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

by Superior-Doc-Fossil

Chapter 7, Ba Sing Se

The Elements of Nature
Book 2: 土 & 雷 (Earth & Lightning)
Chapter 7, Ba Sing Se

The group finally make it to the outer limits of Ba Sing Se on their chariot, and they are excited. “We're getting closer!”

Rainbow Dash then said, “I can hardly wait!”

“I'm so excited, I ... I feel like shouting! Woo hoo!” Fluttershy said, thou she shouted in her usually quiet way.

“Whooowee! Ba Sing Se, here we come!” Applejack yelled.

“Oh, I do hope I look festive enough!” Rarity said as she has a giant Chinese like hat on that's decorated with green gems.

Pinkie then pops out of it. “There it is! Ba Sing Se!

“Oooh...” They all said as they see the outer wall that is 100 meters tall. But Fire’ isn't enjoying the sight of the wall.

Twilight is the first to notice. “Whats wrong Fire’?”

“That. That's whats wrong.” He then points to a giant cigar shape object a few miles away. It's a giant drill at least a mile or two in length.

“That thing is huge!”

“What is that thin’?” Applejack asked.

“It looks like a giant drill.” Twilight said.

“That thing can go throw the wall in no time I bet.” Blitz said.

“We need to get to the city fast.” Shining said to the pegasi who are flying the chariot they are in.

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The drill in question is moving across the ground by several sections of the drill extend forward, releasing steam as spikes are driven into the ground. Inside are Princess Azula, her friends, Mai and Ty Lee, and War Minister Qin and several operators of the drill. He has a dark red coat and a light gray mane. His cutie mark is a pistol. “This drill is a feat of scientific ingenuity and raw destructive power. Once it tunnels through the wall, our troops will storm their city. The Earth Kingdom will finally fall and you can claim Ba Sing Se in the name of your father. Nothing can stop us.” Qin said to the Princess and her friends.

“Hmmm, what about those muscle-y guys down there?” Ty Lee said as she peers through a periscope at several Geo Firma troops using magic to create large trenches, Fire Nation forces following them in hot pursuit.

“Please. The drill's metal shell is impervious to any attack.”

“Oh, I'm sure it is, War Minister Qin, but just to be on the safe side ... Mai and Ty Lee, take the enemy unicorns out!”

Mai, who is sitting in a chair, swings a knife around her hoof. “Finally, something to do.” She then heads out with Ty Lee.

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The group land on the wall and are stopped by a guard. “What are you ponies doing here? Civilians aren't allowed on the wall!”

“I'm the Avatar of Fire. My friends here are the Avatars of Water, Earth, and Lighting. Take us to whoever is in charge.” At a portion of the Outer Wall where a roof rises overhead, supported by tall arches, an Geo Firma general sits behind a desk.

“It is an honor to welcome you to the Outer Wall, young Avatars, but your help is not needed.”

“Not needed?” Blitz said in disbelief.

“Not needed. I have the situation under control. I assure you the Fire Nation cannot penetrate this wall. Many have tried to break through it, but none have succeeded.”

“What about the Fire Nation general Iroh? He got in.” Terra said to him.

“Well ... uh, technically yes, but he was quickly expunged. Nevertheless, that is why the city is named Ba Sing Se. It's the ‘impenetrable city.’ They don't call it Na Sing Se. Ha ha ha. That means ‘penetrable city.’”

“Yeah, thanks for the tour, but we still got the drill problem.” Rainbow said to him.

“Not for long. To stop it, I've sent an elite platoon of unicorns called the Earth Team.”

“That's a good group name. Very catchy.” Pinkie said to him.

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The Earth Team is launching their assault on the Fire Nation drill. They manage to overthrow one tank and get closer to the drill. “Ready ... attack!” The team leader yelled out as he and the others wedge large earth spikes into the metal shell of the drill to halt it. However, the drill's segments separate, reducing the columns to crumbles. The Earth Team narrowly manages to conjure up shields to defend themselves against an assault of flying daggers hurled by Mai. She and Ty Lee are sliding down the shell of the drill. Ty Lee lands gracefully onto the ground and effortlessly manages to defeat the unicorns through an acrobatic display, using chi-blocking.

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“We're doomed!” The general said as he began to fail his front legs in panic.

Shining then slaps him.“Get a hold of yourself, colt!”

“You're right. I'm sorry.”

“Maybe you would like the 4 Avatar's help now?” Twilight said to him.

“Yes, please.” The general said to them. Fire’ is looking at the drill. “The question is, how are we going to stop that thing?” Twilight said as she and the others turn to Shining.

“Why are you all looking at me?”

“You're the idea guy.” Fire’ said to him.

“So I'm the only one who can ever come up with a plan? That's a lot of pressure.”

“And also the complaining guy.” Twilight remarked.

“Very funny.”

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At the entrance to Ba Sing Se from where the ferries take the refugees, a ticket mare is inspecting Zuko and Iroh’s tickets.

“So, Mr. Lee and Mr. ummm ... Mushy, is it?” She said.

“It's pronounced Mushi.”

“You telling me how to do my job?”

“Uh, no, no, no. But may I say you're like a flower in bloom. Your beauty is intoxicating.”

“You're pretty easy on the eyes yourself, handsome. Raorr! Welcome to Ba Sing Se.”

Zuko is disgusted by what he just saw. “I'm going to forget I saw that.” He then grabs his ticket and leaves. Jet is watching Zuko who’s using the alias Lee.

“I think Lee would make a good Freedom Fighter. He's just trying to find his way in the world, like us.” Jet said to Smellerbee and Longshot.

“You don't know anything about him, Jet.”

“I know he didn't get that scar from a pegasus.”

“Besides, I thought we were going straight now.”

“We are and the new Freedom Fighters could use a guy like Lee. What do think, Longshot?” Longshot only looks over at him silently, with a meaningful look on his face. “I can respect that.”

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Meanwhile, back at the Outer Wall, Agua attempts to heal a member of the Earth Team. “What's wrong with him? He doesn't look injured.” The general asked.

Agua then stops. “His chi is blocked. Who did this to you?”

“Two mares ambushed us. One of them hit me with a bunch of quick jabs and suddenly I couldn't use my magic anymore and I could barely move. Then she cartwheeled away.”

