The Elements of Nature, Book 2

Chapter 12, City Walls and Secrets

As an award for protecting Ba Sing Se, from the Fire Nation attack, the mane six, Spitfire, Misty Fly, Rapidfire and the Avatars are now allowed into the city. They are on a train heading for the city. “Look, the Inner Wall! Twilight excitedly said. “I can't believe we finally made it to Ba Sing Se in one piece.”

“Hey, don't jinx it!” Rainbow suddenly said. “We can still be attacked by some giant exploding Fire Nation spoon. Or find out the city's been submerged in an ocean full of killer shrimp!”

“Have you been using drugs or something?” Terra asked Rainbow.

"Rainbow Dash, on drugs? That will never happen." Rarity said.

“I'm just sayin,' weird stuff happens to us.” Rainbow pointed out, right when a mare that looks a lot like Derpy, sucking a corn plant in her mouth, takes a seat between Terra and Rainbow, startling them.

“Ah see whut yo' mean, Rainbow.” Applejack said to her as he monorail enters the Inner Wall. The entire group, except Terra, is seeing the giant city through the windows. The 12 notice that Ba Sing Se stretches almost as far as their eyes can see, and it has many roads and buildings. Their train enters the monorail station, stopping there, and they disembark.

“Back in the city. Great.” Terra sighed.

“What's the problem? It's amazing!” Twilight asked the blind Earth pony.

“It's just a bunch of walls and rules, Twilight. You wait, you'll get sick of it in a couple of days.” Terra said as the monorail departs the station. On the other side of the tracks, there is a mare with long dark mane that billows in the wind and a yellow coat. She is wearing a dress so the group can’t see her cutie mark ... if she has one. She approaches them with a strange smile on her face, freaking Fluttershy and Spike out to the point that Fluttershy hides behind Rapidfire, making him blush while Spike hides behind Rarity.

“Hello, my name is Jo Dee! I've been given the great honor of showing the Avatars around Ba Sing Se. And you must be Princess Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Spitfire, Misty Fly and Rapidfire! Welcome to our wonderful city. Shall we get started?”

“Yes. Princess Celestia sent us here to see the King of Geo Firma. So if you wouldn't mind, would you take us there immediately,” Twilight said to her, referring to Sozin’s Comet.

“Great! Let's begin our tour. And then I'll show you to your new home here. I think you'll like it!” Jo Dee said, completely oblivious to what Twilight just said.

“Ugh! Maybe you missed what my friend said.” A clearly annoyed Rainbow said as she walked up to Jo Dee. “We need to talk to the king about the Fire Nation War, it's important.”

“You're in Ba Sing Se now. Everypony is safe here,” Jo Dee simply said, giving Team Avatar confused looks on their faces about her strange statement. Later the group is in the area of the city near the wall. An Earth pony is pulling a carriage containing Jo Dee and Team Avatar through the streets. “This is the Lower Ring,” Jo Dee said to them, still smiling while they pass by many shops while refugees line the streets.

“What's that wall for?” Spitfire asked as she pointed to the wall in question.

“Oh, Ba Sing Se has many walls! There are the ones outside protecting us, and the one's inside, that help keep order. This is where our newest arrivals live, as well as our craft workers and artisans, ponies that work with their hoofs. It's so quaint and lively!” Je Dee said as they pass by two Pegasus stallions conversing in an alley, one of holding a large sword that glistens in the light. Both of them are glaring at the carriage as it passes by. “You do want to watch your step, though,” Jo Dee nervously said.

“Why do they have all these poor ponies blocked off in one part of the city?” Twilight said with a nervous look on her face as they pass by some Unicorn muggers.

“This is why I never came here before,” Fire’ began to say, “I've heard it was so different from the way ponies were taught to live in Abysus.”

“Ya don’t say.” Spike said.

