//------------------------------//
// Episode 2: A Hero's Power Part 2 
// Story: EoH Evolution: Season 1 
// by Bahamut0 
//------------------------------//

Twilight had rushed into her library, and was frantically searching for the book that contained information on Nightmare Moon's banishment. Spike helping her in the frantic search for the information they sought. "Come on, there has to be something on the Elements of Harmony here!"

"What are these 'Elements of Harmony'?" Applejack asked as she and the other girls stepped inside the library. "They sound mighty important if yer searchin' so frantically."

Rainbow Dash then zipped right over to Twilight's face! "More importantly, how do you know Nightmare Moon? Are you a spy?!"

"She's not a spy." Burst Stream said as he entered the library. "I can vouch for her on that. I've known her since we went to Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Magi. She did her research on Nightmare Moon's return. Like I did mine." Burst then looked to Twilight, and smiled. "So. What's our next move going to be?"

Twilight beamed at Burst Stream sticking up for her. "Well, according to the old legend, Nightmare Moon was banished by the first time by the Elements of Harmony. Six powerful artifacts containing the magic of harmony. Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. But the sixth is unknown. However, it's said that when the other five are gathered a spark will reveal the sixth element. Although that could mean anything."

"Well, we'll have plenty of time to-huh?!" Burst flinched for a minute as Rarity began to inspect him. Getting very close within his personal space. He noted her appearance. Perfectly styled purple curls of hair, a purple skirt with a three diamond pattern on it, black boots, and a white dress shirt. "Uh, can I help you miss..?"

"Oh! How rude of me! My name is Rarity. It's a pleasure to meet you. Burst Stream, correct?"Rarity giggled. "Please forgive me darling. I was just admiring that positively dashing coat you have on. Why I'd say you certainly look the part of a hero with it on! If your earlier actions against Nightmare Moon didn't speak loud enough."

Burst gave Rarity a small smile. "Thanks for saying that. But I'm not trying to defeat her. I'm trying to save her. You all DID notice that I tried to talk her down earlier, right? Conflict isn't one of my go-to strategies." Burst then looked to Twilight. "Hey Twi? You got any ideas as to where the Elements of Harmony?"

"Let's see..." Twilight inspected the book. "Ah ha! Alright, it says that the Elements of Harmony were last seen at the sight of Nightmare Moon's first defeat. The Castle of the Two Sisters." Twilight's smile soon faded. "Uh oh. The last location of the castle is..."

"THE EVERFREE FOREST?!" The entire group shouted as the faced the entrance of the infamous forest. It operated unlike the rest of the world. The clouds moved on their own without the direction of Skyborn. But what really made the forest such a heavily avoided place was the various monsters that roamed the forest. Hydras. Cockatrices. And most notable of all, Timberwolves.

Burst noticed a butter-yellow Skyborn girl shaking in place, and decided to try and reassure her. "Hey there." The girl jumped a good couple of feet in the air before landing on her feet. "You're quite the jumpy one, aren't you?" Burst noted her outfit consisted of a green sweater and a pink skirt with sandals.

"Y-Yes." Fluttershy said shakily. "Especially since we're going to be headed into a dangerous place filled with monsters and going against a really scary villain who wants to make the night last forever." Fluttershy then looked to Burst. "You must not be scared at all if you're going anyway. I'm Fluttershy by the way."

Burst smiled at Fluttershy. "Actually? I am pretty scared Fluttershy."He then looked to the rest of the girls. "In fact, I think all of us are just the least bit terrified of what's ahead of us. But that's okay. It's good that we admit to ourselves we're scared. And admitting that but going forward anyway is what real bravery is. But if you're still scared, don't be." Burst patted one of his blasters. "I'll be by your side every step of the way." Fluttershy smiled at hearing this. Burst then noticed Twilight talking to Spike before the group headed out. "You're pretty close to Spike, aren't you?"

