EoH Evolution: Season 4

by Bahamut0

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Violence, Princess Celestia, Human, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Nightmare Moon, Romance, Original Character, Comedy
Length: 89720

Dating Nightmare Moon and repairing his relationship with Celestia. Not an easy task by any means. But one Burst Stream will pour all his power into. He'll need to with the Chaos Kin unleashed and an old foe of his father's slowly returning.

Ever since he destroyed Shining Dawn, Burst Stream's life has resumed it's usual routine. At least, it would have if he hadn't split with Celestia to give themselves some much needed space after Shining Dawn had nearly torn them apart. But the space in Burst's heart was not empty for long. It's a space that Nightmare Moon has now filled. However, it's not a space she entirely occupies. Burst still loves Celestia. He always will. So how powerful is a heart that has room for the love to two goddesses? Burst Stream will find that out for himself. And maybe then, he'll also find out what his destiny is. Maybe then, his crest will be complete.

It will be no easy task. And returning foes like the Chaos Kin will only add to the challenge. As well as an old foe from Aether's past. One who has been rotting in Tartarus. And if he can't make the father pay, then the son shall suffer. . .

Published 2018-09-03 04:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-03-08 19:43:16 UTC

Episode 1: Princess Nightmare Moon

Night had fallen over Castalot. And Burst Stream was sitting to Celestia's right. Good thing she invited me and Moon. At least she's trying to move on from the past. I honestly pictured things being a lot more intense. Burst thought to himself as he ate. He then noticed the death glare Luna was giving Nightmare Moon. Then again, maybe it's not my ex that I have to worry about. . .

"I'm glad that all of you could make it." Celestia said with a warm smile. "It's so rare that all the people who mean so much in my life are all in one place at the same time."

Luna scoffed. "You forgot to mention there's one person at this table who doesn't belong." She muttered. Celestia shot a small glare in Luna's direction. "Oh please Tia! You don't mean to tell me you willingly invited her!" Luna pointed at Nightmare Moon for emphasis. "How are you okay with her claiming your lover while she's fully aware he's trying to win you back?!"

"Luna! Enough!" Celestia declared. "You are right to bear animosity towards Nightmare Moon. I myself would be lying if I said I didn't have any ill will towards her. Although any I had has diminished greatly as of her recent actions. But I expected Blueblood to have a more horrid behavior than what you're displaying."

"Nice to finally see I'm getting more credit." Blueblood muttered to himself before looking at Nightmare Moon with a sly smile. "I must say, Nightmare Moon, you're certainly turning your image around. Though if you really want the public's approval, I believe we can work on a proposal together. We'd make a good power couple."

". . . May I be excused? I've just lost my appetite." Nightmare Moon said plainly as she got up to leave. "As if I'd ever consider being with a royal disgrace like you. From what I've heard about how you treated my good friend Rarity at the gala, you're lucky I haven't tormented you with nightmares every night. How has Celestia not cut you off yet Bluebrat?"

"Besides. . . " She then put one of her wings around Burst Stream. "I'm already coupled with power."

Blueblood was utterly shocked! "How DARE you?! What right do you, a fallen princess, have to call me a disgrace?!"

"Plenty of right I'd say." Celestia said with a sage nod as she observed Blueblood's behavior. "And she brings up a valid point dear nephew." Blueblood froze when he heard this. "You could stand to grow up a bit. So expect to be displaced from your mansion soon enough." Celestia couldn't help but smile as the spoiled prince shrink back down into his seat.

"Well. This is certainly the most exciting dinner I've been to." Twilight noted as she watched the scene unfold. She then decided to pose a question. "So if you revoke Blueblood's title, can I take it and become a princess since I'm an avatar like all of you?"

"Welcome to the Immortals Club Twilight Sparkle." Nightmare Moon said with a smile. "But you still need something to be a princess of. The Sun. The Moon. Love. I'd say books for you, but that's too obvious. Your home would already be your castle considering you live in a library." She then looked at Luna. "But what would I know? I'm just a fallen princess trying to do right by her second chance. All the same, I'll be leaving now. Whether I'm wanted or not."

Nightmare Moon whispered to Burst before she left. "Make sure you take the shot I'm giving you. It's a lovely night to talk to the sun princess." And with that, she teleported back to Burst's house.

"Soo. . . " Burst said nervously. "What's for dessert?" It was safe to say that dinner had ended. Burst taking the chance to talk to Celestia in the hallways of the castle. "Well, that was an eventful dinner huh?"

Celestia let out a small laugh. "It sure beats having a normal, quiet, lonely meal. That, and putting Blueblood in his place is always fun. I really am considering cutting him off though. Especially since making a pass at your girlfriend."

"I'm happy that you're so accepting of Moon and I being a couple." Burst said with a small smile as he inched closer to Celestia. "But I can't help but ask why."

"I guess you could say. . . it's my way of repaying her." Celestia said as she looked at the moon. "True. Her actions did lead to Luna and I being separated for so long. But because of her, I was able to see what I had done wrong and work to right my own mistakes.And in a way, it's thanks to her I met you and Twilight. My student who's realized her destiny. And you who just wanted to see my real smile. So after all she's been through, how much she's wanted to change, why would I have any right to deny her some small amount of happiness? Besides that, it wouldn't be right of me to try and keep you for myself. Especially after what Shining Dawn did to us."

They're more alike than I thought. Burst Stream thought as he locked eyes with Celestia. Both of them just want me to be happy. Even if it means one of them can't have me. "Celestia. . . "

"Oh. Sorry." Celestia said with a slight blush. "Anyway, how are the two of you faring in your relationship?"

Burst blushed a little. "Well, Moon's very affectionate. I wake up almost every morning with my head against her chest and she's nuzzling against me. And whenever she gets the chance, she swipes a kiss from me. Last but not least, she's incredibly intimate with me. But ultimately? I kind of like that about her. The way I see it, she doesn't want to hold back how she feels or how much she loves me. It's sweet when I think about it."

"I'm a little jealous of her in that case." Celestia said as he cheeks reddened. "I'd be lying if I said the thought of waking up next to you wouldn't interest me."

"I'd probably be clinging to you as you raised the sun." Burst joked. "You know? It's weird. We're not a couple any more, but here we are. Talking so easily." The look in his eyes saddened as he came to a realization. "It's almost like we never split to begin with, isn't it?"

"Yes." Celestia said as she reached her hand out towards Burst. "It really does. . . "

Burst reached his hand out too. To summon his Duelist Arm and shoot down what looked like a monstrous plant coming right for him and Celestia! "I'm guessing you've got a recent weed problem?"

"Never with any like these!" Celestia answered as her wings flared out and she powered up her magic! But before they could even lift a finger against the vines, a whole bunch of plundervines shot out from the shadows! Absorbing whatever magic the two sent out before overwhelming by spraying sleeping gas in their faces!

The next day, Nightmare Moon was uneasy as she awakened. Burst Stream hadn't returned last night. And sounds of panic were heard coming from outside! "What on earth?!" Moon threw the door open, and her eyes were wide. The sky was split between day and night. Both the sun and moon were in the sky! "Something's wrong. Very wrong." She then noticed some Skyborn royal guards approaching her. Telling her that she needed to come to Castalot and meet with Twilight Sparkle immediately. Not wanting to waste time, Nightmare Moon summoned her cloths with her magic and flew off for Castalot Castle immediately.

"I saw what was happening with the sky." Moon said as she met Twilight in the throne room. "And I also caught sight of what looked like clouds from the Everfree Forest rolling in. What's going on Twilight?"

"From what the guards told me, Princesses Celestia and Luna have disappeared. And the Everfree Forest is, well, invading!" Twilight answered. "And I don't know why this is happening! All this chaos just of nowhere. . . " She then had an idea of who might be responsible. "Actually? I think I know the culprit behind this mess. But we'd better hurry back to Unityville!" The two avatars teleported back to the town, and saw their friends fighting off an onslaught of strange vines and clouds!

Fortunately, they managed to push back the threat for the moment. However, they had yet to end it. Precisely why Twilight Sparkle had rushed into her library and whipped out the Elements of Harmony. She and the Main 6 channeling a spell to summon Discord to them. Said chaos spirit being in the middle of a shower.

"Oh! Well this is certainly unflattering!" Discord said in his usual random tone. And in a flash, he was in his usual mixed up outfit. "Now then. To what do I owe the social call?" He then saw the chaos all around town. "Oh. That would do it, huh? Well, easy fix!" Discord snapped his fingers. Nothing happened. "Hmmm. Odd. That should've fixed things easily."

Discord attempted to undo the chaos again. And once more, his chaos had no affect. "Oh. Um, it appears that this has grown beyond my power."

"WHAT?!" Everyone screamed! Nobody could believe this! Not even the spirit of chaos could get rid of these vines! Fortunately for them, Zecora had fled from the Everfree Forest with a potion on her. One that would let them peer into the past. All that was needed to activate was a good zap of avatar magic. Twilight easily completed the potion, and drank it down. Events involving Celestia, Luna, and the Elements of Harmony played in Twilight's mind. And it all clicked in her mind.

"I know what to do!" Twilight exclaimed. "Girls. I need to take the Elements of Harmony. There's somewhere they need to be taken." The rest of the Main 6 nodded, and handed Twilight the Elements of Harmony. Only for Nightmare Moon to take them instead. "Moon?! What are you doing?! Don't tell me you're going into the forest alone!"

"I am." Nightmare Moon said with a nod. "Chances are that's where Celestia, Luna, and Burst are being held. So that's where I'm going. Don't try to stop me."

"I won't." Twilight said with a sigh. "But you can't go on your own! What can you do by yourself?!"

"Hmmm. You're right. What can I do by myself?" Before Twilight could answer, Nightmare Moon hit her with a sleeping spell. "There's that for starters. But it wasn't like you weren't planning on going in alone too, right? You're still to impulsive Twilight. Besides, too many people would miss you." Not like me though. . . And with that, Nightmare Moon headed into the Everfree Forest. Cutting down any of the vines that tried to grab her with her sword!

"The vines are getting more numerous the further in I go." Nightmare Moon noted as she continued forward. Sure enough she reached her destination. The Tree of Harmony. And from the way the plundervines were choking it, the tree looked like it was dying. But what really caught Nightmare Moon's interest were the three masses covered in vines. "There you all are."

But the second she got close, many vines slithered their way in front of the prisons of the princesses and Burst Stream! The vines began to writhe and twist as they took form. In specific, they formed vine copies of Celestia, Luna, and Nightmare Moon herself.

"I should've figured this wouldn't be easy." Nightmare Moon said as she readied her sword. One hand hovering protectively over the Elements of Harmony in her bag. "I'm guessing you three don't want me getting past you."

"Why do you waste your time like this?!" The Luna copy spat as it charged at her! Striking with a whip-like arm barbed with painful thorns! Nightmare Moon wincing as he sword only partially blocking the lash! "Do you really think this will change anything?!"

The Celestia copy was next. Its arms ending in massive fists made even more brutal by the thorns dotting them! "What are you hoping to accomplish?" It asked coldly as it slammed its fist down! Nightmare Moon taking flight to avoid getting hit! "Are you hoping to gain their love? Their respect? What makes you think you deserve any of it?"

Nightmare Moon paid no mind to the copies' words as she flew towards the Tree of Harmony! Only for the Luna copy to ensnare her leg and drag her down! The Celestia copy leaping upon her and trying to pin her to the ground!

"Get off me!" Nightmare Moon screamed as she hacked apart the vine copies! Watching them fall to the ground, but growing frustrated as they began to reform and combine. This left her vulnerable to an attack from her own plundervine copy striking her with a lance-like thorn that served as her right arm! "AGH!"

"Do you think they'll forgive you?" Her copy asked with a cruel smile as she gestured to the masses that held Burst and the princesses. "Do you think they're worth this pain? Can you honestly say that the world will miss you if you fall here and remain trapped forever?" She then gripped Moon by her hair, and raised Moon's head so she could see the vines holding the princesses and Burst untangle to reveal them.

". . . " Nightmare Moon was silent as she looked at the three significant figures of her life, and lowered her head. The copies expected tears to flow from her eyes. But instead, they could hear her laughing. "Heh. Heh heh! HA HA HA!"

"What's so funny?!" Moon's copy demanded.

"I don't need the world to care about me." Nightmare Moon said with a smile. "Because those three are my world. Without them, we wouldn't even be talking right now. You weren't wrong when you said some of them wouldn't care about me. But I care about them. And in the end. . . "

A burst of magic exploded from Nightmare Moon! Her eyes glowing white as power surged through her entire being! "ALL I WANT IS FOR THEM TO KNOW THAT!" She then levitated the Elements of Harmony with her magic.

"Maybe all of them won't forgive me." Moon said as she slotted each of the elements back into their respective places on the tree. "But it was never about them. It was to see if I could forgive myself and grow past who I was. I wanted Luna to have what Celestia had. But that's something that can only be earned. A right both she and Celestia have earned. A right that I may never have. But I'd rather be eternally known as a fallen princess who tried to better herself than a false ruler with no right to be followed!"

"WAIT! PLEASE!" Nightmare Moon's copy pleaded as Nightmare Moon slowly inched the Element of Magic to the center of the tree! "You wouldn't be so cruel to deny us another chance, would you?! We share the same face! Could you really just let yourself down like this?!"

"You're forgetting a very important fact." Nightmare Moon said as she glared coldly at her copy. "You're not me." And she slammed the Element of Magic into the Tree of Harmony! Restoring it to its full glory and eradicating the plundervines instantly! As the vines disintegrated, Nightmare Moon smiled as she saw Celestia, Luna, and Burst released from their vine prisons. "Welcome back."

"My hero." Burst said with a smile as he hugged Nightmare Moon tightly. "I know it probably doesn't mean much coming from me, but I forgive you."

"Coming from you?" Nightmare Moon said as she tightened her embrace around Burst Stream. "It means more than you could ever know."

Celestia watched the two embracing. She too had heard Nightmare Moon's words. And upon listening closely to them, she made a decision. You aren't a fallen princess. Not anymore. I wonder if Rarity still has her measurements on file. . .

A few days passed after the Tree of Harmony was restored. Nightmare Moon was relaxing with Burst Stream. The two of them simply laying down together when Burst's phone rang.

"Hello?" Burst greeted as he answered the phone. "Oh. Celestia. Yeah I can talk. What? Moon's right next to me, why do you ask? Really? Okay. Got it. We'll be right over."

"What was that about?" Nightmare Moon asked with a raised eyebrow. Curious as to why the solar princess had dialed Burst Stream. "You didn't patch things up with her that quickly did you?"

"No. But Celestia wants to see you. And she wanted me to come with you. Best not keep royalty waiting." Burst said with a shrug. You want to fly there Moon? Or should I get some train tickets?"

"Let's do this the instant way." Nightmare Moon said as she stood up. "Stay close to me."

"Couldn't leave you if I tried Moon." Burst said with a loving smile as he held onto her. The two teleporting off to Castalot in a flash! As soon as they arrived, Rarity rushed up to Moon and dragged her off. "I guess I'll see you at the balcony. That's where Celestia wants to see you." And with that, Burst Stream headed off.

Nightmare Moon was confused. First Celestia calls and says she wants to see me. Then Rarity here is pushing me to a dressing room because there's a garment Celestia really wants me to wear. What's going on? Sure enough, Nightmare Moon found herself in a new outfit. The dress was dark blue with a silver moon necklace. The moon was a crescent and curved around a gem that looked like Moon's eyes. Silvery bracelets were on Nightmare Moon's lower arms. With how elegant and beautiful the dress looked, Moon saw her new outfit resembled Celestia's usual princess attire. Not like I deserve to be called one though. . .

As soon as she was dressed, Nightmare Moon made her way over towards the iconic balcony where Celestia was often depicted standing majestic. Watching over her kingdom like the beloved ruler she was. And oddly enough, it seemed that Celestia was quite happy to see her. A sight Nightmare Moon thought only possible in her dreams.

"Come with me Moon." Celestia said warmly. "There's something special that I'd like to show you." Hesitantly, Nightmare Moon followed Celestia outside. And the sight that greeted her was astounding. Below her were people from all across Unity. All of them gathered here for one reason. But what? "We've kept them waiting long enough."

"CITIZENS OF UNITY." Celestia addressed the crowd. "AS YOU ALL KNOW, NIGHTMARE MOON NOW LIVES AMONG US. AND DURING HER RETURN, SHE HAS TIME AND AGAIN FOUGHT AGAINST THE IMAGE OF HER THAT HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR YEARS. TO BETTER HERSELF AND PROVE SHE IS MORE THAN SHE USED TO BE. SHE HAS BEEN DUBBED A FALLEN PRINCESS. YET STILL, SHE HAS DEFENDED OUR HOME DESPITE THOSE THAT STILL DO NOT WELCOME HER. BECAUSE SHE LOVES THIS WORLD. AND IT IS WITH GREAT PRIDE I SAY, SHE IS FALLEN NO LONGER!"

Celestia produced what looked like a copy of her own crown. However, while hers was gold, this one was silver and the gem in it was blue!

"I GIVE YOU: NIGHTMARE MOON, PRINCESS OF DREAMS! FOR HER DREAM HAS NOW COME TRUE!"

Nightmare Moon was in complete awe as the crowd below her cheered! Tears of joy fell down her face as she hugged Celestia tightly! "Why. . . ?"

"Because you've earned it." Celestia said with a warm smile as she returned the hug. ". . . Sister."

Nightmare Moon could no longer contain her joy. She broke off her hug with Celestia, and took off into the sky. Singing a song Burst had been teaching her. And as she flew, she knew that the crown on her head was hers. At last, she had risen above her past.

Song Moon is singing:

Episode 2: First Date

Nightmare Moon let out a happy sigh as a beam of sunlight cracked through the window. She opened her eyes, and smiled at the head resting closer to her own. Burst looks so peaceful. Like a sleeping dragon. Nightmare Moon thought to herself as she pulled Burst Stream closer to her. It's almost hard to believe how close we've gotten. How intimate I've been towards him. Then again, could anyone really blame me? He's given me so much.

"Wakey wakey sleepyhead." Nightmare Moon said as she nuzzled against Burst Stream. Waking the Element of Power. "As nice as it is dreaming of you, I prefer to spend time with you when you're awake."

"Really?" Burst Stream said as he stretched. "I would've thought you'd prefer keeping me up all night long. Then again, we wouldn't be able to enjoy the morning would we?"

"True enough. I could say the same for everyone though." Nightmare Moon said as she stretched her arms and wings. "It's pretty easy watching over everyone's dreams when you're used to peering into the dreamscape as a spirit."

"About that." Burst Stream said as he grabbed his clothes for the day. "How are you able to watch over everyone's dreams and still get a good night's sleep? Celestia always told me that Luna kept herself up all night until the moon had to be lowered. So how come you don't need to sleep in all day long?"

"Well, I guess it's because I'm used to the dreamscape so much." Nightmare Moon said as she headed for her own room. "Dreaming was something I did often when Luna and I were banished. I was able to observe the dreams of everyone and still maintain my own sleep."

"Cool." Burst said as he stepped out of the bathroom clad in jeans and a t-shirt. "You know, it kind of makes sense that you were crowned the Princess of Dreams. Ever since you underwent reformation, you've strived to be someone worth accepting. To be better than who you were, and reach for your dream of a world where you felt just like anyone else."

"That's one way of looking at it." Moon said as she had finished changing. "The way I see it, I've been the source of nightmares for kids ever since I first appeared. After being the stuff of nightmares for so long, I know what it takes to craft a sweet dream."

"You certainly look like you've coem straight out of a dream." Burst Stream said with a loving smile. "Especially in your outfit that you wore for the Grand Gala. Our second dance together was a lot more fun than our first."

"Don't I know it?" Nightmare Moon said with a giggle. "It's the most frequent dream I've had ever since we became a couple." She then slid up to Burst Stream and gently embraced him. "The two of us on a beautiful, starry night. Gazing into each other's eyes. The first real kiss between us. "

"Not to mention the two of us falling asleep together." Burst said with a slight blush on his face. "We've barely gone out together except for that party Pinkie threw for your coronation, and yet I wake up every morning with either your forehead touching mine or my head resting on your chest."

"Oh." Nightmare Moon said with an embarrassed look on her face. "I'm sorry if me being so intimate with you while we've not spent that much time as a couple bothers you."

"What?! No, no no!" Burst Stream frantically waved his hands in front of himself! "You've got it all wrong! We might not have been a couple for all that long, but we've gone through a lot together! Especially when we hit low points where either one of us was done. Either you or me was there to lift the other up and offer some comfort. And. . . well, I think it's kind of sweet that you're so intimate with me. To me? It just means you don't want to hold back how you feel about me."

"Could you really blame me?" Nightmare Moon said with a fond sigh. "It's thanks to you that I've come so far from my past. And to think all it took was me knocking you around a bit and the both of us tanking a beam of friendship to the everything to make it all possible."

"Well Moon, you're not wrong about the two of us not going out that much." Burst Stream said as he poured some cereal into bowls for the both of them. "Fortunately, I've got a fix for that."

"Oh?" Nightmare Moon tilted her head in interest. "And what might that be?"

"The two of us are going out dancing at a night club in Castalot." Burst Stream said with a smile. "You said that your favorite dream was the two of us dancing. And I won't lie, some of my best dreams involve that dance too. So I figured why not dance the night away?"

"I hope the music is good." Nightmare Moon said with a smirk. "The club can look as nice as it wants. But if the music can't get me moving, then it's not worth going to."

"Moon. The club's going to have Vinyl Scratch as the DJ." Burst Stream said flatly. "I don't think we're going to have anything to worry about when it comes to getting down."

". . . Nice." Nightmare Moon said with a smile. "It'll be an excellent time to break in the dress Rarity picked out for me just for a night out."

"Can't wait to see you in it." Burst Stream said with a nod. "Want me to dress up for the occasion too?"

"Oh, no need for that." Nightmare Moon said as she wrapped one of her wings around Burst Stream. "I wouldn't change you for the world my precious light."

". . . You still want me to wear my coat, don't you?" Burst asked with a chuckle.

"It's your signature garment." Nightmare Moon said with a smile. "Just like my jacket. Which I'll be wearing until we hit the dancefloor tonight."

"Well. Now all we need to do is kill a couple hours." Burst Stream said with a nod. "I'm going to find Inferno. The two of us can probably make the hours pass by. Especially since the Junior Heroes want to try and name my team's weapons. See ya in a few!"

Nightmare Moon simply smiled as she waved goodbye to Burst Stream. She then decided it wouldn't be much fun staying inside Burst's house for hours on end, so she decided to pass the time with the Main 6 by doing some of her usual activities with them. Baking with Pinkie Pie, having a race or two with Rainbow Dash, caring for the more nocturnal creatures in Fluttershy's care, being the subject of a new line Rarity had been inspired to create based on the appearance of the princesses, giving some assistance to Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres, and finally spending a couple hours at Twilight's library.

"So. Did you enjoy the infinite library dream I gave you last night?" Nightmare Moon asked as she closed the book she'd been reading. "I know you're quite the bookworm of your group. Of course, you do live in a library."

"I sure did!" Twilight answered with a warm smile. "So what's the reason for occupying yourself for these couple of hours? I never would've thought you and Burst would want some space from each other. The two of you are normally pretty close to each other."

"Don't worry. Burst and I are still pretty close." Nightmare Moon said with a dismissive wave. "We're just passing the time until our date tonight. Burst Stream's taking me out dancing at a night club. But enough about my love life." A smirk crept onto Nightmare Moon's face. "Your interest in relationships begs a certain question. How's it going over at Club Single?"

"I-I'm totally fine!" Twilight answered as her entire face flushed red! "Sure, I'm the only one of my friends not to get a romantic partner, but it's fine!"

"Hmm. Some of Burst's friends are still available." Nightmare Moon said with a mischievous giggle. "Maybe I can inform Burst of your plight. I'm sure he'd be more than happy to set you up with a few of them." Moon left once she saw Twilight nearly faint from the thought of multiple guys trying to court her. "As fun as this has been, it's almost time for the highlight of my day to happen."

Nightmare Moon went back to Burst's house, and noticed Burst Stream changing into the platinum dress shirt he'd worn at the Grand Gala. However, his outfit aside from that consisted of his usual attire of jeans and sneakers plus his signature white coat.

"Going the extra mile always pays off." Burst said with a loving smile as he exited his room. "But something tells me you'll look good no matter what you put on."

"You'll just have to wait and see." Nightmare Moon said with a flirty tone in her voice as she headed into her room and closed the door. Burst waited for about five minutes. Five minutes that were well worth the wait as Nightmare Moon stepped out of her room. "Well? Do I look good?"

Moon's outfit was a royal purple dress that covered a good portion of her upper legs and a pair of heels. It was the kind of outfit she enjoyed wearing. Showing off plenty, but keeping just enough covered. Completing that moment was the fact she was posing by holding her jacket over her shoulder.

". . . Sexy." Burst Stream said. Blushing intensely at the sight before him. "I-I mean-!"

"Sexy, am I?" Moon asked with a smirk as she walked towards Burst with an added sway to her hips. "Well, this dress does hug my body quite well. However," Moon draped one of her arms around Burst. "It doesn't hug me quite as well as you do. Not to mention it's not as warm."

"I'm. . . glad you enjoy me holding you that much." Burst said with a loving smile. "As much as I'd like to compliment you all night, and as much as you'd enjoy that, we'd better focus on the reason we've gotten dressed up." He then extended his hand. "Shall we your highness?"

"Show me the way to a good time my precious light." Nightmare Moon said as she returned the smile and took Burst's hand. The two had decided to take the train to Castalot since they could afford arriving a bit later than planned. "Hey, Burst?"

"Hm?" Burst turned his attention to Moon. "What's up?"

"Is it. . . normal to feel nervous on a first date?" Nightmare Moon asked with a slight blush forming on her face. "I know we've spent a lot of time together, but this is our first outing as a couple. I've never had a lover before, so I really don't know what to do."

"Don't worry Moon." Burst said with a reassuring smile. "I was panicking during my first date with Celestia. I almost thought she'd cancelled on me I was waiting so long." He then took hold of Nightmare Moon's hand. "And don't worry. Just follow your heart, and you'll be fine. It's what I've done. And considering I've wound up being the lover of two goddesses, I'd say it works pretty well."

". . . Thank you." Nightmare Moon said with a relieved smile. Sure enough, the train came to a stop in Castalot Station. "So. What are the chances we're going to have to wait in an impossibly long line just to even stand a chance of getting in?"

"Don't worry!" Burst said with a chuckle. "Vinyl managed to score me some VIP passes for me and my friends as a little 'thank you' gift for how many times we've saved the world. Of course, you're the latest princess. Chances are they'd let you in the instant you walked up to the door."

"How about we test that out?" Nightmare Moon asked with a smirk as she teleported the two to the club's entrance. "Hi there! I was wondering if you'd-" The doormen immediately flung the doors open. "Huh. Talk about the royal treatment. Thank you." The bouncers remarked that having one of the princesses of the night party at the club was the greatest honor a night club could have.

"Well, we came here to dance the night away." Burst Stream said. He then gestured to the dance floor. "So who do you want to lead?"

"You're the one who planned this." Nightmare Moon said with a smile as she took in the lights and music going on around them as they got closer to the dance floor. "Shouldn't you finish what you've started."

Burst didn't need any more of an invitation as he took Moon by the hand, and led her to the dance floor. Much to his surprise Nightmare Moon moved quite well. Gyrating her body to the music that was playing. The way she moved was almost hypnotic as Burst was entranced by her movements. Moon was also quite taken with Burst's dancing skills.

They had come as a couple, so Nightmare Moon decided to get a bit more intimate with her movements as she gradually closed the distance between herself and Burst Stream. Eventually, the two of them were only a few inches apart. And Moon gave Burst a look that seemed to ask him what he was going to do about their closeness. Burst's response was to grab onto Moon's hips as the two of them danced together. Moon happily pulling Burst's head closer to hers with a pleased smile. Their movements slowing down to enjoy how close they were.

Sure enough, Vinyl Scratch put on a slow song. Every couple on the dance floor immediately slowed themselves down to enjoy the calmer pace. Burst and Moon's dancing was practically slowed to a crawl as they just rocked to the music.

"I love the way you're holding me." Moon whispered to Burst. "It makes me feel like we're lovers."

"Hey. That's what we are." Burst whispered back as he nuzzled against the princess of dreams. "Also, I'm pretty sure you've been dreaming of a moment like this ever since our dance at the last gala. I know I have."

Hearing this made Nightmare Moon's heart flutter. "You know, I think all this dancing's built up my appetite."

"Mine too." Burst Stream said with a smile. "Best times to grab a bite to eat is after we've had our fill of the party." The couple exited the club, and grabbed a quick bit to eat before Moon teleported the two of them back home. "So, did you have fun tonight?"

"It was better than any dream I could've had of our first date." Nightmare Moon said with a fond sigh. "But there's one thing that could make it better."

"Really?" Burst Stream asked as he removed his coat, and had just taken off his shoes and shirt. "What's that?" Burst then saw Moon in little more than her undergarments walking towards him.

"You kissing me." Nightmare Moon said with an affectionate smile before wrapping her arms around Burst Stream. "That would make tonight complete."

"But don't I kiss you all the time?"

"No." Nightmare Moon shook her head. Her teal eyes staring longingly into Burst's brilliant blue eyes. "I've been noticing that it's usually me who initiates the kiss. I'm normally the one bringing my lips to yours." Saying this gradually made her blush, and she then whispered into Burst's ear. "I want to know that I'm yours just as much as you're mine."

". . . " Burst was silent as he put his hands on Moon's hips. "All you had to do was ask." And with that, Burst Stream put his lips to Nightmare Moon's. The two falling onto Burst's bed as the intensity of their kissing soon turned into a make-out session. The two falling asleep in each other's arms. This time, Nightmare Moon was the one whose head was resting against a chest.

Episode 3: Clash with the Chaos Kin

Steel Edge looked down on Unityville as he flew over it on his patrol. "Wonder what we'll be in for next. It's like this place is a magnet for critical events. Nightmare Moon's return and reformation, Discord being released, then there was when Shining Dawn sent out his army to try and hold Unityville hostage. And most recently, the Everfree Forest invading. Heh. Never thought I'd appreciate something as simple as a routine patrol."

"Mind if I join up?" Rainbow Dash asked as she zipped right in front of Steel! Steel was the former captain of the Elite Guard. He wasn't a guy who got easily startled, but Rainbow Dash's sudden appearance when he was going about a relatively standard patrol really surprised him. "I mean, it must be pretty lonely patrolling all on your own up here, right?"

"Uh. . . not really." Steel answered. "Arctic Ace is on sky patrol duty with me today." He then motioned to the Element of Wisdom hovering over the inner part of Unityville. "And since the two of us are avatars, we can handle any stray monsters that decide to wander out of the Everfree Forest no problem."

"W-Well don't you want us to spend more time together?!" Rainbow Dash protested! Her cheeks turning a shade of red. "Excuse me for just wanting some time with my boyfriend!"

Okay. . . this is new. Steel thought to himself as he secretly noted Rainbow Dash's behavior and reaction to his refusal of her offer. Rainbow Dash has been getting a bit more attached tome lately. She basically offers to keep me company on some of the most mundane and trivial things I do. Granted, there's exceptions like training and working out, but still. The level she's at is a bit uncomfortable.

"I. . . guess it wouldn't kill me to spend a little more time with you." Steel Edge said with a sigh. "But then again, I can't die. Immortal, remember?"

"Sweet!" Rainbow Dash said with an eager grin as she whipped out her Harmony Keeper. A boomerang that resembled her wing and the lightning bolt that was her Talent Crest. "You don't have to worry about me! My awesomeness back at the Royal Wedding can tell you that much!"

"Doesn't mean I won't think twice about tanking a hit for you." Steel Edge said with a loving smile. "Still, I don't think anything exciting's gonna-" The sound of a furious roar made Steel reconsider his next words. "Well, so much for a quiet day."

Steel and Rainbow Dash flew towards the source of the roar, and Steel froze upon seeing the source of the roar. It was Tyrant Neptune. One of the Chaos Kin, the monsters that Discord had conjured up to attack Twilight before she could restore her friends to their true selves. The same pack of monsters that had nearly ended his life when he made a last stand against them. One would think that Steel would be choked up on the trauma of seeing the monsters that had nearly ended him, but there was no fear in Steel's eyes. A fact the Chaos Kin all noticed when they saw Steel and Rainbow Dash standing against them at the entrance of Unityville.

"Well, if it isn't the worm who decided to raise his sword against us." Tyrant Neptune said with a snort as he glared down at Steel Edge! "Thanks to you, Discord threw us into a prison dimension! "

"So did you get let out for good behavior, or stage a jailbreak?" Steel replied in a cool tone. "You know, speaking of Discord, he's actually reformed now. And I've half a mind to tell him the punks responsible for nearly ending me are on the loose again." All the Chaos Kin visibly stiffened at Steel's threat. "But you know what? I won't." Steel readied his Duelist Arms. "I owe you all payback. Especially the one who had the guts to try and make me an offer while I was on my last legs."

"You think a new addition to your armor will provide you with any more of a chance?" Grand Jupiter scoffed. "Foolish warrior! You will meet the end that should have befallen you during our last battle!" As Grand Jupiter charged forwards, he was knocked backwards by Steel's Blade Beam technique! "Impossible. . . you had no access to magic before!"

"Funny thing about our last battle." Steel said with a smirk as he powered the silver aura of his magic around his hands! "Thanks to you pushing me to my limits to see how my honor holds up, I'm an avatar now. And I'll give you all one guess who're the ones that are really going to meet their end." Steel snapped his fingers, and a series of sword constructs hovered on either side him in a wing-like formation. "I'm raising my sword against them once again!" But before Steel could let loose his blade constructs, Rainbow Dash flew forward! Striking furiously with her boomerang against the Chaos Kin!

"IT'S PAYBACK TIME YOU FREAKS!" Rainbow Dash screamed as she hurled her boomerang toward the Chaos Kin! The Harmony Keeper striking each of its intended targets and staggering them! She struck especially hard at Grand Jupiter! "I wasn't there before, but I'm here now!"

Though none of the Chaos Kin knew what Rainbow Dash was talking about, Steel had pieced it all together the second Rainbow Dash screamed she'd get payback. Each of her strikes was full of desperation, guilt, and regret. It was so very clear that she was trying to undo abandoning everyone when Discord played them all for fools. And it was incredibly evident that she held herself responsible for Steel nearly meeting his end.

And that's going to be her end if I don't step in right now! Steel thought as he launched himself forward and used his magic to detach some of the plates of his wing armor! Steel rearranged the plates so that they formed a particular construct and used his magic to position it in front of Rainbow Dash! Just barely blocking what could've been a deadly thrust from Grand Jupiter's arm blade!

"Temper, temper Dash." Steel quipped as he raised his shield to guard against a fireball shot by Blazing Mars! Steel noticed the guilty look in Rainbow Dash's eyes. "I know you'd never leave me. But this time?" Steel charged up a spin attack that knocked back the Chaos Kin! "I'm here for you. And so are they." Steel Edge smiled as he saw the rest of the Elements of Harmony and Elements of Heroism rushing to their side! "Took you guys long enough."

"Only because we knew you could handle these jerks by yourselves." Burst Stream said with a joking smile. "So. How do they like being outnumbered for a change?"

"Great. Jupiter's ego lands us in the hot seat again." Blazing Mars fumed. "You fools wouldn't be standing so high and mighty if we had our minions!"

"And we soon shall Mars." Grand Jupiter said with a nod. "Splendid Venus. If you would?"

"Of course." Splendid Venus spread her wings out, and a blinding light surrounded the Chaos Kin! Teleporting them to their various lairs filled with their awaiting minions!

"Nnnngh! One heck of a light show!" Night Fang groaned as his eyes readjusted!

"Well, they came and went in a flash." Akage said as he tried to make light of the situation. The Element of Levity's joke seemed to lighten up the mood. "So now we've got eight different groups of an evil army. And they have minions they'll be sicking on us soon. I don't suppose any of you have a megazord and brightly colored uniforms on hand?"

"As much as I enjoy you making that reference, I'm gonna have to be real with this situation Akage." Burst Stream said with a smile. "But something tells me we'll be facing a monster-of-the-week soon enough. We can't afford to let our guard down. But if there's anything I've learned since becoming friends with all of you, nothing stands a chance against us when we fight as one."

As both teams of elements gathered to make battle plans, they failed to notice a small drone recording their recent abrupt battle. Having already collected the data it needed, the drone returned to its user and perched on a dock.

"So. What do you have for me on the element bearers?" The voice of a young man asked as he sat down at his computer and downloaded the footage of the battles. He also brought up other video files of the Elements of Heroism and Harmony in action. All the way from the Nightmare Forces to Shining Dawn's Dawn Treaders. "It looks like both teams of elements are facing increasingly fierce battles. Maybe it's time I answer Burst Stream's call. . . " The figure removed his lab coat. Revealing a hero crest with a robotic eastern-style dragon on his arm. "And maybe it'll be a good chance to give them a few upgrades to stay in touch. But first?"

The young man looked to a set of blueprints for a hi-tech suit of armor. "I'm going to need to work on my project full time. Nigh Guard never really was a fit for me anyway. . . "

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait! I had to make sure the plot points for future events in the season weren't hastily inserted!

The Chaos Kin are free once again! With eight different villain faction leaders, the Elements of Heroism may be in for their longest battle yet! And who is this mysterious young man who bears a Hero Crest? And what is the suit of armor he seems so intent on finishing? (insert "Next time! On Dragon Ball Z!" joke here)

Episode 4: Ty vs Tyrant

"Okay. So let's run through the situation again." Burst Stream said as he and Twilight went over the recent events of yesterday with their respective teams of elements. The two pinned some pictures of the Chaos Kin on a large post board. "Discord says these things are called the Chaos Kin. They've recently escaped the pocket dimension Discord banished them to for nearly killing Steel, and there's eight of them. Grand Jupiter, Blazing Mars, Tripper Mercury, Despair Uranus, Big Saturn, Splendid Venus, Suppression Pluto, and Tyrant Neptune."

"And that's all the information we have on them so far." Twilight said with a sigh. "Discord won't get involved because Fluttershy will just be on standby for healing. Meaning she won't be seeing much active combat."

"Um, Ty's been helping me learn how to hit things with my staff." Fluttershy said meekly. "But I'd prefer to stay out of the fighting and be on a support team."

"Even if you did decide to join the fight, I'd personally see to it that you wouldn't need to even raise a fist." Tyrannus Rex said as he wrapped one of his wings around Fluttershy. "And I'd make sure no one would lay a finger on you."

"You always know how to make me feel safe Ty." Fluttershy said with a loving smile as she nuzzled against Ty's wing. "I know you'll show these meanies your dino-might."

". . . Only you're allowed to make that joke." Ty said with a slight blush. He then noticed the rest of their friends staring at the cute moment. "A-Anyways, I think I know what type of minions to expect from each of the Chaos Kin."

"Really?" Arctic Ace asked. "Well, don't keep us in suspense Ty. We need to know what we'll be tangling with when they show up to wreak havoc."

"Well, Tyrant Neptune looks reptilian." Ty began. "Maybe we can expect an army of reptiles. What type of reptiles, I don't know. So unfortunately, you won't be able to see me possibly fight a dinosaur. Then we've got Big Saturn. He looked like a mech, so maybe we might be fighting robots soon. Suppression Pluto looks like he crawled out of the depths of Tartarus, so it looks like his minions would be fiends. Blazing Mars just screams fire, so maybe he'll send out some kind of lava monsters. Then we've got Grand Jupiter who looks like a warrior. Though I don't know what sort of minions we could expect from him. And the others in the unknown minion camp are Splendid Venus, Despair Uranus, and Tripper Mercury."

"Not a bad guess Ty." Twilight said with a smile as she noted down the information. "But we won't have any idea what the Chaos Kin are going to sick on us until they pop up again. And we can't just wait for the fight to come to us. Sooner or later, we might need to take the fight to them. Anyone have any ideas where they might try to form a lair?"

"Only a few rough ideas based on what Ty just said." Steel said with a shrug. "But nothing that would pinpoint where they are. Sorry."

"Great. Just great." Rainbow Dash grumbled. "The Chaos Kin show up to wreck stuff again, and we haven't got a clue as to where they're basing themselves!"

"The more you get fired up to find them, the sooner you'll crash into them hot-shot." Akage chimed in. "Besides, we don't fully know the scope of their power. They might not be as powerful as Discord, but we can't let our guard down because there's all sorts of tricks they could have up their sleeves."

"Leave it to the ninja to know when it's best to strike." Inferno said with a nod. "Still, I can't lie. The chance to fight those creeps is getting me fired up!"

"All the same, we'd better add to our move lists darling." Rarity added with a smile. "I'm all for taking down those brutes as soon as we can. But let's try it with a bit of style, shall we?"

"Heh! As if I'd say no to finding a new fiery finish!" Inferno said with a smirk. "I think we can all learn from each other's styles. So let's not be shy about consulting each other for creating new moves! We can start right now if it helps!"

Learn from each other. . . Ty thought to himself as he looked towards Burst Stream. "Burst? Would you mind lending me a hand with creating a new move?"

"Sure I can big guy!" Burst answered with a smile. "So what kind of move are you trying to make? You've learned thunder magic from my dad, right? Have you tried charging up your fist thunder magic and delivering an empowered punch? I bet your opponent would be thunder struck from the impact of your hits!"

"Actually, I wanted to create a move similar to your White Lightning Overdrive." Ty answered. "But there's a few differences I'd like to make to the technique. Thunder magic as the mystical component is the most obvious, but I was thinking of making it so that I don't pack all of that power into one hit."

"So you're trying to increase the amount of hits you can get in, huh?" Burst asked with a slow nod. "Hmm. Interesting challenge. It definitely has its advantages. You might have a huge magic pool now that you're an avatar, but a technique like my overdrive can put a lot of strain because of how much I concentrate the power into a single punch. I think I've got the mechanics of it worked out."

"Thanks Burst." Ty said with a smile. "Maybe we can even come up with a team attack. You know, because you use lightning magic and I use thunder?"

"Sweet." Burst said with an eager smile. "I can't wait to work on that next! But right now, let's work on that new technique of yours! I want you to focus your magic and energy into your fists. But instead of focusing a large amount, try to concentrate a small amount. For what you have in mind, it might be best to try and make that amount barely noticeable."

"Gotcha." Ty said with a nod as he focused both magic and energy into his fists. The amount was barely noticeable as minor sparks of thunder went off around Ty's fists! "Hmm. It's like you suspected. It's easier to maintain since it's a smaller amount of magic and energy. Now all I need to worry about is testing it out and naming it."

"If you need a practice dummy, I can supply you with as many as you need." Arctic Ace suggested as he powered up his own magic. Its icy blue aura covering his hands as he created an ice clone. "I've been working on my ice clone technique with my brothers. It's a useful barrier to help me ready some of my moves or charge up a spell."

"Sounds like a good idea to me." Ty said with a nod. "I know that you're an avatar too Ace. But I don't think your brothers would be too thrilled if you volunteered yourself as a practice dummy." And with that Tyrannus set to work honing his new technique.

Meanwhile, in the Everfree Forest, one of the Chaos Kin stomped around. "Cowards!" Tyrant Neptune fumed as he cut down tree after tree and any of the creatures of the forest unfortunate enough to get in his way! "All of them are cowards! They are fools to call a retreat when we could've destroyed our enemies in that instant!"

The reptilian Chaos Kin scowled. "Except for me that is. Coming out of that prison dimension drained all the power that Discord had imbued me with upon my creation. And there's no chance he'd empower me again." A wicked smirk crept across Tyrant Neptune's face. "But there are other ways I can build up my strength. Hggk!"

Tyrant Neptune hunched over, and coughed up a slew of eggs! One of the eggs burst open, and an alligator with a lion mane crawled towards Tyrant Neptune! "You are the first to spawn. And so, you shall be the first to grow!" Tyrant Neptune let his minion crawl into his hand, and crushed it! When Tyrant Neptune released his minion, a new figure stood in its place. "You shall be called Spawn Alligator. Revive your former incarnation."

"By your command my lord." Spawn Alligator answered as he summoned forth the Lion Alligator that had served as the price to summon him. The other eggs Tyrant Neptune had coughed hatched and spawned more Lion Alligators. "What are your orders Tyrant Neptune?"

"Attack." Tyrant Neptune ordered. "Today, we shall march on our enemies and take this world! Whoever rules this land, we shall seize it from their grasp! And we shall start with the place of my humiliating banishing! My fellow Chaos Kin, those cowards who decided to flee from battle will see that they were fools to pass up a chance to crush our enemies in one fell sleep! I can't wait to crush that band of heroes before cutting them down!" And with that, Tyrant Neptune's army marched/crawled towards Unityville!

Both teams of elements had decided to do a quick patrol around town and instantly spotted the army of alligators headed right towards them with Tyrant Neptune stomping right behind them! Wasting no time, both the Elements of Heroism and Harmony charged into battle! Steel Edge let loose a barrage of dagger constructs and blade beams! Cutting down waves of enemies as Rainbow Dash let loose a gale from her boomerang! Launching the reptilian grunts into the air where they were helpless against her speedy attacks! Each destroyed reptile crumbled into dust!

Akage and Pinkie Pie were fending off a squad of Lion Alligators with Pinkie wrapping her yo-yo around the jaws of one! Snapping the mouth shut and using her natural Earthbound strength to hurl it around like a flail and hitting the enemies into the air! Akage built upon this attack by slashing at the Lion Alligators' exposed soft underbellies!

"No way are any of these guys related to Gummy!" Pinkie said with a pout as she hit a straggler rapidly with her yo-yo. "They're total grumpy-gators!"

"I think they're mad that they got lousy haircuts." Akage said with a chuckle as he noted the manes of hair on each Lion Alligator. "I'd be mad if I had a bad mane like that too."

As the rest of the elements were fighting off any advancing enemies, Tyrannus was actually plowing his way through the alligator army! His cannon allowed him to blast through a sizable chunk of the army! Squads of Lion Alligators were wiped out in a blast of thunder! Any that tried to take a bite out of tie were cut to pieces with his raptor claw gauntlets or swatted away with Ty's bare fists!

Tyrant Neptune noticed Ty's advance, and sneered. "So it appears there is one bold enough to try and face me on their own. No matter. He shall be dust ground by my fist!"

"My lord!" Spawn Alligator panicked as he fled from the battle against both teams of elements! "Our forces are being decimated! There's no possible way we can win this!"

"Oh there is." Tyrant Neptune said with a wicked grin. "And you and that Lion Alligator are going to make it all possible!" Tyrant Neptune swung his scythe, and cut down Spawn Alligator and the Lion Alligator! Tyrant Neptune opened his mouth, and swallowed the remains of his two minions! Power soon flowed through Tyrant Neptune's body! "I created you. It's only fair that you give back to me. Now to crush the foe who dares stand against me! No need for an army to fight for me when I have strength greater than its own!" Tyrant Neptune swung his scythe, and proceeded to decimate his own minions!

"I-I don't believe it!" Arctic Ace said in shock. "Tyrant Neptune devoured his own minions and just destroyed his own army! Just what kind of scheme is he planning?! Why would he get rid of his own minions?!"

"Tyrant's in his name." Ty said as he glared defiantly at Tyrant Neptune. "He uses his power however he wants. He doesn't care what happens to those he deems beneath him. That's why we can't let him win this fight. I'll tolerate as many of his attacks as I can if it means taking him down."

"So you are the insect defies me?" Tyrant Neptune said with a sneer as he looked down at Ty! "Who are you to oppose me? What fool dares stand against me only to be ground to dirt?!"

"I am Tyrannus Rex." Ty said defiantly as he stood tall against Tyrant Neptune. His entire being in a state of calm and contrasting against Tyrant Neptune's tense and rigid body. "And you're intruding on my home. Leave now, and I'll spare you my fury."

"ironic that one whose name means 'tyrant king' would stand against me. You think mere words will sway me?" Tyrant Neptune bellowed! "KNOW YOUR PLACE! GROUND UNDERNEATH MY HEEL!" Tyrant Neptune raised his scythe, and swung down towards Ty!

"No." Ty said as he caught the blade of the scythe! "KNOW YOUR OWN!" Ty beat his wings to gain some altitude and he lifted Tyrant Neptune! Slamming the Chaos Kin hard into the ground! "What's a tyrant to a god?"

"What is a god. . . " Tyrant Neptune growled as he got to his feet! Throwing his scythe to the side as he charged towards Ty! "TO ONE WHO DOES NOT FEAR THEM?!"

"A threat to the people I care about." Tyrannus said calmly. The fury in his eyes betraying the calm expression on his face. Ty focused his magic and energy into his fists. Small sparks of thunder going off as he remained rooted despite Tyrant Neptune's furious charge and intent to maul him. As Tyrant Neptune was almost right on top of him, Ty took to the air and punched the Chaos Kin right in his chest!

A sound like thunder rang across the whole battlefield! The second the sound of thunder passed, Ty unleashed a flurry of rapid punches to Tyrant Neptune's chest! Letting loose all the rage he held towards the monster in a scream! And just as quickly as Ty's assault had begun, it ended. Ty landed on the ground, and turned and begun walking away.

"You. . . you think that will be enough to stop me?" Tyrant Neptune mocked as he staggered to his feet. "I barely felt anything from that flurry of blows!"

". . . You're already dead." Ty said as he didn't even look back to meet Tyrant Neptune's mocking gaze.

"Huh? GAAAGH!" Another sound of thunder crashed as Tyrant Neptune clutched his left arm! All the bones it were broken! More crashes of thunder sounded out from all over Tyrant Neptune's body! "WHAT'S. . . HAPPENING. . . ?!"

"THUNDER REX. . . " Ty began as he raised a fist to the air, and brought it down as he dropped down to a kneeling stance! "END." A massive thunderbolt crashed down onto Tyrant Neptune! Smiting Tyrant Neptune in one strike and leaving a smoking crater left in the Chaos Kin's place! "Maybe Tartarus can tolerate you. Because I refuse to tolerate evil like yours running free in this world."

"Whoa. Ty got himself a badass moment." Inferno remarked as he took note of the crater that stood as a reminder of where Tyrant Neptune met his end.

". . . " Fluttershy was silent as her face began to turn red with a furious blush and her wings shot out. "Ty?"

"Hm?" Ty turned his head to face Fluttershy. The Element of Kindness zipping right up to his face. "What is it?"

"You. Me. Make-out session. Tonight." Fluttershy whispered in an assertive tone. "Make sure you're shirtless." This time, it was Ty's turn to blush uncontrollably. "Oh dear. Too hot?" The steam coming from Ty's head served as a reply. "Maybe. . . we should start out slow."

Episode 5: Spirited Hope

Ah, peace. A feeling I used to think I'd never have at my workplace. Venus Bloomer thought with a content smile as he worked on the shop's floral arrangements. Ever since he'd went on those trial dates with the Flower Girls (he'd dubbed them as such given they worked and owned the shop) they'd stopped gawking at him and/or hitting on him. I can get my work done with no interruptions. It's just so reassuring not having three pairs of eyes staring at me.

After finishing the arrangements, Venus moved on to his favorite part of the job. Actually growing and tending to the flowers in the greenhouse portion of the shop. "I love my job." Venus said with a content sigh as he tended to the flowers. It was very clear that his spirit was present as he worked since the flowers seemed to bloom especially nice after he took care of them. However, unknown to Venus, he was being watched. A small orb of what looked like concentrated light hovered as it observed Venus joyfully tending to his work. It especially took note of Venus' appearance and the quality of job he did before flying off into the sky!

The ball of light returned to its source. A floating sanctuary in the sky! The sanctuary looked like somewhere Princesses Celestia and Luna might be depicted in a painting with the heavenly beauty it seemed to embody. A radiance shared only by the Chaos Kin who called the sanctuary her domain.

"Ah. The Shine Ball has returned." Splendid Venus said as she extended her hand for the Shine Ball to land in. "Show me what you've seen of this world." The Shine Ball projected images of what it had seen. "The world in its current state can't contain my beauty. No wonder the people are left weakened by my radiance." Splendid Venus sighed, but then caught sight of Venus Bloomer tending to flowers. "But it appears there are specs of beauty are present. If I'm not mistaken, this one is a member of the Elements of Heroism. The same group that responsible for destroying Neptune. Hmph. Good riddance to the brute." Splendid Venus then saw an aura around Venus Bloomer. "His spirit shine so radiantly. Such a shame that he is confined to such a drab world. But that will soon change."

