The Elements of Nature, Book 3

Chapter 7, Zuko Arrives

Once the group land at Canterlot, Twilight is the first to get out, getting a concern look from Celestia when she sees her black eye. “What happen Twilight?” The Alicorn of the Sun asked.

“A crazy earth pony named Dom Pyro.” She said. The others soon get off as well. Cadence then gives a big hug to her husband.

“I was so worried about you.” Cadence said.

“Me too.” Luna then arrives as the Avatar of Air steps out and bows before the regal wing unicorn sisters.

“I presume you're the Avatar of Air.” Luna said.

“Indeed, I am, Princess Luna.” Ar said.

Lunar Eclipse then steps out, surprising both Luna and Celestia about seeing the lost Prince of Death again. "Lunar Eclipse..." Celestia said. "It has been a long time, friend."

“In...indeed...” Lunar nervously said. "It has been ... so long, I..." He looked down awkwardly. "I don't really have a purpose right now..."

“Simple.” Luna said. “Help the Avatars find the sixth element and defeat the Fire Nation.”

The Prince of Death looked up and nodded, a new look of determination on his face. "I will, Luna." He smiled warmly at her. "It has been so nice to see you again, Luna."

“Did he just address her as 'Luna' and not as 'your Highness'?” Rainbow asked Blitz.

“How should I know?” Blitz said.

A slight blush then kissed Luna's cheeks, as she backs away slightly. "Likewise, Lunar Eclipse..."

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In the remains of an old temple, an Earth Pony with a spiked black mane, a yellow coat, and blue eyes. His cutie mark is hidden by a full body black and orange body suite. He’s panting as he digs through the rubble with a shovel, a mouse watching. “Where are you, my pretty pretty?” He said, having a twisted smile on his face. “Where are you?

I need you,” the clearly crazy Earth Pony then hears the mouse squeak a little. “Oh, I see you too, little mousy. Don’t think I don’t. Sitting there, m-m-mocking me, little mouse! They will all see!” Dom Pyro said as he drives the shovel into the rubble, and hits something organic.

Dom Pyro gasps and smiles as the rubble stirs, his pet timber wolf climbing out, slightly hurt, but nothing fatal. “Yes!” Dom Pyro squealed as he grabs the unlucky mouse, which was unable to escape. “They will all see. All on them.

They left us here. Left us! But now, we are free. Now we are ... we. Combustion, my pretty pretty, Avatar Firebrand, and his little mice will pay. Pay, with their lives!” Dom Pyro said, causing his wolf to howl in agreement.

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In Equestria, just outside of Ponyville, in Whitetail Woods, Zuko has made a makeshift campsite with his stolen war balloon, Zuko is pacing around, debating with himself. “Hello ... Zuko here, but I guess you probably already know me, sort of. Uhhh ... so, the thing is I have a lot of firebending experience, and I'm considered to be pretty good at it. Well, you've seen it, you know, when I was attacking you. Uhhh ... yeah, I guess I should apologize for that. But anyway, I'm good now.

I mean, I thought I was good before, but I realize I was bad, but anyway, I think it's time I joined your group and taught the Fire Avatar advanced firebending,” Zuko said to his ‘audience,’ a frog, which croaks at him. “Well, what's your answer?” Zuko angrily asked, only for the frog to hop on his head then hop away. “Yeah ... that's what I'd say, too. How am I supposed to convince these Equestrians that I'm on their side?

What would Uncle do?” Zuko then gets the idea of imitating his uncle Iroh. “‘Zuko, you have to look within yourself to save yourself from your other self. Only then will your true self, reveal itself.’ Even when I'm talking for him I can't figure out what he means.

What would Azula do?” He then imitates his sister. “‘Listen, Avatars, I can join your group, or I can do something unspeakably horrible to you and your friends! Your choice!’” Zuko then thinks hard about what he just said. “Why did I considered Azula?”

==================================================================

In Ponyville, it’s sunset as Fire,’ Twilight, Applejack, Ar, Rainbow, Blitz, Agua, Terra, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie set up a picnic outside of town. “Once were done eatin', howsabout we play horse shoes?” Applejack said.

“Your on, AJ.” Rainbow said to the apple farmer. “I want a rematch!”

“I think that'll have to wait.” Terra said as she points behind her, with the eyes of the group looking that way, and they see Zuko, stunning them.

“Hello ... Zuko here,” Zuko said while waving as the group get into fighting stances. “Hey, I heard you guys were flying back here, so, I just thought I'd wait for you here. I know you must be surprised to see me here.”

