//------------------------------// // Episode 18: Get the Girls // Story: EoH Evolution: Season 6 // by Bahamut0 //------------------------------// The Castle of the Two Sisters, Everfree Forest Akage took a deep breath as he meditated, the Element of Levity clearing his mind as one of his hands drifted towards the handle of his primary Duelist Arm. Snapping his eyes open, Akage let loose a flurry of lightning-quick slashes! His grip alternating between his sword's primary grip and its extra tonfa handle! Allowing for greatly fluidity when chaining his strikes! Satisfied that his sword skills were still sharp, Akage drew the bow on his back, and pulled back the string of energy! An arrow of energy crackled into existance, and Akage wasted no time testing out his marksmanship as he let loose arrow after arrow at the targets set up in his training area! The young ninja smiled at his display of skill, but it soon faded when he pictured Pinkie Pie cheering him on as he practiced. "Something got you down Akage?" Steel Edge asked as he removed the targets. "You're more quiet than usual." "I guess you could say I'm a little lovesick." Akage shrugged as he holstered his bow. "I guess after a little bit of time, the weight of everything that's recently happened finally seems to come down on you. Whenever I practice my skills, I just can't get the sight of Pinkie cheering me on out of my mind. Sometimes it's like I can hear her, but when I look for her, she's not here." "Honestly, I think we're all feeling that." Steel sighed. "Maybe it's in varying degrees, but we all still feel it. I think Inferno's got it the worst because he and Rarity were planning on getting married. Unfortunately, those plans got derailed for the moment." "Well, if you're all feeling a little homesick, I've got some good news." Burst replied as he addressed the group. "Ace and I were going over the current state of Unity. We all know that Castalot's been turned into a stronghold with Lancer HQ. If we're going to take back our home, we've got to set up a firm starting point we can defend. My little visit probably has Blitz trying to fortify Castalot more, so some heat might have been taken off of Unityville. So, I was thinking, it couldn't hurt to have one of us scout town without being seen and give a status update. Preferably someone who's good at staying out of sight." "Leaving now." Akage blurted out as soon as Burst was finished talking. Leaving a surprised Burst Stream and Steel Edge in his wake! Leaping from the trees and darting into the shadows, Akage arrived in Unityville in almost no time flat! As Akage expected, Blades and Scouts were patrolling the town. "Looks like Blitz Surge hasn't updated his deployments here. That'll make things a bit easier if all we need to worry about are Blades and Scouts. Still, that's liable to change. But for now. . . " Akage's gaze locked onto Sugar Cube Corner. "I've a small bit of personal business to attend to." Briefly peeking his head out from cover, Akage quickly scanned his intended path towards Sugar Cube Corner. Satisfied that he could traverse without drawing attention to himself, the Element of Levity zipped towards the building! Once he arrived at the door, he put his back against the front wall to open it up! The second he opened it wide enough to fit himself, Akage slipped in quickly before shutting the door! "So far, so good." Akage said to himself with a sigh of relief. However, he was puzzled as to why Sugar Cube Corner was empty. What further confused him was why the lights were off and a lone cupcake with a card in front of it seemed to be waiting for him. Cautiously, Akage approached the table where the cupcake sat, carefully picking up the card and reading it. The words "Welcome Back" were written on it. Akage instantly sensed a presence behind him, but made no move to counter it. Instead, he simply smiled as he welcomed the figure's advance. "I knew you'd be back." Pinkie Pie said quietly as she wrapped her arms around Akage, and pressing her face against his neck. A small, joyful smile on her the Avatar of Laughter's face as her bright blue eyes teared up. "My Pinkie Sense is never wrong." "It's great to see you too Pinkie." Akage smiled as he turned to return the hug. "I can't begin to tell you how much I missed you. Or how much all of the guys miss the rest of the girls." For a moment, his expression saddened. "And how much we regret that we didn't take any of you with us." "Hey!" Pinkie chirped as she used her index fingers to pull up the