Avatar: Legend of Diamond Tiara. Book 1: Harmony

by Jeweled Pen

Rating: teen
Tags: Starlight Glimmer, Adventure, Crossover, Diamond Tiara, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Other, Silver Spoon, Original Character
Length: 113280

Following the events of The Last Alicorn, a new Avatar has risen. Can she defeat the mysterious Meadowbrook and stop her from removing everypony's cutie marks?

Following the events of The Last Alicorn, a new Avatar has risen. A new generation, a new world filled with new technology, countries and factions. Can this Avatar defeat the mysterious Meadowbrook and stop her from removing everypony's cutie marks? What other threats are waiting to strike and take over this new world order?
Image by Silfoe again. Thankies. :)
Special thanks to Angel_Bunny for editing the chapters for me.
Please enjoy!

Full collection:
Avatar the Last Alicorn:
Book 1.
Book 2.
Book 3.
Book 4.

Legend of Diamond Tiara:
Book 1.
Book 2.
Book 3.
Book 4.

Disclaimer: "Avatar: the Last Airbender" and all associated characters, storylines, and materials belong to Nickelodeon and were created by Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino.
My little pony: Friendship is magic and all associated characters, storylines, and materials belong to Hasbro, and was made incredibly awesome by Lauren Faust.

Published 2015-12-11 04:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-03-26 18:27:19 UTC

Chapter 2: Growing pains

Diamond groaned as the world slowly came back into focus around her. Whereever she was, it was cool and dark. Slowly her head rose and she groaned. She was sitting in a dark room, with only a single light above her head. She was in a metal chair, leaning against a metal table. A lot of her body hurt.

She then realized there was a pony sitting across from her. A pegasus. He had a light red coat and a dark purple mane. He was wearing the same black and purple uniforms of the Shadowbolts, except his had thin metal blades across his wings. He didn't look very old, about the age of Prism and with a matching scowl. “Avatar, a pleasure to meet you,” he said.

“I'd imagine so, I mean I--”

“That was sarcasm,” the stallion said, his voice dripping with venom.

She cringed. “Hey, what are you getting all mad at me for? I saved that pony, I--”

The pegasus dropped a stack of paper on the table. “You've been here less than five hours and already caused a week's worth of problems. Nearly causing a riot at an anti-bender rally.”

“W-what? I didn't do that!” she said defensively. “They were bad mouthing benders! I just--”

“It was a peaceful protest, which they are allowed to do,” he said firmly. “They had the licenses and everything. You nearly made it something much worse. Then wrecking half a block and nearly killing two ponies, ruining a sting we had planned for weeks.”

She coughed. “Well, err, they started it.”

He looked down at the file. “'I am going to break you'? You actually said that?”

She fidgeted. “Well? So what? He was being rude and I meant it! I'm the Avatar,” she said before standing up. “I'm the greatest bender the world has ever known! So what if I beat up a few criminals? That's what I'm supposed to do!”

“No, that's what we're supposed to do. I'm Ironwing, leader of the Shadowbolts. When it comes to benders, we deal with them. We take them down. We keep them from causing trouble. We don't want, or need your help, child.”

Her eyes twitched. “I'm not--”

“No, you are,” he said before standing up. With the mask he wore, she couldn't see his eyes and she suddenly felt ill prepared for this encounter. “You're a spoiled child who has come into my city and started causing a racket. If you want to sightsee, fine. I don't care. But we do not, nor will we ever, need benders like you.”

She trembled a little, taking a hoof back. “Y-you can't talk to me like that! I'm the Avatar, I made this city and--”

“No, Twilight Sparkle did. She was an amazing pony and an amazing bender. Were she here right now, I would take her help in a heartbeat.” Even through the mask she could practically feel those eyes narrowing. “But you are a child. Untested and untrained. You've already caused me a mountain of paperwork and if the decision was up to me, you'd be locked up or kicked out of our city.”

She cringed. “Y-you can't... talk to me like that. I... I'm the Ava--”

“I will talk to you however I please. Being the Avatar means nothing if you cause more problems than you fix. Now I--”

The door behind her suddenly slammed open, making her jump. She turned around to see Prism standing in the doorway. The two pegasi shared a look. It was far from friendly.

Ironwing cleared his throat. “About time you got here, Prism. Take your little student and get her out of my hair. Keep her on that stupid little island of yours.”

She opened her mouth to object, but felt a hoof on her shoulder. “Come on, let's go,” Prism said before giving her a little tug. She grumbled softly before trotting after him.

“What's his problem?” she asked once they left the room.

“He and I have... a history,” the Wonderbolt said with a shrug. “I wouldn't worry about it.”

“He was so rude,” Diamond grumbled. “He had no right to talk to me like that.”

“Did you really wipe out half a block with fire bending?”

She opened her mouth to deny it, before cringing. “Well, the pony had it coming.”

He let out a soft sigh. “And set off a riot at an anti-bender protest?”

She cringed a bit more then. “They threw vegetables at me.”

“I really shouldn't have let you walk through the city alone. If Sunburst hadn't gotten involved you might have been imprisoned.”

“Sunburst?”

“Sunburst, the leader of the council. He'll be wanting to meet you, soon.”

She nodded, turning to look ahead. The building had a bunch of negasi, zebras and pegasi working. “How can you let those anti-bender protests go on? They're stupid and dangerous. Ponies shouldn't talk about us like that.”

“They've been going on for years,” the pegasus said with a shrug. “As long as they're peaceful, there's no danger to them. They have as much right to voice their grievences as any other pony.”

“What's with those artificial wings and horns? They shouldn't be allowed to do that.”

He cocked his head to the side, before chuckling. “Ahhhh. Tomorrow Industries. Why? Frankly, as a pegasus I see nothing wrong with allowing all ponies the thrill of flying through the air. I'll admit, some of their earlier prototypes weren't well done, but the newest models seem to be quite safe.”

“So? What's next? Fake bending? Telekinesis and stuff should be something only unicorns can do.”

He sighed. “I see no problem with...” He paused and looked over. “Ah, right. I forgot. You're an earth pony naturally, correct?”

She nodded slowly.

“So you can't do telekinesis, despite your horn, can you?”

Her cheeks turned red. “I can do three different types of bending, I don't need to have telekinesis or other stupid magic!”

He sighed and led her out of the building. “I think you and I should have a long talk about what exactly goes on in Harmony. You're going to find that the idea of bender superiority doesn't work very well. Nor should it.”

“Why not? Benders are awesome. We do everything! And anything!”

He shook his head. “And what of all the other races? The buffalo? The zebras? Even the diamond dogs?”

“What about them?”

“You'll meet some eventually. They tend to stay out of sight, though. When Twilight created this nation, she wanted a place where all ponies, all species would be equal. She didn't want a ruling class of benders like the other nations have. That's why we have the council.”

She nodded, though she let out another soft grumble. “It's so stupid, though. They shouldn't be able to just... meet like that.”

“As long as they don't cause damage, there's no danger of it.” He paused a moment. “Though, I will admit they have gotten more frequent and... troublesome of late. I'm thankful you went to one of the smaller ones.”

“Wait, smaller ones? But there were dozens there.”

“Sometimes there will be protests outside the city equaling in the hundreds. The anti-benders have been trying for a seat on the council, after all.”

“Council?” Diamond asked with a cocked eye.

“Ah, right. Earth Kingdom. Well, Harmony uses a governmental structure similar to the Fire Tribes. However, instead of giving each tribe its own tribal leader and a vote on the council, instead every group of benders and races have a seat on the council. There are currently fourteen different seats, with the fire benders holding the position of leader. Sunburst. The anti-benders have been trying for years to get the benders positions removed.”

Diamond snorted. “That's stupid. Why would you want to remove the benders? We should remove all the other positions.”

He sighed. “Well, Diamond, not all of their worries are unfounded. Many see it as ponies having too many votes. Seven spots on the council are made up of ponies, after all. Eight if you count the zebras and nine if you count the negasi. That's the key reason any drastic changes to the council require two thirds approval.”

She nodded. “Right. So when do I get a seat on the council?”

He cringed and let out a sigh of relief. He didn't want to imagine HER on the council. “While there used to be a seat on the council for the Avatar, when Twilight left she removed the power from it, saying she wished for us to govern ourselves. You would have to seek a seat as one of the benders.”

She frowned. “What? I'm the most powerful bender in the world! Why can't you just... vote for a new seat for me?”

“Perhaps one day that'll happen, but for now I wouldn't expect many votes leaning towards that. You have a long way to go.”

She snorted, shaking her head. “Really? I could take one of those positions, easy.”

“You'd have to try for the earth bender position. And I doubt Octavia intends to give it up anytime soon,” he said with a light chuckle. “That's enough talk about politics, though. Tell me, have you had any practice in air bending before?”

She shook her head. “No. It's the one element daddy had a lot of trouble finding a proper teacher for.”

He nodded. “I'm not surprised. Finding somepony willing to keep it all quiet and... well, anyway.” He stopped on the southern end of the city. “There it is, where you'll be staying. Avatar island,” he said with a smile.

Diamond looked over at the large island in the middle of the lake and let out a soft gasp. It stood out like a great hump, with a massive stone statue of an alicorn with spread wings. She was wearing a chest guard and had a long tail and mane. “Is that Twilight?” Besides it was a tower, a few small buildings and then a massive stone tower that reached up towards the heavens.

“Yes.”

“It's such a nice island. But... it looks kind of...”

“Fake? It was. Apparently it was created during one of Octavia and Vinyl's... disagreements.”

“W-what?” Diamond asked, her eyes widening. “One bender made that?”

“Well, the island. The buildings and such came later. Much later. Apparently she was trying to get Vinyl to get out of the water for some reason.”

“What reason?”

“I don't know. They don't talk about it much. I do believe Octavia won that fight, though.”

The unicorn snorted. “I'd hope so. So, where's the boat?”

“There is none. You're a water bender, aren't you?”

She cocked an eye. “Of course.”

“Then let's see you get across. Try not to drown.” He sat on the shore and watched her. She rolled her eyes and trotted forward. Her horn glowed and the water began to rise up, swirling around her. It then shot out in a burst at Prism. He nimbly stepped to the right, twirling and his left wing shot out, sending a burst of air out to send her streaking into the water. “Are you quite done?”

She popped up, spitting out the water like a fountain before glowering at him. “You attacked me!”

“You attacked me, first.”

“But you're my teacher, you can't attack me!”

He cocked an eye. “If you launch a strike, you should expect one in kind. Unless I tell you I won't fight you, I'm going to have no trouble sending you packing. Now, are you quite ready to go?”

She glared for a few more moments before nodding. The water around her turned to ice and she climbed up. She lightly pushed her hooves forward, skidding along the surface of the water as it froze beneath her. He flew above her, temptingly within range. She wondered if a sneak attack would take that smirk off his face, but didn't like the idea of being sent flying again. She'd show him. One day she'd be an air bender too, then she'd kick his flank.

She skidded to a stop in front of the island, before leaping up onto the shore. The shore was nothing but sand, but a little further up it was all grass. “You live here?”

He landed besides her. “Indeed. My wife and I have lived in that temple for many years. My mother used to as well before she left.”

Diamond nodded, but then stopped. Three ponies began to lightly come trotting down the hill towards them. One was an earth pony covered in different sheets of metal across her back, neck and hooves. She had a red coat with a black mane. She also looked almost twice as big as any pony she'd ever seen, with thick muscles and a back that could have had a building fall on it. The building would have lost. The second was a unicorn with a blue coat and yellow mane. She was wearing thin, metal armor decorated with pictures of the stars and moon. The last was a pegasus with a yellow coat and orange mane. She was just wearing a small lightning bolt necklace.

“Ah, wonderful. You're all here,” Prism said before stopping and giving a polite bow. They stopped a few feet from him as well, bowing politely. “Avatar Diamond Tiara, I'd like you to meet Copper Shield, current leader of the metal benders.”

The earth pony looked down at her and cocked an eye. She then gave a nod.

“Errr, nice to meet you,” Diamond said with a nervous smile. She half expected the mare to lean forward and gobble her up. “Been leader long?”

“Eeyup.”

“Like it here?”

“Eeyup.”

Diamond just watched the mare, waiting for her to expand a bit on it. Sadly, she received nothing. Finally she just shrugged. “Moving on?”

Prism coughed. “Don't mind Copper. She tends to be a bit of a quiet sort. Now, this is Tittering Splash, leader of the moon raisers.”

Diamond expected the mare to be just as quiet and reserved as the other. She was wrong. The unicorn suddenly moved forward and grabbed her hoof, shaking it rapidly. “Well, I have to admit I am just pleased as punch to meet you! When I heard that Prism finally had a lead on the Avatar, well, I thought it was simply too good to be true. I mean, it really is a shame that the old Avatar died, but most things do that, right? I'm looking forward to see what you do, I bet you already have a lot of plans to make your legacy.”

“E-err, right, I--” Diamond started but was quickly cut off.

“I'm Tittering Splash, but you can call me Splash. I served ten years in the Water Nation military before coming here but I have to say this is absolutely the best city, err, country I've ever been in. You're going to just love it here, I tell you. Why, I think you could travel all over this world and you'd never, ever find someplace like Harmony. The last Avatar really did her job right making this place.”

The poor Avatar's hoof was starting to hurt. “Errr, I see th--”

“Not to say that the previous avatars were doing a bad job, or anything. I mean, they all did a great job keeping the nations secure and I know most of them gave their lives for it, but this is truly something else, ain't it? A whole nation of every race and bender imaginable. Well, except the dragons but I bet once the dragons get their numbers up they'll get enough down here to take their seat on the council. Do you think you'll be trying to take a seat on the council?”

“Probably, I--” She was starting to get a bit dizzy, too.

“Though I guess with all the anti-bender sentiment going around you're probably going to want to deal with that, first. I'm sure you already have a few dozen ideas on how to fix that. Well, at least I imagine you must, after all you ARE the Avatar, things like that should be right up your alley.”

“Of course, I--” Oh gosh there was no escape. There was no Splash. There was no Avatar. There was only the shake.

“But most of them are really nice, you know. In fact, I have a few friends who are members and they're just the nicest ponies. I think they just have a hard time understanding how water benders, fire benders and unicorns can be different. Maybe if the countries all came together for good they might one day be that way. I guess after what Queen Rarity did, having a fire bender and a water bender as her children, there's already one step towards them being one, but I think there's still a lot of bad blood between the two nations after that whole war incident.”

Diamond looked to Prism for help, but to her horror he was smirking. That giant blue turkey was enjoying this! She then looked towards the other pegasus, a grin on her face as well. Copper at least had the decency to look unamused. Though the avatar had yet to see her show the slightest hint of emotion.

“Well, I guess it was less of an incident, but you know what I mean. Can't say I blame them, the whole hundred years of darkness thing was quite horrible. Not to mention all that fighting and running and general mayhem that Avatar Twilight had to deal with. But it's all behind us now, I hope. After all there are just so many ponies from the four nations just trying to get along and now that we've got you here to help guide us, I'm certain it's going to just be fabulous. I do hope you'll make some time to come see the moon raising ceremony. I'd suggest coming to see it during the festival, it's going to be absolutely spectacular!”

“Festival?” Diamond asked, too late realizing her error as the unicorn took in another breath. There was no survival. Ten years from now they'd find her body, hoof still shaking as she stood in place.

“The Fall of Discord Festival. Every year to celebrate the defeat of Discord. We haven't had an actual Avatar show up for it in almost... well, quite a while. What with the city only barely being finished when Twilight up and left. It's a real shame she left like that, you know. There were still a lot of ponies who never gave up hope that she was alive and all. Err, not to say that we aren't happy to have you here, of course. I'm sure you'll be a great Avatar. It's just, well, she touched a lot of hearts. It's a shame she passed away so young, we could still use her guidance I think. She'd have made everything easier.”

Then, miracles of miracles, the shaking stopped. Well, Splash let her go. It took about ten more seconds before the Avatar could get her hoof to stop shaking. “I... I see. I'll do my absolute best to try to attend.”

“Oh, you'll love it! After that the pro bending season starts, it'll be quite the sight.”

“Wait, pro bending? What's--”

“Okay, I think we'd best move along,” Prism said with a soft chuckle. “Splash? Shouldn't you get with the rest of the moon raisers? The sun will be setting soon.”

“Oh, right! Ohhh, Vinyl is going to be furious if I miss another moon raising. Bye!” She then galloped off, leaping onto the water and skidding off, leaving a trail of ice in her wake.

“She's... energetic,” Diamond mumbled as she rubbed her aching hoof. “Kind of a weirdo.”

“She's eccentric. She replaced Vinyl Scratch after Vinyl become a member of the council. She may seem a bit odd, but trust me. Her water bending skills are beyond compare. She came to our city highly recommended by the queen herself.”

“Huh. I could probably take her,” she said before looking to the pegasus. “So, who are you?”

The mare smiled to her. “I am Blaze, representative of the air benders on the council. A pleasure to meet you, Avatar. I will do everything in my power to try to make your stay a pleasant one.”

“Oh. Okay. So... when's dinner?” she asked, looking to Blaze.

“Dinner will be ready soon. Which leaves us plenty of time to begin your training,” Prism said with a firm nod. Blaze turned and started trotting up and the two followed her. Copper stood on the beach for a few moments, before tapping her hooves and disappearing under the ground.

“So, is that everypony?” Diamond asked.

“That you need to meet? For now, yes,” Prism said with a shrug. “Harmony has three main military forces. The Shadowbolts who deal with most air threats, metal benders who deal with problems on the ground and the Moon Raisers who tend to the waters. There is still plenty of over lap, of course, but the Shadowbolts do tend to deal with any problem benders we have.”

Diamond couldn't help but feel a little insulted by the way he said that, while glancing at her. “Hmph. Their leader is extremely rude and disrespectful.”

“He is,” Prism agreed.

Blaze let out a sigh. “Prism, you and Ironwing didn't get into another fight, did you? I swear, you two are like foals sometimes.”

“There was nothing of the sort,” the pegasus said quickly. “I merely gathered the avatar and left. That was all there was to it.”

The pegasus let out a little snort. “Oh, I'm sure that was.”

Diamond looked between the two, a frown on her lips. Then her eyes widened. “Ohhhh! This is your wife, isn't it?”

There was a pause, then the mare nodded. “Yes. We are indeed married. Dinner will be ready in half an hour. I expect you to both be ready by then.”

“Of course,” Prism said before giving her a little nuzzle. He stopped at the top of the hill. There was a nice, open area, covered in bricks to keep it nice and even. However, it was covered in dried leaves. Diamond looked around, but couldn't find a single tree for the leaves to have come from. “Well, Avatar, we'll start small.” He blew lightly and the gust reached down, plucking one of the leaves from the ground and sending it flying into the air, gently falling towards her head. “See how long you can keep that in the air.”

“W-what? But... what? It's just a leaf? How is this--”

“It's a test in air bending,” he said firmly. “You don't have wings yet, so we'll have to start small. Using your mouth, just try to keep the leaf in the air.”

She sighed and looked up, glaring at the leaf. This was so stupid. She blew up. The leaf wiggled a little and ignored her attempts to keep it afloat, instead landing on her nose. A little bit of it crumbled and made her give a sharp intake of air, before sneezing. The leaf fell across her face, landing on the ground with a gentle little waver.

Prism nodded. “Don't expect it to be easy. Not everypony can grasp air bending easily.”

She frowned and tossed the leaf up. “Oh, knock it off. I'm the Avatar. I'll have your air bending figured out in twenty minutes. Tomorrow I'll be going home at this rate.”

“Soooo, how did it go?” Blaze asked, smiling gently at them. She was greeted by the daggers of Diamond's glare.

“She has a lot of work to do, but I'm hopeful she'll be able to make some progress tomorrow,” Prism said with a nod. He used his wings to pick up one of the toasty oat buns on his plate, gently blowing on it before bringing it to his lips. “Did you make these yourself?” he asked with a smile.

The pegasus gave a nod. “Yes. I made the oat buns, but Skillet made the cabbage soup and hay cakes.”

Diamond grumbled softly as she nibbled one of the cakes. To her delight, they were quite sweet, if a bit dry. “Who's Skillet?”

“Don't talk with your mouth full,” Blaze said sternly.

The avatar rolled her eyes. “Will you answer the--” Her eyes went wide as one of Blaze's wings snapped out and flicked her nose. “Hey!”

“Don't talk with your mouth full,” she said again.

“You flicked my nose!”

“If you're going to act like a petulant child, you'll be treated like one,” the mare said firmly. “Remember that you are the Avatar, it is your duty to set an example for all ponies. That means being polite during meals.”

The unicorn grumbled, but swallowed her food. “Fine, there, happy? Want me to let you see, too? Or is this fine?” her voice dripped with sarcasm.

“That's quite alright. Now, to answer your question, Skillet is the cook here. She prepares all the meals when we have visitors.”

“Visitors? Like who?” Diamond asked with a grumble, before using her bending to make the soup flow up from her bowl into her mouth. It was actually pretty good. A bit less salty than she'd like, but still good.

“Well, we occasionally have council meetings here. The Shadowbolts will sometimes come to perform training exercises with the Wonderbolts. Whenever more Wonderbolts come, they stay here as well. Sadly, we haven't had many students in a while, most have been training in Cloudsdale. Finally, the Moon Raisers will occasionally visit or stop by during their training exercises.”

Diamond shrugged. “So a high traffic area? No wonder you wanted me here.”

“Actually, you were chosen to come here because we didn't want anything to interrupt your training. We thought we were going to have to train you in fire and water bending. It's... quite pleasant to realize you've already grown your horn.”

The unicorn snorted and gave a little smirk. “Of course. I am a protégé, you know. My father says no avatar on record has learned their first three elements as fast as I have.”

“Perhaps you learned them quickly. But you're still missing your fourth. How long has it been since you learned your last element?”

Her cheeks turned red and her gaze lowered. “A... a few years. Finding an air bending master has been difficult.”

Prism sighed. “No, finding one who he could trust to keep hiding you was the hard part. I wouldn't worry, however. Your age shouldn't be an issue, you're still quite young. A little younger than Avatar Twilight was when she started her journey, I believe.”

She nodded and smirked. “Of course. I'm already two elements up on her, anyway. Before you know it, I'll have put her completely to shame.”

“Then again, she did learn all three within a year, while simultaneously fighting a war, nearly dying and saving the world from an evil spirit of chaos. So I wouldn't jump to trying to best her quite so soon,” Prism said firmly, making the unicorn cringe.

“Really? What's wrong with trying to best her?” Diamond asked with a weak chuckle. “After all, I'm the Avatar. I'm pretty much guaranteed to do great things. I mean, look at my record. How many Avatars do you know that weren't incredibly awesome?”

“I personally have heard of three,” Prism said with a shrug. “Many of the air nomad records were destroyed in the war, but there are mentions of a few avatars who died young in accidents and never made it to adult hood. One who even died before getting her cutie mark. Still, it's a rare occurrence. The world will expect great things from you.”

She gave a dismissive wave. “As well it should. I'm going to be the most amazing Avatar ever.” She stood up. “Well, I'm kind of tired. Where's my room?”

“Base of the tower, door on the right,” Blaze said quickly.

The unicorn trotted off. Once she was gone, Prism gave a sigh, leaning forward to cover his face with his hooves. “This has all gone wrong.”

“What do you mean?”

“Look at her, she's a child! A spoiled, rotten little child. How can our world depend on her? She--”

“She'll grow out of it,” Blaze said with a shrug. “She's young, naive. In a few weeks she'll start learning air bending and whatever else she needs to learn, bending wise.”

He snorted. “She's already caused so much damage, she--”

“If I remember correctly, you and your mother used to cause twice that amount of property damage. Daily.”

His face turned red. “I was... young. Immature.”

“As is she.” She lifted up her mug and took a soft sip. “She's been hidden away from the world for a long time. It'll take time for her to adjust. Besides, Twilight left the world in great shape. Perhaps if she's lucky, there won't even need to be an avatar for many generations.”

He snorted. “But why her? Why would she be chosen? Why not somepony from--” The words caught in his throat as he caught his wife's eye.

“Why not somepony from the Air Nomads? Who knows? The world must need an Earth Kingdom pony. The next avatar will be from the Air Nomads and, if we're lucky, we won't have to see it happen.” She stood up and walking behind him, gently reaching out with her wings to massage his back. “She's young and inexperienced. Thinks she knows everything. Like a certain somepony I once knew.”

He snorted and shook his head. “I may have thought I knew everything, but I was NEVER that bad.”

She snickered. “Oh? What was it you said the first day of training? 'I'm going to beat all my mom's records! Just you watch!' I still remember the look of horror on Spitfire's face when she realized you finally got accepted.”

He chuckled and gave a nod. “Yeah. Wasn't nearly as funny as the look of horror when you and I set up that stink bomb in the lightning clouds. Remember when she kicked it?”

Blaze snorted, moving a hoof to her lips. “Oh, yes. And I remember her chasing you clear from Cloudsdale all the way to Windina. But, if I remember correctly, it was less us, and more you.”

He grinned back at her. “Only because you never got caught.”

She nodded. “Perhaps. If you'd just known how to wash your hooves proper, instead of rushing through it, you'd have gotten caught far less often.”

He chuckled and then shook his head. “It's been so long since... do you really think we can turn her around? I saw her home, I saw Filthy Rich's mansion. It's going to take a lot to break her of those habits.”

“Perhaps. But at the end of the day, she's the avatar. We need her and it's not like we can just throw her out into the wild and hope the next one is better. I'm sure if anypony can train her properly, you can.”

“And if I can't?”

“We lock her in the room and throw in a stink bomb. If that doesn't teach her air bending, nothing will. And if it doesn't help her bad attitude, at least it'll make us feel better.”

Chapter 3: Training day

Diamond gave a happy little purr as she lay nestled up in her nice, warm bed. Sure, it wasn't as soft as the silk beddings back home, but after roughing it all over the country. Having to stay at inns and sometimes dreadfully in tents, she was enjoying the feeling of a soft, warm bed that was all hers. At least the air benders knew how to prepare comfy ones.

“Time to get up!” a voice boomed. Before she could react, the door blew open and, for lack of a better term, a tornado tore through her room. She let out a shriek as the blanket was torn off and she was tossed to the ground.

“Owwwwww...” she groaned. “Go away... I'll burn yah...” she warned groggily, reaching out to grab the bed and climb back in. Another burst of air knocked her hoof away.

“Nope, it's time to get up and get to your training,” Prism said as he stepped into the room, trotting in place. “Now, if you had your wings we'd start with flying, but this'll have to do. Three laps around the island.”

“Go. Away,” she said with a growl, glaring at him. He glared right back.

“Today is all about training, you gave me your word yesterday.”

“Today hasn't even started yet!”

“Well, it has now!” He flapped his wings again and she was lifted up, before being hurtled out the window. Fortunately, it was open. She rolled on the ground a few times before landing on her back, swirls in her eyes. “Up up up!” he called as he landed besides her, still trotting in place. “Time to wake them lazy bones and start the day!”

“Noooooo!” she whined.

“Yeeeeeees,” he whined right back. “Now, you can trot across the whole island, or I can toss you all the way around three times. Your choice. Or you can try taking another swing at me, see where that gets you.”

Diamond growled, flames flickering around the tip of her horn. She stared into his eyes, before finally getting to her hooves. “Fine! Whatever! I was going to get up anyway!” She jumped to her hooves and started lightly trotting.

He ran up besides her. “Oh no, I said trot! Not meander! Go go go!”

“I am go go going!” she snapped, slowly picking up the pace. “You're intolerable!”

“No, I'm a morning pony!”

“Same thing!” She ground her teeth and considered trying to light him on fire. It would be so easy, she was sure. She was the Avatar, that automatically meant she was a better bender than him. Her dad told her all the time that she was destined to be the greatest ever, that's what the Avatar WAS. There were all kinds of things that the Avatar could do that other ponies couldn't.

Okay, right, she'd just turn around, skid a bit and launch a fire ball at him. Not enough to hurt him. He was just a common bender after all. Just enough to singe him. She dug her hooves into the ground and let out a shriek as she started spinning out of control. It took her a moment to realize she was caught in a whirlwind that just kept spinning her around and around and around, before launching her into the air and making her land on the sand with a groan, her eyes little swirls again.

“You really give far too many tells when you plan to attack a pony,” Prism said with a sigh. “My mother could have seen it from a mile away. And she's blind now.”

“Hate... you... every... fiber... of my being...”

“Well, best get to it,” he said, his voice far too chipper. “Breakfast will be ready soon, but we have plenty of training to do before that. And after that, even.”

“You and all of your ilk should die in fire,” Diamond grumbled before slowly getting to her hooves, galloping ahead. Three laps, that was all she had to do. And he was there, a little behind her. Again and again she tried to assault him, but each time he deflected it with ease and sent her into another spin, flying into the air or even once tossed her off the island entirely. It didn't matter how she did it. She tried using a sneak attack with the water, he easily moved around them. She tried to spin and launch a fire ball, he was already one step ahead. She even tried grabbing him with the ground when he landed, but he was so light on his hooves that it was impossible.

By the time she was done with the three laps she was soaking wet, sore and exhausted. She dropped on the ground with a groan. “My my, Avatar, so tired after only three laps? You really are out of shape.”

“I am not!” she snapped angrily, standing up and glaring at him. “I'm ready to take whatever you can dish out!” Everything hurt, her pride most of all.

He gave a soft chuckle. “Oh? I should warn you. My mother was one of the greatest air benders to ever live and my father was a Wonderbolt as well. By the time I was half your age I could fly from here to the outer edges of Harmony in under a minute. Keeping up with me now won't be easy.”

“I will break you,” she said venomously.

He smirked. “Good. You're cocky. I like that. Now... back to your leaf training. Let's see if you can keep it afloat this time.”

“So, how did the training go?” Blaze asked nervously. She received another dirty look from Diamond.

“It went fine. Everything is super duper fine. How about you? Enjoying yourself over there?” she asked bitterly.

“The child is merely annoyed because she's having difficulty with the training,” Prism said with a shrug. “She'll get the hang of it, eventually. It's just a shame she doesn't have wings. With those, we could do so much more.”

“I don't need any stupid wings,” Diamond grumbled. “I can do all the best bending without them.”

“Of course you can,” Blaze said with a smile. “Just relax. Diamond, I know it might seem worrisome that you're not picking it up quickly, but don't worry. Prism is a great teacher and I'm sure you'll be picking up air bending before you know it.”

The unicorn gave a shrug before nibbling at her porridge. “When's the festival, anyway?”

“A few days,” Prism said smoothly. “If you wish to attend, I'm sure we can find some time to go.”

“What was it she said about pro bending? Is it--”

“It's a useless frivolity,” Prism said with a roll of his eyes. “Nothing you need to concern yourself with.”

Blaze chuckled softly, a hoof over her mouth.

“What? Why? What is it?”

“It's a competition using benders,” Blaze said with a smile. “Three versus three at a time, with any of the four benders, so long as each one is different. It's become quite big in the last few years. As a matter of fact, I believe--”

“It's a waste of time,” Prism grumbled before nibbling his porridge, his mood drastically darkened. “Don't concern yourself with it, your time should be spent training.”

“It sounds like it is training,” Diamond said with a roll of her eyes. “What flew up your butt and fire bent?”

He just stared at her flatly, not saying a word. She smirked back.

“Maybe I can find a better air bending trainer there. One who's competent. This leaf thing of yours isn't working, it's just wasting our time and making me sneeze a lot.”

He gave a soft sigh. “Perhaps. I suppose we could try other methods of training. Perhaps working on helping you move with the wind, rather than controlling the wind.”

She groaned. “That sounds soooooo boring!”

Diamond whimpered as she stared down at the ground. She was a mile up, at least. On a little tiny platform barely big enough to let her move on. Strange paper fans surrounded her on all sides, making the powerful gusts around her come at her from all different angles. Well, at least now she knew what that big stone pillar had been for. How could ANYPONY think this was okay?

“Just try to let the air flow with you,” Prism said as he lightly hovered above her, the wind making his mane dance wildly as he flew against it. “Don't fight it, just let it flow around you.”

“Go WITH it? Are you trying to make me fall to my death?!” she shrieked.

“Of course not. I'd catch you if it came to that. Just let it flow around you.”

“Buck you!” she shrieked, but she did try what he said. She closed her eyes and let the air flow around her. Relaxed into it.

She promptly let out a shriek as a sudden powerful burst sent her sliding off the pillar. Her hoof shot out and the rock shifted under her, spreading out to grab her before she could fall. “That's it, NO! I am NOT doing this!”

“But--”

“NO!” She screamed, before stomping a hoof down. The pillar of earth started to crumble, the platform she was on quickly sinking back down towards the ground and shattering the rest of the pillar as it went.

“What are you doing?!” Prism yelled, his eyes wide. “STOP THAT! STOP IT!”

She ignored him, not caring as she continued towards the ground. Once she was down, she stormed off.

He landed in front of her, glaring. “Do you have any idea what you've done? That pillar was a specially made training--”

“I. Don't. CARE!” she screamed back at him. “You're a horrible teacher! Trying to get me killed, leaves, this is all so BORING!”

He shook, his eyes narrowed on her before gritting his teeth. “This is the same kind of training--”

“What, that you learned? Well I'm sure your trainer was a horrible teacher too!”

His eyes widened and then, slowly, narrowed. “My mother was one of the greatest air benders to ever live. You'd be lucky to have ever even met her. She--”

“Well, then it's a shame you're not her,” Diamond said before stomping by him, turning towards the shore. “I'm going into the town.”

He stood there, his eyes wide for a moment. He then took a deep breath. “Very well, Avatar. If you--”

“Prism,” Blaze said, making him jump.

He looked back and cringed, before pointing towards the Avatar. “What? I was just going to teach her a lesson about... about...”

She just glowered at him.

He sighed, before giving a nod. He took to the air and darted after the unicorn, landing in front of her. “You're not going to stop,” he said matter of factly.

“I'm finding a new teacher,” she said with a glare. “A GOOD teacher.”

“I'm the best you're going to find.” He took a deep breath. “But... perhaps you're right.”

She stopped then, giving him a cocked eye. “Right?”

“Indeed. I've been training you the way I was taught. But there was one basic difference.” He spread out his wings. “I had these. I could feel the wind and magic as it flowed around my feathers. You, on the other hoof, still don't even have little wings. All you have is your horn. So perhaps... I'd best try different methods.”

She cocked her eye again. “I'm... listening.”

He smiled. “We'll try a different method my mother used to teach me. It's a bit harsh, but I think it'll suit a pony without wings just fine.”

Diamond gave a small nod, eying him suspiciously. “Okay. I'm listening...”

Diamond let out a yelp as she struggled not to die. She swore he wasn't holding back, not in the slightest! The two were standing in a small, round arena. It was absolutely filled with leaves, twigs and all manner of other things that she was finding very, very annoying.

Her teacher had his wings tied tightly to his side, making it impossible for him to use them to bend. Unfortunately, it seemed he still knew how to air bend with his hooves and mouth. But, as much as she abhorred having to admit it, she was finding it a lot easier to mimic some of his forms and get the general idea of it. Though she kept wanting to switch to the other styles.

Prism danced around the mare with ease, his hooves barely touching the ground as he went, launching half hearted attacks from different angles that, to his surprise, she was getting better at avoiding. Not much, but a little. It was a bit aggressive as training went, but it seemed to be working. She walked far too heavily to be an air bender, she applied her weight to her front hooves too often and it made her easily off balance. Air bending was all about moving quick and light, barely touching the ground. Dodging and weaving.

But, as much as he hated to admit it, she was picking it up. Quickly. She still wasn't any good and had a long, long way to go before she'd have even the basics down, but the form was working out quite well for her. She was mimicking his movements decently, even if she couldn't do the air bending that went with it. He gave another thrust with his hoof, sending a burst of wind towards her face. The fallen leaves and twigs showed the air's path clearly, allowing her plenty of time to avoid the burst.

He counted down from three. On one, her hooves locked, her forward weight worked against her and she let out a shriek as she toppled over.

“Better that time,” he said with a sigh. “You managed to stay standing almost forty seconds.” She was definitely getting better. But still nowhere near good. He wondered how long it would be before her wings began to sprout.

“Oh, shut up,” she snapped angrily, waving a hoof at him. The hoof position was... close to being good and he readied himself. However, no burst of air came at him.

“You need to work on your form, but at least you're catching on, better.”

“It's a lot better than that stupid leaf training you were having me do,” she said with a shake of her head. “How could anypony learn anything doing that?”

“Everypony has a different method of learning,” Prism said firmly. “When I started learning, I already knew how to do a little bit of air bending, so it was mostly an act of refining it and learning how to use my powers. I... figured you would have at least a little capability to use air bending. My mother said Twilight learned it as her second element and had very little trouble mastering it. Well... perhaps not mastering it, but getting the idea. You're... learning the stances quite well. You still have plenty to work on, your hoofwork isn't very strong, for example.”

She frowned and snorted. “My hoofwork is perfect! You couldn't knock me on my flank if you tried!”

“Your hoofwork may be good for an earth bender, but to an air bender it is that of a novice. At best. You've mastered fire bending and water bending, haven't you? Would you say the hoof work between the two is the same?”

She snorted. “Of course not. Fire bending has a lot more push and stability needs, to make sure you get the right power in. Water bending has more...” She blinked a few times before glaring at him.

“Exactly. This has more in common with water bending, than earth bending. A water bender will try to redirect the attack, move the strike away from them and swirl around their opponent, avoiding and moving each strike. An air bender, however, will try to never be there to begin with. They make their body flow around each strike, making them miss and then coming out from different angles to take their opponent down. You still very much fight like an earth bender. You'll need to work on that.”

She huffed and started to storm off.

“You're still doing quite good, for only one day.”

She gave a light chuckle. “Well, of course I am. I am the Avatar after all. The greatest bender of all time. I'll have these stances down in like two, three days, tops. Then I'll have all the little air things learned, too. My wings'll be here before you know it.” She gave a dismissive wave of her hoof and trotted towards the building.

He gave a soft sigh, shaking his head. She still had a long, long way to go. But who knew? Maybe she'd pick it up, eventually. He then looked towards the remains of the tower. They'd need to see if Octavia could repair it. How could she just destroy things like that? This is why earth benders shouldn't train with air benders.

Diamond nibbled on her oat paddies, looking up at the two air benders. “Sooooo. What's this festival like?”

“It's marvelous,” Blaze said with a smile, grinning down at her. “You can get all sorts of delightful treats and the floats are amazing. Then at the end they have an exhibition match with last years pro bending winners and some members of the council.”

There was a light groan from Prism.

“What's he upset about?” Diamond asked, cocking an eye.

“Oh, you'll find out eventually,” Blaze said with a knowing grin. She received a glare from Prism, but didn't seem to mind. “Are you enjoying your oat paddies?”

“Yeah, the syrup is pretty good,” she mumbled softly. “So, this festival. I'm going to be a guest of honor, right? I mean, I am the Avatar and these ponies have been waiting years to see me.”

“Thanks to Filthy,” Prism grumbled darkly.

“Ugh, let it go,” Diamond said with a roll of her eyes. “Daddy just wanted to make sure I was as awesome as could be when I finally made my debut.”

Prism gave an annoyed snort.

“Anyway, moving on,” Blaze said before smiling to her. “We're not sure, honestly. I know Sunburst wants to make a big deal about your arrival, but not all members of the council are okay with that. This year it would probably be best if you stayed as just a tourist. What with all the anti-bending movements and--”

“Ughhh, why do you ponies even let those go on? They aren't even benders! Just go in, blow up their little meetings and send them packing!”

Prism glared at her. “You are the Avatar. How can you even speak of such things? These ponies have just as much right to voice their concerns as anypony else.”

“Not when their concerns are so stupid. They hate bending. Bend-ing. You might as well hate magic, or flying, or swimming. Just because THEY can't do it doesn't mean that others shouldn't.” She rolled her eyes. “It's just so stupid.”

“While we may not agree with everything that they say,” Blaze said diplomatically. “It is the job of the council to listen and try to aid all of its citizens, regardless of their affiliations. And it's not as if non-benders make up the minority of the city, you know. In fact, with all the different species, they make up the majority.”

That made Diamond pause and she looked at her food. “And they all feel that way?”

“Fortunately, no,” Blaze said with a shake of her head. “Ironically, most of the non-bending species seem more or less fine with the idea of benders. They have expressed concern with just how many ponies make up the council, but they rarely differentiate between benders and non-benders. That we've seen. According to our last records, the zebras make up the majority of non-pony anti-benders and even their contributions are minuscule in the grand scheme of things.”

“See? Even the non-ponies see how stupid it is,” Diamond said with a shrug. “Some of us are just born better than them. It happens, get over it.”

Prism sighed and rubbed his forehead. “The ability to bend does not make us better than anypony. Being the Avatar most definitely doesn't.”

“Oh, come on,” Diamond said with a roll of her eyes. “I'm the Avatar. What in the world could possibly even come close to being as important as me?”

The stallion gave an exasperated sigh and covered his face with both hooves. “Stars give me strength. Anyway!” He lowered his hooves. “You still have a long way to go, Avatar, before you're better than anypony. You've got a lot of practice to do before your air bending is anywhere near competent.”

She shrugged. “Easy. I'll have it mastered before you know it.”

He glowered at her. “We'll see.” He was not looking forward to the next few days. But who knew, maybe she would be right and would master the bending super fast and he'd never have to deal with her again. The thought was just too delightful to ignore.

Chapter 4: The Festival

Diamond awoke, a grin plastered on her face as she jumped up. She pulled her head back, a flame on the end of her horn. She was up super early for once and Prism was gonna get a face full when he came barging in this time. She wouldn't hurt him, much. Just burn off half his fur. After the last few days he'd been making her absolutely miserable with all his training and junk. Waking her up at the crack of dawn, barging into her room, tossing her out the window. But today was going to be different. This time she was ready.

Best of all, it was the day of the festival so he'd come in, get singed, then have to spend the whole day walking around without any fur. It was going to be hilarious. He'd have to tell everypony why he looked so silly. Oh yes. Annnnny second now.

Any moment.

That door would open in a few moments and he'd get flames to the face.

Now.

… Now.

Any moment.

Any second.

“What are you doing?” Prism asked from behind her, making her jump. She whipped around to glare at him as he hovered outside her window.

“How, what, when, where did you come from? Why didn't you use the door?”

“I noticed you were awake, so I didn't see much point in waking you up. Come on, let's go.” He glided down off towards their little training area. She glowered at him. How DARE he. Her vengeance was going to be long and sweet! Instead it was short and bitter! She considered launching a sneak attack now, but she knew he'd expect it. Then probably just slam her into the wall or something. Ugh, she hated him sooooo much.

The training session ended with her tripping and falling on the ground, a lot. She was getting better at moving, but it all seemed so silly. She was a tough pony, why did she need to dodge things like that? She was immovable! She knew how to redirect an attack, take an attack or, if need be, just punch through it. What was the point of avoiding one? The whole barely touching the ground thing was just as annoying. How could you possibly launch a proper attack without the stability and use of force that properly grounding one's self offered?

She ate her breakfast in silence, angrily crunching her oats as she glowered at him from across the room.

“Something wrong?” Blaze asked with a small smile.

“No,” they both said in unison, making the pegasus roll her eyes.

Prism watched the unicorn from across the room. It just didn't make any sense. She was... talented. He didn't deny that. She was picking up the form quite quickly, at least for a pony who had already learned three different forms. She was going a few minutes now without falling on her face and she was learning how to move around the wind, rather than against it. But she hadn't shown even the slightest ability to actually air bend. Were she not the avatar, he'd have imagined she wasn't an air bender at all. Usually by now his students would have made a little breeze or sliced the air a small smidgen, but with her there was nothing. He was playing it off, but he hadn't told her.

What if he was doing everything wrong? Maybe he was focusing too much on the form. But actual air bending wasn't getting her anywhere, since she couldn't do it. Her form was good, but she couldn't move properly with it or move with the wind well enough to go to anything too advanced. Would she grow her wings soon? Would that help? Would she even be able to grow her wings without learning some air bending?

He thought back to what his mother said about the past Avatar's training. She'd learned air bending before she had wings. It hadn't even been too hard. But then, she'd also been a unicorn and a bit of a savant, supposedly. Diamond seemed to have a little talent, having already learned three elements, but this one was likely going to be her most difficult. What if he wasn't up to doing it?

“Sooooo, looking forward to the festival?” Blaze asked with a grin. “What do you plan to wear?”

Diamond shrugged. “Hadn't really thought about it. Not much. Maybe my tiara.”

Prism blinked a few times and stared at her. “You... have an actual tiara?”

“Of course I have a tiara. Why did you think my name is Diamond Tiara if I didn't have a tiara?”

He rolled his eyes, but bit back his response.

“We'll be leaving after noon, so if you want to go with us, make sure you're ready,” Blaze said with a grin.

She nodded, quickly polishing off her meal before jumping to her hooves and galloping off, leaving the plates behind. Blaze then looked to Prism. “Something wrong, dear?”

“I'm still doubtful if a pony like that can truly be the Avatar,” Prism muttered. “She's so... that.”

“It's only been a few days, she'll learn.”

He sighed. “I hope so. It's going to be interesting seeing how she develops. Maybe in a few weeks we can teach her to pick up after herself.”

Both pairs of eyes fell on the plate, before Blaze gave a soft sigh. “Dear, no pony expects a miracle.”

Prism sighed as he knocked on the Avatar's door. He couldn't believe this. They were going to be late! He thought she'd be thrilled for this. Well, he supposed there was nothing to do. He'd have to open the door. He smirked knowingly.

He knew she was on the other end, standing and waiting. Probably hoping to ambush him when he shoved open the door. Well, she'd be in for a big surprise when he deflected whatever she had in mind and she had to walk around the festival with a wind torn mane.

He shoved open the door and ready his deflection.

Then he stared.

In the middle of the room was a pony shaped statue made of dirt. Diamond was nowhere to be seen. His eyes went wide and his mouth fell open. “BLAZE!”

Diamond grinned as she skidded along the ice, making her way towards the city. Oh, this was going to be awesome. She wished she could have seen Prism's face when he realized the trick she pulled on him, but she supposed if she had then it wouldn't have been the face she wanted to see. What with her being there, and all. If she was going to be going to the city as a tourist, she wasn't going to do it with those two sticks in the mud watching her. Talk about boring.

She jumped off the ice, landing on the shore with a smile. She'd thought about wearing a dress and a few other things, but decided against it. Tonight she wanted to be fast and light, so instead she'd just worn a single small diamond necklace. Simple, elegant, easy. Also, sparkly enough that anypony who looked at her would quickly realize she was wearing very little because she CHOSE to, not because she couldn't afford to wear some fancy dress.

She trotted into the city and already the place was packed with ponies running about, amongst other things. There were plenty of zebras, negasi and donkeys, but she was finding the other species seemed strangely absent. She wondered if they just didn't celebrate the defeat of Discord.

There was a play going on and she stopped, watching it for a few moments. It was a simple thing, showing the defeat of Discord as the six heroes of the last generation defeated him using the power of all of the ponies of the world, getting their aid in the final battle. Some ponies cleverly dubbed it 'rainbow power'. A silly name. How could rainbows be powerful? They were manufactured in factories. Just--

She let out a yipe as suddenly a pony banged into her, sending her toppling over. She groaned and glowered up at the gray earth pony on top of her. Ugh, even worse, the mare had on a pair of those fake wings and the metal horn. They had gems lining them, but they were still so tacky.

“I-I'm s-so sorry,” the mare said, sniffling and rubbing her eyes before pulling back. “I-I wasn't, I was just... s-sorry.”

“Ugh, just watch where you're going, okay?” Diamond said with a roll of her eyes. “Maybe you should try to get some viewers or something on that hunk of junk on your back.”

The mare seemed shocked for a moment, before lowering her eyes. “S-sorry. I wasn't... I-I was having some problems with it and I got some dirt in my eyes,” she said as she wiped at her eyes. “I didn't mean to intrude on your watching of the play.”

“It's fine, it's a stupid play anyway. I'm sure the real thing was wayyyyy better. I mean, rainbow power? What kind of dumb name is that?”

The mare blinked a few times, before looking towards the stage. She then glanced back and nodded. “Y-yeah. I mean... it's such a silly name. Like rainbows are that powerful, right?”

“Ugh, I know,” Diamond said with a nod, before looking the mare over. “Why do you wear that hunk of junk, anyway? Isn't it annoying?”

“T-this? Oh... yeah, kinda,” the mare said sheepishly. “But my daddy is very particular about me wearing it. I uhhh... I'm Silver Spoon. Nice to meet you.”

“Well, your dad sounds like an idiot,” Diamond said with a roll of her eyes, before holding out a hoof. “I'm Diamond Tiara. Nice to meet you.”

Silver looked confused, before reaching out and nervously shaking her hoof. “You're new to town, aren't you?”

“Just arrived a few days ago,” the unicorn said with a sigh. “Been--” She cringed. Should she tell the mare she was at the island? Ugh, did she want to admit she was the Avatar? Probably make a huge deal about it if she did. She was pretty awesome though. Not like she didn't deserve to have a big deal made about her. “--here with a few ponies. I don't know if I'll be staying long, though.”

Silver nodded. “I could... uhhh... show you around? If you want?”

“Cool! I'd really like to see some of the pro bending stuff. That's pretty big here, right?”

The mare gave a nod. “Oh! I was actually heading there soon anyway. I could show you the way?”

“The way?”

“To the arena.”

Diamond's eyes widened. They had an ARENA! “I'd like to see that, sounds cool,” she said as calmly as she could. But inside she felt giddy as could be. An arena! A full bucking arena! Ohhhh, she couldn't wait to show off what she could do in it. She was going to kick all their flanks! She could already imagine herself before screaming, raving crowd. She could do all kinds of bending, maybe she could try entering as a one pony fighter. Kicking the flanks of entire teams. Oh, it would be beautiful.

She let out a gasp when they turned a street and she saw it. “Is... is that it?” she asked, motioning towards it.

“Yes,” Silver said with a smile. “Impressive, isn't it?”

“Y-yes,” Diamond whispered slightly as she stared. Quickly she shook her head. “I mean, it looks okay, I guess. I've seen bigger.” The stadium was at the very end of the street, on the border of the city. It practically made the end, towering at least five stores high and so wide that she couldn't even see all of it around the buildings of the street. It was made of stone, but covered in statues of different ponies. The three largest, a pegasus, earth pony and unicorn, stood on the roof, their hooves connected in the most amazing of high hooves. “Who are those supposed to be?” she asked as she motioned towards them. The paint had long since faded, but she could make out a few fragments of blue.

“If I'm correct, Rainbow Dash, Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch. They were the first champions of the pro bending league and went undefeated before they retired. When the arena was made, that was put on top of it. Though some ponies claim it's supposed to be an image of unity between the three types of ponies.”

Diamond nodded, still staring. It was just so... big. So amazing. She could already here them chanting her name. They made their way through the crowds with ease, though. “Why aren't more ponies here now?” she asked softly.

“Most of the teams aren't even here yet,” she said with a shrug. “Not a lot of reason to be. A few are training, though.”

“Cool,” she whispered softly. “I'm going to go watch!” Diamond yelled before galloping off.

“W-what? Wait! You shouldn't...” Silver tried, but it was already too late. The unicorn was gone. She let out a sigh and shook her head.

Diamond raced through the arena halls, her eyes wide. She could hardly believe it. This arena was massive. The walls were lined with memorabilia from all the different teams that played. Oddly, at one point she swore she saw a pegasus that looked like Prism in one of the pictures, but it was probably her imagination. She raced around until she could barely run anymore and then realized one thing.

This place was huge. She had absolutely NO idea where anything was. 'Ugh. I should have waited for Silver,' she thought to herself before shrugging and then closed her eyes, tapping the floor three times before grinning. There were ponies out there, practicing. She raced off, soon coming to a large room filled with weights, stone disks, punching bags, ropes and all other kinds of exercise equipment.

Two unicorns and an earth pony were training against each other in the center of the room. One was a fire bender, another a water bender and the last a earth bender. She watched in awe as they moved. They were all wearing silver padded uniforms that covered their bodies. The earth bender fought with the disks, but the water and fire bender fought with little streams of their chosen element.

She smirked none the less. They were all... passable, but she could have out bent any of them. With ease. Especially the fire bender. He didn't have nearly enough power when he thrust, his footing was all off. The earth bender wasn't much better, though. He kept dancing around like an air bender, but kept falling back whenever he got hit. Even the light hits made him stumble back, nothing like a proper earth bender. The only one of them she would have really called competent was the water bender. He fought like a true one, dancing around in tight circles, using the water to redirect what he couldn't dodge, always moving and launching his own counter attacks.

She snickered softly when the fire bender was sent flying back, out of the training circle by an earth disk. Unfortunately for the earth bender, he left himself open and the water bender acted on it, sending him flying out of the small training circle next.

“Well, that could have gone better,” the water bender said with a shake of his head. “Button, you need to keep your guard up better. You're an earth bender, try to keep stable. A little bit of fire and water aren't going to hurt you.” He then turned towards the fire bender. “Piro, you need to work on your stability, too. You're always the first one down and remember our last match? You were out in the first ten seconds.”

“It's cool, I made a slight mistake,” the stallion said with a shake of his head. “It was just a fluke.”

Diamond snorted. “It was hardly a fluke, your stance is horrible,” she said with a snicker.

All three faces turned towards hers. The earth pony let out a gasp, his eyes going wide. “Fans! We have fans!”

“Wait, Button, don't--” the water bender said, but it was too late.

The earth pony was already in front of her, his helmet torn off. A wide grin plastered across his face. “Well hello there. Have you come to watch the magnificent Button Mash train?” he asked with... what she imagined he thought was a suave wink.

“I'd hardly call any of you magnifcent,” she said with a snort. “I mean, you fire bender doesn't know the first thing about how to actually fire bend, your stance is so wobbly a stiff breeze could knock you over and your water bender is so slow he might as well have been an earth bender,” she said with a dismissive wave.

“If you think you're such a great fire bender, why don't you come and prove it?” Piro yelled, grinding his hooves into the ground. “Otherwise, why don't you go sit down and shut up?”

She snorted and stepped forward, pushing Button aside. “Oh? With ease.” She stepped into the training circle. The stallion looked shocked, but slowly moved in with her.

“Piro...” the water bender said.

“Shut up, Acrylic. I'm going to thrash her for bad mouthing me,” the stallion snapped. “You wanna put on some of the training gear so you don't get hurt?”

“Why? It's not like you'll be laying a hoof on me.”

His eyes narrowed and he lifted a hoof up.

“Wait!” Acrylic called, getting between them. “Fine, if you want to do it, then go ahead. But miss, do you know the rules?”

“What, it's bending. How many rules can there be?”

He sighed. “Quite a few. First one out of the circle is out. Stay in your section,” he said before motioning towards the line drawn in the middle of the circle. “Finally, as fire benders, no more than one second bursts of flame.”

“One second? Ugh, easy enough,” Diamond said with a roll of her eyes. The water bender got out of the circle and she smirked down at the fire bender. “Don't cry when I trounce you, okay?”

He quickly went into his stance, sending out a burst of fire at her face. She ducked under it with ease, spinning around. 'Ugh, his stance is soooooo horrible, his hooves arn't even planted in the ground right. This is shameful. Luckily, it won't last long,' She thought to herself. She dug both her front hooves into the ground, before bucking out with her back hooves. A single quick burst of fire was all she needed, before she twirled back around in time to see the stallion sailing through the air and slam into the wall, sliding down it a moment later.

“Piro!” Acrylic and Button yelled, running towards him.

“Ugh, as I said, pathetic,” she said with a shake of her head. “Your stance is just all over the place. You need to firmly plant your back hooves and--”

“SHUT UP!” Piro yelled, getting to his hooves and shoving the other two off him. “That's it! I quit!”

“W-wait, Piro--” Acrylic tried.

“No, that's it, screw all of you. This entire thing was just a stupid idea. Find some other idiot to join your team. Try her for all I bucking care,” the stallion yelled, shoving them aside as he stormed out the door.

Once he was gone, the other two turned and glared at her. She just gave a shrug.

“What? It's not my fault he sucks. Now, onto you, earth bender. Your stance needs work too, not as much, though. You--”

“What do you know about earth bending?” Button asked with an exasperated sigh. “You're a fire bender.”

“Yes. And an earth bender. And a water bender,” she said with her biggest grin. She watched as, slowly, the realization dawned on them.

“You're... the Avatar,” Acrylic finally said. “No-- ah!” He let out a yelp as she grabbed his hoof with a whip of water and yanked it from under him.

“The one and only,” she said with a shrug. “Now, are you going to listen now?”

The water bender growled. “No. Do you have any idea what you've done? We have less than a day to find a new fire bender. Just get--”

“Hey hey hey,” Button said, before putting a hoof over Acrylic's side and quickly dragging him off. “Come on, bro. This is the Avatar we're talking about. How often do you think we'll get a shot like this?”

“A shot like what?”

“To train with her, of course. The Avatar is supposed to be the best of the best, right? If we train with her, our game is bound to step up.”

“She's an arrogant brat!” he added with a glare.

“So? You saw what she did to Piro. She's gotta be strong. Maybe we can convince her to join our team. If we had her, we would be able to go all out.”

“You do realize I can hear you, right?” Diamond asked with a soft snort. “I mean, you're hardly whispering.”

Both quickly pulled back from her and eyed her sheepishly. Finally, Acrylic shook his head. “Thank you for your... helpful suggestions, Avatar. But we're not going to take up any more of your time. We're--”

“Kind of pathetic and have a long way to go before you're any kind of competent, let alone good,” Diamond said with a shrug. “You have talent, I won't deny. I'm better, of course, but you're not super bad. Your friend... ehhhh, if he works on his stance, he'll be fine. You need to learn to take a hit, Button.”

The stallion cringed. “Yeah, my mom says that too.”

“ANYWAY,” Acrylic added quickly. “We do not require your aid at this time. We'll find a fire bender or an air bender to join us, we--”

“Oh come on,” she said with a roll of her eyes, before smirking. “If you want me to carry your flanks through this little pro bending thing, just ask. I--”

“I wouldn't ask you for a glass of water if I was dying of thirst and on fire,” Acrylic snapped, before stepping forward. “Fine, you're a better bender than Piro. You're probably a better bender than all of us.” He moved in front of her, staring into her eyes. “But you're an arrogant, snot nosed little brat. I don't care if you are the best bender in all the world, I'd sooner quit the pro bending league than have to ask you for anything.” He turned and stormed off. “I'm going to go talk to Dr. Alicity, let him know we need a new bender.”

Button cringed as the door slammed. “Hey... uhhh, don't mind him. He's just... yeah.”

Diamond watched the door for a few moments. Why did he react so harshly? Everything she said was the truth, after all. She could carry both of them through any kind of tournament. Why didn't he want her help. She then looked to Button. “Well?”

“Err... what?”

“Are you going to ask for my help, or not? I can just leave, you know. Find some other team that interests me.”

“What? No!” the stallion said with a sheepish grin. “Errr... h-help me?” he asked softly.

She rolled her eyes and moved over. “Fine, first things first. Go into your stance.”

He quickly obeyed, jamming all four hooves into the ground. She cocked an eye. It actually wasn't half bad. In fact, it was quite good. His stability was great, his weight was distributed right, even she'd have probably had a hard time knocking him over. “Now, get ready to block.”

“Wait, what?”

He let out a shriek as she sent a small ball of fire at him. He ducked away, throwing off his stance completely, and barely avoiding the flames. She sent a few more at him, but he just kept moving away, trying to avoid them rather than taking the blows like an earth bender.

“Oh my gosh, are you TRYING to be the lamest earth bender ever?” she asked with a roll of her eyes. “Come on, you're a big, tough stallion. Try acting like it!”

“S-sorry,” he said softly. She picked up some earth discs with her bending and sent them flying at him. He tried to block them this time, however the force sent him falling on his back.

She raised a hoof to her face and sighed. “Yeah, this is going to take a while.”

Despite her complaints, she couldn't deny she enjoyed practicing with him. Showing him how to properly earth bend was actually a lot of fun, even if he was more or less pathetic and horrible at it.

She just couldn't figure out why. His starting stance was perfect, but he just kept screwing up whenever he had to move or dodge things. He couldn't block at all. Somepony had obviously trained him in all the basics and some of the more advanced things, but he didn't seem to have taken much of it to heart. After a while he finally collapsed on the ground, panting. “N-no more...”

“O-oh, come on, is that all you've got?” she asked, panting lightly. “Show some drive, some gumption. You're an earth pony, act like it.”

“P-please,” he begged weakly.

She rolled her eyes. “Fiiiiine. But seriously, you wouldn't last a day in my training routines.” She wiped some sweat from her coat. Ugh, she needed to rinse off before she went anywhere. “This place have showers?”

“Errr, yeah, I can show you to them,” he said before slowly getting up with a cringe. He stopped for a second and glanced towards her. “Hey uhhh... do you by any chance... well... would you be willing to help us?”

“What?”

“Joining our team. Would you be willing to join with us and be our fire bender?”

She blinked before rolling her eyes. “Really? I thought your friend would rather have died of thirst?”

“Heyyyy, Acrylic just gets... touchy. But come on, you're an amazing bender. Do you already have a team?”

She shook her head.

“Well, there you go. You'll need one if you want to compete. I can talk with Acrylic, get him to okay it. Our sponsor should be all for it, too.” He gave her a wide grin and stared at her. “So, whaddaya say?”

She rolled her eyes and almost said no. It would have served Acrylic right. How dare that pompous water bender refuse her help. Except Button was giving her the... strangest look. How in the world were his eyes getting so big? So wide? So watery? She shuffled nervously and got the sudden impression of kicking a kitten. “Ugh, fine, whatever.”

“Yay!” he said as he reared up, his front hooves wiggling in the air. She swore she heard some kind of... beep a beep a beep. Was she hearing things?

She shook her head. “I guess if you guys really need me and are desperate, I'll help you out. Just swing by the island sometime, okay?”

“Island?”

“Yeah. Avatar Island. In the lake.”

He snorted, giving a nod. “Ohhhh. Okay, I'll be there, no problem. Thanks!” And then he lunged forward and gave her a hug, making her eyes go wide. “Best Avatar ever!”

“Err, of course,” she said, blinking a few times before he galloped off.

“Wait! HEY! Get back here!”

“Huh? Why?” he asked, looking back.

She rolled her eyes again. “The showers, rock head?”

“What? I... oh! Heh, sorry,” he said sheepishly, his cheeks getting red. She shook her head and trotted after him.

Diamond stretched out a little as she stepped out from the shower rooms, completely dry. One of the many benefits of being a water bender, she never had to worry about towels. She looked around, but Button was nowhere in sight. She shrugged and trotted towards the exit.

She half expected to see Silver outside, waiting for her. But that mare was gone too. She shrugged and started walking through the crowds. The streets were filling up now. Even the air was filled with pegasi. She glanced up, the sun was almost gone, disappearing off into the distance. She bet the moon raisers were right now lifting the moon up and--

“THERE YOU ARE!” a voice boomed before a blue blur landed behind her. She cringed and glanced back to Prism.

“Yeah, what about it?” she asked with a roll of her eyes. “I've been having fun.”

“We've been worried sick. We were supposed to come here together. Blaze and half the Shadowbolts are looking for you,” he snapped angrily.

“The Shadowbolts? Why?”

“Because we had no idea if you'd been captured!”

“Of course I wasn't captured. I'm the Avatar. What bender could possibly pose a threat to me?”

He facehoofed. “Stars, give me strength. Avatar, come with me.” He grabbed her hoof, but she yanked it back.

“Why should I? I want to have fun and, frankly, you're the exact opposite of fun. You're like where fun goes to die.”

“We're not having this talk now,” he snapped. “The council wants to meet with you.”

“Why would I-- wait, council?”

“Yes, the council. At least, a few of them wish to meet you. It would do well for you to remember your man... it would do well for you to pretend you HAD manners,” he said with annoyance. “Come,” he said bitterly before trotting off, leading her through the crowd. The streets were at least twice as full as they had been earlier, but Prism seemed to have no problem forcing his way through. It seemed the blue uniform of his had quite an effect on ponies. She walked in his wake, keeping an eye out as she went.

“Why are you so mad? I thought you'd be happy not having to watch me. You sure act like you hate me.”

“If you had merely asked to be escorted, we could have--”

“I am the Avatar. I don't NEED an escort,” she said with another roll of her eyes. “I can take care of myself!”

“You're doing nothing but causing me trouble!”

“Then maybe somepony else should be my teacher. I never ASKED to have you teach me. There are PLENTY of other pegasi out there who I am sure would love having the Avatar as their student.”

He grit his teeth and shook his head. “If only that was an option,” he said bitterly, before turning the corner down another street. She gasped and stopped. “Is... that...”

“Yes. It's part of the parade that goes through the streets. We'll have to cut around it as best we can.”

She stared, unmoving. At the head of the great parade was a massive purple alicorn balloon, so large the end of her horn almost stood as tall as the roofs. “That's Twilight, isn't it?” She couldn't help but feel oddly... safe, looking at the great balloon. It was imposing, but it was also... oddly gentle. Its wings spread out, wide over the gathered ponies. As if it was protecting them.

“Yes. It's... quite the sight. I hear it was used in the first parade, made by ponies who knew her.” He paused, looking back to her. “She was quite the mare. But then, it would take quite the mare to go up against an entire nation and defeat Discord.”

“I'll be like that one day,” Diamond said softly.

“I find that hard to believe. I doubt there will ever be a threat anywhere near as dangerous as Discord.”

She snorted, before getting up and moving towards him. He started walking again. “So, am I going to meet everypony on the council?”

“No. But you will meet the vast majority. This tends to be more a... pony focused tradition, so all of the pony council members will be there. Including the negasi and zebras. You'll meet the others at a later time, when they wish to meet you.”

She nearly stumbled then. “Wait, wish to meet me? They don't want to meet me now? But I'm the Avatar! How can they not want to meet me? I'm... well, I'm the Avatar!”

