Burst was happily wrapped up in his sheets. But try as he might, they just couldn't match the warmth or closeness of Celestia's embrace. He'd only known her for a short time, but it felt like each moment was a lifetime. Burst finally woke from his dreams and let out a long yawn. A ray of sunlight hit his face, and he smiled. Burst opened the window, and took a deep breath. "You really give it your all for days like this. Don't you Celestia?" Burst took a few moments to enjoy the sun on his face, and the pleasant breeze blowing through. "Yup. Mornings like this are worth waking up for." Burst went back inside, and closed the window. His smile went even wider when he noticed the date. "Looks like I'll get to see Celestia in all her glory once again. And..." A mischievous smile crept onto Burst's face. "I'll get my chance to turn the gala into a full-blown party!" Burst washed himself up, got dressed, and ate breakfast. "Yup! It's gonna be great day!" Burst opened the window, and hovered in the air with his wings before closing it. Burst then took off around Ponyville as he anticipated the coming night! And his thoughts were still on Celestia as he flew around Ponyville. A big smile was etched onto his face all the while. "WOOOOHOOOO!" Twilight looked out her window to see Burst cheering and just shook her head with a smile.
Burst took note of how goofy he was acting, but simply shrugged as he soared through the sky. Look at me. Acting like a guy who just got a kiss from the prettiest girl in the world. And I'm loving every second of it! Burst lightly blushed after thinking about the times he's spent with Celestia. And in a way...I kind of have. She's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Inside and out. She's always so warm and pleasant, she really loves her subjects and Luna, and that's just her personality. those violet eyes, that smile, how her hair seems to flow with no wind blowing, and that voice... Burst closed his eyes and let out a fond sigh. It's just so...musical. It always sounds so melodic, and comforting. Like everything's going to be alright. Burst soon concluded his flight and landed back home. "I hope I can make her happy tonight like how happy she makes me feel." Burst momentarily froze when he remembered something crucial! "Oh man! I'd better get the guys! I've still got that last ticket to give. Ice might wanna join in on the fun too!" Burst sent out a message for the guys to meet at his place. Once they were all assembled, Burst informed Ice of their plans. "And I've got one extra ticket left. Interested?"
Ice held a contemplative gaze before smirking. "Crashing the party of a bunch of elite snobs? I'm game if you all are."
"Then it's settled!", Burst said with a smile. "Gentlemen. We have hours to prepare. We'd best not disappoint." The guys nodded. "Let's rock the dragon!" Burst pumped his fist into the air, but was confused at the looks the guys were giving him. "...What?"
"Dude. That is SO going to be your catchphrase!", Inferno said with a grin. "See you when it's time!" And with that, the rest of the guys set off to get their outfits ready. Burst put on a casual shirt under his coat this time around. Normally he didn't wear anything under it, but he figured he should dress up a little bit.
"It could be worse. I could be stuck in one of those tight suits that don't let me bust a move.", Burst thought out loud as he put his coat back on. "Plus, this shirt does go well with my outfit." The shirt was platinum in color, and was button-up. Burst wore it untucked. "Don't want it constricting me at my waist." Hours passed, and it was now sundown. Burst met with the guys to check out their outfits. Inferno was wearing a coat Rarity had made for him. It was modeled after Burst's but with short sleeves and it was red. Steel's outfit consisted of his casual clothes. Ace simply wore a dress shirt under his jacket and his Critias Scarf Duelist Arm since it could double as clothing. Ice's outfit consisted of his casual clothes, and Tyrannus's look was made up of intact jeans, and a light grey dress shirt with an unbuttoned vest over it. "Looking sharp guys.", Burst said with a smile. "I wonder how the girls are gonna look in their dresses?" They didn't have to wait long for an answer as the girls approached them. Each of them smiled as they saw their outfits.
"You look like a princess with your dress Rarity.", Inferno said with a grin.
