The Legend of Korra Book 5: Chaos

by Epicdiscord214

First published 21st of February, 2015

Earth. Fire. Air. Water. Only the Avatar can master all four elements and bring balance to the world. Now... she can't do it alone.

This story takes place after Book 4: Balance.

Discord has been kidnapped. The Red Lotus is rising. Now, Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends must team up with Avatar Korra and her friends in search for their lost friend. After they save him, they still need to find a way home and make sure the Red Lotus don't bother them again. Who is the Red Eye? Who is his master? And what's the Doctor's end in all this?

Two Heroines

Earth. Fire. Air. Water. Only the Avatar can master all four elements and bring balance to the world.

You all know about friendship, the bond that ties a group of people to be loyal, kind, and generous with each other. But do you know how it was created? Near the beginning of time, there was a kingdom full of darkness ruled by a powerful force. One day, much to everyone's surprise, a large light force appeared in the shape of a bird with several lights inside of it. It flapped its wings and a wave of rainbows covered the entire land and the kingdom vanished. As for the force, all it did was roar in defeat. But it wasn't the last anyone would hear of it.

---

In a large citadel, there was a prison cell underneath. There was a man floating in midair chained to the floor. His hair and beard covered half of his face. His name was Zaheer, the most evil airbender in the world with the ability to fly.

BOOM!

Zaheer woke up with the sound of an explosion from the wall next to him. He looked and saw three living things there. One was a human girl in her early 20's with blonde hair. Another was a slightly-muscular centaur with red skin. The last one looked had a pony face, but had several animal parts around him. Zaheer looked at the human girl and sighed.

"I don't suppose you're here to forgive me, Iris."

"That doesn't matter now." the girl said. "The Red Eye wants you back."

"Well, that's generous of him." Zaheer said sarcastically. "Although, I'm not familiar with those unfamiliar creatures behind you."

"I am Tirek," the centaur declared, "The greatest threat to magic in the Multiverse!"

"And I am Discord," the mixed-up creature said dully, "The spirit of chaos and blah, blah, blah."

"Discord, don't be a baby." Iris said. "Just free Zaheer and let's go."

"HALT!" several guards in white and blue armor shouted. They swung their arms up and rocks, flames, water, and gusts of wind appeared in midair.

"Tirek, take care of them." Iris said.

"With pleasure." Tirek growled with a grin. He opened his mouth and the guards felt dizzy. Suddenly, after a red and orange glow escaped from their bodies, they fell to the floor unconscious. The glow entered into Tirek's mouth and he grew slightly. He then smacked his lips with his tongue a couple of times. "Not as satisfying as the magic in Equestria, but still filling."

"Well, I'd better get to work." Discord sighed. He snapped his fingers. Suddenly, the chains changed into red licorice. He opened his mouth and ate them off of Zaheer's wrists and ankles. He rubbed his wrists while looking at Discord and Tirek.

"Tell me, Iris," Zaheer said, "Where did you find these creatures?"

"A lot has happened after all these years." Iris said. "But now, Discord, get us out of here."

Discord snapped his fingers and suddenly, the background changed. It looked like a warehouse with many people working around. Zaheer looked behind him and gasped when he saw a man there.

The man had a red scarf around the lower half of his face and a red bandanna over his hair. The rest of his body had black armor with a red flower on his torso.

"Red Eye." Zaheer gasped in fear. "Please, forgive my apology for failing you."

"Twice, you should add." the Red Eye said. "The past is of no consequence, Zaheer. The moment is at hand. The purpose of the Red Lotus is about to be finished."

"Okay, I've had it!" Discord shouted. "I've been with you people for three whole days and I never got a straight answer from you people!"

"I suppose you have the right to know." the Red Eye said. "Ask away, Discord."

"Well, Dr. Frankenstein, I want to know who you people are and where I am?" Discord demanded.

"I am the leader of a society known as the Red Lotus." the Red Eye said. "I am their leader, the Red Eye. Our goal is to bring freedom to this world by eliminating the national leaders. We want what you want, Discord: mass chaos to the world."

Suddenly, Discord's head changed into a clock the shape of a birdhouse. His face popped out from above the face saying, "Cuckoo! Cuckoo! Cuckoo!"

"Mock us all you want, but we believe in our cause." Iris said. "You see, it wasn't always like this. There's a similar society called the White Lotus. They stayed in secret until the end of a great war. They all became silly bodyguards for the pompous 'hero', the Avatar... all but one, that is. Almost 70 years ago, a member called Xai Bau broke off from the White Lotus and created us. We're what the White Lotus was meant to be."

"Yeah, the agents around here told me about this Avatar girl." Discord said. "How do you expect to win if she'll just be reborn into another body?"

Zaheer sighed. "Three years ago, I was tasked with killing her for good. I gave her a poison that would force her into the Avatar State, a powerful form for when she dies, there would never be another Avatar. However, all I did was put her in a wheelchair for three years."

"And you knew about this, T?" Discord asked turning to Tirek.

"Shortly before we met," Tirek explained, "I was visited by Iris back when she was masquerading as a pony named Golden Eyes. She showed me... secrets of the Multiverse and the Red Lotus. We then made a deal. She would introduce me to other worlds if I help her organization obtain something from Equestria. She then warned me that you were coming to capture me and I should bring you to our side. I ignored her warnings, but later that evening, you showed up and... well, you know the rest."

"So what act of vengeance do you have for Princess Twilight anyway?" Discord asked.

"Vengeance?" the Red Eye asked. "You think any of us are here for vengeance? Let's just say it's... all in the past."

"I have one last question left." Discord said. "Why'd you kidnap me?"

"Kidnap?" the Red Eye asked. "That sounds like an exaggeration."

A mad face then appeared on Discord. "I didn't want to leave Equestria in the first place! Goldilocks here just grabbed this stone box that somehow has me under its control!"

"It was the only way!" Iris said. "You are the living embodiment of what the Red Lotus is about!"

"Also, we need you because there's something that only you can get," the Red Eye said holding up a stone box, "Something that is in the possession of a certain girl. And unless you want to die, you'll do whatever we say."

Discord sighed. "Who is this girl, Eye?"

"A girl who isn't even a bender, but proves to be vital to us. Her name is... Asami Sato."

---

Meanwhile, in Equestria, two human girls slowly woke up. One was the Avatar, Korra. The other one is her best friend, Asami Sato. They shook their heads and looked at each other.

"Asami?"

"Korra. What happened?"

"I don't know. I remember attending Varrick's wedding, you and I planned on going for a vacation into the Spirit World, we entered the portal, but after that, I lost track of everything."

"I wonder how long we've been out."

"Three days, to be precise." an unfamiliar voice said.

Slowly, Korra and Asami turned and saw the Mane 6, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and the Doctor at the door for the bedroom they were in. They were too stunned to scream.

"There's no need to scream, my friends." the Doctor said. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is the Doctor and we have a problem. Our friend, Discord, was taken to your world and we need you to help Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends here to save him. Do you get what I'm saying?"

"You're..." Korra said nervously. "...You're horses."

"Technically, we're ponies." Rarity said.

"Allow me to explain." Princess Celestia said. "Korra, we've intervened on your new spirit portal. This is another world called Equestria. Here, ponies thrive; unicorns, pegusi, Earth ponies, and alicorns. True, we have other magical creatures, but ponies are the dominant species as humans are in your world. Discord is a friendly spirit of chaos that evil forces in your world have kidnapped."

"What?" Korra asked. "But if this Discord is a spirit, how did he get kidnapped?"

"I can answer that." the Doctor said. "You see, there's a powerful stone box connected to his will. It's called Pandora's Box."

"Like in my comic?" Spike asked.

"What's a comic?" Asami asked.

"It's a completely illustrated book." the Doctor said. "The comic Spike here's talking about talks about an alternate universe of superheroes called the Power Ponies. The writer of these books has a special psychic link to the Power Ponies universe that he doesn't know about. Whenever he seemingly thinks about a Power Pony event, he doesn't know that it actually happened."

"So... everything in my comics was true?" Spike asked. "The Hairspray Ray of Doom? The Electro-Orb? Arcanus?"

"Yes, yes, and yes." the Doctor said. "However, Arcanus is connected to our current situation. You see, as the Power Ponies are alternate counterparts of you seven, Arcanus is the counterpart of Tirek."

"Who's Tirek?" Korra asked.

"No one much." Rainbow Dash said sarcastically. "Just a power-eating centaur that grows stronger by taking anyone's abilities."

"We defeated him a few weeks ago, but he escaped just the other day." Twilight Sparkle said.

"Even though you defeated him, you didn't stop his cause." the Doctor explained. "Tirek, Arcanus, and the man Golden Eyes works for, they all work for a powerful force almost as old as time."

"Really?" Fluttershy asked. "Uh, forgive me if I offend you, but why didn't you say something for the past three days?"

"Because we were waiting for the Avatar to awaken." the Doctor said.

"Three days?!" Korra asked in a gasp. "We've been asleep for three days?!"

"What is an Avatar anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked. "You never gave us a straight answer, Doc."

"The Avatar is a special person exclusive to her world." the Doctor explained. "Once a generation, the spirit--Raava--bonds with a worthy character and give them the ability to bend all four elements; water, earth, fire, and air. It is then the Avatar's duty to protect her world. Korra here is the current Avatar."

"So how did you know about the Avatar in the first place, Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other. They sighed.

"If you must know," Celestia said, "We've met Raava before. Thousands of years ago, an Avatar named Stelle was wounded in the Spirit World next to the Avatar's world."

"She was lucky enough that I was able to connect with her dreams." Luna explained. "I brought my sister and I to travel to the Spirit World in our astral forms and help the Avatar. After we helped her, we've been keeping watch on the other world from time to time."

"I've got one question," Korra asked, "Who kidnapped Discord?"

The ponies looked at each other nervously. The Doctor stepped up.

"We believe that Discord has been taken by an agent of the Red Lotus."

Korra widened her eyes and fear started to fill them. She couldn't believe what she had heard.

"I don't get it." Applejack said. "Who's the Red Lotus?"

"Korra, would you like to take the floor?" the Doctor asked.

Korra breathed in and out. "In my world, there's an organization that's meant to protect the world called the White Lotus. However, the Red Lotus is the evil equivalent that wants to bring chaos to my world by getting rid of any king, queen, president, or anyone that's in charge."

"Like a... princess?" Twilight asked.

"Yes." Korra said.

"That explains why Discord's kidnapper hated us." Cadence said. "They hate us."

"What are we going to do?" Spike asked.

"Simple." the Doctor said. "Follow me."

Everyone went to another room and they saw a jeweled mirror with a golden glow inside the arc. They didn't know that a gray pony with criss-cross eyes followed them unnoticed. Suddenly, Derpy Hooves widened her weird eyes at the sight of the Doctor. She envisioned a pink background and him moving in slow-motion. She sighed and continued watching them.

"This mirror can travel to worlds with the proper power signature." the Doctor explained. "I managed to preserve the time around it to keep it open. It's also how we brought you here. All you need to do is locate where the Red Lotus will be, retrieve Pandora's Box, and get out."

"Well, how are we going to do that?" Korra said. "Even if we find the Red Lotus, the last time I faced them, I had poison in my blood for three years."

"I said it was simple, not easy." the Doctor said. "Look, I can't give you all the details yet. Just enter. I'll help guide you to the other world. After that, I'll be with you when you need me."

"What's with him?" Asami said.

"He's a time-traveler." Rainbow Dash said.

"Well, what do you say, Korra?" Twilight said. "Will you help us?"

"Well..." Korra said. "Hey, you ponies helped me before. I'll be happy to pay you back."

"Ooooh!" Pinkie Pie squealed. "I'm no nervouscited!"

"Pinkie, how many times do I have to tell you that isn't a real word?" Applejack asked.

"Let's go." the Doctor said. He stepped into the mirror with Korra, Asami, and the Mane 6 following.

Peeking into the room, Derpy Hooves was astonished and whispered. "He'll be in the other side of that mirror." She then flew quickly toward the mirror shouting. "I'M COMING, HANDSOOOOOOOME!" She flew right past the princesses and went through the mirror. The princesses stood confused.

"What the heck was that?" Princess Luna asked.

---

Throughout a corridor-sized light they flew through, some of the passengers were exhilarated at the ride. Others were a little nervous. The Doctor just didn't react at all.

"How are you so calm?" Korra asked.

"This is similar to my own method of world travel. I don't expect so much."

"Nothing surprises you, does it?" Twilight asked.

"Actually, there are several things that might." the Doctor replied. "I may be able to travel through all points of time in creation, but there are still secrets that even I don't know about. But I do know this, there's a great threat to all of Creation and you all must work together to save Discord and put a stop to it.

"Reach out...

You can find what you must find

Look up...

There's hope enough to bond

There are...

Friends you can have behind

In this world and the next and beyond

I dare...

To travel to the uncharted

You dare...

To travel there with me

We're just...

About to have started

The greatest journey in history

Ponies...

You're harmonic heroes

Humans...

You too have those to depend

And your bond...

Can go where the wind blows

We have got the time to be friends

It takes...

The valiance of a horse

And the heart...

Of a human to get this done

A strong mind...

To know where to set course

To be a hero to all and everyone

The past, the present, and the future

Imagine everywhere I've been

I mean, who would think that just one being

Could have the power to travel to where

AND TO TRAVEL... TO WHEEEEEEEEEEEEN

I KNOW...

YOU'LL ALL DO WHAT IS RIGHT

TOGETHER...

YOU'LL SHARE SOMETHING THAT NEVER ENDS

NO ONE...

CAN MATCH YOUR COMBINED MIGHT

YOU HAVE GOT THE TIME TO BE FRIENDS

YES, YOU HAVE GOT THE TIIIIIIIIIIIME...

TO BE FRIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEENDS"

Not too far behind the group, Derpy followed nearly hitting the wall a few times. The Mane 6 and the Avatar don't know it, but they are going to get an unexpected hitchhiker.

Author's Notes:

This is it. The final story of the Chaos Saga.

Some of you might have thought that the Red Lotus was just Zaheer and his three friends. Well, since the White Lotus is an entire army and the Red Lotus have been around for about 70 years, I figured there'd be more than just 4 people. And Zaheer never officially said he was the leader. He said, and I quote "We are part of a secret society..."

Also, the song featured here has the same tune as "The Courage to be Friends" from the Lion of Oz movie. Originally, I used the song "Beyond the Mysterious Beyond" as a template, but I heard this song the other day and I saw it as a better fit. I have no claims to any of the songs in this story,

Return to Republic City

In a dark room, Discord peeked and saw a stone box inside a glass orb on top of a pedestal. He tiptoed to it and reached to it. Suddenly, as he touched the glass, he felt an electrical shock from it. He jumped back in pain and blew on his paw and claw. Suddenly, a parrot flew in and laughed. It landed next to the glass orb.

"YOU SHOULD'VE SEEN THE LOOK ON YOUR FACE, YOU CHUMP!" the parrot laughed. "I NEARLY BUSTED A GUT! YOU DIDN'T THINK THE RED EYE EVEN HAD A PLAN IN CASE YOU'D TRY TO TAKE IT! HAHAHA!"

"I don't get it." Discord said. "How did scarf-face do this?" The parrot wiggled its feathers pointed at Discord, who just put on an obvious face. "Oh, right."

"What's the matter, Discord?" the parrot asked. "You barely cracked a joke since you arrived in this world."

"For your information, Lok, even I can't joke when it comes to situations like this." Discord explained. "You tried to get me kicked out of Equestria through trial so I'd have to come here. When that didn't work, Golden Eyes--or Iris, whatever--freed Tirek and took that little box that somehow has the power to control me."

"Discord, if you would've just given up before, you could've been spared this indignity." Lok said.

"I never would've." Discord said. "Don't you get it? I was about to give up, I'd grant you, but I still had my friends to back me up. I don't expect a talking pigeon like you to understand, seeing how very scarce your friend supply is."

"HEY!" Lok shouted. "For your information, candy-lips, I have plenty of friends. There's the Red Eye, Iris... Okay, I admit Zaheer's hanging by a thread. Oh, hey, I like my conversations with that Miles kid in the dungeon."

"Say what?" Discord asked.

Lok panicked and covered his mouth. He released his beak and sighed. "The point is, your friends ain't coming. We took the only method we had for their world-traveling mirror thingamajig. Even if they do know where you are, they can't get here. There is absolutely no way for your princess and her friends to get to this world."

---

But Lok was wrong. As soon as the light dimmed, the Mane 6, Spike, the Doctor Korra, and Asami wiped their eyes and focused at the nearly-broken city around them. There were many humans working at the broken buildings.

"So this is Republic City." Spike said. "Seems a little less... republic-y than I thought."

"I second that." Rarity said. "This place looks like an army of tornadoes attacked. Korra, darling, what happened here?"

"It's a long story." Korra said. "Anyway, Tenzin told me that our president is working on expanding the city."

"Well, the Red Lotus are hiding here right?" Twilight asked. "There can't be much of space for them to hide now, can there?"

"Too true." the Doctor said. "But you still can't handle the Red Eye on your own. Find your friends and they'll assist you with liberating Discord. Remember, once your inside, you'll need to take back Pandora's Box. As long as the Red Eye has it, he can control Discord to do whatever he wished."

"Get friends, find the Red Lotus base, get back the box, and get Discord out of there." Korra said. "Got it."

"Yeah." Rainbow Dash said. "Just wait until I give this Red Eye guy a Rainbow Dash jab in the jaw!"

"Aren't you coming, Doctor?" Korra said.

"Not right now." the Doctor said. "I only show up when you need me. In the meantime, I'll be..."

Suddenly, a gray pegasus with criss-cross eyes leaped from the portal and tackled the Doctor. They both rolled on the floor knocking some of the dust off the floor. The others were confused until the dust cleared revealing the pegasus laying on the ground next to the Doctor.

"Derpy?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"You know her?" Asami asked.

"She's... not the most careful pegasus." Rainbow Dash explained. "She's also not the brightest. Last time we saw her, she was in jury duty. Derpy, where did you come from?"

"The hospital." Derpy answered getting up. "That's where I was born. Then, my parents carried me to their house, which then, also became my house and..."

"Not what I meant." Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "What I mean is, what are you doing here?"

"Well..." Derpy answered, "After that red guy and the bad pony forced Discord to tie us up, the princesses cut us down. They then said we had to leave the castle, but I had to use the restroom. Don't judge me; it was a terrifying experience. When I was done, I saw you ponies getting the mirror to throw up these human girls."

"That's not what the mirror..." Twilight was about to say.

"...And then, I saw this gorgeous stallion right here." Derpy continueid gesturing as the Doctor. "That's when I realized I had to follow you and get to know him better."

"Don't get me wrong, Ms. Hooves," the Doctor said, "But I don't think I'm your type. I'm a time-walker."

"Your mouth moves, but all I hear are angels singing." Derpy sighed passionately.

"Hoo, boy." the Doctor said nervously. "Um..." He then pointed at the horizon. "LOOK! A GIANT MUFFIN!"

"WHERE?!" Derpy shouted in excitement turning around. When she had her head turned, the Doctor disappeared in a flash of light. Derpy looked back and around for the Doctor. "Where'd he go? Will he be back?"

"He said he would," Rainbow Dash said, "But I wouldn't get my hopes yet soon."

"NO!" Derpy shouted. "WE'LL BE MARRIED 'CAUSE LOVE CONQUERS ALL! Anyway, where can I find some muffins around here?"

"Uh..." Korra said nervously, "There's a bakery at Third around the corner."

"Yippee." Derpy said as she flew away.

"Do you think someone might get suspicious at a talking, flying pony in town?" Applejack asked.

"I wouldn't worry about it." Asami said. "If anyone sees her, they'll think she's a spirit. Your secret's safe as can be."

"I gotcha!" Pinkie Pie said. "Zip it, lock it in a box, bury the key, build a house on top of..."

Rainbow Dash zipped at Pinkie's face and put her hoof over her mouth. "We got it."

"All right, everyone." Korra said. "First, I say we head to the police department. There are some friends there who might help."

"Lead the way, Korra." Twilight said.

---

The bakery had tables on the outside. The baker had a counter outside that Derpy flew at. The baker saw Derpy and gasped.

"Whoa! Haven't seen a spirit like you before."

"Oh, I'm not a spirit, sir." Derpy said. "I'm an actual pony."

"Yeah, right." the baker laughed. "And I'm Princess Yue. Anyway, what can I get you?"

"I'd like to try one of this world's muffins, please." Derpy said. "Can I have it in blueberry?"

"Sure thing." the baker said pulling out a blueberry muffin. "That'll be 3 yuans."

"I'm on what?" Derpy asked.

"No, yuans." the baker enunciated. "You know, the dough?"

"You're a baker." Derpy said. "I'd think you'd have plenty of dough."

"I'm taking about money!" the baker shouted. "The cost for that muffin is 3 yuans!"

"That's money?" Derpy said. "Sorry, sir, but I don't have any stewmans."

"YUANS!" the baker shouted. "Look; no yuans, no muffin!"

"Sorry, sir." Derpy frowned placing the muffin back on the counter.

The gray pegasus turned around and started to sulk away. The baker saw Derpy's sad face and sighed.

"Hold on, kid. I... think I can put this one on the house."

Derpy's expression changed and zipped back to the counter. "Thanks you, sir! How can I pay you back?!"

"Just tell your friends that Pa-Kin's Bakery has fair and excellent service. To clear it up, I should express that my name is Pa-Kin."

"Derpy Hooves." the pegasus introduced herself. She took the muffin and hugged it passionately.

"You sure do love your muffins, don't you, Derpy?"

"My ma always said, muffin is as muffin does."

"I'm... not even going to ask what that means. Just enjoy your on-the-house muffin."

"I'm glad you're open, Pa-Kin." Derpy said. "After all, a bunch of other places are broken."

"Yeah, Kuvira's invasion did do a number on Old Republic City," Pa-Kin said, "But thanks to President Raiko's Expansion Project, the shops that involve food, clothes, and other necessities are rebuilt first. Anyway, why don't you savor your muffin at a table over there? I'm getting another customer on the way."

"Righty-o, Pa-Kin." Derpy said flying to another table.

A human girl approached Pa-Kin and brushed back her blonde hair. It's hard to recognize her, but it was the same girl who impersonated a pony and kidnapped Discord.

"Welcome to Pa-Kin's Bakery." Pa-Kin said. "How may I help you?"

"I'd like a..." Iris said. She reacted when she saw a glimpse of Derpy stroking the muffin. She widened her eyes as the pony saw her and waved at her.

"Well?" Pa-Kin asked.

"Uh... on second thought, I'm not that hungry." Iris said nervously. "I'd better... Uh... Actually, I promised my grandpa I'd help out around the house. So I better..." She took one last nervous look at Derpy and left in a hurry.

Derpy changed her face to confused. She then turned to her muffin. "What's that? Well, I'm a little confused about why that girl gave me a strange look. ...I know I never met her, but it feels like I did. ...What's that? I should follow her? I don't know. ...You make a good point. I shall ask her why she's bothered by me... after I eat you." She picked up the muffin and ate it in one bite. She then flew up and away.

Pa-Kin was confused. "Spirits."

---

The police department was filled with upset citizens. They crowded in front of Chief Beifong's desk and shouted.

"One at a time, people!" Everyone fell silent. "Now then, what seems to be the problem?"

"Our homes haven't been repaired yet!"

"How come only the shops are being repaired first?!"

"If I spend another night in these crowded shelters, I'm going to lose my mind!"

"Citizens, I understand what you're going through." Lin said. "Frankly, if I could have your homes rebuilt first, I would, but President Raiko's in charge of the Expansion Project, so he decides what gets repaired first. In the meantime, all we have to do is wait."

But the crowd didn't wait. They still protested. Suddenly, a black-haired man with a clean face and a pointed chin approached the chief.

"Ah, Mako." Chief Beifong said. "How's your arm?"

"Better actually." Mako said waving his right arm. "I heard you have my brother."

"Right." Chief Beifong said. "Follow me."

Lin and Mako moved past the crowd and got into the other room. Half of the room was filled with empty cells... except for one. The bench of one cell had a boy-ish man with a muscular build and black, messy hair over his head. He was snoring in his sleep.

"Why is Bolin in a cell?" Mako asked.

"Only place we can rest him while I deal with the mob." Lin said.

"Is he all right?" Mako asked approaching the cell.

"Not to worry. He's in perfect health." Lin said.

"Mako?"

Mako and Chief Beifong turned and saw Korra and Asami in front of the crowd.

"Korra!" Mako shouted. "Asami! Where have you been?"

"It's a long story." Asami said. "The point is, we've got some new friends you got to meet."

Suddenly, the Mane 6 and Spike appeared. The crowd got confused when they saw them. They began whispering at each other.

"Nothing to see here." Twilight exclaimed. "We're just... a few spirits with the Avatar."

"Right." Fluttershy said. "Nothing suspicious about us."

They entered the cell room and closed the door behind them.

"Yeah, we've got some explaining to do." Asami said. "See, a friend of theirs has been kidnapped and we have to save him."

"Look, kids, as much as I would like to help you find the spirits' friend, I..." Lin said.

"They're not spirits." Korra said. "It's a long story, but we need all the help we can get. The Red Lotus are back."

"What?" Mako gasped with the same shocked expression as Lin. "That's impossible. Zaheer's been defeated."

"Apparently, Zaheer wasn't the leader as we thought." Korra said. "Look, these ponies have a friend who's forced to do whatever the Red Lotus says unless we free him. To do that, we'll need all the help we can get and..." She stopped when she saw Mako's brother in the jail cell. "Why is Bolin behind bars?"

"Don't ask." Chief Beifong said. "Last night, I got a call about a disturbance. I followed it and found the kid unconcious on the floor. We brought him in here to keep him comfortable."

"Last time I heard from him," Mako explained, "Bolin was taking Opal on a date."

Suddenly, Bolin jolted awake. "Opal?!"

"AAHHH!" Pinkie Pie screamed. "IT'S A ZOMBIE!"

"No, Pinkie." Korra said nervously. "That's just Bolin, alive and well."

"Bolin, what happened?" Asami asked.

"I... don't know." Bolin strained rubbing the back of his head. "I can't remember anything that happened last night, except..." He gasped loudly in fear. "THEY'VE GOT HER! THEY'VE HAS TAKEN OPAL!"

---

Iris ran into the warehouse and approached the Red Eye and Lok. She breathed heavily.

"Ah, Iris." the Red Eye said. "I was beginning to worry you'd never return. Say, where are my pies?"

"Forget the pies, Red Eye!" Iris shouted. "I saw an Equestrian in this world!"

"What?" Lok gasped. "Are you sure?"

"Believe me." Iris said. "I know exactly the pony I saw and she is not someone you'd easily forget. She's got the brains of a platypus-bear, that one."

"Iris, what's your point?" the Red Eye asked.

"If one pony made it here, that means Discord's friends might be here too." Iris said.

"No doubt they'll have joined forces with the Avatar by now." the Red Eye groaned.

"We've got to do something." Iris said. "If they find us here, they won't just get the box back; they'll find out about Miles."

"Wait." the Red Eye said changed his expression to excited. "Maybe... that's exactly what we need."

"Sir?" Lok asked.

"Three years ago, after Zaheer and his gang escaped, I charged him with ending the Avatar Cycle." the Red Eye said. "Obviously, he failed. Perhaps if she arrives, we'll show her what Miles is made of. And once she enters the Avatar State, that will be my chance to end her."