“And to the species that can't bend, you're really not a big deal. They have very little point of reference, Diamond,” he said with a shake of his head. “Bending has always just been a pony thing. So you're just a pony who's more... pony. Right now they're more than likely just watching you to see how the rest of the ponies will react.”

“That's stupid, they're stupid.”

“Most of them have gotten on the council because they are very, very wise. They learned to wait and watch. To choose the right moment. As an earth bender, I figured you would know all about the value of patience.”

“Patience, yeah. But who wouldn't want to meet me?”

“Anypony who has met you,” Prism muttered under his breath.

“What?”

“Nothing. We're almost there.” He turned another corner and let out a sigh of relief. “Finally.”

She followed after him and let out a low gasp. “That's... a lot of ponies.”

“It's the main plaza. Of course it is.”

The plaza looked more like a giant box than an opened area, surrounded on all four sides with the city buildings. Stages and stands were set up all over the place, taking up about a third of the standing room. Almost every inch of the rest of the plaza were ponies of all kinds, as well as negasi and zebras. “I didn't know there were so many,” she whispered.

“Of course. Some are travelers, but the majority of them likely live here,” he said with a chuckle. “Come along. It's time to meet the council members.” He led her through the crowd towards a small, raised platform off to the side, overlooking one of the plays. He was quickly waved on by a few of the guards, who gave her wary glances. She stepped forward nervously. It wasn't that she was scared or anything. Just both bouncers were large enough to smush her into paste.

A long line of stairs led up to the platform, making her gulp. She slowly looked up as Prism went on ahead. He stopped and looked down.

“Something wrong?”

“What? No,” she said before following after him.

Odd. She suddenly felt excited, as if she was going to be meeting some old friends. She wondered why.

Chapter 5: Meeting the Council

Diamond could barely hear her hoof steps over the crowd. The only reason she could even hear the play going on was because of all the magic gone into making it louder. She stepped onto the final platform and smiled.

It was filled with ponies. At least a dozen of them, not including the guards. “May I announce, the Avatar,” Prism said with a flourish of his wing.

Most of the heads turned towards her and she didn't recognize any of them, except for Blaze. But, for some reason she couldn't imagine, so many of them felt familiar.

A unicorn jumped from his chair and started trotting towards her. “Avatar? Quite the pleasure finally meeting you,” he said with a wide grin. He was an orange unicorn with white hooves and a dark orange mane. “I am Sunburst, representative of the fire benders and current head council member. A joy to meet you at last.” He reached out to grab her hoof, pulling it up to put the most gentle of kisses on it. Color flooded her cheeks and she gave a sheepish smile.

“Errr, n-nice to meet you as well,” she said softly.

He nodded and then glanced to her guide. “I trust Prism has been doing wonders to keep you entertained and feel welcome in our city. I'm sorry I haven't been able to meet you before now, but the jobs of a council member are quite busy. We must be constantly vigilante if we wish to maintain and keep the desires and wishes of all we represent forward in our minds. Please, allow me to introduce you to the rest of the council who has come.”

“O-okay,” she said with a smile.

“We'll begin with the non benders. I think there's one amongst them who will be quite happy to meet you.” He led her towards a small grouping of a pegasus, negasi, unicorn, earth pony and zebra. “This is lady Scootaloo, representative of the pegasi and one time leader of the Shadowbolts.” He motioned towards a brown pegasus mare with a purple mane.

The mare got to her hooves and waved a hoof. “Hello, Avatar. I knew your predecessor well. She was quite the Avatar, if you're even a quarter as good as her I know we'll all be in good hooves during your stay.” She reached out and shook the hoof. Diamond couldn't say why, but she felt oddly competitive suddenly and a weird urge to call the mare blank flank. It didn't make any sense, the mare clearly had a cutie mark.

“A pleasure to meet you as well.” She bowed politely.

“This is Lady Ashmane,” he said before motioning to an earth pony with a red coat and a very faded blue mane. She looked like the oldest of the council members and needed a little help from one of the guards in order to stand. Her face was covered in wrinkles and much of the gleam was gone from her coat. Still, she slowly reached out a hoof to shake. Diamond very carefully shook it, afraid she might hurt the mare.

“A pleasure to meet you, Avatar. It is a shame we could not have met sooner. I was an ally of the last Avatar, back when she was on her quest. I hope I can offer you the same aid.” She smiled gently when she pulled her hoof back.

“Oh, I ummm... I'm sure you will,” she mumbled softly. What was this warmth she felt inside? She swore she recognized all these ponies.

“This is Lady Zecora, representative of the zebras.” A black and white zebra stood up. She couldn't help but be a little disappointed. She'd seen so many different striped mixes for the zebra colors. Black and white was just so boring. The second feeling, however, was even worse.

She had the over powering urge to hug the zebra, which she barely suppressed.

“To meet you at last is much sublime,” the mare said with a smile. “Perhaps next time we can do it with more time?”

“O-of course,” Diamond said softly, suddenly fighting back the urge to cry. Ugh, what was happening to her? She didn't know these ponies, why did they feel so familiar?

“Next, Lord Styx, representative of the negasi, bat ponies, vesper...” He gave a sigh. “Still haven't decided on a name for yourselves?”

He looked like all the other negasi she'd met, gray coat, black wings, yellow eyes. Yet this one seemed oddly... cocky. A wide grin on his face flashing a little bit of his fangs. He also looked quite young, a little older than her. But just a little. “It's you ponies who keep coming up with new names for us. I actually heard one pegasi call us vampire bat ponies the other day. Could you imagine? Maybe we'll go by that next.” he said with a laugh before taking Diamond's hoof and shaking it. “Avatar, it is so nice to finally meet you. Ironwing has told me all about you.”

“You know Ironwing?” she asked, her eyes widening. “Wait, he's a negasi?”

“Of course not,” he said with a smile. “You just met his mother, after all.” He motioned towards Scootaloo, who tensed up. “And I assure you his father is one hundred percent pegasus. Even if some would refuse to admit he was actually pony.”

“Styx...” Scootaloo said in a warning tone.

“I am merely jesting. After all, in times of strife we all must stand up in our won ways,” the stallion said with a light chuckle. He then grinned towards the unicorn. “I'm expecting great things from you, Avatar. Our last one changed the world. I can't wait to see what you'll change.”

At least this one didn't feel familiar. She gave a shrug. “Oh, don't worry about me. I plan to mix everything up. When I'm done, none of you ponies will even remember any of the past Avatars.” She gave a confident smirk to match his.

He chuckled and gave a nod. “I look forward to it.”

“Now, what some would call the best for last, you may recognize her. Lady Sassy Saddles,” Sunburst said before motioning towards a very tall, beautiful blue unicorn with an orange and yellow striped mane. “Representative of the unicorns and your aunt.”

Diamond had been ready for just about anything. But that last word threw her off. “Wait, what? My aunt?” she asked, staring up at the mare. Ironically, she didn't recognize this one either.

“Indeed,” the regal mare said as she moved forward, gazing down at the unicorn. “I am Filthy's sister. Though I'm doubtful he ever mentioned me.” She grit her teeth in distaste. The way she was looking at Diamond made the mare uncomfortable, too. As if she was looking at a tool, rather than a pony. She'd seen her father looking at ponies like that during many of his negotiations. However, after a moment the look faded and the mare sighed. “I'm afraid my closeness to the council led to your father breaking most ties with me. I had imagined he was disappointed that I had left the Earth Kingdom. I never imagined he was hiding the Avatar right under our noses as such.”

“Yeah, daddy was... just trying to keep me safe,” Diamond said feebly.

“You would have been safer here. We have an army. The Shadowbolts, the metal benders and the moon raisers. Any of them would have kept you safe.” She gave a soft smile. “I do hope we can talk again soon, perhaps once you've had time to settle and get over this... somewhat startling shock, I'm sure.”

“Y-yeah,” Diamond mumbled.

“That is all of the non-benders,” Sunburst said with a smile as he trotted up besides her. “Do you still feel up to meeting the rest? If you're unwell, we can delay this.”

She shook her head and put on her most confident grin. “Of course not. I'm right as rain.”

He nodded and led her towards the last three. “Well, you already know me as the fire bender representative, so let's move on.” He started with an older earth pony with a light gray coat and a dark gray mane. “Lady Octavia, representative of the earth benders and the previous leader of our metal benders.” The mare stood and bowed her head.

“Avatar, it is quite pleasing to meet you. I knew your predecessor well, she was quite the mare. I trust you'll be able to fill her shoes quite well.”

“Of course,” Diamond said softly, feeling slightly in awe. She'd met plenty of earth benders before, but this one was... different. She seemed completely still, unmoving. But there was something else. It wasn't as if she was just unmoving, it was as if she was waiting. That when the moment was right, she'd strike, crushing Diamond like a fly. She shuddered.

“And this is--” Sunburst started, but was shoved aside.

“Oh, relax Sunny,” an older white unicorn with a blue striped mane said as she moved over, took Diamond's hoof and shook it. “Yo, I'm Vinyl Scratch, best water bender you'll ever meet. Nice tah meetcha.”

Diamond yiped as the sheer force of the shake made her jump in place. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Octavia roll her eyes.

“Now, don't you worry one bit about all this posh and preenness these ponies got going on. I can tell you right now, not a single one of them is as up tight as they seem. Well, except Sassy. I don't know who went and stuck a stick up her--”

“Vinyl!” Octavia snapped, making the unicorn shudder, before giving a grin.

“Well, anyway. You'll fit in just fine. We have everything under control, so just try to enjoy yourself, okay? Things are a lot calmer than they were decades ago.” She turned and trotted back towards the earth bender, getting a nasty look the whole way. “Come on, Octy. It's just the Avatar.”

“You are impossible.”

Diamond stared. Well, at least now she knew where Tittering got it from.

“Last but not least, Lady Blaze, representative of the air benders. I believe you've met.”

She looked up at the pegasus and gave a small smile. It wasn't matched.

“We were worried sick about you, Avatar,” Blaze said in disappointment.

“I was just having a little fun. Come on, it's a festival. You can't expect me to spend the whole thing under lock and key.”

“If you wished to run off, you should have told us. We could have prepared an escort to--”

“That's just it!” Diamond said with a roll of her eyes. “I am a grown mare, not a fresh filly! I don't NEED a pony to watch every little step I make! I just wanted to go out, have some fun, relax!”

The pegasus stared at her for a few moments and the unicorn wondered if she was going to get the rage of a hurricane tossed on her. Instead, the pegasus gave a nod. “Very well. I can understand the need to rebel, stars know I used to do it all the time when I was your age. Next time, please leave a note so we know where to find you and that you haven't been captured.”

Diamond opened her mouth to object, before pausing. “Wait, that's all?”

“Yes, that's all. Now, if you don't mind I'd like to watch the end of the play.” She turned and walked off, moving back to her seat.

The unicorn frowned, before looking out towards the play. It was another rendition of the defeat of Discord. She wondered just how often they did that play here. But, she supposed it was a celebration about the defeat of Discord. She sat down and looked over the crowds.

She really didn't see the big deal. She'd heard the stories about Discord. Sure, he seemed like a bit of a jerk, but all of the little pranks and stuff he played seemed hilarious. If he'd toned it down a bit, he probably would have been pretty awesome. With time, at least. Though, she supposed there were a lot of deaths laying at his hooves. Maybe he wouldn't be quite so... savable after all. “So, can I go back out and enjoy the festival?” she asked Prism.

“Soon. They'll be doing the... exhibition match soon,” he said with a sigh. “After that, you're free to go.”

“Cool,” she said with a nod, looking towards the stage. At least the pro bending was something she WANTED to see. She just hoped they were even a tenth as awesome at bending as she was.

“Ladies and gentlecolts!” the announcer yelled into his microphone as he stood in front of the stage, peering out over the wide eyed crowd. She didn't think it possible, but it was even more crowded. Stands had been set up to allow the ponies to gather up two or even three high. The stage had been doubled in width and divided into two halves. Each half had three zones, a large one near the center, a slightly thinner one behind it, then one small partial circle in the back. “What you've all been waiting for! Three year winners of the pro bending championship, the Rock Bunnies!”

The crowd went crazy as three ponies jumped onto the stage, all wearing gray, rock shaped cloaks and fake bunny ears on their heads.

“Introducing their earth bending master, Babs Seed!”

One of them stepped forward and threw off the cloak and bunny ears, revealing a light brown earth pony with a red mane. “Woooo! Are yah'all ready tah rock?” She yelled out into the microphone, stomping her hooves. The crowd erupted, making the ground shake from the sheer thumping of ponies.

“Limestone, their fire bender!” the announcer yelled.

A second pony stepped forward and cast off her outfit as well, revealing a gray unicorn with a dusty white mane. “I hope you're all ready to see a real thrashing, because ain't no way we're losin' to ANYPONY THIS YEAR!” she yelled over the crowd, before sending a few fire works over the crowd with her horn.

“Finally, last but not least, Marble, the--” The rest of the words were drowned out as the crowd just erupted, stomping their hooves as hard as they could, the excitement dwarfing the reception of even the other two.

The last pony stepped forward and slowly took off her cloak and ears, neatly folding them up before putting them on the ground. Her coat was a lighter gray and her mane was streaks of gray. She timidly waved a hoof at the erupting crowd, though if she said anything nopony could hear it. Diamond was near the stage with the rest of the council members, watching with... just a hint of awe. She didn't know who these ponies were, but they seemed pretty awesome. The crowd absolutely adored them.

It would be a real shame later this year when she smashed all of them into the ground and took the championship for herself, but what could she do?

“And this year we have a real treat!” the announcer called, before turning towards the gathered ponies. “Councilstallion Sunburst?” the announcer asked, before holding out the microphone.

The unicorn walked up and took it with a grin. “Of course. This year we have a real treat before we do the exhibition match. As I'm sure a few of you have seen, or at least heard the rumors, the Avatar has joined us. Diamond Tiara, if you'd be so kind as to come up here?”

The unicorn gasped, her eyes widening. Judging by the looks of shock on the other council member's faces, they were just as shocked. However, she grinned none the less and stepped up, a wide grin on her face. Oh, she was going to love this. She stepped out in front of the crowd and waved a hoof.

They cheered. Not as loudly as they had for the pro bending team, but they still cheered none the less.

“Avatar, would you like to say anything to the ponies of Harmony?”

Diamond blinked as the microphone was put under her face. She then smirked. “I'd love to.” She took a deep breath before... “I just want all of you to know. I'm here, I've mastered three of the four and I'll have the fourth element mastered in a few weeks, tops.” She could see the anger flash on Prism's face and she reveled in it. “Not only that, I'll be entering this pro bending tournament this year. So I'm sorry to say, bunnies, but you'll be losing this year. You're good and all, but... I mean, come on. I'm going to have to show you how a master bends.” She then focused on the crowd, a wide grin on her face. “And don't any of you ponies worry, either! I'm not going to just be another Avatar. I'm going to be the greatest Avatar that ever lived! I'll make sure every last one of you remembers this as the day you saw Diamond Tiara, the most amazing Avatar to ever walk these streets and set the world on a new, grander track! There isn't going to be so much as a tiny skirmish as long as I'm around!”

For a few moments there was stunned silence. Then the crowd erupted into cheers. She turned back towards the bunnies.

If looks could kill, she'd be dead a dozen times over. Babs and Limestone looked like they wanted to jump her, fire in their eyes and teeth gritted. She trotted off with a smirk.

Sunburst chuckled as the microphone hovered back over to him and he talked, preparing for the match. However, she rolled her eyes when Prism moved over to her. “What was that? What is this about a team?”

“I joined a pro bending team. What of it?”

“You weren't even gone a full day, how did you join a team? How did you FIND a team?” he asked, the anger barely contained in his voice.

“I went to the arena, found a team, and joined it. I'm the Avatar, of course they wanted me. And I plan to win, too.”

“I forbid it!” he said, stomping a hoof down.

She shoved past him. “Well, then it's a good thing I don't have to listen to you, isn't it? In case you haven't noticed, you're not my father.”

He stared for a moment, visibly shaking with rage. Blaze sighed as she looked between the two of them. She could already see where this was going as the unicorn disappeared into the crowd. It was best she prepared now.

Chapter 6: The Qualifiers

Diamond groaned and lifted the water up from the lake, splashing it around herself as she skidded along the surface. She was hot and tired. Spending all night out there had just been exhausting, though she'd had a blast. She hadn't been able to go anywhere, though. Ponies were constantly asking for her autograph and it had taken hours just to get to the shore to make her way back to the island. It had sooo been worth it though.

She let out a soft yawn when she jumped onto the island, stretching out a bit. Oh yeah, she was awesome. Those ponies knew it. They absolutely adored her, loved her even. She couldn't wait to get back there and--

She let out a yelp of shock as Prism landed in front of her, his landing sending sand into the air, making it hard for her to breath and making her cover her face. “What the buck?” she asked angrily. When she lowered her hoof, he was right in front of her. “What?”

“You are not entering the pro bender tournament.”

She snorted. “Or what, you'll stop training me?” she asked, glaring at him.

He took a deep breath, before shaking his head. “I was wrong before. I was hoping you'd be mature enough to handle this. I thought maybe Filthy had done something right with you. But he didn't. I'm going to talk to the council, get you sent back for proper training.”

“Sent... back?”

“Yes. The full range. Earth, fire, water then wind. From the beginning, the way you should have learned.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Y-you can't do that. You can't just decide who--”

“Yes, I can,” he said with a growl. “You have a responsibility to--”

“How I do MY job is MY business. If I want to try being a pro bender, I will,” she snapped angrily. “It's none of your business what I do or how I do it!”

“It is completely my business, I am--”

“You are just an air bender. I am the Avatar. If you think for one second you can just boss me around like some kind of child, then--”

“You ARE a child! An older one, but one none the less,” he interrupted, stepping in closer. “And, unfortunately, the world may one day rest on your shoulders and I'll be bucked if you think I'm going to just sit back and let it fall to ruin because you were raised to be a spoiled, impudent brat!”

She turned her back to him. “I am going to do what I want and what I want is to give this a try. If you're going to be so whiny about it, I'll just leave.”

He flew over and landed in front of her. “You're not going anywhere.”

She took a step back and stomped down, the water rising up and swirling around her. “Try to stop me.”

He glowered, raising his wings.

“ENOUGH!” Blaze's voice filled the air, making them both recoil. Diamond turned towards the house, her mouth open to respond. Instead the words locked in her mouth at the look the mare was giving them. Eyes narrowed, angry, glaring, wings out and... oddly seeming dangerous. She took a step forward. “Both of you. Sit down. Now.”

Despite herself, Diamond found her flank connecting with the ground.. She heard Prism do the same.

The pegasus stepped down, landing on the shore and moving over towards them. “I've had it. Prism. If she wants to try her hoof at pro bending, that's fine. It's hardly something to get the council involved with.”

“But--” He started, but was quickly silenced by another glare.

“She's practically an adult. If she wants to try it, it won't kill her. A little fun can be good for her, too. As long as she keeps up in her training, there's no reason to complain about it.”

“Hah!” Diamond said with a smirk. It melted as those eyes turned on her and she gave a squeak.

“And you!”

“E-eep.”

“My husband has been very, very patient with you. Like it or not, you DO have a big responsibility and, unfortunately, there is literally nopony else who can do it. You were chosen to be the Avatar for a reason. And not because you are better than everypony else. So I want you to knock off this 'I'm the best in the world' snot nosed little attitude of yours right now. I'm sick and tired of it. You're supposed to be the balance between all the nations, for the world. The connection binding us together. You aren't doing anything but alienating everypony and making them want to smack you upside the head with a brick.”

Diamond gave a little squeak. “B-but--”

“No. No buts. You've been extremely disrespectful, constantly. It is your duty to be a shining pillar for all ponies. You keep talking as if you're super special and better than all ponies, and yet you don't seem to have the slightest idea about what you're doing. You just brag and piss off everypony around you.”

“B-but--”

“Unless the words coming out of your mouth are 'sorry', I don't want to hear them. I've had it up to here with both of you. Prism is an amazing air bender and has been an air bender for longer than you've been alive. A fine one, at that. But if you really can't deal with it, then fine. You can go to Cloudsdale, where there are more air benders. But if you want to stay in Harmony and have anything to do with this pro bending thing, you'll need to suck it up and start treating him like your actual teacher. Not something you scraped off your hoof. And no more of this running off without telling anypony stuff. It's dangerous and worrying.”

“S-sorry,” the mare said with a little squeak. Prism smirked, but regretted it quickly as his wife turned on him. He gave a little squeak.

“And you,” she said with a glare. “She may be your student, but that doesn't mean you need to, or have the right, to control every facet of her life. She's a grown mare, she can have a little fun once in a while. It won't end the world.”

“But--”

“Don't you talk back to me,” she snapped.

“S-sorry,” he said with a squeak.

“If she wants to enter a little bit of pro bending, that's fine. Stars know you had a lot of fun with it when you did. As long as she doesn't slack off on her air bending training, who cares if she competes a little bit? She's the Avatar! There are plenty of reasons why having a de-stressed Avatar around is a good idea. Trying to lock her away on the island isn't going to do her any good. I get it, you're upset that she'll end up failing her training and not being as strong as we need her, when we need her, but that probably won't happen. For all of her arrogance, annoyingness and kinda, well, as much as we all want to buck her upside the head.” Diamond couldn't help feeling very offended, but she very much wanted to not get bucked up side the head, so she kept her mouth shut. “She still has talent, not to mention the spirits of all the previous Avatars to guide her, the council and you. She'll be fine. So chill. The buck. Out. Before I track down your mother and have HER talk to you. Both of you.”

He yiped and slowly nodded. “Y-yes ma'am.”

“Good! Now, both of you. Get cleaned up and ready to go to bed. Now.”

The two nodded and turned to walk off, their heads down. Diamond swore she could feel that glare on her back the entire way back to the building. Ugh. How did that mare do that? “Your wife is scary...” she finally muttered when they got inside.

“You have no idea...” he muttered softly. “I think Fluttershy taught her the stare. Or at least a weaker version of it...”

Diamond quickly washed up and quickly headed to her room. Well, even if she did get yelled at, at least she was going to be able to have fun. She just couldn't wait for the tournaments. Fighting with other pro benders was going to be awesome. She was going to be amazing!

“Diamonddddd!” Button's voice carried over the island, making her glance back from her dinner. Why was he showing up now? She hadn't heard from him at all the entire day and now he just shows up.

She got up, sat back down to stuff an oat roll into her mouth, then jumped up again and ran out the door, looking at the nervous stallion.

She chewed on the roll and quickly swallowed, coughing a few times. “What's wrong?” She rolled her eyes. “Let me guess, Acrylic freaked out and is quitting too?”

“What? No! He's... about eighty-five percent okay with it,” he said with a shake of his head. “Our match starts in three hours, but there's a problem. They want to disqualify us for having the Avatar on our team.”

“You're on Button and Acrylic's team?” Prism asked as he stepped out of the house. “Huh. I never would have guessed. What happened to Piro?”

“I pissed him off and-- wait, you know each other?” Diamond asked, before shaking her head. “No, never mind, busy now. Come on, let's go to the arena and get this sorted out. There is no way anypony is taking this opportunity away from me. We're going to go talk to these ponies!” She looked around and quickly saw a small boat on the shore. “So that's how you got here! Come on!” Before he could object she tapped the ground, creating an earth pillar under his hooves and sending him soaring through the air. He crashed into the boat and she jumped in a moment later, moving her head and using the water to gather the boat up, sending it out over the lake so fast the stallion had to struggle to avoid being thrown off.

Blaze glanced to Prism as the two watched in the doorway. “You want to go after and watch, don't you?”

“What?” His eyes went wide. “No! Of course not. No no. I most definitely do not... okay, maybe a little tiny bit. Maybe.”

She chuckled and shook her head, before spreading her wings. “Well, I for one do. So catch me if you can.” She took off, soaring off towards the mainland.

“Hey, that's cheating!” he yelled before flying after her.

“What do you mean, being the Avatar is cheating?” Diamond asked as she stomped her hooves down, glowering at them. “I'm just as much a bender as any of them!” she yelled, gesturing a hoof towards Acrylic and Button. The former looked annoyed, the latter looked worried.

“You have all four elements at your disposal. Frankly, it's too difficult to monitor,” the referee said, shaking her head. “A fire or air bender would be fine, but--”

“Then just penalize me if I use anything but air bending!” she yelled, stomping her hooves. “This isn't fair, it's discrimination!” the mare said, stomping her hooves some more. “I'm an amazing fire bender and I have just as much right to prove it as anypony else!”

“Yeah. Besides, it'll be pretty awesome to see the Avatar in one of these fights,” Vinyl said as she stepped into the room, drawing stares from everypony as she just brazenly moved to the desk. “Twilight never would have gone for this kind of thing, but I wanna see what Diamond will do.”

That made the referee pale, her eyes widen. “C-councilmare Vinyl? W-what are you doing here?”

“I came to see the opening rounds, obviously,” she said with a light chuckle. “They're gonna be awesome! An Avatar competing? Who wouldn't want to see that? Just because I don't compete anymore doesn't mean it's not still fun to watch. But I just knew ol' Book Thrower would try to throw a kink in the works. It was her decision, wasn't it?”

“W-well, as the grand master referee, she--”

“Oh, don't worry about it, I'll talk with her,” the unicorn said with a wave of her hoof. “You kids have fun now, okay?” she said before turning back and walking out the door. The referee gulped and watched the door for a few moments before coughing into her hoof.

“W-well. I suppose... errr... if she can convince her to allow it, there will be no objections. If you'd like to go get ready, we will contact you the moment we know anything.”

“Thanks,” Diamond grumbled, before turning and walking out the door. She could hear Button and Acrylic talking, but she couldn't make out the words. 'Probably unimportant, anyway. Vinyl better make some progress because there was no way I am letting some stupid referee mess up my chance at awesomeness.'

“So, the hoof and body guards are the main blockers,” Button said with a grin. “Head shots aren't allowed. One is a penalty, two is a double penalty, three is a kick from the game. You have to knock people off the back of the platform, not the sides. Try not to step over the lines. Fire benders and air benders are only allowed to do short bursts. Earth benders can only move the disks. Water benders can only have one tentacle at a time. No grappling with bending. Tripping is fine, but no grabbing. Got all that?”

“Yeah, yeah, it'll be fine,” she said with a roll of her eyes as she put on the uniform. It was actually kind of comfortable, if a bit heavy. It protected her head, sides and legs. The joints were unprotected, though. She glanced over to her comrades as they got to work, looking them over. Aside from the referee problem, it was the first time she'd seen them outside of their uniforms.

Button was a brown stallion, with a light, striped brown mane. A little pudgy and, from what she'd seen, super clumsy. He hopped around as he got dressed, occasionally slipping and falling. But he was charming, in his own little way.

Acrylic, on the other hoof, was white and had an almost see-through blue mane. She couldn't tell if it was naturally that way, or if it was just so thin. Or maybe it was a spell. He barely looked at her as he got dressed, his mood as dark as ever. 'Why is he always so serious? You'd think we'd already lost.'

“Is something wrong?” she asked him, glaring. “You know, I'm helping you out. You could be grateful.”

“We wouldn't need you to help us out if you hadn't pissed off Piro so much. He wasn't the best fire bender, but he was at least competent.”

“Ugh, come on. I am a wayyyyy better bender than he was. Besides, it's not like you've ever won this thing before, so you definitely needed a change. At least now you have a chance. How far have you actually gotten in the tournament, anyway?”

The room went deathly quiet and the two looked away.

“What? What'd I say?”

“We... errr... we've never actually made it past the qualifier,” Button said nervously, looking away. “I mean, we've come close a few times, but... well... we've never made it past round three.”

“... Oh. Well, this is the qualifier then, right?” She received two nods. “Just leave it to me. I'll carry both of you, no problem.”

“No!” Acrylic snapped. “Don't do anything. Just don't get beaten up too bad and try not to fall off the platform. Leave the actual bending and fighting to me and Button.”

“But--”

“We know what you're doing. You're a rookie. We don't need you to fight, we just need a third body to qualify.” Acrylic put his helmet on and glared at her. “Don't do anything.”

She glared at him, but didn't say a word. She'd show him. She'd kick all of their butts from here to Fillydelphia.

“Tonight we have a special treat, mares and stallions! Standing in for the Tomorrow Industry's Fighting Notes fire bender, it's the Avatar! She talked a big game, but with their track record, will she and the rest of the notes make it through the elimination rounds in order to make good on her announcement of victory?”

Diamond put the announcer's words out of her mind as she walked up the stairway to the fighting platform. It was another large rectangle, with the sides blocked off with rubber ropes. It was surrounded on all sides by water, so when ponies fell off they'd be safe. Probably. She imagined most fire benders didn't like that. The three of them stepped out onto the platform and she gulped.

Across the arena were two unicorns and an earth pony. They were covered in so much white padding she couldn't make out who they were, but it didn't matter. She at least knew they'd be on even hoofing. It would give her a chance to show off her stuff, too. The six met near the middle, looking to each other.

“Don't think we'll go easy on you, just because you're the Avatar,” one of the unicorns said.

“Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're not,” she said with a smirk.

The referee moved to a small stand on the side. “Ready... get set... GO!” A buzzer went off and she swung into action. She turned instantly and both hooves shot out, sending a burst of flame into the nearest pony. She turned in time to see the pony sail through the air, over the water and clear into the wall across it. The pony dropped like a crushed bug, crashing down into the water below, leaving a dent in the wall in his wake.

“Yeah, one down!” she said with a grin. Wait, why wasn't anypony moving? Why were they all staring at her?”

A buzzer went off. “Unnecessary rough... unnecessary brutality!” the announcer called. “Penalty to the Fighting Notes. One moment while we fish him out of the water, folks.”

“What? But I totally knocked him out! I was supposed to do that!” Diamond objected, stomping a hoof. “Nopony said I couldn't be rough!”

Acrylic shook his head as he stepped back behind the line and the other ponies moved forward. “Are you trying to kill somepony? Attacks like that are the very reason they only allow bursts,” he snapped. “Learn some control. Learn some restraint!”

She rolled her eyes. She knocked the pony out of the ring, like she was supposed to. What more did they want from her? She was going to throttle them, she swore. The pony soon joined them again, though he looked off balanced. Diamond knew exactly where she was going to focus. If the pony wasn't going to be smart enough to just stay down, he'd learn to fear her, instead.

The buzzer went off and she reared her head back.

Three earth disks, a blast of water and a stream of fire came propelling at her. She yelped and lowered her head, exploding them in a bout of flame as she stepped back. Acrylic and Button moved to fight back, but Diamond soon found herself on the defensive, getting struck again and again by the ponies assaults, many of which hit her body as she tried to burst them away with her flames. She could barely even defend herself, let alone launch a counter attack as she tried dodging around them.

The buzzer went off again. “And the Avatar has gone over the line, she has to move back one zone!”

Diamond looked down and, sure enough, her hoof had gone over the line. Ugh. This wasn't fair! Why were they focusing on her? Three on one was just no fair at all. She moved into the last circle and after a few moments the next buzzer went off.

Again and again they pounded her and she tried to deflect them with bursts of fire, but they struck her again and again and she could only barely defend herself, the attacks smacking into her armor with all their force. She had almost nowhere to run, the small half circle was so tiny and the back of the platform edge right behind her.

She took a step back to avoid a burst of fire. Her back hoof hit empty air. She tried to rebalance herself, but before she could two earth disks slammed into her chest, sending her toppling back. She let out a shriek as she fell back into the water, splashing down. She stared up as she slowly floated to the surface. She... lost? How did she lose?

How in the world did she lose to other benders? She was the best, the greatest! She just floated on the water, staring up. Eventually, the bell went off.

“The Timber Wolves win the first round and score a point!”

Diamond stared. Wait, a point? First round? She was helped out of the water and back onto the platform, looking around. “First round?” she asked softly. “How many rounds are there?”

“Three, one point a round,” Button said with a smile. “Most points of three rounds, or a total team knock out to automatically win.”

She nodded slowly, before looking to the other ponies, a grin on her face. Okay, so she had a bit of bad luck at the beginning. She stomped her hoof and sent the water flying off her body. One loss wouldn't do her in, though. She had two more to just crush them. She readied herself.

The bell went off and she let out an eek as she dodged another burst of flame and ducked under a whip of water. Once again they were focusing her. She was sent back again, stumbling and, before she knew it, she was sent back into the next zone. Buck it, why was this happening? She ground her hooves into the ground, stabilizing herself and just took all the attacks, letting them break against her body like a proper earth bender.

Ow. Ow ow. Ow ow ow. Ow... ow. The padding was nice, but the continuous assaults were just too much, she was sent back another zone. Buck it! She was already in the last zone, how could she be doing so poorly? She looked to her comrades.

They were backed into a corner, being shoved into the tethered walls and unable to help her. This was so frustrating! If she could just use all of her bending, she could throttle them, she knew it. But she was only allowed fire bending. It was all about pushing forward, but there weren't any openings. She needed to dodge better and that was not like her.

“It looks like they're focusing all of their attention on the Avatar. She might be a powerful bender, but she's no pro. It looks like her debut match is going to be her last match!”

'No no no! I am the Avatar, master of ALL bending. I won't fail, I can't fail! There has to be something, anything I can do to help myself. Why hadn't--'

She cringed as her eyes widened. Of course. Prism's training. As much as she hated to admit it, his air stances were quite effective at moving fast. Getting out of the way of attacks, dodging, weaving. But she didn't want to... did she? She'd win her way, not his way. Not a chance. Another two earth disks hit her in the chest, sending her skidding back, her back hooves almost over air. Guh, no. She would do this her way. She could do this her way. She didn't need his lessons, his help, his anything.

A burst of water knocked her hooves out from under her and she toppled over onto her side, narrowly avoiding another earth disk. She'd win on her own, she'd...

She couldn't win on her own.

The thought struck her to the core, even worse was she knew it was true. For all of Prism's... annoyance, he was right. She was his pupil and his lessons were... good. If a bit annoying at times. She couldn't dodge these, maneuver them away, block them or push through them. She couldn't do any of that. Not without doing it... like an air bender.

She took a deep breath and rolled to her hooves, going into the stance he taught her so many times and she'd tried so hard to ignore. Hooves light as can be, body weaving with the air.

“What's this? The Avatar has done... something! Is this a new form of bending? No!” the announcer called. She moved around, the same way Prism had taught her, focusing all on defense and swirling around, spinning in tight circles as the assaults just flicked inches by her. She was a leaf in the wind and she was impossible to touch and catch. “I can't believe this! It's like she's a whole other pony! Not a single thing is touching her. They're throwing everything they've got at her and it's only hitting air! But can she keep this up? More importantly, can the Timber Wolves?”

She smiled as she watched them, moving around as she avoided the blasts. Their attacks were getting weaker, slower. They were throwing all their passion and power into them, and it was all for naught. As much as she hated to admit it, Prism was right. This form of fighting was... useful.

The fire bender was the first to stop and he got a burst of water and earth disk to the chest, sending him toppling back. She spun around, swirling in a circle and sending out a small burst of her own flame. Now was the time for the counter attack.

"Now we won." She dove around another earth disk, before sending a small burst of flame at the earth bender. However, rather than focusing on power, she did it like an air bender. She did a quick burst towards his back right hoof. It was sent out from under him, making him stumble back. Two earth disks and a burst of water followed up on the opening she made and the pony was sent flying back out of the ring.

“She's even fighting like a different pony! Where were those brutal, deadly strikes she was using before? Now that's what I call precision!”

She smiled. It was now two on three and she felt good, adrenaline pumping through her. They were both tired, too. She easily dove around a burst of flame launched from the fire bender's front hoof, launching a quick burst at the pony's hoof. It connected, knocking it back and making the pony rear back and nearly topple over backwards. It was too easy a target to miss, two earth disks sent the pony over too. Then all that was left was the water bender.

She didn't last long, being sent careening over the edge.

“And the Fighting Notes win! They're going onto the second match of the qualifier! I don't know about you, but if they play the rest of their matches like this, I won't be surprised if we see them making it all the way through!”

She raised her hooves triumphantly. She'd done it. She'd actually done it.

Ugh, she just knew Prism was never going to let her hear the end of it.

Her heart plummeted when she made it to the waiting room to wait for their next match. Prism and Blaze were sitting down. Her teacher looked up, his hooves crossed. She waited for the gloating to begin.

“That was pretty good out there, you did well.”

“Well, maybe if you... wait, what?” she asked softly. “You think I did well?”

“Yes. That was an almost perfect stance. You were weaving around the attacks they sent at you like a proper air bender. I look forward to our next sparing match.”

“I... uhh... well, thank you. I ummmm... well, of course. I am a master...” She trailed off. Why did she feel so guilty all of a sudden? She shuffled her hooves and looked off to the side. “T-thanks. You were... really helpful. I... probably couldn't have done that if not for all those lessons and things you've been helping me with. It was.... really helpful. Thanks. You're... an okay teacher.”

He gave a small nod. “I suppose that's a start,” he said with a shrug. “I think you have a long way to go until you're ready, but you're advancing well. I won't try to stand in your way if you want to keep trying.” He got up and walked towards the door. “Good luck.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled softly as she watched him go.

“Oh, don't mind him,” Blaze said with a chuckle as she walked by. “He won't admit it, but he was totally cheering you on the whole time. He was really proud of how you were moving.”

She blushed a little. “Heh. Thanks. It was... quite an experience.” She let out a sigh of relief once they were both gone, before looking to her comrades. “So, told you I'd do great.”

“You almost cost us the match,” Acrylic said with a shake of his head.

She glared and opened her mouth to snap back.

“But you really came through for us in the end, thank you.”

She stopped in mid stance. She then smiled and gave a nod. “Yeah. I uhhh... hey. This pro bending thing isn't as easy as I thought it would be. If it was just a normal bending fight, I'd win no problem. But all these rules and stuff... just eh.”

“Well, they don't want anypony getting killed or hurt too bad, after all,” Button said with a chuckle. “But you were really awesome. Your fire bending is really powerful.”

She snickered. “Of course. I used to have to buck through steel plates during my training. My teacher wanted me to be one of the strongest, said I had a ton of potential. But of course, everypony knows that. I am the Avatar, after all.”

“Like you'd ever let anypony forget it,” Acrylic muttered.

“What was that?” she asked, glaring.

“Nothing, nothing,” Button added quickly. “Come on, we won! Only three more matches to go and we're in the league! We can do this, we will do this!” he said, raising a hoof proudly. “We've come too far to just give up, right? We're going to go all the way this year!”

Diamond nodded, a smirk on her lips. She opened her mouth, before closing it. She then frowned and gave a nod. “Yeah. As long as we work together, I don't see any reason we won't. I mean... you may not all be as good as me, but... you were still pretty good. I think we work well together.”

Acrylic rolled his eyes. “I suppose from you that's about as good as compliments get. Come on, our next match will be soon.”

Button grinned and trotted up besides her. “Oh, don't mind him. He may seem pretty annoyed, but he's really pretty happy that this is all working out. He's just tense because he's worried we won't make it.”

She shrugged. “Oh, relax, we've got this in the bag.”

Diamond grinned wide as she stared down at the fire bender. She had been right. Together, the three of them had been plowing through the ranks with ease. Ponies kept targeting her, leaving themselves open to her comrades attacks. Even worse for them, all of Prism's training was having the effect of making her a lot tougher and harder to hit. She dove and weaved around their attacks as if they were standing still, rarely having to launch an attack until they were either tired or her allies had knocked one of them off. Maybe air bending wasn't as stupid and boring as she had initially thought.

They'd made it to the final match and they'd already knocked the earth and water bender overboard. All that remained was the last member and she could see the fire bender was already wavering. He reared up and sent a burst of fire at her with his front hooves.

She turned around and bucked, her flames enveloping the other pony's and then pushing back, sending the stallion toppling back, into the drink. She didn't even use her full power, far more careful this time. The crowd cheered as she turned around before raising a hoof.

“The Fighting Notes have done it! They've made it through the qualifiers and are on their way into the championship! This was an amazing show! Now, let's see just how far they can make it when they fight against the other pro teams!”

She was riding on a high as she made her way down from the platform. “That was awesome!” she yelled, a wide grin on her face. “So, what's next? How long until the championship starts? How many other teams are there?”

“Eight teams in all,” Acrylic said firmly. “Four of them are like us, they won their qualifiers. Four of them were in the finals and semi-finals last year. They won't begin for another week, though. We get some time off. They go on for about a month.”

She blinked and frowned. “That's... so disappointing. I expected the whole league thing would go on longer. Just eight teams?”

“This is just one pro bending league,” he said with a shrug. “Harmony tends to be the largest, but there are other rounds all over the world. This just determines Harmony's best.”

She nodded. “Ohhhhh. Cool. Well, we'll win no problem.” She stepped into their locker room and started stripping off her sweaty uniform. She could still hear them cheering them. Calling their names. It felt glorious. She then gave a sigh. “Ugh, I should probably head out. Prism is probably going to want to complain about how I didn't do the air bending stuff right or something.”

“Okay,” Button said, Acrylic only gave a gruff shrug. “We need to meet with our sponsor tomorrow. You wanna come with us? You need to meet him eventually.”

“Sure. Just swing by the island,” she said before tossing off the last of her equipment. She felt so hot that she was tempted to swim to the island. Fire bending while in a coat tight uniform really raised the temperature. She gave a light wave. “See you two around, it was a lot of fun!”

Button gave her a shy smile as she trotted out. “Yeah... yeah it was.”

She happily hummed as she walked towards the exit of the arena. She could hear the crowds out there, probably waiting to swarm her and ask for her autograph. Oh yeah. Being a pro bender was going to be awesome. Maybe she could travel the world after this, win all the championships. For her, it would be easy.

Chapter 8: Meadowbrook

Diamond cringed with each step as she appeared on the street, looking around. Her eyes narrowed when she saw them.

Five unicorns, collapsed on the ground. They were all wearing red cloaks. In front of them was a single unicorn wearing a white cloak and a matching mask. Hovering over the pony was a wooden staff that seemed to twirl around itself and end in two prongs. Behind that pony was an earth pony mare and a little filly, huddled in her hooves.

“W-what did you do?” the earth pony asked, her eyes never leaving the unicorn. She slowly backed away, pulling her child with her.

“These ponies wished to abuse their superiority to take what they wanted,” the unicorn said before slowly turning towards the other mare. “I saved you. Should you not be thankful?”

“You... you t-took their... cutie marks. H-how?”

Diamond glanced down at the ponies a second time. Most of them had their flanks partially covered, but a quick glance revealed they had no cutie marks now. How?

“You do not understand,” the pony said sadly, before turning on the two. “I am afraid I will... have to show you.” She lifted the staff up. “We must all be equal.”

“N-no!” she screamed, pushing her baby behind herself.

“HEY!” Diamond yelled, racing forward with her horn aflame. “What do you think you're doing? What's going on here?”

The unicorn stopped, the staff lowering. She turned towards the unicorn. “Ah. The Avatar. I was hoping it would be longer before we met.” She then motioned towards the five. “You're late. Here I thought you were going to do such great things, yet here I am left to clean up your mess.”

Diamond looked down at the ponies. They were groaning, but not moving much. “What are you talking about? What did you do? Take off that mask!”

“I'm afraid I can't do that. I couldn't have you recognize me, after all,” the mare said. She paused and glanced back. The earth pony and filly were running. “Ah. A shame. No matter.” She then turned towards Diamond. “I've come to bring a gift to this city, young Avatar. One you predecessor failed to give sufficiently.”

“What are you talking about?” Diamond asked, slowly stepping forward.

She paused, before grinning. “Equality.” She stepped to the right, suddenly. At first Diamond didn't understand why. Then the Shadowbolt slammed into the ground, barely missing the mare. The staff lanced out, striking across the negasi's head, before the prongs were aimed at it. Before the pony could react, he was enveloped in a light green aura.

Before Diamond's eyes, the negasi writhed as the green light pulsed for a few seconds. Then a small red heart flowed out from the Shadowbolt's uniform, flowing into the staff.

The negasi dropped to the ground, unmoving. Diamond charged forward, though her body objected. Fire formed around her hooves and she lanced out.

The mare merely walked past the unicorn, barely moving as she stepped around her attacks. The staff struck once, knocking Diamond's back hooves out from under her and dropping her face down on the ground.

“Please, don't make a foal of yourself, Avatar. It's not time for you, yet.” She gave a low chuckle. “This is only just beginning.” She started to trot away.

“H-hey, get back here!” Diamond said before jumping back to her hooves. “Who are you?”

The mare paused, before glancing back. “Meadowbrook. My job for the night is over. I expect the others will be found soon.” She turned back and kept walking.

“W-what? Get back here!”

The unicorn just kept walking. Diamond growled and raced after her. She leaped into the air and flung her horn forward, sending a wave of flame outward in a wave of fiery destruction. Meadowbrook jumped back over the attack, twirling through the air and bringing her staff crashing down on Diamond's skull, driving her down into the street. She laid there, dazed and confused as her head wobbled from side to side.

“Avatar, it's not your time yet. Ponies need to know who we are before anything. It's still too early to take your cutie mark.”

Diamond tried to get back up, but pain shot through her skull and she fell back over, watching the retreating mare. 'Just who the buck was that?'

“You don't remember anything else?” the unicorn stallion asked as he stared at her from across the table.

“I'm sorry, I don't,” she said softly. She cringed as the cool, shooting water washed over her head again. The metal benders had been the ones to find her, which she found confusing enough. Except she'd been brought to the Shadowbolt tower, again, where a Moon Raiser had started going about the task of healing her bruises and questioning her. The main room seemed far more hectic than last time she'd been here. Ponies were running in and out, as well as zebras. All of the desks were being ponied and a loud din had filled the air. “What's going on?”

The pony sighed. “I can't say. There's--”

The doors slammed open and a very, very angry looking Ironwing entered the main room. His eyes settled on her. “Of course. You would be in on this. Well, Avatar, what is going on?”

“I-I don't know, I just--”

“Sir, we've only just finished the questioning,” the unicorn said quickly, dropping the water onto the ground. “It's all in my report.” He held up the paper and gulped.

Ironwing looked to it, before glaring. “Give me the cliffnotes.”

“Apparently it's the work of a mare known as Meadowbrook, using some weird staff. Judging by the other reports we've received, I believe the Avatar is the only pony to have fought with this mare and...” He trailed off and glanced back to her.

“And what?” Ironwing asked, tapping a hoof impatiently.

“Kept her... cutie mark,” the stallion said, eyes lowering.

“W-wait, so she really was stealing cutie marks?” Diamond asked.

Ironwing nodded. “It seems so. You're coming with me, Avatar. We have to make a report to the council.”

The unicorn's eyes widened. “Wait, we? But I just--”

“You're the only pony currently of sufficient mental capabilities who has seen her up close. Come on,” he said, before turning and walking away. “NOW!”

“NO!” Diamond said before stomping her hooves. “I'm not going anywhere until somepony tells me what's going on! Who was that pony? Why is there so much panic going on?”

Ironwing glared. “There's no time for--”

“Then MAKE time! That mare was... she just seemed... I want answers.”

He growled and stopped his hooves, before turning to her. “We don't know. Frankly, that mare appeared a few weeks ago and we've been trying to stop her ever since. Tonight was the largest attack we've ever seen.”

“Wait, largest attack?” she asked softly, her eyes widening. “But... it was... just five--”

“Follow me,” Ironwing said, before trotting down the hall. She followed after, nervously. “We've tried to keep this quiet, but after tonight there's no chance of that. Whoever this pony is has decided there's no more time to play around.”

“What do you mean?”

“Those five are just a few from dozens of ponies. Over the last few months, a few ponies disappeared, only to reappear days later, without a cutie mark. We've tried to keep it quiet. Tonight changes everything. Dozens of ponies have disappeared, foalnapped as far as we can tell. Rather than disappearing for days, most are popping up now, minus their cutie marks.”

Diamond shivered. “I... saw it happen. The negasi she did it to. It only took a few seconds for her to steal his cutie mark.”

“Then she's gotten stronger. Do you think you could remember her voice if you heard it again?”

“Maybe? I don't know. She was wearing a mask, she could have been distorted or something.”

“Tomorrow, there will be an announcement made throughout the city. The council is deciding what it'll be.”

Diamond nodded slowly. She gulped as she was led to the bottom floor of the tower and then into a large room filled with desks. There they were, the full council. Fourteen seats filled, as well as their aides and guards around them. Not a single pony had been left out. When they stepped inside, the room went quiet and she felt every eye on her.

“Avatar, how good of you to join us,” Sunburst said with a smile. “I am sorry that you got mixed up in all this, but I am happy to see you were able to fight this villain off.”

“I didn't,” Diamond said with a cringe. “She... managed to get the drop on me and get me when I was vulnerable. But she said it wasn't time yet.”

The unicorn frowned, before looking around. “Ah! Do hold that thought, one moment. Allow me to introduce the rest of the council. For the Yaks, Council yak Rutherford.”

A big, brown yak glared down at her. “If we were in charge, this threat would have been dealt with long ago. There is no need to bring your special bender in.”

Sunburst nodded. “Yes, yes. For the buffalo, Council buffalo Strongheart.”

A light brown buffalo stood up, smiling down at the Avatar. “Welcome, Avatar. It is wonderful to meet you. Your predecessor was greatly revered by my people and I do hope you will prove to be just as wonderful as she was. A pleasure to meet you at last.”

Diamond blinked, before smiling at her. Well, at least one of them seemed happy to see her.

“Representing the donkeys, Cranky.”

“Cranky Doodle Donkey!” a gray donkey with black and gray hair said. “And I agree with the old whiner. There's absolutely no need to involve your fancy bender in this. This pony is a threat to all of us.”

“Of course she is,” Sunburst said with a nod. “But, as she is removing cutie marks, the ponies are the most damaged by this. The Avatar may be of help. Please, keep this debate on hold for a moment until after the introductions.” He was greeted with grumbling, but nopony spoke up. “Now, for the diamond dogs, council dog Rover.”

A gray diamond dog in a red vest popped up from behind the desk, glaring. “This is pony problem! Dogs should not have been bothered! Dogs deal with dog problems, ponies deal with pony problems! Use your fancy bender magic pony to fix butt mark problems.”

Sunburst sighed and gestured to the last seat. A great minotaur stood there, with a light brown mane. Something about him seemed... oddly familiar. “Representing the minotaurs, council minotaur Legond.”

He looked down at her and smiled. “Ah am greatly pleased to see you. Now, get to dah meeting,” he said with a firm nod.

Diamond's eyes widened. “Wait, haven't I seen you on a book cover before?”

The minotaur flashed a dazzling smile. Okay, she knew she'd seen him before. Legond Squeezeapotato! He was on a ton of books and in all kinds of plays. She'd never seen any of the plays, but apparently he had been pretty big. She wondered how he ended up becoming a council member though.

“Ahem, moving on,” Sunburst said. “Now, before we continue. Avatar Diamond Tiara, have you been informed of what it is we're facing?”

She shook her head. “Not really. I know a little bit, but not much.”

“Then, for our first order of business I move we inform the Avatar of what we know of this threat and get her help. We--”

“I object!” Blaze said, standing up. Diamond glared at her. How could she? “The Avatar has only recently arrived and her training is nowhere near complete. We can't just send her into this and hope she can stop it. It's our job to keep the city safe, not hers.”

Sunburst nodded. “Indeed, it is. But she is a powerful tool in this situation. We may need her to defeat this villain.”

“She's too young and untested,” Blaze said. “We--”

“Am I allowed to speak for myself?” Diamond asked, stomping a hoof down and scorching the ground slightly.

Sunburst smiled. “I think that is an excellent idea. Avatar, if you would?”

“I am untested, that's true. But I'm also one of the best benders here. I've practiced my entire life to be the Avatar.” She could already see Blaze opening her mouth to object, so she quickly raised her voice. “I HAVE. My father made sure he could find the best benders available to teach me. I may not have the training YOU want, but I have plenty of training. I am only untested because there has been nothing to test me with. This is exactly the kind of thing the Avatar is supposed to deal with. You can't just hide me away. I'm the Avatar. It's my job to protect the world.”

“You're not ready,” Blaze objected. “We can--”

“How will you ever know if I'm ready if you don't give me a chance?” she asked, glaring back.

“The young mare has a point,” Zecora said suddenly. “Perhaps to this task, she we should appoint? A threat to all ponies is this Meadowbrook, all opportunities to stop her must be took.”

“I've got to agree with Zecora,” Vinyl said with a shrug. “Nopony expected Twilight to be able to do it, but look how she turned out. It's not like we're asking her to do it all on her own. Besides, she looks like a stubborn little filly. She'll probably do something stupid if we tell her no. So better she does the stupid thing we want her to do.”

Octavia gave a sigh. “As lax as I am to agree with my water bending cohort, this does seem like the kind of thing that the Avatar is needed for. I would rather she work with us, than away from us on this.”

“I'm all for it!” Scootaloo added, raising a hoof.

Sassy Saddles shook her head. “I for one, don't like it. Blaze is right, she's still young and naive. She has a lot more training to do before we dump our duties onto her. She should stay away, where it's safe.” Diamond couldn't believe it. Her own aunt was betraying her! She growled and glared.

“I can handle this! It's not like you're sending me off to fight some tyrant.” She then paused. Actually, she had no idea what they were asking her to do.

Sunburst sighed. “Moving on to the vote. Who is for telling the Avatar what we know so far?”

One by one the votes were tallied and, while there were a few who said no, the majority said yes. She smirked at her aunt and Blaze. That'd show them. The two bit their tongues, at least.

Sunburst smiled at her. “Now, as it has been agreed, Avatar, it's time you learn about this new threat.”

Diamond perked her ears, a grin on her lips. She didn't care who this pony was, she'd show them for hitting her like that. If she had been at her peak, she would have crushed her.

“If the name she told you is to be trusted, her name is Meadowbrook. As far as we know, she's a unicorn, likely of the Air Nomads or Earth Kingdom. She has displayed no ability to bend.”

The Avatar nodded, watching and waiting. There had to be more.

“We first learned of her about three months ago. A few ponies, which we have since called the unmarked, appeared in the city. They claimed to be members of the anti-bender movement, but they seemed... strange. For one, they had no cutie marks and all seemed more or less the same. Quite pitiful, honestly.” He shook his head. “They seemed to be clumsy and awkward at everything they did. But they told others of a great unity, of a mare calling herself the 'Equalizer' who would make all equal. Benders and non-benders alike.”

Diamond's eyes widened. “Wait, all equal? That kind of sounds like what Tomorrow Industries is doing. Are they a part of the anti-bender movement?”

Sunburst chuckled and shook his head. “No. These ponies... operated on a different method. As far as I can tell, Tomorrow Industries is looking to bring everypony to equal levels of magic and flight. Or at least, allow everypony to have magic and flight. These ponies...” He frowned and rubbed his chin. “They... wanted to take away, it seemed. A few joined their movement, but the numbers were never really big. We kept an eye on them, but they weren't deemed a threat. After all, every member that joined and lost their cutie mark seemed quite willing. We tried to find this Equalizer, but there has never been any sign.”

Diamond nodded. “So what next? If that's her, I can tell you that she's far from harmless.”

He nodded. “Two months ago the first attacks happened. Ponies were reported missing, but it didn't raise many alarms. That is, until a month ago when all these ponies appeared again, minus their cutie marks. They were all criminals and we managed to suppress the information about their cutie marks disappearing, but we've been unable to make any headway towards finding this Equalizer and what method she uses to tear away their cutie marks.”

“It's some kind of magical staff,” Diamond said with a nod.

“Excuse me?” Sunburst asked.

“I saw her use it. There's some kind of staff she used to blast the Shadowbolt with and take his cutie mark. It just flew right off him, then.”

There were a few muttered whispers from the council, but none talked to her directly. She just stood there and waited, tapping her hoof impatiently. Sunburst whispered to a few of his aids and, finally after she thought she'd go mad from boredom, he looked to her and nodded. “A magical artifact is definitely possible. Perhaps something Discord had crafted during his... reign. Tonight, unfortunately, changes everything.”

“Why?” Diamond asked. “There were just five of them, and the Shadowbolt.”

“That was the final attack. I'm sure you've noticed the hustle amongst the Shadowbolts. There have been at least a dozen, likely more, attacks in the night. Anypony, nobles to commoner, have been targeted and stripped of their cutie marks. There will be no denying this attack and, unfortunately, we'll have to make an official response come tomorrow. The Equalizer must be stopped at any cost. She is no longer allowing ponies the choice and is instead forcing it on them.”

Diamond nodded and looked between them. “What do you plan to say?”

A grin formed on his lips. “I would love to be able to say that we are working in conjunction with the Avatar to defeat this unmarked movement.”

“No!” Blaze snapped, stomping her front hooves down. “She's too young! She's not ready!”

“I am ready!” Diamond snapped, stomping a hoof. “So what if I can't air bend yet? I still have two more bendings than anypony else! Three more than this crazy pony. I can do this!”

Sunburst nodded. “There is still much to discuss. But all of it is a moot point if not for one thing. Avatar Diamond Tiara, if we request your aid, will you give it?” He paused for a moment and looked towards Blaze, who was fuming. “And will you adhere to the rulings of the council, in such a situation? Follow our orders as such?”

Diamond ground a hoof into the ground, before nodding. “Of course. I'll kick Meadowbrook's flank so deep into the ground she won't know what hit her.”

“Very well. The council has much to discuss. Avatar, you are free to return home. We will have a message sent to you in the morning, when we make our announcement.”

She nodded and turned, trotting out of the room. She took a deep breath when she heard it close behind her. The moment it did she could hear the yelling begin inside. She hated these political things. “They should just let me handle it. I'd have that mare begging for mercy. She just took me by surprise last time, that's all.”

She kept her head low as she walked out from the building. The streets were filled with the defense forces of the city, but they allowed her to pass to the island without any trouble. To think, only a few hours ago she had been enjoying herself with her team.

Now she couldn't help but wonder, what was going to happen now?

Chapter 9: The First Round

Diamond blinked as the magical lights went off in her face, the magic bursts flashing over and over, nearly blinding her and forcing her to squint. 'Why are all these unicorns doing that? Can't they use their little magical image lockers without the flash? Are they TRYING to blind me? So rude,” she thought to herself, but she tried to keep herself steady and unwavering.

“The unmarked are to be considered dangerous, for now,” Sunburst said firmly to the great crowd. “Now, while not every one of them are, those who identify with the movement are to turn themselves in to their nearest Shadowbolt. However, those who have been stripped of their cutie mark without their desire should be kept safe and protected. Nopony wanted this to happen to them. This Meadowbrook is a monster and terrorist, using whatever dark magic she got her hoofs on to take away what makes a pony unique and special. We can, and will bring her to justice.” He then glanced to the right.

Ironwing, Tittering, Copper and Diamond stepped forward. “The metal benders, Moon Raisers, Shadowbolts and even the Avatar will all be working their hardest to bring this Meadowbrook to justice. If anypony has any information on who she may be, please come to us immediately.” There was a pause. “Any information on unmarked sympathizers or members should be reported immediately as well. Do not approach them on your own.” He smiled to the crowd. “Now, a message to all of you unmarked who chose this life. Please, turn yourself in willingly. We understand, this Meadowbrook tricked you, talking of equality. However, she has proved herself nothing more than a terrorist. We harbor no ill will against you for being tricked by her. We only wish to help. Please, allow us.”

“Avatar, Avatar do you have any words to add?” one of the reporters called out.

Diamond glanced to Sunburst. He merely nodded. She gave a confident smirk. “This pony is a coward, hiding behind a mask. She won't be any trouble for me. The moment she comes out of hiding, I'll be there. Just you wait and see.”

“Did you really have to antagonize this pony?” Acrylic asked as he sent a burst of water flying at Diamond. She blasted it away with a burst of flame, before sending a small blast at Button.

“Of course. This mare is nothing, trust me. She just has a fancy staff. Once I break it, she'll be helpless and everypony will see just how weak she is,” the unicorn said before thrusting her head forward and sending two bursts at Acrylic.

Button blocked the blast coming at him with an earth disk. “I don't know, she seemed pretty awesome to me. I read the paper. Mom's pretty pissed, though. She doesn't like how they're handling it at all.” He sent a disk at both of them. Diamond wove around it with ease, while Acrylic knocked it away with a tendril of water.

“My mom's all for it. Says it's about time they're finally doing something about this. I'm surprised she kept it from me so long, though,” Acrylic muttered before sending a tendril at Button. It hit him clear in the chest, knocking him back. He wasn't even looking at them any more, instead looking at the door.

Both his teammates turned to see the Rock Bunnies. Limestone stepped forward, a smirk on her lips. “Well well. If it isn't the Losing Notes. I should have known you two would have something sneaky up your hooves this time. What's a matter, couldn't get one of your mom's friends to come carry your team, had to beg the Avatar?”

Diamond snickered softly, raising a hoof to her mouth. Limestone then turned on her. “It doesn't matter if you're the Avatar. I'm going to smash you into the ground so hard you'll never want to fire bend again.”

The smile left the Avatar's face and she stepped forward. “Oh yeah? Just wait until we go a round! I'm going to break you like a piece of dried out timber!” she snapped, stomping a hoof down. “A pathetic, useless piece of timber that nopony cares about!” Fire gathered around her horn. “I am the most powerful fire bender you'll EVER meet.”

The other unicorn just grinned, fire forming on her horn. “Oh? Why don't you just try it. Talk big all you like, we're going to make you pay for what you said during the festival.”

The two took a step towards each other, but found the way blocked by Acrylic. “Easy. Are you trying to get us disqualified?” he asked Diamond.

She growled and stomped her hoof again. “No, I just--”

“Then no fighting.”

The fire on her horn snuffed out and she turned towards the other mare. “Just you wait. I'm going to crush you like a pathetic, useless little bug. You may be a... mediocre fire bender. But you're pathetic compared to somepony like me. I'm going to crush your pathetic little fire bending and make you wish you'd never set foot in this city.”

Diamond and Limestone just glared at each other.

“P-please... d-don't fight,” Marble said softly, reaching out a hoof to touch Limestone. “I-it doesn't matter, r-right? There's no need to f-fight over this.” She looked over to the three. “After all, they've only barely made it through the qualifiers thanks to her. We'll probably not see them in the finals.”

Limestone snorted, before giving a nod. “Fine. Probably. Just you wait, Avatar. If by some miracle you make it to the finals, I'm going to knock you right off that little perch of yours.” The three turned and walked off.

Diamond ground a hoof into the ground and grit her teeth. “What were they even doing here?” she asked, trembling with rage.

“They probably came to use the practice facilities,” Acrylic muttered. “Don't let them get to you. They're just trying to throw you off your game so when they fight us, they'll have an edge.”

Diamond nodded, turning to get back to practice. She let out a frustrated growl as she started launching a few fire blasts. “I'm going to kick her flank so hard!”

Her two teammates ducked down, quickly. “Easy! Unnecessary roughness!” Button yelled.

The days flew by quickly and Diamond was starting to feel better and better with each day of practice. She was spending more and more time with her teammates, too. To her annoyance, Button still wasn't really getting any better. He was competent, but his stance just left too many openings. He never seemed able to properly ground himself. He just had way too much energy and kept jumping around.

At least he had a lot of passion for what he did and he was fast.

Acrylic, on the other hoof seemed to be doing... mostly well. Except for when Silver came to watch them. Whenever she was there, he tended to mess up or go a bit over the top. It was really beginning to annoy Diamond. It wasn't like Alicity would cut their funding if he didn't perform the best. Besides, most of the ponies would be there to see her, not him.

Finally, though, the night of their first match was here. Diamond could barely contain her excitement as she hopped from hoof to hoof in the main room of the island. “Blaze! Prism! Move it or I'm leaving without you!”

“Hold on, hold on! We're almost done!” Blaze yelled back. “There's no fire yet, so relax!”

“I don't want to relax!” Diamond yelled, stomping her hooves again. “Come ooooon!”

“A few more minutes!”

She sighed and trotted around the room. She couldn't wait to get there, though the match wouldn't be for another few hours. Then she heard the walking of hoof steps. She turned towards them. “Fina--” The words locked in her throat as she stared.

Finally, she burst into helpless giggles, falling over and rolling on the ground.

“Too much?” Blaze asked.

“Bwa ha ha ha ha!” Diamond shrieked.

The two were wearing light blue overcoats with their faces covered in white makeup. Over their foreheads was a little blue and brown dot. “What? They're your colors!” Prism said.

“Oh my gosh I can't believe you painted your faces!” Diamond shrieked, unable to stand, or breath for that matter. “You look ridiculous!”

“See, I told you we should have just stuck with the banner,” Prism said with a sigh.

“Oh, come on. I always dressed up for your games. Remember when Ironwing wore that giant paper head like your face? He ended up falling down the stands and nearly toppling into the side drink.”

Diamond laughed even harder, but Prism just went quiet. He trotted towards the door. “Come on, we're late already. Let's go.”

The Avatar finally managed to get up, helped by Blaze. She kept snickering none the less. “W-what's he so upset about? Oh my gosh I can't believe you actually got him to do this.”

“Oh, he used to love pro-bending. I know he doesn't approve, but trust me. He's watching every move you make and wishing he could be there at your side.” She started walking.

“So, why'd he stop if he likes it so much?”

That made Blaze stop. She slowly shook her head. “That's... not important. There was... an incident and...” She sighed. “I'd really rather not talk about it.”

Diamond frowned and followed after them. “Gee, do you two ever get whiplash when your moods shift like that? It's a shame, for a second there you two actually seemed relaxed and pretty fun to be around. Well, a little.” She gave her a little rump bump. “Tonight's going to be awesome. We're going to kick so much flank that they'll be begging for more. Just you wait and see.”

Blaze chuckled and gave a nod. “I hope so. As hard as you've been practicing I'll be disappointed if you three don't make it to the finals.”

She nodded. “We're as ready as anypony has ever been. We'll crush this.”