Rarity lightly blushed. "Why, thank you darling. I must say. Despite you casual choice in outfit, that coat makes you look quite dashing."
Tyrannus smiled as he saw Fluttershy's dress. "You look like you're a maiden of the forest." Fluttershy blushed intensely at hearing this.
Steel looked Rainbow Dash's outfit over, and gave her a thumbs-up. "Lookin' fierce Dash. Can't wait to see you movin' out there!" Rainbow Dash smirked as she basked in the compliment.
"So..how are you guys getting to Canterlot?", Twilight asked.
Burst smiled. "Those of us with wings are flying. Ty? You don't mind keeping Fluttershy and the girls company do you?"
Tyrannus shrugged. "I wouldn't mind taking the scenic route." He then smiled at Fluttershy. "So yeah. No problem. Besides. I'm sure Spike wouldn't mind another guy to talk to."
"Great! See ya there! Let's fly!" Burst, Inferno, Steel, Ace, and Ice took to the air while the girls went to their carriage. They arrived at roughly the same time, and saw a huge crowd at the gates of Canterlot Castle. Burst and the guys took a deep breath. "So we're all claer on the plan?" The guys nodded, and Burst smiled as he cracked his knuckles. Spike joined the guys and leaped onto Burst shoulder. "Gentlemen. Let's party." At the same time, the girls were freaking out about just being here. Both groups ventured to the gates, and presented their tickets to the guards. Soon enough, they were inside. Lo and behold, the first sight that caught Burst's eye was Celestia. Spike noticed the look in Burst's eyes, and hopped off his shoulder. "Pleasure to see you again sunshine.", Burst said with a smile as he bowed.
"I'm glad you and your friends could make it Burst.", Celestia said with a warm smile. She then noticed Twilight running up to her. "Twilight! It's so lovely to see my star student."
"I'm so excited to be here! There's so much we need to catch up on!", Twilight said with a big smile.
"Well, I want you by my side the entire night." Celestia was surprised to see Twilight literally rush to her side.
"Oh, that's just what I was hoping you'd say!" As Twilight stayed with Celestia, Burst stood against the wall pretending to listen to music. Waiting for his time. Meanwhile, Inferno tailed Rarity as she pursued Prince Blueblood. Making sure that if things got bad, he'd be able to jump in. At the same time, Ace and Ice chatted with Spike over by the punch bowl. Lip reading the mouths of the more refined gala guests and laughing their heads off at the snobby accents they tried to pull off. Steel meanwhile gathered some of his buddies fromt he elite guards to section off the musicians while Pinkie set up her party gear. Fluttershy and Tyrannus in the meantime took a stroll through the gardens. Fluttershy was watching the rare animals that called the gardens home in awe!
"Oh my! A meadow lark!" Fluttershy chased after the bird, and Tyrannus followed suit. However, Fluttershy's approach seemed to drive away the animals. Tyrannus then put a hand on her shoulder as he noticed a clearing.
"Let me show you something I learned." Tyrannus walked over to the clearing with Fluttershy in tow, and sat down completely still. "If an animal won't let you come to them, let them come to you." Tyrannus motioned for Fluttershy to sit down. "Close your eyes, and just breathe. Let the silence speak for you." Fluttershy followed Tyrannus' lead, and sure enough the same bird she had pursued landed on her! Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes as more and more animals came out to her and Tyrannus. "Sometimes the best way to move is by staying still.", Tyrannus said with a smile. Fluttershy smiled in kind at Tyrannus before looking to the night sky.
"It sure is beautiful tonight.", Fluttershy said with a dreamy smile.
"Not as much as you are...", Tyrannus said with a light blush. Fluttershy's eyes widened at hearing this! "Wh-what I mean is..." Fluttershy leaned into Tyrannus, and put a finger to his mouth. She then craned her neck, and shared a kiss with him. Tyrannus happily returned the kiss and soon broke contact.
