The Elements of Nature Book 3 - 气 (Air)

by Superior-Doc-Fossil

Chapter 6, The Firebending Masters

The next day, Zuko and Firebrand are standing on a balcony of the third tallest tower in Canterlot. “I know you're nervous Fire,’ but remember, firebending alone is not something to fear.” Zuko said.
“Okay. Not something to fear.”
“But if you don't respect it, it'll chew you up and spit you out like an angry rhino!” Fire’ then gulps in fear, knowing the dangers of his dominate element. “Now show me what you've got. Any amount of fire you can make.” Zuko said. Fire’ then takes a very deep breath and does a fire blast, but only a small amount of fire comes out, shocking both Fire’ and Zuko.
“What just happened?”
“I don’t know.” Zuko said. “Maybe it was a fluke. Try again.” Fire’ then does the technique again, but the same thing happens.
“Maybe you should try.” A nearby guard said to Zuko.
“Good idea. You two might want to take a couple of steps back.” Zuko said as the guard and Fire’ step back a little. Zuko then inhales deeply. He does a punch, but it lets out a very small flame. “What was that?! That was the worst firebending I've ever seen!”
“I thought it was, nice.” The guard said, trying not to laugh.
Zuko tries firebending again three more time, with all three attempts resulting in very small flames similar to the first. He then grunts and looks at his hoofs. “Why is this happening?!”
“Maybe it's the altitude.” The guard joked.
“Yeah, could be.” Fire’ said after he tries again.

Later at the court-yard, Zuko and Fire attempt firebending again, which results in a similar small flame again. Spike yawns and lies down on the pillar as the two calm down. “Just breathe, and...” Zuko said as they firebend again, only getting small flames again.
“That one kind of felt hot.” Spike said as he gets up.
“Don't patronize us! You know what it's supposed to look like!” Zuko yelled at Spike.
“Calm down, Sifu Hothead.” Fire’ joked.
“Stop calling me that!” Zuko yelled as Fire’ laughs.
Rainbow then shows up, eating an apple. “Hey, jerks! Mind if I watch you two jerks do your jerkbending?” She said, getting annoyed glances from them.
“Get out of here!” Both Fire’ and Zuko yelled.
“Okay, take it easy.” Rainbow said as she drops her half-eaten apple. “I was just kiddin' around.” She then leaves. “Jerkbending, still got it.” Zuko then drops his head, dejected, and moans.

