The Elements of Nature, Book 2

Chapter 10, I've Got a Spell on Blue

A week later, Fire’s leg is now healed as they walk toward the laboratory of Canterlot castle. “This is Canterlot, huh?” Blitz said as they walk by some stain glass windows, showing Twilight and her friends defeating Nightmare Moon, Discord, Shining Armor and Cadence defeating the changelings, and the return of the Crystal Empire. “How colorful.” Blitz said as he sees the stain glass of Twilight’s coronation ceremony.

“Your telling me?” Rainbow asked as the enter the lab.

“Hello, Bastion Yorsets.” Celestia said, completely surprising the blue Unicorn.

“Ah! H-hello, Princess Celestia.” He said after he takes some deep breaths.

“Hows the translation of the scroll coming along?” Celestia asked Bastion.

“Oh, uh, it’s almost done, Princess.” Bastion Yorsets said to her. “It appears that it only tells the location of where the Avatars will be reveled, not where they are.”

“Oh really.” Blitz said to him.

“According to the scroll, the Avatar of Air will be reveled in the Himalayas.”

“Himalayas!? That's on the other side of the world!” Twilight said. “We have to go across all of Geo Firma before we can get there!”

“I know, Twilight. But we can use that to our advantage. The Geo Firma City of Ba Sing Se is on the route to the Himalayas. If their King becomes an ally, then we might have a chance against the Fire Nation.” Celestia said to her former student.

“Assuming the US continues to stay neutral.” Luna quietly said to Twilight under the hearing of her sister.

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On their way to Geo Firma, the main 6, Shining Armor, Cadence, Firebrand, Agua, Terra, and Blitz stop at the Crystal Empire to rest and to do some training. Shining Armor and Firebrand are doing a small practice duel in the courtyard of the Crystal Castle. They use the nonlethal sides of their blades so they wont hurt each other. “Both of them sure are good with a sword, huh Twilight?” Cadence asked he sister-in-law as Fire’ and Armor both block and deflect the attacks of the other.

“They sure are, Cadence.” Twilight said.

“Let me guess, you dad took you to some fencing classes?” Shining Armor said as his and Fire’s swords hold each other off.

“Yes, actually.” Fire’ said as he stops the standstill and does a few slashes at Shining Armor.

“I hate to see what would happen if they had to fight for real.” Rainbow said as Spike brings some towels and water for the two dueling Unicorns for when they're done.

“Come on, Rainbow. Thar fine friends, thet will nevah happened. Ah mean, sho'nuff they haf a slight rivalry, but nothin' will cuzs them t'fight etch other.” Just then, Fire’ wins by hitting Shining Armor on the side.

“Ow! Okay, time for round two!” Armor said as he drinks about a gallon of water, along with Fire.’

“If you say so.” Fire’ said as he takes on a good stance.

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At the hive of the changelings in Sub-Sahara Africa, Queen Chrysalis is talking to Deker. “What are you doing here, Deker?” Chrysalis asked the white changeling. “Are you expecting a reward for saving Hexe. Is that it?”

“I didn't need saving.” Hexe defended.

“This isn’t about her.” Deker began to say. “I want to go after the Fire Avatar. But I’m not looking to interfere in any of you plans.”

“Do what you will. Now leave, you're giving me a headache.” Chrysalis said as she drinks some of her medicine.

“I see that your still suffering from when you last encountered the Elements of Harmony.” Deker said as Chrysalis sits down on her throne. “So, your still only interested in draining Twilight Sparkle’s magic, and nothing else.”

“Yes, nothing else. Now leave.” Chrysalis ordered.

“Very well. Rest well, Queen Chrysalis. And I shall continue my quest without worry.” Deker said as he leaves.

“Why does he want to know if were going after the Fire Avatar?” Medizinisch said out load to himself. “I have to do research.” Just then, right before Deker leaves, another changeling appears. Unlike others, he has a navy blue face and spikes on his body. He also carries a shield that looks like an eye.

“Out of my way Deker! I’m the star around here!” The new changeling said as he walks in, while Deker leaves.

“Oh, go away Madimot! Your nothing but talk.” Medizinisch said to Madimot.

“Don’t talk like that to me. I’m the baddest of the bad.” The changeling known as Madimot said.

“Why are you here?” Hexe said with annoyance in her voice.

“I’m here to tell you how to get our revenge on the Equestrians.” Madimot said to Chrysalis.

“I’m listening.” Chrysalis said to him.

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At a bay in Geo Firma, a ferry departs, with Zuko and Iroh are on board. “Who would have thought after all these years, I'd return to the scene of my greatest military disgrace...” Iroh then turns away for a second, then turns back with a floral hat on his head. “As a tourist!”