"I'm sure that said everything it needed to Ty.", Fluttershy said with a loving smile as she nuzzled Tyrannus. Tyrannus smiled in return, and wrapped his arms around her as they resumed their stroll. "My gentle giant." Burst in the meantime got bored of watching Celestia and Twilight having to greet guest after guest, and decided to take a walk outside. He noticed Applejack had sold her first pie out of all the treats she had prepared.
"Hey Aj! Looks like you just got your first bits for the night.", Burst said with a smile.
Applejack grinned. "Darn right! Here's hoping that the rest of the guests get a craving."
Burst surveyed the crowd, and frowned. "I hate to break it to you Applejack, but the people around here are all used to fancy stuff. I should know. I grew up in Canterlot." Then a lightbulb went off in his head. "But...I think I know a way to drum you up some business. First? We need to alter your stand." Burst snuck away, and came back with a marker pen, and a pristine white table cloth. "Care to lend me a hand with the heavy lifting?" Applejack nodded as she set to work removing the treats she'd brought while Burst draped the cloth over her cart, and wrote with teh marker pen. He made sure to write in an elegant font, and the people around the area were intrigued by what was transpiring. Burst noticed the crowd, and smiled. "Greetings everyone. We've come here to display a fine array of refreshments for you tonight. Please don't be shy to leave bits for each item you wish to sample. Enjoy!" And with that, Applejack's stand was booming! She nearly had to get another bucket for all the bits! Burst smiled as he saw the display. Imagine the looks when they find out they're eating the food of commoners! That'll teach the snobs! Burst then heard Applejack announce where she was from, and the entire crowds' jaws dropped! They then kept pouring bits for how good the treats were. Burst chuckled to himself as he went to find Steel and Pinkie. "Mission accomplished."
Steel in the meantime, was satisfied that his guard comrades were covering Pinkie and went to look for Rainbow Dash. He found her saving a pie that a Wonderbolt had dropped, and flew over to her. "You think those moves are good? You should see her when she's really cutting loose with her speed.", Steel said with a grin. "I don't think I've seen anyone move as fast as Rainbow Dash! Usually I'm the one who can barely keep up with her."
Rainbow Dash grinned. "Well, well. Didn't expect the captain of the Elite Guard to endorse me so easily."
"Well you're an Element of Harmony. I'd say that puts you above me a little.", Steel said with a smirk.
Spitfire smiled in return. "Well I didn't expect to meet VIPs I'd actually get to like. Wanna hang?" Steel shrugged while Rainbow Dash nodded enthusiastically. Meanwhile, Steel's guard buddies were making sure that Pinkie's preparations were carried out with no interruptions. However, they hadn't expected Pinkie to get distracted by the atmosphere. It took all they had to keep her focused.
"Are we sure this is worth it man?", a female elite guard asked.
"Heh! You kidding? I can't wait to see the faces of these uptight rich folks when the music is blaring!", her male comrade answered. "Besides. This is the least we can do for Captain Edge since he's come back for tonight." Both guards smiled and continued to monitor Pinkie as she worked. Burst had just arrived, and the guards let him through.
"Hey Pinkie! Can I talk to you for a sec?", Burst asked.
Pinkie nodded. "Uh huh! What is it Burst?"
Burst leaned in. "Well, there's a song me and the guys are gonna perform. It's..." Burst whispered into Pinkie's ear, and she gasped in excitement. "I'm guessing that's a good choice?" Pinkie nodded. "Okay. Here's the time we're gonna perform it." Burst whispered the time into Pinkie's ear. "Think you can have the minus track ready to go by them?" Pinkie nodded excitedly! "Great! Until then, I'm off to watch Celestia and Twilight." Burst went off and returned to the main hall where Celestia and Twilight were greeting guests. "Soon." Inferno in the meantime was tailing Rarity. Rarity had just encountered Blueblood, and was almost hooked on him. Inferno frowned at the spoiled brat of a prince as he showed his vanity with a hair toss.
