Team Avatar, the Mane 6, the Power Ponies, the Mighty Machines, and the others arrived at Air Temple Island. They entered the temple and saw Discord and Anar D playing charades with Tenzin's kids. Anar D held Lok in his eagle claw while Discord materialized a bush with a solid, red #2 at the front.
"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?" Jinora asked.
"It gets really easy since we have materializing powers." Anar D said.
"This is humiliating." Lok said. "When will you stop embarrassing me?"
"Just tell us everything you know about the Red Eye." Discord said. "You know, we have been wanting a game of badminton."
"Badminton?" Lok asked.
"I'll give you a hint." Discord said. "It involves rackets and a birdie."
"Well, that guy looks like someone with style." Varrick said. "I must say, you must be Discord. I've got to say, when I see something as criss-cross as you, it's usually when I'm asleep with my teddy bear-platypus."
"Who is this whack-job?" Discord asked Twilight.
"Hey, Anar D." Spike called as he approached the caped draconequus. "Can I ask you a question?"
"You just did." Anar D joked. "Continue."
"Well, I've been in many Power Pony fan club debates," Spike said, "And I've got to know; is it true that you have 2% pony DNA in you."
"Yes, it's true." Anar D said placing Lok back in his birdcage. "I still have a tiny bit of my old pony form in me."
"You used to be a pony?" Discord asked. "Who knew?"
The Power Ponies, the Mighty Machines, and Spike raised their hoofs and claws.
"Hey..." Bolin said, "Where's Mako?"
"He left." Masque said. "He got a phone call, got dressed, and cleared out faster than Thanksgiving dinner when Devastator's hungry."
"Oh." Korra said. "Must be his date."
"Mako has a date?" Discord asked. "Ol' hothead himself?"
"I still can't believe you and Mako used to date." Twilight told Korra.
All of a sudden, a bag of popcorn appeared in Discord's lap. "You used to date? Do tell."
"It's not such a big deal." Korra said. "I mean, I started to be interested since before he dated Asami."
"Asami's Mako's ex too?" Discord asked with a chuckle. "Whoa, momma! This I got to hear. When did you break up?"
"That's not important." Korra said. "We've got to find out about the Red Eye. Besides, I shouldn't care whether or not Mako decides to date Iris and..."
Suddenly, Discord coughed loudly and dropped his popcorn. He coughed out a popcorn kernel and it hit the arrow tattoo on Tenzin's head.
"Was that really necessary?" Tenzin asked.
"Discord, what's the matter?" Fluttershy asked.
"Did you just say... Iris?" Discord asked.
"Yeah." Korra said confusingly. "She's Mako's date. Why?"
"OH, NO!" Discord shouted. "MAKO'S IN DANGER! GAME OVER!"
"WHOA, WHOA!" Anar D said. He extended his arms, picked up the Mane 6, and placed them in Discord's hands. "Hold your horses!" He chuckled slightly. "Get it?"
"OH!" the Mighty Machines groaned.
"Dude, that joke was so bad, it hurt me physically!" Timberwolf groaned.
"Discord, what seems to be the matter?" the Shadow Blot asked.
"I CAN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T TELL YOU EARLIER!" Discord shouted. "IRIS... IS GOLDEN EYES!"
Everyone put on surprised faces! They couldn't believe what they just heard.
"What?!" Korra asked loudly. "You mean that airbending girl working for the Red Eye?"
"Are you sure?" Asami asked.
"Trust me!" Discord said. "I think I would know the real name of the girl who dragged me from Equestria!"
Korra approached Lok the parrot and slammed her fist next to his cage. "Is this true?!"
"I am not confirming nor denying anything?"
"But this doesn't make any sense." Mistress Marevelous said. "Why would she go out with Mako?"
"Of course!" the Masked Matterhorn gasped. "She's trying to get close enough to take the box!"
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Hum Drum asked. "We need to go and save him!"
"Hold on." Tenzin said. "We can't all go at once. That'll attract a crowd."
"How about some of us get my secret train ready?" Varrick asked.
"You have a secret train?" Applejack asked.
"Of course." Varrick said. "I use it to get some of my stuff from here to Zaofu and vice versa. We can use it to escape and to to Suyin for help."
"That might work." Tenzin said. "Korra, you and your friends go with Varrick to Zaofu. The rest of us will stay to investigate the Red Eye's diplomatic immunity."
"Varrick, will I get Zhu Li?" Lin asked.
