The Elements of Nature, Book 1

by The Avenger

Rating: teen
Tags: Other, Romance, Original Character, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark
Length: 29269

Seven continents, 100+ countries, five ponies, one destiny.

It's been a crazy ride for Twilight and her friends, from Nightmare Moon, to Discord, to the Changelings and King Sombra, to Twilight becoming a Alicorn. But now, when a Unicorn that can control fire arrives in their lives ... everything changes as the hut for the Elements of Nature begins.

Published 2013-02-20 00:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-02-20 00:20:02 UTC

Chapter 1, The Fire Inside

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic belongs to Hasbro and the Hub.
Avatar: The Last Airbender belongs to Nickelodeon
The Elements of Nature trilogy originally belong to Superior-Doc-Fossil, whom I asked and gained permission from to repost and update. For original story, click here.
All right belongs to them

Story by: Superior-Doc-Fossil
Cover art: Robsa990
Posted and edited by: The Avenger

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

The Elements of Nature, Book 1
Chapter 1, The Fire Inside

Lightning, Air, Water, Earth, Fire

Long ago, before the regal wing unicorn sisters were born, the world was protected by a powerful being called the Avatar. The Avatar was the only one able to control all the Elements of Harmony at once, but he is also able to control their counterparts, the Elements of Nature. Only five of the Elements of Nature are known, the known ones being fire, water, earth, lighting, and air. Like the Elements of Harmony, the Elements of Nature have a physical form, but they are also part of the Avatar’s spirit. Because of this, he or she is able to control each element with relative ease, even if they are thousands of miles apart. The Avatar is also the only one who can communicate to the Spirit World, listening to the Spirits’ guidance to keep balance in the world. Whenever the Avatar dies, his or her spirit is reincarnated into a new body, each time he becomes one of the 4 types of ponies in a cycle in this order: Unicorn, Earth Pony, Pegasus, and Alicorn. Then one day, for no clear reason, the last Avatar, vanished ... with no trace. No one knows what happened to him. An ancient prophecy states that he will return, but in five different bodies, each representing a different element. Most have considered the Avatar and benders, creatures who are able to control one of the elements only, as a bedtime story, but some believe he will return one day to return balance ... and that day has finally come.

In the Ponyville library, and Unicorn turned Alicorn named Twilight Sparkle is busy packing. It has been a day since her coronation, and both her and her friends are still shock at the recent turn of events. Twilight is putting away some photos of her and her friends when suddenly, Rainbow Dash comes flying in. “Twilight, how’s your packing coming along?”

“Good.” Twilight answered her friend as she lands.

“We’re almost done with your Going Away Party, and we even got some entertainment.”

“Really. What?”

“Well, you are not gonna believe this. This magician, who’s a Unicorn, is from a town in a place called Abysus.”

“So?”

“So? He can make fire do whatever he wants. He can actually be in an inferno and not even get signed.” Rainbow said, impressed by the newcomers abilities.

“Okay, now I'm interested. Let’s go.” Twilight and Rainbow then head to the outdoor theater, where they're joined by Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. Almost every other pony in Ponyville is also there attending the party, along with Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Twilight’s father Night Light, Twilight’s stepmother Twilight Velvet, Shining Armor and Cadence, are waiting for the guest of honor.

“Cadence!” A very excite Twilight said as she sees her old foulsitter.

“Twilight!” Cadence said as the two do a quick hug before ... “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” The two said with a little laugh. Just then, Twilight gets a big hug from her family, which she returns.

“Twilight, I'm so proud of you.” Night Light said to his daughter, on the verge of tears. “And I know that your sister would be proud too.”

“Thanks dad.” Twilight said as she begins to cry, remembering her now deceased older sister.

“Allll righty then.” Pinkie said as she heads for a DJ table and pulls out DJ Pon-3 from underneath. “Let’s get this party started!” Pinkie said as the two play some music, which everypony dances too, except a flame red Unicorn on the stage, who just looks at Twilight as she dances with her friends and family.

“She’s beautiful.” He said as he stares at the Unicorn turned Alicorn.

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

“So, y’all know who this colt is?” Applejack asked after most of the festivities were over, with it almost being dark.

Rarity then takes a look at the poster. “According to the poster for his act, his name is Firebrand the Firebender. Huh, catchy.”

“Oh, I bet he’s Spitfire’s cousin.” Pinkie said in her own crazy way.

“I don’t think Spitfire has a cousin from a country called Abysus.”

“Rainbow has a point there.” They all turn around and see that the Wonderbolts are standing right behind them, Spitfire among them.

“OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygoshOhmygosh” Rainbow said before fainting.

“What are y’all doing here in little o’ Ponyville?” Apple Bloom asked.

“We were flying nearby when we heard about the party and show and decided to check it out.” Spitfire answered.

“Hey, everypony!” Sweetie Belle cried out “The show is about to start!” Soon all the ponies in the area turn toward the stage. Rainbow gets up just in time to see what's going on. On the stage, fire begins to envelop it but it suddenly disperses revealing a stallion unicorn, at least a year older than Twilight, with a flame red coat, his mane and tail are orange and charcoal black eyes. His cutie mark is a ball of fire.

“Mares and gentlecolts, I am Firebrand, the Firebender.” The red Unicorn said as he takes some fire from a torch, condenses it into a ball, and as it explodes, three white doves fly out, completely unharmed. This causes the crowd to applaud, even Celestia whistles at this. A few hours later after dusk, Firebrand finishes his performance with taking some fire and shooting them up at the sky making fireworks.

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

Later at Sugarcube Corner, Twilight, her friends, her brother, Cadence, Celestia and Luna are having dinner (on Pinkie’s treat of course), talking about the party. “That was the best party ever!” Twilight said as she has some leftover cake.

“It was super-duper-awesome-rific!” Pinkie said, getting stares from the others. “Oh, oh, there's Firebrand!” Pinkie said as she pointed out the window, to see Firebrand starting a fire in front of the theater.

At this, Twilight quickly gets up and heads for the door, but stops when she hears ... “What are you doing, Twiley?” Shining Armor asked.

“I want to talk to him.” Twilight answered. “And I’m sure I'm not the only one intrigued by his firebending.” She said as her friends get up also, until all 10 of them are outside, walking toward Firebrand, who has just finished. “Ugh ... Hello.” Twilight said, slightly startling Firebrand.

“Oh, hello.” He said, not at all fazed by the fact he is talking to four Alicorns. “Is there something I can help you with?”

“Yes, mister Brand.” Rarity said.

“Please, call me Fire.'”

“OK, Fire.’” Twilight said, liking Fire’ more every minute. “Tell us about yourself.” She said as they all sit around the fire, excited to hear how he does his firebending.

Fire’ hesitates for a moment, but decides he needs to tell someone his life story eventually. “Isn’t much to tell really,” Fire’ said as he begins his tale. “My family lived in a small town in Abysus called Bellwood. My parents were both blacksmiths who lived in the forged. When I was born, I was named Firebrand, while my twin brother was named Black Cloud. My mom then just disappeared a day later, and my father never told me way, then, my brother was kidnaped.”

“Kidnaped, by who?” Celestia asked.

“I don’t know. Those were the first two losses in my life, and they won’t be the last.” Fire' sadly said.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“Well, when I was 11, I lost my older sister to a psychopath. Not long after, I became fascinated with fire, as a way to help filled the void. I wanted to know everything I could about it. Eventually, I discovered that I can actually control fire just by concentrating and moving my limbs.” He said as he demonstrates by taking a small spark and enlarging it.

“Then my cutie mark showed up the next day. Eventually, when I was 13, the village elders discovered what I can do and called my father to a meeting. I wanted to know what they were talking about, so I went to a window and listened to what they were saying."

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

"Firebrand needs to have freedom and fun. He needs to grow up as a normal colt." Firebrands father augured.

"He needs to be taken to the capital so we can know if he's a mutant or not."

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

"All I want is what is best for him. He's my only son, and all the family I have left." Draco defended.

"I’m sorry, but you and Firebrand must be separated! The colt will be sent away to the capital to see if he's a mutant." The elder said, not at all aware that a completely shocked Firebrand is outside the window.

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

“That's awful, Fire.' I don't know what to say.” Twilight replied.

“I couldn't believe it either.” Fire’ said as he stands up and turns around. “How could they do that to me?! They wanted to take away everything I knew and everypony I loved!” The fire then becomes extremely intense and anyone near it nearly catches on fire.

“Whoa! Hot cinders!” Rainbow said as she puts out some smoke on her tail.

“I'm sorry I got so mad.” Fire' said.

“You have the right to be angry after the elders sent you away like that.” Shining Armor said. “I know I would be.”

“Well, that's not exactly what happened.” Fire’ admitted. “I was afraid, confused. I didn't know what to do.”

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

Firebrand is looking out the window of his bedroom as Draco walks to Firebrand’s bedroom and opens the door with his magic. “Fire,' I'm not going to let them take you away from me. Firebrand?” Draco opens the door some more, and spots a scroll on the bed and opens it. The scroll says, “Father, I’m sick of being treated like a freak.” He then gasps, and sees a storm coming outside the window as a storm begins to form, while in the nearby forest, Firebrand is running toward a train and gets on before it gets too fast while the rain pores.

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

“I never saw him alive again.” Fire’ said as he sheds a tear.

“So, you ran away.” Cadence said.

“Yeah, and after a whole year, I returned home out of guilt. But when I got there, everything was in ashes. I searched for somepony I knew, but I only found bones. I went back to the forged. It look like it was ransacked. When I went to my father's room, I found his body. I found his diary and went to the last entry.

A month before I went back, everypony in town got a strange black letter. It said to turn over the firebender. Then a few days later a small army arrived and destroyed everything in its path. My father’s last entry was to me. It said that he was proud of what I am, and told me that with great power comes great responsibility.

Eventually I became a sideshow going to different countries and kingdoms. I adopted the name Firebender because it seemed to fit. While I was in a country called Hoenn, I was informed that Abysus, my home, was destroyed by the Fire Nation. I realized then that they must be looking for me.”

“Wait, does that mean you're the last of your kind?” Twilight asked.

“In a sense, yes. I am the last pony from Abysus.”

“Whut about yer firebendin'? Kin yo' tell us how it wawks?” Applejack asked.

“Sorry, but that's just as much of a mystery to me just as much as its to you.”

“You don’t know how it works, despite the fact you had it for your whole life.” Rainbow said, slightly shocked.

“I know its hard to explain, but I just know when I'm using it and when I'm not.” Fire’ said as he begins to cry.

“Are you all right?” Twilight asked.

“No. You don’t know what's it like for me. Can you even imagine what's it like to be a freak! To know that your whole family is dead! I don't even know who or what I am! I never have.”

“I can help you figure that out.” Twilight said, getting stares from the others.

“You ... you can?”

“Yeah. We can all look at the royal archives tomorrow and try to find something.”

“All right.” Fire’ said as he walks up to Twilight.

“We haven’t been properly introduced.” Twilight said. “I’m Twilight Sparkle. This here is my older brother, Shining Armor.” Twilight said as she gestures to Shining Armor, who gets up and gives Fire’ a hoof shake.

“Nice to meet you. This is Cadence.” Shining said as Cadence does the same.

“Right, and these are, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie.” Twilight said and she gestures to her friends. “And finally, his is Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”

“Nice to meet you.” Celestia said as she and Luna get a respectful bow from Fire.’

“It’s an honor. Thank you for your help.” Fire’ said as he gets out some marshmallows.

“Oh, marshmallows! Time for s'mores!” Pinkie said as she pulls out some chocolate from a nearby tree, causing the group to laugh.

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

The next morning, at the town square, Fire,’ Spike, Twilight, Celestia and Luna are waiting for the others. “Where are they?” Fire’ asked.

“Who?” Twilight asked, pretty sure he’s not talking about Rainbow, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rarity.

“Your brother and Cadence.”

"Oh. There probably back at the Crystal Empire by now.” Twilight said.

“Oh, I have heard of that place.” Fire’ said as Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rainbow, Rarity and Applejack arrive, accompanied by Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo.

“Why are they here?” Twilight asked.

“They kind of heard us last night and they wanted to come along.” Rainbow replied.

“They want to come.” Fire’ said. “I think they might be a big help.” Fire’ said as he gets onto a chariot. The others soon get on and they all fly off to Canterlot. “Finally,” Firebrand thought to himself. “I’m getting some answers.”

Chapter 2, Everything Changes

The Elements of Nature, Book 1
Chapter 2, Everything Changes

At the archives, Twilight and her friends, Firebrand, the CMC, Celestia and Luna are looking through them to find some clues. “Nothing but spells that have nothing to do with fire.” Twilight said after a few hours.

“We need to keep looking, I have a feeling that something in here will help.” Firebrand replied as Bastion Yosets, one of the judges at Twilight's entrance exam, arrives to help.

“I’v found somethin’!” Apple Bloom called from the other end of the archives. She is then joined by others.

“What is it, Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo asked.

Apple Bloom is looking at a large red book with magic symbols on it. “I think it's some kind of revilement spell.”

“A spell of revilement? What does it do?” Rarity asked.

“I don’t know. But it says here that it takes a lot of concentration for it to work.” Apple Bloom said.

“I can do that at the opened fields near Canterlot.” Twilight said.

“OK, but can you do it as soon as possible?” Firebrand asked.

“Sure. Princess, can you keep looking for some clues?” Twilight asked her former mentor.

“Of course.” Celestia said.

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

Out in the filed, Twilight is drawing a pentagram on the ground with chalk. Once she’s done, she takes out five candles and places them at each of the five different points. “Is it almost done?” Fire’ asked.

“Just about.”

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

Back at the royal archives, Celestia, Luna and some archivists, continue to searched. “Twilight and Fire’ make a lovely couple, don’t they?” Luna said to her older sister.

“Yes, they do.” Celestia said as Bastion Yorsets, finds a strange scroll. He opens it and finds a diagram of six different crystals, one of which looks like Firebrand’s cutie mark. The others look like a wave of water, another looks like a rock, the third looks like a lightning bolt, the fourth looks like a tornado, but the last one is unrecognizable. With the crystals, there are symbols that he can’t read. The symbols are, 火, 水, 土, 雷, and 气. He also notices that there are diagrams of not only controlling fire, but ones involving water, earth, lightning, and air, and that everything is in a different language.

“Princess, I believe I found something.” Yorsets then shows the scroll to Celestia.

“Interesting, do you know what it says Bastion?”

“No, but I will have it translated right away.” Bastion then quickly leaves to find the translators.

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

Meanwhile, Fire’ is in the middle of the pentagram Twilight drew with all the candles lit. Twilight is outside the pentagram concentrating as her horn begins to glow. “Come on now, y'all. Lets give her some space. She needs to concentrate.” Applejack said to the others, so they step back a little.

The pentagram begins to glow and there's a flash of bright light. When its gone, the only things left are the candles, still lit, Twilight and Firebrand. “Well,” Twilight said, “did it work?”

“I...” Fire’ painfully said, “Don't know. It feels ... like my head is splitting apart!” Suddenly, his eyes begin to glow red along with his mane and tail.

“Whats happening to him.” Rainbow asked with fear in her voice. The fire on the candles then begin to flicker faster and soon a whirlwind begins to form. The wind kicks up and forms a sphere around Firebrand; his eyes and tattoos still glowing brightly.

“FIREBRAND!” Twilight yelled out as he begins to float in the air. Then a strong beam of red light shots out from his horn into the sky.

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

On a warship around the size of Sugarcube Corner, in a river in the Everfree Forest, the beam does not go unnoticed. “Finally!" A young Earth Pony stallion said. His coat is charcoal black while his mane and tail, which is a ponytail, are flame red along with his eyes. His cutie mark is a piece of burning wood. "Uncle, do you realize what this means?!”

He said to another Earth Pony stallion at least a few years younger than Granny Smith. He has a black coat and dark gray eyes. His cutie mark is a tile with a white lotus on it. His mane and tail are varying shades of gray, indicating his age. The stallion is playing some sort of card game. He answers calmly while looking over the tile he's holding toward his nephew. "I won't get to finish my game?"

"It means my search is about to end." The younger Earth Pony said. The older stallion then just sighs uninterested. "That light is coming from an incredibly powerful source! It has to be one of them!"

"Or it's just the celestial lights from the Crystal Empire. We're taking a big risk being in Equestria. Celestia and Luna, especially Luna, won't be pleased to see Fire Nation ponies here." The older stallion said. He then looks at the tile in his hoof that depicts a symbol of firebending, which is stylized, tulip-shaped flame forked into three tongues that curve outward like flower petals, with a spiral at the base.

"I also don't want you to get too excited over nothing." He then places it on another tile that depicts the symbol of airbending, which is a closed, counterclockwise, inverted triple spiral triskele. The other three tiles have either a circle comprising a stylized rightward-facing ocean wave with three spiral crests breaking over three wavy diagonal lines representing water, a tall rough isosceles trapezoidal shape, the base of which is made up of the Bagua trigram Kun, denoting earth. Inside, at the top, is a spiral running left. Or a thunder-cloud with lightning bolts coming out of it.

The older stallion then gestures toward the open place at the other side of the table and continues in a soothing voice. "Please, sit. Why don't you enjoy a cup of calming Jasmine tea?"

"I don't need any calming tea! I need to capture one of the Avatars!" The young Earth Pony said out of pure rage. "Helmsmare, head a course for the light!"

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

Back at the castle, Celestia & Luna see the light. “Why do I get the feeling that Twilight’s spell went horribly wrong?” Celestia said.

“Lets go!” Luna said before flying off toward the light, her sister in tow.

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

In a corridor, Bastion Yorsets is still studying the scroll when the letters begins to glow bight blue, surprising the Unicorn. "What the hay!?" Was all Bastion could say as the light intensifies.

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

In a temple in the Himalayas, an old unicorn is meditating in front of a painting of a Pegasus with a green coat and a blue mane. She also has gold yellow fans in her front hoofs. The eyes of the mare then begin to glow white. The light is so strong that it castes a long shadow on his face. “It is time.” He said.

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

At the North Pole, another temple is glowing bluish white, as some pegasi are watching. "Why is the ancient water temple glowing?" A mare asked.

"I think I know." A stallion said.