“Not really, since you've followed us all over the world.” Rainbow said.

“Right. Well, uhhh ... anyway ... what I wanted to tell you about is that I've changed, and I, uhhh, I'm good now, and well I think I should join your group, oh, and I can teach you some advance firebending,” Zuko said, shocking the group. “See, I, uhhh...”

“You want to what now?” Terra asked.

“You can't possibly think that any of us would trust you, can you? I mean, how stupid do you think we are?!” Twilight nearly shouted.

“Yeah, all you've ever done is hunt us down and try to capture the Avatars!” Rarity said.

“I've done some good things!” Zuko defended. “I mean, I could have just left the Dai Li’s prisoners in Ba Sing Se, but I set them free. That's something!”

“I was wondering about that.” Blitz said as Fire's face quickly turns to one of rage.

“Even still, you Fire Nation attacked Abysus and killed my father!” Fire’ nearly yelled.

Zuko then stares at Firebrand, confused for a moment. “I’m sorry, but the Fire Nation never attacked Abysus.”

“How do we know that you're not lying?” Pinkie Pie said.

“I can understand why you wouldn't trust me, and I know I've made some mistakes in the past.” Zuko said.

“Like when yo' attacked Ponyville, lookin' fo' Fire.’” Applejack accused.

“Look, I admit I've done some awful things. I was wrong to try to capture you, any of you, and I'm sorry that I attacked this town.” Zuko said, getting a look of pity from Fire,’ pretty much the only one willing to give him a chance. “And I never should have sent that assassin after you,” At this, Twilight's eyes widen with shock. “I'm going to try to stop-”

“Wait, your the one who originally sent Dom Pyro after us?” Twilight angrily said.

“Uh, kinda, yeah, but-”

“Ohhh, sorry. I didn't mean to insult your friend!” Twilight sarcastically said.

“He's not my friend!” Zuko angrily said.

“That guy tide us up in the middle of the jungle!” Rainbow said.

“Why aren't you saying anything?” Zuko said to Fire.’ “You know I have good in me.”

Fire’ is a bit hesitant to answer, but when he tries to, it doesn't come out. “There's no way we can trust you after everything you've done. We'll never let you join us.” Twilight said, slightly shocking Fire.’ “You need to get out of here. Now.”

“I'm trying to explain that I'm not that pony anymore!” Zuko said.

“Either you leave, or we attack.” Agua threatened.

“If you won't accept me as a friend, then maybe you'll take me as a prisoner.” Zuko said as he kneels down.

“No, we won't!” Twilight said as she slaps Zuko, hard. “Get out of here, and don't come back! And if we ever see you again, well, we'd better not see you again!” At this, Zuko leaves, with a swollen face.

==================================================================

At Zuko’s campsite, he’s pacing agin, yelling at himself. “Uggh, I can't believe how stupid I am! I mean, what was I thinking? Telling them I sent one of the deadliest assassins in the world after them? Why didn't I just say Azula did that, they would have believed that! Stupid!” Zuko said as a frog croaks at him.

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In Ponyville, at Sugarcube Corner, the group are debating about Zuko. “Why would he try to fool us like that?” Twilight asked, referring to Zuko.

“Obviously he wants to lead us into some kind of trap.” Agua said.

“This is just like when we were in prison together at Ba Sing Se. He starts talking about his mother and making it seem like he's an actual pony with feelings.” Twilight said, remembering the time all to well.

“He be hankerin' yo' t'trest an' feel so'ry fo' him so yo' let yer guard down, then he strikes.” Applejack said. “He’s jest like a cat.”

“The thing is, it worked. I did feel sorry for him.” Twilight said. “I felt like he was really confused and hurt, but obviously, when the time came he made his choice, and we paid the price. We can't trust him.”

“I kind of have a confession to make.” Fire’ said, slightly surprising the group. “Remember when I got captured by Zhao?”

“Yeah. That’s when that Blue Spirit guy saved you.” Rainbow said.

“When Zhao had me chained up, it was Zuko who came in and got me out. He risked his life to save me.” Fire’ said.

“No way! I'm sure he only did it so he could capture you himself!” Twilight said.

“Yeah, face it Fire,’ yo' an' t'other Avatars is nothin' but a trimenjus prize t'him.” Applejack said.

“You're probably right.” Fire’ said. “But that was three years ago. He’s obviously been through a lot since then.”

“Oh, sure.” Fluttershy said. “And what was all that crazy stuff about setting the Dai Li’s prisoners free? What a liar.” Fluttershy said, getting some stares from the others.

