still can’t believe that Avatar myth is true.” Discord remarked as he finished his glass by drinking it as well.

“Ah, the Avatar had help.”

“Had help?” Medizinisch asked Robtish.

“Some half pony.”

“A half pony?” Discord said, slightly confused.

“Deker?” Die asked. Just then, Chrysalis wakes up out of anger.

“What?! Deker is helping the Wilders of the Elements of Harmony and Nature now?!”

“Good mourning, Queen Chrysalis. I’ll be happy to finish them both off if you want to.” Robtish said as he grabs a bowl.

“Oh.” Chrysalis said as she grabs the bowl from Robtish. “Deker make me so angry.” She then drinks it, but realizes it's not what she thought it was. “Huh. This isn't my medicine!” She then smashes the bowl to the ground.

“Medicine. Medicine.” The furry warts said as they jumped down.

“Oh, shut up, you furry warts! Ooh-ah-ooh!”

“Ooh-ah-ooh. Ooh-ah-ooh. Ooh-ah-ooh.” The furry warts said while laughing.

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

In a forest not far away from Ba Sing Se, Deker is walking when he senses something. “Something’s coming.” Some changeling drones then appear before him. “So, Queen Chrysalis has sent her changeling minions to challenge me.” He then draws out his blade. “Then meet my sword, Uramasa!” He then slashes at some changeling that charge at him, slicing them in half. Deker then spins around and a purple wave hits the remaining changelings, turning them into dust. Behind him in the river, Chrysalis appears with a sword.

“I’ve lost my patience with you, Deker!” She than charges at him. He manages to block some slashes until Deker’ back faces the river while Chrysalis is in front of him. “How dare you to meddle in my affairs! Leave it to a half pony like you to side with them.”

“I know you wan’t the Fire Avatar destroyed, but he is tied to my destiny. I must duel him! You must let me do this!” Chrysalis then pushes Deker back into the river.

“What you want means nothing to me!”

Deker positions his Uramasa so the groves on it, the side he used to slice the boulder in half, are facing Chrysalis. “I have no interest in battling you!”

“Very wise of you, but it doesn't mean you can avoid my wrath.” Chrysalis then uses her magic to conjure up a magic rope around Deker, trapping him. More drones appear and hit Deker with their mandibles or some blades, causing Deker to bleed some.

“You will not stop ME!” Deker said as he begins to glow bright blue, causing an explosion, destroying the changelings and the rope, turning Deker into his pony form. Deker then nearly collapses.

“Huh.”

“Say what you like about my half pony state. But it keeps me from relying on the death water to stay alive like you!” He then dives into the river and disappears.

"This is far from over, Deker!" Chrysalis yelled.

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

“Ooh-ah-ooh. He escaped.” Medizinisch said as he, Die, and Discord were watching through the spy spell. “You could tell that Queen Chrysalis had him good.”

“He’ll survive. No one should underestimate Deker.”

“Die might have a point there.”

“All right. And look at you siting on your rump!” Medizinisch said to Robtish. “Get a move on and eliminate the Fire Avatar!”

Robtish then gets up. “Consider it done.”

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

At the Eastern Air Temple, Firebrand, Blitz, Agua, and Terra land and spot an elderly unicorn stallion with a gray mane with a gray coat. He is also wearing a clock that hides his cutie mark. “Uhhh ... hello?” Agua said to him. “You're the Guru, right? The pony who sent the note to us at Ba Sing Se?”

“Indeed. I was a spiritual brother of your fellow ponies, Fire Avatar, and a friend of your father after you left.”

“In your note, you said you could teach us how to gain control of the Avatar State. How?” Blitz asked the Guru.

“You must gain balance within yourself, before you can bring balance to the world. And the first step to gaining balance begins with this.” He levitates some drinks to them. “Drink up!”

Fire’ drinks it, but he spits it out. “Uggh! It tastes like onion and banana juice!”

“That's because it is! Yum yum! There is one thing you should know.”

“Whats that?” Agua asked.

“The Avatar State is a defense mechanism, designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge of all the past Avatars. The glow is the combination of all your past lives, focusing their energy through your body. In the Avatar State, you are at your most powerful, but you are also at your most vulnerable.”

“What do you mean?” Blitz asked.

“If one of you are killed in the Avatar State, the reincarnation cycle will be broken and the Avatar of that respective element will cease to exist.”

After a few moments, Fire’ spoke up. “You also said you tell us where the other Elements of Nature are at. Where are they?”

“The Elements of Lightning and Air are located at the Grate Library in the Himalayas. The Element of Fire and the sixth one are a bit more tricky.”

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean, dear Agua, is that the only clue to those two Elements is a riddle.”

“Whats the riddle, mate?”

“The riddle is, ‘When dawn alights the daggers tip, the three kings will reveal the door way.’”

“What the hay does that mean?”

“Your the Avatar of Water. You figure it out.”

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

At the palace where Azula, Mai and Ty Lee are staying, they are talking about something. “We have been presented with an extraordinary opportunity, girls.” Azula said to her two friends.

“Mai finally gets to wear make-up that's not totally depressing?” Ty Lee said.

With black makeup dripping down her eyes, Mai sarcastically said, “Ha, ha.”

“I'm talking about conquering Geo Firma. For the past few years, the Fire Nation has hammered away at Ba Sing Se from the outside. But now we're on the inside, and we can take it by ourselves.”

“Gosh, you're so confident. I really admire that about you.”

“Thanks Ty. From the inside, we're in perfect position to organize a coup and overthrow the King. The key is the Dai Li. Whoever controls the Dai Li controls Ba Sing Se.”

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

Back at the Eastern Air Temple, they are near a waterfall that leads to seven pools of water, etched connected to each other by a brook. “In order to master the Avatar State, you must open all the chakras. Agua, tell me everything you know about chakras.”

“What are chakras?”

“Oh, I see. I guess we'll start with the basics. The water flows through this creek, much like the energy flows through your body. As you see, there are several pools where the water swirls around before flowing on. These pools are like our chakras.”

“So chakras are pools of swirling energy in our bodies?” Fire’ said to the Guru.

“Exactly. If nothing else were around, then this creek would flow pure and clear. However, life is messy, and things tend to fall in the creek. And then what happens?”

“The creek can't flow?”

“Yes, Terra. But, if we open the ponds between the pools...”

“The energy flows!” Blitz finished. Later, in another part of the temple.

“There are seven chakras that go up the body. Each pool of energy has a purpose, and be can blocked by a specific kind of emotional muck. Be warned, opening the chakras is an intense experience, and once you begin the process, you can not stop until all seven are open. Are you ready?”

“We'll do whatever it takes.” Fire’ said to him.

“First we will open the earth chakra, located at the base of the spine. It deals with survival, and is blocked by fear. What are you most afraid of? Let your fears become clear.” The four Avatar close their eyes, and they see images of things that cause them great fear, including Fire Lord Ozia, even making them scream, ‘HELP!’.

“Avatars,” the Guru said to them, “your visions are not real. Your all are concerned for your survival, but you must surrender those fears. Let your fears flow down the creek.”

With that, they clear away the images one by one. “You've opened your earth chakra!”

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

Later, near a waterfall. “Next is the...” The Guru began to say.

“Water chakra?” Agua said.