Creeps like that make me burn up inside., Inferno thought to himself. That creep snatched that rose for himself! Inferno clenched his fist, but soon released it. No. It's not THAT bad. Yet. Better keep tailing Rarity. Make sure a creep like him doesn't mistreat her. And so, Inferno continued to silently tail Rarity as she walked with Blueblood. Back inside, Steel and Rainbow Dash were separated from the Wonderbolts by the huge crowd of people! Rainbow kept jumping to try and get the Wonderbolts in view!
"Man, this isn't hanging out!", Rainbow Dash pouted. Steel took note of her mood, and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Then let's not waste any time. C'mon!" Steel took Rainbow Dash by the hand, and led her to the main dance floor where Pinkie was almost done setting up her party device. "Hey Pinkie! Is it ready?" Pinkie nodded.
"Yup! Just give the word!"
Steel smirked. "Punch it." And the party music started blaring from speakers that popped out of the floor! Steel and his guard buddies then began moving to the music, and Rainbow Dash got pulled in by Steel! "Having fun now?" Rainbow Dash smiled as she and Steel danced! The more refined guests were disgusted at the music, and tried to get the speakers turned off. However to their dismay, more elite guards joined in on the dance party!
"I'm having the time of my life!", Rainbow Dash screamed as she kissed Steel with all she had! Steel blushed a little before he and Rainbow rocked their bodies to the music! "Now THIS is hanging out!" Back at the main hall, Burst noticed Twilight's despairing expression and how many times Celestia was cut off from speaking to her.
Now!, Burst thought to himself as he moved. "Excuse me sirs and madams. But I must borrow these two for a bit." Burst activated his magic and levitated a sign that told the princess would be absent. He then directed the guests with his wings. "If you move to the right, you'll find the gala is going along quite well! Now off you go. Please enjoy." Burst pulled Celestia away with Twilight following to the dance floor.
"Thank you.", Celestia said with a sigh of relief. "You don't know how awful this gala can get." Twilight was a little shocked to hear that her mentor disliked the gala, but she remembered what they had endured for the last few minutes.
"Oh I know princess. My dad told me about it." Burst then smiled. "Which is why me and my friends have made...improvements for this year."
Twilight was confused. "Burst? What're you talking about?"
Burst smiled mischievously. "You're about to find out!" Burst led them to the dance floor where the guests had finally seemed to accept the choice of party music, but things were quiet for the moment. Steel and Rainbow Dash were over by the punch bowl with Spike, Ace, and Ice as they chatted about how their night was going. Tyrannus then walked in with Fluttershy. The two waved goodby to the critters they'd met, and joined the others. "Twilight? I think you'll plenty of time to catch up with Celestia now. I'll be back soon!" Burst gathered the guys. "Okay everyone. So far, the plan's working out perfectly! Inferno's still tailing Rarity and Blueblood, so he's still got a window of time. Did you guys learn the song lyrics?" Ace, Steel, and Tyrannus nodded. "Good." Burst then grabbed a cup, and scooped up some punch. "Looks like this is shaping up to be a real best night ever after all." Pinkie was humming happily over by the DJ equipment, and Burst noticed Applejack carrying a hefty sack of bits while whistling. "Yes. This night's going to be awesome indeed." Meanwhile, Inferno was still tailing Blueblood and was taking note of the prince's less-than-charming behavior.
First he picks the rose for himself, now he sets the cushion only for his flank! Doesn't this punk know how to treat a girl!?!, Inferno internally screamed! Inferno continued his monitoring as he followed the two back inside, and he scowled when he saw Blueblood have Rarity open the door for him! Shouldn't that be the other way around? Inferno then noticed Blueblood stop Rarity when they reached a puddle. Huh looks like he DOES have some bit of decen- Inferno's face froze when he saw Blueblood trying to have Rarity use her dress to mop up the puddle. While he looked calm on the outside, Infernos mind was another story. He. Is. DEAD. Inferno marched over to Blueblood, and tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me? Could I offer you some punch?" Blueblood had a smug grin on his face.
