//------------------------------// // Episode 5: Gauntlet of Fire // Story: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (Extra Character Edition) [Season 6] // by Mister E-Nonymous //------------------------------// My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (Extra Character Edition) [Season 6] Episode 5: Gauntlet of Fire In a tunnel full of gems, Rarity and Spike were gathering gems, very quietly. Rarity and Spike looked up at the roof of the tunnel and saw a bunch of sleeping bats. Rarity was wearing a miner's helmet with small blue gems, and a bow that was similar to Apple Bloom's, only it was blue instead of pink. Rarity then levitated the gems into the basket that Spike was holding. Spike licked his lips, imagining eating them later. "The last time I was here, I woke them and ended up with a mane full of bats!" whispered Rarity. She then sighed and said, "Thanks for being my basket holder, Spike." "Basket holder?" Spike asked. "I thought I was your bodyguard." "What?" Rarity asked in a hushed voice. "Oh, heh, yes, yes, that of course, too." Rarity then turned to pick up some more gems. She then said, "Oh, for once I wish unicorn magic wasn't so... luminescent!" Then a light brighter than Rarity's magic started illuminating the tunnel. "Spike! You'll wake the bats! Turn that off!" Rarity said in a hushed voice. Rarity turned towards Spike and saw that he was the one who was glowing brighter than Rarity's magic aura. "Ugh, I can't!" said Spike, scratching himself and groaning. Rarity gasped at what was happening, but then the bats in the tunnel and flew towards her, flying as low as Rarity's head. At Twilight's castle, Twilight, M.C., Nyx and Joshua were having tea and biscuits with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. "I'm so glad you two could come!" said Twilight to the older two princesses. "Of course," said Princess Luna. "We so rarely get a chance to relax and just visit." "Hey, M.C.?" Nyx asked. "Did you do something like this back in your time?" "Yeah, actually," said M.C. "But I was six the last time I was in a meeting like this." "There's usually some crisis we have to deal with," said Princess Celestia. "Somepony always needs our help. But today—" She was cut off when someone called out. "Help!" came the voice of Rarity through the door. Then Rarity came in, covered in dirt, carrying a glowing Spike. She then levitated Spike off of her and said, "Twilight! There's something wrong with Spike!" Rarity levitated the dishes of snacks out of the way and put Spike on the table. He was scratching himself like crazy. "What's wrong?" Twilight asked Spike. Spike grunted and said, "I don't know! Nngh! All of a sudden, my scales just started glowing and... burning!" "I've never seen a dragon do that before," said M.C. "There were dragons back in your time?" asked Twilight. "Mobian Dragons are very rare," said M.C. "Why do you think all the people of my time were looking at Spike with those shocked looks. Although, they were wondering why Spike didn't have wings." "Little is known about dragon culture," said Princess Luna, "but this is a phenomenon we've seen before. It is the call of the Dragon Lord." "Dragons glow whenever the Dragon Lord has need of them in the Dragon Lands," said Princess Celestia. "Great..." Spike said, continuing to scratch himself. "H-How do I make it stop?!" He was starting to get irritated when the glowing was getting more uncomfortable. The only way to end the summons is to answer it," said Princess Luna. "You must journey to the Dragon Lands and see what is expected of you." "B-B-But the Dragon Lands are full of... dragons!" said Rarity, being worried for Spike. "And they're ghastly creatures!" That comment made Spike look at Rarity with a weird expression. "Oh, oh, not you, of course, Spikey-wikey. But remember that rotten Garble?" "Who's Garble?" asked Nyx. "Garble is a teenage dragon who thinks ponies are pathetic and tried making Spike do things that he doesn't really want to do," said Twilight. Spike gulped and said, "How could I forget? He would have burnt us to a crisp if you weren't there. If I have to go to the Dragon Lands, would you three come with me?" He talked to Twilight, M.C. and Rarity. "Ooh! Oh my goodness, I'd love to!" said Twilight. "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!" Everyone around her gave Twilight a deadpanned look. "And be there for Spike, heh, of course." "H'oh boy," said