A fine day it was to have visitors, as Princess Twilight and her husband Prince Midnight did at that moment in the Castle of Friendship. Princess Celestia and Luna, along with Celestia's own husband, Prince Sombra, had arrived to have lunch with their fellow alicorn monarchs.
"We're so glad you could make it, everyone," Twilight said kindly as the five alicorns sat around the dining table.
"As are we, Twilight," Sombra said with a nod and smile.
"Indeed! We so rarely get a chance to relax and just visit," added Luna.
"Speaking of relaxing..." Midnight brought up with a tone of concern as he looked to Celestia's round pregnant belly, "Are you and the foal doing alright?"
"Not to worry, Midnight," Celestia assured while giving her foal-filled tummy a fond rub, "we alicorns are made of stronger stuff, although... I will admit to not having as much energy than I normally do as of late."
"Doctor Miracle Cure did tell you that you need to slow down, dear," Sombra gently scolded, "our foal is due next month."
"Oh, I can't wait!" Twilight clapped her hooves in a giddy way, "First Shining Armor and Cadance had their filly, Cora, then Big Macintosh and Fluttershy had their twins, Belle and Sandow! Do you know if you're having a filly or a colt?"
"We wanted to be surprised, but...The medical staff accidentally let it slip," Sombra shrugged with an 'oh well' smile, "We're having a son."
"Congratulations to you both," Midnight smiled happily for his master and godmother. "Just know, that you can always count on Twilight and I to be there for your colt."
"We appreciate that, Midnight," Celestia smiled back while she and Sombra nuzzled up against each other, "now, tell us what's been going on around Ponyville lately. Usually, we have some crisis to deal with, somepony needs help and-"
"HELP!!!"
That distant cry was followed by the doors bursting open to reveal a dirty Rarity, wearing a mining helmet, and levitating a glowing Spike who looked to be in real discomfort.
"TWILIGHT! MIDNIGHT! There's something wrong with Spike!!"
Rarity hurried in while levitating the food and dishes off the table to make room for Spike to lay down, everypony standing up as Twilight worriedly asked, "What's wrong?!"
"Ugh, I don't know! Nngh!" Spike sat up, looking around alarmed while scratching all over himself, "All of a sudden my scales just started glowing and... burning!"
"Little is known about dragon culture, but this is a phenomenon we've seen before," Luna spoke up, "It is the call of a Dragon Lord."
"Dragons glow whenever a Dragorn Lord has need of them in the Dragon Lands," added Celestia.
"Actually, I think there's more to it than that," Midnight spoke up, all eyes turning to him, "If I'm not mistaken, I think I know why Spike is being summoned."
"Forget why! How do you make it stop?!" whined Spike.
"I'm afraid the only way it will stop is if you answer the summon," Midnight replied with a shrug, "So, it looks like you're on your way to the Dragon Lands."
"B-b-but the Dragon Lands are full of... dragons!" protested Rarity.
"Really? The Dragon Lands have dragons in them?! I never would have guessed!" Midnight responded sarcastically, only to get shushed by Twilight, along with a muttered 'Be nice'.
"Relax, Rares! I'll personally escort Spike to the Dragons Lands, we'll take care of whatever's going on, and we'll be back safe and sound in no time."
"Ooh! Oh my goodness!" Twilight suddenly began to gush, "A trek into the Dragon Lands?! We are sadly lacking any information on dragon culture and customs. I could research them, maybe even write an article! This could be my chance to make a great contribution to the knowledge of Equestria!"
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It was then that Twilight noticed the looks everypony and dragon was giving her, causing her to clear her throat sheepishly, "And be there for Spike, heh, of course."
"Before we go anywhere, I should tell you what I know," Midnight looked to the Sisters and Sombra, "I apologize, everypony. Looks like we're gonna have to cut our visit short."
"Oh it's no bother at all, Midnight," Sombra assured, "Perhaps Rarity and Blueblood would be happy to be our hosts for the rest of our visit."
"Oh! Uh- Well, that is, um Your Majesties..." Rarity gobbledygook'd now that she had to entertain visiting royalty while Midnight levitated Twilight and Spike out the door.
"C'mon, there's something I want to share with the both you before we disembark," he said before he set them down and then led them to the Throne Room.
There, Midnight called up the Map and gently guided it to show them the holographic image of their destination, "The Dragon Lands, homeland to perhaps the fiercest creatures of our world."
"The Dragon Lands are rather small compared to Equestria," Twilight noted, seeing how the Dragon Lands weren't even half as big as the Pony Nation.
