//------------------------------//
// Armor of Heroes Part 9: Freeing Griffonstone (The Helmet of Wisdom) 
// Story: Dragonfire 🐲 Enter The Dragon Hero 🐲 
// by Phantom-Dragon 
//------------------------------//

"You sure this is a good idea?" Indigo asked.

"We've already agreed to this," Sunny replied. "There's no turning back now, remember?"

"I just hope we don't get caught," Sour whimpered, just before she was stopped by a hand. "Who's there?!" she demanded.

"Shush!" the other girls shushed harshly.

"If you're planning on sneaking out, I'd half-expect you girls to do better than that," a low voice sounded, before the figure revealed itself to the girls.




That Night

Spike was sound asleep, with Fleur, when a small blue mist flew into the room. The mist circled around the two, until it settled on Spike and embraced him.

Before long, Spike had a dream, where he finds himself, walking in the halls of a castle hall. It didn't take long, before he hears a voice.

"Spare?" the voice asked. "Am I really just the spare?"

Spike turned to the source, and finds himself, staring in shock, to see a young, blue alicorn, whom he knows very well, "Auntie Luna!" he gasped.

His younger aunt continues to question herself of her existence, before she began to sing herself an uplifting song to herself.



Spike smiled, as he followed the alicorn, as she continues to sing, feeling the confidence within her growing, for every passing lyrics.

Then, for some reason, Spike couldn't help but sing along with his aunt, serving as her back up vocal. As he does so, he failed to notice another Princess Luna, watching the scene being played. She smiled, happy to see her adopted nephew has taken an instant like towards her.

In the real world, Spike was humming in his sleep, which stirred Fleur awake. Fleur looked at Spike for a moment, before she shook him awake.

"Spike, mon ami," Fleur grumbled.

"Sorry," Spike, and younger Luna, apologized.




The Next Morning

Spike, Fleur, Thorax, Ember, Mina, Gilda, and Gabby were up, bright and early, and were on a train, taking them to Griffonstone. Ember once again, dons up her hooded figure persona, while both Spike and Fleur had on their suits of armors.

"Wow," Thorax said. "I can't believe we're actually on a school day off!"

"You and me both," Fleur added.

"And we all know who to thank for that," Spike replied.




Earlier

Spike, the girls, and the boys were having breakfast, as they were ready to head for school. Spike was enjoying a flapjack, when he suddenly burped out a scroll that reads:


School Notice

Due to unknown circumstances, involving the excessive usage of petroleum jellies and plumbing troubles, Celestial High School is hereby closed for some repairs.




However, through the usage of some magics, it also reads:


From the desk of Princess Celestia, and notifications of Principal Raven Inkwell

Due to the destructive usage of chaos magics, Celestial High School and Crystal Prep Academy are hereby closed for some repairs.


"WHAT?!" everyone all exclaimed, as they crowded around Spike to read the messages.




Presents

"Maybe Discord being turned into a dracone-draco-equs? Draco-whatsis? Draco Malfoy? Whatever Discord is now, maybe it's not so bad," Thorax suggested.

"Besides that, how does Principal Inkwell and mom knew each other?" Spike asked.

"That's not important now," Ember noted, bringing everyone's attention back to her. "Remember, you may be off from school, but that doesn't mean we're on vacation now."

"Don't worry," Spike replied. "I didn't mention anything about a holiday. Besides, it's quite convenient for the other girls too, since they've got a friendship problem alerting them."

"Still, it's going to be boring without Dash joining us," Gilda grumbled.

"Well, what're you gonna do?" Gabby asked. "You can't stop friendship problems from happening."

"No we can't," Spike replied. "Of course, not everyone can live the life of adventure calling to us," Spike said, referring to his Knights, having gone back to Earth for their own businesses.

Button, still helping Sweetie Belle serving her sentence, was working with her at a Sushi Shop, where Sunset Shimmer was called back to work. Featherweight was back to working on the New York Times, with Pipsqueak. Tender Taps was attending dance class, while Rumble was out practicing with his soccer team.

"Oui," Fleur agreed. "Though, I'm actually quite surprised Abacus Cinch would go as far as to have Discord wreck her whole school, just to cover her and the Shadowbolts' tracks."

"Like they say, expect the unexpected," Spike replied. "Oh, hello Lyra. Hi Bon Bon."

With that, the team of heroes quickly turned their head around, to see the two said mares, failing to hide themselves behind some Equestria Daily papers.

"Hello," Bon Bon chuckled sheepishly.

"What are you girls doing here?" Gilda asked suspiciously.

"We're here to back you up," Lyra answered. "We thought you might need some help."

"She's right," Bon Bon added. "Besides, this is the Armor of Heroes we're talking about. And knowing the Shadowbolts, they can't be too far behind. And you're going to need some help getting past them."

"Let's not forget they also have Discord on their side," Thorax pointed out.

"Anyway," Spike began, as he turns to Ember, "What's the status on the box, Ember?"

Ember pulls out the Fucanglong Box, revealing that it is glowing even more brighter, "Not far now. Which means we're getting close."

As the groups were busy conversing, Prince Blueblood was not too far behind. The jealous unicorn stallion was chasing after the heroes via pump cart, with his forced dog sidekick, Bunny.

"Oh the indignity," Blueblood grumbled.




Griffon Gorge

At last, the team of heroes arrived at the train station, where they disembark, as they began their trek, up a series of mountain paths. Spike got the birdcage from the conductor, and opened the door up, allowing Peewee to fly out and perched on the boy's shoulder.

"C'mon," Gilda said as she and Gabby guided their friends up. "Griffonstone's this way. And watch your steps! These paths are very treacherous to non griffon creatures."

"Why don't we just fly all the way there?" Ember asked. "We can fly, y'know."

"Not all of us," Bon Bon spoke, on herself, Lyra, and Fleur's behalf.

"That and you need to keep up your appearance, Ember!" Mina added. "You can't reveal too much of yourself."

"And for good reason too!" Thorax noted, as he pointed up to the sky, directing the team's attention to a fleet of dark zeppelins, hovering above the mountain tops, around Griffonstone.

Gilda and Gabby, being part eagles, used their keen visions to hone in on the zepplins, before spotting their flags, bearing a certain symbol.

"Shadowbolts!" Gilda growled. "They've beaten us to Griffonstone! And no doubt, they're already tearing it apart just to find the helmet!"

"Hopefully, they haven't found it yet!" Mina said worryingly.

"We'll find out, if we get up there!" Ember said. "C'mon!"

With that, the heroes were on their way up the mountains. However, their trips didn't go unnoticed.

Spying from the distance, was Hydia via telescope.

"Ah," Hydia smirked. "If it isn't the Dragon Prince himself. And he's not alone! There's that dragon who foiled our plan in Ponyville! And she's still got the box!" Hydia then tucks her telescope away, as she turned to the other two witches, "Get ready girls! We have to get that box! NOW!"

"Yes, master!" Reeka saluted.

"Duh, yeah, yeah," D'raggle followed, as she too saluted. "We'll get the box." With that, both girls quickly beat feet, only to trip on some rocks, and rolled all the way down a series of mountain steps.

"And you're related to them?" Discord asked, appearing in the form of a butterfly.

"I've been asking myself that question many times," Hydia answered.




Meanwhile, back at the train station

Blueblood finally arrived, "Made it," he gasped raspy, clearly out of breath. After a quick pause of composing himself, Blueblood announced, "Onward and yonward to Griffonstone!" With that, Bunny hopped off the cart. However, due to Blueblood carrying too many bags on his side of the cart, and less on Bunny's side, Blueblood unfortunately, slid away on the cart. "HELP ME BUNNY!" Blueblood screamed.

Bunny just watched Blueblood slide away, before he gave off a shrug, and walked away. Just then, appearing in a flash of turquoise light, stood Trixie and Starlight. 

Trixie, now fully clothed, with the addition of her hat and robe, stood burnt and dizzy, "Oh head rush," Trixie groaned, before she shook it off, and looked to see both herself and Starlight, at the station. "Whoa, I can't believe it! It's really magic! And you've really teleported us all here!"

"Awesome, right?" Starlight asked, before she checked her hoof again, revealing the Shadowbolt's mark was glowing and flashing. "Come on! Let's go! Spike's going to need some help!"

"Don't worry, Spike!" Trixie cried. "The Great and Powerful-" Starlight quickly enveloped Trixie in a Magic Bubble of Silence.

"Trixie!" Starlight hissed harshly. "Quiet! We're not going to be much help if the Shadowbolts were to hear you shouting your name like that!"

"Sorry, force of habit," Trixie then thought to herself, 'Don't worry, Spike. I'll save you!'




Meanwhile

Spike and the heroes hadn't made it very far, when the whole mountain they were on started to shake.

"What's going on?" Spike asked. "An earthquake?"

"Landslide!" Gabby shouted, pointing to several rubbles of rocks rolling straight towards them from the top.

"Fly away!" Gilda shouted, as she, Peewee, and Gabby took flight, followed by Thorax.

"Get on, Fleur!" Spike shouted, as he changes himself in dragon form, and Fleur jumped on his back, before he beats his wings and flew away.

Ember and Mina, meanwhile, got Lyra and Bon, as they flew away.

"D'oh!" Reeka groaned. "I forgot! They can fly!" With that, Reeka skimmed through her spellbook, as she desperately searched for a better spell. "Let's see, something to shoot them down with. Ah ha!" With that, Reeka tried the spell, which resulted in a series of lightning bolts to come flying out of the clouds, directing towards the heroes.

"Heads up!" Gilda shouted.

With quick thinking, Fleur concentrated in her magic, in the form of a glowing fleur symbol on her forehead, as it projected into a horn, before it casted a magic shield around herself and the heroes. However, when the lightnings struck, they merely bounced off the shields, as they appeared to be nothing more but mere screw bolts.

"Sacrebleu!" Fleur exclaimed.

"What the-" Gilda said, as she reached her claw out, and caught one of the bolts. "Hey! These aren't real lightning bolts! They're just yellow bolts, with shocking accessories!"

It didn't take long, when Mina took notice, "It's those crazy witches again!" Mina exclaimed, pointing at the said witches.

"Guess they still haven't learned their lessons!" Ember growled, as she got out her bow and arrow, while still holding onto Lyra, by the tail. Breathing a puff of purple fire on the tip of her arrow, Ember readied her shot. At the last second, Ember released her grip, letting the arrow fly towards the witch, as it exploded upon impact, and sent Reeka and D'raggle flying.

