The Elements of Nature, Book 2

Chapter 14, Lake Laogai

At the tea shop where Zuko and Iroh are working, Iroh serves tea to two customers, who really enjoy it. “So, you're the genius behind this incredible brew. The whole city is buzzing about you! I hope Pao pays you well,” One of the customers said to him.

“Good tea is its own reward.” Iroh simply said.

“But it doesn't have to be the only reward. How would you like to have your own tea shop?” The customer offered.

“My own tea shop? This is a dream come true!” Iroh said with excitement, getting Pao’s, the tea shop owner, attention.

“What's going on here?” Pao said to the customer Iroh is serving. “Are you trying to purge my tea-maker, Quon?”

“Sorry Pao, but that's business for you, right?” Quon said.

“Mushi, if you stay, I'll make you assistant manager. Wait, senior assistant manager!” Pao offered.

“I'll provide you with a new apartment in the Upper Ring. The tea shop is yours to do with whatever you want. Complete creative freedom.” Quon tempted.

“I even get to name the shop?” Iroh asked.

“Of course!” Quon answered.

“Senior executive assistant manager?” Pao offered, knowing he's losing this fight.

Iroh just simply hands over to Pao the pot of tea and bows to Quon, agreeing to the terms as Zuko walks by. “Did you hear, nephew? This stallion wants to give us our own tea shop in the Upper Ring of the city!”

“That's right young stallion, your life is about to change for the better!” Quon said to Zuko.

“I'll try to contain my joy,” Zuko sarcastically said as he walks outside.

“Don’t mind my nephew,” Iroh said to Quon. “He’s been through much recently.”

Outside the tea shop, Zuko hears chatter about the party the king held for his pet bear and the unexpected arrival. “Pardon me,” Zuko said to the three mares, “but, who is this unexpected party crasher?” Zuko asked, wanting news about something else besides tea for a change.

“Oh, it was just this incredibly handsome red Unicorn stallion who's the Avatar of Fire.” One of the mares said in a think valley girl accent. Upon hearing that, Zuko eyes widen when he realizes that if one of the Avatars is here, that means there are more as well.

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At the house that Team Avatar is at, Shining and Fire’ are playing a game of chess, with Blitz as the referee while the girls are out shopping. “Check mate.” Fire’ said after his queen captured Shining Armor’s king.

“Uh. Best 26 out of 50.” Armor said after losing to Fire’ 15 times.

“You don’t like losing?” Blitz said to him, when they hear a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it.” Shining Armor said, tired of losing at chess and needing something else to do. He opens the door with his magic, and they see someone familiar. “Jo Dee?” The trio said in unison.

“Hello, Firebrand and Shining Armor and Blitz.” Jo Dee said, ever smiling creepily.

“What happened to you? Did the Dai Li throw you in jail?” Blitz asked the strange mare.

“What? Jail? Of course not. The Dai Li are the protectors of our cultural heritage.” Jo Dee defended.

“But you disappeared at the King of Geo Firma's party.” Shining Armor pointed out.

“Oh, I simply took a short vacation to Lake Laogai, out in the country. It was quite relaxing.”

“But then they replaced you with some other mare who also said her name was Jo Dee.” Fire’ said to her.

“I'm Jo Dee.” A surprised Jo Dee said.

“Why are you here?” Blitz said to the strange mare.

“Shopping out the stores isn't permitted without proper clearance.” Jo Dee said, shocking the three colts at this stupid law.

“We can't wait around to get permission for everything!” Shining Armor yelled at Jo Dee.

“You are absolutely forbidden by the rules of the city to continue emptying out the stores.” She simply said.

“We don't care about the rules and we're not asking permission!!! We are going to find a way to get an audience with the king on our own and you should just stay out of our way!” Fire’ yelled as he slammed the door shut with his magic.

“That might come back to bite us in the end.” Shining Armor said.

“I don't care! From now on we do whatever it takes to get an audience with the king!” Fire’ said, sick and tired of waiting.