"That would b-"
"SHORYUKEN!", Inferno yelled as he executed an uppercut that launched him into the air and knocked Blueblood to the ground! Blueblood landed on his back unconscious, and Inferno snatched the rose from his tuxedo. He then turned to Rarity who was watching with her hands over her heart. "Hold still please..." Inferno then put the rose into Rarity's dress. "It looks better on you." Inferno then looked to Blueblood in disgust. "And punks like him are considered 'gentlemen.' As if!" He then carried Rarity bridal style while he flew over the puddle, and set her down. "You alright?"
Rarity nodded. "Inferno...why would you do that for me darling?"
"Because....I treasure you Rarity. You've got inner beauty like no one else. So the only way I could ever repay you, is to treat you as well as you've treated me.", Inferno said as his face flushed red. "I hate seeing a beautiful thing getting treated ugly." Rarity's heart was pouring with adoration at this moment as she took Inferno's hand.
"You know? Princes are overrated.", Rarity said with a loving smile. "Dragons really know how to treasure a gem."
Inferno smiled. "Then let me show you how much I treasure you." Inferno followed Rarity to the dance floor, and they began to dance. Burst noticed Inferno and Rarity, and Steel decided that they had the right idea as he took Rainbow Dash by the hand and led her to the dance floor. Burst then approached Celestia, and offered her his hand.
"Might I have this dance?", Burst asked with a smile
Celestia smiled in return. "It would be my pleasure." Pinkie noticed the couples getting together, and put on just the song for the dance.
Song used for this dance:
As the couples danced, they held each other close. Rarity rested her head against Inferno's chest as she held tightly onto his hands. "I must say darling. You've really lived up to your Element of Potential.", Rarity said with a dreamy look in her eyes.
"Really? Why's that?", Inferno asked.
Rarity leaned her face closer to Inferno's. "Because I see the potential of where we can go from here..." Rarity then closed the distance with a passionate kiss! Inferno all too happily returned the kiss as he and Rarity moved. As Burst and Celestia danced, Burst couldn't help but notice how happy all of his friends were. Tyrannus and Fluttershy were dancing with Fluttershy nuzzling Tyrannus. Applejack was happily sitting on her sack of bits. Ace and Ice were watching and waiting for when the signal would be given, and Twilight was dancing with Spike. Burst was then surprised as Celestia leaned into his ear and whispered to him.
"Thank you.", Celestia said with a smile.
"For what?"
"You and your friends really spiced things up this time around. It's the most fun gala I've had in years!"
Burst smiled as he and Celestia danced. Almost the entire room had their eyes on them! "It's about to get even better Celestia." Burst snapped his fingers, and the music stopped. He then gathered Inferno, Steel, Tyrannus, and Ace. The five of them took the stage and each held a microphone. Pinkie then put on a new track, and the guys began to sing.
Burst
Inferno
Steel
Tyrannus
Ace
All
I'm so sick and tired of all these people about
What's the deal with this pop life and when's it gonna fade out
The thing you got to realize what we're doing is not a trend
We got the gift of melody. We gonna bring it to the end
Come on
It doesn't matter
'Bout the car I drive, or what I wear around my neck
All that matters
Is that you recognize that it's just about respect
It doesn't matter
About the clothes I wear, and where I go and why
All that matters
Is that you get hyped and we'll do it to you every time
Do you ever wonder why
This music gets you high?
It takes you on a ride
Feel it when your body starts to rock
Baby you can't stop
And the music's all you got
Come on now
This must be, pop
Dirty pop
Baby you can't stop
I know you like this dirty pop
Now, why you wanna try and classify the type of thing that we do
'Cause we're just fine doin' what we like can we say the same for you?