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In another part of the Lower Ring, Zuko is walking down the street. Iroh catches up to him from behind, holding a large vase with several orange flowers placed in it. Zuko just stares coldly at the flora and at Iroh. “I just want our place to look nice,” Iroh said as he gives Zuko a nudge with the elbow. “In case somepony brings home a mare friend!”

“This city is a prison. I don't want to make a life here.” Zuko bleakly said.

“Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not. Now come on, I found us some new jobs, and we start this afternoon!” Iroh said.

Behind the two, staying out of sight, Jet is staring at the two firebenders, accompanied by Smellerbee and Longshot, with Jet thinking they are like all other Fire Nation ponies he meet. “Just look at them, Fire Nation living right under everyone's nose.”

“Jet, you saw an old Earth pony stallion with a hot cup of tea,” Smellerbee began to say, “it doesn't prove he's Fire Nation. And what if he is, are we supposed to attack them? I thought we were starting over here, changing our ways.”

“We are, when I get the evidence I need, I'll report them to the police and let them handle it. Okay?” Smellerbee and Longshot just exchange glances of worry at this.

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Meanwhile, Jo Dee is continuing the tour, with them now in the Middle Ring. “This is the Middle Ring, home to the financial district, shops and restaurants, and the university.” Jo Dee said.

“Yeah, I meet up with a professor fro Ba Sing Se University." Blitz lied. "He told me about some information about the Fire Nation War that is absolutely crucial for the Geo Firman King to HEAR!” Blitz yelled at her.

“Isn't history fascinating? Look, here's one of the oldest buildings in the Middle Ring, Town Hall!” Jo Dee excitedly said while smiling while the carriage stops. Jo Dee exits the carriage to show Team Avatar the Town Hall, but they don’t follow.

“Is that mare deaf? She only seems to hear every other word we say.” Blitz said when Jo Dee was out of ear shot.

“It's called 'being handled.’ Get used to it.” Terra said to him.

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In a small tea shop in the Lower Ring, Jet is leaning against the shop's wall. He turns around and peeks inside the window, spotting Zuko and Iroh speaking with the shop's owner. “Well, you certainly look like official tea servers. How do you feel?”

“Ridiculous.” Zuko said, annoyed. Both he and Iroh are wearing aprons.

Iroh desperately attempts to tie the string behind his back, but his effort are in vain. “Uh, does this possibly come in a larger size?” Iroh asked.

“I have some extra string in the back. Have some tea while you wait.” The shop owner then pours some tea in two cups, hands it to his new employees, and heads to the shop. Iroh takes a sip from his cup, but his face contorts in disgust.

“Blech! This tea is nothing more than hot leaf juice!” A slightly disgusted Iroh said.

“Uncle, that's what all tea is.” Zuko pointed out.

“How could a member of my own family say something so horrible?! We'll have to make some major changes around here.” Iroh said as he takes the teapot and heads over to the window, where Jet is spying them through. Jet gasps and moves away just in time as Iroh dumps the tea out the window. Jet then slowly stalks around the corner of the shop and leaves.

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The carriage in which Team Avatar is touring in, has now entered the Upper Ring. “The Upper Ring is home to our most important citizens. Your house is not too far from here!” The carriage then passes by another wall with a tall gate. Behind it, the roof of an enormous building can be seen.

“What's inside that wall?” Twilight said as she and the others are being watched by three stallions standing in the gateway, wearing dark robes and wide-brimmed hats.

“And who're the mean looking guys in robes?” Rainbows said to Jo Dee, who is still smiling, still creepy.

“Inside is the Royal Palace. Those stallions are agents of the Dai Li, the cultural authority of Ba Sing Se. They are the guardians of all our traditions!” Jo Dee answered.

“Can we see the king now?” Spike said, both bored and annoyed.

“Oh, no, one doesn't just pop in at the Geo Firman King!” Jo Dee said as they arrive at a small house. “Here we are! Your new home,” she said as a messenger Pegasus comes and gives Jo Dee a scroll, which she opens and reads. “More good news! Your request for an audience with the Geo Firman is being processed, and should be put through in about month,” Jo Dee said, with the whole group now staring at her. “More quickly than usual!”

