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

by Superior-Doc-Fossil

Chapter 10, The Crossroads of Destiny

At Zuko and Iroh's apartment, Iroh is preparing some food when Zuko walks in. “What's that smell?”
“It's jook. I'm sure you wouldn't like it.”
“Actually, it smells delicious. I'd love a bowl, Uncle.”Zuko said as he takes a bowl.
Iroh is very surprised by hie nephews sudden behavior. “Now that your fever is gone, you seem different somehow.”
“It's a new day. We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop. Things are looking up, Uncle.”

Firebrand, Agua, Terra, and Blitz are flying, with Fire’ in his elemental form while Terra is riding on Blitz, to the Eastern Air Temple, which is several hundred miles away to the Southeast. “Are you guys nerves to meet this guru?” Terra said as they are going across the ocean.
“Not at all.” Agua said.
“I’m not afraid.”
“Me neither.” Fire’ finished. “I'm ready to master the Avatar State. I'll do whatever it takes.”

Back at the Earth King's Royal Palace, the 'Kyoshi Warriors,' Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee in disguise, appear before King Kuei. “Look Bosco! The Kyoshi Warriors are here to protect us! Aren't you excited?” Bosco just yawns. “It's been a difficult week for me. My most trusted advisor, Long Feng, and his Dai Li agents tried to take control of Ba Sing Se from me.”
“It's terrible when you can't trust the ponies who are closest to you.”
Kuei the pets his pet bear. “But there is good news. As we speak, the Council of Five is meeting to plan an invasion of the Fire Nation next year.” For a second, Azula's eyes widen with shock and worry upon hearing this, but she quickly hides it.
“Really? Now that sounds like a fascinating and brilliant plan.” She then glances off as Mai and Ty Lee look at each other.

On to the Council of Five meeting, where Shining, Princesses Celestia and Luna, who arrived not knowing that Discord has escaped, Cadence, Twilight and her friends, and the CMC are present. “General Fong's base will serve as the launching point for the attack. In exactly one year, the army and navy will invade the Fire Nation. All we need is the King's seal to execute the plan.”
“I'll get these scrolls to him right away. Thank you, General How.” Shining said as he levitates the scrolls and heads for the thrown room. Rarity then walks up to Twilight with Sweetie in tow.
“Twilight, me and Sweetie thought to go get some tea while we wait. Care to join us?”
“Sure Rarity.”

At the hive of the changelings in Sub-Sahara Africa, Queen Chrysalis is asleep while Die is playing her harmonium. Discord is lying on the wall, drinking some green glowing water. “This evil water is delicious. Oh, how I missed its sweet taste.”
“Tell me about it.” The changeling Robtish said across the room.
“Ooh-ah-ooh. Your gonna get it when the Queen wakes up and finds out that the Fire Avatar is still alive.”
“I still can’t believe that Avatar myth is true.” Discord remarked as he finished his glass by drinking it as well.
“Ah, the Avatar had help.”
“Had help?” Medizinisch asked Robtish.
“Some half pony.”
“A half pony?” Discord said, slightly confused.
“Deker?” Die asked. Just then, Chrysalis wakes up out of anger.
“What?! Deker is helping the Wilders of the Elements of Harmony and Nature now?!”
“Good mourning, Queen Chrysalis. I’ll be happy to finish them both off if you want to.” Robtish said as he grabs a bowl.
“Oh.” Chrysalis said as she grabs the bowl from Robtish. “Deker make me so angry.” She then drinks it, but realizes it's not what she thought it was. “Huh. This isn't my medicine!” She then smashes the bowl to the ground.
“Medicine. Medicine.” The furry warts said as they jumped down.
“Oh, shut up, you furry warts! Ooh-ah-ooh!”
“Ooh-ah-ooh. Ooh-ah-ooh. Ooh-ah-ooh.” The furry warts said while laughing.

In a forest not far away from Ba Sing Se, Deker is walking when he senses something. “Something’s coming.” Some changeling drones then appear before him. “So, Queen Chrysalis has sent her changeling minions to challenge me.” He then draws out his blade. “Then meet my sword, Uramasa!” He then slashes at some changeling that charge at him, slicing them in half. Deker then spins around and a purple wave hits the remaining changelings, turning them into dust. Behind him in the river, Chrysalis appears with a sword.
“I’ve lost my patience with you, Deker!” She than charges at him. He manages to block some slashes until Deker’ back faces the river while Chrysalis is in front of him. “How dare you to meddle in my affairs! Leave it to a half pony like you to side with them.”
“I know you wan’t the Fire Avatar destroyed, but he is tied to my destiny. I must duel him! You must let me do this!” Chrysalis then pushes Deker back into the river.
“What you want means nothing to me!”
Deker positions his Uramasa so the groves on it, the side he used to slice the boulder in half, are facing Chrysalis. “I have no interest in battling you!”
“Very wise of you, but it doesn't mean you can avoid my wrath.” Chrysalis then uses her magic to conjure up a magic rope around Deker, trapping him. More drones appear and hit Deker with their mandibles or some blades, causing Deker to bleed some.
“You will not stop ME!” Deker said as he begins to glow bright blue, causing an explosion, destroying the changelings and the rope, turning Deker into his pony form. Deker then nearly collapses.
“Huh.”
“Say what you like about my half pony state. But it keeps me from relying on the death water to stay alive like you!” He then dives into the river and disappears.
"This is far from over, Deker!" Chrysalis yelled.

