Chapters Elements of Heroism Special: Equestria Girls
Twilight took in a deep breath from all the recent events on the train to the Crystal Empire. She'd recently ascended into an Avatar, meaning she was immortal. Canterlot was held hostage by Burst's evil brother Shining Dawn, and was destroyed thanks to Burst. And all the villains she'd faced had reformed in one way or another and were living relatively peacefully. It was a lot to take in. "And to top it all of, now I'm a princess."
"You wear the crown well." Burst said with a kind smile. "I know it's not your real Element of Magic, but it comes pretty close."
Twilight nodded and smiled. "Yeah. It does. It was pretty nice of Discord to make this synthetic element for me. He said I looked naked without it for when I was crowned a princess. It might not be as powerful as the real thing, but it holds a lot of memories. But why do you think Discord would do something nice for me? Especially since he likes messing with people."
"Well, he's actually got some friends now..." Burst noted. "And I think he's scared of when I'll punch him in the face again."
Twilight laughed, but her smile soon faded. "Still...I don't know if I'm ready for this. Heck, you were named a prince by Celestia! How are you not worried?"
"It's mostly a title, so I've got little-to-no responsibilities." Burst said with a shrug. "Save for looking after my friends and making sure we're more than a team. We're kind of like a band of brothers. You and the girls are as close as family Twilight. Friends like that are ones you can always count on. Which is why I know you'll do just fine. People like them make the crown just the tiniest bit lighter."
Twilight smiled. "Thanks Burst. I'll keep that in mind." The group of friends then made their way to the crystal palace. It seemed like a fairly peaceful night. Burst was slumbering peacefully until he smelled something. He threw off the covers and summoned his Twin Burst blaster pistols! Firing off shots at the intruder! The enemy was wearing a black cloak and remained silent.
"Considering you're creeping around, I'm guessing you're not here for a friendly visit." Burst said with a frown. "So what's your deal?" The figure simply bolted out! Embers following him as he ran! "HEY!" Burst gave chase only to find another intruder making her way out with the replica of Twilight's crown! It was then that the other intruder threw off his cloak and revealed flaming wings! Making a break for a mirror that the other intruder was heading for!
"She's got my crown! Stop her!" Twilight cried out! But the thief escaped through the mirror! Leaving everyone to question who the intruders were and why they had come. "She stole the replica crown Discord made me. It might not be the actual element, but it's still a good conductor of magic. Any ideas who that girl was?"
Celestia sighed. "The one who stole your crown was Sunset Shimmer. She was a former student of mine, but she turned angry and cruel when she didn't get what she wanted." A sad look was present in her eyes. "I had hoped that by letting her walk her own path she'd come to realize the error of her ways. Sadly, tonight proved otherwise."
"So how did she escape?" Twilight asked.
"That was no ordinary mirror." Luna replied. "Every so often, it will open a portal to another world. No doubt Sunset Shimmer now resides in this new world."
Burst nodded. "And it looked like she's got some help. I didn't get a good look at the guy's face, but he had flaming wings. Almost like a phoenix. And he bolted after Sunset shortly after showing up in my room."
"The crown might not be the real Element of Magic, but I've got to get it back!" Twilight said.
Spike then stepped forward. "I'm going with her!" He then looked to Burst and the guys. "I gotta live up to being the Element of Dedication, don't I?"
"I can't think of a better chance for you." Burst said with a kind smile. "Good luck!" And with that, Spike and Twilight vanished through the mirror.
Twilight slowly opened her eyes to find she was still human, but she sounded younger when she spoke. Her clothes had changed as well, but what really shocked her was that Spike was a dog now! "Okay. That's new. Might be something to do with the air..." Twilight tried to activate her magic, but nothing happened. She even noticed that she no longer had her wings! Crazy villains and monsters she could handle. But a world with no magic? It was enough to make a girl scream. And it did. "AAAAAHHHHHH!"
TO BE CONTINUED!
Elements of Heroism Special: Equestria Girls
"No magic. NO MAGIC. NO MAGIC!" Twilight panicked before calming down. "Okay. No big deal. At least I'm still in a familiar form."
Spike nodded as he wagged his tail. "Plus, I've gotten the hang of this new form too!" He then noticed Canterlot High School. "Hey, maybe we can find some answers is there!"
"Good thinking Spike." Twilight said with a smile as she and Spike went through the doors. Only to be lost in a mob of students heading to their next classes not a few minutes later. "How does anyone get past this?!" Eventually, Twilight and Spike found themselves in the safety of the hallway. Only to see a girl that looked like Fluttershy being picked on by another girl!