M.C. "If dragons are like that, I'd have to be cautious. Especially by doing this." He then put his hand to the floor, and then his hand started turning into crystal, and it was going up his arm, and then his body was turned to Crystal. Then golden aura eyes opened where M.C.'s eyes usually go, but he had no mouth. "Whoa!" said Spike, Nyx and Joshua. "How are you doing that?!" asked Twilight. "It's called Elemental Mimicry," said M.C. with his eyes glowing brighter when talking. "I can absorb and become any element as long as I'm touching it. It also allows me to see all over the world. As long as I'm in direct or indirect contact with is." "Well, that makes sense," said Twilight. "Be very careful," said Princess Celestia. "The Dragon Lands are particularly dangerous for ponies. It would be wise to be discreet." "Ooh! I'm sure I still have the dragon costume we used the last time we snuck into the Dragon Lands!" Rarity said before giggling. "I think we might want something a little more practical this time," said Twilight. "M.C., think you can help out with that?" M.C. scoffed and said, "With my eye closed. Although, I'm gonna have to be fast about it if I'm gonna be helping out." "Can we come, too?" asked Nyx. "No way, Nyx," said Twilight. "This isn't like any place you've been before. This is the Dragon Lands." "I agree," said Rarity. "All of the dragons there are ruthless, cruel, and have no respect for ponies." "Not unless we move stealthily and quickly," said M.C. "Plus, I bet it's a good excuse for them to see Spike's old pet phoenix, Peewee." "You saw the scrapbook, didn't you?" asked Spike. "Yep," said M.C. "Let's get moving." At the Dragon Lands, Spike was sitting on a rock, worrying about what the other dragons will say about him the last time he came to the Dragon Lands. But the rock had four sets of eye holes, all of them being used. "Hmmm... Well, it may be practical, but this disguise isn't flattering in the slightest!" came Rarity's voice. "It's not supposed to be flattering," said Twilight in a hushed voice. "It's supposed to blend in!" Then Spike shushed them as some dragons were coming around the area. "Hey-hey, look!" came a voice that Spike knew too well, and he wish he would forget. It was Garble. "It's our old friend Sparkle-warkle." "It's Spike," said Spike. "Are you sure your pony friends didn't give you a pony name?" said Garble giving off an insultingly cute face. It's nice to see you too, Garble," said Spike in an angry tone. " I didn't say it was nice to see you," said Garble, getting close to Spike's face. "It's not." He then pushed Spike off of the rock that Twilight, Rarity, Nyx and Joshua were hiding in. He then sat on the rock and said, "I don't like you. Was I not clear about that?" Twilight and Rarity grunted when Garble sat on the rock. "Hey! That's my rock!" said Spike, pointing a finger. "Oh, really?" Garble asked, "Then why aren't you sitting on it?" Then he and his teenage dragon friends started laughing. Then M.C.'s golden aura eyes appeared on the rock out of the sight of the other dragons. Then a slope on the rock appeared, making Garble fall off. "Whoa! Oof!" Garble said. He then looked around and said to Spike, "Hey! How did that happen?!" Spike shrugged his shoulders. Then they were all covered by a huge shadow, and every dragon there looked up at the top of a small mountain throne, and there was a huge blue and orange dragon. Besides his head was a smaller blue dragon flying right beside him. "Dragons of Equestria, hear me!" announced the huge dragon. "I have been Dragon Lord for longer than many of you can remember, and my reign has been extraordinary!" All of the dragons were watching until the Dragon Lord said, "Agree with me!" Then all of the dragons started giving off noised of agreement, and some were chanting, "Torch! Torch! Torch! Torch!" Then Dragon Lord Torch motioned the dragons to stop. "Who is that?" Spike asked, pointing up to where the Dragon Lord was. "It's Dragon Lord Torch, dummy," said Garble. "No, next to him," Spike corrected. Garble saw who Spike was talking about. And it was the blue dragon next to Dragon Lord Torch. He then said, "That's his daughter, Princess Ember. I wouldn't even look at her if I were you, unless you want Torch to eat you!" Spike got nervous and gulped. Inside, Twilight was getting fascinated, and said in a hushed voice, "This is fascinating! Dragons are notoriously reckless, but they do whatever