//------------------------------// // Chapter 13, The Puppetmaster // Story: The Elements of Nature Book 3 - 气 (Air) // by Superior-Doc-Fossil //------------------------------// The Elements of Nature Book 3: 气 (Air) Chapter 13, The Puppetmaster The next morning, Spike is cleaning up the Library where Twilight is currently staying. He is about to put up a really old book when Shining and Cadence walk in. “Twilight, it’s almost time to go!” Cadence called out. “Ugh, Twilight isn't here right now.” Spike said as he slides down the ladder. “Oh, then where is she?” Shining asked. “She said something about going to check on Fire’ last night. She didn't come back thou.” Spike answered. Shining and Cadence than laugh. “What so funny?” “Lets just say, she and Fire’ had some fun last night.” Shining said as he and Cadence leave a very confused Spike. ================================================================== At Fire’ room’s door, Zuko is knocking on it. “Hey, Fire’! We need to get to the Fire Nation soon!” Zuko said. The door then opens and Firebrand walks out, but Zuko sees that Fire’s and is a total mess. He then sees Twilight asleep on his bed. “It finally happened, huh?” “Yeah, it did.” Fire’ answered. “Well, you better wake up your girlfriend so we can leave.” Zuko said as he walks down the hall. “Sozin’s Comet is only one week away.” “Right, infiltration of the Fire Nation.” Fire’ reminded himself. He then walks over to a sleeping Twilight and gradually wakes her up. “Hey, Twilight. Wake up.” Twilight than slowly opens her eyes and sees Fire’ standing above her. She then smiles. “That was the best night ever.” She said as she gets up and rubs her eye. “Tell me about it.” Fire’ said with a chuckle. “I read about when ponies do that, but the books never said it would be so much fun.” Twilight said as she brushes her mane and does the same to Fire’s. “I still can’t believe that actually happened.” “Yeah.” Fire’ said when Twilight finished. “We should get packed. We are heeding for the Fire Nation today.” “Oh yeah.” Twilight said. “We’ll meet at the airport.” Twilight said as she leaves. But before she leaves, she gives Fire’ a kiss on the cheek. After Twilight leaves, Fire’ begins to pack. “Dad, if only you could see me now.” ================================================================== Later at the airport, most of the group, consisting of Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle (the three of them on fall break), Shining, Agua and Hielo, Terra, Blitz, Ar, Zuko, Golden Rod and Lunar are waiting for Twilight and Fire.’ Shining’s parents are wishing him luck. Big Mac is helping his little sister look over her bag to make sure she has everything, for the 51st time! Golden Rod is checking to see which fishing rod he should take, and considering he has 10, it’l take a while. Rarity is complaining about not being able to take more than 5 bags when she has 20. Firebrand then arrives, which Zuko notices. “About time.” Zuko said to Fire.’ “We need to leave now before the sun rises in the Fire Nation, which will be four hours from now.” “Calm down, hothead.” Blitz said. “We just need to take off when were all here on your war balloon.” “Yeah, Zuzu. Have some fun while we wait.” Pinkie said as she loads her Party Cannon. ‘Don’t call me Zuzu!” Zuko said as Twilight, Spike and surprisingly, Owlowiscious. “Good, we all here. Now, can we get going.” An annoyed Rainbow said. The group then get on the war balloon and fly for the Fire Nation. ================================================================== A few hours later, right before dawn, the group land on Ember Island. “This is Ember Island, huh?” Shining said once the group set up camp near a forest. “Yeah.” Zuko said. “My family used to come here for vacations.” “What was it like?” Twilight asked. “I don’t remember much. I haven’t been here in years.” Zuko said. “We should lay low for a while till we get to your families cottage.” Rainbow said. “It is on the other side of the island.” ================================================================== Later that night, the group are sitting around a came fire, with the Pegasi hiding their wings with jackets while the Unicorns hid their horns with hats, and Lunar using both. “I feel like a clown with this purple jacket on.” Rainbow complained about her unnecessarily size leather jacket that Rarity brought. “Hey, how about we tell scary stories tonight!” Pinkie suggested. “I’m not so sure.” Fluttershy said. “Oh, pony up Fluttershy.” Rainbow said to the sacred Pegasus. “How bad can they be?” “I’ll go first.” Blitz said. “I know a few good ones. One night, a lot like this one...” ================================================================== “So suddenly, they heard this tap-tap-tap on the side of the car.” Blitz said a few minutes later. “The mare was starting to freak out, and by this time, even the stallion was getting scared.” Blitz said as most of the group look at him and listen with pure fear, Fluttershy especially. “So he turn the car on and stepped on it. When they got back to the mares house, she opened