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

by Superior-Doc-Fossil

Chapter 1, The Cave of Two Lovers

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

Yesterday, she along with every other ponies in Pegasus City attended the funeral of those who died during the siege. Among the ones who attended were the main 6, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Celestia, Luna, Shining and Cadence. They saved Sokka’s body for last, for if he hadn't sacrificed himself, the Fire Nation would have won and Luna would be dead.
“He was a brave colt, beloved son and brother, and an amazing prince. He was compassionate and caring. We will miss him.” Chief Arnook said when some pegasi carry his body, covered in leather with two rocks hanging. They then dump him into a hole in the ice and cover the hole.

Back in the present, Agua begins to cry. “First my mother, now my brother. Who's next?” Once she's done, she grabs her saddle bag and begins to pack. She packs some water from the sacred spring, called Spirit Water, which has special properties, including healing. She also takes a water skin, for when she needs to use her waterbending if there is no other water source. She then puts on a blue crystal that looks like her cutie mark, thats tied to a neckless, she then puts it on.
The crystal is the same size as one of the Elements of Harmony’s crystals. “Why an I taking this? I never seen it before last night when I went to bed. Its like I was supposed to have it.” Once she’s done, Arnook walks in.
“Am I troubling you?”
“No, father, you're not. I just finished packing.” Agua said.
“You forgot your mother’s trident.” Arnook said.
She then turns to him and saw he was holding the trident. “Oh ... right. Thanks.”
“Are you really going to do this, Agua?”
“I am. Firebrand and the other Avatars are my duty now. I need to find them if there's a chance we can end this war.” Agua said, getting an understanding nod from Arnook.

At the loading dock, Shining and Cadence are talking about what to do next. “I really think we should help them find the Avatars of Earth, Lighting, and Air, Cadence.”
“I think so to, but Celestia decides what to do. Besides, even if we go, Twilight will follow I bet.” Cadence said, knowing Twilight for being slightly stubborn.
“What makes you say that?” Shining asked.
“I think Twilight has a big crush of Firebrand. You saw how she insisted on going with him and Agua.” Cadence pointed out.
“Good point. After all, if you think about it, Twilight and Firebrand had some chemistry from when they first meet, according to Rainbow. Plus, she defended Fire’ in that Geo Firma village. I wouldn't be surprised if she kisses Fire’ when this is all over.” Shining said, causing the married couple to laugh.

At a balcony, Rainbow is sobbing over what happened to Sokka. She doesn't notice that Scootaloo is walking over to her. “Rainbow, are you all right?” Scootaloo asked.
“No. I feel like my heart is nothing but dust.” Rainbow said, heartbroken.
“Do you think Sokka will want to see you this way, a shell of yourself.”
“Your right, Scoot. I need to let him go. But, it's so hard.”
“You can do it. You're the bravest, fastest, most dare-devilish Pegasus that ever came from Cloudsdale.” The little filly said.
The fillies words touched Rainbow, and she realized that she still had loyalties to her friends, to Celestia, to Ponyville, to Equestria, to the world. “Your right, Scootaloo. I need to let this go already.”

Later at the plane that's going to take them back to Equestria in a couple of hours, Twilight and Celestia are talking. “I know the risks, but I need to go with him. There is still so much about Firebending he doesn't know. I can help him find out.” Twilight said to her mentor.
“I understand, but the Fire Nation will send assassins to end both, and anypony who is accompanying them.” Celestia said, worried that her faithful student might get killed.
“I don’t care. That Zuko took him twice now, I won’t let him be taken again.” Twilight firmly said.
“Very well then. You can go with your new boyfriend.” Celestia said while smiling.
“Oh thank you Princes...” Twilight then realized what else Celestia said, “He's not my boyfriend!”
Celestia then laughs a little. “My mistake.”

At the plane heading for Canterlot, Celestia and Luna are waiting for the others. “Are you sure they should go through the cave, Tia?”
“I’m sure. It's the fastest way to Geo Firma without being detected by the Fire Nation. Its dangerous, but I’m sure they can make it.” Celestia said, remembering when she sen’t her last student to the cave, only for him to never return. They then see that the main 6, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Firebrand, and Agua are coming. Celestia then notices Agua’s neckless. “Where did you get that, Agua?”
“I don’t know. I found it this morning when I woke up. I wasn't sure what it is, but It seamed familiar to me.” Agua answered.
“I’ve seen that before.”
“You have?” Agua asked.
“Yes, after you and Firebrand left, Bastion Yorsets found an old scroll that had a diagram that showed that very same crystal. It also showed 5 others, but only 4 of them he could tell what they were. One of them also looks like Fire’s cutie mark if I remember right.”
“Say what?”
“He and a team are translating it now.” Luna said.