Tired of feelin' all around me animosity
Just worry about yours 'cause I'ma get mine now people can't you see
It doesn't matter
'Bout the car I drive or the ice around my neck
All that matters
Is that you recognize that it's just about respect
It doesn't matter
About the clothes I wear and where I go and why
All that matters
Is that you get hyped and we'll give it to you every time
Do you ever wonder why
This music gets you high?
It takes you on a ride
Feel it when your body starts to rock
Baby you can't stop
And the music's all you got
Baby comeon
This must be, pop
Burst took a break from singing and busted a few moves on stage while the guys gave him room. Celestia watched, and smiled as she rocked her body to the beat of the music. Burst's demonstration soon ended, and he rejoined the others for the final portion of the song.
Do you ever wonder why
This music gets you high?
It takes you on a ride
Feel it when your body starts to rock
Baby you can't stop
And the music's all you got
Baby comeon
This must be
Do you ever wonder why (Ever wonder why)
This music gets you high? (Music get you high)
It takes you on a ride
Feel it when your body starts to rock (When your body starts to rock
Baby you can't stop
And the music's all you got
This must be, pop.
Burst and the guys bowed as the younger gala guests cheered. They spent time with their friends, and soon enough people began to clear out. Burst was enjoying a glass of punch when Celestia came up to him. "One heck of a show, right?"
"Indeed.", Celestia said with a smile. "Burst? Could I talk to you for a bit?" Burst nodded, and Celestia led him to a balcony. Burst's friends noticed this, and followed keeping out of sight. "It's a lovely night isn't it?"
"It sure is.", Burst said with a smile as he looked at the stars. "I'm just glad they match how good this night was." Celestia looked to Burst, and giggled. "Is something on my face?"
Celestia shook her head. "No. It's just...you've given me more than any suitor has in my entire lifetime, and you've done it in such a short period." Celestia inched closer to Burst. "From the bottom of my heart, I'm truly thankfully you've come along. It's a shame you're still single."
"Actually...", Burst said with a light blush. "There IS a girl I have my eye on..."
"Oh? What's she like?"
Burst scratched his head. "Well...she's incredibly beautiful, and extremely kind. She cares about everyone deeply, and always looks so bright and cheerful. In terms of her looks...I really can't do her any justice. Her smile, her voice...every part of her drives me crazy!" Burst was then surprised when Celestia put her hand on his.
"And to think it all started with a simple promise.", Celestia said with a loving smile. Burst wanted to pull away, but found himself rooted by his heart and legs. Celestia then cupped Burst's face with her hands, and leaned close as she wrapped her wings around him. "Did you think I wouldn't pick up on it?"
Burst's face was almost flushed red now! "I...actually hoped you would. We've only spent so much time together, but it feels like so long. And when I'm close to you like this...I just don't wanna let go..." Burst then looked Celestia right in her lovely violet eyes. "I...I love you Celestia. So if you'd have me..." Burst was silenced as Celestia put a finger to his lips.
"You don't even have to ask.", Celestia said with a loving smile. "I feel the same about you."
Burst craned his neck,and Celestia lowered hers as the two shared a kiss that felt electric through their bodies! Both of them having a sense that this was where they belonged. Burst wrapped his arms and wings around Celestia's waist while she draped her arms over his back. When they broke contact, Burst felt alive. "That...was my first kiss..." Celestia smiled as she caressed the side of Burst's face.
"Would you like another?", she asked with a playful smile. Burst simply smiled as their lips met once again. Reluctantly, Burst and Celestia let go of each other. "We should spend more time together."
"Well you know how to reach me.", Burst said with a loving smile. "I'm just a teleport away. Message me when you're free. But until the, good night Celestia." The two shared one last kiss before parting ways.
"Good night Burst.", Celestia said with a fond smile as she watched Burst and his friends leave the gala.
As Burst went to sleep that night, he smiled. "Best. Night. Ever." And he fell into a happy slumber.