//------------------------------// // Bar of Alliance Briefing // Story: Spike the Fairy // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// Spike (Discord) wakes up after a horrid night. Unable to dream to ease the tensions of the nightmare made it worse. Discord needs to continue his charade as Spike as long as possible however it's eating him alive. He still needs to inform Princess Cadance and Shining Armor what went down during his latest adventure. "I'm so glad Spike doesn't have to embrace all of this. It'll cause him to go into the brink of insanity for sure," Spike (Discord) said as he has his claws covering his face. "I'm better off being turned into stone for all eternity than go on an adventure with Twilight Sparkle and her friends ever again." A Crystal Guard knocks on Spike's (Discord) room door. Discord takes a deep breath and walks to the door. "Morning, Brave and Glorious." "Morning, Luetinant Pearl," Spike (Discord) salutes as he yawns. "Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor want you in the throne room." "Any reason why?" Spike (Discord) yawns again. "To discuss what transpired with you and the events of the Friendship Festival." Spike (Discord) sighs and nods. Lieutenant Pearl escorts Spike to the throne room. Spike (Discord) looks down in sadness. He still needs to act in the character of an innocent baby dragon to entice the situation furthermore. Moments later, Lieutenant Pearl opens the door to the throne room. Spike (Discord) thanks Pearl as she goes on patrol. "Morning, Spike," Princess Cadance said as she's feeding Flurry Heart. "Morning," Spike (Discord) weakly responds as he walks up closer. "How are you feeling, buddy?" Shining Armor asks with a level of concern. "Sad, disgusted, angry.., all sorts of emotions that'll drive you into stress and depression at the same time," Spike (Discord) looks at Shining Armor. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance don't see an ounce of happiness on Spike's face. Not even in his eyes. They wondered what happened during the events of the Friendship Festival. Princess Cadance is more concern, considered she was in petrification imprisonment. "Spike, I've been, meaning to ask you this..," Princess Cadance sighs. She can tell it'll be heartache for Spike to talk about it. "What happened with you and Twilight on the adventure you've embarked on?" Shining Armor is in shock. His eyes lit up in revelation. He hoped that Spike didn't suffer by the hooves of his sister, Twilight Sparkle. Spike (Discord) sighs heavily. "It's.., I...," Spike (Discord) choked up a bit. He closes his eyes as a tear sheds. "I can't say. I did tell everything to Discord. He can tell you what has happened. I can't bring myself into reliving the nightmare.., not now..," Spike (Discord) said in a depressed tone. "Okay," Princess Cadance nods. "I understand." "I'm gonna.., get some breakfast..," Spike (Discord) leaves the throne room. Flurry Heart senses the distraught in Spike. She looks at her mother. Showing some signs that she wants to be with Spike. "Let's accompany Spike in the kitchen. He needs us and shouldn't be alone," Said Cadance as she holds Flurry Heart. "Agreed," Shining Armor nods. As the two trots to the kitchen, Discord (clone) is on his way to the Castle of Friendship. It is 9:30 in the morning. Discord (clone) can feel the unease tensions in Ponyville. The news article reports about Twilight's suspension as Princess of Friendship. Discord lands in front of the castle. "Alright, so far, so good," Discord enters the castle to look for Starlight, hoping to avoid Twilight Sparkle by all means. "Now, where will Starlight be?" Discord hovers and checks several rooms until he reaches the kitchen. "Oh great, both of them are here." Starlight is giving Twilight a cup of coffee. Twilight is a mess. She hasn't slept all night, has bags on her eyes, and her eyes are red. Twilight sighs as she slumps over. Starlight is livid at Twilight but chooses not to allow her emotions to get the better of her. "Thanks, Starlight..," Twilight drinks her cup and sees Discord. "Oh great!" Twilight shouts. "You've come to rub salt in my wounds, Discord?" "No," Discord (clone) crosses his arms as he hovers. "I"m here to pick up Starlight Glimmer." "Psst, for what?" Twilight retorts. She is angry and grumpy with her current condition. Discord (clone) takes a deep