“A month?!” Both Twilight and Firebrand said in surprise and disbelief.

“Six to eight weeks, actually.” Jo Dee said as she leaves them. Fire’ then notices a Unicorn stallion in the house across from them is peeking through a window is staring at them, then gestures for the to come over.

“Come on.” Fire’ said as he crosses the street, followed by the others, most of the confused. Fire’ knocks on the front door of the house, making sure that no one is watching. The same Unicorn opens the door and smiles.

“You're the Avatars! I heard you were in town. I'm Ponzi.” The Unicorn said, smiling at them.

“Nice to meet you, Ponzi.” Pinkie said while giving Ponzi the hoof shake of his life.

“So, Ponzi, what's goin' on with this city? Why is everypony so scared here to talk about the Fire Nation War?” Firebrand asked the light green stallion.

“Fire Nation War? Scared? What do you mean?” He said as he shifted his eyes back and forth.

“I can feel you shaking.” Terra said to him.

“Look, I'm just a minor government official.” He said while looking to his left and right to confirm that no one is present except them. “I've waited three years to get this house. I don't want go get into trouble.”

“Get in trouble with who?” Fire’ asked.

“Shh, listen, you can't mention the Fire Nation War here. And whatever you do, stay away from the Dai Li.” He said as he abruptly closes the door.

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At some apartments, Jet is still spying on Zuko and Iroh, from a balcony in the shadows, hiding behind a clothesline in the apartment across theirs. “Would you like a cup of tea?” Iroh asked.

“We've been working in a tea shop all day!” Zuko nearly yelled as he lays down in his bed. “I'm sick of tea, Uncle!”

“Sick of tea?! That's like being sick of breathing!” Iroh said as he rummages through the cupboard beneath the counter. “Have you seen the spark rocks to heat up the water?”

“They're not there.” Jet whispered as he pulls out some emerald colored rocks. “You'll have to use a heater or a flamethrower, you old fart.” Jet confidently said, only to see Iroh leave the apartment. “Where're you going?”

Iroh then comes back to the counter with some rock in a basket he’s carrying in his mouth. “I borrowed our neighbors'. Such kind people.” Iroh said after he spits out the basket. He than takes two of the rocks and strikes them near a pile of twigs below the teapot, and creates a flame.

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The next morning, a blue jay is chirping, before coming down to Team Avatar's house. Fluttershy instantly makes friends with the bird when she wakes up as she’s coming out from the door. She takes a roll of papers on a mail slot attached to the wall, and reads it briefly, gasping with excitement, before running back inside to the others, who are all lounging around the upper part of the living room. “I got it! I know how we're going to see the king of Geo Firma!” Fluttershy said to them, surprising all of them by how bold she was just then.

“How do we do that? 'One doesn't just pop in on the Geo Firman King!'” Terra said, copying Jo Dee.

“The king is having a party tonight for his pet bear.” Fluttershy said as she sows the paper to Twilight. “The palace will be packed. We can sneak in with the crowd.”

“Won't work.” Terra said ass he lies down.

“Why not?” A slightly confused Twilight asked.

“No offense to you simple country folk, except for Rarity and you, Twilight, but a real society crowd will spot you a kilometer away.” Terra pointed out as she scratches her rump. “You've got no manners!” Terra finished as she takes a pastry from a nearby bowl and gobbles it down.

“Excuse me? We've got no manners?! Yer not exackly ‘mare fancy hoofs!’” Applejack said as she gets up.

“I learned proper society behavior and chose to leave it, AJ.” Terra said as she tosses the half eaten pastry aside. “You never learned anything. And frankly, it's a little too late.”

“Aha, but you, Twilight and Rarity learned it! You could teach us!” Pinkie excitedly said.

“Whoa there, Pinks. There’s no way I’m gonna be like that.” Rainbow said, completely against the idea of wearing a dress, especially near Blitz.