Splendid Venus raised her staff, and the entire sanctuary began to move! "I must find a suitable venue to herald the coming of my radiance." She then turned to the fairy-like beings that served as her agents. "The city they call Castalot is quite lovely. It shall make the perfect site of my descent. As well as the one who shall become my beautiful companion in this sanctuary."

Splendid Venus' sanctuary soon hovered over the sky above Castalot! In a pillar of light, Splendid Venus descended to the ground below! "CITIZENS OF CASTALOT! REJOICE! FOR YOU NOW BEHOLD MY RADIANCE!" Splendid Venus flared out her wings, and a shower of angelic feathers fell upon the entire city! "TELL YOUR LEADERS OF MY ADVENT!" She didn't have to wait long as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna teleported onto the scene. Splendid Venus may have been a creature of beauty and grace, but Celestia and Luna were literal goddesses. The beauty of the Chaos Kin was left stunned by their arrival! "Such divine beauty. . . "

"Your message has been heard loud and clear." Celestia with a firm but calm tone. "I am Princess Celestia, and beside me is my sister Princess Luna. And you are one of the Chaos Kin. Splendid Venus if I'm not mistaken."

"What business do you have with us?" Luna demanded. "If you desire to take our kingdom, you will find yourself on the receiving end of our fury! We will show you no quarter if you've come to declare yourself our enemy!"

"I come with no hostile intent." Splendid Venus said with a small bow. "In fact, I come with tidings of good will! For I wish to improve this world! And I have chosen a companion who will reside with me in my sanctuary as we make this world into one filled with radiance on par with my own! Though I could never match either of your divine splendor."

"And who might be this companion you've chosen?" Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow. "Did you want us to summon him for you?"

"I had thought of sending my agents to retrieve my chosen companion. But if you are offering your aid, I shall be more than happy to accept it." Splendid Venus replied. "There is a member of the Elements of Heroism that has caught my eyes." Splendid Venus then used her staff to display an image of Venus Bloomer! "But please have all of them come. He deserves a fond farewell from his friends."

"Your request is. . . not what we had anticipated. But it's easy enough to grant." Celestia answered with a cautious tone as she whipped out for phone and texted Burst Stream. "They should be here in a moment." A massive flash went off, and both the Elements of Harmony and Elements of Heroism arrived via a group teleport spell! "Make that a second."

"Well. You're certainly not lacking in punctuality." Splendid Venus noted. "Would the one who has half my name step forward please?"

". . . Me?" Venus asked as he pointed to himself. "Why me?! I wasn't the one who wasted Tyrant Neptune! Heck, I haven't done anything to ANY of the Chaos Kin!"

"Oh do not sell yourself short." Splendid Venus said with a giggle. "How could a beauty such as yourself not be noticed by the people around you? Tell me, might I have your name?"

"Oh. . . " Venus Bloomer frowned and let out an exhausted sigh. "Of course. My name is Venus Bloomer." Things were bad enough with just regular human girls swooning before me. Now I gotta deal with this fairy?! But the Element of Spirit had no time to lament the curse that were his good looks as he needed to figure out what Splendid Venus wanted him for. "So just what do you want me for anyway?"

"Is it not obvious?" Splendid Venus asked with a tilt of her head. "Why with our beauty, we would most certainly make an excellent pair of lovers. And I am to make that happen."

"Are. . . are you serious?" Venus Bloomer asked witha dumbfounded expression on his face. "I-I'm sorry. It's just that. . . WHAT AND WHY?!"

"I believe I already made it clear." Splendid Venus said with a wave of her hand. "I wish to have a being whose beauty is on par with mine as I bring this world to a radiance befitting of myself."

"Okay." Venus Bloomer said with a slow nod. "That answers most of my questions. But how do you plan to do that?"

"I am so very pleased you asked! Allow me to demonstrate on these drab beings!" Splendid Venus' entire being seemed to radiate light! "BEHOLD!" A wave of light washed out over the gathered crowd! Celestia, Luna, and Twilight brought up shield spells to guard the heroes from whatever effect the wave had! As soon as the light died down, the entire crowd had been turned into fairy-like beings! "Is this not glorious my future love? The beautiful new forms that I shall bestow upon this entire world! Does this not take your breath away?"

It did take Venus Bloomer's breath away. In all the wrong ways. ". . . Change them back." Venus Bloomer growled as he clenched his fists! "CHANGE THEM ALL BACK RIGHT NOW!"

"W-What are you saying?!" Splendid Venus asked in shock! "I have made them beautiful! Like myself!"

"NO YOU HAVEN'T!" Venus Bloomer snapped! "How. . . HOW COULD YOU?! HOW DARE YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO CALL YOURSELF BEAUTIFUL WHEN YOU'VE STRIPPED THESE PEOPLE OF THE BEAUTY THEY ALREADY HAD?!"

"How. . . how can you say such things?!" Splendid Venus was in utter disbelief! "How can you deny such beauty?!"

"'Beauty'? You call this beautiful?!" Venus Bloomer asked with his voice full of disgust. "Why would I ever want to be with a being whose pretty face hides an ugly heart?!" Venus Bloomer's words pierced right through Splendid Venus' core and made her undo the unwanted transformation she'd performed on the crowd! "Everyone has something special to them that makes them who they are. THAT is what gives everyone their own kind of beautiful. And to take that away from them? I can never comprehend something that awful. I'm sorry that I sounded so cruel, but I also hope that you do some reflecting on my words."

". . . " Splendid Venus was silent as she returned to her sanctuary in the sky and willed the sanctuary to return to its original position.

Back with the heroes, Venus Bloomer looked sadly at the sanctuary as it floated away. "I hope I got her to do some thinking. With every bit of my spirit, I hope that I made her think. . . "

Episode 6: Unwavering Dedication

Spike felt horrible about him and Sweetie Belle. There weren't any problems with their blossoming relationship. Well, none between them at least. Here he was, a drake roughly her age, and he couldn't do a thing when some of the changelings still loyal to Chrysalis abducted Sweetie Belle and her friends. And to top it all off, he still looked like he was just a kid.

I can't believe I'm so pathetic. Spike thought to himself with a sigh. And this isn't the first time. I may have saved the Crystal Empire, but all the other battles? I did nothing. The Nightmare Forces. The Mutant Changelings. Now the Chaos Kin. Well, no more. I want to get stronger! I HAVE toget stronger! I wanna be like Burst, Inferno, and the other Elements of Heroism!

And so, with his mind made up, Spike threw himself into training he thought would help to build his strength. Spike did push-ups until his arms gave out, ran until his lungs were almost out of air, and did so many sit-ups his gut was hurting! All of this was doing the exact opposite of what Spike had hoped for. The poor drake felt even weaker than he was feeling earlier.

"I. . . gotta keep. . . pushing. . . " Spike wheezed as he tettered on the edge of collapse. He'd have fallen on the ground if a pair of arms hadn't caught him before he passed out! When Spike regained consciousness, he felt something cold on his head and saw himself in a familiar living room. "Wha-?"

"Thank Celestia you're awake." Burst Stream said with a sigh of relief as he removed the ice pack from Spike's head and gave him a glass filled with water. He'd seen the young dragon as a little brother figure due to how much time he and the guys would spend with Spike to give him some quality time with male friends. "Feel any better? Body less sore?" Spike nodded, and gulped down the water in an instant.

"Good. Now then." Burst flicked Spike on the row of spines that were on the drake's head! "What did you do and what were you thinking that pushed your body too much out there?!"

Spike winced a little at Burst's words. "I-I'm sorry! It's just. . . I wanted to be strong like you guys. All of you are able to protect the people you love. A-And I. . . I want to be that strong too! So I figured if I trained hard enough in one day, I'd be strong like all of you!"

"Oh Spike. Buddy. . . " Burst said sadly. "That's not how this works. You don't get stronger by almost training yourself to death and nearly wrecking your body! Spike, do you think I was born with the strength I have?" The young dragon nodded his head. "Well, I wasn't. Sure, being half-avatar gave me a bit more strength than the average kid, but my power wasn't nearly at the level I am now."

"So did you train like I did to get stronger?" Spike asked.

"Yes, and no." Burst answered with a small smile. "When I turned fourteen, I dropped out of CSGM to train with my dad. He's the one who taught me how to fight and use my magic in battle. But he also taught me how important it was to rest. If all you do is train until you drop, that's not progress. It only makes things worse because you're pushing past more than you can handle. I'm pretty sure the princesses had training to move the sun and moon. The point is, being stronger is something that you need to work towards. It's not something that you're autmatically given. It's something you develop, grow, refine, and ultimately earn. But if you wanna be a strong hero? It takes more than just strength. You know which elements me and the guys represent, right?"

"Yeah." Spike said with a nod as he counted off the Elements of Heroism. "Power, Potential, Honor, Wisdom, Tolerance, Courage, Levity, Compassion, Determination, Spirit, and Nobility."

"Yup." Burst said with a nod. "But that's all worthless if none of us have one thing."

"What's that?" Spike asked.

"Dedication." Burst answered. "What good is a hero who doesn't dedicate themselves to doing as much good as they can, or training so that they can stay in top form? Don't think any less of yourself, or sell yourself short Spike. I've seen how you act. If that isn't the dedication of a hero in the making, I don't know what is."

Burst smiled as he saw Spike beaming up at him. "Speaking of heroes, you want to hit up a comic book store? I think you could use a little something to help your mood if my little pep talk didn't do the trick. Plus, it'll give you something to entertain yourself with while me, a few of the guys, and Twilight and the girls help with restoring the Castle of the Two Sisters."

"It did." Spike said with a nod. "I just really want to see the next adventure of the Legion of Harmony! I heard the new issue is a crossover! So let's go!" And with that, Spike took off with Burst Stream right on his tail to the next train for Castalot. A trip to Enchanted Comics later, the two were back on the train to Unityville and on their way to the Castle of the Two Sisters.

As soon as the two arrived, Spike eagerly opened up the comic he'd purchased and gasped at the cover! "Sweet! The Crossover is with Power Rangers!" And with that, the young drake dashed off to where he could read in peace away from the restoration.

"Maybe I should've bought an issue for myself." Burst said with a chuckle. He was then surprised when he saw an unexpected addition to Twilight's restoration team. "Moon? What're you doing here?"

"Well, Twilight told me about this little restoration project when I was picking up some new books from her library." Nightmare Moon said with a smile. "This place has a lot of significant memories for me. So much of my life stems from this single place. Both from when I was created, and the memories of Luna before I came to be. And, well. . . it IS kind of my fault this place got trashed."

"Not to sound lazy, but couldn't you just, y'know, magic away all the damages and restore the castle to its former glory?" Burst asked nervously. "I mean, it'd be no problem for you."

"First, you didn't sound lazy at all. Just practical." Nightmare Moon said with a giggle. "And you have a good point. However, I've got a good motive. I want to put effort into this. True, just using my magic would make light work of the restoration. But actually working to repair the damage would show Celestia and Luna that I really care and that I'm more than willing to put in effort to make things right between us three."

". . . You just keep giving me reasons to love you. You know that, right?" Burst Stream asked with a loving smile as he helped Nightmare Moon move a carpet. "So what other reason do you have to help with the restoration?"

"Spending time with Twilight and the girls." Nightmare Moon answered with a smile. "As much as I enjoy our time together, I can't be with you alone? Plus, I get to give pointers to Twilight since she's a rookie Avatar!"

"HEY!" Twilight snapped! "You're just saying that because I haven't found something to be princess of yet!"

"Twilight? You're a literal goddess now." Ty pointed out as he held a bunch of tapestries under his arm and carried Fluttershy on his shoulder. "Ace, Steel and I are avatars too. That doesn't mean we need to be a prince or princess of anything."

"Although if Steel WAS given a title, we could call him Edge Lord!" Rainbow Dash said with a snicker! Back at Unityville, Steel Edge sneezed! At the castle, the rest of Rainbow Dash's friends just gave her unimpressed stares. "Fine. That jokes been done too much. I'll toss it."

"I'm gonna go check on Spike." Twilight said with a nod as she flew to the castle's library. Sure enough, she found Spike sitting next to Arctic Ace. "Hey you two! Any good reads you managed to find once you cleared the dust?"

"A few hidden gems here and there." Arctic Ace said with a shrug. "Spike's find is far more recent though. How's the issue coming along so far buddy?" The rest of the Main 6, Nightmare Moon, Burst, Inferno, and Ty came in to see how Spike was doing.

"Man this issue's great!" Spike exclaimed as he reached to flip the page and read the exciting conclusion to the story! "It's. . . blank?" An empty page. That's all that awaited Spike's eyes as he flipped the page. "But there's no 'to be continued' box on the last page. Why would I be sold an unfinished comic?" Spike then noticed a piece of text. "Hm?" With no better idea of what to do, Spike read the text. A flash of light went off, and a swirling portal opened right above the comic book! Sucking the group of friends in!

"Nnnngh. . . " Spike groaned as he regained consciousness. "Man, that's twice I've passed out today." Spike then saw the Main 6. All of them were a bit confused to their new surroundings and attire. But Spike was quite familiar with both. "You've become the Legion of Harmony!" He then looked at his own reflection and outfit. "And. . . I've become HumDrum. Great."

"Uh, aren't we missing a few heads?" Applejack asked. "Where did Moon and the others go?" The Main 6 and Spike began to consider the possible places where the rest of their friends had landed, but their thoughts were interrupted when the sound of a wall exploding and alarms blaring got their attention! Out stepped the villain of the comic's story, Mane-iac! But something was odd about the crazed villainess. A green, lightningbolt patten was on her suit and it seemed to stem from a small coin that was inside some sort of device that looked like it was leeching energy from the coin!

"Well, wherever the others went, we'll have to worry about them later!" Twilight said. "Spike? You seem to know all about our new powers. So you'll have to instruct us as we go!" The only exception to this being Pinkie Pie who was already zipping around Mane-iac.

Meanwhile, the others had just recovered from their landing. "Everyone in one piece?" Inferno groaned as he scratched his head. The response was either nods, or groans of discomfort. It was then that they all noticed something odd about their clothes. "Hey, anyone know why we're color-coded now?"

Inferno was clad in a black t-shirt with blue jeans with black sneakers, Burst had a red tank-top and grey jeans and black sneakers, Ty had a white shirt with a yellow vest over it and tan jeans with white sneakers, Ace had a striped blue shirt with blue jeans.

"Yeah. Last I checked, pink wasn't a color I frequently wore." Nightmare Moon noted as she looked over her outfit. A light pink shirt with blue jeans, and white sneakers. "And I know I didn't have this ponytail style before we got sucked in here. Any clue why we got dragged along for the ride?"

Burst Stream was uncertain, but then he felt an object in the back pocket of his jeans. He reached in, and pulled out a small metallic device. And his eyes lit up like a kid in a toy store as he remembered the premise of this specific issue of the Legion of Harmony and what said device was.

". . . Guys? Check your back pockets." Burst Stream said in a neutral tone that betrayed the excitement in his eyes. The others did so, and pulled out similar devices. All of them looked to Burst, then to their devices. This was going to be fun. "I trust you all know what time it is?" They all nodded.

"Follow my lead." Burst said with a smile as they all heard the sounds of the Main 6 tangling with the Mane-iac. They rushed to the scene, and thrust out the devices! "IT'S MORPHIN' TIME!"

"MASTADON!" Inferno cried out!

"PTERODACTYL!" Nightmare Moon shouted!

"TRICERATOPS!" Ace called out!

"SABERTOOTH TIGER!" Ty shouted!

"TYRANNOSAURUS!" Burst cried out! In a bright flash of light, the five had morphed into the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers! "Alright guys! Let's give Mane-iac the trim she's overdue!" The five chraged at Mane-iac, but she wasn't the least bit surprised to see them!

"Ah! The Puny Rangers!" Mane-iac mocked as she swatted aside the Main 6! "I heard you were in town, so I decided to call some old friends of yours to come out and play!" Mane-iac snapped her fingers, and a squad of putties jumped onto the scene!

"Let's pulverize these putties first!" Ace suggested. "Then we can tangle with the big-bad!" Each of the rangers and the Main 6 took on a few of the Putty Patrol! With their combined strength, it wasn't long before the putties were in pieces! "We'll need some heavy duty tools to even make a dent in those locks!"

"Got just the thing for that!" Inferno said with a smirk as he summoned his power axe! "Not a giant pair of scissors, but it'll do!" And he cut off one of Mane-iac's hair tendrils! Both teams of heroes leaped into action! Twilight firing elemental blasts of ice from her hands while Moon let loose bolt after bolt from her power bow to keep Mane-iac's attention! Applejack managed to get a hold of the villain's arms with her lasso while Pinkie literally ran circles around Mane-iac!

All the while, Spike had managed to snag the electro orb that had been dropped in the fight. However, the tide of battle abruptly turned when Mane-iac let loose a green aura of power that knocked back both teams of heroes! She then turned her attention to Spike, and gripped the young dragon in one of her hair tendrils! Squeezing just enough to make him drop the orb!

"Why thank you Hum-Drum." Mane-iac said with a mocking grin. "You're such good help when you're around!" And with an insane cackle, the villain left the scene of her handiwork using her hair tendrils to swing through the air.

"You alright Spike?" Twilight asked as she and the others rushed to Spike's side. "She didn't hurt you, did she?"

"No." Spike said with a shake of his head. "But that's not what's important! What is important is that we get the electro orb back from Mane-iac! Follow me! In all my years of reading comic books, I've learned that most supervillains have lairs based on themselves of their theme!" And with that, Spike lead the two teams of heroes to Mane-iac's hideout. Naturally, it was an abandoned hair product factory.

"Alright. Looks like we're taking the fight to the Mane-iac." Burst said with a nod. His helmet didn't show it, but he was smiling. "Maybe we can also get whatever that coin around Mane-iac's neck is! Let's go!" And with that, both teams of heroes charged into the abandoned factory! However, it was the heroes were soon sprayed with a, well, giant hairspray can. Freezing them in place! "What the?! I can't move!"

"And we can't access our powers!" Twilight noticed as she tried to power up her magic! It wasn't long before they were all confined to a cage. "Isn't the cage a bit unnecessary since we're already frozen in place?"

"Comic book, remember?" Pinkie Pie chimed in. "Oh! I think Mane-iac's about to explain her plot!" Just as Pinkie Pie said, Mane-iac started going into how she'd use the electro orb to power a ray gun to immobilize the entire city and probably boost her own increased power!

"You might have all of us, but you still forgot one person!" Twilight shot back! "As long as they're out there, you're not going to win!"

Mane-iac giggled. "Humdrum? Sidekick? No powers, remember?" She then let out an insane cackle. "You really think that little nothing can help you escape?" Unbeknownst to both parties, Spike had infiltrated the lair and was listening in on the conversation.

"It's not the powers that make a hero." Burst Stream replied sternly. "Even if we lost our powers, none of us are going to back down and let villains like you do as you please!"

"Humdrum might not have any powers, but he always comes through!" Twilight added!

Spike's went wide at hearing his friends speak so highly of him! However, he had no time to truly appreciate it when the pipe he was holding onto came crashing to the floor! Right between Mane-iac and his friends!

"Ah. We were just talking about you." Mane-iac slithered up to Spike, and scooped him up in one of her hair tendrils! "How about you join up with me? I'm sure you're sick of being in the shadow of those six. So what do you say we make this city ours?"

". . . This city is already mine because it's my home." Spike answered as he snatched the coin off of Mane-iac's costume! "And there's no way I'm letting you wreck it!" A blinding flash of green went off as the coin seemed to respond to Spike's unwavering dedication to his friends! As soon as the light died down, Spike stood as the green ranger! But what really shocked everyone was that his voice sounded. . . older. "No one's going to take us down! The power lies on our side!" And to prove his point, he fired an enerby ball that knocked the Mane-iac right out of her lair! "Hold tight guys!"

Using the dragon dagger, Spike cut the bars of the cage to ribbons just as both teams of heroes regained their mobility! "You guys keep the cronies busy!" Spike looked over to the immobilizer ray. Smiling underneath his helmet. "I've got an idea on how to wrap up this battle!"

As the others fought against Mane-iac's villains, Spike came to blows with Mane-iac! The crazed villain tried to swat him aside with her hair tendrils, but Spike cut her locks with the dragon dagger! "I think it's time to call in the big guns!" Spike put the dragon dagger to the mouthpiece of his helmet, and blew into it!

Rumbling was heard from all around the building, and the roof was torn right off the building! The Dragonzord let out a mighty roar as all the combatants stared in shock and awe of the mighty robotic dragon!

"Uh. . . nice dragonzord?" Mane-iac said nervously as the massive mech was glaring at her!

"It's me you've gotta worry about!" Spike cried out as he kicked the Mane-iac in her side and leaped over to the immobilizer ray! "Let's see how you like a taste of your own medicine!" Spike fired the ray, and smashed the control panel immediately afterwards! The effect of the ray was instantaneous as Mane-iac's own hair became her prison! "And that's how you wrap up the villain's plot!" A few seconds later, Spike and the others found themselves thrown out of the comic and back into the castle! "Well, that was a fun adventure. Uh, guys? Why are you looking at me?"

"Look in a mirror dude." Burst said. "Let's just say you've grown up fast."

"What're you. . . oh." Spike did as Burst suggested. Spike had indeed grown up. He was now roughly Sweetie Belle's height, and found his body had been more slightly developed if the barely noticeable muscle was any indication. "How did this happen?!"

"Easy." The dragon spirit residing in Burst's sword answered as it materialized. "Your recent growth is the result of something rare among dragons of this age."

"What's rare about it?" Spike asked. "Also, WHO ARE YOU AND WHY DID YOU COME OUT OF BURST STREAM'S SWORD?!"

"To answer your question, your growth is the result of a noble desire." The dragon spirit answered. "You wanted to protect your friends and those you love. As for who I am? Well, I'm in no mood to spoil that. Not yet. Lastly, my spirit has been bonded to the sword. Also, did you notice the new addition to your arm?"

"New addition?" Spike asked as he looked to the purple arm cannon styled after a dragon's head on his right arm. ". . . Niiiice! I got my own Duelist Arm!"

"Meaning we're gonna need to start your training." Inferno said with a nod. "And get you some new clothes."

Spike looked himself over, and blushed. "Aw geez! This is embarrassing!" And the entire group shared a laugh.

Episode 7: Going Batty

Applejack was not happy. As a member of the apple family, it went without saying that apples were one of the things she liked best in life and took great pride in growing. So when a bunch of vampire fruitbats show up, suck the juice from pretty much all the apples in the orchard and leave said fruit as little more tha dried up husks, it gave the farm girl plenty of reason to be mad.

"North." Applejack said flatly. "Could you keep your Duelist Arm trained on these varmints? I've put a lot of time into growing my prized apple. And I'm sure as heck not lettin' any of those winged rats sink their teeth into it! I'm gonna get Twilight. Maybe she'll find something to magic these pests away!"

"S-Sure thing lass!" Magnet North said nervously as he summoned his Duelist Arm. He personally thought all of this was a little bit overkill. But then again, would anyone in their right mind pick an argument with an angry Applejack? North didn't think so.

A few minutes later, Applejack showed up with the rest of the Main 6 in tow. She wanted to get rid of the bats, but Fluttershy wasn't exactly on board with Applejack's decision.

"Now Applejack," Fluttershy began. "I know it might seem like the bats are acting like pests right now. But they do help by leaving the seeds behind so you can grow some new trees!"

"Fluttershy. I know you like all critters. But I can't ignore the fact these bats are wrecking my livelihood." Applejack said bluntly. "Which is why I brought Twilight. Any luck finding a magical solution to my bat problem?"

"You're in luck! I found the spell we need on the way here!" Twilight said with a smile. "And we'll need Fluttershy's help to get all the bats to stay in one place. Think your stare will do the trick?" Fluttershy nodded in reply. "Alright then!" Fluttershy used her stare to get all the vampire fruitbats in one spot, and Twilight cast a spell to remove their ravenous thirst for fruit juice! However, Fluttershy was also caught in the spells path. But when Twilight cut off the spell, the Element of Kindness seemed only momentarily dazed. "You okay Fluttershy? I should've waited for you to get clear."

"I'm fine Twilight." Fluttershy said with her signature smile. "If you don't need my help, I'll be at my home for the rest of the day." And with that, Fluttershy flew off back to her cottage. All her animal friends greeted her happily. "Yes. It's very nice to see you all again too. I wonder how Ty's doing? I should probably get started on lunch since he'll be home soon."

"HYAH!" Tyrannus cried out as he swung his fists at Spike! The young dragon barely dodging Ty's swing! "Not bad Spike. Knowing how to avoid a hit is just as important as knowing when to tank one."

"Yeah. I get that." Spike said with a gulp. He then looked over to the other Elements of Heroism who were observing. "But did you guys really have to pit me against the heavy-hitter and tank of your team?! WHOA!" Spike just barely rolled out of the way from a thunder blast courtesy of Ty's cannon!

"Well, Ty's attacks have the biggest area of effect." Steel Edge answered. "Just watch out for the stomp."

"What stomp?!" Spike asked. He got his answer when Ty stomped one of his feet down and sent out a shockwave! ". . . Nevermind. So who's going to help me out with learning how to use my Duelist Arm? Burst or Inferno?"

"Both of us wield blasters." Burst said with a shrug. "Either one of us could teach you how to use your arm cannon. But the problem is we don't know if your arm cannon has more than one functionality. If my years of playing Metroid has taught me anything, it's that arm cannons are pretty modular in nature. So your Duelist Arm might have some hidden features we've yet to see."

"You're saying my arm cannon could be even cooler?!" Spike asked with enthusiasm in his eyes! "AWESOME!"

"Glad to hear you're excited to learn more about your Duelist Arm." Ty said with a smile. "But that's territory we'll have to explore some other time. I'd say we've gone through enough training for today. Fluttershy's probably getting lunch ready, and I'd hate to make her wait on me. See you all tomorrow!"

Ty headed home, and smiled when he saw Fluttershy setting some plates. "Hey there." He said as he wrapped his arms and wings around her. "Hope you weren't waiting too long for me."

"Not at all Ty." Fluttershy said with a loving smile as she kissed Ty. Then, for only a moment, Fluttershy felt an odd sensation in her head. "Nnnhh. . . "

"Fluttershy?" Ty immediately switched into his concerned boyfriend mode. "Are you alright? Is your head hurting?"

"No. . . not really." Fluttershy answered. "It really wasn't a painful feeling. Just strange. I'm sure that I'll feel much better after I have a bite to eat." Fluttershy then looked to the bowl of fruit laying on her kitchen counter. In specific, she was quite fixated on the apples.

"You really seem to be enjoying that apple." Tyrannus said with a small smile as he noticed Fluttershy scarfing down the fruit. "So did you do anything-" As Ty approached Fluttershy, he noticed her recoil and hold the apple in a possessive manner. "Uh, did you. . . do anything interesting today?"

Fluttershy blinked as she snapped out of her defensive posture. "Oh. Well, Applejack needed some help dealing with a colony of vampire fruitbats. I helped keep them in place while Twilight used a spell to remove their urges. So I guess it was just any other day."

"Uh huh." Tyrannus said with a slow nod. "Well, me and the guys were training Spike today." Why do I have the odd feeling that something's not quite right? Sure enough, the day came to an end. Tyrannus was sleeping soundly until he noticed something very important missing from his arms. Fluttershy wasn't in bed anymore. ". . . I hate being right."

Tyrannus got out of bed and noticed that one of the cottage's windows was open. "That. . . can't be good." He slipped on his shoes, and took to the air. Hoping to catch some trace of Fluttershy. That's when Tyrannus noticed a silhouette flying towards Sweet Apple Acres. "Looks like Fluttershy isn't the only one going out for a late night flight." Ty decided to follow the figure and soon landed in the nearby orchard. The figure he was tailing latched onto a tree, and plucked an apple from it. "Let's get a better look at you." Tyrannus powered up his magic to provide some light, and he was shocked at what he saw! The thing he was tailing was Fluttershy! Well, Fluttershy if her hair was bit more messy and she had pointed ears and bat wings, but Fluttershy nonetheless. The light he was shining making her hiss in response!

But considering her altered appearance, Tyrannus tried to think up of an appropriate name for her. Tyrannus was about to summon one of his Duelist Arms should she try and attack him. But to his surprise, Fluttershy actually seemed to recognize him as she glided down and latched onto his arm! Arms, legs, and wings wrapped around the Avatar of Tolerance's own arm and affectionately nuzzling against it.

"Well, it could be worse." Tyrannus said with a sigh. "She could've tried to take off with me." The mental image of Fluttershy in her current state trying to get off the ground with him in her clutches made Ty chuckle a bit. He then noticed the apple she'd been feasting on was sucked dry. "I guess I'll call you Flutterbat while you're like this." He then heard Flutterbat's stomach growl. "Still hungry?"

Flutterbat nodded, and looked to a tree in hunger. Licking her lips as she spotted the prized apple that Applejack had been growing for the fair. She made to fly towards it, but Tyrannus flicked her on the forehead!

"No!" Ty scolded! "Bad Flutterbat! Bad!" His scolding demeanor faded when he saw Flutterbat looking at him with tearful eyes. "I know you're hungry. But there's a better way to get food than raiding Applejack's home." Flutterbat tilted her head in confusion. "Just follow me." It's a good thign Barnyard Bargains is open late.

One quick trip to the store later, Ty was now carrying a massive bag filled to the brim with apple juice boxes. Flutterbat hung from her perch on Ty's arm and happily fed on the seemingly endless supply of fruit juice. "Now to see a certain bookworm about this mess." Ty muttered as he made his way to Twilight's library and knocked on the door. "Twilight? You up?"

"Ty?" Twilight answered with a yawn as she opened the door. "What is i-WHAT IS THAT THING LATCHED ONTO YOUR ARM?!"

"Oh." Ty looked down to Flutterbat who was too busy draining another juice box to notice Twilight's freak out. "This is Fluttershy. Or, Flutterbat considering her wings. Do you know what might've caused this?"

". . . I think I know what went wrong." Twilight said with a facepalm. "This is kinda my fault since Fluttershy was caught in the spell I was using to remove the urge to suck the juice from fruit. What was I thinking? The urge had to go somewhere, and Fluttershy was caught in the spell's path!"

"So. . . can you fix her?" Tyrannus asked hopefully. "Don't get me wrong, she's still cute. But I miss her being able to speak instead of hissing at everything."

"Yeah. Let me explain to Applejack." Twilight said with a sigh. "Maybe once we get Fluttershy back to her old self, we can find a way to relocate the vampire fruitbats once we get them back to normal too." One quick spell later, Fluttershy was back to normal. However, Applejack's prized apple didn't make it out unscathed as the vampire fruitbats immediately sucked it dry after having their urges restored!

"Applejack. I'm sorry the bats ruined your prize apple." Fluttershy said as she put a hand on Applejack's shoulder."

"It's fine sugarcube." Applejack said with a sigh. "Ah guess you would've gone for it too if you still had their urges in you. Plus, Ah guess having magic used on them was a little bit overkill. Care to help me come up with a better solution to my bat problem?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I would love to. But right now?" The shy Skyborn let out a yawn. "It's been a long night. And I've had enough excitement for now." Fluttershy headed home being carried on Tyrannus' back. "Ty?"

"What is it?" Tyrannus asked. He then noticed Fluttershy looking at him in a way he hadn't seen her look at him. "Fluttershy? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Let's just say I've got a different kind of thirst. . . " Fluttershy said with a blush as she nuzzled against Ty's neck. She then felt Tyrannus freeze in his tracks. "Oh. Too hot?" Silence. "I'll. . . take that as a yes."

Author's Note

Just a little bit of Halloween fun. So should I make a Nightmare Night episode featuring Nightmare Moon? Let me know in the comments!

Episode 8: Rarity Takes Manehattan

"I must say. I haven't expected you to drop in so soon darling." Rarity said as she regarded her guest. "Tell me Silk Snare. What brings you all the way into town?"

"Well. . . it's a little embarrassing." Silk Snare said with a nervous giggle. "I was wondering if you could teach me how to make my own clothes?"

"Is that all darling?" Rarity said with a kind smile. "I don't see why you need to trouble yourself with that! I was more than happy to help Nightmare Moon build up her wardrobe. It would be my pleasure to help you build your own!"

"Wouldn't my extra legs be a bit of an obstacle?" Silk Snare asked nervously. "I mean, I doubt there's many tops you have that can accomodate two pairs of spider legs."

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that." Rarity said with a dismissive wave. "If anything, your legs could fit through the back slits of the clothing I've modified for Skyborn to wear. In fact, that's how most common changelings are able to fit their wings in. Still, I am intrigued as to why you wish to make your own clothing."

"Well, I actually made the rags I'm currently wearing." Silk Snare stated. The spider mutant changeling gestured to the tattered garment that served as her only means of clothing. "I was pretty hasty in making it, so it doesn't look like the nicest thing. Narico mentioned you're a seamstress, so I figured you'd be the best person to get help from."

"Ah. I understand." Rarity said with a nod. "Well Silk Snare, you're not wrong with wanting to touch up your garments a bit. Would you mind if I get a feel of your makeshift dress?" Silk Snare shook her head. "Thank you. Hmm. Despite the condition its in, it feels quite soft. What material did you use to make this?"

"Well. . . let's just say I don't have to worry about paying for materials." Silk Snare said with a small smile as she shot out a strand of webbing. "Spiders make their own webbing, but I prefer to call it silk due to how soft it is. It's also pretty strong which is why its been able to tank hits from your boyfriend and his friends. Although having chitin instead of skin does help in making me sturdy despite my sleek figure."

"Silk Snare I would love to give you some lessons on how to make your own garments. I bet you could even assist me in making a new line made with your silk!" Rarity said with a proud smile. "Sadly, I won't have the time to teach you right now. I've a pressing affair in Manehattan. I was selected to participate in Fashion Week, and I must divert all my energy into making designs that are sure to wow the fashion world! It's also my chance to debut a new fabric I've been working on! Oh, I just know everyone will have their eyes on it!"

"Sounds nice." Silk Snare said with a shy smile. "C-Could I come to? I haven't seen much of the world outside of the hive except for the Everfree Forest and Unityville."

"Of course!" Rarity said with an inviting smile. "All of my friends are coming along to give me their support! You among them!"

"W-We're friends?" Silk Snare asked. A hopeful tone in her voice.

"Why are you even asking darling?" Rarity asked. "True, you've had some mis-steps before. But you're doing the best you can to move on and change for the better." She then put her hand on Silk Snare's shoulder. "Besides, my friends and I have a knack for turning enemies into friends. And in certain cases, even more."

"Even more huh?" Silk Snare thought with a blush as she imagined herself finding someone to love. While she didn't hunger for it, Silk Snare still wanted to feel love. Not the platonic or familial love that she felt for her fellow mutant changelings and Narico, but the kind that Shining Armor and Cadence had between them. However, a quick nudge from Rarity snapped the spider mutant changeling out of her musings. "So when are you and your friends headed out?"

"We leave tomorrow." Rarity said with a smile. "But I'm so excited I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight!" She feel into a restful slumber all the same that night. And when the morning came, Rarity almost sprung right out of bed! Needless to say, the rest of the Main 6 had prepared for Rarity's excited state of being and had woken up about a half hour prior to Rarity's own awakening. "Well darlings, no time to delay!"

Unbeknownst to the girls, the guys were discretely boarding the train as well. "Remind me why we're all tagging along on this trip again?" Spike asked. "And why Burst is carrying a gigantic bag full of empty soda cans?"

"Because Rarity is my girlfriend, and I need all of you to help me hold up this giant motivation banner Sweetie Belle helped me make." Inferno answered. "And the cans are to help you with your Duelist Arm training. Shooting your arm cannon well means nothing if you can't hit what you're aiming for."

"Makes sense." Spike said with a shrug. "But I hope I get to see some action soon."

"Trust us newbie." Steel Edge said with a chuckle. "If there's one thing any of us can tell you, it's that you'll get your wish soon enough. If our earlier adventures are any indication, action finds us. We've still got seven Chaos Kin to deal with and we don't know what kinds of minions they've got at their disposal. So just sit tight. Sometimes the action is looking for you instead of you looking for it." The band of heroes boarded the train, and both sets of elements were on their way to Manehattan.

Rarity was pretty surprised to see Inferno and the other guys spreading out the support banner as soon as they exited the train, but was nonetheless happy to see her boyfriend coming to support her. "I should've known you'd tag along darling. Do you always have to give me such grand gestures of love and support?"

"Hey. I'm your boyfriend." Inferno said with a smirk. "It's in the job description." And the two shared a loving hug. One that was sadly cut short as Rarity's eyes went wide as soon as she looked at the time on her watch!

"SWEET CELESTIA!" Rarity exclaimed as she read the time! "I need to get to Fashion Week's building! It'll start in a few minutes!" Rarity hailed a cab, and crammed all her supplies into the back seat with her! "Forgive me Inferno, but I simply can't be late!"

Inferno nodded. "You can thank me later. Go!" Inferno smiled as he watched the cab speed off! "You don't even need to be sorry. I know exactly where you're coming from. Same feeling, different field."

"It's why the two of you are so perfect for each other." Tyrannus said with a smile as he patted Inferno on the back. "Kinda like me and Fluttershy, Steel and Rainbow Dash, Pinkie and Akage. I want to say North and Applejack, but I can't tell whether or not they're couple material yet."

"Slow-burning embers of attraction my friend." Inferno said with a sage nod. "A little something my Mom taught me when I asked her for relationship advice. Not an instant spark between them, but it's one worth waiting to see ignite."

"If you two are done musing on romance, we'd better get a move on." Burst Stream said. "You can't very well show your support for Rarity if you just stand here, can you?"

"Eh heh!" Inferno blushed slightly in embarrassment. "Can't argue with that logic! Let's roll!" As the the Elements of Heroism and the rest of the Main 6 took off to meet Rarity, the Element of Generosity had arrived at the building where Fashion Week was being held. She had arrived on time, but wound getting lectured to be early.

Normally people complain when you're late. Not on-time. But I suppose with how demanding this week is, arriving ahead of time does allow for a few precious extra minutes of planning. Rarity smiled. "Understood Miss Hemline. I'll take your words to heart for both this competition and the rest of my career." And with that, Prim Hemline dismissed the contestants. Allowing Rarity to catch up with her friends who had recently arrived. She blushed a little when she saw Inferno orchestrating some of the guys to help display the banner. "I wouldn't say that little lecture warrants such a grand display of support, but I appreciate it all the same."

"I'm just happy you know how much I care about you Rarity." Inferno said as the two of them shared a kiss. "And there's no such thing as 'enough' when it comes to showing you that you're my treasure."

"Well, well. You've certainly gotten quite a catch Rares." Rarity turned her head, and saw Suri Polomare approaching her and Inferno. "Not all that surprising to see you here."

"Good to see you too Suri." Rarity said with a nod. She then noticed the shy girl next to Suri. "And who might your little friend be?"

"Oh, this is Coco." Suri said with a dismissive wave. "I'd be lost without her." Coco gave a small wave, and gave a curious look towards Silk Snare who was setting down some of Rarity's materials. Suri was a little put off by Silk Snare being present, but thought nothing of it. "So anyway, do you have anything you plan on debuting here? Knowing you, it'll probably be dazzling!"

Rarity proudly unveiled her latest fabric type. However, red flags started to raise in Inferno's head as he noticed Suri ask Rarity if she coudl borrow a sample to help inspire some designs. Why do I have the feeling her inspiration is more likely going to be a rip-off? All the while, Coco had an uncertain look on her face when she saw Suri take the fabric.

"Well, it was nice meeting you again darling!" Rarity called out as she had her friends help move her supplies into the studio room she'd be occupying for the entirety of fashion week. However, she quickly caught sight of Inferno's uneasy expression. "Inferno? What's wrong darling?"

"Hm? Oh. Just that girl you were talking to earlier." Inferno said witha shrug as he set a box of fabric down. "Something about her just seemed to rub me the wrong way. Maybe it was that verbal tic of hers, or maybe it was just the way she was eyeing your latest fabric. Honestly? I hope I'm wrong."

"Don't trouble yourself darling." Rarity said with a loving smile. "None of the other competitors would dare try to pass off someone else's work as their own. It's one of the greatest crimes of fashion! Such conduct would result in being permanently banned from ever competing in fashion week!"

"Maybe you're right." Inferno said with a tired smile. "It's probably just this long trip getting to me. The best thing to do now is probably grab a bite to eat and rest."

Rarity smiled lovingly. "I couldn't have but it better myself darling. Besides, I don't work well on an empty stomach!" A quick meal later, and Rarity was already working the rest of the day away like it was the hour before her designs were about to go on stage. It took many hours, but Rarity finally finished the designs she'd had planned to unveil. Her work accomplished, Rarity headed off to bed for a much deserved rest.

However, the next morning held an incredibly rude awakening for Rarity. The minute she'd arrived with the rest of the Main 6, there was Suri bragging to the other contestants. Flaunting the very same fabric Rarity had worked on and displaying it like it was her own! Rarity couldn't believe it! "Suri. . . how could you do this to me?!"

"Oh please Rares." Suri said with a scoff. "This is a competition. It's everyone for themselves. But hey, at least your work will be the center of attention. It's just in the hands of someone more deserving of the credit."

The Main 6 all took a collective big step backward as they saw Rarity trembling with rage. "You know what Suri?" Rarity said as she took a few strides forward before glaring right into whatever resembled Suri's very soul. "I'm not even mad." This surprised both Rarity's friends and Suri and Coco. "I pity the fact you have to stoop so low to maintain your standing and how you can be so self-centered. If this is your definition of winning, then you've already lost. So enjoy your trophy. Just remember that it wasn't your own skills that earned it."

Rarity turned her back to Suri and headed off to her studio space. "You five don't have to follow me you know." Rarity said with a small smile as she noticed the rest of the Main 6 and Silk Snare. "I know you all came to support me, but you also wanted to enjoy some of the city while we're here right?"

"Rarity. You know you can't make a full line in what short time you have left before you need to go up, right?" Twilight asked. "Not on your own at least."

"And you will be debuting a new fabric." Silk Snare said with a smirk as she shot a strand of webbing out between her hands. "Just not the one you originally intended."

"All of you. . . " Rarity said with tearful eyes. "I would gratefully accept your help." And so, the seven of them got to work putting together Rarity's new line for the competition. They wound up using unconventional types of garments such as lamp shades, curtains, and a few other types of room design that could serve as good outfit components. And with Silk Snare's spider silk, the outfits were held together quite securely and the light seemed to catch the almost invisible strands of webbing so that there was a little bit of a shine to the outfits as well. Needless to say, the judges were very impressed.

However, as the rounds continued, it became clear to Rarity that her friends were missing out on so much of what they wanted to do just for her sake. And on the second-to-last round's conclusion, Rarity couldn't let them continue on like this. "Girls? How about all of you call it a night. You've been putting so much into helping me, and it's taken up so much of your time here in Manehattan that you haven't gotten to enjoy yourselves."

"Rarity." Applejack said with a sigh. "We know how much this meant to ya sugarcube. That's why we're not flaking out on you right when you're so close to the end."

"Yeah." Rainbow Dash said with a nod. "Besides, our lives aren't gonna end if we miss some stupid play."

"All of you, please." Rarity said as she raised her hand for silence. "I truly appreciate the lengths you've gone to. But in good conscience, I can't just expect you to drop everything you have planned just for my sake. If I was ever that selfish, I could never forgive myself. So please, all of you, go have fun. Winning this competition would mean so much to me. But if the price I have to pay for winning is making all of you miserable? I'd be no better, or even worse, than Suri ever could be."

The rest of the Main 6 were hesitant to just leave Rarity to do the last of the work herself, but left when they saw Rarity's pleading smile. However, Silk Snare remained. "You know, that includes you as well Silk. You did say you wanted to explore around the city."

"Rarity. I haven't known you that long." Silk Snare said with a sigh. "But in the time I've spent with you, you've shown that you're more than worthy to be called the Element of Generosity. And I won't let such generosity go unrepaid. I'll work on the last line with you in your friends' stead. And I'll need to since you said we'd be using my silk to make the garments for the entirety of your last line for the competition." Silk then shot out a few strands of her webbing. "Just guide me on what design to make."

To Rarity's surprise, Silk Snare was quite adept at weaving her webbing into clothing. Then again, the tattered clothing Silk already wore was made by her. The only difference between that and the garments being made now was that the current creations were in pristine condition. And with Rarity adding her own skills as a seamstress to the mix, the final line was sure to win!

"Silk, darling. Why don't you take a break?" Rarity suggested. "All that's left is to work on the fine details and add a few splashes of color here and there. That's one of my specialties."

"Thanks." Silk said with a tired smile as she rubbed her wrists. "Not really feeling a lot of pain, but I am a bit sore from all that spinning and web shooting." Silk Snare exited the studio, and stopped by a vending machine to get something to drink. However, she was not alone in the hallway. Silk noticed Coco was standing nervously behind a nearby trash can. "You can come closer. I don't bite. Well, I don't bite people."

"O-Okay." Coco said shakily as she inched forward. "S-So what brings you out here?"

"I'm on break from helping our Rarity make her final line for the competition." Silk Snare said with a shrug. "You on your break too?" Coco nodded before wincing and rubbing her wrists gently. "Are you okay?"

"Well. . . " Coco said hesitantly.

"Don't try and lie to me." Silk Snare said as she narrowed her eyes. "I'm a changeling. I know a lot about lies and deception. There's no use in fooling me. Something's troubling you, so spill it. If there's anything changelings are good at, it's keeping secrets. No need to worry about me ratting you out."

"Well. . . it's because of what Suri did to Rarity." Coco said with a sad look in her eyes. "Suri stole something that Rarity put all her heart and effort into. And I saw how devastated she was. When I was making the clothes using that stolen fabric, it felt like creating it hurt every part of me. But then I saw how far Rarity's friends were willing to help her, and it made me think that Suri was wrong. The only problem is, I don't know what to do next."

Silk Snare took a long sip from her drink before answering. "The way I see it, the answer's simple. You had the chance to do the right thing before, but didn't." Coco looked dejected, but Silk wasn't finished. "That's the good thing about remorse. It means it's not too late to make things right. I should know." Silk thought back to when she and her fellow defector mutant changelings helped turn the tide at the Castalot Royal Wedding. "I've righted my own wrongs." Silk gave Coco a kind smile. "Just let me know if you want me to put Suri in a sticky situation."

Coco blushed. "I'll. . . think about that. . . " And with that, Coco dashed off to find Prim Hemline.

Cute girl. Silk Snare thought to herself as she watched Coco dash away. I could see myself with her. . . Silk tossed aside her musings as she downed the last of her drink. "So this is what they call getting struck by Cadence's arrow."

The next day was the final round. To no one's' surprise, Rarity was declared the winner. However, her celebration was cut short as Prim Hemline made an announcement.

"As much as I would like nothing more than to continue this joyous moment, I'm afraid I must put it on hold for a rather serious matter." Prim said with a blunt tone. "It has been brought to my attention that one of you contestants has plagiarized the work of another designer. Miss Polomore." Suri froze in hear. "I don't believer there are any words to fully describe how utterly disgusted and disappointed I am with your actions. It was your assistant, Miss Pommel, that brought your plagiarism to light. Never, under any circumstances, should a desire to win take priority over love for the craft."

"Y-You don't know what you're talking about!" Suri snapped! "It's everyone for themselves in this thing!"

"You are greatly mistaken Miss Polomoare." Prim said in a stern tone. "I have seen your fellow contestants assist each other because they want to compete with their peers at their best. And they will accept nothing less than going forward with the best of their ability. It is a behavior that has been frequently encouraged since fashion week was first established. Your actions have disgraced yourself and this competition. And so, you are hereby banned from ever entering fashion week and are blacklisted from competing in any other fashion events until further notice."

"You can't do this to me!" Suri screamed! "Do you know what I had to do to-MMPH!" A shot of webbing quickly silenced whatever Suri intended to say.

"I was getting really tired of her." Silk Snare said as she lowered herself on a strand of webbing. "Hope nobody else minds that I shut her up. Oh. And congrats on winning Rarity. I was watching from the best seat in the house." Silk Snare dropped to the floor. "Hey Coco. You said you were a local, right? Care to show me around the city?"

"I'd like that very much." Coco said with a shy smile.

"Great!" Silk Snare said as she hoisted Coco onto her back. "Hold on tight!" Silk Snare shot out a webline, and started webslinging around the city with Coco acting as her guide.

"Well." Rarity said. "Those two certainly seem like a nice pair. Now then. I believe a celebration is in order?" And with that, both teams of elements celebrated Rarity's win at fashion week.

But as the two teams of heroes celebrated, a new threat was starting to come onlin. On the outskirts of Manehattan, Big Saturn hovered ominously. Behind him, an entire robotic army stood at attention.

"Commander Covington." Big Saturn called out to the lead robot at the front of the army. "Ready our army. For tommorow, we march on Manehattan. . . "

Author's Note

Big Saturn of the Chaos Kin has arrived! And with his invasion, Manehattan becomes Battle City!

Episode 9: March of the Machina

Inferno Flare hummed to himself as he equipped himself with his Duelist Arms and headed off to where Burst was training Spike to use his Duelist Arm. But before Inferno left, he stopped by Rarity's room. "Hey Rarity. I'll be headed out to help Spike with his training. Want me to pick you up something on my way back?"

"No thank you darling." Rarity answered with a smile. "Nothing that I wouldn't be able to get for myself."

"Alright then." Inferno said with a nod. He then noticed the new spool of rainbow-colored thread in Rarity's hands. "When did you get that new fabric?"

Rarity smiled. "Coco gave it to me as a sort of apology gift for all the trouble I received from Suri. It also holds a lot of sentimental value for Coco. I'm almost afraid to make something with it for fear of tarnishing the value held by the memories attached to it."

"Whatever you do with it, I'm sure it'll be great." Inferno said as he wrapped one of his wings around Rarity before giving her a goodbye kiss. "Have fun with the rest of the girls. Celestia knows you've earned this little vacation after putting your heart out there during fashion week." And with that, Inferno headed out the door and flew off to where Burst was training Spike. "How're things coming along?"

"Pretty good." Burst said with a nod. "I guess all the time Spike spent on the shooter games at the arcade helped to build his visual tracking and reaction time. I'd have asked Steel if he had some actual targets to shoot up, but I figured giving Spike some moving targets by tossing some cans would give him some practice hitting aerial targets."

"Take that!" Spike cried out as he shot down another can! A flaming green energy blast shooting out from Spike's arm cannon! "So am I anywhere near your guys' level yet?"

"Slow down there bud." Inferno said with a chuckle. "Target practice is one thing. But it's another to fight an opponent that can actually hit back." Inferno was about to ready his weapons when the sound of clanking mechanical footsteps were heard throughout the entire city. "Uh, you guys heard that too right?"

"Yeah." Spike said with a nod. "Kinda sounds like a massive machine is moving." Just then, Fang called in to report that he'd heard the noise too.

"Whatever the source of the noise is, it's massive and made of a lot of metal." Fang said as his ears twitched as he listened in on the mechanical sounds. "I think I can hear it slowing down. Me and the others are starting to gear up. How so can we expect you to link up with us?"

"Immediately." Burst answered. "We'll teleport over to you now. Inferno? Contact Twilight and the girls. Something tells me we're going to need all the help we can get."

Inferno nodded. "Already on it." As soon as Inferno made his call, he looked to Spike. "Well Spike, I think you're about to get a whole lot more than you wished for." The three grouped together, and Burst teleported them to the location of the rest of the Elements of Heroism. The Main 6 arrived not long after. With Fang leading the way, both teams of elements made their way to the source of the noise. And what they saw made both teams of heroes freeze in their tracks. An entire army of machines was marching towards the city!

"So. . . who sent out the droid army?" Akage asked in an attempt to relieve the tension. It didn't have much effect, but everyone appreciated the ninja trying to add some levity to the situation.

A commander figure stepped forward. "Big Saturn told me to expect some resistance. " Commander Covington noted. "But I didn't expect such a small force to be foolish enough to stand against the might of the Machina Army." He then decided to make himself known to his enemies. "I am Commander Covington! Leader of the grand robotic army you see before you! In the name of Big Saturn, we claim this city as ours! Oppose us, and-!?!" Commander Covington was met with a shot from Burst Stream's blasters!

