The Little Pony Legend: Journey of Iris

How was it possible?

That broad question echoed inside Iris's mind in an endless loop as she sat down. After the sudden outburst of magic energy, it didn't take Korra and Mako long before bringing their confused, and nerve-struck daughter back home to the palace. In the main room, Iris's parents sat down alongside their daughter, along with Ali, Mika, San, and Nova as well, sitting in pure silence as Iris tried to fully contemplate what had happened.

"Whoa! Sweet mother of Raava! Okay, okay. This is new. Actually no, not technically new because this has happened before, obviously, the whole Avatar bending the four elements thing, exactly how did that just happen to me? Technically, the Avatar cycle is over because you and Raava never got fused together again, so how can the Avatar be reincarnated anymore? Also, aren't you supposed to be dead for that to happen? Don't answer that! I'm sure there is a logical explanation for which you're going to tell me, although I am curious as to why you never told me beforehand, of course I can assume you just never knew, but given your initial reactions you did know and now I'm questioning why you tried to hide this from me in the first place. You know what, the important thing is that everything is going to be okay, I am gonna be okay right? Because as long as everybody is okay I don't care what happened. I mean, I care, obviously I care, but I'm sure you will explain everything when you feel the time is right, is the time right now, because I really, really want to know, like right now!"

The more Iris spoke the more panicked and troubled she became in her tone. Her nerves and desire to know almost making her fidgety. This was something, far as she knew anyway, that simply should NOT happen - it couldn't happen! Korra finally brought a hand onto Iris's back, just where her wings connected.

"Iris, sweetie, calm down. Look, try to follow me," Korra said. Iris, still worried, watched her mother bring her hand up to her chest in an inhale, and then bring it out in an exhale. Iris, after a short bit, copied the movements and breathing until she started to calm down a little. She was still troubled, but at least calm enough to think a little more clearly.

"I know, this is a lot to take in, but we can explain everything."

"Okay….so, what is it? W-What happened back there?" Iris asked again, a bit more calm this time. Even with her supposedly calm look, Korra was just as unnerved about it as she was. She just didn't know how to fully get it out, and her eyes were looking back and forth between everyone else except Iris. Seemed there was no other option aside from the truth now. Korra still needed a little bit, but eventually a sigh escaped her mouth before finally looking to her daughter, Iris all ears and wanting to know at that moment.

"Ok, listen. ... You remember the stories I told you when you were younger, about when I became and alicorn, right?"

"Yeah, of course I do, that's when the Avatar cycle ended. But, what's that got to do with anything? That was years ago - I wasn't even born then."

"Well, no. It didn't end, exactly."

Iris got up onto her feet, now even more curious. What was her mother getting at here? Was there really another Avatar in their world? No, that couldn't be right, and even then, how did it tell her about her situation? ...

"W-Well, that still doesn't explain anything. The Avatar cycle is reincarnated from one life to another, isn't it?"

"The Avatar cycle has changed since then. You're not wrong, it did work like that, but Instead of past lives it's now a ... well, hereditary thing."

Hereditary? ... No. no, that couldn't be right. ... Could it? Iris tried to fully understand it, but before she could fully figure it out, Korra finished up.

"So, in conclusion. You're officially the new Avatar."

Silence. Pure silence. Iris stayed still, eyes wide and mouth agape. By the look on her mothers face, the group's faces, and what happened earlier, there was no doubt that this wasn't true. What other explanation was there for this, anyway?

"I'm…I'm the Avatar? But-how-I mean, yeah I know "how" now but, I-I mean -"

"Iris, remember to breathe." Nova suddenly cut in, seeing Iris becoming more panicked. Iris took a moment to breathe before looking right to Korra.

"How long have you known?" Iris asked. she wasn't going to continue until she knew that part, and they all knew that as well.

"Ever since you broke the Twilight Blade," Korra replied, "When it sensed your still-developing magic it triggered your Avatar powers a bit too early, which is what broke it."

"Okay, I know that was a long time ago, but I'm pretty sure I would have remembered going all glowy at one point." Iris pointed out.

"That's because you fainted and blacked out after it happened." Mako explained, "Your magic had to revert back to square one, and since you weren't supposed to have activated that part of your powers so early that's probably why you didn't remember bending the elements to begin with."

"Did everyone know about this?"

"Just your parents, your aunt and uncle, the Mane Six, and myself." Nova replied.

Iris just couldn't believe her ears! They knew about it for this long, and they never uttered a word about it to her. For years, she had been struggling, working, wondering about what her destiny pacifically was, and here it turns out it was right in front of her, and by the people she was closest to no less! She felt worry and confusion for the longest time, but here a new emotion began to slowly surface, as she looked down to her own feet.

"...Why?...Why didn't you ever tell me?" Iris got out. Of course, Korra was already becoming concerned about it, seeing the growing anger in her daughter's eyes.

Mako noticed this too and jumped right in, in hopes of helping ease the already growing tension between the two most important women in his life. "Iris, believe me, we planned on it, we really did. But, you were still too young and your powers wouldn't kick in until you became a teenager so we made the decision to wait until then to tell you. Or the moment you started showing signs of them, whichever came first."

"So, waterbending myself from the ocean and shooting a beam of light from my body was the clincher?" Iris asked, her anger starting to show ever so slightly.

"It's not as bad as it sounds, actually." Korra stated.

Iris was quiet soon after that, the response not entirely helpful. Korra though was quick to recover. "But, it's going to be okay. Now that your full-powers are here I can start teaching you."

"...Why?..."

"Well, you've never bended any element before so I just figured--"

"No, I mean, why did you think it was a good idea to keep me in the dark about this? What, you didn't think I could handle it?" Iris suddenly snapped. Her anger had finally reached her peak, and now it was starting to come out.

"What? No!" Korra insisted, though Iris didn't look very convinced about it. Nova could see things weren't going so well, so he got up.

"Uh, you know, I just remembered I promised Sunset I'd make dinner tonight, so I'll just let you guys have your family talk." Nova said before leaving. Normally, he would be the last to leave when things became tense, but given this was a family affair, he probably shouldn't have intervened, at least not right now. After that it was Iris, her parents, and the dragonfly spirit siblings.

Mako spoke up again, "Iris, it's not that we didn't trust you, it's just--"

"Just what, Dad? I get it, I wouldn't have had my powers then, but explain to me how was it a bad thing for me to at least know about my powers one day appearing? At least that way I would have understood the real meaning behind my cutie mark instead of wandering around asking why!"

San whispered to his sister, Mika. "She's got a point there."

"Not helping!" Mika hissed back, making her younger brother reel back in alarm.

"Explain that to me, Mom! How was it such a bad thing for me to already know I was the Avatar all these years?"

"Because I didn't want you to go through what I did!" Korra finally said. Once again, the room fell into silence, penetrated by Korra speaking again. "When I was growing up my entire world revolved around being the Avatar. I wanted to make a difference too. To be more than what I was, just like you. But, it also kept me isolated and alone. I didn't think I would matter to the world if I wasn't the Avatar. It became everything I identified myself as. I didn't want that for you. I wanted you to have what I couldn't.  A normal childhood, a chance to out find who you are outside of the Avatar name, so than when you did get your powers it wouldn't dominate you the way it did me."