"We can all go." Fire' said.

"I'm sure I can prep the mares, but you colts will probably be lucky to get in a busboys." Terra said as she and the other mares head into the dressing room.

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Later that night, Rainbow is sitting at a table in a fancy dress while both her eyes have eye shadow and her mane is now brushed and has all kinds of high-class hair pieces in it. “How did I let you talk me into this?” Rainbow asked. “It feels like there's a ton of makeup on me.”

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In the main lobby, the three colts are playing a game of cards. “Do you have any ... twos?” Fire’ asked Blitz.

“Go fish.” Blitz said. Right then the girls come in, wearing makeup, exquisite Geo Firman dresses, and holding a fans. Twilight stares at the Fire’ calmly before giving in to a fit of giggles, with Fire’ blushing as he stares dreamily at the site of Twilight (again).

“Wow, you look beautiful.” A stunned Fire’ said to Twilight, who opens her mouth to reply to Fire’s compliment, but is stopped by Terra placing her fan in front of her mouth.

“Don't talk to the commoners, Twilight. First rule of society.” Terra said to her.

The girls then head for the door, but before she leaves, Twilight turns to the boys. “We'll get in the party, and then find a way to let you in through the side gate.” She said while winking at Fire,’ who’s entire face turns into a deeper shade of red.

“What did you mean when you said, ‘[Twilight] look beautiful’?” Rapidfire said when he was sure that the girls were out of ear shot.

“Ha-ha...  I have no idea what you're talking about.” Fire’ said, thought even Snips and Snails could tell he was lying.

“Because I saw you stare at Twilight when you said that. And when she left, she winked at you.” With that, Fire’ blushes so much that you can clearly see it, despite his flame red coat.

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Outside the tea shop where Iroh and Zuko are working, Jet is still spying on the shop from an alley, when Smellerbee and Longshot walk up behind him. “Jet, we need to talk.” Smellerbee said.

“What?!” A surprised Jet said as he takes his hook swords and take on a fighting stance, only to lighten up when he sees it’s Smellerbee and Longshot. “Oh great, it's you guys. Where have you been? I could use some help with surveillance here.”

“We've been talking, and we think you're becoming obsessed with this. It's not healthy.” Smellerbee said.

“Oh, really? You both think this?” Jet asked, getting his answer when Longshot then places his hoof on Smellerbee's shoulder in agreement with her statement.

“We both came here to make a fresh start. But you won't let this go. Even though there is no real proof!” Smellerbee said to the clearly paranoid Jet.

“Maybe if you help me!” Jet nearly yelled.

“Jet, you gotta stop this.” Smellerbee begged.

“Maybe you've forgotten why we need to start over,” Jet said as he stares back at the tea shop. “Maybe you've forgotten about how the Fire Nation left us all homeless. How they wiped out all the people we loved. If you don't want to help me, I'll get the evidence on my own.” Jet said as he goes toward the tea shop.

Inside, Iroh is pouring tea to a customer, who happily drinks it. “This is the best tea in the city!” He said after about 4 seconds.

“The secret ingredient, is love.” Iroh said as he pours another cup then waves a hoof through the steam coming from the teapot. Iroh walks over to the back of the shop where the owner is, while Zuko gives him a disgusted look.

“I think you're due for a raise.” The owner said, only for the doors to be slammed open by Jet as he goes inside.

“I'm tired of waiting!” Jet said as he points an accusing hoof at Iroh and Zuko. “These two stallions are Fire Nation!” Jet said as he unsheathes his hook swords and prepares to fight. Iroh and Zuko quickly exchange a look, not knowing what to do. “I know they're Fire Nation, I saw the older one heating his tea!”

“He works in a tea shop.” A customer bleakly said.

“He's Fire Nation! I'm telling you!” Jet yelled.

The customer then raises up along with a mare that's with him. “Drop your swords, boy. Nice and easy.” He said.

