//------------------------------// // Episode 4: Back to School // Story: EoH Evolution: Season 6 // by Bahamut0 //------------------------------// "So you're sure you don't want to take back the leader position?" Inferno Flare asked as he and Burst were playing video games at Burst Stream's room in the royal castle. "I only took the leader spot because the chain of command, and we all thought you were gone for good." "Well, you were the last one to hold the leader position. And from what the guys said, you were pretty good. You even roasted Chrysalis with little effort!" Burst Stream countered with a smile as he mashed the buttons on his controller. "But what I don't get is how a creep like Blitz Surge managed to beat you! Much less even worm his way onto the team!" "The jerk used his status as Princess Luna's champion to grant himself immunity. If we kicked him out for 'unreasonable' grounds, then we'd have half of the royalty against us." Inferno sighed before shoving a handful of popcorn into his mouth. Chewing as he continued talking. "And *munch* the only reason he beat me *munch* was because he somehow got his hands on the power of harmony and infused it into his sword." "So, he cheated." Burst Stream frowned. "Though how a guy like him could even master the power of harmony without it violently striking back at him is pretty baffling. But I guess that's a matter for another time. And besides, this is supposed to be fun time. So no more moping about it!" "Heh! True enough!" Inferno smirked. "Man, look at all of us. Hanging out almost all the time like we haven't seen each other in years. It's almost like we're a bunch of high school friends reunited. It kinda brings back memories of my high school years." "What were they like?" Burst asked. "Well, they were some of the craziest times of my life." Inferno answered with a fond smile. "It's also when I knew I wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps. I've shared mine, so what were your high school years like?" "Hm? Oh, I never went to high school." Burst answered simply. "I quit after middle school to begin my training. One thing led to another, and here I am." "Hold up." Inferno paused the game, and looked Burst Stream dead in the eye. "You're telling me that you've NEVER been to high school. That you never once had to go through the formative setting where most teens build up their social lives? That you've never been to prom?!" "Well. . . yeah." Burst Stream answered. "Truthe be told, I do sometimes feel like I missed out on a portion of my life. But come on! I'm over twenty years old! The only people you see who are that old and in high school are actors on TV! What are the odds-hey! What're you doing Inferno?!" "I'm giving you the chance to get in on what you've missed out on!" Inferno grinned as he hoisted Burst over his shoulder! Teleporting to Twilight's castle in a pillar of flame! When he arrived, Inferno bust the door open! "TWILIGHT! Burst's never been to highschool!" And within seconds of that announcement, Twilight teleported in front of them! "What?!" Twilight panicked as she yanked Burst from Inferno's shoulder and sat him down on a chair! "We NEED to fix this!" "Uh, not to sound ungrateful, but isn't this kind of unnecessary?" Burst asked nervously. "I mean, I've got a roof over my head. I have a job as a member of the Elements of Heroism. And I got a ton of good friends too. Do I really need to got to highschool?" "Burst Stream." Twilight said kindly. "You missed out on a key part of your life. And as your friend, I intend for you to no longer be deprived of it." "*sigh* You wouldn't be the Princess of Friendship if you didn't care about your friends a lot." Burst said with a sigh of resignment. "Okay then. I'll go back to school. Guess I better hit the store for supplies." And with that, Burst left to shop for school supplies. "Hmm." Twilight scratched her chin as another realization came to her. "Hey, Spike? How would you like to spend more time with Sweetie Belle?" "What do you mean, Twilight?" Spike asked. Confused as to what his surrogate sister was onto. The only response he got from Twilight was a knowing smile before she levitated him with her magic and proceeded to make a few purchases. Monday came soon enough, and the Junior Heroes and TCC were back at another day of high school. Everyone was buzzing about all the current events that had gone down in only a matter of days. Some students were even trying to predict what crazy event would happen next. "Well, we can bet that next interesting thing won't happen at school." Shining Spoon sighed as he tried to lay back in his desk to little success. "The closest we get to that is new students." "Hey. At least we get to have fun once the last bell rings." Speed Stinger chimed in. Hoping to lift his friend's spirits. "Sure, we still got mountains of homework to do, but work hard, play harder!" "That enthusiasm of yours probably explains how you're able to power through so many assignments." Bright Note mentioned. "And you might want to stop pumping your fist in the air. The teacher's going to be in soon." Just like Bright Note said, the teacher came in and had some rather interesting news. "Today, we have a couple of new students joining our