Iris took the words in, and while she was calming down, she was still fuming about the concept altogether.

"Okay, I can understand that part. But, what if this is who I am?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You, Dad and everyone else have already done something to earn your places in the world, but I've done nothing to earn mine, at least I didn't think I did! I studied every day, constantly asking myself "who am I?" "Who am I meant to be?" Only to discover that my destiny was right under my nose all this time! What if this is it? What if this is the reason I've been feeling so unsure and lost all my life? Is discovering that so wrong? Is it?!"

"I'm not saying it is, but being the Avatar and understanding your destiny are two different things." Korra cleared, but Iris still was not listening, as she brought her finger up to her own cutie mark.

"I got my cutie mark when I bended the four elements - something only the Avatar can do! What more proof do you need?" Iris pointed out.

"Iris, being the Avatar shouldn't dictate who you are."

"Oh? You're the Avatar and now the Queen of Friendship, what difference does that make?!"

"Iris, don't take that tone with your mother!" Mako exclaimed, rising from where he sat.

Iris growled in anger, no longer wanting to hear anymore of this. "You know what, forget it. You guys always said you believed I could be anything I wanted, but all this time you've been holding me back."

"Iris!" Her parents called out her name, but it was already too late. Iris was already gone, and running upstairs to her room in a fit. Korra could only watch her do so, and she ended up sitting down on the couch in defeat.

"Well played, Korra." She told herself.

"Don't blame yourself." Mako insisted as he wrapped his arm around her.

"Who else am I supposed to blame? This was my idea to begin with."

"And you had a very good reason for making it."

"Did I? Mako, I've done the exact same thing Tenzin and my parents did! I kept something from her. Something important because I was scared." While that was true, Mako lifted her chin so she could face him.

"Okay, first of all, we didn't intent on keeping it a secret forever, that's already a contrast to what your parents did. Second, it wasn't just your idea. I went along with it too. And third, you only wanted to give her what you couldn't have. What neither of us had. Nobody can fault you for that."

"And it still didn't work. Iris is even more confused now than ever. I doubt she'll want to talk to me."

"Give her some time. Sometimes, kids need space to fully understand the reason of things. It always worked for you."

Korra couldn't help but chuckle, in spite of the situation. "I guess."

"I'll make you guys come tea." Mika suddenly said.

"Thanks, Mika."

Mika was soon off to go and make the said tea for her foster mother and father, as Ali went over to the window and looked up to the stars that were already starting to form as the sun sat further and further over the horizon. She couldn't help but wonder herself about her younger sister. ...

(~)

"I just--how can they--GAH!! I just don't understand why mom and dad thought it would be such a horrible thing if I were the Avatar? I mean, sure mom's experience wasn't the best, but she was locked up in a compound for most of her life with no friends. Yeah, okay, I grew in a palace but at least I can leave whenever I want without a bunch White Lotus Sentries watching my every move. Okay, and maybe I wouldn't have had my powers beforehand, but at least I would have had some time to prepare for when they did show up instead of just wandering around like a drifter trying to understand what my cutie mark means. Of course, I could have placed two and two together but how was I supposed to know the Avatar thing was hereditary now? Oh, right, I could't have, because nobody ever told me!"

Poor Iris was not even close to being finished with her own ranting and rambling as she paced around in her room. With her parents not there, the only one in her room was Akhlut, who was just laying down on Iris's bed. The dog hybrid couldn't utter a word Iris would understand, and could only watch her master and best friend in such a rough state. Eventually, Iris collapsed down on the bed, right next to Akhlut, the pet only able to give a few barks.

"Don't you start too!" Iris groan, her head now in her pillow. Akhlut whimpered a little bit, but before the dog could do much, a knock came from Iris's door. "I want to be alone right now!"

"Iris, it's me."

Iris turned her head to her side and looked at Akhlut. She recognized the voice as that belonging to her older adopted sister. The star symbol on her forehead glowed and the door knob magically turned. The lizard spirit entered the room, taking a spot on the side of her younger sister's bed.

"Some day, huh?"

Iris sighed as she sat upright in a lotus position on the bed. "You knew about this too?"

Ali's eyes darted back and forth before landing back on Iris. "Yeah. Sorry."

The younger sibling folded her arms, turning her head towards her window. "It's not like you made the decision anyway." she said bitterly.

"Iris, I know you're upset, and confused, and maybe a bit scared. But, I want you know that mom and dad meant well. It's not like they never wanted to tell you, just when you were ready. Heck, mom was looking forward to the day she would start training you."

"Really? Because she certainly didn't seem too excited all those years ago."

"Petals, you need to understand, being the Avatar was not an easy thing for mom. The pressures of living up to the same level as Aang, Roku or Kyoshi were pretty high, and mom was just a kid still trying to find her place in the world, so was dad. What she was really trying to do, was to help you find your own identity rather than the identity the world picks for you. She wanted you to see yourself the way we all see you. No as Princess Iris, or Avatar Iris…just Iris."

When she heard her mother's reasons for not telling Iris the truth, she was angry. But, hearing it coming from her older sister, somehow got through to her the most. Probably because, while she sincerely loved her mother, she still deep down often felt like she was still living in her shadow, so there was that odd complex mixture of adoration as well as, perhaps, a tad bit of insecurity.

"I understand. Really, I do." Iris finally said, "It's just…"

Seeing her struggle with her words, Ali pulled out a wrapped up gift from her pocket and handed it to Iris, much to her surprise. "It was going to be a Heart's and Hooves Day present, but I figured you should have it now."

Iris smiled softly and opened the package, uncovering two journals, on stacked on top of the others. Upon opening the first one on top, Iris saw the fully written pages. Flipping through them, Iris read them out loud.

"Eighteenth of July, we traveled to one of the most remote places in Equestria to rescue our parents from the changeling queen." Iris flipped through the pages and stopped in another page before reading out loud. With each word, Ali's smile grew wider. "Twenty first of May, joined dad on our first case together to infiltrate the Vine Wrap Triad's illegal underground trading. Twelfth of April, helped a small village of spirits rebuild their homes after a violent storm in the spirit world." Iris stopped for a moment and looked at her older sister in surprise. "Ali, is this yours? Did you actually do all this?"

Ali gave a soft, loving chuckle. "Iris, when I was a kid all I knew was that I wanted to follow in dad's footsteps. There was a time where I tried a bit too hard to be just like him, and I kind of missed on the big picture. So, he did what he thought was right for me. He let me learn from my mistakes and find my own way."

Ali picked up the second journal which had been wrapped and handed it to Iris. Once she opened it, she noticed that all of the pages were blank.

"Mom and dad are right about one thing. You are the new Avatar, and while you can bet mom will always be there to help you down this path, at the end only you get to choose what kind of Avatar you will be, and nobody else can make that choice but you."

Iris sighed sadly, only for Ali to lift her chin up to look at her. "Sis, just give mom a chance. She only ever wanted you to have the life she and dad never could. You have no idea how lucky you are. Maybe they could have told you beforehand, but the important thing is you know now, and I think you're ready to finally take the next step."