"What happened?" Reeka asked.

"Duh, I was doing what you told me to do," D'raggle answered. "I casted the spell to make lightning bolts, like you said."

"More like just plain bolts!" Reeka grumbled. "But it doesn't matter now, since we're blasting off!" With that, the two imbecilic witches disappeared in a single sparkle.

Back at her hideout, Hydia was more than furious, as she was hopping mad, up until she heard movements, causing her to hide behind a rock.

Meanwhile, Ember, Mina, and Spike too heard some movements.

"Quickly, hide!" Ember said. "Someone's coming!" With that, the heroes quickly hid themselves behind some tall rocks.

"What was that?!" a male voice called out. "I think I heard something over here! Have you checked over there?"

"No, not yet," another voice answered.

Spike and Fleur peeked from their hiding spot to see two passing, humanoid dogs, both clad in suits of armors with Shadowbolts jumpsuits beneath. One resembles a doberman, while the other looks like a St. Bernard.

"Well then get over there and check it out!" the doberman commanded, before the two dogs took their leave.

"Hold it!" the St. Bernard said, as his nose twitched. "I smelled something over here." With that, the dog walked over to where the groups were hiding.

Thinking fast, Peewee flew out of hiding, and made a sharp turn around some mountainsides.

"Oh, it's just a bird," the St. Bernard said, before he and his comrade were grabbed from behind and the sounds of beatings were heard. It wasn't long, before Gilda and Spike emerged, in Shadowbolts' uniforms, followed by the others. Fleur, Lyra, and Bon Bon, being spies, were all dressed in Shadowbolts uniforms that had brought along, Thorax, simply shape-shifted himself into a Shadowbolt's ninja, while Gabby once again dons up in her MMDW costume, Ember remains in her hooded figure persona, while Mina emerged in a Shadowbolt's uniform the three spies conveniently brought along.

"Ugh, " Gilda groaned. "Typical Diamond Dogs! Never heard of the concept called 'bath.'"

"I know I can change into a dog and all," Spike began. "But even I know these guys need to shower more often. That, and I'm getting fleas all over!"

"Come on, you guys," Ember called, getting Spike and Gilda's attentions. "The sooner we get the helmet, the sooner we can go home. And then you can both take bath, shower, or whatever it is you do to get clean in Equestria."

With that, the heroes were soon on their way to the city of Griffon. On their way, Spike could hear from the distance, a small struggle with a squadron of Shadowbolts. Turning his head to look, Spike could see some Shadowbolts, chasing after Hydia, as the evil toad faced witch blasted several spells at the ninjas, while trying to escape.

Then, Spike heard a screech, and he looked up to see Peewee flying back to him.

"Stay out of sight, Peewee," Spike said to the phoenix, who nodded his head in confirmation, before he flew off, and into the clouds.




With Blueblood

The tired, jealous, but determined Prince was out of breath, by the time he climbed back up to the station.

"No way," Blueblood huffed, "I'm....not....gonna.....let.....him.....get the glory......that easy." Blueblood soon collapsed on the ground, and lied on his back, as he tries to catch his breath, "I just need ten minutes of rest, and I'll be up."




With Trixie and Starlight

"This is so cool!" Trixie smiled, as she skimmed through a book. "Trixie could use some of these spells in her magic shows, that will put Trixie's name up in light, and Trixie can be truly be Great and Powerful!"

"Yeah, 'great and powerful,'" Starlight muttered. "But can you please be more silent and careful? We're on a mission here, remember? And judging from the sound of the ruckus above us, I'd recommend we pick up the pace, if we're going to help our friends!"

"Gotcha," Trixie replied, in a quiet voice, as she and the unicorn quickly beat feet, as they ran up the mountain paths. It wasn't long, before the two collided with a certain witch. Before long, the three were surrounded by Shadowbolts soldiers.

"Well, well," one of the grunts began. "Look what we've got here."




Griffonstone

Back with Spike's group, the dragon and his squad were able to reach the griffons' city. In appearance, Griffonstone was a huge, run down city, littered with broken branches, twigs, and feathers. The city was built around a great tree, where a tall castle rested on top.

"Geez," Spike muttered, as he observed his surroundings. "I was hoping Griffonstone would be, as Rainbow quotes '20% cooler,' by the time I got back."

"We wished," Gilda muttered. "But so far, the only progress we've ever made here is me, Gabby, Greta, and-Get down!" Gilda exclaimed at the last part.

"Get down?" Gabby asked, before she was pulled behind a wall, along with the other heroes.

Carefully peeking from around the wall, Spike gasped, "Somnambula!"

"And more Shadowbolts!" Ember added.

The heroes watched, as the Shadowbolts ran up to the elder sorceress, reporting their progress.

"Nothing?!" Somnambula grumbled. "Keep searching!"

With that, the Shadowbolts and Somnambula took their leave, to continue their search, before the heroes emerged.

"Sounds like they haven't found the helmet yet," Thorax replied.

"Which means, there's still a chance for us to find it first!" Spike replied. "Ember? You still have the box?"

"Yeah, Spike," Ember replied. "I've got it right here." With that, the sapphire dragon held out the puzzle box, glowing even more radiant than ever. "And from the looks of it, we're close!"

Unfortunately, the box's light didn't go unnoticed, when two Shadowbolt thugs came passing by, and noticed the group.

"Hey you!" one of the Shadowbolts shouted. "What've you got there!"

"And what're you doing here?" the other demanded, directly towards Ember.

"Ancient proverb," Ember replied in a deep voice. "Mind your bees wax!"

"Oh yeah?!" the thug said, angrily. "Well here's another proverb for you! You're on Shadowbolts' turf! And whoever's business is on our turf, is our business! Now give it to us!"

"Hey, take it easy!" Spike said, as he jumps in between the thug and Ember. "It's nothing special!"

"I'll be the judge of that," the thug said stubbornly. "Now get out of my way!" Spike stood his ground, as he refuses to let the thugs get near Ember. "I said get out!" With that, the thug grabbed Spike by the scruff of his collar, as he brought him up. In retaliation, Spike flipped his whole body, thrusting his leg out, and landed a kick to the thug's chin, while freeing himself from the thug's grips.

"Oh, so you want to fight, eh?" the thug asked.

"Bring it!" Spike said, as he challenged the both of them.

With that, the thugs all ran after Spike, throwing their fists out at him, which he was able to catch them all, before he jumped over their heads, while doing another flip, and bent their arms, causing them to scream in agony. Without hesitation, Gilda and Ember both thrusted their fists out, silencing the thugs, and knocking them out cold.

"Slick moves, runt," Ember smirked in respect.

"Back at ya, hothead," It didn't take long, before Spike's ears perked, when the sound of movement was heard. "Quick! Help me hide the bodies!" With that, the girls, and boys, all picked up the unconscious Shadowbolts, and stuffed them inside an abandoned, giant bird's nest. Once the task was done, the heroes were on their way, just as some more thugs arrived.

The heroes soon took shelter within a run down building that appears to have once been a library.

"Phew," Spike sighed. "That was a close one."

"Psst," a small voice sounded. The heroes turned to the direction of the source, perplexed to see nothing but a broken statue of a former griffon king, King Grover.

"Who's there?" Gilda demanded, flaring her wings threateningly. The figure came from behind the statue, revealing themselves to the heroes.




Starlight Glimmer and Trixie

"So," Trixie began, as she whispered to Starlight. "How did you go from Shadowbolts to what you are now?"


"And that's the story," Starlight finished.

Trixie placed her hands over her heart, "Oh bless that Spike."




The Heroes

"Grandpa!" Gilda exclaimed, as she ran over to the elderly griffin.

"You've got a lot of nerve coming back home, this late, Gilda!" Grampa Gruff grumbled, before he went into a coughing fit, and struck Gilda on the head with two fingers. "You forgot to make me my morning coffee. I had to do it, myself!"

"Geez, sorry grandpa," Gilda grumbled. "Forgive me for being enslaved by the Shadowbolts, and not coming home sooner."

"Don't you sass me young lady!"

"Excuse me, sir," Spike cleared his throat, getting the elder griffon's attention. "If I may, how did you manage to get away? And are there still any griffons left?"

"Those are simple questions I can answer," Grampa began, as he eyed Spike, with his one good eye. "If you've got any bits!"

"Bits?" Spike exclaimed. "But we're in a matter of life and death here!"

"I'll tell you what's a matter of life and death," Grampa replied. "AND IT'S YOU NOT PAYING ME BITS!" After his outburst, Grampa went in another coughing fit.

"Take it easy, grandpa," Gilda muttered.

"Please, Grampa!" Gabby pleaded, pulling down her mask to reveal her face, and showing some puppy eyes. "You've got to help us! Or Griffonstone is doom!"

"Oh, well TOUGH TAIL FEATHERS! BITS OR NO ANSWERS!" Grampa roared.

Sighing in defeat, Spike brought out a small pouch, as he got out some bits, "Good thing Twilight's been paying attentions to griffon histories."

After Grampa got the bits, he turned to the statue, and pressed one of the toes on the hind legs. With that, a trapdoor opens up, and Lyra nearly fell in, had Bon Bon not saved her.

"That's how I got away," Grampa replied, as he walks down some steps. "And a few others who were lucky enough to escape."

The heroes followed the griffon, and were later in an underground cavern, filled with nests, and tents, occupied by the griffons that got away.

"Wow," Spike marveled, taking in the surroundings of the cave. "I didn't know you griffons can bunk, underground."

"We don't," Grampa replied. "We live in trees. And this cavern you see, is part of the Great Tree of Griffonstone! And it's the last place those ruffians would ever expect to look for us!"

"So I noticed," Spike replied.

"It must've been awful," Fleur commented, seeing some mother griffons struggling to feed their hungry chicks.

Suddenly, one of the griffons took notice of the heroes, in their disguises, "SHADOWBOLTS!" he squawked, as some others  soon followed. "SHADOW BOLTS! THEY'VE FOUND US!"

"No wait!" Gilda shouted, as she took her disguise off, followed by the others. "It's only us! We're friends!"

"Gilda?" one of the griffons exclaimed, as the others soon took notice.

"Greta!" Gilda exclaimed, as she and the griffon ran up to each other.