class. Although, their identities made them a bit. . . unexpected." The teacher announced nervously. "Would you both introduce yourselves, please?" And when the new additions to the school stepped in, the whole classroom was in shock. "Hi! Name's Burst Stream!" Burst greeted with a friendly smile. "I'm the new guy! Where do I sit?" However, one particular member of the TCC was pleasantly surprised at the other new addition to their school. "Spike?!" Sweetie Belle said with a bright smile as she saw her boyfriend enter the classroom after Burst had stepped in. "Hi Sweetie." Spike said with a nervous blush. "I guess we'll be seeing more of each other, huh?" "I-If you two don't mind, would you please find some empty seats?" The teacher said nervously. "N-Not that you have to sit down right away!" "Chill, teach." Burst said with a disarming smile. "You're acting like Spike and I are gonna trash the room if you so much as look at us wrong. We're not the Lancers." "Oh thank Celestia." The teacher said with a sigh of relief. "Well, take your seats and the day can begin." Burst took an empty seat near the Junior Heroes while Spike took a seat close to Sweetie Belle. The pair of new high school students taking to their new routine pretty quick as they shared a good number of classes with their younger friends. Making navigating the school building much easier for them. Classes weren't terribly difficult for Burst and Spike. In Spike's case because he had absorbed much knowledge during his time as Twilight's assistant. For Burst, it was namely because he was a fast learner. Both the Element of Power and Element of Dedication faced very little challenge when it came to P.E. When you train your body to fight villains and monsters on a daily basis, high school gym class tends to be a relative breeze in comparison. News that two members of the reinstated Elements of Heroism sparked much chatter throughout the school grounds. Meaning that Burst and Spike had to endure the constant whispers of other students while traversing the hallways. Lunch period soon arrived, and Burst and Spike were sitting with the TCC and Junior Heroes. "Huh. So that explains why Diamond Tiara was so hostile." Spike nodded as he took a bite from his food. "How're you getting along with her and Silver Spoon, now?" "They offered to use their homes as meeting spots." Sweetie Belle nervously giggled. "But we kinda thought that might be overkill." "So, what were you three up to while I was gone?" Burst asked the Junior Heroes. "Did I miss out on any video games?" "You were gone for roughly a year." Shining Spoon answered. "Everyone thought you died after blowing yourself up to try and kill Tirek! They even made a statue of you in Unityville! Oh, but you didn't miss too much in terms of games." "Good to see you and the other Elements of Heroism are back in action!" Speed Stinger cheered before frowning. "You actually encouraged us while that creep Blitz Surge basically told us to give up on ever becoming heroes." "And then he cheated in his fight against Inferno." Bright Note added bitterly. "Not to mention he disbanded the Elements of Heroism." "Well, I undid that last one." Burst answered with a satisfied smile. "Man, did it feel good to kick his ass." Burst's expression then turned serious. "But during that fight, something felt awfully familiar about Blitz Surge. I won't bore you with the details, but I'll tell you that I got a bad feeling about him and his little gang." "You and me both." Spike pouted. "Blitz seemed to recruit everyone who's got a history with our team or Twilight and the girls. Garble being one of the Lancers speaks volumes about that. A bully like him gives dragons a bad name." "Maybe. But the dragons have you to give them a good one, Spikey." Sweetie Belle said with a flirty smile directed at Spike. "My dragon prince." "U-Uh. . . !" Spike blushed furiously in response before looking to the ground in an effort to avoid Sweetie Belle's eyes! "T-Thanks." The couple's exchange was cut short when the bell signaling the end of lunch period rang. All the students hurriedly disposed of whatever garbage left of their meals, and rushed off to the last few classes of the day. "Well, no sense in lingering here any longer." Burst said as he got up from the table and stretched. "Y'know, I kinda like being here." "First day's almost finished." Spike groaned as he stretched. "Just gotta get through the afternoon classes." "Hey, Spike?" Sweetie Belle asked with a slight blush on her face. "Would you, mind walking me to class?" "No problem." Spike said with a warm smile as he offered her his hand. "Shall we?" "Let's give the couple some privacy." Apple Bloom remarked as she and Scootaloo left the table. "Just a few more classes, and we're outta here!" Scootaloo said with a determined gaze and shaking her fist at the nearest clock! "So, how're you liking it at school?" Shining Spoon asked. "It's fine." Burst Stream answered with a shrug. "It's a lot more tame than any media portrayal, so I'm thankful for that. I've got to admit, I was worried that I'd be a bit behind since I quit school after middle school. But so far, I seem to be doing good in the classes so far. Even got some of the homework done, too." "Hey. . . you wouldn't mind us