Later, the entire group are resting near a fountain at night. Zuko and Fire’ are leaning on a column with their legs crossed, both looking below and thinking deeply. Zuko turns his head to the group and walks toward them. “Listen everypony.” Zuko said, getting all their attentions. “I've got some pretty bad news. Me and Fire’ lost our stuff.”
“Don't look at me,” Terra said. “I didn't touch your stuff.”
“I'm talking about our firebending. It's gone.” Twilight then laughs, and everyone's attention is focused on her. Zuko looks at the unicorn with an annoyed expression.
“I'm sorry, I'm just laughing at the irony. You know, how it would've been nice for us if you lost your firebending a long time ago.”
“Twilight.” Fire’ said as he walks over. “Didn't you hear the part where Zuko said ‘our’ firebending. I lost mine too.” Twilight then frowns when she realizes she unintentional mocked Firebrand.
“Well, it's not lost. It's just ... weaker for some reason.” Zuko said.
“Yeah, but why.” Apple Bloom asked.
“I bet it's because I changed sides.” Zuko said.
“That's ridiculous.” Twilight said.
“I don't know. Maybe it isn't. Maybe our firebending comes from rage and we don't have enough anger to fuel it the way we used to.” Fire’ said. “After Zuko told me that Abysus wasn't attack by the Fire Nation, I lost all my anger toward it."
Pinkie then leans over to the two. “Sooo, all we need to do is make Zuko and Fire’ angry. Easy enough.” Pinkie then pokes Zuko and Fire with a stick in the head and waist several times, laughing. The end must be near.
“Okay, cut it out!” Fire’ yelled, scaring Pinkie so much that she stops and goes behind Celestia.
“Look, even if you're right Fire,’ I don't want to rely on hate and anger anymore. There has to be another way.”
“You're gonna need to learn to draw your firebending from a different source.” Terra said. “I recommend the original source.”
“How are they supposed to do that? By jumping into a volcano?” Blitz said.
“No. Zuko and Fire’ need to go back to whatever the original source of firebending is.”
“So, it is jumping into a volcano?” Rainbow said.
“I don't know. For earthbending, the original benders were badger-moles. They help me figure out I was the Earth Avatar.”
“Well, this doesn't help us.” Zuko said. “The original firebenders were the Snake Dragons, and they're extinct.”
“Wait. Dragons? Maybe Spike can teach you a thing or two.” Rainbow said, getting annoyed glares from the group.
“But maybe there's another way.” Zuko said as he looks toward the West, where the sun sets. “The first ponies to learn from the Snake Dragons were the ancient Sun Warriors.”
“Sun Warriors?” Luna said confused. “Who are they? They weren’t around when me and Celestia were foals.”
“No, they died off thousands of years ago. But their civilization wasn't too far from here.” Zuko said, still looking at the West. "Maybe we can learn something by poking around their ruins.”
“It's like what my dad used to tell me.” Fire’ said, looking at the Western horizon. “Sometimes, the shadows of the past can be felt by the present.”
“So, what?” Rainbow said, getting Fire’ and Zuko to look back at her. “Maybe you'll pick up some super old Sun Warrior energy just by standing where they stood a few thousand years ago?”
“More or less.” Zuko said. “Either we find a new way to firebend, or the Avatars have to find a way to win ... without the Fire.’”