“Brilliant! Maybe one day you will be a guru too! This chakra deals with pleasure and is blocked by guilt. You’l take turns this time. Terra, why don’t you start?” After a few sessions with Terra, Agua, and Blitz, it’s Fire’s turn. “Your turn Fire.’ Now, look at all the guilt with burdens you so. What do you blame yourself for?”

Fire’ closes his eyes and sees the image of him leaving home. “I ran away.” He then sees images of him when he returned. “I let all those ponies die.”

“Accept the reality that these things happen, but do not let them cloud and poison your energy. If you are to be a positive influence on the world, you need to forgive yourself.” The Guru said to Fire.’

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

Back in Ba Sing Se, Zuko and Iroh are ready to open the Jasmine Dragon. “Who thought when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop? Follow your passion, Zuko, and life will reward you.”

“Congratulations, Uncle.”

“I am very thankful.”

“You deserve it. The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city.”

“No. I'm thankful because you decided to share this special day with me. It means more than you know.”

“Now let's make these ponies some tea!”

“Yes, let's make some tea!”

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

Back to the Eastern Air Temple, the Guru is teaching the 4 Avatars about the third chakra. “Third is the fire chakra, located in the stomach.”

“My fire chakra would like to eat something other than onion-banana juice.” Blitz said to the Guru.

The Guru then chuckles a little. “Good one! Moving on. This chakra deals with willpower, and is blocked by shame. What are you ashamed of? What are your biggest disappointments in yourself, Terra?”

She then flashes back to when she left home. “I’m never leaving my friends and family again.”

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

Back at the palace, two Dai Li agents hide on two pillars and secretly spy on a conversation between Mai and Ty Lee. The latter is sitting on the stairs and the former is practicing chi blocking and acrobatics. “I'm tired of wearing this girly disguise. I don't know how anyone could fight in this.”

“Maybe that's why it was so easy to beat the Kyoshi Warriors and take their clothes.”

“How much longer do we have to serve the King? If I have to clean up one more pile of bear poop, I'm going to throw up.” Mai dryly said.

“Princess Azula promised we would go back to the Fire Nation when we captured the Avatars. We just have to be patient.”

“Shut up! Do you want the whole palace to know we're Fire Nation?”

“Sorry!” The agents then smile and climb away. Azula, who was hiding behind another pillar, walks up to them.

“Good work, girls. I'm sure the Dai Li will deliver the message.”

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

Back at the Air Temple, the Guru is teaching the group about the fourth chakra. “The fourth chakra is located in the heart. It deals with love and is blocked by grief. Lay all your grief out in front of you, Firebrand.” Fire’ closes his eyes and sees images of many ponies from Abysus, including his father. He smiles upon seeing them, but becomes saddened as they start to vanish into smoke. He is lifted into the air and sees the Abysus ponies floating in the smoke. “You have indeed felt a great loss. But love is a form of energy, and it swirls all around us. The Abysus ponies love for you has not left this world. It is still inside of your heart, and is reborn in the form of new love.” The smoke forms a face and shows the first pony Fire’ meet in Equestria: Twilight. Back in the real world, Fire’ is starting to cry tears of joy. “Let the pain flow away.” Fire’ then wipes away his tears. “Very good.”

“Can I have some onion and banana juice, please?” Fire’ said after he calmed down some. Later, inside another part of the temple.

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

“The fifth in the chain is the sound chakra, located in the throat. It deals with truth and is blocked by lies. The ones we tell ourselves.”

Fire’ then flashes back to when he, Twilight, her brother, her sister-in-law, her friends, and the CMC freed that Earth Kingdom village from the Fire Nation, and Twilight asked him. “Why didn't you tell us you were one of the Avatars?”

“Because I never wanted to be.” Fire’ said in the real world. The other Avatars are confused by what he just said.

“You cannot lie about your own nature. You must accept that you are the Avatar of Fire.” Fire’ then inhales and exhales, and accepts his nature. “Very good, Firebrand. You have opened the chakra of truth. Your turn, Agua.”

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

Later, outside the temple interior. “The sixth pool of energy is the light chakra, located in the center of the forehead. It deals with insight and is blocked by illusion. The greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation. Things you think are separate and different are actually one in the same.”

“Like the four pony types.” Terra said.

“Yes. We are all one pony, but we live as if divided.”

“We're all connected. Everything is connected.” Fire’ said to him, remembering when he was in the swamp.

“That's right! Even the separation of the 6 Elements of Nature and Harmony is an illusion. If you open your mind, you will see that all the elements are one, 12 parts of the same mold. Even metal is just a part of earth that has been re-purified and refined.”

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

Back in Ba Sing Se, Rarity, Twilight, and Sweetie Belle walk by the Jasmine Dragon. “You still want a cup of tea, Sweetie?”

“Sounds better then plain water right now.” Sweetie said as they then arrive at the shop.

“Table for three, please.” Twilight said. But before they get one, the trio hear two familiar voices.

“Uncle! I need two jasmine, one green and one leechi!”

“I'm brewing as fast as I can!” Rarity, Twilight, and Sweetie, stunned, run away from the shop.

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

Back at the temple. “This is the last chakra, isn't it?” Agua asked the Guru.

“Yes. Once you open this chakra, you will be able to go in and out of the Avatar State at will and when you are in the Avatar State, you will have complete control and awareness of all your actions.”

“Let's do this.” Fire’ said as he and the others ready themselves.

“The thought chakra is located at the crown of the head. It deals with pure cosmic energy, and is blocked by earthly attachment. Meditate on what attaches you to this world.” The Guru said as images of Twilight appear before Fire.’ “Now, let all of those attachments go. Let them flow down the river, forgotten.”

“What? Why would I let go of Twilight?” Fire’ said as he makes sure that the others wont hear what he is about to say. “I ... I love her!” He quietly said.

“Learn to let her go, or you can't let the pure cosmic energy flow in from the universe.”

“Why would I choose cosmic energy over Twilight? How could it be a bad thing that I feel an attachment to her? Three chakras ago that was a good thing!” Fire’ quietly said, making sure only the Guru would hear him.

“You must learn to let go.”

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

Back at the palace, Rarity, Twilight, and Sweetie notices the ‘Kyoshi Warriors’ are in the king's room. Rarity goes to them while Sweetie stays behind. “Thank goodness you're here. Something terrible is going on. The Fire Nation has infiltrated the city, and we just saw Prince Zuko and his uncle!” Azula then widens her eyes and then smiles slyly.

“We have to tell the King right away!” Twilight finished.

“Oh, don't worry, I'll be sure to let him know.” Rarity and Twilight then notice one of them has gold eyes and they are shocked upon realizing that the ‘Kyoshi Warriors’ are actually Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee. They prepare to attack, but Ty Lee quickly jumps forward and blocks their chi. “So, Zuzu's in the city, too? I think it's time for a family reunion.” Azula said as Sweetie runs off.

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

Back at the temple, Fire’ and the Guru are discussing Fire’s inability to let go of Twilight, with the others watching nearby. “What do you think there talking about?”

“Don’t know, Terra. But I bet my wings it has something to do with Twilight.” Agua said.

“I'm sorry, but I can't let go of Twilight.”

“Firebrand, to master the Avatar State, you must open all the chakras. Surrender yourself.”

“Okay, I'll try.”