“Actually, he wasn't lying.” Terra said.

“Exactly.” Fire’ added. “I knew from the start that Zuko was the one who freed them.”

“Oh, hooray!” Rainbow sarcastically said as she gets up into the air. “In a lifetime of evil, at least he didn't add cruelty to those who can’t defend themselves to the list.”

“We’re just saying that, considering his messed-up family and how he was raised, he could have turned out a lot worse.” Terra said.

“You’re right, Terra!” Twilight sarcastically said to Terra. “Let's go find him and give him a medal. The ‘not as much of a jerk as you could have been’ award!”

“All I know is that while he was talking to us, he was sincere. Maybe you're all just letting your hurt feelings keep you from thinking clearly.” Terra said.

“Yeah.” Blitz added. “For all we know, he’s probably been confused for his entire life, which we know nothing about.”

“Indeed.” Ar said. “One mustn't judge others by their past deeds, but what they will do.”

“Easy for you three to say!” Rainbow said. “You weren't there when he attacked us at the South Pole!”

“Or when he tried to capture Firebrand at the Fire Temple!” Twilight added. “Why would you three even try to defend him?”

“Because Twilight,” Terra angrily began to say, “except for me, Blitz, Ar and maybe Fire,’ you're all ignoring one crucial fact: Fire’ needs someone to help him master his firebending! We can't think of anyone in the world to do the job! Now one shows up on a silver platter, and you won't even think about it?” Terra said as she stamps her hoofs on the ground, to a point where it shakes slightly. Terra, followed by Blitz and Ar, leaves the sweet shop. “You know, sometimes I wonder who the real blind one is around here.”

“Ya don’t say.” Blitz said as they leave.

“What was that all about?” Mrs. Cake asked.

“Don’t ask.” Rainbow said.

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Later, its nightfall in the Whitetail Woods, at Zuko’s camp, he’s asleep, but wakes up when he hears something in the bushes. “Who's there? Stay back!” Zuko said as he whips fire in the direction of the sound.

“It's us!” Terra said as Ar and Blitz take to the air while she throws up an earth shield, but accidentally steps back into Zuko's fire blast. “Ow! You burned my hoofs!” Terra said as she falls to the ground.

“Terra!” Both Blitz and Ar said as they land near her, while Zuko comes toward her.

“I'm sorry, it was a mistake!” Zuko said as Terra crawls away.

“Get away from me!” Terra said as she crawls away, grabbing the earth under her and throws it backwards at Zuko.

“Let me help you!” Zuko said as he dodges another rock. “I'm sorry!” Zuko said as he tries to grab her.

“Get off me, get off me!” Terra said as she brings up some earth, which sends Zuko flying into Blitz and Ar by accident.

“I didn't know it was you! Uggh, come back!” Zuko said as he, Ar and Blitz watch Terra leave. Zuko then falls back to the ground, groaning. “Uggh! Why am I so bad at being good?”

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The next morning, in Ponyville, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, and Shining Armor are talking with the team. “Prince Zuko is in Equestria?” Celestia asked.

“Unfortunately.” Twilight said. “He babbled about redeeming himself and wanting to join us. It’s obviously a trap he set up.”

“You may be right.” Luna said, only for her to notice something. “Where are Ar, Blitz and Terra?” She asked.

“We haven’t seen them since last night.” Rainbow said. Suddenly, a large rumble occurs. The 13 see Terra climb out of the pile of rock that she created.

“Terra! What happened?” Agua said as she runs up to Terra.

“My hoofs got burned.”

“Oh no, what happened?” Fluttershy said as Agua begins to heal Terra’s hoofs.

“I just told you, my feet got burned!”

“She meant, how.” Pinkie said.

“Well, me, Blitz and Ar kind of went to see Zuko last night.” Terra said, shocking the others.

“Yo' whut?” Applejack asked.

“Zuko?”

“Uhhh...!”

“We thought he could be helpful to us. And if we talked to him, maybe we could work something out.” Terra said.

“So he attacked you?” Celestia asked.

“Well, he did, and he didn't. It was sort of an accident.” Terra admitted. “He probably thought I was some dangerous animal or something.”

“But he did firebend at you?” Shining Armor said.

At this, Terra sighs. “Yes.”

“See? You trusted Zuko, and you got burned. Literally!” Twilight said, making her point.

“It's gonna take a while for your hoofs to get better.” Agua said as she stops healing. “I wish I could have worked on them sooner.”

“Yeah, me too.” Terra said.