the Dragon Lord says!" Then M.C.'s golden aura eyes appeared on the inside of the rock, looked at Twilight and M.C. said, "I don't like how he leads his people. I know dragons are supposed to be tough, but that doesn't mean they should think that every creature should be beneath them." "I sure am glad didn't turn out like them," Joshua whispered. "Unfortunately, according to dragon law, it is time for me to step down," said Dragon Lord Torch. "Sad, I know." All of the dragons were being apathetic. Then the dragon lord said, "Be sad!" Then the dragons started crying on command. "This is why I have summoned you – to compete for the throne in the Gauntlet of Fire!" All of the dragons were cheering in excitement, but Spike was getting really nervous. He then held out a scepter for a smaller dragon to hold. "Whomever has the strength and fortitude to retrieve this bloodstone scepter from the heart of the flame-cano will be crowned Lord of the Dragons!" Then he sent the bloodstone scepter towards the flame-cano, and then an explosion went off, sending a crimson shockwave across the Dragon Lands, making the glowing on each glowing dragon stop. Inside the rock, Twilight, Rarity, Nyx and Joshua were looking through the eye holes. Twilight was whispering, "When the scepter disappeared, the dragons stopped glowing! We are learning so much!" She then started writing it down on a notepad with her quill. Although, the quill was ticking Rarity's nose. She was getting ready to sneeze, and then she let it out, getting the attention of Spike, Garble and other dragons near the rock. "Uh, excuse me!" Spike said, taking the credit. Garble started walking away, saying, "Ugh, you even sneeze like a pony!" Then the Dragon Lord made an announcement, "The Gauntlet is dangerous, for I designed it myself! 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!" That made the dragons cheer, but then Spike turned to the rock and said, "I don't want to be Dragon Lord or dragon toast, and I stopped glowing, so let's sneak out of here!" Then Spike started pushing the rock. But that didn't go unnoticed by Dragon Lord Torch. "Ah! Where do you think you're going, little dragon?!" he asked, making all of the dragons around Spike stand away from him in a straight line. Spike then said to the Dragon Lord, "Oh, uh, hi, your Lordship. Uh, I was just going home!" "You don't get to leave unless I say you can!" said Dragon Lord Torch. Spike was getting nervous when the Dragon Lord's head was getting closer to him. But then Princess Ember flew close to Spike and said, "Dad, look at him. He's just a runt." She then rubbed Spike's head. "Besides, he doesn't even wanna compete. Let him go." "He is rather tiny," said Dragon Lord Torch, who then chuckled. "I could squish him with my pinky claw." He then chuckled again. Spike chuckled nervously, but then was cut off by the Dragon Lord. "That wasn't a joke. It was a fact. When I want you to laugh, I will say "be amused!"" "Of course, your Lordship!" said Spike. "I, uh, guess I don't understand dragon customs. Another reason why I shouldn't compete." The Dragon Lord sighed, hummed and said, "Very well then, little dragon. I release you." "Thank you!" said Spike. He then looked at Princess Ember, winked, and said, "And thank you." Princess Ember rolled her eyes, and flew off. Then Spike continued pushing the rock with Twilight, Rarity, Nyx, Joshua and M.C. in it. Ember was flying towards the starting line, but was caught by her father. "Where do you think you're going?" asked Dragon Lord Torch. "To prepare for the Gauntlet," said Ember. "No, you're not," said Dragon Lord Torch. "You're not much bigger than that runt I just sent home!" "But I'm smarter than most of these boulderheads and you know it!" said Ember, flapping her wings and pointing at her father. "Being smart won't help you win this Gauntlet!" said Dragon Lord Torch. "It was designed for a big, strong dragon to win, because it takes a big, strong dragon to lead! Besides, I said no!" Ember growled, flew away and said, "I hate when he does that!" Then a bunch of dragons were getting prepared for the gauntlet. Talking about what they could do as Dragon Lord. "Ha. When I become Dragon Lord, I will make burps an official greeting!" said a purple female dragon. "Ha, you? Please!" said a brown male dragon, dismissing that. "When I win, I will pillage Equestria for all their pillows. Why should these ponies be comfortable while we sleep