Jet then turns to Zuko. “You'll have to defend yourself. Then everyone will know. Go ahead, show them what you can do.” Jet slowly walks toward Zuko and Iroh with his swords. Just as one of the customers is about to draw his swords, Zuko steps in front grabs them instead.

“You want a show?! I'll give you a show!” Zuko takes the officer's broadswords and enters a fighting stance. He then pulls a table in front of him with his foot and kicks it at Jet, who slices the table with his swords and jumps over it. As he lands, he swings both hook swords at the Fire Nation prince, who deflects the attack and jumps backward on to another table, which is sliced in half by Jet, swinging one sword through the middle of the table. Zuko steps onto one half of the table and balances on one foot.

Jet continues his attack by cutting the legs on the half of the table Zuko is standing on. Zuko quickly jumps up, and as he lands, he swings both broadswords at Jet's feet, and Jet somersaults away and lands in a crouching position before charging forward at Zuko again. Zuko swings both of his swords at Jet.

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At the Ba Sing Se Palace, several high-class citizens are lined up and being admitted inside by a guard, who is checking the invitation of one group before letting them pass. Terra, the mane six, Agua, Spitfire and Misty Fly are next in line and approach him. “Invitation please.” The guard asked.

“I think this will do.” Terra formally said as she shows the guard her family seal, a golden seal with a flying boar.

“No entry without an invitation. Step out of line, please.” The guard said.

“Look, the Pangs and the Yum Soon Hans are waiting in there for us! I'm going to have to tell them who didn't let me in.” An irritated Terra said.

“Step out of line please,” the unyielding guard said as he points his hoof to the side, the group move out disappointed, when Rarity notices a carriage, from which a green Unicorn with a black mane and an arrow for a cutie mark comes out, where two Dai Li agents bow to him. Rarity gets an idea from this as she, along with the others, go to the high-ranking Dai Li agent.

“Sir, I'm sorry to bother you, but my cousin lost out invitations,” Rarity said as she points to Terra. “She's blind,” Rarity whispered as she turns to the Dai Li again. “Do you think you could help us? The rest of our very large family is inside and I'm sure they're very worried.”

“I am honored, please come with me,” the Dai Li said as he walks toward the guard at the entrance with the group following him. The guard bows to him and they are allowed to go into the palace. As they are walking in, Terra, Rainbow and Applejack stick their tongues out at the guard while his back is turned. At the other side of the room they are in, at one end of the table is the bear, Bosco, is eating a steak, his drool dripping of his chin. Seated to either side of him are two guests.

“He's taking all the good stuff!” The oldest of the guests said.

“Quiet! You don't know what I had to do to get seats this near the bear!” The younger said as Bosco slightly hits the younger guest before pouncing onto the table and eating a large plate of meat in front of him.

The girls see this, with Rarity nearly vomiting. “It's beautiful, isn't it?” the Dai Li said as he turns to the mares. “By the way, I'm Long Feng. I'm a cultural minister to the king. Now where is your family? I'd love to meet them.”

“Uh ... I don't see them right now, but I'm sure we'll find them soon.” Rainbow said with a cheep smile.

“Thanks for all your help,” Rarity said as she and the other mares walk away, only for Long Feng to appear in front of them.

“Don't worry, as your escort it would be dishonorable to abandon you ladies without finding your families first. We'll keep looking.” He said as he turns around and leads the mares, making all of the mares glance at each other nervously.

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Outside the palace, Fire’ is peeking around the pedestal of a lion statue. “Where are they?!” Fire’ said, both worried and nervous, as he ducks behind the pedestal, where Rapidfire and Blitz are at. Spike isn't there because no one under 16 is allowed in.

“Look, I came up with a back up plan.” Blitz said to his two friends, making them stare at him. “We dress me like a ghost, okay? I fly by the guards, creating a distraction. Then, we blast a hole in the wall.” Fire’ then stands up and looks over the pedestal, and points to some busboys, as Rapidfire and Blitz stand up.