“Now think of your attachments and let them go. Let the pure cosmic energy flow.” Fire’ sees an image of him letting Twilight go, and then a bridge that will lead him to Avatar State mastery. As he is about to finish the path, however, he hears a shriek from Twilight. He runs away from the end of the road. This cuts his connection to the Avatar State, which drops him back to reality.

“Twilight's in danger! I have to go!”

“No, Firebrand! By choosing attachment, you have locked the chakra! If you leave now, you won't be able to go into the Avatar State at all!” Fire’ then hesitates but leaves anyway with the others, leaving the Guru concerned.

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

Back at Ba Sing Se, Azula is led into a prison by two Dai Li agents. She is taken to Long Feng's cell. “What is the meaning of this? Your agents show up in the middle of the night and drag me down here? You do not treat a Kyoshi Warrior this way!”

“But you're not a Kyoshi Warrior, are you, Princess Azula of the Fire Nation?”

“What do you want?” Azula asked.

“I want to make a deal. It's time that I regain control of Ba Sing Se and you have something I need.” Long said.

“Oh? And what is that?” Azula asked.

“The King's trust.”

“Why should I help you?” Azula said as she pulls out her lightning gun.

“Because I can get you one of the Avatars.”

“I'm listening...”

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

Back at the Jasmine Dragon, a messenger enters. “A message from the Royal Palace.” Iroh reads through and becomes shocked. “I ... I can't believe it!”

“What is it, Uncle?”

“Great news! We've been invited to serve tea to the Earth King!” He then runs off. Zuko smiles as he continues sweeping.

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

“So, what kind of trouble is Twilight in?”

“I don't know, Blitz. In my vision, I just knew she needed help.”

“It would be nice if our Avatar powers could be just a little more specific from time to time.” Terra said to him.

“We should go over what the Guru told us where the remaining elements are at.”

“Good idea, Agua. Lets go over the riddle one more time.” Fire’ said. (key: Firebrand bold, Agua italics, Terra underline, Blitz normal)

“When dawn alights”
“The daggers tip”
“The three kings”
“Will reveal the door way.”

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

Azula is speaking to the Dai Li at the palace. “The King and the Council of Five do not trust the Dai Li. They imprisoned your leader, Long Feng. Soon they will turn on all of you and eliminate you. Seizing power today is urgent. This coup must be swift and decisive. The King and each of the five generals must be taken out simultaneously. Long Feng has placed you in my command while we overthrow the government. If I sense any disloyalty, any hesitation, any weakness at all, I will snap it out. That is all.” The Dai Li leave, and Azula walks up to Ty Lee, who is pouring tea.

“Nice speech, Azula. It was pretty and poetic, but also scary in a good way.” She then gives Azula a cup.

“Yeah. I thought you were going to make that one guy pee his armor.” Mai said.

“There's still a few loose ends. The Avatars, and my brother and uncle.” Azula said.

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

Outside the Royal Palace, Zuko and Uncle are waiting to go in. “Many times I imagined myself here, at the threshold of the palace. But I always thought I would be here as a conqueror. Instead, we are the King's personal guests, here to serve him tea. Destiny is a funny thing.”

“It sure is, Uncle.”

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

“Oh, where are the others?” Sweetie Belle said to herself as she runs around the palace, completely lost.

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

Zuko and Iroh are sitting at a table in a room inside the palace, waiting for the King. Iroh pours some tea into a cup to help pass the time. “What's taking so long?” Zuko asked.

“Maybe the King overslept.”

Some unicorn Dai Li agents then appear begin to circle around the two. “Something's not right.” Zuko said. He then sees Azula walking past the Dai Li and comes in front of him.

“It's tea time!” She said to her brother and uncle.

“Azula!” Zuko said as he quickly gets up.

“Have you met the Dai Li? They're Geo Firmains, but they have a killer instinct that's so Fire Nation. I just love it.”

Iroh picks up his tea calmly and says, “Did I ever tell you how I got the nickname from your mother ‘the Dragon of the West’?”

“I'm not interested in a lengthy anecdote, Uncle.”

“It's more of a demonstration, really.” Iroh begins drinking his tea. Zuko looks over at him and smiles before going behind him. Iroh begins breathing fire. The fire blast helps Zuko and Iroh run out of the room. The Dai Li agents begin shooting some bullets at them, but miss as Zuko and Iroh turn around the corner. Iroh then grabs a lightning gun and uses it to destroy the wall in front of them before jumping down into a bush below. Zuko stops at the edge. “Come on! You'll be fine!”

“No! I'm tired of running! It's time I faced Azula!” Zuko turns around and walks back. Iroh then smacks his head upon hearing this, then runs away.

“You're so dramatic. What? Are you going to challenge me to an Agni Kai?”

“Yes! I challenge you!”

“No thanks.” Zuko shoots a fire blast toward her using a flame thrower, but two unicorn Dai Li agents intervene and conjure up a wall. They then shoot some cuffs at Zuko's feet, making him lose his balance. He puts his right front hoof down, but another cuff traps that one. Azula turns around smiling and walks away as the agents capture him. In the throne room Agua, Terra, Blitz, and Firebrand confront Kuei, the King.

“Twilight's fine. You have nothing to worry about.”

“But, in my vision, I felt so sure she was in trouble.”

“Well, she met with the Council of Generals to plan an invasion, and since then, she been off with your friends, and the Kyoshi Warriors.”

“See, Fire’? She's probably with Rarity. They're probably back at our apartment now talking about make-up or something.”

“Okay. Maybe you're right, Blitz.”

“Believe me, if there was any danger at all, Bosco's animal instincts would sense it.” Bosco then lifts his head from sleeping to look at the 4.

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

In the Crystal Catacombs, Twilight and Rarity are pacing back and forth. They stop pacing upon hearing a hole open up above. “You've got company.” A Dai Li agent said as he throws Zuko in, who rolls down and lands in front of Twilight.

“Zuko!” Rarity said as both hers and Twilight’s shocked faces become angry ones as Zuko sits up as the hole closes behind him.

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

At the groups apartment, Celestia, Luna, AJ, Apple Bloom, Rainbow, Scootaloo, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Shining and Cadence are waiting for Twilight, Rarity and Sweetie Belle to return. They then see Fire,’ Agua, Terra, and Blitz show up. “Whats goin’ on?” Apple Bloom asked

“Long story short: Fire’ thinks Twilight is in trouble and insisted we find her.” Blitz answered.

“We haven't seen Twilight, Rarity, or Sweetie Belle since that meeting.” Celestia said. Just then Sweetie Belle runs up, completely tired out from running. “Sweetie! Whereas Twilight and Rarity?”

“Kyoshi ... Warriors ... captured ... them.” She said before fainting.

“Twilight is in trouble! I knew it!”

“Oh, no!” Shining and Cadence said at the same time.

“Wait!” Terra said.

“What is it?” Luna asked.

“Someone's at the door.” Terra said. Then they hear knocking on the door a second later. “Actually, I know who it is. It's an old friend of mine.” She walks over to the door and opens it, showing that Iroh is behind the door. “Glad to see you're okay.”

“I need your help.” Iroh said. Agua, Cadence, Rainbow, and AJ become shocked and angry upon seeing him, and get into a fighting stance. Terra calmly just smiles and waves at him.

“You guys know each other?!” Rainbow asked.

“I met him in the woods once and knocked him down. Then he gave me some tea and some very good advice.” Terra said.

