Blaze Burn and Eternal Flames stood their ground, staring each other down.
Eternal took the first move and charged at his father. Blaze Burn stood his ground and and only lit up his horn, only this time, instead of his usual magic, a small flame at the tip of his horn appeared. He aimed it at his charging son and fired at blazing speed, but Eternal caught on the attack and took a step out of the way.
Blaze Burn turned up the heat by casting more fire magic in a circular motion, spreading closer and closer to Eternal, who tried to dodge the attack, but got hit by the last two flames. He was flung towards the ring of fire, but not too close.
He got back up and kept his charged back at his father, engulfing his horn in a red aura and fired magic blasts like a magical gatling gun. Blaze Burn blocked most of the attacks, using his own fire magic as a shield and dodged the rest of them by tilting his head slightly.
Eternal took the time to slide underneath Blaze Burn in order to land a kick from below to send him flying into the air, which only slightly worked. Blaze Burn flapped his wings upon impact to lessen the damage from the blow and shot more fire magic down towards his son, this time, each one he shot was a bit bigger than his previous fire magic attacks.
This nearly caught Eternal off guard, but he managed to barely escape with only a few small burn marks, small enough to shrug off. But Eternal was getting more serious the more the fight began to progress and his friends were getting worried about him.
"Is this suppose to be a trial or a massacre?! He's not even holding back!" Sunset says as she watches the stallions still fighting each other.
"Oh he's holding back, alright. Eternal can sense it, too. He knows his father would never do anything to hurt his son, mostly because he loves him too much. Apparently, he's taking it as an insult. He's never liked anypony holding back on him when it came to fighting." Tidal Wave explained.
"Ah dunno, isn't Eternal holdin' back on his attacks?" AJ asks.
"He did at first, but I can sense his magical energy getting stronger. He and the rest of us were taught to never pull any punches and out of the 6 of us, only 3 of us took the advice." Shadow explains.
Eternal Flames started growling as he kept firing his magic at his father who was in the air. He dodged every single one of his attacks without fail before flying back down and readied another fire magic attack, but this time, at close range and blasted Eternal back. He flipped backwards as he got blown back and kicked with his hinde legs, gaining more speed and tackled his father to the ground.
Blaze Burn kicked Eternal in the stomach, sending him into the air. Blaze Burn got up and flew up to his son, readying a punch with his right forehoof. Eternal sees it coming and teleports back onto the ground and launched a magic attack, paralizing Blaze Burn. He gave out a shout of pain before falling down to the ground where Eternal Flames stood on his hinde legs and caught him in his forehooves.
But before he could put him on the ground, Blaze Burn teleported behind Eternal Flames and shot 3 fire balls from his horn and landed all three onto their target. Eternal grunted in pain and turned around with a harsh glare and charged at his father with anger in his eyes.
Blaze Burn had finally put his plan into action and just stood there, waiting for Eternal to get closer to him. When he did, Eternal leaped up to land a spin kick on Blaze Burn's face, but it was blocked by Blaze's magic fire wall, and same went for all of his other physical attacks.
Although, it seemed hopeless, Eternal kept pressing on the attack in the vein hope of landing another attack on his father, but to no avail. He was getting angrier and angrier with each blow that was blocked as his father kept a calm look on his face throughout the fight.
"I don't get it, he's only using his hooves to attack. Why doesn't he just use his magic?" Sunset asks.
"For a very simple reason: he's clouded by rage. Blaze's plan was to push Eternal over the edge in order to gain the advantage over Eternal. His goal is to tire him out and then deliver the crushing blow once he's used up all of his strength." Spark Burst says.
"Tire him out? That's no fun." Pinkie says.
"Fights like these aren't suppose to be fun. Especially not to Eternal Flames. Each fight he's been in, he's never taken any of them lightly." Tidal Wave explains.
"He'd probably choose to fight rather than to just sit down and relax with something to eat. In fact there were times when he didn't get enough to eat during fights." Ground Breaker says. "He got so cranky that he nearly almost damaged one of us beyond repair."
