The Everfree Forest. Minutes after the Elements of Heroism are forced to flee from Unity
To say that the Elements of Heroism felt awful would be an understatement. It had been less than a day when Blitz Surge's coup had been successful and he'd taken control of Unity's capitol. He'd captured all the princesses, and since Twilight was among them, the Rainbow Power was taken out of commission as well. Blitz Surge also had access to the power of Harmony and an army of robotic soldiers. While most of their number could easily take on such forces, there was the unpleasant fact that civilians could get caught in the crossfire the second Blitz decided to deploy more forces. Further dashing any hopes of an all-out assault was the fact that even Avatars were helpless against the power of Harmony. In short, their situation sucked and none of them were happy about it as they traversed the Everfree Forest.
"AGH!" Inferno screamed as a fiery aura ignited all around him! "Dammit, I should've known from the beginning! If I'd just torched Blitz Surge when he first showed up or just kept getting back up after in that duel-!"
"What good would that do, Inferno?" Arctic Ace questioned. "If you had done that, Princess Luna could have very well imprisoned us for life. We all knew that Blitz Surge was bad news, but we never considered that he'd pull off something on this scale. And if you had kept going in that duel for leadership against him, you could have very well ended up imprisoned. What would any of us do then? What would that do to Rarity? I know you're angry and upset about the current events. We ALL are."
"I appreciate that you're level-headed about our situation Ace." Burst Stream said. "But it doesn't change the fact Blitz essentially pulled an Order 66 on us. We've been declared fugitives from Unity, and those robotic troops probably have orders to capture us on-sight. And if we raise arms against him, we're declared enemies. Right now, we're all feeling like we've lost our home. And no one feels worse than me about this because I had to force all of you to flee with me."
"Look Burst. The truth of our situation is that whether we fight or run, we're at a disadvantage." Steel said with a sympathetic look on his face. "You're just making the best of it by choosing the less worse option. That's all we can do right now. If any one of us had stayed, it's likely we would've been captured. We'd either be used as a shield, or interrogated for information and used as a bargaining chip for our surrender."
"Out of curiosity, just why are we in the Everfree Forest?" Spike asked. "I mean, I've never slept outside before, but. . . "
"If you'r worried about a roof over our heads, you shouldn't be." Burst replied. "In fact, that's part of the reason why we're headed through the forest. We should be coming up on our destination soon."
"What're you talking about?" Dark Ice questioned. "The only building in the forest is. . . Oh. I think I get it now."
"Exactly." Burst nodded as the Castle of the Two Sisters came into view. "Some of us helped out Twilight and the girls restoring the old castle. It's not completely stored, but it's fixed enough so that we don't have to worry about the rain pouring down on us while we sleep. Come on, let's head inside."
As the band of heroes set their belongings in the old castle, most of the team couldn't help but wonder why their leader would choose such a location. Especially when he sounded so defeated earlier.
"Hey, Burst?" Inferno asked. "Why're we setting ourselves up in this place? It's a good place to hide, sure, but what good is this place if Blitz goes and takes over all of Unity?"
"Because this old castle is going to be more than just our hideout." Burst answered with a determined gaze in his eyes! "This is going to be our base where we strike back from. Blitz Surge changed the battlefield we're familiar with. We're used to going up against massive forces, but we've never been forced to engage in a fight that isn't head-on. If we kept fighting as we have, we'd inevitably be outmatched. So, we need to adapt our fighting styles and strategies. Akage, Ace. I trust you two are up to the task?"
"So we're switching things up, huh?" Akage smiled. "Something tells me I'm going to be able to take full advantage of my skills. I'm on board."
"Blitz Surge caught us all off-guard." Arctic Ace coolly. "I say we give him a nasty surprise in the form of us showing him we aren't calling it quits just because he took over our home."
"Then it's settled." Burst nodded. "Let's show Blitz and his cronies what real heroes do when their backs are to the wall and things get bad. We'll all be involved in this, but there's going to be less of us in battle at a time. The rest of you get settled in, we'll need to hunt for some food soon."