breath. "For a briefing with the Bar of Alliance at the Crystal Empire," He sees Twilight drinking her coffee cup. "She's the Ambassador of Friendship for Equestria." Twilight spits her coffee at Starlight in utter shock. Discord (clone) snaps, removing the coffee stains off of Starlight. "What?!" Twilight shouts. "When did this happened?! Why was I left under the loop?!" "Right after the Princesses decree your punishments, it was Celestia that informed me to offer the position to Starlight Glimmer. I arrived last night to inform her everything that transpired." "After what Discord told me last night. I took the role of Ambassador of Friendship since I have relations with Ember and Thorax. The fear of impending war was on my mind, and I have a clear shot of protecting Equestria from future wars." "So, that's it? You're my replacement for screwing things up?" Twilight is irritated and conflicted. Starlight sighs. "Unfortunately." "You know, you could have contacted me instead of lying your way for success, Twilight." "You told me not to! You told me that whatever happens, it was on me to handle it!" Twilight barks back angrily. "Ever heard of apologizing? Maybe you could have asked Spike to send me an apology letter, and I would have come and helped you a lot." Twilight groans. "Be on your way!" Twilight said coldly. She turns her back on Discord and Starlight. Discord (clone) sighs. "Let's go, Starlight." "Right behind you," Said Starlight, a bit distressed from what she sees in Twilight as of late. Discord uses his magic to transport him and Starlight to the Crystal Empire. Twilight trots angrily to her room but, her pacing eases up as guilt and sorrow wraps around her mind. She starts questioning who she has become. She becomes teary while slowly walking down the corridors of her castle. It is now 10:00 in the morning. Princess Celestia and Luna have informed the Royal Guards to be on patrol. They'll be back sometime later today. They are flying to the Crystal Empire. "You had a good rest, Celestia?" Princess Luna asks. "No," Celestia shakes her head. "How can I when Twilight Sparkle is going astray, and Spike continues to suffer? How can I sleep knowing an image of Spike coughing blood out is on my mind?" "It is disturbing. I tried visiting Spike in his dreams, but his door won't open. He has blocked me from entering. I can only speculate that he doesn't want me to endure his view of horrors he endured." "You think Starlight is the right choice?" Celestia asks, doubting herself with choosing another. "Starlight is friends with Ember and Thorax and trusts her. Spike's testimony a few weeks back, Starlight was never mentioned abusing and neglecting to a certain degree. Therefore, she is the right candidate for the position." "I hope so," Celestia sighs. Spike (Discord), Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and Flurry Heart are eating together in the kitchen. Discord (clone) and Starlight appear in the kitchen, startling Princess Cadance, and Shining Armor. "Sorry, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. I was teleporting to meet with you. I didn't know you were eating breakfast," Said Discord (clone) apologetically. "It's alright," Princess Cadance sighs in relief. "Hey, Starlight. Uh, any reason why you are here?" Shining Armor asks. He's confused why Discord brought her here. "Oh that," Discord (clone) chuckles. "Starlight Glimmer is the new Ambassador of Friendship for Equestria." Spike (Discord), Shining Armor, and Princess Cadance's jaws drop. Flurry Heart giggles as the surprised faces the trio expressed. "Yep, hehe," Starlight sweats a little with the new responsibilities. "Today, Princess Celestia and Luna wants to address a briefing with the Bar of Alliance." "What about Twily? Sure she would be involved with this.., no?" Discord (clone) and Starlight shake their heads. More questions about the severity of Twilight Sparkle's role as Princess is on their minds. "Princess Celestia and Luna are coming. They can inform you what Spike told me. Starlight can also tell you what went down. I told her what happened during the events of the Friendship Festival. During the invasion of the Storm King," Said Discord. "Okay. We'll have a better understanding of Spike even more," Said Shining Armor. "Spike," Discord (clone) calls to him. "Yea?" Spike (Discord) answers. "Come with me so we can bring Ember, Thorax, Grampa Gruffs, and Prince Rutherford to the meeting." "Sure thing," Spike (Discord) walks up to Discord (clone). Discord teleports them to Yak Yakistan first. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor escort Starlight Glimmer to the meeting room, the Crystal Guards escort Princess Celestia and Luna to the meeting room when they arrived in front of the castle. Princess Celestia and Luna thank the Crystal Guards as they leave. "Celestia," Princess Cadance gulps a little. "What happened with Spike during the invasion of the Storm King. He didn't tell us much." Princess Celestia looks down from the sadness, then at Princess Cadance. "Well-" Discord (clone) and Spike (Discord) arrive at the gates of Yak Yakistan. They see two Yaks standing by. "Hello, Baby Dragon. Welcome to Yak Yakistan," Yakistanian Guard said. "Thanks, Yakkon," Spike (Discord) said. "I'm here to speak with Prince Rutherford." "Right this way, friend," Yakkon leads Spike (Discord) and Discord (clone) to Prince Rutherford's palace. The two see him coming out of his home. "Dragon Friend!" Prince Rutherford approaches Spike. "Yak happy to see Dragon Friend once more. So, what's on your mind?" "I was thinking of holding the Bar of Alliance Briefing today. There is so much to discuss and much to address as well." "Yak will arrive in one hour. Yak need thirty minutes to prepare himself," Prince Rutherford decrees. "Sure. The meeting won't start until all is present," Said Discord (clone). "Excellent! Yak will be there soon as possible!" Discord (clone) teleports Spike (Discord) to Griffonstone. When they arrive, they see a change in scenery. Griffins around are communicating better and welcoming newer creatures with open arms except for Pony Kind. They look around until Gabby lunge and hugs Spike. "I'm so happy to see you again, Spike!" "Glad.., to.., see.., you.., again..," Spike (Discord) is being squeezed a little from the hug. Gabby lets go of the hug, allowing Spike (Discord) to breathe. "Ah, you must be this Gabby Spike has mentioned to me a while back." "You must be the Dracona.., no. Draqonuis.., no. "Draqonco, no," Gabby is struggling to pronounce Discord's race. "Draqonecuus," Discord (clone) corrects. "Yes. Draqonecuus that Spike told me about; one of his best friends he'd considered," Gabby smiles. "The name is Discord, the Lord of Chaos." "Pleasure to meet you, Discord," Gabby shakes his claw with hers. "Anywho, do you know where Grampa Gruffs reside?" Spike (Discord) asks. "Yea, he's walking around town at this hour since there is much activity in reuniting the Griffins as a better colony. There he is now," Gabby points to Grampa Gruffs as he's walking down the streets. "He seems renewed," Said Spike (Discord). "After Gilda and I told him about what happened to you under the care of Twilight Sparkle and her friends, the friendship that they showed us, we didn't want it nor want to practice the beliefs of racism. We decided to improve on friendship and decided to spread the love through our community. It's the first time in years I've seen Grampa Gruffs smiling the way he is right now." "Wow. Talk about a twist of turns," Said Discord (clone). "Hey," Grampa Gruffs approaches the trio. "Are you the baby dragon was a slave to Princess Twilight Flopple and those wretched ponies she called friends?" "Yes," Spike (Discord) sighs. "I'm here to speak on behalf of the Crystal Empire." "Ah, yes. What is it, son?" "We're holding a Bar of Alliance Briefing at the Crystal Empire today. Will you be joining us?" "Of course, also, I want to bring a delegate as my representative," Grampa Gruffs said. "Who do you have in mind?" Discord (clone) asks. Gilda lands in front of the two. "That'll be me, gentlemen." "Wow, you're more mannered than the last time I saw you," Said Spike (Discord). "Well, I'm anew in a different kind of friendship I have with the Griffins. So, I thought I become an Ambassador for Griffinstone." "Interesting," Said Discord (clone). "I'll snap you two to the meeting room. We're on our way to the Changeling Hive and the Dragon Lands." "Alright then, will it hurt?" Grampa Gruff asks. "Not at all," Discord snaps his claw as he teleports Gilda and Grampa Gruffs to the Crystal Empire. "On to the Changeling Hive," Discord snaps his paw, teleporting he and Spike (Discord) to the Changeling Hive. "Spike!" Thorax happily greets his