"It's too bad that walking tank of yours isn't around to help you." Sunset Shimmer said with a smile. "You'd probably sick that thug on me anyway."
"Leave her alone!" Twilight said as she stood defiantly!
Sunset blinked before sneering. "Obviously you don't know how things work here. Isn't that right Gold?" A young man with light gold skin, medium gold hair, and red eyes stepped forward. His outfit was a red jacket, light gold pants, red sneakers, and a shirt with a phoenix on it. "Maybe you'd like to help me explain?"
"The only thing you'll be explaining is why you two were late." A voice said. Twilight turned her head, and couldn't believe it! There was a guy who looked just like Tyrannus behind her. "Was what you did really worth it Gold?"
Goldenrise narrowed his eyes. "You got a grudge Ty? I thought we were friends."
"So did I." Tyrannus said with a frown. "Now leave before I decide to teach you a lesson. I won't tolerate anyone threatening Fluttershy." And with that, the two bullies left. Tyrannus' gaze instantly softened when he looked at Twilight and Fluttershy. "You two all right?"
Fluttershy nodded. "I can always count on you showing up when I need you." She said with a loving smile as she pulled Tyrannus into a hug and looking to Twilight. "And thank you too. Nobody's ever stood up to Sunset Shimmer before."
"Sunset Shimmer..." Twilight thought out loud. "It was no problem. But I am new here. Could either of you help me get a class schedule?" Twilight was then led to Principal Celestia's office and was given a schedule. Lunch period soon arrived, and she made her way to the cafeteria. Once she got her food, she noticed Tyrannus sitting with this world's Inferno Flare, Steel Edge, Akage Strider, and Magnet North! She decided to make her way over. "Mind if I sit here?"
Steel smiled. "So. You're the girl who showed some guts against Sunset, right? Far as I'm concerned, you fit right in with us." A chuckle then escaped his lips. "Heck, we've all given her a piece of our minds one time or another."
"Mind you, she still runs the school." Akage noted. He then introduced each of the guys.
"I'm Twilight Sparkle. Pleased to meet you." Twilight smiled. "Well, I'm sure with Burst on your side, the playing field's even!" However, Twilight noticed the guys' faces sadden at the mention of Burst's name. "What did I say?"
"How do you know about Burst Stream?" Inferno asked calmly as he looked her right in the eye.
Twilight fidgeted a little. "Well...I heard some stories about him from my old school. They say he's quite a legend."
"His legend is over." Inferno said sadly. "Burst's no longer here. One day, he just stopped going to school and Sunset took over. And all because...!" Inferno picked his head up, and scowled. "You're not welcome here." The group collectively turned their gazes at Goldenrise. "What do you want Gold?"
Goldenrise took a deep breath before replying. "I'm here to make a peace offering. None of us really wants to go about hating now do we? Just make the right choice, and join the winning side. Don't waste your remaining years trying to stand against Sunset."
"The easy way isn't the hero's way lad." North said sternly as he stood up. "We won't back down now."
Gold groaned. "You guys are just another Burst Stream waiting to-" Gold was cut off by Inferno grabbing him by the shirt!
"TRAITOR!" Inferno screamed! "Don't you dare speak his name! You're not fit to talk about him! Not after what you did to him!"
Steel and Akage worked to restrain Inferno! "Calm down man!" Steel pleaded! "He ain't worth it!"
"Glad to see you're being kept in check." Gold said with a smirk before he was silenced by Akage's glare.
"Was it really worth getting rid of Burst Stream?" Akage asked coldly. "You can gain all the popularity Sunset promised, and you'll never be like him. And we'll never be your friends like we were with Burst. He welcomed you with open arms. And how did you repay him?"
Inferno narrowed his eyes. "Don't waste your breath Akage. Knowing Burst, he'd probably not want us to dwell on it." A sigh escaped from Inferno as he got up to leave. "Doesn't make it hurt any less though..." Twilight left as well, and found the counterparts of the rest of her friends. Surely enough, she was now in the running for Fall Formal Princess.
"Now there's a chance for me to get the crown back." Twilight said with a smile. However, it soon faded as she recalled what happened.
Spike noticed Twilight's distress, and decided to investigate. "Twilight? What's wrong?"
"All of the guys mentioned that Burst wasn't going here anymore." Twilight answered. "Just what happened to him?" She then spotted Inferno. "Time to find out. Inferno!"
"Oh. Twilight, right?" Inferno asked with a smile. "What can I do for you?"
"Well...you mentioned Burst earlier at lunch." Twilight began. "And you seemed so sad when you said he was gone. Please. Tell me what happened."