"And Princess Twilight Sparkle will be there too." Iris said. "We can hit two birds with one stone."

"Hey!" Lok screamed. "That is not my favorite expression! But one last thing: how do we know if they'll find us anyway?"

"Oh, I'm sure they'll find us with the airbender's boyfriend will know where to find us." the Red Eye said. "The main thing is, we get ready for the Avatar and the little ponies."

Rescuing Discord

"Bolin, calm down." Mako said. "Just tell us what happened?"

Lin had just gotten the angry crowd outside of the department while Bolin sat in a desk. Spike arrived and gave him a hot drink in a mug.

"Thanks... uh..." Bolin said.

"Spike," the baby dragon introduced himself.

"Bolin, you screamed something about Opal." Korra said. "What happened?"

"All right." Bolin breathed. "Me and Opal were having a nice dinner last night. We were walking back to my home. Suddenly, a masked guy tried to mug us. I used my Earthbending to knock him across the alley. Suddenly, I heard some weird language before I floated in the air. I looked and saw a different guy behind us. His fingers were glowing, he had a red scarf over his face, and he kinda freaked me out. He said something about leverage and taking me. He was about to grab me, but Opal air-blasted that guy across the road. I fell to the ground. I tried to escape with Opal, but that red-scarf guy fired some kind of energy at me and blasted me into a building. I was about to black out, but I saw the scarfed guy disappear with Opal."

"Must be Red Lotus." Korra said.

"Now... what's going on?" Mako asked. "I thought the Red Lotus crumbled when we imprisoned Zaheer."

"Look, we don't fully understand the details either," Rainbow Dash said, "But right now, we need to find them. They've got a friend of ours too."

"OOH!" Pinkie Pie screamed. "I've got an idea! Why don't we get... A GIANT DOG?!"

"Pinkie, dear, what does that have to do with finding Discord?" Rarity asked

"Nothing." Pinkie Pie said. She then pulled a wagon carrying a gigantic rib-cage. "I just need something to do with these bones."

Everyone was confused. "Um..." Mako said, "Where did you get that?"

"Ask yourself this," Pinkie Pie said, "Do you really want to know?"

"Bolin," Fluttershy said, "Is there anything that might tell us where they are? Did you notice anything?"

"Well..." Bolin said tapping on his chin, "Now that you mention it... I did overhear that scarf-guy saying something. I think it was 'Don't be afraid, young one. The Lower-West Side isn't so bad.'"

"The Lower-West Side?" Mako asked. "Hold on. There's a warehouse on Chakra Street big enough to shelter a small army. It's the first building to be refurbished by the Expansion Project."

"I thought the Expansion Project only rebuild the necessary places first." Twilight said. "Why would your president rebuild that place before all else?"

"I don't know, but that doesn't matter now." Korra said. "Now, we need to save Discord and Opal."

"But I think it might be important." Twilight debated. "Don't you think it's a little convenient for the Red Lotus to get their hideout back first?"

"I agree with the purple pony." Mako said. "It looks like the Red Lotus somehow has control over the Expansion Project."

"Mako, that's insane." Korra said.

"Look, we can argue about this later." Rainbow Dash said. "Let's put this to a vote. Hands and hooves up if we should take Twilight's idea about discussing politics." Twilight and Mako were the only ones who voted that. "All right. Who thinks we should take Korra's idea on going to the warehouse and saving both Discord and Opal and put a stop to these red creeps for good." Everyone else raised their hands and hooves. "Well, it looks like the Avatar has it."

"You all go on ahead." Chief Beifong said. "I'll head over to Air Temple Island for reinforcements."

"All right." Korra said. "Let's go."

"WHOO, HOO!" Bolin shouted. "TEAM AVATAR IS BACK ON A RESCUE MISSION!"

"With some help from..." Rainbow Dash declared before stopping. "Uh, what do we call ourselves? Team Pony? The Equestrian Girls?"

"How about..." Applejack said, "The Mane 6."

The other ponies spoke in agreement.

---

Team Avatar and the Mane 6 walked down a street until they saw a large, complete building with metal walls. They approached a wall.

"Watch out, everyone." Korra said gesturing everyone to step back. "I'm metalbending us in there." She raised her arms up and prepared to bend. Suddenly, Mako grabbed her wrist and she stopped.

"Hold on. Look." He pointed at an open window. There was a man looking out of it from behind. "Must be a lookout. If he hears you metalbend, he'll warn the others."

"Then how do we get in there." Korra asked.

"Leave that... to me." Pinkie Pie said. She then bounced high up and landed on the guard. She stood on top of his shocked body on top of a catwalk and raised her hoof into a fist. "Prepare for a pink bruisin'."

The guard closed his eyes preparing for pain. He waited for a few seconds. He then opened his eyes and noticed that Pinkie Pie was lowering her fist slowly. Twilight flew through the same window and approached Pinkie Pie.

"Pinkie, this is no time for slow-motion."

Twilight's horn glowed and lit at the guard's head. He then fell asleep. Twilight and Pinkie then got off from the catwalk and opened the front door letting their friends in.

"Pinkie, how did you jump so high?" Mako asked.

"With my hooves." Pinkie Pie answered.

"No, what I mean is..." Mako said.

"Don't bother." Rarity said. "Pinkie doesn't make a lick of sense. Anything you say is just going to go over her head."

The humans and ponies continued through the hallways looking forward. They then heard a moan noise. They peeked and saw Discord holding a skull.

"What's that?" Mako asked.

"That's him." Twilight said. "That's Discord."

"That's who we're looking for?" Korra asked. "He looked like a zoo had a baby."

Discord sighed loudly and held up the skull. "To be free or not to be free? That is the question."

"Discord." Fluttershy whispered. Discord stiffened his head and looked behind him to see where the noise came from.

"Fluttershy?" Discord asked growing a grin. "You're here?"

"And so are we." Twilight said stepping toward him with the others.

"Perfect!" Discord shouted. He then saw the humans. "Uh... who are your new friends?"

"Right." Twilight said. "Discord, this is Bolin, Mako, Asami, and Korra."

"So you're this legendary Avatar girl the Red Lotus has been blabbing about." Discord said examining Korra. "I thought you'd be taller."

"Come on." Mako said. "We need to find Opal and get out of here."

"Yeah, I can't do anything." Discord said. "These guys, they have a magic box that gives them control of me. As long as they have that, I can't help you no matter how much I want to."

"Well, then, we get the box too." Bolin said. "Where is it?"

"With me." a voice called out. Everyone gasped as the Red Eye appeared out of the dark shadows. In his hand, the stone box was resting and Discord gulped at the sight of it. "I am the Red Eye, the leader of the Red Lotus who will bring freedom to the world."

"So you're the guy I have to blame for the poison." Korra said. "Ready when you are."

"Actually, I want to delegate." the Red Eye said stepping to the left. A new guy appeared from the shadows. He had blonde hair, an early-20's look, and rags for clothes. "I'd like to introduce the instrument of your destruction. His name is Miles and he'll be your demise."

"Just let me be sure," the blonde man said, "I kill them and I can go?"

"Kid, no problem." the Red Eye said. "Just get rid of them."

Team Avatar and the Mane 6 posed and were getting ready for anything... except for what came next. Miles opened a water bottle nearby and bent every last drop out of its container and hovered it next to him. He quickly changed it to ice and shot sharp ice projectiles from it. The heroes dodged them and took cover. Twilight and Korra hid behind a crate. Discord dodged some ice shards and flew behind a crate.

"Watch where you're aiming, water boy!" Discord shouted.

"That's it?" Korra asked. "That's the Red Eye's secret weapon? One waterbender?"

"Perhaps this guy's got a special form of waterbending." Twilight said.

"Well, whatever he has, I can firebend his water into steam." Korra said. "I'll then bend the steam in his face and capture him after."

"Korra, we still don't know..." Twilight said.

Twilight was interrupted by Korra as she jumped in front of Miles. She quickly formed a small fireball and tossed it toward him. Miles held his hand out in front of the fireball... and it stopped.

Everyone was surprised to see Miles controlling the fire. He waved his arms and the fire grew. Suddenly, he tossed the fire toward Korra. She jumped back next to Twilight still with her surprised face. The others couldn't believe what they saw either.

"Did you see that?" Bolin asked in shock. "That guy can bend water AND fire!"

"Impressive, isn't it?" the Red Eye asked. "Because of me, Miles here has made history as being the world's first bi-bender."

"How'd you do all that?" Mako shouted.

"Here's a hint." the Red Eye said pointing his hand toward Mako and Bolin's hiding place. "Cumuolis, levio."

Suddenly, the hiding place glowed and was flung in the air. Mako and Bolin reacted with firing their bending towards Miles, but he either countered or dodged.

"Did you see that?" Twilight asked. "The Red Eye has magic!"

"That doesn't make any sense." Korra said. "No human has any magic; only spirits."

"Well, this isn't any magic I've ever seen." Twilight said. "Anyway, we need to get that box away from him."

"I know what to do!" Bolin said.

Bolin strained his arms toward the Red Eye and the ground split. The crack turned red and hot, boiling lava sprouted. The crack surrounded the Red Eye, but he didn't flinch. The lava shot over him.

"YEAH!" Bolin shouted. "NO MORE RED EYE!"

The lava cleared, but the Red Eye was still standing like he didn't even notice the lava. He yawned mockingly.

"Enough warm-ups, kid." the Red Eye said. "Give me your best shot."

"That was my best shot." Bolin whimpered shaking.

"I'll get to it!" Rainbow Dash declared. She flew from her hiding place and aimed her trajectory towards the Red Eye.

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash felt a strong gust of wind pushing her back. Everyone looked and Zaheer hovered in the air. He didn't have any hair on his face or hair. The sight of him shocked Korra.

"Zaheer! But, how..."

"The Red Eye got me out." Zaheer said landing beside the lava. "Although, I'm surprised he'd speak to me."

"Don't flatter yourself, Zaheer." the Red Eye said stepping out of the lava.

Suddenly, a masked girl appeared from a gust of wind and landed next to the Red Eye. He mask was similar to the Blue Spirit mask, but it had a dark-red shade.

"Another airbender!" Korra gasped.

"We meet again, ponies!" the girl said.

"Do we know you?" Applejack asked.

"I took Discord, remember?"

"GOLDEN EYES!" the Mane 6 shouted.

"And Lok too!" the parrot shouted landing on Golden Eyes' shoulder.

"Discord, get over here." the Red Eye said clutching on the stone box.

"All right, all right." Discord said appearing with the villain crowd.

Suddenly, Tirek, with a slightly muscular build, appeared and stood with the other villains.

"Well then," the Red Eye said, "Any last words?"

"'Hummina-hummina-hummina' comes to mind." Fluttershy whimpered.

"Get them." the Red Eye commanded.

The Red Lotus charged at the Mane 6 and Team Avatar. Rainbow Dash and Zaheer chased each other through the ceiling. Tirek and Twilight struggled trying to strike at each other. Everyone else was trying to take a shot at the other. Fluttershy was still hiding.

"What do I do?" Fluttershy said. "I can't handle either one of those guys, not even Lok." She then saw a hallway out of the room and brightened her face. "I got it. If I can get to their cells, I can find Opal and whoever else these guys kidnapped. They can give us an edge."

"Hold it right there, little mare." a frightening voice behind Fluttershy said.

Meanwhile, the Red Eye was watching the battle when he felt a tug on his cape. He looked and saw Pinkie beside him.

"Uh, Mr. Red Eye," she said, "I'm going to take my friend, Discord, home now."

"And how precisely are you going to do that, little pony?" the Red Eye asked.

"Like this." Pinkie Pie stuck out her tongue and curved it until it touched her nose. Her tongue was a perfect round. The Red Eye was confused.

"And what was the point of that?"

"That, you red varmint, is called a distraction!" Applejack said throwing a rope at Pandora's Box. The lasso tugged the box out of the Red Eye's hand and held it with her own. "Discord, stop attacking!"

"Gladly!" Discord cheered. "Now, give me the box!"

"Hold it!" Applejack said seeing Zaheer charging after her. "Hot potato!" She tossed the box into the air.

Rainbow Dash caught the box. She then tossed it to Korra. She tossed it to Twilight. She tossed it to Bolin. He tossed it to a random Red Lotus soldier.

"Thank you." the soldier said.

"Bolin!" Mako shouted.

"I'm sorry." Bolin panicked. "He was open!"

"Excellent work, my soldier." the Red Eye said. "Now, give me the box."

"I got a better idea." the soldier said clutching on the box. "The good guys keep the box."

"What?" the Red Eye gasped.

"What?" the heroes gasped.

"How can you do this?" the Red Eye asked angrily. "You're a Red Lotus agent!"

"Wrong!" the soldier said. "Let me shed some light on the subject."

Suddenly, the soldier burst in green flames. He grew bigger and a tail sprouted from him. His skin changed to metal and his mouth pointed further. His ears became like a dog. Heck, he was like a robotic wolf on its hind legs.

"Okay, I didn't see that one coming." Discord said.

"Oh... my... goodness!" Spike gasped. "It's Masque, the shapeshifting wirewolf of the Mighty Machines!"

"Zaheer, get that... thing!" the Red Eye commanded.

"Right!" Zaheer said. He flew towards Masque, who leaped and grinded on the rails. He performed several acrobatic tricks getting chased by Zaheer.

"Hang claw!" Masque shouted.

Zaheer grew angry. "Enough of this!" He waved his arms and a circle of air appeared around Masque's head.

"If you're trying to take my breath out, you're wasting your time, baldy." Masque said. "I'm a robot and machines don't need oxygen! That's you in a lugnut shell, all right."

"Where did you even come from?!" Golden Eyes asked.

"I brought him here." the Doctor said appearing from behind a large stack of crates. He had a black bruise on his front-left leg. "I am the Doctor and I will not stand while you lead them to disaster!"

"SWEETIE-FACE!" a loud voice called out. Derpy zipped from nowhere and hugged the Doctor.

"Careful, Derpy." the Doctor said. "I need my body later."

"Derpy?" Rainbow Dash asked. "What are you... Oh, never mind!"

"This..." the Red Eye chuckled, "This is your big rescue?"

"No." the Doctor said. "This is!"

Suddenly, several unknown figures jumped from behind the crated and landed next to Masque. The large figures look almost like Masque, but different features.

"The Mighty Machines!" Spike cheered. "Then, that means..."

Other figures also appeared. They were revealed to look almost like the Mane 6, but with superhero costumes.

"THE POWER PONIES!" Spike cheered in complete excitement.

"The Power Ponies?" Twilight said. "Perfect."

"I have sooooooo many questions right now." Bolin said. "But I think they can wait!"

"Let's Power Pony up!" the Masked Matterhorn shouted.

With the Power Ponies and the Mighty Machines, the fight became more hopeful. Zapp held up her amulet and shot lightning at Golden Eyes. She dodged the lightning, but was chased to the corner. Saddle Rager grew to humongous, monstrous size and tried to smash Miles. He shot water and fire at her, but it didn't even phase her.

Mistress Marevelous levitated her rope and wrapped it around Zaheer. She tugged it and threw the airbender to the ground. Radiance pointed her bracelet and created a wall that pushed Tirek away. He tried to absorb the bracelet's magic, but each push interrupted him.

"I am here!" Filli-Second told a group of soldiers. She then ran to the other side of them. "I am here!"

Suddnely, the Mighty Machines and Hum Drum pushed a bunch of crates on top of the soldiers.

Finally, Mistress Marevelous pointed her horn to the floor underneath the Red Eye. An blue beam shot out and the whole floor was covered with ice. The Red Eye kept his balance, but Korra bent the ice around him and he couldn't move.

"Whoa." Discord said. "This is very confusing, even for me."

"Me too." another draconequus said next to Discord. Discord was surprised seeing an identical draconequus beside him. They stared at each other and switched places.

"Do I know you?" Discord asked.

"Sort of." the draconequus said. "My name's Anar D, and I'm the Power Ponies' version of you."

"Well, that does explain the handsomeness." Discord said.

"Right back at you, big guy."

"Two Discord's?" Rainbow Dash asked. "One was bad enough."

"This is beautiful," Derpy said, "Good triumphing over evil. Don't you think, Doc?" She looked, but didn't see the Doctor beside her. She couldn't find the Doctor anywhere. "Doc? Oh, horseapples."

"I don't think so, you pineapple-heads!" Lok was revealed holding onto Fluttershy's mane. No one reacted to it when they saw Fluttershy's frightened face. "One more step and this kid goes to the petting zoo in the sky."

"They have flying petting zoos in this world?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"What?" Lok asked. "No, that's not what I meant! Just let my friends--and Zaheer--go! If not... well... first her, then you."

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Discord whispered to his double.

"I think." Anar D whispered back. "Hey, Tweety, why does she get to go first?"

"What?" Lok asked.

"You said, 'first her, then you'," Anar D said. "What are you going to do?"

"Not me, you," Lok corrected, "You, you."

"Ooooh." Anar D said. "Me."

Discord turned his head to the Mane 6 and Team Avatar while the Mighty Machines and the Power Ponies continued to fight the Red Lotus. Discord blinked and everyone realized what was going on.

"What about the rest of us?" Rarity asked.

"This hardly seems fair." Asami said.

"No, you stupid mammals!" Lok shouted. "All of you!"

"You, as in you," Pinkie Pie said, "Not you, as in me."

Lok hesitated in confusion. "...Right."

"Then I can go." Pinkie Pie said.

"What?" Lok asked.

"Well, you said, not you, as in me." Pinkie Pie explained. "That means, to me, that me, as in me meaning not you, can split."

"My head hurts." Lok said loosening his grip on Fluttershy's mane.

"You've had a tough day." Korra said.

"Well, since it's not you as in me," Discord said, "Then me can split, as in you."

"I can... split?" Lok asked.

"You said it." Anar D said. "You can split. That is you, as in you; not you, as in me... and certainly not them." He pointed at the ponies and humans.

"No." Lok growled. "I hate them."

"Let go of the pegasus." Discord said. "You can split."

"Yeah." Lok said. He completely released Fluttershy's mane and ran back to her friends.

"Oh, thank goodness." Fluttershy said. "I thought I was a goner. Thanks, Discord..." She widened her eyes when she saw Anar D. "...and Discord?"

"Anar D, actually," Discord's double said.

"How'd that happen?" Korra asked.

"Kid, sometimes, the best way to save someone is with subtle trickery." Discord replied.

"Now, what about me?" Lok mumbled to himself. He then whispered the entire conversation he was just in. He then widened his eyes in anger. "WAIT A MINUTE! I'VE BEEN TRICKED!"

Suddenly, the windows broke apart. Several metalbenders and airbenders swooped through the windows and landed on the ground.

"NO!" the Red Eye shouted struggling to get out of the ice. "Golden Eyes, take the others and run!"

"What about you?" Golden Eyes asked.

"Don't worry about me." the Red Eye said. "I'll catch up! Get to our secondary base and I'll be there!"

"But grand..." Golden Eyes was about to say.

"Just trust me!" the Red Eye said.

Saying nothing, Golden Eyes grabbed Zaheer and Tirek and escaped through the door with them. Lok tried to follow them, but Anar D snapped his eagle claw and a cage materialized around him. Miles slipped and fell unconscious.

"Korra!" Tenzin said seeing the Avatar and hugging her.

"Good to see you too, Tenzin." Korra said. She turned to the Equestrians. "Everyone, this is Tenzin, my teacher."

Seeing the ponies, draconequi, and robotic wolves, Tenzin hesitated on speaking. "Korra, am I dreaming?"

"I wish I was." Korra said.

"Still, we captured the Red Eye." Twilight said. "He's the Red Lotus leader."

"Well then, Red Eye," Chief Beifong said approaching the villain, "You are under arrest. You have the right to remain silent..."

"Oh, forget about all that." Discord said. "This guy has kidnapped me and forced me to do unspeakable things; most of them, in the bathroom. The point is, he deserves to be arrested."

"Do I?" the Red Eye asked. "Here's what's going to happen: the Avatar is going to let me out of here and the rest of you will let me walk out."

"And I thought the Mane-iac was nuts." Radiance said.

"Why would we let you go?" Lin asked. "The kindest thing we should do is unmask you."

"But you're not." the Red Eye said. "Why don't you look in my bag behind you?"

Lin saw a brown, burlap bag behind her. She pulled it up and moved through it. She then found a piece of paper and unrolled it. She put the bag down and read the paper. Suddenly, her eyes widened.

"No." she gasped. "It can't be."

"What?" Korra asked. "What is it?"

"This is..." Lin said, "A presidential pardon describing the Red Eye's... diplomatic immunity."

"WHAT!" everyone gasped. They couldn't believe what they have heard.

"Let me see that!" Tenzin said taking the paper and looking over it. "It's legit. It's got Raiko's signature and everything."

"This doesn't make any sense." Twilight said. "Why would the president want to let free someone who would see him dead?"

"That's not important right now." the Red Eye said. "Right now, you have to let me go."

Lin sighed. "Korra, let him go."

"But..." Korra said.

"We don't have any choice." Lin growled. "Let him go."

Reluctantly, Korra shifted her legs and the ice around the Red Eye broke apart. He rubbed his wrists and stretched his arms and legs.

"Ugh." Miles said waking up. He rubbed his head. "What happened? Oh, now, I remember."

"You may get away," Lin said, "But you still have stuff that aren't protected by your immunity, including who you imprison. Therefore, we're taking all your prisoners."

"Knock yourselves out." the Red Eye said. "I'll just take my immunity deed. You can have the rest."

"What?" Miles gasped. "Wait, chief, take me with you. I'm a prisoner as well."

"Who... are you?" Chief Beifong said.

"I'll explain later." Asami said.

"But know this, Discord." the Red Eye directed himself at the draconequus. "You may have your freedom today, but we've got other plans. One day, you will do what we command and we shall liberate the world from the corrupt."

"Go kiss a lemon!" Discord declared.

"Until then..." the Red Eye said. "Josmo, welkiun, kazin!"

Suddenly, the Red Eye changed into smoke and flew out of the window. That's all everyone saw of him... for now.

"HEY, WHAT ABOUT ME?!" Lok shouted. "I'M A MEMBER OF THE RED LOTUS TOO!"

"I got two words for you, Foghorn," Anar D said, "'Chicken nuggets'."

"Good one." Discord chuckled.

"It's going to be a looooooooong night." Mako said pinching between his eyes.

Author's Notes:

Just to let you in... the Power Ponies were from two stories related to this one that I created. The Mighty Machines are not my creation. That right belongs to Diablo Corps10. I hope he doesn't mind this.

While You Were Away

Outside of the Red Lotus warehouse, the prisoners of the Red Lotus were guided out. Opal appeared and saw Bolin. She cheered and hugged him.

"I missed you." Opal said.

"I missed you too." Bolin said.

"Hey, kid," Korra addressed to Miles, "You've never told us, how is it you can bend two elements at once?"

"Frankly, I don't understand it myself." Miles answered. "See, all I saw was the Red Eye waving his fingers and different-colored smoke-things flew out of two different benders. He stuffed them in me and I've been a bi-bender ever since."

"I don't believe it." Spike breathed happily at the costumed heroes. "It's the Power Ponies and the Mighty Machines! I have no many questions!"

"Any question you have will have to be brought to Hum Drum." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"I don't get it." Twilight said. "What are you doing here?"

"The Doctor brought us here." the Masked Matterhorn said. "He told us we were needed and we needed to bring our cylinder."

"What cylinder?" Twilight asked.

"This one." the Masked Matterhorn said holding up a small, metal cylinder with open ends. "This came from our world's Everfree Forest."

"Hey, the metal compound looks familiar." Twilight said. She turned to a draconequus. "Discord, didn't you find a metal ball with a hole in it in our Everfree Forest?"

"Wrong draconequus, kid." Anar D said.

Twilight sighed. She turned to the other draconequus. "Discord..."

"I heard you the first time." Discord said. "Yes, I did find one, but I can't find it. It's like this: during my time in the Red Lotus, I thought I could find a way to escape. I looked through the supplies I brought, but I couldn't find anything. The point is, that ball I found wasn't in my stack. I must have dropped it when I was forced out of Equestria."

"Well, what does that thing have to do with our problem now?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I don't know." the Shadow Blot said. "The Doctor expressed the cylinder like his life depended on it."

"Discord, do you have any idea?" Devastator asked.

"Hey, all I know is what I was told to do." Discord said. "The Red Eye wanted me to take something from Ms. Sato; some kind of old... bowl... thing. I don't know. I zoned out the details."

"I don't remember any old bowl." Asami said.

"Well, the Red Lotus seem to believe you have it, Bo Peep." Discord said. "I don't know the details."

"I've got a better question." Mako said. "How did the Red Eye get diplomatic immunity?"

"We've got to talk to President Raiko about that." Tenzin said. "Maybe we can get some answers from him."

"Hey, you can't do this to me!" Lok said having his cage carried by police officers. "People adore me!"

"Here's a better idea," Mako said, "Why not just question the bird?"

"That's what we're going to do." Lin said. "We're taking him to the department and interrogate the bird."

"Did you ever hear the words coming out of your mouth and think 'what am I talking about'?" Discord said. "Don't worry. I'll talk to him."

"No, Discord." Tenzin said. "The Red Lotus are after you. Right now, the safest place for you is the Air Temple."

"I should go too." Miles said. "I'm the Red Lotus' reluctant weapon. They might come after me again."

"OOH!" Masque exclaimed. "OOH! I volunteer to protect him!"

"What?" Miles gasped. "No, thank you!"

"Too late!" Masque shouted. "I called it! I've got witnesses."

"If I'm going to this 'Air Temple Island', then I'll take the turkey with me." Discord said holding Lok's cage.

"Did you just call me..." Lok said.

"Discord, give me the bird." Lin said.

"I can't." Discord said. "This story's rated E."

"You know, Discord's just going to twist whatever you say." Rarity said. "I say, let him take Lok."

"Then I'm going with him." Anar D said. "He'll need someone of equal power (and handsomeness) to talk to chicken legs here."

"I'm right here." Lok said.

"Mako, you should stay and watch over them." Lin said.

"What did I do?" Mako asked in shock.

"They'll need someone to supervise them and make sure they don't... break the temple or something."

Mako sighed. "All right. Let's go."

"OH, BOY!" Anar D shouted wearing a 10-year old set of clothes. He grabbed Mako's arm and left with the others. "WE GET TO TALK ABOUT OUR FAVORITE CARTOONS AND PLAY VIDEO GAMES AND READ COMIC BOOKS AND..."

"Will you knock it off, Discord!" Mako said pushing Anar D away.

"I'm Anar D!" the draconequus said.

"Okay, we need something to tell you apart." Mako groaned.

"I got it." Discord said. He snapped and a red cape materialized around Anar D's neck. "Since you're from a superhero universe, I think you'll need this. Now, they can tell us apart."

"I suppose it'll work." Anar D said. "Although, I don't have much trust in capes. I've seen the Incredibles."

"This is too weird." Tenzin said.

"Is Anar D always like this?" Twilight asked.

"I'm sure he wasn't this obnoxious when he was a pony." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"A pony?" Twilight asked making sure she heard right. "Discord's always been a draconequus."

"What's a draconequus anyway?" Korra asked.

"Something tells me we've got a lot of notes to compare." Twilight said.