“Ooh-ah-ooh. He escaped.” Medizinisch said as he, Die, and Discord were watching through the spy spell. “You could tell that Queen Chrysalis had him good.”
“He’ll survive. No one should underestimate Deker.”
“Die might have a point there.”
“All right. And look at you siting on your rump!” Medizinisch said to Robtish. “Get a move on and eliminate the Fire Avatar!”
Robtish then gets up. “Consider it done.”

At the Eastern Air Temple, Firebrand, Blitz, Agua, and Terra land and spot an elderly unicorn stallion with a gray mane with a gray coat. He is also wearing a clock that hides his cutie mark. “Uhhh ... hello?” Agua said to him. “You're the Guru, right? The pony who sent the note to us at Ba Sing Se?”
“Indeed. I was a spiritual brother of your fellow ponies, Fire Avatar, and a friend of your father after you left.”
“In your note, you said you could teach us how to gain control of the Avatar State. How?” Blitz asked the Guru.
“You must gain balance within yourself, before you can bring balance to the world. And the first step to gaining balance begins with this.” He levitates some drinks to them. “Drink up!”
Fire’ drinks it, but he spits it out. “Uggh! It tastes like onion and banana juice!”
“That's because it is! Yum yum! There is one thing you should know.”
“Whats that?” Agua asked.
“The Avatar State is a defense mechanism, designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge of all the past Avatars. The glow is the combination of all your past lives, focusing their energy through your body. In the Avatar State, you are at your most powerful, but you are also at your most vulnerable.”
“What do you mean?” Blitz asked.
“If one of you are killed in the Avatar State, the reincarnation cycle will be broken and the Avatar of that respective element will cease to exist.”
After a few moments, Fire’ spoke up. “You also said you tell us where the other Elements of Nature are at. Where are they?”
“The Elements of Lightning and Air are located at the Grate Library in the Himalayas. The Element of Fire and the sixth one are a bit more tricky.”
“What do you mean?”
“What I mean, dear Agua, is that the only clue to those two Elements is a riddle.”
“Whats the riddle, mate?”
“The riddle is, ‘When dawn alights the daggers tip, the three kings will reveal the door way.’”
“What the hay does that mean?”
“Your the Avatar of Water. You figure it out.”

At the palace where Azula, Mai and Ty Lee are staying, they are talking about something. “We have been presented with an extraordinary opportunity, girls.” Azula said to her two friends.
“Mai finally gets to wear make-up that's not totally depressing?” Ty Lee said.
With black makeup dripping down her eyes, Mai sarcastically said, “Ha, ha.”
“I'm talking about conquering Geo Firma. For the past few years, the Fire Nation has hammered away at Ba Sing Se from the outside. But now we're on the inside, and we can take it by ourselves.”
“Gosh, you're so confident. I really admire that about you.”
“Thanks Ty. From the inside, we're in perfect position to organize a coup and overthrow the King. The key is the Dai Li. Whoever controls the Dai Li controls Ba Sing Se.”

Back at the Eastern Air Temple, they are near a waterfall that leads to seven pools of water, etched connected to each other by a brook. “In order to master the Avatar State, you must open all the chakras. Agua, tell me everything you know about chakras.”
“What are chakras?”
“Oh, I see. I guess we'll start with the basics. The water flows through this creek, much like the energy flows through your body. As you see, there are several pools where the water swirls around before flowing on. These pools are like our chakras.”
“So chakras are pools of swirling energy in our bodies?” Fire’ said to the Guru.
“Exactly. If nothing else were around, then this creek would flow pure and clear. However, life is messy, and things tend to fall in the creek. And then what happens?”
“The creek can't flow?”
“Yes, Terra. But, if we open the ponds between the pools...”
“The energy flows!” Blitz finished. Later, in another part of the temple.
“There are seven chakras that go up the body. Each pool of energy has a purpose, and be can blocked by a specific kind of emotional muck. Be warned, opening the chakras is an intense experience, and once you begin the process, you can not stop until all seven are open. Are you ready?”
“We'll do whatever it takes.” Fire’ said to him.
“First we will open the earth chakra, located at the base of the spine. It deals with survival, and is blocked by fear. What are you most afraid of? Let your fears become clear.” The four Avatar close their eyes, and they see images of things that cause them great fear, including Fire Lord Ozia, even making them scream, ‘HELP!’.
“Avatars,” the Guru said to them, “your visions are not real. Your all are concerned for your survival, but you must surrender those fears. Let your fears flow down the creek.”
With that, they clear away the images one by one. “You've opened your earth chakra!”

Later, near a waterfall. “Next is the...” The Guru began to say.
“Water chakra?” Agua said.
“Brilliant! Maybe one day you will be a guru too! This chakra deals with pleasure and is blocked by guilt. You’l take turns this time. Terra, why don’t you start?” After a few sessions with Terra, Agua, and Blitz, it’s Fire’s turn. “Your turn Fire.’ Now, look at all the guilt with burdens you so. What do you blame yourself for?”
Fire’ closes his eyes and sees the image of him leaving home. “I ran away.” He then sees images of him when he returned. “I let all those ponies die.”
“Accept the reality that these things happen, but do not let them cloud and poison your energy. If you are to be a positive influence on the world, you need to forgive yourself.” The Guru said to Fire.’