"Uh, no." Varrick said. "I don't want her to worry. After all, we're fighting an army of terrorists. I'll just take the robo-dogs, the super-horses, Discord's double, the prisoner, and Chilly McHotpants."
"What did you call me?" Miles asked.
"He's right." the Masked Matterhorn said. "We'll secure his train while the rest of you rescue Mako."
"Will the Doc be at the train?" Derpy asked.
"Probably." Hum Drum said. "He seems to show up at the most unexpected times."
"Then I'm coming too!" Derpy shouted.
"Let me get this straight." Mako said. "You were separated from your parents for 16 years?"
"Yes." Iris replied. "Recently, I've reunited with my dad, but my mother was already dead. Right now, I'm not on best terms with my dad because of that."
"Hey, I'd be happy enough to realize that either of my parents were alive." Mako said.
"Actually, I think it's different with us." Iris said. "Now then..."
"Uh, excuse me, sir," a waiter said approaching Mako, "There seems to be a problem with your order."
"We didn't order anything yet." Mako said.
"Well, then, come with me and make one!" the waiter said picking Mako up.
"I'll be right back." Mako said right before the waiter dragged Mako to the back of the restaurant. Finding the opportunity, Iris sighed heavily like she was done lifting a heavy thing.
The waiter dragged Mako to a storage closet. There was a window above the two of them. Suddenly, the waiter changed into a certain draconequus.
"Discord, what's the meaning of this?!" Mako asked.
"Trust me!" Discord panicked. "This is for your own good! Pinkie's going to distract Iris as long as she can!"
"What?" Mako asked in confusion.
Suddenly, they both heard dishes breaking at the dining area. Discord tried to stop him, but Mako ran out and saw Pinkie Pie wearing a fake beard dancing in front of everyone. He also saw the rest of Team Avatar and the Mane 6 sitting in tables annoyed by what Pinkie's doing. She was singing with the tune of Merry-Go-Round Broke Down.
"My name is Pinkie Pie
I joke, and here is why
I'll turn that frown
Upside down
And wave the sadness goodbye"
"PINKIE!" Mako shouted.
"MAKO!" Iris shouted.
"Iris!" Mako panicked nervously.
"Iris." Discord gasped nervously.
"Discord!" Mako growled at the draconequus.
"Oy." Korra sighed.
"PINKIE!" the pink pony shouted.
"I thought you were going to escape with him." Rarity said.
"Escape?" Mako asked. "What's going on?"
"You tell me!" Iris growled.
Noticing the ponies with the Avatar, the whole crowd started to talk among themselves loudly and asked questions. Not taking anything anymore, Discord jumped out of the kitchen.
"EVERYBODY, QUIIIIEEEEEEEET!" Discord shouted. Suddenly, the disruption in the room fell silent. Everyone in the restaurant couldn't stop staring at him. "Before anybody asks any questions... Yes, I'm real! No, I'm not from this world, but I'm not from the Spirit World either! I can't go into the details right now, but I'm here to save Mako here from falling into the hands of the Red Lotus!"
"The Red Lotus?" Mako asked. "Discord, what are you..."
Mako was cut off when Iris constricted her right arm around Mako's neck. She also grabbed Mako's arm and held it behind his back.
"He means me." Iris said. "I am Golden Eyes."
"What?" Mako gasped. "So everything you told me was a lie?"
"Not entirely." Iris answered. "I was separated from my parents for 16 years. They were imprisoned for most of that time trying to kidnap or kill your ex."
"Your parents didn't do that." Korra said. "Zaheer did." Iris looked at her with a "that's obvious" look. Korra widened her eyes and came across a sudden revelation. "You mean... Zaheer's your... dad."
"Ding, ding, ding." Iris exclaimed. "Give the short-hair Avatar a prize. Yes, Zaheer's my father, which meant my mother was P'Li, the combustion-bender he led to her death."
"That's why you were mad at him?" Rainbow Dash asked. "No wonder you're so crabby."
"Well, my grandfather hasn't forgiven him." Iris said. "Why should I?"
"Grandfather?" Asami asked.
"Yes." Iris said. "The Red Eye. He was P'Li's father."
"Okay, you're just dropping bombs everywhere." Discord said. "How can the Red Eye be your grandpa? He doesn't seem elderly?"
"There's a lot you don't know about him." Iris said. "Now, if you value this idiot's life, you will hand me the Box."
"What do you want with Discord?" Fluttershy asked.
"He's the only one who can get something for us." Iris said.
"That bowl?" Discord asked. "Sorry to disappoint you, but Asami doesn't have any old bowl."