Bolin caught Mako's arm and leaned in. "Hey, Mako, do you think we should tell Korra about... you know?"

Mako looked at Korra and sighed. "Not yet."

---

Dawn was arising and Tenzin's kids--Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo--were up with Pema, their mother, Kya, their aunt, and Bumi, their uncle.

"Where's dad?" Meelo asked. "I got this funny joke for him."

"Meelo, your dad's at a political meeting." Kya said. "He'll be back soon."

"In the meantime, you've got moi!"

Discord materialized frightening the airbenders around him. Anar D appeared with him. "And moi!"

"What the..." Bumi gasped.

Then, Mako, Miles, and Masque appeared from the steps.

"You people got a lot of stairs, you know." Masque said.

"Ooh!" Meelo said. He jumped over Masque and grabbed his tail. "Nice tail! What are you?"

"Hey, let go, kid." Masque said. "Don't make me break out the crowbar."

"Mako, what is going on?" Pema asked.

"It's been a crazy day." Mako sighed.

---

In an unknown location, Iris air-blasted Zaheer to the wall while Tirek just watched. Iris was full of rage.

"THIS IS YOUR FAULT!" Iris shouted. "BECAUSE OF YOU, NOT ONLY DID WE LOSE DISCORD OR LOK, BUT WE ALSO LOST THE RED EYE!"

"Iris, open your eyes." Zaheer said pinned to the wall. "I can't be responsible for what happened last night. No one could have seen Arcanus' enemies coming. It wasn't my fault."

"Like it wasn't your fault with what happened to my mother?!" Iris shouted angrily.

Zaheer's eyes widened with despair. He bowed his head in sadness and breathed in. "Iris, I am sorry for what happened to P'Li, but that doesn't mean you have to take it out on me. I'm your father."

"The Red Eye hasn't forgiven you." Iris said. "Then again, I shouldn't be surprised. My mother was his daughter."

"Tirek, can't you talk some sense into her?" Zaheer asked turning his head toward the centaur.

"I make it a point not to get involved." Tirek said.

Suddenly, a phone nearby started to ring across the room. Iris let Zaheer down and approached the phone. She picked it up and answered. "Hello?"

"Are you all right, granddaughter?" said a familiar voice of evil. Iris widened her eyes at the sound of it.

"You're free?" Iris asked. "You're okay?"

"They couldn't lay a finger on me." the Red Eye said. "Where are you right now?"

"We're in a broken-down inn that Kuvira destroyed at Jeong-Jeong Blvd." Iris explained. "When do you think you can be here?"

"Actually, I need to maintain my cover." the Red Eye said. "I'll keep the Avatar and the ponies guessing, and then, I'll be there. In the meantime, who's with you?"

"Tirek and Zaheer." Iris answered. "It's just us."

"It'll do. You see, we lost our advantage when they took Pandora's Box. We need to get it back, plus a new advantage. As such, I have a special mission... for each of you."

---

Discord, Anar D, Mako, Masque, Miles, Bumi, Kya, Pema, and the kids sat in the dining area. Mako told the adults everything that happened recently.

"That's some story, Mako." Bumi said. "Reminds me of the time I..."

"Bumi, this is not the time." Kya said. "So, the Red Lotus are back and they're worse than before."

"Good thing we've got something to be ahead of them." Discord said. He reached under the table and pulled out the bird-cage with Lok in it. "This pigeon works for them. And if he knows what's good for him, he'll sing."

"Oh, please." Lok scoffed. "I'm not ratting on the Red Eye."

"He abandoned you." Mako said. "He left without you."

"At least his cause is just." Lok said.

"Just?" Mako asked surprised at what he heard. "Just? When we first met Zaheer, he tried to kidnap Korra! After a long week of playing cat and mouse, he caught her and tried to poison her! A flying airbender would've been no problem, but he had a lava-bender, a combustion-bender, and a waterbender that had no arms at all! And now, we learn there's an entire army of them! Not to mention, their cause is to get rid of all the world leaders! How is any of that just?!"

"And I thought Terry was the best at complaining." Masque said.

"Let me." Discord said. "Look, Lok, I feel you. I hate politics as much as the next guy. But my double-ganger doesn't think so fondly of you."

"You're nothing but a Three Amigo reject!" Anar D shouted. "I bet you taste like chicken!"

"Hold on." Lok said. "If Discord's the good cop and the other guy's the bad cop, who's the wolf?"

"I'm the funny cop." Masque said. "Pull my claw."

"This is getting us nowhere." Mako said. "Look, are you going to tell us about the Red Eye's secrets or not!"

"All I can tell you is that there are those who can't be trusted." Lok revealed before turning away.

"Can I keep him?" Meelo asked.

"No!" Pema responded.

"Here's something else." Lok said. "Discord, you are in danger because of that box. It was crated by D's sister. And now, any draconequus who holds it is bound by it and will be controlled."

In panic, Discord pulled out Pandora's Box and passed it to his counterpart. "I just remembered! It's your birthday! Happy birthday!"

Anar D jerked in fear and forced it back in Discord's paw. "Merry Christmas!"

Discord threw it back. "It's not Christmas!"

"Happy Hannakuh!"

"One potato!"

"Two potato!"

"Three potato!"

"Four!"

"Five potato!"

"Six potato!"

"Seven potato more!"

"MY..."

"MOTHER..."

"TOLD..."

"ME..."

"YOU..."

"ARE..."

"It." Anar D finished.

"HA!" Discord said clutching on the box. "I win!" He then realized what just happened. "Wait."

"It doesn't work like that!" Lok said.

Suddenly, everyone heard a phone ring. Bumi got up and answered it. "Hello? ...Yes, he is here. ...All right." He pointed the phone towards Mako. "It's for you."

Mako got up and picked the phone out of Bumi's hand. He placed in his ear.

"Hello?" After a moment, Mako grew a slight smile. "Yes, I have time. How's about..." He saw everyone looking at him. He told the person on the other end to wait and turned away from it. "Guys, this is a little private. Why don't you get acquainted with each other... in the other room?"

"...Okay." Pema said.

Everyone got up and walked out of the room.

"Well, that was weird." Masque said. "And I know weird."

"So... Discord," Meelo said, "What can you do?"

"Well, I can make three-dimensional illustrations of a lot of stuff I do. That includes my jokes, my expressions, and my songs."

"Ooh!" Ikki said. "Will you sing, please?"

"I don't know." Discord said. "I can't see anything chaotic about singing by myself."

"How about singing with yourself!" Anar D said. "What do you say?"

"I say..." Discord said, "Five, six, seven, eight!"

Suddenly, music filled the background. The adults had constipated faces throughout the whole song.

"We're two of a kind in a mess," Discord sang,

"It's tough being a draconequus

When no one gives you the time of day"

"It's not like we're robbing banks," Anar D sang,

"We're just pulling a few pranks

Something to pass the time awaaaaaaaaaay"

"It's just a little chaos," both sang,

"Show those stuck-ups who's the boss"

"A simple trick to really have a chance," Discord sang,

"Make up a story with your mind

Close your eyes and imagine"

"Focus and you will find," Anar D sang,

"The adventure you're already in

So who can really deny it

The voice cannot stay quiet

It's quite better to not plan in advaaaaaaaaance"

"But wait! If I let my guard down," Discord sang,

"Then everyone in this town

Is in danger of my anarchic powers"

"Well, let's not let that day arrive," Anar D sang,

"Then, everyone will get out alive

Yours and mine are also oooooooouuuuuuurs"

"IT'S JUST A LITTLE CHAOS," both sang,

"WHAT IF NATURE'S AT A CRISS-CROSS

IGNORE THE FACTS! USE YOUR GUT! THAT'S THE GIG

BE A HERO TO THE JESTERS

GIVE THE JERKS A TUMOR

'CAUSE THE VERY BEST INVESTORS

ARE THE ONES FILLED WITH HUMOR"

"LET THE WAVES OF CRAZY RUN WILD," Anar D sang.

"GAIN THE MIND OF A CHILD," Discord sang.

"FOR NOW, THE DRACONEQUUI ARE LIVING BIG," both sang,

"LIIIIIVIIIIIING BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG"

The music continued until Mako opened the door and walked in.

"Spoil sport." Anar D huffed.

"Hey, everyone, would you be okay if I left for a few hours?" Mako asked.

"Why?" Miles asked.

"...It's not time you know yet." Mako said.

"Clear as mud, kid." Discord said.

"I'll see you all later." Mako said as he walked out the door.

---

"I see." President Raiko told the rest of the heroes in his office. "And where is this... Discord?"

"We sent him to Air Temple Island." Tenzin said. "He'll be safe with my family."

"And Mako." Korra added.

"And Masque." Dusk said. "Although, he's about as sharp as a bowling ball."

"Well, I can assure you that I couldn't have given the Red Eye diplomatic immunity." Raiko said. "I haven't given anyone that since Harmonic Convergence. It's probably a forgery."

"No." Lin said. "I thought that and took a good look at the document. It's definitely real."

"Hmm." Raiko said. "This is definitely something I need to run by other world leaders. I'll contact Fire Lord Izumi, the North and South Pole chiefs, and War General Pakku to meet up with us this weekend."

"Who's Pakku?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"That's Sokka's son and Tenzin's cousin." Korra answered.

"Is it all right if I come to this meeting too?" said a slick voice. The door opened up and a tall, thin man with a blue jacket, a slick hairstyle, and a tiny mustache.

"Varrick?" Bolin asked.

"That's right." Varrick said. "I'm back and ready for action."

"But it's been three days since the wedding." Asami said. "Shouldn't you and Zhu Li be on your honeymoon?"

"Oh, we enjoyed the first day, of course." Varrick said. "It was very relaxing. But when we heard of some action here in Republic City, we agreed to return and lend a hand. I tell you, Zhu Li's great with compromise."

"Oooookay." Rarity said.

"Well, would you look at that?" Varrick said. "Either you're a group of spirits that hasn't been documented yet or you're real, physical, talking ponies."

"Who's this whack-job?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"This is Varrick." Lin introduced. "He's got a rap sheet as long as my arm."

"Hey, I amended all that, remember?" Varrick asked. "In fact, I've got some ideas I'd like to run by the world leaders at their meeting... if you don't mind Mr. President."

"It's against my better judgment," Raiko sighed, "But all right."

"Great!" Varrick said. "Now, we can..."

Suddenly, Varrick got knocked over by a more muscular man tripping over him. The other guy quickly got up and had panic.

"President Raiko! We got trouble!"

"Calm down, my friend." Raiko said lowering his hands. "Everyone, this is Crem-Sun, my bodyguard." He turned back to his bodyguard. "What's the matter?"

"It's... very bad news." Crem-Sun said. "I was at the White Lotus prison, and then, I learn that Zaheer... has escaped!" Nobody responded leaving him feeling awkward. "...You already knew that, didn't you?"

"Yes." Tenzin said.

"Sorry." Crem-Sun chuckled. "See, I'm a little worked up. Raiko's re-election is soon and I'm a little busy."

"That reminds me." Raiko said. "Crem, do you have my promotional posters?"

Crem-Sun widened his eyes and his face was full of worry and fear. "Oh... yeah... about that... Give me a minute. Ah! They were taken... by a knight."

"A knight?" Twilight asked raising an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

"Of course!" Crem-Sun lied obviously. "And he was very aggressive too. Mean, I'd have to say. Very, very mean. This knight, he had a voice like thunder and a sword as fast as lightning. He came out on me like a whirlwind. All in all, I'd have to say..."

Everyone leaned their heads forward to listen.

"...It was a dark and stormy knight."

Raiko widened his eyes and groaned. "Crem-Sun, if you lost the posters again, you can just tell me."

"Really?" Crem-Sun asked. "Okay. I lost them."

"I smell a bozo." Applejack whispered.

"Anyway," Twilight said pulling out the Red Eye's bag, "This belonged to the Red Eye. Perhaps we can gain some information about him in here."

"Let me look!" Pinkie Pie said stuffing her head in the bag.

"PINKIE, GET OUT OF THERE!" Twilight said pulling Pinkie out of the bag. "You could have accidently eaten something valuable."

"That's a little farfetched, don't you think?" Varrick asked.

"No, it isn't." Applejack said. "At our last Hearth's Warming Eve dinner, she ate the entire dinner."

"So?" Varrick asked.

"...She ate the food *and* the plates." Applejack said.

"Well, if you don't mind, we've got work to do." Raiko said. "I've got to prepare for my re-election, Varrick's got to invent some things, and you all need to find and stop the Red Lotus. Crem-Sun, show them the door."

"It's that way." Crem-Sun said pointing at the door.

Raiko rested his hand upon his face. "No. I mean, escort them out."

"Oh, right." Crem-Sun said. He opened the door and exited with everyone else.

"Well, the good news is, we know absolutely NOTHING!" Timberwolf shouted.

"Looks like Raiko knows about as much about the Red Eye as we do." the Shadow Blot said.

"I wonder what he does to relieve stress." Devastator said.

"Well..." Crem-Sun said, "I don't know about relieving stress, but Raiko does have mysterious phone calls that he doesn't tell anyone about like it's some big, giant secret."

Everyone pointed their noses at the same direction quickly.

"Hello!" Asami said. "Didn't it ever occur to you that it is some big, giant secret?"

"That would explain a lot." Crem-Sun said. "But he's the president. What does he have to hide?"

"Hold on." Korra said. "Doesn't being a president automatically give you diplomatic immunity?"

"Now, Korra, don't make any accusations just yet." Tenzin said. "We can't convince anyone of anything until we have proof. For all we know, Raiko might have secret calls with his employees. Let's just find out about the Red Eye."

Before Korra could leave with the others, Bolin sighed. "Hey, Korra." Korra and Twilight turned around. "There's something you need to know. See, it may have been a few days, but still, a lot has happened while you were away."

"What do you mean?" Korra asked.

"It's... about Mako." Bolin said. "He didn't want me to tell you just yet, but I can't hold it back anymore. He's... in a relationship."

"He is?" Korra asked.

"Why wouldn't he want Korra to know that?" Twilight asked.

"It's a long story." Korra said. "Now, Bolin, do you mean, he has a... girlfriend?"

"Actually, they haven't made it official yet." Bolin said. "They met once in the morning and had a date the night after. They decided to keep dating."

"Well... good for Mako." Korra said nervously. "Tell me, what's the girl's name?"

---

Meanwhile, in a fancy restaurant, Mako sat in a round table with two seats and a candle in the middle. Suddenly, a girl his age arrived. When he saw her, he smiled.

"You made it." Mako said.

"Never doubt I would." the girl said.

The girl leaned in and pecked her lips on Mako's cheek making him blush.

---

At the same time, Bolin told Korra the girl's name. "Iris."

Author's Notes:

Sorry this took a while. I just came out of a lazy Spring Break. Anyway, to answer your question... yes, Iris is using Mako to get to Korra and everything else he knows. Also, the song featured here is based off of "It's Tough to Be a God" from Road to El Dorado.

Escape

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"

Author's Notes:

Here's where things get really intense. The next chapter will feature the Red Eye's intention for the Mighty Machines, the Red Eye's real name, and more. The song featured here is based off "Are You In or Out" from Aladdin 3.

Unthinkable

Several leaders from around the world entered the council office where President Raiko was waiting. The people who entered were Fire Lord Izumi, Chief Tonraq, Chiefs Eska and Desna, Tenzin, and War Chief Pakku.

"Hey, cuz." Pakku greeted Tenzin. "How's the family?"

"Fine, Pakku." Tenzin said rubbing his fingers on the sides of his head. "Honestly, I don't know who I want more; you or Bumi."

"That's my cousin, ladies and gentlemen." Pakku said.

"Hello, everyone." Raiko said.

"I hope there's a good reason you called an emergency meeting, Raiko." Eska said.

"Yeah." Desna agreed. "I was brooding when we got the message."

"Everyone, I called this meeting to discuss a dire matter," Raiko explained, "The return of the Red Lotus."

Everyone couldn't believe what they heard. Only Tenzin appeared unsurprised.

"But I thought the Red Lotus was through when we imprisoned Zaheer." Tonraq said.

"As we learned, there's more where that came from." Tenzin said. "They are lead by a madman calling himself the Red Eye and we don't know who he really is. And already, he's gathered allies from another world. Luckily, so have we."

"I don't understand." Izumi said.

Raiko and Tenzin took turns explaining everything they knew about Equestria, Discord, the Mane 6, and the Red Eye's magic. They even talked about Miles being a bi-bender.

"That's trippy." Pakku said. "What about the Avatar herself?"

"It's all right." Tenzin said. "She and the others are already on their way to Zaofu being escorted by Varrick."

Suddenly, the door slammed open. Crem-Sun ran in with plenty of papers in his arms. He called for the president until a piece of paper fell under his foot and he tripped over. Raiko smacked his palm on his face.

"Crem-Sun, what are you doing here?" Raiko asked with irritation in his voice.

"President Raiko, sir." Crem-Sun said. "Remember that warehouse where the Avatar almost arrested the Red Eye, but let him go 'cause you said so."

"I didn't say..." Raiko growled. He breathed in and out. "Yes, I remember. What about it?"

"Well, the search team gave me this stuff to show you." Crem-Sun said. "It seems to be some kind of weapon plans."

Crem-Sun spread out the papers. The world leaders observed them.

"Hey," Pakku said, "I've seen this stuff before."

"In the bodyguard's arms?" Izumi asked rolling her eyes.

"No, Miss Shut-Up." Pakku said. "On the arm of Kuvira's giant mech, only bigger."

"What?" Raiko asked. He took another look and saw that Pakku was right. "Look. It looks exactly like it, but it seems to be... hand-held. It's even powered by spirit vines.

"How do they know how to build them?" Tonraq asked. "Very few people know."

"Varrick knows." Raiko growled. "I should have known..."

"Varrick?" Pakku asked. "Don't be silly. I know him, and if he's the Red Eye, I'm Princess Yue."

"It's just a theory." Raiko said. "The way I see it, we need someone who knows the full extent of its power. Someone like..." He widened his eyes before taking a deep breath. The other leaders leaned in. "Well, desperate times call for desperate measures."

---

In Varrick's train, Iris and Lok were tied up and lit by a bright lamp over their heads. Team Avatar, the Mane 6 and the Power Ponies stood over them. Filli-Second raised her hoof and smacked Lok across his beak.

"Filli, you're supposed to ask him a question first." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"Oh, right." Filli-Second said. She turned back at the bird. "Quick! What color is my underwear?" *SMACK*

"Let me handle this." Korra said. "All right, Iris, you better talk or..."

"Or what?" Iris asked. "You'll cut your hair some more? I'd never sell out my grandfather."

"Yeah." Lok agreed. "Nothing you do or say will make us talk."

Discord materialized a business suit and spoke in an Italian accent. "We will make you an offer you can't refuse."

"If you won't listen to us," the Masked Matterhorn said, "You'll listen to Saddle Rager. Devastator was her friend that your red goons kidnapped. I bet she'd get mad enough to stomp you both."

"You're talking about the costumed pipsqueak, right?" Lok asked. "Do I look like I was hatched yesterday?"

"Don't make fun." Spike said. "See, the Power Ponies are from a superhero universe. Saddle Rager's super power allows her to grow to a monstrous size filled with limitless rage. All she has to do is get angry enough. In fact, she has a secret that allows her to control it, but no one can figure it out."

"The point is, she can go all monster on you if you don't cooperate." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"You're bluffing." Iris called out.

"Try us." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"Uh, Twilight," Mako whispered, "Is it true about Saddle Rager and the monster-size thing?"

"Yeah." Twilight said. "It's all true."

"That's not exactly a good thing right now." Mako said. "We're on a speeding train and a growing pony might break some walls and blow us all out."

"OKAY!" Lok shouted. "OKAY, WE'LL TALK!"

"LOK, DON'T BE STUPID!" Iris shouted.

"All right, Tweety." Anar D said holding the bird up. "Time to sing."

"What do you want to know?" Lok asked in panic.

"Who is the Red Eye?" Korra asked.

"I don't know his real name." Lok confessed. "Neither does Iris. We were supposed to learn when he gets his artifact."

"Artifact?" Asami asked. "I thought you wanted three artifacts."

"Don't say anything!" Iris shouted.

"Those three artifacts are actually pieces to one." Lok said. "The Red Eye's after them all and he's always going to be one step ahead of all of you."

"How does he know what we can do?" Mako asked.

"How can he not?" Lok replied. "He's called the Red Eye for a reason. He's keeping a close watch on each and every one of you. It's how he knew that Discord turned good. He knows everything that happened to you... except where Korra has been for half of the year."

"What the june bugs is he talking about, Korra?" Applejack asked.

Korra hesitated on confessing. "Remember when I told you that Zaheer's poison put me out of commission for a few years. There's more to it. Somehow, the poison reached into my inner turmoil and I kept living my worst fears. I was supposed to return to Republic City after I could walk again, but my fears still haunted me, so I spent the next 6 months trying to conquer them. One thing lead to another, and... Well, the rest is history."

"That's it?" Lok asked. "That's what the Red Eye missed?"

"Enough about me." Korra said. "Tell me more about the Red Eye. How did he get his diplomatic immunity?"

"I don't know." Lok confessed in a panic. "I just know he got it the day before he broke you and the firebender up!" Lok realized what he just said and quickly covered his beak with his wings. The crowd fell silent while Korra and Mako were the most surprised.

"You're dead." Iris told her parrot.

"What do you mean he broke me and Mako up?" Korra asked.

Lok shifted his eyes looking for an escape, but each hero blocked his way out. He sighed. "The Red Eye didn't want so many friends with you when you were captured, so he thought you wouldn't have so much if you and he split up."

"How?" Mako asked demandingly. "How did he split us up?!"

"He said he put a simple thought in your head that it was your job before all else. He then secretly cast a spell that turned your thought into a belief and influenced him to reveal your secrets. Once the Avatar learned that her boyfriend sold her out, the relationship would be over."

Korra fell silent as she sat down on a chair. She had shock flowing through her eyes and she tried to believe it wasn't true, but she knew it was. The ponies approached her.

"Korra, are you..." Fluttershy asked.

"No, I'm not." Korra said. "I... I need some air." She walked to the back of the train.

"I suppose now's not the best time to ask the bird where the Red Eye got his scarf, is it?" Discord asked.

---

In an unknown location, the Red Eye raised his red scarf over his nose. "Bring them in."

The door across the room from him opened and some Red Lotus guards pushed in the Mighty Machines tied up in chains.

"I demand a lawyer!" Masque shouted. "If I can't afford a lawyer, one has to be provided for me. And no one told me I had the right to remain silent!"

"Masque, you HAVE the right to remain silent." Rodan said. "What you lack is the capacity."

"Don't bother trying to escape." the Red Eye said. "You see, those chains are made of platinum, so you can't break out. And I placed a spell on them that prohibit your powers."

"If you think you can hold us hostage so you can take back Pandora's Box, you're looking for a fight." the Shadow Blot said.

"Now, now." the Red Eye said. "Let's not blow this out of proportion. I already have one hostage. What use do I have for 6 others?"

"What?" Timberwolf asked. "I don't understand."

"You should put that on a shirt." the Red Eye said. "Look up."

The Mighty Machines saw a cage hanging from the ceiling above them. They saw a woman inside of it. She had a pair of glasses above the gag covering her mouth.

"Who's that?" Dusk asked.

"That..." the Red Eye answered, "Is Zhu Li."

"Zhu Li?" the Shadow Blot gasped. "Varrick's wife? But, that means..."

"Varrick is leading the Avatar into a trap if he wants to see his wife again." the Red Eye finished.

"That's insane." Devastator said. "But... what do you want with us, then?"

"Just this." the Red Eye said pointing his hand towards the Machines. "Aday, tijla, wumunes!"

Suddenly, a red flash of lightning blasted out of his fingers and hit the Mighty Machines. They shouted in pain like something was being pulled out of them. After a couple of minutes of this torture, the pain stopped.

"HA!" Masque shouted trying to go through the pain. "Your spell didn't work."

"Didn't it?" the Red Eye asked.

The Mighty Machines looked and gasped. There was a pile of wirewolf machines next to them. They then looked at each other and screamed when they saw not wirewolves, but stallions.

"PONIES!" Timberwolf shouted. "WE'RE PONIES AGAIN!"

"You're welcome." the Red Eye said.

"Wait." Dusk said. "Devastator! He wasn't a pony before! He was a..."

They looked and saw a white dog with a surprised face. It tried to speak, but it only barked.

"This is nuts!" Ricky said. "Why did you do this?!"

"Our engineers are quite curious to see how it works." the Red Eye said. "And I'm sure I can find some use based on what we learn. I'm sure we can find something to benefit my master."

"You can't take away our wirewolf forms for your master's gain." Terry protested. "Who do you think you are?"

"I can do whatever I want." the Red Eye said. "No one tells me what to do! Not anymore!

"I guarantee

That you will all see

When you learn what I've learned

You will all soon agree

The system is corrupt

And abruptly

So full of greed

I... will compleeeeeeeete

My one... greatest feeeeeeaaaaaat

The future I'll create

And would you really hate

No chaaaaaaaaaaance

Now, would you spite my gain

And would you give bane

TO MY PLAAAAAAAAAAANS

WHY CAN'T... YOU UNDERSTAAAAAAAAAAAAND"

Suddenly, the lights at the end of the room flickered on revealing five stables and a pet-carrier. The Red Eye forcefully pushed in each of the former Mighty Machines in before throwing Devastator in the carrier. The cages closed and locked. The ponies and dog were frightened while the Red Eye finished his song.

"I'VE LEARNED ALL THESE YEARS

THAT I HAVE NO PEERS

SOME LIVES WILL BE LOST

BUT I WILL NOT SHED TEEEEEEEAAAAAAARS

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA"

---

Back at the train, Korra was leaning herself at the railroad railings thinking about what Lok confessed. She didn't turn her head to the door, even when it opened. Somehow, she knew who the two joining her were.

"Are you all right?" Twilight Sparkle said.

"We were worried." Mako added.

"It's just..." Korra said, "Unthinkable. Three years ago, before we even knew the Red Lotus existed, they still got themselves involved in my life, and they changed it. They manipulated my heart."

"I have a question," Twilight said, "Are you upset because the Red Eye played with your emotions, or because you just realized you and Mako broke up for the wrong reason."

"I..." Korra was nearly at a loss for words. "When that parrot said that the Red Eye broke me and Mako up, I felt so, so guilty."

"Of what?" Mako asked.

"Of still having my feelings." Korra said. "I forgot about them in my 3-year absence. But at the wedding reception, when you told me that you'd be at my side no matter what, my feelings came back into balance. That's why I had to take a vacation; to clear my head and try to decide where to go from there. Now, a bigger problem pops up unexpectedly and..."

"That's okay." Mako said. "Really, I understand. But Korra, no matter where you go or what you do, I'll keep true to my word."

"Thanks, Mako." Korra said. She turned to the princess next to her. "And thank you, Twilight. Sorry I would have a hard time listening to you lately."

"It's okay, Korra." Twilight said. "It makes sense. I mean, we're completely different. But my friends and I, we're completely different to each other as well, and still, we managed to become the best of friends in the end. We're even friends with Discord, who is exactly different from the six of us combined. And I'm sure the Power Ponies feel the same way."

"Good." Korra said. "Let's just relax on our way to Zaofu."

"There's one thing I don't understand." Twilight said. "How did the Red Eye get close enough to cast that influence spell on Mako?"