Inferno sighed. "The day my best friend stopped showing up is a day me and the guys would rather not remember." He then looked Twilight in the eye. "But what does it matter to you?"
"Because I'm running against Sunset for the crown of the Fall Formal." Twilight answered. "And the first thing I plan on doing is bringing Burst back! Wherever he is."
Inferno gave her a small smile. "It looks like there's a hope after all." He put a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "I'll take you to Burst. But...I can't promise you'll like what you see."
Elements of Heroism Special: Equestria Girls
Twilight breathed a sigh of relief as she walked the hallway. That is, until she felt a familiar presence. She turned, and saw Sunset looking at her before moving to a darkened locker section. Twilight narrowed her eyes. "What do you want?"
"Just to talk." Goldenrise said as he joined Sunset. "You're not the only being from Equestria to wind-up here. Sunset left. Me? I was an outcast back home. I'm sure you caught sight of my unique wings back in Equestria? Sunset and I are both outcasts. Who better to find some comfort with?"
"Is that supposed to make me think she's any less horrible?" Twilight asked with an unamused look on her face. "Besides. I'm only here to reclaim the crown because of sentimental value."
Sunset smirked. "You really came all this way for that reason?" A mocking giggle escaped Sunset's lips. "Obviously you really don't know the power you held. Power that should have been mine."
"One you still won't have." Twilight said with a smirk. "That crown you stole was a replica Discord made for me using his magic."
Sunset blinked before once again sneering. "Oh...I know it's not the real Element of Magic. But regardless, it still serves the purpose I need it for."
"What're you talking about?" Twilight demanded!
Sunset sneered. "Surely you've noticed that you can't use your magic here? Don't worry. It still resides inside you, but you've got no way to channel it. Save for having some form of conductor that carries a high magic content. Like say, an element of harmony? Or at the very least, a really good replica." Sunset took satisfaction in seeing the scowl on Twilight's face. "Now that I have what I want, I won't let you be standing in my way."
"If there's anything my world's Burst Stream taught me, it's not to back down." Twilight said sternly. "I know we'll be clashing soon." And with that, Twilight left a very confused Sunset and Goldenrise. "I think Burst's rubbed off on me a bit." Sure enough, the school day came to an end, and Twilight met with Inferno. "So where is Burst?"
Inferno sighed. "Knowing him, probably at home. C'mon." Inferno led Twilight to a house. "I'll knock." Inferno knocked on the door, and Burst's mother Lumina answered. "Afternoon Ms. Stream. I'm here to see Burst."
"It'll do him good to see his best friend." Lumina said with a smile. "I'll fetch him."
Inferno and Twilight sat down on the couch. "So..." Twilight began. "...what made Burst stop going to school?"
"Burst..." Inferno sighed. "...Burst had a crush on Principal Celestia. And...well, she humored him with a date. The two actually enjoyed hanging around each other, and they made a regular thing out of it. But then, Burst let Gold into our group. One day, Gold saw Burst waiting around for Principal Celestia. The two were only friends, but if a principal was seen spending time with a student, a minor at that, questions would be raised. Gold sold Burst out to Sunset, and she gave him a choice. Either let her have free reign, or she'd go to the school board with a recording of Burst and Gold's conversation." Twilight's heart sunk, and Inferno noticed her distraught expression. "Burst, along with me and the guys, were among some of the most popular students. Meaning Burst was an obstacle in Sunset's way. Even when she built up her popularity by dating Flash Sentry."
Twilight let out a sad sigh. "I wonder how Burst's taking this." She soon found out when she found this world's Burst Stream standing before her. His outfit consisted of blue jeans, and a grey shirt with a white dragon on it.
"Hey Inferno." Burst greeted. He then noticed Twilight. "Who's the new girl?"
"This is Twilight Sparkle." Inferno said proudly. "And she's gonna be running against Sunset for the Fall Formal Crown."
Burst frowned. "You do know what she did to the last girl who ran against her, right?"
"Yeah. Applejack told her about it." Inferno noted. "But with you back, with your approval, she'd stand a chance!" He then sighed. "You're my bro Burst. And I can't stand seeing you like this! CHS needs you! The guys and I need you!" Inferno's head drooped sadly. "The girls...they won't even speak to each other now. They were so close and then they're suddenly at each other's throats! Sunset's been tearing the whole school apart! Right now, we need a hero! We need you!"
Burst slowly stood up. "If I go, then there's the chance that Principal Celestia gets kicked out." Burst said sadly. "CHS needs her a lot more than it needs me."
"DON'T GIVE ME THAT!" Inferno shouted as he stood up! "You told me and the guys once that if no one stands up to evil, no one ever will! What happened to that Burst?!"