“Yeah, let's break some rules!” Blitz said to his spirit brother.

“Lets find the others first.” Shining Armor said to the two Avatars.

“Good point. Knowing Rarity, she's the one emptying out all the stores.” Blitz said.

“And we have to watch out for those Dai Li agents Long Feng said will be watching us.” Shining Armor finished.

“Well, if there watching us, I have a message for them. Tell Long Feng that nothing will stop us from getting to the Geo Firman King!” Fire’ said as he made his way to the door.

Blitz and Shining Armor stare at both him and each other for a moment. “Firebrand on a war path. Never thought I see the day,” Blitz said as they followed Fire’ out of the door. As they all exit the house, two Dai Li agents have watch and overheard them from a house roof across the street.

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At the Royal Palace, Long Feng meets with one particular Jo Dee. “I'm very disappointed in your work with the Avatars and their friends, Jo Dee. I hoped that you would be able to control this situation.” Long Feng said to the Earth pony mare.

“I am so sorry but they don't trust me anymore.” Jo Dee said as she starts getting upset. “I don't think I can keep working like this!” She said as she sobs.

“Jo Dee, the Geo Firman King has invited you to Lake Laogai.” Long Feng suddenly said, causing Jo Dee’s iris to dilate.

“I am honored to accept his invitation.” A hypnotized Jo Dee said.

“Good. Now go wait for the orders.” Long Feng ordered, making Jo Dee to leave for Lake Laogai. “If the Avatars keep searching for a way to see the king, it could upset the delicate balance we've worked so hard to achieve in this city. It could even cost us control of the king.” Long Feng said to one of his subordinates.

“Should we take care of them?” The Dai Li agent asked.

“No. It's much too dangerous for us to face them directly.” Long Feng pointed out. “Let's see if we can still handle this quietly.”

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At Iroh and Zuko's place of stay, which is about to change, Zuko enters Iroh's room as he is packing. “So, I was thinking about names for my new tea shop. How about ‘The Jasmine Dragon’? It's dramatic, poetic, and has a nice ring to it.” Iroh said to his nephew, who shows them a picture of Bosco’s party, showing Firebrand.

“The Avatars are here in Ba Sing Se, uncle.” Zuko said as Iroh grabs the picture and burns it.

“We have a chance for a new life here.” Iroh said to Zuko, whose looking out a window toward the Middle Ring. “If you start stirring up trouble, we could lose all the good things that are happening for us.”

“Good things that are happening for you!” Zuko yelled as he turns to his uncle. “Have you ever thought that I want more from life than a nice apartment and a job serving tea?”

“There is nothing wrong with a life of peace and prosperity. I suggest you think about what it is that you want from your life and why.”

“I want my destiny.”

“What that means is up to you.” Iroh said as Zuko walks away. “The Tea Weevil! No, that's stupid.”

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At the hive of the changelings in Sub-Sahara Africa, Queen Chrysalis is ... “WHAT DO YOU MEAN I’M WEAK!?!?!” yelling at Medizinisch.

“Calm down before you strangle me,” Medizinisch begged. “Look, all I’m saying is that the Avatar of Fire is powerful with magic.” Just then, small creatures hanging from yellow strings pop down.

“Magic. Magic. Magic.” They all said in unison.

“Uh!” Medizinisch said out of annoyance. “I thought we got ride of you furry warts! You little balls of fuzz make terrible pets! All you do is dangle there and repeat yourselves! Ooh-ah-ooh!” An annoyed Medizinisch cried out.

“Ooh-ah-ooh. Ooh-ah-ooh. Ooh-ah-ooh.” The furry warts copied Medizinisch while laughing.

“Now,” Chrysalis said after the furry warts calmed down, “how do you know that the Fire Avatar is that powerful?”

“I did researched after Deker asked you if you were going after the Fire Avatar,” Medizinisch began to say. “I discovered that this ‘Firebrand,’ despite being from Abysus, is a direct descendent of Star Swirl the Bearded!” He said with panic in his voice, not knowing how Chrysalis will react.