“And now, who knows what kind of trouble Ar and Blitz are in.” Rainbow said as she and Applejack carry Terra.

“Zuko's clearly too dangerous to be left alone. We're gonna have to go after him.” Lunar Eclipse said.

“I hate to go looking for a fight, but you're right. After what he did to Terra, I don't think we have a choice.” Celestia said.

“He's crafty, but we'll find a way to capture him.” Shining Armor said.

“Maybe just invite him back here.” Terra said as Rainbow and Applejack carry her to the towns fountain. “He's already offered himself up as a prisoner once.”

“Yeah, get him to come back and say he'll be our prisoner, then we'll jump him and really make him our prisoner.” Rainbow said. “He'll never suspect it!”

“Yer a master of surprise, Rainbow...” Applejack sarcastically said as they arrive at the fountain, and dip her hoofs in.

“Ahhh, that's the stuff. Now I know how the rest of you guys feel. Not being able to see with your hoofs stinks.” Terra said as she relaxes, while Pinkie Pie brings her some cupcakes.

Meanwhile, unknown to the group, on a building still under construction a few blocks away, they are being watched by none other than Dom Pyro and his pet Combustion. He sets his sights on Fire,’ who’s telling the group his thoughts about Zuko. “Hello, little mouse,” Dom Pyro said with an evil smile as the mouse he took from the temple is in a cage next to him. “You see, little mousy, you are lucky enough to witness me chopping off Firebrand’s lovely tail,” Dom Pyro said as he pulls out some components from his bag, and puts together a stolen Stark Industries repulsor-tech sniper riffle, and aims right at Fire’s head. As he prepares to fire, however, Zuko swings in on some chains and knocks him off-target, causing his shot to hit the ground a few meters away from the group, who don’t have much time to think about what just happened as Ar and Blitz arrive and get them to safety, while they hear Zuko say...

“Stop, I don't want you hunting the Avatars anymore!” Zuko ordered as he moves in front of Dom Pyro. “The mission is off. I'm ordering you to stop,” but Combustion shoves Zuko out-of-the-way as Dom Pyro fires again. “If you keep attacking, I won't pay you!” Zuko said as he attempts to firebend at him, but Dom Pyro grabs him, “All right, I'll pay you double to stop!”

Zuko kicks Dom Pyro as he fires, causing him to miss again. “This is no longer about money, little Zuko,” Dom Pyro said to the former Fire Prince. “This is about revenge,” Dom Pyro said as he takes aim on Zuko, who creates a firewall to stop the attack but is pushed off the ledge. Zuko survives, however, grabbing a chain. Ar fires a tornado at the assassin, who jumps over and fires again. Ar narrowly avoids the blast by jumping back as Dom Pyro moves to a different ledge as he fires and misses again.

Agua bends water from the fountain and turns it into ice spikes and throws them at Dom Pyro, but they miss. “Is that all you got, little mice?” Dom Pyro said as they disappear behind some buildings, along with the residents as he continues firing.

“He's going to blast the whole place off the map!” Terra said as she and the others hide behind a wall, trying not to get blasted.

Agua looks out from behind the wall, only to see another incoming blast. “I can't step out to waterbend at him without being blown up and I can't get a good enough angle on him from down here.” Agua said.

Fire’ pauses for a moment to think before getting an idea when he sees a boomerang on the ground, dropped by a foal when Dom Pyro starting attacking. “I know how to get an angle on him!” Fire’ said as he takes the boomerang. After another blast, he sneaks his head out, but has to hide from another shot. He projects Dom Pyro’s angle with the boomerang after a few more shots. “I sure hope this works,” Fire’ said as he throws his boomerang, which hits Dom Pyro’s repulsor-tech riffle, causing him to hit the ground, before it returns.

“Hey, it work!” Fire’ said as he catches the boomerang, only to see Dom Pyro get back up, clearly shaken. “It kinda worked...” Fire’ said as Dom Pyro takes the riffle and prepares to fire, only for the gun to malfunction.

“Uh oh,” Dom Pyro managed to say as Combustion pushes him out-of-the-way, right when the gun explodes, resulting in the building they were standing in getting destroyed. One of Combustion’s legs flies away from the explosion, landing near the schoolhouse. The gang looks on, shocked. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all appear from behind an apple cart, also shocked. The group then see Zuko climbing the chain, having survived the ordeal.

==================================================================

Later, Zuko again approaches the gang, with Fluttershy cowering behind Terra. “I can't believe I'm saying this, but ... thanks, Zuko.” Fire’ said.