"She does." Iris said. "She just doesn't know it."
"What?" Asami said. "I don't understand."
"Enough talk!" Iris said. "Give me the box or this boy loses a lot more than his arm."
"Careful." Discord said smugly. "You might pop the air out."
"What?" Iris asked. She widened her eyes to see the real Mako next to Discord. She looked and saw elastic material looking like Mako. There was a tag that read DECOY BALLOON. "A decoy? That doesn't even make any sense."
"What fun is there in making sense?" Discord giggled.
Seizing the opportunity, Korra kicked a fireball at the traitor. Iris blocked with airbending and was pushed out of the window. The innocent bystanders panicked and dropped under their tables. Korra jumped out and stomped her foot to the ground. A boulder hovered from the street and Korra kicked it in Iris' direction. The bad girl moved to the side and countered with an air blast. Korra dodged that and they stopped.
The two girls circled each other. Suddenly, Iris ran towards Korra, who posed for anything. Then, Iris ducked and slid underneath Korra until she was behind her. She then spun her legs and blew Korra back. The Avatar rolled back and jumped back up. She growled and tackled Iris. Everyone else was just watching.
"Think we should do something?" Mako asked.
"I'm not going anywhere near that, bro." Bolin said. "Say, where's Discord?"
Suddenly, everyone stopped what they were doing when they heard the Ride of the Valkyries. Suddenly, they saw a large truck in the distance. It was headed toward Korra and Iris' fight. They moved in different directions when they saw it coming. The door opened up and Discord was in the driver's seat.
"Special delivery!" Discord shouted. "Today's special: an escape!"
Without question, everyone ran to the back of the truck. Twilight turned and saw Iris trying to get up. Twilight blasted her horn and pushed her back down. The alicorn was the last one to get inside. Suddenly, the truck drove down the street.
Angered, Iris pulled out a small, handheld stick. She pushed a trigger and the stick extended and grew gliders. She flew on the airbender glider and caught sight of the truck. Inside the truck, everyone was sitting on piles of cabbages.
"Discord, where did you get this truck?" Mako asked.
"It was just sitting there in the curb." Discord said. "I figured no one would notice it missing."
"It's a truck, you ding-dong!" Korra said.
"Don't be a spoilsport." Discord said. "That's Mako's role. Besides, you should thank me for saving you before Iris could finish you off."
"I HAD HER!" Korra shouted. "I swear, I'm going to beat the snot out of that airhead next time I see her!"
"That might me sooner than you think." Spike said looking at the passenger rear-view mirror. "Warning: objects in mirror may be scarier than they appear!"
Everyone looked and saw Iris gliding over their heads.
"Never gives up, does she?" Applejack asked.
"I'll handle this!" Mako said opening the back door. "It's time to make this break-up official!"
Mako touched his fingers together and an electric shock curved out when they separated. He quickly pointed his fingers and the electricity flew towards Iris, but she dodged it quickly.
"Flashy." Discord complimented. "Just keep her distracted and we'll be at Varrick's train in no time."
"Wait." Asami said. "Discord, you're new to this world."
"So?" Discord asked.
"Should you be driving?" Asami asked.
Discord realized what she meant and panicked and let go of the steering wheel. Asami quickly grabbed the wheel and switched places with Discord.
"I'm driving!" Asami said.
Pinkie Pie gathered a pile of cabbages and carefully placed them at the edge of the truck. She kicked each cabbage toward Iris, but she easily dodged them. Discord just panicked and materialized a little, green hat.
"MY CABBAGES!"
"Get a life!" Korra sighed.
"I got her!" Rainbow Dash said.
"Rainbow, wait..." Twilight said.
Rainbow Dash already flew up and nearly rammed Iris. Iris flipped and stood on top of her glider. She waved her arms and air blasts nearly pushed Rainbow Dash away. What brought her down was Applejack's rope pulling her back.
"I had her!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
"Been there." Korra said.
"Uh, guys," Asami said nervously, "Look next to us."
Everyone looked and saw red vehicles driving on each side. The sunroofs on each car opened and several people stood up. They pulled out a gun-like weapon and a grappling hook shot and struck the truck.
"More Red Lotus?" Bolin asked. "Hold on." Bolin struck his arms and the earth beside them turned to lava. The cars backed away so hard, the rope on their hooks snapped.
"Nice work, Bolin." Mako said. "Discord, where's Varrick's train?"
"According to him, we should be right on top of..." Asami said not seeing the curb ahead.
Suddenly, the truck ran off the road and everyone panicked at they went downhill out of control. All that happened in between was Pinkie shouting.