"Am I?" Iris asked, only just now coming to full realization just how scared she really was, despite how angry and shocked she felt a few moments prior. A new feeling began to swell up inside her; Guilt.

Ali smiled lovingly at her younger sister while removing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I know you are. All I ask is that you be safe, be smart, and above all…be true to yourself."

Iris wrapped her arms around her lizard-like sister, and she in turn wrapped her arms around her little adopted sister. Ali always knew just what to say to make Iris feel better.

(~)

The undergrounds of Harmony City were dark and silent while the world above was bursting with activity for the event that would take place that evening. Nevertheless, nobody was aware of the activity taking place underneath their very feet and hooves. The tunnels were pitch black apart from a few weak lights scattered on the ceiling, several which flickered in an annoying pattern.

At the very end of the tunnel, a group of creatures made their way through an old garage-like area, filled with unused, old and no doubt busted old motorcycles, abandoned by the Equalists and long ago and forgotten by nearly everyone. The creatures's snarls and hisses echoed within the abandoned tunnel as they leaped ahead, landing onto the old bikes which tipped over and collided with one another, creating a loud clanging sound and various parts fell off, rolling onto the floor to be forever forgotten, if they weren't enough already.

The group reached the end of the tunnels, the exit leading into the edge of an underground railway. It seemed to be inactive for the moment, but that wasn't the leader's call here, as another wolf focused on the tracks themselves, stepping out first.

"Not a hint of any trains on this track," the wolf concluded. That was just what the leader wanted to hear, stepping out onto the track followed by his pack, made up a total of seven wolves. The leading wolf turned to face the rest.

"You all know what to do. Don't try anything that could possibly waste our chances, may I remind you. Now, let the hunt commence."

"Yes, alpha."

(~)

Ali, Mika and San had already retreated back to the Pro-Bending Arena and nighttime has already fallen. The city illuminated with its golden lights, which bounced off of the golden spirit portal that rose upwards from the very heart of it all. Glowing spirits flew above the skies, no doubt preparing for the concert. The nocturnal neon spirits always adored these types of events. Their naturally luminescent bodies allowed them to blend perfectly with the raving and colorful lights of the concert, and the crazy night life was what they lived for.

Korra looked out the window, her face still troubled. She couldn't get the angry look on Iris's face out of her mind and neither could Mako. There had been many times where Korra questioned wether or not she did the right thing in saving the news for when Iris was older. It wouldn't have been as different as awaiting for when your child was certain age to explain…other things in life they would need to understand once they were older. But, Iris was always the curious type. Restless, determined and ambitious just as Korra was.

She remembered the times when she was young she couldn't wait to be a full pledge Avatar. Unfortunately, and while she didn't know it at the time, it came at a price. She struggled to be the Avatar everybody else wanted her to be, and her life in isolation, focus on solemnly one thing resulted in keeping her isolated, alone and even gain a bit of an ego. Her entire being revolved around her powers and her tittle rather than what it represented to herself. She hoped to prevent the same thing for Iris. She wanted her child to be free to explore and find herself amongst the relationships she had with her best friends. But, it would seem, the call for adventure was just as strong for her as it was for Korra.

Mako, having finished making diner, every two seconds would turn his gaze to look at his wife. He knew exactly what was going on in her head and he didn't blame her for feeling guilty. He himself felt pretty bad too. After all, he had encouraged the idea to keep the Avatar detail a secret until now, and he knew just as much how hard it was for Korra growing up with those expectations looming over her head. To have to sacrifice her own innocence in order to accomplish it. He was thankful she was strong enough not to allow all of her innocence to wither away while stuck in that compound, as he once did while living in the streets.

Both had lived a life of imprisonment, though Mako's was more metaphorical compared to Korra's. Both had been labeled as either a hero who needed to always know what to do, or a street-rat who didn't deserve anything until earned. Like Mako, Korra worked to gain respect, not just sit around and wait for it. Iris was exactly the same way. She was proactive, or at least she became more so as she grew older and more independent.

Iris was lucky, she had the freedom and the luxury that neither Korra nor Mako had when growing up. They sacrificed a lot to make sure their daughter would have the life she deserved. And now, it would seem their intentions had returned and bitten them right back in the flanks. Mako understood why they did this, but the guilt was unbearable. Seeing his daughter so angry broke his heart.

Her approached his wife from behind. She did not restraint him from wrapping his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder. Over the course of her life, Korra came to apreciate these small, simple displays of affection. Sometimes, silence could say so much more than words ever could. Mako placed a soft kiss on Korra's cheek, earning a small, yet soft smile.

"She's not gonna stay mad forever, you know."

"I know." Korra replied.

"Doesn't make it any less painful, does it?"

"No it does not."

Korra gently turned herself around to face Mako, placing her hand over his chest while he kept his arms around her waist. "You know, you're a kid you never fully understood why parents sometimes do the things they did. I guess, you never really do until you become one yourself."

"The shoe's on the other foot now." Mako finished for her. Korra groaned and pressed her forehead onto his chest.

"Why does life have to be so ironic?" she whined, her voice muffled against his shirt.

"Because then we wouldn't learn anything."

Korra rose her head up to face Mako, giving her signature pout, which was enough to make her husband smile in amusement. "I apreciate you trying to ease a lesson into this babe, but I'm not in the mood."

"Sorry. Just trying to help."

"I know." Korra said, actually smiling for the first time since Iris stormed out. Mako's silliness was enough to even get to her to let out a small chuckle.

"Hey, at least I got you to smile again. Not a total loss." Mako said with a victorious wink, only for Korra to surprise him with a soft kiss on the lips. It was an unconventional way to cheer her up, but it worked none the less. While the topic of Iris still lingered, at least the charming firebender managed to ease his beautiful wife's tension, even if for a moment.

Mako gently cupped Korra's cheek, while she gently held said hand, her thumb stroking the surface of his knuckles. "I love you." she said, even now at her age she still had a tendency to blush whenever she said it.

Mako too had not fully grown out of that either, for his cheeks were red as well as he replied, "I love you, too."

Unbeknownst to them, Iris observed from the top of the stairs. As embarrassingly corny and mushy her parents could be, seeing them express how much they deeply cared for one another always reminded her why she loved them just as much. They were the most loyal, brave and selfless people Iris knew. She both admired them greatly at the same time feeling she was in their shadow. It was very complicated which tended to make Iris feel furious, but seeing the love in her parent's eyes made her think twice.

She took in a deep breath and calmly made her way down. Both parents heard her footsteps and turned to face their daughter. Iris stopped midway, placing her hands behind her back.

"Hey." was all she muttered to say.

"Hey." Korra replied kindly. She hoped she wasn't still angry.

Iris gulped as she approached the two, nervously tugging on a piece of her supernaturally long hair. "Listen, I…I'm sorry I yelled at you like that."

Korra relaxed a bit as she placed a hand on Iris's shoulder. "It's okay. I'm sorry you had to find out this way. I know it wasn't easy, and I really do understand why you were frustrated."

"Yeah, well, maybe I took it a bit too far. I mean, I've never yelled at you guys before."