Back in Ba Sing Se, Zuko and Iroh are ready to open the Jasmine Dragon. “Who thought when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop? Follow your passion, Zuko, and life will reward you.”
“Congratulations, Uncle.”
“I am very thankful.”
“You deserve it. The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city.”
“No. I'm thankful because you decided to share this special day with me. It means more than you know.”
“Now let's make these ponies some tea!”
“Yes, let's make some tea!”

Back to the Eastern Air Temple, the Guru is teaching the 4 Avatars about the third chakra. “Third is the fire chakra, located in the stomach.”
“My fire chakra would like to eat something other than onion-banana juice.” Blitz said to the Guru.
The Guru then chuckles a little. “Good one! Moving on. This chakra deals with willpower, and is blocked by shame. What are you ashamed of? What are your biggest disappointments in yourself, Terra?”
She then flashes back to when she left home. “I’m never leaving my friends and family again.”

Back at the palace, two Dai Li agents hide on two pillars and secretly spy on a conversation between Mai and Ty Lee. The latter is sitting on the stairs and the former is practicing chi blocking and acrobatics. “I'm tired of wearing this girly disguise. I don't know how anyone could fight in this.”
“Maybe that's why it was so easy to beat the Kyoshi Warriors and take their clothes.”
“How much longer do we have to serve the King? If I have to clean up one more pile of bear poop, I'm going to throw up.” Mai dryly said.
“Princess Azula promised we would go back to the Fire Nation when we captured the Avatars. We just have to be patient.”
“Shut up! Do you want the whole palace to know we're Fire Nation?”
“Sorry!” The agents then smile and climb away. Azula, who was hiding behind another pillar, walks up to them.
“Good work, girls. I'm sure the Dai Li will deliver the message.”

Back at the Air Temple, the Guru is teaching the group about the fourth chakra. “The fourth chakra is located in the heart. It deals with love and is blocked by grief. Lay all your grief out in front of you, Firebrand.” Fire’ closes his eyes and sees images of many ponies from Abysus, including his father. He smiles upon seeing them, but becomes saddened as they start to vanish into smoke. He is lifted into the air and sees the Abysus ponies floating in the smoke. “You have indeed felt a great loss. But love is a form of energy, and it swirls all around us. The Abysus ponies love for you has not left this world. It is still inside of your heart, and is reborn in the form of new love.” The smoke forms a face and shows the first pony Fire’ meet in Equestria: Twilight. Back in the real world, Fire’ is starting to cry tears of joy. “Let the pain flow away.” Fire’ then wipes away his tears. “Very good.”
“Can I have some onion and banana juice, please?” Fire’ said after he calmed down some. Later, inside another part of the temple.

“The fifth in the chain is the sound chakra, located in the throat. It deals with truth and is blocked by lies. The ones we tell ourselves.”
Fire’ then flashes back to when he, Twilight, her brother, her sister-in-law, her friends, and the CMC freed that Earth Kingdom village from the Fire Nation, and Twilight asked him. “Why didn't you tell us you were one of the Avatars?”
“Because I never wanted to be.” Fire’ said in the real world. The other Avatars are confused by what he just said.
“You cannot lie about your own nature. You must accept that you are the Avatar of Fire.” Fire’ then inhales and exhales, and accepts his nature. “Very good, Firebrand. You have opened the chakra of truth. Your turn, Agua.”

Later, outside the temple interior. “The sixth pool of energy is the light chakra, located in the center of the forehead. It deals with insight and is blocked by illusion. The greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation. Things you think are separate and different are actually one in the same.”
“Like the four pony types.” Terra said.
“Yes. We are all one pony, but we live as if divided.”
“We're all connected. Everything is connected.” Fire’ said to him, remembering when he was in the swamp.
“That's right! Even the separation of the 6 Elements of Nature and Harmony is an illusion. If you open your mind, you will see that all the elements are one, 12 parts of the same mold. Even metal is just a part of earth that has been re-purified and refined.”

Back in Ba Sing Se, Rarity, Twilight, and Sweetie Belle walk by the Jasmine Dragon. “You still want a cup of tea, Sweetie?”
“Sounds better then plain water right now.” Sweetie said as they then arrive at the shop.
“Table for three, please.” Twilight said. But before they get one, the trio hear two familiar voices.
“Uncle! I need two jasmine, one green and one leechi!”
“I'm brewing as fast as I can!” Rarity, Twilight, and Sweetie, stunned, run away from the shop.

Back at the temple. “This is the last chakra, isn't it?” Agua asked the Guru.
“Yes. Once you open this chakra, you will be able to go in and out of the Avatar State at will and when you are in the Avatar State, you will have complete control and awareness of all your actions.”
“Let's do this.” Fire’ said as he and the others ready themselves.
“The thought chakra is located at the crown of the head. It deals with pure cosmic energy, and is blocked by earthly attachment. Meditate on what attaches you to this world.” The Guru said as images of Twilight appear before Fire.’ “Now, let all of those attachments go. Let them flow down the river, forgotten.”
“What? Why would I let go of Twilight?” Fire’ said as he makes sure that the others wont hear what he is about to say. “I ... I love her!” He quietly said.
“Learn to let her go, or you can't let the pure cosmic energy flow in from the universe.”
“Why would I choose cosmic energy over Twilight? How could it be a bad thing that I feel an attachment to her? Three chakras ago that was a good thing!” Fire’ quietly said, making sure only the Guru would hear him.
“You must learn to let go.”