"He's like a little brother to me." Twilight said with a small smile. "If we don't make it back, I at least want to know that he'll be safe somewhere." Twilight took a deep breath as she stared at the path before them. "Alright. Let's go!" And with that, the group headed into the Everfree Forest. "So...Burst. When did you have the time to get how strong you are now?"

Burst blinked. "Well, I had to quit CSGM. That's the only way that I could get in all the training with my Dad so I could prepare for this day."

Twilight nodded. "Alright. That makes sense. But that brings up another question: How did your Dad know about Nightmare Moon's return?"

"Easy. My dad's an Avatar." Burst said casually. However, Twilight's jaw dropped. Burst chuckled at Twilight's reaction. "Yeah, I was pretty surprised when I found out that little secret too. My Dad's been around for a long time, and he picked up a lot of tricks over the years. And like you saw earlier, those tricks served me pretty well. I was at least able to hold my own against Nightmare Moon. But honestly? I was expecting to get curb stomped in that fight."

"And yet you decided to keep on fighting anyway." Twilight noted. "But there's another thing I don't get. Why did you call Nightmare Moon 'Princess Luna'?"

"Because that was Nightmare Moon's name. Before she transformed because of all the jealousy, neglect, and anger that stewed inside her for so long." Burst said sadly. "And you're probably wondering why I'm even putting my life on the line. Well...that's because I made a promise when I was a little kid. I made a connection between the story and real life. The elder sister? That's Princess Celestia. She had to fight her own family, and seal her only sibling away on the moon. Seeing something so sad being waved off as an old story was something I couldn't stand. At least, not with the ending it had. I promised to myself that I'd give that sad story a happy ending." Burst smiled at Twilight. "But I'm happy to say I won't be alone in this fight. But I guess there was a reason why such a horrible event was waved off as a story. The kingdom would've fallen apart. And Princess Celestia had a kingdom to rule and protect. She couldn't afford to show any tears. Maybe after this is all over, she can have a real smile on her face. Something I hope I can see."

Twilight was about to respond when a roar sounded in front of them! The group saw a manticore charging right at them! Burst whipped out one of his blasters, and fired a warning shot! The manticore leaped out of the way, but roared as soon as it hit the ground again! The group wasted no time in engaging the beast! However, Fluttershy had been paying attention to the paw that the manticore seemed to be avoiding from setting down. "WAIIIIT!" Fluttershy cried out as she flew in between the group and the manticore! Fluttershy inspected the manticore's paw, and pulled out a thorn! The manticore happily licked Fluttershy's face before bounding away. 

"Fluttershy, that was incredible!" Twilight cheered! "How did you know that would work?

Fluttershy smiled, and simply shrugged. "I didn't. But sometimes, we all just need a little bit of kindness." And with that, the group moved on. Unaware of the thorn that had been removed turning into blue mist. The mist then entered a nearby cluster of trees. Changing their appearance to something more fearsome. The entire group began to freak out! Everywhere they turned, they saw another tree that appeared to have a monstrous face! However, everyone stopped panicking when they noticed Pinkie Pie laughing at the trees and making silly faces at them. And when Burst started to laugh as well, everyone else thought they were crazy.

"Burst...what's gotten into you?" Rainbow Dash asked. "First Pinkie's laughing about like nothing's wrong, and now you? Are we all starting to go nuts?!"

Burst tried to keep himself together. "It-it's nothing like that Dash. It's just, here we are. On our way to face the very embodiment of all things dark, and we get scared by a bunch of trees! It's, pffft! It's pretty funny when you think about it!" One by one, the rest of the group began to laugh at the realization. And as their laughter rang through the air, the trees slowly returned to normal. The cloud of blue mist slithering away. However, Burst noticed Pinkie looked a bit disappointed. "Hey, Pinkie? Are you alright?"