"Yes, but the dragons are fierce and powerful," Midnight pointed out, "and contrary to popular belief, they are not simple-minded beasts. Well... at least, not all of them are."
"Whattya mean?" Spike asked while scratching although his piqued interest helped take his mind off his discomfort.
"The Dragon Lands are divided into four territories," Midnight said as the Map seemed to illustrate his words for him, showing a territory to the north, the south, the east, and the west.
"Each Territory is ruled by a Dragon Lord."
"So there are four Dragon Lords in all," Twilight realized.
"Yup, and the Dragon Lords rule their own Territories and at the same time they enforce Dragon Law," Midnight went on. "At the center of the Dragon Lands, where all four Territories meet, is Drakaerys, the Dragon City, their capitol and the home of Korangar, the Dragon King!"
They saw the image of the Dragon Lands zoom in a little to show a holographic symbol of Drakaerys right in the center and above it a rotating golden crown.
"His Majesty, Korangar is the biggest, the strongest, the fiercest dragon alive and surely among the most powerful beings on Earth! His strength, wisdom, and power would make him a great alicorn prince, if he'd been born a pony."
"Have you ever met him?" Twilight asked.
"Oh no, but King Korangar's reign has been impressive enough," Midnight went on, "He's only the third dragon to sit upon the throne, but he's ruled far longer than either of his predecessors. Korangar is actually the reason why dragons aren't as destructive and chaotic as they were in ages past. When he became king, he established Dragon Law and chose his four most loyal lieutenants to directly rule over a fair share of his kingdom and enforce his laws."
"How do you know all this?" asked Twilight. "Not that this isn't so incredibly fascinating! But... hardly anypony knows all that much about dragons."
"You forget, Twily," Midnight smirked, "one of my teachers was a dragon sorceress!"
"UGH!!! I like that we're learning more about dragons an' all," Spike interrupted while giving his tail a fierce scratch, "but can we get GOING?!"
"Oh! Yes, right," Midnight remembered, "So tell me, Spike. Can you feel to where exactly the summoning is calling you?"
Spike gave the image of the Dragon Lands a careful look. His scales continued to burn and itch, but not so badly when his eyes drifted towards one side of the Dragon Lands.
"Uh... I might be wrong, but that side of the Dragon Lands seems right."
"The Western Territory, Drazgard!" Midnight looked excited, "Which means my hunch is right!"
"Hunch? What hunch, Midnight?" asked Twilight.
"You'll see when we get there, Twily," Midnight lit up his horn...
...and they burst into existence, finding themselves in a rocky environment. Full of dragons! Just like Spike, all of them were glowing (so this had to be the place Spike needed to be) though they all appeared to be young, not quite adults, mostly teenagers as a matter of fact. In the distance were mountains across a rocky shoreline, and in the middle of this location was a large peak with a flat top.
"Uh, Midnight?" Twilight was looking nervous at all the dragons around them, "I now I said I wanted to learn more about dragons, but... I was hoping for a more... safe experience."
"Relax, Twily, you and Spike are with me!" Midnight assured confidently, "I can handle any dragon that dares to so much as snort smoke in our general direction."
"Is that a fact...?"
The three of them turned and lo and behold it was a familiar face accompanied by some vaguely familiar faces. A tall and sturdy young dragon with burning red scales, harsh yellow underbelly, and a rather unfriendly scowl on his face.
"Look It's our old friend, Sparkle-Warkle!"
"It's 'Spike'," Spike responded in a snippy tone.
"And you...!" Garble glared hatefully at Midnight, "I haven't forgotten how you broke my wings! Do you have any idea how long it took for them to heal?! How embarrassing it was to ask my mom to carry me for the rest of the Dragon Migration?!"
"Aw, I'm sure mommy made sure her pwecious Gawble-wawble was comfy the whole way," Midnight mocked.
"Midnight, he might not be nice but don't go starting fights," Twilight scolded.
"Fighting is the Dragon Way, Twilight," Midnight responded coolly. "Unlike other creatures, they don't care for reason and friendship. They only respect power and strength."
"What do namby-pamby ponies know about the Dragon Way?" snarled Garble as he and his gang started to look menacing.
"More than you, I'd wager," Midnight responded dryly, "which is sad, really, considering you're the dragons and we're the... 'namby-pamby' ponies, was it?"
"Boys... I think it's time we taught these ponies and their lousy excuse of a dragon a little respect!" Garble snarled viciously, his gang showing off their fangs and claws.
Twilight and Spike stepped back fearfully while Midnight didn't look intimidated in the slightest as he said in a nonchalant way, "Friendly advice, Garble. Turn around and walk away."