“May I come in?” Iroh asked. Terra then nods a yes and lets him in. “Princess Azula is here in Ba Sing Se.”

“She must have Twilight and Rarity.” Shining said.

“She has captured my nephew as well.”

“Then we'll work together to fight Azula, and save Twilight, Rarity and Zuko.” Fire' said.

“Whoa there! You lost me at ‘Zuko.’” Pinkie said.

“I know how you must feel about my nephew. But believe me when I tell you that there is good inside him.”

“Good inside him isn't enough!” Rainbow said to Iroh.

“Why don't y’all come back when it's outside him too, okay?” Applejack finished.

“Twilight and Rarity are in trouble. All of Ba Sing Se is in trouble. Working together is our best chance.” Fire’ said to the two. Rainbow and Applejack then look at each other before nodding in agreement. Iroh then walks outside with the others following him.

“I brought someone along who might help us.” He said. Terra then puts a couple of earth pillars around a Dai Li agent and makes him stand up. Iroh walks over to him and takes the gag off his mouth.

“Azula and Long Feng are plotting a coup! They're going to overthrow the King!” The Dai Li agent said to them.

“My sister! Where are they keeping Twilight?”

“In the Crystal Catacombs of old Ba Sing Se, deep beneath the palace.” Terra then drops him as they run for the palace.

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

Outside of Ba Sing Se, Deker in his pony form is lying on the edge of the river several miles away from where he and Queen Chrysalis battled. “Oh Deker.” Die said when she finally found him. “I knew Queen Chrysalis didn't destroy you. Maybe if she defeated you, you would be free from your curse. But that would be too easy.” She said as Deker begins to wake up.

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

At the jail where Long Feng is, he is meditating in his cell while a Dai Li agent informs him of what is going on. “The movement of the King and all the generals have been plotted out step-by-step.”

“Good. And the Fire Nation princess is cooperating?”

“Oh, yes. More than cooperating. She's really taken charge. She's terrifying and inspirational at the same time. It's hard to explain.”

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

Inside the Crystal Catacombs, Twilight & Rarity are yelling at Zuko, who sits with his back turned. “Why did they throw you in here?!” Rarity yelled.

“Oh, wait, let me guess. It's a trap. So that when Fire’ or Agua or Terra or Blitz show up to help us, you can finally have one of them in your little Fire Nation clutches!” Zuko just looks at them and tilts his head down. “You're a terrible pony! You know that?! Always following us! Hunting the Avatars! Trying to capture the world's last hope for peace! But what do you care? You're the Fire Lord's son. Spreading war and violence and hatred is in your blood!” Twilight coldly said.

“You don't know what you're talking about!” Zuko finally yelled back.

“I don't?! How dare you?! You have no idea what this war has put both me and Firebrand through! Him personally! The Fire Nation took his whole country away from him! His whole family!” Twilight yelled back.

“I'm sorry. That's something the two of us have in common.” Zuko thenrealizes something. "Wait. Whats his..."

"SHUT UP!" Twilight yelled.

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

On the surface, Terra is feeling the ground below, finding the Crystal Catacombs. “Well, what'd you know? There is an ancient city down there. But it's deep.” She said.

She then makes a tunnel. “We should split up. Firebrand, you, me, Terra, Rainbow, and Applejack will go with Iroh to look for Twilight, Rarity and the angry jerk, no offense.” Shining said.

“None taken.”

“The rest of us will go warn the King of Azula's coup.” Cadence said. Later in the tunnel Terra created, she is earthbending the tunnel so the can get to the Crystal Catacombs every few feet.

“So, Terra thinks you give pretty good advice, and great tea!” Fire’ said to Iroh.

“The key to both is proper aging. What's on your mind?”

Fire’ doesn't say anything for a minute until Terra earthbends more of the tunnel. “Well, I met with this guru who was supposed to help me master the Avatar State and control this great power, but to do it, I had to let go of someone I love.” He and Iroh then stop. “And I just couldn't.”

“Protection and power are overrated. I think you are very wise to choose happiness and love.”

“What happens if we can't save anyone and beat Azula? Without the Avatar State, what if I'm not powerful enough?”

“I don't know the answer. Sometimes, life is like this dark tunnel. You can't always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving, you will come to a better place.” He said as they reach the Catacombs.

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

At the changeling hive, Hexe is playing her harmonium when Chrysalis walks up to her. “Your music seems a bit off today. What are you hiding from me?” Chrysalis asked her.

“Uh. I’m not hiding anything.” She said as she has a flashback to when she found Deker.

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

She is helping Deker get back up on his 4 feet-hoof things. “Thank you.” Deker said to her.

“No need to thank me. It’s the least I can do after you saved me from the Elements of Harmony.”

“I see.”

“Why do you insist on dueling the Fire Avatar?” Hexe asked.

“I’m compelled to find the ultimate duel. It's all that maters. I can’t remember a time when it wasn't.”

“So you remember nothing from your past?” Die said as Deker takes on his changeling form.

“No. Nothing.” Deker said as he pulls out his sword Uramasa. “My sword Uramasa is calling to me. It longs for action. And I must make sure that ultimate duel finally happens.”

“I see. Is anything else in this world important to you?”

“I am cursed to satisfy this urge, so no. There is nothing but this.” Deker answered as he leaves.

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

“Well?” Chrysalis said after Die has been quiet for a couple of minutes.

“Nothing.” Die said. “It was nothing.” Just then the furry warts jump down.

“Nothing. Nothing.”

“Quiet!” Die said as she tried to swat the furry warts.

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

Bake at the surface of Ba Sing Se, the others are climbing a set of stairs, except the ones who can fly. “There's General How!” Pinkie said, but before they can reach him, some Dai Li agents jump him.

“What's going on here?” How asked.

“You're under house arrest.”

“The coup is happening right now! We've got to warn the King!” Cadence said as they make their way to the throne room. Meanwhile, one of the generals is walking when some chains come flying up and trap him. General Sung is taken by some chains into a dark area. Two other generals are in their headquarters when the Dai Li toss some chains to circle around their legs and pull them up. At the throne room, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Apple Boom, and Sweetie Belle have just reached the King.

“Thank goodness we're in time!” Luna said.

“In time for what?” The king asked.

“Yeah. What are you in time for,” Ty lee asked as she cartwheels to Blitz, “cutie?”

“Uh, I'm kinda involved with somepony else.” Blitz said to her.

“Who?” Ty Lee said when she is hit by a jet of water.

“They're not the real Kyoshi Warriors!” Agua said to Kuei, who gasps out of shock.

“Sorry to disappoint you.” Mai said as she shoots some of her daggers at Agua, who uses a water shield to stop them, then kicks the shield to Mai, who jumps over it. Celestia brings up a pillar, knocking her. Ty Lee comes up in front of Blitz, laughing. She starts trying to jab him, but he evades all of them.

“Looks like we're dancing together!” Azula is holding a gun while holding Kuei captive.

“This fight is over.” She said. Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Pinkie, Scootaloo, Apple Boom, and Sweetie Belle then surrender, and Ty Lee chi blocks them. Fluttershy tries flying away, but a Dai Li agent traps her in a cave. Azula then shoves Kuei down. “Get them all out of my sight.” They then are taken to a cell. Long Feng then walks into the room with some Dai Li agents behind him.

