The Elements of Nature, Book 1

by The Avenger

Chapter 5, Winter Solstice Part 1: The Spirit World

The group is flying over a forest in Geo Firma, just admiring the scenery. “Those clouds look so soft, don't they?” Twilight lazily said. “Like you just want to jump down and land on a big, soft cotton heap?”
“Maybe you should give it a try.” Rainbow said to the Earth ponies and Unicorns.
“You're hilarious.” Rarity sarcastically said.
“I'll try it!” Fire’ suddenly said as he jumps off of the chariot and disappears in a cloud. The group all look down in worry, until a burst of orange light appears behind them. It’s Firebrand, who cast a teleportation spell, soaking wet. “Turns out, natural clouds are also made of water.” Fire’ said as he sakes himself dry, causing the group to laugh.
“Hey, guys, look.” Spitfire said, causing the group to stop laughing. They all look at an area of forest that has been burned down.
“It’s like a scar.” Rainbow said as they land in the scorch forest.
Once they land, they all look around, and... “Listen.” Apple Bloom said. “It's so quiet. There's no life anywhere.”
“Fire’? Are you okay?” Twilight said as Fire’ looks at the devastated forest.
Then, Fluttershy notices tracks of Fire Nation solders, having seen some before. “Fire Nation!” Fluttershy almost yelled. “Those evil savages make me sick! They have no respect for-”
“Shhh!” Applejack hissed at Fluttershy.
“What? I'm not allowed to be angry once in a Blue Moon?” Fluttershy said, only for Applejack to point at Fire,’ who slumps over, downcast at the sight.
“Why would anyone do this? How could I let this happen?” Fire’ said as he picks up some ash.
“Fire,’ you didn't let this happen. It has nothing to do with you.” Twilight said.
“Yes, it does.” Fire’ said to the purple Alicorn. “It's the Avatar's job to protect nature. But I don't know how to do my job.”
“Maybe there’s someone who can teach you.” Sweetie said.
“Who? Everyone who knew the last Avatar is now dead.” Fire’ said as he lowers his head in disappointment. “And I doubt S.H.I.E.L.D. can help much.”
“Who?” Rainbow asked.
“He means the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.” Celestia said.

Meanwhile, in another area of the forest, Zuko is looking for his uncle. “Uncle! It's time to leave! Where are you? Uncle Iroh!”
“Over here!” Iroh said.
“Uncle?” Zuko said when he sees Iroh relaxing in a hot spring. “We need to move on. We're closing in on the Fire Avatar's trail and I don't want to lose him.”
“You look tired, Prince Zuko. Why don't you join me in these hot springs and soak away your troubles?”
“My troubles cannot be soaked away. It's time to go!”
“You should take your teacher's advice and relax a little. The temperature's just right. I heated it myself.” Iroh said as he, somehow, breathes steam through his nose.
“Enough! We need to leave now. And besides, you know how dangerous it is to use your firebending like that. Whit if someone sees you. Get out of the water!”
“Very well.” Iroh said as he gets up on his hind legs, showing his privet area.
At this, Zuko shields his eyes with his hoof as he closes them. “On second thought, why don't you take another few minutes. But be back at the ship in a half-hour or I'm leaving without you!” Zuko said as he heads back as Iroh returns to the water.

Back at the scorched forest, Fire’ is still sitting on the ground, still shocked when Twilight walks up to him. “Hey, Fire’! You ready to be cheered up?”
“No.” Fire’ said, only for an acorn to hit him in the head. “Ow! Hey, how is that cheering me up?” Fire’ asked Twilight as Rainbow laughs.
“Cheered me up.” Rainbow said, only to get hit really hard by Applejack. “Ow! Yeah, I probably deserved that.”
“These acorns are everywhere, Fire.’” Twilight said as she gives Fire’ one such acorn. “That means the forest will grow back! Every one of these will be a tall oak tree someday, and all the birds and animals that lived here will come back.”
“Thanks, Twilight.” Fire’ said as he gets up and gives Twilight a short hug, but it lasts long for Twilight to blush and for the mares to say, 'Awwww' at the sight.
Suddenly, Twilight gasps when she sees an old Earth pony stallion approaching. “Hey, who are you?” Rainbow asked as the old wanderer approaches Firebrand.
“When I saw the gold chariot, I thought it was impossible!” He said as he stops in front of Fire.’ “But, that mane, tail, and those markings ... are you the Fire Avatar, colt?” Fire’ then nods a yes. “My village desperately needs your help!”

