The Elements of Nature Book 3 - 气 (Air)

by Superior-Doc-Fossil

Chapter 12, The Ultimate Duel

Hexe then attacks Agua, but Twilight takes the hit instead when she ran up. “Twilight!” Agua said as she runs over to a bleeding Twilight as Hexe leaves. “To think I wanted to help you.” Agua said as she uses her healing to help Twilight. “I thought you still had a shred of ponydom in you, but I guess I was wrong.”
Hexe then stops and looks at Agua. “You’re right ... fighting you naive little fillies serves me no purpose.”
Hexe then leaves as Twilight slowly gets up, with some help from Agua. “Don’t worry.” Twilight said. “I’ll be okay.”
“No thanks to me.” Agua said as the two leave.

As Deker continues to point his Uramasa at Fire,’ Lunar and Golden Rod continue to convince him to stop. “Why now?” Luna asked.
“He’s too exhausted.” Lunar argued. Fire’ then nearly collapses, but the Pegasus guard keeps him steady.
Just then, some changeling drones appear behind Deker in the warehouse. “Not good.” Shining said as Deker tightens his grip on Uramasa.
“Queen Chrysalis, Discord, and their noodle-faced crony Medizinisch have seen to it that we are interrupted yet again.” Deker said to Fire’ as he turns into his changeling form. The drones then charge at Fire.’ “No one touches the Fire Avatar.” Deker said. “He’s mine!” Deker then runs up and slashes at two drones, killing them. The drones then surround Deker as he takes on a fighting stance. “Come on!” Deker challenged. The drones then attack, but Deker easily kills them with minimal effort.
“He’s relentless.” Fluttershy said when she sees Deker cut off the heads of ten drones in 5 seconds flat.
Deker then spins around and kills the last of the drones with a small energy wave. “Not even a challenge for him.” Golden Rod said to Fire,’ who is just starring at Deker as he re-sheaths his Uramasa and turns into his pony form.
“All right, Fire Avatar.” Deker said to Fire’ without even looking at him. “Our time to duel has come.”
“No, not now.” Golden Rod said as he gets in between Fire’ and Deker along with Shining and Lunar. “We just finished a battle. Besides, we Unicorns don’t fight for the sake of fighting.”
“Fire Avatar, I’ll give you 24 hours.” Deker said. “But there will be no further delay. Tomorrow, metal will meet metal.”
“Didn't you here Golden Rod?” Fire’ said as he walks past the two Unicorns and Alicorn. “I won’t fight for fighting sake. I only fight to protect the innocent and my friends.”
“Well, then.” Deker began to say. “If you don’t show, I doubt I’ll be able to control myself.”
“What’s that mean?” Celestia asked.
“If the Fire Avatar disappoints me, Princess, I may not be able to hold my changeling side back much longer. I could possibly attack whoever is near.” Deker said.
“You’d threaten random ponies?” Luna said. “Then you’re not a half pony, you’re true changeling.”
“Call me what you want.” Deker replied. “But no one will be safe. And my victims’ pain, will be your fault, Fire Avatar, not mine.”
“Then you leave me no choice.” Fire’ said, getting looks from everypony but Dekker. “I will fight, and I will defeat you.”
“Noon.” Deker said as he gives Fire’ the time and place. “Tomorrow. By the Everfree.” Deker then leaves.

At the changeling hive in the Sahara, Medizinisch is walking around in a circle with Discord and Chrysalis watching, with the later drinking some medicine. Stupor is also there, getting bandaged up. “Ooh-ah-ooh. The Fire Avatar and Deker are both giving me a headache.”
“Oh, how much I despise Deker.” Chrysalis said with an intimidating growl. “But ... if he eliminates the Fire Avatar, he’ll destroy the last descendent of Star Swirl the Bearded too.”
“Then nothing will stand in our way.” Discord said as he drinks some chocolate milk, glass and all.
“Yes, and the Element of Magic’s love of the soon deceased Fire Avatar is the best medicine.” Chrysalis said as she drinks some more.
“I’m the one who needs medicine!” Stupor complained when the drones finished with the bandages. “Those lousy Avatars cut off my mist blower. If I can’t put ponies to sleep, how am I and other changelings supposed to eat in the dream world.” He then wines and waves his legs about like a baby.
“Eat?” Chrysalis yelled. “You didn't even get one ounce of love energy for us to use! You completely failed your mission. I should let the drones eat you!”
“No!” Stupor argued. “I can do better.”
“Then I suggest you go back and really get some love from the Equestrians.” Medizinisch said.
“I will.” Stupor said while bowing. “This time I won’t fail.”