Back at the palace, Rarity, Twilight, and Sweetie notices the ‘Kyoshi Warriors’ are in the king's room. Rarity goes to them while Sweetie stays behind. “Thank goodness you're here. Something terrible is going on. The Fire Nation has infiltrated the city, and we just saw Prince Zuko and his uncle!” Azula then widens her eyes and then smiles slyly.
“We have to tell the King right away!” Twilight finished.
“Oh, don't worry, I'll be sure to let him know.” Rarity and Twilight then notice one of them has gold eyes and they are shocked upon realizing that the ‘Kyoshi Warriors’ are actually Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee. They prepare to attack, but Ty Lee quickly jumps forward and blocks their chi. “So, Zuzu's in the city, too? I think it's time for a family reunion.” Azula said as Sweetie runs off.

Back at the temple, Fire’ and the Guru are discussing Fire’s inability to let go of Twilight, with the others watching nearby. “What do you think there talking about?”
“Don’t know, Terra. But I bet my wings it has something to do with Twilight.” Agua said.
“I'm sorry, but I can't let go of Twilight.”
“Firebrand, to master the Avatar State, you must open all the chakras. Surrender yourself.”
“Okay, I'll try.”
“Now think of your attachments and let them go. Let the pure cosmic energy flow.” Fire’ sees an image of him letting Twilight go, and then a bridge that will lead him to Avatar State mastery. As he is about to finish the path, however, he hears a shriek from Twilight. He runs away from the end of the road. This cuts his connection to the Avatar State, which drops him back to reality.
“Twilight's in danger! I have to go!”
“No, Firebrand! By choosing attachment, you have locked the chakra! If you leave now, you won't be able to go into the Avatar State at all!” Fire’ then hesitates but leaves anyway with the others, leaving the Guru concerned.

Back at Ba Sing Se, Azula is led into a prison by two Dai Li agents. She is taken to Long Feng's cell. “What is the meaning of this? Your agents show up in the middle of the night and drag me down here? You do not treat a Kyoshi Warrior this way!”
“But you're not a Kyoshi Warrior, are you, Princess Azula of the Fire Nation?”
“What do you want?” Azula asked.
“I want to make a deal. It's time that I regain control of Ba Sing Se and you have something I need.” Long said.
“Oh? And what is that?” Azula asked.
“The King's trust.”
“Why should I help you?” Azula said as she pulls out her lightning gun.
“Because I can get you one of the Avatars.”
“I'm listening...”

Back at the Jasmine Dragon, a messenger enters. “A message from the Royal Palace.” Iroh reads through and becomes shocked. “I ... I can't believe it!”
“What is it, Uncle?”
“Great news! We've been invited to serve tea to the Earth King!” He then runs off. Zuko smiles as he continues sweeping.

“So, what kind of trouble is Twilight in?”
“I don't know, Blitz. In my vision, I just knew she needed help.”
“It would be nice if our Avatar powers could be just a little more specific from time to time.” Terra said to him.
“We should go over what the Guru told us where the remaining elements are at.”
“Good idea, Agua. Lets go over the riddle one more time.” Fire’ said. (key: Firebrand bold, Agua italics, Terra underline, Blitz normal)

Azula is speaking to the Dai Li at the palace. “The King and the Council of Five do not trust the Dai Li. They imprisoned your leader, Long Feng. Soon they will turn on all of you and eliminate you. Seizing power today is urgent. This coup must be swift and decisive. The King and each of the five generals must be taken out simultaneously. Long Feng has placed you in my command while we overthrow the government. If I sense any disloyalty, any hesitation, any weakness at all, I will snap it out. That is all.” The Dai Li leave, and Azula walks up to Ty Lee, who is pouring tea.
“Nice speech, Azula. It was pretty and poetic, but also scary in a good way.” She then gives Azula a cup.
“Yeah. I thought you were going to make that one guy pee his armor.” Mai said.
“There's still a few loose ends. The Avatars, and my brother and uncle.” Azula said.

Outside the Royal Palace, Zuko and Uncle are waiting to go in. “Many times I imagined myself here, at the threshold of the palace. But I always thought I would be here as a conqueror. Instead, we are the King's personal guests, here to serve him tea. Destiny is a funny thing.”
“It sure is, Uncle.”

“Oh, where are the others?” Sweetie Belle said to herself as she runs around the palace, completely lost.