In the morning, Fire’ and Zuko are riding Fire’s Blade Cycle throw some mountains. “We've been riding for hours. I don't know why, but I thought this thing would be a lot faster.” Zuko said over the noise of the engine. Right then, Fire’ gives it more gas, and the two are nearly sent flying off. “Oka-a-ay! I w-a-as just kid-d-ding.” Fire’ then slows down the bike and the two land on it safely.
“Nice to see you have an upbeat attitude now.” Fire’ said. They then see the Mayan like ruins, which make Fire’ and Zuko full of awe.
They stop right outside the ruins. Fire’ turns the Blade Cycle back to his sword and they enter. “Even though these buildings are ancient, there's something eerily familiar about them.” Zuko said as they walk down an alleyway. “I can tell the Fire Sages' temples are somehow descended from these.”
“Okay. We've learned something about architecture. Hopefully, we'll learn something about firebending too. The past can be a great teacher.” Fire’ said. He then steps on a trip wire, causing the ground in front of him to fall and spikes come out. Fire’ nearly falls on them, but he uses his sword to balance himself to the other side of the 4 foot gape. “Zuko, I think the past is trying to kill me.”
“I can't believe it.” Zuko said as he kneels down to look at the trip wire. “his booby trap must be centuries old and it still works.”
“There's probably a lot more. Maybe this means we shouldn't be here.” Fire’ said, worried that one trap will cause the mountain there on to blow up.
Zuko then takes two steps back and runs toward the wall adjoining the path. He then runs on the wall before jumping on the other side of the spikes. He then dusts himself off a little. “Where's that upbeat attitude you were talking about?” He then smiles. “Besides, ponies don't make traps unless they've got something worth protecting.” The two then climb up some stairs. When they reach the top, they see a carving of two Snake Dragons (which looks like traditional Chinese Dragons) breathing fire around an earth pony.
“Look, this seems promising.” Fire’ said to Zuko. “Though I'm not sure what this tells us about the original source of firebending.”
“They look pretty angry to me.” Zuko said.
“I thought the Snake Dragons were friends with the Sun Warriors.”
“Well, they had a funny way of showing it.” Zuko then looks down and walks away.
“Zuko.” Fire’ said. Zuko then stops. “Something happened to the Snake Dragons. Something you're not telling me.”
“My ancestor Sozin happened.” Zuko said, facing Fire.’ “He started the tradition of hunting Snake Dragons for glory. There were the ultimate firebenders.” The then start walking across a bridge. “And if you could conquer one, your talents would become legendary and you'd earn the honorary title, Dragon.” They then approach a path which has one dragon's statue on both sides, and stop walking. “The last great Snake Dragon was conquered long before I was born, by my uncle.”
“But I thought your uncle was ... I don't know, good?” Fire’ said, confused that the kind, tea loving, Fire Nation pony would kill a Snake Dragon.
“He had a complicated past. Family tradition, I guess.” Zuko starts walking up a series of stairs, with Fire’ running to catch up to him. They see a vertical column with a sunstone in the center, as Zuko and Fire’ walk past it. Zuko stops walking, while Fire’ runs to the gates, places his sword in between them, and unsuccessfully tries opening the gates.
“It's locked up!” Fire’ said. Zuko then rubs his head, thinking. He then looks behind, and sees the sunstone from the column in front of the gates beaming light.
“Wait.” Zuko takes a step back and sees a beam of light hitting the ground. “It's a celestial calendar. Just like the Fire Sages have in their temples. I bet that sunstone opens the door, but only when sunlight hits at just the right angle. On the solstice.”
“Ponyfeathers! We can't wait here that long.” 
Zuko then unsheathes one of his swords. “No, we can’t. But we might be able to speed time up.” Fire’ then walks to where the light from the sunstone is being beamed. He places his sword on it with an angle, causing it to reflect the light. “Let's see if we can outsmart the sunstone.”
“Good call.” Fire’ said as the reflected light hits the other sunstone on the closed doors. After a few moments, the doors open. Fire’ then sheathes fire sword. “You know, Zuko, I don't care what everypony else says about you, you're pretty smart.” Zuko then smiles at Fire’s compliment. Fire’ then walks inside the dark room and looks around it. He narrows his eyes, as sees a statue of a stallion with an angry expression. “What the buck!”
“Relax.” Zuko said to Fire.’ “They're just statues.” They see the there are two sets of statues in a circle. Each set of statues are based on three types of attacks: low kicks, high punches or hits, and double punches with both fists.
Fire’ then walks up to a statue and reads something on it. “It says, this is something called the Dancing Dragon.” The statue is standing on one of it’s hind legs, the other crossed over it. It’s front legs are above the statues head. Fire’ then takes the same posture the statue is in. His leg then presses a button on the ground. Fire’ comes out of the posture and examines the button. He then looks around at all the statues, and runs toward Zuko, grabs him by the leg, and pulls him. “Zuko, get over here! I want you to dance with me!”
“What?!” Zuko said as he pulls back his leg.
“Just do it.” Fire’ said as he levitate Zuko to the other set of statues. Fire’ then goes to the other set as Zuko sighs in defeat. “Let's follow the steps of the statues.” Fire’ and Zuko then take the posture of the statues in front of them and move to their right and left, respectively, taking the postures of the statues in front of them, which pressed similar buttons lying on the ground in front of all the statues.
“Whoa.” Zuko said when he sees the button.
“Don't you see? There aren't dance moves, these statues are giving us a lesson.” Zuko then move to the next set of statues. “I think this is some Sun Warrior firebending form.”
“This better teach us some really good firebending.” Zuko said as they follow the movements of each set of statues. The next two statues have their waists bent toward each other, and their arms in the direction of each other. Zuko and Fire’ perform the same move. The ground then begins to detract and a vertical column emerges from it, as the both look at it. They see a yellow, egg-shaped sunstone with gold swirls on the column.
“What the hay is that?” Fire’ said.
“It's some kind of mystical gemstone.” Zuko said when he runs to it.
“Well, don't touch it!” Fire’ said, stopping Zuko from garbing the sunstone.
“Why not?”
“Remember what happened out there with those spikes? I'm just very suspicious of giant glowing gems sitting on pedestals.” Zuko ignores Fire’ and picks up the stone.
“It feels almost alive.” Right when Zuko said that, a geyser of green slime spouts up, pining Zuko and the sunstone to the celling on a guard rail.
“Oh, no, it's another trap!” Fire’ said as the room begins to fill up with the green slime.
“Uhh, I can't pull free. It's like some kind of glue.” Zuko said as he struggles to get free. He then tries to flip over, but gets stuck with his front facing the sky.
Fire’s sword gets stuck, so he leaves it and garbs the grates, only getting stuck as well. “I can't move! Zuko, do something!”
“Me? I can't move either! Cant you uses magic! You're the Unicorn!”
“I’m trying, but these grates must be made of the same metal that the Fire Nation uses! I can't use magic!” The slime the reaches the two and begins to slowly crush them, when suddenly, it stops. “It stopped.”
“At least we have air. Maybe if we stay calm, we can figure a way out of this. With any luck, the others will see that something is wrong and will come look for us.” Zuko said as the see the sun begin to set.