In appearance, Greta is a female griffin, with arctic grayish blue eyes, grayish scarlet fur, and light malachite greenish gray head with pale, light grayish emerald green edges and dark amaranth wings. For attires, she only wore a bluish green scarf around her neck, with a gold pin in the shape of a crescent moon.

"What're you doing here?" Greta asked. "This place is a mess! Then again, it's always been a mess, but still."

"Hey don't worry, Greta," Gilda replied casually. "Everything's gonna be okay. Look who's back."

With that, Spike stepped out, and presented himself before the griffons, "Hello," he greeted.

"It's the Dragon Prince!" one of the griffons exclaimed, as the others all soon exchanged their surprises.

"Spike!" Greta exclaimed, as she happily pounced on the boy. "Omigosh! I can't believe it's really you!"

"Right? RIGHT?!?" Gabby exclaimed, as she joined in.

"Nice to see you again, Greta," Spike said, as he struggles to get up. "Boy, you've gotten stronger!" he commented, as Greta was still keeping him pinned down.

"Ahem," Fleur cleared her throat, getting the boy and griffons back on topic. "As much as-"

"FLARE HEART!!" Greta and some more griffons exclaimed, as they all flew forward and pounced the unicorn.

"Wow!" one of the griffons squealed. "You're even more awesome up close!"

"And pretty!" another squealed.

"Can you please get off?" Fleur strained, nearly succumbing to the overwhelming weight off all the griffons on her.

It didn't take long, before a loud roar filled the cave, courtesy of Ember, Mina, and Gilda. Afterwards, the heroes explained themselves to the griffons.

"And that's why we're here," Spike finished.

"Hmmm," Grampa Gruff pondered. "The Helmet of Wisdom? Where have I heard it before?"

While Grampa Gruff was in his thoughts, Gilda turned to Greta, "Besides that," she began. "What happened here Greta? Where are the other griffons? I know I haven't came back in Griffonstone for long, but I know there's more of us than this."

"Well, you see," Greta began. "They showed up out of nowhere, a few months ago, and attacked us, from the sky. We tried to fight them off, but there so many of them, and they've got some weird, crazy, magic weapons at their disposals. Only a few of us were able to escape, and made it down here. And we've been stuck here, while they're up above tearing Griffonstone apart, just to find your helmet. And we've never even heard of it!"

"Well that's going to end, right now!" Spike said. "Because we'll be the ones to find the helmet! Find Fleur's folks, and drive the Shadowbolts out of here!"

"And how do you plan on doing that?" one of the griffons asked.

"With this," Ember answered, as she presented to them the Fucanglong box, which was still glowing.

Grampa Gruff was in deep thoughts, when he took notice of the box, "Great Grover!" the elderly griffon gasped. "Can it be?! Is that, the Fucanglong Box?"

Soon, everyone in the cave all turned their heads to the griffon.

"You know what this is?" Ember asked.

"As sure as my eyes first saw the rising sun, shining down on the Idol of Boreas!" Grampa Gruff answered, before he had an epiphany. "Oh yes! I remember it now!"

"What is it gramps?" Gilda asked.

"For a couple of bits?" the heroes, and griffons, all face faulted, incredulous at the demanding griffon. "Hehe, just kidding, youngsters," Gruff chuckled, before he turned serious. "Long ago, before King Grover discovered the Idol of Boreas, we griffons have once before plundered several lands, stealing our enemies' greatest treasures. And among those treasures, was a helmet of great magic! We didn't know it then, until some unicorn, by the name Starswirls the Bearded, and a pegasus named, Flash Magnus, arrived with the intention of getting it back! King Grover tried to fight them off, but in the end, both he and the bearded fella came to an impasse. And since that fateful day, the two had an agreement. That the Helmet of Wisdom is to remain safe here in Griffonstone, until it is needed, once again!"

"So, do you know where the helmet is?" Spike asked.

"Listen carefully, young prince! And that goes for all of you youngsters as well!"




Later
Castle of Griffons

A suit of armor was moved to the side, as Spike emerged, once more in his Shadowbolts disguise.

"Okay," Spike whispered. "Grampa Gruff told us that the clock tells us where the helmet's chamber is."

"Too bad he doesn't tell us where the clock is," Ember said from behind.

"Well, with the Shadowbolts swarming the place, it's a little too risky to simply let the box guide us," Spike said to the sapphire dragon. "I'm gonna ahead and scout the place. Meet you guys back in six!"

"Be careful Spike," Mina said, as the boy took his leave.

Just then, Gabby came to the girls, "Hey! Have you girls seen Flare?"

"Yeah she was right-huh?" Ember exclaimed as she noticed the unicorn wasn't in sight. "Where'd she go? And come to think of it, where's Gilda?"




Gilda

'Like Tartarus I'm letting Spike have all the fun,' Gilda thought, as she too was sneaking around the castle, in her disguise.

Grampa Gruff had informed Gilda off some griffons having been captured by the Shadowbolts, and were planning to be used for some experiments by Somnambula, on a spell that would make them into slaves, like Gilda was before.

'Grampa told me the griffons were locked up in a dungeon, somewhere in this castle. Question is.....'

"Hey you!" a voice barked, to which Gilda could tell by sniffing the air, it was a Shadowbolts thug. "What do you think you're doing? You're supposed to be guarding the dungeon!"

Gilda paused, as she came up with an excuse, "Um, I was," Gilda replied in a deep voice. "But you see, one of the prisoners was whining nonstop, so I was getting some snacks to shut them up."

"Whining prisoners eh?" the thug scoffed. "I'd just beat them, until they couldn't speak again. But whatever works for you."

"Duly noted," Gilda replied, before both she and the thug went their separate ways.

Gilda hadn't gone far, when she saw a door, guarded by some griffon guards, both appearing to be under some hypnotic trances. Thinking of a plan, Gilda silently climbed up the walls, before she scaled the ceilings over their heads, while remaining out of their field of visions. Once she was directly over their heads, Gilda dropped down, grabbed them by the heads from behind, and bonked them together, knocking them out. Once the task was done, she turned to the door and picked the lock open and entered the room.

With her natural night vision, Gilda scanned the room, to find nothing but heavy crates of weapons and all sort of equipments.

'Guess this isn't it,' Gilda thought as she quickly made her way out. But not before she stole a bag of grenades.

After making a quick dash out of the room, Gilda was on her way, when she was stopped by a Shadowbolt who asked her, "Password?!"

"Get lost creep," Gilda replied.

Nodding their head, the Shadowbolt told her, "Pass!" With that, they were on their way.

'That's right,' Gilda smirked in her thoughts. 'Mess with the griffon, get the claws.' Suddenly, Gilda heard a scuffle breaking out somewhere from behind. Curious, Gilda went to investigate, but when she did, she was grabbed from behind.




Starlight

"All hail, Nightmare Moon!" Starlight Glimmer saluted.

"Starlight Glimmer!" one of the Shadowbolts pointed his blade threateningly at the unicorn. "What are you doing here?"

"Got tired of being on Twilight Sparkle's lap?" another asked, to which looked at him questionably. "I oughta have your horn for a trophy right now, traitor!"

"Don't be goofy with me! I need to see Somnambula!" Starlight replied.

"How do we know this isn't some of Princess Twilight's friends' practical joke?" the Shadowbolts continued to question Starlight. "I thought you deserted the Shadowbolts after you were frightened off by Midnight Sparkle. Or were you always a spy for Princess Celestia? Trollestia? Molestia? I thought you had your shadow mark laser surgically removed!"

"Oh," Starlight began. "Well if you know so much about me, then you should write a biography," With that, Starlight Glimmer lifted up her 
right hoof, revealing the mark that was still imprinted on her. "Starlight Glimmer, the double-agent!" The Shadowbolts all looked at her in disbelief, "That's right, I've always been a servant of Nightmare Moon. I've simply been working undercover, finding valuable informations, such as the inner workings of Canterlot, the roster of the of the royal guards, and finding out exactly what makes me and Sunset Shimmer so special anyway. I've seen things no Shadowbolts should see, so if you're both done putting each other's feet in each other's mouths, I'd like to see Somnambula at once!"

"Of course," the Shadowbolts answered. "Right away."

"Good!" Starlight replied. "I'll be in the castle, escorting my prisoners to the dungeons where they belong." Starlight said, referring to Trixie and Hydia, both bound and in chains behind her.

"Dungeons in the East Wing, by the way," the Shadowbolts replied, before they left.

With that, Starlight took her leave, while dragging Trixie and Hydia in the tow, before they made it into the castle.

"Okay Trixie," Starlight began, as she puts on her old Shadowbolts uniform and mask. "I'm gonna go and look for Spike and the others. You keep an eye on toad face here."

"No fair!" Trixie whined. "I want to go and look for Spike, too!"

"Well, we're not gonna be much good to Spike, if we get caught!" Starlight replied. "I know how to handle the Shadowbolts. So just wait here, until I get back with Spike."

"Fine," Trixie sighed in defeat, as she sat behind a pillar, with Hydia. "Just be quick about it, okay? It's disgusting enough that I have to sit next to toad face here!"

Starlight was soon on her way, navigating through the castle halls, when a voice called out.

"Hey, you!" one of the thugs shouted, stopping Starlight. "Password?!"

With a smirk, Starlight began, "A dummy borrowed the trumpet from a llama. But the llama doesn't understand the dummy. He tells the dummy to speak louder. And he gives the dummy a pumpkin. But the dummy tries to say 'No! The Trumpet!' And in turn the llama gave him a rooster. And now the dummy is getting mad, very, very, very mad! He swears at the llama. And the llama's upset."

"And then what?" the thug asked.

"It's the password dummy!" Starlight replied, as she quickly snatched the Shadowbolt's weapon away and sweeps her legs out, tripping the thug, followed by a blast of magic. Once the task was done, Starlight dragged the knocked out thug away, and hid him inside a closet, before she was on her way.

Starlight hadn't gone far, when a Shadowbolt thug was passing by, 'I'll ask her the password this time,' she thought. "Password?!" she demanded.

"Get lost creep," the thug answered.

Starlight nodded her head, "Pass!" she replied.

Starlight then went down a hall in the castle, when she was stopped by a Shadowbolt, who asked, "Password?!"

With a smug grin, Starlight answered, "It's get lost creep!"

"No problem!" the thug answered. Starlight quickly turned around and was met with a punch to the stomach, followed by a chop to her neck, causing her world to black out.




