The Elements of Nature, Book 2

Chapter 16, The Guru

At Zuko and Iroh's new apartment, Iroh is preparing some food that looks like a white, boiled pudding, when Zuko walks in. “What's that smell?” Zuko asked, drawn to the breakfast Iroh is making.

“It's jook.” Iroh said as he adds some bamboo shoots to the jook. “I'm sure you wouldn't like it.”

“Actually, it smells delicious. I'd love a bowl, Uncle.” Zuko said as he takes a bowl.

Iroh is very surprised by his nephews different behavior. “Now that your fever is gone, you seem ... different somehow.” Iroh said as he pours some jook into Zuko’s bowl.

“It's a new day. We've got a new apartment, new furniture, and today's the grand opening of your new tea shop.” Zuko said as he moves to a table and sits down. “Things are looking up, Uncle.” At this, Iroh's shocked expression changes to a smile.

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Meanwhile, Firebrand, Agua, Terra, and Blitz are flying, with Fire’ in his elemental form while Terra is riding on Blitz, to the Eastern Air Temple, which is several hundred miles away to the Southeast. “Are you guys nerves to meet this guru?” Terra said as Agua carries her while they go across the ocean.

“Not at all.” Agua said.

“I’m not afraid.” Blitz said while flying backwards.

“Me neither.” Fire’ finished. “We’re all ready to master the Avatar State. I'll do whatever it takes.”

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Back at the Earth King's Royal Palace, the 'Ice Knights,' Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee in disguise, appear before King Kuei. “Look Bosco! The Ice Knights of Pegasus City are here to protect us! Aren't you excited?” Kuei said to his pet bear, who just yawns. “It's been a difficult week for me. My most trusted advisor, Long Feng, and his Dai Li agents tried to take control of Ba Sing Se from me.”

“It's terrible when you can't trust the ponies who are closest to you.” Azula said to the somewhat naive king.

“But there is good news,” Kuei said as he scratches his bear’s ears. “As we speak, the Council of Five is meeting to plan an invasion of the Fire Nation, before something called ‘Sozin’s Comet’ arrives next year,” For a spit second, Azula's eyes widen with shock and worry upon hearing that the knowledge of Sozin’s Comet is already in the hands of the enemy, but she quickly hides it.

“Really? Now that sounds like a fascinating and brilliant plan.” She said as she glances off while Mai and Ty Lee look at each other.

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At the Council of Five meeting, Twilight and her friends, Shining Armor and Cadence are present. “General Fong's base will serve as the launching point for the attack. In exactly one year, the army and navy of both Geo Firma and Equestria will invade the Fire Nation when they least expect it. All we need now is King Kuei’s approval,” General How said as he levitates some scrolls over to Twilight.

“I'll get these scrolls to him right away. Thank you, General How.” Twilight said as she levitates the scrolls and heads for the throne room along with her friends.

“Uh, girls, I thought I go get some tea while we wait for Kuei’s approval. Anypony care to join me?” Rarity asked.

“Nada.”

“I’m fine.”

“Me too.”

“No thanks ... if that's okay.”

“I’m good.”

“Sure Rarity.” Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Cadence, and Twilight said. Twilight and Rarity then take a detour to the Middle Ring while the others get the scrolls to Kuei.

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At the hive of the changelings, Queen Chrysalis is asleep while Hexe is playing her shamisen. “Ooh-ah-ooh. I hate to be you when the Queen wakes up and finds out that the Fire Avatar is still alive.” Medizinisch said to Robtish, who’s sucking the love out of one of the little cat-creatures.

“Ah, the Fire Avatar had help.” Robtish defended after he finished off the little creature.

“Had help?” Medizinisch asked Robtish.

“Some half pony half changeling.” Robtish said as he takes another cat.

“Deker?” Hexe asked. Just then, Chrysalis wakes up out of anger.

“What?! Deker is helping the wielders of the Elements of Harmony and Nature now?”

“Good mourning, Queen Chrysalis. I’ll be happy to finish them both off if you want to.” Robtish said as he grabs a bowl.

“Oh!” Chrysalis said as she grabs the bowl from Robtish. “Deker make me so angry,” she then drinks it, but realizes it's not what she thought it was. “Huh. This isn't my medicine!” She then smashes the bowl to the ground.

“Medicine. Medicine.” The furry warts said as they jumped down.