"It's like you said, pony! Dragons don't do friendly," Garble snorted sparks of fire and bared his claws menacingly, "Maybe that'll sink in after I smoke you and your little pals!"
Midnight furrowed his brows... and his horn blazed with mana before there was an explosion of magical power! All eyes looked on, awestruck, as a pillar of blazing turquoise-blue mana erupted around Midnight. The pillar extended skyward and began to widen, Twilight grabbing Spike and flying out of the way right before a pair of dragon wings unfurled from out of the pillar and the pillar of power was blown away by a ferocious roar!!!
Where Midnight had stood now towered a dragon Twilight and Spike had seen before. He was taller than most adult dragons but his form was more slender and his neck wasn't as long. Still, his body was heavily-muscled and strong, and his tail lashed out like a fearsome whip, several young dragons flying away to avoid getting lashed by it. His scales were the same dark blue as the highlight of his mane in pony form while the scales on his underside were sapphire blue, his horns, claws, and spines were black, as well as the membranes of his wings, he had frill-like ears in front of the bases of his two large horns, and he still had his black mane with the dark blue highlight. He snarled as his mouth opened, revealing dozens of fangs a hoof long, when he reached out and slammed his mighty paw onto Garble, his gang flying away to avoid getting stomped on.
Garble coughed and gasped, shocked to see he was still alive, and instantly wished he wasn't as Dragon Midnight leered down at him contemptuously.
"Y-You're- You ca- This is-" Garble stumbled over his words until finally he cried out, "I THOUGHT YOU WERE A PONY!!!"
"I am a pony, wyrmling..." Midnight snarled softly, "but I can become a dragon as well. So I suggest you and your thugs make yourself scarce. Before I lose my temper..."
"WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?!?!" roared a voice far louder and scarier than Dragon Midnight's, and it made itself known as a shadow fell over almost everyone in the area.
"Uh-oh..." Spike muttered to himself as all eyes gazed up towards the center peak, where a dragon bigger than any Twilight and Spike had ever seen now sat.
He had grayish-blue scales, the interiors of his wings and the frill at the end of his mighty tail were colored vermilion, he wore fearsome armor around his chest, powerful horns grew from his head, somewhat resembling the horns of a ram and the left horn had a band of gold, he had a nasal horn similar to a rhino though it was colored the same as his scales, and on top of his head he wore a crown-like piece resembling spikes of ruby, and his offended gaze was aimed at Dragon Midnight... who stood only up to the mighty dragon's shoulder and he was sitting down!
"Prince Midnight..." the dragon snarled with an edge of warning in his harsh voice, "Any particular reason you're attacking one of the dragons I've summoned?"
"Lord Torch," Midnight released Garble (who quickly flew away) and gave the dragon, Torch, a respectful bow. "My apologies, this wyrm dared to threaten my mate and our... associate. I simply showed him how insignificant he is before me."
"As is your right," conceded Torch, "but I hope you're not here to meddle in dragon affairs."
"I would never interfere with one of the Dragon King's most sacred laws, Your Lordship," Midnight responded with a smirk, "It's just... the associate I mentioned? It appears when you sent out your summons, it affected him as well. So here we are."
"I see... Be that as it may, Prince Midnight," Torch furrowed his brows, "I'm not sure I appreciate your presence in this most important of matters-"
"Well, I think there's no harm in a leader of another nation sitting in as an observer!"
Torch gasped while Midnight rolled his eyes before they gazed up, as did Torch's, to see a dragon descend. She was small though, like about as tall as Midnight in his alicorn form, with amber gold scales, pale amber-gold underbelly, red spines starting from the middle of her head and extending down her back, a brown cloak hanging from around her shoulders yet held back by her wings, and her green eyes narrowed mischievously at Torch as she alighted herself on the tip of his nasal horn, looking positively teeny compared to the Dragon Lord, who seemed just slightly nervous by her sudden appearance.
"L-Lady Singescale!" Torch carefully nodded his head so as not to make the dragoness fall from his nasal horn, "I am honored by your decision to witness this occasion."
"Don't be. I was just in the area, and I had nothing better to do," Singescale responded with a dry smirk, causing a few dragons, especially Midnight, Twilight, and Spike, to all chuckle a little at Singescale's little barb as she flew off of Torch's nasal horn and landed down next to Twilight and Spike.
"Princess Twilight and her Number One Assistant Spike, it's such a pleasure to meet you both at last."
"Um, hello, Singescale...!" Twilight perked up in realization, "My husband's told me about you, you taught him dragon magic!"