the door and screamed. Because there, hanging from the door handle, was the bloody hook!” Blitz said, causing Twilight to hug Fire’ very tightly. “They say, that this killer’s spirit still wonders the worlds forests, searching for his hook and his next victim. He could be just about anywhere really, maybe even right ... HERE!” Blitz then pulls out his hoof, that now has a hook on it. The group then scream as loud as they can, except for Ar and Lunar. Blitz then laughs like a mad colt as Rainbow walks up to him. “Blitz, that was so not funny!” Rainbow yelled. “Oh yes it was, love. I just wish it was all on camera.” Blitz said. “I’ve heard better.” Zuko said. “Oh yeah, tell one.” Blitz challenged. “All right.” Zuko said as he starts his story. ================================================================== “Deep in this very forest, there lives a mysterious creature called Slenderpony. He’s taller than Princess Celestia herself, and is always seen wearing a black suit. Nopony knows where he came from, what he is, or what dreams of cruelty hide within his skull. Some say that he’s the very heart and soul of the Everfree Forest, and he’s the source of all the evil and darkness inside it. Nopony even knows what his face looks like … because he has no face to begin with.” ================================================================== “Ah have a question,” said Applejack, completely ruining the mood. “How’s he eat without a face? Isn't yer mouth attached ta there?” “Shhhh!” Rainbow hushed. “This was just getting good.” ================================================================== “Anyway, the Slenderpony never needs food, water or air. He only wants. And the only thing he wants … is fear. And he will kill to get it. To achieve this, he swipes an unlucky pony on a dark night, a night just like tonight. He then plays a sick game with you, and the stakes could never be higher, because you’re playing for your life.” ================================================================== “Wh-what’s the game?” Rarity said while she shivered. “Shuffleboard? Pai Sho? Red-Light-Green-Light?” ================================================================== “The rules are simple: You wake up deep in the woods with nothing but a flashlight that is low on batteries. It’s always pitch-black, so you have to hope your flashlight doesn’t run out of power, or risk stumbling around in the darkness. There are eight pieces of paper hidden somewhere in the forest, and the goal is to find them.” ================================================================== “That’s it?” Scootaloo interrupted. “You just have to play a game of scavenger hunt in the dark?” ================================================================== “It’s not as simple, for Slenderpony is stalking your every move. Eventually, you’re convinced he’s right behind you. But no matter what, you CANNOT turn around to look if he’s there; because that’s the one rule you should never, ever, EVER break. If you look behind you, you lose. If you lose, you die. Nopony’s ever beat Slenderpony at his game, you know why?” ================================================================== “Why???????????” Demanded the frightened mares and fillies, with Twilight holding onto Fire’ real tight, nearly suffocating him. ================================================================== “Because when you reach for the very last piece of paper, you feel a cold, heavy breathing down your neck and a pale white hoof is placed on your shoulder with a vice-like grip. You know right then and there that any promise of freedom was a lie, and this was always your destined night to die. He leans over to whisper the very last words that you’ll ever hear in this life in a voice that feels that is coming from the very darkest part of your very soul, yet resonates like an entire legion of monsters howling at the moon: ‘Do you know why little foals are afraid of the dark?’ Your blood turns to ice as you lose the ability to control you muscles, and every instinct is telling you turn around and look. You suck up every ounce of courage and-LOOK BEHIND YOU, GUYS, IT’S HIM!!! IT’S REALLY HIM!!! HE’S GONNA KILL US ALL!!!!!” ================================================================== The mares and fillies listeners whipped their heads around, expecting to see Slenderpony in all his infamous horror. What they got to both their relief and disappointment was nothing but a dead tree. “That wasn’t funny, Zuko!” Twilight said, her cheeks getting hot. Zuko, however, was rolling on the ground, laughing out loud, along with Golden Rod and Hielo. “Hahahaha, oh, but it was!” Zuko said, wiping a tear from his eye. “You should have seen the looks on your faces! Hahaha!” Spike then chuckles a little. “My turn!” Pinkie said, ecstatic. “And its a good one.” ================================================================== “That’s just preposterous!” Rarity exclaimed when Pinkie finished her story. “How’s an eldritch abomination that just brushes ponies' manes supposed to be terrifying?” “It just doesn’t just brush your