"It's alright, kiddo." Mako said, ruffling Iris's hair like he used to do when she was younger. "It's all part of being a teenager. Though, don't think this means you can go doing it again." he gently warn.

"Dully noted." Iris bit her bottom lip. " It's just, you guys have no idea how huge this is to me. In a good way, I mean. For once in my life, I feel like I've found what I've been searching for. I was upset you had to keep it from me for so long, but…I think I understand why. Soooo…..are we good?"

Rather than reply, Korra only hugged her daughter tightly. "You know we only want what's best for you." she said into Iris's ear.

"I know, mom." Iris replied as she hugged her mother in return. Mako soon joined in and Iris felt a bit more at ease now. Once the hug ended, she rubbed her arm nervously. "So, how soon can we start Avatar training?" she asked, her voice already showing high signs of excitement and enthusiasm.

"I-I don't know. Whenever you want." Korra replied. As happy as she was that she would be the one to teach Iris all she needed to know, it was still very overwhelming to realize she would be teaching the next Avatar…who just so happened to be her own daughter no less.

"As soon as possible!" Iris exclaimed happily, no longer finding any reason to contain her excitement.

"Like, right now?"

"Yes! I mean, no!" Iris face palmed herself. "No, I've got that concert tonight with the gang. I'm still allowed to go, am I?"

Korra stilted a laugh and she and Mako nodded. Iris pounded her fist into the air and then hugged both parents. "Yes! Thank you! Oh, I better get changed, Akari will be here any minute!"

"Okay, but just don't--" Korra was cut off when Iris teleported herself away in a flash, only to return a few seconds later in a brand new outfit. A dark purple dress with thin straps and ended three inches above her knees. She also wore a pair of sneakers on her feet. Both Korra and Mako frowned.

"Too much?" Iris asked.

"More like, not enough." Mako said, rising a brow.

Iris should have expected as much from her father. With a wave of her hand, and the star on her forehead glowing, her clothes changed into a white dress with pink hues on the skirt and a blue jean jacket over it and a simple shoulder bag.

"Better?"

"Less legs." Mako said, which in turn made Iris groan. She magically made the skirt reach her knees, but he still wasn't convinced. "Longer."

"Dad!"

Korra rolled her eyes and just zapped the skirt back to the length it was, with a pair of leggings underneath, a dark aquamarine to go with the jacket. She turned to her husband, this time seeing to it he wouldn't say anything against it. Mako rose his hands in surrender.

"It'll do."

Just then, a knock on the door prompted Iris to rush on over to answer. Opening it, she saw none other than Akari herself, dressed in a long dress shirt and jeans underneath. The shirt had imprinted Songbird Serenade's cutie mark and Akari's own cutie mark was sowed onto the side of her pants. She wore a pair of platform boots and fingerless gloves.

"Oh, good you're ready. I was afraid I'd have to pry a spell book from your hands again."

"Ha, ha, you're hilarious." Iris said with humorous sarcasm. She quickly turned to her parents once more and hugged them.

Korra, however, gently gripped Iris's jacket and whispered into her ear. "Don't tell anyone else about this just yet."

"Why not?" Iris whispered back.

"At least not tonight. This kind of thing needs to be handled gently, okay?"

Iris sighed reluctantly. "Alright, fine. But please, after this no more secrets, alright?"

"We promise."

"Hello! You guys can hug twenty four seven but Songbird Serenade's concert is only for this one night!"

"Coming, Kari! Bye Mom, bye Dad!"

"Be home by ten!" Mako called out.

"Not a minute latter, I know! Love you!"

"Love you too!" both parents replied, right before the door closed, leaving them alone with just Naga and Akhlut, who curled up beside the Polar Bear Dog.

"Everything is going to be okay." Mako said before kissing Korra's head and retreating to the kitchen. Korra looked on at the door, already imagining the two girls well on their way to the concert.

For now, she would allow Iris to have fun, but today marked the beginning of a new chapter for the young princess. Korra only hoped Iris would be up for the challenge…and hoping the Avatar name wouldn't burden her as it did Korra all those years ago.

(~)

Just as expected, hundreds, if not thousands of teenage humans, ponies and a variety of mythical creatures had arrived at Harmony City's performing arts center. At the moment, Nori was pacing back and forth while Chi and Hiro were engaged in a conversation, as were Gallant and Mai.

Finally, after what felt like hours of pacing, Nori sighed in exasperation. "Eh! Where are Iris and Akari? The concert's about to start in ten minutes!"

"We're here!" Iris called out, her and Akari rushing towards their friends.

"About time!"

"What? We got here at the same time you told us to meet." Akari said.

"Well, your geo-phones might be a few minutes behind. We agreed, six forty five, and now it's fix forty eight. Make that nine."

"Four minutes late, big deal."

"It is a big deal! Now less talking and let's go, go, go!" Nori aggressively shoved the two girls ahead. The princesses shot the merpony matching annoyed glares but proceeded to arrive at the main entrance to pay. Each one wore either a shirt, or a necklace, or a cap that had Songbird's signature, image, cutie mark or a quote from one of her songs imprinted on them. Gallant wore a vest, Hiro a cap, Nori wore her signature outfit which Rarity had designed for her, while Chi wore a leather jacket and jean shorts and high heel biker boots, which Sunset had allowed her to borrow.

Mai, however, wore something Nori had helped her pick out. A long sleeved reddish-pink shirt with crimson outlines with pretty images of pale pink lotus flowers, a pair of knee long shorts and a brown belt with a gear shaped buckle, matching the one from the family business's logo. She wore black leggings underneath and a pair of platform, laced up sneaker boots. Mai took a moment to adjust her belt, smiling in satisfaction at how good she looked.

Nori smirked in satisfaction. "Told you you'd love it." she said, which prompted Mai to blush and act as if she wasn't doing anything.

"It's alright! I guess." Mai bit her bottom lip nervously, "I do get to keep it after the show, right?" she asked hopefully while shyly tapping her index fingers.

Nori only nodded and nudged her forward towards the entrance, followed by Nori herself who strut in with pride, style and flair, showing off the outfit Rarity designed for her. She would be sure to let everyone know it was a Rarity original for sure.

Once inside, Iris and her friends made their way through the crowd to get their seats. "Why couldn't we just get the VIP seats?" Hiro asked as he struggled to get through the already seated fans, careful not to step on their toes. "I don't do coach!"

"Get with the program, rich boy." Chi said as she casually floated by them, placing her hands behind her head to empathize this. "Being part of the audience if half the fun."

"Says the girl who's feet barely touch the ground." Hiro complained.

Nori was the one leading the way, searching for the right spot. "Oh, right here, you guys!" the merpony and her friends sat at the seats that were as closest to the stage, and just in time too. The lights dimmed down and a roar of applauds and wild cheers broke out. Nori, after having taken her seat no more than two seconds ago, rose back up and started cheering and jumping as loudly as she could. Iris, Akari and Mai flinched at their friend's excitable outburst, and her high pitched squeal certainly didn't help. As a merpony, she had some powerful pipes. They were lucky her squealing was drowned out by the rest of the cheering. A voice was heard over the megaphone.