Twilights eyes widen in realization. “Ty Lee. She doesn't look dangerous, but she knows the pony body and its weak points. It's like she takes you down from the inside.”

“Thats it!” Shining said excitedly.

“Whats it?”

“What you just said! That's how we're going to take down the drill! The same way Ty Lee took down all those big unicorns!”

“By hitting its pressure points!” Terra said.

Fire’ then looks out over the wall with a determined look at the drill. “We'll take it down from the inside.”

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On the ground in front of the Fire Nation drill, Terra, Agua, Firebrand, and Blitz are waiting in a trench. “Once I whip up some cover, you're not going to be able to see so stay close to me.” Terra said to them. She steps outside the trench and with a powerful stomp of her foot, sends a mass of flying debris clouding toward the drill. “Run!” Terra yelled as the group race into the dust cloud behind Terra.

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At the command module where Ty Lee is peering at the cloud through the periscope.

“Hey, look at that dust cloud. It's so ... poofy.” She then looks away from the periscope. “Poof.”

“Don't worry, Princess. I'm sure it's nothing.” Qin said to her, while she casts his a doubtful look.

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Back outside, the group is standing in the midst of the dust beside the drill. Terra earthbends a hole in the ground. “Everyone into the hole!” They then jump into the hole.

“It's so dark down here, I can't see a thing.” Blitz said.

“Oh no, what a nightmare!” Terra sarcastically said.

“Sorry.”

They make their way to the surface underneath the drill where Fire’ spots an opening. “There!”

Agua then flies up to the a bar hanging from the opening and, dangling upside-down from her legs. She then hoists Fire’ while Blitz flies into the drill. They realizes Terra is not following them. Blitz sticks his head out of the drill. “Terra, come on!”

“No way am I going in that metal monster. I can't bend in there. I'll try to slow it down out here.”

“Okay, good luck!” The two then disappear. Outside, Terra earthbends a wedge of rock into the drill, however, it is proving to be a difficult task. Inside the drill, where Fire’ is leading the others through a tunnel of valves and pipes. “Were gonna need a plan of this machine. Some schematics that show what the inside looks like. Then we can find its weak points.”

“Where are we going to get something like that?” Blitz asked. He then sees that Fire’ unexpectedly cuts off a steam valve with his sword. “What are you doing? Somepony's going to hear us!”

“That's the point. I figure a machine this big needs engineers to run it. And when something breaks...”

“They come to fix it!” Agua finished. Moments later, an engineer wearing a mask is seen walking down the misty hallway to the site of the damage. Blitz appears behind him.

“Hi, mate.” He then places his hoof and electrocutes the engineer, knocking him unconscious. Fire’ then runs up and opens the engineers saddlebag. He opens it and finds the schematics.

“This'll work. Thanks!” The trio then run off, but not before they tie the engineer upside down.

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On the wall, Twilight is starting to get worried. A million thoughts have gone though her head about why Firebrand and the others are taking so long. “Are they all right? Is he all right? Did they get captured? Are they dead?” Twilight then rationalizes herself for a moment. “I’m sure Firebrand is fine...uh I mean they're all fine, I mean.”

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Back in the drill, Firebrand, Agua, and Blitz are studying the schematics they stole. “It looks like the drill is made up of two main structures. There's the inner mechanism where we are now and the outer shell. The inner part and the outer part are connected by these braces. If we cut through them, the entire thing will collapse.”

Agua and Blitz nod in agreement.

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At s train station where Zuko, Iroh and the three Freedom Fighters are waiting for their train. Zuko and Iroh who sit in the waiting area. Jet approaches and sits next to Zuko. “So, you guys got plans once you're inside the city?” He asked, but before either could answer, a cart comes up, selling tea.

“Get your hot tea here! Finest tea in Ba Sing Se!”

“Ooh! Jasmine please.” Iroh said as he waves a hoof. The tea seller pours tea into a cup for Iroh. Iroh sips the tea, but soon grimaces at its repulsive taste. “Blaugh! Ugh, coldest tea in Ba Sing Se is more like it! What a disgrace!”

“Hey, can I talk to you for a second, Lee.” He then motions for Zuko to follow him. Zuko sighs and reluctantly rises. The two walk several feet away from Iroh's spot. “You and I have a better chance of making it in the city if we stick together. You want to join the Freedom Fighters?”

“Thanks, but I don't think you want me in your gang.”

“Come on, we made a great team looting that captain's food. Think of all the good we could do for these refugees.”

Zuko then walks away. “I said no.”

“Have it your way.” Jet said, but he then catches sight of Iroh sipping hot tea, causing his eyes to widen in shock and realization. Zuko, approaching Iroh, glances over his shoulder at Jet who narrows his eyes and walks away. Angrily, he knocks the tea cup out of Iroh's hoof.

“Hey!”

“What are you doing firebending your tea? For a wise, old stallion that's a pretty stupid move!”

“I know you're not supposed to cry over spilled tea, but ...” He the sniffs, “It's just so sad!”

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Inside the drill, Fire’ is leading the others through a door onto a massive steel beam. “Wow, it looks a lot thicker in person than it does in the plans. We're going to have to work pretty hard to cut through that.” Blitz said.

“What's this ‘we’ stuff? I have to do all the work.” Agua said to him.

“Look, Agua. Out of all of us, you're the only one who can control water. All you have to do is cut through this beam while me and Blitz keep any curious Fire Nation ponies from seeing what were doing. Together, we're Team Avatar!” Agua then glares at the two before giving in. She then begins to use her waterbending to slice through the metal sharply. When the brace is sliced halfway through, she nearly collapses from exhaustion.

“Come on Agua. You’re almost there.” She then resumes her work slicing the brace. With every lash of the water whip, the cut through the brace enlarges and Blitz grows increasingly eager. At last, a cut is made clean through the brace, however, to their disappointment, the brace budges mere inches from its position.

Agua then begins to pant due to exhaustion. “At this rate, we won't do enough damage before the drill reaches the wall. I don't know how many more of those I have in me.” The suddenly, the drill creaks.