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

In an island nation, at another temple, its roof is glowing with a reddish light. Inside the temple, a Sage is leaning out a room where the light is emanating from. "Send word to the Fire Lord immediately! The Avatar has returned!" He yelled to another Sage. The expression on the recipient Sage's face then turns to one of fright

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

At the field, Twilight and the others try to snap Fire’ out. They tried rain, magic, even throwing stones, but nothing works. Just when Rainbow suggest Twilight kisses Fire,’ the Princesses arrive. “What is going on here?” Luna asked them.

“We don’t know. I tried the spell, then he just started to float and this started. We tried everything but nothing works!” Twilight said as Celestia steps forward.

“Stand back.” She tried to make the ... whatever it is to stop, but when she tries she gets knocked back by a blast of fire, but she doesn't get hurt. Luna then goes to her sister to see if she's okay as the others begin to yell out Firebrand’s name.

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

Meanwhile, in a strange forest, Firebrand opens his eyes when he hears Twilight calling his name. “FIREBRAND!” His name begins to echo around him. The forest he's in is like a forest tigers live in. Theres a fog that obscures what appeasers to be a cave with lanterns. He walks toward the entrance.

While looking around inside, a head of a dragon pops out from the mist, startling Fire.’ “The Avatar?” The dragon said, “Where have you been?” Firebrand then begins to hear his friends calling out to him.

“Fire’!”

“Firebrand!”

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

Firebrand begins to float down and when he lands he passes out. “Firebrand!” Twilight yelled as she runs up to him

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

Later at Ponyville, Fire’ wakes up in the Apple Family barn at Sweet Apple Acres and sees that the others are right next to him. “What happen?”

“Thats what we were going to ask you.” Luna said.

“I don’t know.” Fire’ said as he gets up and takes some water. “I wasn't sure if it was a dream or not. I was in this strange forest, I went into a cave and I saw this dragon.”

“A dragon.” Fluttershy nervously said.

“Yes, but it wasn't like others.It talked to me, calling me the Avatar.” Fire’ said, surprising the group. “Do you guys know what that means.”

The normally all-knowing Celestia only said one thing, “Not a clue.”

Fire’ gets up and notices that his hooves, which used to be orange, now have a flame pattern going up slightly beyond his ankle. His orange mane and tail have change too, gaining red highlights. “What happened to me?”

“We don’t know. They were like that after what happened last night.” Twilight said as she sits down next to Fire.’ Just then, Cheerilee comes running in with Big Mac and some of her students.

“Miss Cheerilee? Big Mac? What are y’all doing?” Applejack asked.

“Some strangers came into town with, well, I'm pretty sure tanks. I wanted my students to be somewhere safe. So I ask Big Mac if we can be in the barn until its safe.” Cheerilee said as more of her students come in.

As usual, Fluttershy acted in her own way. “Strangers!” She then hides at the top of the barn.

“Stay here, we’ll see what they want.” Twilight said to Firebrand and the CMC. She and the others then left with Celestia, Luna, Cadance, and Shining. Sweetie Belle then walks up to Fire,’ carrying her bag.

“Uh, Fire,’ I wanted to give you this to make you feel better about what happened last night.” She opens her saddle bag and then gives him a dark red cape with a hood with gold silk under it. On top of it there's a flame design that's like his cutie mark in gold silk.

“Thanks Sweetie.” He then puts it on along with the hood, it perfectly hides his cutie mark, mane and tail, like Zecora's.

“Rarity is going to kill you for taking the gold silk again.” Scootaloo pointed out.

“I know.”

Chapter 3, Zuko

The Elements of Nature, Book 1
Chapter 3, Zuko

At the town square, everypony in Ponyville is gathering as earth ponies in black armor and helmets that cover most of their faces are moving throw the streets, followed by the same colt who saw the beam of light from last night. “It can’t be a coincidence that when you try that spell, a light shots up into the sky last night, and now these guys show up with their tanks.” Rainbow quietly said to Twilight.

Celestia and Luna then walk up to the colt. Celestia spoke first. “I am Princess Celestia, Co-ruler of Equestria with Princess Luna. Who are you and why have you come?”

“I am Prince Zuko." the colt responded. "Son of Fire Lord Ozai and heir to the Fire Nation Throne! Bring me all your elderly and newcomers!”

Rainbow and Applejack are about to tackle him when Luna steps in between. “Don’t,” she said, “its best not to anger the Fire Nation.”

Soon the residents of Ponyville are bringing the old and any newcomers to Zuko. He then points to one of his guards. “You, check the barn.” Granny Smith is among the ones to be brought up.

“What in tarnation is going on here?” She asked.

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

The guard that went to the barn opens the door and sees only Big Mac, Cheerilee, and the foals. However, before he leaves, he sees a colt older than the students but younger than Zuko among them. He can tell he doesn't look like he's from Equestria and walks to him and removes his hood. Its Firebrand. He sees his mane and tail. He then begins to take him to Zuko.

“All right, quit shoving, I’m going.” He puts his hood back on before they leave.

After they leave, Sweetie Belle is the only one to speak, “Why would they take Firebrand?”

“Lets find out.” Apple Bloom answered from behind. Both Sweetie and Scootaloo turn around and see she's at the wall and moves a board out-of-the-way. “Come on.” She leaves and the other two follow.

“How are we gonna get to the town square?” Scootaloo asked Apple Bloom.

“I know a short cut.”

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

At the center of town, the guard brings Firebrand to Zuko. Twilight sees them, “Firebrand?” she said.

“They must want him for some reason.” Rainbow said.

They stop right in front of Zuko. “Your scaring these ponies.” Firebrand said. Zuko then takes off his hood and sees his mane.

“Who are you? What's your name?!” Zuko asked.

“I don’t need to tell you anything, hothead.” Fire' responded.

“Soldiers!” The soldiers then walk up to them, flamethrowers in hand (metaphorically speaking). “I’m taking you to my ship. If you don’t come, I’ll burn down this village, despite the fact Celestia and Luna are here.”

“I’ll go with you. Just don’t hurt anypony.” They than walk to the tank. Twilight almost follows them but stops when a soldier fires a flamethrower at them, causing all of the residents to duck for cover.

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

Back at the library, Twilight is looking out the window. “Get over it Twilight, those Fire Nation guys got what they wanted.” Spike said trying to comfort her.

“I know, but we should have done something.”

Applejack then walks in with Rarity. “Twilight, have ya seen Apple Bloom? We can’t find her, Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo anywhere.”

“No, I haven't seen them.” Twilight then realizes something. “Where were they last seen?”

“In the barn with Cheerilee and Big Mac.” Rarity said.

“Then I think I know where they are.”

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

On Zuko’s ship, the CMC are looking for Firebrand. “How did I get talked into this?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Come on, I see the one who took Fire.’” Apple Bloom said as she points to Zuko who is accompanied by the old Earth pony from earlier.

“He’s in here, uncle.” Zuko said to him. He then opens the metal door and lets his uncle in first. Before he could close the door, the CMC sneak in and hide behind a drawer. They see Firebrand behind a table looking at the river.

“What do you want with me?” Firebrand asked.

“My nephew wants me to perform a little test on you.” There was a short pause before Firebrand said anything.

“What kind of test?”

“I assure you, it wont hurt. I’ve performed it hundreds of times. It only takes a few moments. And than your free to go, along with your little friends who sunk aboard.” He then points toward the drawer that the CMC are hiding behind. They then nervously walk out.

“How did you three get here?” Firebrand asked.

“We got on the tank and here we are.” Scootaloo answered.

Zuko then walks up to them, “Be glad I'm in a good mood.”

“If this is you in a good mood, I hate to see you in a bad mood.”

Zuko’s uncle then walks up to Firebrand. “Would you mind if I put a few things in front of you at the table? It will only take a moment.”

“That’s all you wan’t?”

“My name is Iroh, and you have my word.”

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

On a chariot, the main six, with Celestia and Luna are flying over the Everfree, looking for Zuko’s ship. “Where are they?!” Twilight said as she scans the hundreds of rivers in the forest.

“Over there!” Rainbow said as she points to a puff of black smoke, which is right above the deepest and deadliest river in Equestria.

“Guards, fly toward the smoke.” Celestia ordered.

“I’m coming Fire.’” Twilight thought to herself as they fly toward it.

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

Meanwhile on the ship, Iroh is performing his test. First he puts a lit candle in front of Firebrand. The flame on the candle seems to be drawn toward to Fire.’ Iroh then puts the candle out as he puts an empty jar in front of Fire.’ The air in the jar stirs and nearly breaks it. He then grabs a jar with an inert lighting bolt in it. “Where did you get that?” Scootaloo asked.

“You be surprised by what we find on the ocean.” Iroh said as he puts it in front of Fire.' The lighting inside begins to flash as it tries to escape. Then he gets a jug of water and pours it on the table. The water begins to condense to the center and forms a perfect circle. Zuko then wipes it up as Iroh grabs a small rock and puts it in front of Fire.’ The rock begins to move as the ovule shape stone begins to go vertical, small end going down. Fire,' Iroh, the CMC, and Zuko are stunned by what they see.

“You are my prisoner...” Zuko soon said, “Firebender. I’m taking you back to the Fire Nation.”

“What!?” Sweetie Belle yelled out.

“You said...” Firebrand began to say until he is interrupted by Iroh.

“I apologize. I should have explained further. If you fail the test, as all others did, you were free to leave. But, as it turns out, you are the first of only 5 in the entire world who could pass this test. It is truly an honor to be in your presence, Avatar of Fire.” Firebrand then looks down for a moment.

“Don’t even try to escape.This is a warship...!” Zuko yelled. Firebrand then jumps up and lands behind them. He grabs the CMC and runs for the door. “Stop! Theres no way you can...” Fire’ then closes the door and uses some fire to weld the door shut as Zuko said that. Sweetie then notices some guards. The guards see them and head for them. Firebrand then does some martial art techniques (specifically Northern Shaolin). Some fire then goes from some torches and hits the guards, sending them flying.

“How did you do that?”

“I have no idea, Scootaloo. It just came natural to me. Come on.” They leave just when Zuko bust down the door.

The four make it to the deck, with Zuko right behind. They then see the group flying right for them. “Big sis!” Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom said as Fire’ turns around to face Zuko and manages to deflect a fire blast. However, he’s pushed back to the ledge of the deck. He leans precariously over the side, unsteadily balancing himself, but manages to regain his balance only for Zuko to fire another blast at him. The blast seemingly knocks him out cold and he falls backward off the ship into the water where he slowly sinks.

“No! Firebrand!” A horrified Twilight said. She tries to go after him, but Celestia stops her.

“You can’t go after him, look.” Celestia said as giant crocodiles enter the water after Fire.’

“No!” Twilight quietly said as Fire’ sinks further underwater, the crocs slowly coming after him. “Fire,’ please, you need to get out,” Twilight said as, somehow, Fire’ hears her voice. “Fire,’ please, you need to get out,” suddenly, Fire’s eyes open, glowing a bright orange, along with his mane and hoofs, and he frowns angrily, which terrifies the crocs. He steadies himself in the water and begins swiveling around, a waterspout forming around him.

Above the river, Twilight begins to cry when ... “Guys, look!” Rainbow said as she points to an orange glow in some swirling water. Just then, Fire’ rockets up and erupts from the surface, riding a humongous spinning water vortex.

Zuko looks up at this in horror as Fire’ lands in front of the fillies, summoning the water behind him. His eyes, mane and hoofs still glowing, he brings his hoofs around behind his head. The water swirls around him, forming a protective circle, before spreading outward, knocking Zuko and several soldiers off their hoofs, sending them into the water. Twilight and the others on the chariot are leaning over the side, watching in shock as Fire’ nearly collapses to the ground as the glow disappears. “Did you see what he just did?!” A shocked Twilight said.

“That was awesome!” Rainbow said as they land on the ship. A weak Fire’ and the three fillies get on, but before they leave, Rarity sees a sword in its red leather sheath. It has a design like a Middle Eastern sword. The cross-guard is made of gold and has fire rubies incrusted into the ends. Rarity can't help but take the sword because of the gems and gold on it.

Zuko and some soldiers climb back to the deck and see that they are leaving. “Don’t move!” Zuko yelled, “You have nowhere to run!” She then follows the others and the fly off the ship and head to the forest.

“They've gone into the forest, well never find them in there. They also took Iroh’s fire sword.” A guard told Zuko as Iroh walks onto the deck. He then heads toward the ships prow and stares at the river.

“You found the Fire Avatar.” Iroh said as he tried to calm him.

“For a moment, I had my honor back.”

“Both yours and the five Avatars destinies are tide, Zuko. That you can be sure of.”

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

In the forest, it’s almost dusk so they decided to camp for the night. After they start a fire and set up some shelter, they huddle around the fireplace, when Rainbow notices Rarity admiring the sword she took. “Where did you get that?”

“I took it from the ship, I mean it has such beautiful craftsmanship. Just look at the blade.” Rarity being Rarity said.

Firebrand then angrily walks up to her and takes the sword. “You just took something from a Fire Nation ship out of beauty.” The fire rubies on the cross-guard begin to glow slightly. “Huh?” Fire’ then begins to move the sword the same way he would firebend. The fire in the pit begins to move with it. He then spins the sword around the fire in the pit goes to it and when he stops, the sword is on fire. “I’m keeping this.”

“Yes, it would do better for you then what I had in mind. Here’s the sheath that came with it.” Rarity then gives it to him. He puts out the fire on the sword and puts it up.

Chapter 4, The Avatar Returns

The Elements of Nature, Book 1
Chapter 4, The Avatar Returns

Back at Ponyville, Fire,’ Twilight, Celestia, Luna, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow, Scootaloo, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Pinkie and Fluttershy are in the library discussing what happened. “That Iroh called you the Avatar of Fire?” Twilight ask.

“He did. He also said that there are 4 others who can pass the test he gave me.” Fire' answered.

“So what does that mean?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I don’t know, all I know is that the Fire Nation will be looking for me. I need to leave both Ponyville and Equestria, and soon.” Fire' said, causing Twilight to feel betrayed.

“I have an idea.” Celestia said, lifting Twilights spirit as she knows Celestia will say something to keep Fire’ here a little longer. “Me and Luna are going to Pegasus City in the South Pole to gain an ally. Perhaps you, Firebrand, along with Twilight and her friends, will like to join us.”

Fire’ hesitates to answer, knowing that wherever he goes, Fire Nation soldiers will likely follow. He looks at Twilight and sees her hopeful face, but also sees the sadness in her eyes if he refuses. “All right, I’ll go.” Fire’ finally said, causing Twilight to smile.

“Eff'n yer gwine, big sis, than I’m gwine to.” Apple Bloom firmly said.

“Same here.” Sweetie Belle said as Scootaloo makes puppy-dog eyes to Rainbow.

“Fine.” Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity reluctantly said.

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

At Canterlot, the main 6, accompanied by the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Firebrand, who is carrying his new sword on his back, are waiting for Celestia and Luna so they can head south. Beginning to get inpatient, Rainbow finally snaps. “Where are they?”

“Were right here, Rainbow.” They turn around and see that they're standing right behind them with some unicorn guards who are going to come with them.

“Uh, sorry.”

“No harm done.” Celestia said as they get onto a chariot, being flayed by the strongest and fastest members of the Wonderbolts, including Spitfire.

“How long until we reach the South Pole, Celestia?” Twilight asked after they take off.

“A few days, if were lucky Twilight. Equestria is in the northern hemisphere so it will take some time to reach the South Pole.”

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

On the open ocean, a Fire Nation Commander with a sand brown coat and a black mane and tail along with black body armor with a sword for a cutie mark named Zhao sees a Fire Nation ship is five miles away. He holds up a telescope and, at the bow, he sees Prince Zuko, who he recognizes. “The banished prince.” He then turns to his solders. “Lets offer him lunch.”

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

A bit later, Zuko and his uncle are onboard the larger ship of Zhao, at least twice the size of a Ursa Major. They are in the dinning hall when Zhao decides to make an announcement. “I wanted to thank the great General Iroh and young Prince Zuko for dinning with us.” All the soldiers in the dinning hall (which are only Earth ponies) raise there glasses up to toast. Zhao continues, “As you know, the Fire Lord has banished his son, the Prince, and renounced his love for him, and will not let him return to the throne unless he finds at least one of the Avatars, which most say do not exist. The Fire Lord believes his son is too soft, and by doing this, he will become strong and become a worthy heir to the throne.”

Zuko then nearly charges at Zhao before his uncle stops him. “Zuko, don’t.” Iroh quietly said, loud enough for only Zuko to hear.

“I commend the Fire Lord’s discipline. For example, it seems I need to remind Prince Zuko that, during his banishment, he is an enemy of the Fire Nation and is not allowed to were the Fire Nation uniform. But we will let him were it today, like a foal wearing a costume on the Americans Halloween or the Equestrians Nightmare Night.”

After a short pause, Zuko burst up and walks to Zhao. “One day, my father will take me back and you will bow before me.” Zuko said to his ear before storming off for his ship, Iroh close behind.

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

Back on his ship, Zuko gazes at his family picture (his mother, his father, his sister and himself) before he puts it away and begins his training hoof-to-hoof combat with four well-trained soldiers. Iroh observes this from the deck above, drinking tea.

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

A couple of days later, the chariot the group were on needed to have some repairs, so Spitfire and her Wonderbolts had to land in Geo Firma. It landed in a field surrounded by trees but they need to find a way to the South Pole soon. “Me and Luna will go with Spitfire to find us some supplies.” Celestia said to her recently coronation princess, Twilight Sparkle.

“Okay.” She said, finally glade to have a chance to talk to Fire’ after a long flight.

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

A few minutes after Celestia, Luna and Spitfire left, Twilight goes up to Fire,’ who is having an apple. “What do you think of Sweet Apple Acres famous apples?” She asked.

“It’s really good.” Fire’ said as he finishes. “Uh ... Twilight, how much does the Fire Nation control?”

“A lot of villages in Geo Firma like around here. They haven’t been able to conquer big cities, like the Ba Sing Se, but Celestia is sure they’re making plans. That's why she wants to visit the Pegasi of the South.” Twilight answered.

“So...” Rapidfire, a member of the Wonderbolts, said, “Are you the Avatar of Fire, Firebrand?” Suddenly, a young Pegasus colt with an earth green coat and brown mane and tail runs for them and hides behind Rainbow.

“What is this?” Rainbow asked, when they see some Fire Nation soldiers come running after him.

“Stay hidden.” Twilight told Fire’ as he put his hood on as the soldiers arrive.