"What makes you think you've got the right to take what isn't yours you overgrown tin soldier?!" Burst snapped as he holstered one of his blasters and drew his sword! "The only place you're going is the scrapyard!"

"So it looks like you are all foolish enough to fight back." Covington said shakily as he was a bit scrambled from the lightning blasts from Burst's blasters. "A-A-T-T-TACK!" Machina Soldiers, Snipers, and Defenders marched forwar! However, they were slow due to their mechanical nature. Giving the heroes a significant advantage!

"Everyone hit the ground running!" Twilight and Burst ordered as both teams of elements rushed forward! Immediately throwing themselves into the fray! However, when some of the heroes were close to landing a hit one some of the Machina Soldiers, a smaller robot detached themselves from the larger units and took the hit instead!

"They've got shields that sacrifice themselves?!" Steel Edge said in shock as he witnessed the smaller Machina Gearframe explode upon being hit! Steel then cleaved the Machina Soldier advancing on him in two! "Too bad they're a one-use defense!"

Tyrannus was blasting wave after wave of Machina Soldiers! The blasts of thunder frying any that tried to slash at him with their blade arms! However, he noticed Fluttershy was being targeted by a Machina Sniper! Ty flew over to her, and blocked the shot with his body!

"That shot doesn't pack much of a hit." Tyrannus muttered as she charged at the Machina Sniper and punched a hole right through it! A mass of circuits and wires left crackling as he removed his fist! "But your poor choice of target is what set me off." Ty then proceeded to smash through the waves of Machina forces surrounding him and Fluttershy! Either by pounding them with his fists, or slicing into him with his raptor claw gauntlets! He then noticed that Commander Covington was still twitching from Burst's shot, and an idea came to him. "Fluttershy! Stay close to me!" Powering up his magic, Tyrannus summoned a series of thunderbolts that struck down the Machina advancing on him! Reducing them to burnt scrap metal!

Meanwhile Inferno was engaging his own wave of enemies with Rarity at his side! Shots from Inferno's blaster burning through the Machina Soldiers and Defenders while Rarity thrust forward with her rapier and let loose a barrage of gem shards from her steel fan!

"Don't worry about holding back Rarity!" Inferno cried out as he impaled the Machina Defender charging at him from its exposed underside! "These things are just walking piles of scrap metal!"

"Already ahead of you darling." Rarity said with a smirk as she used her magic to create a magic glyph that allowed her to bounce off the air and strike from different angles! "Twilight's been helping me work on incorporating my magic into my attacks!"

Meanwhile, Steel Edge and Rainbow Dash were making air raids on the Machina army! Steel Edge raining down a storm of dagger constructs with his magic and firing blade beams from his sword while Rainbow Dash let her boomerang tear through the waves of robots!

"That's another wave down for me!" Rainbow Dash said with a smirk as her boomerang came back to her! "How about you Steel?"

"Well, if you wanna keep score. . . " Steel said as he landed on the ground! "I'm about to add several more waves to mine." Steel charged up his magic, and activated the Blade Charge technique! "Burst! Care to lend me a hand with this?"

"Got it!" Burst said with a nod as he powered up his magic and performed Blade Charge on his own sword! "Let's send them to the scrapheap!" And the two proceeded to cleave a swath of destruction through the advancing Machina army!

Arctic Ace was firing blasts of ice magic and shattering the enemies he froze while his brothers Dark Ice and Shadow Thunder joined him a defensive circle! Ice cleaving through enemies while Shadow jabbed at the Machina with his spear! Before long, the Machina menacing them were nothing but worthless scrap metal!

Pinkie Pie and Akage were weaving their way through the enemy forces until they had gotten cornered. "Hey Akage? Mind if I take you for a spin?" Pinkie said as she swung her yo-yo. Akage smiled and nodded as Pinkie wrapped her yo-yo around Akage's legs and swung him around using her Earthbound strength! Akage using the momentum to cut through the Machina Snipers and Soldiers advancing on him and Pinkie! "My turn now?"

"Naturally." Akage said as he took hold of Pinkie's yo-you and swung her around! Pinkie Pie kicking the heads off each of the Machina stragglers that had surrounded them! Nearby, Applejack and Magnet North were blasting apart the Machina Defenders that had decided to advance!

"These varmints just don't know when to quit!" Applejack groaned as she blasted one of the Machina Defenders! "And those annoying little guys that detach themselves to take the hit instead aren't making this any easier!"

"Just get up-close and personal lass!" North said with a smirk as he dove underneath a Machina Defender, and pumped his shotblaster so that the red barrel was on top! "Like this!" North fired off his shotblaster point blank and blew a massive nole right through its core!

As the battle raged on, Twilight got an idea. "Burst! Charge up one of your lightning spells! I've got an idea how to end this fight in an instant!"

"I'm all ears Twilight!" Burst called back as he cut down a Machina Soldier and shot up a Machina Sniper before doing a combination of both to a Machina Defender! "What did you have in mind?!"

"Everyone, get back!" Twilight cried out as she powered up the spell charge function of her Harmony Keeper and pointed it at Burst as he faced what was still left of the advancing Machina Army! "Get ready Burst! The second you're charged up, let 'em have it!" Twilight fired the spell charge at Burst Stream! With his spell hyper-charged, Burst let loose a massive stream of lightning on the advancing Machina Army! The lightning shot out with deadly spead and struck fiercely! Every Machina it struck was like a gigantic chain reaction of destruction! The intense surge of electricity overloading them and making them explode! Pretty soon, barely even a fraction of Commander Covington's forces remained!

". . . Retreat!" Commander Covington hollared as he and the remains of his invasion force clanked off back to Big Saturn!

Both teams of elements cheered in victory! The Machina Army had been repulsed! As most of the current couples decided to celebrate together, Applejack approached North.

"That was mighty reckless of you back there North." Applejack said. "You'e lucky that these buckets of bolts are none too bright."

"I know." North said with a sigh. "But I just want to look out for you out th-" North was cut-off by a kiss on the cheek from Applejack!

"Ah didn't say anything about not appreciating it." Applejack said with a smirk. "Maybe when this is all over, Ah can finally get to know more abou you." North just blushed as Applejack walked off. Rarity noting the confidence in her friend's step.

"Finally have your eye on some one?" Rarity asked with a coy smile.

Applejack lowered her hat. "Let's just say I'm starting to know what being treated like a lady feels like."

Meanwhile, in an abandoned machinery building, Big Saturn hovered as he stared down at Commander Covington. "It seems your formation was not as flawless as you'd thought it was Commander."

"How?!" Commander Covington fumed as steam hissed out from his head! "My formation was perfect! How were my forces so thoroughly defeated?!"

"Our enemies possessed superior weaponry." Big Saturn replied. "So maybe it's time as we, as the humans would say 'bring out the big guns'." Two new Machina units, one with a large cannon on its back and one that was built like a tank rolled forward. "Next time, we strike at the heart of the city. . . "

Episode 10: Battle City

"So much for a little break from the action." Burst muttered to himself as he and the other Elements of Heroism returned to the hotel that the Elements of Harmony were also staying at. "Sorry to ruin today for you and the girls Twilight."

"Hey, it's fine." Twilight said with a small smile. "Both of us and our friends fight so that no one else has to. We've faced all kinds of villains together, and this time's no different."

"Yeah. But I don't think we've had to tend with so many enemy commanders at once." Burst said with a sigh. "Ty took out Tyrant Neptune. Splendid Venus is doing who knows what after Venus Bloomer gave her a verbal lashing. And we're currently dealing with Big Saturn trying to take over Manehattan. I'm also pretty sure we haven't seen the last of him or Commander Covington. Those robots we fought were just the standard grunts."

"Well, whatever they throw at us, you can bet we'll come out on top!" Twilight said with a cheerful smile. "Plus, if all else fails, you've still got your one-hit finish technique!"

"I haven't used it in a long while." Burst said with a chuckle. "Who knows when I'll need to whip it out again? Well, we'd better get some rest. Who knows when the next wave of machina might roll out to wreck the city?" And with that, both teams of elements were off to bed. However, the next morning held a rude awakening as a rumbling from the streets! Both teams of elements found tank-link and cannon-based machina units roaring through the streets!

"Looks like the rust buckets upgraded their arsenal from their last trip to the junkyard." Fang growled as he saw the Machina Fortress units plow through the city streets! "Though why aren't they just tearing up the city with their weapons?"

"They're banking on their intimidation factor." Steel Edge noted. "It's easy for resistance to crumble when you're big enough to run them over, or have a big enough gun to point around. Either way, no regular person would be in their right mind to take on those heavy metal monsters. Yo Dash? Care to make a few air raids?"

"Count me and my brothers in too." Arctic Ace chimed in. "I can blast them with my ice magic from the air while Shadow and Ice join you two in making raids on them from the air. A good number of us are fliers, so we've got an aerial advantage over them."

"I could also let loose a few thunderbolts." Tyrannus added. "Attacks based on electricity seem to have a pretty destructive effect on these walking piles of nuts and bolts. Especially if Burst and Twilight's strategy from yesterday is any indication."

Arctic Ace nodded. "Also, these new enemy units don't look like they're built for speed. Akage? Maybe you and Pinkie Pie could out maneuver them? You're some of the quickest fighters I know besides Rainbow Dash." Akage gave a short nod while Pinkie gave an excited one.

"I knew it was a good call to name you our strategist." Burst said with a nod. "Looks like we've got a battle plan. So let's send these mechs to the scrap heap!" The heroes equipped their weapons, and rushed outside to meet the machina that were causing mayhem! "Alright! Ace! Rainbow Dash! Get ready to make your attack run! We'll keep them occupied on the ground!"

"Roger that!" Steel cried out as he and Rainbow Dash led Ace, Shadow, Ice, and Ty on their run on the Machina Fortress and Machina Cannon units! However, the Machina Cannon locked onto them and blasted them out of the sky! "AGH!" All the fliers were soon dropping to the ground! "It looks like they learned since our last battle! They prepared for air raids!" Fluttershy quickly tended to the fliers' injuries with her healing staff as Burst cast the aegis spell to help guard them while the recovered!

"Then it looks like our battle's strictly grounded." Twilight noted as she fired off a massive blast of magic from her staff! Easily tearing through a Machina Fortress unit rolling towards her! "Everyone! Make sure to keep mobile! The cannons on these guys can do major damage, but it means nothing if you can move faster than they can shoot you!"

"Then it looks like this is our time to shine." Akage said with a smirk. "You ready Pinkie?"

"You know it!" Pinkie Pie chirped as she bounced onto the battlefield! She jumped between two Machina Fortress units, and stuck her tongue out at them! "Betcha can't hit me!" She bounced between the two long enough for the units' sights to lock onto each other! Pinkie Pie dropping to the ground as both fortresses let loose laser fire that destroyed each other! She then used her yo-yo to latch onto one of the Machina Fortress Units that was targeting her, and misdirect it into firing at another of its fellow tanks! "Whee!"

"Hey bolt brain!" Akage called out to the Machina Fortress he'd ran up to! "Don't lose your head!" One slash from Akage's sword, and the Machina Fortress was one head short! Akage kept at his hit-and-run tactics by using his speed to zip over to each Machina Fortress and stabbing his katana right through their heads! Making the tank-like terrors stop dead in their tracks! Sure enough, Akage was right in the line of a Machina Cannon! The heavy metal monster flicked its wrists, and fired the machine guns mounted on its arms! However, the bullets seemed to pass right through Akage! Pinkie, curious to the odd occurrence, swung her yo-yo to try and snatch Akage right out of the line of fire. Only to find that it was merely an afterimage. The real Akage had slipped right under the Machina Cannon's vulnerable underside, and jammed his sword right into the gears making it function! The jam made the cannon spasm and sputter, and it broke apart!

"Hey, no need to fall to pieces." Akage quipped as he sheathed his blade. "Then again, I did cause your tank buddies to lose their heads." He then saw several more Machina Fortress units roll up, and was shocked to see some of them shifting to a bipedal form. Machina Megaform. "Okay. Those might be a problem. If this is about the robot jokes, I'm sorry if I made you all blow a gasket."

"Yup." Pinkie Pie said with a nod. "My yo-yo can't reach that far, and I don't think tying one leg would be enough to trip them up!"

"Not to mention most of our fliers are still downed!" Fang growled as he tore through the core of a Machina Fortress Unit with his claw gauntlet!

"These things are made of sterner stuff than the last wave!" Venus grunted as he lashed away with his whip at a Machina Fortress unit! It took a lot of hits, but he managed to yank the head off of the tank! "There's got to be an easier way to trash these things!"

At hearing the words of Venus, an idea came to Burst Stream! "Applejack! North! See if you can get the attention of the walking cannons! I've got a plan!"

"I've got you covered lad!" Magnet North said with a nod. He then turned to face Applejack. "Well lass? How's this for a first date?"

"Wouldn't go that far sugar cube." Applejack said with a smirk. "That might change after this tussle though." The two shooters fired away! While their shots weren't enough to make a dent in the Machina Megaform units, they were certainly more than enough to get the mechs' attention for Bust to pull off his strategy!

"Here goes nothing!" Burst thought out loud as he charged up his White Lightning Overdrive, and teleported right up to the head of the Machina Megaform that Applejack and Magnet North were distracting! Slamming the overdrive right into the mech's face! "TIME TO GET UP IN YOUR FACE!" The megaform fell to the ground with a thud, and soon exploded! "Keep it up you two!"

"Don't worry about them!" Twilight called out as she used her magic to cast a shield spell around Applejack and Magnet North! "I've got them covered while they cover you!" Twilight then fired a massive beam of magic that made one of the Machina Megaform topple! "And I can also knock them down to set you up!"

"Thanks Twi!" Burst said with a nod as he teleported to the toppled Machina Megaform, and smashed another White Lightning Overdrive into it! "Their numbers are starting to wear down! Just a few more, and we'll be clear!" With that, Burst continued his warp assault on the remaining Machina units! Teleporting up to the Megaforms that Twilight toppled and striking them with an overdrive! Before long, all that remained were a few Cannon units that Burst took care of in short order with a well-placed White Lightning Overdrive to the face! Any fire that the cannons directed at him intercepted by a quick casting of the aegis shield spell! Before long, the battlefield that was the streets was littered with scrap-metal!

"That's. . . the last of them. . . " Burst Stream panted as his arms fell to his sides. "Anymore. . . drones to decimate?" Suddenly, the sound of someone clapping was heard. Commander Covington stepped onto the battle with only a single Machina Soldier, Sniper, and Defender by his side.

"Impressive." Covington stated as he surveyed the wreckage that was once his heavy Machina units. "Your style of fighting is quite effective. Despite the numbers that were at my disposal and the firepower, it was useless against a small skilled force such as yourselves. So I decided to take your approach. . . " Covington snapped his fingers. "And adapt it to my tactics." The Machina Soldier, Defender, and Sniper disassembled themselves, and recombined into a single unit! "I give you the culmination of my forces! Machina Force! A single unit with the strength of three! And with enough firepower to wipe you out! FIRE!"

Machina Force let out a volley of missiles from its shoulder-mounted launchers, and a barrage of laser fire from the beam rifle in its arms! The storm of projectiles creating a cloud of dust! The second Machina Force was done with its assault, its entire body fell limp! Steam hissing from its core! Commander Covington gazed proudly at the cloud of dust, but a voice form within the cloud made his proud expression drop instantly.

"Nice attack. Too bad it didn't hit a thing." Burst said as he stepped out from the dust cloud! "And it looks like your 'ultimate force' is a piece of junk given how much power it expends in just one attack. Looks like it needs to cool down after burning so much power. That makes it a glass cannon." Burst charged up one last White Lightning Overdrive, and leaped into the air! Striking at the center of the powered down Machina Force! "Time to smash it! WHITE LIGHTNING OVERDRIVE!" And with one hit, Machina Force was burst apart! Not even a single nut or bolt to be found of the mechanical menace!

"Im--possible-!" Commander Covington sputtered! "My formation. . . was perfect!"

"Little tip bolt brain!" Burst called out as he whipped out his blasters and charged them up! "Nobody's perfect!" And Burst unleashed a twin charge shot that tore through Covington! Rendering the commander of the Machina into little more than scrap metal! As both teams of elements gathered, the entire city cheered for the heroes who had triumphed! The headline of the newspaper reading "Victory of Battle City!" A fitting title considering all of Manehattan had become a battleground.

"It's not over yet." Burst said with a tired smile. "Big Saturn's still out there, so we've gotta deal with him next."

Inferno smirked. "True enough buddy. But right now? I think you'd better worry about getting some rest. Celestia knows you need it after taking on an entire army like that."

"Yeah. I guess I do. . ." And with that, Burst Stream returned to his room. But the second he lay down on his bed, he felt pain in his right arm! "Ah!" Burst clutched his arm. "Better not lie down on it. Don't want to hurt it anymore." Gently, Burst turned to his left side, and fell asleep. However, there was something wrong. On his right arm, a small crack had formed. And energy and magic could be seen streaming through the crack.

Episode 11: Heart of a Hero

"Perhaps I've decided to sit out of the conflict for too long." The young man said as he looked over the newspaper article entailing the Elements of Harmony and Elements of Heroism's battle in Manehattan. "They've never faced so enemies before, and each evil they face seems to escalate." He then looked to the glowing mark on his arm. It was now glowing more bright than it ever had before. "But even if I had answered the call, I couldn't have done anything."

The young man took a deep breath, and closed his eyes reflecting upon his resignation from the Night Guard and his full-time devotion to the project he'd been working on ever since he'd received the mark on his arm. Every time that either of the current teams of elements went into battle, it glowed. The young man looked into a nearby mirror. His skin was midnight blue, and he had silver hair like the pale light of the moon while his eyes were a light yellow. The bat wings on his back made it clear he was a Shadewing, the nocturnal cousin of the Skyborn. His frame was skinny, and his choice of clothing consisted of jeans, a grey dress shirt, a pair of light purple sneakers, and a lab coat covered with grease and oil stains.

"But not anymore." The young man said as he set the paper down on the table in front of him as he got up to go into his lab. "What I fail to add with my body, I'll more than make up for with what I've made thanks to the field I specialize in." He stared at the suit of silver hi-tech armor that stood in his lab. The helmet of the suit vaguely resembling an eastern-style dragon. "A hero needs the right tools for the job. All I had to do was make my own." And with that, the young man immediately set to equipping the hi-tech suit of armor. He then looked to a case he'd set on one of his work benches and opened it up to reveal what looked like numerous watches. Each of them in the color scheme of each team of elements' members. "I'm arriving pretty late to the party. Better bring some nice gifts to make up for my tardiness." The young man slipped on his suit's helmet, and looked up as the roof of his lab opened up! "Time to see if jet boots are easier than a pair of wings." He grabbed the case, and the jet boots of his suit fired up! "Next stop: Manehattan!"

Meanwhile, both teams of elements were dealing with Big Saturn of the Chaos Kin! The robotic villain wasting no time in powering himself up by throwing the scrap of his minions into his core! Boosting his power and letting him send even Tyrannus Rex flying with a robotic fist rocketing right into his chest!

"I suppose I should thank you for rendering most of my minions scrap-metal!" Big Saturn boasted as he shoved more Machina remains into his core! Boosting his power even more! "You've given me quite the substantial power supply!"

"This creep's got a twisted sense of recycling." Magnet North muttered as he fired a blue shot from his shot-blaster to draw Big Saturn into the shot's detonation range! It worked, but the blast left little more than scorch marks on Big Saturn's body! "Blast! I should've guessed that floating junk pile was made of sterner stuff!" He then noticed Big Saturn turn his attention to Applejack who was pelting Big Saturn while Pinkie Pie had fired off a blast from her party cannon!

Just as Big Saturn launched his fist, Magnet North jumped in its path to intercept it! Grasping onto it the second it made impact and hitting it with one of his hands channeling magic! "GAH!" North screamed as he hit the ground and let go of Big Saturn's rocket fist! The fist then shot back towards Big Saturn! Socking him right in the face!

"North!" Applejack cried out as she rushed to the Element of Nobility's side. "Aw heck! You tanked a pretty hard hit to the gut sugarcube." Applejack helped Magnet North up and had him lean on her. "That was a mighty crazy move back there." She then blushed a little. "But, thanks for the save."

Magnet North smiled weakly. "Well, better for gut to be busted instead of your pretty face. You know, you're a lot more gentle than you look Applejack."

"Anymore compliments out of you, and I might think you were hit in the head." Applejack said with a smirk as she brought Magnet North over to Fluttershy so he could be healed.

"Dammit!" Burst Stream muttered as he narrowly avoided a devastating hit from Big Saturn's fists! "Looks like I need to kick things up a notch!" Burst took a deep breath, and transformed into his nightmare form! "Rust in pieces you floating ball of junk!"

Nightmare Burst charged at Big Saturn! Unleashing a furious barrage of slashes with his sword! Sparks showered forth with each strike that hit, but it barely made a dent! "WHY. DON'T. YOU. BREAK?!" Nightmare Burst screamed as he fired off a point-blank charge shot from one of his blasters right before being knocked away by one of Big Saturn's arms! "AGH!"

"It'll take more than that to-AUGH!!" Burst staggered as he reverted to his normal for! Pain shot across his entire body! "W-What was that?!" Burst transformed into his nightmare form once again, but soon changed back when he felt discomfort during his transformation. What's happening?! I never had any trouble going into my nightmare form before! And I haven't felt pain when transforming! But he didn't have any time to further contemplate on the issue when Big Saturn launched a fist at him!

"Not good!" Inferno muttered. "Steel! Ty! Ace! Twilight! Any luck hitting it with magic?"

"No luck!" Twilight called out! "That ring around Big Saturn is absorbing any magic we hit it with! So wiping him out with spells isn't a viable option!"

"Uh. . . guys?" Spike asked nervously. "I think he's about to let out all that he's taken!" Everyone looked in the direction Spike was pointing to see the floating ring of energy around Big Saturn glow brightly before releasing a wave of energy that knocked them all to the ground!

"You like that? I call it my vengeance ring." Big Saturn gloated as he hovered over the recovering teams of elements. "Every hit you've dished out at me, the ring absorbs the damage I take and I can release it all back in a single destructive wave! In other words, none of you can hit me! Smash away all you like, it only ensures my counterattack will devastate you!"

As Big Saturn trumpeted his victory early, the armored young man hovered in the sky above and flicked his wrist. A small laser module popped up on his right arm, and he aimed at Big Saturn's back.

So as long as that ring's up, you can be a damage sponge. He thought to himself. Let's see how well you operate with that function removed! The young man fired the laser, and hit his mark dead-on! Big Saturn panicked when he saw the ring of energy around him began to fade! "Bigger isn't always better Saturn!" The young man landed on the battleground! Both teams of elements watching in awe!

"Who is this guy?!" Twilight asked herself as she watched the new combatant stare down Big Saturn! "And how was he able to take out Saturn's vengeance ring?"

"You little piece of scrap!" Big Saturn bellowed! "How did you manage to take out my vengeance ring?!"

"Like I said. Bigger isn't always better!" The young man shot back! "Sure. You're built a lot sturdier than the grunts you've sent out and you can hit harder. But that just means you've got a bigger weakpoint to exploit! For example, that generator on your back!" Both teams of elements were surprised to see smoke coming out of the generator on Big Saturn's back as he struggled to hover! "All I needed was one good shot with my laser, and you're grounded!"

"You may have grounded me. . . "Big Saturn said coldly. "BUT I'LL BE THE ONE WHO CRUSHES YOU!" Big Saturn rushed over to the new combatant and landed a brutal punch right to the young man's chest! Armor flying off as the young man was sent flying! "I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET!" Big Saturn hovered up to the young man, grabbed him by the faceplate of his helmet, and smashed him to the ground! Fortunately, the other heroes on the scene decided to intervene before any more damage could be done! "YOU INSECTS WANT TO BE CRUSHED NEXT?! FINE! BRING IT ON, ALL OF YOU!"

While her friends engaged Big Saturn, Twilight flew over to the young man to try and help him. She heard his groan in pain as she tired to pry him out of the crater he'd formed as gently as she could! "Easy there. Easy. I've got you." Twilight noticed the pair of bat wings now exposed since the young man's suit of armor had been smashed apart. She also noticed the panicked look in his pale yellow eyes. "You took a pretty bad hit, but you're still alive. That's very good. My friends are fighting, but they're going to need serious help if we want to end this fight. You with me?"

"No." The young man shook his head. "I can't. Not like this." He then looked at the remains of his hi-tech armor. "This armor was the only thing that allowed me to fight. It's the only way I could answer the call of a hero that I've been hearing for so long. Without it, I'm nothing. My only weapon got smashed. If anything, all I'm going to be is a liability to all of you." He then stared at the ground in defeat. "I failed. . . "

Twilight steeled her gaze. "No you haven't! Because this suit isn't what makes you a hero!" She clamped her hand on the young man's shoulder! "Take a look at my friends!" She pointed to both teams of elements engaging Big Saturn! Though they would be knocked away by Big Saturn's fists, they still got back up to continue the fight! Especially when innocent people were in the line of fire. "They'll all giving it their best! No matter how hurt they become, they can't just sit by and let people get hurt when evil's running amuck! None of us are heroes because of the tools or powers we have, or because some of us have ascended to godhood and immortality! We're heroes because we stand for what's right! For what's in here!" Twilight thumped her chest for emphasis. "So what do you feel in here?" She then flew off, and fired a massive blast of magic at Big Saturn!

As he watched the battle unfold, the young man looked to see the many civilians with looks of hope and anxiety as they watched both teams of elements take on Big Saturn. He even saw some hopeful stares directed at him. With the brutal assault on him from Big Saturn passed, the young man closed his eyes and put a hand over his chest. In specific, his heart. And as his heart beat, he found the answer to Twilight's question. He rocketed right towards Big Saturn with his rocket boots! Surprised by this sudden charge, Big Saturn was knocked to the ground!

I havent' fully tested these yet. Heck, this suit's a prototype! The young man thought to himself as the palm of his right hand glowed with light! But doing nothing while people need help? What kind of a hero would I be then?! "Eat Strident Blast!"

Big Saturn recoiled as the blast hit him right in the face blasting apart a good portion of his armor! "You. . . YOU. . . !" Suddenly, Big Saturn's core began to glow bright red! "I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF ALL OF YOU! IF I GO DOWN, I'LL TAKE YOU ALL WITH ME!"

"Oh no you won't!" Twilight snapped as she cast a shield spell around Big Saturn! "All you're going to do is blow up on yourself!" Big Saturn's eyes went wide when he realized his intended self-destruction would only take himself out, but it was too late. His core was already on meltdown, and the resulting explosion nearly made the shield spell shatter! "Whew! That almost blew up in our faces!"

"Yeah. Talk about that guy blowing a fuse." The young man joked. "By the way, I'm sorry I've kept you all waiting." The young man removed what was left of his armor, and pulled up the sleeve of his lab coat to reveal his hero crest! "Ever since this mark appeared on my arm, I've been listening to my heart a lot. I figure that's gotta be the component of heroism I represent."

"So you're the Element of Heart, huh?" Twilight asked. "You've certainly got a good one since you flew in to save the day. Got a name?"

"Uh, Nightfall. Nightfall Silver." Nightfall said nervously. He was blushing at Twilight's smile. "O-Oh! I brought you all a little present to make up for my late arrival!" Nightfall hurriedly grabbed the case he'd been carrying, and presented both teams of elements with the communicators he'd made. "They'll help us keep in touch! I-I hope you like them!"

He's so cute when he look flustered. Twilight thought with a blush. "So did you make that suit of armor yourself? That's pretty impressive! Most technology involves some form of magic, but you've made it function so well without it."

"O-Oh. You like it?" Nightfall asked with a hopeful look in his eyes. The blush never leaving his face. "It's my first working concept. I had so many features I wanted to include, but I didn't have the time since I wanted to make my big entrance."

"Really?" Twilight asked. "Maybe I could help you make your next version. Imagine what you could do with magic enhancing your suit's tech?"

"Really?!" Nightfall squealed with delight! "That sounds so cool! I can't wait!" A realization then hit him. "Aw man! I'm gonna need to move all my equipment out of Castalot and get a new job! I'm even gonna need a new house!"

"Well, I've got some extra space at my library." Twilight offered. "I'm a princess myself. Maybe I can help you get settled in Unityville?"

"You'd do that for me? AWESOME!" Nightfall was practically beaming with happiness. "Oh, I can't wait to get started on my next suit! It's gonna be so sick! Oh all the upgrades I can add to it with your help! Hey, do you think . . .?"

As Nightfall trailed on, Twilight couldn't help but smile. He's a huge nerd. I love it! However, her thoughts were cut short when all the Elements of Heroism's crests began to glow! Each crest seemed to leave their bearer and float around in a circle before returning to their respective owners. "Looks like the gang's all here."

Author's Note

At last, all the Elements of Heroism have been assembled! But what's happening with Burst? And with the arrival of Nightfall Silver, is love in the air for Twilight Sparkle?

Episode 12: New Additions to the Library

Nightfall Silver was incredibly nervous. I still can't believe it. . . Nightfall thought to himself as he sat next to Twilight Sparkle on the train ride from Castalot back to Unityville. This is my first time outside of Castalot. Honestly, I never pictured myself going anywhere else until now when I became an Element of Heroism. Nightfall's hands trembled despite his best attempts to hide said trembling. Something that Twilight took notice of.

"First time away from your hometown?" Twilight asked with a kind smile. Nightfall gave her a shaky nod in reply. "I know the feeling. It's a lot like when Princess Celestia sent me off to Unityville to make some friends. I thought I wouldn't need any friends. But on that first day, I was proven just how wrong I was. Because I made friends, I've been able to do so many incredible things. And some of them alongside me now stand among the princesses as avatars." She then blushed. "Sorry! Getting a little off-topic! The point is, don't be too worried Nightfall. You're going to be just fine in Unityville! Heck, something tells me the guys will become fast friends with you!"

"Thanks. . . Twilight." Nightfall said with a small smile. Such a cute smile. And her eyes sparkling? Easy to see how she got her last name. "Anyway, how are you so sure that me and the guys are going to be good friends?"

"Oh, that's simple!" Twilight beamed. "They hold a sleepover for every new element of their team that joins up! It's their method of having team-building and ice-breaking all in one. Plus, you're in for quite the party once you get to town."

"The whole town's holding a party just for me joining up as the last Element of Heroism?" Nightfall asked with a confused look on his face. "I know the Elements of Heroism are Unity's protectors, but that seems a little excessive."

"Not the whole town." Twilight said with a giggle. "Let's just say Pinkie Pie is incredibly welcoming to new arrivals. I should know. The day I moved into the library, she threw a surprise welcome party at my new home. It was the hottest party of the year. Because it was for the Summer Sun Celebration, and I accidentally drank hot sauce."

"Pffft!" Nightfall couldn't contain himself! "AH ha ha ha ha! I-I'm sorry!"

"Hey! I thought it was punch!" Twilight said with an exaggerated pout. "Then again, that gives me a good way to teach Spike how to breath fire."

"Heh! Nice one." Nightfall snickered. "Btw, where DO you keep Spike in your home? I really don't wanna be the guy that kicks him out of his own bed."

"Spike's taken up the couch ever since he grew up. Literally, he grew up. It was only a week or two ago that he was just a little dragon."

". . . You still treat him like a kid, don't you?" Nightfall asked with a smirk.

Twilight smiled. "Hey. Let me enjoy being the older sibling for as long as I can. Spike's literally growing up so fast." The adorkable pair shared a laugh, and the train soon came to a stop at Unityville Station. "Huh. Time really flies by when you're with good company." The pair soon exited the train car, and collected Nightfall's equipment and luggage. "You want some help with these? I don't want to sound mean but, how were you able to lift most of this stuff let alone help move it?"

"Well, I used to be a member of the Night Guard." Nightfall said with a shrug as he picked up a crate of equipment. "But I quit not long after my hero crest appeared on my arm. My heart told me I had the right idea, but the wrong execution. So, I turned to what I was best at. Working with technology and machines." Nightfall smiled fondly. "Ever since I was a kid, it was like I could talk to the machines. Around the house and my dad's workshop, I could somehow always tell just what needed to be fixed or improved or what parts were needed."

"I guess we're pretty similar then." Twilight said with a smile as she used her newfound avatar strength to grab a few more of Nightfall's things. "I'm a gigantic bookworm. And before you make the joke, yes. The library is my natural habitat." The two shared a laugh as the headed for Twilight's library. "You can put your equipment in my lab in the basement. That's where I'll be helping you upgrade yout tech into magi-tech."

"Thanks." Nightfall said with a nod. "Hey, does Unityville have tech center?"

Twilight shook her head. "No, I don't think so. Then again, with the level your tech is on, we might need to take it to CSGM to even get it looked at."

"You misunderstand." Nightfall said with a chuckle. "I'm asking so I can be the one to fix other people's things." He set his things in a corner of Twilight's lab. "We can start ugrading my suit tomorrow. Until then, I think I'll take a look around town. Maybe I can see some of the other guys." Nightfall was up the stairs to the main floor when he was meet with a blast of confetti to the face. As soon as he cleared the festive mess from his face, Nightfall was met with the sight of both teams of elements. Orrr they could come to me. Nice.

"SURPRISE!" Everyone cheered with Pinkie Pie blowing a party blower right in Nightfall's face!

"I told you that you'd be seeing Pinkie soon." Twilight said as she put a party hat on Nightfall. "Come on! It'll be weird if you didn't join in on your own party!" And with that, Nightfall Silver's welcome party was in full-swing. But the fun was far from over despite the party soon ending. Nightfall was soon with the other Elements of Heroism having a sleepover at Burst's place.

"So Nightfall. What inspired you to make your armor?" Burst Stream asked. "I've seen my share of comics, anime, and video games. So where'd you get the idea to make it?"

"Well, you guys promise not to think I'm a nerd?" Nightfall asked nervously. The rest of the guys nodded. "Okay then. You see. . . " Nightfall pulled out a deck of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. "I based the main design off of the Cyber Dragon. It's my favorite monster from the card game." He then saw the guys just staring blankly. "You probably think that's lame, huh?"

Slowly, the rest of the guys smiled as they pulled out their own favorite Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. "Dude. You are among friends." Burst said with a smile. "So, who wants to go a few rounds on my consoles?" Everyone was about to cheer, but they went silent as soon as Akage raised his hand.

"Oh come on guys!" Akage protested. "Fighting games aren't nearly as fun if its just me going up against the CPU!"

"I'll take you on." Nightfall said with a smirk as he scooted forward. He then noticed everyone staring at him with looks of shock and horror. ". . . What?"

"Nightfall, you're either brave or crazy." Dark Ice said. "And take it from the Element of Courage, I think you're the latter. All of us have gotten DESTROYED by Akage whenever we get pitted against him in a video game. In ANY genre. And if his gaming skills are anything to go by, his fighting skills are even more deadly!"

"Then he hasn't met a challenger like me before." Nightfall said with a shrug. "How about it Akage? You ready to take me on?"

Akage smirked. "I would welcome that. Even our leader and his second-in-command can just barely stand on their own against my gaming skills. This might not be a sparring session, but it'll show us what you're made of all the same. GAME ON!" And so, the two began going at it in a round of Smash Bros.! It surprised everyone that Nightfall was on the same level as Akage! The two were rapidly chaining commands on their controllers! Seemingly predicting and countering the other's moves perfectly! It seemed like the match would go on forever until the timer ran out and it went into sudden death!

Both Nightfall and Akage steeled their gazes as they gripped their controllers. As soon as the sudden death match kicked off, the two of them were mashing the buttons on their controllers with an unheard of speed and ferocity! Neither was giving the other any room to breathe! And just when it seemed like it wouldn't end, both of them dropped their controllers and started wriggling their fingers!

"If that was anything sort of indicator," Akage began. "Then you've definitely got plenty of inner strength. No wonder you're the Element of Heart."

"Thanks." Nightfall said with a slightly pained smile. "I haven't had to work my thumbs that hard in a long while. But if that's the only strength I've got? I'm not sure I'm cut out for this."

"You're wrong." Burst said as he stood up and walked over to Nightfall. "Even when your suit was badly damaged, you still charged forward because people needed help. You didn't let the odds stop you when things got tough." He then put a hand on Nightfall's shoulder. "You've got the heart of a hero Nightfall. That counts more than you could ever know."

". . . You're still gonna train me, right?" Nightfall asked.

"Of course!" Steel Edge chimed in! "We've gotta get you in shape for when Twilight decides to go steady with you!"

"W-What?!" Nightfall sputtered! "I-I don't like her that way!"

"Dude. I could feel how much your spirit amplified when she gave you that pep talk when you showed up." Venus Bloomer said with a smile. "Plus, there was also how much she loosened up around you at the party. In fact, you're doing a pretty lousy job of trying to hide your feelings. I'd say she already knows how you feel. Books aren't the only thing she's good at reading."

"Fine. I admit it. I like her." Nightfall said with a sigh. "She's just so adorkable!" And at that very moment, Twilight Sparkle sneezed. Right as she was looking at the helmet from Nightfall's suit.

"My shining cyber knight. . . " She said with a dreamy smile.

Episode 13: Upgrades

"Hmm." Nightfall Silver was giving the form his upgraded suit a good look over. "The new design's a lot sleeker than my old one and it looks more armored too. Overall, it's a huge improvement from the model it was previously."

"That's good to hear." Twilight said with a smile as she levitated over the suit's power source. "Most of vehicles run on a magic-based engine that cuts the need for fuel. All we needed to do was just make one on a smaller scale that'll fit the suit." She then noticed how cautious Nightfall was in installing the suit's power supply. "You're pretty tense. Did something like this lterally blow up in your face once?"

"Sorry, but this caution isn't exclusive for the power source." Nightfall said with a nervous chuckle as he put the power source in place. "I'm cautious with every piece of tech and its components. I feel that the care and effort you put into assembling something is felt when you see the finished product. My dad shared that thought with me whenever we'd get together to build something. He taught me a lot about how to live. I think the most important lesson he ever taught me was that while tech can enhance life, it shouldn't replace it. That it never hurt to get your own hands dirty and just explore the world and enjoy it as it is."

"I'd say that's a pretty good lesson." Twilight said with a smile. She then noticed the sad look in Nightfall's eyes. "Nightfall? If you don't mind me asking, did something happen to your father? And you also seem to never talk about your mother either. I don't want to sound like I'm prying, but if you don't want to-"

"No." Nightfall sighed. "Maybe it's better that I talk with someone about my family life. Celestia knows I've kept it to just myself for far too long. My dad's name was Silver Gear. You might know him as one of the best inventors in the field of magi-tech."

"I knew you looked a little familiar!" Twilight said in awe. "One of Silver's most distinguishing traits was his silver hair. You seem to have inherited that from him. Along with his talent with technology given how you've been able to build this suit of armor." Twilight then decided to return to the topic at hand. "So, what happened to him?"

"He was working on something." Nightfall said. "It was some sort of new project that he'd been working on. I remember him saying that it was like living technology. But shortly after he started working on it, he disappeared. And I haven't seen him since. All I remember was that he'd thrown himself into that last project. I was about ten when it happened."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Twilight said sadly. "I couldn't even imagine what it would be to lose a parent like that at your age." She then came to another thought. "Did. . . you have to deal with that feeling more than once?"

"No." Nightfall shook his head, and clenched his fist. "I guess you could say I had to deal with something worse. A mother who didn't bother to look at me as a child. Maybe you've heard of her too. Her name is Abacus Cinch. She was the former principal of Castalot Prep."

"I remember seeing her visit once at Celestia's School for Gifted Magi." Twilight said. "At the first sight of her, I instantly didn't like her. She just seemed to give off this unpleasant aura the moment she set foot in the school. I'm just glad I never saw her again after that." Twilight then realized who she was talking about was in relation to her current company. "B-But I'm sure she was a very caring person around you!"

"Heh. If only." Nightfall said with a bitter smile. "After my dad disappeared, she started to pressure me into taking up his work when I had barely any concept of what he'd been working on. She wanted to uphold her reputation of 'excellence' by having a child prodigy who was her own child. Working on technology was something I did with my dad for fun. For enjoyment. And she twisted it into something that would make her look like the picture of an elite mother and head of education."

Nightfall clenched his fist even tighter. "But there was probably more to it than that. Maybe she did it to feel like dad was still with us, or maybe she saw how much of him was in me. But all the same, I couldn't forgive her for that!" Though it wasn't too clear, Nightfall's entire body was trembling. "The worst part is, she used the excuse that it would be what dad wanted. But how could she know?!" Soon enough, Nightfall's trembling ceased. "How could she. . . when she so easily gave up any hope he was still out there. The second I got out of high school, I joined the Night Guard just to get away from her and I set myself up in my dad's old workshop."

"Nightfall. . . " Twilight said as she wrapped her arms around Nightfall. "I'm so sorry you've gone through this. You're so similar to me, but also so different. I grew up surrounded by a loving family. But the family you had fell to pieces when you were just a kid. But both of us thought we were better off alone until we began to see how wrong we were." She then enhanced the hug by wrapping her wings around Nightfall. "I can't fix what happened back then. But I can make things better for you in the present."

"You know Twilight?" Nightfall said with a small smile. "I think you're just the upgrade I've needed in my life." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Night."

"Hm?"

"You can call me Night for short." Nightfall said with a slight blush. "My dad used to call me it all the time. Especially whenever my mother would insist I be called by my full name."

"Sure thing. . . Night." Twilight said with a small blush as she released Nightfall from her embrace. "Speaking of upgrades, how do you feel about making the suit have a modular nature so that it can equip different pieces of support gear?"

"That sounds great. It'll allow me to be more versatile in combat. In fact. . . " Nightfall pulled out a couple more blueprints for support gear and equipment he had originally planned on building. One such being an old-school flip phone that doubled as a laser gun. "I've got a few items I've been meaning to get off the ground."

Author's Note

As you can guess, more of Nightfall's arsenal will be based on the Cyber/Cyber Dragon archetype. As for the phone? Well, it's a little something I saw from Kamen Rider Faiz that I thought would look cool and fit right into Nightfall's arsenal.

Episode 14: Rainbow Falls

Well, it's not the ideal flight team I had in mind to represent Unityville. But, hey. They were selected, so that speaks way more about their ability than their looks. Rainbow Dash thought with a small smirk as she looked over Bulk Biceps and Derpy. Plus, with my skills, I'll be more than enough to land us the top ranking to make it into the Unity Games!

"You sure seem happy Dash." Steel Edge said with a smile as he flew alongside his girlfriend. "Let me guess. Competing in the Unity Games is another one of your dreams?"

"You bet!" Rainbow Dash said with her signature grin. "When I was a little kid, I wanted Cloudsdale to be where the games were held sooo badly! Unfortunately, that didn't quite pan out. But still, it's not the location that matters. Unless it's the Crystal Empire. THAT'S a place that NEEDS to have the games be held there! Those people were gone for a thousand years. It's part of why me and the girls worked so hard to make sure the representative for the games thought it would be the perfect location!"

"And I'm guessing you're flying to represent Cloudsdale in the games?" Steel asked with a barely visible smirk.

"Eh. Cloudsdale is my original home." Rainbow Dash said with a shrug. "But Unityville's my home now." She then turned serious for a moment. "And I don't think I'd want certain people gawking over me being in the games."

Well this is new. Steel Edge thought to himself. This is the first time I've ever heard of Rainbow Dash not wanting somebody's attention. Come to think of it. . . I don't think she's ever had me meet her parents. Granted, I don't know which of us is supposed to show the other to their parents first. Oh well. No sense thinking about it too hard. "Well, good luck out there. If you need me, I'll be wearing this." Steel Edge then slipped on a t-shirt depicting the phrase: Rainbow Dash is Best Girlfriend. "And holding this." Steel then whipped out a sign he'd made that read: 20% cooler, 80% awesome, 100% percent my girl.

"Gee Steel." Rainbow Dash said with a slight blush. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were one of my biggest fans."

Steel Edge smiled. "I'm your boyfriend. It's part of my job. Besides, I know how much you love being cheered for. Might as well go all-out for my girl."

"You know me so well babe." Rainbow Dash said with a smirk as she hovered over to Steel and kissed him. "You know, I never did get to pay you back for taking care of me when my wing was busted."

"No need to repay me." Steel said with a smirk of his own. "It was, my honor." The two shared a brief chuckle over the pun. "Good look up there Rainbow."

"Thanks. But I'd rather rely on skill!" Rainbow Dash said with a wink as she led her teammates to practice. It came as no surprise that Rainbow Dash was the best flier on her team. The actual qualifier for the Unity Games began not long after Rainbow Dash's Unityville team started practicing. Much like the rest of the Main 6 predicted, Rainbow Dash more than made up for the flying ability of her team with her own speed and flight ability. She even managed to keep up an even pace with the Wonderbolts! Something that the elite flying team took great note of.

Sure enough, the beginning portion of the qualifier, Soarin crashed! Spitfire and Fleetfoot shared a knowing look at each other and smirked before slipping on their sunglasses. Right as Rainbow Dash was helping Soarin up from his crash.

"You alright?" Rainbow Dash asked. Soarin gave her a weak thumbs-up before wincing in pain as his wing twitched in pain when he tried to flap it. He also limped since his crash had broken one of his legs. Thankfully, the medical staff were quick to respond and carted Soarin off to receive help. Rainbow Dash then saw the remaining members of the Wonderbolts team walk up to her.

"Hey there! Rainbow Dash, right?" Spitfire greeted. "I remember that sick recovery you pulled off back at the Grand Gala. I guess this is twice now that you've helped Soarin out of his messes."

How can they remember me when I barely even talked to them? Rainbow Dash though to herself. "Well, you know, it's no big deal. Just doing my hero thing, you know?"

"Well, obviously." Fleetfoot said with a smirk. "I'd say you're the aerial support of your friends. And if how you've been performing in just this qualifier is anything to go by, you've got more than enough skill to probably land your team a spot in the games!"

"Really?! Thanks!" Rainbow Dash said with a grin.

"Too bad it doesn't look like we'll be able to make it through though." Spitfire said with a sigh. "Not with Soarin out of commission."

"Oh man." Rainbow Dash said as her wings drooped at the revelation that without a full team of three, it wouldn't be likely the Wonderbolts would advance to place in the games. "Yeah. That does kinda suck."

"Unless. . . " Spitfire said with a smirk. "You take up Soarin's place on our team."

Rainbow Dash's jaw dropped. Here it was. The chance to make her lifelong dream of flying alongside the Wonderbolts come true. "That. Sounds. So. AWESOME!" Rainbow Dash almost flew circles around the qualifier grounds, but managed to contain herself. "So what do I gotta do to join up with you?"

"Easy." Fleetfoot said with a flex of her wings. "All you gotta do is make up an excuse to leave your team and join up with us! The winning team! I mean, it's not like your team is pulling their weight in getting you all into the games." And the second Fleetfoot finished her remark. Rainbow Dash marched right up to her and Spitfire's faces. "Whoa. What's with the intensity Dashie?"

"You don't have the right to call me that." Rainbow Dash growled. Her wings flaring out to reflect her rising temper! "You can take your offer and buzz off. I'm not going to leave my team hanging. Yeah, they won't be able to get into the games on their own. That's why I need to stick with them! Because they're counting on me to help take them there! Maybe they're not the fastest. Maybe they're not a team of elite fliers. But you know what? They're giving it their all. And in the end, that's all that matters. If you're willing to give up on your own teammate so easily? Forget it."

Rainbow Dash's mind flashed back to the events of Discord's return. "I left people hanging when they needed me one too many times." She then turned away from the remainder of the Wonderbolts team. "And it almost cost me more than I'd ever be willing to pay."

"Hey! D-Don't you realize what you're turning down?!" Spitfire pleaded! "I saw how much you were trying to get our attention at the gala!"

"I'll take my chances with the reserve member exam." Rainbow Dash retorted. "Because I want to earn my place. Not taking an easy pass to something I've worked so hard for. But maybe that flight suit doesn't look as good on me as thought it would." Rainbow Dash flew back to her team, and smiled. "Sorry if I kept you all waiting. I miss anything important?"

"Just proving why you're awesome as the Element of Loyalty." Steel Edge said with a loving smile as he wrapped his arms and wings around Rainbow Dash. "I'm happy you're standing with the people you care about."

"Yeah." Rainbow Dash said with a small smile. Tightening her embrace around Steel Edge but in a way that was barely noticeable. I won't make the same mistake of not doing that. Never again. . . The rest of the qualifier carried on as normal, and Rainbow Dash and her team made it into the Unity Games. As the team was celebrating, Soarin approached the group. "Hey there. Sorry you missed out on your chance."

"Hey, no worries." Soarin said with a friendly smile. "Here's a little something to celebrate you qualifying." And with that, Soarin handed her a medal. "I heard Spitfire and Fleetfoot going on about how you told them off. But that's not why I'm giving this to you. It's because you stuck by your team when they needed you. If that hasn't made you a Wonderbolt already, I don't know what will."

"Thanks." Rainbow Dash said with a smile. She then spared a glance at Steel. "Let's just say I had someone who taught me a lot about honor." Her smile only deepened. Someone. . . whose side I never want to leave.

Episode 15: Countdown

"You're. . . sure about this?" Inferno asked Burst Stream as he, Steel, Ace, Ty, and Ice surrounded Burst. "Three of us are avatars, so there's a chance you'd still tank a lot of damage even if they hold back."

"I'm sure Inferno." Burst said with a nod. "Besides, you and I have both gotten stronger. But that's not the point of this. So far, we've only had to deal with basic minions ganging up on us at once and they're easy enough to defeat. I don't think any of us has had to fight multiple powerful opponents at once. No telling whether the rest of the Chaos Kin might decide to gang up on us and start an all-out fight or form an alliance to try and take those of us who are still mortals out. Now show me what all of you got!" Burst Stream got into a defensive stance with his sword and one of his blasters!

The rest of the original six Elements of Heroism were a bit hesitant to charge their leader, but threw themselves into the spar! Tyrannus fired a blast from his cannon, but Burst leaped into the air to avoid it! However, he was far from safe as Steel edge flew right at him! Burst fired a charge shot from his blaster, but Steel's shield took the force of the blow! Steel then fired out a blade beam from his sword, but Burst countered it with his own blade beam before landing!

"Don't relax just yet!" Arctic Ace called out as he fired a blast of ice magic right at Burst! "We've got magic now too! You didn't think we'd be limiting ourselves, did you?"

Burst Stream smirked as he rolled out of the way of the blast of ice aimed at him! "You kidding? I'd be insulted if you didn't come at me with all the new skills you guys have!" At that instant, Tyrannus stomped the ground! The mini quake caused by the stomp messed up Burst's footing, and gave Dark Ice just the window he was waiting for to take a swing at Burst with his claymore! "It just shows how much stronger our team's become!" Burst fell to his back, and fired off a shot from his blaster right in Dark Ice's chest right as Ice was about to swing!

"Then let's see how strong you've gotten as a leader!" Inferno cried out as he flew towards Burst Stream! Firing a charge shot from his blaster! Burst Stream smiled and counted with a dual charge shot from his twin blasters! The blasts exploding as they collided with each other! As soon as the smoke cleared, Inferno leaped out from the smoke with his sword drawn! "Show me the power you've got!"

Burst raised his own sword to parry Inferno's! "Show me how much you've tapped into your potential!" The rest of the Elements of Heroism decided to hang back and watch the fight with knowing smiles. Burst and Inferno were the best of friends. And when the two fought, almost nothing could stop them and no foe stood a chance. When they fought each other? They tended to get pretty wrapped up in their sparring. Each one's strike seemed to parallel their fighting style. Burst's swings were few, but each one contained great speed and power while Inferno swung his own blade numerous times. Inferno's hits weren't too damaging on their own, but each swing set up a combo that could potentially tip the scales in Inferno's favor.

If one were to compare them to elements, Burst would be like lightning while Inferno would be like fire. Burst struck hard and fast with devastating power. His movements sudden and violent, but so constant and flowing so seamlessly. Inferno on the other hand didn't hit as powerful, but each of his hits built upon each other and contained great ferocity like how embers grow into a raging flame. In short, the two had fun sparring against each other. That much was evident with the smiles on their faces that never seemed to fade even when one of their attacks missed or they tanked a hit.