"Hello, Harmony City! Give it up for Equestria's rising star, Songbird Serenade!"

This time, the rest of the grouped cheered and leaped excitedly. Chi changed her hands to look like foam fingers one would buy at a game, but rather than be posed as Number 1 it was giving a peace sign.

The spotlight hit the stage and smoke rose upwards. Silhouettes of background dancers could be seen and several neon colorful spirits spiraled around, illuminating the stage wither radiant festive colors. A final figure cat walked onto the front, spreading her wings out and once the fog cleared she was revealed to be the beautiful and talented Songbird Serenade herself. The music played and the pony started singing, showing off her incredibly powerful vocals, which only made Nori squeal all the more.

I fought so hard for your heart

All the way down

And I thought that I could save you from destruction

But I was never in contro-o-ol

Never in control

Fighting another war

No I was never in contro-o-ol

Never in control

Fighting another war

Before she hit the chorus, the neon spirits dropped some balls onto the stage, creating colorfully sparkly smoke bombs and the entire room lit up with bright yellow lights as Songbird and her dancers danced to the lyrics, as did the rest of the audience who also cheered as she performed, only bringing more energy to the number.

Was fist fighting a sandstorm

Now I ain't boxing anymore

I'm letting go and it's beautiful

Fist fighting a sandstorm

Fist fighting a sandstorm

Is a losing battle

Was fist fighting a sandstorm

Fist fighting a sandstorm

Fighting a sandstorm

Iris and her friends danced to the song like the teenagers they were, however Gallant Steed had a bit of trouble keeping up, being the least coordinated dancer out of the group. Ironic, considering he was an airbender, and this could gracefully get through the spinning gates with ease.

However, the real reason Gallant had trouble dancing well was because his eyes kept on darting back to Akari, who was dancing with Iris, Nori, Mai and Chi with such vicarious energy and, surprisingly naturally coordinated moves, he became flustered just by looking.

I was hurting, I couldn't let go

I couldn't leave you

And I told myself, though it was torture

That we'd be push through

"Enjoying the view?" Hiro asked, wiggling his eyebrows while wrapping one arm around his friend's shoulder.

"What? No, I was--I mean I--" Gallant stammered only to sigh in defeat.

"You'll thank me later." Hiro said, before Gallant could so much as utter a syllable, Hiro smoothly danced his way closer to the girls, took Akari by the hand and spun her around, coordinating it to make sure she would stop precisely in front of Gallant. Instinctively, he grabbed her hands once she stopped, giving the impression they were about to dance together.

But I was never in contro-o-ol

Never in control

Fighting another war

No I was never in contro-o-ol

Never in control

Fighting another war

Gallant blushed like crazy and looked up at Hiro, who only gave him a thumbs up as the music continued. Akari, blushing as well, but became more relaxed as she playfully elbowed him and continued to dance to the beat. Gallant was self cautious at first, but when Akari began mimicking airbender moves it helped Gallant gain more confidence and the two danced happily to the song. Gallant would be certain to thank Hiro later.

Was fist fighting a sandstorm

Now I ain't boxing anymore

I'm letting go and it's beautiful

Fist fighting a sandstorm

Fist fighting a sandstorm

Is a losing battle

Was fist fighting a sandstorm

Fist fighting a sandstorm

Fighting a sandstorm

While everyone else enjoyed the show, the security was on high alert. Every single officer in the city was breached about the mysterious creatures supposedly roaming the city, so extra precaution was advised. One of the officers spoke into his walkie talkie to the head of security in charge of the concert.

"All is clear." he said. Static was heard from the other end before a female voice was heard.

"Good. If you catch anything suspicious, even if it's small, alert me immediately."

"Yes, Officer Ali."

With that, the officer ended the call. Ali sighed in relief, knowing that so far everything was going smoothly. She had agreed to take over security at the Songbird concert that night, mainly to keep an eye on her little sister, without being too overbearing. After all, she was her older sister, not their parents. The lizard spirit was hovering over the Performing Arts building, overlooking the area, her gaze landing on the shimmering crystal clear castle on Yue Bay.

(~)

"Farewell, you two." Fluttershy waved with her hoof.

In Ponyville, Fluttershy and Thorax had just finished with one of their own sort of good deeds for the day. The two had just finished helping a family of swans return to their home after an incident with a very rude wolf. The happy feathered pair could finally return to their home, a hope Thorax and Fluttershy had assisted in cleaning up just for them. It was a nice sight, those two swans flying off together, and with their deed handled both went into the cottage of their own home.

"Oh, I'm so happy for them. I hope their new home will be good enough for their chicks." Fluttershy said.

"I'm sure it will be. I took the time to add some extra moss for comfort to their nest. They all will love it." Thorax assured her. Fluttershy sat down, a smile on her face, as Angel bunny hopped up onto Fluttershy's back as they retreated back to Fluttershy's cottage.

"Thank you for all of your help today, Thorax."

"Thank nothing of it. You know I love helping you out."

"I know. I guess, I've been used to taking care of animals mostly on my own, it's still a surprise to have somepony around who's as passionate about animals as I am." she said. Thorax shyly looked to the floor, only for Fluttershy to quickly catch her own words. "In a good way, I mean! Surprising in a good way."

Thorax smiled his signature kind smile. As a changeling, Thorax could take on any form he wished, be it a pony, an animal, a human, even switch back and forth from his more regal form to his current humbler simple changing form. But no matter what form he too, Fluttershy always could recognize him by his smile. She knew it by heart and whenever he gave her that smile, it made her heart go all aflutter.

Thorax started to bit his bottom lip and scratching the back of his neck rather nervously. Thorax was never one who could properly hide his emotions, which was another aspect that set him apart from other changelings before their magical transformation.

"Is everything alright?" Fluttershy asked with deep concern. Even Angel bunny looked at the changeling with the same amount of worry.

"Y-Yes, everything is fine. I just, wanted to ask…" Thorax hesitated before continuing, taking Fluttershy's hoof into his own. "Fluttershy, are you…happy, with this? You know, us?"

"Of course I am! I can't remember when I was ever this happy. Why? Aren't you happy?"

"Of course I am! I-I love you, Fluttershy."

"And I love you too." Fluttershy said with a loving smile, her eyes shimmering. What more was there to be said other than they both like being together? Thorax was enjoying every moment with Fluttershy, and him being a changeling for most of his life, this one was a much needed, and far more peaceful change over what he had before. A life he always wanted, and now had.

"The thing is, I…I wanted to--" Thorax's sentence was cut short by the sound of a twig snapping. Angel's ears perked upwards and leaped from Fluttershy's back, quickly taking a random stick nearby and swinging it as it it were a sword. Both the pegasus pony and the changeling got into defensive positions, upon hearing the sound of an ominous "hissssss".

Both Fluttershy and Thorax kept themselves close as they approached the sound. "It sounded like a snake." Thorax said, his ears flickering.

"That's odd." Fluttershy said, speaking in a very serious and cautious tone. "We already doubled checked the snakes, they're all asleep in their holes."

Before either one could process it, a strange sort of smoke suddenly surrounded the area. A cloud of green engulfed the nighttime field, entering their lungs. Fluttershy knew she had smelled something similar to this long, long ago. However, she never recalled it ever numbing her entire body.

