//------------------------------//
// Episode 4: New Embers and Old Flames 
// Story: Elements of Heroism: Season 5 
// by Bahamut0 
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"...And then I turned into my true form and scared her witless!" Narico joked as he and Abyss sat on a bench in the park. "That's how I made three great friends who really made this town feel like home."

Abyss couldn't help but laugh at Narico's story. "You certainly made quite the first impression on your first day." Abyss then took a hold of Narico's hand. "Sorry if me having to come in from Canterlot keeps you waiting."

"N-No!" Narico protested. "I don't mind waiting for you to arrive. If you didn't...who would be waiting at the train station to greet you?"

Abyss giggled. "You're sweet." She then kissed Narico on his forehead minding his horn. "And here I thought changelings didn't know what love truly was." She then nuzzled against Narico. "I can't help but lose my sense of time when I'm with you. Sometimes it feels like an instant, and other times and eternity."

"I could say the same thing." Narico let out a fond sigh. "Speaking of time, what is it right now?"

Abyss checked her watch. "Oh. It's about three."

"Crap!" Narico cursed as he sprang to his feet! "Sorry to cut this short, but I gotta go! The CMC are gonna be ticked at me for being late! Bye!" Narico took off as fast as his insect wings could take him! And Abyss couldn't help but smile as she saw him fly off.

Despite his appearance, he stays young at heart. Abyss thought.

The CMC Clubhouse
"Sorry I'm late!" Narico panted as he collapsed onto the floor of the clubhouse. "I lost track of time and had to bolt my way over here."

Scootaloo scratched her head. "You've been showing up late a lot lately Narico. Something going on?"

"Oh. Well..." Narico smiled fondly as he thought back to his date with Abyss. "I was spending time with a...really good friend."

Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes, and decided to inspect Narico. And a small smirk crept across her face. "I know that look. Rarity gets it whenever she's with Inferno! You have a girlfriend!"

"Oh man!" Scootaloo facepalmed! "I SO should've seen that coming! Rainbow Dash blushes like crazy whenever she thinks about Steel!"

Apple Bloom nodded. "Yeah! Kinda like how mah big sis gets all giggly when North's around!" The CMC then all frowned. "Hey...when were you gonna tell us you had a special somebody?"

"Wait. I was supposed to tell other people?" Narico asked with a confused look. "The only other people who know about me dating Abyss are Aria and Fang."

Sweetie Belle then leaped to her feet and tried to drag along Narico! "Well better late than never! Come on! We've gotta tell all your friends! They'll be so happy for you!" And with that, Narico and the CMC set out to tell all of his friends about his current romance. Everyone sounded pretty happy for Narico finding his first love. And he couldn't help but beam with some pride that he'd come far in their eyes.

"Well now that everyone knows, I guess all that's left is to introduce Abyss to everyone." Narico said with a sigh of relief. "It'd be rude to keep everyone waiting." Narico texted Abyss about meeting all his friends tonight. And he smiled when he saw her reply. "Perfect. Looks like she'll be able to make it." That evening, Narico waited at one of the benches at the train station. Equal parts excited and nervous to see Abyss. Sure enough, the train pulled into the station. And Narico's jaw dropped when he saw Abyss. She was wearing a medium grey dress, and a smile on her lips. "Gee. Now I feel a bit under-dressed."

Abyss giggled at Narico's realization. "I think that's how you look best. So are you going to keep your friends waiting?"

"Not in the least." Narico said with a smile as he led Abyss by the hand to Twilight's castle. "Hi everyone! I thought you might like to meet the woman of my dreams who's captured my heart. It's my pleasure to introduce her." Abyss then stepped out from behind Narico. "This is Abyss."

Abyss smiled at the assembled group. "Pleased to meet you all. Narico's told me a lot about you all. I must say, I certainly didn't expect him to have friends in such high places." Each of the group introduced themselves to Abyss, but Abyss stopped when Burst came up to greet her.

"Is something wrong?" Burst asked with a puzzled look on his face. "Did I get something on my face?"

Abyss stood still. Rooted in place as she analyzed Burst's appearance. "You look so much like your father."

"You know my dad?" Burst asked. "How?"

Abyss then shook her head. "Oh. He must not have told you. Forget I said anything. I'm just happy Aether found someone to settle down with." 

The rest of the visit went on as per usual, but Burst was curious as to how Abyss knew his father. So who better to ask than dear old dad? Burst dialed up his dad's number. "Hey, Dad? Can I ask you something?"

"Sure Burst." Aether said over the phone. "So what's on your mind lately?"

"Well, you dated a few women before you settled down with Mom, right?" Burst began. "Does the name Abyss bring up any old flames?" And on the other end of the phone, Aether immediately hung up. "Dad? What's wrong? Dad?"

Aether flew as fast as he could toward Ponyville. Landing in front of Twilight's castle, and throwing the doors open. Everyone in shock at his sudden arrival, but none more so than Abyss. Abyss looked to everyone else. "Could all of you leave the two of us alone for a moment? There's a bit of business we need to discuss." As everyone left, Abyss was soon alone with Aether. "You haven't aged a day."

"You've certainly grown." Aether said with a nod. "I didn't think I'd be seeing you again. So what brought you into the town my son resides in?"

Abyss smiled. "A new love."

"...Does he hold a large place in your heart?" Aether asked.

Abyss nodded. "Yes. He's a changeling. Young. But very sweet. "

"...Does he love you?" Aether asked.

Abyss was silent for a minute. "Yes. With every last bit of myself." Abyss's gaze then saddened. "Much like how I loved you. Once."

"But I didn't return that feeling." Aether said with a sigh. "I couldn't spend my life with someone I couldn't put my heart into. I'm truly sorry if I hurt you that way. But you were so young at the time. I...didn't want you to throw your life away for me."

"He could've been ours you know." Abyss said with a sad smile. "Your son. Burst. True. You leaving me did hurt. But you gave me a piece of yourself that I could remember you by. And I suppose it worked out for the best. I hold no ill will towards you Aether. I'm simply happy that you have the happiness I couldn't give you."

Aether breathed a sigh of relief. "Hearing you say that takes a great weight off my soul. That being said, I'd better be off. My wife might get worried with how quickly I left." Aether turned to leave, but stopped. "For what it's worth? It was truly nice to see you again."

"You as well." Abyss said with a nod as she watched Aether leave. When Abyss returned home to Canterlot that night, Blitz Surge greeted her.

Blitz observed his mother. "You seem to be in a more balanced mood."

"I spoke with your father today." Abyss said with a small smile. "He's not changed a bit. Burst Stream looks so much like him."

Blitz nodded. "So. Where's that leave me?"

"You're quite anxious to meet your 'brother' aren't you?" Abyss asked. "The time of our reunion is coming Blitz. Soon you shall have all you desire."

Blitz smiled. "Thank you mother. It's high time I reclaim my right." He then looked to the night sky. "The right of a Son of Aether."