“Or we could go in as these guys. Terra said we might pass as busboys!” Fire’ said as the busboys unload some supplies from a carriage and take them inside

“Good idea, Fire.’” Rapidfire said as he sneaks up and steals some of the busboys spare uniforms.

“Okay...” Blitz said as he rolls his eyes. “But remember that me as a ghost plan. I think it's a winner.”

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At the tea shop, Zuko bursts out through the door and tumbles onto the street. Jet runs after him and strikes at Zuko with both swords. Zuko defends the strike and both combatants lock swords. “You must be getting tired of using those swords. Why don't you go ahead and use you mini-flamethrower at me?” Jet said with a sinister grin.

“Please, son, you're confused! You don't know what you're doing!” Iroh said as he comes out the door of the tea shop, followed by some customers.

Jet and Zuko are still fighting. Zuko swings at Jet, but Jet stops Zuko's broadsword with the ends of his hook swords, spins around and deflects it to the side. Zuko spins with his swords and tries to counterattack, but Jet hooks the ends of his swords together and begins to swing them at Zuko in large circular motions. Zuko retreats back a few steps to defend himself. “Bet you wish he'd help you out with a little fire blast now.”

As Jet swings at Zuko's feet, Zuko stabs one of his broad swords through the hilt, pinning it to the ground. Jet looks at it with annoyance before focusing back on Zuko. “You're the one who needs help.” Zuko said to the crazy Unicorn.

Both the combatants lose a sword, and continue fighting with only one. Jet turns in a circle and tries to swipe at Zuko, but Zuko quickly advances and swings his sword at Jet, who pulls his attack just in time to bend backward and avoid Zuko’s blade, cutting the straw sticking out of Jet's mouth in half. Jet regains his balance and jumps backward on to the edge of a well. “You see that?! The Fire Nation is trying to silence me, but it'll never happen.” Jet then begins to attack again, hooking his sword to the top of the well and sending a flying kick toward Zuko.

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At the palace, Fire,’ Rapidfire and Blitz are standing back to back, fully dressed as busboys, serving refreshments to the guests of the party. Fire’ begins pouring a drink while Blitz is serving food to people who pass by. “Where are the others?” Fire’ said, a little worried.

“Forget them! Just keep an eye out for the king.” Blitz said.

“We don’t even know what he looks like, Blitz.” Rapidfire said to him.

“You know, royal, flowing robe, fancy jewelry.” Blitz said, only for them to realize that all the party guests fit Blitz's description. They are all adorned in fancy, flowing robes and headpieces, chatting and eating food.

“Well, that narrows it down to pretty much everyone!” Fire’ said as Terra walks up to the trio.

“Another crab puff, please,” she said, trying to speak in a fancy voice. Fire’ levitates his tray to give her a puff, unaware it’s her, until he turns to face her.

“You found us!” Fire’ said in surprise.

“I'd know your hoof steps anywhere, Flame Head.” Terra said as she eats her puff as the other mares soon catch up, making Fire’ blush when he sees Twilight.

“Thanks for letting us in!” Blitz sarcastically said.

“Sorry, but the guy who escorted us in won't let us out of his sight!” Agua defended.

“What guy?” Fire’ said when he sees that nopony is following them. Jo Dee then shows up and approaches the group, and is anxious to see them.

“What are you doing here? You have to leave immediately, or we will be in terrible trouble!” Jo Dee said as she tries to push Blitz, but he blocks her with his tray.

“Not until we see the Geo Firman King.” Blitz said to the strange tour guide.

“You don't understand. You must go.” Jo Dee said as she shoves Blitz on Firebrand, causing him to spill the water inside the pitcher he was carrying on a unicorn mare guest.

“Aarrrh! Oh!” The mare said, completely annoyed.

“Sorry. No, don't shout.” Fire’ said as firebends at the guest, evaporating the water without hurting her, but also turns her hair, clothes and makeup into a mess, leading Fire’ to smile sheepishly, while the others stare in worry.