“Oh, you furry warts make terrible pets! All you do is dangle there and repeat yourselves! Ooh-ah-ooh!” Medizinisch cried.

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

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In a forest not far from the Inner Wall of Ba Sing Se, Deker is walking through, when he senses something. “Hmm. Something’s coming,” suddenly, some changeling drones ambush him. “So, Queen Chrysalis has sent her changeling minions to challenge me,” He then draws out his blade. “Then meet my sword, Uramasa!” He then slashes at some changeling that charge at him, slicing them in half. Deker then spins around and a purple wave hits the remaining changelings, turning them into dust. Behind him in the river, Chrysalis appears with a sword, surprising the white changeling.

“I’ve lost my patience with you, Deker!” Chrysalis said as she charges at him. Deker manages to block the strike with his Uramasa. “How dare you to meddle in my affairs! Leave it to a half pony like you to side with them.”

“I know you wan’t the Fire Avatar destroyed, but he's tied to my destiny. I must duel him! You must let me do this!” Chrysalis then pushes Deker back into the river.

“What you want means nothing to me!”

Deker positions his Uramasa so the groves on it, the side he used to slice the boulder in half, are facing Chrysalis. “I have no interest in battling you!”

“Very wise of you, but it doesn't mean you can avoid my wrath.” Chrysalis then uses her magic to conjure up a magic rope around Deker, trapping him. More drones appear and hit Deker with their mandibles or some blades, causing Deker to bleed some.

“You will not stop me!” Deker said as he begins to glow bright blue, causing an explosion, destroying the changelings and the rope, turning Deker into his pony form. Deker then nearly collapses.

“Huh?”

“Say what you like about my half pony state. But it keeps me from becoming a true monster like you!” Deker said. He then dives into the river and disappears.

"This is far from over, Deker!" Chrysalis yelled out.

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“Ooh-ah-ooh. He escaped.” Medizinisch said as he and Hexe were watching through the viewing glob, the same one Chrysalis used when she watched Twilight and her friends when she kidnaped Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. “You could tell that Queen Chrysalis had him good.”

“He’ll survive. No one should underestimate Deker.” Hexe said.

“And look at you siting on your rump!” Medizinisch accusingly said to Robtish. “Get a move on and eliminate the Fire Avatar!”

“Consider it done.”

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At the Eastern Air Temple, Firebrand, Blitz, Agua, and Terra land and spot an elderly Unicorn stallion with a gray mane with a gray coat. He is also wearing a clock that hides his cutie mark. “Uhhh ... hello?” Agua said to him. “You're Guru Pathik, right? The pony who sent the note to us at Ba Sing Se?”

“Indeed.” Guru Pathik said.

“In your note, you said you could teach us how to gain control of the Avatar State. How?” Blitz asked the Guru as he and the others sit down.

“You must gain balance within yourself, before you can bring balance to the world. And the first step to gaining balance begins with this.” He levitates some drinks to them. “Drink up!”

Fire’ drinks some of his cup, but he spits it out. “Uggh! It tastes like onion and banana juice!”

“That's because it is! Yum yum!” Pathik said, making the four blink in disbelief.

After a few moments, Fire’ spoke up. “You also said you tell us where the other Elements of Nature are at. Where are they?” Fire’ asked.

“The Elements of Lightning and Air are located at the Grate Library in the Himalayas.” Guru Pathik answered. “The Element of Fire and the sixth one are a bit more tricky.”

“What do you mean?” Agua asked.

“What I mean, is that the only clue to those two Elements is prophecy.” Pathik said.

“What’s the prophecy?” Blitz asked.

“‘When the Being of Fire, awakens on the Island of Mystery, he shall discover the missing pieces to a much larger puzzle.’” Pathik said, confusing the group even more.

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At the palace where Azula, Mai and Ty Lee are staying, they are talking about something. “We have been presented with an extraordinary opportunity, girls.” Azula said to her two friends.

“Mai finally gets to wear make-up that's not totally depressing?” Ty Lee said as Azula walks past her toward a window.

“Ha, ha,” Mai sarcastically said as black makeup drips down her eyes

“I'm talking about conquering Geo Firma,” Azula said as she looks out toward the city. “For the 2000 years, the Fire Nation has hammered away at Ba Sing Se from the outside. But now we're on the inside, and we can take it by ourselves.”

“Gosh, you're so confident. I really admire that about you.” Ty Lee said to Azula.