Sparks showered forth as their blades clashed, and small explosions were constant as each of their blaster shots collided! It seemed like the two were evenly matched, but Burst had one advantage. He'd been trained longer, and was particularly skilled in offensive spells.

"Sorry Inferno! But I'm afraid this is gonna end with another one added to your losing streak!" Burst called out as he powered up his magic! "White Lightning!" Burst fired off a blast of destructive light energy that hit Inferno dead-on! Inferno twitching slightly from the shock and impact of the blast. "Hope I didn't hit you too hard man. You alri-AGH!" Burst clutched his arms in pain, and fell to the ground!

Inferno immediately shook out of his stunned status and rushed to Burst's side. "Burst, what's wrong?" He quickly helped Burst up. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm. . . not sure." Burst said. Wincing in pain as he tried to power up his magic. "I felt a bit of a tingling sensation when I was charging up that blast of white lightning. But after firing it, I felt pain shooting through my arm. Oddly enough, this isn't the first time I've felt pain when tapping into my power. It was back in Manehattan when we fought the second wave of Machina. I transformed into my nightmare form, I felt pain all over my body after I got knocked out of my transformation and even more when I tried to change again."

"Maybe you better call it a day." Inferno suggested. "I've got no problem filling in for you, but I'd rather you be fighting alongside us than on the sidelines."

Burst nodded. "Yeah. Good idea. Maybe these last few battles have just been pushing me too hard. Plus, maybe my dad might know something about this. It's probably something he couldn't fit in with how rushed my training was. See you guys around!" Burst holstered his weapons, and headed back to his house. Smiling at who he saw on the couch when he returned. "Hey Moon."

"Well. Someone's home early." Nightmare Moon said with a flirty smile. "Training end early today? Or did you just miss me so much that you decided to come home as soon as possible?"

Burst smiled lovingly. "Does the answer really matter so long as I come back to you?" He set his Duelist Arms on a rack and sat down next to Nightmare Moon. "The guys thought I was pushing myself a bit too hard after the last two battles. It's good to know they care about me just as much as I care about them. So it looks like I've got the rest of the day free."

"It doesn't surprise me. Especially considering your little trip to Manehattan." Nightmare Moon said as she crawled closer to Burst Stream. "I hope I don't sound clingy, but you had me worried sick. Hearing you call me right after a battle always put my heart at ease."

"Hey, I'm pretty sure Celestia would be worried sick about me too if we were still together." Burst looked at Nightmare Moon sadly. "Moon? Do you think I've made the right decision?"

"About what?" Nightmare Moon asked.

Burst sighed. "About me trying to fix my relations with Celestia." Burst stared at the floor in thought. "It's been weighing on me how easy it is to still talk with her. It's almost like I don't have to fix anything. Like it would be so easy to pick up where I left off with her and just go back to the way things used to be. But then. . . I think of you whenever that happens. How you've been alone for essentially all your life and how cruel it would be to just leave you like that because now I love you. But no matter how much I love you, there's still some part deep inside of me that wants to be with her again. And it just tears me up inside a bit each time."

"Burst Stream. . . " Nightmare Moon said with a sad look in her eyes. She then pulled Burst into her arms. "I've always known about how you're feeling." Burst was about to ask how when Moon silenced of him. "Princess of Dreams, remember? I've seen that conflict you're talking about in your dreams." She then tightened her embrace. "If it makes you feel any better, Celestia's the only person I'd ever let have you. She still dreams of you too. It's almost like you're made for each other."

Burst gave Moon a small smile. "Thanks Moon. But for now? You're the one I've chosen to love. And I've got a lot of love to give you." Then, an idea came to him. "You know, I never did have my parents meet my girlfriend before. Care to help me change that?"

"I'll change into my princess outfit." Nightmare Moon said with a smile as she headed into her room to change. She exited a minute later wearing her crown and her usual tank top had been replaced with a t-shirt saying: This is My Princess Outfit. "I'm ready."

Burst let out a small laugh. "You wanna take the train, or do you wanna go the fast way?"

"I'll teleport us there." Nightmare Moon said with a smirk. "Wouldn't be very romantic if I was the one carrying you on my back as we flew towards your home, now would it?"

"Hey. I've got no problem with you laying on top of me or using me as a pillow when we go to bed." Burst said with a smile. "Speaking of dreams, what kind of dreams do you have of me?"

Nightmare Moon let out a small giggle. "Wouldn't you like to know~?" She said with a seductive glance towards Burst. "Then again, you've already helped make all my dreams come true. But as much as I enjoy all this sweet-talk, we shouldn't keep your parents waiting. Stick close to me." Nightmare Moon began to channel her magic. She smiled when she felt how tight Burst Stream held onto her. "Looks like I don't have to worry about you being hands-on in our relationship."

"Care to suggest anywhere else that needs my attention?" Burst Stream asked with a smile.

"Depends on which base we're on." Nightmare Moon replied with a giggle as she teleported the two of them to the doorstep of Burst's old home.

Burst Stream knocked on the door, and smiled when he saw his parents answer. "Hi Mom. Hi Dad." He then stepped aside to reveal Nightmare Moon. "I'd like you to meet my girlfriend. Nightmare Moon."

"Hi." Nightmare Moon said with a smile as she flashed Burst's parents the peace sign. "Now I know where Burst gets his good looks from." On the inside, Nightmare Moon was a bit nervous. Especially considering that the memories of Aether in her head were from when she was bonded with Luna. The last thing she wanted to do was get one of the greatest heroes in Unity's history angry. And she was also quite nervous about what Burst's mom would think of her. "He treats me quite well. And I hope to more than return the favor."

"Well, don't just stand there!" Lumina said with a warm smile. "Come inside! We've been wondering when Burst would bring home a lady for a long time. There's so much to tell you about Burst! Oh! And we also have some videos of his early days! If you think he's cute now, you haven't seen anything yet!"

"You two can feel free to chat about my embarrassing past." Burst said with a sigh. He then turned his attention to Aether. "Hey, Dad? I've been having a small problem lately. Could we talk about it?"

"Sure thing son." Aether said with a nod. "But maybe it's better if we speak about it in private. Do you mind?"

Burst blinked in surprise. "Actually, no. In fact, I was hoping we could keep it between the two of us." And so, Aether led Burst to the portion of the house where Burst's training had occurred. Meanwhile, Lumina was striking up a conversation with Nightmare Moon.

"So." Lumina asked with a pleasant smile. "When can I expect to see a grandchild your highness?"

Nightmare Moon smirked. "Well, that all depends. How soon do you want me to get busy with Burst? Also, I didn't think you thought Burst and I were already that intimate."

"Princess Nightmare Moon. With a body like yours, it's not that hard to picture you and Burst having an eventful evening."

Nightmare Moon giggled. "Call me Moon please." She then smiled. "I believe you said that you had pictures of my boyfriend during his early years?" Lumina whipped out a huge photo album, and opened it up. And Nightmare Moon blushed when she saw a photo of kid Burst holding a certain Optimus Prime plushy. ". . . I want twenty copies of this one."

Meanwhile, Burst and Aether were in the training facility under the house. "Alright son." Aether began. "What seems to be the problem you're dealing with?"

"Well, it's probably nothing serious Dad." Burst said with a shrug. "Lately, I've been feeling pain when I've tried tapping into my magic or using my power. Pain just shoots across my entire body and parts of me feel sore in multiple places. I think it's because of how hard I've been pushing myself in these latest battles."

At hearing this, Aether's expression turned grim. ". . . Burst? Could you please remove your coat and shirt? There's something that I want to check."

"Uh, sure?" Burst said warily as he proceeded to remove his coat and shirt. And what he saw shocked him. His right arm was covered in a series of cracks and it looked like magic was being emitted from the cracks! He was further shocked by the appearance of similar cracks on his left arm! "Wh-what the hell?!"

Burst then looked towards Aether with a panicked gaze. "Dad! Dad what's happening to me?! What is this?! What's going on?! Why are these cracks appearing on my arms?!"

"I was afraid of this moment. . . " Aether said in a fearful tone. "Burst. Do you remember how exhausted you felt after you first developed the White Lightning Overdrive?"

Burst slowly nodded. "Yeah. I felt really worn out. Like it'd but all of my being into that one attack. But what does that have to do with this? You're not saying this is all because I created the overdrive, are you?!"

"No son. I'm not." Aether said as he shook his head. "But. . . have you ever had to use the technique in a successive amount of times?"

"Y-Yeah. Back when Big Saturn attacked Manehattan." Burst answered. "His second wave of minions were a bunch of tank robots, and the only way I could take them out was with the White Lightning Overdrive. After that battle, I felt a bit of pain in my arm but-" Burst Stream's eyes went wide with the horrifying realization. ". . . That's when this started, wasn't it?"

Aether slowly nodded. "When you said your whole being felt like it was on overdrive, you have no idea how right you were. Though your past battles have made you stronger and you no longer collapse from exhaustion after using the technique, it still exacts a heavy toll on your body. Normally, after some rest, you would be able to recover with no problem. But because of that one battle, you had to rely on the White Lightning Overdrive too much. And all that extensive use made your magic unstable. From there, it just kept backfiring. And now the damage from the backlash has manifested itself quite physically. Couple that with how active you are in using magic when you fight and-" Aether was silent for a moment, and closed his eyes. ". . . I don't want to say it."

"Dad." Burst Stream gripped his dad's shoulders. His eyes pleading Aether to tell him what was wrong. "Please. Tell me what's going to happen to me."

Aether's face contorted into a pained expression before taking a deep breath and looking his son in the eye. Returning Burst's pleading gaze with one filled with great sadness. "Because of how actively you fight, any time you use magic in combat further accelerates the damage from the backfire. And once it hits the point your body can't take any more, you'll literally burst. Son. . . you're a ticking time bomb. You won't destroy the world when you go, but you will do a lot of damage. And your countdown has already begun."

". . . " Burst Stream just stood there for a full minute. The longest minute of his life as he stood frozen in complete horror. "No. . .No!" Burst Stream stumbled backwards! "This can't be right! It can't be! I knew I'd be putting my life on the line constantly! But this?! THIS?! NO!" Burst hastily put his shirt and coat back on and raced back up to the first floor of his old house!

As he watched Burst run away, Aether fell to the floor. Tears falling from his eyes. "I should have never trained him. . . " He sobbed. "I should have never brought him into his world." Aether looked to a picture depicting him in battle with one of Unity's greatest enemies. Tirek. "And now. . . he's going to clean up the mess I've made soon enough." He glared at the picture of Tirek. "I should have never let you live. . . " He then looked to the picture of him, Lumina, and a young Burst Stream. "You really are like me Burst." He clutched the picture close to his chest as he wept uncontrollably. "And in the end, that just might be what ends you. . . "

Episode 16: What Could Have Been

Burst Stream fell onto the couch of his old home's living room. He looked like his entire world had just been shattered. Then again, hearing you were on a countdown to your own death was bound to do that to anyone. And so Burst Stream just lay there staring at the ceiling letting the fact of his impending end sink in as he contemplated all of his past achievements. But right now, they didn't seem like they were real victories.

How many times have me and the guys actually saved the world when a big threat returned after a millennium to cause havoc? Burst Stream thought as images of his past adventures played in his mind. Was it me who defeated Moon when she returned? Was it me and the guys who defeated Discord? Did I actually deal the final blow to Chrysalis back at the Royal Wedding? Spike's the one who returned the Crystal Heart back in the Crystal Empire, and Moon's the one who restored the Tree of Harmony. Twilight and the girls are pretty much the only ones to defeat most of the main villains who've menaced the world. For all my training, all the battles I've fought, has any of it made a difference?

"Hey Burst." Nightmare Moon said as she walked over to him. "Your mom was just showing me some pictures of your past. As fun as it's been hearing her share your past, I'd like to see if half the situations in those pictures are really as embarrassing as you think they are."

Burst Stream stared blankly at her before smiling weakly. "Well, let's see. What pictures did my mom start with?" As he looked through the memories captured in the photographs, Burst's life literally flashed before his eyes. A sad smile crept onto his face when he looked through his childhood. Those were probably some of the best years of his life. "As you can see, I used to be pretty messy when it came to cooking. Especially when it came to helping Mom make cookies for Hearth's Warming."

"You look so adorable covered in flour." Nightmare Moon said with a giggle. "Though it would be hard to notice because of your skin."

Burst let out a small chuckle as he flipped through the rest of the photos containing milestones in his life such as his acceptance into Celestia's School for Gifted Magi to when he reached his teen years. And upon reaching photos from his adolescent period, another realization was brought to Burst Stream's attention. All of his photos from age fourteen onward consisted solely of him training. "I guess we're at the point Twilight would flip out at me for."

"Why would she do that?" Nightmare Moon asked.

"Because when I started my training to prepare for your return, I had to drop out of school." Burst Stream answered flatly. "I'm pretty surprised Twilight didn't freak out on me when I first told her that I'd dropped out. Then again, the two of us really didn't talk that much. Heck, she didn't talk much to anyone."

As Burst Stream looked at pictures of his training, whatever semblance of his smile faded. Fourteen. I was fourteen years old when I decided to leave behind what would've been a normal life. But was that the right decision? Burst Stream got right back to contemplating his life choices. I mean, I didn't have an adolescence. All of my teen years I spent learning how to fight instead of worrying about school or friends. If I had just decided to live a normal life, maybe I wouldn't be meeting my maker so soon.

"So. You spent seven years training to face me when I returned, did you?" Nightmare Moon asked with a loving smile as she looked over the pictures that showed Burst's growth through his training years. "Seven years well spent indeed."

". . . Yeah." Burst said as he looked over the pictures. His contemplation replaced with regret. Honestly? I don't think me becoming a hero made much of a difference anyway. I mean, I missed a huge part of my life. The most formative years that shape who I am. The years when. . . most people grow up.

Burst Stream sighed internally. I guess that explains why I haven't changed much. Maybe that's all I ever was. Just an idiot kid playing hero. And all I've got to show for it is one actual victory and a whole lot of losses. Some Element of Power I turned out to be. Maybe this thing was a big mistake. Especially since it's getting me killed so early! Everyone has to go sometime, but my end's going to happen quicker than it should! And it's all my fault! DAMMIT!

"Hey, Moon?" Burst Stream asked. "I'm just about ready to head back home. How about you?"

"Just a minute Burst." Nightmare Moon answered. "Your mom forgot to show me her favorite picture." She then returned her attention to Lumina. "You were saying Mrs. Stream?"

"Here's my favorite." Lumina said with a sad smile. "It was taken right before my father passed away." Her eyes went misty as she stared at the photograph. "My father was on his death bed, and he was given a few days at best. I had taken Burst with me to visit so he could see his grandpa one last time. Burst had noticed my father becoming weaker, and thought there was some sort of monster doing bad things to him. So, he dressed up in his Red Ranger costume and decided to stand guard over his grandpa for the day and be his hero. I don't think I'd ever seen a bigger smile on my father's face when Burst dressed up and played superhero. My father passed away peacefully a day or two later with a smile. I think that's probably the best parting gift he could have given. To think that Burst was only five when he saw him being buried."

"Burst." Nightmare Moon said as she gripped Burst Stream's had. "I'm sorry that you had to go through something like that when you were so young."

"Thanks Moon." Burst said with a sad smile. "But, I made him happy in the end. That's all that counts, right?" How pathetic am I that I can come to terms with the death of a family member and not my own? If I'm so scared to meet my end, then what right do I have to lead the Elements of Heroism? . . . What right do I have to call myself a hero now that I'm so scared that I'm going to die soon?

"Well, I've enjoyed this little visit." Nightmare Moon said with a smile. "But now? I think Burst and I are going to head home for now. It was wonderful meeting you. Maybe next time Aether can entertain us with tales of his past heroics." And with that, she teleported herself and Burst back to their house. She then noticed the distraught look on Burst's face. "Burst Stream? What's wrong? Did something go wrong when you were talking with your dad?"

"Hm? Oh, no!" Burst shook his head. "It's just. . . my dad suggested I take it easy for a bit with how hard I've been pushing myself lately. I'm a bit bummed that I won't be able to join my friends in any fights that pop up, but hey. Maybe this can be seen as a vacation. And. . . it'll give us more time together."

"That sounds wonderful." Nightmare Moon said as she wrapped her arms and wings around Burst Stream. "You can be sure that I'm going to enjoy every second of our time together."

"That's great." Burst said with a small smile as he returned the hug. Because I'm not sure how much longer I'm going to be with you. "Hey, could you excuse me for a few minutes? There's something I have to do."

"What's that?"

Burst Stream let out a sigh. "Just. . . a list of some things that I've missed out on that I'd like to do while I've got the time."

Episode 17: Sanctuary and Pandemonium

A day came and went, and things were seemingly back to a normal routine. Well, as normal as it could be with Burst Stream finding out he's a ticking time bomb who could go off in a matter of months or weeks. Maybe even less considering how active he was in combat. Letting out a sigh, the young hero whipped out a piece of paper with a list written on it.

Well, at least it's a short list. And the stuff on it is pretty easy to accomplish. Burst Stream thought to himself as he let out another sigh. So how am I going to pull all this stuff off without saying it's my bucket list?

"Yo Burst!" Inferno Flare cried out. Burst Stream perked a bit at seeing his best friend land in front of him. "How you doing man? You look a little drained."

Burst Stream paused before answering. His mind wandering to the last few fights against the Chaos Kin. True, he and his friends were used to bad guys popping up to fight them, but there had never been this many in a row before. "Well, I guess that's because I am. I think Battle City was the longest fight we've ever been in due to how relentless Big Saturn's Machina army was."

"I'll say." Inferno said as he took a seat next to Burst. "And I'd also say that you pushed yourself harder than you've ever been without being near death for that fight."

And then, an idea came to Burst. Dad said that avoiding getting into fights would at best prolong my countdown. . . Burst Stream clenched his fist. Faust, I'm pathetic. Leaving my friends to fight without me. I've been fighting alongside them for so long, can they really stand without me? Burst looked sadly at the ground. Then again, they're going to be without me sooner or later.

"Yeah. My dad suggested that I sit out for a while." Burst Stream replied with a small smile. "So, in accordance with his advice, I've decided to take a little vacation."

"Dude." Inferno said with a serious look on his face as he put a hand on Burst's shoulder. "You've kind of earned it with all the crap you've been through. I mean, you've been near death twice. Defeated two villains, one of them being your half-brother, and you had to endure a break-up. All of that's got to have been exhausting, and you STILL led us through all of the fights so far. So don't worry man! I've got things handled with the guys while you're off relaxing!"

Inferno Flare's gaze then turned mischievous as he smirked. "Who knows? Maybe you and Nightmare Moon can finally have a wild night of passion if you know what I mean~!"

"I HAVEN'T EVEN SHOWERED WITH HER YET!" Burst Stream snapped as his face became red from getting flustered! Not that I wouldn't mind that. I mean, we DID share a bed and she was nude when she healed me up after that asshole came out of nowhere and left me for dead. "A-Anyway, I'm gonna tell Moon about this. Like you said, it would be nice for her and I to get a bit closer. Even though I'd say waking up against her chest counts as being pretty intimate."

And with that, Burst Stream left to find his goddess of a girlfriend. "Take it easy dude!" Inferno called out. "Well then. Better inform the guys of the change in leadership for now." Inferno Flare whipped out his phone, and texted the rest of the Elements of Heroism about Burst Stream's vacation. "Alright. That should do it."

However, as the Elements of Heroism went about their business, a sinister force lurked beneath the earth. Suppression Pluto of the Chaos Kin stared up at Unityville from his lair. Pandemonium.

"To think this town is where Tyrant Neptune fell. Good riddance." Suppression Pluto said with a sneer. "The fool could never hope to amount any form of victory only relying on his brute force and his strength being so dependent on feeding on his own troops." Suppression Pluto then summoned what looked like a chessboard. On it were small figures of fiends that served as the pieces.

"Now to put my pieces into action." Suppression Pluto moved out one of the eight Vilepawn Archfiend pieces forward. A black mist emitted from the piece, and a battalion of Vilepawn Archfiends soon materialized in Pandemonium! "Go now. Attack Unityville!" In a swirl of shadow, the Vilepawns materialized right in Unityville's center! "I'll start from the center and work my way outward." Suppression Pluto smirked as he watched his minions terrorize the civilians and cause chaos. However, his smirk was soon wiped away when both teams of elements arrived. Their weapons allowing them to make quick work of the Vilepawns!

"And now my enemies have made their first move." Suppression Pluto noted with a slight frown. "No matter." he then proceeded to place two more Vilepawn Archfiend pieces onto the board. "Strength in numbers, as they say."

Meanwhile, back in Unityville, both teams of elements had been swarmed by the sheer number of Vilepawns that had materialized seemingly out of nowhere!

"Where do these things keep coming from?!" Tyrannus shouted as he blasted a wave of Vilepawns with his cannon! "There's so many of them!"

"They might not pack a punch on their own, but they've got numbers on their side!" Magnet North replied as he and Applejack had been paired back-to-back once again. "I'm not risking on an attract shot letting these things get in striking distance!"

"You don't gotta worry about any of 'em getting the drop on you sugarcube!" Applejack said with a nod as she fired off a few bolts from her twin crossbows! The magic bolts tearing through any of the Vilepawns that tried to leap at the battle couple! "You know North? This reminds me of the Royal Wedding."

"Nearly countless enemies and someone good-looking covering my back?" Magnet North asked with a smirk as he fired off another discharge from his shot-blaster! "Oh yes, lass. This certainly brings back fond memories. You know, I never did get that date you offered back in Manehattan."

Applejack blushed! "Who said anything about it being a date?!" And in her flustered state, she let loose a flurry of bolts that made quick work of the Vilepawns that had surrounded them! Meanwhile Pinkie Pie was striking the Vilepawns in their heads with her yo-yo! The momentary disorientation caused by her providing the perfect set up for Akage to take them down with hit-and-run strikes from his sword!

"Boom! More party poopers sent packing!" Pinkie Pie said with her signature smile. "Of course, this party's just getting started!"

Akage smiled. "The sooner this battle ends, the sooner we can go on a date." Akage then froze when he saw Pinkie tearing through the Vilepawns using her yo-yo as a tool of untold destruction. Her arms becoming a blur as she swung the yo-yo with a force and ferocity that he'd never seen before!

"Sooooo," Pinkie asked with a sly smile. "Where did you have in mind Akage?"

Akage, despite being used to the fact he'd never understand Pinkie Pie, was left utterly dumbstruck at the feat he had just witnessed performed by the pink party planner. And he couldn't help but laugh. "Don't you think our friends might have some plans for after the battle too?"

Pinkie Pie gasped! "Well don't just stand there silly! Let's go kick some badguy butts!" Pinkie grabbed Akage by his scarf, and leaped at the Vilepawns still swarming Unityville! Meanwhile, Nightfall and Twilight were dealing with their own encroaching swarm of Vilepawns! "FOR THE SHIPS!"

"You know, you're oddly chill about all this." Nightfall remarked as he blasted a Vilepawn with a strident blast from his suit's hands! "Does this happen all the time around here?!"

"Eh." Twilight said with a shrug as she bashed a Vilepawn with her staff! "Wouldn't be the first time my friends and I have fought against an army." She then smiled. "Or maybe your memory's a bit rusty?"

Nightfall smirked under his helmet. "Hey. I'm the rookie here. This is my first real fight as an element member. Got any advice?"

"Be badass." Twilight replied with a smirk. "For example," Twilight powered up her magic, and unleashed a massive beam that wiped out the Vilepawns surrounding her and Nightfall! "That."

As the battle raged on, Burst Stream watched his friends fight off the Vilepawn Archfiends. Each moment that ticked by, his heart ached. Never before had he felt so useless. He then saw the Junior Heroes and the TCC trying to make a stand against a squad of Vilepawns. Burst Stream had summoned his Duelist Arms and was about to rush in when Nightmare Moon cut the fiends to ribbons!

"Shouldn't you be resting?" Nightmare Moon asked Burst Stream with a smirk as she blasted a stray Vilepawn to oblivion with her magic without even looking at it. "Or maybe you just feel a bit left-out of all the couple-battles going on?"

"Funny. I thought most couples tried to avoid fighting with each other." Burst said with a weak smile.

Nightmare Moon smiled. "Trust me. We'll be spending plenty of time together on our little vacation. But right now? I've some business being these fiends' worst nightmare." And with that, Nightmare Moon flew off to join both teams of elements in battle!

As he returned his attention to the battle, a small smile crept onto Burst's face. Looks like I don't have to worry about them when I'm gone. They can handle themselve just fine without me there. That just goes to show you how good a team they are.

"And it shows how good of a leader they have even more." A voice called out from Burst's sword!

"You again, huh?" Burst asked the voice coming from his sword. "Funny. All this time I've been fighting with you and I don't know a thing about you. I know you're a dragon because of when you manifested yourself in front of us. But who are you?"

"You will have your answers in time Burst Stream." The voice replied. "Let's just say that I've been watching you for a long time. You just might be the one I've been waiting for."

"What do you mean?" Burst asked.

"Do not worry. I assure you that my intentions towards you are anything but ill. But I cannot afford to tell you just yet." The voice replied. "Farewell. For now."

"Great." Burst sighed.

Meanwhile, Suppression Pluto had placed yet another Vilepawn piece on his board. "They may possess great strength. But in the end, they are few. Even with Avatars on their side, they cannot fight forever." And then, a shadow hovered over Unityville. "What?!"

In a ray of light, Splendid Venus descended down from the Sanctuary in the Sky! Her very appearance making the Vilepawns shield their eyes! The light coming from her weakening the fiends! "BEGONE!" Splendid Venus commanded as she let out a wave of light that wiped out the all the Vilepawns!

"Damn her!" Suppression Pluto hissed! He then noticed Pandemonium fade away! "Her very presence weakens me! And with the arrival of her lair, my own domain is rendered null and void! Such is the way with all of our domains in the presence of another!" He gazed hatefully at the Sanctuary in the Sky. "So you choose to stand against your kin, do you Venus? Just for that, I will personally see your sanctuary fall. . . " And he slithered away into the shadows of the Everfree Forest.

Back in Unityville, Splendid Venus was talking with both teams of elements. "I had spent much time thinking since our last encounter." Splendid Venus began. "I thought that I had done nothing wrong. That I was just trying to make this world better. Then I remembered the actions of my brothers, and I realized I was no better than they were. I wish to rectify this if you would have the assistance of myself and my agents in your battle against Suppression Pluto."

"I'm glad my words got through to you." Venus Bloomer said with a smile. "But there's telling when they'll attack the town again."

"Fear not." Splendid Venus said. "For as long as my sanctuary hangs above, the fiends shall find no safe haven here."

Inferno smiled. "Looks like the playing field just got a whole lot more even."

Episode 18: Wrath of the Heavens

"Well, this is a bit of an unexpected turn of events." Inferno noted as he gazed at the Sanctuary in the Sky hovering above Unityville. "But after having to deal with two factions of the Chaos Kin, it's nice to finally get some backup."

"I do not blame your cautious attitude towards my intervention." Splendid Venus said with a nod. "But you need not worry about a target being painted on this town. Though we share the title of Chaos Kin, my siblings and I are far from closely knit. Tyrant Neptune set out for global domination. Big Saturn intended to turn the world into his own personal machine factory. You all witnessed the declaration of my motives. As for the current member of my kin that antagonizes you, Suppression Pluto is a manipulator. This being evident since all his minions are based on chess pieces. Judging from the previous battle, I would say half his pawn pieces have been destroyed."

"That means he can still send out waves of his grunts." Steel Edge noted. "But that means he'll still have his higher-value pieces saved up for his endgame, right?"

"Correct." Splendid Venus replied. "However, while I have promised you aid in the form of my agents, I must warn you that few of them are built for battle."

"You keep mentioning your agents, but we've never seen them." Arctic Ace stated. "We might as well see who we'll be working with. Care to introduce us to them?"

"I was wondering when you would bring that to my attention." Splendid Venus raised her staff, and a bright light shot into the sky! Six pillars of light appeared next to Splendid Venus, and six angelic figures descended from the heavens! "These six are my agents. Earth the Agent of Mystery, Mercury the Agent of Wisdom, Jupiter the Agent of Miracles, Saturn the Agent of Judgment, Mars the Agent of Force, and Uranus the Agent of Entropy."

"Weird." Venus Bloomer noted as he counted off the present agents. "There seems to be two missing from your lineup. You forget to call two down?"

Splendid Venus shook her head. "When Discord was creating me and my kin, I was originally the Agent of Creation. However, with his chaos magic, Discord further empowered me into my current form. As for why there is no agent named after Pluto, it is because I detest him. The way he manipulates and treats his servants like nothing more than easily discarded tools sickens me."

"I'm with you on that." Dark Ice growled as he clenched his fist. "Take it from someone who was used. It's not an experience that you're eager to repeat anytime soon. So how soon can we expect your sibling to send more pawns our way?"

"With the arrival of my sanctuary, Suppression Pluto's domain of Pandemonium has been destroyed. Without it, his pieces shall require his own life force to animate them. Another factor on the drain of Suppression Pluto's life force is that the more powerful the piece is, the greater the amount of life force needed."

"So there's a chance he could take himself out before he even goes for his endgame." Twilight noted. "But given that all his minions are based on chess pieces, it's likely he's saving his stronger pieces for later."

Suddenly, a rumbling came from the outskirts of Unityville! In a flash of dark light, a tower-like fiend chess piece rose fro the ground! Just as suddenly as it had appeared, the tower opened up to reveal a battalion of Vilepawns! Two bursts of dark water soon erupted next to the tower, and two Darkbishop Archfiends took up defensive stances next to the Desrook Archfiend that had sprouted from the ground!

"To think I've wasted all of my rook and bishop pieces." Suppression Pluto said with a scowl as he watched one of his rook pieces crumble on his chessboard! "But ridding Splendid Venus of her beloved agents will make this play all the more worth it. Even if my forces were to crumble, only a select few of her agents are meant for battle."

Back at the fight, both sets of elements and the agents of Splendid Venus charged for to meet the advancing archfiends!

"The large tower is called Desrook Archfiend!" Mercury the Agent of Wisdom informed both teams of elements. "And the two fiends guarding it are known as Darkbishops! Of all the pieces, they have the least offensive strength, but they make up for it by providing protection from magic that targets other pieces!"

"Then we take out their protection first and take out the rest of their forces!" Inferno commanded! "Spread out, and take it to 'em!" The two teams of elements and the agents split up and set to work combating the mass of Vilepawns that were marching towards them! However, no sooner had the battle begun when The Agent of Wisdom was struck down by a blast of magic from the Darkbishop Archfiends! The sight of their comrade fading away angered the remaining agents!

"Fiends who have felled Mercury. . . " Saturn The Agent of Judgment growled! "Prepare to face judgment for your actions!"

"Don't get careless Mercury!" Mars The Agent of Force cautioned! "Focus on defending the weaker members of our number like Earth! She should have no problems getting rid of the Darkbishops, but the Vilepawns would rather be destroyed themselves in favor of protecting the more powerful pieces!"

"I believe I can help with that." Tyrannus said as he aimed his cannon! "I suggest moving out of the way!" A massive blast of thunder from Ty's cannon wiped out a good portion of the Vilepawns! "Battles aren't won by numbers! Time to show these grunts the meaning of quality over quantity!"

"Way ahead of you." Akage said with a smirk as he tore through the Vilepawns! Striking from all over with great speed! Pinkie Pie followed suit with Akage's hit-and-run strategy, and the two of them were a blur of pink and scarlet! The Vilepawns barely even knew what happened before they crumbled to dust seconds later! "C'mon guys. Don't go to pieces just yet."

"Hehe!" Pinkie Pie giggled! "Nice pun! It really made them crack-up!"

"Date banter later you two!" Rainbow Dash remarked as she hurled her boomerang at the squad of Vilepawns surrounding her! "Get rid of these extra-wheelers first before you get all romantic on us!"

"You mean you're not enjoying this little date, Rainbow Dash?" Steel asked with a smirk as he sent out a beam of magic from his sword and bashed a Vilepawn in the face with his shield! "Because I'd say we're carving out a good time for ourselves!"

"Fighting for our lives! Doesn't count!" Rainbow Dash snapped back! "Well, not like you need to worry about yours, but still!"

"I for one don't mind a little more time together with our significant others. No matter the situation." Rarity said with a small smile as she and Inferno made short work of the Vilepawns! "What about you darling?"

"You kidding?" Inferno asked as he incinerated a straggler with a shot from his blaster! "Any day with you's a good one. I don't think I've seen anyone else look so graceful in a fight."

Before long, all the Vilepawns had been dispatched and all that remained were the two Darkbishops and the Desrook Archfiend!

"Earth! Jupiter!" Mars commanded! "The two of you take down the bishops! I'll smash the rook to pieces!" Mars flew right at Desrook Archfiend, and swung his hammer! Smashing Desrook Archfiend across its face! At the same time, Earth and Jupiter wiped out the bishops with a well-placed blast of light! But before they could rest easy, a pillar of flame appeared where Desrook Archfiend had fallen along with two pillars of wind and a pillar of darkness! Mars glared coldly at the new arrivals on the battlefield! "So it looks like the royals grace us with their presence."

"Shadowknights. Dispose of these nuisances." Infernalqueen Archfiend commanded with a wave of her hand.

Mars grunted as he blocked a strike from Shadowknight Archfiend's blade! The two were evenly matched in strength, and it wasn't long before they took each other out with one final strike to their very cores! Earth was about to fly forth to avenge her fallen comrade, but Infernalqueen Archfiend engulfed herself in a flaming aura that seemed to strengthen the fiend and incinerating The Agent of Mystery!

"This isn't looking good!" Uranus The Agent of Entropy noted. "We're exactly the same in terms of numbers, but the queen can boost the attack of the other pieces!"

"She's not the only one who can do that trick." Jupiter said as his eyes narrowed in concentration. Three orbs of light floated above Saturn, Neptune, and himself. "Through the sacrifice of out three comrades, I'll make a miracle happen!" The orbs of light flew into each of them, and the three were covered in auras of light!

"So that's how this play is, eh?" Terrorking Archfiend said with a snort. "Very well. Queen! Let loose the fires of Pandemonium!" Terrorking, Infernalqueen, and the remaining Shadowknight were all cloaked in dark, flaming auras!

Uranus clashed with the remaining Shadowknight, but the two were of equal strength and wound up taking each other out! All that remained was Jupiter, Saturn, Infernalqueen, and Terrorking! Thanks to the power boost Jupiter had conducted, he was able to easily destroy Infernalqueen Archfiend! However, as the queen of the set was destroyed, a beam of orange light shot forth from her remains into Terrorking!

"AND NOW THE GAME ENDS!" Terrorking screamed! "CHECKMATE!" With a single swing from his sword, both Jupiter and Saturn were dealt mortal blows! However, just as Terrorking had attacked, Saturn fired a bolt of lightning! "So you decide to claw at me 'til your last breath? Very well. But let's see what the dice have to say about that, shall we?"

Terrorking let a demonic die roll on the ground, and it landed on a 5. A protective barrier appeared around Terrorking to blocked the lightning bolt! However, the tired smile on Jupiter's face betrayed the supposed failure.

"That desperate gamble to avoid your end is what shall seal your fate." Jupiter said before he and Saturn faded away into nothing.

"You choose to make those your last words?" Terrorking sneered! Just then, a hail of red lightning bolts rained down from The Sanctuary in the Sky! Smiting Terrorking Archfiend on the very spot he stood and leaving nothing but a patch of scorched ground!

Both teams of elements stood still and silent in respect for the comrades they'd gained and lost in the span of a single day. And from her sanctuary, Splendid Venus watched sadly as her agents ascended to the great beyond. From the shadows, Suppression Pluto watched with wicked glee.

"I have lost all my pieces, but I suppose that is a gain rather than a loss. More time for my life force to replenish." Suppression Pluto said with an evil smirk. "But the true victory here is that I struck my dear sister where it hurts the most. Her very core." The bladed tendrils on his back began to ooze a poison-purple aura on their blades. "And that will make her so easy to control. . . "

Episode 19: Splendid Spirit

Venus Bloomer's gaze was troubled as he stared at the Sanctuary in the Sky hovering above Unityville. Though it was still standing, it didn't seem to shine with the same radiance as it had before. Venus Bloomer could feel that there was a greatly troubled spirit dwelling in the sanctuary's now lonely halls.

"So you noticed something's up with the sanctuary too?" Shadow Thunder asked as he walked up to Venus Bloomer. "I can sense there's someone hurting up there. And I think we both know who that might be."

"It makes sense that you'd be able to pick up on her pain." Venus Bloomer said with a sigh. "For when feels great pain, be it physical or emotional, there is a disturbance in their spirit as well. Perhaps we should pay Splendid Venus a visit? I hope you're good at carrying cargo Shadow."

"Eh. Never had a passenger before." Shadow Thunder said with a shrug as he spread out his wings and grabbed Venus Bloomer by his shoulders. "Just, try not to look down."

A small smile crept across Venus Bloomer's face. "Easy for you to say since you've got a pair of wings." And a short flight later, the two landed on the Sanctuary in The Sky. Sure enough, they saw Splendid Venus looking at the sanctuary's fountain. The rogue Chaos Kin's normally shining appearance looked so dull and lifeless. "You're looking a lot less bright today."

Splendid Venus snapped out of her daze. "Forgive me. But the outcome of the last battle has inflicted a wound on me that is far more painful than any physical damage. My agents were brought into this world so suddenly, and their departure from it was just as sudden. But if anything, I take solace in the fact they felt no suffering in their departure due to the sanctuary being present."

". . . The most beautiful of flowers bloom only for a moment before they wither." Venus Bloomer said as he put a hand on Splendid Venus's shoulder. "In the time that your agents were in this world, they lived as they wanted and with as much spirit as they could put into their lives."

Though her face did not show it, Splendid Venus was smiling as a faint aura of light appeared around her entire being. "You have a spirit whose beauty surpasses your body's. Something that would surely make a woman very happy one day if they were to take a deeper look at you."

"Hearing you say that makes me almost regret not taking your offer from your first appearance." Venus Bloomer said with a small smile. "How about we head back down to ground level? I remember you saying that you saw my work at the flower shop before. But snapshots just don't do it justice."

Splendid Venus shined brighter at the offer. "I would very much enjoy that. It will give me the chance to pick something to remember-" Suddenly, Splendid Venus froze up. "He's here. . . HE'S HERE!"

"Splendid, what's wrong?!" Venus Bloomer asked as he saw Splendid Venus fly towards the edge of the sanctuary! "Who's here?! And who is 'he' anyway?!" And that's when he saw it. A dome of pure darkness fluctuating on the field outside of Unityville. The very same field where the agents of Splendid Venus fell.

"Pluto. . . " Splendid Venus hissed as she glared at the dome of darkness! Her grip on her staff tightening almost to the point of breaking it! "TODAY YOUR DARKNESS DIES!" And she flew off towards the dome of shadow!

"Wait!" Shadow cried out! But the Element of Compassion's pleas were in vain. "It looks like we're about to scratch off another one of the Chaos Kin. That's good right?"

"There'll be two scratched off with how Splendid Venus is acting." Venus Bloomer snapped. "We need to get to ground level now and get the rest of the guys! Because if we don't hurry, something tells me Splendid Venus is playing right into Suppression Pluto's hands!"

But while the Elements of Heroism were beginning to assemble, Splendid Venus had already arrived on the battlefield! Crashing through the dome of darkness and leaving an opening of light in her wake! An opening that ominously sealed up once she had descended to the floor. Or at least, whatever served as the ground in the pulsating mass of darkness.

"Ah. Splendid Venus. So glad you could grace me with your radiance. Tell me. How do you like my new domain? I call it Yami." Suppression Pluto's voice oozed from seemingly everywhere in the darkness. "Though I'm afraid to say you won't be shining as brightly in here. Although, your presence still leaves me somewhat winded."

Splendid Venus narrowed her eyes. True to Suppression Pluto's words, she did feel just the least bit weaker. "Though your lair weakens me, it is not enough to keep me from smiting you!"

"Oh? But I did not come here to fight." Suppression Pluto said as he emerged behind Splendid Venus from the shadowy floor of Yami, and struck Splendid Venus with one of his bladed tendrils! "I just want you to listen to what I have to say. I know you're upset about the passing of your dear agents. But I ask you: Who is TRULY responsible for their untimely end?"

"I. . . I a-"

"Don't say yourself." Suppression Pluto scolded. "True. You commanded them to fight in that battle. But who is the party that led to you giving that order? Who are the ones that made you doubt yourself? Who are the ones that made you turn against you kin?"

An evil smile slowly spread across Suppression Pluto's face as the eyes of Splendid Venus turned from white to purple and a poison-purple aura covered her being as he removed his bladed tendril from where he'd struck.

"The Elements of Heroism." Splendid Venus said in a cold and emotionless voice devoid of any life or light. "It was because of them I betrayed our fellow Chaos Kin." At that moment, said heroes had just rushed into Yami to join the fight. "And now they must pay for what they have taken from me."

"EVERYONE STAY ON GUARD!" Inferno commanded as he raised his Duelist Arms into a defensive position! He then noticed Splendid Venus' wings begin to glow! "Shield your eyes!" A brilliant flash of light was emitted from the wings of Splendid Venus, and it ended as soon as it had began. However, most of the Elements of Heroism felt weaker after the flash!

"I feel like my will to fight's been drained. . . " Steel Edge groaned as he tried to bring himself into a combative stance, but found that he couldn't so much as raise his sword! "What was that light?"

"C'mon!" Dark Ice grumbled as he tried to reach for his claymore on his back! "Move dammit! Move!"

"I think this is a new meaning for the phrase 'captivating beauty'." Akage quipped. "Because we can't move a muscle thanks to that pretty light show! Hmm. Or is 'deer in the headlights' a more appropriate comparison?"

"Fang and I aren't much better off either!" Tyrannus added as he and Night Fang tried with every ounce of their will to move just one of their fingers!

"Ah. Much better." Suppression Pluto said with a sneer as he circled the Elements of Heroism with sinister joy present in his gaze. "While my fellow Chaos Kin would love nothing more than to throw themselves into a fight, I find victory is obtained so much easier when you're able to play your opponent right into your hands. The Avatars among you shall make excellent trophies alongside the corpses of those who are still mortal among your number. I suppose it's only fair that I let Splendid Venus dispose of them considering it's your fault that her dear agents have departed this world."

Splendid Venus slowly hovered over to the paralyzed Elements of Heroism. Raising her staff and changing it into a spear poised to strike them down! But as she made to strike, the lash of a whip coiled around her spear!

"You're. . . wrong. . . " Venus Bloomer grunted! A rose colored aura pulsing around him as he got to his feet! "The agents fell of their own accord. Because they knew how beautiful this world was!" Venus recoiled his whip, and lashed out again and again at Splendid Venus! The Chaos Kin blocking each of his strikes! "They knew how much you loved this world! And they gave their lives so the world of beauty that you loved could continue on! HOW COULD YOU DO SOMETHING SO UGLY AS THINKING THEY DIED FOR NOTHING?!"

Venus Bloomer leaped out of the way of a thrust from Splendid Venus, and managed to strike her head! Temporarily stunning the Chaos Kin! Venus Bloomer saw this as his chance to try and get through to her, but he was knocked back by a gust from her wings! The rosy aura fading as he hit the ground!

"I'm so glad you refuse to let this worm's pleas sway you." Suppression Pluto said with a smirk as he looked at the fallen form of Venus Bloomer.

"Indeed Pluto. I was a fool to turn my back on my fellow Chaos Kin." Splendid Venus said as she hovered towards Suppression Pluto. "Let me embrace you. As a sign of my return."

Suppression Pluto let out a dark chuckle. "It pleases me you've come to your sense-GAH!" Suppression Pluto looked at his chest, and saw a beam of light piercing through his center! "What. . . is this?!"

"Light can be used to conceal just as easily as darkness." Splendid Venus said as she looked right into Suppression Pluto's shocked eyes. Her own eyes returning to their original brilliant white! "FINAL RADIANCE!" A brilliant white light shot out from Splendid Venus' entire being! The resulting blast completely obliterated Yami, and Suppression Pluto couldn't even scream as his body faded away! When the light died down, Splendid Venus fell to the ground.

"Splendid Venus!" Venus Bloomer ran to the fallen rogue Chaos Kin's side. "You managed to snap out of Suppression Pluto's control! I didn't even know if I had gotten through to you! I-"

"I could hear you loud and clear." Splendid Venus said with a soft look in her eyes. "I was aware of what I was doing. Of what I was about to do. But I had no control over my body. But the truth of your words, the strength of your spirit are what released me. I am so happy to have witnessed something. . . no. Someone so beautiful. And I can say that this world is a much more wonderful place for it. Now. . . I have no regrets."

And with that, Splendid Venus began to fade away. "But before I leave, I have a parting gift." Splendid Venus raised her hand over Venus Bloomer's Duelist Arm, and it was soon bathed in a ray of light. The color of the light turned to rose, and it soon faded. The lash was covered in a fiery purple aura. "I've imbued your whip with a portion of my power. It burns as bright and as radiant as the spirit of you who wield it. Farewell. . . " And in an instant, Splendid Venus dissolved into mere glimmers of light that immediately faded away.

"That. . . FOOL. . . " Suppression Pluto's spirit materialized before the recovering Elements of Heroism! "With my very last breath. . . I swear to purge this world of all she held dear!"

"You will do nothing." Venus snarled as he struck Suppression Pluto's lingering spirit with his whip! The second the Duelist Arm struck the vengeful spirit, it howled in pain as purple flames burned him away to nothing! "Your spirit lacked substance. Remember that when you dwell in tartarus for eternity."

Venus Bloomer then turned his attention to his friends. "Don't worry about me." He said with a weak smile. "I'm still in high spirits." Venus looked to the sky. "It's what she'd want."

About a week later, Venus Bloomer returned to the sight of the final battle against Suppression Pluto. There stood a small statue of Splendid Venus with a beautiful arrangement of flowers on and around it. Venus Bloomer smiled as he placed more flowers in memory of her.

"Hope you like the flowers. . . "

Episode 20: Ticking Clock

Worry. A feeling that Nightmare Moon did not often experience. One of those rare instances being when she had confessed her feelings to Burst Stream. Though her reason for worrying wasn't out of fear of rejection. Rather it was for if Burst Stream using her as a placeholder as opposed to developing a genuine attraction to her. But ultimately, the Element of Power had developed feelings for the formerly fallen princess. And since then, the two had gotten closer. However, it was because of their recent closeness that Nightmare Moon was worried.

Something is definitely up. Nightmare Moon thought to herself as she observed Burst Stream just sitting on the couch playing on one of his consoles. Normally he'd have a smile on his face and a spark of life within his eyes. But recently, he just looked so downbeat and lifeless. A sharp contrast to his recent behavior. "So. . . I heard from Inferno that half of the Chaos Kin have been defeated. That's some good news, right?"

"Huh?" Burst Stream momentarily snapped out of his state of gloom, and managed a small smile. "Oh, yeah. That is some pretty great news. Four down, four to go."

Nightmare Moon frowned when she saw Burst Stream's smile was anything but genuine. "Then why don't you sound so happy about it?" She then scooted closer and gently put a hand on Burst Stream's shoulder. "Could it be that you feel left out? Maybe you deciding to go on vacation with me wasn't the best of ideas."

"What?! N-No!" Burst Stream protested! "I mean, the guys are doing fine without me, right? And with how strong Twilight and the girls have gotten, it's not like me and the guys are even necessary!" Maybe the Elements of Heroism were never needed to begin with. . . "But, I do kind of miss being by their side a little bit."

"But there's more to it than that, isn't there?" Nightmare Moon asked as she leaned in. "Lately you've been wearing long-sleeve shirts to bed and you're almost never without your coat or gloves around the house or around town. And I know for certain from the times you've went to bed topless that you're not the shy type. So what's going on with you?"

"I-" Burst Stream sighed. "It's not something I want to talk about. This isn't something that would just affect us! All of our friends, the people we care about? The last thing I want to do to them is make them worry. You most of all. That's why I can't say anything! Because I don't want to weigh them down with my own problems!"

"And did it ever occur to you that keeping it to yourself would have the exact opposite effect?!" Nightmare Moon countered. "Or that no one would notice your change in behavior?! Look at how you've been acting Burst! In all the time I've known you, you've always been full of excitement and life! And now? I can't even tell if you're alive anymore! Your eyes look like you're dead inside!"

The emotions that Nightmare Moon had towards Burst Stream's shift in behavior finally came to the surface as her eyes began to tear up. "Please Burst. Just tell me. I hate seeing you like this. That lifeless look in your eyes. The distant look on your face. It just hurts me so much to see you in this state and think not telling me anything will spare me the pain."

"Moon. . . I hurt you?" Burst Stream's entire body froze up at hearing this. "No. . . no I never wanted to do that to you! Not again! I swore I'd never let something like this happen again!"

"Burst. . . calm down! Please!" Nightmare Moon pleaded! "I know you didn't mean to hurt me! Just take a moment and-!"

"NO!" Burst Stream snapped as he powered up his magic, and teleported outside! The second his feet hit the ground, Burst Stream broke into a full-on run towards the Everfree Forest! Dammit! It's happening again! WHY?! Right when I get to love a girl, everything goes wrong! Is this how it's going to be for the rest of my life?! Am I supposed to just die alone without sharing my last days without someone I love by my side?! Everything I've accomplished, all of that training? Maybe it was all meaningless. Did anyone ever actually need me? All of this started because I decided to keep a stupid promise I made when I was just a dumb kid! It wasn't me who saved Luna. Me and the guys weren't the ones who beat Discord, and I wasn't the one who beat Chrysalis when she attacked Castalot!

All of those battles. All of my victories. All of them were pointless because Twilight and her friends would have found a way to win. They always have. Burst Stream thought as he kept on running. Unbeknownst to him, Burst Stream had run all the way to the Castle of the Two Sisters. The very sight where his journey began, and had once nearly ended as well. When he reached the room where the Elements of Harmony were revived, he fell to his knees. In the end, they're the ones that have saved the day when it counted the most. The most me and the guys ever provided was little extra muscle. Maybe all I've ever been since making that damn promise was a stupid child playing hero!

"But that's not the worst thing you've done, is it?" A voice asked from seemingly nowhere. In a flash of light, Despair Uranus appeared before Burst Stream. But the Element of Power was too deep in his thoughts and doubts to notice the Chaos Kin's arrival. "Ah such powerful despair. Despair fitting the Element of Power. But worry not Burst Stream. Your pain will soon come to an end."

An ominous glow surrounded Despair Uranus' entire being! At the same time, a black haze began to gather around Burst Stream. The ground beneath him warping into a pool of darkness that seemed to swallow up more of him each passing second!

"What is the deed that you can never forgive yourself for doing?" Despair Uranus asked.

With a blank look in his eyes, Burst Stream looked up to the morning sky and the rays of sunlight shining down through the ruined castle's roof. And for a moment, the briefest glimmer of life returned to his eyes.

"I fell in love with the most wonderful woman I've ever meant. One who was so lonely, and I promised her that I'd stop at nothing to make her happy. That I'd never do anything to take away her true smile." Burst Stream said as his eyes began to mist from the tears building up. "But in the end, I hurt her. I might not have done it directly, or intentionally, but I hurt her all the same. It might not have been completely my fault, but in the end I'm still the cause of it."

"And how about your dear friends? Can you say that their lives have been any better since you decided to take a stand?" The glow around Despair Uranus began to pulsate and intensify!

"My friends. . . " Burst Stream said as the tears fell down his face. "All of them would have been better off without me. Some of them have almost died more times than I'd like to count. All because they chose to follow me. They're not to blame for following me. I'm the reason they get into these messes in the first place. Maybe everything that's happened so far is all my fault. Maybe the world's a better place without me in it. . . "

And as Burst Stream spoke, the pool of darkness seemed to rise as his despair grew. All the while, the glow around Despair Uranus seemed to grow brighter and brighter as if his magical power was feeding off of Burst's despair! A power that Nightmare Moon noticed when she was sensing for Burst Stream.

"I found him!" Nightmare Moon called out to the gathered teams of elements! "He's at the old castle in the Everfree! But we have to hurry! I felt another strong magical power incredibly close to Burst! It feels like one of the Chaos Kin!"

"Then we've got no time to lose!" Twilight stated! "Everyone stick close together! We're going to do a mass teleport!" Twilight powered up her magic, and the entire group of friends were teleported to the entrance of the old castle! "Moon! Where's Burst at?"