"Oh dear, that doesn't sound good." Fluttershy says, a bit scared. But then, to the sound of Eternal shouting, made her hide behind Hurricane Breeze.
As the fight progressed, Eternal was dripping in sweat while his father was still perfectly fine. Eternal was just standing around, panting and snarling. It had become clear to Eternal that Blaze Burn was trying to wear him down using his own anger and frustration against him. Eternal had to come up with a plan and had to do it fast because now, Blaze Burn started spreading his fire magic attacks.
"You've proven to be a very formitable opponent, my son. But you're still far too reckless to even land at least 5 blows on me and it's with great shame that I must end this fight once and for all. There is no shame in admitting defeat, you can try again tomorrow." Blaze Burn says.
"NEVER! I'm not about to leave my friends hanging because I failed a simple trial! Strike me down all you want, I'm not going to stop until I've beaten you, even if it kills me!" Eternal replied, still glaring. He slowly approached Blaze Burn, in order to conserve his energy. Blaze Burn stood his ground, readying one of his signature fire magic attacks, and Eternal felt his body shaking up.
He could feel the others staring at him. He knows he's fighting a losing battle, but he didn't care. Eternal lit up his horn to prepare another magic attack. Blaze Burn blasted his fire magic at Eternal and knocked his focus out of his own attack and sent him blown towards the exit and landed hard on his back, letting out a grunt of pain before slowly trying to get up.
"Guys... I give you my word." Eternal grunted. He stood up on all fours like a proud prince, only he didn't smile, and only had the face of determination. "I vow to win!" he said, glaring at his father.
'Be careful, son. Making empty promises leads to consequences.' Blaze Burn thought to himself.
Eternal slowly approached his father closer and closer until he was close enough to where he was able to lean up onto his father, still feeling the pain from the last attack. Blaze Burn wasn't sure of what his son had in store for being this close to him with no chance of landing a big blow. But then, that's when the alicorn stallion realized a little too late and his eyes flew wide open.
In that moment, Eternal latched onto his father's neck and shined another red aura around his horn, readying yet another magic attack. Only this time, Blaze Burn was trying to shake him off. He was becoming quite agitated with each attempt to shake his son off of him. Eternal kept a tight grip as he charged up his attack, but he wasn't going to hold on any longer.
"He's got guts, I'll give him that." Rainbow says.
"Hey, you know what, darling? I just realized that Eternal hasn't used any fire magic. He's had plenty of opportunities to attack like that, but he's only using his normal magic." Rarity says.
"Well, he doesn't like to admit it, but Eternal can't cast fire magic. He was never taught how to because his father thought it was too dangerous. Eternal once tried to train himself to use fire magic, but sadly, he could only cast powerful magic spells." Shadow Force says.
"But how come his father uses it?" Fluttershy asks.
"Don't you remember, Fluttershy? Princess Celestia taught him how to use fire magic." Sunset says.
"What? That's totally unfair! I ought to pound that guy into an apple cider!" Rainbow says.
"Calm down now, Rainbow. That there stallion ain't no pushover. Even if you can outspeed him, he's more about using his head instead of rushing into a fight." AJ says.
"You're only half right, Applejack. Blaze Burn may look like he's slow, but he's actually pretty fast as much as he is strong, despite his age. I learned the hard way myself when I first asked him to spar and he told me to give it all I've got, but I didn't listen to him." Spark Burst says.
"He's got a point there." Hurricane Breeze says. "Me and the others watched it with our own eyes and Spark Burst had been beaten because the king said he was "doubting the situation he was in" and when he said that, Spark felt like his pride was damaged afterwards."
"Sad, but true. I was ashamed for doubting the king."
"You know, I don't like to admit it, Spark, but there were times even I had to swallow my pride and admit defeat, but that was a couple of years ago." Rainbow says.
"Let go of me this instant!" Blaze Burn shouted, still trying to shake off his son.