“From the inside, we're in perfect position to organize a coup and overthrow the King.” Azula said as she heads back in. “The key is the Dai Li. Whoever controls the Dai Li controls Ba Sing Se.”

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Back at the Eastern Air Temple, the five are near a waterfall that leads to seven pools of water, etched connected to each other by a brook. “In order to master the Avatar State, you must open all the chakras. Tell me everything you know about chakras.” Pathik said to the four Avatars.

“What are chakras?” Agua asked.

“Oh, I see. I guess we'll start with the basics. The water flows through this creek, much like the energy flows through your body. As you see, there are several pools where the water swirls around before flowing on. These pools are like our chakras.” Pathik explained.

“So chakras are pools of swirling energy in our bodies?” Fire’ said to the Guru.

“Exactly. If nothing else were around, then this creek would flow pure and clear. However, life is messy, and things tend to fall in the creek.” And then what happens?”

“The creek can't flow?”

“Yes, Terra. But, if we open the ponds between the pools...” Pathik continued as he removes the moss blocking the exit for the water.

“The energy flows!” Blitz finished. Later, in another part of the temple.

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Later in a vast cavern, “There are seven chakras that go up the body,” Pathik explained. “Each pool of energy has a purpose, and be can blocked by a specific kind of emotional muck. Be warned, opening the chakras is an intense experience, and once you begin the process, you cannot stop until all seven are open. Are you ready?”

“We'll do whatever it takes.” Fire’ said to him.

“First we will open the Earth Chakra, located at the base of the spine,” Pathik said. “It deals with survival, and is blocked by fear. Firebrand, what are you most afraid of? Let your fears become clear.”

“Fire’ here ain’t afraid of anything.” Agua said as Fire’ closes his eyes. Fire’ finds himself in some dark purple area and looks around, when he sees a dinosaur-like animal that has a cannon of some kind for a right hand, while his left hand was a sharp claw, in front on him. Fire’ recognizes the monster and screams at the top of his lungs.

“Avatar Firebrand,” Guru Pathik cried out after he got Blitz, Terra and Agua to stop screaming Fire’s name, “your vision is not real. You’re concerned for your survival, but you must surrender those fears. Let your fears flow down the creek.” With that, Fire’ takes a very deep breath and clears away the image of the monster/psychopath. “You've opened your earth chakra, Firebrand! Your turn, Blitz.” 

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Later, near a waterfall. “Next is the...”

“Water Chakra?” Agua interrupted Guru Pathik.

“Brilliant! Maybe one day you will be a guru too! The Water Chakra is located in the, um, how should I put this...” Pathik began to say.

“Crotch?” Blitz said.

“Thats it.” Pathik said, getting some laughs from the Avatars. “This chakra deals with pleasure and is blocked by guilt. You’l take turns this time. Terra, why don’t you start?” After a few sessions with Terra, Agua, and Blitz, it’s Fire’s turn. “Your turn Fire.’ Now, look at all the guilt with burdens you so. What do you blame yourself for?”

Fire’ closes his eyes and sees the image of him leaving home. “I ran away.” He then sees images of him when he returned. “I let all those ponies die.”

“Accept the reality that these things happen, but do not let them cloud and poison your energy. If you are to be a positive influence on the world, you need to forgive yourself.” The Guru said to Fire.’

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Back in Ba Sing Se, Zuko and Iroh are ready to open the Jasmine Dragon. “Who thought when we came to this city as refugees, that I'd end up owning my own tea shop? Follow your passion, Zuko, and life will reward you.” Iroh said to his nephew.

“Congratulations, Uncle.” Zuko said.

“I am very thankful.”

“You deserve it. The Jasmine Dragon will be the best tea shop in the city.” Zuko said

“No. I'm thankful because you decided to share this special day with me. It means more than you know.” With that, the two share a quick hug before Zuko heads to the back of the shop.

“Now let's make these ponies some tea!”

“Yes, let's make some tea!” Iroh said as he opens the shop for business.

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Back to the Eastern Air Temple, Guru Pathik is teaching the 4 Avatars about the ... “Third is the Fire Chakra, located in the stomach.” Pathik said.

“My fire chakra would like to eat something other than onion-banana juice.” Blitz said.

Pathik chuckles a little. “Good one! Moving on. This chakra deals with willpower, and is blocked by shame. What are you ashamed of? What are your biggest disappointments in yourself, Firebrand?”