At the Canterlot palaces kitchen, Agua is pouring some tea for Twilight, who walks in. “Hey, Agua.”
“I was just going to bring some tea for you.” Agua said as Twilight walks over to her.
“Thank you, but you need to stop fussing over me.” Twilight said. “I already got enough trouble from my parents and Cadence. I’m almost as good as new, thanks to you.”
Agua just looks down as she takes the cup. “It’s just that when it was time to fight Hexe, I hesitated, and you got hurt.”
“I understand.” Twilight said as Agua puts the cup in front of her. “Seeing Hexe’s past in that dream world, it must have been hard on you.”
“Thats the problem.” Agua said. “I can’t afford to let my feelings to get the better of my judgment anymore.”
“You’re really being too hard on yourself.” Twilight said to the Water Avatar.
Zuko then walks in, startling the two. “Guys, we’re all meeting in the throne room. It’s important.”

One explanation later, Twilight is walking around a circle with Spike on her back. “Fire,’ this is crazy.” Twilight argued. “Take on Deker and do it alone?”
“Deker insist that's how it has to be.” Fluttershy said.
“You can’t do this.” Twilight said. “It’s part of the Unicorn code that Unicorns only fight battles that are necessary.”
“This is necessary.” Shining said to his little sister. “Deker threaten to hurt innocent ponies if Fire’ doesn't go.”
“Okay, fine.” Blitz said. “We’ll handle him like any other threat. As a team.”
“Guys, you don’t get it.” Fire’ said. “If I’m not alone, it won’t satisfy him.”
“Since when do we let an ugly bug tell us how to battle?” Blitz argued.
“I know now that Deker won’t stop until Firebrand duels him.” Agua said as Hielo holds her hoof. “We have to let him go.”
“Ar?” Blitz asked the Air Avatar. “What do you think?”
“If fate will allow it, I don’t see a reason to stop it.” Ar answered.
“How can you two say that?” Twilight asked them. “Fire’ isn’t only our leader, but he’s also the only one who can learn the sealing spell without using Elements of Harmony.” Twilight than turns to Fire.’ “Your the key to stopping the changelings and Discord.”
“Twi’s right.” Cadence said. “You shouldn't risk it.”
“This discussion is over.” Fire’ angrily said as he storms off. Twilight then sighs out of pure sadness.

At the Everfree Forest, Hexe is sitting on the ground, crying over her burnt harmonium. Deker happens to walk by and notices this. He then quietly walks over to her. “After all these years, your all I had left of the life I wanted so badly.” She sadly said. “Now, even this has become ugly. It’s too much to take.”
“What are you doing in Equestria?” Deker asked, startling Hexe.
“Nothing.” Is all Hexe could say as she gets up. “What are you doing here?”
“My eternal search for a worthy opponent finally ends tomorrow.” Deker answered.
Hexe then gasps. “Tomorrow?”
“Yes.” Deker said as he walks past Hexe. “My thirst for the ultimate duel shall finally be quenched. Win or lose, I shall be free.”
“I hope thats true.” Hexe said. “You should have been free centuries ago.” Deker then abruptly leaves. “Deker, I...” But Hexe stops mid-sentence as he leaves. She then heads deeper onto the forest, determine to end her suffering once and for all.

Later that night, Fire’ is in the court yard, practicing with his sword, when Twilight walks up. “Fire.’” Twilight said, causing Fire’ to stop. “How can I talk you out of this?”
“You can’t.” Fire’ said to them. Fire’ then does some more slashes. “But you can help me get ready. I’ve got some special moves I want to practice.”
“Anything for you, Brandy.” Twilight said as she takes a wooden sword like the one Fire’ is practicing with. The two then have a practice battle (a friendly one).

