//------------------------------// // Episode 1: A Hero Awakens Part 1 // Story: Elements of Heroism: Season 1 // by Bahamut0 //------------------------------// Ten Years Later.... Burst sighed as he headed home for summer break. While he was honored to be attending Celestia's School for Gifted Magi, he couldn't lie to himself by saying he enjoyed it there. Over half the stuff they've taught me I don't plan on using. I'm not hoping to be a famous wizard or something like Starswirl the Bearded. What I want... Burst's mind drifted to his childhood. He remembered every wall in his room plastered with posters of heroes like Optimus Prime, Goku, Power Rangers. ...What I want is to be a hero. One who can fulfill his promise. Burst knocked on his home's door and his father Aether opened the door with a grim expression on his face. "Dad? What's wrong?" Aether sighed. "Son. We need to talk." Burst went inside and his father sat him down. "Burst. Do you remember when you got upset when you learned the truth of the Legend of the Two Sisters?" Burst nodded. "Yeah. I made a promise to give that sad story a happy ending one day." "You'll soon have your chance Burst." Aether said with a nod. "In five years, Nightmare Moon will break free of her banishment." Burst was shocked! "You mean she'll be able to return here to Equestria?!" Aether nodded. "Indeed. But chances are, she'll not be in a happy mood. Which brings me to the matter at hand." Aether stood and gazed at Burst. "I'm going to train you Burst. And you needn't worry about your wings. You'll be needing them for this training and to combat Nightmare Moon should she not listen to reason. But I warn you. You'll have to withdraw from school. So I ask you: Are you ready?" Burst took a breath. "How long's it going to take?" Burst then spread out his white dragon wings. Aether smiled. "Three years. Four tops." "Well, it's not like I made many friends at school.", Burst said with a shrug. "So when can we start?" Aether steeled his gaze. "Now." And from then on, four years of intensive training took place. Aether trained Burst how to fly with his wings. He also schooled Burst in hand-to-hand combat and combining magic to empower his physical attacks. Aether also saw fit to teach Burst how to make good use of his magical abilities. Burst's magic training included sensing energy and magic signatures, learning defensive and shield spells. Lumina, his mother also saw fit to teach Burst healing spells should he get into a tough scrape. Aether also saw that his son learned offensive spells to handle himself in combat. "You know that special attack spell I created Burst?" Burst nodded. "Yeah. You're finally teaching it to me?" Aether smiled as he got into a stance and soon fired a blast of light energy that was crackling with lightning! "And that's only the basic level." From then on, Burst's training was expanded upon. In addition to his magic and flight training, Aether also trained Burst in wielding weapons as well as developing his body. He taught Burst how to use both projectile and melee weapons. "Burst. I think it's time I show you something." Aether led Burst to a chest and unlocked it. "Open it up son." Burst opened the chest and his eyes went wide! Inside was a set of twin blasters and a sword. Both seemed to be modelled after a white dragon with blue eyes. The blasters and sword were a whitish-silver in color. The blasters had a blue orb on either side of them that looked like a dragon's eye and thecharging chamber was modelled after a dragon's head while the barrel was normal and looked like a dragon's teeth were clenched on the sides. The sword was something else. It was double-edged sword that could be weilded with two hands or one while the tip of the blade ribbed out.The guards near the handle looked like a dragon's wings while the hilt of the sword looked like a dragon's head with a blue gem in the center. "These are called Duelist Arms. And they have chosen you as the weilder. Take them. They're yours." Burst picked up one of the blasters and the sword. "They feel so light...", Burst marvelled as he practiced some sword strikes and fired a shot from his blaster! "Is it because they choose me? Or because I've been training so hard?" Burst looked in a mirror to see that he'd grown since he had started. He now had a lean, yet muscular form. All that training seemed to have the added benefit of shaping and toning his body. "Anyway, is there anything else I need to learn?" Aether shook his head. "No. This was the last day of your training Burst. And it's also time you make your own life. So where will you go from