corners of Akage's mouth into a smile! "You're still fighting, aren't ya? That's reason enough for me and the girls to be happy!" "It's very hard to be sad around you." Akage chuckled lightly. "So how are things holding up here? I notice everyone's walking on eggshells and feeling uncomfortable with all the new arrivals." "It stinks." Pinkie Pie pouted. "People are a lot less happy ever since Blitz took over. All the drones keep buzzing around and the Blades are constantly patrolling! No one feels safe!" "And Blitz plans on expanding his reign." Akage nodded. "Something tells me he had the Valkyrie units developed specifically for Cloudsdale while the Guardian units were likely made to further build up his ground troops. Big, bulky units like them would be best in Appleossa or Manehattan. Blades serving as all-around infantry, Guardians serving as the heavy tanks, and the Valkyries serve as air support. It probably won't be long until Blitz develops a unit specializing in ranged combat too. But, that's a problem we'll solve when we get to it." "Speaking of problems, one of them just showed up." Pinkie Pie gestured outside as she made a pair of binoculars with her hands to zoom in. A lock of her hair acting as a radio receiver to broadcast what was being said. Not wanting to miss out on what could be important information, Akage traveled to the roof and perched himself so he could see and hear what was going on. The young ninja narrowed his eyes as he saw Nova Flare of the Lancers strolling into town while being flanked by two Guardians. Once she was at the center of town, Nova Flare arrived with a scroll. "People of Unityville!" Nova Flare announced as she read from the scroll. "Our new leader, Blitz Surge, has made it his mission to be vigilant in his noble quest to bestow peace, justice, and security to our nation. But before he can dispense justice to the rest of the kingdom, he must first address the threats that lie closer to home! As of late, Unityville has harbored defeated villains who had dark designs for our beloved home. And while they may have been defeated, the fact they roam freely does nothing more than allow them a new opportunity to menace our people! By the decree of Blitz Surge, the following individuals are to be imprisoned within the dungeons of Castalot Castle! Starlight Glimmer, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, and Sonata Dusk! You shall all face justice tomorrow! Whether you resist or not makes no difference! Your end shall be the same! You, and all who stand against justice!" "This is bad." Akage muttered to himself as he climbed back down into Sugar Cube Corner! "Pinkie, I gotta go NOW." "I know Akage." Pinkie Pie nodded sadly. "And be careful." "You'll see me again someday." Akage nodded as he kissed Pinkie goodbye and darted off towards the Everfree Forest! Once he arrived at the castle, Akage wasted no time informing everyone of the declaration Nova Flare had read! "They're coming to collect them all tomorrow. And if we don't, there's no telling what Blitz Surge will do to them. I know we don't have to worry about the Dazzlings, but Starlight's still mortal. Meaning Blitz could very well execute her." "We have to get them now!" Shadow exclaimed as he stomped forward! "I'm not going to let that monster lay a finger on Starlight! She's worked to redeem herself!" "That bastard!" Night Fang growled! "What gives him the right to judge Aria and the others like that?! I swear if he shows up I'll-!" "Easy there Fang!" Venus cautioned! The Element of Spirit putting a hand on his best friend's shoulder in an effort to calm him! "I'm just as upset as you are! But you're forgetting that Blitz has the power of Harmony on his side! If you tank so much as a single hit from an attack infused with it, you'll be out of commission for the fight!" "Besides, our priority shouldn't be trying to take down Blitz Surge if he shows up." Arctic Ace added. "Our main objective should be to get those four out of Unityville and into the castle." "If Blitz does show up, then it should be me to face him." Burst declared. "But it's not just for any of the reasons you might think. When I made my little visit to Castalot, Blitz unleashed one of his harmony-infused attacks on me. I was expecting to be down for the count like Inferno, but the strange thing is, I only received minor damage. Sure, it stung a bit and hit hard, but it didn't one-shot me. For whatever reason, I'm more resistant to the power of harmony. Which is why I should keep Blitz off of you