"Hold on." Mako said widening his eyes. "I was talking to someone who told me my job was more important than anything else, someone who wouldn't want things not to go his way, someone who was close enough to cast the spell on me: President Raiko."

"I knew it!" Korra shouted angrily. "When I get my hands on him, I'll..."

Suddenly, a loud sound echoed from the top of the mountain they were just passing. A rock-slide fell from the top and hit the area in front of the train. Varrick was forced to pull the emergency brake and the train suddenly stopped knocking everyone off balance.

"WHAT'S GOING ON?!" Bolin shouted.

Suddenly, a group of red claws tore through the ceiling and ripped it open. Tirek's red face appeared with a devilish grin.

"If you wanted a sunroof, you could've asked!" Varrick shouted.

"Hello, again!" the centaur growled.

"Whoa!" Discord shouted. "Not even a mother could love that face!"

"I know the feeling." Anar D said.

"Hey, are you two related," Tirek asked, "Because I definitely see a resemblance."

Korra, Mako, and Twilight Sparkle arrived with their friends and shared their surprised expression.

"You're taking a big risk coming here alone, Tirek!" Twilight shouted.

"Who said I'm alone?" Tirek asked.

Tirek grabbed the train cart and threw it to its side. Everyone rolled out and into the dirt below. They regained their senses while Hum Drum widened his eyes.

"Uh, Korra, who are they?"

Korra, Mako, Bolin, Asami, Miles, Varrick, Iris, and Lok were surprised to see a group of people wearing green outfits and masks that looked like exterminators. Some were riding on motorcycles and some were swinging around bolas. At the front, the lieutenant carried a pair of metal sticks that sparked electricity at their ends.

"Equalists!" Korra shouted. "What are you doing?!"

"Ridding the world of you." the lieutenant replied. "We have a new method for ridding the world of bending: Tirek."

"Should we ask who these guys are?" Rarity asked.

"No, I'm pretty sure I got the idea when that guy said they were going to get rid of the benders." Rainbow Dash said.

"Equalists, take the stone box!" Tirek commanded

Suddenly, the Equalists readied their weapons and charged at the ponies and their friends. During the battle, Iris carried Lok to Tirek.

"Tirek!" Iris screamed. "It's great to see you again! Brilliant plan to free us and take the box from the Avatar and the princess!"

"I... did not realize you'd be here." Tirek said.

"Well, now that you're here, I suppose you'd want to free me so we can take the box together." Iris continued. "I have a personal score to settle with the Avatar after this."

"Actually, I can't let the Equalists know I'm working with a bender like you." Tirek said. "They need to know I support their beliefs."

"That's... That's not fair!" Iris protested. "What about Zaheer?"

"What about him?" Tirek asked. "We just can't have the Equalists meet your father. Now then..." He turned to the Equalists. "Equalists! This airbender is attempting to attack me!"

A trio of Equalists jumped toward Iris and surrounded her.

"This is not going to go well." Lok gulped.

But before the Equalists could attack, a fire-ball hit the ground next to one of them. The Equalists looked and saw Miles heading for them. He opened a bottle at his side and bent all the water in it. He covered an Equalists with it and quickly turned it to ice, weighing the attacker to the ground.

The remaining attackers threw their bolas toward Miles, but he dodged them and countered with fire strikes. One strike knocked an Equalist back and the other one threw a chi-punch at Miles, but he grabbed his arm and flipped him over. Miles then jumped toward Iris.

"Some friend, huh?" Miles asked mockingly.

Meanwhile, Equalists on motorcycles circled Derpy. Suddenly, Anar D appeared and wrapped his tail around each of the Equalists. He tossed them aside as he observed Derpy.

"Oh, no!" Anar D gasped. "They confused the pegasus! That's a little redundant. Guess it's not a bad day for you, is it?"

"Mind if I cut in?" a familiar voice asked. The Doctor stood behind Anar D.

"Doc!" Anar D cheered. "We need the help."

"Anar D?" the Doctor asked. "What are you doing in this world?"

"What do you mean?" Anar D asked. "You brought me and my friends here?"

"I did?" the Doctor asked. "Oh, you must be talking about my future self. Well, after you're safe here, I'll retrieve them and..."

"DOCY!" Derpy shouted jumping and hugging the Doctor. "IT'S GREAT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!"

"You again?" the Doctor asked. "Look, Derpy, I know that..." He widened his eyes when he saw the lieutenant running towards them. "LOOK OUT!"

The lieutenant thrust his stick, but the Doctor pushed Derpy off just in time. Suddenly, the electric end of the stick struck the Doctor's leg and he screamed in pain. The pain stopped and Tirek followed the scream. The centaur widened his eyes when he saw what happened.

"Oh, no." Tirek gasped. "EQUALISTS, GET DOWN!"

Everyone was confused, but they followed anyway. Everyone fell to the ground, especially Tirek, and covered their heads. The heroes were confused.

"What's going on?" Miles asked.

"I don't know." Iris said. "The Red Eye never told me anything about that Doctor guy."

Suddenly, everyone was surprised to see the train start to fade. The train and the tracks disappeared slowly until they were completely gone.

"I... What just happened?" Applejack asked.

"I don't know." Rarity said. "First, it was there. And now, it's not."

"Would someone care to explain what happened to my train?" Varrick asked.

"Only the train disappeared?" Tirek asked. "Good. Now, we can..." He was surprised to see Discord above his face wearing a sailor's suit and carrying a harpoon.

"I SEE THE WHALE!" Discord shouted in a sailor's accent.

Suddenly, winds started to blow. Everyone looked and saw 3 dark-green airships hovering above them.

"We're outnumbered!" the lieutenant shouted. "What are your orders, Tirek?"

"Retreat!" Tirek growled loudly.

The Equalists threw canisters to the ground and they all sprayed an unclear smoke around the field. Korra blew the smoke away, but neither Tirek nor the Equalists were seen.

"What happened?" Twilight asked. "Who are those people up there?"

One airship landed and the hanger door opened up. A woman was revealed that scared the humans.

"It's you!" Korra gasped.

"No way!" Mako gasped.

"It... can't be!" Bolin gasped.

"Uh, oh!" Varrick gasped.

"What are you doing here?" Asami asked.

"I'm yelling words!" Pinkie Pie shouted.

"Uh, Korra, who is that?" Twilight asked.

"Someone I didn't think I'd see again anytime soon." Korra said. "That's... Kuvira."

"Hello again, Avatar." the former Great Uniter said.

Kuvira gestured everyone inside her ship.

---

The inside of the ship looked like Kuvira's office in her old train. Everyone sat in different chairs. She looked at Iris and Lok.

"Take them to the brig." Kuvira commanded.

"Cool, she has a brig." Discord said.

"Here." Kuvira said offering a hot beverage to Korra. "As a gesture of good will."

"Is it poisoned?" Asami asked.

"Yes, Asami." Kuvira answered sarcastically. "I traveled half-way across the country after getting out of prison, fly over an Equalist ambush to rescue you... so I could then poison you."

"Korra, we can't trust her." Asami whispered. "This woman is a snake."

"She willingly surrendered and took full responsibility for what she did." Korra said. "Plus, she saved us from Tirek. We owe her thanks at least."

"Hold on." Rainbow Dash said. "So this is the woman who tore apart half of Republic City?"

"I admit, I've done some bad things," Kuvira said, "But don't forget, I too am an enemy of the Red Lotus. And right now, they're getting more powerful. The council has learned that they're building hand-held versions of the spirit cannon."

"What?" Korra gasped.

"Yes." Kuvira said. "And when Raiko learned about it, he released me because I'm the only one who knows how strong the cannon can be."

"Raiko sent you?" Mako asked. "Kuvira, there's something you need to know."

"We've learned that Raiko and the Red Eye are one and the same." Twilight added.

"That's insane." Kuvira said. "Sure, Raiko isn't in his right mind sometimes, but he certainly can't be a terrorist leader."

"Things are not what they appear." the Doctor said getting up.

"Doctor, you're all right." Derpy said hugging him.

"What disappeared?" the Doctor asked.

"That's a weird question to ask during a hug." Derpy said.

"It's my train." Varrick said. "That horse-man and the Equalists hit the deck and my train faded like it was nothing."

"That's because it is nothing." the Doctor said. "At least, now it is."

"I... don't understand." Miles said.

"It's like this." the Doctor said. "It's me. When time was first created, I became the living embodiment. And whenever I am injured, there's a disruption in the space-time continuum and something becomes erased from existence."

"The living embodiment of time... is a pony?" Mako asked.

"Actually, I have many forms." the Doctor said. "I can be a human, a pony, a dragon, or even a koala bear. I'm just in this form now because it's necessary right now. But whatever I am, I still have my duty: to maintain the time-stream and make sure everything that's supposed to happen actually happen."

"Then... could you bring back my train?" Varrick asked. "We have an appointment to Zaofu and..."

"No!" the Doctor said. "You have to head east to the village of Heong-Hua. Someone's going to be there who'll need your help."

"This doesn't make any sense." Kuvira said. "I'm meant to transport them safely to Zaofu to study the spirit gun plans. I can't just change my plans."

"You don't know what you're messing with, Kuvira." the Doctor said. "The last time somebody messed with the time-stream, friendship nearly didn't exist!"

Everyone suddenly fell silent.

"What?" Twilight asked. "What do you mean by that?"

The Doctor sighed. "It started millennia ago, before friendship existed. There was a very, very thin number of timelines in existence. In one timeline, there was a kingdom of pure darkness and no light at all. It was called Tambelon. It was ruled by a dark king with a special form of magic. He could summon any force of nature, no matter how powerful. He stole my powers and stored them in his Bell of Darkness. He attempted to expand his kingdom through all of history. Suddenly, a new force of nature known as the Bird of Paradise rose up and destroyed his bell. At that wave, friendship was created and countless of other timelines were created on the foundation of that. You see, every detail in time has a part to play and without it, a great future can't exist. That's why you must continue on: to create that future."

"THAT IS THE BEST BEDTIME STORY EVER!" Filli-Second shouted.

"I see." the Masked Matterhorn said. "And what will you be doing while we're rescuing whoever needs our help?"

"Well, since the time-stream says I have you bring the Power Ponies and the Mighty Machines in this world," the Doctor said rubbing his bruised leg, "I'll just travel to the past and pick them up."

"Good luck, I guess." Korra said.

The Doctor closed his eyes and disappeared. Derpy then cried.

"HE'S GONE AGAAAAIIIIIN!" Derpy cried with tears.

"Well... I guess we go to Heong-Hua." Asami said.

"Hold on." Kuvira said. "None of this makes any sense. What does Heong-Hua have to do with the Red Lotus? And if Raiko is the Red Eye, why would he wait until now to return?"

"Phew." Pinkie Pie said placing a piece of paper at the table. "Look what I found. It's some kind of message."

"Pinkie, where did you get this?" Zapp said.

"I guess it must have been in the Red Eye's bag I rummaged through the other day." Pinkie Pie said. "I guess I accidentally swallowed it. You wouldn't believe what I went through to get it out."

"I think I do." Rarity said levitating a pencil and scooting the paper away from her.

"What's it say?" Mistress Marevelous asked.

Mako looked at it and read it out loud. "'Glad to hear you escaped. Now, the situation has changed. Your objective is to kill the Avatar now. Apprehend her and more instructions will come your way. Signed, the Red Eye, aka..."

"What?" Radiance asked. "What else?"

"It... It's obscured." Mako said. "There's some kind of frosting stain."

"I'll fix that." Discord said. "Bippiti-boppiti-boo!" He zapped the paper and several letters appeared above it being scrambled.

"Discord, you're making this in Equestrian language." Twilight said. "These humans have a different writing style."

"Relax, I made this universal." Discord said. "What reads as our language to us, it's their's to them."

Suddenly, a few letters were revealed. When it was done, everyone was surprised and shaking their heads. They couldn't believe the name they're seeing.

"The plot thickens." Anar D said.

The name is crystal clear in both languages to everyone. They knew that out of everything that happened that day, this was truly unthinkable.

"Xai Bau"

Author's Notes:

It took a lot of work to make a chapter like this. I'm trying my best for each chapter to be as long as an episode, but if there's one that isn't, don't comment about it. Yes, Xai Bau, the original founder of the Red Lotus, is also the Red Eye. Next chapter, we'll reveal the purpose of the artifacts, who the Red Eye and Tirek's master is, and how Asami is connected to it. If you have any questions, I'm open for them.

The song here is based off the Jester's Song from Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return (the movie version, not the extended soundtrack version).

Operation: Fall

Raiko looked out his office window without a grin on his face. He couldn't smile even if he wanted to. And his bodyguard entering the room didn't help him.

"Uh, boss," Crem-Sun said, "I got word from some of Kuvira's soldiers."

"No need to tell me, Crem-Sun." Raiko said. "I already know her position."

"And you're not upset?" Crem-Sun asked. "Can I tell them to continue heading East?"

"What?" Raiko asked in surprise.

"They're heading East." Crem-Sun said. "They said they're going to the village of Heong-Hua."

"No!" Raiko shouted. "This is disobeying a direct order from the president! Take me there now!"

"Really, boss?" Crem-Sun asked. "Can't I just tell Tenzin?"

"This doesn't concern Tenzin." Raiko said. "I have a re-election coming up and I can't have people disobeying my every order. Just drive me to Heong-Hua. I'll call in some soldiers to meet us there."

"Sure, boss." Crem-Sun said.

The two of them walked out of the building and hopped into a limo. Crem-Sun sat into the driver's seat and Raiko told him to roll up the window as he entered. As the vehicle drove off, Raiko picked up the phone beside him and dialed in a number.

---

Izumi was at her flagship dock looking out of the ocean. She didn't know that in the bridge, a phone rang. A soldier picked it up and placed it in his ear.

"The red sunset shines..." a distorted voice said.

"...Over the free." the fire soldier said.

"The time has come." the voice said. "Execute Operation: Fall."

"It will be done, Red Eye." the fire soldier said before hanging up the phone.

The soldier turned to his fellow soldiers and nodded. About 10-20 soldiers performed a sneak attack on some of the other soldiers. They approached the Fire Lord, who shifted her eyes suspiciously.

Suddenly, before the traitors could attack, Izumi swept the air with her feet and a wave of fire flew out of the kick. She took the opportunity and ran from them. She went below deck and saw some sailors waiting.

"Get the ship ready, now!" she commanded.

"What's going on?" a soldier asked.

"Some kind of mutiny." Izumi shouted. "Just get us out of here!"

As soon as the traitorous soldiers broke down the door to the lower deck, the smaller ship already sailed out of the flagship and away from the Red Lotus.

"This is getting out of hand." Izumi said. "What's going on?"

"Fire Lord," a sailor shouted from the communication room, "We're getting SOS's from Eska, Desna, Tonraq, and Pakku! They're getting attacked by their own crew as well. They concluded that they are Red Lotus spies."

"No." Izumi gasped. "Tell them to escape as soon as possible! The Red Lotus must not win!" She looked at the horizon. "It would take a miracle at this point now."

---

"And this is what it should look like." Discord said presenting a projection of a gray, metal bowl with markings and a deep bottom from the rim.

"That's what the bowl should look like?" the Masked Matterhorn asked.

"That's how it was described by the Red Eye," Discord said, "Or should I say, Xai Bau."

"Wait." Kuvira said. "Xai Bau found the Red Lotus 70 years ago."

"Yes." Korra said.

"So he's supposed to be dead." Kuvira said.

"Yes." Korra agreed.

"But now, the Red Eye, the current leader, is claiming to be Xai Bau." Kuvira continued.

"Yes!" Korra exclaimed. "I don't understand it either."

"Right now, we should focus on this." Twilight said.

"Right!" Derpy agreed. "...What are we looking at?"

"The bowl!" Twilight said. "The Doctor said that the bowl, the cylinder, and the ball in each world makes an artifact. We just need to piece them together."

"Well, I know when I'm needed." Varrick said. "Just let me get my rack."

"Your what-now?" Hum Drum asked.

"It's his thing." Korra said while Varrick exits the room. "He puts a hot pepper in his mouth upside-down and somehow, he comes up with a brainstorm. He calls it 'imagivation'."

"Makes sense to me." Pinkie Pie said.

"Me too." Filli-Second said.

"Seems like a waste of time if you ask me." Mako said when Varrick returned with a rack.

"Kid, if it's a waste of time to use this method, Varrick Industries would be bankrupt before I get it off the ground." Varrick said. "Now, to do this. I need someone to put the pepper in my mouth."

"I'll do it," Spike said, "But only to shut you up."

Spike picked up a red pepper and stuffed it in Varrick's mouth.

"Okay." Varrick said closing his eyes. "Here it goes." As his face got more red, he strained harder. "Metal pencils! Stickers that look like people! Tap-dancing platypus!" He sighed and opened his eyes. "Sorry, everyone. I just can't..." He widened his eyes suddenly. "Hold on! I'm seeing it from a different angle."

"You mean you're inspired about what it is?" Applejack asked.

"No!" Varrick said standing back up. "I mean I'm seeing it from a different angle! Discord, flip the bowl!"

Discord held up the holographic bowl and turned it upside down. Everyone then stared at the new shape. The bottom was now up and the curved rim was at the bottom.

"Hold on." Mako gasped. "This... plus a cylinder... and a ball... and each of them has a hole! This isn't a bowl; it's a... a bell."

"Like the Bell of Darkness?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"What?" Mako asked.

"Like the Doctor said." Pinkie Pie said. "The evil king of Tambelon took his powers and stored it in a Bell of Darkness until the Bird of Paradise destroyed it and created friendship." *SQUEE*

"Destroyed it..." Asami said, "...Or broke it apart? And what if that king wants the job done?"

"Then that means that the Red Eye is working for him." Korra realized.

"And Arcanus too!" Zapp said.

"And now, Tirek." Twilight Sparkle said. "Whoever this dark master is, he's behind all this!"

"And if this dark master prevails, he might try to expand his kingdom again." Kuvira said. "He's going to turn all of creation into his own, personal Tambelon."

"Oh, dear." Bolin shrieked. "I'm too young to live in an evil kingdom."

---

"Do you have any idea how silly that sounds?" Lok asked the ponies and Miles from inside his prison cell with Iris. "The Red Eye would never work with a king."

"Yeah?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Well, the Red Eye would also never be By Bow."

"Xai Bau." Twilight Sparkle corrected.

"Whatever." Rainbow Dash said.

"The point is, for some reason, the Red Eye is working for him." Twilight Sparkle said. "And I think he knows it."

"Stop talking." Iris said. "My grandfather would never..."

"Now, now." Fluttershy said. "We're not here to offend you. We just need you to help us."

"Why should we?" Iris asked.

"If you want your first friends, you should be on the right side." Fluttershy said.

"First friends?" Iris asked. "Honey, I've got plenty of friends already."

"You mean Tirek, who was going to leave you with the Equalists?" Miles scoffed. "Yeah, that's true friendship."

"And what are friends good for anyway?" Lok said. "All of that's just more weight on your shoulders."

"That's not true." Twilight said. "Friendship is how we got here today."

"Look, what makes you think we're enough to stop the Red Lotus." Lok said. "I mean, look at us.

"I barely want to help. You ponies are new

The Avatar's been hidden for years

And now, you think you can fight something

That even the Doctor fears

Well, if you want to die, then it's your right

I won't say anything about your route

But give me one good reason I should risk my life

For people I couldn't care less abooooooouuuuuuuut"

"Because..." Twilight Sparkle sang,

"That's what a friend is for"

"Oh, that's what a friend is for," Rarity sang.

"That's what a friend is for," Applejack sang.

"And more," Pinkie Pie sang.

"That's what a friend is for," Rainbow Dash sang.

"You give some consideration," Fluttershy sang,

"Give others a hoof, or hand

And when life gets tough

You'll be big enough

To help us understand

And we'll always help

We'll always be there

We'll be at your side

No matter where"

"That's what a friend is for," Twilight Sparkle sang.

"Oh, that's what a friend is for," Rarity sang.

"That's what a friend is for," Applejack sang.

"And more," Pinkie Pie sang.

"That's what a friend is for," Rainbow Dash sang.

Scoffing at the song, Iris turned and approached the far end of the cell. Miles followed.

"You're all nuts!" Lok shouted.

"Acting all generous. Having a few laughs

Being so loyal and kind

If you think all that can get you so far

Then you're out of your mind

Now, that stuff may work in Equestria

Except now, you're a long way from home

Tell me one reason why I shouldn't turn tail

And leave you to fight all alooooooooone"

"Because..." Twilight Sparkle sang,

"That's what a friend is for"

"Oh, that's what a friend is for," Rarity sang.

"That's what a friend is for," Applejack sang.

"And more," Pinkie Pie sang.

"That's what a friend is for," Rainbow Dash sang.

"It doesn't matter if you're weak," Fluttershy sang,

"You'll know how strong you are in part

Birds of a feather

Has to be together

You should know that in your heart

When life gets too much, you'll let us in

And we'll help you out through thick and thin"

"THAT'S WHAT A FRIEND IS FOR," everyone sang,

"OH, THAT'S WHAT A FRIEND IS FOR

THAT'S WHAT A FRIEND IS FOR

AND MORE

THAT'S WHAT A FRIEND... IS FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR"

Iris scoffed and turned away. Miles approached her.

"Ponies, right?" Miles asked. "You know, they told me you have magic just like your grandfather. Why haven't you used that to escape?"

"Because my magic is hard to control most of the time." Isis said. "Basically, the only place where I can control it is at that colorful, childish pony world. Look, if you're attempting to appeal to my sensibility, you can forget it. I'd never abandon my grandfather."

"After all the bad stuff he's done?" Miles said. "He turned me into a bi-bender. I didn't even ask to be a regular firebender. But then your grandfather's goons jumped me and he used his hocus-pocus to give me another guy's waterbending. Now, I feel like I belong in a circus."

"You certainly have the face for it, steam breath." Iris cracked.

"Low blow." Miles said. "The point is, then, I realized that people are still willing to befriend me, no matter what I can do. If there's a real chance for me to have someone to rely on, then that same chance can be for you."

Iris changed her expression to regret. As soon as Miles turned around, she spoke out.

"Wait! There's something you need to know. I may not no a lot about my grandfather--in fact, now, I have a lot of questions--but I know something big. Something that threatens all governments in the world."

Miles turned and listened.

---

President Raiko and Crem-Sun stopped their limo at the front of a small village. They stepped out and observed the environment.

"That's odd." Raiko said. "I don't remember Heong-Hua surrounded by a desert." He then saw a sign that made him angry. "Crem-Sun! This isn't Heong-Hua! This is the Misty Palms Oasis!"

"Oops." Crem-Sun said. "Guess I made a wrong turn a few miles back."

Raiko became furious and full of rage. "YOU MADE A WRONG TURN WHEN YOU WERE BORN!"

"Don't blame me, Mr. President." Crem-Sun said. "I'm only human."

"Just... get us at the right direction." Raiko said trying to calm down.

"Can we stop for lunch first?" Crem-Sun asked. "I've heard of a beverage place that has the best drinks in the Earth Kingdom."

"Fiiiine." Raiko sighed pinching between his eyes. "Just make it quick."

---

Outside of Heong-Hua (the right one), Kuvira's airships landed and everyone stepped out.

"Are you sure we're at the right place?" Bolin asked. "I don't see anyone in trouble around here."

"Trust me." the Masked Matterhorn said. "When the Doctor says something, it's always true."

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to look around." Korra said.

"EVERYONE!" Miles shouted as he ran behind them. "Trouble... World leaders... Danger!"

"Hello to you too, Frosty the Fireman." Anar D said.

"What's the problem?" Mako asked.

"I just got a confession from Iris." Miles said. "She said the Red Lotus has spies working close to the highest leaders in the world."

"You mean like Aiwei?" Asami asked.

"Like that," Miles said, "But times 50. They've been keeping watch on all the world leaders. Some of them have even been posing as world leaders. They then report their actions to the Red Eye."

"Of course." Korra gasped. "That's why the Red Eye couldn't find me in my absence. I've been monitored by government officials nearly all my life."

"Ooooooooh." Pinkie Pie said. "That's why he's called the Red Eye. I thought it was because he had a hard tim sleeping."

"Anything else?" Twilight asked.

"Yes." Miles said. "The spies are meant to take out the government they've infiltrated when the time is right."

"And since the Red Eye's getting desperate, it could be any minute." Kuvira said.

"Let's just get into the town." Mako said. "We still don't know who might need out help there."

Everyone walked and entered Heong-Hua. There were brick buildings and several people. Suddenly, Discord slapped a scarf, hat, and goggles at Kuvira's face.

"What's this for?" Kuvira asked angrily.

"Well, we're trying not to let the Red Lotus or the Equalists know we're here." Discord explained. "We're trying to blend in, even though we're as subtle as an elephant. Besides, I'd think you'd want to hide because of all the horrible things you've done to the Beifongs, the Earth governors, Prince Wu, and especially the people of Republic City."

Kuvira turned away with regret filling her eyes. Discord walked on over next to Asami.

"Goggles or no, she's still the monster she was." Asami growled.

"Oh, you don't really mean that, do you?" Fluttershy asked. "Discord has done worse stuff."

"Of course." Discord said. "I mean, what could she have done that..."

"Discord, I'd rather not talk about it!" Asami snapped angrily.

"Okay, okay, touchy." Discord said. "If you need me, I'll be in my box." Discord shrunk and hopped into the stone box, which was around Miles' waist.

"You see what you did?" Anar D asked. "You scared awesome away."

"Korra, what's up with her?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Asami's been giving Kuvira the cold shoulder since she saved us from Tirek."

"It's a little personal for her." Korra said. "See... To get into Kuvira's mech, Asami's dad punctured an opening into it, but at the same time, Kuvira crushed him. Kuvira killed Asami's dad. Just looking at her seems to fill Asami with anger."

The Equestrians turned their eyes at Asami. They then looked at each other and exchanged faces of worry.

---

Outside of Heong-Hua, the Equalist lieutenant saw the heroes through a telescope. He put it away and approached Tirek.

"The Avatar is in the town, sir. We're awaiting orders."

"How did they know about this place?" Tirek asked. "Bah, it doesn't matter. How's the Sato girl?"

"Seems upset, I guess." the lieutenant said confusingly.

"Good." Tirek said. "That was the point. She'll come to us with Pandora's Box."

"What?" the lieutenant asked. "Master, I don't understand."

"Do you think it was an accident that Kuvira came to the rescue?" Tirek asked. "No. See, the Red Eye arranged for that to happen just as easily as he arranged the Avatar's break-up with the firebender."

"I don't understand, sir." the lieutenant said. "How could the Red Eye arrange for Kuvira to arrive?"

"Let's just say, he's at a high position; very high."

---

"Here we go." Filli-Second said pulling her backpack. "Time for a break." She opened her bag and it was full of candy and sweets.

"Filli-Second, I told you to bring bare essentials." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"I did." Filli-Second said.

"Since when are sprinkled donuts, cupcakes, and lollipops bare essentials?" Kuvira asked.

"You should have seen what I left back in Maretropolis." Filli-Second said.

Suddenly, a loud roar was heard approaching from a distance. Everyone turned to where the sound came from, including the citizens.

"Devastator?" Zapp asked. "There's no way he can smell these all the way out here."

Suddenly, a stampede of colorful, unknown animals flew through the roadways in a riot. Everyone screamed in terror.