“WHAT! HE’S A DESCENDENT OF THE ONE WHO SEALED AWAY MY FATHER! KING MANTISES!” She yelled, screaming so hard that the entire castle shakes.

“Right. And if he’s a descendent, that would explain why Madimot’s mind control was block when he cast that spell, and how he freed Shining Armor from his control, all on instinct.” Medizinisch said, still not knowing what Chrysalis will do.

“Ah! This gives me an even bigger headache! I need to get rid of him, NOW!” Chrysalis strangled her vocal-cords, until she, eventual, calms down a little. “Bring me the most powerful changeling warrior you can find!” She ordered.

“I know just the one. Some of the other warrior changelings are even afraid of him, I know I am,” Chrysalis’ right-hand bug, Beetle, said as he headed to the tunnel that connects to the bed chambers of the warrior classes. “Oh Robtish! Are you there?” He called out.

“Right here!” A voice called back in a thick Scottish accent as Robtish walks in the main chamber. He has dark red armor instead of black, and is far more muscular than the average Changeling. He also is carrying a large sword. As he walks in, he knocks a furry wart down and steps on it, turning it to dust. “What do you need?”

“Theres an annoying red unicorn we need to get rid of.” Beetle said to him.

“He’s also the Avatar of Fire. So, would you like to get rid of him?” Chrysalis asked the warrior, who grabs a furry wart and crushes it to dust.

“Like to? I love to.” Robtish said, with a big evil grin on his face

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At the Ba Sing Se shopping mall, the girls and Spike are having some fun until a Unicorn Jo Dee shows up and tells them that they are not allowed to shop out the stores without proper clearance. They then stare at Rarity, who out of all of them, had the most bags full of things like dresses, hats, shoes, boots, scarfs, etc. After a few returns, the girls decide to head back to the house. On their way, Twilight hears a familiar voice behind them. “Twilight?” Twilight gasp when she hers the colts voice and turns around, and gets angry when she sees the source of the voice, a young Unicorn stallion with a brown mane and tail, no longer then Big Mac’s, while his coat is a lighter color, and two hook swords for a cutie mark.

It’s ... “Jet! What are you doing here!” Twilight yelled, startling the others. Cadence also recognizes Jet right away.

“Uh oh.” Cadence said when she also remembers what Jet did.

“Twilight, Cadence, who is thet?” Applejack asked.

“Thats Twilight’s old boyfriend, Jet.” Cadence began. “She left him when his obsession over defeating the Fire Nation became unbearable.” 

“Why is he obsessing over defeating the Fire Nation?” Spitfire asked.

“Thats a good question, Spitfire. The reason is because they killed his family, and his obsessive behavior got too much for Twilight.” Cadence said as Twilight charges up her horn.

“Twilight, I've changed!” Jet said, remembering that bad things happen when Twilight uses her magic when she's angry.

“I’ll believe that when I see it!” Twilight yelled as she uses telekinesis on Jet and throws him against a wall, while Twilight begins to move to him until Cadence stops her.

“Twilight. This isn't that time for this.” Cadence said as the other boys then approach them.

“Twilight, whats going on?” Shining Armor asked his little sister.

“It’s Jet.” Cadence said to her husband.

“We can't trust anything Jet says!” Twilight yelled.

“What the hay is goin’ on here?” Applejack said while Twilight is still glaring at Jet.

“Lets talk about this, okay” Jet said as he's being strangled.

“No way!” Twilight snapped.

“We don't even know why he's here, Twiley!” Shining Armor said.

“I don't care why he's here, whatever the reason is, it can't be good!” Twilight yelled at her brother.

“I swear, I've changed! I was a troubled pony and I let my anger get out of control, but I don't even have the gang now! I've put all that behind me!” Jet said as he is still being strangled.

“You're lying!” Twilight yelled.