Spike

'Grampa Gruff should've just given me a map or something,' Spike said in his thought, as he ran down a castle hallway. 'If I were a clock, where would I be?' Spike asked in his thought, when suddenly, a Shadowbolt thug stepped out from behind a door.

"Password?!" one of the thugs demanded.

"They taught me only hand signals," Spike replied.

"What do you mean?"

"This," With that, Spike demonstrated the 'hand signals,' making several pincer gestures, and fists, distracting the thug, before the boy punched him in the nose, followed by a spinning roundhouse kick, knocking the Shadowbolt out cold. 

"Slick moves, Spike," Thorax said, revealing himself to be a pair of goggles on Spike's head.

"Thanks, Thor," Spike replied, before he proceeded to hide the body.

One the task was done, Spike and Thorax were on their way, down a hall, and into a room, that looked as if it had once been an astronomy. Spike was about to leave, had Thorax not stopped him in time.

"Spike, look!" Thorax pointed to the floor, which resembled a giant sun dial.

"Yeah, so?" Spike asked.

"It's a sun dial!" Thorax replied. "A sun dial is a type of clock, isn't it? Could it be the clock we've been looking for?"

"Maybe. Let's head back to the others," With that, Spike and Thorax both made their way down a hall, when they passed by another Shadowbolt.

Thinking fast, Spike asked, "Password?!"

"It's get lost creep!" the Shadowbolt answered.

"No problem," Spike replied, before he punched the Shadowbolt in the stomach, and landed a chop to their neck, knocking the thug out cold. "Idiot. What kind of password is that?"

Suddenly, both Thorax and Spike's ears perked up, when they heard some movements coming from behind. Thinking fast, Thorax changed himself into a box, as he hid the body, while Spike changes into a puppy and hid underneath a cabinet. Soon, another Shadowbolt thug appeared in the hall. In appearance, the thug was a griffon, who was sniffing the area. After the griffon passed his hiding spot, Spike came out, shape-shifted into his human form, and tackled the griffon from behind. In response, the griffon flapped her wings, as she took to the air, trying to slam Spike off of her, when Thorax changed back into his true form, and shot a green goop at the griffon.

"Ew!" the griffon groaned. "I just had my wings cleaned this morning!"

"Wait a minute," Spike pulled the griffon's mask, to reveal, "Gilda?!" Both he and Thorax exclaimed.

"Spike? Thorax?" Gilda replied.

"What are you doing here?" the three all asked at the same time.

"Me and Thorax found a possible clue to the helmet's hiding place," Spike answered.

"I'm just trying to find the dungeon where all the other griffons were held captive," Gilda replied.

Just then, Thorax felt a presence, as he suddenly sniffed the air, detecting a newfound scent, "Hey guys?" Thorax said. "Someone else is here."

With that, the three all popped their disguises back on, as they looked around some nearby pillars, to find.....

"Trixie?!" Spike gasped.

"Spike, it's you!" Trixie squealed as she happily embraced the boy.

"What're you doing here?" Spike asked, while trying not to blush. It didn't take long, when he spotted a bound and gagged Hydia, "And what is she doing here?"

"Her?" Trixie asked, while pointing to Hydia. "Oh she gave me and Starlight a bit of trouble, on our way here to help you. But not to worry. We got her."

"Starlight? Starlight's here, too?" Spike asked.

"Yeah. She went off to look for you," Trixie answered.

"She did?" Spike asked, before he recalled the previous Shadowbolt he had knocked out. 'That must've been her,' Spike thought. "Trixie, you come with us," Spike said.

"With pleasure!" Trixie squealed happily, after she succeeded on escaping out of her chains from Hydia. "You stay where you are, or else!" Trixie threatened the witch.

Speaking of.....

"Now at least I know, that's not the password," Starlight groaned, before she spotted another Shadowbolt thug passing by, and grabbed him in her aura. "What's the password?"

"I wish upon a star!" the thug answered, before he lost consciousness.





Spike, Trixie were running through the halls, when they spotted a Shadowbolt thug up ahead, "Tixie, you take left! Gilda, up! And Thorax, right!" With that, the three all complied, as they surround the thug, while Spike went up to the thug directly.

"Password?" Spike asked.

"I wish upon a star," the thug answered.

"Nope that's not it!" Spike answered as he charges after the thug.

"Wrong again?" the thug asked herself, before she spins around, trying to hit Spike, only for Gilda, Thorax, and Trixie to tackle her from every directions.

"Hold it! It's only, Starlight!" Trixie exclaimed.

"Yeah," Starlight replied. "Don't you guys know a pal when you see 'em?"




Later

Spike, Thorax, and Trixie, later rendezvous back with others, while Gilda was off, with Gabby, Greta, Lyra, Bon Bon, and Starlight to the dungeon.

The rest of the heroes were all in the astronomy room, as Ember pulled out the Fucanglong box. The box glows brightly, as it reacted with the gnome. Before long, the gnomon sank into the ground, as the dial started to turn around in circles, before it shifted itself into a set of stairs.

"This must be it," Thorax commented.

"Then let's go!" Fleur insisted, as she was about to take the first step.

"No, wait!" Spike stopped her. "There's no telling what's down there, protecting the helmet! So I'll go first. Don't follow until I give a sign. But if something bad happens, get yourselves out," The others nodded, though a little reluctant in letting Spike go off on his own.

Not waiting for a second opinion, Spike quickly went down the stairs, which grew darker the further he went down. 'Eyes of the dragon,' Spike said in his thoughts, causing his eyes to become green and reptilic, as he got a good look in the dark.

By the time he reached the bottom, Spike saw a torch, which he lit up, with his breath. This started a chain reaction as all the other torches were soon lit up.

"Spike!" Fleur called, are you alright?"

"I'm fine Fleur!" Spike called. "You guys can come down now."

With that, Fleur arrived, with Thorax, Trixie, Mina, and Ember following. The heroes continued to walk down a lit up hallway, only for Spike to stop them, as he sniffed the air, and out of impulse, his whiskers sprouted, waving in the air in various directions.

"What is it Spike?" Fleur asked.

"Traps!" Spike replied.

"Are you sure?" Trixie asked.

"I think so," Spike replied. "I mean, I'm sure of it."

"How do you know for sure?" Thorax asked.

"I don't know. In a way, it's like the wind was just telling me, there are traps right here."

Ember took notice of Spike's whiskers, "I think, we can trust him on this," Ember voiced her opinion, to which the others all looked at the sapphire dragon, questionably. "Look, questions later. But if Spike says there are traps. Then there are traps. So we must proceed with cautions." 

Smiling that Ember believed in him, Spike was the first to go, as he leapt from walls to walls, while doing flips, and spins, before he made it to the other side, unharmed, courtesy of his whiskers.

"Wow, Spikey," Trixie swooned, to which the other girls all rolled their eyes in annoyance.

Fleur followed Spike's lead, while Thorax flapped his wings to fly across when-

"Thorax! Stop!" Spike called, but too late. The changeling tripped a thin string, resulting some walls to fly out. Thorax would've been squashed, had Spike not jumped in between the walls, stopping them, with his dragon legs and claws.

"Get going Thorax!" Spike groaned. "Now!"

Thorax was uncertain, "But I can't-"

"Move, or I'll squash you!" Spike threatened, causing Thorax to beat his wings and fly away.

"Hold on, Spike!" Ember said, as she, Mina, with Trixie riding, came over and took hold of the walls, enabling Spike to go freely.

The dragons, and girl, all made it to the other side, in one piece.

"That was too close for comfort," Spike panted.

"Um, Spike?" Thorax asked nervously. "Would you really squash me?"

"Of course not, Thor," Spike replied. "But if I would, it would be when I let those walls crush you."

"Oh," Thorax nodded in understanding.

With that, the heroes were later on their way, down another hall, which lead them to a long viaduct, with strong currents of winds blowing across.

"Looks like we're in, what Grampa Gruff and all the other griffons called, the Abysmal Abyss," Spike said.

Trixie looked down from the viaduct, as she whimpered, "Wonder what gave that away?"

Ember took out the Fucanglong Box, checking to see it's aura glowing even brighter. Unfortunately, the box's glow didn't go unnoticed, as several eyes within some caves on the walls opened up, followed by some faint growls. Fortunately, Spike's ears perked up, as he heard the source.

"Girls! Behind you!" Spike called to Ember and Trixie.

Hearing what Spike said, Ember turned around, and quickly jumped out of the way, while carrying Trixie, just as a quarry eel nearly snapped its jaw at them.

"What the devil?" Trixie exclaimed, before more eels starting poking their heads out, and all lunged towards them.

One eel lunged after Thorax, only for Spike to land a flying kick to its muzzle, shoving it off course. The eel fell towards the bottom, only to be picked up by the wind, as it started gliding away.

"Quarry eels may not have wings," Spike began. "But whenever there's a windy day, they're the wind's best friend."

More eels started to glide after the heroes, snapping their jaws. Ember breathed a jet of purple fire, only for it to be blown away by the wind, "It's too windy to make a direct fire shot!" Ember groaned.

"Then it's a good thing I'm here!" Fleur said, as she fired a magic bolt in the air. The bolt exploded in a flash of purple light, blinding some of the eels, causing them to crash into some of the walls of the abyss.

"Come on!" Thorax said, as he made it to the other side of the viaduct. "Let's go!" With that, the heroes all made a mad dash for the other side, which takes them to a large door. Suddenly, the Fucanglong Box came flying out of Ember's cloak, projecting a small, magic key blade form one of its faces, and inserted itself into the door. Reacting to the box's power, the doors slowly began to creak open, granting the heroes entrance.

"Hurry!" Spike shouted, as he and everyone all jumped into the room. Ember quickly took the box, of the doors, causing them to shut tight, narrowly shielding our heroes from a quarry eel. 

"Boy, that was close," Thorax panted. "Anymore traps, or monsters, we need to worry about?" the changeling asked.

"Not for now," Spike replied, tapping on Thorax's shoulder and directing his attention to a huge statue, in the shape of Starswirl the Bearded. Floating before the said unicorn, was the very helmet the heroes came for.

"The Helmet of Wisdom!" Spike gasped.

"Oh my goodness!" Trixie gasped in awe, as she walked to the pedestal.

"NOOOO!" Spike shouted, as he pulled Trixie back, just as a spell was shot from Starswirl's statue. Spike got in front of Trixie, shielding the girl from the spell, as it struck his armor, forcing him back.