here? Where will you make your new home?" "Hmm. I think I'll settle in Ponyville.", Burst said with a smile. "It's not too big, or too small. So it sounds like a good place to settle down." Aether smiled. "Well then, we'd better get you packed." Burst began packing his things. Duelist Arms included. Before he left, he hid his wings once again. As he was packing his clothes, his mother came in to give him something. "I made this for you to wear. I think you'll like it.", Lumina said with a loving smile. She handed Burst a white coat that fell to a few inches from his feet. It also had slots for his wings to fit through. "I based it off that character you love so much. Dante, right?" Burst smiled. "Thanks mom. I'll be sure to wear it whenever I need to look awesome." Burst hugged his parents goodbye as the carriage his father had chartered for him took off to Ponyville. Burst found the town was a pleasant place, and decided to head to the house that his parents had purchased for him. As soon as he opened the door, he was greeted by a stream of confetti and a girl with light pink skin pounced on him! "Were ya surprised? Were ya? Were ya?", the girl nearly screamed. Burst took a moment to gather his senses and noticed the girl had puffy pink hair akin to cotton candy, light pink skin, blue eyes, and her outift consisted of blue sneakers, jeans, and a white shirt with balloons on it. From the aura Burst sensed, she was an earthbound. Judging by the lack of wings and a horn, she was an Earthbound. Despite the girl pouncing on him, Burst couldn't help but smile along with her. Her energy seemed infectious. "That's one way to welcome a guy.", Burst said with a smile. "But could you please get off me? I'd like to start moving in." "Sure!", the girl chirped as she got off Burst. "I'm Pinkie Pie by the way!" "Name's Burst Stream.", Burst replied. "I just moved in. But how'd you know this was my house?" Pinkie giggled. "My Pinkie Sense silly!" Burst would have questioned her, but he was having too much fun guessing what the girl would do next. "Well, I guess this place doesn't have friendly faces in short supply. Think you can help me move in?" Pinkie nodded as she helped Burst with his bags. With Pinkie's help, Burst managed to get his clothes and personal items unpacked. In no time, Burst had hooked up his consoles to the TV in his house and all his clothes away in the closet. "Thanks for the help Pinkie. You're more organized than you let on." "Aw, thanks Burst!" Pinkie then pulled Burst into a tight hug and then gasped! "Oh! I just remembered something! Be right back!" Pinkie zipped off leaving Burst speechless! Burst decided he was better off just accepting Pinkie's randomness. "Well, I guess I'd better look around for some work. I gotta keep bits in my pockets and food in the fridge." Burst walked around town and came upon a building based off a carousel. Fortunately, there were flyers posted for a model for male garments. Well, this could be a good start. Or at least something to consider. Burst took a flyer and opened the door. "Excuse me? I'm here about the male model ad." "Just a moment darling! I'll be right with you!", a female voice called out. Soon enough, a woman with white skin appeared. Her purple hair was styled in elegant curls. She was levitating some fabric with her violet magic, so that meant she was a magi. For a moment, Burst almost thought her hair was made of silk. She had blue eyes, and her outfit consisted of black boots, a purple skirt, and a white dress shirt. Rarity's jaw dropped when she saw Burst. "Oh...I do believe you'd be perfect for the job. Oh! Where are my manners? I am Rarity. Pleased to meet you darling." "I'm Burst Stream.", Burst said with a smile. "So what brought you to answer my ad?", Rarity asked. "Forgive a lady for prying, darling." "Well, I'm new in town. I just moved here from Canterlot..." "CANTERLOT?!", Rarity screamed! "Oh, how did I not see it earlier? You've got quite the defined look to you!" Burst chuckled. "Hate to break it to you, but I'm no big-shot noble or royalty. Just a regular guy looking to keep food in his fridge." Rarity composed herself. "Ahem. Yes. Well, I suppose I should inform you of the employment terms. You should understand that this job is part-time. I'll only call you in should I need you. So if you'd be so kind as to fill out this information form?" Rarity handed Burst a form, and he filled it out no problem. "Thank you darling." Rarity levitated the paper over to a folder with her magic as her hands glowed with a violet aura. "No problem." Burst said with a smile. "The terms you have are quite