Zuko and Iroh are sitting at a table in a room inside the palace, waiting for the King. Iroh pours some tea into a cup to help pass the time. “What's taking so long?” Zuko asked.
“Maybe the King overslept.”
Some unicorn Dai Li agents then appear begin to circle around the two. “Something's not right.” Zuko said. He then sees Azula walking past the Dai Li and comes in front of him.
“It's tea time!” She said to her brother and uncle.
“Azula!” Zuko said as he quickly gets up.
“Have you met the Dai Li? They're Geo Firmains, but they have a killer instinct that's so Fire Nation. I just love it.”
Iroh picks up his tea calmly and says, “Did I ever tell you how I got the nickname from your mother ‘the Dragon of the West’?”
“I'm not interested in a lengthy anecdote, Uncle.”
“It's more of a demonstration, really.” Iroh begins drinking his tea. Zuko looks over at him and smiles before going behind him. Iroh begins breathing fire. The fire blast helps Zuko and Iroh run out of the room. The Dai Li agents begin shooting some bullets at them, but miss as Zuko and Iroh turn around the corner. Iroh then grabs a lightning gun and uses it to destroy the wall in front of them before jumping down into a bush below. Zuko stops at the edge. “Come on! You'll be fine!”
“No! I'm tired of running! It's time I faced Azula!” Zuko turns around and walks back. Iroh then smacks his head upon hearing this, then runs away.
“You're so dramatic. What? Are you going to challenge me to an Agni Kai?”
“Yes! I challenge you!”
“No thanks.” Zuko shoots a fire blast toward her using a flame thrower, but two unicorn Dai Li agents intervene and conjure up a wall. They then shoot some cuffs at Zuko's feet, making him lose his balance. He puts his right front hoof down, but another cuff traps that one. Azula turns around smiling and walks away as the agents capture him. In the throne room Agua, Terra, Blitz, and Firebrand confront Kuei, the King.
“Twilight's fine. You have nothing to worry about.”
“But, in my vision, I felt so sure she was in trouble.”
“Well, she met with the Council of Generals to plan an invasion, and since then, she been off with your friends, and the Kyoshi Warriors.”
“See, Fire’? She's probably with Rarity. They're probably back at our apartment now talking about make-up or something.”
“Okay. Maybe you're right, Blitz.”
“Believe me, if there was any danger at all, Bosco's animal instincts would sense it.” Bosco then lifts his head from sleeping to look at the 4.

In the Crystal Catacombs, Twilight and Rarity are pacing back and forth. They stop pacing upon hearing a hole open up above. “You've got company.” A Dai Li agent said as he throws Zuko in, who rolls down and lands in front of Twilight.
“Zuko!” Rarity said as both hers and Twilight’s shocked faces become angry ones as Zuko sits up as the hole closes behind him.

At the groups apartment, Celestia, Luna, AJ, Apple Bloom, Rainbow, Scootaloo, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Shining and Cadence are waiting for Twilight, Rarity and Sweetie Belle to return. They then see Fire,’ Agua, Terra, and Blitz show up. “Whats goin’ on?” Apple Bloom asked
“Long story short: Fire’ thinks Twilight is in trouble and insisted we find her.” Blitz answered.
“We haven't seen Twilight, Rarity, or Sweetie Belle since that meeting.” Celestia said. Just then Sweetie Belle runs up, completely tired out from running. “Sweetie! Whereas Twilight and Rarity?”
“Kyoshi ... Warriors ... captured ... them.” She said before fainting.
“Twilight is in trouble! I knew it!”
“Oh, no!” Shining and Cadence said at the same time.
“Wait!” Terra said.
“What is it?” Luna asked.
“Someone's at the door.” Terra said. Then they hear knocking on the door a second later. “Actually, I know who it is. It's an old friend of mine.” She walks over to the door and opens it, showing that Iroh is behind the door. “Glad to see you're okay.”
“I need your help.” Iroh said. Agua, Cadence, Rainbow, and AJ become shocked and angry upon seeing him, and get into a fighting stance. Terra calmly just smiles and waves at him.
“You guys know each other?!” Rainbow asked.
“I met him in the woods once and knocked him down. Then he gave me some tea and some very good advice.” Terra said.
“May I come in?” Iroh asked. Terra then nods a yes and lets him in. “Princess Azula is here in Ba Sing Se.”
“She must have Twilight and Rarity.” Shining said.
“She has captured my nephew as well.”
“Then we'll work together to fight Azula, and save Twilight, Rarity and Zuko.” Fire' said.
“Whoa there! You lost me at ‘Zuko.’” Pinkie said.
“I know how you must feel about my nephew. But believe me when I tell you that there is good inside him.”
“Good inside him isn't enough!” Rainbow said to Iroh.
“Why don't y’all come back when it's outside him too, okay?” Applejack finished.
“Twilight and Rarity are in trouble. All of Ba Sing Se is in trouble. Working together is our best chance.” Fire’ said to the two. Rainbow and Applejack then look at each other before nodding in agreement. Iroh then walks outside with the others following him.
“I brought someone along who might help us.” He said. Terra then puts a couple of earth pillars around a Dai Li agent and makes him stand up. Iroh walks over to him and takes the gag off his mouth.
“Azula and Long Feng are plotting a coup! They're going to overthrow the King!” The Dai Li agent said to them.
“My sister! Where are they keeping Twilight?”
“In the Crystal Catacombs of old Ba Sing Se, deep beneath the palace.” Terra then drops him as they run for the palace.

Outside of Ba Sing Se, Deker in his pony form is lying on the edge of the river several miles away from where he and Queen Chrysalis battled. “Oh Deker.” Die said when she finally found him. “I knew Queen Chrysalis didn't destroy you. Maybe if she defeated you, you would be free from your curse. But that would be too easy.” She said as Deker begins to wake up.

At the jail where Long Feng is, he is meditating in his cell while a Dai Li agent informs him of what is going on. “The movement of the King and all the generals have been plotted out step-by-step.”
“Good. And the Fire Nation princess is cooperating?”
“Oh, yes. More than cooperating. She's really taken charge. She's terrifying and inspirational at the same time. It's hard to explain.”