Back at Canterlot, Twilight is looking at the sunset with a worried look on her face. Shining and Candace then arrive to see how Twilight is doing. “Twiley, you okay?” Shining asked his little sister.
“I’m fine, but I’m just worried about Firebrand is all. He should have at least taken Spike so he can tell us if something is wrong.”
“Don’t worry, Twilight.” Cadence said to her sister-in-law. “Whenever Shining here had to leave for Royal Guard business, even before we got married, I worry too.”
Twilight’s face then becomes red at Cadence’s remark. “Look, Twi. We know how much you care about Fire,’ but he can take care of himself, even if he can get a little hotheaded sometimes.” Shining said.
“Your right. I do care.” Twilight said while looking down. “I do care for him, a lot. Ever since I first meet him three years ago, I had feelings for him.”
“I’m sure he has feelings for you too.” Shining said. “When you got taken by Chrysalis’ Insecticons, he was so worried. I actually thought he was gonna explode.” Twilight then raises he head and smiles, knowing he has feelings for her like she has feelings for Fire.’

“You had to pick up the glowing egg, didn't you.” Fire’ said to Zuko after it gets dark.
“At least I made something happen. If it were up to you, we'd never have made it past the courtyard.”
Fire’ then takes a deep breath and yells. “HELP!”
“Who are you yelling to? Nopony's lived here for centuries.”
“Well, what do you think we should do?”
“Think about our place in the universe?” Zuko said as the stars come out.
Right then, they see a gold coat Earth Pony with a red mane in red leather armor with gold feathers and red face paint and amber eyes approaching them. “Who is down there?” Both Fire’ and Zuko are completely shock at seeing a pony, here of all places.