"VEGGIE SALAD!"
"WHAT?" everyone asked.
"VEGGIE SALAAAAAAAD!"
All of a sudden, the truck flipped and the truck landed on its side in the middle of a filthy street. Everyone emerged from the cabbages that broke their crash with Pinkie picking up a handful and sighing happily.
"Veggie salad." Pinkie stuffed her mouth with the cabbages while her friends just watched awkwardly.
"Seriously?" Korra asked.
Suddenly, they all saw Iris in the sky and panicked. The door beside them then opened and Varrick showed himself.
"Come on, everyone! The train's inside!"
Everyone got up and entered the building as soon as the Red Lotus cars approached. Inside, the heroes found a large room with train tracks running through. In the middle, a large metal train was with its doors open.
"Nice locomotive, huh?" Varrick asked. "There's a little history to it..."
"Maybe later!" Twilight Sparkle shouted.
Everyone was running to the door when Iris and the Red Lotus broke the door down and saw them.
"Find the box!" Iris shouted.
"Not so fast!"
The Mighty Machines jumped from above the train and landed in front of the Red Lotus.
"If you want our friends, you'll have to go through us!" Devastator growled.
"Happy to oblige." Iris agreed. "I'm more of a bird person anyway."
"Lady, I'm taking you out," Masque said, "And I'm not talking dinner and a movie!"
The Mighty Machines fired their powers at the Red Lotus, but they failed to see Iris sneak past them and hopping on the train. She looked and through a window and saw Team Avatar, the Mane 6, and the Power Ponies setting up their equipment. She broke through the window, but didn't see the rope beneath her. Mistress Marevelous looked back and suddenly, the rope hovered and wrapped around Iris. Eventually, she couldn't move. Saddle Rager looked out the window and called out.
"Devastator, we're ready! Let's go!"
"We can't!" Devastator shouted. "We've got to hold off these guys!"
"But..." Saddle Rager gasped.
"No time to argue!" Devastator shouted. He jumped behind the train and pushed it forward. Soon, the train gained enough momentum to go fast on its own.
"MACHINES!" Hum Drum shouted.
"DEVASTATOR!" Saddle Rager shouted as she saw the Red Lotus overpowering the wirewolves.
As soon as the train left, the Mighty Machines were either bound or unconscious. One of the Red Lotus soldiers pulled out a communicator and buzzed into it.
"Red Eye, I've got good news and bad news. The bad news is, we failed to capture the draconequus and Iris is captured."
"My granddaughter is resilient." the Red Eye said from the other end. "She won't break, no matter what they do to her. What's the good news?"
"We've apprehended the wirewolves." the Red Lotus soldier said. "We're awaiting your orders."
"Bring them to me." the Red Eye commanded. "They might serve as great leverage, especially in certain... conditions."
Outside of Republic City, Varrick's train rode out of the city limits and into the land outside. Saddle Rager was crying and Fluttershy approached her. She put her hoof over her shoulder.
"It'll be okay." Fluttershy said. "We'll get them back."
"I hope you're right." Saddle Rager said. "Before he was a wirewolf, Devastator was the first animal I ever took care of. If it wasn't for him, I would never be so kind."
"I know I'm right." Fluttershy said.
"Oh, gag." Iris groaned.
"Well, what about her?" Applejack asked pointing her head at Iris.
"I know the perfect place for rubbish." Rarity said.
Everyone pushed Iris into a large closet. Next to her, Lok sat from his cage.
"Welcome to the loser's circle, Iris." Lok shouted.
"Oh, shut up!" Iris growled.
"So what now?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"What else?" Korra said. "We ride this all the way to Zaofu. Hopefully, we can get Suyin's help in our fight with the Red Lotus."
In the control room, Varrick was alone. He picked up a communication radio and called in. He sighed full of regret until he heard a familiar voice.
"What is your report, Varrick?"
"Hey, Red Eye." Varrick greet miserably. "We're on our way to Zaofu and they trust me... again."
"Don't even think about double-crossing me!" the Red Eye shouted. "Remember, unless you cooperate, you'll never see your darling Zhu-Li alive again."
"I know." Varrick said with regret in his voice. "I'll do whatever you say."
Meanwhile, in an empty and dead warehouse, many different people arrived. They fell silent for a moment until they saw a tall, thin man with a long mustache.
"Hey, I know you." one guy said. "You're Amon's lieutenant!"
Everyone suddenly recognized each other as ex-members of the Equalists.