In the dinning hall, some waiters give the group some tea. The only ones in the group not stress about Fire’ battling Deker is Golden Rod, Pinkie Pie (big surprise), and Lunar Eclipse. “Why are we so worried?” Golden Rod said to the group. “I’ve known Firebrand since foalhood. He can beat anyone. He’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, I’m sure he will.” Applejack said as she drinks some tea.
“Yeah.” Rainbow said.
“All I know, is that Deker needs to be dealt with,” Agua began, “and hesitating will be a mistake.”
“I’m afraid Agua is right.” Bastion Yorsets said as he enters the room. “There is no other choice but to fight Deker. We just have to have faith that Firebrand is prepared for this battle.”
“I have complete faith.” Ar said.

In the Everfree Forest, Deker in his changeling form is heading for the edge when he stops to look at the moon. “This shall be the final night of my curse. Tomorrow, I shall wield my sword, Uramasa, in the ultimate duel.” He then continues on his way to the spot where he is to meet Fire.’

The next morning, Fire’ heads outside of the castle and sees the entire group waiting for him. And not just Celestia, Luna, Lunar, Zuko, Cadence, Shining, the main six, the CMC, and the other Avatars, but also Arnook, Twilight and Shining’s parents, the Apple Family (at least Granny Smith and Big Macintosh), Fancypants with a cast on his leg, Spitfire and Sorin.’ Fire’ begins to walk to the gat when Twilight says, “Good luck, Fire.’”
“You can do this.” Rainbow said.
“You’re the best.” Golden Rod said as he places his hoof on Fire’s shoulder. “I’ve known that since we were colts, and its no different today.”
“Do what needs to be done.” Agua said. Fire’ then nodes and le-
“Princess!” A guard yelled as he runs up, interrupting the mood. “Stupor is back!”
“Go.” Fire’ said, getting looks from he group.
“Are you sure?” Twilight asked her crush.
“I’m sure.” Fire’ said. “I need to deal with Deker. Blitz, you're in charge while you take care of Stupor.”
“I ... I’ll do it.” Blitz said, still shocked. “Lets’ go!” Fire’ then leaves to the Everfree while the others go to where Stupor is at.

On Canterlot’s main street, Stupor and some drones are chasing some ponies. “Get back here!” Stupor said. “If I can’t tenderize you in the dream world, I’ll just wolf you all down uncooked like most changelings.” He said as he catches up to a nerdy Unicorn colt. “Maybe, like some of those drones say, you’ll taste better raw, just like sushi.”
He then gets a bolt of lightning in his mouth instead of the Unicorn’s love energy. He lets the colt go when he sees the Avatars, Lunar, Shining, Zuko, and the main six running up. “All right, team, we can do this.” Blitz said as he, Terra, Golden Rod, Ar, and Agua go elemental while Zuko forms some daggers made of fire.
“All right drones! Attack!” Stupor yelled as his drones charge.
“For Firebrand!” Twilight said as a battle ensures.

At the edge of the Everfree Forest, near a lake, Deker is watching the water move as a purple sea serpent with a strangely stylish orang hairdo eats some gems on the far side. Fire’ then walks up. “It took you long enough.” Deker said as the two face each other. “Still I knew you’d come. Just like me, you need this battle, to impress the wilder of the Element of Magic.”
“No, I’m nothing like you.” Fire’ said as he takes out his sword. “The only thing I need is to stop you from hurting anyone else.”
Deker then nodes as he goes for his Uramasa. “All that matters is that your here.” Deker then draws out his sword and turns into his changeling form. Firebrand then goes elemental as he gets ready for a fight along with Deker. “At last, the time has come.”
“Yes. For you to fall.” Fire’ said. “It’s not too late, Deker. We don’t have to do this.” Fire’ said, knowing that a fight isn't the solution.
“You still don’t understand.” Deker replied. “I have no choice but to fight to the glories end.”
“Then you leave me no choice.” Fire’ said as the situation gets worse every second. Fire’ makes the first move, by taking his sword up into the air and uses the force of gravity to help on it way down. Deker counters and a deadly duel begins. The two then somehow ended up being back to back.
“You’ll have to do better than that.” Deker said as he turns around quickly while Fire’ does the same, with their swords stopping each other.
“I’m just getting started.” Fire’ then does some slashes, which Deker avoids. Deker eventually takes Fire’ to the water where he trips. Deker then tries to stab Fire,’ but he rolls and get back up quickly.
Deker then lands a small blow to Fire’s leg. “Excellent.” Deker said as the two take a quick breather. “Your instincts are superb. You are indeed proving to be my equal. I was right to choose you, Fire Avatar.” The two then charge at each other. Fire’s sword lands on the groves of Deker’s, causing red sparks to fly as the sound of screeching metal can be heard. Deker then moves past Fire’ and lands a blow to Fire’s face on his cheek, causing some blood to spill.