After 3 weeks, they make it back to Canterlot, where Bastion Yorsets is waiting for them. “Princess Celestia, I’ve been waiting for your return.”
“What have you learned from the scroll?” Celestia asked.
“Many. It appears that it tells the locations of where the 5 Avatars will be found.” The blue Unicorn said.
“It does?” Firebrand asked with some excitement in his voice.
“Yes. You already know that Firebrand comes from Abysus, we learned that the Avatar of Water is in Pegasus City.” Bastion said.
“We know. I’m the Avatar of Water.” Agua said as she steps out and shows herself to Bastion.
“Oh, yes. Well, anyway, we know that the Avatar of Earth is somewhere in Geo Firma, which is north of Equestria.” Bastion finished.
“Is that all? We can find the other Avatars without breaking a sweet.” Rainbow arrogantly said.

In a village, Iroh is lying on a table, getting a relaxing massage at a resort. “This is what I've missed. Who knew floating on a piece of driftwood for three weeks with no food or water, and vultures waiting to pluck out your liver could make one so tense?” He then looks at a clearly unhappy Zuko and walks over to him. “I see. It's the anniversary, isn't it?”
“15 years.” Zuko bitterly said. “15 years ago today I was banished. I lost it all. I want it back. I want one of the Avatars, I want my honor and my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless.” He then looks on regretfully.
“I'm sure he doesn't. Why would he banish you if he didn't care?” Zuko then walks away. “That came out wrong, didn't it?”

At a Fire Nation ship, several colts bow as a royal carriage is brought out. Within the carriage is Princess Azula, the daughter of Ozia, niece of Iroh and sister of Zuko. She then steps out of the carriage and walks down the line of soldiers. “My brother and uncle have disgraced the Fire Lord, and have brought shame on all of us. You might have mixed feelings about attacking members of the Royal Family, I understand, but I assure you, if you hesitate, I will not hesitate to bring you down. Dismissed.”
The soldiers then leave, and the captain then runs up to her. “Princess, I'm afraid the tides will not allow us to bring the ship into port before nightfall.” The Captain said.
“I'm sorry, Captain, but I do not know much about the tides. Could you explain something to me?” Azula said to him.
“Of course, Your Highness.” The Captain said.
“Do the tides command this ship?”
“I'm afraid I don't understand.”
“You said the tides will not allow us to bring the ship in.” She then begins to speck in a sharper tone. “Do the tides command this ship?”
“No, Princess.”
“And if I were to throw you overboard, would the tides think twice about smashing you against the rocky shore?”
He worriedly answered. “No, Princess.”
“Well, then maybe you should worry less about the tides who have already made up their mind about killing you, and worry more about me, who's still mulling it over.”
“I'll pull us in.” He then leaves, running more then walking.

At Zuko and Iroh's stay of place, the room dark inside. Several various shells fall from a bag onto the table. Iroh is standing at the table, picking up and examining the different shells. He then holds up one shell. “Look at these magnificent shells!” He then picks up a conch. “I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come.”
“We don't need anymore useless things! You forget, we have to carry everything ourselves now!”
From the corner, sitting at the table calmly, is Azula. “Hello, brother. Uncle.”
“What are you doing here?” Zuko said angrily.
“In my country, we exchange a pleasant hello before asking questions. Have you become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu?”
“Don't call me that!”
“To what do we owe this honor?” Iroh said, who is clearly upset.
“Hmmm ... must be a family trait. Both of you so quick to get to the point.” She then breaks the shell she was holding. “I've come with a message from home. Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumors of plans to overthrow him; treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust. Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home.” After a few silent moments. “Did you hear me? You should be happy. Excited. Grateful. I just gave you great news.”
“I'm sure your brother simply needs a moment.”
“Don’t interrupt uncle!”
Surprised, Zuko said, “Father regrets? He ... wants me back?”
“I can see you need time to take this in. I'll come to call on you tomorrow. Good evening.”
After she leaves, Zuko didn't speck until he was sure she was out of ear shot. “I don’t think she's telling the truth.”
“I think your right. It’s far too good to be true. I have never known my brother to regret anything.”
“We should leave while we still have a chance.” The two then begin to pack and leave. They head into a nearby forest.