on rocks?" Then Garble came in between the two dragons, pushed them aside and said, "That's nothing! When I'm in charge, the first thing I'll do is get revenge on those puny ponies! They'll regret they ever crossed Garble! We'll take whatever we want from Equestria and burn the rest!" He then walked away with the other two dragons following, passing the rock that Twilight, Rarity, M.C., Nyx and Joshua were hiding in. "Oh, my gosh!" Twilight whispered. "Ooh, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I hope that burping dragon wins!" whispered Rarity. "None of them can win!" said Spike. "Equestria's in big trouble if any of them are in charge!" "Spike's right," said M.C. "If Garble wins, he'll start a war with Equestria. I learned this from a movie. A wise king does not seek out war, but must always be prepared for it." "But what can we do?" asked Twilight. "There's only one thing to do, and only I can do it!" said Spike with determination. "I have to win the Gauntlet of Fire!" "H'oh boy," said M.C. "This might not be good." He then made the rock disappear into the ground. What do you mean you have to win the Gauntlet?" Rarity asked. "It's the only way to protect Equestria from the dragons," said Spike. "You heard them! They have horrible plans for ponies if they win! So somehow, I have to do it!" There has to be another way," said Twilight. "It's too dangerous. Besides, if you win, you'd have to stay here!" "I know, but there's no other way to keep my friends and family safe," said Spike. Nyx and Joshua looked at each other. They were sad to learn that if Spike wins, they might not see him again. They then walked up to him, and pulled them into a hug. "Don't do it, Spike," said Nyx. "You're our brother." "Family should always stick together, no matter what," said Joshua. "I know," said Spike. "But I have to do this. Even if it means not seeing you two ever again." "Well, if you're staying to compete, then we're staying to cheer you on!" said Twilight. "Let's take cover," said M.C. "The Dragons might not like us being around them if they remember you guys sneaking in the last time you've been here." Then Twilight, M.C., Rarity, Nyx and Joshua went off in a random direction. At a cliff side at the Dragon Lands, all of the dragons were there, ready to start the race. Most of the dragons competing were wearing some armor. But all of the dragons were surprised to see Spike return. "I thought I released you, tiny one!" said Dragon Lord Torch. "I decided to compete," said Spike. "I am a dragon, after all." "Are you sure?" asked Garble, meanly. "You can't even fly!" Then all of the dragons laughed. All except one, who was covered in armor and green paint from head to tail. But they stopped when Dragon Lord Torch started speaking, "All dragons are welcome to compete, but they do so at their own peril! Flying to Flame-cano Island is the first of many challenges you will face in your quest to find the bloodstone scepter!" He then roared releasing a tremendous fire breath, and all of the dragons took off. Except for Spike, since he doesn't have wings. Garble held out his hand, and said, "Good luck!" Spike was about to shake it, but Garble pulled it away, and tripped Spike saying, "Just kidding. I hope you lose." Spike was falling down the cliff and into the water. He came out of the water, gasped for air, and said up to Garble saying sarcastically, "Thanks, Garble! I was planning on swimming anyway!" Then a pile of seaweed came up towards Spike, and underneath was Twilight, Rarity, M.C., Nyx and Joshua. "You can do it, Spike!" said Rarity. "Good luck," said M.C. "And watch out for the giant sea worms." "What giant sea worms?" asked Spike. M.C. pointed towards the path, and then a bunch of sea worms came from under the water, spraying up water to hit the dragons. The dragons were trying to avoid the spraying sea worms. One hit Garble, and he was heading down, and he landed on the green dragon from before, and sent that dragon down, landing in the water in front of Spike, unconscious. Spike saw the green dragon drowning, and said, "He's going down!" He then dove in, trying to save that dragon. "Spike!" called out Twilight, Nyx and Joshua. Then Spike came back up with the green dragon, and pulled the dragon to the island. The dragon was coming to, to see Spike in sight. "Hey, are you okay?" Spike asked the dragon. Spike then pulled off the helmet of the dragon's armor, revealing the dragon