“Hurry it up already!” An impatient, annoyed, and... “I’m hungry!” Stupor said as he watches the drones fight the group.
Blitz then kills some drones by electrocuting them. “Wake up, changeling. Your dreams are over.” Blitz then fires a bolt, but Stupor uses his magic to shield himself.
“Think again. My dreams are about to become your worst nightmare.” Stupor said as he takes a blade and charges at Blitz.
Meanwhile, Zuko, Shining, and Lunar are doing a back to back. “Lunar, why haven’t you ever used your special talent to just take away the life these bugs have?” Zuko asked the Prince of Death.
“Because these bugs are’t really alive.” Lunar answered while he cuts the head off of a drone. “They feast on love due to them not needing anything related to life, like water or food.”
“Oh, why didn't you say so?” Zuko said as he drops his fire daggers and concentrates. He then creates a small ball of fire and launches it at some drones. When it hits, it explodes while incinerating the drones while leaving the stone work intake.
“What was that?” Shining asked, stunned by the deadly attack Zuko just did.
“A fire bomb.” Zuko said as he breathes in deeply. “It a last resort, but since they were never alive to begin with...”
“Hey, sorry to interrupt your conversation.” Rainbow interrupted. “But we still have a high level changeling to deal with.”
Just then, they see Stupor sending Blitz flying to the ground. “Blitz!” Applejack said as she runs up to him along with the others.
“Hey, you all right?” Terra asked.
“Yeah.” Blitz said as he gets up. “Lets get this bug.”
Blitz stays back as the others attack Stupor, who fires a blast at each of them. Lunar isn't as affected as the others, but he is weakened by it. “Your turn, Bolt Colt!” Stupor said as he looks at Blitz, but sees...
“Say hello to my Storm Fighter!” Blitz said inside his jet.
“Uh oh.” Stupor said as Blitz locks on and fires a missile at Stupor, killing him. Blitz then steps out of his Storm Fight as it turns back to his nun-chucks.
“Whoa, that was a lot harder than I thought.” Blitz said. “But we did it.”
Celestia, Luna and Cadence then arrive. “That was impressive, Blitz.” Celestia said as Cadence hugs Shining while Rainbow hits Blitz in the back.
“That bug got turned into a fireball!” Rainbow excitedly said.
“Fire?” Twilight said, trying to remember something important. She then remembers it and her eyes become as big as dinner plates. “FIREBRAND!” Twilight said as she begins to panic. “He’s still battling Deker near the Everfree Forest.”
“Your right.” Golden Rod said. “We need to get there now!”