"And his father, Ignitus," Singescale added, "but as much as I'd like to reminisce with you, I reckon Torch is getting antsy to move things along. Midnight? If you'd revert?"
"Sure thing," Midnight nodded before he folded his wings around himself, ignited with fiery mana, and shrank back down to his alicorn form again.
Singescale looked to Torch, "Continue, Lord Torch."
"My thanks, milday," Torch nodded before spreading his wings and shouting, "HEAR ME, YOUNG DRAGONS!!! For a thousand years, I have ruled the Western Territory of Drazgard, and my reign has been extraordinary!"
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"AGREE WITH ME!!!" snapped Torch, and almost immediately all the dragons sans Singescale and Spike began to cheer and chant Torch's name, only for him to raise a paw to beckon silence.
"Who is that?" asked Spike, pointing in Torch's direction.
"He is Torch, Dragon Lord of the Western Territory of Drazgard," Singescale answered.
"No, I mean- The dragon next to him," Spike clarified and they all looked.
Flying next to Torch's head was a teenaged dragoness with brilliant blue scales, light turquoise colored underbelly, dark blue spines, and horns very similar to Torch's, along with an imperious look in her red eyes as she looked down on all the dragons.
"Oh, you mean his daughter, Princess Ember," Singescale nodded, "though I discourage any ideas you might have, young one. Torch is... protective of his daughter. In fact, I believe the last dragon that got too close to Ember without her father's permission, Torch... eh, never mind."
"What?" Spike pressed.
"He probably ate them," Midnight commented dryly, causing Spike to gulp.
"This is fascinating," Twilight was writing observations, "Dragons are notoriously reckless but they all do as the Dragon Lords says!"
"Unfortunately, according to the law of our king, it is time for me to step down," Torch went on, sounding sore about it. "Sad, I know."
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"BE SAD!!"
Almost immediately, the intimidated dragons made with the crocodile tears (or was it dragon tears?) until Torch continued to speak.
"This is why I have summoned you – to compete for the title in the Gauntlet of Fire!"
The dragons all cheered (except for Singescale and Spike) while Midnight chuckled at how Twilight was so engrossed in her note-taking.
"Whoever has the strength and fortitude to retrieve this Bloodstone Scepter," Torch raised said scepter, which was the size of a toothpick in his claws, "from the heart of the flame-cano will be named Lord of Drazgard!!!"
Then, with a flick of his claws, Torch sent the Scepter soaring through the air. Until it disappeared. Into a haphazard-looking volcano. Across the bay. After which it immediately belched a blast of fire and ash as a pulse of red mana spread throughout the area, causing all the dragons who'd answered Torch's call to stop glowing. Including Spike, much to his relief.
"Amazing! When Torch sent the scepter away, the dragons stopped glowing," Twilight giddily jotted that down, "We are learning so much!"
"That Bloodstone Scepter is the symbol of Torch's power as the Dragon Lord of Drazgard," Singescale explained, "Each Dragon Lord carries such a relic that was originally bestowed upon the first four Dragon Lords by the King. Once a Dragon Lord's reign comes to an end, their relic passes onto their successor."
"The Gauntlet is dangerous, for I designed it myself!" Torch boasted, "Only dragons with my ferocity, strength, and determination will be able to finish. We will gather at the cliff when the sun is at its peak!
As the dragons cheered, Spike said to Midnight and Twilight, "I don't wanna be Dragon Lord or dragon toast, so let's get outta here!"
"Excuse me?!" Spike felt his heart skip as he slowly turned to see Torch glaring down at him, "And just where do you think you're going, little dragon?"
All the other dragons put distance between themselves and Spike as he nervously responded, "Oh, uh- Hi, Your Lordship, I was... just... going home?"
"No dragon gets to leave unless I say you can!" snarled Torch with his eyes narrowed to razor edge.
Singescale and Midnight both stepped forward to speak on Spike's behalf... when Princess Ember landed next to Spike, "Dad, lookit him. He's just a runt! Besides, he doesn't even want to compete. Let him go."
"He is rather tiny, heh-heh! I could squish him with my pinky claw!" chuckled Torch, Spike chuckling along nervously, that Torch corrected, "That wasn't a joke, that was a fact. When I want you to laugh, I will say 'BE AMUSED'!!"
"Excuse him, Torch," Singescale interjected, "Young Spike here is... unfamiliar with certain dragon customs. While I for one think he has greatness in him, he probably wouldn't be ideal as a candidate for your title."