mane, silly filly.” Pinkie pointed out. “Right,” Applejack sarcastically said. “He also rubs your tummy, too! Oh, the humility!” “My turn.” Hielo said. ================================================================== “Suddenly, they heard something down the hall in the dark. Oooh ... It came into the torchlight ... and they knew the blade of Wing-Fun was haunted!” Hielo said as he draws out his sword, stands up and points it toward the fire and yells dramatically. “Ooh-aaah!” The entire group is unamused. “I think I like Pinkies ‘The Legend of the Brony’ better.” An unimpressed Fire’ said. “Pegasus City slumber parties must stink.” Terra remarked. “No, wait!” Agua said as Hielo sat down. “I've got one! And this is a true Pegasus City story.” “Is this one of those ‘a friend of my cousin knew some guy that this happened to’ stories?” Hielo asked. “No, it happened to my Mom.” Agua said. “One winter when Mom was a filly, a snowstorm buried the whole village she used to live in for weeks. A month later, Mom noticed she hadn't seen her friend Nina since the storm. So Mom and some others went to check on Nina's family. When they got there, no one was home. Just a fire flickering in the fireplace. While the stallions went out to search, Mom stayed in the house. When she was alone, she heard a voice.” Agua then says the next part in a scary voice. “‘It's so cold and I can't get warm!’ Mom turned and saw Nina standing by the fire. She was blue like she was frozen. Mom ran outside for help, but when everyone came back, Nina was gone.” The entire group, except Zuko, Ar, Terra, Lunar and Agua, are trembling in fear. Hielo then comes out of his hiding place, which is just being behind a gnarled tree stump. “Where'd she go?” Fluttershy nervously asked. “No one knows.” Agua answered. “Nina's house stands empty to this day, but sometimes, ponies see smoke coming up from the chimney, like little Nina is still trying to get warm.” Suddenly, Terra, who was lying on her back, straightens up and places her hoofs on the ground. “Wait! Guys, did you hear that?” She asked, with most of the group clutching each other tightly, too stiff to move, with Terra standing alertly. “I hear ponies under the mountain. And they're screaming.” “Pft! Nice try, Terra.” Hielo said, assuming Terra is joking. “No, I'm serious. I hear something.” Terra defended. “You're probably just jumpy from the ghost stories...” Agua began to say. “It just, stopped.” Terra interrupted. “All right, now I'm getting scared.” Spike said as he hugs Rarity tightly. “Hello, children.” A female voice from behind the group said, causing everyone, except Ar and Lunar, to scream in terror upon hearing the strange mares's voice and scrambles from the ground. An elderly mare, around Granny Smith’s age, emerges from the shadows. She has a light blue coat and a white mane. Her cutie mark is partly covers due to her wearing an old rain jacket, it’s a water drop. She also has blue eyes, unlike the normal amber eyes of Fire Nation citizens “Sorry to frighten you. My name is Hama. You children shouldn't be out in the forest by yourselves at night. I have an inn nearby. Why don't you come back there for some spiced tea and warm beds?” “Yes, please.” Hielo sheepishly said. Hama then smiles and begins walking away. ================================================================== Later at a nearby village, the local inn is lying on top of a small hill. Inside the building, Hama is pouring tea for the group. She then takes it to the group, who are sitting at a table. “Thanks for letting us stay here tonight. You have a lovely inn.” Rarity said. Hama then sets the teapot down. “Aren't you sweet?’ She then walks over to her seat and sits down. “You know you should be careful. Ponies have disappeared in those woods you were camping in.” “What do you mean ‘disappearing’?” Twilight asked. Hama then sets her teacup down after having a sip. “When the moon turns full, ponies walk in and they don't come out.” Hama then stands up and holds up her teapot, cheerfully smiling. “Who wants more tea?” The group just look at her, completely silent. “Don't worry, you'll all be completely safe here.” She then clasps her hands together and smiles. “Why don't I show you to your rooms and you can get a good night's rest?” ================================================================== Later in Rainbow, Scootaloo, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Applejack and Apple Bloom’s room, they are lying in their beds, trying to sleep. They then hear a creaking noise coming from outside, frightening them. Apple Bloom then tightly hugs Applejack. “Applejack ... this place creeps me out.” “Ah know, Apple Bloom, dawgone it. This hyar place is creepy!” Applejack said as she lays back down. “Tell me about it. I don't know if I'm gonna be able to fall asleep!” Rainbow said. Then, exactly ten-seconds later, she falls asleep. ================================================================== The next morning, Rainbow, Scootaloo, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Applejack and Apple Bloom are all fast