Castalot Castle, Burst Stream's room.
It happened a bit later that Burst Stream would have expected, but he knew it would come all the same: Pinkie Pie throwing a housewarming party to celebrate him moving into a new residence.
'Good thing Pinkie waited until the weekend.' Burst thought to himself as he caught up with how his friends were faring in their week. However, the party soon received an unexpected guest in the form of Discord popping in. Literally. 'So NOW he decides to show up, huh? Good. I've been meaning to talk to him.'
"Ah, Burst Stream!" Discord grinned as he zipped over to the Element of Power. "I just knew it wouldn't be easy to get rid of the one person with enough guts to punch me in the face! I'd have brought you a gift, but I'm afraid I just don't know you that well to get the right one."
"It's cool, Discord. Besides," Burst smiled innocently at Discord. "I've got a little present for you."
"Really now?" Discord asked in an amused tone. "Well, I'm very interested in seeing what it is y-GAH!" Discord was kissing the floor in an instant! Burst Stream rising back up to full height and glaring down at Discord after once more decking the Lord of Chaos in the face!
"THAT was for stabbing us all in the back for Tirek." Burst growled. "Honestly? It's pretty tempting to kick you while you're down. Still, I guess there's no point in it now. Besides, I'm sure Ty did way worse to you than anything I did."
"Sure did." Tyrannus Rex nodded. "Still, I think we all knew you'd sock it to him when you came back."
". . . Can I go now?" Discord groaned from the floor.
"Yeah. Just make sure to never pull a stunt like that again." Burst cautioned. "And you better give me one heck of a 'welcome back' present if I ever see your face again!" He had no intention of holding Discord to it, but he had to admit that he got some satisfaction out of Discord gulping in fear before vanishing with a "pop" sound! Burst turned to his guests to apologize for the disruption, but paused when he noticed money changing hands.
"So. . . what's all that about?" Burst asked. Eager to find out what sort of operation his friends had cooked up. "It wouldn't happen to be related to what just happened, would it?"
"We kinda made a little betting pool on whether or not you'd punch Discord when you came back." Twilight answered with a sheepish smile. "Some of us were hoping you'd pursue a more civil confrontation. Others? Well, they wanted you to wreak retribution on their behalf."
"Heh! I'd say it's just been well-served!" Dark Ice smirked before taking a swig of soda. "Say, Burst, did you know Shadow's finally gotten himself a girlfriend?"
"C'mon bro!" Shadow protested! "You don't need to trumpet that news everywhere!"
"Relax Shadow." Arctic Ace chuckled. "Ice is just doing his job as a big brother and giving you a hard time." He then turned his attention to Burst. "In fact, I should mention that Fang, Venus and I have recently gained girls of our own."
"Wow. Inferno gets married, and most of my other friends get into relationships." Burst muttered. "I missed out on a lot during the time I was training. So how'd you meet your girlfriends anyway?"
"We helped reform them." Venus Bloomer answered. "Twilight brought them back with her after they tried to start something in another world. The three of them used to be sirens on our world. But, now that they've got their true voices, they don't need to feed off of negativity."
"All right, that's enough boring Burst with our love lives." Steel Edge proclaimed as he noticed the time. "I'd say that this party's winding down right about now, and Burst could at least use a day to himself tomorrow. Time for us to take our leave. See ya around, man!"
"All of you take care." Burst smiled, waving goodbye to his friends as they flew or teleported back to Unityville. "Well, that was a fun day. Now for a *yawn* restful night."
Burst Stream stretched before changing into his sleeping clothes, save for a shirt, and crawling underneath his bed's covers. His eyes shutting the second his head hit the pillow. It wasn't long before Burst was drifting into sleep and nuzzling against his pillow. However, when he turned to his other side, he was greeted with a new sensation of softness. While it felt a bit different from his pillow, there was also a comforting warmth from it as well. Enjoying how pleasant the new sensation was, Burst nuzzled against it. What he didn't expect was a response from the source of the new softness, that being the feeling of arms wrapping around him and a pleased purring sound. Burst opened his eyes, and saw Nightmare Moon pressing her body close to his and resting his head upon her bosom. As if she sensed her lover awakening, the dark goddess's eyes opened and a smile crept across her face.