At Equestria, Celestia is showing the way to a cave at the northern end of the border, Geo Firma. Celestia then stops and turns around. “This is as far as I can go.” She then pulls out a map, showing the way to the cave. “The cave is the fastest way to Geo Firma without being detected by the Fire Nation.”
Applejack then turns around and stares at the Cutie Mark Crusader. “Are you sure you three want to go?”
“Absolutely, big sis.”
“Were not babies anymore. We can take care of ourselves.” Sweetie said.
“All right. You can come.”

After Celestia leaves, the main 6, Firebrand, Agua, Shining, Cadence, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders continue to the cave. “We should get their by this afternoon.” Twilight said as the arrive at a river.
“Let’s get some more water, y’all.” Applejack said as she take a jug and fills it up.
As the group fill up some jugs and bottles, Rarity hears something. “Does anyone else hear that?”
“I sounds like ... music.” Fire’ said when they hear a guitar and a pony singing.
“I hear it!” Pinkie said. “And I know where it’s coming from.”
“Where?” Cadence asked.
“There.” Pinkie then points to a group of nomads from Geo Firma.
The leader has a brown coat with a yellow mane and tail. He is wearing blue clothing and has a flower neckless. He has a pink flower for a cutie mark. He is also singing, “Da, da, da. Don't fall in love with the traveling mare. She'll leave you broke and brokenhearted.” He then notices the group. “Hey, river ponies!”
“We’re not river ponies.” Rarity said to the hippie.
With a puzzled look, Chong, the lead nomad, said nothing for a second. “You're not? Well, then what kind of ponies are you?”
“Just ... ponies.” Twilight said.
“Aren't we all, sister?” The hippie said.
Shining then walks up to the group. “Who are you?” He accusingly said.
“I'm Chong and this is my wife, Lily. We're nomads, happy to go wherever the wind takes us!” Chong said.
“You guys are nomads? That's great! My grandmother was a nomad!” Firebrand said to him.
“Hey, me too!” Chong said.
“I know ... You just said that.” Fire’ reminded him.
“Oh, really?” Chong then notics Shining’s armor, “Nice underwear...”
Shining then blushes out of embarrassment, “Its actually armor.”

In a forest on the other side of the border, Zuko emerges from some bushes. “I didn't find anything to eat! I can't live like this! I wasn't meant to be a fugitive.” He then raises his hoofs up into the sky. “This is impossible!” He then looks over at Iroh. “Uncle, what are you doing?”
Iroh is staring at a white Lilly pad. “You're looking at the rare White Dragon Bush. Its leaves make a tea so delicious, it's heartbreaking. That, or it's the White Jade which is poisonous.”
“We need food, not tea. I can’t believe I’m gonna say this, but I'm going fishing.” Zuko the leaves to go find a river.
“Hmm ... delectable tea?” Iroh dreamily said. “Or a deadly poison?” He suspiciously said.

On their way to the cave, Sweetie Belle runs up to Rarity, wearing a wreath of pink flowers on her head. “Were did you get that? It’s positively lovely.”
“Chong. You should hear some of their stories. These guys have been everywhere!”
“Well, not everywhere, Little Unicorn. But where we haven't been, we've heard about through stories and songs.” Chong said while tuning his guitar.
“They said they'll take us to see a giant night crawler! Uh ... whats a night crawler?” Apple Bloom said.
“Don’t know. Don’t wanna find out.” Applejack said.
On the ground, Moku, one of the nomads is talking in a dreamy voice. “On the way, there's a waterfall that creates a never-ending rainbow!”
“Look, I hate to be the wet blanket here, but since Twilight is busy, I guess it's up to me.” Shining said as Twilight glares at him while Lily braids her hair. “We need to get to Geo Firma. No sidetracks, no worms and definitely no rainbows.”
“Wow, sounds like someone has a case of destination fever. You're worried too much about where you're going.” Chong said.
“Look, sorry but we need to get to this cave so we can go to Geo Firma.” Cadence said.
“Your going to Geo Firma! We are to.” Chong said with excitement.
Shining then smacks his forehead right below his horn in frustration. “Of course you are.”
“There's an old story about the secret pass right through the mountains.” Chong said.
“Is this real or a legend?” Twilight asked with some skepticism in her voice.
“Oh, it's a real legend. And it's as old as the legendary art of earthbending itself.” He then begins to sing. “Two lovers, forbidden from one another, the war divides their people and the mountain divides them apart! Built a path to be together!” He then stops for a moment. “Yeah, I forget the next couple of lines, but then it goes ... Secret tunnel! Secret tunnel! Through the mountains, secret, secret, secret, secret tunnel! Yeah!”
The others soon clap, including the other nomads. “That was one cool song.” Pinkie said.