Burst sighed. "There are no more heroes." And then, he felt something strike him. Burst rubbed his cheek, and saw Twilight breathing heavily. Staring at her hand with wide eyes.
"Listen up!" Twilight said! "The Burst Stream that I knew wouldn't just sit back and do nothing! He'd find a way to win! To give a sad story a happy ending! He'd never give up!" Tears began to flow from Twilight's eyes. "If you were anything like him, you'd risk everything for people you don't even know. You'd do it because you wanted to. Let's go Inferno. You were right. I don't like what I've seen."
As soon as they were outside, Inferno stopped Twilight. "Twilight? I appreciate you literally slapping some sense into Burst. But what do you mean 'the Burst Stream I knew'?"
"I..." Twilight sighed. "Do you know any girls by the names of Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy?"
Inferno blinked. "How do you know the names of the girls me and my friends are dating?!"
"It's a long story..." Twilight said. "And it's pretty unbelievable."
Elements of Heroism Special: Equestria Girls
Twilight gathered the counterparts of her friends, and was about to explain her true origins until Pinkie Pie blurted it out. "Well...yes. That's pretty much my story. And why I need to get that crown back!" Twilight then sighed. "But something tells me it's going to be a whole lot harder than I thought. Especially with Sunset Shimmer dividing everyone." Her face then saddened. "Especially you five."
"No offense, but I don't think Sunset's got anything to do with this." Rainbow Dash said with a bored look on her face. "But if you're gonna stick it to her, I'm with ya."
Applejack scowled. "Like you were there for me when I needed you?"
"What're you talking about?!" Rainbow Dash demanded. "I got a text from you saying you needed me a week later!"
Applejack blinked as she pulled out her phone. "Weird. Ah never sent ya any messages like that. See?" It was then that the group came to a realization. "So. How're we gonna get everyone to come together?"
"I think I may have an idea darling." Rarity said with a grin. "Here's what we're going to do..." The next day, Twilight put her plan into action. And sure enough, it worked. Or at least, it would have if the gym hadn't been totally trashed and her receiving the blame for the damage! However, Sunset's ex Flash Sentry proved helpful in clearing Twilight's name. "Now if only we could get this gym fixed." Twilight and her friends set to work repairing the gym decorations. "Wish we had some extra hands." Twilight then noticed a familiar figure walk past her.
Burst turned to face the group. "Is it too late to help?" He said with a small smile. "Thanks for slapping some sense into me. So are we gonna get this place ready or what?" And with that, the repair effort went into full swing. Other students took note, and decided to lend a hand or two. In almost no time at all, the gym was ready for the Fall Formal. "You've brought everyone together. You've got my vote." Burst said with a smile. And from then, almost every student cast their vote for Twilight. As Burst began to leave, he felt a presence behind him. "I bet you didn't expect to see me again." Burst turned to face Principal Celestia. "It's my own fault for asking for that stupid date. You don't have to apologize for anything."
"All the same, I'm glad you're back." Celestia said with a smile. "It was fun spending time with you. Can you believe anyone would get the notion we're a couple."
Burst chuckled. "Still makes me regret not being a few years older. You're someone worth waiting for." Burst then resumed his exit. "See you at the dance." Sure enough, night fell and the dance began. Burst was happy to be with his friends at school again. However, he noticed something troubling. Sunset and Goldenrise were absent. And knowing those two, they had a back-up plan. "I've got a bad feeling about this...."
"I'm with you on that." Inferno said as he motioned to Snips and Snails. The two kidnapped Spike the second Twilight was crowned! "Let's go!" The guys bolted after the two lackeys with Twilight and the girls close behind! Sure enough, they saw Sunset and Gold standing near the statue with a hammer next to them.
"I figured you were a sore loser Sunset." Burst said in a cross tone before looking at Gold. "Nice to see you again Gold. Just what did Sunset offer you in the first place?"
Gold scowled. "Isn't it obvious? What you had, I wanted."
"No Gold." Burst said sadly. "You already had it. I truly wished for us to be friends. That way you wouldn't be alone. It's a chance I'm giving you again. Do the right thing Gold."
Gold frowned. "You think it'll be that easy?" He then got into a fighting stance. "I've worked so hard to gain what you had. And I won't let you cast me into that isolation again!"