Later in the morning, Fire’ and Zuko are being cleaned by aardvarks liking the slime off. The are surrounded by ponies of the three main types watching them. The chief, the one who found them, is in the middle. Each mare and stallion has red leather armor and red face paint, but only the chief has golden feathers. “For trying to take our sunstone, you must be severely punished!” The chief said as Zuko and Fire’ are completely cleaned.
“We didn't come here to take your sunstone. We came here to find the ancient origin of all firebending.” Zuko protested.
One of the pegasi with an amber coat and a black mane then walks forward, holding the sunstone. “Yeah, right.” He said. “They are obviously thieves, here to steal Sun Warrior treasures.”
“Please,” Fire’ began to say, “I don't normally play this card, but ... I'm the Fire Avatar.” The Sun Warriors then just stare at him. “Just hear us out.” Fire’ said as he stands up with Zuko.
“My name is Zuko, Crown Prince of the Fire Nation. Or at least, I used to be. I know we accidentally have distorted the ways of firebending, to be fueled by anger and rage. But now I want to learn the true way, the original way. When we came here, I never imagined the Sun Warrior civilization was secretly alive. I am truly humbled to be in your presence. Please, teach us.” Zuko and Fire’ then bow in respect.
“If you wish to learn the ways of the Sun,” The chief began to say, “you must learn them from the masters, Ran and Shaw.”
“I thought Princess Celestia knew the ways of the Sun, not this Ran and Shaw? And there are two of them?” Fire’ said.
“Celestia only tells the Sun when to set and rise. Ran and Shaw know it’s secrets.” The chief said. “When you present yourself to them, they will examine you.” He then looks at Zuko. “They'll read your hearts, your souls, and your ancestry.” He then takes a step toward Zuko and towers over him. Zuko looks worried due to what his ancestors did. “If they deem you worthy, they'll teach you. If they don't, you'll be destroyed on the spot.”
The chief then walks back, and Fire’ and Zuko look at each other. Later at another building, the chief is in front of a large fire. Fire’ and Zuko stare in awe at the fire behind the chief. “If you're going to see the masters,” the chief said, “you must bring them a piece of the Eternal Flame. This fire is the very first one.” He then turns and faces the Eternal Flame. “It was given to ponies by the Snake Dragons. We've kept it going for thousands of years.”
“I don't believe it.” A surprised Zuko said.
“You will each take a piece of it to the masters, to show your commitment to the sacred art of firebending.” The chief then takes part of the Eternal Flame and holds it in his hoof. “This ritual illustrates,” He then turns around in a circle and splits the fire on his hoof into two parts, “the essence of Sun Warrior philosophy. You must maintain a constant heat. The flame will go out if you make it too small. Make it too big, and you might lose control.”
Zuko then holds his hoof out and is given his part of the flame. The chief then gives Firebrand his. “It's like a little heartbeat.” Fire’ said as he fells the flame in his hoof beat like a heart.
“Fire is life, not just destruction. You'll take your flames up there.” The chief then points at a mountain. “The cave of the masters is beneath that rock.”