asleep. Rainbow is half falling off of her bed, still fast asleep. As they are sleeping peacefully, a shadow comes over Apple Bloom, who slowly awakens. “Wakey, wakey!” Hama said, waking the others. “Time to go shopping!” At this, Rarity smiles as Agua walks in with a smile. ================================================================== Later, the group are with Hama in the local market place. The Unicorns and Pegasi are still in disguise, along with Zuko, who is wearing Fire’s hooded cloak so he can hide his scarred face. Hama has just finished her purchase as a friendly old stallion smiles and waves to her as she walks away. “That Mr. Yao seems to have a thing for you.” Rarity said to Hama. “Maybe we should go back and see if he'll give us some free moonflowers?” “You would have me use my feminine charms to take advantage of that poor man?” Hama seriously said to her. “I think you and I are going to get along swimmingly!” She cheerfully said. Rarity then smiles at the remark. “You won't have any ash bananas till next week?” A villager asked a shop owner, catching Fire,’s, Terra’s, Twilight’s, Shining’s, Rainbow’s, Lunar’s, and Hielo’s attention. “Well, I have to send the boy to the other end of Ember Island to get them, and it's a two-day trip.” The shop owner said. “Oh, right. Tomorrow's the full moon.” “Exactly. I can't lose another delivery boy in the woods.” The shop owner said in a lower voice. “Ponies disappearing in the woods, weird stuff happening during full moons? This just reeks of Spirit World shenanigans.” Hielo said. “I bet if we take a little walk around town, we'll find out what these ponies did to the environment to make the spirits mad.” Fire’ said. “And then you can sew up this little mystery lickety-split, Avatar style!” Rainbow said. “Helping ponies ... that's what we do.” Terra proudly said. The 5 of them then catch up with the others. “Why don't you take all those things back to the inn? I just have to run a couple more errands. I'll be back in a little while.” Hama said. “This is a mysterious little town you have here.” Hielo said. “Mysterious town for mysterious children.” Hama ominously said. She then smiles creepily and saunters away, leaving Hielo feeling suspicious.  ================================================================== Later a Hama's inn, the gang is unpacking the groceries. Hielo walks over to a counter and sets his basket down. “That Hama seems a little strange. Like she knows something, or she's hiding something.” “That's ridiculous.” Agua said as she unpacks a bag. “She's a nice mare who took us in and gave us a place to stay.” She then picks up a cabbage. “She kinda reminds me of my Gran-Gran.” “But what did she mean by that comment, ‘mysterious children’?” Hielo said to his girlfriend. “Gee, I don't know.” Agua said. “Maybe because she found 19 strange ponies camping in the woods at night? Isn't that a little mysterious?” “Why does she keep calling us children anyway?” Rainbow asked as she eats an apple. “Maybe because were really young compared to her.” Agua said “I'm gonna take a look around.” Hielo said as he gets up and walks away and goes up a flight of wooden stairs. Agua then appears along with the others at the bottom of the stairwell. “Hielo! Hielo, what are you doing?” She said as Hielo peers around the inn. “You can't just snoop around somepony's house.” “It'll be fine.” Hielo replied. “She could be home any minute.” Zuko said as Hielo looks into a room. “Hielo, you're gonna get us all in trouble and this is just plain rude!” Agua said as she walks down hallway with the rest of the team. “I'm not finished yet.” Hielo said as he tugs at a cupboard. “Come on...” He grunted as he tries to pull it free. The cupboard suddenly opens, revealing several wooden puppets stowed inside. The dolls fall forward, held together only by their strings. Everyone gasps at this. “Okay, that's pretty creepy.” Spike said as Owlowiscious does a ‘Hoo.’ “So she's got a hobby. There's nothing weird about that.” Agua said as she closes the cupboard. “Hielo, you've looked enough. Hama will be back soon.” She angrily said as Hielo goes up a flight of stairs into an attic-like room. “Just an ordinary puppet-loving innkeeper, huh? Well, then why does she have a locked door up here?” Hielo said as he tries to open the attic door. “Probably to keep ponies like you from snooping through her stuff!” An annoyed Agua said. “We'll see.” Hielo said as he looks through the keyhole into the room. Through the keyhole, he sees a small room, with a chest lying on the ground in the middle. “It's empty, except for a little chest.” “Maybe it's treasure!” Terra said, causing Hielo to grow excited, his eyes growing wide, and uses his sword to pick the lock. “Hielo, what are you doing? You're breaking into a private room!” Lunar said as Hielo opens the door. “I have to see what's in there.” Hielo as he goes in. “We shouldn't be doing this.” Twilight said as Hielo picks up the chest. “Maybe there's a key...” “Ooh! Hand it over!” Terra interrupted Hielo. She then takes the chest, removes a bracelet she bought at the