"You needn't worry about those of us who are Avatars." Tyrannus stated. "We don't need to eat or sleep, remember?"
"Yeah. But we all know Fang can never have enough ribs." Akage quipped. The Element of Levity's joke prompting a chuckle from his team, raising their spirits. Something that was direly needed in their current situation. "So it's for the rest of AND him."
"Too bad I didn't bring a bottle of barbecue sauce in my bag." Fang muttered with a small smile. "If you guys are going on the hunt, take me with you. I've got the best nose of the bunch."
"Lead the way, Fang." Tyrannus chuckled. "The two of us should be more than enough."
"Well, if no one else minds, I'm going to set up my computer." Nightfall said as he whipped out his laptop. "I'm going to monitor any of Blitz's broadcasts. They'll likely give us important information on where he's shipping out his troops. I'll also be running checks on my suit. Can't have me going in without being fully functional. If something goes wrong in the field, my suit could make me an easy target. And I'd rather destroy my suit than let Hax pick it apart and use it to make something for Blitz to use."
"That's assuming there's anyone who'd willingly be his grunts, lad." Magnet North added. "He certainly doesn't seem like a leader most would willingly follow."
"You forget, the Lancers are entirely composed of people with grievances against some of us, or the girls in Lightning Dust's case." Steel added. "Still, we've got a significant edge over them: They're not team players."
"They've also recently gone down in number." Nightfall informed the group. "Blitz just announced that Ronin left their ranks. So that means we've got another edge on our side."
"We'll need as many as we can get." Arctic Ace reminded. "But at least you won't be forced to fight your brother."
"No, I doubt Ronin and I would have crossed blades in the first place." Akage said with a sigh of relief. "He follows his own code. If something he's told to do conflicts with it, he'll abandon it to stay true to himself. Ronin's departure leaves Blitz with Hax, Lightning Dust, Garble, and Lance at his disposal. Though he's likely to try and recruit new members."
"Whatever the case, we should focus on letting Blitz Surge know that we aren't just going to lie down and accept his take over." Burst stated. "Now we just need to find the best opportunity to show that, and how to do it."
"I think I might be able to help with that." Nightfall informed with a smile. "Blitz says that the new units Hax is building to help enforce 'justice' and 'peace' will be unveiled in a few days. I can't think of a better way to wreck his day than trashing his toys. And knowing just how much he hates your guts Burst, I'd say you going in solo is going to have the biggest impact."
"Then it looks like we've got ourselves a plan." Burst smiled. "But just 'cause I'm going in alone for this doesn't mean the rest of you can just lay about the castle. We've got plenty of space to train, and there's always a chance some of us will need to get deployed. So keep to the standard training, and be sure to get rest when you can. For now, let's just try and get our stuff set up."
And so, the move-in began. With so much space available in the mostly restored castle, it wasn't that hard to find a place for each of the Elements of Heroism to call their own and some of them grouping together after dinner. Arctic Ace, Shadow Thunder, and Dark Ice had formed their own little trio and had their rooms next to each other. Steel and Tyrannus decided to bunk together while discussing what advancements or changes their ascensions had done to their Duelist Arms. Akage had found his own quiet little corner. Nightfall found his own area of the castle to set his equipment, and he was quite thankful that his bed was in a room close by. Spike had set his sleeping bag near the library as it reminded him of Twilight and the old library, and the young dragon felt a little less homesick as a result. Magnet North set himself up near a window, and Fang had shifted into his wolf cub from and sleeping at the foot of Venus's bed.
"Looks like our first night here's gonna be peaceful." Burst sighed with a relief as he removed his coat. "These next few days are gonna be tense."
"Hey, don't sweat it Burst." Inferno said with an encouraging smile. "I just might decide to show up and torch those new tin cans Blitz is rolling out."
"Well, you are used to performing in front of a crowd." Burst chuckled. "Glad to know I've got a god-tier friend who's got my back."