"This way!" Nightmare Moon flew towards the room where the Elements of Harmony were revived. And when she arrived, the princess of dreams froze in horror at the sight in front of her. "Dear Faust. . . "

"Moon? What is it?!" Twilight called out as she and the others arrived on the scene! "Wh-what in the world is that thing?!"

"Don't know, don't care!" Inferno spat as he pointed at the center of the haze and pool of despair! "Whatever it is, it's got Burst and I'm getting him out of it!" Inferno Flare spread his wings, and flew off at top speed towards Burst Stream! "Sit tight buddy! I've almost got y-?!" The haze of despair violently pulsated and knocked Inferno back! Sending the Element of Potential sprawling back to his friends!

"What is that thing made of?!" Inferno said as shivers ran throughout his body. "Just coming into contact with that thing made me feel like I didn't want to go on anymore!"

"I know what it's made of." Nightmare Moon answered as she took a step forward. "I'm all too familiar with the composition of this haze. Fear. Regret. Doubt. All of which combine together to create the despair that Burst is currently being swallowed by."

"Correct." Despair Uranus commented as he hovered above the pool of despair that was swallowing Burst Stream!

"You're the one who's doing this to Burst?!" Dark Ice shouted!

"Oh I did nothing to inflict the current status of your friend." Despair Uranus answered. "All of what you see was sitting within him recently. I just helped bring it to the surface. He must really care about all of you. I can tell because he tried so hard to keep it hidden. All so that you wouldn't waste your worries on him. It would be touching if it weren't so foolish, but who am I to complain? His despair is providing me with plenty of power. And once I'm done with him, his suffering will be over. The way I see it, it's a win-win."

"You gutless bastard. . . " Steel Edge growled.

"Everyone calm down!" Nightmare Moon ordered! "Losing our cool isn't going to get us any closer to saving Burst! Despite how this floating mass of pebbles is so sure of himself, there IS a way to snap Burst Stream out of this!"

"But how do we do it?!" Twilight asked.

"Have you forgotten that you all possess the most powerful magic of all?" Nightmare Moon answered. "We need to remind Burst Stream of why he fights and who he fights for! But most of all, we need to let him know how much he means to all of us and how much he matters."

"Then what're we waiting for? Let's send some good vibes Burst's way!" Akage snapped!

"We're waiting because we're not all here." Nightmare Moon countered. "One person is still missing. Probably the one most important to Burst's entire life." Nightmare Moon pulled Burst Stream's phone out of her pocket, and went to the contacts section. She immediately dialed Celestia's number. "I know that I'm not the one you were expecting to call. I'm probably someone you never wanted a call from period. But right now, Burst Stream is in a lot of trouble and needs all of us to help him. And we can't do this without you."

As soon as Nightmare Moon hung up, Celestia teleported to them! A worried and fearful expression on her face.

"Where is he?" Celestia asked. And the second she turned around, the princess of the sun almost fell to her knees. "Don't tell me. He's-"

"Within that aura of despair." Nightmare Moon said with a nod. "And he's currently being swallows by it. It's going to take all of us to do this. Close your eyes, and focus your hearts and thoughts on Burst Stream." She then turned her gaze to Celestia. "We'll handle broadcasting to Burst."

Everyone closed their eyes, as Nightmare Moon and Celestia powered up their magic as they put their hands over their hearts before closing their eyes too. No grand blast of magic shot forth. There was no brilliant light shining from their bodies. But what was happening contained a far greater power than could be visibly depicted.

Within the haze of despair, the remaining glimmer of light in Burst Stream's eyes flickered as his own despair continued to swallow him. This is where it all began. I guess it only makes sense that it would end here. Burst Stream thought as his eyes began to close. But there's a huge difference between then and now. Back then I was with people I barely knew, but still cared about. Now? I'm alone. And with that, Burst Stream shut his eyes. Maybe this is a better way to go out. . .

"Burst! C'mon man! Don't tell me you're just going to call it quits like this!" Inferno's voice called out from the dark! Burst Stream's eyes snapped open, and saw a fire-red light floating in front of him! "Are you really gonna just leave without saying goodbye to any of us?! The Burst Stream I know never goes down this easily!"

"Maybe I was wrong not to." Burst Stream said sadly. "All of you have been brought so close to an early end because you decided to follow me. And who knows how many new threats decided to pop up just because I decided to play hero? All I've done is make things worse. And in the end, maybe all I've done is meaningless."

"DON'T YOU DARE SAY THAT!" The fire-red light seemed to glow brighter in response as Inferno's voice could be heard from it! "Did I enjoy being a rockstar? Yeah. I won't lie. It was fun. But you saw the potential in me to be something more! To really do something good and make people smile knowing they had protectors they could count on!"

"In the face of every battle, you've always fought with your own personal code of honor." A silver light with Steel's voice coming from it chimed in. "No matter the odds, you always fight fair and with all that you have. But above all, you prioritize the well-being of others above your own. And I'm honored to be your friend."

"You showed me that all the insults and bullying I tolerated paid off in the end." A green light with Ty's voice coming from it stated. "And thanks to you, I've met some of the best friends I've ever had and the woman I love."

"You knew the risks of every fight we went into, but you knew that if no one took a stand no one ever would." An icy blue light said with Arctic Ace's voice. "You have the wisdom of a leader."

"Because of you, I realized that I couldn't run from my fears." A crimson red light said with Dark Ice's voice. "You taught me that courage isn't refusing to feel fear. It's being afraid, but going forward anyways!"

"Maybe we do face a greater risk in every battle we fight. But you never let that stop you from living as much as you could!" A yellow-green light said with the voice of Venus Bloomer! "You've always fought for those who couldn't stand for themselves, and always rush to help those in need! That's the spirit of a hero if I've ever seen one!"

"Even when things get tough, you never back down!" A red-violet light said with Night Fang's voice! "And even when you do feel down, it's damn near impossible to make you stay down! You've got unyielding determination to fight for what's right and to protect what you care about!"

"And despite how serious things can get, you always seem to smile and treat it like it's no big deal." A scarlet light with Akage's voice added. "Always treating the task ahead of you with levity to keep us in good spirits."

"All the times we've had a close call, you always take it super hard on yourself. Because you have a lot of compassion for others and care about us!" A yellow light with Shadow's voice chimed in!

"They're right lad." A blue and red light with Magnet North's voice stated. "I don't think I've met anyone quite as noble as yourself."

"I've followed your work with the Elements of Heroism for a long time." A dark blue light with Nightfall's voice said. "And when thinking of what a hero acted like, or what they stood for, all of you guys are what came to mind! I don't see someone who's failed to live up to that expectation. Just the same person whose heart is troubled. And from what I've seen of you, this won't be nearly enough to take you down!"

"You're the best big brother I never had." A purple light with Spike's voice added. "And in all the time I've known you, your dedication to doing the right thing never wavers!"

"Don't forget about us!" A violet light with Twilight's voice chimed in! "I was able to loosen up more and accept I can't be perfect! And I've grown a lot more because of that! And I know you're better than this Burst!"

"You've always stuck by us, so there's no way we're ditching you right now!" A cyan light with Rainbow Dash's voice declared boldly!

"Be honest with us." An orange light with Applejack's voice said. "Is this really how you wanna go out?"

"We're all here for you." A light pink light said with Fluttershy's voice.

"You're always willing to help all of us out." A purple light with Rarity's voice added. "It's high time that we all return the favor."

"Yup!" A bright pink light exclaimed with Pinkie Pie's voice! "No way we're letting you leave us without a smile!"

"Never say that what you've done is meaningless. It means more to me, more to us than you could ever know." A brilliant white light said with Celestia's voice. "You were someone who'd never even met me. Someone who didn't even know a thing about me. And yet you made a promise to make me happy because you couldn't imagine how alone I felt despite being surrounded. You treated me just like any other person, and never saw my crown or godhood when you looked at me."

"Despite all the wrongs I committed, you still tried to reason with me." A black light with a dark blue glow said with Nightmare Moon's voice. "Where everyone else saw a monster, you refused to paint me as such. And when I wanted to change for the better, you believed in me no matter what. You gave me a warmth and light that I'd never had before. And because of that, I was able to move past who I was and into who I am now! You saved me! You saved Celestia! Whenever things look bad, you always show up to try and make things right!"

And in one voice, all the lights let out the truth Burst needed to hear. "YOU'RE OUR HERO BURST STREAM!"

"Everyone. . . " Burst Stream was in awe. And slowly but surely, a smile crept onto his face. "Thanks for the wake up call!" And a wave of light shot out from Burst Stream!

"WHAT?!?" Despair Uranus was shocked to see the despair he'd brought out of Burst Stream fade away in an instant! "Impossible! You were supposed to drown in your own despair! Minutes ago you were a wreck who felt worthless and had amounted to nothing!"

"You targeted me at my lowest and you honestly thought I'd just throw my life away the instant you started making me feel like nothing?!" Burst Stream asked as he leaped forward with his fist drawn back! "JUST WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?!" And he punched Despair Uranus in his face with full force! Causing cracks to spread all across the Chaos Kin's body!

"H-How. . . " Despair Uranus wheezed out as debris began to fall from his body. "How are you. . . this strong?! What. . . is this power?!"

"This is the power of a hero!" Burst Stream screamed as he charged up a white lightning overdrive through his left arm! "BRINGING HOPE IN THE DARKEST HOUR OF DESPAIR! WHITE LIGHTNING. . . " One last punch to Despair Uranus was all it took to end the fight! "OVERDRIVE!!!"

"GAAAUUUUUGHHHH!" Despair Uranus wailed as he burst apart! Nothing but rubble and debris serving as all that remained of the Chaos Kin!

Burst Stream winced in pain as he felt cracks form in his left arm, but powered through the pain as he turned around to face his friends. "Hey everyone. Sorry for making you all worry so much. It's just. . . Moon said that I'd hurt her, and it really made me question all that I've done so far. It made me doubt whether or not I can really call myself a hero. But you guys helped snap me out of it. Because I've got friends like all of you, I know what I've done matters. Maybe not to the whole world, but to the people that matter most to me."

"Glad to see you back to your old self." Inferno said with a grin. "So. Care to tell us what's been troubling you?"

". . . Am I really that bad at hiding things?" Burst asked with a defeated smile. "How long did it take you guys to figure out something was up?"

"Take it from a ninja. We know how to spot when something's up." Akage said with a nod. "Plus, we wouldn't be your friends if we didn't notice something odd going on that was outside of your usual behavior."

"All of you really are the best friends I've ever had." Burst Stream said with a sad smile. "It's been nice knowing you all."

"Hey, what's that talk for?" Twilight asked with a smile.

Burst Stream still had that sad smile on his face as he removed his coat and gloves, and revealed the cracks that had spread across his body and were slowly creeping towards his core. "Because I don't know how much time I've got left. And that White Lightning Overdrive I just did has shaved even more time off my countdown." All of Burst Stream's friends stood in complete shock and horror. "If any of you want to chew me out about hiding this, now's the time. I won't think any less of you."

". . . You didn't want us to worry about you." Inferno said as he walked up to Burst. He lightly punched Burst on the shoulder. "Don't get me wrong. We're all a bit upset about you keeping something this big about us. We could've helped you out with your bucket list!"

"I actually still need help with that." Burst said with a chuckle. "Care to help me iron it out at the library?" As the group of friends made their way to help Burst make his list, Nightmare Moon led Celestia away to speak in private.

"Celestia. You know how ascension works, right?" Nightmare Moon asked.

Celestia hesitantly nodded. "Yes. But why would you be interested in learning how to carry out an ascension?"

"Burst Stream saved me." Nightmare Moon stated with unyielding conviction. "And I want to return the favor. . ."

Episode 21: One Last Party

A couple days had passed since both teams of elements found out about Burst Stream's condition. But despite the fact that their friend's clock was ticking day by day, they refused to let that stop them from enjoying whatever amount of time they had left together and they went about their lives as usual. However, a certain pink party girl wasn't able to put the thought completely out of her mind.

"Hmm." Pinkie Pie scratched her puffy mane of hair deep in thought. "This decision's one heck of a doozy."

"Something up Pinkie?" Akage asked as he stepped out from behind the counter of Sugar Cube Corner. "I've rarely seen anything upset you, so what's up?"

"Aw! That's extra sweet of you to notice Akage!" Pinkie Pie chirped. "I was planning to throw a party for Rainbow Dash to celebrate her moving into Unityville. Buuuut, there's another party I decided to throw today that's just as important and it's for another good friend too!"

"Well, why not just throw both parties at once?" Akage suggested. "It can't be that hard to combine the two, right?"

"But that's so much worse!" Pinkie Pie said with a pout. "A party thrown specifically for one person being shared makes them feel less special. And once the party's over, they never feel like they had enough fun." For a brief moment, Pinkie's hair deflated. "And I love my friends all so much. They're ALL my best friends. And I never wanna make one feel better than the other. . . "

"You really are just as sweet as the treats you make." Akage said with a loving smile as he pulled Pinkie Pie into a loving embrace. "Just know that whatever you plan on doing, I'm with you. Ninja's word."

"Awww~! Thanks Akage!" Pinkie Pie was instantly back to her cheerful self. "You're the best boyfriend! Well, my only boyfriend, but that makes you the best by default!" And with that, Pinkie started to prepare for Rainbow Dash's party. However, as soon as the party got underway, a stranger arrived in town and then proceeded to show off his own party skills! Ones that even rivaled Pinkie's! Normally, Pinkie would have felt she was being shown up. But when she thought about it, the newcomer's job was the same as hers: To make people happy by throwing them some of the best parties around. And if he was handling Rainbow Dash's party, that left her some valuable spare time.

"So Pinkie Pie, whaddya say?" Cheese Sandwich asked. "Would you mind if I take charge of this party train?"

"This is perfect!" Pinkie Pie cheered! "Go nuts Cheese! I've got another party to work on that's just as important! And it looks like things are going to be in good hands! C'mon Akage!" She grabbed her boyfriend by his scarf! "We've got another party to prep, and we don't have a second to lose!" A second later, all that was in the pair's place was a dust could shaped like the two of them. The couple wasting no time in getting the other party Pinkie had planned on throwing ready at Twilight's library.

"If you don't mind me asking, what kind of party is so important that it rivals Rainbow Dash's moving-in anniversary?" Akage asked. "And I'm pretty surprised you didn't challenge Cheese Sandwich to a party-off. I mean, you take your role as the key party planner of Unityville really seriously. What made you step down so easily?"

"Silly Akage!" Pinkie Pie said with a giggle. "I can't run every party out there! Besides, the last time I tried to be everywhere at once proved that one of me is enough of me! Besides, it's all about making others happy! And if someone else can do that just as good as I can, I don't see any reason why they shouldn't! And-"

"Pinkie." Akage said as he gripped Pinkie Pie by the shoulders, and kissed her. "I get it."

"You always know just what to say even without saying it." Pinkie Pie said happily as she pulled Akage close to her chest before looking at her handiwork. "Nice! And in record time too! Now I just gotta text the others!" Pinkie Pie whipped out her phone, selected almost all of her friends, and sent out the message about the additional party!

"There we go! Akage, could you double check to make sure I got everyone?"

"Sure thing Pinkie." Akage said with a nod. The young ninja took the party girl's phone, and scanned through the list of recipients for the text. However, he noticed there was one name missing from the list of recipients. "Uh, Pinkie? I think you might've missed someone."

"Of course I left one out Akage!" Pinkie Pie said with a smile. "This party's supposed to be a surprise for that person! Obviously it wouldn't be a good surprise if they knew it was going to happen!"

"Eh. Who can question that?" Akage said with a shrug as he decided to give one last check on the supplies for the party.

For a brief moment, Pinkie Pie looked at the screen and whispered. "I bet you can all guess who the party's for, but don't spoil it please!" And with that she glued her eyes to the clock and hummed to herself and made small talk with Akage. "Hey Akage? You know what we all need? Character theme songs! No wait! We also need names for our weapons! It'd be so cool!"

"While you're at it, why don't you try making a grenade launcher that fires explosive blasts of confetti?" Akage asked with a smile. "Or some sort of sprinkle-bombs?"

Pinkie Pie's eyes went wide. "That sounds super fun! I'm gonna have to see if Nightfall can actually make me something like that! Oh, I can't wait to name them!" She then came to a realization. "Maybe I could also have him make some hi-tech ninja gear for you!"

"You really don't have to do that for me Pinkie." Akage said with an embarrassed smile. "I make up for my lack of a Duelist Arm with my skills."

"I still think you'd look cooler with gear like that." Pinkie Pie said with a pout. A pout that soon faded once she saw her friends show up. "Glad you could all make it! It wouldn't be the same without all of us here!"

"Thankfully, the party didn't go on for too long. Cheese Sandwich said he had another party to attend to, but he'd be able to spend a bit of time to check out town." Twilight said with a smile as she looked at the banner. "You really went all-out for setting up this party."

"Yup!" Pinkie Pie said with a nod. "Now to contact the guest of honor!" With a speed no one thought possible, Pinkie Pie sent out a text to who she was hoping to surprise. "There! He should be here soon!" A knock on the door told Pinkie that "soon" would be now. "Come on in!"

The second Burst Stream opened the door, he was greeted with a blast of confetti to the face!

"SURPRISE!" Pinkie Pie cheered as she pounced on Burst Stream! "You ready to party Burst?!"

". . . Sure." Burst Stream said with a smile as he managed to slide Pinkie Pie off him. "You did that to relive when we first met, didn't you?"

"Uh huh!" Pinkie said with a grin! "But it's even better now that you've got tons of friends to celebrate too!"

Burst Stream looked at the faces of his friends, and then to the banner. Though his smile decreased in size, he didn't have any less joy about the party. "Well, I don't know how much time I've got left. I might as well have as much fun as possible! And there's no way you guys would let me spend it without you!"

Both teams of elements partied like they never had before. Everyone tried to have a dance-off, but Akage showed them all up due to his incredible flexibility and reflexes while Pinkie Pie pulled off moves that defied physics. Fluttershy, to everyone's surprise, utterly dominated at karaoke. Needless to say, everyone was pretty surprised to hear such a powerful voice come out of the shy girl. Sure enough, it was time for the cake and Pinkie Pie spared no expense in making the best one she could for this party. As the rest of their friends chatted and socialized, Pinkie and Akage went outside for some air.

"You know? I don't think I've ever seen you put so much into a party quite like this one." Akage said as he took a sip of his punch. "I can probably guess why, but hearing it from you would be nicer."

Pinkie Pie smiled. It wasn't the usual goofy or ear-to-ear smile that was usually plastered on her face, but a small, meaningful smile.

"Did you see how everyone was laughing and smiling at the party? That's something I want them all to have. Especially Burst Stream with what he's going through. I can't stand to see my friends looking sad. I knew that none of them were really smiling for the past couple of days. The only thing worse than being unhappy is wearing a fake smile. Especially if they're going away."

"So if you're going to go, you might as well be happy! That way no one cries as much when you're gone." Pinkie Pie said as she looked back at the party through the window. "I wouldn't be the Element of Laughter if I wasn't able to help a friend enjoy the time they have left."

In a flash of light, Pinkie Pie was transported to the same plane where Twilight had ascended!

"Well. This is certainly a surprise. But then again, I should have expected nothing less from you Pinkie Pie." Princess Celestia said with a warm smile. "I was wondering when one of Twilight's friends would be the next to ascend."

"Does this mean I get to be princess of parties?!" Pinkie Pie asked excitedly! "Hmm. Or would I be the Princess of Laughter? Oh well! Doesn't matter! AVATAR ME CELESTIA!" Pinkie Pie was enveloped in an orb of magic, and returned to the regular world when she next opened her eyes! To her surprise, Cheese Sandwich was standing right in front of her and offered his treasured rubber chicken to her.

"Your scepter your highness." Cheese Sandwich said with a bow. "Hail to the party princess!"

Pinkie Pie beamed, and levitated the rubber chicken over to her. Her hands glowing with a bright pink magic aura as she noticed the marks on the back of her hands resembling her Talent Crest. She then spread her wings out and admired the balloon and confetti patterns littered on her wings' feathers!

"C'mon Cheese!" Pinkie Pie said with her trademark smile! "TIME TO PARTY LIKE A GODDESS!" Needless to say, everyone was pretty shocked to see the newly ascended Avatar bust the door open. But given that it was Pinkie Pie, they didn't question it.

Sure enough, the party came to an end and everyone headed to their respective homes. Pinkie Pie was with Akage in their shared room, and both were getting ready for bed.

"I think of all the parties I've thrown, this one was the most important!" Pinkie Pie said with a fond sigh. "How about you Akage?"

"I'm with you on that." Akage said with a small smile as he slipped on his sleeping clothes. "Something tells me you'll sleep well to. . .night." Akage was speechless when he turned to face Pinkie Pie. His face turning the same shade of red as his hair. "Uh, Pinkie? Why are you only wearing an apron to bed?"

"Silly Akage!" Pinkie Pie said with a giggle. "None of my cloths have slits for my new wings to fit through! And I really don't want to tear them, so I'll have Rarity fix 'em! And don't worry! I won't be cold! I've got a great boyfriend who makes for a great pillow!"

Akage's eyes went wide as Pinkie Pie swept him up in her arms and threw both of them onto her bed! But upon being embraced by his beloved party girl, the young ninja put up no resistance and simply smiled as Pinkie Pie snuggled against him. He still blushed given that Pinkie was a bit more blessed in certain areas, but returned the embrace all the same.

So this is what heaven feels like. . . The young ninja thought to himself as he drifted off to sleep. But not before giving his slumbering goddess the treat of a goodnight kiss.

Episode 22: Melting Ice

"Warmer clothes? Check." Dark Ice said to himself as he read off the list of travel items he was packing. "Scarf? Check. Extra underwear? Check."

"You DO know that the Crystal Empire is kept out of the cold by the barrier generated by the Crystal Heart, right?" Arctic Ace asked as he read through a book on magic that Twilight had lent him. "Of course, snow does fall there in the winter time. I guess it's only natural since they live in the Frozen North. By the way, how is Indigo Zap?"

"S-She's got nothing to do with this!" Dark Ice stammered! "I just feel like I could use a little vacation!"

"C'mon bro! Don't deny it~!" Shadow Thunder sang out from his spot on the couch. "You got it bad for that girl. That reaction says it all."

". . . Fine. I wanna see Indigo Zap. Happy now?" Dark Ice asked with a frown. "And. . . I'm kinda scared. I want to be with her. I want to know her more. But I'm scared to tell her, well, everything about me."

"Well if she really likes you, she won't care. If not, her loss." Arctic Ace said with a shrug. "Because you've become a far better man than you used to be."

"You want something in return for that advice, don't you?" Dark Ice asked with a frown.

"Shadow wants a snow-globe." Arctic Ace answered with a small smile. "Have fun Ice."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm going." Dark Ice said as he grabbed his Duelist Arm. He then noted the surprised look on his brothers' faces. "What? I like carrying around my claymore! It makes me look badass! Plus, there's still three Chaos Kin out there. No telling if they might decide to attack somewhere else for a change. Because I'm pretty sure they're getting sick of just attacking Unityville. Later bros!"

One train ride later, Dark Ice found himself at the Crystal Empire. Thankfully, none of the Crystal Sapiens swarmed him to hail him for fighting against their former tyrant. Regardless, Dark Ice smiled when he saw how happy everyone was without living in fear anymore.

"This place is as bright and shiny as the crystals it's made of." Dark Ice said to himself as he took in the sights. He couldn't help but smile when he saw a statue of Spike holding up a replica of the Crystal Heart. "Huh. Wonder if they'll scramble to fix this thing once they see how much Spike's grown."

"Chances are they'll be running around like the sky's falling." A familiar female voice called out. Indigo zap landed right next to Dark Ice with a smile on her face. "Been a while since you last dropped by. You couldn't have written a letter?"

"Or maybe you should look into getting a phone." Dark Ice countered with a smile of his own. "All the same, it's not at as nice as seeing you in-person, Zap. I'd love to visit more, but-"

"Hero thing, right?" Indigo Zap asked. "It's cool. You're pretty busy saving the world, right?"

"Yeah." Dark Ice said with a chuckle. "But so far, things are calm. Except for the few Chaos Kin remaining. And they like to show up at random. Not the first time that my friends and I have gone up against villain faction, but this is certainly the most we've fought one after another."

"Well judging by the beatdown you gave King Sombra, I'd say you're pretty experienced with those kinds of odds." Indigo Zap said with a smirk.

"Yeah." Dark Ice said with a nod. "Honestly, I think that was one of the few fights where I got an actual win on. And I think it was the hardest fight I've ever been in so far. Probably because. . ."

"Because. . . why?" Indigo Zap asked as she noticed the sudden change in Dark Ice's tone. "Is it because he made you see your worst fear? Or just because you couldn't stand to see others living in fear as the Element of Courage?"

"Those are bits and pieces of it, yeah." Dark Ice said with a slight nod. "But that's not all of it."

"Indigo Zap. I-" Dark Ice sighed. "I wasn't always-" Sounds of panic prevented Dark Ice from finishing his sentence and getting all his thoughts out! Dark Ice spread out his wings, and flew out towards the panicking crowds of people. Before Dark Ice's eyes, a lone figure was attacking the city! Blazing Mars of the Chaos Kin was unleashing a volley of fire balls from the cannon that served as his entire lower body!

But despite the efforts of Blazing Mars to set the Crystal Empire ablaze, none of his fire blasts even came close to breaking through the shield generated by the Crystal Heart! Furthermore, it looked like his fire was literally dying out!

"As if I didn't hate this place enough for being a gigantic snowfield." Blazing Mars growled as he released blast after furious blast of flame! "I CAN'T EVEN SCORCH A SINGLE BUILDING!!"

"Indigo. Stay put." Dark Ice ordered as he flew towards Blazing Mars! "Yo hothead!" Dark Ice slashed at Blazing Mars with as much force as he could put into his swing! Surprising Blazing Mars by flying right at him and striking the Chaos Kin right in his side! Not wanting to waste his chance, Dark Ice kept on hacking away at Blazing Mars! Cracks appearing in the Chaos Kin's body as his fiery blood fell to the snowy ground below! "Anyone ever tell you that you need to cool off?!"

Blazing Mars just smirked. "Why stop when I'm on fire?" And he fired a massive fireball from his lower half! Knocking Dark Ice back with sheer concussive force! "This stinking snowfield may douse my flames a bit, but that doesn't mean they have any less fury behind them!"

"The Crystal Empire's seen too much battle! It's been through too much!" Dark Ice spat as he got to his feet! "Why attack it when so many of your fellow Chaos Kin fell in Unityville?!"

"You think I care about those losers?! HAH! They can burn for all I care!" Blazing Mars roared! "In fact, I had half an ember to incinerate them all for getting me stuck with them in that pocket dimension Discord threw us into! But as for why I want to see this place go up in a blaze? IT PISSES ME OFF! THAT'S ALL THE REASON I NEED TO BURN IT DOWN!"

Blazing Mars unleashed a furious spray of flames from his lower body! Dark Ice only surviving the flames by using his claymore to block the stream! "IN FACT, YOU COULD SAY THAT I'M PUTTING THE MISERABLE LITTLE MASS OF SHARDS OUT OF ITS MISERY! BETTER TO LEAVE BEHIND ASHES THAN TO HAVE IT FADE FROM HISTORY ALTOGETHER!"

"SHUT UP!" Dark Ice roared as he pushed forward! Spurred on by the sheer force of his will! "YOU CALL WHAT YOU'RE DOING MERCY?! THEY JUST GOT BACK THE LIVES THAT WERE TAKEN AWAY FROM THEM! THEY FINALLY CAN LIVE WITHOUT FEAR! AND YOU THINK THAT TAKING AWAY THEIR NEW LIVES AWAY FROM THEM IS MERCY?!"

Dark Ice leaped above the stream of flames, and used the broad side of his claymore's blade to slap Blazing Mars across the face! "There's a special place in Tartarus for you! AND I'M GOING TO DRAG YOU THERE MYSELF!"

"You're a pretty angry guy too, aren't you?" Blazing Mars asked with a dark chuckle. "You can't spell courage without 'rage'. Just what makes you angry?" One look into Dark Ice's eyes told Blazing Mars all he needed to know. "Ah. Yourself. Let's see if I can properly redirect that anger!"

Dark Ice's eyes went wide when a wave of fire crashed over him! When the flames died out, Dark Ice saw all his past mistakes surrounding him in a ring of flames! All the wrongs he'd done mad Dark Ice see red! Everything he'd regretted, all he hated himself for doing made him more angry than he'd ever been before! He was quite literally blinded by rage as he lashed out against the ghosts of his past and the inner demons that manifested from the illusory haze Blazing Mars had trapped him in!

"Well. Looks like you really like to beat yourself up." Blazing Mars said with a sneer as he watched Dark Ice swinging wildly at the illusions! "The angrier you get, the greater the flames will burn. Once you've got nothing left, the fire of your own rage will consume you. All I need to do is-WHAT?!"

To the surprise of Blazing Mars, Indigo Zap flew right into the fire! The Skyborn Crystal Sapien threw herself onto Dark Ice, and wrapped her arms around him tightly!

"STOP!" Indgio Zap pleaded as she clung onto Dark Ice for dear life! "I don't know what you've done in the past! What could make you hate yourself so much! But you're not like that! You're BETTER than that! I know you are! I've seen it! Please. . . "

The topaz crystal around Indigo Zap's neck began to glow! "Let go Ice." She tightened her embrace around the Element of Courage. "You don't need to hurt anymore." In a flash of light, Indigo Zap was transformed! She was clad in a mix of armor made of topaz greaves and gauntlets with a light breastplate made of the same material, and had a trident with a bladed portion made of the same gemstone! Lightning crackling along her entire being! Indigo Zap turned her gaze to Blazing Mars, and glared at the Chaos Kin!

"You're the only one who's going to burn in the end!" Indigo Zap snapped as she unleashed a stream of lightning from her trident! Knocking Blazing Mars to the ground, but not before the Chaos Kin could transfer the ring of flames around the new combatant and engulfing her in the fire!

Dark Ice had been snapped out of the illusion, and his heart sank when he saw Indigo Zap taking his place in what would've been an attack meant for him! "Indigo Zap. . . " He then struck at Blazing Mars with all his might! But to the Chaos Kin's surprise, there was no rage in Dark Ice!

"Why. . . WHY AREN'T YOU ANGRY ANYMORE?!" Blazing Mars screamed!

"Because I'm sick of going nowhere." Dark Ice replied calmly. "Someone like you could never understand what Indigo Zap did for me. Because if someone like her can like a guy like me? Then I can be happy with who I am." A peaceful smile spread across Dark Ice's face.

"No. . . NO!" Blazing Mars screamed as he mounted a desperate final charge at Dark Ice! But much like a dying fire, Blazing Mars began to sputter and fizzle! Breaking apart and scattering to the wind as ashes as the flames of rage within him gave out its last embers! "NOOOooooooooo-!"

"Thank you Indigo." Dark Ice said as he opened his eyes. "I just wish that you didn't have to pay such a high price to make me see that truth."

"So we're on a first-name-basis now are we?"

Dark Ice spun around, and saw Indigo Zap standing in front of him with a smile on her face! "H-How?!"

"I think we can get some answers from the Crystal Empire's new princess." Indigo Zap said with a grin. "But first, I've got some friends for you to meet." Sure enough, the pair flew back to the Crystal Empire. Indigo Zap introducing Dark Ice to her best friends.

"So. Looks like you saved the Crystal Empire again." Sunny Flare said with a nod. "At this rate, we're going to need a statue of you too."

"Your actions lack a lot of sense." Sugar Coat said flatly. "But it's good that you're always willing to fight for what's right." Lemon Zest just smiled, and gave Dark Ice a thumbs-up.

"It was so cool of you to take out that monster!" Sour Sweet chimed in. Her tone soon changing. "If Zap hadn't come back alive, I'd have knocked your teeth out!"

"Uh. . . Nice to meet you too. . . " Dark Ice said with a nervous nod. "Anyway, we're off to the castle. I want some answers as to why Indigo's still alive and kicking." He got his answers quite soon courtesy of Princess Cadence. The Princess of Love had been looking into Princess Amore's defense plans. One such planning on selecting five young girls as immortal guardians of the Crystal Empire who would awakening when a loved one was in danger. The Gem Maidens. Indigo Zap being the first to awaken.

"So. . . I can't die now?" Indigo Zap asked. "That explains why I was able to tank being roasted." She then turned her gaze to Dark Ice, and smiled. "I guess it must be love if we keep lifting each other up, huh?"

"Well, if you'll have me." Dark Ice said with a tired smile. One that soon faded. "But, if you really want to be with me, then you need to know everything. And why I was so angry with myself. Princess Cadence? Could you leave the two of us? I'd rather this be something between the two of us."

And the second Cadence left, Dark Ice told Indigo Zap everything. The storm he'd faced during his childhood, running away from home out of shame and self-loathing, him joining the Nightmare Forces and fighting against his own brothers and the friends he now proudly fought alongside when he awakened as the Element of Courage.

There was a full minute of silence between the two. Dark Ice made to leave, but was stopped when Indigo Zap once again brought him into a tight embrace. Though she said nothing, Indigo Zap's actions spoke volumes. An action which Dark Ice reciprocated without any hesitation. Dark Ice crying with a smile on his face all the while. His heart had finally melted.

Episode 23: The Problem with Breezies

Excitement. Sheer, unbridled excitement was a sight Tyrannus Rex rarely saw in Fluttershy. But when he did see it, he would almost mistake her for Pinkie Pie with all the energy she seemed to exude if not for one key difference: Pinkie Pie had parties, Fluttershy had animals. And judging by how Fluttershy was dashing about the cottage, said animals that excited her at the moment must be pretty adorable. In fact, it was something not even the Main Six had seen before when Fluttershy hurried them along to join her!

"You sure seem excited Fluttershy.", Twilight said with a smile. "Care to tell us what's got you in such a mood?"

"Yeah.", Rainbow Dash nodded. "Normally you're so meek, timid, and quiet. But today you've got the level of energy I thought only Pinkie Pie could generate."

"I'm so glad you asked!", Fluttershy squealed with joy! "I was asked by the Unity Wildlife Observation to observe the tiniest, most adorable creatures on the face of Unity! The Breezies!" Sure enough, the group arrived at the designated observation sight. But something was a bit off once the Breezies flew into view. Normally a colony such as this was moving in harmony and flowed smoothly. However, this group of Breezies seemed to be straining to fly in one direction as a majority of the cloud seemed to be buzzing off in another direction!

"That's, a bit concerning." Twilight mentioned as she watched the cloud of Breezies struggle with itself! "It's like the whole colony's trying to hold itself together and split apart at the same time!"

Sure enough, the tension gave way and a lone Breezie, presumably the leader, seemed to be cast out of the entire colony! Buzzing angrily at her fellow Breezies and ordering them to get back in formation! But the rest of the Breezies refused to do so!

"I'll handle this." Fluttershy said as she stepped forward and knelt down to speak to the Breezie leader. "Hello there. Are you having some trouble with your friends up there?" To Fluttershy's surprise, the leader was able to understand her and spoke her language. "Well, flying all the way to a new home must be very exhausting. Why don't you all stay at my cottage for a night? That way you'll all be able to fly fully rested to your new home tomorrow?" The lead Breezie buzzed excitedly, and alerted the rest of her group to the good news! But while Fluttershy was all too happy about the arrangement, Tyrannus was a bit unsure of it.

"Fluttershy? Are you sure you're making the right call?" Tyrannus asked hesitantly. "I knew these aren't Parasprites we're dealing with. But who's to say the lead Breezie wasn't being bossy without good reason?"

"There's no need to worry Ty." Fluttershy said with a calm smile. "I know just how to handle this." Within a few minutes, the Breezies had taken up temporary residence in Fluttershy's cottage and were buzzing excitedly as they settled down and sprawled their tiny bodies on wherever they saw as a good place to lie down.

"Aw, the poor dears must be so tired after such a long journey." Fluttershy cooed as she set to work preparing a meal for her numerous tiny guests. "Ty? Would you be a dear and help me prepare something for the Breezies to eat?"

"No problem Fluttershy." Tyrannus said with a nod. He then looked back over to the Breezies that had settled in the living room. "Well, at least these creatures don't eat everything in sight."

"It'll be alright Ty." Fluttershy said as she pat Tyrannus on the back with one of her wings. "You won't see them around the house for more than a day. I promise. For now let's just focus on making sure that the Breezies enjoy their stay."

One night came and went as the Celestia's sun rose the next morning. Fluttershy let out an adorable yawn as she stretched her arms and wings before giving Tyrannus an affectionate nuzzle as she slipped out of bed and got dressed. Upon reaching the living room, Fluttershy saw all the Breezies flying about. The lead Breezie buzzing about in a frustrated manner!

"Good morning everyone." Fluttershy said with a smile. "I'm glad to see that you're all well-rested. It was lovely having you all over, but I'm afraid this is the end of your stay here." With the exception of their leader, the Breezies refused to leave! "I know that you've enjoyed your time here, but you can't stay here forever."

And then, the Breezies went and pulled the ultimate persuasive tactic: The Sad Eyes. And they turned it on Fluttershy without any hesitation. It was enough to make Tyrannus panic right there and now since he knew it was the biggest weakness Fluttershy had! But to the Element of Tolerance's surprise, Fluttershy wasn't even fazed in the slightest.

"I'm sorry, but you all have your own home to go to." Fluttershy said calmly but with an air of firmness to it. She then had the lead Breezie land in her hand. "I know it's not nice listening to someone who doesn't tell you what to do nicely all the time, but that doesn't mean they don't care about you any less. Don't you have anyone who might miss you at your new home?"

The Breezies chattered among themselves for a moment before collectively buzzing towards the door and motioning for their leader to follow them. Fluttershy smiled as she watched them leave, and her heart skipped a beat when they offered for her to follow them to their new home. An offer that the Element of Kindness eagerly accepted. Upon her return to the cottage, Fluttershy carried back a flower that was given to her as a gift by the Breezies. The sight greeting her being an utterly awestruck Tyrannus Rex.

"Ty?" Fluttershy asked with concern for her boyfriend. "What's wrong?"

"I. . . I just don't believe it!" Tyrannus blurted out! "You usually give in to the sad eyes trick so easily when it comes from any adorable creature! How did you say no to them?!"

"Oh. It was easy." Fluttershy said with a shrug. "Real kindness isn't just being nice to others. It's also about considering the feelings of others and how the ones who aren't being kind are feeling. In the Breezies' case, their leader wasn't asking nicely enough. So I just gave her some advice on being assertive without sounding bossy. Easy!"

"Of course," Fluttershy flew up to Tyrannus and kissed him! "I had a great teacher." She couldn't help but gush at the sight of Tyrannus blushing! "And you're a lot cuter than the Breezies. To me at least."

". . . That's alright with me." Tyrannus said with a goofy grin as he hugged Fluttershy tightly.

Episode 24: Fighting Family

Akage had never been more thankful for the benefit of not needing much sleep given to him by his lifetime of ninja training than now. Up until a few minutes ago, he was sound asleep in bed with his now goddess girlfriend holding him tightly. Was being the keyword when Pinkie Pie woke up with a start.

"Ohmygosh!" Pinkie Pie blurted out as she jolted awake and squeezed her ninja boyfriend so tight it instantly woke him up! "I never told any of my family that I got a boyfriend or turned into the goddess of laughter! Oh wait. Maud's coming to visit! I can just have her tell them!"

For a few seconds, it seemed like sleep would once again claim the couple. This was not to be as within those few seconds that had passed, Pinkie Pie's eyes once again snapped open at another realization.

"MAUD'S VISITING TOMORROW!" Pinkie Pie hollered at the top of her lungs! Making the roof nearly fly off Sugar Cube Corner in the process! "C'mon Akage! We got rock candy to test out!"

"Coming dear." Akage said with a nod. "Just let me change into-" The Element of Levity didn't even get to finish his sentence or change into his usual garb when Pinkie Pie yanked him by his sleeping shirt down to the shop portion of Sugar Cube Corner! The young ninja in awe at what could only be a quarry's worth of rock candy piled around the shop!

"Uh, Pinkie?" Akage asked nervously. "You don't expect the both of us to test ALL of this rock candy, are you?"

"Nope!" Pinkie Pie said with a shake of her head! "I'm bringing our friends to help too!" Pinkie Pie spread her new wings and tried to take off, but her wings flapped about before she fell back to the ground. "Huh. Looks like I'll need to have Twilight and Rainbow Dash give me some lessons in magic and flying. Welp. Looks like I'm doing this the old fashioned way!"

Pinkie Pie dashed out the door, and soon returned not a few seconds later leaving the door wide open for her friends who were lagging behind her.

"Come on everybody! There's not a second to waste!" Pinkie Pie chirped as she threw herself towards the nearest pile of rock candy! It took a few hours, but Pinkie Pie had finally made the perfect pair of rock candy necklaces for herself and Maud. "Now all we gotta do is wait a few more hours until Maud arrives!"

A collective groan sounded from most of the group that had assembled with the exception of Akage. Seeing this new kind of excitement coming from Pinkie Pie made the young ninja remember happier days from his youth. Unconsciously putting a hand on his scarlet scarf as he reminisced about past times.

Sure enough, Maud had arrived in town. But when the rest of Pinkie's friends saw her, she wasn't exactly what they were expecting. Where as Pinkie Pie was a bundle of living excitement, Maud was drab and grey with a simple outfit by comparison. Furthering the contrast between the two was the fact Maud's voice was incredibly monotonous. Though none of them said anything for fear of injuring Pinkie Pie's feelings.

"So you're an Avatar now." Maud noted as she saw Pinkie Pie's wings and magic. "Does this mean we can swear by your giggle now?"

"Ha ha ha!" Pinkie Pie laughed! "No! It's all good! Oh! And I forgot to show you something else special!" Pinkie Pie grabbed Akage by his shoulders, and shoved him in front of Maud! "This is Akage Strider! My boyfriend!"

"Hi." Akage said with a wave. "I'm the one in charge of keeping your sister happy."

"And here I thought she couldn't get any happier." Maud said plainly. None of the others could pick up on it, but Akage could see the barely visible smile on Maud's face. "The two of you seem like a rock-solid couple."

"We don't take each other for granite. That's for sure." Akage answered with a smile. Upon seeing Akage getting along well with Maud, Pinkie Pie pulled the two of them into a hug and wrapped her wings around them. Proudly declaring she'd be spending today with her two favorite people.

"You think we should find a way to get more emotion out of Maud?" Rainbow Dash asked Twilight.

"No." Twilight said with a shake of her head. "I think that Maud feels plenty. We might not see it, but it doesn't always have to be visible. Besides, I know what it's like to have a sibling as great as Pinkie thinks Maud is. Come on. let's leave them to their fun."

Sure enough, Maud's visit came to an end. Pinkie Pie's parting gift to Maud being the rock candy necklace she'd made her. The sisters shared a hug before going their separate ways. However, Pinkie Pie was surprised when she saw Akage packing his bags.

"Akage? What's up?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"I'm headed back home for a visit." Akage replied with a smile. "Seeing you and Maud together kind of made me realize how long it's been since I spent time with my own family. The last time I ever contacted my father was when I let him know that I'd accepted by the Elements of Heroism and had awakened as one. This will be my first time home in a long while. I won't be gone for too long."

With a flash of a peace sign and the drop of a smoke bomb, Akage left the room he'd shared with Pinkie Pie and made his way to the nearest port to board a ship back home. The length of his journey home was of little concern to the young ninja. Such troubles were easily brushed aside at the thought of seeing his family again.

Well, my biological family specifically. I guess one of the positives of growing up in a tight-knit ninja clan is that everyone is pretty close. I guess that's why a lot of stories relating to ninjas depict such a powerful force of motivation when their clan is attacked. Akage thought with a small smile. It'll be great to see dad again. I bet he'd be pretty happy to have me drop by. Especially after Ronin left. . . A few less happy memories stirred within Akage's mind, but he shook them out quickly.

Dwelling about his departure won't make him come back any closer, and it won't make him think of coming back. Akage reminded himself. Still, that doesn't make the fact he's left the clan any easier. Deciding that he was finished thinking, Akage drifted off to sleep. Clutching his scarf close as he closed his eyes. The days when all of us were together were the best. . .

Morning soon came, and Akage awoke to the sounds of passengers disembarking. A quick stretch later, and Akage disembarked and started walking towards the familiar path to his clan's compound. Going down a familiar, secret path that he'd traveled down countless times before. But when he neared the homestretch of his village, he froze when a few figures blocked his path! Akage's hand hovered over the handle of his sword, but he froze when he saw who the figures in his path were. Fellow ninjas from his clan.

"Young Master Akage!" One of the ninjas greeted with a bow. "Forgive us, but we have been maintaining a constant guard over this path and other openings!"

"It's alright." Akage said with a nod. "It's been some time since I was home. All this means is that you take great pride in protecting our clan's home!" But the second Akage mentioned the village, he saw his fellow ninjas stiffen.

"A task we have failed in Akage." One of the other ninjas said with a clenched fist. "For not long after you had joined the Elements of Heroism, the village was attacked. Our assailants knew the location of our home, and they effortlessly took down our defenses. It pains me to say this, but we are the ones who were struck without warning. And by the end of the battle, we few who were still able to fight were ordered to retreat by your father. Any other warriors were captured. If anything, we can count ourselves fortunate that our attackers did not come with the intent to wipe us all out."

"Then what's happened to the village?!" Akage demanded! "What's the status of my father?! And who led this attack on our clan?! Who dared to strike at our family?!"

"The answers you seek lie within the village young master." A female ninja replied. "But we must warn you: what awaits you will inflict a wound more painful than any physical attack."

"Don't worry about me." Akage said with a nod. "They won't see me coming."

"I'm afraid they will young master." The lead ninja said. "Because their commander has been waiting for you." The lead ninja produced a letter from the folds of his garb, and handed it to Akage. The message indeed entailed the fact that whoever was responsible for this attack was waiting for Akage. "We dared not try and strike back ourselves for they threatened to harm the villagers if we intervened."

"Don't beat yourselves up for considering the safety of your loved ones." Akage said as he crumpled the letter and threw it to the ground! "Whoever is responsible for this wants me, and me alone. And with all that's on the line, how can I afford to lose?"

With a speed never seen before, Akage dashed towards the gates of his home! Upon arriving at the gates, the enemy sentries watching over the gates seemed to nod in acknowledgement of his appearance and let Akage in. Akage took a good look at their armaments. The enemy were equipped with hi-tech armor and weapons. Almost looking like modern-day samurai.

"Our boss is waiting for you." One of the samurai said with a smirk. "Says he's been waiting a long time for you to show up. He also said you'd know where he'd set himself up."

Silence was the only response from Akage as he headed towards the house of the clan's leader. The house of his father, and the same dwelling that he'd once called home. Upon reaching the door, Akage threw the door open! But what he saw waiting for him nearly made his heart stop. There, sitting on the floor, was his father tied up and staring at the assailant standing over him.

"Long time no see, big brother." The enemy leader said with a cold smirk as he stood and turned to face Akage. "I was wondering when you'd get my letter."

". . . Ronin. . ." Akage whispered. But the silence was so prevalent that the words sounded like they had been screamed at the top of Akage's lungs. The appearance of his younger brother could be said to be fairly similar to Akage's own with a few notable exceptions. Ronin's hair was a brilliant azure and flowed in long, straight locks that he'd tied into a ponytail. "Ronin. . . why?! Why did you attack our village?! Our home?! Why did you betray us?!"

"Isn't it obvious?" Ronin asked coldly. "You. Dear old dad didn't quite take to the idea of making our clan known to the world. I was so sick of hiding in the shadows while our homeland went about blissfully unaware of its hidden protectors. We exist in little more than stories or rumors. I wanted them to appreciate us for all we've done. But father refused to let me do so! At least, until YOU decided to step out of the shadows by joining the Elements of Heroism! Why?! Why was I denied entrance into the light when YOU freely stepped into it?!"

"Because he didn't do it for the recognition you so desperately craved." Akage's father said sadly. "Akage made himself known because his duty required that people know he was there to protect them. It was out of necessity."

"Save it old man!" Ronin spat as he drew his sword! Pointing it right in Akage's direction! "I'm willing to put this all behind us big brother. All I ask is one duel. You and me. One-on-one. But whether you win or lose, I shall release my hold over the village."

"And if you win?" Akage asked as he grasped the handle of his sword. Narrowing his eyes as he got into a fighting stance. "Or for that matter, what if I take you down?"

"If you win, I'll go quietly." Ronin said calmly. But that calm was betrayed by the intensity in his eyes. "But should you yield to me, our clan steps out from the shadows with me as the head. You can go back to your little circle of friends, and act like nothing's changed. Either way, you don't have to make me a part of your life."

"Who said I ever wanted you out of it?" Akage said sadly as he drew his own sword. "Let's take this outside. I don't want dad getting mad at us for trashing the house." The brothers, now turned enemies headed to the center of the village. Their swords drawn as they circled each other. They were about to move towards each other when a burst of confetti interrupted them!

"AKAGE!" Pinkie Pie screamed as she mowed down the enemy fighters under Ronin's command! "My Pinkie Sense was going off like crazy! It told me you'd be in a ton of trouble, so where are the meanies that are giving my boyfriend trouble?!"

"You. . . just knocked out most of them." Akage pointed out. "And how did you manage to teleport here so quickly?!"

"Twilight gave me some magic lessons." Pinkie Pie said with a shrug. "Maybe I can fly you home after we're done here!"

"So not only are you a known hero, but the lover of a goddess as well?!" Ronin snarled as he gripped his sword and swung at Akage! "How much longer must you blatantly insult me Akage?!"

"I never insulted you!" Akage snapped back as he blocked Ronin's blade with his own! "And she only just became an Avatar!" Sparks showered forth as the brothers' swords clashed against each other! The entire village becoming their arena! Both Akage and Ronin swung at each other with great speed, force, and intensity! The clanging of their blades ringing out like furious shouts as their duel took them across the streets, walls, and rooftops of the village's buildings! "Why do you need to have our clan go public?! What do any of us stand to gain from becoming known?!"

"What do I gain?!" Ronin growled as he shoved Akage back! "I gain the fulfillment of mother's wish! She always wanted the world to know it had us watching over it! To keep it safe! Even Princess Celestia herself has expressed her gratitude for our clan's work! And yet still we remain in the shadows! Unknown! Unappreciated! No more! Enough of the past!"

As Ronin said this, he slashed at Akage! But while the strike had failed to do any harm to Akage's body, what the sword had struck was far more crippling. Both Akage and Ronin were frozen in place as they saw Akage's scarf fall to the ground in pieces. Akage's eyes were wide with shock while Ronin's were filled with horror. Silence reigned supreme for a full minute before it was broken by a sound no one had expected. Akage's chuckling.

"Akage, have you gone mad?!" Ronin asked as he looked at the ruined scarf and his now laughing brother. "That scarf was mother's greatest gift to you! You wore it every day since she first gave it to you! How can you laugh after it's just been desecrated?!"

"Because. Mom always warned us that I'd ruin it if we got too rough playing swords." Akage said with a small smile and teary eyes. "And here we are. Playing with swords and running around the entire village. It's ironic. You say that you're through with the past, and we were just doing what we always used to when we were kids."

Suddenly, Akage's sword began to glow with a blinding light! The young ninja shielded his eyes as the light enveloped his entire body! When the light faded, Akage saw that his sword had transformed! Its hilt resembling a tonfa while its blade and size resembled a broadsword! Another new addition to Akage's arsenal was a bow and arrow with a bowstring that seemed to be made of energy!

"And it looks like I got a brand new toy." Akage said as he admired his new weapon. "So? Care to settle this like we always did?" While Ronin hesitantly got into a dueling stance, Akage readied himself without hesitation. The two came at each other with great speed, and each let loose a single slash from their blades! Both combatants were completely still, but the silence was soon broken by the blade of Ronin's sword clattering to the ground! A burn present where the tip of Akage's sword had struck! Plasma crackling around the tip of Akage's blade!

"You want to know why I was able to laugh so easily?" Akage asked. "Because that scarf can never compare to how much love she gave us. You. Me. Dad. That love is something we'll never lose. So long as I have that, I'll never stay sad."