Diamond gasped as they made it to the arena. The entrance was flocked with ponies, flashing lights from horns and ponies barely being held back by security as the teams walked forward. She gave Blaze and Prism a grin. “I'll see you guys after. Bye!” she called back before trotting towards the main entrance. She waved to her adoring fans as she walked, grinning from ear to ear.

Oh yeah. This was going to be amazing. She snickered softly as she reached out and occasionally hoof bumped a few ponies. Finally she made it inside and it was almost distressingly quiet compared to outside. She made her way to their locker room.

“Wow, how long have you two been here?” she asked when she saw Acrylic and Button already dressed up in their white uniforms.

“Quite a while,” Acrylic muttered. “Button kept panicking about us maybe being late.”

“Come on guys, this is our first tournament! You guys have to be as excited as I am!” the earth pony said.

Diamond grinned. “I have to admit, I am pretty thrilled. I can't wait to beat some ponies into the ground. This is going to be awesome!”

Acrylic sighed and gave a nod. “Hurry up and get dressed. The opening ceremonies will start soon.”

She gave a shrug and walked to her locker. She pulled it open and gasped, recoiling from the smell.

“What hap-- what is that?” Button asked, jumping back and covering his nose.

The three stared in horror at her locker. Garbage and algae dripped out from it, the entire thing filled all the way to the top. Her uniform was packed completely in the stuff. “W-who would... why would somepony do this?” Diamond asked.

“A prank,” Acrylic said harshly. “Probably trying to throw off your game.”

Diamond's eyes narrowed. “Of course. The rabbits. I should have known they'd play dirty.”

“We don't know it's them,” Acrylic said with a shake of his head. “It could have been anypony who wanted to see you fail.”

“That's a very short list!”

“I think it's extremely long,” Acrylic muttered. “Come on, I've got a spare uniform you can wear. It might be a bit loose, but it should work.”

“Why can't she wear one of mine?” Button asked.

“Because your helmet won't fit. Unicorn, remember?”

“Oh,” the earth pony said before chuckling. “Come on, get changed. Don't worry about this. We'll get you a new uniform before you know it.”

Diamond nodded, though she couldn't take her eyes off the mess for a few seconds. That had been HER locker. It had HER uniform in it. How could somepony do this? She knew the rabbits were behind this. She would beat them so hard for this. She swore. She didn't care how long it took, they would pay. She turned to the others, her eyes narrowed. “Let's kick some flank.”

Diamond took a deep breath as she stepped out towards the large platform. The crowd was already cheering, though she could barely hear them. Her focus was ahead, on whoever's flank they'd have to kick. Acrylic's uniform was very awkward to wear. He was taller than her, but thinner as well. It made it very uncomfortable to walk in. But she tried to keep that out of her mind as she walked up the ramp to their platform.

They were going to win. She knew it. She wouldn't accept defeat after that.

They made it to the platform and her eyes widened. They were facing off against an earth pony, unicorn and pegasus. She'd actually forgotten that there were air benders in this competition. She gulped, moving into her position on the left as the announcer yelled out over the crowd. She toned everything out except for the fight. Another air bender. That would mean they'd be hard to lay down. Already she could see the pony had only put a bit of weight on their hooves, their wings spread out. They weren't allowed to raise more than five inches off the ground and be in the air for more than a second, but even then she knew they wouldn't be easy to strike.

That also left the unicorn. Were they a fire bender or a water bender? She paused. 'Wait, did the announcer just say what they were? Shoot! I should have listened, why didn't I listen? Ack!' she mentally scolded herself. The referee raised his hooves and brought them down.

It only took her a second to figure it out. The unicorn's horn lit up and the water around them was gathered, surging out towards Acrylic. He raised a hoof and sent it scattering. The air bender was already on the move, moving through her comrades with grace and ease, sending out a few quick bursts. Diamond ducked down and lunged her head forward, sending a few quick bursts out. Unfortunately, the air bender moved around and swirled the air around in front, knocking the attacks away. Blasts of water and stone disks flew at the three as they were forced back.

Diamond's eyes widened as she sent out a blast of fire along with Acrylic's water and Button's earth disks. The air bender moved around though, sending the attacks spiraling into each other with a little tunnel of wind. She was working purely on defense, allowing her comrades to launch attacks with ease and barely having to move.

Diamond yiped and was forced to jump to the right, bumping into Acrylic.

“Watch it!” he snapped, stumbling back. There was a buzz filling the air.

“All three are out of the zone. The Cushions move forward one zone.”

Diamond looked down. Sure enough, all three of them had moved into the second zone. How had this happened?

“Sorry, Avatar,” the air bender said as she took her place. “I have nothing but respect for you and what you do. But we came here to win.”

The match started again and the three were put on the defensive again. All of their attacks did nothing but hit wind, knocked aside with ease. There was a shriek from her right and she looked in time to see Button's hooves knocked from under him, then a burst of water sent him off the platform.

They were already down one and they couldn't get any attack through that air bending defense. Diamond's frustration rose. How could they hope to win if they didn't get--

A grin formed on her face. “Hey, air bender. Block THIS!” She turned and bucked out with all of her force, driving the fire clear at the air bender.

The pegasus yelped and tried to swirl it around. Unfortunately for her, she wasn't able to relieve the blow enough. It struck her in the chest, sending her toppling back into her comrades.

“Now!” Diamond yelled, before sending quick bursts in. Acrylic matched her assaults, sending the ponies toppling back and, after a few moments there was the sound of three quick splashes.

The unicorn stood there, panting and staring. They'd done it. They'd actually done it. There weren't any calls for unnecessary aggression this time, either.

Not that she'd had any doubts. In fact, she couldn't understand why her heart was pounding so hard. Of course they'd won. She stared at the now empty spots, unable to take her eyes off them.

That was, until a pair of hooves hugged her suddenly. “We did it! We did it! Woo hoo! WOO HOOOOOO!” Acrylic yelled, the excitement evident on his face. It took him a few seconds to catch her eye and then he froze. The color drained from it and he quickly pulled back. “Err... I mean, of course we... I uhhh...”

“Of course we won,” Diamond said with a shrug. “I am on your team, after all. As if I could lose in our first match,” she said with a harrumph, before turning and walking off the platform, making her way towards their locker rooms. She tried to suppress it, but she couldn't lie. She wanted to jump and squeal and hug some pony just as badly as he did. The cheering crowd felt great and the fact she knew she'd earned that victory made it all the better.

“You were all amazing!” Silver said when they arrived in the locker room. “I couldn't take my eyes off you. One moment you were getting fought back and then the next, bam, you took them out! It was spectacular!”

Diamond chuckled and gave a nod. “Yeah, I was pretty amazing. Didn't even get in trouble for unnecessary aggressiveness this time.” She paused as Button walked past them, dripping water. His head was hanging and he took off his helmet, throwing it across the room.

'Ugh, what's his problem? At least his uniform fits. Besides, we won, why's he looking all upset?' she thought to herself as she moved to one of the chairs and started stripping her uniform off.

“Is everything okay?” Silver asked softly.

“Yeah, of course. Everything's just peachy!” Button grumbled, before stomping his hoof. “I screwed up again, but fortunately the Avatar and Acrylic were there to pick up the slack.”

“Well, yeah. You kind of sucked out there,” Diamond said with a shrug.

“Diamond!” Acrylic snapped, trotting towards his friend.

“What? He did. He's an earth bender and he went down like a little colt. Seriously, he claims to be an earth bender but he can't take a shot. All he's doing is hold us back. If he...” She trailed off at the glares she was receiving. What? It wasn't like she'd done anything wrong. Heck, if not for her they never would have won that. She practically, no, completely carried them.

“He's a fine--”

“No, she's right,” Button said, tossing off his leg guards. “I'm a horrible, useless earth bender. I shouldn't even be on this team. You should try to find an earth bender who can actually pull his weight. Or an air bender. Anypony else,” he said before tossing off his chest piece, tears forming in his eyes. “I... I'm going home.”

Diamond watched him go, before cringing at the scathing look that Acrylic gave her. “What?”

“How could you say that to him? It was obvious he felt horrible after that!”

“Well, he should. His stance and fighting is atrocious. He's next to useless as an earth bender. Fine, he might be a little decent, but most ponies at his age should know how to properly position themselves. How to stand, how to block. I'm not going to lie and shield him just because it might make him feel bad.”

He trembled with rage. “You have absolutely NO idea what you're talking about! He's an amazing bender, he tries as hard as anypony I know!”

“So? Trying isn't good enough. Plenty of ponies 'try' to be good benders. If he wants to 'try' then he shouldn't try to go pro like this. This is a test to see who's good and who's not. Passable is for rock farmers.”

Acrylic growled and stomped his hooves, he finally turned and stormed out. “Go buck yourself!”

She shook her head. “What's his problem? I only told him the truth!” She looked to the one remaining pony in the room. “Silver, am I wrong? Should I have lied just to make him not feel so bad?”

The mare eeped and lowered her gaze. “I-I don't... r-really know. I-I mean... I think... I think he was p-pretty upset but... I-I don't know if... lying was the best thing to do,” she mumbled softly. “He was really upset, though. Maybe... being a little nicer? Not quite so... honest?”

Diamond glanced to the door and sighed, giving a shrug. “Ugh. Fine. I guess I'll go talk to him later or something. So, what are--”

Some heavy hoof steps interrupted her and she looked up to see Prism and Blaze making their way in. “That was spectacular!” Prism said happily. Unfortunately, his makeup was now gone, so she had nothing to laugh at.

“Yeah, I was pretty awesome,” she said with a chuckle. “Blew right past that air benders defense. I didn't know they could do that.” She paused and looked between the two of them. “Wait, you two competed, didn't you? Is that how you fought?”

Blaze gave a snort. “Oh, no. Honestly... well... we tended to take his mother's approach when it came to pro bending.”

“Oh? What was that?”

“Let's just say Rainbow is the reason there are rules against excessive force,” the pegasus said with a sly grin.

Prism sighed and shook his head. “That's in the past, however. Your first match was a resounding success, but I do expect you to continue your other training, as well. There's a week before your next match, after all.”

She nodded. “Yeah yeah, I know.” She wiped herself off with a towel, before trotting towards the door. She stopped and looked towards her locker. “Hey, Silver? I'll see you around, okay? Can you let your dad know somepony trashed my locker? They'll need to get it cleaned and stuff.”

The mare gave a little nod. “Ummm... yeah... I'll see you. Dad'll take care of it.”

Diamond trotted out with the two pegasi, though they gave her concerned looks. She ignored them and kept moving. When they made it a little down the hall, she slowed down. “Hey, Prism?”

He glanced back. “Yes?”

“When we were fighting, how would you say Button did?”

The stallion sighed. “He... has much work to do. I am afraid I know very little about earth bending, but even I can see the weakness in his form. He's nowhere near as capable as his mother.”

She nodded. “Right. Would... you say he's holding us back?”

There was a pause. “Possibly. But if you're thinking of kicking him from the team, I'd advise against it. Rather than booting a weaker teammate, it is usually better to try and raise them to your level. To make them stronger, faster and better. There's more to a team than just having the strongest members, after all.”

“I wasn't thinking that. Just... I mean, why is he so bad? Doesn't he practice with his mom?”

“Yes,” Blaze said before the stallion could answer. “I've seen a few of their sessions myself. Unfortunately, well...” She gave a soft sigh. “He... does tend to lack the raw talent she does. He's partially good, of that there can be no denial. But the two have completely different styles of earth bending.”

“Different styles?” Diamond asked with a roll of her eyes. “There's only one style for earth bending.”

“Depending on how you look at it, that's true,” Blaze said. “But, only on a base level. You see, all of the elements have their own strengths and weaknesses. There is a base level and principle for each. For air style, such as the one I and Prism use, it's about being quick and light on our hooves. True masters will take and mold their particular style to match their bending. For example, the metal bending style is a more focused, precise version of the earth bending base style. But I've heard of earth benders who operate on much looser, quicker movements. One I've heard of is the land slide style.”

Diamond cocked an eye. “I've never... heard of that.”

“That's because it's not the official name,” Prism said with a roll of his eyes. “But the idea focuses on rather than making yourself an impassible stone, a pony moves in a furious onslaught of heavy, rapid attacks. Creating a veritable rock slide through bending. Now, for one you're more knowledgeable about, I'd talk about water bending. Water, ice, mist are just three of the many different styles they use and I've--”

“Wait, hey! Those are all three of the same style! I can use them all!” Diamond objected, glaring. “They aren't different at all.”

“Oh, but they are,” Blaze said with a chuckle. “Again, at the base level most water benders can use different kinds of the three. But there are ponies who train and master them. If you ever see an ice bending master versus a mist bending master... well, let me tell you it is quite amazing.”

“On occasion you'll meet ponies who try to master all the different variations of their particular style. However, most prefer to use their base style and achieve master hood in that, maybe dabbling in the other styles.”

Diamond nodded, blinking a few times. “So a pony who had achieved master hood in all the variations of their style?”

“A pony like that would be truly dangerous. In many cases, there's no point to it,” Prism said with a shrug. “It can take a life time to develop just one or two. I've only met a hoofful of ponies who mastered more than one and only one who has mastered three in one element.”

“Who was that?”

“My mother,” Prism said with a sigh.

The three walked in awkward silence for a few minutes. Finally, Diamond spoke up. “So, he sucks because of that? Why not just have her teach him another way, then?”

Blaze and Prism both snickered, before the mare spoke up. “Octavia can be quite a bit... stubborn. I believe she intends to have him take over as leader of the metal benders one day, or at least become a ranking member. Copper is a wonderful commander, but...” She shrugged. “I don't know if Octavia wants her to remain forever. But their styles don't mesh well together and I'm not sure he even has the capability to become a metal bender. I hear it can be quite difficult even for the ponies who are talented, let alone those who clash so harshly.”

Diamond rolled her eyes. “Ugh, all of that is so stupid.”

“So, what brings this on, anyway? You weren't intending to boot him, were you?” Prism asked.

“No. He was all whiny and feeling upset because he, frankly, is a horrible bender. I told him he was right and holding us back. I mean, come on, his stance is all over the place. If we had another earth bender, I'd kick him in a second and--” She stopped and realized she was walking alone. She stopped and looked back. Both of the pegasi were standing there. Blaze looked furious, Prism was staring at her with a look of... there was no other word for it. Disgust.

“You told your teammate this?” Blaze asked.

“Well, yeah. He can't take a shot and he needs to hear it. Then he ran off all whiny and crying and stuff. He needs to get better or--” The rest of her words were cut off as Blaze's hoof smacked her across the face. She stumbled back, too shocked to speak.

“How COULD you? He is your teammate! Your ally! And you talk to him like... like that? What the buck is wrong with you?” the pegasus asked.

“W-what? But I was just--”

“Just what? Seeing your teammate hurt and upset and you decide to pick at the wound? Have you even heard of compassion? Empathy?”

“I-I was just--”

“You were just being the worst kind of pony you could possibly be!” Blaze stepped in and looked right into Diamond's eyes. “You act high and mighty, Avatar, but you are a disgusting creature who can't seem to grasp the first thing about caring for other ponies. How can you ever even hope to do your task if you can't even begin to understand the feelings or emotions of other ponies?”

“I-I didn't, I wasn't, I just--”

“No. You were being a shallow, spoiled, cruel little bitch--” The word struck Diamond like a second slap across the face. “-- who rather than supporting a teammate when they needed it, lashed out and cut them deeper just so you could get your self important little high to pretend your better than everypony else. Fine, you know what? You're a better bender. Congratulations. You're a filthy, disgusting little monster with a soul as black as burnt marble, but you bend really well. I hope when you finally finish your training and spend the rest of your life being hated by everypony around you, your extra little bending helps keep you warm at night. Because it sure as buck won't be any warm feelings from anypony who knows you.”

The pegasus turned and stormed off.

Diamond looked to Prism. “She--”

“Was right,” the stallion said before following after his wife.

Diamond watched the two of them walking off, a hoof going up to her cheek. She couldn't believe it. As they turned the corner, all she could feel like doing was crying. Her soul wasn't black. She had a heart. She cared, of course she cared what ponies thought of her. The crowd loved her, adored her even. She was the Avatar, an amazing bender. Truly spectacular.

Why did her words hurt so much? Why did she feel like crying? She wanted to go home. She wanted to be with her daddy. Or her friends.

Well, not her friends, but the servants. The servants loved her after all. They had to. That's what they were paid for. She felt tears welling up in her eyes. Why were they so upset? Why were they so mad? She just wanted to to make Button better. He sucked. So she told him. She couldn't lie to him. Pampering wouldn't have helped him any. He needed to get good or get going. If anypony deserved to be upset, it was her. She was the one getting yelled at, slapped. She'd done a great job, too. Even after her locker had been ruined and she had to use a different uniform.

So what if he'd been hurt? Or upset? She was hurt and upset now and she wasn't running.

“Avatar Diamond?” a voice asked from behind her. She turned and saw Silver standing there. “Is everything alright?”

She quickly looked away, wiping her eyes off. “W-what? Y-yeah. I'm fine. Just had a little... fight with Blaze and... I'm fine.” She took a deep breath. Okay, she could do this. She would do this. Just had to go back to the island and...

She didn't want to go back to the island. Just thinking about it made her heart hurt. “I uhhh... I think I want to wait for them to cool down a bit before I do. Would you be okay if I stayed at your place tonight?”

The mare moved up besides her and gave a little smile. “Oh, I'm sure that'd be fine. We're friends after all, right?”

“Y-yeah. All... friends,” she whispered softly, wiping her face off again. Why wouldn't they stop watering? “You uhhh, you think maybe I was a bit too harsh on Button?” If he felt anything like she felt right now, she wished she could take every single word back. Nopony deserved to feel like this.

“A little. I mean... you were right,” Silver said with a sigh. “But... your timing was bad. Maybe if you'd told him in a gentler manner or when he wasn't feeling so bad? He had nearly cost you three the match, after all.” She paused. “N-not that you could have won without him, just--”

“No, I know,” she said softly. “Let's just... go. Okay?” She started walking again. When they made it out of the arena, she couldn't even smile at the crowds.

She was an amazing bender, the best in the world.

What if what Blaze had said was true? What if in the end, that wasn't enough?

Chapter 10: A Harsh Morning

Diamond let out a low whistle as the compound came into sight. She'd forgotten how big it was. “You live here and everything? Doesn't it get... well, kind of annoying?”

“Oh, not at all,” Silver said with a chuckle. “I've always lived here.”

“Really? Why?”

“Because daddy wanted to make sure I was always safe so nopony could try to foalnap me. So he built the compound around me so I'd always be close.”

The Avatar went silent, staring for a moment. “Are... are you serious?”

She nodded.

“Have ponies tried to foal nap you?”

“Not that I remember. But I think daddy might just be overprotective,” Silver said with a smile. “Since mom died and... everything. He's always been worried. Honestly, before I had these wings, I couldn't go anywhere without a full retinue of trained guards. That was far more annoying.”

Diamond nodded, staring at the mare, before looking ahead. “I... can understand that. My dad was kind of... the same way.”

“Oh?” Silver asked.

“Yeah. I barely ever left our home. I had all the best instructors and plenty of servants, but I was almost never allowed outside the walls.”

The earth pony glanced over and frowned. “That's... interesting. Why would he hide you away like that? You're the Avatar, right? Ponies need you.” She grit her teeth slightly, before nearly spitting the words out. “You're a... hero.”

Diamond cringed. She couldn't blame the mare. “Yeah, I know. A hero who... just went off badly on her teammate.” The earth pony's words made her cheek hurt all the more. “Do... you think if I try, Button will talk to me again? I didn't... I didn't mean to hurt him like that. I thought I was just being honest.”

Silver stopped to look at the guard. He eyed her for a moment, before opening the gate for them to go in. After they walked a bit and the gate closed behind them, the clenched teeth finally loosened. “I... think maybe. Button seems... nice. Forgiving. The sort who would always give a... second chance. It's why I think he makes such a good friend.”

Diamond paused and then a sly grin formed on her lips. “Ohhhh? Do you have a little crush on him?”

The earth pony's eyes rolled so hard the unicorn would have sworn they almost rolled out of her head. “Oh, don't even start with something like that. He's cute and all, but really? He's wayyyyy too loud. If he calmed down a lot, maybe.” She paused before smiling gently to her. “But I think he's a great friend. And I'm happy to have him as one of mine. Aren't you?”

The unicorn looked down. “I... hadn't really thought about it. If he was my... friend or not. I mean, I know he was my teammate, but I didn't really...” She stared at the ground. She wondered if they would even be teammates now. Would he leave? Would Acrylic go with him? Now that she thought about it, Silver and those two were the only ones she really knew in the city. The council talked to her on occasion, but only because she was the Avatar. Her teammates felt somehow different. “Do you think he'd want to be my friend?”

“No,” Silver said with a shake of her head.

It was distressingly blunt and it made Diamond cringe. The words tore through her like a knife. “R-really?”

“Maybe. You... probably hurt him. A lot. I don't know if he'll be able to forgive you after that. But it doesn't mean you shouldn't try, does it? Do you want him to be your friend?”

The unicorn sighed. “I'll talk to him tomorrow, okay? I'm sure it'll... be fine. Tomorrow.” The two walked into the main building and she looked around. “Where is everypony?”

“Probably working,” Silver said with a smile. “Daddy is... special. Some nights I have to go in to the lab just to make sure he doesn't starve.” She paused. “Or... at least I used to have to. Since Secretary came in, she's always been there to take care of him. I owe her a lot, he'd half starve himself if not for her. Not to mention how much sleep he misses.” Despite her words, her tone sounded slightly distant.

Diamond nodded. “That's good. So uhhh... where will I stay?”

“We have a guest room.” Silver paused. “About ten. I'll send you to the suite. Do you want anything to eat before hoof?”

“Actually, yeah. I really could eat,” Diamond muttered. Before the match she'd been so excited she couldn't touch anything. Now she felt half starved. Also depressed.

“Never... eating... again,” Diamond mumbled as she wobbled towards the room.

“I don't think you'll need to,” Silver said softly. “A bit... cliché, don't you think?”

“Huh?”

“Nothing,” she stopped outside one of the rooms. “Here. Have a nice night.”

Diamond nodded and pushed towards it, before stopping. “Silver? We are friends, aren't we?”

There was a pause from the mare. Then, slowly, she nodded. “If you want to be.”

“Yeah. I'd like that. I'll try to talk to Button soon. Give him a day or two to calm down then... tell him I'm sorry.”

“I think he'd like that,” Silver said with a smile.

Diamond stepped into the room and closed the door behind herself. The room was quite nice, covered in white lace with a desk and an attached bathroom. She trotted to the bathroom and smiled, filling up the tub before sliding in, letting the hot water warm her up.

Even there, her mind kept drifting back to Blaze and Prism. Had what she said really been true? She put a hoof over her heart. She was an amazing bender. The best. She'd be the best ever. But was her heart so... was her soul black? Did she have no compassion or kindness?

She shook her head. “He's just too sensitive. He was just...” She closed her eyes and laid back. “He was feeling really bad and rather than try to help him, I just twisted the knife. No wonder Acrylic was so upset. No wonder Blaze was so upset. No wonder...” She thought back to Prism. That look hadn't been anger or hatred. It had been disgust. Pure disgust. As if she was something he'd wipe off his hoof. She drifted lower into the water and sighed. She thought back to her trashed locker. What if it had been somepony else, not the Bunnies? Did she really inspire such feelings in ponies? Blaze had slapped her and now she wasn't so certain she didn't deserve it. What if this was just another type of slap? What if she'd deserved it?

“I'm sorry,” she whispered softly, reaching up a hoof to touch her cheek.

Diamond awoke with a groan, letting out a soft yawn as she sat up. She groggily looked around the clean, frilly room. She slowly slid out of her bed, making her way to the bathroom to freshen up.

“Hate mornings,” she mumbled. She was a little curious why Prism didn't come barreling in to wake her up, but it didn't take her long to realize why. They probably didn't wanna see her any more than she wanted to see them. She wondered if he was even looking for her, probably not. She splashed water on her face and brushed her mane, using the complimentary marble brush in the room. She then smiled into the mirror. “Today I'm going to... try to be nicer. Find Button and apologize. Because we're teammates. Maybe even friends eventually.” She then smiled and trotted from the room, pulling the door open.

“GAHHHHH!” she shrieked, fire erupting from her horn and lancing out at the thing in front of her.

As far as she could tell, it was a giant, pony sized bug. Made of metal. And some kind of silver cloth. And Secretary was a few feet behind it, holding a long tube it was attached to.

“Hah, stupendous! I told you this would be fire proof!” Alicity's voice came out from the bug.

“Sir... I said there was no point to make it fire proof since the material is so conductive,” Secretary said with a sigh. “Fire rarely appears underwater, as well.”

“Why would-- OW OW OW OW OWWWWW! Hot hot hot hot!” The giant bug began to dismantle itself, revealing the doctor within. Diamond could do nothing but stare in disbelief. The pieces of metal were steaming slightly.

Truly he was mad. “Can... errr... I help you?” she asked. She really hoped he said no.

“Yes you can!” She mentally sighed. “Have you decided to accept my proposal?”

She blinked a few times, cocking her head to the side. “You... proposed? To me? When? Why? You're... kind of wayyyy too old for me.” It was way too early for this.

“Ah, very funny, Avatar!” And he gripped her shoulders, hauling her off. She had no idea how he did it. He took her to the window. “Look out, what do you see?”

“... The wall of a warehouse.”

“But what would you see if not for that?”

“The fence?”

“Yes, but not just that, the future!” he said proudly. “Imagine. With your help and--”

“I said I'll wear a button, that's where I'm drawing the line. Listen, I appreciate you letting me stay here last night. Really, it was great. But I really should get going. I have a lot to do today.”

He gave a soft sigh. “Very well, Avatar. If you must. I suppose you'll be leaving with your mother then.”

Her eyes widened. “W-wait, what?”

“Her aunt, Doctor,” Secretary said with a sigh.

“Oh, yes. Your aunt. Grouchy.”

“Sassy,” his assistant corrected.

“Yes, that too. She's currently eating breakfast in the bathroom.”

“Dining hall.”

“She is? She knows I'm here? Why is she here? What's going on? Where is the main... oh, wait. I know where it is. Thanks!” She pulled away from the stallion before he could do anything... else, insane, before galloping off towards the main dining hall. Fortunately she'd seen it when Silver got her something to eat.

She skidded to a stop outside the room and took a deep breath. Then, slowly, she pushed the door open. Both Silver and Sassy were sitting at the table, gently nibbling at their pancakes.

“Ah, finally awoken, dear niece?” Sassy asked with a smile as she looked up.

“Y-yeah, I have,” she said with a smile before walking over and taking a seat. Pancakes appeared on a plate in front of her, as if by magic. A moment later she noticed the servant standing inside by the door. “Sorry. Yesterday was... rough.”

“This morning was quite rough as well,” the unicorn said with a frown. “The council was in a near panic when Blaze reported you missing. Apparently some... harsh words were spoken?”

She nodded slowly. “Yeah, they were. A lot of...” She looked down at her food and thought back to her locker. “I think I may owe her an apology. Amongst... others. They were right.”

“Oh? Why?”

“Just... they were right. Let's leave it at that.”

The mare watched her for a few moments before nodding. “Very well, if you don't wish to discuss it I certainly won't force you too. Now, I did want to discuss some other matters with you.”

“Oh? Like?” She reached out with her hoof and tore off a chunk of pancake, bringing it to her lips.

“About this... tournament business.”

“I'm not dropping out,” Diamond said firmly.

“No, not that. In fact, I think it would be best to encourage it. I happen to know quite a few teams who could use a fire bender as talented as you. Once this competition is over in a few weeks, perhaps you would consider traveling with me to Fillydelphia to meet with them?”

“W-what?” Diamond asked, staring at the mare now.

“Very talented. They have an air bender, as well, who could teach you. And they wouldn't be...” She paused for a moment. “Your current team is okay, I suppose, but they lack the might you have. Maybe it would be in your interest to find some ponies who don't hold you back?”

Diamond nodded slowly. It was true, she was definitely being held back by them. She was stronger, faster, a better bender. So why did the thought make her want to cry? She stared at the pancakes and slowly shook her head. “No. I like my current team.”

Sassy frowned. “Are you quite sure? A better team might be--”

“I'm sure. I'm a hundred percent sure.”

There was a moment of silence before the mare nodded. She then glanced to Silver, who looked as if she'd been sucking a lemon. “I'm sorry, I am merely trying to watch out for my nieces best interest.” She then looked back to the unicorn. “Very well. Perhaps when this tournament is over, or your team loses, you'd be interested in going on tour? I know some ponies in Fillydelphia who--”

“Wait a minute,” Diamond said, her head going up. “He wasn't proposing to me, he meant the whole offer of... oh, wow. I was more tired than I thought.” She was greeted by very confused looks. “Err, nothing. Never mind. Aunt? Why do you want me to leave so badly? What's so...” The words caught in her throat and her eyes narrowed. “Oh. I see.”

“What?” the mare asked.

“You want me to leave and get away from this Meadowbrook, don't you? You don't think I can handle her?”

“Of course I think you can handle her,” Sassy said, though her eyes shifted away. “You are the Avatar, after all. I just believe that... at this critical junction, it would be best to allow the defenses of the city to deal with this monster. There is no need to--”

“I'll deal with this myself,” Diamond said firmly, barely managing to resist stomping her hooves on the table. “This pony isn't anything I, or anypony else, needs to be afraid of. And I'll prove it when I kick her flank.”

“But--”

“If all you've come to talk about is to get rid of me, this conversation is over.” She started to get up.

“Wait,” Sassy said, lifting a hoof up. “Please.”

Diamond paused and slowly lowered back into her seat. “Yes?”

“I won't talk about it anymore. If you are certain that you wish to deal with this threat, then I will not try to stop you. You are, however, my niece. I am only trying to look out for and protect you. As any mare would try to do for their niece. I do hope you can understand.”

Diamond nodded. “Of course. I ummmm...” She poked her hooves together. “Daddy... never mentioned you before. I didn't even know that... how many aunts and uncles do I have?”

The mare shook her head. “Just me, I'm afraid. Our father never quite... well, after an incident with the previous Avatar our family fell on a few harsh times. Our father was away from home quite often and there was never a third child. Financially we were more than secure, but our honor was... quite tarnished.” She looked down. “I remember hearing about your mother's death. I... wasn't aware she'd had a child at the time.”

The Avatar cringed and gave a shrug. “It doesn't really bother me much. I never met her and Daddy was always there when I needed him. He made sure I never wanted for anything.”

Sassy nodded. “I don't blame him for trying to keep you away from the world. If I had been in his hooves, I may have tried to do the same.”

Diamond snorted. 'Well, you just tried to. I just didn't let you,' she thought to herself.

“I hope you aren't mad at him.”

“Not really. He made a mistake, a big one. But I know he only did it because he loves me. I mean, I've only been out here a few weeks and already there's some crazy psycho running around stealing cutie marks. I just wish he'd have a bit more faith in me.”

Sassy nodded. “He has contacted me since your arrival.”

Diamond's ears perked up. She hadn't received so much as a note from him, so she couldn't deny being intrigued. Though she had a sneaking suspicion that Prism and Blaze wouldn't let him contact her. “What did he say?”

“That he's worried about you, that he loves you. That most important of all, try to keep you safe.” She nudged the plate around. “I... intend to do just that. If you won't leave, I can't force you. But do know if you ever need a place to get away, or require aid, I am always here. All you need do is ask.”

Diamond nodded, a smile on her lips. She wasn't alone, after all. She still had her aunt. And Silver. She then paused and looked over to the head of the table. She'd completely forgotten the earth pony was here. Her aunt followed her gaze and gave a little jump, her cheeks flaring.

“My apologies, Miss Spoon. I'd actually quite forgotten you were still here,” Sassy said with a small chuckle, shaking her head.

“It's alright, happens all the time,” Silver said with a small smile. “I think it's really sweet. You looking out for her and everything.” She nudged her pancakes. “Diamond, do you intend to go see Button today?”

Diamond looked at her plate and slowly nodded. She wanted to put it off for longer, but she knew if she did she might never do it. “Y-yeah. I'd best go see him. Do you know where he'd be?”

Silver nodded. “Yes.” She slid out of the chair, her meal only half finished. “I'll go get ready. When you're done with breakfast, meet me by the front door?”

Diamond nodded, before nibbling at her meal.

Once Silver was gone, Sassy shook her head. “I always find it so strange that she's that doctor's child.”

“Oh?”

The mare nodded. “Yes. She's such a well behaved, quiet child. I'd never have imagined somepony as chaotic and wild as Dr. Alicity could raise such a delightful young lady.”

Diamond chuckled, giving a nod. She hadn't known the Doctor for long, but even she could tell he was just this side of crazy.

Still, at least it meant he wasn't boring.

Diamond frowned as they walked through the streets of the city. Once they had seemed so full of life, with ponies running around, talking, chatting. Now most of them were looking at each other with contempt and distrust.

Nopony felt safe now and there was a light hint of tension in the air. It had only been a few days and already the city had changed so much. She hoped they managed to catch this criminal soon, before things got out of control.

There was the sound of shattering glass, followed by a scream.

Seemed it wouldn't be soon enough. She glanced to Silver. “I'll be right back,” she said before galloping off. It didn't take her long to find the source. Three mares were standing outside a trashed shop, all earth ponies. Rocks had plowed through the side of the store, tearing apart the racks inside.

They stomped their hooves and another rock hurtled into the store. “Come out!” one of them yelled.

“P-please,” a voice called and, slowly, a unicorn stepped out from the shop. Diamond's eyes were drawn almost instantly to his flank. It was blank. She sneered. No wonder they were trashing the place. He was probably one of them. “I-I haven't done anything. I just want to run my business in--” He was grabbed by a tendril of dirt and dragged out with a shriek. One of them glared down at him and nodded.

“Hah, I knew it! You're one of those cutie mark thieves, aren't you? I know I saw you at one of the rallies!”

He shook his head quickly. “N-no! I wasn't, I'd never steal a cutie mark! I-I had mine stolen during the attacks, I--” His words were cut off by a brutal strike to the head, sending him back, clutching his skull.

“We have a little message for your leader,” one of the mare's said.

Diamond stared, her eyes widening. 'What the buck am I doing?' she asked herself. 'Even if he is one of those equal ponies, they are attacking him three on one, with bending and trashing the place. This is nothing more than... nothing more than bullying!' She felt another rush of annoyance as she looked around at the gathered crowd. Most were just watching, but a few were even nodding with it, or calling out their own support. They were cheering on this abuse!

“P-please!” the stallion begged before getting shoved onto his back. The mare raised a hoof to strike him again. Instead the ground raised up under her and slammed her into the building. When the rock fell away, she toppled to the ground, rolled onto her back with a loud groan, her eyes swirling. Her two friends quickly turned back to see Diamond.

“Hey. How about you try messing with somepony your own size?” she asked with a growl, flame flaring from her horn. “You'll find me a lot harder to shove around.”

The two stared at her for a moment, but she saw the realization dawn on the left one first. “I think that's the Avatar. I saw her in the tournament! Let's get out of here!”

“Yeah, no,” Diamond said, stomping a hoof down and a wall formed in front of them when they tried to turn away. It took every last strand of self control she had not to go down and start pounding them into mush. It would have served them right. Instead she gave a little smile. “Oh, but do feel free to try to run. It'll just mean I get to break you when I catch you again.” She stepped forward slowly, grinding her hoof into the ground. “So, it's your choice. Would you rather wait for the authorities, or let me deal with you?”

To her mild annoyance, both ponies quickly sat down. She frowned. “Are you sure? I'll give you a few seconds head start?”

“N-no, we're good. We'll wait.”

“... Ten seconds, my final offer?”

“A-authorities sound really good right about now,” the pony said, her friend quickly nodding.

Diamond gave a sigh. At least they couldn't get her for excessive violence this time. Probably. But she didn't wreck... much this time. Comparatively. She wasn't sure she liked this whole not just pounding them thing. It wasn't nearly as fun. She walked over to the stallion and reached a hoof out. “Are you okay?”

He slowly took it, looking up at her. A little blood dribbled down his face. “Y-yes, I am. Thank you. Avatar,” he said softly.

“Sorry I didn't get here sooner,” she muttered, sitting by him. The crowd was splitting up, at least. Hopefully the actual authorities would arrive soon. She hoped she didn't have to deal with Ironwing again. She was in no mood for that. The last thing she wanted to do was listen to him tell her how horrible she was or that she should have not gotten involved.

Diamond let out a soft sigh of relief as they finally arrived at a large metal tower. “Sooo... this is it?”

“Yep. The metal bender headquarters. Best place to find Button if he's practicing.”

“What if he's not practicing?”

“Then I guess he might be at home,” Silver said with a shrug before the two trotted in. The tower wasn't very tall and, oddly, seemed more like a giant flower petal than a tower. It was made completely of metal, as well. There were a few ponies by the entrance who glanced towards them, but nopony tried to impede them. Silver took the lead and led her forward.

“So, what happened?” the earth pony asked.

“When?”

“The scream?”

“Oh, that,” Diamond said with a soft sigh. “Some ponies attacking one of the unmarked. I can understand why they'd do it, but they were trashing the place and starting to beat the poor guy up. Wasn't even a fair fight, three on one. He couldn't even fight back,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “A few of the metal benders met with me and took all four of them in. I told them what happened and they said I was free to go.” She paused and grinned. “I've got to say, the metal benders are a lot easier to deal with than the Shadowbolts.”

“I hear Copper can be a lot less tense than Ironwing. Or so daddy says.”

“I see why. What stick crawled up his flank and died?” Diamond asked with a roll of her eyes.

Silver burst into laughter, covering her mouth with her hoof.

“What? What's so funny?” She huffed a little in annoyance, she knew she screwed the wording up but she tried to play it off.

“N-nothing. Just... you have an interesting way with words. If I'm correct, Button will probably be... here.” She pushed open a door and revealed a closet. The mare blinked, her cheeks turning red. “W-wrong room. Here!” She raced down to the next door and pushed it open. Diamond snickered softly and followed after the mare.

The doorway led to a large dirt covered room, filled with boulders and little orbs of metal. A few earth benders were practicing in it. To her surprise, Silver was right. Button was there.

And he was terrible. An earth pony was there, yelling and screaming at him. “Straighten your legs. Ground yourself, ground! Do you call that making yourself a stone? I've seen driftwood more solid than you!”

“Sorry. Sorry. Ow! Sorry,” Button said as he moved. Diamond couldn't believe it. He stumbled and fell on his flank every few seconds, missed obvious guards, tripped, fell, got clobbered in the head more times than she could count. He was always kind of bad, but he had never been this bad. He really wasn't an earth bender. Or at least, not a metal bender. She stepped forward.

“Button?” she called out.

He yelped, looked up and got a rock pillar to the face, falling over. “Owwww...”

“That was pathetic,” his teacher said, shaking her head. She then looked up. “Avatar? What brings you here?”

“I uhhh, I'm here to talk with him. Button, can we chat? Please?”

The stallion nodded. “Can... I take a break?”

“Sure,” the teacher said with a shrug. “Not like you're making any progress, anyway.” She trotted off. “I swear I've seen lemurs that could earth bend better. How in the world are you Lady Octavia's son?”

Diamond moved to the side and sat on a bench, he sat next to her. The two sat in silence for a few moments, before both opening their mouths.

“I'm sorry,” they said in unison.

The unicorn stared, her mouth falling open. “Wait, what? You're sorry? Why are you sorry?”

He looked away. “Making you two... carry me and everything. Since I wasn't really any... good at the fighting. I just...” He took a deep breath. “You're right. I'm holding both of you back. You're an amazing fire bender. Acrylic is an amazing water bender. I'm... a useless earth bender.”

She nodded for a few moments, before cringing. “No, you're not. I'll admit you're not perfect, but you're not too bad. I've seen worse.” Namely herself when she was a tiny little foal. But even she'd gotten better with practice. He wasn't going anywhere.

“Really, like who?”

“...”

“See? I'm horrible,” he grumbled before shaking his head. “I can't do any of this. I don't even know why I was trying.”

“Why were you training?”

“I don't know, because I thought maybe if I brought up my game, you wouldn't want to kick me out.”

She shook her head. “No, I mean more... why did you train to be a pro-bender, anyway? I mean, there has to have been better jobs, right? Did Acrylic convince you to do it?”

He snorted. “Acrylic? Are you kidding? It took me months to convince him to try this with me. He thought it was a waste of time.” The earth pony's eyes lowered. “I... don't know. I just kind of thought... you know, if I did this, it'd be something I did right for once. That I could show I really was my mom's son. That I didn't need to be a good metal bender to be a great earth bender.”

“Well, I'm sorry to say, you're a horrible earth bender. You're wayyyyy too jumpy and energetic. You can't sit still.”

He cringed and she sighed.

“I wish I could help, I really do. But your earth bending is just horrible. You don't move like one, you...” She then paused and rubbed her chin. “Hey, you wanna try something new?”

“What, are you going to start saying I'm ugly, too?”

She shook her head. “No. You're a horrible earth bender, so what if you just stopped fighting like one?”

He cocked an eye. “Oh. Geez. Yeah. So what, I should try being an air bender then? I know you're the Avatar and all, but the rest of us mere mortals only get one type of bending.”

She shook her head and got to her hooves. “No, come on. I've got an idea. Is there anywhere we can practice privately?”

“I guess, why?” he asked as he moved besides her. Silver followed close behind.

“Well, because if this doesn't work and you end up looking like an absolute idiot, you'll just look like one in front of me and Silver, instead of that pony who just screamed and yelled at you.”

Button nodded slowly. “Right, so I'll look like an idiot in front of two pretty mares. That's much better,” he said before blushing at the cocked eyes he received. “O-okay, valid point. I like this idea.” He moved ahead to lead her, though he glanced back. “What exactly are you going to teach me?”

A grin formed on her lips. “Oh, you'll see. This is actually going to be fun.”

The stallion gulped and looked ahead, the color going slightly from his face. He didn't know why, but he suddenly had a very, very ominous feeling in his stomach.

Chapter 11: Callout

Button led Diamond and Silver into a much smaller room with more rocks, dirt and metal. He walked across the room and turned to face her. “Well, we shouldn't be bothered too much here. What did you have in mind?”

She nodded and closed the door, before grinning. “Well, I'm going to burn you alive.”

“W-what?” he asked, squeaking softly.

She snickered and moved over besides him. “Relax, I'm not going to hurt you. Much. I'm just going to teach you fire bending.”

“What? I told you, I can't fire bend. I'm not the Avatar, I only get the one.” He was starting to sound a little annoyed.

She nodded. “Oh, I know. But I talked to Blaze and, frankly, having seen you fight, I think you wouldn't be a half bad fire bender. A lot of your movements are already like them. You lack the power through, but that's likely because you're always practicing on trying to be unmovable. If you like moving around so much, constantly swinging into things, well, go with it. Learn a style that helps you a bit.”

He nodded and gulped. “But, I can't fire bend.”

“So? You'll learn.” She gave a nod. “Now, fire bending is all about power. If earth bending is impossible to move, then fire bending is impossible to stop. You need to move like that. Go into your neutral stance.”

He did so and she eyed him. For an earth bender, his legs were too far apart, he was a bit too low. But for a fire bender, he just might work. Worse came to worse, she could try teaching him water bending. He seemed a bit too heavy to learn air bending, anyway. She moved over and adjusted his legs and torso. “There. Now, rather than moving back, try to spend more energy on moving forward. Don't try to take blows, try to push back and through them.”

“That sounds like earth bending,” he said softly.

“In a way, I suppose. But it's the difference between refusing to move, and pushing it back. Fire bending is all about shoving things around, powering through a defense. Earth bending is as well, in a way, but it's far more defensive. Let's try a little sparing and I'll demonstrate, okay?”

He nodded, eying her awkwardly. She went into her fire bending stance. She really didn't know if this would, or even could, work. Bending like a fire bender while using earth bending felt awkward and just wrong. But she wanted to at least try. A little. She took a deep breath and began.

A few minutes later she hit the back wall, hard. Her eyes bulged and she fell to the ground. “T-too... too h-hard,” she said with a groan, coughing weakly. Now she knew how the ponies she'd been smashing felt. It was not good.

“I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry!” Button yelled as he ran over, cringing and holding out his hoof. “Are... are you okay? How badly does it hurt? Where does it hurt?”

“I-I'm fine,” she lied before slowly getting to her hooves. To her surprise, he was doing quite well fighting like that. He wasn't moving exactly like a fire bender, but that method of earth bending was suiting him far better. Throwing his everything into each attack, rather than just trying to hold himself back. Never stopping his movements, either. It was brutal, a bit clumsy and horrible at defense, but the offense was great. “I think that's e-enough for now,” she said with a groan, before wobbling over to Silver. The mare smiled at her. “J-just need a small break.”

“You two were wonderful. I've never seen you move like that, Button. You were amazing.”

The stallion grinned sheepishly. “Really? You think so? I was just doing what the Avatar told me.”

“Y-yeah, doing what I tell you. That'll serve you well,” she said with a light groan as she sat down. “Just bend like that from now on, okay? You'll do fine.”

Button nodded. “You think you'll want to try again? I uhhhh... I mean I need the practice and--”

“Yeah, in a few minutes. Just need to relax for a moment.”

He sqweed and sat down, watching her with the dopiest look on his face. She couldn't help but smile. He was an idiot, but at least he wasn't too bad. She eyed him for a moment before looking down. “Hey... Button? Would you say we're friends?”

“Huh? Yeah, of course. Why wouldn't we be?” The smile wavered. “Wait... do you not want to be friends?”

“What? No! Of course not! I mean, I'm happy we're friends. I just didn't know if you wanted to be or not... so... yeah. We're friends now. Officially. I guess.” Not that she cared or anything. She was just smiling because he was so happy. She slowly got to her hooves. “Come on, let's do some more practice.”

Diamond breathed heavily as she dabbed her brow with a towel. They'd been practicing for hours and, as much as she hated to say it, Button was good. He was really good. No wonder he'd been having so much trouble, if he'd been an actual fire bender he'd have probably been a natural. The force he could exert was just amazing.

'N-not that I can't do more. If I want to. Probably,' she told herself, though she showed the stallion nothing but smiles. “We're going to do amazing at the next match with you bending like this.”

He nodded. “Yeah. I can't believe it. It just feels so... good. Natural even.”

She nodded. At times she swore she could even see steam rising off the rocks he was using. Such a shame that earth benders couldn't make fire or anything like that. “Okay, rest time is over, let's--”

A high pitched siren filled the air and she looked up. “What's that?”

“An alarm,” Button said quickly. He listened for a moment, before gulping. “An emergency alarm. Something... bad happened. There's no other reason they'd use that. Come on, let's go.” He ran to the door, shoving it open and galloping out.

She followed after him, Silver close behind. “What? What kind of something bad?”

“I don't know! But that's an alert to call and dispatch all metal benders!”

“But neither of us are metal benders!”

“We still need to check it out,” he called back. He skidded to a stop at the front office and looked at the secretary behind the desk. “What's going on?”

The pony barely looked up, too busy going through the papers on her desk. “All metal benders are to go to the Moon Raiser compound immediately.”

“But--”

“Go!” the pony yelled, never even looking up.

The three shared a concerned look, before galloping off. When they got outside, it was already night time, the sun was gone and...

Diamond stopped and looked up.

The sky was empty. Not a single star in it, let alone the moon.

“Come on!” Button yelled.

“Look!” Diamond yelled, pointing up.

He did, and stopped. The three looked up for a few moments, before finally the unicorn shook her head. “Let's go. You're right, go!” she yelled, before galloping. Something bad had happened. She could feel it. She could see it.

The Moon Raiser compound overlooked the lake, a crescent shaped building that was only two stories tall. The place was swarming with Shadowbolts, metal benders and ponies yelling and asking questions. Some stone blockades had been set up, but it was still all the metal benders could do to keep the crowds back. Diamond raced forward. “What's happening here?” she asked.

“Miss, please, stand back,” the earth pony said. “A statement will be issued soon.”

“It's me, the Avatar,” she said quickly. The pony gave her a curious look, before moving aside.

“Council stallion Sunburst is looking for you.”

“I'll be back as soon as I can,” she said to Button and Silver, before leaping the blockade and racing forward. Above she could see the Shadowbolts struggling to keep pegasi back as well. She raced towards the center of the compound, where a second, smaller blockade had been set up.

When she arrived, she saw why. Dozens of unicorns were laying on the ground, unmoving and stripped of their cutie marks. Every last one of them a blank flank. The sight filled her with dread.

“You're okay,” Sunburst's voice broke through her thoughts, making her look up. “We were worried sick.”

“I was away. What happened? Was it Meadowbrook?”

He nodded. “Her and at least a dozen others. They were all missing their cutie marks, but armed with those alicorn devices of Tomorrow Industry's. It happened while they were beginning to raise the moon, a cowardly sneak attack,” he said with a shake of his head. He stared at the unmarked. “The ponies never stood a chance. Not in the midst of that spell.”

“Were they all... are all the moon raisers...?”

“No,” he said with a smile. “Tittering and a few others managed to regather themselves and fight back. Unfortunately, the majority of the Moon Raisers were de-marked. The remaining are all being evacuated to the Water Nation. Council mare Vinyl Scratch will be going with them to aid in the return of the sky.”

Diamond's eyes widened. “W-what? Why?”

He shook his head. “It's apparent we can't keep them safe here. The Sun Raisers are in the Fire Tribe lands, the Moon Raisers can remain in the Water Nation where it's safe. We've already sent a message to Queen Rarity, we're sure she'll accept them. She has always been a firm supporter of Harmony.”

The unicorn nodded, unable to take her eyes off the ponies. “Why? Why would she do this? They're... the world needs them. Doesn't it?”

He nodded. “This is an expression of power,” the stallion said. “She's trying to show that anypony can be de-marked. That she won't stop.” He looked towards the crowd. “We'll have to make a statement soon. I'll talk with the council.”

“Let me,” Diamond said with a growl.

“Avatar, you shouldn't--”

“I will,” she snapped, stomping forward. She moved up to the barricade, pushing her front hooves against it. “LISTEN UP!” she yelled. It took a few moments, but the reporters went silent. “You want a statement? I have one!” She looked out over the crowd and glared. “Meadowbrook, you're a coward and a pathetic fear monger! I'm calling you out! Just you and me, tomorrow. Other side of the lake, by the river on the east side! I'm not scared of you and when I'm done with you, neither will anypony else!” She then snorted. “That is, if you even have the courage to show your cowardly little tail!” she yelled, before pushing herself back off the barricade and storming off. Her heart was pounding but she didn't care. She was furious. She was going to beat that mare so bad. She'd show them that there was nothing to fear of this monster.

“Absolutely not!” Blaze yelled, stomping her hooves against the table in the council chambers. The night had been hectic, but early in the morning the Avatar had been summoned to the building. Diamond tried, barely, to contain her anger as the ponies discussed her plans for the night. It wasn't their problem, she was the one who called that terrorist out. If she didn't show, everypony would think she was a coward.

Unfortunately, all of the non-ponies had decided not to show. Apparently many of them still viewed this as a 'pony' problem, so they were ignoring it. It didn't matter, though. After tonight, Meadowbrook would be broken.

“I don't care!” Diamond yelled. “You can argue and contemplate all you want, but I'm doing this. With or without the Council's permission.”

“I'm with Council mare Blaze on this,” Sassy said with a shake of her head. “This is far too dangerous. If the Avatar was to lose her cutie mark, she--”

“She can't steal my cutie mark!” Diamond objected. “I'm not a normal pony. I'm the latest incarnation of... well, who knows how many? Whatever trick she has won't work on me.”

“There's absolutely no way to know that,” Zecora said with a shake of her mane. “To fight her now could create a situation we cannot combat.” Despite her words, her voice came out quite plain.

“Unfortunately, this is a dreadful situation we are put in,” Sunburst said with a shake of his head. “If we don't allow the Avatar to meet this pony, she will look cowardly and it will heavily reduce the morale of those still in the city. There is a very minor chance this mare will even appear, anyway.”

“As much as I hate to... agree with the Avatar on this, I must concede there is a point to this,” Octavia said with a shake of her head. “If this mare is foalish enough to appear, it could be the perfect time to strike. She'd have to arrive by ground. We could have ponies surround the area. When she finally appears, the Avatar would just need to stall her long enough for us to strike.” The mare's eyes glanced over to the empty seat besides her, where Vinyl had once sat.

“It's too dangerous. What if we weren't fast enough?” Blaze asked.

“We could have metal benders on the ground and the Shadowbolts in the sky,” Scootaloo said. “I trained half those bolts myself, there's no way she'd be able to notice them in the dark. Between the two, there'd be no escape.”

“I second that,” Styx said with a nod. “Especially now. Without the moon and stars, the nights are dark. It'll take a few days before the order is returned, so we can use this to our advantage. Have the Avatar lure her out, then we strike.”

Diamond ground her hoof into the ground. She couldn't believe this. They were talking about her as if she was just bait. She'd show them. She'd crush this Meadowbrook before they had a chance to move in. Break her like the coward she was. More arguments flowed through the air, but she didn't care. Meadowbrook was going down, she'd see to that. She'd destroy the mare. Crush her.

Diamond took a slow, deep breath as she skidded along the surface of the lake, trying her best to be calm. She would kick Meadowbrook's flank, show her who the real bender was. Her heart was pounding so bad she could almost hear it over the gentle swirls of the lake around her. A small glimmer of light rose from her horn, the fire lighting the dark night.

She wasn't scared, she wasn't. She was a pro-bender and, more importantly, the Avatar. It would take a lot more than some pony with a fancy staff to break her. Even if she lost last time, it was only because she hadn't been on top of her game. She couldn't lose her bending or her cutie mark. After all, she was special. She was unique. There was only one pony like her in all the world. How could anypony else try to take it from her?

Her heart nearly stopped as the opposite end of the lake came in view. She could see a light on it. Was Meadowbrook already there? What if the metal benders and Shadowbolts weren't ready? Could she hold her off long enough?

She shook her head and steeled herself, trying to drown out her pounding heart as she leaped onto the shore. “Meadowbrook! I'm here, show yourself!”

“I-it's me,” a soft voice said.

Diamond's eyes widened. “Silver? What are you doing here?” The light on her horn glowed brighter, revealing the mare laying on the ground, complete in her fake wings and horn.

“I... didn't want you to be alone,” she said softly. “It's so dark and... I thought you might like some company. I mean, you don't even know if she's coming or--”

“You shouldn't have come!” Diamond snapped. “I said alone. It's too dangerous for you, you can't even bend.”

The mare's eyes lowered. “I'm sorry. I just... didn't... want you to have to suffer through this alone.”

The unicorn sighed and slowly stepped forward, sitting by her. “I... guess. I mean, I... appreciate it. Thank you. But you really shouldn't have. If she comes and we have to fight, you'll just get in the way.”

“If she comes, I'll run and... signal the others. I guess. I just... sorry.”

Diamond nodded and looked up. It was so dark now. She wouldn't deny it, but she was happy she didn't have to do this alone. Off in the distance she could see the glow of the city, but here there was nothing but a dark void. She wished she had some candles to light.

She could almost imagine something out there in the gloom, watching them. Just on the edge, the only thing keeping it at bay being the fire from her horn. She wondered what it would be like if the fire went out, if the darkness swallowed them. Would they both disappear, never to be seen again?

She quickly shook her head. 'Stop it, Diamond. It's just the night. There's nothing out there. Except for Meadowbrook. And you aren't scared of her.' None the less, she couldn't get her hooves to stop shaking. Fortunately the light was so dim it would be hard to see. She wondered if anypony else had ever faced darkness like this. It almost seemed hungry.

“Are you okay? You're breathing really heavy,” Silver said softly.

“I'm fine. Just thinking,” the unicorn said with a shrug. “Do you think she'll show?”

“No. I mean, why would she? It's too dangerous. You're the Avatar after all. She'd be foalish to face you head on. Who could fight you?”

Diamond nodded and stared out over the dark lake, though most of it was invisible in the darkness. Only the reflection of the glowing city on it. “Yeah, I am pretty awesome. Nopony could possibly fight me. She knows that.” She grinned and relaxed, leaning back. “Now everypony is going to know just how much a coward she is. That theres nothing to worry about. She'll just hide--”

Her words were cut off as two metal chains lanced out in front of them, appearing from the darkness. They coiled around the two in an instant and dragged them forward. Diamond didn't even have a chance to scream before she was pulled under the water. She struggled in the binds, but they were too tight and she was too disoriented. Her nose and throat burned from the water gushing in and she struggled to shoot it back out, but that only made more water flow in.

Then, just as quickly as it happened, she was in open air. Mostly. The chains still held her and she landed in a puddle, but she could at least breath. She wasn't allowed long to enjoy it, however. The chain sparkled a little before lighting up with electricity. She let out a scream as it flowed through her. She collapsed on the ground, twitching uncontrollably.

Then there was light. She was inside a large, metal square room. The chains holding her and Silver went into two holes in the wall, of which there were three more. She could only watch helplessly as the door opened and four ponies moved out. They were all wearing metal masks with tubes attached. Metal covered them from their hooves to their heads, all bearing black artificial horns and wings. The four surrounded the twitching unicorn and grabbed her hooves, binding them in chains. She looked over to see them remove the (now fried) attachments on Silver, before chaining her up as well. The two soon dangled from the roof.

It was all she could do to keep her eyes open, let alone move. Everything hurt. But, finally, one last pony came into the room. The staff and mask were impossible to miss. “Meadowbrook...” Diamond said softly.

“Avatar. What a pleasure to meet you again,” the mare said with a soft chuckle. “I do wish it could be under better circumstances.” The end of the staff was put under the unicorn's chin.

Diamond's heart started pounding faster and her entire body shook. She was going to lose her cutie mark. There was nothing she could do to stop it. Could the metal benders find them? What about the Shadowbolts? Were they underwater now? Above shore? What if she was wrong and it was possible to remove hers?

“Nopony is coming for you, Avatar,” the mare said with a shake of her head, before slowly pulling the staff back. “But, you're in luck. You see, removing your cutie mark now would be too easy. Worst of all, it wouldn't work with my plans. If I do it now, you'll be seen as a martyr. A mare who stood up against a tyrant and was punished for it.” She sighed. “But that won't do, I'm sure you understand. See, I don't want to hurt anypony. I merely want everypony to be equal. To be the same.” She twirled the staff slowly. “I'm curious, do you understand?”

“Y-you're insane,” Diamond whispered.

“No, this world is insane. Look around you. Look at how the ponies fight and squabble. Look at the great wars that have happened because of the differences ponies have. Do you think it's fair that some ponies are born with wings? Some with bending? Some rich, some poor? Why, look at your past incarnation. She nearly died and countless others did, all because the Water Nation felt it had the right. Because they believed they weren't equal. They de-horned thousands of ponies, using their cruel magics,” She walked around, shaking her head. “All ponies should be equal, born equal. But they aren't. There are always those who stand and tread on others. All the wars, the fighting, the killing.” Her voice actually sounded sad, pitying. “I merely want to end that. I want everypony to be the same.” She then reached out and put a hoof to Diamond's cheek, gently brushing the fur down. “You're smart, aren't you? Can you really not see the wisdom in making all of us the same? In allowing us all the same chances.”

“B-bending is awesome. We need bending. O-our cutie marks. They're what makes us unique and--”

“Unique? What's so good about being 'unique'?” the mare asked, stomping a hoof down. “This uniqueness leads to death, destruction. Killing, maiming. Hurting. How can anything like that possibly be good?”

Diamond trembled and looked around. All of them blank flanks. Couldn't they see how wrong this was? A cutie mark wasn't just bending, it was a pure expression of who they were. Of what they were. A pony couldn't just take it away.

“Avatar, I would love for you to join us,” Meadowbrook said softly.

“W-what?” Diamond asked, her eyes widening. “You're crazy! I'd never join you! I'd sooner die!”

The mare shook her head. “Die? Oh, please don't be so dramatic. I'd never kill anypony.” She lifted the staff up and gently nudged the horn. “Is your bending really worth that much to you? Is your life so empty and pathetic that without it, you have nothing else?”

Diamond trembled, lowering her eyes. “I...”

“There is no longer a need for an Avatar, child. Look at the past. How many ponies have suffered and even died thanks to your failures? How many wars have been fought? I offer a change. True equality. No longer will ponies have to fear for their lives, terrified they'll be squashed by somepony who is bigger or stronger than them.” She then pulled the staff back.

“What is that thing? How does it take our cutie marks?”

“This? Oh, it's known as the Staff of Sameness. A powerful relic created long ago in order to help bring about a utopia where all ponies could be equal and safe. Sadly, even then ponies were... far from accepting. It was lost for millenia. But now I've found it and I will usher in a new world of peace and prosperity. One without bending, without conflict and without an Avatar.” She then turned towards Silver.

“W-what? Hey! Stop!” Diamond cried, as the staff was lowered.

“You'd be another martyr now, Avatar. Your friend, on the other hoof... she'll just be an example. If you won't join me now, watch her. Learn how alike we all can be.”

Silver shrieked, her eyes widening. “W-wait, no, stop, don't--” But the words were cut off as the light from the staff enveloped her.

“STOP!” Diamond screamed, struggling in the chains, but she could do little more than wiggle, her body in too much pain. The chains holding her sparkled for a moment and then pain shot through her again, until darkness enveloped her.

Chapter 12: Aftermath

Diamond groaned as she slowly opened her eyes. The ground under her was soft, but her body felt as if it had been burned from the inside out. All she could see was the darkness. Was she still trapped? Where had Meadowbrook gone?

“Avatar, can you hear me?” a voice called off to her right. She could see a small flickering glow in the distance.

“Over... over here,” Diamond called out before slowly sitting up. Her eyes bulged slightly as more pain shot through her. Whatever those ponies used, they hurt a lot. After a moment an earth pony with a torch strapped to her appeared, walking towards the mare.

“Avatar, you're okay!” the mare said happily. “You suddenly disappeared and we didn't know where you'd gone, we--”

Then the mare's eyes went past her. Diamond followed the gaze and her eyes landed on Silver. The mare no longer had a cutie mark or any of her equipment. “Is... she with Meadowbrook?”

Diamond couldn't help it. She tried to hold them back, but the tears started to flow. “N-no. She's... she's one o-of my friends,” she said weakly. She'd been so sure of herself, so loud and arrogant. She'd been the one there, who had drawn Meadowbrook out. So why was her friend the one who had to suffer for it? She barely managed to stifle the tears as more ponies appeared. If the earth pony saw any of the tears, she didn't mention it.

The unicorn slowly moved over to the mare, reaching a hoof out to touch her. “O-oh Silver...”

The earth pony didn't respond.

Gently, Diamond reached a hoof out and shook her. “I'm so sorry... I thought... I thought I could h-handle her. I thought I could...” She tried to blink the tears away. 'Why? Why her? I was the one who called her out. It should have been my cutie mark. My punishment. Not my friend's!' she yelled at herself, stomping a hoof down.

“Avatar,” Ironwing's voice came up and she cringed. She closed her eyes.

“What? Go ahead, say it.”

“It's not your fault. We never should have agreed to any of this. We shouldn't have let you be used as bait.”

Diamond's eyes opened and she turned to the pegasus. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S NOT MY FAULT?! Of course it's my fault! You know it's my fault!” she screamed, before lunging forward and grabbing him by the withers. “I drew her out! I let Silver stay when I should have sent her away! I did this! You can't stand there and say it's not my fault when we all know it is!” she screamed into his face, the tears flowing down her face again. The pegasus just stared back, his face a mask of stone. They all just watched her. Shadowbolts and metal benders. “What? You're all thinking it! I know you are. 'Oh, Diamond, such a pathetic Avatar. Couldn't even take down one little terrorist.' I would have! I would have smashed her into the ground! But she snuck up on me a-and tricked me and I... and I... and I f-fell for it and I...” Her grip loosened and she sat back down on her flank. “I don't want to d-do this any more... it's not... it's not fun anymore...”

The pegasus stared at her for a moment before turning away. “I'm afraid you'll find very few responsibilities are. Come on, let's get them both to the hospital. I doubt there's much we can do. Shadowbolts, search for any sign of Meadowbrook. She'll need to surface somewhere.”

There were a few nods and she was only slightly aware as she was led away. 'How could I fail so horribly? I am the Avatar. I'm supposed to be the strongest. The best. It's supposed to be so easy. So why is it all so hard?'

“I don't blame you.”

Silver's words echoed through the Avatar's head as she stared across the room at the mare. The two had been brought to the hospital and, after a quick examination, left to rest. The earth pony had woken up soon after, only to smile at Diamond and say those words. Each one cutting through her like a knife.

“I know you did everything you could.”

“H-how can you say that?” Diamond asked, lowering her eyes. “I should have... bent the chains or... cut them with fire or...”

“We were ambushed. I shouldn't have been there at all. I'm sorry.”

“Don't say you're sorry!” Diamond shrieked, shaking her head. “I shouldn't have... I shouldn't have done this. I should have just left the council to deal with it. Not gone off on my own. Not decided I could do it myself. If I hadn't... if I hadn't you'd still have your cutie mark.”

She nodded. “I... guess. But... I know you'll get it back. You're supposed to be the hero, right? So you have to win in the end.”

Diamond nodded, though she couldn't stop the doubt in her heart. “What if... what if I can't?”

“You will. I believe in you.”

The unicorn nodded before falling back onto the bed. She wished she could feel that confident. Not that long ago she would have. But now she just felt... horrible. As if a great weight had slammed down on her chest and was threatening to overwhelm her. If only she hadn't challenged that mare. Not brought her out. Why did she have to do that?

If only she'd been more careful. Less cocky. Known that she could fail.

The door burst open and Diamond looked over.

“Silver!” Dr. Alicity cried, racing over and then scooping up the mare in his hooves. “Oh my little baby girl! Why did you go out there? Why? Why weren't you wearing the attachments? Why weren't you--”

“Daddy! I'm fine!” Silver objected, trying to shove him off. It didn't do much, she was too weak now. “Please, calm down.”