“Now comes the part where I double cross you.” He said to Azula. “Dai Li, arrest the Fire Nation princess!” But none of the Dai Li agents move, to Long Feng's disappointment. “I said arrest her! What is wrong with you?!”

“It's because they haven't made up their minds. They're waiting to see how this is going to end.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I can see your whole history in your eyes. You were born with nothing, so you've had to struggle, and connive, and claw your way to power. But true power, the divine right to rule, is something you're born with. The fact is, they don't know which one of us is going to be sitting on that throne, and which one is going to be bowing down. But I know, and you know.” She then sits down on the throne and crosses her legs. “Well?”

“You've beaten me at my own game.”

“Don't flatter yourself! You were never even a player.”

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

Back in the Crystal Catacombs. “We'er sorry we yelled at you before.” Twilight said to Zuko.

“It doesn't matter.” He said.

“It's just that for so long now, whenever I would imagine the face of the enemy, it was your face.” Rarity said.

“My face? I see.” Zuko the touches his scar.

“No, no, dear. That's-that's not what I mean.”

“It's okay. I used to think this scar marked me. The mark of the banished prince, cursed to chase the Avatar forever. But lately, I've realized I'm free to decide my own destiny, even if I'll never be free of my mark.”

“Maybe you could be free of it.” Twilight said.

“What?” Both Zuko and Rarity said.

“I now some healing spells.”

“It's a scar, it can't be healed.” Twilight then puts one hoof on Zuko's scar, only to be interrupted by Firebrand, Shining, Terra, Rainbow, Applejack and Iroh.

“Firebrand! Shining!” Twilight then hugs Fire,’ but he looks over Twilight’s shoulder and glares at Zuko, who gets a hug from Iroh. “Firebrand, I knew you would come.” Fire’ then blushes a bit when Twilight hugs him again.

“Uncle, I don't understand. What are you doing with the Avatars of Earth and Fire?”

“Saving you, that's what.” Zuko then takes one step in Fire’s direction, but Iroh stops him. “Zuko, it's time we talked.” He then turns to Fire,' Twilight, Shining, Terra, Rainbow and Applejack. “Go help you other friends. We'll catch up with you.” The group then leave.

“Why, Uncle?”

“You're not the stallion you used to be, Zuko. You are stronger and wiser and freer than you have ever been. And now you have come to the crossroads of your destiny. It's time for you to choose. It's time for you to choose good.” Just then, crystals grow around and encase Iroh. Zuko then assumes a fighting position. It’s Azula along with two Dai Li agents sliding down from the sides of the chamber.

“I expected this kind of treachery from Uncle. But Zuko, Prince Zuko, you're many things, but you're not a traitor, are you?” She said.

“Release him immediately.” Zuko said as he draws out a fame-thrower, not wanting her to know he's a Firebender like Iroh.

“It's not too late for you, Zuko. You can still redeem yourself.”

“The kind of redemption she offers is not for you.”

“Why don't you let him decide, Uncle? I need you, Zuko. I've plotted every move of this day, this glorious day in Fire Nation history, and the only way we win is together. At the end of this day, you will have your honor back. You will have Father's love. You will have everything you want.”

“Zuko, I am begging you. Look into you heart and see what it is that you truly want.”

“You are free to choose.” Azula finished as she gestures the two Dai Li agents to leave. Zuko contemplates but cannot decide his choice. Meanwhile, the others are running through the Crystal Catacombs.

“We've got to find Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Apple Boom, and Sweetie Belle.” Twilight said. A bolt of lightning attacks them from behind. Terra stops it using earthbending. Azula, is holding the source of the lightning, a gun of some kind. Twilight uses magic to stop another lightning attack. The smoke from the attack allows Azula to jump onto a crystal and fires two bullets. Together, Fire’ and Terra use their respective bending to stop the bullets. Azula finishes her jump by landing on a rock pillar. Terra uses earthbending on the pillar, and Azula gasps once she notices the pillar crumbling. She jumps off and lands between Shining and Twilight. She points a lighting gun both of them.

A fire blast stops her from attacking, and they look to see the source of the fire blast to be Zuko. Zuko looks from Azula to Twilight and Fire,’ choosing who to attack. Fire’ gasps once he realizes Zuko will attack him and Fire’ goes elemental to jump away from the blast. Azula starts dueling with Twilight, and Zuko throws multiple fire blasts at Fire.’ On the surface, Kuei, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Apple Boom, and Sweetie Belle are in a prison cell. Sweetie looks out the door's barred window.

“See any Dai Li agents nearby?” Fluttershy asked.

“Nope, all clear.” Blitz then prepares himself and generates a large amount of electricity and blasts the door open.

“Let's go.” Celestia said.

“I'm not leaving without Bosco!” Kuei said. Agua the takes hiss hoof and follows the rest of the group. Back to the Crystal Catacombs, Zuko and Fire’ are still fighting. Twilight then leave Azula with her brother, Terra and her three friends. Just then, Robtish shows up with some changelings.

“Oh, great. You.” Fire’ said to the changeling worrier.

“Good. Looks like I get to not only destroy the Fire Avatar, but his little girlfriend too.” Robtish said to them.

“She's not my girlfriend.”

“I’m not his girlfriend.”

“Huh, whatever.” Robtish then notices that if he includes Zuko, its 22 to 2. “Huh, such unfair odds. I almost fell guilty. Almost. Deker isn't around to save you this time either.”

“I’m happy to destroy you all by my self, changeling.” Fire’ said as his fire form glows more intense. Robtish and Zuko then attack, along with Robtish’s changelings. Fire’ deals with the changelings quickly, and draws out his sword and charges for Robtish. Twilight is dealing with Zuko, using her magic to block his fire blasts.

“I thought you had changed.”

“I have changed, Twilight Sparkle.” Zuko fires another blast. Azula and Shining, Terra, Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity are standing opposite each other. They prepare to fight. Azula uses the lighting gun to charge at Shining. Terra earthbends crystals around her into a crystal encased armor and charges at Azula. Azula stops, and uses her flamethrower to break Terra's crystal armor and send her flying back into an old building.

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

In the King's throne room, Mai and Ty Lee try to make Bosco move.

“Come on, it's easy. You just walk on you front paws instead of your rear ones. Like this.” She then walks on all fours, but when she steps in a small puddle of water, it goes up all her hoofs and freezes, trapping her. Bosco starts clapping at the funny sight. At the door, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Apple Boom, Sweetie Belle and Kuei.

“That is a nice trick.” Agua said as she and Blitz go elemental and walk toward Mai.

“Just take the bear.” Mai said as she cuts the ropes that hold Bosco.

King Kuei then runs to his bear. “Bosco!”

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

In the Catacombs, Robtish and Fire’ are still dueling. Fire’ then charges his next attack and fires a large blast, sending Robtish flying through some pillars and explodes. Zuko and Azula and some Dai Li are now both fighting Twilight, Rarity, Shining, Rainbow, and Applejack. Hopelessly outnumbered, Twilight gets knocked down. Terra jumps from the old building and earth surfs toward Zuko and Azula to stop them from attacking her friends. A Dai Li agent breaks Terra's surf, knocking him down. More Dai Li agents gather behind Zuko and Azula. Twilight starts regaining her focus as Dai Li agents surround her. Agua appears and uses the octopus form to defend herself. Fire’ stands up and surveys the scene. “There's too many.” He said. He then looks at Twilight as she is being defended by Agua. He then remembers what the Guru said to him.