“That colt is being arrested.” The leader said.

“For what?” Rainbow asked.

“He was flicking tiny stones at us from behind a tree. It really hurt." The brown Fire Nation earth pony said, clearly annoyed. "Unicorns and Pegasi are forbidden to even say anything to a Fire Nation pony in this village.”

“Leave him alone,” Fluttershy began.

“Your not taking him anywhere.” Rainbow finished.

Applejack soon steeps forward, “No one is taking anypony away!” She said as Rainbow lands next to her as Twilight begins to use her magic on the soldiers.

“She's using magic!” A solider said.

“She’s an Alicorn!” Another nearly yelled as Twilight uses the spell, which is supposed to paralyze enemies, but instead of hitting the Fire Nation soldiers, it hits Rainbow and Applejack, freezing them.

“Twilight!” They both said, much to the soldiers amusement.

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

Later at the village, which is populated by the three most common types of ponies, Twilight, Fire,' Cadence, Shining, Rainbow, Scootaloo, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, and the Pegasus colt are taken to a holding area. “Move.” A guard said.

Applejack, Apple Bloom and Pinkie ask to visit their friends and are allowed in. The colt then runs for his unicorn father, who has a pale green coat and a black mane and tail. “Dad.” He said as the two huge. “This is my father.”

“Hello.” He said.

“The Fire Nation’s plan, suppress all other magic except their own, including Pegasus magic.” Twilight said, well aware of the Fire Nations cruelty.

Firebrand then walks up to the two. “How did this happen to your village?”

“The Fire Nation sent soldiers. We fought them and defeated them. Then they sent there machines, huge machines made of a metal that magic can’t effect. There was nothing we could do. Those who are earth ponies, did not practice magic, or are part of the weather team were allowed to live in peace, if we were imprisoned.”

Celestia, Luna and Spitfire then show up. “Were here for your bails.” Luna said.

“Come, we need to leave.” Celestia said to them.

"Why?" Rainbow asked the Sun Princess. "We need to-"

"The Fire Nation will just simply use their flamethrowers on us," Celestia interrupted. "And besides, we have more important business. I don't want to seem cruel, but we should leave before something worse happens. We need to leave, now," but after a moment, Firebrand begins to walk out to the center of the prison yard. “What’s he doing?” Celestia quietly said.

“Pegasi, Unicorns!" Fire' called out, getting everypony’s attention. "Why are you acting this way, you’re both are powerful and amazing ponies! You don’t need to live like this, both magic and the sky are all around you. The ground and the sky are extensions of who you are!”

After a moment, Fire’ continued. “If a powerful pony, like the Avatar, were to return, would that mean anything to you?”

Some ponies, a Unicorn and two Pegasi steeped forward, “The Avatar is a myth. Even if he was real and here, he would protect us.” The Unicorn said.

“My name is Firebrand...” He then removes his hood, showing his mane. “And I’m the Avatar of Fire." Some of the soldiers then walk to him a little as Fire' takes on a fighting stance. "It's time for you to stop doing this, Fire Nation!”

“The Fire Avatar would have to be a Firebender." One of the soldiers said. "Are you a Firebender colt?” He along with some other guards then laugh at him.

Twilight then runs up and pushes him back. “Leave him alone!”

“Why you miserably little Alicorn b-” The solider began to say as he runs for Twilight, but Firebrand bends some fire from a pot to send him flying. He then moves that fire around him, showing he's a Firebender.

“How is he doing that?” A solider asked.

“I don’t want to hurt anypony.” Fire' said.

“All benders should be dead.” A solider said out of pure shock. “Kill him! Soldiers, positions!” A soldier bellowed as they take their positions.

The others then run to aid Twilight and Fire’ except for the Wonderbolts, Celestia and Luna, who are shocked at what they're seeing. Rarity then realizes that they are outnumbered and begins to panic. “Okay! Everypony can help us now!” The colt from earlier throws a pebble that hits a solider in the back of the head. He then grabs a flamethrower and fires at the colt. But the father makes a light green shield appear and protects him. The colt soon hugs his father as other pegasi and unicorns make a stand, all of them with a renew sense of hope.

“Don’t be afraid!” Sweetie Belle yelled as another soldier use his flamethrower and the two shot at the father & son, but a larger shield appears, made up of 6 colors, that 3 mares and 3 stallion unicorns conjure up. A Pegasus then throws a head size rock and it hits one of the flamethrower soldiers. The other fires, but a unicorn makes a shield just in time. Firebrand then takes out the other flamethrower and takes his sword back. He then uses his firebending to throw back some soldiers. Realizing that they are out match, the Fire Nation soldiers run.

“Just leave them!”

“Fall back!”

“Go! He’s a bender!”

Firebrand begins to use fire to literally throw the Fire Nation out-of-town. Later, the village residents take them to a statue of a Pegasus mare in the center of town. She has robs on and is holding two fans. "Who is this lovely mare?" Rarity asked. "She's positively gorgeous!"

“This was you, Fire,’ before the Avatar spirit divided, when you were born a Pegasus, two lifetimes ago.” The village elder told Fire,’ shocking Rarity that the mare she found lovely was Fire' two lifetimes ago. “You came to our village when only Unicorns lived here. Avatar Kyoshi loved games, and hated snakes.”

“I do, too. I mean, I still do.” Fire' said while smiling.

Later, the group are talking about what they should next. “A lot of villages in this part of Geo Firma are occupied by the Fire Nation, like this one was.” Luna told them that, “They pray on the weakest towns and villages. We should go visit some of these towns, Firebrand.”

“Good idea, but like the prophecy and the old stallion said, I’m only part of the Avatar. We need to find the other 4.”

“Okay. But where could they be, they could be somewhere anywhere in the world.” Rainbow said to him. Fire' then notices the old stallion and walks up to him.

“Say, village elder!”

“Yes?” The elder said.

“Is there some place I can go to, some place that has a spiritual connection?” Fire’ asked.

“There is.” He then points toward some mountains further north. “On those mountains lies the Southern Air Temple, a place where ancient Unicorns once practice the art of Airbending.”

“We can stop at some of the villages along the way. We can change the balance of The War.” Spitfire told them.

“Lets do it.” Fire’ said as the village begins to celebrate.

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

The team of Firebrand, the main 6, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Celestia, Luna and the Wonderbolts, set out on the journey to the South. Along the way they visit the villages, where Firebrand announces the Avatar has returned. In villages that were still occupied by Fire Nation soldiers, Firebrand uses his firebending to defeat them and liberate the village from their grip.

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

Meanwhile, Zuko and two soldiers, disguised as travelers of Geo Firma, visit the first village Fire’ liberated. They also enter the former prison camp and look around.

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

Later, in the Fire Nation, the Fire Lord is walking to the balcony where Zhao is waiting. The Fire Lord is around Luna’s hight and is an earth pony with a black coat and very dark red mane and tail. He is also wearing dark red armor. “Sire, I have good news. As you know, I have conducted a raid on the Grate Library in the Himalayas, which most said didn't exist.”

“Get on with it.” Fire Lord Ozai said, slightly annoyed.

“I have found scrolls in the library. We are deciphering them. But I believe they contain information on where the Ocean and Moon Sprites live in this world. With this information, we could bring down Pegasus City at the South Pole, we could show the world the true strength of the Fire Nation.”

“I am pleased.” After a moment, Ozai asks him something else. “Well, Commander Zhao, are the rumors and what the Fire Sages say true or not?”

“Our spies have discovered somepony calming to be the Avatar of Fire. They describe him as just a young Unicorn stallion. We should set a trap for this pony. We have many Geo Firman ponies under our control. I can leave soldiers in certain locations.”

“And my son?” Ozai asked.

“He had his chance. He missed it.”

“Lets hope, for your sake, my son doesn't find this pony first and he turns out to be the Avatar of Fire. He would return as a hero and, for all purposes, your superior.”

“Well, I suppose it’s a race, then.” Zhao responded.

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

“I'm sick of taking his orders! I'm tired of chasing his Avatars!” A member of Zuko’s crew named Jee yelled out around a fire in the boiler room of Zuko’s ship, talking to two other crew members. “I mean, who does Zuko think he is?

“Do you really want to know?” A familiar voice said. The three turn around and see Iroh walking down the stairs.

“General Iroh. We were just-”

“It's okay.” Iroh interrupted. “May I join you?”

“Of course, sir.” Jee said as he gets a seat for Iroh, who sits down.

“Try to understand.” Iroh began. “My nephew is a complicated young stallion. He has been through much.”

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

Fourteen and a half years earlier, in the Fire Nation royal palace, a young Zuko walks up to the curtains to get in the war room, but the guards stop him. “Let me in!” Zuko demanded.

“Prince Zuko, what's wrong?” Iroh asked his nephew.

“I want to go into the war chamber but the guard won't let me pass!”

“You're not missing anything, trust me. These meetings are dreadfully boring.”

“If I'm going to rule this nation one day, don't you think I need to start learning as much as I can?”

“Very well. But you must promise not to speak. These old folks are a bit sensitive, you know?”

“Thank you, Uncle.” Zuko said as they walk into the war room and take their sets as the meeting starts.

“The Geo Firma defenses are concentrated here.” One of the generals said, showing the place on the map. “A dangerous battalion of their strongest and fiercest warriors. So I am recommending the forty-first division.”

“But the forty-first is entirely new recruits.” An elderly solider pointed out. “How do you expect them to defeat a powerful Geo Firman battalion?”

“I don't.” The general coldly said. “They'll be used as a distraction while we mount an attack from the rear. What better to use as bait than fresh meat?”

At this, Zuko abruptly stands up. “You can't sacrifice an entire division like that! Those soldiers love and defend our nation! How can you betray them?” Everyone in the war room is now staring at Zuko.

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

Back in the present, Iroh is telling the three crew members what happened, and the consequences. “Zuko was right, you see, but it was not his place to speak out. And there were dire consequences. After Zuko's outburst in the meeting, the Fire Lord became very angry with him. He said the challenge against the general was an act of complete disrespect! And there was only one way to resolve this.”

“Agni Kai. The fire duel.” Jee said.

“That's right. Zuko looked upon the old general he had insulted and declared that he was not afraid. But Zuko misunderstood. When he turned to face his opponent, he was surprised to see it was not the general. Zuko had spoken out against the general's plan, but by doing so in the Fire Lord's war room, it was the Fire Lord whom he had disrespected. Zuko would have to duel his own father. When Prince Zuko saw that it was his father who had come to duel him, he begged for mercy.”

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

When Zuko sees his father he was supposed to fight, he quickly gets down to his knees and begs. “Please, Father. I only had the Fire Nation's best interest at heart. I'm sorry I spoke out of turn!”

“You will fight for your honor.” Ozai said as he moves closer to Zuko, with a small flamethrower.

“I meant you no disrespect. I am your loyal son!”

“Rise and fight, Prince Zuko!”

“I won't fight you.” Zuko pleaded as he looks up to his father, crying.

“You will learn respect, and suffering will be your teacher.” Ozai said as he aims his flamethrower to Zuko’s left eye.

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

“I looked away, as my brother burned Zuko.” Iroh said to Jee and the other crew members.

“I always thought that Prince Zuko was in a training accident.” Jee said.

“It was no accident. After the duel, the Fire Lord said that by refusing to fight, Zuko had shown shameful weakness. As punishment, he was banished and sent to capture one of the Avatars. Only then could he return with his honor.”

“So that's why he's so obsessed.” Jee said as he begins to understand. “Capturing an Avatar is the only chance he has of things returning to normal.”

“Things will never return to normal. But the important thing is that the Avatars gives Zuko hope.”

Chapter 5, Winter Solstice Part 1: The Spirit World

The Elements of Nature, Book 1
Chapter 5, Winter Solstice Part 1: The Spirit World

The group is flying over a forest in Geo Firma, just admiring the scenery. “Those clouds look so soft, don't they?” Twilight lazily said. “Like you just want to jump down and land on a big, soft cotton heap?”

“Maybe you should give it a try.” Rainbow said to the Earth ponies and Unicorns.

“You're hilarious.” Rarity sarcastically said.

“I'll try it!” Fire’ suddenly said as he jumps off of the chariot and disappears in a cloud. The group all look down in worry, until a burst of orange light appears behind them. It’s Firebrand, who cast a teleportation spell, soaking wet. “Turns out, natural clouds are also made of water.” Fire’ said as he sakes himself dry, causing the group to laugh.

“Hey, guys, look.” Spitfire said, causing the group to stop laughing. They all look at an area of forest that has been burned down.

“It’s like a scar.” Rainbow said as they land in the scorch forest.

Once they land, they all look around, and... “Listen.” Apple Bloom said. “It's so quiet. There's no life anywhere.”

“Fire’? Are you okay?” Twilight said as Fire’ looks at the devastated forest.

Then, Fluttershy notices tracks of Fire Nation solders, having seen some before. “Fire Nation!” Fluttershy almost yelled. “Those evil savages make me sick! They have no respect for-”

“Shhh!” Applejack hissed at Fluttershy.

“What? I'm not allowed to be angry once in a Blue Moon?” Fluttershy said, only for Applejack to point at Fire,’ who slumps over, downcast at the sight.

“Why would anyone do this? How could I let this happen?” Fire’ said as he picks up some ash.

“Fire,’ you didn't let this happen. It has nothing to do with you.” Twilight said.

“Yes, it does.” Fire’ said to the purple Alicorn. “It's the Avatar's job to protect nature. But I don't know how to do my job.”

“Maybe there’s someone who can teach you.” Sweetie said.

“Who? Everyone who knew the last Avatar is now dead.” Fire’ said as he lowers his head in disappointment. “And I doubt S.H.I.E.L.D. can help much.”

“Who?” Rainbow asked.

“He means the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.” Celestia said.

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

Meanwhile, in another area of the forest, Zuko is looking for his uncle. “Uncle! It's time to leave! Where are you? Uncle Iroh!”

“Over here!” Iroh said.

“Uncle?” Zuko said when he sees Iroh relaxing in a hot spring. “We need to move on. We're closing in on the Fire Avatar's trail and I don't want to lose him.”

“You look tired, Prince Zuko. Why don't you join me in these hot springs and soak away your troubles?”

“My troubles cannot be soaked away. It's time to go!”

“You should take your teacher's advice and relax a little. The temperature's just right. I heated it myself.” Iroh said as he, somehow, breathes steam through his nose.

“Enough! We need to leave now. And besides, you know how dangerous it is to use your firebending like that. Whit if someone sees you. Get out of the water!”

“Very well.” Iroh said as he gets up on his hind legs, showing his privet area.

At this, Zuko shields his eyes with his hoof as he closes them. “On second thought, why don't you take another few minutes. But be back at the ship in a half-hour or I'm leaving without you!” Zuko said as he heads back as Iroh returns to the water.

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

Back at the scorched forest, Fire’ is still sitting on the ground, still shocked when Twilight walks up to him. “Hey, Fire’! You ready to be cheered up?”

“No.” Fire’ said, only for an acorn to hit him in the head. “Ow! Hey, how is that cheering me up?” Fire’ asked Twilight as Rainbow laughs.

“Cheered me up.” Rainbow said, only to get hit really hard by Applejack. “Ow! Yeah, I probably deserved that.”

“These acorns are everywhere, Fire.’” Twilight said as she gives Fire’ one such acorn. “That means the forest will grow back! Every one of these will be a tall oak tree someday, and all the birds and animals that lived here will come back.”

“Thanks, Twilight.” Fire’ said as he gets up and gives Twilight a short hug, but it lasts long for Twilight to blush and for the mares to say, 'Awwww' at the sight.

Suddenly, Twilight gasps when she sees an old Earth pony stallion approaching. “Hey, who are you?” Rainbow asked as the old wanderer approaches Firebrand.

“When I saw the gold chariot, I thought it was impossible!” He said as he stops in front of Fire.’ “But, that mane, tail, and those markings ... are you the Fire Avatar, colt?” Fire’ then nods a yes. “My village desperately needs your help!”

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

Later at a nearby village, it’s almost sunset as the group arrive. Some of the buildings are destroyed, right down to the support beams. The old wanderer leads them to the town hall. “This young Unicorn is the Avatar of Fire.” The old wanderer said to the mayor, a Pegasus stallion.

“So, the rumors of your return are true!” The mayor said. “It is the greatest honor of a lifetime to be in your presence.”

“Nice to meet you too.” Fire’ said. “So ... is there something I can help you with?”

“I'm not sure...”

“Our village is in crisis, he's our only hope!” The old wanderer said to the mayor. He then looks at Firebrand. “For the last few days at sunset, a spirit monster comes and attacks our village. He is Hei Bai, the black and the white spirit.”

“Why is it attacking you?” Luna asked, all to aware of evil spirits.

“We do not know, but each of the last three nights, he has abducted one of our own. We are especially fearful because the winter solstice draws near.” The mayor said.

“The winter solstice? What happens then?” Scootaloo asked.

“As the solstice approaches, the natural world and the Spirit World grow closer and closer until the line between them is blurred completely.” The old wanderer answered.

“Hei Bai is already causing devastation and destruction. Once the solstice is here, there's no telling what will happen.” The mayor said.

“So ... what do you want me to do?” Fire’ asked.

“Who better to resolve a crisis between our world and the Spirit World than the one of the Avatars? You are the great bridge between us and the spirits.” The old wanderer said.

“Right.”

“Hey great bridge guy, could I talk to you over here for a second?” Twilight said as she and the others head to an open window. “Fire,’ you seem a little unsure about all of this.” Twilight pointed out.

“Yeah, that might be because I don't know anything at all about the Spirit World.” Fire’ said, slightly surprising the others. “It's not like S.H.I.E.L.D. can teach me this stuff!”

“So ... can you help these people?” Fluttershy asked.

“I have to try, don't I? Maybe whatever I have to do will just ... come to me.” Fire’ said.

“I think you can do it, Fire.’” Twilight said with a kind and reassuring smile.

“Same here.” Rarity said.

“As do I.” Celestia said.

“Yeah.” Rainbow said with a similar expression. “We're all going to get eaten by a spirit monster.” She said after a brief pause.

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

Meanwhile at the hot springs, Iroh is still soaking in them, asleep, when he’s awoken by nearby stirring in the trees. “Who's there?” He asked. Right then, a cute little rat-like creatures goes up to the edge of the spring. “A meadow vole! I should have known.” Iroh said as he takes the vole in his hoof.