"Good evening, my precious light." Nightmare Moon purred as she positioned herself so that she was on top of Burst, and he was underneath her. "You'll forgive this late-night intrusion, won't you? I just can't seem to give all of Unity sweet dreams if I can't get a restful sleep myself."
"I missed you too, Moon." Burst smiled as he raised his upper body so that he could wrap his arms around Nightmare Moon. "The first night I moved in, I missed the feeling of your body against mine. Feeling your beautiful black wings wrap around me as you held onto me. Your embrace, for lack of a better term, was heavenly."
"Probably because I gave you a taste of marshmallow heaven~." Nightmare Moon teased as she stared into Burst's eyes. A loving smile that refused to leave on her face. "I missed seeing that cute sleeping face of yours. So peaceful, yet ready to spring into action if you're called. Just like a dragon. You even have the wings to prove it."
"You could say I earned my wings." Burst chuckled as he flexed his wings a bit. "So. Did you came all the way to my room just for a goodnight kiss?"
"Who says we have to stop there?" Nightmare Moon suggested as pulled Burst's face closer to hers. "One of my favorite dreams was of us having a family together."
"Moon. . . " Burst blushed. "I'd be lying if I said I couldn't picture that for us."
"You're still so fun to tease, sweetie." Nightmare Moon giggled. "Right now, just talking's more than enough for me. Though I don't know what will qualify as 'enough' for Celestia."
"Yeah, I guess I'll have to figure that ou-. . . wait, why are you bringing up Celestia?" Burst asked. His face contorting in confusion. "Moon, I've moved on past her."
"We both know that's not true, Burst." Nightmare Moon said as she loosened her hold on Burst. "As for why I've brought her up? You'll just have to ask her yourself~."
"Even so, I'm with you now." Burst Stream countered. "How can I say I really love you if part of me is still missing Celestia?"
"The answer's simple." Nightmare Moon giggled and put a finger to her lips. Winking playfully at Burst Stream. "But where's the fun in just telling you?"
"Are we actually going to sleep, or do you want to keep me up all night?" Burst smiled.
"Sleep will soon find you, Burst Stream." Nightmare Moon nuzzled against Burst affectionately. "After you give me that goodnight kiss you suggested not that long ago."
"Who am I to deny a request from a goddess?" Burst smiled as he and Nightmare Moon kissed. The silvery moonlight illuminating them for an instant before the couple soon fell into sleep's embrace while embracing each other. Both of them wrapping their wings around each other.
When morning arrived, Burst rose to stretch his arms and wings. He would have moved some more, but found a significant amount of weight on his back.
"Y'know Moon, when you said that you'd never let me go, I didn't think you meant it this literally." Burst Stream sighed, but smiled all the same as he took a hold of Nightmare Moon's hand while her arms were draped over his shoulders. "You do know I'm about to head to the shower, right?"
"We've yet to take a shower as a couple." Nightmare Moon smirked. "It could give us the chance to be more intimate."
". . . You've always wanted me to wash your wings, haven't you?" Burst asked with a playful smile.
"Guess you're a hero with brains to match his brawn." Nightmare Moon beamed as she bounced out of Burst's bed and made her way to the shower. "Besides, you could use some help getting your wings washed too."
It wasn't long before the two of them were in shower. Surprisingly, Burst Stream didn't encounter too much teasing from Moon. Probably because his girlfriend was having too much fun washing his wings after he'd washed hers. Before long, Nightmare Moon teleported off to her own room to get dressed, leaving Burst to finish his morning routine solo.
"Hmm." Burst inspected his signature white coat carefully. "Maybe I should take this to Rarity. It got pretty roughed up when I contracted with Bahamut due to my dragon wings sprouting." Burst's musing on the condition of his coat were halted by the growling of his stomach. "Well, that's a matter for a later date. First priority: breakfast."
Before long, Burst was grabbing breakfast from the castle's kitchen area and scarfing it down with great zeal. Burst Stream was just about to head to his room and get in some playtime on his consoles when he bumped into someone who'd been on his mind a lot recently.