Inside the Crystal Catacombs, Twilight & Rarity are yelling at Zuko, who sits with his back turned. “Why did they throw you in here?!” Rarity yelled.
“Oh, wait, let me guess. It's a trap. So that when Fire’ or Agua or Terra or Blitz show up to help us, you can finally have one of them in your little Fire Nation clutches!” Zuko just looks at them and tilts his head down. “You're a terrible pony! You know that?! Always following us! Hunting the Avatars! Trying to capture the world's last hope for peace! But what do you care? You're the Fire Lord's son. Spreading war and violence and hatred is in your blood!” Twilight coldly said.
“You don't know what you're talking about!” Zuko finally yelled back.
“I don't?! How dare you?! You have no idea what this war has put both me and Firebrand through! Him personally! The Fire Nation took his whole country away from him! His whole family!” Twilight yelled back.
“I'm sorry. That's something the two of us have in common.” Zuko thenrealizes something. "Wait. Whats his..."
"SHUT UP!" Twilight yelled.

On the surface, Terra is feeling the ground below, finding the Crystal Catacombs. “Well, what'd you know? There is an ancient city down there. But it's deep.” She said.
She then makes a tunnel. “We should split up. Firebrand, you, me, Terra, Rainbow, and Applejack will go with Iroh to look for Twilight, Rarity and the angry jerk, no offense.” Shining said.
“None taken.”
“The rest of us will go warn the King of Azula's coup.” Cadence said. Later in the tunnel Terra created, she is earthbending the tunnel so the can get to the Crystal Catacombs every few feet.
“So, Terra thinks you give pretty good advice, and great tea!” Fire’ said to Iroh.
“The key to both is proper aging. What's on your mind?”
Fire’ doesn't say anything for a minute until Terra earthbends more of the tunnel. “Well, I met with this guru who was supposed to help me master the Avatar State and control this great power, but to do it, I had to let go of someone I love.” He and Iroh then stop. “And I just couldn't.”
“Protection and power are overrated. I think you are very wise to choose happiness and love.”
“What happens if we can't save anyone and beat Azula? Without the Avatar State, what if I'm not powerful enough?”
“I don't know the answer. Sometimes, life is like this dark tunnel. You can't always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you just keep moving, you will come to a better place.” He said as they reach the Catacombs.

At the changeling hive, Hexe is playing her harmonium when Chrysalis walks up to her. “Your music seems a bit off today. What are you hiding from me?” Chrysalis asked her.
“Uh. I’m not hiding anything.” She said as she has a flashback to when she found Deker.

She is helping Deker get back up on his 4 feet-hoof things. “Thank you.” Deker said to her.
“No need to thank me. It’s the least I can do after you saved me from the Elements of Harmony.”
“I see.”
“Why do you insist on dueling the Fire Avatar?” Hexe asked.
“I’m compelled to find the ultimate duel. It's all that maters. I can’t remember a time when it wasn't.”
“So you remember nothing from your past?” Die said as Deker takes on his changeling form.
“No. Nothing.” Deker said as he pulls out his sword Uramasa. “My sword Uramasa is calling to me. It longs for action. And I must make sure that ultimate duel finally happens.”
“I see. Is anything else in this world important to you?”
“I am cursed to satisfy this urge, so no. There is nothing but this.” Deker answered as he leaves.

“Well?” Chrysalis said after Die has been quiet for a couple of minutes.
“Nothing.” Die said. “It was nothing.” Just then the furry warts jump down.
“Nothing. Nothing.”
“Quiet!” Die said as she tried to swat the furry warts.

Bake at the surface of Ba Sing Se, the others are climbing a set of stairs, except the ones who can fly. “There's General How!” Pinkie said, but before they can reach him, some Dai Li agents jump him.
“What's going on here?” How asked.
“You're under house arrest.”
“The coup is happening right now! We've got to warn the King!” Cadence said as they make their way to the throne room. Meanwhile, one of the generals is walking when some chains come flying up and trap him. General Sung is taken by some chains into a dark area. Two other generals are in their headquarters when the Dai Li toss some chains to circle around their legs and pull them up. At the throne room, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Apple Boom, and Sweetie Belle have just reached the King.
“Thank goodness we're in time!” Luna said.
“In time for what?” The king asked.
“Yeah. What are you in time for,” Ty lee asked as she cartwheels to Blitz, “cutie?”
“Uh, I'm kinda involved with somepony else.” Blitz said to her.
“Who?” Ty Lee said when she is hit by a jet of water.
“They're not the real Kyoshi Warriors!” Agua said to Kuei, who gasps out of shock.
“Sorry to disappoint you.” Mai said as she shoots some of her daggers at Agua, who uses a water shield to stop them, then kicks the shield to Mai, who jumps over it. Celestia brings up a pillar, knocking her. Ty Lee comes up in front of Blitz, laughing. She starts trying to jab him, but he evades all of them.
“Looks like we're dancing together!” Azula is holding a gun while holding Kuei captive.
“This fight is over.” She said. Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Pinkie, Scootaloo, Apple Boom, and Sweetie Belle then surrender, and Ty Lee chi blocks them. Fluttershy tries flying away, but a Dai Li agent traps her in a cave. Azula then shoves Kuei down. “Get them all out of my sight.” They then are taken to a cell. Long Feng then walks into the room with some Dai Li agents behind him.
“Now comes the part where I double cross you.” He said to Azula. “Dai Li, arrest the Fire Nation princess!” But none of the Dai Li agents move, to Long Feng's disappointment. “I said arrest her! What is wrong with you?!”
“It's because they haven't made up their minds. They're waiting to see how this is going to end.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I can see your whole history in your eyes. You were born with nothing, so you've had to struggle, and connive, and claw your way to power. But true power, the divine right to rule, is something you're born with. The fact is, they don't know which one of us is going to be sitting on that throne, and which one is going to be bowing down. But I know, and you know.” She then sits down on the throne and crosses her legs. “Well?”
“You've beaten me at my own game.”
“Don't flatter yourself! You were never even a player.”