The guest is briefly shocked, but smiles in amazement. “The Avatar of Fire! I didn't know one of the Avatars would be here.” She said, making the guests' attention is focus on Firebrand. Jo Dee's large, happy smile quickly turns sour and is replaced by a frown and a look of dread as Fire’ looks around at the guests. Fire’ blushes and waves at the crowd, laughing nervously, as Blitz leans in toward Fire.’

“You keep their attention while I look for the king.” Blitz whispered as Twilight leans in on Fire’s other side.

“Remember your days as a stage show performer?” She asked, making Fire’ smile as he takes the uniform off.

“Watch this, everypony!” Fire’ said as he jumps on to one of the long dining tables as Blitz walk off into the crowd. Fire’ swings his arms over the guests' food, making them sizzle while he firebends the flames off the candles. He jumps onto a pitcher, using his sword to balance on top of it, while continuing to firebend. Fire’ brings the fire above his head and creates a swirling ball of white and orange, making the crowd cheer and clap at the spectacle. Even Bosco growls with delight at Fire's antics.

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Back at the tea shop, Zuko and Jet are still fighting. Zuko growls as he swings his sword at Jet, who dodges the attack and moves on to Zuko's side, and they end up back-to-back. Zuko and Jet attempt to strike the opponent behind them, but neither can get past the other's defense. That's when two Dai Li agents run toward the fight. “Drop your weapons.” One of the Dai Le said.

Zuko and Jet step away and face each other. Zuko lowers his sword, but Jet points at Zuko and Iroh. “Arrest them, they're Fire Nation!” Jet yelled.

“This poor colt's confused, we're just simple refugees.” Iroh calmly said to the Dai Le.

“This young stallion wrecked my tea shop, and assaulted my employees!” Iroh and Zuko’s boss yelled.

“It's true sir, we saw the whole thing. This crazy colt attacked the finest tea maker in the city.” A customer yelled as Zuko gives him his swords back.

“Oh, ho, ho. That's very sweet.” Iroh said while blushing.

The two Dai Li agents walk up to Jet, who looks at them angrily. “Come with us, son.”

Jet swings his hook sword at the Unicorn agent, but he catches the sword with his magic. The guard then disarms Jet, and both guards pull the colt’s arms behind his back, binding his ankles together using their magic and drag Jet away toward a wagon designed for holding captured criminals. “You don't understand! They're Fire Nation! You have to believe me!” Jet yelled as the crowd begins to disperse.

On his knees, Jet looks up as the doors are shut. The ponies left in the street watch the wagon go away, among them Longshot and Smellerbee, hidden within the crowd, who look on before they silently walk out of sight.

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The two Dai Li that arrested Jet are now dragging in into a dark room, making him sit on a stone chair. They bind his front legs down using steel rope. “You have to believe me, they're Fire Nation! They won’t stop until they win the War.”

One of the Dai Li agents (who's a unicorn) uses magic to clamp down on Jet’s skull, holding it in place. “Calm down, you're safe now.” The agent said as he stands in front of Jet, surrounded by a metal track. From behind him appears a small orange lantern attached to the track, holding Jet down says. “There's no war in Ba Sing Se.”

“What're you talking about? Where do you think all the refugees come from? You can't hide it!” Jet said as he watches as the lamp continue passing by his face, only to get gaged by the Pegasus Dai Li.

The lamp passes by Jet’s eyes again, with the Dai Li agent standing within the circular track as the lamp revolves and begins saying the same thing to Jet repeatedly. “There is no war within the walls. Here we're safe. Here, we are free,” Jet's eyes then begin to widen as his protests become silent, and the brainwashing begins to affect him.

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Back at the palace, two lines of guards walk into the hall. Eight of them are carrying a curtained palanquin, with the King of Geo Firma sitting on the platform. The crowd as they marvels in the King's presence. Blitz and Shining sneak through the crowd and they attempt to get a better view of the king. The guards then place the palanquin down and face the guests. Blitz looks over at the others and points at the king. “Firebrand! The King of Geo Firma!”