"Sorry about that." Burst sheepishly apologized. He immediately blushed when he saw who he'd run into. "I. . . should've watched where I was going."
"No need to be sorry." Celestia giggled. "It's always a pleasure to run into you Burst."
"Y-Yeah! You too!" Burst stammered. 'Every time that I see or talk to her, I can't help but feel like I should be with her. But that's wrong, isn't it? We had our time as a couple, and it ended. I'm with Moon now! She's my girlfriend, and the one who I should focus on making happy! So why?! Why does some part of me want nothing more than to make Celestia smile?! I know it wasn't my fault that we were broken up, and that the two of us agreed to take some time apart! Agh! This is all so confusing! Celestia? Moon? Who do I love more? Which of them can I see a future with? . . . Idiot. You KNOW the answer, but you also know that it can be done because it's so selfish and unfair to either of them.' "So, you just got your day started too, huh?"
"I have." Celestia nodded. That same beautiful, serene smile on her face. "Can't run day court on an empty stomach, can I?"
"I don't think anyone could imagine the princess of the sun skipping out on breakfast." Burst chuckled. "Well, I've got a day off to enjoy. So, I guess I'll see you later, Celestia."
"I should hope so." Celestia smiled. "If you need any suggestions for how to occupy yourself, I'd recommend taking a quick flight over the city. Seeing Castalot from above really is quite the sight. There was also a time that I laid down on a cloud once. It was probably one of the softest things I've ever felt."
"Funny you should mention flying, I was about to hit up some of my old haunts around the city." Burst answered before flapping his dragon wings. "I've just got a new way to get to them! Thanks for the tip, by the way! I'll have to try resting on a cloud sometime!"
Burst Stream opened up the nearest window, and flew out of it! Streaking through the skies of Castalot, he soon descended when he spotted his usual comic book shop. But shortly after he set foot on the ground, Burst Stream's entire being tensed up! Part of the training he'd undergone with Bahamut was to sense the intent of those who wished to stand against him.
"The ability to sense the intent of challengers or opponents is known as dragon instinct." Bahamut's words repeated in Burst's head as his eyes scanned the area, searching for his would-be opponent. "It's somewhat of a combat sense to know when an enemy or rival is coming for you. However, despite the ability's passive nature, it's effectiveness depends entirely upon you reacting to it."
'And something tells me I need to react now!' Burst thought as he rolled out of the path of a scythe's blade just in time! "So much for a complete day off. . . "
"Aw, what's wrong Burst Stream?" The attacker asked mockingly. "Not happy to see another familiar face? Don't worry, I'll be the last face you see before the day's over, permanently!" Edge Lord rose to his full height, and grinned wickedly! "I'd heard rumors that you bit the dust when Tirek got loose. I can't tell you how sad that made me because I wouldn't get the chance to finish you! But it looks like those rumors were greatly exaggerated, and I can't tell you how happy that makes me!"
"I've beaten you before, Blade. And I'll do it again." Burst replied coolly.
"I'm not Blade. That's the name of the weakling who you bested with his own weapon. I've taken that pain you caused me, and used it to forge a new me! I AM EDGE LORD!" Edge Lord declared proudly as he discarded his cloak to reveal his torn outfit and bladed weapons at his disposal! Licking his scythe!
"Wow. You just threw out all notions of subtlety. Then again, the scythe as a weapon was a dead giveaway." Burst nodded. "But you're not the only one who's changed." Burst flared out his dragon wings and switched his laser gun to its lightsaber mode!
"Oh, great!" Edge Lord said with a deranged smile. "More pieces of you for my edge to taste!"
Edge got close to Burst, and slashed at him with his scythe! However, to Edge's disappointment, sparks instead of blood shot out from Burst's skin!
"I've grown some pretty thick skin since we last met." Burst Stream quipped before smirking at Edge! "Face it, you've got no edge over me!"
"I'll cut you to pieces!" Edge snarled as he swung so hard with his scythe to strike at where Burst stood, but Burst took to the air before Edge could land a hit! The force of Edge's strike causing the blade of his scythe to be embedded in the ground! "Blasted weapon! Move like I want you to!"