“I will not calm down! This is not a calm down situation! Secretary, do the thing!”

“Sir, the thing is panicking and you are already doing it well enough for both of us.”

“How could this happen? I designed your suit specifically for this kind of situation!”

“It didn't survive the water,” Silver said, lowering her eyes. “I'm sorry, daddy. But they dragged us under the lake and then electrocuted us. There was nothing we could do. The entire suit was fried in seconds.”

Alicity frowned. “Take notes! Next suit, water proof, electric proof, magic proof--”

“No such thing, sir.”

“Then we'll invent it! My little girl is never going outside again until we have this fixed!”

“Daddy!”

“No buts, dear,” the doctor said with a shake of his head. “I have a safe room with four feet thick walls. I think it can hold you.”

“Daddy!”

“Sir, there's no air in that room,” Secretary said with another sigh.

“Then we'll make a machine that makes air!”

“It doesn't work that way.”

“But--”

“DADDY!” Silver screamed, finally managing to push him off. “I'm fine! I'm missing my cutie mark, but I'm fine. Okay? I'm not hurt, or bleeding, nothing is broken. I know Diamond will get it back. Please, just calm down.”

“Perhaps if I recreate the alibot--”

“NO!” both Secretary and Silver said in unison, their eyes wide with horror.

“But--”

“Daddy, please, calm down.” Silver smiled up at him. “I'm fine. Look at me. I could have been much worse, but I'm not.”

“I'm sorry,” Diamond muttered, drawing their attention. “I couldn't... stop Meadowbrook.”

There was a pause, before the doctor shook his head. “No. I never should have let you leave the house. If I had been a better father, I--”

“You're a fine father,” Silver said with a small smile. “I wanted to go out there. You couldn't stop me.”

He frowned. “I should have. This will never happen again, I swear,” he said firmly, before giving her another tight hug. “I will fix this. I'll find a way. Somehow.” He then, slowly, let her go and pulled back. “Come on. We're going home.”

“But--”

“Home,” he said again.

Silver gave Diamond an apologetic look, before slowly sliding out of bed and following after him.

That left Diamond alone in the room and she slowly laid back, closing her eyes. She couldn't help but feel more guilt as she laid there. She opened her eyes stared up at the roof.

She played the encounter over in her mind, again and again. What if she'd been a better bender? But she'd been taken by surprise, it had all happened so fast. Before she even knew what had happened she had been hit so hard she could do little more than twitch. Why hadn't her cutie mark been removed, too? Was it because the magic wouldn't work on her? Meadowbrook had to see her as a threat.

Didn't she?

Diamond huddled up into a little ball as more and more doubts flowed into her mind. What if she wasn't capable of doing this? What if those other ponies had been right? She'd always assumed that being the Avatar meant she was the strongest, the best. But what if it didn't? What if it just meant she was like everypony else. Twilight had managed to defeat the strongest, evilest spirit of all time and an entire country. What if she was so incapable that she couldn't even stop this one mare? What if her being the Avatar was all a mistake? She let out a soft whimper and felt tears forming in her eyes again.

She felt a hoof placed gently on her side. “It's okay,” Prism's voice cut through.

“G-go away,” she said softly.

“No. Now is not the time for you to be alone.”

“I-I want to b-be alone,” she said weakly. “I... I just... y-you have no idea what I've been through. What--”

“You feel like you failed. You feel like you let somepony you cared about down. You feel like there was something you should have done, could have done, to make it all better.” She slowly looked up at him and he smiled down at her. “It's too late now.”

She sobbed and bit her lip. “I... I'm supposed to be o-one of the greatest b-benders of all time. B-but I can't even fix this. C-couldn't stop this. What's the p-point, then? I-if I'm s-so great, how come everything is... everything is going s-so wrong?”

His smile wavered and he gently patted her on the head. “I'm going to tell you something somepony really wise once told me. It's okay that you're sad. It's okay that you're upset. That you're hurting. If you need to cry, then cry. Whine. Complain. Even curse the world if you have to. Let all of the pain flow out.”

She nodded and closed her eyes. “I... I never wanted this to happen. I want to stop her. Why did this have to h-happen?”

“Bad things happen all the time. There are bad ponies who will take and hurt all they can. Ponies like us try to stop them, but sometimes others get hurt in the process. We get hurt. Sometimes we die, sometimes we lose a part of ourselves. Sometimes those we care about get hurt. But that doesn't mean we give up. You're hurt, and that's okay. But you can't let this break you and you can't let this destroy you. There is still so much in the world that you can do. The world needs an Avatar.”

She nodded slowly before looking up at him. “Do... you think it's true? That my... that my soul is black? That I don't... care?”

He paused for a second and stared down at her. Finally, he shook his head. “No. I think what you said was cruel and hurtful. Especially to a teammate. But I don't think you're so far gone that there is no good in you. I just think you still have a long way to go. I don't know what Filthy has been teaching you, but the Avatar is not the be all, end all. You're going to find there are plenty of ponies who are better benders than you, who can do what you cannot. But there will also be things that only you can do. That doesn't make you any better or worse than them. It just makes you different.”

She nodded. “Okay. I... talked with Button. I... I think you were right. I think he just... needed some other way to learn.” She slowly sat up and cringed. She was still pretty sore. She wondered how Silver had been able to cope with the pain after all those electrical bursts. She then rolled her eyes. She doubted her friend had even been shocked. “Is Blaze still mad at me?”

“For doing this? Yes. It was really stupid to try to face Meadowbrook like that. Especially when we have no idea what she's capable of. There's still a lot of talk going on with the council. Nopony expected her to escape through the lake like that. Where she even got such an underwater device is anypony's guess.”

Diamond nodded. “So she did drag us underwater. Did they manage to find her?”

“No,” he said with a soft sigh. “If the Moon Raisers were still here, it likely would have been easy. But they were sent on an airship yesterday. Earth benders aren't so good against water and those rivers go for miles. She could be anywhere.”

The unicorn slid out of bed and let out a soft gasp of pain. She moved to stand by him and looked up. “Can... I stop this?”

“Stop what?”

“Working with the council. I...” She took a deep breath. “I don't think I'm ready to face Meadowbrook right now. Maybe eventually, but... I don't think I can beat her right now. I'd rather just focus on learning to air bend and the tournament. Just for now. Maybe... later, I'll fight her.”

Prism nodded. “That'll be fine. I'll talk with Blaze and she can make an announcement.” He paused. “You'll likely have to talk with Sunburst as well.”

“I know. I will. But... right now I just want to... take it easy for now. Please.”

He nodded and turned. “As you wish. How about we head home for now, okay?”

She nodded. “Yeah. I'd... I'd like that.” She trotted after him, her head low. It wasn't like she was scared of Meadowbrook or anything. She just didn't want anypony else getting hurt when she fought her. Not again.

Author's Note

Okay, going to be last chapter for a bit. Super busy times rights now so I'm kind of behind on some things. Still writing them, just haven't gotten final edits to submit to my editor done. Should be back soonish.

Chapter 13: Semi-finals

Diamond took a slow, deep breath as she rocked back and forth in her chair, her eyes never leaving her locker. It hadn't been trashed this time, fortunately. It had been almost a week since her fight with Meadowbrook, if it could even be called that, and things hadn't changed much. She'd been practicing with Button and Prism plenty, but she hadn't even seen Acrylic since last week. If it wasn't for Button and Silver swearing he'd visited them a few times, she'd have thought he skipped town.

Sunburst had been disappointed that she would no longer be helping with Meadowbrook, but agreed to accept her decision. Officially, though, she was still offering aid. That way ponies wouldn't worry that she had abandoned them. But the thought of facing Meadowbrook filled her with chills and on more than a few occasions she'd been woken up by nightmares. She imagined the mare, leading an army against their little island. Taking it apart. Stealing her cutie mark and the marks of all her friends. The city burning in fire, destroyed under that maniac's hoof.

Her training hadn't been very successful, either. She had the movements down, but she just couldn't air bend. Something was holding her back, she just didn't know what it was. Even more frustrating was the fact that Button was getting better and better. He'd managed to ring her out a few times, even.

Silver was wearing a new suit now, as well. Long, golden wings and horn, with attached hoof pieces. It also hid her blank flank, which was probably for the best. For the blank flanks, things had been getting worse and worse. There had been at least a dozen attacks on them since, and a few had launched attacks of their own. Families were being torn apart, the unmarked versus the marked. More Shadowbolts and metal benders had faced these attacks and had their marks removed as well. Diamond didn't fully understand all the politics but even she could see that all it would take was one little spark and everything would go up in flames.

The only good sign was that the unmarked seemed, for the most part, slower. Dumber, too. Everything about them seemed to be held back. Diamond couldn't imagine how Meadowbrook was able to move like the first time they'd met if she was like that. Then again, the staff had done most of the fighting.

Everything came together to make the last week a miserable one for Diamond. She could barely sleep, wasn't hungry and her training was just an exercise in frustration. She could feel the cities eyes on her whenever she went anywhere, ponies staring, wanting to know what she'd do. But what could she do? She didn't even know who Meadowbrook was. She could be any of the unmarked.

Well, any of those not currently being detained or monitored. She rested her head on her hooves. “Guhhhhhhhh.”

“Everything okay?” Button asked as he trotted in.

“I hate everything,” she grumbled. “Well, not you or Silver. But like... most things.”

He nodded and walked over, sitting by her. “Soooo... wanna talk about it?”

“Not really. I want you to get dressed and get ready. Where's Acrylic?”

“He should be here soon. I know he wouldn't miss this.” There was just a hint of doubt in his voice.

“Is he upset his mom left?”

“Kinda... but I don't think that's it.”

“Well, what is it?” She looked up to him and he quickly looked away.

“Wow, will you look at the time you know should probably keep getting ready yup huh, gonna change now!” he said before jumping to his hooves. She watched him with a cocked eye.

“You're... hiding something. Aren't you?”

“No no not at all why would you think that, nope!” he said, shaking his head and suddenly finding his locker to be the most interesting thing in the world.

“Hey. Come on, tell me,” she said. He completely ignored her. “Come ooooon. Please? We're friends. You have to tell me.”

“Not a chance! I'll carry Acrylic's crush with me to the grave,” Button said with a nod.

“Wait, he has a crush? On who?” she asked, her eyes widening.

“What? No! He doesn't, who told you?”

“...” The unicorn eyed him for a moment. “He... did.”

Button paused and looked over. “Wait, really? But he made me promise never to tell anypony.”

“Well, yeah, but we're teammates. It's different for us.” She gave what she hoped was an innocent, trusting smile.

The stallion nodded. “Well... I guess. If he's okay with you knowing. But I'm sure you can imagine why he's so upset, then.”

“Oh, yeah, totally. Since his crush... errr...” She watched him, willing him to spill the beans.

“Yeah. I mean, wouldn't you be upset?”

“Yes. Of course. After the... thing happened.”

“I mean, once she--”

The door to the locker room slammed open and she jumped. She looked back to see Acrylic, stomping through and not looking at either of them.

“Heyyyy,” Diamond said. He gave her a look that could have peeled paint off the walls. “Errr... something wrong?”

“Nothing,” he said coldly, before moving to his locker and yanking it open, pulling his uniform on. “Let's get out there and win this thing.”

“Okay,” the unicorn said softly. Well, something definitely put a bee in his bonnet, she couldn't help but wonder what. She hoped it wouldn't interfere with his game tonight. She really hoped he hadn't heard what she and Button had been talking about.

Diamond quickly went on alert as the bell went off. Her horn flared to life and she focused on the fire bender across from her. Another fire, water and earth team. This was going to be--

Suddenly a flurry of stone disks started to rain on their opponents. She looked over to the right and gaped at Button. He was practically dancing across the stage, sending stone after stone at the group. He didn't try to stop, he just kept moving, powering through from one strike to the next.

“I can't believe it! I don't think any of us have ever seen Button, no, any earth bender fight like that! Stone after stone after stone! It is all the Turtles can do just to fend them off! I don't know what he's been doing this past week, but I'd try to find out, ladies and gentlecolts. This could be the making of a whole new style!”

Diamond shook her head and sent a flurry of fire out. She'd practically forgotten she had to help too. She let out a startled shriek as a burst of cold water struck her shoulder from behind. “Acrylic!”

“Sorry,” he muttered gruffly. Their opponents finally managed to break through and start launching their own attacks, their earth bender struggling to keep Button's strike down.

A burst of fire shot at her and she stepped back, slamming into Acrylic. “Watch it!”

“How about you watch where you're going?” he snapped back, moving away from her. He twisted his horn and she barely ducked in time to avoid a smack of the water as it whipped by.

“Are you trying to hit me too?” she snapped, glaring.

“Just stay out of my way,” he yelled at her, before sending a burst of water. She sent another fire burst out, spinning a few times before peppering them with a few rapid fire shots. Then suddenly Acrylic's hoof was right in front of her. She narrowly moved back, barely avoiding a shot to the face.

“Watch it!” she yelled again. 'What the buck is his problem?'

He didn't respond, sending out a few more bursts. She stepped back and frowned. His strikes were far more erratic than she remembered. Button was doing great, now, but Acrylic was all over the place. She stayed out of his way and let out a yelp as a burst of fire hit him in the hoof, making him step back. A second later a earth disk hit him in the chest, followed by a water blast, sending him toppling over and off the edge. She could barely believe it. When did he get so bad? She let out a yelp and ducked under the next blast, sending a few out. She quickly went on the defensive, sending her own bursts of flames out to cover Button as he launched flurry after flurry of disks their way.

Before long, the buzzer went off, their first round a loss. She quickly moved back towards the entrance to help Acrylic out, but he had already climbed out of the drink. “What's wrong? What are you doing out there?” she asked.

“Nothing! I'm fine!” he snapped.

“The buck you are. You almost clobbered me like five times. You just got your flank handed to you. Something is up, what is it?”

“Nothing! Just shut up!” he yelled at her.

“Ohhhh, looks like the Notes are having a bit of a team squabble! Here's hoping they get it out of the way before the next round!” the announcer called.

Diamond blushed and looked up. She then turned and walked towards the exit, grabbing Acrylic's tail in her mouth and dragging him behind her.

“Let me go!”

She didn't answer until they were back in their room and then turned on him. “What is wrong? You've been avoiding me all week and now you're all over the place. If you're still mad about what I said to Button, just let it go. Seriously. He's over it, why aren't you?”

“It has nothing to do with Button,” he said harshly. “Listen, you're such a great bender, why are you having any problems? Just bend around me.”

“The problem is you keep running into me, shoving me and just being a flank face! Seriously, what is wrong with you?”

“Nothing is wrong with me!” he yelled back.

Button stepped in after them. “Hey, guys, next round is about to--”

“It's because of your little crush, isn't it? So she doesn't like you any more and you're blaming me?”

Acrylic's eyes widened and his cheeks flared red. “W-what? I-I don't know what you're talking about.”

“Um, guys, the match--”

“Button told me all about her,” Diamond snapped. “I tricked him,” she added quickly. “You need to calm down. So what? I'm sure she'll get over it. She--”

“She shouldn't have been there! You shouldn't have brought her with you!” Acrylic yelled back, moving forward and glaring into her eyes. “Silver shouldn't have been within a mile of that psycho, but once again you didn't care about anypony but yourself and just dragged her along. Of course she got hurt! She's not a bender, she's not even a fighter!”

Diamond stared, her mouth falling open. “Your crush is Silver? That's why you're so upset? I didn't want her to be there! She came on her own!”

“I should have been there! I could have kept her safe!”

“Oh, the buck you could have,” the unicorn said with a roll of her eyes. “I couldn't keep her safe. You would have just been dead weight and caused more trouble if you were th--” She didn't finish the words as the stallion lunged forward and took a swing at her. She was so shocked she didn't even think to dodge, taking the blow to the face and stumbling back. “Y-you hit me!”

He looked just as shocked as her, regret flashing across his face. “I... I didn't... I meant... GAHHH!” he yelled before running out of the room, shoving past Button. “Let's just get this stupid tournament over so I never have to see you again!”

Diamond rubbed her eye, shaking her head. It would probably cause a small bruise, but he was still a unicorn. They were rarely any good at throwing real punches. She couldn't help being shocked none the less. She looked to Button. “You... saw that, right? He just took a swing at me and everything! What's wrong with him?”

“Well... that was a pretty harsh thing to say,” the stallion said awkwardly. “We're all friends, right? Just... errr... maybe... give some time for both of you to calm down after this?” he asked with a nervous smile.

“You're taking HIS side?”

“I-I'm not taking anypony's side!” Button said quickly, shaking his head. “I just think... well... he's upset right now and you have a way of... poking at wounds and--”

Diamond growled. “Come on, let's just get this stupid bucking match over with so I don't have to deal with EITHER of you!” She stormed past, shoving Button aside.

The earth pony watched them both, his ears going flat on his skull. “Why can't we all just get along?” he mumbled before trotting after them.

“I don't know what happened between matches, but the Notes are all over the place this round!” the announcer yelled as the match went on.

Diamond tried to ignore the announcer, but she couldn't tone him out well enough. She was finding it almost impossible to focus. She was missing dodges and blocks that a foal could have seen and it was all she could do to hold on. Acrylic wasn't fairing much better. He'd moved to the right side, with Button between them, but it wasn't helping. He couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with strikes like that and he'd been driven down to his knees a few times already. Button was winding down, too. His attacks losing some of their strength.

Diamond let out a low shriek as a burst of flame knocked her back hooves out. She stumbled back, before three earth disks hit her in the chest, sending her toppling over board. She fell through the air, landing in the water with a loud splash. “Buck it!” she shrieked in fury. They were failing and it was all his fault. Did he think she was happy about what happened to Silver? That she wanted her friend to lose her cutie mark? The unicorn felt miserable enough about it without him dumping this grief on her.

She couldn't help but smirk slightly when she saw the stallion stumble back and fly over the edge, only to feel a bit of worry. The only one left was Button. If he lost, they all lost. She ignored Acrylic as he moved to the edge and shot her another glare.

After what felt like an eternity the final bell went off. They'd lost another round. Two out of three. She climbed out of the water and made her way to the waiting area, shoving the water off herself.

“Come on, guys. We're all friends, remember?” Button asked, grinning to them.

“I'm not friends with her!” Acrylic snapped.

“Well, I don't want to be friends with you anyway!” Diamond shot back and the two glared at each other, fire practically forming between their eyes.

Button quickly moved between them. “Easy guys, easy. Remember what we are! We're a team. We work together. We win together, lose together. We can still do this. I know you two are amazing benders. Can't you just let this go?”

“NO!” the two yelled in unison, before glaring at each other. The earth pony sighed and shook his head, trotting over to the seats and sitting down.

“I hate you,” Acrylic mumbled.

“I hate you more,” Diamond snapped back.

Button face hoofed.

After a few minutes of rest, the buzzer went off one final time, signaling the match to begin. The three trotted up to the stage, Acrylic and Diamond glowering at each other and trying to make sure they were the first one up, shoving and pushing each other as they went.

“I don't know what's gotten into the Notes, but they'd better sort it out fast if they want any chance of making it to the finals!” the announcer called. “Final round, all the Turtles need to do is keep themselves from being knocked out, and their into the finals! I hope your ready, ladies and gentlecolts, the final round begins now!”

The bell went off and Diamond stepped forward, sending out a burst of fire. Acrylic sent his own water burst at the same time, the two attacks striking into each other and sending steam into the air. “HEY!” she yelled. “Watch where you're launching that stuff!” She jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding a burst of fire from the enemy team.

“How about you watch where you're attacking?” he asked, before sending out another burst of water.

“Guys, come on!” Button yelled, sending out a few disks. He let out a yelp as fire and water started raining down on him. He brought up his hooves to block himself, but was knocked into the side ropes, pushed back against them. Diamond and Acrylic were forced onto the defensive as the water bender struck at her and the earth bender attacked him. Blow after blow hit the two and they were sent toppling back. She landed on her back and barely rolled aside in time to avoid another strike.

“I'm sorry, okay?” Diamond yelled. “I know I should have been able to protect her, but I couldn't. I didn't ask her to be there, but I should have sent her away. It's my fault, okay?” she finally yelled, ducking under a burst of water.

“I don't care!” Acrylic yelled, before sending out a slice of water, cutting a disk in half before sending a small burst out.

“No, you don't, but you should. You couldn't have done anything. Not because you're weak, but because it was an ambush. We didn't know what she was capable of. I'm sorry Silver got hurt, I really am. And I want to get her cutie mark back!” Diamond sent out a small burst of flame, before dodging to the right to avoid another burst of water. “But I can't yet! I'm not strong enough! I failed Silver and I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do about it yet! So can you please just forgive me!”

Acrylic was hit in the chest as he sent out a tendril of water, knocking one of the ponies to the side. “I'm sorry I punched you!” he called out, before a tendril struck out and hit a second pony, rocking them to the side in a perfect line. “I know I couldn't have done much, but... I wanted to help! I want to help! I know it's not your fault... I just... gah!”

Diamond's eyes widened. She swung to the right, deflecting a burst of fire that was aimed at Button. “Button, be an avalanche!” she yelled.

The earth pony pushed forward, finally free from the trap. He shoved forward, moving in quick rhythm as the disks flew out in a rapid flow. It hit the pony in the front and Diamond grinned. All three were in a perfect line, thanks to Acrylic's strikes. The front pony was hit with a few and sent toppling back into the second. The blows never stopped and they were sent into the third and finally, with one last burst, Button sent the last three overboard, into the drink.

“The Notes have done it! Ring out! RING OUT!” the announcer yelled. “I can't believe it! They're going to the finals! The Notes are going to the finals!”

Diamond smiled, before slowly her eyes lowered to Acrylic. He looked to her, before looking away. “Did... you mean that?” he asked softly.

“Yes. I never wanted Silver to get hurt. I was over confident. I thought if Meadowbrook showed up, I could protect her. I wanted to protect her. But I couldn't. I did my best and... it wasn't good enough.” She took a slow, deep breath. “I'm sorry. She's my friend and I let her down. I know it doesn't really make up for it, but I am sorry. I do want to fix this, somehow. But I can't yet.”

Acrylic nodded slowly. “I... am sorry I hit you. I was just so... mad. Hearing you say that. I... I know I couldn't have done much. But... knowing that I wasn't there. Not even getting a shot to try. It just... it makes me so...”

“Can the Notes please clear the way for the next team?”

The three looked up and realized that they were standing in the middle of the arena, the crowd watching them. Their cheeks flared and they galloped away, back to the waiting room. Once there, Diamond took another deep breath.

“I'm sorry. I know you were mad and I deserved it. I probably deserve a whole lot more. What I said to Button before was wrong. Getting Silver hurt like that was wrong. I... know sometimes I say things I really shouldn't. Do things I shouldn't. It's just...” She shuffled her hooves a little. “When I got here, I thought everything was going to be so much easier. I thought everypony was going to be bowing at my hooves, praising my name. Saying how glorious and amazing I am. It hasn't been like that at all. At least, not most of the times. I know I've still got a long, long way to go and I'm trying my hardest. But I'm learning that... maybe I'm not quite as good as I thought I was. Okay?” she said softly, looking away. “I'm sorry about the things I said before. I'm sorry about how I've looked down on you. I'm really sorry about hurting you.” She paused before glancing back to him. “Is... there anything else I owe you apologies for?”

He slowly shook his head. “No. I think that about sums it up. It... means a lot to me that you're saying this. That you're accepting...” He smiled slowly. “I'm sorry I blamed you. I knew you didn't try to get Silver hurt. I just... I feel so powerless. You know?”

She nodded, before grinning. “So, does she know that you have a crush on her? Because if not, I know exactly what we'll be gossiping about next time--” And suddenly he was right in her face with an odd aura of... she could only call it murderous intent.

“I will end you,” he warned.

She gulped and gave a nod. “R-right. I won't say a word. Nope. Not a word.”

He nodded and relaxed.

“And the Rock Bunnies win!” the announcer called.

Diamond blinked and looked back towards the arena. “Wait, what?” She hadn't even noticed them go by, yet they'd already won their match? She stared in shock as the three benders came trotting down into the room.

“Well, that was easy,” Babs said with a smirk, before blowing her bangs out of her eyes and glancing to them. “Avatar! The rest of you Notes. Surprised to see you still here after that painful display.”

Diamond narrowed her eyes. “We were just about to leave. Don't worry, we'll be back next week to kick your flanks off that little platform.”

“Oh, don't make me laugh,” Limestone said with a roll of her eyes before stepping forward. “I'm going to kick your flank so hard you'll be seeing stars, Avatar. You three are pathetic, you were practically attacking each other out there.”

The Avatar growled, stepping forward to meet the other fire bender. She dug a hoof into the ground. “We're going to kick your flanks next week. So hard you'll never want to bend again. So hard nopony will ever remember where the buck you even came from. So hard that... that ponies will think you just belong on farms or something.”

“Oh it is on!” Limestone yelled, stomping forward, barely being stopped by Marble and Babs.

“Easy, easy!” Babs said.

“W-wait until next week,” Marble said softly. “W-we'll get in trouble!”

“Just you wait, Avatar! Next week, I'm going to pound you into the ground so hard! You won't be able to stand for a week!” Limestone screamed. “You're going down! You hear me? DOWN!”

Diamond snorted. “Not even a normal farms. You'll be on rock farms. Bad ones.”

Acrylic sighed and moved over besides her. “Diamond. They WERE rock farmers before they came here.”

That gave the Avatar pause as she looked between the three. “Errr... wait, really?”

“ROCK FARMING IS AWESOME!” Limestone yelled. “I'm going to grind you into dust! You hear that, Avatar? DUST!”

Diamond turned and trotted off, though she glanced back before looking to her comrades. “Wait, so she's really a rock farmer? That's kind of...”

“What? It's a good job. Lots of ponies do it,” Button said with a shrug.

“Well, yeah. But how do you become a good bender just rock farming? How'd they even make it to the league?”

“They're good,” Acrylic muttered. “But try not to antagonize them anymore. Next week is our final match and I'd rather not have them sick their fans on us.”

“Sick their fans on us?”

He nodded. “Marble's fan base is pretty... rabid. I've heard of some of their opponents getting ambushed right before games. I don't think she supports it, but... well...”

Diamond nodded. “Don't worry. I bet I have two, or even three times the amount of fans she does.”

“I find that hard to believe. You don't exactly inspire the same... emotions that she does,” Acrylic mumbled.

“I inspire emotions!”

“Yes, but most of them are annoyance. Or anger. Or hatred.”

Diamond rolled her eyes again. “How about we go and get something to eat? Celebrate the fact we made it to the finals. That and next week we're going to be the most awesome benders in all the city.” A wide grin formed on her face.

“Yeah. That actually sounds kind of nice,” Acrylic said with a smile. “Maybe we can get Silver, too.”

The unicorn snorted. “Oh, I'm sure you want to get her.” She was rewarded with a blush from him.

Chapter 14: Council Decision

Diamond hummed softly as she dodged to the left and right, narrowly avoiding Prism's air bursts. She was getting better. They didn't even use the leaves anymore, she just followed the air with her eyes, ears and touch. He had been steadily getting faster, too, and she could still avoid it.

She still couldn't figure out why she couldn't air bend, though. Her wings refused to sprout and even the most basic of air bending evaded her. She wasn't even able to walk on clouds. Though, his explanation of 'being too awesome to fall through them' didn't help any. How could anypony learn to walk on them from THAT? She wished she had any idea of what she was missing.

Blaze walked out from the house. “Avatar, Prism, it's time for lunch.”

Diamond nodded and trotted towards the house. She had a sneaking suspicion that the other pegasus hadn't quite forgiven her for what she had said to Button, yet. Since then it had always been 'Avatar', never 'Diamond'. Even after her apology. She kind of missed the old Blaze, this harsher, more stern one was nowhere near as fun.

She sat and nibbled at her oat cakes. “So... ummm... any news from the council?”

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Avatar,” Blaze said firmly.

“Come on, please? There's got to be some news,” Diamond asked with a small smile. “The Shadowbolts are still in--” She cringed as Blaze dropped her cake. “What's wrong? Did something happen to the Shadowbolts?”

The mare shook her head. Prism frowned and looked to Blaze. “Have... they come to a decision?”

“Not yet. But it's still being discussed. Styx and Scootaloo are both firmly against it. But Sassy and Zecora both want the change,” Blaze said with a sigh. “I'm remaining neutral on it, due to our... history.”

“What? What history? What's going on? Tell meeeee!”

Prism sighed. “It's hardly hidden news, we can tell her.”

The mare rolled her eyes, before nodding. “Very well. Avatar, I'm sure you've noticed that, with the vacancy of the Moon Raisers, the metal benders and Shadowbolts have become more prominent. The big problem is that the metal benders are being targeted. Their forces are falling as well. The Shadowbolts have gained far more responsibility as a result and, unfortunately, many believe the current leader isn't up to the job.”

“Who? Ironwing?”

Prism nodded. “Indeed. He never should have been given command anyway. He was too young.”

“Prism,” Blaze said with a shake of her head. “He's been doing a fine job these last years.”

“During a time of peace. If it wasn't for the pull of his mother and Styx, he wouldn't have gotten the job to begin with. He's not ready for it.”

The pegasus mare sighed. “Unfortunately, Prism's views are shared by many on the council, though most aren't speaking up. Yet. The problem is, now is not the time for a structure change. If the Shadowbolt's lose their leader now, their effectiveness will decrease. We're losing the cities defenders quickly and leaving ourselves vulnerable.”

Diamond nodded and thought back to the attack on that small shop. She gave a little shiver. “Blaze? Do you think that Ironwing can handle this? Running the Shadowbolts during... this?”

“I think Ironwing can do a better job than any other candidate at the moment,” Blaze said firmly. “He'll do whatever needs to be done.” There was a snort from Prism. “As long as he can do it. To keep this city safe. But once this emergency is over, perhaps a new leader can be chosen. One who's not so... young. One with more experience.”

“Really?” Diamond asked with a cocked eye. “I mean, he seems really old. He's like your age, right?” She let out a yelp as a sudden burst of air sent her flying against the room and into the wall.

“Why, yes, he is our age. And we are not that much older than you, young Avatar,” Blaze said before sipping her tea. “Hardly old.”

“Owwww...” the unicorn said with a groan.

Blaze got to her hooves. “Either way, there are still plenty of troubles in the city. If you decide to go back again, try to keep safe and out of harms way. And don't cause any trouble if you can avoid it.” She gave Prism a light kiss on the cheek. “I should probably head back out to see the council soon. We have another meeting tonight.”

Prism nodded and gave her a hug. “I'll tidy up while you're gone. I love you.”

“I love you too,” she said before trotting out of the room and up the stairs.

Diamond groaned and slowly trotted over, sitting back down and nibbling her oat cake. “She's touchy right now. So, what's with you and Ironwing, anyway? I mean, he's got a stick up his butt and all, but other than that? I figured you'd be best buddies. As far as I can tell, you've had one up your butt for ages.”

The stallion blushed and glowered. “I do NOT have a stick up my anywhere!”

“Oh please, you're always so tense and angry whenever I see you,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “I don't think I've ever seen you relax. I figured you two would be best of friends or something.”

He harrumphed. “We were. Long, long ago.”

“Really? What happened?”

Prism stared into his cup before shaking his head. “When I needed him most, he abandoned me. That's something you should learn, Avatar. Never betray your friends. Something like that just... can't be forgiven.”

Diamond nodded and slowly got to her hooves. “I'm going to go check on the others. I told them I'd meet them at Silver's. Is that okay?”

He nodded. “You've been doing excellent on your training and--” He stopped as the door slammed behind him. He shook his head. “Always in a rush. I'm happy I was never like that.”

“HA!” Blaze's voice rang down from upstairs.

“What? How did you even hear that?” he yelled up at her.

“I hear everything!” she yelled back down.

“Hello Avatar, a pleasure to see you again,” Silver said softly as she smiled at the unicorn. Diamond shivered slightly as she eyed her friend. The mare had a weird, slightly blank look on her face. “I made cookies. Would you like some?” She motioned down at a plate of charred, black cookies.

“Errr... you made them yourself?”

“Indeed. I... am not quite the cook I once was,” she said sadly. “I do hope you don't mind.”

The unicorn looked around the dining room, giving a nervous smile to Button and Acrylic. Then, as one, all three reached out and took a cookie.

She chewed on one and shivered as the burnt snack filled her mouth. “It... tastes good.”

“Really? I'm so pleased,” the earth pony said, giving them a smile. “I'm sorry I wasn't there at your match. I tried to be but... I was going so slow that day. I just couldn't get there in time.” She paused, a hoof rising to her cheek. “I used to be so good at that...”

“It's fine,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “We all did fine. I learned something fun, too, about-- eep!” Her chair was suddenly flipped out from under her.

“Oops. Sorry,” Acrylic said without even a hint of remorse. “It's fine. You'll be at the finals, won't you?”

“Of course. I made daddy promise to get me there on time, one way or another. I wouldn't miss it for the world.”

Silver's voice sounded almost monotone, filling the Avatar with more guilt. She nodded slowly. “We'll kick their flanks in your honor, then.”

“How has your training been? Have you learned air bending yet?”

The unicorn cringed. “Not... yet. I uhhh... I feel I... am going to be able to eventually. Maybe. I have the form down. I just can't seem to have the wind.”

“Oh, so you're having trouble passing wind? Have you tried eating some chili?” Button asked with a grin. He eeped as three sets of eyes glared at him. “S-sorry.”

“Try to act your age,” Acrylic muttered.

Silver smiled and sat down, nibbling one of the cookies. If she could tell how nasty they were, she gave no sign. The four sat in awkward silence. Finally, Diamond spoke up. “So... errr... I heard that... the attachments you're using, some of Meadowbrook's forces have them. Any idea how she got her hooves on them?”

The mare frowned and lowered her gaze. “They're cheap knock offs, at best. Or stolen models. Daddy has been trying to find out how they did it. He thinks they might have been stolen from some of his warehouses or possibly from the ones he gave the Shadowbolts.”

“Is that common?” Diamond asked.

She shrugged. “Not sure. Daddy makes a lot of things and most are stored away. It's possible somepony stole some early prototypes and duplicated them, bought some already made or even just swiped them. Daddy has been trying to make them so anypony could get their hooves on them, so it wouldn't be hard to have gotten their hooves on them. Duplicating them would be... far more difficult, of course. But that doesn't mean it's absolutely impossible that they did it.”

“It's a great way to get equality, I suppose,” Diamond muttered. “Making everypony an alicorn. Even if just an artificial one.”

“It's that or chop off everypony's horns and wings,” Button said with a shrug. “Frankly, I think the whole fake wings and horns method works better.”

Acrylic shivered. “Hopefully she's not crazy enough to hack off everypony's wings and horns.”

Once again, silence filled the room. Then the door slammed open, making the four jump. Secretary stepped inside. “Miss Silver? You're going to want to hear this. Your father is listening in his lab.” She walked over to a strange box with a few knobs on it.

“What's that?” Diamond asked softly.

“A radio,” Button said. “Not very common in a lot of places, but here in Harmony we have two full radio stations. You've seen some of the speakers around the city, right? During big events they'll all have music and announcements from one of the stations.” His voice leaked with pride.

The unicorn nodded. She'd heard of such devices, but she'd never actually seen one. Or at least, never paid much attention to them. They tended to only be in the really big cities, or so she heard. Secretary fiddled with the knobs and then it buzzed a little before a voice came on.

Meadowbrook's voice.

“--too long. These competitions are nothing more than shams, used by benders to try and prove their superiority over others. Can non-benders compete? No. How about those who are still learning? No. Even those who are good enough but are not as financially sound as the main teams can't enter.”

Diamond dug a hoof into the ground.

“This is truly shameful, a disgraceful act that never should have been allowed to exist. Why should one team be lorded above all others as the end all, be all? All ponies should be equal, sound and safe in their togetherness. This tournament is just another driving wedge between all ponies and I will no longer stand for it.”

The unicorn grit her teeth, struggling to hold in her anger.

“If this tournament goes on, I will end it. Personally. I will destroy everything that it stands for. I will not allow this... mockery to continue. A world of true equality has no need for such things. But I am merciful and kind. Ponies, call for your leaders to end this sham. Tell them how angry you are that this barbarianic contest has been allowed to continue. There need be no cause for violence. After all, All I want is to save you all.”

The was a small pause.

“Hello, Harmony. My name is Meadowbrook. Some of you will know me as the great Equalizer, the pony who will make all races equal. I have come with a warning. The pro bending fad has gone on for too long. These competitions are--” Secretary shut it off.

“It's been looping for the last ten minutes,” the mare said, looking back to the stunned four. “We don't know how they took over the air waves, but the council will know soon. If you want to make a plea, then you'd best move quickly.”

“Make a plea? Why us?” Diamond asked, staring at the radio.

“You're the tournament finalists. It's your match. If you want them to stop it, then--”

“They can't just give in!” Diamond objected, shaking her head. “That's what Meadowbrook wants! If they give in, she'll just make more demands. Nopony will be safe to do anything!”

“And I'm sure you'll be super upset not being able to show off again,” Acrylic muttered.

“Yes, I will,” Diamond said, before shaking her head. “But that doesn't make what I said any less true. Meadowbrook is... she won't stop until she has everything. If we show we're scared of her, she'll just keep taking things.”

“Then we'd better go meet with the council,” Silver said softly. “Will daddy--”

“Be coming? Of course I will!” Alicity said proudly as he stepped into the room. “And I have just the mode of transportation needed.”

“Not the alibot, please not the alibot,” Silver said softly.

“It's not the alibot!” he said defiantly. “It's better.”

Diamond stared, her mouth open as she looked at the big, golden vehicle. It was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. “What... what is that?”

The doctor gave a crazy grin before trotting over to tap it on the side. “It's called a tank.”

“Is that... a party cannon?” the Avatar asked, practically drooling as she stared at it.

“Yup! Three of them.”

“Eeeeee!”

“Eeeeeee!” Diamond repeated as she stood on top of the massive golden vehicle, the three cannons in front of her, occasionally shooting confetti and cake as they drove down the street. Ponies stared in wide eyed wonder at the device, though some stared more because they'd been covered in pastry by it. “This is the most awesome thing EVER!” she cried out.

“Will you get inside?” Acrylic yelled up at her.

“NEVER!”

“Hold on!” Secretary yelled.

Diamond looked down. “What? Wh--” The tank screeched to a halt, sending her flying off the top and crashing into the street with a pained moan.

“We're here,” Secretary called out.

“Little... warning would have been nice,” the Avatar said before slowly getting to her hooves and wobbling around for a few seconds. She shook her head and smiled. “I'm okay!”

“A shame,” Acrylic said flatly, getting a glare from her.

The unicorn then turned towards the large building in front of them. At least six stories tall, all light blue. It was somewhat comforting, but she did wonder why they had all those meeting rooms around the city if they had their own building. She shrugged and trotted forward, shoving open the door. “You can't!” she yelled out.

The secretary behind the desk looked up and cocked her head to the side. “Can't what, miss?”

“Err... is this where the council meets?”

“Well, this is the right building. But they're on the second floor. You'll need an appointment to meet with them and-- ack!” The mare suddenly hid behind the desk. “Dr. ALICITY! You were told not to come within four hundred feet of the main council headquarters without a permit!”

“I don't need a permit, this is an emergency!” the stallion said proudly. “Come along!” he yelled, before galloping forward.

“Wait, no, don't, stooooop!” the mare shrieked. She then looked across the deck at Secretary, who stared at her pittingly.

“Don't worry. I'll sort out all the paperwork. Just call Sunburst and let him know the Avatar is on her way, please.”

The other secretary slowly nodded. “Oh... I ummm... okay.” She then looked past the open doorway. “Is that a...?”

“Party cannon on wheels? Yes. With armor attachments.” She paused for effect. “Currently on sale with a ten percent discount on mass orders.”

“I object!” Diamond yelled as she shoved open the door. To her amazement, the full council was in session. Even the diamond dogs had their representative here. And now every single eye was on her.

Blaze face hoofed. “And here we go.”

“You can't just give in to that nut jobs demands!” the unicorn said as she stepped forward, trotting before the council. “If you do, she'll make more demands until she can take everything. Showing her you're scared will just make her stronger and ponies more afraid of her.”

Sunburst smiled down at her and gave a nod. “Indeed, that's what I have been saying. I'm happy to know you're on our side, Avatar.”

“Avatar, you don't have a say in this,” Blaze snapped, slamming a hoof down. “This is a matter for the council and the council alone. You need to leave.”

“I'm not saying this just as the Avatar,” Diamond said firmly, stomping a hoof. “I'm saying this as a citizen. Giving into this nut job will only make her stronger. There's already panic and fighting in the streets. How bad will it be if you let this mare dictate what we can and cannot do? Many ponies don't see her as a real threat, but once you give into her demands it'll mean everypony sees her as a threat.”

“While what the Avatar speaks is true,” Zecora said with a small shake of her head. “There is little else we can do. The lives of our people cannot go to waste, we must stop this contest with all our haste.”

“This is ridiculous,” Scootaloo said with a shake of her head. “This isn't some attack outside the city. This mare is threatening us in the very core. There's no way she'd be able to do anything truly threatening. The Shadowbolts would have the place under the tightest security imaginable and the metal benders would too.”

“Exactly,” Styx said with a nod of his head. “The Shadowbolts have everything under control. It's not a wide area attack or an out of city attack. There's no water for her to sneak off into. Attacking the arena would be suicide. It's a bluff, nothing more. Give in now and we give her power.”

Diamond smirked. She could feel it, she was winning.

“Perhaps it is a bluff,” Ashmane said with a shake of her head. “But can we really risk the lives of those in our care? They must be protected. One little tournament is not worth even one life.”

“We're not talking about lives, though,” Octavia said as she glanced up. “We're talking about cutie marks. I hate to say it, but I agree with Miss Scootaloo and Mister Styx. The Shadowbolts and metal benders will be more than capable of keeping the arena safe. If this terrorist is willing to risk showing her face, then we will capture her. But I have trouble believing anypony would be so stupid.”

“Impossible,” Sassy said, slamming a hoof down. “It may be fine and safe for you, but for us non-benders this is another matter. Need I remind you that this terrorist has escaped our hooves again and again? We can't risk another attack, another failure. Who knows how many could lose their marks?”

Diamond sighed and looked between them, the many council members fighting amongst themselves. She couldn't believe it. They were actually considering it.

The door behind her slammed open so hard it struck the wall with a resounding bang. Silence filled the room and every eye, including the Avatar's, fell on the figure in its frame.

Ironwing. The stallion stepped forward, his hooves lightly clipping on the floor. He looked at the unicorn, but only for a moment before walking before the council and staring up. “None of you can seriously be considering giving into that mare's demands, can you?” He made a snort of disgust. “I'd expect this kind of behavior from Prism, but from you, Blaze? We are supposed to be Harmony. A city that focuses on the unity and work of all the species of this world. A country where nopony has to be afraid because of what they are or who they are.” He waved a hoof. “We're supposed to be safe for all. The moment we let some terrorist dictate what we can and cannot do, we might as well just break the city apart and return it to the four countries. If we're going to be so afraid of one pony, what hope do we have when true threats arrive?”

Sunburst sighed and looked down at him. “Ironwing, I appreciate your input, but this is a matter of public safety. We cannot--”

“What we cannot do is lock them away in their homes, terrified that some boogiemare is going to come out and grab them. If our citizens want to hide in their homes, that is their choice and we should allow them. But that is THEIR choice. We cannot make it for them. The games must go on and we must show this Meadowbrook that we will not bend, will not break under her threats. Because we are Harmony, the greatest country in the world!”

There were a few moments of silence, before Sunburst nodded. “And... you believe you can keep the contest safe?”

“I'd stake my reputation on it. The Shadowbolts won't let anything within half a mile of it that's a threat. I vow.”

Sunburst gave a nod. “Very well then. I believe with his vow of protection, that should settle the matter. Are there any more objections?”

A few of the ponies looked as if they swallowed lemons, but they didn't speak. The council stallion nodded. “Very well. Then the games will go on.”

Ironwing let out a breath and turned to walk out. Diamond smiled at him. “Thank you,” she said softly.

“Why? I didn't do this for you,” he said with a harrumph. “I did this because it was what needed to be done. Ponies like that won't stop once you show the first sign of fear.”

Diamond watched him leave, letting out another soft sigh. Sometimes, he was actually pretty awesome. Cute, too. She snickered. Oh, she'd have to make sure to say that within Prism's hearing. It would be hilarious.

Chapter 15: Finals

Diamond gulped and pranced in place. “Come on come on come oooon! I wanna goooo!”

“She's almost done, relax,” Prism said, eying the Avatar closely. He and Blaze had taken turns this time to get ready, so the unicorn couldn't run off without them. She couldn't hide her annoyance at it.

“But we're going to be late and I'm going to lose because we forfeit and I want to win and kick their butts!”

“You're going to be fine,” he said with a shake of his head. “We have plenty of time.”

She shook her head and sat down, though quickly jumped back to her hooves and started walking around again a moment later. “Come oooon! BLAZE! Hurry it up!”

“I'm almost done! Calm your flank down!” a voice yelled from upstairs.

Diamond looked to the stallion, in his full Wonderbolt uniform, and sighed. “So, no face paint this time?”

“If anything happens, we want to be at our peak. Getting that stuff in our eyes can be really distracting,” he said matter of factually. “Please, just relax. We still have plenty of time. The arena will still be there when we arrive.”

“Why can't I just go on ahead?”

“Not happening,” Prism said with a shake of his head. “Too dangerous. Just calm down.”

“Gahhhhhhh!” Diamond roared.

“I'm done! I'm coming!” Blaze yelled before trotting down the stairs. She made it to the steps, in her full blue Wonderbolt uniform.

“Did it really have to take you THAT long to get dressed?” Diamond asked.

“My wing got stuck,” the mare snapped. “These things aren't the easiest to get on. We usually help each other get them on and off. If you didn't have such a history of running off on your own, Prism and I could have gotten dressed at the same time.”

“Guhhhh! Fine, whatever, let's go!” the Avatar said before turning and galloping out the door. The other two followed behind her, flying through the air.

The streets of the city seemed almost empty as she walked through them. She could see the lights on in the houses, but nopony was out and about. “Where is everypony?” she asked softly.

“Probably trying to avoid problems,” Blaze muttered. “There hasn't been a curfew set yet, but it's been up to debate multiple times. The nights in the city are getting far more dangerous, both for marked and unmarked alike.”

“Why? I can understand the unmarked but... why the marked?”

“The unmarked have taken to going in groups, sometimes even up to ten,” Blaze said with a shake of her head. “It's for their own protection, of course. But then others start to react poorly. They see it as a threat. Some rocks are thrown, or threats levered, then a fight breaks out...” She gave a sad sigh. “It's getting dangerous out here at night. If we don't capture this mad mare soon...”

“I'm sure she'll be found before long,” Diamond muttered. “She's one pony, how hard could she be to find? Just look for somepony with a stick and no cutie mark.”

Blaze groaned. “Don't even get me started on those sticks. You know there was a pony selling knock off versions of it in the market the other day?”

Diamond blinked a few times, her mouth falling open. “You're... kidding.”

“No! It was apparently pretty close to the actual one. The pony said she got some accounts from ponies and thought it would be a great souvenir. The nerve of some ponies! They'll do anything to make a quick bit.”

Diamond rolled her eyes. “I can't believe someponies. How could they? That's just the... ugh. Really?”

The mare nodded slowly.

She let out a low whistle as they made it to the last few streets from the arena. The streets were now packed with ponies, forming long lines and talking amongst themselves. A few shops had been set up as well. However, the moment they arrived a few ponies shrieked and yelled out, waving their hooves. “Avatar! Avatar!” they yelled.

Diamond grinned and waved a hoof. “Hey! Don't worry, we're going to win tonight! Thank you for coming out to support us!” she yelled as she tried making her way through the crowd, the ponies pushing in on her from all sides, calling her name and trying to touch her hooves.

Then a cloaked pony lunged forward with a sparkling hoofshoe. She dodged to the right, narrowly evading the burst of electricity. The ponies around her scattered, pushing away as she turned around and bucked the pony in the side. Her hooves hit metal. She spun away and the pony stepped back.

The earth pony was wearing the full alicorn armor, the metal wings jutting out and sparkling. “I'm sorry, Avatar. But it has to end like this.” The mare charged.

She was brought down by a dive bomb buck from Blaze. She slammed into the ground, the armor cracking and breaking off her like an egg shell. The pony groaned, her blank flank revealed to all. Blaze sighed and looked to Prism. “Get her into the arena. I'll take this mare--”

“Leave that to us,” three winged Shadowbolts said as they flew in. They landed on the ground a moment before two zebra Shadowbolts stepped out from the crowd. “Council mare, Avatar, Wonderbolt, we'll escort you and deal with this.”

Diamond nodded slowly, staring at the groaning mare. Well, at least now she knew what Meadowbrook had planned. Still, it seemed like so little. A few attacks on the competitors? Her eyes widened. “W-wait, are the others here? Are they--”

“The rest of the competitors have made it in already,” her escort said. “You're the last to arrive.”

“I knew it! I told you to hurry,” Diamond told Blaze.

“And if we could have trusted you not to run off on your own, we wouldn't have had to watch you,” the pegasus said with a roll of her eyes.

“That's... that's besides the point.”

“That is right ON the point.”

“You suck!”

“Well, you blow!”

“Girls, please!” Prism said with a roll of his eyes. “I swear, sometimes I feel like I'm the only adult here.”

“Shut up!” both mares said in unison, turning to glare at him.

Prism yelped and backed up, moving besides one of the Shadowbolt negasi. “Sometimes I think my mother had the right idea,” he muttered softly.

“I'm pretty sure your wife would find you,” the negasi said with a shrug.

“Yeah, she probably would. Then I'd truly be doomed,” he muttered softly.

Diamond let out a low whistle as the arena came into view. The main doors were packed with ponies flooding in. A small checkpoint had been set up, with metal benders and Shadowbolts working together to examine every pony that came near. It was slow going, so it would probably delay the game a bit.

But there were still crowds. Even with the danger, they were coming to seem them fight. It was as if all these ponies came out to say they weren't afraid, that they wouldn't let Meadowbrook control them. A part of her hoped that mare showed up just so she could look with horror at how little they respected her fear tactics. Diamond felt pride swell within her. She'd make sure to give them all a show worth the risk.

Then the first egg crashed against her head. “Huh?” Followed by a tomato. She let out a shriek and started running with her escorts.

“What happened to you?” Button asked, a hoof over his mouth as he tried, unsuccessfully, to hide his mirth.

“I HATE Marble's fans,” Diamond muttered as she wiped an egg shell off her flank before making her way towards the showers.

“Are you sure they were her fans? Maybe they'd just met you?” Acrylic said, not even trying to hide his amusement as he watched the trash covered mare walk off.

“Go buck yourself!” she yelled back.

She tried to tune out their laughter as she turned the water on, letting the hot spray wash over her and get the lettuce, tomato and egg out of her hair. “I feel like a bucking salad,” she grumbled to herself. “And yes they were Marble's fans! They were holding up signs for her!” She turned back to the spray and tried to get it all out of her hair. “I'm going to thrash those three. So hard. Slam them through a wall or something. Limestone especially. But Marble, you're next. And then Babs!” She paused. “Wait, why is her name Babs? Shouldn't it be Quartz or something? Why is the earth bender on their team the only one who doesn't... GAH! I hate them so MUCH!” she shrieked.

Finally cleaned, she stepped out from the showers and stomped her hoof, sending the water dripping off. She glared at her team mates. “Got it out of your system now? Any more chuckles? Guffaws? Giggles?”

Button giggled softly before taking a deep breath. “Okay, I'm done.”

Diamond rolled her eyes. “How did you two manage to avoid getting peppered with that stuff?”

“We came here in style!” the earth pony said proudly.

“Came here in... did you bring the tank?”

There was a long moment of silence, before Button slowly shook his head. “No...”

Outside the arena, three ponies wearing Marble shirts stood besides the great tank, eying its three cannons suspiciously. They then looked down at their rolls of toilet paper.

“Buck this,” one of them said before galloping off, the other two quickly following suit.

“We most definitely did not ride the tank here and it was not so awesome that my heart almost exploded from coolness.”

Diamond rolled her eyes before getting to her hooves with a groan. “So, are you two ready to kick some flank?”

“They're going to be a tough team,” Acrylic said softly. “I wouldn't get too cocky.”

“We're an awesome team, though,” Diamond said with a smirk. “My fire bending is second to none. Your water bending is great. Button has been getting better by leaps and bounds since I took over his training. All he needed was a true master.”

Acrylic rolled his eyes. “A humble one, too.” He then smiled to her. “Though you have been helping him a lot. So thanks.”

“Eh, it was nothing. He's actually kinda... talented once you get past the whole lousy at basic earth bending thing. He'd make a great fire bender.”

“Coming from you, that means a lot,” Button said with a grin.

Diamond nodded and then opened her locker. Her uniform wasn't trashed or anything, so that was good. She half expected it to be torn to shreds or worse. She quickly got dressed and stretched. “I hope you're all ready for this. After tonight, we're going to be the champions. Ponies everywhere will know our names.”

“Ponies all over the city already know your name,” Acrylic said with a chuckle.

“Well, they'll know yours too. You won't be your mommy's boys anymore. You'll be famous. Come on!” She turned to the exit and started trotting out, a wide grin on her face. Finally, all of their training had come to this.

As they stepped out into the main arena room she couldn't help but grin. The place was absolutely packed, almost every seat taken. Cheers filled the air as the three of them made their way forward. It was going to be one for the history books and everypony here knew it. She trotted up to the main platform, Acrylic and Button besides her. On the opposite end of the platform were the Rock Bunnies, in their special cloak and bunny ear costumes. With a flourish, they tossed the garments aside, revealing themselves.

The crowds response was almost deafening. Diamond could barely believe it, the response they were getting was even louder than the one she received. How could they possibly be more popular?

“And here we have it, ladies and gents!” the announcer called as he pointed a hoof at the two teams. “The Rock Bunnies and the Fighting Notes! Our reigning champions versus the first team in league history to have an Avatar! Both teams have proven themselves again and again over the last few weeks and tonight they put it all on the line for the final championship! Two amazingly talented teams, but only one can make it to the finals! So let's cheer these two team to the ends of the world and have the best match in pro-bending history!”

“You're going down,” Limestone said with a smirk.

“Yeah, to a wonderful little cabbage restaurant after we smash you into the ground and win this tournament,” Diamond said with her own matching smirk. The three moved across from each other, lowering their heads and waiting for the bell.

“On your mark.”

She took a deep breath and tried to keep herself calm. This was it, the final match. After they won this, there wouldn't be any pony in the entire city who could doubt their skill.

“Get set.”

Diamond felt her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't going to just win, she was going to slaughter. She was the best fire bender around, there wasn't any way they could hope to beat her.

“Go!” the announcer called.

Diamond turned and bucked, sending a quick, but powerful burst at Limestone, sending her whole body into a full spin. She saw the other mare duck under it, before launching her own burst of fire out. The Avatar jumped up, swirling around in a tight spin to gather the flame and then shoot it right back at the unicorn. Limestone moved to the right and then thrust her horn forward, fire erupting at the Avatar.

Diamond grinned and moved back, deflecting the burst. Or at least, she planned to. However, the burst kept coming, making her shriek as she was enveloped in flames, barely managing to back away and pull free, her uniform singed.

“What gives? That's an illegal attack!” Diamond objected. “You can't burst that long!”

“And the Bunnies push the Avatar behind the next zone with an illegal fire attack. I don't know why, but the ref isn't calling a foul!” the announcer called.

Diamond's eyes widened as suddenly two of the earth disks rose up from behind Acrylic and slammed into his back, sending him hurtling forward, only to get punched in the chest by another powerful fire burst, sending him flying back and barely managing to right himself, gripping the edge.

“And the Bunnies use the disks in the Note's zones! I don't know why the ref isn't calling it, but another rule has gone abused and unpunished!”

Button was sent hurtling back a moment later, letting out a yelp as water drenched him. “And the Bunnies advance!” the announcer called.

“What did you do?” Diamond asked, her eyes wide, barely deflecting a burst of flame.

“You're a joke, Avatar!” Limestone yelled. “Nopony wants to see you win this and we're done putting up with your grief! You're going down, now!”

Diamond dove to the left, narrowly avoiding the strike, only for her hoof to hit a patch of ice on the ground. She tried to right herself, but before she could she was sent toppling back by three hard bricks to the chest. She rolled hooves over head, before feeling nothing but air under herself. She flailed her hooves wildly, trying to get some kind of grip, but there was nothing. She plummeted below, splashing into the drink. She stared up, her mouth wide. They'd cheated!

A moment later there were two more splashes.

“And the Rock Bunnies have done it! They've won! You're... seeing it here, folks. I don't know what the ref is thinking, but... they've won. Our new champions!”

Diamond stared, her eyes narrowing as she growled, the water around her beginning to bubble and churn. They'd cheated. The entire match had only lasted a few minutes. They would have won. She knew it. The anger rose faster and harder in her. 'Oh. Buck. This.'

“And here comes-- wait, what's this? Something's happening in the-- it's the Avatar!”

Diamond lifted her hooves and the water surged around her, raising her up into the air. She brought the wave of water down on the platform, nearly sending the three toppling over the edge and they only barely managed to keep from falling off. She ground her hooves into the ground as her horn glowed and earth disks began to rise into the air around her, swirling like a miniature tornado. “Okay then. If you want to cheat, I'll show you how the AVATAR cheats!” she screamed.

The Bunnies stared for a moment, before Limestone moved into action. Fire flared onto her horn and she pulled her head back. However, the water flowing through the platform suddenly rose up and turned to ice, binding her and snuffing the flame out.

“Games over, Bunnies,” Diamond said with a growl. “If you don't wanna play by the rules, then neither will I,” she said, before thrusting her horn forward. The disks shot forward at the unicorn. Babs raced in front of her teammate, swirling around and breaking the disks. Diamond smiled and soon the rain of earth disks were joined by water disks, which smashed against the earth pony and made her stumble back. Marble was behind Babs, trying to unfreeze Limestone.

“It looks like the Avatar is out for revenge!” the announcer called. “I don't like the looks of this, she doesn't seem to be following the rules anymore and-- eep!” He quickly shut his mouth as a spike of ice embedded itself in his desk.

Diamond laughed, eying the three. They knew how to pro-bend well, that was true. Even if they had fought dirty. But she was going to break them. Crush them. Turn their bones into--

A chill went down her spine and she barely moved to the left in time. Ironwing missed her by inches, skidding along the stage ground before rising into the air. “Avatar, knock this off!” he ordered.

“No! They cheated! They need to pay!” Diamond yelled before her horn glowed and the water around the stage swirled up again, surging forward and sending the three toppling into the drink. It was time to finish them. She let out a yelp as Ironwing dived down at her a second time. She turned and raced across the stage, using some of the gathered water to make herself a bridge of ice. “THEY NEED TO SUFFER!”

“Stop this now or I'll take you down!” Ironwing yelled, flying after her.

“Just try it!” she yelled. She leaped over into the stands, fortunately ponies were already clearing out. She tapped her hoof and some of the stones rose up, flying through the air at the Shadowbolt. He wove around them with ease, landing on the ground and launching himself at her. She tried to back up, but hit one of the stairs. She flung another stone at him, but he ducked under and then was on her. His hooves lanced out and tapped her front hooves, then her side. She started to drop, but before she could, his hooves hit her head, horn, hind quarters and back legs. The sensations she felt were like nothing she knew. Her entire body went limp, as if she was paralyzed. She couldn't even look around, just lay there and hear the screaming.

She paused. Why was there screaming?

She heard a loud zap and then Ironwing collapsed in front of her with a wide eyed groan, twitching weakly before his eyes closed.

How? What? Who?

Ponies screamed and ran around in terror as the unmarked spread through the ranks, their alicorn enhancements zapping the ponies who could even try to stop them. Even the council members were taken by surprise, zapped by the ponies they believed had been their guards. Finally, the time was right. The remaining ponies were too scared to try and fight against the armored ponies looking over them.

Above the platform, the glass shattered and ropes dropped down. Ponies slid down them, at their front, Meadowbrook. Her staff glowed and then, for a moment, there was a high pitched shriek. Her voice soon boomed through every inch of the arena.

“Hello, everypony. I did warn you. This entire tournament was nothing more than a sham,” the mare said as she slowly trotted around the platform. “So shameful.” She stopped by the edge and looked down at the three Bunnies, barely moving and slightly singed as her unmarked dragged them from the water. “Your champions, nothing more than cheaters. Your Avatar, nothing more than a bully who doesn't care if she hurts or even kills ponies, so long as she gets her way.” She lifted her staff and pointed it at the unmoving Bunnies.

“N-no, please,” Babs said, trying to sit up. One of the unmarked quickly zapped her with an electrical wing. “Gahhhhh!”

“This is not the way of equality. This is nothing more than a sign of corruption and wickedness that these things bring.” A beam of magic shot out from the staff and, after a moment, their marks shot off into the air, flowing to Meadowbrook and disappearing under her cloak. “Competition, for what reason? So one pony can say they are better than another? This doesn't breed harmony, compassion, kindness. All this breeds is a desire to win, a desire to prove one's self better than others. By any means necessary.” She stopped in the center of the platform. “And this will all end now. There will be equality. Starting now, all ponies will know that none are beyond any other. Cutie marks, bending, they are nothing more than catalysts to war, pain and suffering. I will end them. The end of the cutie marks are now.” She waved a hoof and her ponies jumped from the stands, their artificial wings allowing them to start flying up, into the air.

Ironwing groaned and shook his head, slowly getting to his hooves. He then turned towards the platform, his eyes narrowing on Meadowbrook. He took to the air and flew right at her, the blades on his wings flashing out. It wouldn't be hard, a single strike to wound, not kill.

He was only a few feet from her when the staff launched out, twirling and striking him across the face. It threw him off, just a little bit and forced him to the side.

Then a second strike whipped out, hitting him right between his hind legs. His world erupted in pain as she used the strike to leverage him away, tossing him over the side of the stage. Many of the ponies in the stage watched with pitying horror as the poor stallion plummeted into the drink. “A shame the poor stallion decided to get involved.” She leaped up and grabbed one of the robes before they pulled her up.

Diamond groaned, trying to move her body. Sadly, she couldn't do anything. Whatever Ironwing had done wasn't wearing off. She couldn't believe it. Meadowbrook was RIGHT THERE. And she couldn't do a darn thing about it.

Author's Note

I'm gonna be honest. When I first saw this episode, I soooo wanted Korra to flip out and start trashing them. Soooo happy I was able to have DT do that.

Chapter 17: Emergency Action

Diamond found herself, once again, before the council. Unfortunately, the council was now missing quite a few seats. The attack the night prior had been the largest yet and drastically unexpected. Only nine of the council now remained, Octavia, Blaze, Sunburst, Scootaloo, Sassy, Styx, Zecora, Strongheart and Legond. The others hadn't been killed, as far as they knew. But they had all disappeared.

It was now clearly no longer just a pony issue, as even the other species had found themselves being targeted. Many of the Shadowbolts and metal benders had been attacked as well, including Copper. Judging by those who had been found at the scene, now without their cutie marks, Meadowbrook had come for the metal bender leader personally.

“Emergency action must be taken,” Sunburst said, one hoof holding his head. “This situation is getting out of control.”

“We can no longer dodder about,” Sassy said with a nod. “If we wait, Meadowbrook will strike us all down. Action must be made.”

Octavia nodded. “This... may be the time to do... that.” There was a low ripple through the council, but nopony spoke. “Twilight put it in place because she knew there could be a time when it was needed. We can no longer be slow and calculating. Now is a time for action. We must adapt.” She took a deep breath. “It... may be time to give emergency power.” She glanced to Sunburst. “To the leader of the council.”

The stallion cringed. “Now, I don't think we need go that far. When Twilight made that provision, she was the leader. I am nowhere near as capable as her and--”

“If Twilight were here the situation may not be so grim,” Zecora interrupted. “But if we dawdle our chances are slim. I believe this power give we must, to our leader who we all trust.”

“I agree,” Strongheart said with a nod. “Things are getting more and more dangerous. This attack was something none of us could have predicted and if we wait, things may get more out of hoof. Already the council has lost many of its members and we don't have time to set up new representatives. We need a leader, one driving force to lead us. Sunburst, that needs to be you.”

The stallion sighed before slowly lowering his head. “Very well. As it seems you all have your hearts set on this course of action, I will abide by the will of the council. I will try my hardest to be worthy of this responsibility.” He then looked up at Diamond.

The Avatar cringed and looked around. She was sitting with Button, Acrylic, Prism, Ironwing and a number of others who had all been present during the attacks and had managed to fight them off. The ex-Shadowbolt was looking better, only slightly hunched and now standing. She could barely believe he'd actually fought against them after what had happened to him.

“Avatar. I know you wish to not face this threat, but we now need you. Our command structure is in taters. I want you to lead what remains of the Shadowbolts and the metal benders. Perhaps under your hoof--”

“She's not ready,” Blaze objected.

“You asked for me to take over,” Sunburst snapped. “If you wish for me to act, then allow me to act as I see fit.” The mare lowered her head, but didn't respond. “Avatar, you are currently untested, but this is a time when ponies need a unifying leader. You have fought against Meadowbrook a few times and managed to keep your cutie mark. I won't ask you to do this alone.” He took a deep breath and looked up. “Acrylic, Button, Prism. I want you to aid the Avatar in this.”

That seemed to shock the council as the chairs jumped, though none of them said anything.

“When Avatar Twilight Sparkle ruled, she ruled with friendship and compassion. With her friends by her side at all times,” the fire bender said. “I believe that if you follow the same principles, you can do the same.”

Diamond gulped and looked around. Normally she'd have jumped at the opportunity, told them how lucky they were to have her. But now she couldn't help feeling a little uneasy. What if she failed? She then looked to her friends. “I want... Silver to help me as well. She's my friend.”