Back in the Crystal Catacombs. “We'er sorry we yelled at you before.” Twilight said to Zuko.
“It doesn't matter.” He said.
“It's just that for so long now, whenever I would imagine the face of the enemy, it was your face.” Rarity said.
“My face? I see.” Zuko the touches his scar.
“No, no, dear. That's-that's not what I mean.”
“It's okay. I used to think this scar marked me. The mark of the banished prince, cursed to chase the Avatar forever. But lately, I've realized I'm free to decide my own destiny, even if I'll never be free of my mark.”
“Maybe you could be free of it.” Twilight said.
“What?” Both Zuko and Rarity said.
“I now some healing spells.”
“It's a scar, it can't be healed.” Twilight then puts one hoof on Zuko's scar, only to be interrupted by Firebrand, Shining, Terra, Rainbow, Applejack and Iroh.
“Firebrand! Shining!” Twilight then hugs Fire,’ but he looks over Twilight’s shoulder and glares at Zuko, who gets a hug from Iroh. “Firebrand, I knew you would come.” Fire’ then blushes a bit when Twilight hugs him again.
“Uncle, I don't understand. What are you doing with the Avatars of Earth and Fire?”
“Saving you, that's what.” Zuko then takes one step in Fire’s direction, but Iroh stops him. “Zuko, it's time we talked.” He then turns to Fire,' Twilight, Shining, Terra, Rainbow and Applejack. “Go help you other friends. We'll catch up with you.” The group then leave.
“Why, Uncle?”
“You're not the stallion you used to be, Zuko. You are stronger and wiser and freer than you have ever been. And now you have come to the crossroads of your destiny. It's time for you to choose. It's time for you to choose good.” Just then, crystals grow around and encase Iroh. Zuko then assumes a fighting position. It’s Azula along with two Dai Li agents sliding down from the sides of the chamber.
“I expected this kind of treachery from Uncle. But Zuko, Prince Zuko, you're many things, but you're not a traitor, are you?” She said.
“Release him immediately.” Zuko said as he draws out a fame-thrower, not wanting her to know he's a Firebender like Iroh.
“It's not too late for you, Zuko. You can still redeem yourself.”
“The kind of redemption she offers is not for you.”
“Why don't you let him decide, Uncle? I need you, Zuko. I've plotted every move of this day, this glorious day in Fire Nation history, and the only way we win is together. At the end of this day, you will have your honor back. You will have Father's love. You will have everything you want.”
“Zuko, I am begging you. Look into you heart and see what it is that you truly want.”
“You are free to choose.” Azula finished as she gestures the two Dai Li agents to leave. Zuko contemplates but cannot decide his choice. Meanwhile, the others are running through the Crystal Catacombs.
“We've got to find Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Apple Boom, and Sweetie Belle.” Twilight said. A bolt of lightning attacks them from behind. Terra stops it using earthbending. Azula, is holding the source of the lightning, a gun of some kind. Twilight uses magic to stop another lightning attack. The smoke from the attack allows Azula to jump onto a crystal and fires two bullets. Together, Fire’ and Terra use their respective bending to stop the bullets. Azula finishes her jump by landing on a rock pillar. Terra uses earthbending on the pillar, and Azula gasps once she notices the pillar crumbling. She jumps off and lands between Shining and Twilight. She points a lighting gun both of them.
A fire blast stops her from attacking, and they look to see the source of the fire blast to be Zuko. Zuko looks from Azula to Twilight and Fire,’ choosing who to attack. Fire’ gasps once he realizes Zuko will attack him and Fire’ goes elemental to jump away from the blast. Azula starts dueling with Twilight, and Zuko throws multiple fire blasts at Fire.’ On the surface, Kuei, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Apple Boom, and Sweetie Belle are in a prison cell. Sweetie looks out the door's barred window.
“See any Dai Li agents nearby?” Fluttershy asked.
“Nope, all clear.” Blitz then prepares himself and generates a large amount of electricity and blasts the door open.
“Let's go.” Celestia said.
“I'm not leaving without Bosco!” Kuei said. Agua the takes hiss hoof and follows the rest of the group. Back to the Crystal Catacombs, Zuko and Fire’ are still fighting. Twilight then leave Azula with her brother, Terra and her three friends. Just then, Robtish shows up with some changelings.
“Oh, great. You.” Fire’ said to the changeling worrier.
“Good. Looks like I get to not only destroy the Fire Avatar, but his little girlfriend too.” Robtish said to them.
“She's not my girlfriend.”
“I’m not his girlfriend.”
“Huh, whatever.” Robtish then notices that if he includes Zuko, its 22 to 2. “Huh, such unfair odds. I almost fell guilty. Almost. Deker isn't around to save you this time either.”
“I’m happy to destroy you all by my self, changeling.” Fire’ said as his fire form glows more intense. Robtish and Zuko then attack, along with Robtish’s changelings. Fire’ deals with the changelings quickly, and draws out his sword and charges for Robtish. Twilight is dealing with Zuko, using her magic to block his fire blasts.
“I thought you had changed.”
“I have changed, Twilight Sparkle.” Zuko fires another blast. Azula and Shining, Terra, Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity are standing opposite each other. They prepare to fight. Azula uses the lighting gun to charge at Shining. Terra earthbends crystals around her into a crystal encased armor and charges at Azula. Azula stops, and uses her flamethrower to break Terra's crystal armor and send her flying back into an old building.