At the forest where Zuko and Iroh are at, Zuko arrives from his fishing expedition. Unfortunately, he has only managed to spear a single, tiny fish which flaps about helplessly on the large branch he used for a fishing pole. Iroh is hunched over. “Zuko, remember that plant I thought might be tea?”
“You didn't...”
“I did...” Iroh said as he turns around. “...and it wasn't.” He is now swollen and covered in red marks.
Zuko, out of shock drops the branch with the tiny fish. “Ahh!”
Surprisingly calm, Iroh begins to talk while scratching his back with a branch. “When the rash spreads to my throat, I will stop breathing. But look what I found.” He then shows Zuko the branch witch has some pink berries. “These are Bacui Berries, known to cure the poison of the White Jade. That, or Maka'ole Berries which cause blindness.” Zuko then grabs the branch of berries and hurls it into the bushes.
“We're not taking anymore chances with these plants!” Zuko said to his uncle. “We need to get help.”
“But where are we going to go?” Iroh then crouches down and scratches his rash vigorously. “We're enemies of Geo Firma and fugitives from the Fire Nation.”
“If Geo Firma discovers us, we'll be killed.” Zuko said.
“But if the Fire Nation discovers us, we'll be turned over to Azula.” Iroh said as he gets up while still scratching. After a long pause, Zuko makes the decision.
“Geo Firma it is.” Zuko said as they head for the nearest village.

“Since you gays have heard about the tunnel before, how far are we from the tunnel?” Rainbow asked.
“Actually, it's not just one tunnel. The lovers didn't want anyone to find out about their love, so they built a whole labyrinth!” Chong said.
Shining then stops along with Rainbow, Cadence, and Twilight. “Labyrinth?” They all said. They then begin to walk again.
“All you need to do is trust in love ... according to the curse.” Lily said.
“Curse!” They all said, except the nomads.
“Hey-hey! We're here!” Chong said as he approached a dark entrance.
Applejack then walks up to him, “What exactly is this curse?”
“The curse says that only those who trust in love can make it through the caves. Otherwise, you'll be trapped in them forever.” Chong answered Applejack.
“And die.” Lily finished.
“Oh yeah, and die. Hey, I just remembered the rest of that song!” Chong said as he stands before the entrance and strums lute while singing an ominous line. “And die!”
“That's it!” Rainbow yells out. “There's no way we're going through some cursed hole!”
“Rainbow. Remember Zecora, how you all thought she was an evil enchantress that put a curse on us. It was just poison joke, remember?” Twilight pointed out.
“Oh yeah.” Rainbow said when she remembers how she temporally became ‘Rainbow Crash.’
Moku then notices some smoke in the distance. “Hey, somepony's making a big campfire!”
“That's no campfire, Moku.” Apple Bloom said.
“It's Fire Nation. They're tracking us.” Agua said.
“So all you need to do is trust in love to get through these caves?” Firebrand asked Chong.
“That is correct, Master Fire Mane.” Chong answered.
Firebrand than stars at Twilight for a moment. “We can make it.” Fire’ said.
“Quick, everypony into the hole!” Cadence said.
Just as they get into the hole, several Fire Nation tanks rumble across the terrain toward the entrance of the tunnel and stop once they reach the mouth of the cave. “Hold on!” The commander said to his subordinates. “It's too dangerous. Haven't you heard the song? Just close them in. The mountain will take care of the rest.”
The tanks then fire rotating grappling hooks from canisters into the tunnel and release them after a few moments, unleashing an avalanche of boulders, trapping the group inside. “Its so dark. I can’t even see my hoof in front of my face.” Rainbow said.
“Thats my hoof, Rainbow.” AJ said to her.
“And my face.” Cadence said.
“I cant use my magic to make light. Something is blocking it.” Twilight said.
Light then appears as Chong lights a torch. Firebrand then walks up to a wall. “The walls are rich in the same iron ore the Fire Nation uses.”
“We need a plan. Chong, how long do those torches last?” Shining said to him.
“Uh, about two hours each.” Chong casually said. Lily then lights the rest of the torches.
“And we have five torches, so that's ten hours!” She said.
Twilight then grabs them and puts them out. “It doesn't work like that if they're all lit at the same time!”
“Oh, right.” Lily said, slightly embarrassed.
“I'm going to make a map to keep track of exactly where we've been. Then we should be able to solve it like a maze and get through.” Shining said as he got a pice of paper out as they begin to navigate the cave.