“Do you hear that? We took it down! We better get out of here fast!” Blitz said as he makes a run for the door. But they halt upon hearing an announcement being made through overhead speaking tubes.

“Congratulations, crew. The drill has reached the wall of Ba Sing Se.”

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“Start the countdown to victory!” Qin said in the command module. Cheers erupt from the crew. Azula has a threatening look of determination on her face.

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Firebrand, Agua and Blitz look at each other in shock and dismay as the drill begins hammering through the wall, sending loose boulders in every direction. One of the streams of a saturated rock and water solution traveling through tubes and making its way through the back entrance of the drill in the room the group is in. Blitz begins to desperately attempt to move the brace. “C'mon brace ... budge!”

“This is bad, really bad.” Fire’ said.

“I’ve been putting everything I've got into busting these braces, but it's taking too long!”

“Maybe we don't need to cut all the way through.” Fire’ began as he remembers something his father taught him. “My father taught me that you shouldn't give one hundred percent of your energy into any one strike. Blitz, take a fighting stance. You've got to be quick and accurate. Hit a series of points and break your opponent's stance.” He the strikes Blitz several times. “And when he's reeling back, you deliver the final blow.” Fire’ then hits him softly on the head. “His own weight becomes his downfall, literally.”

“So we just need to weaken the braces, instead of cutting all the way through.” Agua said.

“Then I'll go tell Rainbow to deliver the final blow.”

“And boom! It all comes crashing down!” Blitz finished.

“Everypony inside that wall, the world, is counting on us.”

“The whole world minus the Fire Nation that is, Agua.” Blitz said to her.

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Meanwhile under the drill, Terra is putting all her strength into keeping a rock column stable as she is slowly pushed back by the force of the drill. “C'mon, guys, hurry up!”

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Inside, Agua is making rapid progress, slicing through several braces halfway to weaken them, this time with Fire's help, who's heated his sword so he can cut the steel with ease. “That's enough! We need to get to the next one!” Blitz said to the two.

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Outside on the wall, guards are sending boulders down at the drill from the wall. “They sure are taking their time.”

“Don’t worry, Twilight. I’m sure Agua, Blitz, Terra, and your boyfriend can stop that thing.”

“Rainbow! Firebrand is not my boyfriend!”

“Not yet.” Rainbow quietly said to Applejack. The two soon giggle.

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At the command module, the war minister receives shocking news from engineers communicating through speaking tubes. “War Minister, an engineer was ambushed! His schematics were stolen!”

“War Minister, a brace on the starboard side has been cut clean through! It's sabotage, sir!” Another engineer said.

“Let's go, mares!” Azula said to Mai and Ty Lee.

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The trio continue to slice through the braces. “Good work, Team Avatar!” Blitz said. “Now we just need to...” He then glances up in horror, “...duck!” He ducks just in time to evade a fire blast sent his way by Azula who runs out and stands on another brace followed by her friends.

“Wow, Azula, you were right! It is the Avatars!” She then smiles flirtatiously at Firebrand and notices Blitz. “...and friends.” Fire’ then shivers in horror. Ty Lee swings herself forward toward Fire’ who quickly turns into fire and she passes throw him. The trio escape and race through the drill's hallways. They soon come to an intersection.

“Guys, get out of here. I know what I need to do.” Fire’ said to the pegasi.

Azula and her team reach the intersection. “Follow them! The Fire Avatar's mine!” Mai and Ty Lee begin chasing Agua and Blitz while Azula chases after Firebrand. Meanwhile, the Avatars of Water and Lighting have arrived at the end of the hallway where there is a closed hatch. Blitz tries to open the hatch, while Agua reads sign nearby.

“Slurry pipeline? What does that mean?”

“It's rock and water mixed together. It means our way out!” Blitz said as he opens the hatch which leads to a canal channeling slurry.

The two begin descending into the pipe when Mai and Ty Lee arrive. They manage to escape into the canal just as a flurry of daggers is sent their way. Mai and Ty Lee run over and peer into the pipeline. “Ugh, disgusting!”

“C'mon! You heard Azula, Mai. We have to follow them!”

“She can shoot all the bullets she wants at me. I'm not going in that wall sludge juice.”

Ty Lee leaps through the pipeline into the slurry. Mai shudders and closes the hatch. Meanwhile, Fire’ races past several engineers through the drill. At the rear of the drill where a flood of slurry is continually being released, Agua and Blitz slide through the slurry onto the ground with Ty Lee following them in hot pursuit. Agua uses waterbending to stop the flow of slurry and plug up the back entrance of the drill, thus trapping Ty Lee.

“Why don't you try blocking my chi now, circus freak?”

“Agua, keep that up. The pressure will build up in the drill. Then when Rainbow delivers the final blow, it'll be ready to pop!”

On top of the drill, Firebrand finally makes it to the top and stops. “This looks like a good spot as any.” He then looks up to find boulders being hurtled down the wall, nearly crushing him. “General Sung, tell your soldiers to stop shooting rocks down here!”

“Soldiers, whatever you do, don't stop shooting rocks down there!” The soldiers nod and fire another round of rocks toward the drill. Fire’ leaps out-of-the-way of the oncoming boulders and begins slicing at the hull of the metal using his sword. Meanwhile, Agua continues to hold Ty Lee captive in the slurry.

“Good technique, sister! Keep it up! Don't forget to breathe!”

“You know, I'm just about sick and tired of you telling me what to do all day, Blitz! You're like a chattering monkey!”

“Just bend the slurry, woman!”

Frustrated, Agua bends a wave of slurry onto Blitz, knocking him down. Terra then shows up. “You guys need some help?”

“Terra, help me plug up this drain.”

The two cooperate with each other to bend the slurry, sending Ty Lee farther into the drill and causing the pipes to begin to expand under the pressure. Back at where Fire’ is at, he continues to slice the metal of the drill. “What I'd give to be a metalbender.” He then hears a gun clunk and jumps out-of-the-way just in time and sees Azula. He then assumes a fighting stance.

A battle ensues between the two. Azula shoots fire blasts at Fire’ who manages to block them using firebending. She continues the fire attacks only to have each one of her strikes deterred by fire whips. The two narrowly dodge the several boulders that are hurtled toward them at that moment. Fire’ turns into his elemental form and fires blue fire balls at Azula who manages to avoid them all. Azula sends a karate assault that slams Fire’ into the Outer Wall, leaving him unconscious.