"Disgraceful. Blaming your weapon for your own mistakes." Burst remarked as he flew up to Edge and kicked him in the face! "The only problem with your weapon is yourself. That, and you're using an impractical weapon. I heard Luna's got plenty of weapons that fit her moon theme, AND they're perfectly functional."
"Oh? You think I've lost my edge?!" Edge chuckled darkly. "WELL HOW'RE THESE FOR EDGY, MY NEMESIS?!"
Edge hurled a series of daggers at Burst Stream! They never reached their target as Burst reduced them to useless scrap with a single, swift swing of his lightsaber! Enraged, Blade grabbed the bladed and spiked knuckles at his sides and swung at Burst wildly!
"Dude. You're not my nemesis." Burst frowned as thoughts of Blitz Surge entered his head. "There's already someone a lot more qualified than you for that position, and you hate my guts just because I gave you a scar with your own weapon?"
"Stop joking around and fight me!" Edge roared as his blades continued to uselessly bounce off of Burst's shield spell! "Face me like a man!"
"You tried to ambush me like a coward, fight like a child throwing a tantrum, and a petty motivation." Burst Stream answered with a smirk. "So who's the real one that's acting childish?"
"SHUT UP!" Edge screamed as Burst dropped the shield spell! Leaving Edge wide open for Burst to strike! Something Burst capitalized on by slashing Edge across the chest! The praying mantis mutant changeling hissing in pain as the lightsaber's blade seared his chitin! "GAAAH!"
"You're outmatched in strength and skill. Give up, and buzz off." Burst Stream cautioned the reeling Edge! "Come at me again, and you're likely to lose limb. Or at worst, your life."
". . . You're right. Heh heh!" Edge chuckled darkly before producing a vile of bright green serum from his coat! "Which is why Queen Chrysalis made THIS for me and the rest of the mutant changelings that still serve her! Earlier you'd said I'd lost my edge. Fool! I'm about to regain it, and so much more!"
Edge Lord popped the cap off the serum, and chugged it down in a single bulp! The empty serum vial shattering as Edge threw it to the ground! Suddenly, Edge hunched over as his entire body began to bulge! Suddenly, parts of his chitin skin began to crack and bust apart! His muscles literally bursting through his skin and pulsating with a slime-green aura as they increased in size! Edge had a bloodthirsty smile on his face as he stared down Burst Stream!
"Now that I'm powered up. . . " Edge sneered! "I'M GONNA POUND YOU INTO THE GROUND!" Edge raised his scythe, and slammed it into the city street! A crater forming from the impact! Burst Stream narrowly avoiding the scythe's arc!
'Whatever was in that serum, it definitely boosted his power!' Burst thought as he took to the air! His dragon wings beating furiously as he surveyed the damage! 'If the damage he was able to do with one swing is evidence enough, I don't want to think about what else he'd do! I've gotta get him away from here! There's too many people, so I can't really let loose either! Dammit! Where to go?!'
Burst whipped his head about trying to find a more suitable battleground, but he was suckerpunched by Edge Lord! The force of the blow almost making Burst tumble to the ground if it weren't for the Element of Power's quick recovery! As Burst recovered, he caught sight of a building undergoing construction and it looked like the site was absent at the moment!
"Perfect!" Burst smirked before turning to face Edge! The praying mantis mutant changeling buzzing wildly after suckerpunching Burst! "Alright you wannabe reaper! You want my life? Come and get me!" Burst Stream taunted as he flew off towards the construction site!
"Going to your grave already?!" Edge asked with a crazed grin as he buzzed after Burst Stream! "Let me bury you in it!"
Edge tried to ground Burst by slashing at him when in range, but all the mutant changeling received for his troubles was a hail of blaster fire from Burst Stream! Alongside a few bolts of magic!
"This is the place!" Burst said to himself as he dove and landed at the construction site! However, he couldn't catch his breath for long! "AGH!" Burst stumbled forwards, but managed to recover! Noticing a large slash on his back and Edge standing not to far from his back! Grinning wickedly at the sight of Burst's blood on his blade!
"First blood is mine, hero." Edge said with a malicious smile! "And so shall the last!"