In a small village, Iroh is being treated for the White Jade by a Unicorn mare with a white coat, bright blue mane and tail, pink eyes, and a red cross for a cutie mark. The rash has spread to his face and his cheeks are now swollen. “You two must not be from around here. We know better than to touch the White Jade, much less make it into tea and drink it.” The mare said as she wrings a pice of cloth with her magic. She then flicks Iroh's hoof away when he scratches his rash.
“Whoops!” Iroh said.
“So where are you traveling from?” The mare asked, causing Zuko to sit up.
“Yes, we're travelers.” Zuko said nervously.
“Do you have names?” The mare asked as she gives Iroh some ointment.
“Names? Of course we have names. I'm, uh ... Lee and this is my Uncle, uh ... Mushi?” Iroh then shoots an angry look at him. The mare then opens a jar with her magic and pulls out some lotion and begins slathering it over the inflamed areas.
“Yes, my nephew was named after his father, so we just call him Junior.” He then leans over to the side and gives Zuko a pleased smile. “He hates it when we call him that.”
Zuko them glares angrily at Iroh and moves his hoof across his neck, meaning Iroh is dead meat, but halts when Song turns to look at him. “Mushi and Junior. My name is Song. You two look like you could use a good meal.” Song then slaps Iroh's hoof away when he goes to scratch his rash again. “Why don't you two stay for dinner?”
“Sorry, but we have to be moving on.” Zuko said.
Song then screws the lid of the lotion and puts it up. “That's too bad. My mom always makes too much roast pineapple.” Song said with an innocent smile.
“Where do you live exactly?” Iroh asked excitedly.

Back at the dark tunnel, Shining is standing with a map on the ground. He tilts it to the side a few times before drawing it closer to him. “Shining Armor, this is the tenth dead-end you've led us to.” Cadence said to him.
“This doesn't make sense. We already came through this way.” Shining said.
Chong then walks up to him. “We don't need a map. We just need love. The little fillies know that.”
“Yeah, but we wouldn't mind a map also.” Apple Bloom said.
“There's something strange here. There's only one explanation.” Shining said as he turns around and looks at the others. “The tunnels are changing.” The cave thenbegins to shake, surprising everyone.

At the small village, Zuko and Iroh are eating at Song’s kitchen table. They are eating some noodles and roast pineapples, along with some roast duck. “My daughter tells me you're refugees. We were once refugees ourselves.”
“When I was a little girl, the Fire Nation raided our farming village. All the stallions were taken away. That was the last time I saw my father.” Song said sadly.
“I haven't seen my father in many years.” Zuko said.
“Oh, is he fighting in the War?” Song sorrowfully asked.
Zuko hesitates for a moment as Iroh is slurping up a bowl of noodles. “Yeah.”

Back at the cave, Chong is frantically walking around them. “The tunnels, they're a-changin.' It must be the curse! I knew we shouldn't have come down here!”
“Right, if only we listened to you.” Twilight sarcastically said to him.
Fluttershy then raises her hoof into the air. “Everypony be quiet. Listen.” She said.
They then hear a low snarl from within the darkness of the tunnel. Shining suspiciously holds the torch up to the tunnel to inspect the strange sound. Suddenly, a giant bat-like creature flies from the darkness of the cave towards the group, causing everyone to panic. “It's a giant flying thing with teeth!” Chong said as it lands, taking on the appearance of a wolf.
“It’s a giant bat!” Twilight said.
“It’s a flying wolf!” Rainbow said.
“No! It's a wolfbat!” Moku said to them. Shining begins to wave the torch at the bat. The sparks hit a vain of magnesium, igniting it, releasing a discharge of rocks and debris. Firebrand uses his firebending to push the others out-of-the-way. But Twilight is out of range and the wolfbat is about to pounce on her. Firebrand then races towards Twilight and pushes her out-of-the-way. The wolfbat is then crushed by a large boulder. Twilight then lights a torch she had and they see that the cave in divided them from the group completely. On the other side, the main 6 (mines Twilight), Shining, Cadence, Agua and the Cutie Mark Crusaders stare at the giant wall, with Rainbow digging at the wall.
“Yeah, it's no use, we can't move that wall.” Chong said when Rainbow stops. “We're separated. But at least you have us!” Chong said to them as his group smiles.
The thought horrifies the gang to the point of screaming. “NOOOOO!” Except for Pinkie. “Why are you screaming?”