"N-NEVER! Not until I've beaten you, dad!" Eternal grunted. And at that moment, his his born was blinking a bright red light and in the struggle, he unleashed a powerful magic surge on Blaze Burn, powerful enough to shock him and Eternal Flames himself, mostly because he hasn't released his grip. Blaze Burn shouted in pain and Eternal Flames grunted in pain.
The others watched as the two stallions just stood there, taking the damage from the magic surge until the attack slowly subsided and both stallions collapsed.
But unknown to them, a mysterious figure buried deep in the mountain was slowly awakening from their deep slumber, and not in the good way.
Eternal Flames and Blaze Burn struggled to get back on their hooves, but Eternal's attack had done a number on them, including himself since he sustained more damage. But he didn't give up and forced himself to stand up slowly, but his father wasn't far behind. Once they got back on all fours, Eternal slowly advanced towards Blaze Burn, short on breath. All four of his hooves were shaking.
Blaze Burn, however, stood his ground to regain some of his power. His breathing was fairly short, bu slowly, he was regaining his strength. Blaze Burn watched as his son advanced towards him, not caring how hurt he was and in turn, this lft Blaze Burn a little scared. Scared for what'll happen if his son continues the fight in his current condition, so with no other option he took a few steps towards Eternal, closing the gap between the two of them, until he was close enough to try to use his fire magic.
But Eternal senses it and used up the last of his strength to turn around and deliver a double kick to Blaze Burn's face using only his hinde hooves. Blaze Burn felt the pain from his son's kick, and landed flat on his back with a loud thud and a grunt of pain.
"G... Game over, dad!" Eternal says, panting. "You lose..."
"Y-Yes... you're right son." Blaze Burn grunts. Eternal still panted heavily and kneeled down.
"Nngh! You know, dad. I think you've made your point around here. When we first fought, I was well aware that my magic would never match yours. I know."
"Then, why... why did you fight me anyways?"
"Because, even though I was scared of your power, I wanted to face it head on. How else was I suppose to improve myself as a prince if I don't have the courage to do so?"
"Eternal... there's a difference between having courage and being reckless. Do you realize that you nearly killed yourself with that insane stunt?! This was suppose to be a trial, not a suicide mission, have you no shame, you reckless boy?!"
His words made Eternal tighten his eyes closed as he took in the lecture. "Y-You're right, dad. I was wrong. My actions were nearly lethal and unforgivable. I woudn't be surprised if I failed the trial."
Blaze Burn looked over at his son as he hung his head in shame. He could actually feel the guilt and disappointment in his eyes and could even see himself in his son. Blaze Burn sighed and got up and walked towards his son and stood in front of him with a straight face.
"Eternal. Look at me." Blaze said. Eternal obeyed and looked up. "Although, I am disappointed with your recklessness, you admitted to your mistake, which requires a lot of dignity and courage. But you're wrong, son, I may have subtle amount of strength and magic, but that didn't mean I was invincible and your courage and determination was proof that you came a long way."
"W-What?" Eternal looked up at his father with confusion. "What are you saying?"
"Let me put it in simple terms... you, Eternal Flames, passed the trial. And I'm proud of you. The final Element of Freedom is now yours!" upon saying this, Blaze Burn's horn glew a dark red and summoned a pedastal out of the ground, but it wasn't a golden necklace like the others. It was actually a golden crown and had the same fire symbol as Eternal's cutie mark. Eternal reached to grab it and placed it upon his head, in turn, he felt his whole body lift off of the ground and his wounds began to heal as his body was trapped in a beautiful bright red glow until he finally touched the ground with no more wounds on his body.
Eternal checked his body and felt no pain anymore. He looked back at his father and gave him a hug. Blaze Burn hugged his son back and whispered in his ear.
"I'm very proud of you, my son. But promise me not to do that ever again."
"I'll make sure to be more careful, father. I promise." Eternal replied.
"Awww." everypony else exclaimed. And soon, the flames around the edges had finally vanished and Eternal finally joined back with his friends, with Blaze Burn as well.
"You're not hurt anymore, are you?" Sunset asks.
