The group of firefoxes flung themselves to the ground, kissing the sandy beach below them. Only one step remained before they could return to Ponyville. They had traveled across the sea in search of the last of their kin that remained in southern Equestria.
‘This planet is very dangerous. To be surrounded by so much of this water, I hope that is something we will not have to do twice.’ Stated Myko, Kai’s mother.
“Well, unfortunately we’ll have to cross it again once we find the rest of your kind who landed here.” Twilight Sparkle replied.
The firefoxes groaned in unison before continuing up off the shore. Applejack and Pinkie Pie had tied the boat they arrived in on to a tree above the shoreline, while Twilight examined the map she had brought.
“Alright y’all, now yah gotta remember this is dragon territory. They don’t take kindly to ponies, and Ahm certain they probably don’t like cute fuzzy creatures neither.”
“Applejack is right, we must be cautious as we head up the mountain.” Twilight stated as she rolled up the map. “I know you have met Spike, Kai, but he was not raised by dragons.”
‘This land is very treacherous. I hope my parents are okay. Do you think they are here?’ Keeko looked to Twilight for answers.
“Only one way to find out!” Pinkie interruptedly said before Twilight could even form an answer.
‘I am certain they will not enjoy the fact that I found you before they did.’ Kai smirked softly.
The group had continued up the steep mountain until they reached the top. Upon looking down, they saw many pools of lava and the dragons that filled them. From large to small, different colors and shapes, the firefoxes all gasped with excitement over seeing such interesting creatures. The ponies did not share their enthusiasm.
“So, any of y’all havin’ your antenna shakin’? Ah would prefer not to go rummagin’ around in a place they might not even be.” Asked Applejack.
Kai and Keeko looked at each other, neither of their antenna had been moving other than the occasional twitch. The group of firefoxes that had landed here were close, but not close enough.
Twilight gave a calming smile to Kai. “Don’t worry. We’ll just walk around the mountain before heading into the dragon’s lair. It would be better than-“
Her sentence was cut off, following up with a scream. The group had been unaware of the shadows closing in on them from above. Three medium sized dragons had swooped down and grasped onto the ponies before flying down into their nest. They were unable to move whilst in the dragons clutches.
‘Twilight!’ Kai roared as he began to fly after the dragons. His parents and Keeko followed on foot, not wanting to exhaust their energy in case they needed a quick escape.
The three landed quickly in the center of many lava pools, dragons lay nestled against one another in the warmth of the pools. As the ponies were released from their captors, Kai slammed down in front of them in a show of bravery and determination against the dragons.
Twilight immediately placed a barrier around the ponies and Kai. “Are you all okay?” She asked.
“Yeah. Though Ah hope you’ve got some sort of exit plan, Twilight.” Replied Applejack.
‘I will take them on, do not fear.’ Kai looked back to them with a half-hearted smile before turning back and growling at the three dragons that stood outside the barrier.
“Now why are one of them cute lil’ fuzzles playin’ with ponies?” A hefty dragon with black scales sat with its arms on the ground, its lower body submerged in lava.
One of the dragons that had picked up the ponies answered with a shrug. “Not sure Momma, we caught them snooping. What do you want us to do with them?”
‘Wait, how do you know what I am?’ Kai asked, ceasing his growling.
“We got a few of you stayin’ here, cutie.” The bathing dragon answered with a wink.
Keeko and Kai’s parents arrived as Twilight lowered her barrier. The three dragons that had grabbed the ponies took flight, while a few of the other lava soaked dragons watched cautiously.
“Oh my! More of you? Well we got a big ol’ family reunion now don’t we?”
‘More? May we see them?’ Keeko asked, rushing up to the black dragon with a smile.
The dragon smiled back, bearing its giant teeth and fangs. “Oh sweet little darlin’.” She said as she grasped Keeko and held her close. “Of course you can! Your little friends have been most entertaining since they first arrived. I could just eat you up!”
Keeko could barely breathe due to the strength that the large dragon held. Kai and the others watched on in horror, but with a little delight in the knowledge that it wasn’t one of them in her position.
The dragon eventually released Keeko from her grip and pointed them in the direction of the other firefoxes. Kai and his parents followed along with Keeko, passing many dragons who gave them endearing looks.