“The only way is to let her go.”

“I'm sorry, Twilight.” He said to himself as he turns away from Azula and Zuko as Terra earthbends a crystal shelter tent. Fire’ starts meditating. Inside Fire's mind, a giant version of himself in the Avatar State, the Avatar Spirit, holds a firebending sphere with a normal-sized version of himself in the Avatar State. Back in the crystal shelter, Fire’ enters the Avatar State and the crystal shelter starts glowing, alerting those outside. Inside the shelter, Fire’ opens his glowing eyes and starts levitating above the crowd. Twilight is looking up to Fire’ with hope. But before Fire’ can let Twilight go and control the Avatar State, a bolt of lightning strikes him in the back. Azula is holding the lightning gun that's smoking. The Fire Avatar Spirit let's go of Fire’ and falls out of the plane of existence. As Fire’ falls down, Agua creates a wave to catch him. The wave knocks down some Dai Li agents. Twilight holds Fire’ with teary eyes. Zuko and Azula prepare to attack them, but a blast of fire stops them. Iroh jumps down from the wall of the cave and shields the group from Zuko and Azula.

“You've got to get out of here! I'll hold them off as long as I can!” He said as he creates a wall of fire. Before they leave, Agua pulls out her amulet she took from the North Pole that holds the spirit water. She uses the water and brings Fire’ back to life, but he is out cold. Deker then appears in his pony in front of them as the leave, holding a vile of blue liquid with his red magic.

"You!" Twilight said as Deker puts the vile on the ground.

“It seems I have bad timing." Dekker said as the others take notice of his appearance. "I thought we could finally duel, but he's obesely preoccupied."

"If you know they, then go away!" Twilight said.

"Give this to the Fire Avatar when he awakes.” Deker said to them.

“Why?”

"Because, Water Avatar, it will help him recover faster. There called nanites, microscopic machine that work on the cellular level. It's also very potent, which is why there’s only very few of them, only enough to help heal the Fire Avatar. Be careful. Also, Celestia, Luna, Discord has escaped and is hiding with the changelings.” He said as he leaves, with horror and shock on not only the royal princesses faces, but on Twilight's and her friends.

The others then leave without the vile, but Twilight, holding Firebrand, takes the nanites with her magic and places it in her saddlebag. Once they are gone, Iroh releases his stance and surrenders himself to the Dai Li, who cuff him.

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

In the throne room, Azula is sitting down at the throne with Zuko at her left. “We've done it, Zuko. It's taken 2000 years, but the Fire Nation has conquered Ba Sing Se.”

“I betrayed Uncle.”

“No, he betrayed you. Zuko, when you return home, Father will welcome you as a war hero.”

“But I don't have any of the Avatars. What if Father doesn't restore my honor?”

“He doesn't need to, Zuko. Today, you restored your own.” Azula said to her brother. Zuko then looks turns away, uncertain of himself.

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

On a plane heading away from Ba Sing Se, Kuei is staring at the city throw a window with horror on his face. “The Kingdom of Geo Firma ... has fallen.”

TO BE CONTINUED

Chapter 6, I’v Got a Spell on Blue

The Elements of Nature
Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)
Chapter 6, I’ve Got a Spell on Blue

“Hows the translation of the scroll coming along?” Celestia asked Bastion.

“It’s almost done, Princess.” Bastion Yorsets said to her. “It appears that it only tells the location of where the Avatars will be reveled, not where they are.”

“Oh really.” Blitz said to him.

“According to the scroll, the Avatar of Air will be reveled in the Himalayas.”

“Himalayas!? That's on the other side of the world!” Twilight said to him. “We have to go across Geo Firma before we can get there!”

“I know, Twilight. But we can use that to our advantage. The Earth Kingdom City of Ba Sing Se is on the route to the Himalayas. If the Earth King becomes an ally, then we might have a chance against the Fire Nation.” Celestia said to her student.

“Assuming the US continues to stay neutral.” Luna quietly said to Twilight under the hearing of her sister.

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

At the hive of the changelings in Sub-Sahara Africa, Queen Chrysalis is talking to Deker. “If you're here to hear me say, ‘Thank you’ for saving Hexe, your wrong.”

“I’m not here for a thank you, I want to know if your going after the Fire Avatar?” Deker asked.

“No. I’m not. Now leave, you're giving me a headache.” Chrysalis said as she drinks some of her medicine.

“Very well then.” Deker then leaves the hive.

“Why does he want to know if were going after the Fire Avatar?” Medizinisch said out load to himself. “I have to do research.” Just then, right before Deker leaves, another changeling appears. Unlike others, he has a navy blue face and spikes on his body. He also carries a shield that looks like an eye.

“Out of my way Deker!” Deker does so as the new changeling walks in.

“Oh, go away Madimot! Your all talk and no game.” Medizinisch said to Madimot.

“Don’t talk like that to me. I’m the baddest of the bad.” The changeling known as Madimot said.

“Why are you here?” Hexe said with annoyance in her voice.

“I’m here to tell you how to get our revenge on the Equestrians.”

“I’m listening.” Chrysalis said to him.

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

On their way to Geo Firma, the main 6, the CMC, Shining Armor, Cadence, Firebrand, Agua, Terra, and Blitz stop for a break and to do some training. Shining and Fire’ do a small sword practice fight. They use the nonlethal sides of their blades so they wont hurt each other. After a few slashes, Fire’ wins. He then helps Shining up. “Both of them sure are good with a blade, huh Twilight?”

“They sure are, Cadence.”

“I hate to see what would happen if they had to fight for real.”

“Come on, Rainbow. Thar fine friends, thet will nevah happened.”

“If you say so, AJ.”

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

At a bay in Geo Firma, a ferry departs, with Zuko and Iroh are on board. “Who would have thought after all these years, I'd return to the scene of my greatest military disgrace...” Iroh then turns away for a second, then turns back with a floral hat on his head, “as a tourist!”

“Look around. We're not tourists, we're refugees.” He then sips some food they were given, but he then spits it out. “Uggh! I'm sick of eating rotten food. It's like eating dirt. I'm tired of living like this!”

“Aren't we all?” Zuko and Iroh then turn to where the voice came from. They see a Unicorn stallion with a brown mane and tail, no longer then Big Mac’s, while his coat is a lighter color. He also has two hook swords for a cutie mark. He is accompanied by two other ponies, one a Pegasus mare while the other is an Earth Pony stallion. The Pegasus mare has a red coat with a yellow mane and a bee for a cutie mark, while the Earth Pony colt has a white coat with a gray mane and tail and wears a rice hat. “My name's Jet and these are my Freedom Fighters, Smellerbee and Longshot.” Smellerbee is the mare while Longshot is the Earth Pony stallion.

“Hey.” Smellerbee said to them as Longshot nods.

“Hello.” Zuko said back.

“Here's the deal. I hear the captain's eating like a king while the refugees have to feed off his scraps. Doesn't seem fair, does it?” Jet said to them.

“What sort of king is he eating like?” Iroh asked Jet.

“The fat, happy kind.” At this, Iroh's mouth hangs open as he starts to drool. “You want to help us ‘liberate’ some food?”

Zuko then tosses the bowl of rotten food into the water. “I'm in.” Jet smirks at the remark.