market from her leg and earthbends it into the shape of a small key, which she sticks into the keyhole of the chest. “Come on, come on!” Rainbow eagerly said. “This isn't as easy as it looks!” An annoyed Terra said as Agua, Rarity, Twilight and Fire’ peer nervously over her shoulder. “Guys, I don't know about this...” Apple Bloom nervously said. “This is crazy! I'm leaving!” Agua said. “Suit yourself! Do it, Terra!” Rainbow said as Agua turns to leave. At that moment, Terra has successfully opened the chest. All 15 eagerly surround the box, anticipating what they will find inside. “I'll tell you what's in the box.” Hama said, scaring the group to the point of screaming, except Terra, Ar and Lunar. They turn sharply to find Hama standing in the doorway. “Stop doing that!” Zuko yelled as Hielo guiltily hands her the box. Hama lifts the lid and reaches her hoof inside. She then takes out a blue Whale-Tooth comb in her hoof, all while smiling. “An old comb?” A surprised Hielo said. “It's my greatest treasure.” Hama said as she looks at her old comb and takes off her old rain jacket, showing wings, stunning the group. “It's the last thing I own from growing up in Pegasus City.” Agua and Hielo then stare at her in astonishment. “Your ... from Pegasus City.” A stunned Agua said. “Just like you.” Hama said as she sets down her comb. “How did you know?” Agua asked. “I heard you talking around your campfire.” Hama answered. “But why didn't you just tell us?” Hielo asked. “I wanted to surprise you!” Hama answered. “I bought all this food today so I could fix you a big Pegasus City dinner. Of course, I can't get all the ingredients I need here, but ocean kumquats are a lot like sea prunes if you stew them long enough.” Fire’ the sticks his tongue out in disgust. “Great...” “I knew I felt a bond with you right away.” Agua said. “And I knew you were keeping a secret, so I guess we're both right.” Hielo said. He then grimaces as Agua hits him in the arm. “But I'm sorry we were sneaking around.” “Apology accepted.” Hama said as she turns to the side and motions with her hand. “How, let's get cooking!” “Sweet!” Golden Rod said as he walks up to her, removing his hat. “I’ve been working on some new fish recipes, and who's a better taste tester then someone who used to live off of the sea.” ================================================================== Later that night, at Hama's kitchen table, she sets down a bowl of soup as the team are sitting around the table. Hielo is chewing on a pice of seal jerky as Hama takes her seat at the head of the table. “I'd steer clear of the sea prunes.” Fire’ whispered to Twilight. “I thought they were ocean kumquats.” Twilight said. “Close enough.” Fire’ said as Hama stands up. “Who wants five-flavors soup?” She asked. All of the group then raise one hoof in response. Hama then situates her hoofs over the bowl and suddenly uses waterbending to summon a globule of soup and fill each of their bowls. The team is looking at this spectacle in astonishment as 15 streams of soup land gracefully into each of their bowls. “You're a waterbender!” A delighted Agua said. “I've never met another waterbender from our city!” “That's because the Fire Nation wiped them all out. I was the last one...” Hama sadly said. “So how did you end up out here?” Shining asked. “I was stolen from my home.” Hama grimly answered. ================================================================== Hama then has a flashback to a much younger version of herself peacefully sauntering through her village. “It was over sixty years ago when the raids started.” She approaches her friend, Kanna, before they notice ashen snow falling from the sky. The two race to the shores, where five Fire Nation are rapidly approaching the tribe. Five fireballs are launched from trebuchets and strike the village. Fire Nation soldiers swarm the area, battling the pegasi, who desperately attempt to fend them off. “They came again and again, each time rounding up more of our pegasi who know how to control the weather and taking them captive.” “We did our best to hold them off, but our numbers dwindled as the raids continued.” She remembers when she was the only one left, surrounded by Fire Nation soldiers. “Finally, I too was captured.” The younger Hama is then led by Fire Nation soldiers onto one of their naval vessels, having now been captured herself. “I was led away in chains. The last weather team member of our village.” Hama then looks out onto her village's members, including her friend, Kanna, in tears as the bow creaks upward.  ================================================================== Now in present time, Agua is seen walking over to Hama and placing her arms around her shoulder comfortingly. “They put us in terrible prisons here in the Fire Nation. I was the only one who managed to escape.” “How did you get away?” Hielo asked.  “And why did you stay in the Fire Nation?” Zuko asked, still hiding his scar. “I'm sorry. It's too painful to talk about it anymore.” Hama said. “I know ow you feel. I lost my mother to a Fire Nation disease.” Agua said. “Oh, you poor thing.” Hama sympathetically said. “I can't tell you what it means to meet you.” Agua said to Hama. “It's an honor. You're a hero.” “I never thought I'd meet another waterbender.” Hama said. “I'd like to teach you what I know so you can carry on the tradition when I'm gone.” “Yes! Yes, of course! To learn about my heritage, it would mean everything to me.” An ecstatic Ague said. She then bows to her newfound friend, who smiles warmly. ================================================================== The next day, Hama and Agua are strolling on the outskirts of Hama's village. “Growing up at the North Pole, waterbenders are totally at home surrounded by snow and ice and seas. But as you probably noticed on your travels, that isn't the case wherever you go.” Hama said. “I know! When we’re in deserts, I feel like there’s almost nothing I can do.” Agua said. “That's why you have to learn to control water wherever it exists.” Hama said when she stops. “I've even used my own sweat for waterbending.” “That's very resourceful, Agua.” Hama said with a smile. “You're thinking like a true master. But did you know you could even pull water out of thin air?” In a quick movement of her right arm, Hama uses waterbending to manipulate the water vapor in the air, liquefying it and coating her hoof. “You have got to keep an open mind, Agua.” The water around her hoof freezes, creating ice claws. “There's water in places you never think about.” She then proceeds to fire the small daggers at a nearby tree while Agua looks on in amazement. ================================================================== Meanwhile, the others are wandering about the landscape surrounding the village, trying to uncover any signs of disruption that would anger the spirits. “This has got to be the nicest natural setting in the Fire Nation.” Twilight said. “I don't see anything that would make a spirit mad around here.” “Maybe the Moon Spirit just turned mean.” Terra said. “The Moon Spirit is a gentle, loving stallion. He rules the sky with compassion and ... lunar goodness!” Hielo angrily said, remembering that Agua told him that Sokka is the moon now. Fire’ then notices a villager walking by. “Excuse me, sir. Can you tell us anything about the spirit that's been stealing people?” Fire’ asked. “Only one pony ever saw it and lived and that's Old Colt Ding.” The villager answered. “Where does Old Man Ding live?” Rainbow asked. ================================================================== In a field of red little lilies, Hama continues to tutor Agua in waterbending. “Wow, these flowers are beautiful.” Agua said as she picks one up. “They're called fire lilies. They only bloom a few weeks a year, but they're one of my favorite things about living here. And like all plants and all living things, they're filled with water.” “I met a waterbender who lived in a swamp and could control the vines by bending the water inside.” Agua said when she remembers Huu. “You can take it even further.” Hama said. In a sharp, swiveling motion, she draws water from dozens of the surrounding fire lilies and slices a nearby rock clean through. “That was incredible!” Agua then sees the wilted lilies. “It's a shame about the lilies, though.” “They're just flowers.” Hama reassured. “When you're a waterbender in a strange land, you do what you must to survive. Tonight I'll show you the ultimate technique of waterbending. It can only be done during the full moon, when your bending is at its peak.” “But isn't that dangerous?” Agua cautiously said. “I thought ponies have disappeared during the full moon.” “Oh, Agua. Two master waterbenders beneath a full moon?” Hama said as she begins t walk away. “I don't think we have anything to worry about.” ================================================================== Later that night, Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Shining, Hielo, Terra, Blitz, Ar, Zuko, Golden Rod and Lunar are approaching Old Colt Ding, who is boarding his windows. “Old Colt Ding?” Scootaloo asked. “Huh?” Ding then accidentally hammers his hoof. “Ow, dang blame it! What? Can't you see I'm busy? Got a full moon rising. And why does everyone call me that? I'm not that old!” He then attempts to lift a wooden plank off the ground, but fails to do so and sighs. “Well, I'm young at heart.” Lunar then approaches and helps Ding lift the board. “Not ready to get snapped up by some Moon Monster yet at least.” “We wanted t'ax yo' about thet.” Applejack said as she nails the board into the window frame using her hoofs, impressing Ding. “Did you see the spirit that took you?” Ar asked as he gives Ding a glass of water. “Didn't see no spirit, just felt something come over me like I was possessed.” Ding answered after he drank the whole cup. “Forced me to start walking toward the mountain.” He then points to the mountain. “I tried to fight it, but I couldn't control my own limbs. It just about had me into a cave up there.” He then imitates a walking puppet. “And I looked up at the moon for what I thought would be my last glimpse of light. But then the sun