Later at a nearby village, it’s almost sunset as the group arrive. Some of the buildings are destroyed, right down to the support beams. The old wanderer leads them to the town hall. “This young Unicorn is the Avatar of Fire.” The old wanderer said to the mayor, a Pegasus stallion.
“So, the rumors of your return are true!” The mayor said. “It is the greatest honor of a lifetime to be in your presence.”
“Nice to meet you too.” Fire’ said. “So ... is there something I can help you with?”
“I'm not sure...”
“Our village is in crisis, he's our only hope!” The old wanderer said to the mayor. He then looks at Firebrand. “For the last few days at sunset, a spirit monster comes and attacks our village. He is Hei Bai, the black and the white spirit.”
“Why is it attacking you?” Luna asked, all to aware of evil spirits.
“We do not know, but each of the last three nights, he has abducted one of our own. We are especially fearful because the winter solstice draws near.” The mayor said.
“The winter solstice? What happens then?” Scootaloo asked.
“As the solstice approaches, the natural world and the Spirit World grow closer and closer until the line between them is blurred completely.” The old wanderer answered.
“Hei Bai is already causing devastation and destruction. Once the solstice is here, there's no telling what will happen.” The mayor said.
“So ... what do you want me to do?” Fire’ asked.
“Who better to resolve a crisis between our world and the Spirit World than the one of the Avatars? You are the great bridge between us and the spirits.” The old wanderer said.
“Right.”
“Hey great bridge guy, could I talk to you over here for a second?” Twilight said as she and the others head to an open window. “Fire,’ you seem a little unsure about all of this.” Twilight pointed out.
“Yeah, that might be because I don't know anything at all about the Spirit World.” Fire’ said, slightly surprising the others. “It's not like S.H.I.E.L.D. can teach me this stuff!”
“So ... can you help these people?” Fluttershy asked.
“I have to try, don't I? Maybe whatever I have to do will just ... come to me.” Fire’ said.
“I think you can do it, Fire.’” Twilight said with a kind and reassuring smile.
“Same here.” Rarity said.
“As do I.” Celestia said.
“Yeah.” Rainbow said with a similar expression. “We're all going to get eaten by a spirit monster.” She said after a brief pause.

Meanwhile at the hot springs, Iroh is still soaking in them, asleep, when he’s awoken by nearby stirring in the trees. “Who's there?” He asked. Right then, a cute little rat-like creatures goes up to the edge of the spring. “A meadow vole! I should have known.” Iroh said as he takes the vole in his hoof.
“You startled me, little one.” Iroh said as he puts the meadow vole back on the ground and sights. “It seems I dozed off and missed my nephew's deadline, but it was a very sweet nap.” Iroh said as the meadow vole jumps up and down, but it stops when the ground begins to shake. Suddenly, the rock at the bottom of the spring jumps up, trapping Iroh as three Geo Firma soldiers surround him.
A fourth solider picks up some of Iroh’s armor from a nearby tree and shows them to the captain, who, like the others, is a Unicorn. “He's a Fire Nation soldier, sir.”
“He's no ordinary soldier.” The captain said, recognizing Iroh. “This is the Fire Lord's brother, the Dragon of the West. The once-great General Iroh, but now, he's our prisoner.” The captain finished as Iroh gives him a stern look.