The front of the drill has completely bored its way through the Outer Wall. Azula walks over to him and prepares to deal a deadly final strike, but Fire’ awakens and sends her skidding back using magic. A flood of slurry is released as the drill bores deeper into the wall, coating the two. Azula slides toward a helpless Firebrand, attempting to halt herself by windmilling only to collide with him. The force of the collision sends both sliding off the opposite sides of the drill. Azula is able to stop her descent by grinding her feet into the drill's side while Rainbow shows up and drags Fire’ up to the top.

“Thanks, Rainbow. I owe you one.”

“Hay, I never leave my friends hangin.’” They then run over to the wedge Fire’ sliced in the drill.

“Now all I need...” He then whispers something in Rainbow’s ear.

“Firebrand, your insane. But I like it.” She then flies up. “I can see why Twilight likes him.” She said to herself when she was out of earshot of both Firebrand and Twilight. When Rainbow reaches a good hight, she races down so fast, she causes a Sonic Rainboom. When she hits the spot Fire’ wants her to hit, the impact of the blow causes the sliced braces inside the drill to collapse and the pipes to burst, releasing a torrent of slurry. Slurry begins to seep from the drill. Agua and Terra are still doing their bending stances.

“Here it comes!” Terra said as she earthbends Agua, Blitz and herself onto a rock pillar. Slurry gushes out from the rear of the drill. Ty Lee slams into the rock wall as she is forcefully pushed by the flood. The drill begins to release steam and its segments begin to collapse. On the other side of the wall, the drill is seen coming to a halt.

On the top of the destroyed drill, Fire’ is covered in slurry, he then wipes it away near his face, a huge smile spread across his face, while Rainbow pops out. “I really need a shower now.”

Inside, War Minister Qin stares at the slurry from inside the command module, completely shocked. General Sung and the others on top of the Outer Wall, are covered in the muck. “Ah. My hair!”

“Not the time, Rarity.” Applejack said to her. Ty Lee attempts to clear away the mess. Azula is skidding down the drill, she is also covered in slurry. She lands by Ty Lee. A hatch opens, revealing Mai who is completely clean.

“We lost.” Mai said dryly.

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At a train station, a conductor yells, “Last call for Ba Sing Se!” Jet is talking to his two companions.

“Jet, relax. So the old guy had some hot tea. Big deal.”

“He heated it himself! Those guys are Fire Nation!”

“How do you know? Maybe he got new tea.”

“I know what I saw! Theres no way he got a new tea because the tea pony already left. He had to used a small heater or a mini-flamethrower.”

“Calm down Jet.”

“I am calm! Look, all I'm saying is that the only ways I can possibly think of that he heated that tea cup is by a mini-flamethrower or a small heater. How many ponies do you know have either of those who are not from the Fire Nation?”

“Now I know why that mare left you when you lived in Canterlot 5 years ago.” Smellerbee said as she and Longshot soon board their train.

“You promised never to mention that.”

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As an award for protecting Ba Sing Se, from the Fire Nation attack, the main six, the CMC, Shining, Cadence and the Avatars are allowed into the city. They are on a train heading for the city. “Look, the Inner Wall! Twilight said excitedly. “I can't believe we finally made it to Ba Sing Se in one piece.”

“Hey, don't jinx it! We can still be attacked by some giant exploding Fire Nation spoon. Or find out the city's been submerged in an ocean full of killer shrimp!” Rainbow said to her.

“Have you been hitting on cactus juice?” Terra said to Rainbow, knowing that cactus juice can make a pony go crazy.

“I'm just sayin,' weird stuff happens to us.” Right then, a mare that looks a lot like Derpy, sucking a corn plant in her mouth, takes a seat between Terra and Rainbow, startling them.

“I see what y’all mean, Rainbow.” Applejack said to her. The monorail than enters the Inner Wall. The entire group, except Terra, is seeing the giant city through the windows. The 14 notice that Ba Sing Se stretches almost as far as their eyes can see, and it has many roads and buildings. Their train enters the monorail station, stopping there, and they disembark. Terra then sighs.

“Back in the city. Great.”

“What's the problem? It's amazing!”

“It's just a bunch of walls and rules, Twilight. You wait, you'll get sick of it in a couple of days.”

The monorail then departs behind the team. On the other side of the tracks, there is a mare with long dark mane that billows in the wind and a yellow coat. She is wearing a dress so the group can’t see her cutie mark ... if she has one. She approaches them with a strange smile on her face, freaking the fillies out to the point they hide behind their respective sisters/idol.

“Hello, my name is Jo Dee! I've been given the great honor of showing the Avatars around Ba Sing Se. And you must be Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bella, Scootaloo, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence! Welcome to our wonderful city. Shall we get started?”

“Yes. We were sent here to see the King of Geo Firma. So if you wouldn't mind, would you take us there immediately.” Shining said to her.

“Great! Let's begin our tour. And then I'll show you to your new home here. I think you'll like it!”

“Ugh! Maybe you missed what my brother said. We need to talk to the king about the War, it's important.”

“You're in Ba Sing Se now. Everypony is safe here.” The group all have confused looks on their faces about Jo Dee's strange statement. Later the group is in the area of the city near the wall. An earth pony is pulling a carriage containing Jo Dee and Team Avatar through the streets. Many shops and refugees line the streets.

“This is the Lower Ring.” Jo Dee said to them, still smiling.

“What's that wall for?” Pinkie said as she pointed to the wall.

“Oh, Ba Sing Se has many walls! There are the ones outside protecting us, and the one's inside, that help keep order. This is where our newest arrivals live, as well as our craftworkers and artisans, ponies that work with their hoofs. It's so quaint and lively!” They then see two stallions conversing in an alley. One of them is holding a large sword that glistens in the light. Both of them glare at the carriage as it passes by. “You do want to watch your step, though.”

“Why do they have all these poor ponies blocked off in one part of the city?” Twilight said with a nervous look on her face.

“This is why I never came here before.” Fire’ said to them. “I've heard it was so different from the way the ponies taught us to live in Abysus.”