"Spirits!" Korra shouted.

"Filli, your baking brings out the beast in everyone!" Mistress Marevelous joked nervously.

"LOOK OUT!" Varrick screamed.

Everyone jumped to the side of the walls and avoided the stampede. Applejack grabbed a small spirit and pulled it to her.

"All right, you little varmint." Applejack said. "What's going on?"

"IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD!" the spirit shouted. "THE EVIL KING IS GOING TO END US BEFORE WE EVEN BEGIN!" The spirit struggled out of Applejack's hoof and flew back with the crowd.

"Korra?" Twilight asked.

"I don't know." Korra asked. "Spirits aren't usually this chaotic. We're going to have to round them up."

"YEE-HAW!" Anar D shouted pulling out a rope and threw it to the end. "GET ALONG, LITTLE SPIRITS!"

The rope wrapped around a small, random spirit and pulled him back toward the middle of the road. The spirit was blue and shaped like a meerkat. Twilight approached the struggling spirit and radiated a bright light that got his attention.

"Don't be alarmed." Twilight Sparkle said. "I am Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship from Equestria."

"Shirong." the spirit introduced himself. "Listen, you shouldn't have come here! You don't know what you've brought!"

"What are you talking about?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Where's your Sato friend?" Shirong asked.

"Asami?" Korra asked. "She's right..." Korra looked, but she couldn't find her friend. "Where'd she go?"

"I don't know." Zapp asked.

"Everyone, split up!" Mako said. "We've got to find Asami."

"You're coming with us, little guy." Spike said.

"Look who's calling who little, squirt." Shirong said.

Everyone looked around the town for Asami. They split up to cover more ground. While looking around a corner, Twilight saw a hooded figure kneeling over her bag.

"My bag!" she gasped catching the thief by surprise. "Everyone, that guy stole something from my bag." It didn't took longer than a second for the others to arrive.

"Don't come near me." the figure growled in a demonic voice. "If you do, you'll never see Asami Sato again!"

"Asami?" Korra asked. She then turned angry. "What did you do to Asami?"

"I did nothing." the figure said pulling out something from Twilight's bag. "Still, I can't speak for what you did, what you unleashed."

"What did I tell you?" Shirong asked the ponies.

Suddenly, a bent projectile swooped from the sky and struck the figure in the back of the head. As the figure shouted in pain, everyone saw the projectile turn back and land in the hand of the familiar man on the roof.

"War Chief Pakku!" Korra recognized.

"Can you believe my luck?" Pakku said approaching the hooded figure. "I was traveling not too farfrom here when my crew started going against me. Luckily, I managed to escape and arrive here. Who's this creep?"

The figure tried to strike Pakku, but the War Chief pulled out his boomerang and used it to counter the figure back on the ground.

"Whoa!" Applejack gasped. "That guy's good."

"Of course he is." Bolin said. "He's Sokka's son. Don't you notice his trademark boomerang?"

"All right, wise guy!" Rainbow Dash shouted hovering over the hooded figure. "Time to come clean!" She bit at the black hood and ripped it off. Everyone looked and gasped for they couldn't believe who they saw.

"It's you?" Korra gasped.

"No way!" Mako gasped.

"It... can't be!" Bolin gasped.

The ponies dropped their jaws.

"Asami?" Kuvira gasped when she recognized the black-haired beneath Rainbow Dash. "What are you doing?"

"Asami is gone!" she proclaimed. "There is only Grogar! ANEE, BAKAHALA!"

Suddenly, a strong pulse of wind blasted out of Asami's mouth. The wind blew everyone to the side. They never felt this much strength in power before. They heard a loud ringing in their ears and they could only see blurs when Asami approached Miles and took Pandora's Box from him. It took a five minutes for everyone to get their senses back, but Asami was already gone.

"Ooh, doggie," Derpy said, "I'm going to feel that tomorrow."

"What happened?" Varrick asked. "Where'd Asami go?"

"I don't know," Anar D said, "Because I was about two seconds away from passing out!"

"Well," Shirong said getting back up on his spirit feet, "I'd hate to say I told you so, but it's the end of the world and you've doomed us all."

"What's going on?" Kuvira asked. "Why did Ms. Sato attack us?"

"You idiots, don't you get it?" Shirong said. "That wasn't Asami. Well, not entirely anyway. She's possessed by the evil king of Tambelon: Grogar."

Everyone turned their attention so they would listen.

---

Meanwhile, underneath Heong-Hua, there was an entire facility full of the Red Lotus. The formerly-Mighty Machines have been pushed there in their mobile pen. Inside, Joe--who was formerly Masque--was starting to panic.

"This is bad. This is really, really bad. They're going to reverse-engineer our wirewolf bodies and who knows what they'll do to us? Got to think fast. Got to think fast."

"Marty, will you be quiet!" Terry shouted.

"He's right?" Ricky said. "This is not the time to be hysterical."

"This is the perfect time to be hysterical!" Terry shouted.

"SHOULD WE BE HYSTERICAL?!" Joe shouted.

"Yes!" Terry shouted.

Devastator barked loudly.

"Maybe," Ricky shouted, "But not right now! Look, Marty, you need to calm down now.

"You're a good friend, Ricky." Joe said. "That's why I want you to have this." Marty reached into his mane and pulled out a metal cyllinder with holes on both sides.

"The cylinder!" Aaron gasped. "You brought that? Oh, you're going to be in so much trouble!"

"Really?" Joe asked. "More than what we're in right now?"

"Keep that hidden." Ricky said. Joe did so. "We can't let the Red Eye know we have it."

Devastator then barked outside when it saw the Red Eye approached by Asami. Her eyes began glowing with black mist.

"Any problem?" she asked in her demonic voice.

"No, Grogar." the Red Eye said. "Although I did my best not to strangle the bumbling idiot I rode with. But I digress. Do you have it?"

Asami (Oh, let's just call her Grogar since everyone's calling her that) reached in her pocket and pulled out a metal ball with a hole in it. Seeing it only made Joe tuck the cylinder deeper into his mane. "But wait." Grogar said. "There's more."

Grogar brought up Pandora's Box and handed it to the Red Eye. He accepted it with great pride.

"Perfect!" the Red Eye said. "Now, we need one last piece and you will be whole again!"

The Red Eye opened the box and Discord popped out with a hairbrush and a shower hat. He only saw Asami in front of him.

"Oh, hey, Asami." Discord said. "Nice mascara. By the way, sorry for pushing Kuvira at you. I overheard what she did and I agree with you and..." He turned and saw the Red Eye behind him. He screamed loudly. "A MAN!" He crossed his legs and arms over his body.

"Welcome back, Discord." the Red Eye said. "I do believe you have a job to complete."

"It's times like this that make me regret getting out of bed." Discord panicked.

Author's Notes:

DUN-DUN-DUUUUUUN! Asami, what's happened to you?

I'm working on an OC shipping and villain reformation as evidenced in this chapter. The reformed villains will be Iris and Lok. Also, the pairing will be Miles and Iris. I created the idea long before I came up with this saga, so I just used it. Also, the song featured here is based off of "That's What You Do For a Friend" from the Swan Princess 2.

The Red Eye

"Hold on." Korra said placing both her hands on the table everyone else was sitting at. She turned to Shirong, the spirit they just met. "Who's Grogar?"

"Grogar is the name of the evil king of Tambelon." Shirong said. "Most spirits know the story. He took the Doctor's power and tried to use it to expand his kingdom across history. Luckily, the Bird of Paradise arrived and stopped all that. It destroyed the bell, but Grogar wasn't as dead as everyone thought. As the bell pieces scattered to three different worlds, Grogar bonded his life force with one of the pieces. When that happened, the piece went into the soul of a certain human: the ancestor of Asami Sato. And generation after generation, the bell piece went to the next in the family line. Now, here's a special effect of the piece when it enters a mortal's soul: when he or she is angry and driven enough, that human becomes influenced by Grogar into being guided into doing inhuman things. And with the right push, Grogar will possess them completely."

"You said Asami's family has passed down the bell piece one at a time." Mako said. "Does that include Asami's dad, Hiroshi Sato?"

"Especially him." Shirong said. "Why do you think he did something as stupid as stay loyal to the Equalists after he learned you all and she were buddy-buddy?"

"I don't believe it." Bolin said. "So... Grogar's been influencing Mr. Sato into joining the Equalists."

"But a few years in prison calmed him down, I bet." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"And... when Hiroshi died, Grogar must have slipped into Asami's soul." Twilight said.

"All that was left was the push." Korra continued. "And seeing Kuvira free and walking provided just that."

Kuvira was full of regret and guilt as evidenced by her face. "So that's why Raiko sent me to you. He knew that building those spirit weapons would give him a reason to free me. After that, all the anger Asami had on me was building up until Grogar took over. It was all a set-up."

"So this evil king that tried to rule the universe before was under our noses and we missed it." Pakku said.

"No, no, no." Varrick groaned. "It wasn't supposed to be like this!"

"Varrick, there's no need to blame yourself." Mistress Marevelous said. "It's not like you gave away our location to the Red Lotus."

Varrick formed a very, very guilty face. Twilight Sparkle interpreted it and expressed it with shock and anger. "You gave away our location to the Red Lotus?!"

"I'm sorry, everyone." Varrick said starting to tear up. "I didn't want to! Believe me!"

"Then why did you do it?" Mako asked angrily. "Give us one good reason!"

"ZHU LI, ALL RIGHT?!" Varrick screamed out. "Look, the day after our wedding, we were at our first day in our honeymoon. Suddenly, the Red Eye arrived and kidnapped her. He said if I wanted to see her again, I'd have to do what he said."

After a moment of silence, Korra broke it by slamming her hand on the table. "We're going to save Asami, and Discord, and Zhu Li!"

"How?" Twilight asked. "We don't even know where to find her."

"The Doctor sent us here for a reason," Mako pointed out, "And Asami couldn't have gotten far. What if the Red Lotus has a base under this city?"

"You really think so?" Miles said. "How do we get there?"

"Well, if we can't find a door," Anar D said before materializing a shovel, "We'll make one."

"Now, you all seem to have this under control." Shriong said. "I'll just be off and..."

"No way." Korra said blocking Shirong's escape. "You are going to approach the other spirits and convince them to help us. At this point, we'll need as much as we can."

"Even if I wanted to, I can't." Shirong said. "The spirits won't listen to me."

"I'll help." Fluttershy said. "I can be persuasive to other creatures if I have to."

"All right." Twilight said. "We've got friends to save. And this time, we'll make sure the Red Lotus is gone for good."

---

Inside the Earth Empire airship, Lok slowly curved his talon inside the cage lock until it opened. He and Iris snuck past the guards and stepped outside the hanger.

"Uh, look." Lok said pointing at the town. "It's Heong-Hua. They found the central base. Don't worry. I suppose we'll find the Red Eye and warn him."

"No!" Iris shouted. "We've got to help them!"

"What are you talking about, Iris?" Lok asked. "We swore our loyalty to your grandfather."

"That was before we knew he was Xai Bau." Iris said. "If he's kept that from us, who knows what else he kept?"

"Oi, vey." Lok sighed. "You're not buying what those friendship-loving hippies said, are you? That bi-bender has already convinced you to talk about Operation: Fall. You can't just fall for his charm just because you think he's cute."

"It's not like that!" Iris said nervously. "Look, Tirek betrayed us and left us for dead. The Avatar and the ponies could've left us for dead, but they didn't. No one in the Red Lotus could've done it for us. We owe them help, at least."

Lok thought for a moment. He placed his feathered wing on the bottom of his beak and thought hard.

Deep within a hidden intersection of tunnels, the Red Eye, Grogar (in Asami's body), and Discord stood at the center observing the stone ruins around them. The Red Eye held a tight grip on Pandora's Box.

"Wait." Discord said looking at Asami's black eyes. "So... your name is Grogar, you're the evil king of Tambelon, and you're possessing Asami until the bell is complete and you're free?"

"Yes." Grogar said. "For generations, I've been waiting in the hearts of mortal fools having to listen in on their petty. dramatic, everyday situations."

"Glad to know you're above drama." Discord said sarcastically. The Red Eye turned a menacing glare at him. "Whoa, pal. I get it. ...Hail HYDRA." He then formed a salute. "So... you're Xai Bau."

"Yes." the Red Eye said. "I came across Grogar in a moment of desperation. To serve him, he gave me power, magic, and immortality."

"I'm just saying," Discord said, "If you were a dog... you'd be Xai Bow-wow." He laughed loudly. "Hey, you seem tense. Is it because you're a Raiders fan?" He laughed again with the Red Eye and Grogar staring at him. "Hey! Hey, Zaheer!" From afar, Zaheer turned his head to Discord. "Lex Luthor called! He wants his head back!" He laughed louder than ever before.

"How could you be so comical?" the Red Eye asked. "You're in the presence of the greatest evil in the Multiverse. Via influence, he ruined lives, abducted innocent bystanders, and played a part in bringing Republic City to its knees."

"That's impressive," Discord said, "But can he do parties? I mean, come on! You claim he's this big evil, but the best thing he can do is a ventriloquist act. What's next; evil balloon animals?"

"You don't take me seriously, do you?!" Grogar shouted.

"Not unless your master plan was to bore me to death." Discord said. "If it is, then congratulations; it's working."

"You don't understand." the Red Eye said. "We have no plans to kill you; at least, not yet. You see, we need you to get the final piece out. In addition to Grogar, Asami has that very piece in her heart. You, Discord, are the only one in the entire Multiverse who can reach into one's heart and alter it. You, and you alone, can get the piece out."

"...That's it?" Discord asked. "That's all you want me for? You're telling me you sent your granddaughter to Equestria and had her frame me, prosecute me, release Tirek, take a stone box, and drag me all the way from Equestria to this world... JUST TO PULL SOMETHING OUT FOR YOU?!"

"Yes." Tirek walked out of a tunnel and approached the villains and Discord.

"Tirek." the Red Eye greeted. "What of the Equalists?"

"They are outside awaiting to meet you." Tirek said. "But first, we need to make sure every known bender is not here."

"Quite right." the Red Eye said. "Attention, benders! Leave the area now!"

As everyone left through the tunnels, Equalists followed Tirek out. The Red Eye went and introduced himself. As they were doing so, the ponies and Team Avatar followed Anar D as he made a hole that they sneaked through. Mako made hand signals, but after he was done, Pinkie Pie just danced.

"No." Mako whispered loudly. "Half go left. The other go right."

"Why didn't you just say so?" Bolin asked.

The ponies and humans went in separate directions. Anar D found a 15-foot tall object underneath a blanket. He threw it off and gasped.

"What?" Saddle Rager asked. She repeated until she saw what the caped draconequus was looking at: a 15-foot tall wirewolf that looked almost exactly like Timberwolf. There was a cockpit window at the torso. Anar D slipped between the crack and entered the suit.

"What's going on?" Saddle Rager asked.

"Saddle Rager?" a familiar voice called out. The pegasus followed the voice to the horse pen and saw five stallions there. She approached one.

"Do I know you?" Saddle Rager asked.

"It's me!" the stallion said. "It's Joe; Masque!"

Saddle Rager didn't speak. Instead, she dropped her jaw. He motioned her arms and the rest of the Power Ponies snuck toward her.

"It's the Mighty Machines." Saddle Rager said.

"Actually, we're not so mighty," Joe said, "Nor machines."

"What happened?" the Masked Matterhorn asked in shock.

"The Red Eye separated us from our wirewolf bodies." Ricky explained.

"We're back to how we were before Discordant Convergence." Terry said.

"And they're going to weaponize our mechanical forms." Marty said.

"This is why we can't have nice things." Joe complained. "You don't take a horse's metal canine body. They're biting the hand that they feed with."

"That doesn't even make any sense." Radiance said.

Devastator barked.

Saddle Rager gasped. "Devastator too?"

"'Fraid so." Ricky said.

"They've gone too far this time." the Masked Matterhorn said. "We need to get you all out of here."

"Wait!" they heard the Equalist lieutenant shout. They peeked and saw him point at the revealing wirewolf suit that Anar D was in. "What is that?"

"That, my friend, is the key to our strength." the Red Eye said. He approached the wirewolf and presented it while Anar D pressed himself at the very back of the cockpit trying not to be seen.

"We have 6 different categories of this next series of mechs. These... Mighty Mechs have different powers for each category. The Shadow Mech can produce half-sized mechanical creatures from its body. The Masque Mech can change itself into any large object such as a statue or a skyscraper, and it can pass that gift to anything else. The Devastator Mech can bond with other machines and swallow your enemies in a powerful suction gift. The Rodan Mech acts like a glowing beacon and/or a flamethrower. The Dusk Mech can travel in darkness and fire shadows from its claws. Lastly, the Timberwolf Mech here can throw itself in as much danger as it wants with a self-repair system."

"And yet, none of them can tell the time." Discord commented.

"Master... is something wrong?" Tirek asked noticing how Grogar had a suspicious look on Asami's face.

"I thought they were all covered until release." Grogar said. He moved Asami's body to the Timberwolf Mech and looked inside the cockpit. In panic, Anar D grabbed a lever and pointed out the Mech's arm.

Anar D then spoke in a robot voice through the speakers. "DANGER! DANGER! RUN, WILL ROBINSON!" The Timberwolf Mech then jumped forward and landed in the center.

"THEY'RE HERE!" Grogar shouted.

Suddenly, the heroes popped out at all direction and started to strike. The Equalists ran toward them and fought back. Saddle Rager released the formerly Mighty Machines and changed into her monster form. Saddle Rager jumped and landed in front of the Red Eye.

Before he could speak, the Red Eye was lifted by Saddle Rager's teeth. She slammed him once and threw him to the side. He hit a cover sheet that fell down. There was a big, metal cage. As soon as the Red Eye hit the ground face down, Saddle Rager saw his scarf off of him.

Meanwhile, Tirek just grabbed Radiance and Zapp. He lifted them in front of his face and grinned.

"Two super-powered ponies. It feels like Hearth's Warming Eve."

Suddenly, he heard the sound of a meek throat clearing up. He saw Fluttershy standing alone in front of a tunnel. He laughed loudly.

"You have my friends." Fluttershy said. "I'm asking you politely to let them go or I'll make you."

"Yeah, right." Tirek chuckled. "You and what army?"

"This one." Fluttershy answered. Suddenly, a swarm of spirits stepped into the light with Shirong at the front. Tirek gasped in shock and surprise.

Suddenly, Discord materialized a cheerleader's uniform and pom-poms. He danced and chanted, "2, 4, 6, 8! Who do we appreciate?! Fluttershy!"

"You stay out of this!" Grogar growled.

Discord turned dull and, blankly, swung around a black flag with the letter G on it. "Grogar, Grogar. He's our man. If he can't do it... GREAT!"

"ZAHEER, RETURN!" Tirek shouted.

"Zaheer?" the Equalist lieutenant asked. He saw the airbender fly out of nowhere with several other people with bending. "But... he's an airbender. Tirek, what's going..." He didn't finish his sentence before Tirek blasted him back.

"I am in charge of the Equalists!" Tirek shouted. "You follow my path, no matter what!"

"And I thought Starlight Glimmer was a drama queen." Rarity said.

"And I thought YOU were a drama queen." Applejack said.

Before Tirek could do anything else, Korra slammed the ground shooting a boulder up and kicked it to his face. He stumbled back and moved in a dizzy fashion. Unseen, Grogar reached out and grabbed the lieutenant's electro-sticks. Everyone else surrounded the Red Eye with his face obscured and his body trying to get up.

"It's over Xai Bau," Korra demanded, "Or should I say... Raiko?"

"What?" a familiar voice called in from the cage beside the Red Eye. Raiko and Zhu Li were behind the bars. Zhu Li didn't have a mark on her, but Raiko had a very noticeable bruise beside his left eye.

"Zhu Li!" Varrick gasped.

"Varrick!" Zhu Li gasped.

"Raiko?" Mako asked.

"Raiko." the president said pointing at himself.

"We should do lunch sometime." Discord commented.

"Hold on." Bolin said. "You're Raiko, and he's Raiko. How can he be in two places at once."

"Here's an explanation." Raiko said. He pointed at the Red Eye, who was trying to get up. "That's. Not. Me."

The Red Eye got back up on his feet and stood straight. He slowly turned around and revealed his true face. Everyone was surprised at who it really was.

Korra was the first one to speak in shock for she couldn't believe who she was looking at. "Crem-Sun! ...But... Raiko..."

"No." Crem-Sun said. "He's never been the Red Eye. He wouldn't even be competent enough. He gave his bodyguards diplomatic immunity once they've been hired."

"I'm right here!" Raiko said. "I was riding with him here until he caught me by surprise. The next thing I know, I wake up here!"

"Hold on." Mako said. "The day we arrived, when Raiko confronted me about my job... He wasn't the only one there. He had two bodyguards with him."

"You've been the Red Eye the whole time?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, come on." Crem-Sun said. "Even my name should've given it away. Hello! Crem-Sun; crimson? Notice the connection? Can't believe you actually thought Raiko was me. Next to him, who would suspect an idiot to be the real Xai Bau?"

"You... messed with me." Korra said. "You tried to have me killed!"

"Indeed, I have." Xai Bau said. "For the failure, I blame Zaheer." Zaheer frowned at that comment.

"Why?" Twilight asked. "You broke off of the White Lotus, you tried to kidnap the Avatar when I was a kid, you infiltrated the United Forces government, you broke Korra and Mako up, you ordered her to be dead, and you go all this trouble to get to Asami."

"You make those sound bad." Xai Bau said.

"But why are you doing this?" Korra asked. "Why are you going through so much trouble?"

"Seriously?" Xai Bau asked with a chuckle in his voice. "You were connected to Aang for six months and he never bothered to tell you about me? I am so disappointed. Allow me to tell you a story.

"It started shortly after the 100 Year War ended. Avatar Aang defeated the Phoenix King and brought peace to the world. There was one problem with Aang: he was twelve years old. He was still a child. He needed more than peers to raise him. The White Lotus voted on someone to be his legal guardian: me.

"At first, both Aang and I were really nervous, but over time, we've become close. We were like father and son. I supported him throughout every situation he and his friends got themselves into. In fact, because of him, I had forgotten about all the hardships about being an agent of the White Lotus. However, that all changed with... Fire Lord Zuko.

"Zuko was targeted by the brother of the one Sokka called Combustion Man. He had the same powers as him, and carried a big grudge against Zuko for causing the death of his brother. Sokka even took to calling him Combustion Man 2. Both Team Avatar and handful of White Lotus soldiers (including myself) was tasked to protect the Fire Lord.

"However, we did not expect for Combustion Man 2 to attack us by dressing up as a member of the staff. The battle with him resulted with the throne room hanging from the palace. Combustion Man 2 fell off and the Fire Lord and I were hanging by the edge. Aang could only save one of us. And wouldn't you know it; he chose to save Zuko over me. I lost my grip and fell down. Luckily, I fell in a pile of hey, but I didn't bother returning to the Avatar.

"I removed myself from the city and walked to Heong-Hua. Here, I met a man named Malani Sato, Asami's grandfather. He let me sleep at his place until I got back on my feet. That night, I had a visitor in my dream: Grogar, calling me from inside Malani. He gave me the opportunity to right Aang's wrongs by creating a world without leaders to work for. To do so, he had to give me magic and immortality. I found the Red Lotus and worked in secret until the proper moment."

"What about the spirit guns?" Kuvira asked.

"Seriously, you fell for that?" Xai Bau asked with a chuckle. "I only faked those plans to give Raiko a reason to free you. You meet the friendship fools, Asami sees you, Asami gets mad enough, Grogar possesses Asami, and the rest is history."

"So you're doing all this because you're mad at Aang?" Korra asked.

"Your past incarnation chose his duties as the Avatar over someone close to him." Xai Bau said. "I wanted you to feel what it was like. Remember your break-up with the cop?"

"That's what it was about?" Mako asked. "You broke us up just to get back at the Avatar? You're insane and demented!"

"Insane, demented, and holding all the cards." Xai Bau said. Grogar approached him and handed him the lieutenant's sticks. Xai Bau raised them above Raiko and Zhu Li's cage. "Now, surrender and let Discord do his work or I'll fry these people."

"You wouldn't!" Ricky shouted.

"Are you prepared to risk it?" Xai Bau said. "Varrick, you wouldn't want Zhu Li dead, especially since she's holding the little package."

"Huh?" Varrick asked.

"What package?" Zhu Li asked.

"You don't even know?" Xai Bau asked. "Well, this is interesting. Congratulations, Varrick and Zhu Li. You're going to be parents."

Varrick and Zhu Li widened their eyes in complete shock. They had a hard time believing what what they just heard.

"Xai Bau, please, don't do this." Twilight said. "You were like a father to Aang. Is this what he would want?"

"I don't know if you could hear me since you're all the way down there," Xai Bau said, "But Aang abandoned me. He put his duties as the Avatar before those he cares about."

"But he did care about Zuko." Korra said. "They were friends for years. Sure, they had a rocky start, but they became best friends."

"ENOUGH!" Xai Bau shouted. He held up Pandora's Box in the other hand and raised it up. "I HAD ENOUGH OF YOUR FANTASIES! THE AVATAR NEVER CARED FOR ME! BUT NOW, IT DOESN'T MATTER! I HAVE PANDORA'S BOX! I HAVE CONTROL OVER REALITY! I HAVE..."

"ZILCH!" Lok shouted as he swooped in and clapped his talons on the box. He swiped it from Xai Bau's hands and flew in the air.

"Lok!" Fluttershy cheered.

"TRAITOR!" Tirek shouted as his horns started to glow. His rage prevented him from seeing Iris until she kicked a very strong gust of wind at his face.

Tirek stumbled back and Iris cartwheeled to the heroes. Tirek fell back and became unconscious. Lok hovered down at the good guys.

"Iris?" Miles asked. "You're helping?"

"For the record," Lok said, "I'm not doing this because I believe in all that 'friendship is magic' mumbo-jumbo. I just owe these guys some serious payback for leaving us for an evil king."

"Evil king?" Zaheer asked. "Red Eye, what are they talking about?"

"I owe no answers to you, Zaheer!" Xai Bau said.

"Actually, you do!" Zaheer demanded.

Xai Bau looked at Grogar and sighed. "Fine. Many eons ago, there was a kingdom called Tambelon. Before its end, Grogar ruled it all."

"Grogar's... a king." Zaheer said. "What is the meaning of this?! It's the Red Lotus' duty to rid the world of leaders!"

"Watch your tone, Zaheer!" Xai Bau growled. "If it wasn't for Grogar, we'd never create this society! Besides, the deal was that after he gains his power back, he will reshape this world so there are no leaders! I have to break some eggs to make an..."

He didn't finish his sentence when Zhu Li grabbed his back collar and pull him to the bars hard. He collapsed on the floor and Hum Drum sat on his torso. Xai Bau lifted Hum Drum up, but the little dragon changed into diamond form and the weight was more than Xai Bau expected.

"Now, for the finishing touch!" Discord said. He pointed his eagle claw and blasted a white ray from it.

The ray hit Xai Bau and he started to glow. In haste, he grabbed Hum Drum and glowed his eyes. Suddenly, Xai Bau's scream was the last thing heard before his shrunk down and changed into an orange ball. His face screamed from it, but there was no sound.

"Bibbiti, bobbiti, boom!" Discord exclaimed.