generous Rarity." "Think nothing of it darling.", Rarity said with a smile. Burst smiled as he left and continued his look around town. "Not a bad first day." As Burst was walking, he then felt a presence. Burst rolled out of the way as he saw a rainbow blur go speeding past him and screeching to a halt! The girl was a skyborn by the looks of her cyan wings. She had a rainbow mane, pink eyes, and her skin was cyan as well as her wings. Her outfit consisted of a light blue hoodie, jeans, and red sneakers as well as red fingerless gloves. "Man! You dodged me without me even having to yell!", the girl said with a grin. "Sorry for nearly crashing into you! Name's Rainbow Dash! Fastest flier in Ponyville!" Burst let out a chuckle. "With speed like that, I can see why. Name's Burst Stream. Newest resident of Ponyville. You thinking of joining the Wonderbolts with moves like that?" Rainbow blushed! "Well...not EXACTLY moves like that...but I plan on joining all the same! Anyway, nice meetin' ya!" Rainbow Dash flew off leaving Burst to continue on his way. As Burst walked, he bumped into a girl by accident! Burst rubbed his head and looked to who he had bumped into. "Sorry about that.", Burst said with a small smile. The girl was a skyborn with butter yellow skin and wings, pink hair, and was wearing a green sweater and a light pink skirt with slip-on green shoes. "You okay?" The girl nodded. "Good. I'm Burst Stream. Here's hoping that next time, I don't literally bump into you." "I'm Fluttershy.", the girl said quietly. Burst smiled. "That's a lovely name." "You were able to hear me?", Fluttershy asked. Burst nodded. "I've got pretty good hearing. Among other senses." Burst's mind flashed back to his training when his dad was teaching him how to use and develop his other senses. He had made Burst walk witha blindfold, but it did help Burst hone his senses. "It was nice to meet you." Burst helped Fluttershy up and soon finished up his tour of Ponyville. When he got back home, the sun was starting to set. And once again, a shower of confetti greeted him! "SURPRISE!", Pinkie cheered! Burst blinked and noticed the banner that was hung saying: WELCOME TO PONYVILLE BURST STREAM! "You didn't have to do all this for me.", Burst said with a light blush. "Of course I did!", Pinkie said with a smile. "We're friends!" Burst smiled. "Might as well get to know my new friends then." Burst then started chatting with Pinkie Pie and found out she worked at Sugar Cube Corner. He also met with Rarity and found out she was quite the designer. When he spoke with Fluttershy, he discovered that she lived in a cottage full of animals that she took care of. As the party wore on, Burst grabbed a drink. "Huh. Fizzy Apple Cider..." Burst popped the bottle open and took sip. "WHOA. Canterlot's cider has nothing on this!" "Glad ya like it partner!", an earthbound girl said with a twang in her voice. She had blonde hair, green eyes, and light orange skin. Her outfit was that of a farm girl. She was also fairly tall and had a muscular build to her."Mah family makes this cider. We also run Sweet Apple Acres. Name's Applejack! Nice ta meetcha!" "Burst Stream. Pleasure meeting you too." Burst smiled as he shook her hand. "Gotta say. People are a lot friendlier here than in Canterlot. I think I'm gonna like it here." And so, Burst's life in Ponyville began. Twilight's Arrival in Ponyville.... Burst let out a yawn as he woke up and stretched his wings before concealing them once again. "Better get dressed." Burst slipped on his clothes and went outside after eating breakfast. As he was walking, he noticed Pinkie freaking out over a girl with lavender skin and a baby dragon. The girl's outfit consisted of blue jeans, light purple sneakers, and a long sleeve shirt with dark purple sleeves and a lavender main portion. And from the aura Burst sensed from her, she was a magi. Wait. That girl... Burst walked over to the girl and tapped her on the shoulder. "Twilight?" Twilight spun around. "Oh. Hello there. Do I know you?" Burst frowned. "You met me on the first day of school at Celestia's School for the Gifted. You were getting picked on by some bullies and I stepped in." Twilight gasped! "Burst!" Twilight then hugged Burst! "I can't believe I didn't recognize you! You've grown up a lot since I last saw you." Burst smiled before looking down at the baby dragon wearing a purple long-sleeve shirt, green pants, and purple sneakers. His scales were purple and he had green hair. His tail was poking through a hole in his pants. "So who's this little guy?" "I'm Spike! Twilight's Number 1 Assistant!", Spike said