Terra then walks up to the wall Jet is on and places her hoof on it. “He's not lying, Twilight.”

“How can you tell?” Twilight asked.

“I can feel his breathing and heartbeat.” Terra answered. “When ponies and other creatures lie, there's a physical reaction. He's telling the truth.”

“Twilight, calm down, or you’ll end up just like him.” Shining Armor said to her. With that, Twilight releases her grip and Jet falls to the ground.

“All right.” Twilight said as she points and looks angrily at Jet. “But I’m not letting you out of our sight.”

“I’ve change Twilight.” Jet said.

“Why are you here?” Cadence asked the vengeful Unicorn.

“I’m a refugee now, and when I heard that the Avatars wanted to meet with the Geo Firman king, I knew I had to help.” Jet answered the Princess of Love. “I heard that he’s on a royal vacation at Whale Tail Island.”

“We've got to get to Whale Tail Island, then!” Fire’ said, only to pause for a bit. “Where's Whale Tail Island?” He asked Applejack, who’s looking at a map of Geo Firma.

“Far, very far.” Applejack said as she places the map on the ground. “Here it is,” Applejack said as she points to an island that looks like ... well, a whale's tail. “It's near th' Southern Badlan's of Equestria.”

“Fire,’ it’ll take us days to get back to the edge of Geo Firma, and from there we’ll have to survive typhoon season out on the open ocean for two more days.” Twilight said.

“Do we have a choice?” Fire’ said. “And besides, there’s no way the Dai Li would be all the way there.”

“Good point.” Blitz said as Applejack puts the map away.

“All right, let's get moving.” Rainbow said as she and the other Pegasi head for the train station.

“I'll come with you.” Jet suddenly said.

“We don't need your help!” Twilight said to Jet as she leaves.

“I promise, you won’t even notice I’m even here.” Jet said as he begins to follow the group, all the while Fire’ is casting a stare at Jet’s way while he passes them.

“Whats the matter, Fire’?” Terra asked as she, Agua, Rainbow and Shining Armor stand next to him.

“I don’t trust this guy.” Fire’ said, with good reason.

“Why?” Agua said to Fire.’ “He seems real nice.”

“Until you mention the Fire Nation.” Shining Armor pointed out. “But, there's something else, isn't there.” Fire’ said nothing, he only blushed.

“Do you like Twilight?” Rainbow playfully said.

“What ... no!” Fire’ firmly said, making Terra smile.

“I can tell you're lying...” Terra said, making Fire’ walk away in anger.

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Near the Ba Sing Se train station, the group, accompanied by Jet, are ready to leave. “Since we left the chariot at the Outer Wall, we can take the train out to the wall but then we can fly.” Twilight said, while glaring at Jet as Spike writes a letter to Celestia about what has just happened.

“We're finally leaving Ba Sing Se.” A relieved Terra happily said. “Worst ... city ... ever!” She said as they pass by Smellerbee and Longshot, who notice...

“Jet!” a surprised Smellerbee said when she sees Jet with Team Avatar.

“Uh, Twilight.” Spike said as he points toward two familiar ponies.

“I thought you said you didn't have your ‘gang’ anymore!” Twilight angrily said to Jet, who actually sees the anger in her eyes.

“I don't, Twilight!” Jet defended.

“We were so worried.” Smellerbee said to Jet. “How did you get away from the Dai Li?”

“The Dai Li?!” A shocked Twilight said.

“I don't know what she's talking about!” A frantic Jet said.

“He got arrested by the Dai Li a couple of weeks ago. We saw them drag him away!” Smellerbee said as Terra walks in between the two to feel the vibrations in the ground.

“Why would I be arrested? I've lived peacefully in the city!” Jet defended.

“This doesn't make any sense.” Terra said to them all.

“What doesn't it make sense?” Pinkie asked.

“They're both telling the truth. That's why, Nutty Pie.” Terra answer.

“That's impossible.” Twilight said.