Later, Zuko and Fire’ are walking through a steep forest up the mountain. Zuko sees how Fire’ is doing and sees he's lagging behind. “Hurry up.”
“I can't. If I walk too fast my flame will go out.” Fire’ said as he uses magic to levitate himself up a large boulder next to Zuko.
“Your flame's gonna go out because it's too small. You're too timid, give it more juice.” Zuko said.
“Remember why I wanted you to teach me those special techniques? What if I can't control it.” Fire’ said. “I was losing control before. I don’t want to risk it.”
“You can do it. I know you can. You're a talented guy.” Zuko said. Fire’ then smiles at the compliment and gives his fire some more juice. It then grows to the size of Spikes arm. The two soon reach the top and see the Sun Warriors waiting for them. They also see two vertical rock with a bridge between them.
The two then walk up to the chief. “Facing the judgment of the firebending masters will be very dangerous for you.” He then looks at Zuko. “Your ancestors are directly responsible for the Snake Dragons' disappearance.” Zuko then looks down, knowing what his ancestors did. “The masters might not be so happy to see you.”
“I know I wouldn't be.” The Sun Warrior who accused Fire’ and Zuko as being thieves said.
“But once they find out I'm the Avatar of Fire.” Fire’ began to say.
“Have you forgotten that you and the other Avatars vanished and failed to reincarnate in time, allowing the Fire Nation to wreak havoc on the world?” The chief interrupted. “The decline of the Snake Dragons is your burden too.” 
The other Sun Warriors get into a kneeling position and the chief walks toward Zuko and Fire,’ takes a small part of their flames and gives the flames to both of the Sun Warriors, who go to each of the sides. Some Sun Warriors are standing and sitting, alternately, as the two Warriors standing create a circle made of fire. “We could turn back now. We've already learned more about fire than we hoped.” Fire’ said as they see the chief walk to the center.
“No, we're seeing this through to the end. We're gonna meet these masters and find out what's so great about them.” Zuko said.
“What if they judge us, and attack us?” Fire’ said as he looks at where he thinks there supposed to be judged at, the bridge.
“Well, we're the Fire Prince and the Fire Avatar.” Zuko said as unsheathes his swords slightly. “I think we can take these guys in a fight, whoever they are.” Zuko then smiles. They then see that all the alternate Sun Warriors have made their fire circles. Zuko then turns toward the Sun Warrior chief. “Bring 'em out!”
The chief then nodes in agreement. He then stretches both his front hoofs out on both sides. “Chanters!”
The chanters then play the music. The Sun Warriors, who are sitting down, begin beating their drums in a synchronized rhythm. The other Sun Warriors are holding the fire circle in their crouched positions as they see Zuko and Fire’ walk toward the stairs. The Warriors are alternatively rising and bowing. Fire’ and Zuko are nearing the steps. The chief and the other two Warriors, one being the one who accused them, step aside to let Zuko and Firebrand pass.
Zuko and Fire’ look at each other and take a deep breath before climbing. The warriors are still beating the drums and holding the fire circle. Zuko and Fire’ climbing the steps. Fire’ looks back, but continues forward. Zuko and Fire’ reach the top as the setting sun shines at them. The music stops playing when they reach the top. Both of them look at the caves on each side of the bridge.
“Those who wish to meet the masters, Ran and Shaw, shall now present their fire.” A unicorn Sun Warrior said, using a voice amplifying spell so Fire’ and Zuko can hear.
Fire’ and Zuko then turn toward the caves and bow down with their hoofs stretched toward the caves. “Sound the call!” The chief yelled. A Sun Warrior then blows a large horn. The cave Fire’ is facing rumbles, causing him to tremble. Fire’ accidentally places his hoof down, extinguishing his flame.
“What's happening?” Fire’ asked.
“I think it’s those masters, Ran and Shawn.” Fire’ then cringes and quickly returns to his position, and realizes that his flame is extinguished and gasps. He then turns toward Zuko.
“Zuko, my fire went out.” Fire’ whispered.
“What do you want me to do?” Zuko whispered back.
“Give me some of yours.” Fire’ then reaches for Zuko's flame, but Zuko pushes him behind.
“No, just make your own.”
“I can't.” Fire’ then reaches for Zuko's flame again.
“Get some from those warriors.” The chief and the two Warriors beside him are watching the skirmish from down below. “Hurry! Stop cheating on me!”
“Quit being stingy!” Fire’ said as he reaches for Zuko’s flame. Fire’ continues his attempt to get Zuko's flame but Zuko stretches his legs away. Fire’ then pulls Zuko's leg down, extinguishing the flame. They both then look at each other. The two then feel the ground rumbling. They both get a worried expression on their faces. They then turn and look at the caves.
“Uh, oh.” Zuko said as he sees a pair of eyes in the cave he’s facing. A red Snake Dragon then comes out, roaring and circling around the bridge. Zuko is staring at the dragon as a blue dragon comes out of the other cave. It joins the other dragon as they circle the bridge. “These are the masters.”