Fire,’ who is entertaining Bosco, runs over to the king on the table he was on. “Greetings, your majesty.” Three guests pull their food and drinks off the table before Fire’ runs over them. Back at the procession of guards and the King of Geo Firma. The platform is carried off while a line of guards walk up to the long dining table. Shining and Blitz exit the crowd and try to follow the king, but two Dai Li agents grab them and begin leading him away, pulling their arms behind their back.

“Hey, let us go!” Shining Armor barked at them. A Dai Li agent stepping out from a pillar in the hall throws his hoofs out, causing his steel gloves to fly forward.

Meanwhile, the girls are looking away, the gloves of the agent grab Terra and pull her backward, covering her mouth to keep her silent. A second later, another pair of gloves grab Twilight and pulls her back the same way as Terra, followed by Rainbow, Scootaloo, Sweetie, AB, AJ, Rarity, Cadence, Pinkie, Agua, and Fluttershy. Fire’ has reached the other end of the dining table, knocking over several dishes. Long Feng then walks up to Fire’ from behind the line of guards. “Avatar of Fire, it is a great honor to meet you.” He then bows before Firebrand.

“Who the hay are you?”

“I am Long Feng, Grand Secretariat of Ba Sing Se and head of the Dai Li. I'd like to talk to you. Your friends will be waiting for us in the library.” Long Feng then gestures for Fire’ to follow him, as he goes into the library. Fire’ hesitates for a moment before hopping off the table and following. At the library's large double doors shutting, Fire’ and the others are facing Long Feng, who is sitting in front of a hearth that illuminates the area with a green flame.

“Why won't you let us talk to the king!? We were sent here by Princess Celestia about defeating the Fire Nation before a magical comet returns and gives them ultimate power!” Agua yelled at him.

“The King of Geo Firma has no time to get involved with political squabbles and the day-to-day minutia of military activities.” Long Feng simply said.

“This could be the most important thing he's ever heard.” Twilight said to him.

“What's most important to his royal majesty is maintaining the cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se. All his duties relate to issuing decrees on such matters. It's my job to oversea the rest of the city's resources, including the military.” Long Feng argued.

“So the king is just a figurehead.” Rainbow said to him.

“He's your puppet!” Terra angrily yelled at him.

“Oh, no, no. His majesty is an icon, a God to his people. He can't sully his hoofs with the hourly change of an endless war.” Long Feng said.

“But Celestia...” Twilight began, but is cut off by Long Feng.

“Enough, I don't want to hear your ridiculous plan. It is the strict policy of Ba Sing Se that any war not to be mentioned within the walls. Constant news of an escalating war will throw the citizens of Ba Sing Se into a state of panic. Our economy would be ruined. Our peaceful way of life, our traditions would disappear. In silencing talk of conflict, Ba Sing Se remains a peaceful, orderly utopia, one of the last ones on Earth,” Long Feng said, making Fire’ and his friends stare at him with a mix of shock and horror at this revelation.

“You can't keep the truth from all these people. They have to know.” Twilight said to Long Feng.

Fire,’ Agua, Terra and Blitz then stand up, with Fire’ pointing at Long Feng. “We’ll tell them!” Fire’ said.

“We'll make sure everypony knows!” Agua finished.

“Until now, you've been treated as our honored guest. But from now on, you will be watched every moment by Dai Li agents. If you mention the war to anypony, you will be expelled from the city.” He then makes his leave. Now Jo Dee will show you to your home.”

Long Feng sits down at the front of the library, as Jo Dee opens the doors and walks toward the group. The group looks at her with surprises this time she's a unicorn instead of an Earth pony. “Come with me, please.” Jo Dee said.

“What happened to Jo Dee?” Applejack asked.

“I am Jo Dee.” She then bows her head to them. “I'll be your host as long as you're in our wonderful city.” She then smiles cheerfully at the group in the same artificial way.