"Hum Drum, darling," Radiance shouted, "Are you all right?"

"Yeah." Hum Drum breathed. "Yeah, I think I'm all right."

"What the..." Ricky started to say as he started to emit a white light.

Suddenly, the stallions and dog started to glow. The light blinded nearly everybody. When the light dimmed, everyone saw the stallions and gasped. They looked like wirewolves again.

"Are we..." the Shadow Blot asked.

"WE'RE US AGAIN!" Masque cheered. "YA-HOO!"

"Xai Bau's defeat must have changed you back." the Masked Matterhorn said.

"STOP RIGHT THERE!" Grogar shouted. He held up the electric stick. "Discord, separate the piece from this motal body now or I will..."

"YAAAAAAHOOOHOOOHOOWEEEEEEEEE!" a loud voice called.

Derpy flew in from a random tunnel. She flew toward Grogar and crashed into him. Grogar hit Asami's head against the floor and her eyes changed to normal. Asami fell back in unconsciousness. At the sight of it, all the Red Lotus soldiers and Equalists dropped their weapons and raised their hands in surrender.

"Derpy, what are you doing here?" Kuvira asked. "I thought I told you to stay at the airship!"

"Uh... I was there and now I'm here." Derpy said.

Varrick took picked up a set of keys and fit them in the cage in front of him. The door opened up and Raiko and Zhu Li ran out. Zhu Li jumped to Varrick and kissed him.

"So... we're getting a kid." Varrick said.

"It looks that way." Zhu Li said.

"Well, we better prepare." Varrick said. "After all, we just defeated an evil body-snatcher. Not the best way to spend a honeymoon."

"Not the worst either." Zhu Li said.

"I love you!" Varrick exclaimed.

"Weirdest couple ever." Discord whispered to the ponies.

Iris looked and saw Zaheer all miserable. She approached him. "Are you all right?"

"No." Zaheer said. "I've been in the Red Lotus nearly my whole life. I did what I did with pride and no regret. I thought I was following the right path, but it looks like all I've been following is a lie."

"Xai Bau fooled us all." Iris said. "He filled me with anger and hate. He caused me to throw all that at you. I... I'm not so good as saying this, but... I'm sorry I never got the chance to forgive you."

"And I'm sorry for all the wrongs I have done to you." Zaheer said. "But now, it looks like we're both to answer at court."

"I've been in one before, dad." Iris said. "I know how it works."

"Aawwww." Bolin commented watching the two hug. "I don't know if we can stay mad at them."

"Yes, we can!" Mako said. "Zaheer tried to kill Korra and Iris dated me just to get to Discord."

"Let it go, will ya?" Lok asked.

"So..." Twilight said, "Does this mean..."

"Not yet." Korra said. "We still need to break Asami out of Grogar's spell. But after that..."

"It'll all be over." Twilight said.

Famous last words.

Author's Notes:

I thought long and hard on this chapter. I thought that Xai Bau would need a deep and emotional reason for being evil. For those who don't know: Grogar is a character from the original MLP cartoon, back when it was just for girls. Since Tirek was a character in FiM, it inspired me to find another evil character and feature him in one of my stories, and when would be better than making him the main bad guy in the Chaos Saga?

Mended Wounds

Some time later, Pakku's boat carried everyone across the ocean until everyone caught sight at Republic City from the distance.

"We did it." Korra said. "At last, we're back."

"Looks like the city's gotten more advanced since we last got." Raiko said. "It appears they've already finished the Expansion Project."

"Hey, Raiko," Twilight said, "Sorry my friends and I thought you were the Red Eye."

"No problem." Raiko said. "I don't blame you. He set me up and made it look like I did it all. He gave me the ideas of what to rebuild in the Expansion Project, freeing Kuvira, and I thought It was just to get myself re-elected."

"Well, if it's all the same to you," Rarity said, "I'd vote for you as an apology... if I was an official citizen, of course."

"Thanks, I think." Raiko said. "Now, I believe we have to court-martial a few prisoners."

---

Later, the Mane 6, Team Avatar, the Power Ponies, and the Mighty Machines paced in front of the courthouse. They seemed impatient.

"That's a lot of time to deliver a verdict." Korra said.

"What did you expect?" Twilight asked. "Zaheer, Iris, and Lok were criss-cross on the good-evil line. It's hard for people to tell if they learned their lesson."

"Do you really think any of them learned their lesson?" Korra asked.

"Well, Discord learned his lesson." Fluttershy said. "That should prove something."

"Hey, handsome," Discord said juggling with colorful gems, "Why didn't you tell me you had your own version of the Elements of Harmony?"

"WHOA, DISCORD, PUT THEM DOWN!" Anar D panicked. Discord froze suddenly and the gems fell to the floor. Anar D held up a burlap bag and used it to scoop the gems. "Those are the Harmony Gems. Because draconequi are made of raw chaos, the minute you touch them, you'll pop like a balloon."

"But I've been holding them for three minutes." Discord said. "How come I didn't explode?"

Anar D froze after he got the last gem in the bag. He had a confused face and pondered. "I don't know."

"Why didn't we see those before?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"The other day, we asked our Princess Celestia to send them to us." the Shadow Blot said. "We think it might be the key to ridding Grogar from Asami's body."

"Yeah." Korra said with lament. "Perhaps."

Twilight saw Korra's face and she placed her hoof at her hand. "We'll save her."

The door then opened. Tenzin walked out and approached everyone.

"Well?" Korra asked. "What's the verdict?"

"Do to your recommendations," Tenzin said, "The court has cleared Iris and the bird of all charges. Zaheer is on probation now, but that's only because every world leader on the run has been found. As for Tirek, the court declared him to be an Equestrian problem."

"It's all right." Twilight said. "Tomorrow, when we return home, we're taking Tirek with us. The rest of the princesses should give everything he took back to everyone he took them from. But for now, we've got to free Asami."

---

At the police station, Asami was strapped to a table and struggling to get out. Her mouth was clamped shut by a metal muzzle. Grogar's black mists covered her eyes and she growled in his voice. Korra, Twilight, the Power Ponies, and Discord stood at the side. Lin was at the other side of the room.

"How is she?" Korra asked.

"Not so good." Lin said. "That clamp is used to keep her from casting any spells. This plan, using these magical gems, do you think it's going to work?"

"If not, I can't see anything else." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Hum Drum..."

"Right here." Hum Drum said holding up the bag.

The Power Ponies placed the Harmony Gems on and aimed them toward the possessed Asami. The Gems began to glow in their colors and a set of rays floated out. They hit Grogar and Asami's body glowed for a minute.

However, the rays jumped back to the gems. The Power Ponies were pushed back. Asami's eyes didn't change and Grogar still tried to struggle out of the straps.

"Well, that was a rip-off." Discord said.

"What happened?" Radiance asked.

"I don't know." the Masked Matterhorn said. "It should have worked."

"Oh, for goodness sake, ladies." Discord exclaimed. He approached Grogar's strapped body "The answer is obvious!"

"It is?" Saddle Rager asked.

"Yes." Discord said. He materialized a keyboard instrument in front of him. "It involves... murder." He pressed on the keys and played ominous music.

"That's your answer?!" Twilight shouted.

"No." Discord chuckled. "You girls just had your own answers. I just wanted one of my own. ...Or did I?" He played the ominous music again.

"Discord, you're not helping!" Korra shouted.

"Come on!" Discord said. "Just let me get the bell piece out with my powers. With that gone, Grogar can't stay in Asami anymore."

"Discord, you know that's what Xai Bau wanted you for in the first place." Twilight said.

"What's the harm now?" Discord asked. He held up the orange orb and Xai Bau's panicking face appeared in it. He still couldn't make a sound. "Look, Xai Bau is stuck in this thing until someone breaks it open. And I doubt any Red Lotus or Equalist is willing to trust him now. With him here, Grogar trapped, and no bad guy willing to help, I defy you to tell me how it's risky."

"He's right." Hum Drum said. "I don't see anything wrong with doing this."

Korra and Twilight thought for a moment. Korra sighed and reluctantly said, "Do it."

"Right." Discord spit on his paw and claw and wiped them together. He then materialized a white lab coat and put on a deranged face.

"Uh, Discord," Mistress Marevelous asked, "Are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"No need to be alarmed." Discord spoke in a Transylvanian accent. "THIS IS SCIENCE! HAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!"

And without warning, Discord poked Asami's forehead and her eyes started to glow. A light illuminated from them and floated from her. The light hit the floor and materialized into a curved bowl upside down. It was the final piece of the Bell of Darkness.

"Ta-da." Discord exclaimed.

Asami shrugged and groaned. Korra approached her and removed the metal clamp. Asami's eyes opened and they were normal again.

"Asami!" Korra cheered. She hugged her friend who hugged back.

"Korra," Asami greeted, "I'm sorry. As soon as that monster took control, I tried to fight him, but it was no use. This..."

"It's okay." Korra said patting her friend on the back. "It's all over."

Hum Drum turned his eyes toward the bell piece. He smirked and his eye color changed for a second... to red.

---

At the president's office, Varrick and Zhu Li sat with Raiko facing them.

"Varrick, it's come to my attention that you aided the Red Lotus in their affairs." President Raiko said.

"Hey, for your information, I only did it because they had Zhu Li held hostage." Varrick said.

"It's true." Zhu Li said. "He'd never betray his country... again."

"Look..." Raiko said.

"No, wait." Varrick interrupted. "Let me finish. I know I did some bad stuff in the past. Okay, a lot of bad stuff... more than there are stars in the heavens... on a crystal clear night... from the highest point to..."

"I think he got the idea." Zhu Li said.

"The point is," Varrick said, "I learned my lesson. For once, I'm on the right side. But you know what; if the whole situation happened again, I'd do it again! If Zhu Li was in danger, I'd give away my freedom for her time and time again! I'd do it because I love her even though I don't show it clearly at all! What do you say about that?!"

"Are you done?" Raiko asked.

"Yeah, pretty much." Varrick replied.

"Good." Raiko said. "Listen, I understand what you went through. If anything happened to my wife, I'd probably do the same thing. I guess, I figured out what it was like to be in your shoes. That's why, with your permission, I'll be happy to clear your criminal history."

Varrick was surprised. "Really? You... You mean it?"

"Of course." Raiko said. "When Crem-Sun kidnapped me, he told me I never used my power the right way. It's time I do. Now, run along. I believe you have a baby to prepare."

Happy as can be, Varrick and Zhu Li walked out of the office already planning their baby preparations in their heads.

---

Asami celebrated with all the other heroes. Pinkie Pie pulled out her Party Cannon and with one explosion, the entire room in the Air Temple was filled with balloons and streamers. Mako was at the side of the wall leaning back. Discord popped next to him and made Mako gasp.

"Someone should put a bell on you." Mako said.

"Speaking of bells..." Discord pulled out the bell piece he took out of Asami and placed it in Mako's hands. "We're giving the Bell of Darkness pieces to different people in our worlds. You have this, the Machines can keep the cylinder, and when we get back to Equestria, we're giving the ball to Zecora."

"Should I know who that is?" Mako asked.

"Better off if you don't." Discord said. "That girl's talking gives me a headache."

Mako gazed and saw Derpy with a miserable face. She dipped her hoof in a punch bowl and wrote on the table with it. It read "DH & D".

"I'm guessing she misses the Doctor." Mako said.

"It's only been a few days." Discord said. "I wonder how much you've missed Korra during her hiatus."

"What?" Mako asked nervously. "Discord, what are you talking..."

"Oh, don't be ridiculous." Discord said. "I'm an animal and I've got instincts. You obviously still dig the Avatar."

"You're nuts." Mako said.

"Mako," Discord said, "The downside to having giant anime eyes is that they're easy to read, and yours are screaming 'Korra, I want us back together'."

"I don't know what that means, but I can tell you you're wrong." Mako said.

"So you're honestly telling me you still don't have any passion for her?" Discord asked.

"Look, even if I do--I'm not saying I do," Mako said, "She wouldn't take me back anyway. She's the one who broke up with me. Yes, I realize I made a mistake in letting my job get the best of me, but what's done is done. It's too late to turn back now."

"So..." Discord said, "If Korra was to ask you back, would you say yes?"

"I... I suppose so." Mako said. "But it just can't be done."

"Challenge accepted!" Discord declared. Mako tried to stop him, but Discord just said, "Don't worry, Mako. You and your human friends have done so much for me. Now, I'm gonna return the favor. Just wait outside."

"Discord, this is not..." Mako started to say. Suddenly, Discord snapped his eagle claw and, in the blink of an eye, Mako found himself outside next to a fountain. He sighed and wondered what he would say to his ex.

Inside, Korra approached Asami. They smiled when they saw each other.

"How are you feeling?" Korra asked.

"Better than when I woke up." Asami answered.

"You know," Korra said, "Grogar only took control of you because you were angry at Kuvira. Now, I don't blame you. She did a lot of bad stuff..."

"Korra, I know what you're trying to say." Asami said. "First, I lost my father to Amon. He spent three years in prison before I even thought about speaking to him again. Then, Kuvira ended him. I can't forgive Kuvira for that... but, I will accept that she has changed. I can't stay mad forever."

"Hey, Avatar." Korra looked back and saw Iris behind her. She was nervous.

"Please," Korra said, "My friends call me Korra."

"Is that what we are?" Iris asked. "After all, we didn't exactly have a good start."

"Don't worry about it." Asami said. "I almost accidentally ran over Mako when we met." The three of them giggled.

"Anyway," Iris said, "I was wondering something... What do you think I would say to Miles?"

"What?" Asami asked. "Why him?"

"Well..." Iris said nervously. "I... uh..."

"Oooooh." Korra said with a smile. "I get it. Look, I think the best thing to do is ask if he has any plans. Then, you'd casually ask him to meet you someplace. That'd be good."

"How do you know?" Discord said popping up out of nowhere. "You're not exactly the female lead in Romeo and Juliet."

"Discord." Korra said. "What are you doing here?"

"Right now, breathing, talking, floating..." Discord said.

"I don't think that's what she meant." Asami said.

"My point is, Korra, you're not exactly the best person to give love advice." Discord said. "Don't get me wrong. I'm sure you have a slight bit of love knowledge, but the problem is, you haven't had a boyfriend in over three years. Now, I do believe you're dodging a bullet, but..."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Korra said. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, the only reason you're staying single is that you don't want any dead weight." Discord said.

"How dare you?" Korra gasped. "Mako's not dead weight."

"I wasn't talking about Mako." Discord said. Korra put on an awkward face.

"Um..." Asami said nervously, "I think Twilight wants to talk to me." She walked away.

"And I should meet Miles." Iris said nervously. She too walked away. Only Discord and Korra were left in the conversation.

"What's your game, Discord?" Korra said.

"No games, Korra." Discord said. "I just want to congratulate you for breaking things off with Mako. It is true, he let his own selfishness get in the way of his girlfriend's needs."

"Hey, he was just influenced by Xai Bau at the time." Korra protested. "Besides, Mako has proven to have changed from all that over the years. I can count many times he chose the right thing over his job."

The talk started to attract the attention of everyone else in the room. They seemed a little nervous of the conversation.

"Really?" Discord asked. "Then answer me this: how come you're not giving him a second chance? Seems that you're making the right call now.

"Ignore what you had

Ignore the time when you were actually glad

Ignore how you felt

Ignore how he made your own heart melt

It's best if you just forget

You fall, and you are full of regret

You shouldn't even take part

Just ignore your heart"

Discord spun Korra until she saw Mako all alone, outside, and next to the fountain. As the Avatar put on a regretful face, Discord continued singing.

"Ignore your love life

Deep inside, you know it'll just bring you strife

Then, when it's too late

You will lose your love and be filled with hate

Love is just too crazy

And that's saying something from someone like me

Love's a dead art

Just ignore your heart"

"I tried to forget how close we were," Korra sang,

"And what we had together

My heart, beating too quick"

"That makes me sick," Discord sang.

"The day we confessed," Korra sang.

"Give it a rest," Discord sang,

"Ignore what you got"

"I can't ignore what we got," Korra sang.

"At the end of the day, it won't matter a lot," Discord sang.

"It matters a loooooot," Korra sang,

"You're better without him," Discord sang,

"Any chance for a happy ending will be slim"

"Love's a chaotic calling," both sang.

"And aren't you sick already of falling," Discord sang.

"A rekindled flame," Korra sang.

"Yeah, right," Discord sang.

"Nothing is the same," Korra sang.

"Not quite," Discord sang.

"My feelings can't depart," Korra sang,

"I can't..."

"Just..." Discord sang.

"Ignore your (my) heart," both sang.

Mako turned and Korra approached him. He sighed and got up.

"Korra, I apologize for what Discord said," Mako said in a panic, "But know I didn't even want him to say..."

"Mako," Korra interrupted with a passionate smile, "It's all right.

"It felt like only yesterday"

"It only felt like yesterday," Mako sang with joy in his voice.

"When I met you and my worries went away," Korra sang.

"They're gone again," Mako sang.

"Whatever life will provide," Korra sang.

"Whatever life will provide," Mako sang.

"Know that I'll always want you by my side," Korra sang.

"I'll always want..." Mako sang.

"TO RUN! TO SWIM! TO ALWAYS SOAR," both sang,

"TO SEE THE WHOLE WORLD AND MAYBE MORE"

"A rekindled flame," Mako sang.

"What luck," Korra sang.

"Nothing is the same," Korra sang.

"OH, YUCK," Discord sang with a not-so-subtle smile and a chuckle,

"DO NOT EVEN START"

"WE CAN'T..." Korra and Mako sang,

"IGNORE OUR HEEEEAAAARTS"

"So..." Mako said, "Does this mean we're back together?"

"We'll see." Korra said with a definite smile.

"Discord," Applejack said, "What did you do?"

"I can create many forms of emotion," Discord said, "But I can't create love. That's on those two. Don't blame me."

---

Miles finished setting up in his home. The last thing he put up was a picture of him and his parents. He took a good look at it before he put it up.

"Those you're parents?" Iris asked from the door. She was carrying a couple of bags Miles turned to acknowledge her.

"Yes." Miles said. "They died when I was 6. It was an accident. I spent more of my life in an orphanage until I was legally old enough to live on my own. What are you doing here, Iris?"

"Well..." Iris said nervously, "I just bought a Pai Sho board and I was wondering if you would like to play. Just a head's up: I'm not quite familiar with the rules."

"Neither am I." Miles said. "I think it might have something to do with checkers."

"What?" Iris asked.

"I don't know." Miles said with a chuckle. "I've been around those ponies too long."

The two chuckled. Iris set up the board between the two of them.

---

"Hey, Discord." Hum Drum said. "Say, could I talk to you for a minute in the other room?"

"Sure thing, little guy." Discord said.

Discord and Hum Drum walked down the hallway and into an empty room. Hum Drum made sure the door was locked.

"What's on your mind?" Discord asked. "Do you want me to compare your appearance with Spike's? FYI, you do look that fat."'

"I just want to know," Hum Drum said, "Where is your box?"

"Right here." Discord said. He materialized Pandora's Box in his lion paw. "Why do you ask?"

Suddenly, Hum Drum jumped up and snatched the box. He landed gracefully on the ground with the box gripped in his claws.

"Uh, Hum Drum, no more joking around." Discord said nervously. "Just give me the box and..."

"Really, Discord," Hum Drum scoffed, "How many times do I have to take this from you to get what I want?"

Discord widened his eyes in fear as he couldn't believe who he was really talking to.

"Xai Bau!" he gasped. "But... how..."

"Grogar's been teaching me my magic for 70 years." Xai Bau explained in Hum Drum's voice. "Did you think he wouldn't teach me how to possess someone... or, at least, how to switch minds with someone? You zapped me. I felt my body twisting. I knew I needed an escape, and this little idiot was within reach. You only imprisoned him in my body."

"Well, I can just get him out." Discord said holding up the orange orb. He raised it up over his head. "HIIIIKE!"

"No hike, or whatever!" Xai Bau shouted holding up the box. "If you do, this will give you the jolt of a lifetime, and we both know you don't want that."

Discord froze in his tracks. He placed the orb back behind him and sighed. "What now?" he asked regretfully.

"We finish the job." Xai Bau said. "Thanks to you, all the pieces are outside. However, I doubt I can gather them up in this over-sized cape. You are going to take them back."

"Now?" Discord asked.

"No." Xai Bau answered looking out the window. "Right now, I'm going to give them this happy, happy day. But tomorrow, before you Equestrians return to your world... the real fun begins. You are not to tell anyone who I really am or what we're doing until I say so. Once that happens, it will already be too late. Grogar will return and he'll change the Multiverse. And once everything changes, when we have you inches from death and friendship doesn't exist... then, we will forget about mercy."

Discord took a big gulp down his throat. He was too afraid to speak out when he saw Hum Drum's reflection on the window. His eyes changed to blood-red and back again. He knew he had a big event planned for tomorrow.

Author's Notes:

First, Asami gets possessed. And now, Hum Drum? And just when everything started to look right.

Reverse psychology; works almost every time. The song is based on "Forget About Love" from Aladdin 2. Now, I don't hate what people are saying about Korra and Asami. It's just... Ever since Season 2, I've always been rooting for Makorra to return. I was a little disappointed at how it didn't happen, so I brought them back in this. Again, not hating Korra and Asami; just prefer Korra and Mako.

Rise of the Evil King

In the morning, Tenzin and his family, a few airbenders, Team Avatar, Varrick and Zhu Li stood around a large table with the Equestrians.

"Really, everyone, you don't have to go through all this trouble." Twilight said.

"Yes, we did." Tenzin said. "After all, it's the least we can do after what you've been through."

"You're telling me." Timberwolf said. "I never thought I'd be terrified of having real flesh and happy to be made of cold, hard steel. At least with steel, I can put myself back together after I fall apart."

"If I hear myself bark one last time, I'm going to lose my mind." Devastator said.

"Sorry you have to go." Meelo said.

"Oh, don't worry, little one." Applejack said. "Who knows? Maybe we'll return someday."

"So..." Miles said. "How do you expect to return to your homes?"

"Before we left our Equestria, the Doctor told us how." the Masked Matterhorn said. "He said that if Princess Twilight and I combined our magic, we can enchant the Spirit Portal to take us back."

"Well, how do plan to come back, if you do?" Korra asked.

"Jinora gave us a book." Twilight said. "When I place it on top of my mirror, I can access the portal to enter your world."

"That's wonderful." Bolin said.

"Excuse me." Hum Drum said standing on his chair. He held up a glass and tapped on the rim with a spoon. Everyone turned their attention to him. "I have a few things to say. First off, we've all had a lot of involvement with the Red Lotus, which means we've been involved with Grogar as well, an evil older than all of us. All my life, I've been accidentally giving the wrong people what they want. Now, it's great to help the right people. To us."

"To us!" everyone cheered as they raised their glasses high.

Hum Drum sat back down next to Discord, who looked at the costumed dragon sternly.

"Nice speech... Red Eye." Discord whispered. No one else could hear what they were saying. "Tell me something, Xai Bau; how come you're not exposing yourself today like you said you would?"

"No, no, no." Xai Bau said out of Hum Drum's scaly lips. "Your friends are planning to leave in front of public. Now, what could be sweeter than them saying good-bye to each other... in front of an entire world... a second away from ending their perfect rescue story... only to find out that they changed absolutely nothing to stop it?"

"You're insane." Discord said. "And I know insane. How do you expect me to take the pieces in public? As soon as my pony and human friends put two and two together, they'll knock those pieces out of your stolen claws before you can stay 'Discord, stop them'."

"You remember those Mighty Machine mechas we built?" Xai Bau asked. "Well, what if I told you that the White Lotus didn't capture all of them? I got something special in store just for them. I refuse to lose to a bunch of ponies."

"String." Discord said.

"What?" Xai Bau asked.

"A group of ponies is called a string." Discord said.

"I don't care what they're called." Xai Bau groaned. "Just stand by for my orders. Remember, as long as I hold Pandora's Box, you do what I say."

"What are they talking about?" Varrick asked looking at Discord and Hum Drum talking. "I'm telling you, Zhu Li, I'll never understand that Discord fella, and that goes double for Anar D. Can you imagine talking to a sweet-talking, crazy man?"

"I'm sure she can imagine." Anar D asked out of nowhere. "So... what are you going to name your child?"

"Should we even start talking about what we'll name our kid?" Varrick asked.

"Hey, I think it's great to think ahead." Anar D said. "I've done it a fair few times. I'm just saying, the kid should have her name, even if it is early."

"Her?" Zhu Li asked. "What do you mean, her?"

"You're getting a girl." Anar D said. "Trust me. I can tell."

"Really?" Varrick asked. "You know, my Grandma Tak used to tell me, 'Varrick, if you don't know the future, you'll end up with a frying pan on your face'."

"Your grandma said that?" Zhu Li asked.

"Sounds like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Anar D said.

---

In front of the new Spirit Portal, a large group of people stood above the crater taking pictures of Team Avatar and the Equestrians. They were shined upon by the Spirit Portal's glow while spirits watched them from the side. Shirong was there watching Twilight Sparkle and Korra shake each other's hand and hoof. Tirek was behind the Equestrians all chained up and muffled.

"Thanks for helping us." Korra said.

"Thanks for saving Discord with us." Twilight said. She turned to her double. "And thanks for helping us when we needed you. Thanks to you all, I realized there are limitless possibilities to worlds. I wonder what other worlds we might see in the future."

"I can answer that." Hum Drum said stepping out of the Power Ponies. "See, I can only think of one world we might be able to go to now..." He grinned. "Tambelon."

"Tambelon?" the Shadow Blot asked. "Hum Drum, that place is gone. What makes you think..."

"Discord, take the pieces." Hum Drum commanded pulling Pandora's Box out from under his cape.

Hanging his head down, Discord snapped his eagle claw. Applejack's hat hovered from her mane and floated towards Hum Drum. Hum Drum placed his claw into the hat and pulled out the old ball with the hole.

"Hey!" the cowgirl gasped. "What gives?"

Suddenly, Mako's bag opened up on its own. The big bell piece floated and landed in Hum Drum's claws.

"What's going on?" Mako asked.

Masque's metal head started to shake. The metal, hollow cylinder slid out of his metal hair. He tried to grab it, but he couldn't reach it in time.

"WHOA, DON'T BREAK THAT!" Masque shouted. "THAT'S A COLLECTOR'S ITEM!"

"At last!" Hum Drum shouted with a devilish form of joy in his voice as he caught the cylinder. "After 70 years, I've gathered them all."

"Wait." Dusk said. "70 years? Don't tell me you're..."

"Xai Bau." Discord confessed. "He switched minds with Hum Drum at the last second." Tirek smiled under his muffle.

"OH, COME ON!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "WE JUST BEAT HIM!"

"You thought you did." Xai Bau said. "Don't you know? The Red Eye never fails."

"You monster!" Radiance shouted. "Have you no soul?!"

"Discord, why would..." Rodan started to ask. He then created a blank look. "He took it again, didn't he?"

"Yep." Discord replied.

"Get him!" Twilight shouted.

"Uh, uh, uh." Xai Bau said pulling out a remote button from underneath Hum Drum's cape. The sight of it made the citizens gasp in fear. "You're a little preoccupied at the moment." He raised Hum Drum's thumb and pressed it against the button.