"Spike!" Trixie gasped. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Spike groaned. "Just barely. Though, how are we going to get the helmet?"

Just then, Ember felt a burning sensation in her cloak, as she took out the Fucanglong Box, revealing that it was flashing rapidly, before it fired a beam of sapphire aura, at the statue. The heroes watched, as they could see what appears to be an invisible force field, shattering to pieces. Once the task was done, the box dropped to the ground, no longer glowing.

"What was that all about?" Spike asked.

"I don't know," Fleur answered. "Maybe it means it's safe to get the helmet now?"

"Well we're not going to find out if we just stand around, asking each other questions, are we?" Ember asked rhetorically 

Nodding their heads in agreement, the heroes all stepped forward, and were relieved that no traps have been activated, as they retrieved the helmet.

"Wow," Fleur said in awe. "It is so, c'est magnifique. We actually did it mon ami!"

"And best of all," Spike began. "We've got two pieces now to find your parents, Fleur."

Just then, the statue of Star Swirl's eyes flashed in blue, as it zapped the heroes.





In a flash of light, Spike and his squad stood, in the castle, with the helmet.

"Wow," Spike marveled. "We're back!"

"Well c'mon!" Thorax began. "Let's go find the others before-" Thorax was interrupted, as they were suddenly surrounded, by the Shadowbolts. "Before that happens," Thorax moaned.

"Well, what do we have here?" Somnambula asked, as she made herself known. "I was expecting one of my hunters to go after you, and low and behold! You came to us for a change! And you've saved us the trouble of finding the helmet!" Somnambula cackled, followed by the others.

"Well, you're not welcome!" Spike replied.

"Enough talk!" one of the Shadowbolts began. "Hand over that helmet, nice and easy."

"You want the helmet?" Spike asked, as he dons it on his head. "Come and get it!"

[MLP Fighting is Magic - Rainbow Dash Stage Theme]

With that, the Shadowbolts all lunged forward, as they try to snatch it away from the young Dragon Prince. One of the Shadowbolts, flew in a flying kick, only for Spike to grab their legs, as he flings them away. Another Shadowbolt came running up to Spike, with double katanas, and slashes them at Spike, only for Spike to do a backflip, over the Shadowbolt, dodging their attacks, and sweeps the floor with his leg, tripping his opponent, followed by a tail whip, which knocked the Shadowbolt away.

Two more jumped in, armed with a kusarigma, and shuko claws. The first Shadowbolt hurled the chain ball from his kusarigma at Spike, who ducked his head down, as the Shadowbolt leapt towards him with the scythe, ready for the kill. Spike took notice as another Shadowbolt jumped forward with his shuko claws. At the last second, Spike leapt away from the two Shadowbolts, as their attacks missed him, while bumping into each other. After collecting themselves, the Shadowbolts were about to strike again, when Mina flew in, breathing a jet of red fires, that exploded into fireworks, in their fire-proof masked face. Blinded, the Shadowbolts crashed into a wall, knocking themselves out.

"Save some fun for me, Spike," Mina said, as she, Ember, Fleur, and even Trixie joined the fray.

"I've always wanted to kick, Crystal Prep's butt," Trixie smirked. "Never thought it'd be like this."

With that, the girls all charged after the Shadowbolts, aiding their favorite in the fight. Fleur was fencing with a Shadowbolt, until another tried to grab her from behind. Luckily, Ember swooped in, stomped the Shadowbolt on the head, causing him to groan in pain, which Fleur quickly heard, as she back fisted him in the face. Just then, one of the Shadowbolts threw net at Fleur. Luckily for the girl, Spike jumped in, and miraculously, managed to catch the net with his claws, and turned it into a whip, as he used it to snare the Shadowbolts who attacked Fleur.

"Care to do the honors, Flare?" Spike asked, as he held the captive Shadowbolts in front of Fleur, who changed into her unicorn form, and repeatedly kicked them, with her flare kick technique.

Meanwhile, Ember, having ditched her hooded figure persona and into her armored dragon appearance, was charging after a Shadowbolt, who was backing away in fright, until Mina came from behind, crouch down, causing him to lean backward, enough for Ember to land a powerful kick that sent him flying backwards.

Seeing how dire the situation was becoming, Somnambula tapped her staff to the floor. With that, her flying monkeys arrived. The winged monkeys all swooped towards the heroes. Two flying monkeys were flying after Trixie, who threw down a smoke bomb, enabling her escape, as the two monkeys flew in, and crashed into each other. Ember rolled to the side, as she shot several explosive arrows at the monkeys, knocking them out of the skies, before more arrived to fill their places. Mina was fighting off some of the Shadowbolts, when more monkeys arrived, and overwhelmed the red dragoness.

"Mina!" Spike called. Feeling an intense rage, erupting within him, Spike's whole dragon form was surrounded in a green, fiery aura, as he roared, "GET OFF OF HER!!!" With that, a loud roar erupted from Spike's mouth, as it blew the monkeys off of Mina.

"Thanks, Spike," Mina thanked.

"Don't thank me yet!" Spike replied, as he continues to fight off the monkeys, while trying to keep the helmet on.

One of the monkeys tried to catch Spike, only for a curtain to come to life, and snagged the monkeys, before the flying beasts were covered in green slimes. The curtain began to change shape, revealing itself to be none other but Thorax, himself.

"Slick move, Thorax!" Spike smiled.

"Thanks," Thorax replied modestly. "I don't usually fight, but I'll help the best way I can." Thorax looked up, before he shoved Spike out of the way. "Look out!" Just then, a flying monkey came crashing down on Thorax.

Spike tried to run over to help his changeling friend, but was barred by more Shadowbolt thugs. Looking around, Spike quickly grabbed an iron staff, from a nearby suit of armor, and like the martial art fighter he is, Spike changes himself back in human form, as he spins the staff around, blocking the Shadowbolts' attacks, while landing a few blows on their necks, heads, and jab to their stomachs. Another Shadowbolt came running and swung his sword at Spike, only for the boy to quickly block the blade with his weapon, before he made a few strikes of his own to the Shadowbolt's head, shoulders, knees, and toes. The Shadowbolt in the meantime, moved his arms and legs, trying to block the strikes, but Spike was going to fast, until finally, Spike stopped, and the Shadowbolt was so caught up in the moment that he looked as if he was doing a crazy dance. It wasn't until another Shadowbolt came, and bonked him on the head, did he finally realized, Spike stopped, and was mentally mocking him.

Enraged, the Shadowbolts pounced after Spike, while Thorax continues his scuffle with the flying monkey. The girls too weren't making much progress.

"There's too many of them!" Fleur said, as she continues to fight with her rapier, while blasting some magic bolts.

"Then it's a good thing we're here!" a voice called out.

The heroes, and the Shadowbolts, all turned their head in the direction of the source, revealing Gilda, Gabby, Greta, Lyra, and Bon Bon, and all the griffons, freed.

"Looks like the calvary's here!" Spike smirked.

"C'mon griffons!" Gilda began. "Let's show them who rules Griffonstone!"

With a loud war cry, all the griffons charged forward, as they did battle with the Shadowbolts, and the flying monkeys.

One of the flying monkeys had Trixie pinned down, when a bolt of magic struck it, forcing the flying primate off. Trixie looked, and was bewildered to see Lyra, and Bon Bon, both girls stood, dressed in tuxedos and shades. Lyra was holding Bon Bon close, as the girls had a moment of looking at each other, before Lyra continues to fire more bolts of magics.

All of this made Trixie even more bewildered, "Trixie!" Starlight called, as she ran up to the girl. "Come on! Snap out of it!" Soon, both girls found themselves, surrounded by more Shadowbolts, and flying monkeys. Concentrating into her magic, Starlight conjured up a wand, with a blue star at the tip, as she levitated it to Trixie, before she morphed in her own battle form. In appearance, Starlight wore a suit of armor, with her Shadowbolt mask, and a long staff, sheathed in the back of her armor.

"Ever participated in a magic duel?" Starlight asked, as she pulled her staff out.

"I've once had a magic off with Discord," Trixie answered.

"Well watch and learn," Starlight replied. "Cause you're with the big boys now!"

With that, Starlight charges into the fray, as she shot a beam of magic from her staff, at a flying monkey, repelling it away. Another Shadowbolt came and shot an arrow at Starlight, who quickly transfigured them into flowers. With a spin of her staff, Starlight skillfully blasted several beams of magics at the surrounding Shadowbolts, transfiguring them into a mix of animals, as well as making them confused, and disoriented.

"What's going on?" one of them asked. "Why do I have a sudden craving for pickles?"

"Why do I feel like I'm small?" a big one asked.

"Why do I feel hungry, all of a sudden?"

Trixie looked astonished, before she waved her wand and shouted, "Bibbidi bobbidi boo!" Nothing happened however.

"That only works at night," one of the Shadowbolts explained.

During the fight, Spike's ears perked, as he hears a projectile flying from behind, and he jumps to the right, evading the ammo.

"Hello!" Spike exclaimed.

Spike turns around to have a good look at his attacker, and sees an attractive young woman with jade eyes, while having a slender body. She had a long silky black hair down to her hips and possessed two black bat-like wings. Her attires consists of black, strap-like, risqué objects around her body, gloves that ran right up her arms with small lengths of chains hanging from them, shoulder guard-like objects on her shoulders with three large spikes sprouting from her right shoulder, and black thigh-high heel boots.

"Hello, Spike," the girl said, in a deep, haunting voice.

Spike finds himself strangely turned on, as he immediately lost control of his powers, and turned his head turned into a wolf's head, as he lets out a literal wolf whistle, before he later turned himself into a puffer fish, with his dragon wing straightened, "What is happening?" Spike asked, as he finds himself floating in the air, and bloated.

The Shadowbolts were just as shocked at the girl, as Spike is, as some of the boys in the group couldn't help but get slightly turned on.

"Sunburn?" one of the Shadowbolts began. "I didn't know you're into ecchi anime cosplay."

"......./////0____0;\\\\\\......." In response, Sunburn's face grew red with embarrassment, as she took the hair off, revealing it to be nothing more but a wig, "YOU TOLD ME THIS WAS SUPPOSE TO STRIKE FEAR!!" Sunburn growled angrily.



"Wait for it!" Discord grinned trollishly.