“You startled me, little one.” Iroh said as he puts the meadow vole back on the ground and sights. “It seems I dozed off and missed my nephew's deadline, but it was a very sweet nap.” Iroh said as the meadow vole jumps up and down, but it stops when the ground begins to shake. Suddenly, the rock at the bottom of the spring jumps up, trapping Iroh as three Geo Firma soldiers surround him.

A fourth solider picks up some of Iroh’s armor from a nearby tree and shows them to the captain, who, like the others, is a Unicorn. “He's a Fire Nation soldier, sir.”

“He's no ordinary soldier.” The captain said, recognizing Iroh. “This is the Fire Lord's brother, the Dragon of the West. The once-great General Iroh, but now, he's our prisoner.” The captain finished as Iroh gives him a stern look.

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

It is almost sunset now, as Celestia and Luna can’t just stop time, unfortunately. Fire’ heads for the main gate as the Celestia cast the spell that makes the sun set. “Hello, Spirit? Can you hear me? This is the Fire Avatar speaking. I'm here to try to help.” Fire’ called out into the darkness.

“This isn't right.” Twilight said from the safety of the main building. “We can't sit here and cower while Fire’ waits for some monster to show up.”

“If anyone can save us, he can.” The old wanderer said.

“He still shouldn't have to face this alone.” Rainbow said as night falls.

“The sun has set.” Fire’ began to say. “Where are you, Hei Bai? Well, ... spirit ... uhhh ... I hereby ask you to please leave this village in peace.” Fire’ called out into the darkness, getting no response. “Okay ... well ... I guess that's settled, then.” Fire’ said as he walks away.

Behind him, however, the Hei Bai fades into the real world. He’s a large a six-legged, black-and-white monster with a demotic face, around twice size of Celestia. Hei walks right behind Fire,’ who doesn't notice until he hears Hei Bai’s footsteps and turns. “You must be the Hei Bai spirit. My name is–” But before Fire’ could finish, the spirit releases a burst of energy at him before it then moves past him.

“My name's Firebrand! I'm the Avatar of Fire and I would like to help. Hey, wait up!” Fire’ yelled as Hei Bai wreaks havoc, smashing buildings and destroying a tower with energy. “Uhhh.”

“The Fire Avatar's methods are ... unusual.” The mayor said.

“It doesn't seem to interested in what he's saying.” Rainbow said. “Maybe we should go help him.”

“No. Only an Avatar stands a chance against the Hei Bai.” The old wanderer pointed out.

“Firebrand will figure out the right thing to do, guys.” Twilight said.

“An' eff'n he don't, we sh'd he'p.” Apple Bloom said to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, who nod in agreement and quietly say, “Cutie Mark Crusaders Spirit Fighters, yay!” The three then head outside, making sure no one hears or sees them as Hei Bai smashes another building.

“Please, would you stop destroying things and listen? I'm trying to do my job as spirit bridge! Excuse me, would please turn around?” Fire’ said, getting no response. He then finally snaps and yells. “I COMMAND YOU TO TURN AROUND RIGHT NOW!” At this, the spirit hits Fire’ and sends him flying to the roof of another building.

“Thet's it. He needs he'p.” Applejack said as she and Rainbow head for the door, but stop when they notice something wrong. “Whar's Apple Bloom!?”

“And Scootaloo!”

“And Sweetie Belle!”

“I see them!” Pinkie said as she pints outside, to where Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo are all running toward Hei Bai.

“Hei Bai, over here!” Sweetie Belle yelled out as Apple Bloom throws a rock, which barely affects the monster as Fire’ runs up to them.

“Girls, go back.” He ordered the three fillies.

“We'll fight him together, Fire.’” Scootaloo said.

“I don't want to fight him unless I–” Fire’ began to say when suddenly, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo are taken by the Hei Bai, and then the spirit flees. Fire,’ thinking quickly, takes a motorcycle and chases it.

“Apple Bloom!”

“Scootaloo!”

“Sweetie Belle!” Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity all said before chasing Hei Bai also, leaving the others behind.

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

Back near the hot springs, two soldiers and Zuko are looking for Iroh. “Uncle! Uncle, where are you?” Zuko called out.

“Sir, maybe he thought you left without him.” One of the soldiers said.

“Something's not right here.” Zuko said. He then notices ... “That pile of rocks” in the former spring.

“It looks like there's been a landslide, sir.”

“Land doesn't slide uphill.” Zuko pointed out. “Those rocks didn't move naturally. My Uncle's been captured by Geo Firmans!”

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

“Apple Bloom!”

“Sweetie Belle!”

“Scootaloo!” Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow all yelled into the forest as they chased after Hei Bai, but eventually, even Rainbow Dash losses sight of the spirit and lands when her two friends stop. “We lost them.” A distraught Rainbow said.

“We better head back to Senlin Village.” Rarity said as she turns around, followed by Rainbow and Applejack. “With any luck, Firebrand saved them by now.”

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

Further in the forest, Fire’ is still riding the motorcycle he borrowed, chasing Hei Bai, who's holding onto the Cutie Mark Crusaders tightly. “Fire’!”

“Over here!”

“Help!” Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle all yelled respectfully.

“Hang on, guys!” Fire’ said as he gets close to the three fillies as they return to the scorched forest. Fire’ pulls out his hoof, trying to free the three fillies. However, before he can grab them, the spirit fades away, taking the CMC with it. Fire’ then hits a small boulder and falls in front of a bear-like statue, the crash knocking him out.

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

A couple of hours later, Fire’ wakes up. “Girls!” But Fire’ stops when he sees that he’s alone, and that ... “I failed.”

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

In another part of the forest, the soldiers who captured Iroh are trotting through it, with the lead Unicorn lighting up the way. “Where are you taking me?” Iroh asked the captain as he’s chained and ridding on another solider.

“We're taking you to face justice.”

“I know, but where, specifically?”

“A place you're quite familiar with, actually.” The captain said. “You once laid siege to it for 100 days, but it would not yield to you.”

“Ah, the great city of Ba Sing Se.” Iroh said, recollecting the siege he led.

“It was greater than you were, apparently.” The captain pointed out.

“I acknowledge my defeat at Ba Sing Se. After 100 days away from home, my troops were tired, and I was tired.” Iroh said with a yawn. “And I'm still tired.” Iroh then falls off of the Unicorn. He is quickly picked back up with some magic by the same Unicorn. However, he leaves one of his horse shoes behind and smiles cleverly.

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

Back at Senlin Village, Twilight and the others are waiting at the village entrance for AJ, Rainbow, Rarity, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Fire.’ Then they see ... “Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, your back.” Fluttershy said as the three mares silently walk up to the gate, before they fall down and start crying.

“There gone.” Rarity said as she lays down on the ground, unable to comprehend what has transpired.

Just then, the old wanderer walks up to them with some blankets. “I'm sure they'll be back.” He reassured as he places a blanket over each of them.

“I’m sure too.” Twilight said as she takes off her tiara.

“You should all get some rest.” The old wanderer said to the three crying mares. “Your sisters are in good hands. I would be shocked if the Fire Avatar returned without them.” As he says this, Fire’ emerges from the darkness.

“Guys, I ... I lost them.” Fire’ admitted as Celestia and Luna casts the spell that raises the sun and lowers the moon.

“The sun is beginning to rise.” Celestia said as she places a hoof over Rainbows shoulder. “Perhaps they will return soon.”

“What?” A confused Firebrand said as he runs up to Twilight. “No, I'm right here!” He then waves his hoof in Twilight's face, only to notice his own appearance. He’s now orange and the suns rays are going right through him. “What? I ... I’m in the Spirit World!”

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

Meanwhile, Zuko is following some tracks that belong to Unicorns, when he comes across a horse shoe. He picks it up and sniffs it, only to turn away in disgust. “Yeah, that's Uncle Iroh.”

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

Back at the village, Fire’ is talking to Twilight, despite the fact she can’t hear him. “I'll figure this out, Twilight. I promise. Like they said, I'm the bridge between the worlds, right? All I have to do is ... figure out what I have to do. But once I do that, no problem.” Fire’ said as Twilight and her friends head into the village to get something to eat.

“What am I supposed to do?” A frustrated Firebrand said. “Anyone out there, please help me!” He screamed, and then he hears something, the sound of wings beating. “Scootaloo?” He then sees the source of the noise, a Snake Dragon is coming toward him. “That's definitely not Scootaloo.” Fire’ then tries to bend some fire at the beast, but it doesn't even flicker.

He then tries to use magic, but he can’t even get a spark. “What? I can't firebend or use magic in the Spirit World.” Fire’ said as the Snake Dragon lands just before him. “You don't know where the Cutie Mark Crusaders are, do you?” He asked as the Snake Dragon touches him with a feeler.

At this, Fire’ sees a vision of an Alicorn with a white mane and a midnight blue coat with a fireball for a cutie mark flying on this dragon. “You're Avatar Roku's animal guide, Fang! Roku is the Avatar before me!” Fire’ then realizes that Fang can help. “I need to save my friends and I don't know how! Is there some way for me to talk to Roku?”

Fang then curls around him, and Fire’ gets on. “I'll be back, Twilight. Take me to Roku!” At this, Fang flies away.

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

On a mountain, the Unicorns are leading Iroh through. Iroh just happens to looks at the skies and notices the dragon and Fire,’ which causes him to gasp in wonder. “What's the problem?” The captain asked.

“Nothing. Well, actually, there is a bit of a problem. My old joints are sore and aching, and these shackles are too loose.” Iroh said, confusing the captain.

“Too loose?”

“That's right. The cuffs move and jangle around and bump my ankles. It would help me if you tighten them so they wouldn't shake around so much.”

“Very well. Corporal, tighten the prisoner's cuffs.” The captain said, causing them all to stop. The corporal, who was at the front, moves to Iroh. As he touches his cuffs, Iroh breathes deeply and heats them up and pushes the corporal's hoof to the cuffs, causing him to scream in pain. Iroh then jumps free and somehow blasts fire at the soldiers. He then rolls down the hill as the soldiers try to understand what just happened.

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

Meanwhile, Fang takes Firebrand to a temple on a crescent island. They fly into the temple and toward the roof. “Hey, what are you doing?!” Fire’ asked as he screams, but they fly right through the roof and into a mysterious room with a statue of Roku. “I don't understand, this is just a statue of Roku.” Fire’ said as he gets onto the ground, as Fang presses one of his feelers to Fire's forehead, which gives Fire’ a vision of a comet.

“Is that what Roku wants to talk to me about? A comet? When can I talk to him?” Fang then moves his head, allowing a beam of light to appear. This is just to the right of Roku's statue. Fang then presses his feeler against Fire’s forehead again, and he sees a vision of the sun setting and rising repeatedly, and the light closing in on Roku.

“It's a celestial calendar, and the light will reach Roku on the solstice! So, that's when I'll be able to speak to Roku?” Fang then breathes an apparent yes. “But I can't wait that long! I need to save the Cutie Mark Crusaders now!

Is there anything else you can tell me that can help?” Fang then presses his feeler against Fire’s forehead again. “I can do that?” Fire’ said as he mounts Fang again and they fly from the temple.

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

Back to Iroh, who is still rolling down the hill. One of the soldiers cast a spell that creates a small wall in front of Iroh, stopping him. They then all of them slide down, reaching Iroh at the bottom of the hill. “He's too dangerous, Captain! We just can't just carry him to the Capital! We have to do something now!” A solider said.

“I agree. He must be dealt with immediately and severely.” The captain said as Iroh spits a rock out, and smiles.

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

Meanwhile, the Wonderbolts, along with Rainbow and the princesses, are over the forest, looking for Firebrand and the CMC. “It’s no use. I didn't see them anywhere.” Misty Fly said.

“I didn't either.” Rainbow admitted.

“Our best hope is to go back to the village and wait.” Celestia said as they all fly back to the village. Meanwhile, while following the Unicorns hoof-prints, Zuko notices the Wonderbolts in the sky, arguing if there going the right way.

“The Fire Avatar!” He said as he realizes that the Wonderbolts can lead him to Fire.’ He then turns slightly, but then looks back at the footprints.

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

Meanwhile, Fang takes Fire’ back to the statue at fast speed. The red Unicorn notices his body is there and also prepares for impact. Suddenly, Fang disappears into the statue as Fire’ returns to his body. He looks around at the statue, which appears to look like bear, then runs back to the village.

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

An hour later at Senlin Village, it’s sunset. Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack and Rarity are standing outside the center building. Twilight then notices Fire' running toward the gate, which causes Twilight to run up to him. “You're back!” She said as she gave him a big hug, something that even surprises her.

“Where’s Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo?” Rainbow asked as she and the other two mares walk up.

“I'm not sure...” Fire’ said as the evening gives way to night.

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

Back to Iroh, he is now surrounded by the soldiers and chained to a boulder. “These dangerous hoofs must be crushed.” The captain said as he levitates a boulder with his magic and prepares to drop it on Iroh’s hoofs. However, Zuko jumps in and kicks the rock away. He then breaks Iroh's chain with his boot.

“Excellent form, Prince Zuko.”

“You taught me well.” Iroh and Zuko said as they take on fighting stances.

“Surrender yourselves. It's five against two. You're clearly outnumbered.” The captain pointed out.

“Yeah, that's true, but you are clearly outmatched.” Iroh said as the solders fire lasers, but Iroh destroys them with the chains. Zuko takes out two soldiers with fire. A rock is fired at him, but Iroh catches it and throws it back at the soldiers, knocking them down. The Captain fires three rocks at Zuko, which he dodges. Zuko counters with fire blasts that are dodged. The Captain then levitates a large mass of rock, however, Iroh throws his chains around his ankles, knocking him and causing the rocks to fall on top of him.

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

Back at Senlin, Fire’ waits at the entrance for the Hei Bai. After some time, he gives up and returns to the center building. Just as he exits, however, the spirit appears to his left. He throws up a shield to stop its attack. “Firebrand, what are you doing?! Run!” Twilight called out, unfortunately catching Hei Bai’s attention, who rushes toward the Alicorn.

Seeing this, Fire’ quickly jumps up and produces fire from his hoofs, allowing him to fly like a rocket, which surprises everypony. Fire’ flies over Hei Bai and feels its forehead and notices that a panda lurks below it, and that Hei Bai ... “You're the spirit of this forest! Now I understand. You're upset and angry because your home was burned down. When I saw the forest had burned, I was sad and upset, but my friend gave me hope that the forest would grow back.”

Fire’ then shows it the acorn Twilight gave him and leaves it at Hei Bai’s feet. The spirit picks it up and reverts to its panda form and walks away peacefully. As it exits, a series of branches grow, and three villagers and the Cutie Mark Crusaders emerge from it. At this, Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity all run to the three fillies and give them a big hug. “What happened?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“You three were trapped in the Spirit World for 24 hours!” Rarity said.

“How are you feeling?” Rainbow asked.

“Like we seriously need to use the bathroom.” Scootaloo said as the three trouble making fillies run for the nearest one.

“Thar gonna be fine.” Applejack said.

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

“We’re so proud of you, Fire.’ You figured out what to do, all on your own.” Celestia said to her former students crush.

“Actually, I did have a little help and there's something else.” Fire’ said.

“Thank you, Fire Avatar. If only there were a way to repay you for what you've done.” The mayor said to Fire.’

“There is one thing.” Fire’ said, slightly surprising the group. “You could give us some supplies, for a day's journey across the open ocean.”

“It would be an honor to help you prepare for your journey.” The mayor said as he heads for the main building.

“What is it?” Luna asked.

“I need to talk to Avatar Roku, the Avatar before me, and I think I found a way to contact his spirit.” Fire’ said.

“You found out who he is and found a way to contact him? That's great!” Twilight said.

“Creepy, but great.” Rainbow said, getting an annoyed look from Twilight.

“There's a temple on a crescent-shaped island and if I go there on the solstice, I'll be able to speak with him.” Fire’ said.

“But the solstice is tomorrow!” Celestia pointed out.

“Yeah, there’s that and another problem.” Fire’ said.

“What?” Spitfire asked.

“The island, it’s in the Fire Nation.” At this, even Celestia and Luna grow fearful.

Chapter 6, Winter Solstice Part 2: Avatar Roku

The Elements of Nature, Book 1
Chapter 6, Winter Solstice Part 2: Avatar Roku

Fire’ is now packing some water and food for the tripe, and is nerves to go, due to the island being in the Fire Nation. “Please don't go Fire.’” Twilight desperately said. “The world can't afford to lose you to the Fire Nation. Neither can I.”

“But I have to talk to Avatar Roku to find out what my vision means!” Fire’ said as he gets into the chariot. “I need to get to the temple before Celestia sets the sun on the solstice. That's today!”

“We're not letting you go into the Fire Nation, Fire.’” Luna said, causing Fire’ to stare curiously at them.

“At least not alone.” Rainbow said as she and the other Wonderbolts put on the harness to the chariot as the others get on with Fire.’

“It's a long journey to the Crescent Island.” The mayor said as he hands Fire’ a map. “You'll have to fly fast to have any chance of making it before sundown. Good luck.”

“Thank you for your-”

“Go!” The mayor sharply interrupted Celestia, while yelling and pointing toward ocean. Rainbow and the Wonderbolts then fly off, leaving behind a multicolor and multi-pattern trail in the sky.

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

Later that morning, the mayor leaves his home, yawning, but stops when he sees Zuko is standing directly in front of him, terrifying him. “Having trouble sleeping?” Zuko said as he strikes the Pegasus, knocking him back through the door. “Seen any Avatars lately?”

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

Day has come as the Pegasi soar over the ocean, with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all watching the ocean fearfully. “Come on guys, we've got a long way to go. Faster!” Fire’ said to the Pegasi.

“Tell us something we don’t know.” Rainbow snapped at Fire.’ Unfortunately, they do not notice Zuko’s ship not far behind.

“Sailing into Fire Nation waters ... of all the foolish things you've done in your 27 years, Prince Zuko, this is the most foolish!” Iroh said to his hotheaded nephew as he scans the sky with binoculars.

“I have no choice, Uncle.” Zuko defended.

“Have you completely forgotten that the Fire Lord banished you?” Iroh angrily said. “What if you're caught?” He fearfully finished.

At this, Zuko stops looking at the sky for a second. “I'm chasing one of the Avatars! My father will understand why I am returning home!”