“But she's one of the unmarked!” Sunburst objected.

She nodded. “I know. But she was unwilling and she can help us. Please.”

There was a moment of silence before the stallion nodded and gave a sigh. “Very well. Avatar, I will prepare what I can. Please return to where ever you feel safest and I will summon you once everything has been prepared. It hopefully shouldn't take long.”

She nodded and got to her hooves. Her heart was pounding as she stepped out from the room. She paused and looked back. “Well? Are you going to say I'm a bad decision?”

Prism nodded. “You are. But this is a situation most dire. I don't think you're ready, but I don't think any of us were ready for this.”

“You've got us at your back,” Button said with a grin. “Silver, too!”

She nodded. “Thanks. I uhhh... I actually want to go talk with her. Can you guys meet me at the compound in a few hours? I want to--”

“You cannot go out alone,” Prism said, his eyes wide. “It's far too dangerous.”

“I'm not. I mean... I am, but I'm not. I just want to get a little time to collect my thoughts.”

“Absolutely not! No way, you are-- hey!” Prism objected as Acrylic moved in front of him.

“You'll meet up with us before it gets dark, correct?”

She nodded and smiled. “Of course. I promise.”

He nodded. “Then I see no reason why we can't. Just stay safe, okay?”

“W-what? No!” Prism objected. “Diamond, you--”

“I'll be fine!” the Avatar shrieked. “I just need some time to clear my thoughts, okay? Either let me go or I'll run off alone and good luck ever trying to find me then!” she snapped angrily.

The pegasus stepped back, watching her. Then, slowly, he nodded. “Very well. Two hours. But then I am finding you.”

“Fine, whatever!” she yelled before stomping off. She barely made it out of the building before her mind turned to the events. She was certain Prism was following her, but she didn't care. Everything was just going wrong.

She thought about the last Avatar. Would she have done a better job? Would she have beaten Meadowbrook? She wished she could talk to that alicorn, get her advice. She wanted advice, so badly now.

She thought back to what her daddy had said. She was a legend. She was destined for greatness. She was the greatest bender of all time. 'As if.' All of those words rang hollow in her mind now. She didn't know where to begin. A real Avatar would have had this all figured out by now. She had no idea what to do. How to stop this. She couldn't even air bend, what kind of lame Avatar could only do three elements?

What if she wasn't as good as her daddy had said? She thought she was an amazing Avatar, but every time she'd been around Meadowbrook she'd been helpless. She'd even tried to fight Ironwing and lost. He'd handed her flank to her, going around her attacks as if she was standing still. Then even he had lost to her. It just wasn't right.

She felt like crying. Like stomping her hooves and throwing the biggest tantrum she could. Bucking over stands, kicking ponies, biting, fighting. She was the Avatar, that meant it was supposed to be easy. She grumbled darkly as she walked through the street, finally making her way to a small muffin stand.

There was a gasp from it and she looked up to see a gray pegasus with strange, derpy eyes. “Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh! You're the Avatar, aren't you?” the mare asked.

“Yes, I am,” Diamond muttered. She was so not in the mood for this.

“Eeee! Ohhhh, I can't believe I'm finally meeting you! I just knew I'd see you around eventually. Are you on patrol? Are you on your way to stop Meadowbrook? Ohhhh, what's your plan? You're going to end all these attacks, aren't you? Get everypony their cutie marks back?”

Diamond felt her temper rising. “I'm not--”

“I can't believe it! You're just the best bender ever, right? I wanted to see your match but I missed it but I just knew you'd be awesome there and--”

“ENOUGH!” Diamond yelled, thrusting her hoof forward and knocking the cart over. “I don't want to hear your stupid little... little fan yelling! Just shut up!” she screamed, before storming off.

“My... my muffins,” the mare said, looking down at the rolling pastries. “I... I just don't know what went wrong...”

Diamond ignored the mare, brushing past a light brown earth pony with a dark brown mane as he walked towards the cart. She heard them talking about the twilight or something, but she toned it out. Stupid ponies. All of them. She didn't care. She just wanted to get all this fixed. And for one of the few times in her life, she was doubting that she could.

Diamond froze as she came within sight of Tomorrow Industry's compound. The Shadowbolts were flying around it and the metal benders had it surrounded. It had only been a few hours, she couldn't begin to imagine what was going on. She trotted forward.

“What's the meaning of this?” she called out.

“Diamond!” Button yelled as he galloped towards her. “You've got to stop Sunburst! He's crazy! He's arresting Dr. Alicity!”

Diamond's eyes widened. “What? Why?” She raced towards him. “Take me to him!”

“He says for consorting with the unmarked! Come on!” Button yelled before turning and running into the building. She followed after, her eyes wide.

Sunburst was in one of the warehouses, talking with Prism. The crates were being forced open, one by one. The floor was littered with pieces of alicorn armor. “Where's Dr. Alicity?” Diamond asked. “Where's Silver?”

“Ah, Avatar,” Sunburst said, turning away from Prism. “I wish you could have been here for this, but I'm afraid there's been a new development.”

“Where are they?” she asked again, feeling anger bubble up within her.

“Please calm down,” the unicorn said, walking towards her. “They are safe, I promise. This is merely an important check we must perform.”

“What are you talking about?” Diamond asked, nearly ready to bubble over. “The armor they have is a knock off, that's--”

“I'm afraid they are not knock offs at all,” Sunburst said, frowning. “Many of those ponies were captured in the attacks last night. The armor they had wasn't fake or older models. They had the newest, most advanced ones.” He paused. “At least, we believe so. There will need to be a bit more examination done. But until that's done, I'm afraid both Dr. Alicity and Silver Spoon will have to remain under our eye.”

“Why? What did Silver do?”

“Her? I believe she is nothing more than a pawn of her father's... desires,” he said with a shake of his head. “I always knew he desired equality, but I never imagined he would have gone to lengths such as these.”

“You're not making any sense!”

“The models we recovered were new. Fresh. More advanced even than the Shadowbolt models,” Sunburst said with a shake of his mane. “We're comparing them to the model that he has on his daughter and looking for any sign of the stallion's collaboration with Meadowbrook. If it is found that he is working with her, or worse, for her...”

Diamond felt a chill and stomped her hoof. “There's no way. He's innocent. Other ponies could make these, they--”

“If only that were true,” Sunburst said, looking to her. “Avatar, please. These are... unique. Dr. Alicity is, for lack of a better term, a genius. A bit eccentric at times, but a genius. He's had a bit of a... storied past at times, but many of his actions have been considered harmless compared to what he has always offered us.” He shuddered. “Why, the damage from his alibot alone was just...” He shook his head. “But this goes beyond a few rallies, open objections, property damage. This is treason to our entire country. The lives of every pony who lives here. If there is a chance he is consorting with these ponies, then every precaution must be taken.” He gave her a small smile. “I know it must be horrible to see somepony you know and who has aided you possibly be a criminal, but we cannot ignore any threat, no matter our feelings. Do you not agree?”

She looked around, before slowly nodding. As much as she hated to admit it, it was right. If he was a danger, he had to be stopped. But she couldn't imagine him being one. He talked about raising ponies up, not tearing them down. “And if he's innocent?”

“Then he will receive my most sincere apologies and we will do everything we can in order to repair this rift between us. But it is our responsibility to look out for all the ponies in this city, no matter how we may feel on the matter.” He paused and then lowered his gaze. “Do not think I feel any pleasure in this. Dr. Alicity has always been a great supporter of our city and a fine pony who has aided us in times of need. I have tried to ignore the evidence up to this point, but there is just too much now. If he is proven innocent, nothing will make me happier.” He looked around. “All of us happier. But I cannot, and will not, endanger the lives of the ponies under my care just because the pony is somepony I care about. Would you?”

Diamond lowered her gaze. What if it was Button or Acrylic who had been--

“No. I wouldn't. But I know he has nothing to do with this. Neither does Silver. Can I see her?”

He paused before slowly nodding. “Of course. They are being detained at Shadowbolt headquarters. I will send a message ahead that you are to be allowed entry. Hopefully soon this will all be behind us and you can take over in your new duties.”

She gave a nod and turned. “Thank you.”

As she walked away she felt another wave of cold dread wash over her. Everything was going so wrong now. What if nothing went right anymore?

Silver smiled up at the ponies as they walked inside. Her eyes were slightly glazed over and she looked dazed as she watched Diamond, Button and Acrylic enter the small room. “Hi. I was wondering when you'd arrive.”

The Avatar looked over her friend, her eyes instantly falling to her blank flank. Without that fake alicorn armor, the mare seemed so weak and vulnerable, like she'd been after the encounter with Meadowbrook. She felt her front hooves start to tremble. “H-hello. Are you being treated well? Has anypony tried to hurt you?”

“Oh, no. Not at all,” Silver said slightly wistfully. “They've been really quite nice. They took my armor, but they assured me they would let me know as soon as there was any information about my father.”

“You know why you're in here, don't you?” Button asked, taking a step forward. “What they're accusing him of?”

Silver stared for a few moments before slowly nodding. “Yes. I think it's quite silly. Daddy would never side with a mare like that. He wants us all to be equal. But not the same. There's a big difference.”

Acrylic rushed forward and put a hoof on her shoulder. “I swear, Silver. I will get you out of here. There's no way you can be blamed for any of this. Or your father. This is all just a big misunderstanding.”

“Of course it is,” Silver said with a small giggle. “I'm not worried. I know the Avatar will fix it. Won't you, Diamond?”

The Avatar cringed, before slowly nodding. “Y-yeah. I'll fix this. Somehow.”

Acrylic glared at her, but she ignored it. Instead she walked forward and patted Silver on the back. “I'll talk to Sunburst. I'm sure this is all going to be... it's a mistake. It has to be. There's no way your dad could be involved in this.”

Silver gave a smile, nodding.

Diamond turned and walked out of the room. She let out a deep sigh as she tried to think of something, anything she could do. She wondered if Twilight had ever felt so overwhelmed. She felt an odd, soothing glow flow through her and had a weird suspicion that the mare had. She took a deep breath and put a hoof to her chest.

“You're still the Avatar, Diamond,” she told herself. “Even if you... haven't done much yet, you still can. You're an important pony and you can, no, will fix this.” She started trotting down the halls. She grabbed one of the Shadowbolts by the hoof. “Where's Dr. Alicity?”

The pony shrugged. “You should try asking one of the secretaries.”

“If I knew where Secretary was, I'd ask her.”

The pony just stared at her for a few seconds before shaking his head and pulling away. “Good luck. Crazy pony,” he grumbled.

Diamond let out a low growl and started walking through the building again. It was one of those few times she wished she'd been born an actual unicorn and could do actual magic. Having some kind of tracking spells would be wonderful right now. She wondered if the last Avatar had ever known something like that. She bet Twilight was some kind of master magic user. Probably knew dozens of spells for finding lost ponies. Never spilled her food on herself while eating, either. And teleport. All kinds of magic.

The Avatar had no choice but to use an old tried and true method. She made her way to the lobby and stood up against the main desk. “Where can I find Dr. Alicity?” she asked.

The zebra secretary glanced up before sighing. “Ah, hello again Avatar. A... pleasure to have you visiting again.” The sarcasm practically dripped from his mouth.

“Less guff, more answers,” she snapped.

He rolled his eyes. “One moment.” He pulled open a file and hummed, before pushing it away and pulling out another. He then nodded. “I'm afraid I can't give you that information.”

“What? But you have to! I have permission and everything!”

“You have permission to see Miss Spoon. Unfortunately, you do not have it to see Dr. Alicity. He is currently being privately questioned.”

“I don't care! I need to see him now! Listen, I've taken over responsibility of the Shadowbolts. Or I will be. Soon. Probably. Well, authority and... I should have the highest clearance!”

“I'm afraid at the moment you do not. If you wish to see him, you'll need to go through Sunburst.”

Diamond's temper flared and she barely managed to suppress it. “Fine. I will. Him and I are going to have a very long talk about all this!”

The zebra merely nodded and she stormed out, walking out of the building and slamming the door behind her.

A moment later she realized she hadn't told the others she was leaving. She considered going back, before shaking her head. She'd just find Sunburst, yell at him until she got her way. Come back with her head held high.

Shadows suddenly swept over her, causing her eyes to go up. The Shadowbolts were mass evacuating the building behind her, heading through the skies. All of them in full uniform. She weighed her options for a few seconds before turning and galloping after them, grumbling darkly under her breath. What could it be now?

A riot. An actual riot. The unmarked surged across the street, throwing rocks and anything else they could get their hooves on, knocking over stands, basically causing as big a mess as they could.

The saddest part was just how slow and quiet the riot was. There was a lot of 'yelling' going on, but even the loudest of them had a voice that could barely go above a loud stomp. Even with all of them yelling and chanting together it sounded more like fierce winds than an angry herd of ponies.

Even worse, none of them seemed able to run very fast, or be very strong, so it took nearly a dozen of them to do more than ineffectually shake things that they wanted to knock over. The entire riot was more like a humming blob than a mass of ponies. It would have almost been silly.

Except there were so many of them. The streets were packed from end to end with the unmarked, hundreds of them, lashing out and fighting. The Shadowbolts and metal benders were horribly outnumbered, able to do little more than be a distraction. The air was filled with the flying unmarked as well, making separating any from the group impossible.

Diamond watched with horror as ponies fled the slow, gradual force of destruction that swept over the streets, breaking all in their path. So much anger and hatred from the ponies. Why were they lashing out? It wasn't the cities fault they were unmarked!

She gulped and stared at the mass. She had to do something. She pushed out a hoof. “Metal benders, with me!” she ordered. None of them moved to help her. “I said with me! I'm the Avatar!” she yelled, before stomping a hoof. A barricade of stone formed in front of the mass, raising up. “Come on, help me!”

There were a few moments of no movement, then one of the metal benders stepped forward and stomped a hoof down, helping to grow the wall up, making it tower over the ponies. Soon, more and more of them joined, raising it higher and higher. Diamond took a deep breath and watched. Soon the wall went from one end of the building to the other, all the way to the roofs.

“What now, Avatar?” one of them asked.

She grinned and eyed the dirt and concrete. She didn't think they'd have long, but it meant they couldn't break through. Yet. “We have them penned in for the moment. We're making a sink hole. Shadowbolts, keep the sky clear as long as you can!”

“A sink hole?” one of the metal benders asked.

“Yes!” Diamond said. “Not deep, just a little deep. Enough to--” There was a scream from above, drawing her eyes up. Already the unmarked pegasi were swarming around the wall, like an unstoppable tidal wave. She heard crashes on the left and right as the grounded unmarked burst from the buildings, breaking through the windows. “Retreat!” she shrieked, turning and fleeing from the mass.

How could there be so many? Did Meadowbrook even understand what she was doing? The destruction she was causing? How could they possibly stop this?

Chapter 18: Collapse

Diamond nudged at the hay bacon on her plate, unable to work up even the smallest amount of an appetite. Everything was going wrong.

“Avatar, it wasn't your fault,” Sunburst said with a small smile. “This was... an unfortunate side effect of... all that has happened.”

Diamond nodded. It had taken hours to finally end the riot. Even with their slow movements, they had done millions of bits worth of damage. “We're outnumbered, aren't we?” she asked softly.

Sunburst slowly nodded. “Yes. The unmarked are... unfortunately quite numerous now. I'm afraid it is time for some...” He took a slow breath. “Rather... unconventional reactions.”

She nodded slowly. She had been invited to attend dinner with him to discuss the future. She had expected the others to be here, but she was surprised to find it was just the two of them. “Unconventional how?”

He looked down at his meal and sighed. “I... suppose I'd best... start with Dr. Alicity.”

Diamond's eyes widened and she immediately felt guilty. With the riot, she'd been so distracted she hadn't even thought about her friend.

“He's confessed.”

Her heart nearly stopped.

“What?” she asked softly.

“He confessed to aiding Meadowbrook.”

She jumped to her hooves, stomping them down. “Impossible, he wouldn't! He--”

“Please, Avatar. Calm yourself. His reasons are sound.”

She starred, but slowly sat back down. “Sound?”

“Well... perhaps not sound, but understandable. You see, after the theft of his daughter's cutie mark, he was contacted by her. She agreed to return Silver's cutie mark, so long as he aided them. While he was foalish to trust such a mare, it is understandable. For one's child, ponies often do foalish things.”

Diamond nodded, starting to feel a little numb. “And... Silver?”

“She has been informed, but not blamed for this.”

She nodded slowly. “I-I see.”

“We found plenty of pieces of evidence connecting the two as well, if his confession doesn't sway you. Mass produced suits like the ones the unmarked have been using. Many of his records no longer match up.”

“So what do you plan to do?” she asked softly.

“We will be merciful,” he said softly. “He cannot be released, but his genius can be used for the city. He is already working off his damages to the community, helping to create a new defense system. Special weapons that should help us hold back this... surge of aggression.”

Diamond nodded and turned. “I'm going to the compound. I need to see Silver, make sure she's okay.”

“Avatar, she's not there.”

The unicorn froze. “What? Then where is she?”

He sighed. “The attacks are growing more and more serious. The unmarked are attacking everypony. Theft is at an all time high. We can no longer play nice.”

“Where is she?”

“Until this ordeal has been dealt with, all unmarked are being imprisoned.”

Diamond's mouth fell open. “But... Silver is--”

“All unmarked, without exception.”

“But... but she's not--”

“This is becoming a civil war, Avatar,” Sunburst said with a shake of his head. “Ponies are getting hurt. It's only a matter of time before hurt turns to killed. Already our meager defense systems are being torn apart. The metal benders and Shadowbolts are already overworked and under ponied. There simply aren't enough of them and every day more of them are captured or unmarked. Not to mention quite a few have already fled the city.”

Diamond gulped. “But not all the unmarked...”

“Yes, but enough,” he said firmly. “You saw the damage they can do. The destruction they can cause. Isn't it better to imprison them all so that those that are a danger are put away with them?”

She shook her head. “No! Just because they're unmarked doesn't... what about Silver? She's a good pony. She's a great pony. Just because some of them are bad, doesn't--”

“Then will you take the responsibility on your shoulders?” he asked, moving in front of her to look her in the eyes. “Will you take the responsibility of those who will hurt and destroy? Knowing the suffering they can cause, will you accept it?”

She slowly backed away, her hooves trembling. “I... I don't...”

He smiled and reached out, gently patting her shoulders. “These ponies are safe and sound. They are alive. Once this is over they'll be free. Would you really rather gamble everypony on the idea that some of them might not be dangerous?”

She slowly shook her head. “I... I guess not.”

“Good. I've already sent out the orders to have all of them gathered up. By this time tomorrow, there will be no more incidents. The city will be under control again. We'll probably have Meadowbrook captured, as well. Soon everything will be better.”

She nodded, though she felt as if she might vomit. “I should be with my friends.”

“I don't think that would be wise. You're the Avatar. You and I are the number one targets right now, it is best that we stick close together.”

“To be honest, I don't want to be anywhere near you. You make me sick.”

He chuckled. “Of course I do, Avatar. But somepony must make these decisions, correct? Would you rather I let the world fall apart, or do what I can against it? No matter how unsavory?”

She closed her eyes before nodding. “The... latter.”

“Good. You see, Avatar, sometimes bad things must be done for the greater good. If you can save a thousand lives by losing just one, then what is there to compare? In this way, we will save lives and only mildly inconvenience others. Everything will be back to normal soon enough and then this will all be nothing more than a bad memory.”

“Y-yeah. I guess you're right.”

“Of course I am. Now, you should be with your other friends. I will have an escort take you to the island. Or would you rather meet with your teammates?”

“I want to see Acrylic and Button. They'll want to know.”

“Then that will be the metal bender compound. After the attack on their home, I had them transported there for safe keeping.”

“Okay... I'll go there,” Diamond said softly, the energy and drive flowing out of her. She slowly walked out of the room and barely paid attention as ponies surrounded and escorted her down the street.

'He's right. I'm sure he's right,' she thought, but it left a foul taste in her mouth. She then looked up, gazing around at the buildings as they walked through the city. So many of the windows were dark, with nopony home. The tension that had hung in the air only seemed thicker now, though. “Do you think it's right?” she asked one of her escorts.

“What is, Avatar?” the mare asked.

“Imprisoning all the unmarked?”

The pony was silent for a moment, before nodding. “They aren't like us anymore. Until they can be fixed, it's probably for the best. None of us want to be like them, after all. Would you?”

“No,” Diamond muttered. “Are they being held safely?”

“Of course,” the mare said with a nod. “They are ponies, after all.”

The Avatar looked ahead again and gave a soft sigh. The ponies were safe. That was the best any of them could hope for.

“How... nice of you to join us, Avatar,” Octavia said from across the room. Diamond, Octavia, Acrylic and Button had all gathered in a small room where a few cots had been set up. “Pardons for how cramped the room is, but it is the best we could do.”

“It's fine,” Diamond said softly. “You're a member of the council. Tell me, do you think what Sunburst is doing is right?”

Octavia cocked an eye. “In what sense?”

“The... imprisoning of all the unmarked and--”

“WHAT?” Acrylic asked, sitting up. “Silver's being imprisoned? He can't--” He went quiet as Octavia raised a hoof.

“I was not informed of this decision. When was it made?”

“I... think tonight. After the riots. He told me they were already moving to... capture all of them.”

Octavia slowly sipped her tea, her eyes focused on the ground ahead of her. Finally, she spoke up. “I... see.”

“I see? That's all you have to say?” Acrylic asked. “He can't do that! Silver is innocent!”

“Oh, I'm quite certain he can't do it,” Octavia muttered. “I've seen the latest reports on estimated unmarked. There's just too many of them, imprisoning them all just... isn't feasible. As much as I am loathe to admit it, we require aid.”

“Aid?” Diamond asked.

“Yes. I doubt Sunburst will accept it, but this is no longer a situation we can handle. Meadowbrook is... moving too fast. She's been attacking our power structure too efficiently.” A frown coated the mare's face. “In fact... everything is going almost too well, for her. She's been removing our leaders one by one, tearing apart our defenses. Martial law may be our only response, but we no longer have a force capable of performing it. It is time we reached out to the four nations for aid.”

“Well, then let's do it,” Diamond said firmly. “If we need help, let's ask for it.”

“Something like that will require the council,” Octavia muttered. “Otherwise, it will be an unofficial request, something I imagine many would be loathe to respond to.” She then paused and looked to Diamond, before rubbing her chin. “Although... there are others who could call on our behalf.”

The Avatar blinked. “Wait, what?”

“Ohhhh, of course!” Button said excitedly. “If the Avatar asks for help, they HAVE to send it, right?”

Diamond squeaked. “W-wait, what? But I'm not even on the council. Can't we ask Sunburst to--”

“You may,” Octavia said with a shrug. “He may even listen to you. But I wouldn't count on it. As of this moment the country has... failed.”

The word hung in the air for a few moments. Finally, Diamond spoke up. “What do you mean... failed?”

“Twilight created this city where all could be equal. We now have a threat who, in a few short months, has managed to almost tear this city apart. There have been riots, attacks, even you have been beaten a few times by this mare. If this threat were to spread, imagine the danger. Imagine if more of those sticks of Meadowbrook's were created? A world without bending.”

Diamond nodded, shivering slightly. “Then... the others will have to help us, won't they?”

“Perhaps. Or they'll try to close us off from them. In many ways, this is our problem. Sunburst knows this. He also knows that the responsibility for this failure will fall on his hooves. Once this is over, there will be no place in office for him.”

The unicorn's eyes widened. “W-what? How can he be blamed for this?”

“How can he not? He is the leader of the council,” Octavia said with a shrug. “In many ways, our representative. The blame will fall squarely on his shoulders... or yours.”

Diamond moved a hoof up to her mouth, her eyes widening. “Then... he...”

“He knows this. If he minds, I couldn't say. But I don't know if he'll be willing to accept aid from the other countries, or if he'll decide he must fix this problem himself.”

Diamond face hoofed. “I hate this. All of this. It's not fair. Why can't I just like... bend at the problem? I'm the Avatar, hitting it with fire or earth or even water should be enough. Why do I have to do all these... other things?”

Octavia let out a low chuckle. “As startling as it may be to hear, young Avatar, very few of lifes problems can just be bent away. If they were, Meadowbrook would already be found and imprisoned.” She paused. “It may surprise you, but Twilight was known for being quite capable when it came to dealing with problems in a non-bending manner. In fact, aside from a few cases she rarely fought. According to the stories I've heard.”

Diamond groaned. “Yeah, right.”

“No, tis true. Just fighting the Water Nation and, to a larger extent, Discord would have never worked. In many ways she was forced to use diplomacy and the aid of other ponies to defeat them. Granted, there were occasions where she had to use her considerable talents in order to fight off the worst of them, but those were rare. This situation is, unfortunately, quite dire. Lots of ponies are in danger and this threat is unlike anything any of us have ever seen. Aside from Discord's magic, I doubt anypony would have believed removing a cutie mark was possible.”

Diamond groaned and shook her head. “I want to just bend at things. I'm good at bending. Why can't all of my problems just be solved with bending?” She wished she could ask Twilight for help, wished she had some way to contact her.

“You could always just leave,” Button said with a shrug.

“W-what?” the unicorn asked, looking up at him with wide eyes. She wasn't the only one.

He gulped, looking a little flustered. “I-I just meant, well, you're the Avatar. We could, I mean, we need you, right? So if you had to run away to keep your cutie mark safe, I think everypony could understand. You don't have to--”

“I am not running away,” Diamond said firmly.

“But--”

“I am the Avatar,” she said again before standing up. “I... might not be a hundred percent sure what I'm doing, but I will not turn tail and run away. This is my duty.” She paused and looked to Octavia. “I... might not be Twilight, but I can be one day. If she could figure this out, then so can I. And I will. I'm going to go talk to Sunburst and convince him that we need to ask for help. Now.”

Octavia nodded and smiled to her. “Good luck. Would you like me to come with you?”

“No,” the Avatar said. “I need to do this...” She then looked to Button and Acrylic. “Just me and... maybe my friends?”

Octavia's eyes twitched slightly, but she closed them and took another sip of her tea.

“If... that's okay with you, mom?” Button asked softly.

Acrylic didn't say a word, though he did watch her closely. Finally, the mare nodded.

“I suppose Twilight did always try to keep her friends close. It should be no different here. Do try to be careful, it is dangerous out there.”

“Yes! Thanks mom!” Button yelled before running out the door.

Diamond chuckled, before trotting after him. So long as her friends were close, she didn't see the problem. She was sure she could convince Sunburst to see reason. They needed help. They had to have it if they were going to have any chance of stopping Meadowbrook.

She stopped as she made it to the main lobby again. Button wasn't moving, instead his eyes focused on a radio that was stationed on the table. He wasn't the only one. There were only a hoofful of ponies in the room, but none of them were taking their eyes off the device.

“This abuse of power will not stand,” Meadowbrook's voice came out. “It is now time. All ponies must be equal, but once again those with power, your precious council, have stepped in and hurt those who are underhoof. In this case, those they callously call the unmarked.” Diamond felt dread flow through her. “Are you not all ponies? Do you not all have feelings and desires? Yet here they are, locking you away as if you are criminals. Why? Because they can.”

Diamond felt another shock as she realized the sound wasn't only coming from the radio. It was coming from outside. Slowly she moved to the door and pushed it open.

“Is it wrong to rise up against a government that oppresses you? No. For too long those with power have used it to hurt those who do not. It starts with the benders, but it won't end there. How long until this council decides that imprisoning those that they don't agree with isn't enough?”

The words echoed down the streets, coming out of every speaker and on every radio. She trembled slightly.

“How long until they decide it is time to remove their horns, as the Water Nation once did? Or even remove their wings? How long until those with the power and authority decide to take everything from you? What makes them better than any of you? What gives them the right to take and take, to use whatever means they deem necessary, while you are forced to sit there and endure it?”

Diamond could almost hear the heart beat of the city, beating so hard it could explode.

“They call me a terrorist, but I say they are the ones who terrorize you. They rule with iron hooves, unwilling to bend or accept those who are different. They cling to their power at the expense of the common pony, shoving them into the mud and dirt, taking more than their fair share. Why? Because they have bending? Because their cutie marks say they are 'better' at it? That they have a natural right to lead?”

The unicorn looked around again, hoping for some sign of where the pony could be. But it was fruitless, she knew where the sounds were coming from. Somehow that mare had tapped into the speakers all over and now things were going to get bad. She could feel it in her core.

“It's time for the common pony to rise up. To tell your leaders that they will take no more. That you will not be silenced and shoved aside while the powerful flaunt their riches. We are all ponies, we are all equal. Now it's time to show it.”

Diamond's eyes widened and she ran back inside. “Where are the unmarked being held?” she asked. She could feel it, as if something was bubbling up inside her. A plan was beginning to form.

“What?” the pony behind the counter asked. “I don't--”

“Listen, this is very important! I need to know where they are,” she said again, her heart pounding so hard in her chest she thought it might explode. “That's where Meadowbrook is going to strike next. I know it.”

“Are you sure?” Octavia asked as she appeared in the doorway, trotting out slowly. “There will be benders there. Lots of them.”

“They won't be benders for long,” Diamond said, digging a hoof into the ground. “This is going to be... we need to retreat.” Her eyes widened. “Miss Octavia, you made Avatar Island, right?”

The mare coughed. “Well... yes, I suppose, but--”

“Can you defend it?”

The earth pony snorted. “Of course. But what are you talking about?”

“We need to get every member of the council to the island we can,” Diamond said quickly. “Sunburst especially. We need to split up. Miss Octavia, I need you to get everypony here you can to the island. I'm going to try to stop Meadowbrook and, failing that, get the benders out of there I can. Acrylic, Button, I need you two to get Sunburst and get him to the island. Where's Prism?”

“Likely at the island,” Octavia said firmly.

“Tell him he needs to get to the other races and tell them to prepare. Things are about to get a lot worse and they need to defend themselves, hide if they have to.” She looked around. “How many metal benders are still here? Any Shadowbolts?”

“Only a few, no Shadowbolts,” the pony behind the desk said.

“Send what we have to the Shadowbolts then. Let them know it's time to retreat. This entire city is going to be over run by the unmarked within a few hours, at best. Now is going to be our only chance to escape. Go!” she yelled, before turning. She then paused and put a hoof to her chest, her eyes widening. “W-wait. What? Where did... what?” She looked down at herself. 'Where the buck did THAT come from?' She hadn't even thought about it. She'd just acted. All those words, the plans, the ideas. They just flooded her mind.

“Very good, Avatar,” Octavia said as she passed by her. “I do believe this is the first time you've actually acted like one.”

“Huh? Oh... ummm, right, yeah,” Diamond said, before shaking her head. “So, where are they being held?”

“North of the city there's a network of caves made by the metal benders,” Octavia said. “They were created for the dragons, but haven't seen much use as very few come here and those that do are... quite small. Comparatively. But for now, they should be of sufficient size for the prisoners to be held.”

“Good. Thank you,” Diamond said, before racing out of the door. “Do what I said!” she yelled back.

“She can't actually expect us to do that, can she?” Acrylic asked, shaking his head. “Come on, Button. We're going after her.”

“No,” Octavia said with a shake of her head.

“What? But she--”

“She is right. The unmarked already outnumber us heavily and, unfortunately, their numbers are continuously growing. With every one of us that falls, another unmarked takes their place. While most of them are fine ponies, there's little to no way for us to tell which is which. With so many of them... it would only take a single spark to make it all blow. This is too dangerous to face head on.”

“So? That means she shouldn't go alone! She'll be torn apart!” Acrylic objected.

“The council is already in pieces,” Octavia said bitterly. “I need you two to go and get Sunburst. Styx and Scootaloo will be with the Shadowbolts and able to take care of themselves. Sassy is smart, she'll probably be laying low anyway.”

“But--”

“Do what I say,” Octavia said before walking to the door. She lowered her eyes. “Stars help us. Another war...”

Diamond raced ahead, though a part of her felt as if she really wasn't herself any more. Thoughts and plans were filling her head, but they didn't feel like hers. It was as if there was a second pony inside her, or even a third or fourth. Just outside of her consciousness, whispering things only she could hear. She tried to tune it out, bury it. She wanted to pretend she didn't need it, that she had this handled.

But she didn't have it handled and she knew it. She needed help. Even wanted help. Meadowbrook was moving so fast, it was as if she never slowed down or stopped. Ponies were being turned left and right and there was nothing they could do about it. Which of the unmarked could be trusted? Could ANY of them be trusted? She'd assumed that once a pony lost their cutie mark, they stayed the same. But what if they didn't? What if there was more to that magic after all? What if it changed the pony and made them obedient?

Or what if they were all scared and frightened and Meadowbrook's words were just what they needed to hear? Sunburst had started locking them all up, it wouldn't be surprising if they were upset. She could already see what Meadowbrook would do. Attack the prison, turning more of the city's defenders into unmarked.

She wished she could fly as she raced through the streets, occasionally passing other ponies. Most were staring at their radios or the speakers, listening as Meadowbrook ranted. She stopped at one street, looking up as a few Shadowbolts flew overhead. They were fighting with a few unmarked, though the unmarked stood no chance and were quickly disabled. She looked around for more, before shrugging. There were only two Shadowbolts, but the unmarked they were fighting were already disabled. There were probably dozens of teams like that right now, moving around the city and capturing the unmarked under Sunburst's orders.

All of them waiting to be shipped to the prison. But if she didn't hurry, there wouldn't be a prison to take them. She galloped ahead, her hooves thumping across the ground, almost as loud as her heart. She felt that voice in the back of her mind, but she shut it out. She knew what she was doing now, she had it under control. She was the Avatar. She could handle this. She had to.

Button galloped on, his hooves thumping against the ground as he went. Wow, he couldn't believe how calm it was. The few ponies he'd seen hadn't even looked at him or Acrylic as they ran by, instead their attention was focused on the speakers. He had to give Meadowbrook props, she sure knew how to get attention. Finding Sunburst was going to be easy.

“Stop,” Acrylic called out, making the earth pony skid to a stop, sending a few clumps of cement scattering.

“What? What is it? What?”

“Look around,” the unicorn said as he trotted up besides his teammate.

Button looked around, but there wasn't anything. The only sound was Meadowbrook's voice and her repeated speech. There wasn't a pony anywhere on the street. “Yeah, so? It's empty.”

“It's completely quiet,” Acrylic muttered. “It's only a little after sunset, but there isn't a single pony out here. No lights are on. The entire area is just... dead.”

Button eeped and took a step back, looking around. “Now... that you mention it... you don't think... you don't think there are zombies, do you?”

Acrylic froze in mid step, his mouth falling open as he stared at the earth pony. “I... what? Zombies? Why would... what would make you think... how do you get... what? There aren't... what? How did you even...” He shook his head. “No. I don't. Remember what the Avatar said? About Sunburst? Do you think the ponies he sent out have already... been here?”

Button gulped and looked around. “I... guess. Maybe? It's kinda... there isn't any sign of earth bending. Maybe they went peacefully?”

“Maybe,” the water bender said, though he kept looking left and right. “I don't like this.” Meadowbrook's words filtering through the street made everything seem all the more ominous as the two slowly walked forward.

Button tapped the ground and wished he'd mastered his mother's special rock feeling skill. He could do it a little bit, but he wasn't able to feel anything. Then he yelped and started running.

“What? Did you see something?”

“No!” the earth pony said. “But this is the way to the council headquarters! What if they came through here and are on the way?”

Octavia galloped through the street, her eyes focused ahead as she ran. Off in the distance she could see where the streets turned to the pier beach and the lake began. Past that was Avatar Island.

Her muscles ached and her bones quaked. She was too old for this. It was one of the reasons she had worked so hard to train Button. He was supposed to be dealing with these kinds of things, not her. She could imagine Vinyl running besides her, probably laughing and making some kind of comment about how she was getting slow in her old age.

'Well, I'm old, that happens to ponies,' she thought grouchily to herself. She swore if Blaze and Prism weren't there, she was going to be furious. She could not and would not be going all over the city trying to find them. Prism was one of their fastest, he'd be able to get others out far quicker than she could. She smiled as she left the city and ran along the beach, a smile on her face. She stopped on the shore and did a few quick mental calculations.

'Just need to make a rock bridge to the island. That'll be enough to--'

She barely jumped to the right in time to avoid the burst of light green magic. Her eyes narrowed and she looked up in time to see the glow disappear. It didn't matter though. She thrust her hoof forward and clumps of sand shot into the air around her, rocketing into the sky.

After a few moments there was a dull thump as Meadowbrook fell to the ground, her mechanical wings only barely slowing the drop. “Ugh. Should have known these shoddy pieces of junk wouldn't go well with sand.”

Octavia eyed the mare, thrusting out her hooves and feeling out with her earth bending senses. She couldn't feel anypony else, but the sand made it difficult. “Meadowbrook, I presume?”

“Indeed,” the mare said with a sigh. “So, how did you know I was there? When did you notice I was following you?”

Octavia kept her face still, though internally she couldn't help being surprised. She hadn't even realized she was being tailed. “When you used your spell, the glow gave it away. You really should have tried launching it when I was in the city. The street lights would have blocked it better.”

“If you would have stopped for a few minutes, I would have,” the mare said as she slowly started walking around the beach. “You know why I'm here, don't you?”

“Yes. You're after the council.”

“Oh, partially right. That is business but... to be honest? This right here... this is pleasure.” Meadowbrook ran forward, the staff twirling in her magic.

Octavia nodded. “I see.” She thrust a hoof forward, sending the sand under Meadowbrook's hooves into a tight swirl. The mare fell flat with a yelp, before the sands shot up and swirled around her. “I'm afraid my sand bending isn't quite the best, but it's more than enough to deal with you.”

An explosion tore out from the sand, sending Meadowbrook flying into the air. The unicorn's staff was wrapped in fire, twirling around in the light. The flames shot out at Octavia, making her stomp the ground and raise a barrier of sand to protect herself. The unicorn chuckled. “Really? Then I guess I'll have to get a bit more serious.”

Octavia pushed a hoof down, scattering the sand around them. “How did you do that? I thought you hated benders?”

“All ponies should be equal,” Meadowbrook said. “No pony should bend. No pony should have cutie marks that set them apart. Nopony should have to suffer at the hoof of another. The Staff of Sameness is what will allow me to do this.” She aimed it at the mare. The tip crackled for a moment, before a streak of lightning shot out.

Octavia barely managed to leap aside, letting out a shocked gasp as she looked back towards the staff. “What is that thing?”

“The most powerful object known to pony kind. With it, I can make all ponies equal,” Meadowbrook said with a chuckle. She then pulled the staff back and the fire disappeared.

“With you at the head, correct?” Octavia asked, slowly circling around the mare.

“Some of us will have to be more equal than others,” Meadowbrook said. “Not that you'd understand. A pony like you has always had power and prestige. Never had anything taken away from you.” The staff glowed in her magic before she thrust it forward.

Octavia waited for another burst of fire, or a blast of magic, but there was nothing. Then her hooves started to sink and she tried yanking them out.

“But once there is true equality, there won't be any more need for me,” Meadowbrook said firmly, before thrusting the staff forward again.

Octavia managed to pull herself free from the sand and lunge to the right, narrowly avoiding a beam of green magic. “There's no need for you now. Do you have any idea what you're doing? If you want true equality, you should try raising ponies up, not tearing others down! A cutie mark is what makes a pony special!”

“A cutie mark doesn't make a pony special! Wings don't! Horns don't! Most importantly, bending doesn't!” Meadowbrook yelled as fire lanced out, making Octavia lunge to the right. As the earth pony moved, her hoof thrust down and dug into the sand. She flung it out, sending a clump of sand at the unicorn. It exploded a few feet from her face, filling the air with sand. “GAHHHH! MY EYES!”

“Nopony needs your form of equality,” Octavia said before tapping the ground. “It doesn't--”

She let out a startled cry as metal chains suddenly struck and wrapped around her from behind. Before she could try to bend them, electricity shot through them, sending its painful bursts through her body and making her scream.

Meadowbrook hacked and coughed, moving the mask aside as she wiped at her face with her hooves. After a few seconds she pulled the mask back down and looked towards the source of the chains. A submarine having risen from the water.

“Lady Meadowbrook, are you alright?” a voice called out.

“I-I'm fine,” she said weakly, before limping forward. “I'm fine.” She walked to Octavia and leveled the staff at her. “The council falls tonight. Harmony is mine.” The green beam of light shot out from the staff, enveloping the earth bender until, finally, her cutie mark disappeared and flowed under her cloak.

Chapter 19: Separated

Diamond felt dread flow into her stomach as she came into sight of the prison. Now was the time. It was going to be in shambles, Meadowbrook had probably already been here and destroyed it. Or wiped out all the ponies. Or...

Or it was completely fine.

She slowed down and gradually came to a stop as she got a good look at it. The entrance was a single large cavernous hole, with three metal benders and a few Shadowbolts outside, playing cards. There was no sign of fighting, no sign of destruction. In fact, there was no sign that anything at all was going wrong. Even as she watched, a few metal benders came up to the cavern, leading a few unmarked, and were merely motioned inside. Diamond gulped as she slowly trotted forward.

“Hello?” she called out.

One of the metal benders looked up and then let out a yelp, quickly standing at attention. “Avatar, sir!”

Diamond blinked, her eyes widening. 'Wait, I think this is the first time anypony here has actually been respectful to me. What do I do? What do I say? Oh buck, I'm not prepared for this!' “Errr... at... ease, soldier.”

The others kind of grunted and shrugged in her general direction. Oddly, she felt more comfortable with that reaction than she did the respectful one.

“Have there been any attacks? Has Meadowbrook showed her face around here?”

“Nope,” the pony said, bowing his head. “Would you like to see the cell, Avatar?”

She nodded slowly. “Uhhh... yes. Yes I would.”

The stallion nodded and trotted inside. She followed behind, looking around curiously. She groaned when they came to the main cell. Or rather, apparently the ONLY cell. Down at the end of the tunnel was the main chamber. It looked large enough to house a dozen dragons, assuming they were the size of a building and needed a lot of personal space. The roof was supported with tall, stone towers that were spaced around the room. It was just one massive prison, holding all the ponies at once. She wondered how many rooms it had been before they cleared it out to hold everypony. There was only the one entrance, a single wall of stone bars keeping the ponies trapped within. A few metal benders stood outside it, keeping an eye on them.

“Haven't they tried to break out?” she asked softly.

“At least five times,” her escort said with a nod. “But there's only the one entrance. None of the unmarked can bend, so they have to come through here. All we have to do, then, is close up the entrance. There are other holes that lead to the outside, of course. To help keep the air supply from going bad, but those are easy to close as well. Once we close it up, they tend to calm down quickly.”

She nodded, looking around at them. None of the ponies seemed to object, but then there didn't seem to be much point to it. They were trapped, completely. There was nothing they could do.

“Avatar, is that you?” a voice called out, making her look towards the right. One of the stallions raced forward, moving against the bars. One of the metal benders pushed a hoof out and the ground shifted, knocking the pony back with a yelp. “Ow! Avatar, please! Let us out! I have a family out there! I haven't done anything wrong, I was just attacked and had my cutie mark removed. I never asked for this. I don't belong here!”

“Me either!” another yelled. “I wasn't a part of the riot, I was just dragged along. I never wanted to be there!”

“Back off!” one of the guards yelled as more and more ponies surged forward, reaching out with their hooves towards her, yelling and screaming to be released.

“Avatar! Help us! Save us, please!”

Diamond looked between all the ponies. On the one hoof, she wanted to let them go. On the other, there was no telling how many of Meadowbrook's ponies were trapped in there, waiting to strike. She slowly took a step back. “Please, everypony calm down. This is only temporary. This will all be over soon.”

“Please! I never did anything wrong! You can't hold me like this!” one of them called out.

“It's just for a little bit. It's for the safety of all, you need to understand. You'll all be released soon,” she said quickly, taking another step back.

“I'm not a danger! I just want to be with my family!”

“Avatar, we need to go,” her escort said. “We might have to close the exit again.” The metal benders were already pulling back as the stone bars shook.

Diamond looked at the ponies, trembling slightly, before turning to run. The path out wasn't long, but it felt like forever until she heard the loud thump behind her. She looked up at her escort. “Is... any of this right?” she asked softly.

“I wouldn't know, ma'am. That's not my decision to make,” the pony said with a shrug. “But they aren't being hurt, if that's what you're worried about.”

The unicorn nodded, slowly trotting out and sitting near the edge. “There's... no way out, is there?”

“They'd need an earth bender to get out. This area is too defensible,” the stallion said with a smile. “It's only temporary. Right?”

She nodded. “Right. Temporary. Once Meadowbrook is captured, it'll all be over.” She looked back towards the cavern.

'Hold innocent ponies captive, or let them all go and risk a bigger attack?' she asked herself. 'Why can't there be an easy answer?' She took a deep breath and put a hoof to her chest, trying to steady her heartbeat. 'This is the easy answer. It's just for a little bit. That's all.'

She looked out over the city and hoped Meadowbrook would be captured soon. Before it was too late.

“You think mom's okay?” Button asked. Meadowbrook's voice had finally cut off, no longer being broadcast over the city. Somehow the silence was all the worse. They hadn't seen anypony in a while, not even Shadowbolts or metal benders.

“She's fine! She can take care of herself! I'm more worried about Sunburst!” Acrylic yelled as the two ran through the city. They were almost to the headquarters and the tension could be almost felt between them.

Finally, they turned a corner and froze. The building was on fire. “Huh. That's... you know what? That's kind of what I expected,” Button said as he stared. “He is a fire bender, right? Does that mean things are going good, or bad?”

Acrylic stared at Button, before face hoofing. “The building is on fire! How can that possibly be good?!” He then ran forward, shaking his head. “I swear, sometimes! Think before you speak!”

“What? How is it any different from an earth bender's home being surrounded by dirt?”

“If an earth bender's home is being SWALLOWED UP BY THE GROUND, it's a problem!”

“Oh. Well, why didn't you say so?”

“I shouldn't have to say so!” Acrylic yelled.

The two galloped to the flaming building. Ash billowed in the air and the heat was intense, even on the ground they could feel it emanating from the higher floors. Dark figures were illuminated by the flames, but they couldn't make them out.

Then one dove at them. Acrylic took a step back. “Button, rock!”

The figure's wings began to spark. Button stomped on the ground and sent out a burst of rock at the figure, slamming into it face first and knocking it to the ground. He then stomped again. “Here!”

There was a rumble below and then water shot up from a broken pipe. Acrylic grinned and lunged forward, drawing the water around himself before sending it up at the fire. Steam filled the air as the fire was fought back.

“Sunburst!” he yelled, before sending up a shower of ice shards at the flying ponies. “Are you there?”

A stream of fire gushed out the side of the building.

“Come on down!” Acrylic yelled, before using the water to form a slide of ice up to the side of the building. “Button, cover it!”

“With what?”

“No, I mean stop anypony from attacking him when he comes down!” the unicorn yelled as he sent more bursts of ice flying up, trying to keep the flying ponies back. A dark figure jumped onto the slide, sliding down towards them. The pony was wrapped in a black cloak.

Disks of earth flew through the air, scattering the hovering ponies. Acrylic kept his eye on the pony, and as it almost reached the bottom, he reached out a hoof and the ice molded up, wrapping around the pony. “Sir, is that you?”

“Yes it's me!” Sunburst yelled. “Let me go!”

“Right, sorry sir!” Acrylic yelped, quickly releasing the pony and dumping him onto the ground. “We're retreating to Avatar Island. Please come with us!”

The fire bender gave a nod and jumped to his hooves, before sending up a burst of fire at the ponies. “My guards. They're--”

“They'll survive,” Acrylic said firmly. “Right now, you're the most important pony.”

“We can't leave a bunch of ponies stuck up there,” Button objected. “Sir, how many of them are there?”

“Four. But they were ambushed and knocked out. There's probably more in the building, but by now they probably ran off. We--”

“NO!” Acrylic yelled. “If we're going to have any shot of stopping Meadowbrook and getting these ponies their cutie marks back, we're going to need you. That means you are the most important pony here now. So sir, let's go!”

Sunburst looked up for a moment, before slowly nodding. “You're... right. Let's go.”

The water bender nodded before turning to run. More pillars of dirt and stone rose up around them as chunks of the cement road were flung up. “I don't like this,” Button said firmly.

“None of us do,” Acrylic said with a shake of his head. “But there's nothing we can do about it. We need to get out of here, now. Your mom's waiting for us.”

Button nodded slowly.

“I hate this,” Diamond muttered as she trotted back and forth in front of the prison. “She should be here by now. She should be attacking by now. Why isn't she attacking? I know she should be!” She couldn't shake it. She felt that nagging feeling in the back of her head, as if somepony was trying to talk to her and tell her what was going on. She tried to ignore it, but it was so persistent. She'd figured all this out, she knew what she was doing. But what if she didn't? A part of her wanted to listen, another part wanted to ignore it completely. She hated being so conflicted.

Something still felt so very, very wrong. There hadn't been anymore Shadowbolts or metal benders arriving with unmarked since the batch that arrived when she got here. She was certain there had to be more, but they just weren't arriving. It made her feel more and more uncomfortable and worried. What could be holding them?

She felt another burst of worry. “Oh no...” she said softly.

“What is it?” one of the metal benders asked.

“What if Meadowbrook is wiping out all of the gathering groups before coming here?” She looked up at the sky. “What if this was all planned, a night assault while they're most vulnerable?”

There was a dreadful silence, before one of the metal benders shrugged. “Even if she is, the only one allowed to leave here is you. She won't be able to launch an assault here. They'd need an earth bender of some sort to attack this place. I can't see any of us metal benders siding with her, either.”

“Ughhhh. There has to be something I'm missing!” Diamond yelled, shaking her head. She wondered if Twilight ever felt like this. 'Ugh, as if. She had to fight the Water Nation. She probably never had to deal with any of this disguising, hiding thing. All of her enemies were obvious and right there in front of her, she just had to beat them.' She felt a hot flush of indignation from inside, but tried to tune it out.

“So you're sure you can protect this place, right?”

“Yes, we can,” the metal bender said with a nod of his head. “Nopony aside from an earth bender would have a chance, this place is just too easily defended. We could hold out for weeks here.”

She nodded and turned to the city. “I'm going back in. I need to find the others and find out what's happening.”

“Avatar, that might not be the best idea,” one of the ponies said, looking up from her card game. “It's not exactly... safe out there. Not everypony is happy with how things are going. Sunburst's orders aren't going to make anypony of authority very popular.”

“I don't care. Things are going to go from bad, to worse,” she muttered softly, before running towards the city. 'How has everything just gone so bad, so quickly? How has she been ahead of us every step of the way?'

She made it into the city and galloped down the streets, her frustration building. “Guhhhh! I hate all this! Why couldn't I be a more political pony? Why can't I just have one BIG enemy? Somepony simple and easy to find! I don't care if they're the best bender in the whole world, heck, the four best! I'll fight the kings or queens or emperors or whatever of all the nations! So long as it's just easy to know who I'm fighting!”

There was no response from the world.

“Ugh, I hate this. MEADOWBROOK! Show yourself!”

“If you wish,” a voice said from behind her.

Diamond yiped and leaped forward, before turning and facing the mare. Meadowbrook was standing behind her, the staff held up and leveled at her. She was wearing the same cloak and mask as always.

“O-oh,” the Avatar said softly. “I didn't... think you'd hear me.”

“I've been looking for you, Avatar,” the mare said with a chuckle, slowly advancing. “The time is right.”

“Right? Right for what?” She kept backing up, looking around nervously. Above she could hear the gentle sound of ponies wings fluttering. She looked behind herself and saw ponies walking out from the alleys, blocking the street.

“The city is mine. Or at least, it will be soon. Not all of the unmarked will join me, but very few of them will fight me. Soon Harmony will stand as a true city of equality. A city where nopony need fear another, where all will be the same, safe and secure in the knowledge that they won't be considered inferior to others in any way.”

“How? By taking everything that makes them special?”

“Oh? You would say that, wouldn't you?” Meadowbrook asked as she took another step forward. “'The Avatar'. The most special pony of all, user of all four elements. Do you think that makes you better than anypony?”

“N-no,” Diamond lied.

“Really? It should. You are the greatest pony in the world, aren't you? A pony who has every single advantage in life. From a rich, noble family. An actual alicorn. A connection with... oh, who knows how many past lives?”

“H-how do you know about my family?”

“Do you really think I ignored your connection with one of the members of the council?”

Diamond could no longer go back any further without bumping into the unmarked. She gulped and watched the advancing mare, her eyes drawn to the staff. “You... know?”

“About Sassy? Of course. But that doesn't matter. There is no council anymore. By now, my soldiers have already captured Sunburst. Most of the metal benders and Shadowbolts have either been turned into unmarked or fled. You are all that remains.” There was a light chuckle. “Or did you hope to escape to Avatar Island?”

A cold burst of dread flowed through the Avatar. “You... didn't...”

“The island has fallen. Octavia was the first. Prism and Blaze are gone. Now all that remains is you.” The staff was aimed at her. “Now, Avatar. One last chance. Join me. There is no need for us to be enemies. I don't kill, I don't hurt. I don't destroy. All I want is equality. Balance. Is that not what you want?”

“Why do you want me to join you so badly?” Diamond asked softly.

“You're a symbol. If you fall now, it will be a sign that none can oppose us. That equality will not, cannot, be stopped. But if you were to join us, it would show the world that there is nothing to fear. That being equal is not something to flee from.”

“But there's nothing wrong with not being equal!” Diamond objected. “It's what makes ponies special! It makes some ponies funny, some ponies cool, some ponies wonderful friends or great leaders or generals or--”

“It makes ponies hurt and kill each other. It leads to war and destruction. It leads to the de-horning of an entire nation. It leads to monsters such as Discord. It leads to the powerful crushing the weak underhoof. It leads to rulers who stuff their faces and grow fat and lazy, while their subjects suffer and starve. It leads to ponies hurting themselves. It leads to pain and suffering. There is no place in this world for it anymore.” The staff was leveled on the unicorn. “One last time, Avatar. Join me.”

Diamond stared at the glowing green end of the staff, before taking a deep breath. “Never.” She kicked three of her hooves out, her back hooves sending out a burst of stone and rock, scattering the ponies behind her. Fire shot out her right hoof, sending her spinning out of the way as the beam of magic zapped where she had been. She quickly whipped around and tried to run through the gap she'd made.

She made it only a few feet before the swarm of ponies closed on her, lunging forward with electricity flowing out from their weapons and zapping her. She fell to the ground, skidding along a few feet before letting out a low, pained moan. Her body twitched in pain and she let out a soft, gentle whimper.

“Owie...” she said with a soft groan. The crowd parted and Meadowbrook walked towards the twitching, throbbing Avatar.

“We could have been great allies, Avatar,” the mare said with a shake of her head. “Why couldn't you see things my way?”

“Because... y-your way is w-wrong,” Diamond said softly. “Ponies... are different... for a reason.”

“Brutality is not a good enough reason.”

“OH YEAHHHHHH!” a voice echoed through the air, making the pony freeze.

“What in...”

The ground began to shake violently. Diamond looked around in confusion, as much as her body would allow her. Then the cement besides her burst open and a pair of diamond dogs appeared in their midst.

“Hah! Told you, pony beside other ponies,” the first one said, hitting his shorter comrade upside the head.

“I told you which other ponies pony was with though!” the other dog objected.

Meadowbrook stared, before raising the end of the staff at them. “You've got to be kidding. What do you think you're doing?”

The larger one looked at her and chuckled. “Stupid pony not realize how stupid pony is. Forget important thing.”

“What important thing?”

“Why ground shake so much?” the second diamond dog said.

“STAMPEDEEEEEEE!” a pony yelled as she ran by.

Meadowbrook looked very confused, before looking up. Her eyes widened as the crowd of ponies took to the air as best they could, but with so many of them and their lack of skill with flight made most of them bump into and knock each other back to the ground. Beyond them a herd of buffalo were galloping down the street straight towards them.

The bigger diamond dog grabbed Diamond, pulling her close. “Special pony come with us!”

The Avatar couldn't object, before she knew it she was drawn underground, surrounded by dirt.

Meadowbrook shrieked. “NO!” She shot out a beam of magic with her staff, but it was too slow. She then looked up before turning tail and fleeing down the street from the impending stampede.

Diamond was tossed out of a hole with a shriek, flailing in the air for a few moments before landing on the dirt with a groan. “Ow...” she grumbled. Slowly she sat up and looked around, unable to see anything.

“Don't fire bend!” a voice yelled.

She had already leaned her head forward to try it, but stopped. “Errr, why? Who's there?”

“Is Rover. Avatar, yes? None of the fire bending. Is very, very tight area. Low air, burn away. Make suffocate. Pony not use flame.”

Diamond nodded slowly. There was a light clack and then a dim glow began to fill the area. She was in a strange dome. “Where am I?” Her eyes widened. “Wait, are you trying to foalnap me? I swear, if--”

“Stupid pony. You bend earth! Why I foalnap you?”

The unicorn blinked and smiled sheepishly. She could now make out the dark shape of the diamond dog sitting across the room. “Oh. Right. Yeah, you know about the whole... right.” She shuffled nervously. “I uhhh... thank you. For saving me.”

“Was pony problem. Not pony problem now. Is all problem now,” the dog said with a grunt.

Her eyes widened. “W-wait. You're... you were captured, weren't you? In the attack! You went missing!”

“Yes, ponies try hold diamond dog prisoner. Ponies very, very stupid. Dog trick ponies.”

“How?”

“Go through outhouse. Not pretty. But dog free. Dog warn other dogs. Tell them bad times coming. Bad times here now.”

“I noticed. They...” She paused. “Wait. Those were buffalo there. And... who was the pony yelling?”

“Minotaur. Is very excited. Want jump ponies, throw around like trees.”

She cocked her head to the side. “Wait, you don't throw trees.”

“Minotaur does.”

“Oh,” she said with a nod. “So you, the minotaurs and buffalo are all working together? That's great! You can help me stop Meadowbrook!”

There was a pause, before the diamond dog shook his head. “No.”

“What do you mean, 'no'? You said it yourself. This is an issue for all of Harmony!”

“Yes. All of Harmony. But Avatar forget other species. Twilight not forget. Twilight care about all. But you ignore all but pony.”

She scuffed her hoof. “N-no I didn't! You all ignored me! I was just... returning the favor!”

“Twilight good Avatar. Listen to non-pony. She bring unity. Peace. She help. New Avatar only help other pony. New Avatar barely know other non-pony exist.”

She opened her mouth to object, before stopping. Now that she thought about it, she couldn't remember the last time she'd even thought of the other leaders. Even when their leaders had been captured, she hadn't really cared since they didn't have cutie marks to lose. But they seemed to be in just as much danger. The zebras and negasi were, as well.

“I'm sorry,” she muttered softly. “You're right. I'm a horrible Avatar. I thought I had all this under control but... I really don't. I haven't really thought much about you all, since... well, I didn't really think you mattered. You couldn't bend or use magic. You just kind of... were there. That was wrong of me.” She took a slow, deep breath. “I have been favoring the ponies because I knew the ponies. I haven't tried to take the time to meet any of you or listen to you. But... things are different now. The ponies have fallen. Almost all of us. We're susceptible to this cutie mark removing thing and ponies are having what... makes them them removed. We have to stop it and reverse it, or Harmony is as good as gone.”

The diamond dog nodded. “Yes. Is true. New pony is very big problem. Needs be beaten, broken. Needs magic stopped. Old Avatar would fight her. We help her. Why we help you?”

She gulped. “You... helped me already. You care about this city, I know you do. You want a home for your families, your race. You never would have come here if you didn't. This is your one and only shot, isn't it? This is where you can be safe. Can be equal. But that doesn't mean it'll be easy. You'll need to fight for it.” She dug her hooves into the ground. “Please. I'm asking not just as the Avatar. I'm asking as a pony of this city. Meadowbrook has to be stopped. The world can't survive her forever.”

There was a soft chuckle from the dog and he shook his head. “Silly pony. Of course we help stop bad pony. Why you think we save you?”

She blinked a few times and then blanched. “Wait... then you said...”

“New Avatar very loud and obnoxious. Want to see if can beg. If can be humble.”

The unicorn's eye twitched. She barely managed to remind herself that she couldn't just crush the dog. She needed him. She'd need all the help she could get. “I... see.”

“Can control temper, too. Perhaps new Avatar not so bad.”

“Fine. So you'll help me. Have you managed to save any other members of the council?”

He nodded. “Oh, yes. Pegasus mare come and tell us of danger. Warn that bad things happening. Tell diamond dogs to close homes, protect selves. Warn others. All escape under ground.”

She gasped. “Wait, so Scootaloo is down here too? All others? You mean the other species, too?”

“Yes. All down here. Hiding. Safe, for now.”

“Please, take me to them!” she said, moving forward. The diamond dog chuckled and turned.

“Yes. Pony try follow. Earth bend, yes? See if compare with dog claws.” His claws dug into the dirt and he was off. She gaped for a moment before plunging into the dirt after him, bending it around herself.

She couldn't keep up. She could feel him out there, a little, with the dirt. But he was quickly pulling away. She could barely believe it. It was as if he could earth bend, but he definitely wasn't. At least, she was pretty sure he wasn't. He eventually stopped and she burst out just behind him, nearly ten seconds after he did.

“Pony so slow,” the dog said.

“S-shut up!” she said as her eyes tried to adjust. She let out another gasp. She was in a long tunnel that seemed to be connected with dozens of other tunnels, all lined up and interlocking. There were minotaurs, yaks, donkeys, buffalo, zebra and even a few ponies. She let out a gasp as her eyes fell on one winged pony in particular.

“BLAZE!” she shrieked, galloping forward. “You're okay!”

“What? Avatar, when did you--” The pegasus stumbled back a moment as the unicorn tackle glomped her, but she barely managed to remain standing. “When did you get here?”

“Not long ago! I just... I thought you and Prism were captured. Meadowbrook said you were and... and how did you escape?”

The mare smiled. “We went to investigate once the radio messages went up. We realized something was up and went to help the other council members. We managed to get Scootaloo out, but we haven't found Styx yet.”

She nodded. “Is there any news on Sunburst?”

The mare shook her head. “Not as far as we know. The diamond dogs have been moving through the city, gathering whoever they can and bringing them down into the tunnels. They've been invaluable during this time.” She looked up and smiled. “Thank you, Rover.”

The dog harrumphed. “Dogs not do this for thanks. Dogs do this to save Harmony. Pony make problem, we have to clean it up.”

She chuckled and looked down at Diamond. “Don't mind him. He always sounds grouchy but he's really quite sweet. Where were you?”

The Avatar cringed. “I was trying to see if any of the squads moving through the city were okay. I ran into Meadowbrook and... well... she caught me. Her forces were just too much for me to handle.”

The pegasus nodded. “She's dangerous. Any news on what she has planned?”

“No. Not yet. But I think she intends to take over the city and rule it, for now. She claimed she wants to make it a city of equality. I think she wants to try to convince other ponies to join her.”

“Depending on how she goes about it, she just might succeed,” Prism muttered. “We need to strike her hard and fast. We need to find Cranky and Rutherford.”

“Who?” Diamond asked.

“The council members for the donkeys and yaks. Meadowbrook's magic likely doesn't work on them, so having them here to direct their forces would be best.”

Diamond nodded. “Did you see Octavia? We... came up with a plan,” she said softly. “Or rather... I just...” She shuffled her hooves. “Can... we talk in private?”

Blaze looked around, before cocking an eye. “Where? We're in a small little tunnel. There aren't really a lot of places to be alone.”

“I-I don't know. Just... it's kind of silly... please?”

Blaze sighed and nodded. “I'll see what I can do.” She then turned and trotted off.

Diamond followed behind her. “So, uhhh... where's Prism?”

“Near the entrance. He's not very good around... caves. He doesn't like being underground, at all.”

“Really? But it's awesome.” She couldn't help but notice a few of the diamond dogs look up and nod appreciatively.

“For an earth bender, yes. But we're air benders. We're meant to fly free, to soar through the air and feel the cool wind beneath our wings. Being trapped under here, without the wind or fresh air. With it pushing in on us at all times, it's more than most air benders can handle.”

Diamond nodded slowly. “Oh. I didn't... realize. I'm sorry. I'd help if I could.”

There was a pause, then Blaze nodded. “It's not your fault, Diamond. But Prism just can't handle it very well. I've been down here a few times, so it's not so bad for me.”

“Why did you come down here?”

“I'm a member of the council. I have to visit the other races from time to time, usually as a group. Sometimes alone.”

Diamond nodded and felt a fresh pang of guilt. She'd never even considered visiting the other races. “I'm sorry. I never... really thought about what it was like to be the Avatar. I always kind of assumed that I'd just get it right. Perfect every time. You know?”

“No, I don't. But considering how you were raised... I suppose it makes sense. But it's good that you're beginning to realize that. Rather than having to have it smacked into you.”

The Avatar nodded. “Yeah. I... I now get that I'm going to have to work pretty hard to be like Avatar Twilight.”

Blaze nodded and then glanced back. “I'm sorry about what I said before. Calling you... saying your soul was black. While what you told Button was cruel and borderline unforgivable, that didn't mean you were pure evil incarnate. It meant you were stupid and insensitive. I was far too harsh in my judgment and I should have been slightly nicer about it.” She smiled after that. “I do believe you have potential, Diamond. You're learning, quickly. You've finally figured out that being the Avatar isn't the be all, end all of being a pony. That you're not better than everypony else.”

Diamond nodded. “Yeah. I know. I was just... learning. I think I'm doing better now. I'm trying harder.”

“Good,” Blaze said before stopping. They were in a dead end, though a few dogs were in it, lounging about. “Pardon me, would you allow the two of us a little bit of privacy?”

The dogs snorted, but slowly got up and lumbered out.

“Thank you,” Blaze called after them, before smiling. There were still others not that far away, but it was likely the best they'd get. “See, a little politeness goes a long way. What did you need to ask me about?” She then sighed. “If it's about a boy, it--”

“What? No no no! No! No no!” She shook her head quickly. “No. Not even, no. I've got all that figured out.”