proudly. "Nice to meet you.", Burst said with a smile. "So what brings you to my home?" Twilgiht frowned. "Princess Celestia wants me to check on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. She also said I needed to make some friends." Twilight then sighed. "But the fate of Equestria is in the balance!" Burst kept his cool. Looks like I'm not the only one concerned about Nightmare Moon's return. I guess I won't have to face her alone after all. "Well, you've already got one friend besides Spike here. Me. Also, why did the princess send you in specific?" "I'm her personal student.", Twilight said with a smile. "Also, we're friends?" "Sure! You don't always need a reason to be friends with someone. In fact, I think you could stand to meet some of mine. Bur first, let me help you out with your checklist." "Thanks Burst." The trio made their way to Sweet Apple Acres. "Hey Aj!", Burst greeted! "Ah'll be! Burst!", Applejack said happily. "So who're yer friends?" "This is Twilight and Spike. They're here checking on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. So how's the food coming along?" "A-OK on mah end!", Applejack said proudly. "Say, how about ya'll get a taste? It'll also be a good chance for ya ta meet mah family!" "I don't know...", Twilight began before she felt herself being pulled by Burst's magic. "What?! Burst!" Burst chuckled. "C'mon Twilight! Live a little!" Twilight sighed. One gut-busting lunch later... "I think I'll skip dinner....", Twilight groaned. "Ditto.", Burst said with a nod. "So what's next on the list Spike?" "Let's see....Oh yeah! Next we've gotta check on the music! The bird chorus in specific!", Spike said with a smile. "I think I know who we're looking for.", Burst said with a smile. The three then found Fluttershy conducting a group of birds in their singing. Apparently, one of the birds was upstaging the others. However, Fluttershy hid behind her mane and whispered her name. Burst decided it would be a good time to leave, but Fluttershy scooped up Spike as they began to leave! She then began to nuzzle Spike almost mercilessly. "Oh, he's so cute!", Fluttershy gushed as she nuzzled Spike. "Nice to see someone appreciates me...", Spike said with a grin. Burst chuckled while Twilight rolled her eyes before she levitated Spike over with her magic. The three of them moved along to the weather. "Let's see...there's a Skyborn called Rainbow Dash who's supposed to be clearing the skies." Twilight scanned the sky above. "Where is she?" "Hmm. Either napping, or practicing her moves for joining the Wonderbolts.", Burst said with a nod. "..How is it you know the people we've ran into?", Twilight asked. "I've been living here for a year Twilight. I've gotten to be friends with them. Speaking of friends...HEY DASH!", Burst called out! Sure enough, Rainbow Dash came flying up to them! "Where's the fire Burst?", Rainbow Dash asked. "That would be me.", Twilight said with a nod. "The sky's supposed to be clear for the Summer Sun Celebration." "Oh. I'll get to it! Just as soon as I'm done practicing my moves for the Wonderbolts!" "Really? I don't think they'd let such a lazy pegasus join. I bet I could clear the sky in ten seconds with my magic.", Twilight said. "Yeah? Well I could clear it in five!", Rainbow Dash huffed. "Ya might wanna prove that now Dash.", Burst said with a smirk. Rainbow took off and cleared the sky in five seconds! "There! Now I can practice my moves!" Rainbow then sped off! Leaving Twilight's hair a wreck. Burst and Spike shared a chuckle before moving along to the next item on the list. Decorations. When they arrived at the town hall, Spike was lovestruck when he caught sight of rarity. "You know, I think I'll introduce you to her Spike.", Burst said with a smile. Spike freaked out! "What?! But...but she's way older than me!" "Funny. You had hearts in your eyes when you looked at her. Oh well.", Burst said with a shrug. "Hi there Rarity! These two are Twilight and Spike. They've come all the way from Canterlot to check on the decorations. So how're things going?" "It's all coming together marvelously darling!" Rarity then noticed Twilight's hair disaster. "Oh dear...what happened to you?" "A pegasus called Rainbow Dash.", Twilight said flatly. Rarity huffed. "It figures. Well I can't very well let you walk about with your hair like THAT." Rarity set to work fixing Twilight's hair, and the group of three was on their way once again. The sun began to set, and Burst led Twilight to her new home. The Golden Oak Library. However, there was one last surprise for them all. Pinkie had thrown a surprise party for