to be Princess Ember, who was coughing up water. Spike gasped and said, "Princess Ember!" "What do you think you're doing?" asked Princess Ember. "Only saving your ungrateful scales!" came Rarity's voice from the pile of seaweed behind Spike. Spike then stood in front of the seaweed with an embarrassed smile. "Did that seaweed just talk?" Ember asked, approaching the pile. She then pulled off the seaweed, revealing Twilight, Rarity, M.C., Nyx and Joshua. "Ponies?! What are they doing here?!" "They're my friends!" said Spike. "Well, two of us are," said M.C. He then pointed at Twilight, Nyx and Joshua. "These three are like his family." "Friends? Dragons don't do friends," said Ember. Spike pointed his thumb at himself and said, "Well, this dragon does." "Whatever," said Ember. "I don't care as long as none of you get in my way. I have a Gauntlet to win." "But I thought your dad said that—" Spike said, but was cut off by Ember. "I don't care what my dad said!" said Ember. "I'll show him and every dragon who thinks I'm just a little princess there are better things than being big and strong!" Then the sound of a dragon's grunt came. Garble came down from the bottom of a falling boulder. He was being flattened by the boulder. Twilight used her magic to put the seaweed back on, covering herself, Rarity, M.C., Nyx and Joshua, and Ember put her helmet back on, making sure Garble doesn't recognize her. Garble noticed Spike and said, "Don't leave me here, Spike!" Spike felt bad for Garble, so he ran over to him, and pushed the boulder off of him, and Garble got up, laughed and said, "Knew you'd do it. Your pony friends made you soft." Then he kicked dirt, covering Spike. "Uh-huh," Spike said, glaring at Garble. "You're welcome." "For what? I didn't say thank you," said Garble, insulting Spike. He then smelt him and said, "Wow, you even smell like ponies." He sniffed some more and followed the scent, saying, "Or is it coming from over there?" He continued sniffing until reaching the seaweed. He sniffed the seaweed, making Twilight and Rarity really nervous, but then his snout was covered by Ember. "Uh, that's just me," Ember said, using a gruff voice. "I, uh, robbed some ponies on my way over here." "Huh, I like your style," said Garble. He then almost recognized Ember and said, "Have I met you before? You kind of look like—" "My, uh, old neighbor!" said Spike, trying to cover for Ember. He looked around the area, trying to find a cover name. "Uh, Sandy... Rockbeach!" Then the sound of boulders were being flung over. Garble then said, "Stupid slingtails knocked me down! But I've wasted enough time making small talk." He then rubbed Spike's head saying, "Get it? Ha-ha! Because you're too small to win this! I'm funny." He then flew back up. Ember took off her helmet, looked at Spike and asked, "Why did you cover for me? You could've had one less competitor." "I could ask you the same thing," said Spike. "You could've told Garble about my friends." Then one dragon screamed when a boulder headed towards him and Garble gained ahead. "Yikes... That looks rough," Ember said, wincing. "But that's what makes it a challenge." "Are you kidding? Those boulders are huge!" Spike proclaimed. He was thinking, then he got an idea and said, "Hey, what if we worked together?" Ember gave Spike an angry look. "You fly me up there, and I'll help look out for boulders, like a second set of eyes!" Spike walked over to the seaweed, but when he touched it, it caved in. "Pssst!" came Rarity's voice. Spike looked over at two small trees, one had the eyes of Twilight and Rarity while the other had the eyes of Nyx, Joshua and M.C.'s golden aura eyes. Spike walked over to it, Rarity came out of the top and whispered, "Spike! Are you sure it's a good idea to team up with Ember? You don't know her too well." "I do know she could've told Garble about you, but she didn't," said Spike. "I think we can trust her." "Her behavior does seem contradictory to everything I've noted about dragons so far," said Twilight, coming out of the same tree, above Rarity. Which didn't make sense since she was the one holding Rarity up. Then M.C. came out of the tree he, Nyx and Joshua were hiding in and said, "Not all types of creatures act the same. Humans, Mobians, animals, they all have different ways of doing things." "It's true," said Joshua. "Everyone has different ways of living. Not everyone is the same." "Hey, you, little fella!" came