Everyone ducked in expecting a large explosion nearby. When nothing happened, they raised their heads. Before they could say anything, they heard a loud roar. At that moment, a loud crash came from a nearby street. A metal arm and claw the size of a building reached out. Following, a great, big wirewolf with red eyes and wiring climbed out. The sight of it made Xai Bau smile.

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" everyone screamed.

"What did you do?" the Shadow Blot asked aggressively.

"It's a back-up plan I had." Xai Bau said. "I had that thing built with a wild wiring system. It'll wreck everything it sees."

"Where did you find the time?!" Spike asked. "You had the Mighty Machines for only one day!"

"I need a few minutes to put the bell together." Xai Bau said. "You can try to stop me, or you all can stop the giant wirewolf mech. Your choice."

The heroes gave a horrible look at the villain. They turned and headed towards the mech leaving Xai Bau, Tirek, and Discord alone with the bell pieces.

The humans, ponies, and wirewolves spun all around the big wirewolf. Any attempt the weapon had would only be close to striking against them. The heroes fired every form of bending, magic, super-powers, or otherwise against the mech. It kept stumbling back.

Meanwhile, at the Spirit Portal crater, Discord was ordered to release Tirek. The centaur rubbed his wrists and chin as he approached his partner.

"Well played, Xai Bau." Tirek said.

"Thank you, Tirek." Xai Bau said. "Now, I believe it's best to finish our job."

"You're going to present yourself to Grogar in that body?" Tirek asked.

Xai Bau looked up and down on the body he was possessing and rubbed Hum Drum's chin. "You have a point." He held up Discord's box. "Discord, you may release Hum Drum now."

Sighing, Discord pulled out the orange orb and threw it to the hard vines below their feet. The orb broke and an orange smoke flowed out. When it cleared, it looked like Xai Bau's body, but it was clear that it was actually Hum Drum in there. Xai Bau pointed Hum Drum's claws toward him and chanted, "Chizan, relku!"

Two different-colored streams of light shined from each other and they shook. Their eyes glowed and when they dimmed, Hum Drum's face was full of fright and the Red Eye's grew an evil grin. It was clear that they had changed back to their own bodies.

"Perfect!" the Red Eye said. "Now, to finish this!"

"As soon as I get that box back, I'll have Discord take your power away!" Hum Drum shouted.

"Stop talking." Tirek said.

"Wait." Xai Bau said. "He just said something smart. Discord's more powerful than I can ever be. If he breaks loose again, everything I made him do will be undone. Unless..." He grinned.

"Now, don't get any ideas, pal." Discord said nervously. "You can't kill me, you know.'"

"I know!" Xai Bau shouted. "But that's not what I want! I want you to change me into the most powerful draconequus... IN THE MULTIVEEEEEEERSE! HAHAHA!"

Discord panicked, but knew he had no choice. He covered his eyes and aimed his lion paw. With one blast from it, Xai Bau's body parts changed differently. He grew fangs and a long lion tail. His arms changed into that of a tiger and a lizard. His legs transformed into a bull's and a cheetah's. His torso became a puma's and the wings on the back were the same: an condor's. Lostly, his head became a dragon's. He rose up and laughed.

"THE POWER OF CHAOS IS MIIIIIIINE!" Xai Bau shouted loud enough to get Korra and Twilight's attention. They couldn't believe what they saw while they were fighting the wirewolf mech.

"EVERYONE, WE HAVE TO FINISH THIS NOW!" Twilight shouted.

"I GOT THIS!" Korra shouted.

Korra closed her eyes and breathed. She opened her eyes, but they had a bright, white light shining from them. She raised her arms and struck them towards the mech. All four elements formed and struck the giant wirewolf. All that was left were the lights going out and a large hole in its chest. It stumbled back and fell on the street. Everyone stared at Korra losing her glow and landing softly.

"How did..." Rainbow Dash asked.

"Not now." Twilight said. "We've got to stop them!"

Meanwhile, at the Spirit Portal crater...

"Now then..." Xai Bau hovered the bell pieced and spun them around each other. As soon as the cylinder slipped into the ball's hole, a black spark flew out. The rest of the bell came to the cylinder and a large blast of black lightning blasted out. Hum Drum ducked behind Discord who had created an umbrella and opened it as a shield.

The humans and Equestrians returned, but it was too late. A bright blast of black colors nearly blinded them. When they regained their sights back, there were five figures in front of the Spirit Portal. Four of them, they already know, but the fifth wasn't there before the black flash.

The figure stood up straight and everyone, even the citizens were afraid of what they were looking at. He had light-and-dark-blue fur, cloven hooves, dark-blue antlers spiraling from his head, and the Bell of Darkness hooked to a collar around his neck. He opened his red eyes and growled as he observed Republic City and everyone in it.

"Hello, my peons

After some eons

I've finally returned

Struggling in shadows

Now, everyone knows

What they should've learned

The dark cannot

Leave forever

The darkness cannot die

Every light you've got

Even together

Isn't worth the try

You're nothing

You amount to nothing

Now that you've realized

All you've fantasized

Have only become dreams

You cannot awake

None of this is fake

It's exactly what it seems

All your effort

Does not adjust

Your inevitable fate

Fall to the dirt

And kiss the dust

You cannot escape

You did nothing

Nothing has changed at all

So..."

Suddenly, his horns glowed and black lightning shot out. They kept striking at random spots. All the citizens ran away and the heroes kept dodging.

"GO AHEAD! RUN AWAY

THIS, I COMMAND

SAY YOUR PRAYERS! STRAIGHT YOUR AFFAIRS

WHAT CAN YOU SAY

NO MIRACLES! NO ESCAPE

IT'LL BE EVERYWHERE

DO NOT FIGHT! IT WON'T CHANGE

EVERYONE WILL PAY

THIS TIME, THE BIRD OF PARADISE

CAN'T COME TO THE RESCUE

NO MORE DAYS! NO MORE CHANCE

THERE'S NO MORE HOPE

I'M THE KING! I'LL HAVE ORDER

NOW, THERE ARE BAD DAYS AHEAD

THE FUTURE'S WRITTEN IN RED

FROM NOW ON, FRIENDSHIP IS DEAD

DEAD

DEAD

DEEEAAAD"

The lightning stopped and the fifth figure breathed in as the heroes saw him.

"All this devastation

Will lead to my creation

I've come so far

I refuse to lose it

To those who can't use it

Now, comes King Grogar

ALL HAIL GROGAAAAAAAAAR"

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!" Masque laughed loudly. "SERIOUSLY?! THAT'S THE GUY WE'VE BEEN WORRYING ABOUT?! THAT'S GROGAR; A BIG, BLUE RAM?!"

"Do not mock him!" Tirek growled. "He is the king of Tambelon!"

"Right, right, right." Masque scoffed wiping his eye. "Watch this. Hey, billy goat, nice antlers! How many channels do you get with those?"

Grogar glared at Masque and his red eyes glowed. Quick as a flash, his eyes blasted and hit Masque. He knocked back and groaned when he stopped rolling back.

"I don't think that's a PBS network." Anar D said.

"So this is a new world." Grogar growled. "It's a lot different in person."

"Grogar!" Twilight shouted. "I am Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship! I request your surrender!"

"Stop asking, Twilight!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "This guy's the cause of a lot of our problems! You don't ask!"

Rainbow Dash then flew toward Grogar. The ram turned his head and suddenly, Rainbow Dash turned around. She hit the ground and rolled over.

"I... What happened?" Rainbow Dash awkwardly.

"You poor, simple fools!" Grogar said. "Thinking you could defeat me! I am the king of Tambelon! And soon, I will also rule the entire Multiverse! Observe!" He turned his head up and dark clouds started to spiral above Republic City. Hard winds blew past everyone.

Discord changed into a mime outfit and tried to stand against the wing. "It's like walking against ze wind, no?" Discord asked in a French accent.

"All around us and always exists," Grogar chanted, "Bring forth an urge that no one resists. Bring forth he I waited to meet now I'm free. Summon the embodiment of time right before me!"

Suddenly, a bright flash of light illuminated in front of Grogar. When it dimmed, the Doctor stood with a stern face not noticing the wind blowing past his mane.

"DOCY, RUN!" Derpy shouted.

"I can handle this, Derpy!" the Doctor shouted. "So, Grogar, we meet again."

"Indeed." Grogar said. "And this time, I will succeed."

"Even if you do take my powers again," the Doctor stated, "They will be useless to your plans as long as friendship exists."

"Then I will make sure it doesn't exist!" Grogar said.

Grogar turned his bell up and let go. As the bell swung, it made that ringing sound. "Ding, ding, ding."

All of a sudden, the Doctor groaned loudly and an orange light flew from him. It flew until it reached the Bell of Darkness. When it was done, the Doctor collapsed on his side and the winds stopped blowing. Everyone ran to the Doctor as he was heavily breathing while Grogar, Xai Bau, and Tirek nodded at each other. Derpy held up the Doctor's head as he had a hard time breathing.

"We've got to stop them!" Zapp shouted. "They're about to enter the portal!"

"NO!" Derpy shouted. "WE'VE GOT TO SAVE HIM! DOCTOR, WHAT'S WRONG?!"

"My... power..." the Doctor said. "I told you... my power is an extension of me. Now... I don't have it anymore."

"No!" Derpy gasped. "Maybe we can..."

"It... It's all right, Derpy." the Doctor breathed while stroking Derpy's mane. "I've... been through this before. I... just need my power back. Release it from..." His eyes closed slowly and he stopped breathing. Then, his entire body turned gray and he started to crumble. The Doctor crumbled apart and turned into a pile of dust that Derpy shed tears on.

"This... is all... YOUR FAULT!" Korra shouted. Her eyes glowed again and she floated with strong winds.

"May I test out my new powers on them, master?" Xai Bau asked.

"No." Grogar said. "This annoyance, I'll handle on my own."

Grogar's eyes blasted toward Korra. She struck the ground and an Earth wall shielded her. Twilight Sparkle, Zapp, and the Masked Matterhorn flew over. Zapp pointed her amulet and a large burst of lightning that the Masked Matterhorn and Twilight blasted with their magic. Grogar blasted the lightning and a large explosion erupted between them. Grogar jumped through the smoke and struck the ponies to the ground in surprise.

Grogar looked back and saw Devastator starting to take a deep breath. His mouth opened and a strung pull was heading into it. Grogar was at the front feeling the force.

"Whoa!" Discord said. "Let me be the first to say that that guy really..."

"Language." Fluttershy interrupted.

"Uh... eats really well." Discord said nervously.

As soon as Grogar reached the front of Devastator's mouth, he lit his eyes and blasted the inside. Devastator screamed as he tried to blow the sudden fire out of his mouth. Grogar turned and saw Discord and Anar D heading towards him on horses.

"FILL YOUR HOOVES, YOU SON OF A GUN!" they shouted at once.

Grogar stared at the ground they were going to step over and squinted. Suddenly, the vines on the ground rose up around the draconequui and tightened.

"Not cool." Discord said.

"Yeah, but you gotta admire his gardening skills." Anar D said.

Suddenly, Grogar saw Team Avatar trying to strike at him. Suddenly, with a glow of his eyes, Grogar lifted Asami from the ground and levitated her in front of him.

"Thank you for your service, Ms. Sato," Grogar growled, "But it seems that our business is going to have to take a different direction. Now then, whelps, if you value this child's life, you'll let us leave without a fuss."

"I'll leave my foot up your..." Miles shouted.

"No." Korra said. "He's right. We can't risk Asami getting hurt."

"Korra, no!" Asami shouted. "Don't worry about me! You've got to stop..." Suddenly, Asami's mouth changed into a zipper that Xai Bau closed shut.

"You talk to much."

"Where... where are the Harmony Gems?" the Masked Matterhorn asked. "Where are they?"

"Last I saw, Mr. Good-Looking was holding onto them." Anar D said pointing at his double.

"Discord!" the Shadow Blot said. "Where are the Harmony Gems? They might be the only things that can stop Grogar now!"

"They're..." Discord said nervously, "In my box... which Xai Bau is holding."

"Ooh, goodie." Xai Bau said. "That wasn't intentional. That was just an unexpected bonus."

"What's it going to be?" Grogar asked.

Asami muffled loudly, but Korra and Twilight looked at each other and made their decision.

"We'll let you go," Korra said, "But only if you let Asami go."

"A wise choice." Grogar said dropping Asami and turning towards the Spirit Portal. He, Tirek, and Xai Bau faced the portal while the leader blasted the portal making it change into a black color.

"And one more thing," Xai Bau said holding up Pandora's Box, "If you so happen as follow us through the portal, I'll sick Discord on you. He'll be more savage than Cujo and a wolverine combined. I can't believe I understood that."

The villains stepped forward through the portal and after they went through, the portal changed back into its yellow color.

"Is... is that it?" Rarity asked. "We failed?"

"Looks like it." Mako said.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by Pinkie Pie and Filli-Second's crying.

"BUT WE'RE STILL SO YOUNG!" Pinkie Pie sobbed pulling out a handkerchief and blowing into it.

"THIS IS HORRIBLE!" Filli-Second cried blowing into the same.

"They're right!" Bolin panicked. "I can't live in a world where no one's friendly!"

"Remember the old saying," Dusk said, "'When the going gets tough, the tough gets going'."

"Uh, oh!" Rainbow Dash gasped looking afar. "Don't look now, but it looks like Grogar left a little surprise!"

Everyone looked where Rainbow Dash was pointing and saw an endless, black cloud with a thunderous roar.

"WHAT'S GOING ON?!" Bolin shouted.

"LIKE YOU SAID, DUSK," Timberwolf shouted, "LET'S GET GOING!"

Everyone tried to run, but they saw the black smoke circling them from every possible direction. In just a few minutes, the smoke blew through the buildings and the giant wirewolf mech and reached the spirit crater. The last one standing was Twilight and Korra, who closed their eyes awaiting whatever might happen before it got completely dark.

Author's Notes:

What happened to our heroes? The answer will be revealed in the next chapter. Anyway, I don't know if it's a little random for Xai Bau to have been turned into a draconequus, but I've got his defeat planned out and it has to involve him being a draconequus. One more thing: the song featured here is based off of "Slipping" from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.

A Time of Darkness

Princess Twilight Sparkle and Avatar Korra opened their eyes after they felt the force of the black smoke end. They let go of each other and observed their environment. It looked like a dark-blue city with buildings made of rock. The sky was pitch-black, and no one can see the moon nor the stars, but they knew there wasn't a cloud in the sky. At the center of the city, a large, black castle toward over the miserable buildings.

"What is this place?" Korra asked.

"If I had my guesses, Tambelon." Twilight answered.

The two looked around and they saw a large crowd of humans, ponies, and other creatures they're familiar with. There were the Mane 6, Team Avatar, the Power Ponies, the Mighty Machines, the elected officials, two trios of princesses, the New Heroes, and some others. Korra and Twilight were exceptionally happy to see their closest friends.

"Everyone!" Twilight cheered.

"Twilight?" Fluttershy asked. "What's going on?"

"Oh, my aching processor." the Shadow Blot groaned. "What happened?"

"Power Ponies?" a girl's voice asked. A blue-skinned human girl stood with a long ponytail with almost the same color as her skin.

"Sonata Dusk!" Twilight gasped. She prepared to blast from her horn. "What are you doing here?!"

"No, wait!" the Masked Matterhorn stopped. "I don't know what your version is like, but Carol here is our friend."

"Friend?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Really?"

"Yeah." Carol said. "But I don't how this happened. I was just sitting in my home, minding my own business, when suddenly, a large black smoke covered all of our Equestria and--poof--I'm right here. The strange thing is, I understand what's going on."

"So do I." Zaheer said standing up. "Grogar is free, isn't he?"

"I'm afraid so." Korra said. "He took the Doctor's time-travel powers and escaped."

"DOCTOOOOOOR!" Derpy Hooves cried out with tears pouring from her eyes like a waterfall.

"Dad," Jinora asked Tenzin with her siblings, "What's going on?"

"Jinora!" a sudden airbender boy around Jinora's age called out.

"Kai!" Jinora called out. The two hugged each other. "I don't get it. It... It feels like this Grogar guy brought us here. But... Where is here?"

"Tambelon." Twilight said. "Now, it makes sense. Before, Grogar needed the Doctor's power to spread his kingdom to the other timelines. However, the Bird of Paradise stopped him and destroyed Tambelon and created friendship. Now that Grogar took the Doctor's power again, he's going back to make sure the Bird of Paradise doesn't become created!"

"Then why did he bring us all here?" Asami asked.

"I think I can answer that." Kuvira said. "I think he wants us to see him win. He seems the arrogant type. He's summoned everyone who was involved with his actions in the past, from the rise of the New Heroes to the attack of Zaheer's group to when Iris tried to frame Discord."

"Looks like it." Princess Celestia said stepping up. She was with Luna and Cadence. Next to the group were another trio of princesses that looked exactly like them.

"Celestia, Luna, and Cadence with Celestia, Luna, and Cadence?" Anar D asked. "I've heard of seeing double, but this is ridiculous."

"I don't think Ricky has any complaints." Masque said.

"Not the time, Masque." the Shadow Blot said.

"I hate to say I told you so," Shirong said, "But I did say that Grogar was coming back."

"Well, I'd better sit back." Discord said. "I'll leave this unsolvable problem in your capable hands."

"Discord, no!" Twilight Sparkle shouted. "You've got to help us!"

"How do I do that?" Discord asked. "I don't know if you've been paying attention, but Xai Bau has my box again. If he sees me with you, he'll command me to turn you into pigs or boil you in soup or make you watch the Phantom Menace or something."

"Still, you can't just do nothing!" Mako declared. "If you want to be a better friend, you should..."

"I hardly believe that the rules of friendship applies to a time when FRIENDSHIP DOESN'T EXIST YET!" Discord shouted. "Before, Grogar was defeated because of an oversight! Now that he's back, he'll make sure the Bird of Paradise doesn't arrive and fix it! If this works, then friendship will never exist!"

"Discord, get ahold of yourself!" Korra shouted. "This is your mess and you're going to help us straighten it out!"

"What?" Discord asked. "What do you mean this is my mess?! It's not like I asked to time-travel and root for a bird to die!"

"But still, you're the cause," Korra sang,

"Your power made this

For it was you and your chaos

That granted Xai Bau's wish

And without you here

Grogar would never leave

But you got yourself caught in the first place"

"Don't be silly! I didn't even know," Discord sang,

"Where Grogar would be

I wasn't the one controlled

Because I got angry

I was always joyful

I was always happy

Think. The one Grogar controlled

Was Asami"

"So you're the cause," Derpy sang.

"No," Asami sang.

"Yes, you're the cause," Discord sang.

"No," Asami sang.

"Please, you had to be mad," Discord sang.

"Wait a minute," Asami sang,

"But I only got mad because Kuvira killed my dad"

"So you're the cause," Hum Drum sang.

"Yes," Miles sang.

"No, it isn't," Kuvira sang,

"I'd have stayed in Zaofu

But the Earth Queen was dead

Zaheer drained all the air

From inside her head"

"The Red Eye's the cause," Zaheer sang,

"For the times he lied

Making us believe

We were on the right side"

"So he's the cause," Raiko sang.

"Of course," Zaheer sang.

"He's the cause," Kai sang.

"Yes, it is. It's his," Iris sang.

"I guess," Rodan sang.

"Wait a minute," Spike sang,

"But the box was the center

Of this change

If it's from another world

When what's strange

Is how did the Box get to Equestria in the first place"

"Yeah," Rainbow Dash sang.

"Hmm," Pinkie Pie sang.

"How," Bolin sang.

"Well, who sent it away," Hum Drum sang.

"Sent it away," Anar D sang nervously.

"Sent it away," Carol sang.

"Anar D sent it away," Spike sang.

"Technically, yes, I did," Anar D sang.

"So you're the cause," Raiko sang.

"But my sister made the box," Anar D sang.

"So she's the..." Zapp sang.

"NO, SHE ISN'T," Anar D sang angrily.

"Then who is," Asami sang.

"Hold on a sec," Anar D sang glaring at Carol,

"I sent it away because of what the Sirens did

They controlled me. Afterwards, I had to get rid"

"You mean that one time," Carol sang,

"Please, listen to me

I didn't mean it. It wasn't right

Can't you see"

"I see you're the cause," the Under King sang.

"But..." Carol sang.

"Yeah, you're the cause," Ikki sang.

"But..." Carol sang.

"Then I'm not the one to blame," Discord sang.

"But what," Mako sang.

"Well, if Iris hadn't taken Discord away," Carol sang.

"I've mistaken," Iris sang.

"I was still taken," Discord sang,

"To bring Judgement Day"

"But I still didn't know," Iris sang.

"Yet, you're still the cause," the Lone Mare sang.

"And how did you know about the box in the first place," Carol sang.

"I read off of Spike's book," Iris sang.

"What book," Spike sang.

"Your superhero book," Iris sang,

"I recognized the box on the page with one look"

"Say what," Spike sang.

"So you're the cause," Lok sang.

"WAIT A MINUTE," Spike sang loudly.

Suddenly, everyone in the entire group turned to each other and started singing their own lines. They kept accusing everyone of starting the mess. It was too much discord, even for the guy named Discord.

"YOU'RE THE CAUSE," everyone sang to each other,

"YOU'RE THE SOURCE OF IT ALL

YOU STARTED ALL OF THIS

YOU'RE THE CAUSE"

Suddenly, a loud roar echoed through the streets. Everyone looked and saw a swarm of horrible monsters heading their direction. They screamed and scattered around.

Twilight glowed her horn and a large, purple wall appeared in front of the monsters. They couldn't break through, no matter how hard they tried.

"That wall won't stay there for long." Twilight said. "Look, everyone, we can sit here and assign the blame to each other, or we can find a way to stop Grogar."

"How?" Raiko said. "Some of us are completely useless. Not to mention, that monster has his lackeys working for him."

"Well... we might need to draw them out and face them on our terms." Korra said. "The problem is, we can't take both Tirek and Xai Bau."

"We have to try." the Masked Matterhorn said. "Discord, Anar D, you two are draconequui, so you'll have to face Xai Bau. The rest of us will see if we can defeat Tirek."

---

Inside of the castle, Grogar looked out of his throne room window with Tirek and Xai Bau behind him.

"This is it." Grogar said. "This is the very day the Bird of Paradise is scheduled to appear. I never thought I'd see my kingdom again."

"I don't understand, master," Xai Bau said, "Why would the Bird appear on this specific day? What's so special?"

"Strangely, nothing at all." Grogar said. "On this day, everything's just ordinary. There's no celebration, no appointments... it's not even a minor holiday. It's been bothering me the whole time I was trapped in the bell."

It took a second for them to notice the blast headed for the sky. They looked and caught sight of a message in the sky. It read "Tirek, Xai Bau, we're calling you out."

"Well, well." Xai Bau said putting a toothpick in his mouth. "It seems we've got a showdown on our hands."

"Deal with it." Grogar said. "Such petty challenges are beneath me."

"Glad to be of service." Tirek said. He blasted through the wall and jumped through. When his hooves hit the ground and he stood up straight, Xai Bau appeared on his shoulder.

"Hey, here's a new thing." Xai Bau said. "It's called a door."

"And I thought you were insufferable enough as a human." Tirek growled.

---

In the middle of a large opening in the town, exactly everyone taken from their homes stood up when Discord and Anar D finished their message in the sky.

"Do you think it worked?" Varrick asked.

Suddenly, a loud roar echoed through the sky. "INSECTS!"

Tirek crashed through the buildings and confronted the heroes in front and below him. He was as big as life his each arm as big as a building. Xai Bau materialized in beside Tirek again.

"You know, there are streets big enough for you to fit through." Xai Bau said. "Seriously, what's your deal with walls and buildings?"

Tirek didn't give Xai Bau any attention. "Grogar brought you fools here to see your hard work fail. Now, I believe that you've seen enough. You called us here to vaporize you, so I..."

Before Tirek could finish his sentence, Rodan shot a blast of fire from his claws straight into Tirek's face. Tirek was wiping off the fire scorching his beard.

"What?" Rodan asked when everyone was looking at him. "He couldn't stop talking."

"My turn." Xai Bau said. He held up Pandora's Box. "Now then, Discord, exterminate your friends!"

Discord widens his eyes and looked at his friends. He breathed in and glared at Xai Bau. "NO!"

"What?" Xai Bau shouted. "Very well. Then face extermination!"

Discord closed his eyes and prepared for the worst. However, after a couple of seconds, nothing happened. Discord wasn't feeling any pain. Everyone was confused.

"What happened?" Discord asked.

"I don't know." Anar D said. "This never happened. All I know is that it was supposed to be yours after the box and I separated from... across... worlds." He widens his eyes and cheered. "YES!"

"What?" Xai Bau asked. "What's going on?"

"Discord's no longer Pandora's Box's host, what's what!" Anar D explained. "Remember, you left Discord in Republic City while you traveled with it to Tambelon. Now, since you're a draconequus, you're the Box's host."

"Oh, is that so?" Xai Bau said. "Well, I suppose that I'll have to get my claws dirty now. I'll teach you to going to the good side."

"Hey, I've already told everyone," Discord said before changing his face to look like President Nixon, "I am not a crook!"

"THAT'S IT!" Tirek roared before creating a giant ball of energy from between his horns. The ordinary people jumped to the indoors while Xai Bau tackled Discord and Anar D.

"Not bad... for a total psycho." Anar D said.

"Ooh, the insult game!" Xai Bau said. He then materialized a microphone. "They should call you elevator operator... 'cause you're bringing me down! Or tonsils... 'cause you're a pain in the neck!"

"Is it me, or is he a little crazier than before?" Discord asked. "Next, Xai Bau, I suppose you'll tell me to go soak my head."

"Oh, that is good!" Xai Bau said. "But it'll look a lot funnier if I make it happen." He grabbed Discord and raised him over his head. A barrel full of water appeared in front of them. "Discord, go soak your head!" He threw Discord into the barrel and the original draconequus was soaking wet. He stuck his head out and saw his friends battling Tirek before turning back at the evil draconequus.

"You're abusing the draconequus power!" Discord shouted. "You can't attack me with puns!"

"Puns and knives and pointy things, yes, I can!" Xai Bau said. "There's only room for one draconequus and it's neither of you! And this is only the tip of the spear!" He changed into a sailor's outfit and materialized a harpoon gun.

Anar D changed himself into a fish. "This fight is just getting fishy!" Xai Bau fired the harpoon, but Anar D dodged it.

"Sorry, but I'm going to have to hook you!" Xai Bau shouted. A giant hook scooped up Anar D and launched him in front of him.

"You're getting a kick out of this, aren't you?" Anar D asked. Suddenly, Discord appeared and kicked Xai Bau to the side. With a snap of Discord's eagle claw, a large pile of hay appeared where Xai Bau landed.

"HEY!" he shouted. As soon as he poked his dragon head out, he saw Discord and Anar D wearing doctor's outfits.

"Welcome to the funny farm, where you belong." Discord said. "I am Dr. Heebie."

"And I am Dr. Jeebie." Anar D said.

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch!" Xai Bau shouted.

Suddenly, a large row of eggs appeared and hatched open. Chicks with savage appetites broke and out and started to go after the two good chaos-bringers. They ran off and Xai Bau watched the chase with a laugh.

"I CAN CHAOS FIGHT UNTIL THE COWS COME HOME!" Xai Bau shouted.