“Listen, I know I did questionably things...” Zuko began to say.

“We know.” Fire’ interrupted. “We lived though some of them.”

“Barley.” Rainbow pointed out.

“I've been through a lot in the 11 years I was banished. It's been hard. But I'm realizing that I had to go through all those things to learn the truth. I thought I had lost my honor, and that somehow, my father could return it to me. But I know now that no one can give you your honor. It's something you earn for yourself, by choosing to do what's right.

All I want to do now is play my part in ending this war, and I know my destiny is to help you restore balance to the world,” Zuko then looks over to Terra, whose sitting on the ground. “I'm sorry for what I did to you,” Zuko said as he bows to her. “It was an accident. Fire can be dangerous and wild, so as a firebender, I need to be more careful and control my bending, so I don't hurt people unintentionally,” Fire’ then looks at Zuko, shocked, hearing these words, and realizes that Zuko was telling the truth about Abysus.

“I think you are supposed to be my firebending teacher,” Fire’ said, shocking the others. “Now I know you understand how easy it is to hurt those you love. I'd like you to teach me, and help me gain control of my bending.” Fire’ said as he bows to Zuko, who bows back.

“I will. I’ll teach you what uncle taught me.” Zuko said. “I’m so happy that you accepted me into you group. But, Terra, how do you feel about it?” Zuko asked the Earth Pony he accidentally burned.

“Go ahead and join. It'll give me plenty of time to get back at you for burning my hoofs.” Terra jokingly said.

“Thank you.” Zuko said with a smile.

==================================================================

Later, Zuko is shown to the guest room in Sugarcube by Pinkie Pie. “So, here you go, home sweet home, I guess, you know, for now. Unpack? Dinner ... soon? Uhhh ... welcome aboard?” Zuko then glances back and smiles at her. “Yeah.” Pinkie then walks out of the room and meets the Cake in the hallway. “Okay, this is really, really weird.”

“Completely.” Mr. Cake said as they leave. As Zuko is unpacking, he pulls out a picture of Iroh. He then has a flashback to 11 years ago, a week after he dueled his father.

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Zuko, with a bandage over his right eye, and Iroh are at the Western Air Temple, looking for a clue to finding the Avatars. “What a stunning view.” Iroh said as he and Zuko look over the Western Air Temple.

“The only view I'm interested in is seeing one of the Avatars in chains.” Zuko said.

“You know, the Avatar hasn't been seen for two-thousand years. The chances of finding one here are very slim.”

“First we'll check each of the air temples, then we'll scour the world, searching even the most remote locations until we find one.” A determined Zuko said.

“Prince Zuko, it's only been a week since your banishment. You should take some time to heal and rest.”

“What else would I expect to hear from the laziest stallion in the Fire Nation?” Zuko said to his uncle, who sighs. “The only way to regain my honor is to find the Avatar, so I will. If I have to, I will spend everyday of the rest of my life hunting the Avatars. I know it's my destiny to capture them.”

“You know Prince Zuko, destiny is a funny thing.” Iroh said to his nephew. “You never know how things are going to work out. But if you keep an open mind, and an open heart, I promise you will find your own destiny someday.”

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Back in the present, Zuko suddenly notices a clearly disgruntled Twilight at the door. “You might have everyone else here buying your transformation, but you and I both know you've struggled with doing the right thing in the past,” Twilight said as she approaches him. “So let me tell you something, right now. You make one step backward, one slip-up, give me one reason to think you might hurt Firebrand or anyone else, and you won't have to worry about your destiny anymore. Because I will make sure your destiny ends ... right then and there. Permanently,” Twilight then leaves and slams the door shut.

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At Twilight’s library, Fire’ is helping with Twilight’s annual re-shelving day. “Let’s see, Journey to the Center of the Earth goes in the science fiction section. 101 Need To Know Spells goes in the spell book section.” Fire’ mumbled as he places the books where they're supposed to go.

“Thanks again for helping me, Twi, and Owlowiscious with Twilight’s re-shelving day thing.” Spike said.

“Hoo.”

“Not a problem.” Fire’ said as he places a book called The Mysteries Island in the Sci-Fi section.

“You know what I’m glad of?”

“What?”

“That we will never see Dom Pyro again.” Spike said, relived that the crazy assassin is gone ... or is he?

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At the destroyed building, the little mouse Dom Pyro had with him has made it out of the rubble, completely fine. But before the mouse can leave, an orange glove like boat grabs him. He squeaks for help as his captor, Dom Pyro, smiles in a wicked fashion as he chuckles.