It is almost sunset now, as Celestia and Luna can’t just stop time, unfortunately. Fire’ heads for the main gate as the Celestia cast the spell that makes the sun set. “Hello, Spirit? Can you hear me? This is the Fire Avatar speaking. I'm here to try to help.” Fire’ called out into the darkness.
“This isn't right.” Twilight said from the safety of the main building. “We can't sit here and cower while Fire’ waits for some monster to show up.”
“If anyone can save us, he can.” The old wanderer said.
“He still shouldn't have to face this alone.” Rainbow said as night falls.
“The sun has set.” Fire’ began to say. “Where are you, Hei Bai? Well, ... spirit ... uhhh ... I hereby ask you to please leave this village in peace.” Fire’ called out into the darkness, getting no response. “Okay ... well ... I guess that's settled, then.” Fire’ said as he walks away.
Behind him, however, the Hei Bai fades into the real world. He’s a large a six-legged, black-and-white monster with a demotic face, around twice size of Celestia. Hei walks right behind Fire,’ who doesn't notice until he hears Hei Bai’s footsteps and turns. “You must be the Hei Bai spirit. My name is–” But before Fire’ could finish, the spirit releases a burst of energy at him before it then moves past him.
“My name's Firebrand! I'm the Avatar of Fire and I would like to help. Hey, wait up!” Fire’ yelled as Hei Bai wreaks havoc, smashing buildings and destroying a tower with energy. “Uhhh.”
“The Fire Avatar's methods are ... unusual.” The mayor said.
“It doesn't seem to interested in what he's saying.” Rainbow said. “Maybe we should go help him.”
“No. Only an Avatar stands a chance against the Hei Bai.” The old wanderer pointed out.
“Firebrand will figure out the right thing to do, guys.” Twilight said.
“An' eff'n he don't, we sh'd he'p.” Apple Bloom said to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, who nod in agreement and quietly say, “Cutie Mark Crusaders Spirit Fighters, yay!” The three then head outside, making sure no one hears or sees them as Hei Bai smashes another building.
“Please, would you stop destroying things and listen? I'm trying to do my job as spirit bridge! Excuse me, would please turn around?” Fire’ said, getting no response. He then finally snaps and yells. “I COMMAND YOU TO TURN AROUND RIGHT NOW!” At this, the spirit hits Fire’ and sends him flying to the roof of another building.
“Thet's it. He needs he'p.” Applejack said as she and Rainbow head for the door, but stop when they notice something wrong. “Whar's Apple Bloom!?”
“And Scootaloo!”
“And Sweetie Belle!”
“I see them!” Pinkie said as she pints outside, to where Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo are all running toward Hei Bai.
“Hei Bai, over here!” Sweetie Belle yelled out as Apple Bloom throws a rock, which barely affects the monster as Fire’ runs up to them.
“Girls, go back.” He ordered the three fillies.
“We'll fight him together, Fire.’” Scootaloo said.
“I don't want to fight him unless I–” Fire’ began to say when suddenly, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo are taken by the Hei Bai, and then the spirit flees. Fire,’ thinking quickly, takes a motorcycle and chases it.
“Apple Bloom!”
“Scootaloo!”
“Sweetie Belle!” Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity all said before chasing Hei Bai also, leaving the others behind.

Back near the hot springs, two soldiers and Zuko are looking for Iroh. “Uncle! Uncle, where are you?” Zuko called out.
“Sir, maybe he thought you left without him.” One of the soldiers said.
“Something's not right here.” Zuko said. He then notices ... “That pile of rocks” in the former spring.
“It looks like there's been a landslide, sir.”
“Land doesn't slide uphill.” Zuko pointed out. “Those rocks didn't move naturally. My Uncle's been captured by Geo Firmans!”

“Apple Bloom!”
“Sweetie Belle!”
“Scootaloo!” Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow all yelled into the forest as they chased after Hei Bai, but eventually, even Rainbow Dash losses sight of the spirit and lands when her two friends stop. “We lost them.” A distraught Rainbow said.
“We better head back to Senlin Village.” Rarity said as she turns around, followed by Rainbow and Applejack. “With any luck, Firebrand saved them by now.”