'I thought he'd be slower due to all that bulk! But at the same time, he hits harder too! Still, now that we're away from people. . . ' Burst's pupils narrowed into dragonic slits! 'I'm going to show him just how hard an enraged dragon bites!'
Burst holstered his side blaster, and converted his main one into its lightsaber mode! The Element of Power took a deep breath, and got into a ready position. Closing his eyes as he did so!
"So you accept your end at last, do you?!" Edge cackled maliciously! "WONDERFUL! NOW I CAN ACCOMPLISH WHAT TIREK FAILED TO DO WHEN HE HELD ALL THE KINGDOM'S MAGIC!"
Edge leaped into the air, and prepared to swing his scythe down on Burst Stream! But instant Edge brought his scythe close, Burst's eyes snapped open and he sliced off the scythe's blade! The scythe's handle cauterized where it had been cut! Edge was so stunned by this that he was left wide open! Letting Burst do what he did best: badass punches to the face!
"Pathetic. Your power is only available thanks to that serum. LET ME SHOW YOU WHAT A TRAINED PUNCH CAN DO!" Burst screamed as he slugged Edge in the face right before powering up his magic! Firing the blast point blank at Edge's gut! "WHITE LIGHTNING!"
The force of the point blank blast sent Edge flying into the nearby wall! A crater forming upon the mutant changeling's impact! Burst Stream was cautious as Edge was motionless, and paid attention to the injury he'd inflicted. If this fight went on any longer, it would be a weak point he could exploit. However, Burst was snapped out of his strategizing when he saw the muscles that were scorched and fried by his lightning blast start to stitch themselved back together! Looking as good as new upon finishing!
"Oh great." Burst groaned. "Looks like that serum had a dash of regeneration in it. Still, it looks like he's stunned from my white lightning." Burst surveyed his surroundings, and a plan formed in his head as he looked at his now-ruined coat. "Hmmm...."
"Grrr. . . " Edge growled as he snapped out of his stunned state! His eyes darting for any sign of Burst Stream! "Where'd that annoying dragon go?!" Edge was about to level the place when he noticed a sleeve of Burst's coat peeking out from behind a support beam! "There you are!"
Edge stomped towards the sleeve, and slamme dhis fist into the support beam! Only to receive a shock upon impact as lightning struck him from above! Enraged, Edge snapped his head up to see above him and saw some spilled blood. It seemed to form a bit of a trail that Edge now noticed. The mutant changeling following the trail all too happily if it meant he could end Burst Stream! When Edge found the end of the trail, he spotted the remains of Burst's coat on the ground!
"Oh how I wish I could photograph this moment!" Edge said with an evil smile as he stomped his foot and brought his fist down near where the destroyed coast had been discarded! But to his unpleasant surprise, Burst wasn't there!
"How about a head shot?" A familiar voice asked as Burst hung down from the nearby horizontal support beam! Shirtless due to discarding his upper body clothing! Edge whipped his head around to face Burst, and received a charged shot to the face at point-blank range! The mutant changeling screaming in pain as the regeneration effect of the serum he'd taken repaied his half-destroyed face at an agonizingly slow rate!
"Damn. . . you!" Edge groaned in pain as his face was just about healed before doubling over in pain! Suddenly, the green overflowing muscles that had burst through Edge's skin exploded! The mutant changeling crumpling to the floor as his body finally registered the pain of his muscles shredding themselves! "GAAAUUUUGHH!"
"Whatever you drank earlier, it's no match for actual training and skill." Burst Stream advised to his fallen foe. "But you probably won't listen to my advice." Suddenly, the sound of slow clapping notified Burst that he and his opponent were not alone.
"Good, brother. Very good indeed." Blitz Surge said as he stopped clapping. Looking down at Burst Stream from the support beam he was standing on before using a levitation spell to float to the ground. "It appears we are related after all. We both share father's skill towards battle."
"Where were you when Edge Lord showed up?" Burst questioned crossly. "You say that Castalot's your jurisdiction, but you failed to notice a well-known enemy waltzing in here? Are you lazy, or were you just waiting for him to stir up trouble? Do you know how many people could have been hurt?!"