hanging out together, would you?" Speed Stinger asked with an enthusiastic smile. "Sorry dude. I might be a student, but I'm still a grown man. And me hanging around with students that are barely halfway through their teens would be kinda awkward." Burst said sadly before an idea came to him. "But, whose to say we can't form a 'study group' to help each other out?" "Ooooh!" The Junior Heroes nodded in understanding. Making mental notes to contact their respective parents about their "study group" that they recently formed. Soon enough, the school day drew to a close. Burst and the Junior Heroes hitting up the comic book store while Spike waited for Sweetie Belle outside of the main doors. "Spike?" Sweetie Belle asked as she hid behind her notebooks. "Would you. . . walk me home?" "S-Sure!" Spike blushed furiously as he led Sweetie Belle by the hand. "It'd be my honor." "Hmm. On second thought, maybe we don't have to head immediately back to Carousel Boutique." Sweetie Belle said with a smirk. "There's nothing saying we can't take little detour." "What did you have in mind?" Spike gulped. 'Is she asking me out? What do I do?! I've never been on a date before! Who do I ask?! Wait. . . I got it!' "Uh, do you mind if I make a quick call first?" "Oh. Sure, Spike." Sweetie Belle smiled. "Don't have call drag on, though." "Of course not." Spike joked. "You're the only one who gets to drag me around." And as soon as he was out of Sweetie Belle's view, Spike whipped out his phone and immediately dialed up a number. "Hm?" Burst felt his phone buzzing in his pocket, and took it out. Spike's name was displayed under the caller ID. "Spike? What's up?" "Burst! You gotta help me!" Spike pleaded in a whisper. "Sweetie Belle just asked me out on a date!" "Dude, that's great!" Burst cheered. "You're on the road to the next stage of your relationship with her!" "Slight problem. I don't know what to do on a date!" Spike panicked! "I spent so many times dreaming of a perfect date with her sister that I never even bothered to put together a game plan for if I ever GOT a real date!" "Spike, relax." Burst Stream requested with a calm tone. "I've been where you are. My first dates with Celestia and Moon were more tense than some of the fights I've been in. Fortunately, I have the solution to your anxiety." "Really?!" Spike beamed hopefully from his end of the call! "Awesome! What's the solution?!" "Oh, that's easy." Burst smiled. "Just accept the offer, and work out the rest from there. No need to pull a Twilight and plan everything. Just be you, and make sure that your date has your undivided attention. But I think something like that should go without saying for the Element of Dedication." ". . . Wow. I really did almost pull a Twilight." Spike said in realization. "Thanks, Burst. Now if you'll excuse me, my belle awaits." And Spike hung up the phone. "Sorry about that! Hope I didn't keep you waiting." "You're fine." Sweetie Belle beamed before grabbing Spike by his hand! "C'mon! Sugar Cube Corner's calling!" The couple soon arrived at Pinkie Pie's workplace, and ordered a plate of cookies. Both Spike and Sweetie Belle were having a good time as they talked about their lives outside of school. "I heard the Dazzlings have amazing singing voices." Sweetie Belle said as she took a bite out of her cookie. "If they wanted, I'm pretty sure they could get into music again. But, you know, with no evil schemes this time." "I'd rather be hearing your voice on the radio." Spike smiled. "I've heard you singing a bit in school. You've got a real beautiful voice." "It looks like the dragon's been captivated by a maiden's song." Sweetie Belle giggled. "So is this the part where you whisk me away?" "Haven't earned my wings yet." Spike chuckled. "But I'd be honored to escort you home." "An Element of Heroism personally walking me home?" Sweetie Belle smiled. "You sure know how to make a girl feel special." "That's my job, right?" Spike asked with a smile. "I'm gonna see that through to the end." And so, Spike walked Sweetie Belle back home. "Hope you've had a good time, Sweetie Belle." "I did." Sweetie Belle said with a smile. "But I almost forgot something important." Spike was silent as Sweetie Belle craned her neck to catch his lips with her own! Spike's heart was set ablaze from his first kiss! "Thank you, Spike." "Anytime. . . " Spike said with a dazed smile. Stumbling his way home as he'd gotten drunk off his first kiss. Pumping his fist in the air in triumph! "I HAVE A GIRLFRIEND!" Inside Carousel Boutique, Sweetie Belle was throwing herself on her bed! Blushing madly after kissing Spike! Needless to say, both of them were feeling pretty good about their relationship. If there were any doubts about their status as a couple, they were long gone now. And they couldn't wait to see each other tomorrow. Meanwhile, Burst had just arrived back at his room in Castalot Castle. Setting his backpack on the ground and removing his phone from his pocket. Smiling as he looked at a picture of him and the Junior Heroes hanging out at the comic book store. "Yeah. I think I'm gonna enjoy my school days." Burst said with a fond sigh. He then noticed the condition of his coat in the picture. "Huh. I think I'm gonna need a new outfit soon. . . "