"Hmm. Very well, little dragon," sighed Torch before he made a move-along gesture with his paw, "I release you."
"Thank you, Your Lordship," Spike gave a respectful bow, "and thank you, lovely dragonesses."
Singescale giggled in response whereas Ember rolled her eyes and started flying towards the flame-cano, only to get caught in the grasp of her father, "Where do you think you're going?"
"To prepare for the Gauntlet," answered Ember.
"No, you're not," Torch shook his head almost derisively at his daughter, "You're not much bigger than that runt I just dismissed!"
"But- I'm smarter than all these boulderheads and you know it!" protested Ember indignantly as she flapped up to her father's face.
"Being smart won't help you win this Gauntlet! It was designed for a big, strong dragon to win, because it takes a big, strong dragon to lead!" Torch retorted before adding, "Besides, I said no!"
The force of her father's firm words sent Ember back a bit but she straightened herself out and growled, "I hate when he does that!"
This didn't escape Singescale's notice, as she sighed at the sight of Ember flying off, "Torch has been a good Dragon Lord, but he's still plenty boulderheaded himself."
"You're telling me, I've still got the bruises the last time I met him when he challenged me to a spar," Midnight agreed, "If only the rest of your kind was more like you and the dragons in Drakaerys."
"Fat chance of that, Midnight," Singescale shook her head, "most dragons alive only value physical prowess and how much wealth they accumulate, and snub magic. Granted, the dragons of Drakaerys would easily dominate the rest of the boulderheads if they were ever stupid enough to revolt against the king's rule, it's still disappointing at how... barbaric and primitive the rest of dragonkind is."
"No offense, but the only good thing about them sticking to the way things are is how it's kept the dragon population under control," Midnight added, "too many dragons fighting each other over limited resources and food."
"And it's only the king's laws that keep them from venturing out into the world to cause destruction," sighed Singescale. "Be that as it may, Midnight... unless a real change happens in the Dragon Lands, I fear what my kind will become in the future."
"Midnight! Singescale!"
The two old friends looked to see Twilight and Spike hurrying over to them, looking frantic.
"We just overheard some of the dragons who are going to participate in Torch's Gauntlet!" Twilight worried, "A lot of them are planning to threaten Equestria if they win and become Dragon Lord!"
"Equestria will be in big trouble if any of them take over!" added Spike before looking determined, "And to prevent that from happening, there's only one thing to do - I have to win the Gauntlet of Fire!"
Twilight gasped while Midnight and Singescale shared an incredulous look. Midnight cleared his throat, "Uh, Spike-"
"It's the only way to protect Equestria from the dragons," Spike insisted, "Except for this one dragon we heard who wants to make burping an official greeting, the rest of them, especially Garble, have horrible plans for ponies if they win! Somehow, I have to become Dragon Lord."
"Spike, that's not-" Midnight tried to say.
"No, Spike it's just too dangerous!" Twilight disagreed before looking to her husband, "What about you, Midnight? Can't you compete and become Dragon Lord?"
"I can't," Midnight shook his head no, "Only trueborn dragons can become candidates for the mantle of Dragon Lord. I may be able to transform into a dragon, but that doesn't make me one for real. Besides, even if I could, I'd have to stay here to rule over the dragons of Drazgard."
Spike sighed sadly, "Which means it's all up to me, and I'm willing to do what I have to, in order to keep my friends safe."
"But Spike- UMPH!" Midnight was interrupted again by Singescale who forced a smile at Twilight and Spike.
"Please excuse us for just a few moments..." she pulled Midnight by the tail to behind a large boulder.
Twilight and Spike could hear hushed conversation but nothing they could hear clearly.
"Whattya think they're talking about?"
"I don't know, but I hope Singescale has another idea."
Finally, Singescale and Midnight emerged, Midnight looking put out while Singescale looked to Spike with eyes full of support, "Spike, if you are truly set on this course of action, then I wish you luck."
She then elbowed Midnight, who looked disgruntled before nodding, "And we'll be rooting for you all the way."
Twilight didn't like it but she couldn't help but admire Spike's courage, "I wish there was another way, but I'm proud of you, Spike, whether you win or lose."
"Thanks. Twilight," Spike smiled gratefully, "Now c'mon, Torch said they'll be gathering at the cliff and it's almost noon!"
Spike hurried off, Twilight following, Midnight and Singescale bringing up the rear as Midnight whispered to her, "You'd better be right about this..."
"Trust me, Midnight, this will work!" Singescale waved off his concerns, "Stay close to your wife and be ready if things go sideways. There's someone I have to have a quick word with..."