". . . I guess I'm not as through with the past as I thought." Ronin said with a defeated smile as he saw his former grunts being rounded up by the villagers and transported to the nearest jail. He soon found himself being bound by the village's guards.

"You can reflect while you're under house arrest." Akage and Ronin's father announced. "Just think of it as the ultimate form of being grounded since you're feeling nostalgic." He then turned his attention to Pinkie Pie and smiled. "So it looks like the old Strider Charm is strong with my son since he was able to bag a goddess."

"She's the one that charmed me Dad." Akage said with a smile as he put an arm around Pinkie Pie. "She's got a great laugh. Just like Mom." Akage picked up his damaged scarf, and smiled. "Hope she won't be too mad about the scarf."

"What about the scarf?" A woman with red hair like Akage's asked as she popped up behind the couple! Her outfit being that of a shrine maiden. "So. Who's the lovely lady who's snagged my son?"

"I'm Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie Pie greeted! "Unityville's chief party person, and Element of Laughter!"

"Name's Rekka Strider." Rekka said with a grin. "So. When can I expect grandkids?"

"MOM!"

Author's Note

And now, Akage has his Duelist Arms. And we get to see his mom!

Episode 25: Dragon Heart

"Let's see. Ty took out Tyrant Neptune, all of us managed to send Big Saturn to the scrapheap, Splendid Venus took out both Suppression Pluto and herself, Burst destroyed Despair Uranus, and Ice just took down Blazing Mars. That just leaves two Chaos Kin running around." Inferno Flare said with a sigh. "It's clear that we're winning, but the Chaos Kin are showing up more frequently. And there's just no telling what the scope of the next battle will be! All of us against an army? Or are the last two going to gang up on us?! AGH!!"

"Great. I decide to frustrate myself when there's only two Chaos Kin left." Inferno let his upper body fall towards the surface of the table at Sugar Cube Corner. "Not to mention the fact my best friend's a ticking time-bomb who has only so much time left and me and the guys have already helped him finalize his bucket list."

"Feeling a little overwhelmed darling?" Rarity asked as she sat down with a concerned look aimed at her boyfriend. "You seem to look a little burned out."

"Well, now I know how Burst Stream feels when the last of a villain faction is left standing." Inferno said with a tired smile as he gratefully accepted the soda Rarity had brought him. "According to past experiences, there's only two possible outcomes. One is that the remaining villains are the most powerful, or a prelude to the final boss and a battle that takes everything we've got to win. But even if it comes to the latter, I'm pretty sure we'll come out on top. Some of our friends are literal gods among us now. Nightfall brings his tech to the table, and I hear both him and Twilight have been working on his new suit of armor. Plus, Akage has his Duelist Arm now. Plus, we've got you and the rest of the girls to also join the fight."

"While it puts me at ease to see you so sure that things will turn out fine, I don't think it would hurt to have a little bit of time to just enjoy each other's company darling." Rarity said with a loving smile as she took hold of Inferno's free hand. "Our last visit to Castalot was more business-centered. How about we journey there for pleasure this time around? We've certainly earned a short rest from all that's happened. And I'm sure it would do wonders for the stress you've endured since taking up the leader position."

"No need to convince me. All you had to do was ask." Inferno said with a chuckle. "I'll pack my things up, and we'll take the next train to Castalot."

One quick packing later, and Inferno and Rarity were on their way to Castalot. Inferno couldn't help but smile when he saw how excited Rarity was to have this small vacation. The last couple of times the couple had traveled to the city, they didn't have any time to actually enjoy their visit to the kingdom's capitol. Of course, a small bit of unpleasant encounters had served to put them off a bit. The first of these encounters coming from the less-than-charming Prince Blueblood.

How someone so rotten could ever be related to someone as wonderful as Princess Celestia was anyone's guess, but no one dared to call out the prince for his horrid behavior. Well, almost no one as evident by the brutal punch to the face Inferno delivered to Blueblood's face just a couple years ago. The Element of Potential recounting the details of him and Rarity becoming a couple thanks to Blueblood's horrible treatment of Rarity.

"In some ways, I guess I should thank Bluebrat for being such a jerk." Inferno said with a smirk. "He let go of a real treasure and probably the only girl who'd want to be around him without wanting to get paid for suffering through his company."

"Be serious darling." Rarity said with a smile. "I don't think all the money in the world would make anyone willing to put up with Prince Not-so-Charming." The couple shared a laugh, but tensed up a bit when they saw the prince who was the topic of their conversation walking towards them.

"Well, well. Didn't think I'd ever see your face again." Inferno said with a frown as he stood up to stare down Blueblood. "So what's your deal?"

"You and that wench made a mockery of me at the Grand Gala held a few years prior." Blueblood said angrily! His face showing the briefest instance of breaking his charming facade, but he quickly regained his composure. "But dirtying my hands to deal with the likes of you is beneath me. Which is why I've taken to employing the services of one who has an issue with you and your friends."

"So where's your hired goon?" Inferno asked as he narrowed his eyes.

"He's waiting at my estate." Blueblood answered flatly. "Though you lot don't deserve it, I grant you the courtesy of me providing you transport to my home. Provided the fact either of you have the decency to accept such-"

"Shut up and get in." Inferno called out as he and Rarity barely wasted anytime hearing Blueblood rant and rave as they entered the limo. "As much as I'd like to ditch you here, I want you there when I kick the ass of whoever you've employed to try and take me down."

". . . Fine." Blueblood growled. And soon enough, they arrived at Blueblood's estate. The fighter Blueblood had hired waiting in what looked like a dueling arena. "Allow me to present your opponent: Lance Slayer."

The fighter waiting for Inferno in the arena had pure white armor, a handsome face with blue eyes and a mane of blonde hair. His sole weapon being the gigantic sword on his back. In short, he looked like the typical white knight you'd see right out of a story book.

"So. You're one of the Elements of Heroism, are you?" Lance Slayer asked as he looked Inferno over. "You and your friends made a lot of trouble for me ever since you all popped up."

"What kind of trouble?" Inferno asked.

"You stole MY spotlight!" Lance Slayer said angrily! "I had it all planned out! When Nightmare Moon returned, I would step in when all hope seemed lost and defeat her! After that, I'd set up a nice little business where people would hire me out to perform heroic tasks for them! With a reputation of defeating such a powerful villain, I'd be able to set substantial prices for my services. But then you all showed up and did what I would've done for free. However, that's not the worst insult your little band has thrown in my face."

"Some hero you are." Inferno scoffed. "So what was the last straw for you?"

"Simple." Lance Slayer said with a glare as he pointed at Rarity. "You don't belong with that lovely maiden by your side. That's not how the story's supposed to go. Everyone knows that the black knight is bested by the white knight, and he leaves victorious with the maiden at his side upon his steed!"

". . . You're not serious, are you?" Inferno asked with an annoyed look on his face. "The reason you've got a problem with me is something that petty and pathetic?"

"You're damn right it is." Lance Slayer said with a scowl as he readied his sword! "Maybe if I'm feeling generous, I'll give your lovely damsel the pleasure of my company after I've bested you."

"There's no way I'm letting you get even close to touching Rarity!" Inferno growled as he summoned his Duelist Arms! "Normally, I'd only fight you with my sword. But considering the fact you think you can just swipe my girlfriend like she's a piece of property?! You just pissed me off asshole! Even ground just got thrown out the window!"

Inferno spread his wings, and flew at Lance Slayer! Firing shots from his blaster as the distance between the two grew ever shorter! But much to Inferno's displeasure, Lance Slayer blocked all of his blaster's shots with the broadside of his sword! Deciding to change things up, Inferno clashed blades with his enemy! The Element of Potential gritting his teeth while Lance Slayer had a smug grin on his face!

"Perhaps I was wrong to compare you to a black knight!" Lance Slayer said as his grin shrank into a smirk. "The ferocity you have to protect what's yours is more comparable to that of a dragon! But whatever designation that fits you best doesn't matter! By the time I'm done, things will be the way they should be! The maiden in the arms of the one who saved her!"

"Yeah! And that one's me!" Inferno roared as he fired a charge shot right at Lance Slayer's armored chest! The charge shot didn't do too much damage due to Lance Slayer wearing armor, but it knocked back and winded the "white knight" long enough for Inferno to get in a quick series of slashes!

"It makes me sick that you even picture yourself being with Rarity when you've done nothing that makes you deserve her love! You stand by her when she was in trouble! You weren't the one who risked their life to save her when she was tricked by the Nightmare Forces and was about to be killed when she didn't fit their leader's ideal!" Inferno screamed as the fury in his slashes intensified! "AND I REFUSE TO LET PEOPLE LIKE YOU TREAT HER LIKE LESS THAN THE TREASURE SHE IS!"

But right when Inferno was going for the finishing blow of his combo, Lance Slayer smirked as he kicked Inferno in the gut! Making the Element of Potential drop to his knees as he struggled to get air back into his lungs and his body onto his feet! Inferno was barely upright when he received a brutal elbow to the face courtesy of Lance Slayer!

"Such fire when speaking of the maiden that you so ferociously guard!" Lance Slayer said with a dark chuckle as he continued brutalizing Inferno! "Truly you are like a dragon! And all that sickens me more! The maiden is supposed to be imprisoned and captured by the dragon! Not fall in love with it! It's time I bring your twisted fairy tale to its proper ending! THE KNIGHT SLAYS THE DRAGON!"

"INFERNO!" Rarity cried out in horror!

Lance Slayer unleashed a deadly slash while Inferno was struggling to put up some kind of defense! With little to stand in its way, Lance's blade slashed Inferno across the chest! Inferno lurched forward, and pooled all his will together to try and keep himself standing!

"So you still cling to life. Good." Lance Slayer grabbed Inferno by the head, and forced him to look in Rarity's direction. "Don't feel too sad. I'll take good care to dry her tears. Maybe then, she'll realize it was foolish to fall in love with the likes of you. And the story will end as it should. The two of us living happily. Ever. After." Lance shoved Inferno's face to the floor, and smiled as he advanced towards Rarity. Blueblood in complete shock of the outcome!

"Rarity. . . " Inferno strained to see as he reached his hand out towards the woman he loved. His reaching growing more and more desperate with each step Lance Slayer took towards Rarity! "No. . . "

"Stay away from me!" Rarity snapped as she summoned her rapier and steel fan! "How dare you hurt my darling! I swear, if it boils every bit of blood in my body, I'll make you pay!"

"Maidens shouldn't play with such dangerous toys." Lance Slayer said with a menacing smile as he casually avoided each of Rarity's strikes! "Looks like I'm going to have to teach you a lesson. . . "

"Are you really just gonna let this stand?" A voice asked Inferno from seemingly everywhere. Inferno looked about as much as he could, but saw no one else but the people already in the room. But out of the corner of his eye, that's where he saw the fiery red glow coming from his sword.

"No. . . !" Inferno grit his teeth, and weakly shook his head! "Have. . . to save her. . . "

"In your condition, kid? It's not likely you'll be able to save anyone." The voice replied. "Unless, I decide to lend you a hand."

"Who. . . are you?" Inferno strained to say as he could feel himself fading in and out! And right before Inferno's eyes, the source of the voice manifested. A black dragon spirit with fire-red eyes emerged from his sword!

"Name's Ignitis. The knight of the one and only dragon king." Ignitis said as his spirit hovered in front of Inferno! "I've been watching you all this time Inferno. And now? I think you're ready. I've been waiting for a long time for someone worthy to come along. You've got potential kid."

Inferno was about to ask what Ignitis was referring to, but the dragon spirit raised his hand for silence!

"Save your breath kid. You'll need it for your answer." Ignitis stated. "Long story short, I died a long time ago. But my spirit was wandering until it got transported into the weapons you're using now. I've been waiting for someone who had the potential to be a true hero. One who would fight for the right thing, and the people they care about most to their dying breath. And from what I've seen of you over these past couple of years? You've definitely got the potential I've been seeking out. You're the one I've chosen to inherit my power. Don't worry about me. Once you've accepted my power, my spirit will pass on. However, your body might undergo a change by accepting my spirit's power. So here's the big question: Will you accept?

". . . Yes." Inferno said with a weak nod. The spirit of Ignitis smiled for a moment before shooting right through Inferno! The spirit of the dragon knight fading away after it flew through Inferno's body! Inferno was still for a moment before an aura of flame ignited around his entire body and healed his wounds! And as Inferno got to his feet, the changes that Ignitis had mentioned began to take root as Inferno stomped over to Lance Slayer! Gripping the black-hearted white knight by the shoulder! "Get your damn hands. . . OFF MY WOMAN!"

A blazing fist sent Lance Slayer flying away from Rarity and back to the arena! Rarity was in shock and awe at the sight before her! Inferno once again stood tall! However, something had changed about him. The flaming aura around his body had died down, and revealed Inferno's transformed state. No longer were his black bird wings present on his back. Now, they were black dragon wings.

"You. . . " Lance Slayer growled as he got to his feet! "How can this be?! You were on your last legs not a moment ago!"

"Heh! You kidding?!" Inferno asked with a smirk as he smacked his fists together! "I'M FIRED UP!"

"A FIRE I SHALL SOON KILL!" Lance Slayer roared as he charged at Inferno! His sword raised to strike down the Element of Potential! Inferno raised his arms to block, and Lance thought he would succeed in harming Inferno! But when his sword hit Inferno's arm, the only thing to be damaged was Lance's sword as it shattered upon impact! ". . . Impossible. . .!"

"You were right about this fight coming to its proper ending." Inferno said as he began to run towards Lance Slayer! "Because you're about to get beaten by the REAL hero!" Inferno grabbed his sword, and swung it with full force at Lance Slayer! Fire igniting with each of Inferno's swings! Each of his strikes containing the same blaze of fury held in his eyes and the raging inferno within his heart!

"Anyone who'd dare to mistreat my treasure. . . " Inferno said as embers danced around in his free hand! "GET BURNED!" And Inferno threw a massive fireball right at Lance Slayer! The fireball exploding the second it hit the evil knight! When the smoke cleared, Inferno looked down to see Lance's armor destroyed and his body covered in scorch marks. The Element of Potential nodded in approval at his opponent's sorry state before flying up to Blueblood and grabbing the prince by the neck!

"Listen. Carefully." Inferno stated with a calm tone that was dripping with both threat and promise. "If you EVER think about hurting anyone close to me again, I won't hesitate to make sure there's not even ashes left of you. Honestly, I should let your dear aunts deal with you. In my opinion, banishing you won't nearly make up for what you've done. But considering I stopped your hired sword from doing anything to my girlfriend, I'm in a pretty good mood. Just remember: May your aunts have mercy on you if you aim at me or my friends again. Because I sure as hell won't give you any. Are. We. Clear?"

Blueblood nodded shakily, and was promptly knocked out by Inferno!

"Good." Inferno said with a nod as he turned to Rarity and grabbed her bridal style. "C'mon. Let's blow this joint. Being in here any longer makes me want to torch the place."

". . . I couldn't agree more darling." Rarity said with a sigh of relief as she clung onto her boyfriend's waist as he flew the two of them out and back to their hotel.

Later that night, Inferno was staring at his reflection. Admiring the changes to his wings, and the new found strength and resilience granted to him by inheriting Ignitis' power. However, he was soon greeted by a more pleasing sight. Rarity. In specific, her choice of sleepwear being a fairly transparent nightgown.

"Inferno?" Rarity asked as she set herself down on Inferno's bed. "Darling, I've never properly thanked you for saving me."

"Hey, no need." Inferno said with a smile as he sat down on the bed. "I was just doing what any good boyfriend would do."

"I-I love you darling." Rarity said as she straddled Inferno. "I want to show you how much you mean to me. Twice now you've nearly died, and all for my sake. So, go ahead. Make me yours." Rarity closed her eyes, and expected Inferno to be upon her like a beast. But much to her surprise, she opened her eyes and found Inferno gently holding her hips and bringing his lips to hers.

"I've already claimed something far more precious." Inferno said with a loving smile. "Your heart's already mine." He then kissed her sweetly, but there was a fire in it that seemed to grow with intensity after each kiss. "You're my treasure Rarity. And I'm going to make sure you feel like it."

The next morning, Rarity let out a fond sigh as she nuzzled against her lover's embrace. She couldn't help but giggle at Inferno holding her close with his newly obtained dragon wings wrapped around her.

"Wakey, wakey darling~" Rarity cooed as she kissed Inferno. Waking the Element of Potential from his slumber. "You know, I claimed quite the treasure when I fell for you as well."

"Your heart's mine." Inferno said with a loving smile as he placed Rarity's hand on his bare chest over his heart Rarity reciprocating the gesture with Inferno's heart.

"And your's is mine as well." Rarity said with a loving smile. She then got an idea upon seeing Inferno's dragon wings wrapped around her. "You know, I don't believe we've showered together darling."

"I could use some help with my back." Inferno said with a smirk. "It's only fair that I help you out with yours."

Episode 26: Dashing Mercury

"I'm surprised you still want to become a Wonderbolts member Rainbow Dash." Steel Edge said as he and Rainbow Dash flew towards the Wonderbolts facility in Cloudsdale. "Especially considering the fact they were willing to ditch their own teammate. And as far as I can tell, you're probably better at flying than any of than any of them."

"Yeah, well, being a Wonderbolt is still my life's dream." Rainbow Dash said with a shrug as they landed on the clouds. "But I won't lie. What Spitfire and Fleetfoot did to Soarin' kinda killed my enthusiasm a bit. Also, are you sure that you should be feeding my ego with that many compliments?"

"I'm not too worried." Steel Edge said with a smile. "I think me giving you the advice to be less boastful worked wonders for you learning some humility and being more humble."

"To be fair, getting bashed by your shield while I was boasting that I'd knocked you down during a sparring match between us was a pretty effective form of teaching me." Rainbow Dash said with a pout. "And that was with you still holding back!"

"Hey. You kept me on my toes with your speed, and you managed to evade most of my strikes!" Steel Edge countered. He was about to continue when both he and Rainbow Dash heard the nervous chatter coming from inside the compound! "Looks like there's a lot more action going on today than usual."

The couple summoned their weapons, and kicked the doors open! They were greeted by the sight of all the Wonderbolts trapped in bubbles! Standing at the center was Tripper Mercury!

"So these are the best fliers of the land, are they?" Tripper Mercury scoffed as she looked over the trapped Wonderbolts! "How disappointing. Though I'd say my little trip up here wasn't a complete waste of time. Your humiliation as living trophies to cement my victory makes up for the lack of a challenge."

"Wanna bet?" Rainbow Dash asked as she stepped forward. Gaining the Chaos Kin's attention with her approach. "One race around this place's track. You against me. If I win, you let the Wonderbolts go. If you win, you get to claim that you beat the fastest flier in Unity."

"Quite the bold claim to make little Skyborn." Tripper Mercury taunted. "If I was able to best the greatest flight team that Unity has to offer, what form of chance do you stand?"

"Any chance I have is the only chance I need." Rainbow Dash said as she steeled her gaze. "Or maybe you're too scared to take me on because you're afraid of being beaten by a single person?"

Tripper Mercury was silent, and simply pointed over to the flight track. Rainbow Dash nodded in reply, and flew over there with Tripper Mercury following close behind! As soon as they had arrived on the starting line, they got into starting positions. The second Steel Edge called out "GO!", the two took off like rockets! Rainbow Dash was speeding forward with her wings while Tripper Mercury propelled herself with by turning her lower half into a jet of water!

It was only a matter of seconds before the two reached the first turn of the track. Tripper Mercury was so confident that she'd be able to take the turn first due to her literally more fluid motions. But to her shock, Rainbow Dash effortlessly nailed the turn and launched herself forward soon after clearing it!

"WHAT?!" Tripper Mercury spat as she couldn't comprehend what just happened! "How did you pass me?!" Pouring as much force into her water jet ability as she could to catch up with Rainbow Dash!

"It's pretty easy to pass someone when they think they're winning!" Rainbow Dash retorted! "So I'm not gonna take it easy until I cross that finish line! Until then, I'm gonna fight like I'm in last place!" And with those words, Rainbow Dash poured all of her speed! Propelling herself even further and faster than before! The next turn would've been difficult for her, but she'd been working on a way around the problem by spiraling herself forward so that her whole body was more inclined to turn! The second she cleared the turn, Rainbow Dash flew forward! Leaving a rainbow trail behind her as she streaked past the finish line!

"It appears as though you have a point." Tripper Mercury admitted as she came to a halt before Rainbow Dash. "How could I ever claim victory when I've never tasted defeat?" As soon as she spoke those words, the Chaos Kin seemed to evaporate into thin air. Her defeat undoing the imprisonment of he Wonderbolts!

"Okay. That settles it." Spitfire said as she watched Rainbow Dash exit the compound with Steel Edge. "We REALLY need to let her on the team."

Episode 27: Be Honest with Yourself

"I'd say you had a good plan for today lass." Magnet North said with a smile as he walked alongside Applejack and her family. "With how hot it is, heading to the pool is a good way to beat the heat."

"I'll say." Applejack said with a chuckle. "I think all of us were getting tired of the heat. No sense getting any work done if we collapse from overheating. Plus, let's just say I learned mah lesson about working myself to exhaustion long before you came along North."

"You youngins better pick up your pace!" Granny Smith called out! "Ah'll show you my-Ack! Mah hip!" North, and all of the gathered Apple Family instantly rushed to Granny Smith to help the matriarch of the family up. "Dangnabbit! So much fer showin ya'll a REAL dive. . . "

As if by clockwork, North and Applejack noticed a stand selling a cure-all tonic. Hesitantly, the two approached the stand. They immediately regretted their decision upon seeing who the people manning it were. Flim and Flam.

"Great. Those two conmen again." North said with a frown. "I thought that last stunt I pulled on those blokes would've scared them straight. But it looks like some people just can't learn their lesson! Come on lass. No sense in staying here and falling for their nonsense." Magnet North was about to leave, but Applejack stopped him. "Applejack?"

"Hold on a minute North." Applejack said with a firm edge present in her voice. "Let's see just how well their tonic really works." Applejack brought Granny Smith up, and gave her a bottle of tonic. Much to her and North's disbelief, the Apple Family' matriarch was jumping about like the hip hadn't broke in the first place! "Well, Ah guess the tonic really works."

"You heard it hear folks!" Flim announced proudly as he slung an arm around Applejack! "Our tonic is approved by the Element of Honesty herself! Don't hesitate to purchase as many bottles as you can carry!"

As soon as Applejack wriggled her way out of the crowd, she marched right over to Magnet North. "Ah still think something's rotten about this whole cure-all tonic business. Care to help me take a little peek at how the tonic's made North?"

"As if you had to ask me lass." Magnet North said with a grin. "Believe me. This isn't the first time I've snuck into a place. Considering who we're looking into, I don't think we'll have much difficulty getting access. Tonight seems like as good a time as any to give the place a little inspection."

It wasn't before night fell over Unityville. Making sure that they weren't followed, Magnet North and Applejack snuck into the tent Flim and Flam had set up as the production center for their tonic. And sure enough, the pair of element members found out that the tonic was fake!

"Ah knew it was too good to be true." Applejack growled as she set the bottle of tonic down hard! "C'mon North! There's no way we're gonna keep quiet about this!"

"Are you really sure that's the best idea?" Flam said as he and his brother stepped forward. "Before you do something rash, let's discuss the pros and cons of disclosing the truth of our creation process."

"You saw how happy your dear old granny was after drinking our tonic, didn't you?" Flim asked with a smirk. "Then imagine her reaction when she finds out that it wall a ruse? Just what do you think that might do to the old lady's heart? And she seemed so much more lively didn't she brother?"

"Indeed Flam." Flim said with a nod. "It certainly would be a shame if Applejack's dear granny found out that her newfound vitality was all a big sham. My brother and I have no intention of preventing you from letting the truth out. But we really do hope you consider the information we've brought to your attention."

"Have a nice evening." The conmen duo said with mocking smiles as they stepped aside to let the couple exit their production tent and head for home. Applejack was still as she looked down at the ground deep in thought. Contemplating just what she should do next. She wasn't allowed to contemplate for very long.

"Come on lass!" Magnet North said as he grabbed Applejack by the hand, and immediately started marching off towards Sweet Apple Acres! "We're not wasting another moment before we let loose those two's dirty little secret!"

"North!" Applejack cried out! "STOP! AH'M NOT TELLING GRANNY THE TRUTH!"

"What?!" Magnet North asked in total disbelief! "You're joking. Aren't you? Please, for Celestia's sake, PLEASE tell me that you didn't just say you're not going to let the truth out?!"

"You lied to me when we first met." Applejack said with a glare. "Ah don't see how now is any different since it's in my family's interest."

"No it isn't!" Magnet North countered! "What you're thinking of doing, it isn't right! Lying to your grandmother about this tonic is only going to spiral out of control later on! You know that this tonic is phony! Can you imagine all the accidents that people would get into if they didn't know the truth?!"

"WHY DO YOU CARE?!" Applejack shouted right at Magnet North's face! "MAH FAMLY AIN'T YOUR OWN! SO WHY DOES MAH FAMILY MATTER SO MUCH TO YOU WHEN YOU AREN'T PART OF IT?!" The second Applejack finally calmed down from her outburst, she saw the hurt and betrayed look on Magnet North's face. It looked like he was about to fall to pieces any second. And seeing North's face in such a state made Applejack feel absolutely terrible. "North. . . Ah'm sorry. I-"

"No need to apologize Applejack." Magnet North said as he rose his hand for silence and took a deep breath. "You were just telling me the truth. I'm not a part of your family, and your family isn't my own. I don't have any family to call my own. I've been my own since I was a boy. You said you wanted to know more about me. Now seems like a good time to let out all that I've not said. I'm a thief Applejack. It's the only way I was able to survive my childhood. And with my talent being magnetism magic, I was able to keep myself quite well-fed. I only ever stole from nobles or upper-class folks. I took only what wouldn't be missed."

"But despite my chosen path, I never stole for just myself. Whatever I had, I always used what money I could get from it to help others who were either in my same condition or worse off than me. I grew to have quite the reputation as a noble thief. Much like the story of Robin Hood." Magnet North had a sad smile on his face as he continued telling his past to Applejack. "Then everything changed when I heard the call sent out from Burst Stream. I thought I was doing enough good where I was, but something inside me told me that joining the Elements of Heroism would let me do more. So, I answered the call. I really woke up when I saw Flim and Flam troubling you and your family. I'll admit, part of me was a bit guilty in accepting you and your family giving me a place to stay and feeding me in exchange for helping you with the work. But that last condition helped rescind any guilt I had in me because I was paying you back for your kindness. Eating with you, living with you? That was the first time I'd ever felt what it was like to be part of a family. And ever since I joined the other lads in the Elements of Heroism, that feeling extends to them too."

"And now?" Magnet North's eyes began to tear up. "I'm so scared to lose that feeling Applejack. I'm afraid of being alone again! Be honest with yourself Applejack! Can you really live with yourself knowing that not telling the truth about this could-"

Magnet North didn't even need to finish his sentence as Applejack marched over to him and pulled him into a tight embrace. The hug only tightening the more Magnet North wept. Tears were flowing from Applejack's eyes as she held onto North.

"I'm sorry." Applejack sobbed. "You're right North. I shouldn't have thought for a moment that keeping the truth from Granny Smith would do any good. But above all, I'm sorry for what I said. I had no right to go that far."

". . . I'm the one who should be sorry." Magnet North said with a weak smile. "I had the stupid idea to tell your family in the dead of night." The two of them shared a brief laugh. "But in all seriousness, the truth about the tonic can wait until morning. I don't know about you, but I feel pretty drained."

"Pouring your heart out does tend to do that." Applejack said as she dried her tears. "C'mon. Let's head back home. My bed's got our names on it."

"I'm sorry, what now?" Magnet North asked. "Applejack, I must've heard wrong. For a second there it sounded like I'd be sleeping with-"

"You heard right sugarcube." Applejack said as she put an arm around Magnet North! "After all that you let out tonight, I figured that you'd appreciate having someone to hold onto. I just make sure you don't feel alone. Especially after tonight. You don't have a problem with that, do you?"

". . . Not at all, my lovely amazon." Magnet North said with a tired smile as he rested his head against Applejack's shoulder. And he soon fell asleep as Applejack helped carry him back to Sweet Apple Acres and setting him on her bed. Applejack couldn't help but smile at North's sleeping form.

"G'night sugar cube." Applejack said as she kissed Magnet North's forehead before wrapping her arms around her. "Tomorrow's going to be a better day. Ah know it." And true to her words, it was. Applejack told the truth about the tonic to the gathered crowd the next morning, and exposed Flim and Flam's con. Her telling the truth also convinced a young man to earn some honest money for a change, and he handed her his first bit to her before setting out to get an honest job. "Come on North. We're off to Sugar Cube Corner."

"Not that I'm complaining, but why?" North asked.

"Well it's pretty simple sugar cube." Applejack said with a flirty smile. "I owe you a date from our little stay in Manehattan."

Episode 28: Worthy

The Unity Games had finally arrived, and the Crystal Empire was chosen to host the event. It went without saying that this was an event that everyone in Unity was excited for. Well, everyone except for a certain young dragon named Spike. Normally the young drake would be excited to take a trip to the empire that considered him their greatest hero. But after recent events, Spike was beginning to have doubts about his hero status.

Looking back, what did I really do? Spike thought to himself as he stared out the window at the scenery passing him by on the train ride. Dark Ice was the one who actually fought King Sombra, and Arctic Ace locked the Umbrum away in eternal cold storage. And what did I do? All I did was put the Crystal Heart where it needed to go. How can I be called a hero when what I did something so insignificant?

Upon arriving at the Crystal Empire, the legion of adoring people didn't do anything to put any of Spike's doubts to rest. Couple this with the fact that the young dragon had to also light the fire for the games' starting ceremony, Spike was starting to feel pretty worthless. Before he knew it, there was little more than an hour left before he had to go out in front of the entire Crystal Empire and light a torch. However, he noticed an unexpected visitor.

"Yo Spike." Burst Stream said with a smile. "Feeling nervous?"

"Not exactly." Spike said with a sigh. Then, a thought occurred to him. "Hey, Burst? You've got a lot of experience with this hero thing, right?"

"Yeah." Burst said with a nod before looking at the cracks across his arm. "But I don't know how long I have to pass down everything I know if that's what you're asking. And I don't know how to deal with crowds of adoring fans."

"O-Oh! That's not what I'm having trouble with!" Spike stammered out! "It's just. . . I don't feel good enough. I don't feel like I've earned the right to be called the Crystal Empire's hero. They even apologized for not updating the statue they made of me when I did nothing!"

"What do you mean 'nothing'?" Burst Stream asked. "Spike, you brought the Crystal Heart to where it needed to be!"

"And what else did I do?!" Spike snapped! "All I did was run to the center of the empire and place a relic on a pedestal! I'm not even the one who fought King Sombra or fought off the Umbrum! Compared to the rest of you? . . . I did nothing."

"Spike." Burst Stream said as he put a hand on Spike's shoulder. "Listen to me buddy. It's true that we were able to fight off against the Umbrum. It's true that Dark Ice is the one who beat the living Tartarus out of Sombra and that Arctic Ace permanently disposed of the Umbrum. But you know something else? We wouldn't have been able to seal the Umbrum away if it wasn't for YOU. Because you brought out the Crystal Heart, we were able to finally bring that fight to an end! You DO deserve to be called the Crystal Empire's hero! But it's not just because of you finding the Crystal Heart! Back then, you did something more important than any of us could have done by just fighting!"

"What's that?" Spike asked eagerly. "What's the important thing I did?"

"You gave the Crystal Empire something every hero needs to bring! What a hero should symbolize when things get bad, and the people are scared!" Burst Stream exclaimed! "HOPE. You gave them hope Spike. That's the greatest thing a hero can do when they arrive on help! And it's the hope that a hero brings that's one of the greatest powers at a hero's disposal! My time might be ticking away, but I refuse to let that stop me from giving people hope when things get bad! And I've got you and all of our friends to thank for snapping me out of my despair by pinning your hopes on me! Now go out there, and show the Crystal Empire that their hero is there for them!"

"Thanks Burst!" Spike said with a grin as he sprinted out towards the game field! Running towards the torch as fast as he could, and letting loose his biggest blast of flame yet! The torch burning brilliantly as the crowd cheered and Spike raising a fist in triumph! I might have done something small. But in the end, that helped everyone smile and gave them hope for a happy ending! That's the hope a hero brings! And I was an idiot not to see that sooner! Spike soon caught Sweetie Belle cheering for him loudly, and met with her in the stands.

However, their meeting was interrupted when a few fireworks were accidentally set off by a clumsy staff member! The accidental launch caused large chunks of ice to fall from the ceiling! Wasting no time, Spike summoned his Duelist Arm and charged up a massive stream of fire! Spike let loose a massive stream of flames from his arm cannon at the falling ice! Instantly turning the falling ice into little more than harmless water vapor! The entire stadium cheered, and Sweetie Belle leaped onto Spike as she kissed him on the cheek!

"My hero!"Sweetie Belle cooed as she nuzzled against her boyfriend!

Spike simply blushed and put his arm around his girlfriend. If he didn't feel like a hero before, her certainly did now.

Episode 29: Let the Games Begin

It was the final day of the Unity Games, and the closing ceremonies had just gotten underway. However, the end of the Unity games was soon interrupted by the appearance of a coliseum hovering above the very stadium the Unity Games were being held in! Among the crowd of nervous spectators, both teams of elements tensed up as a lone figure levitated down from the coliseum! Grand Jupiter had descended!

"Greetings!" Grand Jupiter announced as he landed at the center of the stadium! "Allow me to introduce myself! I am Grand Jupiter of the Chaos Kin! For a while now, my fellow Chaos Kin have challenged your guardians: The Elements of Harmony and the Elements of Heroism. But make no mistake! Where they fell, I shall triumph! For now that I, the strongest of my kin, stand alone! However, a simple fight between us is far too mundane for my tastes. Which is why I've come to you with an arena of my own!"

"Behold my arena! Jupiter Coliseum!" Grand Jupiter declared as he pointed to the coliseum floating above the stadium! "As long as I wage my battle against both of your sets of guardians, this shall serve as the battleground! Within lie my warriors! The Gladiator Beasts! Each of them eager to sink their teeth into combat against the elements! If either teams of elements are present, I gladly welcome your challenge! HOWEVER, I have one requirement of you should you accept my invitation! Only those among your number who are mortal may do battle! A fight for your life means nothing if you need not fear death! You need only step forward to accept my challenge!"

Nervous murmurs sounded from the entire stadium, but the chatter was soon rendered mute as the mortal members of both teams of elements stepped forward and headed towards the center of the stadium! All of them glaring at Grand Jupiter as they advanced!

"Ah. Excellent." Grand Jupiter said with a smirk. "Let's not delay then! The Unity Games may have ended, but mine have just begun!" He then threw his arms wide! "FIGHT WELL! FOR BY THE END OF THESE BATTLES, THE WHOLE WORLD WILL SEE WHETHER OR NOT YOU CAN BE CALLED THEIR CHAMPIONS!"

And in a flash of light, the mortal members of both sets of elements were teleported to the Jupiter Coliseum! Each of them summoned their weapons, and got into fighting stances! However, when the fliers of their number prepared to launch themselves towards the enemies surely waiting for them, they found themselves confined to the sidelines! Leaving only the ground-based and magic users of their group in the arena: Burst Stream, Venus Bloomer, Spike, Magnet North, Night Fang, Akage Strider, Applejack, and Rarity!

"This round will be grounded." Grand Jupiter announced from his personal box with a wicked grin. "Don't worry. The fliers among your group will get the chance to stretch their wings soon enough. But I believe you have more pressing matters to concern yourselves with." With a snap of his fingers, Grand Jupiter commanded his gladiator beasts to step out into the arena!

Each gladiator beast seemed to resemble a certain animal. There was one based on a bear, one that resembled a water buffalo, one that was horse-like in appearance, another of the beasts had the appearance of a cheetah, two that resembled tigers, and one that looked like a saber-tooth tiger! At the head of them was the lead gladiator beast who resembled a lion. It was only fitting that the king of the beasts would be the strongest among the Gladiator Beasts.

"I give you your opponents!" Grand Jupiter announced! "Andal the Bear! Dimacari the Buffalo! Darius the Stallion! Noxious the Cheetah! Tygerius the Ancient! Laquari the Blaze! Samnite the Brute! And last of all, Alexander the Leo! BEGIN!" With a wave of his hand, Grand Jupiter commanded the gladiator beasts to fight!

"Akage! You take on Noxious!" Burst Stream called out! "Spike? You handle the bear! Venus and Fang! Take down Tygerius and Laquari! North and Applejack, you guys handle Dimacari and Darius! Rarity do you think you can handle Samnite?" Burst received nods of confirmation from his friends. "Good! Let's go!"

The first to clash were Akage and Noxious! The cheetah gladiator beast trying to rush Akage and get in quick swipes with his claws! However, Akage was quite familiar with the hit-and-run tactics that the beast-warrior was implementing and either evaded the claw swipes or countered them by tripping the cheetah!

"See you next fall!" Akage called out as the cheetah stumbled and tried to reorient himself! "Didn't anyone ever tell you that speeding causes accidents?"

"How did you catch onto my strategy?!" Noxious hissed as he slashed at the ground in frustration!

"I guess you could say you're being a copycat." Akage answered with a smirk. "The tactics you're using are ones that I've been trained to use my whole life! I know how they work, and that means I know how to work around them! You weren't pursuing me. I was just baiting you!"

Akage noted the enraged look on Noxious' face, and calmly drew his bow as the gladiator beast made a mad dash at him! Noxious was so blinded by fury that he didn't even notice that Akage had let loose an arrow made of energy right at the beast fulling intent on maiming him! The arrow hit Noxious in the leg, and made the beast-warrior stagger! But while Noxious was nursing his wound Akage struck without any hesitation or warning! A quick slash from Akage's blade left a scorched cut mark in Noxious' side! But Akage was far from done as he capitalized on the window his strike had granted him! Akage unleashed a series of rapid slashes from his new blade! It's tonfa grip allowing him to fluidly change between wielding it like an armblade and a standard sword! When he ended his onslaught Akage sheathed his blade and Noxious fell to the ground! The Gladiator Beast turning to stone and crumbling upon defeat!

Meanwhile, Fang and Venus were tangling with Tygerius and Laquari! Venus was able to keep Tygerius a good distance from him thanks to his whip, and managed to snag the beast-warrior's sword! However, Venus soon noticed that Fang was having trouble fighting Laquari! The Gladiator Beast keeping Fang at bay by shooting fireballs at the Element of Determination!

"FANG! SWITCH!" Venus Bloomer cried out! Fang nodded in response, and the two switched opponents. "So. You like to play with fire, don't you?"

"I bring a new meaning to the term 'in the heat of battle'!" Laquari boasted as embers began to dance around his hands! "LET ME GIVE YOU A DEMONSTRATION!" Laquari fired a barrage of fireballs at Venus! However, the Element of Spirit swung his whip in front of him! Effortlessly blocking and dispelling each of the fireballs! "WHAT?!"

"You burn too recklessly." Venus remarked coolly. And rose-colored flames ignited around the lash of his whip! Venus calmly as Laquari repeatedly shot out more fireballs in a vain attempt to try and hit him! But Venus just countered with his whip and used the additional firepower to make his whip blaze with rosy flames! "And in the end, you'll only snuff yourself out faster!" With one devastating lash of his whip, Venus set Laquari ablaze! The gladiator beast roaring in pain as he was incinerated by the flames he used to command being turned against him!

"You fight well, cub!" Tygerius remarked as Night Fang dodged a swing from his sword! "You've a bit of a beast in you already! But I see it in more than just those ears and tail of yours! Your eyes are like that of a wolf! Even your very movements carry the speed, ferocity, and power of one! You'd have made an excellent Gladiator Beast!"

"You're not wrong!" Fang snapped as he slashed at Tygerius with his claw gauntlet! "I've got the appetite of one too! But there's one thing that separates me from you! The reason I have that ferocity is to protect my family! Or in terms you'd understand, my pack! And since you've got every intention of hurting them, I'll bare my fangs against you!"

Fang shoved Tygerius and immediately took the opportunity to continue his assault! A flurry of kicks to the lower body and chest left Tygerius winded and left him wide open to a devastating uppercut from Fang's arm bearing his Duelist Arm! While the elder beast-warrior was dazed, Night Fang launched himself into a forward somersault with his Duelist Arm raised! Striking Tygerius across the chest and landing a fatal blow!

"Another one bites the dust." Fang said with a nod as he watched Tygerius crumble apart! His ears then perked up when he head Burst Stream struggling in his fight against Alexander! "C'mon! Let's see if we can lend Burst a hand!" As the pair rushed to Burst's side, Spike was dodging swipes from Andal! The ursine Gladiator Beast growing more and more frustrated with Spike evading any attempts to grapple him!

"Coward!" Andal growled as Spike slid under him! "Do you intend to run for this whole fight?! I thought heroes like you were all about standing up to fight!"

"There's fighting hard, and fighting smart. Guess which one I'm doing?" Spike retorted as he fired a blast from his arm cannon right at Andal's face! "You're bigger, but that doesn't mean squat if you can't keep up with me or if I'm out of reach!"

"SHUT IT WHELP!" Andal roared as he charged at Spike, and leaped into the air before bringing himself down hard on the ground with the intent of crushing Spike under his sheer weight! Unfortunately for Andal, and quite fortunate for Spike, this left the Gladiator Beast wide open for shot through the core! Andal was silent as the look of fear in his eyes said just how screwed he was when Spike unleashed a charged flame blast aimed right at his chest! No words escaped the ursine beast-warrior as the blast ripped through him! Like the other fallen Gladiator Beasts, Andal turned to stone and crumbled into pieces!

Rarity, much to the surprise of most of the fighters, was able to completely dominate her fight against Samnite! With the use of the magical glyphs she had added to her combat style, Rarity was able to greatly enhance her movement and maneuverability! She was even able to grant herself an additional jump in midair or propel herself towards her brutish opponent! Striking with pinpoint precision at openings that Samnite's shield couldn't cover! Samnite, who grew tired of hiding behind his shield, decided to lash out wildly in the hopes of landing a hit on Rarity! He had no such luck as this let the Element of Generosity finish him with a series of rapid strikes from her rapier and fan!

"I'd say this form is much more suitable for your fighting style." Rarity remarked as she stared at the stone remains of Samnite. "A complete mess."

"Huh. I guess she's made of sterner stuff." Applejack remarked as she fired a bolt at Darius! This only enraged the Gladiator Beast more as he swung at Applejack with his halberd! "You're a rowdy one, aren't ya?" The only response Applejack got was a snort from the horse beast-warrior. "Well, good luck tryin' to knock me down! I've tangled with varmints tougher than you!"

Darius snorted, and charged forward to try and run Applejack into the ground! But to the Gladiator Beast's shock, Applejack sidestepped him and grabbed onto his arm! Applejack then lifted Darius over herself and slammed him into the ground! But the farmgirl didn't let up as she repeated this action about five more times before grappling Darius by the head and slamming him into the ground! The impact knocking the Gladiator Beast out cold before he turned to stone!

That's my girlfriend. Strong and beautiful. Magnet North thought to himself as he dodged a swing from Dimacari's spiked gauntlets! Judging by his weapon of choice, this brute prefers to get up close and personal! Well then. I'll give him what he wants! Magnet North switched his shot blaster so that the blue barrel was on top and aimed it at the arm Dimacari was swinging towards him! North fired the draw shot, and it pulled Dimacari towards it before exploding! Once more, North switched the barrels of his shot blaster! This time he fired out a destructive red shot that knocked Dimacari back and ripped through his center! The Gladiator Beast turning to stone and shattering!

There was only one Gladiator Beast left: Alexander. And he was certainly in a league above the rest of the beasts that had been sent out! Burst, Venus and Fang led a three-pronged attack on the lion, but Alexander grabbed Fang by the face and brutally slammed the Element of Determination into the ground! Making a crater upon Fang's impact! Venus lashed out with his whip, but Alexander caught it in his hands and yanked Venus towards him! As soon as Venus Bloomer was within arm's reach, Alexander delivered a vicious punch right to his face! Knocking the Element of Spirit out cold!

"Is this all the better you can fight me?" Alexander asked with a smirk as he folded his arms in disinterest. "How disappointing, but an outcome I expected nevertheless. Lions are the kings of the beasts. It's only natural that I share a similar position among the Gladiator Beasts! Come all who would dare to try and best me! You will know your place under me with my very roar!"

And with that, Alexander let out a mighty roar like the beast he shared the appearance of! The roar knocking back all who tried to converge upon him! Applejack and Rarity tried to get to their feet, but Alexander simply backhanded them away with almost no effort! Magnet North managed to get up, but a swift knee to the stomach from Alexander quickly sent him to the ground again! However, not all of the element bearers were out of this fight yet! Fang had managed to rise, and his more savage form was starting to take root!

"So. It appears that there are those who still will not bow." Alexander scoffed as Fang rushed at him! Only for Alexander elbow him hard in the face and knock him out of his transformation! He then noticed Burst Stream and Spike getting into fighting stances! "Well, well. Perhaps I'll have more of a challenge than I thought! It's been said that dragons are among the strongest creatures of this world! Time to see how that claim holds up!"

Alexander dashed towards Spike! The young dragon not hesitating to fire shots from his arm cannon while Burst Stream fired a barrage of shots from his twin blaster pistols! However, the most the shots managed to do was annoy the lion as he leaped towards Spike and hit him with his strongest punch!

"Impressive." Alexander said with a smirk as he saw Spike wince from blocking the brutal strike! "That would've shattered the arm of one of your friends' back there. But here you are! Still standing and giving me that defiant glare!"

"I'm made of sterner stuff!" Spike snapped as he dropped his guard stance and slugged Alexander in the face! "HAVE AN UP-CLOSE LOOK!"

". . . " Alexander was silent as he felt his face and felt a bruise where Spike had struck him! That was all it took for the lion to unleash his rage upon the drake! "HOW DARE YOU?!" Alexander unleashed a brutal kick to Spike's side before grabbing the drake by the face and dragging him along the ground! "INSOLENT PILE OF SCALES! I'LL SHOW YOU THE PRICE OF-?!"

"DRAGON STRIKE!" Burst Stream screamed as he slashed down with his sword! Sending an energy projection of a dragon that crashed into Alexander hard enough for the lion Gladiator Beast to release his hold on Spike! "Picking on the kid, was a bad move."

"So another fool dares to bare his fangs at the king of beasts, does he?!" Alexnader growled! "FINE THEN! SINCE YOU'RE SO EAGER TO PUT YOURSELF IN THE WHELP'S PLACE, YOU SHALL FACE HIS PUNISHMENT!" Alexander pulled his fist back and it began to glow with a bright yellow energy! "BEHOLD MY FINISHER! LEO DESTROYER!" Alexander charged at Burst Stream! Fully intent on striking Burst Stream down where he stood! But his advance was halted when Burst shot a massive blast of white lightning right at him! Jolting and paralyzing the Gladiator Beast where he stood!

"You're the only one that's finished here!" Burst Stream cried out as he began to concentrating his magic into his left leg! Lighting and energy crackled around Burst's entire left leg! Wasting no time, Burst Stream ran towards Alexander! His left foot making small shockwaves as he charged forth! Once he was within sweep distance, Burst unleashed a single, devastating roundhouse kick right to Alexander's face! Coupled with the fact it had been enhanced by Burst's magic, the kick sent Alexander sprawling to the ground! The Gladiator Beast roaring in pain as he exploded! Burst Stream had a tired smile on his face after the victory he and his friends had earned, but that smile was soon replaced by pain!

"AGH!" Burst Stream fell to the ground clutching his left leg, and his friends in the arena quickly rushed to his side once they'd recovered. Burst rolled up the left leg of his pants, and saw that cracks similar to the ones on his arms had now appeared on his left leg! "Not good. . . "

". . . Burst?" Spike asked. His voice shaking with regret. "I'm sorry! If I hadn't been so impulsive, I wouldn't have been targeted and you wouldn't have had to save me! Because of me, you've got less time and-"

"Don't apologize Spike." Burst Stream said with a smile. "I wouldn't be a good leader if I didn't look out for my team. Much less come to their rescue if they're taking a beating. I had the power to save you Spike. And I don't regret doing it. Besides, I'd have slugged that jerk in the face to just for hurting any of you. Faust help him if he'd hit Moon!"

The group shared a laugh before helping Burst Stream up and regrouping with their friends in the stands. However, Grand Jupiter gathered the spirits of the defeated Gladiator Beasts and placed them inside a container while looking towards a new batch of Gladiator Beasts all resembling aerial creatures. The battle was far from over.

Author's Note

So. . . any name ideas for Burst's new finisher? Also, apologies for getting this out so late. I've been busy with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's World of Light adventure. Btw, which mode is better for unlocking characters? World of Light, or playing through Classic Mode?

Episode 30: Skirmish in the Skies!

"Hey Burst." Inferno said with a nervous smile. "How're you holding up buddy?"

"If this is about my condition being accelerated by that stunt I pulled, I'm not mad about it." Burst Stream answered in a neutral tone. "I won't lie, it's still pretty distressing to know that I've got a ticking clock and I just shaved a lot more time off it in that last fight. But I've already had a breakdown and nearly drowned in my despair when all of you guys pulled me out of it. Plus, this isn't the first time I've been hit with something heavy. There was the time that Shining Dawn broke up Celestia and me. Honestly? I think that hurt me more than what I'm currently going through because I actually felt like I was dead inside. But in the end, I came out stronger for it because I accepted my dark side and came out of it more whole."

"And that's just supposed to make this all okay?!" Inferno snapped! The Element of Potential soon regained his composure and sighed. "Sorry. It's just. . . I know the risk when I decided to join up with you. All of us knew that we might not make it out in one piece ever since our first battle. But you're probably the best friend I've ever had. You helped me become more than what I set out to be. The same goes for the rest of the guys too."

"And it doesn't seem fair that my life's got a ticking clock." Burst Stream said sadly. However, a small smile crept across his face. "That's why we've got make the time I've got left the best we've ever had! You remember that party Pinkie Pie threw me, right? She did that because she didn't want any sad faces when I left. Maybe it won't stop any tears from flowing, but I couldn't live with myself if I saw any of my friends not seeing me off with smiles."

"Burst Stream?" Twilight asked as she took a seat next to the Element of Power. "I know that I wasn't the greatest friend back at Celestia's School for Gifted Magi. But in these few years I've spent in Unityville with all our friends, I can say I know what I was missing out on when you'd take Spike out to goof off. It makes me sad that I didn't take that chance. . . "

"Hey. No use moping about it now." Burst Stream said with a small smile. "You've made up for it now, and I know it would've been a mistake to take you since you're also a part of how I made so many friends too! You're all going to remember me when I'm gone, right?"

"Of course we'd remember!" Twilight exclaimed! "I don't think any of us would ever want to forget you! Why would you even say something like that?!"

"Because then I won't be truly dead." Burst Stream said with a sad smile. "But do me a favor? Please don't go and make some sort of statue of me. As long as all of you guys knew me, that's all I really care about."

"Well since we're bringing this up, I think you should sit the next round out Burst." Inferno said as he crossed his arms. "You said it yourself. That new finisher you came up with used a heavy amount of magic and its only accelerated your condition. Plus, I've got the feeling the next round is going to be aerial combat. Grand Jupiter even hinted at it."

"If you're worried about me being at a disadvantage, don't." Burst Stream said with a frown. "Maybe you forgot, but my Nightmare Form has wings of light that I can use to fly."

"But didn't you feel pain when transforming?" Twilight noted. "I remember you told us that when you tried transforming your entire body felt pain and you couldn't maintain your Nightmare Form. And there's no telling what the strain of maintaining it in your condition!"

"That's a risk we're going to have to take." Burst Stream said with an edge in his voice. "Outside of those of us who've become Avatars, Inferno and I are some of the strongest fighters of our groups! And since Fluttershy's our healer, we're going to need to give her as much cover as possible because her team position makes her a target! So far the team for this round is going to be Inferno, Shadow, Ice, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Nightfall and myself. I can use my magic to cast a shield spell to protect her, and Nightfall's still a bit inexperienced. Meaning he's going to need someone watching his back."

"As much as I hate the fact you're doing this, I can see the reasoning." Twilight said with a sigh. "Besides, this isn't the first time you've been on your last legs during a fight. And. . . please make sure Nightfall makes it out safe. But above all, don't try to do anything that accelerates your countdown!"

