Spike and Yolstrun landed outside the gates of the city where a guard post was set up. The guards let them in once they saw Yolstrun. Spike was amazed by the city and the numerous guard patrols milling about. Every time they passed by one they would bow at Yolstrun before going back to their patrol.
"I like it here." Spike said.
"I'm glad you do." Yolstrun said.
They continued on to the castle, while Yolstrun transformed back into his original form along the way. They were greeted with the sight of Charizard waiting for them.
"My king." he bowed.
"Rise. Have you arrested those dragons yet, Captain?" Yolstrun asked.
"Yes my king, they're in the dungeons right now."
"Good. I wish to speak with them."
"Yes my king, come with me." Charizard said.
He led them to the lower part of the castle where cells filled with teenage dragons were being held, making a hell of a racket.
"Hey! it's the shrimp!" Garble called from inside a cell.
As soon as he said that every single dragon in the cells glared at him.
"He probably sold us out to the guards!" Garble shouted.
"Hah! Don't forget about me!" Yolstrun said turning into Yolos.
"What the- When I get out of here, I'm gonna tear off your heads!" he roared.
"I don't think so. Those bars are enchanted to be strong enough that even a fully grown dragon can break them." Yolstrun said turning back.
Garble growled at them, to which Charizard responded by knocking him out with the hilt of his sword. Then, all the dragons backed away from the bars fearing they would be next.
"Disrespectful trash..." Charizard spat.
"Better down, here than up there, eh?" Yolstrun chuckled.
Charizard led them back up and to the Engineering Bay, where dragons ran/flew around working on different machines. A Fire Fury was supervising, occasionally barking orders at random dragons.
"Arkas!" Yolstrun called.
"My king. It's been too long." the Fire Fury said then noticing Spike, "Who is the whelp?"
"That it has Arkas and the whelp is Spike. I helped him earlier when I went to look for those teenage dragons."
"Ah, that's good. I have to show you something we have been working on in your absence." Arkas beckoned for them to follow him.
He led them to a separate bay, where a bunch of dragons was working on a giant mech suit with Drago wearing it.
"Woah..." Spike said amazed.
"How do you like it?" Arkas asked, "We made it from Draktanium plating, some Fire Rubies to use as energy sources, weapons from our armory and various circuitry manufactured here."
The mech parts uncoupled themselves from Drago and landed on the ground along with Drago.
"These mechs shall be a fine addition to our army when the time comes." Drago said patting the back of the Dark Hound which elicited a happy bark.
"They're so cool!" Spike said.
"I'm glad you think so Spike. Now then... CAN SOMEBODY GET ME SOME WAFFLES!" Arkas screamed to which a dragon immediately gave him a bag of waffles.
"Thank you." Arkas replied sending the dragon away then taking a bite out of a waffle.
"What's wrong with him?" Spike whispered to Yolstrun.
"Don't know. Just never insult his inventions. He will go crazy." he warned.
"Okay." Spike replied scared.
"Brother! Are you threatening others for your waffles again?" another Fire Fury said coming over.
"You know I have a problem Arkus!" Arkas retorted.
"Just stop shouting so much! You're gonna make somebody go crazy at some point."
"Let me take you to the armory, my king." Drago said as the two brothers argued.
"The farther the better." Yolstrun muttered, "Very well Drago."
He led them to the armory, passing by the barracks where the soldiers were training along the way and opened a large set of doors as they entered the armory. Weapons and armor lay on racks everywhere, ranging from spears, swords, and shields to the newly developed fire cannons and shield generators. A few training dummies were set up in a makeshift fighting ring.
"Wow..." Spike said.
"How about you try some of the weapons out Spike?" Yolstrun said.
"Ummm. I'm not sure, Twilight always said to not play with dangerous things."
"Do not worry young Spike. We are here to make sure everything is safe." Drago reassured him.
"A-alright." Spike said nervously.
He approached a weapon rack holding an array of swords. He grabbed a short sword of the rack. He struggled to lift it a bit before getting his balance back. He tried swinging it around but managed to fall on his back in the process.
"Hahaha. Let me help you there Spike." Drago said approaching him.
He grabbed the sword and muttered something then the sword seemed to shrink down enough for Spike to hold it properly. He gave it back to Spike who then tried swinging it again this time without falling.
"Cool thanks, Drago." Spike said.
"You're welcome." he replied, "Try it out on the dummies."
Spike approached the dummies and swung it at one which he managed to take a chunk out of. The chunk flew back into place after a few seconds. He took a swing again, this time making an even deeper wound in the dummy. He swung many more times and reduced the dummy to pieces.
"Very good Spike. You will be a powerful warrior someday. Now try a fire cannon." Drago said handing him one, "Press the trigger on the bottom to fire it."
Spike aimed at a dummy and pressed the trigger. A concentrated bolt of fire at the dummy going right through it leaving a burning hole in its wake.
"You can adjust the power setting to either make it rapid fire or burst shot." Drago advised, "Just flick the switch on the side."
Spike did as he was told and flicked the switch to set it to rapid fire. He pulled the trigger sending a barrage of fire bolts into the dummy.
"Cool. Can I keep these?" Spike asked Yolstrun.
"Yes." Yolstrun responded, "Just make sure to not play with them."
"Alright! Thanks Yolstrun!" he exclaimed jumping happily.
"Nice kid you found Yol. He's gonna be a big help someday." Drago said.
"Yes Drago, but I hope it won't happen too soon. He's still a whelp. I don't want him to be too involved in this war." Yolstrun said worriedley.
"Let's hope so. For now let's enjoy the good things."
"Yes. Let's."