“Look around. We're not tourists, we're refugees.” He then sips some food they were given, but he then spits it out. “Uggh! I'm sick of eating rotten food. It's like eating dirt. I'm tired of living like this!”

“Aren't we all?” Zuko and Iroh then turn to where the voice came from. They see a Unicorn stallion with a brown mane and tail, no longer then Big Mac’s, while his coat is a lighter color. He also has two hook swords for a cutie mark. He's accompanied by two other ponies, one a Pegasus mare while the other is an Earth Pony stallion. The Pegasus mare has a red coat with a yellow mane and a bee for a cutie mark, while the Earth Pony colt has a white coat with a gray mane and tail and wears a rice hat. “My name's Jet and these are my Freedom Fighters, Smellerbee and Longshot.” Smellerbee is the mare while Longshot is the Earth Pony stallion.

“Hey.” Smellerbee said to them as Longshot nods.

“Hello.” Zuko said back.

“Here's the deal. I hear the captain's eating like a king while the refugees have to feed off his scraps. Doesn't seem fair, does it?” Jet said to them.

“What sort of king is he eating like?” Iroh asked Jet.

“The fat, happy kind.” At this, Iroh's mouth hangs open as he starts to drool. “You want to help us ‘liberate’ some food?”

Zuko then tosses the bowl of rotten food into the water. “I'm in.” Jet smirks at the remark.

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In the Crystal Forest, just outside of the Crystal Empire, a group of Crystal Ponies is taking a hike. Two of them are kind of off in a sense. The lager one, whose name is Maximinus, is teaching his nephew, Valens, the smaller one, how to be a samurai. Maximinus has a very short mane and tail, to the point where he doesn't look like he has them, a tan coat, and a dumbbell for a cutie mark. Valens has a red mane and a light blue coat, and an upside down horseshoe for a cutie mark. Valens is also kinda jumpy and is holding a can of dragon spray. “Valens, being a samurai is more than just fighting evil, he also needs to face his fears. Nature is our friend” Maximinus said as he pushes a tree branch out of his way, but when he let's go, it hits Valens. He quickly recovers and is even more jumpy now.

“But I’m scared of dragons, uncle Maximinus.”

“Valens, I don’t think dragons live in this neck of the woods. So loss the dragon spray already. What you should have brought was this.” He then pulls out a can of ... “Mosquito Repellent.” He then sprays some, but the wind pushes it back into their faces, temporally blinding them. They then hear the other hikers screaming and running. “Terrified hikers can mean only one thing: Mosquitoes!”

“Dragon!” They then try to run, but they hit each other instead. Bulk then grabs Spike when he realizes something.

“Valens,” Maximinus quietly said, “never run from a dragon this close. Play dead, like a possum.” They do so, but instead of a dragon or mosquitoes, Madimot walks up to them.

“Hah. You can't fool me. Not even possums are that ugly. Lucky for you I have more important business.” Madimot then leaves the two. When they get up and see what just passed them, they're excited.

“Our first real live battle, Valens. And we survived! Now we are officially samurai warriors!”

"We are?!" Spike excitedly said.

"Shush! Yes, we are." Maximinus said as they quietly leave.

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Back on the ferry, Zuko, Jet, and Smellerbee sneak up to the food storage area. Zuko then breaks the door open with his swords and he and Jet take some food. “Guard's coming!” Smellerbee said as Longshot fires an arrow with a rope attached to it, allowing the three to slide down it. Longshot manages to pull it away before the guard notices.

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At the Crystal Forest, Madimot continues to terrorize the hikers until ... “Hold it right there, Changeling! We’re gonna whip you into shape!” Rainbow called out as the team, accompanied by Shining Armor and Cadence, arrive.

“Ha, do you really wan’t to tangle with me? I’m Madimot, the baddest of the bad from the Sahara. I'm a bad, bad bug!”

“Let’s see if you can back up all that talk.” Blitz said to the ugly bug.

“Hmm, having back up is a good idea.” He then pulls out a whip and smacks it into the ground. A large white tiger than appears behind him.

“What the?” Rainbow said.

“Is that a white tiger?” Twilight nervously said.

“Yep. I found it and he become my pet kitty, or should I say my pet Tiggy.”

“That’s not right!” Fluttershy said to the changeling.

“Tiggy, get them!” The tiger than charges at them, roaring loudly while it attacks the group, separating them. Madimot sees that Twilight is alone. “Oh, time to give the queen her great prize.” Madimot said as he fires a green flame of magic at Twilight, but Shining Armor sees this and pushes his sister out-of-the-way. As a result, Shining gets hit and is now under Madimot’s control, his eyes glowing green.