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In another part of the Lower Ring, Zuko is walking down the street. Iroh catches up to him from behind, holding a large vase with several orange flowers placed in it. Zuko than stars coldly at the flora and Iroh. “I just want our place to look nice.” He then gives Zuko a nudge with the elbow. “In case somepony bought home a mare friend!”

“This city is a prison. I don't want to make a life here.”

“Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not. Now come on, I found us some new jobs, and we start this afternoon!” Behind the two, staying out of sight, Jet is staring at the two firebenders, thinking they are like all other Fire Nation ponies he meet.

“Just look at them, Fire Nation living right under everypony's nose.”

“Jet, you saw a stallion with a hot cup of tea. It doesn't prove he's Fire Nation. And what if he is, are we supposed to attack them? I thought we were starting over here, changing our ways.”

“We are, when I get the evidence I need, I'll report them to the police and let them handle it. Okay?”

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Jo Dee is continuing the tour. At each of their stops, the group ask a question involving the king, but she always blows them off. “This is the Middle Ring, home to the financial district, shops and restaurants, and the university.”

“Yeah. School is alright, but we need to see the king right away!” Rainbow yelled at her.

“Isn't history fascinating? Look, here's one of the oldest towns in the Middle Ring, Town Hall!”

The carriage then stops as Jo Dee exits. “Is that mare deaf? She only seems to hear every other word we say.” Blitz said when Jo Dee was out of ear shot.

“It's called 'being handled.’ Get used to it.” Terra said to him.

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In a small tea shop in the Lower Ring, Jet is leaning against the shop's wall. He turns around and peeks inside the window, spotting Zuko and Iroh speaking with the shop's owner. “Well, you certainly look like official tea servers. How do you feel?”

“Ridiculous.” Zuko said, annoyed. Both he and Iroh are wearing aprons. Iroh desperately attempts to tie the string behind his back, but his effort are in vain.

“Uh, does this possibly come in a larger size?”

“I have some extra string in the back. Have some tea while you wait.” The shop owner then pours some tea in two cups, hands it to his new employees, and heads to the shop. Iroh takes a sip from his cup, but his face contorts in disgust.

“Blech! This tea is nothing more than hot leaf juice!”

“Uncle, that's what all tea is.”

“How could a member of my own family say something so horrible?! We'll have to make some major changes around here.” Iroh takes the tea-pot and heads over to the window Jet is spying through. Jet gasps and moves away just in time as Iroh dumps the tea out the window. Jet slowly stalks around the corner of the shop and leaves.

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The carriage in which Team Avatar is touring in, has now in the Upper Ring. “The Upper Ring is home to our most important citizens. Your house is not too far from here!” The carriage then passes by another wall with a tall gate. Behind it, the roof of an enormous building can be seen.

“What's inside that wall?” Twilight said as she and the others are being watched by three stallions standing in the gateway, wearing dark robes and wide-brimmed hats.

“And who're the mean looking guys in robes?” Rainbows said to Jo Dee, who is still smiling, still creepy.

“Inside is the Royal Palace. Those men are agents of the Dai Li, the cultural authority of Ba Sing Se. They are the guardians of all our traditions!”

“Can we see the king now?” Scootaloo said, both bored and annoyed.

“Oh, no, one doesn't just pop in at the Earth King!” They soon arrive at a small house. “Here we are! Your new home.” A messenger pegasus comes and gives Jo Dee a scroll. “More good news! Your request for an audience with the Earth King is being processed, and should be put through in about month. More quickly than usual!”

“A month?!” Rainbow said in disbelief.

“Six to eight weeks, actually.” Sining then notices a mare in the house across from them peeking through a window at them. Jo Dee then leaves them.

He then gestures for the others to follow him. “Hey, come with me.” Everypony follows Shining across the street. He then knocks on the front door. The same mare appears and opens the door, smiling at them.

“You're the Avatars! I heard you were in town. I'm Pong.”

“Nice to meet you, Pong.” Pinkie said while giving Pong the hoof shake of her life.

“So, Pong, what's goin' on with this city? Why is everypony so scared here to talk about the war?” Applejack asked the light green mare.

“War? Scared? What do you mean?” She said as she shifted her eyes back and forth.

“I can feel you shaking.” Terra said to her.

“Look, I'm just a minor government official.” She then looks left and right to confirm that no one is present except them. “I've waited three years to get this house. I don't want go get into trouble.”

“Get in trouble with who?” Fire’ asked her.

“Shh, listen, you can't mention the War here. And whatever you do, stay away from the Dai Li.” She then closes her door.

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

At some apartments, Jet is still spying on Zuko and Iroh, from a balcony in the shadows, hiding behind a clothesline in the apartment across their's. “Would you like a cup of tea?”

“We've been working in a tea shop all day! I'm sick of tea, Uncle!”

“Sick of tea?! That's like being sick of breathing!” Iroh then rummages through the cupboard beneath the counter, where he is standing. “Have you seen the spark rocks to heat up the water?”

“They're not there.” Jet whispered as he pulls out some emerald colored rocks. “You'll have to use a heater or a flamethrower, old colt.” He then sees Iroh going inside. “Where're you going?”

Iroh then comes back to the counter with some rock in his hands. “I borrowed our neighbors'. Such kind ponies.” He then strikes the rocks near a pile of twigs, below the teapot, and creates a flame. Jet ducks behind the clothesline and leaves.

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

The next morning, a blue jay is chirping, before coming down to Team Avatar's house. Fluttershy instantly makes friends with the bird. Twilight is coming out from the door, yawning. She takes a roll of papers on a mail slot attached to the wall, and reads it briefly, gasping with excitement, before running back inside. The others are all lounging around the upper part of the living room, and she runs to inform them about the information in the roll.

“I got it! I know how we're going to see the king of Geo Firma!”

“How do we do that? 'One doesn't just pop in on the king!'” Terra said, imitation Jo Dee.

“The king is having a party tonight for his pet bear. The palace will be packed. We can sneak in with the crowd!”

“Won't work.”

“Terra’s right. We all need perfect manners to sneak in.”

“Yeah. And, no offense to you simple country folk, except Rarity, Twilight, Sining and Cadence, but a real society crowd will spot you a mile away. You've got no manners!”