"Sleep well dude." Inferno nodded. "You're gonna need it the most out of all of us. So which room did you take?"
"Where do you think?" Burst said with a small smile as he made his way to the room he and Nightmare Moon shared when Blitz Surge had ambushed him. As soon as Burst's head hit the pillow, he drifted off to sleep. But as the Element of Power began to dream, he received a most welcome visitor in the dreamscape. "Moon?"
"Burst Stream!" Nightmare Moon shrieked as she threw herself into Burst's arms! The dream goddess embracing her lover as if he would fade in an instant! "You're alright! You're okay!"
"I'm fine, Moon. But from what happened, I don't think you or the other princesses are." Burst said sadly. "I miss you so much."
"So do I." Nightmare Moon sighed as she touched her forehead to Burst Stream's. "And so does she."
"Somehow, I knew she would." Burst said. "Between the two of you, I really can't choose. Both of you are a huge part of my life, and there's just so much to love about both of you too."
"About that Burst." Nightmare Moon began. "There's a plan I have to help fix that. But, now probably isn't the best time for it, huh?"
"No, it isn't." Burst sighed. "But despite the current situation, I'm not giving up. And you'll be seeing me again really soon. In a couple days to be specific. I hope they let you have TV during your imprisonment."
"We'll be watching closely then." Nightmare Moon smiled lovingly. "Until then, my precious light, sweet dreams." And with that, she faded into mist. Leaving Burst to a peaceful slumber.
Castalot, the unveiling of the new Lancer units
"People of Unity." Blitz Surge began as he addressed the masses through the broadcast of his announcement. "It's come to my attention that certain areas of our kingdom go without the protection my forces provide. And so, I have had these new units created to uphold justice, peace, and security in the regions where the Lancers' standard units cannot reach."
Blitz made a swinging motion with his hand, and the sheet covering the new Lancer units behind him fell to the ground revealing robots that were feminine in appearance and was equipped with spears, twin swords at their sides, and metal wings attached to jetpacks were on their backs. The other unit that was unveiled was a large, heavily armored machine with a shield on their left arm and a hammer held in their right. Each of the new units standing at the ready behind the currently active ones.
"I give you the Valkyries and Guardians! Two proud new additions to the arsenal of justice!" Blitz announced proudly! However, he inwardly frowned at how few people showed up. Those that had made it a point to come to the unveiling booed at him, openly voicing their displeasure with him! "Protest my activities all you like, but I am your hero now! I have delivered you from the rule of goddesses wracked with failure!"
"And because they failed, they grew as leaders." A new voice called out. A figure walked toward the podium in a light grey cloak. "Haven't you failed in besting the Elements of Heroism in combat? From what I remember after each clash you had with them, your forces were always out-skilled, outnumbered, and outmatched."
"You dare compare me to those foolish pretenders?!" Blitz Surge roared! "You would compare me to that pitiful excuse of a hero that is Burst Stream?!"
"Gee, bro." The figure leaped into the air, and spread out their dragon wings! Discarding the cloak that concealed their true appearance! The figure was none other than Burst Stream, flashing a defiant smile as he hovered in the air! "I didn't know you thought about me so much!"
"YOU!" Blitz screamed in pure rage! "We'll see how well you fare against my forces! ATTACK!"
The assembled Lancer units sparked to life and immediately charged at Burst Stream! The Blades fired their blasters at him, and drew their sword to attack him at close range! However, they received an unpleasant surprise as Burst switched his main Duelist Arm from its blaster form to its lightsaber form! Deflecting the blasts back at the Blades! Some of the deflected blasts critically damaging the Blades! When it came to melee combat, Burst's lightsaber easily sliced through the Blades' swords, leaving the robotic warriors unarmed and vulnerable! A vulnerability that Burst greatly capitalized on as he slashed his way through the mechs with his lightsaber! The blade cutting through wires and metal like a hot knight through butter and leaving the Blades a wreck! The Scouts stood even less of a chance than their fellow robotic brethren as Burst shot them down with his spare blaster! The drones exploding upon destruction!