Fire’ closes his eyes, and sees a 13-year-old filly turning to dust before his eyes. “I let my sister die.” Fire’ said, shocking Agua, Blitz and Terra.

“You will never find balance if you deny this part of your life.” Pathik simply said to a clearly sad Fire.’ “You are one of the Avatar and therefore, things like that happen,” Pathik said as Fire’ takes a deep breath. “Hmmm ... that chakra opened less like a flowing creek, and more like a ... burping dragon.”

Fire’ then burps very loudly, breathing fire at the same time. “Tastes like onions and bananas, but strangely something else. Pickles?” Fire’ asked Pathik, who just shrugs.

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Back at the palace, two Dai Li agents hide behind some pillars, spying on a conversation between Mai and Ty Lee. Mai is sitting on the stairs and Ty Lee is practicing chi blocking and acrobatics. “I'm tired of wearing this brightly colored disguise. I don't know how anyone could fight in this.” Mai said with a sigh.

“Maybe that's why it was so easy to beat the Ice Knights and take their clothes.” Ty Lee said.

“How much longer do we have to serve the Geo Firman King? If I have to clean up one more pile of bear poop, I'm going to throw up.” Mai dryly said.

“Princess Azula promised we would go back to the Fire Nation whenever we capture the Avatars. We just have to be patient.” Ty Lee said.

“Shut up!” Mai said as she gets up. “Do you want the whole palace to know we're Fire Nation?”

“Sorry!” Ty Lee said as the agents smile and leave. Azula, who was hiding behind another pillar, walks up to them.

“Good work, girls. I'm sure the Dai Li will deliver the message.” Azula said to her friends.

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Back at the Air Temple, the Guru is teaching the group about ... “The Air Chakra is located in the heart. It deals with love and is blocked by grief. Lay all your grief out in front of you, Firebrand.” Fire’ closes his eyes and sees images of many ponies from Abysus, including his father. He smiles upon seeing them, but becomes saddened as they start to vanish into smoke.

He's lifted into the air and sees the Abysus ponies floating in the smoke. “You have indeed felt a great loss. But love is a form of energy, and it swirls all around us. The Abysus ponies love for you has not left this world,” Pathik said. “It is still inside of your heart, and is reborn in the form of new love.” The smoke forms a face and shows the pony Fire’ knows very well: Twilight.

Back in the real world, Fire’ is starting to cry tears of joy. “Let the pain flow away.” Fire’ then wipes away his tears. “Very good.” Pathik finished.

“Can I have some onion and banana juice, please?” Fire’ said after he calmed down some.

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Later, inside another part of the temple, Pathik is telling the Avatars about ... “The fifth chakra in the chain is the Sound Chakra, located in the throat. It deals with truth and is blocked by lies. The ones we tell ourselves, to be exact.”

Fire’ begins to remember a lie he said long ago, something he never admitted, till now. “I’m not really brave.” He said in the real world. The other Avatars are confused by what he just said.

“You cannot lie about your own nature. You must accept that you are not a perfect hero.” Pathik said as Fire’ inhales and exhales, and accepts his nature. “Very good, Firebrand. You have opened the chakra of truth. Your turn, Agua.”

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Later, outside the temple interior. “The sixth pool of energy is the Light Chakra, located in the center of the forehead,” Pathik lectured. “It deals with insight and is blocked by illusion. The greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation. Things you think are separate and different are actually one in the same.”

“Like the nations of the world.” Terra said.

“Yes. We are all one people, but we live as if divided.” Pathik said.

“We're all connected. Everything is connected.” Fire’ said to Pathik, remembering when he was in the swamp.

“That's right! Even the separation of the 6 Elements of Nature and Harmony is an illusion. If you open your mind, you will see that all the elements are one, 12 parts of the same mold. Even metal is just a part of earth that has been re-purified and refined.” Pathik said, making Terra think.

I wonder if I can metalbend? Terra thought to herself.

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Back in Ba Sing Se, Rarity and Twilight arrive at the Jasmine Dragon. “‘The Jasmine Dragon,’ sounds majestic.” Rarity said.

“Definitely sounds good.” Twilight said as they head in. “Table for two, please.” Twilight said to the waiter up front. But before they get one, the duo hear two familiar voices.

“Uncle! I need two jasmine, one green and, one leechi!” Zuko said to his uncle, who’s in the kitchen.