if he decides to bring the girls in himself. I can hold my own against him, so you just worry about getting your getting the girls. We'll work on saving the world from there." "When can we leave?" Arctic Ace asked. The eagerness in his eyes betraying the cool tone in his voice. "As soon as you're ready to fight tomorrow." Burst answered as he inspected his primary Duelist Arm. His eyes narrowing as he gripped the weapon. "But honestly, I don't think Blitz is going to make an appearance. I know he is." Unityville. The next day. "So, that's it? We're just gonna take what's coming to us?" Aria asked with a frown as she and her sisters were escorted by Blades towards the center of town. "All because the asshole that overthrew the princesses doesn't believe we deserve a second chance?" "And give him an excuse to tear up the entire town while trying to bring us in?" Adagio asked. "Not to mention he wields the power of Harmony and could easily turn us into statues." "Hey guys?" Sonata asked fearfully. "Are we. . . bait?" ". . . It's possible, Sonata." Starlight answered. "Ever since the unveiling, it's likely Blitz made eliminating the Elements of Heroism his main priority. And given how he knows some of us are in relationships with them, we're the ideal bait to draw them out. But he probably targeted us specifically because there would be a complete outrage if he tried to get rid of the rest of the other bearers of harmony alongside the princesses. Meaning he'd lose any and all holds over the people." "So you have all chosen wisely." Blitz Surge addressed the group as he strode forward. The Scout units broadcasting the entire event to all of Unity! "For too long you have all evaded justice. Be it banishment to another world, or granted asylum by a failure of a princess. Regardless, the four of you are no longer safe. Today, you answer for your actions! Today, you shall face justi-" Blitz paused as he deflected a blast bolt fired at him. "So. You continue to stand in the way of justice, brother?" "You sure know how to through a party Blitz Surge." Burst smirked as he converted his blaster into its lightsaber mode. "No music, no snacks, and the only girls here are being held here against their will. Didn't your dad ever teach you how to treat a lady?" "Father was never a part of my life thanks to you, reject!" Blitz snarled. "You are foolish to stand against me alone!" "Yeah, about that? I've brought some friends along to crash your party." Burst chuckled. "They've come to pick up their girlfriends." In a flash of magic, Shadow Thunder, Night Fang, Arctic Ace, and Venus Bloomer arrived on the scene! Fang's Duelist Arm was undergoing its evolution and Ace may have been without a weapon, but they were far from unarmed as they used their magic and divine strength to rip their way through the Blades and scouts! Ace freezing any enemies that came near while Fang tore his way though any units foolish enough to engage him! All while Shadow and Venus worked to free Starlight and the Dazzlings from their bonds as Burst Stream kept Blitz Surge occupied! "I don't know how you managed to withstand the power of Harmony, brother, but soon you will stand no more!" Blitz Surge roared as he crossed blades with Burst Stream! Sparks showering out as their blades clashed!"I bested the goddesses who ruled the land! I've asserted my will over the power of Harmony! I am the true hero! YOU ARE NOTHING TO ME!" "If I'm nothing to you, then why'd you make it your life's mission to try and take me out, huh?" Burst shot back as he managed to force Blitz Surge away from him! "You keep preaching how much better and stronger than me you are, but you never do anything to actually prove it!" "Then I shall rectify that by doing something you never had the will to do!" Blitz snarled as the blade of his katana was cloaked in a rainbow-colored glow! In a flash of light, Blitz teleported to Shadow and slashed at him! The attack knocking away the Avatar of Compassion and leaving Starlight vulnerable! "MEET YOUR END VILLAIN!" Blitz slashed at Starlight and time seemed to freeze for everyone! Blitz Surge had a wicked smile on his face as he made his strike, but it immediately faded when he saw that his blade had stopped in midair! "What?!" Blitz growled as he repeatedly swung at Starlight only to never strike her! "Why can't I kill you?!" "Harmony." Burst answered as he approached Blitz Surge. "It won't let you. In all of its uses, Harmony was used to banish, seal, or imprison. But it never once killed anything. And the