“No, it's not!” Fire’ said when he realizes something. “Terra can't tell who's lying because they both think they're telling the truth. Jet's been brainwashed!” 

“That's crazy! It can't be!” Jet said as the two groups surround him. “Stay away from me!”

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Later that night, a Dai Li agent is walking on streets, when suddenly, Zuko, disguised as the Blue Spirit, runs by. “Out of my way, skinny!” Zuko yelled at him. The agent pursues and confronts what appears to be him. But when he fires his gun, he notices it is a stuffed figure.

“Huh?”

Zuko, still disguised, captures him and places one of his swords to the agent's neck. “If you don't want to end up like him, you'll do what I say.”

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In one of Ba Sing Se’s manny storage buildings, Team Avatar, Longshot, and Smellerbee all surround a seated Jet. “The Dai Li must have sent Jet to mislead and spy on us!” Twilight said.

“I bet he can remember where he was.” Fire’ said as he got closer to Jet. “Jet, where did they take you?”

“Nowhere! I -- I don't know what you're talking about!” Jet nearly yelled.

“We need to find a way to jog his real memories.” Blitz said.

“Maybe Twilight can kiss him. That should bring something back!” Spike teased.

“Maybe you should kiss him, Spike!” Twilight angrily said.

“Hey, just an idea!” Spike defended.

“A bad one.” Fire’ said.

“Oooh, wait! I've got it!” Pinkie said as she sticks a blade of grass into Jet's mouth.

“I don't think it's working.” Jet said as he spits it out.

“Try to think of something from your past that triggers your emotions.” Terra said.

“The Fire Nation! Remember what they did to your family!” Smellerbee said.

“Close your eyes, Jet. Picture it.” Twilight said to him.

Jet does so, and remembers images of his hometown burning down and a Fire Nation soldier looking back at him.“No! It's too painful!” Jet cried while sweating.

“Maybe this will help.” Agua said as she takes some water and uses healing to clear his mind. Jet begins to see images of Long Feng, then an underground area. He also sees an image of a Dai Li agent shining a spinning light in his face.

“They took me to a headquarters under the water! Like a lake!” Jet said as he begins to remember.

“Wait!” Fire’ suddenly said. “Remember what Jo Dee said? She said she went on vacation to Lake Laogai!”

“That's it!” Jet suddenly said as he get up, remembering that the name is ... “Lake Laogai!”

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Later, the Team, Jet, Longshot, and Smellerbee are now at Lake Laogai. “So where's this secret headquarters?” Shining Armor asked Jet.

“Under the water, I think.” Jet said.

“There's a tunnel right there by the shore,” Terra said as she uses her earthbending and brings up a slab of rock that only unicorns can lift. The rock was hiding an entrance that leads under the water. She moves the rock out the way with the same technique as they all make their way into the headquarters.

“It's all starting to come back to me.” Jet said as they passed a room full of mares and a Dai Li agent brainwashing them.

“Whoa.” Spike said as they see at least 20 different mares.

“I'm Jo Dee. Welcome to Ba Sing Se.” The Dai Li said to the mares, who...

“I'm Jo Dee. Welcome to Ba Sing Se.” The mares copied, all of them with the same expression.

“We're so lucky to have our walls to create order.”

“We're so lucky to have our walls to create order.”

“Do you think the Geo Firman King is here?” Fire’ asked as Jet opens another door, finding a dark room. The door closes suddenly on them.

“Uh! I hate being underground!” Rainbow nearly screamed. Suddenly, the lights turn on, revealing several Dai Li agents, along with... “Long Feng?”

“Uh, oh.” Spike said.

“You have made yourselves enemies of the state,” Long Feng said. “Take them into custody,” at this, two agents take out some cuffs and fire them, but Terra breaks them with some rocks. Jet breaks up two other cuffs fired by agents, and takes one out. A full battle ensues, with some Dai Li agents jumping off the ceiling and surround them. Two agents fire anti-magic hoof-cuffs, but Terra breaks them up and sends the two agents flying through the air with rock pillars. Jet runs toward the agents and breaks two other gloves fired by agents with his swords, and trips another. Fire’ and Shining Armor deal with a pair of Dai Li agents as Rainbow Dash and Applejack destroy two Dai Li gloves, but a second pair grabs them.