“You give him too much credit. My brother is not the understanding type!” Iroh pointed out, but Zuko just ignores him.

“There they are.” Zuko said when he sees the chariot. “Helmsmare! Full steam ahead!”

“Guys, we got trouble!” Scootaloo said as Pinkie looks back at Zuko’s ship.

“Yeah! And it's gaining, fast!” Pinkie said, her mane loosing its curl due to fear.

On his ship, Zuko orders his crew to set up a Fire Nation, loaded with a steaming projectile. “Uh, really Prince Zuko, couldn't you shoot them down with something more fragrant?” Iroh said as he waves a fan in his face.

“Who’s idea was it to go with tradition?” Zuko said as he takes a torch and lights the projectile. “On my mark! ... Fire!” At this, a guard beside him slices the rope holding back the catapult, firing the flaming projectile towards the group.

“Fireball!” Fluttershy screamed.

“We’re on it!” Rainbow said as she and the Wonderbolts move the chariot out-of-the-way just in time to avoid the fireball, but not the stink. The smell is so bad that it makes Rarity faint and the rest to cover their noses. “We have to get out of his range, before he shoots another hot stinker at us!”

“Cain't yo' guys hoof it enny faster?” Applejack asked them.

“Yeah.” Spitfire and Rainbow arrogantly said.

“We can, but there’s one little problem.” Misty Fly said as she points ahead of the group.

“A blockade.” Zuko said when he sees a two-row line of Fire Nation ships stretching across the ocean as far as the eye can see, with most of them having numerous missiles and other projectiles prepared to fire.

“Technically you are still in international waters. Turn back now and they cannot arrest you.” Iroh suggested.

“If we fly north, we can go around the Fire Nation ships and avoid the blockade! It's the only way.” Fire’ suggested.

“There's no time!” Celestia pointed out.

“This is exactly why I didn't want you to come! It's too dangerous!” Fire’ said.

“And that's exactly why we're here.” Twilight said as she takes his hoof.

“Let's run this blockade!” Scootaloo boldly said, to which the other Pegasi speed up.

“He's not turning around!” Zuko said upon seeing this.

“Please Prince Zuko! If the Fire Nation captures you, there's nothing I can do! Do not follow the Fire Avatar.” Iroh begged.

“I'm sorry, Uncle.” Zuko sorrowfully said before he thrusts his hoof forward commandingly. “Run the blockade!” He ordered.

On one ship, Commander Zhao is looking at both the chariot and Zuko’s ship with a telescope. “The Fire Avatar. The three princesses of Equestria. And the banished prince of the Fire Nation. This must be my lucky day.” Zhao said as he puts the telescope away.

“Commander Zhao. What are your orders?” A captain asked.

“Shoot the chariot down, captain.” Zhao ordered.

“But there's a Fire Navy ship out there, sir!” The surprised captain said. “One of our own! What if it's hit?”

“So be it.” Zhao said as the captain backs up in shock. “It belongs to a traitor.” Zhao continued coolly. “Launch!” Zhao commanded, which causes the sky to become littered with flaming fireballs and rockets fired from the blockade.

The group, even Celestia and Luna, scream as the Wonderbolts manage to evade numerous projectiles, some exploding midair. The team flies directly through one that exploded before them, and Rapidfire screams in pain. He’s quickly taken into the chariot and gets some ointment for the burns on his wings. “Fluttershy, here, now!” Rainbow called to an unenthusiastic Fluttershy, who somehow manages to put on the harness and keeps up with the others.

On the ocean surface, Zuko's ship is narrowly missing many falling projectiles. Sheets of ocean water crash over the ship, and crew members run for safety. A single missile explodes on the aft side of the vessel. “Prince Zuko! The engines are damaged! We need to stop and make repairs!” An engineer yelled.

“Do not stop this ship.” Zuko ordered as Zhao lunches more projectiles. Just over the clouds, fireballs burst through everywhere and smoke fills the air. The Pegasi dodge many fireballs before two collide and explode in front of them, causing Scootaloo to be thrown off plunge for the ocean, screaming.

“Scootaloo!!!!” Rainbow screamed as the group turn around and catch Scootaloo, who was trying to fly her way to safety. “I really need to teach you how to fly, pipsqueak.” Rainbow said as they head straight for Zhao’s ship.

“Ready...” Zhao said as he holds up his hoof, issuing his command. “Fire!” Right when he said that, an extremely large fireball is lunch straight at the chariot. Fire’ then jumps on each of the Pegasi’s backs and, using a powerful firebending kick, and the flaming boulder explodes in a large smoky blast. The blast is so strong, that is sends Fire’ back, but luckily, Applejack and Twilight grab him as the Wonderbolts soar safely over the blockade, passing them.

“We made it!” An ecstatic Fire’ said, while both Celestia and Luna are grimacing in terror.

“We got into the Fire Nation. Great.” Celestia meekly said.

“Where do you think the Fire Avatar is heading, sir?” Zhao’s captain asked.

“I'm not sure.” Zhao said as he turns aside and gazes at Zuko's smoking ship. “But I bet a certain banished prince will know.” He said when he sees that Zuko's ship is approaching two ships in the blockade. These two ships sail opposite directions, in a moment they will close off Zuko's ships path.

“We're on a collision course!” Iroh said.

“We can make it.” Zuko said with much confidence.

On Zhao’s ship, the captain stands ahead of a squad of nine soldiers. “The boarding party is ready to apprehend Prince Zuko, sir.” He said.

“Wait!” Zhao swiftly said. “Cut the engines, and let them pass.” Each ship in the blockade halts, allowing Zuko's ship to glide by beneath their deck, untouched. Zhao stands high, sharing an interlocked gaze with the banished prince below. Zuko and Iroh look behind them in silence as they sail safely through, while Iroh strokes his gray beard curiously.

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

Several hours later, the sky has changed to a darker, sunset-filled evening. The Pegasi are visibly tried. Everypony has collapsed into the chariot. The only exception is Fire,’ who is barely awake, that is until he sees the island. “There it is!” He nearly shouted, waking everypony. “The island where Roku's dragon took me.” Fire’ said as the others see the volcanic crescent moon shaped island.

The pegasi land at the base of a stone bridge leading up to the island's mountain. The bridge ends at an elegant, multistory Fire Temple. Lava is flowing beneath the bridge and the air is thick with steam. “I’m not sure if I can fly another meter even if I wanted too.” Rainbow said, lying on the ground.

“You stay here and rest.” Celestia said to the Wonderbolts as she and the others head for the temple.

Once they cross the bridge, the go behind a rock and check for any guards. “I don't see any guards.” Applejack said.

“The Fire Nation must have abandoned the temple when Avatar Roku died.” Twilight said.

“It's almost sundown. We better hurry!” Fire’ said as he heads inside.

“Celestia, why can’t you just stop the sun?” Rainbow asked.

“It’s not that simple.” Celestia answered as they walk into the temple.

“Oh, this place is so beautiful.” Rarity said as she admires the enormous chamber with fire-decor columns.

“Wait. I think I heard something.” Fluttershy said as Pinkie gets a pinchy knee and a frizzy mane, meaning someone is following them.

“Ugh...” Sweetie said with a point, which the others follow and see 5 old Earth Ponies in red robes and with tall hats.

“We are the Fire Sages. Guardians of the temple of the Avatar.” The oldest one in the middle said.

“Great! He is the Fire Avatar!” Rainbow said while pointing toward Firebrand.

“We know.” The sage in the middle said as he and the other four take out some flamethrowers and fire at the group. But Fire’ stops the blasts.

“I'll hold them off. Run!” Fire’ shouted to the others, who head for the nearest hallway. Fire’ then sends the ball of fire back at the sages, the blast knocking them off their hoofs. Fire’ then takes the opportunity to flee after his friends.

“If the Fire Avatar contacts Roku, there's no telling how powerful the colt will become!” The lead sage said. “Split up and find him.”

In one of the halls, Twilight and her friends are running down, trying to find Fire,’ which they do when he bumps into Twilight. “Sorry.” Fire’ said as he helps Twilight up and runs down the hallway.

“Do you even know where you're going?” Rainbow asked.

“Nope!” Fire’ said as he turns a corner, but before the others get to it, Fire’ comes running back the way he came. “Wrong way!” Fire’ fearfully said and he goes past them. The reason is a Fire Sage is there, the youngest one, which causes the others to run also.

“Come back!” He called out as they run down another hall, but run into a dead-end. They turn around and face the sage, who holds his hoofs up in peace. “I don't want to fight you! I am a friend.”

“Fire Nation folks ain’t our friends!” Applejack said as Fire’ steps ahead of his friends, assuming a fighting stance. The sage then steps toward the Fire Avatar, before dropping to his knees and pressing his head to the floor in submission. This startles the others, especially Rainbow, who was eager for a fight.

“I know why you're here, Fire Avatar.” The sage said, slightly surprising Firebrand.

“You do?” Fire’ asked.

“Yes.” The sage said as he rises from the floor and stands up. “My name is Shyu. You wish to speak to Avatar Roku. I can take you to him.”

“How?” Twilight skeptically said. At this, the sage slides back a lamplight on the wall, which opens a secret passage.

“This way.” Shyu said. Just then, they all hear some hoof-steps heading for their location. “Time is running out! Quickly!” Fire’ is the first to enter, followed by Twilight and the others, until Shyu enters and closes the passage.

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

Meanwhile, out in the ocean, Zuko is at his ship's bow, talking to his uncle. “What's he up to, Uncle?” Zuko asked, wondering ... “Why didn't Commander Zhao arrest me?”

“Because he wants to follow you.” Iroh answered. “He knows you'll lead him to the prize you're both after: one of the Avatars.”

“If Zhao wants to follow a trail of smoke, then that's exactly what I'll let him do.”

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

Back on the island, the sage is leading the group through a large cavern that has a river of magma just next to them. “Avatar Roku once called this temple his home. He formed these secret passages out of the magma.” Shyu explained.

“Did you know Avatar Roku?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“No. But one of my ancestors knew him.” Shyu said. “Many generations of Fire Sages guarded this Fire Temple long before me. We all have a strong spiritual connection to this place.”

“Is that how you knew I was coming?” Fire’ asked.

“A few weeks ago, an amazing thing occurred. The statue of Avatar Roku; its eyes began to glow!” Shyu said.

“That's when I tried the revilement spell of Fire.’” Twilight said.

“At that moment, we knew you had returned to the world.” Shyu said as he leads the group up some stairs.

“If this is the Avatar's temple, why did the sages attack me?” Fire’ asked.

“Things have changed.” Shyu answered. “In the past, the sages were loyal only to the Avatar. When Roku died, the sages eagerly awaited for the next Avatar to return. But he never came.”

“Guess I'm a little late.” Fire’ said as he stops for a second, but continues on.

“They lost hope the Avatar would ever return. When Fire Lord Sozin began the War, my ancestor and the other sages were forced to follow him.” Shyu said as he shake his head sadly. “I never wanted to serve the Fire Lord. When I learned you were coming, I knew I would have to betray the other sages.”

“We'll reach the sanctuary at the top of these stairs.” Shyu said as the take another pair of stairs. “Once you're inside, wait for the light to hit Avatar Roku's statue. Only then will you be able to speak with him.” Shyu said as he slides back a secret tile and climbs into the outer sanctuary. Massive columns with dragon statues on top of them line the room, along with an immense door before them with a device holding five openmouthed dragons. “No!”

“Shyu, what's wrong?” Fire’ asked as he walks up to the door.

“The sanctuary doors, they're closed!” Shyu said.

“Can't you just open them with some hidden switch? Like you opened that other door?” Rarity said.

“Won’t be a problem. Twilight, Celestia and Luna can just pull the doors apart.” Rainbow said.

“No. That won’t work.” Shyu stated.

“Why?” Celestia asked.

“The doors are made from anti-magic metal.” Shyu pointed out. “And besides, only a fully realized Avatar is powerful enough to open this door alone. Otherwise, the sages must open this door together, with five simultaneous fire blasts.”

“Five fire blasts?” Sweetie Belle said as Scootaloo thinks.

“Thats it!” Scootaloo said when she gets an idea, accidentally hitting a lamp, turning it on.

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

Back to Zuko's smoke-billowing ship, near the bottom, of the stern, a small vessel that’s holding Zuko is being slid into the water. “Uncle, keep heading north. Zhao will follow the smoke trail, while I use it as a cover.” Zuko said to his uncle, who just grunts in doubt, stroking his beard in deep thought as Zuko's boat settles on the ocean's surface and disappears in the smoke.

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

Back at the temple, Scootaloo is busy pouring some oil and black powder into s a bag. “This is a little trick my older brother, Lance, taught me when he came back from the Royal Guard Boot Camp. I seal the lamp oil inside a leather casing, Firebrand lights the oil soaked twine and, ta-da! Fake firebending!” She said when she finishes the last bag.

“This isn't you worst idea, Scootaloo.” Apple Bloom said. “Defiantly better then the zip line and cannon.”

“This might actually work.” Shyu said as Rarity places the last bag in the dragon's mouth. “The sages will hear the explosion, so as soon as they go off, you rush in!” Shyu said to Fire’ as they hid behind a column.

“It's almost sunset. Are you ready?” Twilight said to Fire,’ who ignites the twine.

“Defiantly.” Fire’ said as he hides behind another column. There is an intense explosion, producing a lot of smoke. Fire’ then bursts forward and runs for the door and strains to open the them, but it wont budged. “They're still locked!” A surprised Fire’ said.

“It didn't work.” Shyu said.

Fire’ then gets angry, really angry, to the point that he’s blasting the door, scaring everypony. “Why ... won't ... it ... open?!”

Unable to see him like this, Twilight seizes Fire's arm. “Firebrand! Stop! There's nothing else we can do...”

“I'm sorry I put you through all of this for nothing.” Fire’ said after Twilight lets him go as Scootaloo looks at the scorch marks left behind.

“I don't get it.” She said. “That blast looked as strong as any firebending or flamethrower I've seen.”

At this, Rainbow gets an idea. “Scootaloo, you're a genius!” She said.

“Wait. How is Scootaloo a genius?” A confused Firebrand said. “Her plan didn't even work.”

“Don’t ruin the moment!” Scootaloo hissed, more than excited that her idol called her a genius.

“You're right. Scootaloo's plan didn't work. But it looks like it did.” Rainbow pointed out.

“Is the definition of genius different in Equestria?”

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

A bit later, the other Fire Sages run toward Shyu in front of the door. “Come quickly!” Shyu called out. “The Fire Avatar has entered the sanctuary!”

“How did he get in?” The Great Fire Sage asked.

“I don't know. But look at the scorch marks! And down there!” Shyu said as he points to a shadow visible at the bottom of the door.

“He's inside!” A slightly scared Great Fire Sage said. “Open the doors, immediately! Before he contacts Avatar Roku!” The five sages then reach for their flamethrowers and fire at each of the dragon’s mouths, opening the door. What they didn't notice is that Fire’ is actually hiding behind a column a few meters away, ad that the shadow belongs to ... “It's one of the Fire Avatar's filly friends.” The Great Sage said, referring to Scootaloo, who’s covered in soot. “She must have crawled through the pipes! We've been tricked!”

“Peekaboo!” Scootaloo said as she jumps the Great Sage as the others charged forward, capturing the other sages.

Shyu then grabs the last free sage and hauls him into his grip, pinning him. “Now, Firebrand!” Shyu called, but Fire’ does nothing.

“Fire’! This is your chance!” Twilight called, only to become horrified as Zuko steps into sight, Firebrand trapped and having an anti-magic collar.

“The Fire Avatar's coming with me!” Zuko said as the captured sages each reclaim the upper hand, pinning their captors down and placing anti-magic collars on the Unicorns and Alicorns. The Great Fire Sage, due to hatting fillies, throws Scootaloo through an open window, which horrifies Rainbow Dash to the point of speechlessness. “Close the doors! Quickly!” Zuko said as he takes Fire’ down the stairs.

Walking down steps, Fire’ glances over his shoulders to see Twilight being chained to a column. He manages to break free, spinning behind Zuko to send him down the stairs and runs for Twilight. “Go!” Twilight said, turning her head toward the closing door. Fire’ listens without hesitation, turning to charge for the door guarded by two sages.

He leaps into the air to avoid the Great Fire Sage's punch and bounces off his hoofs from each of the two sage's heads before sailing through the door just as it closes. “He made it!” A very happy Twilight said. Just then, a bright white light appears, coming from the sanctuary, causing everypony to look away.

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

Inside, Fire’ is kneeling and looks up to a tall statue of Avatar Roku as a beam of red sunlight enters the room and strikes a glistening red jewel held by the statue. “The light hits the statue and I talk to Roku. So why isn't anything happening?” A confused Fire’ said as he stands up.

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

Outside, Zuko and the four sages fire their flamethrowers into the door's locks. But nothing happens this time. “Why isn't it working? It's sealed shut!” A frustrated Zuko said.

“It must have been the light.” The Great Fire Sage said. “Avatar Roku doesn't want us inside.”

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

Inside, Fire’ is now standing in the middle of the room, exasperated. “Why isn't anything happening? I don't know what I'm doing! All I know is firebending! Please Avatar Roku, talk to me!” Just then, Roku's statue turns red as sunlight engulfs it.

Its eyes are now glowing white. Fire’ is slightly surprise as smoke fills the room. When the white smoke dissipates, Avatar Roku is standing before him, and the two are now on a mountaintop and only clouds are visible below. “It's good to see you Firebrand. What took you so long?” Roku said as Fire’ respectfully bows.

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

Outside ... “Why did you help the Fire Avatar?” Zuko firmly asked Shyu, who's kneeling before Zuko.

“Because it was once the sages' duty. It is still our duty.” Shyu said sadly but proudly.

“What a moving and heartfelt performance.” At this, Zuko turns around quickly and sees Commander Zhao and severely soldiers following. “I'm certain the Fire Lord will understand, when you explain why you betrayed him.”

The Great Fire Sage then bows before ... “Commander Zhao.”

“And Prince Zuko. It was a noble effort, but your little smokescreen didn't work.” Zhao said as Zuko scowls sharply while two soldiers seize his arms. “Two traitors in one day, the Fire Lord will be pleased.”

“You're too late, Zhao!” Zuko snapped. “The Fire Avatar's inside and the doors are sealed.”

“No matter.” Zhao said as he grins confidently. “Sooner or later, he has to come out.”