"Hey, Spike!" Thorax called. "Everything o-AH!!" Thorax screamed with fright, as he ran behind Spike, while momentarily turned himself into Button Mash. "YUUMA!!"

"Yuuma?" Spike asked.

"It's Japanese for sunset," Thorax explained. "Also, AHHH!!! WE'RE GOING TO DIE BY A FALLEN ANGEL AND REBORN AS A DEVIL!! I'M TOO YOUNG FOR THAT TO HAPPEN TO ME!"

"-_-;......You've been hanging with Button, way too long!" Spike said to the changeling.

"See, what did I tell you?" Discord smirked to Sunburn, before he took notice of Spike's condition. "Ooh! Spike! Did you just put on some weight?"

Just then, Hydia, and her daughters arrived, via door, "Fools!" Hydia cackled. "No prison can contain-Uh, what did I just missed?" the elder witch asked, upon taking notice of Spike.

"Oh, nothing," Discord began slyly. "It's just that I discovered Spike's greatest weakness, which involves sexy dames!"

"Say what?!" Reeka began. "All this time, the mighty Dragon Prince's weakness, is pretty girls?"

"Duh, that's me!" D'raggle exclaimed. "I'm very pretty!" With that, D'raggle tries to put her heads beneath her chin, as she batted her eyelashes.

The boys in the Shadowbolts, however, speak otherwise, "Ew!" one of them said. "I feel disgusted just by looking at her!"

"Oy, vey!" another one added.

"I can't believe I'm saying this," Spike said. "But I agree." With that, Spike suddenly deflated, back in human form. "Hey! I'm back to normal!"

"Oh yeah?" Discord began, as he whipped out a poster. "How about now?!"

"NO!" Spike said, as he resists the temptation to look. "No, wait!" Discord didn't listened, as he snapped his finger, forcing the boy's eyes to stay open.



"Oh no!" Spike began, as he feels himself losing control of his powers, and turned into a puffer fish.

The Shadowbolts couldn't help but burst out laughing, while some of the girls, both Shadowbolts, and heroes, couldn't help but blush, with their eyes twitching.

"Oh, hardy har har," Spike began. "You've had your fun. Now just-hey! Hey, stop it!" Spike cried, as Discord bounced him around like a beach ball. "Cut it out!"

"Ooh, this is too rich!" Discord laughed. "I've always known you were a shy boy! But to see you get turned on like this! It's too-hoo-hoo, rich!"

"Come on Discord!" Spike groaned.

"Hey!" Sunburn growled. "Are we just going to discuss about the dragon's weakness? Or are we going to take the helmet?!"

"Pishposh and tut-tut, my good girl!" Discord replied. "I've got the helmet, right here!" Discord grinned, to which the heroes took notice that it was no longer on Spike's head. "Now, you can have your fun with Spike. Ciao!" With that, Discord disappeared in a flash of light, while dropping the helmet in Somnambula's hands.

"The Helmet of Wisdom is ours!" Somnambula cackled triumphantly, as the Shadowbolts all joined her. "Now, without further ado, capture the Dragon Prince! Do what you want with the others, but the dragon belongs to the master!"

"With pleasure!" one the Shadowbolts began, as he unsheathes his weapons.

"Let's have fun," Sunburn added, as she grew her claws on one hand, while projecting a spear of fire in her other hand.

"Spike!" Ember called out. "Get ahold of yourself!"

"I'm trying," Spike groaned, as he tries to regain his focus.

"Here," Thorax said, as he turned himself into a blindfold and wrapped himself around Spike's eyes. "Now you won't have to see Sunburn when you fight!"

"Thanks, Thorax," Spike said, as he deflated back in human form, and began relying on his ears to navigate his way, through the fight.

Sunburn slashes her claws at Spike, while throwing an array of fireballs, and spears, at the boy, who continues to evade her moves, blindfolded and all.

"Hold still!" Sunburn growled impatiently, as she continues to throw her attacks at Spike. Then without warning, Thorax changed himself into a giant spider, and jumps on Sunburn's face, "GET OFF OF ME!!"

"Thorax! Jump!" Spike shouted, as he breathed an explosive fireball at Sunburn, knocking the girl backward, while Thorax leapt into the air, and changed back into his true changeling form.

"Good thinking there, boys," Gilda smirked, as she continues her fight with the monkeys.

"That's the power of teamwork, Gilda," Spike smirked, while giving a thumbs up, and a wink, before he and Thorax took their leave. "Now let's go get that helmet back! Thorax! Fleur! You're with me!"

"Oui!" Fleur replied, as she followed the boy.

"Okay!" Thorax answered.

Meanwhile, in the rumbles, an even angrier Sunburn burst out.





After his long nap of regenerations, Prince Blueblood was back on his hooves, as he struggles to scale the mountains, with Bunny pulling him along, by the leash, until finally, they made it to the top.

"AH!" Blueblood exclaimed happily. "Yes! I made it! I finally made it!" With that, Blueblood broke into a run, as he blindly charged through Griffonstone, while saying, "Have no fear, Griffonstone! For I, your friendly, talent, handsome-" Blueblood wasn't looking where he was going, when he tripped over a stone, and landed in a puddle of mud. "Ew! I just groomed myself this morning!" It wasn't long, when he took notice of the ruckus going on, in the castle, at the top of the Great Tree. "I don't know what's up, but I don't think I should be involved. What the-?" Blueblood looked up, to see some zeppelins moving in. "I think that's my cue to take cover!" With that, Blueblood turned, and crashed into someone.

"Watch where you're-" Somnambula gasped. "I know you!"

[The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly]

"You!" Blueblood replied in equal tone.

"Vlad Blueblood!"

With that, Somnambula punched Blueblood aggressively, who grabbed her telekinetically, and the two rolled around the floor, in a wrestle. Blueblood tried to jump on her, but Somnambula did a flip on her back, as she kicked the unicorn prince away.

Blueblood then ran up to Somnambula and bucked her repeatedly in the face, "How do you like-" Blueblood was interrupted, when Somnambula landed more punches to his face, which he retaliates with several more punches, before he spits a tooth out, and landed an even stronger punch to Somnambula. In response, Somnambula spat out her set of fake teeth, as she lands a spinning kick to Blueblood's head, followed by a 540 kick, knocking Blueblood down on his back. Taking out her staff, Somnambula was about to strike it down on Blueblood, who quickly grabbed it, as he pulled her down to the ground, before he levitated a huge boulder off the ground, and over Somnambula.

"Witch takes kidney!" Somnambula shouted, as she jabbed Blueblood's underside, causing him to yelp in pain, while losing his focus on the boulder as it drops down on his head. Somnambula was about to walk away, when she came back, and kicked Blueblood, very hard.

"Ooh!" Spike grimaced, as he, Fleur, and Thorax arrived on the scene. "Right in the batteries!"

"You think an old lady can't take care of herself?" Somnambula asked, before she puts her teeth back in. "Next time, I won't go so easy on you!"

"Wait a minute!" Spike began. "What are you doing here, cousin?"

"I'm here for the griffon's excellent, griffon scones," Blueblood moaned in pain. "I'm here to find the Helmet of Wisdom, so I can be the hero of this chapter!"

"Well you're too late," Somnambula sneered. "The helmet is ours!"

"No!" Hydia shouted, as she desperately ran out, and grappled with the helmet. "It's mine! My daughters and I have come a long way for the helmet!"

"Yeah, that's right!" Reeka said, as she joined in the struggle, with D'raggle.

"Let go!" Somnambula growled.

"Monkey steals the peach!" Spike said, as he jumped in, and snatched the helmet out of the witches' hands.

"STOP HIM!" Somnambula and Hydia shouted, as Reeka, D'raggle, and the Shadowbolts ran after Spike.

[The Myth - 03. Battle Preparation]

Spike ran with the helmet, back on his head, with the Shadowbolts running after him.

"Spike!" Fleur shouted, as she galloped, in unicorn form. "Get on! Quick!"

With that, Spike jumped on Fleur's back, holding onto the armor plate, on the back of her neck.

"Hi-ho, Fleur! Away!" Fleur looked back at the boy, questionably. "Sorry. Caught up in the moment." Fleur continues to gallop through the streets of Griffonstone, as Spike held on, while blasting some fireballs at the pursuing Shadowbolts.

It wasn't long, when more Shadowbolts surrounded the two. One of the Shadowbolts threw a chain ball at Spike, who quickly heard it coming as he ducked his head, catches the steel ball, and pulls the Shadowbolt towards him, before he punches the ninja away.

Then, out of the shadows, were more shadow samurais and ninjas. The samurais, on horsebacks, galloped towards Fleur, who quickly fired magic bolts in retaliations. The bolts bounced off, as they did little efforts in slowly the samurais and their horses down. One samurai swung his katana at Fleur, and nearly chopped her horn off, had Spike not intervened, in dragon form, as he caught the sword in his mouth. Spike leapt off of Fleur's back, as take flight, and kicked the samurai off of his horse, while Fleur projected a magic shield, and had it floating around her, defending herself from the other samurais.

Luckily, fate smiled down on the two bestie once more, as Lyra and Bon arrived, in a floating aircraft they had stolen from the Shadowbolts. The two girls, in human forms, fired some missiles at the samurais, causing them to disappear in puff of smokes. Lyra and Bon Bon jumped off, as they landed at Fleur's sides.

"Merci mon ami," Fleur panted.

"No problem, Fleur," Bon Bon smiled. "Any bestie of Spike, is a bestie of ours!"

"Besides," Lyra added. "You're not the only one who'd be willing to give her life to secure his." The two girls swooned dreamily, as they watched Spike fighting off the Shadowbolts, and their shadow creatures. They marveled at his display of courage, and skills, as he fought off the ninjas with an impressive display of martial arts. Fleur blushed in agreement, but scowled in envy.

Spike grabbed a nearby flag pole, as he used it to fend himself form the Shadowbolts' spears, katanas, and even arrows. Just then, D'raggle and Reeka arrived. Reeka was rolling around, while D'raggle came jogging after her sister.

"Body slam!" Reeka hollered, as she tried to crush the life out of Spike, only for the boy to jump out of the way, along with all the other Shadowbolts.

"One word of advice," Spike began. "Diet and exercise!"

"Hey! That's three words!" Reeka roared, as she jumps after Spike, only for the boy to jump roll to the side, dodging her attack, before he breathed fire on her butt. "OW! That's smart!"