started to rise and I got control of myself again! I just hightailed it away from that mountain as quick as I could!” “Why would a spirit want to take ponies to a mountain?” Hielo asked. “Oh no!” Terra said, causing most of the group to assume defensive positions. “I did hear ponies screaming under the mountain. The missing villagers must still be there!” They then all stare at the mountain. ================================================================== Later, Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Shining, Hielo, Terra, Blitz, Ar, Zuko, Golden Rod and Lunar are racing through the dark forest in search of the imprisoned villagers. Terra then feels the ground with her hoof. “I can hear them. They're this way!” The group then proceed to sprint toward the mountain. ================================================================== Meanwhile, Hama and Agua venture into the moonlit forest. “Can you feel the power the full moon brings?” Hama asked as she inhales deeply through her nose and stretches her wings outward, flexing her limbs which causes her veins to bulge out. “For generations it has blessed waterbenders with its glow, allowing us to do incredible things! I've never felt more alive.” ================================================================== Later, Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Shining, Hielo, Terra, Blitz, Ar, Zuko, Golden Rod and Lunar have arrived at the mountain and are standing before the mouth of the cave. “This is the place.” “I can't see anything.” Hielo said, only for a light to shine from Twilight’s, Fire’s, and Lunar's horns. “Oh. Well, we still don’t know which way to go.” “That's why you have me.” Terra said. “Let's go!” The group descend into the dark cave and approach a solid metal door, torches nearby. Using metalbending, Terra breaks it down where the group can make their way through the tunnel, the unicorns lighting their path with magic. They arrive to see several villagers chained to the walls of the cave. “We're saved!” A prisoner exclaimed as Terra unfastens her bracelet and begins to unlock the prisoners' shackles. “I didn't know spirits made prisons like this.” Pinkie said. “Who brought you here?” “It was no spirit.” A female prisoner said. “It was a witch!” “A witch? What do you mean?” Twilight asked. “She seems like a normal old mare, but she controls ponies like some dark puppetmaster!” Te female prisoner said as Terra unlocks her shackles. “Hama!” Hielo said while gritting. “Yes, the innkeeper!” One of the prisoners said. “I knew there was something creepy about her!” Hielo said. “We have to stop Hama!” Twilight said. “I'll get these ponies out of here. You go!” Terra said. The rest of the group flee from the scene, while Terra stays behind. ================================================================== At the forest Hama and Agua are in, an owl hoots and flies away. Hama and Agua are looking towards the moon. “What I'm about to show you, I discovered in that wretched Fire Nation prison.” Hama said while glaring menacingly at the moon. ================================================================== Hama then has flashback of a younger Hama imprisoned within a cage. She peers through the bars of her cell and looks down mournfully. “The guards were always very careful to keep any water away from us. They correctly assumed that all pegasi are able to control water, which is how were able to control the weather. They piped in dry air and had us suspended away from the ground. Before giving us any water, they would bind our hoofs so we couldn't use our magic. Any sign of trouble was met with cruel retribution.” ================================================================== “And yet each month, I felt the full moon enriching me with its energy. There had to be something I could do to escape.” Hama said to Agua, who is shock by the cruelties of most Fire Nation prisons.  ================================================================== “Then I realized that where there is life, there is water.” A younger Hama then bends the water inside a rat that had wandered its way into her cage. “The rats that scurried across the floor of my cage were nothing more than skins filled with liquid and I passed years developing the skill that would lead to my escape.” Hama then smiles at her discovery. ================================================================== “Bloodbending.” Hama ominously said to a scared Agua. “Controlling the water in another body, enforcing your own will over theirs.” ================================================================== Back to the flashback, a young Hama is controlling a horde of rats using bloodbending. “Once I had mastered the rats, I was ready for the stallions.” One month later, a Fire Nation guard is strolling past the cages when a sudden feeling comes over him. Using bloodbending, Hama forces the guard to grab hold of his keys and unlock her cell, thus marking her escape. “And during the next full moon, I walked free for the first time in decades.” The guard attempts to get up, but Hama quickly forces him