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

Inside, Roku is beginning to explain to Fire’ the reason he’s here. “I have something very important to tell you, Firebrand. That is why, when you were in the Spirit World last, I sent my dragon to find you.”

“Is it about that vision? The one of the comet?”

“Yes.”

“What does it mean?”

“Two-thousand years ago, Fire Lord Sozin used that comet to begin the War. He and his army harnessed its incredible power, and dealt a deadly first strike against the other nations.” Roku said.

“So the comet made them stronger?”

“Yes. Stronger than even one hundred Secretariat Comets can do.”

“But that happened two-thousand years ago. What does the comet have to do with the War now?”

“Listen carefully. Sozin's Comet will return by the end of the summer in three years time, and Fire Lord Ozia will use its power to finish the War, once and for all. If he succeeds, even the Avatars won't be able to restore balance to the world. Firebrand, you must find the other four Avatars and defeat the Fire Lord, before the comet arrives.”

“But I haven't even started looking for the other Avatars!” Fire’ countered anxiously. “Not to mention that I haven’t even mastered my firebending!”

“Mastering the elements takes many years of discipline and practice. But if the world is to survive, you must master fire, find the other Avatars and help them master their elements in three years.” Roku said to a shocked Firebrand.

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

Outside, Zhao and his crew, circle around the door's perimeter, assuming a stance so they can use their flamethrowers at full power. They begin to wait patiently for the door to open. “When those doors open, unleash all your firepower!” Zhao shouted.

“How's Fire’ gonna make it out of this?” A worried Twilight asked her friends.

“How are we gonna make it out of this?” Rainbow said.

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

“What if I can't master my element and find the others in time? What if I fail?” A terrified Fire’ said to Roku.

“I know you can do it Firebrand. For you have done it before.” Roku said, causing Fire’ to smile. “The solstice is ending. We must go our separate ways, for now.”

“But I won't be able to come back to the temple. What if I have questions? How will I talk to you?”

“I am a part of you. When you need to talk to me again, you will find a way.” Roku then closes his eyes, providing Fire’ a vision of Fire Navy ships surrounding the island. “A great danger awaits you at the temple.” Roku said through his mind to Fire’ as he provides a vision of the awaiting Fire Nation soldiers on the other side of the door. “I can help you face the threat, but only if you are ready.”

At this, Firebrand’s mane, tail, hoofs, and eyes begin to glow, but instead of orange, there glowing white. “I'm ready.”

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

Outside, the door glows bright white once again. Smoke streams come through into the room as the door unlocks itself, beginning to open. As it opens, a blinding white light forces all present to look away. “Ready...” Zhao said as the light fades, revealing a pair of glowing white eyes in the darkness.

“No! Firebrand!” A terrified Twilight called out as the others try to free themselves, to no avail.

“Fire!” Zhao commanded as he and his guards cooperate in blasting fire onto the unseen target.

Twilight actually begins to cry when. “Look y’all!” Applejack said as he face has shock written all over. Twilight looks into the inferno and sees that the fire amasses, circling its new host, which horrifies Zhao. It’s not Firebrand however, but instead an Alicorn with a white mane and a midnight blue coat with a fireball for a cutie mark, eyes aglow, who's untouched.

“Who’s that?” Fluttershy asked.

“Avatar Roku.” An awestricken Shyu said as Roku draws the circling fire together in one motion and sends it forward in one powerful wave that sears the room, blasting the offenders off their hoofs and melting the chains binding the main six, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Celestia, Luna, Shyu and Zuko with precision, as well as melting the anti-magic colors on the Unicorns and Alicorns. The blast is so strong, it creates a giant hole in the wall. Zuko takes the opportunity to escape as a ghostly Avatar Roku turns his glowing glare upon the offending sages, who panic and run from his wrath.

“What is he doing?” Luna asked.

“Avatar Roku is going to destroy the temple! We have to get out of here!” Shyu implored.

“Not without Firebrand!” Twilight said as Roku kneels into a forward strike, melting the floor with a molten firebending trail. He then steadily lifts his hoof, causing the stream of lava below to erupt into maddened explosions. The lava soars through the temple, tearing it apart. Zhao and his soldiers flee for the temple's exit.

The destruction ceases momentarily as Roku lowers his hoofs, exhaling soundly. “Now might be a good time to stop the solstice.” Rainbow suggested to Celestia, who complies and casts her spell. The solstice' beam of sunlight leaves Roku’s statue; its eyes no longer glowing. As this happens all smoke in the room draws in upon Avatar Roku, his form disappearing to leave behind a weary Firebrand, who collapses.

“We got your back.” Applejack said as she and Pinkie help Fire’ up.

“Thanks.” Fire’ weakly said. “Where's Shyu?”

“We don’t know.” Twilight said as the temple begins to collapses. “Let’s just get out of here!” The temple begins to lean due to the destruction caused. The group stare in horror upon seeing the stairwell leading to the exit filled with lava. They quickly turn to the only exit; the hole in the wall Roku had created. There is no escaping for some, as they are on the top level of the temple.

“How are we all gonna get out!” Rarity said, starting to panic a little.

Just then, the Wonderbolts fly up to the hole, with Scootaloo in the chariot. “Maybe we can help.” Scootaloo said as the others jump in, getting a big hug from Rainbow.

“I thought you were a goner.” Rainbow said with a slight tear. “How did you...?”

“I landed on a cloud.” Scootaloo said as they take off, with Zhao watching from his ship.

“No Prince, no Princesses, no Avatar! Apparently, the only thing I do have is five traitors!” Zhao snapped at the sages.

“But Commander! Only Shyu helped the Fire Avatar.” The Great Fire Sage interjected.

“Save your stories for the Fire Lord. As far as I'm concerned, you're all guilty! Take them to the prison hold!” Zhao ordered.

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

Later that night, after most the group have gone to sleep, the Wonderbolts fly through the clouds back to the mainland, as a mourning Firebrand has his head hung. Twilight then approaches her friend, kneeling behind him to support him, putting her hoof around Fire's shoulders.

Chapter 7, The Blue Spirit

The Elements of Nature, Book 1
Chapter 7, The Blue Spirit

The next day, at the shore of a lake in the southern territories of Geo Firma, near the equator, Firebrand is drawing a picture in the soil with a stick using his magic. It’s a picture of his cutie mark and Twilights, with a ‘+’ sing in between. “Everythin’ all right Firebrand?” Apple Bloom said, startling Fire’ as he quickly gets ride of the picture as he turns to Apple Bloom and her two friends. “You seem a bit distant lately.”

“Yes, but I saw the map the old stallion gave us. We’re near the Eastern Air Temple. I just think I should go to the temple alone.”

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

“Why?” Twilight asked a bit later.

“He doesn't want us to get hurt.” Scootaloo told her.

“You saw what happen the last time he had a vision. He just doesn't want us to get hurt is all, especially after we nearly got away from the burning temple in the Fire Nation..” Sweetie said.

“I don’t think that's a good idea.” Rainbow said. “We started a rebellion.”

“I’ll try to talk him out of going alone.” Twilight said. She then walks over to Fire’ to talk to him.

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

Later that night, Twilight wakes up and sees that Firebrand is gone, a note is in his bag. It says, “I’ll be back when I can. I’ll meet you at the next town.”

Celestia then wakes up and also sees that he's gone. “I guess your little talk didn't work.”

“He’ll be back in a day.” Twilight said to her former mentor.

“The Fire Nation is following us. If we make a wrong move, they’ll catch him.”

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

At the Southern Air Temple, Firebrand is busy exploring. He then sees an old unicorn mare with a light brown mane and tail while her coat is an earth brown. “And who are you?” She asked, but she then notices his mane and tail. “Why, it cannot be! I’ve heard stories. Are you...?”

Firebrand nodes his head saying yes. “My name is Firebrand.”

“I cannot believe I’ve lived to see your return. I’m an Geo Firma villager, but I visit these temple remains often.”

Firebrand then takes a look around. “The Fire Nation has destroyed this temple. They have ruined everything.”

“No, no, no, not everything. You know, there’s a hidden chamber of statues. I think you, of all ponies, should see.” She then takes him the chamber. It is similar to a giant spiral stair case with statues of ponies going up to at least 5 stories. “These are all the Avatars. These are the reincarnations of you, before the spirit was divided, over the years. When did you first learn about your Firebending, youngling?”

“When I was young. The village elder of my home wanted to take me away to see what I am. I ran, but when I finally returned, every one I knew and loved was gone.”

“You seem like a nice colt. You really do. You will forgive me, won’t you?”

“For what?”

“For luring you down here.” She then pulls out a knife and then some Fire Nation soldiers come out of their hiding places from behind the statues. “I have lived in poverty, but they promised me that I will receive all the money I need. So you would understand my actions today.” More soldiers soon come running in and one puts a saddle bag full of money on her as she leaves.

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

Later that night, Firebrand is being held up with chains to the ceiling. There is no fire for him to use, so he's trap. He then closes his eyes and he enters the Spirit World.

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

He then goes to the Dragon Spirit as fast as he can. "I have seen a vision of the moon turning red and Princess Luna dying soon after. The Fire Nation has stolen knowledge of us from the Grate Library in the Himalayas. They are planning to misuse this knowledge."

"I will stop them, but I need to find the other Avatars. Where are they?"

"The Avatar of Water is in Pegasus City at the South Pole. You must go there. If they take that city, more will suffer and die, as your home land of Abysus did. You must go now!"

"Will I stop them?" But before the dragon spirit could answer, Firebrand hears another voice as he leaves the Spirit World.

“Wake up, young stallion!”

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

Fire’ then opens his eyes and sees a Fire Nation solider in front of him. “My name is Commander Zhao. I set this trap for you. Don’t worry, I’m not going to kill you.” He the begins to walk around Firebrand. “Besides, you just be reborn again, and the search will continue.”

Zhao then stops in front of Fire.’ “I understand that when you freed those hoof full of towns, you were very impressive. But you only used firebending. Why is that?”

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

Outside the temple, a tank is going across the bridge to the temple. Underneath it is a pony in a blue robe and a demonic midnight blue mask. “The Fire Lord and I have a plan to ensure our reign and the downfall of our enemies.” Zhao announced as the spirit jumps over the wall and heads to where Fire’ is being held. “I am sending a personnel message to the Fire Lord, informing him that the once feared Avatar of Fire is no longer a threat to our might.”

In the dungeons, outside of the chamber Fire’ is in, there are four guards, all of them as solid as a statue. Suddenly they look up as a Fire Nation soldier's helmet comes bouncing down the corridor toward them. One of the guards walks up the corridor and turns right at the first junction, disappearing from view. A gout of flame erupts from the cross hallway as well as the sound of a brief scuffle. Two more guards go up to the junction and turn right, fighting stances at the ready.

The two see the first guard who went is hanging from the ceiling, tied up. Behind the two guards, the pony with the blue spirit mask is on the ceiling above the them. He drops down and melee begins, but it is over quickly. The last guard now sees the Blue Spirit at the junction. The lone guard makes a grab for the alarm next to him, but a knife puts it out of commission. The guard then fires his flamethrower at the Blue Spirit as he runs down the hall toward the door, but the intruder extinguishes the blast with a bucket of water.

The masked figure then sweeps the guard's hoofs out from under him with the empty bucket. In the cell, Fire’ is still struggling inside the chamber. He stops and looks at the noises of violence coming through door. These stop abruptly and are replaced by the sound of the lock turning in the door. The door opens and the Blue Spirit enters, who brandishes two curved swords and runs forward to Fire,’ who screams in fear.

The Blue Spirit approaches and two sword cuts are heard. Fire’ pulls his arms back in surprise – the Blue Spirit has freed him. He looks at his liberator in wonder as the Blue Spirit comes closer and cuts his remaining bonds, turns and walks back toward the door, but not before he gives Fire’ his sword back.

A few minutes later, Zhao is walking in one of the dimly lit corridors of the temple, followed by a scribe. “I want a full transcription of my speech sent to the Fire Lord, along with glowing testimonials from all the ranking officers present, and –” He cuts himself off as he hears moans. Zhao looks to his right, and sees the soldiers that the Blue Spirit tied still lie. Zhao, upset, slams open the door to Firebrands's prison cell. It is empty. Zhao turns in anger and leaves, as his scribe runs ahead of him. “Foals.” Zhou said.

The scribe that was with him goes to a tower and yells, “Close the inner gates! The Fire Avatar has escaped!” They do so. A couple of soldiers are about to enter a tunnel when fire comes out and they are thrown back. Firebrand and the mask vigilant exit the tunnel soon after. The soldiers get ready for a fight.

“Lock down the gate! Lock down all the gates!” A solider yelled out. A solider appears from behind in the tunnel with a flamethrower and shots at the two. They dodge and Firebrand bends the fire to get rid of some of the soldiers. Fire’ moves toward a stone circle with pliers holding another circle, hanging from it some boards.

“This looks like it was their main practice area.” Fire’ then uses his firebending to make the fir move the boards out evenly. Then he uses the fire to close the area off, trapping a solider in. Fire’ then trips him on his back and throws him out. The spirit has taken out 20 soldiers and is ready to take care of a few more. Fire’ uses his firebending to throw some more Fire Nation troops away. The spirit and Fire’ eventually do a back to back.

Zhao then yells out at the soldiers “Do not kill the Fire Avatar! He’ll just be reborn again!” The spirit then goes around Fire’ and places one of his swords at Fire’s neck. “Why are you doing this? Who are you?” The spirit says nothing in response. After a moment, Zhao realize that the spirit will kill Fire’ if they don’t go.

“Open the gates. Let them out!” The spirit with Fire’ in tow begins to take his leave. Zhao then heads to a tower.

“Is it a Spirit Commander?”

“Not at all.” He then turns to a solider holding a bow and arrow. “Do it.”

He fires the arrow and it hits the pony’s mask on the other side of the bridge, breaking the mask and knocking him out. The soldiers at the temple see this and charge. Firebrand then removes the mask and sees Prince Zuko. Fire’ then uses both his firebending and his sword to make a distraction so they can get away. Using fire from nearby torches, he makes a small inferno that engulfs part of the bridge, stopping the troopers. Zhao sees it and wonders for a moment. “What is this?” When the smoke finally clears, both Firebrand and Zuko are gone.

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

The next morning in a forest, Fire’ is sitting near Zuko, waiting to see if he’s okay. He then leaves before Zuko wakes up.

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

In the Fire Nation, Zhao is heading for the Fire Lord’s chamber to discuss what happened. “And how did he escape?”

“I fear your son is not only incompetent, but also a traitor. Of course, I cannot prove this, sire.”

“You think...” the Fire Lord angrily said, “my son is this pony the soldiers are calling the Blue Spirit.”

“Yes.” Zhao firmly said.

“Do not harm my son. Leave him to his isolation.” The Fire Lord firmly said.

“You have my word, sire. I will not harm him.”

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

Later at Fire Nation Colony 15, Zuko walks up to his Uncle who is getting a hoof message. “Zhao’s troops were searching the coast, looking for you. They also searched the ship. I told them you were on vacation with a girl. Where were you for the past 4 days?”

“Nowhere.” Zuko said after a moment. “We have to keep moving. The Fire Avatar is traveling again.”

“Take rest first. It looks like you went through a great deal. When you wake, we’ll have tea together before we start the engines.”

“All right uncle.” Zuko then heads to his ship.

In Zuko’s bead chamber, he is getting ready to go to sleep. He gets in bed, but he smells something. It’s gas. He looks for the source and sees a gas pipe leaking on an open flame. He then runs as fast as he can. Outside, Iroh sees Zuko's bed chamber explode, and pushes the hoof massager out-of-the-way. “ZUKO!”

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

At the South Pole, the group arrive. They are ridding in a boat to avoid any Fire Nation troops looking up to the sky. “I hate the cold.” Fire’ said.

“Cheer up Fire.’” Twilight said to him. “We’ll be at Pegasus City soon.”

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

"And what of the Fire Avatar?" The Fire Lord asked Zhao

"We assume he has rejoined his supporters." Zhao said. "It has been conformed he is traveling south. I believe that the colt is telling the truth about him only being able to bend only one element, and like the prophecy said, that there are four more Avatars. It is also my strong believe he is traveling to Pegasus City at the North Pole, possibly to find another Avatar. I also believe that Celestia and Luna are seeking aid, if we are to attack Equestria, where the Pegasi of the South have lived out of our reach and openly practice weather manipulation."

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

The group then see some pegasi flying and are taken to the city. They see a giant wall of ice move so they can enter. Once they do, they are greeted by the inhabitants, who are all pegasi. The city itself is made up of a giant block of ice. "This place is amazing." Rainbow said as they are led to the royal court.

Chapter 8, Pegasus City

The Elements of Nature, Book 1
Chapter 8, Pegasus City

“Celestia, Luna, we’ve been expecting you. I am Chief Arnook, and this is my son and daughter, Sokka and Agua.” Arnook, said, a stallion Pegasus with a blue coat, an ice blue mane and tail, and brown eyes. His cutie mark is a trident. He is accompanied by his son and younger daughter, who's the same age as Firebrand. The older son’s name is Sokka, he has an ocean blue coat, a pure white mane and tail, and yellow eyes. His cutie mark is 3 ice crystals. The daughter, whose name is Agua, has an aqua blue coat, an ice white mane and tail, and sky blue eyes. Her cutie mark is a wave on the ocean.

"Man, that colt next to the chief sure is hot!" Spitfire thought to herself.

"That flamed maned Pegasus sure is cute." Sokka thought to himself.

“So, is your hooded friend, the Avatar of Fire?” Chief Arnook asked.

“I won’t tell you, I’ll show you.” Firebrand then removes his cape and gives both the cape and sword to Twilight. He then does some techniques that came naturally to him, he takes the fire from some torches and creates a fire tornado 3 stories high.

“Impressive. But I have a feeling that there's another reason your here, besides to gain a friend against the Fire Nation.”

“True...” Fire’ began to say, “When I was in the Spirit World last, I spoke to a dragon spirit. He told me that the Water Avatar is somewhere in the city.” Sokka and Agua then look at each other in worry. “He also told me that the Fire Nation is going to attack soon, and that during the attack, the moon will become blood-red and Luna will die not long after the moon turns red.” Celestia then turns to Luna, who is horrified by what she just heard.

“We need to prepare." Chief Arnook began to say. "The Fire Nation will be here in weeks.”