“Really? At your age?” Blaze asked with a smile. “You're a lot more advanced than I thought you'd be.”

“What?” Diamond's cheeks flared red. “Not what I meant! I just... ugh, no, it's nothing like that. I need... well... I just...” She took a deep breath. “Before, when I was... when I was with Octavia and making plans for what to do, I just...” She closed her eyes. “And... occasionally when I'm doing things. It's hard to explain. But lately, it sometimes feels like there's another... pony in me. Directing me. Sometimes I get these feelings and things like... I knew a pony or something. Or that I met them. Or I'll feel as if I know things that I don't think I should. Stuff like that.” She opened her eyes. “I just... err... was curious if... well... I think I might be going a little crazy.”

Blaze nodded. “Ohhhh. I see. No, I think that's an Avatar thing.”

“An Avatar thing? How is that an Avatar thing?”

“Well, I think you're supposed to be all connected to your past lives. I don't know, it rarely came up.”

“W-what do you mean it rarely came up? I thought you and Prism were my teachers!”

“Well, Prism is your teacher. But he was taught by Rainbow and well, I don't know if you noticed, but she... okay, you've never met her. She's never really been one for the... non bending things. To be honest, a lot of what the Avatar is isn't really known too well. Twilight wrote a few books on the matter, but--”

“Wait, there are books on this? Why hasn't anypony told me?”

“Because the entire time we've known you, you've been nothing more than a spoiled brat and getting you to learn air bending alone has been near impossible. We aren't just going to start throwing books at you and hope they stick.”

Diamond just gaped. “I... I need those books. Wait, so these things I've been feeling they're... past lives?”

“Maybe? I don't know,” Blaze said with a shrug. “I remember hearing about Avatar Twilight talking to her past lives. But I never saw it and I didn't read her books. For something like that, you'd want to talk with Councilmare Zecora. I hear she aided Twilight in a lot of the spiritual side of being an Avatar. Helped her with things like spirits and stuff. Listen, I'm an air bender. I bend things. The whole... other things like the Elements of Harmony, spirits, stuff like that, I don't know about that stuff. I doubt Prism will know much either. It wasn't a big priority to us.”

Diamond's eyes lit up. “So, if I can find Zecora, you think she can help?”

“Maybe,” Blaze said with a shrug. “But, for now I wouldn't worry about it.”

“But--”

“The city is falling apart. I'm sure figuring all this out would be nice, but right now we have bigger problems. We need to stop Meadowbrook and figure out how to get everypony's cutie marks back. If you have these feelings and feel like the past Avatar's are talking to you, that's great. Listen to them. Avatar Twilight was amazing and I'm sure any idea she's had always worked wonderfully and never failed.”

Diamond suddenly felt slightly sheepish.

“But right now, we have more important matters. I'm going to try and find and meet with the council. You're welcome to come with me. In fact, I'd encourage it.”

The Avatar watched her for a moment and nodded, trotting after her. 'Eh. At least I have an idea of what it is now. It'll wait until after I... after we kick Meadowbrook's flank.'

“A... dreadful sight,” Blaze mumbled as she looked over the few remnants of the council. Scootaloo, Zecora, Strongheart, Rover and Legond were all that had been found, so far. “Do you think any of the others will be found?”

“My dogs searching full city,” Rover said with a nod. “If hiding, they be found. Dogs know what doing, ponies take care of own business.”

“Right,” Blaze said before taking a deep breath. “I think our path ahead is clear. We need to stop Meadowbrook and rescue what leaders of ours we can. Cranky and Rutherford need to be saved so we can have the full aid of the donkeys and yaks.”

There were a few murmured agreements from the few that remained. Except from Legond, who pumped a fist into the air. “We'll pound this threat into smithereans!”

“Exactly,” Blaze said with a nod before looking to Rover. “Council dog Rover? Can you inform the council as to where you were being held?”

The dog gave a nod. “Ponies stupid. Hold dog in compound south of city. Wrapped in cement. But dog smarter than pony, escape. Yak and donkey not able to dig like dog, can't escape. May be moved, may still be there, don't know. Have to find her. Have--”

There were heavy hoof steps as Prism burst into the room. “Blaze, Scootaloo, you're going to want to come see this.” His face was pale and his eyes were wide.

“What is it? We're in a council meeting,” she said, though her eyes looked over his features with worry.

“It's Ironwing. He managed to arrive with Styx, but he... well... the healers are doing what they can. But they don't know if he'll make it.”

“Styx is here?” Blaze asked, then her eyes widened. “Wait, healers?” She took a step towards the door, before stopping. Indecision flashed across her face, before she shook her head. “I'm sorry, I have to.” Scootaloo was already out the door, not even waiting to excuse herself.

“Go, to be near a friend when they pass is a pain bearable,” Zecora said firmly. “To miss it, though, is most terrible.”

The pegasus nodded and then galloped out the door, following after Prism. Diamond watched for a few moments before looking at the council. “May... err, I be excused?”

“Bah, silly ponies,” Rover said with a grumble. “Plan for big escape, but no want to be here for plan! Shoo, shoo, we come up with plan ourselves.”

Diamond nodded. “Thank you,” she said before galloping off, down the tunnels. She saw Prism and Blaze ahead and she raced as best she could through the crowds, trying to keep up.

They didn't have to go far. A small crowd had gathered around one of the few beds as an earth bender ran glowing sand across the pegasus' body. She could see Styx and Scootaloo already in the crowd, a few Shadowbolts and her teachers joining with it. She also saw a pony with strange blades covering his wings, a lot like the ones Ironwing had.

Ironwing wasn't moving. His wing was a little too straight, tied with a piece of wood. His back legs were bound just as much, though the bone was poking through in his front right leg. Worst of all was his face, though. It seemed far flatter than she remembered it. His face seemed smooshed up. She moved up besides Prism and opened her mouth to speak, but then stopped.

He looked horrified, staring at the wounded pegasus. His eyes were a little misty too. She gulped and slowly reached a hoof out. She wanted to ask why he cared. She would have sworn they hated each other. “Is he going to be okay?” she asked softly.

“I... don't know,” Prism mumbled, shaking his head.

“I should have caught him,” Styx said softly, staring at the wounded pegasus. “He was right there. If I hadn't... if I had been a little faster. There were just so many of them. If I had just... he would have caught me,” the negasi said with a shudder, his front hooves wrapped around himself. “He was trying to protect me. He knew I was the target. He should have ran. He shouldn't have... he shouldn't have...”

Diamond looked between the ponies. None of them were crying, yet. But almost all of them looked as if they were on the verge. All it would take was one of them to start, then the entire group would unleash their sadness. Blaze and Prism moved up besides each other, supporting each other as they watched the healing sand flowing over the pegasus.

The Avatar didn't know him very well, but she knew this was not something she should intrude on. She slowly backed away and left the ponies to their grief. If Ironwing pulled through, then it would be wonderful. If he didn't, they deserved at least some privacy to grieve in peace. 'They don't need somepony gawking at their pain,' she thought to herself.

Chapter 20: Prepare

“Really? That's the best plan we've got?” Diamond asked as she looked over the council. “Charge in, hope they're there, just break them out? Doesn't that seem like a bit... well... simple.”

“The fact there will be a hoofful of earth benders and a near army of diamond dogs means getting in and out will be easy,” Strongheart said. “While it is a bit... crude, it should be more than effective. The key reason being... well, there's truly nothing they can do to stop us. The dogs can get in and out of their locations with ease. The city, fortunately, doesn't have any true underground defenses like many bending cities. We can use this to our advantage to move. We have every advantage here.” She paused and shook her head. “As long as we're only trying to rescue the two, it should be quite simple.”

“What if they're not there?” Diamond asked softly.

“Then they're not there,” the buffalo said with a shrug. “There should be no real danger so long as we spend the majority of our time under ground. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

“Okay. So when do we go?” she asked with a smile. Silence reigned over the room. “What?”

Zecora took a deep breath. “A plan such as this does not the Avatar need. Instead for you we have a task of some peril, indeed.”

“Wait, what? In Equestrian, please.”

“We're calling for aid. For that we unfortunately need radio equipment. Working radio equipment. The best place to get something like that...” Strongheart shook her head. “Would be Dr. Alicity's lab. Unfortunately, our plan won't work quite as well there.”

“What, why?”

“The... doctor was always a bit eccentric and paranoid. There are a number of traps set all over the complex. Going underneath it to try and sneak in would be dangerous, possibly fatal. We'd need somepony to break in, clear their way through, grab the equipment and then get back out here.”

Diamond nodded. “Oh. And this is the only radio in the city?”

“Of course not. But, as most of the... well, the city is now under the control of Meadowbrook. Locking us out through the radio towers and blocking our communications would be easy. But Dr. Alicity should have the equipment we need.” The buffalo looked mildly annoyed. “In fact, I can almost guarantee it. If we got a bit for every time we told him to...” She paused. “Actually, considering all the fines we ended up leveling on him, we likely have gotten a bit for it. It's not exactly legal, as equipment goes. But it should enable us to call for help and get around Meadowbrook's control.”

Diamond nodded. “Great, when do I go?”

“Rush this we cannot,” Zecora said before getting to her hooves. “For this we must carefully plot.”

“We'll be assembling a team,” Strongheart said. “Each of the council is choosing a representative to aid you. Please try to be careful.”

“Representatives? Why?” She grumbled and tapped her hooves down. “I can do this on my own.”

There was a sigh from Zecora. “Yes, one who believes herself perfect. A team is needed before you get yourself--”

“No!” Diamond said, shaking her head. “That's not what I mean. It's not that I'm too good, or too fast, or anything like that. This is a mission where you need somepony who can get in and out quietly, without causing trouble. If you want me to have a team, send me in with Prism or a Shadowbolt. But a big team will just draw attention. Somepony who can fly would be best.”

“How does pony plan to get equipment out?” Rover asked, eying her.

“I'm stronger than I look. If you need to, choose just one or two. I'd think Shadowbolts would be best, though. Since they can sneak in, I can use my bending to deal with any problems we need to bend our way through. If we need to break anything, then maybe a metal bender. But please, sending a huge team with me is just going to slow us down.”

Rover nodded. “Is true. But then why need you? If--”

“If you don't need me, then don't use me,” Diamond snapped. “Put me somewhere else, where ever you need me to be. But for something like this, don't send an army. You'll just get everypony captured.”

Strongheart nodded, quickly speaking up before the others can. “That is a valid concern and we will take it under advisement. If you would please excuse yourself, however. We still have much to discuss. What... remains of the council must discuss things.”

She gave a nod and turned to trot off, sighing softly. She doubted they were going to listen to a word she said. She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, none the less. Even if it wasn't, she still felt as if this was her fault. If she had stopped Meadowbrook when they'd first met, none of this would have happened. Or the second, or even third time. Maybe if she'd stopped her from taking Silver's cutie mark. There were so many things that just seemed to go wrong. As if everything Meadowbrook was doing was just going along perfectly. She snorted softly and wondered how many of the unmarked had been helping her from the beginning. Giving her information on patrols to help her ambush the defenses. Stirring up trouble amongst the marked and unmarked. She kicked the ground a little.

She considered going to check on Ironwing, but shook her head and couldn't do it. She thought about those ponies, standing around his broken body. They deserved some privacy. They deserved to be able to grieve in peace.

Her mind turned to her other friends. To Silver, Button and Acrylic. She prayed they were okay, that they would be safe and sound. Though she doubted it.

She took a slow, deep breath and shuddered. The cave suddenly started feeling a lot more confined. She moved to the nearest diamond dog. “Which direction is the main exit? I... I need to get some fresh air.”

The dog snorted and pointed down one of the many tunnels. “Down tunnel, fifth right. Keep going for ten...” It took a few minutes for her to get it all straight, but she then nodded and trotted off.

It took nearly a half hour to find the exit, but when she did she took in a deep, grateful breath of fresh air. There were a few other ponies there, mostly pegasi. To her surprise, one in particular was sitting by the exit. “Blaze?”

“Huh?” the mare asked, turning around. Her eyes were slightly red. “Oh. Hello Diamond. What are you doing out here?”

“I needed some fresh air. How are things going in there? Is Ironwing doing better?”

“Too early to tell,” she mumbled softly, looking ahead again. “We won't know until tomorrow, probably. He's such an idiot. As big of one as Prism. I swear.”

Diamond nodded and moved over, sitting by her. “So... I uhhh...” She looked up to the mare and gulped. “What... happened?”

“It was an ambush near one of the parks,” Blaze said softly. “Styx was never the fastest flier, so they couldn't outrun them. Ironwing should have just ran off and got help, but he can be as stubborn as a mule sometimes. He tried fighting them. Ended up getting zapped a few times, it slowed him down enough until they overwhelmed him. He fell, hard. Landing on the dirt, stomach first. If they'd been over the roads or he'd landed fully on his head, he'd be dead now. He still might not make it. A few more Shadowbolts arrived to help Styx, but they weren't fast enough to...” She shuddered and closed her eyes.

The Avatar nodded. “I... didn't think you liked him.”

“Just because I think he's an idiot and an ass doesn't mean I want him dead,” she said angrily. “Do you want everypony you argue with to die?”

She quickly shook her head. “No, no, sorry.”

The pegasus glared, but then sighed and shook her head. “No, I'm sorry. I'm just... upset and lashing out. It's not your fault this happened. It's not anypony's fault except Meadowbrooks.”

Diamond nodded. “What happened? I mean... between you, Prism and Ironwing? I thought... well...”

The pegasus let out a groan. “It's... long and convoluted.”

“I have time and nothing better to do,” Diamond said softly. “If you don't want to tell me, I won't pry. I'm just curious.”

There was a few moments of silence, before the mare nodded. “I... suppose there's no fault in telling you. He was... well... we used to be really good friends. All three of us. In fact, Ironwing and I used to date.”

Diamond's eyes went as wide as possible. “WHAT? How? Why? When? What? You dated HIM?”

“Oh, yes. He and I dated for nearly a year. The three of us grew up together. You see, Ironwing's mom is a council member now, but she used to be the commander of the Shadowbolts. Prism's mother was the Wonderbolt representative and air bender council member for years. Though I hear she almost never actually showed up to do her job. I ended up traveling here and learning under her when I first started my training. There were a few others, but I was the only one who stuck around.”

“Why?” Diamond asked, cocking an eye. “Had the hots for Prism?”

“Ugh, no. He was such a dork back then,” she said with a small chuckle and roll of her eyes. “Rainbow was... well... let's call her eccentric. She was one of the best fliers in the country, possibly the world. She knew it. And she made sure EVERYPONY knew it. She was almost as arrogant as you, except she could back it up.”

The unicorn's cheeks turned red. “H-hey. I-I'm working on that!”

“My point stands. She expected the very best from her ponies. If you failed or messed up, she'd make sure it only happened once. But...” She tapped the ground. “She believed in you. She never let you give up, no matter how much you wanted to. No matter how hard she pushed you, she'd be by your side the entire time, helping you along. She never abandoned you. Lots of students couldn't handle her, but I never gave up. It was worth it. Prism and Ironwing were best friends back then. Believe it or not, they were a lot different, too.”

“Really?”

Blaze nodded. “Ironwing always had a bit of a stick up his butt. Trust me, he gets it from his parents. His dad, especially. But he used to have this... other side to him. He'd... well...” She sighed. “He was caring, loving and very sensitive. You should have seen him whenever Fluttershy came by with a herd of baby bunnies, he'd be the first one in, snuggling them. He was... cute.”

“There's a lot of 'was' there,” Diamond said softly. She tried to imagine Ironwing playing with baby bunnies. Somehow, the image just didn't compute.

“Yeah. Was is the key word here,” the mare mumbled. “Prism was exciting back then. He was like his mom. Cocky, believed he couldn't fail. Half the time he was right. He could try half as hard as other ponies and get twice the results and I won't deny, I hated him for it. He spent soooo much time goofing off and playing pranks.”

“Wow, I bet his mom hated that.”

“Are you kidding? She taught him half those pranks! I remember the day he put itching powder in the council member's robes. All of them.”

“Wait, you have robes?”

“Had robes,” she mumbled, giving a shiver. “I still remember the vision of the council chasing the two of them through the city. I... liked Ironwing back then. A lot. I even thought I was in love with him. I think he thought he loved me too.”

“Well, what happened then? Prism break you two up?”

The mare snorted. “Nah. We just kind of... well... we drifted apart. To be completely honest, half the time I think Ironwing was more interested in Prism than he was me,” she said with a light chuckle. “Those two used to practice all the time together. The Shadowbolts and Wonderbolts were a deadly combination together and they had half a dozen different moves they'd pull off together. But me and him, we just never had that bond. Our relationship started off fun, but it never went anywhere.” She paused. “I'm not even sure who broke up with who, in the end. We both knew it was coming, but we were both afraid it would change things. That the three of us wouldn't be friends any more. It was silly, but we still loved each other so much.”

“Did it?”

She nodded. “A little, but it wasn't the main reason. Things were awkward, but we were still friends. The three of us. Then... well... Scootaloo retired from the Shadowbolts.” Her face darkened. “Ironwing was put in charge. I still don't... I don't think he was ready. Sometimes I don't think he's ready now. He's too young.”

The Avatar nodded again, keeping her mouth shut.

“That's when we drifted apart. He never had time for anything but being a Shadowbolt. Dealing with all the work that entailed. Organizing the zebras and negasi. He tried to see us, of course. But it wasn't very successful. Sometimes weeks would go by without even a note. Anypony could see the tension in him from it, but we didn't do anything. He declined our offers of help.” Blaze closed her eyes. “Sometimes... I wonder if things had been different. If we had been there for him. Maybe forced him to accept our help. Went to his mother. Something. But we grew more and more apart. With just me and Prism, we started to get closer. He was... well... for all his pranking and bratiness, he actually was a lot of fun. And loyal. He'd have died for any of us.”

“And that's why you guys hate each other?”

She shook her head. “No. We don't... hate each other. Prism and Ironwing... they just...” She sighed. “Neither of them want anything to do with each other. Ironwing won't even talk to me outside of official council business. Both of them are stubborn as mules,” she grumbled again. “There was this... pony. Shining Blast. She... hurt a lot of ponies. Both the Shadowbolts and the Wonderbolts screwed up. Didn't react in time, in the right way. Ironwing and Prism blamed each other after Rainbow got hurt and ran away.”

Diamond blinked a few times. “Wait, is that what Prism meant by betrayed him? Because he messed up?”

Blaze nodded. “I suppose. I don't think either of them over got over what happened to Rainbow. How she...” She gave another soft sigh, her eyes lowering. “It's not either of their faults, Rainbow is a grown mare. She knew how to take care of herself. Even if she didn't know she...” She put a hoof to her head and shook it. “Ugh. And now Ironwing might die and the two of them never made up. I should have just forced them to.”

“Wait, at any time you could have just forced them to make up?” Diamond asked.

The mare sighed again. “If only. I could have just locked them into a room and slammed the door, I guess. Prism is a stronger bender than me, but I always had more finesse. Don't even get me started on Ironwing. He has like, half a dozen blind spots that if you know how, you can take him down easy as pie.”

Diamond blinked and suddenly grinned. “Sayyyyy. Could you teach me some of these blind spots? For, errr, Avatar reasons.” She received a flat, unamused look. “Sorry. So, what happened to this whole... carefree, braty, pranky Prism? I feel like I only have the stick in butt model, with extra crankiness.”

She snorted. “He's not that bad. But... yeah. Things changed after his mother left. He still blames himself, even if he blames Ironwing more. At the time, he spent most of his focus practicing for pro-bending or sleeping. He didn't think there was anything worth really practicing for. We all thought the future was so bright and...” She shook her head. “That's the problem with being young. You think you and everypony around you is immortal. The sad truth is, they aren't.”

Diamond nodded, her eyes lowering. “What... happened? To his mom? Why uhhh...”

The pegasus went quiet and stared off in the distance. Then, slowly, she turned back inside. “I'd best go check on them. See if there's been any changes.”

“What? But what about his mom? You're supposed to tell me! You can't just stop mid story! Tell me!” She tried following after the mare, but a sudden burst of air sent her into a spin, ending with her facing the other way. “Ugh. Blaze, you suck! Like... super mega suck!”

She crossed her hooves and pouted. 'Ugh. This is so boring. I wish Acrylic, Button or Silver were here,' she thought to herself. Guilt began to fill her heart and she closed her eyes. 'For so many reasons...'

Strongheart stared down at the Avatar. “Okay then, Avatar. Your mission, should you choose to accept it--”

“Of course I'm going to accept it. Like, why wouldn't I? It would be the stupidest thing in the world for me not to. Ponies would die! Well, maybe not die. They'd lose their cutie marks. That's... almost as bad.”

The buffalo frowned. “Twilight would have let me be dramatic...”

Diamond gave an exasperated sigh and face hoofed. “Fine, go ahead.”

“Now you've ruined it...”

“Git on with it!” Rover yelled.

“Ahem, errr, right. Of course,” Strongheart said with a soft cough before smiling to the unicorn. “Your mission is going to be simple, but dangerous. We have no real way of knowing how many ponies are in the Tomorrow Industries compound. There could be none, there could be dozens. We can't say. You'll need to go underground and try to get your way in. We'll be sending you with two others.”

Diamond nodded, grinding a hoof into the ground.

“The diamond dogs have graciously offered the service of one of their strongest members. Fido, would you step forward?”

Diamond's mouth fell open as the massive gray diamond dog stepped forward. His arms were almost as thick as tree trunks. Granted, he still paled in comparison to Legond, but that didn't really matter when he was THAT big. “Ummm, h-hi,” the unicorn said softly.

The diamond dog merely snorted.

Strongheart cleared her throat. “For the next, an old guard has been chosen. We... were a little surprised by his volunteering, but...” She shook her head. “Hornclipper?”

An older pegasus stepped forward and Diamond's mouth almost hit the ground. “Wait, aren't you Ironwing's dad? Shouldn't you be with him?”

He nodded. “I am. And he doesn't need me right now. Were he able, he'd do this mission. I'll be going in his place.”

Diamond looked him up and down. “Aren't you a bit... old?”

The glare she received almost felt like a smack in the face. She quickly looked away. “Well, what do I know? I uhhhh, I think this team will work just fine!” she said, shuffling her hoofs. “When do we leave? Soon, I hope?”

“Immediately,” Strongheart said with a nod. “Fido will be leading on the way there. Hornclipper will be in charge upon arrival, he has the most experience with the facility. Avatar, please listen to them.”

“Of course,” Diamond said, before following after Fido. She couldn't believe she had to follow after a dog, he--

She nearly burst into laughter as the dog picked up Hornclipper over one shoulder and then dove into the wall. The pony looked just as shocked as she had, the last thing she saw was his startled face before she dove in after them, bending the earth around her.

'Heck, it was worth it just to see that alone.'

Chapter 21: Compound

Spot chuckled softly as his head popped out from under the ground, overlooking the small compound that had once held their leader. The diamond dog watched the ponies stationed outside. There were almost two dozen of them, just milling about, playing games and barely paying attention.

“Ponies so stupid. Don't even know dog escaped,” he said with a shake of his head.

“They probably know, but the initial panic has likely been over for hours,” one of the ponies said behind him. He didn't know her name, probably Sparklebutt or Winklefrolick or other stupid pony name. He paid it no mind. There were six ponies and half that number in diamond dogs, far too many in his opinion. The compound was surrounded in a big cement wall and the ground was cement as well, but the bending would make it easy to get in. They'd be in and out before the ponies knew what was happening.

“Ponies follow me, burst out hard and fast. Dogs cover ponies, keep other, unmarked ponies back,” Spot said before disappearing under the ground, his paws digging through the soil with ease. He liked this soil, it was soft and malleable, easy for him to tear through. He moved quickly towards the compound, digging with ease but slowing slightly so the metal benders could come out ahead of him. They moved ahead, tearing open the concrete and creating a hole for them to move through. The dogs rushed ahead, spilling out of the hole into the... empty... main courtyard.

Spot looked around, but the main courtyard was empty, aside from the buildings that held the council members. He sniffed the air, he could barely even smell the ponies in here. He gave a soft snort. “Unmarked ponies so stupid. Think we come in through door,” he said with a gruff laugh as the others crawled in after him. The benders quickly sealed up the hole behind them. He looked around at all the buildings. He then focused on the largest one. “Dogs, ponies, come,” he said gruffly as he walked to the building.

He sniffed the door for a moment and frowned. He slowly backed away. “What is it?” one of the ponies asked.

“Something... burning,” the dog said softly, before slamming the door open, ready to dive away if need be.

A pony was on the other side, one of the unmarked. She let out a yipe as her wings opened up, sparkling slightly. His hand lanced out and grabbed her around the throat. “Pony put wings away. Pony not want get hurt, yes?”

The pony yelped and the wings quickly retracted. His other paw reached out and unlatched the metal wings, letting them fall to the ground. He then gave a toothy grin. “Pony know where council members are, yes? Pony show us? Or pony prefer getting hurt?” He held out his free claw, sticking his nails out so they caught the light. The pony gave a whimper.

“P-please don't hurt me,” the pony said weakly. “I-I'll s-show you where they are.”

“Where are the other ponies?” Spot asked before dropping the pony.

“Other ponies?”

“Yes. Why no guards?” Spot asked before nudging the pony along and letting her lead them.

“Most were moved into the city once we fully captured it,” the pony said nervously. “Most of the guards are keeping an eye outside, in case we get attacked.”

“Inside?”

“Not as many. We weren't supposed to let an attack get this far,” the pony said with a nervous squeak. “P-please don't kill and eat me.”

The dog made a face. “Why would Spot eat pony? Pony probably taste awful.”

“I think there are a few other reasons not to eat pony,” one of the metal benders mumbled.

“Yes, ponies whine too much,” Spot added with a knowing nod. He could practically hear the rolling of eyes behind him.

The unmarked nodded nervously as she walked, looking around. She gulped and stopped outside a doorway. “T-they're down this hall, the door has guards. Please don't kill me,” she said again.

Spot frowned and then gave a nod, before grabbing his weapon of choice from his belt. A big white club with a wider section on each end, perfect for bashing. The others had similar weapons. He gave a nod to the other dogs. “Ponies wait here. No earth to bend, just get in way.”

“Be careful,” one of the ponies said.

“Bah, ponies worry too much. Mark-less ponies not dangerous to dog.” He then charged forward, shoving the door open and barreling down it.

Two ponies stood outside a big wooden door. They just stared, their eyes wide. The dogs were halfway to them before one of them snapped out of it and spread out her wings, electricity surging through them. “Set off the alarm, I'll hold them--”

The pony didn't get a chance to complete her order before Spot brought his bone-club down on the pony's head, making her wobble from side to side a few times before falling over with swirls for eyes. The second lunged forward, her electro-wings lancing out. He caught the blow with his club, before backing up into the other dogs. The pony was hit by the combined blows of two of his dog's clubs as they lunged forward to hit the pony. She dropped like a sack of rocks, her head sporting two big lumps.

Spot chuckled before glancing back. “Ponies come now.” He walked to the door and frowned. It was oak, strong and durable with a big metal lock. He backed up and motioned to it. One of the other dogs charged forward, ramming into it and knocking the door down. He let out a yipe and stumbled forward as he fell. He quickly got back to his feet.

The door led to a staircase going up. Spot laughed again. “Ponies not as dumb as I thought. Stored dog upstairs, away from ground. Still escaped, though.” He reached back and grabbed their prisoner, shoving her ahead. “Pony lead or pony get clubbed.”

“Yes sir, whatever you want sir,” the pony said softly as she started trotting up the stairs, gulping nervously. The others followed closely behind. It was two neat rows of stairs, side by side and their ends meeting in the middle with a single door at the top. He sniffed the air and grinned as he made it near the end.

“More smoking. Lots more smoking. Means more ponies. Lots more ponies,” he said with a chuckle. “Ponies ready?”

The ponies shook their heads. “Perhaps we should--”

“Bah, ponies worry too much!” Spot yelled before grabbing their prisoner and chucking her through the door and into the room. She rolled a few times before landing with a groan, her eyes swirling.

“I... I brought the... the... ambush... and the... sour cream... with the... hummus,” the mare said weakly.

The room was filled with the unmarked and four open cells, all of which were empty. One of the ponies stepped forward, a grin on her lips. “Ah, so you must be the rescuers we were expecting. Don't think for a moment that--” The pony paused and blinked. “Hey! HEY! Get back here!” she yelled as the dogs turned tail and started running, the metal benders ahead of them. “Set off the alarm! Go! Don't let them outside this building! Unleash the traps!”

Spot was hallway down the stairs when suddenly the lights flickered. The door they came through let out a loud hiss, before bolts of electricity seemed to flow through it. The tiles in the ground erupted in a smoldering, electrified pile, trapping the ponies and dogs on the stairs.

“Now, as I was saying,” the mare said as she advanced through the door, her wings spreading out as electricity arced between them. “You must be the rescue party. We've been waiting for you.”

Spot growled and turned towards them, raising his club. “Pony talk to much! Unmarked don't scare dog!”

“Ah, truly? Well, perhaps some... artificial bending shall.” She backed away and a few ponies with jugs of water on their backs surged forward. The little cannons on their backs shot forward, shooting water at the ponies.

Spot brought up his club to block the water, holding it back with ease as it flowed around him. “Hah! Stupid pony, think water scares dogs?! We can doggy paddle!”

More of the cannons lined up, dousing the ponies and dogs, but the water pressure was weak and did almost nothing.

Spot laughed as he took a step forward, letting the water flow around him. 'Stupid ponies. All they do is get the stairs wet and--' He froze, and let out a yipe. “CHARGE!” He yelled, before charging forward.

He was too slow. A scream tore through the air behind him as he heard the sound of electricity tearing through the water. He barely made it to the top and out of the water, a light tingling going through his paws. There was a thump and he looked back and saw one of his dogs and four of the ponies collapsed on the ground, twitching erratically. He then turned towards the unmarked, who stared at them confidently.

“It's over, dogs. You've met your match. Surrender!”

Spot growled, then tapped his club on the ground. “You know what dog think?”

“What?”

“Dog think you're in charge.”

“Yeah, so?” she asked.

“Dog think... that mean you know where leaders are now.” He gripped his club tightly.

She gave a chuckle. “Oh? So what if I do?” Her wings sparkled. “Are you going to try and take that information from me?”

“FETCH!” he yelled, before charging forward. The other dog ran with him. The pony looked shocked and took a few quick steps back as her soldiers moved forward. Their clubs swung left and right, clobbering the ponies and sending them flying, the water packs exploding and sending water across the floor.

“Charge!” he heard the ponies behind him yell and then the metal benders raced forward, moving around the dogs and sending out their little whips of metal to attack and bind the ponies.

“Get them, get them, GET THEM!” the mare screamed, pointing forward.

The rest of the unmarked surged forward, their electrical wings sizzling as they crashed against the four. Electricity surged through the dog, but his hide was tough and the pony's was not. He smashed the bone into them, scattering them as he surged forward, racing at the now frightened mare. He lunged forward, ignoring her wings as she zapped at him. His claws wrapped around her throat and slammed her into the ground. He dropped his bone and his free hand moved down, tearing one of the metallic wings off and sending sparks into the air. The other fizzled and died.

“P-please don't hurt me I was just following orders I don't wanna die please don't eat me!”

Spot growled, before looking back. The only ones who were still standing were one of the metal benders and his last dog. However they both looked worse for the wear, spasming lightly and covered in burns. The other pony was on the ground, groaning and barely moving. The dog took a deep breath, then looked down at the pony in his grasp and grabbed his club. “Dog don't eat pony. Pony probably taste nasty. Dog just bash pony's head in.”

She shrieked. “P-please no! I'll tell you where they are! I'll tell you where they are!”

Spot grinned and then hefted her up. “Good pony.” He looked to the last dog. “Make an exit!” he yelled.

The dog nodded and then moved back to the stairs. He turned to the wall and brought both his hands together, before slamming them into it. The wall crumbled after three strikes and the dog poked his head through. “... Boss. Bad news.”

Spot growled and walked towards the stairs, dragging the whiny pony behind him. He then peered through the hole. It opened up into another room with windows. And through the windows he could see that more ponies were gathering outside, dozens of them. He took a slow, deep breath before looking back towards his remaining soldiers. Both of them. “We're going to have to fight our way out. Not easy.” He looked down at his prisoner. “Going after leaders. Pony can go home.”

“If you're not giving up, neither am I,” the metal bender said, stomping a hoof down. “Besides, you'll probably need my bending.” She then looked towards their fallen, hurt comrades. “We can't get them out of here if we have to fight,” she mumbled. “Let's make sure they don't fall in vain.”

The dog blinked, before grinning. “Perhaps ponies have a bit of dog in them after all.” He then tossed the unmarked pony to his last remaining dog. “Hold pony. We make path, then you dig.” He shoved through the hole, making it a bit bigger as he clasped the club in his hands. The pony walked up behind him and he could tell by the wobbling in her legs she wasn't holding up nearly as well as he was. But she was willing to fight and keep going, so he wouldn't send her away.

Besides, pony bending was a little useful. Maybe it would help somehow. He roared and then raced forward, slamming through the window and leaping out to the ground below, bone swinging as the unmarked swarmed at him, their wings sparking.

Diamond, Fido and Hornclipper burst from the ground like daisies, Hornclipper being dumped unceremoniously on the ground. The poor pegasus gasped for air, not moving as he struggled to breath.

“Pony struggle too much,” Fido said in annoyance.

“I don't think he could breath,” Diamond said with more of a smile than she knew she should have. As an earth bender, making the air pockets for herself was easy. For the pegasus, she doubted it was.

“Pony need get better at breathing,” the dog said with a shrug.

The unicorn shook her head and then looked around. They were behind the compound, with it between them and the city. The walls were just as large and imposing as ever but, to her delight, there were no signs of the guards that usually kept the place under watch. “I guess there's no need for guards in a place like this. Out of the town and all,” Diamond muttered.

“Not for now,” Hornclipper muttered before slowly getting to his hooves, having caught his breath. “Come on, let's go.”

Diamond nodded and trotted towards the building. “You sure it's going to be okay? I mean... are you sure you can find it?”

“Probably,” the pegasus said with a shrug. He slowly spread out his wings, cringing a bit. The unicorn couldn't help but notice the blades seemed to be tightened on far too tightly, digging into the flesh.

“Don't those hurt?”

“Lots of ponies hurt more,” he muttered.

“Well, aren't you just the most chipper of ponies? Do you have a book of dark poetry, too?” she asked flatly before trotting up to the wall. “Come on.” She thrust her hoof forward.

“Wait!” Hornclipper called, but it was too late. The ground under them lifted up, tossing the three up and over the wall. They flung over into the compound and she quickly bent the ground as they landed, dampening the blow.

The alarms went off the moment they touched the dirt. A high pitched siren filling the air, letting everypony know they were there. Diamond squeaked and looked around, expecting dozens of ponies to race at them from the buildings.

Instead, nothing happened. Hornclipper shoved her forward. “Come on, let's move!” he ordered before racing into the compound.

Diamond nodded and followed after him. The place had already been trashed, the main gate ripped down. Most of the buildings had their doors busted down as well, the warehouses almost empty with only a few crates remaining.

The alarms finally cut off, though if somepony disabled them or it was on their own, she couldn't say. She prayed they thought it was a false alarm.

“All the weapons are gone,” Hornclipper muttered.

“What?” she asked.

“The weapons. All of them are gone. Dr. Alicity had created all sorts of... things for defending the city. They're all gone.”

Diamond nodded. So now these ponies were armed. Well, better armed. 'Just what I needed.'

To her surprise, they went right past the warehouses and straight to the main mansion. The main house had been left almost untouched. Then again, she supposed he probably wouldn't store weapons in his home. He'd have to be nuts. '… Maybe they just didn't know him very well.'

Hornclipper tried the door, before turning and giving it a swift buck. The door flew open and a brand new alarm filled the air.

“Well, good job!” Diamond snapped.

“The alarm already went off once. If they're on their way, they're on their way,” Hornclipper snapped back before racing inside. She sighed and followed after him. She couldn't help but notice the ground shook slightly with each step Fido took. She was so thankful he was on her side.

He led them through the house towards one of the back rooms, bucking down the door. There it was. A great, massive radio system, with headphones and speakers. Diamond's mouth fell open.

'I can't believe this. This is so easy! Nothing is ever this easy,' she thought to herself. Fido lumbered forward, gripping the side.

“WAIT!” Hornclipper yelled. The dog looked up quizzically.

“What does pony want now?”

“I need to unhook it,” the stallion said with a sigh. He walked forward and after a few moments, he had everything unplugged and coiled around the main box. “There. Let's go.”

Diamond nodded and turned, trotting towards the exit. She couldn't believe it. Everything was going perfectly. They were actually going to get out of here. Her heart fluttered slightly as they stepped out of the main door and into the compound proper.

'Wow, that is a LOT of ponies,' she thought to herself as she stared at the dozens of pegasi(and non-pegasi in alicorn armor) flying through the air, the dozens on the ground and, worse of all, Meadowbrook.

“Why can't things go smoothly for once?” Diamond lamented. “It was all going so well.”

“Ah, Avatar. I'm sorry I wasn't here. When the alarms went off... well, it wasn't until my scouts arrived to tell me some ponies were sneaking in that I mustered my forces. Sadly, I could only gather a fraction so quickly, but I do hope you don't mind the small audience.”

Diamond gulped and looked at the crowd ahead of her. It was a stark reminder of just how overwhelmed they were by the unmarked. She slowly stepped forward, mumbling back towards the other two. “Fido, Hornclipper, I'll try to hold them off. Get out of here.”

“But pony--” the dog tried to object.

“Just do it,” she said, before turning back.

“Could it be?” Meadowbrook asked, drawing Diamond's eyes towards the mare.

Something seemed off. Normally the terrorist was so calm and collected. Smooth. But now her staff was practically shaking and she seemed extremely tense.

“It... is,” the unicorn said, taking a step forward. “Hornclipper. I never imagined I would see you here. I take it you're here to take vengeance for what happened to your son?”

Diamond could practically feel the pegasus tense up, but he didn't say anything.

“A shame. I really hoped it had been you,” the mare said, the venom evident in her voice. The ponies behind her were starting to look uneasy and confused.

“You two know each other?” Diamond asked nervously.

“Oh, he wouldn't know me,” Meadowbrook said with a chuckle. “But oh, I know him. I imagine almost every unicorn knows who you are, Hornclipper. The great de-horner. The lap dog of the Water Nation. The demon of the blades.”

Diamond turned back to see the pegasus. He was completely frozen, his eyes wide with horror. “You're... you're a fire bender,” he said, his mouth falling open.

“Oh, I was, once,” she said with a chuckle before raising her staff. “I heard all the stories about you. About your tyranny. The way you gathered up little colts and fillies, held them in wooden stocks before slashing off their horns. Did it make you feel strong to beat on those weaker than yourself?”

There was no doubt about it now, the ponies behind Meadowbrook were slowly backing away.

“You were one of the greatest monsters the Fire Tribes ever had. Torturing and maiming those too weak to fight back. A symbol of the great disparity between those with power and those without.” She aimed the staff at him. “One of the great opponents of true equality.”

“Go,” Hornclipper whispered.

“Wait, what?” Diamond asked.

“You two, just run!” he yelled, before charging forward. His right wing lanced out, the blade trying to slice into the mare.

Meadowbrook brought the staff down, catching the blade with the side before she moved to the left, twirling the staff down and smacking it against the back of his head, driving him to the ground. “Get the Avatar! This one is mine!” she yelled.

Diamond eeped as the crowd of unmarked turned towards her. “Back in the house, back in the house!” she yelled, shoving Fido in ahead of her before running in and slamming the door shut. There was a thump behind it as she ran.

Hornclipper rolled forward, barely avoiding a second strike from the staff. He rolled back to his hooves and turned around, bending his head low and spreading his wings out.

“Just me and you, Hornclipper,” Meadowbrook said softly, slowly circling around the stallion.

The pegasus' eyes slowly looked up, watching the unmarked break in through the windows and bang down the doors to the house. He hoped delaying Meadowbrook would be enough. “Who are you? You still have your horn so--” He jumped back, avoiding another swipe of the staff.

“Who am I? One of the ponies you left broken in your wake!” the mare snapped, stepping forward and stabbing out with the sharp end of the staff. “I heard stories about you from my mother. About the great terror, Hornclipper.”

The pegasus dodged to the left and right, deftly avoiding the strikes. She was furious, striking out in anger and hate. The moves were sloppy. All he had to do was wait for the right movement. “That was long ago. I--”

“Twilight should have destroyed you! Killed you like you killed so many others!” Meadowbrook roared, stabbing with the pronged ends of the staff, then twisting it around to strike with the back end. He brought up his wings to knock it aside.

“I never killed those ponies, I just--”

“You took their horns! Do you have any idea what kind of life awaited the de-horned?” Meadowbrook asked, stepping in faster as her strikes came harder and harder. “They were reminders of what the Water Nation had done. Ponies didn't want anything to do with them once the Avatar was finished! And you, you got off scott free. You weren't imprisoned, weren't tortured, weren't executed! You didn't even have your wings removed!” Flames formed around the staff, making the pegasus yelp and take to the air, barely avoiding a burst of fire.

“There is no forgiveness for what I did,” he said as he hovered a few feet up. “But there is nothing I can do about it but--” He was forced to dive as fire erupted above his head.

“You have no idea how long I've waited for this,” Meadowbrook said as she ran towards him. “How long I've wanted to make you suffer!”

Hornclipper flew back up, trying to get out of range.

The mare chuckled. “Don't think it'll be that easy.” The flames on the staff died out and a green glow enveloped the staff. A moment later the winds swirled around the pegasus, grabbing him before throwing him back to the ground.

The stallion slammed down, hard, rolling a few times as the metal across his wings bent, jabbing into one of them. “H-how are you... what is that?”

Meadowbrook chuckled as she stepped forward. “The great balancer,” she said with a crazed laugh. “The Staff of Sameness. It takes what makes you special and brings you down to the same level as everypony else. Then harnesses that power. But you aren't like everypony else, are you?” She swung the staff again and the winds caught him, slamming him into the side of one of the warehouses. “You're a terror. A monster. Your image haunted my mother for years, until the day she took her own life.” The staff glowed brown.

Hornclipper tried to get to his hooves and fly off again, but the dirt rose up and grabbed his hooves, yanking him back to the ground despite the furious flapping of his wings.

“Nopony would go near her. My own father wanted nothing to do with us.” She waved the staff and then a pillar of stone rose up, slamming into his stomach and knocking the air out of him. “I wonder if you remember her. If you can still see her.” Meadowbrook asked as she walked forward. “She was the last. The very last pony who's horn you tore off. Just a little bit before the rest of the children had been saved. If you had just waited.” She did it again and again, the pillar rising up against his chest while the earth kept his hooves in place. She was soon rewarded with the sound of snapping bones and the pained moan of the stallion, not that he had the air to say anything. “Then Twilight just let you go. That traitorous Avatar acted as if what you did wasn't important. Let you live in her city. Let you marry some stupid Water Nation whore.” She thrust out the staff again and pillars of dirt rose up, wrapping around his wings and pulling them taut, fully out. More dirt rose up, covering his mouth. “We heard. We all heard.” She paused and stared at him. Slowly the staff was lowered to the ground, the twin prongs digging in. When she rose it up again, rock covered the end to form an axe head.

“They said you always cut through the horn in a single slice. I wonder if I can do the same with your wings?”

Hornclipper's eyes widened as he stared at the mare, trying to tug free of his bindings, but there was nothing he could do but watch helplessly as she advanced.

Diamond swore if she ever saw Dr. Alicity again, she was going to jump smack him so hard. Maybe hit him with a house. That sounded fun. She couldn't imagine why he had to build his house in the MIDDLE of the compound. She and Fido had raced through the house, finally jumping through one of the back windows. She thought they could have used the door, but Fido said 'Dog must make great exit in chase scene'. The unmarked weren't very fast, so escaping and outrunning them would have been easy.

Unfortunately, while the diamond dog had great strength, he was still very, very slow with his little legs and hauling the radio equipment. As such, the unmarked were steadily gaining. Diamond looked up at the dog, cringing slightly as she watched his tag wave dramatically in the wind. “Are you going to be okay? Can you make it?”

“Dog carry much heavier weights outside! Carry just fine,” he said, panting with exertion.

Diamond nodded. “Can you get out of here on your own and then get under ground and out, without me?”

“Of course, dog no need pony to--”

“Good, then go!” she yelled, before turning and spinning around. She stomped on the ground and sent out a ripple of dirt, causing the ponies leading the charge to fall flat on their faces with shrieks.

“What pony doing?!” Fido yelled back.

“Being a distraction, go!” Diamond yelled. “I'll be fine!” Fire blazed from the tip of her horn and she sent it flying into the air around her. “Okay, who wants some? Come and get it!”

To her amazement, the ponies just stopped. Some of them hovered in the air, while others slowly picked themselves up. The whole wall of them just stared at her, not moving.

She gulped and coughed into a hoof. “Well? Are you coming?”

Her mouth fell open as they started talking amongst themselves.

“I don't know. I mean, she is still the Avatar. Can we really take her?”

“I don't wanna get burned!”

“We're supposed to, Meadowbrook will get really, really mad if we don't. That's why she brought us.”

“What if we just get her a little bit?”

“I wanna go home and have some cookies...”

“All you ever want to do is eat cookies!”

“Well, I miss eating cookies. I used to make amazing cookies but now I have to keep running around and it sucks.”

“Oh, be thankful, I used to run like, three or four times faster than this. Now I'm just as slow as everypony else.”

Diamond face hoofed. She couldn't believe this. How were they afraid of these ponies? They were idiots. Complete and utter idiots. “Yeah, okay, I'm just going to go and...” She yelped as the fliers flew past her and landed on the opposite side. “Ah, right... numbers. Lots and lots of numbers. Well, this sucks.” She stomped the ground and walls of dirt rose around her. “Well, come on, let's do this then!”

A few of them charged her and she kicked out, raising the ground under them quickly and sending the ponies flying into the air. She then readied herself for the next strike.

“Move it! We have these electrical wings for a reason, go go!” one of the ponies yelled. Suddenly it was as if a switch had been flipped and the ponies surged forward, from all sides. She yelped and stomped her hooves, sending more ripples. However, the ponies started rising into the air and coming at her from above. She sent a small burst of flame out, trying to drive them back but it lasted only a few moments before she had to do the same with the earth bending. She couldn't keep this up forever. In fact, she couldn't keep it up much longer. She stomped her hooves again and then walls of dirt rose up, encasing her in a stone cocoon. She didn't know how long it would last, but she knew she was doomed.

She considered trying to go underground, but that was suicide. She could feel the anti bending enchantments under the ground, just waiting to trap her if she went down. They'd probably just catch her, but Dr. Alicity was weird. They might kill her.

The alarms went off again and she let out a sigh of relief. That would be Fido making his way out, at least. So it wasn't a complete failure. The stone protecting her shook and rattled as the ponies pounded on it with their metal wings. She yelped as a jagged piece of the wing blade pierced through and she barely closed it with more dirt. It was inevitable. There was nothing she could do, even now she could feel through the earth more ponies were joining them, some landing from above and a few running up behind. She'd lost. But she'd be bucked if she wasn't going to go out fighting.

Then the ground shifted under her and she let out a yelp. An explosion tore through the air, nearly shattering her stone egg and sending the ponies scattering. Chunks of the ground started raising up, fighting against the ponies and driving them back. Slowly, she let the stone fall away.

She was wrong. It wasn't just pieces of the ground. Water and fire spun through the air as well. Acrylic, Button and Sunburst stood on the other side of the crowd, driving them back with their bending. A few still surrounded Diamond, but even then were trying to flee, rather than launching another attack.

“Come on!” Acrylic yelled. “This won't work for long!”

Diamond looked up and gulped. Already the ponies were regathering themselves and preparing for another attack. She raced ahead, shoving those who blocked her way with earth bending. She jumped and landed besides her friends. “How? I thought you three were captured! Where have you been?”

“Busy! Hiding!” Acrylic yelled, before pushing out with another burst of water to knock the ponies away. He formed a blade of ice and clipped one of the fliers wings. “Let's get out of here!”

“But I have questions!”

“They have an army!” the stallion said, before turning and running.

She opened her mouth to object, before looking back at the ponies in their alicorn armor. “Right!” she yelled before racing after them.

“It is very good to see you again, Avatar,” Sunburst said before giving her a smile.

“Good to see you too. I thought all of you had been captured, or worse.”

“Nahhhhh. We've just been hanging low,” Button yelled.

Diamond saw the fence and almost tripped, her mouth falling open. It had been actually ripped open and a large, diamond dog sized hole could be seen in it. “You... guys didn't do that, did you?”

“Nope,” Acrylic called back.

“Dang it Fido. That's... actually kind of cool,” she muttered to herself. “Button, grab Acrylic! We're going down!” Diamond yelled as they went through the fence. She moved to Sunburst's side and put one hoof over his side. She then lifted another hoof into the air, making the ground lift up to swallow them.

The four dived into the earth, leaving the unmarked swarming angrily around where they'd disappeared.

Author's Note

Guess who's back!

Chapter 22: Calling for help

“So tell me everything!” Diamond said with an excited squeal the moment they broke out into the tunnels. “I wanna know I wanna know I wanna--”

“DIAMOND!” a voice rang out, making her cringe. She looked up and gave a meek smile to Blaze.

“Errr... hi.”

“Fido said you sacrificed yourself to allow him time to escape, how-- Sunburst? You're okay?” the pegasus said, her mouth falling open.

“Of course,” the stallion said with a polite bow of his head. “We ran into a little trouble, but we kept low once we saw the island under her control. I wish I had known you were working with the diamond dogs. It would have made finding you much easier.”

The pegasus nodded. “Yeah, it's been pretty hectic around here. It's good to see you're okay.”

“So, where's my mom?” Button asked with a grin. “The rest of the council is here, right?”

Silence reigned in the tunnel, the momentum shattered. Diamond gulped and slowly reached out, putting a hoof on his back. “I uhhh... about your mom. She... well...”

“What? She on a mission?” the stallion asked with the biggest grin on his face. Slowly she shook her head.

She could see as realization dawned on him. The spark left his eyes and the corners of his mouth slowly began to descend. “W-wait... you mean my mom is...”

“She's now one of the unmarked,” Blaze said softly. “At least, we believe so.”

The earth pony stared for a moment, his eyes getting misty. Then a weak, forced smile formed on his lips. “W-well, that's not... that's fine. I mean, she'll get her cutie mark back when we win. A-and we'll... we'll win soon. Yeah. Just uhhh... I'm gonna go check the place out.” He quickly turned away and trotted off.

“Button,” Diamond said softly, reaching out.

“It's cool! I'm fine! I'm going to EXPLORE!” he snapped, walking all the faster. She took a step forward, but was blocked by Acrylic's hoof.

“He'll be fine. Just give him some time.”

The unicorn watched him for a few moments, before slowly nodding. “So... uhhh... Blaze. How goes the gathering of the other council leaders?”

The pegasus smiled and gave a nod. “It goes. They haven't returned yet but hopefully they will. What of Hornclipper? Did he...?”

The Avatar shook her head. “I don't think so. Meadowbrook isn't... I don't think she'd lose. Not to him, at least. But he bought us time, I...” She paused and then looked back towards the wall she'd just come through. “I... didn't even hesitate.”

“I'm sorry?” she asked, looking confused.

“I just let him fight her, one on one. I didn't even second guess the decision to run away,” she mumbled.

“Well, of course. Fighting her when we needed that equipment would have been a stupid decision. You likely would have been crushed,” the mare said with a shrug. “Frankly, when Fido came bursting in claiming you'd bought him time, I was considering grabbing a few and launching a counter attack to try to save you in time.”

The unicorn's eyes widened. “Wait, really?”

“Yes,” Blaze said before looking to Sunburst. She gave him a small smile. “It's good to have you back, Councilor Sunburst. We need to talk.”

He nodded. “Of course. What's this equipment you were risking all their lives over exactly?”

“Radio equipment.”

The unicorn went deathly silent, before looking around at the ponies and other creatures in the room. Finally, he lowered his eyes and sighed. “It has... come to that, hasn't it. Calling for aid?”

Slowly, she nodded. “It has. There's no longer anyway we can fight this on our own. We need the aid of the four countries.”

He sighed. “You do realize what this means, don't you? This... request?”

“Of course, sir.”

“Calling them now is... no matter,” he said with a shake of his head. “I'll make the call myself. If anypony should be requesting aid, it should be me.”

Blaze sighed. “There's no need to--”

“This is my fault,” he said firmly. “I was the one given emergency power. And I was the one who failed to stop this with that power. I have made mistake after mistake while fighting this force. I will suffer the consequences.” He paused and then looked to Diamond for a moment, before closing his eyes. “For the ponies of this world, no. For all of this world, no sacrifice is too great. Let's get this started.”

Blaze nodded and turned around. “Come with me, we'll prepare.”

The two walked off together.

Diamond watched him for a moment, before turning to Acrylic. “I'm sorry,” she mumbled softly.

“What? Why?”

“I sent you two off to get him and... I didn't succeed at anything. I just kind of... failed all around. In every possible way. I'm sorry.”

He shook his head. “It's not your fault.”

“But it is. I should have been able to stop this, I--”

“Why? Because you're the best?” he asked with a roll of his eyes. “Listen, you--”

“No, not because of that. Because I'm the Avatar. Because it's my job. Because... I need to be the Avatar that ponies need me to be. I need to be strong enough to stop ponies like this. But again and again I've failed. Twilight wouldn't have. She'd probably have been all like... 'Grrrr, super mega awesome bending!' and then pow, Meadowbrook would have been beaten. Instead I've just kind of been lame and sucky and haven't gotten anything right.”

He smiled and reached out, giving her a pat on the shoulder. He then paused and moved forward, giving her a hug, making her squeak. “You've gotten... a few things right. Not a lot, a few. And this isn't all your fault. Just because you're the Avatar doesn't mean you need to do everything. I don't think anypony expects you to do everything. Just... do what you can. I'll do what I can. We'll all do what we can. And hopefully, in the end, it all works out. You know?”

She smiled and hugged him back. “Yeah... I just don't know what I can do now. We just... we're so outnumbered.”

“Then we have to be prepared. Just because we're outnumbered doesn't mean we're doomed. Besides, I don't think most of the unmarked are bad. I think a lot of them are scared. We... well... we ran into a few of them, while we were running.”

Diamond cringed. “What happened?”

“They were more scared of us than we were of them. They didn't even try to put up a fight. I don't even think they wanted to fight. They just didn't want Meadowbrook or her cronies to hurt them. Once we defeat her, I think it'll all be a lot better.”

“Yeah. Maybe,” she said with a weak smile. “You uhhh... you don't think... well...” Her cheeks turned a little red. “Do you think I can beat her?”

“Not a chance.”

Her ears lowered and she pouted. “What? Come on!”

“I'm sorry, but she's kicked your flank how many times now? Also, you're wayyyyy too clingy to fight somepony like her and win.”

“I am not clingy!”

“Diamond. You're STILL hugging me.”

Her cheeks turned red and she bounced back. “Y-you started it.”

He nodded. “Yeah, because you needed a hug. That right there? Too much hug. Just too much.” He then paused. “But... you know what? I don't think you can beat her. But I think we can. All of us. We're a team, right? You, me, Button, Prism, Blaze, Sunburst, all of us. We may not be an Avatar, but we're still pretty good in our own rights. If we all work together, we'll know what to do. And we'll have aid from the other countries soon.”

She nodded and then sighed. “Yeah, I guess. I just wish... I wish I could have handled this on my own. Avatar Twilight would have.”

Acrylic snorted. “Oh, please. If half the stories mom told me are true, then she was HOPELESS without her friends.” He chuckled and started walking down one of the tunnels. “But that was fine. Apparently she was really, really good at making friends. So long as you've got ponies helping you and fighting by you, it doesn't matter if you can't do everything yourself. Right?”

She nodded and chuckled before following after him. “I guess not,” she said with a light smile. “Hey, Acrylic?”

“Yeah?”

“I think this tunnel goes down to a dead end.”

He paused and turned around. “And that's why it's a good thing we don't have to do everything alone.”

She snickered and walked with him.

Diamond gulped and tapped her hooves nervously. The radio equipment was almost all set up, Sunburst had prepared, the rescue team for the rest of the council hadn't returned yet but there was still hope. Now it was only a matter of time.

“Are you sure you know how to work this thing?” Sunburst asked the dog as he fiddled with the wires.

“Pony make strange, weird device made of more duct tape than metal,” the dog grumbled. “Pony want try fix up? Want try get work? No? Then pony shut mouth and let dog work on own.”

The unicorn sighed and shook his head, but kept his eyes forward to watch the work. Suddenly there was a light crackle, followed by a high pitched buzz, followed by another crackle. “Is that it? Is it working?”

“Almost done. Soon,” the dog mumbled before adjusting the dials and knobs. The static got louder and quieter, before finally going out. He then picked up the speaker and held it out to the fire bender. “Pony try talking now.”

Sunburst gulped and took the speaker from the dog and held it up to his mouth. He cloeared his mouth before pushing the button with his magic. “Hello. Can anypony read me? This is Sunburst, head councilor of Harmony.”

There was silence for a few moments before he repeated himself. The dog tried adjusting the knobs a few more times. Finally, on the fourth attempt there was a response.

“Hello, this is Corporal Ready of the Fire Tribes airship Fireburst.”

There was a sudden cheer from the gathered spectators, drowning out the stallion's response. He glared at the crowd, before turning back to the mouthpiece. “Hello! My name is Sunburst and I am sending out an emergency message. Harmony has fallen to the unmarked, under the direct control of the terrorist Meadowbrook. Please listen carefully.” He took a deep breath. “Harmony is officially requesting aid from all four countries. I don't know how long my connection will last, but do know that the city is now under her control. They have weapons and they have fliers. Anypony who comes here alone may be turned into the unmarked. Please, send aid as soon as possible.”

There was a moment of silence, before the pony spoke up. “Errr, sir. I'm just a corporal, I don't--”

“Then get your commanding officer,” Sunburst snapped. “Ponies are suffering and we need aid now. We need a message sent out to all the other nations before this threat can spread.”

Diamond smiled and softly shuffled her hooves. She couldn't believe it, they were actually doing it. Help would be on the way now. She held back an excited sqwee once he finished with the ship, telling them how to contact him. Then, to her surprise, he kept going. “What's he doing?” she asked softly as the dog adjusted the frequencies.

“Contacting others,” Blaze said softly.

“What? Why? But he just got the message out,” she said, looking confused.

“To one ship. We're going to need this message out as far as we can. As quickly as we can. They're going to contact every ship they can.”

The Avatar nodded. By the third contact, she found much of the thrill had evaporated. She got to her hooves and looked to Blaze. “So... ummm... any news on Ironwing?”

That made the pegasus look up. “Oh! Yes, actually. He's okay. Well, mostly okay.” She shuffled a hoof from side to side. “He'll live. I was actually going to go check on him in a bit, if you want to--”

“Yes,” Diamond said quickly. She couldn't help it. She was bored. Watching somepony else make radio calls was just boring.

The pegasus chuckled and waited two more long, torturous radio calls before turning and trotting towards the door and down the tunnels. The Avatar followed closely behind.

“So, he's going to be okay?”

“Eventually. Probably be a bit before he can actually do much, but we're hopeful he'll wake up soon.”

“That's great. Uhhh... does his mom know about... err... his dad?”

There was a few moments of silence, before she nodded. “That he was captured? Yes. She's fine with it, I think. We'll get his cutie mark back after all. There's no need to worry about it. After almost losing her son, I think having her husband just lose a cutie mark doesn't quite seem as bad.”

She nodded. “When we were there... uhhhh... Meadowbrook seemed to hate him. A lot. Said some things. Who exactly was he? Hornclipper?”

Blaze went silent. Diamond was about to ask a second time, before the mare spoke up again. “You... could have called him an executioner... or monster... or something different. He was a... deadly kind of pony during the war. He was the pony tasked with removing the horns of all the fire benders.”

Diamond almost tripped over her hooves, her mouth falling open. “Wait, what? I remember hearing about that! Why wasn't he... I mean, why isn't he imprisoned? He should be! He just--”

“He did what the Water Nation made him. What he was forced to do,” Blaze grumbled, though there was just a hint of anger in her voice. “Now, I'm not going to claim to like him, or even trust him. But the Avatar allowed him to live in the city. Scootaloo seemed to like him well enough. I'm sure there's some good in him. But, to be honest, I know very little about him aside from that. He's not the kind of pony who socializes. Not the kind of pony that others want to socialize with.”

“Oh. Errr... So Ironwing uhhh... is his son?”

“Yeah. Both are stubborn as mules and--” They walked into the room in time to see Ironwing throwing whatever was at hoof at Prism. Fortunately, the former didn't have much strength and there was very little nearby aside from his pillows, so they only went a few feet.

“Go buck yourself!” Ironwing snapped.

“You go buck yourself!” Prism snapped right back.

“Enough! Out!” Scootaloo snapped, pointing towards the door. Prism gave a snort, another glare, before finally storming out of the room.

“What... happened?” Diamond asked, looking between the two.

“I have no idea. I'm happy you're awake, Ironwing,” Blaze said before turning to chase after Prism.

The Avatar slowly moved forward, helping to pick up the pillows. “Errr, nice to see you're doing better. So uhhh, how do you feel?”

“What are you doing here?” he asked, looking annoyed.

“Honey...” Scootaloo said softly. “She was worried about you. Just like all of us.”

“Why?” he asked again, still glaring at her.

She gulped. “Because you were hurt and are still a pony,” the Avatar said. “I know we're not really close, but that doesn't mean I can't be worried when you get hurt or almost die. Does it?”

He glared for a few more moments, before finally sighing and gave a nod. “Fine. Whatever. Not like I care or anything,” he grumbled.

“So, what was that about? Why were you and Prism fighting?”

“He's a big jerk who needs to get bucked in the face,” the stallion grumbled.

“He was worried about you,” Scootaloo said softly. “Even if it he is an idiot who does need to get smacked upside the head.”

“What happened?” Diamond asked again, looking between them.

“Acting as if all that was my fault.”

His mom sighed and then smiled to her. “He was... fine at first. Said how worried he was. Then he said he forgive Ironwing for messing up and--”

“What happened wasn't my fault!” the stallion objected. “I did what I could, he was the one who was too busy slacking off and not doing his job properly! If he had been there, then--”

“Just let it go,” Scootaloo said, shaking her head. “I swear. It's been years since that happened. You both need to just let it go. Rainbow was... is awesome. Yeah. But she knew what she was dealing with. There's no way either of you had anything to do with that.”

“Will somepony please just tell me what all this is about?” Diamond asked. “I really feel like I'm only getting half the story here.”

Ironwing crossed his hooves and just glared at her, making her pull back.

“R-right, never mind. Some... other time then. Eesh.” She looked away and shuffled her hooves. “So, uhhh, how do you feel?”

“Like a safe fell on me.”

“Yeah, you kind of looked like that. Honestly, your face used to be a lot cuter, but now it's kind of...” She trailed off at the glare she was getting from Scootaloo. “Errr, right. I'm happy you're okay. It's all... we're making progress.”

“The city has fallen, hasn't it?”

Scootaloo nodded. “Yes, dear. It's fallen for now. But we'll get it back.”

He sighed and then a little red flooded his cheeks. “Was... Styx okay? Was I able to--”

“He didn't get anything worse than a sprained wing, thanks to you,” Scootaloo said with a smile. “Actually, I imagine he'll be racing down here the moment he finds out you've woken up. He wanted to stay with you at all times, but the bat ponies we have and the council still need him. He didn't leave your side until he was sure you were going to make it.”

The pegasus shrugged. “Whatever. I was just doing my job.”

She nodded. “Everypony, would you mind giving us some privacy?” There was the soft, shuffling hooves as most the ponies left the room. “Avatar, you too.”

“What? Oh! Right, yes, sorry,” Diamond said with a sheepish smile before running off.

The mare then smiled. “I know you're upset about being removed from the Shadowbolts, but it'll be fine. Once this ordeal is over, you'll be reinstated.”

He nodded slowly, before closing his eyes. “Do... you think I failed?” he asked softly. “I keep playing it over and over in my head. Everything I could have done differently. Reacted differently. Maybe if I'd put a bit more focus on these disappearing ponies and unmarked before... all of this. What if I had stopped it before it had gotten too powerful? Kept the anti-benders from gathering?”

“There was no way you could have known,” Scootaloo said with a shrug. “You can't beat yourself up for things you can't change and have no power to deal with now. Trust me. It sucks. You just end up getting upset and worried and certain everything is going to go wrong.” She paused. “Then paralyzed by poison and just... it's a whole big thing.”

“What?” he asked with a cocked eye.

“Nothing, never mind. Just don't worry about it. You aren't the only pony who bucked up on this. The council didn't see this as a credible threat until it was too late. Nopony could blame you for what happened.”

“Some ponies will.”

“Yourself included. But that doesn't mean it's true.” She reached out and patted his head. “You're a good pony. You try your hardest and never give up. This was just... outside of our league. Too much happened too fast and we were swept up in it before we could do anything. Now we just have to try to stem the tide. You tried your hardest, that's all anypony can ever ask of you.”

He nodded slowly. “O-okay. Thanks mom,” he mumbled softly, his eyes lowered. “Is uhhh... dad coming?”

That made the mare go silent for a moment. Then, gently, she reached forward to give him a hug. “Daddy was... captured.”

He froze, his entire body going still . Then, slowly, he nodded. “Okay.”

“Honey...”

“It's fine. He'll be fine,” he mumbled softly, his hoof slowly digging into the bed. “I'm still feeling pretty weak. Would you mind if I took a little nap?”

His mother nodded. “Of course. I'll--”

“I'd like to be alone,” he mumbled softly, before laying on his side.