Ember's voice. She walked over to Spike and said, "I've thought about it, and your plan makes sense. Let's do it." "Really? Great! It's a deal!" said Spike, holding out a hand for Ember to shake. She shook it holding Spike's hand with two fingers. "Just so you know, this doesn't mean we're gonna pick flowers or exchange necklaces or whatever pony friends do," said Ember. Spike got really excited when Twilight called out, "Good luck. We'll meet you at the top." Spike waved goodbye to the others, and then got on Ember's back, then she took off, swerving past falling dragons and boulders. Spike was keeping an eye out on Ember's tail side, seeing a slingtail about to launch a boulder. He called out, "Pull up! There's one on your tail!" Ember yelped, dodging the boulder, then he saw another upcoming boulder and said, "Go left!" She dodge the upcoming boulder. Garble was up ahead, and saw that Ember and Spike were catching up. He flew into a cave of the flame-cano, and then Ember landed so Spike could get off. "So what do we do now?" Spike asked. "I think we go through there," said Ember, pointing a finger at the cave. Two dragons flew into the cave, but got hit by a huge burst of flames. Then the two dragons came out singed, and whimpering. The sound of Rarity's yelp came to the ears of Spike and Ember. They looked over and saw the two trees, and Rarity saying, "Oh, that looks scary!" But Rarity remembered and said, "I mean, you can do it!" "How did all of you get up here?" asked Ember. M.C. came out from behind one tree and said, "Simple. I climbed all of us up there, with these harnesses." He held out the harness he had strapped to the two trees. "Good thing M.C.'s a professional," said Nyx. "Anyway," Ember said, "I wouldn't have made it this far without you. So I guess, if you want to, we could keep working together. I mean, just until we get through that tunnel." "Okay," Spike said, giving a thumbs up. After Spike and Ember ran into the cave, Twilight whispered, "We'll be right behind you!" Spike and Ember ran into the cave, and inside, they were shocked to what hey saw. Crunching rocks, blocking their paths. They were going up and down like random. Spike and Ember looked at each other with determined looks, Spike got on Ember's back, and she took off, flying through the crunching rocks. Garble was swerving through rocks, but then he got stuck between two rock spikes. He was straining and groaning to get himself free. He eventually got loose, and fell onto the floor. He got up, more determine, and raced on through. Spike and Ember were going through another course, dodging crystal spires. They jumped and slid under them. Spike noticed one coming, gasped, and called out, "Look out!" before pushing Ember out of the way of one heading right towards her. Spike then helped Ember up, and headed away from there. Garble climbed over one crystal spire, and when he thinks he's home free, another spire struck him, pushing him into a wall, leaving a Garble-shaped hole in the wall. He then climbed out, groaned, and then fainted. Spike and Ember entered a chamber full of lava pools. They were then startled by the voice of Rarity. "Oh, you made it! Oh, we were so worried!" said Rarity. Twilight, Rarity, M.C., Nyx and Joshua were disguised as lava rocks. "About us?" asked Spike, scoffing. "That tunnel was cake!" he then groaned and fell. "Wait," said Ember. "How did all of you get through?" "You have your tricks, we have ours," said M.C. Then the room started shaking, making Rarity move over to a cliff over lava. Rarity was screaming in fear. "Rarity!" Spike called out, coming to her rescue. Luckily, he pulled Rarity out of the way of an upcoming geyser of lava. Rarity let out one last yelp when doing so. Rarity panted, and said, "Oh, thanks, Spike!" Spike sighed and said, "It was nothing." "Nothing?" Ember asked. "You just risked everything to save her! And they're putting themselves in danger just to support you!" "Well, that's just what friends do," said Spike. "Don't you have anyone who looks out for you?" "Not really. Unless I count you," said Ember. Then she got a bit angry. "Which I don't! Because we were only helping each other get through the tunnel, and now we're through the tunnel, so that's it." "Wait, what do you mean?" asked Spike. "Well, there's only one winner, one scepter, and one Dragon Lord," said Ember. "So I guess it's every dragon for themselves." "Oh. So we aren't really friends?" Spike