"Well, y'know what they say," Spike smirked. "Mess with the dragon, and you get roasted."

"Duh, I got him!" D'raggle said, as she grabbed Spike from behind, only for Spike's tail to sprout, as it grabbed her, and throws her off.

"Who's got who?" Spike asked, as he resumes his fight with the Shadowbolts.

With the flag pole in hands, Spike used it to skillfully block their punches, along with their blades. Spike quickly turned to one Shadowbolt, and thrusted one end of the pole, in between the ninja's legs, before he brought it up, flipping them in the air. Just then, another Shadowbolt came running after Spike, with an axe. Spike blocked every strikes from the axes with the pole, until it broke in halves. With that, the Shadowbolt tries to strike Spike, at his chest, only for Spike to jump to the side, and the Shadowbolt swings the axe in his direction, which Spike was able to block in time, with his bare hands. Spike then forced the Shadowbolt's arms down, only for the ninja to bring it back up in another attempt to strike Spike, only for the boy to block it again, and held it down, as he lands a punch to the bolt's face, and another to his chest, before he does a spinning heel kick, to the head, knocking the Shadowbolt back.

"Very impressive," Sunburn's voice sounded, as she landed in front of Spike. "You fight well, against these pitiful forces of evil. Now, you will face me!"

"Bring it!" Spike said competitively, while trying to keep himself together.

With that, both the boy and demonic spirit charged after each other, until they clashed. Sunburn grew her nails long, as she slashes her claws at Spike, who dodged to the sides, ups, downs, and blocks them, before he retaliated with a flying kick to the demon's face.

"Oh, we're really having fun," Sunburn grinned deviously, while fixing her jaws, as she projected a spear of light, and thrusted it towards Spike, who was quick to catch the projectile, before it spins in a tornado, and throws it back. Sunburn cocked her head to the side, as the spear flew past her, scorching a part of her hair in the process.

Projecting two more spears in hands, Sunburn flew after Spike, as she slashed her twin blades at Spike, who quickly moves to the sides, dodging the blades, while getting a few scratches in the process.

"Yow!" Spin groaned, as he was pierced in the right leg, and felt it burning from the inside and out.

With that, Sunburn thrusted the second spear towards Spike's abdomen, only for the boy to catch it with his right hand, mere seconds away, before he twists his body to the right, pulling the second spear with him, as he uses his left good leg to link with Sunburn's right arm. Sunburn tried to chop his leg with her left hand, but Spike's left hand intervened, as it jabbed the demon's hand, in the form of a praying mantis gesture. With a snarl, Sunburn continues to slash her claw at Spike, who continues to jab her hand with his hand, before he made a strike to her throat, forcing her back, as she lost her grip on her spear, and Spike fell into a backflip. Taking the spear out of his leg, Spike groaned, as he sprouted his wings, and took the flight to the air. Sunburn soon followed, as she fired more explosive fireballs at Spike, who deflected them away with the other spear he took from her.

"Give me the helmet!" Sunburn roared, as she flew after Spike, and made a desperate lunge for the helmet. Spike stopped her claws from touching the helmet, before he realized they were plummeting towards the ground. "Give it to me, or die!"

In response, Spike breathed fire into the girl's face, forcing her off, as he crashed back down to the ground. The helmet rolled out from the impact, before it rolls to the side of a cliff.

"The helmet!" Sunburn shouted, as she flew after it, only for someone to hold her back by the leg.

"It's our master's!" Reeka drooled, while D'raggle ran to get it.

The tall witched tripped on a stone, causing the grounds of the cliff to shake, and the helmet fell off, into the Abysmal Abyss.

"NOOOOOOO!!!" everyone shouted.

Spike ran to the cliff, and dived into the abyss, changing into his dragon form, in his attempts to retrieve the helmet.

"Spike!" the girls shouted, as they ran after the boy.

"Welp, I think that's my cue to get outta here," Blueblood said, as he and Bunny retreated.

The girls watched anxiously, when in a flash of fire, a phoenix appeared, flying with the helmet in his talons.

"Peewee!" the girls gasped.

"Get him!" Somnambula ordered.

With that, the flying monkeys flew after Peewee. The phoenix tried to escape, but he was soon overwhelmed by vast numbers of the monkeys, as he dropped the helmet, into Somnambula's hands.

"Yes!" Somnambula cackled. "At last! The helmet is ours!"

The Shadowbolts all laughed triumphantly, as they all disappeared in puffs of smokes.

"Mommy!" Reeka called, as she and D'raggle were dragged away, in chains by the Shadowbolts.

The girls, and the griffons, in the meantime, were left to mourn for their lost comrade. Or so they thought.

"Girls!" Spike's voice sounded.

"It's his ghost!" Lyra screamed, as she hugged Bon Bon close. "He's back to haunt us!"

"No, wait!" Ember said, as she took her helmet off, and peered into the abyss, to see Spike, scaling the rocks, with the helmet in one claw.

"SPIKE!" the girls all shouted happily.

"Hold on, sweetie!" Trixie said, as she took her hat off, and conjured up a rope of handkerchiefs. "Here, grab on!"

"Lower, lower!" Spike said, as he changes back into a human, with the exception of his claws and legs, before he grabs ahold of the rope with his free hand. "I got it!" With that, he was pulled up, and back to safety.

"Spike!" Bon Bon said sweetly. "Thank goodness you're safe!"

It wasn't long, before Spike was piled on by Fleur, Starlight, and Trixie, as the girls all kissed him on the face, while affectionately chiding, "Don't scare us like that!"

"Sorry," Spike replied, before he picks up the helmet, as Peewee came and rested on his shoulder. "You did good, Peewee," Spike smiled, as he pet the bird's stomach.

"How? When? What?" Starlight asked, flabbergasted.




Up on the Shadowbolt's Zeppelin

Somnambula and the Shadowbolts were enjoying themselves, as they laughed triumphantly, "At last! We have the Helmet of Wisdom."

"I still say we should've do the others in, when we had the chance," one of the Shadowbolts said.

"Not to worry," Somnambula replied. "Soon, the Dragon Prince will fall to Bloodshot, and soon his powers will be in the possession of our master. And soon, his will be nothing but insignificant insects to us."

"Hey! I resent that remark!" The helmet shouted in outrage.

The Shadowbolts all turned at the helmet, questionably, "Sunburn?" Somnambula began. "Did that helmet just talk?"

"Yes, ma'm," Sunburn replied.

"Sunburn. Fire at will."

With that, Sunburn fired a ray of magic at the helmet, revealing itself to be Thorax.

"AAAAAAAAHHH!!" the Shadowbolts screamed. "How did you tricked us?!?"

With a frightened yelp, Thorax took off, with an angry Sunburn chasing after him, as she fired several fireballs, and spears of light at the cowardly changeling. Thorax fluttered throughout the zeppelins, while dodging the flaming projectiles being thrown at him.

It wasn't long, until Thorax jumped off to the side, as he screamed, "Geronimo!"

"NO!" Somnambula screamed in outrage, angered that she and the Shadowbolts had been duped. The sorceress turns her attention, back to Hydia and her daughters, all being held by the Shadowbolts. "Someone's going to pay for this!"




Later
Friendship Castle

"Boy, we've had some adventure to day," Spike remarked. "I'm bushed."

"Me two," Mina added.

"All of us are," Fleur added, on behalf of all the girls and boy who had came along.

"It'd be nice to just get some shut eyes for the night," Spike said, as he went for the door. However, upon opening the door, just an inch, a foul scent was detected.

"Spike?" Fleur asked, as she took notice of the boy sniffing the air. "What is it?"

"Shh!" Spike quickly shushed. "Someone's here!"

"Don't you think it could've been Twilight and-" Trixie was quickly silenced, as Gilda and Gabby covered her mouth with their claws.

Moving the door just ajar, Spike turned into a dog, as he jumps into the castle, sniffing the air. Spike's ears suddenly perked up, as he hears the faint sound of footsteps, running at a level above him. Spike turned his head, in the direction of the sound, only to see no one there. Spike slowly walked forward, as he tries to smell and listen more to his surrounding.

"Spike?" Trixie whispered, which was enough to give Spike a jumpscare, as the boy spins around, changing in human form, and got into a spin kick, almost hitting the girl. "AH! It's only me!" Trixie panicked, as she puts her hands out.

"Trixie!" Spike panted breathlessly, as he quickly patted his chest. "Don't-" Spike then noticed something shining in the distance. "GET DOWN!" Spike yelled, as he pounced forward, shoving Trixie out of the way, just as a bullet came flying and almost hit them.

[Empire - I'm Your Hitman]

The two didn't have time to catch their breath, as more bullets were fired, from a balcony. Grabbing Trixie, Spike rolled to the side, with the girl, as they hid behind a pillar.

"Hang on Spike!" Ember called, as she jumped into the fray. The sapphire dragon reached into her cloak, as she pulls out her bow and shot an arrow at the figure, who was quick to deflect it with a well aimed shot, resulting in an explosion of purple smokes.

Before the smokes cleared up, Gilda charged in, slashing her claws at the sniper, to find, he's gone. Spike however had been listening, for the figure's movements, and could hear the figure was swinging across the ceilings via the banners that were hanging overhead. With that, Spike breathed a burst of green fire at one of the banners, cutting of the figure's quick getaway, as he fell to the floor, and landed on his feet. Spike and friends watched, as the figure reached into his coat and pulls out a vial of red liquids. The man popped the cork off the vial, and pours it into his hand, as it became a pistol, which he used to fire some shots at Spike and friends.

Everyone all took cover, as the man continues to fire them with his makeshift gun.

"Who is that guy?!" Ember asked.

"I don't know," Spike replied. "But whoever he is, he's got some mad water crafting abilities! He just mad a gun, out of some strange liquid, or something."

"We gotta do something," Trixie said. "We can't just hide behind these columns all day!"

Spike looked around the halls, before he turned to Starlight, "Psst, Starlight! You've been Twilight's roomie for the last ten years! You know the insides and out of this castle?"

"Sure do," Starlight replied.

"Okay, then you're with me!" Spike said, before he turns to the rest of the heroes. "You guys, keep him busy!"

"You got it!" Gilda replied, as they all put their plans into action.

Ember fired another flaming arrow at the person, who shot it again with his pistol, which resulted in another burst of purple smokes. The man popped another vial, which projected into a another pistol, as he blindly searches through the smokes, looking for his preys.