“I'm brewing as fast as I can!” Iroh said to his nephew. Both Twilight and Rarity are stunned that both Zuko and Iroh are in Ba Sing Se. They run away from the shop.

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Back at the temple. “This is the last chakra, isn't it?” Agua asked.

“Yes. Once you open this chakra, you will be able to go in and out of the Avatar State at will and when you are in the Avatar State, you will have complete control and awareness of all your actions.” Pathik said.

“Let's do this.” Fire’ said as he and the others ready themselves.

“The Thought Chakra is located at the crown of the head. It deals with pure cosmic energy, and is blocked by earthly attachment. Firebrand, meditate on what attaches you to this world.” Guru Pathik said to Fire,’ who does so and images of Twilight appear before him. “Now, let all of those attachments go. Let them flow down the river, forgotten.”

“What? Why would I let go of Twilight?” Fire’ said as he leaves his meditation.

“Learn to let her go, or you can't let the pure cosmic energy flow in from the universe.” Pathik said.

“Why would I choose cosmic energy over Twilight? How could it be a bad thing that I feel an attachment to her? Three chakras ago that was a good thing!” an annoyed Fire’ said.

“You must learn to let go.” Pathik said.

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Back at the palace, Twilight and Rarity see the ‘Ice Knights’ are in the king's room, who Twilight goes to while Rarity stays behind to catch her breath. “Thank goodness you're here, something terrible is going on. The Fire Nation has infiltrated the city, and we just saw Prince Zuko and his uncle!” Twilight said to Azula, widens her eyes and then smiles in a sly way. “We have to tell the King right away!” Twilight finished.

“Oh, don't worry, I'll be sure to let him know.” Twilight then notices that the mare she’s talking to has gold eyes, and realizes that the ‘Ice Knights’ are actually Azula, Mai, and Ty Lee. She prepare to attack, but Ty Lee quickly jumps forward and blocks their chi. “So, Zuzu's in the city, too? I think it's time for a family reunion.” Azula said as Rarity, hiding behind a pillar, runs off.

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Back at the temple, Fire’ and the Guru are discussing Fire’s inability to let go of Twilight, with the others watching nearby. “Okay, you guys need to calm down.” Terra said.

“I'm sorry, but I can't let go of Twilight.” Fire’ firmly said to Pathik.

“Firebrand, to master the Avatar State, you must open all the chakras. Surrender yourself.” Pathik begged.

“Okay, I'll try.” Fire’ said.

“Now think of your attachments and let them go. Let the pure cosmic energy flow.” Fire’ sees an image of him letting Twilight go, and then a bridge that will lead him to mastery of the Avatar State. As he is about to finish the path, however, he hears a shriek from Twilight. He runs away from the end of the road, cutting his connection to the Avatar State, which drops him back to reality.

“Twilight's in danger!” Fire’ nearly screamed as he runs past the others, who look at him in worry. “I have to go!” Fire’ sad as he goes elemental and prepares to fly off.

“No, Firebrand! By choosing attachment, you have locked the chakra!” Pathik said to the hotheaded Avatar. “If you leave now, you won't be able to go into the Avatar State at all!” Fire’ hesitates for a moment, but leaves anyway with the others following, leaving the concerned Guru.

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Back at Ba Sing Se, Azula's led into a prison by two Dai Li agents. She's taken to Long Feng's cell. “What is the meaning of this? Your agents show up in the middle of the night and drag me down here? You do not treat an Ice Knight this way!” She screamed.

“But you're not an Ice Knight, are you, Princess Azula of the Fire Nation?”

“What do you want?” Azula asked.

“I want to make a deal. It's time that I regain control of Ba Sing Se and you have something I need.” Long Feng said.

“Oh? And what is that?” Azula asked.

“The King's trust.” 

“Why should I help you?” Azula said as she pulls out her lightning gun and aims it at Long Feng’s head.

“Because I can get you the Avatars.” Long Feng said.

“I'm listening...” Azula said as she drops her weapon.

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At the Jasmine Dragon, a messenger enters. “A message from the Royal Palace.” The messenger said as he gives Iroh the message and leaves.

Iroh reads through the letter, and is shocked by its contents. “I ... I can't believe it!”

“What is it, Uncle?” Zuko asked.

“Great news! We've been invited to serve tea to the Geo Firman King!” Iroh said as he runs off. Zuko smiles as he continues sweeping.