“Uhm, excuse me. I know it’s not a common occurrence for ponies to be in the presence of dragons, but could you allow us to accompany them?” Twilight asked the black, bathing dragon.
The dragon sat closer to the edge of the lava pool, placing her chin on top of her folded hands. “Well, I would say that ponies are not to be welcomed, but if you’re helpin’ those little cuties, I suppose you can’t be all bad.” She replied with a wink.
“Yeah right, like we’re the bad ones.” Applejack muttered under her breath, followed by a subtle kick from Twilight.
While the firefoxes had received kind looks from the dragons, the devious eyes remained locked on the ponies as they passed. The three friends reached the group of firefoxes that had been greeting one another.
‘Twilight! We’ve found all the ones that were here!’ Kai exclaimed as he ran up to Twilight, nuzzling under her neck.
“This means we’re one step closer to one huge party!” Screamed Pinkie as she threw confetti into the air. “I wonder if we should invite dragons to the party?”
Twilight placed her hoof on Kai’s head, petting him gently behind the ears. “Yes, now we can go home! I hope Rainbow’s group managed to find all of your kin in the north.”
The group of firefoxes began to yip and howl at each other in excitement, only to be halted by the stomping vibrations of the black dragon that had been referred to as ‘Momma’.
“Oh? But you just got here. It’d be a shame if you left so soon.” The words felt like a threat to the ponies as they looked up at the hefty, black dragon that stood towering over them.
“Now yah see here! We’re gonna take our friends back to see their families!” Snarled Applejack as she planted her hoof firmly in the dirt.
Other dragons had gathered around the group of ponies and firefoxes, surrounding them in an arena against the broodmare.
“Really? So you’re just gonna take off like that, huh sugah?” The bulky dragon said as she smacked a fist into the palm of her hand. “You’re just going to take them and go?”
Applejack gulped before she answered, a little bit nervous, but she stuck with her pride. “Yeah! We are! R-Right Twilight?” She looked to Twilight whose face had turned a much lighter shade of purple than it had previously been.
“Well alright then.” The dragon said as she placed her hands on her hips. “Bring them back by sometime, we loved havin’ their company! It’s been ages since such fun cuties came to play!”
The ponies breathed a sigh of relief as the latest firefoxes to be found began to cheer and nuzzle the hefty dragon.
‘Thank you Momma!’ They cried out as Kai, Keeko, and his parents walked back over to Twilight.
“This turned out better than expected.” Whispered Twilight. Kai and Keeko nodded with a smile before nuzzling each other.
“Oh, hello Rainbow Dash. I was just coming to check on you.” Rarity said as she saw Rainbow slowly open and sneak out the castle door. Rainbow had stopped in her tracks before nervously turning to face Rarity.
“H-Hey, Rarity. I didn’t expect to see you here. Any, uh, word from Twilight?” She responded, sweat dripping from her face.
Rarity raised an eyebrow as she adjusted the saddle bag on her back. “Are you alright? You seem, distressed?”
A loud crashing could be heard from inside Twilight’s castle, followed up with a nervous laugh from the blue pegasus.
“Alright Dash, what did you do?” Demanded Rarity. “Artimas is in there, how much trouble could you have caused while their elder is here?”
She rubbed the back of her neck, looking in any direction other than at Rarity. Another crashing noise could be heard, startling the pegasus.
“I kinda, well, they mostly, uhhh.” She stuttered her words. “Caused a mutiny?”
“How do you cause a mutiny?” Rarity asked sharply.
“Well we were pretending to be in a war! How else?” Rainbow remarked, as if Rarity was supposed to understand automatically. “I was a leader of one group, and Artimas was the leader on the other side! Then I convinced some of his soldiers and his son to betray him and we tied him up and locked him in a closet.”
Rarity replied with an expressionless face. “Let me guess, they then betrayed you and took over Twilight’s castle?”
Rainbow nodded as Fluttershy had joined the two. “Good morning girls, what’s going on?” She asked.
“Dash here decided to use our furry friends to destroy Twilight’s home. I’m certain Artimas is also locked up somewhere.” Replied Rarity.
“Oh my!” Fluttershy gasped. “I better check in on Roshk right away!”
Fluttershy walked up the steps and opened the door.
“Thank you my dear, I’m heading to the train station to see if Twilight, AJ and Pinkie have arrived. Spike should already be there.” Rarity responded.