"Okey-dokey Burst!" Pinkie chirped. "There was a song that was supposed to happen, but that's cool. We need to get to your next big fight scene! Hmm. Maybe I should've brought along some popcorn. Like I did for your first fight against Nightmare Moon!" Although he'd gotten used to Pinkie's randomness, it never ceased to amaze Burst how you could never know what to expect from Pinkie Pie. He couldn't help but chuckle at her antics. As they progressed further into the forest, they heard crying. The source being a sea serpent whose mustache had been mutilated. 

Rarity took a close look at the damage, and an idea came to her. "Excuse me sir. But I'll need to borrow one of your scales." The light purple aura of her magic surrounded her hands as the marks on her hands glowed. Using telekinesis to pluck free one of the serpent's scales, Rarity used it to cut off most of her own hair! She then grafted it onto where the serpent's mustache had been cut. "There we are darling! Good as new!" The serpent was grateful for the act of generosity, and extended his body as a bridge so they could all cross.

"That was pretty big of you Rarity." Burst noted. "I can tell you spent a lot of time and effort into styling your hair like that. It probably wasn't easy of you to give it up like that."

Rarity giggled. "Oh it was nothing darling. How could I be so selfish as to not let such a crime against grooming go unanswered? I would never be able to forgive myself if I were to not help those in their time of need! Especially if it involves looking fabulous!" As the group ventured further, they saw their destination within reach. However, the cliff Twilight was standing on started to give way! Applejack rushed over to her, and caught her just in time! 

Out of the corner of her eye, Applejack caught sight of Rainbow Dash flying around to a position where she could catch Twilight! "Twilight. You need to let go."

"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" Twilight screamed!

Applejack frowned. "Ah'm not lyin' Twilight. You're going to be fine. Please. Trust me." Twilight gulped nervously, and let go! She had expected to hit the ground, but found herself still in the air courtesy of Rainbow Dash. "See? I told ya sugarcube." Applejack said with a reassuring smile. The group continued on their way towards the castle. But a broken bridge greeted them as they approached ever closer to their goal.

"Teleporting would put a lot of strain on us." Burst noted. "Especially when factoring in all the back and forth we'd need to do just to get everyone across too. And if we give out..." Burst looked down at the drop that greeted them below the broken bridge. "Well, I think we'd all rather not have that picture in our heads."

Rainbow Dash smirked. "I got this one! No problem! One bridge coming up!" Rainbow Dash flew over the chasm, and landed on the other side. She had gotten to work re-tying the bridge to its posts when a voice called out to her.

"Raaiiinbow..." The voice called out.

Rainbow Dash instantly jumped into a fighting stance! Her eyes darting about as she tried to find the source of the voice! "Who's there?! Show yourself!"

"Rainbow Dash. We've been watching you for quite a while now. And we're very impressed by your skill." The voice replied. Coming out seemingly everywhere at once.

Rainbow Dash basked in the praise. "Thanks! Could you tell the Wonderbolts about me? I've been trying to join up with them for forever!"

"No Rainbow Dash we want you to join our team." The voice replied. Out of nowhere, three Skyborn wearing what looked like dark versions of the Wonderbolt flight suits stepped forward. The outfits being purple and black instead of shades of blue, and the badge of their suits was a skull with a lightning bolt on it. "We're the Shadowbolts. The greatest flying team in the Everfree Forest. And we've been looking for the fastest...the bravest..." The lead Shadowbolt began to circle Rainbow Dash. "We want...you."

Rainbow Dash grinned at being praised so highly! "AWESOME! Just let my tie up this bridge and-"

"NO!" The Shadowbolt leader hissed! "It's either them or us! What's it going to be?" As the rest of the group noticed, the Shadowbolts manipulated the fog so that the others were out of sight!

Rainbow Dash looked at the ground in contemplation before looking the lead Shadowbolt right in the eye. "You. Thank you. For the offer I mean. But I'm gonna have to pass. I've got more important things to take care of right now." Rainbow Dash set to work repairing the bridge. The Shadowbolts turning into mist, and slithering off into the castle. "Like I said. No problem." Everyone smiled, and nodded as they headed into the castle.

"Everyone be careful." Burst cautioned. "Now that we're on Nightmare Moon's turf, chances are she's not going to make things any easier for us. Keep your guard up." The group cautiously made their way through the castle. Carefully eyeing the shadows and darkness as if Nightmare Moon might be lurking anywhere. Waiting to strike at them. Sure enough, they came upon the room where the Elements of Harmony were stored. However, due to their long period of inactivity, they had been reduced to no more than mere stones.

Twilight reached out with her magic, and levitated the five stones over to here. "When the five elements are assembled together, a spark will reveal the sixth." Twilight turned to face the others. "All of you, please. Leave me to my work. This takes a lot of focus, and I could use some space so I can do this." But as the rest of the girls left, Burst stayed put. "Burst, that means you too."

"No can do Twilight." Burst said as he shook his head. "Currently, you're out best shot at reviving the Elements of Harmony. And you're going to be pretty busy trying to ignite the spark. You'll be vulnerable during that time, and easy prey for Nightmare Moon. If you get taken down, there goes our best and only hope for defeating her. Like it or not, I'm looking out for you. Nothing's going to steer me away." Twilight gave a defeated sigh, and nodded in ascent to Burst's resolution. But as soon as Twilight got to work, a large cloud of blue mist entered the room! The mist swirled around, and Nightmare Moon took full form!

"I sincerely applaud you all for making it as far as you have." Nightmare Moon said with a sage nod. "However, this is where your journey comes to an end."

Burst stepped in front of Twilight, and drew his sword and one of his blasters. "Twilight. You focus on getting the elements to work." Burst then got into a fighting stance. "I'll hold her off for as long as I can." Burst looked Nightmare Moon in the eye. "We really gotta stop meeting like this."

"It seems our paths cross once more." Nightmare Moon said with a bemused smirk. "You've been on my mind since our last dance. But I had assumed our last encounter would have discouraged you from any further encounters." A dark giggle escaped her lips. "But I suppose I was pleasantly surprised to see that's not the case. Still, I wonder. You barely know this girl, and yet you risk life and limb to help her. Why?"

Burst smiled. "Isn't it obvious?" Burst pointed his sword right at Nightmare Moon. "That's what heroes do. They use their power to all the good they can wherever they can. And right now? I'm where I can do the most good with what I've got! Let's dance!"

"Let's indeed." Nightmare Moon said with a cocky smirk as she and Burst Stream charged at each other! The sound of their blades clashing rang throughout the room! Burst used the knockback as a chance to get in a few shots with one of his blasters! One blast hitting Nightmare Moon in the chest! "It would seem you've come fully equipped this time." Nightmare Moon then fired a wave of magic from her sword! Burst put up a shield by channeling magic into the blade of his own sword and plunging it into the ground! "Looks like our dance shall last longer than last time."

Burst quickly got back into a fighting stance! "Good thing I've got no intention of calling it quits that soon!" Twilight poured all her efforts into revealing the sixth element. However, the lights from Burst's blaster fire did not go unnoticed by the rest of the group who had left to stand watch. And they rushed towards Burst and Twilight's location! 

Back at the fight, Burst was holding his own. He'd managed to get in a few shots, but Nightmare Moon had also gotten some hits on him. A powerful blast of magic knocked Burst to the ground, and Nightmare Moon leaped into the air! Ready to strike at Burst! One carefully timed backflip, and Burst was safely out of the way! Slashing at Nightmare Moon's chest! Sparks showering from the blade striking the armor! Twilight had finally gotten the spark to ignite, and Nightmare Moon noticed. "NO!" But as soon as the spark appeared, nothing happened!

Twilight's heart sank as the "elements" fell to the floor. Still as grey and lifeless as they were when she had arrived. "But...but where's the sixth element?"