“Shining Armor!” Twilight screamed as Madimot laughs.

“Oh boy. I have a new pet. I’ll call him Blue.” Madimot said as both Twilight and Cadence stare in disbelief, shock and horror. “Now, sic ‘em!” Shining than conjures up a blade and attacks his sister.

Twilight manages to dodge the attack and tries to snap Shining out of it, but no matter what she says or does, nothing works. Fire’ charges at Madimot with his blade drawn out, but Madimot sees him coming. “Good, two new pets for the price of one” he said as he charges his spell. “Your mine now, Red.” He fires, but almost on instinct, Firebrand cast a spell that blocks the mind control one. He then does a few slashes at Madimot.

“That won’t work on me, Changeling.” Fire’ said.

“No, it wont. Tiggy, take care of him!” The tiger than charges at Firebrand, who head toward the others, now in a group, with both the tiger and Shining Armor about to pounce. Fire’ then wraps himself and the others in a ball of flames. When the flames completely dissipates, they are nowhere to be seen.

“Huh, cowards, but good timing. I’m starting to get hungry. Blue, wait here with Tiggy.” Madimot said to Shining Armor, who dissipates the sword he conjured up.

“As you wish, master.”

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Back on the ferry where Zuko and Iroh are on, Jet passes out food to other travelers. The other Freedom Fighters, Zuko and Iroh are siting together. “So, Smellerbee, that's an unusual name for a young stallion.”

“Maybe it's because I'm not a stallion ... I'm a mare!” She then walks away.

“Oh, now I see.” Iroh said when he realizes his mistake. “It's a beautiful name for a lovely mare!” He called out.

Longshot then approaches Smellerbee and gestures at her. “I know, you're right. As long as I'm confident with who I am, it doesn't matter what other ponies think. Thanks Longshot.” Jet then approaches Zuko and Iroh.

“From what I heard, ponies eat like this every night in Ba Sing Se. I can't wait to set my eyes on that giant wall.” Jet said to the two, oblivious that there from the Fire Nation.

“It is a magnificent sight.” Iroh said.

“So you've been there before?” Jet asked.

“Once. When I was a ... different colt.” Iroh answered.

“I've done some things in my past that I'm not proud of, but that's why I'm going to Ba Sing Se: for a new beginning. A second chance.” Jet said, remembering when he used to live in Equestria, before the Fire Nation killed his family and moved to Geo Firma.

“That's very noble of you.” Iroh said to him. “I believe ponies can change their lives if they want to. I believe in second chances.”

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At the Crystal Castle, Cadence and Twilight are crying. “How could Shining Armor fall under a changelings spell again?” A heartbroken Cadence said.

“I don’t know, Cadence. But we have to find a way to get him back.” Twilight said as she wipes away a tear.

“Say,” Rainbow said as she turned to Firebrand, who wasn't under Madimot’s control, “how did you resist that changelings spell?”

“I don’t know. All I know is that I can use the same spell to free Shining, if I can.” Fire’ said as he walks away for a moment.

“What did he mean by, ‘if I can?'” Rainbow asked.

“Please, don’t say that in front of Twilight and Cadence, Rainbow.” Rarity said to her as Celestia and Luna arrive.

“We heard about what happen.” Luna said. “We wan’t to help.”

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On the ferry Zuko and Iroh are on, Zuko and Jet are at the bow. “You know, as soon as I saw your scar, I knew exactly who you were. You're an outcast, like me. And us outcasts have to stick together. We have to watch each other's backs. Because no one else will.”

“I've realized lately that being on your own isn't always the best path.” Zuko said as they see that the ferry is getting close to the giant walls of Ba Sing Se.

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“Impressive.” Queen Chrysalis said to Madimot as he drinks some green water. “Hypnotizing both a deadly predator and the caption of the Canterlot Royal Guard.”

“Like I said, I’m the baddest of the bad. If I hadn't dried out, those Avatars and their friends would have been dead. Now, Shining Armor will do whatever I tell him to do.” Madimot boasted.

“Then why don’t you make Shining Armor turn his sword on himself?” Hexe asked. “That should cause both Twilight and Cadence plenty of grief.”

“Thats not fun. Hexe, when was the last time you had some fun? Three centuries ago?” Madimot asked.

“Well, actually I-”

“Uh, forget I asked.” Madimot began to say. “It’s much more fun playing puppet master and making people doing things they never would. Like, making Shining Armor capture his sister for you, my queen.”