fact it won't let you harm Starlight shows just how true that is. She, the Dazzlings, and Nightmare Moon. All of them worked hard to make themselves better than they used to be. That's why no matter how much you use Harmony, you'll never be able to harm them in the degree you want to. And it's also why you'll never beat us." "You think that you and your band of pretend heroes can stop me?!" Blitz roared as his anger took hold! "Did you think today would be when my defeat is delivered?!" "I can promise you that you'll be beaten at my hands Blitz Surge." Burst answered calmly. However, his calm tone was displayed by the raging dragon-shaped aura that burst to life around him! "I'll show you the power of a true hero. But that day isn't today. Make no mistake though, it's YOU who will face justice. And I didn't need to beat you today. I just had to keep you occupied. Given how you've made it your mission to kill me, I'd say that I've done my job pretty well." "What do you-?!" Blitz whipped his head in the direction of Starlight and the Dazzlings, and saw that the Elements of Heroism that had traveled with Burst were teleporting away with them! "NO!" "You mad, bro?" Burst smirked as the dragon aura around him faded and he teleported back to the castle! Leaving Blitz Surge to scream his rage at the heavens! "BUUUUURSSST STREAAAAM!" Blitz screamed in primal fury as he dialed up Hax! "Hax! I want you to accelerate our expansion plans and increase the frequency of our searches for the Elements of Heroism! I know they are hiding, biding their time to strike! As long as they are free, my reign is in peril! Do you understand?!" The panicked reply from the Lancers' tech specialist brought a meager satisfaction to Blitz. However, he could not shake a tremble of fear from his heart when he noticed something from when he was fighting Burst. 'The people had this strange light in their eyes. It was always present as a faint glimmer when I noticed it in passing, or whenever the princesses made a declaration. And it seemed to shine brighter when those pathetic pretend heroes came out victorious! A light that should have responded to me! But today, and the time that reject humiliated me at the unveiling, I saw it again!' Blitz mentally fumed! 'And it seemed to shine more brightly than it ever had before when he appeared to challenge my justice! Why?! Just what is this "true power of a hero" that Burst Stream speaks?! And why does it instill fear in me?! Impossible! There is no power greater than my justice! And with harmony at my disposal, no one can stand against me! So why, then, does the thought of facing Burst Stream terrify me now?!' The Castle of the Two Sisters. The group that had traveled to Unityville returned from their successful rescue mission in a flash of magic! Shadow, Fang, Venus, and Ace immediately embracing their respective girlfriends! "My hero!" Sonata happily exclaimed as she nuzzled against Ace! "I missed you too, Sonata." Ace said with a loving smile as he wrapped his wings around the youngest siren sister. "You just can't leave me alone, can you?" Aria asked with tearful eyes as she rested her head on Fang's shoulder. "That's what I love about you Fang." "Ear scratch for rescuing you?" Fang asked hopefully. His wish soon granted by Aria, Fang's tail wagged happily. "Unbelievable." Adagio sighed. "Reunited after a forceful separation, and none of them thought to kiss their guy." The eldest siren smirked as she held onto Venus Bloomer. "Want to show them how a real couple cements their reu-?" Venus said nothing as he silenced Adagio with a passionate kiss on the lips before breaking it up for air a moment later. "So how'd I do?" Adagio's only response was to touch her forehead against his own with a pleased look on her face. 'At least some of us took back something precious today.' Burst thought with a small smile as he noticed Shadow and Starlight crying tears of joy as they embraced. 'As far as I'm concerned, that puts us one step closer to taking back our home.' Burst's smile soon faded as he looked up at the ceiling in thought. 'The princesses are still holed up in Castalot, and chances are that our recent rescue mission is going to have Blitz Surge cracking down on finding us. That means we're being taken seriously now. Some small part of me just hopes that I made the right choice in fighting back. But that's something to think about later.' Burst returned his attention to the happy moment in front of him. 'For now, we'd better enjoy what happy moments we have.'