"I don't get it." the lieutenant said. "Who set up this meeting of old Equalists?"
"I did."
A voice from the darkness was revealed when Tirek emerged from the shadows. Everyone was frightened at the sight of him.
"Do not be afraid, everyone." the centaur said. "My name is Tirek and I'm here on behalf of the Red Lotus. You see, the Avatar took something from us and we need your assistance on getting it back."
"Get it yourselves." the lieutenant snapped. "The Equalists are done."
"Yes, I know." Tirek said. "I've heard the story. At first, you were only a petition group against those who could bend. Then, Amon revealed his powers of bending-stripping and helped you take over Republic City. However, thanks to the Avatar, it was revealed that he was a waterbender himself who lied to you all. Rest assured, you can trust me."
"How do we know you're not a bender?" a random Equalist protested.
"Do these legs look like they could bend?" Tirek asked. "No. I assure you, I am true to your cause. The Red Lotus want to rid the world of leaders. You want to rid the world of benders. If we work together, they won't stand a chance."
"You talk big." the lieutenant said. "How do you even hope to help us with our cause? Amon did it with bloodbending."
"I see a demonstration is in order." Tirek said. "Red Lotus..."
A couple of Red Lotus soldiers appeared from behind Tirek and they dragged a man in front of him. He had greasy hair and a face that looked like he was sick.
"Hey, I know that kid." an Equalist said. "That's Tahno."
"What's going on?" Tahno panicked. "Where am I?"
"Just sit still." Tirek said. He opened his mouth and Tahno screaming pain as an orange glow escaped from him and flew into Tirek's mouth. As Tirek grew bigger, Tahno fell to the floor. He got back up and attempted to bend, but he couldn't even move.
"What?" Tahno asked in fear. "What's going on? What did you do to me?"
"I absorbed your bending." Tirek asked. "Men, take him out of my sight." The Red Lotus soldiers grabbed Tahno and dragged him away while he was protesting and whining. "Now, do you see, Equalists? For years, you've been bullied and beaten by those who had an edge. Now, with my power, we can put an end to that."
"Someone we all trusted basically said the same thing." the lieutenant said. "Sorry, but the Equalists are done."
"Sounds more like you've forgotten what the Equalists are for." Tirek said. "Remember who you all are.
"You humans were proud
Of being a crowd
That hated those who bend
You didn't hesitate
On declaring your hate
Time and time again
The Avatar did reveal
That your leader wasn't real
He wasn't faithful to your cause
But now, you're awake
Learning your mistake
Now, you can go back to how it was"
The Equalists tried to attack Tirek, but he countered them all.
"It is time to rise
Take them out by surprise
For far too long
You've been feeling wrong
But it's time to return great and strong
You will need an edge
To push the benders over the ledge
That's where I enter
I am strong and wise
I'm the perfect choice
It is time to rise"
After a second of thinking, the Equalists then had an epitome.
"We always did know," the Equalists sang,
"Exactly where to go
We always knew who to detest
The benders resented us
Then, Amon presented us
With a way to do what we do best
Then, he was shown to be a fraud
We fell for his facade
So we didn't know who to trust
But with Tirek by our side
We will change the tide
This urge to equalize is a must
It is time to rise"
"Take the wool out of your eyes," Tirek sang,
"You don't need to fear
What you're seeing here
I'm your salvation, so you will cheer"
"Gather every weapon," the Equalists sang.
"It's time that we step in," Tirek sang,
"They say bending is peace
But they are all lies
So let's show them all
It is time to rise"
"We've been chased all across town," the Equalists sang,
"All these three years, every single day
The Equalists have been hunted own
Now, the predator has become the prey"
"TRUST ME, EVERYONE! I'LL LEAD THE WAY," Tirek sang.
"IT IS TIME TO RISE," the Equalists sang.
"LET ME HEAR YOUR BATTLE CRIES," Tirek sang,
"YOU JUST HAVE TO FOLLOW
THEN, BY TOMORROW
THE RED LOTUS WILL FILL THEM ALL WITH SORROW"
"WE'RE BACK IN THE GAME," the Equalists sang,
"NOW, NOTHING WILL BE THE SAME"
"YOU CAN POINT YOUR HATE," Tirek sang,
"TO WHO YOU DESPISE"
"NOW, WE RETUUUUUUUUUUUUURN," the Equalists sang.
"THE AVATAR WILL LEEEEEAAAAARN," Tirek sang.
"IT IS TIIIIIIIME.... TOOOOOOOO..." they all sang,
"RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISE"