//------------------------------// // Episode 3: A New Den for the Dragon Knight // Story: EoH Evolution: Season 6 // by Bahamut0 //------------------------------// 'Man, did I miss this.' Burst Stream thought to himself as he took a gulp of his soda. Promptly after arriving back in Unityville, Pinkie Pie had decided to throw the biggest party she could to welcome Burst back home. She'd invited practically the whole kingdom to the bash! The party got so large that it soon warranted media coverage. 'Nothing like a victory party after a big event! It's GREAT being back home!' "Nice to see that you have a drink keeping you company." Nightmare Moon said with a smirk as she strode over to Burst with a sway in her hips. "But do you think you could spare a few minutes to help me?" "It'd be my pleasure, Your Highness." Burst smiled as he offered his hand to Nightmare Moon. "So. Shall we?" "Sorry. But I wasn't completely honest with you." Nightmare Moon said with an apologetic smile as she took Burst by the hand and led him to her intended destination. "There's another princess waiting for you." And it was soon revealed that Nightmare Moon had led Burst to Celestia. "Hey, Tia! I found you a partner!" "M-Moon, I don't know what to say." Celestia was shocked when she saw Nightmare Moon shove Burst towards her! "I. . . didn't really expect this." "Just save me a slice of your next cake!" Nightmare Moon said with a smirk. "I'd say it's a fair trade for one dance with my boyfriend." She then looked to Burst Stream with a smile. "You two have some catching up to do." And with that, the Princess of Dreams left the Princess of the Sun and the Element of Power on their own. "Uh, I guess this is the second time we've found ourselves on a dance floor, huh?" Burst Stream said with a nervous gulp! 'I spent all that time away, and I still found myself thinking of her a lot. But. . . I'm with Moon now. I shouldn't be thinking about Celestia that way, right?! It's. . . it's wrong, isn't it? And at the same time,' Burst then took a moment to stare Celestia right in her eyes. 'I still can't help but feel the same way about her that I did when I first saw her real smile. She's still that beautiful to me.' "So it seems." Celestia slightly blushed. "I, hope you didn't forget how to move." "Couldn't even if I tried." Burst said with a small smile as he danced with his former girlfriend. Memories of their first dance together couldn't help but surface in both his and Celestia's minds. Their relationship had been abruptly torn apart by Shining Dawn's schemes. Neither of them truly wanted to part with the other. So if that was true, what was stopping them from getting back together? That was the question Nightmare Moon was asking herself as she watched the pair dancing. 'On Burst's part, he would feel horrible because he'd think getting back with Celestia would be betraying me.' Nightmare Moon thought to herself with a contemplative expression on her face. 'And in Celestia's case, she might think that she'd be stealing him away from me. Another possible reason is that she still hasn't fully forgiven herself for hurting Burst by forcibly breaking up with him. I want him, and she wants him too. And from what I've seen in Burst's dreams, he can't seem to be without either of us. Cadence might have a solution. But right now?' Nightmare Moon smiled as Burst finished his dance with Celestia and was making his way over to her. 'Now I think that I'll just enjoy what I have.' "I've been dreaming of you coming back." Nightmare Moon smiled as she danced with Burst. "But this is even better." "You got that right." Burst said with a smile as kissed her. The party soon drew to a close, and the guests soon headed back to their homes. "Well, it's been a blast guys." Burst said with a grin. "But now, I think I'm gonna crash at my place. See ya around!" As soon as Burst mentioned the fact he was headed to his house, both teams of elements paled. They'd forgotten to mention that Burst's house had been put up for sale! And Burst was about to unfortunately discover that. "Ah! Been a while since I've been back here!" Burst said as he fished his house key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. But when he flipped on the light, his eyes went wide when he saw that none of his possessions, save for his appliances, were gone! "What happened while I was gone?!" And he frantically searched through his now vacant house for any clues as to what might've happened! Forunately, the rest of the elements arrived within minutes. "Guys! Help me out!" Burst pleaded as he zipped over to the front door! "I think someone raided my house, fridge, and closet while I was gone! None of my stuff's here!" "Um, actually. . . " Twilight said nervously. "All your stuff's been stored at my castle. We kinda-sorta thought you. . . died." ". . . Oh. Well that's a relief." Burst said with a relieved sigh. "Good to know I've got friends who I can count on to take care of my stuff!" He then came to a realization. "Oh man! Now I've got no house!" "Well, I've got plenty of space in my castle." Twilight mentioned. "I have more guest rooms than I know what to do with." "Nice offer and all, Twilight." Burst stated. "But I really don't wanna crash the setup you and Nightfall have. In fact, most of you are couples now, too. I'd hate to be a third-wheel on you guys." "Well, some of us are getting closer than others." Inferno said with a chuckle. "I know that it was the best decision I ever made. Right, Rarity?" "Indeed, darling." Rarity said with a loving smile as she showed off her engagement ring. "No way! That's awesome!" Burst cheered! "But, back to the topic at hand. I'll crash at one of Twilight's guest rooms tonight. First thing tomorrow, I'll grab my stuff and think about my options. Though there's one option I hope it doesn't come to: moving back in with my parents. I love them to death, but I want a place of my own. Guess that's a bit of my pride talking, though." "Good luck in finding your own place, man." Inferno said as he waved goodbye with Rarity in tow. "G'night, everyone!" And so, the day ended for both teams of elements. True to his word, Burst Stream set to packing up his belongings after he'd eaten breakfast. His next destination was his parents' house to drop off his things. With his items safely deposited in his old home, Burst Stream took a deep breath. "Alright!" Burst grinned. "Time to find me a home!" And so, Burst Stream set about house hunting. He had a pretty good idea of what sort of house he was looking for. Someplace that was big enough to have his friends over, but small enough so that it wasn't excessive in terms of space. However, there was one thing in particular that made Burst's house hunting difficult. Over half the realtors he'd called up when he was interested in a property tried to upsell him and convince him to buy a luxury house or a small mansion. Growing frustrated with getting offers for dwellings far exceeding his requirements, Burst decided it might help to switch his search from permanent housing to apartments. Unfortunately, when he scouted a few apartments, the landlords of a few of the more high-end apartment complexes tried to sell Burst on settling in their buildings. Burst's patience was wearing thin with these people, and this time his refusal almost came out as a dragon's roar! Thankfully, his self-control prevailed and he managed to politely decline. "Man, this is annoying." Burst sighed as he sat himself down at a restaurant for lunch. Ordering a simple burger to sate his hunger. "Just because I'm a hero doesn't mean I want an expensive home." Thankfully, Burst's meal soon arrived. Elevating his mood the least bit as he had a chance to dig into his food. However, as he was feasting, Burst's phone soon rang. "Hello?" "Hey, babe." Nightmare Moon greeted from the other end of the call. "How goes the hunting?" "No big catches yet." Burst said with a sigh as he munched on a few fries. "Everyone keeps trying to push me towards getting a luxury apartment, or a small mansion. Either way, it's not really my style. With each passing moment, I'm happy my parents didn't convert my old room into something else while I was living in Unityville and when I was absent. Mom even welcomed me back with a platter of cookies, so I won't have to worry about ordering dessert." "Want me to grant you a luck blessing?" Nightmare Moon asked with a mischievous giggle. "Or we could even have Discord conjure up a house for you. He does owe us all for stabbing us in the back by siding with Tirek." "HE DID WHAT?!" Burst roared! Startling the rest of the restaurant patrons! Burst immediately apologizing for his brief flare of a temper. "Well, thanks for that little piece of information. I'll be sure to keep it in mind. And thanks again for the call. Nice to know that you're always looking to see how I'm doing." "Awake or asleep, I'm always with you." Nightmare Moon said sweetly. "Good luck on your quest, brave hero!" "Good to know my goddess is watching over me." Burst chuckled. "Love you too. See you in my dreams tonight." And upon hanging up, he want back to devouring his lunch before setting off on his search once more. Meanwhile, back at Castalot Castle, Nightmare Moon let out a fond sigh as she hung up. She then spotted Celestia approaching her, and smiled at the solar princess. "I guess Burst isn't the only one on a lunch break." Nightmare Moon joked as she pocketed her phone. "So how's the day been so far, Tia?" "Routine." Celestia said with a shrug before smiling at Nightmare Moon. "So what's Burst Stream been up to?" "He's out house hunting." Nightmare Moon answered. "Though he hasn't found his ideal place yet. Unfortunately, a bunch of pushy people trying to get him to purchase pricey dwellings." The Princess of Dreams let out a sigh. "I'd love nothing more than to just offer up my room to him, and the two of us could share it. But, realistically, he needs his own space." 'Hmm.' Celestia thought with a smile. 'I think I just found a solution to Burst's housing problem.' "Well, there's one space in this castle particularly that is incredibly ready for use." "Oh?" Nightmare Moon asked. "And what room would this be?" "One whose occupant we could all stand to see less of." Celestia replied with a knowing smile. "Now to make a call. . . " Meanwhile, Burst Stream was just about to call it a day for his house hunting. He was about to fly for home when he heard his phone ring. "Hello?" Burst answered. "Hello again, Burst Stream." Celestia replied from the other end. "Nightmare Moon informed me of your housing predicament not too long ago." "Yeah." Burst sighed. "But my search has been turning up empty so far." "No need to mope about it." Celestia said. "Because I believe I have a solution to your housing problem." "Really?!" Burst exclaimed with joy! "Th-Thank you! This is great! Celestia, you didn't have to get me a place!" "Cost is no issue." Celestia smiled on the other end. "Because the place I've found is a room in the castle. It's rarely used, and the most effort you'd need to do is remove the decorations you don't find to your liking before setting up your things. So, how soon can you move in?" "Today." Burst answered with a smile. "See you at the castle gate!" And Burst spread his wings! Flying off to his parents' house and quickly packing his stuff before teleporting to the front gate of Castalot Castle. Celestia teleporting in front of him not long after he'd arrived. "Show me the way, princess!" "I see the dragon's eager to claim his new lair." Celestia giggled. "Come along. I think you'll find the room fits your requirements." Celestia led Burst to the room, and unlocked it with its key. "And I wasn't kidding about you needing to get rid of the adornments in the room. The previous occupant's tastes are a bit. . . much." "How bad could it. . . Oh." Burst Stream's question was answered as soon as he'd looked inside the room. A big portrait of Prince Blueblood was hanging on one of the walls while photos of the not-so-charming prince were strewn about everywhere! "I see what you mean. You wouldn't mind getting a trash bag for me, would you?" He then looked to the room, no, the shrine Blueblood had made for himself. "I have some garbage to get rid of." Within minutes, Burst Stream had gathered all of what could be considered proof that Blueblood had once inhabited the room and dropped it into the trash bag Celestia had brought him. Though not before vandalizing the portrait of Blueblood just for kicks. "And now, to lay claim to my new home." Burst said with a smile as he began setting up his entertainment devices. With that done, he put away his clothes and unpacking his toiletries. Satisfied that his move-in was completed, Burst sat down on the couch. "Now for the fun part." And Burst powered up one of his consoles and began playing to his heart's content. He was enjoying himself until he heard a knocking on the door. And what was on the other side of it was enough to annoy him by presence alone. "You!" Blueblood hissed as he glared at Burst Stream! "What is a commoner like you doing in MY room!?" "Not yours anymore, buddy." Burst replied calmly. "Besides you've already got a mansion to call home. I just came 'back from the dead' not too long ago, and I found out my house had been sold. You're barely here, so why bother having you as the occupant?" "A cave would serve as a more fitting dwelling for you!" Blueblood growled. "My Aunt Celestia will hear of this!" "She's the one that gave me this room." Burst replied with a smirk. "But I'll tag along just to see you throw one of your famous tantrums." And so, Burst followed the charmless prince to Celestia's throne room. "Auntie!" Blueblood announced as he threw the doors open! "I demand you evict this mongrel from the castle, and restore my occupancy status for the room he has pilfered from me!" "Blueblood. I gave Burst Stream that room because he had no other decent options." Celestia began. "It was an act of kindness to help repay him for the many times he has risked his life. He sacrificed himself to help ensure Tirek's defeat. I'd say that giving him a room in the castle is palrty compared to the debt the world owes him." "Do you expect me to just stand for this?!" Blueblood hissed! "I will not stand idle and accept this!" "If you want to kick me out so bad, Blueblood, then fight me." Burst Stream said with a stern gaze directed at the false prince. Spreading out his dragon wings in a gesture of intimidation! "Something I learned from Bahamut when I was training with him was that dragons never go down without a fight. If you want your room back so badly, then you're gonna have to beat me. A dragon only acknowledges those who are worthy of respect. And so far, you don't deserve anyone's." "Fine then, plebian." Blueblood growled. "In which matter do you wish to settle this?" "Easy." Burst took a deep breath before screaming out his answer! "MORTAL KOMBAAAT!" "Burst Stream." Celestia cautioned. "I'm afraid that won't be optional. While I find my nephew's behavior unsavory, I don't wish to see him meet his end." "Okay." Burst said nonchalantly. "I guess we'll just have to settle with a good old-fashioned slugfest." "A simple brawl, then?" Blueblood smirked. "Very well. I agree to the terms of your challenge. A brute like you with no finesse stands no chance against me. The match shall be held immediately! Let the whole castle see who reigns!" "Okay then." Burst shrugged. "But let me make a call first." Burst made his call, and then flew over to the area where his match with Blueblood. "Alright, Bluebrat. Let's get this over with." The combatants circling in anticipation of the other's first strike! "A half-avatar you may be, but you are still a commoner." Blueblood said with a smug grin. "You are nothing compared to-GAH!" Blueblood was smacked into the ground! "Momma said knock you out." Burst said as he dusted off his hands. "So. Best two out of three?" "How dare you strike me?!" Blueblood hissed as he got to his feet! He then sneered when he took note of Burst's dragon wings, and pointed his finger at Burst. "My aunt and Nightmare Moon are insults to royalty for even choosing you as their lover! Do you hear me-" Blueblood couldn't even finish his rant as Burst zipped right up to him! Burst Stream's pupils almost narrowing into slits with rage in his eyes! "Say what you will about me. Call me a monster for inheriting Bahamut's soul. But the one thing I'll never excuse is you disrespecting the people I care about. ESPECIALLY those two." Burst's tone was calm, but it was dripping with a controlled fury that was just waiting to be unleashed upon the poor prince. "Either accept loss with grace like a true royal, or go throw a fit like the spoiled brat you are. The choice is yours." And Blueblood shrank away. Trying to make himself seem as small as possible. Satisfied, Burst turned away to leave. Only to receive a blast of magic in the back for his troubles! Blueblood sneering as he cut off his magic. But much to the prince's horror, Burst didn't have a scratch on him! "Well, I warned you." Burst said with a sigh as he turned to face Blueblood. An annoyed look on his face as he stared down the panicking prince. "You know, Inferno told me about how you hired Lance Slayer to beat him up. I was too busy trying to keep myself from blowing up back then. But now? I think it's a good time to explode!" "Stay away!" Blueblood screamed as he fired blast after blast of magic at Burst Stream! But despite the prince's efforts, Burst just kept advancing! "I've gained some pretty thick skin from inheriting Bahamut's power." Burst said as he tapped his chest. "My skin's become like dragon scales. Meaning I've now got a high magic resistance in addition to a greater defense! But not only that, I've gotten a boost to my magic as well! WHITE LIGHTNING!" And Burst fired out a massive blast of white lightning! Sending Blueblood flying out of the ring! "Now to throw an awesome housewarming party." Burst said with a satisfied grin as he left the ring to invite his friends. Needless to say, today had been quite successful for the Element of Power. And with the day over, Burst drifted off to sleep. However, he had an unexpected surprise the next morning when he heard a knocking on his door. "Hm? Celestia?!" "Good morning, Burst." Celestia greeted cheerfully. "I'd have given you breakfast in bed, but it looks like you're already up." "Well, I'm still waking up to a welcome sight." Burst said as he happily accepted the food. "Care to join me?" "I'd love to." Celestia smiled as a slight blush crept onto her face as she sat down next to Burst Stream. 'Soon. I'll tell him soon about how I feel. I've got the feeling Moon already knows, though. So the question is: Is she willing to share?' "Hey, Celestia?" Burst asked with a worried look on his face. "Are you feeling alright?" "I'm fine Burst." Celestia said with a smile. "Especially now that you're back."