Twilight's arrival. As the party went on, Twilight accidentally drank some hot sauce, and dunked her head in the punch bowl to put the fire out! She then locked herself in her room. Burst was worried. "C'mon Spike. Let's check up on her." The two went to see if Twilight was alright. "You okay Twilight?", Spike asked. "The party's down there." "That's the problem! Everyone in this town is crazy!", Twilight screamed before looking out to the stars and moon. "The legend says the stars will aid in her escape. The Summer Sun Celebration is tomorrow!" "Uh, Twi?", Burst said nervously. "I think you mean TODAY." Twilight jumped to her feet and saw that the sun would soon rise. "Better get to the town hall." The trio made their way over, and saw the mayor ready a curtain. "Attention everybody! It is with great pleasure that I give you...PRINCESS CELESTIA!" As everyone cheered as the curtain was pulled back, they were soon shocked to find that the princess was no longer there! The mayor tried to get everyone to calm down. Then, laughter filled the room. A black swirl of magical energy that glistened with the power and light of the stars gathered on the balcony. A figure then formed from the swirl. It was a woman. She had pitch black skin, teal dragonic eyes, large black wings, and hair that looked like it was made of the night sky with stars swirling in it. She was wearing azure armor that only heightened her intimidating appearance. Burst narrowed his eyes. From the magical aura he sensed, she was an avatar! There was no mistaking it. Nightmare Moon had returned. As if her mere appearance wasn't scary enough, her voice was another matter. "Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious sun-loving faces.", Nightmare Moon said with a vicious smile. "What have you done with our princess?!", Rainbow Dash demanded! She was about to take off until Applejack brought her down with her rope! Nightmare Moon then grinned. "Why, am I not royal enough for you?" She then loked angrily at the crowd. "Don't you know who I am?"Pinkie bounced as she listed off possible names, but Nightmare ignored her. "Does my crown no longer count, now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?” Twilight then stepped forward. "I did, and I know who you are. Y-" Twilight was then surprised to see Burst step forward with her. "Well, I guess I'm not the only one. You're the Woman in the Moon. Nightmare Moon!" Nightmare Moon smiled down at Burst and Twilight and laughed! "AH HAHAH HAH HA HA HAHA HA! Well it seems I've not been totally forgotten during my banishment." She then turned her gaze to Burst. "And you, boy. How do you know of me?" "I know who you are, and I know who you were...." Burst paused before continuing. "...Princess Luna." Nightmare Moon froze and narrowed her eyes. "That name no longer has any meaning to me.", she said coldly. "It did once. It can again.", Burst pleaded. The whole crowd was shocked! Burst was talking to Nightmare Moon without trembling. "I can't claim to know your pain, but I will say this. It wasn't fair that you were shunned and ignored. But that can all change! Don't you think your sister, Celestia, missed you?" Burst took a deep breath. "Please. There's no need to be angry anymore. Let Celestia go, and this sad story can finally have a happy ending." Nightmare Moon paused before smirking at Burst. "You are quite courageous to speak so plainly. However, your plea falls on deaf ears. Remember this day my little subjects! For it will be your last!" Burst sighed. "Then I'm sorry it came to this..." Nightmare Moon cocked her head in interest as Burst summoned his Duelist Arms. "I don't want to hurt you, but I WILL protect my home. I'll protect my friends." Burst then readied his sword and got into a fighting stance. Nightmare Moon blinked before chuckling and summoning a sword made of magic. "So the little boy wants to sword fight." Nightmare Moon then got into a stance of her own. "Then prepare yourself!" Nightmare dashed at Burst with her sword, but Burst blocked it just in time! Nightmare smiled and put up a barrier that was large enough to give them fighting room. "I don't want anyone intruding on our dance." Nightmare and Burst then began to circle each other. "I can sense that great power lies within you." "...Your point being?", Burst asked. "Why fight me? Join me, and I promise you great riches and glory.", Nightmare Moon said with a smile. "Of course...I wouldn't mind having a handsome specimen such as you by my side on that long, eternal night." Burst simply took a deep breath before answering. "You're right. I do have great power." Burst