Fluttershy coughed and tried to fan the smoke away with her wings, already feeling week and the thick smoke blocking her view. She immediately noticed Angel bunny, sound asleep. Now she understood why she was starting to feel drowsy. It was knock out gas.

She coughed as she tried to call out to her boyfriend. "Thorax? Thorax, where are you?" she called out, but her eyelids were becoming heavier, her vision blurrier. "Thorax…." she finally collapsed.

For Thorax, the fog was taking slightly longer to take its hold, but it was taking its toll. He finally found Fluttershy, only to loose the feeling in his legs and collapsed beside her. Despite his blurry vision and half consciousness, he caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure looming over them, followed by the sound of a pony's body being dragged across the grass.

Everything went black.

(~)

The second song had ended, and Songbird took a bow. "Hello, Harmony City! Thank you all so much, I am so excited to be here in this gorgeous city just for you. This next song is dedicated to my mentor and role model since I was a filly. Somepony who has been like a mother to me; Countess Coloratura! I never would be where I am today if not for her encouragement, wisdom and friendship. It's a song about all of the wonderful teachers we encounter in our lives who help shape up into who we are today. I invite you all to sing along with me!"

Everyone cheered louder than ever, all except for Iris. While she did clap, she didn't cheer. Songbird's words drifted the young princess back to her mother and what she now knew. The reality of her being the Avatar hit her like a wrecking ball as she looked at her friends.  She really hoped she would live up to the same greatness as the Avatars before her. She was more eager now than ever to inform her friends about what she knew, but bit her tongue once the song started playing.

I've battled monsters that won't let me sleep

Called to the sea but she abandoned me

But you said; never give up, no

Never give up, no, no

No, I won't ever give up, no

Never give up, no, no

Cause you won't let me drown

You lifted me up when I hit the ground

Oh, never give up, no

Never give up, no, no, oh!

You wouldn't let me drown

Now I keep gettin' up when I hit the ground

You told me; Never give up, no

Never give up no, no, oh

I found my way

Heard your voice, lead me home, oh, oh, oh

I found my way

Heard your voice, lead me home, oh, oh, oh

During the chorus, Songbird pointed her microphone towards the audience, where they sang the lyrics alongside her. Nori took the opportunity to showcase her amazing vocals as she sang. For a moment, she could have sworn she saw Songbird smile at the merpony's singing. Thigh, it was a tad hard to tell due to the bangs covering her eyes, but Nori certainly thought so.

However, Akari noticed that Iris wasn't singing, only clapping her hands to the beat. She noticed a shadow of uncertainty clouding her best friend's eyes. It was as if the lyrics were reminding Iris of something else entirely.

Oh, yeah, I was haunted by the distant past

Called to the skies but she was overcast

But you said; never give up, no

Never give up, no, no

No, I won't ever give up, no

Never give up, no, no

"Hey, everything alright?" Akari asked, leaning in close to Iris so she could hear her amongst the music.

"Yeah, I'm okay." Iris replied, but she knew right away she wasn't fooling anyone. "Okay, well, there's something I've been meaning to tell you guys, but I don't think now's a good time."

"Did something happen?"

"No. Well, technically something did happen, but it's nothing to be worried about. Trust me."

"If it's not that important then why were you spacing out?"

"Akari, just leave it alone. I promise, I'll tell you everything later, okay?"

The anthro alicorn hesitantly stepped back. "Alright. I'm trusting you." she said. Hearing those words gave Iris a stinging pain in her chest. She didn't feel right keeping this a secret from her friends, and after she promised her mother. Then again, Korra had been hiding this from Iris for years, so what was the harm of Akari and her friends knew about this? There was no way she was about to make the same mistake her mother did.

(~)

"Phew! Glad that's finally over."

"Ah, don't say that, Rarity. There's nothing you love more than to hand out your hand made dresses to the costumers."

"That is true, Spike. But, even successful fashion icons need a rest."

Rarity had just finished closing up shop, with the assistance of the mid teenage dragon, Spike. At this point, Spike was nearly at the same height was Rarity, shorter by a head, and his voice had gotten deeper. The little baby dragon she knew was no longer a baby. He was developing into a strong and independent young gentleman dragon.

"I really apreciate you coming over to help me clean up shop before closing, Spikey Wikey. Oops!" Rarity quickly covered her mouth. "Sorry, I keep forgetting you're not so little anymore."

Spike shrugged it off. "Eh, that's okay. Besides, you know me, I'm always happy to help you out after my training at Headquarters."

"Well, I appreciate it." Rarity said with a smile as they made their way towards the docks to cross the bridge that led to the Equestrian portal and back to Ponyville.

"Actually, Rarity, would it be alright if I asked you something a bit…well, kind of personal?"

"Of course, darling."

"It's about…this girl and--" Spike was interrupted when Rarity suddenly gasped with delight.

"Spikey, do you have a crush?"

The purple scaled dragon immediately blushed. "Uh, well, you see, I….eh, yeah. I do."

Rarity couldn't help but giggle happily, her blue eyes shimmering like the diamond earrings that dangled from her adorable pony ears. "Ah! I knew this day would come! Who is she? What's her name? Is she a dragon or a pony?"

"Actually, she's….uh…a spirit."

Rarity blinked in surprise. "A spirit? Really? I mean, not to sound racist or anything, it's just a little…well, unexpected. Not, in a bad way, of course."

"No, it's fine. I know it sound kind of strange, but she's actually pretty close to the respite family. She's smart, she's sweet and a lot of fun. We've actually known each other for years, though it wasn't until a few years back when we started becoming real friends and, I realized…I really, really like her."

Rarity's ears perked in thought, only for her to automatically place two and two together. "Wait a minute…Spikey, are you referring to Mika? As in, Korra and Mako's adopted daughter? Ali and San's sister? That Mika?"

Spike nervously tugged on his tail. "Uh…yes?"

Rarity blinked twice before squealing with delight and jogging in place. "AH!! This is wonderful! My little Spikey Wikey has a girlfriend!"

"Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I really want to ask her out, but I'm not sure if she feels the same way. Plus, it'd be kind of weird if I asked out Korra and Mako's daughter, you know?"

"Well, yes, I can definitely understand that, but you two have been getting along swimmingly all this time, and Korra and Mako simply adore you."

"I guess. But, what if she really doesn't like me? Then I'll make a complete fool of myself!"

"Spike, if you truly wish to try a relationship with Mika you should go for it. Believe me, the whole "I'm scared she won't feel the same way" or "I'm afraid it will ruin our friendship" stuff is only the fear talking. I know uncertainty of the future can be terrifying, but nothing is more terrifying than loosing the chance to tell somepony how you feel. If you do, you'll regret it forever."

Spike was silent for a moment before replying. "That sounds like the voice of bitter experience."

Rarity gently turned her gaze away from the dragon. "Perhaps. But, my case is different. There is nothing standing in the way for you."

"Why is your case different?" Spike asked, now turning the tables around, catching the unicorn off guard.

"What do you mean, Spike?"