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

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

In another part of the tunnels, Twilight and Fire’ are trying to find the others. “Firebrand, look!” She cheerfully said as she points to a solid rock door.
“We found the exit!” Fire’ said as they make their way to the door.
Using all their strength, they mange to open it a few feet before Twilight jumps in. However, her look of hope changes into one of disappointment. “This isn't the exit.” She sadly said.
Fire’ then walks up to her, torch in hoof. “No. It's a tomb.” The tomb is large, at least twice the size of Twilight’s library. “It must be the two lovers from the legend; thats who's buried here.”
Twilight walks over to them and sees some pictures on the sarcophagus. “These pictures tell their story. Lets see, they met on top of the mountain that divided their two villages. The villages were enemies, so they could not be together, but their love was strong and they found a way. The two lovers learned earthbending from the badger-moles; they became the first earthbenders. They built elaborate tunnels, so they could meet secretly. Anyone who tried to follow them would be forever in the labyrinth. But, one day, the colt didn't come - he'd died in the war between the two villages. Devastated, the mare unleashed a terrible display of her earthbending power - she could have destroyed them all, but, instead, she declared the war over. Both villages helped her build a new nation where they could live together in peace. The mare's name was Firma and the colt's name was Geo. The great nation was named Geo Firma as a monument to their love.”
The two then look at each other momentarily before turning around. They see a giant statue of the two lovers kissing. The colt is a Unicorn while the mare is a Pegasus. They then see an inscription above the statue. 'Love is brightest in the dark.' Is what it said.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the cave, Shining glares at the map. “Oh, great! Your plans have led us to another dead-end!” Moka said to him.
“At least he’s thinking of ideas and trying to get us out of here, Moku.” Cadence said, defending her husband.
“Whoa, whoa, wait a minute. We're thinking of ideas? Because I've had an idea for, like, an hour now.” Chong said.
“Yes! We're all thinking of ideas!” Applejack yelled at him.
“Well, then listen to this: If love is the key out of here, then all we need to do is play a love song!” Chong then begins to play a song on his lute, much to Rainbow’s dismay.
“For once, I’m not in the mood for a song.” Pinkie said.
“Even if you're lost, you can't lose the love because it's in your heart...” Chong began. Shining then slaps his forehead again.

Zuko and Iroh are preparing to leave from Song's house. They are standing outside, with dozens of fireflies in the air. “Thank you for the duck. It was delicious.” Iroh said.
“You're welcome. It gives me pleasure to see somepony eat my cooking with such ... gusto.” Song’s mother said.
“Much practice.” Iroh said as he pats he stomach. Zuko then turns around to leave, “Junior, where are your manners? You need to thank these nice ponies.”
Zuko then turns around and bows to them. “Thank you.”
“I know you don't think there's any hope left in the world, but there is hope. The Avatars have returned.” Song said to Zuko.
“I know.” Zuko said bitterly. They then leave.

“We're going to run out of light in 5 minutes at most.” Firebrand said to Twilight. “How are we going to find our way out of these tunnels?”
“I have a crazy idea.” Twilight said.
“What?”
Twilight hesitates for a second. She then walks away, slightly embarrassed. “Never mind. It's too crazy.”
“Twilight, what is it?”
“I was thinking ... The curse says we'll be trapped in here forever unless we trust in love...”
“Right...”
“And at the tomb, it says, ‘Love is brightest in the dark,’ and has a picture of them kissing.”
“Where are you going with this?”
“Well, what if we ... kissed?” Twilight said shyly while blushing.
Firebrand is stunned by what he just heard and begins to blush. “Us ... kissing?”
“See? It was a crazy idea.” She then notices that the torch has a few seconds left. “What are we going to do?”
“What can we do?” Twilight then silently walks to him. They then stare each other in the eyes for a few moments. The two then begin to lean into one another as the last of the torch-light fades. They close there eyes as they are about to kiss. Suddenly, the ceiling of the cave lights up revealing thousands of glowing crystals gleaming overhead.