“I’ll come with you!” Rainbow said, her excitable attitude had returned.
“No.” A harsh tone left Rarity’s lips. “You will help Fluttershy clean up the mess. Twilight has been incredibly kind and we should not ruin that compassion with a devastated home.”
“Fiiiine.” Rainbow scoffed as she floated inside and closed the door.
“Well that was easier than I thought it’d be.” Rarity said with a smile as she headed for the station.
She had arrived just as the train pulled into the depot. Spike had already been waiting patiently for both the train and Rarity to arrive. Steam bellowed into the air as it halted to a stop in front of them.
‘Rarity!’ The familiar voice rang in their head as the doors opened. Kai rushed up to her and placed his front paws around her neck. He stood bipedal as she placed a hoof around him, embracing his hug.
“It’s wonderful to see you Kai!” She responded as many more firefoxes poured from the door, along with her three closest friends.
“Wow. I guess you guys found them all?” Spike had been circled by a few of the firefoxes, the ones that had become accustomed to being around dragons. “Well, this is new. And a little weird.”
“Spike! Rarity!” Twilight called out as she exited the train with Applejack and Pinkie.
“Where are the others?” Asked Applejack.
Rarity greeted each of her friends with a hug before she explained the situation back at the castle. “Well, Rainbow Dash was in charge of watching them, so you can imagine how that’s going. I do have some news to discuss with you three though.”
“They’re not already having a party without us are they!? Rainbow promised she wouldn’t have a party until I got back!” Pinkie yelled.
“To be honest, I hope the castle still stands by the time we get there.” Spike answered with a roll of the eyes.
‘I hope we have not caused any problems for you.’ Keeko said with a bow. The others, except for Kai, bowed additionally.
Twilight smiled nervously. “No, no. It’s no burden on us. Spike, would you please lead the firefoxes back to the castle?”
“Just as long as they stop staring at me creepily.” He replied as they started to head off.
Kai was beginning to follow along with his kind before a hoof was placed on his back. He turned to see who it was that stopped him.
“Darling, if you wouldn’t mind staying behind, I have a present for you. It actually pertains to the news as well.”
Keeko looked back at Kai who nodded to her, she continued on with her kind as they followed Spike. Kai sat patiently as the four ponies gathered around. Rarity lifted a box out of the saddle bag that sat upon her back.
‘A gift?’ He asked.
“It’s a gift for you to give to Princess Luna.” Rarity responded and then looked to Twilight. “Which is also the news. Luna will be arriving later today to greet the new firefoxes.”
“She’s comin’ all the way down here just fer that?” Asked Applejack.
Kai’s face lit up with joy at the news that Princess Luna was coming down just to see him and his kind. His tail wagged with anticipation for her arrival.
“Well, she has a plan to help set them in a new home.” Replied Rarity.
Twilight raised an eyebrow to that statement. “Are they destroying the castle that much?”
A confused Rarity did not understand her question. It took her a moment to realize that Twilight had not received the same information she had during their excursion to find the firefoxes.
“Well, Artimas said that they could not stay here. They were meant to live in the cold of space, they cannot survive on our world. If they did not return to the sky above, well…” She paused and looked to Kai. “They may not live for more than a month.”
The three ponies gasped from Rarity’s words. Kai’s face had distorted from the shock, his tail no longer wagged with happiness.
Rarity lowered her head to Kai and smiled. “Don’t you worry, Luna will be here soon and she’s going to solve this predicament!”
Kai looked up to her, a half-hearted smile crossed his face. He had not been worried about finding a new home, nor had he any time to discuss their future with Artimas or his parents. His main concerns had been with his family and the other firefoxes, and of course his brother’s antics.
“TWIIIIILIGHT!” A screaming could be heard in the distance. The ponies and Kai looked up to see what the cause of the commotion was.
The purple baby dragon was running as quickly as he could towards the train station, no firefoxes in sight.
“Spike? What is it?” Twilight called out to him as he arrived.
He collapsed to the floor in front of them, breathing heavily as he tried to answer. It was clear he had run the whole way there.
“C-Castle.” He managed to speak in between his panting.
“What’s wrong at the castle?” Asked Applejack.
“U-Under… A-Attack.”
Kai rushed past the purple dragon that lay before them. ‘It’s him!’