friend. "Heya, Discord." "Nice to see you again, Thorax," Said Discord (clone). "Hey, Thorax," Spike (Discord) said with more enthusiasm. "So, you two want to hang out, talk, or do something?" "Discord and I have come here on behalf of the Crystal Empire. We're having our first Bar of Alliance Briefing." "It's today. Why wasn't I informed?" Thorax asked. He feels left in the shadows. "Well, we're doing it today. No other creature was informed, so that's why Discord and I are traveling from Kingdom to Kingdom; letting you and they know that today is the first-ever briefing at the Crystal Empire," Said Spike (Discord). "Oooooh," Thorax sighs in relief. "Good. I thought I was being cast aside from the meeting." "You kidding me? You're my best friend. I would not do that to you." "Thank you, Spike," Thorax smiles. "You're welcome. Discord, please teleport our friend to the Crystal Empire. We have one more Kingdom to go." "As you wish, Brave and Glorious," Discord snap his claw, teleporting Thorax to the Crystal Empire. "Onto the Dragon Lands," Discord teleports he and Spike (Discord) to the Dragon Lands. On arrival, the two see Ember eating her stash of gems. "Uh.., hi," Ember waves as she's eating a fire ruby. "Sorry for intruding on your mealtime. We're here to inform you of a Bar of Alliance Briefing that's being held at the Crystal Empire today," Said Spike (Discord). "Let me finish this, and I'll go grab my scepter." "Understood," Spike (Discord) and Discord (clone) say and nod in unison. The two wait a while as Ember continues to enjoy her meal, not wanting to disturb her. Ember finishes and grabs her scepter. She comes out to greet her friend and Discord. "Alright," She burps loudly. "I'm ready to go. It should be good to hear the other nations and what they have to say." "Agreed," Discord (clone) nods. He snaps his claw, teleporting to the Crystal Empire meeting room. Upon arrival, the trio sees sad looks on Thorax, Grampa Gruffs, Gilda, Prince Rutherford, Princess Cadance, and Shining Armor. "Hey, what's wrong?" Ember asks as she walks up to Thorax. "We learned something crucial about Spike and his mistreatment from Twilight Sparkle and her friends from a recent and unfortunate adventure," Thorax sadly replies. "Come here, buddy," Thorax walks up to Spike and hugs him. "What happened, Spike?" Ember turns to Spike. Not only she's worried, but she's also livid at Twilight and her friends. Spike (Discord) shakes his head. "I don't want to talk about it..." "Ember, I'll inform you what went down later," Said Discord (clone). "Alright," Ember turns to Starlight. She's sitting with Princess Celestia and Luna on the opposite end of the table. "Hey, Starlight." "Hey," Starlight waves. The door slams open as Prince Rutherford enters. "Thanks, Crystal Ponies. Yak appreciates the warm welcome and escort." The Crystal Ponies nod and closes the door. They are standing in attention while guarding the meeting room. "Now that every creature is here; let's discuss," Said Princess Celestia. "Agreed," Princess Cadance nods. "First order of business, Princess Twilight Sparkle is barred from any meetings with the Bar of Alliance from here and out," Ember declares. Thorax, Prince Rutherford, Grampa Gruffs, and Gilda nod with approval; after finding out what Twilight has done recently, it's hard to trust a self-acclaimed pony that speaks about friendship but keeps it within her species. "Twilight Sparkle will not attend any meetings such as this but will be informed," Princess Celestia formally addresses. "Second, the Crystal Empire will become an independent nation. Aligning with the Bar of Alliance," Princess Cadance formally addresses as well. "Then, we should expect the Crystal Empire to become allies with Equestria?" Thorax asks. "Yes. However, Equestria is not off the hook. They need to set things straight with all of you." "How do you plan on setting things straight? Yak wants to know!" Prince Rutherford snorts. "Twilight Sparkle and her friends have circulated a plan of action. She told me of her idea a while back. She calls it the School of Friendship. To teach and spread the knowledge of Friendship for all kinds throughout the world," Said Starlight. "School of Friendship?" Thorax, Ember, Prince Rutherford, Grampa Gruffs, and Gilda say in unison. They ponder on the thought of it. "The idea sounds good but, the Friendship they spoke of, it