"Surprisingly, no. I guess the element must have some kind of healing power it produces after a battle had been fought or something like that." Eternal replied.
"Well, the important thing is that you're back and we finally accomplished our mission." Shadow says.
"OOH, OOH, OOH, THIS CALLS FOR A PARTY!" Pinkie shouts, pulling her party cannon out and firing it. Eternal leaned his head back to avoid getting blown by the cannon.
"Oh, most certainly." Rarity says, giving Eternal her "ladylike charm" "And I know just who to--"
"Not a chance, Rarity. Have some self control." Eternal said. Rarity's jaw dropped as she got rejected again.
"Ouch! Burn! Heh, heh!" Rainbow chuckled.
"Now, now, let's not start a battle royale over the silliest little arguements. Come along, I think it's time we headed back to the village." Blaze Burn says. Everypony nodded and gathered close to each other and Blaze Burn teleported everypony back into the village.
However, after they left, a strange rumble from inside the mountain began to make itself known, as a really big crack had suddenly appeared and a claw pops out.
Down at the village, everpony was finally resting up by the bench, catching their breath from the long travel, but Blaze Burn had a little time to finally talk with Princess Celestia.
"To think that after all these years, you still look just as beautiful as when we first met." Blaze Burn says.
Celestia giggled. "I could say the same thing to you, but you've obviously matured quite a bit." she retorts.
Blaze Burn chuckled. "What do you mean by "a bit?" I've grown taller, and I've looked over the village from high on that mountain for quite a while now."
"Yes, but I can still tell that you're still trying to re-live your youth."
"I'm only 47, still a young man. Even you still look as young as springtime, dear."
"See, that's what I mean, still trying to re-live your youth... as a flatterer."
Celestia and Blaze Burn shared a friendly laugh before they hugged each other. Eternal nearly smirked at his parents as they were getting along so well. But Spike and Twilight were clueless on why they were speaking like they knew each other.
"Hey, Eternal, who's the stallion that Princess Celestia is talking to?" Spike asks.
"Do you recall how mother said she was married?" Eternal asks.
"Y-Yeah, why?"
"Well, that's who she's married to. That's the former king Blaze Burn. My father."
"That's your father?" Twilight asked, a bit surprised. "Just how old is he? He looks like he's probably around Celestia's age."
"True, he does look like it, but he's actually 47." Eternal explained.
"Really? I never knew that!" Twilight says.
"You learn something new every day."
"Yes, you're right about that, Eternal." Celestia said. She approached the others. "Well, it looks like you've finally gotten the Elements of Freedom. So, do you know the names of your elements?"
"I think so, princess. This might sound crazy, but, I can tell that this one is the Element of Teamwork." Shadow Force says, looking at his necklace.
"I can just feel that this one is the Element of Hope." Hurricane Breeze says.
"I know this bad boy is the Element of Respect." Ground Breaker says.
"I can easily deduce that mine is the Element of Knowledge." said Tidal.
"And as for mine, it's the Element of Wisdom." said Spark with confidence.
"Good, good. And what about you, son? Do you know what yours is?" Celestia asks.
"Let's see. I know my trial was a test to cast my fears aside. Although, I did get a little reckless, I'm fairly sure that my element is actually...... the Element... of Courage!" Eternal says.
"...Correct." Blaze Burn says.
"Well, I suppose congradulations are in order. How about we all go out to dinner? You've all worked so hard and you all deserve a little treat." Blaze Burn says. The idea seemed to make Pinkie squeal in excitement and she pulled her party cannon out, shooting confetti everywhere.
"What the?! Where in the blasted blue blazes did she get that thing?" Eternal asks.
"Oh, that's just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie." Rainbow says.
"Uh..... okay?"
But just then, the ground began to rumble and the villagers started to panic, dropping everything and taking cover in their houses or in the other buildings. The lions over in the valley ran around roaring and taking shelter in their dens, while the whole gang was struck with shock.
"YIPPEE, ANOTHER CLIFF HANGER!!!" Pinkie shouted.
"Wait what?!" Eternal asked, confused.
To Be Continued