Diamond trotted through the tunnels, occasionally looking around. She wondered why these places had to be so big. Were the dogs normally expecting such a large occupancy? She shivered as she realized all of the tunnels were right under the main city. At any time, if they wanted, they could launch an attack to try and take over. There would be...

Okay, they had metal benders. There would be PLENTY they could do about it. Normally. Collapsing a whole town on their home probably wouldn't be the smartest idea, anyway. But it still kind of rubbed her the wrong way.

She couldn't help feeling a bit aimless and lost. What was she supposed to do now? Sunburst was making the call. She couldn't leave the tunnels. Now wasn't exactly a training time. There had to be--

Her eyes widened as she saw a striped flank off in the distance. A black and white one. She galloped ahead. “Hey! Zecora! Zecora, wait!” she called out.

The zebra stopped and turned. Slowly an eye cocked. “Yes, young bender? I do hope you need not a defender,” she said with a low chuckle.

“What? No. Not at all. I wanted to talk with you about, well... you knew Avatar Twilight, right? I just wanted to know... how much do you know about the spirit parts? I mean, the spirits? And... well... talking to... I mean, if there are past lives and such?”

The zebra stopped in place. “Ahhhh, I see what you seek. Remember though, information such as this is not for the meek. The realm of the spirits must not be taken lightly, or you shall encounter something most frightly.”

“Do you have to talk in rhymes all the time? It's really annoying,” Diamond said with a roll of her eyes.

The zebra stared for a moment, before turning to walk off.

“Wait, no, I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I take it back, please!”

The mare sighed, before turning back. “The Avatar of this age is connected with all those past, though sometimes I feared Avatar Twilight would be the last. For this is a trait unique to those like you who only one is born, a pony with the true might of the alicorn. With the elements gone and much damage done, I know not if a connection to your lives can be performed by anyone.”

Diamond paused. “W-wait. You mean... when the... in my past life, they were able to talk with past Avatars, but I might not be able to?”

The zebra nodded.

“That's... that's not fair.”

“Twilight did all she could to repair this fault, but Discord was a creature none other could halt. To fight him great prices had to be paid, sadly the Elements were lost before giving their aid.” She paused and rubbed her chin. “But Twilight was still able to talk to those of her old lives, so perhaps this ability yet thrives. If you wish me to aid you in what I know, follow me where I may go.”

Diamond followed after the mare after a few seconds. “Okay, you know, you're very, very confusing sometimes. Is this why the zebras chose you to represent them? Hoping you'll get what they want by being all mysterious and stuff? Confuse the ponies into doing what you want?”

“Manipulating ponies is a skill I have in spade, so why not use it to give my people aid?”

The Avatar paused for a moment, stumbling after the mare. “W-wait, what? Really? That IS why you were chosen? That's awesome!”

The zebra chuckled softly.

Chapter 23: Defense

Diamond struggled to maintain her balance, three books on her head and her only standing on two hooves. “I... I'm not sure how this helps.”

“To use one's spirit in their quest, they must hone it to its very best,” Zecora said as she slowly flipped through her book. “Anger and arrogance are your greatest weakness, a task must be difficult and teach you meekness.”

“What?” she asked, wobbling forward a bit, then eeking as she went too far. “No no no no!” She fell over and the books flew through the air, landing on her back. “Ow.” She then blinked. “Wait, are you saying I NEED to fail and be humble? How will THAT help me?”

“You believe that the past Avatar spoke to you when you were in need? Then her wisdom you must heed. Blocking it off with pride and glory, will do nothing but in the end ruin your story.”

The mare blinked a few times as she tried processing this. “So you're saying that the reason I can't talk to my past lives is because... I'm too arrogant?” The zebra nodded. “But that's not fair! I'm getting a lot better at that! Even Blaze said so! Sorta! And...” She blinked a few times and thought back. “And... since... then... I've kind of felt as if somepony has been talking to me. Guiding me. Helping me.” The zebra gave a smile and a nod. “So... you think...” She poked her hooves together. “You think Avatar Twilight wants to talk with me?”

That made the zebra pause, before nodding. “Your past life was one of violence and strife, but she was not a pony who would just use a knife. A helping hoof was what she offered and often desired, so even now I doubt she's retired.”

Diamond nodded and looked at the mare. She gulped softly. “So... I uhhhh... so... Zecora. You knew Twilight. Right? Do you... I mean, do you think I can do what she did? Well, not exactly, but, be like her?”

The mare nodded. “With time and work I don't see why not, already you've become far less of a little snot.”

Her face turned red. “H-hey, you barely knew me when I first arrived here and... Oh. Wait. You mean the whole... speech thing I did when we first met, don't you?”

The zebra gave a nod before holding out the books. “Now we have talked much, to humble yourself you must continue as such.”

Diamond grumbled and took the books, slowly getting back into position.

“Avatar!” a bat pony yelled, running into the room. Diamond yelped and fell back over, this time onto her back. The books landed on her stomach, making her clutch it and roll over.

“Owwww... w-what?”

“We have a message, you need to come hear this! Hurry!” the pony yelled, racing back out. She looked to Zecora. The mare nodded before following after the other pony as well.

Diamond sighed and raced after them. She hoped it was important.

It was important. So very, very important.

“It came just a little bit ago,” Sunburst muttered, pacing back and forth. “This is a disaster. A true disaster. This could mean war.”

Diamond gulped and stared at the static filled radio. “So... what exactly did they say?”

“It was a warning,” Sunburst muttered. “The Pheonix, one of the Fire Tribe's patrol ships, is making its way here to burn the city to the ground. To 'purge' these unmarked from the world.”

Diamond gulped and nodded. She could already imagine it now. Fiery death raining from the sky. Hundreds, possibly thousands of the unmarked would die. They'd never have a chance. Meadowbrook would probably take the ship down, eventually, but the damage would be done. So many innocent ponies, killed. Their lives destroyed. There weren't any benders above anymore to fight off the flames, either. The entire city could go up. “Meadowbrook has defenses though, right? She can fight it off?”

“She has a bunch of unmarked fliers,” Sunburst muttered. “They might be able to stop the ship before it gets there, but there aren't any benders. Hundreds, possibly thousands of them would die.”

Diamond nodded slowly. She could feel it in the air. A silent, though dreadful thought. The thought that they should just let the unmarked die. She took a deep breath and shook her head. “We can't let them. Those ponies aren't... not all of the unmarked are bad. They aren't killers and they don't deserve to be executed. We have no idea how many of them are being forced into this, anyway. How many innocent ponies will be there. We have to stop the ship before it arrives.”

There was a released breath. “Our rescue team hasn't arrived yet with the lost council members,” Sunburst mumbled. “But I don't imagine it would matter much. This is an air strike. We need pegasi.” His eyes slowly raised up to Blaze. “We need Prism.”

“We'll need more than just Prism,” Blaze muttered. “I'll go too. We have a few Shadowbolts. They can go. And--”

“I'm going,” Diamond added quickly.

“You don't have wings,” Blaze said quickly. “We--”

“I'm going. I'm a fire bender, I can face their fire benders. You'll need somepony like me,” Diamond said firmly. “Besides, I might be able to stop them. Not everypony wants to fight the Avatar after all.”

“Diamond...” Blaze said with a shake of her head.

“I am going whether you like it or not. I have friends up there with the unmarked. I'm not going to just sit around and hope you all manage to stop this mad pony before they get somepony I care about killed.”

The pegasus sighed before giving a nod. “Fine. But you will listen to me when we're up there, okay? No taking chances. This ship is... dangerous. Fire benders can be deadly.”

“I'll be careful, I promise.”

Sunburst nodded. “Blaze, gather a team. You'll need to leave within the hour. There's no telling when they'll arrive, but we need you to meet them outside the city. Before they can attack Meadowbrook. If she knows and intercepts, the blood bath will be all the worse.”

“I know,” Blaze muttered. “I'll be ready before you know it.” She turned and walked out of the room.

Diamond watched her go, her heart beating faster than before. She could hardly believe it. Wasn't it bad enough that they had to fight off the unmarked? Now the fire benders were going to try to kill them, too?

Diamond stared at the few gathered ponies. Blaze, Prism, a few Shadowbolts and diamond dogs. She was the only pony engaging the ship who didn't have wings. “So, do we know where it'll be coming from?”

“The east,” Blaze muttered. “That's about it. It could be coming from anywhere in the Fire Nation and the lands of Harmony aren't extended too far in. We'll need to keep an eye out for it and then move fast when we find it.”

Diamond nodded, then backed away as one of the diamond dogs moved to grab her. “I'll bend my way through the ground myself, thank you very much. I'm an earth bender too!” she said, before pausing. “Well, I guess... I am. I'm not actually sure what it is that you guys do. It's not really... it's very confusing.”

The dogs snorted, before grabbing a pony each and then disappearing into the ground. She charged after them, still wishing she had some idea WHAT their weird bending thing was. Maybe it was some form of natural bending? Or like a mole? It didn't really feel like a mole. She swore there had to be some kind of magic to it. They went through cement, after all. She'd never seen a mole do that. Granted, she'd never actually seen a mole anyway, just in her books. But it was the same thing. Probably. Maybe. Close enough.

She shrugged and dug through the dirt quickly, following after the dogs and her comrades. They traveled so deep under the city she couldn't even feel the ponies as they walked around on the surface. She didn't know how long they traveled, but finally the dogs went up and out of the ground and she followed after them, bursting from the dirt.

To see all of the pegasi on their backs, swirls for eyes. She face palmed. “You didn't make sure they had air bubbles or anything, did you?”

“Ponies need air bubbles?” one of the dogs asked.

Diamond rolled her eyes and moved besides them, gently nudging Blaze first.

“I don't wanna go to school, mommy,” the mare said faintly. “I wanna stay home and play with my blocks.”

Diamond chuckled and nudged her again. “Come on, Blaze. We've got a mission to do. Up, up.” The dogs started waking up the others, nudging and shaking them. It took a few more minutes but, finally, the pegasi got to their hooves.

“What happened?” Blaze asked with a groan.

“They didn't stop to let you guys breath,” Diamond said with a shake of her head. “I thought they'd have learned after... well, anyway. We're out of the city.” She looked around. There was nothing but trees, grass and hills as far as the eye could see. Lots of trees to the north east. “What's that place?” she asked, motioning towards it.

“The Everfree Forest. We are not going there,” Blaze grumbled. She stretched out and groaned. “How far out of the city are we?”

“Not far,” one of the dogs said. “No see us while on ground. But see airship if come here.”

The pegasus nodded before looking around. “Well, we're out of the ground, at least. We're heading further east. We'll head over the Everfree Forest and then look around. No matter what you do, don't go in it. That place is suicide if you land there. And don't go under it, either,” she warned the dogs. She then started walking.

“What's so bad about that place?” Diamond asked as she walked up besides the mare. “You make it sound all like... evil and stuff.”

“It is evil,” she muttered with a shake of her head. “There are monsters and creatures there that can't be found anywhere else in Equestria. Massive bears the size of buildings. Eels made entirely of electricity. I hear even the grass there will attack you, give you a thousand cuts until you bleed out.”

Diamond shivered and looked at the trees. They suddenly looked a lot more ominous. “R-really? That's uhhh... that doesn't sound very nice.”

“It's not a nice place. Nopony goes there anymore,” Prism muttered. “Even my mom steered clear of it. Fire bender tribes made their home there once while hiding from the Water Nation. The Water Nation could barely make their way in to it, even with their armies.”

Diamond nodded, wishing they didn't have to go quite so close to it. “So ummm... those things. They don't come out much, do they?”

“No, not really. In the woods where there's the trees and the magic, they thrive. But outside it, I don't think they survive long. I've heard of one or two timber wolves making their way out, but they tend to go back quickly. It's a place different from the rest of the world.”

“Well... that's good, at least,” the avatar said with a chuckle. Still, as they made their way closer, none of them seemed to want to talk anymore. They traveled in silence, watching the trees and waiting for something, anything to come out. Like a giant bear, or a eel made of electricity, or a pink pony with a cannon. Diamond blinked and wondered where THAT idea came from. She hoped she wasn't finally cracking. Now was not the time for it. They stopped a few yards from the edge.

“We'll set up camp here,” Blaze said, before spreading her wings. “Prism and I will scan the area. Shadowbolts, keep close and keep an eye on what's around here. Make sure the camp isn't caught unaware. Diamond dogs, Diamond brat, wait here for now and set up camp.”

Diamond nodded, before blinking. “HEY!”

The pegasus snickered before taking to the air and flying off, over the trees with Prism. Diamond glared at the both of them.

The avatar crossed her legs and glared at the trees. 'I bet it's not even that bad. She probably just told me those things to...' the words in her head trailed off as she realized something else. Even the dogs were staying as far from the woods as they could, one keeping an eye on it at all times and not daring to go any closer to it than they had to. It seemed whatever fear it brought, ponies weren't the only ones it affected.

“Diamond! Diamond!” the voice echoed through her mind, making her slowly open her eyes and groan. She'd been so comfortable and--

“GAH! BACK OFF!” she yelled at Prism. The stallion rolled his eyes and pulled his head back, mere inches from hers. “That is NOT the first thing I want to see when I wake up!”

“Fine, whatever,” he said with a dismissive wave of his hoof. “We're going.”

“Wait, we're going? You found the ship? Where is it?” she asked, quickly getting to her hooves. It wasn't even night time yet. She hadn't meant to nod off, she'd just been so comfortable. Well, not comfortable. So extremely bored.

The stallion pointed south. “I saw the ship, it's skirting along the southern edge of the forest, moving slowly,” Prism said. “We're going to go in and take the ponies down.”

She nodded. “Sweet, so we're going to crash the ship?”

“Over the Everfree Forest? Are you crazy?” he asked, his mouth falling open. “No. We're going in and taking the ponies down. Come on, take my hoof.”

She gulped and did so. Then let out a yelp as he pulled her close, wrapping a hoof around her, and flew up into the air. “Is this really necessary?!”

“You'd rather I drop you?” he asked flatly.

She yelped and latched on, shaking her head. “No, no, this is good!” she said with a squeak. They flew through the air, the Shadowbolts moving behind them. It only took a few moments before she saw the airship, just a small, brown dot at first. But it quickly got larger as they flew closer. She let out a soft gasp as she stared in awe. It had sails on either side with multiple balloons attached to the top, the Fire Tribe symbol painted on the side. “Wow... are we going to pop it?”

“Probably not,” he muttered. “Air ship technology has advanced a lot in the last decade or so. Those balloons up there? Each one is nearly a dozen smaller balloons, all linked together. It would take us forever to penetrate them all. Even if they weren't, the reinforced fabric would take forever to break.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah. Avatar Twilight herself was a huge supporter of advancing the technology. She wanted to make it so nopony had to deal with their airship crashing again.”

“Wow.”

“Sadly, when she tried one of the first of the new models, it was hit with lightning and exploded. Nopony even knows how. Wasn't a cloud in the sky. Someponies suspect Rainbow was behind it, but there was never any proof. It was like she was cursed or something. But she was okay.”

Diamond let out a low snort.

“I've been keeping an eye on them,” Blaze said as she flew up to meet with them. “I don't think they know we're here, but when we get closer, they will.”

“Guess we'd better move fast then,” Prism said, flapping his wings again as the air around them parted. “Get ready, Diamond, I'm going to throw you on the ship when we get closer.”

“Okay,” she said, gulping. They flew low toward the ship, then did a fierce up turn straight at it. She held on loosely, waiting for the moment she'd be tossed. She felt his hooves tense as they passed the bottom.

Then a wall of fire formed ahead of them. “Throw me!” she yelled. He did, throwing her up. She reached out her hooves, swirling as best she could as she wrapped the flames around herself and then shot them back out, launching herself onto the deck and parting the way for the fliers to go through. She quickly went into her ready stance, deflecting bursts of flame as she swirled around.

She couldn't help but feel this was easy. The fire was pretty weak, especially for a fire bender. She kicked back against one of the bursts, sending the pony back. A second was hit by a sudden burst of wind, courtesy of Prism. She barely had time to look as she deflected more bursts of fire, but what she saw made her eyes widen.

They weren't bending the fire at all. They were all wearing alicorn armor and had tanks of... something on their back. The flames were coming out of little leg and side cannons. She yelped and skidded around to the right, looking around frantically. “It's a trap!” she shrieked.

“Prism!” Blaze's voice called out.

Diamond managed to see through the burst of flames as the air bender narrowly avoided a burst of light blue magic. He landed on the deck and kicked his legs out, sending a burst of wind at two of the unmarked.

The ship shuddered and suddenly there were dozens of them, the unmarked flying through the air. Diamond's eyes fell on one in particular, standing at the helm of the ship. Meadowbrook. “How nice of you to join us, Avatar,” the mare said with a chuckle. “I was expecting to capture your precious council mare. I didn't think I'd get you, too.”

Diamond ground a hoof into the ground, looking around. The sky was filled with the unmarked. The Shadowbolts were trying to fight them, but they were being overwhelmed. Prism and Blaze as well.

“Did you really think that your little message wouldn't be known? I have Dr. Alicity under my hoof,” the mare said with a chuckle. “Now, Avatar. Surrender. This ends today.”

“NO!” Diamond screamed, running forward. She leaped up, fire erupting from her hooves to help propel her over to the helm. She spun, sending a torrent of flame at the mare.

That staff swirled in front of her, slicing the flame and parting it around her. “It's over, Avatar Diamond.” The bottom shot up at Diamond's face.

The Avatar shot a bit of flame to the left, sending herself into a spin and narrowly avoiding the staff. “Yes. It is,” the unicorn said before charging forward, sending out a burst of flame at the mare's face.

Meadowbrook moved to the side with ease, using the staff to deflect the hoof away with a solid smack. “You don't believe you can actually defeat me, do you?”

“I'm going to break you!” Diamond yelled, thrusting a hoof forward. Once again the other mare knocked it away with the staff. But this time the Avatar went with it, she let the staff move her, twisting her body with it, slamming her back hooves from the side.

They slammed straight into Meadowbrook's face, sending the mare stumbling back and shattering the mask. The mare clutched at her face, blood pouring from her pink nose. “You... you didn't... you...”

“I've had it with you, Meadowbrook,” Diamond said, grinding her hoof into the ground. “This ends now!” She blazed forward, unleashing flame after flame on the mare, using them to power each of her strikes. Again and again, never relenting, making herself the same avalanche that she had taught Button. Never leaving an opening, a chance to counter. She finished up with a powerful, double back hoofed buck.

Meadowbrook caught the strike with her staff, yet again. There was a sharp crack that filled the air. “W-what have you done?” the mare asked, backing away.

Diamond looked back. A long crack had formed along the staff. It wasn't broken, but it was close. Her eyes widened and she charged forward. She raised both her front hooves.

The staff was yanked back by Meadowbrook's magic, barely in time. It then swirled around while the Avatar was off balance, slamming the back end into her skull. “It's okay, it's okay. The Staff of Sameness can't be destroyed so easily,” the mare said softly. “You, on the other hoof, can be.” The dual pronged end of the staff jammed at Diamond's head and she quickly ducked, before trying to send another burst of flame out at her opponent.

Meadowbrook leaped to the side, taking cover behind the steering wheel. Diamond turned around and bucked, her hooves sending out a massive burst of flame, enveloping the wheel and the mare behind it.

The flames swirled around into an sphere of fire, before launching back at Diamond. She yelped and thrust her hooves out, splitting the fire.

Meadowbrook smiled at her, the prongs of the staff aimed through the parting flame. “Game over.” The blue magic shot out from it.

Diamond tried to move away, to push herself out of range. But she was too slow as the light enveloped her. She let out a shriek as the magic flowed over her, before it focused on her cutie mark. She felt it tear away, as if it was pulling away a part of her very being. Three times, the little crown on her flank was torn away, finally leaving nothing but a blank, pink flank.

The three duplicate cutie marks soared through the air before flowing under Meadowbrook's cloak. The mare panted, but slowly a grin formed across her bleeding face. “It's... over. Finally. It's over. The Avatar is no more.”

The unicorn stared at her blank flank, her mind slowing down as if it was being pulled through a muddy bog. All she could do was stare. She tried to form some fire on her horn, but nothing happened. She had lost her cutie mark. She had lost her bending. She had lost what made her special. What made her the Avatar.

In a moment, in one small misstep, she had lost everything.

Chapter 24: Loss

Diamond kept her head low, barely even aware of her surroundings as she was led down the hall, two unmarked surrounding her. Now that she had no bending, Meadowbrook didn't seem as interested in her and left her to the others to take away.

The Avatar didn't care, though. Everything was wrong now. She felt so slow and weak. She couldn't focus like she used to. Her body didn't even feel like hers anymore. Even the short little walk from the airship to the city was making her feel tired and lightly panting. She felt as if a part of her had been absorbed. She didn't even know if it was physical, either. 'Maybe it's because of my lack of a cutie mark that;s making me feel so weak,' she pondered as she walked. Meadowbrook had won, she had defeated her. There was nothing more she could do. A big door was opened and she walked inside, not even putting up the smallest of fights.

“Diamond!” a voice called out, making her look up. To her amazement, Silver was sitting there in the small room. It was hard to say who was more surprised, the other's mouth was hanging open. “Your... your cutie mark... it's... Avatar...”

“I'm not the Avatar anymore,” Diamond said softly. “Meadowbrook has... has beaten me.”

Silver slowly walked over, reaching up to give the mare a hug. “That's... that's impossible. You're the hero, you can't lose. You can't!”

“I... I have. I can't beat her. Not now. Not ever. I tried. I tried so hard,” she mumbled softly, tears welling up in her eyes. “She was just... too strong. She has the cutie marks, she has the city, she has me. It's... over. I've lost.” She hugged her friend back and sobbed into her shoulder. “I can't do this anymore! I tried, I tried so hard. I did everything I could! But she still won! Why? Why did she have to win? I just... I just...”

“It's okay, it's okay,” Silver whispered, gently patting her on the back. “You can still win. You'll still win. The others aren't captured, are they?”

“I think... I think Blaze and Prism are.” Diamond whispered. She wanted to feel hope, that maybe the others would save them. But she couldn't. She could barely even feel upset that her teacher had been captured. All she felt was empty and sad. Not sad about anything in particular, just sad in general. As if a part of her had been torn away and she couldn't do anything but just endure the pain of it being gone. “So many others, too. So many gone. So many failed. I... I never should have been the Avatar.”

“You're a good Avatar,” Silver said with a smile, hugging her friend tightly. “I know you'll find a way out of this. I know you'll still save us. I know--”

“How? How can you possibly know that?” Diamond asked before tugging away and glaring at her. “I've messed up everything! I'm empty now! Hopeless! I have NOTHING! How can you possibly think I can fix this?”

“Because you're the Avatar. You've always saved the world before, why can't you now?”

“I'm not the Avatar now! I can't bend! I can't fight! I can't even run faster than a small trot, I just... I can't do anything,” Diamond said softly, before falling onto her butt. “Why... why are you even here? Where is everypony else?” She looked around the room, it was little more than a small cell.

“Meadowbrook has been keeping me here so she can keep my father under her control,” the mare muttered. “Ever since the... prison fell. Meadowbrook can bend. Or rather... her staff can. She used it to break the prison apart and allow the ponies to escape. Then her minions... took me.”

Diamond nodded slowly. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. We should have come and saved you. I should have gotten you out. I should have... there are so many things I should have done.”

Silver nodded and then patted her head. “It's okay. Sometimes friends let each other down. But that doesn't mean they stop being friends. As long as you keep trying, it doesn't matter how many times you fail, right? I know in the end you'll beat her. You won't give up, will you?”

“I... I don't know if I can keep going...” the Avatar said softly.

Silver nodded. “Do... you think you really can't beat her? That there's nothing you can do?”

Diamond stared for a moment before, slowly, she shook her head. “No... I just... I don't... if I could get my cutie mark back. If I could get the others back from her... I could just...”

“I think she has them stored somewhere.”

The Avatar froze. “Wait, what?”

“Think about it. How many of them has she stolen so far? She couldn't possibly be carrying all of them with her, could she? She'd have to put them somewhere. If you can find where she's hiding them, you can get them back.”

Diamond nodded slowly. “Your... your right. She has to...” She then gasped, moving a hoof to her mouth. “What if... she still has her cutie mark?”

“Oh?” the earth pony asked. “But she's one of them. How could she be an unmarked with one?”

Diamond felt her mind working, though it was still slow and groggy. But the ideas were forming. “She fought too skilled. Too fluid. Her movements weren't... right. They were too perfect. What if she still has her cutie mark? What if all along she's just been... using them? What if the staff is all just a way to get their cutie marks for her own ends? So she'll be the strongest, the only one still with one?”

Silver gasped, her eyes widening. “Is... is such a thing possible? Surely somepony would notice.”

Diamond chewed on her lip. “Maybe? I mean... right now... you've felt it. How... hard it is to focus like this? How everything feels different? Maybe they just haven't noticed yet.”

Silver nodded. “But how can you be sure? There has to be some way to prove it, right?”

The unicorn nodded. “Yeah. I'll have to... think. Plan. I'll find out, somehow. Just need to come up with a plan.” She sat down on the small bunk and leaned back against the wall. “Just... need to think.”

She just wished her head didn't feel like it was filled with gravel.

“And how's my favorite Avatar today?” a voice asked. Diamond turned towards the door and groaned. A small window in the middle had been opened, revealing Meadowbrook.

“Oh go buck yourself,” Diamond grumbled, glaring up at the door. “What do you want?”

“Oh Avatar, need you be so petulant? You may have lost to me, but in life you have won. Is being one of the unmarked really so bad? Don't you feel better now? More connected? Now you are one with everypony else, no longer rising above them and dominating them with your superiority.”

“I liked dominating ponies!” Diamond snapped. “And I... wait, no, that came out wrong. I liked who I was. And I liked who they were. And just because I was better at some things didn't mean I was better than them! It just meant we were different. We all had different strengths and weaknesses. And that's okay. Everypony is like that. Some are faster, some are stronger, some are smarter, some are funnier. It's just... the way we are.”

Meadowbrook shook her head. “Why? Why is it so important for others to be better? To raise themselves above their fellow ponies? Can't you see the glory, the love in this? When all ponies are equal, it means nopony will ever have to feel bad.”

“What you're doing is wrong,” Diamond muttered. “It doesn't matter what you say. It's wrong.” She held a hoof to her chest. “It's... taking away what makes me, me. Holding it prisoner. Nopony should have to feel like this.”

“Nopony should have to feel alone, either. Nopony should have to feel like they don't matter just because they... lack what others do. We should all be equal,” Meadowbrook said with a shake of her head. “I... was hoping you'd see things differently. Would understand. I was hoping you could join me as a friend. But it seems you will have to come as a prisoner. But it is no matter.”

“Come? Come where?”

The mare smiled. “There are still those who fight me. Sadly, they'll have to be... forcefully converted. I will show all ponies how the Avatar has fallen, become one of the unmarked and joined us. They will of course try to save you. They will join us as well. Then, finally, the city will be ours.”

“You can't... you can't unmark the non-ponies,” Diamond said softly. “They'll fight you.”

Meadowbrook shrugged. “Our numbers are vastly higher than theirs. I don't wish for them to fight us, but if they insist, then they will suffer the consequences. But you are right. Those... non-ponies will have to be expelled if they won't join me.” She paused. “But the Staff of Sameness is strong. Every day I learn something new about the power it holds. And it's getting stronger. Perhaps soon I will be able to convert even non-ponies into the unmarked. After all, it didn't originally work on anything but unicorns. But now it even works on the zebras.”

Diamond's eyes widened. “W-wait, it... didn't? How? W-where did it come from? How can it be... getting stronger?”

“With every cutie mark it takes, it grows stronger and stronger,” the mare said with a soft chuckle. “And isn't it obvious, dear Avatar? It's a relic of Discord. One of his more... powerful ones.”

Silver's eyes widened and a hoof rose to her mouth. “D-Discord? That's not possible, that can't be...”

“Oh? There's no need to be so frightened, child. Discord is long gone, the last Avatar made sure of that. But his relics remain.” She paused. “Avatar. There is still time. You don't need to spend your life imprisoned. You can join us. Become our friend. Our equal.”

“I will never join you. I'd rather die.”

“Dying isn't an option, Avatar. But if that is how you wish it... very well.” The door opened and a tray was slid into the room, with a few pieces of bread and a bowl of some kind of mush. The door closed, the little window with it.

Diamond sighed and leaned back, closing her eyes. “How could I fail so spectacularly?” she asked softly. “I tried so hard. I worked so hard. I practiced. I adapted. I learned to be a better pony. And yet here I am, a failure. A loser. A horrible pony who... who just...” She felt the tears welling up in her eyes again. “I never should have been born.”

“Diamond, don't say that,” Silver said softly.

“I mean it. I should have just... I wish I'd died as a child. Somepony else could have been the Avatar, somepony else who...” She eyed the tray. “If... I die... do you think the next Avatar will do better? Do you think she'll... be stronger than me? Do you think she'll be able to stop Meadowbrook?”

“Diamond, you're not going to die.”

“Why not? If I... I can't even bend anymore. I'm useless as an Avatar. But when I die, somepony else will take over. Somepony who can... fix this. Maybe. Somepony who won't be such a failure. Somepony who--”

Hooves wrapped around her. “If you die now, I'll lose my friend. And... what if there isn't another Avatar? For all you know, Meadowbrook's magic has... taken it away. Ended your magic. You... can't die now.”

Diamond blinked and then slowly nodded. “Your... your right. If I die, there might not be another Avatar. I just... I feel so weak. So hopeless. I don't know what I can do.”

“You'll think of something. I know you will. It's your destiny.”

The Avatar nodded and slowly pushed her friend away. “Y-yeah. I'll think of... something. Somehow. I just need to think,” she mumbled softly before closing her eyes. “I just need to rest for a little bit. Okay?”

“Of course, Avatar,” Silver said with a small smile. “Rest as long as you need.”

Diamond nodded and fell down flat on the cot. 'What can I possibly do? I'm helpless. Meadowbrook is just too strong. Too powerful. How can anypony hope to stand against her?'

Chapter 25: Prisoner

Two days passed slowly, each morning and night Meadowbrook came again, to offer Diamond a place at her side. Each time the mare refused. She tried to come up with a plan, some way of possibly defeating the powerful unicorn, but nothing she thought of seemed to have any chance of success.

The only possible way she could see out of this was with her death. Perhaps a new Avatar was what the world needed. One who was stronger, faster. Who didn't have her arrogance. One who could do all four types of bending, not just three. Or none, now. But what if her death ended the cycle?

Maybe they had all been right when she first came. She hadn't been ready for this. She thought she knew best, but she knew nothing.

She needed help, but she had no idea who or what to turn to. She wished Prism and Blaze were here. If only they could save her.

The little window on the door opened. “Avatar, it's time,” Meadowbrook said, before slowly pushing the door open.

“I hate you,” Diamond muttered.

“Of course you do. But you won't forever. Eventually you'll come around to my way of thinking. You'll see that all of us are better off being equal,” the mare said before slowly stepping forward, the staff leveled on the two prisoners. “Don't try anything. Silver, back of the room. Diamond, come on.”

The unicorn sighed and slowly got to her hooves. She thought about putting up a fight, ignoring the mare. But what was the point? There was nothing she could do. She was a beaten mare. “Let's just get this over with,” she muttered.

“Oh Avatar, there's no need to be so melodramatic,” Meadowbrook said with a chuckle. “You'll be a herald of a new age. Once ponies realize even the Avatar has become one with us, they'll all come crawling to Harmony seeking Equality.”

“They'll attack you. They'll destroy this city,” Diamond muttered.

“We have weapons. We will defend ourselves, if need be. We have airships, like that one I tricked you with. Dr. Alicity will make more.”

“How long until you remove his cutie mark, too? Ponies will adapt. They'll change. They'll--”

“They'll see I offer nothing more than friendship and equality. That I mean them no harm,” the mare said with a shake of her head. “Why should they be so upset? So angry about it?”

“Because you're forcing them!” Diamond yelled.

“So? Ponies are forced to do things all the time. They're forced to obey rulers who want to take from them. Forced to fight in wars they don't care about. Forced to suffer at the hooves of those stronger than them. I've done none of that. I merely ask that all ponies be equal. That all ponies care for each other and never raise themselves up. I... truly wished that you could see that. Understand that. But it seems it will take more time.”

“I will never join you,” Diamond muttered.

“We will see,” Meadowbrook said before nudging her out the door, the staff at her back.

Diamond stepped out and let out a soft gasp, her eyes widening. The sidewalks were packed with ponies, all of them unmarked. Hundreds, possibly thousands of them. All watching her.

Every single one of them a pony she had failed, their blank flanks a testament to it. She'd tried, and lost. Again and again. She looked over the hordes of ponies. Some looked at her with excitement, cheering and raising their hooves at her failure.

Others stared with despair, the hope draining from their faces as they saw that she too had fallen. A failure. Their best hope, broken and unmarked. She lowered her eyes, staring at the street ahead of her.

“Look at them, Avatar. Every single one of them unmarked. Each one equal, no better or worse than their comrades. All as one,” the mare said softly. “Harmony, the way it was supposed to be. A place of true equality.” Meadowbrook gave the Avatar a nudge, making her walk onto the street.

Diamond couldn't look up, couldn't see all those ponies. She kept her eyes low, the shame so strong she could barely breathe. To think, not long ago she'd imagined herself better than all of them. As if her bending made her so special, so superior compared to them. She'd actually believed that all of those non-benders were lesser ponies, not even worthy of her. And yet in the end, she'd failed. She wasn't even a bender anymore. The same as all of them. Just another normal pony. She felt the tears welling up in her eyes and couldn't keep them back, the despair overwhelming her.

“Oh, Avatar. There is no need to cry. We are friends here, all of us. You'll never have to suffer or be afraid. Never have to feel inferior. True equality.”

“You're a monster,” Diamond said softly.

“I am their savior.”

“You think you're better than all of us. But you're nothing more than another tyrant. You don't even realize the misery you've caused, do you?”

“Ponies will learn. They'll adapt. Soon they'll be thankful for what I've done. Many already are.”

Diamond shook her head. “You can't take what makes a pony a pony, then expect them to be happy. All of them will feel like this soon. This... despair. This hopelessness.” She felt the tears streaming down her face, leaving warm lines down it. “Someday, somepony will stop you.”

“Maybe. Or maybe I'm right and this is the way the world is supposed to be. Have you even considered what I offer? What good this will do for the world? Maybe one day you'll accept it and be an ally of this new, glorious nation. Avatar, are you really so vain to believe that having other ponies equal to you is so horrible?”

The Avatar shook her head. “Vanity has nothing to do with it. You just... ughhhh. You're giving me a headache,” she said softly before wiping off her face. She hated this. Being so weak and helpless. Knowing she'd lost. She couldn't even think of rebuttals anymore. Knowing there was nothing she could do but look at these poor unmarked ponies as she was paraded before them, their last hope of getting their cutie marks back. She'd have given anything for one more chance, one last opportunity. Her tears stopped as a new thought occurred to her. Maybe there was hope, after all.

She looked back to Meadowbrook, eying the mask and cloak for a moment before looking ahead. Slowly she raised her head. She looked to the gathered ponies, so many of them. Maybe there was a chance. Just one. But it might be all she needed. “Where are you taking me?”

“You are the last beacon. I am taking you before all of the ponies, where they can see you. Where your comrades will try to stop me, and they will be captured. Already my ponies are ready to launch their counter attack.”

“You'll fail.”

“No, I won't.”

Diamond grit her teeth as she kept walking. There was still a chance, though a small one. She knew it. She was led through the city, walked down the streets and allowed to look at the ponies she had failed. So many of them. All of them hanging on Meadowbrook's words, some willing and some not.

Diamond would destroy those words. She ground her hooves into the ground a little as they entered the main courtyard. The same one she'd entered so long ago during the festival. At least, it felt as if it was so long ago. She supposed it had only been a month or so. A tall, towering stage had been set up in the middle of it and she was led towards it. The unmarked surrounded her on all sides, with more filtering in from the side streets with every second. She slowly walked up the steps of the stage, directed by Meadowbrook.

Once there, the masked mare forced her to the back, before taking her spot behind a microphone. “Equality has finally come! Not only is Harmony now under our control, but the Avatar herself is now one of us. They call us the unmarked. They call us terrorists. I say they're wrong. I look out over every pony here and I see equality. No longer will one pony stand above another. We are all equal, the same. No longer will we feel shame or humiliation, lacking what others have. No longer will ponies keep us under their hooves. For now, nopony is better than any other. For we are all the unmarked!”

“All except for you!” Diamond yelled, turning on the mare.

Meadowbrook took a step back. “Excuse me?”

“You claim you're all for equality, but what about you?” Diamond said, her courage slowly rising within herself. “After all, you still have your cutie mark. That's why you hide under that cloak, isn't it? I saw the way you fought. You still have your talent!”

There was murmuring and grumbling amongst the crowd. The mare was silent for a moment, before she burst into laughter. “I see, young Avatar. You really have sunk to pure desperation, haven't you?” the mare asked before she reached up with her hooves. “Very well. Let it never be said that Meadowbrook wasn't a mare of her word.” She slowly pulled her mask aside. “There is no longer a need to hide my face, after all. We have won. Let it be known now!” she yelled, raising her hoof. “We are all equal! Nothing I have done couldn't be done by any of you!” She then flung her cloak into the air.

Diamond's mouth nearly hit the floor. She couldn't believe it. She saw it, but she couldn't believe it.

Meadowbrook's flank was blank. Not a single mark on it. She thrust it out for the world to see. “That's... that's impossible,” the Avatar said softly. “We fought. You and I. We... we were...”

“You were hardly a challenge, Avatar. You were a child fighting for nothing. I was a hero fighting for the way forward. You were doomed from the start.” The murmurs were dying down now. The mare held the staff aloft. “This is what makes it possible. This is what gives us our equality. Together, we will make a new world! One without rulers, without nobles, a world where nopony can claim their superiority!”

“STAMPEDE!” a voice screamed from the back.

Meadowbrook chuckled softly, lowering the staff to her side. “And so it begins. The last hurrah of your defenders and the final victory of the unmarked,” she said before looking to Diamond. “Watch, Avatar. Soon, true equality shall reign.”

Diamond stared at the courtyard and shook her head. “No... they... they can't.”

The buffalo charged in from the north, knocking ponies aside as they galloped towards the stage. Throughout the crowd ponies began flying into the air, some with fake wings others with real, as diamond dogs started popping out of the ground, smashing the bricks and cement aside. Then from the south she saw the second stampede, this one comprised of donkeys and yaks. Then, as if that wasn't enough, the east entrance of the courtyard was filled with the sound of stomping hooves as well as the minotaurs came galloping in, shoving their way through. Only the west remained empty. Though their numbers were so small compared to the unmarked, she was amazed they decided to come from three different angles. But they were plowing their way through quickly.

Diamond looked to Meadowbrook, a grin on her face. “They're coming. You'll lose this, Meadowbrook.”

The mare chuckled softly as she watched them. “That's where your wrong. I told you before. We have Dr. Alicity.”

Flocks of ponies rose into the air, emptying out the courtyard quickly. Soon only a few ponies remained.

All of which were carrying large cloaked containers on their backs. The ponies moved to the tower, facing the stampedes. They removed the cloaks, revealing long cylinders on their backs and hooves. “After all, he wasn't kidding when he said he wanted to create artificial bending. NOW!” the mare yelled.

Fire filled the air, erupting from the cylinders, streaking out across the courtyard and making the stampedes fall short.

“I think it's time to see just how far my magic has advanced,” Meadowbrook said with a chuckle, before aiming the staff at the nearest creature, a diamond dog. The green light shot out, enveloping the creature before it could pull back.

Diamond wasn't sure what she saw, but something was leaving the dog. Drawn out by the green magic, a dark taint seemed to flow out of the dog and then back towards Meadowbrook. However, rather than going to her, it disappeared under her cloak. The dog shook its head, and tried going back under the ground, but its claws seemed to have no effect on the ground now.

“Finally, it's time,” Meadowbrook whispered. “ALL SHALL BE EQUAL!” she yelled, before thrusting the staff out, sending bursts of magic out. The stampeders tried to get through, but the defense of flame was too much for them to penetrate. The courtyard began to rumble again, before more holes appeared all over it. At first the mare paid it no mind.

Then great pillars of water rose up into the air. Diamond's eyes widened and she looked around, trying to see any sign of Acrylic or the others. Sadly, there didn't seem to be one, yet. However, Meadowbrook, for the first time in a while, looked worried. “Hold the line!” the mare yelled, sending out bursts of water with her staff.

Diamond slowly inched forward and tugged the cloak, opening it up. Sewn inside was a small circular mirror. Except rather than reflect, it was a solid silver. As the magic was drawn from another diamond dog, it flowed back behind Meadowbrook and into the mirror, which rippled like water. The Avatar stared at it, before looking up. The torrents of water were already dying down, though water filled the courtyard now. The stone erupted and Button shot up, thrusting his hooves forward. Stones rained down at the stage, making her yelp, though none came close, all falling short and being knocked back by the flames. Acrylic stood in the courtyard, surrounded by the diamond dogs.

Then the water rose up and rained down on the ponies, making the fires sizzle. “Blasted water bender,” Meadowbrook grumbled as she aimed her staff at Acrylic and shot out a beam of magic. He dodged it with ease, before sending out another burst at the pseudo fire benders.

“Buck it. I'll deal with him myself!” the mare yelled, before reaching down to grab her cloak. She felt nothing but air. She looked down in confusion, before her eyes were drawn to Diamond. The Avatar held the mirror in her hooves, the cloak tossed aside and sporting a hole. “Put that down.”

“Okay,” Diamond said, before driving it down, shattering it across her knee. Her eyes bulged and she fell over, dropping the fragments and holding her knee. “Ow ow ow ow oh why did I do that owie ow ow whyyyyyy?” She gave a little whimper, but smiled none the less. The smile slowly faded. “W-what? Nothing's happening!”

“You idiot! You broke my portal!” the mare snapped, before glaring. “You have any idea how annoying that is?”

“I... I thought it... w-would release the cutie marks and... and something.”

The unicorn just stared at her for a few moments before shaking her head. “Of course not. It will take more than that. Do you really think if it did that, I'd carry it with me?” she asked before pointing the staff again. Acrylic dodged away from the blast, but a diamond dog got caught in the burst, his magic drawn from him as well. It came to Meadowbrook, moving to the broken mirror before swirling around the staff. “You've only made this... slightly more difficult,” the mare said softly, before she leaped down from the stage. She brought the staff up and the ground swirled up to her, stopping her fall before she sent a burst of water flying at Acrylic.

The stallion danced back, sending his own burst of water to block it. Button sent a flurry of stone raining down on her, but she sent it scattering with a burst of wind from her staff.

Diamond watched from above, biting her lower lip as she saw the mare fighting her friends. Even though she was no longer as strong, fast or able as she once was, she knew enough to see where this was going.

Meadowbrook would win. The stampede had failed and already hundreds of unmarked were descending on the crowds. Some used fire, others used electricity. Acrylic and Button wouldn't last long. She didn't know where Sunburst was, but she was sure he'd fall soon as well. There was nothing she could do, but watch and wait. She collapsed on the ground and let out a sob.

'There has to be something I can do. Anything I can do. Please,' she begged herself, covering her face with her hooves. 'I need to be strong, I need to be... I need... I need...' She slowly lowered her hooves. “Help me. Please,” she said softly. “I don't know if you can hear me. I don't even know if you can. But if you're in there, Twilight. Please. Help me. I can't... I can't do this on my own. I can't... I need your help. I'm not strong enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not the best. I NEED YOU!” she screamed, stomping her hooves forward.

It was like a flip switched in her head. Suddenly she felt it. She didn't know if it was Twilight, the connection with her past lives, or something else. But it felt warm and comforting. Protective. She tried to resist it at first, to pull away. It wasn't her, she didn't need it. Almost as quickly as it started, she felt that connection start to falter.

“No,” she told herself, before taking a step forward. “I'm not strong enough. I'm not good enough. I'm not powerful enough. But one day, I might be. For now... if you'll give me your help, I'll gladly take it.” She then ran forward, leaping off the stage and into the empty air.

All you ever had to do was ask.

Chapter 26: Help me, please

Meadowbrook parried a blast of water with her staff, using it to split the water, before spinning it around and sending it right back at the duo of benders. This fight was already over, her unmarked were on their way. All she had to do was delay the two. The final fall of Harmony was at hoof.

She let out a yipe as suddenly the air behind her exploded, sending the water surrounding her billowing up into the air and plummeting down at her. She mentally cursed and tried to gather it up before it could get near her cutie mark. She turned around and then her eyes widened. “Im... impossible.”

Diamond was standing in the middle of the courtyard, her eyes glowing white, her flank as well. A green cutie mark, shaped like the tiara that had adorned her flank, appeared emblazoned across the once blank space.

Most annoying of all, Meadowbrook's unmarked were just standing there, gaping in awe. “What are you doing? Get her!” she yelled.

Diamond bucked her back hooves out, sending a burst of air back, scattering the unmarked and destroying the stage, sending the wood toppling through the air. She then glared at Meadowbrook, before charging forward.

The unicorn cursed and brought up her staff, narrowly parrying a hoof strike from the mare. “So you had another trick up-- eep!” Meadowbrook stumbled back, her hooves almost swept out from under her by a burst of air. Fire enveloped the staff and she aimed it at the other mare. Only for the Avatar to thrust out a hoof and blow the flames out, before spinning and sending another burst of wind straight into the unicorn's chest.

Meadowbrook stumbled back and gasped, cringing. She didn't like this. The Avatar wasn't fighting like normal. She was being too precise, too methodical, too... good. She didn't see any flaws or weaknesses in her form to exploit. She was forced to take another step back, narrowly avoiding a hoof from the mare.

Diamond's eyes stopped glowing. The Avatar nearly fell flat on her face as she felt as if whatever had been holding her up was just snipped.

The connection had felt weak to begin with, but it had been there. With it she'd felt so strong. Almost invincible. Now, whoever that was, was gone. She looked at Meadowbrook.

The other mare realized and slowly began to grin. “All done, Avatar? Well, I'm just getting started.”

Diamond squeaked and jumped back, narrowly avoiding a burst of flame. 'No no no no! I can't do this on my own! I need you! Where are you? Hello? I need help! I need... I need somepony!'

“Gah!” Meadowbrook yelled, stumbling back and narrowly bursting free as rocks tried to wrap around her. She twirled around, sending her staff out and deflecting two more blades of water.

The Avatar's eyes widened and a grin formed on her lips. She wasn't alone. “Meadowbrook, block this!” the mare yelled, before racing at the mare. She raised her front hoof up and went in for a punch. The unicorn brought her staff up, deflecting it.

Diamond went with the deflection, swirling her whole body with it and lunging in, slamming herself up, over the staff and straight into Meadowbrook's chest. As she went, she thrust her hoof out, sending it into the staff and knocking it away, using a burst of air.

The staff flew through the air as Meadowbrook toppled back with the Avatar on her. “Get off--”

“ACRYLIC, NOW!” Diamond screamed.

Meadowbrook's eyes widened and she looked towards the staff. “NO!”

The Staff of Sameness flew end over end through the air, straight at Acrylic. He thrust his hooves forward and formed a curved blade in the air. It sailed forward, slicing the staff clean in half.

The staff hovered in the air for a moment, in two pieces. Then light seemed to form between it, red and yellow magic flowing along the wood. Then, just as quickly as it began, the light disappeared and the staff fell to the ground.

Button stared. “Well, that was anti--”

The remains of the staff exploded like a second sun, sending a brilliant light high into the air, blinding the ponies present. Diamond shrieked and covered her eyes, before getting bucked firmly in the chest and sent flying off the mare. She landed on the ground and rolled a few feet, before slowly stopping. “Ow... heh. We... we win,” she said with a soft chuckle, blinking blearily as she tried to see.

And she saw a doozy. Meadowbrook was standing there, her entire body shaking with rage. “You... you foal! Do you have any idea what you've done? Do you... do you... what are you staring at?”

Diamond slowly pointed towards the mare's flank.

Meadowbrook looked back. Her flank was wet from all the water, washing away the coat coloring and revealing a partial cutie mark. Diamond wasn't the only pony to see it, either. More and more ponies were getting their sight back and now staring, the battle forgot.

The mare took a step back. “Wait, wait wait. It's not true. It's a trick, you see. The Avatar, she--”

“Give it up, Meadowbrook,” Diamond said, her eyes narrowing. “Nopony is going to believe your lies anymore. You've had your cutie mark all along. I totally called it! Hah!”

Meadowbrook gulped, before shaking her head. “I... I had to. The Staff of Sameness, it's not... it only let me use the marks, it doesn't do the spell. It makes the spell stronger, but it can't do it.” She then smiled and her horn glowed. “That's me.”

Diamond yelped and narrowly avoided the beam of green magic that lanced out from the mare's horn. “What? HEY! Stop!”

The unicorn ignored her, racing towards the west side of the courtyard. The unmarked just stared at her, gaping. Then Diamond realized something else.

The magic she'd drained from the diamond dog was no longer surrounding the unicorn or the staff. It was flying towards the west. “STOP!” the Avatar yelled, before running after her. “She's going after the cutie marks!”

Fire blazed from the unicorn's back legs and she launched herself forward, racing past the magical light, before sending out a fire ball in her wake. It exploded, making Diamond quickly avert her eyes, but she kept running none the less. She blinked and cleared them, Meadowbrook was gone.

But she could still see the magic light of the dog traveling through the air. She galloped after it. Behind her she could hear others moving too, though if they were returning to the fight or following after, she didn't know and didn't care. This could be her only chance and she would not let it go.

She raced after the light with everything she had, even parting the air ahead of herself as she went. She chased it out of the city, her legs beginning to burn and sweat glistening across her body, but she couldn't give up. Not when she was so close. Meadowbrook had chased this, so it had to be important.

Pain shot through her legs as she galloped, exhaustion threatening to take over. She ran up one of the hills of the city, but it just kept going, kept traveling away. Never stopping. She didn't know how much longer she could hold out. She didn't think she could do it. Maybe it didn't matter if--

She thought about Silver. No matter what, the mare had believed she'd succeed. She shook her head and galloped forward, racing after it, sending a burst of air behind herself. She would not give up.

Finally, the little piece of diamond dog magic swirled over into a cave in a small valley. The entrance had been sealed, but the boulder that had done it was now shattered to pieces. There was only one pony Diamond could think of who would have done that. Well, about fifty. But one in particular she was chasing. She stopped at the entrance, panting from exertion as she watched the magic disappear into the darkness. She took a slow, deep breath and stepped forward. “You can do this, Diamond. Sure, you don't have bending, but you'll be fine. There's just a psychotic terrorist in there. A fire bending terrorist,” she said softly, before looking back the way she'd come. Ugh, where was everypony? Didn't any of them follow her?

She shook her head and stepped further in. She'd just do this herself if she had to. Or... maybe with a little help. “Twilight? Are you there? Any past lives? I'd... like to not be alone here,” she mumbled softly. “Please?”

She didn't feel, or hear, anything. She trotted forward as quietly as she could, looking around with each step, waiting for Meadowbrook to pop out at any time.

She soon heard the sound of broken glass ahead and picked up the pace, though she still tried to keep quiet.

She came to a massive cavern filled with little tunnels. The wall was covered with little boxes, each one housing cutie marks. So many cutie marks that some of them seemed almost bulging. A few even had swirling magic inside, as opposed to the cutie marks.

There on the bottom was Meadowbrook, holding a jar. Inside the jar swirled three cutie marks.

Diamond's cutie marks.

“Meadowbrook!” the Avatar yelled. “It's over! You've lost!”

The unicorn froze, before turning around. Slowly, she lowered her head. “You're right. I have lost.”

“Yes, yes ha-- wait, what? You're not going to argue?” Diamond asked softly.

The mare nodded. “No. You've won. I... can't defeat you. Not now. Even if I go back... nopony will listen. I'll have to find a new way to create equality.”

Diamond narrowed her eyes. “Equality is not made by dragging everypony down! It's by raising all ponies up! It's over. I'm not letting you go anywhere.”

Meadowbrook chuckled softly and then shook her head. “Oh Avatar,” the grin on her face slowly turned cruel. “You've beaten me. But I can accept that.” She held up the jar. “You've taken my equality from me. So I'm taking your cutie mark.”

Diamond slowly moved forward, eyes narrowing. “Just try it.”

“We can fight, but I can't risk you winning,” Meadowbrook said before glancing back .”But, I wonder. Why are you fighting me alone?”

The Avatar froze in place.

“The others haven't caught up yet, have they?” A ball of fire formed on the tip of her horn. “So how about you make a choice?” The cutie mark jar lowered to her side. “Your cutie mark, or your life?”

“What does that mea--”

The fire shot out, crashing against the walls of the cavern, making it rumble. Diamond yelped and charged at the mare, but she merely blasted herself back, before sending more bursts rumbling through the cavern. Diamond yiped and jumped back, narrowly avoiding being crushed by a boulder.

“Good bye, Avatar!” Meadowbrook yelled before galloping down one of the tunnels, moments before it collapsed behind her.

“MEADOWBROOK!” Diamond screamed, before jumping back to avoid another boulder. She mentally cursed, before looking towards the wall of cutie marks.

She couldn't let them be buried. Lost forever. She had to do something. She raced to the wall, turned and gave it a firm buck. 'I just have to--'

To her amazement, a long crack formed in the wall. “Wait, really? I don't have to-- eek!” She sent up a burst of wind as the glass erupted out, pushed by the cutie marks. She barely managed to keep the glass from erupting around her as the cutie marks surged out from the case, flying out into the world again. More and more of the glass shattered, the marks pushing out through the weakened container with ever second.

“Right, you got this handled, I'm out!” she yelled, galloping back the way she came.

A boulder came crashing down and collapsing the exit. She stared, her mouth falling open. “No. No no no no. Come on, no!” she shrieked, pushing against it. “Come on, come on!” She shoved with all her might. “MOVE!”

It did not. More and more boulders fell around her, making her jump back to avoid being crushed. She looked up, before looking around. Most of the tunnels were now blocked off or collapsed. She ran towards the nearest open one, but it too fell apart. She stopped before letting out a soft whimper.

She was going to die here. She knew it. She shivered and looked up at the collapsing cave. There was nothing she could do. She sent out a burst of air, knocking some of the rocks aside, though it was only delaying the inevitable. She leaped onto one of the larger boulders, trembling. “Please... Twilight. Help me. I don't... I don't want to die,” she said softly, looking around. “I can't do this. I need earth bending, I need--”

A pair of hooves wrapped around her and pulled her into the rock, making her yelp. The ground around her rumbled, but that didn't matter now, she was wrapped in a protective cocoon of stone. “Who?”

“Hey Diamond,” Button said from the darkness. “Sorry I'm late, but we kinda lost track of you. Acrylic said you had to be in the cave, though. Since it was collapsing an-- mffff!” the stallion was cut off as she firmly wrapped her hooves around his neck and kissed him.

“Button, do not take this the wrong way. You are my hero and I love you.”

He gave a little squeak. “O-okay...”

Chapter 27: Not alone

Diamond sighed nervously as she walked with Button and Acrylic back towards Harmony. Button had used his bending to help unbury the few remaining cutie marks that hadn't been freed(though most had) and make a path for them to escape through. When they'd asked about hers, she'd merely told them the truth. Meadowbrook had gotten away with them. They were, for now, being polite and keeping their mouths shut. She didn't want to imagine what that monster was doing with her marks.

But the Staff of Sameness was destroyed. That meant she couldn't use their powers anymore. Probably, or so she hoped. But she seemed to be able to do that spell partially, so Diamond didn't know what that would end up causing. Now came the moment of truth. She could see ponies and non-ponies in the city, waiting for her return. Would they be unmarked? Would they have their cutie marks? She hoped they did. She gave a nervous smile to the ponies as she walked up, her eyes instantly drawn to their flanks. Cutie marks. Every single one of them she could see had a cutie mark.

“Avatar, you've done it,” Strongheart said with a smile.

Diamond nodded. “Yeah, I di...” She paused and shook her head. “No, I really didn't. Not on my own, at least. I had my friends to help me when things got tough,” she said, motioning to Button and Acrylic. “I had all of you to help when I didn't think we could win. And... I had my past lives to help give me what I needed to fight.”

“So, I see you've got your air bending finally,” Prism said with a small chuckle. “I guess we're going to have to start practicing flying soon.”

Diamond blinked and gave a nervous chuckle. “Yeah, so long as we aren't attacking any airships. So uhhh... I guess... it's done now. Isn't it?”

“No, not yet,” Blaze said with a shake of her head. “There's still a lot of work to do. We need to find out which of the unmarked are dangerous, make sure everypony is okay and...” She closed her eyes and sighed. “Help the... wounded...”

“The wounded? Oh no...”

She nodded. “Yeah. There weren't a lot but... well... Hornclipper...” She sighed. “Ironwing and Scootaloo are heading to him now. But his wings were...”

Scootaloo slowly reached out and knocked on the door to the hospital room. Ironwing was standing behind her, nervously shuffling his hooves. She didn't blame him, this wasn't something either of them were comfortable with. Ironwing probably wanted to keep resting, too.

“Come in,” Hornclipper's voice called.

She took a deep breath and pushed open the door. She froze and stared.

Her husband was there, except at his side were two bandaged up stumps. His wings were gone, not a feather remaining. She slowly stepped forward. “Oh honey...”

He shrugged. “It happens. I got careless.”

“No, it does not 'happen',” she said firmly as she walked over and gave him a hug. “I can't believe this...”

“It's fine,” he muttered, shaking his head. “I'm honestly surprised it took this long, I figured one of those fire benders would have tried to do it years ago.” He then looked to Ironwing. “How are you doing, son?”

“Still a bit of a limp. I'm fine though,” the stallion said before limping towards the bed and sitting on the edge. “So uhhh... can't reattach them?”

“Even if we knew what she did with them, it's far too late. She probably burned them to a crisp, anyway,” Hornclipper said with a shrug.

“Don't worry, we're going to find something to fix this. Maybe we can--”

“Did somepony say fix things?” The door burst open and Dr. Alicity trotted in, followed by Secretary.

Scootaloo blinked, then narrowed her eyes. “Aren't you supposed to be in jail?”

“Charges haven't been officially filed yet!” he said quickly, before pointing a hoof at Hornclipper. “Now, I heard about what happened and I rushed over as quick as I could!”

“That and we were trying to run from the authorities,” Secretary said flatly.

“And I want you to be a test sub-- a volunteer for a new procedure!” he said with a nod. “I've already developed artificial wings, now replacement wings should be possible! In fact, I imagine in just a few short months they--”

“No,” Hornclipper interrupted, shaking his head.

The doctor stopped and blinked a few times. “Errr... no? What do you mean, no?”

“No. I lost these wings because of what I did. I ruined enough ponies lives by taking their horns, losing my wings is the least I could do. I will bear this and... err...” The words slowly faded away as Scootaloo just glared at him.

“He accepts,” Scootaloo said firmly, never taking her eyes off the stallion.

“Great, just be in my office tomorrow and I'll be--”

“DR. ALICITY! GET BACK HERE!”

“And that's our cue to run!” the doctor yelled before dashing out the door, Secretary following after him.

“GET BACK HERE! You're under arrest!” a voice yelled.

“Not until you catch me and place charges!”

“That's not how the law works!”

“It's close enough!”

Ironwing stared at the door before face hoofing. “Idiot.”

“I'm not doing it. I deserve this,” Hornclipper said. Scootaloo just kept glaring. “You know how many unicorns had to go through life without their horns thanks to me? Hundreds. I did this. Me. I don't deserve my wings.” Glare. Glare glare. Glare. “Listen, I understand he just wants to help, but he should do it on... somepony more... deserving.” Glarrrrrrrrrre. He finally lowered his eyes. “Fine I'll do it just stop glaring please,” he said meekly.

“Good,” she said with a nod before reaching out and patting his back. “This is why you should listen to me more often and not that dark, whiny side of yourself.”

“Grumble... 'm not whiny...”

“Of course not, dear.”

“So... just clean off? That had to hurt,” Diamond said softly. “How uhhh... how many others suffered through that?”

“I think he was the only one,” Blaze said, before her eyes wandered to the Avatar's flank. “Your... cutie mark. Is it... well...”

“Meadowbrook got away with them. Most of them. I couldn't stop her. I tried, but... she got away. But it's fine. I can air bend now, everypony else has their cutie marks. I can find mine eventually.”

The mare nodded. “Of course. Eventually we will.”

“In the mean time, there's still a lot more training for you to do,” Prism said with a nod.

“Yeah. Zecora was helping me a bit, too. Getting in touch with my past lives.” She frowned. “Though... I couldn't really connect with Twilight. I was able to for a moment, but it didn't last long. And--”

“Diamond!” Silver yelled, galloping up. She wrapped her hooves around the mare, nearly knocking her over.

“Hey, what? Why? Silver! You've got your cutie mark back!”

“Yep,” the mare said with a grin. “I knew you could do it. I knew you'd save us all.”

Diamond nodded, chuckling. “Thanks. It wasn't just me, though. Everypony came together and we did it.” She hugged her friend for a few more moments, before pulling away. “So, the council is getting together now, right?”

Blaze nodded. “Yes. There's still more to discuss. However, we can't seem to find Sunburst anywhere. We're sure he'll turn up, though. There's still a lot of work to do and the council will need every able bodied pony they can get their hooves on.”

Diamond nodded. “I'll help as best I can. There's still a lot to do, but I think if we work together, it'll be no problem.”

Prism nodded. “Indeed, Avatar.” He paused for a moment. “I... must say. In the short time I've known you, you've grown quite a bit. Maybe having you as the Avatar isn't as bad as I initially thought.”

The mare blushed and looked down. “Thanks. I uhhh... what can I say? I've had some really good teachers.” She took a deep breath and looked around. “Let's get to work, though. Still so much to do now that everypony is back to normal. I need to write to daddy, too. He's never going to believe all that's happened.” She trotted after them.

Button grinned as he watched her go, before looking to Acrylic. “You're not going to believe this.”

“What?”

“I... think I'm dating the Avatar now.”

The unicorn blinked a few times, before cocking his head to the side. “Wait, what?”

“Yeah! We were in the tunnels and she kissed me! Then she confessed her love!” the earth pony said, letting out a little sqwee. “I never thought she was that into me!”

Acrylic just stared for a few moments before giving a nod. “Well... uhhhh... congrats. Good luck.” The unicorn gave a small smile. Though all he felt was dread for his poor friend. He wouldn't have wished dating that mare on anypony.

Epilogue: A true, true friend

Silver groaned as she walked into her home, pushing the door open with a grunt. The day had been hectic and crazy and she was only now getting home, even though the sun had set hours ago. Trying to filter the innocent from the guilty was proving to be near impossible. Even worse, Sunburst still hadn't been found and ponies were starting to worry about him.

Her poor home was trashed. The alarms had finally been cut because they were going off every few hours, the gates were in tatters, the supplies gutted. They had insurance, fortunately, but she still wasn't looking forward to the next few weeks. Her dad was bound to try to 'fix' everything. And that usually meant more power and fire. Likely explosions, too. Assuming they didn't throw him in jail for life. At the moment he was still helping with the repairs, but who knew what they'd do when they didn't need him?

She trotted into the kitchen and grumbled, pulling out a cup and turning on the water. It came out, which was better than could be said for half the city after so many water pipes had been busted in the attacks. “Yayyyy, it still works!” She slowly poured herself some water, before tossing in a tea packet. She was too tired to actually warm it up. She took a sip and shivered. “Ew.”

She turned around and paused, her eyes widening. Meadowbrook was sitting at her table, watching her with a cruel grin. “Hello, Silver. I do hope you don't mind me coming in.”

Silver blinked a few times before sipping her tea. “You know, everypony is looking for you.”

“I know,” the mare said with a small chuckle. “But really, I couldn't just leave. After the... humiliation the Avatar gave me, taking her cutie mark isn't truly enough.” She got to her hooves. “Taking the cutie marks of her friends as well? I think that will sting nice and hard.”

“Mmmm hmmm,” Silver said with another sip. “You know, nopony is here. They won't hear you scream.”

“Yes, they won't hear you... wait, what?” Meadowbrook said, staring at the mare.

“They won't hear you scream,” Silver said before putting the drink down and grinning. “I am thankful you decided to choose me as the target of your vengeance. I realllllly wanted to get you back for that little show you put me through. Do you have any idea how hard it was to have to pretend to be one of your unmarked? I slipped up like a dozen times,” the mare said with a roll of her eyes. “Not that the Avatar noticed, but still. It really could have been difficult for me. Not to mention it took me out of the action for sooooo long. I was sooooo bored. But then, playing the damsel can't always be fun.”

Meadowbrook now looked sufficiently confused. “I... don't know what you're...” She shook her head. “Trying to throw me off with mind games? Well, it won't work. Your cutie mark is mine!” She thrust her horn forward and green magic surged out.

Silver rolled her eyes before smirking. Her eyes turned yellow with little red pupils and she hit the beam of magic. It flipped back around and raced back at Meadowbrook, hitting her in the chest and making her topple back. Her cutie mark flew off, into the air and hovered for a few moments. Then Silver's tongue lashed out, sailing across the room, wrapped around the mark and yanked it back into her mouth. She belched out a little smoke. “'Scuse me.”

Meadowbrook's mouth fell open and she stared in horror. “How... how did you... what did you...”

“Oh Meadowbrook, Meadowbrook, Meadowbrook. You already lost to one Avatar, did you realllllllly think you could beat a different one?” she asked before walking over with a small giggle. “Why, I bet you actually thought you were the big, bad, scary monster of this story, didn't you?” She reached out and pinched the mare's cheek, before slamming her head against the table. “I'm sorry, but your defeat to the Avatar was ordained from day one. Now, you're going to answer some questions of mine.” She shoved the mare back on the ground.

“H-how... how are you... what are you? There's only one Avatar though!”