Further in the forest, Fire’ is still riding the motorcycle he borrowed, chasing Hei Bai, who's holding onto the Cutie Mark Crusaders tightly. “Fire’!”
“Over here!”
“Help!” Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle all yelled respectfully.
“Hang on, guys!” Fire’ said as he gets close to the three fillies as they return to the scorched forest. Fire’ pulls out his hoof, trying to free the three fillies. However, before he can grab them, the spirit fades away, taking the CMC with it. Fire’ then hits a small boulder and falls in front of a bear-like statue, the crash knocking him out.

A couple of hours later, Fire’ wakes up. “Girls!” But Fire’ stops when he sees that he’s alone, and that ... “I failed.”

In another part of the forest, the soldiers who captured Iroh are trotting through it, with the lead Unicorn lighting up the way. “Where are you taking me?” Iroh asked the captain as he’s chained and ridding on another solider.
“We're taking you to face justice.”
“I know, but where, specifically?”
“A place you're quite familiar with, actually.” The captain said. “You once laid siege to it for 100 days, but it would not yield to you.”
“Ah, the great city of Ba Sing Se.” Iroh said, recollecting the siege he led.
“It was greater than you were, apparently.” The captain pointed out.
“I acknowledge my defeat at Ba Sing Se. After 100 days away from home, my troops were tired, and I was tired.” Iroh said with a yawn. “And I'm still tired.” Iroh then falls off of the Unicorn. He is quickly picked back up with some magic by the same Unicorn. However, he leaves one of his horse shoes behind and smiles cleverly.

Back at Senlin Village, Twilight and the others are waiting at the village entrance for AJ, Rainbow, Rarity, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Fire.’ Then they see ... “Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, your back.” Fluttershy said as the three mares silently walk up to the gate, before they fall down and start crying.
“There gone.” Rarity said as she lays down on the ground, unable to comprehend what has transpired.
Just then, the old wanderer walks up to them with some blankets. “I'm sure they'll be back.” He reassured as he places a blanket over each of them.
“I’m sure too.” Twilight said as she takes off her tiara.
“You should all get some rest.” The old wanderer said to the three crying mares. “Your sisters are in good hands. I would be shocked if the Fire Avatar returned without them.” As he says this, Fire’ emerges from the darkness.
“Guys, I ... I lost them.” Fire’ admitted as Celestia and Luna casts the spell that raises the sun and lowers the moon.
“The sun is beginning to rise.” Celestia said as she places a hoof over Rainbows shoulder. “Perhaps they will return soon.”
“What?” A confused Firebrand said as he runs up to Twilight. “No, I'm right here!” He then waves his hoof in Twilight's face, only to notice his own appearance. He’s now orange and the suns rays are going right through him. “What? I ... I’m in the Spirit World!”

Meanwhile, Zuko is following some tracks that belong to Unicorns, when he comes across a horse shoe. He picks it up and sniffs it, only to turn away in disgust. “Yeah, that's Uncle Iroh.”

Back at the village, Fire’ is talking to Twilight, despite the fact she can’t hear him. “I'll figure this out, Twilight. I promise. Like they said, I'm the bridge between the worlds, right? All I have to do is ... figure out what I have to do. But once I do that, no problem.” Fire’ said as Twilight and her friends head into the village to get something to eat.
“What am I supposed to do?” A frustrated Firebrand said. “Anyone out there, please help me!” He screamed, and then he hears something, the sound of wings beating. “Scootaloo?” He then sees the source of the noise, a Snake Dragon is coming toward him. “That's definitely not Scootaloo.” Fire’ then tries to bend some fire at the beast, but it doesn't even flicker.
He then tries to use magic, but he can’t even get a spark. “What? I can't firebend or use magic in the Spirit World.” Fire’ said as the Snake Dragon lands just before him. “You don't know where the Cutie Mark Crusaders are, do you?” He asked as the Snake Dragon touches him with a feeler.
At this, Fire’ sees a vision of an Alicorn with a white mane and a midnight blue coat with a fireball for a cutie mark flying on this dragon. “You're Avatar Roku's animal guide, Fang! Roku is the Avatar before me!” Fire’ then realizes that Fang can help. “I need to save my friends and I don't know how! Is there some way for me to talk to Roku?”
Fang then curls around him, and Fire’ gets on. “I'll be back, Twilight. Take me to Roku!” At this, Fang flies away.