“So go then, have Armor get the Element of Magic” Medizinisch said as Madimot leaves. “I have to get back to my research. I’m more concerned about that rogue warrior, Deker, and the Fire Avatar. So much about the Fire Avatar’s family, and so many big words to. Ooh-ah-ooh, I feel like tearing my tentacles off!”

"I’ll help with some.” Hexe said to him. “But why are you so interested in Deker and the Fire Avatar?" Hexe asked him.

“Yeah, why so worried?” A changeling knight asked the medic.

"I think there’s something about the Fire Avatar that Deker doesn't want us to know about." Medizinisch said as he looks through some more books and texts.

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Deep in the Everfree Forest, Deker is walking through, talking to himself “So, Queen Chrysalis doesn't know the truth about the Fire Avatars legacy, or the sealing spell. Good. That means she’ll stay out of my way” Deker said as he pulls out his ... “Uramasa, my trusty sword, if I can't find me a worthy opponent and bring him to his knees, then whats the point of being immortal?”

He then puts Uramasa back in its sheath and continues to walk, but as he does so, his entire body is engulfed in purple flames. When the flames disperse, he becomes a Unicorn stallion with a blood-red mane and tail that are like Shining Armor’s, a gray coat, tortoise green eyes, and a katana for a cutie mark. He is also now wearing a white cloak and black boats, while the sheath that holds Uramasa is now covered in cloth with a black diamond pattern.

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At a construction site near Manehattan, Madimot and his two puppets are terrorizing the workers. “Thats right boys, run! Run away from my two pets” the Changeling said as the tiger mauls a Unicorn while Shining Armor destroys a bulldozer.

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At the castle, the group get wind of the attack. “Madimot is in Manehattan now!” Applejack asked, worried about her Aunt and Uncle.

“Where's Fire’?” Twilight asked a royal guard.

“He already gone ahead.” The guard answered, surprising the group.

“We need to help him!” Twilight said as she, her five friends, Spitfire, Misty Fly, Rapidfire, Agua, Terra, Blitz, Celestia and Luna leave.

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“It’s about time” Madimot said as he hears hoofsteps behind him, but instead of Twilight like he was inspecting, its “Fire Avatar! Why are you here?”

“I’m here to get my friend back.” Fire’ answered.

“All right then, I guess we’ll just have fun with you first.” Madimot said as he smiles in a twisted and evil way. “Make this fight count, or els I’ll have Blue turn his sword on himself.” Just then, the others arrive at a nearby hill.

“Fire,’ we’re here to help!” Twilight said to the Fire Avatar as she flies down.

“No!” Fire’ firmly said in an intimidating way, stopping even Rainbow and Applejack in their tracks. “I won’t put anyone else at risk.”

“But...”

“You wan’t a show? I’ll give you the show of your life, changeling.” Fire’ said as he draws out his sword.

“Oh, I wish I had some popcorn.” Madimot said as he takes a seat on a nearby crane. “Blue, attack!” Madimot yelled out, causing Shining Armor the conjure another sword as he and Fire’ take on some fighting stances.

“There’s no way that Fire’ would hurt my brother.” Twilight said.

“Ah hope yer right, Twilight.” Applejack said.

“I cant believe that this is happening.” Rainbow said. After a few tense moments, the two Unicorns charge at each other, each slashing at he other, each attempt failed by the other.

“WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?!?!?! THAT'S MY BROTHER!!!!” Twilight yelled out, unable to see this.

“Shut your mouth!” Madimot yelled at them when he heard enough. He then fires a laser at them. It doesn't do much but knock them off their hoofs. “No talking during the show!”

“I hate changelings.” Celestia said as she gets up, surprising her sister, who was the only other one who heard.

“I’m pretty sure that's the first time I heard you say the word ‘hate,’ Tia.” Luna said as the other recover too.

Just then, a Unicorn stallion that has a red mane and tail that are like Shining’s, a white coat and a katana for a cutie mark walk up to them. Its Deker. “Looks like we have a winner.” He said.

“Who are you?” Luna demanded.

“It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that the one who's winning isn't the stallion with the blue mane.”

“What?!” Cadence said. “How can you tell?”

“Because the red one is fighting as if he's trying to win a training point than a real duel” Fire’ and Shining are on top of a crane arm, still slashing at each other. Fire’ than jumps off and lands on a hill made of gravel. “It’s a lot different from fighting for survival” Shining then follows and they two continue. They then roll down the hill. “You fight with instinct. You have to watch your target like a hawk” Fire’ then leads Shining to an open area and they continue without causing too much damage. “It’s easy to get tired in a long battle when there's no one to say stop” Fire’ lets Shining cut a chain that was holding some rods and it falls in between them.