In the King's throne room, Mai and Ty Lee try to make Bosco move.
“Come on, it's easy. You just walk on you front paws instead of your rear ones. Like this.” She then walks on all fours, but when she steps in a small puddle of water, it goes up all her hoofs and freezes, trapping her. Bosco starts clapping at the funny sight. At the door, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Apple Boom, Sweetie Belle and Kuei.
“That is a nice trick.” Agua said as she and Blitz go elemental and walk toward Mai.
“Just take the bear.” Mai said as she cuts the ropes that hold Bosco.
King Kuei then runs to his bear. “Bosco!”

In the Catacombs, Robtish and Fire’ are still dueling. Fire’ then charges his next attack and fires a large blast, sending Robtish flying through some pillars and explodes. Zuko and Azula and some Dai Li are now both fighting Twilight, Rarity, Shining, Rainbow, and Applejack. Hopelessly outnumbered, Twilight gets knocked down. Terra jumps from the old building and earth surfs toward Zuko and Azula to stop them from attacking her friends. A Dai Li agent breaks Terra's surf, knocking him down. More Dai Li agents gather behind Zuko and Azula. Twilight starts regaining her focus as Dai Li agents surround her. Agua appears and uses the octopus form to defend herself. Fire’ stands up and surveys the scene. “There's too many.” He said. He then looks at Twilight as she is being defended by Agua. He then remembers what the Guru said to him. 
“The only way is to let her go.”
“I'm sorry, Twilight.” He said to himself as he turns away from Azula and Zuko as Terra earthbends a crystal shelter tent. Fire’ starts meditating. Inside Fire's mind, a giant version of himself in the Avatar State, the Avatar Spirit, holds a firebending sphere with a normal-sized version of himself in the Avatar State. Back in the crystal shelter, Fire’ enters the Avatar State and the crystal shelter starts glowing, alerting those outside. Inside the shelter, Fire’ opens his glowing eyes and starts levitating above the crowd. Twilight is looking up to Fire’ with hope. But before Fire’ can let Twilight go and control the Avatar State, a bolt of lightning strikes him in the back. Azula is holding the lightning gun that's smoking. The Fire Avatar Spirit let's go of Fire’ and falls out of the plane of existence. As Fire’ falls down, Agua creates a wave to catch him. The wave knocks down some Dai Li agents. Twilight holds Fire’ with teary eyes. Zuko and Azula prepare to attack them, but a blast of fire stops them. Iroh jumps down from the wall of the cave and shields the group from Zuko and Azula.
“You've got to get out of here! I'll hold them off as long as I can!” He said as he creates a wall of fire. Before they leave, Agua pulls out her amulet she took from the North Pole that holds the spirit water. She uses the water and brings Fire’ back to life, but he is out cold. Deker then appears in his pony in front of them as the leave, holding a vile of blue liquid with his red magic.
"You!" Twilight said as Deker puts the vile on the ground.
“It seems I have bad timing." Dekker said as the others take notice of his appearance. "I thought we could finally duel, but he's obesely preoccupied."
"If you know they, then go away!" Twilight said.
"Give this to the Fire Avatar when he awakes.” Deker said to them.
“Why?”
"Because, Water Avatar, it will help him recover faster. There called nanites, microscopic machine that work on the cellular level. It's also very potent, which is why there’s only very few of them, only enough to help heal the Fire Avatar. Be careful. Also, Celestia, Luna, Discord has escaped and is hiding with the changelings.” He said as he leaves, with horror and shock on not only the royal princesses faces, but on Twilight's and her friends.
The others then leave without the vile, but Twilight, holding Firebrand, takes the nanites with her magic and places it in her saddlebag. Once they are gone, Iroh releases his stance and surrenders himself to the Dai Li, who cuff him.

In the throne room, Azula is sitting down at the throne with Zuko at her left. “We've done it, Zuko. It's taken 2000 years, but the Fire Nation has conquered Ba Sing Se.”
“I betrayed Uncle.”
“No, he betrayed you. Zuko, when you return home, Father will welcome you as a war hero.”
“But I don't have any of the Avatars. What if Father doesn't restore my honor?”
“He doesn't need to, Zuko. Today, you restored your own.” Azula said to her brother. Zuko then looks turns away, uncertain of himself.

On a plane heading away from Ba Sing Se, Kuei is staring at the city throw a window with horror on his face. “The Kingdom of Geo Firma ... has fallen.”