On a mountain, the Unicorns are leading Iroh through. Iroh just happens to looks at the skies and notices the dragon and Fire,’ which causes him to gasp in wonder. “What's the problem?” The captain asked.
“Nothing. Well, actually, there is a bit of a problem. My old joints are sore and aching, and these shackles are too loose.” Iroh said, confusing the captain.
“Too loose?”
“That's right. The cuffs move and jangle around and bump my ankles. It would help me if you tighten them so they wouldn't shake around so much.”
“Very well. Corporal, tighten the prisoner's cuffs.” The captain said, causing them all to stop. The corporal, who was at the front, moves to Iroh. As he touches his cuffs, Iroh breathes deeply and heats them up and pushes the corporal's hoof to the cuffs, causing him to scream in pain. Iroh then jumps free and somehow blasts fire at the soldiers. He then rolls down the hill as the soldiers try to understand what just happened.

Meanwhile, Fang takes Firebrand to a temple on a crescent island. They fly into the temple and toward the roof. “Hey, what are you doing?!” Fire’ asked as he screams, but they fly right through the roof and into a mysterious room with a statue of Roku. “I don't understand, this is just a statue of Roku.” Fire’ said as he gets onto the ground, as Fang presses one of his feelers to Fire's forehead, which gives Fire’ a vision of a comet.
“Is that what Roku wants to talk to me about? A comet? When can I talk to him?” Fang then moves his head, allowing a beam of light to appear. This is just to the right of Roku's statue. Fang then presses his feeler against Fire’s forehead again, and he sees a vision of the sun setting and rising repeatedly, and the light closing in on Roku.
“It's a celestial calendar, and the light will reach Roku on the solstice! So, that's when I'll be able to speak to Roku?” Fang then breathes an apparent yes. “But I can't wait that long! I need to save the Cutie Mark Crusaders now! 
Is there anything else you can tell me that can help?” Fang then presses his feeler against Fire’s forehead again. “I can do that?” Fire’ said as he mounts Fang again and they fly from the temple.

Back to Iroh, who is still rolling down the hill. One of the soldiers cast a spell that creates a small wall in front of Iroh, stopping him. They then all of them slide down, reaching Iroh at the bottom of the hill. “He's too dangerous, Captain! We just can't just carry him to the Capital! We have to do something now!” A solider said.
“I agree. He must be dealt with immediately and severely.” The captain said as Iroh spits a rock out, and smiles.

Meanwhile, the Wonderbolts, along with Rainbow and the princesses, are over the forest, looking for Firebrand and the CMC. “It’s no use. I didn't see them anywhere.” Misty Fly said.
“I didn't either.” Rainbow admitted.
“Our best hope is to go back to the village and wait.” Celestia said as they all fly back to the village. Meanwhile, while following the Unicorns hoof-prints, Zuko notices the Wonderbolts in the sky, arguing if there going the right way.
“The Fire Avatar!” He said as he realizes that the Wonderbolts can lead him to Fire.’ He then turns slightly, but then looks back at the footprints.

Meanwhile, Fang takes Fire’ back to the statue at fast speed. The red Unicorn notices his body is there and also prepares for impact. Suddenly, Fang disappears into the statue as Fire’ returns to his body. He looks around at the statue, which appears to look like bear, then runs back to the village.