“Peeky-boo!” Pinkie Pie said as she saves Rainbow and AJ by using her Party Cannon, which send the Dai Li agent across the room, covered in streamers and party supplies. Fluttershy trips four Dai Li agents that attack her by cowering on the ground and letting them trip over her, but a Unicorn Dai Li captures her, but Jet swings by to free her. The agent fires a laser at him, but Longshot fires an anti-magi arrow which destroys the blast. Long Feng, seeing this as his chance, escapes.

“Long Feng is escaping!” Fire said as he, Jet, and Shining Armor begin chasing him. They head into another part of the HQ, but are sealed in by him using magic.

“All right, Avatar of Fire, you've caused me enough problems. This is your last chance. Leave now and never return.” Long Feng threatened.

“Not gonna happen until we talk to the king.” Fire’ said to the insane Unicorn.

“You're in no position to bargain.” Jet said to Long Feng.

“Am I not?” Long Feng said.

“You're definitely not!” Fire’ said as he and the other two Unicorns take on some fighting posses.

“Jet, the Geo Firman King has invited you to Lake Laogai.” Long Feng said, causing Jet’s irises to dilate.

“I am honored to accept his invitation.” Jet said under Long Feng’s control. He then attacks both Fire’ and Shining.

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In another part of the HQ, Zuko, still disguise as the Blue Spirit, is looking for the Avatars. He then sees a shape that looks somewhat like Terra. “You're mine now.” However, instead of Terra, it's actually ... “Uncle?”

“So, the Blue Spirit. I wonder who could be behind that mask...” Iroh said.

Zuko lets out a sigh and removes his mask. “What are you doing here?” He asked his uncle.

“I was just about to ask you the same thing. What do you plan to do now that you've found the Dai Li's headquarters, or find one of the Avatars? Keep him or her locked in our new apartment? Should I go put on a pot of tea for him or her?” Iroh jokingly asked.

“First I have to find one of the Avatars.” Zuko stated as he heads for the cell block.

“And then what!? You never think these things through!” Iroh pointed out. “This is exactly what happened when you captured the Avatars of Fire and Water at the South Pole! You had both, and then you had nowhere to go!”

“I would have figured something out!”

“No!” Iroh yelled. “If the Fire Avatars friends hadn't found you, you would have frozen to death!”

“I know my destiny, Uncle!” Zuko yelled.

“Is it your own destiny, or is it a destiny somepony else has tried to force on you?” Iroh asked.

“Stop it, Uncle! I have to do this!”

“I'm begging you, Prince Zuko! It's time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions. Who are you, and what do you want?” Iroh said, making Zuko to scream loudly, throwing down his swords and the Blue Spirit mask.

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Meanwhile, the brainwashed Jet continues swinging his hook swords at Fire’ and Shining. “Jet, it's me, Shining Armor! You don't have to do this!”

“I'm afraid he no longer has a choice.” Long Feng said as Jet continues to try to kill the two Unicorns.

“Jet, I'm your friend! Look inside your heart!” Shining said.

“Do your duty, Jet!” Long Feng said.

“He can't make you do this! You're a Freedom Fighter!” Fire’ said to Jet.

“Do it! Do it now!” Long Feng yelled at Jet, who fires one of his swords, but instead of aiming it at Shining Armor or Fire,’ he throws it at Long Feng instead, but it misses by a third of a meter. He counters with a laser which strikes the ceiling, causing a boulder to fall on Jet. Long Feng then heads to an elevator. “Foolish colt. You have chosen your own demise,” Long Feng simply said as the doors close.

“I'm sorry ... Shining Armor.” The dying Jet said.

“Don't be.” Shining Armor said as the rest of the group arrives, and are struck with sorrow and shock, with Agua using her healing.