"I'm sorry you think that." Burst said with a sigh as he charged at Gold! Gold swung at Burst! "You think you've risen..." Burst then sweep-kicked Gold to the ground! "But the truth is you've fallen farther than you ever thought possible. I don't want to fight you, but I will stand for my friends." Burst then leaned out of the way as Gold charged him. "I'm sorry." Burst then dashed over to Gold, and sent him flying with an upper cut! "Stay down Gold. Don't make me hurt you anymore." He then shot a glare at Snips and Snails, and they released Spike. "Looks like you can keep your crown princess." Twilight smiled, but was soon tackled by Sunset who took the crown for herself! But when Sunset put the crown on, she underwent a monstrous transformation! She sneered down at the crowd before looking to Gold.
"Time for you to rise to the occasion Gold. But you'll need a new name..." Demon Shimmer said with a wicked grin as a sphere of dark magic encased Gold! "Rise! Skyfall!" Gold's transformed state granted him black skin, purple eyes, and two wings that were nearly devoid of feathers.
Skyfall stared hatefully at Burst. "You're wrong Burst. I have risen with this power! And now...YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS WILL FALL!" Gold then gathered up his magic, and summoned a dark fireball! It was aimed right at the guys and Twilight and the girls! They braced for the worst, but the blast hit something else! When Twilight opened her eyes, she gasped. They were shielded by what looked like a gigantic dragon wing! It seemed like it was made of energy, and was mostly white with a blue tint! As the guarding wing pulled back, it was revealed to be coming from Burst! His eyes were glowing blue from the magic being unleashed!
"You're not hurting anyone!" Burst spat defiantly! "Not as long as I'm standing!" And with that, Burst charged at Demon Shimmer and Skyfall! The three clashing in the air and trading blasts of magic and physical blows! Burst spotted the crown on Demon Shimmer's head, and knocked it off with a swift kick before diving to retrieve it! "TWILIGHT! CATCH!" Burst hurled the crown to Twilight, and she caught it just in time! Twilight then ignited the spark of friendship, and she and the girls were transformed! When the light died down, they were wearing Sailor Moon style outfits due to their magic being unlocked! The girls then began to channel the magic of friendship while Burst kept Demon Shimmer and Skyfall busy! However, the fight was still two against one. And Burst was starting to tire! Sure enough, Burst was knocked to the ground by a combined blast from the transformed bullies!
"Any last words?" Skyfall asked with a sneer.
Burst smirked. "Yeah. You're right where I want you." Both Demon Shimmer and Skyfall soon found Twilight and the girls firing the magic of friendship right at them! When the light faded, Sunset and Gold had returned to normal. Both shaking at the realization of the wrongs they'd done.
"I'm sorry..." Gold said weakly. "I...I was so jealous of all the friends you had. I didn't want to be alone...."
Burst slapped Gold on the back. "Gold. You messed up. Big time. But I've got no grudges against you. I'm just glad you're ready to actually be friends this time."
"...I'm still gonna have to help clean all this up. Aren't I?" Gold asked with a dry smile.
Vice Principal Luna nodded. "At least you won't be alone. Sunset's going to be by your side the whole night." Twilight returned to Equestria with a smile as she saw Burst and his friends reunited.
Elements of Heroism Special: Equestria Girls
The next day, Gold and Sunset found themselves the centers of the worst attention. All the students shot angry glances at them, or whispered names behind their backs. "I suppose we deserve it." Sunset said sadly.
"Hey." Gold scolded. "At least you're not facing it alone." He gave Sunset a small smile. "I guess the same goes for me. Let's just try to survive until lunch." The two went off to their classes, and the day went on as expected. Plenty of people never ceased with the insults, and even more went out of their way to shoot a glare at Sunset and Gold. Lunch came soon enough, and Sunset and Gold found themselves isolated from all the groups.
"I guess we can be alone together." Sunset said with a shrug. The two sat down, and felt the stares from the other students. They soon heard footsteps coming toward them. They looked up to see the girls and the guys sitting down with them. "Why...why are you doing this?"
"Because you look like you could use some friends right now." Applejack said. "Besides, Ah think you've been through enough considerin' last night."
Gold shook his head. "Why?! Why are any of you bothering? OW!" Gold rubbed his head, and saw Burst lowering his fist from lightly bonking Gold on the head.
"What do you mean why?" Burst asked. "Because we're friends idiot! That's why!"
Inferno chuckled. "You've got a long way to go Gold. No way you can do it alone."
Gold and Sunset blinked before smiling slowly. It was a start. But at least they weren't alone for the moment. School ended soon enough, and everyone went home. However, Burst, Inferno, Steel, Akage, Tyrannus, North, and Gold found something odd waiting by their bedsides. Strange decks with symbols on the front were waiting for them. They didn't know, but these decks would soon change their lives. And that night, seven stars glowed brightly in the sky.