Suddenly, Xai Bau heard loud mooing. He turned and saw a stampede of giant cows heading towards him. They trampled on top of him while he groaned and went "SOO-WEE" time and time again. When the stampede ended, everything the draconequui created just disappeared.

"That was an accident." Xai Bau groaned.

Meanwhile, the heroes were fighting Tirek to a stand-still. In a matter of seconds, Korra launched a giant boulder from the ground that Twilight blasted towards Tirek with her magic. However, Tirek reached out his hand and grabbed the boulder.

"Rocks." Tirek chuckled. "I am at my full power, and you think throwing a rock can stop me." He crushed the rock and broke it into a thousand pieces.

"It's not the rock itself." Zaheer declared. "It's what's inside. I slipped something into there; a Red Lotus invention."

"Red Lotus?" Tirek asked with a chuckle. "Don't you think you had enough of them?"

"The Red Lotus was always flawed." Zaheer said. "I see that now. All I wanted was freedom brought to the entire world, but I chose the easy way. True, the Red Lotus is based on a lie, but there is still one invention that I am glad they created. Perhaps you know about it; the metal poison!"

At that moment, Tirek gasped and opened his hand. There was a metal pile of goop in it.

"NOW, KUVIRA!" Zaheer shouted.

Kuvira thrust her arms with great force and the goop slithered its way into Tirek's hand. He screamed and roared in pain loud enough for Grogar to hear.

"Do not worry." Varrick said. "It won't kill you. Your Equestrian physiology will make it dissolve. But until then, you'll be paralyzed long enough for the princesses to do... THIS!"

Suddenly, the alicorn princesses from every world surrounded Tirek. Their horns glowed and Tirek suddenly shrunk as soon as lights flew out of his body and scattered. He went back to his ordinary, skinny, feeble form and collapsed.

Meanwhile, Anar D and Discord stood face to face with Xai Bau and they were all out of breath.

"Hold it." Xai Bau said. "This is getting us nowhere. We're evenly matched opponents."

"You're right." Anar D said. "Discord, I gotta ask you something: can you trust me?"

"Of course, I can." Discord said like it was obvious. "Why?"

"This!" Anar D shouted. His tail pushed Discord back and with a snap of his eagle claw, Anar D created a giant, clear wall between them.

"Anar D, what are you doing?!" the Masked Matterhorn shouted.

"You do realize you limited your chances, right?" Xai Bau said.

"As far as I'm concerned, I'm dead either way." Anar D said. "You see, I've just figured something out: why Discord could hold the Harmony Gems and I couldn't."

"Really?" Xai Bau said as he threw Pandora's Box up and down his claw. "Do enlighten me."

"It's the same way we're different from each other." Anar D said. "I used to be a pony. Like Spike said, I'm only 2% pony and 98% draconequus. My body is just as chaotic as my powers. Discord, however, is pure 100% draconequus. That's why he's safe holding the Gems."

"What an inspiring theory." Xai Bau said. "But what does that have to do with me."

"Simple." Anar D said. He leaped to Pandora's Box and opened it. He reached in and pulled out the Harmony Crown. A bright light of energy came from the interaction and he screamed in pain. Anar D jumped forward and wrapped himself around Xai Bau, who cried out in pain feeling the same pain. "BECAUSE SINCE YOU AND I ARE ONLY 98% DRACONEQUUS, YOU HAVE THE SAME WEAKNESS AS I DO! YOU AND I ARE NOT PERFECT!"

"WHAT'S GOING ON?!" Pinkie Pie screamed watching the show.

"HE'S EXPOSING HIMSELF AND XAI BAU TO THE HARMONY CROWN!" the Masked Matterhorn shouted.

"BUT WAIT..." Filli-Second shouted. "THAT'LL DESTROY THEM BOTH!"

"NO!" Saddle Rager shouted. She placed her hooves on the glass wall and shouted. "ANAR D, LET GO!"

"I CAN'T!" Anar D shouted holding his grip on the evil draconequus. "HE MUST BE STOPPED!"

"ANAR D, PLEASE!" Saddle Rager shouted. "WE'LL FIND ANOTHER WAY!"

"THERE'S NO TIME!" Anar D shouted. "CALL THIS MY CHANCE AT REDEMPTION!"

"ANAR D, NO!" Saddle Rager screamed out with tears pouring from her eyes. "Please. ...You're our friend."

"Hey, kid." Anar D said. "...I'm just proud to have been your friend. That's enough for one life."

Suddenly, the wall broke apart when the energy formed a cyclone around the two doomed draconequui. While Xai Bau screamed trying to escape the hold, Anar D didn't even make a fuss as he tightened his grip. He closed his eyes and saw his life flash before my eyes. Silently, he spoke something he thought he'd never say.

"Hello, Pandora."

Suddenly, a large flash of light brightened up the entire area. Everyone jumped out of the way. When the light dimmed, there was nothing but a large crater with Pandora's Box at the bottom. It quickly turned gray and turned to dust. The passing wind blew every tiny speck away.

"Anar D." Miles gasped. "No."

Suddenly, a black comet burst out of the castle from afar. It spiraled around the heroes and they jumped back when a pillar fell from it. When the smoke cleared, Grogar stood proudly as he observed the crowd.

"Congratulations." Grogar said. "You've got my attention."

"You... YOU KILLED ANAR D!" Saddle Rager shouted before changing into her monster form.

"I didn't raise a hoof at the fool." Grogar said. "This is just why friendship doesn't exist in Tambelon."

"Enough of your words twisting." Korra said. "We're not letting you destroy the Bird of Paradise."

"You're going to have to face me to stop me." Grogar said. "But we both know that all of you combined don't have it in you."

"We'll have to find out!" Twilight shouted.

"Is that so?" Grogar said watching his enemies getting ready to fight. He chuckled and made his own eyes glow. "Well then... let's end this."

Author's Notes:

POOR ANAR D?

The song featured here is based off of "Your Fault", a song from Into the Woods with a similar theme. I don't know if the stuff here was too much. Like I said, I am struggling with putting certain details into this story. I'm really trying my best to make this crossover a good story.

Anyway, only two chapters left and the final battle has begun.

The Bird of Paradise

BOOM! The fight with Grogar was very destructive. The evil king fought back against every attack that was thrown at him. Even the New Heroes launched their best shots against them.

The Shadow Blot formed many critters from his body that assisted in the fight. Timberwolf ripped off his arm and bent it like a boomerang. He flung it and it smacked Grogar across the face before returning to him. Dusk and Rodan fired their fire and darkness blasts at the side of Grogar. Devastator picked up Masque and flung him toward Grogar's leg.

"I'M NOT TOUCHING YOU!" Masque shouted. "STILL NOT TOUCHING YOU!"

The Under King picked up an entire building and threw it at the evil king. Grogar stumbled back, but he was still standing. He felt a vine wrap around his leg with Seedling controlling it alongside the rest of C.R.U.S.A.D.E. He broke it off, but Masque was able to slide the vine off to safety. Terrania turned her head and many rocks flew from the ground and struck Grogar. The Lone Mare jumped to Grogar's horns and swung through them trying to knock him off balance. Carol changed into her siren form and declared a sonic scream from her fangs.

The Masked Matterhorn blasted the road and it changed to ice making it slippery for Grogar to walk on. Zapp pointed her medallion to the sky and a bolt of lightning struck at Grogar. Filli-Second zipped back and forth around Grogar striking at him. Radiance pointed her bracelet and created a hard-light pair of boxing gloves to strike against Grogar's cheeks. Mistress Marevelous wrapped her rope around Grogar's legs and tightened it. Saddle Rager roared as she slammed her fists down Grogar's back. Hum Drum changed into his diamond form and jumped on him with his tail like a jackhammer.

The rest of the alicorn princesses, including Twilight Sparkle, circled over Grogar and blasted him with their magic. Applejack kicked some rubble with great strength and launched them at Grogar. Rainbow Dash pounded at Grogar's side. Pinkie Pie kept shooting at him with her party cannon. Rarity would check the quality of each rubble piece before throwing them. Fluttershy just hid.

The airbenders flew into the air and blasted from the sky. The earthbenders followed Terrania's idea while Bolin changed the ground beneath Grogar into lava. Firebenders fired from the rooftops above Grogar. The waterbenders opened their water bottles and whipped Grogar. Miles did both the jobs of the firebenders and waterbenders. Meanwhile, Korra changed into the Avatar State and unleashed her full force at Grogar. The rest of the people were just hiding away.

The powerful people unleashed their greatest strikes at Grogar, but alas, none of them even phased him. He still stood tall looking like nothing happened to him. He lit up his eyes and fired at everyone with red blasts from his optics. When the blast hit the ground, everyone was pushed back.

Kris' glider was caught in the shock-wave and she was lifted to a random building. She crashed through a window and rolled onto the floor. She got up and murmured to herself.

"HEY!" Discord called out from the ceiling. "Find your own hiding spot!"

"Discord?" Iris asked. "What are you doing up there?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Discord asked. "I'm hiding, like Raiko, Derpy, Fluttershy, and Spike. We can't possibly fight that guy!"

"Discord, stop playing around and get down here!" Iris shouted.

"Make me!" Discord whined.

"Are you scared because of what happened to your double?" Iris asked.

"What if I am?" Discord asked. "The best chance we had to fight him was two draconequui, and fighting one of his minions costed us half of that. We can't possibly defeat the big boss now."

"Yes, we can." Iris said. "Discord, you've got to get up from your corner and help your friends!"

"Don't kid yourself." Discord said. "You were the one who didn't believe in friendship in the first place."

Iris frowned. "Yes. I didn't really understand friendship. I thought it meant being with those who share your ideals. Discord, I told you friendship wouldn't get you anywhere. I told you kindness wouldn't work here. I told you it was a fool's dream! But... I was wrong.

"There is more to being friends

Than just you being there

They must care too

When it comes to you

And you know that they care

And you can never give up

You never desist

You're still friends

When they don't exist

That's what a friend is for

Oh, that's what a friend is for

That's what a friend is for

And more

That's what a friend... is foooooooooor"

Discord was struck with inspiration. He lowered himself onto the floor and stood proud and tall. He looked at Grogar and put on a stern face.

"It's time I fought for the right side, huh?" Discord asked.

"Both of us." Iris answered.

Suddenly, Discord materialized a rocket beneath him. He rode on it and changed his eye into a targeting system. He aimed at Grogar and pushed a button.

"HAVE YOU EVER MADE ONE OF THESE BEFORE?!" Iris asked loudly as the rocket started to shake and hum.

"FIRST TIME ACTUALLY!" Discord shouted.

Before Iris could say another word, the rocket launched itself out of the window and was aimed at Grogar's face.

"YOU WANTED ME!" Discord shouted. "YOU GOT ME! OOH, THAT COULD BE MY CATCHPHRASE!"

However, Grogar's eyes glowed when the rocket stopped in midair. Discord kicked the rocket, but it wasn't going anywhere.

"You were saying?" Iris asked.

"Ekynul, frunmei!" Grogar chanted

"Ou-yay eak-spay ig-pay atin-lay?" Discord asked before his rocket broke apart.

Discord and Iris fell to the ground in front of Grogar, who laughed loudly.

"I must thank you." Grogar said. "It's been so long since I last laughed. I'm surprised you're still fighting, draconequus, after what happened to the other you."

"Go step on a duck!" Discord shouted. "My handsome friend..."

"Do not say that word!" Grogar shouted. "Haven't any of you learned that friendship doesn't exist? Here, at this time, all of that is nothing but blasphemy. Look where such heresy has gotten your double. Friendship shouldn't exist in the first place, and that's what I'm going to fix."

"You're wrong, Grogar!" Twilight Sparkle declared. "It wasn't friendship what destroyed Anar D! We didn't want him to give up his life to save us! You call friends parasites, but there's one thing you're not seeing!"

"Oh, really?" Grogar chuckled. "Do enlighten me. What is it that I'm not seeing?"

Twilight Sparkle breathed in and spoke proudly. "I AM A FRIEND!"

Grogar glared at Twilight with a raised eyebrow. Everyone listened in on her.

"In the past, I've barely paid attention to my friends. And now, since I met some real friends, I've realized that nothing means more than that. If I had a choice between my life or my friends, then I'd keep my friends any way. I am a friend!"

"Very stupid thing to say, princess." Grogar growled.

For a moment, everyone behind Twilight looked at each other and nodded with a smile.

"I'm a friend too!" Applejack declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Rainbow Dash declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Rarity declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Fluttershy declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Pinkie Pie declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Spike declared.

"Shut up." Grogar growled angrily.

"I'm a friend too!" the Masked Matterhorn declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Mistress Marevelous declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Zapp declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Radiance declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Saddle Rager declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Filli-Second declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Hum Drum declared.

"I'm a friend too!" the Shadow Blot declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Timberwolf declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Masque declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Dusk declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Rodan declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Devastator declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Derpy declared. "A BFF kind of friend, if you'd like!"

"I said, shut up!" Grogar shouted in rage.

"I'm a friend too!" Carol declared.

"I'm a friend too!" the Under King declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Seedling declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Nowhere Mare declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Turbo Girl declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Terrania declared

"I'm a friend too!" the Lone Mare declared.

"I'm a friend too!" the other princesses declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Shining Armor declared.

"FOOLS, ALL OF YOU!" Grogar shouted.

"I'm a friend too!" Korra declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Asami declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Mako declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Bolin declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Tenzin declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Jinora declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Ikki declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Meelo declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Lin declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Zhu Li declared.

"Ditto on the friend thing!" Varrick declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Miles declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Iris declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Zaheer declared.

"I'm a friend too!" Kuvira declared.

Discord heard everyone else declare their friendship and smiled at it. He looked at Grogar's angry face and stood up straight. He got ready to speak out.

"I'M SPARTACUS!" Discord shouted. He laughed. "Just kidding. I'm a friend too."

"FOOLS!" Grogar shouted in rage and fury. "ALL OF YOU! SILENCE! IF YOU PREFER TO DIE THAN NOT BECOME FRIENDS, THEN I'M HAPPY TO OBLIGE!" His eyes lit up brighter than they ever were before. The light itself was brighter than how big Grogar was and everyone got ready for it.

"This looks like the end." Masque said. "Hey, Mako, I'm sorry I called you a doo-doo face."

"You never called me that." Mako said.

"It was in my head." Masque replied.

A bright, red blast shot from Grogar's eyes and headed towards his enemies. Everyone was frightened.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE MY LAST WORDS ARE 'DOO-DOO FAAAAAAAAAACE'!" Masque shouted as the light consumed him and everyone else.

The light shined where everyone was and Tirek grinned at the sight lying on the ground weak and feeble. He had just enough strength to laugh.

"And so it ends." Grogar said. He turned around to return to his castle.

Suddenly, he heard a twinkle sound. Grogar turned and saw a white pillar-like light poke out of the red energy in a diagonal line. A similar light poked out from the other side. Several other lights appeared next to those two and so on.

"What is this?" Grogar asked in shock. "How is this possible? Nothing is this powerful!"

Suddenly, the red changed into complete white. The light grew straight and took on the form of a great, big phoenix. The entire figure was made up of every individual hero inside balls of light. Grogar watched in fear of it.

"THIS... THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE!" Grogar panicked. "YOU CAN'T LOOK LIKE THAT! YOU LOOK EXACTLY LIKE... LIKE..."

"The Bird of Paradise!" Tirek gasped.

The Bird raised its wings big and wide and Grogar was too confused to do anything about it. Suddenly, the Bird of Paradise flapped its wings down with great fore. A white wave of light covered all of Tambelon and Grogar screamed when the wave hit the Bell of Darkness and left it glowing.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Grogar shouted with complete pain and defeat.

Suddenly, the entire environment changed. The monsters scattered across different paths of the horizon. The buildings and castle disappeared and a blue skies and yellow sun rose in the sky. Grass and plants and trees grew where the buildings were. The Bird of Paradise landed onto the soft grass and separated. The light disappeared while everyone was confused on what was going on.

"What happened?" Rainbow Dash asked. "How did we become the Bird of Paradise?"

Everyone discussed what just happened with each other, but they didn't notice Tirek getting up and extending his claws. He stood up and approached behind Twilight. He raised his claw and prepared to strike.

Suddenly, a rope appeared and wrapped around Tirek's wrist. That's when everyone noticed Tirek and saw him struggling from the rope's grip.

"Nice one, Marevelous." Iris said. "How'd you see him there?"

"That's... not mine." Mistress Marevelous said.

"Then who..." Miles asked.

Suddenly, Tirek was yanked to the floor. He rose his head only to see a yellow pillar of light. A pony came out of it; a pony everyone was happy to see and Tirek was frightened of at that point.

"THE DOCTOR!" Twilight cheered.

"Too bad you lost your master, Tirek." the Doctor said. "But don't worry. Here's your consolation prize: TARTARUS!"

At that moment, Tirek disappeared without even a flash of light. He just wasn't there anymore.

"DOCTOR!" Derpy shouted as she hugged the Doctor and pecked her lips on his cheek.

"Stop it, please." the Doctor said nervously. "You're making me blush."

"Doctor, you're alive!" Korra cheered.

"Of course, I am." the Doctor said. "Grogar's defeated, isn't he? Now, the powers are back where they should be."

"Hey, Doc, what's going on?" Discord said. "We, me and the others here, became the Bird of Paradise. The problem is, we can't be the Bird. Even I'm not that old."

"You haven't figured it out yet?" the Doctor asked. "Guess?"

"Look-a-likes?" Bolin asked.

"No." the Doctor answered.

"Past lives?" Timberwolf asked.

"No." the Doctor answered.

"We are Groot?" Discord asked. "Just had to."

"It's not any of that." the Doctor said. "You see, Grogar is bound to an endless cycle of quantum events."

"Smaller words, Doc." Discord said. "You're losing Bolin."

"Say what?" Bolin asked.

"Grogar's stuck in a time-loop." Grogar said. He picked up the three pieces of the Bell of Darkness. "Picture this. The Bird of Paradise destroys the Bell of Darkness. Grogar hitches a ride on a piece. Within years, Grogar gathers followers to bring him his pieces. Grogar forms back. He takes my power. He travels to Tambelon to spread his kingdom. And the whole thing starts all over again. And the best part: he doesn't even know he's in a time loop. The birth of friendship has made some blurry parts in his brain. To him, the only thing he's sure about right now is that the Bird of Paradise appeared out of nowhere and defeated him. He's going to keep it going over and over again until time catches up to him."

"SERIOUSLY?!" Korra asked. "You mean to tell me we were already going to win?! We weren't in any real danger?!"

"Actually, you were." the Doctor said. "You had to make sure Grogar stayed in the time loop. And that's by making sure everything went exactly as they should be. I did tell you to go to Heong-Hua instead of Zaofu, didn't I?"

"How would that work?" Mako asked.

"Do you really want me to give a 5-hour lecture about quantum physics?" the Doctor asked. "Look, I know none of you thought you'd be part of something this big, but it's not about what you are; it's about what you can become. Time is both fate and independence. It's all up to you."

"What about Anar D?" Saddle Rager asked.

The Doctor sighed. "I'm sorry. If I let him live, I let Xai Bau live. Remember, it was his choice and his alone. He's... lost to us."

Saddle Rager began to tear up. Devastator patted her on her wings.

"Which reminds me..." Raiko said. "Princesses, Doctor, may I ask you to... build something for me... before we have to say goodbye?"

The alicorns and Doctor looked at each other before turning back to him. They nodded.

Author's Notes:

Well, all the questions are answered now. I have only one chapter left to upload. Let's call this a farewell chapter between the MLP characters and the LoK characters.

The song featured here is a reprise of an earlier song. Now, here's where it gets complicated. It's based on the song "That's What You Do For a Friend", but it's supposed to have a soft tone, like the reprise of "As Long as There's Christmas". I only put this song in this story because I feel incomplete without a reprise in it.

Friends Forever

In Republic City, after everyone was returned to life, a great crowd stood sat in front of the Presidential Office wearing mourning outfits. The Power Ponies' Princess Celestia stood at the front first. Next to her was a large object bigger than her and covered by a sheet.

"I... was one of the first to know Anar D." Princess Celestia said. "He used to be a unicorn named D. He had his whole future ahead of him. He was going to be one of the next Heroes of Harmony. It was tragic that he let his own temptations get the best of him. Now, he has realized the value of friendship and changed his wicked ways. Now, he is with his loving sister, Pandora. May he rest in peace."

After she got off, Discord took the stand.

"This is a sad day. Normally, I'd do something to bring the fun here, but I'm not. I only knew the guy for a week, but I already understand him better than anyone else. He knew that there was a good level of chaos and a bad level of chaos. He and I often do our best to stay on the good level. See, all of us, not just draconequui, have a lot of chaos to provide. Chaos is an embodiment of our imagination and our will. Anar D was always enjoying those kinds of moments, because that's what I'd do."

Discord stepped away and Raiko took the stand.

"Everyone, human and Equestrian, I stand before you in tribute to our fallen friend. I swear, this is not a promotional address or anything else that will get me re-elected. The old me would have done that, but after everything I've seen, that's not me anymore. And so, I give you this as a promise of my changed will."

Raiko pulled off the blanket behind him and revealed what hat been under. It was a painted statue of Anar D, down to every last detail of his body and superhero costume. the sight of it was getting many photographs.

"Behold," Raiko exclaimed, "This is our tribute to someone who reminded us that friendship can come in all shapes, sizes, and forms. I give you... the Element of Chaos."

For the first time in this whole ceremony, all of Anar D's friends smiled.

---

The Mane 6, Team Avatar, the Power Ponies, and the Mighty Machines were laughing as the last of the minor heroes who fought with them returned to their world.

"So, wait." Twilight chuckled. "Anar D did what?"

"The first time he left Maretropolis, he asked us to get him something." Radiance said. "He said he just wanted a teeny-tiny glass of water. Then, he started to sing."

"That's exactly what I did when I pretended to be sick." Discord said. "Of course, that was also the time Iris tried one of her schemes of getting me kicked out of Equestria."

"I apologized for that a dozen times." Iris said.

"So Iris," Korra said, "What's going to happen with you and Zaheer?"

"Oh, I'll be fine." Iris said. "As for my father, well, he's going to try to play it straight. If not, well, I'll be there to straighten him out."

"And I'll be right at her side." Miles said.

"Look." Derpy gasped pointing by the portal. A familiar pony stood by waiting for them.

"Welcome, my little friends." the Doctor said.

"Doctor." Twilight said. "What are you doing here?"

"Just wanting to say good-bye for now." the Doctor said.

"You mean we'll see you again!" Derpy asked. "I'll see you again!"

"I'm always with you." the Doctor said stroking Derpy's hair. "I have already been to your futures and I'm still going to. You've also already seen my older self in your pasts. You'll definitely see me again."

"Wait." Korra said. "If you know our futures, do you think you can tell us?"

"I can't divulge too much." the Doctor said. "Right now, I let you choose which timeline to join in. However, I can tell you this: Varrick and Zhu Li will have a creative, independent, and innocent girl named after Varrick's Grandma Tak. But right now, I suppose you already have your future covered, Avatar."

"What?" Mako asked.

"It's just an idea." Korra said. "I... I've been thinking of seeing the other worlds. Until a week ago, I had no idea that there was entire world populated by ponies and other creatures. I want to know what other worlds are out there with new possibilities."

"WHAT?!" Lok shouted. "AFTER ALL WE'VE BEEN THROUGH?! Iris, you can't possibly go along with this!"

"Actually, that's a good idea." Iris said. "I've been hidden away from the rest of the world trying to turn it upside down. It's time I do something else. What do you say Miles?"

"I'm up for some adventure." Miles said.

"I'd like to come too." Mako said. "It might be a good time for us to repair our relationship."

"Well, if Mako's going, then I'm going!" Bolin declared.

"And I'd like to come too." Asami said.

"HAS EVERY HUMAN GONE INSANE?!" Lok shouted. "THIS IS WHY I PREFER BIRDS!"

Everyone ignored Lok. Korra and Twilight stared at each other and hugged. They stepped away and looked again.

"So... this is good-bye, huh?" Korra said.

"Maybe, maybe not." Twilight said. "Either way, I'm glad to have you as my friend."

"Me too." Korra said. "I never thought I'd have a pony for a friend."

"Hey, you're a first for us as well." Rainbow Dash said.

"You're all my first friends, even though I'm too different to be anyone's friend." Discord said. "I guess chaos isn't too much of a curse."

"I just want everyone here to know something." Twilight said. "Even though we're different, it doesn't necessarily make us disagreeable. Take me and Korra for example.

"I... never thought we would

Be a friendly pair

Even though we're two different girls

You... always seem rough

While I'm more aware

But together, we are two lovely pearls

I'm a pony

I'm an alicorn"

"I'm the Avatar," Korra sang,

"Since I was born

We are different, but we're still the same"

"We are driven," Twilight sang,

"We are clever"

"We will always," Korra sang,

"Stand together"

"You and I are one," both sang.

"You... are my very best friends," Discord sang,

"Couldn't ask for more

I'd give up my chaos for you"

"We... will always save the day," the Masked Matterhorn sang,

"Like we did before

As long as we're brave, honest and true"

"We are heroes," the Power Ponies sang,

"We are radical"

"We're wirewolves," the Mighty Machines sang,

"We're mechanical

We have plenty of stories with legends"

"You will know them," everyone sang,

"You will hear them

You will love them

You will cheer them

You and I are one"

For a moment, the Doctor turned away from the heroes and turned to the reader. He said to him/her...

"And that is how all of our legends managed to find a way to coexist. It started with different ways. Princess Twilight Sparkle was the only one that found out about NightMare Moon. The Masked Matterhorn met your team by accident. Avatar Korra went to Republic City of her own choice. Discord had to wait thousands of years trapped in stone just to learn how to be a friend. But the truth is, it was all perfect. If those legends hadn't started that way, we would never exist for they all led up to their meeting... and their friendship."

The Doctor turned to the Spirit Portal and saw everyone in all three worlds cheering and singing along.

"DON'T YOU KNOW YOU ARE...

DON'T YOU KNOW YOU ARE...

DON'T YOU KNOW YOU ARE...

DON'T YOU KNOW YOU ARE...

DON'T YOU KNOW YOU ARE...

MY VERY BEST FRIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEENDS

WE ARE HUMANS

WE ARE PONIES

WE ARE SPIRITS"

"MACARONI," Derpy sang.

"WE ARE PIECES OF A PUZZLE THAT SEEM TO FIT," everyone sang,

"WE ARE FREAKSHOWS

WE ARE CANINES

WE ARE DRAGONS

THAT ARE REFINED

WE HAVE ALL THE POTENTIAL WE NEED FOR FRIENDSHIP

WE ARE DIFFERENT

BUT THE SAME TOO

ALL THROUGHOUT

THE MULTIVERSE

YOU AND I ARE OOOOONE

YOU AND I ARE OOOOONE

YOU AND I ARE OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE"

"EVERYONE..." Varrick declared, "DO THE THING!"

"THEEEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEND"

Author's Notes:

FINALLY! It took two, long, hard-working months, but I finally finished this story! I'm finally done with the Chaos Saga! Hey, everyone, I've been told that I could make a sub-series to the Chaos Saga. If any of you agree, place it in the comments below. In the meantime, I'm going to have to take a break from uploading any stories.

The final song here is based off of "This is Our Story" from Shrek: the Musical.