back down to the ground. She walks unsteadily away. “My cell unlocked by the very guards assigned to keep me in. ================================================================== Back to the present day, Hama is looking at a clearly scared Agua. “Once you perfect this technique, you can control anything or ... anyone.” She said sadistically. “But ... to reach inside someone and control them?” An unsure Agua said. “I don't know if I want that kind of power.” “The choice is not yours.” Hama said to the Water Avatar. “The power exists. And it's your duty to use the gifts you've been given to win this war. Agua, they tried to wipe us out, our entire culture, your mother!” “I know.” “Then you should understand what I'm talking about! We're the last two waterbenders of Pegasus City. We have to fight these people whenever we can, wherever they are, with any means necessary!” Agua’s eyes then widen in realization. “It's you...” She angrily said. “You're the one who's been making ponies disappear during the full moon!” “They threw me in prison to rot, along with my brothers and sisters! They deserve the same! You must carry on my work!” Agua then points to Hama, stretching out her left hoof. “I won't! I won't use bloodbending and I won't allow you to keep terrorizing this town!” Agua’s hoof suddenly twists to one side. She tries desperately to stop it, but fails to do so. Hama is now using bloodbending to subdue to her. “You should've learned the technique before you turned against me!” She then forces Agua into a strained position. “It's impossible to fight your way out of my grip! I control every muscle, every vein in your body!” With swift motions of her hoofs and wings, Hama uses bloodbending to twist Agua around and throw her from side to side. She then positions Agua directly before her and uses a downward motion of her hand to force her into a submissive state. “Stop! Please...” Agua tearfully said. Hama just laughs cruelly and keeps Agua subdued. Agua’s eyes then flash blue. Several moments pass as the young waterbender begins to break free from Hama's grip. Hama stares in shock as Agua inhales deeply and rises, now free from her grasp. “You're not the only one who draws power from the moon! And I have an ace up my sleeve! I’m the Avatar of Water!” Agua said as she assumes a fighting stance. “My bending is more powerful than yours, Hama. Your technique is useless on me!” A waterbending duel ensues between the two. Agua pulls a ring of water around her waist and sends the stream of water at Hama, who halts it and sends it back to Agua. In a swift spinning motion, Agua sends the stream toward Hama again, who draws water from nearby trees, deflects the attack and sends a highly pressurized water jet at her. Agua uses her hands to block the attack, disintegrating the water into droplets. Upon seeing Agua's bending prowess, Hama becomes shocked, allowing for her opponent to use waterbending to knock her to the ground. “Aahhh!” Hama shouted as Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Shining, Hielo, Blitz, Ar, Zuko, Golden Rod and Lunar arrive. “We know what you've been doing, Hama!” Lunar said. “Give up!” Hielo said as he takes on a fighting stance. “You're outnumbered!” “No!” Hama said as she gets up on her hoofs. “You've outnumbered yourselves.” She begins bloodbending them, who yell in fear, and sends them in Agua's direction. Agua pushes them out of her way and draws water from the ground, sending a stream at Hama, who in turn draws water from a vine and uses a water wheel to deflect the attack. Fire’ then unwillingly draws his sword. “Agua, look out!” Fire’ yelled as he is forced to walk like a puppet while waving the blade back and forth rapidly. “Stop it leg, stop it!” Agua pulls up a ring of water and pushes Fire’ away. “This feels weird!” Pinkie said as Agua uses waterbending to freeze her to a nearby tree. “I'm sorry, Pinkie!” “It’s okay.” Pinkie said. Agua then catches sight of Fire,’ still under Hama's power, unwillingly ready to strike her with his sword along with Twilight. She draws water from a vine and freezes his sword and hoof to a tree with Twilight as well. “Don't hurt your friends, Agua!” Hama sinisterly said. “And don't let them hurt each other!” She then uses bloodbending to force Lunar to charge horn first right at Hielo’s chest, intending on killing him. “No!” A horrified Agua said. Suddenly, Lunar and the other bloodbended victims stop. They look at Hama, who has now stiffened, then at Agua, who has a look of shock then dismay across her face as she regretfully uses bloodbending to subdue her. The imprisoned villagers and Terra then arrive the scene. Moments later, the elderly waterbender is arrested, cuffs placed around her ankles and wings. “You're going to be locked away forever.” One of the prisoners said. “My work is done.” Hama said as she looks at Agua. “Congratulations, Water Avatar Agua of Pegasus City. You're a bloodbender.” At this, Agua, who is clearly distressed, breaks down in tears. Hama then laughs evilly as she is dragged away by the villagers as the group try to comfort Agua.