doesn't suit my species well," Thorax claims. "Yea, especially with Dragons. I don't trust Twilight to be teaching Friendship when in reality is about controlling us," Ember coldly states. She snorts. "I know how you feel about Twilight's perspective on Friendship. Believe me, what I've seen is one-sided," Said Discord (clone). "Discord," Princess Celestia glares at Discord. "However, perhaps Twilight should not be the one teaching," Discord (clone) walks behind Starlight. "Perhaps it should be her student who is better with Friendship than anyone else," Discord flashes an arrow pointing at Starlight. "What? Me be a-" Starlight double takes for two seconds. "Yes, you should be leading the curriculum of Friendship for all species." "Well," Starlight ponders a bit. "Starlight has a better friendship with Changelings and Dragons. I don't see why not for her to teach the true meaning of Friendship," Said Spike (Discord) in an encouraging manner. "I'm not sure how it would work. I have no plans or ideas to make it work," Starlight said, looking at every creature around her. "Plus, it's Twilight project." "We don't trust Twilight nor her friends, for that matter," Gilda said, speaking for Grampa Gruffs. "Also, we don't want her friends to influence teaching Friendship as well. For teaching the qualities of Friendship, it should be those we can trust, and you can trust Starlight," Thorax inclines. "Well, I know a handful of friends that can help. That includes Discord and Spike." "Say what now," Discord (clone) and Spike (Discord) say in unison. "I will only ask as I cannot force anyone into doing anything. Discord, would you like to become a teacher in the School of Friendship?" "Well.., I.., uh-" "This is perfect. I can use some chaos here and there. It could spark something in Twilight Sparkle into becoming better, wanting to partake in teaching, or becoming a student to have a different understanding of Friendship. I messed up the fray with the Storm King's invasion. The timing with the School of Friendship could be my better option." "Alright, Starlight. I accept the proposal on becoming a teacher in the School of Friendship," Discord (clone) shakes Starlight's hoof. "Spike?" Starlight asks. "Two things. Where will the School of Friendship be located? How many days a week for school to be in session?" "Unfortunately, the construction crew has already started in Ponyville. Also, the discussion was for five days a week. Monday through Friday." Spike (Discord) ponders a bit. He turns to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. "It's what you decide, Spike. I won't force you into doing something you're not comfortable with, bro," Shining Armor calmly said. "What you decide is on your accord. Shining and I support you any way we can," Said Princess Cadance. "Well, I do know a lot about Friendship and the things that are not necessary as well." "Plus, the motivation from Twilight and her friends seeing me should skyrocket even more if they were to discover I'm back in Ponyville. It will be a risk, a bigger risk than what I'm doing while disguised as Spike. I know Celestia issued a warning at Twilight Sparkle. That she could end up losing all privileges as a Princes of Equestria permanently if word got out." "I have one more question." "What is it, Spike?" Starlight asks. "What if Twilight and her friends see me working at the School of Friendship?" "With my ruling, Spike. They are not allowed to come in close contact with you. If they wish to become students, then I'll uplift the boundaries a little. If not students then, they are barred from the school," Princess Celestia explains, which every creature nods in acceptance. "Alright, that answers my question then. What are the hours?" "From 10:30 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon. I suggest that the School of Friendship should have dorms for students that travel far and wide." "So, is any of you in favor of the School of Friendship?" Princess Celestia asks. "Yak wants to know who'll be teaching at the School of Friendship," Prince Rutherford said. "Me, Discord, I'm planning on asking Sunburst and Trixie. Hopefully Spike, uh," Starlight tries to think of someone else who can help. "Maud Pie.., um." "It's a good start. Perhaps down the road, some students can become teachers for future generations," Said Thorax. "As long as it's not Twilight Sparkle