then pointed his sword at Nightmare Moon! "And I'm going to use it to protect my home, my friends, my family! If no one takes a stand now, no one ever will! So go ahead! List off all the ways you'll horribly torture me or whatever you have planned for all who defy you! If I can't be there for my friends, if I abandon them for the sake for power, then I've got to right to hold the weapons I have on me!" Nightmare Moon, to the crowd's surprise, had a genuine smile on her face. "I must applaud your loyalty to those you hold dear. Such heroism is rare." She then steeled her face into a scowl. "However, I have no intention of forsaking my plans!" The two then charged at each other! Sparks flying as their blades clashed! The clanging of their blades rang through the building like thunder! As they locked blades, Nightmare Moon fired a blast of magic at Burst! Burst barely rolled out of the way and fired a few shots from his blaster! One managed to hit Nightmare Moon! "It appears you came prepared. You must have been well trained to hold your ground against me." "I've been training for years should this moment happen.", Burst replied as he holstered his blaster. He then powered up his magic and a blue aura surrounded his hands as energy gathered! "WHITE LIGHTNING!" Burst fired the signature attack his father Aether had taught him! Nightmare Moon put up a shield, but it cracked from the force of the blast and knocked her to the ground! Burst charged forth and slashed at her, but she rolled out of the way and their blades clashed once more! As the battle raged on, Twilight couldn't believe it! Burst was holding his own against Nightmare Moon! An alicorn whose power rivalled Princess Celestia's! However, as the fight progressed, Nightmare Moon knocked Burst's weapons away! Burst then got into a fightning stance. "Well. It's been a while since I ever engaged an opponent this personally.", Nightmare Moon said with a dark smile as she plunged her sword into the ground and getting into a stance. "Let's see what you're made of!" The two charged at each other and launched a series of punches and kicks! Nightmare blocked Burst's punch that was aimed at her face, and tried to punch Burst in his stomach! But Burst caught her fist and flipped her! Burst then began his own assault! Nightmare blocked a kick that was aimed at her side, but was winded when Burst landed a punch to her stomach! She then kicked Burst in his side! Burst winced, but recovered and tried to knee Nightmare Moon in the stomach! Nightmare strafed to the side and retrieved her sword! She then took to the air and dove at Burst! Trying to land a slash on him! Burst had to roll like crazy to avoid getting hit! "It's been fun. But I'm afraid your defeat is nearing." If there was ever a time to no longer hide my wings..., Burst thought as he struggled to roll out of the way. ..that'd be now! As Nightmare Moon dove down again, Burst leaped into the air, and spread his wings! Ripping his shirt to shreds! Twilight's jaw dropped! Burst was an avatar himself! A MALE avatar with dragon wings! Burst then fired a shot from his blaster that grounded Nightmare Moon! "I'd say the playing field's pretty even now." Nightmare Moon rose to her feet. A surprised look on her face. "Tell me. Might I have the name of the warrior who managed to stand his ground against me?" "My name is Burst Stream!", Burst said prouldy! "And I'll be the one to give your sad story a happy ending!" Burst then closed his eyes and began to channel energy into his fist. First time trying this move... As the energy gathered, Nightmare Moon flew towards Burst with her hands engulfed with the aura of her magic! When she was almost in front of him, Burst snapped his eyes open and unleashed his fist! "WHITE LIGHTNING....." a surge of energy sent Nightmare Moon flying and crashing through the barrier! "....OVERDRIVE!" A bright light flooded the room! Twilight and the rest of Burst's friends rushed up to congratualte him once the light faded. "Burst...that was incredible!", Twilight cheered! "I can't believe you beat her!" "I didn't.", Burst said sternly as he pointed in Nightmare Moon's direction. "Get back!" Nightmare Moon dusted herself off and smirked. "Farewell for now my subjects. But know that I will be victorious! THE NIGHT WILL LAST FOREVER!" Nightmare Moon turned into a blue mist and flew off. Burst then looked to Twilight. "Twilight. We need the Elements of Harmony. You head home and bring the girls with you." "What about you?" Burst looked back at her as he began to leave. "Me? I've gotta get properly dressed for the occasion..." TO BE CONTINUED!