“This isn't good.” Agua sad as she tries to heal Jet.

“You guys go find Long Feng. We'll take care of Jet.” Smellerbee said.

“We're not going to leave you three, Smellerbee.” Twilight said to her.

“There's no time. Just go. We'll take care of him. He's our leader.” Longshot said in a light voice.

“Don't worry, Twilight. I'll be fine.” Jet said with a little smile as team Avatar leaves.

“He's lying...” Terra whispered to Shining Armor as Smellerbee stands over Jet, crying, with Longshot standing guard, prepping an arrow just in case.

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Outside, Robtish arrives and sees some Dai Li agents waiting, some of them talking about the Avatars. “This must be the place.” He said as Team Avatar comes out and finds all the Dai Li agents waiting for them.

“You think we can outrun them?” Rainbow asked.

“I don't think it's going to matter, Rainbow!” Fire’ said as a fight is about to start, when they have some company, ponies who were imprisoned by the Dai Li.

“Now is not the time. Dai Li, retreat!” Long Feng yelled as smoke grandees are thrown to the ground. After the smoke clears, the Dai Li are gone.

“Where did you guys come from?” Applejack asked the former prisoners.

“We were in the cells when this Blue Spirit appeared and knocked out the guards. He then let us go and showed us the way out.” A mare with a yellow coat and an orange mane said. Fire,’ recognizing the description, smiles at the thought that Zuko actually did something good.

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On the other side of the lake, Zuko and Iroh emerge from another entrance to the Dai Li headquarters. “You did the right thing, nephew,” Iroh said as Zuko looks at his Blue Spirit mask. “Leave it behind,” Zuko then tosses the mask into the water. He watches the mask as it sinks to the bottom of the lake.

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“Ha! We beaten the Dai Li, and made Long Feng runaway like a little filly.” Rainbow Dash said, being Rainbow Dash. “So ... whats next?” She asked, only to regret it when she sees Robtish on a nearby hill.

“You had to ask.” Twilight said.

“A changeling!” Shining Armor growled.

“Which one of you is the Fire Avatar?!” Robtish asked them, making Fire’ to step forward, sword in hoof. “Ha! I heard that Queen Chrysalis knows that you can do something that she doesn't want you to do, so she sen’t me to get ride of you. So sorry ... not!” Robtish said as he jumps down and prepares for a fight.

The Avatars soon prepare for battle while the mane six, Shining Armor, Cadence, the Wonderbolts take the freed prisoners to find some cover. A battle between the 4 Avatars and Robtish soon begins, and Robtish immediately pulls out his ace, metaphorically speaking, his ... “Sonic Shockwave!” He yelled as he used his magic to send a small sonic boom at Blitz and Agua, sending them flying. “Double Slash!” He yelled as he did two slashes at Terra and Fire.’

Fire’ manages to stay on his four hoofs, but Terra flies into a polder, knocking her out. “Oh! You're a strong one, aren't you?” Robtish said to Fire.’ “Now I’m convinced you're a direct descendent of Star Swirl the Bearded.”

Twilight, upon hearing this, is completely stunned. Firebrand is a descendent of Star Swirl the Bearded! She thought to herself.

“Say good by.” Robtish said as he ran for Fire.’ But when he goes for the attack, another blade appears between them, along with its holder, Deker.

“What are you doing here?” Fire’ asked.

“Thats what I was going to ask. Deker, why are you here?” Robtish asked the white changeling.

“I will not let you destroy the Fire Avatar, I must duel him.” Deker said.

“Fine by me. I’ll get ride of both of you.” Robtish said as Fire’ grabs one of the Dai Li’s many abandoned swords with his magic and pulls it over.

“I’ll take you both on!” Fire’ said to Deker and Robtish, who swing their blades at him, but Fire’ blocks them using his two blades. “You both need to stand aside!” Fire’ said as all three both attack and block one of the others. Deker easily blocks both Robtish and Fire’s attacks while doing slashes of his own, but Robtish blocks it.