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

Later at a briefing room, the Chief is showing them a map of the city and discussing battle plans with them. The city itself is circular and hidden by the giant wall of ice outside. “The city was design to withstand any assault. If we keep them to the courtyard and the marketplace till night falls, where we have the advantaged, we will succeed. If we let too many into the city, their sheer numbers could overwhelm us.” Arnook said. He then turns to his daughter and son. “I must assign a guard to be with you two at all times. Your presence is our inspiration. Firebrand, I want you to guard my daughter.”

“I’ll do it. Nothing will happen to her.”

“I’ll help guard your son.” Spitfire said soon after, slightly surprising Rainbow and the other Wonderbolts.

“I had a feeling you might volunteer, Spitfire.” Arnook said.

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

In the Fire Nation, Fire Lord Ozia is talking to Zhao about his son. “I’ve heard no word of my son for quit some time. Do you know where he is?”

“I’ve not heard of anything, sire. I’m sure word of him will come to us soon.”

“The North Pole pegasi are given their strength by the Moon and Ocean Spirits, just like all other pegasi. They will be difficult to defeat. Now, if for some reason the Sprites were not involved, that would be different. What have you learned from the stolen scrolls?” Ozia asked Zhao.

“We have deciphered the location of the Moon and Ocean Spirits.” Zhao said to his ruler.

Ozia then walks to a balcony and turns to Zhao. “It is our destiny to have found this information, Zhao. Eliminate the Spirits, take the city and we will have thwarted all 5 of the Avatars in the process.” Later, the Fire Nation begins to send its navy to the South pole.

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

Back at Pegasus City, Chief Arnook is walking with Celestia and Luna when the Cutie Mark Crusaders stop them. “Uh, sorry for stopping you, but we want to know something.” Scootaloo said.

“What is it?” Luna asked.

“Why does the Fire Nation fear the Avatar?” Sweetie Belle asked.

After a moment, Arnook spoke, “Thats a good question. Come.” He takes them to his study, he then takes a scroll and places it on a table. “Once, a long time ago, when Celestia and Luna were younger than you Apple Bloom, the Spirit World kept balance over us.” He then opens the scroll, reveling a map of the Spirit World.

“What is the Spirit World, Arnook?” Apple Bloom said to him.

“It’s not a place made up of things you can touch. But it exists, nonetheless. It is filled with the amazing forms of dazzling creatures that exist in the most exotic valleys, mountains and forests. Each of these creatures is a Spirit. They’ve have watched over us since the beginning. The have guided us. And only the Avatar can go speak to them.”

“Arn’t there Spirits here?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yes, there are some Spirits that live hidden among us, sure some of them are watching us with great sadness. The Fire Nation doesn't want to live by the Spirits. That's why they’re so frightened by the existence of the Avatar. It is also why they put a curse on the Avatar spirit so that it can’t reincarnate, which is why the Avatar has became a myth to many. But they hadn't considered that the Avatar spirit can be divided. That is why there are 5 Avatars now, each representing a different element.”

“What can the Avatars do?”

“With there mastery over the 5 known elements, they will begin to change hearts. And it is within the heart that all wars are won.”

“Who was the last Avatar?” Scootaloo asked them.

“The last Avatar, as you know, was as Alicorn named Roku. He was also Celestia and Luna’s father.”

“Wait, our father was Avatar Roku!” Luna said out of shock.

“Yes, I’m not surprised you didn't know. You were probably too young to remember him when he died.” Luna then stares at her sister, who is equally shock.

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

In the royal library of Pegasus City, Firebrand, Agua, and Twilight are trying to find some information about the bending arts. “I think I found something.” Twilight said as she found a scroll with water patterns on it.

“That looks like a waterbending scroll. I’ve only heard about these.” Agua said.

Twilight opens it and sees that it shows ponies practicing T’ai Chi Ch’uan, specifically the Yang style. “It says here that water it the flowing element. The element of change. It also says that to master water, you must realize your emotions, wherever they may lead you. Water teaches acceptance, apparently. To let your emotions flow like water.”

“Weird. It's not the same with firebending.” Firebrand said.

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

Later that night, Firebrand and Twilight are looking for Agua. “Her dad is gonna kill me if we don't find her soon.” Fire' said.

“We’ll find her.” Twilight reassured.

They soon arrive at the side of a river and see Agua on the shore. She is doing T’ai Chi Ch’uan by the river. Each time she moves, some water and ice move also. Fire’ and Twilight are stunned by what they see. “Let you emotions flow like water." Agua thought to herself. When she lifts her hoofs, the water in not just the lake, but also in fountains and jugs begin to float. She then stops and the water goes back down.

“Agua?” She jumped when she heard he name and sees Twilight and Fire’ staring dumbfounded at her. “Your the Avatar of Water?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, I am.”

“Who else knows?” Fire' asked.

“My brother knows, but not my father.”

“How long did you know you could bend water?” Twilight asked.

“Since I was around Sweetie Belle’s age. When I was doing it today, I thought about my mother. I think that helped. You heard what the scroll said.”

“Yes, but why were you thinking about your mother?” Fire' asked.

“She died when I was around 4.” Agua said as she begins to cry.

“You know what the scroll said, water teaches us acceptance.” Twilight sheepishly said.

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

Meanwhile out at the edge of the Arctic Circle, the Fire Nation fleet, consisting of 15 or more ships, is moving around some icebergs. Zhao is waiting on the bow for Iroh. He arrives a few minutes later. “General Iroh, I’m glade you could accept my invitation to join us on this historic event.”

“Your invitation was most gracious.”

“You are a gifted strategist. No one can ague that. Your failure in the Hundred Day Siege of Ba Sing Se won’t be held against you. Your son died in that siege, didn't he?”

Iroh pause for a moment. “Yes, he did.” Iroh sadly said.

“Again, I offer my condolences on your nephew burning to death in that terrible accident.”

“Thank you.” Iroh then leaves.

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

Sokka and Spitfire are taking a walk around the city. Some residents bow to the Prince. “I’ve loved spending these weeks with you, Sokka.” Spitfire said, only to blush soon after. “Did I say that out loud?”

“Yes, you did. Me, to. Should we see what the ocean is doing today?” Sokka asked Spitfire. They then head for the outer wall. They reach the wall, some lookouts are watching the horizon for any sing of the Fire Nation. “When there is some safety for all of us, I will come visit the city of Cloudsdale in Equestria and spend some time in your home.”

“That would be great. But I warn you, my family will ask you many questions.” Spitfire said to the Southern Prince.

“Like what?”

“Well, my grandmother will say, ‘Why is your mane and tail pure white, colt? You look very odd.’”

“I would say to your grandmother, my mane and tail are white because when I was born I was not awake. My mother and father could not get me to make a sound or move. So they prayed for days to the Moon Spirit and dipped me into the sacred waters. My mother said, before she died, that my mane and tail turned white and life poured into me.”

“Wow. You didn't tell me that.”

“You didn't ask me. Only your grandmother did.”

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

Back on Zhao’s ship. Iroh is making sure that no one is around. “I’m sure Zhao is the who ordered the attack on you.” He said to Zuko, who survived the explosion. They then sit down.

“Any problems?” Zuko asked.

“We have arrived at the Pegasus City stronghold. They believe the Fire Avatar, as well as another Avatar is there.”

“Why do you seem so upset, Uncle?”

“Zhao has no sacredness. Are you sure you want to be here?”

After a moment, Zuko gives his answer. “I will not be allowed to live in peace until I bring at least one of the Avatars to my father! Is that not clear to you?”

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

Twilight and Firebrand are helping Agua practice her waterbending thanks to the scroll they found. “Agua, try to keep your wrist bent, like it’s showing.” Twilight told her.

It is almost afternoon when suddenly, when there was light snow, was now replaced by a black substance. The residents of the city also notice. “Oh, black snow! I bet it taste a lot better than yellow snow!” Pinkie said to her friends. She is about to eat some when Applejack stops her.

“Whoa nelly. Easy Pinks.” AJ said to her.

“Uh, Pinkie, I don’t think this is snow.” Rarity told her out of worry.

Back at the tower Spitfire and Sokka are at, he holds his hoof out and pulls it back in with whats falling. “What is this?”

“Trouble, that's ash, and that means only one thing." Spitfire said, causing Sokka to look at her puzzling. "Sokka ... the Fire Nation is here.”

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

The warships soon arrive at the outer wall, ready to attack. At the back of Zhou’s ship, Zuko is heading outside and getting into a canoe, wearing a white body suit. His uncle is with him, but he is staying on the ship to avoid suspicion. “If you're fishing for an octopus my nephew, you need a tightly woven net, or he will squeeze through the tiniest hole and escape.”

“I don't need your wisdom right now, Uncle.”

“I'm sorry. I just nag you, because, well, ever since I lost my son...”

“Uncle, you don't have to say it.”

“... I think of you as my own.”

“I know, Uncle. We'll meet again.” At this, Iroh hugs him. “After I have the Avatars here.”

“Now be sure to keep your uniform closed up to your neck. And remember, your Chi can warm you, and if that’s not enough, your breath of fire can help. It could save your life out there.”

Zuko nods in understanding, “I know, Uncle.” He then leaves, making his way to the wall.

“Be safe.” Iroh said to Zuko before he leaves. Outside of both sides field of vision, he puts on a hood hiding all of his head except his eyes. He swims underwater into some ice caves that go under the city. He goes near the surface, under the city. He sees some light and attempts to resurface, however, the surface of the water had frozen into a thick ice patch. Zuko tries to break through the ice, but he suddenly exhales, signaling his need for air. He heats his hoofs using firebending and melts a hole in the ice. With the ice steaming and finally melting away, Zuko emerges in an empty room, catches his breath and relaxes against the wall.

Chapter 9, Siege of the South

The Elements of Nature, Book 1
Chapter 9, Siege on the South

On a balcony, the main 6, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Firebrand, Agua, Sokka, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Shining and the Chief see the Fire Nation ships. “Firebrand needs to ask you something, Arnook.” Twilight said.

“I have to talk to the spirits. They can help me defeat the Fire Nation. Is there a spiritual place where I can meditate?”

“There is a very spiritual place. The city was built around this place. But we must hurry.”

They leave and head toward the center of Pegasus City. Zuko is following them on the roofs, staying out of sight due to his white uniform. They enter a tunnel that has statues of two koi fish in the front. Inside there are two ponds and grass around them. There even is a cherry tree in bloom.

Near a pond that has two koi fish in it, one being black with a white spot on its head while the other is the exact opposite in color, who are circling each other. “In my home of Abysus, there are monks who can meditate for at least 4 days at a time. My grandfather was one of these monks. I’ll need some quiet now.” He then gets down and begins to meditate.

“Father, would it be all right if I stay behind and mediate with him?” Agua asked.

“Yes, it would. Just be safe.” She then gets down next to Firebrand and begins to meditate. “We need to get back.” The Chief said.

“I’ll stay with them.” Twilight said.

“Be carful.” Shining told his little sister. After they leave, Twilight walks slowly to the two Avatars.

“Firebrand? Agua? Can you hear me?” There is no response. “I knew about the Avatar since I was young. But I never believed it. But for some reason, I knew you were real. And I always knew you’d return, no matter how many times I was told you weren't real.”

“Me, too.” Twilight turns around and sees Zuko, out of the white uniform and holding a torch.

“No...”

“Yes.” A determined Zuko said. “Hand them over and I won't have to hurt you.” Zuko said as he sets his torch down and sets the grass on fire, as Twilight takes a defensive stance. Zuko sends out a fire blast, which she takes out with simple shield, to her at least. With the second blast, Twilight takes it out by simply pulling out some water from the pond. Zuko is both surprised and impressed of her magical abilities. “Who are you?”

“My name is Twilight Sparkle, and I am the Princess of Magic and wielder of the Element of Magic.” Realizing that simple firebending forms won’t work, Zuko firebends a curved blast and a straight one. Overwhelmed with the complexity of Zuko's attack, she deflects the curved blast but is knocked hard against the tree with the other blast. Zuko then runs up to Twilight, rests her unconscious body next to the tree and checks her condition.

“I’m not allowed to go home without at least one of them.” He said to her.

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

The Pegasus City soldiers are lining up on the fort walls, overlooking the large Fire Nation fleet nearing its attack range. As Arnook gives out the battle cry, the soldiers rattle the end of their spears against the icy floor for morale, ready for battle.

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

On Zhao’s ship, he and Iroh are discussing their plan. “The Pegasi get their power from the moon. They will get stronger as the day comes to an end.” Iroh said.

“General Iroh, I’ve been keeping a secret.”

“And what is that?”

“In my raid of the Great Library earlier this year, I found a scroll that tells the location of the Ocean and Moon Spirits.”

“To meet a Spirit would be a great honor.”

“Well, I hope I can give you that honor.”

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

On a smaller ship that made it to the wall, a Fire Nation soldier climbs on the back of a giant Komodo Dragon. They begin to climb the wall of the city while fire balls fly across the sky and hit both the wall but also the city. Once they get on top, he pulls out a flamethrower and shots. Meanwhile, some Fire Nation solders are using drills to break through the ice underneath the city.

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

Back to the oasis, Twilight begins to wake up. Her eyes suddenly snap open as she regains consciousness, only to realize that both Firebrand and Agua are gone. She crawls around, desperately searching for him. “Firebrand!” She called out.

Just then, Twilight’s friends, Arnook, Sokka, Celestia, Luna and the Wonderbolts show up. “What happened? Where's Firebrand? Where’s Agua?”

“Zuko is in the city!” Twilight said to her friends. “He took both Fire’ and Agua. He took them right out from under me.”

“Were did they go?” Apple Bloom asked.

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

Above the oasis where, Zuko is walking through a blizzard with Firebrand and Agua in tow.

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

“Is this the Spirit World?” Agua asked.

“Yes, it is. Let’s ask him for help.” Fire’ said while pointing toward a monkey-like spirit, who’s meditating. “Hello? Were sorry to disturb you. We just really need to find the Moon and the Ocean Spirits.” Fire’ said to the odd spirit.

“Go. Away.” The spirit simply said. It then opens one eye. “You're still here?”

“Let’s go, Agua.” Fire’ said when he realizes that this monkey won’t help, as he and Agua leave.

“Finally.” The spirit said after it breathes a sigh of relief.

Both Agua and Fire’ reach a lack, to which Fire’ simply throws a stone into. “Now what.”

Looking down at the water, the two see Roku suddenly appearing before them in their reflections. “Hello, Firebrand and Agua.”

“Roku!” A surprise Fire’ said.

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

In the real world, Zuko continues his trek through the icy tundra. Unfortunately, he steps on ice that begins cracking beneath his hoofs as his eyes widen in surprise. The ice begins to splinter and cave in. Zuko then begins to run, but the impact of the ice caving in throws him off-balance. Zuko is thrown several feet away and lands roughly in the snow, losing his grip on Fire’ and Agua and kicking up a cloud of snow. Zuko then raises his head and looks around and sees the aftermath of the cave-in, the ground severely disrupted and spots a cave off in the distance. “Shelter.”

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

“Roku, Pegasus City's under attack. We need to find the Ocean and the Moon Spirits.” Agua said.

At this, Roku pops out of the water. “The Ocean and the Moon are ancient spirits. There is only one spirit I know of who is old enough to remember where they are.”

“Who?” Agua asked.

“The spirit's name is Koh, but he is very dangerous. They call him the Face Stealer.” At this, Agua becomes horrified. “When you speak with him, you must be very careful to show no emotion at all. Not the slightest expression, or he will steal your face.” Roku finished, causing both of them to become afraid.

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

Meanwhile, in the real world, Twilight and the others arrive to where the ice broke earlier. In the cave, Zuko is keeping warm with his breathe of fire while Firebrand and Agua, now tied up, remain in the Spirit World. “I finally have you, two of you, but I can't get you home because of this blizzard.” Zuko said as he stands up and looks outside the cave. “There's always something. Not that the two of you would understand.

You're just like my sister. Everything always came easy to her. She's a karate prodigy, and everyone adores her. My father says she was born lucky. He says I was lucky to be born.

I don't need luck, though. I don't want it. I've always had to struggle and fight and that's made me strong. It's made me who I am.”

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

On a warship, some Fire Nation soldiers use a giant flamethrower to melt a hole in the wall. Once they do that, others riding Mongoose dragons enter, followed by some foot soldiers. They go on a rampage. The Chief is using his weather magic to his advantage, by creating clouds that shoot lightning. Other pegasi are doing the same while others use swords and spears. “I advise that you pull back your soldiers soon. They will be trap in the city when Luna brings the moon’s power out.” Iroh said to Zhao.

“Do not worry about the moon’s power, General Iroh.”

“Why should you not be worry about the moon’s power?”

“Because your brother, Fire Lord Ozia, and I have decided it is our best interest to kill the Moon Spirit.”

“What?”

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

Back in the Spirit World, Fire’ and Agua walk up to a giant tree, seeing the entrance to the cave Koh can be found in. The two stare and slightly step toward the cave, but stop when they hear a creepy noise. They glances to their left and notice that the noise wasn't coming from the cave. “What is that?” Agua asked.

“It’s just a curly tailed blue nose monkey.” Fire’ said, but their relief is taken away when the monkey turns its head toward Agua, exposing that he has no face, causing her to scream a little as the monkey leaves. “Calm down. Remember, show no fear, show no emotion at all.” The two then walk into the cave.

“Hello? W-we’er looking for a spirit named 'Koh.'” Agua called out into the dark cave. Just then, a gigantic, centipede-like creature with the face of a female Noh mask, a white face with red lips and gray eye markings, circles around them.

“Welcome.” It creepily said to the two Avatars, who’s faces remain blank.

“Thank you.” Fire’ said as he and Agua bow.

“My old friend, the Avatar. It's been a long time.” Koh said.

“You know us?” Agua asked the amoral spirit.

“How could I forget you?” Koh said as he switches to a mad Griffin face with thick eyebrows, a long mustache, and a beard. “One of your previous incarnations tried to slay me! Twenty-four or twenty-five hundred years ago.” Koh angrily said.

“We didn't know that.” A confused Fire’ said.

“Why did he or we try to kill you?” Agua asked.

“Oh, it was something about stealing the face of someone you loved.” Koh said as he switches to a Pegasus mare with a sky blue coat, a long wavy brown mane like Rarity’s and brown eyes. But then the face turns angry and switches to a baboon's with a gaping mouth, while laughing evilly, but Fire’ and Agua keep a straight face continually stare in one direction as Koh circles them. “Of course that's all behind us. Why should I hold a grudge against you for something in a past life did?