"You fools." Nightmare Moon said with a frown. "Did you truly think that you could best me?" Nightmare Moon saw Burst making to charge at her once more, and stomped her foot! Creating a shockwave that shattered the elements and forced Burst to hit the floor face first! "It's over. The Elements of Harmony are destroyed."

Twilight was about to hang her head in defeat, but then she heard the voices of the other girls. They were coming to her side! And this was the spark Twilight needed as she stood once more. "You think you've destroyed the Elements of Harmony? Well you're wrong! Because the Elements of Harmony are right here!" As soon as the other girls arrived, the shards of the destroyed elements floated around each of them! "Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore, represents Kindness! Pinkie, who banished fear by giggling, represents Laughter! Rarity, who aided a sea serpent by giving up her own hair, represents Generosity!" As Twilight spoke, the shards reformed into necklaces that locked onto their respective bearers! "Applejack, who reassured me with the truth, represents Honesty! And Rainbow Dash, who stayed by us when we needed her, represents Loyalty!"

As the Elements of Harmony began to truly manifest, fear began to creep into Nightmare Moon! "But...but that's only five! You still need one more element!"

"I know. I thought that by going it alone, I would be able to do this. But I was wrong! Because I had people to help me on my way, I know the truth! That friends are more important than anything! And that spark of friendship creates the most powerful element of all! The Element of Magic!" A crown materialized, and began to descend onto Twilight's head!

Nightmare Moon was in a desperate panic as she saw the elements begin to power up! She was about to make one final attack when she felt someone grab onto her from behind! "YOU?!" Nightmare Moon was shocked to see Burst Stream holding her in place! Beaten and battered as he was! "Why?! Why are you throwing your life away so recklessly?! You would face oblivion for their sake?!"

"Not theirs. Yours!" Burst shot back! He then looked to Twilight and the girls. "Twilight! Fire up the elements! NOW!" Burst then returned his gaze to Nightmare Moon! Her struggling to escape his grip all the while! Even striking his stomach with her elbows! But Burst didn't budge! "When I learned the truth about you, I made a promise!  That when you returned, I would help give your sad story a happy ending! That I would be someone who didn't make you feel alone! To see Princess Celestia have a real smile!" Both Burst Stream and Nightmare Moon looked at the Elements of Harmony powering up. "I don't care what happens to me in the end. I don't even care if I'm not around to see it! I'm a man of my word! Even if it costs me my own, I'LL GIVE YOUR SAD STORY A HAPPY ENDING!" And in the next instant, both Burst Stream and Nightmare Moon were caught in the blast of the Elements of Harmony! Their world totally engulfed by a rainbow of light! And in the blink of an eye, it was over. Burst looked over his body, and saw that he'd been fully healed. The group then saw nothing remaining of Nightmare Moon save for her armor. But a faint rustling of the chest plate brought a smile to Burst's face. "It looks like my job is done." Burst said to himself. He then began to leave.

As Twilight and the girls began to chat about their awakening as the Elements of Harmony, they were met with a familiar face. "Princess Celestia!" Burst heard Twilight cheer the name of the princess, and slowly turned around to rejoin the group as they bowed to their beloved ruler.

"Well done my faithful student." Princess Celestia said with a warm smile. "You found the Elements of Harmony, and eternal night has been averted." She then smiled at the new friends Twilight had made. "And in doing so, you've discovered the magic of friendship."

Twilight stared over at Nightmare Moon's armor. "I know. And it's something that I wanted to share with her too."

"I'd say that you have." Celestia said as she walked over to the armor. "You've let friendship into your heart. Now if only another would do the same." A small girl, wearing a light blue dress, silver shoes, and a crown made of obsidian crawled out from under the armor. She had a crescent moon with a black blotch behind it on each of her hands, and a pair of navy blue wings on her back. Celestia smiled down lovingly at her little sister, and knelt down to her level. "Princess Luna. You've been away for such a long time. But you have been missed dearly since your exile. We were meant to rule together little sister." Celestia extended her hand out to Luna. "Will you accept my friendship?"

Princess Luna slowly reached out her hand, and then jumped into her sister's arms. "I'm so sorry! I missed you so much big sister!" Tears fell from both of the royal sisters. Happy that after so long, they were together again. However, another unexpected reunion was about to take place.

"So. That's what Princess Luna really looks like." Burst noted before smiling. "Gotta admit! She could give Fluttershy a run for her money in adorability ranking!" Burst then froze in place when Celestia turned to face him. "Hey, wait...I remember you!"

Celestia tilted her head in interest. "I apologize. Have we met before you? I don't seem to recall seeing anyone like you before. Please forgive me if I've forgotten. But would you be so kind to remind me?"

"It was fourteen years ago." Burst began. "I was new at your school for Magi, and was having a pretty rough first day. Everyone laughed at me for the promise I made, and I ran so far away that I wound up in the gardens. I was crying pretty hard, and then you showed up. That's when I told you that I'd give the Legend of the Two Sisters a happy ending. You were the one to tell me that my promise was sweet. And I was so thankful that I gave you the Optimus Prime plushie I'd been carrying around as a security blanket." Burst then looked Celestia in the eye. "But if that doesn't tip you off, maybe this smile will!" And the second Burst smiled, coupled with his recounting of events, brought the realization to Celestia. "Nice to finally meet you princess!" Burst then nervously smiled. "I, uh, kept my promise."

Celestia smiled at Burst Stream. "You certainly have. And you've also done some growing up since I last saw you. But catching up can wait. I believe we all have a celebration to attend?"

The group returned to Unityville. However, as they left, a small cloud of blue mist gathered from Nightmare Moon's armor. Slithering off into the shadows. Indeed you have kept your word Burst Stream. Nightmare Moon thought to herself. You're certainly an interesting one. I look forward to the day when I once again encounter you. But now, rest is needed. It's been a trying day...

Later that night, Burst was getting ready for bed when he heard a voice speak to him. You are the first. Others shall awaken as well. Members of the new elements. Alone you are all strong. But together, you shall be unstoppable.

Burst was confused. "What are you talking about? There's only six Elements of Harmony. There can't be any more than that!"

Harmony isn't what I was referring to. A new age has begun. And harmony alone will not be enough to face the new enemies that await you and your future comrades. Burst looked around for the source of the voice, and saw that it was coming from his sword. And you are the first of the new heroes to rise. Burst saw his upper arm glow with a bright blue light! When it faded, Burst had the mark of a white dragon with blue eyes! The first of the Elements of Heroism. Burst Stream. The Element of Power. And with that, the voice faded away. Leaving Burst to ponder its words.


Meanwhile. In a domain where only nightmares dwell.
A nightmare creature scurried across the floor of the dark castle that was the lair of his kind. He approached a giant door, and was bade entrance. An ominous throne stood alone with a solitary figure upon it. The very being exuded an aura of dread that made the nightmare creature shiver. "M-My lord. I bring unfortunate news. Nightmare Moon, your promised queen, has been vanquished by the Elements of Harmony." The figure slowly stood up. His eyes piercing through whatever excuse for a soul the nightmare creature had. "F-Forgive me my lord, but the news worsens! There was another party involved! A young warrior! he grappled with Nightmare Moon when she was about to carry out her final strike!"

"Give me his name. Show me his face." The figure commanded. The traces of a scowl barely visible in the darkness of the throne room. "I wish to know who is responsible. The one who I shall make suffer for what he has cost me. Who shall pay with his life."

"H-He is named Burst Stream my lord. This is the image we found." The nightmare creature brought up a sphere containing an image of Burst Stream with his weapons drawn.

"Burst Stream." The figure growled as he smashed the image! "When you face me, I shall show you the true meaning of terror." The figure then looked down at the nightmare creature. "Inform our forces that they have a new enemy. His destruction takes priority among everything else."

The nightmare creature bowed. "As you command...Lord Night Terror."