nor her mischievous friends, I'm cool with who you decide, Starlight," Said Ember. "Yak would like that," Said Prince Rutherford. "Sounds good to me. You Gilda?" Grampa Gruffs turn to Gilda. "Hey, I'm cool with it. As long as history doesn't repeat itself in the sense of controlling friends and becoming racist enslavers." "I'll do it. I'll become a teacher at the School of Friendship," Said Spike (Discord) after giving much thought. In actuality, Discord needed to show some that Spike was giving thought to the opportunity. "As long as Discord can teleport me from the Crystal Empire to the School of Friendship and back." "Granted," Discord (clone) approves with the stipulation. "I'll be sending delegates of my Kingdom to the School of Friendship once we all affirm on the start date," Said Thorax. "Same with me," Ember concurs. "I know who to send to give it a shot," Grampa Gruffs said. "Yak will send Yaks to School of Friendship," Prince Rutherford decrees. "I could ask the Crystal Ponies to see if they'd be willing to go to the School of Friendship," Said Princess Cadance. "I'll ask a good friend of mine. Queen Novo into sending some of her subjects to the school," Princess Celestia formally pronounces. "Alright. Anything else we should discuss?" Princess Luna asks, breaking her silence. "Keeping the peace within all nations. As much as I wanted to go to war, I can't bring myself into doing so," Said Ember, looking at Spike. "I hate what Twilight and her friends have done to Spike. I want the two of you to swear that no other shall repeat what Twilight and her friends have committed." "We swear," Princess Celestia and Luna say in unison. They don't want to upset the Empress Dragon Lord any further. "I want to know now, are Changelings acceptable to Pony Kind, or do we need time?" Thorax asks. "There are some that feel Changelings are still monsters from the Canterlot invasion and the widespread of the newspaper. However, I believe now that most of Equestria will be welcoming the Changelings into the lands. If not, I will make them open their eyes," Said Princess Celestia reassuringly to Thorax. "Alright. I'll trust you since your friends with my friend, Starlight Glimmer." "As long as Yaks and Ponies get along, Yak is okay. Pink Pony and her friends need a lot of time to redeem themselves and the trust for us," Prince Rutherford declares. "I made it perfectly clear to Dash and Fluttershy that Griffins and Pony Kind peace is deceased. I will make an exception with the School of Friendship only. We don't want the toxic part of what Twilight teaches throughout the years. Knowing what she and her friends have done to Spike." "Fair enough," Said Starlight as she sighs. "You did good, kid," Grampa Gruffs puts an arm on Gilda for appreciation. "You'll be a fine leader someday from Griffinstone." "As Princesses of Equestria, we will earn your trust and build on our Friendship as a peaceful United Species," Said Princess Celestia. "We will do our best to ensure that history will not repeat itself and welcome all species with fair and equal treatment," Said Luna. Starlight chuckles a bit. Fair and equal. Oh, what a reminder that is. "Any objections to what we discussed?" Spike (Discord) asks. Every creature shakes their heads, satisfied with what they spoke and agreed. "Once everything is settled with the School of Friendship, getting the teachers aboard and the curriculums, I'll send letters to all nations that'll partake in enrolling to the School of Friendship with the accurate first day," Said Starlight Glimmer. "I'll be the Headmare of the School." "There will be some things to address with the Equestrian Education Association but, that shouldn't be a problem," Said Princess Celestia. "Starlight, Luna, and I will be speaking to Chancellor Neighsayer to affirm about the school." "Alright, sounds good. Briefing dismissed," Discord (clone) is wearing a judge's rob and hits the gavel on the table. Thorax and Ember walk up to Spike (Discord) as everyone else leaves the meeting room. "How are you holding up?" Thorax asks. "I'm good. I'm glad that everyone is good and that there were no conflicts for warfare." "Also, mind telling me what happened? When I arrived. I saw Thorax, and the rest were heavily upset." "I'll explain to you later, Ember," Said Thorax. "It's best not to discuss it now." Ember groans. "Fine. I can wait," She