An hour later at Senlin Village, it’s sunset. Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack and Rarity are standing outside the center building. Twilight then notices Fire' running toward the gate, which causes Twilight to run up to him. “You're back!” She said as she gave him a big hug, something that even surprises her.
“Where’s Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo?” Rainbow asked as she and the other two mares walk up.
“I'm not sure...” Fire’ said as the evening gives way to night.

Back to Iroh, he is now surrounded by the soldiers and chained to a boulder. “These dangerous hoofs must be crushed.” The captain said as he levitates a boulder with his magic and prepares to drop it on Iroh’s hoofs. However, Zuko jumps in and kicks the rock away. He then breaks Iroh's chain with his boot.
“Excellent form, Prince Zuko.”
“You taught me well.” Iroh and Zuko said as they take on fighting stances.
“Surrender yourselves. It's five against two. You're clearly outnumbered.” The captain pointed out.
“Yeah, that's true, but you are clearly outmatched.” Iroh said as the solders fire lasers, but Iroh destroys them with the chains. Zuko takes out two soldiers with fire. A rock is fired at him, but Iroh catches it and throws it back at the soldiers, knocking them down. The Captain fires three rocks at Zuko, which he dodges. Zuko counters with fire blasts that are dodged. The Captain then levitates a large mass of rock, however, Iroh throws his chains around his ankles, knocking him and causing the rocks to fall on top of him.

Back at Senlin, Fire’ waits at the entrance for the Hei Bai. After some time, he gives up and returns to the center building. Just as he exits, however, the spirit appears to his left. He throws up a shield to stop its attack. “Firebrand, what are you doing?! Run!” Twilight called out, unfortunately catching Hei Bai’s attention, who rushes toward the Alicorn.
Seeing this, Fire’ quickly jumps up and produces fire from his hoofs, allowing him to fly like a rocket, which surprises everypony. Fire’ flies over Hei Bai and feels its forehead and notices that a panda lurks below it, and that Hei Bai ... “You're the spirit of this forest! Now I understand. You're upset and angry because your home was burned down. When I saw the forest had burned, I was sad and upset, but my friend gave me hope that the forest would grow back.”
Fire’ then shows it the acorn Twilight gave him and leaves it at Hei Bai’s feet. The spirit picks it up and reverts to its panda form and walks away peacefully. As it exits, a series of branches grow, and three villagers and the Cutie Mark Crusaders emerge from it. At this, Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity all run to the three fillies and give them a big hug. “What happened?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“You three were trapped in the Spirit World for 24 hours!” Rarity said.
“How are you feeling?” Rainbow asked.
“Like we seriously need to use the bathroom.” Scootaloo said as the three trouble making fillies run for the nearest one.
“Thar gonna be fine.” Applejack said.

“We’re so proud of you, Fire.’ You figured out what to do, all on your own.” Celestia said to her former students crush.
“Actually, I did have a little help and there's something else.” Fire’ said.
“Thank you, Fire Avatar. If only there were a way to repay you for what you've done.” The mayor said to Fire.’
“There is one thing.” Fire’ said, slightly surprising the group. “You could give us some supplies, for a day's journey across the open ocean.”
“It would be an honor to help you prepare for your journey.” The mayor said as he heads for the main building.
“What is it?” Luna asked.
“I need to talk to Avatar Roku, the Avatar before me, and I think I found a way to contact his spirit.” Fire’ said.
“You found out who he is and found a way to contact him? That's great!” Twilight said.
“Creepy, but great.” Rainbow said, getting an annoyed look from Twilight.
“There's a temple on a crescent-shaped island and if I go there on the solstice, I'll be able to speak with him.” Fire’ said.
“But the solstice is tomorrow!” Celestia pointed out.
“Yeah, there’s that and another problem.” Fire’ said.
“What?” Spitfire asked.
“The island, it’s in the Fire Nation.” At this, even Celestia and Luna grow fearful.