asked, upset. "Maybe if we were in Ponyland, but like I said, dragons don't do friendship," said Ember. She then took off, leaving Spike behind. Spike lowered his head, feeling betrayed. Later, Spike, Twilight, Rarity, M.C., Nyx and Joshua were going through the caverns as Spike was saying, "I can't believe Ember ditched me." "Oh, you're better off," said Rarity in a muffled voice. "She was only looking out for herself. She's just like all the other dragons." "She's not, though," said Spike, sticking up for Ember. "I know it. She saved me, even when she didn't have to. I don't care what she says. That makes us friends." "Actually, I kinda see some hope coming from Ember," said M.C. "She seems to have some potential. Perhaps she is the one who should be Dragon Lord, and we can share each others cultures." "Like a peace treaty?" asked Twilight. "Exactly," said M.C. "Great kingdoms always have peace treaties so we can expand our horizons." "I hope you're right, M.C.," said Twilight. Later, the group went through, but kept passing through familiar crevasses. "Is it just me, or have we seen this crevasse three times already?" asked Twilight. "It's kinda hard to tell. They all look the same," said Spike. He then pointed at one crevasse and said, "Except for this one!" The group went into the crevasse, and saw the scepter. "Look! We made it! I can't believe I'm the only dragon to make it this far!" "You're not!" came Garble's voice. They all looked towards the entry, and saw Garble standing there. "And I'm not losing to a puny pony-loving dragon like you!" Garble grabbed Spike by his spines, and held him over the rock pit. Rarity yelped and said, "We have to do something!" "Look!" said Twilight. Then Ember came flying down, and tackled Garble, him dropping Spike and Garble landing over on the others. Spike was screaming down until Ember caught him. He then said, "Ember! I thought it was every dragon for themselves! Why did you save me?!" "That's what friends do!" said Ember. "And I am. I mean, we are. I never should have left you back there. Agh, please don't make me talk about my feelings!" Twilight, Rarity, Nyx and Joshua were recovering from being tackled by Garble. Until Garble made their discovery and said, "What the?!" He then started growling and trying to take them down. But then M.C. got in between them in battle position. "What... what are you?" "Your worst nightmare," said M.C. "I won't allow a war starter to take over as Dragon Lord." "Well, I have a right to start a war for what these ponies did to me any my posse!" said Garble, pointing at Twilight and Rarity. "What did these two ponies do to you?" asked M.C. "They prevented me and my friends from having fun and smashing phoenix eggs," said Garble. "You threatened unhatched phoenixes?!" asked M.C. "You think life is just a game?! I've battled a villain who destroyed my kingdom on my seventh birthday, and he doesn't care for anything. And you're just like him. A villain!" Then M.C. started fighting Garble. Spike and Ember were watching. Ember looked at Spike and said, "Spike! Get the scepter!" Ember then flew over and helped M.C. fight Garble. Ember then grabbed Garble, and pinned him to a nearby wall. Garble looked over and saw Spike getting closer to the scepter. He then started going after Spike to throw him back so he would be Dragon Lord. But he was grabbed by Ember. Garble then grabbed Ember, and pinned her to the ground behind Spike. Spike turned around to see Ember being pinned. He didn't know what to do. Get the scepter, or help his new friend. So, he chose. He was determined to help Ember. Spike got on Garble's back, and pulled on Garble's ear. Garble then grabbed Spike and threw him towards the edge of the bridge, and he was hanging on for his life. "I'm sick and tired of you two helping each other!" said Garble, pushing Ember. "Dragons don't do helping!" "These dragons do!" said Ember. She then flipped over Garble, keeping her grip on Garble, and threw him farther back. "Okay," said M.C. "That was awesome." Twilight and Rarity clapped their hooves. Then they put their disguises back on. Spike was about to fall, but Ember grabbed him before he could. They smiled at each other, and then Spike went to the scepter, climbed up the crystals surrounding it, and then grabbed it. He then held it to the open roof, and then is unleashed a huge red beam, making Twilight, Rarity, M.C., Nyx, Joshua, and the other dragons in