Meanwhile, at a cliff near the Everfree, Deker and Fire’ are still dueling. Fire’ now has severely deep cuts on his front legs, chest, and face, while Deker now has deep cuts in the same areas, along with the tips of his spike cut off, red blood oozing from both of their wounds. “I’ve waited for this ultimate duel for so long, and you have not disappointed me.” Deker said as Fire’ leads them closer to the edge.
“Haven’t you had enough?” Fire’ asked as Deker corners him against the cliff.
Deker then injures Fire’ at his waist. “You truly are a worthy opponent, but now I shall defeat you and bring this to an end.” Deker said as he prepares for the final blow.
“You’re right about one thing: its time for this to end.” Fire’ then attacks, but Deker hits Fire’ in his shoulder. A sound of breaking bones can be heard as Fire’ turns back to his normal form and drops his sword.
Deker laughs maliciously when Fire’ catches his sword with his other hoof and slashes Deker’s chest, leaving a deep cut. “What?” Fire’ then attacks as Deker uses his Uramasa as a shield, but the sword is cut in half as another deep cut into Deker is made. The tip if Uramasa lands a few feet away, sticking in the ground. “A master move...” A dying Deker weakly said as he drops the handle of Uramasa. “...you let me wound you...” Deker then grunts as he walks to the edge of the cliff. “...so you get close enough to finish me. Well fought, Fire Avatar. You have honored me and freed me from my torment.” Deker then stops at the edge as Fire’ watches the half pony say his last words. “Thank you.” Deker then falls off the cliff and disappears in a puff of purple smoke.
Fire’ then falls to the ground due to his injuries. “I ... I won.” He managed to say.
The others then arrive looking for him. Twilight then spots him at the cliff. “Firebrand!” Twilight said as she runs to his side, with the others following her.
“Firebrand, you all right?” A worried Celestia asked as Agua uses her healing on Fire.’
“Yeah.”
“And Deker?” Agua asked. “Is he...?”
“Gone.” Fire’ answered.
“Let’s get you back to the castle.” Blitz said as he helps Fire’ to his feet along with Shining.

Later at the dinning hall, Fire’ is talking to Blitz about the day they had. Fire’s leg now has a cast while most of his body has bandages. “Blitz, thank you for leading the team when I couldn't.”
“It was fun, but it’s not my job.” Blitz said as Fluttershy re-bandages Fire.’
“There can only be one natural Fire Avatar.” Shining said as he and Fire’ do a hoof bump.
“Your cuts are now gone, Fire.’” Fluttershy said when she finishes. “Your nanites have accelerated your healing process. Your leg should be fin by tonight.”
Twilight then comes by with the others to check on Fire’ when... “Hey guys.” Golden Rod said when he leaves the kitchen with a cart that has a gold cover. “Dinner is serve.” GR then uses his magic to lift the cover, showing a large chopped up fish around the size of Spike surrounded by apple slices.
“Whoa. That fish is a monster.” Rainbow said as she and the others walk up to it.
“Hey, when I serve a fish to my friends, It’s got to be the best.” Golden Rod said. “That’s the gold standard.“ The group soon dig in.

Later that night, Fire’ is in his apartment, with his cast now off. He is about to go to bed when he hears a knock at his door. “Come in.” Fire’ said, expecting Fluttershy saying sorry about what happened for the 300th time in a row, or Shining with a mission, or even a maid trying to ask him out. What he didn't expect was for his visitor to be “Twilight?”
Twilight closed the door with her magic as she walks in. “I wanted to check on you.”
“At 10:00 PM?” Fire’ said, causing Twilight to slightly blush.
“Yeah.” Twilight said as she walks toward the window and looks at the stars. “I ... have a confession.” Twilight said as Fire’ walks over to her.
“What is it?”
“I ... I’m not sure where to start.” Twilight began to say. “When ... when you had to fight Deker, I was losing my mind that I might never see you agin. And when Mcallen nearly killed you, I just wanted you to stay out of that fight, but you didn't. Over the last few months, I realized that I ... I...”
“Twilight, what are you trying to say?” Fire’ interrupted, knowing that Twilight needs to get something off her chest.
“I ... I love you.” Twilight said with her face as red as a tomato, along with Fire's. “I loved you ever since we first meet, Fire.’” Twilight said as Fire’ leans a bit closer. “When I first saw you, I actually wanted to be with you, to love you. I never expected you to be an Avatar. I’m sorry if this seems to be a bit...” But before Twilight could finish, Fire’ moves her head and kisses her. At first, Twilight is completely shocked, but she closes her eyes as she kisses back, raising one of her legs. They kissed for what felt like hours before they broke apart. “Was that just to shut me up?”
“Not entirely.” Fire’ said as he nuzzles Twilight. “I love you to.” Fire’ said. This time, Twilight leans in and kisses him. The two then make their way to the bed and turn off the lights as they begins to roll around on the bed.