"Come on, Rarity. You know who I'm talking about. I'm talking about Kombu."

Rarity was starting to rethink her advice from earlier. She was trying to help Spike with his romantic struggles but everything wounded up spinning right back to her.

"Spike, I-"

"Rarity, in all the years we've known each other, you were always the kind of pony who never let anything stand in the way of what she wanted. Now, here you finally meet a pony who you share a real true connection with and yet you're too scared to walk through that door. We all already know just how much Kombu likes you, believe me, so really what's stoping you from at least asking him?"

Rarity bit her bottom lip. "Because…because I can't give him and Nori what they need."

"What are you talking about?"

"I mean, I can't--" before Rarity could finish, a metallic ball came rolling at their feet, unleashing the same thick green smoke that knocked out Fluttershy and Thorax. Rarity and Spike coughed before the gas did its work and the two fell to the ground, sound asleep. The slumber caused Rarity to spontaneously revert back to her pony form

A shadowing figured loomed over the two, placing Spike near a lamp post before hoisting Rarity onto his back and ran off into the darkened alley ways of the city.

(~)

The lights lit up and Songbird gave one final wave to her audience. "All right, everybody, we're going to be taking a short break, but don't go too far because the fun's only just begun!"

"I love you Songbird Serenade!" Nori screamed at the top of her lungs, to which the pop singer herself blew a kiss followed by a peace sign in the merpony's direction. Nori's excitement intensified and she squealed even louder than before, nearly making the rest of her friends def.

Once Songbird left the stage, the lights surrounding the room lit up, and several fans exited to get some drinks or snacks. As for the group, they were still wiggling their fingers into their ears, trying to recuperate from Nori's bloodcurdling screaming.

"Thanks! I'll send you the bill for my new hearing aid." Gallant said, his voice slightly raised, either due to annoyance or because he could hardly hear his own voice.

Nori took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself but there was diminishing her smile. "Sorry, sorry, but did you see that? Songbird Serenade actually noticed me!"

"Are you sure?" Mai asked, finally able to hear clearly again. "Because with those bangs it's kind of hard to tell really."

"I'm telling you, she totally noticed me!"

Iris chuckled. "Good for you, Nori." her eyes then shifted over to Akari, who kept on eyeing her almost through the entire song. The human alicorn knew she had already opened up a can of worms once she gave Akari the idea that she was hiding something. Knowing Akari would never be at ease unless she knew Iris was, and Iris herself knew now she would be focused solemnly on this topic unless she did something, decided to take this intervention to do so.

"Well, I'm gonna go and get some drinks." she said, nodding her head to Akari.

"Oh, if you're doing a snack run too, I'm all about the popcorn!" Hiro said.

"Yeah, sure."

"I'll go with you." Akari said, following her best friend out. However, Chi quickly noticed something was off, and once the others took notice, they all silently agreed.

Once they were out in the hallway, Iris sighed. "Okay, I knew telling you something was on my mind was opening a can of worms."

"I just want to know if everything is okay."

"I know, Kars, and I apreciate it, but, this isn't something I want other people to know just yet."

"Know what?"

Iris and Akari flinched once they heard Chi's voice from behind them. The wisp leaned casually against the wall, with the others right beside her. "What are you guys doing?"

"Following you." Chi replied rather smugly. "What's going on with you two?"

Iris face palmed herself and groaned in frustration right before taking in a deep breath. "Okay. We've got like, then minutes before the next song, so…"

(~)

Iris led her friends outside, particularly to one of the balconies of the building, where nobody could hear them. The rest of the city could be seen from where they stood, but the six friend's primary focus was on Iris, who had just finished explaining everything to them.

"So, that's pretty much it…" Iris bit her bottom lip, expecting her friends to say something. Mai, Nori, Gallant and Hiro all had their mouth's open, aside from Akari and Chi.

"Then, it wasn't just a dream." Akari said in a half whisper. Because she was standing so close to Iris she heard her words clear as crystal.

"Wait, you knew about this?" Iris asked, her voice slightly rising.

"Well, not entirely. All I remember was you passing out after breaking the Twilight Blade, but after that some of the things that happened felt fuzzy. I thought I saw you bending the four elements, but I thought it was just a dream, so I didn't think much of it." Akari's pony ears lowered in regret. "Iris, I'm really sorry. I swear, if I had known--"

"Akari, I'm not mad." Iris said. "I figured if anybody else knew no doubt my parents told them to keep it low key." Iris turned her attention to the wisp, who was bitting her bottom lip and nervously fiddling with a strand of her blue hair. "Chi…."

The wisp sighed in defeat. "I'm sorry, Petals. I really did want to tell you, but I kind of agreed you still needed some time until you were ready to handle it."

Iris tilted her head back in frustration. "Why does everybody keep saying that? I can handle it just fine!"

"Okay, okay, calm down." Hiro said, "Don't go setting the place on fire or summoning and earthquake. Wait, can you do that now?"

Mai rolled her eyes and hit her brother upside the head. "Bro, not helping!"

"No, no, it's fine." Iris said, looking downcast. "I'm sorry. I really wanted to tell you guys, but I didn't want to ruin the night and my mom said she didn't want me telling anybody just yet." she said the last part somewhat bitterly. She then rubbed her temples. "Everything's been so…overwhelming, I mean one minute I'm excited about it, then I'm mad, then scared and confused and--GAH!" the poor princess hung her head in dismay, only to have Akari place a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, it's okay. Everything is going to be alright." Akari said sweetly. "And besides, you didn't ruin the night."

"So, you're not freaked out?"

"Why would we be freaked out, Starfish?" Nori asked with a smile. "I mean, yes, this is very surprising, but at the same time not so much. As we merponies say; The tentacle doesn't fall far from the octopus." upon hearing this, everybody's mouths hung open.

Chi spoke first, "Uh, Nori, please never say that phrase again. Ever."

Gallant only shook his head and approached Iris, also placing a hand on her shoulder. "Iris, it doesn't matter to us if you're the Avatar or not."

"Gallant is right." Akari said, "We're your best friends, we love you no matter what you are."

Just letting her friends in on her new discovery definitely lifted a huge weight off of Iris's shoulders. She breathed in and out in relief. "Thanks you guys. Just don't let my parents find out I did, though."

"Oh, don't worry about that." Hiro said with a casual wave of his wrist, "I love Aunt Korra and Uncle Mako, but they scare me." his eyes darted back and forth nervously. "Don't tell them I said that."

As always, Iris couldn't help but giggle at her cousin's humor. Chi nervously fiddled with her fingers. "So…we good?"

Iris only replied by hugging the wisp. "Yeah, we're good."

Nori couldn't help but gush over the scene. "Awww! Group hug! Come on, everybody, group hug right now!" nobody protested in rallying together and embraced the human alicorn princess. Nori was the first to break away once the alarm on her geo-phone went off.

"AH! We gotta get back! the next song's about to start! Move, move, move, move!" with her remarkable strength, Nori managed to shove literally everyone, except Chi who slipped away easily thanks to her ghost-like abilities, back into the building. Chi followed quickly after and the audience's cheering could be heard from the now empty balcony.