However, the battle was far from over as the few Guardians unveiled at the ceremony charged at Burst with their shields! Fully intent on slamming into Burst with great force! Wasting no time, Burst rolled out of the way of a Guardian's path as he shifted his Duelist Arm back to its blaster form, and slotted in the spell magazine Celestia had given to him! Firing a blast of solar plasma at the Guardian in the hopes of punching a hole through its armor! Unfortunately, the Guardian raised its shield and began channeling energy into it to form a bubble shield around itself! While Burst's attack pushed the Guardian back, it unfortunately did little in the way of damage!
"Time to take Moon's present for a test drive!" Burst muttered to himself as he dodged the heavy hammer swings from the other Guardian! Swapping out Celestia's spell magazine for Moon's, and firing it at the Guardian currently swinging at him! A midnight blue blast shot out, instantly paralyzing the Guardian long enough for Burst to sneak behind it and fire a charged shot from his side blaster at its vulnerable backside! The Guardian's top half exploding as its legs slumped to the ground!
"Is that the only feature your new toys have, Blitz?" Burst spat as he stared down the remaining Guardian. The last Guardian seemed to twist the handle of its hammer, and energy began to crackle around the weapon! "Guess not." Burst immediately took to the air as the Guardian brought its hammer down! Releasing a shockwave as the weapon struck the ground! However, this left the Guardian vulnerable as Burst shifted his Duelist Arm back into its lightsaber form and launched himself forwards! Stabbing through the Guardian's core! The mech's lights flickering as its power died!
But with the other units dispatched, Burst Stream now had to contend with the Valkyries! The new units were sleeker and faster than the others, and wasted no time in attacking Burst while he was in the air! However, Burst had an easy work around for this encounter! Powering up his magic, Burst Stream shot out a stream of lightning that fried all the Valkyries! Leaving them smoldering wrecks as they fell to the ground! With the battle over, Burst looked towards Blitz and then the cameras as they hadn't stopped recording.
"You're not the only one with a message for all of Unity, Blitz Surge." Burst declared boldly. "Listen up everyone! The Elements of Heroism may have been run out of Castalot and Unityville, but there's no way we're just going to stand by and let this bastard rule over our home! Today is the day we struck back, and we'll keep on doing it until our home is free and the princesses sit on their thrones once more!" The gathered crowd cheered wildly at Burst's declaration! However, the crowd's response didn't sit well with Blitz Surge!
"No. . . " Blitz growled as he unsheathed his sword! The power of Harmony gathering around the blade! "THIS IS THE DAY YOU FALL, REJECT!" Blitz unleashed a rainbow-colored slash of energy at Burst Stream! The attack hitting Burst dead-on! Blitz smiled wickedly as he saw Burst fall to the ground! However, his smile soon faded as Burst Stream stood up relatively unharmed! "WHAT?!" 'Why?! Why didn't my attack kill him?! The last time I used that technique, it managed to one-shot an Avatar! So why is he standing so unscathed?!'
"Attacking me when my back's turned?" Burst frowned. Unaware that a barely visible rainbow-colored aura thinly cloaked his being. "How heroic of you. If you're done with your temper tantrum, I'm out. Peace!" And Burst teleported back to the Castle of the Two Sisters! Leaving Blitz to stew in his public humiliation!
"RAAAAUUUUUGGGHHH!" Blitz screamed to the empty air around him!
Back in Castalot Castle, two of the captured princesses watched the live broadcast with satisfied and relieved smiles.
"You certainly know how to make an entrance, Burst." Celestia said with a loving smile as she envisioned Burst storming the castle to rescue her like in the fairy tales she'd read as a child. "Still, I'm no damsel in distress. Moon?"
"Hm?"
"I think it's about time we start drafting our escape plan." Celestia smirked. "You always did say I needed to get out of the castle more."
"Someone say plan?" Twilight asked as her head popped in the doorway. "Because I might have something in mind. . . "