crosses her arms. "I'm surprised that the two of you were reluctant to agree on sending some of your subjects to the School of Friendship." "Well, I trust Starlight and you more than anypony else. I know you can be a great teacher for Starlight. I wasn't expecting you to take the job, though." "Same," Ember nods. "I'm happy to know that a fellow dragon will be teaching the real ways of Friendship. Not the enslavement part." "Trust me. I won't be teaching anyone into disrespecting one another or become racist punks." "Do you think Twilight will-" Spike (Discord) cuts out Thorax's speech. "Yes. Twilight will try to teach or become a student. She'll try to make amends with me after what she's done dishonorably," Spike sighs. "I see it clear as day but, I don't want Equestria to die because of how I was mistreated. I don't want to see or hear anypony suffer because of what I've endured by Equestrian ponies. I don't want that guilt to wrap in my mind." Ember and Thorax nod in understanding. Ember was willing to go to war but, now, she could be hurting Spike more than she realizes. She facepalms herself for thinking cluelessly. "For you, Spike, I promise I won't go to war against Equestria," Said Thorax. "Likewise," Ember concurs. "I mentioned to Twilight that if her kind were to kidnap my kin, I'll declare war. I guess now I have to reword my phrase." "Alright then, thanks for coming to the first-ever briefing. I'm glad we are clear with certain things," Said Spike (Discord). "You're welcome. I wasn't sure how to address the first-ever meeting. I think it'd be wise to have a rotation on where to hold the meeting." "I agree. Next time, it'll be by the Dragon Lands. That way, the nations will have a fair turn when hosting the briefing," Ember said. "Sounds good. You should let the others know at some point." "I will, Spike." Flurry Heart flies from her crib into Spike's (Discord) arms. She smiles and laughs at Spike. "You couldn't stand being far from me, huh?" Spike (Discord) smiles at Flurry Heart. She giggles and gets comfy in his arms. "I have to admit, that was cute," Said Ember. "Maybe you'll hook up one of these days." "With who?" Spike (Discord) turns to Ember, smirking a bit which causes her to blush a little. "Uuuuh..," Ember shakes her head. "Don't look at me." Spike (Discord), Thorax, and Flurry Heart chuckle a bit from Ember's blush. "Yak is going home now. Yak will see you all another time. Yak has a busy schedule in Yak Yakistan" Prince Rutherford is escorted out of the castle since he doesn't know where the exits are. "Anyways, I have to get going. Today is Pharynx's birthday today." "Cool, wish him a happy birthday for me," Said Spike (Discord). "You know what, I'm going to bring you with me. You'll have fun with the Changelings." "Sounds good. I need to alert Princess Cadance and Shining Armor that I'm going to a birthday party at the Changeling Hive." "Alright, Spike." "Hey, mind if I tag along?" Ember asks. "Sure, I don't see why not." "I'm coming too. I've always wanted to see how a Changeling parties," Said Discord (clone). "Perfect. After Spike tells his folks, we can head there right away. Hey, Gilda, want to tag along?" Gilda turns to Thorax. "Uh, sure. I don't mind," Gilda shrugs in the process as she accepts the invitation. "There. Asking friends as a good friend should," Thorax proclaims. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor walk up to Spike in search of their daughter. "There you are," Shining Armor takes Flurry Heart out of Spike's arms. "Daddy misses you," He said in the cutest gibberish tone. "Hey, Cadance. Thorax invited me to go to his brother's birthday. Letting you know that I'm going to the Changeling Hive." "Sure, have fun, Spike. Hope to see you for dinner tonight," Princess Cadance smiles. "I'll bring him back in a quick of a snap. Speaking of which, let's go," Discord (clone) snaps his claw, teleporting everyone to the Changeling Hive. "Have fun Spike, hope you have a great time surrounded by real friends," Said Princess Cadance. She turns to Shining Armor and uses her magic to nab Flurry Heart. "Want her, Shining? You're going have to catch me," Princess Cadance playfully said as she gallops down the corridors to the family room. "Give me back my daughter," Shining Armor playfully said as he chases his wife down the corridor, laughing along as Flurry Heart is giggling happily.