"No need to worry princess." Burst said with a chuckle. "I'll make sure your little crush makes it out without a scratch. And I'll try that last one too." And with that, the Element of Power threw his coat on and transformed into his Nightmare Form! White wings of light sprouting upon the transformation's completion. "Time for the Gladiator Beasts to meet their worst nightmare."

And with that, the small squadron of fliers stepped out towards the arena. Though their battlefield would be the open air, their opponents met them on the ground.

"The skies shall not be so friendly today!" Grand Jupiter announced from his throne! "For today you elements are pitted against Equeste the Sky Centaur, Lanista the falcon, Bestiari the hawk, Augustus the crow, and Octavius the eagle! Who shall soar, and who shall fall?" With a wave of Grand Jupiter's hand, the round began! The fliers of both teams of elements took off without delay!

Burst in his nightmare form was internally wincing in pain as his condition made maintaining his Nightmare Form. However, the strength of his will allowed him to power through the pain. He'd just cast the Aegis shield spell around Fluttershy, and joined his friends in a defensive line. However, when the Gladiator Beasts flew towards them, they ignored Burst Stream's friends and aimed their sights on him!

"Looks like I just became the center of attention!" Burst Stream muttered as he slotted the homing shot spell magazine into one of his blasters and opened fire at the Gladiator Beasts flying at him! Each shot hitting their intended target! "Alright. What's got you all gunning for me?" Burst Stream snapped as he blocked a swipe from the talons of Octavius!

"You defeated Alexander in combat!" Octavius said with a smirk. "That makes you the strongest among your team! So if we are able to best you, then our names shall be remembered in glory!"

"So you all plan on shooting me down do you?" Nightmare Burst asked with a smirk. "Well, that won't be happening today!"

"Because you consider yourself so strong you have no need for your comrades?" Octavius said with a sneer as he and his fellow aerial Gladiator Beasts circled Burst like vultures! Each of them shoving each other as their circle tightened around Burst Stream! However a shot of fire and a quick boomerang strike downed two of their number!

"No. Because I've got some pretty solid friends to watch my back." Nightmare Burst said as his hands were covered by the aura of his magic! Burst then let loose a blast of lightning! Jolting the aerial Gladiator Beasts long enough for his friends to split their enemies apart! However, this action was not without its cost. "Ngh!"

Burst's entire body seized up in pain as he seemed to fluctuate in and out of his nightmare form! New cracks exposing unstable magic coursing through his body and old cracks spreading farther! Lightning crackling around Burst Stream's body! The aerial Gladiator Beasts took this as a chance to try and finish off Burst, but an aura of unstable magic shot out from Burst Stream! Shocking them all once more! And just as violently as the aura had arrived, it died down soon after! Fortunately, Burst was quick to recover and resumed his nightmare form!

'It was taking me a lot of focus to maintain this form.' Burst Stream thought to himself. 'But that flare of magic made it feel like my whole body was being torn apart! Is that what Dad meant when he said I'd know when my condition was worsening?!'

Rainbow Dash rolled out of the charging Equeste! Just barely evading getting bashed by the Gladiator Beast's shield! However, Rainbow Dash held the edge in speed over her opponent as she circled Equeste so fast that she formed a tornado around him! Using her boomerang to strike at Equeste from all sides! The Gladiator Beast was worn down from the frequency of Rainbow Dash's hits!

"Time for a shocking finish!" Rainbow Dash said with a smirk as she launched herself forward at Equeste! Striking the Gladiator Beast square in the chest and sending him plummeting to the arena ground! The Gladiator Beast turning to stone upon defeat and shattering!

Meanwhile Nightfall Silver had been using this battle to test out the flight pack of his suit. Needless to say, it was performing quite well as he was jetting around Bestiari! The beast tried to cut Nightfall down with his talons, but Nightfall's armor proved to be more resilient than his prototype suit!

"Sorry! But you're the only one who's getting their wings clipped!" Nightfall quipped as the twin strident cannons on his flight pack powered up alongside the strident blasters on his palms! "Super Strident Blaze!" A trio of blue, fire-like lasers shot forth from Nightfall! In a flash, Bestiari was wiped out! The Gladiator Beast turning to stone upon being defeated and shattering as he hit the ground!

"Hey bro!" Shadow Thunder called out as he avoided a swing from the sword of Augustus! "Think you can keep this guy off me? There's something I've been meaning to try with my spear!"

"You got it Shadow!" Dark Ice said as he swatted Augustus with his claymore! "C'mon you ugly buzzard! I'm right here! Fresh meat!"

"Maybe I'll make like a group of crows and murder you!" Augustus shrieked as he flew at Dark Ice! The crow Gladiator Beat raising his sword to strike Dark Ice down! Only for a bolt of lightning to smite him! Dark Ice saw Shadow Thunder with his spear raised and sparks of electricity coming from the spear's point!

"Just giving him a bit of a shock." Shadow Thunder said with a smirk.

"Guess you're not as defenseless as you used to be." Dark Ice said with a smile. ". . . You're still my baby brother though."

"Yeah. I figured." Shadow Thunder said with a pout. He then looked to Inferno's fight. "Hey look! Inferno's on fire!" And true to the Element of Compassion's words, Inferno was indeed on fire. In particular, his sword.

Inferno Flare was beating down hard on Lanista! The falcon Gladiator Beast's Spear proved no match against the dragon scales that were now Inferno's skin! Couple that with Inferno now being able to ignite his sword, he was able to render Lanista's weapon as little more than a melted piece of junk!

"Time to roast this bird!" Inferno grunted as he hurled a fireball at Lanista! Scorching the Gladiator Beast to little more than ashes! "Only one beast left!" Inferno turned his head in Burst's direction, and saw that Burst was engaging Octavius! However, it was clear that Burst Stream was the one at a disadvantage as he seemed to have trouble maintaining his Nightmare Form. Namely because Octavius was spamming shooting razor-sharp feathers at Burst Stream as he orbited him! "Oh man! Not good!"

'Great! As if trying to maintain this form was hard enough!' Burst thought as he tried to shield himself! 'Then this guy decides to pelt me with feathers that're sharp like knives! Even if I use my magic to cast a shield spell around myself, I still need to concentrate on making sure the shield can hold! With all these projectiles being fired at me, I doubt I'd be able to make a shield that would last a second! He can't actually hurt my wings because they're made of light, but he probably me noticed me having trouble with my transformation!'

"You're not so tough now!" Octavius boasted as he kept firing more and more razor feathers! "Perhaps that burst of unstable magic you unleashed warrior was the only real trump card you had on me! If that's all you have then fall! Fall! FAALLL!" Unfortunately for Octavius, he gave Burst Stream an idea on how to win this fight.

Burst Stream crossed his arms, and focused his magic throughout his entire body! With a mighty shout, he unleashed another aura blast of magic! The blast shocking Octavius upon release! Not wanting to waste the opening that had been provided, Burst punched Octavius towards the ground! As the Gladiator Beast was plummeting, Burst channeled his magic and energy into his right foot before using his nightmare form's wings of light to launch himself down towards Octavius! His rapid descent adding more momentum and resulting in a devastating force when Burst's kick struck Octavius! The Gladiator Beast exploding not long after contact!

Burst landed safely, but was exhausted as he reverted back to his normal form. But he wasn't too tired to cry out in pain as he felt cracks form on his right leg and new tiny cracks starting to creep across the rest of his body. ". . . Crap." Burst Stream uttered as he fell onto his back exhausted. "I can't believe I broke my promise. Sorry Twilight." And with that, he passed out.

As the Elements gathered their strength, Grand Jupiter had gathered the spirits of the Gladiator Beasts that had been defeated in the round and put them with the other spirits of the other defeated Gladiator Beasts. He then started mixing the spirits together to creates new, more powerful warriors! And he immediately struck them down and abosrped the spirits into himself!

"With this strength, I shall make even an Avatar kneel!" Grand Jupiter boasted. His memories then turned to Steel Edge. "And I know just the one who shall fall first. . . "

Episode 31: Game Over, Grand Jupiter!

"Something's off." Steel Edge noted as he and the two teams of elements had gathered on the arena floor. "I was expecting Grand Jupiter to sick some more Gladiator Beasts on the members of our teams that're still mortal. Or he'd start rolling out some high-power special Gladiator Beasts that were fusions of the ones that were defeated."

"Or maybe he's decided to call it quits since everything he's thrown at us has been beaten?" Twilight asked with a nervous smile. "I mean, we beat all the other Chaos Kin! He's the only one left and we just took down the last of his minions! He said that he's been hanging back from the other battles."

"As much as I appreciate your thinking Twilight, I don't think we can expect him to end this peacefully." Steel Edge said with a shake of his head. "I can tell because of when I first crossed blades with him. Right when I was on my last legs after I made my last stand to protect you while you got the memory spell ready. Grand Jupiter made me an offer to join him, saying it would be a 'great honor' to serve under them. And I promptly threw it back in his face because I'd already had the greatest honor. Fighting alongside some of the most heroic people I've known in my life, and giving my life so that they'd have even a slim chance of victory. You all know what happened next, and now I'm here as an immortal embodiment of honor."

"Not to mention you handed Grand Jupiter's butt to him when he and the others returned!" Pinkie Pie chimed in with her usually cheerful demeanor. "Oh! Maybe he wants to fight you in this last round as part of some way to meet a warrior's end! Or even better, he's got a grudge against you and this'll be an epic final fight!"

"Speaking of the last Chaos Kin, here he comes right now." Arctic Ace said as he nodded in the direction of Grand Jupiter's throne! The last Chaos Kin promptly launching himself from his throne and landing dead center in the arena! "Looks like he's gotten tired of sitting around all this time."

"STEEL EDGE!" Grand Jupiter bellowed as he pointed at the Element of Honor! "YOU AND I HAVE UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM OUR LAST ENCOUNTER! AND THESE ROUNDS HAVE BEEN BUILDING UP TO THIS MOMENT! I'LL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR HOW YOU TRANSGRESSED ME!"

"So you do have it out for me after-all. " Steel Edge said with a level tone and a steely glare as he flew down to the arena floor! His Duelist Arms in hand as he landed in front of the last Chaos Kin! "Well what'd I ever do to you?"

"You spat in my face!" Grand Jupiter snapped! "Not only did you deny an honor presented to you by I, your better, you surpassed me by becoming a being beyond what I am! A human worm like you becoming a god while I was the superior being?! UNFORGIVABLE! Your ascension has vexed me ever since me and my kin's escape from our imprisonment! I REFUSE to let an inferior warrior like yourself be my better! YOU DENIED ME MY GLORY! AND WITH YOUR DEFEAT I SHALL RECLAIM IT AND BE KNOWN AS THE GREATEST WARRIOR OF ALL TIME!"

"Well, now I know why you've got it out for me." Steel Edge said with a scowl as he got into a fighting stance! "If you really think you can beat me, then come on!"

"WITH PLEASURE!" Grand Jupiter roared as he charged forth at Steel Edge! Raising one of his bladed arms and striking Steel Edge's shield with sheer brute force! "THE RAGE OF MY GLADIATOR BEASTS AT BEING DEFEATED MADE THEIR SPIRITS PERFECT TO ABSORB! THEIR LINGERING RAGE ONLY MATCHES THE RESENTMENT I HOLD TOWARDS YOU!"

"IT'S FORTUNATE FOR ME THAT YOU'RE IMMORTAL NOW!" Grand Jupiter screamed as he repeatedly bashed his fists against Steel Edge's shield with the hopes of shattering it! Unfortunately for the last of the Chaos Kin, he was oblivious to the fact that the shield wasn't even dented no matter how hard he struck! "I CAN USE YOU AS AN ETERNAL OBJECT TO VENT MY FRUSTRATIONS UPON!"

'He has gotten stronger!' Steel Edge thought as he kept maintaining his defensive position as Big Saturn hammered away! 'But anger's cons outweigh its pros. I had the feeling he was the prideful sort, and this just confirms it. Let him roar and rant. Like I learned from my dad: A fighter blinded by rage is ferocious, but ultimately the most vulnerable kind. You can see me Grand Jupiter, but it means nothing if your mind can't be clear!'

"That stare. . . " Grand Jupiter growled as he kept hammering away at Steel's shield! "IS GIVING ME THAT DAMN STARE AND HIDING BEHIND THAT INFURIATING SHIELD ALL YOU WILL DO AGAINST ME?! DO YOU DEEM ME UNWORTHY OF EVEN A SINGLE STRIKE?! OR ARE YOU MERELY A COWARD. . . " Grand Jupiter pulled back his fist and began to charge it with a dark energy! "WHO DARES TO CALL HIMSELF A WARRIOR!"

"I'm not a warrior, or a coward." Steel Edge said calmly as he lowered his shield slightly and watched as Grand Jupiter thrust his arm forward! At the last second, Steel Edge used his shield to push away Grand Jupiter's arm and stab right at the Chaos Kin's vulnerable core! "I'M A GUARDIAN!"

"GAAAHH!" Grand Jupiter screamed in pain as he felt his core being pierced! "HOW. . . IS THIS POSSIBLE?!"

"Because you fight only for yourself!" Steel Edge cried out as he powered up his magic and executed the Blade Charge technique! A gigantic, silver blade construct coating the regular blade of his sword! And he wasted no time slashing at Grand Jupiter over and over with the massive blade! "You've thought only of the power and glory you sought and thought no one would try to stop you! But whenever people like you show up to hurt those who can't stand for themselves, that's when people like me take a stand to stop you! There's a reason why we took the position of guard! Because we are the ones who raise our weapons to protect our people!"

With one final swing, Steel Edge knocked Grand Jupiter halfway across the arena! Steel Edge spread his wings, and flew forward! Using his magic to summon several dagger constructs and send them flying towards Grand Jupiter! The stream of blades pelting the last Chaos Kin and forcing him to cross his arms to protect his ruptured core!

"We'll fight so that no one else has to!" Steel Edge shouted as he focused his magic to remove the plates of his wing armor! Each of the armor plates ending in a segment that had the sharpness of a blade hovering in the silver aura of Steel's magic! "And no matter how hard you hit us, we'll never give in!"

Steel Edge hurled his wing armor's plates and commanded them to strike at Grand Jupiter! The sharpened armor plates making Grand Jupiter drop his guard and expose his core in attempting to swat away the plates!

"WHY?! WHY?!" Grand Jupiter raged as he swatted the empty air long after the armor plates fell to the ground! "HOW ARE YOU BEATING ME?! IS IT BECAUSE YOU"RE A GOD NOW?!"

"It has nothing to do with me being an Avatar!" Steel Edge spat as he slashed at Grand Jupiter's exposed core! Making the Chaos Kin writhe in pain! "You lost because you never tried to win in the first place!" Steel Edge shot out a blade beam from his sword to launch Grand Jupiter into the air and Steel flew up above him!

"OMNISLASH!" Steel Edge cried out as he slashed at Grand Jupiter! Only to throw himself into a series of slashes from all sides before charging up his magic for one final slash that shattered Grand Jupiter's core! Sending Grand Jupiter crashing towards the ground! The final Chaos Kin's body turning to dust upon impact!

"The fight's over. Now comes my favorite part." Steel Edge said with a sigh of relief as he holstered his weapons and turned to face his friends. Smiling as he saw Rainbow Dash flying at him and crashing into a hug! "Let's go home. . . "

Episode 32: A Dream Come True

Tired? Burst Stream wasn't tired. After getting kidnapped by evil plants, having to fight multiple villain factions and their minions and finding out he'd accidentally made himself a ticking time bomb, Burst Stream wasn't tired. He was exhausted. The last of the Chaos Kin had been defeated, so the Element of Power could finally enjoy the rest he told the rest of the Elements of Heroism he'd be taking.

'I better make sure to enjoy sleeping tonight.' Burst Stream thought to himself as he removed his coat and showered before changing into his sleeping clothes. Though he chose not to put on a shirt as he looked at his reflection. Though the mirror wasn't broken, Burst saw cracks all over his body that showed unstable magic streaming through him. 'Faust knows I don't have all that much time left. But I guess that's why I have to live while I can. Good thing I made revisions to my bucket list. That party Pinkie threw me got rid of most of it. There's just one item left on it. And I should be able to take care of it fairly soon.'

'Right now though?' Burst Stream let out a yawn as he stretched and crawled into his bed. 'Now I need some rest. I really hope Moon feels like cuddling tonight. Her embrace would really put me at ease. Come to think of it, she's normally waiting for me in bed and beckons me to come closer. But I didn't see her waiting for me today.'

'Well, it's no big deal.' Burst Stream thought with a shrug as his head hit the pillow and his eyes began to close. 'She hasn't been clingy with me, so I don't see any reason why I should be clingy with her.' And with that, Burst Stream closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

"Burst." A female voice called.

"Mmmhh. . . " Burst Stream mumbled as he rolled under the bed's covers.

"Come on Burst. My day's not begun until you're awake with me." The voice said with a musical giggle. "Plus, the sun's already up."

"Alright, alright. I'm up." Burst Stream said with a yawn as he stretched his arms. "Morning." And the second Burst opened his eyes, he smiled. "The first thing I see when I wake up is the beautiful sun."

"No matter how many times I've heard that from suitors who pursued me, it sounds meaningful coming from you." Celestia said with a smile as she sat up and stretched her wings. "You know, it's funny. We've been together for a while now, but it all seems like just a few days ago that we first met. You still have that adorable little smile you had when you were a kid."

"Hey. I'm just happy that Twilight didn't get on my case about dropping out of your school." Burst Stream said with a chuckle as he grabbed his clothes and headed to the bathroom to change. "Seriously! I thought she was going to scream that I was a slacker because I decided to undergo training with my dad. But waking up next to you? It just means things worked out for the best."

"I'm just happy you decided to move in with me so easily." Celestia said with a fond smile as she changed. "The look on Blueblood's face when you took his room was priceless. Most of the guards thought they were being replaced when you arrived in the throne room with all your bags packed."

"Well, I really can't blame them for thinking that." Burst Stream said with a chuckle as he exited the bathroom clad in his regular outfit. "But I wouldn't be much of a dragon knight if I didn't stay by the side of the princess I treasure so much." The two shared a hug, and gazed lovingly at each other. "You know, I still don't know what I did to deserve a goddess like you."

"Well then," Celestia said with a playful smirk. "Allow me to jog your memory as we make our way towards the throne room. We can grab something quick on our way." She then offered her hand, and Burst Stream happily took it as they began their walk. "It all started about sixteen years ago. All when I saw a young boy crying by the royal gardens' fountain. . . "

Burst Stream smiled fondly as Celestia recounted the events that had led to their first meeting. It had been both the worst and best day of his life. The worst aspect being he'd faced his first difficulty on his path in that people thought he was an absolute fool for even making his promise.

"And then, that fateful day came." Celestia said as she and Burst had arrived in the hallway depicting various key events that had occurred. The pair stopping at the window depicting Nightmare Moon's return and second defeat. "The day my sister was returned to me, and the day the nightmare ended."

"Yeah." Burst Stream said with a nod as he looked towards the ceiling in reflection. "That was the first major fight I ever had, and round one didn't really end with me victorious."

"Fight? What are you talking about?" Celestia asked. "You were able to talk down my sister upon her return and managed to convince Moon to separate from her."

"Huh? Oh yeah. I forgot. . . " Burst Stream froze in place. "Wait, what?! What do you mean I managed to talk Nightmare Moon down?! That can't be right!"

"But, that's exactly what happened. Look." Celestia gestured to the stained glass window, and Burst Stream's pupils shrank to pinpricks. There, depicted in the window, was a picture of him offering his hand to a defeated Nightmare Moon while Luna was being held by her sister. The Main 6 reviving the Elements of Harmony was shown in the background. "My student Twilight Sparkle managed to revive the Elements of Harmony in order to provide Nightmare Moon with a body of her own. My sister and her shared a body and mind, and both felt remorse and longing for home. It's why she presented herself at the Summer Sun Celebration upon her return. To seek forgiveness. Don't you remember?"

"I. . . I-" Burst Stream clutched his head as confusion wracked his mind! 'No! No, that's not what happened! It wasn't that easy and Moon didn't surrender when she returned! I fought her! And in both of those encounters I barely scraped by! And why am I still with Celestia?! It doesn't make sense! She and I aren't together anymore!'

'But. . . ' Burst Stream removed his hands from his head and sighed. 'But I really miss her. I still love her just as much as I did before Shining Dawn split us up. And deep inside, I still want to be with her! I want to hold her! Feel her! KISS her! But I can't! Moon needs me right now! She already knows about how I feel towards Celestia in my dreams! If she saw me right now-!' And that's when it hit him. It only took the mounting guilt of Celestia inching forward to kiss him for Burst Stream to grasp his situation.

"Celestia." Burst said as he raised a hand to prevent Celestia's lips coming to his. "Not that I enjoy blocking your affections, but I've got something important to take care of concerning Nightmare Moon. Would you mind telling me where she might be?"

"Well, she's more of a morning person than Luna." Celestia said as a curious look crept across her face. "But what's so important that you need to talk to her?" Her curious expression soon morphed into a seductive smile. "Maybe you're looking for some advice on how to bed a goddess. Nightmare Moon is the princess of dreams. She is quite familiar with fantasies. You can find her in the library. She and Twilight are voracious readers."

"Uh. . . I'm just gonna go speak to her." Burst Stream said nervously as he bolted towards the library! His heart pounding in his chest as he raced through the halls of the castle! 'It all makes sense now! Why I'm still with Celestia! Why my fight with Moon never happened! Why she became her own being when the elements hit her instead of turning her into a mass of magic and essence! I understand it now!' Burst Stream soon arrived at the library, and threw the doors open! Inside he found Nightmare Moon sitting in a chair while reading a book.

"Oh. Burst Stream." Nightmare Moon said with a pleasant smile. "If you've come to challenge me to another round of gaming, it'll have to wait until I finish this next chapter."

"You can stop playing along with the sequence of events Moon." Burst Stream said as he clenched his fist. "There's no point in keeping this up. I know what's going on and why things are the way they are. The way I always wished it could be. And I'm sorry you had to make it this way."

"Moon, please." Burst Stream pleaded. "Put a stop to this dream."

". . . You aren't one who's easily fooled, are you?" Nightmare Moon said with a sad smile. "And considering the fact you apologized earlier, you truly do love me. Don't you, Burst? That's exactly why I had to craft you this dream."

"Why?" Burst Stream asked. "Why would you do this to yourself when you should've made a dream with just you and I in it?! Why didn't you make it so that the two of us were happy?! WHY WOULD YOU HURT YOURSELF LIKE THIS?!"

"Because she makes you happy." Nightmare Moon answered with misty eyes. "I know you love me Burst Stream. I can feel it whenever you hold me close when we're together. With every kiss you plant against my lips. And yet, despite how much love you pour into me, Celestia still holds a large place in your heart. For as many dreams you have of me, you have just as many with Celestia as the focus. This dream? It was just a small gift in comparison to what I want to give you."

"What are you talking about?!" Burst Stream asked. "What kind of gift are you giving to me anyway?"

"You'll need to wake up for that." Nightmare Moon said with a smile. "And you won't need to look very hard for me." And with that, Nightmare Moon vanished from Burst's dreams. Leaving the Element of Power to return to the real world. And when he woke, he found Nightmare Moon in only a nightgown. One she slipped out of to be in the nude. "Welcome back Burst~!"

"M-Moon?!" Burst Stream's face was flushed red as he almost stumbled off the bed! He was used to Nightmare Moon sleeping in underwear or a fairly revealing nightgown. But here she was before him completely bare! "I-Is this by any chance related to the gift you mentioned?"

"Indeed." Nightmare Moon purred as she crawled on top of Burst Stream! "I've found a new life thanks to your help Burst. And now?" She then leaned in to Burst's ear. "Now? I want to repay you by giving you an eternal one."

"How're you going to do that?" Burst Stream asked nervously.

"I could ascend you right here, right now." Nightmare Moon answered as she cupped Burst Stream's face. "Your friends have all ascended because they lived up to the elements they represented. And if the deeds you've performed aren't living up to power, then I don't know what is. Once this is done, you won't have to be afraid of your condition. And I won't have to lose you." Nightmare Moon powered up her magic, and performed the ascension spell on Burst Stream! But then the light died down, Burst Stream hadn't changed at all!

"I. . . I don't understand! You've fought with all your might for what's right and those who couldn't fight for themselves! Risked your life so much to protect others and those you care about!" Nightmare Moon panicked as she withdrew her arms from Burst Stream! "How is what you've done not enough to be worthy of ascending?!"

"Moon. . . it's okay." Burst Stream said as he put a hand on Nightmare Moon's shoulder. Unfortunately, those were probably the worst words he could have chosen at the moment. "I don't know how much time I've got left. But, what matters is that we make whatever time I've got left a good time, right? I just want you to be happy."

". . . You want to make me happy?" Nightmare Moon asked as she gripped the covers.

"Of course I do!" Burst Stream answered. "That's the one thing I want to do more than anything else!"

"Then there's only one way to do that." Nightmare Moon said flatly as she straddled Burst! "Make love to me. Tonight."

"What?!" Burst Stream was shocked! "Moon are you sure about this?!"

"Burst. Do you really want to die a virgin?" Nightmare Moon said seriously as she leaned her face towards his. "This is something I've been wanting for a long time now. I've dreamed about the two of us becoming one. But more than anything, I want more than just memories when you're gone. I want someone to share those memories. I want your child."

"Moon, I-mmmph!" Burst was cut off as Nightmare Moon crashed her lips against his own! However, she was unaware of how lost she was in the kiss. At least, until Burst Stream literally voiced his discomfort!

"Ow!" Burst Stream cried out as the two broke for air!

"What's wrong?!" Nightmare Moon asked. She soon gasped as she saw small drips of blood on Burst's face around where she'd been kissing him. "I. . . I hurt you?"

"You nicked me with your fangs, but it's nothing serious. Look Moon, I-where are you going?"

"I'm sorry!" Nightmare Moon apologized as she grabbed her nightgown and made to leave! "I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have done this!"

"Moon, wait!" Burst Stream cried out as he grabbed a hold of Nightmare Moon's hand! "Look, I'm sorry! I'd be lying if I said I didn't picture the two of us getting that intimate. I'd be an even bigger liar if I didn't want that to happen! But, what if we did it and the baby ended up with my condition?" At hearing this, Nightmare Moon fell to her knees and burst into tears.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. . . " Nightmare Moon sobbed as her head drooped. "I shouldn't have done this! I almost made another stupid mistake that would've cost me everything!"

"Moon, calm down!" Burst Stream said as he pulled Nightmare Moon up to the bed. "If it makes you feel any better, I think I know why you did this. And honestly, I can't hold it against you. There's no need to explain yourself."

"No. You deserve to hear why." Nightmare Moon sniffled as she dried her tears. "When you decided to take me in, I was alone. You were the most person I'd had contact with aside from Luna. And you were always by my side throughout my reformation. When others doubted me, looked down on me, or even tried to remove me, you always stood up for me. Even during our first encounter, you refused to see me as a monster. You looked at me as a person who had been hurting and wanted to help me. After all of that, that's when I knew I was starting to love you. Despite the fact I was a fallen, dark goddess, you were a light that wasn't afraid of me. MY light."

"It all started out so small." Nightmare Moon said with a sad smile. "During that night I saved you, I was afraid to talk to you. Just even uttering those words to you made my heart race. From there it was easy to like you. You're so easy to talk to and are so cheerful outside of battle. After I knew that I liked you, I was scared to love you. Namely because of how strong of a connection you and Celestia shared. One that Shining Dawn took great pleasure in destroying to make sure you weren't a threat to his plans. It would've been so easy to claim you heart while it was so damaged, but I could never forgive myself if I did so. I would have expected the Changeling queen to do something so insidious while you were so vulnerable. But in a short while, you began to feel for me as well. That made it so easy to love you. And now that you have a clock that's ticking down to your own death? Now that you're laying here and look like you're going to shatter like glass? Now that I love you so much, I'm scared to lose you. Scared that I'll lose someone who showed me kindness, warmth, and love when I had never known those things before."

"Moon. . . "

"But I suppose I should've acted better than I have, right?" Nightmare Moon said as she looked towards Burst with misty eyes. "I've already experienced a feeling similar to death when the Elements of Harmony hit me a second time. And I experienced so much worse during my banishment to the moon for a thousand years. Maybe I am still as bad as-"

"No." Burst Stream said sternly. "You're not. Because if you were, you wouldn't have cared that you hurt me. If you were that bad still, you wouldn't have bothered trying to move past who you are and you'd keep nothing was wrong with yourself. You recognized and accepted the fact that what you did was wrong and you wanted to make things right for no one else's sake but your own. Because YOU wanted to change and be better. I know what you're going to say once I'm done talking Moon: That you don't deserve me and I'm too good to you despite what you've done. But you're wrong. You DO deserve someone to love and who loves you in return. Because you're a better you than you were so long ago."

". . . You really know how to make someone feel better, don't you?" Nightmare Moon asked with a loving smile as she dried her eyes and got under the covers. "If you're really okay with me, do you mind if-?"

"You don't even have to ask." Burst Stream said with a smile as he pulled the covers over himself and held Nightmare Moon close. This time, the dark goddess was nuzzling against Burst Stream's chest. "You know, if you're still in the mood-"

"No need." Nightmare Moon said as she buried her face against Burst Stream's neck. "This more than doing it for me. And I also think I'm far happier doing this. A first time out of fear? It doesn't sound as nice as what I'd dreamed up."

"Well, you'd know all about that." Burst Stream said with a loving smile. "You're the woman of my dreams."

"And I'll still be fantasizing about you after waking up." Nightmare Moon said as she and Burst shared one last kiss before staring lovingly in each other's eyes.

"Hey, shouldn't you be tending to the dreams of everyone?"

"Luna keeps locking me out of the dreams." Nightmare Moon said with a sigh. "She still acts so immature. I can understand where she's coming from, but I'd have thought she'd be more mature and move on like Celestia. Apparently, a thousand years wasn't enough time for her to grow up."

"Well she might lock you out of everyone else's dreams. But you'll always be in mine." Burst Stream said with a loving smile. The couple soon falling asleep as Nightmare Moon wrapped one of her wings around Burst Stream.

Castalot Castle
"Princess Luna." Blitz Surge said as he kneeled before the princess of the night. "There is something I must tell you."

"Speak now Blitz Surge." Luna commanded. "If you are troubled by something, I must hear it. It would not do for me to be inconsiderate towards the feelings of my personal guard."

"I confess that I wish to be more than simply your guard." Blitz Surge stated as he stood up. "For I find more reason to protect you than simply duty. Every time I see you, I am captivated. You truly are the beauty of the night given physical form. An angel of the night and a goddess among mortals. Yet you have suffered a great pain after making a grievous error. One you feel remorse for. A goddess indeed, but such a thing makes you very human at your core. Precisely why you and your sister make for such great leaders."

"What do you mean to say?" Luna asked as she began to blush.

"Though I may not be a hero worthy of you yet, I love you Princess Luna." Blitz Surge said seriously. "I wouldn't think less of you for refusing me upon my confession. But if you would do me the honor-"

"YES!" Luna screamed as she embraced Blitz Surge tightly! "For so long I have wanted for a lover of my own! And now I realize what I fool I was to simply fool around in my earlier days! This is truly a dream come true!"

"Trust me Your Highness." Blitz Surge said with a smirk as he slowly wrapped his arms around Luna. "It is one for me as well."

"Please." Luna said with teary eyes. "Call me Luna."

". . . Very well, Luna." Blitz Surge said. "And fear not. I shall become worthy of you soon. And even sooner, I will become the hero this world needs. . . "

Episode 33: "Rekindled"

Burst Stream let out a slight groan of discomfort as a ray of sunlight crept through his bedroom's window. Cracking one of his eyes open, the Element of Power surveyed his surroundings. He couldn't help but smile when he saw Nightmare Moon holding onto him tightly and pressing her body against his before looking at the cracks on his body that displayed his unstable magic tearing him apart from the inside out.

'There's no telling how much time I have left.' Burst Stream thought to himself before looking back at Nightmare Moon's sleeping form. 'That's probably why she's been holding onto me so tightly. She doesn't want to let go of me in whatever moments we have left together. I guess that also part of why I don't want to get up. But. . . ' Burst sighed as he stared at the ceiling with a determined gaze.

'There's something important that I want to do before I'm gone. And it's the only item on my bucket list that's actually worth doing. Maybe it's something stupid or someone might think it pointless, but that doesn't matter. To me, if I don't do this, I'm going to leave this world with a regret that I can't bear having on my heart.' Slowly, Burst Stream rose from his bed and commenced his morning routine. Before long, he was clad in his typical outfit of blue jeans, sneakers, a t-shirt, and the white coat his mother had made for him.

Burst then set to work getting breakfast, but noticed a slight abnormality. Namely that Nightmare Moon wasn't up yet or sneaking up on him while he was cooking. As soon as he'd finished preparing breakfast, he took a plate of food back to his bedroom.

"I was wondering when you'd be done." Nightmare Moon greeted with a stretch as she noticed Burst Stream's confused expression. A playful smile crept across the Princess of Dreams' lips. "What's wrong? You've always said that you wanted to serve me breakfast in bed, so I decided to let you spoil me for a bit."

"Well, if my princess wishes to be pampered, who am I to deny her that?" Burst Stream said with a chuckle as he grabbed a serving tray and handed it to Nightmare Moon before setting her food on it. "I'll be heading to Castalot today Moon. There's some important business that I need to take care of."

"I have a fairly good idea of what this business is." Nightmare Moon said with a knowing smile. "Or rather who this business is."

"You really do know me inside and out, don't you?" Burst Stream asked with a small smile.

"I wouldn't be much of a good girlfriend if I didn't know what makes my boyfriend tick." Nightmare Moon said with a loving smile. "You don't need to explain why you're doing it. I know the reason why each time I see your dreams. If this is really the only thing you need to do so that you've no regrets left, I see no reason to stop you."

"You know, I think I'm the one who lucked out when you came into my life." Burst Stream said with a warm smile as he kissed Nightmare Moon goodbye. But before he left, Burst came to a realization. "You know, I never really got to thank you after all this time."

"For what?" Nightmare Moon asked. "If anything, I owe you thanks for giving me a new life and you becoming a part of it. What could you possibly have to thank me for?"

"Well, it's pretty obvious." Burst Stream said with a chuckle. "If it weren't for you Moon, I'd have never met her in the first place. So I guess if it weren't for you, who knows how things might have played out? But all that really matters is what's going on right now. Even with what's going on with me, I wouldn't change it for the world. And ultimately, you're one of the two people who are the core reason for me being who I am."

"Who would've thought that my greatest mistake would lead me to finding the best thing that ever happened to me." Nightmare Moon said with a sad smile as she watched Burst Stream leave. Putting a hand over her heart and closing her eyes. "If not in my arms, then I'll hold you forever in my heart."

As if he could hear Nightmare Moon's words, Burst Stream smiled as he boarded the train. 'It's funny. My love life is like something like a twist on a story. A heroic dragon who protects a princess, and a hero who tries to save a dark princess from her own loneliness and past. I guess that's what makes a story like mine all the more interesting to read. Maybe I already know that my story's going to end. But I'm not going to let things unfold on their own. I'm going to write my own ending! If I go out, I go out on my own terms!'

With his resolve solidified, Burst Stream shut his eyes as the train began to move towards Castalot. Reflecting on the events of his life and the recent circumstances that had recently unfolded. He didn't have much time to reflect as the train seemed to arrive at Castalot Station quicker than usual.

"Maybe it's a sign from Faust." Burst Stream thought to himself out-loud as he got up from his seat and started walking towards Castalot Castle. As he arrived at the gates, the guards immediately opened up. Given how many times Burst had shown up, the guards had grown accustomed to quickly allowing him entrance. They knew that whenever it was just him, it was usually to see Princess Celestia. And sure enough, Burst found himself at the doors of the throne room. Knocking on the door to announce his presence.

"Come in." Celestia said as she sat herself back on her throne. She had just finished up with her court and was about to take her lunch break when she heard a knocking on the door. Celestia was never one to put herself before her subjects, so she decided to listen to her unexpected visitor. Needless to say, the face of said visitor was a pleasant surprise for the sun goddess. "Burst Stream! I. . . I wasn't expecting a visit from you. But it's very good to see you once more. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Kinda." Burst said with a smile and a shrug. "I was just wondering. . . would you like to grab a bite to eat with me? I had a really light breakfast today."

"Funny." Celestia said with a small smile. "I was about to grab lunch myself, and I could use some fresh air from being cooped up here for most of the morning."

"Yeah. That sounds great." Burst said with a nod. "Especially considering I just got off the train to here not too long ago." The pair set off to grab some food from the kitchens and went to the royal gardens to enjoy their meal.

"So how have things been going in Unityville?" Celestia asked as she took a bite from her sandwich. "You and your friends must be enjoying the peace since all the Chaos Kin were eliminated."

"Well, Applejack and Magnet North finally decide to be an official couple a bit before Grand Jupiter showed up." Burst Stream said as he took a swig from his drink. "Plus, Twilight's got a potential boyfriend living with her at the moment."

"So that explains why Cadence was screaming at me on the phone a couple weeks ago." Celestia said with a nod. "She was practically screaming that Twilight had become one half of an adorkable couple. In fact, Cadence has told me that most of your friends have found matches that are perfect for them. She even said the only match more made for each other was you and m-" Celestia put a hand over her mouth as she caught herself. ". . . Moon! You and Nightmare Moon!"

". . . Celestia? Please don't try to hide what you meant to say." Burst Stream said calmly before taking a bite of his own sandwich. "You were going to say 'me', weren't you?"

"Why does that matter?" Celestia asked as she cast her eyes towards the ground. Gripping her dress as she did so. "We're not dating anymore."

"No. It does matter." Burst Stream said with a sigh. "Celestia. Were you happy when you saw me today? Did you enjoy talking with me?"

". . . Yes." Celestia said as she loosened her grip. "In all honesty, seeing you again made my heart throb."

"Well that's great!" Burst Stream said with a bright smile. Celestia snapping her head towards Burst's direction as he continued. "The only item I really wanted to complete on my bucket list was to make you happy one last time. Now that I've done that, I don't have any regrets."

". . . Why?" Celestia asked as her entire body began to tremble. "Why?"

"Celestia?" Burst Stream asked. "What's wrong? I thought you were happy to see me again."

"That's just it!" Celestia cried out! "Why do you even want to make me happy?! How can you say that you WANT to see me happy after what happened to us?! I-I just don't understand how you can do this!"

"How I can do what?!" Burst Stream panicked! "What are you talking about?!"

"How you can keep coming back to me after I've hurt you so badly!" Celestia cried as her eyes began to get misty! "When Shining Dawn threatened to march his golem army onto Castalot, he threatened to strike at Unityville! He said that he knew you would try and oppose him, and that he would order them to eliminate you specifically! Shining Dawn said that if I broke things off with you, he'd let you live! And I did as he asked! I broke up with you because I couldn't bear to lose you so soon! But I nearly lost you in a much worse way when you came to stop the forced wedding! You nearly died because of me! But all that paled in comparison to how I hurt you. I could see your heart break when I told you I was ending things between us. And it hurt me more than you could ever know. I didn't believe that you could handle Shining Dawn's threat, and I didn't try to tell you what was wrong when we could have so easily fixed things together!"

"Celestia, I can't blame you for what you did." Burst Stream said. His tone heavy with sympathy. "You had your subjects to think of. This isn't the first time you've had to make a tough call with someone who holds a large place in your heart."

"That's the problem!" Celestia snapped! "Those are the people I've hurt the worst! And I'm so stupidly blind to it before I realize what I've done! I neglected Luna and that forced me to banish her for a thousand years! I was so ignorant of Sunset Shimmer's bad habits that I didn't see how bad she had become until she started acting horrible when she didn't get what she wanted! And when Twilight tried to warn us of Queen Chrysalis, I dismissed her so easily! And now? I have to add you to the list. The boy who promised to save my sister and do everything he could to make me smile. Maybe it's for the best that I don't have a special someone."

". . . You're wrong." Burst Stream said with a firm tone. "If anyone deserves someone to love them, I can't think of anyone more deserving than you! You're one of the kindest, most benevolent people I know! You love your subjects and always have their welfare on your mind! Everyone that you hold close, you treat like family and you accept them flaws and all! Maybe you have made mistakes, but that's good! You might be a goddess, but those mistakes you've made make you incredibly human! It shows that you've learned and grown from them! And to top it all off, you have the most beautiful heart that I've ever seen! Whenever I see or think of you, you just seem to radiate warmth and love! That's why I fell in love with you! And it's why I'm here now! Because I don't want you to lose that real smile of yours! I'd never forgive myself if I left this world without making you smile one last time!"

"You still care about me so much despite the pain I put you through." Celestia said as tears threatened to burst forth. "Why?"

"I could so easily tell you. But I'm not the one you need to hear this from." Burst Stream said with a sad smile. "But let me ask you this: Does it make you happy knowing that I still care so much about you?"

"Yes." Celestia said with a smile as tears began to fall from her eyes. "More than you'll ever know."

"Then I can go home happy." Burst Stream said as he hugged Celestia. "Even when I'm gone, I'll always be your dragon knight. I don't know if there's going to be anything left when I go off, so I'd rather say goodbye now while there's still something of me here."

"Then. . . goodbye Burst." Celestia said as she tightened her hold around Burst Stream for a moment before releasing him. "Thank you for this time."

Burst just smiled as he left. A feeling of inner satisfaction and peace streaming through his entire being as he boarded the train back home.

Meanwhile, Aether was in his study. Rummaging through book after book until he came across what he was looking for. "Yes. Yes! YES! I can save him! I can save Burst! My boy will live!"

However, as Aether celebrated finding a way to save Burst, a dark figure from Aether's past stumbled around the alleys of Manehattan.

"Reduced to this decrepit state. . . " The figure hissed. "That damned Aether! Right when I was so close to obtaining the magic of the gods themselves! Only to be thwarted by that accursed hero and my own brother and left to rot in Tartarus for all those many years! But now? Now I am free. And I shall reclaim what I was denied! Mark my words Aether! Lord Tirek shall have retribution for your deeds. . ."

Author's Note

Well everyone, we're here. It's been a crazy ride this season, and we're at the last leg of the journey. It's been great having you all here. And I hope you all enjoy what's coming next.

Episode 34: Power of Potential, Part 1

Sleep usually tends to be thought of as restful. A peaceful end to a day. Unfortunately for Burst Stream, his slumber was anything but peaceful. Ever since he further accelerated his countdown to destruction in the fight against the Gladiator Beasts of Grand Jupiter, Burst had informed his father Aether about his condition's status. The months that Burst Stream had remaining were decimated into mere days. Burst Stream knew the risks and the outcome of his actions, and he accepted the consequences. But just because you accept something doesn't mean you're at peace with it. And the dreams plaguing Burst's slumber made this fact very clear.

Within his dreams, Burst Stream saw his countdown reach zero. And as his body self-destructed, he couldn't even scream because he was too busy trying to process his end. In response, his body did the only reflex it could in such a situation: close your eyes shut and brace for the end. Burst Stream was certain that his end would be like a grand explosion of his magic and a sound that would split the heavens would erupt from his passing. But much to the element of power's shock, he heard nothing. There was no gigantic explosion of light or magic, there wasn't even a rumble. Hesitantly, Burst Stream opened one of his eyes. He was greeted with the sight of nothing but darkness all around him. However, something felt different. The darkness surrounding him didn't feel cold, numbing, or even suffocating. It felt warm, comforting even. Deciding to take in the comfort that was present, Burst Stream slowly relaxed his body and nuzzled against the dark. And much to his surprise, it nuzzled back. When Burst Stream opened his eyes, he found himself in the arms of Nightmare Moon. Her eyes full of concern as she wrapped her wings around her beloved and stroked his back.

"I guess you really are the girl of my dreams, huh?" Burst Stream asked with a weak smile. ". . . I'm sorry Moon. You were probably having the best dream about what life we could have together, and I had to go and ruin it with my-"

"Don't say that." Nightmare Moon said with a heavy sigh. "You didn't ruin anything Burst. There's nothing for you to apologize for." She then tightened her hold around Burst Stream. "I'm the one who needs to apologize. Burst Stream I'm so sorry. I could have taken on the Chaos Kin army that marched on Manehattan. I could have easily sent those machines to the scrapheap! I should've been the one to do the fighting on behalf of you and your friends! I could've won so easily, and this wouldn't have happened to you!"

". . . You know that I'm going to say you shouldn't be thinking like this, right?" Burst Stream asked as he slowly wrapped his arms around his girlfriend. "Even if you did show up, I probably still would've done what led me to this point. Maybe my current condition might not have been at its current extent, but I still would've gone as far as I had. You know that, don't you?"

"I know. I know." Nightmare Moon said as she held back her tears as best she could. "That's why I love you so much. You're willing to go above and beyond when protecting what you care about. I know that more than anyone. And it hurts so much to know that I'm going to lose you. I don't know how much time you have, but I want you to do one thing for me right now. Because I don't know if I'll be able to hold it together when you're gone."

"Just name it." Burst Stream said as he cupped Nightmare Moon's face with his hands. "Tell me what you want from me Moon."

"I want you to wake up and show me how much you love me." Nightmare Moon said with teary eyes. "Give me all the love you have to give, and make sure you don't stop until I know you'll never be truly gone."

And with that, Burst Stream woke up with Nightmare Moon following suit. Burst grabbed a hold of Moon's hands, and crashed his lips against hers in what was probably the deepest kiss he'd ever given her. In response, Nightmare Moon desperate embraced him. Holding him like he could disappear at any moment. A full minute passed before the two had to break for air. Both of them blushing heavily before touching their foreheads together and drifting off to sleep not long after. The comfort and peace that had been interrupted not a few moments ago restored when they lay in each other's arms.

'Maybe it's stupid of me to think this, but I hope to Faust that some kind of answer to my problems comes around.' Burst thought to himself as his eyes began to shut. 'Because I'm still a bit scared of leaving everyone I care about without me.' And when the next day came, it seemed as though his prayers were answered. It began as any other morning in Burst's house. Getting dressed, preparing breakfast, and killing some time by watching TV. What changed everything was a call from Burst's dad.

"Dad?" Burst Stream asked as he answered his phone. "What's up?"

"I've done it son! I've done it!" Aether cried happily on the other side of the call! "It took me some time, but I've finally gotten it ready! I found a way to put a halt to your countdown!"

"What?!" Burst Stream could hardly believe it! It was only last night he'd hoped for such a solution! And the very next morning, his dad was telling him that he'd found it! "How did you find a solution?! More importantly, what's the remedy to my condition entail?"

"I'll explain it at home! This is something you NEED to hear face-to-face! And if it goes well with you, it just might help your friends against the coming threat!" Aether replied! "I know you're worried about that last sentence, but I'll explain that to you as well upon your arrival! In fact, tell all of your team to come with you! I want them all to know what's at stake!"

"Uh, g-got it Dad." Burst Stream said with a nod. And he immediately set to texting the rest of the Elements of Heroism to inform them of the news. It didn't take long for the entire team to assemble and for the Avatars among their group to pull off a group teleport right in front of Burst's old house. A quick knock on the door later, and the entire group was pulled into Burst's old home by Aether's magic. "Okay Dad. I got my friends here. So what's the solution you came up with for my countdown? Did you find a way to stabilize my magic and repair the damage done to my body?"

"I did find a solution to your predicament Burst." Aether said with a nod. His fists clenching in determination. "However, I must ask that you listen very carefully to what it entails. Are you ready?" Burst Stream nodded. "Good. The solution I found is by no means without its cost. Burst Stream, I need to seal away your magic. Doing so will keep it contained and secure, and will also undo the damage that's been done to your body. However, if I do this, you won't be able to use your magic at all. You can still break the seal on your own because I'll be transferring the spell to you once I get it prepared. But I don't think I need to tell you the consequences of doing this."

". . . " Silence was Burst's only reply.

"Son. . . " Aether said with a sigh. "It wasn't easy for me to consider this. Your mother and I spent a day or two debating whether informing you of such a method was the right thing to do. What I'm asking of you seems so-"

"I'll do it." Burst Stream answered with a firm tone. "I haven't relied on my own magic too heavily. Most of the fighting I do with either my limbs or my weapons. I'll miss being able to use it, but the ability to use magic doesn't seem like much in comparison to getting my full life back. You and Mom were just concerned over what was best for me. And you did the right thing informing me of what I could be facing instead of just forcing it on me. That just goes to show how much both of you care about me."

"It does me a lot of good to hear that from you son." Aether said with a sigh of relief before turning his attention to the rest of the Elements of Heroism. "And now, to address the other point of concern. Over the phone, I mentioned that the sealing spell I've produced will aid in the coming threat. My life as one of Unity's greatest heroes hasn't been short on villains who sought to try and take over the world. But none were more deadly than Lord Tirek. The magic thief. Long ago, Tirek and his brother Scorpan set out to steal magic. Tirek sought to make himself the ruler of the world by absorbing the magic possessed by each of the tribes. And if he could get his hands on it, the magic that Avatars possess. But when Scorpan went to scout our lands and observe our people, he discovered friendship and his heart was touched by it. I had sensed his intentions, but I also saw that he had a good heart. Far more than I could say for his brother. All the same, I confronted him about his mission and told him to see if he could convince Tirek to abandon his pursuit of power. Unfortunately, when Scorpan returned to his home kingdom, Tirek refused to back down and decided to mount an attack on Unity."

"Scorpan warned me of Tirek's advance, and I informed Celestia and Luna of the danger. Before I left to battle Tirek, Scorpan pleaded with me to spare his brother's life. A plea that I can't help but wonder if I was wrong to hear. My battle against Tirek was probably one of the most brutal fights I've ever been in. Fortunately, Princesses Celestia and Luna were able to open the portal to Tartarus and I kicked the magic-hungry fiend in there face-first. I thought he would remain imprisoned in that pit forever, but it seems Cerberus got distracted one day. Enough for Tirek to pull off whatever escape plan he'd concocted during his time in Tartarus." Aether sighed. "And just recently, I sensed his presence. He's far from the power he had when I last faced him, but that's no reason to relax. He's been moving quietly, and been gradually regaining his strength by stealing the magic of anyone he can ambush."

"So that's why you asked the rest of us to come too." Arctic Ace said. "You're going to ask us if we'll also undergo sealing our magic so that Tirek can't get his hands on it, am I right?"

"Yes." Aether said with a nod. "I've already informed Celestia and Luna about Tirek, and there's a good chance Twilight Sparkle is going to be informed of the situation very soon. I've faith that the princesses will enact a good countermeasure to ensure their power doesn't fall into Tirek's clutches. Hopefully, Tirek can be caught and the magic he's stolen returned to its rightful owners. However, if worse comes to worse, I don't want to risk him becoming even more powerful. He would be nearly unstoppable with the magic of the princesses. I'm honestly horrified to think of what would happen should he steal the magic from all of you."

"With all do respect sir?" Steel Edge began. "I don't think you need to ask us to undergo the sealing spell. Just applying a few seconds of rational thought, there's no decision to make. If we manage to get pinned by Tirek long enough for him to suck the magic out of us, he'd be using our power to harm others. That's something I don't think any of us can let that happen."

"Then it looks like you're all in agreement." Aether said with a small smile before turning his attention to Inferno. "However, in Inferno's case, I don't even know if Tirek would be able to absorb his power. Inferno's transformation is something that's been unheard of. The dragonic abilities you've obtained as a result can't necessarily be called magic. So you should be able to fight at full capacity with no trouble."

"I guess that means I'm exempt from the sealing too." Nightfall Silver said with a nod. "Most of my gear is tech oriented, so Tirek won't be able to siphon anything of value from the new suit I've been working on."

"Well if we're done discussing the situation, let's proceed with the sealing." Aether said with a nod. "Step forward Burst Stream. And channel a small portion of your magic." As soon as Burst stepped forward, Aether's hands glowed with the pure white aura of his magic. A glyph soon formed with a blank center. "This is the seal spell that will lock down your magic. The blank center will conform to whoever adds their magic to it so they may break the seal when necessary. Channel some of your magic into the glyph now."

"Got it." Burst said with a nod as he put his hands on the glyph's blank center and channeled his magic into it. As soon as the channeling was finished, Aether cast the glyph onto Burst Stream. The glyph fading upon contact, and the cracks all over Burst Stream's body began to fade and mend. "It worked! I don't look like I'm going to fall to pieces anymore!"