(~)

Twilight washed the last dish and placed them back into the cabinet where they belonged. She and Flash had just finished having a late dinner together, the pegasus stallion cleaning up the table afterwards. Twilight looked at the clock on the wall.

"Where is Spike? He should be back by now."

"He's probably hanging out with his police academy pals." Flash said, trying to ease his wife's worry.

"Without calling first? That's not like him." Twilight levitated her geo-phone and dialed Spike's number, only to once again receive just the voice mail. "He's still not answering."

"Hang on, let me try." Flash pulled out his own geo phone with his mouth and used his hooves to dial Spike's number. Just like with Twilight, all he got was the voice mail, which was now full. It definitely wasn't like Spike to leave every message from either Flash or Twilight unanswered.

"Okay, now this is getting suspicious." Flash said.

The two ponies's ears perked upwards in alarm at the sound of a crash coming from the main hallway. "What was that?" Twilight asked suspiciously.

Together, husband and wife exited the kitchen and carefully made their way down the halls. The sounds from before faded into obscurity, only to be broken by the sound of soft animal-like growling.

"Timber? Timber Spruce, is that you boy?" Flash asked, calling out to his daughter's pet timber wolf.

It didn't take long for the sound of distressed howling to be heard not far from across the hallway. The two immediately galloped ahead towards the sound, only to stop in the main throne room to see the timber wolf being tossed around like a rag doll. The wooden creature collided with the wall and whimpered. Twilight rushed to his side, petting the poor creature's head in concern. Both Twilight and Flash gasped to see a shadowy figure, larger than Timber himself, his body entirely covered in hair and snarled at the two. Its eyes were the color of mist, and yet given his posture seemed to know exactly where the two ponies were. Twilight activated her magical horn and shot a beam of magenta colored fire at the creature, onto to have it stomp its paw onto the ground, causing a fissure of the earth to rise upwards and block her attack.

Twilight gasped in confusion. Did that creature just…earthbend? And in her own castle?!

The mysterious monster lunged itself at Twilight, only to be knocked down by Flash Sentry's brute force once he rammed into him, kicking the creature straight in the muzzle with his back legs. Both alicorn and pegasus stallion took defensive positions, their nostrils flaring and their hooves stomping in a threatening manner.

The couple and the beast attacked, with Twilight sending fire blasts at the creature. Spotting his sword hanging on the highest part of the castle, Flash grabbed it with his mouth and began flying around the creature, slicing his weapon at it. He managed to cut the left side of its leg, which only made it angrier by the looks of it. The beast let out a blood curling howl which almost left both ponies deff, only for the beast to stomp its paws to the ground and rise the earth upwards, destroying the perfectly polished floor of the castle and trap Flash Sentry in an earth prison from the neck down. He dropped his sword in the process, unable to defend himself.

Thankfully, Twilight blasted at the beast, blocking it away from her husband with a force field and broke Flash free of his imprisonment. He quickly grabbed the sword and the continued attacking the beast. Timber Spruce, finally having recovered from his fall, lunged at the beast, bitting onto its back with his powerful wooden teeth which left splinters on his fur. The beast slapped the annoying timber pup off of his body, only for Twilight to levitate him safely back to the ground.

Flash kicked the creature again, and it stumbled forward, hitting the wall, It was then, they realized the creature was carrying some kind of bag around it, which broke off and landed on the floor. Seeing his chance, the beast moved his paw up and down and a metallic ball from the bag opened up, unleashing a powerful smoke which engulfed the throne room. Twilight and Flash coughed and tried to fan the smoke away, but it was already too late.

The two ponies fell unconscious to the floor, as did the poor Timber Spruce, who shimmered at the beast, begging in his own canine language not to harm them.

"... I'm sorry. Rest well ..."

(~)

After the concert, the fans were given the chance to take pictures and get autographs from Songbird Serenade backstage. After that, Nori was leaping for joy, still staring at the picture she took with her favorite singer on her geo-phone.

"Best. Night. Ever!" the merpony cheered, leaping up into the air. "I still can't believe we actually saw, and took a picture with Songbird Serenade!"

"Yeah, and you didn't pass out." Chi said, right before smiling smugly at Hiro. "Pay up."

Hiro casually pulled out his wallet and handed the wisp her twenty dollars. "Ha! Jokes on you, I'm still loaded."

"Oh, we didn't agree on money." Chi pointed out with a smug of her own, which caused Hiro to widen his eyes.

"Din't we?" he said, his voice rising high a bit, indicating his nervousness.

"Have fun cleaning up my locker for the next two weeks." Chi said, ruffling Hiro's hair before zipping away.

"But you keep everything in there! It'll take a bulldozer just to find a pen!"

"Then you shouldn't have made that bet!" Chi called out, making Hiro hang his head in disappointment.

Iris pulled out her geo-phone to see the time. "I should be getting back home. Thanks you guys." Iris hugged Akari and the rest of her friends before flying off into the night.

It didn't take long for her to arrive back to Air Temple Island. However, as she hovered over the normally peaceful island, the young princess was horrified to see that several airbenders had been knocked out and left on the ground.

Iris landed just when the airbenders started to regain consciousness. The closest to her was Tenzin's youngest son, Rohan.

"Ro! What happened?" Iris asked in a desperate tone as she helped the nineteen-year-old stand back up.

Rohan groaned, his vision cloudy. "I-Iris? I…I don't know. We heard a commotion, a break in. There was smoke everywhere…"

"A break in?" Iris's eyes widened in horror once she saw that the doors to her castle home had been opened wide. Once Rohan was back on his feet, Iris made a mad dash towards the castle, calling out for her parents.

"Mom! Dad!" she gasped upon seeing what had become of her once welcoming and cozy household. The couch was torn to pieces, cuffs of cotton and fabric adorned the door, windows were broken, the crystal pieces cracked underneath Iris's shoes as she walked further inside. Kitchen utensils where everywhere and the kitchen and coffee tables had been flip over. Vases and pictures hanging on the wall had been shattered. Iris crunched down to pick up the remains of a family portrait of herself and her parents from when she was ten.

The sound of whimpering canines caught her attention and, behind the already destroyed sofa, were Naga and Akhlut, laying on the floor, tired, worn and with scratches and bite marks on their bodies.

"Naga! Akhlut! What happened?" she asked, though she knew it was in vain since her beloved family pets could never fully tell her what had happened. Her breathing accelerated as did her heart beat, she spun around, trying desperately to search for her parents. She flew at top speed towards the bedrooms, bursting in in hopes of seeing them.

"Mom!? Daddy!?" she called out, her voice cracking as tears began to spill from her eyes. Their bedroom was untouched, except for the covers which had been messed up. Iris returned to the kitchen, still calling for her parents.

"MOM! DAD!! SOMEBODY!!"

Underneath the couch, Iris spotted something that truly made her heart shatter. An old and worn red velvet fabric laid on the floor. Bits of broken glass covered its surface but Iris was careful when removing it, though she really didn't care if she did get cuts.

She held her father's scarf in her grasp as the newly recovered Akhlut and Naga sat beside her, whimpering in sadness while the princess broke down to her knees, crying as she gripped the scarf tightly.