//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 // Story: A Growing Fire In My Heart // by Rated Ponystar //------------------------------// “Hit me again!” “I think you’ve had enough,” said the punch pony as she pointed to the sixteen cups that were in front of the Dragon Lord. “I said, hit me again,” repeated Ember, adding in a low growl for extra measure. The punch pony nodded and quickly gave her another glass of the sweet fruity liquid. Ember took it and drank it in one gulp. Ugh, why hasn’t anybody spiked this yet? “You know, I’d be more worried if that was actual alcohol in it.” Ember turned around to find Aquafire smirking at her as she walked up and ordered a soda. “You’re jealous.” “I am not!” shouted Ember, blushing wildly as she turned away and began to walk to a secluded corner. “I just... don’t like that mare...” “Do you even know her?” asked Aquafire, following her with a drink in claw. “Yeah, Rarity. Some dressmaker and a friend of Spike’s,” answered Ember, leaning against the wall and glaring at the white unicorn, who was currently laughing with Spike next to their other friends. “He talks about her all the time. I don’t like her because she sounds like a stuck up, fru-fru girl. You know I hate those types.” “Yes, I can see that,” said Aquafire while calmly sipping her soda. “Or maybe you don’t like the fact that she’s very close to Spike. Especially the way he looks at her with such love-struck eyes.” “Damnit, Aqua! I am not-” Aquafire held out her claw and stopped the Dragon Lord. “I know you say you aren’t, but you have to admit you’re radiating that kind of vibe. Now let’s say, hypothetically, he and this Rarity pony get together. How does that make you feel? Be honest.” Ember lowered her head. She wanted to say it would mean nothing to her. Whoever Spike got together with wasn’t her concern. So why aren’t I just saying it? She thought, biting her lip and clenching her claws. Why did it matter to her so much? Ember knew what Aquafire wanted her to say, but she wouldn’t admit it. Spike was a friend. A good friend. Her first true friend. She valued that friendship more and more as time passed between them. For the longest time, her father was the only one she cared about and she grew to distrust anyone else. Spike opened her mind, and her heart in a way. “Look, let’s say, hypothetically, I did care about Spike in the way you’re suggesting,” muttered Ember while lowering her head. “Ignoring the fact he was raised by ponies and knows nothing of dragon courting. Ignoring the fact he’s way younger then me... I still wouldn’t do it.” “Why? You’re the Dragon Lord and you are close to him. I’m not saying you love him, it’s not that far yet, but you do care a great deal about him. More so than about any of the other male dragons our age,” pointed out Aquafire as she went over to her friend and put her claw on her shoulder. “Why don’t you want it to be more?” “... Because I’m still learning what it means to be a friend,” whispered Ember, sighing. “I’ve... never done this before in my life. History, fighting, fire breathing, ruling, commanding? I’ve known that since birth. Friendship and relationships? Totally new to me. I’m still learning this whole thing and Spike has been the center of that. I fear If I do anything to change that, I risk losing that friendship and that’s the last thing I want.” “It really means that much to you?” Ember looked into Aquafire’s eyes. “If I had to choose between being a Dragon Lord or being Spike’s friend, I’d pick the second choice any day. And I’d do the same for our friendship. As well as Blitz.” Aquafire raised an eyebrow and asked, "Really? Even if it means letting Garble become the Dragon Lord and bringing our nation to ruins?" “Let's not get carried away,” chuckled Ember. Aquafire didn’t say anything, but the small wideness in her eyes made Ember see that she wasn’t expecting her to say that. To her surprise, the water dragon got on her knee and smiled before bowing. “You honor me, Dragon Lord. I swear to always be your friend from here until death itself takes me.” With a small smile, Ember helped her friend up and nodded. “Look, I’ll stop acting jealous and join the party. Thanks for talking with me.” “No problem. Now let’s go shake our tails on the dance floor and show ponies who really got the best moves.” “In a minute... I need to use the bathroom after drinking all those cups of punch.” *** Soon enough it was time for the cake and gifts. Ember and her dragon friends stood side by side with Spike’s friends as the giant cake with green and purple frosting was brought in. After singing the birthday song while learning it at the same time, the cake was distributed between the guests for a quick snack before getting to the presents. Ember had been flipping her tail back and forth as she watched Spike open each birthday present one by one, her own getting closer and closer with each passing second. Her claws were sweating and her left foot was thumping the ground over and over again. Please like it. Please like it. Please like it. Finally, he came to her gift. He looked at it curiously before opening it and gasped at the obsidian lance. He wasn’t the only one as many of the guards looked at it in admiration, or, in the case of some like Rarity and a few other girls, were in awe at the obsidian itself. “Woah, Ember. Did you make this?” asked Spike with a growing smile. “I actually commissioned it. Blitz’s family are great smiths so I had them-oof!” she was interrupted when Spike hugged her. Feeling his warm embrace, she soon turned silent and just hugged back. Oh, I love this. “Thanks, Ember! I really am thankful. Lances are the coolest looking weapons, really hammer in the whole “knight in shining armor” thingy I often dreamed about… Speaking of which, I can have Shining Armor give me some lessons how to use it.” He chuckled. “I just got that image of me riding Twilight into fight against some sort of villain, only for us to crash because of my bigger weight,” said Spike, hugging even tighter. “Thank you!” “T-thanks for having me over,” said Ember, hugging back. She saw the smiles they were getting. It was a big improvement from the fear and distrust they had given earlier. I guess this is really going to improve relationships between our races. “Dragon Lord Ember! Dragon Lord Ember!” Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard her name and looked up. Ponies made way as a worried looking black-scaled dragon in armor rushed over. She didn’t recognize him from the group of guards she had brought for the party. “I bring a message, Dragon Lord,” he said while bowing to her. With a heavy sigh, she growled a bit before ending her hug with Spike and addressing the guard. “I thought I said that I wasn’t to be bothered with any matters of home until I returned. That meant no messengers sent.” “I know, but your father-” “My father?!” Ember groaned and shook her head. “Could you just tell him I’m fine and he doesn’t need to worry about me. I’m having a good time. It’s not like a group of dragon hunters are out there ready-” “Dragon Lord!” said the guard with more urgency. He got up and took off his helmet before holding it to his chest. “You’re father didn’t send for me... I am here to tell you that shortly after you left for Equestria your father...” He took a deep breath. “You’re father was found dead in his cave. I’m sorry, but he has passed away in his sleep.”