“Still think we can take 'em?” Fire’ quietly said to Zuko.
“Sshh. I never said that.” Zuko said as the Sun Warriors kneel before the Snake Dragons Ran and Shaw.
“Oh, here it comes.” The Sun Warrior who accused them said as he looks up at the bridge. “Any moment now. Dinner for the masters.”
“Quiet, Ham Ghao!” The chief said.
“What? Everyone's thinking it.” Ham Ghao said.
“Zuko, I think we're supposed to do the Dragon Dance with them.” Fire’ said as the Snake Dragons continue to circle them.
“What? What about this situation that you think they want us to dance?”
“Well, I think they want us to do something. Let's just try it.”
“Fine.” Zuko unwilling said. Fire’ and Zuko then get into the first posture of the Dancing Dragon and change their postures to the next. Fire’ is spreading his front legs out as the blue Snake Dragon flies behind him following the shape of his legs. Fire’ turns his arms to his side as the dragon turns as well. The Snake Dragons are performing the same movements as each other. Zuko pushes his hoof up as the red dragon behind him goes up as well. Zuko then dips and the dragon dives down accordingly. The Snake Dragons  are flying above the bridge as the two firebenders are performing the Dancing Dragon. The then do the last move. They look to either side as the Snake Dragons have stopped moving and are hovering on either side of the bridge. 
“Judgment time.” The chief said while still bowing. The blue Snake Dragon is starring at Zuko. Zuko looks back at it, with his mouth wide open. The red Snake Dragon is staring at Fire.’ The two Snake Dragons are sitting, with their legs at the bottom of the bridge. The red Snake Dragon then breathes fire at the two. The blue Snake Dragon does the same. Zuko and Fire’ then yell and cover their faces as they are engulfed by a multicolored flame vortex. It slowly pans down to the coats who look at it, shocked. Inside of the vortex, the two firebenders stare at the scene in awe.

“Wow.” Fire’ said wide-eyed.
“I understand.” Zuko said as the Snake Dragons dissipate the vortex and curl their bodies. They then fly back to their caves. Zuko and Fire’ then walk back down the stair case. “Their fire was beautiful. I saw so many colors, colors I've never imagined.” Zuko said as they reach the bottom.
“Like a firebending version of the Elements of Harmony.” Fire’ said.
“Yes.” The chief said. “They judged you, and gave you visions of the meaning of firebending.”
“I can't believe there are still living Snake Dragons. My uncle Iroh said he faced the last one and killed it.”
“So your uncle lied.” Fire’ said.
“Actually, it wasn't a total lie. Iroh was one of the last outsiders to face the masters. They deemed him worthy and passed the secret onto him as well.” The chief said.
“He must have lied to protect them, so no one else would hunt them.” Zuko said, realizing why his uncle lied.
“All this time, I thought firebending was destruction. But now I know what it really is ... it's energy, and life.” Fire’ said with a smile.
“Yeah. It's like the Sun, but inside of you. Do you guys realize this?” Zuko said to the chief.
“Well, our civilization is called the Sun Warriors ... so yeah.”
“That's why my firebending was so weak before. Because for so many years, hunting you was my drive ... it was my purpose. So when I joined you, I lost sight of my inner fire. But now, I have a new drive. I have to help you defeat my father and restore balance to the world.” Zuko then does a punch, and a six-foot plume of fire comes out. Fire’ does the same, and gets the same result. Fire; also smiles when he realizes that he has control over his firebending again.
The chief then looks at the two. “Now that you have learned the secrets, and you know about our tribe's existence, we have no choice but to imprison you here forever.” The two are completely shocked, they see the chief smiling. “Just kidding.” The two are now relieved. The chief's expression then becomes serious again. “But seriously, don't tell anyone!”

Later, back at Canterlot, Fire’ and Zuko are telling the others what happened while showing them the Dancing Dragon. “With this technique the Snake Dragons showed us, Zuko and I will be unstoppable.” Fire’ said as they complete the Dancing Dragon. The team then applaud.
“Yeah, that's a great dance you two learned there.” Rainbow said.
“It's not a dance. It's a firebending form.” Zuko.
“We'll just tap-dance our way to victory over the Fire Lord.”
“It's a sacred form that happens to be thousands of years old!” Fire’ said to Rainbow, clearly annoyed.
“Oh, yeah? What's your little form called?” Rainbow said.
After a few moments, both Zuko and Fire’ say, “The Dancing Dragon.” The entire group, including Celestia, Luna and Lunar, laugh.