After all, you're a different pony now, or should I say different ponies. You've come to me with two new faces.” Koh said into Agua's ear from behind. Agua takes a deep breath to the words into her ear...

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

...Crossing the scene to the real world, with Zuko seeing it. “Guess we'll be here awhile.” Zuko said. Meanwhile, not far from the cave, the others are still looking for Fire’ and Agua. “Why would the Fire Lord’s son want my daughter?”

“Because, she's the Avatar of Water, father.” Sokka said.

“What? Why didn’t you tell me this earlier Sokka?” Arnook said out of shock.

“Because she thought it would be best not to tell you until we were sure.”

“Calm down y’all, we’ll find them.” Applejack said to the two. “Prince Zuko can't be getting too far in this weather.”

“I'm not worried they'll get away in the blizzard.” Twilight said. “I'm worried that they won't.”

“They're not going to die in this blizzard.” Luna said to the group. “If we learned anything about him, it's that Zuko never gives up. They'll survive, and we'll find them.”

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

Back in the Spirit World, Koh still circles Fire’ and Agua. “It's been such a long time since I've added a mare's face to my collection.” Koh said, referring to Agua. “So ... How may I help you?”

“We need to find the moon and the ocean spirits.” Fire’ said to the Face Stealer.

“Their spirit names are Tui and La, push and pull. And that has been the nature of their relationship for all time.” Koh said.

“Please. Help us find them. My entire culture could be destroyed if we don't get their help.” Agua said, worried what will happen if they lose.

“Oh, you think you need their help. Actually it's quite the other way round.” Koh said as he switches to a blue oni face, similar to the Blue Spirit mask worn by Zuko. “Someone's going to kill them!”

“What do you mean? How can we find them and protect them?” Fire’ asked.

“You've already met them, actually.” Koh said as he turns around. “Tui and La, your moon and ocean, have always circled each other in an eternal dance. They balance each other, push and pull, life and death, good and evil, yin and yang.”

Agua then remembers ... “The koi fish!” Agua excitedly said, putting emotion on her face. Koh then quickly reels around to stare at the now expressionless face of Agua.

“We must be going now.” Fire’ said as he and Agua leave Koh, who switches to a black Unicorn’s face.

“We'll meet again.” Koh said as he recedes into the shadows. “But before you go, Agua, you must go show the Fire Nation the power of water, and stop yourself from grieving over the loss of your mother.”

Agua stops, but continues on. “That was close.” Agua said after they left Koh’s lair.

“Indeed.” Roku said from their reflections, startling them slightly.

“The spirits are in trouble, we need to get back to the physical world.” Fire’ said to Roku.

“A friend of your’s, Firebrand, is here, to guide you two back.” Roku said as their reflections return, and they see...

“Hei Bai!” Fire’ said as they turn around and see the black and white spirit. The spirit groans as Fire’ and Agua get onto him and set off.

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

At the wall in Pegasus City, Zhao, Iroh, and some soldiers enter the city. They see that the pegasi and Fire Nation troops are at a stand still. “There’re getting stronger.” A soldier then hands Zhao a scroll. “This is a scroll from the Grate Library. This is our map. Our world is going to change soon, gentlecolts.”

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

Back in the Spirit World, Fire’ and Agua arrive at his starting location and jump off of Hei Bai. “This is where we came in, but how do we get back?” Agua asked Hei Bai, who stands on his hind legs and sends a beam of energy at the two, who disappears back to the physical world.

“Good riddance.” The odd spirit said, only for Hei Bai, having assumed his monstrous form, shoot an intense beam from his mouth at the odd spirit sending it flying, before reverting to his original form.

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

Back in the physical world, Fire’ and Agua arrive back at the oasis. “What a rush.” Agua said before she notices that she’s now a light blue and Fire’ is orange. “Oh no, where are our bodies?” Just then, the two Avatars are surrounded by energy and fly into the air. Meanwhile in the tundra, Twilight notices the orange and blue beams of light.

“Look, that's gotta be Fire’ and Agua!” Twilight said as the two beams of light reach the cave, filling it with light. The two then wake up, and noticing both their restraints and Zuko.

“Welcome back.” Zuko simply said.

“Good to be back.” Fire’ said as he sends a blast of fire toward Zuko, distracting him as he burns his ropes off and does the same with Agua’s. The two then run outside, with Zuko not far behind.

“That won't be enough to escape.” Zuko said as he grabs Agua’s tail, but then Twilight and the others arrive.

“Sokka, dad!” Agua said as Zuko let's go while Twilight gets between Fire’ and Zuko.

“Here for a rematch?” Zuko said to Twilight as he gets into a firebending form.

“Trust me Zuko, it's not going to be much of a match.” Twilight said as she charges a laser and fires, knocking Zuko out.

“We need to get to the oasis; the spirits are in trouble!” Agua said as she and Twilight get into the chariot.

“Fire,’ what are you doing?” Rainbow asked when she sees Fire’ tying up Zuko with some leftover rope.

“We can't just leave him here.” Fire’ said as he carries Zuko to the chariot.

“Sure we can.” Applejack said.

“No, if we leave him he'll die.” Fire’ pointed out as he places Zuko in the chariot.

“Yeah, this makes a lot of sense. Bring the guy who's trying to kill us.” Rarity said as they take off.

“It’s the right thing to do.” Fire’ pointed out.

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

Back in the city, the group land and leave a tied up Zuko behind. “You two,” Arnook called to two Pegasus warriors a few meters away, “guard the chariot. The Fire Lords son is in it, tied up.”

“Yes, sir.” The two said as they head for the chariot.

Soon the group see Zhao, Iroh, and their soldiers going across the bridge. “See where there going. Me and Agua will go join the fight.” Fire’ said as he pulls out his sword.

“I’m coming with you.” Twilight firmly said.

“All right.”

“Wait!” Arnook said, “I need to get you something, Agua.” He then flies to the armory. He opens a cabinet and pulls out a trident with water patterns on it, and 3 water sapphires for the sharp points. He then flies back and gives it to Agua. “This belong to your mother, she wanted me to give this to you when I realized your destiny. Today, I found that destiny.” He then hugs her and kisses her on the forehead. “Be safe.”

“I will, Father.” She, Firebrand and Twilight then leave while the others follow Zhao. They jump and land behind 4 pegasi who are having trouble with some Fire Nation troops. They use there firebending and waterbending, as well as their weapons, to send them flying.

At the chariot, the two warriors arrive (after having to deal with a Fire Nation solider) and see nothing but rope. “Where he go?”

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

At the oasis, Zhao and Iroh arrive and stop in front of the pond that has the koi fish. “They are called many names: Yin and Yang, push and pull. May I introduce you to the mysterious Ocean and Moon Spirits?” Zhao then removes his helmet and gets a small black bag. He then captures the Moon Spirit (the white one with the black dot) and hear some ice cracking above them.

“Why do Spirits take the form of such benign things? It leaves them so vulnerable.” Zhao asks Iroh.

“To teach us and other sentient species kindness and humility. Commander Zhao, there are certain things that creature-kind should not tamper with. The Spirits and the Spirit World is one of them.” Celestia, Luna, the Wonderbolts, Rainbow, Sokka, the Chief, the CMC, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity arrive and see whats going on.

“What are you doing here?” Chief Arnook said.

“Stop, Zhao.” Iroh said, “The world will be out of balance. Everypony will be hurt.”

“The Fire Nation is too powerful ... to worry about foal's superstitions, General Iroh.”

“Commander Zhao, don’t.”

Zhao then looks at the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who are making puppy dog eyes for him to stop. He then pulls out a knife. After a few moments, Zhao makes his decision. “We are now the gods!” He then stabs the Moon Spirit, killing it.

“NO!” Iroh yells out as Prince Sokka falls to the ground while Luna begins to shake and then falls, as if they were the ones who were stabbed.

“Luna!” Celestia called out.

“I ... can’t ... breath!” Luna said, unable to breath.

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

Outside in the fight, both Firebrand and Agua get painful headaches. “Are you all right!?” Twilight asked them.

“No. No were not, the Moon Spirit has been killed. Look.” Firebrand than points to the moon as it turns blood-red. The pegasi than loss their ability to control weather, some even fall through the clouds as they try to land on them.

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Back at the oasis, Celestia tries to comfort her dying sister, who has returned to the way she was when she was freed from Nightmare Moon by the Elements of Harmony. Rainbow then tries to attack Zhao, but Iroh stops her. “Leave him to me, Element of Loyalty.” Iroh said.

Zhao then laughs at Iroh. “Being a traitor won’t help you,” He said. "You have no weapons. You know what your problem is; you and your long forgotten ways are far too soft, General Iroh.” Iroh’s eyes then turn a flame red.

"Tell me, Zhao, if I'm too soft, how am I able to do this." He then stands on his hind lags. He then does a strange technique that's like Firebrands. His hoofs then catch on fire and he shoots out flames from them that are at least 6 meters in length each, burning with an intensity that can rival a fully grown dragons fire.

“He’s making fire out of nothing!” The troops then run, leaving Zhao behind. Iroh points one of his burning hoofs at him. He then runs with the other Fire Nation soldiers. Iroh then stops and looks at the pond with the main 6 (mines Twilight), the CMC, Sokka, the Chief, Celestia, Cadence, and Shining, and see the dead Moon Spirit and the Ocean Spirit circling it.

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Outside in the red night, the Fire Nation is winning. Firebrand, Agua, and Twilight watch in horror at what has happened. Agua then remembers what Koh said to her, “Agua, you must go show the Fire Nation the power of water.”

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At the sacred spring, Celestia is beginning to mourn for Luna, whose eyes are turning white, while the others stare at the dead Moon Spirit. “All is lost.” Sokka said.

Iroh then notices Sokka’s white mane and tail. “You have been anointed by the Moon Spirit.”

“He gave me life when I was a foal.”

“Then theres still a chance.” The others then look at Iroh. “You can give your life back for the Spirit’s.”

“Don’t listen to him, he's Fire Nation.” Spitfire said to Sokka.

“Nothing is ever truly lost.”

“Is it mine if I give it back, if I choose?”

“There are reasons each of us are born that go beyond our cutie marks. We have to find those reasons.”

Sokka then looks at Luna, who’s slipping. She then looks to his father, who is hoping he will make the right choice. “This was the reason I was born.”

“Sokka, please.” Spitfire said.

“There is no love without sacrifice.”

“Sokka, what are you doing? You don’t know what will happen.”

“I believe my life force will leave my body and return to the Moon Spirit, Spitfire.”

“And then what?”

“My soul will no longer exist in this form.”

“Please, don’t do this. There must be another way. I can’t let you do this. I’m supposed to protect you.”

“My people are dying, Spitfire. Those who are in charge of others have a responsibility. It is time we show the Fire Nation we believe in our beliefs as much as they believe in theres.”

“But Sokka...”

“Spitfire.” Spitfire then turns and sees Celestia looking at her. “Let him do it.”

“All right.” Spitfire reluctantly said in agreement.

“The spirits gave me a vision when you were born, Sokka. I saw a brave colt giving life to the Moon Spirit. I knew this day would come.” Arnook said to his son.

Sokka then turns to Spitfire, “I will miss you more than you know.” He then kisses her before he walks into the sacred springs. He goes on his back, then a bright light appears as Sokka’s life force returns to the Moon Spirit, who come back to life. Sokka’s mane and tail then turn black. The Moon Spirit then begins to swim, and Luna returns to her original form.

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Outside, the Fire Nation soldiers take notice as the pegasi regain their power. Agua, Firebrand and Twilight stare at the now normal moon. Zhao also sees that the moon has return to its original color. The fight then continues.

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Rainbow then pulls in Sokka out as the moon returns to its original glow. Once on the shore, Spitfire begins to cry into Sokka’s chest as Iroh leaves.

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On a bridge Zhao is on, he hears something coming and braces himself. He sees someone he thought he would never see again: Zuko. “But ... I killed you.” A shocked Zhao said.

Zuko then gets ready for a fight, when Iroh appears behind him. “Come away from him, nephew. There are too many soldiers now and they will never let you take one of the Avatars. We must leave immediately. He wants to fight you so he can capture you, Zuko. Walk away, come!”

Zuko then begins to head for his uncle. Zhao then pulls out a small flamethrower and fires at the two, but Iroh puts his front hoofs together and diverts the flames with his firebending. “You stand alone" Iroh said, "and that has always been your great mistake.” Zuko and Iroh then leave Zhao standing alone on the bridge. Unfortunately for the Commander, the flames have attracted the attention of four Pegasi in white robes with a lotus pattern, are now blocking Zhao's path off the bridge.

Outnumbered, Zhao has no way of escaping and no chance of defeating them, especially with the return of the Moon's power. Refusing to surrender, Zhao provokes them by using the last of his gas reserves for his flamethrower, but the shot barely hits any of them. Zhao then takes off his cloak and takes a fighting stance. What he doesn't suspect, is for the Pegasi to summon four large streams of water from the river below that engulfed Zhao into a water sphere, drowning him. They then let him drop and leave.

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The Wonderbolts, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow, the CMC, and Chief Arnook find Twilight, Firebrand, and Agua and head for them. “Theres so many.” Fire’ said to Twilight.

“Keep fighting.” She replied.

“Fire,' Agua, Twilight...” Spitfire said to them as she heads toward them, “You have to do something. Sokka is dead!”

“What!?” Agua said in shock.

“He sacrificed him self to save the Moon Spirit.” Cadence told them.

Firebrand, Agua and Twilight head for the wall. “Do it for Sokka!” Spitfire yelled.

After dodging an attack from a Fire Nation trooper, Agua makes a pillar of ice pop out and sends the trooper flying. Fire’ then jumps over another and melts the ice he was standing on, with the Fire Nation solider falling through. Fire’ then shots some fire from his burning sword and sends a Fire Nation trooper who was going to attack Twilight flying while Agua pulls out some ice spikes and encircles some Fire Nation soldiers, trapping them. Fire’ sends some more flying while Agua moves some water around a trooper, trapping him also.

“Twilight, clear us a path!” Fire’ told her.

“I’m on it.” She then uses her magic to push back soldiers on both sides so they can get to the wall. Once there clear, she stops and the fighting continues. The three then climb the wall, passing a few soldiers before reaching the top. Once they do, they see the Fire Nation ships and how many there are.

Agua the heads to the edge and stops. She remembers what the waterbending scroll said, “Water teaches us acceptance. Let your emotions flow like water.” She then closes her eyes and remembers her mother. She was an aqua blue Pegasus with a sky blue mane and tail and amber eyes.

She and Agua are playing together by a small river. She then remembers her and her brother Sokka playing with a red kite. She then remembers her mother reading her a bedtime story, but she then coughs a little. Then she remembers when her mother was in a hospital with her family. She then dies in front of them. Back in the present, Agua sheds a tear and begins to waterbend, using the Ocean's power to push a massive body of water up against the fort wall, and the Moon's power to pull it toward the sky. On the wall, Agua’s eyes, mane and hoofs begin to glow blue as she continues to waterbend, showing the Fire Nation ‘the power of water.’ The battle below sees the giant wall of water, now taller than the wall, and stare in awe. The Fire Nation soldiers then try to make a run for it, but they can’t get through the water. Agua then pushes the water over the ships at least a quarter of a kilometer long.

The water becomes so thick that the Fire Nation ships can no longer see the full moon, and begin to flee out of fear. Iroh and Zuko see the wall of water in a small life boat, several hundred feet from the closest ship. The Fire Nation ships then leave, and when they are a safe distance, Agua lowers the water and leaves her Avatar State. Agua has a hard time standing for a moment, when she opens her eyes, she sees Twilight and Firebrand looking at her in awe. She then sees that the Fire Nation is retreating. “I did it.”

“Yes, you did, sister.” Firebrand said.

“Sister?” Twilight ask him.

“Yes, I mean, we do have the same spirit, it's just divided.”

“Hey, what happened to my hoof, mane and tail?” Agua asked when she notices that her hoofs are now ice white with wave patterns on them while her mane and tail have aqua blue streaks on them. They then hear the Pegasus City soldiers cheer for both her and the Fire Nation retreating.

“Come on, sis. Lets get down there.”

“All right, bro.” Agua said as they make their way down. Once they get down they see everypony in the city is their, in front are Celestia, Luna, the Wonderbolts, Arnook, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom. They then bow before Fire’ and Agua, even the captured Fire Nation soldiers bow. Twilight soon joins them and bows. Firebrand and Agua then bow back, the two accepting their destinies.

Chapter 10, Azula

The Elements of Nature, Book 1
Chapter 10, Azula

In the Fire Nation, a solider is walking across a filed to the Fire Lord, who is reading a book “Our forces at Pegasus City have failed. Commander Zhao was killed. There is good news. Your son was seen alive with General Iroh. No one knows where they went. It's said that General Iroh displayed the ability to self-manifest fire during battle.”

After a few tension filled moments, which ended with Ozai standing up, he continued, “And the Avatars, they said the Avatar of Water, a Pegasus with an aqua blue coat with an ice white mane and tail, can bend three fields of water. They say she can bend the ocean. They say it was incredible to see.” Ozai then grabs a small smoking stick from a pot and places it on some dry grass. It caches fire right away.

“When this fire reaches three fields in length, I want you to try to stop it.” He said out of pure anger. He then leaves as the fire spreads quickly, overwhelming the solider.

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Later, in his throne room, Ozai is talking to a light red-coated mare with a black mane and tail, and golden eyes. She has a dagger for a cutie mark. “Our forces in Pegasus City at the North Pole have failed to take the city. Commander Zhao was killed in battle and my brother has become a traitor by proving himself a bender. My son’s proven himself a failure. Now, Sozin’s Comet is returning in three years.

It’s magical energy will give all earth ponies abilities that Alicorns can only dream about, including the ability to use their own Chi to create Fire, which gave the Fire Nation its name. That is the day we will win this war and prove the Fire Nation’s dominance. Now you must stop the two Avatars of Fire and Water from finding the remaining three, as well as finding the Elements of Nature. You must give us the time to reach that day. Do you accept this unspeakably important task I’m putting on your shoulders?”

“I do, Father.” She said with a twisted smile on her face.

TO BE CONTINUED