“Excuse me? We've got no manners?! You're not exactly ‘mare fancy hoofs!’”

“I learned proper society behavior and chose to leave it, AJ. You never learned anything. And frankly, it's a little too late.”

“Aha, but you and Rarity learned it! You could teach us!”

“Whoa there, Pinkie. Theres no way I’m gonna be like that.” A few minutes later, Rainbow is sitting at a table in a fancy dress while both her eyes and mane have all kinds of high-class pieces in them. “How did I let you talk me into this?”

“Not my fault, Rainbow.” Scootaloo said as she is wearing a dress with a lotus in her mane. In the main lobby, the boys are playing a game that's similar to rock, paper n sizers. Then the girls come in, wearing makeup, exquisite Geo Firma dresses, and holding a fans. Twilight and Cadence stare at the boys calmly before giving in to a fit of giggles. Fire’ blushes and stares dreamily at the site of the mares (mainly Twilight).

“Wow, you look beautiful.” Fire’ said to them. Twilight opens her mouth to reply to Fire’s compliment, but is stopped by Terra placing her fans in front of her mouth.

“Don't talk to the commoners, Twilight. First rule of society.” Terra said to her.

Twilight then turns to the boys. “We'll get in the party, and then find a way to let you in through the side gate.” Fire,’ Shining and Blitz watch as the girls leave the house.

“What did you mean when you said Twilight look beautiful?” Shining said when he was sure they were out of ear shot. Fire’ then blushes to the question.

“Ha ha ... How do you know I was talking to Twi? I could've been talking about the others.”

“Because I saw you stare at Twilight when you said that.” With that, Fire’ blushes so much that you can clearly see it despite his flame red coat.

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

Outside the tea shop where Iroh and Zuko are working, mare walks in through the door. Jet is still spying on the shop from an alley. Smellerbee and Longshot walk up behind him. “Jet, we need to talk.”

“What?! Oh great, it's you guys. Where have you been? I could use some help with surveillance here!”

“We've been talking, and we think you're becoming obsessed with this. It's not healthy.”

“Oh, really? You both think this?” Longshot then places his hoof on Smellerbee's shoulder in agreement with her statement.

“We both came here to make a fresh start. But you won't let this go. Even though there is no real proof!”

“Maybe if you help me!”

“Jet, you gotta stop this.”

“Maybe you've forgotten why we need to start over. Maybe you've forgotten about how the Fire Nation left us all homeless. How they wiped out all the people we loved. If you don't want to help me, I'll get the evidence on my own.” He goes toward the tea shop.

Inside, Iroh is pouring tea to a customer. “This is the best tea in the city!”

“The secret ingredient, is love.” He then waves a hoof through the steam coming from the teapot and walks toward the back of the shop where the owner is, while Zuko gives him a disgusted look.

The owner the turns to Iroh. “I think you're due for a raise.” Suddenly, the door is slammed open by Jet, and he goes inside.

“I'm tired of waiting!” He then points an accusing hoof at Iroh and Zuko. “These two men are Fire Nation!” Jet unsheathes his hook swords and prepares to fight. Iroh and Zuko quickly exchange a look, not knowing what to do. “I know they're Fire Nation, I saw the old man heating his tea!”

“He works in a tea shop.” A customer bleakly said.

“He's Fire Nation! I'm telling you!”

The customer then raises up along with a mare that's with him. “Drop your swords, boy. Nice and easy.”

Jet then turns to Zuko. “You'll have to defend yourself. Then everyone will know. Go ahead, show them what you can do.” Jet slowly walks toward Zuko and Iroh with his swords. Just as one of the customers is about to draw his swords, Zuko steps in front grabs them instead.

“You want a show?! I'll give you a show!” Zuko takes the officer's broadswords and enters a fighting stance. He then pulls a table in front of him with his foot and kicks it at Jet, who slices the table with his swords and jumps over it. As he lands, he swings both hook swords at the Fire Nation prince, who deflects the attack and jumps backward on to another table, which is sliced in half by Jet, swinging one sword through the middle of the table. Zuko steps onto one half of the table and balances on one foot. Jet continues his attack by cutting the legs on the half of the table Zuko is standing on. Zuko quickly jumps up, and as he lands, he swings both broadswords at Jet's feet, and Jet somersaults away and lands in a crouching position before charging forward at Zuko again. Zuko swings both of his swords at Jet. The two blades then collide.

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

At the Ba Sing Se palace, several high-class citizens are lined up and being admitted inside by a guard, who is checking the invitation of one group before letting them pass. Terra, the main six, Agua and the CMC are next in line and approach him.

“Invitation please.”

“I think this will do.” Terra said as she shows the guard her family seal, a golden seal with a flying boar.

“No entry without an invitation. Step out of line, please.”

“Look, the Pangs and the Yum Soon Hans are waiting in there for us! I'm going to have to tell them who didn't let me in.”

“Step out of line please.” As the guard points his hoof to the side, the group move out disappointed, when Rarity notices a carriage, from which Long Feng comes out, and two Dai Li agents bow to him. He has a green coat and a black mane. He also has an arrow for a cutie mark. Rarity then has an idea, and she, along with the others, go to the leader of the Dai Li.

“Sir, I'm sorry to bother you, but my cousin lost out invitations.” She then points to Terra and whispers, “She's blind.” She then turns to the Dai Li again. “Do you think you could help us? The rest of our very large family is inside and I'm sure they're very worried.”

“I am honored, please come with me.” Long Feng said as he walks toward the guard at the entrance with the group following him. The guard bows to him and they are allowed to go into the palace. As they are walking in, Rainbow and Applejack stick their tongues out at the guard while his back is turned. At the other side of the room they are in, at one end of the table is the Bosco eating a steak, his drool dripping of his chin. Seated to either side of him are two guests.

“He's taking all the good stuff!” The older guest said.

“Quiet! You don't know what I had to do to get seats this near the bear!”
Bosco then slightly hits the younger guest before pouncing onto the table and eating a large plate of meat in front of him.

The girls see this and Rarity nearly vomits. “It's beautiful, isn't it?” He then turns to the girls. “By the way, I'm Long Feng. I'm a cultural minister to the king.”