Then, without warning, a heard the sound of claws scratching on the floor, which he fired one gun at, before he hears the sound of wings flapping, and shot another bullet in that direction. It wasn't long, when a burst of purple fire broke through the smokes, the man rolled to the side, and jumped into a nearby room, where Spike was waiting, and the young prince landed a flying kick to the man's face, causing him to stumble out of the room. At that exact moment, Gilda jumped behind the man, bent herself down, tripping him up, and caused him to fell over, while dropping his pistols, all which turned into puddles upon touching the floor.

"You've got a lot of nerve, breaking into my friend's home, just to try and shoot us!" Spike said, as he walked out of the room, with Starlight and Trixie at his side.

"It's the mark of a professional in my line of work, young prince," the man said, as he reaches into his coat again. "And I was paid to do you in!" With that, the man pops another vial, conjuring up a gun, which he whips out to shoot at Spike, who quickly ducks his head down, only to find he didn't have to, since Starlight formed a shield that protected both him, herself, and Trixie.

Just then, Ember fired another arrow at the man, who quickly opened a door, in between himself and the arrow. The arrow exploded upon impact, blowing the door up. At that moment, Gilda swooped in, slashing her claws at the man, who ducked his head down, before he grabbed the griffon by the tail. Summoning all his strength, the man swung the griffon around, knocking her into Gabby, Mina, Lyra, and Bon Bon, before he released his grip on the griffon, into a nearby room.

The man was about to shoot the griffon, when his gun was blasted out of his hand, courtesy of Starlight. The man turned to face the unicorn, but was met with a kick to the face. Spike was about to land another, when the man caught his leg. Spike surprised the man, as he twists his whole body, and land another kick, with his right leg, injured and all.

"You fight well," the man replied. "Even more impressive, as you are fighting on a wounded leg. Very few have ever put up a fight in your conditions, you know!"

"I like to play hard to get!" Spike replied, as he continues his fight. "And I've got some good friends to back me up!" the boy added, as Fleur, Thorax, Trixie, Starlight, and Ember came to his sides.

"C'mon, everyone!" Ember began. "Let's show this jerk, what we're made of!"

With that, the six warriors all leapt forward, throwing kicks and punches at the mad man. The man, however, didn't have trouble fighting all of the heroes at once, as he surprisingly managed to block most of their attacks, while receiving a few hits, along with some counterattacks he made.

Ember thrusted her leg out for a flying kick, only for the man to grab her foot, and spun her into Fleur. Starlight shot an offensive spell at the man, who simply took it in, like it was nothing. Trixie threw a smoke bomb to his face, blinding him momentarily, as she fired some fireworks at him, but he surprisingly remained, unscathed. Fleur later got up, as she went in with a flaming kick, but the man was able to block her attack, causing the unicorn warrior to recoil in damage.

"Who sent you to attack us?!" Spike asked, as he and Thorax tried to fight the man, by themselves. "Who do you work for?"

"Now what makes you think I'm the type to rat out my employer?" the man asked, as he popped another vial, and conjured up a machine gun, and opened fire on the two boys.

In a flash of green magics, both Thorax and Spike changed into a dragonfly and dog, respectively, as they quickly took cover. Fleur and Starlight quickly joined their magics together, as they formed a shield, protecting them from the bullets. Then, with a loud screech, Peewee flew in as a flaming comet, diving towards the man's face. The man swatted his hand at the phoenix, knocking him to the side.

"Peewee!" Spike exclaimed. "You okay?"

The phoenix got up from the ground, and nodded its head, before it made another attack at the man.

"Get out of the way, you flaming peacock!" the man growled, as he tries in vain to swat the phoenix away.

With the man distracted, Thorax changed back in changeling form, as he lunged forward and made a grab for the gun, only to be smacked in the face, when the man quickly opened one of the doors in between himself and the changeling. Just then, Peewee pecked the man's face, which the man defended himself by pulling his overcoat over his face. In the process, Spike noticed something falling out of the man's coat. Prowling with caution, Spike picked up the object, to see that it was a picture of a little girl, who appears to be around the age of six.

Just then, another set of doors opened up, revealing Spike's posse walking in.

"Yo Spike," Rumble greeted, before both he and the others took notice of the scuffle going on.

"C'mon you guys!" Button said, as he took out his minecraft pickaxe. "CHARGE!"

After fending himself off from the phoenix, the man turned to see Button, charging after him, with the pickaxe, which the boy used to bop him repeatedly at the head.

"Where did you learn to fight like that?" the man asked. "From a video game?"

"Um, no?" Button asked, before he was kicked away, and into a wall.

*Mario lost a life*

"PILE ON HIM BOYS!!" Pipsqueak shouted, as he and the boys all pounced on top of the man.

"Get off of me!" the man roared, as he forced the boys off him.

"Who is this guy?" Featherweight groaned.

"I don't know," Rumble replied. "But I don't think he's even human."

The man panted heavily, before he too notice of Spike, getting his wounds healed, by Starlight, and Peewee. The man was about to intervene, had Fleur, Thorax, and Trixie not got in the way, holding him back. With a frustrated grunt, the man forced the three off.

Fleur, Starlight, Thorax, and Trixie, all made another lunge for the man, only for the man to leap out of the way, tricking the four to crashing into each other, before he pops another vial, turns to Spike, who didn't hesitate to run for dear life. Spike kept on running, while dodging the bullets being fired at him, and with Peewee flying at his side. The man's gun suddenly changes into a bazooka, and fired a missile. Spike, hearing the missile coming, did a backflip, dodging the missile. The missile exploded behind the boy, launching him forward. Using the momentum, Spike did a front flip, before he landed an axe kick, which the man was able to block. From there, Spike did a backflip, as he sprouted his wings. With a flap, Spike dashed forward, throwing several flying kicks, before he landed on the ground and did a flare breakdance move, which the man avoided as he jumps back. With another flap of his wings, Spike flew into the air, and breathed a huge explosive green fireball, which the man shielded himself with his coat, along with a flying kick from Spike, which smashed more of his vials in the process. From there, Spike did a backflip, before he dashed forward, spinning into a tornado, as he landed several spinning kicks to the man, who was able to block them all. Spike then threw a punch, only for the man to catch it, and with it, he forced the Dragon Prince to the floor, as he placed his foot on Spike's back. With a triumphant roar, Spike jolted up from the floor, forcing the man off.

"All those hours of push ups with Applejacks really pay off," Spike commented.

Just then, the other heroes in the room began to gain their second winds. Then, as if fate is smiling on the Dragon Prince once more, Twilight and the girls arrived.

"What is going on?!" Twilight hollered, taking notice of the mess.

"This isn't over yet, Dragon Prince!" the man growled, as he leapt up onto a banner, climbed up to a nearby balcony.

"I oughta press you into jerk cider!" Rainbow roared, as she flew after the man.

With quick thinking, the man opened another door, and banged it into Dash's face, as he makes his escape.

"Why you-" Dash was about to give chase, when Twilight called out.

"Let him go, Dash," Twilight said. "We'll get him next time."

"Yeah, just be glad, Spike's alright," Applejack added, before she, the girls, and the heroes, turned to the said boy. "So, how'd it go, Sugarcube?"

As an answer, Spike nodded to Fleur, who nodded in response as she pulls out the Helmet of Wisdom from her saddlebags.

"Omigosh!" Twilight exclaimed. "I don't believe it! The Helmet of Wisdom! You've actually found it!"

"Thanks to some help," Fleur added, gesturing to Ember, and the rest of the heroes who came along.

"No need to say it," Trixie began, with a smug grin. "The Great and Powerful Trixie was happy to be of service! And the Shadowbolts would've gotten away with Spike too, had Trixie not been there to save him."

"Shadowbolts?!" the girls and the Knights exclaimed.

"Have we got a story for you guys," Spike began.




Midnight Castle

In the throne room, Nightmare Moon stood fuming, over a frightened Abacus Cinch.

"I grow tired with all this waiting, Abacus Cinch!" Nightmare Moon hissed. "I trust your students were able to locate the helmet, in a simple archaeologist expedition?"

"Rest assured, your irritableness," Abacus Cinch replied. "We shall be hearing some results momentarily."

Just then, a shadow creature appeared in a puff of smoke, "Your majesty," the creature said, as he bowed his head before Nightmare Moon. "I came with reports!"

"Speak to me at once, Shadowfright!" Nightmare Moon commanded.

"Gratitude, master," Shadowfright replied. "The Helmet of Wisdom! It has been taken, by Prince Spike, and his friends!"

"What?!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed in outrage. "The Dragon Prince was in Griffonstone?! What was he doing there?"

"He was there, searching for the helmet, as much as we were. We had the helmet, and we almost had him too. But there were some....interference," With that, Shadowfright pulls out an orb, which projected an image of Hydia and her daughters, all in chains.

"The three witches?" Nightmare Moon hissed in disgusts. "And they dared to interfere in the businesses of the Shadowbolts?!"

"Shall I dispose of them at once, your majesty?" Abacus asked.

"No!" Nightmare Moon replied. "I'll take care of them, later! I should like to know why they dared to interfere with our affairs!" Turning her attention back to Shadowfright, Nightmare Moon continues, "What's the status on the other pieces?"

"I regret to inform, your majesty," Shadowfright replied. "We are still searching for the other pieces. Unsuccessfully, your highness."

Nightmare Moon fumed, as she ranted, "We only knew three of them. The Sword of Honor, in Dragon Town. The Helmet of Wisdom in Griffonstone. And the Chestplate of Valor we stole from Sir Lir. That means there are only three pieces left out there! And we WILL have them! Keep searching for them, so that the Dragon Prince and his allies won't beat us to the punch!"

"As you wish, your highness," With that, Shadowfright bowed his head, before he took his leave.

Nightmare Moon then turned her attention to Abacus Cinch, "Your majesty?" the woman asked.

"I don't think it's a mere coincidence that dragon and his friends were in Griffonstones! They somehow knew the helmet was there, and came to Griffonstone to retrieve it from us! The question is, how do they know it was there?"

"What would like us to do then, your highness?" Abacus asked.

"Listen well, Cinch!" Nightmare Moon began. "I want you to keep a close watch on what those heroes do from now on!"

"As you wish, your majesty," With that, Abacus bowed her head, before she took her leave.