awe, and Ember was pleased. Garble was then about to attack Ember, but then Spike said, "Leave her alone!" Garble looked over towards Spike, and saw him holding the scepter. He then said, "What? You?! You have the scepter?! But that means that you're..." "The Dragon Lord," said Ember. "Dragon Lord Spike." All of the dragons in the room bowed to Spike. Garble groaned, and reluctantly said, "Dragon... Lord... Spike..." "That's right!" said Spike. "Uh... Now, go start your long journey home. And give every dragon you see on the way a hug." He then pointed his scepter at Garble and said, "Don't tell them why." "Awww! But that'll be super embarrassing!" said Garble. "I command you to do it!" said Spike, pointing the scepter again. Garble let out an annoyed noise and said, "I can't believe this..." He walked up to a blue dragon, and hugged him. Then left. After he pulled and walked away, that blue dragon smiled. "Dragon Lord Spike," said Ember as Spike was walking up to her. "Hm, has a nice ring to it." Spike shook Ember's left hand and said, "Dragon Lord Ember sounds a lot better." He then gave her the scepter. "What?" asked Ember. "No. You're the Dragon Lord now." "The Dragon Lord is whoever brings the scepter back to your father!" said Spike, remembering the rules. "Besides, you'll make a great leader. I was just doing this to protect the ponies. But I know you'll protect them just as well as I would have." "You sure about this?" asked Ember. "Absolutely," said Spike. "My home is in Equestria with my friends." "Well, you'll have at least one friend here too," said Ember. Spike then hugged Ember as she asked, "What are you doing?" "It's called a hug!" said Spike. "Oh. I don't know if I like it. But... okay," said Ember, getting into the hug. Twilight, Rarity, M.C., Nyx and Joshua were happy for Spike giving up Dragon Lord to a dragon that is a way better candidate. All of the dragons left the flame-cano with Ember with the scepter. When she flew up to her father, Dragon Lord Torch was surprised. "Ember? You?!" asked Dragon Lord Torch. "I know you didn't think I could do it, but I did," said Ember. "I expressly told you not to do it, because you're not—!" Dragon Lord Torch said, but was cut off. "I'm not big and strong," said Ember, finishing her father's sentence. "I know. But you know what? I won anyway. So maybe it takes more than just being big and strong to be a good Dragon Lord!" All of the dragons around them nodded in agreement. "I was wrong, Ember," said Dragon Lord Torch. "You might not be big, but you are strong and smart, and perhaps that counts for more than I thought. And you will make an excellent leader." "Thanks, dad," said Ember. She then looked at the dragons, and announced, "Agree with him!" Then all of the dragons there got confused. "Just kidding! That's not gonna be my thing." Then Dragon Lord Torch laughed heartily and announced, "Dragons, hear me! I present to you our new Dragon Lord, Ember!" Then all of the dragons started cheering. Then Torch's nose got hugged by Garble and asked, "What is the meaning of this?!" "I can't tell you!" said Garble. That made Ember laugh. She could agree on one thing. Spike had a great sense of humor. Then later, Twilight, Rarity, M.C., Spike, Nyx and Joshua left the Dragon Lands. "You did well, Spike," said Twilight. "With Ember as Dragon Lord, the ponies will be safe and you've gained us a powerful ally." "And a new friend!" said Spike. "Plus, Ember said I could write to her anytime I had questions about dragon culture!" said Twilight. "With this much information, I'll be able to write a whole book on dragons!" "Is that all you think about, Sparkles?" asked M.C. "Who do you think I got my smarts from?" asked Nyx. "She basically lived in a library," said Joshua. "Well, not all her life," said Spike. "Remember that tower? That was her home before the Summer Sun Celebration where she met her friends." "And I gained tons of ideas for a new line of camouflage clothing!" said Rarity. "I think I'll call it "Camo-Maud"!" That made all of them laugh. "On my world, that style would be for war," said Joshua. "They did make camouflage clothing, but that style died years ago," said M.C. "Hey," said Nyx. "Aren't we close to Peewee's family nest?" "Hey, we are," said Spike. "How about we all see how he's doing?" "Alright," said Twilight. "But it'll only be for 10 minutes. Then we're heading home." Then they headed to the forest, and went to see Peewee.