“I'm Kwa Mai, and this is ... Dung.” Rarity said as Sweetie frowns from being called Dung and pulls a string hanging from Rarity’s headdress, causing her pain. “Ow!”

“Now where is your family? I'd love to meet them.”

“Uh ... I don't see them right now, but I'm sure we'll find them soon.” Rainbow said as Rarity smiles.

“Thanks for all your help.” As the girls walk away, Long Feng appears in front of them.

“Don't worry, as your escort it would be dishonorable to abandon you ladies without finding your families first. We'll keep looking.” He turns around and leads the girls, while Twilight glances at Terra nervously. Outside the palace, Fire’ and Shining peek around the pedestal of a statue of a lion.

“Where are they?!” Fire’ said, both worried and nervous.

The two then duck behind the pedestal. “Look, I came up with a back up plan.” Blitz said to the two unicorns. They both then stare at him. “We dress me like a ghost, okay? I fly by the guards, creating a distraction. Then, we blast a hole in the wall.” Fire’ then stands up and looks over the pedestal, and points to some busboys, as Shining and Blitz stand up. The busboys are unloading supplies from a carriage and taking them inside.

“Or we could go in as these guys. Terra said we might pass as busboys!”

“Good idea, Fire.’”

“Okay..." Blitz said as he rolls his eyes. “But remember that me as a ghost plan. I think it's a winner.”

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

At the tea shop, Zuko bursts out through the door and tumbles onto the street. Jet runs after him and strikes at Zuko with both swords. Zuko defends the strike and both combatants lock swords. “You must be getting tired of using those swords. Why don't you go ahead and use you mini-flamethrower at me?”

Iroh then comes out the door. “Please, son, you're confused! You don't know what you're doing!”

Jet and Zuko are still fighting. Zuko swings at Jet, but Jet stops Zuko's broadsword with the ends of his hook swords, spins around and deflects it to the side. Zuko spins with his swords and tries to counterattack, but Jet hooks the ends of his swords together and begins to swing them at Zuko in large circular motions. Zuko retreats back a few steps to defend himself. “Bet you wish he'd help you out with a little fire blast now.”

As Jet swings at Zuko's feet, Zuko stabs one of his broad swords through the hilt, pinning it to the ground. Jet looks at it with annoyance before focusing back on Zuko. “You're the one who needs help.”

Both the combatants lose a sword, and continue fighting with only one. He turns in a circle and tries to swipe at Zuko, but Zuko quickly advances and swings his sword at Jet. Jet pulls his attack just in time to bend backward and avoid Zuko’s blade, cutting the straw sticking out of Jet's mouth in half. The scene replays, but the second time, zooms in on the straw. Jet regains balance, as jumps backward on to the edge of a well.

“You see that?! The Fire Nation is trying to silence me. It'll never happen.” Jet then begins to attack again, hooking his sword to the top of the well and sending a flying kick toward Zuko.

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

At the palace, Fire,’ Shining and Blitz are standing back to back, fully dressed as busboys, serving refreshments to the guests of the party. Fire’ begins pouring a drink while Blitz is serving food to people who pass by. “Where are the others?”

“Forget them, Shining! Just keep an eye out for the king.”

“We don’t even know what he looks like, Blitz.” Fire’ said to him.

“You know, royal, flowing robe, fancy jewelry.” Blitz said, only for them to realize that all the party guests fit Blitz's description. They are all adorned in fancy, flowing robes and headpieces, chatting and eating food.

“Well, that narrows it down to pretty much everyone!” Fire’ said. He then sees Terra walking up to the trio.

She then tries to speak in a fancy voice. “Another crab puff, please.” Shining levitates his tray to give her a puff.

“You found us!” Fire’ said to her.

“I'd know your little hoof steps anywhere, Flame Head.” Terra said as she casually eats the puff.

The other girls soon catch up, and Fire’ blushes when he sees Twilight, while Shining blushes when he sees Cadence.

“Thanks for letting us in!” Blitz sarcastically said.

“Sorry, but the guy who escorted us in won't let us out of his sight!” Cadence said.

“What guy?” Fire’ said when he sees that no pony is following them. Jo Dee then approaches the group, and is anxious to see them.

“What are you doing here? You have to leave immediately, or we will be in terrible trouble!” Jo Dee then tries to push Shining, but he blocks her with his tray.

“Not until we see the king.” Blitz said to the strange tour guide.

“You don't understand. You must go.” Jo Dee shoves Shining and Blitz on Firebrand, causing him to spill the water inside the pitcher he was carrying on a guest.

“Aarrrh! Oh!”

“Sorry. No, don't shout.” Fire’ uses his front hoof and firebends at the guest which evaporates the water without hurting her, but also turns her hair, clothes and makeup into a mess, leading Fire’ to smile sheepishly. The guest is briefly shocked, but smiles in amazement.

“The Avatar of Fire! I didn't know one of the Avatars would be here.” All the guests' attention is now focused on Firebrand. Jo Dee's large, happy smile quickly turns sour and is replaced by a frown and a look of dread. Fire’ looks around at the guests. Fire’ blushes and waves at the crowd, laughing nervously, as Blitz leans in toward Fire.’

“You keep their attention while me and Shining look for the king.” He whispered.

Fire’ nods yes and remembers his old stage show. “Watch this, everypony!” Fire’ then removes his busboy clothes and jumps on to the long dining table as Shining and Blitz walk off into the crowd. Fire’ swings his arms over the guests' drinks, firebending the flames off the candles. He jumps onto a pitcher and balances on top of it, while continuing to firebend. Fire’ brings the fire above his head and creates a swirling multicolored ball. The crowd cheers and claps at the spectacle. Bosco growls with delight at Fire's antics.

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

Back at the tea shop, Zuko and Jet are still fighting. Zuko growls as he swings his sword at Jet, who dodges the attack. He moves on to Zuko's side, and they end up back-to-back. Zuko and Jet attempt to strike the opponent behind them, but neither can get past the other's defense. Two Dai Li agents are walking toward the fight.

“Drop your weapons.” One of the Dai Le agents said.

Zuko and Jet step away and face each other. Zuko lowers his sword, as Jet points at Zuko and Iroh. “Arrest them, they're Fire Nation!”