After a few more slashes, Fire’ kicks Shining in the stomach and sends him a few feet back. He quickly gets up, but doesn't recover as fast. Fire’ places his sword on his shoulder while Shining holds his out. “I’m not sure I can watch this for long.” Fluttershy said to the others.

“Don’t worry, because the fight will be over soon.” Deker said.

“Really?” Twilight said in disbelief.

“Indeed. The red warrior has a good stance, it reduces fatigue, he’ll stay strong. See that glow on his horn, he is enchanting a spell on his sword as we speak. And when the white and blue one goes for the point, the red will take the opening and he’ll strike. He’s looking for a decisive blow. That’s the difference between these two.”

Shining then charges at Fire.’ “Come back to us, Shining Armor.” Fire’ said as he blocks the attack and cast his spell, causing his sword to catch fire, while he releases the block. “This should break the spell!” He said as he hits Shining Armor. The group, except for Deker, hold their breath as orange bolts of magic come from Shining Armor as a ball of green fire floats up from him and disappears.

“What have you done!? BLUE! MY PUPPET!” Madimot yelled out as Shining Armor falls to the ground.

“Shining Armor!” Both Twilight and Cadence yelled as they, along with the others leave Deker and head for Shining Armor.

“I was right.” Deker said to himself as he looks at Firebrand. “The Fire Avatar is the perfect opponent for my Uramasa.” He said with a smile as he leaves.

“Ugh. What happened?” Shining Armor asked when he sees his sister, wife, and friends around him.

“You were under a changelings control again, Shining Armor.” Twilight said to her older brother.

“Oh. Is that all, Twiley” Armor said as he weakly gets up with some help.

“Fire Avatar! You had this planned all along!” Madimot suddenly yelled out.

“Yeah” Fire’ began to say. “When we fought in the forest, I instinctively used a spell that protected my mind from your control. I realized I can do the same for Shining Armor, which is why I had to fight him.”

“Wait. We were fighting?” Shining Armor asked.

“Yeah. Because your such a good fighter, it took me a lot longer to charge up the spell.”

“Thanks. Now, lets fight something that isn't our friend.” Shining Armor said, to which Fire’ nodes in agreement as he and Agua, Blitz, and Terra become their elemental forms.

“Don’t be so sure.” Madimot said as he hit his whip against the ground. “Tiggy, get them!” The white tiger gets up and charges them.

“I’ll take care of the tiger. You gays take care of the changeling.”

“You got it, Fire.'” Shining said to him. Fire’ then heads for the tiger. He stalls it by moving from place to place. He then charges his magic and cast the same spell on his sword that he used to free Shining. When he hits, green flames leave the tiger and disappears. When Fire’ turns back to normal, the tiger walks up to him and begins to lick him. “OK. OK. Settle down boy.”

After getting hit by a few attack, Madimot sees what just happened. “What? No! Now Tiggy’s against me too!”

“Shows over, changeling!” Shining said to him. Just then, the white tiger lunges at Madimot, who runs for the forest. The group are horrified as screams and a roar are heard.

“Never make a tiger mad.” Fire’ said, getting some slight chuckles from the others.

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Later that night, back at Canterlot Castle, Firebrand, Blitz, Agua, Terra, Twilight and her friends, Spike, Spitfire, Misty Fly, and Rapidfire are ready to head for Ba Sing Se, with Celestia, Luna, the Wonderbolts, Apple Bloom and Big Mac, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence saying their goodbyes. “Take good care of my sister, mister.” Shining Armor said to Fire.’ “And thanks, for saving me from that Changeling.”

“You’re welcome.” Fire’ said to the white Unicorn. “I’ll take good care of her till we get back.” Fire’ said, not knowing that Twilight and Cadence are right behind her.

“I hope you do.” Twilight said, surprising Fire,’ making Shining Armor laugh.

“Don’t do that!” Fire’ said.

“Hey, it was Cadence’s idea, Fire.’” Twilight defended as she and the others get onto the chariot and take off.

“Say, who do you think that white Unicorn from earlier is?” Cadence asked after the group left.

“Don’t know, but I have a feeling that we’ll find out.” Celestia said as she stares at a small light coming from the nearby mountains.

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On the mountain in question, Deker is siting in front of a fire in his Unicorn form. He then takes his sword with his purple magic and partially pulls it out. “Patience, Uramasa. At last we have found him” Deker said as he remembers how Fire’ was able to free Shining Armor from Madimot's spell. “All that remains now is to find the right place and time. And then the most epic duel in history will commence.”