"Acceptable collateral so long as no life is lost." Blitz retorted. "I don't know if I can say the same for the damages caused by you to my new base." The head of the Lancers narrowed his eyes. "But if I recall correctly, I lost to you back in the Crystal Empire." Blitz's hand hovered over the handle of his katana! "Perhaps a rematch would be adequate compensation for the damage you've caused to our headquarters."
"How in tartarus are you a hero?!" Burst growled! "Shouldn't you be focused on getting the villain I just beat into custody? What's your problem with me?!"
"There won't be any need for custody." Blitz Surge said as he unsheathed his katana and stalked his way towards the fallen mutant changeling! "Justice will be-" Before Blitz could even take another step, he was blocked by the blade of Burst's lightsaber! ". . . What are you doing?"
"Stopping you." Burst said angrily. "He's already beaten, and every muscle in his body's been ripped to shreds! And you're just going to kill him in cold blood?!"
"He's evil. He deserves no mercy. Besides, in his state, it would be a mercy killing." Blitz answered as he narrowed his eyes. "Do you dare obstruct justice, brother?"
"This ISN'T justice, and I don't hear him beggin for his pain to end." Burst Stream snapped. "Who do you think you are, Light from Death Note? Next thing I know, you'll probably be calling yourself the world's savior."
"I AM the savior of this world." Blitz responded with a cold glare as he noticed Edge escape via an emergency teleport spell that triggered from his wounds. "The TRUE son of Aether and REAL hero of this world. You're just a child who's been playing hero all this time. But despite that, everyone calls you and your pathetic friends 'heroes'. You. A disgrace to father by choosing to fall for that disgusting fallen goddess. Offering them 'redemption', when they deserve none."
"Keep talking about Nightmare Moon like that. Please, by all means." Burst Stream growled. "What makes you the 'real' hero of this world?"
"Because I would have come when the villains' ruled the land! Liberating all from their rule and receiving the glory and praise worth of a Son of Aether!" Blitz hissed! "But you. . . YOU had to ruin everything! Father's approval and acceptance, the love of the kingdom, and winning the heart of a goddess. All of that was supposed to be MINE! And you had to show up and ruin everything I'd planned!" Blitz swung his katana at Burst, and the two locked blades! Sparks showering forth from the blades of their swords locking! "What makes you so special?"
". . . What did you just say?" Burst said in shock and realization. 'Those words. . . I've heard them before! Back when that hooded guy attacked me and left me for dead near the old castle in the Everfree Forest. He sounded exactly like Blitz! Is it possible. . . ?'
But before either Burst or Blitz Surge could say another word, Princesses Celestia and Luna descended! The royal sisters intervening before things could escalat any farther!
"There has been enough fighting for today." Celestia announced in her regal, serene voice. "There's no need for any further conflict."
"Indeed sister." Luna nodded. "The villain has been bested, and the kingdom and its people are safe. Let us away Blitz Surge."
". . . So be it." Blitz huffed as he sheathed his sword. "Soon, brother, you will face justice."
"Right back at you." Burst glared as he watched Luna teleport away with Blitz before he turned his attention to Celestia. "So, care to go back to the castle the scenic route?"
"Burst? Could we actually talk for a moment once we're back at the castle?" Celestia asked. The slightest hint of a blush present on her face. "There's something important I'd like you to know."
"Sure, Celestia." Burst nodded. "C'mon! I'll race you back!" The pair took off towards the castle! A playful smile on both of their faces as they flew towards the castle! The race back ending with Celestia as the victor. Not that Burst was surprised at the outcome. "Well, the middle of my day was a bit trashed, but at least the end of it was nice."
"I see." Celestia nodded when she noticed the slash mark on Burst's back. "Burst, have you had that wound tended to yet?"
"Hm?" Burst turned his head to look as far back as he could. "I was planning to get patched up after the fight was over."
"Come with me. I'll see to it that you're healed up." Celestia said as she led Burst towards her room. She couldn't help but blush slightly when she realized that she was leading Burst by the hand. 'Calm down, Celly. Just tell him after you've finished patching him up. It'll be the perfect time.' "You know, you seem to be coming back from fights less and less damaged each time. I still remember seeing you in that hospital bed after you destroyed Night Terror."