Meanwhile, Shining, Cadence, Rainbow, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Agua, Pinkie, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and the band of nomads are journeying through the cave when they hear low growls. “What was that?” Fluttershy asked. They look in a dark tunnel where several wolfbats come into the light, racing towards them. Rainbow waves her hoofs and wings frantically in trying to scare them off. The creatures fly straight past them.
“Hey! You saved us, Rainbow!” Chong said.
“No, they were running away from something!” Shining said.
“From what?” Moka asked. Just then, caves begin to rumble. A wall of rock begins to crumble. Without warning, two giant badger-moles burst through the caves, causing the group to panic. One badger-mole closes its hands together in a prayerful way, closing off a tunnel behind it with earthbending. The other badger-mole pounds the ground with its paws and raises a wall of earth, blocking off the exits. One badger-mole then uses its earthbending to create a split in the earth between the nomads and the main six (mines Twilight), Shining, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Agua, and Cadence.
They trie to avoid the badger-mole's swipes. Shining is blown back several feet and starts hastily backing away, his hoofs hitting a string on the lute in the process, producing a musical note. The badger-mole cocks its head curiously. The creatures quiet down as Shinning picks up the lute and begins playing a tune. “Hey, those things are music lovers!” Sweetie Belle said to the others.
“Giant moles coming toward me. Come on guys, help me out!” Shining nervously said while singing.
Chong and his group then get their remaining instruments and begin singing. “The big, bad badger-moles who earthbend the tunnels, hate the wolfbats, but love the sounds!”

In another part of the caves, Twilight and Fire’ are staring at the ceiling of glowing crystals, with their hoofs still linked. “They're made of some kind of crystal. They must only light up in the dark.”
“That's how the two lovers found each other.” Twilight said in realization as she gestures with her hoofs along the ceiling. “They just put out their lights and followed the crystals.” They then see the exit. “That must be the way out!” They then hug each other before realizing what they're doing.
“So, uh...” Fire’ began.
“Let's go!” Twilight then runs for the exit.
Fire’ then stares after her before shaking his head and smiling. He and Twilight make their way out of the cave and into the outdoors. The two then run around a little bit in the suns rays, but Fire’ stops when he remembers whats missing. “Wait! What about the others?”
The two are concerned at first, but they then hear a rumbling. At that moment, Shining and Cadence, the main six (minus Twilight), the CMC and the band of nomads emerge from the cave, riding on top of the badger-moles. Debris flies everywhere as Fire’ and Twilight shield themselves from the rubble. Shining then waves at his little sister and Fire.’ “Shining!” Twilight said, happy to see her older brother is all right. Shining then jumps off the badger-mole and lands near Twilight along with Cadence. 
“How did you guys get out?” Cadence asked the two. "Something tells me it involves love."
“Just like the legend said, we let love lead the way.” Twilight said.
“Really? We let huge, ferocious beasts lead our way.” Shining said. Firebrand then goes over to the others to see if there all right. Shining then waves goodbye to the badger-moles as they return to the caves. Twilight then notices something different about Shining.
“Why is your forehead all red, Shining?” Before he could answer, Chong walks up to them.
“Nobody react to what I'm about to say: I think that Agua and Fire’ might be the Avatars!” Shining then smacks his forehead, enlarging the red spot while Chong looks at him in curiosity. The nomads then leave, but before they do, Chong says something. “If your going to Erde City, you gonna have to go through the Foggy Swamp.” He then points to it. Chong then hugs Shining, Rainbow, and Applejack, causing the group to laugh. “Shining, I hope you learned a little something about not letting the plans get in the way of the journey.” Chong said.
“Just play your songs.” Rainbow said, irritated yet blushing.
Chong then stops hugging them. “Hey! Good plan!” Chong said as he takes his lute and begins signing. “Even if you're lost, you can't lose the love because it's in your heart. Da, da, da...”
As he is singing, Fire’ looks at the swap in question. “I know this is going to sound weird, but I think the swamp is calling to me.” Firebrand said.
“Me too.” Agua replied.