"Then you'd better hurry and tell your girlfriend the good news." Aether said with a small smile. "You go on out there Burst. I'll see to the sealing of the rest of your friends and send them on their way."

Burst Stream nodded, and dialed up Nightmare Moon to inform her of the recent development. Needless to say, the fallen princess was ecstatic to hear she would be able to have a future with her boyfriend. It went without saying that Burst Stream was also quite pleased with the current outcome. Nightmare Moon had also informed him that she'd put a protective seal on her own magic shortly after she had regained a physical form. So there was no need to worry about her magic being stolen.

"Well, better tell Celestia the good news face to face." Burst said with a small smile after he hung up. "Plus, I'll get the chance to stun Twilight again with my gaining of crucial info early. The look on her face is always priceless." And so, Burst Stream set about going along the familiar path to Castalot Castle. Before long, he found himself at the gates and was let in without any delay. And upon reaching the throne room, he just caught the princesses finishing informing Twilight Sparkle. "Well, it looks like I've arrived late to the party."

"Burst Stream?!" Twilight Sparkle squeaked in surprise. "Uh. . . how much of that did you hear?"

"Don't need to tell you what I saw because my dad informed of our current crisis." Burst said with a shrug.

"So it appears you've already been informed of Tirek's escape." Celestia noted. "I assume that Aether informed you of our prior clash with Tirek."

"Yup." Burst Stream said with a nod. "So I take it you're getting Twilight up to speed so she can lay a quick beatdown on Tirek and throw him back in Tartarus?"

"Not exactly." Luna said with a shake of her head. "We've already selected two individuals to apprehend Tirek in his current state. Said persons being Discord and Sombra."

"Uh, not to question your judgement, but are you sure those two are cut out for the job?" Burst Stream asked. "Discord seems like the type who would goof off until things got down to the wire given his powers. And Sombra would probably get lost since he hasn't been outside the Crystal Empire for pretty much his entire life."

"Oh ye of little faith." Discord said with a mock sigh as he popped into the room and dropped Sombra onto the ground. The former tyrant shaking as he hit solid ground. "Don't worry your soon-to-be-exploding head Burst Stream! I'll have Tirek tagged and bagged for you in a heartbeat! And Old Sombra here's going to be my sidekick for this little mission! Come on buddy! We're a teleport away from victory!"

"Help me. Please." Sombra pleaded before Discord scooped him off the ground. "I don't think I can handle another one of his crazy teleports. . . "

"Discord." Burst Stream called out as Discord prepared to teleport. "Know that if you screw this up, I'll make sure to hit you even harder and somewhere way worse than when I punched you during your return. It's not a threat, just a promise." Discord shrugged at Burst Stream's words and teleported away, and Burst looked to the princesses. "He does know I was being serious, right?"

"If he did know, he probably didn't care." Cadence said with a shrug. "By the way Burst, you're looking a lot better than from what Aunt Celestia told me."

"Come to think of it, Cadence is right." Celestia walked up to Burst, and saw that the cracks that were once rampant all over his body had seemed to be mended. "It looks like your countdown's come to a complete stop. How did this happen?"

"Well, my dad whipped up a seal that would contain and secure my unstable magic. And since it's under lock and key, the damage done to my body healed up in no time at all. The only downside is that I can't access my magic, but I can break the seal if I need to. But honestly, could you all really see me doing something like that when I just got back the life I almost came so close to losing?"

"So it looks like your time with us isn't over just yet." Celestia said with a relieved smile. "Um, I don't have any other important matters scheduled for the day. If you'd like to-"

"I'd love to." Burst Stream said with a bright smile. "It's been a while since we last talked. And a phone call or text just doesn't feel the same as talking with you in-person. How about we take a stroll through the city?"

"What about all the people that'd try to snap a picture of us?" Celestia asked with a slight blush.

"Celestia. I'm going to be by your side the whole time." Burst said with a chuckle. "Anyone trying to bother you knows that I'd kick their asses in an instant. Just like how I should've kicked Blueblood in the face for being a Grade-A jerk."

"While I don't enjoy the mental image of my nephew being subjected to such treatment, I can't say he's undeserving of such." Celestia said with a small smile. And she and Burst Stream began walking. As the two of them walked through the streets of Castalot, Celestia couldn't help but smile fondly. "It's a lovely day outside, isn't it?"

"You should know." Burst Stream said with a smirk. "You're the one that makes sure there's a day to begin with. So how're things at the castle?"

"Same as usual." Celestia said with a sigh before giving Burst Stream a meaningful stare. "You know, I wish that we'd gone out more back then. I don't care how tired I would've been, I could've used a little escape from my responsibilities with you back when we were together."

"Yeah. Maybe that would've even prevented Shining Dawn from ever trying to split us up." Burst Stream said with a sigh. "But there's no point in trying to undo that, is there?"

"I know." Celestia said sadly. "The fact is we were together, but now we're not. But if there's one good thing I can think of, it's that neither of us alone are completely responsible. Not to mention, it gave you the chance to show love to someone who desperately needed and wanted it."

"True enough." Burst Stream said with a small smile. "Besides, just because we aren't dating anymore doesn't mean I can't make you happy, right?"

"Yes." Celestia said with a small giggle. "Despite how much you've grown, you still have the same energy I saw all those years ago when I first met you. I don't think I've ever seen anyone with a smile like yours."

"Well, my Mom said that a smile contains a lot of power." Burst said as his face slightly flushed red. "I guess she was right considering I manged to have you fall for me."

"You've got that right." Celestia said with a warm smile. "I'll be sure to let you know if I ever need you to save me from my daily grind. Until next time."

"And I'll be more than willing to answer your call." Burst Stream said as he gave Celestia a thumbs-up sign. "I am your dragon knight, after-all." And as Celestia teleported back to her castle, Burst Stream decided to visit some of his old haunts. No better way to celebrate halting your countdown to destruction.

Meanwhile, in Manehattan, Discord and Sombra had just cornered Tirek. Sombra stumbled off to the side to recover from the bumpy transportation that Discord insisted would be no problem. The former tyrant's dizziness begged to differ.

"Alright then. We found the villain-of-the-season. Now all that's left to do is cuff him!" Discord declared proudly. "Ex-Lord Tirek. Under Celestia and Luna's request, I'm here to send you back to your special place in Tartarus."

". . . Very well then." Tirek said with a shrug. "I've no means to reasonably resist you, so there's no sense in fighting a losing battle. But before you take me in, would you mind answering a question of mine?"

"Fine." Discord said with a shrug. "A villain of your level deserves that much at the very least."

"Don't you miss your glory days?" Tirek asked with a devious smile. He also turned his attention to Sombra who had just recovered. "Just think of all that the two of you used to have. The world being your literal playground. An entire kingdom at your feet. Freedom to do what you wanted simply because you were stronger than those beneath you. Wasn't that great? Join me, and I can offer you something so much greater than friendship."

"No. It wasn't." Sombra said with a frown. "I didn't want any of the events that led to me seizing power to happen. Having that crown on my head just made me feel even worse because I knew I didn't deserve it. You're saying I was powerful when I took over the Crystal Empire. But strength and power aren't one and the same. I was just a weak, scared child. And I've finally grown up. Discord. Let's not waste anymore time and-?!" Before Sombra could finish his sentence, Discord snapped his fingers and zipped Sombra's mouth shut!

"You're speaking my language Tirek." Discord said with a crazed grin. "But something tells me that we won't be able to get a good jump-start on the chaos with your current state. So, how about a little pick-me-up?" Discord levitated Sombra right in front of Tirek, unzipped his mouth, and watched as Tirek drained the magic from Sombra!

"Yes!" Tirek exclaimed as soon as he finished draining Sombra! "Now THIS is a proper start for my return! Lead the way, Discord. Just make sure to leave the dead weight behind. Not much use we can get out of him. The looks on all the weaklings' faces will be priceless!"

And with that, Discord casually discarded Sombra into the shadows before opening a portal to lead Tirek to more magic. However, upon landing among the shadows, Sombra discovered an ability that wasn't tied to his magic. He could see his body starting to turn to shadow.

"It'll be faster than walking. . . " Sombra groaned as he turned into his shadow form and slithered away as fast as he could back to Castalot. It didn't take too long for him to arrive and inform the princesses of Discord's treachery. "And that's about everything that went wrong."

"We thank you for informing us Sombra." Luna said with a nod. "Unfortunately, there's not much more that you can do. Sadly, even your warning will do very little against the fact that Discord and Tirek have joined forces. But fear not. With this new information, we have been able to form a plan. Take your leave, and rest. You have done all you can." She then put a hand on Sombra's shoulder. "And we cannot have asked anymore of you."

"Thank you." Sombra said with a slight bow as he took his leave.

Not long after, Twilight was summoned back to Castalot and was informed of the current development. Needless to say, she was pretty shaken to hear that Discord had stabbed them all in the back. She was even more stunned at the fact the princesses would be transferring their magic to her! However, Twilight wasn't paralyzed for long. This wasn't the first time a heavy burden had been placed on her shoulder, and it probably wouldn't be the last.

"I hope you left me a manual on how to raise the sun and moon." Twilight said calmly as the transfer finished. "Because I literally might make a day pass by in an instant."

"I'm glad to see you're handling this well Twilight." Celestia said with a tired smile as she recollected herself. "I guess it just goes to show you how good a group of friends you have."

"Well, Pinkie Pie and Akage cracking jokes in our previous fights might have something to do with that." Twilight answered. "I won't let any of you down. I promise." And with that, Twilight headed back to Unityville and her library. But not before she bumped into Burst Stream on her way. "Oh. Burst. I was just heading back to Unityville. Want to ride with me?"

"No. I think I'll crash in my old home for the night." Burst Stream said with a shrug. "But what brings you back to the castle? Did this whole Tirek mess get resolved already?"

"Well, no. It didn't." Twilight said as she turned her eyes towards the ground. "The princesses just transferred all their magic to me because. . . things didn't go as planned. What I'm about to tell you, I'm only going to reveal because you're my friend and fellow leader of a team of elements. Burst. . . Discord betrayed us."

". . . Somehow I knew this would happen." Burst Stream said with a frown as he whipped out his phone and dialed up Inferno Flare's number. "Inferno."

"Yo Burst." Inferno Flare answered on the other side of the call. "What's up with the serious tone?"

"The princess' plan to capture Tirek fell through." Burst Stream said in a fierce tone. "I want you and the guys to stay on guard and make sure that everyone in town gets evacuated. If Tirek is still on the loose, then there's a good chance he'll come for Unityville to steal as much magic as he can."

"I gotcha bud!" Inferno answered. "I'll get the rest of the guys geared up immediately! Once you're with us, we'll-"

"No!" Burst Stream cried out! "My dad mentioned that Tirek's the vengeful type! If he's still out there, he'll more than likely come for the princesses! Not to mention he'll probably come after my parents because my dad's the one that sent him falling into Tartarus!"

"Burst, are you crazy?!" Inferno Flare shouted over the phone! "You're the son of the guy who sent him there in the first place! If anything, that would make you one of Tirek's biggest targets! I can understand where you're coming from, but-!"

"Listen to me Inferno!" Burst Stream screamed! "By the time it takes me to get back to Unityville, Tirek would probably start tearing up Castalot! If I'm here right now, I can at least try to minimize the damage he'll do! I don't expect to win, but I won't be able to live with myself if I don't do something to try and stop him! Your job is to make sure Unityville is protected because I know I can't stop Tirek! This is the first, and only time I'll say this to you: THAT'S AN ORDER! . . . Understood?"

". . . Loud and clear, buddy." Inferno said with a defeated tone as he clenched his fist. "And don't you dare get so beat up that you can't see me and the guys kick Tirek's ass back to Tartarus!"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Burst Stream said with a small smile before hanging up. "Twilight. Go back to Unityville, and get there now. The longer you're here, the greater the chances of Tirek finding out that you've got all the Avatar magic in Unity. And he'd probably level the whole city to get what he wants."

"I understand." Twilight said sadly. "I don't know if saying this will help you, but good luck Burst Stream."

"I'll need it." Burst said with a sigh as he watched Twilight fly away. He then pulled out his phone, and made the most difficult call of his life. "Moon?"

"I know what's happening." Nightmare Moon answered. "I just got a letter from Celestia explaining what's happened. And somehow, I knew you'd happen upon the current situation. Life always seems to throw big fights at you, doesn't it?"

"That's something I've gotten used to." Burst Stream replied back. "Moon. I need you to place whatever seal you put on your magic onto Pinkie Pie. We can't risk letting Tirek get any more power. You make sure to go with my friends and protect Unityville."

"You're not coming to us, are you?" Nightmare Moon asked. It was clear in her voice that she knew what Burst Stream planned on doing. "You're going to fight him when he gets to Castalot. It's not hard to put together why you've decided to do this. But you know that you don't stand a chance of winning, don't you?"

". . . Yeah. I know." Burst Stream said sadly.

"Then promise me one thing." Nightmare Moon said as tears began to fall from her eyes. "Promise me that you won't die until this whole mess is over. All I want is to see you smile one last time. I couldn't forgive myself if you left this world unhappy."

"Moon, I swear to Faust I'll have a smile on my face as long as you're near me." Burst Stream said with conviction. "I love you Moon. And I hope to see you again soon." And with that, Burst Stream hung up the phone and summoned his Duelist Arms before making his way back to the royal castle. He arrived just minutes after Discord returned with Tirek in tow. The aftermath of their arrival being the dazed and drained mass of guards who had hoped to delay the two. It was pretty obvious that they didn't last too long. "Shining Armor!"

"Burst Stream?" Shining Armor said weakly. "This is the second time you've had to get me out of a mess. If you're looking for Tirek and Discord, they're headed to the princesses. Me and my men stood no chance. And I hate to say it, but I doubt you'd fare any better."

"I know." Burst Stream said with a nod. "But if I go down, I go down fighting." And with that, he raced off towards the throne room! Just in time to see Tirek attempt to drain the magic of the princesses!

"And now, I shall reclaim what I was denied so long ago!" Tirek said with a wicked grin as he grabbed a hold of Celestia, and his jaw unhinged to suck the magic right out of her! But to his displeasure, he couldn't get anything! "What?! Where is your magi-GAH!" His question went unfinished as a charged shot from Burst Stream's twin blasters hit Tirek in the back! "WHO DARES?!"

"Good to know I've got your attention." Burst Stream announced as he holstered one of his blasters, and raised his free hand to grasp the handle of his sword! He noted the concerned expression on Celestia's face, but put that thought aside. "As for who, the name's Burst Stream. And I dare because you're tearing up my home."

"A decision you'll soon regret!" Tirek growled as he charged at Burst Stream! Fully intent in trampling the Element of Power! "Especially once you're ground into the dirt!"

Burst Stream rolled out of the way to avoid Tirek's charge, and slashed at Tirek's side with his sword before pelting him with a hail of shots from his blaster! While none of the attacks were enough to damage Tirek, they were certainly more than enough to annoy the centaur!

"The fact you chose to stand against me is foolish, boy." Tirek said with a scowl as he took another charge shot to the chest! "So I'll just make you fall now!" And with that, Tirek stomped his forelegs and sent out a shockwave that made Burst Stream lose his footing! But Tirek wasn't done yet as magic began to gather between his horns and let loose a beam of magic that struck Burst dead-on! Tirek smirked down at the smoking body of Burst Stream, but his smirk soon faded as Burst Stream slowly propped himself up with his sword! "Impossible! How can you still stand from that much punishment?!"

"It's hard to knock me down. . . " Burst Stream panted as he forced himself into a fighting stance! Gripping his sword with both his hands! "It's even harder to keep me down!" And at hearing these words, Tirek's eyes narrowed.

"Those words. I only heard them once before." Tirek snarled as he stomped towards Burst Stream! "From the one who cast me into Tartarus with a kick to my face. And now that I look at you, I see him in you. Those eyes. Those accursed, defiant eyes! I'm surprised I did not piece things together from your very name! You are the son of that wretched god Aether!"

"Like father. . . like son." Burst Stream said with a defiant smirk.

"Oh. . . this is good! Very good indeed!" Tirek said with a sneer. "The fact you have his blood in your veins gives me reason enough to end your existence. But no, that would not sate my vengeance! To see the look on your blasted father's face when he sees you broken and battered before him, and then condemn him and whatever wench he sired you with to the same imprisonment I endured for so long, THAT will be my ultimate vengeance! AND I SHALL HAVE IT NOW!"

Tirek let out another massive stomp, but Burst Stream managed to steady him self by plunging his sword into the floor! When Tirek noticed that his stomp didn't successfully disorient Burst Stream, he decided to get more hands-on. With his fists. Tirek's punches were fast, and devastating. When Burst raised his sword to block the incoming fist, the force of the impact almost made Burst Stream fall to one of his knees! But despite the relentless string of blows, Burst Stream refused to give in! The defiant glare he aimed at Tirek only solidified this!

Tirek knew that Burst Stream refused to surrender. And that fact only made him enjoy every punch he sent Burst's way! If he went full-force, it would be over in no time. He wanted Burst Stream to suffer, and seeing him gradually weaken after each violent strike gave him exactly what he wanted.

"IT'S OVER!" Tirek bellowed as he pulled back one of his fists, and watched as Burst Stream braced himself against the impact! Burst Stream was watching the wrong fist as Tirek delivered a brutal strike to Burst Stream's gut with his left fist! And while Burst Stream was winded, he hadn't dropped his guard due to the shock of the blow! A fact Tirek capitalized on. "FALL!"

And Tirek brought his right fist down hard! Making the blade of Burst Stream's sword shatter and slamming Burst himself hard into the floor! Tirek sneered down at Burst Stream's fallen form, but frowned as he saw Burst Stream aim one of his blasters.

"Has the pain driven you mad?" Tirek asked as he snatched the blaster from Burst's hand, and crushed it! "Why do you still continue to stand despite all the punishment you've been dealt?"

"What happens to me doesn't matter." Burst Stream groaned as he raised himself up enough to glare Tirek right in the eye! "Because I don't fight for myself. Someone like you will never understand that. That's why you lost in the first place."

"So you say that you don't matter." Tirek said with a snort. He then noticed the tearful look in Celestia's eyes, and sneered. "But I'm willing to bet they do." Tirek brushed Burst Stream to the side, and opened the portal to Tartarus before grabbing the princesses with his magic! He noticed the horrified look in Burst Stream's eyes, and sneered as he cast the princesses into his former prison. "Give Cerberus my regards." And with that, he began to leave. Handing Discord an amulet before noticing the stained glass window depicting Twilight Sparkle's ascension. "There's a FOURTH princess?! Why did you not tell me Discord?! Who is she?! Where is her castle?!"

"A castle? Oh please!" Discord said with a roll of his eyes as he played around with his new amulet. "Twilight Sparkle lives in a library in Unityville."

"Not for long. . . " Tirek said with a sinister smile as he and Discord made their way to Unityville.

Back in the throne room, Burst Stream was on his knees. He'd just watched his first love get thrown into Tartarus. He'd just gotten the living daylights beaten out of him. And right now, he really wanted to scream in anguish. But his body wouldn't let him. The beating he'd received wouldn't let him cry out his sorrow. Right now, he felt just as broken and crushed as most of his weapons were at this point. However, another was not willing to let Burst Stream fall apart.

"Is this really how you're going to let it end?" A familiar voice said from Burst Stream's sword. "Especially when you still have a chance to turn things around?" And the dragon spirit that resided within Burst Stream's sword materialized before the beaten Element of Power. "True. You have been beaten, and battered. But Tirek will only have truly claimed victory over you when you break. And right now, you are dangerously teetering on that breaking point."

". . . How?" Burst Stream asked weakly as he raised his head to lock eyes with the dragon spirit. "How am I going to turn this around? Just what do you know that can turn the tide?"

"It concerns that seal you have on your magic." The dragon spirit answered. "And it also requires myself for this to work. Accept the contract I offer you, and you shall inherit my power. And my spirit will pass on to where my friend has recently ascended to. He made a similar offer to your best friend. Do this, and you shall have a strength like never before."

". . . No." Burst Stream said sternly. "I don't want any of your power, so you can toss out whatever contract you've written up. If I take this power, even if it can grant me the power to defeat Tirek, it would make me just as bad as he is by taking the power of another. Power that I didn't earn, or train to develop. That's something I refuse to do. I'll break the seal on my magic, but that's all I'll do! Maybe I'll still lose, but I'll lose fighting with all that I have!"

Silence reigned over the throne room for a full minute. Burst Stream and the dragon spirit staring at each other for what seemed like forever. Both having firm expressions as they were locked in their stare-down. Then, the dragon spirit's firm expression cracked as he smiled. And the silence was broken not long after.

"AH HA HA HA HA! CONGRATULATIONS BURST STREAM!" The dragon spirit howled in laughter! "You've passed my test! I knew that from when we first headed into battle that you were the one I was waiting for, but I had to be sure! And now, I can say that my expectations were met and then exceeded by you!"

". . . Test?" Burst Stream asked in shock. "What're you talking about?"

"Ever since I was bound to that sword, I've been waiting to find someone worthy to bestow my power upon. Your father was a suitable candidate, but he was more than satisfied by being an Avatar. As for why I have been so hesitant to give my power to just anyone, it is because of who I am. I am Bahamut. The first, and only, king of dragons."

"So just what makes me worthy?" Burst Stream asked.

"Because despite being the Element of Power, you do not desire power at all. Rather, you wish to fight to protect all you care about with all the power you have." Bahamut answered. "And furthermore, you are more than willing to give your own life for the sake of others. One of the greatest powers a hero possess: sacrifice. Know that passing down my power to you is NOTHING like how Tirek stole the magic of others. While he took from others by force, what I offer you freely and it shall be made your own. Now, do you accept this inheritance?" Burst Stream steeled his gaze, and nodded in response. "Then rise, Burst Stream, and break your seal. Hold the remains of your weapons close as well. For when you inherit my power, you can channel it to reforge them into something stronger than either was alone!"

Burst Stream rose to his feet, and placed a hand on his chest. In a flash of light, the seal on his magic broke! The cracks that had now mended returning, but not before the spirit of Bahamut surged into Burst Stream! Encasing him in a sphere of blue energy that crackled with lightning! A bright light engulfed the entire room, and soon faded. When the light died down, Burst Stream landed on his feet and standing tall. It looked as if the inheritance of Bahamut's power only further accelerated Burst's countdown as the cracks seemed to pulse as energy crackled around Burst Stream's body! But the only parts of him that didn't look like they were falling apart were the pair of white dragon wings on Burst Stream's back.

"I feel like I'm going to fall to pieces. But there's only one thing that's making me push out the pain." Burst Stream said as he walked out of the throne room. "And that's the thought of me being in a world without the people I care about. Tirek. I hope you realize just how big of a mistake you made. I told you that I didn't care what you did to me. But since you decided to go after my friends," Burst Stream raised his new weapon in front of him, and pressed the activation button. A brilliant blade of blue light shot out from what looked like the mouth of a a dragon! "You just woke the sleeping dragon. . . "

TO BE CONTINUED!

Author's Note

It's done. It took forever to plan, and even longer to plot out the dialogue and fight scene, but it's finally done!

Episode 35: Power of Potential, Part 2

"Come on. Come on!" Inferno Flare grumbled as he glared at his phone's screen. "Burst, I swear to Celestia, if you don't get here-!"

"There's no sense in getting crazy over this Inferno." Steel Edge said as he put a hand on Inferno's shoulder. "Look. I get you're worried about Burst Stream. But you can't ignore the fact he entrusted something important to us: protecting Unityville for when Tirek decides to show up. Glaring at your phone isn't going to make him get here any sooner."

"Yeah, I know." Inferno said with a sigh. "How's everyone else doing? They ready?"

"Nightfall's running one last check on his new suit." Steel answered. "He should be here in a minute or two. This is his first big battle, so he's a little bit jumpy. Twilight'll probably fix that soon though."

"Honestly, I can't blame them." Inferno said as he inspected his weapons. "We've fought our fair share of baddies, but none of them even came close to Tirek. And there's also the fact that Discord stabbed us in the back." Inferno flinched when he noticed Tyrannus Rex's fists clench, but quickly put his reaction aside. "Those two working together? I've got no idea how long we'd last. We don't have an edge in magic since you and all the other casters had to put your magic on lock-down just to make sure Tirek doesn't get any stronger. I barely know the full extent of my new dragonic abilities. And we're short our fearless leader."

"Inferno." Tyrannus began. "If you're going to start with that quitters' talk-"

"That just means we've got to fight harder Ty." Inferno said with a determined look on his face. "Like Steel said, Burst left things in my hands. Besides, we've got too much to lose here. We can't afford to back out of this now Ty." The three broke from their conversation, and noticed the Main Six minus Twilight headed their way.

"Is everything alright, darling?" Rarity asked as she brought her arms around Inferno. "Rainbow Dash noticed you and the rest of your team gearing up for a fight."

"We've received a development concerning Tirek." Inferno said sadly. "The princesses' plan went up in flames." He then noticed Discord teleport in. "And the one responsible for it just showed his face."

"Hello Discord." Fluttershy greeted warmly. "Did you manage to get Tirek?" For a moment, Discord faltered. Guilt was in his eyes when he saw Fluttershy smiling so peacefully. And that guilt was further compounded when he'd let Burst Stream take a beating at Tirek's fists, and Tyrannus Rex stepping in front of Fluttershy.

"Step away from him Fluttershy." Tyrannus growled as he readied his cannon! "You can tell your new friend to step out from the portal, traitor."

". . . I-" Discord began. But he had nothing to say as Tirek's form emerged from the warp portal the lord of chaos had opened.

"Well now, this is a pleasant surprise." Tirek said with a smirk. "It turns out there's a whole set of new Avatars in this world. Perhaps I won't need to pay Princess Twilight a visit after-all! Hm? And what's this I sense? Another half-breed like the loathsome spawn of Aether that I crushed earlier is among you."

"What did you do to Burst Stream?!" Inferno snapped as he readied his weapons!

"Your friend is far from death." Tirek replied with a snort. "But then again, perhaps ending him while I had the chance would have been more merciful than leaving him a battered wreck!"

"YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE WHO'S GOING TO BEG FOR MERCY!" Inferno screamed as he flew at Tirek! His sword raised to slash the centaur across his chest! But upon striking, there was little damage done to Tirek! Inferno then followed up with a fireball he'd created in his free hand! Throwing it right in Tirek's face! "ESPECIALLY ONCE I SCORCH YOU!"

"Gah!" Tirek grunted as he tanked the fireball! But not before grabbing Inferno by the arms! "I wonder just what kind of magic you possess!" Tirek's jaw unhinged as he tried to absorb the magic from Inferno, but found that whatever he tried to take refused to part from the Element of Potential! "Blast! Yet another well of power I cannot drain! No sense in-AGH!" Tirek's grip failed as Steel Edge bashed him in the face! The Element of Honor quickly retrieving his friend, and rushing back to the defensive line the rest of the Elements of Heroism had set up!

"I can understand why you're so hot-headed Inferno." Steel Edge noted. "But fighting with your temper in control is just going to make your fire die out sooner! So with that being said, you got a better plan this time around?" But before Inferno could reply, Discord bound them all in chains and levitated their weapons away! "On second thought, it looks like you'll have a bit more time to think of one."

"Now this should make things easier." Tirek grinned as he unhinged his jaw and drained the magic of the assembled members of the Main 6! However, due to the seals placed on the Elements of Heroism, their magic remained! "Yet again I am denied the Avatar magic! No matter. I still have a powerful source of magic available to me."

"Really?" Discord asked with a raised eyebrow. "Funny. I don't see any powerful sources of magic left in town."

"I'm talking to it right now." Tirek said with a sneer as he blindsided Discord and sucked the magic right out of him! Growing even larger with the newly stolen strength! "Did you really think I planned on sharing the land with you once my reign is established?"

"B-But you said this amulet was a sign of your friendship. . . " Discord said weakly as he removed the amulet from around his neck.

"A trinket from my worthless traitor of a brother." Tirek said with a scowl. "It holds no meaning for me. Just like you now that you've served your purpose." Tirek then turned his attention to the Elements of Heroism breaking their chains, and readying their weapons. "You lot don't know when to quit. Just like Aether's brat."

"You take on one of us, you take us all on." Inferno spat as he and the Elements of Heroism charged at Tirek! "HERE WE COME UGLY!"

Inferno fired off a charge shot from his blaster, but Tirek swatted it aside! Tyrannus followed up his assault with a shot from his cannon, but Tirek blocked the blast! Akage and Night Fang went in for quick hit-and-run strikes at the mountain of an enemy! Slashing and clawing at Tirek's legs! But their hits were little more than annoyances to Tirek! Annoyances he quickly put an end to with a stomp of his feet making rocks shoot up from the ground and disrupting the pairs' movements! Enough time for Tirek to brutally swat the two aside! Venus Bloomer lashed out with his whip, but Tirek caught it and used it to yank the Element of Spirit in for a hard punch to the gut! Magnet North managed to get in close and fire off a point-blank shot at Tirek's face with his shot-blaster, but it only succeeded in irritating Tirek as he grabbed North by the head and slammed him into the ground!

Seeing that their ground assault wasn't faring to well, the Elements of Heroism who could still fight decided to attack from the air! Dark Ice swung at Tirek with his claymore, and even managed to do some damage by slashing at Tirek's arm! However, all this managed to do was form a small cut on the centaur!

"Had I not had stolen the strength of the Earthbounds to fortify myself, you'd have disarmed me." Tirek said with a sneer. "It's only fair that I clip your wings in kind!"

"Leave our brother alone!" Arctic Ace spat as he made to ram Tirek's face with his shield! Shadow Thunder following suit and readying his spear to strike at Tirek's head! However, the trio of brothers were soon knocked out of they sky by Tirek shooting a beam of magic from between his horns!

"You're not laying a finger on Twilight!" Spike shouted as he fired out shot after shot from his arm cannon! "You'll have to get past me first!" As Tirek kept advancing, Spike just kept on firing without showing any signs of backing down! However, just as it seemed Tirek was about to stomp on the young dragon, Nightfall Silver flew onto the scene with his new suit!

"Hope I'm not too late to the party!" Nightfall said as he swooped in and flew Spike out of Tirek's range before dropping the drake off near the other Elements of Heroism before joining the remaining fighters in the air! "End Laser Cannons online!" The pair of laser cannons mounted on the back of Nightfall's flight pack began to charge up alongside the strident blasters on his palms! "SUPER STRIDENT BLAZE!" A massive laser shot forwards towards Tirek! Striking the mad centaur dead-on! But despite Nightfall's efforts, Tirek seemed to walk through the blast!

"Your little toy is impressive. But that's all it is when pitted against me!" Tirek snarled as he ripped the wings off of Nightfall's suit, and headbutted him! "First I'll break it, then I'll smash all of you to pieces!" Tirek fired a shockwave with a clap of his hands that knocked the members of the Elements of Heroism that were in the air out of the sky! Following up with a heavy stomp on the ground! Making the force of when the heroes hit the ground even more painful! "Perhaps you really are friends with the vile spawn of Aether. You foolishly chose to stand against me, and now you're in a similar state as he is." Tirek then turned his attention to the remaining members of the Main Six, and sneered "But I suppose you are all not completely rid of any use. Perhaps I should thank all of you for deciding to play hero. Twilight Sparkle will soon have her friends, and I'll have all the Avatar magic in Unity!" And with that, he imprisoned both members of the two element teams in bubbles in addition to Discord!

"But first, it's time to see if she can put up a better fight than you lot." Tirek said with a chuckle. "It's not as fun if she just decides to hand over all that magic!"

"You want Avatar magic? Here it is!" Twilight cried out as she fired a massive blast of magic at Tirek! Actually harming the mad centaur as he took the hit dead-on! "I had a feeling you'd come looking for me. So I figured, why should I bother hiding when it means you could hurt so many people to try and get to me?"

"Well, well. You decided to make things easier for me." Tirek groaned as he straightened himself out. "A goddess herself seeks to bestow her power upon me!"

"Arrogant as he is ugly, everybody." Twilight said as she narrowed her eyes before firing another massive blast of magic at Tirek! Knocking the power-hungry centaur back even as he cast a shield around himself! "My friends didn't go down without a fight, so neither will I!"

Tirek scowled at Twilight's words, and stomped the ground! Twilight noticed the wave of rocks coming towards her, and took to the air to avoid the stomp! Not wasting anytime, Twilight rocketed straight into Tirek's gut and struck him full force! Winding the centaur long enough for Twilight to loose another massive blast of magic with nothing to shield the magic thief! Tirek, who couldn't accept the fact that he was tanking a hit, decided to try and meet the beam of magic with his own! The two opposing beams colliding in a blinding light! When the light died down, both fighters were in a stand-off. Twilight hovering in place while Tirek narrowed his eyes at her.

"It seems we're at an impasse." Tirek said with a frown. "Should things remain as they are, neither of us are going to get anywhere."

"So what did you have in mind?" Twilight asked with a raised brow.

"A simple trade, princess." Tirek said with a smirk as he summoned the bubbles that contained her captive friends! "All the Avatar magic in Unity for the safe return of your friends. Now, what will you choose? Power, or friendship?" Tirek folded his arms and awaited Twilight's response. All while Twilight's friends banged on the bubbles that imprisoned them and begging Twilight not to take the offer!

"Here's my answer." Twilight said before taking a deep breath as she descended toward the ground. "I'll hand over the magic with no trouble. But only AFTER you release my friends first! I'm not going to risk you going back on your word the second you get what you want!"

"Hmph. So it appears you are smarter than your friends after-all." Tirek said with a scoff as he snapped his fingers, and released the rest of the Main 6 and the present Elements of Heroism from their bubbles.

"ALL of them." Twilight said with a firm tone as she looked at Discord's bubble. The lord of chaos stiffening at Twilight's words. "Don't get me wrong Discord. I'm still hurt that you turned on us. But who knows? Maybe this was all for the best."

"Why you'd bother with something so foolish is beyond me." Tirek snorted as he released Discord. A greedy smile then spread across his face. "I've held up my end of the bargain. I believe that it's time you hold up yours."

Twilight sighed, and prepared to offer up the magic to Tirek. Only for the sound of a blaster firing to halt her surrender! To her shock, Inferno Flare was back on his feet and shooting at Tirek!

"Inferno, are you crazy?!" Twilight screamed! "I just gave up all the Avatar magic to save you and everyone else! You know that you can't win! So why are you still fighting?!"

"Because I can't let you do this Twilight! None of us can!" Inferno shouted over the shots of his blaster! "We know just how important the magic you're carrying is! That's why we can't afford to let Tirek get his hands on it!" Inferno's eyes widened when he noticed Tirek advancing towards him! "We know how much we all matter to you! But what's the point if Tirek ruins the world that we all love?! Me and the guys know we can't win, but we don't care! Burst's not here, and the princesses are gone! But we refuse to let that stop us! Because we've got the potential to do some good here! And I'm going to tap into all of that potential! So that I can be the hero I know that I can be! The hero that I've become! SO COME AND GET ME TIREK!"

"Insolent fool!" Tirek roared as he grabbed Inferno with his left hand, and began to squeeze! "It's high time that I crush you like the weakling you are!"

"AAAAGGGHHH!" Inferno screamed as he felt Tirek's grip began to crush him!

"STOP!" Twilight pleaded! "I'll hand over the magic as promised! I was already going to do it, so just let Inferno go!"

"Oh I still intend on taking the magic!" Tirek growled! "But it's clear your friends have no intention of accepting our agreement! So should any more of them decide to voice their displeasure, I won't hesitate to crush them like the insect in my hands right now! You were a fool to choose your friends over the power you possess! And now I'll prove that foolishne-GAH!"

Suddenly Tirek clutched his right side in pain! Releasing his grip on Inferno, and letting the Element of Potential fall to the ground! Fortunately for Inferno, Twilight flew up to catch him and quickly descended back to the ground! However, they weren't safe yet! The second they landed, Tirek swung his fist! Ready to pound them into the ground! While Twilight was immortal, Inferno wasn't. And in his current state, the incoming attack would probably put him out of the fight permanently! Twilight prepared to ready a shield spell to block Tirek's fist, but it proved as unnecessary when Tirek clutched his arm in pain! While Tirek was cradling his injury, Twilight noticed the new injury located on Tirek's side. It looked like a slash mark, but Tirek was clearly burned where he'd been cut!

Before Tirek got a chance to sniff out who'd attacked him, a white blur came down from the sky and slashed his face! Tirek wailed in pain as he felt the same burning sensation from the previous slashes he'd experienced! The white blur landed on the ground, and turned to face the assembled teams of elements.

"Hey." Burst Stream said with a confident smile. "Did I miss the fun part?" Everyone was happy to see the Element of Power enter the fray, but two things kept them rooted in place: the new pair of white dragon wings on Burst Stream's back, and the fact that the cracks that had previously mended now stretched across Burst's entire body! It looked like he could fall apart at any minute.

"Heh! I knew you'd show up soon!" Inferno said with a weak smile as he managed to prop himself up with his sword. "Didn't figure you for the last-minute type."

"Burst, can you even fight?" Twilight asked in shock. "It looks like you're going to fall apart if you take even one hit! How are you even standing right now?!"

"Honestly Twilight? I feel like I'm in agony and just barely holding it together." Burst Stream answered with a weak chuckle. "But the fact that you guys need me right now is what's making me power through the pain! If you don't mind, I'd like for you to step aside. I'm about to show Tirek why you don't piss off a dragon! Especially if it's me!"

"You. . . Impossible!" Tirek roared as he rose to his full height! "You were a broken wreck when I left you back in Castalot! How are you even standing right now?!"

"I'm still standing because you're wrong about friendship." Burst Stream said calmly. "You're wrong about Twilight being foolish for choosing friends over power. Having people you care about gives you something to fight for, and something you can come back to once the fighting's over! You've only fought for yourself, and you've fought alone! That's why you're going to lose!"

"I'll do what I should've done back at Castalot and end you!" Tirek roared as he fired a blast of magic from between his horns! However, Tirek was shocked when Burst Stream flew right up to his face, and slugged him! "AGH!"

"You know what I don't like about you Tirek?" Burst Stream asked as he let loose slash after slash from his new weapon! A lightsaber-like sword that had a brilliant blue blade! "You're a bully. You think that because you have all this power, you can do whatever you want to whoever doesn't have it!" Each of Burst's strikes carried the same fury present in his voice! "But the truth is, you're probably the weakest enemy I've ever fought! You might have the strength of many, but that's only because you stole it from others! How can you say that you have all the power when none of it's your own?! You might be holding that magic right now, but you didn't train to refine it or work to make it your own!"

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP!" Tirek screamed as he swung his arms wildly in the hopes of swatting Burst Stream out of the air! "I OWN THIS MAGIC NOW! I HOLD ALL THE POWER NOW! ME! ME!"

"You hold all the power, but none of the strength!" Burst Stream spat as he pressed a switch on his weapon! The blade of light disappearing, and the ignition chamber that resembled a robotic dragon lowering to form the barrel of a blaster! One that Burst Stream didn't hesitate to use on Tirek! However, Burst Stream soon stopped firing as he clutched his chest in pain! An aura of unstable magic surged around him, and he was trying his best to contain it! But when Tirek began to charge at him, Burst Stream found a new use for the unstable magic! "LET ME SHOW YOU THE STRENGTH OF SOMEONE WHO EARNED THEIR POWER! RAUUUUGGGHHH!"

Burst Stream unleashed a massive burst of unstable magic that knocked Tirek into the ground! The Element of Power then continued his assault by infusing each of his punches, kicks, slashes, and shots with the same unstable magic coursing through him! And as he did, the light emitting from the cracks along his body seemed to pulse and grow even brighter! Each one of Burst Stream's attacks having a devastating effect on Tirek!

"You want magic?!" Burst Stream cried out as he charged up a full-power blast of magic! "HERE IT IS!" Burst Stream let loose a massive beam of unstable magic! The beam shooting out violently, yet it's motion was so fluid and smooth! Tirek, in desperation, fired his own beam! But Burst's just ripped right through it and struck Tirek head-on!

"GAAAUUUGGHHH!" Tirek screamed as most of his body was engulfed by Burst Stream's blast! When the blast died down, Tirek was scorched and his body was smoking! "This. . . this can't be happening. . . !"

"NGH!" Burst Stream held himself as he felt pain wrack his entire body for a moment! He noticed that his cracks were pulsing more frequently now. And the sudden discharges of magic were becoming more violent and frequent as he threw hit after hit against Tirek. It was almost over. "It time. . . to end this!" Burst Stream felt another discharge coming on, and focused with all his might to try and hold it back. However, this only ended up compounding with the other discharges trying to break loose. And this was exactly what Burst Stream had planned as he flew up to Tirek and grappled with the centaur!

And when his friends realized what Burst was about to do, they were horrified. None more than Nightmare Moon who was watching the battle unfold and had just finished helping the citizens evacuate! At the same time, Twilight and her friends had just unlocked the rainbow power thanks to Discord handing them the final key they needed and Twilight piecing together the puzzle. But they didn't try to use the rainbow power on Tirek when they noticed Burst Stream's last stand.

"Everyone, please! Don't look away!" Burst Stream pleaded as he continued to grapple with Tirek! "I know you hate what's about to happen, and that you'd rather not see it! I don't want it to happen either, but there's no choice! Please, don't look away from this! If I can't end this without the people I love sending me off while looking at me, then I won't be able to rest peacefully!" Tears began to fall from everyone's eyes, but they wanted to honor their friend's request.

". . . Thank you all." Burst Stream said as tears fall. "Later. . . everyone. . . " And he disappeared in an explosion of magic and energy! Getting Tirek caught in the blast at the same time! When it was over, a cloud of smoke hung over where Burst Stream had once stood. Silence reigned over the battlefield for a whole minute before the smoke cleared. Revealing Tirek to be on his last legs.

"That. . . fool. . ." Tirek groaned as he tried to rise, but failed. "How. . . did he beat me. . .? How could I lose. . . to a mere half-breed like him?! He gave his life. . . for nothing. For I still breathe. . . "

Both teams of elements stood still in a mix of shock, anger, and sorrow at watching their friend sacrifice himself seemingly in vain. Nightmare Moon wanted so much to fall to her knees right now. But all of them turned their attention to Inferno who was stomping his way towards Tirek.

Suggested Song:

"You're wrong." Inferno growled as made his way over to the mad centaur! His fists covered in fire! "Burst Stream gave his life, BECAUSE HE KNEW IT WOULD GIVE US THE POTENTIAL TO END YOU ONCE AND FOR ALL!" And Inferno let loose a flurry of blazing punches! "AND I'LL BE DAMNED IF I WASTE A CHANCE TO LIVE UP TO THAT POTENTIAL!"

Tirek could barely comprehend any of what was happening! How could someone, who had been on the edge of defeat mere moments ago, suddenly strike with so much power?!

"HERE I GO!" Inferno screamed as the flames around his right fist grew bigger! "FLARING DRAGON FIST!" Inferno threw his right arm forward with all his might, and a projection of a flaming dragon shot forward! Striking Tirek right in the chest and breaking right through him! When the flames finally died down, Tirek stood with a big, gaping hole in his chest. The whole area had been cauterized by the flames. For a moment, Tirek's body teetered before falling to the ground with a thud! His eyes completely lifeless!

"I did it. . . " Inferno said with a tired smile before throwing his fist to the air in triumph! "I DID IIIIIT!" Just as Inferno had declared his victory, he was enveloped in a sphere of magic. "I think I know what the deal is."

"Indeed Inferno." Aether said as he walked the Element of Potential down a corridor of various highlights of his life. "You lived up to your potential to be a hero today. But the price for it is not as high as you might believe."

"What do you mean?" Inferno asked.

"You will know in time." Aether said with a small smile. "But for now, you have risen to your potential. Now, it is time for you to ascend!" And in a flash of light, Inferno's ascension was completed! When he returned to the world, his dragon wings were now covered in black, feather-like scales! Giving his wings an angelic look to them!

"Rarity?" Inferno asked. "Do you think you could make me a new coat? One that's like Burst's, but in red?" Rarity merely nodded. 'You're not here now Burst. That means it's all up to me to carry on. And now, I'll have something to honor you.'

Epilogue: Part One

"So very much has changed." A lone woman said as she gazed down at an orb that seemed to play all the events that had transpired. From the return of Nightmare Moon to the battle against Tirek. "To think that this new story was written with a single promise." The woman smiled as she brushed a lock of her red hair out of the way. "And to think it's not over yet." Faust channeled her magic into the orb, and it focused onto a pure white void with a lone occupant.

"I never thought I'd see the day when one would risk so much just to make my little Tia happy. It seems you choose your heir well Bahamut. I wonder, just how the next chapter will unfold?"

In the void that Faust had peered into, the lone figure rose.

"Ngh. . . my everything hurts. Not surprising." Burst Stream groaned as he stood up. Then again, standing up when everything around you was a blank, white void was a bit disorienting. He looked himself over, and noticed that his body was rid of any cracks and he still possessed a pair of dragon wings on his back. "So. This is the afterlife, huh?"

"No. But it is outside of the realm of the living." Bahamut answered as his spirit materialized before Burst Stream. The dragon's platinum scales seeming to shine in the void of light. "The time has not come for me to leave you. And bringing you to the plane in which my spirit resides when not summoned was the only way of averting your true destruction."

"So, I'm not dead yet." Burst Stream noted. "But why did you bring me here?"

"You mentioned in your fight with Tirek that you had earned the power I passed down to you." Bahamut answered. "But you still need to master it in order to truly make it your own. I refuse to let the inheritor of my power run around without properly handling it."

"Great power, great responsibility. Makes sense." Burst Stream said with a shrug. "What is this place anyway?"

"I call it the zero realm." Bahamut answered. "Here, no concept of time exists. You feel no fatigue, or hunger here. That makes it ideal for training you to master my power and your new dragonic attributes. It could take you an eternity, or no time at all."

"Well then," Burst Stream said with a smirk as he flared his wings out and shifted his blaster into lightsaber mode! "Why waste any time?"

Prologue

Burst Stream let out a sigh of relief as he removed his coat and shirt as he entered his house that night. It had been peaceful since he had destroyed Shining Dawn, but there were still the minor nuisances that troubled Unityville. Timberwolves and other creatures from the Everfree that didn't know better than to try and attack a town under the protection of the Elements of Heroism. Three of which had become avatars, literal gods among mortals. Still, it gave them a bit of excitement outside of the usual craziness of the town's antics.

And that's not counting the fact Celestia and I have broken things off to give each other some space. Burst Stream thought with a smile. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. But. . . He smiled when he noticed a plate of food waiting for him. Someone else just as important's come into my life. And I guess you could say I owe all that I am to her.

Burst Stream happily scarfed down the food set aside for him, and ventured into his bedroom. Smiling when he saw a particular guest waiting for him. "I figured you'd be keeping the bed warm for me Moon."

"I wouldn't need to if you hadn't kept me waiting." Nightmare Moon said with a smile as she beckoned Burst to come closer. Her choice of sleepwear being undergarments rarity had prepared for her. "But after waiting for a thousand years for someone to love a fallen princess like myself? I'd wait to much longer if it meant finding someone like you."

Burst chuckled to himself as he lay down next to his first villain. Now his latest girlfriend. "I didn't think guys like me were your type. I'm even more impressed that you didn't try to seduce me while you were undergoing reformation under my custody."

"What can I say? Opposites attract." Nightmare Moon said in a sultry tone as she moved closer to Burst Stream. "Just like our colors contrast so nicely." She was then on top of him, and staring him right in the eyes. "Who knows? Maybe light and dark are supposed to be lovers like we are."

Burst blushed a little. He and Nightmare Moon had just started their relationship after the last Grand Gala where he'd confessed his feelings to her. And yet here she was being quite intimate with him and they hadn't even gone a first date yet!

"You said it yourself. I'm your precious light." Burst Stream replied. "But I guess you could also say that bad girls love good guys. Though you're the only one to actually win my heart. Chrysalis tried to get me, but I don't consider her as attractive as you in either outer or inner beauty Moon. Plus, she made it incredibly obvious that she wasn't aiming for a relationship."

"And now I have another reason to not like her. Seeing you as nothing more than tool for her ends." Nightmare Moon said as she wrapped her arms around Burst Stream. Gradually bringing her wings around him too. "So. Just how much do I outclass her in both fields of beauty?" She then smirked. "Besides my obvious assets."

"Well, you've got better hair than her for starters." Burst Stream said with a smile. "And you've got a big heart. I'd say that's the only reason your so well-endowed. Just to contain it. But more than anything, you wanted me to love you for who you are. Not what you tried to be. Just like-" Burst Stream paused as memories started to play in his head. Nightmare Moon taking instant notice.

"Just like Celestia, right?" Nightmare Moon asked. "Hey. You said that the two of you would try to patch things up, right? Shouldn't you be happy about that?"

"You're right. I should be." Burst Stream said with a sigh. "But now? I'm not so sure. Especially since we just started being a couple now. I mean, look at us. We're already living together. You've helped me through an incredibly tough emotional moment not too long ago. I helped you move past who you were and into who you are now. There's been an attraction building between the two of us for a while now. And if I manage to fix things with Celestia? I really wouldn't know what to do."

Burst Stream took a deep breath. "It would be so easy just to pick up where I left off with her. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't want that to happen. But how could I live with myself if I just left you like that?" Burst Stream sat up and looked sadly into Nightmare Moon's eyes.

"Moon, you've been alone for so much of your life. And you've only recently discovered friends in your former enemies on top of falling for me while you were reforming. You told me that part of why you've come so far right now is because of me. I've only just started loving you now. How heartless would it be of me to just leave you alone like that?"

Nightmare Moon was silent as she slowly touched her forehead to Burst Stream's. "You really are too good to me my precious light." She said as she tightened her hold on Burst Stream. "Even if you aren't in my arms, you'll always take up space in my heart. I don't care if I have to share it with Celestia. All that matters is that I have a place in your heart."

"Hearing that really makes me feel better Moon." Burst Stream said with a smile as he wrapped his arms around the dark goddess. "But right now? You've got all of my heart. And I've got a lot to give." Burst Stream went in for a kiss, and Nightmare Moon eagerly returned it. The two soon falling asleep in each other's arms. It'll be a bit chaotic. But then again, whoever said love would be simple?

Meanwhile, a dimensional tear opened up. Releasing the minions Discord had summoned upon his return. The Chaos Kin. Things would definitely be more chaotic now.

Epilogue: Part Two

It hadn't been long after Celestia and the other princesses had been freed from Tartarus thanks to the Main Six using the Rainbow Power. But despite the battle being over, there was very little in terms of celebration. As soon as both teams of elements restored and the magic Tirek had stolen returned to where it belonged, Celestia locked herself away in her room and wept. Clutching onto the Optimus Prime plushie and the necklace Burst Stream had given her.

For some reason, Celestia could feel that Burst Stream wasn't as gone as everyone thought he was. And so, here she was in her room. Clutching the items that held the greatest sentiment from him. Hoping that somehow, there would be a sign that Burst Stream was still alive. She didn't have to wait long.

"Please. . . " Celestia sobbed. "Tell me that wherever you are, you're alright. . . " And as if answering her plea, the gem on the necklace Burst Stream had given her glowed with a brilliant, electric-blue light! Celestia was speechless at this, and wasted no time in putting the necklace on. A relieved smile on her face as she grasped it tightly. Unbeknownst to her, Nightmare Moon had been eavesdropping. And this news brought a small smile to the princess of dreams' face.

"Even when you're not here, you still manage to make the people you care about happy." Nightmare Moon said as she wiped a tear from her eyes as she left Celestia's door. "Perhaps, there's more room in your heart than I thought."

Meanwhile, in Unityville, Blitz Surge had arrived at the site where Burst Stream had made his last stand. Gazing at the spot intently.

"So. This is where you fell. Where your story ended. All you've done has led up to this. I thank you, brother." Blitz Surge said with a smirk. "For your end is the herald of my beginning. You saved me the trouble of eliminating you myself. Now, a true hero will rise forth. Things will be as they should be. Now that power's time has ended, justice will rise. . . "

Author's Note

This is probably the longest season I've written, but it was a lot of fun. Hope you all enjoyed the ride, and don't forget to give me some suggestions for future installments! None of this would be possible without you! Thank You!