"Yeah. That was one of my toughest fights." Burst chuckled as Celestia worked her healing magic on him. "Plus, it helps that I've got dragon scale skin and the ability to fly now. Rainbow Dash has been wanting to race me, but I think we all know who'd win. Speaking of friends, me and the guys are planning on a guys' night soon." 'It'd also be a good chance to discuss my suspicions about Blitz Surge.'
"It's so nice to see that you're catching up with everyone you care about." Celestia said with a fond, yet wistful smile as she cut the flow of the healing spell and removing her hands from Burst. "And, I'm sorry about your coat."
"It's just a piece of clothing. Rarity'll probably offer to make me a new one after she hears about what happened." Burst answered before a nervous expression. "Hey, Celestia? You're one of those people I care about. You always will be."
". . . I know." Celestia said with uncertainty.
"Celestia, Moon brought you up one night when she was talking about how just talking to me was enough for her after I came back." Burst said nervously as he turned to face the solar princess. "Do you have any idea what she meant by that?"
'You're just looking for any good excuse to push things along, aren't you Moon?' Celestia thought. "I know exactly why she told you this."
"So why did she-?!" Burst was cut short when Celestia put her hands on his shoulders and gazed deeply into his electric-blue eyes.
"Because I still love you, Burst Stream." Celestia said with complete conviction. Her eyes beginning to tear up. "For so long, I wanted nothing more than to be together with you again. When you suggested that we take some time apart, I used that time to reflect on what we had and how I was forced to tear it apart because I thought it would keep you safe. Sometimes I thought that I didn't deserve to get back together with you. I doubted you and your friends being able to triumph against Shining Dawn, and I didn't trust you enough to just say what the problem was."
"And. . . how does Moon play into this?" Burst asked.
"She told me about the dreams you'd have of us back together. How happy she saw you even after I let go of you." Celestia answered with a smile. "You're not wrong to have such dreams, no matter how much you tell yourself that you are. Seeing you take a stand against Tirek while you were in a weakened state to protect me? That just solidified why I did, and still love you. You're willing to give your life for me, and you've already done that more times than I can count. All because you want to see me smile at the end of the day."
"I. . . I don't-" Burst shook his head as he slipped loose from Celestia's grip. "I am happy about this. Really, I am. But, I'm with Moon now. How can I say I really love her if I still have feelings for you? And if I do get back together with you, that leaves Moon alone! I can't do that to her, or I'd never live with myself. But the worst part is, I genuinely love both of you! You and Moon captured my heart in your own ways. Honestly, both of you are the entire reason I started down this path in the first place. When it comes to choosing between the two of you? I. . . I just can't."
'Moon. Just what is that solution you were going to discuss with me?' Celestia thought as she rubbed the side of Burst's face. "You shouldn't feel any pressure to choose between us. That's something Moon and I are working on. For now? Just rest and go on like this talk never happened."
"Yeah." Burst sighed. "I'll need it today. Especially after that verbal slugfest I had with Blitz." Burst's eyes narrowed. "Something he said triggered a memory I'd rather not recall. He asked me 'what makes me special'."
"And what might the significance of that be?" Celestia asked. The concern on her face all too visible.
"I think he's the same guy who attacked me and left me to die in the Everfree Forest." Burst answered. "And I thought I already had enough reasons to hate his guts. I can't shake the feeling he's up to something really bad, and he's been using Luna to help move things along. But this is all just suspicion."
". . . I see." Celestia's eyes narrowed. "Perhaps I should speak to my sister about her 'relationship' with her champion."
"Yeah. No way I'd ever buy that those two are a real couple." Burst sighed. "Well it was. . . nice, talking to you again Celestia. So, uh, I guess I'll see you around."
"Rest well Burst Stream." Celestia said with a serene smile.
"Thanks." Burst said as he teleported to his room, and flopped onto his bed. A tired look on his face as he stared at the ceiling. "Damn. And here I was thinking my love life would never get complicated. Not to mention, I've got another asshole 'brother' to deal with. Well, whatever comes, I know my friends and I can handle it. Right now? *yawn* I could use a nap." And that's just what he did.