“Thats it!” Robtish said to Firebrand and Deker. “Time to finish you two off!”

Fire’ then takes both of his blades as he turns into his elemental form, along with the blades. “Nope, it’s time to get fired up!” Fire’ said as he slashes at the two changelings. Each time one of the two blades of his hits either Deker’s or Robtish’s blades, it causes a small sonic boom.

Meanwhile, the mane six, Spike, Shining Armor, Cadence, Spitfire, Misty Fly and Rapidfire are helping get the other Avatars up. Agua sees Firebrands’s power and remarks that, “It’s amazing. Where is he finding the strength to hold both of them off?” Agua asked Twilight, arguably the smartest among them.

“That black changeling said that Fire’ is a descendent of Star Swirl the Bearded,” Twilight said to the group, shocking them.

“Thats why Fire’ did a spell that allowed him to control gravity, and the spell that protected him from the other changelings mind control and how he's able to hold them off.” Shining Armor said out of realization as the red Unicorn and the two changelings come to a stand still. One of Fire’s blades is at Deker’s chest while the other is holding Robtish’s sword. Deker's Uramasa is at Robtish’s neck also.

“Okay boys,” Fire’ said, breaking a few moments of silence. “Your move,” After a few moments of silence, with the only noise from the three is a growl from Robtish and a laugh from Deker and the heavy breathing of Firebrand.

Finally, Robtish backs down. “Your both in luck. I’m running out of fuel,” he said as he begins to loss his color, his fuel being the love from the little cat-creatures the changelings captured. “Queen Chrysalis won’t be happy about this,” He snarled at Deker as he disappears in a puff of smoke. Deker and Fire’ then back off as well, with Fire’ returning to his normal form.

“He’ll be back.” Fire’ said as he turns toward Deker. “Why did you help me?”

“My only desire is to find someone skilled enough to be my opponent,” Deker answered as he resumes his fighting stance. “Someone worthy to clash with my sword, Uramasa.” Fire’ then resumes his fighting stance as well, only to defend himself. The others stare at the two, with Twilight virtually petrified.

“Firebrand! Don’t fight him!" Twilight yelled as Fire’ and Deker move sideways. The two soon run to a boulder, clashing their blades at each other. Deker then hits Fire’ on his shoulder, making Fire’ drop his borrowed sword as he falls back to the border. “NO!” Twilight said as she runs up to him.

“Twilight! Get back here!” Shining Armor said to his little sister. But she just ignored him, too worried about Firebrand. She then reaches his side to see if Fire’ is okay. His shoulder is slightly bleeding but its nothing too serious.

“Hmm. That was too easy.” Deker said as Twilight uses a healing spell on Fire.’

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked the white changeling, worried that he’s going to do something far worse to Firebrand.

“This isn’t the battle I want,” Deker said as he approaches the couple. “Robtish’s Double Slash took too much out of you,” Deker said as he points Uramasa at Fire’s neck. “Uramasa and I wont be satisfied unless you're at your peak. Next time, you will taste this slash,” Twilight and Fire’ get out-of-the-way when Deker slices at boulder. They then see that it has been cut clear in half. “Now go.

You’ll need to be at full strength to even have a chance against me,” Deker said. He then flies up to the cliff and changes into his pony form. “Fire Avatar, you will satisfy my hunger. You will give me the battle I've desired for centuries. So for now I will leave you be, until you are again at your best. Then we will duel.”

The others soon arrive to see if Twilight and Fire’ are all right. Pinkie then takes a look at Deker and remembers seeing him before. “Wait,” Rainbow said as looks at Deker. “Is that the weird dude from when Shining Armor was under that other changeling's control?”

“Yes, it is him.” Pinkie said.

“Hey! What are you anyway? Are you a changeling?” Spitfire yelled at Deker, who simply turns his head to face her.

“I am Deker. Nothing more and nothing less.” He then leaves.