“Oh, yes. One for Harmony. But I never said I was her Avatar, now did I? Though, let me tell you. I'd honestly prefer to have been. My past lives, well, just life now is quite annoying. Great and Powerful just... ugh. At least I can't talk to her that often anymore. Since I... ugh, monologuing. Moving on.” She smiled and put a hoof on the other mare's chest. “Now, I want some answers. That spell, where did you learn it? And don't try lying to me. I know that's not Discord magic and it's most definitely not pony magic.”

“I-I don't kn--” Meadowbrook let out a cry of pain as the hoof stomped down on her chest.

“Don't. Lie.”

“I-I was taught it! B-by... by Sunburst,” the mare whimpered, gripping the hoof. “He... he told me... he'd help... that we'd b-bring Equality. S-said it was a gift f-from the spirits. T-the staff made it stronger. M-made it easier.”

Silver sighed and shook her head. “I knew there was something about him. No wonder he went and disappeared.” She cocked an eye before smiling. “The Avatar's cutie marks. You still have them, don't you?”

The mare went quiet.

Silver slowly applied pressure to the mare's chest as her eyes turned yellow and red again. “Oh don't be like that, Meadowbrook. I know you have them with you. Where are they?” She leaned in close. “Don't think I'll kill you, dear. There are so many, many more things I can do to you without killing you. Once you die, the fun is over.”

“B-behind the couch,” the mare said softly. Silver nodded and walking over to it, before shoving it aside. There was the jar. She picked it up and nodded.

“All three, good. So, Meadowbrook, I'm curious. Is that your real name?” She opened the jar and put a hoof in, before letting out a yipe and pulling it back. “Well, I guess absorbing these aren't an option.”

“It's... it's Starlight Glimmer,” the mare said weakly.

“Oh, of course it is. A little bit of razzle dazzle for a name, I suppose.” Silver looked back. “I won't kill you, dear. That just wouldn't be very fun. But I can't just let you go, either. You see, I have plans. Big plans. And everything is going according to keikaku.” She paused. “Keikaku means plan. I don't know why I even said that. Ugh, probably his influence.”

“What... what are you going to do?” the mare asked fearfully.

“My predecessor turned three into four. I want to turn four into three. Or... something like that.” She shook her head and waved a hoof dismissively. “Honestly, it's all kind of confusing. The whole... wall things. I can't always wrap my head about it and it's not like I can ask anypony else about it. They'd just think I was crazy.” She then paused. “Though, I suppose I am crazy. Heh. Wouldn't that be funny? Maybe in actuality I was so scared when you arrived I fell over and hit my head on the counter and this is all just a hallucination from a concussion. Maybe I'm not the big, scary villain after all. If only.” She snickered and moved towards the frightened mare. “How does it feel, dear? To be just like everypony else? Is it scary? Oh, of course it is. You lost most of your bravery too, didn't you?” She gently stroked the mare's face. “Like Diamond. Ugh, listening to her whine was soooo annoying. I mean, she's supposed to be the hero, right? Who wants a hero who just keeps whining and complaining?” She shook her head and backed up. “So then, Starlight. I don't want to kill you, but I can't just let you go. Hmmmm.” She tapped her chin.

Then a small, wicked smile formed on her lips. “Ohhh, I know just what to do. It's perfect and it suits you wonderfully, Glimmy.”

“W-what?” the unicorn asked nervously.

“Lost and confused, the terrorist Meadowbrook snaps under the pressure of her failure. Finally found in the streets, ranting and raving like some kind of lunatic, her mind gone. Don't you think that's a wonderful ending to this little story?”

The mare backed up. “P-please. N-no, I won't tell anypony. I w-will leave, I'll never--”

“I'm sorry. It's just too late for that. I'm sure you understand.” Silver's eyes glowed with a wicked yellow light. “All according to key lime pie. Oh, wait, that wasn't right either. Oh well~”

Silver hummed as she gently swirled the jar around, looking at the three cutie marks held inside. “Well, Diamond. It seems once again I have all the tools I need to make you do what I want.” She licked her lips. “Now... I think there's a certain amulet you're going to help me get.”

She let out a soft chuckle. “After all. Friends help each other, don't they? At least true, true friends.”

Author's Note

So... I wonder who picked up all the hints and had this part figured out ages ago?

Book 2 is out!

So, the long wait is over! And, more importantly, I have a nice feast ready. See, this time I made sure I had an ample buffer(10 chapters in this case) ready to go before I started. Not only that, have more written and hopefully on the way soon, so there should be lots of updates! (Pending internet trouble). Enjoy!

Book 2 begins!

Chapter 1: A new Avatar

To say the air was tense would be an understatement. The small earth kingdom village was out in the middle of nowhere, so far from the capital that it barely even warranted a blip on their radar. Most of the ponies here had never even seen the metal bending guards or Shadowbolts of Harmony or, most importantly, a Wonderbolt. Yet now here they were, a Wonderbolt in full blue and lightning covered uniform with an earth pony on each side wearing thin metal plates around their waists and legs. They were surrounded by the main defense of Harmony, the Shadowbolts. Their force probably consisted of more pegasi than any of these ponies had ever seen.

The streets were dirt and stone, the homes small and spread out. A few ponies looked up drearily from their porches, but none looked for long. Most quickly departed into their homes. The group's destination was obvious. Clear on the other side of the town rested the massive home of one of the most powerful earth benders in the kingdom, Filthy Rich the Third. The walls were at least thirty feet tall and made of steel. The door was much the same. As they came closer, the Wonderbolt stepped forward and knocked heavily on the door.

On his third attempt a small hatch opened in the front of the door and one of the servants peeped out. It closed almost instantly. The Wonderbolt tapped his hooves in time, silently counting as he waited. By forty taps the door opened and a dark gray earth pony with dark gray combed back hair and a tie, stood in the doorway.. “Hello!” He held out a hoof. “To what do I owe this pleasure?” he asked nervously, looking between them. Sweat was already beginning to form on his brow. “It's not every day that I see members of the... errr...”

“This is official business,” the Wonderbolt said as he stepped forward, holding out a hoof to shake the other stallion's. “We have much to discuss with you, Filthy.”

“Please, call me Rich, Who may I ask is speaking?” He didn't move aside to let them through.

“Prism Burst,” his voice came out hard and rough, his eyes never leaving the stallion's.

The color drained from the stallion's face. “A-ah. As in... as in the... son of--”

“Yes.”

“T-to what do I owe this pleasure?”

“You know why we're here. We've been searching for the avatar for well over a decade, imagine our surprise to find she was being hidden away in the far corners of the Earth Kingdom. Imagine the empress's surprise when we told her.”

The stallion's face was almost as pale as a sheet now. “I-I have no idea--”

“I'd choose your next words carefully, Rich,” one of the earth pony's said as he stepped forward. The other moved with him, mimicking the movements.

“We wouldn't be here if we didn't have strong suspicions,” the other earth pony said as she looked up. Filthy couldn't see any weapons on them, but he felt a shiver go down his spine none the less. He looked between the pegasi and earth ponies before gulping.

“I-I did it for her own protection! A war had just ended and--”

“The war has been over for decades,” Prism said coldly. “Avatar Twilight is gone. It's now time for the new avatar to come and--”

“Hey, don't I get a say in any of this?” a voice called out from the house. All of the ponies looked up to see a small pink unicorn standing on the steps. She started walking down, blowing her pink and white streaked mane out of her eyes. “I mean, if you're that interested in me. You should at least listen to what I have to say.”

“Diamond, go back inside,” Filthy said firmly.

“That would not be a wise decision,” Prism said before stepping forward. He looked at the unicorn intently. She was young, slightly older than a filly, but just beginning her first steps into adult hood. She was nothing like the avatar they had known for so long. At least, not yet. “My name is Prism Burst. I am a Wonderbolt and citizen of Harmony. I've come to--”

“Are you going to be my air bending trainer?” the mare interrupted, glowering up at him. “You really don't look like much. My fire bending trainer was much bigger and my water bending trainer looked a lot more graceful. That outfit just looks silly, I'd better not be expected to wear anything like that.”

The pegasus was taken aback, his mouth falling open slightly before he narrowed his eyes. “Yes. You and your family have been... invited to Harmony, where new residence have been selected for you. There you will learn earth, fire, water and air bending, as well as--” He let out a yelp, ducking down as a spout of fire shot over his head. A moment later water surged out from a nearby faucet, swirling around him.

“I've already mastered earth, fire and water bending,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “I mean, really? They were just soooooo easy and--”

“Honey, sweetie, go to your room,” Filthy said firmly.

“But--”

“GO TO YOUR ROOM!” he ordered.

She glared, but stomped off, making the ground shake with every step.

“She's a spoiled brat,” Prism said, shaking his head before turning back towards the stallion. “You've had her trained?”

“Of course, the best trainers money could buy,” Filthy said with a nod. “Most of them from Harmony itself.” He then sighed. “That's how you found out, wasn't it?”

“Indeed. It was her duty to travel the world and see all of the countries, not just hers. She--”

“She's my daughter,” Filthy snapped. “Don't expect me to just stand by while you kidnap her for your... for your own interests! She doesn't need your guidance trying to control her life, she--” The words stopped in his throat as he realized the Shadowbolts had moved closer to him, their dark uniforms towering over him slightly.

“She's the avatar before all else,” Prism said. “Her duty and destiny is far greater than any of us could hope to understand or control. And she will be trained accordingly.” He sighed. “Despite my... wishes, you and the rest of your family are granted permission to join her on this trip.”

“Permission? PERMISSION?!” Filthy roared. “She is my daughter! You can't grant me permission!” He stomped his hoof down, making the ground shake. “She's staying here, where it's safe! Where I can watch her! If you want to train her, well, come here and train her.” He waved a hoof towards the manor. “There is enough room. But if you think for a moment that I'm allowing you to take her to that... to that city, you're dreadfully mistaken! I know exactly what you want her to do. Mixing with other ponies like some kind of commoner. She's the avatar, but before all that she's my daughter and I will keep her safe!”

The Wonderbolt's eyes narrowed into slits. He raised a hoof, before letting out a soft sigh. “Filthy, were it up to me I would have you tried for treason.” The color drained from the stallion's face again. “But, unfortunately, it's not. As much as we'd love to just take the avatar away from... this, it does have to be her decision.” The smug smirk returned to the earth pony's face. “But that doesn't mean you get to make the decision for her. I'll go and talk to her.”

“I forbi--”

“You can either stand aside, Filthy. Or be moved,” Prism said, stepping forward as his wings twitched slightly. For a few moments the two glared into each other's eyes, but then slowly the earth pony stepped to the left.

“She's... she's my daughter,” the earth pony said softly, the bluster fading as sadness filled his eyes. “She's all I have of her mother. I can't... lose my child...”

The pegasus closed his eyes before stepping forward into the building. “You aren't. But all children must leave the nest eventually.” It took him only a few moments to find the mare's room, directed by the servants who gave him fearful looks. He knocked on it twice.

It opened almost instantly to reveal the unicorn at work, already packing her bags. His eyes widened slightly. “What are you doing?”

“I'm packing, obviously,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “You should take off that mask if it makes it hard to see.”

He glared at her. “So you agree to come, then?”

“Of course, I'm the Avatar, aren't I?” She turned to face him and gave a cocky smirk. “Master of all four elements, the most important pony in existence? Leader of the world and guide to the four nations? Well, five now I guess. Daddy's always so protective, but come on. We all knew I'd be going out to see everything eventually. At least you sent a big enough escort. I mean, really? If I'm going to your little Harmony, I want to at least travel in style.”

He glared slightly, before giving a nod. “I... see. It's good that you've agreed to come, but you must understand that this isn't a vacation. I've been chosen to train you and that means you will have to listen to everything I say and-- stop laughing!”

She giggled and shook her head, pointing a hoof at him. “Okay, come off it. I'm the Avatar. The AV-A-TAR! If you want to train me, that's fine. But don't think I'm going to just bend over backwards to do whatever you say because you come here dressed up like an over sized blueberry.”

His cheeks burned red. “L-listen here, young lady. I am a Wonderbolt, one of the greatest fliers in all of these lands. You will treat me with the respect of--”

“Or what? I get it, fine, amongst air benders you're kind of a big deal,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hoof. “But let's be honest for a second. All you can do is air bend. I'll pick up the basics in a week, tops. Have it mastered in a month. Then I'll be able to do everything and anything you can do, just better. I know it, you know it. So don't let all that big fancy 'Wonderbolt' talk go to your head.”

Prism's body quivered with rage and he had to resist the urge to lash out and strike her. “I... see. It seems humility wasn't something Filthy decided to teach you. Well, listen here, young lady. You may be the Avatar but that doesn't give you the right to look down on other ponies. You're still just a rookie, a child. You have a long way to go until you're anything like Avatar Twilight was.”

She rolled her eyes. “I've got one more element to go. Big deal.” She tossed some clothes into her bag, a grin forming on her face. “Get that for me, will you?” She then trotted out the door, her head held high.

His eyes lingered on the frame, but he soon took a slow, deep breath. “Relax Prism, relax. She'll be at the island in a few days, then you can deal with her properly. In the mean time, you can just... humor her.” He looked at her bag and sighed. It was made of the finest pleather and had silver studs all across it. He wanted to smash it to pieces. But then again, he supposed it was the only thing she'd have from her home. As much fun as it would be to just toss it in the lake, he imagined reality would smash her in the face soon enough. He picked it up with a grumble and tossed it onto his back, spreading his wings out to keep it balanced. He stepped out of the room and trotted back towards the main entrance.

“You can't, please, Diamond,” Filthy said, tears in his eyes. “Reconsider. You're my little girl, it's not safe for you there. They can't keep you safe like--”

“Dadddd, I'm a master bender,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “I'm already more competent than like... all of those ponies.” She gestured towards the waiting metal benders and pegasi. “I'll be fine. Just wait here and keep the house going, okay? I'll master air bending and be back in a month, tops. Okay?”

The earth pony reached out and gave her a tight hug. “Are... are you sure you won't reconsider? Perhaps a few more years, a--”

“I'm a grown mare, daddy!” the mare whined. Prism snorted slightly at that, but she ignored him. “I'll be fine. Besides, even if I couldn't handle things, they aren't going to let anything happen to their precious Avatar. Relax.”

The stallion nodded, the tears still stuck in his eyes. “I... I suppose you're right. One month. I'll see you in... one month. Right?”

She nodded. “Of course. Come on daddy.” She then put her hooves out and he met them with hers.

“Bump, bump, sugar lump, rump,” the two said, doing a strange little dance with their hooves bumping into each other and ending with them smacking their rumps together.

The whole thing made Prism want to gag. “Come along, child.”

Diamond glowered and followed after him. “It's Diamond Tiara. You can either call me that, or Avatar.”

“As you wish, child.”

She glared at him, but followed along anyway. One of the Shadowbolts moved to his side and took the bags, making him let out a sigh of annoyance. Only one week and they'd be in Harmony. That's all he had to do, make it one week.

Prism's eyes twitched as off in the distance the great towers of Harmony came into view. It had been two weeks. Two. Bucking. Weeks. The weeks from Tartarus. Oh heavens the ma-- no, FILLY, never shut up. They'd passed through three different towns on the way there and she'd acted as if the towns belonged to her. Doing whatever she pleased, taking what she wanted. He'd had to pay for every last bit of it, too. He knew he'd be reimbursed for it, but that didn't make it any less unpleasant.

His comrades were doing just as bad as he was. The metal benders were considering binding her up and burying her in a pit. The Shadowbolts wanted to disable her bending and then toss her in a lake. Or drop her from the clouds. Maybe the next Avatar would be better. He was sorely tempted to let them and take their chances. He could only imagine the horrors the country would have faced had she been the one to face the Water Nation during the war.

She whined about every little thing. Refused to go anywhere if her meals weren't properly prepared and hot and toasty. Slept in. Stayed up late. Spent days in each town seeing whatever she wanted. She'd lit half of the Shadowbolt's on fire when they tried to forcefully get her to move. His companions continuously gave him pitying looks. As bad as the last two weeks had been, they were just the beginning for him. Once they got her here, he'd have to train her. The others knew this.

But he'd be home. With his wife and on their beautiful little island. He let out a content sigh. They stepped over a rise and the full city came into view. To his delight, even the new Avatar stopped in her tracks and let out a soft gasp. “That's... amazing,” she whispered.

“It is, isn't it? Welcome to Harmony, the most technologically advanced country of the five nations,” he said proudly. “Housing all types of benders, zebras, minotaurs, negasi, just about anything you can think of. We even--”

“I'm going to go explore!” she said, galloping forward.

He let out a mental curse and then flapped his wings, taking off like a rocket and blocking her way. One of his wings spread out and he glowered at her. “Oh no. We're going to the island, first. Before you go seeing anything you need to start your training. As the Avatar--”

“Yeah yeah, fate of the world, duty, all that junk,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hoof. “Come on, I just want to look around a little bit.” She tried to move past him, but he didn't allow it.

“No,” he said firmly. “Island, first.”

She sighed and then gave a grin. “Come on. Let me go have some fun and I promise, all day tomorrow, I'll listen to whatever you say. Do all the training stuff and whatnot. Okay?”

He paused and eyed her warily. “You give your word?”

She nodded. “Yeah yeah!”

He sighed, before nodding. “Fine. But don't break anything or buy anything!”

“Sure, whatever!” she called back before galloping past him.

“Are you sure that's wise, sir?” one of the Shadowbolts asked, walking up besides him.

“No, not particularly. But frankly I have a headache as big as the city and I don't want to deal with an even whinier Avatar.” He held out a wing and took the luggage. “You can all leave now. I know you plan to report to Copper Shield and Ironwing,” he said with just a hint of annoyance. The Shadowbolts and metal benders managed to at least look sheepish as they took off, the former flying and the latter galloping. He let out another sigh and then tossed the luggage into the air with a good bump of his hips, flying up to catch the handle in his mouth before flying off towards the island. It was going to be nice to be home.

He barely resisted the urge to just drop her luggage in the lake.

Diamond's eyes had gotten wide as saucers as she trotted towards the city. The buildings themselves came in all different sizes, the largest piercing the heavens and the shortest only being a few stories tall. They were almost all shaped like boxes, but with different decorations. Some were red with golden markings across them, a few were dome topped and covered in blue, still others were covered in stone statues. Then there were some that seemed to even be made of clouds, filled with great holes for pegasi to fly in and out of. She even saw a griffon fly out of one.

Of course, those were the buildings. As she came closer, she could see that on the outskirts caves had been prepared. She could see weird types of ponies there, they looked like pegasi but were gray and had strange, bat like wings. The negasi. Then there were buildings that looked like trees, seemingly owned by weird striped ponies ranging from every color under the rainbow. The zebras.

Most amazing of all though, were the inhabitants. Along with the zebras and negasi there were strange bipedal creatures she recognized as minotaurs. Then the weird, frumpy looking pony creatures she recognized as donkeys. Giant furry things that might have been buffalo or yaks, she really couldn't tell. Then the half pony, half minotaur centaurs. She thought she even saw a furry bipedal dog like creature, a diamond dog. She'd heard of all of them, even seen a few pictures. But now they were wandering the streets, such strange exotic creatures and yet the ponies moving with them barely seemed to notice them. As if they were the most common sight in the world. Maybe for them, they were. But to her it was all she could do to not stare. She swore once she was a full Avatar and had her own army and country, she'd make sure it was filled with all these strange exotic creatures.

Then she turned a corner and her mouth nearly fell open. The one thing she never thought she'd see, not in a million years. Well, aside from herself. Alicorns. There were three ponies standing there, all with both wings and horns. Two of them had normal wings, with the horn made of metal and affixed to their heads with a number of straps and cords. The last had a normal horn, but metal wings attached to a metal harness on her back.

“Oh my gosh, I can't believe how responsive the P-32's are,” the metal winged mare said. “It almost makes me feel like a real pegasus.”

“Oh, I know,” the metal horned pony on the left said. “I mean, they're still really, really slow. But the maneuverability was just perfect! I didn't think you'd be able to do any of those turns. They've really worked out a lot of the bugs.”

“Sooo, dish, how is the telekinesis working? Have you gotten any of the other spells yet?” the metal winged pony asked, a big grin on her face.

“Ugh, don't remind me,” the second metal horned pony said. “They still haven't released any spell attachments other than telekinesis. I mean, I don't know how they can get away with such shoddy workmanship! They claim to be trying to bridge the gap between us, then refuse to let us do any of the fancy spells. I wanna teleport!” the mare said, whining and trotting her hooves a few times.

“Ehhh, telekinesis is about ninety percent of what we do, anyway,” the metal winged pony said with a shrug. “I can't wait until they get the cloud booties working. I've always wanted to walk on a cloud, it's going to be soooo nice. Daddy says that once they make them, we can go to Cloudsdale on a vacation!”

“Ohhhh! You're so lucky! Cloudsdale is so nice this time of year!” the first metal horned mare said with a high pitched squeal. “If you're lucky, you might even be able to see some of the Wonderbolts games! In a few years, maybe there'll be ponies wearing these in them.”

“Excuse me,” Diamond said as she trotted forward. Instantly the three mares turned towards her and then glared.

“What do you want?” the metal winged pony asked, glaring at her.

“Those wings and horn. They're fake, aren't they? Do they really let you fly?”

They rolled their eyes in annoyance. “Well, duh,” the metal winged pony said with a roll of her eyes. “Anypony who's anypony knows about the alicorn enhancements made by Tomorrow Industries. I'm guessing you're new to town?” Behind the mare the two faked horn mares were giggling.

“Well, you could say that. I just arrived today.”

“Then listen up. If you're anything, you'll need a pair of these.” She motioned towards her wings. “I mean, unless you just want to be a normal unicorn.” She snickered. “That is, if you can afford to be an alicorn.”

Diamond glared. “Why would I buy them? My wings will probably grow in in a few weeks.”

There was a snort from the mares and it soon devolved into full giggling. “Right, sure they will. Who do you think you are, the--” The words caught in her mouth when Diamond tapped her hoof and a pillar of rock shot up.

“The Avatar? Yes. Yes I am.”

All the giggling stopped and the color drained from the ponies faces. They turned and quickly started whispering to each other as she just smirked. She waited for them to turn around and beg forgiveness.

What she didn't expect was for them to suddenly turn tail and gallop away. She watched for a moment in confusion, cocking her head to the side as the ponies took to the sky and fled. The actual pegasi did well enough, but the metal winged pony was much slower and took twice as long to gain proper altitude. The Avatar shrugged and started walking again, sending the little rock pillar toppling over with a small crunch.

Obviously those ponies had been overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of who she was. She then grinned as she came to a small stand selling great, big oranges. She reached for one and had her hoof smacked away.

“Three bits,” the mare behind the stand said, glaring at her.

“What?” She then grinned. “Oh, right. You see, ma'am, I'm the Avatar.” She said with a smirk.

“Really?” the mare asked, looking shocked. It faded quickly into a sarcastic grin. “Well, Miss Avatar, that'll be five bits then.”

“W-what?” Diamond asked. “Y-you expect me to pay?”

“Eeyup!”

The unicorn glared at her, before turning and storming away. “Well, I'm sure your oranges are nasty, anyway!” To imagine, the nerve of some ponies! Expecting her to pay for... for fruit like some kind of common pony! She started to move to another stand, but the dirty looks she was receiving made her decide against it. Bah, she wasn't hungry anyway. She started trotting down to the next street,

She came to an open courtyard where dozens of ponies, zebras, buffalo, yaks and negasi had gathered. There was a pink unicorn on stage, wearing metallic wings like the ones she had seen before. She was yelling into a microphone. “--more need for the benders! All of us should be equal, true equals! We should all fly, we should all have magic!” Her wings opened with her words. “Technology is advancing faster than ever before, without the binds of war to hold it back. True equality is a possibility. Benders won't and don't stand for 'common ponies', as they call us, being on the same field as them! They think just because they have some extra magic that we don't, they're better than us! But look at our friends, the zebras!” She motioned towards one of the striped ponies. “They can't bend, they don't even use magic! They have no need for it! Or how about the buffalo, or the negasi? All of them have lived without benders and look at how they have thrived!”

Diamond ground her hoof into the ground as she glared. How could they talk about benders like that! Bending was awesome!

“True harmony will never exist as long as the benders continue to hold themselves above the rest of us! Look at our military, our peace keepers! The moon raisers, the metal benders! Non-benders don't even get a proper representation! Look at our leaders! How can they claim to treat us all equally when most of us don't even have a voice! They give the benders extra seats! We're all a part of this city, this rule, yet the fact we're born without bending leaves us as second class citizens!”

There was a light cheer from the crowd, though Diamond noticed that more and more of the crowd seemed to be wandering off and breaking the ranks. She really wanted to show this pony her place. In fact, she was going to. She shoved through the ranks, making her way up and then shooting the ground up under herself to launch her onto the stage. She then pointed a hoof at the mare. “You're crazy! Of course benders make up the military. Benders are awesome and way, way better fighters than normal ponies.” She pushed a hoof to her chest. “In fact, you should be thankful to us. It's because of us that you don't have to fight. Me in particular. A couple of fake wings and horns aren't going to make up for real bending.”

The mare's eyes turned to her and for a moment there was a murderous glow to the mare's eyes. Then it went neutral almost instantly. “Really? What have you ever done to help any of us non benders out? You stand in your great stone castles and look down on the rest of us as if we're nothing more than tools to be used and disposed. You rule us, using your special magic as an excuse to act like your better than the rest of us!”

“We are better than the rest of you. That's what bending is!” Diamond said with a roll of her eyes. How could this mare not get it? “It's not something you can imitate with magic!” She stomped a hoof. “Or with your fancy little toys. It--” Her words were cut off as something smacked into the side of her head. She turned to look and a tomato fell to the ground. “What?”

She let out an eek as a stream of vegetables and fruits descended on her. She didn't know where the crowd had gotten them, but she knew some of them hurt. She jumped from the stage, holding her head low as she ran from the booing crowd. She turned a corner and pushed herself against the wall, watching with wide eyes as she waited for some of the ponies to pursue her. Fortunately, none of them did.

Ugh, she couldn't believe these ponies. Here she was trying to explain how awesome bending was and they just start getting violent. It wasn't her fault they couldn't bend. Besides, bending was super important, benders were the ones who kept everypony safe.

She made it to another street and shook her head, passing by a fountain and using some water bending to blast the refuse off her. Ugh, this place was rapidly losing its appeal. Why did she even want to come here? None of these ponies had the proper respect. Here she was the Avatar, savior of the world, and they refused to listen to her. Pelting her with vegetables! She had such an urge to run back there and teach them all a lesson.

She took a deep breath. No, she was the Avatar. She was better than them. She wouldn't let herself sink to their level and get all hostile and whiny. No matter how much fun it would be to break them.

“Where's our money?” a pony asked, making her look up. A small melon stand had three ponies standing in front of it, an earth pony and two unicorns. The earth pony behind the stand gave a little gulp.

“P-please, I wasn't, I didn't mean to... I moved out of your area, just like you asked.”

“The triads have expanded,” the first unicorn asked. Fire formed at the tip of his horn. “We'd hate it if you had an accident.”

“P-please, I-I'll move again, I just don't have the bits for--”

“Wrong answ--”

“Ohhhh, you're criminals, aren't you?” Diamond asked with a wide grin as she trotted up behind them. This was just what she needed.

The three turned, looking her over. “Go away, little girl. This is grown up talk,” the earth pony said with a dismissive wave.

She let out a little sqwee. “Ohhh, you are! This is gonna be fun.” She giggled into a hoof. “I'm going to break you.”

“Wh--” the earth pony started, but was cut off as a pillar of stone shot out. It hit him in the chest and kept pushing, shoving him through the stand, then through the building behind it, holding him pinned there.

“Holy buck!” the unicorn on the left said as the two scattered. Fire shot from his horn, a small fireball. She caught it in her hooves and it spun around before flowing up to her horn. It compressed and then shot out, exploding into the unicorn's face and sending him hurtling back, crashing into the building behind and through the wall. She then turned to the last unicorn.

“I give! Holy buck I give!” he said quickly, doing his best to hold his hooves up as his eyes wandered towards his very hurt and whimpering friends.

She smirked and trotted forward. “Your welcome,” she told the stand operator. “You hav--”

There was a black shadow over her a moment before something landed on her back. She felt pain through her body before she could move, making her drop to the ground. A final strike made the world go dark.

Chapter 7: Tomorrow Industries

Diamond groaned when she woke up the next morning.

Every. Bucking. Thing. Hurt.

She didn't even know why. It wasn't like she'd done anything really new, she was training and all that. Sure, she usually just trained one bending thing at one time and usually spent more time resting. And she had trained with Prism the day before. All that padding had been a bit heavy and...

The door blasted open with Prism standing in it. “Rise and--”

“Please no,” she said, whimpering. She wanted to be forceful and mean, tell him to go the buck away. But more than anything she wanted to rest. And she knew telling him to go buck himself wouldn't work. “Not today, pleaaaase,” she begged.

He stopped and looked down at her. “Diamond? Are you okay?”

“I... I think I pulled something yesterday,” she groaned.

He stared for a few moments before chuckling. “I see.” To her amazement, he turned back around. “I guess it can't hurt to let you get a little rest, since you asked nicely. Just this once.”

She nodded, burying her head in her pillow. She'd have to use 'please' more often if it actually got him to stop being such a morning pony. “Hey uhhh... when Button gets here, can you come and get me?”

He nodded. “Very well. But you'll have to come down for breakfast.”

She groaned and gave a nod, before nestling into her pillow and blankets. Soooo soft.

“So, what did you think? Was it awesome or what? We were so coooool,” Button said after they got out of the boat and he had a few seconds to regain himself after the rapid travel. “You were all 'boom' and I was all 'bam' and Acrylic was all 'swiss'.”

She nodded, cringing as it made her body call out in anger. “Yeah, I was pretty awesome, wasn't I? You weren't half bad, either. You really need to work on your hoof work, though. You keep not stabilizing right.” Each step sent little shock waves through her body, her muscles objecting slightly. Still, it wasn't nearly as bad as when she first woke up.

He nodded. “Yeah, I'm working on it.”

“I can't believe one of the council members came and talked on our behalf, though. I guess having the Avatar on your team has a few extra perks, huh?”

“Oh, she probably did that because of Acrylic. You know, being her son and all. I know my mom wouldn't--”

“Wait, what?” She stopped. “Repeat that?”

“Err... my mom wouldn't talk to them? She's kinda... too focused on following the rules.”

“No no, not that. Who's his mom?” Her sore muscles disappeared from her mind as she focused on the stallion.

“Oh, Vinyl? Yeah, she's Acrylic's mom. Wait, you didn't know?”

She stared at him. “Wait, his mom is a member of the council? Why didn't you say something? I just met his mom!”

“Really? She's awesome, isn't she?”

She stared at him with bafflement. How could he leave out--

“Wait, are you related to the council as well?”

“Yeah, my mom is Octavia. Earth bender representative.”

“You're both related to the council?” she asked again, shaking her head.

“I... I thought you knew. I thought that was the only reason you... joined us,” he said sheepishly. “So... you mean you joined us... without knowing?”

“Well, yeah. I just thought you were both somewhat decent benders. I didn't know... why didn't you tell me? No wonder she helped me. Wait... weren't they--”

“Previous champions? Yeah, we know,” Button said sourly, his mood darkening. “Trust me, we all know they're some of the best benders around. We've heard about it almost every single day of our lives from just about everypony who's met them. We get it, they're totally awesome and everything.”

She nodded slowly, walking up besides him. “So... if you're mom's that awesome, why are you such a lame bender?”

His mouth fell open in shock and he stared at her. Slowly, he lowered his eyes. “I... I don't know. I try my hardest, I really do. All the time. But I'm just... not talented like she is. I can't even metal bend yet...”

Diamond shrugged. “Eh. You're good enough. A few weeks fighting with me and you'll develop to a whole new level, probably. So, what are these sponsors like? How'd you meet them?”

“Oh, Tomorrow Industries. It's the company that's been making all those metal wings and horns, I'm sure you've seen them?”

She nodded. “Quite a few times, yeah. So they make them?”

“Yeah. That and a lot of other stuff. It's pretty cool, you know. All the stuff they do. The owner is Dr. Alicity. Err, he's not a real doctor, though. He just likes the title and has a PHD in... something. I don't know what it's all about. He's kinda... weird. You'll see. But he's a genius. I mean, like wow. Even though he can't bend or use any kind of magic, he's been able to crack soooo many different magical things. He was the one who found out how to make the robotic wings to help non-pegasi fly. And he's done a lot of things with spell matrixes to be able to store spells in artificial horns. He's not able to do anything with bending, yet, but in a decade, who knows?”

“You seem to know a lot about this, huh?” she asked with a cocked eye. “You work there?”

“Well... I interned once. There was... an incident,” Button said with a shudder. “Not any more. But he's a good friend of our moms, it's one of the reasons he sponsors us. He's actually got a kid about our age, too. She's pretty awesome.”

“Yeah,” Diamond muttered, tuning him out. She wasn't sure how she felt about this Dr. Alicity. Making artificial alicorns like that. It just didn't seem right. If all ponies were meant to have wings and horns, they'd have wings and horns. Only she was supposed to.

Diamond stopped and stared when they stepped out of the city. “Is... that it?”

“Uh huh,” Button said with a smile as he gestured forward. “Acrylic is already there., We'll be meeting up with him. I'm sure the doc will be super happy to see you.”

She nodded slowly, staring ahead. A massive chain link fence surrounded the headquarters. That was all she could think to call it. She counted at least three air ships, four warehouses. Many of the ponies standing around it(most likely the security) had the metal wings or horns. Except they weren't steel, instead solid black and almost seeming to glow. “Are those the civilian models?” she asked softly.

“I don't think so. They're special models, like the ones the Shadowbolts have.”

“Wait, the Shadowbolts use these?”

“Not often, they're still kind of new. But apparently the doc has been working to get them into their hooves, since they can't use bending. You know, horns with special stun spells and the like, or hooves that can cut different elements without the user getting hurt. They apparently have a faster reaction time than standard models, too.”

She stared, before looking to Button. “You've studied this all a lot, haven't you? How long was this internship?”

“He's our sponsor. It'd be really weird if I didn't know some things about this, wouldn't it?” he asked softly. “Besides, you'll know all about this too, trust me. He's very...” He sighed. “Well, you'll see.”

“I guess,” she mumbled, looking towards the building again. The two were waved inside quickly and she gave a small smile to the guard. He just glared at her.

Button led her through the complex with ease, taking her to a large, three story building. It was kind of impressive, she couldn't deny. She knew her own family had things like this, but she never had any chance to see them. Her father didn't travel much. Now she knew why, at least. “So, why do you need a sponsor, anyway?”

“There's a huge fee for entering the tournament and all the things like uniforms and training time costs money. We tried funding it ourselves at first. Doing odd jobs and stuff, but there's just no way to keep on top of our game, work full time jobs and organize everything. All the pro teams have sponsors.”

She nodded. Well, she guessed money did help in situations like this. And apparently they had quite a lot of it available to them. She'd probably had to have had her family chip in to pay for it all, if not for this.

Suddenly an explosion tore through the building and she went into full stance, ready for an attack. Was it the anti-benders? She knew they couldn't be trusted. Attacking a pony like this, hah, it... why wasn't Button getting freaked?

“I'm guessing another prototype just blew up,” he muttered.

“Wait, another? Blew up? Does that happen often?” she asked, her mouth falling open.

“Oh yeah, all the time. Like... at least three or four times a day. The doc is nice, really. But I think he might be kind of... not all there. If you catch my drift.”

“Secretary, get me the thing!” a voice echoed down the hall.

“That'd be him,” Button grumbled before trotting on ahead. Diamond followed after, quickly. She didn't know what to expect, so she tried to expect everything.

Her mouth dropped when she came to the room. Before she had been impressed. Now... she was just disappointed. There were two ponies. One was an earth pony covered head to hoof in soot, little hints of white coat and a golden mane breaking through. He wore a lab coat, completely in tatters. The other was a unicorn mare with a red and white coat, as well as a black mane. She only wore a pair of red rimmed glasses and was completely clean, not a mark on her. Likely because of the big, charred steel shield she was hiding behind.

“Sir, perhaps you should stand behind the shield next time?” the mare asked, before walking over and holding out a small metal tube with her magic.

“Nonsense! A little fire and metal shards never hurt anypony,” he said confidently before he started prodding at what remained of a long, metal box. “Now, if I adjust the--”

“Doctor? You have visitors,” the mare said, looking to them.

He paused and looked up. “Ah! Switch! Crystal!”

“Button, Diamond,” Button corrected.

“Right, right. I've heard so much about you,” the stallion said, adjusting his soot covered glasses before walking to her. She backed up a little, but slowly exposed a hoof.

“Errr... hello. Doctor. Nice to... meet you,” she said with a small smile. He seemed... interesting at least.

“Yes, yes. I've always wanted to meet an alicorn. Sadly, I never got the chance to study your predecessor. I was amazed to find out you've decided to join our little team.” He gave a wide grin, before turning back around and trotting towards the device. “Silver is in the study with Acer. I'll be in shortly.”

Button paused and looked around. “But... this is the study.”

“They're in the main hall,” the mare said, before shaking her head. “A pleasure to meet you, Avatar. I am--”

“Secretary! Do the thing!” Alicity called.

The mare cringed, before looking back towards him. “Coming, sir.”

Diamond rolled her eyes and followed after Button. “Acer?”

“Acrylic. He's not very good with... names. It's why he calls her Secretary.”

“Oh. What's her name?”

He paused for a moment, before looking back. “You know... now that you mention it, I don't think I even know.” He shrugged. “Eh, I probably just forgot.” He led her through the halls and she came to a large, open room and she gasped.

Acrylic was there, sitting on the couch next to an all too familiar mare.

“Silver Spoon?” Diamond asked.

The earth pony looked up and gasped, giving a little wave. “H-hello again. I uhhh... I heard you joined my daddy's team.”

“I didn't know you were a part of all this,” Diamond said with a grin as she moved over, sitting between her and Acrylic. She heard an objective grunt from him, but ignored it. “Why didn't you say anything? That your dad owned this company?”

“I, ummm... y-you didn't seem to know and... I didn't want to bother you with it,” Silver muttered softly, poking her hooves together. “You're the... Avatar and all.”

“Well, yeah, but if I'd known you had a team I would have wanted to see it. That's pretty awesome,” she said with a grin. “So is that why you have the horn and wings? Your dad makes them?”

She nodded. “He gives me the prototypes usually. They're self defense models,” she mumbled softly. “He uhhh... worries.”

“Well, that's still pretty cool. So what can they do?”

“Uhhh... well, these ones are actually new,” Silver said, before eeking. “No, don't!”

But it was too late. Diamond had already reached out and put a hoof to Silver's back. The wing lashed out and, with a burst of electricity, zapped the alicorn.

She collapsed, her eyes wide and body spasming.

“I'm so, so sorry! Daddy hasn't calibrated them yet!” Silver said, just a hint of a smile on her lips. The alicorn groaned and heard Acrylic laughing from besides her. “Acrylic did the same thing. Are you okay?”

“O-ow,” Diamond said softly, slowly sitting back up. She twitched a few times, but there didn't seem to be any damage done. She jumped from the couch and backed from Silver, glaring at her. “The buck was that for? Why didn't you warn me!”

“I-I didn't think you'd, I was just--”

“You could have really hurt me! What if that'd done some real serious damage?” she asked furiously. “I'm the Avatar. What if that had paralyzed me? Do you have any idea what kind of chaos that would have caused?”

Silver shuddered, lowering her eyes as little tears started to form in her eyes. “I-I'm so... I'm so s-sorry... I just... I was... I just... I-I didn't mean to. P-please, I'm so sorry. I didn't--”

“You need to be careful,” she snapped. “You stupid--”

“Knock it off!” Acrylic snapped, before getting to his hooves and glaring at her.

“She--”

“It was an accident. It happened to me, too. It's not too powerful a charge, so just calm down. Or leave. I really don't care which,” he said, stomping a hoof and glaring into her eyes.

Diamond glared back, but after a few moments she sighed and gave a shrug. “Fine. Whatever. Just be more careful. Sheesh.”

“Sorry,” Silver said softly, keeping her eyes lowered. Acrylic sat besides her again, though Diamond now understood why he had been sitting so far away from her.

Diamond still felt twitches through her body, her sore muscles objecting as she stood. Finally, she slid back into the seat, this time keeping Acrylic between her and Silver.

“Sorry for making you all wait,” Alicity said as he trotted into the room. He looked far better, almost fully cleaned. She snickered as she saw Secretary coming in a moment later, her horn glowing as she wiped the remaining soot off the stallion. “Now, I think it's time we get down to business.” He paused and they watched him. Secretary jumped and suddenly ran out of the room and he nodded. “Good. Secretary, do the thing!”

The lights dimmed and the covers over the windows went down. A small cloth fabric fell down across the opposite wall and after a few moments, light flashed across it. Crude, black and white drawings appeared on it, glowing from a light outside the room.

A few moments later the fabric burst into flame. Diamond watched in horror as the flames caught onto the wall. Secretary came running in with a shriek, but before she could do anything, Diamond spread out her hooves and the flames shot up, gathering over her hoof and disappearing.

Alicity hummed and looked up at the charred mess. “Well, I guess maybe we should work on the heat distribution. But the flame silk works so great at reflecting the light...”

Secretary gave a sigh and shook her head. “Sir, if I may, perhaps we don't need the projector for this presentation? It's still in development after all...”

He gave a sigh.

“I'm really sorry,” Silver whispered to the three. “Daddy just gets... carried away sometimes.”

“What was that thing?” Diamond asked, watching the stallion as he trotted back and forth, looking over the mess.

“New invention from R&D,” Silver said with a shake of her head. “It... still needs testing. It's supposed to use photos and kind of... project them onto the screen. Like illusion magic. But storing the spells hasn't been working very well.”

Diamond nodded and looked at all the burn marks. “How has this place not burned down?”

“Oh, it has a few times. But most of it isn't flammable anymore,” Silver said.

The Avatar's mouth fell open. Was that a joke? Before she could ask, Alicity cleared his throat.

“Okay! Well, since that isn't going to work, I guess I'll have to stick to just telling you. Secretary, hit the thing!”

She sighed. “Yes sir,” the unicorn said before trotting to the windows. Her horn glowed and the curtains rose up, filling the room with light.

“Now, as all of you know Tomorrow Industries is the maker of technology of the future. We've been developing the alicorn enhancements for years and we're almost ready to go into full mass production. Our cloud boots are working with only a .1 percent failure rate. Telekinesis and basic flight are now very possible.” He said with a quick nod. “Now, I'm sure you're wondering what this has to do with anything.”

“Yeah, kinda,” Diamond said with an annoyed roll of her eyes. “It's not like anypony can wear these at the tournaments, so why should we care?”

“I'm happy you asked, Miss Avatar!” the stallion said before gesturing up. He then frowned. “There was supposed to be a picture of the prototype up there. Just... look at Silver. Honey? Can you stand up for daddy?”

The mare slowly nodded and got to her hooves, spreading out the wings. They gave a little zap into the air. “Err, daddy, I think you might need to finish calibrating these before I hurt somepony. Again.”

“After the presentation,” he said before looking to the ponies. “The reason is simple. This technology will change the world. How long have ponies been unable to do things that their brethren can? Did you know roughly one in ten pegasi families have a child without wings and are forced to leave their homes behind or even set their child up for adoption because there's no way for them to be in the clouds with them?”

Diamond froze, her eyes widening. There was no way that was true, was there? She felt guilt flooding through her, though she didn't know why.

“And do you know how many earth and pegasus ponies face abuse when coming from a unicorn family, due to their lack of magic?” He shook his head. “Now, this technology is still in the foal stages of development, but within a year I expect we'll be able to make cheap, affordable versions of all these types of attachments. Within a decade we'll be able to make ones that don't need to be recharged more than once a month and don't have the same weight or discomfort.”

“That'd be nice,” Silver said before nudging the metal strapped to her chest. “This thing chafes horribly. Also, you really need to recalibrate it so it stops zapping anypony who touches me.”

“It's a feature!” Alicity said proudly.

“Daddy, I will come over there and zap you so hard!” Silver yelled shrilly, drawing a few chuckles from the three. Secretary didn't join in, merely watching with indifference.

He sighed and gave a nod. “Fine, after my presentation. Now, as the funder of the Fighting Notes, I want the three of you to display a few of my models. Now, I know what you're thinking.”

“That you want to use my name and prestige to push your product?” Diamond asked flatly.

“No. I want to use all three of your names and prestige! Very different. The Avatar and the sons of two council members? It would be front page news everywhere! Ponies would be lining up to try them! Imagine the extra funding I could receive!”

Diamond blinked, before looking to her two team mates. Right, they were sons of... those two. “Isn't that kind of... a waste? I mean, aren't you already rich?”

He nodded. “Yes, yes. Beyond most ponies wildest dreams. But this kind of research is far from cheap. I've spent hundreds of millions of bits and I still have a long way to go before this is complete.” A grin formed on his face. “I'm not just pushing to make these, Avatar. If it was just to get them done for a few ponies wanting to use them and pay out the nose, they'd be ready by now. Military specs are already almost complete. But I don't want to stop there. I plan and make it so ANYPONY can have them. Imagine. A world where nopony was forced to feel inferior just because they can't fly or use magic. No longer will ponies be discriminated against or told where they can and cannot go just because of how they were born. Cities like Cloudsdale would be open to all ponies.” The grin on his face spread even more. “And, perhaps one day, even bending can be given to all.” He then pointed towards the charred wall. “Twilight Sparkle, the last...” He paused. “Oh, right, projector burned it. Just imagine there's a big picture of Twilight Sparkle there. Now, Twilight Sparkle, the last Avatar, created this city. A city where all ponies and even non ponies could come and be equal and allies, regardless of their race. This is merely a chance to take it a step further. To create a world where-- Oh, wait! Secretary! Do the thing!”

She let out an exasperated sigh, but her horn glowed and a dull image of Twilight appeared against the charred wall.

“Now, where was I, oh! To create a world where all ponies are equal, where races no longer have to be divided. That Avatar took the first steps towards this world when she made this city.” He then looked to the three. “I merely want the three of you to help me achieve the next step.”

Acrylic sighed. “Is this the whole reason you agreed to fund our team?”

“What? No... no... yes,” he said with a shrug. “For the greater good, of course. After all, all ponies should be equal and able to spend their lives with their families and loved ones.” He then looked to Acrylic and Button. “How about you two? Have you ever felt inferior? Watching your friends fly? Or Button, how about the fact you can't use telekinesis? Can you honestly not tell me you don't find the idea intriguing?”

Diamond raised a hoof. “Wait. You're telling us all this, what happens if we say no? Are you pulling your funding?”

He looked shocked then and shook his head. “No! Of course not! I would never do something so... so dastardly!” he said, taking a step back with wide eyes and having the good grace to look hurt.

“He will, however, guilt you horribly if you decline,” Secretary said firmly. “He has truly mastered the art of whining. No offense intended, sir.”

He nodded. “Yes, indeed. When for the greater good, no tool must be ignored!” He then smiled to them. “If you don't want to, however, I won't force the matter. You all have the choice.”

“I'll do it,” Acrylic said with a shrug. “My mom would probably be all for it. But not during our matches or during official events where I'm representing my mother or the moon raisers.”

Button nodded. “Yeah. Ummm, me too except for the metal benders instead of the moon raisers. It'd probably be pretty cool. I've never flown before.”

All eyes fell on Diamond. She shook her head. “Not a chance. Listen, I appreciate what you're doing, but come on. I'm the Avatar. I have enough magic and will have my own wings soon enough. I don't need a bunch of fakes, that'd just be silly,” she said with a dismissive wave of her hoof. “I'll like... wear a button or something. That's it.” She glanced to Button. “An actual button. Not you.”

Alicity gave a sigh, but slowly nodded. “Well, you can't blame me for trying. But I understand, I won't try to force you and-- Secretary, do the thing!”

The image of Twilight disappeared and suddenly a plate of cookies appeared in front of Diamond.

“Would... you do it for a cookie? Oatmeal raisin? Chocolate chip? Or even... macadamia?”

The unicorn stared at them for a few moments, before cocking an eye. “You're... kidding, right?”

“I also have chocolate cake!” Alicity said proudly.

She pushed them aside. “That's my answer and I'm sticking to it. No.”

He nodded slowly. “Hmmm. A mare who sticks to her principles. I like that. Even if I don't agree with them. Very well! What if...” He hummed and looked around. “I gave you... the spherical shiny thing!”

“Sir, the spherical shiny thing blew up. Remember? You pushed the button...”

“Oh. Right. Secretary! Order five more spherical shiny things!”

There was another exasperated sigh, before she nodded. “Yes sir.”

He then looked to Diamond. “I will accept your refusal, for now. But rest assured. I will get a yes from you!”

She sighed and looked to Silver. “Is... he always like this?”

She nodded slowly. “Yes... sorry.”

“Good, now that that's over, Plastic, Switch, how about I get you two fitted for some attachments?”

“Acrylic and Button, dad,” Silver said with a face hoof. “And before anything, you need to fix my suit so I stop zapping ponies. I can't get near anypony like this without hurting them.”

He nodded. “Yes, as I said, a feature!”

The earth pony jumped to her hooves and dashed after him. He yelped and jumped behind Secretary. “Do the thing!”

“Very well, sir.” The unicorn said before stepping to the side to allow his daughter to pounce him. There was a loud zap.

Diamond watched, a hoof covering her mouth as she burst into giggles. This was actually kind of fun.

“So, are you feeling okay?” Acrylic asked as they stepped out of the house, waving to Silver.

“Huh? Why?”

“You keep limping.”

She blushed and looked down. Was she limping? She didn't deny she was still kind of sore from yesterday, but she didn't realize it was that bad. She gave a nod. “I'm fine. I just... you know. Yesterday was pretty tough. I mean, not for me. Just, you know. I wasn't used to it and... still kind of sore. A little bit. Not much, though.”

He rolled his eyes. “You could have left. You didn't have to wait for us to finish getting measured and everything.”

She chuckled. She had only actually waited because the idea of getting off of the couch just seemed like a foalish idea at the time. Her body hated her. She gave a small shrug. “Eh. It's fine. You're my team mates and everything.”

“Really? Well, how about we go get some practice in, then?”

She shuddered. “W-what?”

“Practice. The arena won't be open, but I'm sure we can find someplace to do some minor training.” A wicked grin formed on his face. “Come on. It'll be fun...”

She shook her head quickly. “N-no. I uhhh, I need to go home, anyway.”

“Oh? Too bad, I suppose. Button and I were probably going to go to the spa. But I guess your--”

“This place has a spa?”

“Of course,” the stallion said with a smirk. “You're welcome to join us. We'll probably head over... after we get some practice in.”

Her eyes twitched. She was sore, so training was out of the question. But... but spa. But training. But spa. Uggggh. She shook her head. “Sorry, can't. Prism is waiting and he turns into such a whiner when I'm late. Another time, okay?” she said before turning and galloping off, doing her best to hide how much each running step hurt her. The moment she turned a corner she slowed down, cringing. “Ow ow ow owowow,” she said with a groan. She was sure by tomorrow she'd be fine. All she had to do was walk back to the island. Yes. A slow, gentle walk. That was easy.

She was halfway to the island when she heard the screams for help and her eyes widened. Her ears shot up and she raced towards it. She was not in the mood for this.

But then again, she was the Avatar. Maybe it would be fun.

Chapter 16: Even MORE Aftermath

Attack on the finals!

The pro-bending finals were a quick affair, only one round before the Rock Bunnies managed to defeat the Fighting Notes, marking themselves as champions and defeating the Avatar. Unfortunately, using shady tactics to win(see indepth examination on page 2c), they raised the ire of the Avatar. Avatar Diamond Tiara led her own counter attack, wrecking the arena and nearly killing her opponents before Shadowbolt commander Ironwing stepped in, paralyzing the mare and leaving her helpless for what was to come(see picture on page 3b.)

It was all a trap. Meadowbrook's unmarked had infiltrated the viewers and launched a sneak attack. Disabling the Shadowbolts, metal benders and council members, Meadowbrook made her appearance and declared the end of the competition(see 'Alicorn armor in the hooves of terrorists' on page 4a.) After stealing the cutie marks of the Rock Bunnies, she called for the end of cutie marks, before escaping without incident after a failed attempt by Shadowbolt commander Ironwing(see picture on page 3b. Warning, those with weak hearts should look away.)

Escaping on an air ship, none of the Shadowbolts in pursuit were able to stop her, many in fact losing their cutie marks in the process. With this mare able to so easily break through the cities defenses only one question remains to be asked. How safe are we, truly?

Diamond's hooves shook as she read the paper. It was a rough summary, if that, but it put her in the worst light. She would have crushed Meadowbrook if not for Ironwing. She would NEVER have killed them. She was just going to break them. A lot. That was all. They made her out to be some kind of violent lunatic. The Bunnies had cheated, that was obvious. Everypony knew. So why were they treating her like she was some kind of deplorable monster. She was just getting vengeance for the wrong that had been dealt to her.

“Are you ever going to stop reading that story?” Prism asked, his voice filled with annoyance.

“No,” she grumbled, her eyes traveling over it another time. “Do you think Blaze is coming home tonight?”

He shook his head. “No. Things are still... hectic. Lots of ponies are calling for you to be banished, others are calling for Ironwing to be removed from power, some are asking for recounts on all the council members. It's nothing more than chaos out there.”

Diamond nodded and slowly put the paper down. “I... should go out there. Check on everypony.”

“Don't you think you've done enough?” he asked with a glare.

“I was cheated, you know that! They deserved it!”

“You went into a berserk rage,” he snapped. “They lost their cutie marks. If anything, shouldn't that be enough of a punishment?”

She paused, before slowly nodding. “I... I guess it should be. I just...” She stomped a hoof down. “It's just so... frustrating. I was right there! She just... ugh!” She then smiled. “So... did Ironwing... well, is he out of the doctors yet?”

Prism frowned. “It's not funny. I'm sure once the swelling goes down, he'll be leaving. If he'll be a Shadowbolt when he gets out, though... that's the question.”

She nodded. “How do you think the others are doing?”

“I don't know. I can't even begin to imagine what it's like with the council right now,” he muttered. “Ponies are in panic. Copper is likely going to be taking over full responsibilities of defending the city at this rate.”

Octavia took a deep breath as she eyed the two ponies before her. Copper Shield was as calm as stone, not moving as she looked ahead. Ironwing, on the other hoof, was sitting in a special padded chair. The... strike that Meadowbrook had levered had done quite a bit to take the poor stallion out of commission as well as shame him in the eyes of the city. She wished she could close down those papers that were doing everything they could to stir the pot. Causing panic on one hoof while mocking the defenders on the other. The only good news was that now every member of the council was here and taking these matters seriously. But it was only a matter of time before things went truly sour.

Sunburst cleared his throat. “Ironwing, Copper Shield. After the events of the previous night, I'm afraid... there will have to be some changes.”

Ironwing nodded. “I am ready and willing to step down. I failed in my duties,” he said firmly.

There was a light crack as Scootaloo slammed a hoof down, but she didn't say a word.

Sunburst nodded. “Indeed. We were expecting you to... maintain the safety of the arena.” He sighed. “But, the fault is not only yours. As many of you know, I was opposed to him taking over once Councilmare Scootaloo retired. Ironwing, you are a great fighter, but you are not a leader. You are too young, too inexperienced. During times of peace, allowing your mother to carry you to a high position was fine. But now we need ponies with experience. A pony who doesn't feel they have to answer to you.”

Octavia glanced over to Scootaloo who looked as if she was swallowing lemons. Styx didn't look much better. She hoped Sunburst would avoid saying any more things too harsh or he'd feel a hoof to the face. She was just thankful Ironwing's father wasn't here as well, then there would be some true violence.

“As per the ruling of the council, until time that we deem acceptable for you to return, you are removed from the Shadowbolts entirely.”

The pegasus' eyes widened and he looked up. “Wait, removed entirely? But I--”

“You have failed. Unfortunately, we need a pony who will not fail now, more than ever. Many of the ponies there are still loyal to you and will likely ignore your replacement, so long as you are nearby. As such, you are removed. Perhaps once this threat has been dealt with, you can return.”

He stared, his mouth falling open. “You... you can't. I AM a Shadowbolt. It's not something you can take away! I--”

Sunburst slammed a hoof down. “The will of the council on this is final. Ironwing, you are dismissed.”

“But I--”

“Dismissed!”

The stallion shook and Octavia couldn't help noticing the mist beginning to gather in his eyes. He quickly looked down and turned, slowly steering his chair out from the room. This was just temporary, but she had no doubt the punishment broke his heart. Her eyes then moved to Copper.

“Now, Copper,” Sunburst said slowly once the door closed.

The earth pony merely nodded.

“You've proven yourself again and again. While you were unable to stop this attack, you have gained nothing but respect from the council and those under your hooves in your time as leader of the metal benders.”

Octavia glared at Sunburst. She could practically hear the insult directed at Scootaloo. Copper wasn't related to any of the council members and yet had made it to become their leader. Meanwhile, Ironwing was still seen as a child by many who only gained his position due to his mother's influence. The pegasus looked ready to jump the council head.

“You've always been willing to follow the wishes of the council, and I hope this time it will be no different.” He took a deep breath. “Effective immediately, the Shadowbolts are being brought under the control of the metal benders. All protections of the city will now be in your capable hooves.”

If the mare was shocked, there was no sign of it. She just stared ahead. Octavia couldn't help but wish her child was able to act in such a way.

“A number of new, emergency rules are being put into effect.” He tossed a small notebook to her, which she caught deftly. “There are also a few businesses we want you to investigate, personally. This mare has access to quite a few expensive toys. Submarines, air ships, she has connections. All of these connections need to be flushed out, eradicated and, hopefully, her along with them.”

The mare nodded, still watching him.

He smiled. “Please go through those notes and put our new rules in effect.” He motioned forward and one of the unicorns behind him marched forward. “The council will offer all aid we can during this sudden change of leadership, but things must go smoothly. This Meadowbrook is a recognized threat, now. By all members of the council.” His eyes glanced over towards the non-pony section. “And she must be stopped. Dismissed.”

“Eeyup,” Copper said before turning and trotting away, the aide following behind her.

“Now, onto our next order of business,” Sunburst said carefully. “On matters of trade, we...”

“Welcome home!” Button yelled happily as the main door to the house opened. He galloped out of the kitchen, skidding along the ground a little and flying down the hall. He slammed into a wall before regathering himself and running back towards the door. “Mom!”

Octavia gave a weak smile to her son. “Hello, Button. What is that... smell?” she asked softly. It reminded her of rotten fruit mixed in an outhouse before being lit on fire.

“I cooked dinner!”

“... Joy,” she said softly. She trotted into the main room and sighed. “Hello, Acrylic. I see you're still here.”

“Has your invitation run out?” the unicorn asked before looking up from the newspaper.

“Of course not, you're always welcomed here,” Octavia said before she walked over to sit on the couch and pour out a little bit of tea. She sniffed it and smiled. Acrylic had made it, so she knew it was drinkable. “But you do know your mother would want you to be in the Water Nation with her. The tournament is over, there's no need for you to remain.”

“I know. But I'm not one of the Moon Raisers.”

“You could be. Your mother--”

“My mother would put me in that position, even though I'm nowhere near capable. Tittering is twice the bender I am, and we both know it. If I become a moon raiser, it will be because I earned it. Because I was good enough.”

Octavia gave a sigh and gently stirred her tea before taking a sip. “You are good enough. A moon raiser does not need to be perfect.”

“A moon raiser may not need to be perfect, but not me. If mom wants me to replace her, I have to be perfect,” He paused. “Button is doing better. Did you see the way he was fighting at the matches?”

She nodded slowly. “Indeed. It was... quite impressive. I never thought I would see him move in such a manner. Where did he learn such a technique?”

Acrylic's eyes widened slightly. “He didn't tell you? I thought--”

“We do not talk often. You know this,” Octavia muttered.

The unicorn lowered his gaze and for a few moments there was silence. Finally he sighed. “He learned it from Diamond. She's been teaching him fire bending.”

“Fire bending? But he's an earth bender. He only gets the one style, she should know that.”

Acrylic nodded. “I know. But she's been teaching him how they fight and... all in all, it seems to be working quite well. He's doing a lot better as a fire bender than an earth bender. I think next year we'll have a real shot.”

Octavia's frown deepened. “You two intend to participate again, next year?”

“Most likely. We only lost this year because...” Acrylic shuddered. “We can try again next year. It'll be fine.” He looked over at the mare. “Mom is pretty excited about us still being in it.”

“Your mother has always been quite... easily amused.” Octavia glanced up and stared at Acrylic. “You've always been a much calmer child, if I remember correctly.” There was a sudden crashing sound from the kitchen. “The more grounded. Do you really intend to keep entering these tournaments? Don't you believe there are more important things you can do with your time?”

“I don't see why not, they're making my skills better,” he said softly, his eyes lowering.

“Slightly. If you were to focus fully on your training, being a Moon Raiser wouldn't be outside your grasp. Even with your high standards. Earning it would be simple, as you want.” She paused for a moment and sipped her tea. “I do appreciate you helping my son in his dreams, but you mustn't allow them to hold you back.”

He sighed. “I know. But it's kind of... fun, you know? You liked it, didn't you?”

She nodded. “Indeed. I will admit I acquired a bit of a thrill from the game. But that was then, we were at peace.” She slowly put the cup down. “All ponies require some way to unwind.”

“Mom especially,” Acrylic muttered. “I just... want to prove I can be as capable as her. You've seen the two of us fight. Do you think I'm anywhere near as good as her?”

Octavia looked the stallion over for a moment before slowly shaking her head. “No. I'm afraid not. Your mother, despite her rather... brisk actions and movements, is one of a kind. At her peak, she would have been a threat even to Nightma... Princess Luna. She had her own style and movements. She bent her bending to her will in a way most benders could never hope to achieve. While she is... not quite as skilled as she once was, she is still far beyond your current talents.”

He nodded and sipped his tea. “Then until I am, I can't be a moon raiser. Do you think Button could be a good metal bender?”

That made Octavia cringe. “Perhaps one day. But... not today. He still has a long, long way to go. He hasn't even mastered the basic movements or showed the slightest ability to metal bend. I don't even think he can sense through the earth.”

He nodded. “Exactly. I might be more grounded that Button, but I still have a while to go. I know mom wants me to be like her and... I want to be. But for now, I can't be. Not until I'm ready. Maybe when--”

The windows shattered as a metal orb sailed into the room. The two looked at it, only for a great white light to flash out and blind them. Acrylic let out a shriek, falling to the ground, his horn glowing as he gathered the tea up. He felt something hit his back, moments before electricity surged through it and he crumbled, splashing his drink.

Octavia closed her eyes, though all she could see was white. She stepped out onto the floor and tapped it, swirling around. She could hear them, but couldn't feel them yet. She dove to the right, shoving out a hoof so the ground reached out and encased Acrylic, wrapping him in a protective bubble. “Button! Attack!” she yelled.

“Huh?” Button asked as he came running in. “MOM! Above you!” he yelled.

Octavia shoved her hoof down and the ground surged up around her in four pillars. She heard the metallic crack as she hit something, then felt the resounding tremors as the pony fell to the ground. She felt the ground surge around her as Button charged forward. He tore the ground apart, lifting tiles and bricks from all around. She was forced to duck down as they flowed out, swirling through the air like a angry swarm of bees. Her vision was returning slowly, though everything was still in shades of white.

There were three more thumps. “That's all of them,” Button yelled, looking around. Octavia blinked a few times, slowly looking around. Four ponies, all unmarked and wearing the alicorn armor. She tapped the ground but she didn't feel any more of them out there. The armor's ability to fly made her assumption impossible to prove, however.

Octavia slid a hoof forward and uncovered Acrylic. “We're going back to headquarters,” she said firmly. “The unmarked have gotten a lot more...” The words trailed off as she looked towards the city.

It was illuminated with flame. Fire stroking along the buildings.

“YAH!” Diamond yelled as she bucked out, sending a burst of fire into the unmarked pony's chest. The armor didn't help enough and the pony was sent flying back, crashing through the wall. “That's the last of them!”

“I can't believe this,” Blaze muttered as she looked around at the collapsed ponies. Six of them in all. “Why would they attack us here?”

“I'm going after their submarine!” Diamond yelled, but was grabbed by Prism before she could make it out the door.

“No,” the stallion said. “It's too dangerous. This could all be a trap to lure you out. We're going to the city, to meet with the council. This is--”

“Fire,” Blaze said softly, a hoof pointing out the window towards the city.

“Fire? Fire wh--” Prism's words stopped as he looked out the window. Slowly his mouth fell open.

Ironwing charged forward, the blades across his wings lancing out as he clipped one of the fake metal wings from the pony, sending her crashing to the ground. He twisted in the air, diving down at the pony and slamming her into the ground. He then leaped back, panting slightly as he looked around. Many parts of him throbbed, especially around his waist, but he tried to not focus on it, while barely managing to not throw up.

“Everypony okay?” he asked, looking around.

“I'm fine,” Scootaloo said, a little blood dripping down her side. “Styx?” she asked, nudging the unmoving negasi. He groaned, but slowly lifted a leathery wing.

“H-hurt... but... it'll w-wear off,” he said weakly.

Ironwing dug his hoof into the ground. “Where's dad?”

“I'm here,” a red coated pegasus said as he stepped into the room, limping slightly. “One of them tried to sneak up behind me, but I gave them a buck they won't soon forget. What was that?”

“Somepony is targeting the council,” Ironwing said, glancing at the two. “The non-benders, it seems. We need to warn the others. It--” He was nearly knocked off his hooves as an explosion tore through the building and smoke filled the air. It took a few moments for him to regather himself, but he quickly rose into the air and out the window, looking over the city.

Smoke billowed in the air and fires bit at the sky. The city was burning.