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

In a forest, several miles away from the gang, a group of ponies is taking a hike. Two of them, both unicorns, are kind of off in a sense. The lager one, whose name is Bulk, is teaching his nephew, Spike, the smaller one, how to be a samurai. Bulk has a very short mane and tail, to the point where he doesn't look like he has them. Bulk also has a tan coat, and a dumbbell for a cutie mark. Spike has a red mane and a light blue coat, and an upside down horseshoe for a cutie mark. Spike is also kinda jumpy and is holding a can. “Spike, being a samurai is more than just fighting evil, it's about being one with nature.” He then pushes a tree branch out of his way, but when he let's go, it hits Spike. He quickly recovers and is even more jumpy now.

“But I’m scared of dragons, uncle Bulk.”

“Spike, I don’t think dragons live in this neck of the woods. So loss the dragon spray already. What you should have brought was this.” He then pulls out his own can. “Mosquito Repellent.” He then sprays some, but the wind pushes it back into their faces, temporally blinding them. They then hear the other hikers screaming and running “Terrified hikers can mean only one thing: Mosquitoes!”

“Dragons!” They then try to run, but they hit each other instead. Bulk then grabs Spike when he realizes something.

“Spike,” He quietly said, “never run from a dragon this close. Play dead, like a possum.” They do so, but instead of a dragon or mosquitoes, Madimot walks up to them.

“Hah. You can't fool me. Not even possums are that ugly. Lucky for you I have more important business.” Madimot then leave the two. When they get up and see what just passed them, they are excited.

“Our fist real live battle, Spike. And we survived! Now we are officially samurai warriors!”

"We are?!" Spike excitedly said.

"Shush! Yes, we are." Bulk said as they quietly leave.

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

Back on the ferry, Zuko, Jet, and Smellerbee sneak up to the food storage area. Zuko then breaks the door open with his swords and he and Jet take some food. “Guard's coming!” Smellerbee said as Longshot fires an arrow with a rope attached to it, allowing the three to slide down it. Longshot manages to pull it away before the guard notices.

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

At the forest Madimot is at, he continues to terrorize the hikers until the gang find him. “Huh. I was wondering when you would show up.”

“Very funny changeling.” Fire’ said to him.

“Hey. Don’t call me just any changeling. I’m Madimot, the baddest of the bad from the Sahara. I'm a bad bad bug!”

“Lets see if you can back up all that talk.”

“Hmm, having back up is a good idea, Rainbow Head.” He then pulls out a whip and smacks it into the ground. A large white tiger than appears behind him.

“What the?” Rainbow said.

“Is that a white tiger?” Twilight nervously said.

“Yep. I found it and he become my pet kitty, or should I say my pet Tiggy.”

“Thats not right!” Fluttershy said to the changeling.

“Tiggy, get them!” The tiger than charges at them, roaring loudly. At where Bulk and Spike are hiding, they hear the roar.

“Sounds like a mountain lion.” Bulk said as his nephew began to shiver. The tiger begins to attack the group, separating them. Madimot sees that Twilight is alone.

“Oh good. A new puppet.” He fires a green fire at her. Shining sees this and pushes Twilight out-of-the-way. As a result, Shining gets hit and is now under Madimot’s control, his eyes glowing green.

“Shining!”

“Oh boy. I have a new puppet. I think I’ll call him Blue.” Madimot said as both Twilight and Cadence stare in disbelief. “Blue, take care of them.” Shining then conjures up a blade and attacks his sister. Twilight manages to dodge the attack and tries to snap Shining out of it, but no matter what she says or does, nothing works. Fire’ charges at Madimot with his blade drawn out. But Madimot sees him coming. “Good. Two new pets for the price of one.” He said as he charges his spell. “Your mine now, Red.” He fires, but almost on instinct, Firebrand cast a spell that blocks the mind control one. He then does a few slashes at Madimot.

“That won’t work on me, changeling.”

“No, it wont. Tiggy, take care of him!” The tiger than charges at Firebrand. He and the others are in a group now, with both the tiger and Shining about to pounce. Fire’ then creates a small fire and when it dissipates, they are gone.

“Hum.” Madimot said as he walks to where they were at. “Cowards, but good timing. I’m starting to dry out. Blue, wait here with Tiggy.”

“As you wish, master.”

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

Back on the ferry where Zuko and Iroh are on, Jet passes out food to other travelers. The other Freedom Fighters, Zuko and Iroh are siting together. “So, Smellerbee, that's an unusual name for a young stallion!”

“Maybe it's because I'm not a stallion ... I'm a mare!” She then walks away.

“Oh, now I see.” Iroh said when he realizes his mistake. “It's a beautiful name for a lovely mare!” He called out.

Longshot then approaches Smellerbee and gestures at her. “I know, you're right. As long as I'm confident with who I am, it doesn't matter what other ponies think. Thanks Longshot.” Jet then approaches Zuko and Iroh.

“From what I heard, ponies eat like this every night in Ba Sing Se. I can't wait to set my eyes on that giant wall.” Jet said to the two, oblivious that there from the Fire Nation.

“It is a magnificent sight.” Iroh said.

“So you've been there before?” Jet asked.

“Once. When I was a ... different colt.” Iroh answered.

“I've done some things in my past that I'm not proud of, but that's why I'm going to Ba Sing Se: for a new beginning. A second chance.” Jet said, remembering when he used to live in Equestria, before the Fire Nation killed his family and moved to Geo Firma.

“That's very noble of you.” Iroh said to him. “I believe ponies can change their lives if they want to. I believe in second chances.”

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

“Impressive.” Queen Chrysalis said to Madimot as he drinks some green water. “Hypnotizing both a deadly predator and the caption of the Canterlot Royal Guard.”

“Like I said, I’m the baddest of the bad. If I hadn't dried out, those Avatars and their friends would have been dead. I can make those two do whatever I want.” Madimot boasted.

“Then why don’t you make Shining Armor turn his sword on himself?” Hexe asked him.

“Thats not fun. Die, when was the last time you had some fun messing with ponies? Three centuries ago!”

“Actually, it was-”

“Ugh, never mind. I’m heading back.”

“So go.” Medizinisch said to him. Madimot then leaves. “I have to get back to my research. So much about the Fire Avatar’s family. So many big words to. Ooh-ah-ooh! I feel like tearing off my beard!”

"I’ll help with that.” Hexe said to him. “But why are you so interested in the Fire Avatar?" Hexe asked him.

"I think theres something about the Fire Avatar that only Deker knows about. And he doesn't want us to know what it is."

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

In a forest not far away from the group, Deker is walking through it. “Queen Chrysalis doesn't know the truth about the Fire Avatars legacy, or the sealing spell.” He said to himself. “Good. That means she’ll stay out of my way.” He then pulls out his Uramasa. “Uramasa, my trusty sword, if I can't find me a worthy opponent and bring him to his knees, then whats the point of being immortal?”

He then puts Uramasa back in its sheath. He continues to walk, but as he does so, his entire body is engulfed in purple flames. When he exits, he becomes a unicorn stallion that has a red mane and tail that are like Shining’s, a gray coat, tortoise green eyes, and a katana for a cutie mark. He is also wearing a white cloak and black boats. The sheath that has Uramasa is now covered in cloth with a diamond pattern.

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

On the ferry Zuko and Iroh are on, Zuko and Jet are at the bow. “You know, as soon as I saw your scar, I knew exactly who you were. You're an outcast, like me. And us outcasts have to stick together. We have to watch each other's backs. Because no one else will.”