“This poor boy is confused, we're just simple refugees.” Iroh calmly said to the Dai Le.

“This young stallion wrecked my tea shop, and assaulted my employees!”

“It's true sir, we saw the whole thing. This crazy kid attacked the finest tea maker in the city.”

Iroh then blushes due to the comment he received from the customer. “Oh, ho, ho. That's very sweet.”

The two Dai Li agents walk up to Jet, who looks at them angrily. “Come with us, son.”

Jet swings his hook sword at the unicorn agent, but he catches the sword with his magic. The guard then disarms Jet, and both guards pull the boy's arms behind his back, binding his wrists together using their magic. They drag Jet away toward a wagon designed for holding captured criminals. “You don't understand! They're Fire Nation! You have to believe me!” The crowd begins to disperse. On his knees, Jet looks up as the doors are shut. The ponies left in the street watch the wagon go away. Longshot and Smellerbee look on, hidden within the crowd, and silently walk out of sight.

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

Back at the palace, two lines of guards walk into the hall. Eight of them are carrying a curtained palanquin, with the King of Geo Firma sitting on the platform. The crowd as they marvels in the King's presence. Blitz and Shining sneak through the crowd and they attempt to get a better view of the king. The guards then place the palanquin down and face the guests. Blitz looks over at the others and points at the king. “Firebrand! The King of Geo Firma!”

Fire,’ who is entertaining Bosco, runs over to the king on the table he was on. “Greetings, your majesty.” Three guests pull their food and drinks off the table before Fire’ runs over them. Back at the procession of guards and the King of Geo Firma. The platform is carried off while a line of guards walk up to the long dining table. Shining and Blitz exit the crowd and try to follow the king, but two Dai Li agents grab them and begin leading him away, pulling their arms behind their back.

“Hey, let us go!” Shining barked at them. A Dai Li agent stepping out from a pillar in the hall throws his hoofs out, causing his steel gloves to fly forward.

Meanwhile, the girls are looking away, the gloves of the agent grab Terra and pull her backward, covering her mouth to keep her silent. A second later, another pair of gloves grab Twilight and pulls her back the same way as Terra, followed by Rainbow, Scootaloo, Sweetie, AB, AJ, Rarity, Cadence, Pinkie, Agua, and Fluttershy. Fire’ has reached the other end of the dining table, knocking over several dishes. Long Feng then walks up to Fire’ from behind the line of guards. “Avatar of FIre, it is a great honor to meet you.” He then bows before Firebrand.

“Who the hay are you?”

“I am Long Feng, Grand Secretariat of Ba Sing Se and head of the Dai Li. I'd like to talk to you. Your friends will be waiting for us in the library.” Long Feng then gestures for Fire’ to follow him, as he goes into the library. Fire’ hesitates for a moment before hopping off the table and following. At the library's large double doors shutting, Fire’ and the others are facing Long Feng, who is sitting in front of a hearth that illuminates the area with a green flame.

“Why won't you let us talk to the king!? We were sent here by Princess Celestia about defeating the Fire Nation!” Agua yelled at him.

“The King of Geo Firma has no time to get involved with political squabbles and the day-to-day minutia of military activities.”

“This could be the most important thing he's ever heard.” Twilight said to him.

“What's most important to his royal majesty is maintaining the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se. All his duties relate to issuing decrees on such matters. It's my job to oversea the rest of the city's resources, including the military.”

“So the king is just a figurehead.” Rainbow said to him.

“He's your puppet!” Terra angrily yelled at him.

“Oh, no, no. His majesty is an icon, a God to his ponies. He can't sully his hands with the hourly change of an endless war.”

“But Celestia...” Twilight began but was cut off by Long Feng.

“Enough, I don't want to hear your ridiculous plan. It is the strict policy of Ba Sing Se that the war not be mentioned within the walls. Constant news of an escalating war will throw the citizens of Ba Sing Se into a state of panic.”

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

The two Dai Li that arrested Jet are now dragging in into a dark room, making him sit on a stone chair. They bind his front legs down using steel rope. “You have to believe me, they're Fire Nation! They won’t stop until they win the War.”

One of the Dai Li agents (who's a unicorn) uses magic to clamp down on Jet’s skull, holding it in place. “Calm down, you're safe now.” He said. The agent stands in front of Jet, surrounded by a metal track. From behind him appears a small orange lantern attached to the track.

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

Back at the group and Long Feng. “Our economy would be ruined. Our peaceful way of life, our traditions would disappear.” He said to them.

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

The Dai Li agent holding Jet down says to him, “There's no war in Ba Sing Se.”

“What're you talking about? Where do you think all the refugees come from? You can't hide it!” Jet watches as the lamp continues passing by his face.

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

“In silencing talk of conflict, Ba Sing Se remains a peaceful, orderly utopia. One of the lasts ones on Earth.” Fire’ and his friends stare at Long Feng with a mix of shock and horror at this revelation.

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

A circle of stones covers Jet’s mouth, muffling his protests. The lamp passes by his eyes again. The Dai Li agent is standing within the circular track as the lamp revolves and begins saying the same thing to Jet repeatedly. “There is no war within the walls. Here we're safe. Here, we are free.” Jet's eyes widen and his protests become silent, and the brainwashing begins to affect him.

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

“You can't keep the truth from all these ponies. They have to know.” Cadence said to Long Feng.

Fire,’ Agua, Terra and Blitz then stand up, with Fire’ pointing at Long Feng. “We’ll tell them!” Fire’ said.

“We'll make sure everypony knows!” Agua finished.

“Until now, you've been treated as our honored guest. But from now on, you will be watched every moment by Dai Li agents. If you mention the war to anypony, you will be expelled from the city.” He then makes his leave. Now Jo Dee will show you to your home.”

Long Feng sits down at the front of the library, as Jo Dee opens the doors and walks toward the group. The group looks at her with surprises this time she's a unicorn instead of a earth pony. “Come with me, please.” Jo Dee said.

“What happened to Jo Dee?” Applejack asked.

“I am Jo Dee.” She then bows her head to them. “I'll be your host as long as you're in our wonderful city.” She then smiles cheerfully at the group in the same artificial way.