“I've realized lately that being on your own isn't always the best path.” Zuko said as they see that the ferry is getting close to the giant walls of Ba Sing Se.

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

At the gangs camp site, Cadence and Twilight are crying. “How could Shining fall under a changelings spell again?”

“I don’t know, Cadence. But we have to find a way to get him back.” Twilight said as she wipes away a tear.

“Say,” Rainbow said as she turned to Firebrand, who wasn't under Madimot’s control, “how did you resist that changelings spell?”

“I don’t know. All I know is that I can use the same spell to free Shining, if I can.” He the walks away for a moment.

“What did he mean by, ‘if I can?'”

“Please, don’t say that in front of Twilight and Cadence, Rainbow.” Rarity said to her. They then see a pony with a hard hat and a hammer for a cutie mark running up to them.

“Help! Some kind of monster is attacking. It has a white tiger and a white unicorn with a blue mane!” With that, the group leave, leaving behind Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Fire.’

“Do you think we should tell Fire’ about this?”

“We should, Sweetie.” Scootaloo said to her.

“Yeah. Lets go tell him!” Apple Bloom said as the three fillies go and do just that.

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

At the construction site, Madimot is terrorizing the workers. “This is so much fun. I can’t wait for the Avatars to show up.” Almost on cue, the group arrive, weapons ready.

“You should be careful what you wish for, mate.”

“I don’t have to be careful. I’m the baddest of the bad. Tiggy! Blue! Take care of them!” They do so, but Fluttershy quickly relaxes the tiger into submission for a moment. Shining isn't so easy, he avoids any spells Twilight tries. Cadence spell that helps her spread love doesn't work either. He is about to finish them when Fire’ places his blade in the way.

“Leave them alone!”

“Oh. I have an idea. I want to see how well Blue fights. Blue challenge him to a duel.”

“You don't have to convince me.” Fire’ said as he and Shining made their way to the center of the site. Twilight and the others stare at them as they prepare for the fight.

“I cant believe this is happening.” Rainbow said. The two soon battle. After a few tense moments, Twilight can’t hold back for much longer.

"FIRE,' STOP Y'ALL!" Applejack yelled.

"YOU CAN'T DO THIS!" Rarity yelled, despite knowing her vocal cords are being strained.

“WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?!?! THAT'S MY BROTHER!” Twilight said.

“Shut your mouths!” Madimot yelled at them when he heard enough. He then fires a laser at them. It doesn't do much but knock them off their hoofs. “No talking during the show!”

As the group recover, a unicorn stallion that has a red mane and tail that are like Shining’s, a white coat and a katana for a cutie mark walk up to them. Its Deker. “Looks like we have a winner.”

“Who are you?” Rarity asked him.

“It doesn't mater who I am. What matters is that the one who's winning isn't the stallion with the blue mane.”

“What.” Cadence said to him. “How can you tell?”

“Because the red one is fighting as if he's trying to win a training point rather than a real duel.” Fire’ and Shining are on top of a crane arm, still slashing at each other. Fire’ than jumps off and lands on a hill made of gravel. “It’s a lot different than fighting for survival.” Shining then follows and they two continue. They then roll down the hill. “You fight with instinct. You have to watch your target like a hawk.” Fire’ then leads Shining to an open area and they continue without causing too much damage. “It’s easy to get tired in a long battle when there's no one to say stop.” Fire’ lets Shining cut a chain that was holding some rods and it falls in between them. After a few more slashes, Fire’ kicks Shining in the stomach and sends him a few feet back. He quickly gets up, but doesn't recover as fast. Fire’ places his sword on his shoulder while Shining holds his out.

“I’m not sure I can watch this for long.” Fluttershy said to the others.

“Don’t worry, because the fight will be over soon.”

“Really?” Twilight said in disbelief.

“Indeed. The red worrier has a good stance, it reduces fatigue, he’ll stay strong. See that glow on his horn, he is enchanting a spell on his sword as we speak. And when the white and blue one goes for the point, the red will take the opening and he’ll strike. He’s looking for a decisive blow. Thats the difference between these two.”

Shining then charges at Fire.’ “Come back to us, Shining.” Fire’ blocks the attack and cast his spell, causing his sword to catch fire. He then releases the block. “This should brake the spell.” He then hits Shining. The group, except for Deker hold their breath. Soon, red electricity comes from Shining as a ball of green fire floats up from him and disappears.

“What have you done!? BLUE! MY PUPPET!” Madimot yells out. Shining then falls to the ground.

“Shining!” Cadence said as she and the others leave Deker and head for Shining.

“I was right.” Deker said to himself as he looks at Firebrand. “The Fire Avatar is the perfect opponent for my Uramasa.” He then leaves.

“Ugh. What happened?” Shining asked when he sees his sister, wife, and friends around him.

“You were under a changelings control again, Shining.”

“Oh. Is that all, Twiley”

“Fire Avatar! You had this planed all along!” Madimot yells at him.

“Yeah. When we fought in the forest, I instinctively used a spell that protected my mind from your control. I realized I can do the same for Shining, which is why I had to fight him.” Fire' explained.

“Wait. We were fighting?”

“Yeah. Because your such a good fighter, it took me a lot longer to charge up the spell.”

“Thanks. Now, lets fight something that isn't our friend.” Fire’ then nodes as he and Agua, Blitz, and Terra become their elemental forms.

“Don’t be so sure.” Madimot said as he hit his whip against the ground. “Tiggy, get them!” The white tiger gets up and charges them.

“I’ll take care of the tiger. You gays take care of the changeling.”

“You got it, Fire.'” Shining said to him. Fire’ then heads for the tiger. He stalls it by moving from place to place. He then charges his magic and cast the same spell on his sword that he used to free Shining. When he hits, green flames leave the tiger and disappears. When Fire’ turns back to normal, the tiger walks up to him and begins to lick him. “OK. OK. Settle down boy.”

After getting hit by a few attack, Madimot sees what just happened. “Oh no! Now Tiggy is against me too!”

“Show over, changeling!” Shining said to him.

“Terra, I have an idea, but we need time!”

“You got it, Fire’!” Terre then hits her scythe against the ground and a crack opens under Madimot. He then sinks in due to his shied weighing him down.

“No! I’m earthquaking in my boats! This can’t happen to me! I’m the baddest of the bad!” Terra, Agua, Blitz, and Fire’ then go into their Avatar States and jump forward. Madimot get out just in time to see what is happening.

“4 Element Strike!” The four Avatars yell as they hit Madimot on at a time in this order, Earth (Terra), Water (Agua), Lighting (Blitz), and Fire (Firebrand). When the land behind him, Madimot is begins to fall to the ground.

“This can't happen! I’m the baddest of the bad!” He yells before exploding.

“Hey. I thought you gays weren't meant to hurt others?”

“Yes, Rainbow. Were not meant to hurt other ponies. The dragon spirit didn't say evil creatures like changelings.” Fire' pointed out. The group soon laugh as the tiger leaves for the forest.

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

Later that night on a mountain not far away, Deker is siting in front of a fire in his pony form. He then partially pulls out his Uramasa. “Patience, Uramasa. At last we have found him.” He then remembers how Fire’ was able to free Shining Armor from Madimot's spell. “All that remains is to find the right place and time. And then the most epic duel in history will commence.”